Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Acute effects of caffeinated chewing gum on basketball performance in elite female players

Background: To date, no study has investigated the effects of acute intake of caffeinated chewing gum in female basketball players. Methods: Nine elite female basketball players participated in a randomized crossover placebo-controlled double-blind experiment. All athletes participated in two identical experimental trials 15 minutes after ingestion of (i) chewing gum containing 150 mg of caffeine (i.e.~2.3 ± 0.2 mg/kg of caffeine) or (ii) non-caffeinated chewing gum with an inert substance to produce a placebo. After the ingestion of the gum, the athletes performed the following tests: (i) a sprint test (0-20 m), (ii) agility T-test, (iii) isometric handgrip strength test, (iv) countermovement jump test, (v) free throw test, and (vi) three-point shot test. Results: No significant differences were observed in any physical or skill-based tests (p > 0.05 for all). However, the effect size in the sprint and agility T-Test, jump height test, and free-throw test was higher in the caffeine conditions, with effect sizes of small or moderate magnitude (ES = 0.31 – 0.64) over the placebo. Conclusion: From a practical perspective, the benefits of caffeinated chewing gum are minor, at least in elite athletes with a mild level of caffeine consumption.
The Renewed Interest on Brunogeierite, GeFe2O4, a Rare Mineral of Germanium: A Review

GeFe2O4, also known as brunogeierite, is a rare mineral of germanium. It has a normal spinel structure and, as with many other spinels, amazing functional properties thanks to its peculiar structural features. In the past, its spectroscopic, optical, magnetic and electronic properties were determined; then, for many years, this compound was left behind. Only recently, a renewed interest in this oxide has arisen, particularly for its application in the electrochemical field. In this review paper, the crystal structure of GeFe2O4 will be described, as well as the synthesis methods required to obtain single crystals or polycrystalline powders. Its spectroscopic, magnetic, optical and electrical properties will be reported in detail. Then, successful applications known so far will be described: its use as anode in Lithium Ion and Sodium Ion Batteries and as electrocatalyst for urea oxidation reaction.
How ESG Contribute to the High-Quality Development of State-Owned Enterprise in China: A Multi-Stage fsQCA Method

The purpose of this study is to explore what configurations of dimensions corresponding to environmental, social responsibility, governance (ESG) and firm contextual factors can lead to the high-quality development of state-owned enterprises (SOEs). A configuration analysis framework with six conditions including environmental, social responsibility, and governance (ESG), innovation intensity, capital structure, and firm size was constructed. Moreover, the multi-stage qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) approach was conducted on a sample of 692 annual observations of SOEs from 2017 to 2019. Findings suggested that three equifinal patterns can produce the high-quality development of SOEs, which are resource and capability prominent pattern, sustainability driven pattern, responsibility and growth balanced pattern, respectively. Each pattern is a conjunctural combination of different ESG and firm conditions. The number of resource and capability prominent pattern decreased in the third year, while the proportion of sustainability driven pattern increased, in which the environmental dimension played a core role rather than the social dimension. Different ESG dimensions and firm conditions have both complementary and substitutive relationships, but firm size is a common condition in all configurations. This study provided a holistic empirical explanation of how ESG leads to sustainability issues in SOEs.
All-fiberized, passively Q-switched 1.06 μm laser using a bulk-structured Bi2Te3 topological insulator

We experimentally demonstrate the use of a bulk-structured Bi2Te3 topological insulator (TI) deposited on a side-polished fiber as an effective saturable absorber for the implementation of an all-fiberized passively Q-switched 1.06 μm fiber laser. Unlike previous Q-switched laser demonstrations based on nanosheet-based TIs, which require complicated and sophisticated fabrication procedures, a ∼9.1 μm-thick bulk-structured Bi2Te3 TI film that was prepared using a mechanical exfoliation method was chosen to be used in this experimental demonstration due to ease of fabrication. The modulation depth of our prepared bulk-structured Bi2Te3 TI-deposited side-polished fiber was measured to be ∼2.5% at 1.06 μm. By incorporating such an absorber in an all-fiberized ytterbium-doped fiber ring cavity, stable Q-switched pulses were obtained through evanescent field interaction between the oscillated beam and the Bi2Te3 TI film. The temporal width and repetition rate of the output pulses were tunable from ∼1 to ∼1.3 μs and from ∼77 to ∼35 kHz, respectively, depending on the pump power. Through a performance comparison of our laser with recently demonstrated Q-switched 1 μm fiber lasers using carbon nanotubes, graphene, and nano-structured TIs, our bulk-structured Bi2Te3 TI-based saturable absorber is shown to have passive Q-switching performance comparable to saturable absorbers based on carbon nanotubes or nano-structured TIs.
Adsorption and Release Properties of Drug Delivery System Naproxen-SBA-15: Effect of Surface Polarity, Sodium/Acid Drug Form and pH

Mesoporous silica SBA-15 was prepared via sol-gel synthesis and functionalized with different types of organosilanes containing various organic functional groups: (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (SBA-15-NH2), (3-mercaptopropyl)triethoxysilane (SBA-15-SH), triethoxymethylsilane (SBA-15-CH3), triethoxyphenylsilane (SBA-15-Ph), and (3-isocynatopropyl)triethoxysilane (SBA-15-NCO). The prepared materials were investigated as drug delivery systems for naproxen. As model drugs, naproxen acid (HNAP) and its sodium salt (NaNAP) were used. Mentioned medicaments belong to the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The prepared materials were characterized by different analytical methods such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM), infrared spectroscopy (IR), nitrogen adsorption/desorption analysis (N2), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), 1H, 13C and 23Na solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H, 13C and 23Na ss-NMR). The abovementioned analytical techniques confirmed the successful grafting of functional groups to the SBA-15 surface and the adsorption of drugs after the impregnation process. The BET area values decreased from 927 m2 g−1 for SBA-15 to 408 m2 g−1 for SBA-15-NCO. After drug encapsulation, a more significant decrease in surface area was observed due to the filling of pores with drug molecules, while the most significant decrease was observed for the SBA-15-NH2 material (115 m2 g−1 for NaNAP and 101 m2 g−1 for HNAP). By combining TG and nitrogen adsorption results, the occurrence of functional groups and the affinity of drugs to the carriers’ surface were calculated. The dominant factor was the volume of functional groups and intermolecular interactions. The highest drug affinity values were observed for phenyl and amine-modified materials (SBA-15-Ph = 1.379 μmol m−2 mmol−1 for NaNAP, 1.761 μmol m−2 mmol−1 for HNAP and SBA-15-NH2 = 1.343 μmol m−2 mmol−1 for NaNAP, 1.302 μmol m−2 mmol−1 for HNAP) due to the formation of hydrogen bonds and π-π interactions, respectively. Drug release properties and kinetic studies were performed at t = 37 °C (normal human body temperature) in different media with pH = 2 as simulated human gastric fluid and pH = 7.4, which simulated a physiological environment. Determination of drug release quantity was performed with UV-VIS spectroscopy. The surface polarity, pH and naproxen form influenced the total released amount of drug. In general, naproxen sodium salt has a higher solubility than its acid form, thus significantly affecting drug release from surface-modified SBA-15 materials. Different pH conditions involved surface protonation and formation/disruption of intermolecular interactions, influencing both the release rate and the total released amount of naproxen. Different kinetic models, zero-order, first-order, Higuchi and Hixson–Crowell models, were used to fit the drug release data. According to the obtained experimental results, the drug release rates and mechanisms were determined.
Applied Statistics: From Bivariate through Multivariate Techniques [with CD-ROM].

Preface Acknowledgments About the Author Chapter 1. Review of Basic Concepts Chapter 2. Basic Statistics, Sampling Error, and Confidence Intervals Chapter 3. Statistical Significance Testing Chapter 4. Preliminary Data Screening Chapter 5. Comparing Group Means Using the Independent Samples t Test Chapter 6. One-Way Between-Subjects Analysis of Variance Chapter 7. Bivariate Pearson Correlation Chapter 8. Alternative Correlation Coefficients Chapter 9. Bivariate Regression Chapter 10. Adding a Third Variable: Preliminary Exploratory Analyses Chapter 11. Multiple Regression With Two Predictor Variables Chapter 12. Dummy Predictor Variables in Multiple Regression Chapter 13. Factorial Analysis of Variance Chapter 14. Multiple Regression With More Than Two Predictors Chapter 15. Moderation: Tests for Interaction in Multiple Regression Chapter 16. Mediation Chapter 17. Analysis of Covariance Chapter 18. Discriminant Analysis Chapter 19. Multivariate Analysis of Variance Chapter 20. Principal Components and Factor Analysis Chapter 21. Reliability, Validity, and Multiple-Item Scales Chapter 22. Analysis of Repeated Measures Chapter 23. Binary Logistic Regression Appendix A: Proportions of Area Under a Standard Normal Curve Appendix B: Critical Values for t Distribution Appendix C: Critical Values of F Appendix D: Critical Values of Chi-Square Appendix E: Critical Values of the Pearson Correlation Coefficient Appendix F: Critical Values of the Studentized Range Statistic Appendix G: Transformation of r (Pearson Correlation) to Fisher Z Glossary References Index
The Chemistry of Phenylimidotechnetium(V) Complexes with Isocyanides: Steric and Electronic Factors

Organometallic approaches are of ongoing interest for the development of novel functional 99mTc radiopharmaceuticals, while the basic organotechnetium chemistry seems frequently to be little explored. Thus, structural and reactivity studies with the long-lived isotope 99Tc are of permanent interest as the foundation for further progress in the related radiopharmaceutical research with this artificial element. Particularly the knowledge about the organometallic chemistry of high-valent technetium compounds is scarcely developed. Here, phenylimido complexes of technetium(V) with different isocyanides are introduced. They have been synthesized by ligand-exchange procedures starting from [Tc(NPh)Cl3(PPh3)2]. Different reactivity patterns and products have been obtained depending on the steric and electronic properties of the individual ligands. This involves the formation of 1:1 and 1:2 exchange products of Tc(V) with the general formulae [Tc(NPh)Cl3(PPh3)(isocyanide)], cis- or trans-[Tc(NPh)Cl3(isocyanide)2], but also the reduction in the metal and the formation of cationic technetium(I) complex of the formula [Tc(isocyanide)6]+ when p-fluorophenyl isocyanide is used. The products have been studied by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and spectroscopic methods, including IR and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy. DFT calculations on the different isocyanides allow the prediction of their reactivity towards electron-rich and electron-deficient metal centers by means of the empirical SADAP parameter, which has been derived from the potential energy surface of the electron density on their potentially coordinating carbon atoms.
Secondary Malignancies after Ewing Sarcoma—Epidemiological and Clinical Analysis of an International Trial Registry

Simple Summary Ewing sarcoma (EwS) is a malignant bone and soft tissue cancer that requires intensive treatment with multiple chemotherapies and either surgery, irradiation, or both as local therapy. For most survivors of EwS, long-term sequelae such as secondary malignant neoplasms (SMNs) other than EwS are concerning. Few studies suggest that SMNs after EwS are a rare but serious event. Comprehensive data are lacking. We reviewed consecutive EwS trials from the Cooperative Ewing Sarcoma Study (CESS) group to evaluate the features of SMNs in EwS patients. Our analysis revealed 101 cases of SMNs in 96 EwS patients. Solid SMNs were detected more frequently than hematologic SMNs, in 55.2% versus 44.8%. The latency between EwS diagnosis and SMN occurrence was longer for solid SMNs (median: 8.4 years) than for hematologic SMNs (median: 2.4 years) (p < 0.001). The survival rate after SMNs was 0.49, with solid SMNs having a significantly better prognosis. Our results confirm the need for a structured follow-up system. Abstract Ewing sarcoma (EwS) represents highly aggressive bone and soft tissue tumors that require intensive treatment by multi-chemotherapy, surgery and/or radiotherapy. While therapeutic regimens have increased survival rates, EwS survivors face long-term sequelae that include secondary malignant neoplasms (SMNs). Consequently, more knowledge about EwS patients who develop SMNs is needed to identify high-risk patients and adjust follow-up strategies. We retrospectively analyzed data from 4518 EwS patients treated in five consecutive EwS trials from the Cooperative Ewing Sarcoma Study (CESS) group. Ninety-six patients developed SMNs after primary EwS, including 53 (55.2%) with solid tumors. The latency period between EwS and the first SMN was significantly longer for the development of solid SMNs (median: 8.4 years) than for hematologic SMNs (median: 2.4 years) (p < 0.001). The cumulative incidence (CI) of SMNs in general increased over time from 0.04 at 10 years to 0.14 at 30 years; notably, the specific CI for hematologic SMNs remained stable over the different decades, whereas for solid SMNs it gradually increased over time and was higher for metastatic patients than in localized EwS patients (20 years: 0.14 vs. 0.06; p < 0.01). The clinical characteristics of primary EwS did not differ between patients with or without SMNs. All EwS patients received multi-chemotherapy with adjuvant radiotherapy in 77 of 96 (80.2%) patients, and the use of radiation doses ≥ 60 Gy correlated with the occurrence of SMNs. The survival rate after SMNs was 0.49, with a significantly better outcome for solid SMNs compared with hematologic SMNs (3 years: 0.70 vs. 0.24, respectively; p < 0.001). The occurrence of SMNs after EwS remains a rare event but requires a structured follow-up system because it is associated with high morbidity and mortality.
On the Inverse Spectral Problem for the Camassa–Holm Equation

Abstract A key basis for seeking periodic solutions of the Camassa–Holm equation is to understand the associated spectral problem y′= 1 4 y+λmy. The periodic spectrum can be recovered from the norming constants and the elements of the auxiliary spectrum. The potential can then be reconstructed from the periodic spectrum. A necessary and sufficient condition for exponential decrease of the widthsλ2n−λ2n−1for a sequence 0 m∈C1(R).
Virtue and authenticity in civic life

ABSTRACT A robust literature indicates that when people feel that they are expressing and aware of their true selves, they show enhanced psychological health and well-being. This feeling, commonly referred to as authenticity, is therefore a consequential experience. In this paper, we review a program of research focused on the relevance of authenticity for civic engagement. We describe how a virtuous orientation to civic engagement might make civic actions feel more authentic and how the experience of authenticity might help sustain civic behavior. We then discuss the role that education might play in fostering a deeper connection between civic engagement and the subjective experience of authenticity.
Precipitation from Stratocumulus Clouds Affected by Fallstreaks and Artificial Seeding

Abstract Cloud and precipitation processes in a stratocumulus cloud layer (∼1 km thick) were investigated by means of airborne, radar and ground observations for three situations: 1) the stratocumulus alone, 2) fallstreaks from altocumulus falling into the stratocumulus, 3) regions of stratocumulus not appreciably affected by fallstreaks but strongly affected by artificially seeded dry ice. In case 1) the cloud was composed primarily of supercooled droplets. In cast 2) dendritic ice crystals in the fallstreaks increased their mass by riming as they passed through the stratocumulus; derived precipitation rates for this case were ∼0.02–0.08 mm h−1. In addition, it appeared that the dendrites provided a source for high concentrations of needle crystals in the stratocumulus; these crystals were estimated to give a precipitation rate of ∼0.01–0.03 mm h−1. In case 3) high concentrations of needle crystals were produced by the dry ice seeding and it was deduced that these also produced precipitation rates ∼0.01–.
Does Playing Cooperative Mobile Games Facilitate Social Interaction and Positive Affect in Middle Childhood?

The current study examined the effect of a cooperative ( vs. a non-cooperative solitary) mobile game on social behaviors and positive affect during gameplay in middle childhood. In a within-participants experimental design, groups of fifth graders (ages from 10 to 12) played in counterbalanced order cooperative and solitary versions of a cooking game developed for tablets. Our findings showed that children who played the cooperative ( vs. solitary) mobile game engaged in more positive and neutral conversations during gameplay. They also sought and received more help from peers and displayed greater positive affect during cooperative ( vs. solitary) gaming. Finally, they preferred the cooperative mobile game to the otherwise identical solitary game after playing both games. Overall, these findings provide the first experimental evidence of the social and affective benefits of cooperative mobile gaming in middle childhood.
AN ANALYTICAL PERSPECTIVE OF RESIDENTS’ VIEW ON THE PROVISION OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES USING WARP-PLS

Recreational facilities are among the vital services that aid in the development of a community, but its provision is complex. Hence, the need for the involvement of residents in the provision processes. This paper aims to examine the residents’ view of the provision of recreational facilities in the Greater Jos metropolis of Nigeria. The data were collected from the field survey and analysed empirically. The partial least squares structural equation modelling technique was applied in analysing the responses. The results show that the provision has a significant positive effect on the relationship between appropriateness and stakeholders' involvement. In contrast, the provision had a significant negative effect on the relationship between accessibility indicators. Accessibility does not affect the relationship with the provision of recreational facilities. In conclusion, it has been determined that the relationship between the provision is stronger with the appropriateness in terms of categories and attractiveness of the facilities.
Aflatoxin B1 Exposure in Sheep: Insights into Hepatotoxicity Based on Oxidative Stress, Inflammatory Injury, Apoptosis, and Gut Microbiota Analysis

The widespread fungal toxin Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is an inevitable pollutant affecting the health of humans, poultry, and livestock. Although studies indicate that AFB1 is hepatotoxic, there are few studies on AFB1-induced hepatotoxicity in sheep. Thus, this study examined how AFB1 affected sheep liver function 24 h after the animals received 1 mg/kg bw of AFB1 orally (dissolved in 20 mL, 4% v/v ethanol). The acute AFB1 poisoning caused histopathological injuries to the liver and increased total bilirubin (TBIL) and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) levels. AFB1 also markedly elevated the levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 while considerably reducing the expression of antioxidation-related genes (SOD-1 and SOD-2) and the anti-inflammatory gene IL-10 in the liver. Additionally, it caused apoptosis by dramatically altering the expression of genes associated with apoptosis including Bax, Caspase-3, and Bcl-2/Bax. Notably, AFB1 exposure altered the gut microbiota composition, mainly manifested by BF311 spp. and Alistipes spp. abundance, which are associated with liver injury. In conclusion, AFB1 can cause liver injury and liver dysfunction in sheep via oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and gut-microbiota disturbance.
Simulations of the CA XIX Spectral Emission from a Flaring Solar Coronal Loop. II. Impulsive Heating by Accelerated Electrons

In this paper we analyze the response of the plasma inside a coronal loop to the passage of a beam of accelerated electrons and study it systematically as a function of the parameters and temporal profile of the beam, as well as of the initial conditions of the corona. Our approach consists in computing the spectral emission from an impulsively heated loop in the Ca XIX line complex in the range 3.165-3.231 A and in analyzing the simulated spectra with the same technique used for the observations. This allows a direct comparison of the simulations with the results of the spectral observations of the Bent Crystal Spectrometer on board the Solar Maximum Mission
A new application of M‐ and L‐integrals for the numerical loading analysis of two interacting cracks

A new application of the path‐independent M‐ and L‐integrals in linear elastic fracture mechanics is presented for the accurate calculation of loading quantities related to two‐cracks problems in engineering structures. Path‐independent integrals are used to avoid special requirements concerning crack tip meshing and contour size. The numerical calculation of M‐ and L‐integrals is performed along the external boundary of the model. This global contour includes both crack tips and thus the resulting values represent the sum of loading quantities related to each crack tip. A separation technique is necessary to calculate local values of the J‐integral and stress intensity factors. Numerical examples of crack propagation simulations are presented and the resulting crack paths are verified and compared with those from conventional methods.
Towards The Theory Of Structures Of Maps In Their Deep/Concept Dimension

AbstractAs has been already suggested, especially by Schlichtmann (1985) and Head (1984), the parallel between language and cartographic communication is possible only in the deep, concept dimension of both texts and maps. On the basis of this assumption and attempt to develop a systematical comparison between the mental-dimension of maps and texts has been undertaken. Propositions as semantic structures of texts are compared to map object. The notions of information structure (given-new contract) of map-objects, and its dependency on the context are introduced. Finally, map and text structures are compared on the basis of the van Dijk's (1980) theory of macrostructures.