Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Urban Form as an Energy Management Parameter

Urban form is generally economically driven; as a result little attention is paid to how the surrounding urban geometry affects the energy performance of a building. Instead building designers tend to rely upon a fabric first approach to energy management. This work explores the interdependent relationships that develop between buildings at the scale of the city street. We use dynamic thermal simulations of multiple buildings at the scale of a neighbourhood to study the effects of urban form on the regulated loads of modern non-domestic buildings. Simulations are based upon the area of Moorgate within the City of London with simulations of buildings in their standalone setting are compared against identical buildings in various urban settings, both for the current climate and a possible future climate within the lifetime of the building. In this way the effects of urban form were compared to the effects of improving the building fabric. We find that not only do identical buildings behave differently as a direct response to the form of the surrounding urban setting, but that these performance patterns become increasingly significant with lowered operational loads (as a result of the mitigation agenda) and predicted warming trends. The results imply that the current fabric first approach to meet carbon reduction targets and avoid dangerous climate change may not be adequate.
How Does Retirement Planning Software Handle Post-Retirement Realities?

Many risks must be managed during the post-retirement period. This chapter explores retirement planning software that provides individuals and advisors the opportunity to perform a range of calculations to help them in retirement planning. We link results from surveys and research by the Society of Actuaries to show how the software handles post-retirement risks. We find that approaches to managing these risks are often not well-integrated. Disciplines Economics Comments The published version of this Working Paper may be found in the 2010 publication: Reorienting Retirement Risk Management. This working paper is available at ScholarlyCommons: https://repository.upenn. edu/prc_papers/337 Reorienting Retirement Risk Management
Improvement in Thermochromic Offset Print UV Stability by Applying PCL Nanocomposite Coatings

Thermochromic (TC) printing inks change their colouration as a response to a change in temperature. This ability renders them attractive for various applications such as smart packaging, security printing, and marketing, but their application is limited due to their low UV stability, i.e., loss of their thermochromic effect when exposed to UV radiation. In order to improve the UV stability of TC prints, one offset TC printing ink was printed and coated with nanomodified polycaprolactone (PCL) coating. The coating was prepared with the incorporation of 1%, 2%, and 3% mass ratios of ZnO and TiO2 nanoparticles in the PCL matrix. The prepared nanocomposite coatings were applied onto the TC print and exposed to UV radiation; afterwards, they were characterized by the colour properties of prints, SEM microscopy, FTIR, and fluorescence spectroscopy. SEM microscopy, FTIR, and fluorescence spectroscopy showed higher rates of polymer degradation, and the results of colour stability indicated that 3% TiO2 in PCL matrix gave the best UV stability and protection of TC prints.
Evidence of spermatia in Hildenbrandia (Rhodophyta, Hildenbrandiales)

ABSTRACT Specimens of Hildenbrandia bearing conceptacles that contained small, bead-shaped reproductive cells, only 3–4 µm wide, features diagnostic of Hildenbrandia sanjuanensis, were collected from the high intertidal zone at the type locality of the species. Examination of conceptacle contents by transmission electron microscopy was used to detail the differentiation of the catenate reproductive cells, and it revealed that these cells were joined by pit connections. Tetraspores are the only known reproductive cells in the Hildenbrandiales, but the process of cleaving tetrasporangia to form tetraspores has never been found to include the deposition of pit plugs in any red alga. An alternative interpretation of the nature of the reproductive cells of H. sanjuanensis is that they are spermatia or carpospores. The features of small size, sparse chloroplasts with few thylakoids, and near absence of starch contents in the reproductive cells favours the view that these cells are spermatia. If this interpretation is correct, it represents the first evidence of spermatia in any member of the Hildenbrandiophycidae, and it indicates that the possibility of a sexual life history in members of this order should be re-examined.
Validation Study of the Dinamap Compact TS According to the International Protocol of European Society of Hypertension in Preschool Children in Ogbomoso, Nigeria

Accurate blood pressure (BP) measurement is central to high-quality hypertension management. There is a lack of validated and approved oscillometric BP devices in clinical and epidemiological settings for paediatric age groups. This study determined the accuracy of the Dinamap Compact TS in measuring the BP of preschool children in Ogbomosho by comparing the measurements obtained with the mercury sphygmomanometer in accordance with the International Protocol of the European Society of Hypertension (ESH-IP2). It also provided oscillometric BP reference values for preschool children. The study was a cross-sectional survey of 700 children aged between 12 and 60 months from registered day-care centers, nursery and primary schools in Ogbomosho. Each participant underwent 7 same-arm sequential BP measurements by trained researchers alternatively using a mercury sphygmomanometer and the test device. The results were analysed according to the validation criteria of ESH-IP2. Dinamap Compact TS satisfied the six criteria of Part 1 validation test and the two criteria of Part 2 validation test for SBP and DBP. There was a positive correlation between the 2 devices in terms of SBP (r = 0.947) and DBP (r = 0.910) readings. Using the Bland-Altman plots, nearly all readings (99.3% of SBP and 99.1% of DBP) of the 2 devices were within the limits of agreement, which was indicative of a high level of agreement between the BP devices. Gender-specific BP percentiles, which simultaneously accounted for age, height and height percentile were constructed. It is recommended that BP of preschool children between the ages of 12 – 60 months could be measured using the Dinamap Compact TS and the developed BP charts should be used as references for easy interpretation and detection of elevated BP. Key words: Validation, Protocol, Hypertension, Children.
Engineering of donor-acceptor-donor curcumin analogues as near-infrared fluorescent probes for in vivo imaging of amyloid-β species

Near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent imaging of both soluble and insoluble Aβ species in the brain of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is crucial for the early diagnosis and intervention of AD. To date, a variety of NIR fluorescent probes have been reported for the detection of Aβ species. Among these probes, CRANAD-58 was reported to have the capability to detect both soluble and insoluble Aβ species, which is vital to monitor the changes of Aβ species during the pathological course of the disease. Though CRANAD-58 has shown promise to noninvasively detect Aβ species in transgenic AD mice, the emission wavelength (~670 nm) is still too short for further applications. Therefore, new probes with longer emission wavelength and improved physiological properties are in highly demand. Herein, we report the design and engineering of nine donor-acceptor-donor molecules as “off-on” near-infrared fluorescent probes for in vivo imaging of both soluble and insoluble Aβ species in living AD mice owing to its improved in vitro properties and in vivo performance. Methods: We report a two-round strategy to develop nine “off-on” NIR fluorescence probes via structural modification of a curcumin analogue-based donor-acceptor-donor architecture. In round one, probes 1 and 2 were synthesized, and probe 2 was identified to be an optimum probe as it showed distinct “off-on” NIR fluorescence at > 690 nm upon binding to Aβ monomers, oligomers and aggregates. To further improve the in vivo performance, further structural modification of probe 2 into probes 3-9 was then conducted. The fluorescence response with Aβ species and histological staining in vitro and in vivo imaging of Aβ species in APP/PS1 transgenic AD mice and age-matched wild-type mice were performed. Results: We demonstrate that, compared to probe 2, probe 9 with improved physiological properties hold the fastest kinetics (~10 min) to produce not only higher brain fluorescence intensity in 10-month-old APP/PS1 transgenic AD mice, but also afford a higher discrepancy in brain fluorescence to discriminate AD mice from wild-type (WT) mice. Probe 9 also hold the ability to detect soluble Aβ species in 6-month-old APP/PS1 transgenic mice. Probe 9 was further applied for dynamic visualization of Aβ plaques in a skull-thinning 14-month-old APP/PS1 mouse, which revealed its immediate penetration into brain parenchyma and selective labeling of both parenchymal and angiopathic Aβ plaques. In addition, probe 9 possessed significantly high attenuation effect on the aggregation of Aβ monomers. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate the good potential of probe 9 for longitudinal NIR fluorescence imaging of soluble and insoluble Aβ species in APP/PS1 transgenic AD mice, which may act as a useful tool for early diagnosis and intervention of AD.
An Empirical Investigation of Reasons Influencing Student Acceptance and Rejection of Mobile Learning Apps Usage

Sustainable learning and education (SLE) is a relatively new ideology based on sustainability principles and developed in response to the United Nations’ recently proclaimed Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As a result, technologies should be adopted to equip educational institutions with the tools necessary to attain SLE. Recently, the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has affected educational systems globally, leading them to embrace more innovative technological methods to meet academic demands while maintaining SLE principles. Mobile learning apps (MLA) refers to using the unique capabilities of mobile apps to engage and collaborate towards establishing robust online learning. However, the effectiveness of MLA depends on learners’ acceptance. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the factors that could affect MLA acceptance. In order to analyze the collected data from 415 Jordanian students among schools and universities, structural equation modeling (SEM) was used. The empirical findings confirm that perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use are significantly influenced by self-efficacy and perceived compatibility. Furthermore, perceived usefulness is significantly influenced by perceived convenience and perceived ease of use. Additionally, perceived enjoyment significantly influences the behavioral intention to use MLA. On the other hand, perceived compatibility has no significant influence on perceived enjoyment. Finally, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and perceived compatibility have no significant effect on behavioral intention to use MLA. This study addresses a critical research gap in the distance learning acceptance literature by proposing an exhaustive model in the post-COVID-19 era that can help to improve students’ performance and outcomes in Jordanian schools and universities.
Optimization Extraction and Antioxidant Activity of Crude Polysaccharide from Chestnut Mushroom (Agrocybe aegerita) by Accelerated Solvent Extraction Combined with Response Surface Methodology (ASE-RSM)

The present work is conducted to investigate the optimal extraction technology of polysaccharide from chestnut mushroom (Agrocybe aegerita) using a new method based on accelerated solvent extraction combined with response surface methodology (ASE-RSM). The conventional reflux extraction (CRE) method and ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) method were also carried out. Additionally, the in vitro antioxidant activities, including ABTS and DPPH assay, were evaluated. The RSM method, based on a three level and three variable Box–Behnken design (BBD), was developed to obtain the optimal combination of extraction conditions. In brief, the polysaccharide was optimally extracted with water as extraction solvent, extraction temperature of 71 °C, extraction time of 6.5 min, number of cycles of 3, and extraction pressure of 10 MPa. The 3D response surface plot and the contour plot derived from the mathematical models were applied to determine the optimal conditions. Under the above conditions, the experimental value of polysaccharide yield was 19.77 ± 0.12%, which is in close agreement with the value (19.81%) predicted by the model. These findings demonstrate that ASE-RSM produce much higher polysaccharide and consumed environmentally friendly extraction and solvent systems, have less extraction discrimination and shorter time and provide scientific basis for industrialization of polysaccharide extraction. Moreover, it was proved that the polysaccharide had the potential ability to scavenge ABTS and DPPH.
Neutral gas and plasma shielding (NGPS) model and cross-field motion of ablated material for hydrogen–neon mixed pellet injection

A neutral-gas and plasma shielding (NGPS) model is applied for cryogenic hydrogen–neon mixed pellet injection used for the mitigation of tokamak disruptions. The NGPS model is useful to evaluate the characteristics of ionized plasmoid (size, density, temperature, and radiation), while reproducing the scaling of the neutral gas shielding model. It is found that even if one takes into account the optical thickness for radiation, the energy loss due to line radiation associated with neon is strong enough to limit the temperature and the pressure of the ionized plasmoid for pure neon or hydrogen–neon mixed pellets in the early phase of the material homogenization. Consequently, the ionized plasmoid of the neon mixed pellets is expected to homogenize along the magnetic field line where the ablated material is released—without significantly making the cross-field drift motion—as compared to pure hydrogen pellets.
Prevalence and risk factors associated with repeat breeding of beef cattle in Sleman Regency, Indonesia

Background and Aim: Various management practices may cause the occurrence of reproductive failure indicated by repeat breeding in beef cattle. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and the risk factors of repeat breeding in beef cattle in Sleman Regency, Indonesia. Materials and Methods: Observational and cross-sectional studies were used to determine the prevalence and the risk factors of repeat breeding. Sampling was conducted using a multistage cluster design. The sample size was determined using a sampling formula (n=4 PQ/L2). Questionnaire and interview data were evaluated descriptively. Chi-square analysis and odds ratio (OR) test were conducted to determine the association and association strength with a confidence level of 95%. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analysis through multivariate logistic regression test was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 21.0 software. Results: The results indicated that the prevalence of repeat breeding in beef cattle in the Sleman Regency was 30.4%. Multivariate analysis indicated that risk factors that significantly affected the repeat breeding were breeding experience (p=0.000; OR=3.378), knowledge of estrus cycle (p=0.000; OR=5.263), feed type (p=0.001; OR=6.061), feeding frequency (p=0.003; OR=2.77), shed hygiene (p=0.33; OR=2,381), and drainage system (p=0.000; OR=4,484). Conclusion: Various husbandry management significantly influence the incidence of repeat breeding in beef cattle in Sleman Regency with the type of feed, which was the highest risk factor. Hay should not be used as the main feed source since it might increase the incidence of repeat breeding. However, the other environmental factors such as season and presence of infection or parasite also need to be investigated further.
Identification of Potential Key Genes in Prostate Cancer with Gene Expression, Pivotal Pathways and Regulatory Networks Analysis Using Integrated Bioinformatics Methods

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most prevalent cancer (20%) in males and is accountable for a fifth (6.8%) cancer-related deaths in males globally. Smoking, obesity, race/ethnicity, diet, age, chemicals and radiation exposure, sexually transmitted diseases, etc. are among the most common risk factors for PCa. However, the basic change at the molecular level is the manifested confirmation of PCa. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the molecular signature for PCa in comparison to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Additionally, representation of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) are conducted with the help of some bioinformatics tools like DAVID, STRING, GEPIA, Cytoscape. The gene expression profile for the four data sets GSE55945, GSE104749, GSE46602, and GSE32571 was downloaded from NCBI, Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). For the extracted DEGs, different types of analysis including functional and pathway enrichment analysis, protein–protein interaction (PPI) network construction, survival analysis and transcription factor (TF) prediction were conducted. We obtained 633 most significant upregulated genes and 1219 downregulated genes, and a sum total of 1852 DEGs were found from all four datasets after assessment. The key genes, including EGFR, MYC, VEGFA, and PTEN, are targeted by TF such as AR, Sp1, TP53, NF-KB1, STAT3, RELA. Moreover, miR-21-5p also found significantly associated with all the four key genes. Further, The Cancer Genome Atlas data (TCGA) independent database was used for validation of key genes EGFR, MYC, VEGFA, PTEN expression in prostate adenocarcinoma. All four key genes were found to be significantly correlated with overall survival in PCa. Therefore, the therapeutic target may be determined by the information of these key gene’s findings for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of PCa.
Tumor-associated CD3- and CD8-positive immune cells in colorectal cancer: The additional prognostic value of CD8+-to-CD3+ ratio remains debatable.

BACKGROUND A large number of infiltrating CD3- and CD8-positive inflammatory cells indicates an improved survival in colorectal cancer (CRC), similar to many other cancers. OBJECTIVE We investigated the prognostic value of different combinations of CD3- and CD8-positive immune cells in CRC patients. METHODS The densities of CD3- and CD8-positive cells in intratumoral and stromal tissues were evaluated from 539 patients, for which we calculated a CD3 tumor-stroma index, a CD8 tumor-stroma index, and a CD3-CD8 tumor-stroma index. RESULTS High CD3 and CD8 tumor-stroma indices associated with stage I to II disease (p < 0.001 for both). The CD3 tumor-stroma index associated with a colonic tumor location (p = 0.006), while the CD8 tumor-stroma index associated with right-sided tumors (p < 0.001) and histological grade 3 tumors (p = 0.032). High intratumoral and stromal densities for CD3- and CD8-positive immune cells, the CD3 tumor-stroma index, the CD8 tumor-stroma index, and the CD3-CD8 tumor-stroma index all indicated a better DSS. CONCLUSIONS The CD3 tumor-stroma index carries a strong prognostic value in CRC, and none of the CD3 and CD8 combinations we analyzed proved superior.
Achievement, affiliation, power and academic performance of business management students of a state university in Cavite, Philippines

Abstract Business management is a priority course in most universities given the thrust to develop entrepreneurs. Motivational profile of business management students in a state university in Cavite, Philippines was assessed and analyzed its relation to their academic performance. Achievement, affiliation and power based on McClelland’s theory (1960), were compared across sex groupings and determined the most dominant motivation per year level. Cochran’s sample size with . 05 alpha level was used to obtain a total of 311 participants, descriptive statistics (mean, percentage, frequency count) and correlational analysis (Pearson r correlation and t-test) were used in analyzing the data. Outcomes show a substantial relationship between achievement motivation and students’ academic performance. Most participants are females, junior level and have very good academic performance. Results show a dominant motivational profile in the desire to achieve, followed by affiliation, lastly, power. Achievement motivation is highest for freshmen, juniors are affiliation-oriented and seniors are power-motivated. There is no significant difference between sex and motivational profiles, there is a weak negative correlation between achievement motivational profile and academic performance, no significant difference between affiliation and power motivational profiles and academic performance. Results imply that while studies show a positive correlation between motivational profiles and academic performance, other factors that may define academic performance, like teaching methodologies, can be maximized by schools. As student’s motivation shifts from achievement to affiliation to power, teachers may ensure that students have a healthy combination of activities that foster a sense of achievement, good interpersonal relationships, collaboration and healthy competition.
The Dark Side of Overuse of Internet: A study of Indian college students

Introduction: The extensive use of the internet and its effect on our lives can no longer be overlooked. While the internet is a result of the rapid advancement of science and technology, its impact on students depends on how they use it. The present study identifies Internet usage patterns, nature of use, and Internet Addiction (IA) among India's undergraduate and postgraduate students and its consequences on their lives. Methods: This empirical examination uses the Multistage Sampling Method (MSM) and cross-sectional method. The structured questionnaire distributed (N=1,200) to ungraduated college students. We included at least ten institutes of every state in India and thirty participants from each institution in this study. Results: The study revealed that overuse of the internet is statistically significant with internet addiction concerning gender but not with age and education. Overuse of the internet strongly impacts IA. The study further investigates the relationship with the consequences of overuse of the internet with age, gender and education and found that genders significantly differ with the physical and psychological problem but not with a behavioural and relationship problem; level of education has a significant difference with physical and behavioural problem but not with relationship and psychological problems. Conclusion: Our investigation helps college, university or educational policymakers to frame good mental health policies or create programmes to reduce or constrain the adverse effect of overuse of the internet. The results show a compelling need to reduce the overuse of the internet (OI) by promoting psychological competence.