Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Insights into Mechanical Properties of the 1980 Irpinia Fault System from the Analysis of a Seismic Sequence

Seismic sequences are a powerful tool to locally infer geometrical and mechanical properties of faults and fault systems. In this study, we provided detailed location and characterization of events of the 3–7 July 2020 Irpinia sequence (southern Italy) that occurred at the northern tip of the main segment that ruptured during the 1980 Irpinia earthquake. Using an autocorrelation technique, we detected more than 340 events within the sequence, with local magnitude ranging between −0.5 and 3.0. We thus provided double difference locations, source parameter estimation, and focal mechanisms determination for the largest quality events. We found that the sequence ruptured an asperity with a size of about 800 m, along a fault structure having a strike compatible with the one of the main segments of the 1980 Irpinia earthquake, and a dip of 50–55° at depth of 10.5–12 km and 60–65° at shallower depths (7.5–9 km). Low stress drop release (average of 0.64 MPa) indicates a fluid-driven initiation mechanism of the sequence. We also evaluated the performance of the earthquake early warning systems running in real-time during the sequence, retrieving a minimum size for the blind zone in the area of about 15 km.
RCT of a Telehealth Group-Based Intervention to Increase Physical Activity in Multiple Sclerosis

Objective To conduct a pilot randomized controlled trial to determine whether participation in a group-based structured telehealth intervention increases physical activity in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods In this parallel-arms trial, all study procedures were administered remotely. Adults diagnosed with MS (any subtype) were randomized to one of two 12-week (1 h/wk) active conditions: eFIT, online moderated structured groups; or eJournal, online independent journaling. For comparison, a treatment-as-usual (TAU; i.e., no eFIT/eJournal) group was enrolled. The primary outcome was feasibility (completion and adherence). The secondary efficacy outcomes included self-reported physical activity level (International Physical Activity Questionnaire, IPAQ). Results Participants were 37 adults with MS. The sample was diverse: 66.7% female; age range 23–64 years; 17.5% Hispanic, 12.5% Black; and progressive and relapsing-remitting disease subtypes. Regarding feasibility, 70.7% completed; average adherence was 74.9%. Physical activity in active groups increased by 34.2% (baseline IPAQ = 2,406.8 ± 1,959.7, follow-up = 3,229.4 ± 2,575.2) and decreased in the TAU group by 17.4% (baseline = 2,519.9 ± 1,500.1, follow-up = 2,081.2 ± 1,814.9); group × time interaction was not statistically significant [F(2,25) = 1.467, p = 0.250; partial η2 = 0.105]. Conclusions Telehealth represents an accessible, acceptable vehicle to deliver targeted behavioral treatments to a neurologic population. eFIT may be an effective intervention for increasing physical activity, a historically intractable treatment target, in individuals with MS. In addition, these results provide evidence for feasibility of conducting fully remote clinical trial research. Classification of Evidence This study provides Class II evidence that for people with MS, participation in a group-based structured telehealth intervention compared with TAU resulted in a (non-significant) increase in self-reported physical activity level. The percentage of participants who completed follow-up questionnaires did not differ between groups. The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03829267).
Towards a Weberian sociology of intentional communities

Among the alternatives to contemporary capitalism being explored today, intentional communities merit particular attention. While German sociologist Max Weber is one of the most original theorists of community, his work has been used very unevenly in the analysis of intentional communities. However, a Weberian point of view on this subject can be developed. This article begins by discussing the status of communities in Weber’s writings, and goes on to make note of the very meagre use of these references in North American sociological work on intentional communities. Examining some foundational research carried out in France during the 1970s and 1980s, as well as the results of a survey conducted in North American intentional communities, the article deploys a Weberian sociology of religious institutions to broaden the scope of the analysis of community utopias.
Germination and Seed Vigour of Indigenous Bean (Phaseolus Vulgaris) Genotype in Nepal

Bean is an important vegetable crop of Nepal but farmers of Jumla district of Nepal are experiencing low productivity, probably due to poor germination. Keeping these points in view, a study was conducted to determine the germination and seed vigour of various indigenous beans genotype of Jumla district during February to March, 2018. The promising lines of Jumli beans namely KBL-3, KBL-2, PB0002, PB0001, KBL-1 and farm saved KBL-3 were used under study. The experiment was laid in completely randomized design (CRD) with four replications and six treatments namely T1 = KBL-3, T2 = KBL-2, T3 = PB0002, T4 = PB0001, T5 = KBL-1 and T6 = Farm-saved KBL-3. Significant differences were observed in germination percentage, speed of germination, seed vigourindex and true leaf emergence among different lines of Jumli beans . The highest germination percentage (96%), seed vigour index (1367) and speed of germination (1.763) was found in the variety of KBL-3 whereas the lowest germination percentage (69%), seed vigour index (947) and speed of germination (0.968) were found in the variety of KBL-1. Days to true leaf emergence was found shortest in the KBL-3 (23.50) and longest in the farm saved KBL-3 (30.25). KBL-3 pureline of Jumli bean was found to be highly responsive to seed germination and vigour characteristics. Thus, it would be better to suggest the indigenous bean growing farmers of Jumla district to cultivate KBL-3 for better germination and seed vigour.
Intention to Use Facebook for Travel Planning: An Investigation on Generation Z Users in Ho Chi Minh City

With the expansion of Internet and digital media, especially for the social networking sites, there are extreme changes of global hospitality and tourism industry. The current study aims to investigate the intention to use Facebook - an online social network (OSN) for travel planning by examining the effect of Perceived Usefulness, Perceived Ease Of Use and Enjoyment. Secondary data are from the journals, books and other sources of information from websites and published reports of businesses and primary data are from the consultations with 5 experts, 2 group discussions and 4 in-depths structured interviews and survey by questionnaires with 200 Gen-Z users. Findings explain the influence of these perceived values on Gen-Z users’ intention to adopt Facebook as a means of travel planning. The study has demonstrated the TAM model’s applicability to the setting of the usage of Facebook for travel planning in Gen-Z. Furthermore, sampling and study scope limitation can lead to further researches.
Arsenic Removal by Nano-scale Zero Valent Iron and how it is Affected by Natural Organic Matter

Nano scale zero-valent iron (NZVI) is attracting a great deal of attention for use in treatment of contaminated soil and wastewater. NZVI has been used as an excellent adsorbent or reductant for organic and inorganic contaminants treatment due to its small size, high surface area, and very high reactivity. Specifically, NZVI has been used as an adsorbent to remove heavy metals and metalloids from aqueous phase depending on the experimental conditions. In a natural water treatment system, the presence of natural organic matter (NOM) may influence the targeted contaminant removal efficiency. Therefore, removal of NOM and the effects of NOM on contaminants removal have been widely studied to efficiently remove the target compounds. In this chapter, we introduce arsenic and NOM removal using NZVI as well as the interaction of NOM on the arsenic removal by NZVI. In addition, applications of NZVI for treatment of contaminated water and arsenic in the environment are also reviewed. D ow nl oa de d by U N IV O F D E L A W A R E M O R R IS L IB o n Ju ne 2 8, 2 01 2 | h ttp :// pu bs . a cs . o rg
An Empirical Study on Online Learners’ Continuance Intentions in China

Online education in China is developing at a rapid pace due to its unique advantages, and its sustainable development is becoming increasingly crucial. Thus, this study attempted to understand learners’ continuance intentions in an online learning environment and examined the factors influencing online learners’ continuous retention. The research model for the influencing factors and study hypotheses were constructed based on multiple theoretical and synthesized perspectives, such as the information system success model; interactions between students, content, and instructors; and the theory of perceived value. To achieve the stated objectives, we conducted a questionnaire survey, in which 382 valid responses were collected from Chinese respondents from 32 provinces in China in April and May 2020. Furthermore, this study primarily employed Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to test the constructed model. The results indicate that service quality, course quality, and student–instructor interaction have indirect and positive effects on learners’ continuance intentions for online learning, while the variable of perceived value is a significant mediator for online learners’ retention and has a direct influence on their continuance intentions. Student–student interaction and student–content interaction do not have direct or indirect effects on online learners’ continuance intentions.
Inference after covariate-adaptive randomisation: aspects of methodology and theory

Covariate-adaptive randomisation has a more than 45 years of history of applications in clinical trials, in order to balance treatment assignments across prognostic factors that may have influence on the outcomes of interest. However, almost no theory had been developed for covariate-adaptive randomisation until a paper on the theory of testing hypotheses published in 2010. In this article, we review aspects of methodology and theory developed in the last decade for statistical inference under covariate-adaptive randomisation. We focus on issues such as whether a conventional procedure valid under the assumption that treatments are assigned completely at random is still valid or conservative when the actual randomisation is covariate-adaptive, how a valid inference procedure can be obtained by modifying a conventional method or directly constructed by stratifying the covariates used in randomisation, whether inference procedures have different properties when covariate-adaptive randomisation schemes have different degrees of balancing assignments, and how to further adjust covariates in the inference procedures to gain more efficiency. Recommendations are made during the review and further research problems are discussed.
Impact of the fMRI environment on eye-tracking measures in a linguistic prediction task

ABSTRACT The present study investigated the impact of the MRI environment on eye-movement measures in the visual-world paradigm. 24 neurotypical young adults performed a linguistic prediction task in a typical lab setting (Lab) and 22 did so during MRI scanning (Scanner). Data analyses focused on eye-tracking data quality and the time course and magnitude of prediction effects. Data quality was reduced in the Scanner as compared to the Lab, as indicated by a higher rate of track loss and saccades/fixations of atypical duration. Predictive eye movement patterns were generally similar in timing and magnitude between the Lab and Scanner, although there was modest evidence for increased prediction effects in the Scanner. In the Scanner environment only, predictive eye movements were linked to better task performance. Evidently, the MRI environment can enhance prediction effects and their relationship to task performance, possibly due to increased deployment of cognitive control mechanisms.
Structure and Corrosion Behavior of TiO2 Thin Films Deposited by ALD on a Biomedical Magnesium Alloy

Magnesium alloys have been investigated as temporary biomaterials for orthopedic applications. Despite their high osseointegration and mechanical (bone-like) properties, Mg alloys quickly degrade in simulated physiological media. Surface coatings can be deposited onto Mg alloys to slow the corrosion rate of these biomaterials in chloride-rich environments. TiO2 films show high potential for improving the corrosion resistance of magnesium alloys. This article presents the structural observations and corrosion behavior of TiO2 thin films deposited onto a MgCa2Zn1Gd3 alloy using atomic layer deposition (ALD). Surface morphologies were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), and Raman analysis of the deposited TiO2 films was also carried out. The corrosion behavior of the uncoated alloy and the alloy coated with TiO2 was measured in Ringer’s solution at 37 °C using electrochemical and immersion tests. The microscopic observations of the TiO2 thin films with a thickness of about 52.5 and 70 nm showed that the surface morphology was homogeneous without visible defects on the TiO2 surface. The electrochemical and immersion test results showed that the thin films decreased the corrosion rate of the studied Mg-based alloy, and the corrosion resistance was higher in the thicker TiO2 film.
Assessment of government’s involvement in implementation of national policy on early childhood education in Nigeria

The study examined the areas of Government’s involvement as stated in the national policy on early childhood education in South western Nigeria. It determined the implementation processes of the national policy on ECE on the areas of Government’s involvement and also investigated the level of compliance in the implementation processes of the national policy on ECE and the stakeholders' assessment of Government’s involvement in the implementation of the national policy on ECE. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. Data was collected from 72 head teachers, 144 classroom teachers and 144 parents of early childhood education pupils as well as 30 State Ministry of Education officials. Multistage sampling procedure was used to select the sample for the study. Three instruments were used for this study. The results of the study showed that governments were involved in the regulation of the establishment and registration of pre-school facilities at 91.7% and 96.7%, development and implementing educational support services to orphans and vulnerable children at 51.4% and 90%. The study concluded that Government’s involvement in the implementation of the national policy on early childhood education is only to a little extent. All the implementation processes of the national policy on education were not followed by the government.
Chillin’ Effects of Fake News: Changes in Practices Related to Accountability and Transparency in American Newsrooms Under the Influence of Misinformation and Accusations Against the News Media

This study examines how newsroom work in the United States has changed in response to some of the latest developments in the news media environment. Using nationally representative survey data, we explore what professional routines American journalists have adopted to avoid spreading or being accused of publishing misinformation. Findings suggest that journalists have added new or intensified practices to increase accountability and transparency. In addition, role conceptions, perception of fake news, and responsibility for social media audiences impact the adoption of such practices. Journalists are more likely to embrace transparency than accountability, suggesting the emergence of new journalistic norms in today’s newsrooms.
The Effect of Taper and Apical Diameter on the Cyclic Fatigue Resistance of Rotary Endodontic Files Using an Experimental Electronic Device

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of the taper and apical diameter of nickel–titanium (NiTi) endodontic rotary files on the dynamic cyclic fatigue resistance. A total of 50 unused conventional NiTi wire alloy endodontic rotary instruments were used in this study. All NiTi endodontic rotary files were submitted to a custom-made dynamic cyclic fatigue device until fracture occurred. The time to failure, the number of cycles to failure, the number of pecking movements, and the length of the fractured file tip were analyzed using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. In addition, the Weibull characteristic strength and Weibull modulus were also calculated. The paired t-test revealed statistically significant differences between the time to failure, number of cycles to failure, and number of cycles of in-and-out movement of both the apical diameter (p ˂ 0.001) and the taper (p ˂ 0.001) of NiTi endodontic rotary files; however, the results did not show statistically significant differences between the mean length of the fractured files regarding the apical diameter (p = 0.344) and taper study groups (p = 0.344). Increased apical diameter and taper of NiTi endodontic rotary files decreased their dynamic resistance to cyclic fatigue.
Prevalence of Demodex in Association with Ocular Signs and Symptoms: Evidence from a Large Population of Male Soldiers Living in Garrison

Background: The Demodex mite is the most common ectoparasite on human skin. It’s a matter of debate whether this colonization should be an area of concern and can cause pathologic consequences or, in contrast, Demodex should merely be considered as an innocent saprophytic organism living on the skin. Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of ocular Demodex infestation in a large population of male soldiers with a similar range of age, in whom we expected a high transmission rate due to environmental factors and close contacts. Besides, we evaluated the correlation between Demodex and ocular clinical manifestations. Methods: In total 903 soldiers living on a military base in Iran were enrolled in this epidemiological cross-sectional prevalence study conducted in the summer of 2020. Data were collected using a questionnaire on ocular symptoms, and participants were assessed for the presence of Demodex spp. Results: A total of 904 males with a mean age of 21 ± 2 years (ranging from 19 to 25) were included. The overall prevalence of Demodex infestation was 77.2% (86.8 and 26% in patients with and without blepharitis, respectively). Of 698 patients who were positive for Demodex, 58.6% reported eye discomfort, whereas it was experienced by 23.9% of Demodex negative participants, the difference was statistically significant (P-value < 0.001). Conclusions: There is a strong association between the prevalence of Demodex spp. and symptoms, in particular itchy eyes. However, some patients are asymptomatic. This finding supports the notion that the number of mites may be important concerning the manifestation of clinical signs of blepharitis; however, the role of Demodex spp. , as a commensal, should not be overlooked. Treatment should not be aimed at full eradication of the mite but rather restoring the ocular ecology to a balanced state.
A Simple Kinetic Model for the Simultaneous Concentration and Intensity Dependencies of TCE Photocatalyzed Destruction

Abstract Trichloroethylene conversion in gas-solid photocatalysis ranks as one of the fastest reactions for air purification and treatment. The development of a complete kinetic model for this conversion is important in that it represents, under some conditions, a likely upper limit to conversion photoefficiency. Both reactant concentration and light intensity are known to influence reaction rate, but only two literature reports have explored a sufficiently wide range of concentrations to find that the intensity dependence is coupled to, and not independent of, the reactant concentration. We develop here a simple model which rationalizes this experimental behavior based upon the familiar competition between species for photo-produced holes (h+) and electrons (e-). First order intensity dependence of rate is associated with good photoefficiency, whereas half-order dependence provides low efficiencies. Thus, this coupling of concentration and intensity effects serves as a reactor design warning: The kinetic order in intensity, and therefore the process economics with respect to photoefficiency, for other pollutant conversions may also be found to depend upon concentration, not just intensity.
A state estimation strategy for a nonlinear switched system with unknown switching signals

A strategy is presented to estimate the state of a nonlinear autonomous switched system, with no knowledge of the switching signal, except its dwell time. To do so, algorithms to estimate the switching times and the current mode of the system are developed. The estimation of the switching times is based on approximating the second ( generalised) derivative of the output of the system via a convolution of this signal with a suitable function and on detecting the corresponding spikes. To estimate the modes, a scheme based on the use of a bank of observers (one for each mode) and of a bank of subsystems (for each step of the estimation process a suitable subset of the subsystems of the switched system) is developed. The algorithms run regardless of the state observer model, as long as its output error norm decays exponentially with a controlled decay rate.
Design of magnesium oxide nanoparticle incorporated carboxy methyl cellulose/poly vinyl alcohol composite film with novel composition for skin tissue engineering

ABSTRACT The present paper reports a magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticle incorporated carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC)/poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) composite film with favorable composition for skin tissue engineering application. CMC/PVA films were prepared with different polymer ratios and cross linked with glutaraldehyde. The films possess surface roughness favorable for cell adhesion, desired swelling behavior and controlled degradation. Among the films, CMC/PVA (50:50) have tensile strength (28.31 MPa) and hydrophilicity (69.8º contact angle) close to those of skin tissue. MgO nanoparticles was incorporated in CMC/PVA film to improve antimicrobial and cell supportive property. The MTT assay revealed that MgO–incorporated composite films were non-cytotoxic exhibiting higher cell viability which is favorable for cell proliferation. CMC/PVA films with 1.5% PVA showed higher cell viability than other composite films with desired antimicrobial property. Thus, CMC/PVA composite film containing 1.5% MgO was demonstrated to be a potential artificial extra cellular matrix for skin tissue engineering application.