Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of building arrangement on natural ventilation potential in ideal building arrays

ABSTRACT Nowadays, the process of urbanization is accelerating, and the density of buildings is increasing rapidly. Natural ventlation is an energy-saving way of building ventilation and to solve the issue of building overheating. The buildings are all considered as cubes and their arrays are evenly distributed. The results from nearly 100 cases show density is the main factor in uniform arrays and not much difference between the staggered and normal arrangements if consider a year. The method can reflect the ventilation capacity of the buildings, which is somewhat inverse to the air age but different meaning. It can be used to guide the layout and planning in early design stage.
Factors Determining the Acceptance of E-Wallet among Gen Z from the Lens of the Extended Technology Acceptance Model

E-wallets are one of the breakthroughs brought forth by the evolution of FinTech, which has been accentuated by the global outbreak of COVID-19. Therefore, it is critical to comprehend the factor of e-wallet acceptance. As this technology advances, substantial knowledge and research gaps become apparent. Previous studies on e-wallet acceptance have overlooked the importance of motivation and self-efficacy. There is a dearth of focus on certain age groups, such as Gen Z, which is currently the trendsetter of new technologies. This study aims to close the gaps regarding the lack of focus toward Gen Z, motivation, and self-efficacy in understanding e-wallet acceptance by combining the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) with Self-Determination Theory (SDT), Self-Efficacy (SE), and Digital Media Self-Efficacy (DMSE) to fully understand the factors influencing e-wallet acceptance among Gen Z, using 233 samples to test 16 hypotheses derived from the identified research and knowledge gaps. External Regulation (ER), SE, and DMSE are the determinants of acceptance, according to Structural Equation Model analysis conducted. Mediation analysis reveals that Attitude toward Use (AT) is the full mediator of Perceived Usefulness (PU) and Perceived Ease of Use (PEU). The quintessential outcome of this research is the Model of E-Wallet Acceptance among Gen Z, which is significant for FinTech industries looking to strategically roll out e-wallet initiatives as well as a point of exploration for numerous future academic research and development.
Quality of life and functionality in patients suffering from chronic pain, anxiety and depression

Mental illnesses are common in patients with chronic pain, and this association may result in changes in functional status. This study assessed the functionality and quality of life of patients with chronic pain, anxiety, and depression.A total of 103 patients were interviewed at Federal University of Minas Gerais’ (UFMG) Hospital das Clínicas Pain Center, in 2020 and 2021. The presence of depression and anxiety symptoms, pain intensity, quality of life, and functionality was assessed. The cohort studied was stratified into groups suffering from mild, moderate, and intense pain in accordance with the visual numeric scale, and these patients then underwent descriptive and comparative analyses. Subsequently, a multivariate analysis was performed, followed by linear regression analysis to identify risk factors and variables that contributed to the pain being felt.In total, 16.5% of the patients were diagnosed with symptoms of anxiety, 13.59% with depression, and 34.95% presented symptoms of both anxiety and depression. The functionality assessment revealed severe incapacity, with the highest levels of incapacity present in those suffering from the most intense pain.Patients with symptoms of anxiety and depression presented a worse quality of life than those without these symptoms, with some aspects directly related to pain intensity.Chronic pain, in the presence of symptoms of anxiety and depression, produces severe functional psychosocial incapacity and a low quality of life, which are directly related to pain intensity. Skin color, suicidal ideation, and psychosocial issues are associated with depression, anxiety, and chronic pain.
Note on a modification to the nonlinear Schrödinger equation for application to deep water waves

The ordinary nonlinear Schrödinger equation for deep water waves, found by perturbation analysis to O(∊3) in the wave-steepness ∊ ═ ka, is shown to compare rather unfavourably with the exact calculations of Longuet-Higgins (1978b) for ∊ > 0.15, say. We show that a significant improvement can be achieved by taking the perturbation analysis one step further O(∊4). The dominant new effect introduced to order ∊4 is the mean flow response to non-uniformities in the radiation stress caused by modulation of a finite amplitude wave.
Caregiver Implemented Dialogic Reading: Impact on Children with and without Autism in Brazil

There is evidence about the effectiveness of using caregiver-implemented, shared book reading protocols for mitigating language and literacy deficits in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). In Brazil, studies of this nature are scarce but essential for identifying successful early intervention practices for a population that has significantly grown in the last three decades. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the effects of Reading to Engage Children with Autism in Language and Learning (RECALL), an intervention protocol that employs dialogic reading principles on the language and literacy skills of a 3-year-old child with ASD and a 4-year-old typically developing peer. Using a single-subject A-B research design, the effects of RECALL, employed by mothers, on their children's responses were evaluated. The results revealed that: (a) average effect size for strategy use following caregiver training was large for the mother of the child with ASD (Tau-U = 0,7) and moderate for the mother of the typically developing child (Tau-U = 0,5) ; (b) both children became more responsive, significantly increasing the frequency of communication interactions following caregiver intervention (Tau-U = 1); (d) the child with typical development showed an increase in the frequency of correct and spontaneous responses, and (c) the intervention was positively evaluated by the caregivers. Adaptations of the protocol, as well as its limitations, are discussed.
Prevalence of Latent Tuberculosis Infection among Patients Undergoing Regular Hemodialysis in Disenfranchised Communities: A Multicenter Study during COVID-19 Pandemic

Background and Objectives: Due to their weakened immune response, hemodialysis (HD) patients with latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) are at higher risk for active tuberculosis (TB) disease and are more subject to patient-to-patient transmission within dialysis units. Consequently, current guidelines advocate screening these patients for LTBI. To our knowledge, the epidemiology of LTBI in HD patients has never been examined before in Lebanon. In this context, this study aimed to determine LTBI prevalence among patients undergoing regular HD in Northern Lebanon and to identify potential factors associated with this infection. Notably, the study was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, which is likely to have catastrophic effects on TB and increase the risk of mortality and hospitalization in HD patients. Materials and Methods: A multicenter cross-sectional study was carried out in three hospital dialysis units in Tripoli, North Lebanon. Blood samples and sociodemographic and clinical data were collected from 93 HD patients. To screen for LTBI, all patient samples underwent the fourth-generation QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus assay (QFT-Plus). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify the predictors of LTBI status in HD patients. Results: Overall, 51 men and 42 women were enrolled. The mean age of the study population was 58.3 ± 12.4 years. Nine HD patients had indeterminate QFT-Plus results and were therefore excluded from subsequent statistical analysis. Among the remaining 84 participants with valid results, QFT-Plus was positive in 16 patients, showing a positivity prevalence of 19% (95% interval for p: 11.3%, 29.1%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that LTBI was significantly associated with age [OR = 1.06; 95% CI = 1.01 to 1.13; p = 0.03] and a low-income level [OR = 9.29; 95% CI = 1.62 to 178; p = 0.04]. Conclusion: LTBI was found to be prevalent in one in five HD patients examined in our study. Therefore, effective TB control measures need to be implemented in this vulnerable population, with special attention to elderly patients with low socioeconomic status.
Fluorescence characterization of water-driven self-assembled lipids and their temperature-induced phase transitions

Water-driven self-assembly of lipids displays a variety of liquid crystalline phases that are crucial for membrane functions. In this work, we characterized the temperature-induced phase transitions in aqueous self-assembly systems using steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence measurements. The polar head group region was investigated using tryptophan (Trp) and two of its ester derivatives, and the hydrophobic tail region was probed using pyrene. The spectral changes in tryptophan and pyrene were used as a benchmark to estimate the polarity of the head group region and the tail region, respectively. A basic medium was detected and estimated for the polar region in the inverse cubic phase of a Guerbet glycolipid and was attributed to the structural effect of the narrow nanochannels. All the studied lipid compositions show completely reversible temperature-induced phase transitions, reflecting the thermodynamic equilibrium structures of their mesophases. The results reveal a large degree of heterogeneity and flexibility of the lipid self-assembly which may be crucial for carrying out different biological functions.
Multiple Outflows and Protostars in Barnard 1

Using optical (Hα and [S II]), near-IR (H2 and Ks), and submillimeter (850 and 450 μm) data, we have examined the region surrounding the Barnard 1 (B1) core and found a multitude of new shocks from protostellar outflows. We trace several flows, some of which are large, parsec-scale outflows with dynamic ages of order 104 yr, indicating that star formation has been taking place in B1 for at least that long. We can confidently identify eight protostars that are driving outflows. Of those eight protostars, one source, SMM 2 (SMM J033330+31095) is a new Class 0 source, giving B1 a total of three Class 0 protostars. Based on the number of shocks and protostars in this region, B1 appears to be a much more active region of star formation than previously thought. The number of shocks is comparable to or greater than those of other active star-forming regions in Perseus (e.g., IC 348, L1455, and L1448).
The Confidence of and Concern about Using Mobile Banking among Generation Z: A Case of the Post COVID-19 Situation in Thailand

This research paper focuses on mobile banking acceptance among Generation Z users by combining the technology acceptance model (TAM) and the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) theory, as well as extending the theories with perceived trust and risk. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the online questionnaire survey was distributed using Google Forms, and the sample group was Thai Generation Z who were aged between 18 and 25 years old. The research objectives aim to (i) investigate the crucial effects that potentially affect user intention and actual usage of mobile banking, (ii) identify the most influential factor impacting users’ intention and behavior, (iii) further study the trust and risk perception of Generation Z users on mobile-banking intention and actual usage, (iv) discuss the findings with the antecedent studies, and (v) contribute the research findings both theoretically and practically. The proposed constructs include perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, social influence, facilitating conditions, perceived trust, perceived risk, behavioral intention, and actual usage. There are fourteen proposed hypotheses to be tested. Based on the outcomes and the standardized coefficient beta, perceived usefulness (β = 0.518) was the strongest factor determining Generation Z’s behavioral intention, while perceived ease of use (β = 0.809) impacting perceived usefulness demonstrated the strongest relationship among all of the hypotheses.
Optical observations of the broad-lined type Ic supernova SN 2012ap

The optical observations of the type Ic supernova (SN Ic) SN 2012ap in NGC 1729 are presented. A comparison with other SNe Ic indicates that SN 2012ap is highly reddened (with E(B — V)host∼0.8 mag) and may represent one of the most luminous SNe Ic ever observed, with an absolute V-band peak magnitude of ∼ −19.3±0.5 mag after extinction correction. The near-maximum-light spectrum shows wide spectral features that are typical of broad-lined SNe Ic. One interesting feature in the spectrum is the appearance of some narrow absorption features that can be attributed to the diffuse interstellar bands, consistent with the large reddening inferred from the photometric method. Based on the light curves and the spectral data, we estimate that SN 2012ap produced a 56Ni mass of ∼ 0.3 ± 0.1M⊙ 1 in the explosion, with an ejecta mass of 2.4−0.7+0.7M⊙ and a kinetic energy of EK = 1.1−0.4+0.4 × 1052 erg. The properties of its progenitor are also briefly discussed.
Prevalence and Abundance of Beta-Lactam Resistance Genes in Hospital Wastewater and Enterobacterales Wastewater Isolates

Antimicrobial resistance may develop in nature including in hospital wastewater through horizontal genetic transfer. Few studies were conducted on the antimicrobial resistance genes in hospital wastewater and wastewater isolates in Indonesia. The prevalence and abundance of beta-lactam resistance genes in hospital wastewater and Enterobacterales wastewater isolates were investigated. Twelve wastewater samples were collected from an influent wastewater treatment plant. Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were isolated from the wastewater samples by culture-based methods. DNA was extracted from wastewater samples and the isolates. Nineteen beta-lactam resistance genes were tested by a high throughput qRT-PCR method. blaGES and blaTEM were the most abundant genes detected in hospital wastewater and Escherichia coli, respectively (p < 0.001). The relative abundance of blaCMY_2, blaCTX-M5, blaCTX-M8, blaGES, blaNDM, and blaSHV11 in Klebsiella pneumoniae was higher than in the wastewater and Escherichia coli (p < 0.001; p = 0.006; p = 0.012; p < 0.001; p = 0.005; p < 0.001). Klebsiella pneumoniae might be associated with resistance to piperacillin/tazobactam, ceftriaxone, and cefepime (p < 0.001; p = 0.001; p < 0.001). In conclusion, ESBL genes showed higher abundance than carbapenemase genes in hospital wastewater samples. The ESBL-producing bacteria that were predominantly found in hospital wastewater may originate from clinical specimens. The culture-independent antibiotic resistance monitoring system might be developed as an early warning system for the increasing beta-lactam resistance level in clinical settings.
Applied Nonparametric Regression

Applied Nonparametric Regression is the first book to bring together in one place the techniques for regression curve smoothing involving more than one variable. The computer and the development of interactive graphics programs have made curve estimation possible. This volume focuses on the applications and practical problems of two central aspects of curve smoothing: the choice of smoothing parameters and the construction of confidence bounds. HA¤rdle argues that all smoothing methods are based on a local averaging mechanism and can be seen as essentially equivalent to kernel smoothing. To simplify the exposition, kernel smoothers are introduced and discussed in great detail. Building on this exposition, various other smoothing methods (among them splines and orthogonal polynomials) are presented and their merits discussed. All the methods presented can be understood on an intuitive level; however, exercises and supplemental materials are provided for those readers desiring a deeper understanding of the techniques. The methods covered in this text have numerous applications in many areas using statistical analysis. Examples are drawn from economics as well as from other disciplines including medicine and engineering.
300-Gb/s/λ IM/DD Transmission Using Integrated SiP OTDM Transmitter

We fabricate an integrated silicon-photonic (SiP) 2-channel optical-time-division-multiplexing (OTDM) transmitter, which is operable with a sinusoidally modulated input light source. This SiP transmitter consists of two Mach-Zehnder modulators (MZMs), two <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$1 \times 2$ </tex-math></inline-formula> multimode interferometer (MMI) couplers, a time-delay line (TDL), and a thermo-optic phase shifter (TOPS). The 3-dB bandwidth of these MZMs is measured to be as large as 60 GHz. However, due to the limited bandwidths of the various components used in our experiment, the overall bandwidth of each OTDM channel is reduced to <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\sim $ </tex-math></inline-formula>35 GHz. Nevertheless, by using this SiP transmitter, we could demonstrate the transmission of a 300-Gb/s OTDM pulse-amplitude modulation 8-level (PAM8) signal over 500 m of the standard single-mode fiber (SSMF). We also confirm that the fabricated SiP OTDM transmitter can be utilized even with the fabrication fluctuations of the TDL.
Prevalence and Determinants of Work-Related Injuries Among Healthcare Workers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Background and objective Work-related injuries (WRIs) are a major occupational health issue among healthcare workers (HCWs) worldwide. Unsafe work environments, including physical, chemical, and biological hazards, are significant contributing factors to WRIs. However, the prevalence of WRIs among HCWs in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and their associated risk factors remain largely unexplored. In light of this, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of WRIs and associated risk factors among HCWs in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Methods This was an analytic cross-sectional study conducted at secondary hospitals of the Ministry of Health (MOH) in Jeddah by using a self-administered questionnaire to measure the prevalence of WRIs and their related factors. The Chi-squared test was used to compare variables. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The study involved 387 participants, of whom 283 (73.1%) were female. Most of the participants (n=226, 58.4%) agreed that personal protective equipment (PPE) was always available at their hospitals. Approximately two-thirds (n=251, 64.9%) agreed that they always used PPE. The overall prevalence of WRIs was 52%, with back injuries (32.6%), eye/mouth splashes (20.4%), and needle stick injuries (19.9%) being the most common. Years of work experience (p=0.014), type of profession (p<0.001), training in safety management (p=0.028), working hours (p=0.0001), working shifts (p=0.001), PPE availability (p=0.010), and sharp container availability (p=0.030) were significantly associated with WRIs. Conclusion This study revealed a high prevalence of WRIs among HCWs in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with back injuries, eye/mouth splashes, and needle stick injuries being the most common types. The study also found that the injuries were significantly associated with the type of profession, experience, work hours, and shifts as well as the availability of safety management and equipment such as sharp containers and PPE.
Chemical Composition, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities and Acute Toxicity of Cedrus atlantica, Chenopodium ambrosioides and Eucalyptus camaldulensis Essential Oils

The essential oils yield of Cedrus atlantica, Chenopodium ambrosioides and Eucalyptus camaldulensis was different. C. ambrosioides gave a relatively higher yield (2.1 ± 0.1%), while that of C. atlantica was low (1.0 ± 0.1%) and that of E. camaldulensis was lower (0.75 ± 0.1% of dry matter). The active ingredients of the essential oils and some of their biological effects were also determined. The characterization of their chemical compositions showed that the three essences have different chemical profiles: C. atlantica was richer in sesquiterpenes (β-Himachalene (54.21%) and γ -Himachalene (15.54%)), C. ambrosioides was very rich in monoterpene peroxides and monoterpenes (α-Terpinene (53.4%), ascaridole (17.7%) and ρ-Cymene (12.1%)) and E. camaldulensis was very rich in monoterpene compounds and monoterpenols (p-cymene (35.11%), γ-Eudesmol (11.9%), L-linalool (11.51%) and piperitone (10.28%)). The in vitro measurement of antioxidant activity by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) reduction assay showed a significant performance of the eucalyptus oil and average performance of the other two (C. atlantica and C. ambrosioides). The in vitro bio-test for their antimicrobial effects showed that the antibacterial activity differed depending on the essential oil and the concentration used, and that their bactericidal efficacy was similar or superior to that of synthetic antibiotics. The toxicity test on rats revealed that the LD50 of the three essential oils was 500 mg/kg body weight, which classifies them as category four cytotoxic natural products at high doses.
Seroprevalence of and Risk Factors for Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Cats from Greece

Simple Summary Toxoplasmosis is one of the most important protozoan diseases with a global impact on the health of domestic cats and with zoonotic significance. A total of 457 cats were prospectively enrolled, and a commercially available indirect immunofluorescence antibody testing kit was used for the detection of anti-Toxoplasma gondii immunoglobulin G in serum. Overall, 95 (20.8%) of the 457 cats were seropositive for T. gondii. The results of this study indicate that older cats and cats with a history of cat-fight trauma are at the greatest risk for T. gondii-seropositivity. Furthermore, lack of vaccination against calicivirus, herpesvirus-1, panleukopenia, and rabies was identified as a risk factor for T. gondii seropositivity. This study shows a high prevalence of seropositivity for T. gondii in cats in Greece. This implies that toxoplasmosis is still a major public health concern and that optimal strategies for the prevention of infection with T. gondii in cats should be established. Abstract Toxoplasmosis is one of the most important protozoan diseases with a global impact on the health of domestic cats and with zoonotic significance. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of seropositivity for Toxoplasma gondii in different populations of cats in Greece and to assess risk factors for seropositivity. A total of 457 cats were prospectively enrolled, and a commercially available indirect immunofluorescence antibody testing (IFAT) kit was used for the detection of anti-T. gondii immunoglobulin G (IgG) in serum. Overall, 95 (20.8%) of the 457 cats were seropositive for T. gondii. Based on multivariate analysis, factors associated with seropositivity included older age [Odds ratio (OR), 1.33; p < 0.001]; a history of cat-fight trauma (OR, 3.88; p = 0.004); and lack of vaccination against calicivirus, herpesvirus-1, panleukopenia, and rabies (OR, 10; p = 0.002). This study shows a high prevalence of seropositivity for T. gondii in cats in Greece. This implies that toxoplasmosis is still a major public health concern and that optimal strategies for the prevention of infection with T. gondii in cats should be established.