Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Response of Donor-Derived Cell-Free DNA Following Treatment of Acute Rejection in Kidney Allografts.

Background The quantification of rejection treatment efficacy has been insufficient using traditional markers due, in part, to the lagging response of serum creatinine and histologic alterations on biopsy specimens. Donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) is a molecular marker of injury that may assess allograft injury after rejection. Methods Retrospective review of the DART study identified 70 patients who had a clinically indicated biopsy, simultaneous dd-cfDNA measurement, and at least one follow-up dd-cfDNA within 3 months post-treatment. Thirty-five patients had no biopsy-proven rejection and no rejection treatment (NR), 16 patients had no biopsy-proven rejection but did receive rejection treatment (CR), 9 patients had diagnosis of ABMR/mixed rejection on biopsy and received rejection treatment (ABMR), and 10 patients had diagnosis of TCMR and received rejection treatment (TCMR). The CR, ABMR, and TCMR groups combined to form a rejection (R) group. Results In the R group, median dd-cfDNA values at baseline and 1 month were 0.62% and 0.35% (n=21 pairs, p=0.34), and at baseline and 2-3 months were 0.77% and 0.21% (n=23 pairs, p=0.002). In TCMR, median dd-cfDNA values at baseline and 1 month were 1.13% and 0.37% (n=5 pairs, p=0.63), and at baseline and 2-3 months were 0.25% and 0.12% (n=9 pairs, p=0.004). In ABMR, median dd-cfDNA values at baseline and 1 month were 1.61% and 1.2 % (n=6 pairs, p>0.99), and at baseline and 2-3 months were 3.85% and 1.32% (n=6 pairs, p=0.09). In CR, median dd-cfDNA values at baseline and 1 month were 0.31% and 0.29% (n=10 pairs, p=0.38), and at baseline and 2-3 months were 0.38% and 0.17% (n=8 pairs, p=0.31). Lastly, in NR, median dd-cfDNA values at baseline and 1 month were 0.23% and 0.18% (n=21 pairs, p=0.10), and at baseline and 2-3 months were 0.33% and 0.17% (n=26 pairs, p=0.003). Changes in serum creatinine across 1 month and 2-3 months following rejection were similar. Conclusions dd-cfDNA may be a useful dynamic biomarker to assess the health of the kidney allograft following rejection treatment.
Motivation, self-efficacy beliefs, and speaking anxiety in language MOOCs

Abstract This paper examines the role of motivation, anxiety, and self-efficacy beliefs and their interplay with regard to speaking on beginners’ Spanish LMOOCs. It answers three research questions: (1) what are learners’ motivations and goals for joining these LMOOCs and how do these relate to foreign language speaking anxiety; (2) how do learners’ self-efficacy beliefs and anxiety levels change as a result of course completion; and (3) is there a correlation between motivation, foreign language speaking anxiety, and self-efficacy beliefs in this context? A mixed-methods research design used quantitative and qualitative data gathered from self-reflective questionnaires and forum discussions. The results reveal that learners with intrinsic motivation are more likely to complete the courses than those who sign up to manage a personal situation or advance in their career or studies. No direct correlation was, however, found between motivation and the other variables under scrutiny. Learners present higher self-efficacy beliefs at the end of the courses than at the beginning, while anxiety levels are affected to a much smaller degree by course completion. Although spoken interactions in this learning environment are not synchronous, apprehension and anxiety prevent many learners from fully participating in the speaking activities.
Physical and photocatalytic properties of laser fabricated crystalline TiO2 at low temperatures

We report on an extensive study of the deposition of titanium dioxide layers by pulsed laser deposition at either room temperature or at 200°C (300°C, 400°C, 500°C) from pure titanium and titanium dioxide targets. Some amorphous samples were annealed by the rapid thermal annealing method. The study is focused on the effect of variation of pressure of the reactive oxygen and the inert argon atmospheres, and the mixtures of both. The laser fluency varied in the range 2 J/cm 2 to 9 J/cm 2 . The crystalline structure was characterized by X-ray diffraction and Raman Spectroscopy and for the study of the surface properties, atomic force microscopy was used. The TiO 2 photocatalytic characteristics were determined using 4-chlorphenol solution degradation evaluated by pH measurement. Polycrystalline (anatase, rutile, and brookite) and amorphous layers exhibiting photocatalytic behavior were obtained at low substrate temperatures (200°C).
Effect of Pre-Operatory Low-Level Laser Therapy on Pain, Swelling, and Trismus Associated with Third-Molar Surgery

Abstract Objectives: The extraction of impacted third molars is commonly associated to pain, edema, trismus, limited jaw opening and movements. The objectives of this study is to verify if pre-surgical low-level laser therapy (LLLT) associated with the extraction of impacted lower third molars could add benefits to the postoperative symptoms respect LLLT performed only after surgery. Subjects and Methods: Data from 24 patients subjected to a surgical extraction of lower third molars were pooled and divided into three groups. Patients that received only routine management were inserted in the control group. Group 1, patients received LLLT immediately after surgical removal of third molar and at 24 hours. In group 2 were included patients treated with LLLT immediately before the surgical removal of third molar and immediately after the end of the procedure. Results: Both laser-treated groups were characterized by minor events of post-surgery complications of pain, edema, trismus. Conclusions: Pre-surgical LLLT treatment seems to increase the analgesic effect of LLLT. However, trismus and edema were reduced in both laser treated groups, independently from the period of irradiation.
PREVALENCE OF PSYCHOSEXUAL DYSFUNCTIONS AMONG HEMODIALYSIS MALE PATIENTS

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide public-health problem in which most of the physical functions of the body are affected including sexual function. Apart from physical impacts due to renal failure, there are a number of psychological impacts that may also contribute to changes in sexual functioning. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of psychosexual dysfunctions experienced by hemodialysis male patients. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional research design was conducted in the hemodialysis units at Mansoura Urology and Nephrology Center. The data were collected from 100 hemodialysis male patients who corresponded to the inclusion criteria. Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX) and Psychosexual Dysfunction Questionnaires were used to achieve the purpose of the study. Results: The results indicate that (94%) of the study sample complain of psychosexual dysfunctions. The most prevalent psychosexual dysfunctions are psychosexual discomfort, fatigue, low self-esteem during sex, difficulty in reaching orgasm, difficulty in maintenance erection and low sexual desire while suicidal ideation was the lowest prevalent psychosexual dysfunctions. Conclusion: The vast majority of the study sample has psychosexual dysfunctions. Application of psychiatric liaison nursing program in hemodialysis units is recommended.
Combination of thermal fundamentals and Deep Learning for infrastructure inspections from thermographic images. Preliminary results

The application of Deep Learning (DL) models using the measurements acquired by Non-Destructive Testing (NTD) tools as input data stands as a versatile solution for highly automated analysis. However, DL models using thermal images as input data are quite scarce when it comes to analysing defects in medium-and large-scale bodies. Therefore, this paper proposes the application of a thermal criterion and a DL model, Mask R-CNN, in thermal images acquired from different infrastructures with thermal bridges and moisture. The thermal criterion is first applied to the input data, showing its utility to improve DL models performance
THE EFFECT OF BUDGET PARTICIPATION, BUDGET PLANNING AND CLARITY OF BUDGET GOALS ON PERFORMANCE WITH ENVIRONMENTAL UNCERTAINTY AS MODERATING VARIABLES

A budget is needed in planning and controlling the finances of an organization. The budget is expected to be a framework for assessing the performance of a person or organization, including schools. In supporting the poor, the Indonesian government issued a Bantuan Operasional Sekolah (BOS) fund program. BOS funds are specifically intended to support school operational costs so that free services can be provided for all students who are classified as poor. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of budget participation, budget planning, and clarity of budget objectives on school performance in Indonesia in the use of BOS funds from the government, as well as the effect of environmental uncertainty as a moderating variable. Data were obtained using questionnaires which were distributed to 114 respondents. The SEM (Structural Equation Modeling) with the SmartPLS 3.0 program was used for data analysis. The results show that budget participation, clarity of budget goals, and environmental uncertainty do not influence performance. Budget planning has a positive influence on performance. Environmental uncertainty does not moderate the influence of budget participation, budget planning and clarity of budget goals on performance. This study has implications for the government that the role of the school members who participate in the preparation of the budget, based on the School Based Management system, should be regulated. Specifically, the regulations should be clearly indicated in the Regulation of the Minister of Education and Culture of the Republic of Indonesia 2018 so that the participation of school members can increase school performance.
Managing the Obligation to Stay through Employee Involvement, Recognition and AMO Model: A Study Among Millennial Employees

Manuscript type: Research paper Research aims: The aim of this paper is to investigate the impact of human resource practices, namely employee involvement and employee recognition, on normative commitments. It also attempts to determine the role of the ability, motivation and opportunity (AMO) model as a mediator in the relationship associated with human resource practices, and normative commitments. Design/Methodology/Approach: Data were collected across 168 employees, working in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Selangor, Malaysia. Structural equation modelling with bootstrapping estimation was used to predict and estimate the relationships. Research findings: The results indicate that both employee involvement and employee recognition have a significant impact on the normative commitment. This study however, indicates no mediation effect on both of these relationships. Theoretical contribution/Originality: This study seeks to compliment and extend the human resource (HR) practice and organisational commitment literature base by incorporating the AMO model as a mediation variable. Practitioner/Policy implication: The underlying messages to HR practitioners and also SMEs owners are that employee involvement and employee recognition are amongst the most important HR practices to be employed in the current working environment, which will soon be dominated by the millennials. Organisations should focus on exhibiting a great working environment that involves employees in daily work activities, and promotes recognition programmes that motivates employees’ retention rates. Research limitation: Data were collected through the use of a questionnaire in a designated period of time, and did not permit causal inferences. Moreover, it only focusses on service sectors of SMEs, and therefore the results may not be as generalised as one sought it to be.
Occurrence of tosudite in the Guezouman, Tarat and Tchirezrine 2 formations, hosts of uranium deposits in Niger (Tim Mersoï basin)

Abstract Tosudite, a regularly interstratified chlorite-smectite, crystallizes as an alteration mineral of several preexisting Al-bearing silicates (feldspars, kaolin minerals, chlorites) present in arkosic sandstones hosted in uranium deposits in Niger. X-ray diffraction patterns show a sharp superstructure at 29-29.6 Å for an air-dried state and a peak at 30.8-31.6 Å following ethylene glycol solvation. The 060 reflection at 1.507-1.509 Å indicates an overall dioctahedral character, and the very low coefficient of variation of the d00l reflections for the solvated mineral (0.03-0.13) permits validation of the regular interstratification justifying its identification as tosudite. Microprobe analysis allowed specification of the component layers of this mixed-layer mineral. The chlorite is a di-trioctahedral type analogous to sudoite (Si3Al4Mg2(OH)8), and the smectite component is a low-charge montmorillonite type (Si4Al1.67Mg0.33M+0.33(OH)4). Tosudite is characterized by large Al2O3 and MgO contents and small Fe content; its composition corresponds approximately to the formula ((Si7Al)O20(Al4.5Mg2.3Fe3+0.2)M+0.3(OH)10), where octahedral occupancy is ∼7. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations show that tosudite is closely associated with some uranium minerals: tosudite crystallization occurred during a late alteration event which post-dates burial diagenesis and during which uranium was remobilized by Mg-rich oxidizing fluids.
FREQUENCY EFFECTS IN LANGUAGE PROCESSING

This article shows how language processing is intimately tuned to input frequency. Examples are given of frequency effects in the processing of phonology, phonotactics, reading, spelling, lexis, morphosyntax, formulaic language, language comprehension, grammaticality, sentence production, and syntax. The implications of these effects for the representations and developmental sequence of SLA are discussed. Usage-based theories hold that the acquisition of language is exemplar based. It is the piecemeal learning of many thousands of constructions and the frequency-biased abstraction of regularities within them. Determinants of pattern productivity include the power law of practice, cue competition and constraint satisfaction, connectionist learning, and effects of type and token frequency. The regularities of language emerge from experience as categories and prototypical patterns. The typical route of emergence of constructions is from formula, through low-scope pattern, to construction. Frequency plays a large part in explaining sociolinguistic variation and language change. Learners' sensitivity to frequency in all these domains has implications for theories of implicit and explicit learning and their interactions. The review concludes by considering the history of frequency as an explanatory concept in theoretical and applied linguistics, its 40 years of exile, and its necessary reinstatement as a bridging variable that binds the different schools of language acquisition research.
Kurutun Yapılışı ve Bileşimi Üzerine bir Araştırma

Bu arastirmada Trabzon ve Erzurum piyasasindan sansa bagli olarak alinan 13 adet kurut ornegi uzerinde mikrobiyolojik, fiziksel ve kimyasal arastirmalar yapilmistir. Belirlenen degerler ortalama olarak soyledir: Toplam mikroorganizma 8.41x103/g, maya ve kuf 5.005x103; kurumadde, %79.69, yag %10.58, yagsiz kurumadde %69.12, butun kul %10.66, protein %52.89, saf kul %1.40, tuz %9.66, kurumaddede tuz %12.60, kurumaddede yag %13.05, asitlik derecesi 59.75 SH.
Developing critical thinking skills towards biology course using two active learning strategies

This study aimed to identify the impact of teaching critical thinking skills on the attitude towards biology courses among female students of tenth grade in Jordan using two active learning strategies. To achieve this, the Critical Thinking Scale and the Attitude towards Biology Scale was used, and its validity and consistency were verified. The sample of the study wad (90) female students from the tenth grade in Southern Mazar Directorate in the academic year (2019-2020). The sample of this study was randomly assigned to three groups: the first was experimental group which consisted of (31) students who studied the genetics unit using the directed investigation strategy. The second was the experimental group which consisted of (29) students who studied the genetics unit using the discussion strategy, but the control group consisted of (30) students who studied the genetics unit in the usual way. Data were collected and analyzed after implementing the experiment, which lasted for two months. The results showed that there were statistically significant differences in performance on the Critical Thinking Scale and the Attitude towards Biology Scale in favor of the two experimental groups. The study recommended adopting active learning strategies in teaching science courses in general and biology courses, in addition to conducting more studies on active learning strategies with other variables and classrooms.
Relationships between water chemistry and macrophyte chemistry in lotic and lentic environments

A two-year study was carried out a) to describe the particular ecological situation in the Parana River and its floodplain, b) to evaluate the role of Eichhornia crassipes (MART.) SOLMS. (floating macrophyte) and Paspalum repens BERG. (rooted macrophyte) as nutrient reservoirs; c) to assess whether the lotic factor has an influence on the chemical characteristics of plants, and d) to study the influence of vegetation on the physicochemical quality of water. The importance of the E. crassipes rhizosphere as a nutrient retainer was demonstrated. E. crassipes absorbs soluble reactive phosphorus and ammonia for its development during the spring-summer period, but this floating plant has no influence on nutrient concentrations in water during the winter. P. repens had an influence on nutrient concentrations in the water, but a particular pattern could not be established. In both environments, the aquatic plants studied had no significant influence on major ion concentrations in the water during the period considered (ANOVA, two-way, p<0.05). Moving water has a positive influence upon the growth of P. repens. Sediment can be considered as the major nitrogen compartment, water being the second in importance. Sediment must also be considered as the main reservoir for phosphorus followed by macrophytes.
Nitrogen and potassium fertilization on cabbage biometrics and foliar nutritional levels

Among the most absorbed nutrients by cabbage, nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) are the most extracted; thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the responses of N and K fertilization on the cabbage biometrics and foliar levels of macro and micronutrients. Four N doses (0, 75, 150, 300 kg ha -1 of N) and four K doses (0, 75, 150, 300 kg ha -1 of K 2 O). Biometrics of cabbage head (height, circumference and diameter) and productivity were evaluated. The cabbage levels of macro and micronutrients were also evaluated in leaves of plants at the phenological stage of head-formation. Nitrogen fertilization did not significantly affect the variables evaluated mostly due to the great natural fertility of the experimental soil area. This lack of response highlights the importance of constant monitoring of the nutritional status of the productive area to avoid non-necessary N fertilization. The lowest Mg leaf content was observed at 88 kg ha -1 of K 2 O, after which the Mg leaf content increased. The foliar Zn was reduced in doses after 133 kg ha -1 of K 2 O. The cabbage head diameter and circumference decreased with the increase of the K 2 O doses. The cabbage head height increased up to 128 kg ha -1 of K 2 O. The decreasing sequence of the macro and micronutrient levels in cabbage leaves followed the sequence K>Ca>N>S>Mg>P and Mn>Fe>B>Zn>Cu regardless of the level of the factors applied.
Crystallization and control of sodium salt scales in black liquor concentrators

In this report on a four-year study, the researchers identify a double salt of Na 2 CO 3 and Na 2 SO 4 that crystallizes in most kraft black liquors. This double salt causes soluble scale fouling in high-solids black liquor concentrators. Calcium ion inhibits the primary nucleation of the newly identified double salt, which could be used to help control soluble scaling through the development of nucleation or crystal growth inhibitors. Careful control of the Na 2 CO 3 and Na 2 SO 4 content of black liquor can also reduce sodium salt fouling in black liquor concentrators. Application: It may be possible to develop crystal nucleation inhibitors or crystal growth inhibitors to prevent dicarbonate scaling.
Determination of Nitrite, Phosphate, and Silicate by Valveless Continuous Analysis with a Bubble-Free Flow Cell and Spectrophotometric Detection

ABSTRACT A continuous flow analysis system, composed of a 1.2-cm laboratory-made antibubble flow cell and a spectrophotometer, was established. The system was evaluated for the determination of nitrite, phosphate, and silicate. Different from flow injection analysis and other flow analysis modes, an injection or multiposition valve was not needed. Even better, the system was free from interferences from air bubbles without the use of a debubbler device or electronic bubble gate. Without the formation of air bubbles, the chemical reaction was accelerated using a water bath. The experimental parameters for nutrient analysis, including reagent concentration, flow strategy, flow rate, and reaction temperature, were optimized based on a univariate experimental design. The carry-over effect was comprehensively evaluated and may be ignored using this protocol. The established system and analytical methods were especially suitable for laboratories with only basic instruments and limited budgets. The system had the advantages of high sample throughput (>60 h−1); great convenience without valve utilization; long linear dynamic ranges (0.2–80 µM for nitrite, 0.3–14 µM for phosphate, and 0.5–120 µM for silicate); low detection limits (0.06 µM for nitrite, 0.08 µM for phosphate, and 0.11 µM for silicate); and high recovery values (91.5 ± 1.01 to 108.7 ± 3.18%). In addition to water samples, national reference materials were analyzed, and the results were in good agreement with the certified values.
Diversity, composition and distribution of lichens along elevational gradients in the tropical mountain forest of Gunung Nuang, Selangor, Malaysia

This study aims to explore how lichen diversity, composition and distribution vary with altitude, and environmental factors (temperature and relative humidity). The study was conducted in the forest of Gunung Nuang, Selangor at five sites (at different altitudes) which were chosen as sampling stations. Forty-four lichen species were identified. Their diversity, composition and distribution correlated significantly with the forest’s altitude and environmental factors, increasing at higher altitudes. While Graphidaceae and Physciaceae species were present at all altitudes, the dominant species changed according to altitude: some species of Parmeliaceae were found only at higher altitudes (601–1 493 m), while C. xanthina and a few species from Physciaceae were present only at lower altitudes (0–600m). These findings will provide additional information about the lichens of the tropical montane forest of Malaysia, enhancing knowledge on how to manage and sustain lichens in this type of forest. Research eco.mont – Volume 13, Number 1, January 2021 ISSN 2073-106X pr int vers ion – ISSN 2073-1558 onl ine vers ion: ht tp://epub.oeaw. ac.at/eco.mont ht tps://dx.doi. org/10.1553/eco.mont-13-1s4 4