Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Flow Focusing Droplet Generation Using Linear Vibration

Flow focusing microchannels are widely used in droplet generation mechanisms. In this paper, the effect of linear vibration on the flow pattern in a flow focusing structure and the corresponding formed droplets were numerically investigated using COMSOL Multiphysics software. The results showed that vibration can be very effective on droplet formation, if the governing parameters such as vibration frequency and flow ratio are chosen accurately. This low-cost technique can be used in a wide range of applications such as drug delivery systems.
Human Milk Macronutrients and Bioactive Molecules and Development of Regional Fat Depots in Western Australian Infants during the First 12 Months of Lactation

We investigated associations between intakes of human milk (HM) components (macronutrients and biologically active molecules) and regional fat depots development in healthy term infants (n = 20) across the first year of lactation. Infant limb (mid-arm and mid-thigh) lean and fat areas were assessed by ultrasound imaging at 2, 5, 9 and 12 months of age. Concentrations of HM total protein, whey protein, casein, adiponectin, leptin, lysozyme, lactoferrin, secretory IGA, total carbohydrates, lactose, HM oligosaccharides (total HMO, calculated) and infant 24-h milk intake were measured, and infant calculated daily intakes (CDI) of HM components were determined. This pilot study shows higher 24-h milk intake was associated with a larger mid-arm fat area (p = 0.024), higher breastfeeding frequency was associated with larger mid-arm (p = 0.008) and mid-thigh (p < 0.001) fat areas. Lysozyme (p = 0.001) and HMO CDI (p = 0.004) were time-dependently associated with the mid-arm fat area. Intakes of HM components and breastfeeding parameters may modulate infant limb fat depots development during the first year of age and potentially promote favorable developmental programming of infant body composition; however, further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
ICT and e-learning in higher education in Croatia: strategies and current state

Strategic planning in higher education is an integral part of achieving goals and fulfilling multiple roles higher education institutions hold. This paper examines current state in strategic planning in Croatian higher education institutions considering a special case study. Further on, results of a nationwide survey on ICT and e-learning use in HEI are qualitatively analysed and the current state of e-learning application, as well as expected gains from e-learning on HEI level are presented. Finally, suggestions for further research are laid out, as this paper is only a foundation for further research in this area.
Diseases Severity, Genetic Variation, and Pathogenicity of Ceratocystis Wilt on Lansium domesticum in South Sumatra, Indonesia

Ceratocystis wilt disease has caused significant mortality in duku (Lansium domesticum) since 2014 and has now spread to all districts in South Sumatra, Indonesia. Recently, 16 isolates from duku representing populations from various districts in South Sumatra were isolated. Analysis for the morphological characteristic of the isolate showed that the population has a uniform morphology. Genetic analysis based on internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and β-tubulin sequences verified that the population has being dominated by the ITS5 haplotype of Ceratocystis fimbriata and a new ITS group, the ITS7b haplotype that was localized in Musi Banyuasin. Both haplotypes were highly pathogenic to duku. Inoculation tests on various forest and agroforestry plant hosts showed that both haplotypes were highly pathogenic to Acacia mangium, moderately pathogenic to Acacia carsicarpa, Eucalyptus urophylla, and Melaleuca cajuputi, but weakly pathogenic to Dyera costulata, Hevea brasiliensis, and Alstonia scholaris. Therefore, this pathogen becomes a serious threat to Indonesia’s biodiversity due to its ability to infect forest and agroforestry plants, especially the indigenous ones.
Investigation of the Views' of the Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder on Suspending Special Education during the Covid-19 Pandemic Process

This study aims to examine the views of mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on curfew and suspension of special education during the Covid-19 pandemic. This research was carried out with the mothers of children with ASD who attend a special education center in Gaziosmanpasa, Istanbul. The research is a qualitative study conducted in the phenomenology pattern. "Personal Information Form" and "Semi-Structured Interview Form" prepared by the researchers were used to collect the data, and face-to-face interviews were conducted with the mothers. The analysis of the data was made with the content analysis method. According to the results obtained from the research findings, it was determined that suspension of special education due to Covid-19 has positive and negative effects on children with ASD. When the positive effects are examined, it has been revealed that the pandemic has mostly experienced changes in family relations on children with ASD. The area with the highest negative effects was reported as behavioral problems.
Integrating Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Approaches to Decipher the Multi-Target Pharmacological Mechanism of Abrus precatorius L. Acting on Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a notable health care load that imposes a serious impact on the quality of life of patients. The small amount of reported data and multiple spectra of pathophysiological mechanisms of T2DM make it a challenging task and serious economic burden in health care management. Abrus precatorius L. is a slender, perennial, deciduous, and woody twining plant used in various regions of Asia to treat a variety of ailments, including diabetes mellitus. Various in vitro studies revealed the therapeutic significance of A. precatorius against diabetes. However, the exact molecular mechanism remains unclarified. In the present study, a network pharmacology technique was employed to uncover the active ingredients, their potential targets, and signaling pathways in A. precatorius for the treatment of T2DM. In the framework of this study, we explored the active ingredient–target–pathway network and figured out that abrectorin, abrusin, abrisapogenol J, sophoradiol, cholanoic acid, precatorine, and cycloartenol decisively contributed to the development of T2DM by affecting AKT1, MAPK3, TNFalpha, and MAPK1 genes. Later, molecular docking was employed to validate the successful activity of the active compounds against potential targets. Lastly, we conclude that four highly active constituents, namely, abrusin, abrisapogenol J, precatorine, and cycloartenol, help in improving the body’s sensitivity to insulin and regulate the expression of AKT1, MAPK3, TNFalpha, and MAPK1, which may act as potential therapeutic targets of T2DM. Integrated network pharmacology and docking analysis revealed that A. precatorius exerted a promising preventive effect on T2DM by acting on diabetes-associated signaling pathways. This provides a basis to understand the mechanism of the anti-diabetes activity of A. precatorius.
Proterozoic supercontinent break-up as a driver for oxygenation events and subsequent carbon isotope excursions

Abstract Oxygen and carbon are 2 elements critical for life on Earth. Earth's most dramatic oxygenation events and carbon isotope excursions (CIE) occurred during the Proterozoic, including the Paleoproterozoic Great Oxidation Event and the associated Lomagundi CIE, the Neoproterozoic Oxygenation event, and the Shuram negative CIE during the late Neoproterozoic. A specific pattern of a long-lived positive CIE followed by a negative CIE is observed in association with oxygenation events during the Paleo- and Neo-proterozoic. We present results from a carbon cycle model designed to couple the surface and interior cycling of carbon that reproduce this pattern. The model assumes organic carbon resides in the mantle longer than carbonate, leading to systematic temporal variations in the δ13C of volcanic CO2 emissions. When the model is perturbed by periods of enhanced continental weathering, increased amounts of carbonate and organic carbon are buried. Increased deposition of organic carbon allows O2 accumulation, while positive CIEs are driven by rapid release of subducted carbonate-derived CO2 at arcs. The subsequent negative CIEs are driven by the delayed release of organic C-derived CO2 at ocean islands. Our model reproduces the sequences observed in the Paleo- and Neo-proterozoic, that is oxygenation accompanied by a positive CIE followed by a negative CIE. Periods of enhanced weathering correspond temporally to supercontinent break-up, suggesting an important connection between global tectonics and the evolution of oxygen and carbon on Earth.
Joint adaptive modulation and power control in cognitive radio networks

Link adaptation is an important issue in the design of cognitive radio networks, which aims at making efficient use of system resources. In this paper, w e propose and investigate a joint adaptive modulati on and power allocation algorithm in cognitive radio netwo rks. Specifically, the modulation scheme and transm it power are adjusted adaptively according to channel conditions, interference limit and target signal-to interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR). As such the t otal power consumption of cognitive users (CUs) is minimized while keeping both the target SINR of CUs and interference to primary user (PU) at an acceptable level. Simulation results are provided t o show that the proposed algorithm achieves a signi ficant gain in power saving.
Participatory science communication for transformation

Participatory science communication featured in several sessions and individual papers at the 2021 online conference of the Public Communication of Science and Technology (PCST) Network. This coverage recognises the drive away from linear communication to more participatory forms of science communication. In this special edition we present practice insights, papers and essays that explore participatory science communication. These contributions explore definitions, processes and describe case-studies of participatory science communication which involve a variety of publics, from young school students to Indigenous groups to farmers. In this introductory editorial we reflect on the papers, describe the growth of a participatory approach as part of the continuing evolution of science communication; explore a definition for participatory science communication; and consider some of the key concepts and issues that emerged.
On Stability of Sustainable Power Systems: Network Fault Response of Transmission Systems with Very High Penetration of Distributed Generation

Power systems are undergoing a historic structural and technological transformation. The increase of distributed generation (DG), recently mostly wind power park modules (WPPMs) and photovoltaic power park modules (PVPPMs), is already changing the way power systems are structured and operated. Distribution systems are turning from ‘passive’ into ‘active’ parts of the system (ADS). This structural and technological transformation influences the power system’s network fault response and stability. This thesis investigates the network fault response of transmission and distribution systems with very high penetration of distributed generation. The impact of DG on transient stability, large disturbance voltage stability, and frequency stability is analysed. The analysis is limited to symmetrical, three-phase network faults only but extended to adequately represent all voltage levels, including DG connected at low voltage (LV). Requirements for the response of DG to network faults are defined in grid connection requirement (GCR). The massive insertion of DG into distribution systems (DSs) leads to new challenges like the regular occurrence of reverse power flow (RPF) from the distribution to transmission level etc. Further, DG is more likely to be exposed to fault-induced delayed voltage recovery (FIDVR) events than transmission and sub-transmission connected generating facilities. The overall objective of this thesis is, therefore, to critically review the necessity and the specification of current and proposed grid connection requirements with regard to the network fault response of transmission systems with very high penetration of distributed generation and to propose changes to the specification where needed. The scientific contributions of this thesis are (1) a proposed comprehensive methodology of aggregation of DGs and dynamic equivalencing to derive highly accurate dynamic equivalent models of ADSs that considers the composition of ADS with DG classes in terms of their technology type and grid code performance (performance legacy); (2) a case study demonstrating that nowadays undervoltage protection schemes for small- and medium-scale DG connected in LV distribution networks may become a risk for power system stability; (3) identification of minimum requirements and improvement of existing grid connection requirements for the network fault response of DG to maintain power system stability.
Teste de reconhecimento de palavras e pseudopalavras: validades de conteúdo e externa

Resumo: O estudo objetiva prover o referencial teórico e as fontes de evidências psicométricas de validade de conteúdo e validade externa para o Teste de Reconhecimento de Palavras (TRP) e o Teste de Reconhecimento de Pseudopalavras (TRPp). Participaram 598 alunos, 52% do sexo masculino, do 2º ao 5º ano do Ensino Fundamental, de 7 a 11 anos, estratificados em 102 salas de aula de oito escolas estaduais. O TRP foi gerado a partir de um banco palavras, analisado via Teoria de Resposta ao Item que, por sua vez, considerou a Acurácia e o Tempo de Reação, com índices de discriminação médio a alto e três níveis de dificuldade (baixa, média e alta). As palavras foram equilibradas com as variáveis psicolinguísticas de: frequência de ocorrência (Alta vs. Baixa), regularidade grafema–fonema (Semi-regulares vs. Irregulares) e extensão (Curto vs. Longo). As pseudopalavras possuem a mesma estrutura ortográfica e número de letras da palavra de referência. Os escores de ambos os instrumentos são dados em Acurácia (porcentagens de palavras lidas corretamente) e Taxa de Acurácia (número de palavras lidas corretamente por minuto). A validade de conteúdo foi fortalecida com as transcrições fonêmicas dos estímulos e com os efeitos de lexicalidade (Palavras vs. Pseudopalavras), frequência, regularidade e extensão significantes. A validade externa convergente, discriminante e de critério foi verificada. Concluiu-se que o TRP e o TRPp demonstraram evidências psicométricas de validade de conteúdo e validade externa satisfatórias. Palavras-chave: Avaliação educacional; Deficiências da aprendizagem; Dislexia; Estudo de validação; Psicometria.
EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES ON THE THERMAL BEHAVIOUR OF A TAPERED ROLLER BEARING ASSEMBLY

The purpose of this paper is to present a description of a twin tapered roller bearing assembly and the measurement systems for carrying out an experimental analysis on the thermal behaviour of the assembly, taking into account mainly the bearing friction torque and the operating temperatures of the shaft, bearings and housing. The results are obtained for a range of rotational speeds and loading conditions. The temperatures of the bearing are taken for the inner and the outer raceways, simultaneously with the guide flange lip/roller and contact .
Occurrence of Antimicrobial Resistance in the Environment in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland: A Narrative Review of Existing Evidence

(1) Background: This study summarizes the current research on antibiotic resistance (AR) in the environment conducted in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland; (2) Methods: A narrative systematic literature review of epidemiological studies based on searches in EMBASE and CAB abstracts (up to 16 June2021) was conducted. Environmental reservoirs included water sources, wastewater, animal husbandry, wildlife, soil, and sediment; (3) Results: Four hundred and four records were screened, and 52 studies were included. Thirteen studies examined aquatic environments, and eleven investigated wastewater. Eight studies investigated both wildlife and animal husbandry. Less evidence was available for sediments, soil, and air. Considerable heterogeneity in research focus, study design, sampling, and measurement of resistance was observed. Resistance to all categories of antimicrobials in the WHO CIA list was identified. Resistance to critically important and highly important substances was reported most frequently; (4) Conclusions: The current research scope presents data-gathering efforts. Usage of a unified protocol for isolate collection, selecting sampling sites, and susceptibility testing is required to provide results that can be compared between the studies and reservoirs. Epidemiological, environmental, and ecological factors should be considered in surveys of the environmental dissemination of AR. Systematic epidemiological studies investigating AR at the interface of human, animal, and environmental health are needed.
Mass Customization and Country-of-Origin Effects

This is a thesis by publication, consisting of three manuscripts. The research is positioned in the area of international marketing and offers a contribution to consumer culture theory. More specifically, it is about country of origin (COO) marketing, differences in product and country evaluation between ethnic subcultural groups living together within the same country, and the moderating role of mass customization (MC) on COO effects. The first manuscript classifies different COO marketing strategies that are employed to communicate the COO of a product or company to customers, and it provides a number of examples from practice. The second manuscript is based on the observation that globalization, international trade, multicultural societies and the introduction of innovative manufacturing strategies such as MC require continuous updating and reassessment of COO constructs and models. To this end, a study from 2003 has been replicated in a different cultural and geographical setting with results supporting the original findings. Finally, the third manuscript bridges the two research streams of COO and MC and provides empirical evidence of the impact of the manufacturing strategy on customers’ product evaluation. To sum up, the following research questions are examined in the three manuscripts: 1) Which different marketing strategies are employed by companies in order to communicate the COO of the company and/or of its brands to customers? 2) Do COO effects vary across subcultures within a country? 3) Does the manufacturing strategy (mass production vs. MC) have a moderating effect on the relationship between COO and consumer’s product evaluation?
Depression as a Risk Factor for Dementia among aged People with Type 2 Diabetes

Objective: The aim of this study is to detect the relation between depression and dementia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods: Clinically diagnosed Type 2 diabetes underwent screening for depression using Beck's Depression Inventory scale and subsequent risk of dementia defined using medical reports, prescription data and death certificates. The mediating act of inflammation systemically was measured by assessing three inflammatory markers (C reactive protein, ESR and Fibrinogen). Results: The study was conducted on 102 diabetic type 2 patients, included 48 males and 54 females. Patients divided into 12 (11.7%) patients with depression and 90 (88.3%) patients without depression (mean age 61±8.6 and 60.9±9.2 respectively). Mean BMI (body mass index) in depressive patients was 33.5 ± 9.3 and was 31.9 ± 8.9 in non-depressive cases (P value 0.01). There were no significant differences in patients with and without depression regarding the presence of hypertension, hyperlipidemia and smoking as risk factors of dementia. Patients with depression had significant impaired cognition and the total MoCA (Montereal Cognitive Assessment) scores were significantly lower than those of patients without depression (23.21 ± 3.48 vs 26.34 ± 3.78, P <0.05). Complication of diabetes in patients with depression as neuropathy was significant (P value 0.005). Other complications as diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy were non-significant. Inflammatory markers levels in patients with depressive symptoms were significantly higher (P value < 0.01). Conclusion: In patients with type 2 diabetes, there is an important association between dementia and depression. Systemic inflammation had a significant role in the relation between depression and dementia.
Construction of MicroRNA-mRNA Regulatory Network in the Molecular Mechanisms of Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis

Bleomycin is a common antitumor agent used to treat many different types of malignancies; however, its main side effect is pulmonary fibrosis. The mechanism of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis (BIPF) has not been fully elucidated. Therefore, to further explore the molecular mechanisms of BIPF, we screened for microRNA (miRNA) and mRNA expression obtained from BIPF samples from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Subsequently, we identified the differentially expressed miRNAs and genes that overlapped with the differentially expressed miRNAs target genes, predicted by using the miRWalk database selected as a candidate. The candidate genes were visualized based on Gene Ontology and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses. A protein-protein interaction network was constructed. Hub differentially expressed genes were selected and corresponding miRNAs to construct a miRNA-mRNA regulation network. Then, we chose three key miRNAs to study their regulatory relationship in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Finally, mouse lung epithelial cells TC-1 and MLE-12 were treated with bleomycin with qPCR to validate the results of three important hub genes and all key miRNAs. And dual-luciferase report experiment was carried out to verify the interaction of mmu-miR-1946a and serpina3n. The results revealed that the imbalance of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) plays a pivotal role in the occurrence and development of BIPF. In addition, Serpina3n and mmu-miR-1946a were proved interaction and may be involved in the regulation of the balance between MMP-9 and TIMP-1. The experimental results also verify the analysis. Our findings provide new insights into the key mediators and pathways related to the molecular mechanisms of BIPF.
OCT Macular Changes in Amblyopic Children

Background: Amblyopia is defined as a decrease in best-corrected visual acuity in one or both eyes that is not solely due to a defect in the structure of the eye. This study aimed to investigate the OCT changes occurring in the amblyopic eye retina compared to normal eye. Methods: This prospective study was carried out on 30 cases diagnosed with amblyopia using the better eye as a control. Patients were subjected to Assessment (visual acuity was measured by Landolt’s chart. Refraction error measured by autorefractometer) and macular analysis. Results: CMT was statistically insignificant difference between amblyopic and non-amblyopic eyes. The difference in AMT between amblyopic and non-amblyopic eyes was statistically significant (p = 0.001). BCVA in different ages before and after treatment was statistically significant difference (P=0.001). The various types of refractive errors of the studied eyes regarding BCVA, before and after treatment was statistically significant difference (P=0.001). Conclusions: CMT and AMT of the amblyopic eye more than the sound eye and after 6 months of patching, there was a decrease in the CMT and AMT of the amblyopic eye.