Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The “Invisible Enemy” SARS-CoV-2: Viral Spread and Drug Treatment

Nowadays, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has become the main subject of the scientific medical world and all World Organizations, causing millions of deaths worldwide. In this review, we have highlighted the context of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, how the virus spreads, the symptoms and complications that may occur, and, especially, the drug treatment of viral infection, with emphasis on monoclonal antibodies. While well-known strains such as Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and, especially, Delta have shown an accelerated transmission among the population, the new Omicron variant (discovered on 24 November 2021) indicates more significant infectiousness and the poor efficacy of monoclonal antibody therapy due to mutations on the spike protein receptor-binding domain. With these discoveries, the experiments began, the first being in silico and in vitro, but these are not enough, and in vivo experiments are needed to see exactly the cause of neutralization of the action of these drugs. Following the documentation of the latest medical and scientific research, it has been concluded that there are many chemical molecules that have the potential to treat SARS-CoV-2 infection, but more detailed clinical trials are needed for their use in therapy. In addition, it is important to consider the structure of the viral strain in the administration of treatment.
Chemical Engineering and Processing: Process Intensification

This paper deals with the measurement and modelling of axial liquid dispersion in a 4.5 mm internal diameter tube provided with smooth-periodic constrictions (meso-tube) in steady and oscillatory flow conditions. The residence time distribution (RTD) in the meso-tube was monitored for a range of fluid oscillation frequency (f) and amplitude (x0) at laminar flow. The RTD response was modelled with three hydrodynamic models: (i) tanks-in-series, (ii) tanks-in-series with backflow and (iii) plug flow with axial dispersion. The steady flow through the meso-tube at flow rates up to 21.30 ml/min resulted in broad RTDs, mainly due to the parabolic velocity profile. The use of fluid oscillations allowed a fine-control of the axial liquid dispersion in the meso-tube due to generation of secondary flow in the regions between the constrictions. The axial dispersion coefficient D was reduced by up to 13-fold in comparison with the steady flow situation. Values of x0 ≤ 1 mm and f = 10 Hz generally resulted in a maximum reduction in axial dispersion through, therefore maximum improvements in RTD. The tanks-in-series model was generally not capable of predicting RTDs in the meso-tube. The potential of this platform for the continuous, sustainable production of added-value products is herein demonstrated.
Sleep-Induced Hypoxia under Flight Conditions: Implications and Countermeasures for Long-Haul Flight Crews and Passengers

Purpose Recuperation during sleep on board of commercial long-haul flights is a safety issue of utmost importance for flight crews working extended duty periods. We intended to explore how sleep and blood oxygenation (in wake versus sleep) are affected by the conditions in an airliner at cruising altitude. Methods Healthy participants’ sleep was compared between 4-h sleep opportunities in the sleep laboratory (n = 23; sleep lab, ie, 53 m above sea level) and in an altitude chamber (n = 20; flight level, ie, 753 hPa, corresponding to 2438 m above sea level). A subgroup of 12 participants underwent three additional conditions in the altitude chamber: 1) 4-h sleep at ground level, 2) 4-h sleep at flight level with oxygen partial pressure equivalent to ground level, 3) 4-h monitored wakefulness at flight level. Sleep structure and blood oxygenation were analysed with mixed ANOVAs. Results Total sleep time at flight level compared to in the sleep laboratory was shorter (Δ mean ± standard error −11.1 ± 4.2 min) and included less N3 sleep (Δ −17.6 ± 5.4 min), while blood oxygenation was decreased. Participants spent 69.7% (± 8.3%) of the sleep period time but only 13.2% (± 3.0%) of monitored wakefulness in a hypoxic state (<90% oxygen saturation). Oxygen enrichment of the chamber prevented oxygen desaturation. Conclusion Sleep – but not wakefulness – under flight conditions induces hypobaric hypoxia which may contribute to impaired sleep. The results caution against the assumption of equivalent crew recovery in-flight and on the ground but hold promise for oxygen enrichment as a countermeasure. The present results have implications for flight safety and possible long-term consequences for health in crews.
Network States Classification based on Local Field Potential Recordings in the Awake Mouse Neocortex

Abstract Recent studies using intracellular recordings in awake behaving mice revealed that cortical network states, defined based on membrane potential features, modulate sensory responses and perceptual outcomes. Single-cell intracellular recordings are difficult and have low yield compared to extracellular recordings of population signals, such as local field potentials (LFPs). However, it is currently unclear how to identify these behaviorally-relevant network states from the LFP. We used simultaneous LFP and intracellular recordings in the somatosensory cortex of awake mice to design a network state classification from the LFP, the Network State Index (NSI). We used the NSI to analyze the relationship between single-cell (intracellular) and population (LFP) signals over different network states of wakefulness. We found that graded levels of population signal faithfully predicted the levels of single-cell depolarization in nonrhythmic regimes whereas, in δ ([2–4 Hz]) oscillatory regimes, the graded levels of rhythmicity in the LFP mapped into a stereotypical oscillatory pattern of membrane potential. Finally, we showed that the variability of network states, beyond the occurrence of slow oscillatory activity, critically shaped the average correlations between single-cell and population signals. Application of the LFP-based NSI to mouse visual cortex data showed that this index increased with pupil size and during locomotion and had a U-shaped dependence on population firing rates. NSI-based characterization provides a ready-to-use tool to understand from LFP recordings how the modulation of local network dynamics shapes the flexibility of sensory processing during behavior.
Theoretical Analysis of Airy–Gauss Bullets Obtained by Means of High Aperture Binary Micro Zonal Plate

We theoretically analyze the methodology for obtaining vectorial three-dimensional bullets, concretely Airy–Gauss bullets. To do this, binary micro zonal plates (BZP) were designed in order to obtain different Airy–Gauss bullets with sub-diffraction main lobe width. Following the vectorial diffraction theory, among the electrical field, we extend the theory to the magnetic field, and thus we analyze several properties such as the Poynting vector and the energy of Airy–Gauss vectorial bullets generated by illuminating the designed BZP with a temporal Gaussian circular polarized pulses.
Optimal power flow tool for hybrid AC/DC systems

This study presents a tool for solving the Optimal Power Flow (OPF) problem in mixed Direct Current (DC) and Alternating Current (AC) systems. It allows to analyse the optimal operation of multiple independent systems, DC connected and linked to the AC system, from a steady state point of view and for several objective functions. The tool, implemented through implemented through MATLAB® Optimization toolbox is benchmarked with another OPF tool, implemented in MATPOWER®. Both tools lead to the same results for the system analysed when minimising losses and one minimising the deviation from a preset voltage profile. A sensitivity analysis is performed to assess the influence of DC and AC grid parameters on the operation of the system.
Reflective benches for improving lighting in residential basil cultivation

Light-reflecting covers can help plant development in shaded environments, improving growing conditions in small residential spaces, encouraging the practice of small cultivations of food and ornamental species. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of reflective bench covers on the growth and development of different cultivars of basil, in pot and shaded environment. The treatments consisted of three reflective materials (aluminum thermal reflective mesh, shiny red and white coating on laminates), arranged on the cultivation benches, and two basil cultivars (green and purple). After 22 days under these environments, the number of leaves and nodes, stem diameter, plant height, relative chlorophyll content, fresh and dry masses of the aerial and roots parts were determined. The highest value of reflective photosynthetically active radiation was shown when using white laminate, followed by the red laminate and thermal reflective mesh. The green basil varieties showed higher values for number of leaves, stem diameter, plant height, fresh shoot weight and number of nodes, compared to the purple variety; however, in relation to the relative chlorophyll content, the purple variety was superior. The bright white and red laminate covers positively influence environmental conditions, increasing the reflectance of photosynthetically active radiation, and the development of basil plants in conditions of greater shading.
Profitability of the use of poultry manure for cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) production in Iwollo, Southeastern Nigeria

A field experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of Enugu state polytechnic, Iwollo, Southeastern Nigeria in 2020 to evaluate the profitability of the use of poultry manure for cucumber production in the area. The study was carried out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. The treatment comprised different rates of poultry manure viz; 0 (control), 5, 10, 15 and 20 t ha-1. The growth and yield parameters investigated were vine length, number of branches per plant, number of leaves per plant, leaf area index, number of fruits per plant, fruit yield per plant and fruit yield per hectare. The data collected on growth and yield parameters were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and treatment means were separated using Fisher's least significant difference (F-LSD) at 5% level of probability. Gross margin (GM) as well Return on Investment (RoI) was calculated to determine the profitability. The results showed that poultry manure significantly (p<0.05) induced higher vine length, number of branches per plant, number of leaves per plant, leave area index, number of fruits per plant, fruit yield per plant and fruit yield per hectare compared to control (0 t/ha) with optimum values obtained in 20 t ha-1. The profitability of the use of poultry manure increased with increase in the rate of poultry manure. The highest gross margin (N 3,233,860) was obtained from 20 t ha-1 of poultry manure followed by 15 t ha-1 (N 2,021,020), 10 t ha-1 (N 1,381,748), 5 t ha-1 (N 588,300) and 0 t ha-1(N14,660). Similarly, the highest RoI was obtained in 20 t ha-1 of poultry manure (325.95%) followed by 15 t ha-1 (237.49%); 10 t ha-1 (185%); 5 t ha-1 (93%) and the lowest was in 0 t ha-1 (2.76%). It could be concluded from the study that the use of poultry manure for cucumber production in Iwollo is profitable and most profitable when 20 t ha-1 is used.
A Study on the Influence of Conformity Behaviors, Perceived Risks, and Customer Engagement on Group Buying Intention: A Case Study of Community E-Commerce Platforms

This study mainly probed into the factors influencing consumers’ OGB intention on community e-commerce platforms, built models that included facets of conformity behaviors, perceived risks, customer engagement, and OGB intention, and focused on whether there is a mediating effect on customer engagement and an interference effect on perceived risks. The subjects of this study were consumers with OGB experience on community e-commerce platforms. The results show that conformity behaviors have a significant positive impact on customer engagement and OGB intention; thus, when customers have insufficient information or relevant knowledge of OGB, the comments or recommendations of their relatives and friends would influence their engagement and OGB intention. Moreover, this study found that customer engagement has a complete mediating effect, which indicates that conformity behaviors can influence OGB intention through customer engagement. In addition, this study found that perceived risks have an interference effect, meaning that when consumers sense high risks, the OGB intention is weakened through customer engagement. This shows that in the OGB organizations of the community e-commerce platforms, it is recommended that more attention be paid to customer engagement; it is also a topic worthy of discussion in practical business applications.
Triggering Factors that Reinforce or Change EFL Preservice Teachers’ Beliefs during the Practicum

This exploratory case study seeks to examine the role that specific factors exert on the evolution of beliefs in preservice English teachers during their final teaching practicum. Data were collected through reflections, interviews, focus groups, and observations. The findings revealed that three groups of factors affect belief evolution during the practicum: participant subjectivity, contextual circumstances, and university support community. Subjectivities encompassed preservice teachers’ fears, reactions to real-life teaching challenges, and enthusiasm to become teachers. Contextual circumstances incorporated classroom circumstances and cooperating teachers. The university support community concerned their peers and the university tutor. Implications discuss the relevance of curricular and reflective agendas that enrich the education of future teachers through beliefs exploration.
The domestic compliance system and compliance barriers: a UK child rights case study

ABSTRACT An empirical puzzle exists regarding the failure of state parties to comply with international agreements. Offering new empirical insights, this article aims to enhance understanding of non (or weak) compliance with international human rights agreements by state parties. Documentary analysis supplemented with semi-structured interviews is used to explore UK compliance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Through the empirical case study, the results provide valuable insights into the domestic compliance system and compliance barriers within the under researched human rights sector. The results show that multiple barriers impact compliance within the UK and its four nations, to varying degrees. Differences also exist regarding the extent to which specific barriers emerge within the state and domestic compliance systems. Lastly, the findings provide evidence to support a cyclical model of the domestic compliance system, thereby advancing the current, linear understanding.
Implementation of Theory of Constraints To Improve Firm' Competitive Advantage: A Case Study in the Industrial Area of Bekasi, West Java Indonesia

To maintain its survival, the company needs to maintain its competitive advantage and make it a unique strategy. This study was conducted to examine and determine whether there is an effect of using the Theory of constraints (TOC) on competitive advantage. Six indicators measured the TOC: Timely delivery to the customer, eliminating raw materials, controlling operational costs and reducing wastage, reducing cycle times and reducing inventory, Rapid response, and additional production capacity without additional investment. The competitive advantage is measured by five indicators: price, quality, delivery dependability, product innovation, and time to market. This study uses all manufacturing companies that use the TOC method. The samples of the research were 100 manufacturing firms in Bekasi Industrial Area, West Java, Indonesia. Based on the Partial Least Square used in analyzing the data, the result showed that the TOC positively influences competitive advantage.
IMPACT OF ESTOL CAPABILITY ON RUNWAY CAPACITY - AN ANALYTICAL APPROACH

This paper focuses on evaluating the impact of Extreme Short Takeoff and Landing (ESTOL) related parameters on a single runway by using and adapting worldwide accepted analytical models [5][8]. The models are based on aircraft dependent parameters (approach velocity and runway occupancy time, ROT), ATC relevant input variables (separation rules, final approach path, buffer times) as well as a number of system assumptions. The maximum technical capacity values of a single runway system were calculated by taking a typical aircraft fleet mix covering existing ICAO separation classes at an international airport with an additional ESTOL aircraft class for parameter variations. A ceteris paribus approach was used to appraise to what extent the approach velocity, the glide path or the runway occupancy time would affect aircraft flow. The results of the investigations demonstrate that new aircraft technologies like ESTOL cannot tap its full potential using conventional ATC procedures in the terminal airspace and runway system. By discussing the conclusions made out of the capacity analysis the paper gives recommendations how the capacity challenge can possibly be tackled.
Dependency, Distribution and Diversification (3Ds) of livelihoods in the Miombo woodlands: learning from Tanzania

ABSTRACT The Miombo woodlands that cover around 93% of forested area in Tanzania are central to livelihoods of rural dwellers. Nevertheless, there is paucity of scientific studies and associated knowledge on the dependence, distribution, and diversification aspects of livelihoods in such ecosystems. Our empirical case-based findings indicate the dependence on Miombo woodlands was relatively high contributing 33.8% to total annual household income after tobacco cultivation at 39.6%. As such, forest incomes are vital for rural households living around such ecosystems. Among the poorest groups, forest income contributed to 40% of the total annual income whilst decreasing slightly as wealth increased reaching 32% among the better-off. On issues of livelihood distribution, forest incomes played a role in equalizing income distribution with a Gini change of about 0.05, however, it was tobacco cultivation that was more responsible for lowering the gap between income inequality levels with a Gini change of 0.08. In terms of diversification, rural households displayed a high level of diversity of livelihood options at a diversity index of 0.7 and forests were a diversification option. These findings contribute a policy lesson that reduced access to the miombo woodlands through exclusionary conservation mechanisms would result in considerable negative impacts on rural households’ welfare and exacerbate income differentiation in the area.
Antibiotic Susceptibility Profile of Salmonella spp and Shigella spp Isolated from Commercial Frozen Chicken Sold in three Markets within Awka Metropolis

Background: Contamination of chicken meat by bacteria contributes to the increasing incidence of food –borne infections in humans. This study was aimed at providing data on the antibiotic susceptibility profile of Salmonella and Shigella species from frozen chicken sold within the Awka metropolis. Methodology: A total of 100 frozen chicken samples were obtained from different markets within the Awka metropolis. Smear samples were gotten from each chicken sample using sterile swab stick. Salmonella and Shigella samples were isolated after culturing the samples with Salmonella –Shigella agar and pure isolates identified morphologically, by Gram and biochemical characteristics. Antibiotic susceptibility test was performed using the disc diffusion method as recommended by CSLI. Isolates that showed resistance to any of the third-generation cephalosporin used were further subjected to the Double Disk Synergy Tests (DDST). Results: Of the 100 samples, 25 Shigella spp and 51 isolates of Salmonella were isolated. All Salmonella and Shigella isolates were resistant to the β-latam antibiotics. A 100% of the shigella isolates were resistant to all generation cephalospoin used. The bacterial spps were however, sensitive to nitrofurantoin and ciprofloxacin. Conclusion: This study has shown that frozen chicken serves as sources/ reservoir for bacterial infections. The isolates were resistant to the cephalosporins but sensitive to ciprofloxacin and nitrofurantoin.
The current clinical role of optical coherence tomography angiography in neuro-ophthalmological diseases

After the revolutionary effect of optical coherence tomography (OCT) on ophthalmology practice, recent OCT-based technology OCT angiography (OCT-A) also has rapidly gained a wide clinical acceptance. OCT-A is a noninvasive, depth-resolved imaging tool for the evaluation of retinal vascular changes. Since its introduction, the understanding of retinal vascular diseases, pacychoroid spectrum diseases, and other diseases have been enriched in many ways. More importantly, OCT-A provides depth-resolved information that has never before been available. The whole spectrum of neuro-ophthalmological diseases shows consistent peripapillary and macular capillary changes with structural and functional correlation. The superficial and deeper retinal and choroidal vasculatures are affected depending on the nature of the disease process. Therefore, OCT-A play an important role in the diagnosis and management of optic nerve-related diseases as well. In this review, we summarized existing literature on the use of OCT-A in neuro-ophthalmological diseases such as arteritic anterior ischemic neuropathy, nonarteritic anterior ischemic neuropathy, papillitis, papilledema, multiple sclerosis. Currently, OCT-A has an important position as a useful, noninvasive tool in the evaluation of neuro-ophthalmologic diseases; however, OCT-A has several limitations regarding its technical capabilities in challenging neuro-ophthalmic cases. With the improvement in the technical capacity of OCT-A, it will have a more important place in the diagnosis and follow-up of neuro-ophthalmological diseases in future.
Legitimate ways of knowing: reconsidering process drama as an effective methodology for promoting children’s active participation in health research

ABSTRACT The power of process drama as a dynamic tool for exploration and learning is well documented. Far less is known about its potency as a qualitative research methodology. This article aims to address that deficit, drawing on lessons learnt from a collaborative project investigating the causes of dental anxiety in children. It argues that process drama can serve as a democratic methodological tool that invites multiple ways of knowing. It reconsiders process drama as an art form that has hitherto been overlooked by researchers committed to pursuing participatory methodologies with children that encourage distributed power-sharing and co-produced knowledge.
First description of the metopiine genus Trieces Townes, 1946 (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) from the Indomalayan region with three new species from India

Trieces Townes, 1946 is one of the largest metopiine genera for which species have been described from all zoogeographical regions except the Indomalayan. The present study reports a major range extension of Trieces with the description of three new species from India. The described species are members of the onitis species group. An identification key to the Palearctic and Indomalayan species of the onitis group is included with the revised generic diagnosis and a key to separate Trieces from its closest genus Chorinaeus. Distribution pattern and character plasticity of Trieces are also discussed.