Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Refractive index retrievals for polystyrene latex spheres in the spectral range 220–420 nm

ABSTRACT The recent development of an Aerosol Extinction Differential Optical Absorption Spectrometer (AE-DOAS) has allowed for the retrieval of wavelength dependent complex refractive indices for polystyrene latex spheres (PSL). The AE-DOAS is a white-type multi-pass gas cell coupled to a UV-Vis spectrometer. Refractive index values are retrieved for wavelengths between 220 and 420 nm by minimizing the χ2 goodness-of-fit between measured extinction for five diameters of PSL and model Mie Theory predictions. Comparison to literature shows agreement at wavelengths >360 nm demonstrating the validity of this new instrumental approach while expanding the known refractive index range for PSLs further into the UV where it is previously unreported. In the studied wavelength range, coefficients for the general Cauchy dispersion relationship (A = 1.538(11); B = 0.0043(16) μm2; C = 0.00094(5) μm4) for PSLs were determined using the retrieved real portion of the refractive index and the wavelength in microns. In addition, this work indicates that the precision of retrieved values is impacted by the particle diameters chosen for the experiment where retrievals for shorter wavelengths of light benefit from the study of smaller sized particles. Copyright © 2017 American Association for Aerosol Research
Substrate Purity Effect on the Defect Formation and Properties of Amorphous Anodic Barrier Al2O3

A comprehensive study concerning the effect of different Al metal substrate purities (i.e. 99.5 versus 99.99%) on the properties of amorphous anodic barrier Al 2 O 3 is presented. The experimental ﬁndings demonstrate that only tiny variations in the purity of the employed Al materials lead to different oxide growth rate, surface charge, structural defect and impurities content. Below the ionic recombination potential characterized by Scanning Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy, an increase of the anodizing voltage leads to an improvement of the oxide barrier properties. The larger growth rate exhibited by the higher purity Al substrate however indicates the formation of highly disordered and inhomogeneous barrier oxides. A combination of photoelectrochemical and photoluminescencespectroscopieswasusedtocharacterizestructuraldefectconcentrationandconﬁrmedthepresenceofsigniﬁcantlyhigherconcentrationsintheoxidegrownonthepurerAlsubstrates. FT-IRandRBS/ERDAresultsindicatethatHandCspeciesareincorporatedfromtheelectrolytesolutioninthebarrieroxideswithhigherHamountsdetectedintheoxidegrownonthepurerAlsubstrate. ©TheAuthor(s)2018.PublishedbyECS. ThisisanopenaccessarticledistributedunderthetermsoftheCreativeCommonsAttribution4.0License(CCBY,http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/),whichpermitsunrestrictedreuseoftheworkinanymedium,providedtheoriginalworkisproperlycited. [DOI:10.1149/2.1161807jes]
Effect of Combining Gamification and a Scavenger Hunt on Pre-Service Teachers' Perceptions and Achievement

Aim/Purpose: To investigate the application of game elements to a non-gaming context (gamification), specifically on an early childhood teacher-training course. Background: This research proposes a teaching strategy that combines gamification elements via e-quizzing tools with the main principles of a scavenger hunt (SH). The purpose of this blend is to provide learners with an exciting learning environment. Methodology: A convenience sample of 41 students was selected from the Early Childhood Department of the School of Education in Imam Abdulrahman University (IAU), Saudi Arabia. The learners’ perceptions of gamification and the Quizizz e-tool were investigated using online scales, a focus group, and classroom observations. The teachers were also interviewed to gather their views on this strategy. Contribution: Gamification has been a focus of recent educational research, but many educators find it challenging to apply gamification effectively. Therefore, this research proposes a teaching strategy that combines e-quizzing gamification elements with the main principles of an SH to create an exciting learning environment. Findings: Gamification was found to improve trainee teachers’ perceptions of the selected teaching strategy. It also increased their motivation for learning and engagement with their peers, thereby proving Quizizz to be a useful gamification tool, despite some technical difficulties. Recommendations for Practitioners: This study recommends that teachers who utilize technology should do so for educational purposes and in new ways, rather than merely increasing the time spent using technology in the classroom. This will ensure that classes are more interesting, thereby eliciting enthusiasm from their students. Recommendation for Researchers: Further research is recommended to explore students’ development in the area of collaboration, synthesis of information, critical thinking, and problem-solving, as a result of gamification strategies in education. Impact on Society: The study participants expressed a willingness to apply this strategy later in their careers with other students and on other courses. The collaborative and problem-solving skills learned are likewise transferable to other contexts and lifelong learning. Future Research: Further research is recommended to explore students’ development of other skills such as collaboration, synthesis of information, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
Monte Carlo study of the XY-model on Sierpinski gasket

We have performed a Monte Carlo study of the classical XY-model on two-dimensional Sierpinski gaskets (SGs) of several cluster sizes. From the dependence of the helicity modulus on the cluster size we conclude that there is no phase transition in this system at a finite temperature. This is in agreement with previous findings for the harmonic approximation to the XY-model on SG and is analogous to the absence of finite-temperature phase transition for the Ising model on fractals with a finite order of ramification.
In Vitro Amelioration by Curcumin on Genotoxicity in Workers with Elevated Blood Cadmium Level

Curcumin is a dietary element, easily available and also well-known herb, for its therapeutic uses. On the other hand, cadmium is considered as an omnipresent, hazardous, heavy metal as well as known carcinogen, clastogen and mutagen. It is known to produce severe toxic effects during occupational exposure in industries related to nickel-cadmium batteries, pigments, chemical stabilizers, metal coatings and alloys in humans. So, the objective of this study was to evaluate the ameliorative effects of curcumin as an antioxidant agent against cadmium induced genotoxicity in Peripheral Blood Lymphocyte Cultures (PBLC) of occupationally cadmium exposed individuals. The blood cadmium level was determined and it was significantly higher in exposed individuals as compared to controls. Blood samples from 40 workers exposed to cadmium, and 40 unexposed controls were used to analyse biochemical parameters like Total protein, GSH, GPx, GR, GST, LPO, CAT and SOD along with genotoxic parameters like SCEs, CCPI, AGT and PDT. The study revealed cadmium induced the free radicals formation which caused alteration in antioxidant defense system and may lead to genotoxicity. While curcumin ameliorates this toxicity by balancing the antioxidant defense system, decrease the lipid peroxidation and ultimately protect cells against cadmium genotoxicity. Hence, it can be concluded that curcumin which is herbal antidote can be helpful to protect cadmium toxicity in occupationally exposed workers.
Predictive Factors of Self-control in Contactless Online Learners' Self- determination Motivation: Mediated effect of self-efficacy

This study aims to provide basic data on establishing online learning by identifying the effects of self-efficacy as a medium on factors affecting self-control according to self-determination motivation through contactless online learning due to Covid-19. The research method used SPSS 25 and Sobel test to examine the causal relationship between the spokesmen and 196 middle and high school students in W-city, Gangwon-do. Selfdetermination motivation has had a significant effect on self-efficacy and self-control, and self-efficacy has been shown to have a significant effect on self-control. Also, Self-efficacy had a partial mediating effect on self-determination motivation affecting self-control. Based on this, fundamental and continuous development of online education programs to promote self-control of online learners is required, and efforts should be made to support learners' capabilities through psychological counseling.
Quantitative, Biologically-Motivated, Computational Model for the Twitching Motility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

QUANTITATIVE, BIOLOGICALLY MOTIVATED COMPUTATIONAL MODEL FOR THE TWITCHING MOTILITY OF PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA James Harrison Howard Advisor: University of Guelph, 2017 Professor R. Wickham The bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa uses thin protein filaments called type IV pili (T4P) to pull itself across a surface in a motion known as twitching motility. To examine the quantitative plausibility of this mechanism, we developed a detailed computational model of pilus action that employs biological and mechanical parameters measured from observations of P. aeruginosa motility. A key parameter is the persistence length of T4P, which characterizes the T4P flexibility. Measurements of the T4P persistence length have observed either or , depending on the method of observation. Our model reconciles these values and supports the idea that the filament experiences a conformational change when the pilus is under tension, enhancing filament flexibility. Also, some high velocity events were observed due to the sudden release of elastic potential energy when at least two pili are pulling in opposing directions and one of the pili de-adheres from the surface.
Determination of Defect Levels in Melt-Grown All-Inorganic Perovskite CsPbBr3 Crystals by Thermally Stimulated Current Spectra

Further improvement of optoelectronic performance is a target for all-inorganic lead halide perovskite material CsPbBr3; however, it is greatly limited by the quality of the material which is dominated to some extent by defects, especially intrinsic point defects. In this study, the intrinsic point defects in melt-grown CsPbBr3 crystals were studied by thermally stimulated current technology and the simultaneous multiple peak analysis (SIMPA) method. The defect formation mechanism was analyzed systematically by combining the SIMPA fitting results with defect-related parameters, material properties, and external conditions. The main analytical defects, VCs and VBr vacancies, Csi and Pbi interstitials, and PbBr antisites, matched up with theoretical prediction well. Such systematic studies of defect types and concentration give us more insights into the carrier transport mechanism of CsPbBr3 and will help us find ways to improve the crystal quality by controlling the types and concentration of point defects.
Studies of MUC1 - Gal3 lectin interaction by the sensitive force probe Optical Tweezers (OT)

Aberrant glycosylation patterns of membrane-bound proteins have been observed to be a universal feature of malignant cells. Members of the mucin family of glycoproteins form one of the major carriers of aberrant glycosylation, where there in breast tissue cells and other carcinomas have been found an upregulation of the Mucin1 (MUC1) protein with an increase in several cancer-associated antigens such as the ST (α-Neu5Ac(2,3)β-Gal(1,3)-GalNAc-Ser/Thr), T (β-Gal(1,3)-GalNAcSer/Thr), Tn (GalNAc-Ser/Thr) and STn (α-Neu5Ac(2,6)-GalNAc-Ser/Thr) antigens. The presence of the different antigens are not fully understood, but an increase of sialic acid-glycostructures have been found in breast cancer cells. The galactose binding family of lectins called galectins have been found to be present both extracellularly and intracellularly. A member of the β-galactose binding family, Galectin-3 (Gal3), have further been associated with processes such as acute inflammation as well as cancer increase and metastasis. Due to its important role in cancer development, the binding specificity of Gal3 is of interests. Gal3 have further been observed to interact with MUC1(T), but not with the MUC1(Tn). In a study published in 2007, interaction between MUC1(ST) and Gal3 was reported not to occur, but an unpublished study from London revealed informal information about a possibility of an interaction to occur. The experimental data presented in this master thesis were recorded by using a dual beam setup of the sensitive force probe Optical Tweezers. The aim of this study was to provide new information concerning the interaction between the different MUC1-antigens and Gal3. The results obtained provide evidence that MUC1(ST) and Gal3 interact with a rupture strength of 11-31 pN when investigated using loading rates in the range of 39-72 pN/s. The energy landscape of the interactions gave a koff-range from 1.3-2.9 s−1 and xβ-value of 0.54 nm. A rupture frequency analysis was included in order to estimate the occurrence of interaction. MUC1(ST) and Gal3 showed a main rupture frequency estimate of 42.8 % ± 26. Parallel, interaction between the positive control MUC1(T) and Gal3 gave a rupture frequency estimate of 32.0 % ± 16. The negative controls MUC1(Tn) and MUC1(Na) showed no specific interaction with Gal3. A parallel study was performed by another masterstudent at NTNU, Ragna Emilie Bugge, where she also reported interaction between MUC1(ST) and Gal3 to occur by use of the sensitive force probe atomic force microscopy(AFM).
Characterization of volatile compounds in ten Piper species cultivated in Hainan Island, South China

ABSTRACT The volatile compounds of 10 Piper species cultivated in Hainan Island, China, have been investigated. Eighty compounds were profiled after headspace–solid phase microextraction (HS–SPME) with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Mean Bray–Curtis similarity value was only 22.78 ± 1.98% among the different Piper species. The volatile compounds were largely grouped as hydrocarbons, aldehydes, alcohols, acids, ketones, esters, and phenols. The main compounds comprised benzaldehyde, cinnamaldehyde, β-caryophyllene, ocimene, lavandulol, myrcene, cubebene, terpinene, linalool, α-caryophyllene, β-elemene, and germacrene. Principal component analysis revealed that Piper laetispicum, Piper longum, Piper hainanense, Piper betle, and Piper flaviflorum were characterized by high contents of β-caryophyllene, α-caryophyllene, germacrene, and β-pinene. Piper puberulum and Piper cathayanum were associated with high contents of linalool, myrcene, and germacrene D. On the other hand, Piper pseudofuligineum and Piper retrofractum were related with high contents of ocimene. Finally, Piper auritum was associated with high content of cinnamaldehyde. Volatile profiling of Piper species by HS–SPME–GC–MS and the interrelationship investigated among the volatiles can be used as a roadmap for future resource utilization or biotechnological applications.
Tetracycline hydrochloride-containing poly (ε-caprolactone)/poly lactic acid scaffold for bone tissue engineering application: in vitro and in vivo study

Abstract In the current study, tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH), an antibiotic against most of the medically relevant bacteria, was incorporated into poly (ε-caprolactone)/poly lactic acid solution in order to develop a composite scaffold with both antibacterial and osteoinductive properties for the repair of infected bone defects. The composite scaffolds were produced from poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and poly lactic acid (PLA) solution (1:1 (w/w)) incorporated with 3, 5, and 10% (w/w) of TCH by thermally induced phase separation technique. The scaffolds were evaluated regarding their morphology, wettability, porosity, degradation, mechanical properties, and cellular response. The scaffold containing 10% of TCH (PCL/PLA/TCH10%) was chosen as the optimum scaffold for further investigation in a rat femoral defect model. The study showed that after eight weeks, the bone formation was relatively higher in PCL/PLA/TCH10%-treated group with completely filled defect when compared with control (PCL/PLA scaffold without TCH). Histopathological evaluation showed that the defect in PCL/PLA/TCH10%-treated group was fully replaced by new bone and connective tissue. Our results provide evidence supporting the possible applicability of TCH-containing scaffolds for successful bone regeneration. Graphical Abstract
Experimental Analysis of Heat Transfer Enhancement and Flow with Cu,TiO2 Ethylene glycol Distilled Water Nanofluid in Spiral Coil Heat

This experimental investigation was performed to improve heat transfer in the heat exchanger (tube of shell and helically coiled (using nanoparticles for turbulent parallel flow and counter flow of distilled water (Dw) and ethylene glycol (EG) fluids. Six types of nanofluids have been used namely: copper – distilled water, copper – distilled water and ethylene glycol, copper – ethylene glycol, titanium oxide – distilled water, titanium oxide – distilled water and ethylene glycol, titanium oxide – ethylene glycol with 0.5%,1%,2%,3% and 5% volume concentration as well as the range of Reynolds number are 4000 – 15000. The experimental results revel that an increase in coefficient of heat transfer of 50.2 % to Cu – Dw, 41.5% to Cu – ( EG + Dw ), 32.12 % for Cu – EG , 36.5% for TiO 2 – Dw, 30.2 % to TiO 2 – ( EG + Dw) and 25.5%, to TiO 2 – EG . The strong nanoconvection currents and good mixing caused by the presence of Cu and TiO2 nanoparticles. The metal nanofluids give more improvement than oxide nanofluids. The shear stress of nanofluids increases with concentration of nanoparticles in case parallel and counter flow. The effect of flow direction insignificant on coefficient of overall heat transfer and the nanofluids behaves as the Newtonian fluid for 0.5%,1%,2%,3% and 5%. Good assent between the practical data and analytical prediction to nanofluids friction factor which means the nanofluid endure pump power no penalty. This study reveal that the thermal performance from nanofluid Cu – Dw is higher than Cu – (EG + Dw) and Cu – EG due to higher thermal conductivity for the copper and distilled water compared with ethylene glycol. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.25130/tjes.24. 2017.33
The Hidden Face of Nitrogen Oxides Species: From Toxic Effects to Potential Cure?

Nitrogen oxide (NOx) species represent ones of the most threatening air pollutants due to their prevalence and harmful impact on the environment and human health. The term NOx gathers mainly nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ), mostly produced by anthropogenic activities such as transport and industries. Several cellular constituents were already described as NOx targets. These include membranes, proteins, respiratory chain enzymes, lipids, and DNA. Such damages lead to pathologies of lungs, cardiovascular system, and skin because these organs represent the first barrier toward the environment. On the other hand, NOx is also naturally synthetized by several organisms, playing a mediator role in essential cellular functions. However, few data are yet available on NOx activity toward microorganisms. Here, we review data concerning the double face of NOx, including their use in the medical field against pathogens’ infections that highlight the versatility of these compounds. HSP70, HSP90, and NOSIP, NOS-interacting protein; NOSTRIN, NOS traffic
Changes in Antioxidant Enzymes Activities and Lipid Peroxidase Level in Tissues of Stress-induced Rats

1Department of Human Physiology, Biochemical Toxicology Laboratory, Evangel University, Akaeze Ebonyi State. 2Department of Human Physiology, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State. 3Department of Physiotherapy, Biotechnology Research Laboratory, Evangel University, Akaeze Ebonyi State. 4Department of Medical Biochemistry, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State. 5Department of Human Physiology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State. *Corresponding author E-mail: bukasono123@gmail.com
The use of mobile devices for learning in post-primary education and at university : student attitudes and perceptions

XI ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . XIII ABBREVIATIONS . XIV INTRODUCTION . 2 1.1 Chapter Overview . 2 1.2 Introduction . 2 1.3 Background of the Study . 4 1.4 Study Rationale . 9 1.4. 1 Importance of the study . 12 1.5 Study Settings . 15 1.5. 1 Study Phase I – Post-primary Schools . 15 1.5. 2 Study Phase II – THE University . 16 1.5. 3 Information Communication Technologies THE University . 17 1.6 Dissertation Overview . 19 LITERATURE REVIEW . ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. 2.
Improving Students’ Higher Environmentaland Climate Change Knowledge:A Case Study

Having in mind that the growing body of research and case studies have predefined environmental education and its objectives in non-traditional education that rely on relevant modern teaching models such as project-based learning, this paper will focus on the scientific research of organized academic environmental activities in a climate-change oriented project in order to achieve learning objectives of higher environmental and climate change knowledge of students. This is particularly important considering the importance of climate change issues as the integral part of the present day student body, as well as a part of their social and personal lives. For the purpose of our research we surveyed the students of the University of Belgrade Faculty of Organizational Science, the Republic of Serbia, who participated in this project not only regarding their attitudes referred to gaining environmental and climate change knowledge in this particular way, but also on their achievement levels in faculty environmental studies program. An analysis of the results was carried out using the SPSS 24 software package. Based on the obtained results we concluded that students were significantly motivated to improve their environmental and climate change knowledge, as well as that they showed greater motivation and willingness to participate again in similar environmental activities.
The response of the Chinese economy to the U.S.-China Trade War: 2018-2019

In this paper, we follow the micro-to-macro approach of Fajgelbaum et al. (2020) and analyse the impacts of the trade war for the Chinese economy. We use highly disaggregated trade and tariff data in monthly frequency to identify the demand/supply elasticities of Chinese imports/exports, combined with a general-equilibrium model for the Chinese economy (that takes into account input-output linkages, and regional heterogeneity in employment and sector specialization) to quantify the partial and general equilibrium effects of the tariff war at the product/sector/region/aggregate level. This complements the studies that focus on the ex post micro-level response of the U.S. economy by Amiti, Redding and Weinstein (2019), Fajgelbaum et al. (2020), and Cavallo et al. (2020).