Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Raising Primary School Boys’ and Girls’ Awareness and Interest in STEM-Related Activities, Subjects, and Careers: An Exploratory Case Study

Internationally, there is an under-supply of intellectual capital to provide for STEM-related employment. One contributing factor is the low number of female students selecting STEM school subjects and careers. Despite the literature recommending students engage in STEM activities earlier, many initiatives are not implemented until high school. This paper reports on an Australian project named MindSET-do which provided students with early positive STEM experiences prior to high school to raise awareness of, interest in, and aspirations for STEM-related subjects and careers. The case study surveyed n = 107 Year 6 boys’ and girls’ interests, ability beliefs and expectations in STEM school subjects and careers. Students’ awareness and interest in STEM-related subjects and careers increased significantly following experiences with inquiry-based STEM activities, χ2(1, n = 107) = 4.57 to 63.67, p < . 05. Expectancy for success in mathematics was significantly higher for males than for females (U = 1125, p = .044, r = .2). Expectancy for success in science was slightly lower for the female group, but p > . 05. Logistic regression found females were 24 percent less likely to have a positive view of mathematics than males (p = .003). Gender differences in STEM ability versus ability beliefs and expectancies for success are discussed, with recommendations for earlier positive experiences with STEM tasks.
Evaluating Rice Bran Oil as a Dietary Energy Source on Production Performance, Nutritional Properties and Fatty Acid Deposition of Breast Meat in Broiler Chickens

The effects of rice bran oil (RBO) as an alternative dietary energy source on nutritional properties and fatty acid deposition in broiler chickens are scarce in the literature. One-day-old chickens (broiler Ross 308) were assigned in a completely randomized design with three treatment diets and nine replicates of four chickens per replicate. A basal control diet contained 4~5% palm oil (T1) in the starter and finisher phases, respectively. Treatments 2 to 3 were fed diets formulated with 50% (T2) and 100% (T3) of RBO as a fat source instead of palm oil (PO). Replacing dietary PO with RBO improved the feed conversion ratio (FCR) by 6% (p = 0.017) over the total period of the experiment (1–38 d of age). The feeding of RBO (T3) showed the highest (p < 0.001) cooking loss values in the breast meat. However, compared with other groups, the blend of PO and RBO group (T2) displayed a lower cooking loss value in the thigh meat. In breast meat, the protein content was lowered (p = 0.007), while the fat content was higher (p < 0.001) in male broiler chickens fed dietary RBO (T2 and T3). Total inclusion of dietary RBO (T3) decreased (p = 0.034) the proportion of saturated fatty acids (ΣSFAs) but increased (p = 0.02) linoleic acid. In addition, α-linolenic acid (ALA) increased (p < 0.001) in male broiler chickens fed dietary RBO (T2 and T3), and the highest deposit level occurred by the total inclusion of RBO (T3). Total omega 3 fatty acids (∑n-3) increased (p = 0.013), while the ratio of n-6 to n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) decreased (p = 0.046) in male broiler chickens fed dietary RBO (T3) as compared with the control diet (PO; T1). In conclusion, compared with dietary PO (control diet, T1), the total inclusion of dietary RBO at 50 kg/metric ton feed (T3) increased ∑n-3, ALA, and reduced n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio in the breast meat, but cooking loss values were larger in breast and thigh meats. The blend of dietary PO and RBO (T2) was better for both production performance targets (feed intake and FCR), cooking loss values, and deposition of ALA in the breast meat. The inclusion of dietary RBO into broiler diets needs further study, but the present experiment aids in expanding research knowledge to make that possible.
Variations in electron transport in argon with temperature near the Ramsauer-Townsend minimum

A previously developed three-term expansion method has been extended to study the electron swarm in argon in the energy range of the Ramsauer-Townsend minimum. The swarm parameters of electrons have been computed at temperatures of 89.6, 293 and 1000K in the range 1*10-21<or=E/N (V cm2)<or=1*10-17. In particular, the dependence of the drift velocity on gas temperature in the vicinity of the minimum is discussed in detail, and it is shown that a 'crossing curve' property appears. Also the validity of the conventional two-term approximation is confirmed by direct comparison with the lth-order distribution function (l=0, 1, 2) in the region of the minimum.
‘The Three Good Things’ – The effects of gratitude practice on wellbeing: A randomised controlled trial

There are mixed findings concerning the effectiveness of gratitude interventions. This study investigated a commonly used gratitude-based intervention (‘count–your–blessings’) in promoting physical and psychological wellbeing in a UK sample.A randomised controlled trial to examine the efficacy of a three–week gratitude intervention in promoting psychological and physical health. 108 healthy participants (aged 18–36) were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 conditions (gratitude or no–assigned activity). Those in the gratitude condition kept daily gratitude journals for 21 days. Participants completed self–report measures related to gratefulness, affect, prosociality, physical and subjective wellbeing. These measures were collected at two time–points (pre– and post–intervention), three weeks apart. Two separate analyses were conducted for participants who completed the intervention (Completer analysis) and including those who dropped out (Intention–to–treat analysis [ITT]). Completer analysis revealed that the gratitude condition resulted in heightened feelings of gratefulness. Those in the grateful condition showed greater increases in state gratitude and positive affect, relative to the control condition, who reported a reduction in wellbeing. Overall, the ITT analysis yielded essentially the same findings as the completer analysis.Counting one’s blessings can improve wellbeing and could be incorporated in existing psychotherapies. This brief and simple intervention warrants further investigation.
Polymer models of the organization of chromosomes in the nucleus of cells

Understanding the mechanisms that control the organization of chromosomes in the space of the nucleus of cells, and its contribution to gene regulation, is a key open issue in molecular biology. New technologies have shown that chromosomes have a complex 3D organization, which dynamically changes across organisms and cell types. To understand such complex behaviors, quantitative models from polymer physics have been developed, to find the principles of chromosome folding, their origin and function. Here, we provide a short review of recent progress in such an important research field where Physical and Life Sciences meet.
Introduced species in Mediterranean marine caves: an increasing but neglected threat

Marine caves are protected habitats with high biodiversity and low ecological resilience, vulnerable to multiple pressures including biological invasions. Therefore, comprehensive lists of alien species in sea caves and assessments of their impacts are urgently needed. This study aimed to provide an updated and validated list of introduced species in marine caves of the Mediterranean Sea based on the latest available checklist (2014). The number of introduced species in the updated list (December 2022 status) has doubled in the last eight years. The updated checklist includes 126 species (107 alien, 15 cryptogenic, two crypto-expanding, and two questionable) belonging to 12 phyla. The highest number of introduced species in caves was evidenced in the eastern Mediterranean (105), specifically in the Levantine (99) and the Aegean (34) ecoregions. Most introduced species originated from the Indo-Pacific. Most species entered the Mediterranean Sea through the Suez Canal, followed by species transferred via vessels. Most introduced species were found at the entrance and in the semi-dark zone of caves (60 and 52 species, respectively), with only 19 species being reported from the dark zone. Approximately 28% of the introduced species have a high impact on ecosystems, including nine of the ten worst invasive species in the Mediterranean Sea. Despite the lack of data on the impact of introduced species on marine cave biodiversity, given their high species richness and the recently reported population explosions of some alien fish in the eastern Mediterranean, our results highlight the need for continuous inventorying and monitoring.
The truncation error in the application of sampling series to electromagnetic problems

Truncation error interpolation methods used in the evaluation and representation of scattered fields are discussed. Three main points are considered: the choice of the sampling point lattice: the choice of the type of sampling expansion: and the determination of the number of terms of the sampling series that must be retained to insure a negligible truncation error. The aim is to provide a clear reference frame for the applications which allow the optimal choice for the reconstruction algorithm. The cases of bounded and square integrable band-limited functions are separately dealt with in order to exploit the properties of each method. A general analysis of the multidimensional truncation error is carried out. No particular assumption on the sampling expansion is made, except for that concerning the use of a rectangular sampling lattice. Simple and effective expressions relating the multidimensional error to the corresponding one-dimensional bounds are derived. The one-dimensional error is then analyzed in detail with reference to the most relevant case of central interpolation. By very simple methods, error bounds for all the sampling expansions explicitly considered in the literature are derived in a systematic way. Expressions providing the values of the sampling rate and number of retained samples which minimize the overall computer time and memory requirement are derived. Some numerical examples are presented and briefly discussed. >
The Nuclear Stellar Core, the Hot Dust Source, and the Location of the Nucleus of NGC 1068

We present new near-infrared speckle and adaptive optics imaging and integral field spectroscopy of the nuclear region of NGC 1068. Ninety-four percent of the K-band light in the central 1'' originates from a ≤30 milliarcsecond diameter source whose position we determine to coincide within ±0. ″15 with the apex of the cone structure seen in the optical narrow emission lines, as well as the location of the flat spectrum radio component S1 and the 12 μm emission peak. We interpret the compact source as hot dust near the sublimation temperature within ~1 pc of the true nucleus of the galaxy. The remaining 6% of the light in the central 1'' comes from a moderately extincted stellar core centered on the nuclear position and of intrinsic size ~50 pc. We show that this nuclear stellar core is probably 5-16 × 108 yr in age and contributes at least 7% of the total nuclear luminosity of ~1 × 1011 L☉.
Computer or paper analogy puzzles: Does assessment mode influence young children’s strategy progression?

In educational and psycho-diagnostic assessment procedures, computerised assessment is gradually replacing paper-based instruments. In computerised instruments, measuring reasoning skills, such as the ability to solve analogies, few differences are found with their paper-based counterparts; however young children may form an exception. Often in these comparisons of assessment mode, only accuracy is considered, whereas examining solution strategies and measuring learning over time are of particular interest to educational psychologists. The current study investigates whether the learning of analogical reasoning and progression of strategy change follow the same patterns in a computerised setting. The equivalence of paper-based and computerised versions of figural analogy puzzles were examined with regard to both accuracy and strategy change in 69 5-year old children (M=5.4 years). All children were asked to solve figural analogy matrices by constructing their answers from puzzle pieces. In the paper condition (N=33), the puzzle pieces could be grabbed and turned over by hand and then placed in the empty quadrant to solve the analogy. In the computer condition (N=36), the children used a computer mouse to carry out these manoeuvres. The assessment of children’s solution strategy progression took place during weekly sessions over four consecutive weeks. Results indicate that the computerised figural analogy task is comparable to the original paper-based version with regard to both difficulty level and progression of strategy change. However, the computerised version took significantly less time to administer and analyse. Another advantage is that testing with computers allows for the registration of supplementary information that could prove useful for more individualised intervention. We conclude that computerised assessment is a sound method for educational psychologists to evaluate 5-year-olds’ analogical reasoning ability and development.
(C-13)O in IC 342 - Evidence for a spiral density wave in the nucleus

We present high-resolution (5″, ∼40 pc) maps of the 13 CO emission in the nucleus of the nearby spiral galaxy IC 342. 13 CO emission, a tracer of the H 2 density distribution, indicates that the molecular gas in the nucleus takes the form of two spiral arms of total extent 500 pc. Molecular gas constitutes ∼10% of the total dynamical mass within the inner half-kiloparsec, increasing to ∼50% in the inner 100 pc
Taste Masking of Promethazine Hydrochloride Using l-Arginine Polyamide-Based Nanocapsules

Promethazine hydrochloride (PMZ), a potent H1-histamine blocker widely used to prevent motion sickness, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting, has a bitter taste. In the present study, taste masked PMZ nanocapsules (NCs) were prepared using an interfacial polycondensation technique. A one-step approach was used to expedite the synthesis of NCs made from a biocompatible and biodegradable polyamide based on l-arginine. The produced NCs had an average particle size of 193.63 ± 39.1 nm and a zeta potential of −31.7 ± 1.25 mV, indicating their stability. The NCs were characterized using differential scanning calorimetric analysis and X-ray diffraction, as well as transmission electron microscopy that demonstrated the formation of the NCs and the incorporation of PMZ within the polymer. The in vitro release study of the PMZ-loaded NCs displayed a 0.91 ± 0.02% release of PMZ after 10 min using artificial saliva as the dissolution media, indicating excellent taste masked particles. The in vivo study using mice revealed that the amount of fluid consumed by the PMZ-NCs group was significantly higher than that consumed by the free PMZ group (p < 0.05). This study confirmed that NCs using polyamides based on l-arginine and interfacial polycondensation can serve as a good platform for the effective taste masking of bitter actives.
Mapping the Galactic Halo. V. Sagittarius Dwarf Spheroidal Tidal Debris 60° from the Main Body

As part of the Spaghetti Project Survey, we have detected a concentration of giant stars well above expectations for a smooth halo model. The position (l ~ 350°, b ~ 50°) and distance (~50 kpc) of this concentration match those of the northern overdensity detected by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. We find additional evidence for structure at ~80 kpc in the same direction. We present radial velocities for many of these stars, including the first published results from the 6.5 m Magellan telescope. The radial velocities for stars in these structures are in excellent agreement with models of the dynamical evolution of the Sagittarius dwarf tidal debris, whose center is 60° away. The metallicity of stars in these streams is lower than that of the main body of the Sgr dwarf, which may indicate a radial metallicity gradient prior to disruption.
The Madden–Julian Oscillation’s Influence on African Easterly Waves and Downstream Tropical Cyclogenesis

AbstractThe influence of the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) over tropical Africa and Atlantic is explored during the Northern Hemisphere summer months. The MJO is assessed by using real-time multivariate MJO (RMM) indices. These indices divide the active convective signal of the MJO into 8 phases. Convection associated with the MJO is enhanced over tropical Africa during RMM phases 8, 1, and 2. Convection becomes suppressed over tropical Africa during the subsequent RMM phases (phases 3–7). African convective signals are associated with westward-propagating equatorial Rossby waves.The MJO modulates African easterly wave (AEW) activity. AEW activity is locally enhanced during RMM phases 1–3 and suppressed during RMM phases 6–8. Enhanced AEW activity occurs during periods of enhanced convection over tropical Africa, consistent with stronger or more frequent triggering of AEWs as well as more growth associated with latent heat release. Enhanced AEW activity occurs during the low-level westerly wind phase of.
Combined Gamma Conglutin and Lupanine Treatment Exhibits In Vivo an Enhanced Antidiabetic Effect by Modulating the Liver Gene Expression Profile

Previous studies have individually shown the antidiabetic potential of gamma conglutin (Cγ) and lupanine from lupins. Until now, the influence of combining both compounds and the effective dose of the combination have not been assessed. Moreover, the resulting gene expression profile from this novel combination remains to be explored. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate different dose combinations of Cγ and lupanine by the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) to identify the higher antidiabetic effect on a T2D rat model. Later, we administered the selected dose combination during a week. Lastly, we evaluated biochemical parameters and liver gene expression profile using DNA microarrays and bioinformatic analysis. We found that the combination of 28 mg/kg BW Cγ + 20 mg/kg BW lupanine significantly reduced glycemia and lipid levels. Moreover, this treatment positively influenced the expression of Pdk4, G6pc, Foxo1, Foxo3, Ppargc1a, Serpine1, Myc, Slc37a4, Irs2, and Igfbp1 genes. The biological processes associated with these genes are oxidative stress, apoptosis regulation, and glucose and fatty-acid homeostasis. For the first time, we report the beneficial in vivo effect of the combination of two functional lupin compounds. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to investigate the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the Cγ + lupanine combined treatment.
Flow Past a Backward-Facing Step: Comparison of PANS, DES and URANS Results with Experiments

Flow past a backward-facing step is computed using three different turbulence modeling approaches; Detached Eddy Simulation (DES), Unsteady Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (URANS), and the newly developed Partially Averaged Navier-Stokes (PANS) [1, 2] method. PANS is a family of closure models parameterized by different ratios of resolved-to-modeled kinetic energy and dissipation. The corresponding resolution control parameters are f k (the ratio of unresolved to total kinetic energy) and f ϵ (the ratio of unresolved-to-total dissipation). The main objectives of this study are: (i) to investigate the merits of PANS relative to the other two methods by comparing against existing experimental data; and (ii) to examine the effect of the PANS parameter f ϵ on the computed flow field. In addition, we study the sensitivity of PANS results to grid-size and the level of unsteadiness in the inflow. Overall, the results clearly demonstrate the suitability of PANS for computing unsteady turbulent flows at a reasonable computational expense.
Blown away in Greensburg, USA: prediction and analysis of an EF‐5 tornado

On 4 May 2007, little more than a couple of hours before midnight in Greensburg, Kansas, a large and devastating tornado struck this small town on the southern Low Plains of the USA (AP, 2007). It earned the highest tornado rating in the country in terms of damage intensity in more than eight years, joining the ranks of the deadly 3 May 1999 Moore, Oklahoma tornado. Additionally, meteorologists labeled it the first EF-5 tornado of a recently revised damage scale, the Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale, implemented in February 2007 (TTU, 2006). One of a dozen tornadoes that formed between 0230 and 0630 UTC on 5 May, the deadly storm possessed more than enough strength to hurl sport utility vehicles through the darkness and into motel rooms, killing 10 people across the area in a matter of minutes (NWS, 2007). This article describes the meteorological set-up conducive to the Greensburg supercell thunderstorm, with its long-lived rotating updraft that cyclically produced strong and violent tornadoes. It illuminates the forecasting and warning processes, details the life and demise of the tornado, and includes appropriate satellite and radar images. It also discusses the ground survey of the tornado damage in Greensburg, augmented by revealing insights into this historic event. Additionally, it considers personal safety with respect to taking shelter in interior rooms, hallways, and basements during tornadoes to prevent injury and death. Lastly, it offers advice on readiness for such emergencies and the inclusion of mentally and physically challenged persons in protective action plans.
The bounding properties of the multipoint Padé approximant to a series of Stieltjes on the real line

The multipoint Pade approximants to a series of Stieltjes and the corresponding complementary approximants are defined. Their bounding properties are established, and those of the usual [n,n−1] and [n,n] Pade approximants are shown to be special cases. It is further shown how information in the form of the first few terms in the expansion of the series of Stieltjes in inverse powers of x may be incorporated into the multipoint Pade approximant and its complement, thereby tightening the bounds supplied by the approximants. The usual ``two‐point'' Pade approximant occurs as a special case of following this procedure. Physically occurring series of Stieltjes can often be written in the form G(x)=Σk = 1K Vk/(Ek+x)+H(x), where G(x) is a series of Stieltjes with radius of convergence R > 0, H(x) is a series of Stieltjes with radius of convergence R′ > R, R⩽E1<E2<…<EK<R′, and 0 < Vk < ∞ (k = 1,2,…, k). In addition to the bounds supplied by the multipoint Pade approximants for X ∈ (−R, ∞), it is shown that the ap.