Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimization of Starch —κ -Carrageenan Film as Drug Delivery System Using Response Surface Method

Development of drug delivery systems (DDS) has been widely carried out using safe biopolymers – starch and κ -carrageenan. However, for optimal use, the foregoing polymers still suffers from mechanical weakness. Combining both polymers could enhance the properties of each of the polymer. This research aimed of improving the applicability of starch and κ -carrageenan as DDS by means of polyelectrolyte complexation to form a polymer film. The composition ratio of starch:κ -carrageenan was optimized using response surface method (RSM) on Design Expert 11.0 based on water swelling, tensile strength, and disintegration time of the film. Fourier transform infrared spectrometry was performed on the prepared starch —κ -carrageenan film and suggested the successful film preparation. The bulk characteristics of the film are dependent on the starch or κ -carrageenan composition ratio, where starch has been associated with higher thickness, while κ -carrageenan — rigidity. From the RSM, the optimized composition was revealed to be 2.95 and 2.84 g for starch and κ -carrageenan, respectively, in a 60 mL aqueous solvent. The predicted optimum properties of the film were 160.21%, 3.26 MPa, and 17.47 min for swelling degree, tensile strength, and disintegration time, respectively. Tak en altogether, the characteristics of starch or κ -carrageenan individually could be modified by polymeric combination, where they could be optimized by means of RSM.
Examining the dynamics of a Borneo vortex using a balance approximation tool

Abstract. Cyclonic vortices that are weaker than tropical storm category can bring heavy precipitation as they propagate across the South China Sea and surrounding countries. Here we investigate the structure and dynamics responsible for the intensification of a Borneo vortex that moved from the north of Borneo across the South China Sea and impacted Vietnam and Thailand in late October 2018. This case study is examined using Met Office Unified Model (MetUM) simulations and a semi-geotriptic (SGT) balance approximation tool. Satellite observations and a MetUM simulation with 4.4 km grid initialised at 12:00 UTC on 21 October 2018 show that the westward-moving vortex is characterised by a coherent maximum in total column water and by a comma-shaped precipitation structure with the heaviest rainfall to the northwest of the circulation centre. The Borneo vortex comprises a low-level cyclonic circulation and a mid-level wave embedded in the background easterly shear flow, which strengthens with height up to around 7 km. Despite being in the tropics at 6∘ N, the low-level vortex and mid-level wave are well represented by SGT balance dynamics. The mid-level wave propagates along a vertical gradient in moist stability, i.e. the product between the specific humidity and the static stability, at 4.5 to 5 km and is characterised by a coherent signature in the potential vorticity, meridional wind, and balanced vertical velocity fields. The vertical motion is dominated by coupling with diabatic heating and is shifted relative to the potential vorticity so that the diabatic wave propagates westwards, relative to the flow, at a rate consistent with prediction from moist semi-geostrophic theory. Initial vortex development at low levels is consistent with baroclinic growth initiated by the mid-level diabatic Rossby wave, which propagates on baroclinic shear flow on the southern flank of a large-scale cold surge.
Preparation and organoleptic evaluation of banana (cv. Rajapuri) pseudostem candy

The core of the banana pseudostem is most suitable for the preparation of the osmotically dehydrated candy. The banana (cv. Rajapuri) pseudostem candy was prepared and evaluated during both the year 2019-20 and 2020-21 at the laboratory, Department of Post-harvest Technology, KRC, College of Horticulture Arabhavi, Karnataka (India). The prepared candies were stored for 90 days under ambient storage conditions. The sensory parameters like colour and appearance, texture, taste and flavour and overall acceptability were evaluated by the semi-trained panel of judges using 9-point hedonic scale at initial and also at 30 days interval up to 3 months of storage. Among different treatments, banana pseudostem candies prepared by steam blanching of cubes for 2.5 minutes and steeping them in 40-60ºBrix syrup with the addition of pineapple flavour (T 6 ) recorded highest organoleptic scores for colour and appearance (7.88), texture (7.99), taste and flavour (8.11) and overall acceptability (8.15) after three months of storage compared to control, which recorded the lowest score for all the organoleptic parameters.
CONSTITUTUIVE MODEL FOR BUCKLING OF TRANSVERSALLY RESTRAINED LONGITUDINAL BARS IN REINFORCED CONCRETE COLUMNS

This paper introduces a constitutive material model of reinforcing steel bars in reinforced concrete (RC) columns. The model accounts for the restraining effect of transverse reinforcement on the bar buckling length and the stress at the onset of buckling. Once the bar buckles, the material model uses a strain decomposition approach to condense the bar rotational and transversal degrees of freedom and model the post-buckling softening behavior in terms of convenient axial stress and strain quantities. The model incorporates stiffness reduction upon strain reversal from a compression cycle in which bar buckling occurred, and a plastic strain-dependent damage index calibrated to impose hysteretic stress reduction and predict bar fracture. Due to the strain decomposition approach used, the bar buckling model has the advantage of flexibility to use an existing library of steel uniaxial material models as base. The model-predicted monotonic and cyclic axial responses of individual reinforcing steel bars compare well with published experiments. Finally, the proposed model is used successfully to model buckling in the longitudinal reinforcement of two RC bridge column models experimentally tested under combined axial and lateral loading.
Examining the Relationship Between Academic Burnout and the University Student's Engagement: A Cross-Sectional Study on the Return to Face-to-Face Classes

Objective: Academic burnout is considered a psychological condition that students present and is characterized by low motivation and a feeling of failure due to the inability to cope with academic stress or excessive academic demands. In this sense, the objective of the present investigation was to determine if academic burnout is related to the university student's engagement in the Peruvian Amazon to return to face-to-face classes. Method: The approach was quantitative, the design was non-experimental and the type was descriptive - correlational, cross-sectional. The sample consisted of 342 students who were administered the Maslach Burnout Inventory Student Survey and the UWES-S Scale, instruments with adequate levels of validity and reliability. Likewise, to identify the relationship between the study variables, Pearson correlation coefficient was used. Results: The preliminary results indicate that the students were characterized by presenting moderate levels of academic burnout and engagement. On the other hand, it was determined that the Pearson correlation coefficient between both variables was -0.722 (p<0.05). Significant correlations were also reported between academic burnout and the dimensions vigor (r= -0.701, p<0.05), dedication (r= -0.712, p<0.05) and absorption (r= -0.694, p<0.05). In the same way, significant correlations were found between student engagement and the dimensions emotional exhaustion (r= -0.711, p<0.05), cynicism (r= -0.700, p<0.05) and inefficacy (r= -0.687, p <0.05). On the other hand, the β coefficients indicate that academic burnout (β= 0.204), emotional exhaustion (β= 0.259), cynicism (β= 0.196) and inefficacy (β= 0.337) significantly predicted student engagement. Conclusions: It was concluded that there is an inverse and significant relationship between academic burnout and the university student's engagement in the Peruvian Amazon to return to face-to-face classes.
Antioxidant, Syneresis, and Sensory Characteristics of Probiotic Yogurt Incorporated With Agave tequilana Aqueous Extract

Background: The growing consumer interest in healthy food has encouraged the industry to search for products that exhibit additional benefits over nutritional value. Yogurt is the best carrier for beneficial nutrients such as probiotics and antioxidants. Agave tequilana is a plant that contains phytochemicals comprising flavonoids that show antioxidant activity. Objectives: In this work, the effects of incorporating A. tequilana aqueous extract (ATAE) on the antioxidant properties, syneresis, and flavor of probiotic yogurt were investigated. Methods: Radical scavenging ability was evaluated against the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Amounts of total phenolic compounds (TPC) were determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu method. Syneresis was determined using the centrifugal technique. The sensory evaluation was carried out using a 5-point hedonic scale. Results: The addition of ATAE in yogurts exhibited a dose-dependent relationship and had significantly (P≤0.05) higher TPC and DPPH scavenging ability than the control yogurts. The TPC and DPPH scavenging properties of 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% ATAE-fortified yogurts were 389.9, 629.2 and 905.6 mg GAE/kg yogurt and 283, 480, and 617 mg BHT eq./kg yogurt, respectively. The addition of ATAE increased the syneresis of yogurt samples (P≤0.05). Although the sensory properties of synbiotic yogurt samples were lower than plain and probiotic treatments, their scores were still above the acceptable level. Conclusion: As the results of this study indicated, it is recommended to improve the antioxidant properties of the yogurt by incorporating AEAT and its potential application as a functional food formulation.
The Development of Learning Devices Based Realistic Approach for Increasing Problem Solving Mathematics Ability of Student in SMPS Gema Buwana

This type of research was a of learning devices with the aim to produce devices based learning approach that was valid realistic mathematics, practical and effective, and all the instruments of research related to the application of these devices in the learning of mathematics on the subject of rectangle and square for seventh grade students of SMP. This study was conducted in two stages, namely the first stage was the development of learning tools. The development of devices based learning mathematics realistic approach with reference to the development model learning device according to Thiagarajan, and Semmel Semmel ie 4-D models (four D models). The second stage was the implementation of learning devices that were considered feasible. The design of the trials was a one-group posttest-only design. The findings of the research were: 1) the resulting learning, such as: lesson plan, student books, student activity sheet, and test problem solving had met the criteria of good / valid; 2) The effectiveness of the learning device inferred based on: (i) complete student learning classical at the first trial amounted to 85.17% and in the second test by 90%, (ii) achievement of learning goals at the trials I was not achieved in a matter of question number 3 and 4 and no trial II was reached on each item, (iii) the performance of the ideal time at the trial I and II trials were ideal, 3) The student’s response to the component and learning activities was postive. Keywords: Learning devices, Realistic Approach, 4-D Development Model, Problem Solving Mathematics ability.
Human rights in tension: guiding cadastral systems development in customary land rights contexts

Land reform in South Africa has failed to meet its objectives. The intended beneficiaries often do not have their land reform needs met. Failures may be attributed to multiple sources. We propose a conceptual framework to assist governments conducting land reform projects. It draws on aspects of human rights, good governance, and pro-poor policy. Existing frameworks are combined with these aspects to derive the conceptual framework. By using the framework, development projects in South Africa and similar contexts may become more Successful, Sustainable, and Significant. The paper holds interest for land tenure and cadastral systems researchers and developers.
Estimating the Dynamics and Persistence of Financial Networks, with an Application to the Sterling Money Market

Summary We propose a novel methodology for dynamic econometric modelling of large financial networks subject to persistence, structural changes and sparsity. We estimate bivariate dynamic Tobit-type models for each pair of banks, allowing for deterministic or stochastic time-varying parameters, and then aggregate across all bank pairs. To tackle the high dimensionality of the model, we construct a few lagged variables that efficiently summarize the position of a bank pair in the network. We propose a simple and computationally easy kernel-based local maximum likelihood estimator of the time-varying parameters of the model and establish its asymptotic properties. We then apply the model to the time series of daily overnight money market network in the UK 2003–2012. The results show that our model can successfully accommodate the numerous structural breaks arising from changes to the monetary framework and captures well the dynamics of the interbank lending relationships in this period. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of brittle scratches on transmission of optical glass and its induced light intensification during the chemical etching

Abstract. Chemical etching experiments are carried out to expose and change the morphology of multiple scratches and single scratches in a set of K9 glasses, during which the transmission of some glasses is measured. The results show that brittle scratches have an influence on the transmission, and the transmission decreases at first and then increases obviously with the increase of etching time for the glass with a high density of cracks. The scattered field distribution around trailing indent crack(s) and the transmission of the glass with a scratch etched deeply (adjacent cracks have coalesced with each other) are simulated under different parameters. Using finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) algorithm, the light intensification effect around two single-evolving scratches and two adjacent cracks with different parameters are simulated, respectively. The results indicate that the position with the maximum light intensity changes for the glass with a scratch and its light intensity enhancement factors (LIEFs) will generally decrease as the etching process progresses. Compared with the morphology evolution of a scratch during the etching process, the changing mechanisms of transmission and LIEFs are revealed. This work will contribute to the improvement of service performance of optical glass by chemical etching process.
Refining Value-at-Risk estimates : an extreme value theory approach

This thesis proposes new approaches to Value-at-Risk estimation using (1) Multivariate GARCH Dynamic Conditional Correlation volatility model with skewed Student’s-t distributions, (2) Bayesian GARCH model with Student’s-t distribution, and (3) Bayesian Markov-Switching GJR-GARCH model with skewed Student’s-t distributions, incorporating copula functions and extreme value theory. A new approach for selecting a proper threshold in the Peaks Over Threshold method for extreme value theory analysis called the hybrid method is also proposed. The proposed Value-at-Risk models are compared to the traditional Value-at-Risk models commonly used by banks. Back-testing results following Kupiec (1995) unconditional coverage test, Christoffersen (1998) independent and conditional coverage test, Basel traffic light test, Santos and Alves (2012) new independent test, Dowd (2002) bootstrap back-test, and Engle and Manganelli (2004) Dynamic Quantile test show that Value-at-Risk models constructed following extreme value theory produced reliable Value-at-Risk estimates. Furthermore, Value-at-Risk models incorporating the hybrid method for threshold selection produced more stable Value-at-Risk estimates compared to the traditional Value-at-Risk models.
A REVIEW INFLUENCE OF LIGHT ON INSECT ACTIVITY AND BEHAVIOUR: SUSTAINABLE LIGHTING AND LIGHT POLLUTION

This paper reviews the influence of artificial light at night on insect activity and behaviour reported around the world with a focus on Malaysian insects. Insects, whether diurnal or nocturnal are the most diverse organisms on the planet and they play an important role in balancing the local ecosystems. However, their activities might be affected by light pollution, which inadvertently disrupts the natural order. This review found that insects were influenced by light in terms of photoperiod, direction, and mating. However, natural light such as sunlight and moonlight does not have any negative effect on insects while light pollution was found to be a major factor in altering insect activity and behaviour. Despite Malaysia being a megadiverse country with a huge variety of insect biota, not many studies have investigated the effects of light on insects. More studies are needed to investigate the consequences of light pollution, specifically on insect diversity in Malaysia.
Air bubble entrainment, breakup and interplay in vertical plunging jets

The entrainment, breakup, and interplay of air bubbles were observed in a vertical, two-dimensional supported jet at low impact velocities. Ultra-high-speed movies were analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. The onset velocity of bubble entrainment was between 0.9 and 1.1 m/s. Most bubbles were entrained as detached bubbles from elongated air cavities at the impingement point. Explosion, stretching, and dejection mechanisms were observed for individual bubble breakup, and the bubble interaction behaviors encompassed bubble rebound, “kiss-and-go,” coalescence and breakup induced by approaching bubble(s). The effects of jet impact velocity on the bubble behaviors were investigated for impact velocities from 1.0 to 1.36 m/s, in the presence of a shear flow environment.
COVID-19 Vaccine Framing: The Case of Astrazenca and Twitter Users

Framing of health messages on social media can impact health choices and behaviour such as vaccine uptake. The present study aimed to examine how AstraZeneca has been framed on social media, characterize Twitter users who have engaged in the distribution of health-related information about the AstraZeneca vaccine, and demonstrate the impact of various frames on user engagement. Tweets with a collective total of more than 159,000 words were gathered from tweets posted during the second and third week of March 2021 and analyzed using a cognitive linguistics approach, i.e., frame semantics. In addition, social media mining tools were employed to investigate user engagement. The findings indicate the presence of negative vaccination framing with three sub-systems: the vaccine (i.e., vaccination politics), the government’s response to (in)effectiveness, and citizens (the vaccinated), which are known through public reaction. All frames represented AstraZeneca in a negative light and have implications for health professionals, policies, and practices. Furthermore, Twitter user analysis revealed a link between the condensed nature of the retweets about the AstraZeneca vaccine and the potential spread of health misinformation. The findings inform future research by providing a snapshot of how the public has dealt with recent news of the reported side effects of the AstraZeneca vaccine on social media. The study concludes that the findings provide useful information in understanding the impact of health messages on social media in influencing people’s vaccine uptake.
Excitation by Electron Impact: Energies, Spectra, Emission Yields, Cross-sections, and H(1s) Kinetic Energy Distributions

The state of the hydrogen molecule has the second largest triplet-state excitation cross-section, and plays an important role in the heating of the upper thermospheres of outer planets by electron excitation. Precise energies of the H2, D2, and HD ( ) levels are calculated from highly accurate ab initio potential energy curves that include relativistic, radiative, and empirical non-adiabatic corrections. The emission yields are determined from predissociation rates and refined radiative transition probabilities. The excitation function and excitation cross-section of the state are extracted from previous theoretical calculations and experimental measurements. The emission cross-section is determined from the calculated emission yield and the extracted excitation cross-section. The kinetic energy (Ek) distributions of H atoms produced via the predissociation of the state, the – dissociative emission by the magnetic dipole and electric quadrupole, and the – – cascade dissociative emission by the electric dipole are obtained. The predissociation of the and states both produce H(1s) atoms with an average Ek of ∼4.1 eV/atom, while the – dissociative emissions by the magnetic dipole and electric quadrupole give an average Ek of ∼1.0 and ∼0.8 eV/atom, respectively. The – – cascade and dissociative emission gives an average Ek of ∼1.3 eV/atom. On average, each H2 excited to the state in an H2-dominated atmosphere deposits ∼7.1 eV into the atmosphere while each H2 directly excited to the and states contribute ∼2.3 and ∼3.3 eV, respectively, to the atmosphere. The spectral distribution of the calculated continuum emission arising from the – excitation is significantly different from that of direct or excitations.
Musculoskeletal Manifestations in Patients With Bardet-Biedl Syndrome: A Report of Two Cases

We report two patients with musculoskeletal manifestations as part of the Bardet-Biedl syndrome. The first patient (case 1) was born with polydactyly and later diagnosed with coxa vara. He had homozygous pathogenic mutation in the BBS1 gene of the variant c.1645G>T (p.Glu459*). The second patient (case 2) had nyctalopia and progressive vision worsening had osteoarthritis symptoms. He had a heterozygous mutation in the BBS1 gene of the variant c.1169T>G (p.Met390Arg). Although polydactyly is the most prevalent musculoskeletal association in patients with the syndrome, co-management of the musculoskeletal manifestations remains of utmost importance in patients with the syndrome.