Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prospective middle school mathematics teachers’ conceptualizations of slope

In this study, the conceptualizations used by prospective middle school mathematics teachers when defining, representing, and exemplifying the slope concept and relating it with other mathematical situations were examined. Participants’ conceptualizations were identified by Nagle, C. , Moore-Russo, D. , Viglietti, J., & Martin, K. [(2013). Calculus students’ and instructors’ conceptualizations of slope: A comparison across academic levels. International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, 11(6), 1491–1515. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10763-013-9411-2] framework. The findings showed the prospective teachers mostly used trigonometric and parametric conceptions. Real-world situation, calculus conception, geometric ratio, and determining property were other common conceptualizations used by the participants. On the other hand, algebraic ratio, behaviour indicator, physical property, and functional property conceptualizations were seldom used and linear constant conceptualization was never used by them. The implications for mathematics teacher educators and mathematics education researchers on how to remedy prospective teachers’ possible difficulties and errors about slope are discussed.
Physician’s knowledge, attitude and practice of fixed drug combinations: Can we recognize the lacunae?

Objective: The Indian pharmaceutical market is flooded with different fixed drug combinations (FDCs), many of which lack a rational justification. The study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding FDCs among the physicians of a tertiary-care teaching center. Method: The target sample size for this cross-sectional study was calculated as 75, and the study was conducted between February and August 2020 by using a content-validated questionnaire. Descriptive statistics had been utilized for data analysis, and Chi-square test had been applied for intergroup comparison (with P < 0.05 considered to be significant). Results: The mean age of the physicians who participated in this survey was 33.2 years. While 44% of them could identify all the potential advantages of using FDCs, only 09% could correctly recognize all the disadvantages associated with the same. Among the list of rational and irrational FDCs, only 49% could single out the irrational ones. And though the majority (83%) of the respondents do check for the rationality of FDCs before prescribing them, still out of 25 most commonly prescribed FDCs, 16 lacked any scientific justification for combination, and 09 (out of 16) had been banned by the Government of India. Conclusion: The outcome of this cross-sectional questionnaire-based study reflects the deficit in the knowledge regarding FDCs, as well as incoherence among the knowledge, attitude, and prescription practice. Though the physicians have cultivated a healthy attitude towards prescribing FDCs, the same is not reflected in their practice. In order to rectify these disparities, the authors have proposed certain recommendations within this article.
Correlating Laboratory Test Methodologies to Measure Skid Resistance of Pavement Surfaces

The skid resistance performance of surface aggregates can be assessed in the laboratory with a polishing device that is designed to simulate traffic polishing actions, coupled with a skid resistance measuring device. The standard laboratory test has historically been the polished stone value (PSV) test, as specified in British Standard EN 1097-8:2009. However, as the technology has advanced and traffic volume and composition on the roads have changed, other devices and methodologies have been developed in an attempt to provide better assessment of the skid resistance performance of surface aggregates. This study compared two alternative laboratory tests, the Auckland pavement polishing device (APPD) and the Wehner–Schulze (WS) devices, in assessing the skid resistance performance of three New Zealand greywacke aggregates. This paper discusses the variations in APPD and its corresponding skid resistance measuring device, the dynamic friction tester (DFT) and the effect of macrotexture in the APPD-DFT test. The results demonstrate a good relationship between the APPD-DFT and PSV tests and no relationship between the WS and PSV tests. However, the APPD and WS tests correlate well. The study used only three greywacke aggregates; therefore, no conclusive results can be drawn on the relationship between these laboratory tests as yet.
Monitoring and Management of the Patient with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Induced Inflammatory Arthritis: Current Perspectives

Abstract In this review, we draw from observational studies, treatment guidelines and our own clinical experience to describe approaches to monitoring and management of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-induced inflammatory arthritis, including polymyalgia rheumatica. This condition occurs in about 4% of ICI-treated cancer patients and can persist for a year or longer. Mild arthritis can generally be managed with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, intraarticular steroids injections and/or low dose corticosteroids. Higher grade arthritis should be brought under control with corticosteroids, but early introduction of a steroid-sparing agent is recommended to minimize steroid toxicity. In order to assess the effectiveness of any arthritis treatment, tender and swollen joint counts and patient reported measures of physical function, such as the health assessment questionnaire, should be obtained at each visit. Referral to a rheumatologist is recommended for patients with high grade arthritis to help guide the use of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs.
Insight from OPN1LW Gene Haplotypes into the Cause and Prevention of Myopia

Nearsightedness (myopia) is a global health problem of staggering proportions that has driven the hunt for environmental and genetic risk factors in hopes of gaining insight into the underlying mechanism and providing new avenues of intervention. Myopia is the dominant risk factor for leading causes of blindness, including myopic maculopathy and retinal detachment. The fundamental defect in myopia—an excessively elongated eyeball—causes blurry distance vision that is correctable with lenses or surgery, but the risk of blindness remains. Haplotypes of the long-wavelength and middle-wavelength cone opsin genes (OPN1LW and OPN1MW, respectively) that exhibit profound exon-3 skipping during pre-messenger RNA splicing are associated with high myopia. Cone photoreceptors expressing these haplotypes are nearly devoid of photopigment. Conversely, cones in the same retina that express non-skipping haplotypes are relatively full of photopigment. We hypothesized that abnormal contrast signals arising from adjacent cones differing in photopigment content stimulate axial elongation, and spectacles that reduce contrast may significantly slow myopia progression. We tested for an association between spherical equivalent refraction and OPN1LW haplotype in males of European ancestry as determined by long-distance PCR and Sanger sequencing and identified OPN1LW exon 3 haplotypes that increase the risk of common myopia. We also evaluated the effects of contrast-reducing spectacles lenses on myopia progression in children. The work presented here provides new insight into the cause and prevention of myopia progression.
On institutional belongingness and academic performance: mediating effects of social self-efficacy and metacognitive strategies

ABSTRACT Educational researchers have provided evidence that students who see themselves as valued members of their university (institutional belongingness) tend to have higher academic performance than students with a weaker sense of institutional belongingness. The current research draws on social cognitive theory to inspect two mechanisms that might explain this correlation: social self-efficacy and metacognitive strategies. We tested a double-mediation model with a large sample of students (n = 1,480) from one higher education institution in New Zealand. Using structural equation modeling, social self-efficacy and metacognitive strategies were meaningful contributors to the relation between institutional belongingness and Grade Point Average (GPA). Our discussion focuses on how universities can design strategies that promote belongingness and, in turn, improve how students interact, learn, and perform.
Modeling Liquids and Resin-Based Dental Composite Materials—A Scoping Review

Several lubricant materials can be used to model resin-based composites (RBCs) during restorative procedures. Clinically, instruments or brushes are wet with bonding agents (BAs) or modeling liquids (MLs) for sculpturing purposes. However, a knowledge gap exists on their effects on the mechanical properties of RBCs, requiring greater insight. Five databases were searched, including 295 in vitro studies on the use of lubricant materials for modeling RBCs during restorative procedures. Only articles in the English language were included, with no limits on the publication date. The last piece of research was dated 24 March 2022. In total, 16 studies were included in the review process, together with a paper retrieved after screening references. A total of 17 BAs and 7 MLs were investigated. Tensile (n = 5), flexural strength (n = 2), water sorption (n = 2), color stability (n = 8) and translucency (n = 3), micro-hardness (n = 4), roughness (n = 3), degree of conversion (n = 3), and monomer elution (n = 2) tests were carried out. In general, a maximum of 24 h of artificial storage was performed (n = 13), while four papers tested the specimens immediately. The present review identifies the possibilities and limitations of modeling lubricants used during restorative procedures on the mechanical, surface, and optical properties of RBCs. Clinicians should be aware that sculpturing RBCs with modeling resins might influence the composite surface properties in a way that is material-dependent.
Environmental-Friendly Adsorbent Composite Based on Hydroxyapatite/Hydroxypropyl Methyl-Cellulose for Removal of Cationic Dyes from an Aqueous Solution

The aim of this study is to develop a new, efficient, and inexpensive natural-based adsorbent with high efficacy for the cationic dye methylene blue (MB). A natural-based nanocomposite based on hydroxyapatite (HAp) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) was selected for this purpose. It was synthesized by the dissolution/reprecipitation method. A film with a homogeneous and smooth surface composed of nanoparticles was prepared from the nanocomposite. HPMC and HAp biopolymers were selected due to their compatibility, biodegradability, and non-toxicity. Total reflectance infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and calorimetric/thermal gravimetric (DSC/TGA) analysis results revealed the existence of strong physical interaction between the composite components. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations show a composite sheet with a homogenous and smooth surface, indicating excellent compatibility between HPMC and HAp in the composite. The nanocomposite was evaluated as an adsorbent for organic dyes in an aqueous solution. The effects of solution pH, initial MB concentration, composite concentration, and adsorption time on the adsorption efficiency were evaluated. The highest adsorption rate was seen as 52.0 mg of MB/g composite. The adsorption rate reached equilibrium in about 20 min. Fitting of the adsorption data to the Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption models was investigated. Results showed that the adsorption process follows the Langmuir isotherm model. The kinetic study results revealed that the adsorption process was pseudo-second-order. The herein composite is an excellent alternative for use as contemporary industrial-scale adsorbents.
Synthesis of SnS2 photocatalysts and investigation of their photocatalytic activities under sun light irradiation

ABSTRACT Photocatalysis is the process of acceleration of the photoreaction in presence of the catalyst and is becoming a future research area. Photocatalysis is considered as a promising method for solving environmental and energy issues. Designing efficient photocatalysts that are active in the visible light region, especially sunlight, is still fascinating. In this study, the SnS2 photocatalyst has been prepared by the hydrothermal method in two different solvents, i.e. ethylene glycol and water. X-Ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy and UV–visible spectroscopy techniques were used for the characterisation of the samples. XRD study indicated that synthetic solvents have a strong effect on crystallinity. The sample was observed as amorphous when prepared in an ethylene glycol medium and very weakly intense peaks of the hexagonal phase of SnS2 when prepared in an aqueous medium. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated by the degradation of dye rhodamine B and observed that the prepared catalysts could exhibit high activity under sunlight irradiation. It was also found that the photocatalytic activity was strongly dependent on the synthetic solvents. However, there were no significant differences in band-gap energy with the change of solvents. The results indicate that SnS2 can be a potential photocatalyst for the degradation of dyes in wastewater under sunlight irradiation photocatalysis. Graphical abstract
Relationship between Exercise Intensity and IL-6 Increase during an 80 km Long-Distance Running Race

Background: IL-6 plasma concentration (IL-6PC) reflects the systemic inflammation related to exercise intensity level. This study aims to describe the IL-6PC kinetics during a long-distance running race. IL-6PC was measured in 20 male runners before (0 km), at each refreshment point (at 21 and 53 km, i.e., k21 and k53, respectively) and at the end of an 80 km long-distance run (k80). Methods: IL-6PC variations (absolute and relative values in each of the three sections (S)) were calculated over S1 (0_k21), S2 (k21_k53) and S3 (k53_k80) and compared with the exercise intensity (duration*race speed) within each section. Results: The mean IL-6PC increased during the run: 2.1 ± 0.6 ng.L−1 at 0 km, 21.0 ± 11.3 ng.L−1 at k21, 38.9 ± 13.0 ng.L−1 at k53 and 49.8 ± 11.9 ng.L−1 at k80. Exercise intensity increased between S1 (24.2 ± 0.5) and S2 (51.9 ± 3.2) (p = 0.04) but not between S2 and S3 (67.4 ± 4.5) (p = 0.69). IL-6PC variation was associated with exercise intensity within S1 (p = 0.03) and S2 (p = 2 × 10−3) and showed at least a trend within S3 (p = 0.06). Conclusions: IL-6PC increases that occur during the early stages of a long-distance run are associated with the running intensity, and then IL-6PC remain stable after the reduction in intensity related to the decrease in running speed.
Neurological Consequences of COVID-19: A Curious Case of Delayed Onset Guillain-Barre

SARS-CoV-2 is responsible for causing the COVID-19 pandemic and over 4 million deaths globally. Clinical symptoms range from asymptomatic infection, viral syndrome, and pneumonia, to acute respiratory distress syndrome. Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), an acute demyelinating inflammatory polyneuropathy, may be a manifestation of infection and must be recognized quickly by clinicians to avoid neurological deterioration in these patients. Here, we present an interesting case of GBS in a patient with a previous COVID-19 infection. A 63-year-old male with a past medical history of hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, obesity, and recent COVID-19 infection just five weeks prior to the presentation without COVID-19 vaccination presented to a family medicine clinic due to a history of falls as well as lower extremity numbness, weakness, and paresthesias for the past 36 hours. The patient’s MRI and lumbar puncture were unremarkable and the patient was transferred to a tertiary care center. The patient was diagnosed with GBS secondary to his COVID-19 infection five weeks prior. He received a standard five-dose regimen of 400 mg/kg/day of intravenous immunoglobulin and demonstrated rapid improvement in response to therapy. Temporal factors associated with disease such as the seemingly delayed onset of symptoms after COVID-19 viral infection in comparison to other cases of GBS, as well as the rapid progression of symptomatology, are of note. Healthcare providers should still consider GBS as a possibility in patients with a relatively distant history of COVID-19 infections. Rapid progression of symptoms should also be monitored as this may result in earlier respiratory morbidity and mortality in the absence of appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
Gender Differences in Bystander Intervention Intentions to Prevent Sexual Assault: A Reasoned Action Approach

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to evaluate gender differences in determinants of bystander intervention (BI) participation among undergraduate students using the Reasoned Action Approach (RAA). Students (n = 291) were recruited via an online survey disseminated in general education courses at two US universities. The survey evaluated intentions, attitudes, perceived norms, and perceived behavioral control toward participating in BI. Two linear regression models (man/woman) were used to understand how constructs of RAA regressed on intentions. Students, 18–24 years old, were mostly women (60.1%) and lowerclassmen (80.4%). While both models were significant, the model better predicted intentions among women (adjusted R2 = .598) compared to men (adjusted R2 = .479). Women had significantly higher intentions, attitudes, and perceived behavioral control to engage in BI compared to men (p < .05). Results show that men and women have different views on BI, and ways to promote BI may be better if they were tailored by gender. This provides insight into the role gender plays in BI to prevent sexual assault and could enhance health education approaches on campuses.
Characterization of Immune Response Diversity in Rodents Vaccinated with a Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Vectored COVID-19 Vaccine

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has emerged as the prime challenge facing public health safety since 2019. Correspondingly, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines have been developed and administered worldwide, varying in design strategies, delivery routes, immunogenicity and protective efficacy. Here, a replication-competent vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) vectored recombinant COVID-19 vaccine was constructed and evaluated in BALB/c mice and Syrian golden hamsters. In BALB/c mice, intramuscular (i.m.) inoculation of recombinant vaccine induced significantly higher humoral immune response than that of the intranasal (i.n.) inoculation group. Analyses of cellular immunity revealed that a Th1-biased cellular immune response was induced in i.n. inoculation group while both Th1 and Th2 T cells were activated in i.m. inoculation group. In golden hamsters, i.n. inoculation of the recombinant vaccine triggered robust humoral immune response and conferred prominent protective efficacy post-SARS-CoV-2 challenge, indicating a better protective immunity in the i.n. inoculation group than that of the i.m. inoculation group. This study provides an effective i.n. -delivered recombinant COVID-19 vaccine candidate and elucidates a route-dependent manner of this vaccine candidate in two most frequently applied small animal models. Moreover, the golden hamster is presented as an economical and convenient small animal model that precisely reflects the immune response and protective efficacy induced by replication-competent COVID-19 vaccine candidates in other SARS-CoV-2 susceptible animals and human beings, especially in the exploration of i.n. immunization.
Systemic Therapy of Metastatic Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: Current Status, Challenges, and Opportunities

Simple Summary Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a common type of cancer originating from the pancreatic glands and is characterized by a rapidly progressive course and a dismal prognosis. Currently, chemotherapy is the cornerstone of treatment that has modest efficacy. Targeted treatment options are rapidly evolving with the growing understanding of pathobiological underpinnings of tumorigenesis, progression, and treatment resistance mechanisms. Combination strategies targeting multiple signaling pathways supporting tumor growth and propagation are active areas of contemporary research that will likely transform the treatment paradigm of pancreatic cancer. Abstract Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive malignancy characterized by nonspecific presenting symptoms, lack of a screening test, rapidly progressive clinical course, and presentation with an advanced-stage disease in the majority of patients. PDAC is essentially a systemic disease irrespective of the initial stage, as most patients with non-metastatic PDAC undergoing curative-intent treatment eventually experience metastatic relapse. Currently, cytotoxic chemotherapy remains the cornerstone of treatment in patients with advanced disease. However, the current standard treatment with multiagent chemotherapy has modest efficacy and results in median overall survival (OS) of less than a year and a 5-year OS of about 10%. The pathobiology of PDAC poses many challenges, including a unique tumor microenvironment interfering with drug delivery, intratumoral heterogeneity, and a strongly immunosuppressive microenvironment that supports cancer growth. Recent research is exploring a wide range of novel therapeutic targets, including genomic alterations, tumor microenvironment, and tumor metabolism. The rapid evolution of tumor genome sequencing technologies paves the way for personalized, targeted therapies. The present review summarizes the current chemotherapeutic treatment paradigm of advanced PDAC and discusses the evolving novel targets that are being investigated in a myriad of clinical trials.
Design Lessons from Load Tests on Open- and Closed-Ended Pipe Piles

Both the driving response and static bearing capacity of open-ended piles are affected by the soil plug that forms inside the pile during pile driving. In order to investigate the effect of the soil plug on the load capacity of pipe piles in general, field pile load tests were performed on instrumented openand closed-ended piles driven into sand. For the open-ended pile, the soil plug length was continuously measured during pile driving, allowing calculation of an incremental filling ratio, IFR for the pile. The cumulative hammer blow count for the openended pile with final IFR of 77.5% was 16% lower than for the closed-ended pile. The limit unit shaft and base resistances of the openended pile were 51% and 32% lower than the corresponding values for the closed-ended pile. It was also observed, for the open-ended pile, that the unit soil plug resistance was only about 28% of the unit annulus resistance.
A Review of the Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Properties of the Genus Arrabidaea

The genus Arrabidaea, consisting of ~170 species, belongs to the family Bignoniaceae, distributed around the Neotropics and temperate zone. The center of diversity of the family is in Brazil, where 56 genera and about 340 species exist. Most species of the genus Arrabidaea are traditionally utilized as diuretics and antiseptics, as well as for treating intestinal colic, diarrhea, kidney stones, rheumatoid arthritis, wounds, and enterocolitis. The genus is chemically diverse with different substance classes; most of them are triterpenes, phenolic acids, and flavonoids, and they exhibit valuable pharmacological properties, such as antitumor, antioxidant, leishmanicidal, trypanocidal, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties. This review presents information on the chemical constituents isolated from seven Arrabidaea species, and the pharmacological activities of the extracts, fractions and pure substances isolated since 1994, obtained from electronic databases. The various constituents present in the different species of this genus demonstrate a wide pharmacological potential for the development of new therapeutic agents, however its potential has been underestimated.