Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mg12O12 and Be12O12 Nanocages as Sorbents and Sensors for H2S and SO2 Gases: A Theoretical Approach

Theoretical calculations based on the Density Functional Theory (DFT) have been performed to investigate the interaction of H2S as well SO2 gaseous molecules at the surfaces of Be12O12 and Mg12O12 nano-cages. The results show that a Mg12O12 nano-cage is a better sorbent than a Be12O12 nano-cage for the considered gases. Moreover, the ability of SO2 gas to be adsorbed is higher than that of H2S gas. The HOMO–LUMO gap (Eg) of Be12O12 nano-cage is more sensitive to SO2 than H2S adsorption, while the Eg value of Mg12O12 nano-cage reveals higher sensitivity to H2S than SO2 adsorption. The molecular dynamic calculations show that the H2S molecule cannot be retained at the surface of a Be12O12 nano-cage within 300–700 K and cannot be retained on a Mg12O12 nano-cage at 700 K, while the SO2 molecule can be retained at the surfaces of Be12O12 and Mg12O12 nano-cages up to 700 K. Moreover, the thermodynamic calculations indicate that the reactions between H2S as well SO2 with Be12O12 and Mg12O12 nano-cages are exothermic. Our results suggest that we can use Be12O12 and Mg12O12 nano-cages as sorbents as well as sensors for H2S and SO2 gases.
Field evaluation of an explicit infiltration function for conventional and alternate furrow irrigation

Surface irrigation models should take two‐dimensional infiltration of water in furrows into account for better representation and more accuracy. The Warrick–Lazarovitch infiltration model (W–L model) has been proposed to estimate the two‐dimensional infiltration of water in furrow irrigation. This model consists of several parameters, including γ as an empirical parameter, which is often obtained through calibration of the model. This study aimed to evaluate the W–L model performance in determining the cumulative and lateral infiltrations under conventional furrow irrigation (CFI) and alternate furrow irrigation (AFI) schemes and two different initial and boundary conditions. The results indicate that the W–L model adequately estimated the cumulative and lateral infiltration, and the two‐dimensional infiltration was estimated with less error than the lateral infiltration. In both irrigation schemes, for an increased surface boundary head from 5 to 10 cm and for a reduced initial water content from 0.21 to 0.16 cm3/cm3, the value of γ would increase. Generally, γ values in AFI were greater than those in CFI. The W–L model estimated the two‐dimensional infiltration with more accuracy than the relative lateral infiltration for both CFI and AFI. Proper representation of infiltration is important in both irrigation management and in tracing footprints of chemicals used in agriculture.
Association of DNA Methylation of the NLRP3 Gene with Changes in Cortical Thickness in Major Depressive Disorder

The Nod-like receptor pyrin containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome has been reported to be a convergent point linking the peripheral immune response induced by psychological stress and neuroinflammatory processes in the brain. We aimed to identify differences in the methylation profiles of the NLRP3 gene between major depressive disorder (MDD) patients and healthy controls (HCs). We also investigated the correlation of the methylation score of loci in NLRP3 with cortical thickness in the MDD group using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data. A total of 220 patients with MDD and 82 HCs were included in the study, and genome-wide DNA methylation profiling of the NLRP3 gene was performed. Among the total sample, 88 patients with MDD and 74 HCs underwent T1-weighted structural MRI and were included in the neuroimaging–methylation analysis. We identified five significant differentially methylated positions (DMPs) in NLRP3. In the MDD group, the methylation scores of cg18793688 and cg09418290 showed significant positive or negative correlations with cortical thickness in the occipital, parietal, temporal, and frontal regions, which showed significant differences in cortical thickness between the MDD and HC groups. Our findings suggest that NLRP3 DNA methylation may predispose to depression-related brain structural changes by increasing NLRP3 inflammasome-related neuroinflammatory processes in MDD.
Antimicrobial Efficacy of an Ultraviolet-C Device against Microorganisms Related to Contact Lens Adverse Events

The purpose of the study was to assess the antimicrobial activity of an ultraviolet-C (UVC) device against microorganisms implicated in contact lens related adverse events. An UVC device with an emitting 4.5 mm diameter Light Emitting Diode (LED; 265 nm; 1.93 mJ/cm2) was used. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Fusarium solani, and Candida albicans agar plate lawns were exposed to the device beams for 15 and 30 s at 8 mm distance. Following the exposure, the diameter of the growth inhibition zone was recorded. Contact lenses made of Delfilicon-A, Senofilicon-A, Comfilicon-A, Balafilicon-A, Samfilicon-A and Omafilicon-A and a commercially available contact storage case was used. They were exposed to bacterial and fungal strains for 18 h at 37 °C and 25 °C respectively. After this, the samples were exposed to UVC for 30 s at 8 mm distance to determine the antimicrobial efficacy. Samples were then gently washed and plated on appropriate agar for enumeration of colonies. The UVC exposure reduced microbial growth by 100% in agar lawns, and significantly (p < 0.05) reduced microbial contamination to contact lenses and cases, ranging between 0.90 to 4.6 log. Very short UVC exposure has high antimicrobial efficacy against most of the predominant causative microorganisms implicated in contact lens related keratitis. UVC could be readily used as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial treatment for lens disinfection.
Delft University of Technology Influence of Spatial Variability of Shear Strength Parameters on 3D Slope Reliability and Comparison of Analysis Methods

A 3D slope stability problem with spatially varying shear strength parameters has been analysed using the 3D random finite element method. This method links random fields of the random variables, in this case, cohesion and friction angle, with the finite element method within a Monte Carlo framework. The influence of spatial variability on calculated factors of safety and failure consequence has been investigated, and the results compared with a simpler 3D solution proposed by Vanmarcke. The simpler approach predicted a lower probability of failure under certain conditions, although, at high levels of anisotropy of the heterogeneity, the solutions converged. The reasons for the different solutions have been evaluated.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine used by Patients with Cancer: Egyptian Survey

Background: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) does not consider an integral part of the conventional health care system. Many patients worldwide use CAM on their own initiative or often in combination with their conventional medical therapy. Aim: To assess using of Complementary and Alternative Medicine by Patients with Cancer. Research Design: Multi-centric, cross sectional descriptive study. Setting: In Arab Republic of Egypt, among 14 participated governorates. Sample: 1020 patients with cancer were participated. Tool: A questionnaire sheet it comprised of patient socio- demographic variables, medical assessment, and question about CAM. Results: The majority of participant's patients (81.0%) not using CAM. More than half of patients who used CAM (69.1%) using biologically based therapies: herbs, dietary supplements since diagnosis and (66.5%) consulted the herbalist. While 69.1% of the participants used CAM by mouth, three quarters (75.3%) used CAM to control or relieve pain, (66.5 %) don't remember how much CAM coasted to use, most of the patients (98.5 %) did not get any side effect after using CAM, and the main source of information was the family (56.2%). Conclusion: Most patients with cancer are aware of the importance of adhering to conventional treatment and the main cause of using CAM was only for relieving or reducing pain. Recommendations: Reapply this survey on a larger scale to ensure a good representation of the Egyptian population's use of complementary and alternative medicine.
EFFECT OF FOUR SELECTION METHODS IN SOME BREAD WHEAT CROSSES

Four methods of breeding or selection representing different cycles phenotypic selection were evaluated in six spring bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L. ) crosses. The methods were : This study was conducted at the farm of El-Giza Agric. Res. Stn. , ARC, Egypt, during four successive seasons from 2001/2002 to 2004/2005 to evaluate the efficiency of four different breeding or selection methods in improving grain yield potentiality and some other agronomic traits in six bread wheat crosses. The lines which were produced from various cycles were evaluated in terms of number of spikes/plant, number of kernels/spike, 100 kernel weight, kernel spike weight and grain yield/plant. Results of single analysis of variance for every cross showed significant differences for selection methods in all crosses. Genotypes showed significant variation in number of spikes/plant except for crosses No. 4 and 5, in number of kernels/spike and 100 kernel weight except for crosses No. 1 and 5, in kernel spike weight and grain yield/plant except for cross No. 1. The interaction between genotypes and methods of selection was significant in all studied characters for all crosses except for number of spikes/plant in crosses No. 4 and 6, number of kernels/spike except for cross No. 6 , 100 kernel weight except for cross No. 1, kernel spike weight and grain yield/plant.
Climate Anomalies and Spillover of Bat-Borne Viral Diseases in the Asia–Pacific Region and the Arabian Peninsula

Climate variability and anomalies are known drivers of the emergence and outbreaks of infectious diseases. In this study, we investigated the potential association between climate factors and anomalies, including El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and land surface temperature anomalies, as well as the emergence and spillover events of bat-borne viral diseases in humans and livestock in the Asia–Pacific region and the Arabian Peninsula. Our findings from time series analyses, logistic regression models, and structural equation modelling revealed that the spillover patterns of the Nipah virus in Bangladesh and the Hendra virus in Australia were differently impacted by climate variability and with different time lags. We also used event coincidence analysis to show that the emergence events of most bat-borne viral diseases in the Asia–Pacific region and the Arabian Peninsula were statistically associated with ENSO climate anomalies. Spillover patterns of the Nipah virus in Bangladesh and the Hendra virus in Australia were also significantly associated with these events, although the pattern and co-influence of other climate factors differed. Our results suggest that climate factors and anomalies may create opportunities for virus spillover from bats to livestock and humans. Ongoing climate change and the future intensification of El Niño events will therefore potentially increase the emergence and spillover of bat-borne viral diseases in the Asia–Pacific region and the Arabian Peninsula.
Effects of core structure on the performance of Terfenol-D rod

To improve the vibration performance of the Terfenol-D rod and make its work more efficient, six types of Terfenol-D rods were studied in this paper. The dynamic simulation analyses of the rods were carried out, and the core loss of the rods were calculated and analyzed. Three structures of rods were manufactured, and their output amplitude were tested. The results showed that an untreated rod had the highest resonance frequency, the largest mechanical quality factor, and the smallest output amplitude and outer surface stress; compared with the untreated rod, the resonant frequency and mechanical quality factor of the sliced and slit rods reduced, the output amplitude and outer surface stress of the sliced and slit rods increased; the resonant frequency and mechanical quality factor of the sliced rods were smaller than those of the slit rods; and the output amplitude and outer surface stress of the sliced rods were larger than those of the slit rods. The untreated rod had the largest core loss on the outer diameter surface; the core loss on the outer diameter surface of the sliced and slit rods reduced, and the core loss of sliced rods was less than that of slit rods. The radially slit rod had the largest overall core loss; the overall core loss of the radially cut and bonded rod and the sliced rods was less than that of the untreated rod and the radially slit rod.
During the Era of Pandemic Corona Virus Disease 19, is Telemedicine Effective in the ‎follow-up of Hepatitis C Virus Patients Receiving Direct anti-Viral Therapy?‎‎

Background and study aims: A novel severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus (SARS COV2) outbreak resulting in corona virus disease (COVID- 19) which is known as a pandemic infectious disease. Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a well-known major cause of chronic liver disease and its subsequent major complications. Telemedicine refers to the remote practice of medical care for patients when the provider and patient are not physically present with each other. We aim to assess use of telemedicine in the follow up of chronic HCV patients during treatment by direct antiviral therapy in this era of COVID- 19. Patients and Methods: this study included cross matched 300 patients consulted for HCV treatment. 150 patients were treated in 2019 and followed by routine classic visits (routine classical group). Another 150 patients were treated in 2020 and followed up via virtual visits by telemedicine (telemedicine group). Results: There is no significant statistical difference between the two groups regarding the sustained virological response (SVR) and the recorded side effects during treatment (P= 0.275, P= 0.523) respectively. Conclusion: Use of telemedicine in the follow up of chronic HCV patients during treatment is as effective as the classic way and safer especially in the era of pandemic COVID19.
Salt Intrusion, Tides and Mixing in Multi-Channel Estuaries: PhD: UNESCO-IHE Institute, Delft

Multi-channel estuaries, such as the Mekong Delta in Vietnam and the Scheldt in the Netherlands, have characteristics of both the river and the sea, forming a unique environment influenced by tidal movements of the sea and freshwater flow of the river. This study addresses a number of knowledge gaps in multi-channel estuaries by developing a predictive analytical approach for salinity intrusion and discharge estimate in multi-channel estuaries. The new approach agrees well with 1-D hydrodynamic models and observations, indicating its applicability in practice. Most importantly, the study has successfully developed a new theory and a new equation to quantify tidal pumping due to ebb-flood channel residual circulation and the related salt dispersion.
Music students’ experienced workload in higher education: A systematic review and recommendations for good practice

While there is extensive research on student workload in higher education, research-based findings relating to music students’ workloads are, to a great extent, lacking. In this study, we aim to review the literature systematically (a) to identify the factors that have an impact on students’ experiences of workload (experienced workload) and (b) to better understand music students’ experiences of their workloads in relation to their studies. The overall aim is to offer recommendations for students, teachers, administrators, and student health and well-being services as to how to deal with music students’ workload. We conducted a systematic search of literature in 23 electronic databases and 19 music research journals following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews guidelines. Eligibility criteria consisted of design, sample, phenomenon of interest, evaluation, and type of research. Twenty-nine qualitative, quantitative, and multistrategy studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Data were extracted and the quality of the studies was appraised. Extended meta-ethnography was used to create a synthesis revealing specific themes offering recommendations for good practice to (a) increase music students’ ability to cope with their workload, (b) provide tools for teachers to support music students to manage and cope with workload, and (c) develop learner-centered environments in higher music education. In addition to presenting recommendations for good practice, we conclude that more research using high-quality designs is needed to investigate music students’ discipline-specific experienced workload.
CONSEQUENCES OF SELECTION FOR POST-WEANING GROWTH PERFORMANCE ON CARCASS ATTRIBUTES IN RABBITS

The aim of this work is to investigate the consequences of selection for post-weaning growth performance on carcass composition and carcass meatiness traits. Seven selection indices were applied using estimates of genetic and phenotypic parameters on 218 New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits, progeny of 24 bucks and 93 does, via a multi-trait animal model. Slaughter weight (SW) and daily gain between them (DG) were used as sources of information. The breeding objective was to enhance the profitability of NZW rabbit breeders by maximizing and The carcass composition was represented as the percentage of dissected side weight deposited as muscle (MP), Fat (FP), and bone while carcass meatiness traits were represented as carcass muscle: bone ratio (MB), and muscle: fat ratio (MF). The heritability estimates (h 2 ) were 0.69, 0.44 and 0.54 for WW, SW and DG, respectively. Carcass composition traits showed moderate estimates of h 2 for MP (0.31) and FP (0.35) and a very high value for BP (0.91). The h 2 values for carcass meatiness traits were 0.42, 0.43, 0.89, and 0.75 for CW, DP, and from -0.43 to -0.31 unit). Carcass meatiness traits are expected to be more favorable in terms of higher DP (ranged from 0.14 to 0.38 unit) and MB ratio (ranged from 0.28 to 0.36 unit) and less favorable in terms of MF (ranged from -0.23 to -1.60 unit). Conclusively, the results obtained in the present study suggested that selection based on the single trait index I 5 including the weaning weight trait would be recommended to improve the given aggregate genotype traits for being an early, single, and easy-to-measure.
Longitudinal Association of Dietary Energy Density with Abdominal Obesity among Chinese Adults from CHNS 1993–2018

Few studies have explored the longitudinal association between dietary energy density and waist circumference and abdominal obesity in adults in China. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between dietary energy density and waist circumference and abdominal obesity in Chinese residents aged 18–64. Using data from the CHNS from 1993 to 2018, 25,817 adult residents aged 18 to 64 were selected for the study. Three consecutive 24-h dietary recalls and home-weighed seasonings were used to assess food intake. A multilevel model was used to analyze the relationship between dietary energy density and waist circumference and abdominal obesity. The results showed that compared with the lowest dietary energy density group, females had an increased risk of abdominal obesity (OR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.29), and females’ waist circumference increased significantly by 0.24 cm (95% CI: 0.39–1.09) in the highest dietary energy density group. No association between dietary energy density and waist circumference and abdominal obesity was observed in males. This study shows that higher dietary energy density is significantly associated with females’ waist circumference and abdominal obesity. Further research on high dietary energy density and abdominal obesity will provide scientific basis for the effective control of abdominal obesity.
Application of Geophysical Methods in Archaeological Survey of Early Medieval Fortifications

As powerful economic and cultural centers, fortified sites played an important role in early medieval society. In Central Europe, early medieval fortified site research has been an essential topic for several generations. However, gradual changes in the landscape are a threat to these cultural heritage monuments. The main task of this paper was to compare the previous results from archaeological excavations with new data acquired by geophysical methods. The presented study is based on the three methods widely used in archaeology: magnetometry, ground-penetrating radar, and electrical resistivity tomography. New surveys provide information about the internal structure and the state of preservation of the fortifications in a non-destructive way. Comparison of the results encourages the evaluation of archaeological excavation and helps determine the suitability and effectiveness of geophysical methods in specific natural conditions.
Prevalence of carbapenemase genes in extreme drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from ICU in Egypt

The emergence of extreme drug resistant (XDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa represents a major problem in health care settings. This work aimed to study the prevalence of some OXA genes and biofilm formation among P. aeruginosa clinical isolates collected from Intensive Care Units (ICUs), Ain-Shams University, Cairo, Egypt. Among 70 Gram negative clinical isolates, 25 isolates were phenotypically identified as P. aeruginosa . Antibiotic sensitivity and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for 18 different antibiotics (Ticarcillin, Ticarcillin /Clavulanic acid, Piperacillin, Piperacillin-Tazobactam, Ceftazidime, Cefepime, Meropenem, Amikacin, Gentamicin, Aztreonam, Imipenem, Meropenem, Tobramycin, Ciprofloxacin, Plefloxacin, Minocyclin, Rifampcin, Trimethothoprim/ Sulfamethoxazole and colistin) were carried out against P. aeruginosa isolates using VITEK 2. All isolates were resistant to all antibiotics except colistin that only 12% were resistant. Real time polymerase chain reaction with specific primers was used to detect the presence of selected OXA genes. OXA group I and OXA group II were detected in 44 and 52%, respectively, while OXA group III, OXA51, OXA23, OXA 24 and OXA 58 were totally absent . Biofilm formation assay showed strong, weak and moderate biofilm formation in 44, 28 and 12% of the isolates, respectively, while 16% were non biofilm forming isolates.
Adherence to Dietary Guidelines among Women with and without Gestational Diabetes: Evidence from the Growing up in New Zealand Study

Diet is thought to play a role in the development and management of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Dietary guidelines provide practical recommendations for achieving nutrient requirements and mitigating the risk of chronic disease. The aim of this study was to describe the adherence to dietary guidelines by women with and without GDM and determine whether adherence is associated with the development of GDM. Adherence to Ministry of Health food group recommendations was assessed in 5391 pregnant women participating in the Growing Up in New Zealand study. A food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) administered during pregnancy provided dietary data. The presence of GDM was determined using diagnostic coding in clinical data and blood glucose results. A quarter of women did not meet any food group recommendations. There were no significant differences in the number of food group targets met by women with or those without GDM. Meeting food group recommendations was not associated with odds of having GDM in adjusted analyses. This study found adherence to dietary recommendations is poor in both women with and without GDM and no association between adherence to food group recommendations and the development of GDM. Greater support is required to assist women to achieve food and nutrition recommendations.