Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Attitudes of secondary school students towards geology in Spain

ABSTRACT Background The importance of attitudes in learning is gaining relevance among researchers and teachers and yet little research has examined students’ attitudes specifically in relation to geology. Purpose The aim of this study was to examine students’ attitudes towards geology and with respect to other sciences, as well as to determine the key factors that influence these attitudes. Sample A sample of 1.641 students in their fourth year of secondary education from five autonomous communities in Spain participated in this study. Design and Methods The research was conducted using a previously validated survey, specifically designed to answer the research questions of the study. Results The findings revealed that participants generally demonstrate more negative attitudes towards geology than with respect to other sciences. Although they do not consider it a difficult subject, they find it boring and of little interest. Demographic factors, school type or gender do not explain these attitudes: academic aspects seem to be the key to reversing this situation. Conclusions The findings of the present study provide some insights into the teaching of geology. For instance, geology programmes need to focus on topics in which students are interested in, and also on establishing connections between geological contents taught in the classroom and real life.
A Multifrequency Brain Network-Based Deep Learning Framework for Motor Imagery Decoding

Motor imagery (MI) is an important part of brain-computer interface (BCI) research, which could decode the subject's intention and help remodel the neural system of stroke patients. Therefore, accurate decoding of electroencephalography- (EEG-) based motion imagination has received a lot of attention, especially in the research of rehabilitation training. We propose a novel multifrequency brain network-based deep learning framework for motor imagery decoding. Firstly, a multifrequency brain network is constructed from the multichannel MI-related EEG signals, and each layer corresponds to a specific brain frequency band. The structure of the multifrequency brain network matches the activity profile of the brain properly, which combines the information of channel and multifrequency. The filter bank common spatial pattern (FBCSP) algorithm filters the MI-based EEG signals in the spatial domain to extract features. Further, a multilayer convolutional network model is designed to distinguish different MI tasks accurately, which allows extracting and exploiting the topology in the multifrequency brain network. We use the public BCI competition IV dataset 2a and the public BCI competition III dataset IIIa to evaluate our framework and get state-of-the-art results in the first dataset, i.e., the average accuracy is 83.83% and the value of kappa is 0.784 for the BCI competition IV dataset 2a, and the accuracy is 89.45% and the value of kappa is 0.859 for the BCI competition III dataset IIIa. All these results demonstrate that our framework can classify different MI tasks from multichannel EEG signals effectively and show great potential in the study of remodelling the neural system of stroke patients.
Influence of Covid-19 Lockdown on Reading Habit of Nigerians: A Case Study of Lagos State Inhabitants

Abstract The recent pandemic disease, COVID-19, brought about a measure that involves every individual staying at home in Nigeria. This had various effects on different activities and habits of an average Nigerian. This study examined the influence of COVID-19 lockdown on reading habit of Nigerians using Lagos State inhabitants as case study. Descriptive survey design was adopted and simple random sampling technique was used. Web-based questionnaire was adopted to collect data for the study owing to the risk paper questionnaire could pose. The Cronbach’s Alpha Reliability coefficient is 0.80. Total response collected for the study is 416. It was found that there was significant improvement in the reading habit of Nigerians during the lockdown. It was revealed that most Nigerians used phone to read during the lockdown. It was shown that more than half of the respondents had challenges in reading during the lockdown, which include cost of resources, non-availability of resources, lack of motivation, and heavy usage of social media. It was concluded that COVID-19 lockdown has a positive influence on reading habits of Nigerians. It is recommended that Nigerians should imbibe the reading habit of seeing readership as a pleasurable activity to do just like entertainment. It was further recommended that Nigerians should not reverse on their significantly improved reading hours during post-lockdown.
Intra-operative fluid restriction and post-operative pain management bundle associated with reduction in length of stay and opioid exposure in adolescent posterior spinal fusion patients

Division of Pediatric Medicine, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Portsmouth, VA, USA; Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Portsmouth, VA, USA Contributions: (I) Conception and design: All authors; (II) administrative support: DC Mari; (III) provision of study materials or patients: DC Mari; (IV) collection and assembly of data: DC Mari; (V) data analysis and interpretation: All authors; (VI) manuscript writing: All authors; (VII) final approval of manuscript: All authors. Correspondence to: David C. Mari. Division of Pediatric Medicine, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, 620 John Paul Jones Circle, Portsmouth, VA 23708, USA. Email: david.c. mari.mil@mail.mil.
RACHEL CHU AS LIBERAL FEMINIST IN KEVIN KWAN’S CRAZY RICH ASIANS (2013)

This study aims to identify the characterization of Rachel Chu as a liberal feminist in Crazy Rich Asians, written by Kevin Kwan, published in 2013. By employing McKee's textual analysis with liberal feminism's perspective, the present study was designed in Miles' and Huberman's interactive model of qualitative data analysis. Through the repetitive and simultaneous process of data collection, data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing, the present study elaborates on the characterizations of Rachel Chu as an attractive, intelligent, and independent woman representing Rachel Chu as a liberal feminist. Thus, it is implied that although the novel may be fairy-tale-like in the sense that it is centered in a romantic love story with a glamorous setting of the affluent society in Singapore, the novel also inserts feminist traits that can inspire its reader to be intelligent and independent like Rachel Chu as the main character in this novel.
Seasonal Carbon Dynamics in the Near‐Global Ocean

The seasonal cycle represents one of the largest signals of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) in the ocean, yet these seasonal variations are not well established at a global scale. Here, we present the Mapped Observation‐Based Oceanic DIC (MOBO‐DIC) product, a monthly DIC climatology developed based on the DIC measurements from GLODAPv2.2019 and a two‐step neural network method to interpolate and map the measurements. MOBO‐DIC extends from the surface down to 2,000 m and from 65°N to 65°S. We find the largest seasonal amplitudes of surface DIC in the northern high‐latitude Pacific (∼30 to >50 μmol kg−1). Surface DIC maxima occur in hemispheric spring and minima in fall, driven by the input of DIC into the upper ocean by mixing during winter, and net community production (NCP) driven drawdown of DIC over summer. The seasonal pattern seen at the surface extends to a nodal depth of <50 m in the tropics and several hundred meters in the subtropics. Below the nodal depth, the seasonal cycle of DIC has the opposite phase, primarily owing to the seasonal accumulation of DIC stemming from the remineralization of sinking organic matter. The well‐captured seasonal drawdown of DIC in the mid‐latitudes (23° to 65°) allows us to estimate the spring‐to‐fall NCP in this region. We find a spatially relatively uniform spring‐to‐fall NCP of 1.9 ± 1.3 mol C m−2 yr−1, which sums to 3.9 ± 2.7 Pg C yr−1 over this region. This corresponds to a global spring‐to‐fall NCP of 8.2 ± 5.6 Pg C yr−1.
Coupling Sediment Transport Dynamics with Sediment and Discharge Sources in a Glacial Andean Basin

Suspended and bedload transport dynamics on rivers draining glacierized basins depend on complex processes of runoff generation together with the degree of sediment connectivity and coupling at the basin scale. This paper presents a recent dataset of sediment transport in the Estero Morales, a 27 km2 glacier-fed basin in Chile where suspended sediment concentration (SSC) and bedload (BL) fluxes have been continuously monitored during two ablation seasons (2014–2015 and 2015–1016). The relationship between discharge and SSC depends on the origin of runoff, which is higher during glacier melting, although the hysteresis index reveals that sediment sources are closer to the outlet during snowmelt. As for suspended sediment transport, bedload availability and yield depend on the origin of runoff. Bedload yield and bedload transport efficiency are higher during the glacier melting period in the first ablations season due to a high coupling to the proglacial area after the snowmelt period. Instead, on the second ablation seasons the peak of bedload yield and bedload transport efficiency occur in the snowmelt period, due to a better coupling of the lower part of the basin caused by a longer permanency of snow. Differences in volumes of transported sediments between the two seasons reveal contrasting mechanisms in the coupling dynamic of the sediment cascade, due to progressive changes of type and location of the main sources of runoff and sediments in this glacierized basin. The paper highlights the importance of studying these trends, as with retreating glaciers basins are likely producing less sediments after the “peak flow”, with long-term consequences on the ecology and geomorphology of rivers downstream.
Compositional dependence of band‐gap energy and conduction‐band effective mass of In1−x−yGaxAlyAs lattice matched to InP

The band‐gap energy and the electron effective mass of In1−x−yGaxAlyAs lattice matched to InP have been determined as a function of Al content. From photoluminescence measurements we obtain Eg(eV) = (0.76±0.04)+(1.04±0.10)y+(0.87±0.13)y2. The electron effective mass is determined from the plasma frequencies measured with Raman scattering in n‐type samples. Its compositional dependence is given by m* = (0.0427±0.0015)+(0.0683±0.0007)y.
Short-term Immobilization versus Functional Treatment of Severe Ankle Sprains: A Critically Appraised Topic

Purpose: Ankle sprains are one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries in sports and medical care. Ankle sprains are graded (1 to 3) based upon their severity, and are currently treated one of three ways: (1) surgical treatment, (2) immobilization (conservative treatment) and (3) functional conservative treatment. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the best available evidence to answer the clinical question “Does short-term immobilization for a severe ankle sprain provide better functional outcomes compared to conventional functional treatment? ” Method: A computerized search was conducted on a number of databases using specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) Scale was utilized to assess the effectiveness of the interventions utilized within the studies included within this critically appraised topic (CAT). Results: Four studies (two randomized control trial studies, and two systematic reviews) met the inclusion criteria for analysis. There is strong evidence (Level 2) that supports that short-term immobilization shows to be more effective in recovery and provides better functional outcomes compared to functional treatment for individuals that suffer from severe ankle sprains. Conclusions: There is Grade A evidence to support that short-term immobilization does provide better functional outcomes compared to functional treatment in the management of severe (Grade 3) lateral ankle sprains.
Intermediate radical termination in reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer-mediated polymerization: Identification of termination products

Rate retardation in reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT)-mediated polymerizations is the topic of an ongoing debate. One of the main explanations for this rate retardation is termination of the intermediate radical. The use of a RAFT agent with a UV label in the leaving group acts as a means to identify products of intermediate radical termination (IRT). In the analysis of the polymeric samples with size exclusion chromatography (SEC), two different UV absorbance traces were compared (i.e., the UV absorbance of the label used and that of the thiocarbonyl thio moiety of the RAFT agent). Deviations in the ratio of the C=S of the RAFT moiety to the UV label indicate that IRT products could be formed. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry was used to identify these IRT products formed during a "normal" RAFT-mediated polymerization (not using forced conditions). These experimental findings support the postulated IRT model and therefore help to elucidate the fate of the intermediate radical during a RAFT mediated polymerization.
Analysis of CO2 sorption/desorption kinetic behaviors and reaction mechanisms on Li4SiO4

The CO2 sorption/desorption kinetic behaviors on Li4SiO4 were analyzed. The theoretical compositions of the sorption/desorption reactions were calculated using FactSage. The sorption/desorption process on Li4SiO4 was investigated by comparing the shrinking core, double exponential, and Avrami–Erofeev models. The Avrami–Erofeev model fits the kinetic thermogravimetric experimental data well and, together with the double-shell mechanism, clearly explains the sorption/desorption mechanism. The sorption process is limited by the rate of the formation and growth of the crystals with double-shell structure consisting of Li2CO3 and Li2SiO3. The whole desorption process is found to be controlled by the rate of the formation and growth of the Li4SiO4 crystals. Furthermore, the influence of steam on the CO2 sorption process was analyzed. It has been observed that the presence of steam enhance the mobility of Li+ and, therefore, the rate of diffusion control stage. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 901–911, 2013
GDF15/GFRAL Pathway as a Metabolic Signature for Cachexia in Patients with Cancer

Cachexia is a metabolic mutiny that directly reduces life expectancy in chronic conditions such as cancer. The underlying mechanisms associated with cachexia involve inflammation, metabolism, and anorexia. Therefore, the need to identify cachexia biomarkers is warranted to better understand catabolism change and assess various therapeutic interventions. Among inflammatory proteins, growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF15), an atypical transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) superfamily member, emerges as a stress-related hormone. In inflammatory conditions, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer, GDF15 is a biomarker for disease outcome. GDF15 is also implicated in energy homeostasis, body weight regulation, and plays a distinct role in cachexia. The recent discovery of its receptor, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) family receptor α-like (GFRAL), sheds light on its metabolic function. Herein, we critically review the mechanisms involving GDF15 in cancer cachexia and discuss therapeutic interventions to improve outcomes in people living with cancer.
Water Quality and Radionuclides Content Assessment of AL-Najaf Sea: Case Study

The Al-Najaf state is witnessing an increased economic development and attracting more investments that require the development of new areas and exploring new water resources. This study evaluates the quality of 12 surface water samples and groundwater from 12 wells for irrigation according to the salinity and sodicity hazards based on electrical conductivity (EC) and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR). In addition, the concentrations of radionuclides, which include Thorium (232Th), Uranium (238U), Potassium (40K) and Cesium (137Cs) were tested in four soil samples in the study area. It was found that the average values of pH, total hardness, Na, Ca, Mg, K, Cl, SO4, NO3 for groundwater and surface water were 8 and 6, 2287 and 4006 mg/L, 1140 and 1232 mg/L, 378 and 637 mg/L, 327 and 587 mg/L, 2 and 2 mg/L, 989 and 2007 mg/L, 1149 and 1325 mg/L, as well as 2 and 2 mg/L, respectively. From salinity and sodicity hazards analysis, the groundwater had EC of 5242 μS/cm and SAR of 61, whereas surface water had EC of 6253 μS/cm and SAR of 50. Furthermore, the concentrations of radionuclides, i.e. 232Th, 238U, 40K and 137Cs in the soil samples were found to be 11.02, 34.12, 544.45, and 1.6 Bq/kg, respectively. The concentrations of radionuclides were within the worldwide baseline, expect for 40K. The study concluded that both water sources are classified as very high salinity and sodium water (class C4-S4), and it cannot be used for irrigation, only suitable for the salt tolerant crops.
Drying of Potato Tissue Pretreated by Ohmic Heating

The influence of the ohmic heating pretreatment on convective drying of potato tissue was investigated. The degree of material damage Z under the different modes of electrical treatment is studied and the electroporation phenomena is assumed to be the main reason of material disintegration. The relations between Z, electric field strength E, energy input W, and temperature of ohmic heating T are analyzed. Two different damage stages, short and long, are revealed in this study. It is shown that ohmic treatment at relatively low fields (E < 100 V/cm) results in incomplete damage of material, but allows to obtain material with high disintegration degree Z ≈ 0.7 at E > 70 V/cm. The electric field strength E and the total electric energy input W influence considerably the drying rate. The highest drying rates are always observed for more energy consuming freeze-thawed pretreatment, but the AC pretreatment seems to be promising for enhancing the air drying processes.
Immunogenicity Evaluation of a Novel Lentiviral Vaccine Expressing Multi- Epitope Against of Leishmania Major in BALB/c Mice

Background: Nowadays, the prevention of parasitic diseases including leishmaniasis is one of the health concerns in the world, and cutaneous leishmaniasis is the most common type of these diseases. So far, no drug or vaccine has been approved for definitive treatment of this disease.Methods: In this study, the recombinant lentiviral vaccine containing a new multi-epitope of KMP11 and HASPB of the Leishmania major (L. major) was synthesized that had previously been designed in-silico. The designed multi-epitope was subcloned into the pCDH513 lentiviral vector, and the recombinant lentiviral multi-epitope vaccine (rLV-multi-epitope) was synthesized in the HEK293T cell by the packaging vectors. Also, the Western Blotting method was used to confirm the gene expression. Then, the rLV-multi-epitope vaccine was injected twice, along with two control groups, PBS, and rLV-empty to immunize the BALB /c mice. Twenty-one days after the second injection, the splenocytes of the mice were is­­­­olated and stimulated with the Leishmania lysate.Results: The results of the enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) test not only showed the titer of IFN-γ and IL-4 was increased in the immunized group compared to the controls, but also indicated that the ratio of IFN-γ to IL-4 cytokines in the main group was increased significantly. As a result, the Th1 response was generated in the main group. Moreover, the humoral immune response was assessed and the results showed that the ratio of IgG2a to IgG1 antibody in the sera of the immunized mice was increased compared to the control groups. Also, the ratio of IgG2a to IgG1 was increased in the main group. Therefore, the humoral immune response was increased, which can also have a positive effect on increasing the Th1 response.Conclusions: Our results showed that immunization by the new rLV-multi-epitope vaccine could stimulate the immune system towards the Th1 through increasing the IFN-γ production.
Influence of sea ice dynamics on population energetics of Western Hudson Bay polar bears

We examined intra-population variation in Western Hudson Bay polar bear energetics, temporal trends and relationships with sea ice. We found that energy stored in the population declined from 1985 to 2018 in relation to earlier breakup and longer lagged open-water periods, suggesting multi-year effects of sea ice decline on physiological condition.
Emulsion Liquid Membrane for Cadmium Removal: Experimental Results and Model Prediction

A study on mass transfer model for cadmium extraction in emulsion liquid membrane system has been done. Mass transfer in the external phase and emulsion globule, stripping reaction, and diffusion of the complex were taken account into the model. Reaction and chemical equilibrium of the process were also considered. The partial differential equation was numerically solved using MATLAB software. Effect of some parameters such as acid concentration in the external phase, extraction speed, volume ratio of emulsion to feed phase, volume ratio of internal to membrane phase, and initial concentration to the extraction process were investigated and compared to the model. The model prediction can agree very well with the concentration profile of cadmium in each phase.
The Parameterized Complexity of Clustering Incomplete Data

We study fundamental clustering problems for incomplete data. Specifically, given a set of incomplete d-dimensional vectors (representing rows of a matrix), the goal is to complete the missing vector entries in a way that admits a partitioning of the vectors into at most k clusters with radius or diameter at most r. We give tight characterizations of the parameterized complexity of these problems with respect to the parameters k, r, and the minimum number of rows and columns needed to cover all the missing entries. We show that the considered problems are fixed-parameter tractable when parameterized by the three parameters combined, and that dropping any of the three parameters results in parameterized intractability. A byproduct of our results is that, for the complete data setting, all problems under consideration are fixed-parameter tractable parameterized by k+r.
Remittance inflow and economic development: interaction with financial inclusion and human capital

ABSTRACT This paper used the dynamic panel data technique to examine the combined indirect effect of remittance inflows via human capital and financial inclusion on economic growth in developing and developed countries over the period between 2007 and2 018. The results from the endogeneity-robust System Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) analysis revealed that with with financial inclusion and human capital, are engines of economic growth in remittance-receiving developing countries. Specifically, better financial inclusion absorbs and efficiently channel remittance inflows into proper and productive economic activities, while developed human capital directly encourages robust economic activities. Therefore, this paper provides insights into the mechanisms that boost remittances’ effect on economic growth, i.e. financial inclusion and human capital. Accordingly, we recommend that regulatory frameworks aiming to encourage inward remittances should consider developing financial inclusion and human capital to leverage remittance funds for developmental agendas.