Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cellulose nanofibrils: a rapid adsorbent for the removal of methylene blue

Cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) were prepared from kenaf core (KC) using acidified-chlorite bleaching method and followed by disintegration using a high speed blender. The effects of disintegration time and acid treatment on the defibrillation of holocellulose were studied. Hemicellulose was found to facilitate defibrillation, as CNF without any acid treatment was fully defibrillated after 30 min. The adsorption kinetics of CNF toward cationic dye cannot be accurately determined due to its quick adsorption performance, in which the equilibrium is achieved immediately after 1 min of contact time. The effects of acid treatment on holocellulose, pH, adsorbent dosage, temperature and dye concentration were studied and optimized. Adsorption data were fitted to both Langmuir and Freundlich models where the Langmuir model was found to be the better model to describe the adsorption process. The maximum adsorption capacity was found to be 122.2 mg g−1 at pH 9, 20 °C for the non-acid treated CNF. The CNF can be regenerated by desorption at low pH where as much as 70% of the dye adsorbed can be desorbed after 6 cycles of adsorption–desorption.
The Use of WJ Arabic Tests to Investigate the Cognitive Profiles of Gifted Students

The Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) factors of the Woodcock-Johnson Arabic Tests of Cognitive and Achievement Abilities were studied with a group of gifted students ( n 60) and average students ( n 60) between second and fifth grades. The major purpose of this study was to identify the cognitive and achievement variables that underlie performance differences between gifted students and average students. Specifically, this study was conducted using the CHC factors which identified by the WJ Arabic Tests. The two groups were matched on grade, gender, age, and father’s level of education. The findings indicated that there were statistically significant differences between gifted students and average students in all study variables, and these differences were in favor of gifted students. In addition, the hierarchical multiple regression analyses in this study revealed that the best model of predicting students' GPA consisted of the WJ Arabic Achievement Tests with a higher contribution from Calculation Test. Implications of the findings were also discussed.
Effect of Lateral Restraint on Buckling Behaviour of a Thin-Walled Z-Section Column

The aim of this paper is to interpret the effect of lateral restraint on buckling behaviour of a Z-cross section column subjected to pure axial load. Adequate analytical solutions are compared with the numerical and experimental results obtained for specimens both laterally free and those restrained by trapezoidal steel sheeting. Compared to the unrestrained column, a large relative increase of critical loads is detected. Therefore, further optimization of such structural elements is possible.
Simulation of binary fluids exposed to selectively adsorbing walls: a method to estimate contact angles and line tensions

For an understanding of interfacial phenomena of fluids on the nanoscale a detailed knowledge of the excess free energies of fluids due to walls is required, as well as of the interfacial tension between coexisting fluid phases. A description of simulation approaches to solve this task is given for a suitable model binary (A + B) fluid. Sampling the order parameter distribution of the system without walls, the curvature dependent and flat interfacial tensions of coexisting ‘bulk’ phases is extracted. In a thin film geometry, the difference in wall free energies is found via a new thermodynamic integration method. Thus the contact angle θ of macroscopic droplets is estimated from Young's equation, for varying interactions between the fluid particles and the walls, which compares well with direct observations of inclined interfaces in ultrathin slit pores. Studying two-phase situations where a wall-attached droplet exists in the slit pore in thermal equilibrium, the excess free energy due to the droplet is found as a function of the droplet size, which is compatible with the classical theory for heterogeneous nucleation, if a line tension correction to the contact angle is made. For θ = 90○ an alternative method for extracting the line tension is also presented.
Comparative Analysis of Backcross and Selfed Progenies in Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

Sunflower(Helianthus annuusL.) is one of the important oilseed crops of India. Sunflower production continues to face challenges from both abiotic and biotic factors as well as from today’s ever-changing market needs. However, the limited genetic variability in cultivated sunflower has slowed the future improvement of the crop and has placed the crop in a vulnerable position. The overexploitation of a single CMS PET1 cytoplasm and a few fertility restoration genes for worldwide sunflower production makes the crop extremely vulnerable with narrow genetic base. Diversity in CMS base and resistance to various diseases is strategically needed. Evaluation of wild species has provided information about useful genes for future sunflower improvement. However, there are still numerous genes in wild sunflower species yet to be identified and introgressed into cultivated sunflower (Jan et al., 2006). Though crop improvement in sunflower has resulted in the development of many promising hybrids and populations, International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 9 Number 9 (2020) Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas. com
Extent of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Exposure of Dairy Farmers in Morar Block of Gwalior District

The present study was conducted to assess the extent of ICT exposure of dairy farmers in Morar Block of Gwalior district, Madhya Pradesh. Simple random sampling method was used to select 120 dairy farmers as respondents. The extent of ICT exposure referred to the frequency of listening to radio broadcast, viewing to television telecast, viewing to krishi mela, using internet, reading newspaper and farm magazines regarding information on improved practices of animal husbandry The study revealed that more than half (52.50%) of the dairy farmers had medium level of ICT exposure regarding improved animal husbandry practices. The profile variables such as education (0.668), social participation (0.337), annual income (0.326), extension participation (0.283), source of information (0.301), risk orientation (0.248), knowledge about animal husbandry practices (0.371) and adoption of animal husbandry practices (0.301) were found to be positively significant with the extent of ICT exposure whereas age (0.087) was non-significant.
A novel method to extract vanadium and chromium from vanadium slag using molten NaOH‐NaNO3 binary system

A new method using NaOH-NaNO3 binary melts to treat vanadium slag is proposed. Vanadium and chromium can be simultaneously extracted in the leaching processes. Under the optimum reaction conditions, the recovery of vanadium and chromium can reach 93.7% and 88.2% in 6 h, respectively. The kinetics investigation indicates that the decomposition of vanadium slag is controlled by mass transfer in product layer. During the reaction, NaOH is believed to provide basic media and facilitate the dissolution of acidic oxides. NaNO3 decomposes to produce a large amount of active oxygen species, such as O, O-2(2-),and O2-. NaOH intensifies the decomposition of NaNO3 to NaNO2, but inhibits further decomposition of NaNO2. NaNO3 can be regenerated by oxidation of NaNO2 using oxygen at high temperature. The apparent activation energy of NaNO2 oxidation in the temperature ranging from 350 to 450 degrees C is 105.5 kJ/mol. (C) 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 541-552, 2013
Multiplying Magnetic Hyperthermia Response by Nanoparticle Assembling

The oriented attachment of magnetic nanoparticles is recognized as an important pathway in the magnetic-hyperthermia cancer treatment roadmap, thus, understanding the physical origin of their enhanced heating properties is a crucial task for the development of optimized application schemes. Here, we present a detailed theoretical analysis of the hysteresis losses in dipolar-coupled magnetic nanoparticle assemblies as a function of both the geometry and length of the array, and of the orientation of the particles’ magnetic anisotropy. Our results suggest that the chain-like arrangement biomimicking magnetotactic bacteria has the superior heating performance, increasing more than 5 times in comparison with the randomly distributed system when aligned with the magnetic field. The size of the chains and the anisotropy of the particles can be correlated with the applied magnetic field in order to have optimum conditions for heat dissipation. Our experimental calorimetrical measurements performed in aqueous and.
“Show Me the Energy Costs”: Short and Long-term Energy Cost Disclosure Effects on Willingness-to-pay for Residential Energy Efficiency

Imperfect information on future energy costs can lower the demand for more energy efficient technologies, with clear implications for energy supply, emissions and climate change. These hypotheses are explored using a randomised discrete choice experiment for property rental decisions. Results show that when energy consumption is expressed in physical units (as per the current EU labels) the will-ingness-to-pay for energy efficiency improvements is small and marginally significant. While bimonthly energy cost information displayed in monetary terms has no effect on the valuation of energy efficiency, annual monetary energy cost information led to a significant increase. This is the first paper to compare short and long-term point of sale energy cost information for household property decisions. There are clear implications for labelling policy for properties—framing energy consumption according to long-term monetary cost increases the demand for energy efficiency.
Evaluation of the Conformity Between Chest CT Scan Results With Molecular Diagnosis Test in Patients With COVID-19

Background and Aim: Since late 2019, with the emergence of a new type of coronavirus that causes a new respiratory disease called COVID-19, there have been many concerns about the spread of this disease and how to deal with it. Due to the ability of the virus to be transmitted rapidly, diagnosing the infected individuals in the early stages for isolating them is critical. This study aims to evaluate the reliability of Computed Tomography (CT) scan in diagnosing COVID-19. Methods & Materials: Participants were 212 patients admitted to hospital with confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19. Demographic information, medical history, symptoms, and the chest CT scan results were collected and analyzed. Finally, the power of CT scans in the diagnosis of this disease was compared with the Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) molecular test. Ethical Considerations: This study received ethical approval from the ethics committee of AJA University of Medical Sciences (Code: IR. AJAUMS. REC.1399.091).
MOS characteristics of substituted Al gate on high-/spl kappa/ dielectric

Substituted aluminum (SA) metal gate on high-/spl kappa/ gate dielectric is successfully demonstrated. Full substitution of polysilicon with Al is achieved for a Ti-Al-polysilicon-HfAlON gate structure by a low-temperature annealing at 450/spl deg/C. The SA gate on HfAlON dielectric shows a very low work function of 4.25eV, which is well suitable for bulk nMOSFETs. The SA process is fully free from the Fermi-level pinning problem. In addition, the SA process also shows improved uniformity in leakage current distribution compared to fully silicided metal gate.
Combined Effect of Health Status and Primary Care Use on Participation in Cancer Screening: The CONSTANCES Cohort

Background: The combined association between primary care utilization and health status with breast cancer screening (BCS) and cervical cancer screening (CCS) remains unclear. Our aim was to identify women's profiles based on their health status and primary care utilization and study their associated adherence to BCS and CCS recommendations. Methods: Using data from the cohort of people visiting health screening centers (CONSTANCES) in France (2012–2015), we first identified women's profiles based on their health status (self-perceived health, physical, and mental health) and primary care utilization (visit to the General Practitioner [GP], uptake of blood tests) using a multiple correspondence analysis and a hierarchical cluster analysis. We then investigated the association of these profiles to BCS and CCS using logistic regression models adjusted for age, smoking status, sociodemographic and socioeconomic characteristics, and the regularity of gynecologist consultation. Results: We identified five distinct profiles of women with contrasted participation in BCS (n = 14,122) and CCS (n = 27,120). In multivariate analyses, cancer screening participation increased from women with very good health and poor primary care utilization, to those with poor health and frequent visits to the GP, and those with very good health and average primary care utilization. The most favorable profiles regarding cancer screening rates were women with average-to-poor health and regular visits to the GP and uptake of blood tests. Conclusions: Our results suggest that policies aiming at increasing cancer screening participation should simultaneously account for women's use of primary care and health and consider more specific subgroups than what is usually done. Further research should investigate factors motivating cancer screening practice, such as women's beliefs regarding cancer screening and women's psychological characteristics.
Enfranchising immigrants and/or emigrants? Attitudes towards voting rights expansion among sedentary nationals in Europe

ABSTRACT Normative debates and comparative studies on voting rights regulations are lively. However, little is known on what citizens think of enfranchising migrants. This paper starts to fill this gap. We conducted an original survey in 26 European countries (n = 16,555). In most countries, an (often narrow) majority of sedentary nationals supports enfranchising emigrants. In all countries, no majority favours the enfranchisement of immigrants, although falling short of a majority in several cases. Being a woman, a bi-national citizen, but also younger, and leaning to the political left is associated with higher support for enfranchising immigrants. However, no individual-level characteristics, apart from age, is associated with the support for enfranchising emigrants. An exclusive national identity is associated not only with lower support for enfranchising immigrants but for emigrants, as well. Furthermore, larger relative sizes of immigrant population fuel support for enfranchisement of this group.
Evidence-Based Dentistry Among Iranian General Dentists and Specialists: A Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Study

Background: The use of evidence-based dentistry (EBD) as the integration of investigations and clinical decisions has been a focus of attention in recent years. Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of EBD among Iranian dentists in 2019. Methods: A total of 140 self-administered questionnaires with 57 items were distributed among dentists in the 2019 exhibition of Iranian dentists. Moreover, 60 self- administered questionnaires were sent to five different dentistry schools in Iran. The analyses were carried out using the Chi-square test, independent samples t-test, and Pearson correlation. Results: A total of 119 fully-responded self-administered questionnaires were analyzed in this study. The dentists attending EBD workshops obtained significantly higher scores of knowledge. The Cochrane Library, manufacturer’s brochures, and evidence-based guidelines were used the least for clinical decisions. Consultation with colleagues, use of textbooks, and personal judgment were mostly utilized for clinical decisions. In addition, 93.3% of the participants stated sensible uncertainties in their clinical decisions. The most important barriers to EBD were the need for long discussions with patients, lack of skills in the critical appraisal of articles, and lack of motivation in dentists with the incidence rates of 62.2%, 62.2%, and 39.5%, respectively. Conclusions: Due to the low levels of EBD knowledge among Iranian dentists, it is recommended to give further close attention to increasing the knowledge in this regard. However, their high enthusiasm for participation in EBD workshops and enhancement of EBD skills is promising.
Unmasking Mutual Fund Derivative Use

Utilizing new SEC data enabling us to compute mutual funds' derivative positions performance, this paper studies how derivatives impact fund performance. In contrast to prior research concluding derivatives are used for hedging, we find that most active equity funds use them to amplify market exposure in conjunction with reducing fund equity exposure to market risk. Despite seemingly small weights, derivatives have a significant impact on funds' leverage and contribute largely to fund returns and cross-sectional differences in returns. Funds extensively using derivatives underperform, yet receive more flows. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, funds regularly utilizing derivatives trade more heavily on short derivative positions. The pattern is more prevalent among managers for which the risk of recession is likely more salient. There is no change in extensive margin of derivative use. Hedging funds, which are the minority, outperform significantly during the outbreak. Amplifying funds suffer a double whammy. While they do shift strategies, they are slow to react and experience similarly large losses to nonusers in the outbreak phase. By the time they shift, the market has already started to rebound, and they lose on their short positions. Funds are slow to unwind shorts during the recovery. Shifts in derivative return distributions during the COVID-19 crisis are mostly driven by swaps, which have been ignored by previous studies.
Health Literacy Related to Cervical Cancer among Women Referring to Health Centers of Yazd, Iran

Background & aim: High health literacy enhances informed decision-making for cervical cancer screening (i.e., a Pap smear) among women. The present study aimed to determine the health literacy related to cervical cancer in women referring to health centers of Yazd, Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on a total of 800 women in 2018. The study participants were selected using systematic random sampling. To collect data a valid and reliable health literacy questionnaire was used to address different aspects of cervical cancer health literacy (i.e., accessibility, reading, understanding, appraising, and decision-making). Data analysis was carried out using Pearson's correlation, independent samples t-test, and multivariate analysis of variance with SPSS software (version 20). Results: The mean age of the participants was 35.85±7.99 years. The mean score of the overall health literacy was reported as 67.46±15.59 and the mean score of the subscales of accessibility, reading, understanding, appraising, and decision-making were 13.34±4.25, 13.29±3.06, 11.25±3.56, 12.72±13, and 16.84±6.16, respectively. Also, there was a significant relationship between health literacy with age, employment status, income level, and daily consumption of fruits and vegetables (p <0.001). Conclusion: The present study indicated that women's level of health literacy in terms of cervical cancer was low in Yazd; therefore, health care providers should pay special attention to women using modern educational methods as well as appropriate educational technologies in order to enhance women's health literacy regarding cervical cancer.
Posterior Approach to Neurotize Suprascapular Nerve by Spinal Accessory Nerve

Background: Surgical reconstruction of the shoulder is a high priority in patients with total brachial plexus injuries. This is not only because functional control of the shoulder is of paramount importance, but also because of the overall reduced success of reinnervation of muscles below the elbow. Objective: This study aimed to neurotize suprascapular nerve by spinal accessory nerve through posterior approach. Patients and methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted in the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University within the period from November 2018 to July 2019. Twelve patients were included in the present study. All patients were exposed to traumatic brachial plexus injuries. Results: our study showed progressive improvement of shoulder flexion, abduction and external rotation. By the comparison between pre- and postoperative range of movement. It was recorded that the mean value of shoulder flexion has significantly elevated from 4.167 ± 4.68 preoperative to be 59.58 ± 8.11 (P < 0.001). The mean value of shoulder abduction was increased significantly from 4.58 ± 4.50 preoperative to 65.41 ± 8.91 postoperative (P < 0.001). Moreover, the mean value of external rotation was improved significantly from 5.83 ± 5.15 preoperative to 65.42 ± 9.64 postoperative. Conclusion: That transferring spinal accessory nerve to the suprascapular nerve via the posterior approach for restoring shoulder abduction and external rotation is an effective and reliable treatment with high success rate in patients with brachial plexus palsy.
Response of Wheat to Foliar and Soil P Fertilization on Grain Yield and Phosphorus use Efficiency in Southeastern Algeria

Background: P deficiency is very common in alkaline - calcareous soil. Therefore, application of foliar-absorbed fertilizers may be an effective strategy to overcome the low bioavailability of phosphorus in soil, by improving phosphorus use efficiency and reduced nutrients loses.Methods: A field experiment was carried out in 2006-07 growing season at El-Menia (southeastern Algeria) to evaluated the effect of two foliar P (agriphos and leader-start) and three soil P (TSP P 46, Fosfactyl NP 3:22 and NPKs 8:36:13,5+15) on yield and P use efficiency of durum wheat crop Triticum durum Desf. var. Carioca and on available P and total P in soil.Result: Data showed that significant effect of soil P fertilizer on grain yield components (ears m-², grains ear-1 and the 1000 grains weight), grain P use efficiency and available P in soil. The best values were recorded by NPKs fertilizer, but no differences were observed for these parameters among foliar fertilizer sources.