Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The MIMIC construction logistics game: facilitating group discussion and understanding of construction logistics through gameplay

In order to facilitate discussion on construction logistic solutions in both homogenous and heterogeneous groups, the MIMIC CLS game has been developed, that allows players to negotiate transport routes and common logistics solutions surrounding an abstract construction area. Through game mechanics specially chosen to create appropriate friction between the players, discussion on the topics of the game is stimulated. The design process included significant amounts of testing and provided two key insights: the manner in which specific game design patterns influenced the game’s purpose, and the difficulties involved in creating, playing and presenting games for a target group with little or no experience of games. It was also evident that a designated game facilitator made it possible to further reinforce the impact of the game, and likely necessary to be able to use it in an appropriate timeframe. Future venues of work include the integration of the game and subsequent discussions into an overall workshop format.
Monodispersed Co, Ni-Ferrite Nanoparticles with Tunable Sizes: Controlled Synthesis, Magnetic Properties, and Surface Modification

Ferrite (CoxNiyFe3-x-yO4, x = 0.6, 0.3, 0.2, 0, y = 0, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8) nanoparticles monodispersed in nonpolar solvents have been prepared with different Co, Ni, and Fe compositions by heating mixtures of inorganic salts and sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS) in n-octanol. The as-prepared nanoparticles were characterized in detail by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution TEM (HR-TEM), selective area electron diffraction (SAED), infrared (IR), thermal-gravimetric (TG) analysis, and other techniques. The nanoparticle sizes could be tuned by adjusting the reaction time. The formation mechanism of the nanoparticles during the solvothermal process is proposed based on the experimental results. The effects of size and composition of the nanoparticles on magnetic properties were investigated, and the magnetic properties of nanoparticles with the same size but different compositions were compared. Furthermore, water-dispersible nanoparticles were obtained by simply was.
MiR-20b-5p Targets KIF23 to Suppress Cell Proliferation and Migration in Osteosarcoma

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are closely correlated with the development of cancer. Here, the main goal of this study was to analyze the biological function of miR-20b-5p in osteosarcoma (OS). Methods: The expression of miR-20b-5p and kinesin family member 23 (KIF23) was determined using quantitative real time PCR and western blot analysis, respectively. The correlation between miR-20b-5p or KIF23 expression and the clinicopathological characteristics of OS was evaluated using Chi-square test. Functional experiments, including CCK-8, flow cytometry and transwell assay were performed to analyze cell proliferation, cell cycle distribution and apoptosis, and migration. The association between miR-20b-5p and KIF23 was confirmed by luciferase reporter assay.Results: Firstly, we observed that miR-20b-5p expression was significantly decreased, while kinesin family member 23 (KIF23) expression was increased in OS tissues. Moreover, miR-20b-5p expression was inversely correlated with KIF23 expression in OS tissues. Clinically, decreased miR-20b-5p expression was significantly associated with increased metastasis and increased KIF23 mRNA expression level was remarkedly correlated with increased tumor size. Overexpression of miR-20b-5p significantly suppressed cell proliferation and migration, as well as caused G0/G1 phase arrest and apoptosis in OS cells (U2OS and MG-63). Mechanistically, miR-20b-5p directly targeted to the 3’-UTR of KIF23 and negatively regulated its expression in OS cells. Moreover, KIF23 knockdown imitated, while overexpression abolished the effects on U2OS cell proliferation, G1/S transition, apoptosis and migration induced by miR-20b-5p overexpression. Furthermore, KIF23 overexpression reversed the miR-20b-5p-induced downregulation of CDK4, Cyclin D1, Bcl-2, PCNA, Ki-67 and N-cadherin, as well as upregulation of Bad and E-cadherin in U2OS cells.Conclusions: In conclusion, miR-20b-5p directly targeted the 3'UTR of KIF23 mRNA to inhibit the proliferation and migration of human OS cells in vitro, which might be a promising candidate target for OS treatment.
Modeling of Bottle-Brush Polymer Adsorption onto Mica and Silica Surfaces

The adsorption of a series of charged bottle-brush polymers with side chains of constant length on mica and silica surfaces is modeled using a lattice mean-field theory, and the predicted results are compared to corresponding experimental data. The bottle-brush polymers are modeled as being composed of two types of main-chain segments: charged segments and uncharged segments with an attached side chain. The composition variable X denotes the percentage of charged main-chain segments and ranges from X = 0 (uncharged bottle-brush polymer) to X = 100 (linear polyelectrolyte). The mica-like surface possesses a constant negative surface charge density and no special affinity, whereas the silica-like surface has a constant negative surface potential and a positive affinity for the side chains of the bottle-brush polymers. The model is able to reproduce a number of salient experimental features characterizing the adsorption of the bottle-brush polymers for the full range of the composition variable X on the two surfaces, and thereby quantifying the different nature of the two surfaces with respect to electrostatic properties and nonelectrostatic affinity for the polymer. In particular, the surface excess displays a maximum at X approximate to 50 for the mica surface and at X approximate to 10 for the silica surface. Moreover, the thickest adsorbed layer is obtained at X = 10-25.
Research on mapping technology of laser navigation robot without reflector

In view of the problems existing in the construction of large sparse environment map for laser navigation robot without reflector, an incremental SLAM algorithm based on multistage ICP matching is proposed. This method constructs a new image according to the pose of the robot, and develops a regional closed-loop algorithm combined with incremental optimization method based on the graph optimization algorithm. Experimental results show that due to the low amount of environmental information, the algorithm can effectively avoid falling into local minima, eliminate the cumulative error of mapping, reduce the computational complexity, and realize accurate mapping and real-time application.
Prehensile Manipulation Planning: Modeling, Algorithms and Implementation

This article presents a software platform tailored for prehensile manipulation planning named humanoid path planner. The platform implements an original way of modeling manipulation planning through a constraint graph that represents the numerical constraints that define the manipulation problem. We propose an extension of the RRT algorithm to manipulation planning that is able to solve a large variety of problems. We provide replicable experimental results via a docker image that readers may download to run the experimental results by themselves.
Myxoid liposarcoma with metastasis to the pancreas: a rare case report and review of the literature

BackgroundMetastasis of the pancreas to myxoid liposarcoma is very rare.Case presentationWe report a 43-year-old woman who underwent radical surgery for myxoid liposarcoma (MLPS) of the sigmoid colon 9 years earlier and for liposarcoma of the neck 7 years earlier. The lesion later metastasized to the pancreas, and we performed pancreaticoduodenectomy, which was pathologically confirmed as myxoid liposarcoma. Unfortunately, the patient died a year later from unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding.ConclusionsMyxoid liposarcoma is a very rare malignancy that carries a risk of invasion to the pancreas, and complete surgical resection is the best chance for clinical treatment.
Electrospun Nanofibers for Wound Dressing and Tissue Engineering Applications

Electrospinning has received tremendous attention in the fabrication of nanofibrous scaffolds over recent years and employed in different biomedical applications because of their biomimetic nature. Especially, the electrospun nanofibers exhibit several beneficial features including natural extracellular matrix (ECM), interconnected pores, large surface area, ease of functionalization and mechanical performance that holds huge importance in influencing the cell adhesion, differentiation and proliferation behaviour. To date, acknowledging the wide range of beneficial features, the electrospun nanofibers have been used in wound dressing and tissue engineering applications. This review summarizes various efforts have been made in these areas with several representative examples indicating use of various materials and approaches. Further the concerns for future direction regard to clinical phase transfer has been discussed.
Recent advances in the synthesis of inorganic materials via non-hydrolytic condensation and related low-temperature routes

This highlight article covers recent reports (2008–2013) in materials chemistry involving non-hydrolytic polycondensation reactions. Initially applied to non-hydrolytic sol–gel processing of silicas and metal oxides, nowadays these non-classical reactions have been extended to other processes (solvothermal synthesis, chemical solution deposition, atomic layer deposition), solvents (ionic liquids), O-donors (including cellulose), activation modes (microwaves), and materials (metal sulfides, carbon nanocomposites). A specific emphasis is put here on materials for electrochemical devices and environmental sustainability.
Molecular Imprinting Technology for Biomimetic Assemblies

The term biomimetic can be simply defined as the examination of nature. The scientists inspired by the enormous diversity of nature to solve human problems or facilitate daily life by mimicking natural models, systems, and elements especially in the biomedical and therapeutic applications to make better drugs, artificial organs, sensing instruments, etc. Biological recognition elements like proteins, antibodies, enzymes, DNA, lectins, aptamers, cells, and viruses have been heavily used to ensure specificity in such applications in spite of their lack of stability and reusability. However, in the last two decades molecularly imprinted polymers, MIPs, have been synthesized as an alternative to mimic natural biological interactions for a broad spectrum of templates by means of coordinating functional monomers around template in the presence of cross-linker. This review will outline the broad contours of biomimetics prepared by molecular imprinting techniques and their practical applications in the separation techniques, tissue engineering applications, biomimetic surfaces, sensors, artificial membranes, and drug delivery systems.
Combination of histological and molecular data for improving outcome prediction in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer—narrative review

The majority of patients with bladder cancer are diagnosed in non-muscle invasive stage. Most of them will experience recurrence or progression to more aggressive disease during follow-up. That raises the need for improvements with regard to risk assessment. Current risk stratification, based only on clinicopathologic features, does not fully reflect biological heterogeneity of the cancer and its role in prognosis. Many studies addressed the topic of variant histology and its influence on treatment and outcomes. It has been shown that accurate identification of variant histology implicates patient prognosis and inform right treatment decisions. Most studies on histological variants of bladder cancer suggest a more aggressive clinical course, with higher risk of recurrence and progression than in conventional urothelial cancer, even when diagnosed in non-muscle invasive stage. That prompts early aggressive treatment approach whenever variant histology is detected. Emerging genomic information are expected to complement clinical and pathological data and change the paradigms in the management of bladder cancer. Several reports highlighted the clinical significance of molecular stratification of bladder cancer, but the available evidence is based on retrospective data. Molecular subtyping gives promise not only for improving risk assessment, but also in predicting response to Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) or chemotherapy. Finally, molecular alterations might become targets for novel drugs to improve the overall response of these patients. However, its implementation into clinical practice requires further validation in prospective trials, especially in the context of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.
A high‐efficiency design for 5‐W 2.4/5.8 GHz concurrent dual‐band class‐E power amplifier

In this letter, a distributed element‐based load network is proposed for designing a high‐efficiency dual‐band (DB) 5‐W Class‐E power amplifier (PA), at two widely spaced frequencies of 2.4 and 5.8 GHz. This network consists of two different stages. The first stage deploys a flexible network configuration with crossed transmission lines (TLINs) to provide concurrent DB fundamental matching in a closed‐form derivation, which transforms the standard resistance of 50 Ω directly to the optimal complex impedances. By tolerating the combination of the up‐side and down‐side TLINs, the size of the overall circuit as well as the implementation complexity are reduced. The second stage uses a DB TLIN‐based resonator preceded by a series 50 Ω stub to control the harmonic impedances without altering the fundamental impedances, ensuring high efficiency at the fundamental frequencies. The measured prototype shows highest power added efficiency (PAE) of around 62.9% and 61.7% with output power of about 39 and 35 dBm at 2.45 and 5.76 GHz, respectively.
Molecular detected of heat shock protein70 gene in Layer hens (Lohmann breed)

The polymorphisms of the hsp70 gene have been associated with diverse resistance of heat stress in hens. The aim of the current study was to explore the genetic variation of the hsp70 gene in Layer hens that bred in Iraq. One hundred-fifty Lohmann breed hens aged 12 months were used in this study. Blood samples were collected during the period from 1st September to 31st December 2018 and examined for detection the polymorphism of hsp70 gene. We have detected four main polymorphisms groups in the coding region of hsp70 gene among these layer hens. A significant association between the silent and the missense mutations with the polymorphisms of hsp70 gene in Layer hens was found. There was a high homology of the hsp70 gene sequences that obtained from our local layer hens with the related sequences obtained from different hottest and coldest areas. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the different mutations (silent and missense) in the coding region of the hsp70 gene of these local Layer hens predict improve birds’ability to the tolerance of stress conditions, and highlights the need of further investigations.
The Influence of Instructional Design and Instructional Material on Learners’ Motivation and Completion Rates of a MOOC Course

Despite the formal, non-formal and informal training opportunities offered by MOOCs, they show low completion rates due to both personal factors of the participants and the instructional design of the courses. Empirical research has shown that good instructional design can help increase learners’ motivation, helping them achieve high performance by completing the program. To determine to which extent the quality instructional material, which is the result of a good instructional design, contributes to their motivation and high rates of completion of the courses, we created an eight (8) week MOOC program on “Violence and bullying in schools”, following the instructional design model “Systems Approach Model”. The motivation of the learners from the instructional material was measured using the Instructional Material Motivation Survey (IMMS) tool and showed that all the learners were highly motivated both as a whole and in every factor of the ARCS model (Attention, Relevance, Confidence, Satisfaction) contributing to very high completion rates, as from the 1309 learners who started the program, 1050 completed it (80.2%). Considering the results of our research, we, finally, suggest some points that can be taken into account when designing similar programs.
Biostratigraphy and depositional environments of the Palaeocene–Eocene succession at Um El Huwaitat area, Eastern Desert, Egypt

The Palaeocene–Eocene succession in southwest Safaga, Eastern Desert, Egypt has been studied to determine its lithostratigraphic units, biostratigraphic zonation, microfacies association, and depositional environments. The variation in lithofacies allows the subdivision of the Danian–Ypresian interval into four lithostratigraphic units that are arranged, from base to top, as the Dakhla Shale (only its upper part), Tarawan Chalk, Esna Shale, and Thebes Formation (only its lower part). Moreover, the Esna Shale is further subdivided into four members, arranged from base to top, as El Hanadi, Dababiya Quarry, El Mahmiya, and Abu Had. The depositional setting is interpreted to primarily reflect the relative sea‐level changes. The planktonic/benthic (P/B) foraminiferal ratio is indicative of oscillations of depositional settings in normal open marine conditions, ranging from shallow inner to outer neritic environments. Biostratigraphically, the Palaeocene–Eocene succession in the studied area is subdivided into 12 biozones and subbiozones. These are correlated with the standard biozonation of the Palaeocene–Eocene. Deposition of the Palaeocene–Eocene succession in the studied area took place on a relatively stable shelf. Three lithofacies were recognized: shale, marl, and limestone. The shale lithofacies is differentiated into two sub‐lithofacies; pure shale and calcareous foraminiferal shale, whereas marl lithofacies contains abundant planktonic foraminifera. The encountered carbonate rocks comprise eight microfacies types. In addition, the studied interval is correlated with the Global Standard Stratotype Section and Point in the Dababiya section, south of Luxor, Egypt.
Spin Seebeck devices using local on-chip heating

A micro-patterned spin Seebeck device is fabricated using an on-chip heater. Current is driven through a Au heater layer electrically isolated from a bilayer consisting of Fe3O4 (insulating ferrimagnet) and a spin detector layer. It is shown that through this method it is possible to measure the longitudinal spin Seebeck effect (SSE) for small area magnetic devices, equivalent to traditional macroscopic SSE experiments. Using a lock-in detection technique, it is possible to more sensitively characterize both the SSE and the anomalous Nernst effect (ANE), as well as the inverse spin Hall effect in various spin detector materials. By using the spin detector layer as a thermometer, we can obtain a value for the temperature gradient across the device. These results are well matched to values obtained through electromagnetic/thermal modeling of the device structure and with large area spin Seebeck measurements.
Study on the behavior of a light sphere rising in a square tube using the lattice Boltzmann method

In this study the motion of a light sphere under gravity in a square tube was numerically investigated through a three-dimensional lattice Boltzmann method. The width of the square tube is fixed at five times the diameter of the sphere. Simulations were carried out in the Reynolds number range of 140 to 200. Three types of behavior of the rising sphere behavior were revealed, namely the steady state, periodic state and chaotic state. In particular, the sphere exhibits a spiral path in the periodic regime. The effects of the Reynolds number on the oscillations of the sphere were also examined.
Unbinding from Humanity: Nandipha Mntambo’s Europa and the Limits of History and Identity

This article shows that the question of “Historical Thinking and the Human” demands expanding the field of the philosophy of history. What I propose is to investigate the issue from two perspectives: firstly, by positioning it in the broader philosophical context, one that increasingly transcends the boundaries of the humanities to enter the realm of the life sciences; and secondly, by drawing on a wider range of analytical material than has usually been the case in classic works in the philosophy of history. I will critically reflect upon history’s anthropocentric biases, highlighting the need to develop an alternative to history. My thinking is aligned, on the one hand, with notions of the agency of images that have emerged from art criticism and visual culture studies (W.J.T. Mitchell), and, on the other hand, with the idea of theriomorphism, which I explore in terms of new animism, new totemism and philosophical ethology (Roberto Marchesini). In my analysis of works by the South African artist Nandipha Mntambo (cowhides and Europa), I argue that a future-oriented redefinition of the human should transcend the limited categories that have emerged within the framework of history understood as a Eurocentric approach to the past rooted in Greco-Judaic-Christian tradition.
Stress factors resulting from the Arctic vernal sea-ice melt

During sea-ice melt in the Arctic, primary production by sympagic (sea-ice) algae can be exported efficiently to the seabed if sinking rates are rapid and activities of associated heterotrophic bacteria are limited. Salinity stress due to melting ice has been suggested to account for such low bacterial activity. We further tested this hypothesis by analyzing samples of sea ice and sinking particles collected from May 18 to June 29, 2016, in western Baffin Bay as part of the Green Edge project. We applied a method not previously used in polar regions—quantitative PCR coupled to the propidium monoazide DNA-binding method—to evaluate the viability of bacteria associated with sympagic and sinking algae. We also measured cis-trans isomerase activity, known to indicate rapid bacterial response to salinity stress in culture studies, as well as free fatty acids known to be produced by algae as bactericidal compounds. The viability of sympagic-associated bacteria was strong in May (only approximately 10% mortality of total bacteria) and weaker in June (average mortality of 43%; maximum of 75%), with instances of elevated mortality in sinking particle samples across the time series (up to 72%). Short-term stress reflected by cis-trans isomerase activity was observed only in samples of sinking particles collected early in the time series. Following snow melt, however, and saturating levels of photosynthetically active radiation in June, we observed enhanced ice-algal production of bactericidal compounds (free palmitoleic acid; up to 4.8 mg L–1). We thus suggest that protection of sinking sympagic material from bacterial degradation early in a melt season results from low bacterial activity due to salinity stress, while later in the season, algal production of bactericidal compounds induces bacterial mortality. A succession of bacterial stressors during Arctic ice melt helps to explain the efficient export of sea-ice algal material to the seabed.