Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Synergistic Effect of Graphene/Silver Nanowire Hybrid Fillers on Highly Stretchable Strain Sensors Based on Spandex Composites

Embedding conductive nanomaterials into elastomeric polymer matrices is one of the most promising approaches for fabricating stretchable strain sensors capable of monitoring large mechanical movements or deformation through the detection of resistance changes. Here, hybrid fillers comprising graphene and silver nanowires (AgNWs) are incorporated into extremely stretchable spandex to fabricate strain sensors. Composites containing only graphene and those containing the graphene/AgNW hybrid fillers are systematically investigated by evaluating their electrical and mechanical properties. The synergistic effect between graphene and AgNWs enable the strain sensors based on the composites to experience a large strain range of up to 120%, and low hysteresis with a high gauge factor of 150.3 at a strain of 120%. These reliable strain sensors are utilized for monitoring human motions such as heartbeats and body movements. The findings of this study indicate the significant applicability of graphene/AgNW/spandex composites in future applications that demand high-performance stretchable strain sensors.
Creative Curriculum Implemented in Kindergarten Curriculum in Qatar: Educators’ Perceptions

This research aims at providing insights into early childhood educators’ perceptions of the degree of creative curriculum existence in the implemented curriculum at Qatari public kindergartens. In this descriptive quantitative research, a questionnaire was developed and distributed to 332 early childhood educators in public kindergartens in Qatar during the academic year 2018-2019. Means, standard deviations, Three-Way ANOVA test, and LSD test were utilised to analyse the collected data. Study results revealed that kindergarten teachers perceived the extent to which the early childhood educators implementing the creative curriculum objectives in Qatari public kindergarten curriculum to be high. Further, the results revealed that there are no statistically significant differences in the extent to which the early childhood educators implemented the creative curriculum objectives attributed to the class level variable. However, results showed that there were statistically significant differences due to the experience and specialisation variables. This study may draw the attention of teachers, supervisors, administrators and stakeholders to the creative curriculum objectives as one of the comprehensive models in early childhood curricula.
Time Preferences and the Property Rights Paradigm

Capitalism relies heavily on property rights to resolve conflicts over the use of scarce resources. Property rights are defined in the literature as the expected ability of an economic agent to use an asset (Allen 1999; Barzel 1997; Lueck and Miceli, 2005; Shavell, 2002). A systematization of the economic analysis of property rights is due to Demsetz (1967) and Alchian and Demsetz (1973), whose ‘property rights paradigm’ has become, among contemporary economists, the ‘classical view’ on property rights and economic incentives. According to Alchian and Demsetz private property rights represent always a social institution that creates incentives to efficiently use assets, and to maintain and invest in assets. In particular private property rights allows for the internalization of the externality existing in the communal right system, where any owner cannot exclude the others from enjoying the fruits of her effort and hence no one has any incentive to use inputs that have a future payoff. This view has a strong appeal among contemporary economists (see for example Glaeser and Schleifer, 2002; Djankov et al, 2003). As a consequence, the role of the State in codifying and enforcing the property rights on productive assets is generally considered as crucial to promote investment and growth, even if it may entail some public costs. In this work I question the conclusion that (private) property rights security, defined as the expected ability of an economic agent to use an asset, has always a positive effect on investment incentives. Time preferences matter. I develop an analytical framework to analyse the interactions of property rights and investment incentives grounding on the model of quasi-hyperbolical discounting originally proposed by Phelps and Pollak (1968) in the context of intergenerational altruism and then used by Laibson (1994, 1997) to model time-inconsistency within an individual. Moreover, I adopt a general solution concept called ‘perception-perfect strategy’ proposed by O’Donoghue and Rabin (1999, 2000). In this setting I show that while the expected ability to enjoy the benefits from the investment (what we call property rights security on investment) always affects positively investment incentives, the expected ability to use an asset (what we call property rights security on asset) has a non-negative effect on investment incentives only under the hypothesis that investors are time-consistent exponentially discounters. Instead we show that, under the more general and empirically supported hypothesis of hyperbolic discounting, property rights security on investment but property rights insecurity on asset maximize investment incentives.
Carbohydrates, Starch, Total Sugar, Fiber Intakes and Food Sources in Spanish Children Aged One to <10 Years—Results from the EsNuPI Study

Diet quality is a modifiable factor that may contribute to the onset of diet-related chronic diseases. Currently, in Spain there are no studies that examine the intakes and sources for total carbohydrates, starch, total sugar, and fiber by both children consuming all kind of milks and children regularly consuming adapted milk formulas. Our goal was to evaluate the contribution of different food groups to total carbohydrates, starch, total sugar, and fiber consumption within the EsNuPI study participants by assessing their usual intakes by applying two 24 h dietary recalls that were completed by 1448 children (1 to <10 years) divided into two cohorts: one Spanish Reference Cohort (SRS) of the general population (n = 707) and another cohort which included children consuming adapted milks including follow-on milk, toddler’s or growing up milk, fortified and enriched milks, here called Adapted Milk Consumers Cohort” (AMS) (n = 741). Estimation of the usual intake showed that nutrient intake increased with age for all nutrients except for fiber. The percentage of children by age and gender who met the reference intake (RI) range for total carbohydrates, was in all groups more than 50% of individuals, except for girls aged 6 to <10 years from the reference cohort in which only 46.9% complied the RI. Median fiber intake, both in the SRS and the AMS, was well below the adequate intake (AI) for children between 3 and 10 years. Main total carbohydrates sources were cereals, followed by milk and dairy products, fruits, bakery and pastry, vegetables and sugars and sweets. The highest contributors to starch intakes were cereals, bakery and pastry, vegetables, and fruits. Major sources of total sugar intakes were milk and dairy products, fruits, bakery and pastry, sugars and sweets, vegetables, and cereals. Nonetheless, milk and dairy products, and fruits, mainly provided lactose and fructose, respectively, which are not considered free sugars. Higher contribution to fiber intakes was provided by fruits, cereals, vegetables and bakery and pastry. There were no significant differences in relation with the total sugar intake according to the body mass index (BMI) between SRS and AMS. The present study suggests a high proportion of children had total carbohydrates intakes in line with recommendations by public health authorities, but still a significant number presented insufficient total carbohydrate and fiber intakes, while total sugar consumption was high, with no major differences between SRS and AMS cohorts.
Ammonite stratigraphy and organic matter of the Pałuki Fm. (Upper Kimmeridgian–Lower Tithonian) from the central-eastern part of the Łódź Synclinorium (Central Poland)

The ammonite biostratigraphy as well as the organic matter content, its type and maturity of the Pałuki Formation, belonging to the fine, siliciclastic Kimmeridge Clay type facies, were investigated in five deep boreholes from the central-eastern part of the Łódź Synclinorium in Central Poland. The studied deposits are assigned to the Eudoxus and Autissiodorensis zones of the Upper Kimmeridgian as well as the Klimovi, Sokolovi, Pseudoscythica and Puschi (=Tenuicostata) zones of the Lower Tithonian (“Lower Volgian”). The Pałuki Formation shows in its lower and middle parts average TOC concentrations of ca. 2.5 wt. % and prominent, restricted increases in organic matter content, which are found in the mid-Eudoxus Zone, the lowermost part of the Autisiodorensis Zone, and at the Sokolovi–Pseudoscythica zone boundary. These stratigraphical intervals correlate well with rich in organic matter levels present in the Kimmeridge Clay Formation of NW Europe. The periodic expansions of Submediterranean and Subboreal-Boreal ammonites corresponded mostly to the transgressive phases, often correlated with a higher content of organic matter. The development of special morphologies of ammonites, such as the small-sized, nectopelagic forms of Nannocardioceras in the Late Kimmeridgian, has also been related to the deposition of shales rich in organic matter during the transgression maxima. The organic matter present in the Pałuki Formation mostly consists of Type II kerogen and is immature or early mature with respect to hydrocarbon generation, which is in agreement with previously published data. Evaluation of the new and published geochemical, lithological and structural data from the Pałuki Formation in the central-eastern part of the Łódź Synclinorium shows that these deposits could not have been a considerable source of crude oil or gas.
Some Curcumin Isomers and Their Enol Tautomers - A DFT Treatment

Curcumin is a well known natural product having some health benefits. In the present study, within the constraints of density functional theory (at the level of B3LYP/6-31G(d,p)), some configurational isomers of curcumin and their keto-enol tautomers have been investigated. Some quantum chemical, QSAR and spectral data of them have been obtained and discussed.
Factors affecting green food purchase intention in Ho Chi Minh city

green food, purchase intention, TAM, TPB This study adopts Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to measure factors affecting green food purchase intention in Ho Chi Minh city (HCMC). The survey data was collected from 197 students during the period of 1 to 20 September, 2017. Testing the conceptual model by Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), we find that perceived usefulness of green food and perceived ease of purchase impact on attitudes towards green food purchase. We also find that subjective norm, perceived usefulness of green food, attitudes towards green food purchase are positively associated with green food purchase intention. From the research findings, some recommendations are proposed accordingly.
Simulated climate change, but not predation risk, accelerates Aedes aegypti emergence in a microcosm experiment in western Amazonia

Climate change affects individual life-history characteristics and species interactions, including predator-prey interactions. While effects of warming on Aedes aegypti adults are well known, clarity the interactive effects of climate change (temperature and CO2 concentration) and predation risk on the larval stage remains unexplored. In this study, we performed a microcosm experiment simulating temperature and CO2 changes in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil, for the year 2100. Simulated climate change scenarios (SCCS) were in accordance with the Fourth Assessment Report of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Used SCCS were: Control (real-time current conditions in Manaus: average temperature is ~25.76°C ± 0.71°C and ~477.26 ± 9.38 parts per million by volume (ppmv) CO2); Light: increase of ~1,7°C and ~218 ppmv CO2; Intermediate: increase of ~2.4°C and ~446 ppmv CO2; and Extreme: increase of ~4.5°C and ~861 ppmv CO2, all increases were relative to a Control SCCS. Light, Intermediate and Extreme SCCS reproduced, respectively, the B1, A1B, and A2 climatic scenarios predicted by IPCC (2007). We analyzed Aedes aegypti larval survivorship and adult emergence pattern with a factorial design combining predation risk (control and predator presence–Toxorhynchites haemorrhoidalis larvae) and SCCS. Neither SCCS nor predation risk affected Aedes aegypti larval survivorship, but adult emergence pattern was affected by SCCS. Accordingly, our results did not indicate interactive effects of SCCS and predation risk on larval survivorship and emergence pattern of Aedes aegypti reared in SCCS in western Amazonia. Aedes aegypti is resistant to SCCS conditions tested, mainly due to high larval survivorship, even under Extreme SCCS, and warmer scenarios increase adult Aedes aegypti emergence. Considering that Aedes aegypti is a health problem in western Amazonia, an implication of our findings is that the use of predation cues as biocontrol strategies will not provide a viable means of controlling the accelerated adult emergence expected under the IPCC climatic scenarios.
First Account of Phylogeographic Variation, Larval Characters, and Laboratory Rearing of the Endangered Cobblestone Tiger Beetle Cicindelidia marginipennis, Dejean, 1831 with Observations of Their Natural History

Simple Summary Tiger beetles (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae) are highly predatory and colorful insects of long-standing fascination by entomologists. Most species in this group are in decline from range-wide habitat loss, including those with wide ranges such as the cobblestone tiger beetle (Cicindelidia marginipennis (Dejean, 1831)). This species is considered threatened and/or endangered range-wide, and conservation activities are hindered by a lack of basic information about this species’ biology. Here, we describe new aspects of this species’ basic biology in the lab and the field and use the mitochondrial locus cytochrome oxidase I (COI) to examine biogeographic patterns. We present larval descriptions with detailed drawings and find genetic evidence for geographically structured populations, suggesting that further conservation genetic research is warranted for this species. We expect the new tools and information presented in this paper will allow specialists to test further hypotheses about this species, advance survey methods, and guide proactive tiger beetle conservation. Abstract The cobblestone tiger beetle, Cicindelidia marginipennis (Dejean, 1831) is a North American species specializing in riparian habitats from New Brunswick, Canada, to Alabama in the United States. In the United States, this species is state-listed as threatened or endangered range-wide and periodically receives consideration for federal listing, mostly due to habitat decline. Despite its conservation status, intraspecific genetic diversity for this species has not been explored and little is known about its natural history. To support further inquiry into the biology of C. marginipennis, this study provides the first look at range-wide genetic diversity using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), describes all three larval instars, and describes natural history characteristics from captive rearing and field observation. Based on mtDNA analyses, our results suggest that geographically based population structure may exist throughout the range, with individuals from Alabama possessing haplotypes not found elsewhere in our sampling. Further genetic analyses, particularly multi-locus analyses, are needed to determine whether the Alabama population represents a separate cryptic species. Our morphological analysis and descriptions of larval instars reveal a combination of characteristics that can be used to differentiate C. marginipennis from closely related and co-occurring species. Based on our field observations, we find that the larval “throw pile” of soil excavated from burrows is a key search image for locating larvae, and we provide descriptions and detailed photographs to aid surveys. Lastly, we find that this species can be successfully reared in captivity and provide guidelines to aid future recovery efforts.
Academic Performance Following Sport-Related Concussions in Children and Adolescents: A Scoping Review

Sport-related concussions (SRC) are an increasingly common concern in young athletes, with long-term cognitive, physiological, behavioral, and psychological adverse outcomes. An estimated 1.1 million to 1.9 million SRCs occur per year in children <18 years old in the United States. The post-concussive state has demonstrated consequences in several domains, including athletics and academics, although much more research has been conducted on the former. The objective of this scoping review was to ascertain findings from published studies on the effects of SRCs on academic performance and quality of life of young student athletes. A total of 175 articles were screened within the PubMed and CINAHL databases, along with a Google search. Fourteen papers fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were analyzed in the review. Quantitative and qualitative data were collated and demonstrated the heterogeneity with which, post-concussion academic performance outcomes were measured; only 4 of the 14 studies utilized formal academic metrics such as changes in grade point average (GPA) or examination scores. While the results overall did show statistically significant implications on academic performance decline after SRC, it is clear that there remains a paucity of research determining the consequences of SRCs on academic performance in the school environment. Further research is needed to better understand how to implement accommodations in the student’s learning environment and guide return-to-learn protocols for student athletes following SRC.
Sequential Quadriplex Real-Time PCR for Identifying 20 Common emm Types of Group A Streptococcus

We developed a sequential quadriplex real-time PCR-based method for rapid identification of 20 emm types commonly found in invasive group A Streptococcus (iGAS) strains recovered through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Active Bacterial Core surveillance. Each emm real-time PCR assay showed high specificity and accurately identified the respective target emm type, including emm subtypes in the United States. ABSTRACT We developed a sequential quadriplex real-time PCR-based method for rapid identification of 20 emm types commonly found in invasive group A Streptococcus (iGAS) strains recovered through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Active Bacterial Core surveillance. Each emm real-time PCR assay showed high specificity and accurately identified the respective target emm type, including emm subtypes in the United States. Furthermore, this method is useful for rapid typing of GAS isolates and culture-negative specimens during outbreak investigations.
Importance of base-pair opening for mismatch recognition

Abstract Mismatch repair is a highly conserved cellular pathway responsible for repairing mismatched dsDNA. Errors are detected by the MutS enzyme, which most likely senses altered mechanical property of damaged dsDNA rather than a specific molecular pattern. While the curved shape of dsDNA in crystallographic MutS/DNA structures suggests the role of DNA bending, the theoretical support is not fully convincing. Here, we present a computational study focused on a base-pair opening into the minor groove, a specific base-pair motion observed upon interaction with MutS. Propensities for the opening were evaluated in terms of two base-pair parameters: Opening and Shear. We tested all possible base pairs in anti/anti, anti/syn and syn/anti orientations and found clear discrimination between mismatches and canonical base-pairs only for the opening into the minor groove. Besides, the discrimination gap was also confirmed in hotspot and coldspot sequences, indicating that the opening could play a more significant role in the mismatch recognition than previously recognized. Our findings can be helpful for a better understanding of sequence-dependent mutability. Further, detailed structural characterization of mismatches can serve for designing anti-cancer drugs targeting mismatched base pairs.
Extracellular Vesicle-Based Nucleic Acid Delivery: Current Advances and Future Perspectives in Cancer Therapeutic Strategies

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are sophisticated and sensitive messengers released by cells to communicate with and influence distant and neighboring cells via selective transfer of bioactive content, including protein lipids and nucleic acids. EVs have therefore attracted broad interest as new and refined potential therapeutic systems in many diseases, including cancer, due to their low immunogenicity, non-toxicity, and elevated bioavailability. They might serve as safe and effective vehicles for the transport of therapeutic molecules to specific tissues and cells. In this review, we focus on EVs as a vehicle for gene therapy in cancer. We describe recent developments in EV engineering to achieve efficient intracellular delivery of cancer therapeutics and avoid off-target effects, to provide an overview of the potential applications of EV-mediated gene therapy and the most promising biomedical advances.
Effect of Evolocumab on Vulnerable Coronary Plaques: A Serial Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography Study

This study investigated the effects of evolocumab on vulnerable coronary plaques and factors associated with the change in stability and size of plaques in patients taking statins. Vulnerable coronary plaques were defined using coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography as having a density of <50 HU within the region of interest and a remodeling index ≥1.1. The changes in minimum CT density, remodeling index, and percent stenosis of vulnerable coronary plaques after six months of evolocumab administration were retrospectively analyzed in 136 vulnerable coronary plaques from 98 patients (68 men and 30 women; mean age: 72.9 ± 8.7 years) treated with a statin. The administration of evolocumab significantly increased the minimum CT density (39.1 ± 8.1 HU to 84.9 ± 31.4 HU, p < 0.001), reduced the remodeling index (1.29 ± 0.11 to 1.19 ± 0.10, p < 0.001), and decreased the percent stenosis (27.0 ± 10.4% to 21.2 ± 9.8%, p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that baseline percent stenosis (standard coefficient (β) = −0.391, p = 0.002) independently correlated with the change in minimum CT density, whereas the baseline remodeling index (β = −0.368, p < 0.001) independently correlated with a change in the remodeling index. Evolocumab stabilized vulnerable coronary plaques and reduced their size. These results suggest that evolocumab protects against coronary artery disease progression in patients taking statins.