Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ab initio analysis of structural and electronic properties and excitonic optical responses of eight Ge-based 2D materials

The structural, electronic, dynamical, and optical properties of a group of 2D germanium-based compounds, including GeC, GeN, GeO, GeSi, GeS, GeSe, and germanene, are investigated by employing first-principles calculations. The most stable structure of each of these systems is identified after considering the most probable configurations and performing accurate phonon calculations. We introduce a new phase of germanene, which we name the tile germanene, which is significantly more stable than the known hexagonal germanene. We apply the modern modified Becke–Johnson and DFT1/2 schemes to obtain an accurate band structure for the selected 2D materials. It is seen that GeO and GeC exhibit the highest bandgaps of >3 eV in this group of nanomaterials. Moreover, we argue that, in contrast to the semi-metallic nature of hexagonal germanene, tile germanene is a very good conductor. The band edges of our semiconducting 2D materials are accurately aligned to the vacuum level to address the potential photocatalytic application of these systems for water splitting and carbon dioxide reduction. The optical properties, including dielectric functions, refractive index, reflectivity, and loss function of the samples, in the presence of excitonic effects, are investigated in the framework of the Bethe–Salpeter approach.
Regulation of acidogenic metabolism towards enhanced short chain fatty acid biosynthesis from waste: metagenomic profiling

Short chain carboxylic (volatile fatty) acid (VFA) production in mixed microbiomes is majorly limited by the prevalence of methanogenic bacteria and the availability of substrate from waste to the biocatalyst during the fermentation process. To enhance the VFA production from food waste, the present study evaluates a strategy for selective enrichment of the biocatalyst by exposing it to acid-shock, followed by operation under alkaline conditions (pH 10). A comprehensive system based analysis was carried out during the bio-based platform chemical synthesis from waste, in conjugation with microbial profiling and bio-electrochemical analysis. After the selective enrichment of the biocatalyst, enhanced VFA synthesis was conducted with pretreated biocatalyst (PT; 11.1 g L−1) and compared with untreated parent biocatalyst (UT; 6.1 g L−​1). In both systems biohydrogen was the co-product. Variations in the VFA profiles were documented with respect to the biocatalyst used, which influenced the degree of acidification (DOA – PT: 37% and UT: 11%). A high fraction of acetic acid (6.9 g L−1) was observed, followed by butyric acid (2.6 g L−1) and propionic acid (1.3 g L−1) in PT operation, contrary to the control system (acetic acid, 3.9 g L−1, butyric acid, 1.6 g L−1; propionic acid, 0.9 g L−1). Specifically, the PT system showed the biosynthesis of iso-valeric acid: 0.15 g L−1 (C5) and caproic acid: 1.9 g L−1 (C6), which indicates the possibility for chain-elongation through the selective enrichment of the microbial community. The PT system showed Epeak at −0.415 V on the cyclic voltammogram, which corresponds to the involvement of the redox couple, H+/H2, correlating with the enhanced acidogenic process, unlike UT. Tailoring of the parent inoculum (pretreatment) resulted in the enrichment and enhancement of the capabilities of the biocatalyst in secreting the redox mediators, which were not detected in the UT system. Acidogenic firmicutes (spore formers) and fatty acid producing bacteroides were enriched in the PT system along with saccharolytic and proteolytic bacteria (Bacillus cellulosilyticus (alkalophile), Soehngenia saccharolytica, etc.). The presence of Clostridium autoethanogenum and Propionibacterium freudenreichii in the PT system supports effective utilization of complex carbohydrates, facilitating acidification.
Effects of seed and seedling vigor on antioxidative isozyme activity and cold acclimation capability of winter oilseed rape

Overwintering capacity is a major factor influencing growth and yield of winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) in temperate regions. Antioxidant enzymes can protect plant cells from oxidative damage imposed by freezing stress. Therefore, this research was conducted to evaluate the relationship between frost resistance and antioxidant capacity of winter oilseed rape. High and low vigor seedlings of winter rapeseed were cold-hardened at low non-freezing temperature for 0, 14, 28 and 42 days. Freezing tolerance capability of seedlings was determined by the estimation of LT 50 . Changes in the isozymes activities of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase) in the leaves of seedlings from different vigor seed lots during cold acclimation were identified by densitometry of isozyme bands on polyacrylamide slab gels. The LT 50 of the seedlings from all seed lots was decreased with increasing acclimation duration up to 28 days. Both acclimated and non-acclimated seedlings from the lowest vigor seed lot (SV 3 ) had the least frost resistance. The greatest activity of CAT 1 and POX 1 occurred when winter oilseed rape plants were acclimated for 14 days. Other isozymes including CAT 2 , POX 2 , SOD 1 and SOD 2 did not show significant responses to cold acclimation period. CAT 1 and SOD 1 activities were decreased with decreasing seedling vigor, while two POX isozymes did not show significant response to seedling vigor. Therefore, sowing high vigor seeds can produce vigorous seedlings which improve acclimation capability and freezing tolerance of winter oilseed rape via enhancing the activities of CAT 1 and SOD 1 isozymes.
FARKLI İLLERDEN TOPLANAN PROPOLİS ÖRNEKLERİNİN KİMYASAL KARAKTERİZASYONU

Propolis; bal arilarinin bitkilerin farkli kisimlarindan topladiklari recineleri isleyerek kovanlarinda depoladiklari viskoz yapiskan recinemsi bir maddedir. Bu recinemsi madde aricilar tarafindan farkli tekniklerle hasat edilerek ham propolis olarak endustriye arz edilmektedir. Endustrinin icerigi bilinen, belirli standartlarda propolis urunleri uretebilmeleri adina bolgelerin propolislerinin balsam, toplam fenolik madde, kimyasal kompozisyon gibi kalite parametreleri acisindan ortaya koyulmasi gerekmektedir. Bu calismada Marmara bolgesi ve civarindaki bazi illerden elde edilen propolis ornekleri analiz edilerek belirli ozellikleri aydinlatildi. %70’lik etanol ile hazirlanan propolis ekstraktlari analize tabi tutuldu. Etanolde cozunen kisim olarak tanimlanan balsam miktari gravimetrik olarak tayin edildi. Toplam fenolik madde miktari Folin-Ciocalteu yontemine gore belirlendi. Ekstraktlarin kimyasal kompozisyonu Gaz Kromatografisi-Kutle Spektrometresi (GC-MS) metoduyla aydinlatildi. Analiz edilen orneklerin balsam oranlarinin %35 ile %72 arasinda degistigi tespit edildi. Ekstraktlarin toplam fenolik madde miktarinin 28 ile 80 mg gallik asit esdegeri (GAE)/ mL araliginda oldugu belirlendi. GC-MS ile yapilan icerik analizinde, propolis ekstraktlarinin ucucu bilesenler, fenolik asitler/flavonoidler, terpenik bilesikler, serbest yag asitleri ve esterleri ve organik asitleri ihtiva ettigi goruldu. Orneklerin kimyasal bilesiminin kavak tipi propolis ile yuksek benzerlik gosterdigi gorulmekle birlikte farkli bitkisel kaynaklardan bilesenleri de icerdikleri tespit edildi.
Writing intervention: A comprehensive program for primary school children

Abstract This article describes an intervention program to improve writing skills, intended to be a useful tool for everyday remedial work in primary school. The design was based on an initial review of the approaches most often used for writing intervention and identification of the main concerns for such intervention; namely, the use of direct and explicit instructions, the importance of feedback, recommended levels of intervention, the main content to consider, and use of motivating activities to get the student engaged or even to enjoy the intervention. All these considerations guided decision making about the appropriate features that would ensure an effective intervention in children with general and specific writing difficulties. The intervention program follows evidence-based practice strategies and may be useful for educational professionals in primary school, acknowledging that the program needs to be experimentally evaluated.
E-cognitive scaffolding: does it have an impact on the English grammar competencies of middle school underachieving students?

ABSTRACT This research aimed to design e-activities based on cognitive scaffolding and measure their impact on underachieving learners’ grammar competencies in middle schools. The focus was to utilise technology tools in providing underachieving learners with the support necessary to help them improve their usage of English grammar. A set of electronic activities based on cognitive scaffolding principles and techniques, which included six basic grammar lessons, was designed and assembled in a free host website. The quasi-experimental research was designed to measure the impact of the e-activities that were based on cognitive scaffolding on learners’ performance. Forty seven learners were involved in the study. Additionally, a data analysis technique, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), was used to compare the results of the control group and the experimental group. The findings of the study showed significant differences. The differences in this study were in favour of the experimental group.
Analysis of Joint Range of Motion, Balance and Injury among Kitesurfers: a Cross-Sectional Study

1Child Health and Diseases Section, Istanbul Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey 2Department of Sports Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey 3Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey 4Orthopaedics and Traumatology Section, Şişli Etfal Hamidiye Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey 5Sports Medicine Unit, Acıbadem Sports Excellence, Istanbul, Turkey 6Department of Sports Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
CHEMICAL REACTIVITY ASSESSMENT METHOD OF NANOSTRUCTURED LOW CALCIUM ALUMINOSILICATES

Nowadays, the production of high-performance composites is a relevant objective in construction industry. Normally, geological and/or technological conditions of phase formation are responsible for chemical and structural characteristics of raw materials. In this regard, the use of a certain material dictates terms to optimizing production process, efficient use and, therefore, requires to develop a method for quality evaluation of raw materials. This approach allows a considerable time saving and raw materials sources, while the evaluation of final performance characteristics of designed materials is being done. The biggest interest in this area is focused on new types of developed and poorly-studied composite systems which results in a lack of capacity to design materials with known performance and, therefore, constrains the areas of application of construction composites Among such composite systems there are zero cement alkali-aluminosilicate systems or geopolymers. For geopolymers production a wide range of different aluminosilicates with varied characteristics potentially can be used. And also, in each certain case, the quality evaluation methods for aluminosilicates should be different. This study is focused on chemical reactivity assessment method of crystalline (mainly, nanocrystalline) low calcium aluminosilicates exposed to high-alkali media. The solubility degree in high-alkali media and compressive strength performance were evaluated in this study in order to define chemical reactivity of low calcium aluminosilicates. The compressive strength data demonstrated a positive correlation with the crystallinity degree of aluminosilicates.
Development of a nitinol-actuated surgical instrument for laparoscopic renal denervation: feasibility test in a swine survival model

Abstract Purpose In this study, we developed a novel nitinol-actuated surgical instrument to conduct laparoscopic renal denervation for the treatment of resistant hypertension. We investigated whether shape and temperature settings of nitinol specimens fit well into the design goals. Furthermore, we conducted a pilot study to validate the mechanical and physiological performance of nerve ablation without damaging the renal artery. Method Tensile tests were performed to observe temperature-dependent thermomechanical properties and the original shape of nitinol specimens was set considering our design goal. We performed strain gage experiments to measure bending strain. We developed surgical instrument and operated laparoscopic renal denervation in a swine model. Subsequent impedance spectroscopy experiments were conducted to measure changes in impedance magnitudes during the operation and histological analyses were performed to visualize thermogenic damage to arteries and nerves. Results Tensile testing showed that the shape memory effect begins above 37 °C. Measured strains on nitinol surfaces were 2.10% ± 0.769%, below the strain limit of 8%. Impedance spectroscopy experiments showed decreases in magnitude in all six trials. After operation of laparoscopic renal denervation following the protocol, renal arteries and nerves were harvested and thermogenic damage was observed in nerves but not arteries. Conclusion We developed a novel nitinol-actuated surgical instrument with which to perform laparoscopic renal denervation. The feasibility of our device was verified using thermomechanical analyses of nitinol, and assessments of mechanical and physiological performance. Our device could be used in other laparoscopic procedures that require large degrees of freedom while restricting to trocar size.
The multidimensionality of school performance: Using multiple measures for school accountability and improvement

The Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 grants states and districts the flexibility to use multiple measures to assess school performance and strategically manage public schools for improvement in the United States. However, there is a lack of systematic, evidence-based guidance for practitioners on how to interpret the complex relationships between these multiple measures. Drawing on the organizational management literature on the multidimensionality of organizational effectiveness, along with longitudinal data from Washington State, we illustrate the multidimensionality of school performance and different measurement properties of school performance data. We also find that schools that are higher performing in terms of students’ average scale scores and average growth percentiles in some cases have larger disparities in these same measures between historically underserved students of color and their peers than lower performing schools do. Moreover, these performance measures have time-series properties. The complexity of school performance measurement systems calls for continuous support for local educators to appropriately use school performance data to promote student success.
Antimalarial Flavonol Glycosides from Euphorbia hirta.

Abstract Bioassay-guided fractionation of the MeOH extracts of Euphorbia hirta. Linn (Euphorbiaceae) aerial parts led to the isolation of flavonol glycosides afzelin (1), quercitrin (2), and myricitrin (3), whose structures were established by MS and NMR analysis. Compounds 1–3 showed proliferation inhibition of Plasmodium falciparum. , with IC50 values of 1.1, 4.1, 5.4 µg/mL, repectively. On the other hand, they exhibited little cytotoxic property against human epidermoid carcinoma KB 3-1 cells.
The apparent digestibility of maize grain when given in various physical forms to adult sheep and cattle

Summary A series of digestibility trials was conducted with non-lactating cows and adult castrated male sheep given diets of hay and dried or high-moisture maize grain in various physical forms. Sheep were able to digest all forms of maize well and to a greater extent than cows. In cows considerable variation in digestibility of maize was associated with the particle size of the maize and the individual animal. Maximum digestibility of dried maize in cows ensued when the modulus of fineness lay within the range 4·7–3·0 and with high moisture maize from 5·4 to 5·1. A study was made of the effect of particle size on the rate of digestion of maize suspended in nylon bags in the rumen. Evidence was presented showing the importance of rumination in ensuring the digestion of intact kernels. Possible causes of differences between cows in their ability to digest intact maize kernels are discussed.
Men's and women's attitudes toward organic food consumption. A Spanish case study

The study of the behaviour of food consumers in general and of organic food in particular, is revealed as the key element for agrofood business in its strategy to accommodate supply to consumer needs and desires. In research on organic food consumer behaviour, various papers suggest the existence of differences between men and women in their preferences, purchase, consumption and willingness to pay. Proposing to determine whether differences between men and women in the consumption of organic food come from their lifestyles, a series of surveys was conducted in the metropolitan area of Madrid in December, 2006. The results obtained through structural equation analysis indicates the model for men (χ2/df=1.76 p<0.01, CFI=0.907) as well as the model for women (χ2/df=1.87 p<0.01, CFI=0.857) can be considered acceptable, they suggest that women are more proactive in the consumption of organic food. While women are more motivated due to eating a healthy diet, men are more influenced by their social circumstances. In conclusion the basic commercial strategy for increasing organic food consumption in Spain would be for businesses as well as the government to conduct communication campaigns addressed basically to women, the clear promoters of healthy eating in the home.
Sacred Grove—A Nature's Gift—as a Remedy for Human Ailments, a Biodiversity Reservoir for Restoring Indigenous Traits for Endangered Listed Plants—A Review

This review article is an attempt on hypothetical analysis of biodiversity which includes by exploring and implementing the so called protected area by the small communities “Sacred Groves” made declared by a group of people of those community over a century, some were half way made and few, were more than a decayed old. Sacred groves are considered rich in biodiversity, and also the resourceful source of flora and fauna of rare species. Traditional knowledge based sacred groves conservation has a significant contribution in the process of biodiversity conservation and also most of the plants or trees are of medicinal importance and hence the maintenance of the sanctity of that area reflects in the rectification of human ailments. Sacred groves are indicative of positive consequential combination of religion and ecology. The present article is written to draw attention to the readers to have an idea of other country’s traditional systems of offering prayers to the God, and also their belief system for natural sacred sites. This conservation of many plants species has been reported, so in view of the biodiversity conservation with respect to plants, their sacredness and the involved community of different countries, the present review article has incorporated the published work as well as the unpublished views also, for opening an avenue to study the interrelation of community based sacred groves, the ingredients of that area and the functional efficacy towards nature for treating human ailments under natural environment. This review article gives way to many innovative ideas which definitely lead to newer technologies by technocrats.
Predation by Oregon Spotted Frogs (Rana pretiosa) on Western Toads (Bufo boreas) in Oregon

Abstract Toads of the genus Bufo co-occur with true frogs (family Ranidae) throughout their North American ranges. Yet, Bufo are rarely reported as prey for ranid frogs, perhaps due to dermal toxins that afford them protection from some predators. We report field observations from four different localities demonstrating that Oregon spotted frogs (Rana pretiosa) readily consume juvenile western toads (Bufo boreas) at breeding sites in Oregon. Unpalatability thought to deter predators of selected taxa and feeding mode may not protect juvenile stages of western toads from adult Oregon spotted frogs. Activity of juvenile western toads can elicit ambush behavior by Oregon spotted frog adults. Our review of published literature suggests that regular consumption of toadlets sets Oregon spotted frogs apart from most North American ranid frogs. Importance of the trophic context of juvenile western toads as a seasonally important resource to Oregon spotted frogs needs critical investigation.
Ferritin Gene Coding Sequences Are Conserved Among Eight Hard Tick Species (Ixodida: Ixodidae)

Abstract Eight complete cDNAs encoding for ferritins from the hard tick species Amblyomma americanum (L.), Amblyomma maculatum Koch, Boophilus microplus (Canestrini), Dermacentor albipictus (Packard), Dermacentor variabilis (Say), Hemaphysalis longicornis Neumann, Ixodes scapularis Say, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille) were obtained using the techniques of rapid amplification of cDNA ends. The deduced amino acid sequences from these tick ferritin genes share high identities (84–98%) with those of two published tick ferritins. The sequences and positions of the iron-responsive element in the 5′-untranslated region of the cDNAs are highly conserved in ticks. Similar to other known animal ferritins, a ferroxidase center, consisting of seven conserved amino acid residues, was identified in the deduced tick ferritins. Sequence comparison indicates that these tick ferritin genes belong to the type of invertebrate cytosolic heavy chain homologue. Two separate phylogenetic analyses of ferritin amino acid sequences, one with 52 arthropod ferritin sequences and another one using 10 tick ferritins, suggested that ferritin is a suitable nuclear protein-encoding gene for tick phylogenetic reconstruction.
Étude des caractéristiques spatio-temporelles de la production de la parole chez des patients glossectomisés (An acoustic study of spatio-temporal characteristics of speech production in glossectomised patients)

Cette étude porte sur les caractéristiques spatio-temporelles de la production de séquences VCV par des patients glossectomisés suite à un cancer endo-buccal. Plus précisément, il s’agit d’analyser les différents paramètres acoustiques (V1, VOT, VTT, silence, occlusion, V2), cette analyse nous permettra de rendre compte des conséquences d’une glossectomie sur le timing des gestes articulatoires (Sock, 1998). Dix patients ont été enregistrés sur plusieurs phases pré- et postchirurgicales ; il s’agit donc d’une étude longitudinale. Le corpus étudié est composé de huit séquences de type VCV. L’objectif est principalement d’observer à partir du signal acoustique, différents événements acoustiques interprétables directement en termes articulatoires, en tentant ainsi de remonter aux configurations articulatoires. L’analyse statistique a montré des modifications significatives au niveau de la durée pour toutes les variables mesurées lors des phases d’enregistrements post-chirurgicales. En effet, une amélioration dans la production des séquences apparaît progressivement avec le temps et la réhabilitation orthophonique qui se manifeste pour certains patients par un retour aux valeurs initialement relevées lors de la phase pré-chirurgicale.