Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparing learning ecologies of primary graphical programming: create or fix?

In the last few years, programming, computational thinking, and robotics are more frequently integrated into elementary education. This integration can be done in many different ways. However, it is still unclear which teaching methods work in which situations. To provide some clarity in this area, we compared two methods of integrating programming into a primary robotics workshop for learners aged ten to twelve. In one method, students create programs from scratch; in the other, they start with a faulty program they have to ﬁx. These teaching methods were evaluated using the framework of learning ecology, which provides a holistic framework for assessing complex learning environments. We identiﬁed diﬀerent indicators of learning ecology and assessed our workshops using a mixed-methods approach. Our results showed no diﬀerence between the groups on the intrinsic dimension of a learning ecology. However, on the experiential dimension, the learners in the create group scored better on all tests. Our results show the value of a multidimensional assessment of learning ecology to understand diﬀerent teaching techniques. Additionally, the results provide us with important insights on how to integrate programming into a primary robotics curriculum enabling teachers to select better methods for teaching computing in their classroom.
Handbook of Heterogeneous Catalysis

esse der Qualitat des neuen Handbuches fiir die umfassende Darstellung alléin der heterogénen Katalyse in all ihren Facetten mehr als 200, auf den jeweils von ihnen behandelten Teilgebieten international anerkannte Wissenschaftler, von den Herausgebern herangezogen werden. War das Handbuch der Katalyse noch iiberwiegend in deutscher Sprache abgefaBt, so bedient sich das Handbuch der Heterogénen Katalyse ausschieBlich der englischen Sprache. Dies ist Ausdruck der immer aktiveren Beteiligung von Wissenschaftlern aus nahezu alien Landern der Welt an der Entwicklung der heterogénen Katalyse. DaB sich die Herausgeber der Miihe unterzogen haben, eine notwendigerweise so groBe Anzahl von Fachleuten an dem Handbuch zu beteiligen und dieses nunmehr vorliegt, ist angesichts der noch immer zunehmenden Bedeutung der heterogénen Katalyse sehr verdienstvoll und auBerordentlich zu begriiBen. Das fiinfbandige Werk besteht inhaltlich aus zwei Teilen, von denen der erste, in den Banden 1, 2 und 3 die allgemeinen Prinzipien und Methoden sowie die Reaktionstechnik behandelt. Der zweite Teil, die Bande 4 und 5, hat die katalytischen Prozesse zum Gegenstand. Die Einfiihrung zum Gesamtwerk beginnt mit einer Erlauterung der Grundbegriffe der heterogénen Katalyse gefolgt von kurzen Darstellungen der Entwicklung der Katalyse als Wissenschaftszweig sowie der Entwicklung der industriellen Katalyse. Neben der Einfiihrung enthàlt der 1. Band nur das Kapitel 2, das ausschlieBlich der Herstellung von Katalysatoren gewidmet ist. In einem kurzen Abschnitt werden Anforderungen und Prinzipien abgeleitet, die bei der Entwicklung industrieller Katalysatoren zu beachten sind. Die folgenden Unterkapitel beschreiben die Katalysatorherstellung iiberwiegend im LaboratoriumsmaBstab. Breiten Raum nehmen dabei die wissenschaftlichen Grundlagen der Herstellungsprozesse wie Fallung, Tràgerfixierung, Sol-Gel-Umwandlung
Synthesis and Characterization of Superabsorbent Hydrogels From Waste Bovine Hair Via Keratin Grafted With Acrylic Acid (AA) and Acrylamide (AAm)

The leather industry, due to its way of using chemicals during treatment and releasing them back to the environment makes it one of the hazardous sectors. It is not only releasing the chemicals also during the process precious biomass such as collagen and keratin discarded as waste. In this study, bovine hair which occurs during the treatments of the bovine leather process is supplied as waste and converted to superabsorbent hydrogel via grafting of keratin with monomers (Acrylic Acid (AA), Acrylamide (AAm)) in the presence of N, N'-methylene bisacrylamide (NMBA) used as a crosslinking agent and ammonium persulfate (APS) as an initiator. Keratin is selected to enhance the biocompatibility of the hydrogel. Thus, different keratin/monomer ratios, crosslinking agents, and initiator amounts were accepted as variables, and reaction conditions were optimized to achieve the highest swelling capacity. Synthesized hydrogels were chemically, morphologically, and thermally characterized via Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), and thermal gravimetric analyzer (TGA). FTIR, DSC, and TGA results confirmed the grafted structure. The maximum swelling ratio was recorded at pH 9, at the end of 48 hours as 1791%. Sponge-like hydrogels were successfully obtained, and waste keratin is successfully valorized by means of hydrogels which can be used in high-value-added areas.
Arterial thrombosis, the unfairly forgotten actor in COVID-19: a case series

Background. - It is known that patients with COVID-19 are at increased risk of thrombosis. Although COVID-19 infection primarily affects the lower respiratory tract system, emerging reports suggest direct and indirect cardiovascular complications. However, the key mechanisms under thrombosis development at great arterial vessels are still unclear.Case presentation. – We report the cases of 4 patients who were admitted to our hospital and suffered from arterial thrombotic complications. All of them were older than 60 years and only 1 did not have cardiovascular risk factors. It should be noted that days prior to the diagnosis of arterial thrombosis, 3 of the 4 patients were under anticoagulant treatment. It is also interesting that in contrast to already known typical microvascular locations, our patients suffered from large arterial vessels thrombosis. Furthermore, none of them would present with severe respiratory symptoms. Conclusions. – The underlying mechanism of COVID-19-associated arterial thrombosis remains unclear and might be independent of the cytokine storm that occurs in patients with COVID-19-associated venous thrombosis. Also, the role of anti-platelets agents as prophylactic treatment in high-risk patients remains unclear. Multicenter clinical trials are necessary to clarify these issues.
Discovery of anti-Ebola drugs: a computational drug repositioning case study

Computational drug repositioning has complemented and guided the experimental drug repositioning assignments in the recent past. Structure- and ligand-based strategies have been tried for the generation of novel repositioning ideas. In the present computational work, an attempt has been made to reposition a set of approved/existing drugs as novel anti-Ebola agents, targeting VP35 viral protein. One of the crystal structure ligands bound to VP35 protein was used as a query for the initial shape- and electrostatics-based virtual screening using OpenEye Scientific Software suite. The top-ranking hits from the ligand-based virtual screening were further docked in the ligand-binding pocket of the VP35 protein. The virtual hits from both the ligand- and structure-based screening were examined carefully in terms of tightness of their binding interactions with the macromolecular target. Several top hits belonged to therapeutic categories like antidiabetics (e.g., nateglinide), antihypertensives (e.g., telmisartan) and antibiotics (e.g., ticarcillin), etc., totally unrelated to the proposed antiviral indication. The computational repositioning hypotheses generated at the end of this study are likely to interest several researchers around the globe that are desperately looking for a breakthrough treatment to curb the recent menace created by a relatively older virus. The proposed hits that are approved/existing drugs may serve as starting points for the clinical repositioning for anti-Ebola indication or as lead structures in fast-track anti-Ebola drug discovery campaigns.
BIOBANKS. ASSOCIATED RISKS AND BENEFITS

Biobanks are repositories of human organic material, that have an important role in the clinic. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Global Health Ethics Unit have a great contribution considering the ideology of a well-functioning biobank. At the European Union, the functioning of biobanks is strictly regulated and research is being sustained by programs financed at a community level. The administration of biobanks brings both advantages and risks socially. To prevent these, international standards have been implemented for biobanks. In the research domain but also in the public health domain, an analysis in accordance with the legal framework must be considered in order to preserve the well-functioning of biobanks.
Minimally Invasive Dentistry for Pre-Eruptive Enamel Lesions—A Case Series

Pre-eruptive enamel lesions occur during tooth formation and include fluorosis, traumatic hypomineralization, and molar incisor hypomineralization. Minimally invasive treatment approaches, such as microabrasion, should be considered for these cases. This article presents a case series of three patients with pre-eruptive enamel defects in esthetically compromised tooth regions which were treated with the microabrasion technique: two fluorosis cases, moderate and advanced, and one hypomineralization case of traumatic etiology. In Cases 1 and 3, there was a significant improvement in esthetics with a total resolution of the enamel defects. However, a slight yellowish coloration may be detected at close observation. In Case 2 (advanced fluorosis), although there was no full resolution of the white spots, there was a clear improvement in esthetics. Microabrasion is a safe and effective, minimally invasive treatment for pre-eruptive enamel lesions. It does not require local anesthesia, it is less destructive than restorative interventions, and allows good esthetic outcomes with no significant postoperative sensitivity. Its efficacy is directly related to the lesions’ severity and depth. Although there are some limitations, further improvement can be achieved with dental bleaching. More invasive treatments might be considered if results are still unsatisfactory.
Real-world clinical experience of extended half-life recombinant factor VIII Fc fusion protein (rFVIIIFc) in comparison to conventional factor products in patients with severe hemophilia A

1Institute of Experimental Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, University Clinic Bonn, Bonn, Germany Abstract Introduction: The recombinant factor FVIII Fc fusion protein (rFVIIIFc) is a first-in-class extended half-life FVIII product to treat patients with hemophilia A. The safety, efficacy and prolonged half-life of rFVIIIFc was demonstrated in the phase 3 studies A-LONG, Kids ALONG and the extension study ASPIRE. Despite robust efficacy and safety data of rFVIIIFc therapy from clinical trials, evidence on the effectiveness of rFVIIIFc use in real-world remains scarce. Our analysis aimed at investigating the effectiveness of prophylactic rFVIIIFc treatment in routine clinical use in Germany. Material and Methods: Twenty-seven patients with severe hemophilia A, who switched from prophylaxis with conventional recombinant factor VIII (rFVIII) products to rFVIIIFc, were included. Annualized bleeding rates, factor consumption, number of injections and adherence to prophylaxis were compared. The retrospective period prior switching to rFVIIIFc was three years, while the mean follow-up period after switching to rFVIIIFc was 24.9 months. Results: Switching to rFVIIIFc led to a 33.7% reduction in mean annualized number of injections and a 18.3% reduction in mean annualized factor consumption while maintaining low bleeding rates. The mean annualized bleeding rate (ABR) was 2.5 and 1.7 for rFVIII and rFVIIIFc, respectively. The adherence improved from 87% to 94%. During the follow-up period eleven surgeries were performed; all with a hemostatic response rated as excellent. No FVIII inhibitor formation after switching to rFVIIIFc has been detected. Conclusion: Real-world treatment with rFVIIIFc was associated with substantial reductions in consumption and injection frequenies while maintaining low bleeding rates supporting safety and efficacy data from clinical trials.
Expression Characteristics and Clinical Signi�cance of HMGB1 in Gastric Cancer: A Meta – Analysis

Objective: To clarify the expression of HMGB1 and its relationship with clinical features of gastric cancer. Methods: Multiple databases were systematically searched for relevant studies from 1997 to 2021. We screened case - control studies stating that the association between HMGB1 protein expression and clinical characteristics in gastric cancer. Results: In total, eight independent studies with 872 patients were included. Meta – analysis indicated higher odds of HMGB1 being present in gastric tumor tissues compared to para - tumor controls (cid:0) OR (cid:0) 4.15, 95 (cid:0) CI (3.09, 5.58), P (cid:0) 0.01 (cid:0) . High HMGB1 expression was also associated with poor differentiation rate (cid:0) OR (cid:0) 0.73, 95 (cid:0) CI (0.54, 0.99), P (cid:0) 0.04 (cid:0) , TNM stages (cid:0) - (cid:0) (cid:0) OR (cid:0) 0. 28, 95 (cid:0) CI (0.18, 0.44), P (cid:0) 0.01 (cid:0) , lymphatic metastasis (cid:0) OR (cid:0) 2. 08, 95 (cid:0) CI (1.52, 2.84), P (cid:0) 0.01 (cid:0) and diffuse type of Lauren classi�cation [OR (cid:0) 0.57, 95 (cid:0) CI (0.38, 0.84), P (cid:0) 0. 01 (cid:0) . However, there was no signi�cant correlation between HMGB1 expression between gender and age. Conclusion: Our results illustrated that HMGB1 protein was strongly associated with adverse clinicopathological features of gastric cancer. HMGB1 may be a promising target in the development of gastric cancer.
Cross-situational statistical learning in children with developmental language disorder

ABSTRACT Children with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) need more exposures to learn new words in an unambiguous context compared to children with typical development (TD). However, it remains unclear whether they would be able to learn new words by extracting frequencies over multiple word-object encounters in ambiguous situations. The present study examines this question through a cross-situational statistical-learning task (CSSL). Thirty-eight school-aged children with DLD and thirty-eight age/sex-matched TD children completed a CSSL eye-tracking experiment. Participants’ responses show that children with DLD had significantly poorer accuracy compared to TD children. However, both groups performed above chance. While the eye-tracking record evidenced no distinctive pattern between groups as children learnt new words, we observed a larger target visual preference in TD children when they were asked to find the referent for those new words. We discuss these findings in light of existing accounts for memory and language deficits in DLD.
On the Performance of Semi- and Nonparametric Item Response Functions in Computer Adaptive Tests

Large-scale assessments often use a computer adaptive test (CAT) for selection of items and for scoring respondents. Such tests often assume a parametric form for the relationship between item responses and the underlying construct. Although semi- and nonparametric response functions could be used, there is scant research on their performance in a CAT. In this work, we compare parametric response functions versus those estimated using kernel smoothing and a logistic function of a monotonic polynomial. Monotonic polynomial items can be used with traditional CAT item selection algorithms that use analytical derivatives. We compared these approaches in CAT simulations with a variety of item selection algorithms. Our simulations also varied the features of the calibration and item pool: sample size, the presence of missing data, and the percentage of nonstandard items. In general, the results support the use of semi- and nonparametric item response functions in a CAT.
Cytotoxic Activity, Apoptosis Induction and Cell Cycle Arrest in Human Breast Cancer (MCF7) Cells by a Novel Fluorinated Tetrahydro-[1,2,4]Triazolo[3,4-a]Isoquinolin Chalcones

Abstract A series of fluorinated chalcones (3a-f) was synthesized and confirmed by several spectral tools. The cytotoxic effect of this series was tested against a panel of different cancer cell lines (MCF7, A549, HCT116, and PC3). MTT assay revealed that chalcone 3f has the potent cytotoxic activity against all tested cancer cell lines except A549 cells. Chalcone 3f showed the least cytotoxic activity against the normal epithelial cell line RPE-1 and the lowest IC50 at 10.96 µM relative to the IC50 of doxorubicin at 12.8 µM against the human breast cancer cell line MCF7. Molecular docking studies showed a good interaction of chalcone 3f with the active site of histone demethylase (PLU-1/JARID1B) and Carboxy-terminal binding protein1 (CtBP1) proteins. Mechanistically, chalcone 3f induced cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase and apoptosis assessed by flow cytometry, as well as DNA fragmentation in MCF7 cells. Chalcone 3f upregulated mRNA expression levels of the apoptotic genes BAX, p53, and Caspase-7, Caspase-8, and Caspase-9, whereas mRNA expression levels of the antiapoptotic gene Bcl2, metastasis-related gene matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1), and the autophagic markers ATG5 and LC3B were downregulated as quantified by qPCR. This study shows a cytotoxic effect of chalcone 3f against cancer cells and emerges as a promising therapeutic drug against breast cancer. Graphical Abstract
Prevalence of Transferable OXA-1 β-Lactamase Associated with Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolates in Iraq

This study was designed to explore the incidence of blaOXA-1 amongst Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates with resistant to carbapenem. Between December 2014 and April 2015, one hundred samples were taken from two hospitals: Babylon Teaching Hospital for Maternity and Pediatric / Babylon Province (clinical, umbilical infections, n= 40; environmental, n=20) and Karbala Hospital for Pediatric / Karbala Province (40 stool samples). All patients were hospitalized or attended these hospitals, all under 1 year of age. Seventeenth (17%) isolates were identified as Klebsiella pneumoniae. The antibiotic resistance profile of isolates was tested using disk diffusion method. High-level of resistance was recorded with ampicillin (94.1%) and piperacillin (88.2%) antibiotics. Resistance to carbapenem was reported in two K.pneumoniae isolates, these were investigated for the existence of OXA-1β-lactamase using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique. Two (100%) isolates gave positive result. Transference of this gene was studied by conjugation experiment. The blaOXA-1 gene conjugated successfully in 1 (50%) isolate only.
Ultra-high heating rate effects on the sintering of ceramic nanoparticles: an in situ TEM study

Heating rate plays a major role in the ceramic sintering process, especially in many new advanced sintering techniques. In this study, the effects of ultra-high heating rate up to 1200°C/s have been investigated on various ceramic nanoparticles by in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) heating experiments to monitor the morphological changes immediately after the heating process and during the holding time. It was revealed that an ultra-high heating rate is highly effective in densifying 3 mol. % yttria-stabilized zirconia nanoparticles but was less effective for 8 mol. % yttria-stabilized zirconia or zinc oxide due to the competing diffusion mechanisms. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT IMPACT STATEMENT This work demonstrates the use of in situ TEM heating for real-time and direct observation of ceramic nanoparticles to study the impact of ultra-high heating rates up to 1200°C/s.
The Gordian Knot of Glutaraldehyde-Treated Autologous Pericardium in Open Cardiac Surgery

Glutaraldehyde is classified as a biocide-pesticide under the hazard class for toxic substance and control laws for the human health and environmental worldwide. The regulatory bodies restrict the intended use to disinfectant or laboratory application in hospital. The parenteral pathway in human is not considered and then not allowed, for the high-risk profile, so the constraints are an integral part of the Classification Labeling and Packaging for exposure of occupational health. Contextually, there are no preclinical-safety data as Risk Related Reference (DMEL probability of occurrence and severity of adverse effect (s)/event (s) in a given population under defined exposure conditions), or Chemical Safety Reports that justify any authorization for patient consumer uses. In the context of cardiac surgery, the biomechanical stability in treating the autologous pericardium with glutaraldehyde in solution, results as a hand-built biotech for a patient valve device. Theoretically, the surgeon is a manufacturer that uses a toxic chemical compound for the own product that does not comply to the law and regulations. Contrary to pharmaceutical definition for marketing authorized drugs, the off-label not allowed use of toxic chemical derived manufacture, expose the physicians to legal vulnerability of which it is inclusive the malpractice for the-patient’s informed consent.
On the Potential Contributions of Matrix Converters for the Future Grid Operation, Sustainable Transportation and Electrical Drives Innovation

Matrix converters have been extensively investigated in academia over the last 3 decades. Several review works targeting matrix converter topologies, commutation strategies, modulation and control techniques have been published. However, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, a review on the potential contributions of matrix converters for applications that are shaping the electric power sector transition towards decarbonization is lacking, namely applications on smart grids, sustainable transportation and electrical drives. This paper presents an extensive literature review on the more relevant research works targeting applications of matrix converters as an enabling key technology for smart and resilient grids, sustainable transportation, and innovation in variable speed electric drives.
Ex vivo Microsphiltration Profile of Plasmodium Falciparum Infected Red Blood Cells in Patients with Malaria in Kéniéroba, Mali: Exploring the Spleen Retention Function

Despite of the ongoing basic and experimental research on malaria, the malaria pathophysiology is not yet fully understood due to its complex and multifactorial mechanisms. The main mechanisms Abstract P. falciparum- Malaria pathophysiology is still not fully understood. The main mechanisms of the malaria physiopathology involve interactions between host and parasite. Although, the role of the spleen has been mentioned in various clinical forms, supportive clinical evidence is still needed. We conducted a pilot study to determine the impact of the spleen functional statuse in different clinical forms of malaria. Ex vivo microsphiltration was utilized to assess the splenic function in patients received during routine consultation with mild malaria at the Kéniéroba health center, a high malaria endemic area in Mali. A total of 25 patients were enrolled for ex vivo microsphiltration. The spleen was non-palpable (Hackett stage 0) in two patients, palpable with deep inspiration (Hackett stage 1) in 22 patients and without deep inspiration (Hackett stage 2) in one patient. The parasitaemia ranged from 5360 -to 342720 trophozoites/µl with a mean parasitemia of 50774 trophozoites/µl ± 65540 trophozoites/µl. The mean hemoglobin level was 11.2g/dl ± 1.2 [8.7-13.4]. The retention rate of the infected red blood cell ranged from 11.11% to 94.44% with an average of 65.4% ± 23.7%. A higher ex vivo retention rate of infected red blood cells was observed in patients with palpable spleen (p= 0.03). This pilot study proved the feasibility of exploring the spleen filtering function in malaria patients using the ex vivo microsphiltration exploreof the veinous collected red blood cell.