Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Microstructural Aspects of Fatigue Parameters of Lead-Free Sn-Zn Solders with Various Zn Content

The study includes the results of research conducted on selected lead-free binary solder alloys designed for operation at high temperatures. The results of qualitative and quantitative metallographic examinations of SnZn alloys with various Zn content are presented. The quantitative microstructure analysis was carried out using a combinatorial method based on phase quanta theory, per which any microstructure can be treated as an array of elements disposed in the matrix material. Fatigue tests were also performed using the capabilities of a modified version of the LCF method hereinafter referred to in short as MLCF, which is particularly useful in the estimation of mechanical parameters when there are difficulties in obtaining many samples normally required for the LCF test. The fatigue life of alloys was analyzed in the context of their microstructure. It has been shown that the mechanical properties are improved with the Zn content increasing in the alloy. However, the best properties were obtained in the alloy with a chemical composition close to the eutectic system, when the Zn-rich precipitates showed the most preferred morphological characteristics. At higher content of Zn, a strong structural notch was formed in the alloy because of the formation in the microstructure of a large amount of the needle-like Zn-rich precipitates deteriorating the mechanical characteristics. Thus, the results obtained during previous own studies, which in the field of mechanical testing were based on static tensile test only, have been confirmed. It is interesting to note that during fatigue testing, both significant strengthening and weakening of the examined material can be expected. The results of fatigue tests performed on SnZn alloys have proved that in this case the material was softened.
Municipal amalgamations and their effects: a literature review

Abstract Municipal amalgamation reforms have been advocated as ways to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance capacity in local government service provision. Research on the consequences of amalgamations has reached maturity in terms of theories, research designs and methods, justifying a systematic survey of results. This article provides a synthesis of the empirical literature published over the last 20 years, organizing the effects of amalgamations into three categories: economic efficiency and cost savings, managerial implications, and democratic outcomes. Despite the significant variation across countries and reforms, some regularities emerge: cost savings being primarily limited to general administration expenditures (wages, office supplies, and so on), few changes in the quality of local services, and the diminished quality of local democracy. Several studies point to amalgamation reforms experiencing a trade-off between efficiency and democracy.
Effects of Crude Protein Levels in Total Mixed Rations on Growth Performance and Meat Quality in Growing Korean Black Goats

This study was carried out to investigate effects of crude protein (CP) levels in total mixed rations (TMR) on growth performance and meat quality in growing Korean black goats. Thirty-six 6-month-old growing black male goats (initial body weight = 17.95±0.13 kg) were used. The goats were randomly divided into four treatments and 9 animals were allotted to each treatment. In terms of treatments, CP levels in TMR were 14, 16, 18, and 20% of dry matter (DM) and all diets were isocaloric (2.4 Mcal ME/kg DM). The experiment lasted for 20 weeks with a 15-day adaptation period. After the end of the trial, five goats from each treatment were slaughtered to measure carcass characteristics and meat quality. Average daily gain (ADG) significantly (p<0.05) increased as dietary CP levels increased, but the highest ADG was found on the 18% CP treatment. The higher CP levels in TMR significantly (p<0.05) decreased feed conversion ratio, but the lowest ratio was on the 18% CP treatment, suggesting a higher bioavailability of nutrients by balanced energy and protein levels on this treatment. There was no significant difference in dressing percentage among treatments, but there was a tendency for levels more than 16% CP in TMR to have a comparatively higher dressing percentage than the 14% treatment. The percentages of meat, fat and bone were not significantly influenced by dietary CP levels. Dietary CP levels did not influence chemical composition of goat meat. Furthermore, there was no significant difference among treatments in any of the sensory parameters except for tenderness. Tenderness was similar for 18 and 20% treatments, which were significantly (p<0.05) higher than the 14% treatment. The results from this study suggested that an adequate CP level in TMR for achieving optimal growth performance and meat quality of growing Korean black goats might be 18% of DM, and that dietary CP level above 18% seemed not to further increase growth performance and meat quality.
Skeletal muscle mass to visceral fat area ratio is an important determinant associated with type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome

Background Skeletal muscle mass to visceral fat area ratio (SVR) were shown to be related to some chronic diseases, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases. The aim of this study is to determine whether the SVR is associated with metabolic syndrome (MS) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Methods A total of 798 subjects were included in this cross-sectional study. Lipid profiles, plasma glucose, blood pressure, waist circumference (WC) and body mass index (BMI) were grouped by the SVR. The associations between the SVR and T2DM and MS were examined using logistic regression to determine whether the SVR was associated with T2DM and MS. Results Lipid profiles, glucose levels, blood pressure, WC and BMI showed significant differences when stratified based on the extent of SVR. The SVR levels were also significantly higher in subjects without MS or T2DM than in those with MS or T2DM. The SVR was inversely correlated with lipid profiles and WC and was especially correlated with BMI, with an r>0.5. The SVR was identified as a risk factor for T2DM and MS after adjusting age and sex. SVR can predict T2DM [area under the curve =0.726, 95% CI (0.669–0.782), p<0.001] and MS [area under the curve =0.730, 95% CI (0.694–0.766), p<0.001]. The suitable cut-off value is 0.230 for T2DM (sensitivity 0.696, specificity 0.694) and 0.278 for the onset of MS (sensitivity 0.518, specificity 0.862). Conclusion The SVR is closely associated with an increased risk for exacerbating T2DM and MS and can be used as a diagnostic indicator for T2DM and MS.
Occupational Health Hazards and Protective Measures among Radiation Health Team

Background: Radiation was a threat to health in work place and in general environment. Aim of the study was to assess occupational health hazards and protective measures among radiation health team. Subjects & methods: Research design: Across-sectional descriptive design was used in this study. Setting: The study was carried out at the Radiotherapy Department in Zagazig University Hospital, and Radiology Department in El-Ahrar Zagazig Hospital. Subjects: A purposive sample composed of 70 subjects who worked at the radiation departments for at least two years. Tools of data collection: Two tools were used in this study. Tool Ι: A self-administered questionnaire to identify knowledge about radiation hazards, the effects of occupational health hazards, and protective measures among radiation health team. Tool ΙI: An observational checklist to describe compliance with personal protective equipment and safe work practice. Results: The study findings revealed that 20% of nurses, 60.5% of technicians and 52.9% of physicians had satisfactory knowledge about radiation hazards. Additionally, the highest percentages of occupational hazards as reported by participants were physical hazards which constituted (100% among nurses, 93% among technicians and 88.2% among physicians). The highest percentages of the health problems related to exposure to radiation at work were found among technicians (95.3%) compared to 70% of nurses and 47.1% of physicians. As well, only 17.6%of physicians and 14% of technicians wear lead aprons all times. Also, 18.6% of technicians, and 5.9% of physicians wear monitoring badge. Moreover none of nurses comply with the use of personal protective equipment. Conclusion: the highest percentages regarding knowledge of radiation hazards were among technicians. The majority of occupational hazards were physical, followed by biological and psychological hazards among radiation health team. Minority of the participants were satisfactory with protective measures. Recommendations: To develop an educational program regarding radiation hazards and protective measures to all radiation health team.
Electrochromism and Swelling of Polypyrrole Membranes: An Electrochemical and Ellipsometric Study

The growth of polypyrrole (Ppy) layers on gold electrodes in nearly neutral pH solutions is analysed using “in situ” voltametric and ellipsometric techniques. Different film structures are obtained depending on the potentiodynamic programme and the composition of the electrolyte. More compact dodecylsulphate-(DS) doped Ppy layers were grown at 1.2 V versus RHE than those obtained by applying a higher potential. The more compact layers correspond to the growth of an oxidised Ppy/DS layer that shows low pseudo capacity behaviour. After dipping, the doped Ppy/DS film in KCl solution-significant variations in optical indices and thickness are detected as a function of the applied potential. Higher electrochromism as well as decrease in film thickness after cathodisation is achieved. The optical indices and the thickness of the Ppy layer formed under different applied potential/time programmes are estimated.
THE ASTEROSEISMIC POTENTIAL OF KEPLER: FIRST RESULTS FOR SOLAR-TYPE STARS

We present preliminary asteroseismic results from Kepler on three G-type stars. The observations, made at one-minute cadence during the first 33.5 days of science operations, reveal high signal-to-noise solar-like oscillation spectra in all three stars: about 20 modes of oscillation may be clearly distinguished in each star. We discuss the appearance of the oscillation spectra, use the frequencies and frequency separations to provide first results on the radii, masses, and ages of the stars, and comment in the light of these results on prospects for inference on other solar-type stars that Kepler will observe.
Design of Energy Efficient Solar Control Film based Window Glazing System for Homes and Office Buildings

This paper proposes an energy efficient solar control film window fixed in glazing system for homes and office buildings. Traditional methods use the films that have less impact on solar radiation. The solar films have the ability to control the radiations and maintain the room temperatures with less energy consumption for cooling. Tiruchirapalli district of tamilnadu state is accompanied by hot climate with heavy heating all through the year. This paper presents an analysis of the solar control film window system fixed in glazing system on a normal and clear window glass in an occupant in Tiruchirapalli (TN). Hence implementing a solar film window in an occupant in tiruchirapalli shows a reduction in the heat obtained by solar radiation with comfortable room temperature and less energy consumption. Furthermore this approach was carried out to control the radiation levels on thermal and effective performance of physically ventilated houses and buildings.
Patients’ Satisfaction with Type 2 Diabetes Care and its Relation to their Glycaemic Control-Primary Health Care Setting, Port Said, Egypt

Background: Research has identified a clear link between clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction especially in chronic diseases like diabetes, where a wide range of needs and expectations exists. Satisfaction affects the timely, efficient, and patient-centred delivery of quality health care. Aim: To assess patients’ satisfaction with type 2 diabetes care and its relation to their glycaemic control. Patients and Methods: Analytic cross sectional study with a total of 72 patients ≥18 years old with type 2 diabetes who attend Port Fouad urban family health centre, Port Said city, Egypt were invited to complete 18 items, Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ-18) to determine their satisfaction and its relation to the degree of HbA1c control. The questionnaire contained 7 domains to identify patients, doctors and practice determinants of satisfaction. Results: 60% of type 2 diabetic patients were satisfied with the provided health care services. Doc-tor's communication ranked the highest satisfaction level among other factors followed by satisfaction with consultation time and appropriateness of consultation room. Meanwhile, the study revealed a proportional relationship between overall patients’ satisfaction and controlled HbA1c. Conclusion: There was a clear link between patients’ satisfaction with type 2 diabetes care and improvement of their glycemic control.
Constraining glacial ice and water movement using microseismic earthquakes

An array of 13 geophones and CMG-6TD sensors was deployed for two months on Vatnajökull Ice Cap, Iceland, to monitor subglacial seismicity and deeper volcanic seismicity. The main array was deployed on the upstream end of Skeiðarárjökull Glacier to record icequakes from the base of the glacier to investigate the hydrological system using temporal and spatial variation of source mechanisms. For comparison, and to help constrain deeper volcanic seismicity, a smaller sub-array was deployed around the Grimsvötn caldera and a single station was deployed over Bárðarbunga where deeper volcanic activity was known to be present. This seismic array was embedded within a broader array of 3-component seismometers operated by Cambridge University. Data were successfully recorded for up to 52 days although tilt of the 6TD instruments compromises much of their data. Although data are dominated by surface crevassing noise, a number of basal icequakes have been identified which are being used in a cross-correlation event search to identify clusters of events. Once a full event catalogue has been produced, source mechanisms and seismic anisotropy in the ice column will be analysed to constrain ice rheology and dynamics.
A systematic review of evidence based treatments for conduct disorder in adolescents: are they aligned with the developmental pathways research for conduct disorder: towards a more effective treatment model

In the wake of the recent inclusion of a specifier in the DSM 5 (American Psychiatric Association (APA), 2013) for limited prosocial emotions, specifically callous-unemotional traits (CU traits) within conduct disordered (CD) children and adolescents, the current paper reviews the available research and literature on the utilisation of sub-typing CD for the purpose of informing assessment and subsequent treatment approaches. The review focused on three issues: Firstly on whether the practice of sub-typing CD is clinically important to informing the treatment type and level of intensity for adolescents with severe conduct problems (CPs); Next on whether the sub-typing of CD is routinely utilised in the assessment process by evidence based treatment modalities to inform treatments. In particular, differentiating between those with adolescent onset (A/O) and those with untreated childhood onset (C/O) for whom the ongoing risks are becoming more critical. Finally, coinciding with the recent addition of specifiers in the DSM – 5 (APA, 2013) which effectively designate a further subgroup of individuals with limited prosocial emotions (CU traits), the review examined whether the subject treatment modalities are adequately positioned to be effective. Results: Most studies did not take limited prosocial emotions (CU traits) into account as this is new research, only recently included in DSM 5. Additionally, the majority of studies tend to aggregate A/O and C/O together and treat them as a homogenous group (single pathway approach). Instead of utilising the developmental pathway approach to assessment and treatment that has been suggested in successive publications of the DSM including the DSM 5 (APA,
Rupture immediately after growth of unruptured intracranial aneurysms during follow-up

Background: The annual rupture rate of small unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) <5 mm is generally low; further, small UIAs are often treated conservatively. While the growth of aneurysms during follow-up is associated with a high risk of rupture, the urgency for surgical treatment of asymptomatic enlarged UIAs remains controversial. We experienced two patients in whom UIAs ruptured shortly after asymptomatic growth during follow-up. Case Description: A 1-mm right middle cerebral artery aneurysm was incidentally found in a 63-year-old woman. Preventive surgery was planned because the aneurysm grew rapidly; however, the aneurysm ruptured preoperatively. A 68-year-old woman had a small (4 mm) aneurysm at the left internal carotid-posterior communicating artery. The aneurysm grew rapidly after many years. Several hours after magnetic resonance imaging was performed, she presented to the hospital with loss of consciousness, and a diagnosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage due to the ruptured aneurysm was made. Conclusion: UIAs that rapidly increase during follow-up may be regarded as impending ruptured aneurysms.
FDI And Economic Growth. Evidence From Simultaneous Equation Models

This paper analyses whether foreign direct investments have an impact on the Romanian economic growth. By means of simultaneous equation methods we obtained evidence of the bi-directional connection between the two, meaning that incoming FDI stimulates economic growth and, in its turn, a higher GDP attracts FDI. Two methods were used in performing the analysis, one considering the relation between the share of FDI in GDP and economic growth in a five-equation system and the second considering the levels of FDI and GDP, respectively, in a two-equation system.
Avian Biogeography and Conservation in Eastern Indonesia

v INTRODUCTION . 1 CHAPTER 1: A CASE STUDY IN INDONESIA’S LINNAEAN SHORTFALL . 4 Vocalizations and display behaviour of Javan Woodcock Scolopax saturata support its status as a distinct species . 4 CHAPTER 2: A CASE STUDY IN INDONESIA’S WALLACEAN SHORTFALL . 7 A survey of the avifauna of Obi Island, North Moluccas, Indonesia . 7 An avifaunal survey of three Javan volcanoes (Salak, Slamet, and Ijen) . 11 CHAPTER 3: RED LIST EVALUATIONS FOR TWO INDONESIAN BIRDS . 21 The Moluccan Woodcock Scolopax rochussenii on Obi island, Northern Moluccas, Indonesia: a ‘lost’ species is less endangered than expected . 21 An assessment of the parrot trade on Obi Island (Northern Moluccas, Indonesia) reveals heavy exploitation of the Vulnerable Chattering Lory Lorius garrulus . 31 CONCLUSION . 39 REFERENCES . 40 APPENDIX 1 . 50 A. Birds recorded on Obi, Northern Moluccas, Indonesia; 5 July−27 August, 2012. 50 B. Birds recorded on Mt Salak, Mt Slamet, and Ijen Highlands, Java, Indonesia; 18 September 20 October, 2013. 54 APPENDIX 2 . 59 Permission to reproduce published material . 59 VITA . 60
Does esophageal pressure monitoring reliably permit to estimate transpulmonary pressure in children

Objectives: This study aims to determine whether Trans pulmonary Pressure can be measured in children using Esophageal Pressure as a surrogate of Pleural Pressure (PPL). To reach this goal, we wanted to validate the reliability of two Esophageal Pressure recording methods compared to direct PPL measurement in situ. Study design This is a prospective study. Methodology: Mechanically ventilated children were included if they had at least one chest tube. PPL was directly measured into the existing chest tube (PCH-TUBE). Esophageal Pressure was measured by two methods: a catheter mounted pressure transducer system (PES-REF) and the preexisting nasogastric feeding tube pulled out in order to be located in the mid third of the esophagus (PES-FT). Results: Twelve patients were enrolled, and eight patients (median age: 4 months) were included in the analysis. For each method, the 2 measurements obtained with the same method were concordant. In the Bland-Altman analysis, the limits of agreement were wide for all between-method comparisons, from +/8 to +/15 cmH2O. Conclusion: Prior to consider its use in clinical practice, in particular for the titration of the ventilator support, it is essential to conduct more research in order to validate the measurement technique of Esophageal Pressure and confirm that it can accurately reflect the PPL.
Index Option Returns and Generalized Entropy Bounds

I develop a continuum of new nonparametric bounds. They stem from the solution of an optimization problem that is dual to the Hansen and Jaganathan (1991) approach, and are shown to complete the nonparametric bound universe that the literature has so far discovered. Through the lens of these bounds, I estimate rare event distributions from option market returns. Standard disaster models and their perturbations are shown not able to meet the bounds implied by simple static option trading strategies. Nonetheless, their abilities in magnifying pricing kernel dispersions through tail distortions do seem promising. My results suggest more sophisticated modeling of disaster models to reconcile with the index option data.
Impact of corporate governance on related party transactions in family-owned firms in Pakistan

This is an empirical study to examine the impact of corporate governance (CG) variables, namely independent directors index (IDI), family directorship (FD), and family ownership (FO), on the types of related party transactions (RPTs) that prevail in family-owned firms in developing countries. The focus of this study is on Pakistan whereby it was found major shareholders of Pakistani family-owned firms expropriate resources through RPTs. This study analysed panel data of 108 firms of family-owned firms listed on the Karachi stock exchange from 2004 to 2014 after the introduction of CG codes in 2002. The study contributes to literature by categorising all RPTs into three types - RPTb, RPTe, and RPTo. It also develops an index of independence directors comprising three dimensions, namely board composition, financial expertise, and tenure of the independent non-executive director. Different panel least squares models for different RPTs have been employed to examine the relationship between RPTs and CG variables. This study found that 90% of family-owned firms in Pakistan scored low for independent director’s index. Hence, CG is weaker in Pakistani family-owned firms where major shareholders expropriate resources through RPTb and RPTe. Further, CG variables, namely IDI and FD are negatively related to RPTs and the concentration of family ownership of firms has a negative relationship with RPTs, and this has a negative tendency for the resource expropriation of family-owned firms. The study concludes the negative relationship of corporate governance and concentration of major shareholder exploit the interest of minority shareholders in Pakistani family-owned firms.