Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A parallel plate wet denuder for acidic gas measurement

A parallel plate wet denuder (PPWD) was designed and tested for acidic gas absorption in this study. The PPWD is composed of two frosted glass plates coated with nano-TiO2 particles. The gap of the plates is 4 mm, the active surface is 7.5 cm in width and 15 cm in height. The DI water is flowing downward along the surfaces to form a uniform water film to absorb the gas flowing upward along the gap. The gas absorption efficiency and memory effect were tested using test gases of HF (3.57– 3.80 ppb), HCl (0.48–15.63 ppb), and HNO3 (8.43–20.92 ppb) generated from permeation tubes at the flow rate of 5–10 L/min, scrubbing DI water flow rate of 1.0 mL/min/ plate, and pH 5 6.8 6 0.3. The experiment was also conducted for HF and HCl with scrubbing water pH value of 3.08 and 4.10 to examine the effect of pH on the absorption efficiency. The experimental data at different flow rates match with the theoretical values very well assuming perfect absorption condition at the water film when the scrubbing water pH 5 6.8 6 0.3. The absorption efficiency of the three gases at the sampling flow rate of 5 L/min was nearly 100% when the scrubbing water pH value was 6.8 6 0.3, but was found to decrease slightly when the pH value of scrubbing water was reduced from 6.8 to 3.08, which indicates slight modification of perfect absorption condition at the water film. The memory effect test showed that the rise time was 15 to 25 min and the fall time was 10 to 25 min for the three gases. Good uniformity of the water film was observed during the 9-day ambient air sampling for HF, HCl, and HNO3, which indicates the applicability of the present PPWD for ambient air sampling. 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 54: 2198–2205, 2008
Numerical Visualization of Fluid Flow and Filtration Efficiency in Centrifugal Oil Purifier

The centrifugal oil purifier is used in ships for purifying the engine lubrication oil. The momentum needed for the rotation of the cylindrical chamber is obtained by jet injections. The dust particles in the oil are separated by the centrifugal forces moving to the inner wall of the rotating cylindrical chamber body. The dust particles are eliminated when the particles are adsorbed onto the surface of the inner wall of the chamber body. The flow characteristics and the physical behaviours of particles in this centrifugal oil purifier have been investigated numerically and the filtration efficiencies have been evaluated. For the calculations, a commercial code has been used and the SST k-ω turbulence model has been adopted. The MRF (Multiple Reference Frame) method has been introduced to consider the rotating effect of the flows. Under various variables, such as particle size, particle density and rotating speed, the filtration efficiencies have been evaluated. It has been verified that the filtration efficiency is increased with the increments of the particle size, the particle density and the rotating speed of the cylindrical chamber.
The Relationship Between Way-Finding Strategies, Spatial Anxiety, and Prior Experiences

Spatial activities during childhood and adolescence are believed to play a role in the development of spatial cognitive abilities. The current study investigated the relationship between spatial activities, way-finding strategy preferences, and spatial anxiety in a sample of 89 female undergraduate students from Brescia University College. Participants completed four online questionnaires addressing childhood spatial activities, adolescent spatial activities, spatial anxiety, and way-finding strategy. Individuals who reported more participation in childhood and adolescent activities reported using a cognitive map way-finding strategy, but the amount of participation in spatial activities reported by an individual did not relate to their use of a route way-finding strategy. No relationship was found between spatial anxiety and other factors. The relationship between spatial activities and way-finding strategies suggests that the development of spatial abilities is dependent on experience.
Naming & Shaming: The Impacts of Different Regimes on Hospital Waiting Times in England and Wales

Improving accountability in public services has been a central objective of many public sector reforms in recent years. Chief among these have been efforts to generate observable performance measures as a basis for monitoring performance. This paper examines a natural experiment in regimes applied to waiting list targets for hospital admissions in England and Wales. Prior to 2001, each country had similar policies, organisational structures for hospital care, and levels of resources. After 2001, the principal difference between the countries were the consequences for hospitals that failed to meet targets for waiting times: in England, failure resulted in sanctions in a process of `naming and shaming', but in Wales, failure was perceived to result in extra resources. We use hospitals in Wales as a 'control group', to examine the effect of `naming and shaming' in England. We found that this policy did indeed reduce waiting times in England as compared with Wales. However, there is some evidence there was in England, initially, some shuffling of prospective patients to meet specific targets which increased mean waiting times.
‘We’re not going to suffer like this in the mud’: educational aspirations, social mobility and independent child migration among populations living in poverty

This article examines the association between formal education, social mobility and independent child migration in Ethiopia, India (Andhra Pradesh), Peru and Vietnam and draws on data from Young Lives, a longitudinal study of childhood poverty and schooling. It argues that among resource-poor populations, child migration sustains kin relations across generations and households and also facilitates children’s progression through the life-course, thus it is fundamental to social reproduction. It reasons that formal education has greatly amplified this trend. Schooling has acquired symbolic value as the prime means of escaping household poverty and realising ambitions for social mobility. As such, elevated educational aspirations combine with systems shortcomings to stimulate school selection, school transfer and school-related child migration. The article concludes by examining the implications for children, for social reproduction and for policy.
The Impact of the Explosion of EU News on Voter Choice in the 2014 EU Elections

The European elections in 2014 were the first to be held after a long period in which EU-related news was prominent in the media. They were held after years of daily news about the euro crisis and after months of news about the popular uprising in the Ukraine against president Yanukovych, who had refused to sign the association agreement with the EU. This could have invited political parties to overcome the usual problem of low salience of EU issues by strongly profiling themselves on EU issues. Turnout at the 2014 EU elections, however, remained low, hinting that parties were unable to convert the attention for European issues into enthusiasm for their party at the European elections. This paper asks how vote choice was influenced by party campaigning on EU related issues. A news effects analysis based on a content analysis of Dutch newspapers and television, and on a panel survey among Dutch voters revealed that EU issues functioned as wedge issues: the more strongly parties were associated in the news with the euro crisis and the Ukraine, the less they succeeded in mobilizing voters.
G ENETIC ASPECTS OF ENDOTHELIUM DYSFUNCTION IN U ZBEK HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS

The objective of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of ACE/ID, AGT/M235T, AT1R/A1166C, CYP11B2/C344T, B2ВKR/+9-9, ecNOS/4a4b, GNB3/C825T, and ARB2/Gln27Glu gene polymorphisms and their association with endothelium dysfunction (ED) in Uzbek hypertensive patients. The study found an association between ED and AGT M235T gene polymorphism. Genetic models disclosed that the T-allele, MT-, and TT-genotypes of the AGT gene were associated with an increased risk of ED. However, multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed the negative association between the MM genotype of the AGT gene and positive association between IMT and ED. An association between essential hypertension (EH) in Uzbek males with ACE/ID and GNB3/C825T gene polymorphisms has been demonstrated. There is an association of AGT/M235T gene polymorphism and ED in Uzbek hypertensive patients. GULNOZA KHAMIDULLAEVA, AMAYAK KEVORKOV, MARIETTA ELISEYEVA
A Systematic Review of the Association between Individual Drugs Injected Intravenously and the Development of Infective Endocarditis

Issues: Infective endocarditis (IE) is a relatively rare disease that is associated with a significant amount of morbidity and mortality. Injection drug use associated IE is increasing in incidence, warranting a better understanding of how the drug of choice impacts the development of IE. Many studies have drawn connections between certain drugs injected intravenously and the development of IE but none have rigorously evaluated why a particular drug might predispose persons who inject drugs (PWID) to IE. Approach: The PubMed database was searched using a thorough search strategy. All human studies that reported on the drug(s) injected in patients who developed IE were analyzed and included. Key findings: No specific drug convincingly showed a strong association between its intravenous use and the development of IE, with studies having contradicting findings. The array of findings reported in the reviewed studies are more likely to be due to the frequency of use of particular drugs and their availability in the respective regions of study than the actual physiologic or pharmacologic properties of the drug. Implications: One trend that requires further investigation is the recent surge in opioid injection that has been linked to increased IE hospitalizations in several studies. Conclusion: Future research should aim to better understand how the preparation and/or physical properties of specific drugs may play a role in the development of IE.
Optimization of storage temperature for the pollen viability of transgenic plants that express the anti-breast cancer monoclonal antibody mAb BR55

Pollen germination viability is an essential factor in the production of seeds from pollination and fertilization. In this study, we optimized storage temperature conditions to increase the viability of pollen germination and pollen germ tube growth in transgenic plants that express the anti-breast cancer monoclonal antibody mAb BR55. The pollen of the transgenic plant BR55 was stored at five different temperatures: room temperature (RT), 4degreesC, -20degreesC, -70degreesC, or -196degreesC for 10 weeks. The in vitro pollen germination rate and pollen tube growth were observed at 10 weeks. The pollen was then germinated in vitro in sucrose buffer, either alone, or supplemented with 20 mug/mL boric acid. In general, both pollen germination rate and pollen tube growth increased with boric acid supplementation, compared to the control. The pollen germination rate and the pollen germ tube length were the greatest in pollen stored at -20degreesC (p < 0.01). The transgenic plant carrying the anti-colorectal cancer mAb CO17-1A HC and LC genes were pollinated using pollen (mAb BR55 transgenic plant) stored at -20degreesC, generating F1 seedlings carrying both mAb CO17-1A and mAb BR55 HC and LC genes. These results indicate that -20degreesC is the optimal temperature for pollen storage and ensures the pollen germination viability of transgenic tobacco plants that express therapeutic anti-cancer mAbs.
Positive and negative ionospheric disturbances at middle latitudes during geomagnetic storms

The morphology of middle latitude ionospheric disturbances in response to geomagnetic storms has been investigated to determine the phenomenological differences between positive and negative ionospheric storm effects, using foF2 observations from azimuthal chain of stations. To better organize the disturbance signatures, two ionospheric indices were introduced to describe the maximum positive (Dfu‐index) and negative (Dfl‐index) deviation observed during an ionospheric storm. A systematic appearance of nighttime positive effects was determined with a 24‐hour recurrence. The thermospheric‐ionospheric view associated with positive and negative storm effects proposed by Prolss (1993) was extended to encompass our observations. This test clearly demonstrates that such a model can capture most of the basic aspects of ionospheric storms, nevertheless the prominent feature of large nighttime enhancements in the ionization density have yet to be explained.
IS Performance Management Systems: An Action Research Perspective

This thesis attempts to address this issue by investigating what factors affect the design and implementation of IS Performance Management Systems and how these factors influence their shape. Therefore we have built a theoretical framework that has two aims: (1) to provide a wide set of IS Performance dimensions and measures which can support companies in the design of their IS Performance Management Systems and (2) to identify the factors which affect the choice of IS Performance dimensions and measures. In order to reach the first objective, we built a model organized into four Measurement Areas according to the Balanced Scorecard concept. But in these areas we attempted to gather all the measures and dimensions that we found in the literature. The four Measurement Areas are as follows: (1) Business Contribution and Value, (2) Customer Orientation, (3) IS Processes and (4) Change and Innovation. Whereas, in order to achieve the second aim the Research Framework also identifies three types of variables that affect the shape of IS Performance Management Systems. They are: (1) contingency variables; (2) IS variables; (3) relational variables.
Assessing Writing through the Curriculum with Automated Essay Scoring.

This paper provides an overview of some recent work in automated essay scoring that focuses on writing improvement at the postsecondary level. The paper illustrates the Vantage Intellimetric (tm) automated essay scorer that is being used as part of a Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) project that uses technology to grade electronic portfolios. The purpose of the electronic portfolio is to demonstrate a mechanism for translating the general learning goal on writing in an operational way that permits the developmental tracking of students throughout their undergraduate curriculum. Moreover, the technology can be readily incorporated into any course in which writing is a significant component. (Contains 22 references.) (Author/SLD) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document.
Size Controlled Synthesis of FeCo Alloy Nanoparticles and Study of the Particle Size and Distribution Effects on Magnetic Properties

In this research the size controlled synthesis of FeCo nanoparticles was done using a quaternary microemulsion system. X-ray diffraction and high resolution transmission electron microscopy of as-synthesized nanoparticles confirm the formation of FeCo alloy nanoparticles. The effects of two process parameters, namely, water to surfactant molar ratio and molar concentration of metal salts, on the size and size distribution of nanoparticles were discussed by the aid of transmission electron microscopy. The size dependency of magnetic properties was also investigated using a room temperature vibrating sample magnetometer. The superparamagnetic-ferromagnetic and single domain-multidomain transition sizes were determined. Then the specific absorption rates at transition sizes were calculated and the best sample for magnetic hyperthermia treatment was introduced.
Impact of salinity stress on proline reaction, peroxide activity, and antioxidant enzymes in maize (Zea mays L.).

Salinity is one of the environmental limiting factors in agricultural production. For the aim of investigating the effects of salt stress on some physiological traits in eight varieties, including K3615/1, S.C704, B73, S.C302, Waxy, K3545/6, K3653/2, and Zaqatala in three salinity levels, Zero (control), 50, and 100 mM NaCl in three replicates for the factorial experiment was carried out in randomized complete block design. Treatments were planted in pots. During the experiment superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, LRWC, and proline were measured. Increasing salinity to 50 mM and 100 mM increased SOD in most varieties. Maximum SOD in 50 mM was seen in K3545/6 with 20.62 unit/min g fw, that with SC302 and B73 were no significant differences, but with other varieties had significant differences. In concentrations of 100 mM, there was no significant difference between varieties in ascorbate peroxidase (APX) enzyme. In these conditions maximum and minimum amount of (APX) was seen in Sc704 with 8.533 unit/min g fw and K3615.1 with 3.898 unit/min g fw, respectively. In concentrations of 100 mM, there was a significant difference between varieties in (CAT) enzyme. In these conditions maximum and minimum amounts of (CAT) were seen in Sc302 and Sc704, respectively. Between catalase with SOD (0.234) and proline (0.284) we found positive and significant correlation at the 5% level. Significant positive correlation between proline with ascorbate peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase were observed.
Alterations of Evans Healthy Bitters on Some Biochemical Parameters of Wistar Albino Rats

This present research deals with the effect of Evans Healthy Bitters on some biochemical parameters of wistar albino rats. Twenty (20) wistar albino rats weighing between 90-110g were divided into four (4) groups(A,B,C,and D) and were allowed to acclimatize to laboratory condition for seven (7) days . Rats in group A served as the control and were administered with normal saline throughout the experimental period of twenty eight (28) days, while rats in group B ,C and D were administered oral dosage of 1,2 and 3 mg/kg body of the drug respectively throughout the experimental period. Twenty four (24) hours after the last administration, the wistar albino rats were sacrificed. Blood was obtained by cardiac puncture for analysis of serum ALP, AST, ALT, total protein, bilirubin , glucose, urea, creatinine, Na + , K + , Cl - and HCO3 - concentrations using standard methods. The drug produced a significant increase (P<0.05) in serum total protein, total bilirubin, conjugated bilirubin, unconjugated bilirubin and glucose levels following the administration of the drug throughout the experimental period . A significant (P<0.05) dosage dependent elevation was also displayed in serum ALP, AST and ALT following the administration of 1,2 and 3mg/kg body weight of the drug . The administration of the drug produced a significant (P<0.05) decrease in serum HCO3 - but a significant increase (P<0.05) was shown by serum K + , Na + , Cl - , Urea and Creatinine concentrations. Despite the therapeutic efficacy of the drug, results suggest clear manifestation that the combined effect of the drug might produce both hepatic and renal injury.
Study of latent Toxoplasma gondii role in level of testosterone, DHEA, cortisol and prolactin hormones of young persons

Toxoplasmosis influences the behavior and personality of infected persons. Possible mechanisms for these psychic disorders include its effect on dopamine and on hormone levels. In the present research, the effect of latent toxoplasmosis on testosterone, DHEA, cortisol and prolactin hormones in the infected and noninfected individuals was examined. A total of 215 plasma sample were examined for IgG and IgM anti-Toxoplasma antibody, testosterone, DHEA, cortisol and prolactin levels. In addition the prevalence of hirsutism, acne and alopecia also evaluated in individuals. Serological analysis confirmed that 61 men (28.37%) and 58 women (26.97%) were sero-positive. A statistically significant correlation between toxoplasmosis and testosterone and cortisol increase were observed but there were no significant differences between infected and noninfected individuals in level of prolactin and DHEA. There were significant differences in frequency of allopcy, acne and hirsutism between two groups. Because of these hormones have though helps in management of stress and human behavior and personality so the direct correlation between toxoplasmosis and psychological disorders is suggested due to effect of Toxoplasma on host’s hormone levels
Price Discrimination in Quantity Setting Oligopoly

We analyze a two‐stage quantity setting oligopolistic price discrimination game. In the first stage, firms choose capacities and in the second stage they simultaneously choose the share that they assign to each segment. At the equilibrium, the firms focus more on the high‐valuation customers. When the capacities in the first stage are endogenous, the deadweight loss does not vanish with the level of price discrimination, as it does in one‐stage games and monopoly. Moreover, the quantity‐weighted average price increases with the level of price discrimination as opposed to the established results in the literature for one‐stage games.
Medical Emergency Teams and Death at the Hospital - Do They Call Us? Results from an Integrated Educational Program with Medical Emergency Teams

Objective: The present study was conducted with the main objective of evaluating the occurrence of Medical Emergency Team (MET) calls in patients who died during their hospital stay and their association with the presence of MET calling criteria in the 24 hour and 8 hour period before death and the existence of a do not resuscitate (DNR) order. Patients and methods: Retrospective analysis of the medical records of patients that died at the hospital between 1 st October 2007 and 30 th June 2008. Patients from the emergency room and intensive care department were excluded, as METs are not activated for these areas. Studied variables included demographics, MET calls, the presence of MET calling criteria within the 24 hour and 8 hour period before death and the existence of a DNR order. The occurrence of MET calls in patients who died during their hospital stay and their association with the presence of MET calling criteria in the 24 hours and 8 hours before death and the existence of a do not resuscitate (DNR) order were analyzed. Results: 348 patients died – in-hospital mortality rate - 2, 5%. 56% were male, mean age was 75 years old. Seventy-five percent exhibited an explicit DNR order written in their clinical records. Twenty-five percent (88 patients) had no explicit DNR order in their clinical records. For 39% of these MET was activated. Twenty–four percent of these presented at least one alarm sign 24h before the MET activation, being the most common threatened airway and persistent hypotension, 82% had an alarm sign during the last 8 h before MET activation, with airway threatened (59%) and downgrade of Glasgow Coma Scale > 2 points (32%) the most frequent. In 5 of the 88 patients there was no DNR order and no MET activation. In these patients no alarm signs were found 24h before death, and only in 2 patients, alarm signs 8 h before death were identified: downgrade of Glasgow Coma Scale > 2 points in one patient and hypotension in another patient. Four of these 5 patients died during the night shift. Conclusion: In the present study the detection of alarm signs in patients and the subsequent MET activation is a good quality of care indicator. When there is no MET system these data are not available and patients with alarm signs, if not corrected might proceed, with clinical deterioration until cardiac arrest and eventually death occur.