Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
REMOVAL OF EXCESS FLUORIDE FROM WATER BY ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE

The efficiency of untreated hydrated alumina (UHA) and thermally treated hydrated alumina (THA) obtained from hydrolysis of locally manufactured aluminum sulfate to remove fluoride from aqueous solution has been investigated in batch and continuous operation. The parameters considered were contact time and adsorbent dose, thermal pre-treatment of adsorbent, initial fluoride concentration and pH. The adsorption was rapid during the initial 20 min, but significant amount (> 90 %) was removed within one hour at an optimum adsorbent dose of 1.6 g/L for initial F - concentration of 20 mg/L. The removal efficiency of F - was increased with adsorbent dosage. Fluoride adsorption efficiencies increase with increase in the thermal treatment temperature up to 200 °C, but further increase in temperature resulted in decreased removal efficiency. For application in continuous packed bed column, treatment at 300 °C was taken as an optimum value. Fluoride adsorption capacity increases linearly with increase in F - concentration. High defluoridation efficiency was achieved using both UHA and THA within a pH range of 4.0 to 9.0. The adsorption data at ambient pH were well fitted to the Freundlich isotherm model with a minimum capacity of 23.7 mg F - /g and 7.0 mg F - /g for THA and UHA, respectively. The kinetic studies showed that the adsorption reaction of fluoride removal by hydrated alumina can be well described by a pseudo-second-order rate equation. Continuous packed bed column experiment using THA indicated that 4.5 g of THA could treat 6 L of water containing 20 mg/L fluoride before breakthrough. Hence, both UHA and THA can be applied for the treatment of water with high fluoride content.
Steplike electric conduction in a classical two-dimensional electron system through a narrow constriction in a microchannel

Using molecular dynamics simulation, we investigate transport properties of a classical two-dimensional electron system confined in a microchannel with a narrow constriction. As a function of the confinement strength of the constriction, the calculated conductance in the simulations exhibits steplike increases as reported in a recent experiment [D. G. Rees et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 106, 026803 (2011)]. It is confirmed that the number of the steps corresponds to the number of stream lines of electrons through the constriction. We verify that density fluctuation plays a major role in smoothing the steps in the conductance.
Comparison of ephedrine and phenylephrine in incidence of headache during spinal anesthesia in cesarean delivery

Background: Spinal anesthesia is more acceptable method of anesthesia in elective cesarean section, but hypotension is the major limitation of this technique which might trigger to serious complications for both mother and fetus. The use of vasopressors is necessary to control hypotension caused by spinal anesthesia, however, it might be along with side effects like headache. Methods: In the present study, 105 candidates for elective cesarean delivery were assessed to compare the role of ephedrine and phenylephrine in relation with the incidence of headache. Pearson Chi-square test, Kruskal-Wallis test, Spearman's rho correlation coefficient was performed to analyse the data. P value<0.05 was considered significant. All data were analysed using Stata 12. Results: The incidence of headache during the surgery was 51.4%, 45.7% and 37.1% in ephedrine, phenylephrine and control groups respectively. Not a significant difference was found between ephedrine and phenylephrine regarding the incidence of headache (P=0.541), also no significant difference were found in the severity of the headache (P=0.277). The severity of the headache was not different 24 h after surgery. The number of doses of vasopressor consumption in ephedrine and phenylephrine recipients was not significantly different (P=0.579). No significant difference was found between the number of doses used and the severity of the headache during surgery (P=0.979). However, the average of systolic blood pressure in ephedrine group was higher than phenylephrine group (P=0.001). Also, the impact of ephedrine and phenylephrine on heart rate was similar and affectless. Conclusions: In this study, no significant differences were observed in the incidence and severity of headaches during and after surgery, and the number of doses of vasopressor drug consumption between phenylephrine and ephedrine recipients to treat hypotension associated with spinal anesthesia in cesarean section.
A review of Leptospermum scoparium (Myrtaceae) in New Zealand

Abstract Information about Leptospermum scoparium (Myrtaceae), the most widespread and important New Zealand indigenous shrub species, is reviewed. L. scoparium is a variable species, requiring more study of the genetically based differences between New Zealand populations and the affinity of these populations to Australian populations and other closely allied Australian species. Improved understanding of the species’ variation will assist both its conservation roles and economic uses, and the need to sustain genetically distinct varieties is emphasised. Ecologically, the species has a dominant role in infertile and poorly drained environments, and a wider occurrence as a seral shrub species in successions to forest where it may be regarded as a woody weed of pasture or a useful species for erosion control, carbon sesquestration, and vegetation restoration. The main economic products derived from the species are ornamental shrubs, essential oils, and honey. The species’ development as an ornamental plant and further definition of the pharmacologically active components are recommended as priority areas for research.
The Risks of Innovation: Are Innovating Firms Less Likely to Die?

Abstract While innovation matters for competitiveness, it may expose firms to survival risks. Using plant-product data for Chile and discretetime hazard models, we show that innovating plants have a lower hazard of exit. However, risk has a strong impact on the innovation-exit relationship: only innovators that retain diversified sources of revenue or face lower market risk are less likely to die. Single-product innovators are at greater risk of exiting. Exposure to technical risk does not affect exit probabilities differentially. We provide tentative evidence that singleproduct innovators have higher profits, which helps to rationalize their innovation decision despite the increased risk of exit.
Pricing and Hedging Basket Options with Exact Moment Matching

Theoretical models applied to option pricing should take into account the empirical characteristics of financial time series. In this paper, we show how to price basket options when the underlying asset prices follow a displaced log-normal process with jumps, capable of accommodating negative skewness and excess kurtosis. Our technique involves Hermite polynomial expansion that can match exactly the first m moments of the model-implied basket return. This method is shown to provide superior results for basket options not only with respect to pricing but also for hedging.
The structural phases and vibrational properties of Mo1−xWxTe2 alloys

The structural polymorphism in transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) provides exciting opportunities for developing advanced electronics. For example, MoTe2 crystallizes in the 2H semiconducting phase at ambient temperature and pressure, but transitions into the 1T′ semimetallic phase at high temperatures. Alloying MoTe2 with WTe2 reduces the energy barrier between these two phases, while also allowing access to the Td Weyl semimetal phase. The Mo1−xWxTe2 alloy system is therefore promising for developing phase change memory technology. However, achieving this goal necessitates a detailed understanding of the phase composition in the MoTe2-WTe2 system. We combine polarization-resolved Raman spectroscopy with x-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) to study bulk Mo1−xWxTe2 alloys over the full compositional range x from 0 to 1. We identify Raman and XRD signatures characteristic of the 2H, 1T′, and Td structural phases that agree with density-functional theory (DFT) calculations, and use them to identify phase fields in the MoTe2–WTe2 system, including single-phase 2H, 1T′, and Td regions, as well as a two-phase 1T′ + Td region. Disorder arising from compositional fluctuations in Mo1−xWxTe2 alloys breaks inversion and translational symmetry, leading to the activation of an infrared 1T′-MoTe2 mode and the enhancement of a double-resonance Raman process in 2H-Mo1−xWxTe2 alloys. Compositional fluctuations limit the phonon correlation length, which we estimate by fitting the observed asymmetric Raman lineshapes with a phonon confinement model. These observations reveal the important role of disorder in Mo1−xWxTe2 alloys, clarify the structural phase boundaries, and provide a foundation for future explorations of phase transitions and electronic phenomena in this system.
Prognostic Benefits of Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) markers; Ezrin & Twist-1 Expression in Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) of the Cervix

Background: The epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) process that has been incriminated in cancer metastases has been extensively studied in several cancers. EMT is controlled by several factors and signaling pathways. Studies about these factors are aiming to detect targeted therapy to several cancer types to improve patients' prognosis. Ezrin&Twist-1 were found to have many roles in EMT and cancer metastases in several cancer types but their role in Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) of the cervix has not been clarified yet. Aim of this study is; to evaluate the prognostic roles of Ezrin & Twist-1 tissue protein expression in Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) of the Cervix. Methods: we have assessed theEzrin & Twist-1 expression using immunohistochemistry in section from 40 paraffin blocks of 40 patients of SCC of the cervix, we have followed the 40 patients for about 3 years aiming to detect the correlations between tissue protein expression of both markers, clincopathological features and patients prognosis. Results: Ezrin expression was positively correlated with increased cancer size, presence of L.N metastases (p=0.003), higher cancer grade (p=0.006), presence of lymphovascular invasion (p=0.004), advanced FIGO stage (p<0.001)and higher incidence of distant metastases (p=0.009). Twist-1 expression was positively correlated with increased cancer size, presence of L.N metastases (p=0.025), higher cancer grade (p=0.004), presence of lymphovascular invasion (p=0.002), advanced FIGO stage (p<0.001)and higher incidence of distant metastases (p=0.006). Cases with increased expression of Ezrin and Twist-1 have higher rate of malignant progression, resistance to chemo-therapy, worse OS& DFS rates and recurrence of the disease after successful therapy (p<0.001). We have found a highly significant correlation between both Ezrin&Twist-1expressions in SCC of the cervix(p<0.001). Table 4; Fig 3. Conclusion; increased tissue protein expression of both Ezrin& Twist-1 is associated with poor clinicopathological and prognostic parameters of patients with SCC of the cervix.
Local mapping relations and global implicit function theorems

with respect to y for given x and z. If, for example, x, y, z are elements of some Banach space, then under appropriate conditions about F, the well-known implicit function theorem ensures the "local" solvability of (1). The question arises when such a local result leads to "global" existence theorems. Several authors, for example, Cesari [2], Ehrmann [5], Hildebrandt and Graves [8], and Levy [9], have obtained results along this line. But these results are closely tied to the classical implicit function theorem, and no general theory appears to exist which permits the deduction of global solvability results once a local one is known. The problem has considerable interest in numerical analysis. In fact, when an operator equation
The Effect of Farmland Preservation Programs on Farmland Prices

Government agencies in urbanizing areas are increasingly utilizing purchase and transfer of development rights programs to preserve farmland and protect local farm economies. This article tests the effect of development restrictions imposed by permanent easement sales on farmland sales prices, using Maryland data. We correct for selectivity bias due to the voluntary nature of these programs in estimating hedonic sales equations. Although preserved parcels' actual land values are lower, the effect of the restrictions is not statistically significant. These findings may encourage additional participation in preservation programs or justify reductions in the easement prices paid by agencies. Copyright 2001, Oxford University Press.
The Effects of Salt-Boiling on Protein Loss of Penaeus semisulcatus

The aim of this study was to investigate the protein losses of Penaeus semisulcatus when different brine solutions (10% or 12% NaCl) were used with whole or only the abdomen flesh and the boiling times were varied. The moisture and protein content (dry basis) of fresh and salt-boil shrimp were significantly different (P<0.05) with the total protein content of shrimp decreasing. The SDS-PAGE bands for 62 kDa and 33 kDa protein could not be seen for fresh shrimp muscle tissue. The results indicate that the best method for salt-boiling shrimp was with whole shrimp boiled for 8 min at 10% NaCl concentration. Increased salt concentration and boiling time increased protein loss.
Image Processing Techniques for Fringe Analysis in Photoelasticity

In this paper, image processing techniques are discussed for stress analysis of the photoelastic fringes. The image processing techniques include fringe sharpening, fringe multiplication, and phase measuring technique. Gradient descent process is used for fringe sharpening. In fringe multiplication, fringes are multiplied twice for limited fringe order. Phase measuring technique is used to separate isoclinics and isochromatics. The results of image processing techniques show that they are quite useful for stress analysis in photoelasticity.
The type Iax supernova, SN 2015H: A white dwarf deflagration candidate

We present results based on observations of SN 2015H which belongs to the small group of objects similar to SN 2002cx, otherwise known as type Iax supernovae. The availability of deep pre-explosion imaging allowed us to place tight constraints on the explosion epoch. Our observational campaign began approximately one day post-explosion, and extended over a period of about 150 days post maximum light, making it one of the best observed objects of this class to date. We find a peak magnitude of M r = −17.27± 0.07, and a (Δ m 15 ) r = 0.69 ± 0.04. Comparing our observations to synthetic spectra generated from simulations of deflagrations of Chandrasekhar mass carbon-oxygen white dwarfs, we find reasonable agreement with models of weak deflagrations that result in the ejection of ~0.2 M ⊙ of material containing ~0.07 M ⊙ of 56 Ni. The model light curve however, evolves more rapidly than observations, suggesting that a higher ejecta mass is to be favoured. Nevertheless, empirical modelling of the pseudo-bolometric light curve suggests that ≲0.6 M ⊙ of material was ejected, implying that the white dwarf is not completely disrupted, and that a bound remnant is a likely outcome.
Immunotherapy’s new challenge: identification of predictive biomarkers for tumor response

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) targeting programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/ programmed cell death protein ligand 1 (PD-L1) pathway are a promising therapeutic option in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (1). However, PD-L1 immunohistochemistry (IHC) assessment has a non-optimal predictive value of response. Main reasons are tumor heterogeneity, no standardized staining assessment with different primary antibodies, variable positive thresholds and interobserver variability. A major challenge for these immunotherapies is to improve patient selection. PD-L1 expression does not seem to be sufficient, and other immunologic or non-immunologic markers may influence responses to ICI.
The pollination of Arum maculatum L. - a historical review and new observations

333 Previous accounts of the complex trap pollination mechanism in Arum maculatum L. (Araceae) are briefly reviewed; they conflict in some details and are incomplete. Our own study showed that the species is selfincompatible; it traps female owl-midges Psychoda phalaenoides as the main pollinator, and papillae on the spathe and column surfaces stop them escaping. A fluid, consisting of a dilute sugar solution, surrounds the stigmas in most plants. This is not taken by the flies but acts as a site for pollen deposition and germination. One pollen-bearing fly can carry over 150 pollen grains and can effect full pollination of the female flowers but, in our study sites, the numbers of flies were limited and some inflorescences failed to set fruit owing to lack of pollination. Experimental removal of parts of the inflorescence led to a reduction in the numbers of flies caught and in the number of inflorescences setting fruit, contrasting with previous work. It is concluded that all parts of the trap mechanism are essential to ensure full fruit set. In addition, the more flies that are caught, the more likely a plant is to act as a pollen donor to other plants.
Decline and Recovery of Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua) Stocks throughout the North Atlantic

Many stocks of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) on both sides of the North Atlantic are currently at much reduced levels of biomass, but this situation is not in all instances the result of long, continuous decline. Most Northwest Atlantic stocks declined to low levels during the 1970s, but increased during the 1980s before declining even more severely during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Several of these stocks have shown little recovery despite severe restrictions on directed fishing. Many stocks in the Northeast Atlantic have experienced sustained increases and sustained decreases, but generally not in concert. Among-stock comparisons illustrate that fishing has played a dominant role in the dynamics of all cod stocks, but variability in climate has contributed to variability in recruitment, individual growth, and natural mortality. A cooling event during the last three decades of the twentieth century contributed to the rapid decline of several stocks in the Northwest Atlantic, and changes in life-history traits (growth rate, age and size at maturity) and in the biotic environment (predators and prey) may be contributing to recovery being slow.
Ralph's Pretty-Good Grocery versus Ralph's Super Market: Separating Excellent Agencies from the Good Ones

What makes a public agency perform at a high level? Some agencies are doing extremely well in their environment and it may be because they are lucky enough to have access to plentiful resources, excellent management, and a supportive public. Unfortunately, cases such as these provide little prescriptive evidence for public managers looking to improve their own agency's performance. We apply a new quantitative technique (SWAT) to educational outcome data for 534 school districts in Texas and identify those districts doing extremely well given their fixed and often limited inputs. This approach is useful because the truly superior agencies are those that do more with less, and public managers who lead their organizations to high performance levels despite limited resources provide potential solutions to others.
Punitive Damages in Securities Arbitration: An Empirical Study

This article provides the first empirical analysis of punitive damages in securities arbitrations. Using a data set of over 6,800 securities arbitration awards, we find that claimants prevailed in 48.9 percent of arbitrations and that 9.1 percent of those claimant victories included a punitive damages award. The existence of a punitive damages award was associated with claims that suggested egregious misbehavior and with claims that provided higher compensatory awards. The pattern of punitive awards is more consistent with a traditional view of punitive damages that incorporates a retributive component than with a law and economics emphasis on efficient deterrence. We also report evidence that the relation between punitive and compensatory awards did not differ substantially between the securities arbitrators’ data and data on juries available from periodic Civil Justice Surveys by the Bureau of Justice Statistics.
Considerations and Applications of the Illite/Smectite Geothermometer in Hydrocarbon-Bearing Rocks of Miocene to Mississippian Age

Empirical relationships between clay mineral transformations and temperature provide a basis for the use of clay minerals as geothermometers. Clay-mineral geothermometry has been applied mainly to diagenetic, hydrothermal, and contact- and burial-metamorphic settings to better understand the thermal histories of migrating fluids, hydrocarbon source beds, and ore and mineral formation.Quantitatively, the most important diagenetic clay mineral reaction in sedimentary rocks is the progressive transformation of smectite to illite via mixed-layer illite/smectite (I/S). Changes in both the illite/smectite ratio and ordering of I/S, as determined from X-ray powder diffraction profiles, correlate with changes in temperature due to burial depth. Although the smectite-to-illite reaction may be influenced by several factors, reaction progress appears to be strongly controlled by temperature. Studies show that the model proposed by Hoffman and Hower in 1979 is applicable in burial diagenetic settings from about 5 to 330 Ma, and includes most rocks about Miocene to Mississippian in age. Reliability of the I/S geothermometer is, however, dependent upon a good understanding of the rock’s original clay-mineral composition.Changes in the ordering of I/S are particularly useful in the exploration for hydrocarbons because of the common coincidence between the temperatures for the conversion from random-to-ordered I/S and those for the onset of peak, or main phase, oil generation. Here, the utility of the I/S geothermometer is reviewed in hydrocarbon-bearing rocks of Miocene to Mississippian age. Using three common applications, the I/S geothermometer is compared to other mineral geothermometers, organic maturation indices, and grades of indigenous hydrocarbons. Good agreement between changes in ordering of I/S and calculated maximum burial temperatures or hydrocarbon maturity suggests that I/S is a reliable semiquantitative geothermometer and an excellent measures of thermal maturity.
Analysis of a projection/characteristic scheme for incompressible flow

The paper presents the convergence analysis of a characteristic/projection scheme for the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations. This scheme is a modification of the scheme analysed in Achdou and Guermond (SIAM J. Numer. Anal. 2000; 37(3):799) which does not eliminate the projected velocity field from the system but rather uses it as the advecting field in the explicit characteristic advection. This field has a zero (generalized) divergence and is therefore more suitable for this purpose. It appears that this scheme has the same convergence rate as the one in Achdou and Guermond (SIAM J. Numer. Anal. 2000; 37(3):799) but on a given grid seems to produce more accurate results. The computational cost is not significantly higher since it requires only one extra inversion of the mass matrix which can be done relatively efficiently. We present numerical results which illustrate the properties of the scheme. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.