Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A novel carbon nanotube modified scaffold as an efficient biocathode material for improved microbial electrosynthesis

We report on a novel biocompatible, highly conductive three-dimensional cathode manufactured by direct growth of flexible multiwalled carbon nanotubes on reticulated vitreous carbon (NanoWeb-RVC) for the improvement of microbial bioelectrosynthesis (MES). NanoWeb-RVC allows for an enhanced bacterial attachment and biofilm development within its hierarchical porous structure. 1.7 and 2.6 fold higher current density and acetate bioproduction rate normalized to total surface area were reached on NanoWeb-RVC versus a carbon plate control for the microbial reduction of carbon dioxide by mixed cultures. This is the first study showing better intrinsic efficiency as biocathode material of a three-dimensional electrode versus a flat electrode: this comparison has been made considering the total surface area of the porous electrode, and not just the projected surface area. Therefore, the improved performance is attributed to the nanostructure of the electrode and not to an increase in surface area. Unmodified reticulated vitreous carbon electrodes lacking the nanostructure were found unsuitable for MES, with no biofilm development and no acetate production detected. The high surface area to volume ratio of the macroporous RVC maximizes the available biofilm area while ensuring effective mass transfer to and from the biofilm. The nanostructure enhances the bacteria-electrode interaction and microbial extracellular electron transfer. When normalized to projected surface area, current densities and acetate production rates of 3.7 mA cm−2 and 1.3 mM cm−2 d−1, respectively, were reached, making the NanoWeb-RVC an extremely efficient material from an engineering perspective as well. These values are the highest reported for any MES system to date.
The Antinociceptive Effects of Rosuvastatin in Chronic Constriction Injury Model of Male Rats

Introduction: According to studies, statins possess analgesics and anti-inflammatory properties. In the present study, we examined the antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects of rosuvastatin in an experimental model of Chronic Constriction Injury (CCI). Methods: Our study was conducted on four groups; sham, CCI (the control group), CCI+rosuvastatin (i.p. 5 mg/kg), and CCI+rosuvastatin (i.p. 10 mg/kg). We performed heat hyperalgesia, cold and mechanical allodynia tests on the 3rd, 7th, 14th, and 21st after inducing CCI. Blood samples were collected to measure the serum levels of Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-α, and Interleukin (IL)-6. Rats’ spinal cords were also examined to measure tissue concentration of Malondialdehyde (MDA), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), and Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx) enzymes. Results: Our findings showed that CCI resulted in significant increase in heat hyperalgesia, cold and mechanical allodynia on the 7th, 14th and 21st day. Rosuvastatin use attenuated the CCI-induced hyperalgesia and allodynia. Rosuvastatin use also resulted in reduction of TNF-α, IL-6, and MDA levels. However, rosuvastatin therapy increased the concentration of SOD and GPx in the CCI+Ros (5 mg/kg) and the CCI+Ros (10 mg/kg) groups compared to the CCI group. Conclusion: Rosuvastatin attenuated the CCI-induced neuropathic pain and inflammation. Thus, antinociceptive effects of rosuvastatin might be channeled through inhibition of inflammatory biomarkers and antioxidant properties.
Seasonal changes in chemical composition and construction costs of grapevine tissues

Modelling of the whole-vine carbon balance requires accurate estimates of tissue construction costs, i.e. the amount of glucose involved in the synthesis of a unit of biomass. In order to quantify construction costs during the vine's growth cycle, chemical compositions of leaves, stems, fruits, fine roots and trunk of 10-year-old grapevines (cv. Merlot) were determined in two seasons. Tissue construction costs were estimated using (i) an approach based on the quantification of the amount of glucose required for the synthesis of major chemical components of vine organs by the most probable metabolic pathways (coded as CC p ) and (ii) a simpler technique in which costs were derived from tissue ash, carbon and nitrogen concentrations (coded as CC w ). Both methods were well-correlated in all grapevine tissues despite CC p values were higher than CC w estimates. Grapevine leaves had higher concentrations of compounds with a high proportion of C and N atoms (proteins, lipids and phenolics) and higher CC w values throughout the season than other tissues. Small variation in CC w values however were observed seasonally in vegetative tissues despite their chemical composition varied considerably with plant development. Significant changes in CC w appeared in berry tissues between fruit set and maturity, reflecting a proportional increase in concentration of inexpensive metabolites (soluble sugars and organic acids).
Do Faultlines Hurt or Help? Exploring Distance, Identity, Task Conflict, and Individual Performance in Diverse Groups

We introduce the concept of faultline distance that reflects the extent to which subgroups formed by faultlines diverge as a result of accumulated differences across them (e.g., two members of age 20 are closer in age to two members of an opposing faultline of age 25 than of two members of age 50). We further extend faultline theory by showing how different faultline bases (information-based and social category faultlines) have differential effects on outcomes. Using a sample of 76 workgroups from a Fortune 500 information processing company, we examine the relationships between group faultlines, shared identity, work-related conflict, and multiple individual performance indicators. The results reveal that members of groups with strong information-based faultlines had high levels of performance ratings, while members of groups with strong social category faultlines had low levels of bonuses. Faultline distance further exacerbated the negative effects in groups with strong social category faultlines and reversed the positive effects in groups with information-based faultlines. A sense of strong superordinate identity among group members enhanced members' performance. Finally, mediated moderation was confirmed for the groups with strong social category faultlines; such groups had low levels of conflict which then resulted in low levels of bonuses.
TO DETERMINE THE FREQUENCY OF PER AND POST OPERATIVE COMPLICATIONS AND CONVERSION RATE TO OPEN CHOLECYSTECTOMY IN ELECTIVE LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of per and post operative complications and conversion rate to open cholecystectomy and in elective laproscopic cholecystectomy performed in our unit. DESIGN: Prospective observational study DURATION AND PLACE: All the patients who underwent elective laproscopic cholecystectomy from March 2002 to March 2006, at 40 bedded Surgical Unite IV, Civil hospital Karachi. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients who underwent elective laproscopic cholecystectomy were included in the study. RESULTS: Per operative complications were encountered in 10(1.6%) patients. The conversion rate was 14(2.2%). Post operative complications i.e., bile leakage in 2(0.3%) patients, absence of gut sounds beyond 12 hours 36(5.7%),> 5 vomiting 42(6.7%) pts, wound infection 10 (1.6%) and bile leakage alongwith vomiting, ileus and wound infection in 1(0.16%). The mean post operative hospital stay was 1.9 days. CONCLUSION: The relative frequencies of preoperative and post –operative complications compare favourably with other national and international studies reflecting that laparoscopic cholecystectomy is safe when performed by experienced surgeons. We suggest that establishment of day-care units with the introduction of day-only laparoscopic cholecystectomy at public sector hospitals, as indicated by the recent studies, is not only feasible but also desirable. This will reduce the overall cost of treatment for these very common
Identifying viable theoretical frameworks with essential parameters for real-time and real world alcohol craving research: a systematic review of craving models

Abstract Background: Substance use is known to be episodic, dynamic, complex, and highly influenced by the environment, therefore a situational and momentary focus to alcohol craving research is appropriate. Current advances in mobile and wearable technology provide novel opportunities for craving research. However, the lack of consensus within craving theory impedes the identification and prioritization of parameters to be monitored. The aim of this study is to critically review current craving models in order to determine viable theoretical frameworks of alcohol craving and its essential parameters. Methods: Eighteen models of craving were reviewed by applying a literature search with a five-step strategy that accounted for the momentary nature of craving and included a snowballing search and a key term extraction algorithm. Based on this review, multiple decision criteria were defined upon which to evaluate the models. Results: Six models for alcohol craving were supported by sufficient empirical research to be eligible. The inferences drawn on these six models resulted in three decision criteria: the model should (1) incorporate negative affect as a predictor of relapse; (2) explain that dependent drinkers have a higher attentional bias towards alcohol cues than nondependent drinkers; (3) incorporate increased risk of relapse with heightened stress levels. Conclusions: The affective processing model of negative reinforcement, the cognitive processing model, the incentive sensitization theory of addiction and the theory of neural opponent motivation are classified as viable theoretical frameworks, resulting in negative affect and stress as relevant parameters to include in real-time craving monitoring research.
Comparing Motives of Organizational Citizenship Behavior between Academic Staffs' Universities and Teller Staffs' Banks in Indonesia

This paper discussed the disparity on the state of motives of organizational citizenship behavior between academic staff in Indonesian Universities and teller staff in Indonesian Banks. It has been argued that individual bonding on organizational citizenship behavior is essential for organizational effectiveness and performance. Total useable questionnaires were 1340 with a response rate of 67 percent from both universities and banks. The results revealed that motives of organizational citizenship behavior among bank teller staff at the Indonesian banks were higher than university academic staff at Indonesian universities. This study implies to the policy makers and leaders at both banks and universities to consider enhancing staffs’ motivation as the mission through ranking organizational citizenship behavior as the one priority performance appraisal of staffs. Future study should consider alternative modes of enquires such as employing the longitudinal method of data collection design and a nationwide survey covering samples from the whole population of other types institutions, manufacturing and services in Indonesia that would be more significant in making generalizations.
Single-electron effects in non-overlapped multiple-gate silicon-on-insulator metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors

This paper systematically presents controlled single-electron effects in multiple-gate silicon-on-insulator (SOI) metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) with various gate lengths, fin widths, gate bias and temperature. Our study indicates that using the non-overlapped gate to source/drain structure as an approach to the single-electron transistor (SET) in MOSFETs is promising. Combining the advantage of gate control and the constriction of high source/drain resistances, single-electron effects are further enhanced using the multiple-gate architecture. From the presented results, downsizing multiple-gate SOI MOSFETs is needed for future room-temperature SET applications. Besides, the tunnel barriers and access resistances may need to be further optimized. Since the Coulomb blockade oscillation can be achieved in state-of-the-art complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) devices, it is beneficial to build SETs in low-power CMOS circuits for ultra-high-density purposes.
Shopping and chatting: Reports of tourist–host interaction in The Gambia

Abstract As it becomes continually easier, at least technologically, for people to move around the world, so the growing numbers of global tourists, in their search for constantly novel experiences (Urry 2002), travel to destinations which are increasingly exotic and distant to them, not only geographically, but also in economic, social and cultural terms. This, in turn, brings them into contact with people from these very different cultures and societies. This paper examines interactions between tourists and hosts in The Gambia, a ‘winter sun’ package holiday destination in West Africa. To investigate the nature of such interactions, 20 ‘communication diaries’ were completed by a group of British tourism students during their week-long field trip to The Gambia and followed up by small group discussions with some of the participants. The students were asked to record as many individual interactions with Gambians as possible noting the following information: Time; Place; Situation; Interlocutor; Languages spoken; Topics; Result of interaction; Perceptions of interactions. 194 interactions were recorded. Many of the interactions were ‘transactional’ in that tourism workers treat them as potential sources of income. However, their tenor is predominantly ‘personal’ as they were full of phatic communion and chatting. Central to the tourist experience in The Gambia is the role of the ‘bumsters’ due to their mediating function between the tourists and other Gambian people. The omnipresence of the ‘bumsters’ in all tourist areas and their constant ‘pestering’ of tourists is initially annoying to the latter but also acts as a catalyst in encouraging contact with other Gambians by familiarising tourists with local people. We conclude by discussing our findings in the context of the global economies of tourism.
Employment of Pulsed-Laser Deposition for Optoelectronic Device Fabrication

Thin-film preparation and its controlled mastery – specifically of semiconductors – became imperative for modern devices including all kind of applications such as electronics, optoelectronics, photonics, and superconductivity. Many methods and their technological applications have been explored and studied during the last decades (George, 1992, Smith, 1995, Ullrich et al. 1988, Bouchenaki et al., 1991 a, Bouchenaki et al., 1991 b, Ullrich et al., 1992, Ullrich and Kobayashi, 1995): Vacuum evaporation, molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), spray pyrolysis, closed-space deposition, sputtering, and pulsed-laser deposition (PLD). The difference between the latter and the aforementioned methods is that the film deposition process takes place only by photons, which naturally do not effect, alter or contaminate the ambient conditions of the substrate, which is kept in vacuum (typically 10-6 torr≈1.3×10-4 Pa). This feature puts PLD on top of the stoichiometry maintaining thin-film deposition methods. However, theory does not go along with reality all the time because the intrinsic atomic target features might influence the stoichiometry as well – for example PLD of CdS leads most of the time to slightly Cd enriched films. It is presumed that the heavier Cd atoms displace some of the S atoms from their designated target-to-substrate transfer path. This brings us to the basics of PLD – how does it work? The ablating light, which is provided by a pulsed laser, hits the substrate and, in case the convolution of laser fluence (i.e., the incident laser energy by illuminated area and pulse) and absorption is sufficiently high, material is ablated from the target. As an example, the deposition rates vs. fluence for different laser wavelengths of GaAs are shown in Fig. 1. The threshold fluence at 355 nm and 532 nm is at around 0.3 J/cm2, whereas at 1064 nm, the ablation onset requires higher fluence of approximately 0.5 J/cm2 due to weaker absorption of the infrared laser pulses. The qualitative appearance of the rates is the same at all wavelengths. Beyond threshold, the inset in Fig. 1 shows that the ablation rate exponentially increases with the fluence (F), i.e., ∝exp(kF), where k=6.0, 6.7, and 5.9, at 355 nm, 532 nm, and 1064 nm, respectively, followed by a fairly linear growth, which finally turns to a flat saturating rate of the ablated material. However, Fig. 2 shows that the deposition rate depends on the material – apparently the same fluence ablates more material from the ionically bonded IIVI compound CdS than from the covalently bonded III-V compound GaAs. The deposition rates have been recorded with the Sloan 200 monitor using a quartz crystal in the vacuum chamber.
Structural Change and Poverty Reduction in Brazil: The Impact of the Doha Round

Over the medium time horizon, skill upgrading, differentials in sectoral technological progress, and migration of labor out of farming activities are some of the major structural adjustment factors shaping the evolution of an economy and its connected poverty trends. The main focus of the authors is understanding, for the case of Brazil, how a trade shock interacts with these structural forces and ascertaining whether it enhances or hinders medium-term poverty reduction. In particular, they consider the interactions between the migration of labor out of agriculture, a potentially important poverty reduction factor, and trade liberalization, which increases the price incentives to stay in agriculture. A recursive-dynamic computable general equilibrium model simulates Doha scenarios and compares them against a business as usual scenario. The authors estimate the poverty effects using a microsimulation model that primarily takes into account individuals' labor supply decisions. Their analysis shows that trade liberalization does contribute to structural poverty reduction. But unless increased productivity and stronger growth rates are attributed to trade reform, its contribution to medium-term poverty reduction is rather small.
Growth of ideal magnetohydrodynamic modes driven slowly through their instability threshold: Application to disruption precursors

The growth of an ideal magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) instability in a high-temperature plasma is calculated in the case where the plasma β is driven slowly through its instability threshold. The MHD perturbation grows faster than exponentially, approximately as exp[(t/τ)3/2]. Its characteristic growth time τ∼(32)2/3γMHD−2/3γh−1/3 is a hybrid of the ideal MHD incremental growth rate γMHD and the heating rate γh. This simple model agrees well with the observed growth of disruption precursors in high β DIII-D [J. L. Luxon and L. G. Davis, Fusion Technol. 8, 441 (1985)] discharges having strongly peaked pressure profiles, where the observed growth times of ⩾10−4 s are significantly slower than the typical ideal MHD time scale of ⩽10−5 s.
Re-defining the Balance of Power in Lebanon: Sunni and Shiites Communities Transformations, the Regional Context and the Arab Uprisings

The paper analyzes the transformations occurred in the two most active and relevant communities in Lebanon after the end of the civil war, namely the Sunni and the Shiites, in the light of Arab uprisings and of the changes in the regional balance of power. If the meta-narrative of the ‘sectarianization’ of the Middle East, especially after 2011, has powered the interpretation of the regional events as marked by the struggle between Sunni and Shiites, the analysis of the transformations of the above mentioned communities in Lebanon and of their impact on the internal and external level, provides one of the best examples against this simplistic representation: the sectarian contraposition is deeply rooted in Lebanon, a pars constituent of its system, but, despite the rhetoric, both communities tend to have more pragmatic and accommodating attitudes instead of exacerbating sectarian confrontation as the afore-mentioned meta-narrative tends to impose. While it is true that each community has witnessed the radicalization of certain positions and that, over the years, major changes are taking place, those have been fuelled by the meta-narrative that is emerging at the regional level and not by a desire to bring the country to the brink of the abyss.
A Recent Swedish Attempt to Weaken State Control and Strengthen School Autonomy: The Experiment with Local Time Schedules

In 1999, after a series of far-reaching reforms aiming at decentralisation, deregulation and increased local autonomy in Swedish education, the Government decided to introduce a five-year experiment, which would develop these reform efforts even further. Even though Swedish compulsory schools already were the most autonomous in Europe with regard to decision making on school time, an experiment which allowed schools to freely decide time allocation and time management was launched. At least on paper, the experiment indicates a shift from state control to local autonomy, allowing school professionals to be free to make decisions on time distribution previously controlled by the state. The aim is to analyse and discuss whether the experiment has affected school autonomy or not and how this can be understood. The theoretical point of departure is a two-dimensional view of autonomy, where both freedom of action and capacity for action need to be taken into account. The freedom of action (the discretionary space for local actors) provided within the experiment is analysed through three properties of the experimental programme: programme clarity, division of responsibilities and control mechanisms. The schools' capacity for action concerns the extent participating schools make use of the discretion provided within the experiment. This is analysed in three schools with reference to their ability to organise themselves in a flexible way, as well as to what extent the schools have shown previous capacity for action and readiness for reform. Based on this analysis of the experiment, it is concluded that if reform efforts are made to increase school autonomy, they should not one-sidedly be focused on increasing local actors' freedom of action (such as abolishing the national time schedule). Such efforts should also be accompanied by measures to reinforce local actors' capacity for action. Unless local actors can make use of the discretion given to them by a superior (political) body, local autonomy will be far less than was intended, since freedom to act exceeds the actual capacity to act.