Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hybrid films based on a bridged silsesquioxane doped with goethite and montmorillonite nanoparticles as sorbents of wastewater contaminants

The synthesis and characterization of silsesquioxane (SSO) films with pendant dodecyl groups and doped with goethite (Gt) or montmorillonite (MMT) nanoparticles were carried out and the new materials tested as sorbents of diverse contaminants. The synthetic method used yielded SSO films with the inorganic substrates homogeneously distributed within the polymeric matrices. The new materials were characterized by SEM, FTIR, XRD, and DSC and tested to evaluate their capability for adsorbing metallic cations, organic dyes, and phosphate, frequent contaminants of industrial effluents. All films were found suitable for removing metallic cations. Results also showed that the SSO films undoped and doped with Gt are primarily apt for anionic compounds removal. Although the SSO films doped with MMT are capable of removing cationic contaminants from aqueous samples, the stiffness of the SSO matrix hinders MMT properties as an adsorbent. The possibility of dispersing nanoparticulate systems in the stable and chemically inert SSO matrices simplifies their application for contaminant removal, particularly because it makes the separation process of the absorbed pollutant from the treated medium easier.
Interstellar magnetic cannon targeting the Galactic halo

We report the detection of a new Galactic bubble at the interface between the halo and the Galactic disc. We suggest that the nearby Lupus complex and parts of the Ophiuchus complex constitute the denser parts of the structure. This young bubble, ≲3 Myr old, could be the remnant of a supernova and it expands inside a larger HI loop that has been created by the outflows of the Upper Scorpius OB association. An HI cavity filled with hot X-ray gas is associated with the structure, which is consistent with the Galactic chimney scenario. The X-ray emission extends beyond the west and north-west edges of the bubble, suggesting that hot gas outflows are breaching the cavity, possibly through the fragmented Lupus complex. Analyses of the polarised radio synchrotron and of the polarised dust emission of the region suggest the connection of the Galactic centre spur with the young Galactic bubble. A distribution of HI clumps that spatially corresponds well to the cavity boundaries was found at VLSR ≃−100 km s−1. Some of these HI clumps are forming jets, which may arise from the fragmented part of the bubble. We suggest that these clumps might be “dripping” cold clouds from the shell walls inside the cavity that is filled with hot ionised gas. It is possible that some of these clumps are magnetised and were then accelerated by the compressed magnetic field at the edge of the cavity. Such a mechanism would challenge the Galactic accretion and fountain model, where high-velocity clouds are considered to be formed at high Galactic latitude from hot gas flows from the Galactic plane.
A geographical investigation of Chagas' disease risk in the community of La Brea, Guatemala

This thesis will display how the use of a GIS is an important tool in understanding geographic patterns of Chagas’ disease vector risk in a rural community in Guatemala. This is an important topic of investigation as Chagas’ disease is the leading cause of heart failure in rural Latin America, and yet study has been limited due to a prioritization of national resources to urban diseases. Obviously this can have a severe impact on rural areas, especially if they already lack adequate health care provision. As a response to this deficiency, a collaboration between the Laboratory of Entomology and Applied Parasitology (LENAP) of the University of San Carlos in Guatemala and the World Health Organization Collaboration Center (WHOCC) for Remote Sensing and GIS for Public Health at Louisiana State University has been established. This thesis presents research from that collaboration. This thesis has relied on cartographic and analytical approaches made possible in the GIS environment to display the geographical distribution of Chagas’ disease vectors, including infestation and re-infestation in the community. Although triatomines were mostly found inside the houses, they were also found in larger numbers in chicken coops outside the domicile. Four hotspot locations were identified by selecting the house locations that contained the highest 10 percent of the triatomines counts. Then a buffer analysis was incorporated to extract and manipulate epidemiological information at each hotspot. This project also incorporates anthropological risk factors such as the construction materials of choice for house construction, and local attitudes to domesticated animals, in the creation of risk patterns. Although construction materials have an effect on the presence of triatomines, there are other approaches such as the incorporation of community disease surveillance programs
Covalent Surface Functionalization of Boron Nitride Nanotubes Fabricated with Diazonium Salt

The chemical inertness and poor wetting properties of boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) hindered their applications. In this work, BNNTs have been functionalized with aniline groups by reacting with diazonium salt and the graft content of aniline component was calculated as high as 71.4 wt. %. The chemical structure, composition, and morphology of functionalized BNNTs were carefully characterized to illustrate the modification. The anilinocarbocation generated by decomposition of diazonium salt reacted not only with NH2 sites, but also with B-OH sites on the surface of BNNTs. Meanwhile, the reaction applied a hot strong acid environment, which would help to open parts of B-N bonds to produce more reactive sites and enrich the functional groups grafted on the surface of BNNTs. Consequently, the functionalized BNNTs exhibited significantly improved dispersion stability in chloroform compared with pristine BNNTs. Amino surface functionalization of BNNTs offered more possibilities for surface chemical design of boron nitride and its practical application.
Constraints faced by agripreneurs and their clients in management and adoption of dairy enterprise activities in Karnataka state

The study was undertaken to delineate constraints perceived in managing the dairy enterprise as well as in getting the service from agripreneurs. Garrett's Ranking Technique (GRT) was used to identify the major constraints. The constraints were studied separately for successful and unsuccessful agripreneurs and their clients. Lack of adequate financial institution in the locality was the financial constraint of successful agripreneurs. Major reason for discontinuance of dairy enterprise by unsuccessful agripreneurs was because of employment received from both public and private sector. Negative attitude of the agripreneurs towards poor families was the top most constraint faced by clients of agripreneurs.
Effects of hydrographic and meteorological factors on seasonal seabird abundance in the southern North Sea

We examined the influence of both season and hydrographic and meteorological factors on seabird abundance in the southern North Sea. Seabirds were counted from ships in a study area of 27.8 x 32.8 km on 407 d from 1990 to 2007. Two hydrographic and 5 meteorological parameters were taken from archived data. The relationships between bird abundance and abiotic parameters were investigated by generalised additive models for 3 distinct seasons. The species in the study area exhibited different seasonal patterns. While some species were present year-round, others occurred only at certain periods. Despite these substantial changes in abundances, the nature of the interactions between bird abundances and abiotic parameters did not vary much between seasons. All 5 meteorological and 2 hydrographic parameters significantly influenced the abundance of seabird species, though to a different degree. The single factors that most often had a significant influence in the single models were wind field, sea surface temperature anomaly, sea surface salinity anomaly and air pressure change. The quantitative composition of the seabird community differed significantly between onshore wind and offshore wind conditions. It is assumed that hydrographic parameters are relevant for the birds by determining their foraging habitats and that atmospheric parameters influence flight conditions during foraging and migration.
Identifying the Interdependence between US Monetary Policy and the Stock Market

We estimate the interdependence between US monetary policy and the S&P 500 using structural VAR methodology.A solution is proposed to the simultaneity problem of identifying monetary and stock price shocks by using a combination of short-run and long-run restrictions that maintains the qualitative properties of a monetary policy shock found in the established literature (CEE 1999). We find great interdependence between interest rate setting and stock prices.Stock prices immediately fall by 1.5 per cent due to a monetary policy shock that raises the federal funds rate by ten basis points.A stock price shock increasing stock prices by one per cent leads to an increase in the interest rate of five basis points.Stock price shocks are orthogonal to the information set in the VAR model and can be interpreted as non-fundamental shocks.We attribute a major part of the surge in stock prices at the end of the 1990s to these non-fundamental shocks. Key words: VAR, monetary policy, asset prices, identification JEL classification numbers: E61, E52, E43
A Radiative Convective Model based on constrained Maximum
Entropy Production

Abstract. The representation of atmospheric convection induced by radiative forcing is a longstanding question mainly because turbulence plays a key role in the transport of energy as sensible heat, geopotential and latent heat. Recent works have tried to use Maximum Entropy Production as a closure hypothesis in Simple Climate Models in order to compute implicitly temperatures and vertical energy flux. However, these models failed to compute realistic profiles. To solve this problem, we prescribe a simplified 1D mass scheme transport which ensures energy fluxes. The later appears as a mechanical constraint which imposes the direction and/or limits the amplitudes of energy fluxes. This leads to a different MEP steady state which depends on the considered energy transfers in the model. Results using such model are improved with respect to another model, not including such effect: temperature and energy flux are closer to the observations and we naturally reproduce stratification when we consider geopotential. Variations of the atmospheric composition, such as doubling of the carbon dioxide concentration, is also investigated.
Appendicular Mass: A Conservative Approach

Introduction Appendicular mass is one of the most common complications following acute appendicitis and seen in 2-6% of the patients. The treatment of appendicular mass is controversial with three general approaches. The aim of this study is to evaluate outcome of conservative approach. Material & Methods A retrospective analysis of the patients managed with appendicular mass from 1st January to 31st December 2014 was carried out in NMCTH, Biratnagar. A total of 173 patients with diagnosis of appendicular mass admitted in emergency and OPD of our hospital were studied. All age groups and both sex were included. Results Out of 496 patients with appendicitis, 173 patients [34.87%] were diagnosed with appendicular mass. Age range of the patient in the study varied between 4-84 years and maximum patients found in the age group of 21-30 years. Onset of symptoms was between 2-6 days and greater number of patients reporting between 5-6 days. During study period 10(5.7%) patients came with recurrence, 9 [5.2%] developed abscess, 35(20.23%) patients came for interval appendicectomy, whereas 119 [68.78%] failed to come for a follow up. Conclusion Our study concluded that the appendicular mass can be managed successfully by conservative approach, although few complications may arise which can be managed by surgical intervention. Journal of Nobel Medical College Vol.5(2) 2016; 47-50
Effect of SNAGS Mulligan Technique on Chronic Cervical Radiculopathy : A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Cervical radiculopathy is a disease of pain and/or sensorimotor deficits due to compression of a cervical nerve root and it can be a debilitating disease that is manifested with significant impairment. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of sustained natural accessory apophyseal glides on dermatomal somatosensory evoked potential in chronic cervical radiculopathy patients. Design: Randomized controlled clinical trial. Material and Methods: Fifty patients of both genders with unilateral cervical radiculopathy at level of C5/C6 and/or C6/C7, in chronic stage, and BMI ranged from 25 to 30kg/m 2 . Their ages ranged from 40 to 55 years old were recruited from Abo-Queir Health Insurance Association Hospital North West Delta Branch. Patients were randomly distributed by flipping a coin into two groups; control group (A) received conventional physical therapy program and study group (B) received the same conventional physical therapy program in addition to sustained natural accessory apophyseal glides (mulligan technique). Each group received the program three sessions/week for four weeks. Patients were evaluated for their dermatomal somatosensory evoked potential (latency and amplitude) by computerized electromyography before and after treatment period (four weeks) of administration of program. Results: 2 X 2 mixed design MANOVA revealed that there was significant decrease of dermatomal somatosensory evoked potential latency and increase amplitude in group B compared with group A (p<0.05). Conclusion: Mulligan technique provides an additional effect in treatment of chronic cervical radiculopathy patients as it improves dermatomal somatosensory evoked potential than conventional physical therapy program alone. Clinical Rehabilitation Impact: This finding may help physiotherapists in designing a more effective rehabilitation program for patients suffering from chronic cervical radiculopathy. Correspondence to: Dr. Ahmed Farouk El-Sayed Mohamed, E-Mail: ElarabFarok@yahoo.com
Impact of the herbicide metolachlor on river periphytic diatoms: Experimental comparison of descriptors at different biological organization levels

A microcosm experiment was carried out in order to test the effect of the herbicide metolachlor on river periphytic diatoms and to find potential diatom bioindicators of contamination. Effects were investigated at different biological organization levels (biofilm, diatom community, population and individual levels). The colonization of glass substrates by natural biofilm in artificial streams did not vary quantitatively between control and contaminated conditions (5 and 30 μg.L− 1 ). However, non-parametric multivariate analysis of variance revealed a significant difference between contaminated and control diatom communities with regard to species composition. The difference was due to the greater development of probably tolerant species in the presence of the herbicide (e.g. , Planothidium frequentissimum, Planothidium lanceolatum, Amphora montana, Surirella brebissonii and Nitzschia gracilis ). An increase in the occurrence of abnormal forms was observed in relation to metolachlor concentration. In particular, up to 8% of the frustules of the species Surirella angusta exhibited prominent deformities. Monospecific acute toxicity tests were then performed on two species to estimate toxicity parameters based on growth inhibition. These tests also confirmed the teratogenic effect of the herbicide on S. angusta . This study shows that low concentrations of metolachlor in natural streams may significantly alter diatom community structure and that abnormal diatom forms should be taken into account in water contamination assessment.
PAMAM dendrimers as potential carriers of gadolinium complexes of iminodiacetic acid derivatives for magnetic resonance imaging

This is the first study describing the utilization of PAMAM dendrimers as delivery vehicles of novel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents. The purpose of this paper was to establish the potential of G4 PAMAM dendrimers as carriers of gadolinium complexes of iminodiacetic acid derivatives and determine imaging properties of synthesized compounds in in vivo studies. Furthermore, we examined the influence of four synthesized complexes on the process of clot formation, stabilization, and lysis and on amidolytic activity of thrombin. Biodistribution studies have shown that the compounds composed of PAMAM G4 dendrimers and gadolinium complexes of iminodiacetic acid derivatives increase signal intensity preferably in liver in range of 59-116% in MRI studies which corresponds with the greatest accumulation of gadolinium after administration of the compounds. Synthesized compounds affect kinetic parameters of the proces of clot formation, its stabilization, and lysis. However, only one synthesized compound at concentration 10-fold higher than potential plasma concentrations contributed to the increase of general parameters such as the overall potential of clot formation and lysis (↑CLAUC) and total time of the process (↑T). Results of described studies provide additional insight into delivery properties of PAMAM dendrimers but simultaneously underscore the necessity for further research.
Assessment of the Energy Recovery of Aloe Vera Solid Residues by Pyrolysis and Hydrothermal Conversion

The renewable energy sources are being considered as an alternative to solve energy needs and reduce environmental problems. Compared with other renewable energy, biomass from different production processes are an interesting alternative. In particular, the Aloe Vera waste, because has increased their use in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food industry. Biorefining has now been introduced as a new concept that integrates conversion processes that allow sustainable treatment of biomass to be converted into products such as synthesis gas, bio-oils, charcoal and energy. Different thermochemical conversion processes have been used with biomass, in order to guarantee energy recovery and reuse. The four main processes used are pyrolysis, combustion, gasification and liquefaction. When these processes are carried out in the presence of water in sub-critical state, it is called hydropyrolysis or hydrothermal carbonization (HTC). When are executed at temperatures above 280°C is called hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL). In this research was studied the effect of HTC and HTL in neutral and basic medium. As well as the pyrolysis process, in performance and characteristics of products such as biochar and condensable on Aloe Vera leafs. The highest yield in biochar was observed for pyrolysis with 31±3 %w/w followed by the HTL in neutral medium with 28±3 %w/w. The biochars were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), absorption indexes and scanning electron microscopy. The characterization by FTIR showed the presence of functional groups characteristic of aromatic compounds products of condensation processes after applying the thermal treatments. The higher carbon densification was observed for pyrolysis and HTL, while the presence of carbonyl groups is evidenced only for hydroconversion processes. The methylene blue index in the biochars of different thermochemical treatments was 80-100 mg/g, comparable with some commercial activated carbons. For iodine number, the highest value was 224 ± 13 mg/g that was obtained by HTL in a neutral medium. The yield of biofuels in hydrothermal conversion processes was 18 to 26 %w/w; while in the pyrolysis were over 50 %w/w. These were characterized by FTIR and could not identify significant differences in the functional groups existent. The results in the Aloe Vera leaf indicate that the pyrolysis treatment is a low-cost, environmentally friendly management of this biomass, and economic feasibility; with which the highest performance in biochar and condensable fuel is obtained with lower gas production. In addition, biochar obtained can be used for energy purposes due to its densification as well as for amendment in contaminated soil or production of activated carbon, nanostructured materials, and catalysts.
The Effects of Extraneous Load on the Relationship Between Self-Regulated Effort and Germane Load Within an E-Learning Environment

Online instructors need to avoid unclear and confusing explanations of content, which can reduce the quality of learning. Extraneous load is reflective of poor instruction, in that it directs student effort towards processing information that does not contribute to learning. However, students may be able to manage poor instruction through effort regulation. Students who show high levels of effort have been shown to overcome poor instruction in some cases. This study analyzed survey responses from South Korean university students studying online (n = 1,575) to examine the relationship between self-regulated effort and germane load within varying extraneous load conditions. The experimental design separated extraneous load responses into three conditions (low, medium, high). Within each extraneous load condition, self-regulated effort responses were also separated (low, medium, high). The results showed that as extraneous load increased, self-regulated effort had a weaker relationship with germane load. It was also found that the use of effort regulation is effective only when dealing with low and mid-level extraneous load situations and that use of such strategies within high extraneous load situations was not effective. These results show the importance of improving instruction to reduce extraneous cognitive load, in that, not even high levels of effort can overcome poor quality instruction.
Status Processes and Mental Ability Test Scores

The expected consequences of a Score on an Ability test can constrain individual performance. The authors predict that status processes, including status differences and the differences in rewards and costs that result, will produce differences in ability test scores between high‐status and low‐status individuals. In three controlled experiments, participants randomly assigned low status scored lower on a standard test of mental ability (the Raven Progressive Matrices) than did participants assigned high status. For both men and women, the difference in ability test score between low‐status and high‐status participants was about half a standard deviation. The results suggest the need to account for status differences in any attempt ot measure mental ability accurately.
Fournier's Gangrene of the Penis following a Human Bite Wound

Fournier's gangrene isolated to the penis is exceedingly rare. It is an urologic emergency that requires emergent parenteral antibiotics as well as aggressive irrigation and debridement. While human bite wounds can be overlooked as a serious cause of injury and infection, they can result in highly dangerous, polymicrobial infections in affected patients. Here, we report a case of penile Fournier's gangrene caused by a human bite wound managed with broad spectrum antibiotics, irrigation and debridement, penile reconstruction, and skin grafting with successful preservation of a normal penile structure and function.