Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Chemical properties, sources and size-resolved hygroscopicity of submicron black-carbon-containing aerosols in urban Shanghai

Abstract. Refractory black carbon (rBC) aerosols play an important role in air quality and climate change, yet highly time-resolved and detailed investigations on the physicochemical properties of rBC and its associated coating are still scarce. In this work, we used a laser-only Aerodyne soot particle aerosol mass spectrometer (SP-AMS) to exclusively measure rBC-containing (rBCc) particles, and we compared their properties with those of the total nonrefractory submicron particles (NR-PM1) measured in parallel by a high-resolution AMS (HR-AMS) in Shanghai. Observations showed that, overall, rBC was thickly coated, with an average mass ratio of coating to rBC core (RBC) of ∼5.0 (±1.7). However, the ratio of the mass of the rBC-coating species to the mass of those species in NR-PM1 was only 19.1 (±4.9) %; sulfate tended to condense preferentially on non-rBC particles, so the ratio of the sulfate on rBC to the NR-PM1 sulfate was only 7.4 (±2.2) %, while the majority (72.7±21.0 %) of the primary organic aerosols (POA) were associated with rBC. Positive matrix factorization revealed that organics emitted from cooking did not coat rBC, and a portion of the organics that coated rBC was from biomass burning; such organics were unidentifiable in NR-PM1. Small rBCc particles were predominantly from traffic, while large-sized ones were often mixed with secondary components and typically had a thick coating. Sulfate and secondary organic aerosol (SOA) species were generated mainly through daytime photochemical oxidation (SOA formation, likely associated with in situ chemical conversion of traffic-related POA to SOA), while nocturnal heterogeneous formation was dominant for nitrate; we also estimated an average time of 5–19 h for those secondary species to coat rBC. During a short period that was affected by ship emissions, particles were characterized as having a high vanadium concentration (on average 6.3±3.1 ng m−3) and a mean vanadium/nickel mass ratio of 2.0 (±0.6). Furthermore, the size-resolved hygroscopicity parameter (κrBCc) of rBCc particles was obtained based on their full chemical characterization, and was parameterized as κrBCc(x)=0.29–0.14 × exp⁡(-0.006×x) (where x ranges from 150 to 1000 nm). Under critical supersaturations (SSC) of 0.1 % and 0.2 %, the D50 values were 166 (±16) and 110 (±5) nm, respectively, and 16 (±3) % and 59 (±4) %, respectively, of the rBCc particles by number could be activated into cloud condensation nuclei (CCN). Our findings are valuable for advancing the understanding of BC chemistry as well as the effective control of atmospheric BC pollution.
Knowledge of Physicians Regarding Transient Ischemic Attack in a Resource Poor Country

Background: Transient ischemic attacks (TIA) result in strokes in around 5- 11% of patients; 50% of these events happen in the first 48 hours. Two thirds of the burden of stroke is borne by low and middle income countries. This study assesses knowledge regarding TIA diagnosis and management among physicians in Pakistan. Methods: Participants were selected through purposive sampling via available databases. Participants included primary care physicians, emergency room physicians, internists and neurologists. The survey was conducted electronically through a website that stayed on line for 8 months with weekly reminders sent to non-responders. Questionnaires were mailed to non-responders. Case based scenarios tested clinical recognition, triage skills, investigations and management regarding TIA on a graded Likert’s Scale. Results: 200 physicians out of 956invited to the study responded to the questionnaire (response rate of 21%). 79.8% physicians rightly diagnosed the given clinical scenario as TIA while39% thought it was also depression. 33% did not order an EKG and 32% did not agree with neuro imaging. 63% agreed with using Aspirin. 30%of the participants recommended futile and/or dangerous treatment modalities like antidepressants, steroids, and neuro protective agents. Participants who saw>10 TIAs a year fared better than those who saw <10. Conclusion: Although recognition of the symptoms and risk factors associated with TIA is excellent, there is still considerable room for improvement in triage, management and investigation. Use of steroids, mannitol, B12 shots and neuro protective agents is either dangerous or futile and these incur avoidable patient related morbidity and cost.
A Traceable and Anonymous Data Aggregation Scheme with Fog Computing Devices for Smart Grid

As an extension of the Internet of Things (IoT), smart city is a new aim for applications used in different industrial aspects. Intelligent IoT devices are used everywhere in smart cities to implement the functions such as monitoring and managing. Smart grid is one of the critical parts. Obtaining the quantity and cost of electricity usage is the most critical task of the smart grid. But such data in plaintext may leak the user privacy. So, it is an emergent aim to protect the private information of the user. Thus, we present a secure scheme for the smart grid, which not only protects the user’s information including identity and power consumption in the communications but also tracks the correct electricity cost for each user. Also, electricity consumption data from users could be aggregated in fog devices and then analyzed by the utility provider. The formal proof shows that the message transmission reaches the security level of the chosen plaintext attack (CPA). Also, the security properties of the scheme express the robustness. Finally, the performance study demonstrates that the proposed protocol is acceptable in practice.
EVALUATION OF EARLY AND LONG TERM RESULTS OF THE TREATMENT OF MUCOCELE OF THE LIP USING 980 NM DIODE LASER

The objective The objective of this study is to compare the results obtained from treatment of mucocele with cold scalpel versus 980 nm diode laser . Introduction : Mucoceles are common benign lesions of the oral cavity that develop following extra vacation or retention of mucous material from salivary glands in the subepithelial tissue.Treatment may be performed by conventional surgery, cryotherapy and more recently laser surgery.Material and methods : In this study we report 20 cases with mucoceles of the lower lip treated in the Dental Clinic of the University of Tirana from January 2007 to January 2011, 10 of them are resected with a scalpel and 10 with 980 nm diode laser.We have documented the operative treatment and postoperative follow-up for each patients for the evaluation of early and long term results. Results : Diode laser surgery was rapid and bloodless.Postoperative period was without complication,after one month from the treatment with laser no scar formation was reported versus the cases treated with scalpel.After 1-3 years of follow-up no recurrence was recorded after laser surgery compared with 3cases of recurrence among the cases of conventional surgical removal of mucocele. Conclusion: 980 nm diode laser is a good modality for the treatment of mucocele ́slip.This treatment provides satisfactory results and is also wellaccepted by all age groups .
The Synthesis of Coconut Methyl Ester Using Organic Catalytic Agents

Biodiesel is one of the biomass materials or renewable energy, which is needed today to replace fuel from fossil energy, which can reduce global warming and has a high renewability cycle. Biodiesel is derived from plants, therefore it is also called biofuel. One type of biodiesel group is coconut methyl ester (CME), which is biodiesel obtained from coconut oil as a raw material. In this study, a synthesis of used coconut oil and methanol has been carried out with an organic catalyst based on coconut coir called the ASK catalyst. The results of transesterification have provided some important information, including: the yield is 15-19.5% after usage of the ASK catalyst consisting of amorphous phase and crystalline phase ClK0.8Na0. 2, with the density and viscosity of products are 0.788-0.802 g/ml and 0.6-1 mm2/s. These results allow it to provide a distinctive advantage in its application. Keywords: CME; FAME; biomass; transesterification; organic catalyst
Indeterminacy of the Diagnosis of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Leading to Problems with the Validity of Data

The validity of infant mortality data is essential in assessing health care quality and in the setting of preventive measures. This study explores different diagnostic procedures used to determine the cause of death across forensic settings and thus the issue of the reduced validity of data. All records from three forensic medical departments that conducted autopsies on children aged 12 months or younger (n = 204) who died during the years 2007–2016 in Moravia were included. Differences in diagnostic procedures were found to be statistically significant. Each department works with a different set of risk factors and places different emphasis on different types of examination. The most significant differences could be observed in sudden infant death syndrome and suffocation diagnosis frequency. The validity of statistical data on the causes of infant mortality is thus significantly reduced. Therefore, the possibilities of public health and social policy interventions toward preventing sudden and unexpected infant death are extraordinarily complicated by this lack of data validity.
Fluid–structure interaction analysis of fluid pressure pulsation and structural vibration features in a vertical axial pump

Current studies on the operation of the axial pump mainly focus on hydraulic performances, while the coupled interaction between the fluid and structure attracts little attention. This study aims to provide numerical investigation into the vibration features in a vertical axial pump based on two-way iterative fluid–structure interaction method. Three-dimensional coupling model was established with high-quality structured grids of ADINA software. Turbulent flow features were studied under design condition, using shear–stress transport k-ω turbulence model and sliding mesh approach. Typical measure points along and perpendicular to flow direction in fluid domain were selected to analyze pressure pulsation features of the impeller and fixed guide vane. By contrast, vibration features of equivalent stress in corresponding structural positions were investigated and compared based on fluid–structure interaction method. In order to explore fluid–structure interaction vibration mechanism, distribution of main frequencies and amplitudes of the measure points was presented based on the Fast Fourier Transformation method. The results reveal the time and frequency law of fluid pressure pulsation and structural vibration at the same position in the vertical axial pump while additionally provide important theoretical guidance for optimization design and safe operation of the vertical axial pump.
Potent Activity of a High Concentration of Chemical Ozone against Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria

Background: Health care-associated infections (HAIs) are a significant public health problem worldwide, favoring multidrug-resistant (MDR) microorganisms. The SARS-CoV-2 infection was negatively associated with the increase in antimicrobial resistance, and the ESKAPE group had the most significant impact on HAIs. The study evaluated the bactericidal effect of a high concentration of O3 gas on some reference and ESKAPE bacteria. Material and Methods: Four standard strains and four clinical or environmental MDR strains were exposed to elevated ozone doses at different concentrations and times. Bacterial inactivation (growth and cultivability) was investigated using colony counts and resazurin as metabolic indicators. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed. Results: The culture exposure to a high level of O3 inhibited the growth of all bacterial strains tested with a statistically significant reduction in colony count compared to the control group. The cell viability of S. aureus (MRSA) (99.6%) and P. aeruginosa (XDR) (29.2%) was reduced considerably, and SEM showed damage to bacteria after O3 treatment Conclusion: The impact of HAIs can be easily dampened by the widespread use of ozone in ICUs. This product usually degrades into molecular oxygen and has a low toxicity compared to other sanitization products. However, high doses of ozone were able to interfere with the growth of all strains studied, evidencing that ozone-based decontamination approaches may represent the future of hospital cleaning methods.
The bidirectional relationship of tax aggressiveness and CSR: Evidence from Indonesia

Abstract This study aims to examine the simultaneous relationship between tax aggressiveness and CSR of non-financial companies in Indonesia. This study also aims to examine the moderating role of risk management in this relationship. This paper is an empirical work using a sample of Indonesian publicly listed companies that comprises 328 firm-years (2013–2020). The data was then processed using simultaneity test and 2sls regression. This paper finds that there is a simultaneous relationship between tax aggressiveness and CSR. Tax aggressiveness has a negative significant effect on CSR. Also, CSR has a significant negative effect on tax aggressiveness. Risk management strengthens the effect of tax aggressiveness on CSR and strengthens the effect of CSR on tax aggressiveness. This paper contributes to the current tax aggressiveness and CSR literature by examining the probable bidirectional relationship between the two. Existing studies have examined the one-direction relationship only, whether CSR to tax aggressiveness or tax aggressiveness to CSR. This is the first study examining the role of risk management in moderating the relationship between CSR and tax aggressiveness. This study is useful for corporate management in making CSR and tax aggressiveness strategy. Government can make a regulation that mandates the companies to do risk management activities and disclose their risk management policies and implementation. Shareholders can rely on companies’ disclosures regarding CSR activities because this study supports that firms with higher CSR disclosure have low-level tax aggressiveness.
Ge-rich SiGe photonic-integrated circuits for mid-IR spectroscopy

Recent works towards the development of Ge-rich SiGe photonic integrated circuits will be presented, such as the demonstration of low-loss waveguides and ultra-wideband Mach Zehnder interferometer from 5.5 to 8.6 μm wavelength, as well as the first steps towards the realization of efficient wideband optical sources.
Reproductive Isolation Among Three Nocturnal Moth-Pollinated Sympatric Habenaria Species (Orchidaceae)

Comparison and quantification of multiple pre- and post-pollination barriers to interspecific hybridization are important to understand the factors promoting reproductive isolation. Such isolating factors have been studied recently in many flowering plant species which seek after the general roles and relative strengths of different pre- and post-pollination barriers. In this study, we quantified six isolating factors (ecogeographic isolation, phenological isolation, pollinator isolation, pollinia-pistil interactions, fruit production, and seed development) that could possibly be acting as reproductive barriers at different stages among three sympatric Habenaria species (H. limprichtii, H. davidii, and H. delavayi). These three species overlap geographically but occupy different microhabitats varying in soil water content. They were isolated through pollinator interactions both ethologically (pollinator preference) and mechanically (pollinia attachment site), but to a variable degree for different species pairs. Interspecific crosses between H. limprichtii and H. davidii result in high fruit set, and embryo development suggested weak post-pollination barriers, whereas bidirectional crosses of H. delavayi with either of the other two species fail to produce fruits. Our results revealed that pollinators were the most important isolating barrier including both ethological and mechanical mechanisms, to maintain the boundaries among these three sympatric Habenaria species. Our study also highlights the importance of a combination of pre-and post-pollination barriers for species co-existence in Orchidaceae.
An Improved Algorithm for Optimal Load Shedding in Power Systems

A blackout is usually the result of load increasing beyond the transmission capacity of the power system. A collapsing system enters a contingency state before the blackout. This contingency state is characterized by a decline in the bus voltage magnitudes. To avoid blackouts, power systems may start shedding load when a contingency state occurs called under voltage load shedding (UVLS). The success of a UVLS scheme in arresting the contingency state depends on shedding the optimum amount of load at the optimum time and location. This paper proposes a hybrid algorithm based on genetic algorithms (GA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO). The proposed algorithm can be used to find the optimal amount of load shed for systems under stress (overloaded) in smart grids. The proposed algorithm uses the fast voltage stability index (FVSI) to determine the weak buses in the system and then calculates the optimal amount of load shed to recover a collapsing system. The performance analysis shows that the proposed algorithm can improve the voltage profile by 0.022 per units with up to 75% less load shedding and a convergence time that is 53% faster than GA.
Efficacy of Biorational Products for Managing Diseases of Tomato in Greenhouse Production

Gray mold (Botrytis cinerea), late blight (Phytophthora infestans), powdery mildew (Leveillula taurica), pith necrosis (Pseudomonas corrugata), and bacterial canker (Clavibacter michiganensis) are major diseases that affect tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) in greenhouse production in Mexico. Management of these diseases depends heavily on chemical control, with up to 24 fungicide applications required in a single season to control fungal diseases, thus ensuring a harvestable crop. While disease chemical control is a mainstay practice in the region, its frequent use increases the production costs, likelihood of pathogen-resistance development, and negative environmental impact. Due to this, there is a need for alternative practices that minimize such effects and increase profits for tomato growers. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of biorational products in the control of these diseases in greenhouse production. Four different treatments, including soil application of Bacillus spp. or B. subtilis and foliar application of Reynoutria sachalinensis, Melaleuca alternifolia, harpin αβ proteins, or bee honey were evaluated and compared to a conventional foliar management program (control) in a commercial production greenhouse in Central Mexico in 2016 and 2017. Disease incidence was measured at periodic intervals for six months and used to calculate the area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC). Overall, the analysis of the AUDPC showed that all treatments were more effective than the conventional program in controlling most of the examined diseases. The tested products were effective in reducing the intensity of powdery mildew and gray mold, but not that of bacterial canker, late blight, and pith necrosis. Application of these products constitutes a disease management alternative that represents cost-saving to tomato growers of about 2500 U.S. dollars per production cycle ha−1, in addition to having less negative impact on the environment. The products tested in this study have the potential to be incorporated in an integrated program for management of the examined diseases in tomato in this region.
The Effect of Medical Choice on Health Costs of Middle-Aged and Elderly Patients with Chronic Disease: Based on Principal-Agent Theory

(1) Background: The discussion on how to reduce the health costs of chronic disease patients has become an important public health issue. Limited research has been conducted on how chronic disease patients’ medical choice of public and private medical institutions affect health costs. (2) Methods: This study used the panel data composed of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey (CHARLS) from 2011 to 2018, adopted the quasi-natural experimental research method, and set up a control group and an experimental group that chose public medical institutions and private medical institutions, to analyze the association between the medical choice and health costs of chronic disease patients. (3) Results: Compared with chronic disease patients who chose private medical institutions, patients who chose public medical institutions increased their total cost by 44.9%, total out-of-pocket cost by 22.9%, and decreased the total out-of-pocket ratio by 0.117%, total drug cost out-of-pocket ratio by 0.075%, and drug cost ratio by 0.102%. (4) Conclusions: According to the triple principal-agent relationships, the resource advantages given by the government to public medical institutions, the salary incentive system of medical institutions, and the information asymmetry advantage held by physicians may be important factors for the increase in health costs for chronic disease patients.
Temporal Skin Temperature as an Indicator of Cardiorespiratory Fitness Assessed with Selected Methods

Simple Summary The aim of this study was to investigate whether it is possible to use infrared thermography to assess cardiovascular fitness and aerobic capacity. Changes in temporal temperature during and after a single bout of high-intensity exercise were measured from subjects with varying levels of physical activity. Significant correlation between the temporal temperature measured during recovery time with cardiovascular fitness parameters (HRR and HRV) and maximum oxygen consumption confirm the usefulness of thermal imagining in aerobic capacity evaluation. These results could foster the employment of infrared thermography to monitor athletic/athletes’ performance. Abstract The aim of this study was to determine whether there are associations between cardiovascular fitness (and aerobic capacity) and changes in temporal skin temperature during and after a single bout of high-intensity exercise. Twenty-three men with varying levels of physical activity (VO2max: 59.03 ± 11.19 (mL/kg/min), body mass 71.5 ± 10.4 (kg), body height 179 ± 8 (cm)) participated in the study. Each subject performed an incremental test and, after a 48-h interval, a 110%Pmax power test combined with an analysis of the thermal parameters, heart rate recovery and heart rate variability. Thermal radiation density from the body surface (temple) was measured using a Sonel KT384 thermal imaging camera immediately after warm-up (Tb), immediately after exercise (Te) and 120 sec after the end of exercise (Tr). The differences between measurements were then calculated. The correlation analysis between the thermal and cardiovascular function parameters during the recovery period showed strong positive associations between the Tr-Te difference and measures of cardiovascular fitness (50 < r < 69, p < 0.05). For example, the correlation coefficient between Tr-Te and VO2max reached 0.55 and between Tr-Te and Pmax reached 0.68. The results obtained indicate that the measurement of temporal temperature during and after an intense 3-min bout of exercise can be used to assess aerobic physical capacity and cardiovascular fitness.