Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of asset quality, capital adequacy, loan structure and macro-economic variables on financing of mortgage products by commercial banks in Kenya

The study sought to determine the influence of asset quality, capital adequacy, loan structure and macro-economic variables on Financing of mortgage products by commercial banks in Kenya. The study used a descriptive research design targeting 196 bank managers including, relationship managers, head of mortgage/retail sales, head of documentation, credit manager, head ofdocumentation, head of finance, and finally head of legal. Data collected was coded and cleaned before undertaking necessary analysis that comprised descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics was done by means of frequency tables, mean, standard deviations, charts and figures, while inferential statistics included ANOVA, regression and correlation analysis. The results show that asset quality, capital adequacy, loan structure, macroeconomic variables jointly influence 81.5% of the mortgage financing. Further they were positively and statistically significant in predicting the variation in mortgage financing (F (4, 147) = 161.65, p<. 000). The study recommends that banks should consider their credit portfolio in making decisions on financing mortgage products. More so, banks should favour adjustable-rate mortgages as opposed to fixed-rate mortgages and that banks should not charge high loan fee for mortgage products. Finally, it is recommended that banks should support the government housing finance systems by offering various mortgage loan flexibilities to developers of affordable housing products and that it should formulate policy and procedure on mortgages that can support commercial banks in financing mortgage products.
Conceptual Difficulties of a Thermodynamics Description of Charged-Particle Beams

We review the existing phenomenological theories of emittance growth with and without entropy terms and reexamine the condition for thermal equipartitioning in an unbunched charged-particle beam. The model incorporates linear space charge and a uniform-focusing lattice. Because of non-extensitivity of the transverse (“thermal”) energy and the absence of a classical heat bath, we conclude that a rigorous classical thermodynamics treatment of chargedparticle beams is not possible. In particular, the postulated relationships between the rms emittance and temperature and entropy must be qualified.
Timing and outcomes after coronary angiography following out of hospital cardiac arrest without sings of ST segment elevation myocardial infarction

Less than 10% of individuals who experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survive to be discharged from the hospital, making it 1 of leading causes of mortality globally. Less than 40% of individuals with returned of spontaneous circulation who are hospitalised survive. One of the pillars of care for postcardiac arrests is determining & treatment of underlying reason for arrest. this can entail delay in cause-directed treatment if the cause is not always immediately evident. Adults most frequently develop OHCA due to cardiac disease, among which abrupt coronary occlusion is prevalent in aetiology. Early coronary angiography & revascularization are related to increased survival in this cohort because significant fraction of studied cases with ST-segment elevation on initial electrocardiogram after ROSC have acute coronary blockage. Numerous recommendations urge immediate angiography following OHCA with ST elevation following ROSC. incidence of acute coronary occlusion has been significantly lower in individuals without ST elevation after ROSC, & advantages of early angiography have been less certain in these studied cases. percentage of people who experience OHCA without ST elevation is substantially higher & includes people who experience cardiac arrest due to non-cardiac reasons such pulmonary embolism, hypoxia, & drunkenness.
Quaternary Ammonium Palmitoyl Glycol Chitosan (GCPQ) Loaded with Platinum-Based Anticancer Agents—A Novel Polymer Formulation for Anticancer Therapy

Quaternary ammonium palmitoyl glycol chitosan (GCPQ) has already shown beneficial drug delivery properties and has been studied as a carrier for anticancer agents. Consequently, we synthesised cytotoxic platinum(IV) conjugates of cisplatin, carboplatin and oxaliplatin by coupling via amide bonds to five GCPQ polymers differing in their degree of palmitoylation and quaternisation. The conjugates were characterised by 1H and 195Pt NMR spectroscopy as well as inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), the latter to determine the amount of platinum(IV) units per GCPQ polymer. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by the MTT assay in three human cancer cell lines (A549, non-small-cell lung carcinoma; CH1/PA-1, ovarian teratocarcinoma; SW480, colon adenocarcinoma). All conjugates displayed a high increase in their cytotoxic activity by factors of up to 286 times compared to their corresponding platinum(IV) complexes and mostly outperformed the respective platinum(II) counterparts by factors of up to 20 times, also taking into account the respective loading of platinum(IV) units per GCPQ polymer. Finally, a biodistribution experiment was performed with an oxaliplatin-based GCPQ conjugate in non-tumour-bearing BALB/c mice revealing an increased accumulation in lung tissue. These findings open promising opportunities for further tumouricidal activity studies especially focusing on lung tissue.
Yield and Technological Quality of Pirarucu Trimming Surimi According to the Number of Washing Cycles, Rice Flour Content, and Cooking Temperature

This research aimed to optimize surimi production with innovative raw materials called pirarucu trimmings and broken rice grains, which are by-products from food industries. The effects of three independent variables (number of washing cycles, content, and cooking temperature of rice flour—RF) on surimi’s physical, chemical, and technological qualities were investigated through a Box–Behnken design. The number of washing cycles affected yield (77–93%), moisture (55–67%), lipids (18–35%), protein (7.15–11.88%), whiteness (46.73–64.45), chroma (8.86–13.18), hue angle (80.79–93.12°), cohesiveness (0.40–0.61), springiness (0.51–0.99), and freeze stability after 4 weeks (85.16–96.53%). RF concentration affected moisture, lipids, cohesiveness, springiness, and freeze–thaw stability after 4 weeks. RF cooking temperature affected moisture, chroma, cohesiveness, and springiness. The optimal conditions for surimi production with high yield and overall quality were three washing cycles, 6% of RF, and RF cooking temperature at 85 °C. It reveals the promising potential of both by-products to be used as an ingredient in restructured products and contribute to improving agri-industry sustainability.
Cyanocobalamin-Modified Colistin–Hyaluronan Conjugates: Synthesis and Bioactivity

Polymeric drug delivery systems enhance the biopharmaceutical properties of antibiotics by increasing their bioavailability, providing programmable and controlled-release properties, and reducing toxicity. In addition, drug delivery systems are a promising strategy to improve the intestinal permeability of various antimicrobial agents, including colistin (CT). This study describes the modification of conjugates based on CT and hyaluronic acid (HA) with cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12). Vitamin B12 was chosen as a targeting ligand because it has its own absorption pathway in the small intestine. The resulting polysaccharide conjugates contained 95 μg/mg vitamin B12 and the CT content was 335 μg/mg; they consisted of particles of two sizes, 98 and 702 nm, with a ζ-potential of approximately −25 mV. An in vitro release test at pH 7.4 and pH 5.2 showed an ultra-slow release of colistin of approximately 1% after 10 h. The modified B12 conjugates retained their antimicrobial activity at the level of pure CT (minimum inhibitory concentration was 2 μg/mL). The resulting delivery systems also reduced the nephrotoxicity of CT by 30–40% (HEK 293 cell line). In addition, the modification of B12 improved the intestinal permeability of CT, and the apparent permeability coefficient of HA–CT–B12 conjugates was 3.5 × 10−6 cm/s, corresponding to an in vivo intestinal absorption of 50–100%. Thus, vitamin-B12-modified conjugates based on CT and HA may be promising oral delivery systems with improved biopharmaceutical properties.
Variational approach to the soft-Coulomb potential in low-dimensional quantum systems

The variational method is used to obtain the ground- and first-excited states for the soft-Coulomb central potential, 1 / r 2 + d 2, characterized by a bias distance d, taken into account as a fixed parameter. Applications are presented for spatially indirect excitons, i.e., photo-generated electron-hole (e-h) bound pairs, where the two charges are kept separated in two different regions of a heterostructure. We consider one- or two-dimensional systems, namely, quantum wires or wells, respectively, and compare the results with numerical calculations obtained by finite-difference diagonalization of the Hamiltonian. An explicit example is given for GaAs-based heterostructures.
POLLUTANT LOAD OVERSPILL MINIMIZATION OF INTERCEPTOR SEWER SYSTEMS

Abstract This paper describes the development of an optimal pollution control model for interceptor sewer systems from conceptualization to detailed validation. The formulation of two optimization alternatives using a slug flow approach is presented. The models are tested on an idealized interceptor sewer system with a representative storm event to confirm the viability of the optimization techniques. A hydraulic verification routine is included and the WALLRUS hydrodynamic sewer flow simulation software is used to validate the results from the hydraulic verification routine. Application of the model to an existing interceptor sewer is presented. The results from the idealized lest case show the viability of using Linear Programming and Dynamic Programming within the optimal pollution control models. The models give physically feasible solutions that can be validated using WALLRUS. Significant environmental improvements (in terms of pollutant load reduction to the receiving waters) can be achieved. The results illustrate the validity of the assumptions in the optimal control model formulation, and show that the slug flow approach provides a computationally efficient and sound formulation for the optimal control model and offers promise for practical implementation of optimal real time control.
Cognitive Behavioural and Melodic Intonation Therapies on Verbal Communication Skills of Persons with Apraxia of Speech

The study investigated the effect of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and melodic intonation therapy (MIT) on the verbal communication skills of persons with apraxia. A pre-test, post-test, and control group quasi-experimental research design was used with a sample of persons with post-stroke apraxia receiving speech and language therapeutic services in Ibadan Metropolis. University College Hospital was selected as the treatment center for the study. Thirty persons with apraxia were purposively selected and assigned to one of three groups: CBT, melodic intonation therapy, or control (N = 30, male = 16, female = 14, mean age = 63.1 years). Twenty-four sessions of CBT and melodic intonation therapy classes were held with the experimental group only. The control group was exposed to placebo treatment over the same period. An apraxia of speech rating scale (ASRS) was administered to assess the verbal communication skills of the prospective participants. Those who met the inclusion criteria were selected for the study. The instruments used were the ASRS, the English proficiency test of oral communication skill rating scale, and two self-developed therapeutic plans. Data were analysed using analyses of covariance and Scheffe’s post-hoc test at a 0.05 level of significance. There was a significant main effect of treatment (CBT and MIT) on the verbal communication skills of the participants (F (2,11) = 200.84, P < 0.05, X = 0.56). Participants in the MIT group had the highest mean score (56.20), followed by those in CBT (37.90), while those in the control group had the lowest mean score (23.80). CBT and MIT were effective in enhancing the verbal communication skills of persons with apraxia. However, MIT showed better outcomes than CBT. Therefore, it is appropriate for speech therapists, pathologists, and other relevant practitioners to adopt these strategies to improve the verbal communication skills of those with apraxia.
Numerical and experimental study on vorticity measurement in liquid metal using local Lorentz force velocimetry

Local Lorentz force velocimetry (local LFV) is a contactless velocity measurement technique for liquid metals. Due to the relative movement between an electrically conductive fluid and a static applied magnetic field, eddy currents and a flow-braking Lorentz force are generated inside the metal melt. This force is proportional to the flow rate or to the local velocity, depending on the volume subset of the flow spanned by the magnetic field. By using small-size magnets, a localized magnetic field distribution is achieved allowing a local velocity assessment in the region adjacent to the wall. In the present study, we describe a numerical model of our experiments at a continuous caster model where the working fluid is GaInSn in eutectic composition. Our main goal is to demonstrate that this electromagnetic technique can be applied to measure vorticity distributions, i.e. to resolve velocity gradients as well. Our results show that by using a cross-shaped magnet system, the magnitude of the torque perpendicular to the surface of the mold significantly increases improving its measurement in a liquid metal flow. According to our numerical model, this torque correlates with the vorticity of the velocity in this direction. Before validating our numerical predictions, an electromagnetic dry calibration of the measurement system composed of a multicomponent force and torque sensor and a cross-shaped magnet was done using a rotating disk made of aluminum. The sensor is able to measure simultaneously all three components of force and torque, respectively. This calibration step cannot be avoided and it is used for an accurate definition of the center of the magnet with respect to the sensor’s coordinate system for torque measurements. Finally, we present the results of the experiments at the mini-LIMMCAST facility showing a good agreement with the numerical model.
Outcome of capacity building in mental health for well-being volunteers

Introduction Volunteering is any activity in which time is given to assist another individual, group, or organization. It assists people who want to get involved in philanthropic programs that help volunteers develop awareness and lead healthier personal and social lives. Several volunteers have received specialized training in the fields in which they volunteer, such as health, mental health, education, or emergency rescue. Volunteers are rendering intervention in different areas in mental health. They are providing psychosocial support to the individuals, groups, community, promoting mental health through conducting various mental health awareness programs in the community. There is a growing concern about mental health in India due to the inaccessibility of services. The National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) being a premier institute for mental health, is devising innovative approaches to mental health care to reach the unreachable. One such initiative was to build the capacity of volunteers in the community who are interested in working for the cause of mental health. Methods The objective of this study was to evaluate the outcome of the well-being volunteer program. This study used a descriptive cross-sectional research design, wherein all the 136 trained well-being volunteers (WBVs) were included as the study sample. The data was collected from the volunteers who attended the WBV program, which was initiated by NIMHANS Centre for Well-being (NCWB) and the Department of Psychiatric Social Work NIMHANS. A questionnaire on the outcome of the Well Being Volunteers program was developed for the study, and the Volunteer Motivation Inventory scale was used to collect the data from the WBVs. SPSS software was used to analyze the data. Ethical clearance was sought from the Institute Ethics Committee of NIMHANS. Results The WBV program enhanced volunteers’ knowledge of mental health and benefited the volunteers in their personal and social life. They were also able to implement a satisfactory level of mental health-related volunteer activities in the community. Conclusion Results of present study and the available literature suggest that engaging in voluntary services improves mental health knowledge. WBV program has provided opportunity to Volunteers to participate in mental health delivery system at different levels.
Conceptualizations of gratitude: A comparative analysis of English and Persian dissertation acknowledgements written by Persian authors

ABSTRACT The present study applies a cultural conceptualizations framework within the multidisciplinary field of Cultural Linguistics to the analysis of gratitude in dissertation acknowledgements (DAs), as a culturally-embedded genre written in Persian and English by native speakers of Persian. Benefitting from a corpus analysis approach to Cultural Linguistics, 185 English and 196 Persian DAs from language-related fields were selected randomly from DAs written in national universities in Iran as the corpus for the study. Grounded theory-driven analysis revealed a number of similar and different representations of Persian cultural schema and cultural metaphors between the sampled Persian and English DAs. Additionally, the unclosed cultural conceptualizations revealed a selective transfer of Persian cultural conceptualizations to the DAs written in English. The paper concludes with reference to the emergence of Persian English in the DAs. By complementing genre analysis with a Cultural Linguistics perspective, the study contributes to the literature on comparative genre analysis of DAs, moving it beyond move-step analysis to a more systematic in-depth cultural analysis. In addition, the findings advance the literature on Cultural Linguistics by revealing a relationship between cultural schema and cultural metaphor.
Ball Oscillating Bouncer

Please take a moment to share how this work helps you through this survey. Your feedback will be important as we plan further development of our repository. Follow this and additional works at: http://ideaexchange.uakron. edu/honors_research_projects Part of the Controls and Control Theory Commons, Electrical and Electronics Commons, Electro-Mechanical Systems Commons, Power and Energy Commons, Systems and Communications Commons, and the VLSI and Circuits, Embedded and Hardware Systems Commons
Surface potential distribution of multilayer graphene using Kelvin probe and electric-field force microscopies

ABSTRACT Surface properties of multilayer graphene (MLG) were studied by Kelvin Probe and Electric-field Force Microscopies (KPFM and EFM). Using KPFM, we observed an increase in the work function of MLG with increasing thickness. This is attributed to the surface π-electrons of pz orbitals shifting the Fermi level away from the Dirac point. EFM measurements indicate that the EFM phase increases with DC electric fields (−5 V ≤ V ≤ 5 V) applied to the probe. The parabolic phase-shift dependence is pertaining to the electrostatic interaction produced at the tip-MLG interface. These results provide future directions in band-gap engineering of graphene-based devices.
On non-convex anisotropic surface energy regularized via the Willmore functional: The two-dimensional graph setting

We regularize non-convex anisotropic surface energy of a two-dimensional surface, given as a graph over the two-dimensional unit disk, by the Willmore functional and investigate existence of the corresponding global minimizers. Restricting to the rotationally symmetric case, we obtain a one-dimensional variational problem which permits to derive substantial qualitative information on the minimizers. We show that minimizers tend to a “cone”-like solution as the regularization parameter tends to zero. Areas where the solutions are either convex or concave are identified. It turns out that the structure of the chosen anisotropy hardly affects the qualitative shape of the minimizers.
Prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection and associated risk factors among adult females infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Ogun State, Nigeria

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria, and is frequently observed in individuals co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Objective: This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of serological markers for hepatitis B virus and identify the associated risk factors among women with HIV undergoing highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in Ogun State, Nigeria. Methods: Ethical approval was obtained from the Babcock University Health Research Ethics Committee (BUHREC) to recruit a total of 110 adult women infected with HIV, receiving treatment at the HIV clinics of Babcock University Teaching Hospital (BUTH) in Ilishan-Remo and General Hospital in Ijebu-Ode, both located in Ogun State, Nigeria. The participants’ HIV status were confirmed using three rapid diagnostic kits: Determine (Abbott Laboratories, Tokyo, Japan), Unigold HIV (Trinity Biotech Plc Bray, Co. Wicklow, Ireland), and 1/2 Stat Pak (Abbott Laboratories, Tokyo, Japan) (Chembio Diagnostic Systems, New York, USA). Additionally, an HBV 5 in 1 Panel manufactured by Innovation Biotechnology Co., Ltd in Beijing, China, was employed to detect HBV markers qualitatively in serum samples. Results: Out of the 110 subjects that voluntarily participated in the study, 4 (3.6%) tested positive for HBsAg, 2 (1.8%) tested positive for HBsAb, 81 (73.6%) tested positive for HBeAg, 3 (2.7%) tested positive for HBeAb, and 65 (59.1%) tested positive for HBcAb. There was no significant correlation between the occurrence of HBsAg and the socio-demographic characteristics of the participants ( P > 0.05). Various risk factors were identified, including lack of knowledge about HBV, absence of HBV vaccination history, history of blood transfusion, organ transplant, and engaging in unprotected sex, among others. Conclusion: The findings highlight the presence of HBV infection among HIV-positive women undergoing HAART in Ogun State, Nigeria, particularly within the age groups of 18–25 years and 26–30 years. These results emphasize the necessity for continuous and targeted public health interventions among this specific population.
The Glacier‐Climate Interaction Over the Tibetan Plateau and Its Surroundings During the Last Glacial Maximum

Glacier growth affects the local climate, and in turn, can either promote or prohibit its own growth. Such feedback has not been considered in modeling the glaciers of the Tibetan Plateau and its surroundings (TPS) during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM; ∼28–23 ka). We find that the volume/area of the glaciers simulated by a coupled glacier‐climate model is 20%/10% less than that by a standalone glacier model forced with fixed climate fields; glaciers advance toward their western rims and yet decrease in the interior of TPS. Such changes in spatial patterns improve model‐data comparison. Moreover, the expansion of glaciers warms the winter surface temperature of the eastern TPS and decreases precipitation almost everywhere. These effects are primarily due to the added surface elevation, which blocks the water vapor brought by westerlies and south‐westerlies, reducing precipitation and increasing surface temperatures to the east and northeast of the newly grown glaciers.