Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Polyelectrolyte Chain Structure and Solution Phase Behavior

Using a recently developed renormalized Gaussian fluctuation (RGF) field theory that self-consistently accounts for the concentration-dependent coupling between chain structure and electrostatic correlations, we study the phase behavior of polyelectrolyte solutions, with a focus on the effects of added salts and chain structure. For solutions of a single polyelectrolyte species plus salt, the RGF theory predicts the existence of a loop in the phase boundary at Bjerrum lengths (inverse temperature) below (above) the critical value of the salt-free system. This loop behavior can occur at electrostatic interaction strengths lb/b at which the loop no longer exists for the TPT-1 theory, and at fixed lb/b the loop can persist for infinitely long chains, in contrast to theories using a fixed-Gaussian structure (fg-RPA). For systems of oppositely charged (but otherwise symmetric) chains, we again find that the fg-RPA greatly overpredicts the driving force for phase separation, especially at higher charge fraction.
The Evolution of Genetic Systems: The Influence of Recombination, Mutation Rate, and Mutational Load

This dissertation investigates the influence of recombination upon the evolution of mutation rates, and the properties of mutational load in evolving populations, using the tools of experimental evolution. It is shown, in Chapter 1, that conjugation inhibits the spread of mutator alleles in an experimental bacterial population. This result confirms previous experimental and theoretical findings that mutator alleles spread by remaining in linkage with beneficial mutations. The exchange of genetic material across individuals disrupts this process, and thereby makes it more difficult for mutator alleles to rise in frequency. This phenomenon likely plays an important role in limiting mutation rates in natural populations. In Chapter 2, the fitness cost of mismatch repair deficiency is carefully measured in experimental yeast populations, and found to be substantial (>2%). It is shown that this fitness cost is indirect, attributable to a heavy tail of less fit individuals in the distribution of fitness of the mutator population. Separately, the lethal mutation rate of the mismatch-repair-deficient strain is estimated by observing and tracking thousands of budding events of single cells. The reduction in fitness caused by the presence of less-fit individuals in the mutator population and the excess lethal rate of the mutator strain neatly sum to account for the separately measured fitness cost relative to the wild-type strain. The methods of Chapter 2 are extended in Chapter 3 to produce time-series data from an evolving population. A population of mismatch-repair-deficient yeast is founded from a single cell, in order to begin from a state of no mutational load, and the development of load as the population moves towards mutation-selection balance is measured by estimating the distribution of fitness at several time points. Loads are computed at the early time points, and the methods of approximate Bayesian computation are applied to estimate the deleterious mutation rate and distribution of fitness effects. It is found that the deleterious lethal mutation rate is at least 0.03, and perhaps as high as 0.08, in this strain. These results confirm and augment the findings of Chapter 2, and provide the first-ever experimental demonstration of a population approaching mutation-selection balance. Degree Type Dissertation Degree Name Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Graduate Group Biology First Advisor Paul . Sniegowski
Spectral learning of graphical distributions

This work draws on previous works regarding spectral learning algorithm for structured data (see \cite{Hsu:COLT09-long}, \cite{DBLP:conf/icml/SongSGS10}, \cite{DBLP:conf/pkdd/BalleQC11}, \cite{DBLP:conf/nips/AnandkumarCHKSZ11}, \cite{DBLP:conf/icml/ParikhSX11}). We present an extension of the \emph{Hidden Markov Models}, called \emph{Graphical Weighted Models (GWM)}, whose purpose is to model distributions over labeled graphs. We describe the spectral algorithm for GWM, which generalizes the previous spectral algorithms for sequences and trees. We show that this algorithm is \emph{consistant}, and we provide statistical convergence bounds for the parameters estimate and for the learned distribution.
Comparative assessment of some physico-chemical properties of seed oils of Parkia biglobosa and Monodora myristica with some commercial oils

The demand for oils has increased in recent times as a result of industrial and nutritional processes. There is therefore the need to search for oils from different types of seeds. As part of an on-going work to search for alternate sources of oils, seed oils from Monodora myristica and Parkia biglobosa were extracted, analysed and some of their physicochemical properties were compared with those of vegetable and palm oils. The results show that seed oils of M. myristcia and P. biglobosa have some physicochemical properties comparable with those of the commercial oils and hence have great nutritional and industrial potentials. It is therefore recommended that more studies be undertaken for this abundant source of natural nutritious oil. Key words: Physicochemical properties, vegetable oils, Monodora myristica, Parkia biglobosa.
The Benefits of Small Quantities of Nitrogen in the Oxygen Feed to Ozone Generators

ABSTRACT This paper reports the ozone generation in pulsed multichannel dielectric barrier discharge. The influence of nitrogen addition (0.1%–10%) on ozone concentration and ozone generation efficiency in nitrogen–oxygen gas mixtures is studied. Results show that adding 0.1% N2 would not seriously increase the ozone production. Meanwhile, 1% N2 content exhibits the highest ozone production efficiency in low SIE (J/L, defined as the ratio of power to gas flow rate) region (0–200 J/L) while adding 0.3% N2 would lead to the highest ozone generation efficiency in high SIE region (300–800 J/L). The increase of ozone production induced by N2 addition is more significant in low SIE region compared with that in high SIE region. At 100 J/L, ozone production efficiency increases 26.9% to 201.6 g/kWh with 1% N2 addition when compared with that in oxygen. At 18 J/L, the observed maximum ozone generation efficiency reaches 252 g/kWh at 1.3 g/Nm3 with 1% N2 addition. An increase of ozone production can be obtained with 0.3%–2% N2 addition in all explored SIE ranges.
Above room temperature operation of InGaAs/AlGaAs/GaAs quantum cascade lasers

In this work we report on the performance of mid-infrared quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) based on strained InGaAs/AlGaAs grown by molecular beam epitaxy on GaAs substrate. Structures were grown with indium content from 1% to 6% in GaAs quantum wells (QW) and 45% of Al in AlGaAs barrier layers. The design results in strained heterostructure, however, no strain relaxation was observed as documented by x-ray diffraction measurements up to ∼3% of In content in QWs. The investigation of heterostructures and devices was performed, including structural measurements and electrooptical characterization of devices. Devices fabricated from epi wafers with 2.64% of In exhibited performance largely improved over GaAs/AlGaAs QCLs. Roughly two times reduction of the threshold current density was observed at lasing wavelength ∼9.45 μm. The lasers operated in pulsed mode up to T = 50 °C with characteristic temperature T0 = 115 K. The decrease of the threshold current density has been mainly attributed to the reduction of interface roughness scattering and the increase of activation energy for the escape of carriers from the upper laser level to the 3D continuum. Further increase of In content in QWs resulted in the deterioration of device parameters.
Influence of precursor concentration and temperature on the formation of nanosilver in chemical reduction method

Nanosilver particles (NSPs) were produced by the reduction of silver nitrate using glucose as reducer, poly (vinyl pyrrolidone) as stabilizer and sodium hydroxide as reaction enhancer. Two parameters were investigated which are silver nitrate concentration (0.1 M, 0.5 M and 1.0 M) and reaction temperature (60°C and 80°C). Through spectral analysis using ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer (UV-vis), all the samples recorded the maximum peak in the range of 384-411 nm which verified the formation of NSPs. TEM images showed the nanoparticles have spherical shape with the size range of 25-39 nm. Particle size and zeta potential analysis recorded the hydrodynamic size of nanoparticles in the range of 85-105 nm and the zeta potential ranging from -25 to -30 mV, under the pH value of 8. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the NSPs have face center cubic (FCC) structure. All the produced NSPs surprisingly showed ferromagnetic-like behaviour based on the magnetization curves. FTIR result confirmed the presence of poly (vinyl pyrrolidone) on the NSPs surface. Furthermore, at the reaction temperature 60°C, the crystallite size, physical size as well as hydrodynamic size increased as the precursor concentration increased from 0.1 M to 0.5 M. However, as the precursor concentration further increases to 1.0 M, the size become smaller due to incomplete reduction process. In contrast, at 80°C, the sizes was gradually increased as the precursor concentration increases up to 1.0 M. In terms of controlled precursor concentration, the crystallite size and physical size become smaller as the temperature increases.
Basic nutritional investigation -3 Polyunsaturated fatty acids and ionizing radiation: combined cytotoxicity on human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells

Objective: This study evaluated whether -3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) could enhance the radiosensitivity of three different human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell lines. To understand the underlying mechanisms, the effects of -3 PUFAs on the cell growth, survival, and apoptosis were evaluated alone or in combination with an antioxidant (vitamin E) and compared with the effects of -6 PUFAs. Methods: LS174T, CO112, and Caco-2 cell survival was assessed by clonogenic assay after a 3-d pretreatment with -3/-6 PUFAs and/or vitamin E before a single X-ray exposure to 4 Gy. Cell growth and viability were measured by double fluorescence-activated cell sorter analyses using propidium iodide and fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated annexin V. Student's t test or multiva- riable linear regression analyses were used for comparison. Results: Preincubation with 30 to 100 mol/L of -3 PUFAs induced a dose-dependent additive decrease in cell survival after irradiation (P 0.05). Evaluation of the underlying mechanisms indicated that -3 PUFAs mainly decreased the cell number via apoptosis induction. Moreover, formation of lipid peroxidation products and modulation of cyclooxygenase II activity seemed to be involved, because coincubation with 10 mol/L vitamin E abolished the effect of 50 mol/L of -3 PUFAs (P 0.05), whereas -6 PUFAs could partly mimic -3 PUFA effects. Conclusion: These observations suggest that -3 PUFAs may be potential candidates as nutritional adjuvants to enhance the efficacy of human colorectal cancer radiotherapy. © 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Monitoring content of cadmium, calcium, copper, iron, lead, magnesium and manganese in tea leaves by electrothermal and flame atomizer atomic absorption spectrometry

Abstract Due to the simplicity of tea preparation (pouring hot water onto different dried herbs) and its high popularity as a beverage, monitoring and developing a screening methodology for detecting the metal content is very important. The concentrations of Cd, Ca, Cu, Fe, Pb, Mg and Mn in 11 different samples of sage (Salvia officinalis L.), linden (Tilia L.) and chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) purchased at local herbal pharmacy were determined using electrothermal atomizer atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) and flame atomizer atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). The concentrations determined were: Cd (0.012 – 0.470 mg kg−1), Ca (5209 – 16340 mg kg−1), Cu (22.01 – 33.05 mg kg−1), Fe (114.2 – 440.3 mg kg−1), Pb (0.545 – 2.538 mg kg−1), Mg (2649 – 4325 mg kg−1) and Mn (34.00 – 189.6 mg kg−1). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was applied to identify factors (soil and climate) influencing the content of the measured elements in herbal samples. The proposed methodology developed in this work was successfully applied to the detection of metals in herbal samples. The analysis showed that the content of toxic metals in herbal teas was below the maximum dose recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Development of Simplified Analytical Tools for Impact and Impulsive Loading Analysis of Reinforced Concrete Slabs

This paper presents a simplified method to analyze reinforced concrete structures subjected to missile impacts. The method, a nonlinear finite element analysis (NLFEA) procedure employing a smeared rotating crack macro-modeling approach, represents a middle ground between simplified methods based on single degree of freedom (SDOF) systems and complex meso- or micro-element hydrocodes. A soft missile impact test and a hard missile impact test from IRIS_2010 workshop were modeled and the results were compared with experimental results in terms of time-displacement response, damage shape, and residual velocity
Social Work Efforts Towards Equitable Mental Health Practice With People Who Are Racially Minoritized

Previous literature on mental health disparities provides a context for the scope and impact of inequality within mental health treatment. Hence, there is a need to add to the existing efforts to develop equitable mental health services. In response to this need, this banded dissertation comprised two scholarly articles and a peer-reviewed presentation explored the role of social work in addressing mental health disparities among people who are racially minoritized. Critical Race Theory (CRT) is the conceptual framework guiding this dissertation. The first article is a conceptual paper that applies the assumptions of CRT in evaluating mental health disparities among groups that are racially minoritized. The paper discusses implications for the application of CRT to social work practice, education, and research. The second academic work is a qualitative study that explored social workers’ perceptions of mental health disparities among people who are racially minoritized. Through thematic analysis of 13 semi-structured interviews, social workers identified prevalent disparities observed in clinical practice and made recommendations for improvement. The findings from this study highlight the value of formal and informal cultural education, the continued need for racial and ethnic representation among social workers, and the need to address mental health disparities among people who are racially minoritized. The final product is the documentation of initial findings from the above qualitative study presented at the 44 Annual NASW State Conference in Oklahoma on September 6, 2019. This presentation reviewed the previous literature on mental health disparities among people who are racially minoritized. Emerging themes from the qualitative study were explored, and participants were encouraged to apply the information to their current practice environments. EQUITABLE MENTAL HEALTH PRACTICE iii
Review of the response of pressurised process vessels and equipment to fire attack

Pressurised systems such as process vessels and associated equipment experience time and temperature dependent effects when subjected to a fire. When a pressurised system is affected by fire, its temperature rises and this reduces the load carrying capacity of the system's material. This combined with the pressure loading may lead to a failure of the system, additional leaks developing and escalation of the event. In 1991, the offshore industry, with the participation of HSE, completed a Joint Industry Project on Blast and Fire Engineering for Topside Structures. The project included a review of the information available to date on the behaviour of pressure vessels affected by a fire. The current review aims to summarise the new knowledge gained since 1991 and identify gaps in the currently available information, particularly with respect to establishing sound modelling procedures and guidelines for industry. This report and the work it describes were funded by the Health and Safety Executive and Shell International Exploration and Production B.V. Its contents, including any opinions and/or conclusions expressed, are those of the authors alone and do not necessarily reflect HSE policy. (author)
The Influence of HRM Practices on Employee Behavioural Intentions: Do Generational Differences Matter?

Generational diversity plays an important role in many aspects of organizational functions including Human Resource Management (HRM). However, studies are limited to proving this role. Management understanding of the effects of generational diversity and HRM practices is very important because it can foster a positive work environment that can encourage a competent employee to remain with the organization. To achieve the objective, this study utilises descriptive research design and the data was gathered through survey questionnaires comprised of 272 non-academic staff from Malaysian Private Higher Learning Institutions (PHLIs). Results revealed that the participants moderately agree with their intention to stay in the organisation. However, generational diversity was found as not having any significant effect on the relationships between the HRM practices dimensions performance appraisal, training, and selection, and intention to stay. Efforts to increase the non-academic staff intention to stay should focus on enhancing the organisation’s training and performance appraisal system.
Optimization of Phenolics and Carotenoids Extraction from Leaves of Passiflora edulis Using Response Surface Methods

The optimum extraction conditions for the highest recovery of total phenolics and carotenoids contents for leaves of Passiflora edulis were developed using response surface methodology. The effects of solvent concentration (30-100%), extraction temperature (30-60°C) and extraction time (30-90 min) on the recovery of total phenolics and carotenoids were investigated. A second order polynomial model produced a satisfactory fitting of the experimental data with regard to total phenolics (R = 84.75%, p < 0.004) and carotenoid (R = 78.74, p < 0.019) contents. The optimum extraction conditions of ethanol concentration, extraction temperature and extraction time for phenolics, were 6.1%, 70.2°C, and 110.5 min and for carotenoids, the optimum parameters were Original Research Article Gunathilake et al.; AJB2T, 1(1): 1-12, 2017; Article no.AJB2T. 33480 2 100%, 70.2°C and 110.5 min, respectively. The optimal predicted contents for total phenolics (9.03 mg Gallic Acid Equivalent (GAE)/ g DW) and carotenoids (8.74 mg/g DW) values in the extracts were agreed with the experimental values obtained with optimum extraction conditions for each response.
A novel quadruple-cation absorber for universal hysteresis elimination for high efficiency and stable perovskite solar cells

Organic–inorganic metal halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have made a striking breakthrough with a power conversion efficiency (PCE) over 22%. However, before moving to commercialization, the hysteresis of PSCs, characterized as an inconsistent photovoltaic conversion property at varied electric fields, should be eliminated for stable performance. Herein, we present a novel quadruple-cation perovskite absorber, KxCs0.05(FA0.85MA0.15)0.95Pb(I0.85Br0.15)3 (labeled as KCsFAMA), with which the hysteresis in PSCs can be fully eliminated irrespective of the electron transportation layers. The incorporation of potassium intensively promotes the crystallization of the perovskite film with a grain size up to ∼1 μm, doubled compared to the K free counterparts. Further characterization revealed that a lower interface defect density, longer carrier lifetime and fast charge transportation have all made contributions to the hysteresis-free, stable and high PCE (20.56%) of the KCsFAMA devices. Moreover, we present a 6 × 6 cm2 sub-module with the KCsFAMA composition achieving a high efficiency of 15.76% without hysteresis. This result suggests that the quadruple-cation perovskite is a highly attractive candidate for future developments of efficient and stable PSC modules.
High Pressure Emulsion and Miniemulsion Copolymerization of Vinyl Acetate and Ethylene

Title of Thesis: HIGH PRESSURE EMULSION AND MINIEMULSION COPOLYMERIZATION OF VINYL ACETATE AND ETHYLENE Manu Narayanan Master of Science, 2017 Thesis Directed By: Professor Kyu Yong Choi, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Miniemulsion copolymerization in gas-liquid systems such as vinyl acetate-ethylene (VAE) differs from that of conventional VAE emulsion copolymerization. Particle nucleation in miniemulsions is mainly due to the radical entry into the monomer droplets. The objective of this thesis is to study the reaction mechanism of VAE miniemulsion copolymerization, characterize the copolymer formed and compare it to the conventionally and commercially used VAE emulsion copolymer, and highlight any advantages of VAE miniemulsions over normal VAE emulsions. Miniemulsions have shown to be more stable and long-lasting than emulsions in terms of particle size distributions. The amount of ethylene incorporated in the copolymer is higher in the case of miniemulsions as compared to emulsions due to decreased mass transfer limitations of ethylene in the aqueous phase and subsequent incorporation into the VAE copolymer. HIGH PRESSURE EMULSION AND MINIEMULSION COPOLYMERIZATION OF VINYL ACETATE AND ETHYLENE
Biostimulation of n-Alkane Degradation in Diesel Fuel-Spiked Soils

ABSTRACT Nutrient enhancement of bioremediation with nitrogen, namely biostimulation, increases process performance. Selection of a proper nitrogen source is critical for bioremediation applications. In this study, the effects of different nitrogen sources on biodegradation of C10–C25 n-alkane compounds in diesel fuel-spiked soil were revealed, and the most appropriate nitrogen source for biodegradation of semi- and non-volatile n-alkanes was investigated. Bioremediation of diesel fuel contaminated soil was monitored in lab-scale reactors for 15 days. Ammonium sulfate, potassium nitrate and urea were used as nitrogen sources. Carbon dioxide and oxygen levels in the reactors were recorded to monitor microbiological activity. Contaminant removal process was investigated by pH, heterotrophic plate count, total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) and C10–C25 n-alkane analyses. First-order kinetic constants were calculated via respirometric and contaminant concentration data. According to total C10–C25 n-alkane removal levels and degradation rate constants, ammonium sulfate addition resulted in the most efficient contaminant removal followed by potassium nitrate and urea. Simultaneous degradation of individual n-alkanes was observed for all of the nitrogen sources. Urea addition changed the distribution of individual n-alkane concentrations relative to the pre-experimental concentrations. Nitrogen source type had no differential effect on degradation rates of semi- (C10–C16) and non-volatile (C17–C25) fractions.