Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phase-Transfer Catalysis: Free-Radical Polymerization of Methyl Methacrylate using K2S2O8-Quaternary Ammonium Salt Catalyst System. A Kinetic Study

Abstract The kinetics of phase-transfer-agent-assisted free-radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate using K2S2O8 as the water-soluble initiator and triethylbenzylammonium chloride (TEBA) as the phase-transfer catalyst (PTC) was investigated in toluene-water biphase media at 60°C. The effect of varying [MMA], [K2S2O8], [TEBA], [H+], the ionic strength of the medium, and the temperature on the rate of polymerization (R p) was studied. R p was found to be proportional to [MMA]2, [K2S2O8]1, and [TEBA]0.5. Based on the kinetic results, a mechanism involving initiation of polymerization by phase-transferred S2O8 2- and termination by Q+ (quaternary ammonium ion) is proposed.
Students’ Intention to Participate in E-learning

This study seeks to investigate the effect of controllability and responsiveness on the perceived ease of e-learning use. This study also aims to determine the relationship between the perceived ease of e-learning use and the student’s intention to participate in e- learning. This study extends the technology acceptance model by considering the external factors; controllability and responsiveness of e-learning system. Thirty-one students from Bung Hatta University were selected as research objects for this study, and three hypotheses were developed. SEM-PLS was applied to analyze the data and smart-pls 3.2. 7 software was used to reject the null hypotheses. Having had a satisfied convergent and discriminant validity, this study demonstrates that the controllability and responsiveness of an e-learning system does not have a significant effect on the perceived ease of e-learning use. However, the relationship between the perceived ease of e-learning use and the students’ intention to participate in e-learning is significantly positive. The practical and theoretical implications are discussed in this paper.
Herd behavior and firm-specific information

Abstract The study shows critical roles of firm-specific information on herd behavior, which is underexplored in prior literature, albeit an increasing impact of firm-specific information on asset pricing. The main finding demonstrates that three of four selected measures of firm-specific information (return residual, return skewness, and information discreteness) are associated with the aggregate herd behavior in the Thai equity market. The return residual delineates the greatest impacts in most cases, especially during the financial turbulence periods. Herd behavior with firm-specific information is observed at all times. More importantly, less corporate transparency, more noise trading, large asymmetric risk, and low liquidity are the main drivers of intentional herd behavior.
Micro-credentialing as making and doing STS

When researchers from an academic knowledge tradition undertake transdisciplinary research – that is, research which takes seriously knowledge practices quite alien to the disciplines of the academy – science and technology studies can help unpick some of the assumptions which are embedded in their research practice. The analysis of sociotechnologies, which are understood as phenomena which are indivisibly both social and technical, allows a researcher in the many unique contexts of Australia’s remote Northern Territory, to take seriously the understandings and methods of Aboriginal knowledge authorities, and work collaboratively and generatively with them. In this paper, examples from research collaborations in education, language, politics, housing and health in the Northern Territory explores the utility of the STS analytic concept ‘sociotechnology’. In each example our methods identify tensions between practices – including epistemics – which remain unresolved except insofar as they may point towards strategies to address problems of the moment. Aboriginal sovereignty can be seen as a key to understanding the position of the academic researcher in transdisciplinary work, and conceptually sociotechnology offers a means to respect and engage with the ancestral knowledge practices and authority of Aboriginal elders.
Molecular Barcoding Reveals Possible Existence of Sympatric Species of Emerita emeritus in South Coast of Cilacap Central Java

Cilacap Regency resides in the southern part of Central Java. It faces the Indian Ocean and has a quite long coastline with sandy beaches as the favorable habitats for mole crabs. Careful examinations on previously identified as Emerita emeritus samples from Cilacap, the mole crabs showed slight morphological differences to Emerita emeritus Linnaeus. We assume that our samples are sympatric species of E. emeritus complex rather than E. emeritus Boyko. A length of 560 bp fragments of the cytochrome oxidase 1 was sequenced. Homology test resulted in 83 - 86% sequences similarity to E. emeritus sequence available in GenBank (KR047035). Our samples also had high genetic distances (0.152 -0.155) to the sequence of KR047035. The phylogenetic tree showed a clear separation between our samples and reference sequence (Emerita emeritus KR047035) with a quite long branch. Those all three kinds of data prove that our Emerita samples are most likely not belong to previously identified Emerita emeritus Boyko although it shows only slight morphological differences. These results indicate that possible cryptic species of Emerita emeritus or E. emeritus complex inhabits sandy beaches in Cilacap coast. It has been described that cryptic species are common in aquatic organisms. However, we need more samples to examine and strengthen our finding.
Feasibility Study for Water-Electricity Cogeneration Using Integrated System of Concentrated Solar Power and Biofuel as Renewable Energy Sources

Although Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) is one of the promising renewable energy technologies, several technical and economic challenges should be addressed. One of the major issues associated with Concentrated Solar Power technologies is the reliability limitation of the plant in the stand-alone configuration. Therefore, Concentrated Solar Power systems can be integrated with either thermal energy storage (TES) or a fossil-fuelled power assist FFPA). However, initial and maintenance costs and emission production are the main challenges for the developing countries. Integrating biofuel/biogas with CSP increases the renewability while solar irradiation is in absent. The paper main objective is to perform a feasibility study of integrating a biofuel based gas turbine power units in a Concentrated Solar Power plant for electricity and water cogeneration. The study includes the thermodynamics analysis and assessment of three biofuels, namely, Jatropha oil, castor oil, and palm oil. In addition, a cost lifecycle, sensitivity, and Monte Carlo analyses were performed. The results showed that Castor oil had a better performance in terms of efficiency and carbon dioxide emissions with a maximum daily freshwater production of 181,000 m 3 /day. The proposed integration resulted in a levelized cost of water that is lower than the water tariff in the UAE by $1.39/m 3 with a payback period of 5 years.
Melt electrospinning of polycaprolactone and its blends with poly(ethylene glycol)

Melt electrospinning is one aspect of electrospinning with relatively little published literature, although the technique avoids solvent accumulation and/or toxicity which is favoured in certain applications. In the study reported, we melt-electrospun blends of poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL) and an amphiphilic diblock copolymer consisting of poly(ethylene glycol) and PCL segments (PEG-block-PCL). A custom-made electrospinning apparatus was built and various combinations of instrument parameters such as voltage and polymer feeding rate were investigated. Pure PEG-block-PCL copolymer melt electrospinning did not result in consistent and uniform fibres due to the low molecular weight, while blends of PCL and PEG-block-PCL, for some parameter combinations and certain weight ratios of the two components, were able to produce continuous fibres significantly thinner (average diameter of ca 2 µm) compared to pure PCL. The PCL fibres obtained had average diameters ranging from 6 to 33 µm and meshes were uniform for the lowest voltage employed while mesh uniformity decreased when the voltage was increased. This approach shows that PCL and blends of PEG-block-PCL and PCL can be readily processed by melt electrospinning to obtain fibrous meshes with varied average diameters and morphologies that are of interest for tissue engineering purposes. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Adolescents creating cartoons: A developmental study of humor

Abstract Developmental studies on humor have historically approached a limited age range – from birth until early adolescence – and have mostly considered humor interpretation and the production of situational and verbal humor. Focusing on cartooning, a highly demanding cognitive and communication activity, in this paper we aim to provide empirical data drawn from a larger age span than usual – 10 to 18 years old – to better understand what adolescents find humorous and how they create humor. Our corpus comes from nine workshops of cartoon production and interpretation conducted between 2015 and 2018, in which a total of 63 girls and 72 boys participated. Based on a fine-grained cognitive and communication analysis, we distinguished six different profiles of texts depending on: whether and how a fictional situation (i.e. a humorous incongruity) was built, its relation to the referenced situation addressed (topic), and the author’s motivation. Simple Correspondence Analyses enabled us to identify that these texts varied according to the adolescents’ age and the cartoon’s format (single panel or strip). Greater cognitive sophistication was evidenced in single panel cartoons and among middle and late adolescents, who also showed a concern for social issues. Some gender variations were found.
The Implementation of Semester Credit System-Based Economic Learning in The 2013 Curriculum Application of Senior High School

This paper intends to describe and discuss the implementation of semester credit system-based learning in Economics subject of senior high school. This research used qualitative field research approach to identify the implementation of semester credit system-based learning in SMAN 2 Mojokerto. The data collection was obtained through interviews, field observation, and documentation. Based on the data obtained, the implementation of semester credit system-based learning has been conducted well. However, the researchers discovered that there were some obstacles such as students’ lack of motivation, enthusiasm, and responsibility. Thus, it is important for teachers and school counsellors to direct and guide students during the learning process.
Systematic Expression Analysis of Zinc-finger Transcription Factor Family Reveals the Importance of Snai1 in Colorectal Carcinogenesis

Background: Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has long been recognized as one of the most important processes involved in cancer cells metastasis. SNAI1, a member of zinc-finger transcriptional factor family, has been identified as an EMT inducer, but its role in human colorectal cancer (CRC) remains largely unclear.Methods: In the present study, we made a synthesis of the expression of zinc-finger transcription factor family and investigate the prognostic value of SNAI1 in human CRC by using a series of bioinformatic tools.Results: SNAI1 is the only member of zinc-finger transcription factor family that frequently overexpressed in CRC. In addition, overexpression of SNAI1 was remarkably associated with high tumor stage, N classification and M classification in patients with CRC. Patients with high SNAI1 expression had worse prognosis than those with low SNAI1 expression. Moreover, cox regression analysis showed that SNAI1 was an independent risk factor for overall survival in CRC patients. KEGG pathway analysis showed that SNAI1 enriched in pathways of Focal adhesion, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and ECM-receptor interaction. GO analysis revealed that SNAI1 participated in processes of extracellular matrix organization, cell adhesion and collagen catabolic process. Eventually, co-expression analysis revealed that overexpression of SNAI1 was significantly correlated with Biglycan (BGN), indicating that they may cooperate in regulating the process of EMT, thereby inducing cancer cells metastasis.Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that SNAI1 is overexpressed in CRC and acts as an independent molecular marker for prognosis of CRC patients. SNAI1 is a potential biomarker for diagnosis, targeted therapy and prognostic evaluation of CRC.
Effect of Nitrogen Fertilization on Production, Chemical Composition and Morphogenesis of Guinea Grass in the Humid Tropics

The use of nitrogen fertilization in tropical grasslands is a strategy that may reduce the pressure of livestock production on biome areas with humid forests. The objective of this study was to assess the use of different doses of nitrogen in Guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus (Jacq.) con. Mombasa) cultivated in the humid tropics. Doses of 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 kg of N ha−1 application−1 were applied during two consecutive years in experimental plots. The experimental area is located in the northeast of Pará, Brazil, with a predominantly tropical climate according to the Köppen classification. The morphogenic, production, and qualitative characteristics of the forage were evaluated. The morphogenic variables, rate of leaf appearance and rate of leaf elongation, in addition to daily accumulation of forage and crude protein content, increased with increasing doses of nitrogen. The morphological structure of the pasture was not modified. The number of cuts increased, whereas the number of days of recovery decreased, in the rainy season with increasing doses of nitrogen. The use of nitrogen fertilization does not alter the structure of the pasture; however, it improves the morphogenic, production, and chemical characteristics of Guinea grass.
SCREENING OF POLYPHENOLS IN GRAPE MARC BY ON-LINE SUPERCRITICAL FLUID EXTRACTION–FLOW THROUGH SENSOR

An on-line supercritical fluid extraction continuous flow manifold including a flow through sensor was used and applied to the quantitative determination of total polyphenols in grape marc samples. A clean, highly selective supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) method for the isolation of phenols from grape marc samples was optimised. Dried, ground, and sieved grape marc (0.1 g) were subjected to SFE with CO2 modified with 5% methanol at 350 bar and 50°C(CO2 density 0.9 g ml(−1) for 15 min at a liquid flow-rate of 4 ml min−1. Diatomaceous earth was used to reduce the void volume of the extraction vessel. The analytes were concentrated on a PorapackQ or ODS trap and subsequently eluted with methanol. The influence of extraction variables such as modifier content, pressure, temperature, flow-rate, extraction time, and collection/elution variables, were studied. Total phenol extracts were determined by using a direct measurement at 270 nm as screening method.
Evaluation of Molybdenum and Tungsten Metathesis Catalysts for Homogeneous Tandem Alkane Metathesis

Over 40 molybdenum and tungsten imido alkylidene mono(alkoxide) mono(pyrrolide) (MAP) or bis(alkoxide) olefin metathesis catalysts were examined in combination with Ir-based pincer-type catalysts for the metathesis of n-octane. The imido group, alkoxide, and metal in the metathesis catalysts were all found to be important variables. The best catalyst was W(NAr)(CHR)(OSiPh3)2 (Ar = 2,6-diisopropylphenyl), which performed about twice as well as the only previously employed catalyst, Mo(NAr)(CHR)[OCMe(CF3)2]2. Product yields decreased at temperatures greater than 125 °C, most likely because of the instability of the metathesis catalysts at such temperatures. POCOP Ir catalysts gave higher yields than PCP Ir catalysts, although the latter exhibited some selectivity for formation of tetradecane. Eight catalysts were synthesized in situ through addition of alcohols to bis(2,5-dimethylpyrrolide) complexes; in situ catalysts were shown to perform approximately as well as the isolated complexes, which suggests tha.
Optimization of the Catalytic Layer for Alkaline Fuel Cells Based on Fumatech Membranes and Ionomer

Polymer electrolyte fuel cells with alkaline anion exchange membranes (AAEMs) have gained increasing attention because of the faster reaction kinetics associated with the alkaline environment compared to acidic media. While the development of anion exchange polymer membranes is increasing, the catalytic layer structure and composition of electrodes is of paramount importance to maximize fuel cell performance. In this work, we examine the preparation procedures for electrodes by catalyst-coated substrate to be used with a well-known commercial AAEM, Fumasep® FAA-3, and a commercial ionomer of the same nature (Fumion), both from Fumatech GmbH. The anion exchange procedure, the ionomer concentration in the catalytic layer and also the effect of membrane thickness, are investigated as they are very relevant parameters conditioning the cell behavior. The best power density was achieved upon ion exchange of the ionomer by submerging the electrodes in KCl (isopropyl alcohol/water solution) for at least one hour, two exchange steps, followed by treatment in KOH for 30 min. The optimum ionomer (Fumion) concentration was found to be close to 50 wt%, with a relatively narrow interval of functioning ionomer percentages. These results provide a practical guide for electrode preparation in AAEM-based fuel cell research.
Quantitation and Sensory Studies of Character Impact Odorants of Different White Wine Varieties

Forty-four odor-active compounds were quantified in Scheurebe and Gewurztraminer wines, respectively. Calculation of odor activity values (OAVs) of odorants showed that differences in odor profiles of both varieties were mainly caused by cis-rose oxide in Gewurztraminer and by 4-mercapto-4-methylpentan-2-one in Scheurebe. On the basis of their high OAVs, ethyl octanoate, ethyl hexanoate, 3-methylbutyl acetate, ethyl isobutyrate, (E)-β-damascenone, and 3a,4,5,7a-tetrahydro-3,6-dimethylbenzofuran-2(3H)-one (wine lactone) were further potent odorants in both varieties. The compounds were dissolved in a water/ethanol mixture in various combinations and in concentration levels equal to those in wine. The results indicated that the aromas of Gewurztraminer and Scheurebe models were in good agreement with the original wines. Keywords: Gas chromatography; stable isotope dilution assay; quantitation; white wine; Gewurztraminer; Scheurebe
Poly(N-methylaniline)/Montmorillonite Composite: Chemical Synthesis, Characterization, and Application in Water Treatment

Poly(N-methylaniline)/montmorillonite (PNMA/MMT) composite particles were obtained by using a simple in situ chemical oxidative polymerization method in hydrochloric acid solutions. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, UV-visible absorption spectra and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were carried out to characterize the as-prepared PNMA/MMT composite. On the basis of spectroscopy and morphology analysis, the probable polymerization mechanism was proposed. The potential application of PNMA/MMT composite for removal of heavy metal ions, such as Cu2+ and Zn2+, in aqueous solution was also investigated.
Structure and Foaming Properties of Viscous Exopolysaccharides from a Wild Grape-Associated Basidiomycetous Yeast Papiliotrema flavescens Formerly Known as Cryptococcus flavescens

Exopolysaccharide produced by the yeast Papiliotrema flavescens, isolated from wine grape berries of Champagne vineyard, was investigated for both chemical and functional characterization. SECMALLS and colorimetric assay analyses showed that the EPS is a high MW heteropolymer (2.37 × 106 g/mol) majorily consisting of mannose, glucose, xylose and glucuronic acid as monosaccharide constituents, with two substituents (sulphate and phosphate groups), and a minor protein moiety. Structural enchainment of these carbohydrates based on methylation, GC-MS and NMR analyses revealed a linear main backbone built up of α-(1 →3)-D-mannopyranosyl residues on which are branched side chains consisting of a single β-D-glucopyranosyluronic acid residue and β-(1 →2)- xylopyranoses (2-5 residues). Suggestion of some xylopyranose side chains containing a mannose residue at the nonreducing terminal end was also proposed. This is first report on EPSs from the grape P. flavescens yeast with such structural characteristics. Furthermore, investigations for valuating the application performance of these EPS in relation with their structural features were carried out in 8% alcohol experiment solutions. Very exceptional viscosifying and foaming properties were reported by comparison with commercial biopolymers such as Arabic, gellan and xanthan gums. The intrinsic properties of the natural biopolymer from this wild grape-associated P. flavescens yeast make it a potential candidate for use in various biotechnology applications.
Physiological and molecular characterization of active fungi in pesticides contaminated soils for degradation of glyphosate

Understanding the physiological and molecular characteristics of naturally occurring fungi in glyphosate pesticide-contaminated environment is crucial to managing its contamination. The study was aimed at isolating and characterizing soil fungi for their physiological roles towards glyphosate degradation. Pure cultures of fungi were isolated from soil contaminated with glyphosate at farms in Lagos, Nigeria. The cultures were grown on minimal salt agar media amended with glyphosate. The best isolates exhibiting good tolerance to the glyphosate were characterized using molecular techniques. The BLAST search indicated that the fungi belong to four Aspergillus species (Aspergillus flavus strain JN-YG-3-5, Aspergillus niger strain APBSDSF96, Aspergillus fumigatus strain FJAT-31052 and Aspergillus flavus strain APBSWTPF130, Trichoderma gamsii and Penicillium simplicissimum. The biodegradation study of the glyphosate by the selected fungi species showed the presence of Aminomethylphosphonic Acid (AMPA) except for Aspergillus fumigatus strain FJAT-31052. Annotation analysis of the partial gene sequence showed that the strains possess protein coding gene clusters for glyphosate utilization and other physiological activities. The GhostKOALA output confirmed that CYP2W1 gene (Cytochrome P450, fungi type) was present in Aspergillus fumigatus strain FJAT-31052 which was absent in the genome of other fungi. The physiological and molecular characteristics of Aspergillus fumigatus strain FJAT-31052 clearly show that this fungus is a useful organism for managing contamination by glyphosate pesticide.
APPLYING STATE SPACE MODELS TO STOCHASTIC CLAIMS RESERVING

Abstract The paper solves the loss reserving problem using Kalman recursions in linear statespace models. In particular, if one orders claims data from run-off triangles to time series with missing observations, then state space formulation can be applied for projections or interpolations of IBNR (Incurred But Not Reported) reserves. Namely, outputs of the corresponding Kalman recursion algorithms for missing or future observations can be taken as the IBNR projections. In particular, by means of such recursive procedures one can perform effectively simulations in order to estimate numerically the distribution of IBNR claims which may be very useful in terms of setting and/or monitoring of prudency level of loss reserves. Moreover, one can generalize this approach to the multivariate case of several dependent run-off triangles for correlated business lines and the outliers in claims data can be also treated effectively in this way. Results of a numerical study for several sets of claims data (univariate and multivariate ones) are presented.