Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Physicochemical Approaches for the Remediation of Manufactured Gas Plant Tar in Porous Media

SCOTT C. HAUSWIRTH: PHYSICOCHEMICAL APPROACHES FOR THE REMEDIATION OF MANUFACTURED GAS PLANT TAR IN POROUS MEDIA (Under the direction of Cass T. Miller) Tars produced as a by-product of coal and oil gasification at former manufactured gas plants (FMGPs) during the 19 and early 20 centuries were often released into the environment through poor disposal practices or leaks in holding tanks and piping. These tars are persistent contaminants, leaching polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) into groundwater and posing a significant risk to human and ecological health. FMGP tars also have several properties that make them notoriously difficult to remediate. They are dense non-aqueous phase liquids (DNAPLs), so they can migrate to depths which make removal by excavation difficult or impossible, and their relatively high viscosities and ability to alter the wetting characteristics of porous media result in inefficient removal by traditional pump-and-treat methods. This work investigates the relationship between tar composition and properties, and explores several remediation approaches. The interfacial tension (IFT) of a set of FMGP tars was measured as a function of pH and correlated with compositional features. It was observed that IFT is a strongly decreasing function of pH, suggesting the potential use of high pH (alkaline) solutions to mobilize FMGP tar in porous media systems. Laboratory column experiments were conducted to investigate the use of alkaline solutions, alone and in combination with natural polymers (xanthan gum) and surfactants,
Happiness in University Students: Personal, Familial, and Social Factors: A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Survey

Happiness is the foundation of a better life and a goal that people pursue; however, happiness levels among university students are low. The purpose of this study is to explore the main factors influencing student happiness. A nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted in China in 2020. Data on student happiness was collected using the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire, and students’ personal, familial, and social information were obtained using another questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was employed to examine the association between student happiness and these factors in terms of odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). A total of 2186 valid questionnaires were obtained. Firstly, student happiness was found to be associated with personal factors. The results found that happiness was significantly associated with state of health, the adjusted OR (95% CI) = 3.41 (2.01–5.79) for healthy students compared to unhealthy students, and that happiness decreased with the student’s age (OR = 0.79 and 95% CI = 0.63–0.98). Secondly, the research suggested that happiness was associated with familial factors. Both frequent contact with family and a harmonious relationship with parents significantly enhanced happiness with ORs (95% CIs) 1.42 (1.17–1.71) and 2.32 (1.83–2.95), respectively. Thirdly, student happiness was associated with several social factors. Students who performed well academically, who went to sleep early, and who were in a loving relationship were found to be happier than those with poor academic performance, went to sleep late, and who were single, for which the ORs (95% CIs) were, respectively, 1.87 (1.51–2.32), 1.50 (1.24–1.81), and 1.32 (1.09–1.60). The survey identified several key personal, familial, and social factors influencing university student happiness, which can provide an effective measure to improve their happiness.
Nonspatial Proximity and Project Team Resilience: The Role of Knowledge Sharing and Team Cohesion

Project teams often work in a turbulent and uncertain environment, which tends to bring various dilemmas to them over the projects’ duration. Resilience makes it possible for project teams to minimize, manage, and mend the damage caused by adversities. The research on project team resilience is emerging, but not fully developed. Many inputs of project team resilience including team composition have attracted less or even no attention. We explored the influence of team composition on project team resilience from the perspective of proximity and discussed the role of knowledge sharing and team cohesion in their relationship. An analysis of 256 responses from Chinese construction project teams shows that (a) cognitive proximity has a U-shaped effect on project team resilience, knowledge sharing, and team cohesion; (b) value and social proximity positively affect project team resilience, knowledge sharing, and team cohesion; (c) knowledge sharing and team cohesion have a positive influence on project team resilience and mediate the relationship between cognitive, value, social proximity, and project team resilience. This study enriches the empirical literature on team resilience, broadens the boundary of project management, team resilience, proximity, and conservation of resources theory, and provides practical suggestions and future direction.
Mechanical Performance of 3D Printed Concrete in Steam Curing Conditions

Three-dimensional (3D) concrete printing (3DCP) technology attracts significant attention from research and industry. Moreover, adequate mechanical performance is one of the primary properties for materials, meeting the demand of structural safety using 3DCP technology. However, research on curing conditions as the significant influence factor of mechanical capacity is required to accelerate the practical application of 3DCP technology. This study aims to explore the impact of various steam curing conditions (heating rate, constant temperature time, and constant temperature) on the mechanical performance of printed concrete containing solid wastes. Moreover, the optimal steam curing conditions are obtained for compressive, tensile, and flexural properties in different directions. Subsequently, anisotropies in the mechanical properties of printed composites and interlayer bonding behaviors are investigated when various curing conditions are employed. The result shows that steam curing conditions and solid waste incorporation improves the interlayer bond for 3D printed cement-based composites.
Thymoquinone modulates the expression of sepsis-related microRNAs in a CLP model

Sepsis is a clinical syndrome common in critical care settings. In the present study, the therapeutic effect of thymoquinone (TQ) on the expression of sepsis-related microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs), levels of inflammatory markers, organ dysfunction and mortality were investigated in a cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) rat model. A single dose of TQ (1 mg/kg) was administered to animals 24 h after CLP and the mortality rate was assessed up to 7 days following the induction of sepsis. In addition, blood samples were collected at different time points and the expression levels of miRNAs (i.e. miR-16, miR-21, miR-27a and miR-34a) were examined, along with the levels of inflammatory cytokines (i.e. TNF-α, IL-1α, IL-2, IL-6 and IL-10) and sepsis markers (i.e. C-reactive protein, endothelial cell-specific molecule-1, VEGF, procalcitonin and D-dimer). Liver, kidney and lung tissues were also collected for further histological examination. Treatment with TQ significantly downregulated the miRNA expression levels, as well as the levels of inflammatory cytokines and early-stage sepsis biomarkers by 30-70% at 12-36 h (P<0.05). Furthermore, CLP model rats treated with TQ exhibited an ~80% increase in survival rate compared with that in the untreated CLP group. In addition, TQ induced the preservation of organ function and structure. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated a promising therapeutic effect of TQ against the sequelae of sepsis.
PENGARUH KOMPETENSI SUMBER DAYA MANUSIA, PEMANFAATAN TEKNOLOGI INFORMASI DAN SISTEM PENGENDALIAN INTERNAL TERHADAP NILAI INFORMASI PELAPORAN KEUANGAN PEMERINTAH DI KOTA KENDARI

This study aims to determine the effect on human resource competencies, information technology utilization and internal control systems on the value of government financial reporting information. The sample in this study were 60 employees who took part in making financial policies and were involved in the preparation of the Kendari City Government's financial statements. The research instrument used a questionnaire and the analytical method used was multiple linear regression analysis. The results found that human resource competencies, information technology utilization and internal control systems partially and simultaneously had a positive and significant effect on the value of financial reporting information. The better the competence of human resources, information technology utilization and internal control systems, the higher the value of government financial reporting information will be.
A comparative clinical study on the correlation of working length determined using three different electronic apex locators with radiographic working length: An in vivo study

Aim: This in vivo study was done to correlate the values of three different electronic apex locators: Root ZX, iPex, and Apex ID, with the radiographic working length (WL). Materials and Methods: Nineteen maxillary incisors with completely formed root apices indicated for endodontic treatment were chosen. After access preparation, coronal flaring and pulp extirpation, electronic measurement of WL was done with a No: 15 K file using the three devices on each tooth. A WL radiograph was then taken with the file placed within the canal and the length determined by following Ingle′s method. The data were then analyzed using the correlation coefficient and Z-test. Results: Root ZX showed the maximum correlation (r = 0.9881) with radiographic WL followed by Apex ID (R = 0.9731) and iPex (R = 0.9508). Root ZX had a statistically significant higher correlation with radiographic WL in comparison with iPex (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Maximum correlation of readings with the radiographic length was shown by Root ZX followed by Apex ID and then by iPex.
Growth, Electronic and Electrical Characterization of Ge-Rich Ge–Sb–Te Alloy

In this study, we deposit a Ge-rich Ge–Sb–Te alloy by physical vapor deposition (PVD) in the amorphous phase on silicon substrates. We study in-situ, by X-ray and ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopies (XPS and UPS), the electronic properties and carefully ascertain the alloy composition to be GST 29 20 28. Subsequently, Raman spectroscopy is employed to corroborate the results from the photoemission study. X-ray diffraction is used upon annealing to study the crystallization of such an alloy and identify the effects of phase separation and segregation of crystalline Ge with the formation of grains along the [111] direction, as expected for such Ge-rich Ge–Sb–Te alloys. In addition, we report on the electrical characterization of single memory cells containing the Ge-rich Ge–Sb–Te alloy, including I-V characteristic curves, programming curves, and SET and RESET operation performance, as well as upon annealing temperature. A fair alignment of the electrical parameters with the current state-of-the-art of conventional (GeTe)n-(Sb2Te3)m alloys, deposited by PVD, is found, but with enhanced thermal stability, which allows for data retention up to 230 °C.
Deep Reinforcement Learning for Dynamic Flexible Job Shop Scheduling with Random Job Arrival

The production process of a smart factory is complex and dynamic. As the core of manufacturing management, the research into the flexible job shop scheduling problem (FJSP) focuses on optimizing scheduling decisions in real time, according to the changes in the production environment. In this paper, deep reinforcement learning (DRL) is proposed to solve the dynamic FJSP (DFJSP) with random job arrival, with the goal of minimizing penalties for earliness and tardiness. A double deep Q-networks (DDQN) architecture is proposed and state features, actions and rewards are designed. A soft ε-greedy behavior policy is designed according to the scale of the problem. The experimental results show that the proposed DRL is better than other reinforcement learning (RL) algorithms, heuristics and metaheuristics in terms of solution quality and generalization. In addition, the soft ε-greedy strategy reasonably balances exploration and exploitation, thereby improving the learning efficiency of the scheduling agent. The DRL method is adaptive to the dynamic changes of the production environment in a flexible job shop, which contributes to the establishment of a flexible scheduling system with self-learning, real-time optimization and intelligent decision-making.
The Art of Enterprise Information Architecture: A Systems-Based Approach for Unlocking Business Insight

Architecture for the Intelligent Enterprise: Powerful New Ways to Maximize the Real-time Value of Information Tomorrows winning Intelligent Enterprises will bring together far more diverse sources of data, analyze it in more powerful ways, and deliver immediate insight to decision-makers throughout the organization. Today, however, most companies fail to apply the information they already have, while struggling with the complexity and costs of their existing information environments. In this book, a team of IBMs leading information management experts guide you on a journey that will take you from where you are today toward becoming an Intelligent Enterprise. Drawing on their extensive experience working with enterprise clients, the authors present a new, information-centric approach to architecture and powerful new models that will benefit any organization. Using these strategies and models, companies can systematically unlock the business value of information by delivering actionable, real-time information in context to enable better decision-making throughout the enterprisefrom the shop floor to the top floor. Coverage Includes Highlighting the importance of Dynamic Warehousing Defining your Enterprise Information Architecture from conceptual, logical, component, and operational views Using information architecture principles to integrate and rationalize your IT investments, from Cloud Computing to Information Service Lifecycle Management Applying enterprise Master Data Management (MDM) to bolster business functions, ranging from compliance and risk management to marketing and product management Implementing more effective business intelligence and business performance optimization, governance, and security systems and processes Understanding Information as a Service and Info 2.0, the information delivery side of Web 2.0
Bioactive Hydrolysates from Chlorella vulgaris: Optimal Process and Bioactive Properties

Microalgae have been described as a source of bioactive compounds, such as peptides. Microalgae are easy to produce, making them a sustainable resource for extracting active ingredients for industrial applications. Several microalgae species have interesting protein content, such as Chlorella vulgaris with around 52.2% of protein, making it promising for peptide hydrolysate production. Therefore, this work focused on the production of water-soluble hydrolysates rich in proteins/peptides from the microalgae C. vulgaris and studied bioactive properties. For that, a design of experiments (DOE) was performed to establish the optimal conditions to produce hydrolysates with higher levels of protein, as well as antioxidant and antihypertensive properties. Four experimental factors were considered (cellulase percentage, protease percentage, hydrolysis temperature, and hydrolysis duration) for three responses (protein content, antioxidant activity, and antihypertensive activity). The optimal conditions determined by the DOE allowed producing a scaled-up hydrolysate with 45% protein, with antioxidant activity, measured by oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay, of 1035 µmol TE/g protein, IC50 for angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition activity of 286 µg protein/mL, and α-glucosidase inhibition of 31% (30 mg hydrolysate/mL). The obtained hydrolysates can be used as functional ingredients for food and nutraceuticals due to their antioxidant, antihypertensive, and antidiabetic potential. Moreover, the antioxidant potential of the extracts may be relevant for the cosmetic industry, especially in antiaging formulations.
How health consciousness and social consciousness affect young consumers purchase intention towards organic foods

PurposeThis current research investigates antecedents affecting young consumers' purchasing intention of organic foods in a developing nation’s (Pakistan) context utilizing Theory of Planned Behavior. For this purpose, theoretical framework comprising characteristics of a product, concerns of consumers and consciousness were proposed.Design/methodology/approachResponses were collected from a sample comprising 418 young consumers through the convenience sampling technique. The data has been evaluated through Structural Equation Modeling.FindingsFindings demonstrate that characteristics of products and concerns of consumers significantly affect young consumer's health and social consciousness. However, such health and social consciousness were found to have an insignificant effect on young consumers' attitudes. Moreover, findings also show that attitude is positively linked with young consumers' purchase frequency towards organic foods. Outcomes also approve moderation of environmental awareness between attitude and organic food purchasing intention.Practical implicationsThe present study offers numerous implications for marketers, policymakers and socio-ecological organizations regarding development of intervention strategies to promote the purchase of organic foods. The study provides implications regarding making organic foods more accessible to all consumers in order to increase organic food consumption in developing countries.Originality/valueAlthough young consumers are aware of organic food products, their knowledge about the concept is limited. Therefore, this study provides an understanding of consumer's perspective regarding their purchase intention of organic foods, which will help marketers, researchers and food producers to achieve marketing strategies for the development of these products.
High Heterogeneity of Temporal Bone CT Aspects in Osteogenesis Imperfecta Is Not Linked to Hearing Loss

Objectives: To determine whether temporal bone computed tomography (CT) features are linked to the presence and type of hearing loss in osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) when considering hearing-impaired OI patients and normally hearing (NH) OI ones. A secondary objective was to assess whether other factors influence CT features in a large sample: age, type of mutation, or bone mineral density (BMD). Methods: A total of 41 adults with OI underwent CTs and pure-tone audiometry in 82 ears. Hearing thresholds were normal in 64 out of 82 ears, and most had not been operated on for stapedectomy or stapedotomy. Ossicle density, footplates, oval and round windows, retrofenestral peri- and endolabyrinths, and temporal pneumatization were analyzed twice by an experienced radiologist. CT features were compared to hearing, age, collagen mutations, and bone mineral density. Results: Unexpectedly a high prevalence of footplate, ossicle, and otic capsule anomalies was observed, even in NH ears. Footplate hypodensity or thickening was mostly found in ears without conductive hearing loss. There were significantly more retrofenestral anomalies or window obstruction in ears with a sensorineural hearing loss component than in ears without. Age was significantly higher in ears with middle layer hypodensity than in ears without. Patients with mutations were expected to have reduced collagen quantity and had significantly more footplate or retrofenestral anomalies than those with qualitative mutations. BMD was significantly higher in ears without temporal hyperpneumatization. Conclusion: Temporal bone CT features in OI are present in a large proportion of patients, had they hearing loss or not, and might be determined more by collagen mutation type than by age or BMD.
The Relationship between Knowledge about Phosphorus, Dietary Phosphorus Intake and Serum Phosphorus Level in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients

Background: Renal diet knowledge -especially phosphorus knowledge- is generally poor in Maintenance Hemodialysis (MHD) patients due to the complexity of information about dietary phosphorus thus causing poor compliance to dietary phosphorus guidelines and hyperphosphatemia. Objective(s): This study aimed to investigate the relationship between knowledge about phosphorus, dietary phosphorus intake and serum phosphorus level in MHD patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 110 MHD patients in the hemodialysis center in Alexandria Main University Hospital. A questionnaire was used to collect demographic and clinical data and 24-hour dietary recall. A 25-item nutrition knowledge questionnaire was asked to patients. Patients’ medical records were reviewed to collect data about the underlying cause of End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), duration of dialysis and serum biochemical parameters. Dry Body Weight (DBW) and height were measured using a stadiometer following a standard protocol and Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated. Results : Hyperphosphatemia was common (44.5%) in the present sample. Energy intake and protein intake were inadequate in 76.4% and 74.5% of patients. Mean phosphorus intake of hyperphosphatemia patients was higher than controlled patients (1053.99±420.18 mg/d vs 854.18±353.99 mg/d). Almost half of the patients (51.2 %) who consumed phosphorus intake >1000 mg/d had hyperphosphatemia and 61.0 % of patients with poor total renal diet knowledge and two thirds of patients (66.7%) with poor phosphorus knowledge had hyperphosphatemia. Phosphorus knowledge was a strong determinant for controlled serum phosphorus (OR =0.545 p=0.005), dietary phosphorus intake was a risk factor for hyperphosphatemia (OR=1.001, p=0.024). The main determinant of dietary phosphorus adherence was protein intake (OR =1.084, p<0.001). Conclusion: MHD patients have both poor renal diet and phosphorus knowledge. Phosphorus knowledge protects against development of hyperphosphatemia. Patients with higher protein intake had a high phosphorus intake. MHD patients need to be educated how to consume adequate protein while choosing lower phosphorus protein choices.
Effect of Dietary Licorice Supplementation on Performance of Growing Japanese Quail Reared in High Stocking Density

This study was conducted to evaluate the influence of dietary levels of licorice on quail performance stocked under high stocking density. A total number 255 one week old unsexed quail were randomly distributed into six groups. Chicks 1 were fed on a basal diet without licorice and reared at normal stoking density (10 birds/ replicate). The chicks of groups 2,3,4,5 and 6 distributed to be in high stocking density (15 birds/ replicate) and fed on basal diet supplemented with licorice at levels of 0.0, 0.3, 0.6, 0.9 and 1.2 g/kg diet, respectively. Addition of 0.9g licorice/kg diet to quail reared in HD increased LBW and BWG at wk 3 and 6. The quail chicks housed at HD without or with dietary supplementation at 0.3 g/kg presented higher values (p<0.05) of plasma TC, TG, LDL and lower plasma HDL and VLDL values. IgA and IgM levels were higher (p<0.01) in the quail chicks kept under HD treated with 0.9 g licorice /kg diet. Plasma SOD was higher (p<0.05) in the experimental group housed under HD treated with 0.6 g licorice/kg diet comparatively with other experimental groups. There were no significant differences in digestive enzymes, total yeasts, molds count and enterococcus SPP. In conclusion, increasing stocking density of growing Japanese quail from 10 to 15 negatively affect their performance. But, supplementing diets with licorice could reduce these negative effects and improve the performance at high stocking density.