Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Dialectic of Transnational Integration and National Disintegration as Challenge for Multilevel Governance

A large number of studies have detected that within the EU multilevel governance there is a transformation toward a hybrid knowledge co-production that overcomes traditional categories such as locality or embeddedness. There, a sort of sustainable decision-making knowledge is co-developed and theoretically supposed to be applied top-down on the national level of EU member states. However, in practice such processes of unification are always associated with a risk of limited compliance with specific national situations and with a specific national “world of relevancies”. Despite the rise in popularity of these top-down initiatives within international policy levels, there is a lack of studies that empirically analyze how national policy systems respond to these global standardization approaches. Therefore, the central aim of this study is twofold: Based on an exemplary case of an international information system co-produced by an expert group of the European Commission, it first reconstructs whether and how transnational information is integrated on the national policy level. Second, it elucidates factors limiting an application. The results show that this international knowledge system was used for basal purposes and was mainly challenged by non-compliance with national specificities and the existence of alternative knowledge sources.
Evacuation Behavior in a Subway Train Emergency: A Video-based Analysis

How do people behave in the seconds after they become aware they have been caught up in a real-life transport emergency? This paper presents the first micro-behavioral, video-based analysis of the behavior of passengers during a small explosion and subsequent fire on a subway train. We analyzed the behavior of 40 passengers present in the same carriage as the explosion. We documented the first action of the passengers following the onset of the emergency and described evidence of pro- and anti-social behavior. Passengers’ first actions varied widely. Moreover, anti-social behavior was rare and displays of pro-sociality were more common. In a quantitative analysis, we examined spatial clustering of running behavior and patterns in passenger exit choices. We found both homogeneity and heterogeneity in the running behavior and exiting choices of passengers. We discuss the implications of these findings for the mass emergency literature and for evacuation modeling.
Strength Enhancement of Superduplex Stainless Steel Using Thermomechanical Processing

The impact of microstructure evolution on mechanical properties in superduplex stainless steel UNS S32750 (EN 1.4410) was investigated. To this end, different thermomechanical treatments were carried out in order to obtain clearly distinct duplex microstructures. Optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, together with texture measurements, were used to characterize the morphology and the preferred orientations of ferrite and austenite in all microstructures. Additionally, the mechanical properties were assessed by tensile tests with digital image correlation. Phase morphology was not found to significantly affect the mechanical properties and neither were phase volume fractions within 13% of the 50/50 ratio. Austenite texture was the same combined Goss/Brass texture regardless of thermomechanical processing, while ferrite texture was mainly described by α-fiber orientations. Ferrite texture and average phase spacing were found to have a notable effect on mechanical properties. One of the original microstructures of superduplex stainless steel obtained here shows a strength improvement by the order of 120 MPa over the industrial material.
CO2 emission allowances and their interacion with economic and energy factors in the European Union

Analysis of emission allowances prices has important environmental and political connotations. This article aimed to identifying the possible variables that may influence their behaviour and studied their relationship with fundamental factors: energy (Brent petroleum, Gas, Coal) and economy (Industrial Production Index, Baltic Dry Index, Purchasing Managers Index). With the objective of analyzing possible mutual interactions, Multivariate VAR or Error Correction Models (VECM), were applied. The information analysed derived from different sources (World Bank, Sendeco2 and various financial websites). The results obtained showed, not only the influence of past prices on the emission allowances actual price, but also the interaction with energetic and economic variables. Highlights Estimation of time series interrelations through VAR models. There is relationship of the emission allowances price with their past values. The energy variables are factors important to also explain the behavior of the emission allowances price. The economic variables are hardly significant except for the Dry Baltic Index.
Interpersonal Predictors of Suicide Ideation and Attempt Among Early Adolescents

Despite the growing epidemic of suicide ideation and attempt in adolescents, there is a lack of theory-based, empirical research to shed light on these issues in this population and inform school counselors’ preventive and responsive practices. We utilized Joiner’s Interpersonal Theory of Suicide (IPTS) to examine the extent to which the interpersonal constructs of perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness predicted adolescent suicide ideation and attempt by conducting two binomial logistic regressions on archival data from the 2017 eighth-grade Oregon Healthy Teens Survey. Six of the seven selected proxy items were statistically significant in each logistic model, with slight variance between the two. Our findings suggest that the interpersonal constructs of the IPTS are applicable to early adolescents and may be used to inform suicide prevention and intervention efforts among this population in school settings.
Gadoxetic Acid-Enhanced and Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Histologically Defined Early Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Purpose: To describe the imaging features of histologically defined early hepatocellular carcinoma (eHCC) on gadoxetate disodium-enhanced MRI (EOB-MRI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). Materials and Methods: We enrolled 173 surgically confirmed eHCCs in 119 patients examined by preoperative EOB-MRI and DWI between January 2006 and September 2017. The imaging features of preoperatively detected eHCCs were retrospectively analyzed by two radiologists. The clinical and imaging characteristics associated with false-negative detection were evaluated.Results: Of the 173 eHCCs, 118 (68%) in 78 patients were prospectively reported on preoperative EOB-MRI. After retrospective review, 17 eHCCs in 13 patients were additionally detected, with a per-lesion detection sensitivity of 78% (135/173). Thus, the imaging features of 135 eHCCs in 91 patients were analyzed. Most eHCCs exhibited hepatobiliary hypointensity (90%, 122/135). Arterial phase hyperenhancement, washout, and capsule appearance were seen in 68 (50%), 79 (59%), and 11 (8%) detected lesions, respectively. Diffusion restriction and fatty change were noted in 30 (22%) and 39 (29%) lesions, respectively; most eHCCs exhibited T1 and T2 isointensity (80 [59%] and 89 [66%], respectively). False-negative detection was associated with small lesion size (< 1 cm), history of HCC treatment (odds ratio, 0.34 [95% confidence interval, 0.13-0.92]), number of HCC lesions (≥ 2; odds ratio, 0.08 [0.01-0.66]), and poor functional liver imaging score (< 4; odds ratio, 0.13 [0.04-0.51]). Conclusions: Histologically defined eHCCs typically appear as hepatobiliary phase hypointensity. Detection sensitivity of eHCC may be affected by lesion size, history of HCC treatment, number of HCCs, and hepatobiliary enhancement.
Behavior of Medical Students toward Over-the-Counter Drugs in Comparison to Students from Other Faculties, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Background: Over-the-counter-drugs (OTC) are drugs that can be obtained by patients without a prescription from a physician. In Saudi Arabia, it has been reported that more than half of university students practiced self-medication and used OTC drugs. Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study, among medical and non-medical students in Riyadh. The sample size was 421, by systemic random sampling. A pre-coded pre-tested online questionnaire was used. Data was analyzed using SPSS V 23. P-value ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Results: There was no significant relationship between what the participants were majoring in and the usage of OTC drugs (p value= 0.373). Gender also had no relation with the use of OTC (p value= 0.168). Panadol appeared as the most commonly used OTC drug 62.9% for the relief of the most commonly mentioned factor which is headache 50.12%. Conclusion: Medical education didn’t have much of an effect on the use of OTC drugs. Moreover, professional guidance or advice was not considered most of the time for taking OTC, but the majority of respondents portrayed good behavior towards usage of OTC.
Advanced oxidation process using ozone/heterogeneous catalysis for the degradation of phenolic compounds (chlorophenols) in aqueous system

III ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . V DEDICATION . VI RESEARCH ARTICLE 1 . VII RESEARCH ARTICLE 2 . VIII PUBLISHED E-BOOK . IX ACADEMIC OUTPUTS OF RESEARCH REPORTED IN THIS THESIS . X TABLE OF CONTENTS . XII CHAPTER ONE . 1 1. INTRODCUTION . 1 1.1. BACKGROUND . 1 1.2. PROBLEM STATEMENTS . 4 1.3. PURPOSE STATEMENT. 5 1.4. OBJECTIVES OF THE RESEARCH . 5 1.4. 1. Main Objectives . 5 1.4. 2. Specific Objectives . 5 1.5. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE RESEARCH . 6 1.6. LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY . 6 1.7. INSTRUMENT EMPLOYED. 6 1.7. 1. Data Analysis and Findings . 7 CHAPTER TWO . 8 2. LITERATURE REVIEW . 8 2.1. PHENOLS AND CHLOROPHENOLS . 8 2.1.1. Phenol. 8
Foreign direct investment and Olympic Games: A systematic literature review

Abstract Motivated by the urban transformations observed in cities that hosted the Olympic Games in the recent years, this article aims to map and analyze the scientific publications that linked mega sporting events to foreign direct investment in different times and realities in order to understand the positive and negative impact that such a conjuncture causes on the business environment with different challenges and opportunities for the companies located in these regions. We believe that although the Olympic Games were chosen to represent this study, its results and propositions can be applied to other mega event contexts occurring in either developed or emerging locations. To this purpose, a systematic review of the literature was made based on the combined search of the terms "Foreign Direct Investment" and "Olympic Games," which gathered a final sample of 170 publications from 17 of the most relevant databases in the world. It was verified that although few studies have dealt with this issue as a central theme of discussion, they have been gaining relevance mainly since the Beijing Olympics in 2008. Thus, after mapping what has been discussed in the area, the main themes explored, theoretical perspectives, research gaps have been identified in order to contribute to a better understanding of the phenomenon. At the end, a theoretical framework is presented with the objective to guide future studies in the area.
Potential biogenic amine-producing bacteria in ripened cheeses

This study aimed to determine which of the eight cheese varieties (Prato, Standard Minas, Gorgonzola-, Moleson-, Raclette-, Gruyere-, Sbrinz- and Reblochon-types) prepared at a dairy processing plant in the state of Rio de Janeiro had higher concentration of biogenic amines (BA) (putrescine, cadaverine, tyramine, histamine, spermidine and spermine), to detect which BA were produced at higher concentrations and to determine if the presence of Enterobacteriaceae , biogenic amine producing bacteria (BAPB) or physical-chemical parameters (pH, titratable acidity, fat, moisture, total solids, protein, ash and chloride) would be correlated with BA production in the eight matured cheese varieties. Moleson-type cheese (72.50 mg.Kg -1 ) followed by Standard Minas (107.00 mg.Kg -1 ) showed the lowest levels of biogenic amines. Prato (699.29 mg.Kg -1 ) and Gorgonzola-type (936.37 mg.Kg -1 ) cheeses contained larger amounts of BA. Concentrations of tyramine exceeded the maximum permissible limit in all varieties of cheese. Although the presence of potentially BA-producing bacteria was confirmed in all samples of cheese, there was no correlation with BA content produced in cheeses. Gorgonzola-type cheese showed a positive correlation with the amount of BA in the isolates. Gorgonzola-type, Sbrinz-type and Prato cheeses seem to require greater care in monitoring the presence of biogenic amines, particularly because tyramine reached the highest levels in these varieties. Regardless of the analysed cheese, physical and chemical parameters did not affect the amount of BA produced. An assessment of the capacity to produce biogenic amines should be included as a selection criterion for starter cultures for ripened cheeses.
Freedom of Movement: Studying Women’s Mobility in North India

‘Freedom of movement’ is an integral component of women’s empowerment. However, according to the National Family Health Survey–4 (2015–2016), only 41 per cent of women in India enjoy complete mobility. This article examines women’s mobility as a function of factors within the household—specifically a woman’s relation to the household head—and its physical location, particularly whether it is located within a rural or an urban area. Using Bayesian inference techniques, we find that daughters-in-law are the least mobile, while spouses are the most. Additionally, we find that women are the most mobile when visiting the market and least mobile when visiting relatives. We also find that women from urban areas are more mobile than those in rural areas. The study goes on to enumerate the value of being able to move without any restrictions on employment. We establish that mobility is positively correlated with work. The article contributes to the limited research on urban women’s mobility and agency and how it varies with household practices and spatial location.
Diagnostic accuracy of qualitative MRI in 550 paediatric brain tumours: evaluating current practice in the computational era.

Background To investigate the accuracy of qualitative reporting of conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the classification of paediatric brain tumours. Methods Preoperative MRI reports of 608 children prior to resection or biopsy of an intracranial lesion were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 550 children had complete radiological and histopathological notes, thereby reaching our inclusion criteria. Concordance between MRI report and final histopathological diagnosis was assessed using an established lexicon derived from the WHO 2016 classification of CNS tumours. Levels of agreement based on cellular origin, tumour type, and tumour grade were evaluated. Diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, confidence intervals, and positive and negative predictive values were calculated. Results Diagnostic accuracy differed significantly between tumour types and tumour grades. Sensitivities were highest for ependymomas and sellar, pituitary, pineal, and cranial and/or paraspinal nerve tumours (range 80.65-100%). Sensitivity was slightly lower for astrocytic gliomas, oligodendrogliomas, and choroid plexus, neuronal, mixed neuronal-glial, embryonal, and histiocytic tumours (range 63.33-79.59%). Low sensitivities were noted for meningiomas and mesenchymal non-meningothelial, melanocytic, and germ cell tumours (range 0-56.25%). The most correct tumour type predictions were made in the posterior fossa whilst the most incorrect predictions were made in the lobar regions, pineal/tectal plate area, and the supratentorial ventricles. Conclusions This is the largest published series investigating the predictive accuracy of MRI in paediatric brain tumours. We show that diagnostic accuracy varies greatly by tumour type and location. Looking forward, we should develop and leverage computational methods to improve accuracy in the tumour types and anatomical locations where qualitative diagnostic accuracy is lower.
Crediting Variable Renewable Energy and Energy Storage in Capacity Markets: Effects of Unit Commitment and Storage Operation

As more variable renewable energy (VRE) and energy storage (ES) facilities are installed, accurate quantification of their contributions to system adequacy becomes crucial. We propose a definition of capacity credit (CC) for valuing adequacy contributions of these resources based on their marginal capability to reduce expected unserved energy. We show that such marginal credits can incentivize system-optimal investments in markets with installed capacity requirements and energy price caps. We simulated such markets using a LP-based capacity expansion planning model with convexified unit commitment (UC) constraints and ES. The impacts of UC and ES on capacity credits are investigated. Furthermore, we analyze technology and system cost distortions resulting from implementing inaccurate CCs in the capacity market. The results show that ignoring UC constraints can overestimate the CCs for VRE and ES. Building ES increases the CCs of VRE resources with higher capacity factors and a negative correlation with load. Assigning the wrong credit to VRE can significantly distort resource mixes and system cost. Implementing the proposed CCs can, in theory, eliminate those distortions and achieve the same overall optimum as a theoretical market without energy price caps.
The Performance of Canadian Listed Cannabis Equities: 1996-2020

This research investigates the investment performance of Canadian listed cannabis stocks. Canada legalized medical marijuana in 2001, following the initiation of medical marijuana authorization by some states in the US starting in 1996, and completely approved cannabis products in 2018. Investing in the 89 Canadian cannabis equities (listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange, Canadian Securities Exchange, Toronto Venture Stock Exchange, and Over-the-Counter Market) as an industry portfolio, based on weekly returns for the 1996 to 2020 period, generated high mean returns, standard deviation, positive skewness, and kurtosis. Robustness tests taking the winsorised returns (deleting the top and bottom 10 percent of returns) produced qualitatively similar results. Further, both the portfolio alpha and beta were extremely high. More so, the Canadian cannabis portfolio garnered excess returns when compared to the Standard and Poor’s Toronto Stock Exchange Composite Index. Money managers, financial analysts, and investors should contemplate including Canadian listed cannabis stocks based on their high investment return.
UAVs in Disaster Management: Application of Integrated Aerial Imagery and Convolutional Neural Network for Flood Detection

Floods have been a major cause of destruction, instigating fatalities and massive damage to the infrastructure and overall economy of the affected country. Flood-related devastation results in the loss of homes, buildings, and critical infrastructure, leaving no means of communication or travel for the people stuck in such disasters. Thus, it is essential to develop systems that can detect floods in a region to provide timely aid and relief to stranded people, save their livelihoods, homes, and buildings, and protect key city infrastructure. Flood prediction and warning systems have been implemented in developed countries, but the manufacturing cost of such systems is too high for developing countries. Remote sensing, satellite imagery, global positioning system, and geographical information systems are currently used for flood detection to assess the flood-related damages. These techniques use neural networks, machine learning, or deep learning methods. However, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) coupled with convolution neural networks have not been explored in these contexts to instigate a swift disaster management response to minimize damage to infrastructure. Accordingly, this paper uses UAV-based aerial imagery as a flood detection method based on Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) to extract flood-related features from the images of the disaster zone. This method is effective in assessing the damage to local infrastructures in the disaster zones. The study area is based on a flood-prone region of the Indus River in Pakistan, where both pre-and post-disaster images are collected through UAVs. For the training phase, 2150 image patches are created by resizing and cropping the source images. These patches in the training dataset train the CNN model to detect and extract the regions where a flood-related change has occurred. The model is tested against both pre-and post-disaster images to validate it, which has positive flood detection results with an accuracy of 91%. Disaster management organizations can use this model to assess the damages to critical city infrastructure and other assets worldwide to instigate proper disaster responses and minimize the damages. This can help with the smart governance of the cities where all emergent disasters are addressed promptly.
Universal Set of Primers for DNA Identification of Alien Fish Species in Central Russia (Volga-Kama Region)

Reliable species identification is critical for detection and monitoring of biological invasions. In this study, we propose four sets of primers for efficient amplification of several loci, including the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase-c (COI) subunit I gene which is a basis for DNA barcoding. This set of primers gives a shorter product which can be used in high-throughput sequencing systems for metabarcoding purposes. Another mitochondrial locus encoding the large ribosomal subunit (16S) may be useful to study the population structure and as an additional source of information in the metabarcoding of communities. We propose to use a set of primers for the nuclear locus of the small ribosomal subunit (18S) as a positive control and to verify the results of the barcoding. Our proposed sets of primers demonstrate a high amplification efficiency and a high specificity both for freshwater alien and indigenous fishes. The proposed research design makes it possible to carry out extremely cheap studies on the assessment of biological diversity using genetic analysis without expensive equipment, and with the technique for conducting laboratory work and processing of the results available to any researcher. The paper also presents original data on the genetic polymorphism of all mass alien fish species in the Volga-Kama region. High efficiency of DNA identification based on our primers is shown as compared to traditional monitoring of biological invasions.