Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Physical Properties of Newly Developed Resin Modified Glass Ionomer Cement with Synthesised Coumarin Derivatives

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of two types of coumarin derivatives, namely, 3-acetylcoumarin (AC) and coumarin thiosemicarbazone (CT) on surface characteristics such as the roughness, hardness, and morphology of resin-modified glass-ionomer cement (RMGIC). The release of coumarin from the fabricated RMGIC was also investigated. AC and CT at 1.0% (w/w) concentration were added into 0.3 g of RMGIC powder and mixed with 0.1 g of polyacrylic acid. The fabricated RMGIC-AC and RMGIC-CT were evaluated for surface characteristics such as roughness, hardness and topography. The coumarin release of AC and CT from RMGIC was also determined. The RMGIC-CT demonstrated a decreased roughness value among the materials. The surface roughness exhibited by the RMGIC was statistically higher (p < 0.05) than that of fabricated materials. The RMGIC-AC was observed to have the highest hardness value compared to the RMGIC-CT and RMGIC, and this value was significantly higher (p < 0.05). The surface morphologies of the RMGIC-AC and RMGIC-CT showed a number of pores and irregular surfaces. Meanwhile, the surface roughness value of the RMGIC was statistically higher (p < 0.05) than both RMGIC-AC and RMGIC-CT. In conclusion, the large-sized AC particles significantly increased the surface hardness of the fabricated RMGIC. Conversely, the particle size of both coumarins were not influenced the surface roughness value and the coumarin release profile of fabricated RMGICs.
Theoretical Studies on the Reaction Mechanism and Kinetics of Ethylbenzene-OH Adduct with O2 and NO2

The OH-initiated reaction of ethylbenzene results in major OH addition, and the formed ethylbenzene-OH adducts subsequently react with O2 and NO2, which determine the components of the oxidation products. In this study, nine possible reaction paths of the most stable ethylbenzene-OH adduct, EB-Ortho (2-ethyl-hydroxycyclohexadienyl radical intermediate), with O2 and NO2 were studied using density functional theory and conventional transition state theory. The calculated results showed that ethyl-phenol formed via hydrogen abstraction was the major product of the EB-Ortho reaction with O2 under atmospheric conditions. Peroxy radicals generated from O2 added to EB-Ortho could subsequently react with NO and O2 to produce 5-ethyl-6-oxo-2,4-hexadienal, furan, and ethyl-glyoxal, respectively. However, nitro-ethylbenzene formed from NO2 addition to EB-Ortho was the predominant product of the EB-Ortho reaction with NO2 at room temperature. The total calculated rate constant of the EB-Ortho reaction with O2 and NO2 was 9.57 × 10−16 and 1.78 × 10−11 cm3 molecule−1 s−1, respectively, approximately equivalent to the experimental rate constants of toluene-OH adduct reactions with O2 and NO2. This study might provide a useful theoretical basis for interpreting the oxygen-containing and nitrogen-containing organics in anthropogenic secondary organic aerosol particles.
Microbial contamination of packaged drinking water in Nigeria

About 18% of urban households in Nigeria depend on packaged sachet water as the primary source of drinking water. This review assessed microbial contamination of these products with an emphasis on total coliforms and the faecal indicator bacteria (FIB) – Escherichia coli (E. coli) and thermotolerant coliforms (TTC).
A Novel Compliant Nanopositioning Stage Driven by a Normal-Stressed Electromagnetic Actuator

This article reports on the design, modeling, control, and testing of a novel compliant nanopositioning stage driven by a self-developed normal-stressed electromagnetic actuator. To facilitate the parameter selection for the stage to achieve the desired stroke and natural frequency, an analytical model of both the electromagnetic circuit and flexure mechanism is established, which is then systematically verified through finite element analysis. By combining a proportional—integral—differential (PID)-based main controller with a system dynamics inversion-based feedforward compensator, a closed-loop control system for the stage is constructed with the main controller being tuned through Bode’s ideal transfer function-based loop-shaping method. The experimental result shows that a stroke of ${\pm } 95 ~\mu \text{m}$ and a first natural frequency of 743 Hz are achieved for the designed stage. Finally, taking advantage of the constructed control system, the nanopositioning capability is demonstrated by finely tracking the harmonic and nanostair commands. Note to Practitioners—Piezoelectric actuators (PEAs) and voice coil motors (VCMs) are commonly adopted for the actuation of nanopositioning stages. In general, constrained by the inherent small strain, PEA is more suitable for the generation of dynamic motions in dozens of micrometers. Meanwhile, VCM has a theoretically infinite motion range but a slow response due to its low force density nature. Taking advantage of a newly developed normal-stressed electromagnetic actuator (NSEA), we demonstrate the design, modeling, control, and testing of an NSEA-based nanopositioning stage with a relatively long motion range, high bandwidth, and compact size. Considering the high force density and relatively large motion range only constrained by the effective air gap, the NSEA-based stage is demonstrated herein to be very promising to achieve highly dynamic motions within hundreds of micrometers.
From Process to Centuries: Upscaling Field‐Calibrated Models of Fluvial Bedrock Erosion

Fluvial bedrock erosion formulas lack validation over space and time. We explore the performance of field‐calibrated models at the patch‐scale (<1 m2 ) and from minutes to centuries. At the hour to annual scales (in 1‐min resolution), we verify predictions using linked discharge, bedload transport and at‐a‐point erosion, together with spatial erosion from a mountain streambed. Local and spatial erosion linearly scale with bedload mass. The unit stream power model (USP) fails to describe erosion dynamics without a threshold for its onset. Extrapolating over the decadal scale (14 years of discharge and bedload data), scaled models predict up to 12% of erosion for two exceptional floods. Erosion predictions for a bi‐centennial discharge varied over four orders of magnitude (extrapolated from 32.5 years discharge and 16 years bedload data at 10‐min resolution). Bi‐centennial erosion predictions summing up to 1 m for bedload models versus 0.1 m for USP highlight the likely dominance of large events in setting long‐term erosion under sediment‐starved conditions.
Influence of different concentrations of chia (Salvia hispanica) and flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) meal on fillet fatty acid profile of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

The nutritional quality of tilapia fillet is characterized by low omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs). The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of different dietary concentrations of chia (Salvia hispanica) and flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) meal on the omega-3 fatty acid content of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fillet. Six experimental diets incorporating 5, 10, and 15% chia or flaxseed meals, respectively, were given to the fish (238.36 ± 7.61 g, initial weight) for 45 days before harvesting. The α-linolenic acid (ALA) and n-3 PUFA contents in the fillet differed significantly among diets (P < 0.05). Diets containing 15% chia or flaxseed meal had the highest concentrations of ALA (4.80 and 4.75%, respectively) and n-3 PUFA (13.65 and 15.92%, respectively). Thus, chia or flaxseed meal dietary inclusion increased the ALA and n-3 PUFA contents in the tilapia fillet. Chia or flaxseed meals are useful and potential alternatives to improve the nutritional value of O. niloticus fillets.
Coupled Discrete Fractional-Order Logistic Maps

This paper studies a system of coupled discrete fractional-order logistic maps, modeled by Caputo’s delta fractional difference, regarding its numerical integration and chaotic dynamics. Some interesting new dynamical properties and unusual phenomena from this coupled chaotic-map system are revealed. Moreover, the coexistence of attractors, a necessary ingredient of the existence of hidden attractors, is proved and analyzed.
THE RELATION BETWEEN ENGAGEMENT QUALITY CONTROL REVIEW HOURS AND AUDITOR CHANGES: EVIDENCE FROM SOUTH KOREA

The purpose of this study is to analyze whether engagement quality control review (EQCR) hours affect auditor changes and whether abnormal audit fees and changes in management have moderating effects on the relation between EQCR hours and auditor changes. The logit regression model is designed to investigate the relation between EQCR hours and auditor changes. The study finds evidence that EQCR hours are higher before auditors are changed. It also documents that abnormal audit fees weaken and that changes in management strengthen the positive relation between EQCR hours and auditor changes. In summary, high EQCR hours increase the probability of auditor changes, and the results imply that EQCR hours are a proxy for the audit risk perceived by auditors. This research is the first empirical study to test the relation between EQCR hours and auditor changes.
Feasibility of a Drug-Releasing Radiofrequency Ablation System in a Porcine Liver Model

The objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility of a newly developed anticancer drug-releasing radiofrequency ablation (RFA) system in a porcine liver model. A 15-gauge drug-releasing cooled wet electrode (DRCWE) was newly developed to improve the RFA efficacy for creating a large ablation as well as for simultaneously delivering an anticancer drug to the tumor margin. Nine ablations in three pigs were performed by the DRCWE. The sectioned liver specimens were evaluated by measuring the ablation zone by a positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging examination to investigate whether 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose was exactly diffused. Volumes of the ablation zones released drug injection volumes, circularity, retention rate defined as the ratio between an estimated and injection dose, and the standard uptake value were assessed. The drug-releasing RFA was technically successful without procedural-related complications. During the procedure, the color changes of the ablated zones of the liver were observed in all specimens. The mean drug injection volume was higher than the ablated volumes (17.21 ± 2.85 vs. 15.22 ± 2.30 cm3) and the circularity was 0.72 ± 0.08. Moreover, the retention rate was 72.89% ± 4.22% and the mean standard uptake value was 0.44 ± 0.05. The drug-releasing RFA system was feasible not only for local ablation but also for the delivery of anticancer drugs. The results of this study indicate that this novel strategy of localized RFA with a drug delivery system could be a promising option for the prevention of local recurrence rates.
Meso- and macroporous silica-based arsenic adsorbents: effect of pore size, nature of the active phase, and silicon release

Arsenic pollution in ground and drinking water is a major problem worldwide due to the natural abundance of arsenic by dissolution from ground sediment or mining activities from anthropogenic activities. To overcome this issue, iron oxides as low-cost and non-toxic materials, have been widely studied as efficient adsorbents for arsenic removal, including when dispersed within porous silica supports. In this study, two head-to-head comparisons were developed to highlight the As(v)-adsorptive ability of meso- and macrostructured silica-based adsorbents. First, the role of the textural properties of a meso-(SBA15) and macrostructured (MOSF) silica support in affecting the structural-morphological features and the adsorption capacity of the active phase (Fe2O3) have been studied. Secondly, a comparison of the arsenic removal ability of inorganic (Fe2O3) and organic (amino groups) active phases was carried out on SBA15. Finally, since silica supports are commonly proposed for both environmental and biomedical applications as active phase carriers, we have investigated secondary silicon and iron pollution. The batch tests at different pH revealed better performance from both Fe2O3-composites at pH 3. The values of qm of 7.9 mg g−1 (53 mg gact−1) and 5.5 mg g−1 (37 mg gact−1) were obtained for SBA15 and MOSF, respectively (gact stands for mass of the active phase). The results suggest that mesostructured materials are more suitable for dispersing active phases as adsorbents for water treatment, due to the obtainment of very small Fe2O3 NPs (about 5 nm). Besides studying the influence of the pore size of SBA15 and MOSF on the adsorption process, the impact of the functionalization was analyzed on SBA15 as the most promising sample for As(v)-removal. The amino-functionalized SBA15 adsorbent (3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, APTES) exhibited a qm of 12.4 mg g−1 and faster kinetics. Furthermore, issues associated with the release of iron and silicon during the sorption process, causing secondary pollution, were evaluated and critically discussed.
A multi-stakeholder view on director remuneration guidance in South Africa

Purpose: Given South Africa’s well-developed governance framework, considerable wage inequality and sizeable executive packages, this study was conducted to reflect on the aptness and application of the King IV director remuneration guidelines. Design: The views of 23 representatives of institutional investors, remuneration committee members and leading executives of financial services companies were gauged on the King IV remuneration recommendations by conducting semi-structured interviews. The primary data were analysed by conducting thematic analysis. Findings: The participants commended the heightened focus on pay-related transparency and reporting quality evident in King IV, in particular the three-part remuneration report and single pay figure disclosure. Participants urged remuneration committees to link executive pay to the six capitals. Practical implications: Government and the Institute of Directors in South Africa should account for the considerable regulatory burden that companies are experiencing when amending remuneration-related regulation in future. More guidance is required to link sustainability considerations to executive emolument. A corporate culture which promotes fair remuneration would benefit multiple stakeholders. Focus should be placed on equal pay for work of equal value. Value: The views of powerful and informed stakeholder representatives were gauged on responsible and transparent remuneration practices in an emerging market with severe pay inequality.
Strong links between plant traits and microbial activities but different abiotic drivers in mountain grasslands

Plant–soil interactions can be major driving forces of community responses to environmental changes in terrestrial ecosystems. These interactions can leave signals in aboveground plant functional traits and belowground microbial activities and these signals can manifest in observed covariations. However, we know little about how these plant–soil linkages vary in response to environmental conditions at biogeographic scales for which experiments are impossible. Here, we investigate patterns of direct and indirect linkages between plant functional traits, soil microbial activities and environmental conditions in mountain grasslands along elevational gradients.
The Stress Axis in Obesity and Diabetes Mellitus: An Update

The hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis is a tightly regulated system that represents one of the body’s mechanisms for responding to acute and chronic stress. Prolonged stress and/or inadequate regulation of the stress system can lead to a condition of chronic hypercortisolism or, in some cases, a blunted cortisol response to stress, contributing to insulin resistance, increased adiposity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Moreover, acute and chronic stress can exacerbate or worsen metabolic conditions by supporting an inflammatory state and a tight relationship between stress, inflammation and adipose tissue has been reported and has been a growing subject of interest in recent years. We reviewed and summarized the evidence supporting hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis dysregulation as an important biological link between stress, obesity, inflammation and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Furthermore, we emphasized the possible role of infectious-related stress such as SarsCov2 infection in adrenal axis dysregulation, insulin resistance and diabetes in a bidirectional link. Understanding and better defining the links between stress and obesity or diabetes could contribute to further definition of the pathogenesis and the management of stress-related complications, in which the HPA axis dysregulation has a primary role.
Time-series residual momentum strategies

ABSTRACT We find that the conventional time-series momentum strategy can be revised in two ways to deliver enhanced excess return performance that are reminiscent of the advancements for the cross-sectional momentum strategy. First, we explore the applicability of the residual return for time-series momentum and find that it opens a door for constructing new improved time-series momentum strategies. Second, we examine the pertinence of the auto-covariance property of returns, which is the defining characteristic of time-series momentum, for asset allocation which has almost universally been identified with the equal-weighted one in the literature. We discover that consistent and persistent performance enhancements are earned by both approaches for the industry portfolios.
Profile vortex shedding from low-speed axial fan rotor blades: a modelling overview

This paper presents an overview of the characteristics potentially influencing the profile vortex shedding (PVS) phenomenon being relevant in noise and vibration of low-speed axial fan rotor blades. Dimensional analysis has been applied to explore the essential dimensionless quantities in a systematic and comprehensive manner. On this basis, limitations have been established, and simplifying assumptions have been set up in terms of PVS investigation. Groups of dimensionless characteristics playing a role in the semi-empirical model for predicting the PVS frequency were identified. The available semi-empirical model and its unique features related to the measurement evaluation methodology and Reynolds number dependence have been outlined. The presented comprehensive analysis provides guidelines from the perspective of transferability of the literature data on PVS from steady, isolated blade profile models to low-speed axial fan rotors. It also results in the formulation of objectives of future research related to PVS.
Sustainable Determinants That Affect Tourist Arrival Forecasting

This study considers diversification effects and significant influences on tourist arrivals as a vital export direction. Different quantitative methods, namely a cointegrated-autoregressive model, panels, sentiment and sensitivity analysis, were used in this study. The time-series data for Croatia and Slovenia were isolated from several secondary sources. The variables examined in this approach are tourist arrivals, precipitations, sunny days, earthquakes, microbes and CO2 emissions. The study results showed that there is a severe negative effect on tourist arrivals defined by viruses. Moreover, there is a significant decisive effect of weather conditions on tourist arrivals. Nevertheless, it is necessary to move past Covid-19 pandemic discussions to yield more accurate tourism supply forecasts, while demand is already somehow low since the beginning of 2020. The primary significance is to develop a broader thinking about the impacts of CO2 emissions on the tourism escorted to official tourist websites.
Compliance and conversion in small groups: online vs. offline polarisation effects

ABSTRACT This study investigated the phenomena of group polarisation with particular attention to the differences between offline and online settings. Polarisation is a process that leads people to develop extreme ideologies. Three hundred and seven participants were recruited and randomly assigned to different experimental conditions, i.e. antisocial and prosocial polarisation, within groups of 6 people composed of four confederates, participating in discussions about a social dilemma under two different circumstances: face to face and online. The degree of polarisation was assessed considering the final decisions adopted by the participants, as well as the internal dynamics characterising their final attitudes, i.e. compliance versus conversion. Results showed that online groups appeared more susceptible to polarisation and their members reported a greater degree of conformism. In particular, within online environments, the risk of being polarised, both antisocially and prosocially, increased by around 12%. Furthermore, in an online setting, a greater degree of conversion emerged only when the members decided to adopt a pro-social behaviour, while a greater degree of compliance emerged whenever they decided to adopt antisocial behaviour.
Firms’ subjective uncertainty and forecast errors: survey evidence from Japan

ABSTRACT Using original survey data linked with the financial statements of Japanese listed firms, this study presents an ex post evaluation of firms’ ex ante subjective uncertainty. Ex ante forecast uncertainty in terms of sales and employment growth is derived from firms’ subjective confidence interval around their point forecasts. Ex post forecast error is calculated as the deviation of the realized figures from the point forecasts. The results indicate that ex ante subjective uncertainty has a significant positive association with realized absolute forecast error. The subjective confidence interval for a firm’s own business forecast, in comparison with that for macroeconomic variables, is reliable as a measure of uncertainty. These findings indicate that the subjective probability distribution of business outlook captured by firm surveys contains valuable information for measuring economic uncertainty at the micro-level.
Competency assessors’ cognitive map of practice when assessing practice based encounters

Introduction: There is growing evidence that inconsistencies exist in how competencies are conceptualised and assessed. Aim: This study aimed to determine the reliability of pharmacist assessors when observing practice-based encounters and to compare and contrast assessors’ cognitive map of practice with the guiding competency framework. Methods: This was a qualitative study with verbal protocol analysis. A total of 25 assessors were recruited to score and verbalise their assessments for three videos depicting practice-based encounters. Verbalisations were coded according to the professional competency framework. Results: Protocols from 24 participants were included. Interrater reliability of scoring was excellent. Greater than 75% of assessment verbalisations were focused on 3 of the 27 competencies: communicate effectively, consults with the patient, and provide patient counselling. Conclusion: Findings support the notion that assessment completed within practice could be largely informed by a single component of the interaction or more specifically, what ‘catches the eye’ of the assessor.