Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Surface interactions of oxytetracycline on municipal solid waste-derived biochar–montmorillonite composite

ABSTRACT A composite material prepared from municipal solid waste-derived biochar and montmorillonite (MSW-BC-MMT) was studied as a remediation medium for the removal of oxytetracycline (OTC) from aqueous systems. The morphological characterization using SEM images revealed that the composite had a heterogeneous flaky, plate-like surface appearance. Based on N2 adsorption experiments and compared to the pristine biochar, the composite showed an increased specific surface area by 1.5 folds. The three-parameter Redlich Peterson isotherm model and two-parameter Temkin isotherm model were best fitted with R2 = 0.998 and 0.997, respectively, both for the pristine biochar and the MSW-BC-MMT composite. Additionally, the kinetics was best described using the pseudo-second-order model, suggesting that OTC adsorption onto the composite takes place via chemisorption. A capacity of 233 mg g−1 was observed for the MSW-BC-MMT, which is suggested to be predominantly governed by π-π electron donor–acceptor interactions, electrostatic attraction and surface complexation. As evidenced by FTIR results, OTC was presumed to be adsorbed via hydrogen bonding as well. The value addition of MSW by producing MSW-derived biochar is considered a favorable solution for solid waste management. Therefore, the production of the MSW-BC-MMT composite becomes useful due to its significance in acting as a simultaneous MSW management technique and a low-cost material for antibiotic OTC remediation. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Designing and evaluating falls prevention education with residents and staff in aged care homes: a feasibility study

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to co-design a falls prevention education programme with aged care home residents and staff and evaluate its feasibility. The intention of providing the education programme was to assist residents to stay safe and mobile whilst reducing their risk of falling.Design/methodology/approachA two-phase mixed methods participatory design using a resident (n = 6) and care staff (n = 5) consumer engagement panel, pre- and post-programme resident (n = 35) survey and semi-structured care staff interviews (n = 8) was undertaken in two countries.FindingsA poster, brochure, video and staff education guide featuring 12 safety messages depicting fall prevention behaviours were co-designed. Residents, supported by staff, perceived the falls prevention education programme as enjoyable and informative, but there were no significant differences in capability, opportunity or motivation. However, several residents were observed enacting fall prevention behaviours such as “If I feel unwell, I'll ring the bell” and waiting for staff assistance. Challenges to programme demand, acceptability and implementation which may have impacted residents' exposure and engagement with the programme were identified, along with recommendations to improve feasibility.Practical implicationsWhen developing falls prevention education programmes partnering with residents and staff, providing choices to meet personal and aesthetic preferences along with frequent, shorter duration learning opportunities are important for translating education messages into actions.Originality/valueThe use of bespoke resources, novel rhymes, positive messages emphasising safety and co-designing with residents themselves was a welcomed point of programme difference.
Investigation of 5-Year Interconnections between Local Earth Magnetic Field Fluctuations and Acute Myocardial Infarction in Lithuania

The impact of the local Earth magnetic field (LEMF) on cardiovascular events has been studied recently. Data gathered during past years encouraged us to conduct this epidemiological analysis evaluating the association between changes in LEMF and hospital admissions due to AMI in Lithuania between August 2014 and September 2019. This study is unique due to its coverage of all Lithuanian patients. The frequency of morbidity of AMI was compared with the intensity of the LEMF and correlation coefficient was evaluated. The LEMF was measured by the Global Coherence Monitoring Network magnetometer located in Lithuania. LEMF was measured by pikotesla square (pT²). The LEMF was analized in five frequency ranges [Hz], generally called between Schumann resonance, which overlap with the human brain activity waves on electroencefalogram (EEG) frequency ranges (here, they are named as SDelta (0-3.5Hz), STheta (3.5-7Hz), SAlpha (7-15Hz), SBeta (15-32Hz) and SGamma (32-65Hz) to distinguish from the EEG bands). Significant correlations between weekly admissions of AMI cases and the weekly LEMF strength in five frequency ranges and in total range was found. A clear negative correlation was observed between cases of AMI in female group and LEMF frequency ranges SDelta (0-3.5Hz), STheta (3.5-7Hz), SAlpha (7-15Hz), SBeta (15-32Hz) and in total range. In the second half of the year the number of AMI is lower, therefore negative correlations between SDelta (0-3.5Hz), STheta (3.5-7Hz), SAlpha (7-15Hz) and SBeta (15-32Hz) ranges are stronger than in the first one. This is particularly noticeable in 2016 and 2018 years.
Alzheimer’s disease therapy and effects of genetic polymorphisms on its efficacy and safety

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) continues to be a significant health burden worldwide as the global population is getting older and health care costs are escalating. AD is a heterogeneous condition having diverse phenotypes and genotypes, which is a major challenge in understanding disease etiopathogenesis. The difficulty in understanding the intricacies of the disease has led to recurrent failure of therapeutic agents in clinical trials resulting in an extremely slow and low success in the new drug discovery process for the AD. Currently approved agents for AD therapy are acetyl cholinesterase inhibitors (AchEIs) (donepezil, galantamine and rivastigmine) and n-methyl d-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist (memantine) that provide symptomatic relief only. However, extensive inter-individual variability in drug responsiveness is observed. ‘Pharmacogenomics’ which refers to how the genome of a patient might affect the treatment response to a drug, appears to play an important role in this inter-individual variability. By bringing pharmacogenomics profile of patients on AD therapy into consideration, it might be possible to gain maximum benefits from available treatments in terms of safety, therapeutic optimization and minimizing adverse effects. The purpose of this review is to provide better understanding of AD pathogenesis, challenges of current AD therapy and insight into the role of genetic polymorphism in drug response with focus on available therapeutic options in AD.
Strengthening pre-service training of healthcare workers on immunisation and effective vaccine management: the experience of Kenya Medical Training College

Pre-service health training institutions have a key role in training qualified medical and nursing staff deployable in immunisation programmes, making them capable of addressing complex situations, sustaining routine immunisation and introducing new vaccines and technologies. The incorporation of immunisation-related content into nursing and midwifery education is essential to improve and strengthen immunisation service delivery, disease surveillance, logistics, communication and management practices. Clinical and public health training incorporating learning objectives on immunisation that are specific to the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), will enable students to develop a firm basis of core knowledge and skills in immunisation. To assist health training institutions in the African Region and to facilitate the systematic revision of EPI curricula, two prototype curricula, one for medical and one for nursing/midwifery schools, were developed by WHO/AFRO, NESI/University of Antwerp and other partners in 2006 and revised in 2015. Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) has been at the forefront in revising and updating their institutional EPI curriculum for the pre-service Kenyan Registered Community Health Nursing programme based on the EPI prototype curriculum. Building on the successful strengthening of the EPI curriculum, KMTC will now embark on improving education and training for effective vaccine and cold chain management for selected training programmes. The different steps taken by KMTC to strengthen EPI teaching and learning can support other health training institutions who are willing to integrate the content of the EPI prototype curriculum in their own institutional curricula by adapting them to the local context.
Aortic Root Dilatation in Hypertensive Patients with Left Ventricular Hypertrophy-Application of A New Multivariate Predictive Model. The Life Study.

BACKGROUND Available nomograms to predict aortic root (AoR) diameter for body surface area have limitations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of a new multivariate predictive model to identify AoR dilatation in hypertensive patients with left ventricular hypertrophy. METHODS 943 of 961 patients in the Losartan Intervention For Endpoint reduction in hypertension (LIFE) echocardiographic sub-study had the necessary baseline characteristics and echocardiographic 2D measurements of AoR size to be included. RESULTS Predicted AoR (Sinus of Valsalva) diameter was 1.519 + (age [years] × 0.010) + (height [cm] × 0.010) - (gender [1 = M, 2 = F] × 0.247), and a measured AoR diameter exceeding the 97.5-percentile of this estimate was considered dilated. Measured AoR diameter was larger in men than in women (3.75 vs. 3.48 cm, p < 0.001) and AoR diameter predicted by the model was larger than predicted by nomogram (3.52 vs. 3.28 cm, p < 0.001). Using the multivariate model to identify patients with AoR dilatation, the prevalence was 13.7% in men and 12.3% in women (p = 0.537). There was consensus of AoR phenotype (normal/dilated) between model and nomogram in 92.8% of the patients. In multivariate logistic regression, AoR dilatation by model definition was predicted by presence of aortic regurgitation (OR 2.67, p < 0.001) and SD increase in age (OR 0.75, p = 0.023), pulse pressure (OR 0.64, p < 0.001), left ventricular mass index (OR 1.36, p = 0.08) and stroke volume (OR 1.45, p = 0.002), but not by body weight. CONCLUSIONS Using the proposed model the prevalence of AoR dilatation was equal in men and women and the model seems to address the effects of gender, age and body size on AoR size. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION URL: https://www. CLINICALTRIALS gov; Unique identifier: NCT00338260.
EVALUATION METHOD OF THRUST OSCILLATIONS IN LARGE SRM - APPLICATION TO SEGMENTED SRM's

Large segmented Solid Rocket Motors (SRM) experience pressure oscillations. A number of them, includin g Ariane 5, Space Shuttle or the Titan family, are reported to exhibit this kind of instability during operatio n. Pressure oscillations (ODP) in such SRM could be due to many physical phenomena with different origins : the formation of vortex shedding in relation with geome tric and ballistic factors, combustion instabilitie s linked to the combustion of aluminium particles, etc. Since such oscillations could be penalizing for the launcher, SAFRAN-SME (SME) has been conducting extensive studies in the context of R&D programs, under the a uthority of CNES and together with ONERA to improve pressure oscillation modelling. The aims of the wor k performed have been: to identify the various orig ins of these instabilities, to better understand the conditions in which they develop and the mechanism involved, to consider possible coupling phenomena and to assess their ult imate impact on motor operation. Numerous 2D and 3D geometries have been studied, by considering variou s thermodynamics conditions and numerous models such as turbulence, multi-phase flow, etc. This knowledge is a highly valuable asset when the time comes to design a new motor or even when a modification is planned on existing geometries. At the present t ime, the knowledge acquired provides a means of defining a research methodology for thrust oscillations in the preliminary design phase for future SRM. This methodology is useful in identifying and predicting, as a first ap proximation and at a very early stage, critical geo metries and time points during firing at which thrust oscillations c ould occur, which might compromise booster performance. During a second phase, numerical aerodynamic simulations and in some cases experimental tests on subscale mot ors can be performed to confirm the expected preliminary resul ts and to evaluate the ODP amplitudes. The first part of this paper gives an overview of t he methodology employed by SME to study ODP issue in SRMs. Key themes and main findings are presented. The second part is devoted to some implementation examples on well known segmented SRMs.
A review of the metastable omega phase in beta titanium alloys: the phase transformation mechanisms and its effect on mechanical properties

Since its discovery in 1954, the omega (ω) phase in titanium and its alloys has attracted substantial attention from researchers. The β-to-ω and ω-to-α phase transformations are central to β-titanium alloy design, but the transformation mechanisms have been a subject of debate. With new generations of aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy and atom probe tomography, both the spatial resolution and compositional sensitivity of phase transformation analysis have been rapidly improving. This review provides a detailed assessment of the new understanding gained and related debates in this field enabled by advanced characterization methods. Specifically, new insights into the possibility of a coupled diffusional-displacive component in the β-to-ω transformation and key nucleation driving forces for the ω-assisted α phase formation are discussed. Additionally, the influence of ω phase on the mechanical properties of β-titanium alloys is also reviewed. Finally, a perspective on open questions and future direction for research is discussed.
Influence of Weed Control Methods on the Yield and Yield Components of Cowpea ( Vigna unguiculata ( L . ) Walp . ) Varieties in Sokoto , Nigeria

Field trial was carried out during the 2017 wet season (July to October) at the Dryland Teaching and Research Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto to determine the effect of weed control methods on the yield and yield components of three (3) cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) varieties sourced from Sokoto Agricultural Development Project (SADP). Treatments consisted of factorial combination of four (4) weed control methods [Control (no weeding), Chemical weeding (Pendimethalin), Chemical + Hoe and Hoe weeding] and three (3) cowpea varieties [Dan Gidan Yunfa (Local), IT-288 and IT-277-2)]. Treatments were laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) replicated three (3) times. Data were collected on pod yield, grain yield, and haulm yield, total dry weight shelling percentage, 100-grain weight and weed dry weight. Dan Gidan Yunfa recorded higher pod and grain yield than the other varieties. Weed control had significant effect on weed dry matter, the control plot where no weeding was done throughout recorded the highest (103.50 kg ha, 114.32 kg ha, 139.45 kg ha) weed dry matter at 4, 8 and 12 WAS, respectively. Therefore, it could be concluded that Dan Gidan Yunfa performed better than other varieties in the study area. The pod and grain yield of the crop in the weeding treatments were not different from the control (no weeding). DOI: https://dx.doi. org/10.4314/jasem.v26i1. 14 Open Access Article: (https://pkp.sfu.ca/ojs/) This an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License (CCL), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Impact factor: http://sjifactor.com/passport.php? id=21082 Google Analytics: https://www.ajol. info/stats/bdf07303d34706088ffffbc8a92c9c1491b12470 Copyright: Copyright © 2022 Alhassan and Ukwetang Dates: Received: 23 August 2021; Revised: 21 December 2021; Accepted: 06 January 2022
Water availability and quality determine temporal synchrony and beta diversity of microcrustaceans in temporary pools

Beta diversity patterns have been frequently used to investigate metacommunity structure. The metacommunity concept has focused primarily on the spatial beta component, but part of the unaccounted variation is likely associated with temporal beta patterns. Here, we examined the effect of seasonal variation in water availability on the spatiotemporal assembly of microcrustaceans living in temporary pools. Specifically, we sampled microcrustaceans in 5 pools monthly for 12 mo and tested how temporal fluctuations in physicochemical variables affected beta diversity. We also investigated whether species showed synchronous responses in tracking dry or wet conditions. Our study revealed that only those microcrustacean species associated with the wet season had temporally synchronous population dynamics. However, we did not find population synchrony in the dry season and in those comparisons including all microcrustacean species. Physicochemical variables such as pH, dissolved oxygen, and water transparency explained part of the spatial variation in beta diversity. These results suggest a strong influence of species sorting on metacommunity structure both in space and in time. Extreme climatic conditions, such as water scarcity, could affect population dynamics; thus, linking spatial and temporal patterns will be necessary to disentangle the effects of stochastic processes and environmental filtering on metacommunity dynamics.
Measuring Productivity - Concepts and Evidence from Norway

The Norwegian productivity puzzle is rooted in three seemingly contradictory “facts”: First, Norway is one of the most productive OECD countries. Second, Norway has experienced high growth in productivity. Third, Norway has a relatively low level of R&D intensity. In this chapter, I show that the first premise of the puzzle is probably false. Explicitly, I demonstrate that labour productivity in Norway is not particularly high when using production purchasing power parities instead of expenditure purchasing power parities to measure mainland GDP in a common currency. The gap between the two measures is traced back to the use of market exchange rates as proxies for relative net export prices in the calculation of expenditure PPPs. In addition, I show that the high growth rate in productivity can be explained by an empirical growth model that takes both R&D capital, human capital and the distance to the technological frontier into account. Based on these results, there is no reason to claim that the development of productivity in Norway represents a puzzle.
Noise performance comparison between two different types of time-domain systems for microwave detection

This paper compares the noise performance of two different types of time-domain microwave detection systems: a pulsed system and a pseudo-random noise sequence system. System-level simulations and laboratory-based measurements are carried out in the study. Results show that the effect of timing jitter is more significant on the measurement accuracy of the pseudo-random noise sequence system than that of the pulsed system. Although the signal power density of the pseudo-random sequence system is tens of dBs higher than that of the pulsed system over the frequency band of interest, the signal-to-noise ratio difference between these two systems can be just a few dBs or even smaller depending on the jitter level.
Numerical Simulation of Hydrodynamic Cavitation Effect of Orifice Plate with Different Layout

Based on FLUENT large-scale flow field calculation software and standard κ-e turbulence model,the numerical simulation of hydrodynamic cavitation effect of three kinds of orifice plates——circular array,circular uniform distribution and horizontal uniform distribution——was studied,and the vapor fraction,turbulent kinetic energy and the flow velocity vector distribution figure were obtained.The results showed that the cavitation effect of average uniform orifice plate was better than circular array and circular uniform,and the cavitation effect of circular uniform orifice plate was better than circular array.Orifice layout had little effect on the flow,but had impact on the location and number of vortex generated at near the wall of the orifice plate.Most of the cavitation effect occurred within the orifice in the plate,and the high gas fraction region was took place at the end of orifice plate.
Receiver position and acceptance of noise, speech understanding, and sound quality ratings

The effect of receiver position in a hearing aid on acceptance of background noise, speech intelligibility, sound quality judgments, and listener preference was measured in adults with normal to mild sloping to moderate to severe sensorineural hearing loss. Participants were fit with open-fit behind-the-ear (BTE) and receiver-in-theear (RITE) hearing aids. After a 3-week trial with each device, acceptance of noise levels, speech understanding in quiet and in noise, and sound quality ratings were conducted. At the conclusion of the study, listener preference between the devices was evaluated. Results revealed that receiver position did not significantly affect acceptance of background noise, speech understanding in quiet or in noise, sound quality ratings, or listener preference, indicating that no difference in objective or subjective benefit was observed based on the position of the receiver in a BTE hearing aid. APPROVAL FOR SCHOLARLY DISSEMINATION The author grants to the Prescott Memorial Library of Louisiana Tech University the right to reproduce, by appropriate methods, upon request, any or all portions of this Thesis. It is understood that “proper request” consists o f the agreement, on the part of the requesting party, that said reproduction is for his personal use and that subsequent reproduction will not occur without written approval o f the author o f this Thesis. Further, any portions o f the Thesis used in books, papers, and other works must be appropriately referenced to this Thesis. Finally, the author o f this Thesis reserves the right to publish freely, in the literature, at any time, any or all portions of this Thesis.
Invisible innovators: how low-income, first-generation students use their funds of knowledge to belong in engineering

ABSTRACT Though engineering is often perceived as a pathway of upward mobility in the United States, very little is known about the experiences of undergraduate engineering students who come from low-income backgrounds or are the first in their families to attend college. The little research that does exist on low-income, first-generation (LIFG) engineering students is grounded in a deficiency perspective that emphasizes the barriers these students face: greater feelings of financial pressure and curriculum overload, along with lower family support, confidence in technical skill sets, satisfaction with instructors and satisfaction with the overall college experience. Our ethnographic research with LIFG students at a public engineering university and community college reveals that these barriers can create a sense of belonging uncertainty for them as engineering students. Yet our students were also able to draw on the funds of knowledge they acquired growing up in poor families and, when these funds of knowledge are validated, they establish a sense of belonging in engineering education and the profession.