Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cortisol Response to Psychological Stress in Patients with Schizophrenia in The Chinese Population

Background: Accumulating evidence suggests that hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction might play an important role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Cortisol secretion levels can reflect the function of the HPA axis.This study aimed to explore the cortisol response to psychological stress in patients with schizophrenia. Methods: In this cross-sectional study study, patients with schizophrenia (n = 104) and healthy volunteers (n = 59) were asked to complete psychological stress challenge tasks, which included the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task and Mirror-Tracing Persistence Task, and then, saliva was collected to measure cortisol levels. Emotions and psychopathology were assessed by the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Results: (1) that the cortisol stress response and negative emotions in patients with schizophrenia differed significantly from those in healthy controls; (2) there were significant interactions between sampling time and diagnosis for saliva cortisol levels; (3) there were significant interactions between scoring time and diagnosis for the negative affect score of the PANAS; and (4) the changes in salivary cortisol levels and negative affect scores before and after the psychological stress challenge tasks were not correlated with clinical symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. Conclusions: These findings indicated that an abnormal cortisol stress response might be a stable biological characteristic of schizophrenia.
Mathematical Model of Contact Resistance in Pantograph-Catenary System Considering Rough Surface Characteristics

Pantograph-catenary system is a key component of high-speed railway. Under high speed and strong current operation conditions, the surface roughness of the sliding electrical contact between contact wire and slide changes continuously. It will cause the fluctuation of contact resistance and lower the electrical contact property of the system. Therefore, it is of great significance to study the relationships between the contact resistance and surface roughness characteristics. In this article, lots of current-carrying friction experiments were carried out under different contact pressure, contact current, and sliding speed conditions. A roughness tester was used to measure the roughness of the contact surface after the experiment. Four characteristic parameters were proposed to describe the roughness. They are the root mean square and the maximum peak height of the rough surface, the peak count, and the curvature radius of asperity, respectively. The function relationships between these characteristic parameters and experimental conditions were obtained and discussed. On the basis of Greenwood–Williamson contact model, a new mathematical model of contact resistance in the pantograph-catenary system considering rough surface characteristics was established and verified. It can be used to further study the current conduction mechanism of sliding electrical contact in pantograph-catenary system and evaluate the electrical contact performance.
Future Projection of Precipitation Changes in the Júcar and Segura River Basins (Iberian Peninsula) by CMIP5 GCMs Local Downscaling

The basins of the Júcar and Segura rivers, on the Mediterranean coast of the Iberian Peninsula, present a special water problem and are of particular interest regarding climate change. These basins are very vulnerable to a possible scenario of decreasing water resources. Recent studies on historic rainfall since 1955 have indicated an ongoing loss of precipitation in their headwaters, especially in the case of the Júcar river. The aim of the present study is to perform climate projections for the precipitation variable for several future periods (2021–2040, 2051–2070, 2081–2100) and emission scenarios (RCPs 4.5, 8.5) within the Júcar and Segura River Basin authorities. For this purpose, a set of CMIP5 global models have been used, as well as the CDRD-HR-EIP-1955-2016 database, as a source of local observed information. This database comprises nearly 900 precipitation series in both basins and has been used in recent studies to determine historic trends of change in these basins. A statistical downscaling of the global models for all available observed series has been applied using the LARS-WG method. The results, although variable according to the CMIP5 model used, show the continuation of the patterns of precipitation change in the future, as already observed in the historical series. The results also predict a clear reduction in precipitation in the long term. However, torrential rainfall tends to increase in the coastal areas in relation to that observed in the short-term predictions. These results, due to their high spatial resolution, are of great interest for their use in small-scale hydrological and spatial planning (regional and local), which is one of the current challenges of climate modeling.
Kinetics, Thermodynamics and Isotherm studies on Adsorption of Eriochrome Black-T from aqueous solution using Rutile TiO2

In this study, rutile phase of TiO2 particles have been synthesized by co-precipitation method and is used as an adsorbent for removal of toxic azo dye Eriochrome black-T (EBT) from aqueous solution. The rutile phase of TiO2 was confirmed by the X-ray powder diffraction pattern. Effect of initial dye concentration, adsorbent dose, pH, agitation speed and temperature on the adsorption process of EBT was examined. Removal of EBT was increased by increasing in adsorbent dose and decrease in initial dye concentration and pH. The optimum conditions resulted were: 25 ppm initial dye concentration, 20 mg adsorbent dose and pH of 2. Using Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin isotherm models, equilibrium data was determined. The Freundlich model showed the best fit for uptake of the EBT dye, which evident that the process of adsorption of EBT dye onto TiO2 particles was heterogeneous. The kinetic data were analyzed using pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order and intraparticle diffusion equation. The pseudo-second order showed the best fit for the kinetic studies (R2 = 0.999), which ascertains that the adsorption process was of chemisorptions type. The intraparticle diffusion model indicated a linear relationship (R2= 0.99) suggesting the pore diffusion to be a limiting step in the overall adsorption process.
Determinants of university reputation: conceptual model and empirical investigation in an emerging higher education market

PurposeThe study aims to explore and test the integrated relationships between university reputation and its key antecedents. In doing so, theoretically derived antecedents of university reputation were examined. The study reports the complex interplay among image, quality, value, satisfaction and attachment and their subsequent effect on reputation.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative method was used to achieve research objectives. Data collected from students enrolled in major private university in Northern India were analysed to test the proposed model directly and indirectly using structural equation modelling (SEM). FindingsThe findings confirmed most of the hypothesised relationships. Prominently, image construct was found to be significantly affecting students' quality perceptions along with satisfaction, attachment, value and importantly reputation. The study found evidence for the impact of students' attachment on university reputation. Findings also indicated the presence of several indirect relationships among the considered dimensions.Research limitations/implicationsCurrent research offers implications for universities that are met with the perpetual challenge of survival in the competitive higher education (HE) marketplace. Findings from the study not only help build theory on university reputation but make essential contribution towards guiding managers in developing effective strategies by building reputation via concentrating on the most crucial determinants.Originality/valueAlthough research in HE marketing is growing, effects of student attachment towards building reputation has not garnered attention, which is theoretically a vital construct. The paper presents new framework to realise university reputation with the help of integrated relationships among select dimensions in the setting of an emerging HE market.
How Restorative are You? Introducing the Restorative Index

ABSTRACT Restorative justice (RJ) currently has no method of quantitatively determining if a program is restorative and assessing how restorative it may be. Due to confusion in RJ definitions and increased attention and funding in RJ, this gap has left RJ open to co-option by punitive systems. Co-option would leave many interpersonal harms unrestored. The present paper reduces that co-option threat by introducing the Restorative Index (RI). We review the philosophy, definitions, and elements of RJ. We then translate those definitions and elements directly into the RI. We demonstrate ratings on the RI using an existing program. Use of the RI will improve program development, implementation, outcome assessments, and funding decisions.
Institutional Assessment of the Impact of Microsoft Excel on Data Base Management in Federal College of Freshwater Fisheries Technology, Baga, Borno State, Nigeria

The study is an effort to assess the impact of Microsoft Excel on data based management in Federal College of Freshwater Fisheries Technology, Baga – Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria. Data for the study were obtained through face-to-face interview and the used of check list from 1st to 31st March, 2021. Both qualitative and descriptive techniques were employed in the analysis of the data. The result shows that Microsoft Excel was used to calculate, analyze, visualize, processes data and information by the use of columns and rows with formulas. Enables statistical thinking and enhances understanding of important ideas in statistics. It is recommended that holistic approach should be made in the development of information communication technology (ICT) in all spheres of governance in the study area and environs and also at the apex level; Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN).
Marek’s Disease Is a Threat for Large Scale Poultry Production

Marek’s disease (MD) is one of the widespread infectious diseases that causes huge losses in large-scale poultry production. This is due to weight loss, poorer feed conversion and an increased number of deaths among infected birds. The etiological agent is a Marek’s disease virus (MDV) belonging to the Herpesviridae family. It is mainly described in poultry, however, it is also found in geese. There are three MDV serotypes, and four patotypes within serotype 1. Currently, Marek’s disease is very rare in its classical form. There are non-specific clinical symptoms, and anatomopathological changes are mainly observed in the liver, spleen and the reproductive system. This may be due to the evolution in the pathogenicity of MDV field strains over the past several decades. The presence of MDV and number of molecular diagnostic tests based on the detection of viral nucleic acids and viral proteins is already found in birds that have several weeks old. Laboratory diagnostics are based mainly on molecular biology (mainly PCR) methods. The only relatively effective method instead of biosecurity measures, of preventing MD is prophylactic vaccination of 1-day-old chickens or in ovo vaccination. Nevertheless, Marek’s disease is still recorded in poultry flocks around the world, with estimated losses reaching several million dollars.
DIVERSITY AND PHENETIC STUDY ON SYCONIUM OF FICUS L. (MORACEAE) FROM KERALA, INDIA REVEALING NATURAL CLASSIFICATION ALONG WITH AN IDENTIFICATION KEY

NAIR, S. S. , BACHAN, K. H. A. & EBIN, P. J. 2021. Diversity and phenetic study on syconium of Ficus L. (Moraceae) from Kerala, India revealing natural classification along with an identification key. Reinwardtia 20(1): 27–36. — Ficus L. commonly called ‘figs’ is one of the most complex genera among the angiosperms with its specialised inflorescence called syconium that looks like a fruit. Syconium of 33 species of Ficus reported from Kerala were observed here to develop a novel key, solely based on syconium morphology. Numerical taxonomic methodology for syconium morphological characters were standardised, considering 22 characters with 104 character states and analysed using similarity clustering. The floral features of the genus are very much complex and all the existing keys for the species identification relays on both vegetative as well as floral features. Hence, the present key will be practical in use when syconium is the only available part. The numerical analysis of the syconium features well clustered and separated the trees with cauliflorous inflorescence, hemi epiphytic -epiphytic life forms and independent trees similar to the natural classification of the figs as “Atthi, Itthi and Aal”, indicating that phenetic analysis using the syconium characters alone provided a grouping similar to the natural grouping based on the habit. Preliminary phylogenetic analysis of figs also provided a similar clustering. This gives an insight into the fact that the separation of figs into these natural groups is reflecting phylogenetic trait. Detailed studies including more morphological traits and molecular analysis could establish the phylogenetic relation of figs in relation to the evolutionary history of climate and vegetation.
Flavonoid Compounds from the Leaves of Kalanchoe prolifera and Their Cytotoxic Activity against P-388 Murine Leukimia Cells

− Seven flavonoid compounds, kaempferol (1), quercetin (2), quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (3), kaempferol-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (4), kaempferol-3-O-α-L-rhamnoside (5), quercetin-3-O-sophoroside (6) and quercetin-3-O-rutinoside (7), were isolated from the methanolic extract of leaves of Kalanchoe prolifera. Compounds 1-7 were isolated for first time from this plant. These compounds were evaluated their cytotoxic activity against P-388 murine leukimia cells in vitro. Among those compounds kaempferol (1) and quercetin (2) showed strongest cytotoxic activity with IC50 values of 4.45 ± 0.05 and 6.28 ± 0.02 μg/mL, respectively.
Barriers to the Practice of Sport and Physical Activity from the Perspective of Self-Determination Theory

The practice of sport and physical activity can be hampered by the presence of amotivation, the frustration of basic psychological needs, and barriers to carrying out that practice. Based on the principles of self-determination theory (SDT), the objective of this study was to analyze the relationship of these variables and assess differences based on age, sex, residential independence, academic/employment situation, and prior sport and physical activity. The sample comprised 102 individuals, aged between 18 and 25 (M = 21.61; SD = 2.04), who completed the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire, the Frustration of Psychological Needs in Physical Exercise Scale, and the Self-Perceived Barriers of Physical Activity Questionnaire. Our results showed that participants had high values of controlled motivation, the frustration of the basic psychological need for competence, and high values for the barrier of obligations/lack of time. We found a significant and positive association between the frustration of the basic psychological need for competence and the barriers present in the practice of physical activity. Moreover, we found that women reported experiencing body image/anxiety as a barrier to practicing sport and physical activity more than men and individuals aged 22–25 years experiencing obligations/lack of time as a barrier more than the those aged 18 to 21 years. Practical applications were proposed to avoid the frustration of basic psychological needs, increase the most self-determined forms of motivation, and reduce barriers to the practice of sport and physical activity.
The Effect of Patient Experience on Patient Loyalty through Patient Satisfaction in Telemedicine Application Services During the Covid-19 Pandemic

The purpose of this research was to investigate the relationship between patient experience and satisfaction and patient loyalty utilizing Halodoc and Alodokter. Direct and indirect impacts between study variables are among the topics that have been investigated. A cross-sectional research approach was employed in this study, which combined quantitative descriptive analysis with an analytic survey. The research included 500 patients who used Halodoc and another 500 individuals who used Alodokter as part of their treatment. The study sample consisted of 286 individuals, including 143 patients who used Halodoc and 143 patients who used Alodokter, who were selected using the proportionate sampling method. An association between patient experience and patient satisfaction was found to be significant (p-value 0.0000.05), while an association between patient experience and patient loyalty was found to be significant (p-value0.0000.05). As an added bonus, there was a direct relationship between customer happiness and customer loyalty, with a p-value of 0.0000.05. The indirect impact of patient experience on patient loyalty and patient satisfaction as a mediator, however, was shown to be statistically significant (p-value = 0.000 0.05) and was found to be significant. This research suggests that telemedicine services are being used more often in health agencies during the COVID-19 pandemic because of the potential advantages it provides, such as its efficiency and the impact it has on patient happiness and loyalty, according to the findings.
A study of the importance of secondary reactions in char formation and pyrolysis : a dissertation presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Process Engineering at Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand

iii Abstract Anthropogenic climate change, caused primarily by excessive emissions of carbon dioxide, has led to a renewed interest in char, the solid product of pyrolysis. When applied to soil as biochar it can both sequester carbon and improve soil function. To make its manufacture environmentally friendly and economically viable it is important to maximise char yield, which can be done by promoting secondary reactions. This research shows that secondary reactions, which are enhanced by prolonged vapour-phase residence time and concentration, not only increase the char yield but are the source of the majority of the char formed. All four biomass constituents (extractives, cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin) undergo secondary reactions concurrent with primary reactions over the entire pyrolysis range 140 to 500 °C, which makes it practically impossible to separate them. Secondary char formation was confirmed to be exothermic which affects the overall heat of pyrolysis. Impregnating the feedstock with the elements K, Mg and P, which are plant macro-nutrients naturally present in biomass, resulted in the catalysis of secondary char formation. The results reveal that a first order reaction model does not describe pyrolysis accurately when char formation is enhanced by catalysis and secondary reactions. Secondary char can be enhanced by increasing the particle size but there is a limit due to increased cracking and fracturing of the pyrolysing solid. This limitation is overcome by pyrolysis in an enclosed vessel, termed autogenous pressure pyrolysis, which was discovered to cause significant changes in the volatile pyrolysis products; indicating the co-production of a high quality liquid. This process, however, negatively affects the char properties relevant for biochar like the surface area, similar to selfcharring and co-carbonisation of condensed volatile pyrolysis products. To increase research capabilities a unique high temperature/ high pressure reactor (600 °C at 20 MPa) was designed to allow the detailed characterisation of all three pyrolysis product classes under extreme pyrolysis conditions. This was demonstrated to be invaluable for understanding the underlying pyrolysis mechanism and physical processes at play.
Tetrakis(ethyl-4(4-butyryl)oxyphenyl)porphyrinato zinc complexes with 4,4′-bpyridin: synthesis, characterization, and its catalytic degradation of Calmagite

This work reports on the synthesis and characterization of a new porphyrins complex:[Zn(TEBOP)(4,4′-bpy)](4,4′-bipyridine)(5,10,15,20-(tetraethyl-4(4-butyryl)oxyphenyl)porphyrinato)zinc(ii) (3). Single crystal X-ray diffraction, photophysical and electrochemical characteristics were studied. The prepared complex, penta-coordinated zinc(ii) porphyrin derivatives shows moderate ruffling distortion and the zinc atom is nearly planar with the porphyrin core. Tolyl and ethyl-4(4-butyryl)oxyphenyl) moieties at the meso positions present a bathochromic shift of the absorption bands, and a notable increase in the absorption coefficient of the Q(0,0) and Q(0,1) bands was observed with a higher fluorescence quantum yield and lifetime compared with the free base porphyrin. The electrochemical investigation shows a reversible reduction of the synthesized complexes. The catalytic power and the adsorption properties of the prepared complexes were studied for Calmagite degradation, an azoic organic dye. The results reveal that the studied compounds could be used as catalysts for the decolourisation of dyes in the presence of H2O2.
Levers of Control and Managerial Performance: The Importance of Belief Systems

Belief systems, which are one of the four levers of control, play a vital role in an organization. This study is primarily aimed at examining the effects of belief systems on managerial performance. Since the four levers of control jointly function in management control systems, we extend our study by investigating whether the contingent-fit between strategic risk, strategic uncertainty, and the other three levers of control (i.e., boundary systems, diagnostic control, and interactive control) strengthens the association between belief systems and managerial performance. A survey questionnaire was distributed to the upper-level management of various companies or strategic business units in Indonesia during the fourth quarter of 2017, resulting in 81 respondents. Hypotheses testing were conducted using the OLS regression model. This research found that belief systems are positively associated with managerial performance, indicating that the implementation of effective belief systems leads to higher managerial performance. This study also found that the contingent-fit between strategic risk, strategic uncertainty, and the other three levers of control does not have any effect on how belief systems are positively associated with managerial performance. This finding indicates that although management does not adopt a fit combination between its level of strategic risk and strategic uncertainty and the boundary systems, diagnostic control, and interactive control, it can still achieve good performance as long as strong belief systems are implemented. These findings confirm the critical role of belief systems in the levers of control. Thus, management needs to ensure the establishment of more effective belief systems if the company or business unit wants to produce optimal performance.