Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and Characterization of High Surface Area Nano Titanium Dioxide

TiO2 and TiO2-Al2O3 nanoparticles were synthesized via sol-gel method using hydrolysis of Titanium tetraisopropoxide (TTIP) with ethanol and water mixture as titania source. TiO2-Al2O3 Nano-composite was successfully synthesized using the sol-gel technique. Tetraisopropoxide and aluminium isopropoxide were used to prepare TiO2-Al2O3. All prepared samples calcination were conducted at different temperature (400 to 700) oC. The synthesized TiO2 and TiO2-Al2O3 nanocomposites were then characterized by XRD, AFM, BET surface area, SEM, XRF. XRD, the analysis showed that the presence of alumina (Al2O3) in the TiO2 has an effect on crystal size, particles size, surface area, and crystal phases; The XRD result revealed that the prepared TiO2 nanoparticles were anatase phase at 400oC, and 500oC, and transformed to rutile from 600oC to 700oC, but after addition of alumina TiO2 was of anatase phase, without any rutile at all calcination temperatures, also, the addition of alumina leads to a significant decrease in the crystal size, particles size, especially at high temperatures while the surface area of pure titanium was increased, and this corresponds to the results of the AFM and SEM. The best-obtained surface area was 355.18 m2/ gm. with 34.98 nm of average particle size at 500oC in comparison with pure nano titanium dioxide
Surveying the Literature on Territorial Innovation Systems: A Suggested Interpretation Framework

A very important stream of theoretical and empirical research has marked the literature on Territorial Innovation Systems (TIS) over the last twenty years. One key achievement of this research effort is the emphasis put on the structuring role of territorial dynamics in the deployment and spatial organisation of industries and innovation activities. However, this literature displays a large spectrum of rather heterogeneous conceptual and analytical approaches of TIS. This blurs the reading of the representations and interpretations of TIS that are proposed. This article aims at showing how the various approaches may be better put in perspective according to three key dimensions of TIS, i.e. respectively: their territorial anchorage; the degree of their openness and the scales involved; finally, their very foundational logics (market vs. network-oriented).
On the Role of Response Styles in the Study of Intraindividual Variability

In a number of psychological disciplines, experience sampling studies are used to investigate when and why individuals vary in their cognitions, feelings, or personality states, to name just a few examples. However, to validly answer such research questions, researchers have to use reliable and valid measures of such intraindividual or within-person variability. Following Baird, Lucas, and Donnellan (2017), the present study uses data from two experience sampling studies to investigate whether response style variability can be assessed in a reliable way, whether variability measures are related to such response styles, and whether it is important to control for response styles in later analyses. We found that individuals differ in their response style variability and that these differences can be reliably assessed. Furthermore, response styles were moderately related to personality indicators, affect, and self-esteem variability. They were not associated with any of the outcome measures, so that most results remained unchanged when controlling for these differences. Nevertheless, our results indicate that researchers should additionally assess response styles when studying phenomena involving intraindividual variability.
Protective Effect of Dinitrosyl Iron Complexes Bound with Hemoglobin on Oxidative Modification by Peroxynitrite

Dinitrosyl iron complexes (DNICs) are a physiological form of nitric oxide (•NO) in an organism. They are able not only to deposit and transport •NO, but are also to act as antioxidant and antiradical agents. However, the mechanics of hemoglobin-bound DNICs (Hb-DNICs) protecting Hb against peroxynitrite-caused, mediated oxidative modification have not yet been scrutinized. Through EPR spectroscopy we show that Hb-DNICs are destroyed under the peroxynitrite action in a dose-dependent manner. At the same time, DNICs inhibit the oxidation of tryptophan and tyrosine residues and formation of carbonyl derivatives. They also prevent the formation of covalent crosslinks between Hb subunits and degradation of a heme group. These effects can arise from the oxoferryl heme form being reduced, and they can be connected with the ability of DNICs to directly intercept peroxynitrite and free radicals, which emerge due to its homolysis. These data show that DNICs may ensure protection from myocardial ischemia.
Exploring the concept of a social licence to operate in the Australian minerals industry

In Australia, community concerns strongly influence the way the minerals industry operates and how governments regulate it. The industry is required to fulfill its formal regulatory conditions (its licence to mine) as well as taking into consideration these community concerns (its social licence to operate). This research explores what it means to hold a social licence in the Australian minerals industry. This work aims to assist industry, communities and government to understand what constitutes a social licence in Australia and support relationships between these stakeholders built on mutual trust.
Relationship Between Facial Areas With the Greatest Increase in Non-local Contrast and Gaze Fixations in Recognizing Emotional Expressions

The aim of our study was to analyze gaze fixations in recognizing facial emotional expressions in comparison with o the spatial distribution of the areas with the greatest increase in the total (nonlocal) luminance contrast. It is hypothesized that the most informative areas of the image that getting more of the observer’s attention are the areas with the greatest increase in nonlocal contrast. The study involved 100 university students aged 19-21 with normal vision. 490 full-face photo images were used as stimuli. The images displayed faces of 6 basic emotions (Ekman’s Big Six) as well as neutral (emotionless) expressions. Observer’s eye movements were recorded while they were the recognizing expressions of the shown faces. Then, using a developed software, the areas with the highest (max), lowest (min), and intermediate (med) increases in the total contrast in comparison with the surroundings were identified in the stimulus images at different spatial frequencies. Comparative analysis of the gaze maps with the maps of the areas with min, med, and max increases in the total contrast showed that the gaze fixations in facial emotion classification tasks significantly coincide with the areas characterized by the greatest increase in nonlocal contrast. Obtained results indicate that facial image areas with the greatest increase in the total contrast, which preattentively detected by second-order visual mechanisms, can be the prime targets of the attention.
Unleashing the Potential Role of CSR and Altruistic Values to Foster Pro-Environmental Behavior by Hotel Employees

The hotel sector, around the globe, has a bad reputation due to its oversized carbon footprint. Therefore, this sector requires different approaches to improve its environmental management efforts. In this regard, the importance of employees’ pro-environmental behavior (PEB) has been recently discussed to reduce an enterprise’s carbon footprint. Reflecting this, the current work aims to improve PEB of employees as an outcome of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and altruistic values (ALV) in the hotel enterprises of an emerging economy. A total of 489 valid responses was collected from hotel employees, which were then analyzed through structural equation modeling (SEM). Different hypotheses were validated by employing SEM, and the results confirmed that CSR, directly and indirectly, via ALV as a mediator, improves PEB. The current work offers insights into the hotel industry for improving its environmental footprint through CSR and ALV. Moreover, academically, the current work advances the literature on CSR and environmental management from the perspective of hotel enterprises and by highlighting the role of individual values, especially ALV.
Tilapia Head Protein Hydrolysate Attenuates Scopolamine-Induced Cognitive Impairment through the Gut-Brain Axis in Mice

The destruction of the homeostasis in the gut-brain axis can lead to cognitive impairment and memory decline. Dietary intervention with bioactive peptides from aquatic products is an innovative strategy to prevent cognitive deficits. The present study aimed to determine the neuroprotective effect of tilapia head protein hydrolysate (THPH) on scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment in mice, and to further explore its mechanism through the microbiota–gut-brain axis. The results showed that THPH administration significantly improved the cognitive behavior of mice, and normalized the cholinergic system and oxidative stress system of the mice brain. The histopathological observation showed that THPH administration significantly reduced the pathological damage of hippocampal neurons, increased the number of mature neurons marked by NeuN and delayed the activation of astrocytes in the hippocampus of mice. In addition, THPH administration maintained the stability of cholinergic system, alleviated oxidative stress and further improved the cognitive impairment by reshaping the gut microbiota structure of scopolamine-induced mice and alleviating the disorder of lipid metabolism and amino acid metabolism in serum. In conclusion, our research shows that THPH supplementation is a nutritional strategy to alleviate cognitive impairment through the gut-brain axis.
Characterization of programmable integrated quantum voltage noise source with variable power spectral density

A quantum voltage noise source (QVNS) based on the Josephson effect as a reference signal is indispensable in precise Johnson noise thermometry (JNT) because it provides quantum accurate power spectral density (PSD) represented by some physical constants and design parameters. An integrated QVNS (IQVNS) device that integrates the circuit elements required for generation of a QVNS signal into one chip has been developed at AIST. The PSD of IQVNS should be variable for precise JNT measurement over a wide temperature range. Here, a new IQVNS device with variable PSD— programmable IQVNS—was developed and the values of the PSD were experimentally confirmed to be consistent with the theoretical values for various design parameters. Thus, JNT measurement over a wide temperature range can be realized with the IQVNS.
The effect of waste composition on leachate and gas quality: a study in South Africa

South Africa has a system of graded landfilling standards that takes account of climatic conditions, waste type and the rate of deposition of waste. At present, waste is classified into general, i.e., municipal solid waste and low and high hazard wastes. Many of the hazardous wastes are liquids, and these are codisposed with general wastes at restricted, fully lined and drained sites. The characteristics of the municipal or general wastes differ, depending on the income level of the originating community and the source of the energy they use. The major source of variation lies in the relative proportions of putrescible matter. There is presently no differentiation between general wastes, based on composition. However, it may be possible to relax standards when low putrescible content general waste is landfilled, and this is the issue addressed in this paper. Experiments, using waste from low and middle income communities, are being conducted using small and large field test cells or lysimeters and laboratory lysimeters. Preliminary results indicate significant differences in the quality of leachate from the two waste types. The characteristics for gas generation also differ significantly. It will be necessary to continue long-term monitoring of the test cells and lysimeters to determine differences in the long term analyses of leachate and gas and the long-term total contaminant load of the wastes. The results may influence future landfilling standards, but on present evidence, this will be unlikely.
Performance of Reinforced Concrete Buildings during the 1985 Chile Earthquake: Implications for the Design of Structural Walls

The 1985 Chile earthquake provided a rare opportunity to study the seismic response of buildings with reinforced concrete walls. More than 230 moderate-rise reinforced concrete buildings were located in the coastal city of Vin~a del Mar at the time of the earthquake. The majority of these buildings relied on structural walls to resist vertical and lateral loads. However, the walls did not have the reinforcement details required in current U.S. codes to ensure ductile response. A survey of damage following the earthquake indicated that most of these buildings sustained no structural damage. Analyses of the buildings indicated that the structural walls provided sufficient stiffness to limit the displacement response and the earthquake damage. The Vin~a del Mar building inventory is used to evaluate current building code provisions in the U.S. for structural walls. The excellent performance of the Chilean buildings during the 1985 earthquake suggests that requirements for boundary elements in walls may be relaxed if sufficient wall area is provided.
Effects of Environmental Variables on Infrared Imaging of Subsurface Features of Concrete Bridges

Deterioration of concrete due to corrosion of embedded steel reinforcing bars and prestressing strands represents a significant challenge for inspection and maintenance engineers. Delaminations develop in the concrete manifest as spalling, which further exposes the steel to the corrosive environment and accelerates the deterioration process. The typical method for detecting these delaminations is hammer sounding, which requires hands-on access to the material under inspection. Specialized equipment and lane closures are frequently necessary to achieve the required access. Application of infrared imaging to detect the subsurface features in concrete can image such defects from a distance, such that direct access to the surface of the concrete is not required. However, the method relies on environmental conditions to create thermal gradients in the concrete so that these subsurface features can be detected. A study examined the optimum environmental conditions for detection of subsurface features in concrete. The goal was to provide guidance on the practical application of infrared imaging for inspection of concrete bridge components. The effects of solar loading from direct sunlight and wind speed have been examined to determine their impact on the detectability of subsurface features in concrete. The optimum time of day for detection of subsurface defects and the effect of their depth is discussed. Characteristics of optimum inspection conditions for using infrared cameras in the field are described.
Rhetorical Culture and Brand Slogan: An Analysis of the Slogans of all Commercial Banks from Nepal

Rhetoric is the artful deviation of information and ideas. It is commonly utilized in different forms of advertising. In this context, the study has examined how rhetorical devices are employed in the brand slogans of the 28 commercial banks in Nepal. To achieve their dominant theme there, it identifies and categorizes the devices following the taxonomy developed by James H. Leigh. The framework divides such figures of speech into 41 types under 2 major categories schemes and tropes. The finding from this descriptive analysis and has indicated that music, memory, association, emphasis, emotion and exaggeration are some popular constructs for designing the slogans. Moreover, Nepali private commercial banks seem more successful in utilizing such strategies as they have applied maximum rhetorical devices in comparison to foreign joint -venture and governmental banks. In this trajectory, foreign joint-venture banks have an international brand in the name itself, governmental banks can communicate with customers being people's banks and private banks appear smart in incorporating maximum wordplays in the slogans to play with the sentiment of the audience influencing them. The study simultaneously contributes to both the fields of creative writing and marketing communication literary world and marketing sector updating the current awareness about rhetorical culture. The study has only included the slogans of commercial banks from Nepal, but the comparative study between the slogans of all the banks from Nepal and the banks' slogans from other countries may reflect a clearer picture regarding rhetorical culture.
Characteristics, benefits and shortcomings of four major quality awards

In an increasingly global and competitive environment, an organization’s long‐term survival may depend on improved quality, productivity and customer service. The pressing need to improve competitiveness has resulted in a number of transnational and national quality awards. In broad terms, these awards stress the importance of management process, customer satisfaction, people and total quality to the attainment of superior competitive position. Describes, compares and highlights the key strengths and weaknesses of the following four major national and transnational quality awards: the Deming Application Prize; the European Quality Award (EQA); the Malcolm Baldrige Quality Award (Baldrige Award); and the Australian Quality Award (AQA). Discusses the key requirements of each award and their underlying assumptions and impacts. The awards reviewed represent one of the principal devices used to encourage adoption of self‐assessment, total quality concepts, and external focus in four different continents. To spread good total quality practice the awards publicly recognize the achievements of the organizations which have successfully adopted the concepts of total quality management. The winners serve as useful role models for other organizations intent on adopting total quality management practices. The quality awards reviewed are arguably the premier award in their respective continents.
Artesunate Combined With Metformin Ameliorate on Diabetes-Induced Xerostomia by Mitigating Superior Salivatory Nucleus and Salivary Glands Injury in Type 2 Diabetic Rats via the PI3K/AKT Pathway

Polydipsia and xerostomia are the most common complications that seriously affect oral health in patients with diabetes. However, to date, there is no effective treatment for diabetic xerostomia. Recent studies have reported that artesunate (ART) and metformin (Met) improve salivary gland (SG) hypofunction in murine Sjögren’s syndrome. Therefore, aim of this study was to investigate the effect and underlying mechanism of artesunate (ART) alone and in combination with metformin (Met) on hyposalivation in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats. T2DM rats were induced using a high-fat diet and streptozotocin. SPF male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into the following five groups: normal control group, untreated diabetic group, ART-treated diabetic group (50 mg/kg), Met-treated diabetic group (150 mg/kg), and ART/Met co-treated diabetic group (50 mg/kg ART and 150 mg/kg Met). ART and Met were intragastrically administered daily for 4 weeks. The general conditions, diabetes parameters and serum lipids were evaluated after drug treatment. Furthermore, we observed changes in the central superior salivatory nucleus (SSN) and SG, and changes in the AQP5 expression, parasympathetic innervation (AChE and BDNF expression), and PI3K/AKT pathway- (p-AKT, and p-PI3K), apoptosis- (Bax, Bcl-2, and Caspase3), and autophagy- (LC3 and P62) related markers expression in T2DM rats after treatment. Our results showed that ART or Met alone and ART/Met combination attenuated a range of diabetic symptoms, including weight loss, urine volume increase, water consumption increase, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, glucose intolerance and dyslipidemia. More importantly, we found that these three treatments, especially ART/Met combination, mitigated hyposalivation in the T2DM rats via improving the central SSN and SGs damage in hyperglycemia. Our data also indicated that ART/Met attenuated SG damage though regulating the PI3K/Akt pathway to inhibit apoptosis and autophagy of SGs in the T2DM rats. Moreover, ART/Met preserved parasympathetic innervation (AChE and BDNF expression) in SGs to alleviate diabetes-induced hyposalivation likely through rescuing central SSN damage. Taken together, these findings might provide a novel rationale and treatment strategy for future treatment of diabetes-induced xerostomia in the clinic.
HRM and Employee Significant Behavior: Explaining the Black Box through AMO Theory

The purpose of this study is to explore the employees’ perceptions towards the role of HRM policies and practices in assisting them to perform the desired behavior in contributing to the organizational goals achievement. Employees’ perceptions are explored through their actual experiences with the implementation of HRM policies and practices. Interviews were conducted with employees in five different star-rating hotels to understand contextual factors that can be observed. Different perceptions on the role of HRM policies and practices in influencing employees’ performance are reported from the interviews. Instead of acting as a medium to transmit the message of their work expectations, employees view the HRM policies and practices as a common process happening in their organization and unrelated to their work demand. Therefore, findings of this study could light a torch of awareness for organizations to give more attention to the employees’ responses and feedback to minimize their dysfunctional behaviors that are detrimental to organizational achievement. Suggestions are given to increase the employee desired behavior relevant to the organizations from the perspective of AMO theory.
Generating Real-World Evidence on the Quality Use, Benefits and Safety of Medicines in Australia: History, Challenges and a Roadmap for the Future

Australia spends more than $20 billion annually on medicines, delivering significant health benefits for the population. However, inappropriate prescribing and medicine use also result in harm to individuals and populations, and waste of precious health resources. Medication data linked with other routine collections enable evidence generation in pharmacoepidemiology; the science of quantifying the use, effectiveness and safety of medicines in real-world clinical practice. This review details the history of medicines policy and data access in Australia, the strengths of existing data sources, and the infrastructure and governance enabling and impeding evidence generation in the field. Currently, substantial gaps persist with respect to cohesive, contemporary linked data sources supporting quality use of medicines, effectiveness and safety research; exemplified by Australia’s limited capacity to contribute to the global effort in real-world studies of vaccine and disease-modifying treatments for COVID-19. We propose a roadmap to bolster the discipline, and population health more broadly, underpinned by a distinct capability governing and streamlining access to linked data assets for accredited researchers. Robust real-world evidence generation requires current data roadblocks to be remedied as a matter of urgency to deliver efficient and equitable health care and improve the health and well-being of all Australians.