Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Anion Exchange Membranes for Alkaline Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells—A Concise Review

Solid anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolytes are an essential commodity considering their importance as separators in alkaline polymer electrolyte fuel cells (APEFC). Mechanical and thermal stability are distinguished by polymer matrix characteristics, whereas anion exchange capacity, transport number, and conductivities are governed by the anionic group. The physico-chemical stability is regulated mostly by the polymer matrix and, to a lesser extent, the cationic head framework. The quaternary ammonium (QA), phosphonium, guanidinium, benzimidazolium, pyrrolidinium, and spirocyclic cation-based AEMs are widely studied in the literature. In addition, ion solvating blends, hybrids, and interpenetrating networks still hold prominence in terms of membrane stability. To realize and enhance the performance of an alkaline polymer electrolyte fuel cell (APEFC), it is also necessary to understand the transport processes for the hydroxyl (OH−) ion in anion exchange membranes. In the present review, the radiation grafting of the monomer and chemical modification to introduce cationic charges/moiety are emphasized. In follow-up, the recent advances in the synthesis of anion exchange membranes from poly(phenylene oxide) via chloromethylation and quaternization, and from aliphatic polymers such as poly(vinyl alcohol) and chitosan via direct quaternization are highlighted. Overall, this review concisely provides an in-depth analysis of recent advances in anion exchange membrane (AEM) and its viability in APEFC.
A new non-eddy viscosity subgrid-scale model and its application to channel flow

To date, most large-eddy simulations (LES) have been carried out with eddy viscosity subgrid scale (SGS) models, with only a few exceptions that used the mixed model. Even though the assumptions behind Smagorinsky's model are rather stringent, it has been applied successfully to a variety of turbulent flows. This success is attributed to the ability of eddy viscosity models to drain energy from large scales, thus simulating the dissipative nature of turbulence. Most SGS models are absolutely dissipative, i.e. they remove energy from the large scales at every instant. However, SGS stresses may transfer energy back to the large scales intermittently; this reverse transfer or backscatter is especially important in geophysical flows and in transition. In a fully developed channel flow, there is reverse flow of energy from small to large scales near the walls, but eddy viscosity models are unable to account for this important feature. The dynamic localization eddy viscosity model of Ghosal et al. (1995) allows backscatter by co-evolving an auxiliary equation for the SGS energy; however, the computational cost is considerably larger than for conventional SGS models (Cabot 1994). In this report, a new non-eddy viscosity model based on local approximation of total quantities in terms of filtered ones is introduced; the scale similarity model of Bardina (1983) is a special case of this model. This procedure does not require the assumption of homogeneity, permits backscatter of energy from small to large scales, and is readily implemented in finite difference codes. The results of applying the proposed model to second order finite volume simulation of plane channel flow at high Reynolds numbers (Re(sub b) = 38,000) is described in this report. Greater emphasis is placed on the high Reynolds number flow since it provides a more rigorous test of the SGS model and its potential application. The results are compared to ones produced by the conventional and dynamic Smagorinsky models and the spectral LES of Piomelli (1993).
Effects of different tempering temperatures on the properties of industrial sheet margarine

Tempering is the final step in Industrial Sheet Margarine (ISM) production, which has a substantial influence on the structure and application characteristics. There are limited reports on how the tempering process affects the ductility and application characteristics of ISM at an industrial production scale. Herein, we investigated the physicochemical properties and ductility of the ISM made from interesterification and non-interesterification fat at various tempering temperatures (10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 °C) for 5 days. By analyzing the triacylglycerol (TAG) compositions, polymorphism, thermal behavior and hardness of ISMs under different formulations and tempering conditions, the interaction between the physicochemical parameters and the application properties such as bending and sheeting abilities was elucidated. The results showed that low tempering temperatures (10 °C and 15 °C) led to higher hardness (>700 g) while high tempering temperature (30 °C) promoted polymorph transition (β′ → β), further directing to poor crystallization behavior, poor plasticity and malleability. Products tempered at 20 °C and 25 °C exhibited optimal ductility properties. These findings provided practical guidance to improve the ductility of sheet margarine in industrial level production.
Arterial stiffness on a different scale

Introduction Arterial stiffness is a known predictor of cardiovascular disease and also a measure of target organ damage. Although carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) is the current gold standard for assessing arterial stiffness, its measurement (i) requires the individual to be in a supine position, (ii) is complicated in overweight individuals, and (iii) requires a femoral measurement in the groin area, which in some countries is deemed inappropriate. Several devices have been proposed to overcome (some of) these limitations. These include devices measuring cardio-ankle vascular index (not requiring a femoral measurement) and single-cuff-based devices. All these devices aim at PWV measurement in the clinic. In 2017, Campo et al. presented a different type of device: a connected bathroom scale able to measure PWV at home. This device works by estimating the heart–foot pulse transit time interval. The start of the transit time interval is estimated using ballistocardiography: when the left ventricle contracts, it accelerates blood upwards into the ascending aorta, which (Newton’s third law) causes a downward acceleration of the heart and of the body as a whole. This acceleration is measured as a minute weight increase on the scale. The end of the transit time interval is estimated using impedance plethysmography at the foot: by applying a small electrical current through the foot, impedance is measured. As soon as the blood pressure wave reaches the foot, the arteries therein dilate, causing a temporal increase in blood volume in the foot. Since the impedance of blood is lower than that of the foot’s tissue, it causes a small decrease in measured impedance. In the present issue of the European Heart Journal – Digital Health, Bruno et al. used this novel device to measure PWV in ∼53 000 individuals of which 50% resided in France and 50% in Germany. Measurements were collected during the first 18 weeks of 2020. During weeks 11–17 therein, France went into a full COVID-19 lockdown, whereas Germany enforced only a partial lockdown. In both countries, a significant decrease in PWV was observed during lockdown. However, the observed decrease in France (full lockdown) was twice as large as that in Germany (partial lockdown).
Characterisation Studies on Lipases of Brevibacterium, Bacillus and Pseudomonas Spp Produced Under Sub-Merged Fermentation of Different Carbon Sources

Lipases are a class of hydrolytic enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of insoluble triacylglycerol to glycerol, acylglycerols, and free fatty acids. The present study is aimed at identifying Lipase producing bacteria isolated from soil determining the optimal conditions (temperatures, pH, and metal ion concentrations) of Lipases produced through submerged fermentation by bacteria of different three (3) genera. The different bacterial isolates with good hyper-producing potentials for Lipases were identified by Polymerase Chain Reactions (PCR). The effect of temperature on cellulase activity was determined by estimating the lipase activity at pH 9.0 within a temperature range of (300C-600C). In order to determine the behaviour of the enzymes within some metallic ions, the reaction of the enzyme and gum Arabica/olive oil mixture was allowed to proceed at 500C with duplicate test tubes containing 50mM CaCl2 (Ca2+). MgSO4 (Mg 2+), Nacl(Na+), Kcl (K+). The identifies of the lipase producing bacteria were identified as Brevibacterium brevis strains Hk 544, Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain WES, Bacillus megaterium strain WH13, and Bacillus subtilis strain BS 01 for Isolate H, A, B and F. , respectively. Optimum temperatures for the activities of Brevibacterium brevis strains Hk 544, Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain WES, Bacillus megaterium strain WH13, and Bacillus subtilis strain were determined to be 50oC, 50oC , 45oC and 45oC, respectively. Optimum pH for the activities of Brevibacterium brevis strains Hk 544, Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain WES, Bacillus megaterium strain WH13, and Bacillus subtilis strain were determined to be alkaline (8.0 to 9.0). The observation that sodium and potassium ions at 50mm concentration enhanced the activity of some of the lipases under this investigation showed that sodium and potassium are likely to be co-factors for the performance of these lipases.
A Survey of the Challenges Faced by Individuals with Disabilities and Unpaid Caregivers during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected many individuals. In particular, it is likely that individuals with disabilities and unpaid caregivers were disproportionately affected, however, its exact impact is largely unknown. The primary objective of this work was to identify challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and unpaid caregivers. A secondary objective was to identify potential solutions to the major challenges experienced by both populations. Two surveys were administered online to individuals with disabilities and unpaid caregivers, respectively between September 2020 and January 2021. We used an inductive thematic analysis within an interpretivist paradigm to analyze survey responses. A total of 111 survey responses were collected amongst both surveys. Separate thematic maps were created for individuals with disabilities and unpaid caregivers, and maps were drawn to compare challenges. Potential solutions to mitigate the challenges experienced by both populations include revising financial assistance programs and improving awareness of support programs that are available.
Role Models and Motivators in English Language Learning in the Japanese High School Context

Role models and motivators can influence young people in a general sense and have a significant effect on their values and beliefs. As part of a larger project, we investigated the presence of L2 (second language) role models and motivators among 12 Japanese high school students (aged between 15 and 18), who took part in one-to-one interviews with the researcher. A thematic analysis of their responses was conducted to examine the extent to which the role models and motivators they mentioned had an influence on their L2 motivation. The results showed that parents were salient L2 motivators, although they did not, for the most part, act as L2 role models in a linguistic sense, as many of them did not speak English. On the other hand, teachers, famous people, and peers were shown to have a more important role, in terms of actual language acquisition, over the participants’ motivation in relation to English language learning in the school context. Finally, we propose a pedagogy that utilizes the influence of L2 role models and motivators in the classroom and highlight areas for future research in this area.
The Effect of Psychological Distress on Measurement Invariance in Measures of Mental Wellbeing

A growing literature supports the expansion of mental health assessment to include indicators of mental wellbeing; however, the concurrent use of measures of wellbeing and distress introduces potential sources of measurement error. The current study examines whether the mental health continuum short form is invariant to the level of participants’ psychological distress. Measurement invariance testing was conducted within an Australian population (n = 8406) who participated in an online survey. The depression anxiety stress scale was used to construct a non-distressed group (n = 6420) and a severe-distress group (n = 1968). Results showed that metric invariance was not observed, as item loadings on the latent variables were significantly different between the groups. This signifies that wellbeing items may be interpreted and valued differently by distressed and non-distressed individuals. Metric non-invariance indicates that total and subscale scores may not be equivalent, and caution is required when making comparisons between these groups.
Predicting Islamic Finance Adoption Behavior by MSMEs: Institutional Theory Approach

Research aims: This study aims to develop and validate a prediction model for the Islamic finance adoption by MSMEs based on isomorphism theory. In addition, this study also intends to show that the individual cognitive theory approach employed by previous studies in this area is not appropriate.Design/Methodology/Approach: The research strived to develop a predictive model; therefore, variance-based SEM analysis was chosen. The research data were 242 MSMEs selected from four regencies/cities in Central Java Province, i.e., Semarang City, Pekalongan City, Jepara Regency, and Cilacap Regency. The analysis was carried out to ensure that the measurement and structural models were excellent and acceptable.Research findings: This study successfully constructed and validated a model to predict the behavior of adopting Islamic finance by MSMEs employing the isomorphism theory framework. The resulting model has considered a more comprehensive domain, i.e., external organization (isomorphism pressure), internal organization (good corporate governance, GCG), and individual characteristics of the leaders (halal self-awareness, HSA). Theoretical contribution/Originality: This study closed the research gap in investigating the determinants of Islamic finance adoption from the demand side using an organizational perspective, thereby contributing to building a body of knowledge in the domain of MSME behavior and Islamic finance. Theoretically, the resulting model can be an alternative or substitute for the previous approach. As an organization, MSME behavior should not be investigated using individual cognitive theory as done by all previous studies. This study also introduced a new construct called halal self-awareness (HSA). This construct can be exploited and further developed to investigate individual characteristics of halal products or concepts.Practitioner/Policy implication: Stakeholders must have a strong commitment and earnest efforts to increase coercive and mimetic pressures, increase the HSA of MSME owner-managers, and realize good MSME governance. All this will encourage MSMEs to adopt Islamic finance to contribute positively to improving the national Islamic economic and financial landscape.Research limitation/Implication: The HSA construct could not reveal its direct effect on the adoption behavior of MSMEs. Therefore, future studies need to pay more attention to the measures for the HSA construct, namely: HSA neutral (“I know exactly how well my awareness about…”) or HSA positive (“I know exactly that I have a good awareness of . ”). That way, the impact of the HSA becomes more accurate.
Elastic Solutions to 2D Plane Strain Problems: Nonlinear Contact and Settlement Analysis for Shallow Foundations

The classical Neumann boundary value problem of an isotropic, homogeneous elastic half-plane under plane strain conditions is readdressed as the limiting case of the fully three-dimensional problem. Analytical solutions of the stress and strain tensors are obtained by taking the limit from known three-dimensional solutions. It is shown that the displacement fields for the plane strain problem are not well defined. A small number of simple expressions are developed, which provide a general solution for linearly-varying traction over arbitrary regions on the boundary. A simple, efficient, and rapidly convergent algorithm is developed which uses these solutions as analytic elements and provides a solution approach to the general boundary value problem. The method is verified against known solutions for Hertzian contact between parallel cylinders. Two numerical examples are presented for the analysis of shallow foundation systems. In the first, the boundary conditions are informed by analytical elastoplastic calculations and a strain influence analysis is performed and compared with the Schmertmann method. Subsequently, empirical laboratory contact traction distributions measured by Bauer et al., in both the normal and tangential directions are employed as boundary conditions for an analysis of the underlying stress field.
Use of pitcher irrigation for sustainable crop production in water scarce areas

To analyze the feasibility and economics of the pitcher irrigation system for expansion in water scarce areas under small-scale production, a study was conducted on an area of about 2500 m 2 of a sandy loam. Total 625 pitchers of size 12 liters were buried in the experimental area at a distance of 2.0 m. For burying pitchers, micro plots of size 1 m x 1m were prepared by cultivating the soil down to 40 cm to a fine tilth with a hand hoe. Then baked clay pitchers were buried neck deep at the centre of each bed. They were filled with water and covered with baked clay lids in order to avoid evaporation. Half of the pitchers were used for growing bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) with two qualities of water viz. 0.4 dS/m and 2.1 dS/m and the remaining pots were used for growing coriander (Coriandrum sativum) with same qualities of water. Four seeds of bottle gourd and 20 seeds of coriander were sown in tilled micro plots around each pitcher. Pitchers were refilled every time when they reached at a 50% of the depletion level. A measuring cylinder was used to measure the quantity of water required to replenish the existing level of pitchers. The total cost for installation of this irrigation system was Rs. 50000 per hectare. The results of the study revealed that the average coriander (green leaves) production was 1 kg per pitcher (2.5 tons per hectare) and 0.8 kg per pitcher (2.0 tons per hectare). Also seed production was 0.2 kg per pitcher (0.5 tons per hectare) and 0.19 kg per pitcher (0.475 tons per hectare) from plots irrigated with water having EC of 0.4 dS/m and 2.1 dS/m respectively. Whereas, 5 kg per pitcher (12.5 tons per hectare) and 4.5 kg per pitcher (11.25 tons per hectare) of bottle gourd were obtained with pitchers having water of EC of 0.4 dS/m and 2.1 dS/m respectively. The cost benefit ratio was calculated and found to be 1.1 and 3.0 for coriander and bottle gourd respectively . The calculations regarding the water consumption revealed that for growing bottle gourd and coriander using pitcher irrigation system can save as much as 90% of the water. This suggests that pitcher irrigation can prove a boon for farmers in water scarce areas and in areas with poor quality water.
Practical training completed by clinical psychology Master’s students commencing their internship at 1 Military Hospital: a preliminary study

Psychology in South Africa continues to develop within the changing socio-historical context. Domains of competence are anticipated to develop over the course of the career of a clinical psychology student and professional. Guidelines from the Health Professions Council of South Africa stipulate that the internship year should be dedicated to developing functional competences. It is also required that students provide psychological services to a wide spectrum of patients to prepare for the mental health care needs of the diverse South African population. This preliminary study set out to describe the nature of practical training completed by clinical psychology students that may aid in the development of functional competence domains. Surveys assessing practical training during Master’s coursework were completed by clinical psychology students (n = 20) during the first week of their internship. Interns placed at 1 Military Hospital for the years 2018, 2019, and 2020 participated in the study, and the completed surveys were examined. Results indicated a variance in the number of patients consulted, the hours spent consulting patients as well as the diversity of patient exposure. Some students reported limited to no practical training in psychological tests, which is a cause for concern. Students also rated their perceived competence in report writing as average, which may reflect socially desirable responses. Study outcomes suggest a need to develop agreement among psychology trainers at various stages of the training process regarding the priority to be placed on different practical training aspects. This may assist in training clinical psychologists who can adequately provide much-needed community-based services.
Numerical Analysis of the Seismic Behavior of Earth Dams

Description: The book deals with an important and complex issue in geotechnical and earthquake engineering, which concerns the influence of both plasticity and pore water pressure on the influence of the seismic response to real earthquake records. Analyses are carried using the software FLAC3D. The book includes three parts: The first chapter presents a literature review of research on earth dams. It presents observation during earthquake loading, the different methods of seismic analysis of earth dams, such as the simplified methods, the empirical methods, the equivalent-linear analyses and the non linear methods. The second chapter presents a numerical analysis of the seismic behaviour of earth dams. Analysis is conducted for the solid phase. It corresponds to the response of the dam before water filling. The third chapter presents a numerical analysis of the influence of the water-skeleton interaction on the response of earth dams to seismic loading. Analysis is conducted first under undrained condition, which corresponds to a simplified analysis of the response of the dam.
Development of a Well-Characterized Cynomolgus Macaque Model of Marburg Virus Disease for Support of Vaccine and Therapy Development

Marburg virus (MARV) is a filovirus that can infect humans and nonhuman primates (NHPs), causing severe disease and death. Of the filoviruses, Ebola virus (EBOV) has been the primary target for vaccine and therapeutic development. However, MARV has an average case fatality rate of approximately 50%, the infectious dose is low, and there are currently no approved vaccines or therapies targeted at infection with MARV. The purpose of this study was to characterize disease course in cynomolgus macaques intramuscularly exposed to MARV Angola variant. There were several biomarkers that reliably correlated with MARV-induced disease, including: viral load; elevated total clinical scores; temperature changes; elevated ALT, ALP, BA, TBIL, CRP and decreased ALB values; decreased lymphocytes and platelets; and prolonged PTT. A scheduled euthanasia component also provided the opportunity to study the earliest stages of the disease. This study provides evidence for the application of this model to evaluate potential vaccines and therapies against MARV and will be valuable in improving existing models.