Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Payment for Environmental Services for Waste Pickers: Systematic Literature Mapping

In Payment for Environmental Services (PES) systems, environmental service providers receive compensation for a conservationist action that implies the preservation of natural resources. The objective of this systematic mapping was to identify and discuss scientific articles that address the theme 'Payment for Environmental Services - PES for Waste Pickers Organizations', to understand the state of art of hiring these workers as environmental service providers. The study was developed using the method of systematic mapping of literature, from 2009 to 2019, considering qualitative and quantitative aspects. Results indicated that the countries that most investigate this theme are Brazil, China, India, and Indonesia. The articles portray the informal work of waste pickers, working conditions and the transition from informal systems to waste management in public services. The relationship between payment for environmental services and the work of waste pickers is not yet evident. Furthermore, research on PES and recycling are developed along distinct lines, without interdisciplinarity. However, PES shows itself as an important socio-environmental management tool that has the potential to solve relevant problems of recyclable waste management, because it presents congruent characteristics with the public procurement systems for waste pickers.
An Independent Review of Neuromonics Tinnitus Treatment Controlled Clinical Trials

Traditional methods for the clinical management of tinnitus generally involve some combination of three common elements: education/counseling, stress reduction, and use of therapeutic sound. Neuromonics Tinnitus Treatment (NTT), which originated in Australia and recently has gained visibility in the United States, comprises a new variation of traditional tinnitus therapies. NTT uses a proprietary wearable audio player as its primary treatment modality. NTT is unique amongst tinnitus treatments in that a corporate entity controls all operations, including clinician training, provision of sound therapy devices, and oversight of the clinical activities involved in this trademarked therapy. We review here the three published con - trolled clinical trials of NTT. Observations are offered regarding limitations of these trials with respect to the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) and the CONSORT supplement for nonpharmacologic treatments. The CONSORT standards provide rigorous review criteria for randomised clinical trials. The lack of methodological transparency, and the proprietary nature of NTT limits the ability of independent investigators to evaluate the merits of this clinical approach.
The Impact of Foliar Spray of Chitosan Nano-particles and Bulk Form on Crimson Seedless Grapevine Quality and Productivity

(Received 07/08/2021, accepted 02/11/2021) DOI: 10.21608/ejoh.2021. 88773.1181 ©2022 National Information and Documentation Centre (NIDOC) THE influence of Chitosan (C6H11NO4)n with different molecular weights along with the Chitosan Nano-particles were studied, as supplements and alternative to mineral fertilizers due to their natural properties, on the growth and productivity of seven years-old Crimson Seedless cv. grapevine. The foliar spray was applied in order to determine the optimum rates that would promote yield quality by comparing the bulk Chitosan (CS) with the Chitosan (CS) Nano-particles. The experiment was conducted in 2019 and 2020 with a preliminary season 2018, comprised seven treatments (Control, Chitosan bulk form at 1, 5, 10 cm3/ L and Chitosan Nano-particles at 100, 150, 200 ppm). Results indicated that Chitosan (CS) Nano-particles at 200 ppm was significantly the most effective in stimulating all growth parameters followed by bulk Chitosan at 5 cm3/ L in relation to the control treatment and all other treatments. It has been shown an increase in average yield, cluster weight, berry size, shoot length, anthocyanin, TSS % and leaf pigments content besides its cost effective through reducing the amount of bulk fertilizers.
The monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and outcomes in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome

Background The monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) has been demonstrated as a new marker of inflammation. However, at present, the prognostic value of MHR in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) accompanied with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is unclear. Methods T2DM patients with NSTE-ACS undergoing PCI were consecutively enrolled from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2014 and divided according to MHR value tertiles. Baseline, procedural, and follow-up data were collected. The primary outcomes were in-hospital major adverse clinical events (MACE). The prespecified secondary outcomes included any bleeding [as indicated by Bleeding Academic Research Consortium definition (BARC) grades 1–5] and death during follow-up. Results Of the 1,405 enrolled patients, the rates of in-hospital MACE (0.2%, 0.2%, and 1.3%, P=0.043) and bleeding (12.4%, 12.2%, and 17.1%, P=0.048) increased significantly in high MHR tertiles. After 1 year of follow-up, the rates of bleeding (15.0%, 14.5%, and 22.2%, P=0.002) and all-cause death (1.5%, 1.7%, and 4.3%, P=0.010) were higher in higher MHR tertiles. Our results also suggested that MHR was an independent predictor of in-hospital MACE [adjusted odds ratio =8.36; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.57–44.47; P=0.013] and long-term bleeding (adjusted hazard ratio =1.21; 95% CI: 1.07–1.37; P=0.002). Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that MHR >0.022 had a sensitivity of 75.0% and specificity of 72.7% for predicting in-hospital MACE [area under the curve (AUC) =0.722; 95% CI: 0.51–0.933; P=0.040]. Furthermore, Kaplan-Meier curves showed that a higher risk of all-cause death in long-term follow-up was prevalent in patients with high MHR (P=0.033). Conclusions The increased level of MHR was related to in-hospital MACE and long-term bleeding events in T2DM patients with NSTE-ACS undergoing PCI.
Does managerial ability affect corporate financial constraints? Evidence from China

Abstract We study the effect of managerial ability on financial constraints of Chinese listed companies. Our results indicate a negative relationship between managerial ability and corporate financial constraints. Further analyses show that managerial ability helps alleviate financial constraints probably through lowering information asymmetry, reducing agency conflicts and enhancing corporate profitability. In addition, we find evidence that private firms suffer from more severe financial constraints than state- and foreign-owned firms, and the effect of managerial ability in alleviating financial constraints is more pronounced for private firms. Overall, our findings help understand the role and highlight the importance of managerial ability in alleviating financial constraints.
The Journey of Ni(I) Chemistry

In the last twenty years, nickel has successfully imprinted its role in the field of homogeneous catalysis as a valid and complementary alternative to palladium and platinum catalysts. However, compared to those, there are often many different available pathways in nickel catalysis due to the facile access of intermediate oxidation states. Among them, Ni(I) has been increasingly proposed as a key oxidation state in multiple transformations. This oxidation state had already been suggested a long time ago but has only recently undergone a renaissance with extensive ligand design which has led to over 100 isolated Ni(I) complexes. In addition, the analysis of many catalytic cycles has revealed that the Ni(I) species can not only occur as a decomposition product perturbing a Ni(0)–Ni(II) pathway but can also play a key role in alternative Ni(I)–Ni(III) cycles. This behavior is highly dependent on the class of transformation and ligand employed in catalysis. Herein, we concisely describe the journey of this oxidation state, combining the information gathered from inorganic synthesis and mechanistic investigations, from its synthesis to its postulated role in different catalytic cycles.
Advances in Transformer Protection: A Review

In this article, an attempt is made to put together developments in digital relays for protection of power transformer. Efforts have been made to include all the techniques and philosophies used to that end. The article includes the most recent techniques, like artificial neural network (ANN) and fuzzy logic concepts, as well as other conventional methods used for transformer protection. Only a brief mention is made about conventional methods, while more emphasis is given on the application of ANN and fuzzy techniques for the protection of power transformer. This article presents a set of references of all concerned papers and provides a brief summary of the work presented in them. It also presents the results of these techniques as provided in the respective references.
Detective quantum efficiency of fluoroscopic systems: the case for a spatial-temporal approach (or, does the ideal observer have infinite patience?)

The detective quantum efficiency (DQE) of an imaging system describes how well the ideal observer performs for a specific imaging detection task. While it can be calculated from measured image data and used to quantify system performance, it is rarely used for assessing fluoroscopic systems. This is primarily due to the effects of system lag. Lag results in a temporal averaging of image signals that reduces noise. As a consequence, the measured DQE of fluoroscopic systems having lag will be erroneously high relative to systems having less lag. This effect can be substantial, resulting in measures of the DQE that can be 15-40% greater than the 'lag-free' DQE. The description of a spatial-temporal NPS and DQE is presented as a means of accommodating system lag. The spatial-temporal NPS has units mm2 s and the spatial-temporal DQE is unitless. Using this generalized interpretation, the (conventional) spatial NPS and DQE are described as sections of the spatial-temporal NPS and DQE along the zero temporal-frequency axis. Calculation of spatial-temporal metrics requires determining an effective temporal aperture related to the temporal MTF. It is shown, both theoretically and experimentally, that the spatial component of the spatial-temporal DQE of a system operating in a fluoroscopic mode is the same as the conventional DQE of the same system operating in a radiographic mode under quantum-noise limited conditions.
Self‐Propulsion Simulation of a Tanker Hull

The paper proposes a numerical investigation based on RANS computations for solving the viscous flow around a self‐propelled tanker hull. A general numerical technique to estimate the propulsive performance is presented. For practical reasons, the technique couples a body forces method and a RANS‐based finite volume solver to account for the hull‐propeller interaction. This approach allows the quantification of the performance for a propeller working behind the ship hull, fully accounting for the effective wake conditions. The coupling of the methods therfore gives a combined numerical design and analysis tool. Numerical calculations and model tests have been compared to validate the technique used in the current work.
Sequencing Batch Integrated Fixed-Film Activated Sludge Membrane Process for Treatment of Tapioca Processing Wastewater

Tapioca processing industries are very popular in the rural community to produce a variety of foods as the end products. Due to their small scales and scattered locations, they require robust modular systems to operate at low capacity with minimum supervision. This study explores the application of a novel sequencing batch-integrated fixed-film activated sludge membrane (SB-IFASM) process to treat tapioca processing wastewater for reuse purposes. The SB-IFASM employed a gravity-driven system and utilizes biofilm to enhance biodegradation without requiring membrane cleaning. The SB-IFASM utilizes the biofilm as a secondary biodegradation stage to enhance the permeate quality applicable for reuse. A lab-scale SB-IFASM was developed, preliminarily assessed, and used to treat synthetic tapioca processing industry wastewater. The results of short-term filtration tests showed the significant impact of hydrostatic pressure on membrane compaction and instant cake layer formation. Increasing the pressure from 2.2 to 10 kPa lowered the permeability of clean water and activated sludge from 720 to 425 and from 110 to 50 L/m2·h bar, respectively. The unsteady-state operation of the SB-IFASM showed the prominent role of the bio-cake in removing the organics reaching the permeate quality suitable for reuse. High COD removals of 63–98% demonstrated the prominence contribution of the biofilm in enhancing biological performance and ultimate COD removals of >93% make it very attractive for application in small-scale tapioca processing industries. However, the biological ecosystem was unstable, as shown by foaming that deteriorated permeability and was detrimental to the organic removal. Further developments are still required, particularly to address the biological stability and low permeability.
In vitro and in vivo effects of AVA4746, a novel competitive antagonist of the ligand binding of VLA-4, in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Treatment of resistant or recurrent acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) remains a challenge. It was previously demonstrated that the adhesion molecule integrin α4, referred to hereafter as α4, mediates the cell adhesion-mediated drug resistance (CAM-DR) of B-cell ALL by binding to vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) on bone marrow stroma. In addition, it was previously observed that the blockade of α4 with natalizumab or inhibition using the small molecule antagonist TBC3486 sensitized relapsed ALL cells to chemotherapy. However, α4-targeted therapy is not clinically available for the treatment of leukemia to date. In the present study, the use of a novel non-peptidic small molecule integrin α4 antagonist, AVA4746, as a potential new approach to combat drug-resistant B-ALL was explored. An in vitro co-culture = model of primary B-ALL cells and an in vivo xenograft model of patient-derived B-ALL cells were utilized for evaluation of AVA4746. VLA-4 conformation activation, cell adhesion/de-adhesion, endothelial tube formation, in vivo leukemia cell mobilization and survival assays were performed. AVA4746 exhibited high affinity for binding to B-ALL cells, where it also efficiently blocked ligand-binding to VCAM-1. In addition, AVA4746 caused the functional de-adhesion of primary B-ALL cells from VCAM-1. Inhibition of α4 using AVA4746 also prevented angiogenesis in vitro and when applied in combination with chemotherapy consisting of Vincristine, Dexamethasone and L-asparaginase, it prolonged the survival of ~33% of the mice in an in vivo xenograft model of B-ALL. These data implicate the potential of targeting the α4-VCAM-1 interaction using AVA4746 for the treatment of drug-resistant B-lineage ALL.
Characteristics, Yield, Flow Cytometer, DNA Fragmentation, and Comet Assay Parameters of Goat Spermatozoa in Semen of Zaraibi and Baladi Bucks at Young and Old Ages

The aim of this study was to determine goat breed (Zaraibi and Baladi) or buck age (young and old) effect on characteristics, production, flow cytometer, DNA fragmentation and comet assay parameters of spermatozoa. Twelve Baladi (BG) and Zaraibi (ZG) bucks, 3 old (2-4 years) and 3 young (8-12 months) from BG or ZG used for semen collection for 24 weeks. Volume (EV), sperm progressive motility (PM), livability (LS), abnormality (SA), and concentration (SCC) were evaluated, sperm outputs (SO) were calculated. Sperm apoptosis, DNA fragmentation and comet assay were analyzed. Results revealed that PM, LS, SA, SCC, total, motile, live, normal, and functional SO per ejaculate were significantly higher in ZG than BG and in old than young bucks in each breed. Both EV and LS were significantly higher, while SCC was significantly lower in old than young ZG. Each of EV, PM, and SCC was significantly higher, while SA was significantly lower in old than young BG. Viable sperm, haploid and cell cycle percent was significantly higher, while early apoptotic, apoptotic, and necrotic spermatozoa percent was significantly lower in old than young bucks of each breed. Spermatid percent in ZG and diploid percent in BG were significantly higher in old than young bucks. Tailed sperm, tail length, tail DNA percentage, and tail moment were significantly lower in ZG than BG, and in old than young bucks of each breed. It can be stated that Zaraibi bucks has a good potential for semen production than Baladi breed.
Performance Enhancement of Pentacene-Based Organic Thin-Film Transistors Using a High-K PVA/Low-K PVP Bilayer as the Gate Insulator

In this study, we proposed using the high-K polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/low-K poly-4-vinylphenol (PVP) bilayer structure as the gate insulator to improve the performance of a pentacene-based organic thin-film transistor. The dielectric constant of the optimal high-K PVA/low-K PVP bilayer was 5.6, which was higher than that of the single PVP layer. It resulted in an increase in the gate capacitance and an increased drain current. The surface morphology of the bilayer gate dielectric could be suitable for pentacene grain growth because the PVP layer was deposited above the organic PVA surface, thereby replacing the inorganic surface of the ITO gate electrode. The device performances were significantly improved by using the bilayer gate dielectric based upon the high-K characteristics of the PVA layer and the enlargement of the pentacene grain. Notably, the field-effect mobility was increased from 0.16 to 1.12 cm2/(Vs), 7 times higher than that of the control sample.
Ultrawideband channel measurement and modeling for the future intra‐vehicle communications

In this article, an ultrawideband channel model within an intra‐vehicle environment is investigated.The electromagnetic wave propagation is simulated by full wave method in a three‐dimensional car structure. The channel measurement is conducted in frequency domain from 2 to 15 GHz in different scenarios. The calibration process is pointed out to ensure the accuracy in data analysis. The statistical analysis is presented using the channel impulse response calculated via inverse Fourier transform. The small scale features of the intra‐vehicle environment are then deduced. An interesting result shows that the delay spreads linearly decrease with the increased passenger number. The clustering channel model is developed based on Saleh–Valenzeula (S–V) model fitting into the vehicular environments with dense clusters and rays. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:322–326, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26568
Effect of Footwear on Running Impact Loading in the Preschool Years

Background Previous research indicated that running barefoot or in minimalist shoes led to lower impact loading in an adolescent and adult population. Running as fundamental locomotor skill significantly develops during early childhood (preschool age). However, no study has focused on effect of footwear condition on lower limb impact loading during running in this age. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess effect of footwear conditions (barefoot, minimalist and standard running shoes) on running impact loading in the preschool years. Methods Fourty-eight habitually shod preschool children were divided into 4 age groups. Children performed simple running game in 3 different footwear conditions (random counter-balanced order), 3-dimensional biomechanical analysis were carried out during overground running. The key dependent variables included vertical ground reaction force (VGRF) and vertical instantaneous loading rate (VILR). Statistical parametric mapping was performed to reveal possible differences in VGRF and one-way repeated measures ANOVA in VILR. Results Three-year-old children displayed significantly lower impact peak of VGRF in barefoot condition compared to minimalist (3-7% stance, P = 0.012) and standard running shoes (7-11% stance, P = 0.009). Furthermore, in 3-year-old in minimalist shoes had higher loading than in standard running shoes (0-4% stance, P = 0.007). There were also differences in VILR, where 3-year-old had lower loading in barefoot than in minimalist (P = 0.010, d = 1.19) or standard running shoes (P = 0.045, d = 0.98). No differences were found in older children. Conclusion Running in minimalist shoes did not imitate barefoot running and did not lower impact forces compared to standard running shoes in 3-year-old children. On the contrary, increased loading was observed in minimalist shoes in early running developmental stages. Professionals who work with children should consider effect of minimalist shoes on impact loading (running on hard surfaces).
Three-Dimensional Finite Element Simulations of Ground Vibration Generated by High-Speed Trains and Engineering Countermeasures

In this paper we discuss the benefits of using rubber-modified asphalt concrete in high-speed railway foundations. We present the results from a series of three-dimensional finite element simulations modeling a high-speed train foundation utilizing various trackbed materials. Four trackbed materials were tested for their relative vibration attenuation capacities: ballast, concrete, conventional asphalt concrete, and rubber-modified asphalt concrete. Additionally, studies varying the speed and the weight of the passing train were performed. Parametric studies varying the dimensions of the trackbed underlayment were also examined. From these numerical simulations, it is shown that rubber-modified asphalt concrete outperforms other traditional paving materials in ground vibration attenuation. It is also shown that the speeds and weights of the passing trains and the dimensions of the trackbed have significant effects on the relative performance of the paving materials. Implications for design are discussed.
Vibration Serviceability of a Building Floor Structure. I: Dynamic Testing and Computer Modeling

Buildings with large column-free floors or long-cantilevered structures can be susceptible to annoying vibrations due to everyday occupants’ activities such as walking. Computer modeling and analytical representation of building structural properties to predict the floor response subjected to excitations due to human activities are important issues that require further studies. Vibration testing and analysis of built structures can assist in more accurate estimation of structure dynamic properties. This paper presents the results of the modal testing conducted on an office building floor and analysis of the collected vibration measurements. It compares these results with the structural response using computer analyses. It also presents a sensitivity study to assess the importance of various structural parameters on the floor dynamic response. From the results presented, it is concluded that for the structure used in this study the raised flooring and nonstructural elements acted mainly as added mass and d.
An overview of manufacturing yield and reliability modeling for semiconductor products

This paper presents an overview of yield, reliability, burn-in, cost factors, and fault coverage as practiced in the semiconductor manufacturing industry. Reliability and yield modeling can be used as a foundation for developing effective stress burn-in, which in turn can warranty high-quality semiconductor products. Yield models are described and their advantages and disadvantages are discussed. Both yield reliability relationships and relation models between yield and reliability are thoroughly analyzed in regard to their importance to semiconductor products.