Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reactive hydroxyl radical-driven oral bacterial inactivation by radio frequency atmospheric plasma

We demonstrated bacterial (Streptococcus mutans) inactivation by a radio frequency power driven atmospheric pressure plasma torch with H2O2 entrained in the feedstock gas. Optical emission spectroscopy identified substantial excited state •OH generation inside the plasma and relative •OH formation was verified by optical absorption. The bacterial inactivation rate increased with increasing •OH generation and reached a maximum 5-log10 reduction with 0.6% H2O2 vapor. Generation of large amounts of toxic ozone is drawback of plasma bacterial inactivation, thus it is significant that the ozone concentration falls within recommended safe allowable levels with addition of H2O2 vapor to the plasma.
Effects of Atrial Fibrillation on Intensive Care Unit Outcomes in Patients with Respiratory Failure

Address for Correspondence / Yazışma Adresi: Müge Aydoğdu, e.mail: mugeaydogdu@yahoo.com DOI: 10.5152/dcbybd.2017. 1482 ©Copyright 2017 by Turkish Society of Medical and Surgical Intensive Care Medicine Available online at www.dcyogunbakim. org ©Telif Hakkı 2017 Türk Dahili ve Cerrahi Bilimler Yoğun Bakım Derneği Makale metnine www.dcyogunbakim. org web sayfasından ulaşılabilir. Amaç: Atrial fibrilasyon (AF) ve klinik sonuçlar arasındaki olumsuz ilişki cerrahi yoğun bakım ünitesi (YBÜ) hastalarında iyi tanımlanmıştır. Ama özellikle solunum yetmezliği hastalarında eşlik eden AF’nin prognoza etkileri henüz kesinlik kazanmamıştır. Bu çalışmada amaç solunum yetmezliği ile izlenen YBÜ hastalarında AF insidansını belirlemek ve AF varlığının YBÜ sonuçlarına etkisini değerlendirmektir. Ek olarak solunum yetmezliğinde kullanılan bronkodilatör tedavilerin AF kontrolüne; AF kontrolünde kullanılan kardiyak tedavilerin de solunum sistemine etkileri araştırılmıştır.
Distributed Coding of Quantized Random Projections

In this paper we propose a new framework for distributed source coding of structured sources, such as sparse signals. Our framework capitalizes on recent advances in the theory of linear inverse problems and signal representations using incoherent projections. Our approach acquires and quantizes incoherent linear measurements of the signal, which are represented as separate bitplanes. Each bitplane is coded using a distributed source code of the appropriate rate, and transmitted. The decoder, starts from the least significant biplane and, using a prediction of the signal as side information, iteratively recovers each bitplane based on the source prediction and the signal, assuming all the previous bitplanes of lower significance have already been recovered. We provide theoretical results guiding the rate selection, relying only on the least squares prediction error of the source. This is in contrast to existing approaches which rely on difficult-to-estimate information-theoretic metrics to set the rate. We validate our approach using simulations on remote-sensing multispectral images, comparing them with existing approaches of similar complexity.
Oniomania in the purchasing behaviour of young Polish consumers – an economic approach

Consumption is not something bad in itself; each individual living today is a buyer of various types of material goods and services. The problem arises when consumption becomes the main life goal, with the concern for better living conditions as a key area of human activity. Individuals then take a one-sided view and adopt a deformed hierarchy of values. They assess other people’s behaviours and personalities from the perspective of material values. Distortions in the area of consumption may refer to excessive consumption of certain material goods, their accumulation beyond the actual needs, or the desire to own the latest products despite those now possessed being equally good (Zalega, 2019). The most evident manifestations of consumerist civilisation tendencies – namely, what lies on the surface and is most visible – include shopping (i.e. acquisition of goods and services as a fully-fledged and independent anthropological function) and oniomania as its socio-psychological consequence. Oniomania is a dysfunctional form of excessive and pervading buying. The consumer experiences an unstoppable, chronic, and repeated impulse to go shopping and spend money and he or she loses control of this activity. Compulsive buying involves a preoccupation with shopping or an urge to buy, which is experienced as intrusive and uncontrollable. Oniomania is an issue still insufficiently explored in the field of economics – it is definitely more often discussed in psychiatric, psychological or sociological sources. Excessive shopping is a serious problem of today and it is increasingly affecting younger and younger people who do not yet have a mature psyche and system of values. The effects of excessive involvement in shopping are similar to the consequences of workaholism, netholism or gambling. They can be considered in various areas,
Determination of the temperature and concentration dependence of the refractive index of a liquid mixture

We have developed a sensitive interferometric technique for measuring the temperature derivative of the refractive index of liquids with an accuracy of 0.5% as illustrated by measurements with mixtures of liquid n‐hexane and toluene. In addition the concentration dependence of the refractive index of these mixtures has been measured with refractometry. The experimentally observed temperature dependence of the refractive index appears to be consistent with a modification of the Lorentz–Lorenz relation proposed by Looyenga.
Quasi–linear parabolic SPDEs with continuous coefficients

We deal with quasi–linear parabolic stochastic partial differential equations. We prove that in the sense of Baire category, almost all quasi–linear parabolic stochastic partial differential equations (SPDE) with continuous coefficient have the properties of existence and uniqueness of solutions, as well as the continuous dependence of solutions on the coefficient and the L2-convergence of their Picard’s approximations.
Effect of salicylic acid and boron application on growth and yield of no-tilled rapeseed (Brassica campestris) under rainfed condition

In order to investigate the effect of Salicylic Acid (SA) and Boron (B) application on growth and yield of Rapeseed (Brassica campestris) var. M-27 under no-tilled and rainfed condition was conducted Agricultural Research Farm, Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Utlou, Bishnupur District, Manipur, India during the year 2018-2019. The experiment was conducted in Factorial Randomized Block Design with 4 replications. The results of the experiment revealed that foliar application of boron (0.25 %) twice at 30 days after sowing (DAS) and at flowering coupled with foliar spray of SA (200 ppm) at 25, 50 and 75 DAS gave the highest growth and yield of rapeseed.
Revisiting the Performance of a Coaxial Mixer

The performance of a coaxial mixer combining an anchor and a Rushton turbine was investigated for different diameter ratios and rotating modes in the laminar and transition flow regimes. Based on mixing efficiency criteria, this study confirmed that the co-rotating mode is consistently yielding the best results in the laminar and early transition regimes. The best performance was obtained for a turbine to tank diameter ratio of 1/3. In the upper transition and turbulent regimes, the best performance was obtained with the anchor at rest acting like two opposed baffles. With such a configuration, the optimum diameter ratio was found to be 1/2. New definitions of Reynolds number and power number were also introduced based on new characteristic diameter and speed. These correlations shown to be applicable for radial and axial impellers and are significantly better than the ones proposed in the literature.
128338_Ester Arevalo Sureda

The rat, as an altritial species, is born with an immature gastrointestinal tract and intestinal barrier function, which is highly absorptive to milk-borne bioactive molecules that can pass undigested and reach the general circulation of the suckling newborn. This passage occurs by the neonatal-Fc-receptor (FcRn) binding and trancytosis of immunoglobulin G in the proximal small intestine (SI) and by the highly endocytic vacuolated enterocytes non-selectively in the distal SI. Postnatal gut maturation accelerates at weaning, around postnatal day 21, coincident with the dietary transition from milk to solid food. Maturation of the gut can also be precociously induced by provocation with a lectin, phytohaemagglutinin (PHA), mimicking the naturally occurring changes in gut structure and function. The changes occurring during natural or induced gut maturation include stimulation of pancreatic function and cessation of the SI absorptive capacity to macromolecules (gut closure). Intestinal epithelial maturation has been related to the gut immune system and is suggested to depend on T-lymphocytes activation. Recently, the transcription factor B-lymphocyte-induced maturation-protein-1 (Blimp-1) has been proposed to be a key regulator of intestinal maturation in mice. Hence, the present study investigated the events occurring during gut development and the cues initiating the process. The study especially focused on changes in the barrier function and macromolecular permeability, pancreatic function, and the relation to gut immune factors. A novel animal model of pancreatic and pancreatic-like protease-induced precocious gut maturation was established in neonatal rats, and was used in comparison to the existing PHA-induced model, as well as natural gut development. The gut maturational changes observed during natural or induced maturation, by both protease or PHA, included the transition of foetalto adulttype SI epithelium, with reduced FcRn expression in the proximal part and disappearance of vacuolated enterocytes in the distal part, associated with a similar change in intestinal epithelial Blimp1 expression. The early effects after exposure to the provocative agents, PHA and protease, revealed that both agents hampered macromolecular permeability and only protease also caused an increase in epithelial leakiness of the distal SI. These results indicated that protease and PHA affected the intestinal barrier function differently. Furthermore, the provocative agents were also tested in neonatal athymic nude rats, T-cell immunodeficient, and they appeared to be susceptible to induced precocious gut maturation. These results suggested that gut maturation is independent of thymus-derived T-celsl, but the involvement of other immune cells types, possibly innate immune cells, should be further investigated. Thus, the findings of the present thesis will contribute to an increased understanding of initiating cues and the mechanisms of maturation of the intestinal barrier in young mammals. The knowledge obtained could be applied to improve strategies for the treatment of gut-related complications, often affecting premature infants.
A MODIFIED ZINC IODIDE-OSMIUM TETROXIDE STAINING METHOD FOR NERVE TERMINALS IN SPINAL CORDS OF THE RAT

The synaptic terminals of the ventral horn of rat spinal cords were demonstrated by electron microscopy using a modification of the zinc iodideosmium tetroxide staining technique in which zinc iodide was substituted for a mixture of zinc powder and iodine sublimate.The best staining reaction consistent with tissue preservation was obtained by incubating specimens for 16 hours at 4°C in solutions containing 1% or 2% zinc iodide. Synaptic vesicles staining black were observed in both F and S types of synaptic terminals. With the exception of some parts of the myelin sheath no other neuronal or glial elements gave a positive reaction.The modified technique was compared with that of other investigators and the possible nature of the reaction between the stain and the synaptic vesicles was briefly discussed.
OCCURRENCE, VIRULENCE AND PATHOGENICITY OF PYTHIUM APHANIDERMATUM CAUSING TOMATO DAMPING OFF

An intensive survey for the occurrence of tomato damping off (Pythium aphanidermatum) was carried out during the year 2018–19 in order to assess the incidence of tomato damping off disease in different districts of Tamil Nadu. The maximum incidence of damping off (pre and post emergence 38.65 & 60.98 per cent) was recorded at Sivapuri village in Cuddalore district followed by 37.55 and 59.69 per cent at Pollachi in Coimbatore district. Radial growth (mm/day) over 4 day incubation and visual assessment of colony morphology indicated variability among the isolates. Among the twenty isolates, maximum mycelia growth and fast sporulent germination at an early stage of incubation 24 h interval for 4 days (1–4 days after incubation), there were maximum mycelia growth was observed in I4 (33.56 to 90.00 mm) followed by I7 recorded 32.25 to 89.00 mm radial growth (mm/day) 1-4 days after incubation. Further, various inoculum levels tested, application of 100g/kg of soil inoculum load of P. aphanidermatum registered the maximum incidence of 37.68 per cent pre-emergence damping-off and 69.78 per cent of post-emergence damping-off.
LEARNING PRONUNCIATION OF ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE THROUGH CURRICULUM INTRODUCED BY THE UNIVERSITY IN INDIA

This research paper aims to provide insights into the role of curriculum design and teaching materials in the development of English pronunciation in EFL contexts. One of the main contextual factors negatively affecting the development of pronunciation abilities of EFL learners relates to the ‘often-unchanging’ curriculum design and the ‘blind’ choice of teaching materials without regard to students’ needs and goals. This study utilises structured interviews and focus group discussions (N=2 sessions) to elicit the views of a group (N=71) of second-and thirdyear English-major students and Post-graduation in English students at a university affiliated college in India on the appropriateness of the curriculum design and teaching materials to their learning expectations in the area of English pronunciation. The results show that the great majority of students spoke unfavourably about the overall curriculum and teaching materials and considered those to be among the obstacles that they encounter in their learning of English pronunciation. This finding raises the question of curriculum design of English language teaching programs and the extent to which these curricula meet the needs of learners. The study suggests that a reformation of the structure of the curriculum in the study context is urgently needed and that more involvement of students’ perspectives on the design of curricula is of major importance in view of the standard English pronunciation in India.
STEP KINEMATIC PREDICTORS OF SHORT SPRINT PERFORMANCE IN FIELD SPORT ATHLETES

Field sport athletes must generate high velocities over short distances (10 meters [m] or less). The interaction between step kinematics (step length, step frequency, contact time, flight time) determines sprint velocity. This study determined the step kinematics that predicted 10-m sprint performance (0-5, 5-10, 0-10 m intervals) through stepwise multiple regression (p ≤ 0.05). Spearman’s correlations (p ≤ 0.05) were also conducted between step kinematics and velocity for each interval. 0-5 m step length and 0-10 m contact time predicted 0-5 m velocity (R = 0.685; p = 0.006). 0-5 m contact time, and 5-10 m step length and step frequency predicted 5-10 m velocity (R = 0.715; p = 0.002). 5-10 m step length and step frequency predicted 0-10 m velocity (R = 0.606; p = 0.001). Correlations were found between 0-5 m velocity and step length in all intervals, and 0-5 m flight time (ρ = 0.406-0.515; p = 0.011-0.045). 0-10 m velocity correlated with 5-10 and 0-10 m step length, and 0-5 m flight time (ρ = 0.398-0.444; p = 0.026-0.048). Longer step lengths were integral for short sprint speed in field sport athletes. Step length should be developed in these athletes to improve short distance velocities.
Product-level profitability—Current challenges and preconditions for data-driven, fact-based product portfolio management

Purpose— The main objective of this study was to analyse current challenges and to articulate the preconditions for data-driven, fact-based product portfolio management (PPM) based on commercial and technical product structures, critical business processes, corporate business IT and company data assets. Here, data assets were classified from a PPM perspective in terms of (product/customer/supplier) master data, transaction data and Internet of Things (IoT) data. The study also addresses the supporting role of corporate-level data governance. Design/methodology/approach— The study combines a literature review and qualitative analysis of empirical data collected from eight international companies of varying size. Findings— Companies’ current inability to analyse products effectively based on existing data is surprising. The present findings identify a number of preconditions for data-driven, fact-based PPM, including mutual understanding of company products (to establish a consistent commercial and technical product structure); product classification as strategic, supportive or non-strategic (to link commercial and technical product structures with product strategy); and a holistic, corporate-level data model for adjusting the company’s business IT (to support product portfolio visualisation). Practical implications— The findings provide a logical and empirical basis for fact-based, product-level analysis of product profitability and analysis of the product portfolio over the product life cycle, supporting a data-driven approach to the optimisation of commercial and technical product structure, business IT systems and company product strategy. As a virtual representation of reality, the company data model facilitates product visualisation. The findings are of great practical value, as they demonstrate the significance of corporate-level data assets, data governance and business-critical data for managing a company’s products and portfolio. Originality/Value— The study contributes to the existing literature by specifying the preconditions for data-driven, fact-based PPM as a basis for product-level analysis and decision-making, emphasising the role of company data assets and clarifying the links between business processes, information systems and data assets for PPM.
Institutional Arrangement and Policy Context Underlying Sustainability Actions in the U.S.: Lessons for Asian Regions

This paper examines the actions and the factors driving those actions to reduce energy consumption and enhance energy efficiency taken by United States cities. While not much empirical evidence is available on why governments pursue practical sustainability actions, we attempt to shed more light on this important topic by empirically identifying factors that contribute to concrete actions toward sustainability policies. We adopt political market theory as a basic theoretical framework with policy-making applied to city energy consumption. Using the 2010 ICMA (local government sustainability policies and program) data, this study expands the focus of analyses to evaluate the effect of the form of government on energy consumption and energy efficiency by using multiple regression analysis. The findings show that at the city level, the mayorcouncil form of government are negatively associated with governments’ efforts to reduce energy consumption. However, cities with at-large elections and municipal ownership are more likely to adopt sustainability actions. We also find that a large-scale economy has significant effects on the effort to reduce city energy consumption and improve energy efficiency. This shows that environmental policies are directly connected to locally relevant affairs, including housing, energy use, green transportation, and water. Thus, local level administrators could take an executive role to protect the environment, encourage the development of alternative energy, and reduce the use of fossil fuel and coal energy. These efforts can lead to important environmental ramifications and relevant actions by municipal governments.
Efficacy of insecticides against major insect pests of pigeon pea in Nagaland

A study on “Efficacy of insecticides against major insect pest of pigeon pea in Nagaland” was conducted during the Kharif season of 2017 and 2018 in the Entomology Experimental farm of School of Agricultural Sciences and Rural Development, Nagaland University, Medziphema, Nagaland. There were 7 treatments arranged in randomized block design with three replications. During the investigation, Maruca vitrata, Apion sp. , Aphis craccivora, Riptortus sp. and Helicoverpa armigera were the major insect pests of Pigeon pea. Out of the 6 insecticide treatments, Indoxacarb 4.5 + Novaluron 5.25 SC were effective against Maruca vitrata, while Cypermethrin 25 EC showed its efficacy against Apion sp. , and Helicoverpa armigera. The treatment from Cypermethrin 25 EC exhibited the lowest pod damage with a mean of 24.77%, and the highest grain yield of 1460 kg/ha with the highest Benefit Cost ratio (10.88: 1).
Microstructural Effects on Electrocatalytic Oxygen Reduction Activity of Nano‐Grained Thin‐film Platinum in Acid Media

The oxygen reduction activity of thin-film platinum deposits on carbon and its relationship to catalyst microstructure has been investigated using rotating-disk-electrode techniques. The thin-film form of platinum is a viable tool for catalyst study as it can provide intrinsic activity data on finely divided carbon-supported platinum. Sputtered polycrystalline thin-film platinum deposits on carbon (loading from 6 to 200 μg/cm 2 ) have been characterized, and their oxygen reduction activity at 25 o C in 1M sulfuric acid determined. Catalyst characterization consisted of electrochemical surface-area measurement and establishing grain size, morphology, and lattice parameter using transmission electron microscopy
Do Dividends Mitigate Bad News Hoarding, Overinvestment, and Stock Price Crash Risk?

We examine the economic benefits of paying dividends. We find that dividend payments mitigate stock price crash risk. In addition, we show that dividend payments reduce bad news hoarding (overinvestment) while bad news hoarding (overinvestment) is positively associated with stock price crash risk, suggesting that curbing bad news hoarding and curtailing overinvestment are two channels through which dividends mitigate crash risk. Finally, our main results are robust to a battery of sensitivity checks including controls for potential endogeneity concerns. Our paper extends a recent literature about dividends enhancing earnings quality (e.g., Skinner and Soltes, 2011) by adding that dividend payments generate economic benefits in the form of mitigated bad news hoarding, overinvestment, and stock price crash risk.
Chemical Composition of the Leaf Oil of Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa

Abstract Analysis of the leaf oil of Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa, Rutaceae, by capillary GC and GC/MS resulted in the identification of 35 components comprising 99.6% of the total oil. The oil was constituted mainly of monoterpene compounds (93.6%), α-phellandrene (39–2%), limonene (26.8%),βP-phellandrene (16.2%) and α-pinene (6.6%) were the major constituents found.