Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modeling and optimization of biosorption of lead (II) ions from aqueous solution onto pine leaves (Pinus kesiya) using response surface methodology

In this work, the central composite design in response surface methodology by the Design-Expert software was used for optimizing the removal of Pb(II) ions from aqueous solution by pine leaves (Pinus kesiya). Effects of pHsolution, adsorption time and initial Pb(II) ions concentration on adsorption capacity were investigated. Experimental data were fitted by using five nonlinear isotherm models including Langmuir, Freundlich, Sips, Temkin and Dubinin–Radushkevich. The maximum Pb(II) adsorption capacity (qmax) estimated from the Langmuir isotherm model was 31.04 mg/g, which is higher than other biomaterials such as barley straw, Cucumis sativus peel, coconut tree sawdust, etc. Kinetic studies indicated that the uptake of Pb(II) occurred on the Elovich model within two stages. Thermodynamic studies at different temperatures showed the biosorption to be endothermic and spontaneous. The study concluded that P. kesiya can be a good adsorbent for removing Pb(II) from aqueous solution.
THE LAST FIVE PERCENT: WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM DIFFICULT/LATE INTERVIEWS?

Over the past two decades, government agencies have witnessed a gradual but steady decline in survey and census participation rates (Atrostic, et al, 1999; de Heer 1999; Groves and Couper, 1998; Fay, Bates and Moore, 1991). Some theories behind this increase include growing privacy concerns, mistrust of government, increased time pressures, and a proliferation in telemarketing. To combat the decline, organizations have implemented a variety of techniques including respondent incentives, interviewer incentives, enhanced interviewer training, changes to field procedures, and experimentation with alternate modes of response (see Collins and Tsapogas 2000; Olson, Srinath, Burich 2000, Singer et al, 1999; Groves and McGonagle, 1998; Lauria, Smith and Scott, 1999; Schaefer and Dillman, 1998).
Representing model uncertainty for global atmospheric CO2 flux inversions using ECMWF-IFS-46R1

Abstract. Atmospheric flux inversions use observations of atmospheric CO2 to provide anthropogenic and biogenic CO2 flux estimates at a range of spatio-temporal scales. Inversions require prior flux, a forward model and observation errors to estimate posterior fluxes and uncertainties. Here, we investigate the forward transport error and the associated biogenic feedback in an Earth system model (ESM) context. These errors can occur from uncertainty in the initial meteorology, the analysis fields used, or the advection schemes and physical parameterisation of the model. We also explore the spatio-temporal variability and flow-dependent error covariances. We then compare the error with the atmospheric response to uncertainty in the prior anthropogenic emissions. Although transport errors are variable, average total-column CO2 (XCO2) transport errors over anthropogenic emission hotspots (0.1–0.8 ppm) are comparable to, and often exceed, prior monthly anthropogenic flux uncertainties projected onto the same space (0.1–1.4 ppm). Average near-surface transport errors at three sites (Paris, Caltech and Tsukuba) range from 1.7 to 7.2 ppm. The global average XCO2 transport error standard deviation plateaus at ∼0.1 ppm after 2–3 d, after which atmospheric mixing significantly dampens the concentration gradients. Error correlations are found to be highly flow dependent, with XCO2 spatio-temporal correlation length scales ranging from 0 to 700 km and 0 to 260 min. Globally, the average model error caused by the biogenic response to atmospheric meteorological uncertainties is small (<0.01 ppm); however, this increases over high flux regions and is seasonally dependent (e.g. the Amazon; January and July: 0.24±0.18 ppm and 0.13±0.07 ppm). In general, flux hotspots are well-correlated with model transport errors. Our model error estimates, combined with the atmospheric response to anthropogenic flux uncertainty, are validated against three Total Carbon Observing Network (TCCON) XCO2 sites. Results indicate that our model and flux uncertainty account for 21 %–65 % of the total uncertainty. The remaining uncertainty originates from additional sources, such as observation, numerical and representation errors, as well as structural errors in the biogenic model. An underrepresentation of transport and flux uncertainties could also contribute to the remaining uncertainty. Our quantification of CO2 transport error can be used to help derive accurate posterior fluxes and error reductions in future inversion systems. The model uncertainty diagnosed here can be used with varying degrees of complexity and with different modelling techniques by the inversion community.
Radon exposure and lung cancer: analysis of risk for residents of Rivne City (Ukraine)

National University of Water Management and Natural Resources Use 11 Soborna St., Rivne 33000, Ukraine. E-mail: lebed739@ukr.net, ORCID: 0000-0003-4229-5540 Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture 31 Povitroflotsky avenue, Kyiv 03037, Ukraine. E-mail: e.voloshki@gmail.com Rivne State University of Humanities 29a Plastova St., Rivne 33028, Ukraine E-mail: lysycya@ukr.net, ORCID: 0000-0001-9028-8412 Received 15.11. 2019. Accepted 20.12. 2019
Proximity patterns in water buffaloes' activities on pasture

Abstract Water buffaloes are considered social animals and perform several activities on pasture, such as grazing, moving, standing, ruminating, wallowing, lying, and drinking. However, the way these animals form their social structure in the herd during each one of these activities is still unknown. Literature for water buffaloes has focused mainly on their productive characteristics, impact of grazing on wetlands and behavior during grazing but failed to address the way these animals form their social organization during their activities on pasture. In this study, the tools of social network analysis are used to analyze, detect, and depict the proximity patterns in water buffaloes' activities on pasture and the effect of their age and gender on them. We describe and interpret a series of global and local network indices, and show that the water buffaloes differentiate their social structure in their activities on pasture and that the animals' age and gender affect their interacting patterns, and provide a framework for the application of social network analysis on grazing animals' social behavioral studies. We expect that this framework could be used in future research to provide information regarding the social structure of other kinds of animals that graze in different forage and climatic environments and help animal breeders to improve their management practices.
Urinary Tract Infection among Patients Visiting Ganesh Man Singh Memorial Hospital and Research Center, Lalitpur, Nepal

Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of urinary tract infection (UTI) and antibiotic sensitivity pattern among the suspected UTI cases visiting at Ganeshman Singh Memorial Hospital Lalitpur, Nepal. Methods: A total of 300 mid-stream urine, catheter and suprapubic aspirate from UTI suspected patients were included and processed for routine microscopy and culture and then identifi ed by standard microbiological methods. Antibiotic susceptibility test was performed by KirbyBauer disc diffusion method. Results: Out of 300 samples, 55(84.6%) mid-stream urine and 10(15.4%) catheter sample had signifi cant bacterial growth. E. coli (32,49.2%) was the most common isolate followed by Staphylococcus aureus (10,15.3%), Enterobacter spp. (8,12.3%), Klebsiella spp. (7,10.7%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (3,4.6%), Proteus spp. (3,4.6%), Acinetobacter spp. (1,1.5%) and Enterococcus spp. (1,1.5%). Most of the Gramnegative bacterial isolates were sensitive to Ceftriaxone (88.8%) followed by Gentamicin (72.2%), and Nitrofurantoin (64.8%) and resistant to Amoxicilin (68.5%) followed by Nalidixic Acid (53.7%). Gram positive isolates were sensitive to Amikacin (72.7%) followed by Imipenem (63.6%) and Gentamicin (63.6%) whereas resistant to Amoxycilin (72.7%) and Ciprofl oxacin (63.63%). Conclusion: The main cause of the UTIs was found as Gram negative bacteria. Prescription of antibiotics based on susceptibility tests would help in reduction of antibiotic resistance.
Antecedents and consequences of brand passion among young smartphone consumers: evidence of Iran

Abstract As emotional consumer-brand relationships have a high impact on consumer behavior, brand managers tend to create passionate brands, e.g. by using emotional advertising messages. Although the role of emotions is frequently discussed in marketing literature, the causalities of brand passion are rudimentarily analyzed in empirical research. The aim of this study is investigating the antecedents (affective brand experience, brand prestige, brand identification and, brand trust) and consequences (positive word of mouth and willingness to pay price premium) passion to Smartphone brands among young consumers. The research model was tested using data convenient sampling collected from students of Azad University in Tehran City. The numbers of valid observations were 384. Structure equation modeling using Lisrel 8.80 software was used to verify and validate the research model. The results revealed that affective brand experience, brand identification, and brand trust (as important antecedents) has a positive and significant impact on brand passion. In addition, brand prestige has not a positive impact on brand passion. Finally, brand passion has a positive and significant impact on positive word of mouth and willingness to pay a higher price for the brand.
How do diamonds grow in metal melt together with silicate minerals? An experimental study of diamond morphology

Abstract. The origin and evolution of metal melts in the Earth's mantle and their role in the formation of diamond are the subject of active discussion. It is widely accepted that portions of metal melts in the form of pockets can be a suitable medium for diamond growth. This raises questions about the role of silicate minerals that form the walls of these pockets and are present in the volume of the metal melt during the growth of diamonds. The aim of the present work was to study the crystallization of diamond in a complex heterogeneous system: metal-melt–basalt–carbon. The experiments were performed using a multianvil high-pressure apparatus of split-sphere type (BARS) at a pressure of 5.5 GPa and a temperature of 1500 ∘ C. The results demonstrated crystallization of diamond in metal melt together with garnet and clinopyroxene, whose chemical compositions are similar to those of eclogitic inclusions in natural diamond. We show that the presence of silicates in the crystallization medium does not reduce the chemical ability of metal melts to catalyze the conversion of graphite into diamond, and, morphologically, diamond crystallizes mainly in the form of a cuboctahedron. When the content of the silicate material in the system exceeds 5 wt %, diamond forms parallel-growth aggregates, but 15 wt % of silicate phases block the crystallization chamber, preventing the penetration of metallic melt into them, thus interrupting the growth of diamond. We infer that the studied mechanism of diamond crystallization can occur at lower-mantle conditions but could also have taken place in the ancient continental mantle of the Earth, under reducing conditions that allowed the stability of Fe–Ni melts.
Standards for reporting interventions in controlled trials of acupuncture:The STRICTA Recommendations

Summary: Acupuncture treatment and control group interventions in parallel-group randomised trials of acupuncture are not always precisely reported. In an attempt to improve standards, an international group of experienced acupuncturists and researchers devised a set of recommendations, designating them. STRICTA: Standards for Reporting Interventions in Controlled Trials of Acupuncture. In a further consensus-building round, the editors of several journals helped redraft the recommendations. These follow the Consolidated Standards for Reporting Trials (CONSORT) format, acting as an extension of the CONSORT guidelines for the specific requirements of acupuncture studies. Participating journal editors are publishing the STRICTA recommendations and requesting prospective authors to adhere to them when preparing reports for publication. Other journals are invited to adopt these recommendations.The intended outcome is that interventions in controlled trials of acupuncture will be more adequately reported, thereby facilitating an improvement in critical appraisal, analysis and replication of trials.
“It’s Pre-Service Teacher’s Time”: Shifting the Focus of Communication Apprehension (CA) Research

Anxiety to communicate in front of public is significantly associated with how individuals cope with and adjust to the stress of apprehension. Studies across multiple disciplines have investigated connections among Communication Apprehension (CA), instructional communication (e.g. language and various discipline applications), coping strategies (e.g. computer-mediated communication features), and psychological behaviors (e.g. introvert and extrovert traits). However, there has not been yet a systematic review of this discourse to date. This study explored 23 research articles and summarized how CA and coping tend to focus much on students and little to teachers, particularly pre-service ones. The exposure on students includes CA profile, demographics, causes, and remedy approaches. Communication scholars contribute to innovation of reducing CA level using computer-mediated communication. Yet, face-to-face interactions might potentially decrease pre-service teacher’s CA level taking into account his cultural background and power which he would exercise to boost his confidence. Further research on this particular topic is worth investigating in the future. Keywords—communication apprehension; instructional communication; language
Multimodal Retinal Image Analysis via Deep Learning for the Diagnosis of Intermediate Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Feasibility Study

Results The CNN trained using OCT alone showed a diagnostic accuracy of 94%, whilst the OCT-A trained CNN resulted in an accuracy of 91%. When multiple modalities were combined, the CNN accuracy increased to 96% in the AMD cohort. Conclusions Here we demonstrate that superior diagnostic accuracy can be achieved when deep learning is combined with multimodal image analysis.
Brand Communications Effect, Brand Images, and Brand Trust Over Loyalty Brand Building at PT Sanko Material Indonesia

This study aimed to analyze the effect of brand communication on brand image, brand communication, and brand trust over loyalty brand building at PT. Sanko Material Indonesia. In this study, we use quesionaries to assess loyality brand building to all distributors and other business companies near 250 companies. Here, we take 160 respondents who were considered to have adequately represented a population studied brand loyality. The sampling technique in this study, we use Convenience Sampling method which is a sampling method based on the convenience factor where the respondents discuss and meet at survey location. We use analytical model e.g. Structural Equation Modelling with the AMOS 21 Program to obtain the result. The results shows, a Brand communication had a positive and significant effect on brand image. The implication of loyality brand building is a better than brand communication carried out by PT. Sanko Material Indonesia. Brand communication have a positive and significant effect on brand trust. It means that the better brand communication is increased consumer confidence. Brand image also has positive and significant effect on brand trust as well as a positive and significant influence of brand trust on brand loyalty. This means that the better brand image with higher brand trust and the higher consumer confidence in products of PT. Sanko Material Indonesia.
Determinants of financial instruments risk disclosure: An empirical analysis in the banking sector

This study investigates the effects of firm and country factors, considered as determinants of the financial instruments risk disclosure (FIRD) proxied by IFRS 7 in the European banking system. We select 582 banks-year observations based on the largest five European economies (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK) as provided by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Our analysis covers a period of 8 years (2007-2014) and adopts an OLS model. Results show that both firm (the type of auditor, board size and profitability) and country factors (financing environment, regulatory environment, and organizational status) affect FIRD. Limitations for this paper could relate to country selection, as well as on the breadth of the sample. Nevertheless, these aspects could unveil possible areas of future inquiry. The contribution of the study is twofold. It enriches the literature about firm and country determinants on financial instruments risk disclosure, as combined rather than single-standing variables. Yet, it draws the attention of banks’ management and investors on what the crucial factors to reach an optimal level of FIRD are and gain the confidence of capital markets, reducing information asymmetries. This is the first empirical investigation on the determinants of FIRD, using IFRS 7, in the European banking sector that adopts firm and country factors in a combined effort.
The Leadership style that transcend National and Cultural Boundaries: The Transformational Leadership

The need and importance of leadership in society exceed and transcend national and cultural boundaries as we know it today. The “art of leadership” is to lead and exhume the innermost humanity of the citizens for the betterment of the society, because without the presence of good leadership, chaos and tyranny will dominate and rule over every corner of our world. Hence, the reason for the conceptualization of leadership theories that transcend and cut through national and cultural nuances and boundaries is very essential. To help examine this leadership phenomenon, this paper has selected Bass (1997) “Does the transactional-transformational leadership paradigm transcend organizational and national boundaries? ” as the primary seminal article to audit. In addition, ten leadership articles will be utilized as secondary articles for the purpose of auditing this seminal article. Aus. Aca. Busi & Eco. Rev Vol 4(4), October 2018, P 242-251
INHIBITION of GSK-3β SUPPRESSES GLIOMA CELLS PROLIFERATION by DOWN- REGULATING MUTANT p53

Glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) has been identified as a therapeutic target for many diseases and is associated with tumor suppressor or pro-cancer mechanisms in many tumors. Mutant p53 plays a carcinogenic role in most tumors. Glioma is an intracranial tumor with high incidence, poor therapeutic effect and easy recurrence. The present research aims to investigate the regulation and effects of GSK-3β on mutant p53 and its biological role in glioma development. In addition, the effect of GSK-3β inhibitor 1-AKP interfering with GSK-3β on cell proliferation was studied in glioma cells. And the effects of lentivirus-mediated RNA interference of p53 on glioma cell proliferation. GSK-3β can positively regulate p53 and inhibition of GSK-3β could down-regulate the expression of mutant p53 thus inhibiting the proliferation of glioma cells. To sum up, GSK-3β inactivation regulates cell proliferation by inhibiting the expression of mutant p53.
Oscillometrically Measured Aortic Pulse Wave Velocity Reveals Asymptomatic Carotid Atherosclerosis in a Middle-Aged, Apparently Healthy Population

Background Asymptomatic atherosclerosis is a common entity even at young age. Studies have suggested a strong relationship between increased arterial stiffness and asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis (ACA) in general population, particularly in those with high cardiovascular risk, but no data exist from a younger population free from recognized cardiovascular disease. Hypothesis. We hypothesized there is an association between ACA and aortic pulse wave velocity (PWVao) in middle-aged, apparently healthy, normotensive population to reveal increased cardiovascular risk. Methods We examined the relationship between ACA and PWVao in 236 apparently healthy, asymptomatic, normotensive, middle-aged subjects (age 47 ± 8 years; 52% women). PWVao was measured with the oscillometric method (Arteriograph). ACA was assessed by carotid artery ultrasonography. Results ACA was present in 51 subjects. Subjects with ACA were older (p < 0.009), more likely to be smokers (p < 0.009), more likely to be smokers (p < 0.009), more likely to be smokers (p < 0.009), more likely to be smokers (p < 0.009), more likely to be smokers (p < 0.009), more likely to be smokers (p < 0.009), more likely to be smokers (p < 0.009), more likely to be smokers ( Conclusions PWVao measured by the Arteriograph proved to be an independent marker of ACA. Our study may reveal high CV risk, detected as increased PWVao, which according to our study is related in a very high probability to asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis in apparently healthy, young, and middle-aged subjects.
Challenges and Opportunities of Irrigation Practices in Ethiopia: A Review

Ethiopia has been started traditional irrigation practice since ancient time for the aim of subsistence food production. Since 1950’s modern irrigation system was introduced in Awash and Rift Valley basins for production of industrial crops. Government, donors and non-governmental organizations are investing to the development of irrigation systems from small to large scale irrigation schemes. As a result, irrigation is developing rapidly. However, its contribution to the national economy is insignificant when compared to rain-fed agriculture. This review was conducted to investigate the irrigation practice challenges and opportunities in Ethiopia. The extension service was inadequate and not packaged. Credit service bureaucracy like group collateral was constrained to improve irrigated crop production. Water governance was done by water users but interference by the government bodies aggravated water use conflicts. Streams drying, percolation and seepage of water are the most challenges. Irrigation created employment opportunity for household members and the rural community and also improved their income. Therefore, policy makers and development practitioners should improve policies and strategies based on the agro-ecology and socio-economic settings of irrigation areas to overcome the challenges and strengthen the opportunities. Review Article Kassie; JERR, 9(3): 1-12, 2019; Article no.JERR. 53577 2
Protection against ischaemia-induced ventricular arrhythmias and myocardial dysfunction conferred by preconditioning in the rat heart: Involvement of mitochondrial KATP channels and reactive oxygen species

Institute for Heart Research, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Centre of Excellence for Cardiovascular Research of the SAS; 1 Pharmacobiochemical Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovak Republic; Institute of Physiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Centre of Experimental Cardiovascular Research, Prague, Czech Republic Short title: Preconditioning and ischaemic arrhythmias in the rat heart