Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Identification of precursor species in the formation of MFI zeolite in the TPAOH-TEOS-H2O system

29Si liquid NMR and in situ infrared spectroscopy was used to investigate the polycondensation process of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) in a concentrated aqueous solution of tetrapropylammonium hydroxide (TPAOH) at low temperatures. The composition was characterized by a molar hydrolysis ratio (H2O/TEOS) of 6 and a molar TPAOH/TEOS ratio of 0.37. The 29Si NMR spectra and the infrared spectra of the samples recorded at different reaction times and temperatures were assigned to a limited number of specific silicate polyanions containing three and five rings. The structure directing action of tetrapropylammonium cations was evidenced by the formation of silicate polyanions with a curved hydrophobic SiO2 surface, such as the bicyclic pentamer, pentacyclic octamer, and the tetracyclic undecamer. At room temperature, the polycondensation process leads to the selective formation of a species containing 33 Si atoms. It occluded a tetrapropylammonium molecule and had the same framework connectivity as in bulk MF.
Sol‐gel synthesized lithium orthosilicate as a reusable solid catalyst for biodiesel production

Lithium orthosilicate (Li4SiO4) is a promising solid catalyst for biodiesel synthesis. However, Li4SiO4 is traditionally prepared by a solid‐state reaction, which results in the unstable activity for the reaction. In the present study, Li4SiO4 was successfully prepared using a simple sol‐gel method and employed as an efficient solid alkali catalyst for biodiesel synthesis. The molar ratio of precursors and calcination temperature were optimized for the synthesis of Li4SiO4 by using the sol‐gel method. The physical and chemical properties were determined using X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, laser diffraction particle size, and thermogravimetric analysis. The as‐prepared Li4SiO4 catalyst had much smaller particle size, pore volume, and pore size, but higher surface area and basicity than Li4SiO4 catalyst prepared by the solid‐state reaction. It was then used to transesterify methanol and soybean oil into biodiesel. The effect of reaction factors (reaction time from 1 to 3 hours, catalyst concentration from 3 to 9%; molar ratio of methanol to oil from 6:1 to 18:1, and temperature from 55°C to 75°C) on the Li4SiO4‐catalyzed transesterification was systematically examined. The highest biodiesel conversion of 91% was reached under the following conditions: reaction time of 2 hours, Li4SiO4 concentration of 6%, 12:1 methanol:oil molar ratio, and temperature of 65°C. Notably, Li4SiO4 could be efficiently reused for at least 10 times without significant loss of its activity; this suggests that the sol‐gel synthesized Li4SiO4 is a potential solid alkali catalyst for biodiesel synthesis.
Mainstream Sell-Outs? How Collaboration with the Radical Right Changes Perceptions of Party Positions on Immigration

Abstract European mainstream right parties are increasingly choosing to include radical right parties in coalition governments or other types of stable and committed cooperation. How does this cooperation affect voters’ perceptions of party positions? This article examines whether coalition signals have a significant impact on voters’ perceptions of the specific policy issues that were at stake in the bargaining process. More specifically, does the issue ownership of the radical right cause voters to perceive mainstream parties as radicalizing on immigration issues pertaining to asylum and multiculturalism? I compare the perceptions of Dutch parties before and after two coalition formations that (formally and informally) involved a radical right party: the coalition with the List Pim Fortuyn in 2002 and the support agreement with the Freedom Party in 2010. Furthermore, I examine the long-term effects of the Danish mainstream right government's reliance on the support of the radical right Danish People's Party in 2001–11.
Remanufacturing end‐of‐life silicon photovoltaics: Feasibility and viability analysis

With the rapid deployment of silicon solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies around the world, the volume of end‐of‐life (EoL) PV modules will increase exponentially in the next decade. Different EoL management strategies are being explored in the industrial and academic fields, such as recycling, remanufacturing and reusing. In this study, we used a Monte Carlo uncertainty model to identify the potential economic benefits of closed‐loop recycling of EoL PV modules when recycled silicon is integrated into different stages of the PV supply chain. Circular use of high‐purity silicon and intact silicon wafers from EoL PV modules can be economically feasible in reducing 20% of the manufacturing cost of the second‐life modules, even with some efficiency reductions. Even though the price of new PV modules is decreasing rapidly (making PV modules less attractive from a recycling perspective), circular use of material from EoL modules in second‐life production was found to have promising long‐term environmental and economic benefits. The cost–efficiency trade‐off is shown to provide cost targets for new PV recycling technologies.
Sustainability of Agricultural Crop Policies in Rwanda: An Integrated Cost–Benefit Analysis

Rwanda has aimed to achieve food self-sufficiency but faces binding land and budgetary constraints. A set of government policies have been in force for 20 years that have controlled the major cropping decisions of farmers. A cost–benefit analysis methodology is employed to evaluate the financial and resource flow statements of the key stakeholders. The object of the analysis is to determine the sustainability of the prevailing agricultural policies from the perspectives of the farmers, the economy, and the government budget. A total of seven crops were evaluated. In all provinces, one or more of the crops were either not sustainable from the financial perspective of the farmers or are economically inefficient in the use of Rwanda’s scarce resources. The annual fiscal cost to the government of supporting the sector is substantial but overall viewed to be sustainable. A major refocusing is needed of agricultural policies, away from a monocropping strategy to one that allows the farmers to adapt to local circumstances. A more market-oriented approach is needed if the government wishes to achieve its economic development goal of having a sustainable agricultural sector that supports the policy goal of achieving food self-sufficiency.
Latent Logistic Interaction Modeling: A Simulation and Empirical Illustration of Type D Personality

ABSTRACT This study focuses on three popular methods to model interactions between two constructs containing measurement error in predicting an observed binary outcome: logistic regression using (1) observed scores, (2) factor scores, and (3) Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). It is still unclear how they compare with respect to bias and precision in the estimated interaction when item scores underlying the interaction constructs are skewed and ordinal. In this article, we investigated this issue using both a Monte Carlo simulation and an empirical illustration of the effect of Type D personality on cardiac events. Our results indicated that the logistic regression using SEM performed best in terms of bias and confidence interval coverage, especially at sample sizes of 500 or larger. Although for most methods bias increased when item scores were skewed and ordinal, SEM produced relatively unbiased interaction effect estimates when items were modeled as ordered categorical.
Non-thermal plasma mills bacteria: Scanning electron microscopy observations

Non-thermal plasmas hold great promise for a variety of biomedical applications. To ensure safe clinical application of plasma, a rigorous analysis of plasma-induced effects on cell functions is required. Yet mechanisms of bacteria deactivation by non-thermal plasma remain largely unknown. We therefore analyzed the influence of low-temperature atmospheric plasma on Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Using scanning electron microscopy, we demonstrate that both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria strains in a minute were completely destroyed by helium plasma. In contrast, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were not affected by the same treatment. Furthermore, histopathological analysis of hematoxylin and eosin–stained rat skin sections from plasma–treated animals did not reveal any abnormalities in comparison to control ones. We discuss possible physical mechanisms leading to the shred of bacteria under non-thermal plasma irradiation. Our findings disclose how helium plasma destroys bacteria and demo.
Effects of filler type and content on the mechanical, morphological, and thermal properties of waste casting polyamide 6 (W-PA6G)-based wood plastic composites

Cast polyamide 6 (PA6G), trade name Castamide, is a semi-crystalline polymer widely used in the engineering plastics industry. There is a need to recycle valuable waste (W)-PA6G generated during part manufacturing of this polymer (approximately 30%). This study attempts to utilize W-PA6G in the manufacture of wood-plastic composites as a polymeric matrix. The effect of lignocellulosic filler type (FT) and filler content (FC) on the mechanical, morphological, and thermal properties of W-PA6G-based composites were investigated. During manufacturing, N-butyl benzene sulfonamide (N-BBSA) and lithium chloride (LiCl) were utilized as a plasticizer and a melt temperature-lowering salt, respectively. The rice husk (RH) and Uludag fir wood flour (WF) filled W-PA6G-based composites were successfully manufactured using a combination of extrusion and injection molding. Compared to RH filled composites, WF filled composites provided better tensile and flexural properties (both strength and modulus) at 20% and 30% filler contents. Morphological study showed the nonhomogeneous distribution of fillers in the polymeric matrix. Lignocellulosic filler resulted in reduced melting temperature and crystallinity of W-PA6G-based composites. This reduction was more pronounced in RH filled composites.
The JBS Corruption Scandals in Brazil and Lindblom’s Organizational Legitimacy Strategies

Objective : Evaluate the narrative financial reports released by the Brazilian meatpacker JBS SA and identify how the company has sought to influence its information user while coping with its recent corruption scandals. Method: A qualitative analysis of narrative financial reports – Market Notices, Material Facts, Management Report, and Reference Form and Prospects – was carried out for the base year 2017 based on the Legitimacy Theory (Lindblom, 1994). Originality/Relevance: Parameters are shown that could be used by managers, separately or concurrently, intentionally or unintentionally, to achieve, preserve or recover the company’s legitimacy. Mechanisms of manipulation are also shown as used in corporate reports. Results: JBS used Lindblom’s (1994) first legitimacy strategy in all reports, but more frequently in the Material Facts. Such a strategy was used for regulatory and penal reasons (i.e., the Securities and Exchange Commission of Brazil, and the Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office) as JBS acknowledged the impact of the negative event (i.e., the corruption scandals covered by the media) and provided information related to how it has addressed such a legitimacy-threatening problem. Theoretical/Methodological contributions: Lindblom’s (1994) 2nd and 3rd legitimacy strategies were not as frequent (9% and 12,5% respectively) as reported in the literature. Adding to the literature, this study provides a better understanding of financial reporting as an instrument of legitimacy and manipulation within the political and economic environment.
First Principles Prediction of Exceptional Mechanical and Electronic Behaviour of Titanite (CaTiSiO5)

Abstract Titanite (CaTiSiO5) is a naturally occurring silicate phase, recently recognised as a potential material for immobilization of nuclear wastes, high-end ceramic lining and optical device development. The silicate undergoes a pressure-induced structural transition (P21/c to C2/c) at ~3.5 GPa, which we confirm from density function perturbation theory. Using first principles calculations pressure-dependent structural parameters of both the phases are presented. This article features the mechanical property of C2/c titanite characterized by a negative component (C36 = -16.41 GPa) of the elastic constant tensor (Cij), an enigmatic phenomenon seen not only in low symmetry (monoclinic), but also in the high symmetry system (cubic). We propose rotational kinematics of bonds, controlled by the valence charge distributions as a crucial atomic scale mechanism for structural collapse of the lattice under strain resulting in negative C36. This kinematic model allows us to predict the necessary and sufficient condition for the pressure dependent softening of their shear elastic constants (C44 and C55). The present study also sheds a new light upon the electronic properties of titanite, accounting for the intraband and interband transitions that influence the optical activity. Its anisotropic optical properties of titanite evaluated in the range 0–60 eV are marked by an attractive optical behaviour of this phase. It is transparent in the visible spectra, but showing excellent absorption and reflectivity in the UV region. We thus project titanite as an industrially potential UV shield material. Our theoretical estimate yields the highest value of anisotropic refractive index, 2.21 in [001].
Global Uniform Asymptotic Stability Criteria for Linear Uncertain Switched Positive Time-Varying Delay Systems with All Unstable Subsystems

In this paper, the problem of robust stability for a class of linear switched positive time-varying delay systems with all unstable subsystems and interval uncertainties is investigated. By establishing suitable time-scheduled multiple copositive Lyapunov-Krasovskii functionals (MCLKF) and adopting a mode-dependent dwell time (MDDT) switching strategy, new delay-dependent sufficient conditions guaranteeing global uniform asymptotic stability of the considered systems are formulated. Apart from past studies that studied switched systems with at least one stable subsystem, in the present study, the MDDT switching technique has been applied to ensure robust stability of the considered systems with all unstable subsystems. Compared with the existing results, our results are more general and less conservative than some of the previous studies. Two numerical examples are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Real time face recognition of video surveillance system using haar cascade classifier

This project investigates the use of face recognition for a surveillance system. The normal video surveillance system uses in closed-circuit television (CCTV) to record video for security purpose. It is used to identify the identity of a person through their appearances on the recorded video, manually. Today’s video surveillance camera system usually not occupied with a face recognition system. With some modification, a surveillance camera system can be used as face detection and recognition that can be done in real-time. The proposed system makes use of surveillance camera system that can identify the identity of a person automatically by using face recognition of Haar cascade classifier. The hardware used for this project were Raspberry Pi as a processor and Pi Camera as a camera module. The development of this project consist of three main phases which were data gathering, training recognizer, and face recognition process. All three phases have been executed using Python programming and OpenCV library, which have been performed in a Raspbian operation system. From the result, the proposed system successfully displays the output result of human face recognition, with facial angle within ±40°, in medium and normal light condition, and within a distance of 0.4 to 1.2 meter. Targeted image are allowed to wear face accessory as long as not covering the face structure. In conclusion, this system considered, can reduce the cost of manpower in order to identify the identity of a person in real time situation.
Effect of autoclave sterilisation and heat activated sodium hypochlorite irrigation on the performance of nickel-titanium rotary files against cyclic fatigue

ABSTRACT The present study aims to assess the impact of heat-activated sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and/or autoclave sterilisation on the cyclic fatigue resistance (CFR) of heat-treated nickel-titanium rotary files used in root canal treatment. The CFR of One Curve (OC) files was evaluated under the following conditions: as received (Group 1; control), immersion in NaOCl at 23 ± 1ºC (Group 2), immersion in NaOCl at 60 ± 1ºC (Group 3), autoclave sterilisation at 135 1ºC (Group 4), combined treatment of autoclave sterilisation and immersion in NaOCl at 23 ± 1ºC (Group 5), and combined treatment of autoclave sterilisation and immersion in NaOCl at 60 ± 1ºC (Group 6). A simulated root canal in a zirconia block was utilised to test the performance of the files. All the types of treatments resulted in significant reductions in fracture resistance of the OC files. Immersion of the files in NaOCl at 23ºC revealed the smallest reduction, while combined treatment of autoclaving and immersion in NaOCl at 60ºC caused the greatest reduction. Autoclave sterilisation or exposure of OC files to 2.5% NaOCl adversely affect the cyclic fatigue life and increasing solution temperature or combined treatment caused additionally significant reduction in CFR.
Cationic copolymerization of indene with styrene derivatives: Synthesis of random copolymers of indene with high molecular weight

Random copolymers with high molecular weights of indene and p-methylstyrene (pMeSt) were synthesized by cationic polymerization with trichloroacetic acid/ tin tetrachloride in CH 2 Cl 2 at low temperatures. When indene and pMeSt (1:1 v/v), for example, were polymerized at -40 °C, both monomers were consumed at very similar rates to give a copolymer with high molecular weight [number-average molecular weight (M n ): 8-9 x 10 4 ]. This is indeed quite unexpected behavior for the combination of these two monomers because pMeSt polymerized over 1000 times faster than indene in the homopolymerization under the reaction conditions previously described. The product copolymer of indene and pMeSt had a random monomer sequence in it that was confirmed by NMR analyses and thermal-property measurements. In sharp contrast with pMeSt, styrene and p-chlorostyrene, which have no electron-donating groups on the phenyl ring, led to low molecular weight polymers (M n < 10,000) in the copolymerization with indene (1:1 v/v).
Negligible effects of birth order on selection into scientific and artistic careers, creativity, and status attainment

We tested birth order effects on selection into different careers (scientific, artistic, and creative) and status attainment (educational attainment, occupational prestige, and income) using a large sample (n = 3763), a longitudinal design, and relevant controls. Additionally, we tested mediation of birth order effects on career outcomes via personality traits, intelligence, and educational attainment. We found negligible birth order effects ranging from 0.02 to 0.12 on a correlational metric, where firstborns (vs. laterborns) selected into more creative careers and attained higher prestige and education. Conditional on the theoretically based mediation models tested, results showed that intelligence and educational attainment (but not personality traits) accounted for a statistically significant portion of the variance in the links between birth order and career outcomes. No direct effects of birth order on career outcomes remained when accounting for indirect effects through educational attainment. These findings bring modest support to the confluence model, no support to the niche-finding model, and suggest that one possible route via which birth order might impact career outcomes (if at all) could be via educational attainment.
Accuracy of Psychiatrists’ Assessment of Medication Adherence in an Outpatient Setting

Background: Many patients have uncontrolled psychiatric symptoms because they are not taking their medication as prescribed. Psychiatrists may have difficulty accurately assessing medication adherence, which is important because it helps guide them in how they prescribe. If nonadherence is the cause of uncontrolled symptoms, then strategies to improve adherence are advised. However, if nonadherence is not the cause, then the usual course of action would be to intensify or modify the medication regimen. Knowing whether nonadherence is a factor at the time of an appointment could help guide clinical decision making in real-time. Methods: A cohort of established patients in an outpatient mental health treatment clinic at a large health network was studied from November 2018 to August 2019. Blood drug levels of several oral antipsychotic medications were obtained and placed in the following three categories: below, within, or above the therapeutic range of published cutoff points. Treating physicians answered Likert-scale questions regarding their assessment of patient adherence. Subsequently, blood drug levels were compared to the psychiatrists’ assessment of adherence using a Kappa coefficient. Results: Sixty-four patients being prescribed antipsychotic medications were analyzed. A total of 87.5% of treating psychiatrists thought their patients were always adherent or adherent greater than 50% of the time. However, based on blood levels, 14% of the 42 patients at target FDA dosing for their medication and diagnosis were below the therapeutic range. The Kappa coefficient was used to find the level of agreement between the treating psychiatrist’s perception of patient adherence and the blood drug level. It was determined to be 0.14 which is consistent with no agreement between the two measurements. Conclusions: Treating psychiatrists inaccurately estimated oral antipsychotic medication adherence based on clinical impression alone. Making an objective measure of adherence available at the time of an appointment could help psychiatrists recognize nonadherence in real-time and inform prescribing decisions.
Unraveling the Conformational Determinants of Peptide Dendrimers Using Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Peptide dendrimers are synthetic tree-like molecules composed of amino acids. There are at least two kinds of preferential structural behaviors exhibited by these molecules, which acquire either compact or noncompact shapes. However, the key structural determinants of such behaviors remained, until now, unstudied. Herein, we conduct a comprehensive investigation of the structural determinants of peptide dendrimers by employing long molecular dynamics simulations to characterize an extended set of third generation dendrimers. Our results clearly show that a trade-off between electrostatic effects and hydrogen bond formation controls structure acquisition in these systems. Moreover, by selectively changing the dendrimers charge we are able to manipulate the exhibited compactness. In contrast, the length of branching residues does not seem to be a major structural determinant. Our results are in accordance with the most recent experimental evidence and shed some light on the key molecular level interactions .
Effect of concentration on the decomposition rates in soil of atrazine, linuron and picloram

The decomposition of atrazine, linuron and picloram when incubated with two soils at four levels of application was measured for periods of 3 or 4 months. The applicability of zero-order, half-order, first-order and Michaelis-Menten kinetics was considered. None of the equations described the breakdown rates adequately in spite of the apparent theoretical advantage for using an expression of the Michaelis-Menten type. In each case the rate of decomposition increased as the initial herbicide concentration decreased.