Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Compression and Phase Transitions of Solid NH3, SiF4, H2S, and CF4

Isothermal PV curves of solid NH3, SiF4, H2S, and CF4 have been observed by the direct piston displacement method up to pressures of 20 000 kg/cm2 at various temperatures between 100° and 200°K. Relative volume changes and compressibilities are given for each substance except CF4. Phase transitions have been observed as discontinuities in the piston motion. NH3 exhibits no phase transitions. Phase diagrams are given for the other three substances. Comparison with previous work in the case of H2S shows only partial agreement. In some instances the approximate volume changes accompanying the phase transitions have been determined.
Structure and Properties of Reactive Extruded Ethylene-block-co-Polypropylene: Influence of Dicumyl Peroxide and Divinylbenzene

The reaction of an ethylene-block-co-polypropylene (co-PP) with a polyfunctional monomer—divinylbenzene (DVB)—in the presence of dicumyl peroxide (DCP) was performed in a single screw extruder. It was found that the chain structure of co-PP was significantly influenced by the DVB concentration when the DCP content was fixed. Without DVB, degradation of co-PP chains, induced by DCP, mainly occurred. But when DVB was incorporated, reactions of crosslinking and branching prevailed in the system. The crystallization temperature of the modified co-PP was enhanced and the number of spherulites was increased, accompanied with a decrease of the spherulite size, due to the branched and crosslinked structure. The essential work of the fracture (EWF) method was adopted to characterize the fracture performance of the modified co-PP. The specific essential work of fracture, we, first decreased gradually to a minimum, and then climbed with increasing DVB concentration, which might be attributed to the variations of the length of the DVB segment (LDS) acting as the crosslinking node and the spherulite size of co-PP. The specific, nonessential work of fracture, β wp, of the modified co-PP was elevated to some extent with an increasing concentration of DVB. It was speculated that the crosslinked and branched structures favored stress transfer among molecular chains and spherulites, which was beneficial to the enlargement of the plastic deformation zone.
New method for determining the chemical potential for condensed matter at high density

We apply a space‐dependent external potential to the fluid such as to produce both a high density, virtually homogeneous, region and also a low density, not necessarily homogeneous, region. We easily measure the chemical potential in the low density region by Widom’s fictitious‐ particle‐insertion method by computer simulation. By constancy of the chemical potential the value is the same in the high density region, which is difficult to measure directly by this or any other method. The method has been tested for Lennard‐Jones fluids, for which independent values of chemical potential at high density are known. The method is quite general and can be used for molecular liquids, polymer melts, mixtures, etc.
A Retrospective Study of the Epidemiologic and Clinical Characteristics of COVID-19 Among Hospitalized Patients in Quanzhou, China

Abstract Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread throughout China. However, information about COVID-19 in cities and regions outside Wuhan is limited and the indicators that predict the length of hospital stay for patients with COVID-19 are unclear. Therefore, we collected clinical data from 47 patients with COVID-19 in Quanzhou City. The median age was 38 years [interquartile range (IQR): 31–50 years], and 24 (51%) were male. There were 8 mild, 36 moderate, and 3 severe/critical cases. The median interval from exposure to disease onset was 13 days (IQR: 8–18 days). The incidence of severe/critical cases was 33% (3/10) in patients with hypertension. Common symptoms included fever (83%), cough (77%), fatigue (40%), a sore, dry throat (28%), and diarrhea (21%). One patient (2%) developed respiratory distress syndrome on day 13 of inpatient treatment. Six patients had leukopenia, 17 had elevated C-reactive protein (CRP), and 8 had lymphocytopenia and elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). The median length of hospitalization was 22 days (IQR: 16-30 days). Dynamic monitoring of LDH, CRP, and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio predicted whether length of hospitalization would exceed 21 days. Most patients presented with mild and moderate disease. Patients with hypertension were more likely to become severe or critical. Dynamic monitoring of LDH, CRP, and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio levels can help predict delayed discharge from the hospital.
Dietary Pterostilbene Inhibited Colonic Inflammation in Dextran-Sodium-Sulfate-Treated Mice: A Perspective of Gut Microbiota

Abstract Dietary interventions based on the use of bioactive nutraceuticals might offer an effective adjuvant therapeutic and preventive method for inflammatory bowel disease by reshaping colitis-associated bacterial dysbiosis. The current study aimed to determine the anti-inflammatory effect of pterostilbene (PTE, a methylated derivative of resveratrol) and its potential modulatory roles in gut microbiota in a dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis mouse model. Our results supported our hypothesis that dietary PTE exerted protective effects against colonic inflammation; evidenced by the reduced colonic tissue damage, decreased disease activity index, and lowered production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interferon gamma, interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, and IL-6 in the colon of DSS-treated mice. Moreover, α-diversity analysis indicated that dietary PTE significantly improved gut microbial evenness and diversity. Noteworthy, PTE modified gut microbiota composition toward a healthier profile by boosting the richness of Bifidobacterium and decreasing the distribution of pathogenic Bilophila and Rc4-4. Pearson correlation analysis also revealed strong associations between the shifting of gut microbiota and expression of inflammatory cytokines in the colon. Overall, our study demonstrated that dietary PTE alleviated the severity of colitis in DSS-treated mice and gut microbiota may play an indispensable role in this process mechanistically.
The Impact of Additional Pb Input on the Dynamics of Pb-Enriched Agricultural Soils

Agricultural ecosystems are differently sensitive to heavy metal inputs, which at present are directly related to human activities. Lead is of particular concern due to its ability to threaten soil quality and human health. The investigated soil samples were collected from different agricultural soils (under cereal croppings) moderately subjected to activity of the Glogow Copper Smelter (Poland). They consisted of an acidic soil (Dystri-Gleyic Fluvisols – S 1 ) and three near neutral to slightly alkaline soils (Haplic Luvisols – S 2 , Gleyic Fluvisols – S 3 and Molli-Gleyic Fluvisols – S 4 ). These soils were tested in order to determine the impact of additional Pb inputs on its dynamics and mobility. Of all the soils studied, S 2 , S 3 and S 4 have exhibited higher acid buffer capacities than S 1 . Lead sorption parameters, such as Langmuir adsorption maximum (a max ) and parameters related to interaction energies (b) as well as the Freundlich partition parameter (K F ), were used for comparing the reactivity and dynamics of added Pb into these soils. The data showed that S 2 , S 3 and S 4 retained more Pb than did S 1 , characterized by low specific surface area (SSA) and cation exchange capacity (CEC). Charge-based (SD CEC ) and specific surface-based (SD SSA ) sorption densities were also used for evaluating the direct impact of additional Pb inputs. These parameters revealed that S 2 , S 3 and S 4 may support greater inputs of Pb with less threat to its mobility, in contrast to S 1 . Therefore, any practices leading to additional Pb inputs into the latter soil may result in serious Pb mobility. The negative values of the Gibbs free energy changes (ΔG o ) for Pb dynamics in the studied soils confirm that the ion exchange process proceeded naturally and spontaneously with a markedly high affinity for Pb ions developed by S 2 , S 3 and S 4 , and low affinity by S 1 .
Stomatal density of grapevine leaves (Vitis vinifera L.) responds to soil temperature and atmospheric carbon dioxide

Background and Aims: Leaf stomatal density, i.e. number of stomata per unit area of leaf, is a primary determinant of the carbon and water relations of plants. However, little is known about the plasticity of grapevine stomatal density during leaf formation in response to environmental factors. In this study, we determined responses in stomatal density to soil temperature and atmospheric carbon dioxide during leaf development following dormancy to gain further understanding of grapevine carbon and water relations, and adaptation to climate change. Methods and Results: Using potted plants of Vitis vinifera (L.) cv. Chardonnay, we found that a period of soil warming from budbreak reduced stomatal density of concurrently formed leaves, whereas CO2 depletion increased it. Furthermore, stomatal density of concurrently formed leaves was closely and inversely correlated with starch concentration in roots and trunks. Conclusion: We conclude that the stomatal density of grapevine leaves varies greatly in response to soil temperature and atmospheric CO2 concentration. Significance of the Study: This is the first study to show that soil temperature influences stomatal density of plants. It also confirms that stomatal density of grapevines, like many other plants, responds inversely to atmospheric CO2 concentration. Our findings demonstrate that stomatal density must be accounted for in any attempt to predict grapevine adaptation to climate change, and attendant impacts on CO2 assimilation and water use efficiency in viticulture. More fundamentally, they indicate that the carbohydrate reserve status of perennial, deciduous plant species may be an important endogenous determinant of stomatal density.
Rehabilitation of Reinforced Concrete T-Beams using CFRP Rods

Investigation of Near-Surface Mounted Method for Shear 1 Rehabilitation of Reinforced Concrete T-Beams using CFRP Rods 2 3 4 Amir Mofidi1, Omar Chaallal2, Lijuan Cheng3, and Yixin Shao4 5 6 ABSTRACT 7 This paper presents the results of an investigation of reinforced concrete (RC) T-beams 8 retrofitted in shear with near-surface mounted (NSM) fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) rods. Six 9 full-scale 4520-mm-long RC T-beams were tested to study the effects of important parameters 10 such as the presence of NSM FRP rods, the presence of steel stirrups, and the steel stirrup ratio. 11 This paper provides an insightful and comprehensive description of the behaviour of 12 strengthened T-beams under increasing load, from the formation of the first crack to ultimate 13 failure. The results of this study and those gathered in the presented database show that existing 14 steel stirrups and strengthening NSM FRP did not diminish each other’s effect when failure 15 modes unrelated to shear resistance of RC beams were prevented. The experimental results of 16 this study and those in the database were used to verify a newly proposed model to predict the 17 shear contribution of NSM FRP rods and laminates in RC beams strengthened in shear. The 18 proposed model showed an improved accuracy compared to the existing models in the literature. 19
Causes and consequences of downsizing: Towards an integrative framework*

Abstract The business literature on the causes and consequences of downsizing has grown significantly over the last three decades. A multitude of causes has been identified. Downsizing is sometimes seen primarily as a cost-reducing response to various crises and external factors over which management has little or no control. Others see downsizing as a strategic management initiative in its own right. A considerable body of literature indicates workforce reductions often lead to negative financial and operational outcomes for the downsizing firm as well as negative psychological outcomes for victims, survivors, and executioners. This research paper represents a literature review on the causes and consequences of downsizing. It addresses a diverse body of literature and suggests an integrative framework on the typical causes and consequences of downsizing as well as outlines some challenges ahead for researchers seeking to advance the knowledge of downsizing.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF AUTHENTIC ASSESSMENT RUBRIC FOR ASSESSING UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS’ LEARNING AND PERFORMANCE

Learning achievement that is currently being assessed, generally focusing only on cognitive domain, this is surely contradicted to the term of assessment that should be done in accordance with learning achievement stated in curriculum. Authentic assessment needs right instrument to assess learning achievement. One of the instruments needed is assessment rubric. The rubric that has been used does not have the same standard, which is not accordance with the principals of assessment. Based on that study, the assessment rubric is developed, consisting four components; job description, scale, dimension, and dimension description. The data was descriptively analyzed. Analysis of suitability of developed rubric was empirically tested to 98 students. The result showed validity of rubric using factor analysis is between 0.29 – 0.96, the reliability judgement using Cronbach alfa coefficient is 0.85 for argumentation skill and presentation skill, and 0.86 for problem solving skill and journal analysis.
The anatomy and relationships of Haasiophis terrasanctus, a fossil snake by well-developed hind limbs from the Mid-Cretaceous of the Middle East

The fossil snake species Haasiophis terrasanctus Tchernov, Rieppel, Zaher, Polcyn, and Jacobs, 2000, from the early Upper Cretaceous of the Middle East, is described and illustrated, following a review of the current debate on snake relationships and origins. The description and discussion presented here adds important detail to the knowledge of this taxon and its phylogenetic significance beyond the limited account presented in the original description of Haasiophis. The species is remarkable in that it shows the skull of a relatively advanced (i.e., macrostomatan) snake, yet preserves well-developed hind limbs. The hind limb includes a femur, tibia, fibula, astragalus, calcaneum, distal tarsal four, and remains of four metatarsals and two phalanges. Haasiophis cannot be considered a juvenile specimen of Pachyrhachis. The implications of the presence of well-developed hind limbs in Haasiophis, Pachyrhachis, and Podophis for the cladistic analysis of the phylogenetic interrelationships of these fossil snakes is discussed. The presence of well-developed hind limbs in Pachyrhachis and Haasiophis also creates methodological problems for the cladistic analysis of the phylogenetic relationships of these fossil snakes. Scenarios of snake origins are reviewed and found to be deficient in the absence of a well-corroborated hypothesis of snake relationships within Squamata.
Microbiological, chemical and sensory assessment of (I) whole ungutted, (II) whole gutted and (III) filleted tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) during refrigerated storage

Summary The effects of gutting and filleting on microbiological, chemical, and sensory properties of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) stored under refrigeration were studied. All the tilapia samples were analysed periodically for microbiological (APC), chemical (pH, total volatile basic nitrogen, 2-thiobarbituricacid, K-value), and sensory characteristics. Results indicated that sensory data were in good agreement with microbiological data (APC rejection limit of 107 CFU g−1) and K-value (rejection limit of 60%). Storage life of (I) whole ungutted, (II) whole gutted and (III) filleted tilapia stored under refrigeration (5 ± 1 °C) can be expected to be 12, 10, and 6 days, respectively.
Olfactory functioning in Gulf War-era veterans: Relationships to war-zone duty, self-reported hazards exposures, and psychological distress

Abstract To explore possible neurotoxic sequelae of Gulf War (GW) participation, olfactory identification performance, neurocognitive functioning, health perceptions, and emotional distress were assessed in 72 veterans deployed to the GW and 33 military personnel activated during the GW but not deployed to the war zone. Findings revealed that war-zone-exposed veterans reported more concerns about health, cognitive functioning, and depression than did their counterparts who did not see war-zone duty. There was no evidence that performances on olfactory or neurocognitive measures were related to war-zone duty or to self-reported exposure to GW toxicants. However, symptoms of emotional distress were positively correlated with self-report of health and cognitive complaints. Results do not provide support for the hypothesis that objectively-measured sensory (i.e., olfactory) or cognitive deficits are related to war-zone participation but do underscore the increasingly demonstrated association between self-reported health concerns and symptoms of emotional distress. (JINS, 2003, 9, 407–418.)
Measurements of radon concentration levels in drinking water at urban area of Curitiba, Brazil

Current work presents the results of more than 100 measurements of 222 Rn activity in drinking water collected at artesian bores at Curitiba region during the period of 2008 - 2009. The measurements were performed at the Laboratory of Applied Nuclear Physics of the Federal University of Technology in cooperation with the Nuclear Technology Development Center (CDTN) of Brazilian Nuclear Energy Committee (CNEN). Experimental setup was based on the Professional Radon Monitor (ALPHA GUARD) connected to specific kit of glass vessels Aqua KIT through the air pump. The equipment was adjusted with air flow of 0.5 L/min. The 222 Rn concentration levels were detected and analyzed by the computer every 10 minutes using the software DataEXPERT by GENITRON Instruments. Collected average levels of 222 Rn concentration were processed taking into account the volume of water sample and its temperature, atmospheric pressure and the total volume of the air in the vessels. Collected samples of water presented the average 222 Rn activity about 57.70 Bq/L which is almost 5 times more than maximum level of 11.1 Bq/L recommended by the USEPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency). It has to be noted that many artesian drillings presented the radon activity in the range of 100 - 200 Bq/L. Further measurements are planned to be performed at other regions of Parana State and will involve the mineral water sources, explored artesian drillings as well as soil samples.
Life-cycle patterns in the design and adoption of default funds in DC pension plans*

Abstract We argue that we should see a negative relationship between the share of risky assets in the default fund of a defined contribution (DC) pension plan and the average plan member age if trustees design the default fund in line with predictions from the life-cycle portfolio choice theory. Adoption of the default fund should be low in DC plans with high member age dispersion if default funds are indeed designed for the average plan member and members become aware of this. From analyzing a panel dataset of Australian DC pension plans, we obtain results that are consistent with both hypotheses.
The Organosolv Fractionation of Cork Components

Summary Extractive-free cork from Quercus suber L. was submitted to organosolv fractionation and the effects of different process variables, such as ethanol/water ratio, temperature, time and the presence of acidic or alkaline catalysts, were studied. The variation of the relative proportions of extracted components, as a function of the processing conditions, could thus be established. Whereas the addition of 0.1Macetic acid only increased the yield of extracted materials from about 15 to 23 %, the use of sodium hydroxide, at the same concentration, produced a jump to 76 %. In the case of the alkaline organosolv fractionation, an increase in process temperature, time and catalyst concentration led to an increase in the extraction yield, although in some cases this increase did not follow a sustained trend, as in the case of reaction time. Increasing the ethanol/water ratio led to a higher selectivity in favour of suberin extraction. Residual cork from different organosolv processes was characterised by FTIR and 13C solid-state NMR. The latter technique provided some valuable information about both process selectivity and cork morphology, particularly with respect to the positioning of suberin macromolecules in the cell wall.
Endogenizing fractionalization

In this paper I identify fractionalization as a consequence rather than solely a cause of poor institutions. I investigate how heterogeneous agents in precolonial Africa relied on social distance-reducing signals to make trade with one another possible. I then show how colonial institutions created noise in these signals, inhibiting widespread cooperation. By stifling trade between diverse agents, colonial institutions contributed to Africa's poor economic growth.
Effect of carrier volume and application method on waterhyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) response to 2,4-D, glyphosate, and diquat

Abstract Mesocosm studies were conducted in 2020 to evaluate the effects of carrier volume and application method on waterhyacinth [Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms] response to 2,4-D, glyphosate, and diquat. Carrier volumes of 935, 467, and 187 L ha–1 were applied using either a conventional stream, conventional cone, adjustable cone, or a drizzle-stream spray pattern. Reducing carrier volume from 935 L ha–1 reduced spray coverage up to 60%, depending on application method. However, reducing carrier volume did not diminish efficacy of any herbicide or application method. Alternatively, E. crassipes control from 2,4-D increased 10% to 26% when applied using 187 L ha–1 compared with 935 L ha–1. Likewise, E. crassipes biomass was reduced 91% when 2,4-D was applied using 935 L ha–1; however, treatment applied at 187 L ha–1 resulted in 99% biomass reduction. In general, 2,4-D resulted in roughly 10% greater control when conventional or adjustable cone applications were used compared with either stream applications. Eichhornia crassipes control at 7 d after treatment (DAT) from diquat increased with decreasing carrier volumes; however, treatment effects in diquat experiments were not detected at other evaluation intervals. Glyphosate efficacy was highly influenced by carrier volume, as E. crassipes control increased up to 61% when applied using 187 L ha–1 compared with 935 L ha–1. Moreover, E. crassipes biomass reduction increased from 55% in the 935 L ha–1 treatment to 97% in the 187 L ha–1 treatments. Glyphosate application methods consisting of conventional stream or conventional cone sprayers resulted in slightly increased E. crassipes control by 28 DAT; however, no differences among application methods were observed in E. crassipes biomass data. These data support further evaluations of alternative application techniques for E. crassipes control under field conditions and for other herbicides and aquatic plant species.