Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Photocatalysis in the treatment and disinfection of water. Part I. Theoretical backgrounds / Fotokataliza w oczyszczaniu i dezynfekcji wody część i. podstawy teoretyczne

Abstract Photocatalysis process belongs to an advanced oxidation technology for the removal of persistent organic compounds and microorganisms from water. It is the technology with a great potential, a low-cost, environmental friendly and sustainable treatment technology to align with the “zero” waste scheme in the water/wastewater industry. At present, the main technical barriers that impede its full commercialization remained on the post-recovery of the catalyst particles after water treatment. This paper reviews the background of the process and photooxidation mechanisms of the organic pollutants and microorganisms. The review of the latest progresses of engineered-photocatalysts, photo-reactor systems, and the kinetics and modeling associated with the photocatalytic and photodisinfection water and wastewater treatment process, has been presented. A number of potential and commercial photocatalytic reactor configurations are discussed, in particular the photocatalytic membrane reactors. The effects of key photo-reactor operation parameters and water quality on the photoprocess performances in terms of the mineralization and disinfection are assessed. Abstrakt Proces fotokatalizy należy do wysoko zaawansowanych technik utleniania o możliwościach usuwania trwałych związków organicznych i mikroorganizmów z wody. Jest to technologia o dużym potencjale, niskich kosztach, przyjazna dla środowiska oraz o cechach zrównoważonego rozwoju i "zerowym" odprowadzaniu odpadów w przemysłowych systemach wodno-ściekowych. Obecnie, główne bariery techniczne, które ograniczają pełną komercjalizację metody, są związane z zagospodarowaniem cząstek katalizatora po uzdatnianiu wody (ścieków). W pracy przedstawiono podstawy teoretyczne procesu oraz mechanizmy fotoutlenienia zanieczyszczeń organicznych i mikrobiologicznych. Dokonano również przeglądu ostatnich postępów w badaniach inżynierii fotokatalizatorów, systemów fotoreaktorów oraz kinetykę fotomineralizacji i fotodezynfekcji i ich modelowanie związane z procesami fotokatalitycznego oczyszczania wody (ścieków). Omówiono wiele potencjalnych i komercyjnych konfiguracji reaktorów fotokatalitycznych, w szczególności membranowych reaktorów fotokatalitycznych oraz wpływ parametrów operacyjnych i jakości wody na efektywność mineralizacji i dezynfekcji.
Why Policymakers in Georgia and Indiana Barred Incarcerated College Students from State Financial Aid

ABSTRACT College students in prison are ineligible for state-funded financial aid in most states. This is because state policymakers adopted policies that explicitly ban incarcerated students from receiving aid. How and why did state policymakers do this? This study explores this question through qualitative case studies of two states where incarcerated students lost financial aid eligibility: Georgia and Indiana. The history of these policy adoption events was traced from legislative records and interviews with policymakers. This study is among the first to apply a new conceptual model of state higher education policy adoption; thus, it offers new insights into the policy adoption process and the strengths of the model. Results show the factors that influenced the adoption of new financial aid eligibility policies were represented in the conceptual model, including state economics, funding for higher education, state agency influence, political ideology, gubernatorial strength, and electoral conditions.
Effect of Honey on Altered Thyroid State in Female Wistar Rats

Health promoting and healing potentials of honey have been widely reported. This study was designed to assess the effect of honey on altered thyroid states. Tri-iodothyronine (T 3 ), Thyroxine (T 4 ), Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) levels were estimated. Antioxidant status was determined by measuring the activities of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and Malondialdehyde (MDA). Lipid profile was assessed by measuring the serum levels of Cholesterol (CHOL), Triglyceride (TG), Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) and High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) in hypothyroid and hyperthyroid female Wistar strain albino rats. The results obtained show that hyperthyroidism caused significant reduction in body weight while treatment with honey completely reversed this effect. In h ypothyroid rats, body weight was further increased on treatment with honey. However, there was no significant effect of honey on the levels of T 3 , T 4 and TSH in both hypothyroid and hyperthyroid groups compared with control although the hypothyroid animals treated with honey showed significant reduction in the levels of CHOL, TG, LDL, SOD and MDA compared with hypothyroid untreated. Hyperthyroid rats which received honey exhibited significant increases in the levels of CHOL, TG and LDL compared with control. These findings show that although lipid profile and anti-oxidant status were improved in hypothyroid animals treated with honey, the levels of the thyroid hormones were not reversed in the altered thyroid states. This may be attributed to the presence in honey of phenolic compounds which could enhance free radical scavenging activity and reduce lipid peroxidation. Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:. 0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
The functional roles of metacognitive judgement and emotion in predicting clinical reasoning performance with a computer simulated environment

ABSTRACT Monitoring one’s learning activities is a key component of self-regulated learning (SRL) leading to successful learning and performance outcomes across settings. Achievement emotions also play an important part in SRL and consequently student learning outcomes. However, there is little research on how specific types of monitoring (i.e. Feeling-of-Knowing, Judgement-of-Learning) and achievement emotions jointly affect performance in clinical reasoning within computer simulated environments. In this study, we explored the joint predictive value of monitoring judgements and achievement emotions in medical students’ ability to make accurate and efficient clinical diagnoses using BioWorld, a computer-based learning environment designed to help medical students practice clinical reasoning skills. Multiple types of data (log files, verbal protocols, self-report questionnaires) from 27 students were analyzed using text mining and linear mixed-effects models. We found that feeling-of-knowing judgements positively predicted diagnostic efficiency whereas judgement-of-learning and the achievement emotion of anger negatively predicted diagnostic efficiency. Achievement emotion of pride positively predicted confidence in diagnosing the case correctly. This study not only provides theoretical and methodological insights but also alert medical instructors to the many dimensions of diagnostic performances and effective intervention strategies in clinical reasoning.
The Effect of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Particles on Microstructural and Tribological Properties of Electroless Ni-P+PTFE Duplex Coatings Developed for Geothermal Applications

The selection of electroless nickel-phosphorus plating (ENP) has been inclined towards their properties and advantages with complex geometry applications. These properties include coating uniformity, low surface roughness, low wettability, high hardness, lubricity, and corrosion- and wear-resistance. Materials used in geothermal environments are exposed to harsh conditions such as high loads, temperature, and corrosive fluids, causing corrosion, scaling, erosion and wear of components. To improve the corrosion- and wear-resistance and anti-scaling properties of materials for geothermal environment, a ENP duplex coating with PTFE nanoparticles was developed and deposited on mild steel within the H2020 EU Geo-Coat project. ENP thin adhesive layer and ENP+PTFE top functional layer form the duplex structure of the coating. The objective of this study was to test the mechanical and tribological properties of the developed ENP-PTFE coatings with varying PTFE content. The microstructural, mechanical and tribological properties of the as-deposited coating with increasing PTFE content in the top functional layer in the order: ENP1, ENP2 and ENP3 were evaluated. The results showed maximum wear protection of the substrates at the lowest load; however, increasing load and sliding cycles increased the wear rates, and 79% increased lubrication was recorded for the ENP2 duplex coating. The wear performance of ENP3 greatly improved with a wear resistance of 8.3 × 104 m/mm3 compared to 6.9 × 104 m/mm3 for ENP2 and 2.1 × 104 m/mm3 for ENP1. The results are applicable in developing low friction, hydrophobic or wear-resistive surfaces for geothermal application.
Integrating RNA Sequencing and Quantitative Trait Locus Mapping to Identify Potential Candidate Genes for Flooding Tolerance in Soybean

Flooding stress causes a significant reduction in soybean yield. The development of flood-tolerant cultivars is an effective way to minimize yield loss due to flooding. Information on candidate genes for flooding tolerance is useful for developing tolerant lines. The objective of this study was to identify potential candidate genes for flooding tolerance in soybean by integrating the results of a quantitative trait locus analysis and RNA sequencing. A total of 19 genes showed good amplification in capillary electrophoresis and were further analyzed through a reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR); two of these genes showed differential expression among tolerant and susceptible lines. The expression of Glyma.12g030900 and Glyma.10g050300 in leaf and root tissues, respectively, was higher in several tolerant lines than in the susceptible lines under flooding stress. The chlorophyll index of the tolerant lines was also consistently higher than that of the susceptible lines over two years, supporting the qRT-PCR results. This study provides useful information on flooding tolerance in soybeans.
Fungal Diversity and Aflatoxins in Cereals and Cassava-Based Foods From Ondo State, Nigeria

Cereals and cassava-based foods serve as major dietary sources for several households in Nigeria. However, these foods are highly prone to contamination by moulds and aflatoxins owing to poor storage and vending practices. We therefore studied the fungal diversity of maize, cassavabased flour (pupuru) and rice vended in markets from Ondo state, Nigeria, and assessed the aflatoxin levels of these using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Fungi were detected in 93 (88 %) of the 106 food samples. Molecular analysis of 65 representative isolates revealed 26 species belonging to 5 genera: Aspergillus (80.9 %), Penicillium (15.4 %) and Talaromyces (1.9 %) in the Ascomycota; Syncephalastrum (1.2 %) and Lichtheimia (0.6%) in Mucoromycota. Aspergillus flavus was the predominant species in the food samples. Aflatoxins were found in 98 % of the 42 representative food samples and about one half (49.8 %) exceeded the 10 μg/kg threshold adopted in Nigeria for total aflatoxins. Integrated mitigation options, including at post-harvest stages, are suggested to ensure con-
Stand together or alone? Public support for European economic solidarity during the Covid-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT In response to the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, the European Union has launched one of the largest assistance packages in EU history, where all 27 EU member states are asked to jointly borrow 500 billion Euros to finance grants to areas hardest hit by the crises. Despite the unprecedented size of this package, we know less about citizens’ support for such a common EU response to the crises. Using unique data from a representative survey in Germany, Italy and Romania, this study shows that while average levels of public support for cross-border financial assistance varies across countries, individual-level determinants are generally unrelated to perceptions of the crises as such. Instead, slow moving factors unrelated to the crises, including general value orientation, cosmopolitanism and trust determine expressions of cross-border social solidarity. We discuss implications for understanding public responses to major crises and long-term support for a common EU response.
An Investigation of the Electrochemical Properties of CuCo2O4@NiCo2O4 Composite as Binder-Free Electrodes of a Supercapacitor

Metallic oxides are considered promising candidates for supercapacitors owing to their inherent pseudocapacitive behavior and superior electrochemical properties. In this work, NiCo2O4, CuCo2O4, and CuCo2O4@NiCo2O4 composite electrodes are synthesized directly on a nickel foam substrate via the facile hydrothermal method. The phase of the prepared materials was analyzed using the X-ray diffraction method. The morphology of the prepared binder-free electrodes was observed by scanning electron microscopy. The electrochemical testing was done in a 2 M KOH solution against an Ag/AgCl reference electrode. The CuCo2O4@NiCo2O4 composite electrode demonstrated a value of specific capacitance as high as 422 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1 and thus outperformed the NiCo2O4 and CuCo2O4 in terms of its electrochemical performance. The CuCo2O4@NiCo2O4 composite retained a specific capacitance of 278 F g−1 even with the increase of current density to 10 A g−1, which corresponds to a 34% loss of capacitance compared to 40% and 48% of individual NiCo2O4 and CuCo2O4 electrodes, respectively. Hence, the synergy in a composite material demonstrates it to be a potential candidate as an electrode in supercapacitors.
Learning without seeking?: Incidental exposure to science news on social media & knowledge of gene editing

Little is known about how incidental exposure to news, interpersonal discussion, and the diversity of social networks interact in social media environments and for science-related issues. Using a U.S. nationally representative survey, we investigate how these features relate to factual knowledge of gene editing. Incidental exposure to science-related news interacts with interpersonal discussion and network heterogeneity and reveals that the relationship between incidental exposure to news and knowledge is strongest among those who discuss the least. Incidental exposure could alleviate knowledge gaps between the Facebook users who are the most and least involved in interpersonal discussions about science.
Enhancing users’ security engagement through cultivating commitment: the role of psychological needs fulfilment

ABSTRACT Employee behaviour is fundamental to corporate information security (InfoSec) capabilities across the phases of prevention, detection, and response. Unfortunately, despite over a decade of research on the topic, the human aspect of security remains the most vulnerable in many companies today, often rooted in employee disinterest. Two traditions within the InfoSec research that may contribute to this disconnect are 1) emphasis on extrinsic manipulation of behaviour versus cultivation of internalised commitment to organisational InfoSec and 2) emphasis on isolated activities over more integrated perspectives of security behaviour. Addressing these gaps, the current study examines end user InfoSec behaviour through a distinct internal motivational lens. Rooted in Self-Determination Theory, a research model is introduced that highlights workplace factors which drive end users’ internalised commitment to organisational InfoSec by fulfiling fundamental psychological needs (autonomy, competence, and relatedness) within this context. Commitment, which captures internally regulated motivation to contribute to organisational InfoSec performance, is then positioned as a driver of intention to engage in various security behaviours. Overall, the results support the study’s hypotheses and underscore the important roles perceived behavioural control, IT competence, and user-IS department relations have on commitment to organisational InfoSec and resultant behavioural outcomes.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Corporate Tax Aggressiveness: A Scientometric Analysis of the Existing Literature to Map the Future

Using data from 2003 to 2020, this study uses a scientometric approach to investigate the nexus between Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and corporate tax aggressiveness research. The objective is to identify under-explored regions, variables, citation patterns, theories, and unexplored topics in the body of knowledge to establish trends in publications on issues about corporate social responsibility and corporate tax aggressiveness. In addition, the study also considers publication journal areas of focus. Research linking CSR and tax avoidance using VOSviewer and triangulating with CiteSpace, by way of approach, is not found in the literature. The findings suggest that CSR and corporate tax aggressiveness researchers do not use far-reaching relevant theories and applicable findings from studies beyond their clusters. Another finding is that African countries remain under-explored due to the absence of institutional representation and an adequate number of investigators regarding CSR and corporate tax aggressiveness research. Finally, the study reveals a number of research topics to be explored. Governments, particularly in developing economies, should create policies that define taxes as part of an entity’s CSR narrative to enhance transparency and legitimacy. In addition, the study is of immense significance to master and PhD students since it provides an agenda for future research.
Processes of Emergence and Change in Industry and Ecosystem Infrastructure

Infrastructures that support industries and ecosystems do not spontaneously appear. In some instances, infrastructure existing in other settings can be adapted to the challenge being addressed by a nascent industry or technology. In other situations, infrastructure components must be developed from scratch. This chapter examines the emergence and change of industrial infrastructures that support the development and commercialization of technological innovations. It reviews the ecological layers that make up the context of organizations and innovation and then summarizes the components of infrastructure particularly relevant to industry and ecosystem development. It also reviews studies on the temporal dynamics of infrastructure across multiple perspectives including community ecology, ecosystems, and economic geography. It concludes with a discussion of the drivers and obstacles to industrial advancement, and develops a model of infrastructure emergence and change.
Electrohydrodynamic printing of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(4-styrenesulfonate) electrodes with ratio-optimized surfactant

An electrohydrodynamic (EHD) printing process was optimized for the printing of a (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(4-styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) conductive polymer by manipulating the surface tension of a PEDOT:PSS solution. A stable cone-jet mode was confirmed by adjusting the process parameters of the EHD printing process, such as applied voltage, flow rate, and working distance. The addition of a nonionic surfactant, Triton X-100, enabled both printing of PEDOT:PSS conductive lines with widths ranging from 335 μm to 90 μm in a low-power operation (0.5 kV), as well as a 100-fold increase in conductivity of the PEDOT:PSS film compared with that of the pristine one. To utilize printed PEDOT:PSS lines for high functional applications, a multi-deposition technique was carried out, which results in a decrease in line resistance from 1.3 × 104 Ω mm−1 to 0.2 × 103 Ω mm−1.
Family Business Control, Strategy Selection and Strategic Performance Measurement Usage

Firms that are managed by family businesses have developed and have an impact on the growth of a country's economy. The family business has been a concern in much of the research literature. The development of family businesses also has an interesting phenomenon related to business governance systems, especially in management control systems. Therefore, this study aims to examine the effect of the owner's role in the management of the family business, and the strategy selection on to use of strategic performance measurement on the family business. The research was conducted using quantitative methods primary data through a survey of micro, small and medium entrepreneurs in the city of Palembang. A total of 150 questionnaires were distributed to entrepreneurs. The number of questionnaires used in this study was 107 (71%). ANOVA analysis was used to test the hypothesis. The results showed that the role of the owner in controlling the family business and the strategy selection affected the strategic performance measurement.
Revisiting the undeclared service economy as a dual labour market: lessons from a 2019 Eurobarometer survey

ABSTRACT The aim of this paper is to transcend the long-standing depiction that workers universally participate in the undeclared service economy out of necessity due to their exclusion from the formal labour market, by proposing and evaluating the existence of a dual undeclared labour market in the service sector composed of an ‘upper-tier’ of voluntary exit-driven and ‘lower-tier’ of exclusion-driven undeclared service sector workers. Reporting a 2019 Eurobarometer survey conducted in 28 European countries, a dual labour market in the undeclared service economy is validated. Three-quarters of undeclared service workers report either purely exit- or exclusion driven rationales. For every lower tier undeclared service worker, 6.7 are in the upper tier, with those in the voluntary exit-driven upper tier more likely to be older, self-employed, having spent time in full-time education, and to be living in Western Europe and Nordic countries. The theoretical and policy implications are then discussed.
Mechanical and Durability Properties of Aerated Concrete Incorporating Rice Husk Ash (RHA) as Partial Replacement of Cement

In today’s world, the implementation of industrial ecology for sustainable industrial development is a common practice in the field of engineering. This practice promotes the recycling of by-product wastes. One of those by-product wastes is rice husk ash. This paper describes an investigation into the effect of rice husk ash (RHA) as a partial replacement for cement, to produce lightweight, aerated concrete. Type I Portland cement, fine aggregate, and aluminum powder as an aerating agent were used in this study. The RHA was used in different replacement levels, i.e., RHA was used to replace cement at 0%, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, 10%, 12.5% and 15% by weight. Aluminum powder was added during mixing at 0.5% by weight of binder to obtain lightweight, aerated concrete. Test results are presented in terms of physical, mechanical, and durability aspects that include density, compressive strength, split tensile strength, and flexural strength of concrete cured at different curing regimes, i.e., 3, 7, 28, and 90 days along with corrosion analysis, and sulphate attack at 28 days of curing. The test results show that using 10% RHA as a partial replacement of cement in aerated concrete is beneficial in triggering the strength and durability properties of concrete.