Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mössbauer and X-ray Studies of Phase Composition of Fly Ashes Formed after Combustion of Ekibastuz Coal (Kazakhstan)

Mössbauer spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction have been used to study samples of fly ashes formed after combustion of coal from the Ekibastuz basin at the thermal power plants TPP-2 and TPP-3 in Almaty (Kazakhstan). It has been established that the fractions of fly ashes contain iron in the form of magnetite Fe3O4 and hematite α-Fe2O3. The mixed valence of iron Fe3+ ↔ Fe2+ in the octahedral sublattice of magnetite is destroyed by isostructural substitution impurities. Maghemite γ-Fe2O3 is additionally present in the fly ash of TPP-3 as a product of magnetite slow oxidation. It was shown that at T ≥ 1400 °C the proportion of magnetite in fly ashes increases due to decomposition of hematite, maghemite, hercynite and the drop of iron content in mullite. It was concluded that the amount of iron in magnetite is a temperature indicator of fly ashes formation. The parameters of hyperfine interactions have been determined in the iron-containing minerals of fly ashes. It was identified that formation of the fly ashes structure occurs in oxidizing atmosphere, since no traces were revealed of reducing environment effect on the phase composition.
Technological Change and Innovations in Microfinance Institutions: What Matters?

Usage of technology that serves to improve organizational efficiency among financial service providers has substantially increased during the past decade. Similarly, a large number of microfinance institutions (MFIs) have incorporated technological innovation in their operations to provide clients with better financial services. To understand the determinants of technological change in MFIs, this study investigated various factors, including sources of funds, institutional characteristics (IC) and macroeconomic factors. Using longitudinal data (2009–2014) from the microfinance industry in Bangladesh, this study estimated the Malmquist Productivity Index (non-parametric) to decompose the technological change at the first stage. This index was then used as a dependent variable in the second stage to regress against certain independent variables. Overall, it was found that the microfinance industry in Bangladesh observed regression in technological change; however, technological change could be improved by promoting peer borrowing among MFIs. Apart from that, greater autonomy through decentralization of MFI branches could also stimulate technological progress. Interestingly, MFIs located in Dhaka have experienced better technological progress than MFIs located in other parts of the country, which signifies the importance of location. Additionally, the findings also revealed a gap in transfer of technological knowledge from commercial banks to the MFIs that they fund.
A New Model of Equivalent Modulus Derived from Repeated Load CBR Test

This paper presents a new model of equivalent modulus derived from the Repeated Load CBR (RL-CBR) test without strain gauge. This model is an updated version of Araya et al. model (2011), the update consists of using the vertical strain as weighting factor instead of vertical displacement in the mean vertical and horizontal stresses calculation. The accuracy of equivalent modulus was improved by decreasing the relative error from 25% to 3%. The extra-large mold adopted by Araya et al. is used with a thickness of 8 mm instead of 14.5 mm. In experimental investigations, equivalent modulus may be calculated from experimental data and model parameters estimated by finite element (EF) simulation. There are five model parameters when the RL-CBR test is used, and three parameters when the strain gauge is not used. Model parameters are determined in two steps. First, the FE simulation of the RL-CBR test is conducted using various loading conditions (i.e., plunger penetration) and various quality ranges of unbound granular materials (UGM). In the second step, the non-linear multidimensional regression is accomplished to fit the equivalent modulus to Young’s modulus. The influence of FE analysis inputs is investigated to find the optimal inputs set that make the best compromise between the model accuracy and the calculation time consumption. The calculation of model parameters is carried out based on the optimal set data. Results from the new model and those from Araya et al. model are compared and have shown the improved accuracy of the developed model.
Nitrogen Fertilization, Container Type, and Irrigation Frequency Affect Mineral Nutrient Uptake of Hydrangea

Mineral nutrient uptake of Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Merritt’s Supreme’ affected by nitrogen (N) fertilization rate, container type, and irrigation frequency was investigated. Rooted liners of hydrangea plants were fertilized twice weekly with a N-free fertilizer plus five N rates including 0, 5, 10, 15, or 20 mM N from ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3), irrigated once or twice daily with the same total irrigation volume, and grown in two types of one-gallon containers: a black plastic container and a biodegradable container (biocontainer), made from recycled paper. Concentrations of calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) averaged in the entire plant, and iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) in roots had increasing trends with increasing N rate. By comparison, increasing N rate had a dilution effect on root phosphorus (P), stem and root potassium (K), stem Ca and Mg, and leaf boron (B) concentrations. In general, nutrient content of each tested element increased with increasing N rate in each structure, or total in the plant. When there was a significant container type effect, plastic containers consistently had increased nutrient concentrations and content compared to biocontainers. One irrigation per day was beneficial in increasing nutrient concentrations of P, Ca, and zinc (Zn) in different plant structures.
Neurofeedback Training to Address College Students’ Symptoms of Anxiety and Stress: A Quasi-Experimental Design

ABSTRACT College students experience high levels of anxiety and stress, resulting in academic, interpersonal, and functional challenges. Despite awareness of anxiety and stress amongst students, universities and colleges fail to meet their mental health needs. Neurofeedback (NFB) training, a noninvasive approach designed to regulate brain processes to mitigate anxiety and stress-based symptoms, is an innovative option to help college students. A pre-posttest control group quasi-experimental design was implemented to measure whether a treatment group reported differences in anxiety and stress (as measured by the Beck Anxiety Inventory [BAI], Perceived Stress Scale [PSS], and Social Anxiety Thought [SAT] questionnaire) as compared to a waitlist control group. Results indicated significant decreases in SAT and PSS scores between groups, with no significant difference for BAI scores. Additionally, no significant differences were found over time between groups, regardless of gender. Limitations and future recommendations are explored.
Simulation of building energy and indoor environmental quality - some weather data issues

After elaborating that a building is a rather complicated dynamic system where many of the governing energy and mass transfer relationships are highly non-linear, this paper focuses on weather data as needed for computer simulation of buildings. The paper does not aim for completeness but rather to identify some issues of concern. These issues are categorized under headings of weather data requirements, weather data information and availability, weather data generation, weather data reference years vs. recorded time series data, and micro climate issues. The paper finishes with some conclusions and possible directions for future work.
Large Eddy Simulation of Microbubble Drag Reduction in Fully Developed Turbulent Boundary Layers

Microbubble drag reduction has good application prospects. It operates by injecting a large number of bubbles with tiny diameters into a turbulent boundary layer. However, its mechanism is not yet fully understood. In this paper, the mechanisms of microbubble drag reduction in a fully developed turbulent boundary layer over a flat-plate is investigated using a two-way coupled Euler-Lagrange approach based on large eddy simulation. The results show good agreement with theoretical values in the velocity distribution and the distribution of fluctuation intensities. As the results show, the presence of bubbles reduces the frequency of bursts associated with the sweep events from 637.8 Hz to 611.2 Hz, indicating that the sweep events, namely the impacting of high-speed fluids on the wall surface, are suppressed and the streamwise velocity near the wall is decreased, hence reducing the velocity gradient at the wall and consequently lessening the skin friction. The suppression on burst frequency also, with the fluid fluctuation reduced in degree, decreases the intensity of vortices near the wall, leading to reduced production of turbulent kinetic energy.
Marked Degradation of Tensile Properties Induced by Plastic Deformation after Interactions between Strain-Induced Martensite Transformation and Hydrogen for Type 316L Stainless Steel

Marked degradation of tensile properties induced by plastic deformation after dynamic interactions between strain-induced martensite transformation and hydrogen has been investigated for type 316L stainless steel by hydrogen thermal desorption analysis. Upon modified hydrogen charging reported previously, the amount of hydrogen desorbed in the low temperature range increases; the degradation of tensile properties induced by interactions between plastic deformation and hydrogen at 25 °C or induced by interactions between martensite transformation and hydrogen at −196 °C occurs even for the stainless steel with high resistance to hydrogen embrittlement. The hydrogen thermal desorption behavior is changed by each interaction, suggesting changes in hydrogen states. For specimen fractured at 25 °C, the facet-like morphology and transgranular fracture are observed on the outer part of the fracture surface. At −196 °C, a quasi-cleave fracture is observed at the initiation area. Modified hydrogen charging significantly interacts both plastic deformation and martensite transformation, eventually enhancing the degradation of tensile properties. Upon plastic deformation at 25° C after the interactions between martensite transformation and hydrogen by straining to 0.2 at −196 °C, cracks nucleate in association with martensite formed by the interactions at −196 °C and marked degradation of tensile properties occurs. It is likely that the interactions between martensite transformation and hydrogen induce damage directly related to the degradation, thereby affecting subsequent deformation. Upon dehydrogenation after the interactions between the martensite transformation and hydrogen, no degradation of tensile properties is observed. The damage induced by the interactions between martensite transformation and hydrogen probably changes to harmless defects during dehydrogenation.
A TODIM-PROMETHEE Ⅱ Based Multi-Criteria Group Decision Making Method for Risk Evaluation of Water Resource Carrying Capacity under Probabilistic Linguistic Z-Number Circumstances

With the development of the urbanization process, the demand for water resources has increased significantly, but the pollution of water resources has caused serious problems. These changes pose a potential threat to water resource carrying capacity in many regions. However, how to determine the areas of highest risk in water resource carrying capacity is an urgent problem which remains to be solved. Resounding to these circumstances, this study establishes a TODIM-PROMETHEE Ⅱ (An acronym in Portuguese for interactive and multiple attribute decision making- preference ranking organization method for enrichment evaluation Ⅱ) based decision support framework to address this issue for the regions of intensive governance, thereby providing support. In this framework, a novel theoretical concept, namely probabilistic linguistic Z-numbers, is proposed to describe group decision information. The related knowledge of probabilistic linguistic Z-numbers is developed, including a comparison method, distance, and operational rules. Subsequently, a case study involving the evaluation of water resource carrying capacity is conducted to demonstrate the feasibility of the decision support model, followed by sensitivity analysis, comparison analysis, and discussion. The findings demonstrate that the constructed framework demonstrates great performance to address this issue.
Accelerated Solvent Extraction as a Green Tool for the Recovery of Polyphenols and Pigments from Wild Nettle Leaves

This study aimed to investigate the performance of accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) as a green approach for the recovery of polyphenols and pigments from wild nettle leaves (NL). ASE was operated at different temperatures (20, 50, 80 and 110 °C), static times (5 and 10 min) and cycle numbers (1–4) using ethanol (96%) as an extraction solvent. In order to compare the efficiency of ASE, ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE) at 80 °C for 30 min was performed as a referent. Polyphenol and pigment analyses were carried out by HPLC and antioxidant capacity was assessed by ORAC. Seven polyphenols from subclasses of hydroxycinnamic acids and flavonoids, along with chlorophylls a and b and their derivatives and six carotenoids and their derivatives were identified and quantified. Chlorogenic acid was the most abundant polyphenol and chlorophyll a represented the dominant pigment. ASE conditions at 110 °C/10 min/3 or 4 cycles proved to be the optimal for achieving the highest yields of analyzed compounds. In comparison with UAE, ASE showed better performance in terms of yields and antioxidants recovery, hence delivering extract with 60% higher antioxidant capacity. Finally, the potential of NL as a functional ingredient from natural sources can be successfully accessed by ASE.
First record of the invasive gecko, Lepidodactylus lugubris Duméril & Bibron, 1836 in mainland Chile (Squamata, Gekkonidae)

In Chile, the presence of Mourning Gecko, Lepidodactylus lugubris Duméril & Bibron, 1836 has been recognized for Easter Island (Rapa Nui) from late 19th century. Here, we report the first observation of a juvenile specimen of L. lugubris in an urban zone of Santiago, Región Metropolitana, mainland Chile, representing the southernmost non-insular record in America for this invasive species. Moreover, an updated distributional map of L. lugubris for South America and the Antilles is provided.
Quarantine and isolation nurses conditions during COVID-19 in Jeddah City

Background: The novel coronavirus is a pandemic respiratory disease that spreads from person to person. As the outbreak continues to develop, several countries have taken measures to prevent the transmission of the disease. Some of these measures are quarantine and isolation. Nurses are on the front line of the health care system during the COVID-19 outbreak, and they may become overwhelmed by the numerous pressures, such as the risk of infection, inadequate supplies, workload, and frustration. The aim of this study is to identify nurses’ conditions in quarantine and isolation during the COVID-19 outbreak in Jeddah city. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive design, a questionnaire was used for data collection. Results: About 60% of the participants were willing to continue working in quarantine and isolation. The main reasons they were willing to continue were a safe working environment (37.3%) and effective teamwork (31.8%), while the main reasons that made the participants unwilling to continue were the lack of rewards and incentives (28.3%), and an unsafe work environment (40.0%). Regarding the nurses’ assessment of quarantine and isolation conditions during the COVID-19, most participants confirmed that they often choose a positive element. This study found a significant difference according to the current place of work, which was positive on the side of the nurses who are working in quarantine. Conclusions: This study’s findings provide important recommendations related to the improvement of quarantine and isolation conditions, staff nurses’ conditions, and disease-outbreak-related readiness. It is hoped that these recommendations will contribute to enhance the current and future conditions of nurses in isolation and quarantine.
Allegiance Bias in Statement Reliability Evaluations Is Not Eliminated by Falsification Instructions

Abstract. Are expert witnesses biased by the side (defense vs. prosecution) that hires them? We examined this issue by having students act as expert witnesses in evaluating interviews in a child sexual abuse case (Experiment 1, N = 143) and tested the value of an instruction to counteract such allegiance effects. The intervention concerned an instruction to consider arguments both for and against the given hypothesis (i.e., two-sided instructions; Experiment 2, N = 139). In Experiment 3 ( N = 123), we additionally provided participants with three different scenarios. Participants received a case file regarding a case of alleged sexual abuse. With the file, participants received an appointment letter emphasizing elements of the file that questioned (defense) or supported (prosecution) the veracity of the accusation. Participants displayed allegiance bias (Experiments 1–3), but two-sided instructions were not successful in eliminating allegiance bias (Experiments 2 and 3). The findings underscore the importance of legal safeguards in expert witness work.
Studying the Formation of the Charging Session Number at Public Charging Stations for Electric Vehicles

The energy industry is a leader of introduction and development of energy supply technologies from renewable energy sources. However, there are some disadvantages of these energy systems, namely, the low density and inconsistent nature of the energy input, which leads to an increase in the cost of the produced electric energy in comparison to the traditional energy complexes using hydrocarbon fuel resources. Therefore, the smart grid technology based on preliminary calculation parameters of the energy system develops in cities. This area should also be used to organize the charging infrastructure of electric vehicles, as the electrification of road transport is one of the global trends. As a result, a current task of the transport and energy field is the development of scientifically based approaches to the formation of the urban charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. The purpose of the article is to identify the features of the application flow formation for the charge of the electric vehicle battery. The results obtained provide a basis for building a simulation model for determining the required number of charging stations in the city, taking into account the criteria of minimizing operating costs for electric vehicle owners and energy companies.
Phytochemical, botanical and Ethnopharmacological study of Scoparia dulcis Linn. (Scrophulariaceae): A concise review

The ancient world had huge faith on the herbal medicines for curing various ailments. Scoparia dulcis Linn. is a medicinal herb of family Scrophulariaceae is considered to be one of such plants which have remarkable curative property. Scoparia dulcis is the commonly known as Sweet broom weed and is distributed throughout the tropical and subtropical region of the world. This herbaceous weed comprises of typical morphological characteristics which are of great use. Dried or fresh leaves, fruits and some other parts of plant serve the purpose of providing with essential components for the body metabolism. Some of the scientific studies demonstrated about the bioactive compounds present in the plant extract. These bioactive compounds were flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins and terpenoids. The fresh and the dried leaves of the herb showed its richness in ascorbic acid content. Scoparic acid, scopadulcic acid, scopadulciol, scopadulin and ammelinare is the major chemical components to which have contributed to the medicinal effect of the plant. Ethnomedicinal application of this herb revealed its uses for diabetes, jaundice, stomach problems, skin disease, fever, kidney stones, reproductory issues and piles. Evidences reported its flawless activity in anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, antioxidant, anti-microbial and analgesic illnesses. The current review is concerned with morphological, phytochemical, pharmacological, therapeutic and nutritional aspects of the plant Scoparia dulcis. This review may assist one to acquire encapsulated concept about the herb.
Molecular Simulations of Montmorillonite Intercalated with Aluminum Complex Cations. Part I: Intercalation with [Al13O4(OH)24+x(H2O)12−x](7−x)+

AbstractThe structure of montmorillonite intercalated with [Al13O4(OH)24+x(H2O)12−x](7−x)+ cations (Al13(7− x)+ for short), where x = 0,2 an 4, has been studied using the Cerius2 modeling environment. The Crystal Packer module used in the present study takes into account only the nonbonded interactions between the silicate layer and the Keggin cations. Minimization of the total sublimation energy led to the following conclusions: the structure of the interlayer (that is, the orientation of Keggin cations and the basal spacing) depends on the charge of cations (that is, on the degree of hydrolysis, x). The values of basal spacings in the range 19.38–20.27 Å have been obtained, depending on the charge and arrangement of cations in the interlayer. The dominating contribution to the total sublimation energy comes from the electrostatic interactions. Translations of Al13(7−x)+ cations along the 2:1 layers give only small fluctuations of the total sublimation energy and basal spacings. No preference for the position of Al13(7− x)+ cations in the interlayer of montmorillonite was found during translation along the 2:1 layers. This result confirmed the inhomogeneous distribution of cations in the interlayer and turbostratic stacking of layers.
Recent Advances in Noble Metal Catalysts for Hydrogen Production from Ammonia Borane

Interest in chemical hydrogen storage has increased, because the supply of fossil fuels are limited and the harmful effects of burning fossil fuels on the environment have become a focus of public concern. Hydrogen, as one of the energy carriers, is useful for the sustainable development. However, it is widely known that controlled storage and release of hydrogen are the biggest barriers in large-scale application of hydrogen energy. Ammonia borane (NH3BH3, AB) is deemed as one of the most promising hydrogen storage candidates on account of its high hydrogen to mass ratio and environmental benignity. Development of efficient catalysts to further improve the properties of chemical kinetics in the dehydrogenation of AB under appropriate conditions is of importance for the practical application of this system. In previous studies, a variety of noble metal catalysts and their supported metal catalysts (Pt, Pd, Au, Rh, etc.) have presented great properties in decomposing the chemical hydride to generate hydrogen, thus, promoting their application in dehydrogenation of AB is urgent. We analyzed the hydrolysis of AB from the mechanism of hydrogen release reaction to understand more deeply. Based on these characteristics, we aimed to summarize recent advances in the development of noble metal catalysts, which had excellent activity and stability for AB dehydrogenation, with prospect towards realization of efficient noble metal catalysts.