Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Phenomenological Model of a Downdraft Biomass Gasifier Flexible to the Feedstock Composition and the Reactor Design

The development of a one-dimensional (1D) phenomenological model for biomass gasification in downdraft reactors is presented in this study; the model was developed with the aim of highlighting the main advantages and limits related to feedstocks that are different from woodchip, such as hydro-char derived from the hydrothermal carbonization of green waste, or a mix of olive pomace and sawdust. An experimental validation of the model is performed. The numerically evaluated temperature evolution along the reactor gasifier is found to be in agreement with locally measured values for all the considered biomasses. The model captures the pressure drop along the reactor axis, despite an underestimation with respect to the performed measurements. The producer gas composition resulting from the numerical model at the exit section is in quite good agreement with gas-chromatograph analyses (12% maximum error for CO and CO2 species), although the model predicts lower methane and hydrogen content in the syngas than the measurements show. Parametric analyses highlight that lower degrees of porosity enhance the pressure drop along the reactor axis, moving the zones characterized by the occurrence of the combustion and gasification phases towards the bottom. An increase in the biomass moisture content is associated with a delayed evolution of the temperature profile. The high energy expenditure in the evaporation phase occurs at the expense of the produced hydrogen and methane in the subsequent phases.
Stress Distribution in Maxillary Central Incisors without Ferrules: A Finite Element Analysis of Post and Core Systems

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify optimal post and core materials for central incisors without ferrules using three-dimensional finite element analysis and three-point bending tests. Methods: Stress analyses were performed with six models: cast metal post and core (MP), composite resin core alone, straight fiber-reinforced post-composite resin core (FSR), tapered fiber-reinforced post-composite resin core, straight titanium post-composite resin core (TSR), and tapered titanium post-composite resin core (TTR). A 100-N load was applied to the lingual surface at a 45° angle to the long axis of the tooth. Maximum von Mises stress distributions were calculated with finite element analysis software. Five samples each of composite resin, straight fiber-reinforced post, straight titanium post, straight fiber-reinforced post and composite resin, and straight titanium post and composite resin were subjected to three-point bending tests, followed by analysis of variance and Tukey’s multiple comparison test. Results: Stress distribution was optimal on TTR. Maximum von Mises stress on the cervical side of the post was greatest in TSR (693 MPa) and TTR (556 MPa). Maximum stress on the apical side of the post was greatest in MP (110 MPa). Maximum stress in surrounding dentin was lowest in MP (203 MPa) and TTR (250 MPa). Gap distance was smallest in MP (0.09 mm) and largest in FSR (0.26 mm). Mean maximum three-point bending force was lowest in composite resin (26.9 N/mm) and highest in titanium post and composite resin (97.1 N/mm). Titanium post bending strength was consistently greater than that of the fiber-reinforced post (p < 0.01). Conclusion: These results revealed optimal stress distribution and high bending strength with the tapered titanium post and resin combination, suggesting that this combination can most effectively prevent root or post fracture in an anterior tooth without a ferrule.
Soy Expansion, Environment, and Human Development: An Analysis across Brazilian Municipalities

In the last decades, Brazil has become one of the largest soybean producers and exporters in the world. Although dedicated policies have been implemented since the 1960s, the recent rapid transition towards an agricultural system largely based on soy has had a strong impact on the country’s socio-economic structure—not only in terms of land and labour markets but also on its diverse ecosystems. According to the extant literature, soy has had a beneficial impact on local human development, measured by the human development index (HDI) of the municipalities. However, there is a lack of empirical studies assessing the impact of soy expansion on the single dimensions of the HDI (longevity, education, and income) to disentangle the indirect effects of socio-environmental change while controlling for other local dynamics. To fill this gap, we applied econometric methods to a novel dataset combining municipal-level data on soy production with socio-economic and environmental data for the period 1991–2010. Our findings confirm the positive relation between soy expansion and the HDI at local level, but this relation differs between different HDI dimensions. The marginal benefits of soy expansion are increasing for the income dimension but decreasing for education and longevity. On the other hand, changes in soy productivity (a proxy for agricultural intensification) have a more complex impact on the HDI and its dimensions, but in general its marginal benefits are decreasing over time. Further research could expand the time series once more up-to-date information becomes available.
Development of a caring teacher-student realationship in higher education

Aim. This article aims to summarize the current state of understanding on a development of a caring teacher-student relationship in higher education context, grounded in relational pedagogy. Also, it provides critical reflection on the data from available literature. Methods. The development of a caring teacher-student relationship was presented using the method of description, based on the review of relevant literature. Results. The development of a caring relationship between students and higher education teachers can be monitored in stages. At first, there is the introductory meeting with the students when a teacher with his personality, authenticity, and approach lays the foundations for the development of a caring relationship. During further meetings, the teacher encourages mutual trust, respect, and appreciation and deepens the relationship by adapting the teaching process to the needs, interests, and affinities of students, until the formal completion of their cooperation. Conclusion. In order to achieve a caring relationship with students in higher education, a teacher needs to approach it consciously, intentionally, thoughtfully and to plan it well from the very beginning. It is crucial to get to know the students as real persons, and accordingly, continuously adapt the teaching process to their needs and interests, allowing them to express themselves freely in a safe, accepting, and encouraging environment. Cognitive value. By presenting the stages of a development of the caring relationship between students and higher education teachers and the synthesis of their characteristics, this paper contributes to a deeper understanding of this phenomenon.
An Electron Density Model of the D‐ and E‐Region Ionosphere for Transionospheric VLF Propagation

Terrestrial Very‐Low‐Frequency (VLF) energy from both lightning discharges and radio transmitters has a role in affecting the energetic electrons in the Van Allen radiation belts, but quantification of these effects is particularly difficult, largely due to the collisional damping experienced in the highly variable electron density in the D‐ and E‐region ionosphere. The Faraday International Reference Ionosphere (FIRI) model was specifically developed by combining lower‐ionosphere chemistry modeling with in situ rocket measurements, and represents to date the most reliable source of electron density profiles for the lower ionosphere. As a full‐resolution empirical model, FIRI is not well suited to D‐ and E‐region ionosphere inversion, and its applicability in transionospheric VLF simulation and in remote sensing of the lower ionosphere is limited. Motivated by how subionospheric VLF remote sensing has been aided by the Wait and Spies (WS) profile (Wait & Spies, 1964), in this study, we parameterize the FIRI profiles and extend the WS profile to the E‐region ionosphere by introducing two new parameters: the knee altitude hk and the sharpness parameter for the E‐region ionosphere βE. Using this modified WS profile, we calculate the expected signals at different receiver locations from the NAA, NPM, and NWC transmitters under the full range of possible ionospheric conditions. We also describe and validate a method about how these results can be readily used to translate VLF measurements into estimates of the lower ionosphere electron density. Moreover, we use this method to evaluate the sensitivity of different ground receiver locations in lower‐ionosphere remote sensing.
Using automated written corrective feedback in the writing classrooms: effects on L2 writing accuracy

Abstract Despite the building up of research on the adoption of automated writing evaluation (AWE) systems, the differential effects of automated written corrective feedback (AWCF) on errors with different severity levels and gains across writing tasks remain unclear. Thus, this study fills in the vacuum by examining how AWCF through Grammarly affects college students’ overall writing accuracy and errors with different severity levels. Using a quasi-experimental design, the findings demonstrate the potentials of AWCF in improving students’ writing accuracy. The results were primarily attributed to the ability of AWCF to promote noticing, provide an adaptive metalinguistic explanation, and engage students in self-directed learning. Nonetheless, some challenges were reported, such as overcorrection, cognitive overload, and limited metalinguistic explanation. Implications for writing pedagogy and future studies are discussed.
Nanocomposites For Optical Properties and Effective Photocatalytic Degradation of Pollutants in Water

In this study, chromium (III) oxide (Cr2O3) and potassium oxide (K2O) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized by combustion. Mixed oxides of varying concentrations in the form of (1-x)Cr2O3/xK2O (x = 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7) were prepared. X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), and optical measurements were used to investigate the properties of these nanoparticles. XRD indicates that the grain size decreased as the K2O content increased. Additionally, HR-TEM revealed several types of shapes, such as hexagonally-shaped nanoparticles. The optical measurements showed a blue shift indicating a minor modification to the band structure during the Cr2O3/xK2O mixing. The (1-x)Cr2O3/xK2O nanoparticles were used as catalysts in wastewater during a photocatalytic process. Orange G was chosen as an impurity in the water. The absorbance curves of Orange G in the water were measured at different times in the presence of the same quantity of Cr2O3/xK2O NPs. After 120 min, the efficiency reached 13% and 38% for (1-x)Cr2O3/xK2O NPs with x = 0.1 and 0.7, respectively. The experimental results were analyzed by pseudo first- and second-order models and intra-particle diffusion models. A first-order kinetic model had the best fit for the (1-x)Cr2O3/xK2O NPs. The strongest relationship occurred with a composition of 0.1Cr2O3/0.7K2O.
The impact of IT governance and management on the performance of brazilian public-sector organizations

Objective of the study: Evaluate, according to the Resource-based View (RBV) perspective, the impact IT governance and management have on the finalistic performance of Brazilian public-sector organizations in terms of the provision of high-quality processes and products. Methodology: Application of multivariate analysis techniques and a two-step cluster analysis (hierarchical method and K-means) in the iGov2017 Survey database which includes 482 organizations and is made available by the Federal Court of Accounts (TCU). Relevance: The research contributes to reducing the lack of academic publications that analyze the integration of the concepts of strategy, value creation, and governance and IT management within the scope of the Brazilian public sector. Main results: The data showed that 47.7% of the organizations presented incipient levels of IT governance and management. In contrast, 19% of the organizations analyzed presented satisfactory results in terms of performance and IT governance maturity. Evidence indicates that there is a positive correlation between governance quality, IT governance and management, and the finalistic performance of organizations. Theoretical contributions: Results suggest, in accordance with the RBV perspective, that a multifaceted, harmonic, and complex orchestration that ensures consistent alignment of strategic decision making, IT strategies, risk management, and IT governance and management has a direct effect on the performance of Brazilian organizations. Management contributions: Learning more about the profile of the organizations in every cluster selected for analysis could be useful for public managers in adopting measures that enhance the quality of public service provision for the benefit of all Brazilian citizens with reasonable risks and costs.
Nutritional assessment of three baled rice straw varieties intended for use as ruminant feed in Namibia

Abstract This study determined and compared the proximate and chemical composition of Angola, IRGA 418 and SUPA rice straw varieties harvested and baled in 2016 and 2017. In both 2016 and 2017, SUPA straw had the highest dry matter (DM) content (960.7 ± 0.50 g/kg and 939.4 ± 0.10 g/kg), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) (575.2 ± 9.90 g/kg and 594.7 ± 9.00 g/kg), acid detergent fibre (ADF) levels (374.7 ± 6.30 g/kg and 379.9 ± 9.90 g/kg) and cellulose (CL) content. Angola straw had the highest crude protein (CP) content (39.1 ± 2.00 g/kg, p < 0.05; 60.7 ± 2.70 g/kg) and acid detergent lignin (ADL) concentration (p < 0.05) in both years. Organic matter (OM), hemicellulose (HC), ash, fat and mineral content varied with year in all rice straw varieties. Angola straw had the lowest metabolisable energy (ME) of the three straw varieties. All straw varieties were deficient in at least one or more essential nutrient components. Nutritional and chemical composition varied with rice straw variety, year of cultivation and baling. Therefore, pre-treatment to improve digestibility and supplementation of deficient nutrients is recommended for effective use as ruminant feed. IRGA 418 straw was recommended as the best choice for ruminant feeding based on higher digestibility (IVOMD) and ME values.
ARSENIC AND LEAD BIOACCESSIBILITIES MEASURED WITH A NOVEL REACTOR SYSTEM USING THE MEXICAN STANDARD AND PBET METHODS: COMPARISON WITH IN VIVO AND IN VITRO REPORTED DATA

Contaminated soils can become exposure routes of elements toxic to human beings. The health risk of a toxic element by ingestion depends on its bioavailability in the gastrointestinal system, measured in vivo or in vitro. This study aimed to use a novel, versatile reactor (gastrointestinal simulation reactor system to determine bioaccessibility -GSRSB-) to measure lead and arsenic bioaccessibility in the gastric and intestinal phases by applying a modified physiologically based extraction test (PBET). Three composite samples of polluted soils with As (0.50 - 3.25%) and Pb (0.02 - 0.10%) and the certified reference material NIST 2710 were analyzed with this GSRSB-PBET method and the NOM-147 Mexican standard method, which uses an end-over-end shaker. All results were compared to one another. The NIST 2710 results were contrasted with those reported in vivo and in vitro by 14 laboratories. The (GSRSB-PBET) gastric phase ranges were 35.9-55.1 % (As) and 59.6-96.1 % (Pb), while (NOM-147) gastric phases were 35.8-60.4 % (As) and 61.0-70.7 % (Pb). The (GSRSB-PBET) intestinal phase ranges were 39.5-46.9 % (As) and 19.9-31.5 % (Pb). The As and Pb compounds and the stirring technique seem to influence bioaccessibility. On the other hand, the comparison of NIST 2710 results with those reported in vitro and in vivo indicated that As and Pb gastric bioaccessibility obtained with GSRSB-PBET falls into the in vivo results range, while NOM-147 results are higher and fall outside the in vivo range, possibly overestimating the risk. Thus, the proposed method is adequate for modifying the current Mexican Standard Method (NOM-147), which only allows the calculation of Pb gastric bioavailability in vitro.
Growth Opportunity, Capital Intensity, and Accounting Conservatism: The Moderating Role of Managerial Ownership

The application of accounting conservatism in presenting and disclosing financial information is important and necessary due to the tendency of management in presenting financial statements with an overstated inclination which can mislead users. The purpose of this research is to examine and analyse the effect of growth opportunity and capital intensity on accounting conservatism and to consider managerial ownership as a moderating variable. The population of the research is the manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange during the period of 2016-2019. This research uses a purposive sampling method in the selection of the sample based on detailed criteria. This method obtains samples of as many as 53 companies during the period of observation. The research uses moderated regression analysis. The results of this research find that capital intensity has a positive effect on accounting conservatism, but the growth opportunity has influences negatively significant to accounting conservatism. The study also finds that managerial ownership successfully manages to become a moderating variable between growth opportunities and capital intensity on accounting conservatism. Keywords: conservatism, accounting, growth, capital, managerial
Effect of induction of labor on maternal and perinatal outcomes in low-risk singleton pregnancies: a retrospective case-control study.

OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of induction of labor on maternal and fetal outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS This retrospective case-control study included 4386 pregnant women with low-risk singleton pregnancies who underwent regular prenatal examination and successful vaginal delivery at ≥41 weeks and 0 days of gestation in Fujian Maternal and Child Health Hospital between January 2014 and December 2018. Clinical data of women were retrospectively divided into the induction of labor group (2007 cases) and spontaneous onset of labor group (2361 cases) based on the mode of labor initiation. Two-sample independent t-test and χ2 tests were used to analyze the differences in clinical characteristics, such as maternal age and parity between the two groups. RESULTS The induction of the labor group had a significantly longer total duration of labor (9.37±5.37 vs. 8.82±5.13 h; p<0.001), more postpartum blood loss (219.18±188.32 vs. 199.95±124.69 mL; p=0.01) and a significantly higher incidence of severe postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) comparing to the spontaneous onset of labor group [0.8% (16/2007) vs. 0.33% (8/2361); p=0.041]. However, no significant difference was found in the neonatal outcomes. After adjusting for age, induction of labor in nulliparous women was more likely to lead to PPH than the spontaneous onset of labor [2.74% (55/2007) vs. 1.65% (39/2361); odds ratio=1.557; 95% confidence interval: 1.039-2.332; p<0.05]. CONCLUSIONS Induction of labor increases the duration of labor and postpartum blood loss, especially in primary parturient, leading to an increased risk of PPH. This increase may be related to the overall higher duration of labor, associated with IOL. Therefore, low-risk nulliparous women should try to avoid induction of labor without medical indications.
Detection of osteoporosis in lumbar spine [L1-L4] trabecular bone: a review article

The human bones are categorized based on elemental micro architecture and porosity. The porosity of the inner trabecular bone is high that is 40-95% and the nature of the bone is soft and spongy where as the cortical bone is harder and is less porous that is 5 to 15%. Osteoporosis is a disease that normally affects women usually after their menopause. It largely causes mild bone fractures and further stages lead to the demise of an individual. This analysis is on the basis of bone mineral density (BMD) standards obtained through a variety of scientific methods experimented from different skeletal regions. The detection of osteoporosis in lumbar spine has been widely recognized as a promising way to frequent fractures. Therefore, premature analysis of osteoporosis will estimate the risk of the bone fracture which prevents life threats. This paper focuses on the advanced technology in imaging systems and fracture probability analysis of osteoporosis detection. The various segmentation techniques are explored to examine osteoporosis in particular region of the image and further significant attributes are extracted using different methods to classify normal and abnormal (osteoporotic) bones. The limitations of the reviewed papers are more in feature dimensions, lesser accuracy and expensive imaging modalities like computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and DEXA. To overcome these limitations it is suggested to have less feature dimensions, more accuracy and cost-effective imaging modality like X-ray. This is required to avoid bone fractures and to improve BMD with precision which further helps in the diagnosis of osteoporosis.
Flexible Wearable Sensors Based in Carbon Nanotubes Reinforced Poly(Ethylene Glycol) Diglycidyl Ether (PEGDGE): Analysis of Strain Sensitivity and Proof of Concept

The electromechanical capabilities of carbon nanotube (CNT) doped poly(ethylene glycol) diglycidyl ether (PEGDGE) have been explored. In this regard, the effect of both CNT content and curing conditions were analyzed. The electrical conductivity increased both with CNT content and curing temperature due to the lower gel time that leads to a lower reaggregation during curing. More specifically, the percolation threshold at 160 and 180 °C curing temperatures is below 0.01 wt. %, and this limit increases up to 0.1 wt. % at 140 °C for an 8 h curing cycle. Moreover, the strain monitoring capabilities were investigated, and the effect of contact resistance was also analyzed. The electrical contacts made with silver ink led to higher values of gauge factor (GF) but presented some issues at very high strains due to their possible detachment during testing. In every case, GF values were far above conventional metallic gauges with a very significant exponential behavior, especially at low CNT content due to a prevalence of tunneling mechanisms. Finally, a proof of concept of fingers and knee motion monitoring was carried out, showing a high sensitivity for human motion sensing.
The impact of education on mental health: evidence from compulsory education law in China

ABSTRACT This paper investigates the causal effect of education on mental health by using the exogenous variation in years of schooling arising from the compulsory schooling law implemented in China during the 1980s and 1990s. Using data from China Family Panel Studies, the paper finds evidence for significant protective effects of educational attainment on mental health. The results show that one extra year of schooling improves the mental health scale by 0.14 standard deviations. Furthermore, the mechanism analysis shows that education positively affects self-assessed income and social status and improves individuals’ cognitive ability.