Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
"Doing it the right way" a qualitative study of the development of corporate social responsibility among U.S. Fortune 500 global companies

This qualitative, phenomenological study provides a detailed look at corporate social responsibility (CSR) among selected U.S. Fortune 500 global corporations that show evidence of advanced stages of CSR development, herein referred to as itCSR. While CSR broadly conveys business’ role in society, itCSR is a construct meant to indicate business’ ideal contribution in society that epitomizes meaningful triple bottom line (TBL) impact. Using the Global Leadership Network Framework of business strategy, leadership, operational excellence, and engaged learning, this research explored what motivates executives to develop itCSR and the success strategies for instituting itCSR practices at America’s largest publicly-traded multinational corporations (MNCs). The findings are particularly relevant in comparing the values, practices, initiatives, and drivers of itCSR development among the leading American global companies. Consequently, this study identified 10 U.S. Fortune 500 global corporations that met the itCSR criteria for this study from an analysis that included (a) cross-referencing five indices/lists that measure various parameters of the itCSR criteria, and (b) evaluating total trailing financial returns for 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year periods compared to the S&P 500 Index results. Overarching themes from the study include: a) a strong presence of core ideologies has been in place from the origin of each company and represent the essence of the corporate character, and thus its soul; b) the core ideologies are centered on improving life and communities and are grounded in circular wisdom, eudaemonics, and virtuousness, all tied to ethical governance and a moral consciousness; c) there is purposeful connectivity cultivated by leadership for all levels of employees to engage in a shared responsibility; d) executive efficacy in itCSR efforts and undertaking cannot be
DEGRADATION OF ZEARALENONE BY LACCASE ENZYME

The degradation of zearalenone by pure fungal laccase (Trametes versicolor) was investigated in this study. In the experiments different activities of laccase and different initial zearalenone concentrations from liquid medium were used. At 0.4 mg·mL -1 laccase concentration, after 240 min time of incubation, was obtained an 81.7 % reduction of zearalenone from liquid medium. The zearalenone degradation depends on the initial concentration of mycotoxin and on the activity of laccase. The results obtained can contribute to the development of preventative strategies to reduce mycotoxin contamination of food by involving enzymes.
Tuning CH3NH3Pb(I1-xBrx)3 Perovskite Oxygen Stability in Thin Films and Solar Cells

The rapid development of organic-inorganic lead halide perovskites has resulted in high efficiency photovoltaic devices. However the susceptibility of these devices to degradation under environmental stress has so far hindered commercial development, requiring for example expensive device encapsulation. Herein, we have investigated the stability of CH3NH3Pb(I1-xBrx)3 [x = 0.1] thin film and solar cells under controlled humidity, light, and oxygen conditions. We show that higher bromide ratios increases tolerance to moisture, with x = 1 thin films being stable to 120 hr of moisture stress. Under light and dry air, partial bromide (x < 1) subsitution does not enhance film stability significantly, with the corresponding solar cells degrading within two hours. In contrast CH3NH3PbBr3 films show excellent stability, with device stability being limited by the organic interlayer. For these x = 1 films we show charge carriers are quenched in the presence of oxygen and form superoxide; however in contrast to perovskites containing iodide, this superoxide does not degrade the crystal. Our observations show that iodide limits the oxygen and light stability of CH3NH3Pb(I1-xBrx)3 perovskites, but that CH3NH3PbBr3 provides an opportunity to develop inherently stable high voltage photovoltaic devices and 4-terminal tandem solar cells.
Using social annotations to support collaborative learning in a Life Sciences module

We used an online social annotation platform for Life Sciences undergraduates to develop self- efficacy in their own learning and to leverage on collaborative learning while annotating in groups. In particular, we were interested in supporting students in a large-class setting as they learn to read research articles as a means of integrating concepts with critical thinking. Students were tasked to post annotations based on their reading of two research articles. A graded quiz based on each article was administered after each reading. We used content analysis to analyse students’ annotations based on the ICAP framework as a proxy measure of cognitive engagement. Students actively participated in the assignment, with most annotations classified as constructive and interactive. However, the percentage of interactive annotations was low, suggesting that students do not perceive the need for interaction to understand the research article. The interactive annotations were further examined for quality of writing using the SOLO taxonomy. The quality of interactive annotations were high, with majority of the annotations at the “Relational” level. We propose that the use of social annotations provided a student-centered environment for individual learning, but scaffolds could be incorporated to foster interactions and collaborative learning among students.
Residual dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane distribution in the soils and sediments of Point Pelee National Park: Implications and tools for remediation

Abstract: Point Pelee National Park (PPNP), located in Leamington, ON, is heavily contaminated with the pesticide dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) that was liberally used for mosquito and pest control in the park from the 1940s until the 1960s. This study was designed to update and enhance information that will advise PPNP personnel on remediation strategies. Building on previous research, a comprehensive soil and sediment sampling, and analytical program was carried out over several years and was completed in 2014. In total, 140 soil, nine sediment, and four water samples were analyzed by gas chromatography/electron capture detection. Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane contamination boundaries were defined, and they were determined that this contaminant occurs predominantly in three “hot spot” areas with total DDT levels exceeding 130 000 ng g-1, which is 19 000% higher than federal guidelines. This information was mapped into an interactive Google Earth platform. Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane isomer analysis compared groupings of samples and determined that soil hot spot areas have half-lives ranging from 27 to 40 yr. It was determined that the highest concentrations of DDT (not including DDT’s derivatives) could remain above federal guidelines for a further 220–342 yr. Overall this study improved delineation of DDT hot spots and narrowed the half-life ranges of DDT and its metabolites in PPNP.
Yttria-Doped Zirconia as Solid Electrolyte for Fuel-Cell Applications

7.3-10 mol% yttria-doped zirconia (YDZ) was studied with emphasis on its long-term stability as solid electrolyte. The decomposition of common 8.5YDZ (950 °C) was detected by analytical TEM. As second issue, the microstructural and chemical properties of nanocrystalline 7.3YDZ thin films were investigated. Metastable t''-YDZ was found to precipitate in nanoscaled regions in YDZ up to 10 mol% yttria. Furthermore, a revised boundary of the c+t phase field, in which YDZ decomposes, is presented.
Optimisation of an extraction procedure for determination of total water-soluble Zn, Pb and Cd and their species in soils from a mining area

The parameters influencing the extraction efficiency of total water-soluble Zn, Pb and Cd in various soil samples from a lead and zinc mining area were investigated. Water was added to moist soil samples and the mixture shaken in a classical shaker. Variations of the solution volume to soil weight ratio, and of extraction time were studied in order to develop an optimum extraction procedure for determination of total water-soluble Zn, Pb and Cd. The influence of filtration of the extracts through membrane filters of various pore size was investigated as well Speciation of Zn, Pb and Cd was also performed in aqueous soil extracts using column chelating ion-exchange (Chelex-100 resin) - flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) technique. Positively charged species and labile complexes of Zn, Pb and Cd were retained on the column and alter elution with nitric acid determined by FAAS. Comparative analyses of the total metal concentrations in the soil samples indicated that the percentage of total water-soluble Zn, Pb and Cd in samples analysed was very low, ranging from 0.02 to 0.6 %. Speciation analyses in these extracts by the chelating ion-exchange - FAAS technique demonstrated that Zn. Pb and Cd exist in the form of positively charged species or weak labile metal complexes.
Thermal-hydrologic model study for an alternative waste package design for Yucca Mountain Repository

The long-term thermal, hydrologic, andpsychrometric storage environment of nuclear waste is analyzed within an emplacement drift at Yucca Mountain Repository in Nevada. Pertinent issues regarding temperature, relative humidity, and liquid water in contact with the waste packages are studied for a modified design currently considered by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). For cost reduction and improved repository performance, the proposed design implements a slight modification in the waste package emplacement sequence and thermal load. The main change is an increase from 44 boiling water reactor (BWR) to 52 BWR fuel assemblies to reduce the number of waste packages for the same storage capacity. The results of the analysis show that acceptable temperature, moderate relative humidity, and no liquid water are expected on the hot waste package including the new BWR containers of the proposed design for the 5000-yr study period. The cold DOE high-level waste and the colder defense spent nuclear fuel containers in the alternative design will experience about the same amount of condensates as those in the DOE baseline design.
High-Pressure Phase Behavior for Poly(ethylene glycol) and 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluorethane Systems

The development of polymeric systems for drug delivery has received attention with the aim of producing new systems as an alternative to conventional drug therapy. The design of new systems for this purpose in a compressed medium requires a knowledge of the phase behavior for the polymeric matrix in the high-pressure fluids. This work reports the phase equilibrium experimental data of binary systems involving poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) with molecular weights of 1000 and 2000 g·mol–1 and 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFA-134a). The experimental data were obtained in a high-pressure variable-volume viewing cell based on the static synthetic method at temperatures from 287.4 to 334.2 K, pressures of up to 29.81 MPa, and a PEG concentration in the range of 1 to 7 wt %. Liquid–liquid equilibrium, liquid–liquid–vapor equilibrium, and, in some cases, solid–liquid equilibrium were observed under the experimental conditions of pressure, temperature, and compositions investigated. The experimental results show that t.
Degradation of a Refractory Organic Contaminant by Photocatalytic Systems

In this research, the photocatalytic degradation of benzothiophene in TiO 2 aqueous suspension has been studied. TiO 2 photocatalysts are prepared by a sol-gel method. The dominant anatase-structure on TiO 2 particles is observed after calcining the TiO 2 gel at 500℃ for 1hr. Photocatalysts with various transition metals (Nd, Pd and Pt) loading are tested to evaluate the effect of transition metal impurities on photodegradation. The photocatalytic degradation in most cases follows first-order kinetics. The maximum photodegradation efficiency is obtained with TiO 2 dosage of 0.4g/L. The photodegradation efficiency with Pt-TiO 2 is higher than pure TiO 2 powder. The optimal content value of Pt is 0.5wt%. Also we investigate the applicability of H 2 O 2 to increase the efficiency of the TiO 2 photocatalytic degradation of benzothiophene. The optimal concentration of 2 O 2 is 0.05M. The effect of pH is investigated; we obtain the maximum photodegradation efficiency at pH 9. Hydroxy- benzothiophenes and dihydroxybenzothiophenes are identified as reaction intermediates. It is proposed that benzothiophene is oxidized by OH radical to sequentially form hydroxyl-benzothiophenes, dihydroxybenzothiophenes, and benzothiophenedione.
Ambient Air Quality Monitoring in Metropolitan City of Lagos, Nigeria

Twenty one sampling locations were assessed for carbon monoxide (CO), carbondioxide (CO 2 ), oxygen (O 2 ), sulphur dioxide (SO 2 ), nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ), nitrogen oxide (NO), suspended particulate matter (SPM) and noise level using air pollutants measurement methods approved by ASTM for each specific parameter. All equipments and meters were all properly pre-calibrated before each usage for quality assurance. Findings of the study showed that measured levels of noise (61.4 - 101.4 dBA), NO (0.0 - 3.0 ppm), NO 2 (0.0 - 3.0 ppm), CO (1.0 – 42.0 ppm) and SPM (0.14 – 4.82 ppm) in all sampling areas were quite high and above regulatory limits however there was no significant difference except in SPM (at all the sampling points), and noise, NO 2 and NO (only in major traffic intersection). Air quality index (AQI) indicates that the ambient air can be described as poor for SPM, varied from good to very poor for CO, while NO and NO 2 are very good except at major traffic intersection where they were both poor and very poor (D-E). The results suggest that strict and appropriate vehicle emission management, industrial air pollution control coupled with close burning management of wastes should be considered in the study area to reduce the risks associated with these pollutants. © JASEM Keywords : Air, pollutants, Air quality index, carbon-monoxide, sulphur-dioxide
Effect of filleting and marination processes on the quality of roasted chicken breast fillets

Physico-chemical and sensory qualities of oven-roasted breast fillets (Pectoralis superficialis) harvested from hot (unchilled ≤ 1 h post-mortem), chilled (slush-ice; 2 h) or aged (4°C, 24 h) broiler carcasses and either still-marinated or marinated in a tumbler (10 rpm; 15 or 30 min) were investigated. One group of fillets was mechanically (blade) tenderized before still marination. Data revealed that chilled or aged filleting produced a tender and juicier product with higher marinade uptake and lower cooking loss than hot filleting. Marinade uptake was highest in mechanically tenderized fillets (13.8%), followed by tumbled (10.0 - 12.9%) and intact muscle pieces (7.3%). Tumbling compared favourably with 2 h of still marination of blade-tenderized fillets in terms of marinade pick-up, cook-yield, shear value and sensory quality of the product. These results suggested that chilled filleting and rotary marination for 15 min would yield superior quality fillets with a greatly shortened processing time.
Slow-Learners Assessment Training in Inclusive School

The good inclusive education services are based on assessment report. Most of special needs children in inclusive school are slow-learners. Teacher in inclusive school should know characteristic, strength and weakness of slow-learners in order to optimalize inclusive education services. This research aimed to know training for assessment of slow-learners in inclusive school. This research was a descriptive research. The subjects of the study were thirty-two inclusive elementary school teachers. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistic. The result of this study showed that the training improved inclusive elementary school teacher’s knowledge, skills, and learning motivation about assessment of slow-learners. Thus, teachers can provide good inclusive education services. Keywords—assessment; slow-learners; inclusive school
Beyond Arbitrage: "Good-Deal" Asset Price Bounds in Incomplete Markets

One often wants to value a risky payoff by reference to prices of other assets rather than by exploiting full‐fledged economic models. However, this approach breaks down if one cannot find a perfect replicating portfolio. We impose weak economic restriction to derive usefully tight bounds on asset prices in this situation. The bounds assume that investors would want to buy assets with high Sharpe ratios‐“good deals”‐as well as pure arbitrage opportunities. We show how to calculate the price bounds in one‐period, multiperiod, and continuous‐time contexts. We show that the multiperiod problem can be solved recursively as a sequence of one‐period problems. We calculate bounds in option pricing examples including infrequent trading and an option written on a nontraded event, and we use the bounds to explore the economic significance of option pricing predictions. We find that much variation in S&P 500, index option prices over time and across strike prices fits within the bounds.
Alkyl-and arylsulfanyl-substituted unsaturated carbonyl compounds

ABSTRACT A method for the synthesis of captodative sulfanyl enals, enones and enoates via nucleophilic vinylic substitution of corresponding halogen-bearing derivatives has been developed. The one-pot treatment of the haloenoates, haloenones or haloenals with thiols in the presence of organic base leads either to vicinal dithiosubstituted carbonyl-bearing compound or captodative systems with good to excellent yield. The major reaction direction strongly depends on the type of base used. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Evaluación numérica tridimensional de un sumidero de reja de fondo (Three-Dimensional Numerical Assessment of Grate Inlet)

Spanish Abstract: Se realizaron multiples simulaciones del proceso de captacion de agua en el sumidero Tipo B de las Empresas Publicas de Medellin (EPM E.S.P.), a partir de un modelo hidrodinamico tridimensional (Ansys – CFX). Se utilizo un dominio virtual de una via de 3.0 m de ancho y 5.30 m de largo, variando los caudales de entrada de 50 a 250 l/s, la pendiente longitudinal de 0.1 a 10% y la pendiente transversal de 0 a 5%, generando 105 casos simulados. Los resultados del modelo numerico se compararon con aproximaciones empiricas que representan el proceso de captacion en sumideros de reja de fondo, logrando correlaciones satisfactorias. El caudal total captado, se desagrego en el caudal captado por los mecanismos frontal y lateral y se definieron diferentes coeficientes de descarga tipo vertedero y orificio para el caudal captado frontalmente y tipo vertedero para el caudal captado lateralmente. Ademas, se propone un umbral de potencia unitaria del flujo de aproximacion en la reja analizada, para identificar si el proceso de captacion frontal es tipo vertedero u orificio. Estos coeficientes fueron evaluados en una segunda reja (Tipo A de EPM E.S.P.), ajustandose notablemente a los modelos empiricos disponibles. English Abstract: Multiple simulations of water catchment process were carried out in the Type B grate stablished by Empresas Publicas de Medellin (EPM E.S.P.), using a three-dimensional hydrodynamic model (Ansys – CFX). A highway virtual domain of 3.0 m wide and 5.3 m long was used, changing the input flow values from 50 to 250 l/s, the longitudinal slope from 0.1 to 10% and the transverse slope from 0 to 5%, generating 105 cases. The results of the numerical model were compared with empirical approachs which represent the catchment process in a grate, obtaining satisfactory correlations. The total captured flow was separated in the flow captured by frontal and side mechanisms and several discharge coefficients were defined, such as weir and orifice type for frontal flow and weir type for lateral flow. Furthermore, in order to identify if the front catchment process is weir or orifice type, a unitary power threshold for the approximation flow in the analyzed grate was proposed. These coefficients were evaluated in a second grate (EPM E.S.P. Type A), adjusting remarkably to the available empirical models.
EFFECT OF DIFFERENT CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS ON THE GROWTH OF TWO SOIL ALGAL SPECIES NOSTOC HUMIFUSUM AND OSCILLATORIA EARLEI.

The current study was performed on a farm land at El-Khanka District, Kalyoubia Governorate where the land showed symptoms of increase in its salt content. Some of the physical and chemical characteristics of the collected soil samples were determined. Only two halotolerant species of algae were isolated from the soil samples containing lower total soluble salt contents. Purification of algae from bacteria was done then subjected to a series of experiments for determination of the effect of different chemical constituents on their growth. The results showed that the change in salinity (NaCl contents) as well as changing in carbon and nitrogen sources may have a considerable effect on the growth of the two algae species. In addition, also the major biochemical contents of the algal species were affected by the previous changes.
Poly(butyl cyanoacrylate) nanoparticles stabilised with poloxamer 188: particle size control and cytotoxic effects in cervical carcinoma (HeLa) cells

In this study, the preparation of poloxamer 188-coated poly(butyl cyanoacrylate) colloidal nanospheres of controlled size distribution and their physicochemical characterisation were investigated and their cytotoxic effects in cervical carcinoma (HeLa) cells evaluated. The nanoparticles were prepared by controlled emulsion polymerisation of butyl cyanoacrylate in an aqueous medium containing poloxamer 188 as an amphiphilic non-ionic colloidal stabiliser. The colloids thus obtained were characterised by scanning electron microscopy, dynamic and electrophoretic light-scattering, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The average size of the particles could be finely controlled within an interval between 220 nm and 290 nm by varying the concentration of the precursor and citric acid in the polymerisation medium. The particle zeta-potentials in phosphate-buffered saline were approximately −4.5 mV. FTIR and NMR data confirmed the expected composition of nanoparticles and the complete precursor polymerisation. In-vitro studies with cervical carcinoma (HeLa) cells demonstrated the dose-dependent cytotoxicity of nanoparticles (IC50 ≈ 30 εg mL−1). Observations by phase contrast and fluorescence microscopy revealed that at cytotoxic concentrations (40 εg mL−1) nanoparticles induced changes in cell morphology and chromatin fragmentation. The colloidal stabiliser (poloxamer 188) alone was not cytotoxic at the applied concentrations.