Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
CFG Pile Composite Foundation: Its Engineering Applications and Research Advances

Problematic soils exist almost everywhere on the globe. State-of-the-art solutions to make civil engineering infrastructures built on them are still highly sought. The CFG (cement-fly ash-gravel) pile composite foundation system has been widely used in buildings, highways, railways, and bridge transition sections owing to its proven engineering characteristics in soft ground treatment. This paper discusses about the development and achievements of its engineering applications, along with possible future research directions. The remarkable evolution took place in the past to address projects’ strict differential and postconstruction settlement control requirements including embedding the geosynthetic layer into the load transfer platform and combining it with rigid slabs, as seen implemented in few CFG pile-supported embankments. It was also observed that the interaction of the existing CFG pile composite foundation with an adjacent new foundation pit excavation inevitably presents a complex soil-structure interaction mechanism among the fundamental components—the retaining wall, mat, piles, cushion, and soil.
Initial Decomposition of Condensed-Phase 1,3,5-Triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene under High Temperature

ABSTRACT We have performed quantum-based molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate the initial chemical processes of the TATB under different temperatures. A self-consistent charge density-functional tight-binding (SCC-DFTB) method was employed.The results show that a large number of clusters (such as C12H12O8N10, C12H12O12N12, C12H12O6N9, C18H18O16N17) formed in the initial reaction process, which indicates that the initial heating mainly results in the binding of TATB adjacent molecules rather than their decomposition. Moreover, the stability sequence of bonds is C-C > N-H > C-NH2 > C-NO2 in our research, C-NO2 is the main reaction path at 1500 K, and C-NO2 and C-NH2 are the main reaction path at 2000 K. When temperature increase to 2500 K and 3000 K, the homolytic cleavage of the N-NO2 and C-NH2 bonds is suppressed, and the C-H bond dissociation becomes the primary pathway for TATB decomposition in its early stages.
The Play-based Behaviours of Emirati Preschool Children: Cultural Perspective into Early Childhood Education

Current policy and curriculum guides for early education centres in the United Arab Emirates advocate for play-based practices similar to those in the West. However, best practice reforms must reflect a sociocultural perspective and suit the context of application. The main objectives of this research were to provide insight into Emirati maternal values on play, to analyse behavioural factors, and to suggest policies that better support them. Results revealed that 52% of Emirati children rarely or never engage in undirected play and that while Emirati mothers were aware of the significance of play, they were less aware of “child-led” play practices, how to facilitate undirected play at home and the significance of their role in scaffolding play. Furthermore, the undervaluing of free play by Emirati mothers, upsets traditional play paradigms with 80% of mothers believing that a blend between knowledge learning and play learning would be better fit for their children. We argue that curriculum decisions ought to take into account the cultural context and parental psychology of Emirati mothers and children when constructing preschool curricula.
Predicting Intentions to Engage in a Suite of Yard Fertilizer Behaviors: Integrated Insights from the Diffusion of Innovations, Theory of Planned Behavior, and Contextual Factors

Abstract Research has inadequately examined factors that support residential yard care practices that influence water quality to date. This study evaluated factors that predict yard fertilizer best practices in the state of Florida, USA by pairing the Theory of Planned Behavior and Diffusion of Innovations along with contextual factors including age, population density, and living in a homeowners’ association. Data were collected from 1,197 Florida residents using an electronic researcher-developed survey instrument. Alone, all TPB variables (attitude, perceived behavioral control, subjective norms) predicted behavioral intent. When Diffusion of Innovation characteristics were added, compatibility predicted intent along with the TPB variables. When contextual variables were added to the final model, the same variables remained significant and age (younger), living in an HOA, and not living in a metro with less than 250,000 people predicted behavioral intent. Findings offer new insights into residential yard fertilizer behaviors informed by integrating the two theories.
Redox conditions, glacio-eustasy, and the status of the Cenomanian–Turonian Anoxic Event: new evidence from the Upper Cretaceous Chalk of England

The nature of the Cenomanian–Turonian Oceanic Anoxic Event (CTOAE) and its δ13 C Excursion is considered in the light of (1) the stratigraphical framework in which the CTOAE developed in the European shelf seas, (2) conclusions that can be drawn from new detailed investigations of the Chalk succession at three locations in England, at Melton Ross and Flixton in the Northern Province where organic-rich ‘black bands’ are present, and at Dover in the Southern Province (part of the Anglo-Paris Basin) where they are absent, and (3) how these conclusion fit in with the present understanding of the CTOAE. The application of the cerium anomaly method (German and Elderfield 1990) at Dover, Melton Ross and Flixton has allowed the varying palaeoredox conditions in the Chalk Sea and its sediments to be related to the acid insoluble residues, organic carbon, δ18O (calcite), δ13C (calcite), δ13C (organic matter), Fe 2+ and Mn2+ (calcite), and P/TiO2 (acid insoluble residue). This has provided evidence that the initial stages of the δ13C Excursion in England were related to (1) a drop of sea level estimated at between 45 and 85 metres, (2) influxes of terrestrial silicate and organic detritus from adjacent continental sources and the reworking of exposed marine sediments, and (3) the presence of three cold water phases (named the Wood , Jefferies and Black ) associated with the appearance of the cold-water pulse fauna during the Plenus Cold Event. Conditions in the water column and in the chalk sediment were different in the two areas. In the Northern Province, cerium-enriched waters and anoxic conditions were widespread; the δ13C pattern reflects the interplay between the development of anoxia in the water column and the preservation of terrestrial and marine organic matter in the black bands; here the CTOAE was short-lived (~0.25 Ma) lasting only the length of the Upper Cenomanian Metoicoceras geslinianum Zone. In the Southern Province, water conditions were oxic and the δ13C Excursion lasted to the top of the Lower Turonian Watinoceras devonense Zone, much longer (~1.05 Ma) than in the Northern Province. These differences are discussed with respect to (1) the Cenomanian–Turonian Anoxic Event (CTAE) hypothesis when the ocean-continent-atmosphere systems were linked, (2) limitations of chemostratigraphic global correlation, and (3) the Cenomanian–Turonian Anoxic Event Recovery (CTOAER), a new term to define the varying lengths of time it took different oceans and seas to recover once the linked ocean-continent-atmosphere system was over. The possibility is considered that glacio-eustasy (the glacial control hypothesis of Jeans et al. 1991) with the waxing and waning of polar ice sheets, in association with the degassing of large igneous provinces, may have set the scene for the development of the Cenomanian–Turonian Anoxic Event (CTAE).
Influence of Procurement Key Performance Indicators on The Performance of State Agencies in Kenya

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to examine influence of procurement key performance indicators on the performance of state agencies in Kenya with an aim of making recommendations on proper us Methodology: The study employed a descriptive research design, targeting the 127 heads of procurement in state agencies in Kenya, who were selected using simple random sampling, from the four strata. The researcher preferred this method because it allows an in-depth study of the subject. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaires. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Quantitative data was analyzed using multiple regression analysis. The qualitative data generated was analyzed by use of Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22. The response rate of the study was 82%. Results and conclusion: The results indicate that there is a positive relationship (r=.509) between cost management and performance of state agencies in Kenya. In addition, the researcher found the relationship to be statistically significant at 5% level (p=0.000, <0.05). The results also indicate that there is a positive relationship (r=.398) between quality index management and performance of state agencies in Kenya. In addition, the researcher found the relationship to be statistically significant at 5% level (p=0.000, <0.05). The results indicate that there is a positive relationship (r=.678) between delivery management and performance of state agencies in Kenya. In addition, the researcher found the relationship to be statistically significant at 5% level (p=0.000, <0.05). The results indicate that there is a positive relationship (r=.685) between asset utilization management and performance of state agencies in Kenya. In addition, the researcher found the relationship to be statistically significant at 5% level (p=0.000, <0.05). Hence, it is evident that all the independent variables could explain the changes in implementation of performance of state agencies in Kenya, on the basis of the correlation analysis. The findings of the study indicated that cost management, quality index management, delivery management and asset utilization management have a positive relationship with performance of state agencies in Kenya International Journal of Supply Chain and Logistics ISSSN 2520-3983 (Online) Vol. 4, Issue No.2, pp 80 103, 2020 www.carijournals. org 81 Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: Finally, the study recommended that public institutions should embrace procurement key performance indicators so as to improve performance and further researches should to be carried out in other public institutions to find out if the same results can be obtained.
Acetylenic Carbon-Containing Stable Five-Membered Metallacycles

Due to the linear property around an acetylenic carbon, the introduction of such an atom to a small cycle would result in high ring strain. Currently, the smallest isolated rings are five-membered, including metallacycloalkynes and metallapentalynes. Both types contain at least one unusual small bond angle around the acetylenic carbon, thus exhibiting abnormal reactivities. This feature article gives a comprehensive overview on these two kind complexes. The synthesis and reactivities are extensively described, the source of stability is presented, and the future prospect is discussed. The article aims to provide a better development for the chemical diversity of five-membered metallacycloalkynes and metallapentalynes.
Emissions of non-methane volatile organic compounds from combustion of domestic fuels in Delhi, India

Abstract. Twenty-nine different fuel types used in residential dwellings in northern India were collected from across Delhi (76 samples in total). Emission factors of a wide range of non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs) (192 compounds in total) were measured during controlled burning experiments using dual-channel gas chromatography with flame ionisation detection (DC-GC-FID), two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC × GC-FID), proton-transfer-reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometry (PTR-ToF-MS) and solid-phase extraction two-dimensional gas chromatography with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SPE-GC × GC–ToF-MS). On average, 94 % speciation of total measured NMVOC emissions was achieved across all fuel types. The largest contributors to emissions from most fuel types were small non-aromatic oxygenated species, phenolics and furanics. The emission factors (in g kg−1) for total gas-phase NMVOCs were fuelwood (18.7, 4.3–96.7), cow dung cake (62.0, 35.3–83.0), crop residue (37.9, 8.9–73.8), charcoal (5.4, 2.4–7.9), sawdust (72.4, 28.6–115.5), municipal solid waste (87.3, 56.6–119.1) and liquefied petroleum gas (5.7, 1.9–9.8). The emission factors measured in this study allow for better characterisation, evaluation and understanding of the air quality impacts of residential solid-fuel combustion in India.
Anaerobic microbial biogeochemistry in a northern bog: Acetate as a dominant metabolic end product

Field measurements and incubation techniques were used to determine the dynamics of acetate formation, iron reduction, and methanogenesis in surficial peat of an Alaskan bog. Acetate concentrations were ∼100 μM early in the season and decreased to ∼20 μM in July when the water table decreased. Acetate levels increased rapidly to ∼1000 μM when the water table rose to the surface in August. Acetate production in anaerobic slurries occurred at rates of 2.8–420 nmol carbon mL−1 day−1, which was 7–120 times more rapid than CH4 production. Experiments utilizing 14C‐acetate confirmed that methanogenesis was not acetoclastic although acetate was converted very slowly to CO2. Peat incubated anaerobically for 4.5 months at 24°C never produced methane from acetate, suggesting that anaerobic acetate accumulation would have occurred all season if the water table had remained high. CO2 production was the most rapid process measured in laboratory incubations (up to 750 nmol mL−1 day−1) and appeared to be due primarily to fermentation. Acetate was the primary organic terminal product of anaerobic decomposition in the bog, and acetate was ultimately oxidized to CO2 via aerobic respiration and to a much lesser extent anaerobically by Fe reduction.
Streptococcus, the Predominant Bacterium to Predict the Severity of Liver Injury in Alcoholic Liver Disease

Background New evidence implies that the imbalance of gut microbiota is associated with the progression of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and that the composition of gut microbiota is altered in ALD patients. However, the predominant bacterium in patients involved in the progress of ALD has not been identified. The purpose of this study is to investigate the predominant bacterium in the early and end-stages of ALD as well as the relationship between the bacterium and the degree of liver injury. Methods We enrolled 21 alcoholic fatty liver (AFL) patients, 17 alcoholic liver cirrhosis (ALC) patients and 27 healthy controls, and sequenced the 16S rRNA gene of their fecal microbiota. The gut microbiota composition and its relationship with the indicators of clinical hepatic function were assessed using canonical correspondence analysis (CCA), spearman correlation heatmap and multivariate association with linear (MaAsLin) Models. Results The composition and structure of gut microbiota changed greatly in different stages of ALD, and the degree of disorder was aggravated with the progression of ALD, even in the early stage. Moreover, the relative abundance of Streptococcus was highly enriched only in patients with ALC (P <0.001), and positively correlated with AST level (P = 0.029). The abundance of Streptococcus distinguished the liver injury of ALC patients from the controls with an area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.877 (P < 0.001). Conclusions These findings indicate that the imbalance of gut microbiota exists at the early and end-stages of ALD, and the degree of disorder is aggravated with the progression of ALD. Streptococcus, as the predominant bacterium, may be a microbiological marker to evaluate the severity of liver injury in ALD patients.
Delays, Discrepancies, and Distortions: Size‐Dependent Sediment Mixing and the Deep‐Sea Record of the Paleocene‐Eocene Thermal Maximum From ODP Site 690 (Weddell Sea)

The deep‐sea sedimentary record of Ocean Drilling Program Site 690 (Weddell Sea) has figured prominently in the study of an ancient (~56 Ma) global warming event referred to as the Paleocene‐Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM). Yet discrepancies in the timing, amplitude, and structure of the isotopic excursions marking the PETM exist between the bulk‐carbonate and planktic foraminifer stable isotope (δ13C and δ18O) records of this reference section. A recent study invoked size‐dependent sediment mixing (SDSM) to reconcile the discrepancies between these parallel δ13C records. Here we report supplementary stable isotope data compiled from size‐segregated planktic foraminifer shells that further elucidate the effects of SDSM on the Site 690 PETM section. Our records reveal a stratigraphic sequence where the carbon (CIE) and oxygen (OIE) isotope excursions marking the onset of PETM conditions are first registered by larger shells, confirming that smaller‐sized pre‐CIE shells have been more intensely mixed and preferentially displaced up‐section into the overlying CIE interval. The size‐dependent manner in which the CIE and OIE are recorded by asymbiotic subbotinids indicates that the transitory loss of size‐dependent δ13C signatures in photosymbiotic taxa (acarininids) at Site 690 is an artifact of SDSM. Synthetic bulk‐carbonate δ13C records generated with two end‐member (pre‐CIE versus CIE materials) sediment‐mixing curves readily reproduce the series of “steps” seen in published bulk‐carbonate δ13C records of the CIE, suggesting that these fine‐scale features may also be artifacts of SDSM and varying rates of carbonate sedimentation.
Further evidence on efficiency of Bahrain Bourse:
A high challenge for other industries

REZUMAT Further evidence on efficiency of Bahrain Bourse: A high challenge for other industries The purpose of the present study is to provide further evidence of the weak form efficiency of the Bahrain Bourse. The research methodology is based on daily closing index values of the Bahrain Bourse from 2011 to 2015 in order to test the efficiency of the stock market while runs test, Autocorrelation Function, and advance tools such as ARCH and GARCH models and Hurst Index to provide further evidence of the weak form efficiency of the Bahrain stock market. For instance, a volatile and inefficient stock market has a negative impact on textile and apparel industry in the Kingdom of Bahrain, which is one of the most prosperous and attractive industries in the country. The empirical results revealed that Bahrain stock market does not follow normal distribution and the successive price changes are not independent. Further, ARCH effect is significant and indicative of a time-varying conditional volatility. There is an arbitrage opportunity and extreme mispricing in the Bahrain stock market as indicated by the GARCH (1, 1) model. The results of the Hurst exponent also confirm the inefficiency of the market. The results of these tests are consistent indicating that the Bahrain stock market is inefficient.
Determinants of quality life of patients with psoriasis treated with biologics

Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the quality life of patients with psoriasis treated with biologics, and to analyze the various factors that determine it. Methods: The cross-sectional study was realized with 117 patients at the Centre for Biologic Therapy in Slovakia. The factors analyzed were: Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), The Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ), General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI), localization of skin changes, duration of the disease, length of use of biologics, BMI. Results: Mean score of DLQI was 9.03 (SD = 6.59, range = 2–23). DLQI significantly correlates with PASI (r = 0.347), length of use of biologics (r = –0.286), illness perception (r = 0.557) and anxiety (r = 0.338). Hierarchical regression analysis showed that PASI (β = 0.252) and illness perception (β = 2.209) were significant predictors of a patient’s quality life. Conclusions: The findings of study indicate that the quality life of psoriatic patients treated with biologics is determined by the disease severity and illness perception. Therefore it is very important to include a psychosocial dimension (assessment, effective intervention) in the care of these patients.
Risk Factors and Causes of Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia: A Systematic Review Study

Context: Jaundice is a common problem and the most common risk factor for hospitalization during the neonatal period. Objective: The prevention of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia would not be possible without identifying its predisposing risk factors. The present systematic review study aims to determine the risk factors of neonatal jaundice. Data Sources: Databases including Science Direct, Cochrane Library, Web of Science (ISI), PubMed, and Google Scholar were searched to identify all eligible papers concerning the risk factors of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Study Selection: This systematic review was performed to review the causes and risk factors of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Finally, 18 articles were defined as eligible for further review. Data Extraction: The keywords included neonates, jaundice, hyperbilirubinemia, and risk factors. The inclusion criteria were studies determining jaundice risk factors, while papers with only published abstracts were excluded. Results: A total of 18 eligible articles (3 retrospective, 4 prospective, 10 cross-sectional, and 1 historical cohort) out of 421 retrieved articles were included in this review. The etiologic causes for neonatal jaundice were ABO incompatibility (24.6%), infection (including UTI and sepsis) (13.7%), G6PD deficiency (9.4%), Rh incompatibility (7%), and cephalohematoma (2.9%), while, known predisposing factors for neonatal jaundice included unknown (33.2%), low birth weight (30.9%), hyperbilirubinemia in siblings (22.7%), prematurity (20.1%), and infant of diabetic mother (6.7%). Conclusion: According to our review with considering the studies, the etiologic causes for neonatal jaundice are ABO incompatibility, infection (including UTI and sepsis), G6PD deficiency, Rh incompatibility, and cephalohematoma. While, known predisposing factors for neonatal jaundice include low birth weight, hyperbilirubinemia in siblings, prematurity, and infant of diabetic mother.