Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
RELAP5 Evaluation vs. Marviken Full Scale Containment Experiments

A model of the Marviken Power Station has been built with the analysis code RELAP5. The model has been tested against the measurement data from the experiments run in the facility under the period August 1972 to April 1973 when a series of full-scale blowdown test have been performed. The aim of the work is the employment and the evaluation of the mono-dimensional code RELAP5 for the containment response analysis. Two different blowdown experiments have been selected and used as comparison for the validation test. The simulations have been performed using models that include the main hydraulic and thermal features described in the actual facility. The heat structures and the pressurizers, used to simulate the spray cooling system, have been introduced and treated in separated cases for a better understanding of the response of the model with regards to the presence of these components. In this way it has been possible to distinguish the effects caused by the heat structures from the results induced by the pressurizers. In this way three configurations have been used for each blowdown, one which describes the mere hydraulic system, a second one with the addition of detailed heat structures and a third one including the spray system. The temperature and the pressure initial values for the simulations are not in a steady state but they reproduce the conditions as described at the beginning of each experiments. The discharge rate and the specific enthalpy are accurately set according to the experimental data. The model response for the global fluid pressure and temperature behaviour is, in general, in good agreement with the experimental local data. The difference between the calculations and the experiments are mainly attributed to the inefficient heat transfer between the non-condensable phase (air) and the walls of the structure: the energy is therefore retained in the gas without the possibility to be released to the surroundings causing higher temperatures and pressures in the fluid itself in comparison with the experiments. Furthermore, a one-dimensional model is not able to predict a good mixing of the fluid in the wetwell as it happens in the reality thanks to the natural convection. The pressure, the temperature, the condensation rate as well as the energy in the drywell and in the wetwell are discussed in the paper and compared with the experimental results. In this paper, due to space limitations, only the results for the hydraulic and the heat structure configurations from one blowdown experiment will be discussed.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Dynamic airspace super sectors (DASS) as high-density highways in the sky for a new US air traffic management system

We evaluate a new sector design called dynamic airspace super sectors (DASS). DASS may be thought of as a network of one-directional, high density highways in the sky, like thin ribbons of airspace stretching over the U.S. and connecting major airports. DASS is a simplification of airspace structure that may decrease air traffic controller (ATC) workload and allow higher densities of aircraft to be safely monitored. DASS would also potentially reduce delay for aircraft using DASS. The team used these two factors, workload and delay, to measure the effectiveness of the DASS Alternatives. We uses total airport and airspace modeller (TAAM) and Arena simulation environments to simulate two aspects of the design alternatives: the effect of varying the number of entrance/exit points to DASS, first, on traffic outside and second, on traffic inside of DASS.
Textile Dye Removal by Activated Date Seeds

The objective of the study was to prepare activated carbon from date seeds (ADS) and use it as a medium for textile dye adsorption. Batch adsorption of reactive green dye showed that dye adsorption depends on the contact time, the dye concentration, and the pH equilibrium. Different concentrations of the prepared activated carbon were used with different dye concentrations and evaluated for dye removal efficiency. The maximum dye adsorption in this study was achieved after 270 min at a pH range of 5-9. In this study, the functional groups in the prepared ADS were identified using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) while the crystal size was determined using an X-ray diffractometer (XRD). The Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm equation were used to study the adsorption kinetics, isotherms, and dye desorption while the pseudo-second-order kinetics was used to analyze the equilibrium adsorption data of the reactive green dye on the prepared ADS. The dyes’ adsorption kinetics followed pseudo-second-order kinetics, which is adjudged as the best in adsorption studies. The equilibrium data were best fitted with the Freundlich isotherm model. Conclusively, the adsorption of dye onto the prepared ADS was observed to be an endothermic physical adsorption process. KeywordsActivated carbon, Adsorption, Freundlich isotherm, kinetics, Langmuir isotherm, Reactive green dye. How to cite this article: S.A. Khaleefa and H.T. Hamad, “Textile Dye Removal by Activated Date Seeds,” Engineering and Technology Journal, Vol. 37, Part C, No. 2, pp. 242-247, 2019.
A time-delay equivalent-circuit model of ultrafast p-i-n photodiodes

A time-delay equivalent-circuit model of ultrafast p-i-n photodiodes (PDs) is proposed to describe the operation at high-input power levels. This model includes both the carrier transit-induced time-delay effect and stored charge effect of p-i-n PDs in high-power operation. These effects were represented as a linear RC circuit and capacitance, respectively, both combined in parallel to a voltage-controlled current source. The validity of this model was confirmed with good curve fitting to the measured optical-frequency responses of an ultrafast side-illuminated p-i-n PD.
Intervenções em TCC baseada na internet com adolescentes: uma revisão sistemática

porcentagens significativas de adolescentes recuperados ou em remissão de um transtorno psicológico. Pode-se concluir, a partir das análises preliminares, que os programas de TCC oferecidos por intermédio da internet parecem constituir modalidade eficaz no cuidado da saúde mental em adolescentes. With the recent technological advance, internet-based CBT emerges as an alternative to the traditional psychotherapy, while being a promising and effective mental health care. Adolescents may engage and benefit from these internet-based programs, but there are still few interventions led with this specific population. In order to investigate the evidences of efficacy of internet-based CBT among adolescents, a systematic review was conducted, while using the Prisma method, on studies published in the last five years on Academic Google, PubMed and Scielo academic data basis. The descriptors used were (“cognitive behavioral therapy” OR “CBT”) AND (“internet” OR “online”). After analysis and application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 14 studies were selected. No research was found in the Brazilian context. Participants from the selected studies presented significant reductions on symptoms after the interventions; furthermore, half of the publications pointed out that significant percentages of adolescents were recovered or in remission of a psychological disorder. From these preliminary analyses, it may be concluded that internet-based CBT programs seem to be effective models to the promotion of adolescents mental health.
Export participation and productivity performance of firms in the Indian transport manufacturing

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the nexus between export participation and productivity performance of transport manufacturing firms in India, for the period 1994‐2006.Design/methodology/approach – The relative performance of exporting vis‐a‐vis non‐exporting firms in the industry is examined by utilizing a semi‐parametric test based on the principle of first order stochastic dominance. Subsequently, the causal relation between export and productivity is tested by mainly focusing on learning‐by‐exporting and self‐selection hypotheses.Findings – The authors' results suggest that productivity performance of firms does not directly affect the probability of exporting. However, the results do provide some evidence which indicates that good firms self‐select into the export market. Furthermore, it was also found that sunk costs of exporting are the key determinants of probability of exporting in the industry. Finally, the authors tested the effect of exporting on productivity and found th.
Glomerular filtration formulas to assess clinical and neuropsychological status in geriatric patients with chronic heart failure: a comparison of three formulas

Introduction: Impaired renal function is a common problem among elderly patients with chronic heart failure. It is related to prognosis and treatment. The most proper assessment of glomerular filtration in this population seems to be crucial, but despite technological advances, it is still relatively difficult. This study aimed to find the best glomerular filtration formula in the group of geriatric patients with chronic heart failure, which would correlate with their clinical and psychological status. Material and methods: The study was conducted in a group of 101 hospitalized patients aged over 60 with stable chronic heart failure. All patients were subjected to clinical and psychological evaluation. Obtained data were compared with the estimated glomerular filtration rate calculated by three equations (Cockcroft-Gault with adjustment for body surface area, Modification of Diet in Renal Disease, and Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology). Results: For all 3 formulas, statistically significant correlations were found between renal function and age, the New York Heart Association functional class, a period of hospitalization, N-terminal-pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, and a 6-minute walk test score. The widest range of values was found for the Cock-croft-Gault formula with adjustment for body surface area. The Cockcroft-Gault formula with adjustment for body surface area showed also strong associations with cognitive functioning. Conclusions: Renal function calculated by the Cockcroft-Gault formula with adjustment for body surface area highly correlates with psychological parameters among geriatric patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). Med Res J 2021; 6 (4): 305–311
Route choice behaviour with pre-trip travel time information

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the potential benefits from real-time travel-time information provision by gaining insights into and better understanding of the factors affecting the route-choice behaviour of drivers possessing real-time pre-trip information. Both a field study and an in-laboratory experiment were conducted to obtain revealed preferences (RP) and stated preferences (SP) on route choice. The data collected from both experiments are inputs for a combined RP–SP route-choice model. The model also includes attitudinal factors describing drivers' personal characteristics. The results show that when experience seeking increases, individuals tend to prefer a route characterised by lower average but greater variance of travel time. Other results confirmed past studies showing that information has an impact on route-choice behaviour although compliance with received information decreases with recent experience.
A study of L-band GaAlAs/GaAs HBTs for high-voltage RF-power

The feasibility of GaAlAs/GaAs heterojunction bipolar transistors as power output transistors for 24–28V cellular base station applications was studied. A 1W, 25V test vehicle was fabricated, with predictable and uniform electrical parameters. Maximum output power was 1.02W with 9.1dB gain at 2GHz and 18V supply voltage. Characterization at more than 22V destroyed all devices, even if emitter ballasting resistors were used for thermal balance. Analysis indicated that the failures were caused by too wide emitters in combination with the high supply voltage, causing current crowding and large temperature spikes. Small (<2-3µm) horizontal emitter dimensions are required even with low base sheet resistivity, otherwise leading to destructive temperature non-uniformities, unless special arrangements to drastically reduce the thermal resistance can be applied.
Polymer-treated bentonite clay for chemical-resistant geosynthetic clay liners

The purpose of hydraulic barriers, such as geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs), is to isolate waste liquids from the environment. Bentonite clay is widely used in GCLs because of its elevated sealing capacity in the presence of water and its ability to restrict the migration of solutes (chemico-osmotic efficiency or semi-permeable membrane behaviour). However, exposure to high concentrations of inorganic solutions can change the clay fabric increasing its hydraulic conductivity and degrading its membrane behaviour, with a consequent harm to the environment. The aim of this research was to study the hydraulic and chemico-osmotic performance of amended clays. For this purpose, an engineered clay (HYPER clay) was developed through treatment of a natural bentonite with an anionic polymer and the results were compared with two amended clay materials (multi-swellable bentonite (MSB) and a dense prehydrated GCL (DPH GCL)). To demonstrate the potential benefits of polymer treatment, material characterisation through X-ray diffraction analysis, density of solid particles, Atterberg limits, and swelling tests was performed on treated and untreated samples. Subsequently, hydraulic conductivity and chemico-osmotic tests were performed with CaCl2 solutions on treated and untreated clays, to evaluate the modified clays resistance to chemical attack. The results of this research showed that the present amendment technology has a great potential for future GCL applications. X-ray diffraction analysis demonstrated the intercalation of the polymer in the interlayer region of the clay inducing a dispersed clay structure. The swell index and the liquid limit of the clay increased with increasing polymer dosage suggesting a potential benefit of the polymer on preserving the hydraulic performance of the clay. Unlike the untreated clay, HYPER clay treatment maintained low hydraulic conductivity of the clay to CaCl2 even in the long term and protected the clay against the destructive role of diffusion, maintaining the initial osmotic efficiency in the long term. Test results were also compared with other amended clays MSB and DPH GCL. These two amended clay materials displayed a chemico-osmotic behaviour at the steady state similar to that observed on untreated clay. On the other hand, the preservation of the chemico-osmotic efficiency of the HYPER clay with time suggests that the carboxymethyl cellulose was not flushed out during the long period of permeation with deionised water.
Numerical evaluation of the electric field in cable terminations equipped with nonlinear grading materials

The numerical evaluation of the electric field in a cable termination equipped with stress grading materials, is carried out by adopting a model based on the electro quasi-static approximation of Maxwell equations. In such a model, the different nonlinear electrical properties of the stress grading materials, obtained from experimental investigations, are taken into account. The influence on the electric field distribution of the different characteristics (resistivity vs. applied field) is investigated, in order to draw useful information on proper field control.
Potential Biomarkers for the Efficacy of PD-1-PD-L Blockade in Cancer

Abstract A decade ago, immune checkpoint blockade emerged as a major breakthrough in oncology, proposing a novel approach by which immune brakes could be released to enhance antitumor responses. Despite apparently modest improvement of the median duration of response, a spectacular doubling of long-term responses as compared to the available standard of care was seen, for instance, in metastatic melanoma. It soon became obvious that the percentage of patients responding to these novel approaches is relatively small, and the importance of an accurate prediction of responders became more and more clear. Strong predictive markers would allow for the administration of immune checkpoint blocker therapy to the patients most likely to benefit from it, and sparing the potential non-responders of a treatment which is far from innocuous, being associated with significant side-effects and, not least, an important price tag. A number of potential response predictors have already been investigated and partly validated, but they do not cover the major unmet need encountered in the current clinical setting. Here, we review biomarkers for immune checkpoint blockade efficacy, either clinically validated and currently in use, or which have been proposed as candidates and are currently under investigation.
Nurses Attitude towards Documentation in Specialist Hospital Sokoto

Documentation is vital for a safe, ethical, and effective nursing care in clinical setting. Nursing practice requires documentation to ensure continuity of care, planning, and accountability, as well as in the promotion and uptake of evidence-based practice. This study was to assess the nurses’ attitude towards documenting nursing care and factors affecting documentation. The study may suggest ways of improving attitude of nurses towards nursing documentation. The study used a quantitative, descriptive survey design in which self-administered questionnaires were distributed to a sample of 199 staff nurses. With the aid of SPSS version 20, data were analyzed using a descriptive statistics. Majority of the participants were females (70.6%) and most of the respondents’ years of experience are within the range of 6-10 years (29.4%). Findings shows that nurses have good attitudes towards documentation. However, they disagree that the employees are always reluctant to accept changes in the work process. Also most respondents (83.9%) agreed that lack of time contribute to nurses’ attitude towards documentation. Most of the respondents disagreed that Lack of knowledge may not be a factor affecting documentation (86.1%). Thus, Proper and effective nursing documentation is very important in hospitals and effective ways of improving nurse’s attitude towards documentation should be conducted through seminars and workshops.
A director-field theory of DNA packaging in bacteriophage viruses.

This thesis is concerned with the formulation of a continuum theory of packaging of DNA in bacterial viruses based on a director-field representation of the encapsidated DNA. The point values of the director field give the local direction and density of the DNA. The continuity of the DNA strand requires that the director field be divergence-free and tangent to the capsid wall. The energy of the DNA is defined as a functional of the director field which accounts for bending, torsion, and for electrostatic interactions through a density-dependent interaction energy. The operative principle which determines the encapsidated DNA conformation is assumed to be energy minimization. The director-field theory is used for the direct formulation and study of two low-energy DNA conformations: the inverse spool and torsionless toroidal solenoids. Analysis of the inverse spool configuration yields predictions of the interaxial spacing and the dependence of the packing force on the packed genome fraction which are found to be in agreement with experiments. Further analysis shows that torsionless toroidal solenoids can achieve lower energy than the inverse spool configuration. Also, the theory is adapted to a framework of numerical optimization, wherein all fields are discretized on a computational lattice, and energy minimizing configurations are sought via simulated annealing and the nonlinear conjugate gradient method. It is shown that the inverse spool conformation is stable in all regions of the virus capsid except in a central core, where the DNA tends to buckle out of the spooling plane.
‘We must urgently learn to live differently’: the biopolitics of ESD for 2030

Abstract Recently, the new global policy framework for implementing education for sustainable development (ESD) – ESD for 2030 – was launched officially. Drawing on Foucauldian theory, this paper explores biopolitical elements in ESD for 2030. The paper contributes to previous research on ESD policy by employing a biopolitical perspective, and by highlighting problematic aspects of the framework’s will to include and to adapt to different contexts. The analysis brings attention to the framework’s notions of life and to how different human populations are separated. Furthermore, the analysis of the framework demonstrates how notions of transformative pedagogy, community, and the individual, assume the functions of biopolitical techniques. The findings point to a biopolitical differentiation where rich and poor populations are assumed to need different educational interventions, adapted to their socio-economic contexts, in the global educational policy quest for sustainable development. Ultimately, we consider the potential of Foucauldian ethics as an affirmative alternative to the current mode of biopolitical differentiation in global ESD policy
Effect of BCG Revaccination on Occupationally Exposed Medical Personnel Vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2

The production of specific neutralizing antibodies by individuals is thought to be the best option for reducing the number of patients with severe COVID-19, which is the reason why multiple vaccines are currently being administered worldwide. We aimed to explore the effect of revaccination with BCG, on the response to a subsequent anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, in persons occupationally exposed to COVID-19 patients. Two groups of 30 randomized participants were selected: one group received a BCG revaccination, and the other group received a placebo. Subsequently, both groups were vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2. After each round of vaccination, the serum concentration of Th1/Th2 cytokines was determined. At the end of the protocol, neutralizing antibodies were determined and the HLA-DRB loci were genotyped. The participants from the BCG group and anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccine group had increased serum cytokine concentrations (i.e., IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-12p70, IL-13, IL-18, GM-CSF, INF-γ, and TNF-α) and higher neutralizing antibody titers, compared to the group with Placebo–anti-SARS-CoV-2. Twelve HLA-DRB1 alleles were identified in the Placebo–anti-SARS-CoV-2 group, and only nine in the group revaccinated with BCG. The DRB1*04 allele exhibited increased frequency in the Placebo–anti-SARS-CoV-2 group; however, no confounding effects were found with this allele. We conclude that revaccination with BCG synergizes with subsequent vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 in occupationally exposed personnel.
Spatially regulated protease activity in lymph nodes renders B cell follicles a sanctuary for retention of intact antigens

The structural integrity of vaccine antigens is critical, because antigen breakdown in vivo could eliminate neutralizing epitopes and create competing B cell responses against irrelevant breakdown products. Using FRET imaging and imaging zymography, we found that protease activity and antigen breakdown are spatially heterogeneous in lymph nodes. Following protein immunization, antigens are rapidly degraded in the subcapsular sinus, paracortex, and interfollicular regions of the tissue. By contrast, the follicles and follicular dendritic cell (FDC) networks exhibit low protease activity and antigen degradation rates. Immunization regimens targeting antigen rapidly to FDCs led to germinal centers (GCs) where responses to intact antigen were highly dominant, while traditional bolus immunizations led to weaker GC responses where more GC B cells bound to breakdown products than intact antigen. Thus, spatially-compartmentalized antigen proteolysis impacts humoral immunity and can be exploited to enhance vaccine-induced production of antibody responses against key pathogen structural epitopes.