Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A convenient procedure for the deoxygenation and homologation of D-ribose derivatives

5-O-Acetyl- and 5-O-diphenyl-t-butylsilyl-2,3-di-O-acetyl-D-ribonolactones were converted into the corresponding 3-deoxy-2-O-acetyl-D-arabinolactone derivatives (9a) and (9b) by sequential reaction with 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4. 0]undec-7-ene and hydrogen over palladium on carbon. Reaction of (9a) and (9b) with sodium borohydride, 2,4,6-tri-isopropylbenzenesulphonyl chloride and potassium cyanide in sequence respectively gave the (3S,5S)-nitriles [XCH2CH(OH)CH2CH(OH)CH2CN (10c; X = CN) and (10f; X = Ph2ButSiO)]. The latter was hydrolysed and silylated to produce (4S,6S)-4-dimethyl-t-butylsilyloxy-6-[(dimethyl-t-butylsilyloxy)methyl]tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-one(5b).
Structural study of quercetin by vibrational and electronic spectroscopies combined with semiempirical calculations

As a follow-up to structural studies of monohydroxylated flavones, the structural and spectroscopic properties of a tetrahydroxylated flavone, the quercetin molecule, have been investigated. The molecular conformation of quercetin has been obtained from semiempirical treatment with the AM1 Hamiltonian. Some structural modifications have been observed between the molecule in the solid state and in an isolated state, notably in the rotation of the phenyl ring with respect to chromone part of the compound. The theoretical model has been validated by both vibrational and electronic spectroscopies. The calculated vibrational and UV-vis spectra are in good accordance with the experiments. The Raman spectra have been assigned, and the main electronic transitions involved in the absorption spectrum have been characterized. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biospect 3: 183–193, 1997
Do Constituency Statutes Really Benefit Customers?

Although constituency statutes were enacted in 35 U.S. states from 1984 to 2016 to protect the interests of employees, customers, and suppliers, research has yet to empirically verify whether customers actually benefit from such laws. A game theory model suggests that product quality improves when companies internalize employees’ and suppliers’ interests. Our empirical evidence shows that constituency statute adoption is associated with significantly fewer product recalls, a relation that is more pronounced among firms with weaker and less stable relationships with both employees and supply chain partners. We also find that such laws are associated with higher product ratings from customers and better employee treatment.
Inflation, output and unemployment trade-offs in Sub-Saharan Africa countries

ABSTRACT This paper examines the behaviour of inflation, output, and unemployment in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries and shows that the predictions of the Phillips curve and Okun’s law are valid in the short run. In the long run however, the Okun’s law coefficient declines greatly and turns positive while the Phillips curve phenomenon gravitates towards the New Keynesian Phillips Curve (NKPC) but with a negative relationship. The evidence echoes Friedman’s proposition of a temporary trade-off between inflation and unemployment but no permanent trade-off. The output-unemployment relationship suggests that the long-term growth revival in SSA was neither inclusive nor pro-poor.
New Polymer−Inorganic Nanocomposites: PEO−ZnO and PEO−ZnO−LiClO4 Films

Polymer-inorganic nanocomposite films of PEO−ZnO and PEO−ZnO−LiClO4, where PEO stands for poly(ethylene oxide), have been prepared through a film-casting method. Interactions between PEO (MW = 600 000) and ZnO nanoparticles (average size 3.5 nm, with acetate groups on the surface) decrease the photoluminescence intensity of the PEO film to a great extent. These interactions, which are also manifested by the X-ray diffraction, depend on the concentration and the aggregation of the ZnO nanoparticles in the PEO−ZnO films. The cooperative effect of PEO and LiClO4 changes the unidentate coordination mode of the acetate groups with zinc into three coexisting modes: unidentate, bidentate, and bridging, suggesting that PEO segments, lithium ions, and the acetate groups on ZnO nanoparticle surface form cross-linking structures. Such cross-linking structures, on one hand, reduce Li+ClO4- ion pairs to release more free ions as charge carriers in the PEO−ZnO−LiClO4 film and, on the other, decrease the film crystalli.
Carbon Nanotubes Embedded in Oriented Polymer Nanofibers by Electrospinning

The electrospinning process was used successfully to fabricate nanofibers of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) in which multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) are embedded. Initial dispersion of MWCNTs in water was achieved using amphiphiles, either as small molecules (sodium dodecyl sulfate, SDS) or as a high molecular weight, highly branched polymer (Gum Arabic). These dispersions provided separation of the MWCNTs and their individual incorporation into the PEO nanofibers by subsequent electrospinning. The focus of this work is on the development of axial orientations in these multicomponent nanofibers. A theoretical model is presented for the behavior of rodlike particles representing CNTs in electrospinning. Initially the rods are randomly oriented, but due to the sinklike flow in a wedge they are gradually oriented mainly along the stream lines, so that straight CNTs are almost oriented upon entering the electrospun jet. The degrees of orientation of polymer, surfactant, and MWCNT were studied using X-ray dif.
Physical exercise fosters recovery from negative stressors : the impact on sleep quality and mental health for trauma victims

Most people experience a serious stressor which can entail a threat to their life and can subsequently affect mental health severely. Research has demonstrated that physical exercise has beneficial effects on mental health and that social support is a motivator in being physically active. It is crucial to shed more light on the beneficial impact physical exercise may have on the mental health of trauma victims. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the potential impact of these contributors to mental health following trauma exposure. The present study was based on prior data collected by the Icelandic Directorate of Health in 2017, comprised of an Icelandic sample of 6.776 participants. The findings indicated that physical exercise has beneficial effects on mental health and sleep quality, especially for trauma victims. However, social support did not have the expected effect of promoting greater physical exercise. Physical exercise partially mediates the relationship between traumatic experiences and mental health. Participation in physical exercise manifests in overall improved mental health following trauma. Thus, it is important to encourage physical exercise among this group.
Numerical Investigation of a Heated Sodium Jet in a Co-Flow

Results of a numerical simulation of turbulent heated sodium jet in a co-flow using a combined LES-DNS approach are presented. The calculations correspond to the experiment of Knebel, Krebs, Muller and Axcell [1]. In agreement with the experimental results co-flow suppresses flow reversal along the outlet pipe wall. Comparisons of mean velocity, mean temperature, and temperature variance between experimental and numerical results show fairly good agreement. The results support the applicability of the combined LES-DNS approach for this type of flows. Simulations using this approach may complement experimental studies, allowing for better insight into the physical mechanisms of liquid metal turbulent heat transfer.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Pt Alloy Electrocatalysts for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells: A Review

Both the CO poisoning problem on the anode and the slow oxygen reduction reaction kinetics on the cathode lead to significantly decreased output power and energy utilization efficiency and remain main obstacles hindering commercialization of proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). A promising means to mitigate CO poisoning and to improve the oxidation reduction reaction (ORR) activity is through the use of platinum alloy catalysts. This article reviews recent developments in Pt alloy catalyst utilization and addresses activity comparisons and the relationship between activity and structure characteristics. The mechanisms for improved CO-tolerance and ORR activity are also discussed. Finally, theoretical studies on Pt alloy catalysts are discussed briefly.
Effect of compositional variations on the optical properties of Sb–Ge–Se thin films

Compositional dependences of the optical and physical properties of as-deposited amorphous SbxGe25−xSe75 films (x = 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 at%), prepared by thermal evaporation, have been studied. The refractive index, n, and film thickness, d, have been determined from the upper and lower envelopes of the transmission spectra, measured at normal incidence, in the spectral range from 400 to 2500 nm. An optical characterization method for uniform films based on Swanepoel's ideas has been employed, and it has allowed us to determine the average thickness, , and the refractive index, n, of the films, with accuracies better than 1%. It has been found that the refractive index of the SbxGe25−xSe7 samples increases with increasing x, over the entire spectral range, which is related to the increased polarizability of the larger Sb atomic radius 1.38 Å compared with the Ge atomic radius 1.22 Å. The dispersion parameters such as E0 (single-oscillator energy) and Ed (dispersive energy) were discussed in terms of the single-oscillator Wemple–DiDomenico model. The absorption coefficient, α, and therefore the extinction coefficient, k, have been determined from the transmittance and reflectance spectra in the strong absorption region. The optical energy gap is derived from Tauc's extrapolation and a decrease in with increasing Se content. Finally, in terms of the chemical bond approach, cohesive energy has been applied to interpret the decrease in the glass optical gap with increasing Sb content in SbxGe25−xSe75.
PENGARUH DUE PROFESSIONAL CARE, INDEPENDENSI, DAN ETIKA AUDITOR TERHADAP KUALITAS AUDIT

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menguji secara empiris pengaruh due professional care, independensi, dan etika auditor terhadap kualitas audit pada Kantor Akuntan Publik di wilayah Kota Surabaya. Jenis penelitian yang digunakan merupakan penelitian kuantitatif. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah Kantor Akuntan Publik (KAP) di Surabaya yang telah terdaftar pada Kementerian Keuangan 2019. Data penelitian ini diperoleh dari data primer (kuesioner) yang dibagikan kepada responden para auditor di Kantor Akuntan Publik wilayah Kota Surabaya dengan teknik pengambilan sampel yang digunakan yaitu metode purposive sampling. Sebanyak 75 sampel yang digunakan, tetapi kuesioner yang kembali dan layak digunakan sebanyak 43 sampel. Analisis data yang digunakan yaitu menggunakan analisis regresi berganda dan pengolahan data menggunakan SPSS versi 16. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa due professional care, independensi, dan etika auditor berpengaruh positif terhadap kualitas audit yang artinya para auditor telah menerapkan sikap due professional care atau sikap penggunaan kemahiran profesional yang cermat dan seksama terhadap bukti-bukti audit yang dihasilkan sehingga menghasilkan kualitas audit yang baik, selain itu independensi digunakan dalam memenuhi tanggung jawabnya untuk meningkatkan integritasnya dihadapan masyarakat akan meningkatkan kualitas audit serta dengan menaati kode etik yang berlaku auditor dapat menghasilkan kualitas audit yang baik juga. Maka dapat disimpulkan bahwa seluruh hipotesis dalam penelitian ini terbukti kebenarannya
Near‐infrared Fourier transform Raman spectroscopic study of human brain tissues and tumours

Non-destructive examination of human brain tissues and several kinds of brain tumours using near-infrared (1064 nm) excited Fourier transform (NIR-FT) Raman spectroscopy is reported. The spectra from normal but edematous grey and white matter were similar to those of normal rat grey and white matter reported previously. The brain tumours investigated (glioma grade II and III, two acoustic neurinomas and central neurocytoma) gave Raman spectra essentially the same as to that of grey matter. Histological examination of glioma grade III revealed extracellular PAS-positive materials, which have a band at 856 cm−1 due to polysaccharides. One of the neurinoma contained a carotenoid which exhibited two resonance Raman peaks at 1157 and 1524 cm−1; another neurinoma did not contain the carotenoid. The appearance of a strong Raman peak at 960 cm−1 suggested that the central neurocytoma of choroid plexus was calcified.
Mass Transfer and Influence of Physical Properties of Solutions in a Bubble Column

The absorption of CO2 by aqueous solutions of sucrose and surfactants was studied in a bubble column under batch conditions. The volumetric mass transfer coefficients, kLa, were determined for each of the solutions and of the gas rate flow, and the experimental values were correlated with the superficial gas velocity and the physical properties of the liquid phase. The proposed equation reproduces the experimental kLa with an error of less than 10%.
EXTERNAL DEBT SERVICING AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN KENYA: FROM 1965 - 2018

A developing country like Kenya compliments its revenue through public borrowing. The successive governments have always acquired huge sums of public debt to finance national development plans in Kenya. High levels of public debts require massive debt service which has mixed effects on economic growth. Even as studies indicate mixed effects of public debt servicing and economic growth, the Kenyan government continues to borrow. This study therefore examined the relationship between external debt servicing and economic growth. Data spanning from 1965 to 2017 was used. An explanatory research design was applied. Secondary data obtained from World Bank Sources, Central Bank of Kenya, International financial statistics like the International monetary fund and Kenya National Bureau of Statistics was used for analysis. Data was analyzed using EVIEWS version 7.2. The findings indicated that association between debt service and economic growth was negative and significant. The study concluded that the association between debt service and GDP is negative and significant. This implies as the government channels more of its revenue to servicing of external debts, it significantly hurts the economy. The study also recommends that the contribution of external debt servicing to economic growth in Kenya is 56%. The study recommends that prudential fiscal management measures are required to avoid an unnecessary increase in overall public debt. A reduction in borrowing will enable the country to use a greater proportion of their tax revenues for investments rather than repaying loans, thereby increasing economic growth. Key Words: External Debt Servicing, Economic Growth, Kenya
Chelation properties of poly(2‐hydroxy‐4‐acryloyloxybenzophenone) resins toward some divalent metal ions

The chelation behavior of poly(2-hydroxy-4-acryloyloxybenzophenone) [poly(2H4ABP) or polymer I] obtained through the free-radical polymerization of 2-hydroxy-4-acryloyloxybenzophenone monomer and for crosslinked polymers prepared from the monomer and known amounts of the crosslinker divinylbenzene (DVB) [4 mol % of DVB for polymer II, 8 mol % of DVB for polymer III, and 16 mol 16% of DVB for polymer IV] toward the divalent metal ions Cu2+, Ni2+, Zn2+, and Pb2+ in aqueous solution was studied by a batch equilibration technique as a function of contact time and pH. The effect of the crosslinker, DVB, was also studied. The metal-ion uptake of the polymers was determined with atomic absorption spectroscopy, and the highest uptake was achieved at pH 7.0 for polymers I, II, III, and IV. The selectivity and binding capacity of the resins toward the investigated divalent metal ions are discussed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2008
Management of Cardiac Sarcoidosis in 2020

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory granulomatous disease that can affect any organ. Up to one-quarter of patients with systemic sarcoidosis may have evidence of cardiac involvement. The clinical manifestations of cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) include heart block, atrial arrhythmias, ventricular arrhythmias and heart failure. The diagnosis of CS can be challenging given the patchy infiltration of the myocardium but, with the increased availability of advanced cardiac imaging, more cases of CS are being identified. Immunosuppression with corticosteroids remains the standard therapy for the acute inflammatory phase of CS, but there is an evolving role of steroid-sparing agents. In this article, the authors provide an update on the diagnosis of CS, including the role of imaging; review the clinical manifestations of CS, namely heart block, atrial and ventricular arrhythmias and heart failure; discuss updated management strategies, including immunosuppression, electrophysiological and heart failure therapies; and identify the current gaps in knowledge and future directions for cardiac sarcoidosis.
Beliefs of English Language Teachers about Multilingual Pedagogy and Their Teaching Practices: A Case of a School for Gifted Students

Beliefs of English language teachers about multilingual pedagogy and their teaching practices: A case of a school for gifted students In an attempt to increase the international competitiveness of Kazakhstan through its human capital, the Trilingual Education (TL) Policy, highlighting the country’s three languages, English, Kazakh, and Russian, was inaugurated in 2007 (MoES, 2011). This policy triggered the need to adopt the best pedagogical practices possible in the secondary education sector. Accordingly, the government has called on teachers to implement multilingual (ML) pedagogical practices. As its language policy involves languages of different origins, Kazakhstan could be considered a multilingual environment. However, societal attitudes that attribute certain statuses to different languages (Borg, 2003) may influence educators’ beliefs about ML pedagogy as well as impact their teaching practices. In their turn, teachers’ beliefs may influence the way various languages are viewed in schools. Therefore, the present study aims to explore English language (EL) teachers’ beliefs about ML pedagogy and its influence on their teaching practices. As a case study, a qualitative research design applying a semi-structured interview was conducted to explore this phenomenon at a school for gifted students. The data was collected from five secondary school English teachers. The findings revealed that the majority of these EL teachers opt for monoglossic approaches and prioritize English-only instruction due to their stances that the English language should be taught in English. However, due to their students’ low language proficiency, the teachers are incapable of implementing that monolingual instruction. Thus, they switch to such heteroglossic approaches as translanguaging. Nevertheless, adopting such approaches are not the priority of these teachers due to their aspirations to utilize monoglossic methods. The findings of this TEACHERS’ BELIEFS ABOUT ML PEDAGOGY AND PRACTICES viii research might contribute to the body of literature by filling some gaps in multilingual educational research. They may also help teachers to review their beliefs about ML pedagogy and their actual teaching practices, as well as aid policymakers to evaluate the effectiveness of the TL Education policy. TEACHERS’ BELIEFS ABOUT ML PEDAGOGY AND PRACTICES ix
CLT-Steel Composite Floors for Sustainable Multi-Storey Construction

This thesis encompasses the investigation of a novel proposed construction system that pairs Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) floor panels with steel-frame multi-storey construction. As a substitute for concrete floors, the promise of CLT lies in its reduced embodied carbon, and its lightness, which gives the promise of reduced material usage and a reduction in the environmental impact of a multi-storey building overall. In addition to clarifying the environmental benefit such a system provides, this thesis seeks to determine whether forming composite sections from the CLT panels and the steel beam, can lead to meaningful enhancements to the section stiffness in bending. Finite element analysis is applied for this task, necessitating first a methodology for modelling CLT to capture its relevant complexities as a material, and subsequently incorporation of the behaviour of the joints between structural elements in the proposed system, with the key characteristics of the materials and joint models validated against physical test data. Focusing predominantly on a slimfloor arrangement of panels and beams, the study provides the first evaluation of the effective width of CLT floor panels when acting compositely with steel beams, provides a prediction for composite action CLT panels and Asymmetric Steel Beams (ASBs) with a series of connectors, and identifies areas of development within the system that could bring about increased composite benefits. The outcomes of the study are that in a slimfloor arrangement with contemporary panels, beams and connectors, the composite enhancement is small but measurable, and that with changes and development to the system components, much larger composite enhancement effects could be generated.
Microalgae for combined nutrient recovery and biofuel production from sewage

It is critical that we move towards a more sustainable society. Three of our largest challenges are the need for sustainable energy generation, currently dominated by fossil fuel combustion, sustainable food supply, reliant on energy intensive fertiliser production, and a sustainable supply of fresh water, the treatment of which is often unreliable or economically prohibitive. The use of microalgae for low-cost and effective nutrient removal in wastewater treatment works (WWTW) was established in the mid-20th century, but microalgae have gained renewed attention for their ability to accumulate lipids for biodiesel production. Furthermore, the ability of microalgae to accumulate high nutrient concentrations offers an opportunity to shift the focus of nutrient control in WWTW from removal to reuse (i.e. in agricultural fertilisers). This project addresses the hypothesis that microalgae may be cultivated within WWTW to simultaneously recover essential nutrients, produce biomass suitable for biodiesel production and contribute to the wastewater treatment process. A new method to measure algal biomass density using digital image analysis was developed. The method facilitates the use of small volume cultures for screening studies without compromising robust growth data. The effect of environmental conditions, present within WWTW, on the growth, nutrient uptake and lipid accumulation in the model microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii are presented. Results demonstrate that pH control to near-neutral is preferable for nutrient removal, nutrient recovery and biofuel potential, owing to the increase in biomass density. In ammonium-rich wastewaters, pH control is critical to prevent ammonia toxicity. The choice of nitrogen source (ammonium vs. nitrate) had no significant effect on microalgal growth or biomass composition, microalgal nutrient removal therefore facilitates removal of wastewater nitrification processes. Finally, the small molecule, diphenyl methylphosphonate is shown to cause oil retention in C.reinhardtii and offers a means to improve lipid quality for biodiesel production.