Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of methods of chloride ion concentration determination and effectiveness of desalination treatments using sodium hydroxide and alkaline sulphite solutions

Abstract Three methods for determining Cl‐ion concentrations in neutral, alkaline and alkaline sulphite solutions were tested and the results are reported. The Cl‐ ion ‐ selective electrode was found to be the only suitable method for alkaline sulphite solutions, and reasons for this are given. This method was further evaluated in practice monitoring the progress of desalination using sodium hydroxide and alkaline sulphite solutions. The total amount of Cl‐ ions removed during the treatment was calculated and the residual concentration in the treated object measured using ion chromatography.
Biosynthesis and Characteristics of Polyhydroxyalkanoates. 1. Polyhydroxybutyrates of Azotobacter vinelandii N-15

The biosynthesis of cellular polymers of Azotobacter vinelandii N-15 strain using molasses as a carbon source has been optimized. The highest yield of polymer (25.8 % of cell mass) was obtained on a nutrient medium with a molasses concentration of 50 g/l. Using TL-chromatography and IR-spectroscopy the obtained product was identified as polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), and its properties were investigated. The wetting contact angle was used to characterize the biopolymer film surface properties. According to the results of thermal and thermomechanical studies, it was found that the obtained РHB is characterized by a high thermal stability and heat resistance: the melting point is 462 K; deep destruction and thermooxidative processes begin at the temperatures above 567 K.
Intuition in decision making - Risk and opportunity

ABSTRACT The role of intuition in decision making has been extensively researched and the body of research which has explored human decision making is vast and complex. Some researchers have remarked that managers rarely have the luxury of basing their decisions on orderly rational analysis and depend on intuition and judgement. To research the role of intuition and capture how to best harness it, we applied a Naturalistic approach in a retrospective case of decision making by an expert neonatologist. We review the tangible and objective elements available when key decisions had to be made and analysed the role of reasoning, judgement and intuition. Our results indicate that the delivery room is a space where experts must still rely on ad-hoc decision-making processes and where subjectivity is very present. IT could be used to promote evidence-based decision making, but expert intuition remains essential.
Distributions of Microplastics in Surface Water, Fish, and Sediment in the Vicinity of a Sewage Treatment Plant

Microplastics are ubiquitously found in freshwater and marine environments worldwide. In particular, wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) or sewage treatment plants (STPs) have been recognized as a main source of microplastics in the receiving freshwater. However, only a few studies have been conducted to examine the impact of these facilities on receiving waters. In this study, we investigated the distribution of microplastics in surface water, fish, and sediment near a sewage treatment plant (STP) in the Tanchon stream, one of the main tributaries flowing into the Han River, Korea. The concentration of microplastics in water varied spatially and temporarily, ranging between 5.3 and 87.3 particles/m3 (31.4 ± 28.5 particles/m3). In fish, the concentration in upstream and downstream sites was 7.3 ± 7.3 and 12.4 ± 17.9 particles/fish, respectively. Spatially, the downstream site was the most polluted with microplastics in water and fish. The concentration of microplastics was positively correlated with fish body length and weight. In sediment, microplastic concentration in upstream and downstream sites was 493.1 ± 136.0 and 380.0 ± 144.2 particles/kg, respectively. The contribution of upstream to the microplastic load in downstream was 15.8% in dry season (April), which was higher than that of STP effluent and Yangjaechon creek. Meanwhile, the highest load was observed in STP effluent (5.1%) in rainy season (August). Microplastics were more abundant in water in the rainy season (37.4 ± 37.0 particles/m3) than in the dry season (28.2 ± 22.2 particles/m3). Polyethylene (49%) and polypropylene (18%) were the most abundant polymer types in water, fish, and sediment. Regarding shape of microplastics, fragments were dominant (95%) over fiber and film in water, fish, and sediment.
pH values and redox potentials in microsites of the rhizosphere

Redox potentials (Eh) and pH values in the rhizosphere 0–2 mm from growing roots of field beans (Vicia faba L.) indicated reducing conditions near the root tip and along the zone of elongation which were probably caused by root exudates. For roots of other plant species (e.g. maize), a drop of Eh in the rhizosphere does not necessarily reflect reduction processes, but may be due to pH changes, according to the Nernst equation. Eh values near dying roots decreased due to the O2 consumption by microorganisms, this effect being detectable at a distance greater than 3 mm from the root surface. pH-Werte und Redoxpotentiale in Mikrobereichen der Rhizosphare In der Rhizosphare nahe der Oberflache (Abstand 3 mm Entfernung von der Wurzel mesbar ist.
Gemini surfactants: a new class of self-assembling molecules

«Gemini surfactant» is a name assigned to a family of synthetic amphiphiles possessing, in sequence, a long hydrocarbon chain, an ionic group, a spacer, a second ionic group, and another hydrocarbon tail. Intramolocular chain/chain association was inhibited through the use of rigid spacers, thereby averting self-assembly into conventional micellar structures. Aggregation of the geminis was investigated by (a) surface tension, (b) film-balance methods, (c) dynamic light scattering, (d) 1 H and 23 Na NMR, and (e) spectral changes in an adsorbed dye
Development of a Building Occupant Survey System with 3D Spatial Information

This paper summarizes the recent post-occupancy evaluation (POE) method studies and latest literature reviews. According to the research trends, data visualization of an occupant’s feedback is an important perspective and surveys through POE methods have provided a quick and cost-effective approach for gathering and analyzing an occupant’s feedback. Therefore, the objective of this study is to establish a web-based building occupant survey system that incorporates new approaches based on a geographic information system (GIS) tool and open-source spatial information. This paper reports the following to provide the detailed system framework: (1) development requirements from literature reviews; (2) integration of collected data and 3D (three dimensional) spatial information; (3) system processes and user-friendly functions; and (4) pilot test and data visualization. The difference between the proposed platform and existing online survey systems is that in the former the survey responses are linked to the 3D spatial information of the buildings on a map. Thus, the results provide more intuitive insights for building managers and occupants to identify specific performance issues related to the building.
Botanical drugs and supplements affecting the immune response in the time of COVID‐19: Implications for research and clinical practice

In times of health crisis, including the current COVID‐19 pandemic, the potential benefit of botanical drugs and supplements emerges as a focus of attention, although controversial efficacy claims are rightly a concern. Phytotherapy has an established role in everyday self‐care and health care, but, since botanical preparations contain many chemical constituents rather than single compounds, challenges arise in demonstrating efficacy and safety. However, there is ample traditional, empirical, and clinical evidence that botanicals can offer some protection and alleviation of disease symptoms as well as promoting general well‐being. Newly emerging viral infections, specifically COVID‐19, represent a unique challenge in their novelty and absence of established antiviral treatment or immunization. We discuss here the roles and limitations of phytotherapy in helping to prevent and address viral infections, especially regarding their effects on immune response. Botanicals with a documented immunomodulatory, immunostimulatory, and antiinflammatory effects include adaptogens, Boswellia spp. , Curcuma longa, Echinacea spp. , Glycyrrhiza spp. , medicinal fungi, Pelargonium sidoides, salicylate‐yielding herbs, and Sambucus spp. We further provide a clinical perspective on applications and safety of these herbs in prevention, onset, progression, and convalescence from respiratory viral infections.
Effect of the subdose of human chorionic gonadotropin applied in the Hou Hai acupoint on ovulation induction in mares

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of an hCG sub dose applied at the Hou Hai acupoint on corpus luteum (CL) quality and ovulation induction in mares. Fifteen crossbred mares were distributed in randomized blocks and used in three periods with each period employed as the blocking factor in three treatments: T1 = 1500 IU of hCG via intravenous (IV); T2 = 450 IU of hCG applied at the false acupoint (IV); and T3 = 450 IU of hCG applied at the Hou Hai acupoint. Mean diameter of the CL, serum concentration of progesterone (P4), vascularization of the pre-ovulatory follicle and CL were evaluated. Females administered 450 IU of hCG at the Hou Hai acupoint exhibited greater ovulation rates (33.33%) 48h after induction; The minimum number of colored pixel (NCP) of the pre-ovulatory follicle of control females was superior (40.33) to that of mares administered 450 IU of hCG IV at the false acupoint (36.84) and similar to that of those administered hCG at the Hou Hai acupoint (39.31). Further, moderately positive correlations were found between the CL diameter and the P4 concentration on D8 (P<0.05). IV administration of 450 IU of hCG or at the Hou Hai acupoint was efficient at inducing ovulation and ensuring the quality of CL in mares.
Analysis of Organizational Factors Affecting Employee Innovation

Organizations with proper human resources (HR) practices play an exemplary role in developing their employees’ innovation. Though there is extensive literature on managing organizational innovation, even in today’s scenario some organizations stand as a barrier for employees’ growth and innovation at the workplace. This study aimed to holistically explore the organizational factors affecting employee innovation using principal component analysis (PCA) and condense the dimensionalities for a better focus of organizational development. The study executed a survey questionnaire and collected useful data from one hundred and ninety-five (195) respondents of various Indian companies. The study identified forty-six sub-factors and evolved into nine major organizational factors influencing employee innovation namely organization structure, organization culture and environment, corporate strategy, innovation process, employee, technology, resources, knowledge management and management and leadership. The study recommended that any firm must focus on these factors to encourage employee innovation leading to overall organizational success. It also provides broad implications to HR managers, firm policymakers and top management to reassess and formulate the best organizational strategies to promote innovation culture in the organization.
Hydrothermal carbonization of primary sewage sludge and synthetic faeces: Effect of reaction temperature and time on filterability

The effect of reaction temperature and time on the filterability of slurries of primary sewage sludge (PSS) and synthetic faeces (SF) following hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) was investigated and optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). Filterability was shown to improve as the treatment temperature and reaction time at which the solids were carbonized was increased. The best filtration results were achieved at the highest temperature (200°C) and longest treatment time (240 min) employed here. The specific cake resistance to filtration of the carbonized solids was found to vary between 5.43 × 1012 and 2.05 × 1010 m kg−1 for cold filtration of PSS, 1.11 × 1012 and 3.49 × 1010 m kg−1 for cold filtration of SF, and 3.01 × 1012 and 3.86 × 1010 m kg−1 for hot filtration of SF, and decreased with increasing reaction temperature and time for carbonization. There was no significant difference in the specific resistance of cold and hot filtration for SF. The RSM models employed here were found to yield predictions that were close to the experimental results obtained and should therefore prove useful in designing and optimizing HTC filtration systems for generating solids for a wide variety of end uses. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 34: 1279–1290, 2015
Shadow Education in Uzbekistan: Teachers’ Perceptions of Private Tutoring in the Context of Academic Lyceums

Private tutoring is a globally widespread phenomenon which can be associated with marketization and privatization. After the breakdown of the Soviet Union, the transition to a free-market economy in Uzbekistan facilitated the rise of informal private sector in public education. This in turn has affected mainstream schooling in many ways and changed the face of education. Considering socio-economic transformations in the country, the theory of hidden privatisation by Ball and Youdell (2007) is employed to analyse different facets of informal privatization in the form of shadow education. Drawing on 24 face-to-face interviews with teachers, (vice) principals and students and student questionnaires, this article examines the nature and scale of private tutoring as well as teachers’ perspectives on the influence of tutoring on teaching and learning process. The findings demonstrated that teachers’ overall attitudes towards private tutoring were positive and teachers mostly considered tutoring as an indispensable part of teaching and learning process. The most significant finding was that the scale of tutoring was exceptionally high (95%) in academic lyceums. The pervasiveness of the phenomenon is associated with entrance examinations, which increased the dependency of teachers and students on tutoring. The article concludes by elucidating how the emergence of shadow education in academic lyceums resulted in the change of the nature of mainstream schooling and the transformation of teacher identities.
Is weight just a number? The accuracy of UK ambulance paediatric weight guidance – findings from a cross-sectional study

Background: The weight of children provides the cornerstone of their clinical management, as many drug dosages, equipment sizes, fluid boluses, as well as DC shock energy, are administered on a per kilogram basis. Children who attend hospital are weighed using scales prior to receiving these interventions. This is not possible in the pre-hospital environment. A paucity of evidence exists to support the page for age weight guidance indicated by JRCALC, and it remains unknown if this approach meets the reference standard of 70% of estimations within 10% of actual weight and 95% within 20% of actual weight. Methods: We used a cross-sectional study design and collected data from a convenience sample of children who attended the outpatients department of a major hospital in England between July and September 2019. All children aged between 1 and 11 years who were weighed were eligible for inclusion. Outcomes were to determine if the page for age approach meets the reference standard and to determine any implications for care. Results: 341 children were included in this study. Each age group consisted of varying numbers of children. 50.5% (172/341) of the sample were female. Observed weights ranged from 8.28 to 82.70 kg (median 20.60 kg). The mean weight of girls versus boys was 24.69 kg and 23.39 kg respectively (95% CI -4.12–1.32, p = 0.3123). Observed weights were greater than the page for age guidance weight in all age groups, and the accuracy of page for age weight guidance diminished with age. Adrenaline 1:10,000 doses and defibrillation energy levels guided by page for age differ from those guided by weight, but are not deleterious to care. Conclusion: Page for age weight guidance does not meet the reference standard. Most paediatric pre-hospital care is administered by age and not weight. In the absence of an accurate weight, ambulance clinicians should continue to use the page for age system, although the gold standard remains to use an accurate weight measurement. While there are no facilities to weigh children in ambulances, if an accurate weight is available then consideration should be given to using this rather than age.
Influence of drying conditions on wettability and DRIFT spectroscopic C–H band of soil samples

This study assesses the effect of various drying procedures on water repellency measured by water drop penetration time (WDPT) and spectroscopic parameters gauged by Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform spectroscopy (DRIFT) of two anthropogenically‐influenced soils at sites in Berlin. Wettable and water‐repellent samples were dried at various temperatures and at prescribed relative humidity. WDPT and DRIFT spectroscopic characteristics were obtained from both dried and field‐moist subsamples. Normalization of DRIFT spectral C–H band intensity (‘surface hydrophobicity’) against the integral absorption intensity over the wave number range 4000–400 cm−1 resulted in an apparent resolution between the effects of water content and changes in C‐H absorption at the surface. To our current knowledge, the latter could be best explained with changes in the three‐dimensional rearrangement of organic molecules or moieties on inner and outer soil organic matter (SOM) surfaces, whereas the former could be a direct consequence of the fraction of inner and outer soil surfaces covered with water and of the mean thickness of the respective water films. Further evidence for this model is required from other investigations focusing on the surfaces in soil, before drawing final conclusions. The results show that the method of drying affects WDPT to a greater extent than soil water content after drying. DRIFT spectra suggest that exposure to high temperature results in some reorganization of SOM in the outer layer. It is further suggested that short exposure may result in a heterogeneous distribution of water leading to localized variation and inconsistency in WDPTs. Drying for 4 weeks under controlled relative humidity at 20°C is suggested as a reference preparation method combining the benefits of an almost unchanged SOM surface compared with field‐moist samples with homogeneous moisture distribution.
The Simultaneous Effect of Corporate Ownership on Dividends and Capital Structure: Malaysian Evidence

Most of the researchers analyzed the impact of ownership structure on dividends and capital structure decisions separately. Drawing upon preceding empirical studies, the interdependence between dividends and capital structure raises the potential of the endogeneity bias when interdependent factors are segmented. Therefore, this study examined the effect of corporate ownership structure on capital structure and dividend policy simultaneously. This study utilized 407 Malaysian-listed firms over the period from 2012 to 2016 and adopted simultaneous modelling using 2SLS and 3SLS regression techniques. The results changed markedly in sign, magnitude and significance when moving from OLS estimator to 2SLS and 3SLS estimators. The findings show that both dividend and capital structure policies have positive interdependence. The substantial, family, government and foreign ownership affect dividends positively and capital structure negatively. The study provides various theoretical and practical implications to improve corporate governance and corporate financial policies. This study contributes to the growing literature on corporate finance and corporate ownership. Particularly, it provides simultaneous investigation on the effect of family, government and foreign ownership on dividends and capital structure for Malaysian firms.
Porphyry-related high-sulfidation mineralization early in Central American Arc development: Cerro Quema deposit, Azuero Peninsula, Panama

The 70.74 to 70.66 Ma age range for three molybdenite samples accompanying pyrite- and enargite-bearing assemblages effectively constrains an earliest Maastrichtian age for the high-sulfidation Au-Cu mineralization at Cerro Quema, Panama. The epithermal system was contemporaneous with emplacement of a composite dacite dome complex in a geotectonic setting transitional from mafic, primitive intraoceanic (Azuero Protoarc) to more evolved island arc magmatism (Azuero Arc), during initial construction of the Central American land bridge at the trailing edge of the Caribbean Large Igneous Province (CLIP). The molybdenite ages confirm the rapid evolution of the earliest stages of the Central American Arc, from subduction initiation at 75–73 Ma to arc maturation at 71 Ma. A porphyry connection is apparent at Cerro Quema and characterized by highly contorted, banded, and planar quartz-veinlet stockworks and sheeted zones in pyrophyllite- and sericite-bearing patchy-textured rock. These are cut by ledges of quartz, alunite, and dickite, which implies overprinting of the advanced argillic lithocap onto the underlying porphyry environment. Hydrothermal telescoping resulted from synmineralization uplift congruent with an actively emerging volcanic arc, which the Re-Os molybdenite dates accurately constrain at 71 Ma, presumably as a far-field effect of collision between the leading edge of the CLIP with parts of North and South America.
COMPARISON OF METHODS FOR DRY MATTER CONTENT DETERMINATION IN POTATO USING MULTI-ENVIRONMENTS FIELD DATA AND STABILITY STATISTICS

The aim of current study was to compare the standard methods for the determination tuber dry matter content (TDM) of diverse potato genotypes under various environmental conditions. Moreover, stability statistics were performed to identify stable genotypes with optimum TDM. TDM is considered as the main determinant of processed potato tuber quality. So, it is imperative to investigate rapid, practicable and reliable methods to measure TDM. A study was therefore, planned to compare three standard methods (Martin Lishman’s digital Potato hydrometer, moisture-drying on quartz seasand and oven-dry) for the determination of TDM among 189 diverse potato genotypes, grown under three environmental conditions (Hatay “standard water application”, Konya “standard water application” and Konya “drought” conditions), during the year 2018. ANOVA revealed highly significant differences (p<0.01) in all treatments among tests, checks and tests vs check genotypes. Environmental conditions significantly affect the TDM, while methods showed differential response within the tested environments. A strong correlation and high goodness of fit was observed between seasand and hydrometer methods. Oven-dry method showed weak “r” and R2 values with latter two methods. Wide applicability and reliability of seasand and hydrometer methods was also confirmed by stability analysis. Parametric stability methods such as bi and S2di identified stable genotypes that can serve as a useful resource for breeding of processing cultivars.