Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The use of social media by African judges. The Ghanaian experience

The use of social media in judicial trials has in recent past become a common phenomenon in the legal fraternity. For many years, judicial trials have relied on the conventional method of one way communication from courts to adjudicate legal cases. However, the developments of social media have brought about a shift in the adjudication of justice. The paper examines the factors which influence the use of social media among judges; and the opportunities and challenges confronted by judges in the use of social media. It uses a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods, underpinned by bivariate and chi-square analysis,. It articulates that social media networking sites by far attract the younger generation of judges, making them an obvious target for maximizing the reach and impact of the judiciary. Judges who are inching closer to the retirement age in the judiciary engage less with social media as opposed to judges who are younger. Misrepresentation, misuse, security/privacy and bullying were found to be some of the challenges faced by judges in the use of social media. Social media was observed to speed up resolutions to cases, engage litigants, increase court efficiency and assist lawyers in tracking down individuals to be served.
A time domain method for wheel-rail force identification of rail vehicles

Using dynamic load identification technology to identify the wheel-rail force of rail vehicles is an economical and convenient method for indirect measurement. In this paper an analytical load identification method is proposed. Firstly, based on the theory of structural dynamics, the Duhamel integral is applied, combined with the characteristics of the rail vehicle system, to derive the analytical load identification method. Secondly, the correctness of the method is verified by a multi-degree-of-freedom system with exact solution. Next, a detailed vehicle dynamics simulation model is established as a virtual test vehicle and source of virtual measurements of the vehicle responses (axlebox accelerations). Different operating conditions are considered, and the virtual acceleration measurements are used as input to the load identification method for indirect measurement of the wheel-rail forces. Finally, the identified vertical and lateral wheelset force, vertical force of the left and right wheels, derailment coefficient and wheel unloading rate are compared with the corresponding time-histories from the virtual test-vehicle simulations. A good agreement is found with all of their correlation coefficients above 0.8. This result has important implications on the safety evaluation of vehicle curve negotiation by using acceleration measurements only, without the need for direct force measurements.
Utilization and perception of same-day discharge in electrophysiological procedures and device implantations: an EHRA survey.

The aim of this European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) survey was to assess the utilization of same-day discharge (SDD) in electrophysiology (EP). An online-based questionnaire was shared with the EHRA community between 12 and 30 June 2020 and recorded institutional information, complication assessment, recent experiences, and opinions regarding possible advantages or concerns with SDD. In total, 218 responses from 49 countries provided information on current SDD management. Overall, SDD was implemented in 77.5%, whereas this proportion was significantly higher in tertiary and high-volume centres (83.8% and 85.3%, both P < 0.01). The concept of SDD was most commonly used following implantations of cardiac event recorders (97%), diagnostic EP procedures (72.2%), and implantations of pacemakers with one or two intracardiac leads (50%), while the lowest SDD utilization was observed after catheter ablations of left atrial or ventricular arrhythmias. Within SDD-experienced centres, ∼90% respondents stated that this discharge concept is recommendable or highly recommendable and reported that rates of increased rehospitalization and complication rates were low. Most respondents assumed a better utilization of hospital resources (78.2%), better cost effectiveness (77.3%), and an improved patients' comfort but were concerned about possible impairment of detection (72.5%) and management (78.7%) of late complications. In conclusion, >75% of respondents already implement SDD following EP interventions with a large heterogeneity with regard to specific procedures. Further research is needed to confirm or disprove existing and expected benefits and obstacles.
Evaluation of hydro-meteorological drought indices for characterizing historical and future droughts and their impact on groundwater

The effect of meteorological and hydrological droughts is very important in arid and semi-arid regions. So analyzing these effects on groundwater supplies play important role for managing water in those regions. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to characterize several kinds of droughts in Isfahan-Borkhar basin that is an arid area of Iran. Observed hydro-climatic data (for the period of 1971-2005) were used for hydro-meteorological projections (for the period of 2006-2040). Meteorological and surface hydrological drought evaluated by Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), Standardized Runoff Index (SRI), and the effect of hydro- meteorological droughts on groundwater is investigated by Groundwater Resources Index (GRI). Results showed that dry and wet conditions would occur in the region in the initial and subsequent future decades, based on the three indices. There is an appropriate association between SPI, SRI, and GRI at the time scale of 12 months. The SPI estimated using only meteorological variables and better performed for meteorological drought forecasts than the SRI and GRI that computed using catchment discharge, soil moisture and groundwater level and represented hydrological drought. Results showed a considerable alteration of time of drought outlines across the area and association between the variables of predicted precipitation, temperature and the kind of indices. The projection of all three drought indices indicated drier conditions in the future period. The results provide reasonable management strategy for management of water resources in coastal plains.
Dynamic Kinetic Asymmetric Transformation of Diene Monoepoxides: A Practical Asymmetric Synthesis of Vinylglycinol, Vigabatrin, and Ethambutol

The ability to perform a dynamic kinetic asymmetric transformation (DYKAT) using the palladium-catalyzed asymmetric allylic alkylation (AAA) is explored in the context of butadiene monoepoxide. The versatility of this commercially available, but racemic, four-carbon building block becomes significantly enhanced via conversion of both enantiomers into a single enantiomeric product. The concept is explored in the context of a synthesis of vinylglycinol with phthalimide as the nitrogen source. The success of the project required a new design of the ligand for palladium wherein additional conformational restraints were introduced. Thus, the phthalimide derivative of vinylglycinol was obtained in nearly quantitative yield and had an ee of 98% which, upon crystallization, was enhanced to >99%. This one-step synthesis of a protected form of vinylglycinol provided short practical syntheses of the title compounds. Vigabatrin requires only four steps, and ethambutol six. The intermediate to the existing synthesis o.
REE partitioning between Fe-Mn oxyhydroxide precipitates and weakly acid NaCl solutions : Convex tetrad effect and fractionation of Y and Sc from heavy lanthanides

Distribution coefficients of Kd (REE: ppt./sol.) with REE = lanthanides (Ln), Y, and Sc between Fe-Mn oxyhydroxide precipitates and NaCl solutions have been determined in pH = 5.4-6.4 at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. The logKd(Ln) values show convex tetrad effect variations across the series and positive Ce anomalies. Kd(Y) values are significantly lower than those for Ho and Er, whereas Kd(Sc) values are higher than those for Lu. Behaviors of Y3+ and Sc3+ are distinct from heavy Ln3+ when REE coprecipitate with Fe-Mn oxyhydroxides in weakly acid solutions. The observed convex tetrad effect variations of logKd(Ln) are commonly modified from theoretically expected ones in light Ln and heavier Ln. The variations of logKd(Ln) across the series are related to {ΔGof(Ln3+, aq)-ΔGof(Ln(OH)3.nH2O) } for the following reactions between Ln3+(aq) and Ln(OH)3.nH2O as precipitate: Ln(OH)3.nH2O(ss) + 3H+(aq) = Ln3+(aq) + (3 + n)H2O(l). Hence, the variations of logKd(Ln) reflect (i) the tetrad effect originating from differences in Racah E1 and E3 parameters for 4f electron repulsion in Ln3+ ions between the two Ln(III) series, and (ii) the changes of coordination states of Ln3+ ions in the respective Ln(III) complex series. The structural changes of the first-coordination spheres of Ln3+ ions in light Ln3+(aq) and heavy Ln(OH)3.nH2O series make the series variation of logKd(Ln) irregular. When we correct the logKd(Ln) values for the structural changes, they become regular tetrad effect variations compatible with the refined spin-pairing energy theory. Racah parameters for 4f electron repulsion in Ln3+ ions of octahydrate Ln3+(aq) series are inferred to be larger than those of Ln(OH)3.nH2O.
Microwave modification of wood: determination of mechanical properties of softwood

Studies of aspen and birch wood interaction with pulsed exposure to microwave energy have been carried out. A method for determining the effect of microwave energy on the temperature inside the test specimen has been developed. It includes experimental setup for studying heat and mass transfer during drying and heat treatment of wood with microwave energy. Moisture content inside wood specimens has been determined by a new method using a laboratory installation for studying the mechanical properties of wood under the influence of microwave energy. This energy influences on the drying speed of the tested wood specimens. The research enables to select the optimal mode of wood heating by pulsed exposure to microwave energy. The results of wood tests for strength and hardness, obtained under the influence of microwave energy, have revealed the effect of wood hardening. The research has shown that microwave treatment of specimens reduces drying time of aspen and birch wood by five times in comparison with convective treatment.
The effect of genotype and muscle type on the physico-chemical characteristics and taurine, carnosine and L-carnitine concentration in lamb meat

Abstract An experiment was conducted to determine the chosen bioactive components and physico-chemical characteristics of lamb meat of different animal genotypes and the muscle types. The 22 ram lambs of Polish Merino (PM) and 22 crossbreeds of Polish Merino × Berrichone du Cher (PMB) were fattened to achieve their slaughter weight of 40 kg. After slaughter, the carcasses were kept at 4 ∘C for 24 h. Then, the samples of longissimus lumborum (LL) and gluteus medius (GM) muscle were collected to analyse the physico-chemical traits; fatty acid profile; and concentrations of taurine, carnosine, L-carnitine. The GM muscle compared to LL had the higher value (P < 0.05) of L* and a lower value (P < 0.05) of b* and H* both in PM and PMB lambs. The value of expressed juice was lower (P < 0.05) in both LL and GM muscles of PM lambs. A higher amount (P < 0.05) of collagen was found in LL muscle compared to GM both in PM and PMB lambs. The GM muscle of PM lambs showed higher (P < 0.05) conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) content, as well as higher total polyunsaturated acids (PUFAs), PUFA n-6, and PUFA n-3 (P < 0.05). The GM muscle was characterized by a higher (P < 0.05) content of taurine, while in the LL muscle there was a higher amount (P < 0.05) of carnosine. A larger amount (P < 0.05) of L-carnitine was found in GM muscle but only within PMB lambs. The obtained results showed a greater impact of the lamb's genotype on the physical characteristics of meat than on its chemical composition and the content of bioactive components. The muscle type had an effect on meat colour; collagen content; fatty acid profile; and amount of taurine, carnosine, and L-carnitine present.
Genetic variations of root development traits under different concentrations and forms of nitrogen in Bangladeshi rice (Oryza sativa L.) accessions

ABSTRACT Genetic variations in the root traits of rice remain unexplored in relation to varietal groups and diverse ecosystems. Therefore, we evaluated 257 Bangladeshi accessions, which included landraces and improved varieties belonging to four ecotypes (Aus, Aman, Boro and Jhum), to understand genetic variations in the total root length (TRL), maximum root length and root number under different concentrations of ammonium and nitrate nitrogen in hydroponic culture. There were large variations in all traits across all nitrogen levels. Active elongation of individual roots of the landrace type across all nitrogen conditions suggested a higher potential for the uptake of nutrients by extending roots distribution in any nitrogen environment, while the active development of primary root primordia in the improved type in the presence of nitrate suggested a higher potential for the uptake of nitrate from the soil surface by extending roots distribution around soil surface. Cluster analysis classified the examined accessions into two groups according to their TRL: cluster I with a longer TRL and cluster II with a shorter TRL across all nitrogen conditions. Each of these groups was further divided into two sub-clusters: sub-cluster Ia, in which the longer TRL resulted from active development of primary root primordia, sub-cluster Ib, in which the longer TRL resulted from active elongation of individual roots, sub-cluster IIa, in which the shorter TRL resulted from severe reduction of the elongation of individual roots, and sub-cluster IIb, in which the shorter TRL resulted from a moderate reduction in the elongation of individual roots. Further investigation revealed a difference in the composition of these four sub-clusters among the four ecotypes, indicating that Aman was the most diverse ecotype, followed by Aus. The root traits of these promising accessions could be exploited in the future to understand genetic and physiological mechanism(s) of adaptation to diverse ecosystems.
A Stochastic Volatility Model With a General Leverage Specification

Abstract We introduce a new stochastic volatility model that postulates a general correlation structure between the shocks of the measurement and log volatility equations at different temporal lags. The resulting specification is able to better characterize the leverage effect and propagation in financial time series. Furthermore, it nests other asymmetric volatility models and can be used for testing and diagnostics. We derive the simulated maximum likelihood and quasi maximum likelihood estimators and investigate their finite sample performance in a simulation study. An empirical illustration shows that the postulated correlation structure improves the fit of the leverage propagation and leads to more precise volatility predictions.
Burnout in parents of sick children and its risk factors: a literature review

Aim. The aim of the review is to analyze burnout in parents who provide care for children with various physical and psychosocial diseases and disabilities using available literature sources, and, subsequently, to assess the factors that increase the risk of burnout. Design: A literature review. Methods: Content analysis of research published in the years 1/2004 – 12/2018 in electronic databases (Pubmed, Scopus, Science Direct, and EBSCO) was applied. Following application of the selection criteria, 14 surveys were included in the final analysis. Results: The studies integrated into the review show considerable methodological variation (i.e., different types of tools used to assess burnout, different respondent selection) and differences in the presentation of results. The analysis of the results indicates that caring for sick children is a risk factor for parent burnout. Burnout intensity is probably influenced more by parents’ subjective perception of childrenʼs diseases than the objective nature of the diseases (e.g., degree of disability, duration of disease, disease compensation). However, having a sick child is only one of many predictors of parent burnout. Some research suggests that social support, personality traits of parents, or how effectively family and partner relationships function can be more significant factors predisposing parents to burnout. Conclusion: Parental burnout is an area requiring attention from nurses in view of the potential negative impact on the health of both parents and children.
The effect of hybridization on microstructure and thermo-mechanical properties of composites reinforced with different weaves of glass and carbon fabrics

In this research, an experimental investigation of the microstructural, viscoelastic, and flexural properties of glass/carbon hybrid Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composites consisting of two different types of weaves (plain and twill) was carried out. The hybrid composites were manufactured by using the VARTM technique. The scanning electron micrographs showed that the hybridization resulted in a significant improvement in fiber-matrix adhesion of the hybrid composites compared to the pure glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites based on plain weave glass fabrics, whereas the best fiber-matrix adhesion was observed in carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites. The synergistic effect due to hybridization lead to substantial improvements in the dynamic mechanical and flexural response of the manufactured composites. The hybrid composites exhibited a 149% increase in flexural strength, and a 144% increase in the flexural modulus compared to the GFRP composites, and an increase of 109% in the average value of the storage modulus at three different frequencies (1 Hz, 5 Hz and 10 Hz) compared to the GFRP composites. Whereas, the highest values were observed for pure CFRP composites for both flexural strength and modulus. A positive hybridization effect was also confirmed by the higher experimental values compared to the estimated results calculated by using the Rule of hybrid mixtures (RoHM). Due to higher fiber volume content, the GFRP exhibited the highest thermal stability compared to other specimens.
The posthumous privacy paradox: Privacy preferences and behavior regarding digital remains

Scholars have observed a gap between users’ stated preferences to protect their privacy and their actual behavior. This is the privacy paradox. This article queries the persistence of the privacy paradox after death. A survey of a representative sample of Israeli Internet users inquired of perceptions, preferences, and actions taken by users regarding their digital remains. The analysis yielded three distinct groups: (1) users interested in preserving privacy posthumously but do not act accordingly; for these users, the privacy paradox persists posthumously; (2) users who match their behavior to their preferences; for these users, the privacy paradox is resolved; and (3) users interested in sharing their personal data posthumously but do not make the appropriate provisions. This scenario is the inverted privacy paradox. This new category has yet to be addressed in the literature. We present some explanations for the persistence of the posthumous privacy paradox and for the inverted privacy paradox.
Hot‐Pressed (Pb,La)(Zr,Ti)O3 Ferroelectric Ceramics for Electrooptic Applications

Transparent ferroelectric ceramic materials suitable for a variety of electrooptic applications were found in the quaternary (Pb,La)(Zr,Ti)O3 system. These PLZT materials are prepared from mixed oxides and hot-pressed typically at 1100°C for 16 h at 2000 psi. Modifying the lead zirconate-titanate system with lanthana linearly reduces the Curie point with increasing lanthana. Transmission measurements in the visible and infrared show that these materials exhibit a nearly constant response from the absorption edge of 0.37 μ to ∼6 μm. The highest transmission values, essentially 100% (neglecting reflection losses of ∼18%) for thin polished plates, were noted for compositions containing 8 at. % La or more. Specific compositions within the system display electrooptic memory or conventional linear or quadratic electrooptic effects; on the basis of the magnitude of the electrooptic effects, they compare quite favorably with single crystals.
Evaporation and breakup effects in the shock-driven multiphase instability

Abstract Evaporation and breakup of liquid droplets are common in many applications of the shock-driven multiphase instability (SDMI), such as in liquid-fuelled detonation engines, multiphase ejector pumps and turbines and explosive dispersal of liquid particles (i.e. chemical or biological agents). In this paper, the effects of evaporation and breakup of droplets on the mixing induced by the SDMI are considered through simulations and compared with experimental results. The evaporation model is validated against previous experimental data. The capabilities of the simulations and particle models are then demonstrated through a qualitative comparison with experimental results where breakup effects are negligible (i.e. small droplets). The simulation results are explored further to quantify the effects of evaporation (i.e. mixing enhancement) in the SDMI, providing further insight into the experimental results. A new breakup model, derived from previous works, is then presented for low Reynolds number (below 500), low Weber number (below 100) droplets in a shock-driven multiphase instability. The breakup model capabilities are then demonstrated through a comparison with experimental results where breakup effects are significant (larger droplet sizes). Finally, the simulation results are used to highlight the importance of breakup parameters on the evaporation rate and large-scale mixing in the SDMI. Overall, it is shown that evaporation is enhanced by the large-scale hydrodynamics instability, the SDMI, and that breakup of the droplets significantly increases the strength of the instability, and rate of droplet evaporation.