Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Few-Layered Graphene-like Boron Nitride: A Highly Efficient Adsorbent for Indoor Formaldehyde Removal

Highly porous boron nitride (BN) composed of a flexible network of hexagonal BN nanosheets was synthesized via thermal treatment of a boric acid/urea mixture. The as-prepared sponge-like BN displayed fast adsorption rates and ultrahigh adsorption capacities for gaseous formaldehyde (HCHO), e.g., 19 mg/g in equilibrium with approximately 20 ppm of HCHO in air, which is an order of magnitude higher than those of other tested materials, including commercial hexagonal BN and various metal oxides. The superb HCHO adsorption performance of the porous BN is mainly due to its large specific surface area (627 m2/g), as well as the abundant surface hydroxyl and amine groups. Moreover, chemisorption can occur on the BN layers and contribute to the high HCHO uptake capacity via Cannizzaro-type disproportionation reactions, during which HCHO is transformed into less toxic formic acid and methanol. This porous BN is a promising adsorbent for indoor HCHO removal and may serve as the support for highly efficient HCHO dec.
Heavy metal (Pb, Cu, Zn and Cd) content in wine produced from grape cultivar Mavrud, grown in an industrially polluted region

The investigation was carried out in the period 1991-1993 with cv. Mavrud, grown in the region with a major industrial pollutant the Non-Ferrous-Metal Works (NFMW) and a region with no industrial pollutants (as a control). The heavy metal content in soil, grapes and wine was determined. Most of the heavy metals in the grapes precipitate during fermentation into the sediments, which is the reason for their significantly lower content in the wine. Water washing of grape before processing leads to about 2 time decrease in the Pb, Cu, Zn and Cd contents of wine. The pre-washing of grapes does not lead to any quality deterioration in the wine produced. The amounts of Cu, Zn and Cd in the wine from cv. Mavrud, grown in the region of the NFMW-Plovdiv, are lower than the maximum admissible levels, while the Pb content exceeds them about two times.
Does Public Health Expenditure promote Health Outcomes in Nigeria?

This paper investigated the nexus between public health expenditure and health outcomes (using maternal mortality as a proxy for the latter) for the period covering 1981 to 2014 in Nigeria. The study employs Cointegration and error correction modeling procedure with its attendant advantage of minimization of spurious regression estimates, while providing long-run estimates simultaneously. The results of the analysis reveal that maternal mortality rate declines as both public health spending and private health expenditure rise, suggesting that public health spending does not crowd out private health financing within the Nigerian context. Poverty rate was, however, found to contribute significantly to the rising rate of maternal mortality. Finally, health-oriented official development assistance had a negative but insignificant impact on maternal mortality rate in Nigeria. Arising from the foregoing, it is recommended among others, the need for policy makers to adopt a multi-pronged approach which should include, but not limited to, the diversification of the productive base of the economy so as to raise the revenue trajectory of the nation, economic status of women as well as guarantee the provision of good quality facility-based delivery care system will ultimately reverse the sombre mortality rate in the country.
THE IMPACT OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE MECHANISMS ON THE PERFORMANCE OF COMMERCIAL BANKS: THE CASE OF PRIVATE BANKS IN ETHIOPIA

This study seeks to see the level of impacts that different corporate governance mechanisms has on financial performance of banks in Ethiopia. Explanatory research design was used in establishing the casual effect relationship between corporate governance variables and banks financial performance measures. Secondary data were collected from the banks’ annual reports and the NBE. The study utilized panel data analysis methodology in drawing conclusion about the study covering ten-year period from 2006-2015. The fixed effect model was applied to allow heterogeneity among 7 banks. The regression results show that presence of female directors and industry specific experience of directors has positive and significant effects on financial performance of private banks while number of board committees has significant negative effects on bank performance. The study results implied that stakeholders should give prior considerations to the presence of female directors and industry specific experience of directors when they set governance policy for industry in general and for the bank in particular.
An Empirical Investigation of Operating Costs in the new European banking landscape

This paper seeks to investigate operating efficiency in the new enlarged European banking landscape, over the period 1998-2003 and to examine the relationship between operating costs and several banks’ characteristics. We compile the variables of our model using accounting data. Subsequently, we investigate the efficiency performance of the banking production costs across the 25 countries of the European Union in terms of total operating costs, personnel expenses and physical capital costs. The empirical evidence reveals that there are substantial differences in the operating costs of the EU-15 countries, while, on the other hand, the ten new EU countries have a more homogeneous cost structure. However, operating costs have declined over time for both EU-15 and new EU countries, verifying that the efforts for a more efficient production for the former and the ongoing restructuring process for the latter are heading at the right direction. Moreover, our results reveal a negative relationship between operating efficiency and the ratio of loan loss provisions to loans, the liquidity ratio, and the loans to assets ratio while, on the other hand, operating efficiency is positively related to the banks’ size. EFM Classification Codes: 510, 620
Rock glacier and protalus rampart inventory in Las Salinas river basin, Central Andes of Argentina

This paper presents a detailed rock glacier and protalus rampart inventory from Las Salinas river basin, an arid subtropical mountain hydrological system (between 31°02’ and 31°22’ S latitude) located in the northern sector of the Central Andes of Argentina, where permafrost and cryogenic processes prevail. The inventory is based on a geomorphological characterization by means of optical remote sensing and field description data. The study region covers 630 km2, with 3.25% of the area containing 405±8.2 rock glaciers and protalus ramparts in total, of which 231±2.5 are considered protalus rampart and 49±2 are considered active, 61±1 inactive and 64±3 fossil rock glaciers. Frequency ratio and logistic regression were used as statistical methods to determine the relationship between the distribution of these periglacial landforms and different geological, morphometric and climatic variables as elevation, potential incoming solar radiation, slope, aspect and lithology. Results show that elevation, lithology, and aspect are the most influencing factors for the occurrence of active rock glaciers. According to rock glaciers and protalus ramparts distribution, the permafrost occurrence probability is above 3690 m a.s. l. (current and high periglacial environment). However, some inactive rock glaciers and protalus rampart were found below this elevation, thus between 3300 and 3690 m a.s. l. the landscapes are dominated by an unstable periglacial environment. Inventario de glaciares rocosos y protalus rampart en la cuenca del río Las Salinas, Andes centrales argentinos. RESUMEN. Este artículo presenta un inventario detallado de glaciares rocosos y protalus rampart en la cuenca del río Las Salinas, un sistema hidrológico de montaña subtropical (entre 31°02’ y 31°22’S de latitud), localizado en el sector septentrional de los Andes centrales de Argentina, donde predominan el permafrost y los procesos criogénicos. El inventario se basa en una caracterización geomorfológica mediante teledetección óptica y datos de descripción de campo. La región cubre 630 km2. Un 3,25% del área contiene un total de 405±8,2 glaciares rocosos y protalus rampart, de los que 231±2,5 pueden considerarse protalus rampart, 49±2 pueden catalogarse como activos, 61±1 inactivos y 64±3 glaciares rocosos fósiles. Ratio de frecuencias y regresión logística se utilizaron como métodos estadísticos para determinar la relación entre la distribución de estas formas periglaciares y diferentes variables geológicas, morfométricas y climáticas como la altitud, radiación solar entrante potencial, pendiente, exposición y litología. Los resultados muestran que la altitud, la litología y la exposición son los factores más influyentes en la aparición de glaciares rocosos activos. Según la distribución de los glaciares rocosos y protalus rampart, el permafrost se sitúa por encima de los 3690 m s.n. m. (medioambiente periglacial actual). Sin embargo, por debajo de esta elevación se encontraron algunos glaciares rocosos y protalus rampart PA PE R A C C EP TE D . P R EP R IN T VE R SI O N
Enhancement of viability of Brugia pahangi microfilariae using a Percoll gradient technique

Brugia pahangi is a common cause of animal lymphatic filariasis in cats, dogs and wild carnivores. It is used as a model for filarial infections because it is closely related to the human lymphatic parasite, Brugia malayi. To isolate microfilariae from blood, tools such as enzymes or phytochemicals have been used, but these methods could affect microfilarial viability. Hence, other techniques that cause the least effect on microfilariae are required. Percoll is a gradient medium used for cell preparation and is also used as a tool for the separation of microorganisms from blood. However, information on the separation of microfilariae from blood using Percoll gradients were last published some 30 years ago and the separation of the microfilariae of B. pahangi is little known. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the viability of the microfilariae of B. pahangi separated by Percoll gradient and simple centrifugation techniques. The use of Percoll gradient centrifugation for microfilarial purification showed a higher recovery rate of 90% compared to that from simple centrifugation. Parasite viability was assessed visually daily and the observations scored to estimate the survival rate. The reduction in motility of microfilariae separated by simple centrifugation was conspicuously reduced, while those separated using Percoll showed superior active motility until day 9. Percoll gradient centrifugation is a very viable alternativefor the isolation of microfilariae from blood, especially for the purpose of preparing microfilariae for in vitro study, since it requires the minimum centrifugation force, which is the least harmful to the parasite.
AVALIAÇÃO DE DIFERENTES MÉTODOS DE DESTRUIÇÃO DE RESTOS CULTURAIS DO ALGODOEIRO

O presente trabalho objetivou avaliar, nas safras agricolas de 1996/97 e 1997/98, diferentes metodos de destruicao dos restos culturais do algodoeiro, em campo de producao de sementes e em condicoes de sequeiro, no municipio de Palmas de Monte Alto, BA. Foram determinados a eficiencia de arranquio, o tempo operacional e os custos de diferentes metodos, como arranquio manual, arrancadores tratorizados, gradagem com grade aradora, aracao com arado de disco e roco, de forma isolada e associados aos dois ultimos metodos. Pelos resultados obtidos pode-se concluir que, para as condicoes de cultivo do algodoeiro em sequeiro na regiao Sudoeste da Bahia, os metodos mais eficientes para a destruicao dos restos culturais do algodoeiro foram: o arranquio manual com enxadao, a aracao de forma isolada e o roco seguido de uma aracao com arado de disco, que proporcionaram uma percentagem de arranquio de plantas acima de 97% e de rebrota inferior a 2%.
Financial forecasting with Neural Networks and Reservoir Computing

Financial forecasting has emerged as a key field of study in the last decades as budget planning, and decision-making processes play a vital part in establishing and maintaining a healthy and sturdy business. Last years, Machine Learning and Deep Learning’s concepts have become prominent in the financial industry due to their ability to handle vast amounts of data and extract time-dependent patterns from non-linear relationships along with the -nowadaysexponentially growing availability of computing power. More and more industries and business operations tend to deploy artificial intelligence technology to automize their processes, minimize their risks and optimize their development in terms of increasing their revenues as a consequence of high quality and robust productivity. The wide range of Deep Learning usage in the finance industry extends from security and fraud detection, underwriting, stock marketing predictions, and chatbot advisory. [1][2][3] The possible outcomes and variations of Machine Learning applications are fully capable to cover a wide spectrum of needs and ideas and in this work we have developed a theoretical framework to acquire fundamental understanding of the Deep Learning philosophy and concepts, studying a very popular Neural Network type by the name of Recurrent Neural Networks, and another promising one by the name Reservoir Computing and their predictive abilities on time series of data. In addition to this, our work aims to study systematically and evaluate different ways to convert a dataset into a more «friendly» form, to optimize the predicting ability of the models presented. Conversion of data series to stationary sequences proves to be an inevitable process to carry out time-series analysis efficiently and the second chapter of results is delving into this issue. Finally, this work is also enhanced by a short analysis and description of a «shifting» problem we encountered during different evaluation
CHANGES AND INFLUENCING FACTORS OF SOIL CARBON IN EVERGREEN BROADLEAVED FOREST INVADED BY PHYLLOSTACHYS PUBESCENS IN JIANGXI PROVINCE, SOUTH CHINA

The world’s total forest area is just over 4000 Mha, i.e. 31% of the total land area (FAO 2010). According to the latest National Forest Inventory, China has 195.5 Mha of forests, which account for 4.9% of the global forest area (Jia 2009). Although around 13 Mha of global forests were converted to other uses or lost through natural causes during 2000 to 2010, Chinese forests had an average annual increase of 1.6 Mha over this period. This increase is mainly attributed due to large-scale afforestation and/or reforestation campaigns in China. During 2000 to 2010, bamboo plantations increased 25.5% percent, making them the second most rapidly expanding new forest plantations. The area of bamboo forests increased to 5.4 Mha, distributed among 19 provinces, of which 1.7 Mha are managed as plantations and 3.7 Mha are dense, natural CHANGES AND INFLUENCING FACTORS OF SOIL CARBON IN EVERGREEN BROADLEAVED FOREST INVADED BY PHYLLOSTACHYS PUBESCENS IN JIANGXI PROVINCE, SOUTH CHINA
Evaluating the Effectiveness of 5S Implementation in the Industrial Sector

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of 5S practices implementation in COLDAIR Engineering Company for manufacturing and assembling. The effectiveness of 5S implementation was major concern for organization in industrial sector in the last decade because many 5S project failed to achieve the expected results by optimizing the workplace environments. the researchers used a descriptive methodology. The targeted population of this study was the employees of COLDAIR Company. From The survey population (managers, supervisors, workers), 40 employees were selected to represent the sample using random sampling technique. Finding from this study indicate that 5S implementation increase the efficiency in the workflow, improve working environment in the workplace, reduce human movement, and allows for more orderliness after removal of unwanted items. One more significant findings is that 5S practices Minimize the causes of faults with auditing and continuous cleaning Work environment, preventing accidents and injuries by developing a safe work environment. The findings of this research provide insights for organizations that want to start a journey of continuous improvement for productivity and lean manufacturing, because the first step in that journey is to effectively implement 5S practices. For the practitioners and managers responsible for 5S methodology implementation, this paper shows them how they can effectively implement 5S using a thoroughly tested tools to provide environment necessary for the operation of their processes. Further investigations are needed to examine the mediating role of 5S methodology in the relationship between ISO 45001:2018 and occupational health and safety.
OPTIMIZATION OF CRITICAL HEAT FLUX PREDICTION METHODS FOR MICRO-SCALE FLOW BOILING

The objective in this research is an optimization of existing correlations for Critical Heat Flux (CHF) prediction during saturated micro-scale flow boiling. A database containing data from several laboratories was obtained, including the Heat and Mass Transfer Group of EESC-USP laboratory. The database has 687 experimental points for the fluids R134a, R245fa, R113, R123, R1234ze, R236fa, water and helium, flowing in a single channel, for internal diameters up to 3.15 mm, rounded and rectangular cross sections, mass flux ranging between 10 and 6130 kg/m2s, test section length between 10 mm and 1200 mm and heat flux up to 19.2 MW/m2. Katto and Ohno (1984), Zhang et al. (2006) and Wojtan et al. (2006) correlations were optimized using the present database. It was observed a decrease in Mean Absolute Error (MAE) for all correlations, and prediction of up 87% of database points with a MAE less than 30%. These new optimized correlations can be applied to predict the CHF during micro-scale flow boiling in a wide range of experimental conditions.
Learning Environments and School/Classroom Climate as Supports for Civic Reasoning, Discourse, and Engagement

LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS AND SCHOOL/CLASSROOM CLIMATE AS SUPPORTS FOR CIVIC REASONING, DISCOURSE, AND ENGAGEMENT . 274 DEFINING THE PROBLEM SPACE AND CHALLENGES . 275 WHAT IS MEANT BY THE TERM “CLIMATE” IN THE CONTEXT OF FORMAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS? 278 What Is School and Classroom Climate? , 279 How Is Climate Assessed? , 280 Challenges of Defining and Measuring Climate, 282 WHICH FEATURES OF LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS AND CLIMATES SUPPORT STUDENTS’ CIVIC REASONING AND DISCOURSE, AND WHY ARE THEY EFFECTIVE? 283 Climate at the Classroom Level, 283 Climate at the School Level, 287 Limitations of Research on Features of Learning Environments, 290 HOW DO STUDENTS PERCEIVE AND SHAPE THESE LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS? 292 Students’ Experiences in the Classroom, 293 Students’ Experiences at the School Level, 297 Limitations of Research on Students’ Influence on Learning Environments, 298 6
Chinese Banking Reforms: An Analysis and Evaluation of Non-Performing Loans

The objective of this study is to examine the effect of corporate governance, and government influence on non-performing loans of Chinese banks. It is further identified the main causes of non-performing loans in developing and transition economies. The problem of non-performing loans causes inefficiency and non-productivity in the banks. Chinese banking sectors has suffered with this chronic disease. Several reforms and measures have taken to counter with NPLs problem by China. The data on Chinese listed commercial banks over the period of 2000-2013 has used for the analysis. The data of Chinese Banks are collected from CSMAR, a very reputable database of Chinese listed firms and from Almanac of China Finance and Banking a detailed periodic survey book on Chinese banking. The results of this study revealed that after getting privatized, the banking performance of Chinese banks has improved significantly. Further, The results suggest that the corporate governance practices has some influence on Chinese banking sector NPLs such as, board size and board independence are negatively and positively influence the Chinese banking sector NPLs respectively. This result is rather unusual as banking NPLs literature suggested. Our results suggest that a large board size may reduce the banking NPLs in China. However, the increased board independence works oppositely.
Emotions as parts of the inner lives of physicians in the modern clinical context

Aim: As physicians often struggle with devastating illness and loss, they often experience more or less intense emotions arising from the care of patients. As yet, however, little attention has been given to physicians’ emotional reactions. This paper aims at exploring the emotional reactions of physicians in the workplace as well as the impact of their emotions on their professionality and personal well-being. Method: A comprehensive narrative review of the currently available literature related to the topic of interest has been conducted placing considerable emphasis on the recently published sources. Results: Grief, sense of failure, frustration, feelings of powerlessness, death anxiety, self-blame or guilt, and a feeling of obligation to save the patient are among the most common emotions that physicians experience in the workplace. Importantly, while the relationship between physicians’ emotions and burnout, moral distress, medical communication, empathy, shared decision making and compassion fatigue seems to be to a greater or lesser extent correlative, it remains unclear in details. It is not easy for physicians to be engaged in identifying and controlling their emotional reactions in the workplace. Emotion recognition and regulation is of great importance for protecting physician’s professionality as well as professional and personal well-being. Conclusion: The physicians’ emotional reactions and the consequences of their emotions in the workplace is a complex and multifactorial topic that requires further exploration. Physicians’ emotional state may profoundly impact on the quality of their well-being and care delivery. Further education should be designed and strategies should be developed to increase physicians' ability to recognize and manage to cope with their unexamined emotional reactions.