Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX) degradation in vadose zone soils during vapor transport: First-order rate constants

Many currently available screening-level models for predicting long-term vapor-phase diffusive transport from soils and groundwater to ambient and indoor air neglect degradation mechanisms. In this paper, we summarize ranges of conditions which support aerobic biodegradation of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes in unsaturated soils, and examine existing experimental information on the range of possible biodegradation rate under these conditions. Mathematical solutions for incorporating degradation mechanisms into vadose-zone vapor transport models an presented for the purpose of consistent definition of degradation rate parameters. Results of previous experiment measurements, and published data on vadose zone BTEX degradation are tabulated as first-order rate parameters and half-life values, with supporting information, including chemical concentration levels, soil characteristic, oxygen levels, and details on the particular experimental scenario. The tabulated first-order rate parameters are presented in a format consistent with the previously mentioned mathematical definitions. Results of this investigation, review, and compilation show that defining a degradation rate based on soil pore water concentration, and presuming that degradation is limited to the pore water phase of the soil matrix, may help explain some observed phenomena, such as reduced degradation for chemicals sorbed to soil, or which are partitioned into a residual hydrocarbon phase. In aerobic soilmore » conditions over broad ranges in soil pore water concentrations, it appears that microbial degradation of BTEX is reasonably described by Monod-type kinetics. At soil pore waters concentrations below approximately 0.2 mg/L, first-order kinetics apply. At and below concentration level, based on available data, a conservative estimate (underpredicting degradation) of a first-order rate constant is 0.4 hr{sup -1}, based on soil pore water concentration. « less
Progression of Diiminopyridines: From Single Application to Catalytic Versatility

Diiminopyridyl metal complexes, first characterized several decades ago, found practical application in 1998 when they were used as precatalysts in coordinative ethylene polymerization. This discovery contributed to the so-called postmetallocene revolution and triggered the large-scale experimental and theoretical research aimed at understanding diversified diiminopyridine chemistry. The results of this quest, some of which were intriguing and difficult to anticipate, are discussed and summarized in the current Review.
Effect of Increasing Dietary High Protein Distillers Dried Grains on Yellow Perch Perca flavescens Performance

ABSTRACT This study evaluated high-protein distillers dried grains (HP-DDG; 40% CP) as a direct replacer for fishmeal (herring FM; 72%CP) in juvenile Yellow Perch (YEP) Perca flavescens diets in a 105-day feeding trial. Four fish-meal replacement levels (25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) using HP-DDG were compared with a fish meal control diet. Significant differences were observed in weight gain, feed conversion, apparent protein digestibility, and condition factor and were negatively correlated with increasing HP-DDG. As FM decreased in diets, a similar decrease was observed in fish performance. Survival was 100% across all treatments. HP-DDG inclusion as a direct FM replacer in YEP diets should not exceed 50%. Lysine supplementation may result in increased performance.
The gatekeepers of sport governance – nomination committees’ shaping potential in national sport organizations’ board composition processes

ABSTRACT Research Question The purpose of this paper is to construct knowledge on the working processes of nomination committees (NCs) in sport and analyze their potential to shape board composition. The significance of such an effort lies in its potential to shed light on the processes preceding the structures and practices created for the wielding of power in sport organizations. Research Methods This paper reports findings based on telephone interviews with NCs of 64 Swedish national sport organizations. Results and Findings The analyses show how NC processes may be distinguished into six components: election of the NC at the general assembly (GA), monitoring of the incumbent board, preparation for nominee identification, assembly of a list of potential nominees, evaluation of potential nominees, and submission of proposed nominees to the GA. Within and across these components, the analyses reveal three aspects particularly powerful in their potential to shape board composition: degree of formalization, network reliance, and transparency. Implications These findings have implications for research and practice. Regarding the former, the study provides a baseline description that can be used in future explorations of the NC process and its determinants and effects in varying contexts. As for the latter, the findings suggest that sport organizations carry an untapped potential in considering NCs’ shaping potential, regardless of whether an ‘adequate’ board is one that is equipped to improve organizational efficiency or one that safeguards representation and democracy.
Evaluation of prevalence, clinical presentation and risk factors of coronary slow flow phenomenon: a single-center study

Background: The coronary slow flow phenomenon has been revealed to be associated with life-threatening arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Currently, clinical features and risk factors of patients with the coronary slow flow phenomenon are incompletely understood. The present study aimed to evaluate the prevalence, clinical presentation, risk factors and evidence of ischemia in patients with coronary slow flow. Methods: This observational study was conducted at a tertiary-care center in India between February 2013 and August 2014. A total of 60 consecutive patients whose coronary angiogram revealed coronary slow flow were included in the study. According to the number of blood vessels involved, patients were divided into group-1 (29 patients with single-vessel disease), group-2 (22 patients with double-vessel disease), and group-3 (9 patients with triple-vessel disease). Clinical presentation and risk factors were compared among groups. Results: Prevalence of coronary slow flow was 2.97% with greater prevalence amongst male patients (p=0.030). Unstable angina was the most common presentation (p=0.030). Among the traditional risk factors, there was a significantly higher prevalence of smoking (p=0.036), family history of coronary artery disease (p=0.049) and dyslipidemia (p=0.045) in group-3 patients compared to other groups. Among all groups, triglycerides (p=0.020), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p=0.046), highly sensitive C-reactive protein (p=0.007) levels, homocysteine (p=0.481), and patterns of ECG abnormalities were significantly different between the three groups. In addition, mean frame counts with coronary slow flow phenomenon in left anterior descending artery (p<0.001), left circumflex artery (p<0.001) and right coronary artery (p=0.005) increased significantly with increase in number of vessels involved. Conclusions: Coronary slow flow was relatively common among patients who presented with unstable angina. Male sex, smoking, and dyslipidemia can be considered as independent risk factors for this phenomenon.
Titanium dioxide nanotrees for high-capacity lithium-ion microbatteries

Li-ion microbatteries find wide applications in microdevices. It is important to develop electrode materials with high areal capacity, excellent rate capability and superior safety for microbatteries. TiO2 nanowire arrays satisfy the requirements of high areal capacity, short transport lengths and superior safety for microbatteries, but their areal/volumetric capacity is hindered by the insufficient surface area. TiO2 nanotrees can effectively eliminate these disadvantages of TiO2 nanowires; however, the electrochemical performances of TiO2 nanotrees for Li-ion microbatteries remain unexplored. It is highly desired yet challenging to construct two-dimensional TiO2 nanobranches with an ultrathin thickness and large length on nanoarrays, to maximize the surface area and structural hierarchy of electrodes. Herein, we developed a novel synthetic strategy to fabricate TiO2 nanotrees by depositing anatase/TiO2(B) mixed phase ultrathin nanobelts onto single-crystalline anatase nanowire arrays. The nanobelt branches were several nanometers in thickness and 200–260 nm in length. The growth process and the electrochemical mechanism were investigated. The unique nanoarchitecture and optimal phase structure endow the electrode with high areal capacity and rate capability, which is the best performance for TiO2 nanowire arrays ever documented. The 2nd discharge capacity of the TiO2 nanotrees at 0.1 mA cm−2 is ca. 267 μA h cm−2, corresponding to a volumetric capacity of 330 mA h cm−3. The TiO2 nanotrees have an areal capacity of 205, 141, 97 and 69 μA h cm−2 at a current density of 0.5, 2.0, 5.0 and 10.0 mA cm−2, respectively. The capacity can remain stable for 400 charge–discharge cycles at 1.0 mA cm−2. The present strategy may give hints to elegant electrode designs for energy applications.
Biomimetic polysaccharide/bioactive glass nanoparticles multilayer membranes for guided tissue regeneration

Nowadays, guided tissue regeneration (GTR) research is centred in the development of composite bioabsorbable membranes with enhanced bioactivity and with processing controlled at the nanoscale. Inspired by this new focus of GTR research and also by nacre structure, layered freestanding membranes were produced using the Layer-by-Layer (LbL) deposition technique, combining chitosan (CHI), hyaluronic acid (HA) and bioactive glass nanoparticles (BGNPs). It is expected that the combination of these materials processed by this particular technique will result in nanostructured membranes with enhanced mechanical performance as well as improved bioactivity. Moreover, the effect of the modification of HA with catechol groups (HAD) on the adhesive properties of the membranes was also analysed. The results showed that it was possible to produce biomimetic membranes with different surface properties, improved adhesive strength and the ability to induce the formation of apatite, necessary for the formation of new bone. It was also possible to control the BGNPs content of the membranes by use of HAD instead of unmodified HA and changing the number of BGNPs' deposition steps. Moreover, it was shown that membranes with different concentrations of BGNPs possess different mechanical performance, swelling properties and degradation behaviour, which indicates the possibility to tune the membranes' properties by controlling the deposition of BGNPs onto the membranes.
Bending behavior of steel bars reinforced Glulam beams considering the homogenized cross section

ABSTRACT The use of reinforcements in glued laminated timber (Glulam) beams has enabled the increase of mechanical performance of this type of structure. This work aimed to evaluate the performance of Glulam beams reinforced with steel bars, having applied the homogenization of the cross section. Therefore, the experimental results of reinforced Glulam beams under static bending were investigated by the finite element method. The vertical displacements and the bending normal stresses obtained by numerical modeling were slightly smaller than previously performed experimental results and, such differences were smaller with the increase of the ratio of reinforcement. It was concluded that the results of the numerical modeling applied with the homogenized section were as accurate as the results of the simulation with the discretized materials, highlighting the advantage of using a less complex mesh for the modeling of reinforced Glulam beams.
Pre-pregnancy and prenatal care risk factors for spontaneous premature delivery in Western Uganda: a hospital based unmatched case-control study

Background: We aimed to establish pre-pregnancy and prenatal care risk factors for spontaneous premature delivery at Kampala international university teaching hospital (KIUTH) so as to enable us draw a platform upon which specific interventions can be formulated. Methods: This was a hospital based unmatched case-control study conducted in the months of March to June 2019. A total of 110 cases and 330 controls admitted at KIUTH maternity and postnatal units were enrolled into the study. Interviewer administered questionnaires and respondent’s medical records were used to collect data. Chi square test and multiple logistic regression analysis were performed to establish the risk factors for spontaneous premature delivery at this facility. All data analyses were done using SPSS statistics version 20. Results: Nulliparity, previous premature delivery, history of premature rupture of membranes, previous cervical procedures, history of not having received preconception care, urinary tract infections during pregnancy and maternal obesity were independently associated with spontaneous premature delivery at this hospital. Conclusions: Guided by these factors, a high index of suspicion for spontaneous premature delivery among all pregnant women attending prenatal care is vital towards ameliorating this obstetric complication at KIUTH.
Dispensing Antiretrovirals During Covid-19 Lockdown: Pathways to Health System Resilience in Uganda

INTRODUCTIONAlthough there is an emerging evidence base on the impact of Covid-19 pandemic on access to health services in low-and middle-income countries, the related notion of health system resilience has received little empirical attention. The objective of this study was to explore health system resilience at the sub-national level in Uganda with regard to strategies for dispensing of antiretrovirals during Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.METHODSWe conducted a qualitative case-study of eight districts from Eastern Uganda (Mbale, Sironko, Manafwa, Bulambuli, Bududa) and Western Uganda (Kabarole, Kyegegwa, Kyenjonjo) purposively selected due to having a relatively high HIV burden. Between June and September 2020, we conducted key informant interviews with district health team leaders (n=9), with ART clinic managers (n=36), representatives of PEPFAR implementing organizations (n=6) and six focus group discussions with recipients of HIV/AIDS care (48 participants). Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic approach.RESULTSFive broad strategies for distributing antiretrovirals during ‘lockdown’ emerged in our analysis: accelerating home-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) deliveries,; extending multi-month dispensing from three to six months for stable patients; leveraging the Community Drug Distribution Points (CDDPs) model for ART refill pick-ups at outreach sites in the community; an increased reliance on health information systems, including geospatial technologies, to support ART refill distribution in unmapped rural settings. District health teams reported benefiting from the Covid-19 outbreak response funding to deliver ART refills to homesteads in rural communities.CONCLUSIONAlthough Covid-19 ‘lockdown’ undoubtedly impeded access to facility-based HIV services, it unraveled new possibilities and innovations in the distribution of antiretrovirals in the predominantly rural settings of our case-study districts. Further research is recommended to evaluate the potential of home-based deliveries as an alternative differentiated ART delivery model in Uganda and other countries with a high HIV burden.
What are the most common reasons for return of ethics submissions? An audit of an Australian health service ethics committee

One of the key criticisms of the ethical review process is the time taken to decision, and associated resource use. A key source of delay is that most submissions are required to respond to at least one request for further information or clarification from the Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC). This study audited the request letters of a single Australian public health HREC using content analysis. Twenty-four submissions were analysed, including 355 individual request elements. Most submissions received a single request letter. There was a mean number of 14.2 (SD = 5.5) elements per letter for the first request and a mean of 2.1 (SD = 1.2) for subsequent requests. Administrative errors were the most common source of request for further information, occurring in all submissions. The second most common theme was the content of the Participant Information and Consent Form, occurring in 79% of submissions. Other common themes, present in over 50% of submissions, concerned: data collection and study procedures; general ethical considerations; recruitment and consent; site, setting or patient pool; research design and methodology; and data management and security. In terms of the general purpose of the HREC comments, 44% were direct corrections or specific requests for changes, 42% were asking for more information or clarification of existing information, and 14% were the HREC expressing concerns about an element of the study, without directly suggesting a change. Overall, the study provides some evidence to show that the quality of the submission (ensuring correct attachments, up to date documents, clear information etc.) could account for a significant proportion of the burden and delay associated with ethical review.
Total Electron Content (TEC) estimation over Pakistan from local GPS network using spherical harmonics

Many organizations allow GNSS users to access Global Ionosphere Maps (GIMS). However, the TEC estimates derived from GIMs are of insufficient quality to describe small-scale TEC variations over Pakistan. In this paper, the first local TEC map over Pakistan for the year 2019, derived from a regional GPS network, is presented. Spherical harmonics expansion is employed to estimate TEC with the spatial resolution of latitude 0.2° x longitude 0.2° and temporal resolution of 5 minutes. The impact of changing the degree/order of harmonics is assessed and it is determined that harmonic expansion up to 6 degrees is sufficient for estimating accurate TEC map for the region of interest. We have demonstrated that the TEC maps of Pakistan generated by local model conform better to the GIM by Center of Orbit Determination (CODE) (RMS = 5.83) as compared to International Reference Ionosphere (IRI-2016) (RMS = 7.18). We found that the TEC estimated by the local model shows a better correlation to measured TEC; CODE-GIM overestimated TEC, while IRI-2016 underestimates it. Moreover, it was observed that TEC peaks during noon (1100-0100 LT) and Equinox (April). The residuals of local TEC estimates with respect to TEC obtained from CODE- GIM indicate the inaccuracy of CODE-GIM over the region of Pakistan: highest deviation of TEC from local model with respect to CODE –GIM was observed in April (RMS = 8.73) and minimum in October (RMS = 2.78). We have also analyzed the performance of our maps in geomagnetically disturbed days. The research presented in this paper will contribute towards the ionosphere study over Pakistan, where limited research is available currently.
Modelling of Pool-Type Fishways Flows: Efficiency and Scale Effects Assessment

In this study, the 3D numerical modelling of flow in a pool-type fishway with bottom orifices was performed using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software (FLOW-3D®). Numerical results were compared with experimental data obtained from acoustic Doppler velocimetry (ADV) and particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements. Several hydrodynamic variables that influence fishways efficiencies, such as flow depths, flow patterns, water velocity, turbulent kinetic energy, Reynolds normal stresses, and Reynolds shear stress parallel to the bottom component, were qualitatively and quantitatively compared. The numerical model accurately reproduced the complex flow field, showing an overall good agreement between the numerical model predictions and the experimental data for the analysed variables. The importance of performing a numerical model validation for all the parameters under analyses was highlighted. Additionally, scaling effects were analysed by running an upscaled numerical model of the prototype fishway. The model performed with similar accuracy for both physical model and prototype dimensions with no evidence of scale effects. The present study concludes that CFD models (namely FLOW-3D®) may be used as an adequate and efficient design and analysis tool for new pool-type fishways geometries, reducing and complementing physical model testing.
Are Environmentally Innovative Companies Inclined towards Integrated Environmental Disclosure Policies?

In recent years, the correct representation of environmental performance has become increasingly important. In light of this, in the academic field, numerous researchers have examined the level and quality of environmental disclosure. However, in the context of studies relating to the determinants of environmental disclosure, little attention has been paid to the role of environmental innovation. This study, in the context of voluntary disclosure theory, aims to fill this important gap through the analysis of the impact of environmental innovation on the level of integrated environmental information disclosed by companies and the analysis of environmental performance as a mediating factor in this relationship. The results show a positive relationship between environmental innovation and integrated environmental disclosure. In addition, they show that environmental performance represents a mediating factor in this relationship. However, complementary analyses show that responsible firms adopt silent strategies in their environmental integrated disclosure policies in order to limit the knowledge by external users of the different environmental actions implemented.
Alpha-arsenic sulfide, from Mina Alacrán, Pampa Larga, Chile

Two distinct modifications of AsS occur in the Alacran Ag-As-Sb vein deposit in northern Chile. Of these, one, which crystallized early in the development of the deposit, apparently corresponds to the high temperature alpha-AsS polymorph, not previously documented from natural assemblages. Realgar which occurs as euhedral crystals in median vein cavities is similar, but not identical to normal realgar, or beta-AsS, from other localities. The relationships between the two forms are poorly-defined, but neither exhibits instability on exposure to light or to infrared radiation.
Students Evaluating and Corroborating Digital News

ABSTRACT In this study, we investigate how 2,216 Swedish upper secondary school students’ performances of sourcing, evaluating evidence, and corroborating digital news relate to their background, educational orientation attitudes, and self-rated skills. We used a combined online survey and performance test to investigate students’ abilities to evaluate online news. Findings confirm and challenge previous research results about civic online reasoning. The most prominent effect on performance is the appreciation of credible news. This attitude is related to students’ abilities to source news, evaluate texts and images, and corroborate a misleading climate change website. We also found a digital civic literacy divide between students on theoretical and vocational programs with different knowledge, skills, and attitudes. Noting the democratic challenge of misinformation, we call for more research on how education can support digital civic literacy in general and specific ways.