Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Silica-decorated reduced graphene oxide (SiO2@rGO) as hybrid fillers for enhanced dielectric and actuation behavior of polydimethylsiloxane composites

A novel high performance dielectric elastomer actuator with a high dielectric constant, low dielectric loss, high dielectric breakdown strength and large actuated strain was prepared through introducing hybrid fillers of chemically reduced graphene oxide (rGO) covered by a SiO2 shell (SiO2@rGO). Hybrid particles were synthesized with two different shell coverage using tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) and characterized with different methods to identify the surface chemistry, inter-layer spacing, and thickness of the platelets as SiO2 shells were introduced and reduction process was applied. Composites of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) containing different amounts of rGO and SiO2@rGO particles were prepared by the solution mixing method. The results showed that composites with hybrid fillers have higher dielectric efficiency and dielectric strength than rGO/PDMS composites. However, higher actuated strains than the pure PDMS was obtained only with hybrid particles with dense coverage. Maximum actuated strain increased from 4.63% for the pure PDMS to 12.83% and 9.12% for composites with 1 wt% and 2 wt% of SiO2@rGO with denser SiO2 shell, respectively. Results suggest the positive effect of hybrid graphenic structures with high shell coverage and certain weight fraction toward preparing high performance dielectric elastomer actuator composites.
Management of gastrointestinal stromal tumors: a prospective and retrospective study

Background Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are a group of unusual neoplasms arising from the interstitial cells of Cajal. GISTs are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Diagnosis always requires immunohistochemical staining for the expression of c-KIT protein (CD-117). Purpose The aim of this study was to present the prospective and retrospective experience of the Gastrointestinal Surgery Department, Alexandria Faculty of Medicine, in the management of GISTs. Materials and methods This study was carried out on 102 patients: a prospective study on 22 patients from April 2013 to April 2015 and a retrospective study on 80 patients between January 2009 and March 2013. All patient data, the different clinical presentations, the impact of surgical treatment, complications, follow-up, and survival data were collected and analyzed. Results This study included 102 patients (63 men and 39 women) who presented with GISTs on clinical, radiological, and/or endoscopic aspects. Their mean age at diagnosis was 49.18 ± 14.58 years. The most frequent presenting symptom was GI bleeding, seen in 42 patients (41.18%). Twenty-five patients (24.51%) presented with abdominal swelling and pain. Twenty-four patients (23.53%) presented with anemia for investigation. Eight patients (7.84%) presented with repeated attacks of abdominal pain only. The tumors were located in the stomach in 54 patients (52.9%). Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed in 64 patients (62.75%). Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed the presence of a gastric lesion in 46 patients and a duodenal lesion in six patients and was completely free in 12 patients. Complete resection was achieved in 92 patients (92%), whereas eight patients (8%) had incomplete resection. Conclusion This study concludes that GISTs can occur anywhere in the GI tract but most commonly in the stomach. The prognosis is strictly related to the size of the tumor, number of mitoses, and completeness of surgical resection.
Attitudes towards oxygen: exploring barriers to acceptance of oxygen therapy in Malawi

Aims Malawian clinicians recognise that oxygen therapy is important for sick patients. Availability has recently increased through introduction of oxygen concentrators to hospitals. Many patients and parents of sick children are unwilling to accept oxygen. We aimed to evaluate reasons for this. Study objectives Document understanding of oxygen usage; Explore barriers to acceptance of oxygen therapy Methods A prospective qualitative exploratory study using framework analysis of data. Nine focus groups were held involving patient guardians, urban and rural communities, using a Chichewa speaking facilitator. In depth interviews were undertaken with fifteen staff from paediatrics and medicine at a central hospital. Written consent was obtained. Focus groups and interviews were audio-recorded then transcribed. Results Data analysis revealed common themes: Focus groups Malawians understand oxygen is used for breathing problems, illness and low oxygen levels. They do not understand how oxygen works. It is accepted because of medical advice “you will obey whatever the doctor says regardless of its consequences”. People fear oxygen and associate it with death “we believe that once the patient goes for the machine, he is going to die right away”. Beliefs stem from personal and family experiences “for those afraid of the machine it's because they previously lost a child”. Some believe doctors seek to harm. People are keen to know more about oxygen recommending community based strategies and information provision through radio and hospitals. Interviews Staff had experienced patients or parents of sick children refusing oxygen. Sick patients receive oxygen before they die leading to belief that oxygen contributes to death. Communities discuss medical treatments so even those with no experience of oxygen may become wary. They lack understanding about oxygen therapy. Conclusion There is a strong belief that oxygen kills. Whilst it remains a relatively scarce commodity in Malawi, it will only be given to the sickest, therefore this misconception will prevail. Patients and guardians recognise they have a lack of understanding about oxygen and are keen to learn more. Education aimed at community level may improve acceptance of oxygen therapy in Malawi.
Profile Cross Rolling of High‐Interstitial Austenitic Stainless Steels for Application in Plastics Extrusion

FeCrMnCN stainless austenitic high‐interstitial steels (HIS) combine the properties of conventional FeCrNi austenites (superior ductility and surface corrosion resistance) with the potential of significant strengthening. This combination of properties makes them promising candidates for environments that require resistance to both wear and corrosion, e.g., processing of plastics. The aim herein is to make use of the high work‐hardening ability of HIS. Thus, machined preforms with an application‐related design are formed by profile cross rolling. The preform design enables a hardness increase in component regions that are most subjected to wear. Rolling of the specimens results in a very high surface quality with a roughness Rz in the range of 1 μm. Hardness measurements in rolled specimens confirm a significant hardness increase in the subsurface up to a depth of ≈2.5 mm. Hardness values of about 600 HV1 are yielded within a surface distance of ≈0.3 mm. Furthermore, tests on a modified pin‐on‐disc tribometer suggest that the wear behavior of the work‐hardened HIS is comparable with nitriding steel. Thus, the results of this study support the development of a forming technology for screws in corrosive environments.
Utilidad de winmedtra para conocer la prevalencia del tabaquismo en un hospital de referencia

espanolIntroduccion: La creacion de lugares de trabajo sin humo sigue siendo la medida de mayor implantacion frente al tabaquismo. WinMedtra es la aplicacion informatica corporativa del Servicio Andaluz de Salud para la Vigilancia de la Salud. Objetivo: Aprovechando dicha aplicacion, planteamos mostrar su utilidad para calcular la prevalencia de tabaquismo en un Hospital de referencia. Material y metodo: Estudio observacional a partir de los examenes de salud realizados en 2013 (n=1672). Se extrajeron los datos relativos al consumo de tabaco de WinMedtra realizandose una estadistica descriptiva e inferencial (prueba "t" de Student, analisis de varianza simple y Ji-Cuadrado). Resultados: La aplicacion informatica nos ha permitido obtener datos del habito tabaquico en la poblacion laboral estudiada. La prevalencia de sujetos fumadores activos fue de un 22,8% (IC95%:20,79%-24,81%) y el 19,8% eran ex fumadores, por lo que el 77,2% no fumaba en el periodo del estudio (IC95%: 75,19%-79,21%). El consumo acumulado fue mayor en el grupo de los hombres que en el de las mujeres (21,08 ± 16,31 versus 15,38±13,28 paquetes-ano) (t: 3,61, p EnglishIntroduction: creating smoke-free workplaces still remains the most implemented action concerning tobacco smoking. WinMedtra is the Andalusian Health Service corporate software for the medical surveillance. AIM: by using this application, we intend to show its utility in calculating the smoking prevalence in a reference hospital. Material and Methods: an observational study was performed based on health examinations conducted in 2013 (n = 1672). After extracting data related with the tobacco consumption from WinMedtra, a descriptive and inferential statistics (student, simple anova and Chi-square statistical tests) were performed. We calculated arithmetic means and standard deviations for quantitative variables; and absolute and relative frequencies for qualitative variables. Confidence intervals up to 95% were calculated for the main estimates. Results: the application allowed us to obtain smoking habits data in the interviewed working population. The smoking prevalence active subjects were 22.8% (95% CI: 20.79%-24.81%); 19.8% were former smokers so 77.2% did not smoke during the period study (95% CI: 75.19% -79.21%). The accumulated smoking intake was higher in the group of men than in that of women (21.08 ± 16.31 versus 15.38 ± 13.28 packs/year) (t: 3.61, p
Preparation of the Rutin-SBA-16 Drug Delivery System

This study sets out a scheme for a controlled release delivery system using SBA-16 as a carrier matrix and Rutin as a drug (Rutin-SBA-16). Physicochemical characterizations were performed to confirm the structure of the SBA-16 for post-synthesis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). The presence of Rutin-SBA-16 was confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms at 77 K. The dissolution kinetics was evaluated by the Zero Order, First Order and Higuchi models, and Rutin quantification was carried out by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The best impregnation time, which was 8 hours, adsorbing 284 μg Rutin per mg of silica, and the maximum degree of dissolution occurred in a period of 20 - 25 h. The release kinetics of the Rutin was called Higuchi, and showed high linearity, with a correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.999 compared with 0.905 and 0.980 of the zero order and first order models respectively. The study shows the benefits of Rutin-SBA-16 as a drug delivery system.
Digital vs. traditional media journalists: sociodemographic characteristics, and external and internal threats to their autonomy

Born-digital media is influenced by many factors. This study compares the perceptions of digital and traditional (newspaper, radio, TV, news agencies, etc.) journalists and investigates their perception of threats to their professions. This paper shows data from a national survey (probabilistic, stratified by type of outlet and region) to 390 journalists in Spain between March 2014 and May 2015. Reporters were surveyed about their differing influences (political, economic, organizational, professional routines, and reference groups) in their jobs. Even where there are clear socio-demographic differences, data shows that, except for the influence of reference groups, all journalists hold similar perceptions. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Direct numerical simulation of infusion and flow-front tracking in materials with heterogeneous permeability using a pressure mapping sensor

This paper explores the use of thin film piezoresistive pressure mapping sensors as a means to improve resin transfer moulding processes. The pressure mapping sensor was located between the preform and mould, giving information regarding the permeability map prior to infusion. The permeability map is used as an input to a direct numerical simulation of the infusion step of a highly variable reclaimed carbon fibre preform. The pressure sensor was also used to track the flow front position in-situ, due to a change in load sharing between the preform and liquid during the infusion experiment. Flow front tracking with the pressure mapping sensor was validated against conventional camera images taken through a transparent mould. The direct numerical simulation was able to account for local permeability variation in the preform, providing improved flow-front prediction than homogeneous permeability only, and could be part of a wider strategy to improve resin transfer moulding process robustness.
Effect of winding angle on the quasi-static crushing behaviour of thin-walled carbon fibre-reinforced polymer tubes

Carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) tubes have been increasingly used in various structural applications due to its lightweight and attractive crashworthiness performance. The key parameter of the winding angle plays an important role in the energy-absorbing performance of CFRP tubes. In order to understand the relationship between the compressive performance and winding angle, this article is aimed to study the effect of winding angle with ±45°, ±60° and ±75° of CFRP tubes. The thin-walled CFRP tubes were performed by the quasi-static compression test, which were fabricated using the wet winding technique. The result was concluded that as the winding angle increased, the compressive modulus showed the decreasing trend. In the view of energy absorption (EA) and specific energy absorption (SEA), it was exhibited the decreasing trend as the winding angle increased. It was noted that CFRP tubes with ±45° winding angle recorded the average maximum SEA of 24.67 kJ kg−1. Moreover, the crushing behaviour of thin-walled CFRP tubes were involved and studied.
A Randomized Controlled Trial on the Effectiveness of a Classification-Based System for Subacute and Chronic Low Back Pain

Study Design. A randomized controlled trial. Objective. To assess the effectiveness of Delitto's classification–based treatment approach compared with usual physical therapy care in patients with subacute or chronic low back pain. Summary of Background Data. No trial has evaluated this approach in patients with subacute and chronic low back pain. Methods. Before randomization, all patients were classified by research physical therapists according to a modified version of Delitto's classification–based system. Randomization was computer-generated, with centralized allocation concealment. The statistician and the physical therapists were unblinded. Patients and assistants who collected follow-up questionnaires were blinded. Follow-up assessments were completed at 8, 26, and 52 weeks. The primary analysis was performed according to the intention-to-treat principle, using multilevel analysis. The main outcomes were global perceived effect, disability (Oswestry Disability Index, 0–100), and pain intensity (Numerical Rating Scale, 0–10). Secondary outcomes were quality of life, fear-avoidance beliefs, and psychosocial status. Results. A total of 156 patients were included (classification-based group, n = 74; usual physical therapy group, n = 82). There were no statistically significant differences between the treatment groups for any of the outcomes at any of the follow-up time points. After 8 weeks, patients in the classification-based group had greater global perceived effect scores; adjusted odds ratio of 1.01 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.31 to 3.28), and higher adjusted Oswestry Disability Index and Numerical Rating Scale scores; mean adjusted differences of 0.48 points (95% CI, −4.59 to 3.63) and 0.49 points (95% CI, −1.34 to 0.37) respectively, but all differences were statistically nonsignificant. Conclusion. The classification-based system used in this study was not effective for improving physical therapy care outcomes in a population of patients with subacute and chronic low back pain.
Effects of Nanolayer and Second Order Slip on Unsteady Nanofluid Flow Past a Wedge

This paper presents the study of unsteady nanofluids flow and heat transfer past a wedge with second order velocity slip and temperature jump. The model is modified by considering the existence of a nanolayer together with the effects of thermophoresis and Brownian motion. The fundamental equations were transformed into ordinary differential equations by a new set of similarity transformations and solved by using the homotopy analysis method (HAM). We determined that the error reached 10-6 and the effectiveness of HAM was attained. The influence of second-order slip on the fluid skin-friction coefficient was analyzed and we determined that the Nusselt number decreases and skin friction coefficient rises with an increase in the thickness of the nanolayer.
Loss in Axial Compressor Bleed Systems

Loss in axial compressor bleed systems is quantified and the loss mechanisms are identified to determine how efficiency can be improved. For a given bleed air pressure requirement, reducing bleed system loss allows air to be bled from further upstream in the compressor, with benefits for the thermodynamic cycle. A definition of isentropic efficiency, which includes bleed flow is used to account for this. Two cases with similar bleed systems are studied: a low-speed, single-stage research compressor, and a large industrial gas turbine high-pressure compressor. A new method for characterizing bleed system loss is introduced, using research compressor test results as a demonstration case. A loss coefficient is defined for a control volume including only flow passing through the bleed system. The coefficient takes a measured value of 95% bleed system inlet dynamic head and is shown to be a weak function of compressor operating point and bleed rate, varying by ±2.2% over all tested conditions. This loss coefficient is the correct nondimensional metric for quantifying and comparing bleed system performance. Computations of the research compressor and industrial gas turbine compressor identify the loss mechanisms in the bleed system flow. In both cases, approximately two-thirds of total loss is due to shearing of a high-velocity jet at the rear face of the bleed slot, one-quarter is due to mixing in the plenum chamber, and the remainder occurs in the off-take duct. Therefore, the main objective of a designer should be to diffuse the flow within the bleed slot. A redesigned bleed slot geometry is presented that achieves this objective and reduces the loss coefficient by 31%.
Tectono-Metamorphic Deformation and Structures of Mubi-Hong Area, NE, Nigeria

The Mubi-Hong area constitutes part of the northeast basement complex of Nigeria and has experienced tectono-metamorphic deformation distinguished into D1, D2 and D3 events. The resultant effect is production of varied ductile and brittle structures (faults, folds, mineral stretching and foliation) which trends mostly in NNW-SSE direction, with other components NNE-SSW and NE-SW. Deformation and metamorphism in the area can be described as being progressive as indicated by the varied nature of synclinal-anticlinal folds. The tensile tectonism is also responsible for the structures and subsequent emplacement of large volumes of granitoids during Pan-African (600+150Ma). A Multi directional orientation of brittle, planar and linear structures in the area suggests that the area have undergone polyphase deformation similar to those in other parts of the Nigerian basement complex. Keywords : Tectono-metamorphic, Structures, Deformation, Ductile, Brittle, Basement complex.
FREEZE-DRYING CHARACTERISTICS OF STRAWBERRIES

ABSTRACT Drying kinetic, as well as color and volume variation, of whole and sliced strawberries were investigated after freeze-drying under various temperatures (30, 40, 50, 60 and 70°C). Dehydration time increased proportionally to the thickness of the product and heating plate temperature markedly reduced it. Freeze-drying caused a pronunciation in red color of strawberries. A decrease in hue angle by 22.5% (skin) and by 42.4% (pulp) was noted, with no significant effect of freeze-drying temperature up to 70°C. The strawberries had a volume reduction of 8% (whole) and 2% (sliced) due to freeze-drying although the level of shrinkage was also independent of freeze-drying temperature. However, the percentage of collapsed strawberries increased with process temperature. At heating temperatures higher than 50°C, the strawberry dry layer temperature was higher than the estimated glass transition temperature of dried fruit, increasing the risk of collapse.
Suppressing the Use of Critical Raw Materials in Joining of AISI 304 Stainless Steel Using Activated Tungsten Inert Gas Welding

The aim of this study was to study the influence of TiO2 coating for its efficacy during the activated-tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding and to suppress the use of consumables that are rich in critical raw materials. Post-welding penetration depth, particle size distribution, microstructure, and microhardness of welded samples were assessed. Based on these results, it was found that there is no direct correlation between the weld metal surface area and the coating. The particle size in the coating, although, seemed to have played an important role, e.g., nanoparticles resulted in an increased penetration depth and depth/width (D/W) ratio as opposed to the submicron-sized particles. The most optimal welding condition resulted when a mixture of submicron-sized and nanometric-sized particles were used. It was demonstrated by the Zeta analyser results that the micron particles rub the nanoparticles due to mechanical friction resulting in smaller oxide particle formation in the coating. Finally, the presence of Marangoni convection in TIG and reversed Marangoni convection in the activated TIG (A-TIG) process were proven by means of the microstructure analysis and measurement, which were found to be positively correlated.
Tip Leakage Flow Instability in a Centrifugal Compressor

In this paper, an unsteady tip leakage flow phenomenon is identified and investigated in a centrifugal compressor with a vaneless diffuser at near-stall conditions. This phenomenon is associated with the inception of a rotating instability in the compressor. The study is based on numerical simulations that are supported by experimental measurements. The study confirms that the unstable flow is governed by a Kelvin–Helmholtz type instability of the shear layer formed between the main-stream flow and the tip leakage flow. The shear layer instability induces large-scale vortex roll-up and forms vortex tubes, which propagate circumferentially, resulting in measured pressure fluctuations with short wavelength and high amplitude which rotate at about half of the blade speed. The 3D vortex tube is also found to interact with the main blade leading edge, causing the reduction of the blade loading identified in the experiment. The paper also reveals that the downstream volute imposes a once-per-rev circumferential nonuniform back pressure at the impeller exit, inducing circumferential loading variation at the impeller inducer, and causing circumferential variation in the unsteady tip leakage flow.