Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gold nanoparticles grafted manganese doped Fe3O4 nanoparticles for determination of short-term release of silver and lead from dental amalgam in saliva

Ethylene glycol bisthioglycolate modified gold nanoparticles grafted Mn doped Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Au@Mn-Fe3O4 NPs) adsorbent was synthesized and applied for extraction and preconcentration of trace amounts of Ag+ and Pb2+ ions in artificial and natural saliva. The adsorbent was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis (BET), X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD) and vibrating-sample magnetometer (VSM) [h1] techniques and Fusayama artificial saliva was prepared and used as a blank sample. Natural saliva samples were collected from nine volunteers who exposed to posterior decayed teeth amalgam filling, and short-term release of heavy metal ions was assessed in 24, 72 and 96 h after filling. The main factors affecting extraction and desorption efficiency of target ions have been investigated. In Optimum conditions, the detection limits of 0.23 and 0.11 ng mL-1 with preconcentration factors of 94 and 95 were obtained for Ag+ and Pb2+ ions, respectively. The results revealed that the adsorbent has high capacity and good reusability for extraction and preconcentration of target metal ions in relatively high saline solution like biological fluids.
Meta-Analysis of Clinical Outcomes of Lumbar Fusion Surgical Interventions for Degenerative Spondylolisthesis

Introduction: Surgical interventions for degenerative spondylolisthesis are varied with comparable claims of success. Fusion based technique is one of the most commonly used surgical interventions in treating this condition. The aim of this meta-analysis is to compare the effectiveness of the Lumbar Interbody Fusion techniques (specifically Posterolateral Interbody approach—PLIF) versus Posterolateral Instrumented Fusion (PLF). The clinical outcomes investigated were: back pain, leg pain, function, Oswestery Disability Index (ODI), Disability Rating Index (DRI), fusion and revision rates if reported. Methods: Combinations of keywords and MeSH terms, where appropriate, were used to search for studies in Medline via Ovid, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Google scholar. The initial search was conducted on 10 August 2016 and updated on 13 June 2017. Eligibility criteria for the studies to be selected for this meta-analysis were: Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs), cohort and consecutive cases studies that compared at PLIF versus PLF surgical interventions at the lumbar region. Heterogeneity indicators and Forest plot were computed using RevMan 5. Results: Out of the initial hits of 3021, 5 articles were selected as relevant and assessed for risk of bias and then data was extracted and tabulated. These 5 studies reported data from (900 patients’ records, follow up ranges from 6 months to 5 years) undergone one of 2 interventions (PLIF or PLF). The overall effect for ODI and leg pain showed no advantage of any intervention over the other while there was a greater odd ratio of fusion if the operation applied PLIF techniques (Overall Z = 2.86, p = 0.004). Conclusions: There is a need for more high quality clinical trials to compare these two interventions. However, available data indicate that there are comparable results in the main clinical outcomes between PLIF and PLF. PLIF has superior fusion rate which does not seem to affect post-operative pain ratings.
Understanding students' satisfaction and continuance intention of e- learning: Application of expectation-confirmation model

The evolution of technologies leads to the great significance of e-learning in the domain of education. Recognition of the crucial factors which influence learners’ aims towards continued use of e-learning would guide teachers, learners and e-learning developers to increase e-learning use. To this end, the present study investigates the Expectation-Confirmation Model (ECM) factors of Post-Adoption Expectation (PAE) which is explored via using language learners’ post-adoption experiences in the use of e-learning systems. Learning process, tutor interaction, peer interaction, and course design are the four factors identified used for extending the perception of language learners’ experiences in e-learning. The survey method was used to empirically validate the suggested model (ECM) of the present study. A total sample of 120 Iranian university students participated in the study. In order to investigate the proposed model, structural equation modelling employing Smart PLS 2.0 was run. The findings indicate that learners’ confirmation of using e-learning has a significant effect on the four aforementioned factors. Learning process and course design are the only two factors that have a significant effect on users’ satisfaction and continuance intention. On the other hand, the results showed that tutor interaction and peer interaction do not have a significant effect on predicting learners’ satisfaction and continuance intention of e-learning systems. Keywords: e-learning, students’ satisfaction, students’ continuance intention, expectation-confirmation model, post-adoption expectation
The Importance of Size in Private Equity: Evidence from a Survey of Limited Partners

Using a comprehensive survey, we show that investors with a larger capital allocation to private equity are more specialized − measured by the degree to which the investor focuses on private equity rather than other classes of investments − and have a wider scope of due diligence and investment activities. Other investor characteristics (experience, type, location, compensation structure, number of funds under management) play no role. In particular, Endowments are not special according to the survey measures. These results are consistent with the changing LP-GP relationship in private equity as capital is increasingly concentrated in the hands of large investors.
Changing Trends in Meteorological Elements and Reference Evapotranspiration in a Mega City: A Case Study in Shenzhen City, China

Shenzhen city was a farmland region before 1978, and it then developed to a mega city in China. This type of change in city can greatly affect the climatic conditions. In this study, the daily, monthly, and annual climatic variables and the reference crop evapotranspiration (ET0) for Shenzhen from 1954 to 2012 were computed using the FAO Penman-Monteith equation (PM), and these parameters were analyzed to study the temporal trends of ET0 and meteorological factors. The trends and the time points of abrupt changes of ET0 and meteorological factors were tested using Mann-Kendall methods. Results show that, in the past 59 years, the annual ET0 first decreased from 1954 to 1978, then increased from 1979 to 1990, and now varied slightly after 1990. The mean air temperature rose gradually, and the relative humidity decreased as a whole. These trends finally resulted in an increasing trend in vapor pressure deficit (VPD). The wind speed showed a slightly decreasing trend. Both the annual total sunshine duration and net radiation showed trends of rapid decline. ET0 change is sensitive to the hours of sunshine and VPD. The significant increase in ET0 after 1979 was mainly due to the increased air temperature and decreased relative humidity.
Kinetic modeling of the electron current collection to a moving bare electrodynamic tether

Summary form only given. Tether electron current collection in the Orbital Motion Limited regime is the key mechanism allowing for power and/or thrust generation applications of space electrodynamic tethers. This paper presents a new approach, based on a kinetic model, for the accurate analysis of the electron collection problem to a bare tether moving in a collisionless plasma. The drift velocity associated with the translational speed of the tether is incompatible with 1-D, cylindrically symmetric models and is thought to be a contributing factor in the observed enhancement of the collected current in the Tethered Satellite System 1 Re-flight (TSS-1R) results. A kinetic model is developed for the two-dimensional plasma surrounding the tether. It consists in solving, self-consistently, the Vlasov and Poisson equations through a semi-analytical, semi-numerical process. A Maxwellian velocity distribution is assumed for the plasma species (electrons and ions) at the outer boundary of the solution space; no assumption is made regarding the velocity distributions in the vicinity of the tether. Results are compared with published Particle-In-Cell data and experimental measurements.
The Value of Continuous Assessment Strategies in Students’ Learning of Geography in Senior High Schools in Ghana

This survey investigated the views of geography teachers and students on the value of continuous assessment strategies in students’ learning of geography in senior high schools in the Cape Coast Metropolis and Cape Coast North District within the Central Region of Ghana. Data were collected with the use of two sets of questionnaires from 20 geography teachers and a random sample of 198 geography students. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. The study revealed that although there are various kinds of continuous assessment strategies, geography teachers most often used take-home assignment, written test and recap exercise to assess how geography students learn geography. It was found that the use of continuous assessment helps students to understand difficult areas as well as master the content of geography. Continuous assessment also makes students more confident and ready for final examinations. Therefore, it was recommended that geography teachers need more assistance in devising the rubrics for using the various kinds of continuous assessment strategies. Key concepts: Assessment, continuous assessment, value, students’ learning and continuous assessment strategies
COMPARISON OF BACK-SCATTERING PROPERTIES OF ELECTRON EMISSION MATERIALS

We use “microscopic” Monte Carlo (MC) simulations, empirical theories, and comparison with experiments to identify the influence of back-scattered electrons and the saturation effect on the emissive properties of materials and to study the gain and transit times for various microchannel plates (MCPs). We have applied this method to Al2O3 and MgO emissive materials of various thickness and surface quality. The experimental secondary emission yield (SEY) data were obtained at normal electron impacts and were used as the reference data for adjusting our MC simulations. The SEY data were calculated at oblique angles of the primary electrons in the interval of 0-80°. The energy dependence of backscattered electron coefficients (BSCs) for various primary electron incidence angles was calculated by MC for both materials, and the results were compared with experimental “average” values obtained in the literature. Both SEY and BSC data were used as input files to our “macroscopic” trajectory simulation, which models MCP amplifiers as whole devices and is capable of gain and transit time calculations. The deposition and characterization experiments were conducted for the Large Area Picosecond Photodetector project at Argonne National Laboratory.
Characterising protein-protein interactions of B0238.11, a previously uncharacterised C. elegans intergenic spacer binding protein

Characterising protein-protein interactions of B0238.11, a previously uncharacterised Caenorhabditis elegans intergenic spacer binding protein Syed Omar Advisor: University of Guelph, 2012 Dr. Teresa J. Crease A protein, B0238.11, was identified in a yeast one-hybrid screen to bind to the ribosomal intergenic spacer region (IGS) of Caenorhabditis elegans. Proteins interacting with this region of the DNA have been implicated in ribosome biogenesis in other model organisms, so it is also possible that B0238.11 plays a role in RNA transcription by interacting with RNA polymerase I or other transcription machinery. Thus, the goal of this study was to further characterize the structure and function of B0238.11. I used yeast two-hybrid experiments to identify proteins that interact with B0238.11 within the nucleus. RPS-0, K04G2.2, DPY-4, EFT-3, PAL-1, and B0238.11, itself, were found to bind to B0238.11. Additionally, I analysed the amino acid sequence of B0238.11 using in silico bioinformatics methods to determine its structure and putative function and also to identify and characterize the other interacting proteins. I found that B0238.11 contains a high-mobility group box domain, which is also found in HMO1P in yeast and UBF in vertebrates. These other proteins also bind to the IGS, are known to form homodimers and have been implicated in the initiation of ribosomal RNA transcription. Here I scrutinize the validity of the interaction between each protein and B0238.11. I conclude that B0238.11 is likely to be a C. elegans homolog of UBF and present an updated interactome map for B0238.11.
Testing Import-Led Growth Hypothesis in North Cyprus: An Empirical Investigation From Cointegration and Causality Tests

Mevcut calisma, Turkiye Cumhuriyeti’nden baska bir ulke tarafindan taninmayan ve 40 yildan fazla bir suredir, Kibris sorunun cozumsuzlugunden dolayi ekonomik sancilari yasayan, Kuzey Kibris Turk Cumhuriyeti’nde, Ithalat’a Dayali Buyume Hipotezi’ni test etmeyi hedeflemektedir. Mevcut calismada uygulanan esbutunleme testleri, ithalat ile reel gelir arasinda uzun donemli bir denge iliskisinin oldugunu ortaya koymaktadir; ithalat'in katkisi ile reel gelir uzun donem dengesine 99%’luk hizla yaklasmaktadir. Fakat, Granger nedensellik testleri, Kuzey Kibris icin ithalata dayali buyume hipotezinin varligini onaylamamaktadir
Use of Magnetic Nanoparticles as Targeted Therapy: Theranostic Approach to Treat and Diagnose Cancer

The metastasis of cancer epitomizes the diagnostic and therapeutic challenge as a result of cancer heterogeneity. To overcome the uncontrolled growth of the proliferating cells, nanosystems have been developed and have undergone many preclinical trials both in vitro and in vivo and many practices have been further applied clinically on human beings. In practice, magnetic nanoparticles- (MNPs-) based systems following the application of Fe3O4 bound antitumor drug have shown an enhanced therapeutic index in comparison with conventional chemotherapy ensuring the significant decline in nanosystems’ toxicity. A number of improved strategies employing nanoparticle engineering have been in practice for upgrading selectivity of metastatic cells and to have direct access to poorly manageable tumor regions. Targeted nanoparticle therapy paving the way towards tumor biomarkers and tissue specific cancer stages provides effective strategies for nonaccessible tumor regions, thus leading to the tangible modification in the history of cancer world. An infinite number of targets have been exploited for surface receptor specificity to distinct types of nanoparticles and are presently enduring clinical practices both in vitro and in vivo. The aim of this review is to take into view current nanotechnology-based research in cancer imaging for diagnosis and treatment. Several commercially available magnetic nanoparticles-based systems applied as contrast agents for metastatic cancer imaging and treatment via hyperthermia have also been focused on.
Composite sPEEK with Nanoparticles for Fuel Cell's Applications: Review

The membranes in fuel cells must both conduct protons and serve as a barrier for fuel. This review discusses modifications nanoparticles of sPEEK (sulfonated polyether-ether ketone), sPEEK have advantages properties as fuel cell’s membranes such as proton conductivity, mechanical strength, thermal stability, cheap, easily to handle and low fuel crossover. The main reason for researchers to modify with nanoparticles and adopt composite membrane of sPEEK in efforts to enhance properties of sPEEK, so composite allow a blending/modification to improve an overall material performance, several modification with effect by adding nanoparticles, such as with inorganic oxide, clay, zeolite, conductive polymers, protons conductive fillers.
Troubling Patterns in Canadian Refugee Adjudication

This article uses data obtained from Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Board [IRB] to calculate the refugee claim grant rates of individual IRB adjudicators.The data reveals that, in 2006, grant rates varied significantly across adjudicators.Some adjudicators accorded refugee status in virtually all cases they heard; others granted refugee status rarely, if at all. The article explores several explanations offered by the IRB for refugee claim grant rate variations. These explanations relate to patterns in case assignment due to adjudicator specialization in particular types of cases from particular regions of the world. The author contends that while patterns in case assignment do affect grant rates, they do not account for the full variations evident in the data. Rather, outcomes in refugee adjudication appear to hinge, at least in part, on the identity of the adjudicator assigned. The author draws three main conclusions from the data on refugee adjudication in 2006. First, further empirical research should be undertaken to verify the results of the study and to identify specific features of adjudicator identity that affect refugee claim outcomes. Second, the appointment process for IRB adjudicators should be carefully scrutinized in light of grant rate disparities.Third, given both the grant rate disparities and the life and death stakes involved in refugee adjudication, it is imperative there be opportunities to meaningfully review negative first instance refugee determinations. To this end, the government should immediately implement the provisions in Canada’s immigration legislation that establish a Refugee Appeal Division at the IRB.
Conditional Text Paraphrasing: A Survey and Taxonomy

This work introduces a survey for the Text Para-phrasing task. The survey covers the different types of tasks around text paraphrasing and mentions the techniques and models that are regularly used when approaching towards it, alongside the datasets that are used while training and evaluating the models. Text paraphrasing has an effective impact when it is used in other applications, so, the paper mentions some text paraphrasing applications. Also, this work proposes a new taxonomy that it is called Conditional Text Paraphrasing. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work that shows varieties and sub-problems of the original text paraphrasing task. The target of this taxonomy is to expand the definition of the text paraphrasing by adding some conditional constraints as features that either control the paraphrase generation or discrimination. This expanded definition opens in mind a new domain for research in Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Machine Learning. Finally, some useful applications for the conditional text paraphrasing are represented.
Combined effects of inorganic carbon and light on Phaeocystis globosa Scherffel (Prymnesiophyceae)

Abstract. Phaeocystis globosa (Prymnesiophyceae) is an ecologically dominating phytoplankton species in many areas around the world. It plays an important role in both the global sulfur and carbon cycles, by the production of dimethylsulfide (DMS) and the drawdown of inorganic carbon. Phaeocystis globosa has a polymorphic life cycle and is considered to be a harmful algal bloom (HAB) forming species. All these aspects make this an interesting species to study the effects of increasing carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations, due to anthropogenic carbon emissions. Here, the combined effects of three different dissolved carbon dioxide concentrations (CO2(aq)) (low: 4 μmol kg−1, intermediate: 6–10 μmol kg−1 and high CO2(aq): 21–24 μmol kg−1) and two different light intensities (low light, suboptimal: 80 μmol photons m−2 s−1 and high light, light saturated: 240 μmol photons m−2 s−1) are reported. The experiments demonstrated that the specific growth rate of P. globosa in the high light cultures decreased with increasing CO2(aq) from 1.4 to 1.1 d−1 in the low and high CO2 cultures, respectively. Concurrently, the photosynthetic efficiency (FV/FM) increased with increasing CO2(aq) from 0.56 to 0.66. The different light conditions affected photosynthetic efficiency and cellular chlorophyll a concentrations, both of which were lower in the high light cultures as compared to the low light cultures. These results suggest that in future inorganic carbon enriched oceans, P. globosa will become less competitive and feedback mechanisms to global change may decrease in strength.
Unifying the field of comparative judicial politics: towards a general theory of judicial behaviour

The field of judicial politics had long been neglected by political scientists outside the United States. But the past 20 years have witnessed considerable change. There is now a large body of scholarship on European courts and judges. In addition, judicial politics is on its way to become a sub-field of comparative politics in its own right. Examining the models used in the literature, this article suggests that this geographical convergence is also bringing about theoretical convergence. One manifestation of theoretical convergence is that models of judicial decision-making once deemed inapplicable in Europe are now used in studies of European courts too. But the convergence trend goes further. What we already know about judges and the contexts in which they operate suggests a way of reconciling the various attitudinal and institutionalist approaches used by scholars on both sides of the Atlantic within a general, unifying theory of judicial behaviour. The emerging theory provides a framework to assess the weight and interactions of a wide range of determinants of judicial decision-making across countries and legal systems.
Relationship Maintenance Behaviors: A Cross-Cultural Examination of Emerging Adults in Romantic Relationships

Attachment and maintenance behaviors in romantic relationships were examined in Americans (n = 324) and Malaysians (n = 182). Findings indicated that avoidant attachment more strongly influenced maintenance behaviors in both countries compared to anxious attachment. Compared to the American participants, Malaysian participants reported higher anxious and avoidant attachment. Unlike the American participants, Malaysian men and women did not significantly differ in their attachment and maintenance behaviors, although men reported higher maintenance behaviors and lower avoidant attachment. There appeared to be a distinct division based on traditional sex-role socialization among the American participants in which women did more to maintain relationships. Clinical implications are discussed.