Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE BUSINESS SECTOR OF ACTIVITY IN FINANCIALISATION. A MULTILEVEL ANALYSIS OF BRITISH AND SPANISH CORPORATIONS LA IMPORTANCIA DEL SECTOR DE ACTIVIDAD EN LA FINANCIARIZACIÓN. UN ANÁLISIS MULTINIVEL DE EMPRESAS BRITÁNICAS Y ESPAÑOLAS

Despite the increase in literature on financialisation, most fails to cross theoretical paradigms with empirical data at firm level. Furthermore, very few sectorial studies have been conducted to date. This paper aims to bridge this gap by estimating the importance of sectorial affiliation in explaining the financialisation of large companies in the United Kingdom and Spain. As the definition of financialisation is often imprecise and unclear, we begin with a discussion of the limitations of indicators used in financialisation literature. Secondly, we build a financialisation ratio based on a unique dataset obtained from balance sheets and income statement variables of the companies listed on the FTSE -100 and Continuous Market index of 2000-2015. Finally, and for the first time in literature, we have applied a multilevel methodology in order to study similarities between the estimated sectoral patterns for Spain and the United Kingdom. Preliminary results reveal a relevant influence of the corporate sector in financialisation ratio variability. The paper opens up a new theoretical and methodological research agenda for analysing financialisation.
Comparison of the Solvents n‐Hexane, tert‐Butyl Benzene and Toluene in the Polymerization of 1,3‐Butadiene with the Ziegler Catalyst System Neodymium Versatate/Diisobutylaluminum Hydride/Ethylaluminum Sesquichloride

The influence of the solvents n‐hexane, tert‐butyl benzene (TBB) and toluene on the Nd‐catalyzed polymerization of butadiene was studied. Special emphasis was placed on polymerization kinetics and on the evolution of molar masses and molar mass distributions with monomer conversion. Distinct differences were found between the three solvents. From the polymerization kinetics there is evidence which supports Porri's view on the competitive coordination between aromatic solvents and butadiene to active Nd‐sites. In addition, there are indications for the irreversible transfer of benzyl‐H‐atoms from toluene to active allyl‐anionic polymer chains. The evolution of molar mass distributions with monomer conversion provides evidence for the existence of two active catalyst species which are present in all three solvents. One of these two species is highly reactive (“hot”) and short‐lived. This species generates BR with high molar mass. The second species has a low reactivity and lives throughout the entire course of the polymerization. In n‐hexane the “hot”, short‐lived species is present only at the start of the polymerization, whereas in TBB and toluene, the short‐lived species becomes evident at monomer conversion>10% and is constantly (re)generated. Cis‐1,4‐contents determined at final monomer conversion are not in line with other available studies in this field.
Stability of β-Carotene in Oil-in-Water Emulsions Prepared by Mixed Layer and Bilayer of Whey Protein Isolate and Beet Pectin

The addition order of mixed layers of protein and polysaccharide on oil-water interface has been shown to influence physical stability of the emulsion, but little is known about how it impacts chemical stability. Therefore, this study investigated differences in the chemical stability of oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions containing β-carotene droplets coated by whey protein isolate (WPI)-beet pectin through direct preformed mixture (mixed emulsion) and consecutive layer-after-layer (bilayer emulsion) at pH 4.0 and 7.0. The results clearly indicated that both forms of β-carotene emulsions exhibited nearly identical degradation profiles during storage at 55°C. The stability of β-carotene in O/W emulsions could be significantly improved by the addition of iron chelator desferroxamine for both mixed and bilayer emulsions at pH 4.0, but not at pH 7.0. The addition of α-tocopherol could also significantly inhibit the β-carotene degradation for both emulsions at pH 4.0 and 7.0. However, the difference of the improved β-carotene stability between the mixed and bilayer emulsions was not significant. These results implied that the protein-polysaccharide adsorption approach in the β-carotene droplet surface did not play a major role in the degradation rate of β-carotene in O/W emulsions, and it was possible to produce emulsions through mixed and bilayer methods with the similar chemical stability of active compounds for use in a variety of food products.
General rate equations and their applications for cyclic reaction networks : Single-cycle systems

The network reduction technique and the Bodenstein approximation of quasi-stationary behavior of reaction intermediates were systematically applied to derive general rate equations for reaction networks in homogeneous catalysis with and without inhibition. Single-cycle reaction networks with and without branches were considered. The general rate equations derived in this study are applicable for most enzymatic reactions and for some heterogeneous catalytic reactions involving first-order reactions with respect to the intermediates, but not applicable for the heterogeneous catalytic reactions involving bimolecular surface reaction, dissociative adsorption, or associative desorption. Examples of a simple reaction with inhibition were used to illustrate the application of the general rate equations for network elucidation.
C Mindful Breathing Effects of a five-minute practice on perceived stress and mindfulness among patients with cancer

meditation enabled patients to respond positively instead of reacting impulsively with negative emotions. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) place significant emphasis on engaging participants in formal meditative practices, and dialectical behavior therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy incorporate a range of informal mindfulness exercises to approach treatment (Janssen et al., 2018). Mindfulness-based interventions are potentially useful in reducing stress and promoting the well-being of patients during treatment (Wirth et al., 2019). Mindful breathing is a simple mind–body practice that provides a founda-tion for further mindfulness-based intervention. This practice aims to bring attention and focus on breathing to feel the effects of the breath in the body. BACKGROUND: Cancer can cause undesired side effects that can significantly alter patients’ perceived stress and mindfulness. The integration of nonpharmacologic, complementary health interventions, such as mindful breathing, is potentially useful in reducing stress and promoting the well-being of patients during treatment. OBJECTIVES: This study examined the effects of a five-minute mindful breathing practice performed three times per day for three months on perceived stress and mindfulness among patients with cancer. METHODS: This longitudinal, randomized controlled study used a two-group, pre-/post-study design. Patients with distress scores of 4 or higher were randomized into two study arms. Participants in the intervention group were educated on mindfulness and guided on how to perform a five-minute mindful breathing practice. Perceived stress and mindfulness were assessed at baseline, one month postintervention, and three months postintervention. FINDINGS: Both groups had no significant difference in perceived stress and mindfulness scores at baseline. At three months, the intervention group reported a significant reduction in stress and an increase in mindfulness.
The thermal expansion of interatomic bonds, illustrated by experimental evidence from certain niobates

The thermal expansion of structures with frameworks of linked octahedra may be broken up into two parts: the changes in shape and size of individual octahedra, and their changes of tilt relative to one another. Expansion due to the second cause, when allowed by symmetry, is generally much greater than expansion of the ectahedron itself, which is always small and may even be negative. Typical values of the average macroscopic expansion are 16 × 10−6 deg−1 in NaNbO3 where change of tilt can occur, 4 × 10−6 in KNbO3, where it cannot. At a first approximation, the octahedron may be treated as regular at all temperatures. At a second approximation, differences of shape can be associated with off-centre displacement of the Nb atom, of such a kind that the O—O edges associated with a `relaxed' O—Nb—O link are on the average longer (typically by about 0.02 A) than the other O—O edges. This extension e is independent of the tilt of the octahedron, its exact symmetry, the nature of the second cation, or the existence of ferroelectricity rather than antiferroelectricity, but is directly proportional to the Nb displacement. This empirical rule applies to all octahedral niobates examined (including LiNbO3), and when symmetry allows deduction of e from lattice parameters it can be used to predict the value of the Nb displacement, and does so correctly for KNbO3 (the only symmetrical structure about which sufficient information is available). A general consequence of the rule is that O—O edges parallel to a temperature-dependent Nb displacement (or having a component parallel to it) will tend to contract as the temperature rises. Geometrical relations are developed allowing easy calculation of O—O edge lengths and their thermal changes, both individual and mean values, from macroscopically measured data, for structures of different symmetries.
Effect of Solid Particles on the Thermal Conductivity of Mango Juice in a Shear Flow Field

The effect of solids on the thermal conductivity of mango juice concentrate obtained from a South African supermarket was studied in a shear flow field using a coaxial cylinder apparatus with a rotating outer cylinder. The fluid was observed to be shear thinning and thermal conductivity increased with temperature, shearing rate and particle size. The thermal conductivity of the juice with coarse particles was found to be significantly different from that without particles at a given temperature and shear rate. Significantly different values were obtained when the solid concentration is 50 mg/l. Temperature and shear rate dependent models were tested with the data and were found to correlate the observed data fairly well with a correlation coefficient of above 0.95.
A Triboelectric Generator Based on Checker‐Like Interdigital Electrodes with a Sandwiched PET Thin Film for Harvesting Sliding Energy in All Directions

A triboelectric generator based on checker‐like interdigital electrodes (TEGC) with a sandwiched polyethylene terephthalate (PET) thin film that can convert translation kinetic energy in all directions to electricity is reported. The design of the sandwiched PET thin film can effectively avoid direct wear between metal electrodes and sliding panel. The mechanism of the TEGC is described in detail. The performance of the TEGC in different sliding directions is studied, indicating a maximum output power density of 1.9 W m‐2 and open‐circuit voltage of 210 V achieved in the X or Y sliding direction. The TEGC is used to charge a 110 μF commercial capacitor to 5 V in 35 s and light up two light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) connected with the capacitor simultaneously. The TEGC based mouse pad and sliding panel are fabricated to harvest mouse operation energy to light up LEDs connected in antiparallel when the computer mouse operates a game. The TEGC has advantages of being flexible, light weight, durable, cost effective, and portable by folding or rolling into a small part. This work presents a significant progress toward the structure design of triboelectric generator for its practical applications.
Synthesis and Characterization of Blowing Agents and Hypergolics

Twelve energetic additives 7–18 were synthesized and evaluated for use as blowing agents. All blowing agent candidates were characterized by NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and impact sensitivity testing. The X-ray crystal structure of pyrazolium nitrate was also determined. Hypergolic compounds imidazolidine 38a , hexahydropyrimidine 38b , and pyrrolidine derivatives 42 were obtained in improved 80–90% yields by the reduction of the corresponding carbonyl compounds with lithium aluminum hydride in ether under reflux for 12 h. Ignition delays (τexp, μs) were determined for compounds 38a,b and 42 .
Desenvolvimento e validação de método espectrofotométrico para determinação de corante à base de luteína adicionado em iogurte desnatado

A simple analytical method for extraction and quantification of lutein colorant added to yogurt was developed and validated. The method allowed complete extraction of carotenoids using tetrahydrofuran in vortex, followed by centrifugation, partition to diethyl ether/petroleum ether, and drying. The carotenoids dissolved in ethanol were quantified by UV-Vis spectrophotometry. This method showed linearity in the range tested (1.41-13.42 µg g-1), limits of detection and quantification of 0.42 and 1.28 µg g-1, respectively, low relative standard deviation (3.4%) and recovery ranging from 95 to 103%. The method proved reliable for quantification of lutein added to yogurt.
Artificial weathering of tropical woods. Part 2: Color change

Abstract This paper describes the change in diffuse reflectance Fourier transform infrared (DRIFT) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) diffuse reflectance spectra of the following eight tropical woods during artificial weathering up to 600 h in relation to their color changes, especially to yellowing: Amnurana acreana, Acacia auriculiformis, Dipterocarpus spp. , Eucalyptus marginata, Eucalyptus robusta, Shorea spp. and Tabebuia spp. with relatively high and low specific gravity. For A. acreana, A. auriculiformis, Dipterocarpus spp. and both Tabebuia spp. , Δb* (yellowing) increased with exposure up to 50 h, and decreased above 50 h. For E. marginata, E. robusta and Shorea spp. , on the other hand, both Δa* (shift to red) and Δb* decreased with increased exposure time. For woods in which Δb* increased, the Δb* showed a positive dependence on the difference in relative intensity ratio of a band at 1740 cm–1 to that at 2900 cm–1 (ΔD1740/D2900) in DRIFT spectra of specimens before and after exposure. This result indicated that the increased band at 1740 cm–1 played a significant role in the increased Δb*. Then again, also for woods in which Δb* decreased, the ΔD1740/D2900 increased, but was not related to the Db*. The ΔD1740/D2900 for woods in which Δb* decreased had a positive relationship to the difference in remission function at 410 nm (ΔF(R∞)410) in UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectra for specimens before and after exposure, while woods in which Δb* increased were independent of the ΔF(R∞)410. Therefore, it is suggested that woods in which Δb* increased and decreased differ from one another in the contribution to the increase in the band at 1740 cm–1, resulting in either an increase or decrease of Δb*.
Emergent Chemical In Sewage Treatment Plant:Di-(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate

In this work a simple gravimetric method was described for the study of di-(2ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) in wastewater samples from the inflow and outflow points of the sewage treatment plant (ETE) at the University of Caxias do Sul (UCS). The organic phase of the sample was precipitated by adding concentrated HCl. The precipitate was filtered in glass columns packed with treated cotton. After drying, the columns containing the precipitate were carefully weighted and extracted with n-hexane. After solvent evaporation, the organic extract was re-diluted and analyzed by Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detection (GC/FID). The average rate of DEHP removal was 27.50%. The median DEHP concentration was 6.01 μg mL at the outflow point. This DEHP concentration is well above the maximum concentration level reported in the literature.
The Use of near Infrared Spectroscopy for the Analysis of Fresh Grass Silage

The feasibility of using near infrared reflectance and near infrared transmission spectroscopy to evaluate the proximate composition and the content in fermentation end-products of fresh silage was investigated. In this study, the silage fermentation characteristics were predicted both by NIR reflectance (NIRSystems 6500 with a coarse sample cell) and by NIR transmittance (Tecator Infratec 1255). The silage was measured immediately on opening the silo with no sample preparation. The analysis of silage in its fresh state prevents volatilisation of fermentation end-products. The best results were obtained in the reflectance mode for all the constituents under investigation, using the full wavelength range. The best R2 values for pH, ammonia-nitrogen, lactic and acetic acids for validation samples were 0.90, 0.93, 0.86 and 0.85, respectively. The corresponding standard error values were 0.23 and 1.07 (% of total nitrogen), 8.35 and 1.65 (g kg−1 dry matter). It is concluded that silage fermentation characteristics can be predicted by NIR analysis on the silage in its fresh state. In this manner, the volatilisation of fermentation end-products is prevented.
Investigation of the Negative Ions in Ar/O2 Plasma of Magnetron Sputtering Discharge with Al:Zn Target by Ion Mass Spectrometry

The magnetron sputtering discharge used to deposit aluminum-doped zinc oxide was analyzed by energy-resolved ion mass spectrometry. The flux of negative ions was measured at three radial positions in the plane of the substrate holder. The oxygen flow φo 2 was varied from 0 to 17 sccm to investigate the discharge in all operation modes, i.e., metallic, transition, and oxide mode of sputtering. The existence of negative ions was determined from the energy spectra. Main attention was devoted to the investigation of O ― , O ― 2 , AlO ― , AlO ― 2 , ZnO ― , ZnO ― 2 , and AlO ― 3 negative ions and correlations of their intensities in the energy spectrum with discharge parameters (cathode voltage, magnetron power, and gas pressure). It was found that (i) intensities of negative ions exhibit maxima in the vicinity of transition between the metallic and transition mode of sputtering and (ii) in the oxide mode intensities of these ions are saturated.
Single‐Step 3D Nanofabrication of Kinoform Optics via Gray‐Scale Focused Ion Beam Lithography for Efficient X‐Ray Focusing

A kinoform lens is a highly efficient photonic device capable of focusing a wide range of electromagnetic radiation. Unfortunately, its realization without the need of any approximation remained elusive for a very long time. A direct, simple and precise fabrication method was still missing. Here, an efficient preparation scheme is presented for the first time. Two kinoform lenses made out of polycrystalline gold and nano‐crystalline PdSi, are successfully fabricated, thoroughly characterized and tested for their ultimate focusing performances at soft X‐ray energies. The fabrication is made possible by means of gray‐scale direct‐write ion beam lithography. A first ever 2D imaging is carried out via scanning transmission X‐ray microscopy achieving resolutions down to 60 nm. The diffraction efficiency is measured to be 77% to 89% of the theoretical value and is only limited by the strong absorption at the soft X‐ray energy range. The impact of materials selection on the final quality of the lens is emphasized. The overall results enable the production of almost perfect kinoform profiles with high precision. This opens unprecedented perspectives for the focusing of soft and hard X‐rays at very high efficiencies and paves the way toward new applications in a wider energy range.
Evaluation of Khaya Gum as a Binder in a Paracetamol Tablet Formulation

A study of the comparative effects of khaya gum and two standard binding agents, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and gelatin, on the compressional characteristics of a paracetamol tablet formulation and on the mechanical properties of the tablets was made. Compressional characteristics were analysed using density measurements and the Heckel and Kawakita plots. The loose initial relative density (D0) of the formulation increased with increased binder concentration while the packed initial relative density (Di) decreased. The degree of densification achieved for the formulation at low pressures (Db) and at both zero and low pressures (Da) decreased with increased binder concentration. The mean yield pressure (Py) for the formulation decreased with increase in binder concentration, with formulations containing khaya gum having the lowest Py values and those containing gelatin exhibiting the highest values. Another pressure term, Pk (an inverse measure of plasticity) decreased with increase in binder concentration, with formulations containing PVP having the lowest Pk values and those containing khaya gum and gelatin having similar Pk values. The tensile strength (T) of the paracetamol tablets increased with increase in binder concentration while the brittle fracture index (BFI) decreased. Tablets containing PVP exhibited the highest T values while those containing khaya gum exhibited the lowest values. The same trend was obtained for the BFI values with tablets containing khaya gum exhibiting the lowest values. The results suggest that khaya gum could be useful as a binding agent for particular tablet formulations.
Evaluation of the antifungal effects of rosemary oil and comparison with synthetic borneol and fungicide on the growth of Aspergillus flavus

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) with more than 240 active pharmacological and nutritional compounds is important from the botanical point of view. Pharmacological studies show the antifungal properties of Rosemary plant. The essential oil analyses of the aerial parts of rosemary collected from Kerman province were obtained using gas chromatography and gas chromatography mass spectrometry. The study of antifungal effects of the oil sample tested against strain of Aspergillus flavus (PTCC = 5004) fungi by disc diffusion method via average inhibition zone. The results showed that yield of Rosemary oil from Kerman province was 3.2%. Forty-one compounds were identified in the essential oil concluded as 99.74% of the total oil. The major components were α-pinene (15.52%), camphor (11.66%), verbenone (11.10%) and 1, 8-cineole (10.63%). The results showed that essential oil from rosemary plant at 1, 1/2 and 1/4 oil dilutions exhibited strong antifungal activity than gentamycin antibiotic on A. flavus and exhibited moderate of borneol was at 10% dilution. Benomil fungicide at 10% dilution had no inhibitory effect on A. flavus. Large percentage antifungal activities of Rosemary oil are related with α-pinene of monoterpenes as the main compound. Key words: Rosmarinus officinalis L. , essential oil, Aspergillus flavus, aflatoxin, borneol.
A new crossover in Fe3O4 magnetite under pressure near 6 GPa: modification to ‘ideal’ inverse cubic spinel?

The results of the first study on the thermoelectric power (Seebeck effect) of single crystals of Fe3O4 magnetite at high pressure P up to 20 GPa and room temperature are reported. The electrical resistance and a sample’s contraction (relative compressibility) were also investigated over a P range of 0–20 GPa. A smooth bend (crossover) in the pressure dependence of the thermopower was firmly established near 6 GPa. This feature was attributed to a modification of Fe3O4 to an ‘ideal’ inverse configuration, the case where equivalent amounts of charges (the Fe2+ ions) and vacancies (the Fe3+ ions) at the octahedral sites provide nearly metallic polaron hopping conductivity via the octahedral network. The origin of this transformation might lie in (i) a P-tuning ‘perfection’ of the electronic transport in the inverse spinel, and/or in (ii) a transfer of a minor group of the charges from the tetrahedral sites to the octahedral ones, i.e. a configuration transition. Opportunities for the opposite valence transition in magnetite, from the inverse spinel to the normal (direct) one, are also discussed. At ambient pressure the samples of Fe3O4 were probed by Raman spectroscopy and using the electrical resistivity across the Verwey transition.