Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Enhancement of Polyvinyl Acetate (PVAc) Adhesion Performance by SiO2 and TiO2 Nanoparticles

Post press processes include various types of bonding and adhesives, depending upon the nature of adherends, the end use performance requirements and the adhesive bonding processes. Polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) adhesive is a widely used adhesive in the graphic industry for paper, board, leather and cloth. In this study, the enhancement of PVAc adhesion performance by adding different concentrations (1%, 2% and 3%) of silica (SiO2) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles was investigated. The morphology of investigated paper-adhesive samples was analyzed by SEM microscopy and FTIR spectroscopy. In addition, the optimal adhesion at the interface of paper and adhesive was found according to calculated adhesion parameters by contact angle measurements (work of adhesion, surface free energy of interphase, wetting coefficient). According to obtained surface free energy (SFE) results, optimum nanoparticles concentration was 1%. The wettability of the paper-adhesive surface and low SFE of interphase turned out as a key for a good adhesion performance. The end use T-peel resistance test of adhesive joints confirmed enhancement of adhesion performance. The highest strength improvement was achieved with 1% of SiO2 nanoparticles in PVAc adhesive.
Intercomparison in the laboratory of various Condensation Particle Counters challenged by nanoaerosols in the range 6 – 460 nm

This study aim is to compare the number concentration of airborne nanoparticles reported by 13 different Condensation Particle Counters (CPC) with regards to a reference CPC, for a set of aerosols of interest. Among the models investigated, 5 are handheld CPC, while the 8 others are stationary CPC. The latter include butanol-based CPC as well as water-based CPC. Polydisperse test aerosols with modal diameters between 6 and 460 nm were produced in the CAIMAN experimental facility. Non-hydrophobic aerosols consisted of metal-based particles (Ti, C, Al, Cu, Ag), as well as nebulized suspensions (SiO2). Hydrophobic particles consisted of DEHS as well as alkanes (n-C13 to n-C20). Overall, about 400 different conditions were investigated to represent a wide range of aerosols potentially encountered in workplaces. The range of number concentrations provided by the reference CPC was 500 – 400 000 cm−3. To highlight the possible effect of particle counting efficiency on the total concentration reported by the different CPCs, 40% of the test aerosols presented a modal diameter below 40 nm. The influence of particle material for water-based CPCs was investigated through the generation of about 100 hydrophobic test aerosols. CPC response was found to be sensitive to the mode of the aerosols measured, depending on the counting efficiency curve of the CPC investigated. An effect of particle hydrophobicity on the response of some water-based CPC models was demonstrated, while one water-based CPC did not show any material dependence.
In situ growth of CNTs on carbon fiber by chemical vapor deposition

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), as a kind of one-dimensional nanomaterial with special structure, have excellent properties in various aspects. Grafting CNTs onto carbon fiber (CF) surface to improve the mechanical properties of carbon fiber reinforced composites has been the focus at home and abroad. In this paper, chemical vapor deposition (CVD) was used to in situ grow CNTs on CF surface with carbon monoxide (CO) as carbon source and ferric nitrate (Fe (NO3)3·9H2O) as catalyst. The effect of different process conditions on the growth of CNTs were explored and the mechanism was briefly described. It is found that the oxidation treatment of CF could introduce a large number of reactive groups on the surface of CF, which was conducive to uniform dispersion of the catalyst. The morphology of CNTs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that the optimum growth concentration of catalyst precursor was 0.05 mol/L.
Results from the Tromsø Intervention Study on Preterms until children’s age of nine. The influence of structured early parental guidance on behavior-emotional development and well-being among children born preterm and parenting stress in their families.

Paper I : Landsem IP, Handegard BH, Ulvund SE, Tunby J, Kaaresen PI, Ronning JA. Does an early intervention influence behavioral development until age nine in children born prematurely? Child Development 2015; 86(4):1063-1079. Dette er ikke apent tilgjengelig enna pga tidsskriftets begrensninger. Info om denne legges under abstrakt.
Preparation of Monometallic Catalysts on Carbon Support for Synthesis of Biodiesel Fuel

Monometallic catalysts have been prepared on nano-porous carbon support materials by way of hydrothermal carbonization of Cattail (genus Typha) leaves. The catalysts are for synthesis of biodiesel fuel. This research studied the effect of hydrothermal temperature (at 160-200 °C), reaction time (4-24 h) and the presence of KOH on the activated porosity of a carbon support. Then the type of loaded metal catalyst (Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu and Pb), placed on the carbon support by an impregnation method, was investigated. This led to partial hydrogenation catalytic activity forming biodiesel. The carbonization temperature was studied in the range 500-900 °C for 2 hours. The samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, nitrogen sorption, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The results indicated that the hydrothermal process at 200 °C for 12 hours exhibited the highest surface area, porosity and pore volume. This led to an appropriate distribution of metal on the carbon support surface.
Investigating the Use of Chitosan: Toward Improving the Dyeability of Cotton Fabrics Dyed with Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.)

ABSTRACT This study investigates the influence of chitosan to improve the dyeing absorption of cotton fabric using Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) and the determination of the amount of anthocyanin pigments by the spectrophotometric method. The results of this study highlights that cotton fabrics treated with chitosan have better depth of shade (K/S = 11) than those untreated fabrics (K/S = 4) dyed with Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.). The cotton fabrics treated with chitosan not only provide better depth of shade but also give better wash and light fastness than those of the untreated fabrics dyed with Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.)
Characterization of Fe, Ni, Pb Standard Solution using One-point Calibration Methods

Calibration of measurement systems using well-prepared calibration materials is an important means of making traceability in chemical measurements. Traceability is established through the use of measurement standards (such as certified reference materials) that are appropriate for each parameter. Pure substance certified reference materials such as elemental standard solutions are the most commonly used for calibration, called external calibrations using one, two or multiple standards. In this study, one-point calibration method has been applied for characterizing of Fe, Ni and Pb standard solutions. The results show that the concentration of the Fe, Ni and Pb standard solutions with their relative uncertainties were found to be 997.81 ± 6.34 mg/kg, 997.61 ± 8.10 mg/kg, 1004.29 ± 8.62 mg/kg, respectively.
Extraction and characterization of bio-based polymeric materials from traditional rice varieties in Sri Lanka

Introduction of sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives for petroleum chemical-based polymers have become one of the most challenging areas of research. Hence, this study addresses the issue by suggesting a more convenient approach to isolate a bio-based polymer cellulose using rice straw as the source of extraction. This study attempts to extract high purity cellulose from the most abundantly cultivated traditional rice varieties namely, Suwandel and Raththal. A three-step chemical purification process, namely dewaxing, delignification, hemicellulose and silica removal was used in this study. The accuracy of the extraction method was verified by utilizing Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Furthermore, a morphological study of extracted cellulose was conducted using scanning electron microscopy. Results showed that Suwandel and Raththal varieties could produce approximately 35% and 25% of cellulose yield, respectively. This study formulated a sustainable approach of replacing synthetic polymer materials with plant-based substance.
Pre-Surgical Assessment of Left Ventricular Function in High Risk Patients: The Use of Hand-Carried Cardiac Ultrasound by a Novel Operator

Pre-Surgical Assessment of Left Ventricular Function in High Risk Patients: The Use of Hand-Carried Cardiac Ultrasound by a Novel Operator Assessment of left ventricular (LV) function for evaluation of surgical risk in high risk patients relies on echocardiography studies that are expertise dependent and costly. We evaluated the accuracy of a briefly trained examiner to identify asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction (ALVD) utilizing a handcarried cardiac ultrasound (HCU) device as part of the first patient examination.
Association of cigarette smoking with serum microRNA expression among middle-aged Japanese adults

Objectives: Circulating micro (mi)RNA profiles are influenced by various medical conditions, and miRNAs have been examined as potential biomarkers for cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. However, few studies have investigated whether circulating miRNAs and cigarette smoking are correlated. Our aim was to determine the association between smoking status and expression of various miRNAs in a Japanese population sample. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 526 subjects (219 men and 307 women) aged 39 years and older who had undergone a health examination at a clinic in Yakumo, Hokkaido in August 2012. We used quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction to determine serum miRNA expression. We then calculated the odds ratios for elevated serum miRNA levels according to smoking status using never-smokers as the reference group. Results: Expression of lethal (let)-7d, miRNA(miR)-150, miR-192, miR-197 and miR320 was significantly higher in current smokers than in never-smokers. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that while current smokers were significantly more likely to have elevated serum levels of miRNA let-7d, miR-21, miR-122, miR-146, miR-150, miR-192, miR-197, and miR320 than never-smokers, former smokers had significantly higher odds of having elevated miR-1, miR146, miR-150, miR-195, and miR-320 levels in their sera. Conclusions: We found that cigarette smoking is associated with elevated expression of various serum miRNAs. Our results suggest that it is necessary to consider the confounding effect caused by smoking when evaluating expression of serum miRNAs for diagnosing pathological conditions.
Fabrication of mems-based electrothermal microactuators with additive manufacturing technologies

This study aimed to fabricate a bidirectional electrothermal microactuator that can be produced with the conventional micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) fabrication technique, using two-photon polymerization (2PP) and projection micro-stereolithography (PμSL) methods and to compare these methods with each other. The electrothermal microactuator that can move in two directions was designed in accordance with determined criteria. Although the same design was used for the 2PP and PμSL methods, the supporting structures were not produced with the PμSL method. For the PμSL method, the actuator was produced by removing the supports from the original design. Although 2-μm-diameter supports could be fabricated with the 2PP method, it was not possible to produce them with the PμSL method. Furthermore, the 2PP method was found to be better than the PμSL for the production of complex, non-symmetric support structures.
Structure and Tracer Kinetics-Driven Dynamic PET Reconstruction

Dynamic positron emission tomography (dPET) is a nuclear medical imaging technology that shows the changes in radioactivity over time. In this article, we propose a structure and tracer kinetics-constrained reconstruction framework for dPET imaging. Given the Poisson nature of PET imaging, we integrate the sparse penalty on a dual dictionary into a Poisson-likelihood estimator. Explicit anatomical constraints with a structural dictionary constructed from magnetic resonance or computed tomography images are employed to take advantage of the anatomical imaging modalities. In the kinetic dictionary, we treat tracer kinetics as random variables in a physiologically plausible range based on a compartmental model. We demonstrate the performance of our proposed framework with a direct simulated data set and real patient data.
Commentary of Researches on Sports Industry in China during 30-year Reform and Opening

By the ways of document consultation,logic analysis and expert interviews,through collecting all kinds of literature on Sports Industry in China during 30-year reform and opening,the paper sums up the main characteristics: multidimensional research perspective,research methods and the theory of cross-cutting,as well as the application of research findings.The paper analyzes the main problems: lack of systematic and depth of research methods,as well as the fundamental research is relatively weak.On this basis,it expounds tendency of research on sports industry in China: multidisciplinary integration of theory and research methods,the transfer of the key research areas,as well as to enhance the interaction between research and practice.
A High Efficiency Model-Based Adaptive Dead-Time Control Method for GaN HEMTs Considering Nonlinear Junction Capacitors in Triangular Current Mode Operation

Gallium nitride (GaN) high-electron-mobility transistor (HEMT) has the advantages of high switching speed and low ON-resistance, which make it widely used in high-frequency applications to realize high power density. Triangular current mode (TCM) modulation has been used in GaN-based converters to simultaneously achieve high power density and high efficiency through full-range zero voltage switching (ZVS). However, as switching frequency increases, the effect of dead time becomes more significant. Meanwhile, because of the junction capacitors of GaN HEMTs, the optimum dead time changes greatly with the turn-off current. Inappropriate dead time will induce extra loss that goes against the further improvement of power density. In order to minimize the dead-time loss in GaN HEMT-based TCM converter, this article proposes a strategy of adaptive dead-time control. An accurate turn-off transient model is proposed to calculate optimal dead time with consideration of the nonlinear capacitors. Based on this model, a loss model is established to evaluate the effect of dead time involving the short circuit in dead time. A new method of drive signal generation in TCM is proposed to increase the accuracy of dead-time control and reduce the current ripple. By reusing the detection signal in TCM, the adaptive dead-time control is realized without extra sensors. The proposed model is verified by a dual-pulse test, which shows the maximum error between the calculated and the experimental turn-off time is below 3 ns. The proposed adaptive dead-time control is implemented in a GaN HEMT-based boost converter. The experimental results show that the adaptive dead-time control can improve the efficiency over all operation conditions compared with using the fixed dead time, and the total loss is reduced by 26.7% at 800-W load and 70.8% at 50-W load.
On the Space Shuttle Wing Thermal-Structural Analysis

ON THE SPACE SHUTTLE WING THERMAL-STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS Kumar Krishna Tamma Old Dominion University, 1983 Director: Dr. Earl A. Thornton A f in ite element approach for e ff ic ie n t thermal-structural analysis of structures with thermal protection systems (TPS) is described. The approach is applied to Space Shuttle wing structure configurations subjected to reentry heating. New two and three-dimensional f in ite elements are developed to model heat transfer in the TPS and supporting structure. A typical TPS/Structural element predicts transient nonlinear temperature variations through the TPS thickness and detailed structural temperatures at the TPS/Structure interface. The accuracy of the TPS/Structure approach in two and three-dimensions is evaluated by comparisons with the conventional approach for various configurations of the wing structure. The results indicate that the approach predicts detailed structural temperature distributions with s ign ifican t reduction in model size and computer time. The approach offers potential for extension to more complex two and three-dimensional structures. Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission.
Experimental Investigation on Parametric Optimization of MIG welding process on Mild Steel E34 by using Taguchi Technique

: The MIG welding parameters are the most important factors affecting the quality, productivity and cost of welding in industries. This paper aims to study the effect of welding parameters such as welding current, flux and gas flow rate on penetration on MS E34 by using activated fluxes such as SiO 2 , ZnO and Al 2 O 3 . All the parameters are optimized by using L9 orthogonal array in MINITAB. Another statistical tool such as ANOVA is also used to determine the percentage contribution of these parameters and then a linear relationship is established between these parameters and the output by using Regression analysis.
Through Their Eyes: Exploring older adults’ experiences with an intergenerational project

Canada’s aging population and intergenerational programs’ ability to encourage active aging point to the need for further support and encouragement for these programs. The purpose of this case study was to explore and understand, from an insider’s perspective, the lived experiences of six older adults who participated in an intergenerational project – Through Their Eyes. Three questions guided this inquiry: What are the experiences of older adults participating in the Through Their Eyes project? How did this experience influence their well-being? How did this experience influence their relationship to their community? I conducted critical qualitative research using semi-structured individual interviews, a focus group, a knowledge translation workshop, observations and field notes. The qualitative data were analyzed using constant comparative and inductive analysis techniques. Analysis highlighted ‘opportunity’ as the central theme of the study. During a time in older adults’ lives when they are experiencing many losses, the Through Their Eyes project was an opportunity for gain. Specifically, the intergenerational project provided an opportunity for new relationships. There was a familial-type intimacy to the relationships older adults develop with students as participants’ often compared their student interviewers to their grandchildren. The Through Their Eyes project also offered a space and place for older adults to be heard regarding their community. Older adults wanted the information they provided for the project to help other aging adults in their community. Finally the intergenerational project added a joyful memory and experience for participants. When participants shared their thoughts on the Through Their Eyes project, it was clear that it was a joyful experience as all of them describe it as such. Findings illustrated that the Through Their Eyes project encouraged active aging and enhanced quality of life for participants by providing an opportunity for social participation and allowing them to remain active and engaged citizens. The Through Their Eyes project fostered social participation by establishing connections between generations, addressing social isolation and loneliness, and breaking down stereotypes and age barriers. The Through Their Eyes project allowed older adults to remain active and engaged citizens in their neighbourhoods by providing an important opportunity for reciprocity and a place for them to be listened to in regards to their community matters. Insights into practical implications based on the findings from this study and suggestions for future research in the area of intergenerational programs are identified. *
Alternative preparation methods of thin films for solid oxide fuel cells: review

ABSTRACT The preparation methods of thin films of solid oxide fuel cells are summarised and reviewed. Generally, SOFC is a high-efficiency energy conversion technology, which is in the face of the difficulties of operation temperature and thickness which can be solved by the methods mentioned in this paper. The specific features and examples of several chemical preparation methods, physical preparation methods, and ceramic powder processing methods are given and the excellences and defects of these are compared. The deposition methods are qualified for fabricating high-quality thin films, even if the cost is far more than the ceramic powder processing which is suitable for complex chemical compositions.
Uncertainty of Results in Nutritional Epidemiology

Interpreting epidemiologic studies of diet and health is often complex because it involves many methodological issues and sources of uncertainty. Pertinent examples are false-positive and false-negative results, that is, findings that erroneously indicate the presence or absence, respectively, of association. Our objective in this commentary is to help nutrition and other health professionals interpret epidemiological studies when faced with this task. Our aim is not to provide an exhaustive discussion of all the methodological nuances of nutritional epidemiology; rather, we focus on some of the salient factors when interpreting findings from dietary studies, and the role that uncertainty (namely, from false-positives) plays, using relevant examples from the past few decades.
BRIEF REPORT Body Composition and Adiponectin Serum Concentrations in Adult Patients with Cystic Fibrosis

Main Outcome Measures: Changes in body composition (assessed by dual x-ray absorptiometry) and serum adiponectin levels were measured. Results: Body mass index, percent fat mass (in percentage of body weight), and percent lean body mass were similar in patients and controls, whereas central fat accumulation was increased [trunk to extremity fat ratio 1.2 (0.99–1.51) vs. 0.99 (0.81–1.25), P 0.01] in patients with CF, compared with controls. Decreased lean mass and increased highly sensitive C-reactive protein levels were independently associated with worse lung function in CF patients. Despite similar insulin resistance (homeostasis model assessment) and similar SHBG serum concentrations, the serum concentrations of adiponectin were higher in CF patients, compared with controls, independent of other confounders (P 0.01).
Fruit farm business summary, Lake Ontario Region New York, 2008.

This report is a summary of 2008 farm business data collected from 25 fruit farm businesses located in western New York State. Apples are the predominant fruit crop. The data are presented as averages for all 25 farms. The business analysis includes a balance sheet, income statement, cash flow statement, and several financial and production analyses for the farms. Also included are blank columns for the user to enter his or her own farm data for comparison purposes.