Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mechanical, dielectric, and rheological properties of poly(arylene ether nitrile)–reinforced poly(vinylidene fluoride)

In this study, poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and poly(arylene ether nitrile) (PEN) polymer alloys with different mass ratios were prepared by solution casting method. The morphological, thermal, dielectric, mechanical, and rheological properties of the obtained polymer alloys were systematically studied. Scanning electron microscopic images showed that the polymer alloys exhibited two-phase system with PEN dispersed in PVDF matrix, which was consistent with the Cole–Cole plots obtained from rheological study. With the introduction of PEN, the crystallinity of the alloys decreased obviously, the dielectric properties of the alloys were stable before the melting temperature. When the content of PEN increased to 7 wt%, both the tensile strength and elastic modulus reached the maximum values (35.1 MPa and 1545.3 MPa), with an increment of 24% and 31% compared with those of PVDF, respectively. Rheological studies showed that the addition of PEN could obviously broaden the linear viscoelastic region of PVDF. Furthermore, the complex viscosities and storage modulus of polymer alloys increased obviously with the addition of PEN.
A Model for Evaluating the Quality of the Configuration Management Process in the Energy Sector

The paper describes the main components that ensure the effectiveness of evaluating the quality characteristics of the configuration management process in the energy sector. It also describes the results of this assessment, and how to apply the results of the assessment. The results of the assessment can be used to improve the configuration management process in energy companies, thereby identifying and managing the risks associated with the process implementation.
PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL RESPONSES OF WHEAT (TRITICUM AESTIVUM L.) PLANTS TO POLYAMINES UNDER LEAD STRESS

Objective: The distribution, growth, development and productivity of wheat plants are greatly affected by various abiotic stresses such as lead (Pb) stress which become one of the most abundant toxic metal in the earth crust. Under the three applied polyamine (PAs) applications, the efficiency of wheat plants to tolerate Pb2+ stress in terms of growth and yield characteristics was noticed to varying degrees. Methods: The current study focused on the impact of 2.0 mM lead (Pb2+) on growth and performance of wheat plants before and after PAs applications. The sterilized seeds were soaked for 8 h at room temperature, either in distilled water (as a control), 0.25 mM spermine (Spm), 0.50 mM spermidine (Spd), or in 1.0 mM putrescine (Put). Results: Point out that, better growth and yield characteristics, chlorophyll “a” (Chl-a), chlorophyll “b” (Chl-b), soluble sugars, indoles, and enzymatic antioxidants (i.e., peroxidase (POX), catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, ascorbate oxidase, polyphenol oxidase, and glutathione reductase) and the enzyme α-amylase contents were obtained with seed soaking in 0.25 mM Spm, 0.50 mM Spd, or 1.0 mM Put than those generated with seed soaking in water under 2.0 mM Pb2+ stress. In contrast, the concentration of endogenous Pb2+ was significantly reduced. Conclusion: Among all tested PAs, 1.0 mM Put showed the best results and thus is recommended, as seed soaking, for wheat to grow well under Pb2+ stress.
REVIEW OF THE MULTI-OBJECTIVE SWARM INTELLIGENCE OPTIMIZATION ALGORITHMS

Multi-objective swarm intelligence (MOSI) metaheuristics were proposed to solve multi-objective optimization problems (MOPs) that consists of two or more conflict objectives, in which improving an objective leads to the degradation of the other. The MOSI algorithms are based on the integration of single objective algorithms and multi-objective optimization (MOO) approach. The MOO approaches include scalarization, Pareto dominance, decomposition and indicator-based. In this paper, the status of MOO research and state-of-the-art MOSI algorithms namely, multi-objective particle swarm, artificial bee colony, firefly algorithm, bat algorithm, gravitational search algorithm, grey wolf optimizer, bacterial foraging and moth-flame optimization algorithms have been reviewed. These reviewed algorithms were mainly developed to solve continuous MOPs. The review is based on how the algorithms deal with objective functions using MOO approaches, the benchmark MOPs used in the evaluation and performance metrics. Furthermore, it describes the advantages and disadvantages of each MOO approach and provides some possible future research directions in this area. The results show that several MOO approaches have not been used in most of the proposed MOSI algorithms. Integrating other different MOO approaches may help in developing more effective optimization algorithms, especially in solving complex MOPs. Furthermore, most of the MOSI algorithms have been evaluated using MOPs with two objectives, which clarifies open issues in this research area.
Institutional constraints on ‘nudge-style’ risk rating systems: explaining why food hygiene barometers were rolled-out in the UK but abandoned in Germany

Abstract This article advances international comparative regulatory scholarship on the implementation of nudge-style risk rating systems that are used to empower the public to make ‘right’ choices for their health, safety or security and help shape regulatee behaviour. Little attention, however, has been paid to the policy question of the extent to which the international introduction of such approaches and the form that they take, is dependent on the institutional contexts of regulation in different countries. Drawing on 55 key informant interviews and extensive policy document analysis, we examine starkly contrasting attempts to introduce ‘food hygiene barometers’ in the UK and Germany, having been successfully introduced in the former, but abandoned in the latter. This outcome can partly be explained by the stronger sectoral organisation of food businesses and the number of policy veto points they can exploit in Germany compared to the UK. More significantly, however, the study identifies strong institutional contrasts between the two countries; both in the way they balance rights to consumer information, public health and economic activity as well as the extent to which ideas of consumer sovereignty can be instrumentalised for regulatory purposes. The article concludes by pointing to how the form, purposes or even the very possibility of nudge-style public policy interventions are likely to vary from country to country, depending on their fit with the conceits and character of nationally-specific regulatory philosophies, constitutional and legal norms, and juridical ideas about consumer sovereignty.
Exploiting the Interplay Between Bi-Modal Molecular Weight Distribution in Polystyrene and Humidity to Induce Self-Assembly of Biomimetic Micropillars/honeycomb Morphology in Thin Polymer Film

Segregation of polymer chains of different molecular weights is a well-known process. A traditional experimental approach of studying phase segregation of thin films composed of polymer blends with identical chemical compositions but different molecular weights, was focused on functionalization of chemical group or modification of end-group. In this study however, a different approach was proposed, in which polystyrene with a bimodal molecular weight distribution but no additional chemical modification was implemented in order to examine and analyze its phase segregation. It was found that by choosing right molecular weight distribution it is possible to obtain controlled phase separation at short time interval and at microscale. By doing this, we have presented an easy, fast, effective and fully controlled method of obtaining biomimetic micropillar/honeycomb morphologies. In addition, the evaporation rate during spin-coating and the viscosity of a solution with a bimodal molecular weight distribution was studied.
The Effect of Elevation Angle on Bearing Estimation for Array Beamforming in Shallow Water

Estimating the target direction of arrival is an important function of sonar, and is carried out commonly using beamforming. Conventional beamforming (CBF) has been used for target bearing estimation based on the direction of arrival of incoming signals but it suffers from fat beams and high-level sidelobes. Deconvolved conventional beamforming can achieve super directionality as a high-resolution beamformer and at the same time retains the robustness of conventional beamforming. When a signal arrives in near endfire directions of a horizontal line array (HLA) or slightly curved HLA, the signal energy may appear in split beams causing errors of bearing estimation. This has been observed in experimental data on a curved HLA, the north HLA, deployed during the SWellEx96 experiment. Beamforming the simulated data on this array in both azimuth and vertical angle domain, we show that both bearing and vertical angles can be well estimated using the deconvolved CBF approach. The observed target bearing wondering in near endfire directions in conventional bearing only beamforming (the split beam problem) is due to the periodically oscillating vertical angle as the source range changes. It shows that elevation angles of the multipath arrival can seriously affect the bearing estimation of a HLA in near endfire directions.
Coupled Level-Set and Volume of Fluid (CLSVOF) Solver for Air Lubrication Method of a Flat Plate

With the implementation of the energy efficiency design index (EEDI) by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the goal of which is to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, interest in energy saving devices (ESDs) is increasing. Among such ESDs are air lubrication methods, which reduce the frictional drag of ships by supplying air to the hull surface. This is one of the efficient approaches to reducing a ship’s operating costs and making it environmentally friendly. In this study, the air lubrication method on a flat plate was studied using computational fluid mechanics (CFD). OpenFOAM, the open-source CFD platform, was used. The coupled level-set and volume of fluid (CLSVOF) solver, which combines the advantages of the level-set method and the volume of fluid method, was used to accurately predict the air and water interface. Rayleigh–Taylor instability was simulated to verify the CLSVOF solver. The frictional drag reduction achieved by the air lubrication of the flat plate at various injected airflow rates was studied, and compared with experimental results. The characteristics of the air and water interface and the main factors affecting the cavity formation were also investigated.
The Cross-Sector Collaboration for Development Policy of Rural Creative Economy: The Case of Bengkoang Creative Hub

This paper examines a cross-sector collaborative model for development policy in a creative economy in a rural area setting. The creative economy based on the village’s creative potential is considered capable of contributing to the national economy, but it should be supported by public policies that are adaptive to the potential and needs of creative economy actors. The paper used a qualitative approach with case studies in Banyumas Regency, Central Java, Indonesia. This village represents one of the leading creative economy subsectors in Indonesia, which is culinary. The study found that collaboration among Penta Helix forces played multiple roles in driving rural creative actors and building rural creative ecosystems. The stages of collaboration were identified in strengthening organizational structure, program implementation, and organizational consolidation. Organizational capability and innovation have been growing in rural creative economy actors during cross-sector collaboration implementation. This study provides insights into how Penta Helix collaborates with rural creative actors to promote the rural creative economy. From a public policy perspective, this study fills a significant gap in the literature regarding rural development models that are not covered much in the creative economy policy.
Interactions between densely grafted molten polymer brushes: Scaling theories versus molecular simulations

Using molecular dynamics simulations and scaling arguments, we analyzed the interactions between two identical molten polymer brushes intermediately and strongly compressed towards each other at melt conditions. The width of the overlap region, in which monomers of the linear chains composing the two brushes interact, increases as the polymer-grafted surfaces are brought closer. If two-brush coated surfaces are as close as the characteristics size of the grafted chains, the overlap region is directly controlled by intersurface distance. At intermediate compression, the width of the overlap region scales with the end-to-end size of chain sections within the overlap region. This result is consistent with the scaling regimes in the literature. As the intersurface distance is decreased, the number fraction of chains (chains with their free ends in the overlap region) decreases with a power law. Our results could be useful for studies on tribological behavior of polymer-grafted surfaces as well as for the self-assembly of polymer coated colloids.
The Relevance of E-Module Based on Problem Based Learning in the Era of the Industrial Revolution 4.0

This study aims to test the socio-cognitive theory by implementing e-module economic learning based on problem-based learning to improve student learning outcomes. The design used in this study was a quasi-experimental design with a pretest - posttest control group design model. In this study, collecting data with documentation, observation, and tests were then analyzed using an independent sample T-test. The results showed that the application of the e-module affected student learning outcomes. The significant increase in student learning outcomes in the experimental class is shown using e-module economic learning based on problem-based learning and statistical testing. These findings confirm that problem-based learning through the e-module can improve student learning behavior with the learning model's syntax. Therefore, it is necessary to apply e-modules to be used in the learning process following technological development in the industrial era 4.0.
Small for Gestational Age in Late Preterm Deliveries - The Impact of Antenatal Corticosteroids on Perinatal Outcome

Purpose The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) on late preterm small for gestational age neonates. Methods A retrospective cohort study of all women, carrying a singleton gestation, who had late preterm delivery (34 + 0–36 + 6, gestational weeks) of small for gestational age neonates, in a single, tertiary, university-affiliated medical center (July 2012- December 2017). Exclusion criteria included: birth weight above the 10th percentile, termination of pregnancy and intrauterine fetal death. Outcomes were compared between those who were treated with ACS prior to delivery and those who did not receive ACS. The primary outcome was neonatal composite outcome which included: neonatal intensive care unit admission, respiratory distress syndrome, mechanical ventilation and transient tachypnea of the newborn. Results Overall, 228 women met inclusion criteria.102 (44.7%) received ACS and 126 did not (55.3%). Birth weight among non-ACS group was significantly higher (1880.38 ± 171.54 vs 1774.84 ± 229.15 grams p < 0.001). Rates of NICU and Jaundice requiring phototherapy were higher among the ACS group (53.92% vs 31.74%, p = 0.01 and 12.74% vs 5.55%, p = 0.05, respectively). Composite neonatal outcome was significantly higher among the ACS group (53.92% vs 32.53%, OR 2.42, CI 1.41–4.15, p = 0.01). After adjustment for potential confounders, using multivariate regression analysis this association remained significant (OR 2.38, 95% CI 1.39–4.10, p = 0.002). Conclusion Our findings suggest that ACS delivered during pregnancy did not improve respiratory adverse outcome for SGA neonates born in late preterm. ACS in this specific cohort might be associated with worse outcome than those not treated with ACS.
Culture of Corruption: Prosecutions, Persistence, and Desistence

Public corruption appears ubiquitous and increasing in the last few decades, according to public opinion polls. Trials and convictions of public officials usually receive extensive media attention. It is expected that high profile convictions would reduce corruption in an area as it puts individuals on notice about such behavior. Selected US Attorneys’ offices appear to account for the majority of public corruption convictions. This study examines the public corruption conviction rate for all 94 US Attorneys’ offices in the US. Using 52 interviews with community stakeholders, former public officials, former prosecutors, and investigators, the nature of corrupt environments is examined to find aspects of a jurisdiction that encourage or inhibit corrupt behaviors. According to interviews, local history and culture, leadership and contagion, and watchdog/oversight activity impact the culture of corruption. Leadership is a double-edged sword. Leadership can both encourage corruption and curb it. Prosecutions may serve a purpose to hold corrupt officials accountable; it does not stem the tide of corrupt cultures.
The Impact of Special Access Programs (SAP) on Prescribing Patterns in Metastatic Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer (mCRPC)

Background: Special access programs provide physicians in Canada access to new drugs before they are publicly funded, but little is known about how they impact prescribing practices. For men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer post-docetaxel chemotherapy, a special access program for enzalutamide was open from June-December 2013. To better understand how this impacted prescribing practices, we surveyed medical oncologists at our institution. Methods: All four genitourinary medical oncologists at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre completed an anonymous paper or electronic survey for each patient enrolled. The survey consisted of seven multiple-choice questions (with free text option) asking about disease characteristics, prior treatments, and reasons for prescribing enzalutamide. Results: Surveys were completed on all 155 patients; 92% (142/155) had metastatic disease, with 20% (28/142) having visceral disease; 8% (13/155) had non-metastatic disease; and the majority (92%) had progressive disease. All patients were on androgen deprivation therapy, 60% had prior prednisone, 30% had prior abiraterone, and 34% had prior docetaxel. Most (50%) used enzalutamide because it was supported by available data; 35% reported free drug was the motivating factor; 10% indicated their patients were unfit for chemotherapy; and in 5%, all other options were exhausted. Over half reported feeling enzalutamide was the appropriate treatment option for their patient at that time. Conclusions: During the special access program, most patients received enzalutamide in settings supported by available evidence. A minority did, however, received enzalutamide outside of the formally studied setting, suggesting that funding and accessibility can impact prescribing practices.
Invasive home mechanical ventilation (I-HMV) experience at a palliative care center

Aim: Although palliative care has recently become widespreadin the western countries, it has not fitted on a solid base in our country yet. There is still no consensus on the admission criteria to palliative care units. There is no widely used guidelines for the management of the patients after invasive home mechanical ventilation (I-HMV). In this study, we aimed to share our one-year clinical experience about the patients who were transferred from intensive care unit (ICU) first to palliative care center then home with I-HMV. The demographic and clinical data, education and discharge processes were evaluated. Materials and Methods: The cases that used HMV used in the palliative care service between July 2016 and September 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. The anesthesiologist was the responsible physician of the palliative care center during this time period. The age, sex, primary diagnosis and comorbidity of the patients were analyzed using statistical methods. Results: Four patients (40%) were female and 6 (60%) were male, the mean age of thepatients was 47,9 ± 16,39 years. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) was seen in 4 patients and it was the most commonly encountered indication for admission. The mean duration of stay in our palliative care unit was 19,1±7,22days. The mean hospital stay was 19,1 days; the longest hospitalization was 32 days and the shortest hospitalization was 9 days. Only 30% of the patients have chronical disease Two (20%) patients had history of hypertension (HT), one (10%) patient had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Conclusion: The management of the critically ill patients with well coordination of intensive care units and palliative care centers is a critical step to improve the quality of life scores for patients were on I-HMV.
Exploring the physical and psychosocial experience of Immersion Therapy for people living with a disability

Background: Immersion Therapy (IT), is an underwater experience using self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) equipment for individuals with disabilities. The aim of this study was to produce a descriptive overview of IT and explore measures used to capture physical and psychosocial experiences. Methods: Six participants, two females and four males aged 24-54, with a range of disabilities were recruited. A single session was filmed and analysed, with a selection of outcome measures explored during and post session. Results: A typical session of IT involves both active and inactive time, with a range of observed activities. All participants showed an increase in heart rate, rating of perceived exertion, and affect, however, these results varied. IT is described as ‘fun, challenging and social’, with participants expressing they enjoy the freedom and experience. The overall perception and experience of the activity tends to be positive. Conclusions: More research is required to determine if IT has significant effects on physical and psychosocial outcomes.
A Novel attack detection and encryption Framework for Distributed Cloud Computing

: Cloud Computing has advanced as another worldview in which clients can use on-request services, as indicated by their necessities. Nonetheless, security concerns are essential obstructions to a more extensive reception of clouds. Recently conceived ideas that clouds presented, for example, multitenancy, asset sharing and redistributing, make new difficulties for the security research. DDoS (Distributed Denial of service) attack is the greatest danger to the cloud since it influences the availability of services. The objective of this exploration is to build up a security service calculation that lessen the time intricacy, increment the security level and improves the presentation in different factors. The presentation consequence of this proposed calculation is investigated by contrasting it and other existing cryptographic calculations. This exploration work centers primarily around plan a data security calculation to decrease the encryption and decoding time and attack discovery in cloud environment. A progression of investigations were performed and the outcomes exhibit that this methodology can effectively recognize and relieve DDoS attacks from an assortment of known and obscure sources. The Optimised results like accuracy, precision and recall produced by KNN(k=4) compare with other models for this research work. This model has given the optimal solutions.