Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of Lapsed Policies in Life Insurance Industries of Nepal

Growth and competition are rapidly rising in life insurance sector. Companies have challenge to stay in the market and earn profit as well as build trust among the end users. In this context, companies have to expand business by selling more life insurance policies. However, only selling new policies might not be the solution to increase profit. Thus, company needs to ensure minimum to zero lapse rates for the sustainable growth of the company. This study investigated the impact of lapse rate and revival rate on net worth, profitability, life fund, and total premium income of life insurance industries in Nepal over the period 2010-2019. The study employed Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) for empirical estimation. The empirical results showed the lapse rate, profitability, revival rate and surrender rate of 23.91%, 2.64%, 88.82% and 3.83%, respectively in the life insurance industries in Nepal during the 10 years’ period. The lapse rate was significantly negatively correlated with life fund and the total premium income with the–model coefficients of 0.1474065 and -0.19244, respectively. Moreover, the empirical estimation showed a significant positive correlation between lapse rate and profitability. This might be because high lapse rate lowers the provision of unexpired risk and life fund resulting in higher amount of profitability. The revival rate was significantly positively correlated with the profitability. This might be because higher revival rate increases the renewal income of a company, resulting in more funds available for investment thereby bringing positive cash inflow for the company. However, the revival rate did not show any significant association with net worth, life fund and total premium income.
Top-Seeded Solution Growth and Properties of K1–xNaxNbO3 Crystals

A series of large-sized (maximum 16 × 16 × 20 mm3), high-quality K1–xNaxNbO3 (x = 0.118, 0.378, 0.462, 0.545, and 0.666) single crystals were successfully cultivated using the top-seeded solution growth method. The crystallization and structures of the K1–xNaxNbO3 single crystals were studied using first-principles calculations and X-ray diffraction, respectively. The segregation of the K1–xNaxNbO3 single crystals was investigated, which enabled precise control of the individual components of the crystals during growth. Excellent properties were obtained without annealing, including a low dielectric loss (minimum 0.2%), a saturated hysteresis loop with a low coercive field Ec, a large piezoelectric coefficient d33 (d33 = 161 pC/N when x = 0.378), and a low leakage current density J (10–6 A/cm2). These results indicated that the K1–xNaxNbO3 (x = 0.118, 0.378, 0.462, 0.545, and 0.666) crystals can be used as a high-quality, lead-free piezoelectric material.
Transição Agroecológica e o papel da Extensão Rural

Este texto situa o papel da extensão rural no marco de novas iniciativas de desenvolvimento rural que devem ser orientadas pelo imperativo socioambiental. Destaca-se que os processos de transição agroecológica devem sustentar-se nos conceitos e princípios da Agroecologia, razão pela qual buscou-se trazer uma aproximação a esses conceitos, bem como sobre as abordagens que tratam dos níveis de transição que devem orientar as ações dos extensionistas, agricultores ou consumidores envolvidos em processos. Neste sentido, considera-se que os processos de transição agroecológica requerem o apoio de uma Extensão Rural Agroecológica, que supere o modelo difusionista clássico do extensionismo rural e no qual o extensionista além do seu papel como técnico deve atuar como um facilitador. Ademais, sugere-se um conjunto de etapas da transição agroecológica, que vão da dimensão pessoal às dimensões meso e macrossocial, de modo que, na medida em que avança, o processo de transição se torna mais complexo, pois, a cada etapa correspondem novas propriedades emergentes. Portanto, a transição agroecológica não se confunde com a conversão para sistemas orgânicos pela simples substituição de insumos. O objetivo deste artigo é, justamente, refletir sobre a complexidade dos processos de transição agroecológica e sobre o papel que pode desempenhar a extensão rural.
Optical Properties and Persistent Spectral Hole Burning of Near Infrared-Absorbing Hollow Gold Nanospheres

We report on the characteristics and mechanism of persistent spectral hole burning of hollow gold nanospheres (HGNs) with near IR (NIR) surface plasmon resonance (SPR) absorption induced by femtosecond (fs) laser pulses. The HGNs were exposed to pulsed laser light at 810 nm, on resonance with their absorption band, at various laser powers while the total photon flux incident on the samples was kept constant. Depletion of HGNs responsible for 830 nm absorption was observed while simultaneous growth of bluer-absorbing HGNs, solid gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), or a mixture thereof was observed. This occurred only with fs pulsed laser irradiation and did not occur with continuous wave (CW) laser irradiation. Based on combined UV−vis spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy data, the mechanism behind the persistent hole burning with fs laser irradiation is proposed to involve two possible processes: (i) conversion of NIR-absorbing HGNs to bluer-absorbing HGNs, and (ii) breakdown of NIR-absorbing HGNs in.
Preparation and Application of Fe(III) Doped Titania Photocatalyst with Hollow Structure

The Fe3+ doped titania (TiO2) photocatalyst with hollow structure was synthesized by sol–gel template method followed by calcation at certain temperature for template removal. The as-prepared Fex-TiO2 photocatalysts were characterized by transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). The photocatalytic performances and kinetics of the Fex-TiO2 photocatalysts with hollow structure were evaluated by photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) under UV light irradiation. The results showed that the hollow tube structures TiO2 catalysts, which had an average external diameter of 1.5 μm, were composed of numerous TiO2 nanoparticles. The photocatalytic degradation experiments indicated that the sample of 0.03% Fe/Ti molar ratio shows the best photocatalytic ability. The effect of initial dye concentration and catalyst dosages on the photocatalytic activity were studied respectively and the obtained results were fitted with Langmuir–Hinshelwood model.The kinetic parameters were discussed and syudied according to the experiment results in detail.
Effects of fluid and melt density and structure on high-pressure and high-temperature experimental studies of hydrogen isotope partitioning between coexisting melt and aqueous fluid

Abstract Hydrogen isotope partitioning (as H2O and D2O) between silicate-saturated aqueous fluid and water-saturated aluminosilicate melt has been determined with vibrational spectroscopy (Raman and infrared) in situ with the samples at high temperature and pressure by using a hydrothermal diamondanvil cell (HDAC) for sample containment. To assess the effects of pressure and, therefore, different silicate speciation in fluids and melts, on the D/H partitioning behavior, two pressure/temperature experimental trajectories (450-800 °C/155-754 MPa, and 450-800 °C/562-1271 MPa) were used. In these temperature and pressure ranges, the fluid/melt partition coefficients are temperature (and pressure) dependent with the average enthalpy change, △H = -6.6 ± 15 kJ/mol and -10.3 ± 1.1 kJ/mol for H2O and D2O, respectively. The △H-values for the lower-pressure trajectory (and, therefore, lower fluid density) were 15-20% higher than for the higher-pressure (and higher fluid density) trajectory. The (D/H) ratios of fluids and melts, (D/H)fluid and (D/H)melt, are also temperature dependent with a small negative DH for (D/H)fluid (average: -2.4 ± 0.8 kJ/mol) and a positive △H-value for (D/H)melt (2.3 ± 1.4 kJ/mol). The (D,H) exchange equilibrium between fluid and melt is also temperature (and pressure) dependent so that for the low-density P/T trajectory, the △H = -4.2 ± 0.6 kJ/mol, whereas for the higher-density trajectory, △H = -5.4 ± 0.7 kJ/mol. The difference between the H2O and D2O fluid/melt partition coefficients and the temperature- and pressure-dependent D/H fractionation behavior in and between hydrous silicate melts and silicate-saturated aqueous fluid in part is because pressure increases with increasing temperature in the HDAC experiments and the volume difference between fluid and melt differ for H2O and D2O. In addition, the silicate speciation in fluids and melts are temperature and pressure dependent, which also leads to significantly temperature- and pressuredependent D/H fractionation within and between silicate melts and fluids at high temperature and pressure. In the Earth’s deep crust and upper mantle, hydrogen isotope partitioning between condensed phases and aqueous fluid can differ substantially from that between condensed phases and pure H2O because the aqueous fluid in the Earth’s interior is a concentrated silicate solution wherein the silicate speciation affects the isotope partitioning.
SEEBECK-LIKE EFFECT IN SARS-COV-2 BIO-THERMODYNAMICS

The new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, relies on a pH decrease to infect the target cell and replicate its RNA This leads to a change in the electric potential of the cell's membrane which in turn alters cell functions Therapeutic intervention should therefore assist these cells in maintaining their natural electric membrane potential so that they can manage normal fluxes of heat and ions which are essential for survival Results from our thermodynamic approach suggest to employ anti-SARS-CoV-2 therapeutic strategies that are capable to vary the Gibbs function, related to pH-dependent viral glycoproteins Our approach lends theoretical credence to the potential benefit of using as starting points drugs such as chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, while not minimizing their controversial risk profile as described recently in several COVID-19 clinical studies
Indian vaccine decision-makers’ conceptualization and fostering of ‘community engagement’: A qualitative analysis of elite interviews

Background: Vaccination literature highlights programmatic and ethical pertinence of ‘community engagement’ in ensuring efficacious vaccines becoming effective vaccinations. However, lack of consensual definition of community engagement, recurring evidence of community backlashes especially during vaccine introductions, and paucity of literature on community engagement’s effectiveness in achieving vaccination outcomes is problematic because assuming a shared understanding of community engagement will only lead to erroneous assumptions about its value, or lack thereof. This study examines conceptualization of community engagement by vaccine decisionmakers in India and efforts to foster it during the Decade of Vaccines.Methods: Elite interviews were carried out (December 2017 to February 2018) with 25 national-level vaccine decisionmakers in India. Study participants included policymakers, immunization program heads, and vaccine technical committee leads representing Government, international non-profits, and donors. Using Schutz’ Social Phenomenological theory, an a priori framework guided coding decisionmakers’ conceptualizations of ‘communities’, ‘community engagement’, and fostering the same. NVivo12 was used for data analysis placing exemplar community engagement interventions on a low to high spectrum. Findings were validated in a one-day member check-in meeting with study participants and teams. Results: Barring themselves, decisionmakers defined ‘communities’ as vaccine-eligible children, their parents, frontline healthcare workers, and vaccination influencers namely- religious leaders, and members of local youth clubs and non-profits. ‘Community engagement’ was variously defined as vaccine outreach, capacity-building of healthcare workers, and information dissemination to guardians of vaccine-eligible children. There was no explicit policy guideline defining community engagement, and no metrics assessing its effectiveness in vaccination uptake. Participants agreed that ‘community engagement’ though evolving is a complex and under-researched area. Community engagement spectrum exemplified seven intersecting layers, with ‘low’ as ‘vaccine impositions’, and ‘high’ as ‘community’s vaccination decision-making’. Participants in the member check-in meeting proposed an operational definition of community engagement and discussed gaps/concerns related to defining/implementing it.Conclusions: It is critical to build-in the operational definition of community engagement in vaccine guidelines, develop its performance and outcome indicators, and advocate their incorporation in immunization surveillance instruments in India. Acknowledging relational gains of community engagement is pertinent to improve vaccination outcomes in India and is relevant for consideration by other countries too.
Knowledge Resources Informing Lighting Design Practice in Egyptian TV and Film Industry

This study investigated the knowledge resources informing television and film lighting design practice in Egypt and the value of suggesting scientific recommendations to be followed. A questionnaire was circulated among a considerable number of professional lighting designers, lighting directors, directors of photography and cameramen working in the Egyptian media industry. Most of those addressed by the survey indicated that their main knowledge resource during their work is likely to be their own past experience. Very few of them depend on the recommendations of scientific research. Moreover, critical analysis of the collected data showed that there is limited academic research in the discipline of lighting design available for Egyptian television and film practitioners to benefit from. It was concluded that the discipline of lighting design needs more scientific research to establish a database of findings, theories and paradigms just as any other design discipline.
Construção e Estrutura Fatorial de uma Escala de Polidez Infantil

– Construction and Factorial Structure of an Infant Politeness Scale The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate psychometric parameters of the child, parent and teacher versions of the Escala de Polidez Infantil (EPI – Infant Politeness Scale). Initially, the development and evaluation of the understanding of the EPI items was presented. Next, the validity of these versions was investigated through their factorial structures. In this stage, 146 children (74 boys) with a mean of 8.99 years of age ( SD =1.46) and 4.10 years of study ( SD =1.36) participated. The parents (136 mothers and 88 fathers) and the teachers ( n =22) of these children also responded. In the exploratory factor analysis the most adequate solution for the three versions contained two factors (moral politeness and conventional politeness). The parent and teacher versions presented more adequate fit and omega reliability indices, while the child version will need adjustments. The scale presents a viable alternative for measuring the politeness precursor of moral behavior.
Latent structure evidence of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales - Short Form

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales - Short Form in a Brazilian sample. The instrument was answered online by 250 university students. The following models were tested through Confirmatory Factor Analysis: one-dimensional, three oblique factors, hierarchical, and bifactor. The estimated indices showed a better adjustment for a bifactor model composed of three specific factors and one global factor. Additional statistical analysis, such as explained common variance and omega hierarchical estimates, indicated that the measure is predominantly one-dimensional. The results also indicated evidence of convergent validity (Average Extracted Variance between 0.48 and 0.60), internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha between 0.87 and 0.94) and temporal reliability of the instrument (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient between 0.64 and 0.74).
A quantitative analysis of trends in agricultural and food global value chains (GVCs)

Over the last decade, an increasing international fragmentation of production has affected both trade and production: these activities have become increasingly organized around what is commonly referred to as global value chains (GVCs). Increased fragmentation has brought with it challenges of tracing and measuring international divisions of labour, value added and so forth. In fact, conventional measures of trade only measure the gross value of exchanges between partners. They are not able to reveal how foreign producers, upstream in the value chain, are connected to final consumers at the end of the value chain. The aim of this paper is to use a globally consistent set of country-level data on GVC participation and positioning in the agri-food sectors to distil global and regional trends in GVC participation between 1995 and 2015. It also focuses in on five selected countries – Brazil, Germany, Ghana, Nepal and Viet Nam – to illustrate how country-specific characteristics affect GVC participation trends as well as identify major differences across countries. This is the first time such a detailed trend analysis has been carried out for the agricultural and food sectors, with near-universal regional coverage, and covering two decades. The authors suggest that the inter-temporal and cross-country trends identified in this paper can contribute to derive insights into development pathways for low- and middle-income countries, as well as identify how key characteristics of countries will affect the way it uses international trade to boost domestic agricultural productivity growth.
Intersystem Crossing of 2-Methlypyrazine Studied by Femtosecond Photoelectron Imaging

2-methylpyrazine was excited to the high vibrational dynamics of the S1 state with 260 nm femtosecond laser light, and the evolution of the excited state was probed with 400 nm light. Because it was unstable, the S1 state decayed via intersystem crossing to the triplet state T1, and it may have decayed to the ground state S0 via internal conversion. S1-to-T1 intersystem crossing was observed by combining time-resolved mass spectrometry and time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy. The crossover time scale was 23 ps. Rydberg states were identified, and the photoelectron spectral and angular distributions indicated accidental resonances of the S1 and T1 states with the 3s and 3p Rydberg states, respectively, during ionization.
Mitochondrial accumulation of Apurinic/Apyrimidinic Endonuclease 1 protein in early stages of hepatocellular carcinoma enhances mtDNA repair rate, contributing to cell proliferation and mitochondrial functionality.

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the leading cause of primary liver cancers. Surveillance of individuals at specific risk of developing HCC, early diagnostic markers, and new therapeutic approaches are essential to obtain a reduction in disease-related mortality. Apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1) expression levels and its cytoplasmic localization have been reported to correlate with a lower degree of differentiation and shorter survival rate. The aim of this study is to fully investigate, for the first time, the role of the mitochondrial form of APE1 in HCC.Methods: As a study model, we analyzed samples from a cohort of patients diagnosed with HCC who underwent surgical resection. Mitochondrial APE1 content, expression levels of the mitochondrial import protein Mia40, and mtDNA damage of tumor tissue and distal non-tumor liver of each patient were analyzed. In parallel, we generated a stable HeLa clone for inducible silencing of endogenous APE1 and re-expression of the recombinant shRNA resistant mitochondrially targeted APE1 form (MTS-APE1). We evaluated mtDNA damage, cell growth, and mitochondrial respiration.Results: APE1’s cytoplasmic positivity in Grades 1 and 2 HCC patients showed a significantly higher expression of mitochondrial APE1, which accounted for lower levels of mtDNA damage observed in the tumor tissue with respect to the distal area. In the contrast, the cytoplasmic positivity in Grade 3 was not associated with APE1’s mitochondrial accumulation even when accounting for the higher number of mtDNA lesions measured. Loss of APE1 expression negatively affected mitochondrial respiration, cell viability, and proliferation as well as levels of mtDNA damage. Remarkably, the phenotype was efficiently rescued in MTS-APE1 clone, where APE1 is present only within the mitochondrial matrix.Conclusions: Our study confirms the prominent role of the mitochondrial form of APE1 in the early stages of HCC development and the relevance of the non-nuclear fraction of APE1 in the disease progression. We have also confirmed overexpression of Mia40 and the role of the MIA pathway in the APE1 import process. Based on our data, inhibition of the APE1 transport by blocking the MIA pathway could represent a new therapeutic approach for reducing mitochondrial metabolism by preventing the efficient repair of mtDNA.
Optimal surgical procedures for traumatic blunt duodenal injury: A single-center experience

Background: Blunt traumatic injury of the duodenum is relatively rare, but it is known that early diagnosis and treatment are essential to increase survivability. A variety of ideas have been put forth regarding optimal management of blunt duodenal injury, but more information from outcomes of completed procedures by experienced surgeons needs to be reported to facilitate the improvement of guidelines and patient care. In this study, we review results from our hospital and share what has been learned from our experience in the management of blunt traumatic injury of the duodenum. Methods: A retrospective chart review of 19 patients with blunt duodenal injuries who were treated in a single institution from 1990 to 2018 was conducted. Cases of intramural hematoma of the duodenum were excluded. Results: Fifteen (58%) individuals had been involved in motor vehicle accidents. GradeII duodenal injury was the most observed type of injury (74%). The second portion of the duodenum was the most commonly injured, and there was a high incidence of associated intra-abdominal injuries. Simple closure was performed in 14 cases. Duodenal resection and anastomosis were performed in 4 cases, without pyloric exclusion or duodenal diverticulization. Duodenal fistula was observed in only one case (6.3%), and there were no cases of duodenal injury-related death (0%). Conclusions: Simple repair without complicated additional procedures (pyloric exclusion and duodenal diverticulization) may be adequate and safe for most blunt duodenal injuries. *Correspondence to: Takahiro Murakami, Okinawa Chubu Hospital, Department of Surgery, 281 Aza Miyazato Uruma-shi, Okinawa 904-2243, Japan, Tel. 81-098-973-4111; Fax: 81-098-9735165; E-mail: murakami_takahiro@hosp. pref.okinawa. jp