Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Study on Customer Satisfaction Model of Service Innovation: Using National Health Insurance Administration in Taiwan as an Example

In recent years, public sector advocates customer-oriented service. The public is the direct subject of public service. Their satisfaction with service represents the outcome of customer-oriented service. Thus, in order to explore performance of Service Innovation of local card issue practiced by National Health Insurance Administration for the public who applies for health insurance cards in Taiwan, this study follows American Customer Satisfaction model and scholars’ suggestions as criteria of Customer Satisfaction model to measure public sector. After retrieving 285 valid questionnaires, it tests hypothesis model and compares the results by CB-SEM and PLS-SEM of structural equation modeling. According to research findings, “Customer Expectations” positively and directly influence “Perceived Quality”, “Customer Satisfaction” and “Customer Complaint”. “Perceived Quality” positively and directly influences “Customer Satisfaction” and “Citizen Trust”. “Customer Satisfaction” positively and directly influences “Customer Complaint” and “Citizen Trust”. Finally, “Customer Complaint” positively and directly influences “Citizen Trust”. In addition, based on the research result, “Customer Complaint” matches TCSI proposed by scholars. Customer complaint changes from outcome of Customer Satisfaction into factor of Perceived Quality. As to comparison of two measures of structural equation modeling, only the dimension with low effect on customer complaint does not match the result of the previous studies. Findings of this study aim to serve as reference for future research upon structural equation modeling and reference to measure public satisfaction of public sector in Taiwan.
In-Situ and Real-Time Monitoring of Oxygen Evolution during Kolbe Reaction by Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy

In this study, the oxygen evolution during the Kobe reaction was in-situ and real-time monitored by scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) in tip-generation substrate-collection (TG/SC) mode. A typical Kolbe reaction involving the acetate electro-oxidation was used as a study model. To this end, the TG/SC method of acetate electro-oxidation was performed at a 10 μm-diameter tip Pt disk microelectrode positioned ~1.2 μm away from a 50 μm-diameter substrate Pt disk microelectrode. The substrate Pt was employed as an efficient catalyst to monitor the byproduct O 2 produced at the tip by the catalytic reduction at an appropriate electrode potential. The linear scanning voltammetry (LSV) results indicated that O 2 evolution during acetate oxidation depended on both the electrode potential and acetate concentration. At low potentials (<2.4V vs. Ag/AgCl), the current of O 2 evolution dominated the acetate oxidation reaction in 0.1 M HClO 4 electrolyte, while O 2 evolution was inhibited at the joint condition of higher potentials (>2.4V) and elevated concentrations of acetate, resulting in better current efficiencies of acetate oxidation. The inhibition effect of O 2 evolution was also confirmed in alkaline electrolytes, consistent with the reported literature dealing with other traditional detection techniques. In sum, the proposed detection technique based on in-situ and real-time dynamic monitoring of oxygen evolution was accurate and sensitive, thereby promising for the study of broad range of reactions involving the generation of oxygen species.
Computation of Suitable Grasp Pose for Usage of Objects Based on Predeﬁned Training and Real-time Pose Estimation

—Existing grasping mechanisms focus on executing accurate grasps which are not always suitable for the usage of objects. We developed a system that can be used to train humanoid robots with different types of grasp poses. We present a grasping mechanism using homogeneous transformation that allows a humanoid robot to grasp objects in such a way that is suitable for the usage of the objects. The system captures the relative poses of an object and a robot’s wrist for training such that when the object’s pose changes, the robot’s gripper attached to the wrist adjusts its pose accordingly and lines up with the object. For detecting the objects and estimating their poses, we developed and used a color-based pose detection and estimation system and a homography-based planar pose detection and estimation system. We conducted experiments using a humanoid PR2 robot. We used the Robot Operating System as the primary framework of the system and MoveIt Interface for manipulation of grasps. The grasping system showed robust results for different poses of the objects using both arms of the robot. Our experiments involved human validation in which the robot successfully grasped objects such as a screwdriver, a wrench and books from human hands in different grasp poses that are appropriate for usage of the objects.
Predicting the type of physical activity from tri-axial smartphone accelerometer data

Development of various statistical learning methods and their implementation in mobile device software enables moment-by-moment study of human social interactions, behavioral patterns, sleep, as well as their physical mobility and gross motor activity. Recently, through the use of supervised Machine Learning, Human Activity Recognition (HAR) has found numerous applications in biomedical engineering especially in the field of digital phenotyping. Having this in mind, in this research in order to be able to quantify the human movement activity in situ, using data from portable digital devices, we have developed code which uses Random Forest Classifier to predict the type of physical activity from tri-axial smartphone accelerometer data. The code has been written using Python programming language and Anaconda distribution of data-science packages. Raw accelerometer data was collected by using the Beiwe research platform, which is developed by the Onnela Lab at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Tuning has been performed by defining a grid of hyperparameter ranges, using Scikit-Learn’s Randomized Search CV method, randomly sampling from the grid and performing K-Fold CV with each combination of tested values. Obtained results will enable development of more robust models for predicting the type of physical activity with more subjects, usage of different hardware, various test situations, and different environments.
Modulation of The Recirculation Region Within Two Inline Square Rib Due to Magnetohydrodynamic Flow Using Computational Fluid Dynamics

This study presents the turbulent flow around two square ribs. The numerical computations performed using k–ε model at Reynolds number (Re) = 60000 to quantify the turbulent transport measures. The magnetic field has been applied by Hartmann number (Ha) to generate the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flow. The reduction of recirculation region was observed due to the application of magnetic field in the flow. The weak recirculation has an effect on small vorticity generation, which leads to small turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) and TKE dissipation rate generation in the wake region behind the rib. The induced magnetic field is capable of controlling the vortex structures around the square ribs. Results in decreasing magnitude of turbulence level around and between the spaces of the square ribs. It may be hypothesized that by introducing magnetic field, the unwanted vibrations (due to vortex shedding behind the rib) of fully submerged structures can be controlled.
UWS Academic Portal Examining the social cognitive predictors of adherence to an exercise referral scheme Eynon, Michael; O'Donnell, Christopher; Williams, Lynn

In order to enhance the effectiveness of exercise referral schemes (ERS), further understanding is required of the important predictors of successful adherence to inform future interventions. The present study aimed to explain ERS adherence through examining social cognitive factors in the early stages of the scheme. A prospective cross-sectional design was employed with adults referred to an 8-week ERS completing self-report measures across multiple social cognitive variables at baseline (N = 124) and mid-scheme (N = 58). Findings demonstrated that baseline social cognitive factors were not significantly related to overall ERS adherence. However, when measured at midscheme, goal-setting, scheduling self-efficacy, barrier self-efficacy and social support from family were significant correlates of adherence, with changes in social cognitive factors from baseline to mid-scheme combining to explain 22% of the variance in ERS adherence. Our findings provide evidence for early improvements in social cognitive constructs explaining total ERS adherence, thus highlighting their importance in the initial stages of an ERS.
Pseudo-Univariate Calibration Based on NIR Spectroscopy in the Determination of Anthocyanins and Antioxidant Activity in Grape Juices

This work shows an alternative methodology based on a portable near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy coupled to independent components analysis (ICA) in a pseudo-univariate calibration way to determine total anthocyanins (TA) concentration and antioxidant activity (AA) in whole grape juice. To this, the scores proportions more related to TA and AA were plotted against TA and AA obtained by its respective references methodology to build pseudo-univariate calibration models with correlation coefficients of 0.9699 and 0.9814, respectively. From the results, it is possible the suggestion that NIR spectra coupled to ICA enable to overcome interferences using first-order data and work properly when there is enough selectivity for the analyte profile in the sample data.
Review of the herpetofauna of Attica, mainland Greece

Although the insular distribution of the rich herpetofauna of Greece has been studied more extensively, the mainland one is still underexplored. The region of Attica in central Greece represents one of these “black spots” in the mainland. Thus, in 2019 we surveyed for the first time the herpetofauna of Attica in a systematic way. We collected 794 field records of 31 species (4 amphibians, 27 reptiles); Testudo graeca and Trachemys elegans were documented for the first time for Attica.
Triazinines: Synthesis and Proteolytic Decomposition of a New Class of Cyclic Triazenes

The reaction of 1-azido-3-chloropropane with various Grignard reagents and subsequent treatment with anhydrous isopropylamine results in the formation of the corresponding azimine. If the initial magnesium−triazene complex is first hydrolyzed with Dowex resin and then concentrated, the resultant linear triazene begins self-catalyzed cyclization to form the six-membered-ring triazenes as the major product, with HCl as the byproduct. Addition of an amine, at reduced temperature, allows for the neutralization of the byproduct, HCl, which would otherwise react with the linear triazene and the cyclic six-membered-ring triazene to form hydrolysis products. We have assigned the trivial name of triazinines to this new class of cyclic triazenes. The hydrolytic decomposition of these compounds in mixed acetonitrile−aqueous buffers predominantly forms 3-(alkylamino)-1-propanol and lesser amounts of the rearranged alcohol 1-(alkylamino)-2-propanol and N-alkyl-2-propenamine. The rate of hydrolysis of 1-alkyltriazinine.
An Empirical Large Signal Model for RF LDMOSFET Transistors

ABSTRACT: An accurate and simple large-signal RF model of discrete LDMOSFET transistors is presented. This empirical model is used for analysis and design of microwave power amplifiers. The interpolation of the measured data, using polynomial expressions, provides a description of the LDMOSFET’s nonlinearities in CAD software. The LDMOSFET transistor used is a BLF2043F (NXP Semiconductors). A 2.5-GHz 10-W class AB power amplifier was designed and implemented to validate our large-signal model. The measured and simulated power amplifier characteristics match very well.
Relationship Between Colorectal Carcinoma and Adenoma Detection Rate by Colonoscopy

Background: in recent years, colorectal cancer incidence has declined dramatically. Screening programs, based on endoscopic resection of polipoid precancerous lesions, are being fundamental in that desirable improvement. Material and methods: prospective observational study of a set of patients who had an endoscopic resection of colonic polipoid lesions from January-2007 to December-2012. We analized “polyps rate” by colonoscopy, number of patients, follow-up time, and “relationship with later cancer appearance“. Results: 841 patients (357 women, a 42’4%, and 484 men, a 57’65%) with a total of 7007 colorectal polyps and a medium follow-up of 66 +/- 21’84 months. During the following 12 patients were diagnosed of colorectal cancer, who had not had any statistical significant difference in “polyps rate per colonoscopy”, nor for the number of “advanced adenomas” (Z=0’11, p=0’91), nor for “total adenomatous polyps” (Z=1’84, p=0’07). Nevertheless, we could see that patients without colorectal cancer showed lower “polyps rate per colonoscopy” of advanced adenoma (Z=4’61, p <0’001) and raw number of polyps (Z=7’09, p <0’001). Conclusions: when comparing rates by number of patients, number of colonoscopic explorations and follow-up time, the advanced adenoma rate was found to be higher in patients who later developed colorectal carcinoma.
Strategies for the Immobilization of Bacteriophages on Gold Surfaces Monitored by Surface Plasmon Resonance and Surface Morphology

The use of bacteriophages as recognition elements for biosensing techniques has recently provoked much interest. Surface plasmon resonance, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy were used for the real-time monitoring of the attachment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteriophages to gold using several immobilization methods. The MRSA bacterial capture efficiency of phage-functionalized surfaces was studied. We found that whereas the physisorption of phages to gold surfaces affects their biofunctionality, as expressed by their lysing efficiency of bacteria, phages bound via mixed self-assembled monolayers of l-cysteine and 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid permitted both the recognition and disruption of bacterial membranes. This is due to the formation of uniform islands on the gold surfaces, permitting an oriented positioning of the phages, thus better exposing their recognition proteins.
Possible use of psyllium husk as a release retardant

Various hydrophilic polymers from synthetic origin such as methylcellulose, PEGs, HPMC as well as those from natural world such as guar gum, tragacanth, xanthan gum have been used to formulate oral sustained release formulations. Psyllium husk has the ability to swell 10-14 times of its original volume and form a hydrogel. It is biocompatible, inexpensive, inert, non-absorbable, environment friendly and easily available. However, its use as a release retardant has not been fully explored. Owing to large dose, high sensitivity to light, moisture and heat and also very short half-life of 1-2 h; formulation of sustained release dosage form of amoxicillin trihydrate is a challenge. Hence the present study has been undertaken to develop sustained release granules as well as matrix tablets of amoxicillin trihydrate using psyllium husk as a primary release retardant. The drug release of these formulations was compared with those containing HPMC K4M.The results showed insignificant difference in t80% value for drug release as assessed by student's t-test at 5% level of significance. Selected formulations were kept at controlled conditions of 40o/75% RH and 30o/65% RH for a period of 3 mo. Microbiological assay was used as a stability indicating method of assay. Sustained release granules and tablet formulations containing HPMC alone were found to be more stable than the similar formulations containing husk with percent drug content at the end of 3 mo at 40o/ 75% RH being 92.66%, 93.81%, 86.74%, 88.31% and the rate of degradation being 8.46×10-4 d-1, 7.1×10-4 d-1, 1.58×10-3 d-1 and 1.38×10-3 d-1, respectively. Thus it was concluded that psyllium husk can be effectively used as a hydrogel polymer in sustained release formulations. However, there is a need to keep moisture level under control during and after formulation.
Primary Science Teachers’ Perspectives about Metacognition in Science Teaching

Metacognition in science teaching involves processes that include self-awareness and self-regulation. Metacognition enables the teachers to facilitate student learning and to reflect on their teaching in order to enable themselves to improve or to make any changes to their teaching. In particular, teaching activities, especially in the 21st century, do not merely involve the transfer of knowledge and then applying that knowledge into daily life, but teachers need to reflect, plan and evaluate learning outcomes to enhance further in teaching. This study attempts to gain the perspective and implementation of metacognition skills in teaching science in the primary school classroom. The data was collected through a qualitative research method based on interviews with six science teachers in primary school using semi-structured interview protocol. The interview data were analysed for emerging themes, guided by the research questions. Teachers have a similar perspective of the understanding of metacognition in science teaching. Further discussion focuses on the implementation of metacognition in science teaching. This discussion is divided into three aspects, which are constraints faced, overcoming the constraints, and efforts made to implement metacognition in science teaching. Hence, the understanding of science teachers in regards to metacognition in science teaching is important and gives a positive impact towards teaching and learning in primary science teaching.
Determination of individual organic compounds in shale oil

Several techniques have been investigated for quantitating individual organic compounds in shale oil. Acid-base extraction and high performance liquid chromatography were emphasized as independent methods of shale oil fractionation. Gas chromatography, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and high performance liquid chromatography were used for individual compound quantitation utilizing external and/or internal standards or standard addition techniques. The following compounds were measured in the shale oil: pyrene, fluoranthene, benzo(e)pyrene, benzo(a)pyrene, phenol, o-cresol, acridine, and 2,4,6-trimethylpyridine. Comparable results were obtained by the various methods for extraction and quantitation.
Towards Banana-Shaped Liquid Crystals Incorporating Carbazole

The synthesis of a series of banana-shaped mesogenic structures has been carried out, in which the bend unit is formed by the 3,6-substituted of carbazole bearing two symmetric imine linkages to 4-alkyl/alkoxyphenyl moieties on the side arms. Thermal analysis of the series has been carried out in order to investigate the phase properties of these materials. The incorporation of photorefractive molecular units, such as carbazole, into anisotropic materials may offer many advantages over conventional electrical poling of photorefractive polymers.
Semi-Solid Agar Medium for Detection of Fungal Enzymes

he fungal plant pathogens were isolated from different host plants grown at different locations in Egypt. Alternaria alternata, Alternaria solani, Curvularia lunata, Fusarium solani, Fusarium oxysporum, Macrophomina phaseolina, Pyrenochaeta lycopersici, Rhizoctonia solani, Stemphylium botryosum, Trichoderma viride and Thielaviopsis basicola were recovered. Polygalacturonase (PG), chitinase (CH), cellulase (Cx) were determined using a suggested modified plate method with very low agar content (5gm/l). All fungal isolates produced remarkable activity of PG, CH and produced less cellulase (81.8% frequency) at 28°C. Six isolates (54.5%) were scored active PG producers namely T. viride, Th. basicola, F. oxysporum, P. lycopersici, M. phaseolina, S. botryosum, four isolates (36.4%) were moderate in this regard, R. solani (9.1%) was scored non producer at 21°C. Similar variation in Cx for the activity of three fungal isolates (27.3%) was recognized as active producers for T. viride, Th. basicola, F. oxysporum and three isolates (27.3%) were scored as moderate producers for P. lycopersici, F. solani, A. solani. on the other hand, five isolates, (45.5%) were found to be non-producers in this regard, A. alternata, R. solani, M. phaseolina, S. botryosum and C. lunata at 21°C. Moreover, two fungal isolates (18.2%) were highly active producers of chitinase (CH) activity for F. oxysporum and F. solani. Three isolates (27.3%) failed to produce chitinase (CH) under the conditions of the experiment for A. alternata, R. solani, M. phaseolina, though six isolates (54.5%) were found to be moderate chitinase (CH) producers by A. solani, C. lunata, P. lycopersici, S. botryosum, T. viride and T. basicola. Seven fungal isolates (63.6%) reacted positively at higher temperature (28°C) and higher production of (PG), (CH) and (Cx). The highest temperature tends to increase qualitatively the enzyme activity, while lower temperature decreased such effect. Four isolates, F. oxysporum, Th. basicola, T. viride, and P. lycopersici were scored active PG, CH and Cx at two different temperatures, 21 and 28°C, at four days incubation. It is worth noting that the semi solid agar medium (5 gm. agar/l) is being favorable for accurate detection of PG, Cx, and CH. Further trial with the modified semi-solid agar medium for evaluation of other enzymes involved in pathogenicity are needed.
Dynamic Behavior of a Functionally Graded Beam Under a Moving Load on Nonlinear Viscoelastic Foundation Considering Moving Mass

In this paper, linear dynamic analysis of a functionally graded materials (FGMs) beams on nonlinear viscoelastic foundation under to moving load considering moving mass has been investigated. The nonlinear behavior of viscoelastic foundation is represented by the third order relationship. The governing equation of motion of the beams is derived based on Hamilton principle expressed as Lagrange’s equations with specific boundary conditions satisfied with Lagrange’s multiplier and sporadic by high order polynomial. The computer program using Newmark- time integration and Newton Raphson procedure is written by MATLAB language. Material properties of the beam vary continuously in thickness direction according to a power law form. The effects of the material distribution, velocity of the moving load, mass of load, parameters of foundation as linear, shear and nonlinear layer on the displacement of the beam have been examined in detail.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Pulmonary Fungal Pathogens among Symptomatic Patients with or without Tuberculosis at Gombe, Nigeria

Department of Biological Sciences, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria; Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Nigeria Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, African Field Epidemiology Network, Abuja, Nigeria; WHO National Polio Laboratory, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri, Nigeria; Department of Medical Microbiology, Federal School of Medical Laboratory Science, Jos, Nigeria; Department of Medical Laboratory Services, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria; Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria