Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of surface ozone simulation among selected regional models in MICS-Asia III – effects of chemistry and vertical transport for the causes of difference

Abstract. In order to clarify the causes of variability among the model outputs for surface ozone in the Model Intercomparison Study Asia Phase III (MICS-Asia III), three regional models, CMAQ v.5.0.2, CMAQ v.4. 7.1, and NAQPMS (abbreviated as NAQM in this paper), have been selected. Detailed analyses of monthly averaged diurnal variation have been performed for selected grids covering the metropolitan areas of Beijing and Tokyo and at a remote oceanic site, Oki. The chemical reaction mechanism, SAPRC99, used in the CMAQ models tended to give a higher net chemical ozone production than CBM-Z used in NAQM, agreeing with previous studies. Inclusion of the heterogeneous “renoxification” reaction of HNO3 (on soot surface)→NO+NO2 only in NAQM would give a higher NO concentration resulting in a better agreement with observational data for NO and nighttime O3 mixing ratios. In addition to chemical processes, the difference in the vertical transport of O3 was found to affect the simulated results significantly. Particularly, the increase in downward O3 flux from the upper layer to the surface after dawn was found to be substantially different among the models. Larger early morning vertical transport of O3 simulated by CMAQ 5.0.2 is thought to be the reason for higher daytime O3 in July in this model. All three models overestimated the daytime ozone by ca. 20 ppbv at the remote site Oki in July, where in situ photochemical activity is minimal.
Empirical Evidence of Faulty Credit Scoring and Business Failure in P2P Lending

Purpose: This study attempts to identify the cause of the failure of a platform operator in a P2P lending market, from the perspective of the internal credit rating system. Design/methodology/approach: Data from Moneyauction, the first P2P lending platform in Korea, which led the market for a while and then unexpectedly closed down, was analyzed using a series of binary logistic regression and relative weight analysis methods. The study concentrates on the effect and importance of the self-assessed credit score system used by Moneyauction with regard to investor funding decisions and the actual repayment performance outcomes of borrowers. The predictive power of this self-assessed credit score is also identified. Findings: The findings show that while the internal credit score is considered the most important factor in an investor's funding decision, its importance with regard to a borrower's actual repayment performance is significantly lower compared to other factors. Specifically, the predictability when using a model with an internal credit score with regard to a borrower’s repayment performance is inferior to a model without this factor. The findings therefore suggest that low-quality self-assessed credit rating systems may in fact contribute to the failure of individual platforms, even when the market is growing rapidly. Research limitations/implications: A series of business failures in a P2P market in the early stages of growth could make it difficult for the market to grow as a promising means of alternative finance due to the mounting distrust of potential participants and the exodus of existing investors. Therefore, the results of this study may present important issues to be discussed in relation to healthy market growth. The findings of this study are from the special case of Moneyauction in Korea. Thus, there is a limit to generalizing the results in this study, and further research is needed on additional platforms in similar situations in different markets. Originality/value: None of the previous studies on P2P lending markets has investigated individual platform failure cases. Existing studies mainly focus on the statistical significance of the effects of borrower characteristics on investors' decisions or borrowers' repayment performances. This study is also distinct in terms of its methodology in that it goes one step further and discusses the relative importance among all aspects of the borrowers' characteristics.
Development of Novel Solid-State Light-Emitting Materials Based on Pentafluorinated Tolane Fluorophores

We herein describe the synthesis of novel pentafluorinated tolane fluorophores, which possess an extended π-conjugated structure with a large molecular dipole moment along the longitudinal axis. We also report a detailed evaluation of both the photophysical and thermal behaviors of these fluorophores. All molecules displayed photoluminescence (PL) characteristics in both the crystalline state and in dilute solutions. The large longitudinal dipole moment induced solvatochromic PL behavior, which switched sensitively with changes in the solvent polarity. In addition, incorporation of the fluorinated tolane-based solid-state light-emitting moiety into the polymer side chain was found to be responsible for the PL characteristics observed in the solid state. It was also noteworthy that the polymerization protocol led to a significant enhancement in the thermal stability, with the thermal decomposition temperature increased by 90 °C. Accordingly, novel solid-state light-emitting materials with high thermal stabilities were successfully developed as promising candidates for use in light-emitting and optoelectronic applications.
Blood sulphate concentration in healthy horses after oral application of laxatives containing sulphur

Summary : Saline laxatives are commonly used to treat colic horses with impaction of the cecum or large colon. The objective of this study was to investigate blood sulphate concentrations in healthy horses before and after orally administered sodium or magnesium sulphate. Six healthy adult fasted horses were used in a randomized study design with four treatment regimes: Trial 1: 1.8% sodium sulphate (20ml/kg BW); Trial 2: 4.2% magnesium sulphate (20ml/kg BW); Trial 3: 25% sodium sulphate (4ml/kg BW); Trial 4: 25% magnesium sulphate (4ml/kg BW). Water was used as a control (Trial 5: 20ml water/kg BW). Blood samples were taken at defined time points. The minimal and maximal value of serum sulphate concentration in healthy fasted horses was 0.29 and 0.42mmol/l. Sulphate concentrations increased moderately, statistically significant (P<0.05) in Trial 1 (0.66±0.12mmol/l after 90min) and Trial 2 (0.57±0.11mmol/l after 150min), and severely (P ≤ 0.001) in Trial 3 (1.37±0.26mmol/l after 240min) and Trial 4 (1.01±0.22mmol/l after 240min) compared to pretest values (Trial 1: 0.29±0.15mmol/l; Trial 2: 0.32±0.06mmol/l; Trial 3: 0.39±0.06mmol/l; Trial 4: 0.39±0.02 mmol/l). There was no increase in the sulphate concentrations in the control group (Trial 5: 0.42±0.04mmol/l). We conclude that a single dose of orally admini- stered isotonic sodium or magnesium sulphate increases serum sulphate concentrations moderately, whereas hypertonic sodium or magnesium sulphate increases serum sulphate concentrations greatly in normal horses without clinical signs of adverse reactions. 2 (0,57±0,11mmol/l nach 150min) mäßig aber statistisch signifikant (P<0.05) und in Protokoll 3 (1,37±0,26mmol/l nach 240min) und Protokoll 4 (1,01±0,22mmol/l nach 240min) stark (P ≤ 0.001) an im Vergleich zu den Präwerten (Protokoll 1: 0,29±0,15mmol/l; Protokoll 2: 0,32±0,06mmol/l; Protokoll 3: 0,39±0,06mmol/l; Protokoll 4: 0,39±0,02mmol/l). In der Kontrollgruppe war kein Konzentrationsanstieg zu verzeichnen (Protokoll 5: 0,42±0,04mmol/l). Schlussfolgernd erhöht eine einzelne enterale Applikation isotoner Natrium- oder Magnesiumsulfatlösung die Serumsulfatkonzentration mäßig; hypertone Natriumsulfat- oder Magnesiumsulfatlösung erhöhen die Serumsulfatkonzentration gesunder Pferde stark, ohne klinische Symptome hervorzurufen. Schlüsselwörter : Kolik Natriumsulfat isoton Blood sulphate concentration in healthy horses after oral application of laxatives containing sulphur.
Preparation of wood apple (Feronia limonia L.) seed protein concentrateand evaluation of its nutritional and functional characteristics.

Wood apple (Feronia limonia L.) seed protein concentrate (WSPC) was prepared and its properties were compared with the wood apple seed meal (WSM). The protein content was found to be 33.79 and 77 g/100 g in WSM and WSPC respectively. WSPC was good source of essential amino acids leucine, phenyl alanine, valine, iso-leucine and threonine. Protein extractability of WSPC showed optimum WSPC to water ratio of 1:50 (w/v), over 60 min. Maximum protein extractability (95 g/100 g) was observed at pH 12 and minimum (11 g/100 g) at pH 6. Protein precipitability was maximum (91 g/100 g) at pH 5.5. A higher buffer capacity of WSPC was observed in the pH range 6 - 2. SDS-PAGE of the WSM and WSPC showed 9 protein bands ranging from 205 kDa to 12 kDa. Higher water absorption, lower oil absorption capacity, stable foam and presence of essential minerals of WSPC favour its industrial application.
Antipsychotic treatment effects and structural MRI brain changes in schizophrenia

Abstract Background Progressive brain structural MRI changes are described in schizophrenia and have been ascribed to both illness progression and antipsychotic treatment. We investigated treatment effects, in terms of total cumulative antipsychotic dose, efficacy and tolerability, on brain structural changes over the first 24 months of treatment in schizophrenia. Methods A prospective, 24-month, single-site cohort study in 99 minimally treated patients with first-episode schizophrenia, schizophreniform and schizoaffective disorder, and 98 matched healthy controls. We treated the patients according to a fixed protocol with flupenthixol decanoate, a long-acting injectable antipsychotic. We assessed psychopathology, cognition, extrapyramidal symptoms and BMI, and acquired MRI scans at months 0, 12 and 24. We selected global cortical thickness, white matter volume and basal ganglia volume as the regions of interest. Results The only significant group × time interaction was for basal ganglia volumes. However, patients, but not controls, displayed cortical thickness reductions and increases in white matter and basal ganglia volumes. Cortical thickness reductions were unrelated to treatment. White matter volume increases were associated with lower cumulative antipsychotic dose, greater improvements in psychopathology and cognition, and more extrapyramidal symptoms. Basal ganglia volume increases were associated with greater improvements in psychopathology, greater increases in BMI and more extrapyramidal symptoms. Conclusions We provide evidence for plasticity in white matter and basal ganglia associated with antipsychotic treatment in schizophrenia, most likely linked to the dopamine blocking actions of these agents. Cortical changes may be more closely related to the neurodevelopmental, non-dopaminergic aspects of the illness.
Social Energy as the Driving Force behind Crowdfunding—Analysis and Classification of Selected Attributes

Crowdfunding has been part of sharing economy for a few decades. Research into crowdfunding usually concerns its relation to sustainable development and corporate social responsibility, influencing investment decisions, psychological, organizational and financial aspects or the success evaluation of individual campaigns or platforms. Recent research includes empirical case studies, e.g., evaluation of the crowdfunding for minor coarse cereal products through evolutionary game analysis, or the impact of crowdfunding on the willingness to visit local festivals. There is, however, no comprehensive cross-sectional approach to crowdfunding attributes that considers data from various categories. The authors aimed to analyze selected attributes of crowdfunding, namely project categories, the number of backers, campaign duration and profitability, and to classify these attributes. A novelty is the use of the term “social energy” in a different sense than previously found in the scientific literature. An original algorithm for analyzing and classifying selected crowdfunding attributes and measuring the relationship between them was also used. The value of the article is also the practical application of its results. The findings have a practical outcome: they can be used by project creators, potential backers, investors and owners of crowdfunding platforms.
Preparation of nitrogen-doped hollow carbon spheres for sensitive catechol electrochemical sensing

Abstract In this work, nitrogen-doped hollow carbon spheres (NCs) were prepared by a silica template method using dopamine as a carbon precursor. The as-prepared NCs were used to fabricate a catechol (CC) electrochemical sensor. Nitrogen doping significantly enhances the conductivity of the electrode. Therefore, NCs were successfully used to modify screen-printed electrodes, which exhibited excellent sensing performance. Under the optimized conditions, the prepared electrochemical sensor could linearly detect CC between 0.5 and 300 μM with a low detection limit of 0.14 μM.
Application of Solid Sampling for the Determination of Total Fluorine in Fish and Seafood by High-Resolution Continuum Source Graphite Furnace Molecular Absorption Spectrometry

ABSTRACT Total fluorine concentrations in some fish species and seafood such as mussels, squid (calamary), and shrimp were determined using the molecular absorption of calcium monofluoride (CaF) generated in a graphite furnace using a high-resolution continuum source atomic absorption spectrometer and direct solid sampling. The fish fillets and seafood were dried at 110°C, minced finely, put on the platform using masses less than 1.2 mg, and introduced to the graphite furnace with 20 µg of calcium by a solid sampling accessory. The effects of CaF wavelength, graphite furnace program, amount of sample introduced to the furnace, the use of modifier on the determination of fluorine were investigated and optimized. The absolute limit of detection and characteristic mass of the method were 0.28 and 0.14 ng of fluorine, respectively. By applying the optimized parameters, the concentrations of fluorine in various fish species and seafood were determined.
In vivo monitoring of microneedle-based transdermal drug delivery of insulin

Soluble microneedles (MNs) have recently become an efficient and minimally invasive tool in transdermal drug delivery because of their excellent biocompatibility and rapid dissolution. However, direct monitoring of structural and functional changes of MNs in vivo to estimate the efficiency of insulin delivery is difficult. We monitored the dissolution of MNs to obtain structural imaging of MNs’ changes by using optical coherence tomography (OCT). We also observed the effect of MNs on microvascular conditions with laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) and measured the blood perfusion of skin to obtain functional imaging of MNs. We determined the performance of two soluble MN arrays made from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyvinyl alcohol/polyvinylpyrolidone (PVA/PVP) by calculating the cross-sectional areas of the microchannels in mouse skin as a function of time. Moreover, the change in blood glucose before and after using MNs loaded with insulin was evaluated as an auxiliary means to demonstrate the ability of the soluble MNs to deliver insulin. Results showed that the structural imaging of these MNs could be observed in vivo via OCT in real time and the functional imaging of MNs could be showed using LSCI. OCT and LSCI are potential tools in monitoring MNs structural and functional changes.
The Musculoskeletal Disorders, Pain Characteristics, and Activity Levels of Caregivers During the Rehabilitation Process and the Consequences on Sleep Condition, Health Status, and Quality of Life

Abstract Objective Taking care of a patient can significantly impact both physical and psychological statuses of caregivers. This study aimed to examine musculoskeletal problems, health status, and quality of life of caregivers. This study is novel in determining musculoskeletal disorders, pain characteristics, activity levels, sleep condition, general and psychological health statuses, and quality of life of caregivers. Design A cross-sectional study Patients and Methods A total of 240 participants were enrolled in this prospective and cross-sectional study conducted at a tertiary rehabilitation center (patients, n = 120; caregivers, n = 120). The demographic and clinical characteristics of the participants were recorded during the evaluation process. The Functional Ambulation Classification Scale (FAS) and Barthel Scale scores of the patients were determined. The pain level of the caregivers was evaluated according to the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)–short form was used to evaluate caregivers’ activity levels. The quality of life of caregivers was evaluated with the World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment Scales score (WHOQOL-BREF). The anxiety and depression status of the caregivers were interpreted using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, The health level of the caregivers was evaluated using the Health Assessment Questionnaire. Results A statistically significant positive correlation was found between the duration of caregiving (hours per week) and the pain duration of the caregiver (month) (P = 0.000, r = 0.766). the caregivers who provided longer-term care for their patients (hours per week) had higher VAS scores (P = 0.000, r = 0.944). A significant reverse correlation was found between the duration of caregiving (hours per week) and IPAQ-Walking MET (metabolic equivalent) scores (minutes/week) (P = 0.000, r = –0.811). On the contrary, a positive significant association was detected between the duration of caregiving (hours per week) and IPAQ-Vigorous MET scores (minutes/week) due to the caregiving activities of the patients such as lifting, positioning, and so forth. Also, a significant positive correlation was observed between the duration of caregiving (hours per week) and Hospital Depression Scale scores (P = 0.000, r = 0.394), Hospital Anxiety Scale scores (P = 0.000, r = 0.548), and Health Assessment Questionnaire scores (P = 0.000, r = 0.415). Conclusion Providing protective exercise programs, including walking activity, to caregivers and organizing education programs that include caregiving techniques can positively affect the quality of life of caregivers.
MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR AND CATENARY ACTION OF RESTRAINED STEEL BEAM UNDER FIRE

To investigate the mechanical behavior and catenary action of restrained steel beam under fire, experiments were performed on five H-section restrained steel beams exposed to ISO-834 standard fire. At first, mechanical property tensile tests were performed on 3 room-temperature specimens and 8 high-temperature specimens, and variation laws of the material properties of steel materials with temperature rising were investigated by the high-temperature steady-state tests. Through the fire experiments, the temperature data, mid-span deflections and failure modes of all specimens were obtained. The experimental results show that: (1) a restrained steel beam is prone to in-plane buckling failure under fire; (2) the loading ratio n and axial restraint stiffness Kx have great influences on the catenary action of restrained steel beam under fire; (3) when the loading ratio n is constant, the greater the axial restraint stiffness Kx, the later the catenary action occurs; when the axial restraint stiffness Kx is constant, the greater the loading ratio n, the earlier the catenary action occurs.
Learning the trade – recognising the needs of aspiring adventure sports professionals

ABSTRACT This paper aims to stimulate debate and prompt further research regarding the training, development and Higher Education (HE) of aspiring adventure professionals (AP's). The design of the paper draws on 10 years of observations and trends within the HE outdoor degree teaching sector, in tandem with the authors' own extensive professional outdoor careers. Initial findings indicate the role and significance of Professional Judgement and Decision Making (PJDM) in professional practice within adventure sports (AS) coaching and leadership. Consequently, PJDM is found to be a vital element of the education of the AP. The training and practice of these PJDM skills is a situated cognition that is conspicuous in its absence within many coach and leader education programmes where the AP is required to balance pedagogical and welfare demands in consequential environments. A cognitive apprenticeship approach is advocated which builds on recent articles highlighting the importance of PJDM in such domains.
Predicting current voting intentions by Big Five personality domains, facets, and nuances – A random forest analysis approach in a German sample

To understand what was driving individual differences in voting intentions in a large German sample, we investigated the predictability of voting intentions from the Big Five personality domains, facets, and nuances, thereby tackling shortcomings of previous studies. Using random forest analyses in a dataset of N = 4,286 individuals (46.01% men), separate models were trained to predict intentions to 1) not vote versus to vote, 2) vote for a specific party, and 3) vote for a left- versus right-from-the-center party from either the Big Five personality domains, facets, or nuances (represented by individual items). Except for intentions to not vote versus to vote, balanced accuracies to predict voting intentions marginally exceeded those achieved by a baseline learner always predicting the majority class. Using nuances over facets and domains slightly increased balanced accuracies. Results indicate that additional variables should be considered to accurately predict voting intentions, at least in German samples.
The compaction of waterproof and wear-resistant coal logs using polyvinyl alcohol as binder for transporting in hydraulic pipeline system

ABSTRACT In order to compact coal logs which could be transported smoothly in the hydraulic pipeline, the polyvinyl alcohol was used as the binder and mixed with anthracite, bituminous coal and lignite, respectively, to compact coal logs. The performances of coal logs were evaluated by the waterproof test, wear test and compressive strength test. These results indicated that polyvinyl alcohol was able to enhance the structure of coal logs and improve the water resistance, wear resistance. The coal logs made of anthracite had the best performance, followed by those made of bituminous coal and lignite. Higher binder-addition proportion also resulted in better performances of coal logs. Nevertheless, there were minimum added proportions of polyvinyl alcohol for different qualities of coals. The minimum added proportions were 3%, 8% and 15%, respectively, for anthracite, bituminous coal, and lignite.
Implementing ESD in Schools: Perspectives of Principals in Germany, Macau, and the USA

To successfully cope with global challenges such as climate change or loss of biodiversity, it will require a substantial change in the ways societies make use of the natural resources of our planet. Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is expected to support the transformation of societies towards more sustainable ways of thinking, working, and living. Although there is a broad range of literature on ESD, little is known about the role of school leadership in ESD. However, leadership is crucial for the implementation of ESD in schools. This article gives a short overview of the status of ESD within Germany, Macau, and the United States and a literature review on leadership for ESD in schools. It reports on a study that seeks to investigate what principals do in Germany, Macau, and the United States; specifically, what management strategies they use and which competences they need to successfully establish ESD in their schools.