Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Development of a fixed bed gasifier model and optimal operating conditions determination

The main objective of this study was to develop a fixed bed gasifier model of palm waste and to identify the optimal operating conditions to produce electricity from synthesis gas. First, the gasifier was simulated using Aspen PlusTM software. Gasification is a thermo-chemical process that has long been used, but it remains a perfectible technology. It means incomplete combustion of biomass solid fuel into synthesis gas through partial oxidation. The operating parameters (temperature and equivalence ratio (ER)) were thereafter varied to investigate their effect on the synthesis gas composition and to provide guidance for future research and development efforts in process design. The equivalence ratio is defined as the ratio of the amount of air actually supplied to the gasifier and the stoichiometric amount of air. Increasing ER decreases the production of CO and H2 and increases the production of CO2 and H2O while an increase in temperature increases the fraction of CO and H2. The results show that the o.
Docosahexaenoic Acid Alleviates Palmitic Acid-Induced Inflammation of Macrophages via TLR22-MAPK-PPARγ/Nrf2 Pathway in Large Yellow Croaker (Larimichthys crocea)

Palmitic acid (PA) is a saturated fatty acid (SFA) that can cause an inflammatory response, while docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is always used as a nutritional modulator due to its anti-inflammatory properties. However, the potential molecular mechanism is still not completely elucidated in fish. Herein, the PA treatment induced an inflammatory response in macrophages of large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea). Meanwhile, the mRNA expression of Toll-like receptor (TLR)-related genes, especially tlr22, and the phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway were significantly upregulated by PA. Further investigation found that the PA-induced inflammatory response was suppressed by tlr22 knockdown and MAPK inhibitors. Moreover, the results of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) agonist and inhibitor treatment proved that PPARγ was involved in the PA-induced inflammation. PA treatment decreased the protein expression of PPARγ, while tlr22 knockdown and MAPK inhibitors recovered the decreased expression. Besides, the PA-induced activation of Nrf2 was regulated by p38 MAPK. Furthermore, DHA-executed anti-inflammatory effects by regulating the phosphorylation of the MAPK pathway and expressions of PPARγ and Nrf2. Overall, the present study revealed that DHA alleviated PA-induced inflammation in macrophages via the TLR22-MAPK-PPARγ/Nrf2 pathway. These results could advance the understanding of the molecular mechanism of the SFA-induced inflammatory response and provide nutritional mitigative strategies.
Tools for pedagogical inquiry: the impact of teaching thinking skills on teachers

This paper explores the idea of thinking skills approaches as tools for pedagogical inquiry and in so doing seeks to develop the link between the promotion of inquiry‐based learning, which is a central tenet of thinking skills, and inquiry‐based teaching as an approach to professional development and school improvement. The first part of the paper examines the impact of teaching thinking skills on teachers by drawing upon a systematic review of research evidence. The second part of the paper sets the characteristics identified in the context of research into teachers’ development and considers the contribution of a pedagogy based on thinking skills approaches to continuing professional development.
A new structural multivariate GARCH-BEKK Model: Causality of green, sustainable and fossil energy ETFs

Abstract The article examines exchange-traded funds (ETFs) for green and sustainable energy regarding causality in their asset returns and volatilities. The structural vector autoregressive (VAR) model is one of the popular methodologies for the empirical analysis of macroeconomics and finance. However, the analysis is limited to the conditional mean, and excludes the structural analysis of conditional covariance models which measure the volatility and co-volatility of the financial asset returns. In order to accommodate this limitation, we develop a new structural multivariate GARCH-BEKK model that accommodates a dimension reduction for a BEKK-type parameterization of the time-varying covariance structure. We use a quasi-maximum likelihood estimator, which is shown to have consistency and asymptotic normality. For energy ETF returns, we construct the structural GARCH-BEKK model in order to investigate the causality in returns and volatility via statistical tests and impulse response functions, especially for two events, namely a drop in crude oil prices on May 5, 2011, and the Fukushima nuclear disaster on March 11, 2011. Our empirical results have found that for the portfolio renewable energy ETFs, Solar, Wind, and Water seem to exhibit indirect mutual causality effects in mean, and direct mutual causality effects in the second moment. When we incorporate the oil market into the renewable energy market, Oil seems to dominate the causality effects, so indirect uni- causality effects of the mean from the Oil to the Solar ETF, or Oil to the Water ETF, are found. However, there are no uni-causality or mutual causality effects in the second moment.
Biophysical Characterization of Membrane Proteins Embedded in Nanodiscs Using Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy

Proteins embedded in biological membranes perform essential functions in all organisms, serving as receptors, transporters, channels, cell adhesion molecules, and other supporting cellular roles. These membrane proteins comprise ~30% of all human proteins and are the targets of ~60% of FDA-approved drugs, yet their extensive characterization using established biochemical and biophysical methods has continued to be elusive due to challenges associated with the purification of these insoluble proteins. In response, the development of nanodisc techniques, such as nanolipoprotein particles (NLPs) and styrene maleic acid polymers (SMALPs), allowed membrane proteins to be expressed and isolated in solution as part of lipid bilayer rafts with defined, consistent nanometer sizes and compositions, thus enabling solution-based measurements. Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) is a relatively simple yet powerful optical microscopy-based technique that yields quantitative biophysical information, such as diffusion kinetics and concentrations, about individual or interacting species in solution. Here, we first summarize current nanodisc techniques and FCS fundamentals. We then provide a focused review of studies that employed FCS in combination with nanodisc technology to investigate a handful of membrane proteins, including bacteriorhodopsin, bacterial division protein ZipA, bacterial membrane insertases SecYEG and YidC, Yersinia pestis type III secretion protein YopB, yeast cell wall stress sensor Wsc1, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), ABC transporters, and several G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs).
Water-Processed Ultrathin Crystalline Indium–Boron–Oxide Channel for High-Performance Thin-Film Transistor Applications

Thin-film transistors (TFTs) made of solution-processable transparent metal oxide semiconductors show great potential for use in emerging large-scale optoelectronics. However, current solution-processed metal oxide TFTs still suffer from relatively poor device performance, hindering their further advancement. In this work, we create a novel ultrathin crystalline indium–boron–oxide (In-B-O) channel layer for high-performance TFTs. We show that high-quality ultrathin (~10 nm) crystalline In-B-O with an atomically smooth nature (RMS: ~0.15 nm) could be grown from an aqueous solution via facile one-step spin-coating. The impacts of B doping on the physical, chemical and electrical properties of the In2O3 film are systematically investigated. The results show that B has large metal–oxide bond dissociation energy and high Lewis acid strength, which can suppress oxygen vacancy-/hydroxyl-related defects and alleviate dopant-induced carrier scattering, resulting in electrical performance improvement. The optimized In-B-O (10% B) TFTs based on SiO2/Si substrate demonstrate a mobility of ~8 cm2/(V s), an on/off current ratio of ~106 and a subthreshold swing of 0.86 V/dec. Furthermore, by introducing the water-processed high-K ZrO2 dielectric, the fully aqueous solution-grown In-B-O/ZrO2 TFTs exhibit excellent device performance, with a mobility of ~11 cm2/(V s), an on/off current of ~105, a subthreshold swing of 0.19 V/dec, a low operating voltage of 5 V and superior bias stress stability. Our research opens up new avenues for low-cost, large-area green oxide electronic devices with superior performance.
Multi-Dimensional Social Capital and Farmer’s Willingness to Participate in Environmental Governance

Background The construction and development of formal institutions has been lagging behind in rural areas of China for decades, so the role of social capital is particularly important. In the context of China’s implementation of the rural revitalization strategy, considering the impact of social capital on farmers’ willingness to participate in environmental governance is profitable to the improvement of rural human settlement environment and the increase in the implementation efficiency of relevant policies. Methods Based on the micro-data of villages in Anhui Province, this paper uses the logit model to explore the effects of social capital of trust, network, and norm on farmers’ willingness to participate in environmental governance. Results The results show that both network social capital and norm social capital have a significant effect on farmers’ willingness to participate in environmental governance, and the marginal effect of network social capital is greater than that of norm social capital. After controlling both social network and social norm, however, the effect of social trust is not evident. With the improvement in farmers’ schooling level and income level, the impact of social network and social norms on farmers’ willingness to participate become gradually insignificant, and social capital appears to be “the capital of the poor. ” Conclusion Given the above results, we can improve the willingness of farmers to participate in the village environmental governance and lay a solid foundation for the improvement of rural human settlement environment by cultivating village trust, broadening social network, and creating a social custom of mutual benefit. Implications for Conservation Effective environmental governance is an important measure to achieve sustainable development goals. Farmers’ willingness to participate in environmental governance plays a significant role in improving the effectiveness of rural environmental governance. Accordingly, the study of how social capital affects farmers’ willingness to participate provides not only valuable enlightenment for rural environmental governance and protection, but also a long path for sustainable development and biodiversity protection.
Staphylococcus aureus-induced pyogranulomatous dermatitis, osteomyelitis, and meningitis with Splendore-Hoeppli reaction in a cat coinfected with the feline leukemia virus and Leishmania sp.

This report describes a case of a pyogranulomatous dermatitis, osteomyelitis, and meningitis with Splendore-Hoeppli reaction caused by Staphylococcus aureus in a sheltered female adult cat coinfected with the feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and Leishmania sp. The cat had a mild anemia and marked increased total leukocytes, particularly band and segmented neutrophils. The cat had laboratorial diagnosis of FeLV and Leishmania sp. infections. Clinically, the cat had extensive and multifocal areas of ulceration in cranial region. Due to the progression of cutaneous lesions, progressive weight loss, and the risk for other sheltered animals, the cat was euthanized. Microscopically, there was marked pyogranulomatous ulcerative dermatitis, osteomyelitis and meningitis, with multiple large intralesional colonies of Gram-positive cocci associated with Splendore-Hoeppli reaction. Aerobic bacterial isolates were identified as S. aureus by MALDI-ToF MS. Leishmania sp. DNA sequences were detected in liver and spleen, and amastigotes were demonstrated in skin sections by immunohistochemistry. In conclusion, here we describe a case of S. aureus-induced pyogranulomatous meningitis with SH reaction in a cat naturally coinfected with FeLV and Leishmania sp.
Security of European supplies: The challenge of liberalised markets

Jonathan Stern of the Royal Institute of International Affairs at Imperial College, London looks at the impact of import dependence and market liberalisation on the security of European natural gas supplies. Using the UK as an example, he argues that the liberalisation of gas markets requires the development of a new framework for security of supply. Etude de l'impact de la dependance gaziere et de la liberalisation des marches gaziers sur la securite d'approvisionnement en Europe.
Isolation and Characterization of A Heavy Metal-Tolerant Diesel Oil - Degrading Strain

A diesel-degrading bacterium has been isolated from a local university soil. The isolate was tentatively identified as Burkholderia sp. strain DRY27 based on the carbon utilization profiles using Biolog GN plates and partial 16S rDNA molecular phylogeny. Isolate 27 showed an increase cellular growth with respect to diesel concentrations from 0% until 3% where the optimum growth occurring at 3% (v/v) diesel concentration. Based on the optimization studies, sodium nitrate proved to be the best nitrogen source. Sodium nitrate was optimum at 7.7 gl-1 . The optimal temperature and optimal pH for this bacterium was between 10 to 40 oC and pH 7.5 to pH 8.5 respectively. Diesel components was proven to be completely removed from the reduction in the hydrocarbon peaks monitored by Solid Phase Microextraction Gas Chromatography analysis. These prove that this bacterium is the right bacterium for bioremediation of diesel spills and pollution in the tropics.
Aggregate effects of firing costs with endogenous firm productivity growth

This article quantifies the aggregate effects of firing costs in a model of firm dynamics where firm-level productivity is determined by innovation. In the model, the productivity distribution is endogenous, and thus, potentially affected by policy changes, allowing the model to capture both the static (allocative efficiency) and dynamic effects (changes in the distribution of firms’ productivity) of firing costs. The model is calibrated to match key features of firms’ hiring and firing behavior using firm-level data from Spanish nonfinancial firms. I show that firing costs equivalent to 2.5 monthly wages produce a 4% loss in aggregate productivity relative to the frictionless economy. The aggregate productivity losses rise to more than 10% when firing costs are equivalent to 1 year’s wage. I show that a model with a standard AR(1) productivity process can only generate between 45 and 50% of these losses. Overall, the results suggest that ignoring the effects of frictions on the dynamics of firms’ productivity can substantially underestimate their effects.
Effects of Oxidative Stress in Acute Poisoning in Central India

Background: Tissue inflammation, low food intake of micronutrients due to sleepiness, free radical burst from activated macrophages, and excessive medication cause oxidative stress in acute poisoning. If not neutralised by antioxidants, these free radicals may contribute to tissue inflammation. The word oxidative stress refers to a scenario in which free radical generation and antioxidant defence are out of balance. In humans, oxidative stress is caused by a reduction in bodily antioxidants when free radical generation exceeds endogenous antioxidant levels, resulting in significant cell damage/death. Free radicals may destroy all major macromolecules, including lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, but lipids are the most vulnerable. Aim: To evaluate antioxidant status in acute amitriptyline poisoning (AP) cases undergoing routine standard treatment (RST) after supplementation with Vitamin C and alpha lipoic acid either alone or in combination, and compare it with that of normal healthy volunteers. Material and Method: A total of 150 people were enrolled in the study, and they were split into five groups. They came from the IMCU and the Toxicology Ward. The consent of the patients' attendants was sought. The patients were chosen at random. To classify the level or grade of coma in poisoned individuals, the Edinburgh scale was utilized. At the time of admission and discharge, the levels of plasma cholinesterase, SOD, catalase, Glut-peroxidase, Glutathione transferase, MDA, Total-Antioxidant, LDH, and CK were measured. Results: This study offers quantifiable recommendations for vitamin C and alpha lipoic acid intake to aid in rapid recovery and glutathione antioxidant status. On supplementation with vitamin C and alpha lipoic acid, we detected a significant decrease in catalase activity in all groups of acute Amitriptyline poisoning cases. For Gr. V (acute Amitriptyline poisoning cases), we found reduced glutathione activity on admission and higher values on discharge. In light of the preceding discussion, it is worth noting that the higher LDH and CPK in groups that may be attributable to pulmonary infarction rather than cardiac or skeletal muscle involvement could be due to pulmonary infarction. Conclusion: Supplementation with vitamin C and alpha lipoic acid improved antioxidant levels during therapy. We propose that the antioxidant level of acute amitriptyline poisoning cases be examined for more successful recovery, and that diets poor in antioxidants may cause recovery to be sluggish. Oral supplementation, in our opinion, will be more successful for chronic Amitriptyline poisoning patients for a longer period of time, while IV form of vitamin C and alpha lipoic acid will be more effective for acute Amitriptyline poisoning instances. Keywords: Amitriptyline, MDA, Total-Antioxidant, LDH, CK, SOD, AP, RST.
A Review of Nuclear Medicine Approaches in the Diagnosis and the Treatment of Gynecological Malignancies

Simple Summary In this literature review, we will provide a short overview of the role of nuclear medicine in the diagnosis of obstetric and gynecological cancers. Abstract Nuclear medicine is defined as the diagnosis and the treatment of disease using radiolabeled compounds known as radiopharmaceuticals. Single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) and positron emission tomography/computer tomography (PET/CT) based radiopharmaceuticals have proven reliable in diagnostic imaging in nuclear medicine and cancer treatment. One of the most critical cancers that also relies on an early diagnosis is gynecological cancer. Given that approximately 25% of all cancers in developing countries are a subset of gynecological cancer, investigating this cancer subtype is of significant clinical worth, particularly in light of its high rate of mortality. With accurate identification of high grade distant abdominal endometrial cancer as well as extra abdominal metastases, 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) PET/CT imaging is considered a valuable step forward in the investigation of gynecological cancer. Considering these factors, [18F]FDG PET/CT imaging can assist in making management of patient therapy more feasible. In this literature review, we will provide a short overview of the role of nuclear medicine in the diagnosis of obstetric and gynecological cancers.
A Mini-Review on Preparation of Functional Composite Fibers and Their Based Devices

Composite fibers are composed of two or more different components by functionating, coating or direct spinning, enabling unique characteristics, such as design ability, high strength, and high- and low-temperature resistance. Due to their ability to be directly woven into or stitched onto textiles to prepare flexible electronic devices, stretchable composite fibers have drawn great attention, enabling better wearability and integrality to wearable devices. Fiber or fiber-based electronic film or textiles represent a significant component in wearable technology, providing the possibility for portable and wearable electronics in the future. Herein, we introduce the composite fiber together with its preparation and devices. With the advancement of preparation technology, the as-prepared composite fibers exhibit good performance in various applications closely related to human life. Moreover, a simple discussion will be provided based on recent basic and advanced progress on composite fibers used in various devices.
FIFE : a Framework for Investigating Functional Encryption

In functional encryption, keys are associated with functions, and ciphertexts with messages. Decrypting a message with a key gives the evaluation of the associated function on that message. We look at bounded-collusion functional encryption, where the number of keys for which security is guaranteed is bounded, as it is possible to realize using standard building blocks. For such schemes we aim to understand their practicality for real-world applications. There are some theoretical constructions of functional encryption, but few implementations. We rectify this by creating the Framework for Investigating Functional Encryption (FIFE). FIFE includes the first implementations for Sahai and Seyalioglu’s one-key scheme (CCS 2010), and Gorbunov, Vaikuntanathan, and Wee’s bounded-collusion scheme (CRYPTO 2012), and is easily extendable. We used FIFE to evaluate their performance, and to measure the impact of using different publickey or secret-key encryption schemes, bounds on collusion, and security levels, for interesting classes of functions. Thesis Supervisor: Arkady Yerukhimovich Title: Research Staff, MIT Lincoln Laboratory Thesis Supervisor: Shafi Goldwasser Title: RSA Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Psychometric Properties of Iranian Version of the Cyberchondria Severity Scale (Short-Form of CSS)

Abstract Cyberchondria refers to a clinical phenomenon in which repeated Internet searches regarding medical information result in excessive concerns about physical health. Due to the lack of research on the psychometric properties of CCS-12 and the lack of appropriate tools cyberchondria measurement in Iran, this study was conducted to examine the psychometric properties of of the Iranian version of the CSS-12 (short-form). A convenience sample of 420 students (191 men, and 229 females) from Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences were selected to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Cyberchondria Severity Scale (CSS-12). The participants also completed the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II (AAQ-II), Whiteley Index, Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale and Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7). LISREL 8 and SPSS-24 were used to analyze data. Cronbach’s alpha, divergent and convergent validity and confirmatory factor analysis were conducted as well. The four-factor structure of CSS-12 (excessiveness, distress, reassurance and compulsion) was supported by the results of Confirmatory Factor Analysis in the Iranian sample. The CSS-12 had positive and significant correlations with health anxiety, intolerance of uncertainty, and GAD-7. Furthermore, the CSS-12 had a negative and significant correlation with the AAQ-II. In general, the four-factor structure of CSS-12 demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties among the Iranian sample. CSS-12 has appropriate psychometric properties for use in research and clinical practice.