Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the catalytic activity for O2 reduction of Fe and Co MN4 adsorbed on graphite electrodes and on carbon nanotubes.

We have compared the electrocatalytic activity of several substituted and unsubstituted Co and Fe N4-macrocyclic complexes (MN4) for the electro-reduction of oxygen with the complexes directly adsorbed on the edge plane of pyrolytic graphite or adsorbed on carbon nanotubes (CNTs). In the presence of CNTs, one order of magnitude higher surface concentrations of MN4 catalysts per geometric area unit could be adsorbed leading to a lower overpotential for the oxygen electro-reduction and activities in the same order of magnitude as the commercially available Pt/C catalysts in basic pH. From Koutecky-Levich regression analysis, the total number of electrons transferred was approximately 2 for all the Co complexes and 4 for all the Fe ones, both in the presence and in the absence of the carbon nanotubes. Furthermore, the Tafel slopes did not vary due to the presence of the CNTs and presented values in the range of -0.06 V decade-1 for the CoN4 compounds and in the range of -0.04 V decade-1 for FeN4. When plotting the log of kinetic current densities (i.e. log jk) at a constant potential for each complex divided by the surface concentration Γ, and the number of electrons transferred n for the ORR for each catalyst, versus the difference between the redox potential of the metal active site of the Co(ii)/(i) or Fe(iii)/(ii) catalyst and the reversible potential of the reaction they promote, the catalytic activity increases when the formal potential of the complex becomes more positive and the data obtained with complexes adsorbed on graphite are in agreement with the data obtained when using CNTs indicating that the increase in jk when CNTs are present is only due to an increase in the number of active sites per geometric area of the electrode.
Oscillatory deviations from Matthiessen’s rule due to interacting dislocations

We theoretically examine the validity of Matthiessen’s rule caused by strong dislocation–dislocation interaction using a fully quantized dislocation field, where its degree of deviation is quantified at arbitrary electron energy, dislocation-electron and dislocation–dislocation distances and interaction strengths. Contrary to intuition, we show that the electron relaxation rate deviates from the Matthiessen’s rule in an oscillatory way as a function of inter-dislocation distance, instead of monotonically. In addition, we show quantitatively that the deviation is larger in a material with lower mass density, higher Poisson ratio and higher elastic moduli. This study could serve as a computational tool to investigate the electronic behavior of a highly-dislocated system at a full quantum field theoretical level.
Access to assistive technology for people with intellectual disabilities: a systematic review to identify barriers and facilitators

BACKGROUND The World Health Organisation has launched a programme to promote Global Cooperation on Assistive Technology. Its aim is to increase access to high-quality affordable assistive products (AP) for everybody in need. People with intellectual disabilities (ID) are a specific group that could benefit from AP, but use less AP compared to their non-intellectual disabled peers. METHOD A systematic literature search was carried out to identify barriers and potential facilitators for access to AP for people with ID globally. The search strategy terms were 'Intellectual Disability' and 'Assistive Technology' with the following electronic literature databases PubMed, Embase, ASSIA, Web of Science, Medline, CINAHL complete, PsycInfo, Scopus and ERIC. The quality and relevance of the studies were assessed. Factors associated with access were identified thematically, categorised into barriers and facilitators and mapped into themes. RESULTS In all, 22 key studies were retrieved, describing 77 barriers and 56 facilitators. The most frequently reported barriers were related to lack of funding and cost of AP, lack of awareness about AP and inadequate assessment. An increase of knowledge and awareness about AP and the need of AP for people with ID were most often extracted as factors that could potentially facilitate access. CONCLUSIONS This review proposes actions linked to the barriers and facilitators that have a particular importance for people with ID to access AP. Yet, only limited research is available describing factors that influence access to AP for people with ID in low and middle income countries and rural areas.
Hydrodynamics of electrons in graphene

Generic interacting many-body quantum systems are believed to behave as classical fluids on long time and length scales. Due to rapid progress in growing exceptionally pure crystals, we are now able to experimentally observe this collective motion of electrons in solid-state systems, including graphene. We present a review of recent progress in understanding the hydrodynamic limit of electronic motion in graphene, written for physicists from diverse communities. We begin by discussing the ‘phase diagram’ of graphene, and the inevitable presence of impurities and phonons in experimental systems. We derive hydrodynamics, both from a phenomenological perspective and using kinetic theory. We then describe how hydrodynamic electron flow is visible in electronic transport measurements. Although we focus on graphene in this review, the broader framework naturally generalizes to other materials. We assume only basic knowledge of condensed matter physics, and no prior knowledge of hydrodynamics.
Two-Channel Quadrature Mirror Filter Bank: An Overview

During the last two decades, there has been substantial progress in multirate digital filters and filter banks. This includes the design of quadrature mirror filters (QMF). A two-channel QMF bank is extensively used in many signal processing fields such as subband coding of speech signal, image processing, antenna systems, design of wavelet bases, and biomedical engineering and in digital audio industry. Therefore, new efficient design techniques are being proposed by several authors in this area. This paper presents an overview of analysis and design techniques of the two-channel QMF bank. Application in the area of subband coding and future research trends are also discussed.
Production, deformation and mechanical investigation of magnetic alginate capsules

In this article we investigated the deformation of alginate capsules in magnetic fields. The sensitivity to magnetic forces was realised by encapsulating an oil in water emulsion, where the oil droplets contained dispersed magnetic nanoparticles. We solved calcium ions in the aqueous emulsion phase, which act as crosslinking compounds for forming thin layers of alginate membranes. This encapsulating technique allows the production of flexible capsules with an emulsion as the capsule core. It is important to mention that the magnetic nanoparticles were stable and dispersed throughout the complete process, which is an important difference to most magnetic alginate-based materials. In a series of experiments, we used spinning drop techniques, capsule squeezing experiments and interfacial shear rheology in order to determine the surface Young moduli, the surface Poisson ratios and the surface shear moduli of the magnetically sensitive alginate capsules. In additional experiments, we analysed the capsule deformation in magnetic fields. In spinning drop and capsule squeezing experiments, water droplets were pressed out of the capsules at elevated values of the mechanical load. This phenomenon might be used for the mechanically triggered release of water-soluble ingredients. After drying the emulsion-filled capsules, we produced capsules, which only contained a homogeneous oil phase with stable suspended magnetic nanoparticles (organic ferrofluid). In the dried state, the thin alginate membranes of these particles were rather rigid. These dehydrated capsules could be stored at ambient conditions for several months without changing their properties. After exposure to water, the alginate membranes rehydrated and became flexible and deformable again. During this swelling process, water diffused back in the capsule. This long-term stability and rehydration offers a great spectrum of different applications as sensors, soft actuators, artificial muscles or drug delivery systems.
Endoscopic Transaxillary Subfascial Approach for Persistent Muscular Torticollis in Children

Background The endoscopic approach is a technical innovation for release of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) fibrosis in muscular torticollis, where operation scars can be hidden at less conspicuous areas, for example, at the axilla and hair-bearing scalp. As the SCM muscle is located beneath the investing layer of deep cervical fascia which is reported to continue to the fascia of the pectoralis major, the aim of the study was to describe and evaluate the preliminary result of transaxillary subfascial approach for persistent muscular torticollis in children. Methods A total of 4 children (2 boys and 2 girls) were included in this study from January to December 2009. Using a 2-port endoscopic technique, the division of the lower end of the fibrotic SCM muscle was performed through the subfascial working cavern. The subfascial dissection was performed under the fascia of the pectoralis major and above the muscular fibers from ipsilateral axilla with the aid of a homemade dissection balloon. Results The mean operating time was 67.5±11.9 minutes (range: 55 to 80 min). There was no serious operative morbidity and the mean follow-up period was 14.8±5.1 months (range: 9 to 20 mo). All patients had complete unrestricted movement of the head and no recurrence was observed during this period. Conclusions The transaxillary endoscopic technique, a working cavern created under the fascia of the pectoralis major, offers a safe and straightforward way to surgically manage persistent muscular torticollis while preserving neurovascular structures, exempting extradissection of noninvolved tissues and avoiding the potential for poor cosmesis from any neck scar.
XPS investigation of titanium contact formation to ZnO nanowires

Ti is often used to form an initial Ohmic interface between ZnO and Au due to its low work function, and the TiO2/ZnO heterojunction is also of great importance for many practical applications of nanoparticles. Here, Ti has been controllably deposited onto hydrothermally grown ZnO nanowires and the formation of metal–semiconductor contact has been investigated using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. XPS results showed that that the Ti initially reacts with surface oxygen species to form TiO2, and further deposition results in the formation of oxides with oxidation state numbers lower than four, and eventually metallic Ti on top of the TiO2. The formation of TiC was also observed. XPS showed that the onset of metallic Ti coincided with a Zn 3p core level shift to lower binding energy, indicating upwards band bending and the formation of a rectifying contact. Annealing caused a near-complete conversion of the metallic Ti to TiO2 and caused the Zn 3p to shift back to its original higher binding energy, resulting in downwards band bending and a more Ohmic contact. PL measurements showed that the optical properties of the nanowires are not affected by the contact formation.
What Novice Family Therapists Experience During a Session… A Qualitative Study of Novice Therapists' Inner Conversations During the Session.

"What do novice family therapists experience during a session with a couple or family? " This is the central question in this article. A videotape-assisted recall procedure was used to study novice family therapists' inner conversations. The therapists' reflections were analyzed using thematic analysis. This resulted in a coding system that distinguishes four main domains: (a) reflections concerning the self; (b) reflections about the therapy process; (c) reflections on emotions about the family members; and (d) managing the session as well as own emotions. The study furthermore revealed that during a session, novice family therapists experience strong emotions, such as self-criticism and irritation. Both emotions may encompass dangers, as well as opportunities for the therapeutic alliance and the process.
Surgical Outcomes of Laparoscopic Colorectal Resections for Familial Adenomatous Polyposis

Background: Acceptance of extended laparoscopic colon resections is still controversial besides the growing experience over the years. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the postoperative outcomes of laparoscopic colorectal resections exclusively for familial adenomatous polyposis patients. Methods: Patient data, surgical procedures and operative outcomes from 49 patients submitted to total proctocolectomy (TPC) or total abdominal colectomy (TAC) from 1997 to 2009 were prospectively analyzed. Results: There were 18 (36.7%) men and 31 (63.3%) women, with a median age of 31.1 years. Surgical procedures consisted of 3 TPC with ileostomy (6.1%), 30 restorative TPC with ileoanal anastomosis (61.2%), and 16 TAC with ileorectal anastomosis (32.6%). Only 1 patient (2.0%) required open conversion. No patient required blood transfusion. Median operating time was 289, ranging from 150 to 400 minutes. Twelve patients (24.5%) presented complications and only 1 (2.0%) died. Overall complication rates were similar after TAC or TPC (31.2% vs. 21.2%; P=0.4). Reoperations were necessary in 7 cases (14.3%), and the median length of hospital stay was 6.2 days (3 to 16). The comparison of 2 consecutive groups of patients over time revealed a little improvement in surgery duration (301 to 276 min; P=0.16), but relevant reduction in morbidity (32% vs. 16.6%; P=0.2) and reoperation rates (20% vs. 8.3%; P=0.4), besides the absence of statistical difference. Conclusions: Laparoscopic TPC and TAC represent an interesting alternative approach for young and motivated familial adenomatous polyposis patients. When performed by experienced surgeons, they provide excellent short-term outcome regarding immediate recovery, morbidity, and cosmesis.
Factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding practices among mothers in Syria: a cross-sectional study.

Background : Exclusive breastfeeding is the situation where the infant has received only breast milk from his/her mother for the first 6 months after birth. Research had found that factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding practices in different countries are varied. Little is known about exclusive breastfeeding in Syria. Objective: To identify factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding practices among mothers in Syria. Methodology: A cross-sectional study on feeding practices during the first 6 months of infant’s life was conducted in Lattakia City, the northwest of Syria from July through October 2012. A total sample of 334 Syrian mothers of infants aged between 0 and 12 months were studied on socio-demographic variables, reproductive factors, sources of breastfeeding support, and exclusive breastfeeding practices. Results: About 83.5% of mothers were breastfeeding at the time of the study. At 4
Effect of cobalt alloying on the electrochemical performance of manganese oxide nanoparticles nucleated on multiwalled carbon nanotubes

MnO is an electrically insulating material which limits its usefulness in lithium ion batteries. We demonstrate that the electrochemical performance of MnO can be greatly improved by using oxygen-functional groups created on the outer walls of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as nucleation sites for metal oxide nanoparticles. Based on the mass of the active material used in the preparation of electrodes, the composite conversion-reaction anode material Mn1−xCoxO/MWCNT with x = 0.2 exhibited the highest reversible specific capacity, 790 and 553 mAhg−1 at current densities of 40 and 1600 mAg−1, respectively. This is 3.1 times higher than that of MnO/MWCNT at a charge rate of 1600 mAg−1. Phase segregation in the Mn1−xCoxO nanoparticles was not observed for x ≤ 0.15. Capacity retention in x = 0, 0.2, and 1 electrodes showed that the corresponding specific capacities were stabilized at 478, 709 and 602 mAhg−1 respectively, after 55 cycles at a current density of 400 mAg−1. As both MnO and CoO exhibit similar theoretical capacities and MnO/MWCNT and CoO/MWCNT anodes both exhibit lower performance than Mn0.8Co0.2O/MWCNT, the improved performance of the Mn1−xCoxO/MWCNT alloy likely arises from beneficial synergistic interactions in the bimetallic system.
Electrical and photovoltaic properties of residue-free MoS2 thin films by liquid exfoliation method

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) film fabricated by a liquid exfoliation method has significant potential for various applications, because of its advantages of mass production and low-temperature processes. In this study, residue-free MoS2 thin films were formed during the liquid exfoliation process and their electrical properties were characterized with an interdigitated electrode. Then, the MoS2 film thickness could be controlled by centrifuge condition in the range of 20 ∼ 40 nm, and its carrier concentration and mobility were measured at about 7.36 × 1016 cm−3 and 4.67 cm2 V−1 s−1, respectively. Detailed analysis on the films was done by atomic force microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy measurements for verifying the film quality. For application of the photovoltaic device, a Au/MoS2/silicon/In junction structure was fabricated, which then showed power conversion efficiency of 1.01% under illumination of 100 mW cm−2.
Enhancing performances of a resistivity-type hydrogen sensor based on Pd/SnO2/RGO nanocomposites

Palladium/tin oxide/reduced graphene oxide (Pd/SnO2/RGO) nanocomposites with Pd and SnO2 crystalline nanoparticles of high density and uniformity coated on RGO have been synthesized by a two-step reduction process. A novel hydrogen (H2) sensor based on Pd/SnO2/RGO nanocomposites was fabricated by placing Pd/SnO2/RGO nanocomposites onto a pair of gold electrodes. The Pd/SnO2/RGO nanocomposite-based sensor exhibited higher responses than Pd/RGO to H2 because the introduction of SnO2 nanoparticles enhances H2 adsorption and forms a P–N junction with RGO. The sensor shows a high response of 55% to 10 000 ppm H2, and a low detection limit, fast response, good selectivity and repeatability due to a combination effect of the Pd and SnO2 nanoparticles. The studies provide a novel strategy for great potential applications of graphene-based gas sensors.
A microcantilever-based silver ion sensor using DNA-functionalized gold nanoparticles as a mass amplifier

Silver ions have been used to sterilize many products, however, it has recently been demonstrated that silver ions can be toxic. This toxicity has been studied over many years with the lethal concentration at 10 μM. Silver ions can accumulate through the food chain, causing serious health problems in many species. Hence, there is a need for a commercially available silver ion sensor, with high detection sensitivity. In this work, we develop an ultra-sensitive silver ion sensor platform, using cytosine based DNA and gold nanoparticles as the mass amplifier. We achieve a lower detection limit for silver ions of 10 pM; this detection limit is one million times lower than the toxic concentration. Using our sensor platform we examine highly selective characteristics of other typical ions in water from natural sources. Furthermore, our sensor platform is able to detect silver ions in a real practical sample of commercially available drinking water. Our sensor platform, which we have termed a ‘MAIS’ (mass amplifier ion sensor), with a simple detection procedure, high sensitivity, selectivity and real practical applicability has shown potential as an early toxicity assessment of silver ions in the environment.
Mastery learning of thoracentesis skills by internal medicine residents using simulation technology and deliberate practice.

BACKGROUND Thoracentesis has been identified as a core competency for hospitalists. Residency training may not provide adequate preparation to perform this procedure. OBJECTIVE Our aim was to use a thoracentesis simulation to assess graduating residents' proficiency in thoracentesis procedural skills and to evaluate the impact of an educational intervention on skill development to mastery standards. DESIGN This was a pretest-posttest mastery learning design without a control group. SETTING Participants were 40 third-year internal medicine residents in a university-affiliated program. INTERVENTION Using an observational checklist, each resident underwent baseline assessment of thoracentesis skill using a standardized clinical history, radiograph, and thoracentesis simulation. After baseline testing, residents received two 2-hour education sessions featuring a videotaped presentation and deliberate practice with the thoracentesis simulator. MEASUREMENTS Residents were retested after the intervention. Skill mastery was defined as meeting or exceeding the minimum passing score (MPS) set by an expert panel at thoracentesis posttest. Those who did not achieve the MPS had additional deliberate practice and were retested until the MPS was reached. RESULTS Performance improved 71% from pretest to posttest on the clinical skills examination. All residents met or exceeded the mastery standard. The amount of practice time needed to reach the MPS was the only predictor (negative) of posttest performance. The education program was rated highly. CONCLUSIONS A curriculum featuring deliberate practice dramatically increased the skills of residents in thoracentesis. Residents enjoy training and receiving evaluation and feedback in a simulated clinical environment. This mastery program illustrates a feasible and reliable mechanism to achieve procedural competency.
Resource utilization of total knee arthroplasty patients cared for on specialty orthopedic surgery units.

BACKGROUND The use of specialized orthopedic surgery (SOS) units in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients is well established. The number and costs of arthoplasty surgeries continue to increase, requiring institutions to reexamine their existing practices for financial sustainability. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to determine whether having elective TKA patients in SOS units affects resource utilization and outcomes. DESIGN The study was designed to retrospectively compare elective TKA patients from 1996 to 2004 admitted directly to SOS units with those admitted to nonorthopedic nursing (NON) units. SETTING The setting was an academic teaching hospital. PATIENTS Five thousand five hundred and thirty-four patients met inclusion criteria. Of these, 5082 (patients 91.8%) were admitted to SOS units and 452 (8.2%) to NON units. MEASUREMENTS The primary outcomes measured were length of stay (LOS) and costs, adjusted for age, sex, surgical year, comorbidities, and American Society of Anesthesiologists status. Secondary outcomes were 30-day mortality, readmissions, reoperations, and discharge disposition. RESULTS Mean age of the patients in SOS and NON units was 68.3 and 67.9 years, respectively (P = .50). Adjusted LOS was 0.234 days shorter in SOS units (95% CI: 0.083, 0.385). Adjusted total and hospital cost savings in the SOS unit group were $600 (95% CI: $122, $1079) and $594 (95% CI: $141, $1047), respectively. More NON-unit patients required unanticipated transfers to the intensive care unit (ICU) from the general postoperative nursing unit (3.1% vs. 1.63%; P = .023); however, the mean number of ICU days did not differ between groups. NON-unit patients were more likely to be discharged with home health care (P < .001). There were no differences in 30-day outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Patients on SOS units following elective TKA have a reduced LOS and decreased total and hospital costs. Our results should encourage hospitals to reevaluate postoperative patient flow to optimize resource utilization.