Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Acute response to cholinergic challenge predicts long‐term response to galantamine treatment in patients with Alzheimer's disease

Cholinesterase inhibitors (CEIs) have been shown to improve cognitive functioning in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients, but are associated with multiple side effects and only 20–40% of the patients clinically improve. In this study, we aimed to investigate the acute pharmacodynamic (PD) effects of administration of a single dose of galantamine on central nervous system (CNS) functioning in mild to moderate AD patients and its potential to predict long‐term treatment response.
Heavy metal adsorption on iron oxide and iron oxide-coated silica : macroscopic, spectroscopic, and modeling studies

HEAVY METAL ADSORPTION ON IRON OXIDE AND IRON OXIDE-COATED SILICA: MACROSCOPIC, SPECTROSCOPIC, AND MODELING STUDIES by Ying Xu To accurately model metal mobility and bioavailability in soils and sediments, systematic sorption studies are needed using representative and well-characterized minerals. Two important surfaces are iron oxide and silica, which are ubiquitous and associated with one another in the environment playing important roles in metal distribution. The objectives of this research are to develop models for predicting speciation and mobility of toxic trace metal ions in groundwater, soils, and sediments when competing ions are present. A model system for soils and sediments, iron oxide-coated silica, was synthesized; the degree of coatings was highly sensitive to the particle size of silica and ranged between 0.59 and 21.36 mg Fe g -1 solid. The iron oxide coatings increased surface area and introduced small pores. Surface charge distribution suggested that both silica and goethite surfaces are important for adsorption. The sub-micrometer-sized coatings exhibited a larger capacity for metals ions than discrete ones and, although in low concentration, they greatly affected metal affinity to the coated media. X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) analysis revealed that both Ni(II) and Pb(II) ions form mononuclear bidentate edge-sharing surface complexes on Fe06 octahedra. This mechanism appeared to be invariant of pH, ionic strength, metal loading, and reaction time. Constrained with spectroscopic information, the 2-pK triple layer model successfully predicted Ni or Zn adsorption in single adsorbate systems. The curvature in adsorption isotherms was accurately described using two types of sites — high affinity and low affinity ones. A unique set of parameters was found for each metal ion that can successfully describe adsorption over a large range of experimental conditions, covering six or seven orders of magnitude in concentration, ionic strength from 10 -3 to 10-2 , and an environmentally relevant pH range. Competition was also predicted quantitatively with parameters calibrated using single adsorbate data. Results of this work will assist in better understanding and predicting the mobility and bioavailability of trace metals in soils, sediments, and groundwater. HEAVY METAL ADSORPTION ON IRON OXIDE AND IRON OXIDE-COATED SILICA: MACROSCOPIC, SPECTROSCOPIC, AND MODELING STUDIES
AN UPDATED SYNOPSIS OF LUDWIGIA (ONAGRACEAE) IN MALESIA

TURNER, I. M. 2021. An updated synopsis of Ludwigia (Onagraceae) in Malesia. Reinwardtia 20(1): 9–16. — A synopsis of the seven native or naturalised species of Ludwigia (Onagraceae) occurring in Malesia is presented. The newly established Ludwigia leptocarpa is included. The paper incorporates a key to the species, synonymy and typification. Lectotypes are designated for 25 names, including five at the second step.
Optimization of Jakwir Cetem Services to Increase Public Private Partnerships in the New Normal Era in Tegal Bahari City

Public Private Partnership (PPP / P3s) is a collaboration that aims to overcome the limited capabilities the government and the private sector in implementing services and achieving innovation for regional development. Facing the era of adaptation to new habits (new normal), the government is required to transform following the development of public services in order to be able to overcome the more complex public problems. The implementation of partnerships that lead to public services is evidenced by the existence of the Jakwir Cetem or Aja Kosi Wira Wiri, cepat, tepat, melayani. It means the customer does not need to go anywhere and the required documents will be free delivered by Grab express to the address they put on the application. This partnership is oriented towards the principles of good governance which is now a global trend in the general model of government. Thus, the focus of the partnership pattern from the Jakwir Cetem Population and Civil Registration Agency Tegal City’s application service is expected to be a reference for other local government innovations so that it is more eager and faster in making changes. The research method used is a descriptive method with a qualitative approach, where the locus is through the partnership service application of the Jakwir Cetem using several data collection techniques, such as: interviews and surveys. Keywords—public privat partnership, inovation, new normal era, public services
Future changes in precipitation extremes across China based on CMIP6 models

A comparison assessment of model capabilities in simulating precipitation extremes across China was first implemented by using 30 models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) and using 36 CMIP6 models. The results indicate that the multi‐model median ensembles (MME) of both the CMIP5 and CMIP6 models can reasonably reproduce the climate means for the period from 1986 to 2005, and the biases are lower in most CMIP6 models compared to the CMIP5 models, especially over southern China. To provide further comparisons, 14 CMIP6 models are selected and compared with their predecessors in CMIP5. The results show that the CMIP6 models generally exhibit superior skill in simulating the extreme precipitation indices over China. The model spreads for most of the extreme indices in the CMIP6 version are also smaller. Additionally, the MMEs of the two CMIPs outperform individual models. However, some CMIP6 models also exhibit weaker skill levels in simulating some particular indices compared with those in CMIP5, which merits further investigation. The results from seven reanalyses further show large uncertainties for these indices; therefore, care should be taken in comparison with reanalyses. For future changes in precipitation extremes, total wet day precipitation (PRCPTOT), maximum 5‐day precipitation (RX5day) and very heavy precipitation days (R20mm) are projected to clearly increase across China over the coming century under the shared socioeconomic pathway (SSP) 2‐4.5 and SSP5‐8.5 scenarios. However, the dry condition index of CDD exhibits a decreasing tendency in the future, which implies that the dry conditions induced by precipitation anomalies will be mitigated. However, large uncertainties are still observed for future changes, which are primarily sourced from inter‐model and scenario variabilities, especially for the projected changes at the end of the 21st century.
Energy Parameters of Miscanthus Biomass Pellets Supplemented with Copra Meal in Terms of Energy Consumption during the Pressure Agglomeration Process

The process of pelleting miscanthus biomass often encounters issues related to the low durability of the obtained pellets and high energy inputs. To solve these issues, the use of copra meal as a supplement is proposed. This paper presents the results of research on energy parameters of miscanthus biomass pellets supplemented with copra meal in terms of energy consumption in the pressure agglomeration process. As part of this research, the energy parameters of miscanthus biomass, copra meal biomass, and their blends were characterized. Next, the raw materials were used for the production of pellets in the pressure agglomeration process. The investigations included proximate and ultimate analysis and estimation of heating values. Moreover, the total fat content, mechanical durability, kinetic strength, and bulk density were determined, and the energy consumption in the pelleting process was assessed. The results indicate that the energy consumption in the miscanthus biomass pelleting process can be substantially reduced by adding copra meal as a biocomponent. When the copra meal addition did not exceed 30%, the pellets exhibited over 95% durability, over 1200 kg∙m−3 density, and over 417 kg∙m−3 bulk density. Given the 44% reduction in energy consumption in the pellet production process and the energy efficiency of 4815 Wh·kg−1 determined in this study, copra meal may be an interesting material for use as an additive in the production of miscanthus biomass pellets.
Implementasi Program Padat Karya Tunai Dari Dana Desa dalam Mengatasi Kemiskinan Masyarakat Desa Karang Gading

The purpose of this study was to analyze the implementation, constraints and impact of the implementation of the cash for work program in Karang Gading Village on the poverty of the people of Karang Gading Village, Labuhan Deli District, Deli Serdang Regency. This research uses a qualitative descriptive method, to make descriptions, pictures, or paintings systematically and accurately about the facts, characteristics and relationships between the phenomena being investigated. The results showed that the implementation of the cash for work program from the Karang Gading Village Fund on the concrete rebate activity for sirtu hoarding in Dusun VI for the 2020 fiscal year the results were not optimal, this can be seen from four aspects in accordance with Edward III's theory of communication that is not yet optimal, Resources are inadequate, the Bureaucratic Structure is not completely well organized, and only the Disposition / Attitude is sufficient, the obstacles faced are inadequate human resources, and minor conflicts in the form of protests from villagers who are not empowered as workers or recipients. Village Cash Workforce Wages and rumors circulating that the Village Head and TPK only empower families and relatives as workers / recipients of Village Cash Workforce wages.
Energetics of boron near tungsten surfaces: A first-principles study

Interest exists in utilizing boron (B) wall conditioning of fusion tokamaks containing tungsten (W) plasma facing components, in order to improve plasma confinement. To understand the interactions of B with W surfaces, first-principles density functional theory calculations have been performed to model the adsorption, diffusion, and solution of B near the W(100), W(110), and W(111) surfaces. The results show that B within a distance of 0.6 nm above the surfaces is adsorbed to the surfaces without activation barriers. B atoms are strongly adsorbed on the W(100) surface with an adsorption energy of 7.80 eV, which is 1.22 and 1.35 eV larger than on the W(110) and W(111) surfaces. B diffusion on the W(100), W(110), and W(111) surfaces has an activation energies of 2.08, 1.12, and 1.47 eV, respectively; while, diffusion from the adsorption sites into the bulk requires 2.2–2.3 eV. The B solution energy below a clean W(100) surface is the lowest, followed by the W(111) and W(110) surfaces. B clustering and B-induced surface deformation as a function of B coverage has been investigated. B on the W(100) surface occupy epitaxial sites at coverages of 0–1.25 ML, but form clusters at higher coverages. B clustering on the W(110) and W(111) surfaces is expected throughout the adsorption process. Compared to a clean surface, B atoms on the W(100) reduce the surface effect on the B solution energy below the surface, while the presence of B on the W(110) and W(111) surfaces generally decreases or increases the B solution energy below surfaces, respectively.
Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Targeted and Stimuli‐Responsive Delivery of Chemotherapeutics: A Review

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) exhibit the typical characteristics of inorganic materials that make them promising drug delivery carriers for cancer therapy. Their structural properties allow the targeted delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs to enhance drug efficacy and reduce adverse effects. The functionalization of MSNs with targeting ligands to a specific tissue/cell and stimuli‐responsive capping materials to seal drugs inside the MSNs pores are widely studied for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. Furthermore, multiple stimuli‐responsive MSN‐based drug delivery systems are developed to enhance the delivery of anticancer drugs to their specific target and thereby improve the release of the drugs at the intended site. In addition, several toxicity studies are conducted to evaluate the biosafety and biocompatibility of MSNs. Although MSNs present reduced toxicity compared to colloidal silica, they can induce cytotoxicity associated with oxidative stress by increased reactive oxygen species production and decreased glutathione levels that can ultimately lead to cell death. However, different modifications to control morphology and surface composition can be applied to overcome the biocompatibility concerns. In this review, a comprehensive overview of the controlled synthesis, functionalization, targeting and biocompatibility of MSNs, as well as their biomedical application as a chemotherapeutic delivery system is provided.
GPS-BDS-Galileo double-differenced stochastic model refinement based on least-squares variance component estimation

Abstract Stochastic models are essential for precise navigation and positioning of the global navigation satellite system (GNSS). A stochastic model can influence the resolution of ambiguity, which is a key step in GNSS positioning. Most of the existing multi-GNSS stochastic models are based on the GPS empirical model, while differences in the precision of observations among different systems are not considered. In this paper, three refined stochastic models, namely the variance components between systems (RSM1), the variances of different types of observations (RSM2) and the variances of observations for each satellite (RSM3) are proposed based on the least-squares variance component estimation (LS-VCE). Zero-baseline and short-baseline GNSS experimental data were used to verify the proposed three refined stochastic models. The results show that, compared with the traditional elevation-dependent model (EDM), though the proposed models do not significantly improve the ambiguity resolution success rate, the positioning precision of the three proposed models has been improved. RSM3, which is more realistic for the data itself, performs the best, and the precision at elevation mask angles 20°, 30°, 40°, 50° can be improved by 4⋅6%, 7⋅6%, 13⋅2%, 73⋅0% for L1-B1-E1 and 1⋅1%, 4⋅8%, 16⋅3%, 64⋅5% for L2-B2-E5a, respectively.
What effect did the Green Credit Policy have on China's energy or emission intensive firms?

PurposeThe role of energy or emission intensive firms face contradictory demands from advancing economic development and environmental improvement and protection and thus require appropriate policy interventions to balance the two needs. China's “Green Credit” policy that restricts loans to energy or emission intensive firms provides an example to study the impact of these kinds of policy intervention.Design/methodology/approachUsing the data of all A-share listed companies in Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges, our paper empirically analyzes the impact of the Green Credit Policy on performance of these energy or emission intensive firms.Findings(1) Using difference-in-difference (DID) and propensity score matching (PSM)-DID method and the dynamic effect method, we found that from 2012 to 2015, the Green Credit Policy had an inhibiting effect on the performance of energy or emission intensive firms. This inhibiting effect was gradually weakened in 2016, and it turned into a positive promoting effect in 2017; (2) The performance's change of these firms around 2015 showed that Green Credit promoted the green transformation and upgrading of these firms; (3) Loans were helpful to the performance of energy or emission intensive firms to some extent, but government subsidies were not significant.Originality/valueThe results suggest that the government, banks and other institutions should dynamically assess the implementation results of the Green Credit Policy on energy or emission intensive firms.
Computation of Lightning Current from Electric Field Based on Laplace Transform and Deconvolution Method

A method for computation of the lightning channel base current from the corresponding vertical component of lightning electric field was presented. The algorithm was developed by applying Laplace transform. The lightning current was estimated from its deconvolution with a special transfer function. The transfer function includes information about geometry and physical properties of entire lightning impulse generation system. The method was verified for a Heidler-type base current and a MTLL model of its propagation within the lightning channel. Research was done for close, middle, and far distance to the lightning strike point. Optimum performance was obtained for the middle distance of several kilometers where the electrostatic, induction, and radiation components of the transfer function were of the same range. An analysis was done for input electric field with and without noise superimposed on its time domain waveform. Relative uncertainties for the electric field and calculated lightning channel base current were similar each other. The presented approach can substantially increase a number of lightning current parameters which can be identified on the basis of its electric field signature. This method can be applied by the lightning location systems using preprocessing which increases the timing efficiency of the transfer function estimation.
Spectrophotometric methods for lignin and cellulose in forest soils as predictors for humic substances

The origin and fate of humus, a soil organic matter fraction that is most resistant to decomposition, are not yet completely understood. Humus derives mainly from plant structural components; that is, lignin and cellulose, together with several other primary and secondary compounds. There are several methods to estimate lignin and cellulose in plant material; however, the applications to soil are limited and usually complicated and expensive. Conversely, humus can be estimated in soil by chemical titration methods, which estimate the carbon linked to humic and fulvic acids (HAC and FAC). Therefore, we carried out analyses that aimed to compare, within beech forest soils, spectrophotometric data for lignin and cellulose with those of HAC and FAC. We used soil samples from six different beech woods in Italy, sampling in four layers from 0–5 to 30–40 cm. The relations between spectrophotometric cellulose and lignin and HAC and FAC were tested by linear mixed models. Our results showed that both lignin and cellulose were significant predictors for HAC and FAC, even if cellulose had a larger conditional coefficient of determination (R2c). The best fit was between cellulose and the sum of HAC and FAC (R2c = 0.675). Our novel approach proved that spectrophotometric lignin and cellulose provide reliable results in both organic and mineral beech forest soils, even though lignin had a greater random variation than cellulose. Thus, spectrophotometric lignin and cellulose provide reliable and rapidly obtained predictors of humic substances in beech forest soils, with appropriate conversion factors to estimate HAC and FAC.
Iterated Functions Systems Composed of Generalized θ-Contractions

The theory of iterated function systems (IFSs) has been an active area of research on fractals and various types of self-similarity in nature. The basic theoretical work on IFSs has been proposed by Hutchinson. In this paper, we introduce a new generalization of Hutchinson IFS, namely generalized θ-contraction IFS, which is a finite collection of generalized θ-contraction functions T1,…,TN from finite Cartesian product space X×⋯×X into X, where (X,d) is a complete metric space. We prove the existence of attractor for this generalized IFS. We show that the Hutchinson operators for countable and multivalued θ-contraction IFSs are Picard. Finally, when the map θ is continuous, we show the relation between the code space and the attractor of θ-contraction IFS.
Analysis of Fifth Graders’ Higher Order Thinking Skills in Studying Human and Animal Respiratory Organs

Background: Higher order thinking skills (HOTS) are crucial for students to face the 21st century development. This study aimed to determine higher order thinking skills of the fifth graders at Muhammadiyah elementary school in Demangan and Baitussalam II Islamic elementary school in solving questions on human and animal respiratory organs.Method: A descriptive quantitative approach was employed. It included survey and ex-post factor designs. The research data were collected using tests.Result: The participants of the study achieved medium scores on three categories of HOTS. Thirty nine percent of Ibnu Thufail fifth graders achieved a medium score on judgement and critical thinking, 48% of Ibnu Rusdy fifth graders obtained a medium score on similar category, and 42% of the Muhammadiyah fifth graders got low scores on judgement and critical thinking. Meanwhile in problem-solving, 43% students were in medium category, 39% in low category, and 32% in medium category. Forty eight percent of the students obtained medium scores and 52% achieved poor scores.Implications: The research findings imply that students’ HOTS in natural science need to be improved. Novelty: The present study revealed students’ HOTS based on judgment and critical thinking, problem solving, logic and reasoning skills.
Appraising the Potential of Using Satellite‐Based Rainfall Estimates for Evaluating Extreme Precipitation: A Case Study of August 2014 Event Across the West Rapti River Basin, Nepal

Heavy precipitation events are recurrently occurring in Nepal, affecting lives and properties every year, especially in the summer monsoon season (i.e., June‐September). We investigated an extreme (heavy) precipitation event of August 2014 over the West Rapti River (WRR) Basin, Nepal. First, we forced a rainfall‐runoff model with ground‐based (gauge) hourly rainfall data of nine stations. Second, we validated against hourly water level at an outlet of the WRR Basin. This study then evaluated the performance of different satellite‐based rainfall estimates (SREs) in capturing an extreme precipitation event. We considered the use of half‐hourly data of Integrated Multi‐satellite Retrievals for GPM (IMERG) (Early, Late, and Final versions), spatial resolution (10 km), and hourly data of Precipitation Estimation from Remotely Sensed Information using Artificial Neural Networks (PERSIANN), spatial resolution (25 km), and Precipitation Estimation from Remotely Sensed Information using Artificial Neural Networks‐Cloud Classification System (PERSIANN‐CCS), spatial resolution (4 km). Also, we used 3 h data of Tropical Multi‐satellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA) product real‐time (3B42RT), spatial resolution (25 km). In general, we find that all selected SREs depicted a similar pattern of extreme precipitation as shown by the gauge data on a daily scale. However, we find these products could not replicate precisely on a sub‐daily scale. Overall, IMERG and TMPA showed a better performance than PERSIANN and PERSIANN‐CCS. Finally, we corrected poor‐performed SREs with respect to gauge data and also filled data gaps of gauge rainfall using the information of good‐performed SREs. Our study reveals that there is a great challenge in local flood simulation employing SREs at high‐temporal resolution in Nepal.