Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Knowledge sharing in online smoking cessation communities: a social capital perspective

PurposeAlthough knowledge sharing in online communities has been studied for many years, little is known about the determinants for individuals' knowledge sharing in online health communities (OHCs) surrounding smoking cessation. Examining the determinants of knowledge sharing in such OHCs from the social capital perspective may prove particularly enlightening.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire-based online user survey of two smoking cessation OHCs, one based in Finland and one based in China, was performed. Performing data analysis with partial least squares (SmartPLS 3.0), the authors developed a model conceptualizing the structural, cognitive and relational dimensions of social capital as drivers for knowledge sharing in smoking cessation OHCs, with users' stage in giving up smoking as a moderator.FindingsThe results show that structural capital (social ties) and relational capital (reciprocity) are important motivators behind knowledge sharing in smoking cessation OHCs, and the authors found a moderating effect of the stage in quitting on the antecedents' relationship with knowledge sharing in these OHCs.Originality/valueThe study enriches understanding of knowledge sharing in smoking cessation OHCs, contributing to theory and identifying practical implications for such groups' administration.
Optimizing self-pollinated crop breeding employing genomic selection: From schemes to updating training sets

Long-term breeding schemes using genomic selection (GS) can boost the response to selection per year. Although several studies have shown that GS delivers a higher response to selection, only a few analyze which stage GS produces better results and how to update the training population to maintain prediction accuracy. We used stochastic simulation to compare five GS breeding schemes in a self-pollinated long-term breeding program. Also, we evaluated four strategies, using distinct methods and sizes, to update the training set. Finally, regarding breeding schemes, we proposed a new approach using GS to select the best individuals in each F2 progeny, based on genomic estimated breeding values and genetic divergence, to cross them and generate a new recombination event. Our results showed that the best scenario was using GS in F2, followed by the phenotypic selection of new parents in F4. For TS updating, adding new data every cycle (over 768) to update the TS maintains the prediction accuracy at satisfactory levels for more breeding cycles. However, only the last three generations can be kept in the TS, optimizing the genetic relationship between TS and the targeted population and reducing the computing demand and risks. Hence, we believe that our results may help breeders optimize GS in their programs and improve genetic gain in long-term schemes.
Methane production from process water of sewage sludge hydrothermal carbonization. A review. Valorising sludge through hydrothermal carbonization

Abstract Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) has recently emerged as a promising technology for sustainable sludge minimization and solid products valorization. Nevertheless, a not negligible amount of process water remains as by-product, containing organic compounds which solubilize during the process (10–63 g COD L−1). Its valorization through anaerobic digestion (AD) has been assessed, but no systematic review has been reported to date. The main parameters, which influence the valorization of HTC process water through AD, are initial feedstocks characteristics, nutrients concentration, HTC process temperature and residence time, inoculum acclimation to toxic compounds and its buffer capacity. Experiences reported in the literature proved that HTC applied to sewage sludge at 180–200 °C at residence times in the range 60–90 min could be a good compromise between hydrochar production and valorization, hydrochar dewaterability, biogas production from AD of process water and energy consumption.
Attempts to Access a Series of Pyrazoles Lead to New Hydrazones with Antifungal Potential against Candida species including Azole-Resistant Strains

The treatment of benzylidenemalononitriles with phenylhydrazines in refluxing ethanol did not provide pyrazole derivatives, but instead furnished hydrazones. The structure of hydrazones was secured by X-ray analysis. The chemical proof was also obtained by direct reaction of 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzaldehyde with 2,4-dichlorophenylhydrazine. Newly synthesized hydrazones were tested against eight Candida spp. strains in a dose response assay to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC99). Five compounds were identified as promising antifungal agents against Candida spp. (C. albicans SC5314, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis and C. glabrata (R azoles)), with MIC99 values ranging from 16 to 32 µg/mL and selective antifungal activity over cytotoxicity.
Symfem: a symbolic finite element definition library

where f is a known function, and Ω is the domain on which the problem is being solved. This form is then discretised by defining a finite-dimensional subspace of V —often called Vh—and looking for a solution uh ∈ Vh that satisfies the above equation for all functions vh ∈ Vh. These finite-dimensional subspaces are defined by meshing the domain of the problem, then defining a set of basis functions on each cell in the mesh (and enforcing any desired continuity between the cells).
Terephthalic acid decomposition by photocatalytic ozonation with VxOy/ZnO under different UV-A LEDs distributions

Abstract In this work, the degradation of terephthalic acid (TA) by vanadium oxide (VxOy) supported on zinc oxide (ZnO) was evaluated in a photocatalytic ozonation treatment based on two UV-A LEDs distributions. TEM analysis and specific surface area measurement suggest that VxOy is not supported on ZnO, while the EDXRF and XPS analysis indicated the presence of VxOy. The XPS analysis on VxOy/ZnO catalyst showed non-significant surface change between fresh and used catalyst. However, ozone decomposition showed a higher reaction rate constant for catalytic (230%) and photocatalytic ozonation (310%) in comparison with single ozone treatment. Photocatalytic ozonation with central and external irradiation arrays was evaluated in TA elimination by a kinetic study. The irradiation arrays had not statistical differences in the TA decomposition or oxalic acid formation. These results suggest that the construction of central bodies inside the reactor could be not necessary for photocatalytic processes.
Removal of both basic and non-basic N-compounds from diesel fuel with deep eutectic solvent

Abstract Deep eutectic solvent (DES) tetraethyl ammonium bromide-malonic acid (TEAB-Mal) was synthesized and its structure was characterized with FTIR spectroscopy. The denitrogenation performance of the solvent was investigated using model diesel fuel containing quinoline or indole. Experiment results showed that the removal efficiencies of quinoline and indole were 97.7 and 90.1% at temperature of 30 °C, 1:7 (w/w) DES: oil, extraction time of 30 min, respectively. In addition, the quinoline and indole removal efficiencies can still reach 86.4 and 78.9% after four recycles of the DES, respectively.
Improved or decreased? Customer experience with self-service technology versus human service in hotels in China

ABSTRACT Self-service technologies (SSTs) are becoming a trend and can potentially supplement or replace human services. However, the experiential aspects on which SSTs outperform human services remain unclear. This research adopted a sequential mixed method (60 in-depth interviews followed by two survey rounds) to evaluate the relative advantages of technology over humans. First, a commensurate measurement scale (5 dimensions covering 22 items) for customer experience with SSTs and human services was developed. Quantitative findings revealed that customers reported better actional and fresh experiences with SSTs, while hoteliers cited SSTs as only outperforming human staff in providing fresh experiences. Moreover, customers rated their experiences significantly lower than hoteliers’ perceptions. These findings enrich knowledge of the experiential changes elicited by SSTs and the differences between customer expressed experience and hoteliers’ perceptions of customer experience. Practical implications were also discussed.
Thermal conductivity and diffusion behaviour of lauric acid confined in carbon nanotubes as heat storage materials

ABSTRACT The thermal conductivity and diffusion behaviour of lauric acid (LA) confined in single-walled carbon nanotube (CNT) with the filling ratio of 80% are investigated by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. It is found that the concentric multilayer LA tubes are clearly observed under the interaction of CNT and LA and the hydrogen bonds (HB) among LA molecules in a confined environment. Due to the phonon scattering in low-frequency and the high-thermal conductivity characteristics of CNT, the axial thermal conductivity of CNT/LA is 49–57% lower than that of empty CNT and 115–188 times higher than that of crystal LA at the temperature range of 280 and 360 K. The confined LA molecules move as a whole cluster due to the long-lasting HB action and travel much faster than the bulk.
Multiple Representation-Based Learning through Cognitive Dissonance Strategy to
Reduce Student’s Misconceptions in Volumetric Analysis

This study aimed to determine the contribution of multiple representation-based learning through cognitive dissonance strategy and to reduce misconceptions encountered by chemistry students. A mixed method research with the embedded experimental design was employed in this study involving 66 sophomore students enrolled in the Basics of Analytical Chemistry class. This study used a threetier test diagnostic test of 43 questions that had been validated by the education teams and chemists. The analysis was done by using a t-test and N-gain. The results showed a significant difference between the experimental and the control classes and a greater increase in N-gain in the experimental class (68.56%) compared to the control class (42.42%). The most effective reduction of misconceptions occurred in the subject of argentometric titration, from 33.41 to 8.79 %. This indicates that MRCD cannot completely eliminate misconceptions, especially for concepts related to sub-microscopic and symbolic representations.
Exploring the benefits of cloud computing for sustainable construction in Nigeria

Purpose Cloud computing is one of the digitalization principles used in some sectors like banking, health and construction industry. This paper aims to examine the benefits of applying cloud computing for construction sustainability in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach The cloud computing benefits-related data were retrieved from previous studies and complemented with a questionnaire survey to obtain data from stakeholders involved in the execution of construction projects in Lagos State, Nigeria, through a convenient sampling technique. In addition, the relative importance index (RII) technique was used to investigate the acquired data. At the same time, analysis was accomplished using exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Findings indicated that numerous benefits could be derived by adopting cloud computing in the Nigerian construction industry. Findings The findings from RII analysis showed the significant benefits of data storage ubiquity (i.e. location independence), high situational awareness, team collaboration, compatibility with advanced production facilities and improved project planning. Furthermore, the analysis of these benefits was conducted using EFA for the four construction maxims: construction productivity, back-office activities, design management and billing. Originality/value This research illustrated the benefits of cloud computing in achieving a successful construction project. Besides, these findings are not only useful for achieving sustainable construction in Nigeria but also applicable to many developing countries.
Characterization and assessment of biosurfactant producing indigenous hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria: potential application in bioremediation

Abstract Petroleum and hydrocarbons contamination can be remediated by physical, chemical or biological methods. Among these, in situ bioremediation is considered to be environmentally friendly because it restores the soil structure, requires less energy input and involves the notable removal after degradation of biosurfactant. The present study involves the characterization and assessment of biosurfactant producing indigenous hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria and their potential application in bioremediation processes. Three bacterial strains were isolated from various crude oil contaminated environments and characterized using standard identification techniques. The results clearly demonstrate the capability of utilizing hydrocarbon and biosurfactant produced by the bacterial strains. 16S rDNA sequencing followed by BLAST analysis revealed their similarity to Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The physico-chemical characterization of the biosurfactants revealed significant surface properties with stability at extreme temperature conditions (up to 121˚C), pH (5 - 8) and salinity (up to 4 %). Further, the mass spectrometry confirmed predominance of di-rhamnolipids in biosurfactant mixtures. The biosurfactants were found to be efficient in the removal of crude oil from the contaminated sand suggesting its applicability in bioremediation technology. Further, improved discharge of crude oil at elevated temperatures also confirms their thermo-stability which, could be exploited in microbial enhanced oil recovery processes. Thus, the applications of biosurfactants produced by the indigenous hydrocarbonoclastic strains appeared to be advantageous for bioremediation of petroleum-contaminated environments.
Thermoelastic Properties and Elastocaloric Effect in Rapidly Quenched Ribbons of Ti2NiCu Alloy in the Amorphous and Crystalline State

The thermoelastic properties and the elastocaloric effect (ECE) were studied in rapidly quenched ribbons of the Ti2NiCu alloy samples in amorphous and crystalline states under periodic mechanical tension with a frequency of up to 50 Hz. In the amorphous samples, elastic behavior is observed, described by Hooke’s law, with a high coefficient of thermal expansion α = 1.7 × 10−4 K−1. Polycrystalline ribbons of the Ti2NiCu alloy have the classical shape memory effect (SME), the temperatures of the forward and reverse thermoelastic martensitic transitions being Ms = 345 K, Mf = 325 K, As = 332 K, and Af = 347 K and the coefficient of the dependence of the transition temperature on mechanical stress being β = 0.12 K/MPa. The experimentally measured value of the adiabatic temperature change under the action of mechanical stress (ECE) in the amorphous state of the alloy at room temperature (Tr = 300 K) was ΔT = −2 K, with a relative elongation of ε = 1.5% and a mechanical stress of σ = 243 MPa. For crystalline samples of Ti2NiCu alloy ribbons, the ECE is maximum near the completion temperature of the reverse thermoelastic martensitic transformation Af, and its value was 21 K and 7 K under cyclic mechanical loads of 300 and 100 MPa, respectively. It is shown that the ECE value does not depend on the frequency of external action in the range from 0 to 50 Hz. The specific power of the rapidly quenched ribbon was evaluated as a converter of thermal energy at an external mechanical stress of 100 MPa; its value was 175 W/g at a frequency of 50 Hz. The thermodynamic model based on the Landau theory of phase transitions well explains the properties of both amorphous ribbons (reverse ECE) and alloy ribbons with EPF (direct ECE).
Forced Air Precooling Enhanced Storage Quality by Activating the Antioxidant System of Mango Fruits

Effects of forced air precooling on storage quality and physiological metabolism of mangoes were evaluated in this study. Mango fruits were forced air precooled for 30 min at 0°C and then stored at 13°C. Control fruits were stored at 13°C directly. Results showed that forced air precooling treatment maintained fruit firmness, inhibited fruit peel coloration, retarded hydrolysis of polysaccharide to soluble sugar, and decreased fruit decay during storage. Biochemical studies revealed that precooling treatment could eliminate reactive oxygen species (ROS) effects by enhancing related antioxidant enzyme activities, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), glutathione reductase (GR), and polyphenoloxidase (PPO). They all contributed to the delay of mango fruit ripening and senescence in storage. These results indicate that forced air precooling treatment could maintain mango fruit quality by enhancing antioxidant activity and delaying fruit ripening.
Regional Knowledge Capabilities, Entrepreneurial Activity, and Productivity Growth: Evidence from Italian NUTS-3 Regions

Knowledge has replaced labor as the key factor for productivity growth in innovation discourse. The Knowledge Spillover Theory of Entrepreneurship (KSTE) provides the theoretical foundation to bridge the gap between knowledge and productivity growth. The way regional knowledge actually contributes to productivity growth requires a theoretical explanation because knowledge capability is an indirect and intangible input for regional productivity growth. Previous research has shown that entrepreneurship alone is insufficient to drive productivity improvements. We examine how knowledge capabilities lead to meaningful growth outcomes of new firms in a region. This study examines the determinants of productivity growth by analyzing the factors of entrepreneurship and knowledge capabilities at the regional level, especially considering the moderating effect of entrepreneurship between knowledge and regional growth; by comparing different dimensions of local knowledge capabilities; and by aggregating the contribution of knowledge capabilities and entrepreneurship to productivity growth at the regional level. The empirical analysis is performed on Italian NUTS-3 regions by utilizing an integrated data set combining patent data from the EPO PATSTAT database, and regional data from Eurostat regional statistics. This study makes two main contributions to the KSTE literature by linking knowledge, entrepreneurship, and regional growth and by providing empirical results on different aspects of regional knowledge capability. Our findings identify which types of local knowledge capabilities are more important and how related innovative activity interacts with entrepreneurial activity, elucidating the mechanisms by which knowledge affects labor productivity through entrepreneurship.
Gold Nanoparticle: Recent Progress on Its Antibacterial Applications and Mechanisms

Gold nanoparticles (AuNP) is a new type of metal nanomaterials used in the biomedical field. Compared with ordinary metal materials and other metal nanomaterials, AuNP can be very unique. AuNP has been proven to have good performance against a variety of pathogens, and research on its antibacterial activity and mechanism has also become a hot topic in recent years. This article summarizes the antibacterial properties and clinical applications of AuNP against different kinds of bacteria and analyzes and discusses its existing and potential antibacterial mechanisms. At the same time, we also put forward the current challenges and problems to be solved by AuNP and look forward to its future development prospects, in order to correctly and comprehensively introduce this new antibacterial method.
LOGO, a contextualized pre-trained language model of human genome flexibly adapts to various downstream tasks by fine-tuning

Interpretation of non-coding genome remains an unsolved challenge in human genetics due to impracticality of exhaustively annotate biochemically active elements in all conditions. Deep learning based computational approaches emerge recently to help interpretating non-coding regions. Here we present LOGO (Language of Genome), a self-attention based contextualized pre-trained language model that applies self-supervision techniques to learn bidirectional representations of unlabeled human reference genome and extend to a series of downstream tasks via fine-tuning. We also explore a novel knowledge embedded version of LOGO to incorporate prior human annotations. Experiments show that LOGO achieves 15% absolute improvement for promoter identification and up to 4.5% absolute improvement for enhancer-promoter interaction prediction. LOGO exhibits state-of-the-art predictive power on chromatin features with only 3% parameterization against fully supervised convolutional neural network, DeepSEA. Fine-tuned LOGO also shows outstanding performance in prioritizing non-coding variants associated with human diseases. In addition, we apply LOGO to interpret type 2 diabetes (T2D) GWAS signals and infer underlying regulatory mechanisms. We make a conceptual analogy between natural language and human genome and demonstrate LOGO is an accurate, fast, scalable, and robust framework with powerful adaptability to various tasks without substantial task-specific architecture modifications.
Detection of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in wild free-living birds and mammals from the northwest region of São Paulo state, Brazil

Toxoplasmosis is a protozoonosis caused by an obligate intracellular parasite named Toxoplasma gondii, which can infect humans and a large number of homeothermic animal species with worldwide distribution. The present study aimed to detect anti T. gondii antibodies from serological samples of free living wild animals from the northwest region of São Paulo state, Brazil. Thirty-two samples (eight from birds and 24 from mammals) were analyzed by the modified agglutination test (MAT) using 5 cut-off points for birds and 25 for mammals. Seropositivity was observed in 25% (2/8) of birds, including the species Rupornis magnirostris (roadside hawk) and Caracara plancus (southern caracara), and 29.2% (7/24) animals were seropositive among mammals, including one hoary fox (Lycalopex vetulus), two maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus), one black howler monkey (Alouatta caraya), two crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous) and one gray brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira). The results obtained with the present study indicate the exposure to T. gondii of free-living wild animals from the northwest region of São Paulo state and, therefore, that they probably play a role in the transmission and maintenance of T. gondii in the environment they inhabit. Thus, identification of the infection in several animal species in the region indicates the environmental contamination of the area. Studies of this nature may help to understand the importance of the prevention and control of this disease in Brazil.