Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Design and development of an amperometric immunosensor based on screen-printed electrodes

A novel disposable amperometric immunosensor has been developed based on laboratory fabricated screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) using an indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) approach. The electrodes were screen-printed on a non-tearable flexible polyester film using commercially available inks and characterized by cyclic voltammetry, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. In order to study the immunosensing performances of these SPEs, bovine serum albumin (BSA) antigen was directly immobilized on the bare electrode surface without any surface modification. It was then exposed to primary antibody followed by horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-linked secondary antibody. 3,3′,5,5′-Tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) was used as the substrate. HRP oxidised TMB in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and the electron transfer was measured using amperometry at an applied scan rate of 50 mV s−1 which enabled the quantification of the antigen. The electrochemical response of this laboratory made SPE was about 2.5 times higher when compared to that of a commercially available SPE. A two-fold linear range for this immunosensor was obtained from 15.6–125 ng mL−1 and from 125–1000 ng mL−1, respectively.
A Brief Review on Bioinspired ZnO Superhydrophobic Surfaces: Theory, Synthesis, and Applications

Due to the intensive demand in the development of superhydrophobic surfaces both in theory and application, superhydrophobic research on ZnO materials has exponentially grown over the last several years. One of the main advantages of the ZnO materials is the relative easiness to produce various surface morphologies, which is quite meaningful to study the influence of morphology on wetting property. The synthesis approaches of ZnO materials include thermal oxidization, hydrothermal method, chemical etching, spray coating technique, electrochemical method, and others. This review is a representation of the recent achievement on ZnO superhydrophobic surfaces.
SMES' SECTOR ACCESS TO FINANCE: AN OVERVIEW

Through their contribution to the creation of added value and new jobs, the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have a significant role in the economic and social development of a country. However, these enterprises are facing numerous obstacles that limit their performance, growth and development. Among the difficulties faced by SMEs, the access to finance is often reported as a major obstacle to the deployment and expansion of their activity. The access to finance is crucial for efficient allocation of financial resources and entrepreneurial development, which explains the major interest given to this subject both by the academic literature and the policy makers. The paper aims to highlight the difficulties faced by SMEs in securing financing resources, emphasizing the differences between countries and also between SMEs and large enterprises. Knowing the difficulties in SMEs financing is essential for policy makers in order to design and implement appropriate measures, which will help to improve the access to financing for these enterprises. Thus, another issue addressed, synthetically, in this paper aims the measures taken by public authorities in order to support the access to financing for SMEs. The research methodology used in this paper starts with a literature review in order to highlight the importance of the subject addressed in our research. The analysis conducted in this paper is based on data and statistics provided mainly by the World Bank surveys, by certain empirical studies and by the National Council of Small and Medium Sized Private Enterprises in Romania. Based on the methodology used, the paper indicates the difficulties in SMEs financing and the crucial importance of enhancing the public authorities concerns regarding their alleviation, especially by adopting measures focused on increasing financial development, which would ensure greater availability of financing for businesses and thus economic growth. The limited availability and even lack of statistical data regarding the SMEs financing situation from various countries, including Romania, impose certain limits to the researches in the field, which can be overcome as policy makers realize the vital importance of developing and monitoring specific indicators regarding the financing of this type of enterprises, such as the share of loans granted to SMEs, based on their size, experience and sectors of activity, that would be useful for public authorities, creditors and investors.
A SOCIO-ECONOMIC FRAMEWORK FOR ADOPTING GOVERNANCE MECHANISMS IN LARGE CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

Construction projects typically involve a series of inter-related transactions among project parties across project phases with the objective of delivering a complex endeavor. Therefore, the transaction governance literature provides a solid foundation for developing the governance theory of construction projects. However, analyze considering the project-based literature, the conceptualization and theoretical underpinning for determining the contingency factors that have significant role in selection of governance mechanisms varies widely. Although TCE perspective has been criticized for its weakness in predicting the effectiveness of different governance mechanisms, most of studies have limited to TCE-based factors and neglected the social motivators for adoption of governance systems. This is departing point for this paper to make a two-fold contribution to the construction projects’ governance literature. Firstly, it analyses different frameworks in the transaction governance literature and identifies the antecedents for the adoption of the proper governance mechanisms. It also studies the application of these factors in the context of construction projects. Secondly, drawing upon transaction cost economics (TCE) and social capital theory (SCT), this study develops a socio-economic framework for including both project-based and relationship-based characteristics of construction projects in the choice of proper governance system. The framework serves as a platform for future knowledge development on the governance of construction projects.
Levels of Lead and Arsenic in Groundwater and Blood of Residents of Agulu, Nigeria

Arsenic and lead come in the first and second positions, respectively, in the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERLA) list of 275 most harzadeous substances of 2011. These metals are capable of bioaccumulation. Therefore, ingestion through food and water should be guarded against. Inhabitants of Agulu, Nigeria, depend mostly on groundwater (wells and boreholes) for their water sources, which exposes them to possible ingestion of these metals through groundwater. The determination of the heavy metals (HM) arsenic and lead in the groundwaters of Agulu, Nigeria, and their bioaccumulation in the inhabitants was carried out using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The contamination by these HMs of the sampled groundwater varied among Agulu villages. Arsenic was found to be in more than 41% of the samples, while 40% of them contained arsenic above the 0.01 mg/L MCL recommended by WHO. Lead was detected in 32% of the samples, with 29% being above the WHO MCL of 0.01 mg/L. While the mean blood levels of lead were within allowable limits, the mean blood arsenic levels were several times higher than the allowable limit and far above the water concentrations, which indicated bioaccumulation and chronic arsenic poisoning. This study has shown significant heavy metal contamination in groundwaters of Agulu and concentrations of arsenic above the allowable threshold. This indicates bioaccumulation of arsenic as the average blood concentration is more than that in the groundwater studied.
An Overview of Mechanisms and Patterns with Origami

Origami (paperfolding) has greatly progressed since its first usage for design of cult objects in Japan, and entertainment in Europe and the USA. It has now entered into artistic areas using many other materials than paper, and has been used as an inspiration for scientific and engineering realizations. This article is intended to illustrate several aspects of origami that are relevant to engineering structures, namely: geometry, pattern generation, strength of material, and mechanisms. It does not provide an exhaustive list of applications nor an in-depth chronology of development of origami patterns, but exemplifies the relationships of origami to other disciplines, with selected examples.
Urea distribution and uptake in the Atlantic Ocean between 50° N and 50° S

We investigate the distribution of urea and its uptake by phytoplankton during 3 meridional transects of the Atlantic Ocean between 50°N and 50° S. Significant relationships were identified between urea uptake and Prochlorococcus abundance (p < 0.01) in the northern subtropical Atlantic, where Prochlorococcus appears likely to dominate urea uptake, and between urea concentration and the <200 µm microplankton biomass fraction (p < 0.005) in the South Atlantic, which may be associated with the production of urea. These results suggest that the distribution of urea in the subtropical ocean may be controlled by regional imbalances between urea consumption and urea production. In parallel with these simple relationships significant spring-autumn seasonal changes in the distribution of urea were identified in southern subtropical and tropical latitudes. Urea was twice as abundant during local spring than during local autumn in the subtropical South Atlantic but 2.5 times more abundant in equatorial waters during the boreal autumn period. Euphotic zone integrated urea uptake rates also varied seasonally, being considerably higher in the North Atlantic temperate and subtropical latitudes during the boreal spring whilst in the subtropical South Atlantic urea uptake peaked in local autumn.
A Regional Survey on Residents’ Preferences on Patient-Centered Medical Home Design in Rural Areas

Objectives: This study aims to explore the rural residents’ preferences on various aspects of the patient-centered medical home (PCMH) model and the associated physical environment features. Background: The PCMH model has gained popularity as an innovative care model that intends to improve patient experience and outcomes while reducing costs. Yet few studies focused on patients’ perspective, even less considered the needs of the rural communities. Method: Using a convenience sample, an exploratory survey was completed by 362 rural residents in the Midwestern region. Survey items were designed to gather information on both rural residents’ preferences for five key PCMH attributes (comprehensive, patient-centered, coordinated, accessible, and quality) and of the physical environment that supports these attributes. Analyses were arranged along these key attributes. Results: Results indicated that residents’ demographics affect their preferences for spatial features for PCMH. The three most important environmental factors for PCMH for the rural residents are the privacy, extra chairs in the exam room for family, and space that supports information sharing and communication among patient, family, and healthcare staff. Through structural equation modeling analysis, residents’ preferences on comprehensive care, patient-centered care, coordinated care, quality, and safety have shown to affect their preference for the space features. The open-ended survey shows that rural residents are mostly satisfied with their current healthcare environment in terms of supporting patient-centered care, while other aspects still have room for future improvement. Conclusions: Overall, this exploratory study identified important attributes of the physical environment that can support PCMH from rural residents’ perspective.
Capacity Characterization of a MIMO-OFDM Wireless Channel with BLAST Implementation

As the data rates and performance of current telecommunications technologies reach their limits, MIMO offers promising results allowing for higher spectral efficiencies (or capacities) through the use of multiple element antennas (MEAs). Conventional testing methods, however, cannot be used for multi-antenna systems due to the co-dependence of antenna and RF effects, and baseband hardware and software design. This dissertation specifies a novel MIMO-OFDM, BLAST-based testing design using a hybrid FPGA/DSP development platform from Lyrtech. The design allows for rapid implementation and a consistent indication of the channel impulse response. In addition, a multipath environment is further created to mimic a realistic high scattering scenario. A study of MIMO system capacity is performed along with measurements of an actual over-the-air (OTA) channel. Observations about capacity and the effect of MEA antenna separations are then drawn and conclusions made as to the overall ability to effectively test MIMO systems. The platform used is the result of efforts from several individuals within UW’s CST group. My contributions and research are documented in this dissertation.
A Short Review in Model Order Reduction Based on Proper Generalized Decomposition

This paper revisits a new model reduction methodology based on the use of separated representations, the so called Proper Generalized Decomposition—PGD. Space and time separated representations generalize Proper Orthogonal Decompositions—POD—avoiding any a priori knowledge on the solution in contrast to the vast majority of POD based model reduction technologies as well as reduced bases approaches. Moreover, PGD allows to treat efﬁciently models deﬁned in degenerated domains as well as the multi-dimensional models arising from multidimensional physics (quantum chemistry, kinetic theory descriptions ,. ) or from the standard ones when some sources of variability are introduced in the model as extra-coordinates.
Generation and performance of localised surface plasmons utilising nano-scale structured multi-layered thin films deposited upon D-shaped optical fiber

A new generation of surface plasmonic optical fibre sensors is fabricated using multiple coatings deposited on a lapped section of a single mode fibre. Post-deposition UV laser irradiation using a phase mask produces a nano-scaled surface relief grating structure, resembling nano-wires. The overall length of the individual corrugations is approximately 14 μm with an average full width half maximum of 100 nm. Evidence is presented to show that these surface structures result from material compaction created by the silicon dioxide and germanium layers in the multi-layered coating and the surface topology is capable of supporting localised surface plasmons. The coating compaction induces a strain gradient into the D-shaped optical fibre that generates an asymmetric periodic refractive index profile which enhances the coupling of the light from the core of the fibre to plasmons on the surface of the coating. Experimental data are presented that show changes in spectral characteristics after UV processing and that the performance of the sensors increases from that of their pre-UV irradiation state. The enhanced performance is illustrated with regards to change in external refractive index and demonstrates high spectral sensitivities in gaseous and aqueous index regimes ranging up to 4000 nm/RIU for wavelength and 800 dB/RIU for intensity. The devices generate surface plasmons over a very large wavelength range, (visible to 2 μm) depending on the polarization state of the illuminating light.
Surface characteristics of chemically modified newsprint fibers determined by inverse gas chromatography

The surface characteristics of treated waste newsprint fibers were investigated using inverse gas chromatography (IGC). The surfaces of waste newsprint fibers were modified with γ-aminopropyltrie-thoxysilane, dichlorodiethylsilane (DCS), phthalic anhydride (PA), and maleated polypropylene. The effectiveness of these surface treatments was monitored by the IGC adsorption curves using n-alkanes and acid-base probes. The empirical acid (K A ) and base (K D ) characteristics (i.e., electron donor/ acceptor abilities) of untreated and treated newsprint fibers were determined using Schultz's method and were correlated with the surface chemical compositions determined from X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results indicated that the surface of untreated newsprint fibers had an acidic characteristic due to the electron acceptor character of the hydroxyl protons. The newsprint fibers reacted with phthalic anhydride or malcated polypropylene also exhibited an acidic surface behavior attributed to pendent carboxylic groups. Dichlorodiethylsilane produced a strong acidic surface attributed to the highly electronegative nature of the chlorine atoms of dichlorodiethylsilane. However, when the fibers were reacted with γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, the basic characteristic (electron donor ability) of the fiber surface was increased, presumably by the presence of attached amino groups.
PROFITABILITY, SOLVABILITY, PRICE EARNINGS RATIO AND PRICE TO BOOK RATIO AN EVIDENCE FROM INDONESIAN MANUFACTURING COMPANIES

Abstract This study aims atexamining the correlation of profitability ratio and solvability ratio, collectively and partially, on price earnings ratio and price to book ratio of manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesian stock Exchange. The data were obtained from the annual financial statement of the companied with the period of study wasbetween 2011 and 2013.A multiple regression analysis has been performed to analysesamples of 57 manufacturing companies that have been selected based on the purposive sampling. The results showed that the profitability has a positive and significant correlation on the price earnings ratio and price to book ratio of the companiesstudied. Meanwhile, the solvabilityhas a negative and significant effect on the price earnings ratio and price to book ratio. This study has also documented that theprofitability and solvability of the companies are better in explaining change of the Price to Book Ratio (PBR) than the Price Earnings Ratio (PER). Keywords: profitability ratio, solvability ratio, price earnings ratio, price to book ratio, Indonesia, Manufacturing Companies
Streamlined Extract Preparation for E. coli-Based Cell-Free Protein Synthesis and Rapid Site-Specific Incorporation of Unnatural Amino Acids in Proteins

Streamlined Extract Preparation for E. coli-Based Cell-Free Protein Synthesis and Rapid Site-Specific Incorporation of Unnatural Amino Acids in Proteins Prashanta Shrestha Department of Chemical Engineering, BYU Master of Science This thesis reports the viability of E. coli cell extracts prepared using equipment that is both common to biotechnology laboratories and able to process small volume samples and expression of proteins containing unnatural amino acids (UAAs) at higher level using PCR amplified linear DNA templates (LETs) in cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) system. E. coli-based cell extracts are a vital component of inexpensive and high-yielding CFPS reactions. However, effective preparation of E. coli cell extract is limited to high-pressure homogenizers (French press style or impinge-style) or bead mill homogenizers, which all require a significant capital investment. This work specifically assessed the following capital cost lysis techniques: (1) sonication, (2) bead vortex mixing, (3) freeze-thaw cycling, and (4) lysozyme incubation to prepare E. coli cell extract for CFPS. In this work, simple shake flask fermentation with a commercially available E. coli strain was used. Additionally, the RNA polymerase was over expressed in the E. coli cells prior to lysis which eliminated the need to add independently purified RNA polymerase to the CFPS reaction. As a result, high yielding E. coli-based cell extract was prepared using equipment requiring reduced capital investment and common to biotechnology laboratories. To our knowledge, this is the first successful prokaryote-based CFPS reaction to be carried out with extract prepared by sonication or bead vortex mixing. LETs are an attractive alternative to plasmids for site-specific incorporation of unnatural amino acids in proteins in the CFPS system because of their short preparation time and ease of production. However, major limitations associated with LETs are: (1) their degradation by RecBCD enzyme present in the cell-extract used for CFPS and (2) high CFPS energy costs. In this work, we report the optimization of LET-based CFPS for improved protein yield by inhibiting the RecBCD enzyme with small inhibitor molecules resulting in three fold increment in yield of protein containing UAA. We also assessed alternative energy sources such as glucose, fructose-1,6-bisphospate, creatine phosphate/creatine kinase, and high glutamate salt for cost reduction. This work could be important for high-throughput applications based on linear expression templates. This work demonstrates simple E. coli extract preparation and improved yield with linear expression templates for further advancements of cell-free protein synthesis system.
Use of preneoplastic lesions in colon and liver in experimental oncology

The present article gives a brief overview on the use of altered hepatic foci (AHF) and aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in the colon in experimental cancer research. These foci are easily detectable preneoplastic lesions, which have been discovered approximately 30 years ago. AHF and ACF are valuable tools for the detection of cancer - initiating and promoting compounds, and for the detection of chemoprotective agents. They were also successfully used in numerous studies aimed at elucidating the molecular mechanisms of early neoplasia, such as alterations of the expressions of oncogene and tumor suppressor genes, and changes in the activities of cancer associated enzymes.