Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hafnium Oxide/Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites as Efficient Supercapacitor Electrodes

This paper reports on the preparation of graphene oxide (GO) modified with hafnium oxide (HO) nanoparticles composites by a simple mixing and their use as efficient electrode in electrochemical supercapacitors. The technique relies on simple mixing the aqueous solutions of hafnium oxide (HO) nanoparticles and graphene oxide (GO) at different ratios of GO content (20, 30 and 40 wt%). The morphological studies, chemical composition and electrochemical behavior of the resulting HO/GO nanocomposites were investigated by using UV/vis spectrometry, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and electrochemical respectively. The electrochemical performance, including the capacitive behavior of the HO/GO nanocomposites were investigated by cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge-discharge curves. The HO/GO nanocomposites (40 wt%) ratio exhibited the best performance with a specific capacitance of 268 Fg -1 at a scan rate 5 mVs -1 in 1 M H 2 SO 4 and it shows excellent long-term cycle stability.
Abstracting Evidence: Documentary Process in the Service of Fictional Gameworlds

Documentary filmmaking and the design of videogames have often converged in the form of “docugames”, games that aspire to the form of documentary. This paper looks at a related strategy for creating content and gameplay: that of using documentary processes, such as interviews and on-location evidence collection, for games that involve varying levels of fictionalization. It will discuss abstract approaches to the idea of realism in docugames as well as traditional documentary film. It will also detail an original design project that begins with documentary evidence collection and ends with an impressionistic fictionalized narrative. It will discuss the benefits of this approach, and the seemingly paradoxical creation of a form of realism through fictionalization. Playtesting results of this experiment will be detailed and related paths will be suggested for continued exploration.
DUCTILITY-BASED SEISMIC DESIGN OF STEEL PLATE SHEAR WALLS: PRACTICAL APPLICATION USING STANDARD SECTIONS

Over the past decade of extensive research works, the thin un-stiffened steel plate shear wall (SPSW) has now emerged as a promising lateral load resisting system. Considering the demand of performance-based seismic design (PBSD) philosophy in current and future seismic design codes, a ductility-based design was recently proposed for SPSW systems with pin-connected boundary beams. However, the effectiveness of that method was not tested using standard steel sections. The focus of this paper is to check the applicability of that PBSD procedure for practical designs of SPSW systems in the US and Indian context, using standard rolled steel sections available commercially in these countries. Based on sample design case studies on 4-story test buildings, the method is found to be a practicable solution for PBSD of SPSW systems. In addition, the distribution of inter-story drift over the height of the structure is also found to be suitable for adopting in design guidelines. The need for widening the range of available Indian Standard sections for realistic PBSD applications is recommended based on this study.
The Politics of Aid Revisited: A Review of Evidence on State Capacity and Elite Commitment

Based on a systematic review of the impacts of aid on both state capacity for, and elite commitment to, sustainable development, we conclude that a better understanding of the impact of aid has the potential to directly inform practices of international development. This requires better empirical insight into how donors interact with formal and informal institutions in the countries where they work, particularly in aid-dependent countries. Furthermore, it is critical to see aid as part of a spectrum of international exchange, rather than in isolation. This implies a significant research agenda, combining quantitative and in-depth qualitative analysis, as there are barriers for more informed political analysis to inform practice; and little analysis exists of how donors, even where they do start adopting a political perspective, do influence local institutions and the people they work with. The paper develops this conclusion through a review of existing large research programmes on politics of international development, the role and impact of donors political economy approaches, a scan of the literature on aid modalities, and a brief review of the practices of emerging donors, particularly China.
Therapeutic Effect of Zygophyllum cornutum on Metabolic Disturbances, Oxidative Stress in Heart Tissue and Histological Changes in Myocardium of Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats

The present study depicts the therapeutic effect of Zygophyllum cornutum methanolic extract (ZCME) on metabolic disturbances, oxidative stress in heart and myocardium histological changes in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Three days after diabetes induction, ZCME was administered orally for six weeks (700 mg/kg bw/day). Serum glucose and lipid profile were evaluated. Reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were measured in heart tissue. The results showed increased levels of blood glucose, total cholesterol (TC), LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglyceride (TG) in the diabetic rats. On the other hand, the level of HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) decreased. Compared to the control normal rats, the level of TBARS in heart tissue was markedly increased while GSH and CAT were significantly modified in the diabetic rats. Oral administration of ZCME has normalized serum glucose and lipid profile. TBARS were significantly reduced in heart while CAT and GSH were markedly normalized. Myocardium sections showed the absence of histological changes observed in the diabetic rats. The study suggests that Zygophyllum cornutum may provide a useful therapeutic option in the reversal of metabolic disturbances and oxidative stress-induced cardiac dysfunction in diabetes mellitus.
Tailoring the Modal Structure of Bright Squeezed Vacuum States of Light via Selective Amplification

The bright squeezed vacuum state of light is a macroscopic nonclassical state found at the output of a strongly pumped unseeded travelling-wave optical parametric amplifier. It has been applied to quantum imaging, quantum communication, and phase supersensitivity, to name a few. Bright squeezed states are in general highly multimode, while most applications require a single mode. We separated two nonlinear crystals in the direction of propagation of the pump in order to narrow the angular spectrum down to a nearly-single angular mode. We observed noise reduction in the photon number difference between the two down-converted channels, which constitutes of proof of nonclassicality. By introducing a dispersive medium between the two nonlinear crystals, we were able to tailor the frequency spectrum of bright squeezed vacuum and to dramatically reduce the number of frequency modes down to 1.82 ± 0.02, bringing us closer to truly single-mode bright squeezed vacuum.
Effect of Neurofeedback on Variables of Attention in a Large Multi-Center Trial

Abstract Background: Neurofeedback studies have been criticized for including small numbers of subjects. The effect of SMR-beta neuro-feedback training on the Test of Variables of Attention was evaluated in more than 1,000 subjects from thirty-two clinics. Methods: 1089 subjects (726 children, 324 females, 186 with ADHD or ADD diagnoses) underwent twenty or more sessions of SMR-beta neurofeedback training for attentional and behavioral complaints at thirty-two clinical settings affiliated with EEG Spectrum, Inc. Subjects were evaluated prior to training and at training completion. One hundred and fifty-seven subjects who elected extensive training (forty sessions or more) were tested after both twenty and forty training sessions. Results: Neurofeedback training produced significant improvement in attentiveness, impulse control, and response variability. Significant clinical improvement in one or more measures was seen in eighty-five percent of those subjects with moderate pre-training deficits. Conclusion.
PREDICTION OF THE RESIDUAL LIFE OF A COMPONENT UNDER INTENSIVE RANDOM DYNAMIC LOADING WITHIN THE SCOPE OF TECHNICAL INHERITANCE

An important part of the Technical Inheritance approach are suited methods and algorithms for analyzing the data of manufacturing and usage of components, as well as methods for assessing the current state of the component during operation and predicting its residual life. In this paper we are going to describe the concept of TI as a process model and the main challenge of how to collect and analyse data, paying special attention to one aspect of the approach - forecasting the residual resource of a component under conditions of intense random loading.
Identification and Analysis of the Bio-reduction of Chromium (vi) by Pseudomonas Fluorescens

This paper focuses on the identification and analysis of the ability of Pseudomonas fluorescens to reduce chromium (VI) in aqueous media. To develop this bio-reduction capability, microorganisms which potentially can grow in a medium containing up to 100 mg/L of chromium, were selected and used. In order to determine the extension of the reduction of hexavalent chromiun (VI) in lab water, samples of 20 and 50 mg/L were added with 5, 10 and 15 % of final inoculum, respectively to the volume of the samples. Inoculum had a population of approximately 12x108 CFU/mL. Results suggest the occurrence of reduction in all the samples studied. This reduction occurred significantly in the tests P-20.5, P-20.10 and P-20.15, which yielded a reduction of chromium (VI) of 3.6, 1.88 and 5.95 mg/L respectively, for samples P-50.5, P-50.10 and P-50.15 were obtained reductions of 2.36, 4.19 and 4.47 mg/L. The highest levels of bio-reduction were obtained in P20.15 and P-50.15 tests.
Country Size and Labor Market Flexibility in the European Monetary Union: Why Small Countries Have more Flexible Labor Markets

This paper explores the impact of country size on labor market flexibility in a monetary union with a common monetary policy as conducted in EMU. I apply a Barro-Gordon framework and test its result empirically for EMU. Results confirm that small countries demand higher labor market flexibility than large countries. Small countries use labor market flexibility to be protected against monetary policy in favor of large countries and use flexibility as a substitute for monetary policy. Thereby, national inflation volatilities and unemployment volatility are important determinants. Business cycle synchronization reduces the need of small countries for additional labor market flexibility.
Evolution of the diatoms: insights from fossil, biological and molecular data

P.A. Sims, D.G. Mann and L.K. Medlin. 2006. Evolution of the diatoms: insights from fossil, biological and molecular data.Phycologia 45: 361–402. DOI: 10.2216/05-22.1 Molecular sequence analyses have yielded many important insights into diatom evolution, but there have been few attempts to relate these to the extensive fossil record of diatoms, probably because of unfamiliarity with the data available, which are scattered widely through the geological literature. We review the main features of molecular phylogenies and concentrate on the correspondence between these and the fossil record; we also review the evolution of major morphological, cytological and life cycle characteristics, and possible diatom origins. The first physical remains of diatoms are from the Jurassic, and well-preserved, diverse floras are available from the Lower Cretaceous. Though these are unequivocally identifiable as centric diatoms, none except a possible Stephanopyxis can be unequivocally linked to lineages of extant diatoms, although it is almost certain that members of the Coscinodiscophyceae (radial centrics) and Mediophyceae (polar centrics) were present; some display curious morphological features that hint at an unorthodox cell division mechanism and life cycle. It seems most likely that the earliest diatoms were marine, but recently discovered fossil deposits hint that episodes of terrestrial colonization may have occurred in the Mesozoic, though the main invasion of freshwaters appears to have been delayed until the Cenozoic. By the Upper Cretaceous, many lineages are present that can be convincingly related to extant diatom taxa. Pennate diatoms appear in the late Cretaceous and raphid diatoms in the Palaeocene, though molecular phylogenies imply that raphid diatoms did in fact evolve considerably earlier. Recent evidence shows that diatoms are substantially underclassified at the species level, with many semicryptic or cryptic species to be recognized; however, there is little prospect of being able to discriminate between such taxa in fossil material.
Compact Planar Sparse Array Antenna with Optimum Element Dimensions for SATCOM Ground Terminals

A novel antenna array architecture for low-cost and compact SATCOM mobile terminal is presented. Based on equal-amplitude aperiodic phased array with fewer active chain numbers, it possesses advantages including lower weight, less cost, and higher power efficiency compared to conventional periodic phased arrays. It is implemented with printed patch antenna so that it guarantees compactness. The elements position and dimensions are jointly designed, with an effective sparse array synthesis strategy that takes actual patch antenna design constraint into consideration, to obtain a maximum array aperture efficiency. Executable and practical approach for variable dimension patch antenna designing, including defect substrate element and small scale array, is introduced and utilized to implement proposed sparse array. Full-wave simulation results demonstrate the advantages of proposed array antenna as well as the effectiveness of corresponding design approach.
SEPM Society for Sedimentary Geology

The genetic term tsunamite is used for a potpourri of deposits formed from a wide range of processes (overwash surges, backwash flows, oscillatory flows, combined flows, soft-sediment deformation, slides, slumps, debris flows, and turbidity currents) related to tsunamis in lacustrine, coastal, shallow-marine, and deep-marine environments. Tsunamites exhibit enormous variability of features (e.g., normally graded sand, floating mudstone clasts, hummocky cross stratification, etc.). These sedimentary features may also be interpreted as deposits of turbidity currents (turbidites), debris flows (debrites), or storms (tempestites). However, sedimentary features play a passive role when these same deposits are reinterpreted as tsunamites on the basis of historical evidence for tsunamis and their triggering mechanisms (e.g., earthquakes, volcanic explosions, landslides, and meteorite impacts). This bipartite (sedimentological vs. historical) approach, which allows here classification of the same deposit as both turbidite and tsunamite, has blurred the distinction between shallow-marine and deepmarine facies. A solution to this problem is to classify deposits solely by a descriptive sedimentological approach. The notion that tsunami waves can directly deposit sediment in the deep sea is unrealistic because tsunami waves represent transfer of energy and they are sediment starved. During tsunamis and major storms, submarine canyons serve as the physical link between shallow-water and deep-water environments for sediment transport. Tsunami-related deposition involves four progressive steps: (1) triggering stage (offshore), (2) tsunami stage (incoming waves), (3) transformation stage (near the coast), and (4) depositional stage (outgoing sediment flows). In this progression, deep-water deposition can commence only after the demise of incoming tsunami waves due to their transformation into outgoing sediment flows. Deposits of these sediment flows already have established names (e.g., debrite and turbidite). Therefore, the term tsunamite for these deposits is obsolete.
Overseas R&D Activities by Japanese Multinational Enterprises: Causes, Impacts and Interaction with Parent Firms

This paper investigates determinants and impacts of R&D activities in overseas subsidiaries, using . rm-level panel data for Japanese multinational enterprises. We distinguish between overseas innovative and adaptive R&D according to survey responses and . nd substantial di.erences between the two types of R&D. Most importantly, evidence suggests that overseas innovative R&D targets the exploitation of foreign advanced knowledge, successfully takes it to parent . rms, and raises home productivity. By contrast, the primary role of overseas adaptive R&D is to contribute to productivity in the host country with the use of knowledge of parent . rms. In addition, we . nd no complementarity between home and overseas innovative R&D, i.e., no evidence that overseas innovative R&D raises the marginal e.ect of home R&D on home productivity.
Half a century of genetic interaction between farmed and wild Atlantic salmon: Status of knowledge and unanswered questions

Norges Forskningsrad (Grant Numbers 200510 and 216105); Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (KAKENHI Grant Number JP262921020); Det Frie Forskningsrad (Natural Sciences Grant Number: 1323-00158A); Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Beaufort Marine Research Award)
Drinking Water Quality on Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Aetiology (CKDu) in Ulagalla Cascade, Sri Lanka

Chronic Kidney Disease of unknown aetiology (CKDu) is one of the major health issues in Northern part of Sri Lanka that recorded highest mortality and morbidity rates. The main responsible reason for the CKDu has not yet been identied and hence many scientists have suggested number of certain risk factors where the CKDu-mfo (CKDu multi-factorial origin) term derived. However it relates with certain drinking water quality parameters strongly. This study was focused on evaluating the drinking water quality of Ulagalla cascade in Anuradhapura district with admiration to CKDu. Thirty wells and twenty tanks were selected as sampling locations for groundwater (GW) and surface water (SW) respectively from the cascade. Water quality parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), turbidity, Sodium (Na+), Magnesium (Mg2+), Calcium (Ca2+), Potassium (K+), Arsenic (As2+), Lead (Pb2+), Cadmium (Cd2+), Ammonium Nitrogen (NH4+-N), Nitrate Nitrogen (NO3 - -N), alkalinity, Sulphate (SO4 2-, Chloride (Cl-) and Phosphate (PO43-) were analysed and observed parameters were compared with drinking water quality standards. In GW turbidity, Mg, Cl- and Cd were not signicantly dierent from the maximum permissible level (p>0.05) while SW has shown signicant dierence only for the turbidity (p>0.05). Both well and tank water samples from Thodamaduwa were polluted by Cd which exceeded the maximum permissible level standards. It was recorded as averages of 0.15, 0.13 and 0.019 ppb for 3 identied polluted wells in GW and 0.01ppb in tank water. Accordingly the study it can be suggested that cumulative levels of heavy metals (such as Cd) may be aggravating the CKDu in the Northern Central Parts in Sri Lanka.
Employee Engagement in an IT Company

Job satisfaction is an attitudinal variable that reflects feelings of employees about their job. It is directly linked to the level of employee engagement and work performance, thus representing one of the key elements of organizational culture. In this paper we used a job facets approach that focuses on different aspects of job(s) to enable a more complete picture of job satisfaction. Engagement survey was devised around nine different categories (facets) that represent critical job aspects. Each facet was defined by 2-10 questions that are scaled using 5 optional grades to answer. The survey was carried out in an organization within the short period of time and has achieved a very high response rate. The results have shown significant differences both between various job facets as well as certain factors (expressed by survey questions) within the same category. Furthermore, the activities that may help improve the specific aspects of employee engagement are discussed.
MARKETING ON POLITICS AND PUBLIC LEADERSHIP

This study examines the influence of political marketing and political will on public leadership and individual performance. The sample used is the people in Surabaya as many as 265 with a random sampling method. Amos 21 is used to test the indirect effect by using bootstrap test. The result of the research shows that political marketing and political will have a significant influence to the success of gaining public leadership, political marketing and marketing will have no significant effect on performance, and public le­a­dership has a significant effect on performance. For the indirect influence, political marketing and political will on individual performance are mediated by public leadership.
In vitro Screening and Characterizing the Most Promising Antagonistic Microorganism as Biocontrol Agent(s) Against Colletotrichum kahawae

Coffee berry disease (CBD) caused by Colletotrichum kahawae causes yield loss of more than 50% if not controlled with the appropriate fungicides or/and resistant cultivars. This study was aimed to screen indigenous coffeeassociated microorganisms for their inherent antagonistic potential. From a total of 4323 microorganisms isolates tested, over 3% exhibited remarkable inhibition against C. kahawae. 13 bacterial isolate showed maximum inhibition of mycelial growth against the fungal pathogen tested. Among the yeast and fungal isolate 11 and 9 islates were most antagonistic to C. kahawae respectively. Twenty four isolates produced antibiosis, 5 isolates showed micoparacitic activity and 4 islates produced enzyme. The result indicated the species richness of indigenous coffee in Ethiopia which can be explored for their beneficial application as biological control. The in vitro results provide the first evidence of an antagonistic effect of coffee associated microorganisms against the CBD and potential of all bacterial, yeast and fungal groups for biological control of CBD.
RISK FACTORS THAT ARE ASSOCIATED WITH DEVELOPMENT AND SEVERITY OF LARGE FIBER POLYNEUROPATHY IN TYPE 2 DIABETICS IN SAUDI POPULATION: A RETROSPECTIVE CASE CONTROL STUDY

Diabetic large fiber polyneuropathy (DLPN) is a well known complication of type 2 diabetes. Other than glycemic control there is no definitive treatment available for effective treatment of DLPN. Thus identifying the risk factors for development and their association with severity of DLPN in diabetic patients helps to understand and treat the DLPN effectively. To study the effect of different variables, development and severity of DLPN as compared to controls. A retrospective case control study conducted in a university hospital in the western region of Saudi Arabia. The sample of cases was collected retrospectively from year 2005 – 2012. A total of 122 patients with established diagnosis of diabetes were subjected to Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction Studies (NCS) to identify the patients who had DLPN and to see whether statistical significance with the various possible risk factor in development and severity of DLPN In case and control groups. The study showed no statistical correlation between the potential predictors studied and the development and severity of DLPN in study group, diabetic patient with DLPN and controls. In Saudi type 2 diabetic population studied there was no correlation between the various predictors’ development and severity of DLPN. Larger prospective studies may be needed to identify the potential risk factors for the development of DLPN.