Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Zeolites-Mixed-Matrix Nanofiltration Membranes for the Next Generation of Water Purification

Designing high performance and antifouling membranes are in a great need to remove water contaminations and to regulate the quality of drinking water. Mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) could offer a solution to the permeability and selectivity trade-off in nanofiltration (NF) membranes. MMM could offer the physicochemical stability of a ceramic material while ensuring the desired morphology with higher nanofiltration per- meability, selectivity, hydrophilicity, fouling resistance, as well as greater thermal, mechanical, and chemical strength over a wider temperature and pH range. Zeolites are fascinating and versatile materials, vital for a wide range of industries due to their unique structure, greater mechanical strength, and chemical properties. This chapter focused on zeolite-MMM for nanofiltration. Several key rules in the synthesis procedures have been comprehensively discussed for the optimum interfacial morphology between the zeolites and polymers. Furthermore, the influence of the zeolite filler incorporation has been discussed and explored for water purification. This chapter provided a broad overview of the MMM ’ s challenges and future improvement investigative directions.
EXISTENCE AND STABILITY OF WEAK SOLUTIONS TO STOCHASTIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS WITH NON-SMOOTH COEFFICIENTS

Weak solutions to stochastic differential equations in R d ,d ≥ 2, are continuous-time Markov processes. We show that under very general conditions such solutions possess irreducibility and continuity properties which enable criteria for Harris recurrence and transience, developed in Meyn and Tweedie (1993b), Down, Meyn and Tweedie (1995) and Stramer and Tweedie (1994), to be applied to them. All of our criteria are in terms of the second-order differential operator, and hence a unified approach to the stability classification of weak solutions is obtained which generalises that of Khas'minskii (1980); we also develop explicit forms of the stationary measure for many such processes. The results are applicable in continuous-time time series analysis (see Stramer, Tweedie and Brockwell (1996) and Stramer, Brockwell and Tweedie (1996)) and we consider a multi-dimensional threshold model as one such application.
Enhancement of Visible-Light Photocatalytic Activity of Mesoporous Au-TiO2 Nanocomposites by Surface Plasmon Resonance

Mesoporous Au-TiO2 nanocomposite plasmonic photocatalyst with visible-light photoactivity was prepared by a simple spray hydrolytic method using photoreduction technique at 90∘C. The prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms. The formation of hydroxyl radicals (•OH) on the surface of visible-light illuminated Au-TiO2 nanocomposites was detected by the luminescence technique using terephthalic acid as probe molecules. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated by photocatalytic decolorization of Rhodamine-B (RhB) aqueous solution under visible-light irradiation (λ g 420 nm). The results revealed that the TiO2 could be crystallized via spray hydrolysis method, and the photoreduction technique was facilitated to prepare Au nanoparticles in the mesoporous TiO2 at 90∘C. The light absorption, the formation rate of hydroxyl radicals, and photocatalytic decolorization of Rhodamine-B aqueous solution were significantly enhanced by those embedded Au nanoparticles in the Au-TiO2 nanocomposites. The prepared Au-TiO2 nanocomposites exhibit a highly visible-light photocatalytic activity for photocatalytic degradation of RhB in water, and their photocatalytic activity is higher than that of the pristine TiO2 nanoparticles due to the surface plasmon resonance.
Does Transparency and Openness Pay When the Market Is Uncertain? Evidence From Disclosure on Securitization Losses

This study uses the unfolding of the subprime mortgage crisis as a research setting to investigate whether the market rewards openness and transparency in a highly uncertain environment. Using a sample of 79 U.S. banks and 28 event dates I document that i) banks experienced negative market returns around event dates leading to the subprime crisis, ii) the investors’ negative market reaction was significantly stronger for banks with large exposure to securitizations compared to banks with few securitization transactions, iii) investors reacted less negatively in the presence of disclosure about securitization losses, regardless of whether banks disclosed high or low losses on securitizations. Overall, results suggest that in the presence of high uncertainty, transparency and openness is ultimately rewarded by the market.
Did the Revision of the ECB Monetary Policy Strategy Affect the Reaction Function

In May 2003 the European Central Bank (ECB) announced the revision of its monetary policy strategy. Although the ECB stressed that the revision would not imply any fundamental change in their decisions, this remains to be verified empirically. Therefore, this paper tries to answer the question whether the strategy revision has induced a structural break in the ECB policy reaction function. To this end, we estimate several Taylor-type reaction functions and conduct a structural change analysis using both recursive parameter estimates and structural change tests. We find that the ECB has been following a stabilizing rule and that there is no clear-cut evidence in favor of a break after the revision, even though some signals of instability show up, particularly in June 2003.
ESTIMATION, REALITY AND TREND OF GROUNDWATER NITRATE CONCENTRATION UNDER UNSEWERED AREA OF YOGYAKARTA CITY – INDONESIA

In the last two decades, urbanization has transformed Yogyakarta City expanding beyond its administrative area with about one million inhabitants. The City sited on shallow unconfined aquifer has rapidly changed without appropriate access to sanitation and piped water supply. Until now, only 9% of the urban population is served by sewers system and less than 30% of urban population have access to clean water which supplied by the local public water-work. Most of the urban population depend on shallow groundwater for much of their water supply. Regards to the massive used of on-site sanitation systems in the city, contamination of nitrate in shallow groundwater is predicted to occur and surveys of domestic dug wells have revealed a widespread nitrate contamination of the groundwater. Comparison of groundwater nitrate and chloride concentration from several old data and the latest data shows clearly an evidence of the increasing of nitrate concentration and nitrate leaching in the shallow groundwater under Yogyakarta City overtime. Considering the trend, it is no doubt that most of nitrate concentration under urbanized area in the Yogyakarta City will be greater than 50 mg/L in the next several years, if appropriate management action to deal with the on-site sanitation system is not conducted.
Immunological modulation of mesenchymal stem cells in repairing of acute kidney injury

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), as a potential therapeutic, have been put into a great quantity of preclinical or clinical researches which are considered as one of the pivotal parts in the tissue repairation. A body of evidence have demonstrated that, acute kidney injury(AKI) which is described as a complex pathophysiology containing a series of innate and adaptive immune responses, has a satisfactory morphological and functional recovery owing to the MSCs potentially because the multiple functions like adhesion, proliferation or differentiation, restoration and immunosuppressive effect. The present review will focus on the exploration of MSCs in AKI detailed in immunologic system as far as possible.
Experimental investigation of flow characteristics around four square-cylinder arrays at subcritical Reynolds numbers

Abstract The Deep Draft Semi-Submersible (DDS) concepts are known for their favourable vertical motion performance. However, the DDS may experience critical Vortex-Induced Motion (VIM) stemming from the fluctuating forces on the columns. In order to investigate the current-induced excitation forces of VIM, an experimental study of flow characteristics around four square-section cylinders in a square configuration is presented. A number of column spacing ratios and array attack angles were considered to investigate the parametric influences. The results comprise flow patterns, drag and lift forces, as well as Strouhal numbers. It is shown that both the drag and lift forces acting on the cylinders are slightly different between the various L/D values, and the fluctuating forces peak at L/D = 4.14. The lift force of downstream cylinders reaches its maximum at around α = 15°. Furthermore, the flow around circular-section-cylinder arrays is also discussed in comparison with that of square cylinders.
Self-inhibiting modules can self-organize as a brain of a robot: A conjecture

In this article we describe a new robot control architecture on the basis of self-organization of self-inhibiting modules. The architecture can generate a complex behaviour repertoire. The repertoire can be performance-enhanced or increased by modular poly-functionality and/or by addition of new modules. This architecture is illustrated in a robot consisting of a car carrying an arm with a grasping tool. In the robot, each module drives either a joint motor or a pair of wheel motors. Every module estimates the distance from a sensor placed in the tool to a beacon. If the distance is smaller than a previously measured distance, the module drives its motor in the same direction of its prior movement. If the distance is larger, the next movement will be in the opposite direction; but, if the movement produces no significant change in distance, the module self-inhibits. A self-organization emerges: any module can be the next to take control of the motor activity of the robot once one module self-inhibits. A single module is active at a given time. The modules are implemented as computer procedures and their turn for participation scheduled by an endless program. The overall behaviour of the robot corresponds to a reaching attention behaviour. It is easily switched to a running-away attention behaviour by changing the sign of the same parameter in each module. The addition of a “sensor-gain attenuation reflex” module and of a “light-orientation reflex” module provides an increase of the behavioural attention repertoire and performance enhancement. Since scheduling a module does not necessarily produce its sustained intervention, the architecture of the “brain” is actually providing action induction rather than action selection.
Multimodal magnetic resonance imaging predicts regional amyloid- β burden in the brain

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia and identifying early markers of this disease is important for prevention and treatment strategies. Amyloid - β protein deposition is one of the earliest detectable pathological changes in AD. But in-vivo detection of amyloid - β using positron emission tomography (PET) is hampered by high cost and limited geographical accessibility. These factors can become limiting when PET is used to screen large numbers of subjects into prevention trials when only a minority are expected to be amyloid- β - positive. Structural MRI is advantageous; as it is relatively inexpensive and more accessible. Thus it could be widely used in large studies, even when frequent or repetitive imaging is necessary. We used a machine learning, pattern recognition, approach using intensity-based features from individual and combination of MR modalities (T1 weighted, T2 weighted, T2 fluid attenuated inversion recovery [FLAIR], susceptibility weighted imaging) to predict voxel-level amyloid- β in the brain. The MR- amyloid β relation was learned within each subject and generalized across subjects using subject–specific features (demographic, clinical, and summary MR features). When compared to other modalities, combination of T1-weighted, T2-weighted FLAIR, and SWI performed best in predicting the amyloid- β status as positive or negative. T2- weighted performed the best in predicting change in amyloid- β over two timepoints. Overall, our results show feasibility of amyloid- β prediction by MRI.
Sjögren's syndrome-literature review and clinical case presentation

Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is a systemic disorder with clinical presentation of dry eyes, dry mouth and autoimmune disorder. Recently the number of patients with SS is increasing. In middle age female patients, having symptoms of dry mouth and salivary glands enlargement, SS should always be suspected. We present a clinical case report of a patient with SS. Based on the therapy and long term follow-up, we may conclude that via appropriate treatment significant improvement could be achieved.
Abdominal perfusion pressure is superior from intra-abdominal pressure to detect deterioration of renal perfusion in critically Ill patients.

BACKGROUND Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) is a frequent cause of acute kidney injury (AKI) among critically ill patients who have risk factors. This study aimed to determine the relation between Abdominal Perfusion Pressure (APP) and AKI showed by the Doppler-based renal resistive index (RRI). METHODS In this study, 38 patients older than 18 years old who received mechanical ventilation and had risk factors for the development of IAH were prospectively studied. All measurements and parameters were divided into two groups according to renal dysfunction (Group I: RRI <0.72 vs Group II: RRI >0.72). RESULTS The mean IAPs were not significant between the groups, 11.5±6.9 mm Hg in Group I (n=35) and 13.5±5.8 in Group II (n=33), respectively. APPs were statistically higher in Group I (81.2±13.6) than Group II (66.4±9.5) (p<0.001). The AUC for the association between APP at RRI >0.72 was 0.802 (p<0.001), with the APP ≤72 mmHg having a sensitivity of the 76% (95% CI 58-89%) and a speciﬁcity of 71% (95% CI 54-85%). CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that an APP with a threshold of ≤72 mmHg is associated with a significant increase in renal RRI, which may be predictive of worsening of renal perfusion.
Slovenian Spatial Legislation over Time and Its Issues

: Article presents a short overview of the architects’ profession over time with outlined work of the architectural theoreticians. In the continuation is described a former affiliation of Slovenia as well as the spatial planning documents that were in use until the Slovenia joint Yugoslavia (last part in 1919). This legislation from former Austro-Hungarian monarchy was valid almost until 1950 in some parts of Yugoslavia even longer. Upon that will be mentioned some valid Slovenian spatial documents which will be compared with the German legislation. Analysed will be the number of architect and spatial planners in Slovenia and also their number upon certain region in Slovenia. Based on that will be given also the number from statistical office of Slovenia of the number of buildings between years 2007 and 2012, and described also the collapse of the major construction companies in Slovenia and consequences of that. At the end will be outlined the morality and ethics by spatial interventions and lack of the architectural law in Slovenia as well as the problematic of minimal collaboration between the Ministry of infrastructure and spatial planning with the profession.
Flower Shaped Slotted Microstrip Patch Antenna for Circular Polarization

In this paper we proposed flower, cross-circle and L-shaped slotted microstrip patch antenna for circular polarized (CP) radiation suitable for ISM band applications. The cross-circle diagonally symmetric slotted microstrip patch antenna is compact and providing best result when compared with flower and L-shaped diagonally symmetric slotted microstrip patch antenna. The antenna is compact, lightweight and of low cost. The proposed antennas of size 50mm*50mm*1.570mm at 2.45 GHz is printed on thick FR4 substrate with probe fed metal strip. Fabricated prototypes offers very low return loss, desirable matched impedance, high gain and good 3-dB axial ratio bandwidth, which is approximately matching with the simulated results. Keywords - Circularly polarized antennas, compact antennas, microstrip antenna, square patch, slotted microstrip antennas.
The Effect Of Scale On Smoke Emission

Parallel instrumentation for measuring fire smoke aerosols have been developed in bench scale as part of the Cone Calorimeter, and in large scale in a specially built measuring rig. Since the principles of design were similar, data could be directly compared. For solid and liquid combustibles, it was found that large-scale smoke emission rates could be well represented from Cone Calorimeter data if the specimen mass loss rates per unit area, were matched for the two cases. The matching of the mass loss rates was accomplished in bench scale by exposing the specimen to a suitable level of external irradiance. The results are presented in terms of the specific extinction area, which is defined as the smoke extinction cross-section, per unit mass. The specific extinction area, when computed on a smoke particulate mass basis, was seen to be independent of fuel type and of the conditions of test.
Use of Information Parameters as Criterion for Determination of Biological Activity of Hepatoprotective Preparations

Possibility of use of the information parameters characterizing adaptational and regenerative opportunities of tissue system of an organ as potential criteria for an assessment of biological activity of hepatoprotective preparations is investigated in this research. Influence of enzymatic hydrolyzate of Chlorophytum comosum (L.) on a morphofunctional condition of a liver of rats at experimental toxic damage of organ and in norm was studied. The assessment of morphofunctional condition of a liver under the influence of a preparation was carried out as with use of traditional morphological, biochemical and histologic parameters, and by means of information parameters, which were earlier used for an evaluation of the adaptative and regenerative opportunities of organs of mammals. As a result of research the hepatoprotective effect of enzymatic hydrolyzate of Chlorophytum comosum (L.) is confirmed both by dynamics of change of results of traditional techniques of an assessment and by informational parameters, that allows to draw a conclusion on possibility of use of information parameters as criterion for assesment of effectiveness of biostimulation
CENTRAL PRECOCIOUS PUBERTY IN TWO BOYS WITH PRADER-WILLI SYNDROME ON GROWTH HORMONE TREATMENT.

Objective Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic neuroendocrine disorder characterized by hypotonia, obesity, short stature, and mental retardation. Incomplete or delayed pubertal development as well as premature adrenarche are usually found in PWS, whereas central precocious puberty is rarely seen. Methods This study reports the clinical, biochemical, and histologic findings in 2 boys with PWS who developed central precocious puberty. Results Both boys were started on growth hormone therapy during the first years of life according to the PWS indication. They had both bilateral cryptorchidism at birth and had orchidopexy in early childhood. Retrospective histologic analysis of testicular biopsies demonstrated largely normal tissue architecture and germ cell maturation, but severely decreased number of prespermatogonia in one of the patients. Both boys had premature adrenarche around the age of 6. Precocious puberty was diagnosed in both boys with enlargement of testicular volume (>3 mL), signs of virilization and a pubertal response to a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) test and they were both treated with GnRH analog. Conclusion The cases described here displayed typical characteristics for PWS, a considerable heterogeneity of the hypothalamic-pituitary function, as well as testicular histology. Central precocious puberty is extremely rare in PWS boys, but growth hormone treatment may play a role in the pubertal timing.
A greener faith : religious environmentalism and our planet's future

In a time of darkening environmental prospects, frightening religious fundamentalism, and moribund liberalism, the remarkable and historically unprecedented rise of religious environmentalism is a profound source of hope. Theologians are recovering marginalized nature-honoring elements of traditional religions and forging bold new theologies connecting devotion to God and spiritual truth with love for God's creation and care for the Earth. Further, these innovative ideas are giving rise to far-reaching political action. The successes and significance of religious environmentalism are manifest in statements by leaders of virtually all the world's religions, in new and 'green' forms of prayer and ritual, in comprehensive religiously motivated criticisms of modern society's economy, politics, and culture, and in solid contributions to real world environmental struggles. A Greener Faith chronicles the promises of this critically important movement, illuminating its fundamental ideas, describing the work of its leading prophets, and detailing its important contributions to a global environmentalism. Gottlieb shows that when religion engages in environmental action the customary boundaries of "religious issues" in political life are decisively broken. Asserting that environmental degradation is not only a health danger, economic catastrophe, and aesthetic blight, but also sacrilegious, sinful and an offense against God catapults religions directly into questions of social policy, economic and moral priorities, and the overall direction of secular society. Gottlieb contends that a religious perspective applied to the Earth provides the environmental movement with a uniquely appropriate way to voice its passion and hope. In a striking new fusion, the religious presence in environmental politics blurs distinctions between religion and politics, theology and social activism. Equally important, it helps develop a world-making political agenda that transcends the limited interests of one or another social special interest group. Environmentalism, Gottlieb shows, is not simply interest group politics applied to forests and toxic incinerators. Rather, the movement offers a comprehensive vision of what human beings are and how we should treat each other and the rest of life.
Impact of stratospheric ozone on Southern Hemisphere circulation change: A multimodel assessment

The impact of stratospheric ozone on the tropospheric general circulation of the Southern Hemisphere (SH) is examined with a set of chemistry-climate models participating in the Stratospheric Processes and their Role in Climate (SPARC)/Chemistry-Climate Model Validation project phase 2 (CCMVal-2). Model integrations of both the past and future climates reveal the crucial role of stratospheric ozone in driving SH circulation change: stronger ozone depletion in late spring generally leads to greater poleward displacement and intensification of the tropospheric midlatitude jet, and greater expansion of the SH Hadley cell in the summer. These circulation changes are systematic as poleward displacement of the jet is typically accompanied by intensification of the jet and expansion of the Hadley cell. Overall results are compared with coupled models participating in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Fourth Assessment Report (IPCC AR4), and possible mechanisms are discussed. While the tropospheric circulation response appears quasi-linearly related to stratospheric ozone changes, the quantitative response to a given forcing varies considerably from one model to another. This scatter partly results from differences in model climatology. It is shown that poleward intensification of the westerly jet is generally stronger in models whose climatological jet is biased toward lower latitudes. This result is discussed in the context of quasi-geostrophic zonal mean dynamics.