Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Experimental and theoretical investigations of multifunctional (Li, Nd) co-doped ZnO ceramics for the application in microelectronics

Multifunctional materials have become essential for the fabrication of miniaturized, light weight, low power consumption, cost-effective and high performance modern electronic devices. Pure and (Li, Nd) co-doped multifunctional (Nd0.5Li0.5)xZn1-xO ceramics have been prepared by using the conventional solid state reaction route for the first time. Phase identification and structural analysis of the investigated samples have been carried out by X-ray diffraction technique. The XRD patterns confirm the formation of wurtzite hexagonal type zinc oxide. Surface morphology and microstructure of all the samples have been investigated by using FESEM and EDS analysis. FESEM images confirm that all the compositions contain randomly aligned non-uniform grains in size and shape due to very high sintering temperature. A high precision impedance analyzer has been used to study the frequency dependent dielectric and magnetic properties. A room temperature colossal dielectric constant ≥103 with very low dielectric loss is obtained for (Nd0.5Li0.5)0.01Zn0. 99O ceramics sintered at 1623 K. The origin of giant dielectric constant has been investigated by using the electric modulus spectroscopy and impedance analysis. For further justification and interpretation of the obtained results a DFT based first principles study have been carried out by using the plane wave pseudopotential approach. The present study provides a new route to design optimal multifunctional materials and related devices for further research and technological applications.
Prediction of inappropriate myometrial function

Preterm birth is a major clinical problem, worldwide 15000000 babies are born prematurely each year. Inappropriate myometrial function is a major cause of preterm labour. Preterm labour is the result of multiple pathological processes involving several underlying mechanisms. In all cases, a quiescent uterus in pregnancy changes to one that can produce coordinated, forceful contractions, following an increase in uterine conductivity and contractility, and cervical remodelling to facilitate cervical dilatation. Currently there are several biochemical and clinical tests available to assist in the prediction of preterm birth. Many of these have a very high negative predictive value but their positive predictive value remains low. One in five women in the UK requires induction of labour. The outcomes of this process are again difficult to predict. Both of these areas of obstetrics would benefit from improvements in prediction of clinical outcomes. Previously, phospholipase C like 1 (PLCL1) was identified as a novel intracellular protein found to be significantly downregulated in both the myometrium with the onset of spontaneous labour using sequencing techniques (Chan et al., 2014). It acts as an IP3 chelator, uncoupling phospholipase C from myometrial contractions, maintaining myometrial quiescence and therefore regulating a common pathway to inflammatory, oxytocin or prostaglandin mediated labour. We aimed to develop a clinical test utilising PLCL1 as a quiescence or susceptibility marker to other stimuli to premature labour and to determine if this marker could determine sensitivity to prostaglandins and syntocinon during the induction of labour process. During a prospective observational cohort study, patients were recruited from a preterm prevention clinic throughout mid-pregnancy, and from the antenatal ward when attending for induction of labour at term. Cervical cytobrush samples were taken to obtain cervical epithelial cells. A novel assay was developed to quantify PLCL1 from these samples. There have been various challenges in the process, including the small and varying number of cells obtained, problems with interference from cervical mucus with protein quantification and difficulty adequately lysing our cells to release the protein. We have demonstrated the presence of PLCL1 in cervical cytobrush samples using immunocytochemistry, SDS-PAGE, and western blotting and ELISAs. We have developed a method to isolate our cervical cells from the cervical mucus, lyse these cells and quantify PLCL1 using an ELISA. Our findings demonstrate that PLCL1 is a promising novel protein which could be utilised in the prediction of preterm birth and outcomes of induction of labour. As a susceptibility marker, PLCL1 could be used in conjunction with other markers.
Climate prediction of summer extreme precipitation frequency in the Yangtze River valley based on sea surface temperature in the southern Indian Ocean and ice concentration in the Beaufort Sea

Three statistical prediction models for the summer extreme precipitation frequency (EPF) in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River valley (MLYRV) based on the winter sea surface temperature in the southern Indian Ocean (SIO‐SST; Scheme‐SST), the spring sea‐ice concentration in the Beaufort Sea (Scheme‐SIC), and both predictors (Scheme‐SS), are established by using the year‐to‐year increment method. The winter SIO‐SST may affect the SST anomaly in the east of Australia via a teleconnection pattern. The east of Australia SST signal in winter continues until the following summer and then affects the summer EPF in the MLYRV via modulation of the meridional Hadley circulation in the western North Pacific. The positive Beaufort SIC anomaly may result in a negative summer SST anomaly by the increased surface albedo. In response, the atmospheric circulation presents a dipole anomaly distribution in the Beaufort Sea and the Barents Sea. The Arctic dipole anomaly may bring about frequent extreme precipitation in the MLYRV by adjusting the position of the East Asian westerly jet and Eurasian teleconnection pattern. The prediction skill of the summer EPF for Scheme‐SS is higher than that of Scheme‐SST and Scheme‐SIC in the cross‐validation test during 1962–2017 and the independent hindcast during 1992–2017. Scheme‐SS shows a higher prediction skill of the summer EPF than that of Scheme‐SST and Scheme‐SIC, with a time correlation coefficient of 0.62, accounting for 39% of the total variance, of which 35% is the winter SIO‐SST and 4% the spring Beaufort SIC. Scheme‐SS not only shows a rather high predictive ability for the anomalous summer EPF but can also reproduce the increasing trend of extremely heavy precipitation.
Quantitative PCR Detection of Enteric Viruses in Wastewater and Environmental Water Sources by the Lisbon Municipality: A Case Study

Current regulations and legislation require critical revision to determine safety for alternative water sources and water reuse as part of the solution to global water crisis. In order to fulfill those demands, Lisbon municipality decided to start water reuse as part of a sustainable hydric resources management, and there was a need to confirm safety and safeguard for public health for its use in this context. For this purpose, a study was designed that included a total of 88 samples collected from drinking, superficial, underground water, and wastewater at three different treatment stages. Quantitative Polimerase Chain Reaction (PCR) detection (qPCR) of enteric viruses Norovirus (NoV) genogroups I (GI) and II (GII) and Hepatitis A (HepA) was performed, and also FIB (E. coli, enterococci and fecal coliforms) concentrations were assessed. HepA virus was only detected in one untreated influent sample, whereas NoV GI/ NoV GI were detected in untreated wastewater (100/100%), secondary treated effluent (47/73%), and tertiary treated effluent (33/20%). Our study proposes that NoV GI and GII should be further studied to provide the support that they may be suitable indicators for water quality monitoring targeting wastewater treatment efficiency, regardless of the level of treatment.
The evidence base for art therapy with parent and infant dyads: an integrative literature review

ABSTRACT We aimed to evaluate the existing evidence base for the efficacy of art therapy with parent-infant dyads. We undertook an integrative review, following the PRISMA protocol, systematically searching 4 electronic databases, and grey literature, for papers describing art therapy with parents and infants together. 14 papers were identified for inclusion. These were evaluated for quality, data was synthesised for evidence of change, and we undertook a narrative synthesis of intervention model and thematic analysis drawing together mechanisms of change within the art therapy process. Papers described a group approach to art therapy and contained a mixture of methodological approaches. Themes highlighted the beneficial aspects of the art therapy process that might be common to group psychotherapy approaches and those which were unique to art making, such as the qualities of the materials, the making process and the final art works. The themes identified provide a basis for further research into mechanisms of change within parent-infant art therapy. Those papers which presented quantitative evidence demonstrated promising evidence for the value of art therapy but we identify the need for larger participant numbers and control measures, for this evidence to confidently state the impact of art therapy. Plain language summary This paper is based on a review of the current evidence for an art therapy approach to working with parents and their infants together. We searched data bases and other online sources and put out calls for unpublished work to art therapy organisations. We looked for art therapy for parents together with their 0–3s and this could be with the individual pairs or with groups. We reviewed the papers we found and 14 were included in the final stage of this review. We have compared their models for art therapy work and their results and we have also looked for the common themes about why art therapy seems to be helping in order to provide a solid basis for future research in this area. We think there is promising early evidence that art therapy can help parents and infants in a number of areas, such as building the parent-infant relationship and improving parental well-being but this research highlights the need for further, larger scale and controlled studies.
Agammaglobulinemia: comorbidities and long-term therapeutic risks

ABSTRACT Introduction: Intravenous Immunoglobulin preparations have long been used as an effective therapeutic approach to patients with predominant antibody deficiencies. The advent of new manufacturing processes and critical control measures have continuously improved the quality of Immunoglobulin preparations, while reducing the rate of adverse events and maintaining their function. Subcutaneous route of administration is becoming a standard of care for safe use of IgG by self-administration at home. Areas covered: Literature search was performed through Pubmed and Scopus using the search term: (‘Therapeutics’ OR ‘Immunoglobulins, Intravenous’ OR ‘IVIG’) AND (‘Agammaglobulinemia tyrosine kinase’ OR ‘Bruton type agammaglobulinemia’ OR ‘Agammaglobulinemia’ OR ‘Agammaglobulinemia, Autosomal Dominant’) with literature search. Expert opinion: Most if not all of the infusion related complications of IVIG can be prevented by closely monitoring the patient, by considering slow infusion and by identifying, and if possible reducing, pre-infusion risk factors such as cardiovascular or renal problems, infections and advanced age and by selecting the safest product accordingly. The choice of IVIG product should be based on patients individual risk factors and, if present, history of previous adverse events with a specific brand. It should be made clear to patients that FDA-approved IVIG brands are not different in efficacy, and patients preference in choice of brand should be considered.
Comparison of the Specialist Medical Training in Internal Medicine between Germany, Austria and Switzerland: An Overview

Specialists for internal medicine are very important group of the medical profession. Although they make up the largest group of specialized physicians, there is a shortage of physicians, and in particular of internists in Germany, Austria and under some aspects in Switzerland. Germany, Austria and Switzerland show also an intensive transfer of physicians. It is therefore of interest to investigate if the tern “internist” in the three countries under consideration is based on the same or equivalent education, in particular regarding the quality standards. Exchange date between the three countries, the organisation of the medical profession, the access requirements to the specialist medical training, the structure of the specialist’s training as well as the requirements for keeping the specialist’s name have been compared. The main differences are the access requirements and the linkage of the qualification to the independent exercise of the medical profession. Also regarding the performance catalogues, the Swiss education follows a different approach as in Germany and Austria.
Artemisia Herba Alba Essential Oil as Green Corrosion Inhibitor for Aluminum in Hydrochloric Acid Solution

Artemisia herba-alba essential oil extract was investigated as green inhibitor for aluminum corrosion in 1 M HCl solution. The chemical analysis obtained by gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, revealed 68 components. The inhibition efficiency was determined by weight loss measurements, potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope. The results revealed an increase of inhibition efficiency by maximum 92% trough increasing the oil concentration to 3 g/L at 333 K. The oil compounds adsorb by physisorption, follow Langmuir adsorption isotherm and act as mixed type inhibitors. The EIS results confirmed the adsorption mechanism process and the SEM observations.
Brief communication: The role of using precipitation or river discharge data when assessing global coastal compound flooding

Abstract. Interacting storm surges and high water runoff can cause compound flooding (CF) in low-lying coasts and river estuaries. The large-scale CF hazard has been typically studied using proxies such as the concurrence of storm surge extremes either with precipitation or with river discharge extremes. Here the impact of the choice of such proxies is addressed employing state-of-the-art global datasets. Although they are proxies of diverse physical mechanisms, we find that the two approaches show similar CF spatial patterns. On average, deviations are smaller in regions where assessing the actual CF is more relevant, i.e. where the CF potential is high. Differences between the two assessments increase with the catchment size, and our findings indicate that CF in long rivers (catchment ≳5–10×103 km2) should be analysed using river discharge data. The precipitation-based assessment allows for considering local-rainfall-driven CF and CF in small rivers not resolved by large-scale datasets.
PRELIMINARY STUDIES ON THE DISTRIBUTION CHARACTERISTICS OF POTENTIALLY TOXIC METALS IN SOILS AROUND A GOLD MINING SITE IN IJERO, EKITI STATE, NIGERIA

Metal pollution in soils arising from mining activities has become a growingconcern especially in developing countries like Nigeria. Illegal mining of solidminerals pervades the entire country leaving behind their deleterious effects on theenvironment. This research focused on the preliminary studies on the distributioncharacteristics of nine potentially toxic metals in soils around a mining site in EkitiState, Nigeria. Thirteen (13) soil samples were randomly collected in and aroundthe vicinity of the mining site and a control sample at a farther distance from themining site. The soil samples were air dried, sieved through a 63 mm mesh sieveand 1g of each of the samples was digested using a microwave digester for twohours. The potentially toxic metal concentration was determined using an Agilent7700s Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS). Theconcentration of the metals analysed in the samples were within the followingranges; As (0.20 to 83.49 mg/kg), Cd (0.03 to 0.39mg/kg), Cr (0.65 to 38.16 mg/kg),Cu (3.11 to 11.46 mg/kg), Fe (2.46 to 137.63 mg/kg), Mn (45.88 to 557.20 mg/kg),Ni (0.30 to 10.84 mg/kg), Pb (2.83 to 20.28 mg/kg) and Zn (5.68 to 24.16 mg/kg). Concentrations of As and Cd were above the permissible levels in the environment.The calculated pollution index (Pi) values for As (location 2) and Cd (location 5)under the study exceeded 1 confirming that the soils are highly polluted particularlywith As and Cd. Therefore, it is recommended that farmers should not growagricultural foods such as edible vegetables, rice and potato in these soils unless thesoils have been treated and remediated. In addition, mining activities had impactednegatively on the surrounding environment and the results of this analysis suggeststhat the metal concentrations of the sites resulted from mining activities areexpected to be higher in the nearest future due to bioaccumulation and as such, theactivities should be regulated and arrested.
Efficient treatment of banking services under VAT

The efficiency of tax systems is an important topic for policy makers and academics. We focus on the efficiency of applying VAT to traditional banking services, a significant issue where a consensus has yet to be reached since the first debates more than two decades ago. This paper discusses one of the most relevant models of tax efficiency on banking services under VAT, the model developed by Jack (2000). This author shows that explicit fees and commissions should be taxable under VAT, while implicit fees covered by banking spreads should be zero-rated. An alternative theoretical approach is developed in this paper, proposing the taxation of both explicit and implicit fees of financial services under VAT at the same tax rate, which should also be the same rate applied to all other goods and services.
Suojelualueverkosto muuttuvassa ilmastossa - kohti ilmastoviisasta suojelualuesuunnittelua

6 1 Johdanto ja tausta . 9 2 Ilmastonmuutoksen nopeus ja luonnonsuojelusuunnittelu . 14 2.1 Ilmastonmuutoksen nopeusindeksin laskeminen ja käyttö . 15 2.2 Ilmastonmuutoksen nopeus Suomessa ja Natura 2000 -verkostossa . 16 2.3 Pienilmaston vaihtelu Natura 2000 -alueilla nyt ja tulevaisuudessa . 17 2.4 Ilmastonmuutoksen nopeus ja suojelualuesuunnittelu . 18 2.5 Lisätietoja menetelmistä . 19 3 Lajien ominaisuudet ja haavoittuvuus ilmastonmuutokselle . 20 3.1 Lajien haavoittuvuus ilmastonmuutoksen vaikutuksille . 20 3.1. 1 Lajiominaisuuksien käyttö haavoittuvien lajien tunnistamisessa . 21 3.1. 2 Lajien haavoittuvuus lajiryhmittäin . 22 3.1. 3 Lajiominaisuuksien tarkastelua . 26 3.1. 4 Varautuminen ilmastonmuutokseen . 27 3.2 Suojelualueverkoston merkitys lintupopulaatioille ilmaston muuttuessa. 27 3.2.1 Havaitut ja ennustetut levinneisyysmuutokset suojelualueilla ja suojelualueiden ulkopuolella . 28 3.2.2 Koko pesimälintulajiston levinneisyyden muutokset . 30 3.2.3 Lintulajien runsauden muutokset ja populaatioiden painopisteiden siirtyminen . 32 3.2.4 Tulevaisuuden tutkimustarpeet . 34 3.3 Direktiivilajien altistuminen ilmastonmuutokselle ja haitalliselle maankäytölle . 34 4 Luontotyypit muuttuvassa ilmastossa . 40 4.1 Luontotyyppien herkkyys ilmastonmuutokselle . 40 4.1. 1 Luontotyyppiryhmittäiset tulokset . 41 4.2 Ilmastonmuutoksen ja maankäytön aiheuttamat riskit Natura-alueiden direktiiviluontotyyppien esiintymille . 43 4.3 Ennallistaminen ja luonnonhoito tukevat sopeutumista ilmastonmuutokseen . 47 4.3.1 Miten ilmastonmuutos vaikuttaa ja miten se tulisi ottaa huomioon ennallistamisja luonnonhoitotöissä ja niiden kohdentamisessa . 47 4.3.2 Asiantuntijatyöpajassa pohdittiin ilmastonmuutoksen vaikutuksia ennallistamiseen ja luonnonhoitoon . 47 4.3.3 Ilmastonmuutos osaksi ennallistamisen ja luonnonhoidon suunnittelua . 49
Tongue thickness measured by ultrasonography is associated with tongue pressure in the Japanese elderly

The term “oral frailty” reflects the fact that oral health is associated with physical frailty and mortality. Tongue thickness measurement is one of the evaluations for swallowing function. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between tongue thickness and tongue pressure in the Japanese elderly. We evaluated 254 elderly patients; all the participants underwent tongue ultrasonography and tongue pressure measurement. To determine tongue thickness, we measured the vertical distance from the surface of the mylohyoid muscle to the tongue dorsum using ultrasonography. Result analyses revealed that tongue thickness was linearly associated with tongue pressure in both sexes. In male participants, dyslipidemia, lower leg circumference, and tongue pressure were independently significantly associated with tongue thickness. In female participants, body mass index and tongue pressure were independently significantly associated with tongue thickness. Tongue thickness was significantly decreased by age for both men and women. The optimal cutoff for tongue thickness to predict the tongue pressure of < 20 kPa was 41.3 mm in males, and 39.3 mm in females. In the Japanese elderly, tongue thickness using ultrasonography is associated with tongue pressure. Tongue thickness and tongue pressure, which are sensitive markers for oral frailty, decrease in aging. The tongue ultrasonography provides a less invasive technique for determining tongue thickness and related aspiration risks for elderly patients.
STRUCTURAL AND DIELECTRIC EVOLUTION OF COBALT FERRITE NANOPARTICLES FOR MICROWAVE APPLICATIONS

In this paper, coprecipitation method was used in the synthesis of cobalt ferrite nano particles, while investigations were carried out to determine the effect of sintering temperature on the structural and dielectric properties of the prepared samples. The structural/morphological and dielectric properties of the products were determined by X-raydiffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and open ended coaxial probe (OECP). Results from analysis confirms that heat treatment influences the magnitude of dielectric constant and the structural evolution of the samples. TEM mages reveal that the samples surfaces exhibit well-defined crystalline nanoparticles of spherical shapes with small agglomeration at higher sintering temperature while the sizes of the particles increases with annealing temperature due to grain boundary growth. The magnitude of dielectric constant was influenced by interfacial polarization as well as iron hopping of Fe2+ to Fe3+ and Co2+ to Co3+ at B-sites. Sintering temperature also influenced the dielectric characteristics, and this is confirmed from the dielectric measurements at room temperature. Based on the result obtained for dielectric constant, these samples are suitable for small microwave shielding.
CRISP-eSNeP: Towards a data-driven knowledge discovery process for electronic social networks

ABSTRACT Value in big data is created when insights are mined to support business processes. On social networks (SNs), big data, coupled with the operational mechanisms of such networks presents challenging, yet interesting perspectives to generate insights. A key limitation to big data research on SNs is the lack of a concise methodological model that drives conceptual and analytical questions. We add specificity to existing Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining (KDDM) frameworks by proposing a methodology for analyzing big data on electronic SNs. Particularly, we propose the Cross Industry Standard Process for Electronic Social Network Platforms (CRISP-eSNeP) not only as an extension to the CRISP-DM model, but also as an advancement of the knowledge on KDDM methods. Our method emphasizes the efficient management of large semi-structured and unstructured data that reflects a specific SN. We present the results of our process development using Gregor and Hevner’s design science research schema.