Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Electrical Joule heating of cementitious nanocomposites filled with multi-walled carbon nanotubes: role of filler concentration, water content, and cement age

In the study at hand the Joule heating effect of electrically conductive cementitious nanocomposites filled with different loadings of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) is investigated. Nanofiller dispersions were initially prepared via ultrasonication in deionized water (d-H2O) utilising a commercial superplasticizer as surfactant. Electrically percolated nanocomposites were fabricated via shear mixing and subsequent casting into moulds. Storing the prepared samples under different humid conditions enabled explanation of the role of water content as well as cement age on Joule heating performance. All prepared specimens were investigated at ages of 3 d, 7 d and 28 d by applying two different DC bias voltages. Infrared-thermography (IR-T) images were recorded after 1 min, 5 min and 10 min in order to visualize the differences in the Joule heating effect as a function of time, keeping contact with the DC bias voltage. The observed results showed a significant dependency of the Joule heating effect on water content as well as on filler concentration. Moreover, increasing cement age provided more effective electrical heating. This work elucidates the complexity of the electrical heating phenomena occurring in cementitious/MWCNT nanocomposites via the well-known Joule heating effect because it contributes to the understanding of the underlying mechanism. The main parameters used and the corresponding results are envisaged to be applicable for large-scale, heatable concrete structures in future respecting buildings temperature, aerial control, de-icing, thermal management, and better energy efficiency, etc.
Development and Initial Validation of a Social Media Identity Distress Scale Among Emerging Adults

Abstract This study provided preliminary evidence for a new Social Media Identity Distress Scale (SMIDS) using two subsamples of emerging adults (18-25 years of age) from Amazon Turk (each n = 373). The factor analysis revealed a single-factor scale explaining 72.9% of the variance in the items and supported a 20-item version of the original 66-item instrument. The evidence of convergent validity and reliability supported using the SMIDS as a potential instrument to evaluate the mental stress regarding the ability to create a coherent self-concept while engaging in social media activities experienced by emerging adults. Implications for practice and future directions of research are provided.
Role of CYP3A4*1B Gene Variant In Substance Use Disorder

Background and objective: This study aims to find out the possible association between the CYP3A4*1B gene variant (rs2740574) and substance use disorder susceptibility in the Turkish population. Materials and methods: 158 patients with substance use disorder and 100 healthy individuals matched for gender, age, and ethnicity were enrolled in the study. Genotyping was analyzed by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method using the MboII restriction endonuclease. The association between the CYP3A4*1B variant and substance use disorder was analyzed by using SPSS 21 and de-Finetti program. Results: CYP3A4 gene (MboII gene variant in 5’ promoter region) genotype distributions of substance use disorder patients were not significantly different from healthy controls. When the substance use and control groups were compared in terms of allele frequency, increased G allele frequency was observed in CYP3A4 variants in the substance use group (p: 0,042). Conclusion: This is the first study that investigates the association between the MboII gene variant in CYP3A4 gene 5’promoter region and substance use disorder in the literature. It was demonstrated that an increased G allele existed in Turkish substance use disorder patients. It also was planned to research the other variants of the CYP3A4 gene in the future.
Quantification of Chlorophyll and Carotene Pigments Content in Mountain Melick (Melica nutans L.) in Relation to Edaphic Variables

The aim of the study was to identify and compare the content of chlorophyll and carotene pigments in mountain melick plants (Melica nutans L.) growing in two forest habitats in the Zielonka Forest Landscape Park in the Greater Poland region, which differed in soil properties and moisture. Leaf blades from the middle level of Melica nutans generative shoots were used as analytical material to measure the content of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, β-carotene and total carotenoids. The average (±SD) content of chlorophyll a in the Melica nutans plants growing in the less fertile site (Location I) amounted to 6.67 ± 0.99 mg·g−1 DM. The average content of chlorophyll b in the same plants was 2.44 ± 0.39 mg·g−1 DM. The Melica nutans plants growing in the more fertile site (Location II) had a higher content of chlorophyll a, i.e., 7.76 ± 0.96 mg·g−1 DM, and lower content of chlorophyll b, i.e., 2.36 ± 0.26 mg·g−1 DM. The plants collected from both sites had similar content of β-carotene, i.e., 0.61 ± 0.11 mg·g−1 DM Location I and 0.62 ± 0.07 mg·g−1 DM Location II. The plants growing in the less fertile site (Location I) had significantly higher total carotene content than the plants in the more fertile site (Location II). The content of pigments in the Melica nutans plants was significantly differentiated by the meteorological conditions in the subsequent years of the research. In the first year of the research, the average content of all chlorophyll pigments in the plants was significantly higher than in the second drier year, regardless of the site.
Exploring food security among recently resettled Syrian refugees: results from a qualitative study in two Canadian cities

This study aims to provide a qualitative in-depth account of the status and experience of food insecurity for Syrian refugee households in Toronto and Saskatoon, Canada. The study considers the range of geographic, socio-economic, cultural and gendered components shaping and determining the barriers and management of food insecurity. ,The study included 54 semi-structured interviews with refugee families in Toronto and Saskatoon who resettled in Canada after November 2015. In addition, 15 semi-structured in-person or telephone interviews were conducted with settlement and support agencies to measure their capacity to respond to issues of food insecurity for Syrian refugees. ,Syrian refugees reported experiencing food insecurity as part of the broader resettlement journey, including in the transitional phase of refuge and in each settlement context in Canada. Income status in Canada was reported as a key barrier to food security. Low-income barriers to food security were experienced and shaped by factors including food affordability, physical access and availability and the extent of familial or other support networks including sponsorship relationships. Participants also reported how managing food insecurity contributed to the intensification of gender expectations. ,The analysis reveals food insecurity as both an income and non-income based concern for refugees during the process of resettlement. The study also highlights the importance of considering variations between primary barriers to food security identified by Syrian families and key informants as critical to the development of strategies designed to mitigate the impacts of resettlement on food security.
DC Motor Control Using Laboratory Virtual Instrumentation Engineering Workbench

Motor has an important role in everyday life. Both are used on a home scale and in the industrial world. To regulate a motor, a good control system is needed. Laboratory Virtual Instrumentation Engineering Workbench abbreviated as LabVIEW is defined as a system engineering software that is used for the needs of testing, measuring, and controlling quickly on accessing hardware in which there is data needed. LabVIEW uses a graphics-based programming language or block diagram while other programming languages use a text base. This study aims to obtain a value of DC motor control. The method used in this research is to assemble the DC motor hardware with the driver followed by connecting it to a myRIO 1900 board controller. By providing variations in frequency and duty cycle, the results of current and voltage and rotation are obtained to determine its effect. The results of this study indicate that by giving a duty cycle of more than 50%, current and voltage are obtained and the motor rotation is linear and forms a horizontal line. The 100 Hz frequency is the best frequency that can produce the highest motor rotation.
Physicochemical and bioactive compounds evaluation of Physalis pubescens Linnaeus

Submitted on May 15, 2020 and accepted on September 2, 2020. 1 This work is part of the Master ’s Thesis of the first author , with the support of the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development. 2 Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Departamento de Ciência e Tecnologia Agroindustrial, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. zimmertailise@gmail.com 3 Universidade Federal da Bahia, Departamento de Ciência de Alimentos, Escola de Nutrição, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. deborah.m. otero@gmail.com 4 Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Centro de Ciências Químicas, Farmacêuticas e de Alimentos, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. zambiazi@gmail.com *Corresponding author: zimmertailise@gmail.com Physicochemical and bioactive compounds evaluation of Physalis pubescens Linnaeus
An outline for an integrated language-sensitive approach to global work and mobility: cross-fertilising expatriate and international business and management research

Purpose – The purpose of this conceptual literature review is to investigate how language factors have been studied in the expatriate literature, and how cross-fertilisation with the broader language-sensitive international business and management field may facilitate integrated research of language in global work. Design/methodology/approach – This paper is based on a thematic review of expatriate research and international business and management literature. The findings are structured through Reiche et al.’s (2019) three-dimensional conceptualisation of global work, after which two frameworks are developed to conceptualise how language connects the three dimensions – actors, structures and processes. Findings – The literature review demonstrates that language-related topics are yet to gain status in the expatriate tradition, and the majority of studies, which do consider linguistic factors appear largely dissociated from the growing community of language research in the broader international management and international business fields. However, once consolidated, the literature reveals that language is present in all dimensions of global work. A processual view of corporate language management highlights the central role of human resource management (HRM), while a dynamic multi-level perspective indicates that language may form bidirectional relationships between the three dimensions of global work. Originality/value – Due to the segmentation between language-sensitive research in the expatriate and international business/management traditions, few studies have considered the HRM implications of global mobility and the multifaceted nature of language at work. This conceptual literature review brings both perspectives together for a more contextualised and holistic view of language in international workforces.
An empirical survey of electroencephalography-based brain-computer interfaces

Abstract Objectives The Electroencephalogram (EEG) signal is modified using the Motor Imagery (MI) and it is utilized for patients with high motor impairments. Hence, the direct relationship between the computer and brain is termed as an EEG-based brain-computer interface (BCI). The objective of this survey is to presents an analysis of the existing distinct BCIs based on EEG. Methods This survey provides a detailed review of more than 60 research papers presenting the BCI-based EEG, like motor imagery-based techniques, spatial filtering-based techniques, Steady-State Visual Evoked Potential (SSVEP)-based techniques, machine learning-based techniques, Event-Related Potential (ERP)-based techniques, and online EEG-based techniques. Subsequently, the research gaps and issues of several EEG-based BCI systems are adopted to help the researchers for better future scope. Results An elaborative analyses as well as discussion have been provided by concerning the parameters, like evaluation metrics, year of publication, accuracy, implementation tool, and utilized datasets obtained by various techniques. Conclusions This survey paper exposes research topics on BCI-based EEG, which helps the researchers and scholars, who are interested in this domain.
Decline in acute coronary syndrome hospitalisation rates during COVID-19 lockdown in private hospitals in South Africa

We conducted a study of admission rates of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in all Mediclinic hospitals in South Africa. The aim of the study was to quantify the extent of change in admission rates of ACS subtypes and to establish the degree of change in subtype proportions in the private sector assumed to be related to COVID-19 and/or lockdown implementation. Time intervals were demarcated by lockdown measures (March: pre-lockdown versus April: post-lockdown implementation), and comparisons were performed with equitable time periods (2019 versus 2020). For the comparison of proportions, data for April and May were summated.
Influence of the Calcination Temperature of Synthetic Gypsum on the Particle Size Distribution and Setting Time of Modified Building Materials

The paper assesses the influence of the calcination temperature of synthetic gypsum binder on the binding properties of innovative gypsum pastes, as well as on masonry and plastering mortars. The calcination process of gypsum binder was carried out at four different temperatures ranging from 170 to 190 °C. The specimens for testing were prepared on the basis of the obtained raw material with a constant water to gypsum ratio of w/g = 0.75. It was noted that the calcination temperature influenced the setting time of the gypsum. Based on synthetic gypsum, mixtures of masonry and plastering mortars modified with tartaric acid and Plast Retard were designed. During the experiment, the particle diameter distribution of aqueous suspensions of building and synthetic gypsum particles (before and after calcination) was determined using the Fraunhofer laser method. The dimensions of the obtained artificial gypsum grains did not differ from the diameters of the gypsum grains in the reference sample. On the basis of the conducted research, it was found that the waste synthetic gypsum obtained in the flue gas desulphurization process met the standard conditions related to its setting time. Therefore, it may be a very good construction substitute for natural gypsum, and consequently, it may contribute to environmental protection and the saving and respecting of energy.
Constraints on multiple dependencies in the left-periphery in European Portuguese

This paper focuses on intervention effects obtained by embedding a topic constituent (either a displaced topic or a clitic left-dislocated topic) within the domain of wh-movement. We present the results of two acceptability judgment tests carried out in European Portuguese (EP), which indicate that only a subset of the constructions in which a topic intervenes in the path of wh-movement is judged acceptable by native speakers. The pattern that emerges can be described by the following generalization: (1) A wh-movement dependency may contain a topicalized or clitic left-dislocated constituent in its scope iff the full topic-(cl)-gap dependency is contained within the path of wh-movement. This generalization indicates that a version of the no crossing constraint (e.g., Fodor 1978; Pesetsky 1982) holds in these configurations. We discuss the challenges faced by a purely syntactic account of (1) and suggest that a more promising line of an approach is one that attempts to derive (1) from processing constraints.
Aging skin and non-surgical procedures: a basic science overview

Skin aging is a major cosmetic concern and associated with extensive changes in skin function and structure. The understanding of the basic science underlying skin aging is rapidly progressing, anchored around nine fundamental hallmarks of aging defined in 2013. Here we present the evidence for the relevance of each hallmark of aging to skin aging, emphasizing the uniquely prominent roles of oxidative damage and the extracellular matrix in photoaging. We review the existing evidence for how established treatments of skin aging target each fundamental hallmark and discuss targets for potential future treatments.
An Estimation Method for Real-Time Thermal Capacity of Traction Transformers Under Unbalanced Loads

Real-time thermal capacity estimation is not only part of prognostics and health management but also determines the dynamic loading capability of the traction transformer. The hot-spot temperature (HST) is the vital parameter for real-time thermal capacity estimation. In high-speed railway, the unbalanced loads of the two phases of the traction transformer cause unbalanced winding losses and therefore affect the top-oil temperature and further influence the HST in each phase. In order to explore the dynamic thermal performance of the transformer under unbalanced load (current), a thermal model for calculating the HST was proposed incorporating thermal interaction between two power supply phases. This model treats the winding loss of each phase independently, considering the temperature dependence of winding ohmic losses and eddy current losses. A thermal circuit topology is presented with independent phase windings sharing the same top-oil temperature, where an improved heat transfer correlation is used to account for the nonlinear thermal convection. The proposed model is verified by the factory temperature rise tests and field operation data for the same batch of transformers.
A comparison of different least-squares methods for reliability of Weibull distribution based on right censored data

The linear least-squares method has been applied to Weibull distribution for analysing the reliability, and the exact confidence intervals for Weibull parameters can be constructed from both Type-I and Type-II censored data. However, this method changes the shape of theoretical linear fit and estimates are highly biased for heavily censored data. Therefore, the nonlinear method (NLLSM) and transformation-based least-squares methods (TBLSM) are proposed in the literature. In this paper, I address confidence intervals for Weibull parameters based on the two methods and discuss the reliability and remaining lifetime with the right censored data. I propose the exact confidence intervals from pivotal quantities for the Weibull parameters based on NSLLM and approximate ones based on TBLLM. Further, different methods are compared through a Monte Carlo simulation study. Finally, these methods are applied to a data set as an illustrative example.
Specific stress responses to cadmium, arsenic and mercury appear in the metallophyte Silene vulgaris

The tolerance of the metallophyte Silene vulgaris, a plant suitable for the phytostabilisation of metal(loid)-contaminated soils, to arsenic (As), mercury (Hg) and cadmium (Cd) was evaluated in a semi-hydroponic culture system under controlled environmental conditions. The appearance of oxidative stress, alteration of photochemical processes and modification of biothiol content were studied as physiological parameters of metal(loid) stress in plants treated with 0, 6 and 30 μM (As, Hg or Cd) for 7 days. In spite of the metal(loid) excluder behaviour of S. vulgaris, Cd was translocated to the aerial part of the plant at a higher rate than Hg or As. The major toxic effects were observed in roots, where lipid peroxidation was increased in a dose-dependent manner. Redox enzymes such as glutathione reductase (GR) were severely inhibited by Hg, whereas GR was overexpressed. The accumulation of Cd produced a remarkable production of phytochelatins (PCs) in roots, whereas Hg and As led to modest PCs synthesis. There was a severe loss of chlorophyll content in Cd-treated plants, accompanied with a significant decrease in photosystem II efficiency (ΦPSII) and photochemical quenching (qP). Similar negative effects were observed in Hg- and As-exposed plants, but to a lesser degree. The exposure to the highest dose of each toxic element (30 μM) caused depletion of the light harvesting complex b1 protein. In conclusion, specific stress signatures to each metal(loid) were observed, with As being the least toxic element, suggesting that different mechanisms of tolerance were exerted. These results could be applied in future experiments to select tolerant ecotypes to optimize the phytostabilisation of metal(loid) multipolluted soils.
Exploring the links between psychological flexibility, individual well‐being, and relationship quality

The ability to engage flexibly with thoughts and behavior in line with the demands of a situation — termed psychological flexibility — has been linked to individual wellbeing. This registered report presents two studies that investigate the links between psychological flexibility, individual well-being, and relationship quality. Using structural equation modeling, Study 1 found that people who were more psychologically flexible reported higher levels of positive affect and lower levels of negative affect, which in turn were associated with higher relationship quality. Using dyadic mediation analysis, Study 2 replicated and extended these findings in a sample of 200 romantic couples, revealing both actor and partner effects. This research offers insight into the implications of psychological flexibility for relationship functioning.
Effects of dietary protein level on intake, digestibility, and energy expenditure in dairy heifers

Balancing diets for protein affects both protein and energy use efficiency in cattle. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary protein level on intake, digestibility and energy expenditure in Holstein heifers. Four Holstein heifers with a mean BW of 266.5 ± 10.7 kg were distributed in a 4 x 4 balanced Latin square design. Each period was comprised of 14 d for adaptation and 6 d for samplings. The heifers were fed diets with 9, 12, 15 and 18% of crude protein (CP). Total feces and urine were collected. Rumen fluid was collected at 2, 4, 6 and 8 h after feeding. The energy expenditure was evaluated at 6 a.m., 12 a.m., 6 p.m. and 12 p.m. by a closed-circuit mask technique. The intake of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) were similar between treatments (P > 0.05). Although the NDF digestibility was not changed (P > 0.05), the digestibilities of DM, OM, CP, non-fibrous carbohydrates, and total digestible nutrients increased linearly (P < 0.05) with increasing CP levels in the diet. Urinary urea nitrogen excretion and nitrogen retained increased linearly (P < 0.01) with increasing CP levels. Dietary CP levels did not affect (P =0.53) energy expenditure in heifers. Ruminal ammonia-nitrogen concentration peaked at 2-4 h after feeding. Increasing dietary CP levels from 9 to 18% does not affect feed intake and energy expenditure in heifers. However, it improves the digestibility of OM and nitrogen retention.