Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterization of electron beam cross-linked ethylene–octene copolymer composites with carbon nanotubes

The effect of radiation cross-linking on the properties of Engage® 8200 ethylene–octene copolymer (EOC) with multiwalled carbon nanotube (CNT) nanocomposites was evaluated. An ultra-sound assisted technique combined with thermoplastic mixing was used to make EOC/CNT composites with a wide ratio of CNT concentrations (0 to 15 wt%). Composite films were irradiated by 5 MeV accelerated electrons at relatively high doses (150 and 300 kGy), and their structure and mechanical and dielectric properties were compared. Gel fraction measurements indicated dominant cross-linking of EOC with the rise of the absorbed dose. Cross-linking as well as chain scission of macromolecules in the presence of CNTs caused a certain change in mechanical properties. Dielectric measurements indicated a decrease in ac conductivity and a change in dielectric permittivity, mainly associated with prevented charge movements between CNTs incorporated in the spatially cross-linked macromolecular structure of EOC compared to that of unirradiated EOC/CNT composites.
PROCUREMENT PROCESS AND SERVICE DELIVERY IN THE UNITED NATIONS ORGANIZATION STABILIZATION MISSION IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO (MONUSCO) ENTEBBE SUPPORT BASE

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between procurement process and service delivery in MONUSCO Entebbe Support Base Methodology: The study employed a descriptive case study design. The target population comprised of 261 employees of MONUSCO Entebbe Support Base holding international, United Nations Volunteers (UNV) and National contracts. Random and purposive sampling techniques were specifically used to select samples for this study. Data was collected using questionnaires and interview guides. The quantitative data collected was further analysed using SPSS for descriptive and inferential statistics while the qualitative data was analysed using content analysis. Findings: The study findings showed that procurement process contributed to effective and efficient service delivery in MONUSCO. However, the found relationship between procurement process and service delivery to be very weak. It was found that contracts were awarded to suppliers who met products/materials technical specifications which ensured clear meeting of product standards and service delivery in all MONUSCO user departments. Contracts were awarded to vendors who offer lower price which implied that the bidder with the lowest price is always considered for contract award in MONUSCO ESB. The study found that some vendors did not meet all the terms of contracts as agreed at the time of contract award at the MONUSCO ESB and that to some extent the organization had not taken full appropriate correction measures against non performing vendors. This has to some extent affected the service delivery levels of MONUSCO Entebbe Support Base. It was also found that to a larger extent most vendors had a delivery schedule as per the user department requirements. This meant that the vendors draw and share the supply delivery schedule with the user departments in MONUSCO ESB. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy : The study recommends that the management needs to ensure that the procurement activities are accomplished in line with the outcome measures. MONUSCO Entebbe Support Base should focus on implementing strict procurement practices that must be followed with contract value thresholds dictating the procurement practices to be adopted by all MONUSCO sections.
Side-gate leakage and field emission in all-graphene field effect transistors on SiO2/Si substrate

We fabricate planar all-graphene field-effect transistors with self-aligned side-gates at 100 nm from the main graphene conductive channel, using a single lithographic step. We demonstrate side-gating below 1V with conductance modulation of 35% and transconductance up to 0.5 mS/mm at 10 mV drain bias. We measure the planar leakage along the SiO2/vacuum gate dielectric over a wide voltage range, reporting rapidly growing current above 15 V. We unveil the microscopic mechanisms driving the leakage, as Frenkel-Poole transport through SiO2 up to the activation of Fowler-Nordheim tunneling in vacuum, which becomes dominant at high voltages. We report a field-emission current density as high as 1μA/μm between graphene flakes. These findings are essential for the miniaturization of atomically thin devices. * Tel: +39.089. 969189. E-mail: dibant@sa.infn. it (Antonio Di Bartolomeo)
Hydro-ecological controls on dissolved carbon dynamics in groundwater and export to streams in a temperate pine forest

Abstract. We studied the export of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) from forested shallow groundwater to first-order streams, based on groundwater and surface water sampling and hydrological data. The selected watershed was particularly convenient for such study, with a very low slope, with pine forest growing on sandy permeable podzol and with hydrology occurring exclusively through drainage of shallow groundwater (no surface runoff). A forest plot was instrumented for continuous eddy covariance measurements of precipitation, evapotranspiration, and net ecosystem exchanges of sensible and latent heat fluxes as well as CO2 fluxes. Shallow groundwater was sampled with three piezometers located in different plots, and surface waters were sampled in six first-order streams; river discharge and drainage were modeled based on four gauging stations. On a monthly basis and on the plot scale, we found a good consistency between precipitation on the one hand and the sum of evapotranspiration, shallow groundwater storage and drainage on the other hand. DOC and DIC stocks in groundwater and exports to first-order streams varied drastically during the hydrological cycle, in relation with water table depth and amplitude. In the groundwater, DOC concentrations were maximal in winter when the water table reached the superficial organic-rich layer of the soil. In contrast, DIC (in majority excess CO2) in groundwater showed maximum concentrations at low water table during late summer, concomitant with heterotrophic conditions of the forest plot. Our data also suggest that a large part of the DOC mobilized at high water table was mineralized to DIC during the following months within the groundwater itself. In first-order streams, DOC and DIC followed an opposed seasonal trend similar to groundwater but with lower concentrations. On an annual basis, leaching of carbon to streams occurred as DIC and DOC in similar proportion, but DOC export occurred in majority during short periods of the highest water table, whereas DIC export was more constant throughout the year. Leaching of forest carbon to first-order streams represented a small portion (approximately 2 %) of the net land CO2 sink at the plot. In addition, approximately 75 % of the DIC exported from groundwater was not found in streams, as it returned very fast to the atmosphere through CO2 degassing.
Free amino acids , urea and ammonium ion contents for submerged wine vinegar production : influence of loading rate and airflow rate

The nitrogen source for acetic acid bacteria is important during the vinegar making process. There can be great variation in the final result according to the specific source, the total nitrogen availability and the operational conditions. These bacteria use L-proline, L-leucine and ammonium ion as their main source of nitrogen from white wine. The effect of loading and air-flow rates on the changes in amino acids, urea and ammonium ion contents have been studied for a semi-batch submerged wine vinegar controlled production. Experiments were carried out in a Frings 8L fermenter working in a semi-batch mode. Amino acid contents were determined from their dansyl derivatives on an HPLC furnished with a C18 reversed-phase column. Urea and ammonium ion contents were quantified with an enzymatic kit. Specific nitrogen consumption is given for 25 amino acids and ammonium ion. In addition, profiles for main system variables as well as the three main nitrogen sources (ammonium ion, L-leucine and L-proline) are given. Type of loading and air-flow rates seemed to have a strong impact on the consumption of the nitrogen compounds tested. An increased loading rate and decreased air-flow rate resulted in greater overall consumption of available nitrogen due to different causes. Nitrogen requirement of the bacteria is proportional to the time spent in the acetification process. An acetification procedure involving relatively sudden changes in the fermentation medium may be desirable in order to reduce the formation of urea.
A Case of Nodular Muscular Sarcoidosis Mimicking a Tumor

The nodular form of muscular sarcoidosis is a rare malady that is often confused with a soft-tissue neoplasm or other lesion. Here, we present a case of nodular muscular sarcoidosis in the arms and legs of a 59-year-old woman. She presented at our hospital with a painless nodule in her left arm. Excision was performed and she was diagnosed with sarcoidosis. One year later, nodular sarcoidosis recurred in her arms and legs. After 2 months of steroid medication, the nodules disappeared. The patient has been followed for 2 years and no evidence of recurrence has been observed. (Korean J Med 2011;80:247-249)
Promoting Waste-to-Energy Program for BRT Project Based on Participatory Research Approach: A Case of Used Cooking Oil in Bogor City, Indonesia

The rapid increase in population has directly resulted into increased energy demand, especially in transportation sector. To survive with the growth of energy consumption, transit has become key alternative to alleviate mobility problem in the country. However, to cope with the increasing fuel price and limited resources in the coming near future, the important consideration for transit agencies is to guide on how to successfully implement BRT in the changing political, institutional, and operational setting. The alternative of energy sources from biomass production has received much attention, which could be obtained from the agriculture crop or from domestic waste material. To enhance fuel diversification, in the same time also to eliminate the environmental pollution through efficient Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), this paper discusses the possibilities of utilizing used-cooking oil for BRT in Bogor as a case study. With an objective of understanding the underlying factors governing the utilization of used-cooking oil as biodiesel, the policy interventions required for better dissemination of renewable energy are also discussed. Thus, to increase the availability, use of alternative energy and maintain the amount of raw material to produce sufficient fuel as an alternative energy, the incentive programs and campaigns are the must. Participatory Approach (PA) was adopted to encourage all stakeholders to participate in the process of bio-diesel material collection. Finally, the use of used-cooking oil for BRT could be a key solution for current problem faced by the study area i.e., traffic congestion that demands efficient BRT, and meeting demand for the waste used-cooking oil for its proper utilization in BRT as a biodiesel fuel. Thus, this proposed program will help to tackle these twin objectives of smoothing traffic in the city and reduce emission from the city transportation system.
Vertex weighted Laplacian graph energy and other topological indices

Let $G$ be a graph with a vertex weight $\omega$ and the vertices $v_1,\ldots,v_n$. The Laplacian matrix of $G$ with respect to $\omega$ is defined as $L_\omega(G)=\mathrm{diag}(\omega(v_1),\cdots,\omega(v_n))-A(G)$, where $A(G)$ is the adjacency matrix of $G$. Let $\mu_1,\cdots,\mu_n$ be eigenvalues of $L_\omega(G)$. Then the Laplacian energy of $G$ with respect to $\omega$ defined as $LE_\omega (G)=\sum_{i=1}^n\big|\mu_i - \bar{\omega}\big|$, where $\bar{\omega}$ is the average of $\omega$, i.e., $\bar{\omega}=\dfrac{\sum_{i=1}^{n}\omega(v_i)}{n}$. In this paper we consider several natural vertex weights of $G$ and obtain some inequalities between the ordinary and Laplacian energies of $G$ with corresponding vertex weights. Finally, we apply our results to the molecular graph of toroidal fullerenes (or achiral polyhex nanotorus).
Preclinical anti-HSV-1 activity of aqueous and methanol extracts of Kenya grown pyrethrum (Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium)

Due to the opportunistic nature of Herpes simplex viral infections, it is of great public concern in sub-Saharan Africa. To date, there is no vaccine or cure for this viral infection. In this study, anti-viral activity of the Kenyan Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium (Pyrethrum) against Herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) was evaluated in vivo (using Swiss mice). Phytochemical screening for presence of secondary metabolites of both methanol and aqueous extract of the plant material (flowers) indicated positive, for presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, saponins, tannins and terpenoids. The extracts were given orally after acute oral toxicity results (LD50 ˃2000 mg/kg of body weight) indicated both extracts are safe to be given orally. Upon induction of topical infection with HSV-1 virus, 2 dose levels (10 mg/kg and 25 mg/kg of methanol extract and 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg of aqueous extract) of both extracts were administered, 2 times per day for 7 successive days. Results showed Acyclovir (ACV) at 5 mg/kg and organic extract at 10 mg/kg delayed onset of lesion in local regions significantly (Ƿ ≤ 0.05 test vs. control by student t test). Also, both the organic extract (at a concentration of 10 mg/kg and 25 mg/kg) and aqueous extract (at a concentration of 50 mg/kg) delayed progression of infection significant (Ƿ ≤ 0.05 test vs. control by repeated measures ANOVA). The results indicate extracts from C. cinerariaefolium are active against Hsv-1. So, further investigation is recommended in the Kenya grown C. cinerariaefolium, on its bio-active compounds, safety, and activity on other members of the family Herpesviridae. Key words: Anti-Hsv, phytochemical screening, acute toxicity, Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium.
STUDY OF FACTORS AFFECTING FIRST BIRTH INTERVAL USING MODIFIED GOMPERTZ CURE MODEL IN WEST AZARBAIJAN PROVINCE, IRAN

شور راك : نيا رد شهوژپ تاعلاطا زا طوبرم هب 1068 نز 49 15 هلاس لهأتم دش هدافتسا يبرغ ناجيابرذآ ناتسا رد . تاعلاطا زا قيرط شور اب و همانشسرپ هنومن يريگ ود هلحرم يا درگ ديدرگ يروآ . يسررب هلصاف دلوت لوا و لماوع م ؤ رث رـب نـيا هلـصاف ، اـب هدافتـسا زا لدـم افش هتفاي زترپمگ ميمعت ماجنا هتفاي دش . يارب ليلحت و هيزجت يفيصوت هداد اه زا مرن رازفا SPSS هخسن 16 و يارب ليلحت و هيزجت و هـيزجت ليلحت يليلحت هداد اه زا مرن رازفا R هخسن 2.12 ، هدافتسا ديدرگ .
The Gaia-ESO Survey: revisiting the Li-rich giant problem

The discovery of lithium-rich giants contradicts expectations from canonical stellar evolution. Here we report on the serendipitous discovery of 20 Li-rich giants observed during the Gaia-ESO Survey, which includes the first nine Li-rich giant stars known towards the CoRoT fields. Most of our Li-rich giants have near-solar metallicities and stellar parameters consistent with being before the luminosity bump. This is difficult to reconcile with deep mixing models proposed to explain lithium enrichment, because these models can only operate at later evolutionary stages: at or past the luminosity bump. In an effort to shed light on the Li-rich phenomenon, we highlight recent evidence of the tidal destruction of close-in hot Jupiters at the sub-giant phase.We note that when coupled with models of planet accretion, the observed destruction of hot Jupiters actually predicts the existence of Li-rich giant stars, and suggests that Li-rich stars should be found early on the giant branch and occur more frequently with increasing metallicity. A comprehensive review of all known Li-rich giant stars reveals that this scenario is consistent with the data. However, more evolved or metal-poor stars are less likely to host close-in giant planets, implying that their Li-rich origin requires an alternative explanation, likely related to mixing scenarios rather than external phenomena.
TIME SERIES MODELS IN FORECASTING

Time series and causal models have been longstanding health forecasting technique applied to both clinical and non-clinical decision making. To date the most common approaches of time series forecasting includes exponential smoothing, ARIMA, SARIMA, Time Series Regression etc. However, like most forecasting models that predates the times series and causal approaches, the methods have evolved hence the preponderance of many different types of times series and causal models used to aid forecasting. This review, explores the use of time series models in contemporary clinical and non-clinical decision making. It explores the growing interests, challenges and strengths of the ensemble of techniques developed to augmented and consolidate effective medical forecasting in a constantly changing healthcare environment.
Building a causation annotated corpus : the

We introduce the Salford Arabic Causal Bank (SACB) corpus, a new corpus dedicated to Arabic Causal relations. Causality as a linguistic phenomenon can be expressed using different elements and grammatical expressions. In Arabic language, causal particles – Purpose Lām, Causation Fa’a, Causation Ba’aare frequently prefixed to words; they play a key role in indicating causality. However, these particles give different meanings according to their position in the text. In fact, these meanings can be interpreted according to the context in which they occur. This ambiguity emphasizes the high demand for a large-scale corpus in which instances of these particles are annotated. In this paper, we present the first stage of building the SACB, which includes a collection of annotated sentences each of which contains an instance of a causal particle. The sentences were carefully examined by two specialist annotators to give an accurate account for each annotated instance. Arabic is a less–resourced language and we hope this corpus would help in building better Information Extraction systems.
15 PM-4 : 15 PM Journeying into Tourist Psychological Matters

The rationale behind this study is to explore psychological matters relative to the satisfaction process of rural tourists. The Mediterranean Island of Cyprus was selected for this study, in which an ethnographic journey was undertaken. Towards this end, active participation, informal interviews and casual conversations with rural tourists were employed. The study’s fieldwork findings reveal information of valuable importance to the tourism academic community and practitioners alike. The ethnographic techniques which attempted to gain insights into rural tourist psychological matters, such as motivation and expectations, shed clear light in the rather shady tourists’ inners.
SME's Performance of Creative Industries Supporting Tourism in Indonesia: Market Orientation, Learning Orientation and Organizational Innovativeness as Determinants

Tourism sector cannot be separated from the creative industries. The development of the tourism industry in Indonesia is strongly associated with the development of creative industries. This empirical research investigates the linkage between market orientation, learning orientation, organizational innovativeness and organizational performance in the creative industries supporting tourism. The investigation of the linkage was elaborated by analysing the effect of market orientation, learning orientation and organizational innovativeness towards organizational performance and the effect of market orientation towards organizational innovativeness and learning orientation. In order to achieve the objectives, this study utilizes 131 SME’s of handicraft sector in West Sumatera, Indonesia. This sector consists of embroidery and weaves industry as respondents. This study used non-probability sampling by undertaking purposive sampling techniques. The data collected from questionnaires were analysed using Structural Equation Model (SEM) through a multidimensional construct of first-order reflective and second-order formative model. Reflective and formative model were used according to variable definitions and measurement. The software of smart PLS was conducted to analyse the proposed empirical model. The main finding establishes that market orientation leads to significantly stronger effects on organizational innovativeness. However, market orientation does not lead to significant effects on learning orientation. In addition, market orientation and learning orientation also found that there is a positively related to organizational performance, while organizational innovativeness was not driven. Furthermore, these findings contribute to the concept and practice that highlights the role of SME’s owners in the tourism sector. Briefly, the implementation of learning orientation and innovativeness are related to its impact on employees and SME’s sustainability in the future.
“I am not too old to play” – The Past, Present and Future of 50 and Over Organized Sport Leagues

Abstract The ageing population in Canada is dramatically increasing. According to recent demographic projections, roughly 20 percent of Canada’s population will consist of people over the age 65 by 2024. Indeed, the senior population is expected to surpass that of children under the age of 14 by 2017. This growth of the senior cohort signals opportunities for individuals over the age of 50 to challenge stereotypes and embrace active living. Organized sport leagues are a means for seniors to not only embrace active living, but to also re-live and continue living the competitive sports that they played earlier in life. The increasing number of organized sport leagues for this cohort, including the active living philosophy embraced by baby boomers, will probably lead to an increased demand for more organized sport opportunities for this population group. The purpose of this paper is to provide a current state of condition of organized sport leagues for those 50 years of age and over. Specifically, the objective of this paper is to present the evolution of organized sport leagues for those 50 and over while also making suggestions for the future provision of such services. It is concluded that: a) more research is needed to better understand the trend of 50 and over sport leagues, b) municipal sport and recreation administrators should consider establishing more 50 and over sport leagues in their recreation program delivery systems, c) 50 and over sport leagues should better address the needs of specific population groups (e.g., women and ethnic groups), and d) awareness should be enhanced for potential entrepreneurial opportunities for the establishment of 50 and over sport leagues.
Rest in the Zebrafish

Author(s): Echevarria, David J.; Khan, Kanza M. | Abstract: The purpose and function of sleep has been the topic of discussion for several centuries. Though our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the propagation and maintenance of rest states has undergone significant improvement, much remains to be learned with regards to the effects of disrupted sleep on diseased states. A deeper understanding of the neural circuitry and associated phenotypes would allow for the identification of sleep-related pathologies as well as the development of therapies for individuals with sleep disorders. To this end, the zebrafish (danio rerio) pose a great advantage. In the adult animal, sleep is largely consolidated to dark phases. Sleep may be disrupted via environmental, pharmacological or genetic manipulations. Disrupted sleep rhythms in the adult animal are linked to changes in gene and protein expression, while behavioral measures of anxiety have produced mixed results. We propose that this variation is a result of the type of sleep disruption as well as the type of anxiety test employed. This beckons the need for further study of the effects of environmental and pharmacological manipulations on the sleep rhythms of the animal. Further, researchers must not rely solely on one test as a measure of stress or anxiety as it provides only a one-dimensional insight.