Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Relationship between dissolution of fiber materials and development of pulp strength in alkaline peroxide bleaching of mechanical pulp

Abstract This study elucidates the relationship between the dissolution of pulp components and the development of fiber bonding properties in alkaline peroxide bleaching of aspen mechanical pulp. In general, bleaching reactions cause the removal of pulp substances from the fibers, which in turn improves pulp strength properties. Nonetheless, alkaline hydrolysis is particularly important to the development of strength because this reaction mechanism plays a key role in imparting additional carboxylic acid groups onto the fibers. The strong correlation between fiber carboxylic acid group concentration and the amount of anionic dissolved substances makes it possible for us to predict the strength properties of bleached pulps by estimating the anionicity of bleaching filtrates using analytical methods such as cationic demand. The paper also provides insights into the importance of the alkalinity in peroxide bleaching to the dissolution of pulp materials and the strength development.
Optical constants of ice Ih crystal at terahertz frequencies

Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy was used to measure the refractive indices of Ih crystalline ice in the frequency range of 0.25–1.0 THz. With increasing frequency, the real part, n′, of the refractive index increases from 1.787 to 1.793 at 243 K, and the imaginary part, n″, increases from 0.005 to 0.020. The temperature dependence of n′ is less than 0.01%/K and that of n″ is ∼1%/K. Our results connect smoothly to the data of Matsuoka and co-workers [T. Matsuoka, S. Fujita, and S. Mae, J. Appl. Phys. 80, 5884 (1996)] in the microwave range and the data in the far IR range, and can be well described by the existing theoretical models.
Solution and solid‐state blend compatibility of poly(vinyl alcohol) and poly(methyl methacrylate)

The blend miscibility of poly(vinyl alcohol) and poly(methyl methacrylate) in N,N-dimethylformamide solution was investigated by viscosity, density, ultrasonic velocity, refractive index, and UV and fluorescence spectra studies. Differential scanning calorimetry and scanning elec- tron microscopy were used to confirm the blend miscibility in the solid state. Blends were compatible when the concen- tration of poly(vinyl alcohol) was greater than 60 wt %. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 2415-2421, 2006
QUALITY ASSESSMENT SERVICE OF DAYCARE LIVING IN JAKARTA

The young mothers of careers who live in metropolis and as people with toddlers especially in Jakarta Capital Special Region, today faces a variety of challenges; one of which is how to take care of their toddlers. In the face of such phenomenon, emerging business activities that offer service programs to take care of children under five with various facilities along with all its limitations. Whether with the emergence of service businesses to take care of children under five especially in metropolis, already provide quality services for customers so feel safe and comfortable to continue their career? To do research of such phenomenon, selected two subjects residing in Jakarta; that are: “The Harvest Daycare” and “Baby Kangaroo”. Is the quality of services provided from both day care is already in "GOOD" category according to its customers so that their satisfaction is fulfilled? This is the main attraction for case study, in order to reveal some important factors in improving the quality of daycare services. Therefore, the satisfaction of young mothers as customers feels a strong spirit and a strong emotional drive to remain committed to their careers. Research is done by taking samples of both daycare customers and the sample amount is 50 (fifty) customers for each. The research design consists of five dimensions of measurement, namely: Tangibles; Reliability; Responsiveness; Assurance and Empathy; up to the measurement indicators of each dimension. Analytical method using quantitative analysis model application with the name “TEV”. The result of the research is the customers of both day care feel satisfied, so as to provide an assessment that the quality of services of both daycare in the category of “GOOD”. Indicator which assessment needs to be improved again so that service quality can be improved to be “VERY GOOD” category; then can be read in the conclusions and suggestions chapter of the research report.
Improvement of the mechanical properties of nodular gray cast iron with the application of heat treatments

For this experimental study, commercial samples of nodular gray cast iron were used. Samples were subjected to different heat treatments such as quenching, tempering, and annealing. These treatments were carried out to obtain an increase in specific mechanical properties such as hardness, where the new values of this property were obtained. In this process, different laboratory tests as metallographic characterization, mechanical characterization by Brinell hardness, physical and chemical characterization by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and X-ray Energy Dispersion Spectrometry (EDS) were applied. The results obtained show that specific thermal treatments can be implemented together and different temperatures, achieving an increase of three times the value of the hardness for the manufacture of brake discs, able to withstand the thermal conditions caused during his operation.
The Comparative Economics of Financial Access in Gender Economic Inclusion

PurposeThe study has investigated the comparative importance of financial access in promoting gender inclusion in African countries.Design/methodology/approachGender inclusion is proxied by the female labour participation rate while financial channels include: financial system deposits and private domestic credit. The empirical evidence is based on non-contemporary fixed effects regressions.FindingsIn order to provide more implications on comparative relevance, the dataset is categorised into income levels (middle income versus (vs.) low income); legal origins (French civil law vs. English common law); religious domination (Islam vs. Christianity); openness to sea (coastal vs. landlocked); resource-wealth (oil-poor vs. oil-rich) and political stability (stable vs. unstable). Six main hypotheses are tested, notably, that middle income, English common law, Christianity, coastal, oil-rich and stable countries enjoy better levels of “financial access”-induced gender inclusion compared to respectively, low income, French civil law, Islam, landlocked, oil-poor and unstable countries. All six tested hypotheses are validated.Originality/valueThis is the first study on the comparative importance of financial access in gender economic participation.
Carbon dioxide foaming of glassy polymers

The mechanism of foaming a glassy polymer using sorbed carbon dioxide is studied in detail. A glassy polymer supersaturated with nitrogen forms a microcellular foam, if the polymer is quickly heated above its glass transition temperature. A glassy polymer supersaturated with CO2 forms this foam-like structure at much lower temperatures which indicates the Tg-depressing effect of CO2. Having this interpretation in mind, the overall sample morphology, i.e., a porous foam enclosed by dense outer skins, can be completely explained. The dense skins, however, are not homogeneous but show a nodular structure when analyzed by SEM and AFM. Foaming experiments with samples having a different thermal history suggest that the nucleation mechanism underlying the foaming process is heterogeneous in nature
Assessing technical vocational education and training (TVET) labour market potentials: comparison of conferees' opinions

Technical Vocational and Technical Education (TVET) has the potential to influence the labour market and transform the economy resulting in an improvement in the advancement of careers. This study assesses the potential of TVET to influence the labour market using the opinions of conferees. The study employs an integrative multi-method approach with a descriptive survey and focus group discussion. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 153 conferees using self-selection, non-probability sampling technique. Descriptive statistics of percentages and mean were used to analyze the data collected. Furthermore, the Keiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) measure of sampling adequacy gave [Measurement System Analysis] MSA of . 948; Bartlett's Test of Sphericity showed p-value of 0.000, necessitating a factor analysis. The Kruskal-Wallis H Test was used to determine the statistical differences in the responses. Results revealed a gradual balance of gender in TVET with 53 per cent female and 47 per cent male; among the 99 per cent employed in diverse sectors, only 18 per cent (28) created jobs by themselves. Although there was coherence in agreement to TVET potentials, some respondents disagreed that TVET leads to good career opportunities. Findings show underlying strategy groupings to improve potential, in line with the focus group analysis, include: quality and upgraded learning environment, teachers and labour market information; relevant technical and employability skills, and established gender equality standards.
Synthesis and Morphological Control of Nickel Hydroxide for Lithium−Nickel Composite Oxide Cathode Materials by an Eddy Circulating Precipitation Method

Spherical nickel hydroxide with high density was synthesized via an eddy-circulating precipitation method, in which a Ni(NO3)2 solution was reacted with a NaOH solution at 65−70 °C, and NH4NO3−NH3·H2O was used as a buffer reagent. The resulting nickel hydroxide particles, with a tap density of 2.20 g/cm3 and the average particle size of 30.6 μm, are aggregated by the granular crystallites. The morphology of the crystallite can be controlled by changing the anions. The LiNi0.8Co0. 2O2 that has been prepared using this nickel hydroxide shows excellent electrochemical performance, which delivers an initial discharge capacity of 190.90 mAh/g at a current rate of 25 mA/g between 3.0 V and 4.35 V and exhibits good cycle stability.
EFFECT OF ANNEALING TEMPERATURE ON PROPERTIES OF SPUTTERED PZT THIN FILMS

ABSTRACT Lead zirconate titanate (PZT) thin films with a composition near the morphotropic phase boundary region were fabricated on the Pt(111)/Ti/SiO2/Si(100) multilayer substrate using sputtering method. An additional annealing treatment was carried out for one minute using a rapid thermal process (RTP) in oxygen atmosphere to improve densification and crystallization. The annealing temperature effects on crystal orientations and electric properties of PZT thin films were investigated. It has been found that the PZT thin film annealed at 650°C shows the best crystalline structure and has the best dielectric and ferroelectric properties.
Compatibility of Polyurethane/(vinyl ester resin)(ethyl acrylate) Interpenetrating Polymer Network

A novel polyurethane/poly(vinyl ester resin) interpenetrating polymer Network(PU/VER IPN), was synthesized at room temperature by polymerizing ethyl acrylate(EA) instead of the conventionally styrene(St) as a comonomer. The respective compatibilities of PU/VER(EA)IPN and PU/VER(St)IPN were studied by ATR-FT/IR, TEM, AFM, DSC and DMA. The results showed that, compared with PU/VER(St)IPN, the degree of carbonyl hydrogen bonding in PU/VER(EA)IPN increased because EA substituted for St, resulting in better compatibility of PU/VER(EA)IPN. PU/VER(EA)IPN showed a nanometer scale phase range and a dual continuous microstructure, while the phase range of PU/VER(St)IPN was 200–500 nm. Furthermore, DSC showed that PU/VER(EA)IPN had one obvious Tg, while PU/VER(St)IPN had two Tgs. The compatibility of PU/VER(EA)IPN was further detected quantitatively. In addition, the 60:40 PU/VER(EA)IPN had a predominant damping peak and a shoulder damping peak which were closer than the two corresponding peaks of PU/VER(St)IPN. PU/VER(EA)IPN had higher tanδ, E″, E′, TA and LA for a broad range of temperature, all indicating better compatibility and damping properties. Their mechanical properties were also studied preliminarily.
MEASUREMENT OF SOIL STRAINS UNDER EARTHQUAKE LOADING

A new device has been developed for the direct measurement of soil strains under earthquake loading in centrifuge testing. The main body of the device is a potentiometer used to measure soil deformation directly. Two MEMS accelerometers are attached to either end of the device to obtain soil deformation as a semi-direct measurement method. Two different centrifuge models, a level sand bed and a slope, were prepared with dry sands to achieve small and large soil deformation, respectively. A series of model earthquake motions were applied to the centrifuge models. The strains obtained with the new devices are compared with the indirect measurement of Piezo-electric accelerometers. It is found that this new direct method to measure soil strain could be applicable for medium to large soil deformation, that is, in the case of relatively strong earthquakes.
Impact of long-term land application of broiler litter on environmentally related soil properties

The largest portion of Alabama`s rapidly growing poultry industry is geographically concentrated in the Sand Mountain region of northern Alabama. The result is that large amounts of waste are applied to relatively small areas of agricultural soils. A study was conducted to determine the effects of long-term broiler waste (litter) application on environmentally related soil conditions in the region. The region has an average annual rainfall of 1325 mm, which is evenly distributed throughout the year, a thermic temperature regime, and soils in the region are of the Ultisol order. In each of four major broiler-producing counties, three pairs of sites consisting of long-term (15-28 yr) littered and nonlittered fields on matching soil series and maintained under perennial tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) were sampled. Soil cores were taken to 3 m or lithic contact and depth-incremented samples (0-15, 15-30, and each subsequent 30-cm interval) were analyzed for organic C, total N, NO{sub 3}-N, pH, electrical conductivity, and acid-extractable P, K, Ca, Mg, Co, and Zn. Litter application increased organic C and total N to depths of 15 and 30 cm, respectively, as compared with nonlittered soils, whereas pH was 0.5 units higher to a depth of 60 cm undermore » littered soils. Significant accumulation of NO{sub 3}N was found in littered soils to or near bedrock. Extractable P concentrations in littered soils were more than six times greater than in nonlittered soils to a depth of 60 cm. Elevated levels of extractable K, Ca, and Mg to depths greater than 60 cm also were found as a result of long-term litter use. Extractable Cu and Zn had accumulated in littered soils to a depth of 45 cm. These findings indicate that long-term land application of broiler litter, at present rates, has altered soil chemical conditions and has created a potential for adverse environmental impacts in the Sand Mountain region of Alabama. 43 refs., 6 figs., 3 tabs. « less
Stability Analysis of High-Frequency Interactions Between a Converter and HVDC Grid Resonances

This paper analyzes high-frequency interactions between a Modular Multilevel Converter (MMC) and High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) grid resonances by studying their effect on the system stability. The recent appearance of converter-related instabilities due to high-frequency oscillations at the converter's ac side raises concerns about whether similar interactions can also take place at its dc side. To determine the risks imposed by such interactions within an HVDC grid, this paper assesses the impact of the MMC internal dynamics and dc system resonances on the stability using an analytical impedance-based method. The effect of fault current-limiting inductors, grid topology changes and transmission line length is investigated, indicating that these parameters considerably influence the electromagnetic characteristics of the HVDC grid and consequently the system stability. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis of the MMC internal controller dynamics on the converter's non-passivity, causing the instability, is performed.
Comicidade crítica e riso autodepreciativo: um estudo com mulheres palhaças

Resumo: O presente artigo propõe uma reflexão sobre as questões de gênero que envolvem as práticas da palhaçaria feminina, a partir do convívio e de entrevistas com um grupo de mulheres palhaças no Brasil. Trabalha-se a ideia de que os discursos sociais forjam os corpos e os padrões de gênero e, portanto, perpassam os processos criativos na palhaçaria. Com base no conceito de práticas parodísticas desenvolvido por Judith Butler, este trabalho busca pensar nos processos da palhaçaria feminina no seu caráter de paródia de si e em suas reverberações na criação de uma comicidade crítica e não autodepreciativa. Propõe-se o conceito de paródia a partir dos trabalhos de Judith Butler, Linda Hutcheon e Giorgio Agamben como forma de delinear a noção de paródia na qualidade de distanciamento crítico e na possibilidade de afetar os modos de subjetivação das artistas.
Grain boundaries in Nd-Fe-B-based alloys

In this review we consider the microstructure of grain boundaries (GBs) in the Nd-Fe-B-based alloys for permanent magnets. It is generally accepted that the unique hard magnetic properties of such alloys are controlled by the thin layers of a Nd-rich phase in Nd 2 Fe 14 B / Nd 2 Fe 14 B GBs. These GB layers ensure the magnetic isolation of Nd 2 Fe 14 B grains from each other. It is generally supposed that such GB layers contain metallic Nd or Nd-rich intermetallic compounds. However, the commercial Nd-Fe-B-based permanent magnets frequently contain the tangible amount of neodymium oxide Nd 2 O 3 in the triple junctions between Nd 2 Fe 14 B grains. In this review we show that oxide layers are also present in the GBs in Nd-Fe-B-based permanent magnets. The Nd-based phase in GBs can form continous layers between Nd 2 Fe 14 B grains (this case is called complete wetting). It corresponds to the zero contact angle between GB and Nd-rich phase. If the contact angle is non-zero, the Nd-based phase forms the chain of particles in the GB. In turn, if the GB between these particles is “dry”, this case is called the incomplete wetting. If the GB between the Nd-rich particles contains the thin layer of a Nd-rich phase (either metallic or oxide), this case is called the pseudo-incomplete (or pseudo-partial) GB wetting.
Assessing structure and dynamics of fibrinogen films on silicon nanofibers: towards hemocompatibility devices

An enhanced knowledge of the interaction of proteins with the surfaces of implantable materials, particularly regarding fibrinogen (Fb), is fundamental for understanding cellular events and the overall host response. Thinking of future use of Si-nanofibers as three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds for construction of implantable artificial devices, the correlation among the material surface characteristics and the amount, structure and distribution of adsorbed Fb molecules are analyzed. The Fb adsorption process occurs in a stepwise fashion with an initial rapid adsorption, an intermediate reorganization and finally a second slower adsorption regime over a longer period of time. There is a partial desorption of the protein after the first adsorption process, which demonstrates that this step is reversible until 2 × 104 s. Nevertheless the whole process is irreversible, with a high distortion of the original material morphology. The limiting value for the adsorbed Fb surface concentration is about 270 ± 20 μg dm−2; more than three times the adsorption capacity of non fibrillar, 2D or 3D, scaffolds. The fibrous structure and the similitude in size between the substrate (d = 30–50 nm) and the Fb molecules (47–50 nm) are proposed to be the key to the enhanced adsorption process and the acquired final topography of the material.
Lung microbiome – a modern knowledge

Recent studies have reported that commensal microorganisms are not just “passive occupants” but may play a crucial role in the immune system activation. It is well-known that in critically ill patients, the microbiome is modified and may be associated with the development of immunosuppression in sepsis, contributing to the development of acute renal injury, cardiovascular diseases, or more importantly, respiratory system disturbances. The conviction of lung sterility has gone down in history. The presence of characteristic gut microbiome, such as Bacteroidetes and Enterobacteriaceae, was demonstrated in lungs of critically ill patients. This bacteria’s translocation, especially in ischemia-reperfusion injury, results in increased concentration of inflammation response markers and may play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of respiratory system disturbances, including acute respiratory distress syndrome. Recent studies have shown that ischemia-reperfusion injury is often observed in intensive care units (ICUs) and predispose to microbiome disturbances that are strictly connected with immune system activation and epithelial damage. Potential effects of dysbiosis treatment are under highly activated investigation. Therefore, it is possible that microbiota-targeted therapy may constitute the future therapeutic path in ICUs.
Men, Money and Household Economy: How Behavioral Approach Explain It

For various reasons, men set aside a certain proportion of their income without being known by their wives or commonly known as â€˜husbandâ€™s money. â€™ However, husbandâ€™s money often causes household problems. In this respect, this study aims to analyze factors that influence men to have husbandâ€™s money. This study employed a field survey and obtained as many as 322 postgraduate students as respondents. Data Analysis used Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The results showed that the decision to have husbandâ€™s money was influenced by intention. Later, such intention was affected by the attitude towards husbandâ€™s money, subjective norms, and the ease of owning husbandâ€™s money or perceived behavioral control. Other results showed that most households had husbandâ€™s money obtained from non-salary income and it was used to meet their personal needs and investment purposes. Moreover, this study found a mental accounting phenomenon because there were different types of utilization of husbandâ€™s money based on its sources
A Matrix Determinant Feature Extraction Approach for Decoding Motor and Mental Imagery EEG in Subject-Specific Tasks

This study introduces a novel matrix determinant feature extraction approach for efficient classification of motor and mental imagery activities from electroencephalography (EEG) signals. First, the multiscale principal component analysis was utilized to obtain clean EEG signals. Second, denoised data were sequentially arranged to form a square matrix of different orders (e.g.,10, 13, 16, and 20) and determinant was computed for each order matrix. Finally, the extracted matrix determinant features were provided to several machine learning and neural network classification models for classification. All experiments were carried out using a 10-fold cross-validation approach on three publicly accessible data sets: 1) data set IV-a; 2) data set IV-b; and 3) data set V of BCI competition III. Also, this study designs a computerized automatic detection of motor and mental imagery graphical user interface that can assist physicians/experts to efficiently analyses motor and mental imagery data. The experimental results reveal that the highest average classification accuracy of 99.55% (for data set IV-a), 99.52% (for data set IV-b), and 91.80% (for data set V) was obtained for motor and mental imagery, respectively, with 20-order matrix determinant using a feedforward neural network classifier. The experimental results suggest that the proposed framework provides a robust biomarker with the least computational complexity for the development of automated brain–computer interfaces.