Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fermentation as a Strategy for Bio-Transforming Waste into Resources: Lactic Acid Production from Agri-Food Residues

Lactic acid (LA) obtained by fermentation of carbohydrates is well-known and widely used in the food sector. This process is as an alternative to the chemical synthesis and ensures several advantages especially in terms of environmental sustainability. In particularly, the opportunity to use agro-food residues as fermentable raw materials could improve the overall process sustainability, without considering the indisputable advantages in terms of waste reduction and residual biomass valorization, in a bio- and circular economy perspective. This research deals with the study and development of the fermentation processes of various waste biomasses from the agro-food industries, including milk whey (MW), ricotta cheese whey (RCW), pear processing residues (PPR), potato pomace (PP), tomato pomace (PT), in order to obtain an experimental protocol applicable to the production of LA. Lactobacillus casei DSM 20011 (ATCC 393), a homofermentative L(+)-LA producing bacterium has been used, starting from small-scale tests to verify of the microorganism to grow in complex medium with different carbon sources and the possible presence of potentially toxic substances for microbial growth. Yields from 27.0 ± 0.3% to 46.0 ± 0.7% have been obtained. Then, a scaling-up was performed in a 1 L batch fermenter, using a mixed medium of RCW and PPR in different ratio. The best LA yield was 78.3% with a volumetric productivity of 1.12 g/L·h in less than 60 h.
LOJİSTİK FİRMA ÖZELLİKLERİ SARMALINDA LOJİSTİK YETENEK VE LOJİSTİK PERFORMANS ALGILARI: BİR ALAN ARAŞTIRMASI

Gunumuzde yetenek ve performans kavramlari, lojistik firmalarin guclu ve zayif yonlerini kesfetmesi, rekabet avantaji kazanmasi ve temel faaliyetlerine odaklanmasi acisindan onem arz etmektedir. Lojistik yetenek kavrami, firmanin varliklari, nitelikleri ve bilgileri dahil olmak uzere tum kaynaklarinin bir parcasidir. Lojistik performans kavrami ise lojistik yetenek kavrami ile baglantili olup lojistik faaliyetlerin firmalara sagladigi fayda olarak tanimlanabilir. Bu baglamda arastirmanin amaci lojistik firma ozelliklerine bagli olarak, lojistik firma calisanlarinin lojistik yetenek ve lojistik performans algilarinda anlamli farklilik olup olmadigini ortaya koymaktir. Arastirma Istanbul’da faaliyet gosteren lojistik firmalarda calisan isgorenler uzerinde anket teknigi kullanilarak yapilmistir. Isgorenlerden elde edilen veriler SPSS programi ile degerlendirilmis ve ANOVA analizi yapilmistir. Isgorenlerin vermis olduklari yanitlar ele alindiginda, hizmet suresinin artmasi ile lojistik yetenek ve lojistik performans algilarinda olumlu bir artis gorulmektedir. Lojistik yetenegin alt boyutu olan lojistik inovasyon ve lojistik hizmet farkliligi kullanilan tasima modu ve cografi bolge acisindan degerlendirildiginde ise herhangi bir algi farkliligi olusmamakla birlikte, lojistik performans acisindan degerlendirme yapildiginda ise cografi bolgenin ve tasima modunun lojistik performans algisinda anlamli farklilik olusturdugu soylenebilir.
Prediction of learners’ dropout in E-learning based on the unusual behaviors

ABSTRACT On e-learning platforms, most e-learners didn’t complete the course successfully. It means that reducing dropout is a critical problem for the sustainability of e-learning. This paper aims to establish a predictive model to describe e-learners’ dropout behavior, which can help the commercial e-learning platforms to make appropriate interventions and incentives. First of all, we defined the features of unusual learning behaviors in commercial e-learning platform, and used the Cox proportional hazard model of survival analysis to select variables that can reasonably predict dropout possibilities. Results show that there are six variables which have significant influence on dropout behavior: dropout history, number of watched videos, number of progress bar operation, number of test questions operation, number of weeks that the login frequency is higher than average, and payment status. We also proposed cumulative gain, predicted retention number and predicted dropout learner number in next period, to evaluate the application ability of the predictive model. Finally, we performed an empirical analysis and verified the predictive effectiveness. The further application of the predictive model also shows that it can help the managers of e-learning platforms to adjust their strategy to improve the retention rate of potential lost learners.
A Ka-Band Variable-Gain Phase Shifter With Multiple Vector Generators

A Ka-band variable-gain phase shifter (VGPS) using a multi-vector summation method is proposed, which represents both phase and amplitude by summing the I and Q signals of multiple vectors. The VGPS has an orthogonal phase and gain control function with a wide gain-control dynamic range because it is designed to keep the input and output impedances almost constant regardless of the control states. It shows a measured RMS phase error of 2.9 ° during 17.3 dB gain control and that of 3.5 ° during simultaneous 17.3 dB gain and 360 ° phase control without any calibration from 30 to 32.5 GHz. The measured average insertion loss ranges from −4 to −2.8 dB from 28 to 33 GHz. It is implemented in a 65-nm RF CMOS process with the size of 0.21 mm2 excluding pads.
The influence of flow through textile layers on soil removal

In laundering, both soil loosening and soil transport processes contribute to the detergency process. Soil transport depends on the agitation level. During the laundering process, washing liquor is forced through the textile. The washing liquor transports the removed soil to the surrounding water. Can soil transport out of the textile be improved by increasing the flow rate through the textile? This paper describes how the removal of 1-dodecanol from cotton is influenced by the flow of the washing liquor through the textile layer. Soil removal increased with increasing flow rate up to superficial flow rates of 0.43 mm/s. No influence of flow modulation on the soil removal rate was observed. However, when the textile had some freedom to move in a pulsating flow, soil removal increased considerably. This was attributed to frequent stretching of the textile layer, and thus of the yarns, which resulted in increased soil transport from the yarns to the surrounding washing liquor.
Questões candentes da reforma trabalhista de 2017: percepções e realidade do Tribunal Regional do Trabalho da 1ª Região

This research aims to verify the degree of compatibility between the subjective perception of the magistrates of the TRT/RJ on aspects of the dynamics of their labor process and the changes brought by Law No. 13.467/2017. An online survey was distributed among the magistrates of the Regional Labor Court of the 1st Region (TRT/RJ) addressing issues on litigiousness, workload, free access to justice and defeated party's fees. The investigation was based on the following questions: whether a change in relation to litigation, and consequently to the individual workload, was perceived by magistrates and could be verified at the institutional level; and whether the magistrates' opinion were compatible with the changes promoted by the Brazilian Consolidated Labor Laws reform regarding the benefit of free access to justice and the system of defeated party’s fees. The magistrates' responses indicated a perception of the decrease in litigation after the labor reform, despite the maintenance of the workload. Furthermore, it was found that the magistrates' subjective perceptions about free access to justice and the collection of defeated fees are compatible with the changes made by Law No. 13.467/2017.
Evaluation of dispersive solid-phase microextraction using hydrogel microparticles for global metabolomics by liquid chromatography – mass spectrometry

An ideal sample-preparation method for LC-MS metabolomic analysis should be as non-selective as possible for metabolites but still capable to remove the interferences such as salts and proteins. Microextraction methods have not been widely used in this application despite their potential to reduce ionization suppression and/or increase metabolite coverage. The main goal of this M.Sc. project was to develop a new dispersive solid phase microextraction (D-SPME) sample preparation method and investigate whether this approach can improve the coverage of the metabolome from human plasma. Different types of poly-N-isopropylacrylamide hydrogel extraction phases functionalized with vinyl acetate (VAC), acrylic acid (AAC) or N-3-aminopropyl methacrylamide hydrochloride (APMAH) were tested. Sample analysis was performed using three complementary liquid chromatography–high resolution mass spectrometry methods for high, intermediate and low polarity sub-metabolomes respectively. The extraction conditions were optimized in terms of desorption solvent, influence of pH, centrifugation time, extraction time, sorbent to sample ratio, increasing portion of functional monomer and evaluation of reproducibility. Finally, the performance of the optimized D-SPME method was compared against protein precipitation using methanol, which is currently the gold standard method for global metabolomics of human plasma, and commercial core-shell nanoparticles (CERES Nanotrap) functionalized with acrylic acid or Cibacron blue cores. The main criteria used for the comparison were ionization suppression, metabolite coverage and precision. Hydrogel microparticles performed as well as nanotraps in terms of extraction and performed better than nanotraps and methanol precipitation in terms of ion suppression. Hydrogel D-SPME had lower total coverage than methanol precipitation, as expected for a microextraction method, but successfully revealed more than 568 low abundance metabolites in positive ESI mode and 48 metabolites in negative mode that could not be observed using the methanol method. Therefore, hydrogel D-SPME appears to be a promising new method for global metabolomics.
Hesperozygis ringens (Benth.) Epling essential oil: antifungal activity and effect on ergosterol content of wood-decay fungi

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the antifungal potential of the essential oil (EO) from Hesperozygis ringens leaves and its major compound pulegone against wood-decay fungi. In addition, their effect on mycelia ergosterol content was assayed. The EO was extracted by hydrodistillation and its chemical composition was analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry and gas chromatography with flame ionization detector. Pulegone was isolated through column chromatography. The EO and pulegone were tested on white-rot fungi (Ganoderma applanatum and Trametes versicolor), and brown-rot fungi (Gloeophyllum trabeum and Lentinus lepideus) in five and three concentrations, respectively. Propiconazole was used as positive control. The EO inhibited T. versicolor growth while pulegone inhibited growth of both white-rot species. Pulegone presented lower half-maximal inhibitory concentration than the EO for white-rot fungi. Both EO and pulegone negatively affected white-rot fungi ergosterol contents. White-rot fungi, in general, were more susceptible to EO and pulegone.
Prediction of the unsteady ventilated partial cavities

Approximate methods of computing the unsteady ventilated partial cavities created on both the plane and the cylindrical streamlined surfaces have been developed. The cases of plane partial cavities past a slender wedge-shaped cavitator, and axisymmetric partial cavities past a ring flange on the surface of an infinite circular cylinder are considered. Results of computer simulation of the unsteady ventilated partial cavities of both that types are shown. A comparison of the unsteady behavior of plane and axisymmetric ventilated partial cavities is given. A comparative analysis of two methods of controlling the partial cavities by varying the cavitator shape and by regulating the gas supply rate into a cavity is given. It has been shown that the first method is more effective for a partial cavity on a plane. For an axisymmetric partial cavity on a cylinder, both the control methods appear ineffective .
Assessing Academics’ Perceptions of Blackboard Usability Using SUS and CSUQ: A Case Study during the COVID-19 Pandemic

ABSTRACT Educational institutions currently favor the adoption and use of modern information and communication technology for teaching and learning. As a result, many learning management systems have been developed over recent years and established in education systems. This paper reports the results of a study that examines the usability level of the Blackboard system from the perspectives of the academic members of Umm Al-Qura University in Saudi Arabia by using two of the most commonly used measures of perceived usability, namely, SUS and CSUQ. It also examines the association between these measures, and the effect of faculty demographics attributes on their scores. The results of the study revealed that the usability of Blackboard at the current institution is inadequate and needs to be further enhanced. It also showed that SUS and CSUQ questionnaires correlated highly and largely appear to be measuring the same thing, presumably, perceived usability. The results also indicated the significant effect of Blackboard frequency of use on both SUS and CSUQ scores.
Inteligência emocional do enfermeiro na abordagem ao doente crítico: estudo qualitativo

Enquadramento: a inteligência emocional (IE) é o conjunto de capacidades do indivíduo para identificar, gerir e entender as suas próprias emoções e de se auto motivar perante situações constrangedoras e geradoras de conflitos. Reflete as atitudes e comportamentos do profissional perante diferentes contextos tendo impacte na qualidade da sua atuação. Objetivos: descrever a IE dos enfermeiros na área do cuidado ao doente crítico e identificar as estratégias comportamentais utilizadas pelos mesmos. Metodologia: estudo qualitativo, descritivo e exploratório. A recolha de dados foi realizada através de um focus group com 8 enfermeiros peritos no cuidado ao doente crítico. Resultados: emergiram 6 categorias relativas à IE dos enfermeiros na área do cuidado ao doente crítico: profissionalismo, relações interpessoais, organização do serviço, partilha de emoções, gestão do trabalho e autocontrolo emocional. Conclusão: como estratégias utilizadas identificou-se a partilha de emoções entre pares, a gestão do tempo para debater as situações existentes durante o horário laboral, a capacidade de autocontrolo emocional, a adaptabilidade ao meio e a forma como se estabelece a relação com o cliente.
The Impact of Transformational Leadership on Employee Well-being: A Narrative Synthesis

Despite the growing popularity of the construct of Transformational leadership, there is little consensus and understanding on the socio-psychological process that facilitates the relationship between Transformational leadership and employee well-being. To address this gap in the literature a systematic analysis of 30 empirical research studies was conducted, guided by the primary review question, “how does Transformational leadership influence employee well-being? ” The synthesis revealed that Transformational leadership predicts employee well-being through several socio-psychological mechanisms. Notably, meaningful work, perceived procedural justice, psychological empowerment, self and team efficacy, empowerment, psychological resources, trust, perception of work-life conflict and role clarity were identified as mediating the said relationship, and power distance, employee ambition and organisation commitment were identified as moderators. It is believed that introducing leadership training in the identified socio-psychological sources would result in a productive occupational health intervention, thus instigating a collaborative and healthy organisational culture built on employee well-being.
Basic isoreticular metal–organic framework (IRMOF-3) porous nanomaterial as a suitable and green catalyst for selective unsymmetrical Hantzsch coupling reaction

A catalytic amount of the basic metal-organic framework (IRMOF-3) with organic substrates was found to be an efficient, selective and waste-free green approach for the unsymmetrical Hantzsch coupling reaction. The catalyst can be isolated from the reaction mixture and reused at least four times. Copyright (c) 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Wage Risk and Government and Spousal Insurance

The extent to which households can self-insure and the government can help them to do so depends on the wage risk that they face and their family structure. We study wage risk in the UK and show that the persistence and riskiness of wages depends on one's age and position in the wage distribution. We also calibrate a model of couples and singles with two alternative processes for wages: a canonical one and a flexible one that allows for the much richer dynamics that we document in the data. We use our model to show that allowing for rich wage dynamics is important to properly evaluate the effects of benefit reform: relative to the richer process, the canonical process underestimates wage persistence for women and generates a more important role for in-work benefits relative to income support. The optimal benefit configuration under the richer wage process, instead, is similar to that in place in the benchmark UK economy before the Universal Credit reform. The Universal Credit reform generates additional welfare gains by introducing an income disregard for families with children. While families with children are better off, households without children, and particularly single women, are worse off. Institutional subscribers to the NBER working paper series, and residents of developing countries may download this paper without additional charge at www.nber. org.
Root Response of Moso Bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis (Carrière) J. Houz.) Seedlings to Drought with Different Intensities and Durations

The root of Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis (Carrière) J. Houz. ) develops extremely rapidly at seedling phase and is highly sensitive to water content in soil, but its response patterns and adaptation strategies of its root to drought are little known. The aim of this study was to investigate the response of root morphology and architecture of Moso bamboo to drought at seedling phase and then to explore the drought adaptation strategies of its root. One-year-old potted seedlings of Moso bamboo were planted under three drought treatments (control, moderate drought and severe drought) for three months. Seedling growth, specific root length (SRL), root architecture (fractal dimension (FD), root branching angle (RBA) and root topological index (TI)) and non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) concentrations in roots were measured every month. The results are as follows: (i) The dry weight of root and shoot decreased significantly under drought stress. (ii) The SRL decreased under drought stress in the early duration (the first month), and then increased in the late duration (the third month). Both FD and RBA decreased, while TI and the concentrations of NSCs increased under drought stress. (iii) The NSC concentrations were positively correlated with SRL and TI, but exhibited an inverse relationship to FD and RBA. Our results indicated that Moso bamboo seedlings formed a “steeper, simpler, expensive (low SRL and high TI)” root architecture to adapt to a short-term drought (one month), and formed a “cheaper (high SRL)” root to adapt to a long-term drought (three months). Increase of NSC concentrations supported the root architecture plasticity to some extent.
Enteric Bacteria Survival Factors

In order to improve bacterial water quality of shellfish farming areas, studies were conducted in the English Channel (Morlaix) and on the Mediterranean coast (Toulon). These two areas were chosen in order to compare behaviour of fecal bacteria in two different ecosystems. In the estuary of Morlaix sediments are polluted by way of settlement, but most of the bacteria are mixed with turbid waters and are able to survive a very long time (T90 are in a range of several hours to several days). By measuring the increase in salt tolerance of the strains grown in natural organic matter, it was demonstrated that Salmonella can tolerate coastal water salinities. Moreover, because light penetration is prevented by suspended matter, the solar bactericidal effect is very low. On the contrary, through lack of nutrients and very high sunlight intensity, die-off rates in Mediterranean waters are very high (at the surface T90 are less than 2 hours, and several hours in deep waters). A close relationship was found between the light intensity received by bacteria and the T90. Predicted T90 must be found using these two parameters(including turbidity and deep effect on light intensity). The authors suggest that precautions must be taken to carry out impact studies depending on water quality of the area, especially in turbid areas. The knowledge of these mechanisms is very important to evaluate waste water impact on the quality of shellfish farming areas, and to improve elimination of fccal bacteria in sewage treatment plants.
Free Radical Scavenging and Antioxidant Potential of Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Diodia sarmentosa on High Fat Fed Wistar Rats

Diodia sarmentosa (Sw) commonly known as Zimbabwe flora or Tropical button weed is a straggling or procumbent perennial herb which grows in evergreen forest, riverine vegetation and bush land. It has been used traditionally for the treatment of ulcer, diabetes and other ailments. This study investigated the Free radical scavenging and antioxidant potential of ethanolic leaf extract of Diodia sarmentosa on high fat fed wistar rats. Thirty (30) male wistar rats (150 g-200 g) were divided into five (5) groups: Negative control rats, Positive control rats, Low dose extract rats treated with 250 mg/kg, High dose extract rats treated with 500mg/kg of the extract, and Standard antihyperlipidaemic drug rats treated with 5 mg/kg of Simvastatin. High fat diet was fed to the rats with Ghee and Coconut oil in the ratio of 3:1 for six (6) weeks, and administration of the treatments started from the 3rd week till the 6th week. The free radical scavenging and antioxidant potentials of Diodia sarmentosa was determined by assessing parameters like nitric oxide radical, hydroxyl radical, malondialdehyde (MDA), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and Glutathione S-transferase (GST) in the serum of the test rats. Diodia sarmentosa scavenged free radicals In vitro by inhibiting Nitric oxide and Hydroxyl radicals in a concentration-dependent manner, showing an inhibitory concentration at 50% (IC50) of 907.17 µg/ml ± 45.36 and 2173.44 µg/ml ± 100.11 respectively. Results obtained showed antioxidant enzymes like SOD, GPx and CAT in the serum of the test rats were significantly increased (p<0.05) by both doses of the extract when compared to the PC group and was similar to the standard drug used. GST activity was decreased in the serum by both doses of the extract, this decrease was not significant (p>0.05), while Malondialdehyde level was significantly decreased (p<0.05) by both doses of the extract in the serum of the tests rats. Diodia sarmentosa has antioxidants potentials because of its ability to scavenge free radicals, replenish antioxidant enzymes and reduce lipid peroxidation.
The Effects of Prior Victimization on Delinquency Type among Justice-Involved Youths

ABSTRACT Youth with a history of victimization have an increased risk of delinquency and justice system involvement throughout the life-course but the nature of this relationship is imprecise. This study uses a nationally representative sample of incarcerated youth to examine whether youth with a history of victimization are involved in the justice system for different offenses than non-victimized youth, and the relationship between victimization types (and polyvicitmzation) and offense types. Results indicate that victimized youth were more likely to be system involved for violent offenses, while youths without a history of victimization were more likely to be involved for minor, non-violent offenses.