Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Methane combustion over Pd/CoAl2O4/Al2O3 catalysts prepared by galvanic deposition

Pd/CoAl2O4/Al2O3 methane combustion catalysts were synthesized using a galvanic deposition (GD) method (PdCoAl-GD). This PdCoAl-GD catalyst showed higher activities and turnover frequencies (TOFs) than conventional Pd/Al2O3. According to X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) measurements, PdCoAl-GD was composed of a CoAl2O4 phase supported on γ-Al2O3 and dispersed Pd nanoparticles of 2–7 nm in size on CoAl2O4. Operando Pd K-edge XAFS measurements indicated that the Pd in PdCoAl-GD was oxidized to highly active methane combustion PdO species at low temperatures. PdCoAl-GD also showed high activity (light-off tests) when PdO was initially present on the catalysts. Methane temperature-programmed reaction (CH4-TPR) measurements on PdCoAl-GD revealed that PdO was reduced by CH4 at low temperatures. The GD method used herein achieved PdO species that were effective for C–H activation.
High capacity potassium-ion battery anodes based on black phosphorus

Potassium-ion batteries are a new class of high voltage electrochemical energy storage cells that may potentially complement or replace lithium-ion batteries in many applications. Graphite is considered as a prospective anode material for these batteries but its demonstrated capacity is only 270 mA h g−1. This manuscript studies a novel type of nanocomposite anodes based on black phosphorus as their main active component, with a much higher capacity in potassium-ion batteries. These anode materials are able to deliver a first cycle capacity as high as 617 mA h g−1, more than twice the capacity of graphite in potassium cells. Quick depotassiation is achievable in the electrodes under certain conditions. Based on the data of X-ray diffraction analysis, it is proposed that black phosphorus operates via an alloying–dealloying mechanism with potassium and the end product of the electrochemical transformation is a KP alloy (implying a theoretical capacity of 843 mA h g−1 for phosphorus in potassium cells). This work emphasizes the feasibility of potassium-ion battery anode materials with high gravimetric capacities, comparable with those of high capacity anode materials for lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries.
A Specific Groove Pattern Can Effectively Induce Osteoblast Differentiation

Little is known about the principles of surface structure design for orthopedic and dental implants. To find topographical groove patterns that could enhance osteoblast differentiation according to cell type, groove patterns are fabricated with ridges (0.35−7 µm) and grooves (0.65−6 µm) of various widths and explored their mechanisms in improving osteoblast differentiation. This study finds that a groove pattern enhancing osteoblast differentiation is associated with the ability of the cell to extend its length and that it is able to overcome the inhibition of osteoblast differentiation that takes place under inflammatory conditions. The groove pattern suppresses the generation of reactive oxygen species, a reaction that is increased in inflammatory conditions. It also modulates the expression of osteogenic factors according to differentiation time. Importantly, specific groove patterns AZ‐2 and AZ‐4, with ridge width of 2 µm and groove width of 2 or 4 µm, respectively, effectively promote bone regeneration in critical‐sized calvarial defects without additional factors. This knowledge of groove patterns can be applied to the development of orthopedic and dental devices.
Visible evidence to magnetism of graphene oxide

Graphene oxide continues to amaze scientific community for multiple potentials in a broad span of applications such as catalysts, adsorbents, oxidants, etc., determined by constant unveiling of its fantastic natures. Of them, magnetism is not ultimately identified and directly observed by naked eyes. Herein, we report graphene oxide directionally migrated and deposited together simply under external magnetic field from common Nd-Fe-B magnet, whereas the ferromagnetism of graphene oxide did not exhibit that strong as iron. Therefore, we illustrated this interesting pathway to keep close to such 2D carbon materials and potentially promoted magnetic-oriented applications.
Porous and Transparent Metal‐oxide Electrodes : Preparation Methods and Electroanalytical Application Prospects

A review on the preparation methods for porous and transparent metal‐oxide electrodes is provided alongside a discussion of existing and possible electrochemical and electroanalytical applications. The elaboration routes include non‐templated particle deposition, template approaches, physical deposition methods, etching and electrospinning. Applications of such materials are mainly found in energy conversion and storage (photovoltaics, water splitting) and electroanalysis.
Endogenous mediators that inhibit the leukocyte- endothelium interaction

Intense research efforts are being directed towards the ch;,lracterization of the molecular mechanisms respon- sible for the leukocyte extravasation process. Direct vis ualization of the microcirculation in inflammatory conditions by intravital microscopy has allowed the identification of specific steps operating when a leuko- cyte leaves the bloodstream and moves to inflamed tissuel. It has been possible to identify distinct mecha- nisms, including rolling of the leukocyte on the endo- thelium (mediated by a class of adhesion molecules cal.ed selectins), activation of the rolling leukocyte (mlzdiated by several classes of activators, including 418
Stunted growth : why don't African firms create more jobs ?

Many countries in Africa suffer high rates of underemployment or low rates of productive employment; many also anticipate large numbers of people to enter the workforce in the near future. This paper asks the question: Are African firms creating fewer jobs than those located elsewhere? And, if so, why? One reason may be that weak business environments slow the growth of firms and distort the allocation of resources away from better-performing firms, hence reducing their potential for job creation. The paper uses data from 41,000 firms across 119 countries to examine the drivers of firm growth, with a special focus on African firms. African firms, at any age, tend to be 20-24 percent smaller than firms in other regions of the world. The poor business environment, driven by limited access to finance, and the lack of availability of electricity, land, and unskilled labor have some value in explaining this difference. Foreign ownership, the export status of the firm, and the size of the market are also significant determinants of firm size. However, even after controlling for the business environment and for characteristics of firms and markets, about 60 percent of the size gap between African and non-African firms remains unexplained.
Heavy metals concentration in conventionally and organically grown vegetables

Consumers’ awareness and concerns regarding health and environmental issues associated with intensive and highly industrialised agriculture is the main cause of the constantly growing interest in organic farming. Most consumers believe that organically grown vegetables are healthier, more nutritious and of better quality. In the current study, samples of commonly used vegetable and soil were collected from organic and conventional farms. Using Atomic absorption spectroscopy, the plant samples were analysed and tested for concentration of heavy metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn). A chemical analysis of collected samples showed that there are significant differences between vegetables cultivated in the two growing systems. Generally, conventionally grown vegetables tend to contain higher concentrations of some elements; however the results are not conclusive. It was also found that celery and parsley leaves have a tendency to assimilate more heavy metals compared to other vegetables.
The Combination Effect of Ferulic Acid and Gemcitabine on Expression of Genes Related Apoptosis and Metastasis in PC-3 Prostate Cancer Cells

DOI : 10.26650/EuroJBiol.2018. 0003 Objective : Prostate cancer is the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths in men. Nowadays, new treatment approaches have been tested for cancer therapy including natural compounds with low toxicity. Ferulic acid (FA) is known as an abundant phenolic compound found in various fruits and vegetables. As a potent antioxidant, the anticarcinogenic effect of FA has been demonstrated in various cancer cell lines. The objective of this study was to investigate the combined effect of FA and gemcitabine on apoptosis and metastasis in PC-3 human prostate cancer cell lines. Materials and Methods : Cell viability was determined using the XTT method after the cells were treated with gemcitabine or FA and gemcitabine. According to the results of cytotoxicity assays, PC-3 cells were treated with <IC50 doses of combination (200 μM FA and 35 μM gemcitabine) and IC50 dose of gemcitabine. Expressions of genes that are important in apoptosis and metastasis pathways were evaluated in dose and control groups by qPCR. Results : According to the results, the combination of FA and gemcitabine affected the expression of more genes in apoptosis and metastasis with a higher fold change compared with the single treatment of gemcitabine in PC-3 human prostate cancer cell lines. Conclusion : Our study indicates that FA can be an effective part of the combination treatments.
Inequality, Crime and Private Protection

There is a consensus that inequality increases the supply of crime. As disparity in income grows within a society, the incentives for low-income individuals to engage in criminal activities also increase. However, in a context of high inequality, better-off individuals invest in deterring those who want to appropriate their resources. We examine this twofold effect of inequality in an equilibrium model of crime and private protection. We show that inequality unambiguously increases investment in private protection, but the relationship between inequality and crime is ambiguous.
The adsorption mechanism of Al(III) and Fe(III) ions on bastnaesite surfaces

The adsorption mechanism of Al(III) and Fe(III) ions on bastnaesite surfaces was investigated by a combination of DFT calculation, XPS analysis, adsorption isotherm study and adsorption kinetic investigations. DFT calculation results indicated that ≡ CeOH& and ≡ CO'H are primary functional groups on bastnaesite surfaces. XPS analysis reveals that Al(III) and Fe(III) ions adsorbed onto the bastnaesite surfaces through the interaction between aluminium/iron hydroxide species and oxygen atoms of surface ≡ CeOH& groups. No interaction between aluminium/iron hydroxide species and ≡ CO'H groups was detected. Adsorption isotherm studies demonstrated that the adsorption data of Al(III) and Fe(III) ions is fitted relatively well by Freundlich equations, the adsorption kinetic characteristics fitted to pseudo-second order model. Freundlich constants suggested favorable process for Al(III) and Fe(III) ions adsorption, and each adsorbed metal hydroxide specie complex with at least two oxygen atoms of surface ≡ CeOH& groups.
Learning landscape ecology : a practical guide to concepts and techniques

I. Introduction and Concepts of Scale: * Scale and Hierarchy Theory (Robert V. O'Neill and Mark A. Smith). * Collecting Spatial Data at Broad Scales (Sarah E. Gergel, Monica G. Turner, and David J. Mladenoff). * Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) (Joshua D. Greenberg, Miles G. Logsdon, and Jerry F. Franklin). - II. Models and Causes of Landscape Pattern: * Introduction to Markov Models (Dean L. Urban and David O. Wallin). * Simulating Changes in Landscape Pattern (Eric J. Gustafson). * Creating Landscape Pattern (Hazel R. Delcourt). - III. Quantifying Landscape Pattern: * Understanding Landscape Metrics I (Jeffrey A. Cardille and Monica G. Turner). * Understanding Landscape Metrics II: Effects of Changes of Scale (Joshua G. Greenberg, Sarah E. Gergel, and Monica G. Turner). * Neutral Landscape Models (Robert H. Gardner and Steven Walters). * Scale Detection Using Semivariograms and Autocorrelograms (Michael W. Palmer). - IV. Disturbance Dynamics: * Landscape Disturbance: Location, Pattern, and Dynamics (Monica G. Turner, Daniel B. Tinker, Sarah E. Gergel, and F. Stuart Chapin, III). * Alternative Stable States (Garry D. Peterson). - V. Organism Response to Landscape Pattern: * Interpreting Landscape Patterns from Organism-Based Perspectives (Scott M. Pearson). * Landscape Context (Scott M. Pearson). * Landscape Connectivity and Metapopulation Dynamics (Kimberly A. With). * Individual-Based Modeling: The Bachman's Sparrow (John B. Dunning, Jr., David J. Stewart, and Jianguo Liu). - VI. Ecosystem Processes at Broad Scales: * Feedbacks between Organisms and Ecosystem Processes (Linda L. Wallace and Steve T. Gray). * Modeling Ecosystem Processes (Sarah E. Gergel and Tara Reed-Andersen). - VII. Applied Landscape Ecology: Integrating Across the Levels: * Reserve Design (Stanley A. Temple and John R. Cary). * Prioritizing Reserves for Acquisition (Dean L. Urban).
Code Switching in the Instructions of English Language Education Study Program Lecturers

Language is an essential mean of communication in teaching and learning activities. Specifically, in the English Language Education Study Program (ELESP) that employs English as the main instructional language for teaching and learning activities. Considering that English was not students first language, some lecturers employed code switching to help third-semester students in learning English. With regard to this phenomenon, this study addressed two research questions. First, what the types of code switching ELESP lecturers employ in their instructional languages are and second, what the reasons for ELESP lecturers to employ code switching in their instructional languages are. This study belonged to a basic interpretative study. It employed interview guidelines to understand the experiences of the lecturers who employed code switching. The results of this study showed that the lecturers employed both situational and metaphorical code switching. In addition, the writer found that the participants of the study code-switched for the reasons which can be classified into topic, addressee, emphasis, persuasion, solidarity, affection, nature of the subject and strategy. The results of the study also revealed that the use of code switching in lecturers instructional languages was mainly for the students understanding.DOI: https://doi.org/10.24071/llt.2016. 190105
Funktionelle Untersuchungen zur Rolle von Pannexin 1 in der hippocampalen Neuroplastizität

Pannexin 1 (Panx1) sind integrale Membranproteine, die Membrankanale mit sehr hoher Leitfahigkeit (550 pS) bilden. Neben der Beteiligung an pathophysiologischen Prozessen, wie Inflammation oder Ischamie, wird eine physiologische Rolle von Panx1 Kanalen im Rahmen von synaptischer Ubertragung und Plastizitat angenommen. In dieser Arbeit wurden sowohl von adulten \(Panx1^{+/+}\) Mausen als auch von \(Panx1^{-/-}\) Mausen 350 \(\mu\)m dicke, horizontale Hippocampus Schnitte vergleichend \(\textit {in vitro}\) elektrophysiologisch untersucht. Desweiteren wurde die Lern- und Gedachtnisfahigkeit von \(Panx1^{+/+}\) und \(Panx1^{-/-}\) Mausen verhaltensexperimentell untersucht. Insgesamt legen die Ergebnisse dieser Arbeit nahe, dass Panx1-Kanalen eine entscheidende Beteiligung bei der Modulation und Aufrechterhaltung hippocampaler synaptischer Plastizitat sowie bei Lern- und Gedachtnisprozessen zukommt.
Flexible resistive switching bistable memory devices using ZnO nanoparticles embedded in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS)

The resistive switching memory effects in metal-insulator-metal devices with aluminium (Al) as top electrode (TE) and bottom electrode (BE). A solution processed active layer consisting of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles embedded in an insulating polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix and polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) has been studied by using flexible polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates. The current–voltage (I–V) measurements of hybrid Al/ZnO–PVA/PEDOT:PSS/Al/flexible PET substrate device exhibited a non-volatile bistable resistive switching behaviour, which is attributed to the trapping, storage and transport of charges in the electronic states of the ZnO nanoparticles. The performance of hybrid device is significantly enhanced over control Al/PEDOT:PSS/Al and Al/ZnO–PVA/Al devices due the presence of PEDOT:PSS polymer. This PEDOT:PSS improves the performance of oxygen ions (holes) migration toward BE and protect back oxygen vacancies (electrons) migrate toward BE from ZnO–PVA composites which may reduces the leakage current, as a result, increased the ‘ON state/OFF state’ current ratio of 7.9 × 103 times. The fabricated hybrid device showed high ON/OFF switching current ratio larger than five orders of magnitude with low operating voltages. It is observed that, the existence of two conducting states, namely, low conductivity state (OFF state) and high conductivity state (ON state), exhibiting bistable behaviour. The state of the device was maintained even after removal of the applied bias, indicating the non-volatile memory. The observed current–time response showed good memory retention behaviour of the fabricated devices. The excellent stability and retention performances of hybrid device verify the reliability of this device and demonstrate their potential for application in non-volatile bistable memory device. The carrier transport mechanism of the bistable behaviour for the fabricated non-volatile organic bistable devices structures is described on the basis of the I–V experimental results by analyzing the effect of space charge and electronic structure. Interestingly, the device performance was not degraded and remains identical even after bending the device from 60–120° angles, which indicates high potential for flexible non-volatile bistable memory device applications. This demonstration provides a class of memory devices with the potential for future flexible electronics applications.
Study the effect of pre-treatment of drying ‘mortiño’ (Vaccinium floribundum Kunth) with reference to drying rate and total content of soluble polyphenols and anthocyanins

The aim of this work was to study the effect of pre-treatments on drying of ‘mortino’, on the drying rate and total content of soluble polyphenols and anthocyanins. It was applied to fresh fruit pre-treatment of immersion bath of aqueous solution of ethyl oleate and potassium carbonate. It was used a 2 2 factorial design with axial points, to evaluate its effect on the drying rate and content of phenolic compounds. It was performed a second pre-treatment with SO 2 , it was used a 2 2 factorial design to study its effect on the content of phenolic compounds. Stability assays were performed with dried fruits stored in a laminated multilayer film and metalized for 2 months under refrigeration (4 °C), freezing (-17 °C) and 25 °C at 90 % RH. It was evaluated the moisture content, color, soluble polyphenols and anthocyanins. It was conducted a sensory analysis of the product. The best conditions to dry ‘mortino’ are 40 oC, airflow of 0.24 m 3 /s, immersion bath concentration of 1.55 % K 2 CO 3 (w/w) - 1.25 % of ethyl oleate (V/V), concentration of SO 2 2 000 ppm and sulfidation 2 h. The product was dried to 5 % moisture in the oven in 40 % less time required to dry without pretreatments. The dried ‘mortino’ retained 98.2 % of anthocyanins and 99.7 % of soluble polyphenols in relation to freeze-dried ‘mortino’. Meanwhile the ‘mortino’ dried by solar dryer hybrid retained 88.5 % of anthocyanins and 99.7 % of soluble polyphenols. The product stored at 18 °C in a multilayer film laminated and metalized, retains 50 % of anthocyanins in relation to its initial content in 4 months and 11 days
High energy conversion efficiency conducting polymer actuators based on PEDOT:PSS/MWCNTs composite electrode

Conducting polymer actuators have attracted enormous attention due to their capacity to be driven by low-voltage, their large deformation, and ability to work in air. However, they usually present low conversion efficiency, cycle stability and response actuation speed which severely hamper their practical application. Here, we report a high performance conducting polymer actuator based on a PEDOT:PSS/MWCNTs electrode, which displays high actuation performance, including high electromechanical conversion efficiency (1.04%), large actuation strain (0.64%), high strain rates (8.83% s−1), excellent cycle stability (100 000 cycles), and good generated blocking force (1.43 mN) under 2.5 V. The key to the higher performance lies in the porous structure, high electrical conductivity (153.8 S cm−1) and mechanical strength (918.3 MPa) of the PEDOT:PSS electrode coupled with carboxylic MWCNTs, which result in a great improvement of ion storage capacity in the actuator. Our studies demonstrate the important role of MWCNTs in enhancing the performances of conducting polymer actuators, which will guide the development of next generation electroactive polymer actuators.
Teor de óleo essencial e caracterização organoléptica de hortelã-pimenta após fragmentação e secagem

O trabalho objetivou avaliar os efeitos da fragmentacao da materia fresca e dos metodos de secagem na qualidade pos-colheita de menta ( Mentha x piperita L.). Foram estabelecidos 4 tratamentos com 2 tipos de secagem (estufa de ventilacao forcada a 40oC e sala com desumidificador) e 2 tamanhos dos ramos (inteiros e 5 cm de comprimento), com 5 repeticoes. Foram determinados os teores de oleo essencial, a coloracao e odor das folhas. O oleo essencial foi extraido em aparelho Clevenger por 3 horas. As folhas apresentaram coloracao verde amarronzada ao final da secagem, independentemente do tratamento aplicado. O odor caracteristico da especie foi conservado em todos os tratamentos, embora com reducao de intensidade. Nao houve efeito significativo dos tratamentos sobre os teores de oleo essencial. A fragmentacao da materia fresca e os metodos de secagem avaliados nao influenciaram a qualidade pos-colheita de hortela-pimenta ( Mentha x piperita ).
The Cost of Overconfidence in Public Information

We investigate the effects of investor overconfidence in public information on cross-sectional asset returns. The results show that investors in the US equity market are overconfident about public signals for mature firms that are relatively easy to price—old, large, and dividend-paying firms, value firms, and firms with a higher proportion of tangible assets, little external financing, and low sales growth. However, the effects of the overconfidence on cross-sectional stock returns are reversed quickly and comprise more than half of the short-term return reversals. The risk-adjusted cost of being overconfident about the noisy public signals, measured by return reversals of hedge portfolios formed on unexpected responses, is over 1.1% per month in the first month after portfolio formation, and is still significant despite the active arbitrage trading in the 2000s.
When in Doubt: Improving Classification Performance with Alternating Normalization

We introduce Classification with Alternating Normalization (CAN), a non-parametric post-processing step for classification. CAN improves classification accuracy for challenging examples by re-adjusting their predicted class probability distribution using the predicted class distributions of high-confidence validation examples. CAN is easily applicable to any probabilistic classifier, with minimal computation overhead. We analyze the properties of CAN using simulated experiments, and empirically demonstrate its effectiveness across a diverse set of classification tasks.