Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Combining Soil Databases for Topsoil Organic Carbon Mapping in Europe

Accuracy in assessing the distribution of soil organic carbon (SOC) is an important issue because of playing key roles in the functions of both natural ecosystems and agricultural systems. There are several studies in the literature with the aim of finding the best method to assess and map the distribution of SOC content for Europe. Therefore this study aims searching for another aspect of this issue by looking to the performances of using aggregated soil samples coming from different studies and land-uses. The total number of the soil samples in this study was 23,835 and they’re collected from the “Land Use/Cover Area frame Statistical Survey” (LUCAS) Project (samples from agricultural soil), BioSoil Project (samples from forest soil), and “Soil Transformations in European Catchments” (SoilTrEC) Project (samples from local soil data coming from six different critical zone observatories (CZOs) in Europe). Moreover, 15 spatial indicators (slope, aspect, elevation, compound topographic index (CTI), CORINE land-cover classification, parent material, texture, world reference base (WRB) soil classification, geological formations, annual average temperature, min-max temperature, total precipitation and average precipitation (for years 1960–1990 and 2000–2010)) were used as auxiliary variables in this prediction. One of the most popular geostatistical techniques, Regression-Kriging (RK), was applied to build the model and assess the distribution of SOC. This study showed that, even though RK method was appropriate for successful SOC mapping, using combined databases was not helpful to increase the statistical significance of the method results for assessing the SOC distribution. According to our results; SOC variation was mainly affected by elevation, slope, CTI, average temperature, average and total precipitation, texture, WRB and CORINE variables for Europe scale in our model. Moreover, the highest average SOC contents were found in the wetland areas; agricultural areas have much lower soil organic carbon content than forest and semi natural areas; Ireland, Sweden and Finland has the highest SOC, on the contrary, Portugal, Poland, Hungary, Spain, Italy have the lowest values with the average 3%.
Drug-induced illness leading to hospitalization.

During a three-year period, drug-induced illness, excluding suicide attempts and drug abuse, accounted for 2.9% of admissions to a medical service. There were proportionately fewer admissions for patients under 61 years of age than for those over. A considerably greater number of white women than black women or men were affected. More than 6% of these patients died. Eight drugs (aspirin, digoxin, warfarin sodium, hydrochlorothiazide, prednisone, vincristine sulfate, norethindrone, and furosemide) produced a third of the illnesses. In 18% of the cases an over-the-counter drug was implicated. Hemorrhagic effects occurred frequently. The cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and hemopoietic systems were most often involved. Drug allergy was the mechanism of the adverse drug effect in 17.6% of the illnesses. The remainder were due to pharmacological mechanisms. (JAMA 228:713-717, 1974)
Extended Range ZVS Active-Clamped Current-Fed Full-Bridge Isolated DC/DC Converter for Fuel Cell Applications: Analysis, Design, and Experimental Results

This paper presents analysis and design of zero-voltage switching (ZVS) active-clamped current-fed full-bridge isolated dc/dc converter for fuel cell applications. The designed converter maintains ZVS of all switches from full load down to very light load condition over wide input voltage variation. Detailed operation, analysis, design, simulation, and experimental results for the proposed design are presented. The additional auxiliary active clamping circuit absorbs the turn-off voltage spike limiting the peak voltage across the devices allowing the selection and use of low-voltage devices with low on-state resistance. In addition, it also assists in achieving ZVS of semiconductor devices. The converter utilizes the energy stored in the transformer leakage inductance aided by its magnetizing inductance to maintain ZVS. ZVS range depends upon the design, in particular the ratio of leakage and magnetizing inductances of the transformer. Rectifier diodes operate with zero-current switching. An experimental converter prototype rated at 500 W has been designed, built, and tested in the laboratory to verify the analysis, design, and performance for wide variations in input voltage and load.
Advanced simulation of a PV module's color

We apply advanced ray tracing to predict the color of an encapsulated solar cell. Previous studies have predicted the color from the thickness and refractive index of the antireflection coating and encapsulants. Here, we demonstrate how other effects influence the color significantly, applying ray tracing to account for texture, for direct and diffuse insolation, for scattering, and for the observer angle. Despite the sophistication of the ray tracing, solutions for each simulation are attained within seconds. With an accurate and quick way to predict a module’s color, researchers can avoid costly experimentation when (i) predicting how cell color will change after encapsulation, (ii) determining production tolerances to limit color variability within a cell or module and (iii) optimizing for a particular color for BIPV applications.
Adaptive regularized constrained least squares image restoration

In noisy environments, a constrained least-squares (CLS) approach is presented to restore images blurred by a Gaussian impulse response, where instead of choosing a global regularization parameter, each point in the signal has its own associated regularization parameter. These parameters are found by constraining the weighted standard deviation of the wavelet transform coefficients on the finest scale of the inverse signal by a function r which is a local measure of the intensity variations around each point of the blurred and noisy observed signal. Border ringing in the inverse solution is proposed decreased by manipulating its wavelet transform coefficients on the finest scales close to the borders. If the noise in the inverse solution is significant, wavelet transform techniques are also applied to denoise the solution. Examples are given for images, and the results are shown to outperform the optimum constrained least-squares solution using a global regularization parameter, both visually and in the mean squared error sense.
Spatial and temporal distribution, fluxes, and budgets of organochlorinated compounds in Northwest Mediterranean sediments.

A total of 30 NW Mediterranean surficial sediment samples collected in the prodeltas of the Rhone and Ebro Rivers, continental shelf, slope, and deep basin were analyzed for 12 individual polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners, chlorinated diphenylethane pesticides (2,4'- and 4,4'-DDT and their metabolites), and hexachlorobenzene (HCB). The spatial distribution of the PCB congeners and their concentrations illustrate the relative contribution to the pollution burden in the NW Mediterranean basin of river inputs, urban sewage disposal, and atmospheric deposition, the latter particularly relevant in the deep basin. Estimates of annual fluxes of these compounds in the NW Mediterranean sediments were from 0.5 to 1580 μg/m 2 for PCBs (in Clophen A60 equivalents), from 0.3 to 2060 μg/m 2 for DDTs (DDT + DDE + DDD), and from 0.02 to 170 μg/m 2 for HCB. These results account for an accumulation rate in the whole area of 2705 kg/year for PCBs, 2030 kg/year for DDTs, and 205 kg/year for HCB. However, the major accumulation oforganochlorinated compounds was found to occur in the prodelta areas with an apparent decrease in the Rhone area during the last 15 years, but not in the Ebro, probably reflecting the earlier banning of the usage of these compounds in that region.
Flame stability of an ultra-lean premixed low-swirl burner

Stringent emissions regulations have stimulated the development of technologies for stabilizing ultra-lean premixed flames as a means of lowering flame temperatures and reducing the formation of nitrogen oxides (NOx). One such technology is the low-swirl burner (LSB) developed by Cheng and coworkers [1-3]. A laboratory LSB was constructed, in which the inner core flow and outer annular flow are independently controlled. Stability limits of flashback and blowoff were obtained for a wide parametric range o f flowrates, equivalence ratios, and swirl numbers. A forward-backward scattering 3D particle image velocimetry system (stereoscopic PIV) was employed to quantify the swirling velocity in the reactant flow and to establish the mean flame front contour positions, which are related to stability. The current results show that the LSB stabilizes a freely propagating, turbulent flame. However the main effect o f swirl is not on the creation or modification of flow divergence, but on the flowfield velocity and turbulence intensity. This determines flame position and stability limits. Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission.
Acinetobacter baylyi as a Pathogen for Opportunistic Infection

ABSTRACT There are no previous reports of human infection due to Acinetobacter baylyi. In this study, we report on six patients with bacteremia due to A. baylyi, based on analysis of the 16S-23S rRNA intergenic spacer and the 16S rRNA gene. All six patients had multiple underlying diseases. The infection was nosocomially acquired in five patients. The six clinical isolates had similar ribopatterns, suggesting a clonal relationship. Compared to the reference strain, the clinical isolates were more resistant to antimicrobial agents, especially beta-lactam antibiotics. In three of the isolates, they may have undetermined plasmid mediated class C type beta-lactamases because of the positive results in a double-disk synergy test using 3-aminophenylboronic acid. Two of the clinical isolates retained a level of natural transformability similar to that of the reference strain. None of the patients died, although only three of them received appropriate antimicrobial therapy. This study demonstrates that A. baylyi is a potential human pathogen that can cause nosocomial infection in immunocompromised patients.
Degradation of Quercetin and Luteolin byEubacterium ramulus

ABSTRACT The degradation of the flavonol quercetin and the flavone luteolin by Eubacterium ramulus, a strict anaerobe of the human intestinal tract, was studied. Resting cells converted these flavonoids to 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and 3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)propionic acid, respectively. The conversion of quercetin was accompanied by the transient formation of two intermediates, one of which was identified as taxifolin based on its specific retention time and UV and mass spectra. The structure of the second intermediate, alphitonin, was additionally elucidated by1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance analysis. In resting-cell experiments, taxifolin in turn was converted via alphitonin to 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid. Alphitonin, which was prepared by enzymatic conversion of taxifolin and subsequent purification, was also transformed to 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid. The coenzyme-independent isomerization of taxifolin to alphitonin was catalyzed by cell extract or a partially purified enzyme preparation ofE. ramulus. The degradation of luteolin by resting cells of E. ramulus resulted in the formation of the intermediate eriodictyol, which was identified by high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis. The observed intermediates of quercetin and luteolin conversion suggest that the degradation pathways in E. ramulus start with an analogous reduction step followed by different enzymatic reactions depending on the additional 3-hydroxyl group present in the flavonol structure.
Filtration of nanoparticles applied in general ventilation

Nanoparticles (NPs) are particles with a diameter less than or equal to 100 nm. Because of their size, they pose a major challenge to workers’ health and safety. General ventilation is one of the solutions in order to minimize both occupational and general exposure. In North America, ventilation filters are tested according to ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 52.2 and rated according to their efficiency results as a function of particle diameter. The most penetrating particle size (MPPS) is commonly accepted as being 300 nm, but it no longer represents the worst-case scenario in terms of particle diameter and filter penetration. The purpose of this article is to compile an inventory of experimental knowledge on the performance of entire filters and their media. The scope of this experimental literature review is limited to studies of size-resolved penetration of media and entire filters published since 1980. Little information is available on size-resolved data for filters. The article also seeks to identify different trends by medium properties, particle properties, and operating conditions, particularly in terms of penetration and MPPS. These trends are already known for media, but more studies are still needed to determine whether the conclusions for media can be extrapolated to entire filters.
New assay for tryptophan and its 5-hydroxyindole metabolites in blood.

We describe a new cation-exchange fluorometry procedure for separation and measurement of three 5-hydroxyindole metabolites of tryptophan in blood. The metabolites are detected and measured via the fluorescence emitted in the visible region when the separated metabolite is added to a hydrochloric acid-ascorbic acid mixture. The assay requires only 30 min and is both selective and sensitive. The normal concentration of 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) in serum is 98 µg/liter; 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid and 5-hydroxytryptophan are normally present in concentrations of less than 20 µg/liter.
Development of Efficient and Stable Inverted Bulk Heterojunction (BHJ) Solar Cells Using Different Metal Oxide Interfaces

Solution-processed inverted bulk heterojunction (BHJ) solar cells have gained much more attention during the last decade, because of their significantly better environmental stability compared to the normal architecture BHJ solar cells. Transparent metal oxides (MeOx) play an important role as the dominant class for solution-processed interface materials in this development, due to their excellent optical transparency, their relatively high electrical conductivity and their tunable work function. This article reviews the advantages and disadvantages of the most common synthesis methods used for the wet chemical preparation of the most relevant n-type- and p-type-like MeOx interface materials consisting of binary compounds AxBy. Their performance for applications as electron transport/extraction layers (ETL/EEL) and as hole transport/extraction layers (HTL/HEL) in inverted BHJ solar cells will be reviewed and discussed.
Biological treatment of fracturing waste liquid in a membrane-coupled internal circulation aerobic biological fluidized bed with the assistance of coagulation

ABSTRACT Fracturing waste liquid (FWL) is generated during shale gas extraction and contains high concentrations of suspended solid, salinity and organic compounds, which needs proper management to prevent excessive environmental disruption. Biological treatment of the FWL was attempted in this study using a membrane-coupled internal circulation aerobic biological fluidized bed (MC-ICABFB) after being treated by coagulation. The results showed that poly aluminum chloride (PAC) of 30 g/L, polyacrylamide (PAM) of 20 mg/L and pH of 7.0 were suitable choices for coagulation. The pretreated FWL mixed with synthetic wastewater at different ratios were used as the influent wastewater for the reactor. The MC-ICABFB had relatively good performance on COD and NH4+-N removal and the main residual organic compound in the effluent was phthalates according to the analysis of GC-MC profiles. In addition, a suitable pretreatment process for the FWL to facilitate biological treatment of the wastewater needs further research.
Patients With Neck Pain are Less Likely to Improve if They Experience Poor Sleep Quality: A Prospective Study in Routine Practice

Objective:To assess whether sleep quality (SQ) at baseline is associated with improvement in pain and disability at 3 months. Materials and Methods:Four hundred twenty-two subacute and chronic patients with neck pain (NP) were recruited in 32 physiotherapy, primary care, and specialized centers. NP, referred pain, disability, catastrophizing, depression, and SQ were assessed through validated questionnaires, upon recruitment and 3 months later. Correlations between baseline scores were calculated through the Spearman coefficient. Improvements in NP, disability, and SQ were defined as a reduction of ≥30% of baseline score. Six estimative logistic regression models were developed to assess the association between baseline SQ and improvement of NP, baseline SQ and improvement of disability, baseline NP and improvement of SQ, baseline disability and improvement of SQ, the evolutions of NP and SQ, and the evolutions of disability and SQ. Results:Most patients were subacute and mildly impaired. Regression models showed that better SQ at baseline was associated with improvement of NP (odds ratio=0.91 [95% confidence interval, 0.83-0.99]), but not disability (1.04 [0.95-1.13]); the improvement of SQ was associated with more severe NP at baseline (1.26 [1.07-1.49)], but not with baseline disability (0.99 [0.97-1.02]); and that improvement in SQ was associated with improvements in NP (3.48 [1.68-7.20]), and disability (5.02 [2.39-10.11]). Discussion:NP is less likely to improve in patients with poorer SQ, irrespective of age, sex, catastrophizing, depression, or treatments prescribed for NP. Future studies should confirm these results with more severely impaired patients.
EFFECT OF SOAKING TIME ON SOME ENGINEERING PROPERTIES OF COWPEA (Vigna unguiculata)

The study evaluated the effect of soaking time on some selected engineering properties of black-eye pea and brown beans cowpea variety with a view to providing the necessary data that will aid the design and development of some specific process equipment such as size reduction, cleaning, sorting and grading machines as well as storage components and facilities . Mature seeds procured from the market were manually cleaned and soaked in water at room temperature within the range of 27-31 0 C for 2minutes, 4minutes, 6minutes, 8minutes and 10minutes and the selected response parameters observed. The results showed that length, width, thickness, geometric mean diameter, mass, aspect ratio and surface area increased non-linearly from 8.10mm to 12.00mm, 5.28mm to 7.89mm, 5.23m to 6.91mm, 6.20mm to 8.05mm, 0.33g to 0.52g, 0.71 to 0.77, and 132.70mm 2 and 134.69mm 2 respectively as soaking time increased for black-eye pea; while for brown beans variety the results showed that length, width, thickness, geometric mean diameter, mass, aspect ratio and surface area increased non-linearly from 8.03mm to 11.60mm, 5.25mm to 7.78mm, 5.18m to 6.69mm, 6.17mm to 7.85mm, 0.34g to 0.58g, 0.66 to 0.74, and 131.65mm 2 and 134.51mm 2 respectively as soaking time increased. More so shape and bulk density decreased non-linearly from 0.86 to 0.78 and 0.77g/cm3 to 0.64g/cm3 with increased soaking time for black-eye pea while for brown beans, it decreased non-linearly from 0.80 to 0.73. The static coefficient of friction on three different material surfaces increased non-linearly from 0.3773 to 0.7089 on rubber, from 0.3772 to 0.6630 on stainless steel, and from 0.4177 to 0.6576 on galvanized steel as soaking time increases for both varieties; while angle of repose increased non-linearly also from 22.30 0 to 38.01 0 for both varieties when soaked. From the results, it is recommended to use materials of construction indicating value for angle of repose lower than 31.670 in the manufacture of process components requiring easy movement of products along its surface. Keywords: Black eye pea, Brown beans, Soaking time, Engineering properties.
PepT1-mediated tripeptide KPV uptake reduces intestinal inflammation.

BACKGROUND & AIMS KPV is a tripeptide (Lys-Pro-Val), which possesses anti-inflammatory properties; however, its mechanisms of action still remain unknown. PepT1 is a di/tripeptide transporter normally expressed in the small intestine and induced in colon during inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of this study was to 1) investigate whether the KPV anti-inflammatory effect is PepT1-mediated in intestinal epithelian and immune cells, and 2) examine the anti-inflammatory effects in two models of mice colitis. METHODS Human intestinal epithelial cells Caco2-BBE, HT29-Cl.19A, and human T cells (Jurkat) were stimulated with pro-inflammatory cytokines in the present or absence of KPV. KPV anti-inflammatory effect was assessed using a NF-kappaB luciferase gene reporter, Western blot, real-time RT-PCR and ELISA. Uptake experiments were performed using cold KPV as a competitor for PepT1 radiolabelled substrate or using [(3)H]KPV to determine kinetic characteristics of KPV uptake. Anti-inflammatory effect of KPV was also investigated in DSS- and TNBS-induced colitis in mice. KPV was added to drinking water and inflammation was assessed at the histologic level and by proinflammatory cytokine mRNA expression. RESULTS Nanomolar concentrations of KPV inhibit the activation of NF-kappaB and MAP kinase inflammatory signaling pathways, and reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion. We found that KPV acts via PepT1 expressed in immune and intestinal epithelial cells. Furthermore, oral administration of KPV reduces the incidence of DSS- and TNBS-induced colitis indicated by a decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokine expression. CONCLUSIONS This study indicates tht KPV is transported into cells by PepT1 and might be a new therapeutic agent for IBD.