Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The unprecedented 2017–2018 stratospheric smoke event: Decay phase and aerosol properties observed with EARLINET

Abstract. Six months of stratospheric aerosol observations with the European Aerosol Research Lidar Network (EARLINET) from August 2017 to January 2018 are presented. The decay phase of an unprecedented, record-breaking stratospheric perturbation caused by wild fire smoke is reported and discussed in terms of geometrical, optical, and microphysical aerosol properties. Enormous amounts of smoke (mainly soot particles) were injected into the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere over fire areas in western Canada on 12 August 2017 during strong thunderstorm-pyrocumulonimbus activity. The stratospheric smoke plumes spread over the entire northern hemisphere in the following weeks and months. Twenty-eight European lidar stations from northern Norway to southern Portugal and the Eastern Mediterranean monitored the strong stratospheric perturbation on a continental scale. The main smoke layer (over central, western, southern, and eastern Europe) was found between 15 and 20 km height since September 2017 (about two weeks after entering the stratosphere). Thin layers of smoke were detected to ascent to 22–24 km height. The stratospheric aerosol optical thickness at 532 nm decreased from values > 0.25 on 21–23 August 2017 to 0.005–0.03 until 5–10 September, and was mainly 0.003–0.004 from October to December 2017, and thus still significantly above the stratospheric background (0.001–0.002). Stratospheric particle extinction coefficients (532 nm) were as high as 50–200 Mm−1 until the beginning of September and of the order of 1 Mm−1 (0.5–5 Mm−1) from October 2017 until the end of January 2018. The corresponding layer mean particle mass concentration was of the order of 0.05–0.5 μg cm−3 over the months. Soot is an efficient ice-nucleating particle (INP) at upper tropospheric (cirrus) temperatures and available to influence cirrus formation when entering the tropopause from above. We estimated INP concentrations of 50–500 L−1 until the first days in September and afterwards 5–50 L−1 until the end of the year 2018 in the lower stratosphere for typical cirrus formation temperatures of −55 °C and ice supersaturation values of 1.15. The measured profiles of the particle linear depolarization rato indicated the predominance of non-spherical soot particles. The 532 nm depolarization ratio decreased with time in the main smoke layer from values of 0.15–0.25 (August–September) to values of 0.05–0.10 (October–November) and
Rapid profiling of triglycerides in human breast milk using liquid extraction surface analysis Fourier transform mass spectrometry reveals new very long chain fatty acids and differences within individuals

Rationale We describe a novel method for preparing milk samples and profiling their triglyceride (TG) fractions. This method was used to explore how the TG profile of milk modulates as lactation progresses and how the TG profile differs between breasts. Methods Fresh milk was spotted onto Whatman filter paper and air‐dried. Liquid Extraction Surface Analysis coupled to Fourier Transform Mass Spectrometry (LESA‐MS) was adapted for molecular profiling. Collision‐Induced Dissociation (CID) was used to profile fatty acid residues. Results LESA‐MS produced the relative abundances of all isobaric TGs described and showed that mammary glands within one individual can produce a different profile of TGs. CID was used to uncover the configuration of isobaric triglycerides, indicating the relative amounts of the fatty acids contributing to that triglyceride's mass. This also indicated the presence of very long chain fatty acids (C26:0 and C26:1) that have not been reported before in human breast milk. Conclusions We conclude that spotting on paper and the use of LESA‐MS and CID on milk spots is not only a means for analysing milk in unprecedented detail for this preparation time, but is also amenable to conditions in which collecting and storing fresh milk samples for detailed profiling is prohibitively difficult.
ANTIBACTERIAL AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF BIOSYNTHESIZED SILVER NANOPARTICLES FROM ULMUS WALLICHIANA PLANCH. LEAF EXTRACT

Eco-friendly synthesis of metal nanoparticles using plant extract plays a vital role in nanotechnology. This study aimed to produce silver nanoparticles (SNPs) in an eco-friendly manner using leaf extract of Ulmus wallichiana Planch. When the leaf extract was treated with AgNO3, the colour changed from yellowish to dark brown, indicated the formation of SNPs. The obtaining SNPs were pre-dominantly spherical, crystalline and a mean size of 54 nm. FTIR spectrum evidenced that plant’s biomolecules acted as reducing agent. The antibacterial activity of SNPs was assessed against Gram positive (Staphyllococcus aureus) and Gram negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae) bacteria and highest activity was found to be exerted at 1 mg/mL SNPs against P. aeruginosa (17.63 mm). They also showed profound antioxidant activity against DPPH. Ulmus mediated synthesis of SNPs is eco-friendly, non-toxic and cost effective with good antibacterial and antioxidant effect and can be used in biomedical applications.
Callus Production and Suspension Elicitation of Impatiens balsamina L., Plant for Enhancing Accumulation of Phenolics and Flavonoids Content

This research was conducted in the Laboratory of Plant Tissue Culture, Vegetable and Floriculture Department, Mansoura University, Egypt during 2016/2017. The aim was to use tissue culture technique for callus production and enhancing total phenolics (TPC) and flavonoids (TFC) content in suspension culture of garden balsam(Impatiens balsamina L.) which belongs to Family Balsaminaceae, which has many important secondary metabolites in its different organs. Callus was initiated on leaf discs cultured on MS medium supplemented with either 2,4-D or NAA at different concentrations (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 mg/l), besides the control (MS-free hormone medium) with a fixed BAP concentration (0.5 mg/l). Also, suspensions were supplemented with either yeast extract or chitosan (0, 50, 100 and 200 mg/l) for enhancing accumulation of phenolics and flavonoids content for two separated elicitation periods (24 and 48hrs.). Data showed that the highest callus formation percentage (100%) was obtained from leaf explants cultured on MS medium supplemented with either 1.0 mg/l 2,4-D+0.5 mg/l BAP or 1.5 mg/l NAA+0.5 mg/l BAP. Also, these superior treatments produced the biggest callus volume (9.38 and 9.19 mm3, respectively). The heaviest callus fresh and dry weights (8.25 and 1.15 g/jar) were recorded for MS medium fortified with 1.0 mg/l 2,4-D+0.5 mg/l BAP. In addition, after 24hrs from the suspensions elicitation, the highest TPC value of 8.298 mg/gdw with 4.18 fold higher than the control was recorded for suspensions which received 50 mg/l yeast extract. In the same time, 50 mg/l chitosan increased TFC (3.929 mg/gdw). The matter was partially similar after 48hrs, with a slight increase in all the elicitation treatments, since the superior treatments after 24hrs still giving a higher TPC and TFC.
Analysis of the influence of natural adsorbent functionalization (Moringa oleifera) for Pb(II) removal from contaminated water

Due to lead (Pb) being highly toxic and harmful to living beings, several techniques have been studied aiming at its removal from contaminated water, with great emphasis on the adsorption process. In this sense, the objective of this study was to investigate if the chemical functionalization in biosorbents of Moringa oleifera pods promotes greater potential in the process of removing lead from aqueous solution. To this end, characterization of biomass was performed by energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and zero load point. Additionally, the parameters that influence the efficiency of lead biosorption have been investigated. From the studied parameters, the optimal conditions obtained for both analyzed biosorbents are as follows: 30 min to equilibrium, pH 6 and 25°C temperature. Biosorption studies revealed kinetic modeling of data were better represented by the pseudo‐second model. In relation to adsorption isotherms, the model that best fit the experimental data were the Langmuir model for both biosorbents. When comparing the biosorbents studied, it was concluded that chemical functionalization carried out using basic treatment agent was the most efficient in removing lead ions (II), and the maximum adsorption capacity obtained was 38.52 mg/g.
Influence of Compost, Boron and Potassium on some Traits in Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) Grown in Alluvial Soil

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is among the most important vegetable crops grown in Egypt for local consumption and exportation. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the effect of two compost types (plant residues and animal residues) with foliar spraying of potassium and boron elements on improving the fruit yield and quality of the cucumber plants grown in an alluvial soil during the two successive summer seasons of 2015 and 2016. The experimental design was a split plot design with three replicates for each treatment. The compost treatments were (C1): Animal compost was applied at rate of 0.2 m 3 plot and (C2): compost of rice straw (CRS) was applied at rate of 0.2 m plot . While the foliar treatments were (T1): B was foliar applied as boric acid at rate of 0.44 mg L , (T2): K was foliar applied as potassium acetate at rate of 200 mg L and (T3): combination of B and K was foliar applied at the same rates as mentioned above. The results showed that, the highest values of all studied vegetative growth parameter such as fresh and dry weights (g plant), stem length and diameter(cm) of cucumber plant in both studied seasons were achieved at (C2 (Plant compost) × T3 (B+K)) treatment, while the lowest values were obtained at control treatment (without compost or foliar application). Also, fruit characteristics such as [average fruit weight (g), fruit diameter and length (cm), fruit shape index (LD)] and yield [early, total yield (kg plot) and total yield (ton fed)] gave the same trend in both studied seasons. Also, the values of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and boron contents in leaves of cucumber plant were evaluated under the effect of different types of compost and foliar application of B and K at the same time.
The Possible Protective Role of N-Acetyl Cysteine against Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Intestinal Toxicity in Adult Male Albino Rats

Introduction: With extensive applications of nanoparticles including titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) in different fields, many adverse effects may threat both environmental and medical health. Aim of this work: To evaluate the role of n-acetyl cysteine (NAC) against TiO2 NPs intestinal toxicity in adult albino rats. Material and methods: Fifty adult male albino rats were classified into five groups. Group I: negative control received regular diet and water. Group II: positive control administered 1ml of 5% gum acacia solution once a day. Group III: gavaged orally with NAC (100 mg/kg). Group IV: orally gavaged with TiO2 NPs (1200 mg/kg) once a day. Group V: orally gavaged once daily with TiO2 NPs (1200 mg/kg) and NAC (100 mg/kg). After 6 weeks, all rats were weighed and blood sample were submitted to estimate serum level of citrulline. Then parts of ileum from all rats was dissected and subjected to interleukin 6 (IL6), interleukin 10 (IL10) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) estimation, histopathological examination and determine the extent of DNA damage by gel electrophoresis. Results: The results revealed that TiO2 NPs induced significant decreases in body weight, and serum level of citrulline with significant increases in IL6, TNF-α and significant decrease IL10 in tissues of ileum. These were associated with histopathological changes in the ileum and DNA damage detected by gel electrophoresis. Co-administration of NAC with TiO2 NPs provided protection against these changes. Conclusion: TiO2 NPs exposure causes inflammation in ileum with DNA damage and administration of NAC offers protection against its damaging effects.
Nanoemulsion: A Review on Mechanisms for the Transdermal Delivery of Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Drugs

Nanoemulsions (NEs) are colloidal dispersions of two immiscible liquids, oil and water, in which one is dispersed in the other with the aid of a surfactant/co-surfactant mixture, either forming oil-in-water (o/w) or water-in-oil (w/o) nanodroplets systems, with droplets 20–200 nm in size. NEs are easy to prepare and upscale, and they show high variability in their components. They have proven to be very viable, non-invasive, and cost-effective nanocarriers for the enhanced transdermal delivery of a wide range of active compounds that tend to metabolize heavily or suffer from undesirable side effects when taken orally. In addition, the anti-microbial and anti-viral properties of NE components, leading to preservative-free formulations, make NE a very attractive approach for transdermal drug delivery. This review focuses on how NEs mechanistically deliver both lipophilic and hydrophilic drugs through skin layers to reach the blood stream, exerting the desired therapeutic effect. It highlights the mechanisms and strategies executed to effectively deliver drugs, both with o/w and w/o NE types, through the transdermal way. However, the mechanisms reported in the literature are highly diverse, to the extent that a definite mechanism is not conclusive.
Significant factors for enhancing the life cycle assessment of photovoltaic thermal air collector

Due to the rapid industrialization and development across the entire globe, there is the increasing demand for energy. However, the energy sources from fossil fuels are not abundant in every part of the world. India has to import fuel from other parts of the world which consumes a major portion of Government funds. So, currently improving solar energy technologies efficiency is one of the most promising researches in India. This study is mostly about life cycle assessment (LCA) of photovoltaic thermal (PVT) air collectors. All the important parameters like Energy payback time (EPBT), Energy production factors (EPF), Lifecycle conversion efficiency (LCCE), Embodied energy, Life cycle cost assessment (LCCA) and carbon emissions are investigated in this study as well. The role of these parameters in the LCA study is depicted in this study since LCA greatly impacts the effectiveness and cost of PVT air collector. Results revealed that the EPBT, GPBT, EPF, and LCCE are in the range of 0.8 to 14 years, 1 to 4 years, 0.4 to 22, and 0.10 to 2.86.
Interplay between Cannabinoids, SOCS3, and Autophagy Process in the Intestinal Epithelium with the Use of an Established in vitro Model System.

Autophagy is a catabolic process involved in homeostatic and regulated cellular protein recycling and degradation via the lysosomal degradation pathway. Emerging data associates Crohn's Disease (CD) with an impaired ATG16L1 autophagy gene. Increased activity in the endocannabinoid system and up-regulation of suppressor of cytokine signalling (SOCS)-3 protein expression are evident in inflamed intestine. We accessed the impact of phyto-cannabinoid (CBD), synthetic cannabinoid (ACEA) and endocannabinoid (AEA) on autophagosome formation, and investigated the mechanisms involved. Our findings show that all three cannabinoids induce autophagy in a dose-dependent manner in fully differentiated CaCo2 cells. ACEA and AEA induced canonical autophagy, which was cannabinoid receptor (CNR)-l mediated. In contrast, CBD-induced autophagy is partially non-canonical and not CNR1 receptor mediated. Functionally, all three cannabinoids reduce SOCS3 protein expression. Blocking of autophagy reversed the cannabinoid-induced effect. In conclusion, CBD may have potential therapeutic application in CD where functional CNR1 receptor or autophagy is compromised and the regulatory protein, SOCS3, is itself regulated by the autophagy pathway.
Quantitative analysis of dribble volumes and rates using three-dimensional reconstruction of X-ray and diffused back-illumination images of diesel sprays

Post-injection fuel dribble is known to lead to incomplete atomisation and combustion due to the release of slow-moving, and often surface-bound, liquid fuel after the end of injection. This can have a negative effect on engine emissions, performance and injector durability. To better quantify this phenomenon, we developed an image-processing approach to measure the volume of ligaments produced during the end of injection. We applied our processing approach to an Engine Combustion Network ‘Spray B’ 3-hole injector, using datasets from 220 injections generated by different research groups, to decouple the effect of gas temperature and pressure on the fuel dribble process. High-speed X-ray phase-contrast images obtained at room temperature conditions (297 K) at the Advanced Photon Source at Argonne National Laboratory, together with diffused back-illumination images captured at a wide range of temperature conditions (293–900 K) by CMT Motores Térmicos were analysed and compared quantitatively. We found a good agreement between image sets obtained by Argonne National Laboratory and CMT Motores Térmicos using different imaging techniques. The maximum dribble volume within the field of view of the imaging system and the mean rate of fuel dribble were considered as characteristic parameters of the fuel dribble process. Analysis showed that the absolute mean dribble rate increases with temperature when injection pressure is higher than 1000 bar and slightly decreases at high injection pressures (>500 bar) when temperature is close to 293 K. Larger maximum volumes of the fuel dribble were observed at lower gas temperatures (∼473 K) and low gas pressures (<30 bar), with a slight dependence on injection pressure.
Effect of zinc-biofortified seeds on grain yield of wheat, rice, and common bean grown in six countries

Seeds enriched with zinc (Zn) are ususally associated with better germination, more vigorous seedlings and higher yields. However, agronomic benefits of high-Zn seeds were not studied under diverse agro-climatic field conditions. This study investigated effects of low-Zn and high- Zn seeds (biofortified by foliar Zn fertilization of maternal plants under field conditions) of wheat (Tritcum aestivum L.), rice (Oryza sativa L.), and common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) on seedling density, grain yield and grain Zn concentration in 31 field locations over two years in six countries. Experimental treatments were: (1) low-Zn seeds and no soil Zn fertilization (control treatment), (2) low-Zn seeds + soil Zn fertilization, and (3) Zn-biofortified seeds and no soil Zn fertilization. The wheat experiments were established in China, India, Pakistan, and Zambia, the rice experiments in China, India and Thailand, and the common bean experiment in Brazil. When compared to the control treatment, soil Zn fertilization increased wheat grain yield in all six locations in India, two locations in Pakistan and one location in China. Zinc-biofortified seeds also increased wheat grain yield in all four locations in Pakistan and four locations in India compared to the control treatment. Across all countries over 2 years, Zn-biofortified wheat seeds increased plant population by 26.8% and grain yield by 5.37%. In rice, soil Zn fertilization increased paddy yield in all four locations in India and one location in Thailand. Across all countries, paddy yield increase was 8.2% by soil Zn fertilization and 5.3% by Zn-biofortified seeds when compared to the control treatment. In common bean, soil Zn application as well as Znbiofortified seed increased grain yield in one location in Brazil. Effects of soil Zn fertilization and high-Zn seed on grain Zn density were generally low. This study, at 31 field locations in six countries over two years, revealed that the seeds biofortfied with Zn enhanced crop productivity at many locations with different soil and environmental conditions. As high-Zn grains are a by-product of Zn biofortification, use of Zn-enriched grains as seed in the next cropping season can contribute to enhance crop productivity in a cost-effective manner.
The Chemo-Geographical Variation in Essential Oil Composition and the Antimicrobial Properties of “Wild Mint” – Mentha longifolia subsp. polyadena (Lamiaceae) in Southern Africa

Abstract Mentha longifolia (L.) L. subsp. polyadena Briq. was collected from eight localities in southern Africa for a study of the chemical composition and antimicrobial activity. The essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation and analysed by GC and GC/MS and a cluster analysis was performed on the oil dataset. From eight samples (representing eight natural populations), two major chemotypes were identified: a menthofuran-rich type (51-62%); and a cis-piperitone oxide (15-36%) and piperitenone oxide-rich type (15-66%). The constituent analysis showed quantitative variation with higher amounts of oxygen-containing monoterpenes ranging from 57% to 90% whilst the sesquiterpene hydrocarbons ranged from 4% to 17%. The oil from the different geographical areas mostly showed moderate antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, Bacillus cereus, Moraxella catarrhalis, Yersinia enterocolitica and Enterococcus faecalis. The oils were generally inactive against Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium. Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans indicated highest sensitivities for oil samples from Komukwane and Prins Albert. These results may in part provide scientific evidence for the extensive use of Mentha longifolia in traditional healing.
STABILITY DURING STORAGE OF COCONUT POWDER FORTIFIED WITH ACTIVE COMPONENTS

The modern consumer demands every day foods with higher content of nutrients and functionally active compounds (FAC) that favor their health; however, many of these are affected during processing and storage. The aim of the research was to evaluate the stability of the quality attributes of spray dried coconut powder fortified with Ca and vitamins C, D3 y E (PC+FAC) during storage. The storage conditions were: temperature (15, 25 and 35°C), times (0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 days) and packed (atmospheric pressure and N2), and the dependent variables: moisture (Xw), aw, solubility (S), color, retention of calcium and vitamins C, D3, E, total phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity (ABTS and DPPH methods), peroxide index (PI) and particle size (D10, D50 y D90). In general, the independent variables evaluated affect the quality attributes of PC+FAC, being the most critical the agglomeration of the product and the retention of vitamins and antioxidants. The best storage condition was a temperature of 15°C and packing with N2, where the quality of the PC+FAC at 180 days was Xw: 3,0±0,1%; aw: 0,342±0,009; L*: 78,0±0,0; a*: 1,4±0,1; b*: 8,6±0,1; S: 51,5±2,3%; PI: 0,2±0,2 meqH2O2/kg oil; R-VC: 62,6±5,7%; R-VD3: 51,0±1,0%; R-VE: 57,2±3,2%; R-Calcio (R-Ca): 98,9%; R-TPC: 50,9±4,8%; R-DPPH: 91,9±1,8%; R-ABTS: 42,1±2,2%.
Baseline maritime aerosol: Methodology to Derive the optical thickness and scattering properties

Satellite measurements of the global distribution of aerosol and their effect on climate should be viewed in respect to a baseline aerosol. In this concept, concentration of fine mode aerosol particles is elevated above the baseline by man‐made activities (smoke or urban pollution), while dust or sea‐spray elevates the coarse mode. Using 1–3 years of measurements in 10 stations of the Aerosol Robotic network (AERONET) we develop a methodology and derive the optical thickness and properties of this baseline aerosol for the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Defined as the median for periods of stable optical thickness (standard deviation <0.02) during 2–6 days, the median baseline aerosol optical thickness over the Pacific Ocean is 0.052 at 500 nm with Ångström exponent of 0.77, and 0.071 and 1.1 respectively, over the Atlantic Ocean.