Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Growth and Yield of Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. Var. Corato) as affected by humic acid application

The present study was conducted during the 2016-2017 at University of Sulaimani, College of Agricultural Sciences. This investigation aimed to study the effect of humic acid (foliar application) with three levels; 2.5, 3.5 and 4.5 ml/L and three levels of (soil application) ; 1.5, 2.5 and 3.5 ml/L, compared with the control (spray with water only) on growth and yield components of broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. corato). After 2 weeks from transplanting, the humic acid was added four times to the plants. The experimental design was used is Random Complete Block Design (RCBD), with three replicates was applied and the means compared according to Dunken at 0.05 level. The obtained results showed that soil application in the rate of (1.5 ml/L) achieved the highest results of Plant height (53 cm), fresh weight of main head (403.5 gm) and total yield (50 ton/ha). On the other hand, the highest value of the main head diameter was obtained by foliar application of 2.5 ml/L. In addition, the highest value of TSS was recorded when humic acid as a foliar spray at a rate of 3.5 ml/L, while the amount of NPK were not significantly affected by applications of different doses of humic acid. These results imply that soil application of humic acid at the rate of 1.5 ml/L could be recommended to use in the agricultural field for producing optimum yields.
Effects of three products from Antarctic krill on the nitrogen balance, growth, and antioxidation status of rats

Abstract A few studies conducted over the past few decades have demonstrated the health benefits of a diet rich in marine products, but limited studies have investigated the effects of different krill products on the nitrogen balance and their potential health benefits. In our study, after a 14‐day acclimation period, 50 female Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly assigned to five groups, each of which was fed a different diet, for 28 days. We then evaluated the effect of krill protein complex (KPC), krill powder, and defatted krill powder on the nitrogen balance, growth, and antioxidant activity through analyses of MDA, CAT, GSH‐Px, and T‐SOD. An in vivo analysis suggested that the nitrogen retention rate, protein digestibility, and bioutilization of krill products were equal to those of casein. Moreover, the KPC diet resulted in the highest nitrogen intake and retention among the groups, and the biological value and net protein utilization obtained with KPC were higher than those obtained with defatted krill powder, which was consistent with the weight gains observed for these two groups. The hematological test also showed that KPC contributed to the production of functional proteins in the body. The antioxidant activity analysis indicated that higher GSH‐Px and T‐SOD activities were obtained with krill products and KPC, respectively, compared with casein. The results from this study suggested that krill proteins could promote growth and improve the antioxidant status of an organism. Although further studies on the safety of krill products for human consumption are needed, this work provides insights into the use of krill proteins as a potential substitute for other proteins and restructured foods.
Liquefaction o Kraft Lignin at Atmospheric Pressure

Kraft lignin was liquefied using polyethylene glycol #400 (PEG) and glycerol (G) in a weight ratio of 80/20 (w/w) and sulphuric acid (SA) as catalyst under atmospheric pressure at 160oC. The three independent variables: reaction time (60, 80 and 100 min), percentage of lignin (15, 20 and 25%, w/w), and catalyst concentration (0, 3 and 6%, w/w), were varied resulting in 27 experimental runs. The effect of these reaction conditions on the properties of the polyols was evaluated. The statistical analysis showed that only “the percentage of lignin” did not influence the properties of the liquefied products, however, reaction time and catalyst load were important parameters. The resulting liquefied products were characterized by FTIR analysis.
CORRELATION OF TOTAL LEUKOCYTE COUNT AND PLATELETS WITH THE RECOVERY PHASE IN CHILDREN WITH DENGUE ADMITTED IN AN URBAN TERTIARY CARE CENTER

Nishikant Kotwal1, Milind Mandlik2, Sachin Daharwal3, Kamble Taposhi4, Abhishek Madhura5, Suresh Ughade6 From 1Director, 2Consultant Pediatric Intensivist, 3Pediatric Intensivist, 4Research Officer, Departments of Pediatrics, Colors Children Neonatal and Pediatric Critical Care Hospital, 5Assistant Professor, 6Biostatistician, Government Medical College, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India Correspondence to: Dr. Abhishek Madhura, 18, Gehani Layout Rajnagar, Katol Road, Nagpur 440 013, Maharashtra, India. E-mail: abhishekmadhura.am@gmail.com Received 26 May 2019 Initial Review 11 June 2019 Accepted 14 June 2019
Numerical analysis of the influence of early fuel injection on charge motion in a direct injection spark ignition engine using scale-resolving simulations

This work summarizes the numerical analysis of the effect of early fuel injection on the charge motion in a direct injection spark ignition engine concerning cyclic fluctuations of the flow field. The combination of the scale-resolving turbulence model “Scale Adaptive Simulation” and post-processing routines for vortex trajectory visualization allows for a detailed insight into the temporal resolved and cycle-dependent behavior of the charge motion. In the first part, a simplified engine set-up is presented and used as a validation case to ensure correct behavior of the turbulence model and post-processing routines. In the second part, the computational fluid dynamics model of the real engine is introduced. The application of the proposed vortex tracking algorithm is shown, and a short discussion about the transient behavior of the charge motion in this engine set-up is given. The third part describes the analysis of the influence of the fuel injection on the charge motion at different engine speeds from 1000 to 3000 r/min and variations of the intake pressure from 1 to 2 bar. Finally, the impact on different flow field properties at possible ignition timings is discussed. Changes in mean flow field quantities as well as in aerodynamic fluctuations are found as a consequence of fuel injection.
New approaches towards the discovery and evaluation of bioactive peptides from natural resources

Abstract Bioactive peptides (BPs) play key roles in regulating cellular metabolism, and are therefore of special interest to the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries. Protein digestion is a major route to production of BPs. Biocatalyst-aided processes are advantageous in that they generate protein hydrolysates with high specificity that are non-immunogenic and resistant to proteolysis in the gastrointestinal tract. On the other hand, these approaches are limited by their high production cost and poor diversity of peptides, as well as the requirement for sophisticated analysis for functional validation and scale-up. The recent development of microbial genome and protein databases, together with in silico analysis, have enabled BP design with bioavailability and the identification of new routes for the isolation of BPs from natural resources. In this review, we focus on recent developments in native BP targeting informatics, novel microbial protease mining, and screening methods, which together will accelerate the development of genome-based microbial routes to therapeutic BPs that promote human health and nutrition.
The Geographical Variation and Antimicrobial Activity of African Wormwood (Artemisia afra Jacq.) Essential Oil

Abstract The aerial parts of 16 individual Artemisia afra plants from four natural populations were hydrodistilled and the essential oil analyzed by GC/MS. The oil composition varied quantitatively and qualitatively within and between natural populations and showed no correlation to the geographical distribution. The antimicrobial activity was demonstrated by means of time-kill methodology using the respiratory pathogens C. neoformans and K. pneumoniae. Antimicrobial activity was most prominent within 10 min at concentration 0.75% for K. pneumoniae and within 60 min at concentration 1% for C. neoformans. Investigation of the four major compounds most abundant in the A. afra oil (artemisia ketone, 1,8-cineole, α-and β-thujone) indicated minimal antimicrobial activity when investigated independently and in various combinations against K. pneumoniae.
Effect of milk replacer added Macleaya cordota extract calf body weight and health

This experiment was conducted on 40 newborn Holstein female calves comprising two experimental groups, with 20 calves in each group to investigate the effects of Macleaya cordata extract (MCE), on calf body weight and health which added to milk replacer. In both group calves fed on the same terms. Differently, 10 g /head/ day dosages MCE added to the milk replacer of the trial group from day 3 to day 25. Afterward, calves continued to feed until 3 months old and weighed on the birth, 15th, 40th, 60th and 90th days. At the end of the experiment, there was no significant difference at the weights on the birth and 15th days. However, on the 40th, 60th and 90th days weighing in favor of the control group, a significant difference was found (P<0.05). At the end of the experiment in favor of the trial group, there was a significant difference with clinical pneumonia and aspiration pneumonia (P<0.05). The results obtained in the research; MCE which added the milk replacer as a feed additive indicated no positive effect on calf body weight. From a health point of view, MCE has reduced the incidence of respiratory diseases in particular.
STUDIES ON EFFECT OF FORMULATION AND PROCESSING PARAMETERS ON STABILITY OF KETOROLAC TROMETHAMINE ORALLY DISSOLVING FILMS

Objective: The objective of the proposed work was to study the effect of various formulation and process parameters of solvent casting method on the physical and chemical stability of Ketorolac Tromethamine (KT) in the orally dissolving film dosage form. Methods: KT-excipient interaction study was carried out both in solid state and by processing samples through the solvent casting technique. The samples were evaluated using IR spectroscopy (IR) and X-ray diffractometry (XRD). Solvent casting method was used to prepare KT films using different film-forming polymers, and solvents. The drying temperature and pH of the dispersion were also varied to study the effect of these parameters on the stability of KT. All the formulations were analysed chemically initially and after one month of storage at 40 °C/75% RH. Results: During KT-excipient interaction study in solid state KT was found to be stable. No significant changes were observed in its impurity profile. Interaction between different polymers and KT was observed after the solvent casting process as revealed by IR and XRD analysis. The interaction was further confirmed in the film formulations upon chemical analysis. The polymers showing interaction with KT in XRD and IR were making it unstable chemically and were responsible for its chemical degradation as revealed by chemical analysis. It was also revealed that KT is most stable when processed using water as the solvent. KT was found to be stable when processed at a higher temperature and at acidic pH during film formation. It was found that chemical stability is more when Polyethylene oxide (PEO) and water under acidic pH are used and films are dried at a higher temperature. Conclusion: Both formulation parameters and processing conditions of the solvent casting technique affects the stability of drugs and hence should be studied as part of pre-formulation studies while developing orally dissolving films of drugs.
Effect of Anhydrous Ammonia and Compost as Well as N2-Fixing Bacteria on Wheat Plants (Triticum aestavium l.) Grown in Clayey Soils

Two field experiments were conducted on a clayey soil at the experimental farm of Gemmeiza Research Station, AlGharbia Governorate, Egypt (region Egypt 30 43 latitude and 31 07 longitude ) during winter seasan of 2013/2014 and 2014/2015, to study the response of wheat plants (Triticum aestivum cv. Sakha 93) to application of nitrogen fertilizer from two sources i.e. Anhydrous Ammonia, (AA) at different rates i.e., 0, 50, 75 and 100 kg N fed. and compost (CO) at rates of, 0, 3 and 6 mega gram,( Mg fed.) in presence or absence of bio inoculation with Azotobacter chroccocum on wheat productivity and macronutrient contents. Also, some soil properties after harvest were taken into consideration. The obtained results could be summarized as follows: 1) Straw, grain and biological yields were significantly increased as a result of different treatments application . The corresponding highest values of biological yield (8.86 Mg fed( and (3.96 Mg fed ( for grain yield, respectively were obtained due to the applied treatment of (anhydrous ammonia at 100 kg N fed. + 6 Mg fed. compost + bio). The same treatment led to a significant increase in 1000-grain weight. 2) Content of N, P & K by wheat straw was significantly affected by the addition of different treatments. The highest values (76.9 and 128.4 kg fed.) for N and K content, respectively were obtained due to the addition treatment of (100kg N fed. as AA + 6 Mg fed. compost + bio) while, (26.8 kg fed.) for Pcontent was observed owing to (anhydrous ammonia at 100 kg N fed. + 6 Mg fed. compost). 3) Content of N, P & K by wheat grain was clearly affected by the addition of different treatments. The highest values (87.1, 26.9 and 80.0 kg fed.), respectively were obtained due to the same treatment of grain yield. 4) Highest protein content and protein yield for grains were obtained due to the addition treatment of (anhydrous ammonia at 100 kg N fed. + 6 Mg fed. compost + bio). 5) Maximum harvest index and yield efficiency were obtained due to (50 kg N fed. as anhydrous ammonia + biofertilization) treatment. 6) The electrical conductivity (EC dSm) and soil pH values decreased due to the Addition of treatments as compared with the non-treated plots. 7) Soil available N, P and K were increased due to application of different treatments relative to untreated plots. The highest values were observed due to (anhydrous ammonia at 100 kg N fed. + 6 Mg fed. compost + biofertilization) treatment.
The validity of high pressure IR for detecting the interactions between β-cyclodextrin and imidazolium based ionic liquids

The effects of alkyl side-chain length on the interactions between imidazolium ionic liquids (ILs) and β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) were studied at ambient pressure and up to 2.5GPa. No noticeable changes in the C-H band frequencies of 1-methyl-3-propylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([MPIM][PF6]) were observed upon β-CD addition under ambient pressure. Nevertheless, β-CD addition inhibited the formation of the [MPIM][PF6] aggregated structure under pressures of ≤0.7 GPa. As the pressure was raised to 1.1–2.5 GPa, [MPIM][PF6] aggregated and formed self-associated configurations. This pressure-induced dissociation was not detected in the 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate and β-CD mixture ([BMIM][PF6]-β-CD) due to the long side chain in the [BMIM] cation. This indicates that the alkyl side-chain length of the imidazolium ILs plays a non-negligible role in controlling the order and strength of IL-β-CD interactions. It is well known that the validity of infrared spectroscopy for detecting the inclusion complexation is questionable in the literature. However, this study demonstrates that the combination of high pressure and IR spectroscopy may provide a suitable way to monitor the IL-β-CD interactions.The effects of alkyl side-chain length on the interactions between imidazolium ionic liquids (ILs) and β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) were studied at ambient pressure and up to 2.5GPa. No noticeable changes in the C-H band frequencies of 1-methyl-3-propylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([MPIM][PF6]) were observed upon β-CD addition under ambient pressure. Nevertheless, β-CD addition inhibited the formation of the [MPIM][PF6] aggregated structure under pressures of ≤0.7 GPa. As the pressure was raised to 1.1–2.5 GPa, [MPIM][PF6] aggregated and formed self-associated configurations. This pressure-induced dissociation was not detected in the 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate and β-CD mixture ([BMIM][PF6]-β-CD) due to the long side chain in the [BMIM] cation. This indicates that the alkyl side-chain length of the imidazolium ILs plays a non-negligible role in controlling the order and strength of IL-β-CD interactions. It is well known that the validity of infrared spectroscopy for detecting the inclusion.
The Contribution of Nano-Selenium in Alleviation of Salinity Adverse Effects on Coriander Plants

Nanotechnology is the field of science that opens a large scope of novel application in various fields, especially agricultural biotechnology. Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for humans and animals and appears to be a beneficial element for many plants. There is increasing evidence showing that low selenium (Se) concentrations may build resistance of plants to environmental stresses. For this purpose, a pot experiment was carried out at The Experimental Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, Mansoura University, Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt, during the spring season of 2016, to investigate the potential alleviation of salinity adverse effects by Se application as a foliar spray in the form of selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs) in two concentrations (0 and 50 ppm) on coriander (Coriandrum sativum) grown on a sandy soil irrigated with different concentrations of saline water S1 (ECw=3.12 dS m-1), S2 (ECw =6.25 dS m-1) and tap water as a control S0 (ECw=0.45 dSm-1). These experimental treatments were arranged in a split plot design in three replications. Salinity showed adverse effects on different plant growth parameters as well as total chlorophyll content. Selenium nanoparticles (Se-NP1) at 50 ppm showed the best effects on vegetative growth and total chlorophyll content of coriander plants under different salinity levels of irrigation water. Increasing salinity resulted in decreasing N and K contents in the leaves of coriander plants, but Na increased as a result of some sort of antagonism with K; in spite of that, N and K contents in coriander leaves increased with foliar application of selenium nanoparticles (Se-NP1) at rate of 50 ppm to be higher concentrations compared to distilled water added to the spray as a control 0 ppm (Se-NP0). Values of Na/K ratio in coriander leaves increased as the salinity levels increased while, K/Na ratio was decreased. On the contrary, the values of Na/K ratio decreased with (Se-NP1) spraying at rate of 50 ppm, but K/Na ratio was increased at the same spraying rate under all salinity levels. It is concluded that application of selenium nanoparticles can mitigate salt stress damages on coriander plants; it also leads to increasing in K concentrations and decreasing in Na concentrations under salt stress.
Food Science of Animal Resources

Wet and dry aging methods were applied to improve the quality of three different beef cuts (butt, rump, and sirloin) from Hanwoo cows (quality grade 2, approximately 50-mon-old). After 28 d of wet aging (vacuum packaged; temperature, 2±1°C) and dry aging (air velocity, 2–7 m/s; temperature, 1±1°C; humidity, 85±10%), proximate composition, cooking loss, water holding capacity, shear force, color, nucleotides content, and sensory properties were compared with a non-aged control (2 d postmortem). Both wet and dry aging significantly increased the water holding capacity of the butt cuts. Dry aging in all beef cuts induced lower cooking loss than that in wetaged cuts. Shear force of all beef cuts was decreased after both wet and dry aging and CIE L*, a*, and b* color values in butt and sirloin cuts were higher in both wet and dry aging (p<0.05) groups than those in the non-aged control. Regardless of the aging method used, inosine-5′-monophosphate content among beef cuts was the same. The sensory panel scored significantly higher values in tenderness, flavor, and overall acceptability for dry-aged beef regardless of the beef cuts tested compared to nonand wet-aged cuts. In addition, dry-aged beef resulted in similar overall acceptability among the different beef cuts, whereas that in wet-aged meat was significantly different by different beef cuts. In conclusion, both wet and dry aging improved the quality of different beef cuts; however, dry aging was more suitable for improving the quality of less preferred beef cuts.
The Roles We Play in ICT Based Learning Design: Do Academics Have It All?

Technology has had a significant impact on the pedagogical practice of academics in the tertiary education sector. For most academics, this has meant a struggle to adapt to potentially different approaches to learning design. At worst, technology has resulted in nothing more than the use of traditional methods of learning design in an online environment; delivering content in a seemingly linear way that offers little opportunity to enhance learning and teaching. For others, online facilitation of learning presents opportunities to transform learning into an engaging and authentic experience for the student, utilising sometimes unique approaches available only in the online environment. This paper presents findings from a review of courses offered online across a range of disciplines, and particularly focuses on varying approaches to course design and implementation. In particular, the review of these courses and their implementation sought to better understand the roles being played by academics in the design and development of learning in an online environment, through a lens developed by Goodyear, Salmon, Spector, Steeples and Tickner (2001). The findings of the review highlight the importance of a range of competencies for effective design and delivery of online learning. The authors argue that academics may not be the most appropriate individuals to fulfil some of the roles required for the effective design and implementation of online learning.
COMPARISON BETWEEN EXPERIMENTAL AND SIMULATED RESULTS OF BIODIESEL PRODUCTION BY REACTIVE DISTILLATION AND ENERGETIC ASSESSMENT

- Biodiesel appears to be a likely substitute to conventional diesel. However, the main challenge has been the creation of a competitive advantage for the biodiesel production process in terms of innovation and efficiency. The reactive distillation technique for biodiesel production is possibly a key force to overcome this technological issue because it combines chemical reaction and the separation process inside the same unit. This work presents kinetic data for biodiesel production via the ethylic route and compare them with the methylic one. It also compares experimental results in a 1.5m reactive distillation pilot plant with simulated ones in ASPEN PLUS for ethylic biodiesel production with a molar ratio 6/1 (alcohol/oil). Kinetic parameters obtained for the ethylic study were k o = 8173dm 3 /(mol.min) and E a =27.48 kJ/mol. Indeed, at the bottom of a six stage column overall the ethylic and methylic biodiesel accounted for 60.1% and 67.8%, respectively. Following this, a sensitivity analysis considering 20 stages of equilibrium showed an ester conversion above 97%. The total energy required to produce biodiesel via a conventional batch reactor was 1210W/h for the ethylic route and 2430 W/h for methylic one, while it amounted to approximately 1000W/h for both routes in the reactive distillation process.