Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of Phosphorylated Sugar Palm (Aren) Starch Using Low Level Sodium Tripolyphosphate (STPP)

Sugar palm or aren (Arenga pinnata) is a traditional source of starch widely cultivated throughout Indonesia. Despite its potentiality to be used as feedstock for food industries, there has been very little research reported on sugar palm starch characterization and modification. This paper describes a preliminary experimental study on the chemical modification, i.e. phosphorylation of sago palm starch using low level of Sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP), and characterization of some important physicochemical and functional properties of the modified products. Starch phosphate synthesis was conducted at an initial pH of 9, reaction temperatures of 120-140 oC, and STPP intakes of 0.5-1.5%-weight based on dry starch. The experimental result shows that Degree of Substitution (DS) of the obtained products is accessible in the range of 0.0013 – 0.0068. An increase in reaction temperature as well as STPP intake leads to products with higher DS values. The modified starch products exhibit higher swelling power (16.57-24.81 g/g) and solubility (9.12-22.79 %-w/w) compared to native sugar palm starch (swelling power and solubility of 14.50 g/g and 7.91 %-w/w, respectively). Phosphorylated starch products also have significantly improved paste clarity clarity and water/ oil absorption capacity compared to native sugar palm starch. The result suggests that phosphorylation is a promising method to enhance the properties of sugar palm starch.
The Future of Learning and Teaching in Next Generation Learning Spaces

Typically New Generation Learning Spaces (NGLS) across the international higher education sector are being designed to support a more student-centred approach to teaching, through more active and collaborative learning opportunities, often using new technology (Keppell et al. 2012). However, the promise of NGLS appear to remain unfulfilled. This book takes a futuristic perspective on these unfulfilled promises, bringing to the fore the key elements of learning, teaching, professional development and design. The book addresses the compelling questions of the decade in an effort to help senior university managers think beyond the pedagogies of yesterday in order to maximize the use and design of physical learning spaces for the future. The book is written in four sections: 1) The future of learning spaces in Universities; 2) The future for learning and teaching in NGLS; 3) The future of professional development for teaching in NGLS; and 4) The future for design in learning environments and spaces.
Refractive Index and Sensing of Glucose Molarities determined using Au-Cr K-SPR at 670/785 nm Wavelength

In this paper, we determine the optical refractive indices of different molarities of glucose using nano-laminated gold/chromium (Au-Cr) thin film via Kretschmann-based Surface Plasmon Resonance (K-SPR) sensing with angular interrogation. The nano-laminated Au-Cr K-SPR sensor detects the glucose presence in low- and high-concentration of 4-12 mmol/L and 55-277 mmol/L, respectively, under the exposure of 670 nm and 785 nm optical wavelengths. The experimental results showed that the minimum limit of detection (LOD) of Au-Cr K-SPR is 4 mmol/L and the glucose sensor sensitivities are in average of 3.41 o/M and 2.73o/M at 670 nm and 785 nm optical wavelength, respectively. Stable sensitivity for each concentration also shown from the sensorgram results, indicates the stable performance of nano-laminated Au-Cr SPR sensor to detect glucose in the range from mmol/L up to dmol/L. Values of refractive indices for glucose molarities obtained are 1.33187 (4 mmol/L) and 1.3191 (4 mmol/L) at 670 and 785 nm wavelength, respectively. These RI values are beneficial for numerical simulation of glucose sensors using nano-laminated Au-Cr thin films which have been reported for the first time. The sensor can be eventually deployed in integrated photonic sensing devices comprising of multiple analyte detection for lab-on-chip (LoC) and point-of care (PoC) applications.
Acibenzolar-S-methyl against Botrytis mold on table grapes in vitro and in vivo

The objective of this work was to investigate the effect of the resistance inducer Acibenzolar-S-methyl (ASM), against Botrytis mold on table grapes in vitro and in vivo. To assess the effect of ASM on mycelial growth Botrytis cinerea, different concentrations (0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 3% w:v) were tested. Treatments were set up in triplicate, in a completely randomized experimental design, and replicated twice. Results were expressed in minimum inhibitory concentrations and effective dose per 50% response of mycelial growth. Healthy table grapes (cvs. Italia and Benitaka) were harvested at full ripe to evaluate the ASM 1% effect against gray mold under artificial conditions. Bunches were split into two groups in order to perform two types of experiments (spray or immersion). For both trials, treated bunches were arranged in carton boxes and stored at 2±1 °C, for one month, followed by one week of shelf-life at 22±2 °C. In order to evaluate the ASM effect against gray mold under field conditions, ASM 1% was sprayed on both cultivars one week before harvest. Grapes treated with iprodione 0.2% with three applications during the season were included as a standard chemical control. Bunches were harvested at full ripe, arranged in carton boxes and submitted to a cold storage process as described previously. Results for the in vitro experiments showed that the minimum inhibitory concentration of ASM was achieved by 3% and the ED50 was 0.04%. Under artificial conditions, for both cultivars, the efficacy of ASM was higher when the grapes were immersed than sprayed. A significant difference was observed for ASM as compared with control. Regarding the effect of ASM against gray mold in the field, the incidence of gray mold was recorded for both cultivars. For ‘Italia’ and ‘Benitaka’ grapes, ASM, iprodione and sulfur dioxide pad reduced the incidence of gray mold by 85, 79 and 77%, and by 80.5, 73 and 82%, respectively. As for the physico-chemical berry properties, none of the treatments were significantly different from the control for total soluble solids, titratable acidity and color index. A single ASM treatment applied one week before harvest is effective for controlling gray mold in ‘Italia’ and ‘Benitaka’ table grapes.
Toluene-induced phase transitions in blue phase liquid crystals

ABSTRACT We report phase transitions in blue phase-forming liquid crystals (LCs) that are triggered by exposure to toluene vapours. Specifically, we reveal that room-temperature cholesteric phase mixtures of MLC-2142 and S-811 form blue phases (BP I, II and III) with increasing vapour pressure of toluene. To probe the mechanism underlying this observation, we investigated the phase behaviour of mixtures of BP-forming LCs containing a range of non-volatile aromatic compounds (e.g. pyrene). We interpret our observations to indicate that the principal effect of small aromatic compounds is to decrease the energy penalty associated with the formation of disclination lines in BPs. We also conclude that the absorption of toluene into the BP-forming LCs lowers the energy required for the formation of disclination cores in the BP phase, thus allowing the elastically favoured double-twist cylinders to form at lower temperatures. We demonstrate that BP-forming LCs containing pyrene can be used to detect toluene at concentrations below 200 ppm at room temperature. Overall, these results guide the design of LC-based materials that respond to VOCs at concentrations relevant to occupational settings. Graphical abstract
3-Dimensional Electric Field Distributions of Castellated and Straight Dielectrophoresis Electrodes for Cell Separation

This paper discusses the 3-dimensional (3D) electric field distributions on the surface and across the bulk volume of dielectrophoresis (DEP) electrodes. The importance of obtained high electric field is to ensure that biological particles will be able to separate even at low voltage potentials in order to avoid damage to the biological particles. Two electrodes - straight and castellated, were designed using the COMSOL Multiphysics Software Version 5.2 to compare the surface distribution and volume electric fields along the x, y and z axes. The results showed that castellated electrodes showcased higher electric fields for both the surface and volume factors along all axes. The maximum value of volume electric field results was 3.94×105 V/m along the x-axis, 3.80×105 V/m along the y-axis and 1.65×105 V/m along the z-axis. The maximum value of surface electric fields distributions was 3.39×105 V/m along the x-axis, 2.87×105 V/m along the y-axis and 1.14×105 V/m along the z-axis. Additionally, the uniformity of the electric field lines distribution from the COMSOL Multiphysics also indicated that castellated electrodes have a much higher uniformity. The experimental results showed that the castellated electrodes separated particles much faster at 69 s, as compared to straight electrodes at 112 s. Henceforth, this has proven that castellated electrodes have a high electric field as it separates much faster as compared to straight electrodes.
Sn-imidazolates supported on boron and nitrogen-doped activated carbon as novel catalysts for acetylene hydrochlorination

Abstract This study mainly reports on the preparation of Sn-imidazolates (Sn(Im)n) supported on boron and nitrogen-doped activated carbon (AC), which proved to be highly active catalysts for the acetylene hydrochlorination. The obtained materials were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, N2 physisorption, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetry, temperature programed desorption, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The catalytic results revealed that the Sn(Im)n/AC materials manifest enhanced activity and long-term stability than SnCl2/AC catalyst. Regarding the lifetime, 10%Sn(Im)n/(10%BNAC-800) catalyst, exhibiting an acetylene conversion of 80% after 40 h of reaction, is more promising in comparison with 10%Sn(Im)n/AC. These results indicate that the use of 2-methylimidazole improve the activity and stability of SnCl2/AC catalysts in the hydrochlorination of acetylene. Particularly, the supports modified with boric acid and melamine can effectively increase the lifetime of Sn(Im)n/AC catalysts.
Essential oils: quality indicators of spices in supermarkets

espanolSe ha determinado la composicion quimica de los aceites esenciales de oregano (Origanum vulgare L.), romero (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) y tomillo (Thymus vulgaris L.) comercializados como especias en supermercados de alimentacion, mediante su analisis por Cromatografia de Gases-Espectrometria de Masas. Se identificaron ciento cinco compuestos que representaron entre el 84 y el 98 % de la composicion total de los aceites esenciales. Se observaron diferencias significativas tanto en el rendimiento como en la composicion quimica de los aceites esenciales de las especias y marcas comerciales empleadas. Los monoterpenos oxigenados (51,58-95,39 %) fueron la fraccion principal en todos los aceites esenciales analizados. Timol fue el componente mayoritario en los aceites esenciales de oregano (79,53 y 27,87 %) y tomillo (30,70 y 18,74 %) seguido de carvacrol (15,42 %) o terpinen-4-ol (9,97 %) en las marcas comerciales de oregano y carvacrol (19,59 %) o borneol (18,00 %) en las de tomillo. 1,8-cineol (36,74 y 47,39 %) y alcanfor (20,78 y 15,96 %) fueron los componentes mayoritarios de los productos comerciales de romero. En las marcas comerciales analizadas se encontraron grandes diferencias cuantitativas en los principales compuestos bioactivos que pueden modificar tanto el aroma como sus efectos beneficiosos para la salud EnglishChemical composition of oregano (Origanum vulgare L.), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) essential oils traded as spices at supermarkets was determined by Gas-Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry analysis. One hundred-five compounds accounting for 84-98 % of the total essential oils were identified. Significant differences were found in both yield and chemical composition of spice essential oils and the trademarks employed. Oxygenated monoterpenes (51.58-95.39 %) were the principal fraction in all analyzed essential oils. Thymol was the main compound in oregano (79.53 and 27.87 %) and thyme (30.70 and 18.74 %) essential oils followed by carvacrol (15.42 %) or terpinen-4-ol (9.97 %) in oregano trademarks and carvacrol (19.59 %) or borneol (18.00 %) in thyme trademarks. 1,8-cineole (36.74 and 47.39 %) and camphor (20.78 and 15.96 %) were the main compounds in commercial rosemary food items. Large differences in the amount of the main bioactive compounds that can affect both aroma and health benefits are found in the analyzed trademarks.
Lateral 1.8 kV $\beta$ -Ga2O3 MOSFET With 155 MW/cm2 Power Figure of Merit

Lateral <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\beta $ </tex-math></inline-formula>-Ga<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> MOSFET for power switching applications with a 1.8 kV breakdown voltage and a record power figure of merit of 155 MW/cm<sup>2</sup> are demonstrated. Sub-<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mu \text{m}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> gate length combined with gate recess was used to achieve low ON-state resistances with reasonable threshold voltages above −24 V. The combination of compensation-doped high-quality crystals, implantation-based inter-device isolation, and SiN<sub><italic>x</italic></sub>-passivation yielded in consistently high average breakdown field strengths of 1.8–2.2 MV/cm for gate–drain spacings between 2 and 10 <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mu \text{m}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>. These values outperform the results of more established wide-bandgap device technologies, such as SiC or GaN, and the major Ga<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> material promise—a higher breakdown strength—is well demonstrated.
Scalable Locally Injective Mappings

We present a scalable approach for the optimization of flip-preventing energies in the general context of simplicial mappings and specifically for mesh parameterization. Our iterative minimization is based on the observation that many distortion energies can be optimized indirectly by minimizing a family of simpler proxy energies. Minimization of these proxies is a natural extension of the local/global minimization of the ARAP energy. Our algorithm is simple to implement and scales to datasets with millions of faces. We demonstrate our approach for the computation of maps that minimize a conformal or isometric distortion energy, both in two and three dimensions. In addition to mesh parameterization, we show that our algorithm can be applied to mesh deformation and mesh quality improvement.
Quality by Design Approach for Development and Characterisation of  Solid Lipid Nanoparticles of Quetiapine Fumarate

Background Quetiapine fumarate, a 2nd generation anti-psychotic drug has oral bioavailability of 9% because of hepatic first pass metabolism. Reports suggest that co-administration of drugs with lipids affects their absorption pathways, enhances lymphatic transport thus bypassing hepatic first-pass metabolism resulting in enhanced bioavailability. Objective The present work aimed at developing, and characterising potentially lymphatic absorbable Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLN) of quetiapine fumarate by Quality by Design approach. Methods Hot emulsification followed by ultrasonication was used as a method of preparation. Precirol ATO5, Phospholipon 90G and Poloxamer 188 were used as a lipid, stabilizer and surfactant respectively. A32 Central Composite design optimised the 2 independent variables, lipid concentration and stabilizer concentration and assessed their effect on percent Entrapment Efficiency (%EE: Y1). The lyophilized SLNs were studied for stability at 5 ±3οC and 25 ± 2οC/60 ± 5% RH for 3 months. Results The optimised formula derived for SLN had 270mg Precirol ATO5 and 107mg of Phospholipon 90G giving %EE of 76.53%. Mean particle size was 159.8nm with polydispersity index 0.273 and zeta potential -6.6mV. In-vitro drug release followed Korsmeyer-Peppas kinetics (R2=0.917) with release exponent n=0.722 indicating non-Fickian diffusion. Transmission electron microscopy images exhibited particles to be spherical and smooth. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction studies ascertained drug-excipient compatibility. Stability studies suggested 5οC as appropriate temperature for storage and preserving important characteristics within acceptable limits. Conclusion Development and optimisation by Quality by Design were justified as it yielded SLN having acceptable characteristics and potential application for intestinal lymphatic transport.
Evaluation of the actin binding natural compounds Miuraenamide A and Chivosazole A

Part 1: Miuraenamide A, a novel actin stabilizing compound, selectively inhibits cofilin binding to F-actin Actin binding compounds such as phalloidin, jasplakinolide and latrunculin are widely used tools in cell biology regulating actin dynamics. Jasplakinolide is a prototypic actin stabilizer which binds to F-actin with no effect on ABPs (cofilin, gelsolin, profilin). In contrast miuraenamide A, as a new actin stabilizer, competes exclusively with cofilin for binding to F-actin. Notably, the molecular basis for this difference still remains to be determined. To investigate whether this difference is due to a specific binding site in miuraenamide A we performed molecular dynamics simulations. These simulations suggest that the bromophenol group of miurenamide A interacts with actin residues Tyr133, Tyr143, and Phe352. This interaction shifts the D-loop of the neighboring actin, creating tighter packing of the monomers, and blocks the binding site of cofilin. We found that miuraenamide A shows activity similar to jasplakinolide both in vitro with respect to polymerization, depolymerization, branching, nucleation and in vivo with respect to cell proliferation, migration. However, gene expression in HUVEC cells was differentially affected by both compounds, indicating functional differences. We found that relatively small changes in the molecular structure give rise to this selectivity, suggesting that actin binding compounds might serve as promising scaffolds for creating actin binders with specific functionality instead of just “stabilizers”. Part 2: Chivosazole A modulates protein-protein-interactions of actin Actin is a protein of central importance for many cellular key processes. Its function is regulated by local interactions with a large number of ABPs. To date, various compounds are known either increasing or decreasing polymerization dynamics of actin. However, no actin binding compound has been developed for clinical applications yet, due to selectivity issues. We provide a crystal structure of the natural product chivosazole A bound to actin, and show that – in addition to inhibiting nucleation, polymerization and severing of F-actin filaments – it selectively modulates binding of ABPs to G-actin: while unphysiological actin dimers are induced by chivosazole A, interaction with of gelsolin, profilin, cofilin and thymosin β4 is inhibited. Moreover, chivosazole A causes transcriptional effects differing from latrunculin B, an actin binder with a different binding site. Thus, our data show that chivosazole A and related compounds could serve as scaffolds for the development of actin binding molecules selectively targeting specific actin functions.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi improve the growth and phosphorus uptake of mung bean plants fertilized with composted rock phosphate fed dung in alkaline soil environment

Abstract Inoculation effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on phosphorus (P) transfer from composted dung of cattle with a diet supplemented with powdered rock phosphate (RP) and their successive uptake by mung bean plants was assessed in alkaline soil. The efficacy of composted RP fed dung alone or/and in combination with AMF inoculums containing six different species were compared with SSP in six replicates per treatment in pots. The results showed that the association of AMF with composted RP fed dung had a positive effect on mung bean shoot (3.04 g) and root (2.62 g) biomass, chlorophyll (a, b), carotenoid contents and N (58.38 mg plant−1) and P (4.61 mg plant−1) uptake. Similarly, the percent roots colonization (56%) and nodulation of mung bean plant roots and their post-harvest soil properties were also improved by the inoculation of AMF together with composted RP fed dung. It is concluded that the combined application of AMF with composted RP fed dung has almost the same effect as SSP for improving mung bean plants growth and their nutrients uptake. Moreover, AMF inoculants can be used as a suitable biofertilizer in combination with locally available organic sources of fertilizers for improving P status and growth of plants in alkaline soils.
Predicted ultrafine particulate matter source contribution across the continental United States during summertime air pollution events

Abstract. The regional concentrations of airborne ultrafine particulate matter mass (Dp<0.1 µm; PM0.1) were predicted in 39 cities across the United States (US) during summertime air pollution episodes. Calculations were performed using a regional source-oriented chemical transport model with 4 km spatial resolution operating on the National Emissions Inventory created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Measured source profiles for particle size and composition between 0.01 and 10 µm were used to translate PM total mass to PM0.1. Predicted PM0.1 concentrations exceeded 2 µg m−3 during summer pollution episodes in major urban regions across the US including Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, Houston, Miami, and New York. PM0.1 spatial gradients were sharper than PM2.5 spatial gradients due to the dominance of primary aerosol in PM0.1. Artificial source tags were used to track contributions to primary PM0.1 and PM2.5 from 15 source categories. On-road gasoline and diesel vehicles made significant contributions to regional PM0.1 in all 39 cities even though peak contributions within 0.3 km of the roadway were not resolved by the 4 km grid cells. Cooking also made significant contributions to PM0.1 in all cities but biomass combustion was only important in locations impacted by summer wildfires. Aviation was a significant source of PM0.1 in cities that had airports within their urban footprints. Industrial sources, including cement manufacturing, process heating, steel foundries, and paper and pulp processing, impacted their immediate vicinity but did not significantly contribute to PM0.1 concentrations in any of the target 39 cities. Natural gas combustion made significant contributions to PM0.1 concentrations due to the widespread use of this fuel for electricity generation, industrial applications, residential use, and commercial use. The major sources of primary PM0.1 and PM2.5 were notably different in many cities. Future epidemiological studies may be able to differentiate PM0.1 and PM2.5 health effects by contrasting cities with different ratios of PM0.1∕PM2.5. In the current study, cities with higher PM0.1∕PM2.5 ratios (ratio greater than 0.10) include Houston, TX, Los Angeles, CA, Bakersfield, CA, Salt Lake City, UT, and Cleveland, OH. Cities with lower PM0.1 to PM2.5 ratios (ratio lower than 0.05) include Lake Charles, LA, Baton Rouge, LA, St. Louis, MO, Baltimore, MD, and Washington, D.C.