Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Detection of key factors affecting specific optical rotation determination in honey

ABSTRACT The effects of honey type (X1), liquefaction temperature (X2) and timing (X3), prefiltering (X4), sample weight (X5), dilution volume (X6), Carrez I (X7) and Carrez II volume (X8), final filtering (X9), polarimeter tube length (X10) and reading system (X11) on the determination of the specific optical rotation (SOR, R1) determination were investigated using the fractional experimental design . X1 and X11 showed strong influence as key factors. Although X1 differentiate blossom from honeydew honey, X11 can mistake the determination of this parameter and thus the classification of honeys. This study sets an uncertain interval (−5º to +5º) of overlapping between the SOR of blossom and honeydew honeys. Automatic polarimeter system showed lower variability than manual. Factors affecting pH (R2) and electrical conductivity (EC, R3) of working solutions were identified as X4, X6, X8, X11; and X4, X7, X8, X11, respectively.
Study on microwave welding of polypropylene by carbon nanotube

Abstract In this article, an efficient welding method by microwave energy is reported. Carbon nanotube (CNT) can significantly absorb microwave and release a lot of heat in a short time. The huge heat can easily lead to a sharp increase in temperature and melt the interface of polypropylene (PP) substrates, which is key to form a new interface between the substrates. After microwave welding, PP/CNT/PP samples exhibit high bonding strength, which is influenced by the duration of welding, the content of CNT and the pressure applied. The maximum stress is about 2.42 MPa, which demonstrates great potential in plastic bonding and material processing.
Total phenolic contents, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L.) having different coat color

Due to its high nutritional value and health-promoting effects, there is an increasing interest in utilizing chia seed in the human diet. The aim of this study was to compare the compositional and functional characteristics of white and black chia seeds that are commercially available in Turkey. Compositional comparisons were done by quantifying protein, oil, ash and moisture contents. The total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were measured using defatted ground chia seeds. Our results revealed that black chia seeds had significantly higher protein, ash and moisture contents, compared to white chia seeds, but no difference was found in terms of oil content (P > 0.05). Conversely, the total phenolic content of white chia seeds (3.52 ± 0.08 mg GAE [gallic acid equivalent]/g sample) was significantly higher than those in black seeds (3.42 ± 0.06 mg GAE/g sample) (P < 0.05). Consequently, a significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed between DPPH free radical scavenging activities of white and black chia seeds, with the former exhibiting 231.5 ± 6.3 m mol Trolox equivalent (TE)/g, and the latter having 197.5 ± 7.4 m mol TE/g. The higher antioxidant activity of white chia seed was further confirmed by calculating IC 50 values (IC 50 of black chia seed = 2.001 mg/ml vs that of white chia seed = 1.735 mg/ml). Finally, we assessed antibacterial activities of chia seed extract and chia seed oil against human pathogens using agar disc-diffusion and agar well-diffusion assays. However, neither of the assays had shown antimicrobial activity against the tested bacteria. Considering the previously published reports, chia seed and chia seed oil seem to possess species-, and even strain-, specific antimicrobial activities. Overall, the results of this study suggest that white chia seed has better functional properties than black seeds.
Effects of Thioxanthene Containing Anti-Psychotic and Anti-Platelet Drug Combination on Mean Platelet Volume and Platelet Distribution Width in Rats

Aim: To evaluate the combined and individual effects of thioxanthene containing antipsychotic and anti-platlet drug on Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) and Platelet Distribution Width (PDW) in rats. Methods: This investigational study comprised of 100 albino rats of both sexual orientation, they were of 300 g to 350 g. We got ten groups, in which each group consisted of 10 rats (n=10). Ozagrel was used as anti-platelet and Zuclopenthixol was used as thioxanthene containing antipsychotic. Rats were treated with defined doses of Ozagrel and thioxanthene containing anti-psychotic (Zuclopenthixol) alone and in joined for three weeks (21 days). Blood test at 0, seventh, fourteenth and last day of study were taken. Mean Platelet Volume and Platelet Distribution Width were estimated from blood tests by using standard research center procedure. Results were accumulated and abridged by applying statistics. Correlation was framed between all days incentive to zero day values. Results: Anti-psychotic drug and antiplatelet drug both showed decrease in MPV with both doses highly significantly (p < 0.001) decrease associated with maximum doses alone and with combination group. In case of PDW all individual and minimum combination group showed increase in PDW values but significantly (p < 0.001) increase in maximum combination groups. Conclusion: Combination of both drugs can cause more decrease in MPV as compare to the individual and in case of PDW combination with maximum doses may cause decrease in values by opposing the results individual therapy. It indicated any Drug-Drug interaction between these two drugs regarding Mean platelet volume and Platelet distribution width.
Improvement in Roller Screening of Green Iron Ore Pellets by Statistical Analysis and Discrete Element Simulations

ABSTRACT In a recent study by the authors, green pellets motion behavior and interactions among themselves and with the equipment during classification were successfully modeled through simulations with the discrete element method using the Hertz-Mindlin with JKR contact model. The present work initially deals with a parametric simulation study of five important variables in a roller screening operation, namely, gap between the rolls for removal of undersize, rolls rotational frequency, rolls diameter, deck angle, and throughput. The effect of the individual variables and their interactions are analyzed through factorial simulation experiments. Following these initial simulations, a response surface methodology coupled to the application of multiobjective optimization was used to identify a setting of the various variables that would allow improving classification performance. Such results led to a proposition of a new configuration for the roller screen, which consisted in a significant reduction in roll diameter and deck slope, an increase in rolls rotational frequency and a reduction in undersize gap. Simulations predicted, for the studied material, an increase in fines removal efficiency from 91.4% for the base case configuration to 97.1% for the optimized case, with a reduction to one-third the contamination of the on-size material, and a moderate increase in the efficiency of properly sized material reporting to the on-size product. Although at the expense of a modest increase in loss of properly sized pellets to the oversize, such optimized configuration is also predicted to be significantly more robust to surges in the feed than the base case.
The Status of the Strategic Task Overload Model (STOM) for Predicting Multi-Task Management

A model for task switching which focuses on the decision making of operators in overloaded multitask conditions is reviewed and new research presented. The STOM model is an ongoing effort and as such, work is now accumulating, which serves to validate the model as a useful predictive method, but also is uncovering uncertainties that require further investigation. Here we summarize the origins of the model, which was informed by past modeling efforts, a literature review and a meta-analysis. We then describe in detail the basic parameters of STOM and the current status of each, before discussing future directions and six uncertainties uncovered when building our understanding of task switching choice.
Combined anticonvulsant effect of nifedipine and pentazocine in experimentally induced seizures in rats

Background: Epilepsy is one of the common disorders of human with a prevalence of approximately 1% of the total population. Majority of seizures can be controlled with available antiepileptic drugs, about 20% of them still remain resistant to treatment. Recognizing this, there is a need to develop newer antiepileptic drugs with therapeutic potential. Present work is based upon the production of convulsions by maximal electroshock in rats. Evaluation of combined anticonvulsant effect of nifedipine and pentazocine on the duration of convulsion and duration of tonic hind limb extension and recovery in rats.Methods: The study was commenced after obtaining approval from IAEC, Department of Pharmacology, Osmania Medical College, Koti, Hyderabad. All the wistar rats were induced convulsions by Maximal Electro-Shock (MES) method and rats showing tonic hind limb extension response were randomised into four groups (six animals in each group). Group 1 received distilled water, group 2 treated with nifedipine 10mg/kg BW, group 3 treated with pentazocine 30mg/kg BW and group 4 treated with both nifedipine 10mg/kg BW and pentazocine 30mg/kg BW. Drug administered by intraperitoneal route. The data analysed using ANOVA and group means with LSD Post Hoc Test. p‐values <0.05 were considered as significant.Results: When nifedipine and pentazocine were combined, the mean duration of convulsions, tonic hind limb extension and recovery were significantly decreased compared to control, nifedipine and pentazocine.Conclusions: The results obtained in this study provide supporting pharmacological evidence of efficacy, possible potential benefit of combining nifedipine with pentazocine in epilepsy.
Magnetite chemistry of the Far Northern Limb of the Bushveld Complex

The boundary between the Upper Zone andMain Zone of the Bushveld Complex is considered to be marked by the first appearance of cumulus magnetite (Eales and Cawthorn 1996). Magnetite associated with the Upper Zone in the northern limb is titanium and vanadium rich (Ashwal et al. 2005). The Main Zone contains a low modal abundance of magnetite that differs from Upper Zone magnetite, with an intercumulus texture and lower concentrations of titanium and vanadium (Ashwal et al. 2005). Whether the Cu–Ni–platinum group element (PGE)–Au mineralisation of the Aurora project and the T Zone of the Waterberg project in the far northern limb is hosted in the Main Zone or Upper Zone remains uncertain. Furthermore, the relationship between the Aurora andWaterberg mineralisation is not fully understood. However, a possible link between the Aurora mineralisation to the south of the Hout River Shear Zone (HRSZ), and the T Zone mineralisation of the Waterberg project to the north of the HRSZ has been inferred previously (McDonald et al. 2017). Alternatively, a separate magmatic basin may have been present north of the HRSZ (Huthmann et al. 2017; Kinnaird et al. 2017; Huthmann et al. 2018). On the basis of mineral chemistry, the mineralisation at La Pucella of the Aurora project has been attributed to the Upper Main Zone of the Bushveld Complex (McDonald et al. 2017). However, the presence of cumulus magnetite in a La Pucella gabbroic unit is not consistent with Main Zone mineralisation (McDonald et al. 2017). To investigate whether the mineralisation of the Aurora project relates to the Upper Zone or Main Zone, we analysed magnetite grains in mineralised leucocratic rocks from Harriet’s Wish, Kransplaats and La Pucella sections of the Aurora project. Aurora magnetite compositions are compared to those from the mineralised T Zone of the Waterberg project. Magnetite grains were characterised in terms of cumulus or intercumulus textures, where the latter could reflect Main Zone magnetite (Ashwal et al. 2005). We compare the results to those previously reported for the Upper Zone and Main Zone magnetite from the Bellevue core (Ashwal et al. 2005). The analysed cumulus magnetite grains are enriched in vanadium, a characteristic of Upper Zone magnetite. However, these magnetites have relatively low concentrations of titanium, and high concentrations of Fe compared to Upper Zone magnetites from the Bellevue core (Ashwal et al. 2005). The relatively Ti-poor and Fe composition is attributed to the exsolution of ilmenite lamellae from former titanomagnetite/ulvöspinel, a feature observed previously in the Upper Zone (von Gruenewaldt et al. 1985). Therefore, the magnetite chemistry is most consistent with the Upper Zone. No significant differences in magnetite chemistry between the Aurora and Waterberg deposits were identified, supporting a possible connection of the two deposits.
Absorption spectrometric macronutrients review of soil health during taro crop production

Abstract The purpose of this study was absorption spectrometric assessment the soil health of the soil from the taro growing areas of Taveuni, Fiji. The soil samples were collected in four cycles during taro cultivation period. The soil samples were analyzed for macronutrients (Ca, Mg, K, P and NO3–-N), soil organic matter (SOM) and soil pH. In general, the soil pH at all sites showed lower than the ideal pH (5.6–6.6) for taro planting throughout the cropping cycle. The results showed the significant loss in SOM from taro planting (15.41%) till harvesting (5.63%). Pronounced decrease in levels NO3–_N (18.29 to 13.86 mg kg−1), P (45.97 to 25.71 mg kg−1), K (77.90 to 22.96 mg kg−1), Ca (62.20 to 27.59 mg kg−1) and Mg (316.10 to 121.48 mg kg−1) were recorded from planting till harvesting for different sites. There was significant reduction in the soil macronutrients and SOM in all the four study sites and some sites showed below critical level and critical to medium levels of these nutrients in the soil at the end of the harvesting period of taro. The statistical analysis of the soil test data confirmed the declining trend of the soil health on the island of Taveuni, Fiji.
Balance among calcium, magnesium and potassium levels affecting Asian Soybean Rust severity

This work aimed to analyze the effect of the variation of the proportions of calcium in relation to the contents of magnesium and potassium in the cationic capacity of change (CCC) of the soil, seeking to propitiate the appropriate balance of bases, so that the soybean plants presented good nutritional state and had conditions of resisting to the attack of Phakopsora pachyrhizi Syd. & P. Syd. The experiment was driven in randomized blocks with eight replications and the treatments consisted of doses of Ca:Mg:K in relation to CCC of the soil being:1) without correction of the bases (original soil with 3,8%:6,6%:2,4%); 2) 35:15:5; 3) 45:15:5; 4) 55:15:5; 5) 65:15:5; 6) 75:15:5. The soybean cultivar used in the experiment was BRS 184, sowed in mud vases containing dystrophic Red Latosol (Oxisol) as substrate. The inoculation was realized in the fenologic stadium V4. The disease severity was determined through visual notes considering the percentage foliate area with visible symptoms of the disease, being calculated the Area Under Disease Progress Curve (AUDPC). The data were submitted to the variance analysis (p<0.05) and fitting to regression models. The balance among the nutrients was analyzed being calculated the index DRIS. The contents of nutrients, the matter dry indexes (MDI) and nutritional balance index (NBI) were inserted in the program ChecarDris for obtaining of the index DRIS. The results appeared that the percentages of 55% of calcium, 15% of magnesium and 5% of potassium, increase larger nutritional balance in the soybean providing to smallest area under disease progress curve (AUDPC), reduction in the severity of the rust (%), besides increase the largest productivity.
Influencing mechanisms of sodium hexametaphosphate on molybdenite flotation using sea water

Flotation using sea water has been considered as a promising alternative to concentrate molybdenite (MoS2) under alkaline conditions due to scarcity of fresh water and increasingly strict regulations on the quality of discharged water. However, the MoS2 recovery with sea water during flotation has not been satisfactory, owing to the depressing effects from the hydrophilic metallic species onto MoS2 surface. This study combines experimental and theoretical studies of MoS2 flotation to investigate how the physicochemical properties of MoS2 vary with the addition of a dispersant, sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP), and in sea and fresh water. Our experimental results show that the addition of SHMP during flotation has increased the recovery of MoS2, via reducing the adsorption of the hydrophilic metallic precipitation onto MoS2 surface. The DLVO calculation confirms that the addition of SHMP increases the floatability of MoS2 by dispersing the formed hydrophilic metallic precipitation (Mg(OH)2 colloids) from the MoS2 surface, via reversing attraction force to repulsion force, thereby improving MoS2 flotation recovery.
Effect of Dioxin on Bone Cell Proteome

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is an endocrine disrupting environmental pollutant that affects bone tissue, although the mechanistic basis of such effect is far from clear. In this study a proteomic approach has been adopted to investigate the disturbance of the osteogenic process evoked by TCDD in an in vitro osteoblast differentiation model of rat mesenchymal stem cells. Stem cells were isolated from bone marrow of femurs and tibias of rats. Progress of osteoblastic differentiation was monitored by measuring mRNA expression levels of differentiation markers from control and TCDD-treated cells after 3, 7 and 10 days of culture in presence and absence of TCDD using quantitative RT-PCR. Analysis of differential protein expression in the total cell lysate of untreated and TCDD-treated cells was carried out over the same time points, using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, computerized gel image, univariate and multivariate statistical analysis, in-gel digestion and tandem mass spectrometry for protein identification. Expression of all measured markers characteristic for various stages of osteoblastic differentiation (Runx2, alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin) was dramatically reduced only after 10 days of TCDD exposure, indicating that TCDD significantly inhibits osteoblast differentiation in vitro. Similarly, the most significant rearrangement of the proteome during osteoblast differentiation was observed following the 10 days of TCDD exposure, at which time the full progress of osteoblast differentiation should have occurred. Overall, 18 individual proteins showed a statistically significant change in abundance as a result of 10 days of TCDD exposure. These proteins were mostly involved in cytoskeleton organization and biogenesis, actin filament-based processes, protein transport and folding. The alteration in cell architecture and increase in cell adhesion were confirmed by confocal microscopy. The TCDD-induced decrease in the expression of calcium binding proteins may interfere with osteoblast calcium deposition, which was in fact reduced by TCDD. Evidence from proteomics and Western blot analysis indicated a decreased apoptotic capability in TCDD-treated osteoblasts. This is the first study investigating, at the protein expression level, the effect evoked by TCDD during osteoblastic differentiation. Interestingly, MetaCore pathway analysis grouped the majority of these proteins around two principal nodes (c-fos and c-myc) suggesting that they may participate in the transcriptional activation of key pathways in TCDD-driven inhibition of osteoblast differentiation. These findings provide clues to the complex interplay between TCDD's action and the regulatory molecules that alter signal-transduction pathways regulating osteoblast differentiation and indicate new molecular players in the effects of TCDD on bone development.
Exogenous application of Salicylic Acid alleviates drought stress of rubber nursery plants in the Intermediate Zone of Sri Lanka

Drought is considered as one of the main environmental threats for plants that limits the growth and development. In the present study, salicylic acid (SA) was applied to mitigate the drought stress of rubber nursery plants. The study was conducted at Monaragala Sub Station, Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka during the dry months from May to September in 2015. The experimental design was Randomized Completed Block Design (RCBD) with five replicates. Treatments were drought-stressed (withholding of water), three concentrations of SA (0.1mM, 0.3mM and 0.5mM) and control(C) kept under regular irrigation. Drought was imposed by withholding water by weekly and lifesaving irrigation was done throughout the nursery period. Measurements were taken on morphological and physiological characters of seedling plants. Plants which were treated with SA as a soil drench at 0.1 mM, 0.3 and 0.5mM concentrations showed significant difference on drought stress plants when compare the stressed plant. Chlorophyll content and stomatal conductance (gs) in seedlings reduced drastically under moisture stressed conditions. Dry matter accumulation also decreased in drought stressed plants as compared to those treated with SA at 0.3 and 0.5mM concentrations. This indicates that the application of SA had a positive effect on stomatal conductance and biomass accumulation under water stressed conditions. In conclusion, the drought-stress decreased the growth of rubber nursery plants to a greater extent and exogenous application of SA at 0.3 mM and 0.5 mM concentrations found to be effective in alleviating drought stress under sub optimal conditions in the Intermediate zone in Sri Lanka.
Domain Redistribution in Lipid Bilayers in the Presence of the Antimicrobial Lipopeptide Fengycin

The general objective of this research was to gain insight into the mechanisms of action of the antimicrobial cyclic lipopeptide fengycin on model membranes. Total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy was used to visualize and analyse lipid phase separation within supported lipid bilayers (SLBs) of various compositions. The initial research investigated the influence of protocol parameters on fluorescent probe distribution and lipid domain appearance within SLBs. The influence of sonication and extrusion during liposomal preparations, choice of solid support containment, and ratio of unsaturated and saturated phospholipids (DOPC:DPPC) in SLBs were assessed. Liposomal solutions passed through an extruder after sonication saw a decrease in TR-DHPE aggregates. Bilayers composed of a 3:1 DOPC:DPPC with 0.8% mol TR-DHPE produced bilayers with even fluorescence, distinct phase separations, and limited photobleaching. Using this optimized protocol, ergosterol was incorporated into the bilayers and domain redistribution was evaluated after the addition of fengycin. SLBs containing higher concentrations of ergosterol were more tolerant to changes induced by fengycin. Following the analysis of these ternary SLBs, extracted lipids from molds with different fengycin sensitivity were use in the preparation of SLBs. Bilayers composed of Alternaria solani lipids were most tolerant to fengycin. A. solani also contained the highest level of ergosterol compared to Fusarium sambucinum and Pythium sulcatum. The redistribution of lipids phases it these membranes could also be attributed to the readsorption of phospholipid-fengycin micelles produced during bilayer solubilization. Overall, the results of these works confirm that ergosterol plays a key role in the antimicrobial activity of fengycin. An increase in ergosterol content strongly correlates with an increase in ordered phases, potentially promoting membrane insolubility as seen in surfactant resistant membranes.