Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Investigation into crystal size effect on sodium chloride uptake and water activity of pork meat using hyperspectral imaging

In this study, impact of crystal size on salt (NaCl) uptake and water activity (aw) of dry‐cured pork was investigated by hyperspectral imaging. Three grades of NaCl labeled fine flake, medium flake, and large flakes were used during the 3 day salting period. Spectra and spatial information were extracted from three subsurfaces labeled surface‐1, surface‐2, and surface‐3 for each sample and prediction models were established based on partial least squares regression, synergy interval partial least squares, and competitive adaptive reweighted sampling partial least squares. The overall results indicated that processing with NaCl of different crystal sizes influenced NaCl uptake and aw of pork samples. Distribution maps based on spatial analysis further revealed that crystal size impacted NaCl uptake to a large extent. Thus, in the drive to process meat with lower NaCl content, crystal morphology may be considered in further studies in dry‐cured meat processing. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Meat preservation with salt (NaCl) is a widely applied traditional technique of safe‐guiding meat from microbial invasion because of its effectiveness and the ease of accessing the commodity. Yet, several studies have associated noncommunicable diseases, including hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and stroke to the high intake of NaCl. As a result, several strategies are being developed for reducing NaCl contents in processed foods in a bid to avert these health‐related concerns. Some of these strategies involved studying the dissolution characteristics of salt crystals in saliva, brining with high‐powered ultrasound, among others. Dry‐cured pork is a worldwide delicacy. Thus, for the purposes of understanding how crystal size influence total NaCl levels in dry‐cured pork, this investigation was carried out. The outcome of this study may be considered in the formulation of future research needs in the drive to achieving sodium reduction in salted meat while maintaining quality and salt intensity.
Prognostic value of the acute DMSA scan in hospitalized children with urinary tract infection

Background: Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is one of the major etiological factors of permanent kidney impairment, resulting in renal scarring and severe and pernicious side effects, such as arterial hypertension and renal failure. T he purpose of this study was to clarify the impression of renal parenchyma involvement by first UTI (on the basis of acute DMSA scan) and vesicoureteral reflux ( VUR -on the basis of VCUG/ RNC ) on the renal scar formation (on the basis of late DMSA scan). Methods: Children diagnosed with their first UTI at the Children's Hospital Medical Center, Tehran, Iran, were evaluated. For each patient, we recorded age, sex, results of VCUG/RNC s and acute DMSA scan, as well as those of a late DMSA scan performed 4-6 months later. The results of acute and late DMSA scans were compared along with the results of VCUG/RNC s. Results: This study included a total of 103 children, of whom 16 (15.5%) were boys and 87 (84.5%) were girls. T he mean age was 27.2±27.7 months. T he frequency of renal scars in kidneys with mild ( 28.6% , 8.7% ) and moderate ( 33.3% , 18.2% ) pyelonephritis with or without VUR was not significantly different, while the frequency of renal scars in kidneys with severe pyelonephritis ( 84.6% , 23.1% ) in the presence of VUR was significantly higher than non-refluxing kidneys with severe pyelonephritis (p= 0.005 ). Furthermore, the frequency of renal scars in refluxing kidneys increased significantly with the severity of pyelonephritis (normal 8.3% , mild 28.6% , moderate 33.3% , and severe 84.6% ; p= 0.001 ). T his pattern was not significant in non-refluxing kidneys ( 0% , 10.3% , 18.2% , and 23.1% , respectively; p= 0.062 ). Conclusion: The present study indicates that the incidence of renal scarring increases with pyelonephritis severity in patients with VUR . Furthermore, we can estimate the risk of renal scar formation from the results of acute DMSA scan and VCUG/RNC . Abstract
Characteristics of Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) Mutants Induced by Gamma-Ray

: Kenaf ( Hibiscus cannabinus L.) is known as a multipurpose crop producing biomass for energy thus, the study was conducted to select the elite mutants with higher biomass produced through mutation. Obtained from the National Agricultural Genetic Resources Center (NAGRC) in Korea, t he seeds of the original natural resource named IT202801 (control) were irradiated with 250 Gy gamma-ray. The agronomic performances, genetic variation and histological analysis of the elite mutant lines were investigated at M 2 generation in comparison with the control. Significant differences were observed from the previous three evaluations of the eight mutants. Nine plants, including the control and eight mutants, had little difference in the number of flowering days from July 23 to July 25. The leaf shape of the control was entire, while the leaf shape of the mutant was palmate. Of the eight lines, M 2 IT20-5 showed better performance in regard to diameter, dry weight and seed weight per plant. The random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis produced a genetic diversity of 72.7% within the genotypes used. A dendrogram was constructed based on the RAPD fragments. Differentiation was demonstrated between the control and kenaf mutants. Taken together, the mutant line, M 2 IT20-5, can be useful as a resource for high biomass production.
Living with the demented: experiences and recommendations of elderly non-demented nursing home residents

This study was designed to investigate the experiences and recommendations of elderly non-demented nursing home residents regarding living with the demented, or integration. It was designed to provide descriptive information about the nature and amount of residents' awareness of the demented within their nursing homes, the lifestyle impacts of integration, residents' affective/attitudinal responses to integration, and their integration policy recommendations. A purposive sample of 102 non-demented residents of five Vancouver nursing homes completed a newly-devised client-centered questionnaire. Uni-variate and bi-variate data analysis was done. The results of this study indicate that almost all residents (93%) had some contact with the demented, two thirds (63%) on a daily basis. A lesser number (81%) thought about the demented, half of those (41%) daily. A roughly even split occurred between those with no demented friends (47%) and those with at least one (53%). Most residents (72%) reported that integration had minimal negative impact upon their lifestyle. One in four residents(28%), however, experienced disruption to their daily routines and/or made a conscious effort to modify their lifestyle within the nursing home on a regular basis. Just over half of the residents (54%) had a neutral affective/attitudinal response to
CO2 adsorption of MSU-2 synthesized by using nonionic polyethyleneoxide (PEO)-based surfactants

Abstract Adsorption technology is a well-established technology for CO2 removal. MSU-2 mesoporous silica appears to be very potential adsorbent for efficient CO2 gas adsorption due to its three-dimensional (3D) wormhole framework structures that are highly interconnected which is able to minimize the diffusion resistance of CO2. So far, there is no previous study reported on the CO2 adsorption of MSU-2. Thus, the current study focuses on the investigation on the synthesis of MSU-2 by using different surfactants (Triton X-100, Igepal CA-720 or Tergitol NP-9) and followed by the CO2 adsorption studies on the synthesized MSU-2. The morphology, crystallinity, functional groups, pore characteristics and pore structure of the MSU-2 synthesized were investigated. FESEM images showed that MSU-2 synthesized by using Igepal CA-720 possessed the most uniform and defined microspherical morphology compared to the MSU-2 synthesized by using the other surfactants. Besides, the MSU-2 synthesized by using Igepal CA-720 displayed the highest BET surface area of 938 m2/g and CO2 adsorption capacity of 0.57 mmol/g compared to the other MSU-2 samples. The obtained results showed that Igepal CA-720 is the most suitable surfactant for MSU-2 synthesis compared to the other surfactants in the current study.
Coverage of child health services in rural districts of Ethiopia with the health services extension program.

Improving access to health care services has been advocated widely since the Declaration of Alma-Ata. Despite the efforts to realize this in Ethiopia it is only in the year 2003 that the intention to take the package of essential health services to the kebele level (smallest administrative unit) was realized through the introduction of the Health Services Extension Program (HSEP). The objective of this study was to explore whether introduction of HSEP has improved the coverage of child health services in the rural areas of Jimma Zone. A cross sectional study was conducted in three randomly selected districts of Jimma Zone Southwest Ethiopia. The data collection was undertaken during the months of May June and July 2009. A structured questionnaire was used to interview female heads of sampled households from nine kebeles randomly selected in three Woredas (districts). Data were collected on the socio-demographic characteristics use of health posts child vaccination and childhood diarrhea. Checklists were used for record review. Data obtained were analysed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) V14. Only 64.0% of the kebeles had functional health posts although another 32.0% of the kebeles in the zone had health posts under construction. However most (93.7%) of the kebeles in the zone already had two health extension workers (HEWs) assigned. Vaccination coverage as measured by DPT3 was 67.9% and 10% of the under-two year old children included in this survey had diarrhoea during the past two weeks. Of the 34 (51.5%) mothers who sought help during diarrhoeal attacks 12 (35.3%) of them went to the health post. The first places of treatment seeking were health centres and health posts with equal proportion for both (43.5%). Treatment was sought within a day or two after commencement of diarrhoea for 70.6% of the children. Thirty nine (69.7%) of the 56 children who were given recommended fluids received oral rehydration solution (ORS) or homemade solution. In addition to continuing efforts to improve coverage there is a need to ensure that activities are linked with follow up of vaccination early treatment seeking and proper home management of diarrhoea.
Chromium Trihalides CrX3 (X = Cl, Br, I): Direct Deposition of Micro‐ and Nanosheets on Substrates by Chemical Vapor Transport

The experimental observation of intrinsic ferromagnetism in single layered chromium trihalides CrX3 (X = Cl, Br, I) has gained outstanding attention recently due to their possible implementation in spintronic devices. However, the reproducible preparation of highly crystalline chromium(III) halide nanolayers without stacking faults is still an experimental challenge. As chromium trihalides consist of adjacent layers with weak interlayer coupling, the preparation of ultrathin CrX3 nanosheets directly on substrates via vapor transport proves as an advantageous synthesis technique. It is demonstrated that vapor growth of ultrathin highly crystalline CrX3 micro‐ and nanosheets succeeds directly on yttrium stabilized zirconia substrates in a one‐step process via chemical vapor transport (CVT) in temperature gradients of 100 K (600 °C → 500 °C for CrCl3 and 650 °C → 550 °C for CrBr3 or CrI3) without a need for subsequent delamination. Due to simulation results, optimization of synthesis conditions is realized and phase pure CrX3 nanosheets with thicknesses ≤25 nm are obtained via short term CVT. The nanosheets morphology, crystallinity, and phase purity are analyzed by several techniques, including microscopy, diffraction, and spectroscopy. Furthermore, a potential subsequent delamination technique is demonstrated to give fast access to CrX3 monolayers using the example of CrCl3.
Clinical profile of bronchial asthma patients reporting at respiratory medicine outpatient department of teaching hospital

Background: There is limited information available on the clinical profile of asthma patients reporting at teaching hospital. Objective: The objective was to evaluate clinical profile of bronchial asthma patients reporting at teaching hospital. Materials and Methods: A prospective study of bronchial asthma patients over 15 years of age was conducted at Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Hospital, Jaipur over a year (July 2010 to June 2011). Asthma was diagnosed on detailed history, clinical examination and spirometry having obstructive pattern with reversibility showing increase in forced expiratory volume in 1 st sec by 12% and 200 ml from prebronchodilator value. Besides demographic data, smoking habit, atopic symptoms, and family history suggestive of asthma also collected. Results: Total, 151 cases of bronchial asthma included. Maximum were male (80.8%) and urban (65%). Most cases (52.9%) were in age group of 16-30 years followed by 32.5% in 31-45 years. More than half (55.6%) belonged to the middle class in society. Majority (74.2%) were nonsmokers. Most common symptoms were cough, wheeze, and breathlessness 98.7%, 90.1%, and 88.1%, respectively. Nocturnal awakening was present in 2/3 rd cases. Rhinitis (65%) was most common associated condition. Almost equal number of cases had seasonal and perineal pattern of symptoms, with increased severity mainly in autumn (n = 53) and spring (n = 42). Family history of atopy was present in 1/3 rd patients. Nearly 3/4 th cases were newly diagnosed, and 1/4 th were previously diagnosed. More than 50% of these newly diagnosed asthma cases belonged to moderate severity grade. Among previously diagnosed cases (n = 40), spirometry was used in only 20% cases for diagnosis of asthma, and only 20% had their asthma under control at the time of reporting. Conclusion: Asthma is a disease of young age, with rhinitis as most common associated co-morbidity. Spirometry is poorly used by practitioners in diagnosing asthma with poor control of asthma among previously diagnosed cases. This reflects a lack of awareness of use of spirometry for diagnosis and inadequate advice of treatment.
Ultrasound extraction of bioactive compounds from
 Citrus reticulata
 peel using electrolyzed water

The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of acid electrolyzed water, basic electrolyzed water, and slightly acidic electrolyzed water (AEW, BEW, and SAEW, respectively) as solvents in ultrasound (US) to extract bioactive compounds from Citrus reticulata. The influence of the intensity (17–85 W/cm²) and pulse cycles (0.5–1.0 dimensionless) was investigated in relation to the extraction of total phenolics (TP), total flavonoids (TF), and antioxidant activity (FRAP). The extract obtained with US + SAEW presented the highest values for TP (4,324.32 mg GAE.100/g of tangerine peel) and FRAP (663.69 µmol TEAC.100/g of tangerine peel). The highest TF content was found for US + AEW (691.76 mg EQ.100/g of tangerine peel). Response surface methodology showed that higher US intensities improved the extraction of phenolic compounds. Regarding the flavonoid compounds, the highest extractions were obtained at the central points (intensity (51 W/cm²) and cycle (0.75). The results showed that US and electrolyzed water successfully extracted bioactive compounds from tangerine peel; the processing time was also reduced by around 87.5%. These results were higher than those in the literature regarding conventional extraction techniques. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The combination of unconventional techniques (ultrasound and electrolyzed water as solvent) is characterized as a new methodology for the extraction of bioactive compounds from tangerine peel. This technique is environmental friendly due to the use of fruit residues, as well as the absence of organic solvents, and lower levels of energy use. The extract provided a higher content of total phenolics and total flavonoids than conventional methods. The extract can be incorporated into foods to provide nutritional quality and antioxidant properties. This technique is easily incorporated at the industrial level and is low cost after the purchase of the relevant equipment.
Utilization of Decane, Heptane, Petrol and Hexadecane by Fungi Isolated from Engine Oil Contaminated Soil in Ilorin

Fungi with hydrocarbon degrading capabilities were isolated from spent engine oil contaminated soil obtained from five automobile workshops in Ilorin, Nigeria. Preliminary analysis of degradation of the hydrocarbon was performed using Mineral Salts Medium (MSM). The organisms identified include Aspergillus sp. , Blastomyces dermatitidis, Cladophialophora bantiana, Mucor circinelloides, Phaeoacremonium parasiticum, Rhizopus arrhizus, Neosartorya fischeri, Cladosporium sp. and Microsporium furrigenum . They were identified based on their morphological and cultural characteristics. Findings from this study showed Aspergillus sp . and Mucor circinelloides were able to degrade hexadecane, heptane, decane and petrol as sole carbon and energy source within 20days. Hydrocarbon utilization rate ranged from 0.020 to 0.284 for heptane, 0.0120 to 0.4965 for decane, 0.079 to 0.340 for hexadecane and 0.023 to 0.268 for petrol. Measurement of optical density and pH was carried to determine hydrocarbon degradation by fungi. The results of this study shows that fungi can play important roles in the effective clean-up of hydrocarbon contaminated soils thereby making them environmentally friendly. Keywords : Engine Oil, Fungi, Soil, hydrocarbons.
Phytic acid reduction in canola and camelina meals by fungal fermentation for potential broiler feeding

Canola and camelina meals have been identified as alternative plant protein sources in place of soybean meal for animal feeding. The use of these protein sources at high inclusion levels is limited due to the presence of antinutritional factors such as phytic acid, glucosinolates, erucic acid, sinapines and tannins which have negative effects on production performance of broiler chickens (Thacker and Widyaratne, 2012). Solid state fermentation is a preferred method for enriching agroindustrial residues since it offers several economical and practical benefits (Vig and Walia, 2001). Reports on the chemical composition of solid state fermented canola and camelina meals, and effects of fermented canola and camelina meals on nutrient digestibility and other performance parameters in broiler chickens are limited. In a preliminary study, solid state fermentation using Saccharomyces cerevisiae was conducted with the aim of reducing phytic acid contents in canola and camelina meals. The effect of length of incubation on phytic acid content was investigated. pH of the experimental samples initially reduced between day 0 to 3 and slightly increased between day 3 to 7. The fermentation process reduced phytic acid concentration by 25.7% (from 37.4 to 27.8 mg PA/g) in canola meal and 33.7% (from 36.8 to 24.4 mg PA/g) in camelina meal after 7 days of incubation.
Angiogenesis, apoptosis and re-epithelialization at the foci of recent injury in usual interstitial pneumonia and bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia

Idiopathic usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) and bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia (BOOP) are fibrous pulmonary disorders in both of which there is newly formed connective tissue in distal air spaces. UIP is a progressive and usually fatal lung disease without any efficient treatment, while the prognosis of BOOP is good. In both diseases, an injury of the alveolar epithelium and its basement membrane (BM) leads to migration of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts into air spaces and production of extracellular matrix by these cells. In UIP, the newly formed intraluminal connective tissue lesions cause fusion of alveolar structures and interstitial remodeling, while in BOOP the newly formed connective tissue may resolve completely. One of the major aims of the research on pulmonary fibrosis is to define the mechanisms that lead to persistence of the newly formed connective tissue and thus to irreversible fibrosis in UIP. The aim of the present study was to compare the extent of capillarization, apoptotic activity and reepithelialization of the newly formed connective tissue in BOOP and UIP. The number of capillaries per tissue surface area was measured. Furthermore, the expression of angiogenic growth factors vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) was evaluated in the same areas, in addition to the expression of Flt-1 and Flk-1, which serve as receptors for VEGF. Apoptotic activity was analyzed using TUNEL-method, and the immunohistochemical expression of apoptosis regulating proteins bcl-2, mcl-1, and bax was studied. Finally, the extent of re-epithelialization was studied with the immunohistochemical and ultrastructural localization of laminin-5 γ2 chain, and the sites of synthesis of laminin-5 γ2 chain mRNA. In BOOP, an efficient repair process with good capillarization along with high expression of VEGF and bFGF, and orderly re-epithelialization of the newly formed connective tissue takes place after lung injury. The apoptotic activity of the newly formed connective tissue is also high, presumably leading to resolution of the intraluminal connective tissue in BOOP. In UIP, the newly formed connective tissue showed poor capillarization, inadequate re-epithelialization and low apoptotic activity. The results suggest disturbed or delayed repair process in UIP, contributing to irreversible interstitial fibrosis and remodeling.
Fe Speciation in Iron Modified Natural Zeolites as Sustainable Environmental Catalysts

Natural purified mordenite from Palmarito de Cauto (ZP) deposit, Cuba, was subjected to a hydrothermal ion exchange process in acid medium with Fe2+ or Fe3+ salts (Fe2+ZP and Fe3+ZP). The set of samples was characterized regarding their textural properties, morphology, and crystallinity, and tested in the NO reduction with CO/C3H6. Infrared spectroscopy coupled with NO as a probe molecule was used to give a qualitative description of the Fe species’ nature and distribution. The exchange process caused an increase in the iron loading of the samples and a redistribution, resulting in more dispersed Fe2+ and Fe3+ species. When contacted with the NO probe, Fe2+ZP showed the highest intensity of nitrosyl bands, assigned to NO adducts on isolated/highly dispersed Fe2+/Fe3+ extra-framework sites and FexOy clusters. This sample is also characterized by the highest NO sorption capacity and activity in NO reduction. Fe3+ZP showed a higher intensity of nitrosonium (NO+) species, without a correlation to NO storage and conversion, pointing to the reactivity of small FexOy aggregates in providing oxygen atoms for the NO to NO+ reaction. The same sites are proposed to be responsible for the higher production of CO2 observed on this sample, and thus to be detrimental to the activity in NO SCR.