Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Determination of Trans, Trans-Muconic Acid in Urine as an Indicator of Occupational Exposure to Benzene

Abstract Recently the determination of muconic acid (MA; milligrams/gram creatinine) in urine has been proposed as a suitable biomarker for the monitoring of low level exposure to benzene. A sample of 171 subjects employed in a factory was studied for personal exposure to benzene [CI, benzene (parts per million)] and excretion of AM. The 8-hour time-weighted exposure intensity of individual workers was monitored by means of charcoal tubes. MA excretion level in urine was determined by high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. The following linear correlation was found between MA concentrations in urine and benzene concentrations in the breathing zone log MA(mg/g creatinine) = 0.549 log CI, benzene (ppm) – 0.18 (n = 171, r = 0.614, p 20 cigarettes/day and 50 nonsmokers) were also determined [geometric mean of 0.207 mg/g creatinine (1.5) and 0.067 mg/g creatinine (2.1), respectively]. In the current study.
Nitrogen-mineralization potential of meadow soils

An understanding of the mineralization factors in contrasting cultivated soils is necessary for accurate predictions of plant-available N. The objective of this work was to determine the N-mineralization potential and mathematical models that can properly describe the dynamics of the mineralization process in 20 meadow soils from Quebec. The mineralization was monitored over 55.4 wk in a laboratory incubation at 20 °C with intermittent leaching. The cumulative mineralization curves in most soils were characterized by definite lags or a sigmoidal pattern and near-linear release with time after 20 wk. The data were best described by the Gompertz equation; first-order models were inadequate. The total amount of mineralizable N and the potential mineralization rate were very closely correlated with the total amounts of C or N (r > 0.73; P < 0.01). The clay content was also correlated with these mineralization parameters and significantly improved the prediction of the cumulative and potential N-mineralization.
THE EFFECT OF DIFFERING LEVELS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ON DISPOSITIONAL MINDFULNESS, TRAIT ANXIETY, AND TRAIT AGGRESSION

p =. 043) and significantly lower anxiety levels ( t =3.370; p =.001) than the inactive group (3). Considering trait aggression, we found significant difference only in the subscale anger among those students who practice sport regularly and those who are inactive ( p =.050, Z =-1.933). The trait aggression total score did not exhibit a relationship with sporting activity in our sample. Conclusions. Intensive and regular physical activity facilitates psychological factors which support individual well-being.
PPI/CNT nanocomposite for novel high capacity removal of the toxic heavy metals, Hg, Pb and Ni from water

In this study, a new methodology is reported for the preparation of polypropylene imine dendrimer functionalized carbon nanotubes and a PPI/CNT nanocomposite. The PPI/CNT nanocomposite was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area and thermogravimetric analysis and this product has been applied to water pollution treatment for heavy metal removal and found to possess uniquely high adsorption capacities for Hg(II), Pb(II) and Ni(II). The effects of various parameters such as initial metal ion concentration, solution pH, PPI/CNT dosage and contact time have been studied. The data were analyzed by equilibrium isotherm relationships (Langmuir and Freundlich) and the exceptional high adsorption capacities (Hg = 2,000 mg/g; Pb = 1,750 mg/g; Ni = 1,650 mg/g) and adsorption rates were correlated by the pseudo-first-order, intraparticle diffusion and pseudo-second-order adsorption kinetics models. The results showed that the maximum adsorption occurred at pH = 7 and that the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetics are the most favorable models for Hg(II), Pb(II) and Ni(II) ions adsorption onto PPI/CNT.
Report on the WPI Conference "Demonstrations as a Teaching Tool in Chemistry: Pro and Con"

The Eigth Annual Worcester Polytechnic Institute Conference on Chemical Education was held on October 15, 1994, and analyzed demonstrations in chemistry lectures in terms of rationale, purpose, and result. Paul Kelter of the University of Nebraska and Leonard Fine of Columbia University were the speakers. It was suggested that for demonstrations to be worthwhile, it is important to ask oneself a series of questions. These questions should consider the nature of the audience, the reason for learning the specific material, and what we actually want the students to learn. In addition there should be consideration about whether the demonstration is appropriate with regard to its place in the course, the interest it can generate, and the class size. When carefully chosen and effectively employed, demonstrations were seen to have the potential to promote an atmosphere of interactive conversation in the classroom and to remove the "lecture barrier"--the situation where the teacher does not know what the students.
Adding ‘things’ to the internet: exploring the spillover effect of technology acceptance

ABSTRACT The Internet of Things (IoT) describes a promising future in which anyone and anything can be connected at any time and any place. This study aims to explore how users’ Internet-based predispositions could influence their IoT acceptance and if there is a spillover of psychological outcomes such as affect, values and cognitive thoughts. The hypothesised research framework is tested using structural equation modelling with data collected from 615 Internet users. Results show that challenge emotions, well-being, and the overall value experienced in using the Internet significantly spill over into users’ behavioural intention of using the IoT. Also, IoT acceptance significantly leads to increased perceived value and degree of well-being. This study confirmed the spillover effects from one technological paradigm to the subsequent one, indicating that technology acceptance could be conceptualised as interconnected acceptance events as opposed to isolated and separated ones.
Lihium and the appLication of its compounds in different fieLds of medicine

Although lithium has not been classified as an essential element for humans, it can influ ence numerous metabolic processes and exert diverse effects in the human body, both positive and negative ones. Its actions enable the use of lithium compounds in therapy of different illnesses. It is mostly used for cure of psychiatric disorders: as a mood stabilizer and for intensifying the action of antidepressants. However, its compounds have been also tried in other fields of medicine: as an adjuvant in patients with thyroid diseases undergoing radioiodine therapy, in dermatology, in cure of neurodegenerative and ophthalmic illnesses as well as in tumour therapy. Lithium displays beneficial action only within a determined range of its serum concentration and an overrun of the safe threshold can cause side effects. Due to this fact, the Li serum level as well as many other factors, e.g.: body weight, creatinine, renal and thyroid functions should be monitored during the whole therapy. Many studies were undertaken to clarify the mechanism by which lithium affects organisms but the results still remain unsatisfactory. Nevertheless, some interesting aspects of lithium action have been revealed, including its effect on the enzymatic activity, neurodegenerative processes, apoptosis, formation of cytokines as well as neurotransmission and oxidant balance.
THE INFLUENCE OF POSTHARVEST STORAGE, TEMPERATURE AND DURATION ON QUALITY OF COOKED BROCCOLI FLORETS

Fresh broccoli heads (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica) were stored at 1C, 5C or 10C from 0 to 14 days. After this postharvest treatment, heads were cut into florets, which were given a short heat treatment and afterwards stored in plastic bags for a period of 8 days. Storage time and storage temperature before processing affected the texture and color, chlorophyll, vitamin C and beta-carotene of cooked florets. The texture of cooked florets was highly correlated with water loss of the raw heads. Significant correlations were found between yellowness, instrumental color measurements and chlorophyll for cooked broccoli. Vitamin C content was affected significantly by subsequent chill temperature storage of cooked florets, which previously were stored at C for a period from 0 to 14 days. After 3 or 8 days of subsequent chill temperature storage of cooked broccoli florets, the vitamin C content seemed to reach almost the same level irrespective of the duration of storage of the raw heads. Beta-carotene content of cooked broccoli florets was stable when raw broccoli heads were stored at 1C and 5C, whereas it decreased towards the end of the storage period when the heads were stored at 10C. After cooking, beta-carotene content remained stable during subsequent chill temperature storage.
Effect of different crossbreeds on chemical and sensory profiling of Istrian dry-cured ham

An investigation has been carried out on the effect of different crossbreeds on chemical and sensory profiling of Croatian representative pork products, Istrian hams. Due to the original trimming of hams (without skin and subcutaneous adipose tissue) the total weight loss was significantly higher (41.67–43.69%) in all three genotypes (Swedish Landrace×Dutch Large Whit ×Pietrain (SL×DLW×P), Dutch Large White×Swedish Landrace (DLW×SL) and Dutch Large White×Duroc (DLW×D)) in comparison with the Italian and Spanish hams with skin and subcutaneous adipose tissue. Hams from DLW×D genotype had a significantly lower (P 0.05). The cholesterol level is low (541.9–555.9 mg kg−1), which makes Istrian dry-cured ham a dietary product. Hams from DLW×D had.
Innovative Course Delivery using Analyze – Group – Design – Optimize (AGDO) Methodology: Case Study of Entity-Relationship Model

Article history: Received: 12 August, 2020 Accepted: 25 September, 2020 Online: 12 October, 2020 Visualization plays an important role in teaching and learning. The ability of the learner to grasp the visual contents are better than that of textual contents. Traditional teaching methods often revolved around instructions and recitation techniques. However, most of these approaches were dormant and did not call for active learning. The proposed AGDOAnalyze, Group, Design & Optimize methodology was inspired by these obstacles and creates an engaging and wholesome experience for the students. A sample of 47 undergraduate students was used to analyses the feasibility and effectiveness of this teaching mechanism. Students first tackled and analyzed the problem statement with their preconceived knowledge. They were then segregated into groups wherein they designed solutions collectively. Finally, they tried to find an optimized solution considering all the suggested designs. Observations were validated based on feedback and how well the students were able to perform. The results revealed that approaches such as AGDO facilitate an immersive learning environment and ensure the quality of teaching. The implications and methodology were further discussed.
Physical activity for health and wellbeing: the role of motives for participation

Health professionals have increasing concern about physical health and wellbeing, as life globally becomes more demanding and stressful, yet people are less active, due to mechanization and automation of work and leisure. Increasing the amount of physical activity (PA) people do is now recognized as a global health priority, but PA continues to decline in many countries. Research on motives for participating in PA shows they have a role in PA promotion. We review theory and research on motives for participation in PA. Then, we describe development and validation of the Physical Activity and Leisure Motivation Scale (PALMS), a 40-item measure that includes eight motives. We report on the international validation of PALMS, showing its robustness to variations in language and culture. We describe the development of a youth version, PALMS-Y, and a broader version that adds motives related to extreme sports. Next, we discuss PALMS research that has examined differences in primary motives based on gender, age, and type of PA, as well as factorial structure invariance. We then consider studies investigating the influence of psychological variables on the relationship between motives for participation in PA and the amount of PA individuals undertake, including self-efficacy, mindfulness, and passion. To aid in the consistent presentation of PA participation motives, we describe a form of motivational profiling for use in research and practice. Finally, we propose ways that motives for participation in PA can be used in interventions to increase PA participation, by matching individuals’ primary motives to the type of PA associated with those motives in large PA samples, or using techniques, such as imagery, to enhance key motives. This should achieve the aim of enhancing health and psychological wellbeing around the world.
Monte Carlo Molecular Modeling Studies of Hydrated Li-, Na-, and K-Smectites: Understanding the Role of Potassium as a Clay Swelling Inhibitor

Monte Carlo molecular modeling simulations have been performed to investigate some of the microscopic mechanisms underlying smectite clay swelling. The systems we have studied represent hydrated Wyoming montmorillonites in which the counterions are Li+, Na+, or K+. For each of these three counterions we have conducted a series of 15 simulations in which the water content is increased systematically from 0 to 300 mg/g of clay. In this paper we introduce a new set of interaction potentials that can be used to study clay-water-cation systems and which lend themselves to future studies of intercalated organic molecules. We compare simulation data for the clay layer spacing with experimental swelling curves and find that the level of agreement is striking. Interestingly, in regions where the experimental curves exhibit hysteresis for adsorption/desorption, these loops enclose our calculated data. This indicates that our simulations indeed represent states of thermodynamic equilibrium, conditions which are harder to achieve experimentally. We are therefore content with our choice of atomistic interaction potentials for the current work. Analysis of the microscopic interlayer structure reveals a qualitative difference between Li+ and Na+ on the one hand and K+ on the other. We find that as the water content is increased, both Li+ and Na+ are able to hydrate, thereby becoming detached from the clay surface. In contrast, we find that K+ ions migrate to and bind to the clay surface during our simulations. Therefore ECC ions screen the negatively charged, mutually repelling clay surfaces more effectively than Naf and Lif ions do. The reluctance of K+ ions to fully hydrate will reduce the tendency of K+-saturated clays to expand. Our simulations therefore provide a qualitatively satisfying insight into the role of K+ ions as a clay swelling inhibitor. Indeed, the differences between Na+ and K+ ions displayed in these simulations may also be of more general relevance to colloid chemistry and physiology.
Factors Associated with Low Immunization Coverage in Children Under Five Years in Asuogyaman District in Eastern Region of Ghana

Expanded Programme on Immunization is one of the most successful and cost effective programmes adopted by World Health Organization and other partners to prevent vaccine preventable diseases which are the major cause of infant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Since 2012, Africa has demonstrated unprecedented commitments in the Global Vaccine Action Plan and this has resulted in the protection of millions of children. Despite this, some infants still remained unvaccinated and at risk of vaccine preventable diseases. Even though, Ghana was among countries which achieved 95% DPT3 coverage, this was not evenly distributed across all districts and Asuogyaman District was not an exception. The study assessed the factors associated with low immunization coverage among children under five years in Asuogyaman District. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among mothers/caregivers in the Asuogyaman district. A total of 401 mothers/caregivers were enrolled into the study and structured questionnaire was used to collected data from mothers/caregivers on factors associated with low immunization coverage in children under 5 years. The caregivers were mostly females, 396(98.7%) with mean age of 28.6(±6.7) years and the majority of them, 216(53.9%) were in the age group 20-29 years. Only 250(62.3%) of the participants had good knowledge on immunization. The level of knowledge of the caregivers was significantly associated with ethnicity (χ 2 =9.83, p=0.043, 16? =0.05"> ), occupation (χ 2 =10.92, p=0.012, 16? =0.05"> ), and place of delivery (χ 2 =4.37, p=0.037, 16? =0.05"> ). Participants who were self-employed were 38% more likely to have good knowledge compared to those who were unemployed (AOR=0.62; 95% CI=0.40-0.95; p=0.030) and those who delivered at home were also twice more likely to have good knowledge on immunization compared to those who delivered at the health facility (AOR=2.12; 95% CI=1.19-3.77; p=0.010). Most of the caregivers, 304(75.8%) had positive attitude and good practices, 346(86.3%) on immunization. Majority of the mothers/caregivers, 353(88.0%) perceive health workers had positive attitude towards them. Conclusion : Immunization services were largely accessible to the caregivers. Knowledge of mothers/caregivers on immunization was low, but they had positive attitude and good practices on immunization. Keywords: Immunization, coverage, Asuogyaman district, Eastern region, Ghana DOI: 10.7176/JHMN/81-09 Publication date: October 31 st 2020
Robust Autocalibration of Triaxial Magnetometers

Self-calibration of a magnetometer usually requires controlled magnetic environment as the calibration output can be affected by field distortions from nearby magnetic objects. In this article, we develop a two-stage method that can accurately self-calibrate magnetometer from measurements containing anomalous readings due to local magnetic disturbances. The method proceeds by robustly fitting an ellipsoid to measurement data via $L_{1}$ -norm convex optimization, yielding initial model variables that are less prone to magnetic disruptions. These are then served as a starting point for robust nonlinear least-squares optimization, which refines the magnetometer model to minimize sensor estimation errors while suppressing heavy anomalies. Synthetic and real experimental results are provided to demonstrate improved accuracy of the proposed method in the presence of outliers. We additionally show empirically that the method is directly applicable to self-calibration of three-axis accelerometers.
The crystal structure of 4-bromobenzoic acid — triphenylphosphane oxide — water (1:2:1), C79H69BrO8P4

Abstract C79H69BrO8P4, triclinic, P1̅ (no. 2), a = 8.8310(4) Å, b = 9.7790(4) Å, c = 20.4514(8) Å, α = 87.361(2)°, β = 78.463(2)°, γ = 76.439(2)°, V = 1682.2 Å3, Z = 1, Rgt(F) = 0.0331, wRref(F2) = 0.0907, T = 200 K.
The interactions between nitrogen dose, year and stage of ripeness on nitrogen and trace element concentrations and seed-borne pathogens in organic and conventional wheat

The effects of N dose and stage of ripeness on Fe, Co, Cr, Ni, Se and N concentration and incidence of fungal diseases were measured in winter wheat grain from conventional (CONV) and organic (ORG) systems on neighbouring areas of a 10-year-old manure-based farm. Principal components analysis (PCA) of the data showed that year had the greatest influence on the results, but that cropping system affected N, Ni, Fe and Se content and incidence of diseases. Attack by Dreschlera tritici-repentis was highest in ORG and attack by Stagonospora nodorum in CONV. Increasing stage of maturity increased incidence of fungal disease and Fe content. Analysis of variance and MANOVA showed that wheat yield was affected by weather (precipitation and temperature), cropping system and N dose. The 10% lower yield in ORG than CONV was explained by a lower amount of plant available N at the same N dose. Nitrogen, Fe, Ni, Se and Co contents in grain were affected by year, while dry matter content was significantly lower in ORG than in CONV. The MANOVA identified correlations between Co and Fe, Ni and Se. Incidence of fungal diseases was foremost affected by weather, stage of ripeness and N dose. Organic cropping increased Fe and Se uptake and decreased S. nodorum attack, but increased attack by D. tritici-repentis. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Evaluation of the Application Value of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Osteogenic Differentiation in New Materials for Bone Regeneration

Previous studies have shown that the decalcified bone matrix was a potential candidate for bone regeneration. However, the decalcified bone matrix has insufficient bone induction ability, so it cannot repair bone defects alone. Osteoblasts were the main cellular component of bone tissue, and the extracellular matrix secreted by the osteoblasts was one of the main components of bone formation microenvironment. Therefore, this study aims to combine decalcified bone matrix and extracellular matrix to construct a new type of bone reconstruction scaffold. In this study, osteoblasts were cultured on the surface of decalcified bone matrix and then osteoblasts extracellular matrix modified decalcified bone matrix were isolated and prepared to compare and evaluate the characteristics of the two materials, including the extracellular matrix and extracellular matrix residues, cytotoxicity, and bone induction ability. Low cell residue and low content of deoxyribonucleic acid were observed in osteoblasts extracellular matrix modified decalcified bone matrix. Compared with decalcified bone matrix, osteoblasts extracellular matrix modified decalcified bone matrix has more organic matrix proteins in bone tissue, such as type I collagen, osteopontin, and osteocalcin. When cultured on two kinds of materials, rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells have good viability. Compared with decalcified bone matrix group, the expression of osteogenic gene and protein of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in the osteoblasts extracellular matrix modified decalcified bone matrix group was significantly up-regulated. Our results suggest that osteoblasts may be the ideal seed cells to improve the performance of engineered bone scaffolds.