Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A cost-effective method to prepare size-controlled nanoscale zero-valent iron for nitrate reduction

Nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) has proved to be an effective tool in applied environmental nanotechnology, where the decreased particle diameter provides a drastic change in the properties and efficiency of nanomaterials used in water purification. However, the agglomeration and colloidal instability represent a problematic and a remarkable reduction in nZVI reactivity. In view of that, this study reports a simple and cost-effective new strategy for ultra-small (< 7.5%) distributed functionalized nZVI-EG (1-9 nm), with high colloidal stability and reduction capacity. These were obtained without inert conditions, using a simple, economical synthesis methodology employing two stabilization mechanisms based on the use of non-aqueous solvent (methanol) and ethylene glycol (EG) as a stabilizer. The information from UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy suggests iron ion coordination by interaction with methanol molecules. Subsequently, after nZVI formation, particle-surface modification occurs by the addition of the EG. Size distribution analysis shows an average diameter of 4.23 nm and the predominance (> 90%) of particles with sizes < 6.10 nm. Evaluation of the stability of functionalized nZVI by sedimentation test and a dynamic light-scattering technique, demonstrated very high colloidal stability. The ultra-small particles displayed a rapid and high nitrate removal capacity from water.
COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on Sexually Transmitted Infection Testing in a College Setting

Objective: Assess the impact of the pandemic on STI (sexually transmitted infections) testing in a college health setting. Design: Exploratory analysis of the number of STI tests done, positive rates for those tests and of percentage of compliance to follow-up from March to December 2020 and its comparison with historical data at the University Health Services, UW-Madison. Sample: students STI tests during the analyzed period. Measurement: Observed (2020) vs Expected (2015-2019, average) number of STI tests, positive rate, compliance to follow-up testing for STIs. Results: There was a significant decrease in the number of tests done and increase of positive rate when compared to historical for total sample and per sex. There was a decrease in the percentage of follow-up for the entire sample and females and an increase for males. Conclusions: Considering the three outcomes assessed, we observe an impact in STI testing during the pandemic. In concordance with national data, our analysis shows significant declines in STI testing and follow-up during 2020 compared to previous years and an increase in positivity rate. The finding of higher positivity with lower number of tests is likely due to triaging patients, facilitating testing for those at highest risk of infection.
The Physiological Status of Acclimatized Simmental Cattle of the Austrian Selection in the Biogeochemical Conditions of the Lower Volga Region

The Lower Volga region, including Astrakhan, Volgograd and Saratov regions of the Russian Federation, is characterized by a deficit of iodine, selenium and cobalt in the main components of biogeocenoses. In 2000-2016 in soil, plants, water, organs and tissues of ruminants (total 2911 samples), selected in the Astrakhan region, the atomic adsorption spectrophotometry (Hitachi 180-50, Japan) was used to determine the content of manganese, cobalt, zinc, copper, selenium, iodine, calcium, phosphorus. In addition to iodine, selenium and cobalt deficiency, low copper (from 1.1 to 19.0 mg/kg of dry matter) and molybdenum (within 0.2±12.8 mg/kg of dry matter) were found in the plants of the region. In the hay of natural lands an increased content of calcium and phosphorus was found – 2.6 and 1.2 times higher compared to the recommended norms. In the studied water samples the excess of hydrochemical parameters on hardness – in 4.4 times, magnesium content – 2.4 times, chlorides – 1.4 times, and the presence of ammonia salt was established. The current biogeochemical situation in Astrakhan region is stressful for Simmental cattle imported from Austria, where the climate and composition of plant feed is different. To assess the physiological status of imported animals 5 different age groups of Simmentals were selected 10 heads in each: 1-4 months old calves, bulls on fattening, heifers and cows. The hematological parameters, alkaline reserve, total calcium content in the blood plasma (serum), inorganic phosphorus, vitamins A, E, ascorbic acid, total protein, total lipids, cholesterol, glucose, adrenocorticosterone, cortisol, thyroxine, diene conjugates, malonic dialdehyde, Schiff bases, catalase activity, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in blood, peroxide resistance of erythrocytes were determined in the animals. The number of erythrocytes in the blood of cows exceeded the upper limit of the physiological norm by 17.2%, the concentration of hemoglobin – by 42.1, in all observed animals there was a shift of leukoformula to the right. Biochemical parameters of blood in all age groups of cattle were on the lower limit of norm (vitamin A, total protein, alkaline reserve, and the antioxidant enzymes activity) or below norm (glucose, thyroxine, total calcium, inorganic phosphorus), that along with an imbalance in the system “lipid peroxidation-antioxidant protection” was the evidence of incomplete adaptation to new climatic and geochemical conditions of the environment. Changes in the endocrine and metabolic profile of animals are considered as the main reasons for reducing their milk production and incomplete use of genetic potential.
Impact of land use and geological conditions on selected physical soil properties in relation to the earthworm abundance and biomass along an altitudinal gradient in Slovakia

Abstract The aim of the study was to analyse the impact of land use and altitudinal gradient including geological conditions on selected soil physical properties with subsequent effect on earthworms as important soil organisms. The research was conducted at three study sites (Očová – OC, Tajov – TA, Liptovská Teplička – LT) situated in the different climatic and natural conditions of Slovakia each with 3 plots differing in land use (arable land - AL, permanent grasslands – PG, forest land – FL). During 2014 over two periods, we measured soil penetration resistance (PR) with total depth of the measurement (DP) and soil moisture (SM). Earthworms were hand sorted counted and weighed. We found out high variability of measured parameters conditioned by time, space (altitudinal gradient) and land use. PR values of all measurements ranged from 0.19 to 5.00 MPa, DP values from 0.02 to 0.80 m and soil moisture from 2 to 50%. Paired samples test confirmed differences between different land use types mainly between AL and FL plots. There were confirmed significant differences between three ecological gradients in all observed properties with one exception. Correlations among observed variables under different altitudinal gradients and land use types were found. The earthworm density and biomass was significantly higher in permanent grasslands compared to forest and arable land. In arable land, the earthworm density and biomass negatively correlated with the penetration resistance and positively with the depth of the total measurements. In permanent grasslands earthworm biomass positively correlated with soil moisture.
Hydroethanolic Extract, Naringin and Naringenin in N-Acetyl-P-aminophenol-administered Wistar Rats

| The purpose of present study was to assess the nephropreventive and antioxidant effects of navel orange peel hydroethanolic extract, naringin and naringenin in N-acetyl-p-aminophenol (APAP)-administered male Wistar rats. APAP was administered at dose 0.5 g/kg/b.w. every other day by oral gavage for 4 weeks to male Wistar rats. APAPadministered rats were treated with navel orange peel hydroethanolic extract (50 mg/kg b.w.), naringin (20 mg/kg b.w.) and naringenin (20 mg/kg b.w.) every other day by oral gavage during the same period of APAP administration. The treatment of APAP-administered rats with navel orange peel extract, naringin and naringenin significantly improved the kidney function manifested by a significant decrease in the elevated serum urea, uric acid and creatinine levels. In association, the deteriorated kidney histological changes represented by congestion, hypertrophied glomerulus, vacuolization of the endothelial cells lining the glomerular tuft and interstitial nephritis in APAP-administered rats were remarkably amended. The elevated kidney lipid peroxidation and the lowered glutathione content as well as the suppressed antioxidant enzymes activities were significantly ameliorated. In conclusion, the navel orange peel hydroethanolic extract, naringin and naringenin have improvement effects on kidney function and structural integrity which may be mediated at least in part to via their antioxidant efficiencies.
Development and Evaluation of Terbinafine Hydrochloride Polymeric Microsponges for Topical Drug Delivery

The objective of the present study was to develop and evaluate sustained delivery of terbinafine hydrochloride from topical polymeric microsponges. Microsponges of ethyl cellulose containing terbinafine hydrochloride were prepared by quasi emulsion solvent diffusion method. Effect of drug polymer ratio on active drug content, particle size and entrapment efficiency were studied. Drug polymer ratio greatly affects properties (entrapment efficiency, active drug content, particle size) of microsponges. Terbinafine hydrochloride microsponges showed highest actual drug content, entrapment efficiency and smaller particle size, so 1.5:1 ratio of drug and polymer was selected for optimization study. Optimization study was carried out by taking internal phase volume, stirring rate, emulsifier concentration as independent variables and their effects on entrapment efficiency, particle size were studied. It was found that as stirring speed increases, the particle size decreases and entrapment efficiency increases, while as volume of dichloromethane increases, particle size decreases. Morphology of obtained microsponges was revealed by scanning electron microscope and was found to be porous and spherical. Optimized formulation of microsponge was dispersed in Carbopol gel and evaluated for drug content, pH, viscosity and in vitro drug release. Release of drug was found to be sustained through microsponge gel as compared to marketed product and pure drug gel. Ex vivo drug deposition study was carried using rat abdominal skin. Drug deposition was found to be satisfactory. Prepared polymeric microsponges could be a potential topical drug delivery system in antifungal therapy.
The dynamic changes of main cell types in the microenvironment of sciatic nerves following sciatic nerve injury and the influence of let-7 on their distribution

Schwann cells (SCs), fibroblasts and macrophages are the main cells in the peripheral nerve stumps. These three types of cell play important roles in regulating the regeneration microenvironment and improving the regeneration effect through a variety of manual interventions. However, the dynamic distribution of these cells during the different stages of peripheral nerve regeneration remain unclear. In this study, we systematically explored the number/ratio and distribution changes of SCs, fibroblasts, and macrophages at different time points after sciatic nerve injury. Moreover, considering that let-7 is an ideal molecule for regulating the regeneration environment, we further studied the entrance and influence of let-7 antagomir on these three main cell types. Collectively, our current study revealed the cell basis of the microenvironment of peripheral nerve regeneration and indicated that let-7 could modify the regenerative microenvironment by regulating the number/ratio and distribution of SCs, fibroblasts, and macrophages. Our study would help to open a new potential therapeutic window for peripheral nerve injury.
A study of droplet burning in the nearly adiabatic limit

A Study of Droplet Burning in the Nearly Adiabatic Limit by Juan C. Gomez We consider a small drop of liquid fuel that burns in an oxidizing gaseous environment and translates slowly (relative to flow 'at infinity') under the action of gravity. Practical applications include the burning of liquid fuels as sprays in domestic and industrial oil-fired burners, diesel engines, and liquid-propellant rocket motors. More relevant to the simple physical set-up of the present study are wellcharacterized laboratory experiments on the burning of a single, isolated fuel drop. The drop burns in a nearly spherical, diffusion flame, flame sheet regime. We consider a specific example, or limit, referred to as 'nearly adiabatic burning', in which the temperature of the gas mixture at the flame sheet is close to the ambient temperature at infinity. Temperature gradients everywhere outside the flame sheet are therefore small. The problem is solved by perturbation methods, primarily, with a distinguished limit between the inverse nondimensional activation energy E and the translational Reynolds number Re. We include time dependence far from the drop as a quasisteady effect, and this influences the near field region of the drop via matching between near field and far field. Evaluation of quantities such as the 'drag' force exerted by the fluid on the drop, the flame sheet shape, and the speed of translation necessitates numerical solution of a higher order problem in the perturbation scheme. Results predicted for the behavior of a heptane fuel drop will be presented. A STUDY OF DROPLET BURNING IN THE NEARLY ADIABATIC LIMIT
Fractional excretion of urea and fractional excretion of sodium in differentiation of the acute kidney injury in eastern state of Jharkhand, Ranchi, India

1 Assistant Professor, Lakhiram Agrawal Memorial Govt. Medical College, Raigarh, CG, India 2,3 Professor & HoD, Dept. of General Medicine, RIMS, Ranchi Corresponding Author Dr Jitendra Kumar Naik (M.D. General Medicine) Assistant Professor, Lakhiram Agrawal Memorial Govt. Medical College, Raigarh, CG, India Abstract Background: Acute kidney injury is the sudden impairment of kidney function, resulting in the retention of urea and other nitrogenous waste products normally cleared by the kidney. Main objective of the present study is to compare the fractional excretion of urea (FEUrea) and fractional excretion of sodium (FENa) in differential diagnosis of Acute Kidney Injury. Research Design: Clinical observation and experimental design were done for the purpose of present study. Method: We are selected in participants for the present study, these consecutive randomly admitted patients in the department of medicine in Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India. Sample: Total 75 Patients were selected in the present study. Result: Finding of the present study fractional excretion of sodium (FENa) ROC curve (0.957), standard error (0.039), 95% of confidence interval (0.835 to 0.995) and the level of significant in p-value (0.5) is 0.0001; fractional excretion of urea (FEUrea) ROC curve is 0.976, standard error (0.028), 95% of confidence interval (0.865 to 0.995) and the level of significant in p value (0.5) is 0.0001. Conclusion: Finding of the result concluded that the FEUrea showed higher sensitivity and specificity in differentiating prerenal from intrinsic AKI in patients irrespective of diuretic exposure.
LPS-Induced iNOS mRNA and the Pro-Apoptotic Signaling Pathway in Leukocytes of Fit and Unfit Males

iv Chapter 1: Introduction . 1 Specific Aims . 3 Chapter 2: Literature Review . 4 Innate Immune Function . 4 Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase . 6 Aerobic Exercise . 9 Chapter 3: Methodology . 15 Chapter 4: Results . 20 Chapter 5: Discussion . 22 Table 1 . 28 Figure 1 . 29 Figure 2 . 30 Figure 3 . 31 Figure 4 . 32 References . 33 Curriculum Vitae . 41
Electronic properties and compressional behavior of Fe–Si alloys at high pressure

Abstract Planetary cores are composed mainly of Fe with minor elements such as Ni, Si, O, and S. The physical properties of Fe alloys depend on their composition. Changes in c/a ratio, center shifts, and elastic properties of Fe and Fe–Ni alloys were reported previously. However, such properties of Fe light-element alloys have not yet been extensively studied. Si is a plausible candidate as a light element in planetary cores. Therefore, we studied the electronic properties and compressional behavior of Fe-Si alloys with a hexagonal-close-packed (hcp) structure under high pressure using synchrotron Mössbauer spectroscopy (SMS) and X‑ray diffraction (XRD). Center shifts (CS) were observed at pressures of 21.4–45.3 GPa for Fe-2.8wt%Si and of 30.9–62.2 GPa for Fe-6.1wt%Si. Some of SMS and XRD measurements were performed under the same conditions using a newly developed system at the BL10XU beamline of SPring-8, which allowed simultaneous characterization of the electron information and crystal structure. Changes in the CS values were observed at 36.9 GPa in Fe-2.8wt%Si and 54.3 GPa in Fe-6.1wt%Si. The ratios of c/a in the hcp structure were measured at pressures of 21.2–49.6 GPa in Fe-2.8wt%Si and 32.9–61.4 GPa in Fe-6.1wt%Si. The c/a ratio changed at pressures of 30–45 GPa in Fe-2.8wt%Si and at 50 GPa in Fe-6.1wt%Si. Changes in the CS and c/a ratio were explained according to the electronic isostructural transition in Fe–Si alloys. In addition, the transition pressure increased with increasing Si content in metallic iron. This finding is significant as changes in seismic wave velocities due to the change in c/a ratio of Fe–Si alloys with an hcp structure might be observed if Venus has a solid inner core.
Chitosan-Based Coating Enriched with Hairy Fig (Ficus hirta Vahl.) Fruit Extract for “Newhall” Navel Orange Preservation

A novel coating based on 1.5% chitosan (CH), enriched with or without hairy fig (Ficus hirta Vahl.) fruit extract (HFE), was applied to “Newhall” navel orange for improving the preservation effect. Changes in physicochemical indexes were analyzed over 120 days of cold storage. Uncoated fruit were used as the control. The CH-HFE coating, based on 1.5% CH enriched with HFE, exhibited the best preservation effect and showed the lowest decay rate (5.2%) and weight loss (5.16%). The CH-HFE coating could postpone the ripening and senescence of navel oranges, and maintain higher fruit quality by inhibiting respiration, decreasing the accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA), and enhancing the activities of protective enzyme, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), chitinase (CHI), and β-1,3-glucanase (GLU), which suggests that CH-HFE coating has the potential to improve the postharvest quality of “Newhall” navel orange and prolong the storage life.
A New TCO/window-buffer Front Stack for CdTe Solar Cells and its Implementation

A new TCO/window-buffer combination is presented for use in thin film CdTe solar cells. The TCO layer is cadmium tin oxide (CTO) and the window-buffer layer is tin magnesium oxide (TMO). Zinc magnesium oxide (ZMO), previously utilized by other groups and our group, was also prepared. The layers were produced by hollow cathode sputtering and were characterized by optical and Hall effect measurements. It was found that the carrier concentration of the window (buffer) layer at a fixed Mg concentration could be controlled over a wide range. CdTe solar cells were fabricated on glass/TCO/TMO and other bilayers without use of CdS. Quantum efficiency data confirmed the greatly improved blue response of the cells.
Öffentliche und private Transfers und Unterstützungsleistungen im Alter - "crowding out" oder "crowding in"?

Zusammenfassung Der Beitrag diskutiert die Plausibilitat der The¬se des „crowding out“, nach der der Ausbau sozialstaatlicher Leistungen familiale Unterstutzungsleistungen und familiale Solidaritat verdrangen wurde. In einer theoretischen Erorterung der Motive fur private intergenerationelle Unterstutzungsleistungen wird herausgearbeitet, dass ein crowding out theore¬tisch zwar moglich, insgesamt betrachtet aber empirisch unwahrscheinlich ist, da gegen¬laufige Effekte des crowding in eine hohere Plausibilitat haben. Mit Hilfe eines Landervergleichs wird anschliesend untersucht, ob sich die Anteile der Hilfen, die die Alteren von ihren Kindern erhalten, systematisch mit Blick auf das Niveau der wohlfahrtsstaatlichen Versorgung unterscheiden, wie es der These des crowding out entsprechen wurde. Die deskriptiven empirischen Befunde sprechen jedoch ebenfalls gegen diese These. Schlagworte: Intergenerationelle Beziehungen, familiale Unterstutzung, Wohlfahrtsstaat, crowding out, crowding in ----- Abstract In this article we discuss the plausibility of the “crowding out“ hypothesis that predicts a displacement of family support in response to the expansion of the welfare state. A theoretical discussion of motives for private intergenerational transfers suggests a limited potential of crowding out. However, in sum crowding out is unlikely to occur because contradictory effects of crowding in are also probable. Using a comparative approach, we test whether the support that the elderly receive from their adult children varies systematically with the generosity in public expenditure, which is what we would expect according to the crowding-out assumption. The empirical findings contradict this hypothesis. Keywords: Intergenerational relations, family help, welfare state, crowding out, crowding in
Increasing Growth Rate and Production of Bioactive Compounds Curcuminoid and Xanthorrhizol in Javanese Turmeric (Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb.) Rhizomes with Biso Zyme Application

The bioactive compounds from Javanese turmeric (Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb.), curcuminoid and xanthorrhizol, have been used to treat human diseases. This research aims to study the Javanese turmeric growth, its curcuminoid and xanthorrhizol content using Biso Zyme with different concentration and interval spraying. Biso Zyme is is conjugated enzyme concentrate (CEC) produced by yeast extracts that can be applied to the plant to increase and improve plant yields. The treatments were arranged in a randomized block factorial design with three replications. The concentrations of Biso Zyme were 0.0, 0.1, and 0.05 %, with monthly spraying intervals at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 months after planting (MAP). The results showed that the highest leaf area index was 2.71 cm2g-1 followed by leaf area ratio which was 66.47 cm2.g-1 with 0.1% Biso Zyme application. Relative growth rate was 0.048 g.day-1while net assimilation rate was 0.00092 g.cm-2.day-1 without Biso Zyme application. The highest fresh and dry weight was those treated with 0.05% Biso Zyme applied at 4 to 5 MAP, i.e., 444.44 g and 68.72 g, respectively. The highest curcuminoid and xanthorrhizol contents were 0.435% and 1.505%, respectively, with 0.05% Biso Zyme spraying interval at 4 to 5 MAP, and 0.1% Biso Zyme with sprayed at 1 to 5 MAP. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) analysis detected standard curcuminoid at Rf 0.23 and xanthorrhizol at Rf 0.66 with dichloromethane:chloroform eluents. Keywords: curcuminoid, Javanese turmeric, Leaf Area Index, organic fertilizer, xanthorrhizol