Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Chemical Analysis and Elucidation of Anthraquinone and Flavonoid Type Compounds with Applications to Historical Artefacts and Sustainability

This thesis describes the effects of different solvents have on the extraction profile of natural dyes from dye plants: madder, weld, golden rod, and chamomile. HPLC has been used to build a fingerprint of each dye plant profile and thus used to compare to the profiles of back extraction from textiles for natural dye identification in historical artefacts. The use of solid phase extraction is compared to extraction methods with no purification step which is favourable for anthraquinone dyes but results in a major loss of glycosidic compounds when using yellow dyestuffs. Supported by 1H and 13C NMR data, the conclusive X-ray crystal structure of the natural dye ruberythric acid is presented which has never been achieved prior to this research. In a collaboration with food science two of the main components of chamomile are fully characterised by 1D and 2D, 1H and 13C NMR. These compounds are usually referred to as ferulic acid derivatives in the literature but their actual structure is reported herein. The thesis also discusses the relative dye uptake of anthraquinone compounds onto wool textiles which were measured by HPLC. Sorption isotherms for the main anthraquinones in madder; ruberythric acid, pseudopurpurin and alizarin are compared for more in-depth understanding on the method of adsorption of these compounds. Herein the glycosidic compounds in madder are shown to have a higher adsorption capacity than the aglycons. Ruberythric acid is shown to follow a Tempkin isotherm with the highest degree of correlation but both alizarin and ruberythric acid show good fitting with the Freundlich isotherm also. Pseudopurpurin was shown to follow a Freundlich isotherm with the highest degree of linearity but did also show some fitting to the Langmuir isotherm. The isotherms allow data to be collected on the energy of adsorption and draw conclusions on the effect the functional groups have on the dyeing capability which is studied herein for the first time on individual anthraquinone components. iii Studies were carried out on the acid-sensitive colorants present in madder which are degraded in the textile back extraction process. Anthraquinone aglycons alizarin and purpurin are usually identified in analysis following harsh back extraction methods, such as those using solvent mixtures with concentrated hydrochloric acid at high temperatures. Herein, a softer novel extraction method involving aqueous glucose solution was developed and compared to other back extraction techniques on wool dyed with root extract from different varieties of Rubia tinctorum. A study into the breakdown compounds of the aglycon; lucidin under acidic conditions used for traditional back extractions was also undertaken. Here it is observed that lucidin is converted into xanthopurpurin in a retro aldol like mechanism. This report discusses some of the issues raised by using these harsh back extraction methods and the problems faced in using them to analyse historic artefacts.
The development and application of miniaturised FAIMS combined with mass spectrometry in bioanalysis

In this thesis, a miniaturised field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS) device is combined with mass spectrometry (MS), and liquid chromatography, for the development and application of bioanalytical methodologies. FAIMS is a highly orthogonal to MS and LC and has the potential to enhance both targeted and non-targeted bioanalytical applications. Chapter two demonstrates the capability of the FAIMS combined with mass spectrometry to reduce the complexity of the mass spectrum by separating species of different charge states and overlapping mass-to-charge ratios that are challenging to separate by MS. FAIMS selected transmission shows improvement in signal-to-noise ratios for low intensity species and enables visualisation of species undetectable without FAIMS. Chapter three describes the development of an LC-FAIMS-MS method for the rapid analysis of saliva for the identification of potential biomarkers as a result of oxidative stress. The combination of FAIMS showed a reduction in saliva matrix interferences resulting in improved discrimination and peak integration of two salivary oxypurine compounds in a rapid LC-FAIMS-MS method. Chapter four investigates the FAIMS separation of seven steroid metabolites with a range of cationic adducts, in order to develop a rapid screening LC-FAIMS-MS method for the determination of isobaric steroid metabolites in urine. LC-FAIMS-MS analysis of the steroid metabolites shows improved discrimination of co-eluting and isobaric steroid metabolites with improvements in signal-to-noise ratio with reductions in chemical noise, demonstrating the potential of combining FAIMS with LC-MS. Chapter five demonstrates the potential of FAIMS to increase peak capacity in non-targeted omics applications, by combining rapid compensation field scanning of the FAIMS with ultra-high performance LC-MS. The rapid scanning of the FAIMS allows acquisition of full scan FAIMS and MS nested data sets within the timescale of a UHPLC chromatographic peak, and is applied to the non-targeted profiling of human urine. Improvements in the number of features detected using LC-FAIMS-MS were as a result of reductions in chemical noise and separation of co-eluting isobaric species across the whole analytical space, demonstrating the potential of combining FAIMS with LC and MS.
Volatile Constituents of Essential Oils Isolated from Fresh and Dried Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl. and Stachys byzantina C. Koch. Two Lamiaceae from North-West Iran

Abstract In this study, hydro-distilled volatile oils isolated from fresh and dried Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl. and Stachys byzantina C. Koch. were analyzed by using GC-FID and GC-MS method. About 44 constituents were identified in the four samples, exhibiting 96.9–99.7 % of total essential oils. The oil obtained from dried and fresh samples of S. lavandulifolia were characterized by a predominant amounts of α-pinene (42.4 % and 35.4 %), β-phellandrene (17.3 % and 19.3 %), β-myrcene (11.0 % and 7.9 %) and cis-β-ocimene (5.0 % and 6.2 %), respectively. Germacrene-B (3.4 %), α -bisabolol (2.5 %), α-copaene (2.3 %) and β-elemene (2.1 %) among the 33 components of the total oil were identified in dried sample of S. lavandulifolia and β-cubebene (3.1 %), α-amorphene (2.5 %) and β-bisabolene (2.1 %) were predominated in the oil obtained from its fresh sample. Thirty seven compounds were detected representing 97.1 % of total components identified in the oil obtained from dried S. byzantina. p-cymene (13.3 %), α-copaene (9.5 %), valeranone (8.2 %), β-cubebene (7.2 %) and germacrene-D (6.4 %) were the major compounds detected in this oil. Germacrene-D (14.4 %), valeranone (12.5 %), β-cubebene (12.1 %), cedrene-13-ol-8 (11.1 %) and β-elemene (7.8 %) among the 30 constituents (96.9 %) were identified in fresh sample of this herb. The essential oils from dried and fresh of S. lavandulifolia consisted of monoterpene hydrocarbons (79.0 % and 77.9 %, respectively) as main fraction. But, sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (38.8 % and 44.6 %) were predominated in the oils from S. byzantina, respectively.
Measurement of the B0 →d∗-π+π-π+ branching fraction

Using a sample of (470.9 +- 2.8) x 10^6 BB-bar pairs, we measure the decay branching fraction B(B^0 -> D^*- pi^+ pi^- pi^+) = (7.26 +- 0.11 +- 0.31) x 10^-3, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic. Our measurement will be helpful in studies of lepton universality by measuring B(B^0 -> D^*- tau^+ nu_tau) using tau^+ -> pi^+ pi^- pi^+ nu-bar_tau decays, normalized to B(B^0 -> D^*- pi^+ pi^- pi^+.
Crustal folds alter local stress fields as demonstrated by magma sheet – fold interactions in the Central Andes

<p>For magma chambers to form or volcanic eruptions to occur magma must propagate through the crust as dikes, inclined sheets and sills. The vast majority of models that investigate magma paths assume the crust to be either homogeneous or horizontally layered, often composed of rocks of contrasting mechanical properties. In subduction regions that have experienced orogenesis, like the Andes, the crust has been deformed over several million years, resulting in rock layers that are commonly folded and steeply dipping. The assumption of homogeneous properties or horizontal layering then does not capture all of the potential magma path crustal interactions. Here we tackle this problem by determining the effect of a crust made of steeply inclined layers in which sills and inclined sheets are emplaced. We combine field observations from a sill emplaced in the core of an anticlinal fold at El Juncal in the Chilean Central Andes, such as lithologies, sill and fold limbs attitude, sill length and layers and sill thickness, with a suite of finite element method models to explore the mechanical interactions between inclined layers and magma paths. Our results demonstrate that the properties of the host rock layers as well as the contacts between the layers and the crustal geometry all play an important role on magma propagation and emplacement at shallow levels. Sill propagation and emplacement through heterogeneous and anisotropic crustal segments changes the crustal stress field promoting sill arrest, deflection or propagation. Specifically, sills are more likely to be deflected when encountering shallow dipping layers rather than steeply dipping layers of a fold. Mechanically weak contacts encourage sill deflection due to the related rotation of the maximum principal compressive stress and this effect is attenuated when the fold layers are more steeply dipping. This processes may change the amount and style of surface deformation recorded, with significant implications for monitoring of active volcanoes. </p>
Gender and Globalization of Academic Labor Markets: Research and Teaching Staff at Nordic Universities

In this article, we investigate how the globalized academic labor market has changed the composition of teaching and research staff at Swedish, Norwegian, and Finnish universities. We use national statistical data on the gender and country‐origin of universities’ teaching and research staff between 2012 and 2018 to study how the globalized academic labor market has influenced the proportion of women across career stages, with a special focus on STEM fields. We pay special attention to how gender and country‐origin are interrelated in universities’ academic career hierarchies. The findings show that the proportion of foreign‐born teaching and research staff rose substantially at the lower career level (grade C positions) in the 2010s. The increase was more modest among the most prestigious grade A positions, such as professorships. The findings show significant national differences in how gender and country‐origin of staff intersect in Nordic universities. The study contributes to research on the gendered patterns of global academic labor markets and social stratification in Nordic universities.
Understanding methods of preparation and characterization of pore-filling polymer composites for proton exchange membranes: a beginner’s guide

Abstract Composite membranes based on porous support membranes filled with a proton-conducting polymer appear to be a promising approach to develop novel proton exchange membranes (PEMs). It allows optimization of the properties of the filler and the matrix separately, e.g. for maximal conductivity of the former and maximal physical strength of the latter. In addition, the confinement itself can alter the properties of the filling ionomer, e.g. toward higher conductivity and selectivity due to alignment and restricted swelling. This article reviews the literature on PEMs prepared by filling of submicron and nanometric size pores with Nafion and other proton-conductive polymers. PEMs based on alternating perfluorinated and non-perfluorinated polymer systems and incorporation of fillers are briefly discussed too, as they share some structure/transport relationships with the pore-filling PEMs. We also review here the background knowledge on structural and transport properties of Nafion and proton-conducting polymers in general, as well as experimental methods concerned with preparation and characterization of pore-filling membranes. Such information will be useful for preparing next-generation composite membranes, which will allow maximal utilization of beneficial characteristics of polymeric proton conductors and understanding the complicated structure/transport relationships in the pore-filling composite PEMs.
Decentralized Exchanges: The 'Wild West' of Cryptocurrency Trading

Abstract Cryptocurrencies are traded on two types of exchanges – centralized and decentralized. Although trading in the largest cryptocurrencies primarily occurs on centralized exchanges, most newly issued tokens can only be exchanged using decentralized platforms. Volumes in these decentralized exchanges (including automated market makers) has recently increased exponentially. We examine the role of this new and unmonitored market, utilizing an extensive sample of tokens exclusively traded on decentralized platforms. We show significant differences in the listing and trading characteristics of these tokens relative to their centralized equivalents. A small selection of these tokens obtain listing on a centralized exchange during the sample period, which is accompanied by a significant increase in trading activity, consistent with market segmentation. A centralized listing results in a migration of volume away from decentralized platforms, revealing a strong preference by tokenholders for deeper and more liquid markets over the increased security and anonymity offered by decentralized exchanges.
How Does Circadian Rhythm Shape Host-Parasite Associations? A Comparative Study on Infection Patterns in Diurnal and Nocturnal Raptors

Infection patterns of parasites, including their prevalence, diversity and host specificity, can be impacted by many biological and environmental factors, but no study has focused on the circadian rhythms of vertebrate hosts, which may affect susceptibilities and encounter rates between hosts and vectors and further shape host-parasite associations. In this study, we focused on avian haemosporidians, a classical model in studies of host-parasite associations, and investigated the infection patterns in rescued raptors brought to the Beijing Raptor Rescue Center during 2007–2020. We first assessed the association between prevalence and host biotic traits; haemosporidian prevalence was higher in the nocturnal raptors than in the diurnal raptors, and the prevalence of Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon in the nocturnal raptors was significantly higher than that in the diurnal raptors. Furthermore, we analysed the phylogenetic relationship and host-parasite network-level differences of haemosporidian parasites in diurnal and nocturnal raptors, and demonstrated that the lineages infecting the diurnal and nocturnal raptors were not clearly separated, but the nocturnal lifestyle led to a more specialized host-parasite network structure. These variations in host-parasite associations may be driven by different susceptibilities of the hosts and the diversity or abundance of vectors during the day and night. Our study provides new insight into host-parasite associations shaped by circadian rhythm and calls for more studies on the underlying mechanisms of parasite infection.
Ultraviolet Irradiation Effect on Polyvinylpyrrolidone/Polyaniline Films with Additives

ABSTRACT Polyvinylpyrrolidone/polyaniline (PVP/PANI) with additives (TiO2, ZnO, NaCl and Na2SO4) was synthesized. To spread the electric and photoelectric applications of PVP/PANI, its photodegradation under UV irradiation was studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, water uptake and scanning electron microscopy. Results show that ZnO, TiO2 and NaCl accelerate the photodegradation, respectively, but Na2SO4 stabilized PVP/PANI. The degradation rate of PVP/PANI/tert-butyl alcohol and PVP/PANI/ascorbic acid proved the radical role. Water uptake results show that the power of interactions is in this order: PVP/PANI/Na2SO4 > PVP/PANI/TiO2 > PVP/PANI/ZnO > PVP/PANI > PVP/PANI/NaCl > PVP/PANI/tert-butyl alcohol>PVP/PANI/ascorbic acid. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Wicked Problems in Africa: A Systematic Literature Review

The theory of wicked problems, originating from Western academic discussion, has evolved since the 2000s toward a universal diagnostic of societal challenges. In this article, we employ a systematic literature review to investigate the application of the concept of wicked problems in studies focusing on the African context. Our aim is to understand the additional value and limitations of using the concept in a non-Western frame of reference. We conclude that the concept remains underutilized in studies concentrating on Africa; moreover, when it is used, it is mainly by academics of Western or Anglophone origin. Overall, the concept of wicked problems is mainly applied descriptively rather than theoretically. Based on the analysis of the themes and issues characterized as wicked, we elaborate toward a typology that takes account of the concrete “manifestations” (e.g., health issues such as AIDS/HIV and its treatment history) and “mechanisms” (e.g., historical path dependency) that condition the presence of wicked problems in the African context. The article contributes to the theory of wicked problems by developing a typology that distinguishes between interlinked and contextual problems (often characterized through the concept of “dual wickedness”), and proposes that problems can become exacerbated when the two dimensions are simultaneously present.
Equality in Community Engagement: A Scoping Review of Evidence from Research and Practice in Scotland

In Scotland, innovative designs for community engagement have been developed by national and local governments, public authorities, and civil society organisations, leading to a wealth of literature and research. This evidence review of 79 articles and reports, explores the intersection between community engagement and inequality in Scotland. We find that the ways in which equality must be supported within community processes are often overlooked. Community engagement must be placed in the context of broader democratic innovation and citizenship at regional, national and global scale in order to become future proof. Appropriate resources are required to avoid replicating systemic inequalities as well as to support the development of a variety of institutions, processes and methods that cater for groups often mislabelled as ‘hard to reach’ but that are perhaps best seen as ‘easy to ignore’ ( Matthews et al. 2012 ). The paper highlights key learning and strategic considerations to inform practice in Scotland and beyond. The findings and recommendations are of relevance to reformers, innovators, researchers, practitioners and policymakers working across diverse policy areas and levels of governance.
Citation Practices in Applied Linguistics Research Articles: A Comparison of International and Iranian Journals

In academic writing, citation employs different phraseological patterns to serve a number of significant functions. The purpose of this study was to examine the citation practices in Iranian and international applied linguistics journals to determine how differently or similarly the two groups of journals use the citation in their writings. The data consisted of a corpus of 120 articles published by Iranian and international applied linguistic journals. WordSmith Tools (Scott, 2009) computer software was used to extract the citation patterns in different sections of the articles. Then, employing Petric’s (2007) and Thompson and Trimble’s (2001) frameworks, the phraseological patterns and rhetorical functions of citation practices were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. The results showed that Iranian researchers, unlike international researchers, tended to use integral citations by emphasizing the writers rather than information; yet, international researchers preferred non-integral citations. The results also revealed that there is a relationship between articles sections and the type of citations applied. Moreover, the analysis of citations based on Petric's (2007) framework demonstrated that Iranian and international writers prefer using attribution function. In conclusion, the study argued that the phraseological patterns used to report these functions should receive more attention to avoid plagiarism.
Improvements in or relating to organic compounds

An emulsion comprising an encapsulated encapsulated emulsion, wherein the shell contains a polyurea resin and the core comprises a flavoring comprising an aldehyde-containing flavor component, a non-aromatic cyclic flavor component, and alkyl salicylate and / or 2,2,2- Perfume composition.
Diversity and Abundance of Roadkilled Bats in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Faunal mortality from roadkill has a negative impact on global biodiversity, and bats are among the roadkilled animals. In South America, the Atlantic Forest covers southeastern Brazil, a region which sustains a large bat diversity. In this biome, the Sooretama reserves are crossed by the federal highway BR-101, one of the busiest in Brazil. We analyzed bats roadkilled along the 25 km stretch of highway that crosses the Sooretama reserves. Data were collected between the years 2010 and 2015. In total, 773 individuals distributed among 47 bat species were roadkilled during this period. The insectivorous feeding guild was the most affected, accounting for 25 species and 74% of the recorded roadkill, and those flying in the open area were the most frequently roadkilled (41.9%). Bat mortality rates did not differ between months of the year. However, the relation between rainy days and roadkill was negative. Monitoring by foot was more efficient than by car for detection of bat carcasses. Radars with a speed limit below 60 km/h reduced the rates of roadkill. The diversity of deceased bats found in this study represents 40% of the known species in the Atlantic Forest, and is the largest among current studies of species killed on highways globally. The present study raises concerns about the high diversity and abundance of roadkilled insectivorous bats and the conservation of these animals in the Neotropical region.