Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Microwave-assisted extraction of flavonoids from Phyllostachys heterocycla leaves: Optimization, mechanism, and antioxidant activity in vitro

Flavonoids were extracted from Phyllostachys heterocycla leaves by adopting microwave-assisted extraction technology. Based on the single factor experiment and Plackett-Burman design results, the extraction process of flavonoids was further optimized using the response surface methodology. The optimum conditions were as follows: an ethanol concentration of 78.1%, an extraction time of 24.9 min, and a microwave power of 559 W. Under these conditions, the extraction yield of flavonoids was 4.67%, which was in close proximity to the predicted value (4.70%) and higher than the extraction yield from traditional Soxhlet extraction (3.35%). Moreover, the possible extraction mechanisms of these two extraction methods were further derived to explain why the microwave-assisted extraction of flavonoids was more efficient compared with traditional Soxhlet extraction. Ultimately, the antioxidant activities in vitro of flavonoids from Phyllostachys heterocycla leaves were evaluated via DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assay. The flavonoids from Phyllostachys heterocycla leaves exhibited excellent antioxidant activities in vitro and Phyllostachys heterocycla leaves could be a new natural source for developing antioxidants. Overall, the findings of this research could provide a theoretical reference for the further comprehensive development and utilization of bamboo resources.
When Deterrence Backfires: House Demolitions, Palestinian Radicalization, and Israeli Fatalities

Conflict points around the world involve government forces fighting terrorist groups. In this type of warfare, there is a danger that counterterrorist efforts may backfire, providing ammunition for additional cycles of violence. We study this issue focusing on selective and indiscriminate house demolitions employed by Israel during the Second Intifada. We exploit the temporal and spatial variation of this policy to assess its impact on Palestinians’ political views. We find that the civilian population does not react to punitive house demolitions, a selective form of counterterrorism. On the contrary, Palestinians are more likely to adopt more radical political opinions in response to precautionary house demolitions, an indiscriminate form of counterterrorism. We also show that political radicalization induced by indiscriminate counterterrorism leads to an increase in future terror attacks. Overall, our analysis provides explicit empirical support to the mechanism behind the positive correlation between indiscriminate counterterrorism and future levels of violence.
Lippia graveolens HBK oleoresins, extracted by supercritical fluids, showed bactericidal activity against multidrug resistance Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus strains

Abstract Objective The aim of this work was to characterize Lippia graveolens oleoresins, obtained by Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE), from crops collected at different locations in Mexico. The antimicrobial effect of oleoresins was tested in reference strains and clinical isolates of susceptible and multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains of Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus. Significance The increasing of MDR strains is becoming a global public health problem that has led to the search for new treatments, and essential oils have resurged as a source of compounds with bactericidal functions. Oregano essential oil has attracted attention recently, however, this oil is mainly obtained by hydro-distillation (uses large amounts of water) or solvents extraction (potential contaminant). SFE has gained popularity as it represents an environmentally friendly technology. Methods L. graveolens oleoresins were obtained by SFE, total phenol contents were quantified by Folin-Ciocalteu method, the identification of compounds and thymol and carvacrol quantification was carried out by GC-MS. The antimicrobial activity was tested by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). Results SFE showed higher yields compared with the hydro-distillation process. L. graveolens grown in different Mexican locations showed differences in oleoresin composition and a slightly different antimicrobial capacity against clinical isolates. Conclusions It was demonstrated that SFE is an efficient technology for extracting L. graveolens oleoresins. Additionally, the solvent-free extraction method and the observed antimicrobial effect increase the applications of these oleoresins in fields, such as cosmetics, food industry, medicine, amongst others.
Assessing the implementation of machine learning models for thermal treatments design

ABSTRACT The latest progress in machine learning (ML) algorithms enabled to predict some steel physical properties previously modelled by linear regression (LR), such as the Ms temperature. Authors claimed that the performance given by ML models could improve the one of previous LR models, although they did not include fair comparisons. In this work, a large database was used to train different ML algorithms, whose Ms temperature predictions were compared to the ones of previous literature empirical models. ML methods were proved to require longer computational times and wider knowledge, while leading to similar results. Therefore, we recommend that ML methods are not always considered as the first option when trying to solve easy problems that can be modelled by LR techniques.
Modeling the Efficiency and Power Characteristics of a Pump Group

This note proposes models for efficiency and mechanical input power of a group of parallel identical pumps which can be fixed or variable speed. Two approaches are considered. In the first approach, the power characteristic is evaluated from hydraulic and efficiency curves. In the second approach, the mechanical power is approximated directly by a cubic polynomial and scaled by pump speed and number of pumps. In both cases, the obtained power curves are well suited for use in simulation and optimization software; however, if the power data points are available, the second approach can lead to a more accurate representation. The effects of the electric motor efficiency characteristic on the performance of the entire pump plant are also discussed. The developed theory is illustrated by a practical case study. For completeness, the studies are performed using two types of fitted pump hydraulic curves, one quadratic and one described by a power law.
Problematic internet use prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic

The health and socio-economic challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic have led to greater reliance on the internet to meet basic needs and responsibilities. Greater engagement in online activities may have negative mental and physical health consequences for some vulnerable individuals, particularly under mandatory self-isolation or ‘lockdown’ conditions. The present study investigated whether changes in levels of involvement in online activities during the COVID-19 pandemic (i.e., watching TV series, online sexual activities, video games, social networks, gambling, online shopping, and instant messaging) were associated with problematic internet use, as well as whether certain psychological risk factors (positive/negative affect and impulsivity) were significant predictors of these changes. A total of 1,275 participants (66.1% female, aged between 18-55 years) completed an online survey while in lockdown in Spain (April 15th-23rd, 2020). The survey assessed current engagement in seven different online activities and their engagement prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as psychological risk factors (affect and impulsivity). Most participants (between 60.8%-98.6% depending on the activity) reported no changes in participation in online activities, but there was a significant increase in weekly internet use (between 25 and 336 min). However, increased internet use was not accompanied by a corresponding increase in problematic use, except for problematic TV series watching and video gaming. Psychological risk factors considered in the study (affect, impulsivity traits) were largely minor or non-significant predictors. Thus, increased internet use during the lockdown in Spain was not related to a proportional growth in problematic usage, suggesting that these behavioral changes may constitute adaptive coping strategies in the context of the pandemic.
International consensus on lung function testing during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has negatively affected the delivery of respiratory diagnostic services across the world due to the potential risk of disease transmission during lung function testing. Community prevalence, reoccurrence of COVID-19 surges and the emergence of different variants of SARS-CoV-2 have impeded attempts to restore services. Finding consensus on how to deliver safe lung function services for both patients attending and for staff performing the tests are of paramount importance. This international statement presents the consensus opinion of 23 experts in the field of lung function and respiratory physiology balanced with evidence from the reviewed literature. It describes a robust roadmap for restoration and continuity of lung function testing services during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. Important strategies presented in this consensus statement relate to the patient journey when attending for lung function tests. We discuss appointment preparation, operational and environmental issues, testing room requirements including mitigation strategies for transmission risk, requirement for improved ventilation, maintaining physical distance and use of personal protection equipment. We also provide consensus opinion on precautions relating to specific tests, filters, management of special patient groups and alternative options to testing in hospitals. The pandemic has highlighted how vulnerable lung function services are and forces us to re-think how long-term mitigation strategies can protect our services during this and any possible future pandemic. This statement aspires to address the safety concerns that exist and provide strategies to make lung function tests and the testing environment safer when tests are required. International expert consensus statement describing the infection protection control strategies for restoration and continuity of lung function testing services during #COVID19 pandemic and beyond https://bit.ly/3kn47Gy
Comparison of the Intrinsic Characteristics of LTCC and Silicon Pressure Sensors by Means of 1/f Noise Measurements

A pressure sensor with high resolution is of key importance for precise measurements in the low-pressure range. The intrinsic resolution of piezoresistive ceramic pressure sensors (CPSs) mainly depends on their func- tional sensitivity and the electronic noise in the thick-film resistors. Both the sensitivity and the noise level depend on the material and the structural properties, and the dimen- sions of the sensing structure. In general, the sensitivity can be increased and the noise can be reduced by using additional electronics for the signal processing, but this makes the sensor bigger, more complex and more expen- sive. In this study we discuss the technological limits for downscaling the sensor's pressure range without any processing of the sensor's signal. The intrinsic resolution of the piezoresistive pressure sensors designed for the pressure range 0 to ±100 mbar and realized in LTCC (Low Temperature Cofired Ceramic) technology was evaluated and compared to the resolution of a commercial 100-mbar silicon pressure sensor. Considering their different typical sensitivities, the resolutions of about 0.02 mbar and 0.08 mbar were obtained for the CPS and the silicon sen- sors, respectively. The low-frequency noise measurements showed that the noise characteristics of both sensors were not influenced by the pressure loads.
Estimation of genetic variability and path analysis of grain yield and its components in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

This study was carried out to investigate variability parameters and path coefficient analysis in twenty elite chickpea genotypes including four standards. The material was also evaluated for means and components of variability and interrelationships (genotypic and phenotypic) for yield and yield components. The experiment was laid out by using randomized complete block design with three replications. Heritability estimates were maximum for days taken to flowering, days taken to maturity, pods per plant, total weight of plant, secondary branches per plant, plant height, 100-grains weight and grain yield per plant while other characters exhibited moderate heritability. Seed yield was positively correlated with all attributes under study. Investigations regarding path coefficient showed that days taken to flowering had maximum direct influence on seed yield per plant followed by total weight of plant, 100-grains weight, primary branches, and plant height. These are important parameters for selecting maximum yielding genotypes in chickpea.
Variation in piglet mortality between and within satellites in a sow pool

The piglet mortality rates have become a major issue in today’s pig production. While other production traits such as number of born piglets or produced piglets per sow have been improved, the mortality rate has escalated. High mortality rates before weaning does not only affect the economy but must also be looked at as both an animal welfare problem and an ethical issue. The background to this problem has been addressed many times, and its salvation has also been addressed by breeding. Breeding for increased piglet survival has been successful, but is time consuming and could not be seen as a quick fix. Through analyzes of production results, interviewing staff about management routines and herd visits has this study investigated the variation of piglet mortality within satellite herds of a sow pool, which share the same animal material but may differ in other aspects. The study focused on mortality from farrowing to weaning at approximately five weeks. It was found that there were great variation both between and within herds, even though the genetic material was the same, which indicate that the mortality rates were affected by management and housing. Furthermore, the mortality results within herds did also fluctuate heavily between batches, and could vary from 4-32%. Lower piglet mortality rates could be linked to certain management routines as many light hours during the lactation period and keeping the feed ratio of sows unchanged for the time around expected farrowing. Also, routines for identifying sow refusing to eat and the detection of the end of a farrowing was proved to be important for low mortality rates within the herd. The mortality rates were also dependent on season, party number and number of liveborn piglets in the litter.
Perfil del docente en el enfoque basado en competencias Teacher's Profile based on Competences

Competency-based education holds the potential to become an effective plan aimed at improving the learning of students and, thus preparing students to address future work. However, this approach requires a long process of reforms, which necessarily implies the transformation of the education participants: teachers and students. Since the group of teachers is a fundamental part of competency-based education, this study presents the profile or characteristics necessary in university teachers.
Prevalence of Congenital Heart Defects in Pregnancies Conceived by Assisted Reproductive Technology: A Cohort Study

Background and aim of the study: Pregnancies obtained by assisted reproductive technology (ART) are associated with an increased risk of complications and congenital anomalies, particularly congenital heart defects (CHDs). Therefore, our aim is to evaluate, retrospectively, the prevalence of CHD in ART pregnancies in our two centers and analyze their characteristics and outcomes. Methods: Observational study including fetuses conceived by ART referred between June 2011 and September 2020 and undergoing a fetal cardiac ultrasound scan. Cases with genetic, chromosomal abnormalities or extracardiac malformations were excluded. Population included 1511 pregnancies, which consisted of 269 twins and 1242 singletons, 547 IVF (in vitro fertilization), 773 ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) and 191 oocyte donations (OD). Results: CHDs were found in 29 fetuses, with an overall prevalence of 1.92% (29/1511), 1.85% (23/1242) in singletons and 2.23% in twins (6/269). Thirteen were IVF, eight ICSI and eight OD cases, with a greater risk of CHD after IVF and OD (IVF: 13/29 (44.8%)—one twin; ICSI: 8/29 (27.6%)—three twins); 22 had major and 7 minor defects. Two pregnancies with a hypoplastic left heart were terminated; the majority of live-born cases needed surgery. Three babies died (two post-surgery, one had a late death). Conclusions: Our data show an increased prevalence of CHD after ART with a heterogeneous spectrum of diagnoses, mainly major defects.
Characterization and analysis of medical solid waste in Osun State, Nigeria

This paper reports the study of quantum and characterization of medica solid wastes generated by healthcare facilities in Osun State. The work involved administration of a questionnaire and detailed studies conducted on facilities selected on the basis of a combination of purposive and random sampling methods. The results show that the facilities are well spread among the 30 Local Government Areas; that the total quantity of medical waste generated in the state is 2672 kg/day and when domestic wastes are included the total is 5832 kg/day; that the medical wastes are not being properly disposed of as pathology wastes such as unclaimed dead bodies, placentas, umbilical cords are being dumped into unlined pits and other wastes in open dumps. A centralised system is proposed state–wide involving use of incinerators, landfills, aerobic lagoons, and reed beds. The Federal Ministry of Environment has responsibility to push for development of legislation and codes of practice that would guide facilities to achieve waste segregation, packaging in colour-coded and labeled bags, safe transportation and disposal of medical waste. Keywords : Medical solid wastes, pathological wastes, incinerators, landfills, aerobic lagoons, reed beds.
Dye Visualization of the Vortical Flow Structure over a Double-Delta Wing

AbstractAn investigation of the flow field around a double-delta wing was carried out at the Aerodynamics Analysis and Design Laboratory's (AADL) water tunnel facility. The model has a sharp leading edge and 76/40° configuration, which is representative of current fighter aircraft. The experiments were conducted at Reynolds numbers of 10,000 and 15,000. The dye injection technique was utilized to analyze the flow. A comparison of the vortical flow structure and the bursting point locations was done for a Reynolds number of 15,000 and found to be in reasonable agreement. The major objective of this experiment was to study the effect of the angle of attack (AOA) and Reynolds number on the vortical flow structure. In this flow visualization result, the dominant feature of the AOA and Reynolds number effect on the vortical flow structure over the double-delta wing has been observed. With increasing Reynolds number, the distance between the vortex trajectory and the model surface becomes smaller. As the AOA in.
ISO 9000:2000 certification and business results

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between ISO 9000:2000 certification and business results. It aims to provide reliable and valid constructs for measuring quality results and operative results in a specific sector: the furniture industry in Spain and to test the effects of certification on the aforementioned results.Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire survey was conducted in 130 Spanish companies. Confirmatory factor analysis tests were used to verify scales validity and reliability. The analysis of the variance (ANOVA) was utilised to investigate the statistical effects of ISO certification.Findings – The results revealed two reliable and valid constructs: quality results and operative results. These measurement scales differentiated all the certified companies in the sample from the non‐certified enterprises due to the better results obtained by the former.Originality/value – Although some studies have concentrated on analysing different quality results derivin.
Infrasound Noise of Natural Sources in the Environment and Infrasound Noise of Wind Turbines

This article presents the results of measurements of environmental noise in respect to infrasounds. Infrasound sources whose levels depend on wind speed have been analyzed. The measurements were done for two common natural sources in the environment: forest noise and sea waves, and for an artificial (technical) source: wind turbines. On the basis of results of measurements we have made an attempt of assessment of potential threat to people. Drawing conclusions from analyses it can be said that infrasound noise levels emitted by wind turbines do not reach levels causing threat to people; they can be compared to natural sources noise levels, common in environment.
Management of university records for effective administration of universities in North Central Nigeria

This study assessed the management of records for effective administration of universities in North Central Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was adopted in carrying out the study. Questionnaire was used in the collection of data. The results of the study, among others, showed that alphabetic and subject filing systems are the two major filing systems employed. Equally, records creation, records retrieval, records scheduling, filing and correspondence management were done manually. Cupboard, wooden shelves/cabinets, steel shelves, drawers for flat file, box file and top of tables are storage facilities made available. Compliance with international standard, adequate storage facilities under good environment, computerization of all universities records, periodic check to ensure proper management are all identified as strategies that will enhance the effective management of records. The following recommendations were made based on the findings of this study; adequate filing systems like alphabetic, numeric and alphanumeric filing systems should be adopted. Adequate space, security devices and storage facilities in a good atmospheric condition that will extend the life of records should be provided. All personnel handling records in the universities should be trained and retrained especially in ICT application and records management, in order to operate in a digital environment. Key words: Management, university records, North Central.
Investigation of the anti-inflammatory effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester in a model of λ-Carrageenan–induced paw edema in rats

In the present study, it is aimed to evaluate the effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) against acute paw inflammation induced by carragenan (Carr) at macro and micro levels. Therefore, in this study, 1 hour after administering intraperitoneal of indomethacin (Ind) or CAPE (10 and 30 mg/kg body weight) to Sprague Dawley rats, Carr was injected intraplantarly into their right paws. The paw volumes of the rats were measured with a plethysmometer until the 4th hour. Also, X-ray and thermal camera images were taken to determine edema and temperature changes. At the end of the study, after the paw tissues and serums were taken, oxidative stress and inflammation status were determined using biochemical, molecular, and western blot techniques. In addition, lipid and protein profiles in paw tissue were determined using HPTLC and electrophoresis methods. The results depicted that a high dose of CAPE against Carr-induced inflammation may be almost as effective as Ind used as reference.