Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Previous Usutu Virus Exposure Partially Protects Magpies (Pica pica) against West Nile Virus Disease But Does Not Prevent Horizontal Transmission

The mosquito-borne flaviviruses USUV and WNV are known to co-circulate in large parts of Europe. Both are a public health concern, and USUV has been the cause of epizootics in both wild and domestic birds, and neurological cases in humans in Europe. Here, we explore the susceptibility of magpies to experimental USUV infection, and how previous exposure to USUV would affect infection with WNV. None of the magpies exposed to USUV showed clinical signs, viremia, or detectable neutralizing antibodies. After challenge with a neurovirulent WNV strain, neither viremia, viral titer of WNV in vascular feathers, nor neutralizing antibody titers of previously USUV-exposed magpies differed significantly with respect to magpies that had not previously been exposed to USUV. However, 75% (6/8) of the USUV-exposed birds survived, while only 22.2% (2/9) of those not previously exposed to USUV survived. WNV antigen labeling by immunohistochemistry in tissues was less evident and more restricted in magpies exposed to USUV prior to challenge with WNV. Our data indicate that previous exposure to USUV partially protects magpies against a lethal challenge with WNV, while it does not prevent viremia and direct transmission, although the mechanism is unclear. These results are relevant for flavivirus ecology and contention.
Analysis of Lead and Cadmium Contents in Local Vegetables in Surat Thani, Thailand

Two toxic heavy metals, cadmium (Cd(II)) and lead (Pb(II)), in samples of local vegetables were analyzed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GFAAS). Pak-Leang (Gnetum gnemon Linn.), Pak-Waen (Marsilea crenata Presl.), Mun-Poo (Glochidion littorale Blume Baill.), and Chamuang (Garcinia cowa Roxb.) were from fresh markets in 4 districts namely Muang, Phunphin, Kanchanadit and Ban Na Doem, Surat Thani province. The preparation of samples was carried out by mixed acid digestion procedure in order to extract the heavy metals. From the GFAAS analysis of sample solutions, the average lead contents were as follows: 0.10 ± 0.11 mg kg -1 in Pak-Leang, 0.04 ± 0.07 mg kg -1 in Pak-Waen, 0.14 ± 0.17 mg kg -1 in Mun-Poo and 0.02 ± 0.05 mg kg -1 in Chamuang. The results indicated that the concentrations of lead within these local vegetables were under the maximum allowable level according to the standard of the Ministry of Public Health, Thailand. On the other hand, analysis of cadmium found that 3 certain vegetables including Pak-Waen (0.48 ± 0.27 mg kg -1 ), Mun-Poo (0.78 ± 0.72 mg kg -1 ) and Chamuang (0.34 ± 0.27 mg kg -1 ), were contaminated with cadmium higher than the maximum allowable levels in the average for the standards of Australia-New Zealand, Codex, China and the European Union. The assessment of heavy metal indicated that these accumulation quantities in edible plants could be valuably evident for public concerns and research-based food safety.
Tuning Multiscale Microstructures to Enhance Thermoelectric Performance of n‐Type Bismuth‐Telluride‐Based Solid Solutions

Microstructure manipulation plays an important role in enhancing physical and mechanical properties of materials. Here a high figure of merit zT of 1.2 at 357 K for n‐type bismuth‐telluride‐based thermoelectric (TE) materials through directly hot deforming the commercial zone melted (ZM) ingots is reported. The high TE performance is attributed to a synergistic combination of reduced lattice thermal conductivity and maintained high power factor. The lattice thermal conductivity is substantially decreased by broad wavelength phonon scattering via tuning multiscale microstructures, which includes microscale grain size reduction and texture loss, nanoscale distorted regions, and atomic scale lattice distotions and point defects. The high power factor of ZM ingots is maintained by the offset between weak donor‐like effect and texture loss during the hot deformation. The resulted high zT highlights the role of multiscale microstructures in improving Bi2Te3‐based materials and demonstrates the effective strategy in enhancing TE properties.
Significance of Acoustic and Hydrodynamic Cavitations in Enhancing Ozone Mass Transfer

Assessment of both acoustic and hydrodynamic cavitations for intensifying ozone mass transfer was conducted simultaneously. Four process schemes were arranged to evaluate the effect of application of each kind of cavitation as well as both of them, on the ozone mass transfer process. All processes were conducted at pH of 3 to avoid ozone natural self-decomposition initiated by hydroxide ions (OH−). The chemical and mechanical effects of cavitation were distinguished by using radical scavengers to suppress radical formation. The result showed that hydrodynamic and acoustic cavitations enhanced ozone mass transfer synergistically. The enhancement obtained from the acoustic cavitation was higher than that obtained from the hydrodynamic cavitation, and the chemical effects of cavitation were much significant than that of mechanical effects. The enhancement obtained due to chemical effects of cavitation was about twice the enhancement obtained due to mechanical effects when only one type of cavitation was combined with ozonation. Combination of both type of cavitation and ozonation gave the enhancement obtained due to chemical effect of 3.68 times that obtained due to mechanical effects.
Effect of Coexisting Lead and Phenanthrene on Their Individual Sorption on a Clayish Soil

The potential interactive influences between lead (Pb) and phenanthrene commonly coexisting in waste sites were studied by batch sorption experiments on a clayish soil. The results showed that the Pb sorption depends upon the phenanthrene loading: a low loading of the coexisting phenanthrene slightly suppresses the Pb sorption, but a sufficiently high loading substantially enhances the Pb sorption. These contrary phenomena could be ascribed to the different cation-π bond involved with phenanthrene under its different loading. Phenanthrene under low loadings is sorbed mainly via the cation-π bond with cations accumulated on the soil surface, and thus reduces the availability of these cations for ion exchange with Pb2+ in solution. Nevertheless, phenanthrene with a sufficiently high loading is sorbed mainly via hydrophobic forces, and the sorbed phenanthrene can enhance Pb2+ sorption via cation-π bond with Pb2+ in solution. In addition, the coexisting Pb(NO3)2 solution was also found able to enhance phenanthrene sorption, likely due to the decrease in pH of the soil matrix and the similar cation-π bond between sorbed Pb2+ on the soil surface and phenanthrene in solution as well.
ANAMMOX performance, granulation, and microbial response under COD disturbance

BACKGROUND ANAMMOX (ANaerobic AMMonium OXidation), a promising process for biological nitrogen removal, is usually affected by organic matter. In order to fully understand the effect of chemical oxygen demand (COD) on the ANAMMOX process, reactor performance, granular characteristics and microbial response were evaluated systematically under glucose stimulation. RESULTS High removal efficiencies of ammonium and total nitrogen (> 90%) were achieved with 100 mg L-1 COD concentration. ANAMMOX contribution was reduced to only 69% as COD concentration was increased to 300 mg L-1. The granulation, EPS contents, TB-EPS/LB-EPS and protein/carbohydrate were increased at a specific COD, with higher COD disrupting the biofacies structure. The results also showed that EPS distribution and microbial structure were affected by the organic disturbance. CONCLUSION An appropriate COD concentration enhanced the total nitrogen removal during ANAMMOX process, by enabling a stable synergism between ANAMMOX bacteria and heterotrophic denitrificans. Furthermore, a proper COD stimulation promoted sludge granulation by influencing EPS composition and distribution. However, excessive COD disturbance disrupted the highly efficient biofacies structure and microbial balance, which then decreased the ANAMMOX competitiveness. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Study on demulsifier formulation for treating Malaysian crude oil emulsion

Water in oil emulsion occurs at many stages in the production and treatment of crude oil. About two third of petroleum production of every oil field exists in the form of water in oil emulsion. The emulsion stability results from the presence of interfacial barrier preventing coalescence of the dispersed water droplets. This is due to the present of polar components such as asphaltenes, resins, wax and naphtenic acids in the crude oil. Therefore before transporting or refining the oil, it is essential to separate the water for economic and operational reasons. Minimizing the water level in the oil reduces pipeline corrosion and maximizes pipeline usage. The most effective method to overcome the problem is to demulsify the crude by using demulsifiers. The demulsifiers will destabilize the interfacial film between the droplets. It has been reported that the combination of oil-soluble demulsifiers and water-soluble demulsifiers produced great result in water separation. From the screening process of single oil-soluble demulsifiers, the most effective chemicals as demulsifier are TOMAC, hexylamine and dioctylamine while methyl methacrylate, butyl acrylate and acrylic acid are the most effective chemicals in water-soluble group. The new formulation of demulsifier was formulated by using Statistical Analysis System software. From this analysis, the optimum concentration needed for TOMAC, hexylamine, dioctylamine, methyl methacrylate, butyl acrylate and acrylic acid are 48.7 ppm, 0 ppm, 8 ppm, 48.2 ppm, 26.5 ppm and 29.9 ppm, respectively. The combination of these chemicals resulted 53.7% to 60.4% water separation from the emulsion system. It was found that this formulation is better than other commercial demulsifier formulation. This new formulation was found to be effective for demulsification of water-in-oil emulsion of Tabu, Seligi, Guntong, Semangkok, Irong Barat and Tapis fields and single emulsion system. In order to obtain better understanding and results, optimizing on agitation and temperature conditions, the mechanism demulsification study are recommended for further study.
Extractives of the tropical wood wallaba (Eperua falcata Aubl.) as natural anti-swelling agents

Abstract Wallaba (Eperua falcata) is a tropical wood that is known to have naturally high moisture related dimensional stability. Samples of wallaba heartwood were subjected to differential solvent extraction. Wood pieces that were extracted with methanol showed significantly greater swelling following rehydration from oven dry to 96% relative humidity than non-extracted samples and samples extracted with other solvents. Methanol soluble wallaba heartwood extract was purified by HPLC and the compounds present were characterized by NMR spectroscopy. The structure of 13 compounds in methanol extract was identified. The relative proportion of polar compounds in methanol extract was found to be high. The compounds identified are proposed to bind to the polymeric cell wall by means of multiple hydrogen bonds restricting the association of water and therefore act as natural anti-swelling agents.
Effects of Co substitution on thermodynamic and transport properties and anisotropic H c 2 in Ba ( Fe 1 − x Co x ) 2 As 2 single crystals

Single crystalline samples of $\text{Ba}{({\text{Fe}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\text{Co}}_{x})}_{2}{\text{As}}_{2}$ with $xl0.12$ have been grown and characterized via microscopic, thermodynamic, and transport measurements. With increasing Co substitution, the thermodynamic and transport signatures of the structural (high-temperature tetragonal to low-temperature orthorhombic) and magnetic (high-temperature nonmagnetic to low-temperature antiferromagnetic) transitions are suppressed at a rate of roughly 15 K/% Co. In addition, for $x\ensuremath{\ge}0.038$ superconductivity is stabilized, rising to a maximum ${T}_{c}$ of approximately 23 K for $x\ensuremath{\approx}0.07$ and decreasing for higher $x$ values. The $T\text{\ensuremath{-}}x$ phase diagram for $\text{Ba}{({\text{Fe}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\text{Co}}_{x})}_{2}{\text{As}}_{2}$ indicates that either superconductivity can exist in both low-temperature crystallographic phases or that there is a structural phase separation. Anisotropic superconducting upper critical-field data $[{H}_{c2}(T)]$ show a significant and clear change in anisotropy between samples that have higher temperature structural phase transitions and those that do not. These data show that the superconductivity is sensitive to the suppression of the higher temperature phase transition.
Thermodynamics of superconductors with charge-density waves

Equations for the temperature-(T-) dependent superconducting (Δ(T)) and dielectric (Σ(T)) order parameters are solved self-consistently in the partial dielectric gapping model of Bilbro and McMillan for superconductors with charge-density waves (CDWs). It is shown that for the close enough structural phase transition temperature, Ts, and superconducting one, Tc, with Ts > Tc, Σ below Tc may become smaller than Δ. The electronic heat capacity C(T) is calculated. It is shown that the discontinuity ΔC at T = Tc is always smaller than the Bardeen–Cooper–Schrieffer value. The effect is detectable over a wide range of the model parameters. Experimental implications for CDW superconductors, such as A15 compounds, high-Tc cuprates, and MgB2, are suggested and discussed.
Awareness and Treatment Decisions on Tooth Wear among Jordanian Dentists and Prosthodontists: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study

Objectives To assess the awareness, knowledge, and treatment decisions by dentists in Jordan regarding tooth wear. Materials and Methods A questionnaire was disseminated to a random sample of 200 general dentists and 100 prosthodontists working in the Ministry of Health, academia, private practices, and military services. Chi square and independent t-tests were performed for statistical analysis. Results Hundred and seventy-nine dentists and prosthodontists responded (59.7% response rate), of which 71.5% was females. 83.8% of the dentists reported they see patients with tooth wear. 61.5% registered wear lesions in the patient file, and 68.2% reported they find a probable cause of tooth wear. 87.2% of the dentists reported that bruxism is the most common cause in Jordan. 63.3% dentists treated their patients. 46.4% reported they “always” record a dietary history. 77.7% did not think that tooth wear is linked to caries. Low confidence levels were demonstrated among general practitioners in diagnosing and treating tooth wear. Regarding treatment decisions, most dentists decided to restore worn teeth with composite and to construct a night guard. Minimally affected anterior teeth were mostly treated with fluoride. Restoration of posterior worn teeth with overlay was suggested by one-third of the dentists. Conclusion The dentists and prosthodontists in Jordan are aware of tooth wear. However, examination and documentation were given a little priority by general dentists. On the other hand, there was an agreement among the dentists and prosthodontists on applying the minimally invasive approach. Clinical Significance. It is challenging for dentists to make the best treatment decision for tooth wear especially as no standard treatment is available. Therefore, this study investigated the awareness and treatment decisions of a sample of dentists and prosthodontists in Jordan.
Application of Gas Chromatography in the Analysis of Flavour Compounds in Field Peas

Flavour compounds influence the taste and quality of foods both of which are very important criteria in food selection and consumer acceptance. Pulse legumes such as field peas are increasingly used in foods such as soup mixes, purees, bakery and other processed products (Heng et al., 2004). In some parts of the world, particularly in Western countries, the presence of off-flavours in peas can be an obstacle to their consumption.
Sensitivity of multi‐coil frequency domain electromagnetic induction sensors to map soil magnetic susceptibility

Magnetic susceptibility is an important indicator of anthropogenic disturbance in the natural soil. This property is often mapped with magnetic gradiometers in archaeological prospection studies. It is also detected with frequency domain electromagnetic induction (FDEM) sensors, which have the advantage that they can simultaneously measure the electrical conductivity. The detection level of FDEM sensors for magnetic structures is very dependent on the coil configuration. Apart from theoretical modelling studies, a thorough investigation with field models has not been conducted until now. Therefore, the goal of this study was to test multiple coil configurations on a test field with naturally enhanced magnetic susceptibility in the topsoil and with different types of structures mimicking real archaeological features. Two FDEM sensors were used with coil separations between 0.5 and 2 m and with three coil orientations. First, a vertical sounding was conducted over the undisturbed soil to test the validity of a theoretical layered model, which can be used to infer the depth sensitivity of the coil configurations. The modelled sounding values corresponded well with the measured data, which means that the theoretical models are applicable to layered soils. Second, magnetic structures were buried in the site and the resulting anomalies measured to a very high resolution. The results showed remarkable differences in amplitude and complexity between the responses of the coil configurations. The 2‐m horizontal coplanar and 1.1‐m perpendicular coil configurations produced the clearest anomalies and resembled best a gradiometer measurement.
Transformation of NOM by Ozone and its Effect on Iron and Aluminum Solubility

Ozonation may alter the functional group composition, molecular weight (MW), and behavior of natural organic matter (NOM) in reactions of significance for drinking water treatment. In this work, the transformation of NOM by ozone was monitored by acid-base titrations, ion chromatography, and gel-permeation chromatography (GPC). The results led to an improved understanding of how ozonation affects NOM and how ozonated NOM affects the solubility of freshly precipitated iron and aluminum hydroxides. Organic acidity increased substantially during ozonation, and most of the newly produced organic acid groups were ionized at pH 4.0
Pengaruh Konsentrasi Ekstrak Etanolik Daun Teh Hijau (Camellia sinesis L.) dalam Sediaan Krim terhadap Sifat Fisik dan Aktivitas Antibakteri

Background: Green tea, is one of the herbs that have been proven to be effective as an anti-acne, among others.Green tea leaves contain 30-40% polyphenols known as catechins most of which are antimicrobial. For ease of use, the ethanolic leaf extract of green tea is made in cream. This study aimed to determine the effect of variations in the concentration of ethanolic extract of green tea leaves in cream on the physical properties and antibacterial activity of acne bacteria in particular.Design and Method: In this study, green tea leaf extract condensed obtained by maceration using 50% ethanol solution. Cream formula that is made in five concentration ethanolic extract of green tea leaves 1%, 3%, 5%, 7%, and 9% use a modified formula antiacne cream. Cream tested physical properties include homogenity, percent separation, dispersive power and adhesion. During the antibacterial activity was also tested. The data obtained were analyzed statistically using the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Mann Whitney test with a level of 95%. Results: The preparation cream ethanolic leaf green tea extract at various concentrations have good homogenity and not separate, the greater concentration of cream ethanolic extract of green tea leaves get smaller power and energy dispersive adhesion, whereas the inhibitory against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria is getting biger. Conclusion: Cream ethanolic extract of green tea leaves that are comparable with the positive control (Ristra acne creaming) the physical properties and the antibacterial activity at a concentration of 7% (Sains Medika, 4(2):147-156).
Boundary Layer Flow Control Using Plasma Induced Velocity

Abstract : An examination of the effects of plasma induced velocity on boundary layer flow was conducted. A pair of thin copper film electrodes spanned the test section, oriented at thirty degrees from normal to the free stream flow. An adverse pressure gradient was imposed over the electrode configuration using a pressure coefficient profile similar to that associated with suction side of a Pac-B low pressure turbine blade. In addition, suction was applied to keep flow attached on the upper wall, inducing separation over the electrode. The electrode is supplied by an AC source at three different power levels with the free stream flow at three separate chord Reynolds numbers. The chord length was based on the geometry of the simulated airfoil profile used for the upper wall of the test section. The flow turbulence intensity was varied by means of a passive grid in the upstream flow. Velocity data were collected using particle imaging velocimetry as well as with a boundary layer pitot probe. The power levels applied to the plasma were between 20 and 40 watts. The flow regimes studied were between chord Reynolds numbers of 50,000 to 100,000. It was found that the use of plasma to control the boundary layer enabled the flow to remain attached in the presence of an adverse pressure gradient. However, at the studied Reynolds numbers and electrode configuration the plasma was unable to affect an already separated flow regardless of the power input to the electrode. It was finally ascertained that two types of turbulent structures could be resolved, one being a counter-rotating vorticity pair and the other being a counter-rotating vorticity sheet.
BNP test to evaluate the influence of C/N ratio on N2O production in biological denitrification

With sufficient carbon sources in the influence to the anoxic stage, the total gas production rate in the BNP (Biolofical Nitrogen potential) system is rapid with a specific gas production of 3.83 mL/g-VSS-hr. The conversion of nitrate to nitrogen gas is accomplished through three steps: nitrate (NO 3 - ) to nitrite (NO 2 - ) to nitrous oxide (N 2 O), and nitrogen gas (N 2 ). The BNP test results indicate that the optimal C/N ratios are 4.5±0.2, 3.1±0.4, and 2.0±0.2 for these three steps with carbon consumptions being 30%, 24%, and 46% of the total denitrification carbon consumption. With different concentrations of the influent nitrate, the optimal C/N ratios are 5.3∼5.6, 4.3∼4.7, 3.9∼4.0, and 2.5∼2.7 for 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg/L NO 3 - -N, respectively. The conversion rate of N 2 O under conditions of sufficient carbon source is 0.005%. If the carbon source becomes insufficient, the N 2 O conversion rate may increase 100 times to 0.5%.