Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Complete Rumen Modifier Supplementation in Corn Cob Silage Basal Diet of Lamb Reduces Methane Emission

Feeding animal with fibrous materials such as corn cob will emit methane. Complete rumen modifier (CRM) is an improved feed additive comprised a mixture of Sapindus rarak, sesbania, albizia leaves and minerals that functions as a methane inhibitor. The study aimed to determine the effect of CRM supplementation on the feed intake, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation, methane emission and growth of lambs. The experiment was designed in a complete randomized block, four levels of CRM (0%, 1%, 2%, and 3%), six group of 24 male lambs per treatment based on the body weight. Basal diet used was corn cob silage ad libitum and concentrate (500 g/day) as a supplement. The results showed that CRM supplementation did not affect feed consumption and average daily gain, but significantly decreased the dry matter, as well as organic matter and protein digestibility. The neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) digestibility linearly decreased with increasing level of CRM. Ruminal pH, ammonia concentration and volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration were not affected by the CRM supplementation. Methane production expressed in kJ/MJ gross energy (GE) or digestible energy (DE) intake significantly decreased by 32% at the 2–3% CRM supplementation and reduced by 39% when methane production was expressed in g/kg digested NDF. It can be concluded that 2% CRM supplementation in the corn cob basal diet did not affect nutrient intake and growth rate of the lamb, as well as rumen fermentation. The study suggests that CRM is an environmentally friendly feed additive for lamb
Our Clinical Experience in the Treatment of Myasthenia Gravis Acute Exacerbations with a Novel Nanomembrane-Based Therapeutic Plasma Exchange Technology

According to the American Academy of Neurology 2011 guidelines, there is insufficient evidence to support or refute the use of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) for myasthenia gravis (MG). The goal of this study was to determine whether a novel nanomembrane-based TPE could be useful in the treatment of MG. Thirty-six adult patients, MGFA 4/4B and 5, with acute MG episodes were enrolled into a single-center retrospective before-and-after study to compare a conventional treatment group (n = 24) with a nanomembrane-based TPE group (n = 12). TPE or intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) infusions were used in impending/manifested myasthenic crises, especially in patients at high-risk for prolonged invasive ventilation (IMV) and in those tolerating non-invasive ventilation (NIV). The clinical improvement was assessed using the Myasthenia Muscle Score (0–100), with ≥20 increase for responders. The primary outcome measures included the rates of implemented TPE, IVIG, and corticosteroids immunotherapies, NIV/IMV, early tracheotomy, MMS scores, extubation time, neuro-ICU/hospital LOS, complications, and mortality rates. The univariate analysis found that IMV was lower in the nanomembrane-based group (42%) compared to the conventional treatment group (83%) (p = 0.02). The multivariate analysis using binary logistic regression revealed TPE and NIV as independent predictors for short-term (≤7 days) respiratory support (p = 0.014 for TPE; p = 0.002 for NIV). The novel TPE technology moved our clinical practice towards proactive rather than protective treatment in reducing prolonged IMV during MG acute exacerbations.
In-Situ Treatment of 1,4-Dioxane Under Column Scale Conditions

There is limited understanding of the underlying process that govern the peroxone activated persulfate (PAP) oxidation of 1,4-Dioxane, specifically at what rates this advanced oxidation process (AOP) proceeds, how long the system remains active once injected into a contaminant plume, and which radicals might be involved. The research presented herein investigates a peroxone activated persulfate oxidant, patented by EnChem Engineering (Newton, Massachusetts) under the name OxyZone®, and its effect on 1,4-Dioxane contaminated water under column scale conditions in the presence of porous material. A secondary objective of this study was to identify radicals formed during the oxidation of 1,4-Dioxane using OxyZone with Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Initial batch experiments provided data on the reaction rates as a function of the oxidant: contaminant ratio. The formation of hydroxyl radicals, and possibly sulfate radicals, was confirmed by EPR. Subsequent flow-through columnscale experiments were conducted in a sand packed, 1.5 m long PVC column saturated with an aqueous solution containing dissolved approximately 300 μ/L 1,4-Dioxane. 1,4Dioxane effluent concentrations were monitored with a Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometer. Two types of column scale experiments were performed to simulate two possible oxidant injection schemes, namely oxidant injection at one or more than one locations within the flow field of a 1,4-Dioxane plume. In these column experiments, the oxidation rates varied from 0.08 h-1to 1.54 h-1 and were greatest when the oxidant was injected as two slugs farthest up-gradient. Under these conditions, almost all 1,4-Dioxane was destroyed during breakthrough of the oxidant solution. Most noteworthy is that the degradation process continued past the time expected from the breakthrough of a conservative tracer. The prolonged reactivity was found to be caused by the oxidant solution’s elevated density (about 1.05 g/cm3), which retarded the (upward) flow of the oxidant solution through the column, thereby extending the contact time with the contaminant and decreasing the 1,4-Dioxane concentration to below detection limit during much of the oxidant breakthrough. Together, this research suggests that the insitu chemical oxidation of 1,4-Dioxane in groundwater plumes with peroxone activated persulfate is possible. However, field application must account for the density driven transport that influences the oxidant transport.
Sugar beet yield response to different levels of saline irrigation water and leaching in an arid region

ABSTRACT The main objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of saline irrigation water and leaching on the sugar beet yield components. In a field experiment in Rudasht region (Isfahan, Iran), three irrigation water salinity levels (1.6, 8.1, and 12.3 dS m−1) and with/without leaching were applied. The experimental units comprised of a completely randomized block design, with split plot in four replications. The results indicated that the white sugar yield and alkalinity decreased by increasing the water salinity. Salts leaching significantly increased the root yield, white sugar yield, and white sugar concentration. With higher levels of water salinity molasses sugar, leaf weight, and the concentrations of Na, K, and α- amino-N in sugar beet significantly increased. Consequently, it appears that the use of drainage water in combination with fresh water could be recommended as a strategic management way to grow sugar beet in the investigated arid region.
Large difference of inhibitive effect of nitrogen deposition on soil methane oxidation between plantations with N-fixing tree species and non-N-fixing tree species: SOIL CH4OXIDATION AFTER N ADDITION

[1] The responses of soil methane (CH4) net fluxes to nitrogen (N) addition in a N-fixing tree species (Acacia auriculiformis (AA)) and a non-N-fixing tree species (Eucalyptus citriodora (EU)) plantation were studied in southern China. Treatments were conducted at each plantation with three N levels (0, 50, and 100 kg N ha−1 yr−1 for control, medium-N, and high-N treatment, respectively, abbreviated as C, MN, and HN). From August 2010 to July 2011, CH4 flux was measured biweekly using a static chamber and gas chromatography technique. The soils of both sites acted as sink of atmospheric CH4. The CH4 uptake rate in control of the AA site (36.3 ± 3.2 μg CH4-C m−2 h−1) was greater than that of the EU plantation (29.9 ± 0.9 μg CH4-C m−2 h−1). In the AA plantation, the averaged rates of CH4 uptake for the MN (28.6 ± 2.3 μg CH4-C m−2 h−1) and HN treatment (23.8 ± 2.8 μg CH4-C m−2 h−1) were decreased by 21% and 35%, respectively, compared to the control. However, there was no change of soil CH4 uptake between N-treated plots and the controls in the EU site. Our results indicated that there might be large difference of inhibitive effect of N deposition on soil CH4 oxidation between the AA and EU plantations. The projected increase of N deposition would weaken the capability of N-fixing tree species plantations for atmospheric CH4 sink in tropical and subtropical regions.
Parameter estimation of Nash IUH for multiple storm events using particle swarm optimization method

In present study, we proposed to optimize the parameters of Nash Instantaneous Unit Hydrograph using particle swarm optimization method. The application of particle swarm optimization method made the optimal parameter estimation for multiple storm events possible. The effectiveness of the proposed method was tested by published data sets. Compared with the reported results, the simulation accuracy in terms of peak magnitude and peak time is all improved, and the convergence rate is significantly improved, which demonstrates that the superiority of particle swarm method in parameter optimization of Nash IUH model.
Effect of carrier agents on physicochemical properties of foam-mat freeze-dried date powder

ABSTRACT Date powder was produced by foam-mat freeze-dried method without and with carrier agents (maltodextrin and gum arabic) at two concentration levels (40 and 50%). The effect of carrier agents on the physicochemical properties of powder, i.e., hygroscopicity, degree of caking, wettability, dispersibility, solubility, water absorption index, color, and total phenolic content was investigated. Carrier agent-added date powders had lower hygroscopicity that offers good storage stability. Maltodextrin-added powders had lower wettability and higher solubility which indicate good reconstitution properties. The hygroscopicity, degree of caking, wettability, and total phenolic content significantly decreased with an increase in carrier concentration level.
Building Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaah an-Nahdliyah Character as the Pillar of Islamic Moderation in Islamic Boarding School

This research aimed at identifying the Moslems character called Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaah an-Nahdliyah (Aswaja) to strengthen the Islamic moderation in Islamic Boarding School. Islamic moderation became an important topic in developing the understanding of diversity in Indonesia. The mixed-method study depended on quantitative and qualitative data sourced from the questionnaire comprising three domains of knowledge, attitude, and the practice of Islamic moderation and in-depth interview with the students, alumni, teachers, and the leaders of Islamic Boarding School. Based on the result of unpaired t-test, the study found out that significance for the knowledge was 0.80, for the attitude was 0.03, for the practice was 0.46, while the total reached 0.36. It also unveiled that it necessary to strengthen the materials of Aswaja in building Aswaja-based Moslems characters in Islamic boarding schools. This study identified eight characters of Aswaja Moslems as the source of material and curriculum development for Islamic Moderation in Islamic Boarding School, including (1) Islamic moderation guidance; (2) the maintenance of togetherness; (3) the acknowledgment of the authorization of fiqh schools; (4) the existence of bid’ah hasanah; (5) the loyal opposition to leaders; (6) the non-liberal method; (7) non-dominance of the truth; (8) the respect to the local wisdom under the standard of ushul fiqh. This study expected to embody the spirit of religious moderation in Indonesia.
Mutation in the tail region of MYH9 inhibits disassembly of nonmuscle myosin IIA

1 Department of Hematology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kitasato University 2 Department of Physiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA 3 Department of Cell Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA 4 Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center Northeast, Tyler, TX, USA 5 Department of Transfusion and Cell Transplantation, Kitasato University School of Medicine 6 Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheonsi, Gangwon-do, South Korea * Contributed equally
TiO2/(BiO)2CO3 nanocomposites for ultraviolet filtration with reduced photocatalytic activity

TiO2 nanoparticles are typically used in sunscreens; however, they have been shown to exhibit cyto- and genotoxicity, which is related to the photocatalytic activity and the subsequent formation of reactive oxygen species when exposed to ultraviolet radiation. In this study, we synthesised nanocomposite materials consisting of TiO2 nanoparticles and homogeneously attached (BiO)2CO3 clusters with a size <10 nm onto their surfaces. The nanocomposites were prepared using a facile precipitation approach with different atomic ratios of Bi/Ti of 0.02, 0.04, and 0.08. The TiO2/(BiO)2CO3 nanocomposites exhibit an absorbance in the ultraviolet-visible range that is similar to that of TiO2 nanoparticles and photocatalytic activity that is reduced by up to 60% when exposed to ultraviolet and visible light. In addition, the nanocomposites show high biocompatibility in healthy HaCaT human skin cells and Madin–Darby canine kidney cells in vitro, and more importantly, they are capable of reducing the photo-generated toxicity of TiO2 in HaCaT cells upon irradiation with simulated sunlight. Such multifunctional nanocomposites could potentially be applied as alternative ultraviolet filter components in sunscreen formulations, reducing potential adverse effects associated with TiO2 nanoparticles.
Lembar Peer Review Jurnal, "The Impact of Indonesia-China Trade Agreement on Indonesia Trade Performance"

This paper aims to analyze the impact of Indonesia-China trade agreement on Indonesia Trade performance. The study used is the simultaneous equation system model. The results of the study showed that the IndonesiaChina Agreement in trade has positive impact on Indonesia’s production, investment, trade and national income growth. Since CAFTA came in effect, the import tariff abolishment policy has had a positive impact on Indonesia’s production, investment, trade, trade balance, and national income compared to the previous period. If China’s economic growth reaches 14 percent, China’s export to Indonesia would increase, but Indonesia’s export growth would relatively small. China’s investment in Indonesia has increased, but its growth is relatively stagnant. The depreciation of the Rupiah against US$ has had a negative impact on Indonesia’s production and trade performance and has caused the national income to be deficit. Indonesia’s macro economic policies also strongly influence Indonesia’s trade performance.
Modification of Carbonaceous Materials with Sulfur and Its Impact on Mercury Capture and Sorbent Regenertion

Physical activation of oil-sands fluid coke, a dense carbonaceous material, using sulfur dioxide (SO2) was investigated as a means of utilizing a plentiful and inexpensive waste for elemental mercury (Hg) removal. A new model was developed to elucidate physical activation of dense carbonaceous materials. Experiments and model simulations revealed that, during activation with SO2, a sulfur-rich porous layer is formed around the periphery of the coke particles; this porous layer reaches a maximum thickness as a result of diffusion limitations; the maximum porous layer thickness is controlled by activation conditions and determines the maximum achievable specific surface area (SSA). Pre-oxidation in air prior to activation, acid washing after activation and smaller coke particle size all result in higher SSA. The highest SSA achieved was 530 m 2 /g, the highest yet found for oil-sands fluid coke with physical activation. If present, oxygen out-competed SO2 for carbon during activation. SO2 activation and porous layer formation did not occur until oxygen was depleted. Sulfur added to coke through SO2 activation is mainly in reduced forms which are more thermally stable than elemental sulfur in commercial sulfur-impregnated activated carbons (SIACs). TGA and elemental analyses revealed that only 17% of sulfur was removed at 800°C from SO2-activated coke under inert conditions, compared iii with 100% from a commercial SIAC. The role of sulfuric acid (H2SO4) in vapor Hg capture by activated carbon (AC) was studied due to conflicting findings in the recent literature. In the absence of other oxidizing species, it was found that Hg could be oxidized by oxygen which enhanced vapor Hg adsorption by AC and Hg absorption in H2SO4 solution at room and elevated temperatures. At 200°C, AC treated with 20% H2SO4 reached a Hg loading of more than 500 mg/g, which is among the highest Hg capacities yet reported. When oxygen was not present, S 6+ in H2SO4 was found to act as an oxidizer of Hg, thus enabling Hg uptake by H2SO4-treated AC at 200°C. Treating the AC with SO2 at 700°C improved the initial rate of Hg uptake, with and without subsequent H2SO4 treatment.
Improvement of Selected Soil Chemical Properties and Potassium Uptake by Mung Beans After Application of Liquid Organic Fertilizer in Ultisol

Recently, application of liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) in organic farming practices is of importance to prevent further soil degradation due to prolong and massive use of synthetic fertilizer. LOF provides faster plant nutrients than soil organic fertilizer. However, quality of LOF is substantially dependent on its sources. Animal wastes from rabbit, goat, and cattle are scarcely used as sources of LOF production. The study aimed to determine soil chemical improvement and potassium uptake by mung bean as affected by LOF in Ultisol. The experiment was conducted at the Greenhouse Faculty of Agriculture, employing Completely Randomized Design with two factors. The first factor was animal wastes, consisting of goat, rabbit, and cattle wastes. The second factor was LOF concentration, consisting of 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% LOF. LOF was prepared by mixing altogether animal feces, urine, soil, green biomass, EM-4 and fresh water to total volume of 10 l in a plastic container. LOF was decanted to the polybag every week starting at one week after planting for four weeks to a total volume of 750 ml per polybag. Variables observed included soil pH, total organic-C, exchangeable K, soil nitrate-N, K concentration in plant tissue, K-uptake, and shoot dry weight of sweet corn The result showed that application of LOF from rabbit waste had the highest increment of soil pH as compared to the other treatment. However, exchangeable K was observed highest at the treatment of LOF from goat waste. Sources of LOF from animal wastes did not have an effect on K-uptake by mung bean. In addition, application of LOF up to 100% was able to improve soil chemical properties as indicated by the increase in soil pH and exchangeable K. So did the concentration and uptake of K, as well as shoot dry weight. Fertilization with LOF has benefit to the improvement of soil chemical properties leading to better K uptake.
LEARNING STYLES AS CORRELATES OF GRADE 6 LEARNER’S MATHEMATICS PERFORMANCE IN BUFFALO CITY MUNICIPALITY IN SOUTH AFRICA

The poor academic achievement and negative attitude of learners towards Mathematics are not only influenced by teaching styles but the learning styles as well. In other words, the mismatches between teaching and learning styles have a way of raising its ugly head in affecting effective classroom interaction and hence leads to poor performance in Mathematics. Therefore, this study investigated the correlation between learning styles and Grade 6 Mathematics performance. The study adopted correlational research design of quantitative approach. The target population for this study are Grade 6 learners in Buffalo City education district. Stratified sampling was used to select 1225 Grade 6 learners. The finding shows that Grade 6 learners with visual learning style ( = 13.242, SD = 5.565) had the best performance in Mathematics at Buffalo City, followed by learners with auditory learning style ( = 12.996, SD = 3.883), and learners with Kinaesthetic learning style ( = 11.525, SD =3.800). It is recommended that teachers should be trained to know the different type of learning style exhibit by their learners to use them to impact knowledge and disseminate information to them since learning style could be described as a set of factors, behaviours and attitudes that facilitate learning for an individual in a given situation.
Investigating the Effect of Polarity in Auditory and Vibrotactile Displays Under Cognitive Load

When users are undertaking mentally demanding visuals tasks, it can be beneficial to convey information through the auditory or tactile modality instead. A fundamental problem when mapping information to sound or vibration is establishing which polarity the mapping should use. Magnitude estimation is a popular method of establishing polarity preferences, however the effectiveness of this approach remains unclear, especially in more ecologically valid contexts. We investigate what impact the polarity of a data-sound or data-vibration mapping has on how well users can interpret these mappings, under two different levels of mental workload. Our results show that polarity does not affect error rate or cognitive workload, although may affect response time. We also found that induced cognitive load may influence usability. An implication of this is that commonly used methods of establishing data mappings need to be revisited, with cognitive load in mind, to help designers create more usable auditory and vibrotactile displays.
Jamaica, Modification, Justice, and Industry

On the 20th of June 1998, it was a great honor to receive the American Society of Brewing Chemists Award of Distinction in Boston. It was presented to me by my past M.Sc. student Dave Thomas, who was then President of the ASBC. An incident associated with this award was the accidental setting-off of the fire alarm of the hotel. As I stood outside the hotel, clutching my slides, in my pajamas, Dori Whitney took a photograph of me and it appeared in the next issue of the Brewers' Digest. The great importance of the ASBC Award to me is reflected in the fact that the only item I took from my room when the fire alarm started was the slides for my award lecture. My aunts in Jamaica, who looked after me after my mother migrated to London in 1948, often reminded me that whenever possible, “First things first. ”
Composition, Mixing State and Water Affinity of Meteoric Smoke Analogue Nanoparticles Produced in a Non-Thermal Microwave Plasma Source

Abstract The article reports on the composition, mixing state and water affinity of iron silicate particles which were produced in a non-thermal low-pressure microwave plasma reactor. The particles are intended to be used as meteoric smoke particle analogues. We used the organometallic precursors ferrocene (Fe(C5H5)2) and tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS, Si(OC2H5)4) in various mixing ratios to produce nanoparticles with radii between 1 nm and 4 nm. The nanoparticles were deposited on sample grids and their stoichiometric composition was analyzed in an electron microscope using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). We show that the pure silicon oxide and iron oxide particles consist of SiO2 and Fe2O3, respectively. For Fe:(Fe+Si) ratios between 0.2 and 0.8 our reactor produces (in contrast to other particle sources) mixed iron silicates with a stoichiometric composition according to FexSi(1−x)O3 (0≤x≤1). This indicates that the particles are formed by polymerization of FeO3 and SiO3 and that rearrangement to the more stable silicates ferrosilite (FeSiO3) and fayalite (Fe2SiO4) does not occur at these conditions. To investigate the internal mixing state of the particles, the H2O surface desorption energy of the particles was measured. We found that the nanoparticles are internally mixed and that differential coating resulting in a core-shell structure does not occur.