Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bioconcentration of chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons in aquatic macrophytes

This study reports the bioconcentration and the uptake and elimination kinetics of a series of nonreactive, hydrophobic organic substances in the submerged aquatic macrophyte Myriophyllum spicatum. The tested substances represent a wide range of aqueous solubilities and 1-octanol-water partition coefficients (K{sub OW}). The plant-water bioconcentration factor is shown to follow a linear relationship with the octanol-water partition coefficient for all chemicals, including the superhydrophobic chemicals with log K{sub OW} up to 8.3. The uptake and elimination rate constants tend to follow a biphasic relationship with K{sub OW}. A kinetic model is developed for organic chemical bioconcentration is submerged aquatic macrophyte species. This model is applied to the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair to illustrate the role of aquatic macrophytes in chemical dynamics in aquatic systems.
Misfolded and dimeric HLA-B27 molecules : implication for Ankylosing Spondylitis

HLA-B27 is a Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class I molecule which exhibits a strong association with the inflammatory arthritic disorder Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS). It has been postulated that the tendency for HLAB27 to misfold and form disulphide linked heavy chain homodimers may contribute to AS pathogenesis. However, it remains elusive how these aberrant forms occur and to which extent they participate in AS development. I have analysed the contribution of conserved cysteine residues at positions (p) 101, 164, 203 and 259 and unpaired cysteines at p67, 308 and 325, in the formation of ER resident heavy chain homodimers. I demonstrated that HLA-B27 dimerisation involves a hierarchy of disulphide bonding. Moreover, my study indicates that heavy chain-dimers are composed of multiple species, with each possibly exhibiting varying degrees of folding/unfolding. I found that HLA-B*27:05 adopts novel in vivo conformations within the ER lumen, which have yet be to identified for other HLA alleles. Detection of these conformations depends on cysteine residue exposure to the ER environment what can explain the propensity for heavy chains to misfold. Finally, I investigated the role of the MHC class I antigen presentation pathway in HLA-B27 dimerisation. I found that HLA-B27 retains its tendency to dimerise despite the presence of β2m and high affinity peptide and both β2m-free (unfolded) and β2m+peptide-associated (folded) homodimers can associate with the Peptide Loading Complex. Moreover, the tendency for HLA-B27 to dimerise is influenced by p116 within the peptide binding groove, which is a natural polymorphism within AS-associated and non-AS–associated HLA–B27 subtypes. These studies may have implications for inflammatory disease since they begin to provide a biochemical understanding for the ability of HLA-B27 to misfold.
The Prevalence of Isolated Neutropenia at High Altitude in Southern Saudi Arabia: Does Altitude Affect Leucocyte Count?

Introduction Isolated neutropenia is a common problem in hematology practice. Benign ethnic neutropenia (BEN) is the common form of neutropenia worldwide and it affects mainly African and Middle Eastern ethnicities. Most cases of isolated mild and moderate neutropenia are benign and associated with no clinical significance. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of isolated neutropenia at high-altitude southern Saudi Arabia. Methods A large dataset of complete blood counts (CBCs) was analyzed for walk-in patients of both genders, of age ranges from 12 to 60 years doing blood tests at a commercial lab for high altitude − 2,270 meters above sea level – (HA) group, and from sea level SL group. Abnormal biochemical or CBC results were excluded before analysis. Results For HA group, 3123 CBCs were analyzed and for SL group 18,427 CBCs were analyzed. The prevalence of mild neutropenia, defined as absolute neutrophil count (ANC) in the range of 1.0−. 5× 109/L, was 12.4% (n=399) versus 5.6% (n=1025), while moderate neutropenia, defined as ANC of 0.5–1 × 109/L, was present 6% (n=191) versus 1.45% (n=269) in the high altitude and sea level groups, respectively. Severe neutropenia, defined as neutrophil count less than 0.5–1 × 109/L, was rare in both groups. Conclusion Isolated neutropenia is common in Saudis living at high altitude. While benign ethnic neutropenia (BEN) is thought to be the major contributing factor to this high prevalence, other factors including environmental factors and altitude are possible contributing factors along with underlying ethnic neutropenia.
Hydrogen as an additive to methane for spark ignition engine applications

It is shown that the performance of a gas fuelled spark ignition engine can be enhanced considerably when relatively small amounts of hydrogen are present with methane. This improvement in performance which is especially pronounced at operational equivalence ratios that are much leaner than the stoichiometric value, can be attributed largely to the faster and cleaner burning characteristics of hydrogen in comparison to methane. Through analytical simulation of engine performance, the addition of hydrogen is considered through its production in-situ on board the engine by electrolysis of water with the necessary energy supplied from engine power. It is shown that when the work energy required for the production of hydrogen by electrolysis is taken into account, the range of viable operation of such an engine is very narrow. This would render the whole concept of in situ hydrogen production through water electrolysis uneconomical in conjunction with engine operation, even though the presence of additional oxygen produced with the hydrogen tends, in principle, to improve engine performance beyond that observed with hydrogen addition.
The Applicability of the Modified Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) on the Sustainable Adoption of eHealth Systems in Resource-Limited Settings

Background The implementation of eHealth systems with a trial-and-error approach is very expensive and unsuccessful. So, this study aims to examine the constructs and relationships of the modified technology acceptance model (TAM) to determine whether it can be applied to assess health professional’s behavioral intention to adopt eHealth systems in resource-limited settings or not. Methods The institutional-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among a total of 384 healthcare professionals in referral hospitals of Amhara regional state, Ethiopia. Self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data, and the data were entered using Epi-info version 7 and the descriptive data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Structural equation modeling, using AMOS 22, was also applied to describe and validate the degree of relationships between variables. Results The findings of the structural equation modeling (SEM) indicate that perceived usefulness has a significant influence on attitude (β =0.298, P<0.01) and intention to use eHealth (β =0.387, P<0.01). Perceived ease of use has significant influence on perceived usefulness (β=0.385, P<0.05) and attitude (β=0.347, P<0.05) and intention to use eHealth (β=0.339, P<0.01). Technical infrastructure has significant influence on attitude (β =0.412, P<0.01) and intention to use eHealth (β =0.355, P<0.01). The staffs IT experience has a significant influence on perceived usefulness (β =0.595, P<0.01) and attitude (β =0.267, P<0.05), but the effect of IT experience on the intention to use eHealth was not significant. Among all the constructs, healthcare professionals attitude towards eHealth showed the strongest effect on the intention to use eHealth systems (β = 0.52, P<0.01). Conclusion Overall, this model describes 56.2% of the variance in behavioral intention to use eHealth systems. Therefore, the implementers should give priority in enhancing the organizations technical infrastructure, staff’s IT skill, and their attitude towards eHealth by giving continuous support.
Effects of apatite and calcium oxyphosphate on speciation and bioavailability of exogenous rare earth elements in the soil-plant system

Abstract The effects of applying apatite and calcium oxyphosphate on the bioavailability and distribution of exogenous rare earth elements (REEs) among different soil phases were investigated through pot experiments, speciation analysis and single extraction. The results showed that calcium oxyphosphate could reduce soil pH and that apatite could increase soil alkalinity. Both additives could transform exchangeable REEs into other phases and reduce their bioavailability, with Ca(H2PO4)2 being more effective in this respect. Mechanisms involved were also discussed. Among many processes, H2PO4− played a dominant role in affecting REE speciation in soil by influencing the Gibbs free energy changes. Results from single extractions and pot experiments showed that even though 0.1M HCl and 0.05M EDTA (pH7.0) had a strong extracting ability, they did not reflect the REEs’ bioavailability in soil. However, NH4OAc (1M), a weak extractant, could be used as a method for reducing REEs bioavailability. Its extracting ability could be further improved by increasing its acidity, particularly useful in soil with low REE content. It was suggested that phosphate should be taken into consideration when studying the environmental behavior of REEs or establishing a model for predicting the environmental risk of REEs in the soil-plant system.
Utilizing a Minimum of Four Antenatal Care Visits and Associated Factors in Debre Berhan Town, North Shewa, Amhara, Ethiopia, 2020

Background Receiving a minimum of four antenatal care, as per the World Health Organization recommendation, enhances the possibility of utilizing effective maternal health care during antenatal follow-up. Hence, this study aimed to identify the level of a minimum of 4 ANC usage and factors associated with Debre Berhan town. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was employed from February 20 to March 10/2020 among women who gave birth in the last 6 months before the data collection period in Debre Berhan town. Data were collected using face-to-face interviews with the pre-tested tool by trained data collectors from randomly selected participants. After entering the data into Epi-data software version 3.1, it was further processed using SPSS version 23 statistical package. Both bivariate and multivariable Logistic regressions were fitted to identify the determinants for the utilization of a minimum of 4 antenatal care. A significance level of 0.05 was used to decide the significance of statistical tests. Results A total of 390 women were interviewed giving a response rate of 99.2%. In this study, 78.5% (95% CI: 74.4–82.6) of women received a minimum of four antenatal care visits. Maternal educational status, initiation of antenatal visit at ≤16 weeks of gestation, and husband support/partner involvement were identified predictors of utilization of minimum 4 antenatal visits. Conclusion and Recommendations Use of at least four antenatal visits in Debre Berhan town was found to be good. Health promotion programs targeting mothers with no education and lower educational level are important to increase their awareness about the importance of antenatal services. Male partner involvement during care related to pregnancy and promoting early initiation of antenatal care is important to overcome challenges towards a minimum of 4 antenatal visits in Debre Berhan town.
Low Birth Weight and Associated Factors Among Newborn Babies in Health Institutions in Dessie, Amhara, Ethiopia

Background Globally, more than 20.5 million infants are born with low birth weight, and the majorities were from Asia and Africa. Even though efforts were made to reduce low birth weight worldwide, it remains a global public health problem, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Objective To assess low birth weight and associated factors among newborn babies in health institutions in Dessie, Amhara, Ethiopia. Methods An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 358 newborn/mother pairs from March 1 to April 15, 2017, in Dessie town health institutions. The data were collected using a semi-structured interviewer-guided questionnaire. The numbers of newborn/mother pairs surveyed from each health institution were allocated proportionally, and systematic random sampling was used to select the respondents. Epi-info version 7.0 was used for data entry, and Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20 was used for the analysis. Multivariate logistic regression with adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were used to identify significantly associated variables with low birth weight. Results In this study, the prevalence of low birth weight was 15.6%. Maternal age <20 years (AOR: 3.78, 95% CI, 1.02–13.97), rural residence (AOR: 3.49, 95% CI, 1.48–8.24), having antenatal care follow-up (AOR: 3.79, 95% CI, 1.08–13.23), gestational age <37 weeks (AOR: 3.82, 95% CI, 1.55–9.42), and females (AOR: 3.37, 95% CI, 1.17–9.72) were significantly associated with low birth weight. Conclusion The proportion of LBW in this study is comparable to the estimated global prevalence. Maternal age, residence, antenatal care, gestational age, and sex were significantly associated variables with low birth weight. Therefore, special attention should be given to antenatal care services and preventive strategies for preterm delivery.
Density, refractive index, and kinematic viscosity of diesters and triesters

Densities at temperatures from 288.15 K and 358.15 K, kinematic viscosity from 293.15 K and 358.15 K, and refractive index from 288.15 K and 323.15 K were measured for six esters: tributyl phosphate, dibutyl suberate, diethyl azelate, diethyl sebacate, diethyl phthalate, and dioctyl phthalate. The results were fitted to various models, and the parameters are reported.
MOLECULAR CONFORMATION AND SOLVATION OF OLIGO(ETHYLENE GLYCOL)-TERMINATED SELF-ASSEMBLED MONOLAYERS AND THEIR RESISTANCE TO PROTEIN ADSORPTION

We study the interaction of water with oligo(ethylene glycol) (OEG)-terminated alkane thiolate self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) in the helical and the planar “all-trans” form with ab initio methods to determine the stability and density distribution in water clusters as a function of molecular conformation. We find that the amphiphilic behavior of the OEG moieties depends on their molecular conformation and that the energetics of water adsorption is dominated by electrostatic interactions. The SAM surface of helical OEG provides a template for water nucleation, whereas water is not stable on a surface of planar OEG strands. These results suggest that protein resistance of OEG-terminated self-assembled monolayers is a consequence of the stability of the interfacial water layer, which prevents direct contact between the surface and the protein.
LiBH4/SBA-15 Nanocomposites Prepared by Melt Infiltration under Hydrogen Pressure: Synthesis and Hydrogen Sorption Properties

Lithium borohydride (LiBH4) is a promising material for hydrogen storage, with a gravimetric hydrogen content of 18.5%. However, the thermodynamics and kinetics of its hydrogen release and uptake need to be improved before it can meet the requirements for mobile applications. In this study, we investigate the confinement of LiBH4 in ordered mesoporous SiO2 and its effect on the hydrogen sorption properties. We demonstrate that, only under hydrogen pressure, melt infiltration is an effective method for the synthesis of LiBH4/SBA-15 nanocomposites. Our work clearly shows that formation of lithium silicates from LiBH4 and SiO2 can effectively be suppressed by hydrogen. Thus, under hydrogen pressure, LiBH4 can fully fill the mesopores of SBA-15 while the long-range order of the mesopores is maintained. The confined LiBH4 has enhanced hydrogen desorption properties, with desorption starting at 150 °C. However, upon dehydrogenation, SiO2 and decomposition products of LiBH4 react to form Li2SiO3 and Li4SiO4, lea.
Yield, fruit quality and nutrient uptake of ‘Nabbut-Ahmar’ date palm grown in sandy loam soil as affected by NPK fertigation

ABSTRACT A field experiment was conducted in 2011 and 2012 to study the effect of fertigation on yield, fruit quality and nutrient uptake of ‘Nabbut-Ahmar’ date palm cultivar grown in sandy loam soil. Three fertigation treatments were compared with traditional application. In traditional treatment (CT), the recommended dose [2300 g nitrogen (N), 1200 g phosphorus (P) and 1400 g/tree] was applied as a soil broadcast in three equal doses. The fertigation treatments, (T2), (T3) and (T4), represent all nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) amounts of CT, 2/3 CT and 1/3 CT, respectively that were injected in twelve equal doses. The results showed that compared to CT, the fertigation treatments increased yield/palm by 41%, 31% and 18% for T3, T2 and T4, respectively. Beside the increase in yield, 33% and 66% of the applied fertilizers were saved by T3 and T4, respectively, compared with CT. Feritgation treatments had no negative impact on the overall fruit quality characteristics and even increased total soluble solids (TSS), soluble tannins and total phenols concentrations compared to the conventional fertilization. Availability of NPK increased by fertigation but without further increase in leaves and fruit. In conclusion applying 2/3 of the recommended dose of NPK fertilizers under dry land condition through fertigation maximize yield, quality and fertilizer use efficiency.
Direct measurement of the band gap and Fermi level position at InN(112¯0)

A nonpolar stoichiometric InN(112¯0) surface freshly cleaved inside UHV was investigated by scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy. Due to the absence of intrinsic surface states in the band gap, scanning tunneling spectroscopy yields directly the fundamental bulk band gap of 0.7±0.1 eV. The Fermi energy is pinned 0.3 eV below the conduction band minimum due to cleavage induced defect states. Thus, intrinsic electron accumulation can be excluded for this surface. Electron accumulation is rather an extrinsic effect due to surface contamination or material decomposition, but not an intrinsic material property of InN.
Influence of Molecular Architecture on the Adsorption of Poly(ethylene oxide)−Poly(propylene oxide)−Poly(ethylene oxide) on PDMS Surfaces and Implications for Aqueous Lubrication

We have investigated the adsorption and lubrication properties of a series of poly(ethylene oxide)−poly(propylene oxide)−poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO−PPO−PEO) block copolymers (“Pluronic”) to examine the feasibility of using them as aqueous lubricant additives. The adsorption behavior of PEO−PPO−PEO onto poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) surfaces was studied by optical waveguide lightmode spectroscopy (OWLS). The amount of adsorbed PEO−PPO−PEO copolymer exhibited a systematic variation, mainly according to the formula weight of the PPO block, and was found to increase with increasing PPO block size. The lubricating properties of the copolymers were investigated by means of pin-on-disk tribometry, employing self-mated PDMS as a tribo-pair in an aqueous environment. The lubricating behavior of the PEO−PPO−PEO copolymers was observed to be closely associated with their adsorption properties onto the PDMS surface; effective lubrication under low-velocity conditions was observed for those PEO−PPO−PEO copolymers that .
Extraction Behavior of Am(III) and Eu(III) from Nitric Acid Medium in Tetraoctyldiglycolamide-Bis(2-Ethylhexyl)Phosphoric Acid Solution

The extraction behavior of Am(III) and Eu(III) in a solution of tetra-octyldiglycolamide (TODGA), bis(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (HDEHP), and n-dodecane (n-DD) was studied to understand the role of TODGA and HDEHP in the combined solvent system. The extraction behavior of these metal ions was compared with those observed in TODGA/n-DD and HDEHP/n-DD. The effect of various parameters such as concentrations of HNO3, TODGA, and HDEHP on the distribution ratio of Am(III) and Eu(III) was studied. Synergistic extraction of both the metal ions observed at lower acidities (<2.0 M) was attributed to the involvement of TODGA and HDEHP for extraction. However, the extraction of Am(III) and Eu(III) in the combined solvent was comparable with that observed in TODGA at higher acidities. The slope analysis of the extraction data confirmed the involvement of both the extractants at all acidities investigated in the present study.
Evaluation of Effects of Enrofloxacin on Some Hematological Parameters in Broilers

In the present study, effects of enrofloxacin on some hematological parameters of broiler chickens were investigated. Broilers were divided into five groups: Group 1 (kept as control) and Group 2, 3, 4 and 5 were administered respectively 10, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight enrofloxacin for 30 consecutive days. Hematological parameters include: Red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) counts, hemoglobin concentration (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), the mean corpuscular volume (MCV), the mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and differential white cell count (DWCC) were demonstrated after the last dose. Results revealed that RBC decreased in all groups except group 5; Hb increased in group 2 and decreased in group 4 and 5; MCV levels were lower in group 5 and higher in group 3 and 4; MCH increased in group 2, 3, 4 and decreased in 5; MCHC decreased in group 4 and 5. There were mild decrements in WBC in group 5. The results of this study suggested that oral administration of enrofloxacin at approximately 10, 20 and 40 times the proposed dosage of 10 mg /kg for up to 30 days is changed some hematological parameters in broiler chicken.
Biomass-based thermogelling copolymers consisting of lignin and grafted poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), poly(ethylene glycol), and poly(propylene glycol)

This paper reports the synthesis and characterization of a series of biomass-based thermogelling graft copolymers using atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) technique, which are composed of a lignin core and multiple arms of graft polymer chains, where each graft consists of a block of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) and a block of brush-like random copolymer of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and poly(propylene glycol) (PPG). A few control copolymers with different chain architectures and/or compositions were also synthesized for comparison purposes. It was found that the lignin-based PNIPAAm-block-PEG/PPG copolymers were thermo-responsive in aqueous medium. The aqueous solutions of the copolymers displayed thermogelling behaviors, turning from a sol at low temperatures to a hydrogel at temperatures around 32–34 °C, and further to a dehydrated gel at higher temperatures. The thermogelling copolymers had very low critical gelation concentrations ranging from 1.3 to 2.5 wt%. The thermo-responsive rheological properties were investigated. The elastic modulus G′ and viscous modulus G′′ of the copolymer solutions were very low at low temperatures, and increased at higher temperatures, and then crossed over at their gelation temperatures, with G′ dominating G′′ after the gel formation. The block architecture of the lignin-based PNIPAAm-block-PEG/PPG copolymers is key to their hydrogel formation, because the lignin-based PNIPAAm-random-PEG/PPG copolymer with the same monomer ratio, as a control polymer, could not form hydrogels at any temperature, whose solution only turned from transparent to turbid when the temperature was increased.