Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Facile Hydrothermal and Solvothermal Synthesis and Characterization of Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Dots from Palm Kernel Shell Precursor

Carbon dots (CDs), a nanomaterial synthesized from organic precursors rich in carbon content with excellent fluorescent property, are in high demand for many purposes, including sensing and biosensing applications. This research focused on preparing CDs from natural and abundant waste, palm kernel shells (PKS) obtained from palm oil biomass, aiming for sensing and biosensing applications. Ethylenediamine and L-phenylalanine doped CDs were produced via the hydrothermal and solvothermal methods using one-pot synthesis techniques in an autoclave batch reactor. The as-prepared N-CDs shows excellent photoluminescence (PL) property and a quantum yield (QY) of 13.7% for ethylenediamine (EDA) doped N-CDs (CDs-EDA) and 8.6% for L-phenylalanine (L-Ph) doped N-CDs (CDs-LPh) with an excitation/emission wavelength of 360 nm/450 nm. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images show the N-CDs have an average particle size of 2 nm for both CDs. UV-Visible spectrophotometric results showed C=C and C=O transition. FTIR results show and confirm the presence of functional groups, such as -OH, -C=O, -NH2 on the N-CDs, and the X-ray diffraction pattern showed that the N-CDs were crystalline, depicted with sharp peaks. This research work demonstrated that palm kernel shell biomass often thrown away as waste can produce CDs with excellent physicochemical properties.
Monitoring the Hydration Process in Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Cement-Based Composites Using Nonlinear Elastic Waves

There is currently an increased need for associating construction material properties and behavior with the nature of their microstructure. One of the major issues in this context is the need for understanding the curing process in freshly poured cement-based materials. This is particularly important when nanoreinforcement materials, such as carbon nanotubes, are used to enhance the mechanical behavior and multifunctionality of the final structure. The solidification point, at which the state of liquid suspension transmutes to the solid state, is of particular interest since it greatly influences the load-bearing capacity of the cement-based material and its structural behavior at the long term. The main purpose of the present work is to develop a reliable method for monitoring the hydration process during the early stages of freshly poured cementitious composites enhanced with carbon nanotubes. This methodology is based on the use of nonlinear elastic waves. To achieve this goal, a combination of contact ultrasonics with noncontact optical detection was used. The detection method for evaluating the setting process is based on the assessment of higher-harmonic amplitudes of an ultrasonic wave, with a given frequency, propagating through the cementitious material. It was observed that the material nonlinearity changes significantly during the hardening process, compared to velocity or attenuation measurements which are based on linear acoustics. These changes were more noticeable as the concentration of carbon nanotubes in the cement matrix increases, indicating that higher harmonics are more susceptible to minute microstructural changes.
Estimating the minimum important difference for the questionnaire about the Process of Recovery (QPR): an anchor-based approach

ABSTRACT Background: Despite wide usage of the Questionnaire about the Process of Recovery (QPR), the minimum important difference (MID) for the measure has not been identified. Establishing the MID for the QPR is required in order to facilitate the interpretation of outcomes in clinical practice and the use of this scale in research, to measure meaningful change in people with psychosis. Methods: Using an anchor-based method, data from four existing trials of interventions for people with psychosis (N = 681) were used to identify the MID for the QPR. Changes in QPR total scores between baseline and end of treatment were assessed for correspondence with several anchor measures which had established MIDs or face-value clinical meaning. A range of MID values were calculated. Results: Based on anchor measures that were orientated towards service-user priorities, a within-person MID of 5 points and a between-group MID of 4 points are suggested. Results also indicated that the reliability and validity of the 15-item version of the QPR was high, which provides support for its use in clinical practice and research. Conclusions: Implications for future research and clinical practice are discussed.
Modelling and monitoring of INAR(1) process with geometrically inflated Poisson innovations

ABSTRACT To analyse count time series data inflated at the r + 1 values , we propose a new first-order integer-valued autoregressive process with r-geometrically inflated Poisson innovations. Some statistical properties together with conditional maximum likelihood estimate are provided. For the purpose of statistical monitoring, we focus on the cumulative sum chart, exponentially weighted moving average chart and combined jumps chart towards the proposed process. Numerical simulations indicate that the conditional maximum likelihood estimator is unbiased. Moreover, the cumulative sum chart is the best choice to monitor our model in practice. Some applications about telephone complaints data are provided to illustrate the proposed methods.
Crescimento inicial do milho cultivar brs 1030 sob omissão de nutrientes em solução nutritiva

O surgimento de novos hibridos de milho pode afetar a tolerância a deficiencia nutricional. Objetivou-se, com este trabalho, caracterizar os sintomas visuais de deficiencia de macronutrientes e sua relacao com o crescimento, os teores e o acumulo de nutrientes em milho. O experimento foi realizado em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com sete tratamentos e tres repeticoes. Os tratamentos consistiram na solucao completa de Hoagland & Arnon (1950), com omissoes de N, P, K, Ca, Mg e S. O inicio dos sintomas de deficiencia de N, P, K, Ca e Mg ocorreram aos 5, 16, 16, 16 e 22 dias apos o transplantio, respectivamente. O milho apresentou menor producao de materia seca com a omissao de N, P, K, Ca e Mg, em comparacao com o tratamento completo. Os sintomas de deficiencia de N, P, K, Ca e Mg foram observados na parte aerea do milho com teores iguais a 7,8; 1,2; 15,7; 1,8 e 0,7 g kg-1, respectivamente. No tratamento completo, os teores de N, P, K, Ca e Mg na parte aerea foram de 30,6; 5,9; 63,7; 6,0 e 4,5 g kg-1, sem sintomas de deficiencia. A producao de materia seca diminui quando ha a omissao dos nutrientes, tanto para parte aerea como para raizes, e os tratamentos que apresentaram menor producao de materia seca foram a omissao de N e a de K. A omissao de um nutriente, alem de diminuir seu teor na parte aerea, causa desequilibrio entre os demais nutrientes e, consequentemente, provoca sintomas caracteristicos de deficiencia de cada nutriente.
The effect of acid activation and calcination of halloysite on the efficiency and selectivity of Pb(II), Cd(II), Zn(II) and As(V) uptake

Abstract The present study investigated the efficiency and mechanisms of aqueous Pb(II), Cd(II), Zn(II) and As(V) adsorption on natural (H), calcined (HC), and acid-activated halloysite (HA). The XRD and FTIR measurements indicated that the aluminosilicate framework was not affected by high-temperature treatment, in contrast to acid activation, which led to structural changes mainly in the tetrahedral sheet. The sorption of cations on H sample was low, though it was most effective for As(V). The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results suggested that removal of As(V) might be related to its reduction to As(III) involving oxidation of Fe(II) present in the mineral structure and/or iron minerals. The calcination enhanced halloysite sorption capacity for cations, while the As(V) sorption decreased. This was due to partial dehydroxylation and the subsequent formation of additional active sites. The acid treatment induced selective adsorption of Pb(II).
Influence of Training in Determining Academic Staff Performance in Public Universities in Uganda

In an effort by public universities to improve on the performance of lecturers in Uganda, universities are implementing various human resource management practices. Despite this move, ineffective teaching, low research and publication continue to prevail, making it difficult for public universities to produce the needed human resources for national development. This study investigated the relationship between staff training and teaching and research outputs of academic staff in selected public universities. A mixed-method design using convergent parallel approach was employed to collect and analyse data from a population of 4 Vice-Chancellors, 4 Directors of Human Resources and 1127 full-time academic staff. Four universities were selected using purposive sampling based on year of establishment before 2011. Analysis of quantitative data collected was done using Pearson’s Correlation, linear regression and factor analysis. Qualitative data were analysed based on thematic content analysis. Results indicated a moderate positive correlation between staff training and academic staff teaching output (r=0.476, p<0.01), a weak positive relationship between staff training and research output (r=0.347, p<0.01). It was recommended, university management should reformulate policies that help staff exploit relevant training opportunities to improve on the teaching and research output in public universities. Universities should partner with other centres of excellence to provide continuous training for the academic staff in pedagogy and research output.
Sexual Intercourse among Early Adolescents in Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia: Survey using Respondent-Driven Sampling (RDS)

Background Sexual intercourse is a risky behavior among many earlier adolescents (10–14 years), some of whom might ultimately experience unsafe abortion. However, the prevalence of sexual intercourse among earlier adolescents in Indonesia is not known. Methods A cross-sectional behavioral survey was conducted from July to October 2019 among early adolescents who are prone to sexual intercourse (EAWAPTSI) in Semarang, Indonesia. A total of 180 EAWAPTSI aged 10–14 years old (115 boys and 65 girls) were recruited using respondent-driven sampling (RDS) in urban areas. A survey with the Open Data Kit (ODK) application was administered to the study participants. Results A total of 180 EAWAPTSI were enrolled, including original seeds. The majority of respondents were male and 14 years old. The RDS-adjusted sexual intercourse prevalence was 38.4% (95% CI: 27.8–49.1). The prevalence was higher among adolescents who were of older age, boys, enrolled in school, and under the care of their mother, had low parental education, discussed sexuality with their parents less frequently and agreed with this behavior at their age. Conclusions The conclusion of this study is that early adolescents have already been exposed to sexual activity. This finding suggests that education on healthy sexual behavior should be started before the age of early adolescence (10–14 years). Education should be comprehensive and address individual risk behaviors, not only to delay sexual debut but also to emphasize the importance of preventing sexually transmitted infections and adolescent pregnancy. In addition, parental involvement is needed. Therefore, it is necessary to increase communication about sexuality between children and parents.
A combined inhibiting effect of sodium alginate and sodium phosphate on the corrosion of magnesium alloy AZ31 in NaCl solution

The inhibiting effect of joint-addition of sodium alginate (SA) and sodium phosphate (SP) on corrosion of magnesium (Mg) alloy AZ31 (3 wt% aluminum and 1 wt% zinc) in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution was investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, potentiodynamic polarization analysis, mass loss measurements, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Results reveal a combined inhibiting effect derived from the presence of SA and SP with respect to Mg alloy AZ31 and an optimal inhibition efficiency in terms of corrosion of AZ31 substrate was yielded in 3.5 wt% NaCl electrolyte containing 0.05 wt% SA and 0.15 wt% SP. SEM-EDS examination suggested that such a promising combined inhibiting mechanism could be attributed to the formation of a compact, homogeneous and protective composite film. Chemical composition study through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy elucidates that such a protective film contains not only conventional magnesium hydroxide as a result of corrosion of Mg alloy AZ31, but SA and SP through chemical adsorption on the surface of Mg alloy AZ31.
Mechanical and FEA-Assisted Characterization of Fused Filament Fabricated Triply Periodic Minimal Surface Structures

This paper investigates the mechanical behavior of additive manufactured Triply Periodic Minimal Surface (TPMS) structures, such as Gyroid, Schwarz Diamond and Schwarz Primitive. Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) technique was utilized in order to fabricate lattice structures with different relative densities, at 10%, 20% and 30%, using Polylactic acid (PLA). The test specimens were formed by structural TPMS unit cells and they were tested under quasi-static compression. A finite element analysis (FEA) was performed in order to predict their stress-strain behavior and compare with the experimental results. The results revealed that each architecture influences the mechanical properties of the structure differently depending on the impact of size effect. The structures were designed as sandwich structures (with a top and bottom plate) to avoid significant deterioration of the mechanical behavior, due to the size effect and this was achieved at high relative densities. The Schwarz Diamond structure demonstrated the highest mechanical strength compared with the other architectures, while the Gyroid structure also revealed a similar mechanical performance. In addition, Schwarz Primitive structure showed increased energy absorption especially during plastic deformation. The overall results revealed that the integrity of the mechanical properties of the studied TPMS FFF printed structures deteriorates, as the relative density of the structures decreases.
Using analytical hierarchy process to optimize mechanical properties of multi-twisted buckled silk yarn as a collagenous tissue scaffold

Abstract The present research is focused on optimization the buckling process factors to produce buckled silk yarn using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method to gain the best mechanical properties. To achieve this aim, the improvement of mechanical performance is investigated by surface changes of single yarns due to air-jet buckling process. SEM images of yarns approved the efficiency of buckling process by increasing the yarn diameter. According to the decision matrix, the best conditions of buckling process were related to 40 Psi as air pressure and 80 rpm as speed. In the following step, multi-twisted buckled silk yarn was designed and compared in load at break aspect with native collagenous tissues. To sum up, buckling process and also analytic hierarchy process optimization method are the acceptable approaches to design the best structure of multi-twisted buckled silk yarn that has a good potential as a scaffold in collagenous tissues.
Cell therapies in the clinic

Abstract Cell therapies have emerged as a promising therapeutic modality with the potential to treat and even cure a diverse array of diseases. Cell therapies offer unique clinical and therapeutic advantages over conventional small molecules and the growing number of biologics. Particularly, living cells can simultaneously and dynamically perform complex biological functions in ways that conventional drugs cannot; cell therapies have expanded the spectrum of available therapeutic options to include key cellular functions and processes. As such, cell therapies are currently one of the most investigated therapeutic modalities in both preclinical and clinical settings, with many products having been approved and many more under active clinical investigation. Here, we highlight the diversity and key advantages of cell therapies and discuss their current clinical advances. In particular, we review 28 globally approved cell therapy products and their clinical use. We also analyze >1700 current active clinical trials of cell therapies, with an emphasis on discussing their therapeutic applications. Finally, we critically discuss the major biological, manufacturing, and regulatory challenges associated with the clinical translation of cell therapies.
Efficacy of a 4-Week Smartphone Application Intervention on College Students’ BMI, Physical Activity, and Motivation

ABSTRACT The purpose of the study was to examine the effectiveness of “efitbuddy,” a theory-based smartphone application, on young adults’ BMI, physical activity, and motivation across a 4-week intervention. Participants were a convenience sample of 312 (mean age = 19.4 ± 2.3 years) college students. A quasi-experimental design with the control group was used to examine the effects of “efitbuddy” on BMI, physical activity, and motivation. Participants in the intervention group downloaded “efitbuddy” and used it daily for a four-week period. Outcome measures included BMI, Physical Activity Questionnaire (PAQ) scores, self-efficacy, and enjoyment, collected at baseline and posttest timepoints. Mixed effects models yielded no significant improvements in BMI (p = .725), PAQ scores (p = .745), self-efficacy (p = .301), or enjoyment (p = .104). The 4-week “efitbuddy” intervention did not yield improvements in BMI, physical activity, or motivation in a sample of college students. These null findings are congruent with other smartphone interventions attempting to promote behavior change.
Effects of Dietary Intake and Supplementation of Indigenous Probiotic Lactobacillus Plantarum Dad-13 on Body Mass Index, Faecal Short-Chain Fatty Acid, and Gut Microbiota of Undernourished Children in East Lombok, Indonesia

Malnutrition has been a global public health problem, jeopardizing children growth and constituting a major cause of death in children in developing countries, including Indonesia. Malnourished person tends to have abnormal gut microbiota. Probiotics supplementation can be considered as one of preventative measures against imbalanced gut microbiota and pathogenic bacteria to enable optimum nutrition absorption. This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary intake and supplementation of powder of indigenous probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum Dad-13 to undernourished children in East Lombok, Indonesia on their body mass index (BMI), faecal short-chain fatty acids and gut microbiota. This study was performed in a Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled design, involving 40 children aged 10-12 years old, with BMI/age ratio ≤ -2 standard deviation (SD). Subjects were randomly divided into two groups namely placebo and probiotic group. The placebo group consumed 1 gram of skimmed milk daily while the probiotic group consumed 1 gram of skimmed milk containing 1x109 CFU/gram of L. plantarum Dad-13 daily, with consumption period of 60 days for both groups. The result showed that dietary intakes of both groups were below recommended value (<70%). Lactobacillus plantarum and Bifidobacterium significantly increased after probiotic consumption while Enterobacteriaceae and Klebsiella pneumonia significantly reduced. Short-chain fatty acid (acetate, propionate, butyrate) significantly increased in probiotic group, which consequently lowered pH level. Subsequently, a significant increase was observed in body weight and height in both groups at the end of the study. Only BMI of probiotic group increased after consumption of probiotics.
Prevalence of MDR and ESBL producing Gram-negative isolates from various clinical samples from patients visiting a tertiary care hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal

BackgroundThe existence of multi-drug resistance organisms, including extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs), is on the rise and is becoming a severe problem. Knowledge of the prevalence and antibiogram profile of such isolates is essential to develop an appropriate treatment methodology. This study aimed to study the prevalence of Gram-negative isolates exhibiting ESBL at a tertiary care hospital and study their antibiogram profile.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted at Shahid Gangalal National Heart Centre, Kathmandu, Nepal, from June 2018 to November 2018. A total of 770 clinical samples were collected and identified by using the conventional biochemical tests following the Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) was performed using the Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method. The screening test for ESBL producers was performed as recommended by the CLSI and the confirmatory test was performed phenotypically using the E-test.ResultsOut of 92 isolates, 84 (91.3%) isolates were multidrug resistant, and 47 (51.1%) isolates were found to be potential ESBL producers. Of these, 16 isolates were confirmed ESBL producers by the E-test. Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were the predominant isolates and were also the major ESBL producers. Besides polymyxin B (100% sensitive), meropenem and imipenem showed high efficacy against the ESBL producers.ConclusionMultidrug resistance was very high, however, ESBL production was low. Polymyxin B and carbapenems are the choice of drugs against ESBL producers but should be used only as the last line drugs.
Process innovation using oscillatory flow within baffled tubes

The inclusion of periodic baffles ino a tube coupled with fluid oscillation can result in a range of fluid mechanics where excellent fluid mixing can be achieved. This configuration can give high heat and mass transfer in both batch and continuous modes of operation. Potential applications include plus flow mixers, reactors, bioreactors, filtration units and crystallizers
On the Development of Thermochemical Hydrogen Storage: An Experimental Study of the Kinetics of the Redox Reactions under Different Operating Conditions

This work aims at investigating the reduction/oxidation (redox) reaction kinetics on iron oxide pellets under different operating conditions of thermochemical hydrogen storage. In order to reduce the iron oxide pellets (90% Fe2O3, 10% stabilizing cement), hydrogen (H2) is applied in different concentrations with nitrogen (N2), as a carrier gas, at temperatures between between 700 ∘C and 900 ∘C, thus simulating the charging phase. The discharge phase is triggered by the flow of a mixture out of steam (H2O) and N2 at different concentrations in the same temperature range, resulting in the oxidizing of the previously reduced pellets. All investigations were carried out in a thermo-gravimetric analyzer (TGA) with a flow rate of 250mL/min. To describe the obtained kinetic results, a simplified analytical model, based on the linear driving force model, was developed. The investigated iron oxide pellets showed a stable redox performance of 23.8% weight reduction/gain, which corresponds to a volumetric storage density of 2.8kWh/(L bulk), also after the 29 performed redox cycles. Recalling that there is no H2 stored during the storage phase but iron, the introduced hydrogen storage technology is deemed very promising for applications in urban areas as day-night or seasonal storage for green hydrogen.