Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The roles of standard cigarettes in assuring the ignition resistance of soft furnishings

Regulations for cigarette ignition resistance (CIR) of soft furnishings (beds and upholstered furniture) and less fire‐prone cigarettes have contributed substantially to the decrease in losses from cigarette‐initiated fires over time. Two standard reference cigarettes play key roles in mitigating these losses and in sustaining the effectiveness of the fire safety regulations as exogenous changes occur. SRM 1082 provides a uniform, durable supply of cigarettes for use in ASTM E2187 that assures manufacturers and regulators of compliance with regulations for reduced ignition propensity cigarettes; enables quality control of cigarette fire test performance; enables assurance of uniform interlaboratory test results; obviates effects on fire safety as tobacco crops and smokers change over time; and, when the original ASTM E2187 substrate material was no longer available, enabled adding a new, equivalent substrate. SRM 1196 provides a uniform, durable supply of cigarettes for assurance of consistent interlaboratory evaluation of the ignition resistance of soft furnishings using the mandated test methods; obviates possible unknown changes in soft furnishings' CIR due to the evolving ignition strength of the original test cigarette over time; and provided a test cigarette that was stronger than most cigarettes being smoked after manufacture of the original commercial test cigarette ceased.
Nanomechanical study of polycarbonate/boehmite nanoparticles/epoxy ternary composite and their interphases

232311024 Abstract Thermoplastic modified thermosets are of great interest especially due to their improved fracture toughness. Comparable enhancements have been achieved by adding different nanofillers including inorganic particles such as nanosized boehmite. Here, we present a nanomechanical study of two composite systems, the first comprising a polycarbonate (PC) layer in contact with epoxy resin (EP) and the second consisting of a PC layer containing boehmite nanoparticles (BNP) which is also in contact with an EP layer. The interaction between PC and EP monomer is tested by in situ Fourier transformed infrared (FT-IR) analysis, from which a reaction induced phase separation of the PC phase is inferred. Both systems are explored by atomic force microscopy (AFM) force spectroscopy. AFM force-distance curves (FDC) show no alteration of the mechanical properties of EP at the interface to PC. However, when a PC phase loaded with BNP is put in contact with an epoxy system during curing, a con-siderable mechanical improvement exceeding the rule of mixture was detected. The trend of BNP to agglomerate preferentially around EP dominated regions and the stiffening effect of BNP on EP shown by spatial resolved measurements of Young's modulus, suggest the effective presence of BNP within the EP
A Critical Review of the Physicochemical Properties of Lignosulfonates: Chemical Structure and Behavior in Aqueous Solution, at Surfaces and Interfaces

Lignosulfonates are bio-based surfactants and specialty chemicals, which are generated by breaking the near-infinite lignin network during sulfite pulping of wood. Due to their amphiphilic nature, lignosulfonates are used in manifold applications such as plasticizer, dispersant, and stabilizer formulations. Function and performance are determined by their behavior in aqueous solution and at surfaces and interfaces, which is in turn imposed by the chemical make-up. This review hence summarizes the efforts made into delineating the physicochemical properties of lignosulfonates, while also relating to their composition and structure. Lignosulfonates are randomly branched polyelectrolytes with abundant sulfonate and carboxylic acid groups to ensure water-solubility. In aqueous solution, their conformation, colloidal state, and adsorption at surfaces or interfaces can be affected by a range of parameters, such as pH, concentration of other electrolytes, temperature, and the presence of organic solvents. These parameters may also affect the adsorption behavior, which reportedly follows Langmuir isotherm and pseudo second-order kinetics. The relative hydrophobicity, as determined by hydrophobic interaction chromatography, is an indicator that can help to relate composition and behavior of lignosulfonates. More hydrophobic materials have been found to exhibit a lower charge density. This may improve dispersion stabilization, but it can also be disadvantageous if an electrokinetic charge needs to be introduced at solid surfaces or if precipitation due to salting out is an issue. In addition, the monolignol composition, molecular weight distribution, and chemical modification may affect the physicochemical behavior of lignosulfonates. In conclusion, the properties of lignosulfonates can be tailored by controlling aspects such as the production parameters, fractionation, and by subsequent modification. Recent developments have spawned a magnitude of products and technologies, which is also reflected in the wide variety of possible application areas.
Hydrogen Peroxide Methods for Decontaminating N95 Filtering Facepiece Respirators.

Introduction: During a pandemic, when the supply of N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) is limited, FFRs may be decontaminated by methods that inactivate pathogens as long as they do not damage FFR function. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is widely used for decontamination in medical settings. Objective: To review the literature on the use of H2O2 to decontaminate N95 FFRs and identify methods that inactivate virus and preserve FFR filtration efficiency and fit. Methods: The literature was searched for studies evaluating H2O2 decontamination methods on inactivating SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses and microorganisms inoculated on N95 FFRs and the effects on respirator filtration efficiency and fit. Current U.S. Federal guidelines are also presented. Results: Findings from relevant laboratory studies (N = 24) are summarized in tables. Commercially available H2O2 decontamination systems differ on how H2O2 is delivered, the temperature, the duration of treatment, and other factors that can impact N95 FFR filtration efficiency and fit. Some methods inactivate SARS-CoV-2 virus-contaminated N95 FFRs with >3 log attenuation, whereas other methods are yet to be evaluated. Discussion and Conclusion: Most of the H2O2 methods reviewed effectively decontaminate N95 FFRs without damaging FFR function. However, some methods adversely impact N95 fit or filtration efficiency, which could go undetected by the end user and compromise their protection from pathogen inhalation. When making decisions about H2O2 decontamination of respirators, it is important to understand differences in methods, effects on different FFR models, and potential hazards to workers who manage the decontamination process.
Demonstration of Aqueous Reprocessing of U-Zr and U-Pu-Zr Metallic Alloy Fuels Using an Ejector Mixer-settler with Tri-n-Butyl Phosphate (TBP) as the Extractant

ABSTRACT U-Zr and U-Pu-Zr metallic alloy fuels have been employed in fast reactors in the early days and these fuels have been considered for use in future fast reactors in India. It is proposed to develop an aqueous method based on the PUREX process for the reprocessing of spent metallic fuels. In the present study, an ejector mixer-settler was employed to demonstrate the feasibility of aqueous reprocessing of U-Zr and U-Pu-Zr metallic alloy fuels with tri-n-Butyl Phosphate (TBP) as the extractant. Continuous counter-current mixer settler runs were separately carried out with U-Zr and U-Pu-Zr feed solutions using 1.1 M TBP/n-DD solvent. Quantitative extraction of U and U + Pu was achieved within five stages leaving zirconium in the raffinate in the case of U-Zr and U-Pu-Zr feed solutions, respectively. Quantitative back extraction of uranium from loaded organic phase was achieved using 0.01 M HNO3 in the case of U-Zr mixer-settler runs. Dual strip solutions such as 2 M and 0.01 M HNO3 were used for the quantitative stripping of U and Pu from the loaded organic phase in the case of U-Pu-Zr mixer-settler runs. The proposed flow sheets demonstrate that the aqueous reprocessing of metallic fuels using a PUREX-based method is feasible.
A Review on the Application of Starch as Depressant in Iron Ore Flotation

ABSTRACT The depletion of high-grade iron ores has necessitated the beneficiation of low-grade iron ores. Flotation is considered the most efficient operation to upgrade the iron content of fine-grained ores that do not respond to gravity or size classification units. Out of several reagents used in iron ore reverse flotation, depressants play a crucial role in selectively making the iron oxides hydrophilic and prohibiting them from reporting to the gangue-rich froth phase. Starch is widely used as the depressant in iron ore flotation. The present paper attempts to highlight different facets of starch as an iron ore depressant. It reviews the important research papers that discuss the origin and chemistry of starch, starch-iron oxide interaction mechanism, and the application of different types of starches and their alternatives in iron ore flotation.
Metabarcoding Fecal DNA Reveals Extent of Halichoerus grypus (Gray Seal) Foraging on Invertebrates and Incidence of Parasite Exposure

Abstract - Halichoerus grypus (Gray Seal) is a top predator in New England waters, yet little data exists on seals foraging on invertebrate prey. We combined analysis of hard parts of scat samples (n = 98) from 2 breeding sites in Massachusetts with metabarcoding of fecal DNA. Invertebrates were detected in 4 samples via analysis of hard parts (4.1%) but in 35 samples (35.7%) using a metabarcoding approach. Metabarcoding also detected parasite DNA in 82.7% of scat samples. Nematode DNA (78.6%) was more prevalent than trematode (28.6%) or cestode (22.5%) DNA. Prey species, biomass, and diversity within each sample were not affected by seal sex, parasite exposure, or type of parasitic exposure. Previous diet studies may have underestimated the diversity and abundance of invertebrates in the diet of Gray Seals.
Consumption of Fortified Infant Cereals and Association with Anemia and Growth: Insights from Demographic Health Surveys (DHS) Data Analysis

After approximately 6 months of age, term breastfed infants are increasingly depending on other sources of iron to avoid iron deficiency anemia. The appropriate complementary feeding must include a balance composition of foods containing an adequate amount of macroand micronutrients to reduce the risk of iron deficiency anemia. This study aims to compare the anemia and growth status of infants receiving commercial fortified infant cereals (FIC) with infants not receiving them. We use all complete multiple Demographic Health Surveys (DHS) from 2005 to 2018 to understand global infant feeding patterns. To better control for the strong household wealth effect in nutritional choices and possibly health awareness, we use propensity score technique as applied in outcome research to better control the effect of covariates. After matching and controlling for confounders, we did find a significant association between reduced risk of anemia and consumption of FIC. After matching and adjusting for confounders the small but positive effects of consumption of FIC on Height for age z-score and Weight for Height Z-score are no longer statistically significant.
The Simplest Government Heuristic of All: Citizens Infer that Governing Parties are Pro-European Union

Previous research documents that citizens apply a “coalition heuristic” to infer that governing coalition partners share more similar policies and ideologies than are implied by the statements in their election manifestos. We propose even simpler government-related heuristics citizens can apply to infer party positions on European integration: the current government heuristic that currently governing parties are more pro-Europe than opposition parties, and the long-term opposition heuristic that opposition parties that have never governed are less pro-Europe than opposition parties with previous governing experience. We report theoretical and empirical analyses of survey data from 24 European Union member states, which substantiate that citizens apply these heuristics, which have consequences for citizens’ policy beliefs and their party support. We also find evidence that citizens respond to policy as measured through election manifestos and expert surveys.
Patients’ Experiences About Exercise Prescription and Education in the Physiotherapy Management of Nonspecific Low-Back Pain

Low-back pain (LBP) is highly prevalent in the society, and its socioeconomic consequences are quite evident. Physiotherapists play a prominent role in the management of individuals with this condition, and it is, therefore, of utmost importance that physiotherapists engage in the most efficient and effective management practices available. For perceptions of good performance and quality health care, patient experience is an important indicator of effective care and management. A mixed-methods research design—a cross-sectional survey (quantitative research) and a focus group discussion (FGD; qualitative research)—was employed in this study, investigating patients’ experience in physiotherapy management of nonspecific LBP. An adapted questionnaire was used for data collection from purposively selected participants recruited from 3 hospitals in Kubwa, Abuja, from April to August 2018. The FGD involved 6 patients recruited by simple random sampling using the fishbowl technique. Descriptive and thematic analyses were done on data collected. A total of 126 patients (male = 41, female = 85) were included, with a mean age of 51.0 ± 14.6 years, while the modal age-group was 60 to 69 years. Of these, 41 (32.5%) had nonspecific LBP for less than a year, and the 2 most applied interventions were exercise and heat therapy, followed by education/advice. In all, 110 (87.3%) reported positive experience about education, while 119 (94.4%) reported positive experience about exercise prescription. The result from the qualitative research is in conformity with that of the quantitative analysis. Patients with nonspecific LBP received adequate education regarding their condition and had good experience in the course of their physiotherapy management.
KUALITAS SEMEN CAIR SAPI LIMOUSIN SELAMA PENDINGINAN MENGGUNAKAN PENGENCER CEP-2 DENGAN PENAMBAHAN BERBAGAI KONSENTRASI SARI KEDELAI

Egg yolk is most commonly used in semen extender for preservation and cryopreservation but potential risk of xenobiotic contamination has raised question upon the use of egg yolk. Therefore, the present study was designed to evaluate soy milk CEP-2 based extender on liquid semen of Limousin during chilled preservation. Semen divided into five groups and diluted at 1/8 (semen/extender) with 7,5%, 10%, 12,5%, 15% soy milk respectively (CEP-2+7,5% SK, CEP-2+10% SK, CEP-2+12,5% SK, CEP-2+15% SK) and 10% egg yolk (CEP-2+10% KT). The results of current study showed egg yolk give the superior effect on maintaining sperm quality (motility, viability and abnormality) after 24 hours in chilled preservation. The motility and viability in CEP-2+Soy Milk groups were significantly (P 0,05) on motility percentage between CEP-2+15% SK and CEP-2+10% KT. Furthermore, the abnormality in CEP-2+10% KT was significantly lower than those CEP-2+Soy Milk groups (P<0,01). Total motile sperm count was significantly higher (P<0,01) in all treatments compared to the standard criteria of SNI 40 million cells/mL. Using soy milk in CEP-2 (Cauda Epididymal Plasma) extender can’t produce the comparable value on maintaining sperm quality compared to the use of egg yolk as extracellular cryoprotectant during chilled preservation, but CEP-2+15% SK (Soy Milk 15%) had shown decent capability on maintaining sperm motility and total motile sperm count. Key Words : CEP-2, soy milk, egg yolk, liquid semen, chilled preservation
Fronto-temporal dementia risk gene TMEM106B has opposing effects in different lysosomal storage disorders

Abstract TMEM106B is a transmembrane protein localized to the endo-lysosomal compartment. Genome-wide association studies have identified TMEM106B as a risk modifier of Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal lobar degeneration, especially with progranulin haploinsufficiency. We recently demonstrated that TMEM106B loss rescues progranulin null mouse phenotypes including lysosomal enzyme dysregulation, neurodegeneration and behavioural alterations. However, the reason whether TMEM106B is involved in other neurodegenerative lysosomal diseases is unknown. Here, we evaluate the potential role of TMEM106B in modifying the progression of lysosomal storage disorders using progranulin-independent models of Gaucher disease and neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis. To study Gaucher disease, we employ a pharmacological approach using the inhibitor conduritol B epoxide in wild-type and hypomorphic Tmem106b−/− mice. TMEM106B depletion ameliorates neuronal degeneration and some behavioural abnormalities in the pharmacological model of Gaucher disease, similar to its effect on certain progranulin null phenotypes. In order to examine the role of TMEM106B in neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, we crossbred Tmem106b−/− mice with Ppt1−/−, a genetic model of the disease. In contrast to its conduritol B epoxide-rescuing effect, TMEM106B loss exacerbates Purkinje cell degeneration and motor deficits in Ppt1−/− mice. Mechanistically, TMEM106B is known to interact with subunits of the vacuolar ATPase and influence lysosomal acidification. In the pharmacological Gaucher disease model, the acidified lysosomal compartment is enhanced and TMEM106B loss rescues in vivo phenotypes. In contrast, gene-edited neuronal loss of Ppt1 causes a reduction in vacuolar ATPase levels and impairment of the acidified lysosomal compartment, and TMEM106B deletion exacerbates the mouse Ppt1−/− phenotype. Our findings indicate that TMEM106B differentially modulates the progression of the lysosomal storage disorders Gaucher disease and neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis. The effect of TMEM106B in neurodegeneration varies depending on vacuolar ATPase state and modulation of lysosomal pH. These data suggest TMEM106B as a target for correcting lysosomal pH alterations, and in particular for therapeutic intervention in Gaucher disease and neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis.
ANALYSIS IN DETERMINING FACTORS INFLUENCING RICE FARMS PRODUCTIVITY IN EBONYI STATE, NIGERIA

A great impediment to achieving food security in Nigeria is the low productivity of most staple food crops, which has translated to limited food availability for the populace. These have jeopardized the efforts made by the Nigerian government towards food security. Government emphasis geared towards improving input use, and development of improved seed varieties while the root causes of low productivity of staple foods are left unattended to. This research centered on analysis in determining factors influencing rice farms productivity in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Four hundred and seventy-six (476) rice farms were selected through multi-stage sampling procedure. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaire, and analyzed using mean, percentage, Total Factor Productivity (TFP), and regression method. The result shows that extension visit, household size, and rice farm size had positive influence on rice farms productivity while age of the farmer and quantity of herbicide had a negative influence on rice farms productivity. Result further revealed that 1% increase in herbicide quantity, will decrease rice farm productivity by 4%. Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) and other non-governmental agencies that have the mandate of agricultural development in Nigeria, should intensify efforts in training rice farmers in better rice production practices with more emphasis on herbicide usage. In-depth soil analysis should be conducted in Ebonyi soil to ascertain herbicide compatibility with the soil.
Canopy spectral reflectance for crop water stress assessment in wheat (Triticum aestivum, L.) *

Spectral reflectance in the near‐infrared (NIR) and short‐wave–infrared (SWIR) regions shows decreasing water absorption troughs upon crop water stress. In this study, decreasing water absorption troughs were identified from reflectance of irrigated wheat crop. The crop was grown under two different irrigation methods, sprinkler and flood irrigation. Crop reflectance was measured using an ASD FieldSpec 3 (350–2,500 nm) hand‐held spectroradiometer at 1 week before the critical growth stages. Among different growth stages, wheat crop was found to be under stress in crown root initiation, jointing, and flowering. Results based on crop yield, and raw and first derivative spectral analysis indicated that flood‐irrigated wheat had more stress compared with sprinkler‐irrigated wheat. Five water stress‐sensitive wavelengths (974; 1,195; 1,455; 1,791; and 1,935 nm) were identified from flood‐irrigated wheat. Among them, two wavelengths (974 and 1,195 nm) were found to be highly water sensitive and good indicators for water stress. Detecting crop water stress prior to the critical growth stages of wheat helps in proper irrigation scheduling.
Lignans of Tracthelospermum asiaticum var. intermedium. II. Structures of Tracheloside and Nortracheloside

A new lignan glucoside named nortracheloside (IV), C26H32O12·H2O, mp 95-100°, was isolated from the stems of Trachelospermum asiaticum NAKAI var. intermedium NAKAI (Apocynaceae). The lignan derivatives were prepared from tracheloside (III) and nortracheloside (IV). From the discussion of mass spectra of the lignan derivatives, the structures of III and IV were established as 8(S), 8'(S)-4', 8'-dihydroxy-3, 4, 3'-trimethoxy-lignan-olid(9, 9')4'-β-D-glucopyranoside and 8(S), 8'(S)-4, 4', 8'-trihydroxy-3, 3'-dimethoxy-lignan-olid(9, 9')4'-β-D-glucopyranoside, respectively.
Do White People See Variation in Black Skin Tones? Reexamining a Purported Outgroup Homogeneity Effect

Previous research has reported that white survey interviewers remember black respondents’ skin tones in a much narrower range than recollections by black interviewers. This finding has been used to suggest that, in line with the one-drop rule, whites do not perceive meaningful differences between light- and dark-skinned black people. The authors reanalyze evidence thought to demonstrate relative homogeneity in white interviewers’ evaluation of black skin tones. In contrast to previous studies, this examination of several data sources reveals significant heterogeneity in the ratings assigned by white interviewers when taking into account the ordinal nature of the skin tone measures. The results are consistent with theories of social cognition that emphasize that beyond formal racial classification schemes, skin tone is used to implicitly categorize others along a continuum of “blackness. ” The findings also align with research suggesting that rather than nullifying within-race skin tone, increases in white racism intensify white colorism.