Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Physicochemical and microbiological assessment of soil quality on a chronosequence of a mine reclamation site

Assessment of the activity of the soil microbial community is essential to evaluate the success of reclamation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of reclamation on soil physiochemical, biological and microbial community properties. Soil samples were collected from 12 post‐mining sites with different lengths of time since reclamation (2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 16, 19, 21, 23 and 26 years) at Pingshuo surface coal mine, China. Our results indicated soil organic and labile carbon, nitrogen, enzyme activities, microbial functional diversity, bacterial, archaeal and fungal abundances and taxonomic diversity improved with increasing time since reclamation. Soil pH and bulk density declined with increasing time after reclamation. Redundancy analysis revealed the importance of soil pH in microbial metabolic structure and bacterial genetic assemblages, and soil organic carbon in fungal genetic assemblages. The mine soil quality index (MSQI) was positively correlated with time since reclamation, and reclamation could be considered satisfactory at the 19‐year site with an MSQI >0.5. Soil enzyme activities were strongly correlated with microbial abundance. Our overall findings indicated that nutrition, microbial abundance and functional diversity of the soil ecosystem improved after reclamation.
A Catalyst-Free Epoxy Vitrimer System Based on Multifunctional Hyperbranched Polymer

To date, all epoxy vitrimer systems reported in the literature rely on addition of significant amounts of catalysts to achieve the dynamic transesterification reaction (TER). However, the catalysts used in vitrimers are often toxic and have poor miscibility with organic compounds, and they may further comprise the application performance like corrosion resistance. Moreover, the reprocessing and recycling properties are highly dependent on the loading amount and the type of catalyst. In this study, two hyperbranched epoxy (HBE) prepolymers are synthesized and then reacted with succinic anhydride to prepare a catalyst-free epoxy vitrimer system. It is demonstrated that both the curing during the preparation of the cross-linked materials and the TER in the resulting cross-linked materials proceed properly without addition of external catalyst. We attributed this phenomenon to the abundant free hydroxyl groups in HBE which serve as both reacting moiety and catalyst in both curing and the TER processes. At ele.
Low-cost and environmental-friendly Triticum aestivum-derived biochar for improving plant growth and soil fertility

ABSTRACT Biochar and biochar–fertilizer concoction is imperative to subjugate reduced plant growth and soil fertility depletion which is a constraint for sustainable agriculture. The aspiration of the current research was to determine the plant growth response to wheat straw-derived biochar annexation in soils from two regions: Rawalpindi (semi-arid) and Thar (arid). Wheat straw (Triticum aestivum) was pyrolyzed at 300°C in a low-cost biochar retort kiln at different concentration rates (0%, 1%, 3%, and 7% by mass). Growth trend of Sorghum bicolor was observed in these soils for 40 days in a greenhouse. Fertilizer (NPK) (8.58% N, 4.39% P, and 3.48% K) was added to soil on the third day of seed germination. Soil physicochemical analysis, plant growth, and dry matter yield evaluation after the treatment signified the concomitant increase in dry matter yield along with enhanced soil fertility and plant growth.
Yield and Nutrient Uptake of Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.)] as Influenced by Tillage, Nutrient Levels and Foliar Sprays

A field investigation was conducted during two consecutive kharif seasons of 2019-20 and 2020-21 to study the effect of tillage, nutrient levels and foliar sprays on yield and nutrient uptake of redgram on sandy loam soil which was low in available nitrogen, medium in available phosphorus and available potassium. The research was conducted in a split-split plot design, consisting of three tillage practices in main plots, three nutrient levels in sub-plots and three foliar sprays in sub-sub plots. Higher seed yield and nutrient uptake of redgram was recorded with vertical tillage with subsoiler upto 60 cm deep at 1 m interval with application of 125 % RDF and with foliar application of KNO3 1 % twice with 15 days interval at 50 per cent flowering stage.
Role of Lipocalin-2 in Amyloid-Beta Oligomer-Induced Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease

Lipocalin-2 (LCN2) is an inflammatory protein with diverse functions in the brain. Although many studies have investigated the mechanism of LCN2 in brain injuries, the effect of LCN2 on amyloid-toxicity-related memory deficits in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has been less studied. We investigated the role of LCN2 in human AD patients using a mouse model of AD. We created an AD mouse model by injecting amyloid-beta oligomer (AβO) into the hippocampus. In this model, animals exhibited impaired learning and memory. We found LCN2 upregulation in the human brain frontal lobe, as well as a positive correlation between white matter ischemic changes and serum LCN2. We also found increased astrocytic LCN2, microglia activation, iron accumulation, and blood–brain barrier disruption in AβO-treated hippocampi. These findings suggest that LCN2 is involved in a variety of amyloid toxicity mechanisms, especially neuroinflammation and oxidative stress.
Liver Enzymes and Lipid Profile of Malaria Patients Before and After Antimalarial Drug Treatment at Dembia Primary Hospital and Teda Health Center, Northwest, Ethiopia

Background Infection with malaria in humans involves liver cell destruction, which alters the levels of liver enzymes and lipid profiles. A number of studies have been conducted to address the impact of malaria on liver enzymes and lipid profiles but no studies were addressed after antimalarial treatment in Ethiopia. This study is intended to fill this gap. Methods An observational cohort study was conducted at Dembia Primary Hospital and Teda Health Center, from June to August 2020. Eighty eight malaria infected study participants were recruited using random sampling techniques. Socio-demographic data, capillary and venous blood samples were collected. Assessment of liver enzymes and lipid profiles was done using Beckman Coulter DC-700 clinical chemistry analyzer. Data were entered using Epi-data and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. One way ANOVA, independent t-test, and paired t-test were used to compare the mean liver enzymes and lipid profile. p-value<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Before anti-malaria treatment, among 88 study participants, elevated AST (87.5%), ALT (12.5%), ALP (43.2%), and TG (17.2%) and lower HDL (87.5%) and normal LDL and TC were observed. After treatment, 100% AST, ALT, HDL, and LDL and 92% ALP, 94.3% TC, and 86.4% TG levels were in the normal range. The mean level of AST and ALT increased while HDL decreased from low to higher density parasitaemia. Mean level of AST was significantly lower while ALT did not alter. HDL, LDL, and TC level were increased but statistically were insignificant (P>0.05). Conclusion Malaria could be responsible for increased liver enzymes and certain lipids while decreasing some lipid profiles. After anti-malaria treatment, these parameters were reversed to normal from 86.4% to 100%. Hence, prompt treatment is important to improve liver enzymes and lipid profile impairment during malaria infection.
The Mediating Role of the Social Identity on Agritourism Business

There is a significant relationship between social capital, functional competences and social identity which forms the environment of rural tourism. This complexity was studied using the PLS-SEM approach, applying the initial corrected bias method based on direct questionnaire surveys among rural tourism entrepreneurs in Tunisia. The results of the bias-corrected primer model revealed that the entrepreneur’s social identity mediated the link between social capital and functional competencies. Managerially, social capital supports rural lodge entrepreneurs in the process of defining their marketing strategy and optimizing the different components of their marketing mix, focusing on the differentiation of their products and services. A strong link within the entrepreneur’s social capital network will encourage them to strengthen their social identity, leading to the enhancement of their different functional competencies.
2D Group IVB Transition Metal Dichalcogenides

Semiconductor technology is currently impaired by the surface dangling bond of materials, which introduces scattering and interface traps. 2D materials, especially transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) with different main groups, have settled this issue by utilizing unique atomically smooth surfaces and van der Waals (vdW) structures. Over the past few decades, many processes for exploring new materials, manipulating physical properties, and synthesizing single crystals have been developed. Among these 2D materials, group IVB TMDs are distinguished for their splendid physical properties, including ultrahigh mobility, charge density wave, superconducting transitions, etc. Here, the recent advances in group IVB TMDs are reviewed, which offer easy access to next generation nano‐, opto‐, thermal‐electronic, energy storage and conversion applications. Both the advantages and challenges of these studies are summarized to further clarify existing problems.
The BRAIN-Q, a tool for assessing self-reported sport-related concussions for epidemiological studies

OBJECTIVES The BRAIN-Q is a tool aimed at maximising the accuracy and minimising measurement error for retrospectively assessing concussions. This paper reports the agreement of the BRAIN-Q tool when compared to extant questionnaire questions, and its reproducibility when compared with its telephonic version (tBRAIN-Q). METHODS The BRAIN-Q entails a 3-stage process: defining a concussion, creating a visual timeline with life events, and establishing detailed characteristics for each reported concussion. It was designed to be administered in-person by trained personnel, and was used in the BRAIN study. Its performance was compared with the MSK study, which previously collected a few questions in a broader self-administered questionnaire, and with the tBRAIN-Q Recall, its telephonic version. RESULTS In total, 101 participants were included, of whom 9 were re-assessed with the tBRAIN-Q. The agreement of the BRAIN-Q with the muscle skeletal-questionnaire for rugby-related concussion was 86.7% (κ=0.6). Rugby-related concussion with loss of consciousness showed lower agreement (82.0%; κ=0.6). The comparison between the BRAIN-Q and the tBRAIN-Q showed good reproducibility. CONCLUSIONS The BRAIN-Q is a relatively easy tool to administer in face-to-face assessments, and it showed optimal reproducibility. It includes a well-established definition of concussion, and is used to collect detailed information on each concussion, allowing for a number of subgroup analyses (e.g., by severity, age, or context). The BRAIN-Q is easily adaptable to other sporting settings.
Post-Intubation Empirical Fluid Resuscitation as an Early Step to Prevent Acute Kidney Injury in Mechanically Ventilated COVID-19 Patient

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is one of the major complication of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection, commonly manifested during the second week of infection. The pathophysiology and mechanisms of AKI in patients with COVID-19 have not been fully elucidated and seem to be multifactorial. There is currently no common consensus regarding the optimal amount of fluid resuscitation specifically for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-infected patients in shock. There is paucity of knowledge regarding prevention of post-intubation hypotension and oliguria in COVID-19 patients. We suggest fluid resuscitation by 1 L of crystalloid immediately following endotracheal intubation of adult COVID ARDS patients to compensate vasodilation and improve renal perfusion. Conservative fluid strategies should be followed in patient having history of congestive heart failure, chronic kidney disease, adrenal insufficiency and in patient who have already developed AKI with oliguric phase.
Climate Youth Activism Initiatives: Motivations and Aims, and the Potential to Integrate Climate Activism into ESD and Transformative Learning

For about two years, the climate youth activism initiative Fridays for Future has addressed climate emergency, receiving considerable attention because of their consistent protests every week in many different locations worldwide. Based on empirical studies in Austria and Portugal, this paper investigates the motivations of students to participate in the movement and the solutions proposed by young activists to fight against climate emergency. Moreover, we discuss the integration of climate change activism into ESD (education for sustainable development) and transformative learning processes, and how this enables environmental citizenship. The results of the studies reveal that emotions and feelings of solidarity and collective aims are motives to participate in the strikes. The young activists sometimes propose innovative and sometimes radical solutions to climate emergency. Both demonstrations and exhibitions as forms of bottom-up climate activism initiatives contribute to engagement in political dialogue and scientific knowledge transfer. They can be seen as “triggers of change” for transformative learning.
Assessing a suitable extractant and critical limits of nickel in soil and plant for predicting the response of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) to nickel grown in Inceptisols

ABSTRACT Nickel (Ni) is an essential element for plants. Abundant information exists on Ni toxicity in soil–plant system but not much is available on its critical level of deficiency (CLD) in soils and plants. Five chemical extractants were evaluated to find a suitable extractant for Ni in Inceptisol. Twenty-one soils having low to high levels of Ni were used to grow barley (Hordeum vulgare L). The amount of Ni extracted was correlated with Ni concentration and uptake by barley. The diethylene triamine penta acetic acid-calcium chloride (0.005 M DTPA-CaC12) was identified as the most promising soil extractant for Ni. The CLD of Ni for 0.005 M DTPA-CaC12 in soil was 0.22 mg kg−1 whereas in barley plant it was 2.14 mg kg−1. Application of 7.5 mg kg−1 Ni in soil caused a significant increase in Ni concentration in the shoot of barley in all the soils irrespective of the initial Ni status.
Effect of the Carbonation Temperature on the CO2 Carrying Capacity of CaO

The calcium looping process based on the CaO/CaCO3 carbonation/calcination cycle has been proven to be an efficient CO2 capture technology. Most of the experimental work describing the behavior of the CaO particles has been performed under carbonation reference conditions of 650 °C and 10–15% vol CO2. Although, process schemes recently proposed have pointed out the practical benefits of operating the carbonator reactor at lower temperatures, on the assumption that these would lead to higher CO2 capture efficiencies. However, there is a lack of correlations for estimating the evolution of the carrying capacity along cycling at temperatures below 650 °C. Therefore, in this work the carrying capacity of a high purity natural Ca-material used as reference has been studied in a selected range of representative carbonation temperatures (450–725 °C). The parameters on the CaO deactivation curve that is widely employed have been readjusted to accord with a more general decay model that takes into account the effe.
Growth performance, nutrients digestibility, caecum microbiota, antioxidant status and immunity of broilers as influenced by kombucha fermented on white sugar or sugar beet molasses

Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of fermented kombucha on green tea with white sugar or sugar beet molasses in broiler chickens. Birds (n = 448) were randomly allotted into seven treatments of four replicates each. Treatments were included: tap water with no kombucha (Control), water containing 3 ml/100 ml kombucha based on white sugar (SK3%), water containing 6 ml/100 ml kombucha based on white sugar (SK 6%), water containing 3 ml/100 ml kombucha based on sugar beet molasses (MK3%), water containing 6 ml/100 ml kombucha based on sugar beet molasses (MK6%), SK 3%+MK 3% and SK 6%+MK 6%. Except for SK3%, all birds received SK or MK in their drinking water had greater (p ≤ .05) BWG than control. Feed intake increased (p ≤ .05) in SK6% group in comparison to the control. All SK or MK treatments resulted in lower (p ≤ .05) FCR in comparison with the control. Birds received the MK6% and SK6%+MK6% treatments showed greater (p<.05) apparent ileal digestibility of CP. ALT levels decreased (p ≤ .05) in birds received all kombucha treatments. The SK and MK treatments decreased (p ≤ .05) total coliform counts in caecum whereas the lactobacillus population increased (p ≤ .05) in birds received 6% of SK, MK or their combination. The SK6%+MK6% and MK6% groups had greater (p ≤ .05) antibody titre against NDV. Plasma and liver activities of CAT and SOD were greater (p ≤ .05) in kombucha treatments in comparison with the control group. In conclusion, kombucha fermented on white sugar or sugar beet molasses showed growth promoting effect in broilers and addition of 6 ml fermented kombucha on sugar beet molasses per 100 ml of drinking water result in the best performance. Highlights Kombucha can improve performance in broilers Kombucha can improve intestinal morphology and caecum microbiota in broilers Kombucha can improve antioxidant status in broilers
Pore-Scale Characterization and PNM Simulations of Multiphase Flow in Carbonate Rocks

This paper deals with pore-scale two-phase flow simulations in carbonate rock using the pore network method (PNM). This method was used to determine the rock and flow properties of three different rock samples, such as porosity, capillary pressure, absolute permeabilities, and oil–water relative permeabilities. The pore network method was further used to determine the properties of rock matrices, such as pore size distribution, topological structure, aspect ratio, pore throat shape factor, connected porosity, total porosity, and absolute permeability. The predicted simulation for the network-connected porosity, total porosity, and absolute permeability agree well with those measured experimentally when the image resolution is appropriate to resolve the relevant pore and throat sizes. This paper also explores the effect of the wettability and fraction of oil-wet pores on relative permeabilities, both in uniform and mixed wet systems.
Sensory Traits and Consumer’s Perceived Quality of Traditional and Modern Fresh Market Tomato Varieties: A Study in Three European Countries

Consumer dissatisfaction with the flavor quality of many modern fresh market tomato varieties has fostered breeders’ interest in sensory quality improvement, and the demand for traditional varieties, which are generally associated with better flavor. To achieve further knowledge on the factors influencing the sensory quality and consumers’ preferences and perception, European traditional and modern fresh market tomato varieties were grown and evaluated in France, Italy, and Spain. Different growing conditions were tested in France (soilless vs. soil) and in Spain (open field vs. greenhouse), while in Italy fruits were evaluated at two ripening stages. Fruit quality was assessed by integrating physicochemical analyses, sensory profiles, and consumer tests. In all three countries, overall modern varieties were perceived as having more intense “tomato flavor” and “overall flavor” than traditional ones. In France and Spain, consumers’ preferences were more oriented towards modern varieties than traditional ones. Significant growing condition effects were found on sensory and physicochemical traits, while the effect on consumers’ overall liking was not significant, largely depending on the genotype. A fair agreement between product configurations from descriptive analysis by trained assessors and Check-All-That-Apply (CATA) questions by consumers was observed. Penalty-lift analysis based on CATA allowed identifying positive and negative drivers of liking.
Systematic Review of Antifungal-Induced Acute Liver Failure

Antifungals are effective antimicrobial agents broadly used in medical practice. Severe acute liver failure from oral or IV administration of antifungals is a rare but long-standing clinical challenge. We aimed to approximate the risk of clinical acute liver injury among users of oral antifungals in the general population. This review was completed based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Six articles were included, comprising case reports and cohort studies, after eliminating duplicate publications. No randomized control studies were found. In all studies, the duration of antifungal use was associated with significantly increased liver enzyme levels. Although it is not very common for patients on antifungals to develop acute liver failure, the prognosis is often good with swift discontinuation of the drug and proper treatment. Liver function evaluation before treatment and periodic monitoring every three to six weeks after commencement of treatment is suggested.
Acetoxy DMU-loaded carboxymethylchitosan nanocapsules: preparation and in vitro release evaluation followed by an analytical methodology validation

ABSTRACT Acetoxy DMU (Ac.DMU – 1,2,3-trimethoxy-5-(4-acetoxystyryl) benzene) is a potential new drug, compared to resveratrol, due to its improved pharmacokinetic properties. Nanoencapsulation using Ac.DMU and carboxymethylchitosan (CMCh) polymer is a promising alternative for improving the bioavailability of drugs in human bodies. Nanocapsules (NCs) based on CMCh with Ac.DMU (Ac.DMU-NCs) by emulsion solvent diffusion technique in different drug-to-polymer ratios have been prepared with encapsulation efficiency of 69.4% and 51.5% and characterized by dynamic light scattering, ζ-potential, and infrared spectroscopy techniques. In vitro release experiments of free Ac.DMU and Ac.DMU-NCs showed an improvement in the solubility of Ac.DMU by NCs, enabling a fast drug release rate. In addition, the method was validated through analyses of specificity, linearity, limit of detection and quantification, accuracy, and precision according to the standards suggested by the International Conference on Harmonization. UV–Vis spectroscopy used to quantify Ac.DMU ensured reliable results for the amount of encapsulated Ac.DMU. The results suggest a promising potential of NCs as carriers of the hydrophobic drug Ac.DMU for controlled release. Graphical abstract
DETERMINATION OF HEAVY METALS CONCENTRATION OF LOCAL AND IMPORTED WHEAT GRAINS STORAGE AND WHEAT FLOUR IN SOME SILOS of BAGHDAD CITY

The aim of this study was to estimate the levels of some toxic heavy metals such as (Cd, Pb,Cr,Ni,Zn,Cu,Fe,Co,As)by using the X-Ray fluorescence . in a total of forty-one samples of wheat grains which were (local, American, Australian, Canadian and mixing mills) samples collected randomly and seasonally from three silos in Baghdad ,also wheat flour collected from mills related to the manufactured of grains of each silo. The results showed that the levels of (Cadmium, Lead and Chromium) were surpassed the permissible safe limits according to FAO/WHO (2001). It was found that the highest concentration of cadmium detected in wheat flour in AL Dora silo for summer and spring seasons were 12.6mg/kg, as well as the high level of lead 1.021mg/kg detected in AL Dora silo in local wheat for winter and summer seasons and wheat flour for spring season, also in Australian wheat for spring season in Taji silo. Finally, the high value of chromium content was in wheat flour in Taji silo for spring season (4.686) mg/kg. Generally, analysis of these data shows significant effects (P≤0.05) of most samples analyzed for Cd >Pb >Fe >Zn >Cu >Ni >Cr >Co while AS show no significant difference in all samples.