Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of different mixing phenomena in anaerobic digestion using food waste and sewage treatment plant for green biofuel through simulations of velocity contours

ABSTRACT Three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics models have been developed for the comparison of diffuser-based biogas recirculation and impeller mixed anaerobic reactors with unmixed reactors for food waste co-digested with sewage treatment plant sludge for enriched with 60–73% of biogas. Enhanced biogas yield was observed in diffuser mixing, intensity of 2 L/min (0.28–1.180 L/g VSr), compared to impeller mixing of 200 rpm. pH of 5.94 from the feed slurry pH range of 7.0–8.4 shows sheathe-broken microbial SEM structure.
Effects of Dietary Supplemental Ascorbic Acid and Cholecalciferol on Bone Characteristics of Hens at the Late Laying Stage

Effect of dietary inclusion of vitamin C and D3 supplementation on bone characteristics of hens aged 70 weeks at the late laying stage. Lohman Brown (n=180) were randomly allotted to 12 dietary treatments in triplicates of 5 birds each. The formulated basal diet was supplemented with three levels of vitamin C (0, 300 and 600 mg/kg) and four levels of vitamin D3 (0, 1000, 2000 and 3000 IU/kg). The experiment was a 3x4 factorial arrangement in a completely randomised design. Two hens per replicate were selected, sacrificed and bone physico-chemical attributes assessed. Tibia length of hens on 2000 IU D3 (115.60) was significantly higher (P 0.05) but lower than when supplemented at 0 IU (30.04). Bone calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium and ash differed significantly (P<0.05) at various inclusion levels of vitamin C and D3 while the effect of interaction of supplemental vitamin C and D3 on tibia bones of the hens was only significant (P<0.05) for tibia calcium. Tibia calcium ranged between 12.69 to 16.83% in hens on combined dietary supplement of 0 IU D3+ 600 mg vitamin C and 3000 IU D3+600 mg vitamin C, respectively. In conclusion, dietary supplements of vitamin C and D3 improved the physical and chemical characteristics of spent laying hens’ bone.
Nitrogen release dynamics of Erythrina abyssinica and Erythrina brucei litters as influenced by their biochemical composition

Litter mineralization is a crucial process in providing nutrients through decomposition to plants, which also depends in the biochemical composition of the litter and soil properties as well. Decomposition rate of Erythrina abyssinica and Erythrina brucei in Luvisol was investigated in relation to their nutrient release dynamics such as NH4+-N and NO3--N in relation to their initial concentrations of lignin, acid detergent fiber, cellulose and total polyphenol content and their ratios. The dynamic was followed in an incubation pot experiment, complete randomized design in replication. E. abyssinica has an average of 4.05, 9.7 and 2.04% TN, lignin and total polyphenol content respectively. E. brucei has also an average of 3.05, 12.63 and 1.05% content of TN, lignin and total polyphenol respectively. The samples of E. abyssinica and E. brucei were ground and incorporated with Luvisol in pots. To determine the amount of ammonium and nitrate released each treatment and control were sampled and analyzed on weekly basses. The lignin and total polyphenol was significantly positively correlated with the release of NH4+-N, while the NO3--N showed significant negative correlations with the release of ammonium. From the experiment, it was observed that the E. abyssinica with lower content of lignin and high in TN has released the nutrients faster whereas E. brucei with high lignin and low total polyphenol content released slowly. In general, these leguminous trees released NH4+-N and NO3--N easily because of their high total nitrogen content and low lignin, ADF, cellulose and total polyphenol content. They attained their half-life within 2-3 weeks. Therefore, E. abyssinica and E. brucei bears fast mineralization as a result they can be used for fast-term correction of crop nutrient demand. However, more detailed researches are needed to synchronize and verify laboratory results with field measurements of their effect on crop production and synchronization of soil nutrient availability and crop demand in different agro ecology and soil types. Key words: Incubation, lignin, luvisol, total polyphenol, nitrate, ammonium.
Effect of the degree of acetylation, plasticizer concentration and relative humidity on cassava starch films properties

Difficulties to produce waterproof starch based films are widely reported in literature (Golachowski et al., 2015). Starch hydrophilic nature limits its use and new products development (Mbougueng et al., 2012; Raina et al., 2007). Modifications of native starch can be performed to enhance its positive attributes and to reduce shortcomings (Ashogbon & Akintayo, 2014). Starch acetates with high degree of substitution (DS > 1) have been studied for 60 y with the aim of replacing cellulose acetate (Chi et al., 2008).
Consumption of branded fashion apparel: Gender differences in behavior

In this case study conducted in North Cyprus we examined differences according to gender in behavior with regard to consumption of branded fashion apparel products. The objective was to understand gender-based consumer behavioral differences in the setting of a developing country. Our quantitative research comprised asking 600 people (300 men and 300 women) 24 questions to identify the demographic and behavioral segmentation differences, and our qualitative research was carried out through in-depth interviews during which we asked 18 people 22 structured questions to obtain more detailed information on how to identify the personality and behavioral changes occurring. Results showed that there were both similarities and differences according to gender regarding media usage, brand personality perception, and attitude toward fashion apparel.
Trace Element Assessment in Fingernails of Adult Females

Trace elements play a significant role in giving nutritional benefits to the body because they act as essential cofactors for all physiological processes. However, there are some trace elements which may bring more harm than good when entering the human body. Due to its ability to incorporate trace elements in an amount that is proportional to an individual’s dietary intake and environmental exposure, human fingernails are suitable biomarkers in assessing the health status of an individual as they reflect on the trace element concentration present in the body. This study has analysed fingernail samples of 23 adult females residing in Kuching and Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia for four elements, namely Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn. By using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS), the mean elemental concentrations found in fingernail samples of research participants were 171.8 ± 33.8 μg/g for Zn, 27.8 ± 14.8 μg/g for Cu and 2.64 ± 0.94 μg/g for Pb. Cd concentrations were not able to be detected as they were below the detection limits. A standard reference material, NIST 1568b Rice Flour was used to verify the methods used in elemental analysis using FAAS. Independent t-test which was used to compare the means of Zn and Cu between vegetarians and non-vegetarians showed no significant differences for both elements. Moreover, correlation analysis showed negative correlations between Cu/Zn pair and Pb/Zn pair, whereas significant positive correlation was obtained for Cu/Pb pair. The overall data from this study showed good agreements with data obtained from studies in other countries. Therefore, the current data in this study represents the latest background elemental concentrations in fingernails of the residents in Kuching and Kota Samarahan, Sarawak.Keywords: Adult females, fingernails, flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS), trace elements
Performance of different tank mix herbicides for broad-spectrum weed control in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill]

A field experiment was conducted at the Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology -Udaipur during Kharif season 2015 and 2016 to test the efficacy of different herbicide and herbicide mixtures against weeds in soybean. Monocot weeds were predominant (57.68 %) in the experimental field compared to Broad leaved weeds (42.31 %). However, Echinochloa colona (40.55 %) and Corchorus olitorius (23.68%) were dominant in soybean at 30 DAS. Among different weed control treatments, post-emergence and tank mix combination of propaquizafop + imazethapyr (75+75 g ha-1) and imazethapyr + quizalofop-ethyl (75+60 g ha-1) at 21 DAS were most effective in respect of reducing weed density, weed biomass, nutrient removal by weed and improving yield attributes, yield and quality of soybean compared to other treatments. Highest seed yield (2271 kg ha-1), Haulm yield (3127 kg ha-1) of soybean and maximum net return ( 51550/ha) were also recorded with propaquizafop 75 g ha-1 + imazethapyr 75 g ha-1 followed by imazethapyr + quizalofop-ethyl (75+60 g ha-1). Further, they were also found responsible for highest uptake of N, P and K in soybean and lowest uptake of these plant nutrients by weeds.
Research on Self Organizing of Internet of Things Nodes in Closed Area

In this paper, the intelligent application we designed focuses on a closed family area. ZigBee technology is mainly used to achieve the remote control. The most popular Android system is used in the design. The operation interface on the home intelligent gateway is completed through the designed system. It can allow people the full control by using smartphones. The system is operated and controlled through touch panel. Furthermore, it can be controlled remotely by using smartphones. ZigBee module is expected to be used to allow these devices to perform data transmission and collection. Some additional machinery, control circuits, and sensors will be designed for doors and windows. For example, a motor and a control circuit are installed to control doors and windows, and ZigBee is used to control the power input and drive the motor. Antitheft sensors, such as infrared sensors or light sensors, are installed to monitor the objects. Home gateway can collect ZigBee information on doors and windows, and an interactive mechanism is designed to take effective remote control.
Preferential attachment models for dynamic networks

• A submitted manuscript is the version of the article upon submission and before peer-review. There can be important differences between the submitted version and the official published version of record. People interested in the research are advised to contact the author for the final version of the publication, or visit the DOI to the publisher's website. • The final author version and the galley proof are versions of the publication after peer review. • The final published version features the final layout of the paper including the volume, issue and page numbers.
Unveiling the Mechanisms Governing the Exchange Coupling and Coercivity Modifications in Annealed or Ion-Irradiated 
Ir−Mn
/
Fe
/
Co
 and 
Ir−Mn
/
Ni−Fe
/
Co
 films

1 Instituto de Física, URFGS, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, 91501-970, Brazil 2 Departament de Física, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain 3 Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, 08010 Barcelona, Spain 4 Departamento de Física, UFSM, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, 97105-900, Brazil 5 Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Complex, Didcot, OX11 0DE, United Kingdom 6 Seagate Technology, 1 Disc Drive, Derry, BT48 0BF, United Kingdom
Informational characteristics of microbial biofilms formed by clinical strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae in vitro on the surface of the cover glass

Purpose Obtaining quantitative and informational characteristics of biofilms formed by clinical strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae in vitro on the surface of a cover glass. Materials and methods In vitro biofilm formation on the surface of the cover glass was studied for clinical Klebsiella pneumoniae strains, isolated in a monoculture (ESBL +) (n = 3) and in associations with Staphylococcus aureus (n = 6) in 9 patients with chronic osteomyelitis of long bones harvrested from fistulae in the preoperative period or from the infection focus during surgery. Results Monocultures of K. pneumoniae (BLRS +) differed by their lower adhesive ability when compared to strains of K. pneumoniae isolated from associations with S. aureus. The highest adhesive activity on the surface of the cover glass was observed in a mixed culture of K. pneumoniae + S. aureus. Informational characteristics depended on the type of biofilms formed. Common to biofilms was the absence of changes in the maximum possible structural diversity. Significant differences between the existing structural diversity of biofilms formed by monocultures of K. pneumonia, K. pneumonia isolated from associations and a mixed culture of K. pneumoniae + S. aureus were noted. Conclusion The absence of pronounced variability of information indicators during the experiment within each microbial community indicates the tendecy of all systems of emerging biofilms to preserve stability.
Fundamental understanding of thermophysical properties of molten salts containing nanoparticles

Molten salts have been widely used as thermal energy storage (TES) materials as they offer favourable specifications which enable them to be employed in TES applications. Finding a cost-effective method to enhance the energy storage capability of molten salts has caught the attention of many researchers. It was reported that by adding a small amount of nanoparticles, a major enhancement of the specific heat capacity was observed in molten salts. Though different studies argued that the enhancement was not found in other thermal storage materials, the observation of the enhancement was continuously reported. This work studied the thermal properties of molten salt based nanosuspensions synthesized with a novel method modified based on other studies. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were employed to study the thermodynamic properties of the nanosuspension systems. By the analysis of the effect on the internal energy of the nanosuspensions I draft general conclusions and explain why molten salt have this specific heat enhancement while other materials (e.g. water) does not. I use MD simulation to support, for the first time, a theory that can explain the apparently contradictory behaviour of the experimental data. Moreover, the main impact factor affecting the enhancement was investigated and discussed.
Investigation of Serum Levels and Activity of Matrix Metalloproteinases 2 and 9 (MMP2, 9) in Opioid and Methamphetamine-Dependent Patients

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a group of zinc-dependent proteolytic enzymes that play a role in extracellular matrix (mainly collagen) degradation and remodeling. MMPs are not only causes of the increase rewarding effects of drugs, but also act as pro-addictive agents. In this research, 22 morphine and 20 methamphetamine-dependent patients included and their serum levels and activity of MMP2 and 9 were assessed by ELISA and gelatin zymography and compared with those of 23 healthy individuals as a control group. Our findings showed a signiﬁcant increase in serum levels and activity of MMP-2 in opium and methamphetamine groups in comparison with the control group. Moreover, unlike MMP-2, serum levels and activity of MMP-9 in both case groups found to be decreased. This study showed that long-term abuse of opium and methamphetamine changes the activity and serum levels of MMP9 and MMP2. The effects of methamphetamines and opium are associated with an increase in extracellular dopamine levels in the brain, achieved by facilitating the release of dopamine from pre-synaptic nerves. Our ﬁndings showed that serum levels and activities of MMP-9 and MMP-2 could be considered as alternative valuable biomarkers from those investigated of pro-addictive or anti-addictive factors in dependent patients.
Growth and accumulation of nutrients of ‘Top Gun’ watermelon

An experiment was carried out in the city of Itapolis (SP), from October 2007 to January 2008, in a Red-Yellow Distrophic Argissolo (loamy soil), in order to evaluate growth, accumulation and exportation of macro and micro­nutrients in Top Gun hybrid watermelon. The experimental design took place in randomized blocks, having six different treatments corresponding to the sampling stages of plants: elongation of the main branch; presence of tertiary branches; early flowering; fruit with a diameter of 8 cm; fruit with a mass of between 4 and 5kg; and end of the cycle. The accumulation of dry mass was slow up to 35 DAS, increasing from this point on, reaching 1528 g plant -1 at the end of the cycle. The total accumulated dry mass was made up of 11.6% stems, 19.5% leaves, and 68.9% fruit. In terms of nutrient accumulation, this was also slow up to 35 DAS. With fruiting, came an increase in the demand for nutrients with 45 to 59 DAS being the period of greater nutritional demand. The order of decreas­ing nutrients was: K> N> Ca> Mg> P> S> Mn> Fe> B> Zn> Cu. The export of macronutrients (in kg ha -1 ) was 36.4; 4.3; 62.7; 5.0; 6.5; and 2.3 for N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S, respectively. For Mn, Fe, B, Zn and Cu, the values exported in g ha -1 were 137.0; 157.7; 120.4; 60.4 and 22.1, respectively.
Diclofenac release from polycaprolactone 3D matrices produced by electrospinning: influence of fiber structure and composition of the surrounding medium

Abstract The release of tritium-labelled diclofenac from 3D matrices produced by electrospinning from polycaprolactone or PCL blends with human serum albumin in hexafluoroisopropanol was studied. Diclofenac is released significantly faster from matrices made from PCL solution with 10% HSA than from matrices made from pure PCL. Diclofenac was also released faster into blood plasma than into PBS, and the presence of diclofenac in the medium reduced the release rate, as indicated by experiments with regular medium replacement. Thus, diclofenac release depends on the composition of electrospinning solution, the nature of the external medium and the diclofenac concentration in the external medium. GRAPHIC ABSTRACT
MD simulation of tool wear behaviour based on changes of tool rake and flank angle caused by diamond tool position adjustment

ABSTRACT A new method for adjusting the tool rake and flank angles by changing the position of the tools was used to explore the behaviour of wear using MD simulation. In this paper, a new improved tool was used and found to have lower wear compared to conventional tools. Simulations under the same cutting conditions were carried out using a tool swinging to six different rake angles of six different adjustment angles. Further analysis of the influence of different adjustment angles on the wear behaviour of the tool by cutting force, friction coefficient, temperature, radial distribution function and wear rate was conducted. The highest normal force was observed with the tool swung to −15°, and the tangential force did not produce any significant changes. The friction coefficients were also not observed as a linear change with the increasing angle of adjustment. At the same time, the particularities and differences at −15° were illustrated, from the most intuitive tool flank wear images. Finally, the causes of this phenomenon were further explained in terms of temperature and radial distribution function and the correctness of this phenomenon was proved, which is different from previous researches.
Zinc Application Enhances Biological Yield and Alters Nutrient Uptake by Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

ABSTRACT Zinc (Zn) deficiency is often associated with calcareous soils throughout the world, whereas application of Zn not only enhances biological yield but exhibits significant interactions with nutrients. Hence, a two-year field experiment was performed in 2004 and 2005 to assess the crop Zn requirements as well as nutrient interactions in cotton. The present study followed a randomized complete block design with five Zn levels: 0.0, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0, and 12.5 kg Zn as ZnSO4.7H2O. The biological yield of cotton increased progressively with increasing Zn rates. In general, cotton yield was higher in 2005 over 2004. Interestingly, Zn fertilization resulted in increased accumulation of nitrogen (N), potassium (K), boron (B), and Zn, whereas decreased the phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) (p ≤ 0.05) uptake by cotton. The enhanced macronutrients accumulation in cotton by Zn application improved the cotton yield. In conclusion, biological yield and nutrient composition of the cotton plant are greatly influenced by Zn supply under irrigated environments.
Gac fruit extracts ameliorate proliferation and modulate angiogenic markers of human retinal pigment epithelial cells under high glucose conditions

Objective: To investigate the impact of the extracts of Gac fruit parts (peel, pulp, seed, and aril) on the cell viability and angiogenesis markers of human retinal pigment epithelial (ARPE- 19) cells under high glucose conditions. Methods: The effect of the extracts of Gac fruit peel, pulp, seed and aril on the ARPE-19 cells was determined using MTT viability assay, Trypan blue dye and morphological changes were observed using light microscopy. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent-based assay was performed to evaluate the effect of Gac fruit parts on the reactive oxygen species (ROS), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and pigmented epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) secretions. Results: High glucose (HG) at 30 mmol/L increased ARPE-19 cell viability and ROS and VEGF secretions. While, the exposure of ARPE- 19 cells in high glucose condition to Gac fruit extracts led to inhibition of cell viability, induced morphological changes, decreased ROS and VEGF secretions, and increased PEDF level. Gac pulp, seed, and aril at 1 000 μg/mL showed significant inhibition activities [(7.5 ± 5.1)%, (2.7 ± 0.5)%, (3.2 ± 1.1)%, respectively] against HG-induced ARPE-19 cell viability. The findings also demonstrated that Gac aril at 250 μg/mL significantly decreased ROS and VEGF levels [(40.6 ± 3.3) pg/mL, (107.4 ± 48.3) pg/mL, respectively] compared to ROS [(71.7 ± 2.9) pg/ mL] and VEGF [(606.9 ± 81.1) pg/mL] in HG untreated cells. Moreover, 250 μg/mL of Gac peel dramatically increased PEDF level [(18.2 ± 0.3) ng/mL] compared to that in HG untreated cells [(0.48 ± 0.39) ng/mL]. Conclusions: This study indicates that the extracts of Gac peel, pulp, seed and aril reduced cell viability, minimized ROS generations and showed angiogenic activities. Therefore, our findings open new insights into the potentiality of Gac fruit against HG-related diabetic retinopathy disease.
Carpooling: User Profiles and Well-Being

Carpooling is a sustainable daily mobility mode, implying significant reductions in energy consumption and CO2 emissions, although it remains an uncommon practice. With the aim of stimulating this green transportation mode, this paper focus on understanding why certain individuals will agree to share a car to a common destination, apart from the obvious environmental benefit in emissions. It first describes the profile of users and then explores the relationship between this transportation mode and the participants' well-being. To that end, we have selected two countries, the UK and the US, where the use of cars represents a high proportion of daily commuting. We use the UK Time Use Survey (UKTUS) from 2014-2015 and the Well-Being Module of the American Time Use Survey (ATUS) from 2010-2012-2013 to identify which groups in the population are more likely to pool their cars, and with whom those individuals enjoy carpooling more. Results indicate that individuals with certain socio-demographic characteristics and occupations are more likely to commute by carpooling, but the profile seems to be country-specific. Furthermore, our evidence reveals a positive relationship between carpooling and well-being during commuting.