Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Structural, optical and magnetic characterisation of bifunctional core shell nanostructure of Fe3O4/CdS synthesised using a room temperature aqueous route

An aqueous route for the synthesis of bifunctional iron oxide hybrid core shell using CdS as the shell materials has been described. The as-grown particles have been characterised using X-ray diffraction, high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), superconducting quantum interference device, optical absorbance and photoluminescence spectroscopy. HRTEM images demonstrated successful formation of the core–shell structure. The as-grown core shell structures have been shown to be strongly photoluminescent while retaining the room temperature superparamagnetic behaviour of the ferric oxide core.
Manure-Based Organic Soil Amendments Provide an Adequate Nutritional Source for Corn Production in Chile When Combined with Urea Applications

ABSTRACT The use of manure-based organic soil amendments is common in countries with food animal production. A two-season field study was carried out in central Chile to evaluate the effect of different poultry litter (PL) and pig compost (PC) rates (7.5, 10.0, 12.5, and 15.0 Mg ha−1for each amendment) combined with different nitrogen (N) rates (0, 100, 200, and 300 kg ha−1) on dry matter (DM), grain production, and macronutrient concentration in corn (Zea mays L.) produced during the 2008–2009 (PL) and 2009–2010 (PC) seasons. The soil was clay loam. Organic amendments were applied before sowing, whereas inorganic N (urea) was applied at the 6-leaf stage (V6). When PL was combined with N, DM production ranged between 21.44 and 31.01 Mg ha−1 and grain yield was between 12.76 and 17.86 Mg ha−1. When PC was combined with N, DM production values were between 21.07 and 26.18 Mg ha−1 and grain yield was between 14.01 and 17.14 Mg ha−1. Results indicate that applying a combination of PL and N improved DM production, but applying a combination of PC and N did not affect this parameter. Grain production was only affected by increasing N rates. Applying both PL and N improved plant macronutrient concentration, while only applying PC increased N concentration. These results could be considered as the best recommended practices for using PL and PC.
Control of Combustion Oscillations by Forced Oscillation of Part of the Fuel Supply

Abstract Naturally occurring oscillations in ducted premixed flames have been controlled by imposed oscillation of the fuel. The flames were stabilised behind a bluff-body and a step with methane as the main fuel and kerosene as the oscillated secondary fuel and with heat release rates of up to 150 kW. Some experiments with oscillation of gaseous fuel were performed to supplement and to complement earlier results Two types of actuator were used to oscillate gaseous fuels, one involving the oscillation of the mean fuel composition and the other the pulsed ignition of a fuel-air mixture. Liquid fuel flow was oscillated with a pintle-type injector with a jet of air to further atomise the fuel spray. The amplitude of the oscillated input is quantified for the different actuators in terms of the flow variables and frequency of oscillation Combustion oscillations were ameliorated by oscillating fuel at selected frequencies and more effectively by the controlled oscillation of fuel out of phase with the combusti.
Modeling and Experimental Diagnostics in Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells

This paper presents a fit between model and experiment for well-humidified polymer electrolyte fuel cells operated to maximum current density with a range of cathode gas compositions. The model considers, in detail, losses caused by: (1) interfacial kinetics at the Pt/ionomer interface, (2) gas-transport and ionic-conductivity limitations in the catalyst layer and (3) gas-transport limitations in the cathode backing. The authors` experimental data were collected with cells that utilized thin-film catalyst layers bonded directly to the membrane, and a separate catalyst-free hydrophobic backing layer. This structure allows a clearer resolution of the processes taking place in each of these distinguishable parts of the cathode. In their final comparison of model predictions with the experimental data, they stress the simultaneous fit of a family of complete polarization curves obtained for gas compositions ranging from 5 atm O{sub 2} to a mixture of 5% O{sub 2} in N{sub 2}, employing in each case the same model parameters for interfacial kinetics, catalyst-layer transport, and backing-layer transport. This approach allowed them to evaluate losses in the cathode backing and in the cathode catalyst layer, and thus identify the improvements required to enhance the performance of air cathodes in polymer electrolyte fuel cells. Finally, theymore » show that effects of graded depletion in oxygen along the gas flow channel can be accurately modeled using a uniform effective oxygen concentration in the flow channel, equal to the average of inlet and exit concentrations. This approach has enabled simplified and accurate consideration of oxygen utilization effects. « less
Evidence of reactive iodine chemistry in the Arctic boundary layer

[1] Although it has recently been established that iodine plays an important role in the atmospheric chemistry of coastal Antarctica, where it occurs at levels which cause significant ozone (O3) depletion and changes in the atmospheric oxidising capacity, iodine oxides have not previously been observed conclusively in the Arctic boundary layer (BL). This paper describes differential optical absorption spectroscopy (DOAS) observations of iodine monoxide (IO), along with gas chromatographic measurements of iodocarbons, in the sub-Arctic environment at Kuujjuarapik, Hudson Bay, Canada. Episodes of elevated levels of IO (up to 3.4 ± 1.2 ppt) accompanied by a variety of iodocarbons were observed. Air mass back trajectories show that the observed iodine compounds originate from open water polynyas that form in the sea ice on Hudson Bay. A combination of long-path DOAS and multiaxis DOAS observations suggested that the IO is limited to about 100 m in height. The observations are interpreted using a one-dimensional model, which indicates that the iodocarbon sources from these exposed waters can account for the observed concentrations of IO. These levels of IO deplete O3 at rates comparable to bromine oxide (BrO) and, more importantly, strongly enhance the effect of bromine-catalyzed O3 depletion in the Arctic BL, an effect which has not been quantitatively considered hitherto. However, the measurements and modeling results indicate that the effects of iodine chemistry are on a much more localized scale than bromine chemistry in the Arctic environment.
Effect of Physical Properties and Emulsification Conditions on the Microsphere Size Prepared Using a Solvent Extraction Process

Microspheres were prepared using a hydrocarbon-perfluorocarbon solvent extraction process. The effect of the physical properties and the emulsification conditions on the mean microsphere size was investigated. The viscosity of the dispersed and the continuous phase greatly affected the microsphere size. Smaller microspheres were produced at the same mixing intensity when the viscosity of the dispersed phase decreased. Increased continuous phase viscosity reduced the coalescenceof the droplets and hence smaller microspheres were produced. The mean microsphere size first decreased as the volume ratio of the dispersed phase to the continuous phase increased but upon further increase the mean microsphere size increased. The effect of the volume ratio on the microsphere size was linked to the surfactant concentration. The stability of the studied hydrocarbon-in-fluorocarbon emulsion is poor. One reason for the poor stability is the high density difference between the phases. The emulsion droplets were solidified by siphoning part of the emulsion in the fresh continuous phase, which extracted the solvent from the dispersed phase. The effect of emulsion transfer time between the emulsification and solidification steps on the particle size was studied but no significant effect was observedduring the controlled time interval.
Co-situs application of controlled-release fertilizers to alleviate iron chlorosis of paddy rice grown in calcareous soil

Abstract Co-situs is the placement with one application of a sufficient amount of controlled-release fertilizer for an entire growing season at any site, together with seeds or seedlings, without causing fertilizer salt injury. An experiment was conducted to find an efficient method for ameliorating Fe deficiency in two rice cultivars (cv. Tsukinohikari and cv. Sasanishiki) grown in a calcareous soil (pH 9.2, CaCO3 384 g kg−1), which was poor in organic matter (0.1 g kg−1) and available Fe (3.0 μg g−1 soil). The field treatments consisted of co-situs application of the following fertilizers: 1) controlled-release NPK fertilizer (CRF-NPK) containing no micronutrients; 2) controlled-release NPK fertilizer containing micronutrients (CRF-M1); and 3) controlled-release NPK fertilizer containing micronutrients (CRF-M2). The main difference between CRF-M1 and CRF-M2 was that the former had larger granules than the latter. All the fertilizers were placed in contact with the roots of rice seedlings at transplanting time. Plants in the CRF-M1 and CRF-M2 treatments had similar lengths, number of stems, leaf age, and leaf color (SPAR value) during the cultivation period. By contrast, plants from the CRF-NPK treatments grew poorly, showed severe chlorosis symptoms of Fe deficiency, and all died on 30 DAT. Plants of both cultivars accumulated more macroand micronutrients with the CRF-M2 treatment than with the CRF-M1 treatment. The grain yield of cv. Tsukinohikari was 0.0, 1,910, and 2,160 kg ha−1 for the CRF-NPK, CRF-M1, and CRF-M2 treatments, respectively, and 0.0, 2,490, and 2,860 kg ha−1 for the same treatments for cv. Nihonbare. Chlorosis due to iron deficiency was successfully ameliorated and world-average grain yields were obtained with the co-sites application of both controlled-release fertilizers.
Attitudes Toward COVID-19 Illness and COVID-19 Vaccination among Pregnant Women: A Cross-Sectional Multicenter Study during August–December 2020

Abstract Objective The aim of the study was to evaluate pregnant women's attitudes toward COVID-19 illness and vaccination and identify factors associated with vaccine acceptability. Study Design This was a cross-sectional survey among pregnant women enrolled in a prospective COVID-19 cohort study in Salt Lake City, UT, Birmingham, AL, and New York, NY, from August 9 to December 10, 2020. Women were eligible if they were 18 to 50 years old and <28 weeks of gestation. Upon enrollment, women completed surveys regarding concerns about COVID-19 illness and likelihood of getting COVID-19 vaccine if one were available during pregnancy. Vaccine acceptability was defined as a response of “very likely” or “somewhat likely” on a 4-point Likert scale. Factors associated with vaccine acceptability were assessed with multivariable logistic regression. Results Of 939 pregnant women eligible for the main cohort study, 915 (97%) consented to participate. Among these 915 women, 39% self-identified as White, 23% Black, 33% Hispanic, and 4% Other. Sixty-two percent received an influenza vaccine last season. Seventy-two percent worried about getting sick with COVID-19. If they were to get sick, 92% worried about harm to their pregnancy and 80% about harm to themselves. Only 41% reported they would get a vaccine. Of women who were unlikely to get vaccinated, the most frequently cited concern was vaccine safety for their pregnancy (82%). Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic women had lower odds of accepting a vaccine compared with non-Hispanic White women (adjusted odds ratios [aOR] 0.4, 95% CI 0.2–0.6 for both). Receipt of influenza vaccine during the previous season was associated with higher odds of vaccine acceptability (aOR 2.1, 95% CI 1.5–3.0). Conclusion Although most pregnant women worried about COVID-19 illness, <50% were willing to get vaccinated during pregnancy. Racial and ethnic disparities in plans to accept COVID-19 vaccine highlight the need to prioritize strategies to address perceived barriers among groups at high risk for COVID-19. Key Points Less than half of pregnant patients stated they would get a COVID-19 vaccine. Protecting their baby was the most common reason for acceptance and refusal of the COVID-19 vaccine. Patients of minority race/ethnicity and those without prior influenza vaccination were less likely to accept the COVID-19 vaccine.
D.C. corona on smooth conductors in air. Steady-state analysis of the ionisation layer

A theoretical analysis of the electric-field distribution in the ionisation layer of a d.c. corona discharge under equivalent steady-state conditions is presented for both positive and negative polarities of the conductor. Using available experimental data on ionisation and attachment coefficients in air, the condition for corona onset is analysed on the basis of the Townsend theory. Subsequently, the field distribution in the corona layer is determined for different values of total equivalent steady-state corona current.
Effect of topical ozonated sunflower oil on second intention wound healing in turtles: a randomised experimental study

Background Ozone is an antimicrobial agent that in experimental and case-control studies has been found to exert a positive effect on wound healing. Wild and pet chelonians frequently present insidious wounds exhibiting secondary infections and/or delayed healing. Objectives Evaluate the effects of topical ozonated sunflower oil on second-intention healing of acute experimental skin wounds in red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans). Methods Randomised within-subject controlled study; Group 1 (n = 24) was used to assess clinical healing features; Group 2 (n = 12) was used for histological evaluation in which two sets of wounds were biopsied at 2, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 42 days over the course of the cicatrisation process. A single 6 mm diameter wound was made on each rear limb and topical ozonated (950 peroxide value) and non-ozonated sunflower oil were applied daily for one week on treated and contralateral control wounds, respectively. Results Mean wound size was significantly lower in the ozone-treated group at day 28 (p < 0.0001) with differences of clinical relevance (74.04% vs. 93.05% reduction of initial wound size). Histologically, the acute inflammatory reaction was enhanced in treated wounds, with significantly higher numbers of heterophils (p = 0.0016), lymphocytes (p < 0.001) and fibroblasts (p < 0.001). Conclusions Daily topical application of ozonated sunflower oil over the course of one week improved the healing of acute, full-thickness skin wounds in chelonians. This clinical outcome was histologically correlated with an enhanced acute inflammatory reaction, as well as the production and remodelling of collagen fibres.
The Effect of Exercise on Life Quality and Depression Levels of Breast Cancer Patients

Introduction: The aim of this study is to determine the effects of aerobic and stretching exercises on quality of life and depression levels of breast cancer patients. Methods: A total of 48 women (mean age 45.0±2.2 years) who were previously diagnosed with breast cancer and completed their treatment with no metastasis, were included in the study. Of these, 24 women who received the exercise program were assigned as the study group, while the remaining 24 women who did not receive the exercise program were assigned as the control group. The study group received a 12-week aerobic exercise program at the fitness club and home-based resistance exercise program designed by a sport scientist at the doctoral level. The control group was encouraged to maintain their normal level of physical activity and exercise habits throughout the study. The WHOQOL-BREF, EORTC-QLQ-C30 quality of life assessments and Beck depression inventory (BDI) were used to evaluate quality of life and the severity of depression before and after 12-week exercise programs. Results: EORTC QLQ-C30 scoring showed that in the study group aerobic exercise positively impacted quality of life on the functional scales (physical p=0.001, role p=0.039, emotional p=0.031, social functioning p=0.010) and symptoms (fatigue p=0.001, pain p=0.001, sleep disturbance p=0.038 and financial impact p=0.015). WHOQOL-BREF assessment areas, (general p=0.001, physical p=0.02, mental p=0.001 and social health p=0.017) relationships also improved as a result of exercise. BDI showed that severity of depression in the study group decreased significantly (p=0.001). Conclusion: This study showed that aerobic and resistance exercises improved quality of life and decreased depression levels of women who previously received breast cancer treatments.
Impaired auditory and visual time reproduction in adult patients with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder

ABSTRACT Objective: Although impaired time perception is associated with significant disturbance in the everyday functioning of adult patients with Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), it is not very well studied. The present study aimed to evaluate both visual and auditory time reproduction (TR) by using eight time intervals in adult ADHD patients compared to healthy controls (HC). Method: Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-R (WAIS-R), Adult Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Report Scale (ASRS), Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS), Hyperfocusing Scale (HS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and a 2-back task were administered to participants. In TR tasks, participants reproduced the same duration of the auditory/visual stimulus by pressing a key and absolute discrepancy scores (ADS) were calculated. A 2 (Group) x 2 (Task Modality) x 8 (Time Interval: 500, 1000, 2000, 4000, 6000, 8000, 12000 and 16000 msec) mixed-design ANOVA was performed. Results: All clinical scores of ADHD group were higher than HC (p < .001) while WAIS-R and 2-back performances of the groups were similar. Mixed-design ANOVA yielded significant Group and Time Interval main effects as well as a Group X Time Interval effect (both p < .001). ADHD patients had larger ADS than HC and as time intervals increased, error levels increased. Errors for time intervals >8000 msec were more prominent in patients. For both TR tasks, ASRS-hyperactivity/impulsivity scores were the main predictor of ADS in the linear regression analysis, while ASRS-attention deficit and HS scores were excluded. Conclusion: Results of the present study indicate significant TR impairment in adult ADHD regardless of task modality (visual or auditory), depressive symptoms and working memory performances. Longer time intervals in TR tasks differentiated patients better and TR impairment was associated with hyperactivity/impulsivity. These findings should be replicated in larger samples and underlying neurobiological components of impaired TR need to be examined in future research.
Salmonella spp. prevalence and antimicrobial resistance in broiler chicken and turkey flocks in Canada from 2013 to 2018

Salmonella infections are a major human health concern. In the elderly and immunocompromised, infections can be life‐threatening and may require antibiotic therapy. Where antibiotic therapy is required, antimicrobials of choice include fluoroquinolones and extended‐spectrum cephalosporins (ESC). The aim of this study is to utilize data from the Canadian Integrated Program for Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance (CIPARS) to compare the prevalence of Salmonella serovars between broiler chicken and turkey flocks across Canada, and to gain an understanding of the prevalence of resistance to antimicrobials categorized as important to human health. There were 1,596 Salmonella isolates obtained from 514 broiler chicken flocks, and 659 Salmonella isolates obtained from 217 turkey flocks (2013–2018). All isolates were obtained from pooled faecal samples. Among broiler chicken flocks, the top three serovars were Kentucky (n = 573, 36%), Enteritidis (n = 314, 20%) and Heidelberg (n = 127, 8%). Resistance to ceftriaxone among Salmonella ser. Kentucky decreased from 27% in 2013 to 22% in 2018. There was no resistance among Salmonella ser. Enteritidis reported until 2018 when one isolate from British Columbia was resistant to ampicillin, streptomycin, sulphisoxazole and tetracycline. Salmonella ser. Heidelberg resistance to ceftriaxone decreased from 19% in 2013 to 14% in 2018. Among turkey flocks the top three serovars were Uganda (n = 109, 16.5%), Hadar (n = 85, 12%) and Muenchen (n = 66, 10%). No isolates of Salmonella ser. Uganda or Salmonella ser. Muenchen were resistant to any β‐lactams. Salmonella ser. Hadar (34/81, 42%) exhibited resistance to ampicillin. There was no resistance to quinolones among turkey isolates. Emerging resistance among Salmonella ser. Enteritidis, and resistance to β‐lactams and fluoroquinolones among Salmonella ser. Kentucky from broilers are cause for concern as these classes of antimicrobials are important for treatment of salmonellosis.
Cerebellar damage affects the inference of human motion

ABSTRACT The present study aims at the cerebellum’s role in prediction mechanisms triggered by action observation. Five cerebellar patients and six age-paired control subjects were asked to estimate the occluded end point position of the shoulder’s trajectories in Sit-to-Stand (STS) or Back-to-Sit (BTS) conditions, following or not biological rules. Contrarily to the control group, the prediction accuracy of the end point position in cerebellar patients did not depend on biological rules. Interestingly, both groups presented similar results when estimating the vanishing position of the target. Taken together, these results suggest that cerebellar damage affectsthe capacity of predicting upcoming actions by observation.
Physical activity promotion and adults with intellectual disabilities: A neglected area

Background: The objective was to review physical activity (PA) promotion interventions among individuals with intellectual disability and provide recommendations for increasing PA. Methods: A systematic mapping review was conducted in which physical activity intervention studies for adults with a disability were identified, selected, and appraised. Data were extracted regarding the study design, results, and authors’ recommendations. Data were analyzed using a social-ecological framework. Results: A comprehensive search of the peer reviewed literature yielded 5 studies (3 quantitative, 1 mixed methods, and 1 pre-post delayed). Studies used physical activity promotion strategies at the intrapersonal, interpersonal, organizational, community, and policy levels have been used to date. Conclusions: Recommendations are presented for researchers and practitioners seeking to increase the level of PA of adults with intellectual disability.