Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Preparing copolyester–titanium dioxide nanocomposites with low melting point via in situ hydrolysis, catalysis and esterification process

Copolyester (CP)-titanium dioxide (TiO2) (CPT) nanocomposites with low melting point were synthesized by esterification of terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, ethylene glycol and 1,4-butanediol monomers in the presence of tetrabutyl orthotitanate (TBOT). TBOT hydrolysis caused the TiO2 nanoparticles to act as catalysts for polymerization. Transmission electron micrographs showed that the TiO2 nanoparticles with the content ranging from 0.2 wt% to 0.4 wt% were well dispersed in the copolyester matrix. The thermal properties of the nanocomposites were assessed by differential scanning calorimetry. The melting point of CPT nanocomposite with 1.2 wt% TiO2 was 201.9°C, significantly lower than that of pure polyethylene terephthalate (above 260°C). Therefore, the obtained CPT nanocomposites with low melting point are potentially better for industrial applications than the commercial product.
Excessive use of social networking sites and financial well-being among young adults: the mediating role of online compulsive buying

Purpose This study aims to examine the mediating role of online compulsive buying in the association between excessive use of social networking sites (SNS) and financial well-being among Chinese young adults. Design/methodology/approach A sample of 539 SNS users and active online shoppers (M age = 20.32 years, SD age = 2.11) completed an online survey questionnaire measure of excessive use of SNS, online compulsive buying and financial well-being. Covariance based-structural equation modelling was used to assess the measurement model and the proposed mediation model. Findings Results indicated that excessive use of SNS was positively related to online compulsive buying behaviour and financial anxiety. Also, the results showed that online compulsive buying mediated the positive relationship between excessive use of SNS and financial anxiety. Practical implications Several implications were suggested and discussed to enhance the levels of financial well-being among youths by tackling their problematic behaviour such as excessive SNS usage and online compulsive buying. Originality/value The findings of this study contribute to the limited body of knowledge in the area of financial well-being and further improves our understanding of the effect of the excessive use of SNS on financial well-being and the mechanism behind it.
PERFORMANCE AND KINECTICS ASPECTS OF NITROGEN REMOVAL IN A BIOFILM SEQUENCING BATCH REACTOR

A biofilm sequencing batch reactor with a volume of 1.42 m3, nylon nets providing a 4,140 m2/m3 support area for biofilms and an automated operation with 8 hour cycles was studied. The duration of the experiment was 135 days. Removal efficiencies e≥ 80% were obtained for carbonaceous matter, producing an effluent with 31±26.8 mg/L of filtered COD, 7±3.6 mg/L of BOD5 and 12±3.2 mg/L of TOC. The average removal efficiency of ammonium was 77 ± 16.6%, with a mean concentration in the effluent of 14 ± 10.2 mg NH4-N/L. The denitrification efficiency was 80±14.7%. The effluent characteristics met the requirements of Brazilian environmental standard for discharge to receiving water bodies. A kinetic study of nitrification and denitrification showed that during the aerobic phase the specific rate of ammonium consumption was 0.057 g NH4-N/g VSS.d and the production of NOx-N was 0.074 g NOx-N/g VSS.d, while the specific rate of NOx-N consumption was 0.05 g NOx-N/g VSS.d during the anoxic phase. The suspended and fixed biomass was composed of 50% ammonium-oxidizing bacteria (AOB).
Use of Additives to Reduce Browning, Microbial Load and Quality Loss of Kinnow Juice under Ambient Storage

Backgrounds/Objective: Preservation of Kinnow (Citrus nobilis × Citrus deliciosa L.) juice by using edible preservatives is needed to ensure nutritional security of common people. Suitability of preservation techniques to extent the storage life through maintenance of microbial load and nutritional strength up to desirable level is essential. Methods/Statistical Analysis: The study was conducted through analysis of TSS, acidity, Vitamin-C, and sugar while biological study was carried out through microbial load and browning. Findings: Kinnow fruit juice can be stored up to 30 days without loss of nutritional quality if 0.05% of Potassium metabisulphite or 0.05% sodium benzoate is used as preservatives whereas minimum and desirable browning (0.093) and microbial load (2.60 X 105) was reported when juice was treated with 0.1% KMS at 30 days of storage. Application/Improvements: The research outcome of present investigation suggests for storage of Kinnow fruit juice for 30 days with minimum quality loss by using 0.05% Potassium metabisulphite or sodium benzoate under ambient condition.
ALTERAÇÃO DAS PROPRIEDADES FÍSICO-QUÍMICAS NA APLICAÇÃO CONTENDO ADJUVANTES / CHANGING THE PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES IN THE APPLICATION CONTAINING ADJUVANTS

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar as alteracoes produzidas por doze adjuvantes em algumas propriedades fisico-quimicas das caldas de aplicacao, sobre a area de molhamento de folhas de soja e sobre a alteracao no tamanho de gotas. As avaliacoes foram realizadas sob condicoes ambientais controladas em laboratorio. Foram utilizadas duas pontas de modelo leque na avaliacao da variacao do tamanho das gotas: jato plano SF; e com pre-câmara TT. A analise da variacao do espalhamento da gota sobre a superficie foliar foi realizada utilizando-se o programa ImageJ. A tensao superficial e a viscosidade das caldas foram mensuradas por metodologias laboratoriais simples como a mensuracao da massa de gotas e pelo metodo de Stokes, respectivamente. Todos os adjuvantes apresentaram reducao da tensao superficial da calda. O adjuvante siliconado Break-Thru proporcionou reducao na tensao superficial de 3,6 vezes em comparacao a agua destilada e tambem apresentou o maior espalhamento da calda sobre a superficie foliar em 13,5 vezes. Entretanto, tambem apresentou a maior taxa de evaporacao da gota. Exceto o adjuvante Break-Tru, todos os adjuvantes apresentaram evaporacao semelhante estatisticamente ao controle ate aos 30 minutos apos a aplicacao. O adjuvante Gota Max proporcionou o maior aumento da viscosidade da calda e o adjuvante Hygrogem a maior reducao da viscosidade em comparacao a agua. O uso de adjuvante diminui o tamanho de gota e aumenta o percentual de gotas maiores que 100 µm quando a ponta e do tipo SF de uso padrao. Quando do uso da ponta TT, a adicao de adjuvante a calda nao impactou em variacao do tamanho das gotas ou na variacao do indice SPAN, mas aumentou o percentual de gotas menores que 100 µm pelo uso do adjuvante Break-Thru. O uso do adjuvante Gota Max proporcionou maior amplitude relativa quando utilizando a ponta SF.
Numerical solution of unsteady flow of a radiating and chemically reacting fluid with time-dependent suction

The numerical solution of unsteady laminar, boundary layer flow of a viscous incompressible, electrically conducting fluid along a semi-infinite vertical plate, in the presence of thermal and concentration buoyancy effects has been obtained, using implicit finite difference method for velocity, temperature and concentration fields. The results for the velocity, temperature shear stress, Nusselt number and Sherwood-numbers have been obtained and discussed for different flow parameters such as Sc, K r, Gr, Gm, N R and Pr . It has been found that an increase in the chemical reaction leads to decrease in the velocity and concentration boundary layer, but, an increase in the thermal radiation increases the velocity and temperature boundary layer. These results are found to be in good agreement with the previous results.
FEEDING RESPONSE OF Chrysoperla carnea (Steph.) LARVAE TO PISTACHIO PSYLLA NYMPHS

This study was carried out under laboratory conditions at 25±2°C and 65±5% R. H. The Chrysoperla carnea (Steph.)larvae in that experiments was fed on pistachio psylla nymphs ( Agonoscena pistaciae Licht.) and compared with Mediterranean moth eggs ( Ephestia kuehniella Zeller; Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) as standard host. The results showed with significant difference, a mean predatism of predator larvae of two hosts were tested was 561.44±37.82 and 433.78±26.51 respectively. The greatest predation efficiency of C. carnea larvae was on pistachio psylla nymphs then on E. kuehniella eggs.
Nano hydroxyapatite particles promote osteogenesis in a three-dimensional bio-printing construct consisting of alginate/gelatin/hASCs

To design a hydrogel material containing nano hydroxyapatite particles for three-dimensional (3D) bio-printing of human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) and to explore whether nano hydroxyapatite particles can promote osteogenic differentiation of a 3D bio-printing construct consisting of hASCs in vivo and in vitro. A 3D reticular printing structure was designed. Sodium alginate/gelatin/hASCs (AG group) was considered as the control group, and sodium alginate/gelatin/nano hydroxyapatite/hASCs (AGH group) was considered as the experimental group. Immunofluorescence microscopy was used to observe the cell viability and cell adhesion, and cell proliferation was analyzed by comparison of viable cell numbers in printed constructs at 1 day and 7 days after printing. After 14 days of osteogenic induction for the AG group and AGH group, real-time quantitative PCR and immunofluorescence were used to analyse the expression of the osteogenesis-related genes Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), osterix (OSX), and osteocalcin (OCN). New bone formation in printed constructs was observed using micro-CT, HE staining, Masson trichrome staining, and OCN immunohistochemical staining 8 weeks after being implanted. The cells in the AG group and AGH group were evenly distributed in the 3D printed constructs. The number of viable cells and cell viability both in the AG group and AGH group at 7 days after printing were higher than those at 1 day after printing (p < 0.05); however, the difference between the AG group and AGH group was not significant. At 14 days after osteogenic induction in vitro, real-time PCR results showed that the expression of osteogenesis-related genes in the AGH OM group was significantly higher than that in the AGH PM group, AG PM group, and AG OM group (p < 0.05). At 8 weeks after bio-printed construct implantation, the results of micro-CT, HE staining, Masson trichrome staining, and OCN immunohistochemical staining showed that the new bone formation in the AGH group was higher than that in the AG group (p < 0.05). The in vivo and in vitro results demonstrated that nano hydroxyapatite particles dispersed in a sodium alginate/gelatin matrix could promote osteogenic differentiation of hASCs in a 3D bio-printed construct, and this scaffold material could be considered to repair large bone tissue defects.
Combining ability for quality and seed parameters in ridge gourd [Luffa acutangula L. Roxb.]

Combining ability in ridge gourd, eight different parental lines were selected, they were mated in half diallel fashion, resultant 28 hybrids were developed. Analysis of variance is significant due to GCA and SCA were observed for quality and seed parameters, which indicates the predominance of additive and non-additive gene action and which suggested that ample scope for direct selection or heterosis breeding. Among eight parents, DMRG-25, DMRG-36 and DMRG-22 were found to be best general combiners. Significant sca effects were positive in direction, maximum positive significant sca effects were observed in the cross DMRG-22 × DMRG-44(0.77) for rind thickness, the cross DMRG-36 × Arka Sumeet (1.99) for flesh thickness, the cross DMRG-36 ×Arka Sumeet (36.72) for ascorbic acid, the cross DMRG-22 × DMRG-15(3.65) for calcium content, the cross DMRG-36 × ArkaSumeet (24.75) for number of seed per fruit, the cross Arka Sumeet × DMRG-15 (2.28) for hundred seed weight.
CYTOTOXICITY OF THE ESSENTIAL OILS OF CYMBOPOGON CITRATUS AND OCIMUM GRATISSIMUM

The essential oils isolated from leaves of Cymbopogon citratus and Ocimum gratissimum have been tested for their cytotoxic activity against P388 leukemia cells. The IC50 of the Cymbopogon oil was found to be 5.7 Âµg/ml while that of Ocimum oil was 10.8 Âµg/ml. The mixture of the oils (1:1 v/v) showed an IC50 value of 10.2 Âµg/ml and there was no synergism in the cytotoxic activity. The oils were standardized by their physico- chemical properties.
Shear force in the femoral neck affects clinical outcome of total hip arthroplasty

Case-reports of broken modular femoral necks have implied increased shear loading as the main culprit. The study aim was to determine whether total hip endoprostheses with modular femoral necks produced larger magnitudes of shear force, smaller leg length discrepancy and better WOMAC score in comparison to nonmodular implants. A single-surgeon series of unilateral uncemented primary total hip arthroplasties (50 modular ProfemurZ and 52 nonmodular Zweymuller) was compared retrospectively in hip force magnitudes computed with a previously validated static biomechanical model, radiographic changes before/after total hip arthroplasty, leg lengths and WOMAC. Modular implants ProfemurZ on average had larger shear force magnitudes in the femoral neck than nonmodular Zweymuller, but there was no significant difference in leg-length discrepancy or WOMAC score. In multivariate regression (adjusted for implant type, gender, age, BMI, leg length discrepancy) increase in shear force magnitude was an independent predictor of better WOMAC score, regardless of the implant type.
Evaluation of Some Quality Attributes of Noodles from Unripe Plantain and Defatted Sesame Flour Blends

The study evaluated some quality attributes of extruded noodles from unripe plantain and defatted sesame composite flour. Response surface methodology (RSM) based on Box-Behnken design was used to obtain the optimum conditions. Chemical compositions, functional and pasting properties of the blends, as well as proximate, quality attributes and sensory properties of the noodles from the blends were determined. The addition of defatted sesame flour to unripe plantain flour increases protein, ash, and fiber contents, while carbohydrate contents decreased. Water absorption index and bulk density increased while swelling power and dispersibility decreased with sesame flour inclusion. The independent variables significantly affected all the physical properties of the extruded noodles (p < 0.05) except for the expansion ratio. Overall acceptability of the noodles from the composite flour showed that it was slightly acceptable. In conclusion, the process-optimized conditions of the noodles are defatted sesame flour inclusion of 5% at 72°C and screw speed of 83 rpm, which improved the physical and sensory properties of the noodles.
Measurement of yield of residues produced in 12C+natY reaction and subsequent separation of 97Ru from Y target using cation exchange resin

Abstract This paper reports the yield of no-carrier-added (NCA) radionuclides produced in 12C6+ induced reaction on natural yttrium target at 10 different incident energies in the range of 40 to 75 MeV by the stacked-foil technique, followed by off-line γ-ray spectroscopy. It also reports the radiochemical separation of NCA 97Ru from the bulk yttrium target. 97Ru was produced in the yttrium matrix through 89Y(12C, 4n)97,97mRh(EC)97Ru and 89Y(12C, p3n)97Ru reactions along with the radioisotopes 98Rh, 97Rh, 97mRh, 93Tc, 94Tc, 95Tc and 93mMo. Irradiated target was allowed to cool for the complete decay of short-lived residues and 97Ru was then separated from the bulk yttrium using the cation exchanger DOWEX-50WX4 in an ion exchange column as well as via solid-liquid extraction (SLX). A total of ∼88% NCA 97Ru was separated in column chromatography without any contamination of bulk, whereas quantitative separation of NCA Ru was achieved in SLX.
Design of oxygen sensing nanomaterial: synthesis, encapsulation of phenylacetylide substituted Pd(II) and Pt(II) meso-tetraphenylporphyrins into poly(1-trimethylsilyl-1-propyne) nanofibers and influence of silver nanoparticles

Room temperature phosphorescent oxygen sensors have been designed by embedding symmetric palladium(II) or platinum(II) meso-tetraphenylporphyrins in poly(1-trimethylsilyl-1-propyne) in the form of nanofibers along with/without silver nanoparticles. These materials combine the advantages of the high oxygen sensitivity of porphyrins and the enhanced surface area of porous nanofibers. Phenylacetylide bearing palladium(II) or platinum(II) meso-tetraphenylporphyrins (Pd-TPA, Pt-TPA, Pd-TPP and Pt-TPP) were designed to enhance phosphorescence quantum yields as well as sensitivity towards oxygen. Their syntheses were achieved by 2 alternative methods including successive metallation reactions and Sonogashira coupling via optimization of the synthetic strategies and conditions. The respective effect of the metal (Pd or Pt) and substituent on phosphorescence quantum yield as well as other photophysical properties was considered. The sensing performances of the corresponding silver-free and silver doped nanofibers were tested in the oxygen concentration range of 0.0–100.0%. The offered composites provided the advantages of fast response, enhanced sensitivity, reversible and long lasting response, higher Stern–Volmer constants (KSV) and low limit of detection values extending to 7.5 ppm for oxygen.
Study on emulsification of crude oil in water using emulsan biosurfactant for pipeline transportation

ABSTRACT In this work, an experimental investigation on removing crude oil from a stainless steel tube using a biosurfactant such as emulsan was studied. The emulsan used in this study was produced by Acinetobacter calcoaceticus PTCC1318. The produced emulsan was able to reduce the surface and interfacial tension of water to 24 mN/m and 3 mN/m, respectively. Also influence of water- oil ratio on emulsifying property was studied. The results showed at CMC concentration, emulsification index (E24) of emulsions decreased with increasing water- oil ratio. At 25°C, 30 mg/L, with a water–oil ratio of 1:2, produced emulsan formed an excellent emulsification of crude oil about 98%. Cleaning parameters tested included washing time and flow rate. It also demonstrated that the emulsan is useful for the tube cleaning with removal percentages of 100% at the room temperature, depending on the washing conditions.
Grain size and geochemical partitioning of heavy metals in sediments of the Damodar River - a tributary of the lower Ganga,

The distribution of Si, Al, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Ni and Cr in different grain-size fractions and geochemical association of Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn with ~63-mm size fraction of bed sediments of Damo- dar River has been studied. In general, concentra- tions of heavy metals tend to increase as the size fractions get finer. However at two sites, near min- ing areas, the coarser particles show similar or even higher heavy metal concentrations than finer ones. The higher residence time and/or presence of coarser particles from mining wastes are possibly responsible for higher metal content in the coarser size fractions. The chemical fractionation study shows that lithogenic is the major chemical phase for heavy metals. Fe and Mn are the major ele- ments of the lithogenic lattice, constituting 34-63% and 22-59%, respectively, of total concentrations. Fe-Mn oxide and organic bound fractions are sig- nificant phases in the non-lithogenic fraction. The carbonate fraction is less significant for heavy me- tal scavenging in the present environment and shows the following order of abundance Zn1 Cu1 Mn1 Fe. The exchangeable fraction of the Damodar sediments contains very low amounts of heavy metals suggesting poor bioavailability of me- tals.
Knowledge of Midwives about Dental Health Education and Recommendations for Pregnant Women in Makassar City. Indonesia

Background: The role of midwives for dental health education for pregnant women is very important and strategic for pregnant women and children. Purpose: To know dental health for midwives for promo and more dental health for pregnant women in Makassar City. Material and Method: Studies are observed by cross-sectional study designs. The midwife sample came from midwives working in 15 health centers, 10 hospitals and 6 maternity hospitals in Makassar, resulting in a total sample of 173 midwives. Result: Average age = 32.29 years and average length of work as a midwife = 8.77 years. The percentage of midwives who recommend when to visit the dentist for a 1-year-old baby is 56.6%, the percentage of midwives who provide information about periodontal disease in pregnant women as much as 82%.
Does Student Performance in Introductory Economics and Business Courses Impact ETS Scores

This study examines the impact of economics education on student performance on the Educational Testing Service Major Field Test in Business. We demonstrate that grades in introductory microeconomics and macroeconomics courses have a positive relationship with overall exam performance as well as sub-scores in most content areas of the test. Furthermore, we use a measure of “extranormal” ability in economics and demonstrate its positive relationship to test performance. “Extranormal” ability represents the portion of course grades that cannot be explained by prior academic achievement. Finally, we show that the relationship between “extranormal” ability and exam performance is much more limited for female students than for male students.
Arrays of chemisensitive monolayer-capped metallic nanoparticles for diagnostic breath testing

Abstract Arrays of cross-reactive sensors are well suited to detect subtle changes in clinical samples resulting from internal diseases. Monolayer-capped metallic nanoparticles (MCNPs) are ideal base materials for such sensor arrays because they are chemically versatile, easily fabricated, and readily integrated into chemiresistive sensing platforms using microelectrodes. In this review, we present the main concepts and approaches related to the use of MCNPs in chemiresistors and show their applicability to exhaled breath testing, which is a new non-invasive frontier of medical diagnostics.
Fixed point theorems in $C^{*}$-algebra-valued $b_{v}( s)$-metric spaces with application and numerical methods

‎We first introduce a novel notion named $C^{*}$-algebra-valued $b_{v}(s)$-metric spaces‎. ‎Then‎, ‎we give proofs of the Banach contraction principle‎, ‎the expansion mapping theorem‎, ‎and Jungck's theorem in $C^{*}$-algebra-valued $b_{v}(s)$-metric spaces‎. ‎As an application of our results‎, ‎we establish a result for an integral equation in a $C^{*}$-algebra-valued $b_{v}(s)$-metric space‎. ‎Finally‎, ‎a numerical method is presented to solve the proposed integral equation‎, ‎and the convergence of this method is also studied‎. ‎Moreover‎, ‎a numerical example is given to show applicability and accuracy of the numerical method and guarantee the theoretical results‎.