Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Preliminary results on tartaric stabilization of red wine by adding different carboxymethylcelluloses

Despite being natural phenomena of physical-chemical stabilization of young wines, tartrate precipitations in bottled wines are often understood as a quality fault. Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) is an inhibitor of tartaric salts crystallization, authorized as oenological additive, which application is currently limited to white and sparkling wines by OIV. The aim of this exploratory research was to study the effect of different CMC on a (tartaric) unstable red wine, in terms of tartrate stability, colouring matter stability, turbidity, comprehensive phenolic composition, and chromatic characteristics. All the CMC tested were able to inhibit potassium bitartrate crystallization in the red wine, promoting its tartaric stability. Slight increase in the colour intensity, coloured anthocyanins concentration, and turbidity of the wine were observed. No colouring matter precipitation was verified. The study seems to indicate that the CMC can be an efficient alternative to other tartaric stabilization treatments, also in red wines, opening new prospective and scenarios concerning the use of CMC in this type of wines.
Lithium Isotope Composition of Marine Biogenic Carbonates and Related Reference Materials

In this study, the accuracy and the precision corresponding to Li isotopic measurements of low level samples such as marine and coastal carbonates are estimated. To this end, a total of fifty‐four analyses of a Li‐pure reference material (Li7‐N) at concentrations ranging from 1 to 6 ng ml−1 were first performed. The average δ7Li values obtained for solutions with and without chemical purification were 30.3 ± 0.4‰ (2s, n = 19) and 30.2 ± 0.4‰ (2s, n = 36), respectively. These results show that the chosen Li chemical extraction and purification procedure did not induce any significant isotope bias. Two available carbonate reference materials (JCt‐1 and JCp‐1) were analysed, yielding mean δ7Li values of 18.0 ± 0.27‰ (2s, n = 6) and 18.8 ± 1.8‰ (2s, n = 9), respectively. Small powder aliquots (< 15 mg) of JCp‐1 displayed significant isotope heterogeneity and we therefore advise favouring JCt‐1 for interlaboratory comparisons. The second part of this study concerns the determination of δ7Li value for biogenic carbonate samples. We performed a total of twenty‐nine analyses of seven different tropical coral species grown under controlled and similar conditions (24.0 ± 0.1 °C). Our sample treatment prior to Li extraction involved removal of organic matter before complete dissolution in diluted HCl. Our results show (a) a constant δ7Li within each skeleton and between the different species (δ7Li = 17.3 ± 0.7‰), and (b) a Li isotope fractionation of −2‰ compared with inorganic aragonite grown under similar conditions. Comparison with literature data suggests a significant difference between samples living in aquaria and those grown in natural conditions. Finally, we investigate ancient (fossil) carbonate material and foraminifera extracted from marine sedimentary records. Different leaching procedures were tested using various HCl molarities. Results indicate that carbonate preferential dissolution must be carried out at an acid molarity < 0.18 mol l−1. Possible contamination from silicate minerals can be verified using the Al/Ca ratio, but the threshold value strongly depends on the carbonate δ7Li value. When the silicate/carbonate ratio is high in the sediment sample (typically > 2), contamination from silicates cannot be avoided, even at low HCl molarity (⪡ 0.1 mol l−1). Finally, bulk carbonate and foraminifera extracted from the same core sample exhibited significant discrepancies: δ7Li values of foraminifera were more reproducible but were significantly lower. They were also associated with lower Sr/Ca and higher Mn/Ca ratios, suggesting a higher sensitivity to diagenesis, although specific vital effects cannot be fully ruled out.
Role of Myosins II and VI in Mediating Hormonal Regulation of NHE3 Activity in the Rat Renal Proximal Tubule

Rapid regulation of NHE3 activity may occur through redistribution of the transporter between the body and the base of the proximal tubule microvilli (PT MV). Myosins are motor proteins that move along actin filaments. The present study tested the hypothesis that myosins II (myo II), which moves cargo away from cell center, and VI (myo VI), which moves cargo toward cell center, may mediate NHE3 redistribution within the MV in response to stimuli. Renal PT NHE3 activity was evaluated in Wistar rats by net bicarbonate reabsorption (JHCO3−) in the presence or absence of 10−10 M angiotensin II (Ang II), 10−4 M forskolin (FSK), a cAMP‐elevating agent, 10−5 M blebbistatin (a specific myo II inhibitor) or 4×10−6 M 2,4,6‐triiodophenol (TIP) (a myo VI inhibitor). As expected, Ang II increased [4.36 ± 0.18 nmol/cm2.s (N = 5)] whereas FSK reduced [1.26 ± 0.10 nmol/cm2.s (N = 5)] JHCO3− compared to CTRL [2.74 ± 0.13 nmol/cm2.s (N = 4)]. Simultaneous tubular perfusion of Ang II with blebbistatin prevent Ang II‐induced NHE3 stimulation [2.92 ± 0.14 nmol/cm2.s (N = 5), P < 0.001]. Simultaneous tubular perfusion of FSK with TIP reduced the inhibition with FSK alone [1.78 ± 0.15 (N = 4) vs. 1.26 ± 0.10 nmol/cm2.s (N = 5), P < 0.05] on JHCO3−. The localization of NHE3 and myosins IIB and VI was assessed by confocal immunofluorescence in Wistar rats kidney after a 30 min pressor dose of Ang II (50 ng/kg/min). NHE3 and myo VI shift from base to body of MV after Ang II; myo IIB remains mostly enriched at the MV base. To assess NHE3 activity in OKP cells, experimental pH recovery points were fitted to simple exponential decay curves (y = A·e(−kt) + y0) in order to predict the rate constant (k) of each recovery curve. FSK reduced NHE3 activity [0.025 ± 0.003 s−1 (N = 4)] compared to CTRL [0.048 ± 0.007 s−1 (N = 5)]. siRNA for myo VI efficiently reduced its expression by 64 %; the inhibitory effect of FSK on NHE3 activity was completely abolished by siRNA myo VI [0.043 ± 0.005 s−1 (N = 4)]. These results provide further evidence for myosin II and VI regulation of NHE3 redistribution in the rat kidney proximal tubule.
Borotungstic Acid (BWA)-Polyacrylamide (PAM) Solid Polymer Electrolytes for Electrochemical Capacitors

Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) are key enablers for thin and flexible electrochemical capacitors in wearable technologies. Polyacrylamide (PAM) is one such promising hygroscopic polymer host, but its performance had not been optimized. This thesis enhanced PAM with borotungstic acid (BWA) as the heteropolyacid conductors. The BWA-PAM electrolyte achieved a high initial conductivity of ca. 27 mS cm-1, but suffered from a short service life (< 40% conductivity retention after 28 days) due to dehydration. BWA-PAM modified with acidic (H3PO4) and neutral (glycerol) plasticizers showed improved conductivity of ca. 30 mS cm-1 and service life (≥ 70% conductivity retention after 28 days). The high BWA and H3PO4 content accelerated the hydrolysis of PAM to polyacrylic acid, resulting in the undesirable precipitation of NH4+-substituted BWA; whereas, glycerol was found to suppress this reaction. The solid CNT-graphite cells with the optimized electrolytes demonstrated a capacitance of ca. 19.5 mF cm-2; a high rate capability (≥ 75% capacitance retention) at 1Vs-1; excellent cycle life (≥ 90% retention of its initial capacitance); and maintained ca. -85o phase angle over 10,000 charging-discharging cycles.
Changes in physicochemical properties of rice in response to high-temperature fluidized bed drying and tempering

ABSTRACT The effects of high-temperature fluidized bed drying and tempering on pasting, gelatinization, crystalline and microstructural properties of long-grain Vietnamese rice cultivar A10 were examined. The freshly harvest paddy (33% wet basis) was dried at two drying temperatures (80 and 90°C) and two drying durations (2.5 and 3.0 min) using a custom-made lab-scale batch fluidized bed dryer. The dried rice was immediately tempered in sealed containers at 75 and 86°C for various tempering durations (0, 30, 40, and 60 min), followed by thin-layer drying at 35°C to reduce moisture level to 14% wet basis. Characterization of pasting, gelatinization, crystallinity, and microstructure of the dried rice was undertaken using rapid visco analyzer, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM), respectively. Pasting properties and gelatinization enthalpy decreased with higher drying temperature and longer tempering time while pasting and gelatinization temperatures increased. Degree of crystallinity changed slightly, however, a shift from A-type to A+V-type XRD pattern was observed. ESEM observation demonstrated some degree of collapse of the rice microstructure. The kernel integrity appeared to be enhanced by the gel network formed during partial gelatinization of starch, corroborating with the changes in pasting and gelatinization properties of the fluidized bed dried and tempered rice.
Kerosene space heaters: a major source of ultrafine particles indoors

Kerosene heaters are known to emit pollutants in the indoor environment but ultrafine particle emission was never reported. A kerosene heater was characterized in an experimental chamber using four different instruments to monitor particle number concentration and size distribution down to 5 nm. Another experiment was realized to collect particles and determine their composition in elements, ions, organic/elemental carbon and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The kerosene heater produced ultrafine particles in the range 5 to 40 nm with a count median diameter of 9.5 nm. The emission rate was (1.8±0.3)×1011 particle*s-1. Chromium and manganese (4 and 0.05 ng*g-1 of burned fuel) were specifically associated with kerosene combustion. Trace levels of sulfates, nitrates, phenanthrene and fluoranthene were also detected. Scanning electron microscopy showed submicronic aggregates mostly composed of carbon and traces of silicon. Our findings showed that kerosene heaters represent a major indoor source of ultrafine particles.
Preliminary study on use of terrazyme as a bio stabilizer along with cement and lime in compressed stabilized earth blocks

Stabilizers play an important role in improving the engineering properties of the Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks (CSEBs). Traditional stabilizers like cement and lime have been popularly used to improve the soil with which CSEBs are prepared. It has been reported that use of lime in combination with cement has improved the long-term strength of CSEBs. Due to the high energy consumption in manufacturing of conventional stabilizers, alternative sources of stabilizers are looked upon. Terrazyme is one such stabilizer, which has been used in various road projects and has found to be a viable low cost non-traditional stabilizer. The use of Terrazyme as a stabilizer, may have a beneficial role in increasing the strength of CSEBs. As no previous attempts have been made to use Terrazyme in the preparation of CSEBs, it was found that understanding its behavior with soil as a necessary. Time related physical properties of a natural soil treated with Terrazyme has revealed that liquid limit reduces with time, while plastic limit increased with ageing. The reduced plasticity index indicates that the soil is becoming less compressible and volumetrically stable. Unconfined compressive strength of soil treated with different dosages of Terrazyme at ageing periods were evaluated, and optimum dosage for the soil was arrived. Addition of Terrazyme has increased the unconfined compressive strength of the soil. Unconfined compressive strengths of soil with/without optimum dosage of Terrazyme along with combinations of cement and lime with time were evaluated. The admixtures-soil combination which yielded the best Unconfined Compressive strength was selected for the preparation of CSEBs. Blocks prepared with Terrazyme had higher wet compressive strength and lower water absorption than other blocks. After two months, the wet compressive strength of blocks prepared with Terrazyme was found 30% to 50% higher than the blocks without Terrazyme, bringing out the beneficial effect of Terrazyme.
Understanding ribosome binding interactions and conformational changes of the EngA bacterial GTPase, a potential target for new antibiotics

The development of new therapeutics against bacterial infections has aroused great interest over the last years in the context of drug resistance. The starting-point in the pursuit of new antibiotics for which bacterial resistance mechanisms do not exist is the identification of novel cellular targets. Genetics studies in the early 2000s have identified engA as a conserved bacterial gene whose product is a GTPase that could represent a potential drug target: it is conserved among bacteria, essential for cell survival, and absent in humans.Since EngA acts as an assembly factor for the bacterial ribosome, one of our aims was to develop an assay to screen inhibitors of the EngA-ribosome interactions. These interactions are modulated by EngA conformational changes that are in turn triggered by the binding of different nucleotides to the catalytic G-domain. As the interplay between all these events in bacteria is still not resolved, we have used a multi-technique approach to explore these questions in order to obtain useful information for the setting up of a robust screening assay.SAXS and limited proteolysis showed a conformational change occurring in solution upon addition of either di- or tri-phosphate nucleotides. While model validation analysis confirmed the GDP-bound conformation, the GTP-bound state does not match any known EngA structure. Binding studies have revealed modulation of interactions by different nucleotide-bound states. Furthermore, response to nucleotides occurs at high concentrations, suggesting that the role of EngA in promoting ribosome assembly could be monitored by the intracellular nucleotide concentration. Efforts on identifying the GTP-bound state 3D structure by crystallography have resulted in EngA structures in different crystal forms. Although all the obtained structures represent the GDP-bound state, packing analysis has revealed conserved crystal contacts that can potentially stabilise this conformation during nucleation. Specific mutations aiming at disrupting these contacts may help to promote crystallisation of alternative conformations. Cryo-EM investigation has been initiated in order to obtain the structure of the B. subtilis EngA:50S complex. So far, an electron density map at 6.4 A resolution has been obtained and its interpretation is underway.
Fabrication of hydroxyapatite coatings on AZ31 Mg alloy by micro-arc oxidation coupled with sol–gel treatment

Magnesium (Mg) alloys, can potentially be used as biodegradable orthopedic implants because of their biodegradability and good mechanical properties. However, a quick degradation rate and low bioactivity have prevented their clinical application. In order to enhance the corrosion resistance and the in vitro bioactivity of Mg alloys, protective composite coatings were prepared on AZ31 magnesium alloy followed by sol–gel sealing treatment under low-pressure conditions. The morphologies, crystalline structure and the composition of the samples were characterized by SEM, XRD, and XPS. Electrochemical corrosion test and the in vitro bioactivity were also studied. The results indicated that the composite coatings not only improved the corrosion resistance, but also enhanced the in vitro bioactivity of AZ31 Mg alloy. Therefore, Mg alloy treated with micro-arc oxidation and sol–gel offers a promising approach for biodegradable bone implants.
Life Satisfaction of the Bosnian Refugees in St. Louis, Missouri

Using survey data, this study explored life satisfaction of refugees from Bosnia-Herzegovina in St. Louis, Missouri. The results showed no gender differences among any of the major variables. A hierarchical regression analysis found that the demographic characteristics did not predict life satisfaction except for education and that while discrimination had a negative impact on life satisfaction, English competency, attachment to the US, and sense of coherence had a positive impact on life satisfaction. The study has implications for social service agencies and others involved with serving refugees.
Synthesis and characterization of cobalt hydroxide carbonate nanostructures

Battery-type electrodes of three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical cobalt hydroxide carbonate arrays on Ni foam were fabricated using a hydrothermal method for use in supercapacitors. X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy were used to characterize their structures and morphologies. The cobalt hydroxide carbonate synthesized with 10 h reaction time showed the highest specific capacitance (1381 F g−1 at a current density of 2 A g−1) and excellent cycling stability (92% capacitance retention after 5000 cycles). Moreover, its capacitance increased by 33% at 2 A g−1 and by 10% at 20 A g−1 after 5000 charge–discharge cycles. This cobalt hydroxide carbonate composite is a promising candidate for electrochemical energy-related applications.
Influences of chia flour and the concentration of total solids on the characteristics of ‘dulce de leche’ from goat milk

A factorial categorical design totalling six treatments was applied to investigate the influence of the substitution of corn starch with whole and partially defatted chia flour under the technical characteristics (centesimal composition, instrumental analyses, and sensory evaluation) and nutritional disorders (composition of fatty acids and index of the nutritional quality of the lipid fraction) of ‘dulce de leche’ concentrated to 72 and 78 °B. The treatments with chia flour concentrated to 72 °B showed higher moisture content and lower compression force, and when the concentration range increased to 78 °B, the levels of total lipids amounted up to 1.40 times when compared to treatment with corn starch. The polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly omega-3 and omega-6 levels, were higher in treatments with chia flour on both tracks of concentration, allowing a reduction in the atherogenic index and thrombogenic index effects and the n-6/n-3 ratio. The treatments of ‘dulce de leche’ with a lower concentration of soluble solids obtained greater acceptance and consumer purchase intention. The application of whole chia flour in small proportions and in the concentration of 72 °B was the most appropriate under the studied conditions, showing improvement in the nutritional quality and with good technical aspects of candy made with goat milk.
Continuous improvement in Vietnam: unique approaches for a unique culture

Purpose – This paper aims to enhance the understanding of continuous improvement (CI) practices in Vietnamese organizations. Design/methodology/approach – The study reported here is based on field research using in-depth case studies to investigate the factors underpinning CI effectiveness in Vietnam. Data were collected from direct observations, internal company documents and interviews in six leading Vietnamese companies, as well as interviews with 50 business leaders, managers, practitioners and academics in Vietnam. Findings – This paper identifies the cultural conditions that have most shaped, and continue to shape, the management of CI in Vietnam, and suggests ways that practitioners can design effective CI practices in that country. For example, a very strong top-down management approach seems to be necessary to jump-start CI in Vietnamese organizations. Vietnamese organizations can succeed with CI, but they require substantial investment in human capital to give managers and employees at all level.
A Field Study of Soil Pulverization Energy by using Different Moldboards Types Under Various Operating Condition

A field experiment was conducted in the experiment field of Agricultural College, Basrah University, to study the effect of three types of moldboards i.e. helical, general purpose and digger moldboard, three tillage depths (15, 20 and 25 cm) and three forward speeds (4.37, 6.11 and 7.03 km h-1) on the draft force (DF), soil pulverization index (SPI), the specific energy (SE), the energy equivalent (EQE), and soil pulverization efficiency (SPE). Split-split plot with complete randomized block design with three replications were used in this study, and Least significant differences (LSD) was used to compare the means of treatments at 0.05 levels. The results showed there was a significant effect for moldboard types, plowing depths, plowing speeds and the interaction on all studied parameters. Whereas the digger moldboard type achieved the lower values of DF and SPI compared with the general purpose and helical moldboard types by percentage of 12.13 and 19.49% respectively and 16.37 and 50.61% respectively. However, the digger moldboard gave the highest value of SPE of 80%. The results Also, indicated to that the plowing depth and plowing speed had a significant effect on studied parameters when increasing the plowing depth by percentage 67% the DF and SPI increased by 137.27% and 30.46%, while the SE, the EQE and SPE reduced by 18.19, 17.80 and 2.70 % respectively. However, increasing the plowing speed by a percentage of 61%, the DF, SE, EQE, and SPE increased by 25.98, 45.11, 8.18 and 35.59% respectively, while the SPI decreased by 29.15%.
Energy Recovery from Rice Straw through Hydrothermal Pretreatment and Subsequent Biomethane Production

Rice straw is an abundant agricultural waste in Asia. Anaerobic digestion (AD) as an environmentally friendly process for bioenergy recovery is expected to solve the environmental issues brought about by open burning of rice straw. In order to test the feasibility and scalability of hydrothermal treatment (HTT) on rice straw for subsequent methane production from pretreated straw, this study attempted two peak HTT temperatures (150 and 210 °C, i.e. HTT150 and HTT210, respectively) for holding 0–30 min to pretreat rice straw which was then used for mesophilic methane fermentation. Thereafter energy balance and energy recovery were analyzed on HTT and subsequent AD of rice straw. Results show that HTT150 exhibited a positive effect on subsequent methane production, achieving the highest methane yield of 134 mL (STP) for per gram of added volatile solid (VSadded) of rice straw after being hydrothermally pretreated at 150 °C for 20 min. The maximum specific methane production rate (μ), around 17–40% higher th.
Superhydrophobic Graphene/Cellulose/Silica Aerogel with Hierarchical Structure as Superabsorbers for High Efficiency Selective Oil Absorption and Recovery

Carbon-based aerogels have been recognized as a promising 3D superabsorbent material for oil absorption due to their high absorption capacity. However, their selective absorption efficiency is limited because of their relatively low hydrophobicity. Here, we report the fabrication of a fluorinated hybrid aerogel (FHA) consisting of graphene oxide (GO), cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs), and silica nanoparticles by one-pot hydrothermal synthesis and subsequent freeze-drying and chemical vapor deposition modification. The CNFs in FHA prevented volume shrinkage, greatly reduced the bulk density, and increased the surface area, while the GO retained its mechanical strength and the free-standing characteristic of FHA. Silica particles and CNFs created hierarchical structures on pore walls, and the grafted fluorochains reduced the surface energy. The synergistic effect of the hierarchical structure and low surface energy contributed to the excellent superhydrophobicity (water contact angle of 157°) and water repellen.