Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Anticandidal Potential of Two Cyanobacteria-Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles: Effects on Growth, Cell Morphology, and Key Virulence Attributes of Candida albicans

Candida albicans is an opportunistic human fungal pathogen responsible for 90–100% of mucosal and nosocomial infections worldwide. The emergence of drug-resistant strains has resulted in adverse consequences for human health, including numerous deaths. Consequently, there is an urgent need to identify and develop new antimicrobial drugs to counter these effects. Antimicrobial nanoagents have shown potent inhibitory activity against a number of pathogens through targeting their defense systems, such as biofilm formation. Here, we investigated the anticandidal activity of silver nanoparticles biosynthesized by the cyanobacterial strains Desertifilum sp. IPPAS B-1220 and Nostoc Bahar_M (D-SNPs and N-SNPs, respectively), along with that of silver nitrate (AgNO3), and examined the mechanisms underlying their lethal effects. For this, we performed agar well diffusion and enzyme activity assays (lactate dehydrogenase, adenosine triphosphatase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase) and undertook morphological examinations using transmission electron microscopy. The effects of the three treatments on Hwp1 and CDR1 gene expression and protein patterns were assessed using qRT-PCR and SDS–PAGE assays, respectively. All of the three treatments inhibited C. albicans growth; disrupted membrane integrity, metabolic function, and antioxidant activity; induced ultrastructural changes in the cell envelope; and disrupted cytoplasmic and nuclear contents. Of the three agents, D-SNPs showed the greatest biocidal activity against C. albicans. Additionally, the D-SNP treatment significantly reduced the gene expression of Hwp1 and CDR1, suggestive of negative effects on biofilm formation ability and resistance potential of C. albicans, and promoted protein degradation. The mechanism involved in the biocidal effects of both D-SNPs and N-SNPs against C. albicans could be attributed to their ability to interfere with fungal cell structures and/or stimulate oxidative stress, enabling them to be used as a robust antimycotic agent.
The antitumour effect of galangin and luteolin with doxorubicin on chemically induced hepatocellular carcinoma in rats

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a highly malignant tumour with very high morbidity and mortality, remains the second cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Galangin is a naturally occurring flavonoid extracted from the propolis and root of Alpinia officinarum, which possesses antitumour efficacy, which has resulted in an increase in interest in related research. Additionally, galangin inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in several human malignancies. On the other hand, luteolin, a naturally occurring flavonoid found in a variety of edible plants, augments cytotoxicity in different cancer cells through the inhibition of cell-survival pathways and activation of apoptosis. Moreover, luteolin blocks the activity of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members. The present study aimed to assess the antitumour effect of galangin and luteolin in combination and the antitumour effect of a combination of galangin and luteolin together with doxorubicin (DOX) in a chemically induced HCC rat model. Our analyses demonstrated that the combination treatment with galangin, luteolin, and DOX showed the greatest antineoplastic activity against HCC, which was observed by significant decreases in the levels of HCC markers, including serum α-fetoprotein-L3, and hepatic tissue expression of both glypican 3 and heat shock proteins. On the other hand, the hepatic tissue expression of caspase-3 was significantly increased. These results suggest that combination treatment with galangin and luteolin is a promising candidate for clinical use in HCC chemotherapy, especially when used in combination with DOX.
The Environmental Aspect in the Concept of Corporate Social Responsibility in the Energy Industry and Sustainable Development of the Economy

Sustainable development is now an important direction for the further development of all economies in the world. It is important to balance economic development with the impact on the environment and our planet. Another direction in the development of management sciences is the emergence of the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility, which considers this impact in three key aspects—economic, environmental and social—in terms of microeconomics. This concept gives companies specific guidelines and tools that minimize their negative impact on the environment. Reducing the negative impact of companies influences the environment and this is what is mainly associated with them. However, companies should also pay attention to internal consistency and caring for employees. Company practices such as the exploitation of people, including children, and injustice in the workplace are some of the factors that can be observed in less developed countries. The article focuses on the presentation of the environmental aspect in the context of the concept of corporate social responsibility. We analyzed individual sectors of the economy in terms of the environmental aspect, with particular emphasis on the energy industry. The study is based on a statistical analysis taking into account data from 1718 companies from all over the world. The aim of the article is to present the environmental aspect in the context of corporate social responsibility in the energy industry as a direction for sustainable development of the economy. The article is based on the analysis of the literature and databases presenting CSR, which was created on the basis of questionnaire research. The article shows which regions of the world are worse and which are better in terms of the environmental aspects of CSR. Conclusions on the main CSR guidelines for the environment are also presented. We analyzed factors such as environmental routines, policies and targets, implementation of environmental management systems, ISO 14001/EMAS certification, environmental reporting, environmental requirements inside the supply chain, the trend of GHG emissions and the trend of energy consumption for their environmental impact. The analysis was carried out on the basis of given regions of the world and individual sectors of the economy, especially the energy industry.
Characterization and identification of nitrogenfixing bacteria isolated from agricultural soil

To isolate and characterise free nitrogen-fixing bacteria, we collected randomly soil samples from different areas of Ha Noi. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria were isolated using Burk’s medium without nitrogen mineral supplement. The ammonia (NH4+) synthesis of these bacterial strains after biomass production was determined by means of Nessler reagent. Based on the results of isolation, we observed and evaluated colony and cellular morphology, pigment production, and metabolic activities of twenty-five isolates. Among the isolated bacteria, two bacterial strains (6.2 and 8.2) with high NH4+ concentration in the cultural medium were selected as the best strains for nitrogen-fixing ability. The optimal pH and temperature for their growth and nitrogen fixation are 7.0 and 30°C, respectively. Growth is best favored in the presence of sucrose. We sequenced the 16S rRNA gene of selected strains and compared the homology of them in GenBank using BLAST search. The result of the comparison shows that the 6.2 and 8.2 strains have 99% and 100% 16S rRNA-sequence similarity with Pseudomonas sp. and Bacillus sp. , respectively.
Dual photoredox and nickel-catalyzed desymmetric C–O coupling reactions: visible light-mediated enantioselective synthesis of 1,4-benzodioxanes

1,4-Benzodioxane widely exists as the core structure in many therapeutic agents and bioactive natural compounds. Hence, to access this kind of molecule, an enantioselective desymmetric C–O cross coupling reaction has been developed through dual visible light photoredox and nickel catalysis. Notably, the use of an axially chiral 2,2′-bipyridine ligand is the key to success. A series of chiral 1,4-benzodioxanes were afforded in high yields and moderate to good enantioselectivity under mild reaction conditions.
Synthesis and study the liquid crystalline properties of compounds containing benzoxazole core and terminal vinyl group

ABSTRACT Terminal vinyl-based benzoxazole liquid crystalline compounds, 2-(3-fluoro-4ʹ-alkoxy-1,1ʹ-biphenyl −4-yl)-5-(2-propenyloxymethyl)-benzoxazole (nPPF(2)BP), were synthesised and their structures were confirmed by infrared (IR) spectra, proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectra, gas chromatography with electron impact-mass spectrometry (GC/EI-MS), matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry and elemental analysis (EA). The compounds show enantiotropic smectic/nematic phases with mesophase ranges are 71–97 °C and 87–136°C on heating and cooling processes for nPPF(2)BP, respectively. They give low melting points due to lateral fluoro substituent and flexible terminal 2-propenyloxymethyl chain. It is found that the compounds nPPF(2)BP with shorter alkoxy chain (n = 3, 4) exhibit a wide range of nematic mesophase, which is ascribed to enhanced π–π interaction caused by terminal vinyl moiety, whereas further elongation of the terminal alkoxy chain results in supressing nematic phase and increasing smectic mesophase. Compared with methyl terminated analogues, 2-propenyloxymethyl terminated compounds nPPF(2)BP display much lower melting points and wider or comparable mesophase range both in heating and cooling. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Application of statistical analysis method to determine distribution of sulfur dioxide and phosphorus oxides emissions from industrial enterprise “KazFosfat”

Results of studying aerosol of sulfur dioxide and phosphorus pentoxide released into the atmosphere by the chemical company for processing of phosphorite are presented. Influence of the direction and speed of wind on distribution of sulfur dioxide and phosphorous pentoxide in a ground layer of the atmosphere is studied and the points of the direction of wind leading to pollution of the atmosphere of the nearby city are allocated. The statistical analysis of environmental pollution is carried out by the method of the correlation and regression analysis. The equations of dependence of the amount of the sulfur dioxide and pentoxide of phosphorous released into the atmosphere on the volume released by the production enterprise are defined. The obtained results are recommended for control, regulation and management of the environment.
A mobile app for algorithms learning in engineering education: Drag and drop approach

Algorithms, taken in the first year of university, is one of the core courses of the computer science department. Traditional learning systems have some restrictions as they are teacher, class, and time‐based. However, distance education is one of the popular concepts of today since it has the flexibility of time and choice of location. Mobile learning, which is a subbranch of distance education provides users opportunities to learn through educational mobile applications. In the present study, an application to run on smart devices running the IOS operating system for engineering students to be used in supporting the basic algorithm education is described. The student can both get theoretical knowledge about concepts of algorithms, and test himself/herself with questions in the question bank. There are three types of questions, such as multiple‐choice, true/false, and flowchart designed by the dragging‐and‐dropping method. The main contribution of this application is that the users can design a flowchart from beginning to end on screen by locating any flowchart components provided on the palette. They also have the opportunity to check their own solutions according to the inserted questions and answers in the database. The application was tested on a group of computer engineering undergraduate students from Mus Alparslan University. In that case, the application is evaluated by both an exam and user surveys. The results of the exam show that the presented application had a positive effect on students' success. Besides, the outcomes of the surveys have also given positive feedback.
Controlled Synthesis of 2D Palladium Diselenide for Sensitive Photodetector Applications

Palladium diselenide (PdSe2), a thus far scarcely studied group‐10 transition metal dichalcogenide has exhibited promising potential in future optoelectronic and electronic devices due to unique structures and electrical properties. Here, the controllable synthesis of wafer‐scale and homogeneous 2D PdSe2 film is reported by a simple selenization approach. By choosing different thickness of precursor Pd layer, 2D PdSe2 with thickness of 1.2–20 nm can be readily synthesized. Interestingly, with the increase in thickness, obvious redshift in wavenumber is revealed by Raman spectroscopy. Moreover, in accordance with density functional theory (DFT) calculation, optical absorption and ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy (UPS) analyses confirm that the PdSe2 exhibits an evolution from a semiconductor (monolayer) to semimetal (bulk). Further combination of the PdSe2 layer with Si leads to a highly sensitive, fast, and broadband photodetector with a high responsivity (300.2 mA W−1) and specific detectivity (≈1013 Jones). By decorating the device with black phosphorus quantum dots, the device performance can be further optimized. These results suggest the as‐selenized PdSe2 is a promising material for optoelectronic application.
Effect of root density of wheat and okra on hydraulic properties of an unsaturated compacted loam

Root‐induced changes of soil hydraulic properties, that is soil water retention curve (SWRC) and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity (K(ψ)), depend on plant species and root density. This study aimed to investigate the effects of wheat roots and okra roots on both SWRC and K(ψ) of soil within an extended range of matric potential (−300 ~ 0 kPa) and to investigate the effects of root density of wheat (i.e. grass species) and okra (i.e. shrub species) on SWRC and K(ψ) of a loamy soil. The SWRC and K(ψ) of soil planted with wheat and okra were measured by the simplified evaporation method. Soil matric potential was measured directly by high‐capacity tensiometers. Different root densities were obtained by establishing different seeding densities in the soil. Meanwhile, root characteristics in planted soil were obtained using image analysis. The results showed that wheat‐ and okra‐planted soil had significantly larger volumetric water content (VWC) within the range of matric potential from −90 to 0 kPa than that of unplanted soil. Within the range of matric potential from around −300 to −90 kPa, the effects of wheat and okra roots on SWRC were not significant. The effects of wheat and okra roots on K(ψ) were not significant within the range of matric potential from around −300 to −10 kPa. Wheat‐planted soil with a root length density (RLD) of 10.04 cm cm−3 had larger values of VWC (ψ = 0, −33, −50 kPa) than those of wheat‐planted soil with RLD of 2.69 cm cm−3. The difference in hydraulic properties between okra‐planted soil and the two RLDs, 0.89 and 2.96 cm cm−3, was not significant. Okra roots were more effective in increasing saturated water content ( θs) and field capacity ( θfc) than wheat roots. This might be because okra roots are relatively coarser than wheat roots.
Standoff Biofinder: powerful search for life instrument for planetary exploration

The “Standoff Biofinder” is a powerful “search for life” instrument that is able to detect biomolecules from a collection of rocks and minerals in a large area with detection time less than a second using a non-contact, non-destructive approach. Biological materials show strong, short-lived fluorescence signals when excited with ultraviolet-visible (UVVis) wavelengths. The Standoff Biofinder takes advantage of the short lifetimes of bio-fluorescent materials to obtain real-time images showing the locations of biological materials among luminescent minerals in a geological context. The Standoff Biofinder uses an expanded and diffused nanosecond pulsed laser to illuminate a large geological region and a gated detector to record time-resolved fluorescence images. The instrument works in daylight as well as nighttime conditions and bio-detection capability is not affected by the background light. The instrument is able to detect both live and dead biological materials, and is a useful tool for detecting the presence of both extant and extinct life on a planetary surface. The Standoff Biofinder instrument will be suitable for locating fluorescent polyaromatic hydrocarbons, amino acids, proteins, bacteria, biominerals, photosynthetic pigments, and diagenetic products of microbial life on dry landscapes and Ocean Worlds of the outer Solar System (e.g., Enceladus, Europa, and Titan). An important feature of the Standoff Biofinder instrument is its capability to detect biomolecules which are inside ice, without sample collection.
High-Resolution Digital Beamforming Receiver Using DDS–PLL Signal Generator for 5G Mobile Communication

This article presents a signal generator and a digital beamforming receiver (DBR) with high phase control resolution and high beam control resolution, respectively. The signal generator is designed based on a direct digital synthesizer (DDS) and a phase lock loop (PLL). In the DDS–PLL signal generator, the conventional divider in PLL is replaced with a mixer, comb generator, and a doubler to utilize high phase control resolution of DDS (14 bit, 0.022°) as it is to synchronize the DDS–PLL signal generator with the entire system. In the DBR, the output signals of the DDS–PLL signal generators are used as the second local oscillator (LO) signal, and the beamforming technique is implemented through the change of the phase of the second LO signals. Also, for sophisticated beamforming, all signal generator components in the DBR are synchronized for generating same and fixed frequency and phase. Finally, the DBR has the same phase control resolution as the DDS, and the phase of each chain of the DBR can be adjusted up to 0.022° (14 bit). The DBR using the DDS–PLL signal generator is designed and fabricated. The DBR consists of a $1 \times 8$ array tapered slot antenna (TSA) part, a first and second frequency conversion part, a $1 \times 8$ data acquisition and combiner part, DDS–PLL signal generator part, and a reference signal generator part. The phase control performance of the DBR was verified by measuring the phase change of the chain in the DBR according to the DDS phase change. Also, to verify the beamforming performance of the DBR with high beam control resolution, the radiation pattern of the DBR when the angle of the main lobe was 0°, 0.2°, 0.4°, 15°, and 30° was measured in the 28 GHz band. At the main lobe, the gain error is within 1 dB and the beam angle error is within 0.2°. The simulation results are in good agreement with the measured results. A high-resolution beamforming performance is achieved in the DBR using the DDS–PLL signal generator.
On the use of voltage measurements for determining carrier lifetime at high illumination intensity

Illumination intensity dependent open circuit voltage measurements (commonly known as Suns- $\boldsymbol{V_{oc}}$ ) are often used to measure the current-voltage characteristic of a solar cell without the impact of series resistance. Deviations have previously been reported between Suns- $\boldsymbol{V_{oc}}$ measurements and contactless measurements, such as injection-dependent photoluminescence (Suns-PL) at high illumination levels. These deviations are analyzed in detail in this paper and shown to cause significant errors when converting Suns- $\boldsymbol{V_{oc}}$ data to injection-dependent minority carrier lifetimes. Experimental data are used to demonstrate the magnitude of this effect for a range of different solar cell types.
Conductivities of Titan's Dusty Ionosphere

Titan's ionosphere hosts a globally distributed non‐trivial dusty ion‐ion plasma, providing an environment for studies of dusty ionospheres that is in many aspects unique in our solar system. Thanks to the Cassini mission, Titan's ionosphere also features one of the largest dusty plasma data sets from 126 flybys of the moon over 13 years, from 2004 to 2017. Recent studies have shown that negatively charged dust dramatically alters the electric properties of plasmas, in particular planetary ionospheres. Utilizing the full plasma content of the moon's ionosphere (electrons, positive ions, and negative ions/dust grains), we derive the electric conductivities and define the conductive dynamo region. Our results show that using the full plasma content increases the Pedersen conductivities at ∼1,100–1,200 km altitude by up to 35% compared to the estimates using only electron densities. The Hall conductivities are in general not affected but several cases indicate a reverse Hall effect at ∼900 km altitude (closest approach) and below. The dayside conductivities are shown to be factor ∼7–9 larger than on the nightside, owing to higher dayside plasma densities.
One-step synthesis of highly-branched gold nanostructures and its application in fabrication of SERS-active substrates

In this paper, we reported a simple one-step synthesis of highly-branched gold nanostructures (HGNs) in high yields. The reduction of HAuCl4 was accomplished by dopamine hydrochloride in the reaction system. By varying the amount of dopamine hydrochloride, HAuCl4 and the reaction temperature, we managed to tune the size of the HGNs from 200 to 600 nm. Systematic analysis revealed that the optical properties and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) activities of the HGNs were highly dependent on their morphology and size. In terms of their SERS activities, it was found that the HGNs synthesized at 60 °C with 2.0 mL dopamine hydrochloride (53 mM), 0.4 mL HAuCl4 (50 mM) exhibited the largest SERS enhancement. When the HGNs were assembled onto the silicon wafers, outstanding SERS efficiency was obtained with a detection limit of 5×10-10 M of 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (4-MBA) and the analytical enhancement factor (AEF) was calculated to be 7×107. Besides, the 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES)-functionalized substrates with the HGNs displayed remarkable signal reproducibility with relative standard deviation (RSD) of 3.57%. All these results demonstrated that the SERS-active substrates held great promise to be applied in trace-level molecule detection in the future.In this paper, we reported a simple one-step synthesis of highly-branched gold nanostructures (HGNs) in high yields. The reduction of HAuCl4 was accomplished by dopamine hydrochloride in the reaction system. By varying the amount of dopamine hydrochloride, HAuCl4 and the reaction temperature, we managed to tune the size of the HGNs from 200 to 600 nm. Systematic analysis revealed that the optical properties and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) activities of the HGNs were highly dependent on their morphology and size. In terms of their SERS activities, it was found that the HGNs synthesized at 60 °C with 2.0 mL dopamine hydrochloride (53 mM), 0.4 mL HAuCl4 (50 mM) exhibited the largest SERS enhancement. When the HGNs were assembled onto the silicon wafers, outstanding SERS efficiency was obtained with a detection limit of 5×10-10 M of 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (4-MBA) and the analytical enhancement factor (AEF) was calculated to be 7×107. Besides, the 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES)-functionalize.