Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the effectiveness of Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) seeds amendment with silicon or humic acid during germination under CuO (NPs) phytotoxicity

AMELIORATION with silicon (1mM sodium silicate Na2SiO3) or humic acid (50mg L-1 HA) was tested in counteracting the phytotoxicity of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) at 50, 100 and 150mg L-1 on Safflower plants (Carthamus tinctorius). Si sustained seed growth at (150mg L-1 CuO NPs). The application of HA increased copper concentration in seedling by about 5 to 10 fold, relative to the control at 50 and 100mg L-1. Fresh weight of safflower seedlings were reduced significantly at 100mg L-1 CuO NPs. Si enhanced fresh and dry matter gain under 100 and 150mg L-1 CuO NPs, also HA improved dry matter at 100mg L-1 CuO NPs. Chlorophyll a and carotenoid contents reduced by about 60% and 50% at CuO NPs (100mg L-1), respectively as compared to control. Chlorophyll a and carotenoid contents reduced by about 60% and 50% at CuO NPs (100mg L-1), respectively as compared to control. Si or HA sustained Chl.a content unchanged and improved carotenoids contents at 100mg L-1 CuO NPs.Phenolics contents significantly increased under CuO NPs phytotoxicity. External application of HA provoked more phenolics content. Nano-CuO phytotoxicity reduced H2O2 scavenging and lipid peroxidation inhibition %. Si or HA enhanced significantly lipid peroxidation inhibition % and H2O2 radial scavenging %. Si or HA reflected significant enhancement of SOD and CAT enzymes under elevating concentrations of CuO NPs. Si enhanced significantly POD activity at (50, 100 and 150mg L-1) CuO NPs levels.
Preferential Precipitation and Selective Separation of Rh(III) from Pd(II) and Pt(IV) Using 4-Alkylanilines as Precipitants

Rhodium (Rh) is the most expensive platinum group metal (PGM) and is of great industrial importance. Although the recycling of PGMs from secondary sources is in high demand, the preferential and selective separation of Rh from PGM mixtures remains a great challenge. Here, a selective Rh separation method involving the precipitation of Rh from an HCl solution containing palladium (Pd), platinum (Pt), and Rh is reported. 4-Butylaniline and 4-hexylaniline were used as precipitants for Rh, and selective Rh precipitation was achieved at high HCl concentrations. We revealed that Rh in HCl selectively forms a unique and highly stable ion-pair complex comprising [RhCl6]3–/anilinium/chloride ions in a 1:6:3 ratio. The formation and high stability of the Rh complex were found to play important roles in the selective recovery of Rh from PGM mixtures.
Photoswitchable probe with distinctive characteristics for selective fluorescence imaging and long-term tracing

A photo-switchable and high-contrast bio-imaging indicator 4,4′-(1E,1′E)-(4,4′-(cyclopentene-1,2-diyl)bis(5-methylthiophene-4,2-diyl))bis(methan-1-yl-1-ylidene)bis(azan-1-yl-1-ylidene)bis(2-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)phenol) (BMBT) has been demonstrated, by integrating photochromophore with excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) moiety. The ability of reversible emission switching enables arbitrarily selective labeling or concealing of cells simply by controlling light irradiation. Besides, when the emission was switched on, BMBT is demonstrated to exhibit unique characteristics of aggregation induced emission (AIE), providing a high on–off ratio for favorable bio-imaging. Thus, the non-labeling and easily-controlled selective imaging, as well as good biocompatibility indicates BMBT to be a favorable cell probe with great potentials for functional bio-imaging fluorophore.
Decomposition of tangerine and pomegranate wastes in water and soil: characterisation of physicochemical parameters and global microbial activities under laboratory conditions

ABSTRACT In most scientific research, interest is given to heterogeneous green household waste collected from landfills. This paper reports a study of the enzymatic dynamics of green household waste separately decomposed in water and soil. The study showed that the highest dehydrogenase activity (800.53 μg of TFP[tri phenyl formazan]/hr/gdw) was noted for the digested pomegranate waste in the soil. The overall hydrolytic activity (0.12 μmol of hydrolysed FDA[fluorescein di acetate]/hr/gdw), and the carbon dioxide (CO2) release were higher (777.20 μg of CO2/hr/gdw) in digestion in water. For tangerine waste digested in water, the CO2 release (918.96 µg of CO2/hr/gdw) and overall hydrolytic activity (0.19 μmol of hydrolysed FDA/hr/gdw) were most pronounced. The values of physicochemical parameters were generally lower in tangerine waste than in pomegranate waste, and lower in water decomposition than in soil decomposition.
Corrosion behavior of AISI321 stainless steel in an ethylene glycol-water solution

The electrochemical corrosion behaviors of AISI321 stainless steel in a 36% ethylene glycol-water solution are investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, Mott-Schottky analysis, electrochemical atomic force microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results indicated that the calculated donor density increased, as a result of an increasing passive film formation potential, suggesting that the passive film formed at high potential provided much better protection performance. The n-type semiconductor behavior was observed in the potential range from -0.15 to 0.45 V (vs. SCE), however p-type semiconductor behavior was observed in the potential range from 0.45 to 0.75 V, and the carrier density decreased with the increasing potential during the passivation.
Adsorptive Capacity of Prosopis Africana Husks on Pesticides

The adsorptive capacity of ammonia-treated activated Prosopis Africana pod husks (APAPH) and carbonized activated Prosopis Africana pod husks (CPAPH) on atrazine was studied. All the adsorbents derived shows favorable physicochemical attributes (pH, bulk density, attrition, iodine adsorption number/surface area, titratable surface charge, SEM and FT-IR analysis). Batch adsorption studies were also carried out under the effect of operational parameters such as initial atrazine concentration (10-60 mgL-1), initial solution pH (2-12), adsorbent dosage (0.5-2.5 g), contact time (30-240 Min), and temperature (300-350 K). Depending on the adsorbents, optimal removal of atrazine was: CPAPH (66.0 %) and APAPH (56.5 %). Equilibrium adsorption data obeyed isotherm models in the order (Langmiur> Dubinin-Radushkevich>Temkin>Freundlich).
Correction of Calculation on the Swirl Number in the Furnace for Tangential Combustion

ABSTRACT In the tangential combustion of a pulverized coal boiler, the swirl number is the key design index for evaluating the flue-gas temperature deviation at both sides of the furnace outlet. However, the current calculation method ignores the effect of the distances of the burner nozzles to the furnace outlet, and thus for large-scale utility boilers, the swirl number is significantly large. As such, the calculated result does not coincide with the actual situation. In this study, the calculation method of the swirl number was corrected by considering the effect of the distances of the burner nozzles to the furnace outlet. In addition, the corrected calculation method was verified through actual operation. The obtained results prove that the corrected calculation method is more accurate and reliable. In addition, the study indicates that for the special four-wall tangential combustion with a large tangential circle, the separated over fire (SOFA) air must have a four-corner tangential arrangement for the rotating airflow is still strong at the bottom of the platen and without other ways to reduce it.
Equilibrium and Kinetic Study of Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) Adsorption onto Fabricated Polyethersulfone (PES)/Hydroxyapatite (HAP) Adsorptive Mixed Matrix Membrane (MMM)

In this study, different amount of hydroxyapatite (HAP) was embedded into polyethersulfone (PES) matrix to prepare adsorptive mixed matrix membranes (MMMs). All fabricated membranes were characterised based on functional groups, morphology, overall porosity, water content, hydrophilicity and pure water flux. The relationship of equilibrium and kinetics of bovine serum albumin (BSA) adsorption onto fabricated membrane in a batch system was performed. The BSA adsorption equilibrium data is best described by Freundlich isotherm model followed by Langmuir isotherm model. The kinetics of the adsorption is well presented by pseudo-second-order kinetic model and followed by pseudo-first-order kinetic model. Among all membranes, fabricated PES/ HAP adsorptive MMM (K4) produced with 60 wt% HAP shows the best characteristic of membrane with higher water content, porosity and hydrophilicity, demonstrating the higher average pure water flux, jw of 29.12 m2 l–1 h–1 ± 0.6 m2 l–1 h–1, adsorption capacity, qe of 26.54 (g BSA.g membrane–1) and adsorption kinetic rate, k2 of 0.814 (h–1). The reusability of K4 membrane shows the most effective regeneration compare than other membrane. The results suggested that the PES/HAP adsorptive MMM can be effectively applied for the adsorption of BSA from aqueous solution and can offer high potential merit for application in membrane adsorption process.
Implementation of Interventions to Reduce Pediatric Pain Associated with Vaccination: A Quality Improvement Initiative

4 Title of Project . 5 Background . 5 Problem Statement . 6 Needs Assessment . 6 Aims, Objectives, Purpose Statement . 7 Review of Literature . 8 Theoretical Model . 10 Translation Model . 10 Methodology . 11 Participants . 11 Setting . 11 Tools . 12 Intervention . 12 Data Collection . 13 Cost Analysis . 14 Timeline . 15 Ethics and Human Subject Protection . 16 Results: Analysis and Evaluation . 16 Discussion . 18 Conclusion . 21 References . 23 IMPLEMENTATION OF INTERVENTIONS 3 Appendices . 29 SWOT Analysis . 29 Root Cause Analysis . 30 PRISMA Table . 31 Literature Review Evidence Matrix Table . 32 Kolcaba’s Theory of Comfort . 64 Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence Based Practice Model . 65 FLACC Tool . 66 Educational Handout . 67 Summary Explanation of Research . 69 Process Map . 72 Budget . 73 GANNT Chart . 74 IRB Approval Letters . 75 Demographic Description of Participants . 77 IMPLEMENTATION OF INTERVENTIONS 4
Local States in a Semiconductor with a Narrow Forbidden Band

A theory of impurity states in semiconductors with a InSb band structure is developed in a multiband approximation that takes into account the interaction between the conduction and valence bands in a straightforward manner. A general investigation of the solution of the equations of motion indicates that the behavior of the carrier near the acceptor center can be correctly described only if the upper bands are taken into account; in the vicinity of the donor it is virtually independent of them. The energy levels of large-radius local centers in InSb are calculated numerically. The obtained value of the ionization potential for a singly charged acceptor center in InSb is in agreement with the experimental value.
Improving the Scientific Rigor of Nutritional Recommendations for Adults with Diabetes: A Comprehensive Review of the American Diabetes Association Guidelines Recommended Eating Patterns

Over half of adult Americans now have diabetes or prediabetes and worse, this epidemic is now world-wide and shows no signs of slowing, with rates of both diabetes and diabetes-related health complications still rising. When advising patients with diabetes on food choices, many providers rely on nutrition guidelines provided by the American Diabetes Association (ADA), and these guidelines influence other recommendations across the globe. Given the alarming trends in diabetes, it is paramount to review the treatment guidelines to ensure they are based on rigorous and accepted scientific methods. Our review included the evidence cited by the ADA in support of its claims and recommendations for eating patterns to combat diabetes (see Description of Eating Patterns, Supplemental Appendix), as presented in the most current edition of the annual ADA’s Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes (2018 Standards). Our review also includes sources cited in the latest edition of the ADA’s Nutrition Therapy Recommendations for Adults with Diabetes (2014 Recommendations), which also informed the 2018 Standards. In October 2018 low carbohydrate was named as a recommended eating pattern by the ADA and European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD)5but only citations from the 2014 and early 2018 ADA documents were reviewed.
Non-invasive Monitoring of Biochemical Response of Wheat Seedlings Toward Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Treatment Using Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared and Laser Induced Fluorescence Spectroscopy

Abstract Widespread commercial application of titanium dioxide nanoparticles leads to their dispersion in the environment and inevitable interaction with living organisms. Their presence necessitates the monitoring of nanoparticle interactions with plants using advanced techniques that are capable of noninvasively and sensitively estimating the changes involved in the biochemical profile. The current study aims to investigate the effects of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on biochemicals of wheat leaves using label free, nondestructive, rapid, sensitive, and advanced spectroscopic probes: laser induced fluorescence and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy coupled with multivariate analysis. The fluorescence and infrared spectra of control and titanium dioxide nanoparticle treated wheat leaves were acquired in the region from 400 to 800 nm and 4000 to 485 cm−1. The treatment of titanium dioxide nanoparticles decreases the chlorophyll content and the concentrations of cellulose, hemicellulose, xyloglucans, pectin, and lignin indicating interferences in the biosynthesis and structure of cell walls of the wheat leaves. The level of amide I, carbonyl, and methylene groups also increases following the treatment of titanium dioxide nanoparticles indicating lipid and protein peroxidation and the accumulation of carbonyl compounds. The changes in the integrated area ratios of the amide II/amide I, carbonyl/methyl, and methylene/amide II bands demonstrate disorder in the membrane integrity. This study establishes the efficiency of noninvasive, label-free, and rapid protocols based on attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared and laser induced fluorescence to monitor the interactions of nanoparticles with plants at early stage of plant growth before visual signs of toxicity appear.
Preventive effect of oligonol on nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species production through regulation of nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells against sodium nitroprusside

Oligonol, a low-molecular weight polyphenol isolated from lychee fruit, has been shown to possess beneficial properties, including anti-oxidative, anti-diabetic, and hepatoprotective properties in vitro and in vivo. This study was performed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of oligonol using sodium nitroprusside (SNP)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Our results demonstrated that exposure of SNP to RAW 264.7 cells significantly decreased cell viability, and increased nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. However, treatment with oligonol inhibited cell death and suppressed the over-production of NO and ROS induced by SNP in a dose-dependent manner. Consistent with these findings, oligonol significantly downregulated the mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory mediators, inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2, when compared with the SNP-treated control group. Furthermore, suppression of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation was also observed after treatment with oligonol in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. These results suggest that oligonol attenuated SNP-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory responses via regulation of the NF-κB signalling pathway. On the basis of such potent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, we propose that oligonol may contribute in the prevention and treatment of inflammation-related disorders.
Towards skin tissue engineering using poly(2-hydroxy ethyl methacrylate)-co-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-co-poly(ε-caprolactone) hydrophilic terpolymers

Abstract Poly(2-hydroxy ethyl methacrylate)-co-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-co-poly(ε-caprolactone) (PHEMA-co-PNIPAAm-co-PCL) terpolymers and polyaniline (PANI) were applied to develop hydrophilic, conductive, and biocompatible fibroblast scaffolds. Reversible addition of fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) and ring opening polymerizations were the synthesis methods. PHEMA and PNIPAAm segments reflected hydrophilicity and biocompatibility, PCL led to appropriate mechanical characteristics, and presence of PANI induced conductivity to scaffolds. Scaffolds imitated natural microenvironment of extra cellular matrix (ECM) to regulate cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation for electrical conductivity (0.04 S cm−1) and hydrophilicity (50 ± 5°). In vitro cytocompatibility investigations performed over 168 h indicated that nanofibers were non-toxic to mouse fibroblast L929 cells. Graphical Abstract
Twist and Degrade—Impact of Molecular Structure on the Photostability of Nonfullerene Acceptors and Their Photovoltaic Blends

Nonfullerene acceptors (NFAs) dominate organic photovoltaic (OPV) research due to their promising efficiencies and stabilities. However, there is very little investigation into the molecular processes of degradation, which is critical to guiding design of novel NFAs for long‐lived, commercially viable OPVs. Here, the important role of molecular structure and conformation in NFA photostability in air is investigated by comparing structurally similar but conformationally different promising NFAs: planar O‐IDTBR and nonplanar O‐IDFBR. A three‐phase degradation process is identified: i) initial photoinduced conformational change (i.e., torsion about the core–benzothiadiazole dihedral), induced by noncovalent interactions with environmental molecules, ii) followed by photo‐oxidation and fragmentation, leading to chromophore bleaching and degradation product formation, and iii) finally complete chromophore bleaching. Initial conformational change is a critical prerequisite for further degradation, providing fundamental understanding of the relative stability of IDTBR and IDFBR, where the already twisted IDFBR is more prone to degradation. When blended with the donor polymer poly(3‐hexylthiophene), both NFAs exhibit improved photostability while the photostability of the polymer itself is significantly reduced by the more miscible twisted NFA. The findings elucidate the important role of NFA molecular structure in photostability of OPV systems, and provide vital insights into molecular design rules for intrinsically photostable NFAs.
Growth Profile and Catabolic Pathways Involved in Degradation of Aromatic Hydrocarbons by Marine Bacteria Isolated from Niger Delta, Nigeria

Aims: To determine the growth profile and catabolic pathways involved in degradation of aromatic hydrocarbons by marine bacteria isolated from Niger Delta, Nigeria. Study Design: Nine treatments designs were set up in triplicate in 500 mL conical flask containing 100 mL of sterile modified mineral basal medium supplemented with three aromatic hydrocarbons (100 mg /L each) and nine marine aromatic hydrocarbon degraders. The treatments were kept in the laboratory and incubated at 24 ºC for 24 days degradation period. The nine treatments and control set ups designated as ANT1, XYL2, PYR3, ANT4, PYR5, ANT6, XYL7, XYL8, PYR9 and CTRL were used to determine the growth profile and metabolic pathways involved in degradation of aromatic hydrocarbons by marine bacteria. Place and Duration of Study: The studied sites were Abonema Wharf Water Front in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, Nembe Water-side in Port Harcourt Local Government Area and Onne Light Flow Terminal Seaport located in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria between September, 2015 and June, 2018. Methodology: A laboratory scale study was carried on six composite samples of the sediment and water samples from the three studied areas using enrichment, screening, selection, molecular characterization, degradation and GC-MS assays. Results: The findings revealed that the sampling sites harbour a lot of efficient aromatic degrading bacterial strains belonging to the genera: Providencia, Alcaligenes, Brevundimonas, Myroides, Serratia, and Bacillus. The bacterial strains were able to significantly (P =.05) degrade simple, low and high molecular weights aromatic hydrocarbons as source of carbon and energy. These strains utilized 100 mg /L of xylene (one ring), anthracene (three rings), and pyrene (four rings) via two main catabolic pathways and catechol is the major constant product that appeared during the degradation period (24 days). Conclusion: Thus, the biodegradation capacities and metabolic pathways obtained from these results suggest that these bacteria especially Serratia marcescens XYL7 could be used efficiently to bioremediate aromatic hydrocarbon contaminated aquatic ecosystems in Nigeria.
Effects of resveratrol on oxidative stress in high fat diet /streptozocin induced diabetic wistar albino rats

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a common chronic disease. One of the pathophysiology is found to be oxidative stress. This study aims to evaluate the effect of resveratrol on oxidative stress in high fat diet (HFD)/streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.Methods: Wistar albino rats, fed with HFD rendered diabetic with streptozotocin, were divided into 6 groups, namely the diabetic control treated with vehicle (DC), standard control which received metformin (SC), test groups treated with 5,10, and 20 mg/kg b.w. of resveratrol and combination of half dose of metformin and resveratrol (10 mg/kg)(TC). A group of six normal animals served as normal control (NC), another six as HFD control. Fasting blood glucose, lipid profile and serum MDA and SOD were measured one week after induction of diabetes. The animals were then treated orally for 2 weeks after which the same parameters were repeated. The in-vivo results were analysed by one way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s multiple comparison test.Results: The DC group demonstrated a increase in the fasting blood glucose compared to NC, HFD control while a significant decrease in the fasting blood glucose was observed with SC, Test groups (p<0.05) as compared to the DC group. TC showed a significant improvement in dyslipidemia compared to their baseline values (p<0.05). There was significant change in the serum MDA level and SOD activity.Conclusions: Resveratrol improves oxidative stress in diabetic rats.
Geometry and electronic properties of Vitamin C.

Ascorbic acid (also known as Vitamin C) is a water soluble vitamin that is needed for the growth and repair of tissues in the body. Vitamin C protects against scurvy, heart disease, cancer, the common cold, and high blood pressure. Therefore, it is used as an antioxidant and dietary supplement. Vitamin C is naturally present in some fruits and vegetables and in some juices. In this study, the chemistry of vitamin C was explored. Geometry of ascorbic acid (AA) was optimized at DFT B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p). Geometrical parameters are tabulated and compared with experimental values. Natural atomic charges were also calculated. Unpaired electron radical anion of the ascorbate was confirmed by computation of the electron spin density at the same level. HOMO and LUMO molecular orbitals were calculated. Fukui functions were calculated and used to explore the reactivity of AA. Infra red and UV-VIS spectra of AA were measured and confirmed with the simulated spectra at B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p).