Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Flavonoids from Kiwi Peel: Process Optimization and Bioactivity Assessment

The nutritional quality of kiwifruit has been highlighted by several studies, while its peel is typically discarded as a by-product with no commercial value. This study was carried out to optimize the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of phenolic compounds from kiwi peel. Three independent variables (time (t), ultrasonic power (P) and ethanol concentration (EtOH)) were combined in a five-level central composite rotatable design coupled with the response surface methodology (RSM). The extraction yield determined gravimetrically and the content of phenolic compounds identified by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MSn (namely two quercetin glycosides, one catechin isomer and one B-type (epi)catechin dimer) were the experimental responses used in the optimization. The polynomial models were successfully fitted to the experimental data and used to determine the optimal UAE conditions. The sonication of the sample at 94.4 W for 14.8 min, using 68.4% ethanol, resulted in a maximum of 1.51 ± 0.04 mg of flavonoids per g of extract, a result that allowed the experimental validation of the predictive model. The kiwi peel extract obtained under optimized conditions showed somehow promising bioactive properties, including antioxidant and antimicrobial effects, and no toxicity to Vero cells. Overall, this study contributes to the valorization of kiwi peel as a low-cost raw material for the development of natural ingredients (such as food preservatives) and also to the resource-use efficiency and circular bioeconomy.
Chemical Pretreatment of Lignocellulosic Biomass for the Production of Bioproducts: An Overview

Lignocellulosic biomass has attracted great interest from researchers. It was due to the abundance of this valuable material which can be converted into value-added materials such as nanocellulose, biocomposites, bioelectricity, biohydrogen and biosugars. Lignocellulosic biomass is consisting of the three major components which are cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. In order to utilize lignocellulosic biomass for bioproducts manufacturing, they need to be pretreated prior to further processing. Pretreatment can be carried out either by mechanical, chemical, biological or combination of all these methods. Chemical pretreatment are the common method used to pretreat the lignocellulosic biomass in order to completely or partially remove the components. During the past few years, a large number of chemical pretreatment including lime, acid, steam explosion, sulfur dioxide explosion, ammonia fiber explosion, ionic liquid and others have been discovered for efficient pretreatment of biomass. Several types of chemical pretreatment of fibers and their future direction and also challenges were tackled in this review. This review could be beneficial for future directions in the pretreatment of fiber for the development of several products.
Examining how middle grade mathematics students seize learning opportunities through conflict in small groups

ABSTRACT Understanding how students develop learning opportunities through peer-to-peer interaction is vital for advancing research and practice on collaborative learning environments. This study investigated the discourse practices middle grade students utilized to resolve conflict in ways that promoted or inhibited learning opportunities. Seventy-seven middle grade students were audio/video recorded as they worked in groups of three on cognitively demanding mathematical tasks over three days. Analysis centered on the nature of learners’ discourse practices within instances of small group conflict. The findings revealed 17 specific discourse practices which promote learning opportunities within conflict and six discourse practices which limit learning opportunities. Practitioners might leverage these findings by explicitly teaching and modeling the discourse practices which promote learning opportunities. Researchers might build upon the theoretical and methodological contributions of this study to examine promotive discourse practices under different constraints than were examined in the present analysis.
Mini-FLOTAC and McMaster egg counting method for detection of gastrointestinal parasites in small ruminants: a comparison study

The proper diagnosis of gastrointestinal parasites of small ruminants requires the development of multivalent techniques characterized by high sensitivity, specificity, precision, reproducibility, and the ability to quickly detect and monitor infections that pose risks to animal health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of Mini-FLOTAC technique and McMaster egg counting (gold standard) in the detection of gastrointestinal parasites of goats and sheep. A total of 789 fecal samples were analyzed (401 of sheep and 388 of goats). From those, nematode eggs were detected in 80.86% (638/789), being 72.57% (291/401) from sheep and 89.43% (347/388) from goats. The Mini-FLOTAC technique presented a better performance to detect helminth eggs in both goats (88.40%; 343/388) and sheep (71.57%; 287/401) (? 2 = 10.358; p < 0.0001). Kappa analysis revealed a weak concordance between techniques for goats (k = 0.342; p < 0.001) and sheep (k = 0.281; p < 0.001). Data herein reported suggests that the Mini-FLOTAC is a technique more sensitive than the McMaster egg counting, therefore its use might be adopted for the diagnosis of gastrointestinal infection in small ruminants.
In∞uence of Localized Surface Plasmon on Radiation Pattern of Nano-optical Antenna

Two optical dipole antennas (ODA) models comprised of a pair of gold nanorods (PNRs) and a pair of gold nanoellipsoids (PNEs) are introduced in this paper. Their far-fleld directivities at 600nm are carefully studied by FDTD method. We flnd the radiation pattern of ODA is analogous to that of dipole antenna but the side-lobes occur more easily and earlier as the total length of ODA increases owing to existing of localized surface plasmon (LSP). In this paper, we present an analysis and explore on the in∞uence of LSP on radiation pattern of ODA. Our results hold a great promise for improving the performance of optical antennas for various applications.
Shape-controlled synthesis of hierarchically layered lithium transition-metal oxide cathode materials by shear exfoliation in continuous stirred-tank reactors

Developing hierarchically layered cathode materials with high performance is key to further improving advanced lithium-ion batteries, but it is challenging to synthesize such systems with controllable shape on a large scale. We used a high-shear mixer to continuously prepare flower-like hydroxide precursors via a co-precipitation method in a continuous stirred-tank reactor (CSTR). After the lithiation reaction, hierarchical lithium transition-metal oxides with predominantly exposed electrochemically active {010} planes are produced. The electrochemical properties of these peculiar materials (i.e. LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2, LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 and Li1.2Ni0.2Mn0.6O2) are demonstrated to be excellent. Particularly, LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 exhibits a durable high-rate capability with a capacity retention of 98.2% after 500 cycles at 20C between 2.7 and 4.3 V. This work provides a new technology to fabricate two-dimensional nanoarchitectured electrode materials. Moreover, the outstanding electrochemical properties of this hierarchically structured cathode material in combination with the scalable method make it highly interesting for commercialization.
POTENTIAL OF INTERNET OF THINGS (IOT) IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

The introduction of the Internet of Things (IoT) in the manufacturing industry changed the trajectory to Industrial Revolution 4.0. Accordingly, it consists of various technologies, where the IoT is the basis of this revolution. However, there is an increasing gap between traditional Construction and digitalised data-driven Construction. In such context, the adoption of IoT applications in construction projects shall increase the productivity and better performance of construction activities. Consequently, IoT concepts, developments, applications, and potential benefits of IoT in the construction industry need to be acknowledged by industry practitioners before the implementation can take place. Hence, the purpose of this research is to outline such needs, thus provide an understanding on the potential of the IoT in the construction industry. Subsequently, a comprehensive literature synthesis revealed the expression IoT is best understood as a metaphor that encapsulates the immersion of almost anything and everything within the communications and connectivity space. The development is at an embryonic stage of development but proliferating in measuring, tracking, modelling, and prediction stages such as smart wearables, sensors attached to the structures and machinery, IoT linked Building information modelling (BIM) models, usage of drones. As a result, potential benefits are entertained by the construction industry practitioners towards sustainability. Ultimately, the study provides a starting point for raising awareness to facilitate and implement IoT applications in construction projects. In the absence of empirical literature on the implementation of the IoT paradigm in general, this paper presents a valuable contribution to the growing body of knowledge.
A case for multiscale habitat selection studies of small mammals

Habitat information for small mammals typically consists of anecdotal descriptions or infrequent analyses of habitat use, which often are reported erroneously as signifying habitat preference, requirements, or quality. Habitat preferences can be determined only by analysis of habitat selection, a behavioral process that results in the disproportionate use of one resource over other available resources and occurs in a hierarchical manner across different environmental scales. North American chipmunks (Neotamias and Tamias) are a prime example of the lack of studies on habitat selection for small mammal species. We used the Organ Mountains Colorado chipmunk (N. quadrivittatus australis) as a case study to determine whether previous descriptions of habitat in the literature were upheld in a multiscale habitat selection context. We tracked VHF radiocollared chipmunks and collected habitat information at used and available locations to analyze habitat selection at three scales: second order (i.e., home range), third order (i.e., within home range), and microhabitat scales. Mean home range was 2.55 ha ± 1.55 SD and did not differ between sexes. At the second and third order, N. q. australis avoided a coniferous forest land cover type and favored particular areas of arroyos (gullies) that were relatively steep-sided and greener and contained montane scrub land cover type. At the microhabitat scale, chipmunks selected areas that had greater woody plant diversity, rock ground cover, and ground cover of coarse woody debris. We concluded that habitat selection by N. q. australis fundamentally was different from descriptions of habitat in the literature that described N. quadrivittatus as primarily associated with coniferous forests. We suggest that arroyos, which are unique and rare on the landscape, function as climate refugia for these chipmunks because they create a cool, wet microclimate. Our findings demonstrate the importance of conducting multiscale habitat selection studies for small mammals to ensure that defensible and enduring habitat information is available to support appropriate conservation and management actions.
Early childhood teachers’ perceptions and management of parental concerns about their child’s digital technology use in kindergarten

Young children use, engage with, and experience digital technologies in their home and early childhood settings, yet their presence and use can be fraught with tensions and uncertainties. This paper reports on an Australian study focusing on how early childhood teachers perceive and manage parental concerns about their child’s digital technology use in kindergarten. Grounded theory was the methodological approach used to give insights into the early childhood teachers lived experiences. The findings revealed that early childhood teachers who taught kindergarten children, aged three-and-a-half to four-and-a-half years of age, experienced parents voicing concerns about their child’s digital technology use and made requests for mediation. Differences were identified between the children’s home environment and kindergarten setting regarding children’s access to digital devices, expectations for use and digital mediation practices. To manage the concerns parents raised, early childhood teachers endeavoured to educate and reassure parents about the nature of digital technology use in kindergarten. This paper invites early childhood professionals to reflect on how they respond to parental concerns about digital technology and to consider the role they play in educating parents about how digital technologies are used in kindergarten.
Determination of the permeability coefficient and airflow resistivity of nonwoven materials

Air penetration behavior plays a vital role in the performance of fibrous material in various industrial applications. Two parameters, the permeability coefficient and airflow resistivity, can describe the air penetration behavior of fibrous material. FX 3300 Textech Tester III and AFD300 AcoustiFlow devices were used to respectively characterize the permeability coefficient and airflow resistivity of nonwoven materials. Nonwoven samples were compressed due to the load from the test head of the FX 3300. Finite element analysis along with the mathematical method were implemented to recover the airflow permeability of samples at the uncompressed state. The effects of pressure drop on the airflow velocity and permeability coefficient were analyzed by the Ergun-type model. The determination of airflow resistivity based on the permeability coefficient is carried out via two approaches, that is, the direct method and the extrapolation method. The results show that the airflow velocity is not linearly related to the pressure drop, which differs from Darcy's law. This non-linear relation is mainly attributed to the influence of frictional loss. By comparing the relative error between assessed and measured airflow resistivity, most of the assessed values of the compressed samples are overestimated. The results also suggest that the direct and extrapolation methods are applicable to assess airflow resistivity on an airflow velocity (or air permeability) test device. Moreover, the Ergun-type model is also applicable to determine the permeability coefficient and airflow resistivity of nonwoven materials.
Removal of psychoactive pharmaceuticals from wastewaters using microbial electrolysis cells producing hydrogen

In this study, hydrogen production was analyzed along with methane and carbon dioxide generation using paroxetine, venlafaxine, and o-desmethylvenlafaxine (ODV) as substrates in single-chamber microbial electrolysis cells (MECs). Combinations of all three drugs were examined at concentrations of 750 ng/mL and 170 ng/mL. At the beginning of MEC operations using a 750 ng/mL mixture of drugs, there was no hydrogen or methane, but carbon dioxide was detected. When the concentration of the drug mixture was reduced to 170 ng/mL, MECs produced hydrogen and methane gas. Removal of the drugs during MEC operations was also analyzed using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Paroxetine, venlafaxine and ODV drugs were removed up to 99% by MECs. In conclusion, MECs could offer an alternative treatment method for wastewaters containing psychoactive pharmaceuticals with the added benefit of fuel hydrogen generation.
Numerical Simulation for the Combustion of a Zirconium/ Potassium Perchlorate Explosive inside a Closed Vessel

The combustion of zirconium potassium perchlorate (ZPP) in a closed vessel is modelled and validated through a numerical simulation. Because the extremely high pressure oscillation occurs in less than a millisecond, an in-house computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code is used to observe the detailed flow structures and determine the adequate burning characteristics, including the burning rate. A hybrid RANS/LES scheme with a 5th order upwind weighted essentially non-oscillatory (WENO) is implemented to capture complex, strong shock waves in highly turbulent combustion. A two-way coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian scheme tracks the combusting ZPP granules reasonably well. Monodisperse and Rosin-Rammler assumptions are applied to the ZPP granule distribution. The monodisperse assumption reveals that the diameter of the ZPP (17 μm) achieves marginal agreement with the measurements. However, the Rosin-Rammler distribution improves the transient and dynamic combustion characteristics in that the small granules contribute to a faster burning rate and stronger shock waves. These results are more analogous to the closed vessel tests used as validation data.
Heads-up! An alert and warning system for phishing emails

PurposeThis study introduces the concept of audiovisual alerts and warnings as a way to reduce phishing susceptibility on mobile devices.Design/methodology/approachThis study has three phases. The first phase included 32 subject matter experts that provided feedback toward a phishing alert and warning system. The second phase included development and a pilot study to validate a phishing alert and warning system prototype. The third phase included delivery of the Phishing Alert and Warning System (PAWSTM mobile app) to 205 participants. This study designed, developed, as well as empirically tested the PAWSTM mobile app that alerted and warned participants to the signs of phishing in emails on mobile devices.FindingsThe results of this study indicated audio alerts and visual warnings potentially lower phishing susceptibility in emails. Audiovisual warnings appeared to assist study participants in noticing phishing emails more easily and in less time than without audiovisual warnings.Practical implicationsThis study's implications to mitigation of phishing emails are key, as it appears that alerts and warnings added to email applications may play a significant role in the reduction of phishing susceptibility.Originality/valueThis study extends the existing information security body of knowledge on phishing prevention and awareness by using audiovisual alerts and warnings to email recipients tested in real-life applications.
Grassland plant community response to interacting disturbances and temporal variability

Knowledge of disturbance interactions is fundamental to improved understanding of plant community dynamics and the development of management practices aimed at increasing resilience of grassland ecosystems. In this study, we evaluated grassland responses to multiple disturbance interactions in a series of 2‐year, randomized complete block experiments repeated in 2016 and 2017 in the Nebraska Sandhills, mixed‐grass prairie. Soil type was a Valentine fine sand (mixed, mesic Ustipsamments). Each experiment contained a 3 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of soil disturbance (no soil disturbance, soil disturbance with no seed, and soil disturbance with forb seeding), water addition (water, no water), and fire treatments (fire, no fire). In both experiments, fire had the most prominent impact on plant community composition and biomass. Fire increased bare ground and reduced canopy cover of annual plants in the first year. However, annual plants recovered in the second year. Forbs, especially marestail (Conyza canadensis), were most significantly affected by fire. Other plant groups, including warm‐ and cool‐season grasses, natives and exotics, and so on, varied in cover and biomass in response to interacting disturbances and temporal variability. Forb seedling establishment was negatively affected by temporal variability in weather patterns. Differences in plant community response between experiments were likely due to drought in 2017. Overall, the plant community showed resilience to the multiple disturbance interactions. We did not see evidence of large or non‐linear changes in plant community structure over the short term in these grasslands.
Anti‐Icing Performance of Superhydrophobic Surface with Square‐Ring Structure Prepared by Nanosecond Laser

Herein, a square‐ring structure array is constructed on an aluminum alloy surface using a nanosecond laser‐processing method. A durable and anti‐icing superhydrophobic surface is obtained after heating treatment. The surface properties of the square‐ring structure and the icing behavior of the surface are investigated. Results show that the surfaces of the square‐ring structure fabricated in two different sizes display a high contact angle of 152.3° and 154.3° and a low sliding angle of 3.3° and 2.1° at a temperature of 15 °C, and even at −15 °C the surface still displays low adhesion, with a sliding angle lower than 6.3°, which could effectively make the water droplet slide away from the surface before freezing. The anti‐icing performance experiment shows that the surface with the square‐ring structure has good anti‐icing performance, with the icing delay time greater than 700 s, and the icing quantity is greatly reduced at the temperature of −15 °C. Finally, the durability experiment shows that both the wettability and the icing delay time performance of the superhydrophobic surface with the newly fabricated square‐ring structure display good stability.
The Effects of Online Information on E-Book Pricing Strategies: A Text Analytics Approach

Nowadays, electronic book vendors are increasingly proactive in trying to strategically capitalize on online big data generated by consumers. It will bring great profit for vendors if they can make the most of online reviews to figure out the impact of online data on the selling prices of e-books. In this paper, we complement an emerging body of research to explore how e-book prices could be affected by online information via analyzing the sheer volume of online data from e-book websites, namely, we first employ a domain ontology-based method to select the most discriminative features that may affect e-book prices. Then, the topic modeling method latent Dirichlet allocation and aspect-oriented sentiment analysis methods are applied as a supplement. Using the multiple regression method, we identify the key features that may have effects on the prices of e-books and give the related regression equation. In our results, some factors including paper book prices, paper book pages corresponding to the e-book, and e-book content have significant effects on the price of e-books. The managerial implication is that e-book firms can obtain a reference price for an e-book and may dynamically adjust the price to increase e-book sales according to our data analysis results.