Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nanomaterial-enabled membranes for water treatment

NANOMATERIAL-ENABLED MEMBRANES FOR WATER TREATMENT By Adam Roy Rogensues Incorporating engineered nanomaterials as components of synthetic membranes can improve their separation performance and endow membranes with additional functions. This work explores two approaches to the design of membranes modified with nanomaterials. In the first chapter, exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets (xGnP) decorated with gold nanoparticles were embedded in a polysulfone matrix to fabricate phase inversion nanocomposite membranes. The cast membranes were evaluated as flowthrough membrane reactors in experiments on the catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol. The nanocomposite membranes were not as catalytically efficient as those fabricated by modifying anodized alumina membranes polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs) containing gold nanoparticles. However, because of the facility of membrane casting by phase inversion and new opportunities enabled by the demonstrated hierarchy-based approach to nanocomposite membrane design, such membrane may hold commercial promise. In the second part of the study, the practicability of PEM-based nanofiltration was evaluated under conditions of precipitative fouling (i.e. scaling) by calcium sulfate. Polyelectrolytes were deposited onto 50 kDa polyethersulfone membranes to create PEM-based nanofiltration membranes. The prepared membranes were compared with the commercial NF270 membrane in terms of flux and rejection performance, as well as the morphology of gypsum crystals formed on the membrane surface. None of the PEM coatings tested inhibited scale formation. Copyright by ADAM ROY ROGENSUES 2012
Targeting and anti-tumor effect of folic acid-labeled polymer–Doxorubicin conjugates with pH-sensitive hydrazone linker

Multifunctional micelles were successfully prepared by co-assembling a Doxorubicin-conjugated copolymer (mPEG-b-P(LA-co-ME/Dox), for antitumor properties) and a Rhodamine B-conjugated copolymer (mPEG-b-P(LA-co-ME/RhB), for imaging) with a folic acid (FA)-conjugated copolymer (FA-PEG-b-PLA, for targeting), respectively. DLS showed that the sizes of these micelles were in the range of 150–300 nm. Fluorescent imaging analysis based on the RhB signals of the isolated visceral organs showed that the micelles with or without FA moieties were mainly accumulated in the liver and in the tumor from 2 h post drug administration, maximized at ca. 6 h, and decayed afterwards. More FA-carrying micelles were accumulated in the tumor for a longer time compared to the micelles without FA moieties. Dox-containing micelles were used for tumor inhibition experiments in vivo and the results showed that the micelles with FA moieties exhibited better antitumor efficacy than those without FA and free Dox.
Effects of Size and Age of Juvenile Freshwater Prawns Macrobrachium rosenbergii at Stocking on Population Structure and Production in Polyculture Ponds

Effects of size and age of juvenile freshwater prawns on their growth in polyculture ponds were investigated. Post-larvae were nursed at two commercial nurseries, during either 66 or 129 days, to final mean weights of about 0.25 and 0.5 g, for each age group. Nursed prawns were stocked in ponds at a density of 2/m2 and polycultured with carps and tilapias for 148 days. No significant effect of age or size, or their interaction, was detected in mean harvest weight and gross income, although small age effect was noted in survival and total yield.
Vacant Parking Lot Information System Using Transfer Learning and IoT

Parking information systems have become very important, especially in metropolitan areas as they help to save time, effort and fuel when searching for parking. This paper offers a novel low-cost deep learning approach to easily implement vacancy detection at outdoor parking spaces with CCTV surveillance. The proposed method also addresses issues due to perspective distortion in CCTV images. The architecture consists of three classifiers for checking the availability of parking spaces. They were developed on the TensorFlow platform by re-training MobileNet (a pre-trained Convolutional Neural Network (CNN)) model using the transfer learning technique. A performance analysis showed 88% accuracy for vacancy detection. An end-to-end application model with Internet of Things (IoT) and an Android application is also presented. Users can interact with the cloud using their Android application to get real-time updates on parking space availability and the parking location. In the future, an autonomous car could use this system as a V2I (Vehicle to Infrastructure) application in deciding the nearest parking space.
Muscle Strength Training is Better than the Use of Growth Hormone (GH) in Bone Health of Wistar Rats

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of growth hormone (GH) and muscle strength training (ST) on the composition of bone tissue of Wistar rats through Raman spectroscopy. In total, 40 male rats were randomly distributed i nto fo r groups: (N = 10) control (C), control with the application of GH (GHC), strength training (T), and strength training with the a pplication of GH (GHT). The training consisted of four series of 10 water jumps, performed three times a week, with an overload correspond ing to 50 % of body weight and duration of four weeks. GH was applied at a dose of 0.2 IU / kg in each animal three times a week and e very other day. After four weeks, the animals were euthanized and the right femurs collected for analysis of the bone structure. Ram an spectroscopy (ER) was used to observe the following compounds from their respective bands: Calcium Carbonate-Triglycerides (fat ty acids) 1073 cm, Collagen type I 509 cm , Bone-DNA Phosphate (Protein) 589 cm , Phosphate Phospholipids 1078 cm . For the statistical analysis, the Shapiro-Wilk and ANOVA One-Way variance analysis normality tests were performed, followed by the Tuke y post-test. The results showed an increase in the concentrations of calcium carbonate-triglycerides (fatty acids), type I collag en, bone phosphate-DNA (protein), and phosphate phospholipids in all experimental groups, with or without ST and/or GH , But only the is lated training group differed significantly from the control group (P <0.05). It was concluded that all treatments could promote bone tissue gain, however, only the T group demonstrated a significant difference in the mineral compounds analyzed.
The Development of a Molecular Assay to Distinguish Droppings of Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix from those of Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus and Red Grouse Lagopus Lagopus Scoticus

Counts of faecal droppings are a useful approach for the non-invasive monitoring of species presence and abundance. However, for game birds, it is often difficult to determine unequivocally the species origin of the droppings. Here, we compare the utility of two molecular approaches which exploit variation in the cytochrome b region of mitochondrial DNA to distinguish the droppings of black grouse Tetrao tetrix from those of red grouse Lagopus lagopus scoticus and capercaillie Tetrao urogallus. A sensitive detection method is required as DNA extracts from droppings tend to yield poor quality DNA in low copy number. The first approach adopted a real-time PCR method in which primers were used to amplify a small fragment in the mitochondrial cytochrome b region, and fluorogenic probes complementary to species-specific SNPs were designed. The success of this test was compared with that of conventional, end point PCR followed by DNA sequencing of a 346 bp mitochondrial cytochrome b region containing the shorter sequence used in the real-time PCR test. In samples which produced results with both the real-time and sequencing approaches, the results were always in agreement. However, the sequencing approach, when used in conjunction with hot-start Taq PCR, proved superior as it worked in a greater number of samples than the real-time method. The length of clear sequence generated allowed secure identification based on several species-specific SNPs. The development of a molecular approach based on a commercially available DNA extraction kit followed by off-site sequencing now offers a secure method of identifying the species origin of field-collected grouse droppings and requires only basic knowledge of molecular techniques and inexpensive molecular equipment.
Using of date palm fiber mixed with other lignocelluloses toward Pleurotus ostreatus (Higher Basidiomycetes) cultivation

Based on the availability of agro-wastes materials like wheat straw (S1), white sawdust (S4), date palm fiber (S5) and their combinations S2 (70% wheat straw, 20% white sawdust and 10% date palm fiber) and S3 (50% wheat straw, 30% white sawdust and 20% date palm fiber); cultivation of oyster mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus was successful thereof. The longer mycelium complete time within bags was 17 days on sawdust (S4), in contrast, the short time for mycelium overgrew was completed after 13 d on S3. In significant (P <0.05), S2 was given the higher growth intensity level than other substrates at 3rd level (vigorous mycelial growth), while the S3 showed 2nd level (moderate) as a less growth intensity level. Conversely, lesser time for primordial formation of P. ostreatus was outreach one week on S3 which given best flushes number (four) compared as other substrates (1-3 flushes). Also, the best total yield was harvested 204.28 g bag-1 with biological efficiency 51.78% from S3, whereas S4 showed the poorer yield only 12.5 g bag-1.
Os determinantes do desempenho escolar do Brasil

Depois de um avanço educacional muito lento com relação aos outros países do mundo, desde meados da década de 90 o Brasil conseguiu aumentar significativamente a freqüência escolar em todos os níveis. Metade da geração nascida em 1982, por exemplo, alcançou o ensino médio. O problema agora está em melhorar a qualidade da educação que é oferecida para estes alunos na rede pública. Os resultados de avaliações internacionais mostram que o desempenho dos alunos brasileiros é muito ruim com relação ao que seria esperado e com relação a outros países.
Towards sustainable construction and green jobs in the Gaza Strip

In response to the diverse challenges facing the Gaza strip, the International Labour Organization (ILO), in cooperation with other organizations and agencies, are working towards promoting sustainable construction and green jobs in Gaza. Sustainable construction provides opportunities to address and alleviate several challenges and needs currently experienced in Gaza, including the increasing housing demand, limited availability of construction materials, insufficient energy and water provision, inadequate sanitation, as well as severe unemployment. This assessment has been carried out to study the feasibility, opportunities and challenges relating to sustainable construction in Gaza in relation to these needs. Special focus has been given to three core areas, namely building materials, energy and water, and to explore ways to promote green jobs in these.
FAST and BRIEF based Real-Time Feature Matching Algorithms

영상 매칭 기술은 컴퓨터 비전 분야에서 다양하게 응용될 수 있는 기초적인 기술 중에 하나이다. 대표적인 영상 매칭 기술 인 SIFT나 SURF는 강인한영상 매칭성능을나타내지만계산량이방대하여실시간 기술에 사용될수 없는문제점을가진다. 최근에 ORB나 BRISK는 FAST 특징점 검출기와 BRIEF 특징점 표현자를 조합하여 실시간 영상 매칭을 가능하게 하면서 기존의 영상 매칭 기술과 견줄만한 성능을 나타내었다. 본 논문에서는 FAST와 BRIEF를 수정하여 영상 왜곡에 강인하면서 실시간으로 매칭을 수행할 수 있는 영상 매칭 알고리즘을 제안한다. 노이즈에 강인하면서 스케일 변화를 고려하기 위하여 특 징점 후보 영역을 제한하고 스케일 공간을 생성하여특징점을검출한다. 또한 영상의회전변화에 강인한영상매칭을 가능하 게 하기 위하여 주변 픽셀 패턴의 Gradient로 특징점 방향을 결정하여 픽셀 밝기 값 비교로 이진 특징점 표현자를 생성한다. 제안하는 영상 매칭 알고리즘은 적은 계산량으로 기존의 알고리즘보다 우수한 영상 매칭 성능을 나타낸다. 특별히 노이즈가 존재하는 영상의 매칭에서 노이즈의 영향에 강인한 매칭 성능을 보여준다.
Character Definitions, Sexual Selection, and the Evolution of Swordtails

Recent years have seen increasing awareness of the utility of comparative studies using phylogenies to test hypotheses of evolutionary process (e.g., Felsenstein 1985; Donoghue 1989; Brooks and McLennan 1991). The importance of accurate estimates of phylogeny in such research programs has been emphasized repeatedly. Yet, the conclusions of these studies can also depend critically on how traits are defined and interpreted in the light of the phylogeny. This point is well illustrated in a recent article by Meyer et al. (1994). Meyer et al. (1994) call into question the preexisting bias hypothesis of sexual selection as an explanation for the evolution of the elongate caudal fin (the "sword") in the fish genus Xiphophorus. The preexisting bias hypothesis predicts that sexually selected male traits (such as the sword) arise after the evolution of female preference for these traits (Basolo 1990a). Based on their phylogeny derived from DNA sequence data, Meyer et al. (1994) suggest that the sword's appearance is not subsequent to the evolution of female preference, in contrast to conclusions drawn from a morphology-based phylogeny (Basolo 1990a). Yet, the conclusions of Meyer et al. (1994) depend on what they considered to be a sword. Their preferred interpretation of the evolution of the sword is that a short caudal fin extension (0.1-0.3 times the length of the caudal fin) is equivalent to a full sword (0.7-6.0 times the length of the caudal fin) and that the ancestor of the genus therefore had a sword (their fig. 4, our fig. 1A). Meyer et al. (1994) do not consider the coloration of the caudal fin in their definition of the trait. Although Meyer et al. (1994) believe they refute Basolo's (1990a) hypothesis, their claim is based on a different definition of sword. Basolo (1990a) considers a sword to be a colored extension of the caudal fin and one that is 0.7-6.0 times the length of the caudal fin (Basolo 1991). This definition clearly has some biological justification. Female preference for males with short caudal protrusions has not been demonstrated, and in those species in which there is only a short caudal protrusion (X. andersi, X. birchmanni, X. continens, X. pygmaeus, X. xiphidium), the protrusion is colorless (except in some individuals of X. birchmanni; Rauchenberger et al. 1990). Basolo (1990a) found that females respond to males with colorless swords the same as to males with no caudal protrusion whatsoever. This observation strongly suggests that the presence of a short, colorless caudal fin protrusion and the swordless condition are the same in the eyes of the female.
Symbiotic competence and genetic diversity of Rhizobium strains used as inoculants for alfalfa and berseem clover

To provide the necessary information for strain improvement and the development of competitive strains, characterization of some agronomically important inoculant Rhizobium strains specific for either alfalfa or berseem clover is an ongoing project in this laboratory. Plasmid DNA content and identification of symbiosis‐controlling plasmids were previously determined. In this study, to determine their symbiotic competence and their apparent genetic diversity, plant tests and RFLP analysis of total DNAs were conducted. Symbiotic effectiveness varied significantly among the Rh. meliloti strains but not among the berseem clover symbionts. Only one strain, Rh. meliloti ARC 104, was symbiotically ineffective. RFLP analysis using a ribosomal RNA operon probe, with three different enzyme digests, produced four related groups which correlated with plasmid profiles. The use of a nifHD gene probe produced similar results which clustered the berseem clover microsymbionts but more clearly separated two distinct groups of Rh. meliloti. A cosmid clone, from a Rh. leguminosarum biovar trifolii T24 gene library, distinguished each strain. This new information will be useful in identifying and producing improved recombinant strains by plasmid transfer.
İlköğretim müzik dersine ilişkin tutum ölçeğinin geliştirilmesi

The purpose of this study is to develop a scale to measure the attitudes towards music lessons for students of primary schools. Processing steps in the development of a scale have been explained. In the process of developing the scale first of all a literature review was conducted and studied on similar scales. A pool of 35 items was prepared with the help of information from literature and contributions of professionals. The scale was applied to 692 students. Factor analysis has been used to determine the structural validity of the scale. In the factor analysis, the main components analysis with varimax transformation has been used. For the reliability, inner co-efficiency has been employed and regarding this total matter correlations have been calculated KaiserMeyer Olkin value has been measured as 0.94 and the inner co-efficiency as 0.90. These results show that the scale worked on is a reliable and valid means to measure the attitudes of the students towards music lessons.
Primiparous females do not exhibit reduced maternal care in gray seals (Halichoerus grypus)

Wecomparedthebehaviorsofprimiparousandmultiparousgrayseal(Halichoerus grypus) females over the course of lactation to examine whether poorly developed maternal behaviors may play a role in the reduced lactation performance observed in primiparous females. Overall, primiparous females spent as much time interacting with their pups as multiparous females. The proportion of time spent nursing their pup increased significantly between early and peak lactation in both primiparous and multiparous females. Although there was no significant difference in the duration of nursing bouts as a function of reproductive status, primiparous females nursed significantly more frequently (bouts/hour) and, therefore, spent a significantly greater proportion of time nursing than multiparous females throughout lactation. Primiparous gray seal females were also significantly more active than multiparous females, however, the difference in activity represented only a small proportion of the overall time budget. We conclude that poorly developed maternal
Etoposide Loaded PLGA and PCL Nanoparticles II: Biodistribution and Pharmacokinetics after Radiolabeling with Tc-99m

Etoposide and nanoparticle formulations were labeled with Tc-99m and their biodistribution and pharmacokinetics were studied after intravenous administration in healthy mice and rabbits respectively. Etoposide was rapidly cleared from the body, while the disposition of nanoparticles was slower. A higher proportion of nanoparticles compared with etoposide was observed in different organs of mice. Scintigraphic images of rabbits concluded that the radioactivity shown by formulations is significantly higher after 4 and 24 h, as compared with etoposide administered in rabbits. AUC0 − ∞, clearance and MRT are better than those obtained with etoposide administration. The overall high residence of nanoparticles, compared with etoposide, signifies the advantage of PLGA and PCL nanoparticles as drug carriers for etoposide in enhancing the bioavailability and reducing the etoposide-associated toxicity.
Local and Landscape Environmental Factors are Important for the Conservation of Endangered Wetland Birds in a High Andean Plateau

Abstract. Quantitative, comparative studies are needed to better orient conservation efforts for the endemic, threatened avifauna of the Bogotá wetlands. The influence of landscape and local factors on abundance was studied for seven species: Bogotá Rail (Rallus semiplumbeus) and Apolinar's Wren (Cistothorus apolinari), endemic species; Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis), Spot-flanked Gallinule (Gallinula melanops), American Coot (Fulica americana) and Yellow-hooded Blackbird (Chrysomus icterocephalus) with endemic subspecies; and the widespread Common Gallinule (Gallinula galeata). Areas, habitats and landscapes of nine urban and ten rural wetlands were quantified using GIS and remote sensor images; water quality and abundances of feral dogs and Shiny Cowbirds (Molothrus bonariensis) were evaluated in adjunct studies. Populations of focal species were estimated by point counts. Wetland variables were analyzed with principal component, canonical correlation and redundancy analyses and related to bird abundances and densities by multiple regressions. Most urban wetlands were covered by aquatic vegetation; rural wetlands were mostly open water with less vegetation. Abundances of all focal species increased with wetland area. Abundances of the endemic rail, wren and blackbird were correlated with emergent vegetation area and/ or negatively with open water, whereas duck, coot and gallinule abundances were correlated with open water area and/or negatively with urbanized landscapes, therefore both urban and rural wetlands are necessary for conservation of this endemic avifauna. Public investment has favored only some urban wetlands hence a regional, rather than local, approach to wetland management is needed. The situation of the wren is especially critical, probably due to brood parasitism by the cowbird.
Two new species of hylid frogs, genus Osteocephalus, from Amazonian Ecuador

We describe two new species of treefrogs of the genus Osteocephalus from primary forests in northeastern Amazonian Ecuador. One is a small to medium-sized species without or with only few eat dorsal tubercles in males and a large light subocular area. Tadpoles assigned to this species were found in a bromeliad and had eaten fertilized frog eggs, most likely provided by the parents. The second species is small to medium, has a smooth dorsum both in males and females and no light subocular spot. Resumen. Describimos dos nuevas especies de ranas arboricolas del genero Osteocephalus de bosques primarios en la Amazonia nororiental en Ecuador. La primera especie es de pequena a mediana sin o con pocos tuberculos dorsales aplanados en machos y una mancha clara subocular grande. Los renacuajos asignados a esta especie fueron encontrados en una bromelia y habian comido huevos de rana fertilizados, probablemente proveidos por la madre. La segunda especie es de pequena a mediana, tiene dorso liso tanto en hembras como en machos y no tiene manchas suboculares claras.
Resilience of imperilled headwater stream fish to an unpredictable high-magnitude flood

Headwater stream fish communities are increasingly becoming isolated in headwater refugia that are often cut off from other metapopulations within a river network as a result of nonnative fish invasions, pollution, water abstraction and habitat degradation downstream. This range restriction and isolation therefore makes them vulnerable to extinction. Understanding threats to isolated fish populations is consequently important for their conservation. Following a base-flow survey, a high-magnitude flood (peak flow of 1245 m-3s-1) provided an opportunity to investigate the response of endangered Eastern Cape redfin Pseudobarbus afer populations to a natural disturbance in the Waterkloof and Fernkloof streams, two relatively pristine headwater tributaries of the Swartkops River system within the Groendal Wilderness Area, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Pseudobarbus afer had limited distributions, occupying 3 km in both the Fernkloof and Waterkloof streams. Fish population assessments before and after the flood event indicated that there were no longitudinal trends in P. afer abundance before or after the flood, but overall abundance post-flooding in the Fernkloof stream was higher. There were no noticeable changes in P. afer size structure pre- and post-flood. Pseudobarbus afer showed resilience to a major flooding event most likely related to evolution in river systems characterised by environmental stochasticity. Conservation implications: This research provides insight into the population level responses of native headwater stream fishes to unpredictable natural disturbance. Of particular relevance is information on their ability to withstand natural disturbances, which provides novel information essential for their conservation and management especially as these fishes are already impacted by multiple anthropogenic stressors.