Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Citric acid extraction—An underestimated method in forest nutrition?

Since recent studies reveal citric acid to be favorable for estimating plant‐available P in soils, we investigated if it can also be used for assessing other nutrients. According to our results, it provides stronger correlations with the tree nutrition for Mg (beech, spruce), Ca+K (beech) and Fe (spruce) than the standard methods for determining exchangeable cations. Thus, when estimating plant‐available P by citric acid‐extraction, these cations should be additionally measured in ICP analysis.
Statistical analysis for validating ACO-KNN algorithm as feature selection in sentiment analysis

This research paper aims to propose a hybrid of ant colony optimization (ACO) and k-nearest neighbor (KNN) algorithms as feature selections for selecting and choosing relevant features from customer review datasets. Information gain (IG), genetic algorithm (GA), and rough set attribute reduction (RSAR) were used as baseline algorithms in a performance comparison with the proposed algorithm. This paper will also discuss the significance test, which was used to evaluate the performance differences between the ACO-KNN, IG-GA, and IG-RSAR algorithms. This study evaluated the performance of the ACO-KNN algorithm using precision, recall, and F-score, which were validated using the parametric statistical significance tests. The evaluation process has statistically proven that this ACO-KNN algorithm has been significantly improved compared to the baseline algorithms. The evaluation process has statistically proven that this ACO-KNN algorithm has been significantly improved compared to the baseline algorithms. In addition, the experimental results have proven that the ACO-KNN can be used as a feature selection technique in sentiment analysis to obtain quality, optimal feature subset that can represent the actual data in customer review data.This research paper aims to propose a hybrid of ant colony optimization (ACO) and k-nearest neighbor (KNN) algorithms as feature selections for selecting and choosing relevant features from customer review datasets. Information gain (IG), genetic algorithm (GA), and rough set attribute reduction (RSAR) were used as baseline algorithms in a performance comparison with the proposed algorithm. This paper will also discuss the significance test, which was used to evaluate the performance differences between the ACO-KNN, IG-GA, and IG-RSAR algorithms. This study evaluated the performance of the ACO-KNN algorithm using precision, recall, and F-score, which were validated using the parametric statistical significance tests. The evaluation process has statistically proven that this ACO-KNN algorithm has been significantly improved compared to the baseline algorithms. The evaluation process has statistically proven that this ACO-KNN algorithm has been significantly improved compared to the baseline algorithms. In .
Comparison of free radical scavenging capacities of methanol extract of two mint species by fixed point and kinetic methods

Mentha Longifolia (ML) and Mentha Puleguim (MP) are usually used as a flavor and medicinal plants in Saudi Arabia. The present study was carried out to compare the potential of methanol extract of fresh leaves of ML and MP as free radical (DPPH) scavenger by fixed point and kinetic methods. In a fixed point method, free radical scavenging capacity was expressed by effective concentration, EC 50. However, in kinetic method, capacity expressed by rate constant value. Some other antioxidants parameters like total flavonoids content and total phenolic content were also estimated. Flavonoid content was obtained as catechin equivalent and total phenolic content as gallic acid equivalent. The obtained results indicate that methanol extract of MP possess a high concentration of flavonoids (6.55± 0.42 mg/100 ml) and of phenolic (3.72 ±0.29 mg/100 ml) compared to that of ML flavonoids (3.22± 0.43 mg/100 ml) and of phenolic (1.91 ±0.06 mg/100 ml).
Concentration-Dependent Impact of Alkali Li Metal Doped Mesoporous TiO2 Electron Transport Layer on the Performance of CH3NH3PbI3 Perovskite Solar Cells

TiO2 is most commonly employed as an electron transport layer (ETL) in mesoscopic n–i–p perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, the low electron mobility, low electrical conductivity, and high electronic trap states of TiO2 may have negative impacts on further enhancement of PSC performance. Metal doping is an efficient way to improve the electronic properties of TiO2 films. In this work, we investigate the concentration-dependent impact of alkali lithium metal doping of the mesoporous TiO2 ETL on the performance of mesoscopic CH3NH3PbI3 PSCs. It was found that Li doping results in remarkable improvement in electrical conductivity and electron mobility and reduces the number of electronic trap states arising due to the oxygen vacancies within TiO2 lattice. Such enhancements led to an enhanced charge extraction and transport and reduced charge recombination rate at the perovskite/mesoporous TiO2 interface as revealed by steady-state photoluminescence (PL) and time-resolved PL (TRPL) spectra, and resulted i.
Built-in Self-Testing Infrastructure and Methodology for an EMG Signal Capture Module

Wearable technologies introduce a refinement to personal monitoring by permitting a long-term on-person approach to physiological signals capture. Sensors, textile integration, electronics miniaturization and other technological developments are directly responsible for advancements in this domain; however, in spite of the present progress there are still a number of obstacles to overcome for truly achieving seamless wearable monitoring technology. That concerns, namely, the increase of system’s reliability at the design stage, including the adoption of built-in self-test features able to detect functional failures. Biopotential monitoring has been part of medicine and rehabilitation protocols for decades now, thus its integration within wearable systems is a natural progression, however a number of factors can affect acquisition reliability such as, electrode-skin impedance fluctuations and dataacquisition circuits’ malfunction. This article presents a builtin self-testing approach for an EMG unit, part of a wearable gait monitoring system. The approach utilizes a mixed-signal test infrastructure managed through a dual purpose digital bus, which serves for communication (I2C) and stimuli propagation.
On the Mechanism of Carbon Dioxide Reduction on Sn-Based Electrodes: Insights into the Role of Oxide Surfaces

The electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and formic acid has offered an interesting alternative for a sustainable energy scenario. In this context, Sn-based electrodes have attracted a great deal of attention because they present low price and toxicity, as well as high faradaic efficiency (FE) for formic acid (or formate) production at relatively low overpotentials. In this work, we investigate the role of tin oxide surfaces on Sn-based electrodes for carbon dioxide reduction into formate by means of experimental and theoretical methods. Cyclic voltammetry measurements of Sn-based electrodes, with different initial degree of oxidation, result in similar onset potentials for the CO2 reduction to formate, ca. −0.8 to −0.9 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), with faradaic efficiencies of about 90–92% at −1.25 V (vs. RHE). These results indicate that under in-situ conditions, the electrode surfaces might converge to very similar structures, with partially reduced or metastable Sn oxides, which serve as active sites for the CO2 reduction. The high faradaic efficiencies of the Sn electrodes brought by the etching/air exposition procedure is ascribed to the formation of a Sn oxide layer with optimized thickness, which is persistent under in situ conditions. Such oxide layer enables the CO2 “activation”, also favoring the electron transfer during the CO2 reduction reaction due to its better electric conductivity. In order to elucidate the reaction mechanism, we have performed density functional theory calculations on different slab models starting from the bulk SnO and Sn6O4(OH)4 compounds with focus on the formation of -OH groups at the water-oxide interface. We have found that the insertion of CO2 into the Sn-OH bond is thermodynamically favorable, leading to the stabilization of the tin-carbonate species, which is subsequently reduced to produce formic acid through a proton-coupled electron transfer process. The calculated potential for CO2 reduction (E = −1.09 V vs. RHE) displays good agreement with the experimental findings and, therefore, support the CO2 insertion onto Sn-oxide as a plausible mechanism for the CO2 reduction in the potential domain where metastable oxides are still present on the Sn surface. These results not only rationalize a number of literature divergent reports but also provide a guideline for the design of efficient CO2 reduction electrocatalysts.
Rapid detection of praziquantel using monoclonal antibody-based ic-ELISA and immunochromatographic strips

ABSTRACT Praziquantel (PZQ) is a broad-spectrum antiparasitic drug used in mammals and fish. In this study, we developed an indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ic-ELISA) for the detection of PZQ residues. The hapten PZQ-HS produced by introducing an amino group at a benzene ring synthesized the immunogen and the coating antigen with carrier proteins. Highly sensitive monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were prepared following mouse immunization and cell fusion. Under optimum conditions, the half maximal inhibitory concentration of the cell line 4E9 was 7.4 ng/mL, and the working range was 2.4–22.8 ng/mL. Immunochromatographic strips (ICS) were developed for the rapid detection of PZQ residues in mackerel. The reliability of the ICS assay was verified with PZQ-negative mackerel and confirmed by HPLC/MS. The cutoff value for ICS was 50 ng/mL PZQ. Our findings revealed that ic-ELISA and ICS can be used for the rapid detection of PZQ in mackerel. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
EFFECT OF VITAMIN C ON BISPHENOL A INDUCED HEPATO& NEPHROTOXICITY IN ALBINO RATS

Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a worldwide used endocrine disruptor that is incorporated in many plastic industries. The exposure of humans to that substance starts early during the fetal life. Many agencies raised warnings against the excessive use of such substances. The present study aimed to evaluate the oxidative stress effect of BPA on liver and kidney of albino rats, and whether co-administration of vitamin C can ameliorate this oxidative damage. Albino rats were divided into six groups: -ve control group,+ve control group,vitamin C (60mglkg) treated group, BPA treated group, BPA+ high dose of vitamin C (60mglkg) treated group, and BPA+ low dose of vitamin C (5.5mglkg) treated group The oxidative stress arising from BPA was evaluated in liver and kidney tissues. In addition, serum creatinine, uric acid levels, (AST) and (ALT) activities as markers of kidney and liver function were measured. Biochemical analysis revealed significant reduction in activities of enzymatic antioxidants in BPA treated group and BPA + vitamin C treated groups in high & low doses as compared to control group. In addition, there were significant increase in AST, ALT, uric acid, and creatinine levels in BPA treated group and reduction in their concentrations BPA + vitamin C treated groups in high & low doses as compared to control group. Histopathological and ultrastructure changes of liver and kidney were observed in BPA treated group and BPA + vitamin C treated groups as compared to control group. The present study demonstrated that BPA could induce hepato& nephrotoxicity, affecting oxidant/antioxidant balance in rat liver and kidney. In addition, Co-administration of vitamin C in low dose (5.5 mg/kg) didn't prevent this oxidative damage. While co-administration of vitamin C in high dose (60 mg/kg) augmented this oxidative damage.
Inverse vulcanization of sulfur with vinylic POSS

ABSTRACT Novel sulfur-silsesquioxane random copolymer (poly(S-r-POSS)) was synthesized via the radical reaction between liquid sulfur and octavinyl silsesquioxane. Particulate solid POSS was dispersed in molten sulfur and heated in order to initiate the free radical reaction (inverse vulcanization). The appearance of new C–S bonds along with the disappearance of C=C bonds from vinyl groups was confirmed by Raman and FTIR spectroscopy. Moreover, the formation of saturated single C–C bonds from the reacting vinyl groups was revealed by FTIR. Microhomogenity of the copolymer was analyzed by means of SEM-EDS mapping and its thermal properties were studied using the TG-DSC method. After the extraction of free unreacted sulfur and POSS the copolymer exhibits porous micromorphology promising for application in lithium–sulfur batteries or heavy metals ion capturing. Highlights Synthesis of silsesquioxane-sulfur hybrid copolymer via inversed vulcanization Highly porous cross-linked morphology Potential utilization for lithium–sulfur batteries or heavy metals ion capturing GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
A first‐principles investigation on interactions between various surface‐terminated diamond films

To elucidate the influence of different terminations on diamond surface interaction, the geometry and electronic structures of the diamond films modified by different terminations (H, F, O, NH2, and OH) are studied by using the first principles method. Strong bonding is formed between the clean diamond surfaces, which suggest an obvious interface interaction. Both H and F terminals have significant effects on the reduction of the interface interactions. Due to the larger difference in electronegativity between C and F, the F termination layer has a higher electron density coverage to give a larger repulsive force. Therefore, the interaction between the F‐terminated diamond interfaces is stronger than that between the H‐terminated diamond interfaces. The O‐terminated diamond surfaces are unstable. The NH2‐ and OH‐terminals have weak interaction due to the presence of large functional group atoms that leads to an electronic offset.
Isolation and Biological Investigation of Bioactive Compounds from Croton grattissimus (Burch) in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, South Africa

The therapeutic applications of aromatic plants used for antimicrobial purposes are well documented in ancient history. Extracts of Croton grattisimus (Burch) are used for anointing the sick, treating chest pains, coughs, fever and sexually transmitted diseases such as syphyllis. In an endeavour to establish the bioactive compounds of the plant, plant materials were collected, washed with sterile distilled water and left at room temperature for 7 days to dry. The dried material (50 g) was ground into a coarse powder using Macsalab mill. The leaves powder was then soaked in different solvents systems for 48 hr each with frequent shaking. The samples were then filtered, and the filtrate was concentrated to dryness under reduced pressure using a rotary evaporator, collected in 10 ml of the solvent, placed into small beakers and allowed to dry at room temperature. NMR spectroscopic methods were used for the structural elucidation of the active compounds. The percentage yield of C. grattisimus were, hexane (32.8 mg), dichloromethane (46.6 mg), ethylacetate (10.1 mg), methanol (61.2 mg) and water (10.6 mg). The Rf-values ranged from 0.64 to 0.70, with the most antimicrobial activity observed at 0.67 for H. influenzae and 0.64 for S. pneumoniae. The phytochemical investigations of methanolic extracts of C. grattisimus leaves led to the isolation of triterpenoids. This study reveals the characterization and structures of the non-volatile components of C. grattisimus extracts.
Investigations on anti-inflammatory and protective activity of Ethyl acetate fraction isolated from Vernonia Cinerea (L) in Spargue Dawley rats

Objective: To evaluate effect of ethyl acetate fraction isolated from Vernonia cinerea (L) (EAVC) in acute lung inflammation in rats. Methodology: Rats were pretreated with vehicle (CMC 0.5%), EAVC(25, 50 & 100 mg/kg po), roflumilast (1mg/kg po), once a day for 3 consecutive days. 2hrs after the last treatment the rats were intratracheally injected with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), (1mg/kg) while control group received saline(1ml/kg) under anesthesia. After 4hrs of intratracheal LPS injection, animals were sacrificed and BALF was collected. Lungs were perfused, dissected out and used for biochemical estimations and histological examination. Results: EAVC (50 & 100 mg/kg po) significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited MPO, total protein, albumin, total cells, neutrophils and histamine content in BALF indicating suppression of lung permeability. Similarly, MOP, catalase enzyme activity in lung tissue homogenate were reduced as compared to positive control group. Histological evaluation revealed marked reduction in perivascular infiltration and edema in drug treated animals. Conclusion: EAVC (50 & 100 mg/kg po) exhibited protective effect in LPS induced ALI in rats by inhibiting lung permeability and inflammation.
Immunochemical Assays for Determination of Organophosphorus Pesticides in Milk

The detection of pesticide residues is an important task in ensuring the safety of milk. In the last decade, organophosphorus insecticides have been used, but they also pose a serious risk because of their high toxicity. For fast screening of milk, immunochemical methods of analysis are appropriate. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay is the most common assay mode and base of many commercialized assay kits. Residues of some organophosphorus compounds in milk and dairy products determined by ELISA are shown. For fast screening of pesticides, the lateral flow strips are also described. The advantages of a new developed method MNPs-based immunoassay for determination of phosphorus pesticides in milk was described and some publications were represented. In recent years, simultaneous identification of more than one pesticide is increasingly perceptual, that way the examples for multi-immunoassays for determination of organophosphorus pesticides was presented.
Ingénierie des systèmes d information

109 Qualité des données : conception du schéma de la base de données en utilisant l’ingénierie dirigée par les modèles. Un outil de conception de base de données relationnelle utilisant les métamodèles de l’OMG Data quality: designing the relational schema using model driven engineering. A relational database design tool based on OMG metamodels MARIE CHRISTINE LAFAYE, GEORGES LOUIS, ANTOINE WIEDEMANN
Thermally-Induced Actuations of Stimuli-Responsive, Bicompartmental Nanofibers for Decoupled Drug Release

Stimuli-responsive anisotropic microstructures and nanostructures with different physicochemical properties in discrete compartments, have been developed as advanced materials for drug delivery systems, tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and biosensing applications. Moreover, their stimuli-triggered actuations would be of great interest for the introduction of the functionality of drug delivery reservoirs and tissue engineering scaffolds. In this study, stimuli-responsive bicompartmental nanofibers (BCNFs), with completely different polymer compositions, were prepared through electrohydrodynamic co-jetting with side-by-side needle geometry. One compartment with thermo-responsiveness was composed of methacrylated poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-allylamine hydrochloride) (poly(NIPAM-co-AAh)), while the counter compartment was made of poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylates (PEGDMA). Both methacrylated poly(NIPAM-co-AAh) and PEGDMA in distinct compartments were chemically crosslinked in a solid phase by UV irradiation and swelled under aqueous conditions, because of the hydrophilicity of both poly(NIPAM-co-AAh) and PEGDMA. As the temperature increased, BCNFs maintained a clear interface between compartments and showed thermally-induced actuation at the nanoscale due to the collapsed poly(NIPAM-co-AAh) compartment under the PEGDMA compartment of identical dimensions. Different model drugs, bovine serum albumin, and dexamethasone phosphate were alternately loaded into each compartment and released at different rates depending on the temperature and molecular weight of the drugs. These BCNFs, as intelligent nanomaterials, have great potential as tissue engineering scaffolds and multi-modal drug delivery reservoirs with stimuli-triggered actuation and decoupled drug release.
Fractured bone position and shape estimation based on recursive 2-D/3-D registration of deformable models

We present a deformable model based registration method to estimate bone fragment position and shape from intraoperative X-ray images for two-part bone fracture. Conventional deformable models are generated from CT volume images of normal persons. Thus it is difficult to describe diseased or broken bone shapes. For applying deformable model based registration to bone fractures, we propose a novel mathematical manner in the optimization process of registration. In the pre-processing, contour points on each X-ray image are interactively labelled as each of the fragment parts. In the registration stage, optimizations for bone position estimation and bone shape deformation are recursively performed by following the mathematical manner of projection onto convex sets (POCS). Our method provides not only fragment positions and a reduced bone shape but also relative transformation matrix between one fragment and the other. Because the relative matrix can lead the reducing motion path, our method effectively performs in the registration process for bone fracture surgeries. In the experiments, the error was 0.9 mm for translation and 11.8 degree for rotation. The shape estimation error was 10.9 % of the error volume ratio comparing with the whole volume of the deformable models.
Performance improvement of multi-class detection using greedy algorithm for Viola-Jones cascade selection

This paper aims to study the problem of multi-class object detection in video stream with Viola-Jones cascades. An adaptive algorithm for selecting Viola-Jones cascade based on greedy choice strategy in solution of the N-armed bandit problem is proposed. The efficiency of the algorithm on the problem of detection and recognition of the bank card logos in the video stream is shown. The proposed algorithm can be effectively used in documents localization and identification, recognition of road scene elements, localization and tracking of the lengthy objects , and for solving other problems of rigid object detection in a heterogeneous data flows. The computational efficiency of the algorithm makes it possible to use it both on personal computers and on mobile devices based on processors with low power consumption.