Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Interpretation of the Results of Wastewater Quality Biomonitoring Using Saprobes

The article presents the possible methods of interpretation of Shannon-Wiener index values determined for communities of wastewater saprobes and calculated on species abundances (H) or abundances of morphological-functional groups (H*). To calculate the index, the species richness index ΔSr (or morphological–functional group richness index Δ*) and nT value (total individual number) as well as abundances of particular species (or groups) ni (or n*i) are needed. It is also possible to determine the index Hmax = logzΔSr (or H*max = logzΔ*) based on ΔSr values (or Δ* values). The value of Hmax(or H*max) can be used for calculation of the evenness index, V. The value of this index can, after multiplication by 100, express a percentage “evenness deficiency” in relative abundances of species (or morphological–functional groups). Having the value of the H index (or H* index) it is possible to calculate Mac Arthur's index E = zH (or E* = zH*). In fact, the E index (or E* index) represents a value of the species ri.
Sound Wave Exposure as a Strategy for Improving the Tubular Photobioreactor for Cultivating Synechococcus HS-9 as Biofuel Feedstock under Different Photoperiods

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of sound wave exposure in different photoperiods on Synechococcus HS-9 cell density and lipid content using tubular photobioreactors (PBRs). In this study, nine PBRs were used: three PBRs were exposed to a sine wave of 279.9 Hz for three hours during the day (A), three PBRs were exposed to a sine wave of 279.9 Hz for three hours during the night (B), and three PBRs remained unexposed to any sound wave to serve as a control (K). All PBRs were studied for 18 days. The results showed that the highest average cell densities of Synechococcus HS-9 in PBR A, B, and K respectively were 8.883×105 cells/mL, 7.242×105 cells/mL, and 6.175×105 cells/mL. The highest lipid percentage, which was 17%, was observed in PBR A; the percentage in PBR B was 16%, and in PBR K, 7%. However, Synechococcus HS-9 in PBR B showed a higher growth rate compared to PBR A and PBR K. Sound waves could have increased cell activity and metabolism which led to the increase in cell densities and lipid percentages in Synechococcus HS-9. The photoperiodic differences might have resulted in a lower photosynthetic rate and cell metabolism, but the sound wave could have helped promote the growth of Synechococcus HS-9 despite the lower photosynthetic rate.
Probing students' higher order thinking skills using pictorial style questions

The ability to use Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) plays a substantial role in determining students’ success in future studies. Therefore, it is important that students’ ability in this skill is continually refined by training and assessment. This paper explores the responses of first-year university students’ to a range of pictorial-style questions in chemical kinetics that require the use of HOTS. 80 food science and 57 chemistry students (137 in total) at The University of Reading (UoR) participated in the study. The results showed that many students demonstrated limited ability to answer HOTS questions. The implications for the teaching of chemical kinetics, particularly at the university level, are discussed.
New type of 5–22 THz radiation sources based on semiconductor resonant reflectors

In polar semiconductors, the lattice dielectric function varies resonantly in the radiation frequency range ωT < ω < ωL, where ωT and ωL are the transverse and longitudinal optical phonon frequencies, respectively. The resonant reflectance spectra in the 5–22 THz range from polar semiconductors InSb, AlAs, InP, GaAs, GaN and GaAs/AlGaAs heterostructures are investigated experimentally. The semiconductor resonant reflectors are proposed, and a capability of separating a narrow spectral band from the heated-body emission spectrum was realized. A new type of the continuous wave THz radiation source operational in the 5–22 THz range is proposed. (© 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Highly efficient processing of silk fibroin nanoparticle-L-asparaginase bioconjugates and their characterization as a drug delivery system

Silk fibroin (SF) when dissolved in highly concentrated CaCl2 solution formed a series of degraded polypeptides with a molecular mass range of 10–70 kDa. After the liquid silk, mixed mildly with L-asparaginase (ASNase), was introduced rapidly into excess acetone, the enzyme not only was not inactivated but was also well immobilized in simultaneously formed silk fibroin nanoparticles (SFNs). The resulting SFN–ASNase bioconjugates were easily isolated from acetone solution by centrifugation. The bioconjugates were crystalline globular particles of 50–120 nm in diameter, with high enzyme activity and showed similar enzymatic kinetics such as pH, reactive temperature, thermostability in solution and Michaelis constant to the native form. The bioconjugates could resist a high temperature of 90 °C in dry conditions for 30 min, and had a high recovery (90%), a greatly increased resistance to trypsin digestion, and better stability in serum, and storage stability in solution. No leakage of the enzyme from the nanoparticles occurred. These results indicated that ASNase was uniquely and efficiently bioconjugated in the protein nanoparticles that possessed a fine crystallinity. Thus, the highly efficient processing technology and use of silk nanoparticles as a novel drug delivery system has potential in research and development.
Resistance to HER2-Targeted Therapies Results in Upregulation of MCL-1 and Sensitivity to Olaparib

HER2 amplification results in increased tumor growth and aggressiveness in breast cancer. Despite advancements in HER2-targeted therapy, treatment resistance, cancer recurrence, and metastasis remain significant obstacles in combating this deadly disease. PARP inhibitors, have emerged as a promising class of drugs targeting cancers deficient in homologous recombination repair. Recent preclinical evidence suggests that PARP inhibitors exhibit sensitivity in cancers with high replication stress and genomic instability, as well as some HER2 positive breast cancer cell lines. To investigate the relationship between HER2 amplification and PARP inhibitor sensitivity, we utilized isogenic models of HER2-positive breast cancer, whereby cells were either sensitive or resistant to lapatinib and treated with the PARP inhibitor olaparib used as a single agent, or in combination with HER2-targeted therapies. Our results show that HER2 overexpressing MCF-10A cells are highly sensitivity to single-agent olaparib. The addition of trastuzumab and lapatinib resulted in a synergistic increase in toxicity. To determine if olaparib could be used to overcome resistance to lapatinib, we obtained SKBR3 cells conditioned to be resistant to lapatinib. Despite resistance to lapatinib, these cells continue to exhibit sensitivity to olaparib. Reverse phase protein analysis revealed that lapatinib resistant clones exhibited a statistically-significant increase in protein expression of the apoptosis inhibitor MCL-1, which is decreased upon olaparib treatment resulting in apoptosis. Taken together, our findings suggest that HER2 overexpression may predict sensitivity to olaparib alone, or in combination with trastuzumab and lapatinib. Lapatinib resistant HER2-positive breast cancer cells are sensitive to olaparib, possibly through downregulation of MCL-1.
Effect of partial substitution of Riceberry rice flour on rice noodles quality

Rice is major economic potential plants in the North-East of Thailand, especially in Ubon Ratchathani province. Rice noodle in Ubon Ratchathani have called Ubon noodles is local wisdom of indigenous food as one tambon one product (OTOP). The objective of this research was focused on the development of rice noodles with Riceberry rice flour (RRF) to obtain the higher value product due to Riceberry rice is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds. The current work investigates the proximate analysis, the physicochemical properties, some bioactive compounds, and the cooking properties of flour. The rice noodle quality was observed by evaluating the textural property, cooking quality, and sensory. The results showed that RRF contained 9.50±0.13% protein, 6.38±0.06% fat, and 23.33±0.00% amylose. The study of bioactivity of RRF revealed that total phenolic, flavonoids and anthocyanin content were 495±0.00 mg gallic acid equiv. /100 g, 400±0.00 mg quercetin equiv. /100 g and 263.73±0.00 mg Cy-3-G equiv. /100 g, respectively. Peak viscosity and gelatinization temperature of RRF were lower than that of rice flour, resulting in swelling power, water solubility index, and water absorption index of RRF were higher than rice flour. Flour formulas for rice noodles preparation were made by substituted rice flour with Riceberry rice flour from 10-50% (by total flour weight). The amount of RRF decreased the peak viscosity, break down, and final viscosity but increased gelatinization temperature of composite flours. The optimum ratio of RRF was 20% supplemented into rice noodles showed overall acceptance including good cooking quality, texture, and consumer acceptance. The result of this study could be used as knowledge in food application as functional foods, especially in the development of rice noodles of Ubon Ratchathani province, Thailand to promote the economic potential of the local community.
Antegrade or Retrograde Approach for the Management of Tandem Occlusions in Acute Ischemic Stroke: Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BackgroundAcute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a major contributor to global morbidity and mortality, and mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is an effective treatment for AIS. AIS caused by tandem intracranial and extracranial occlusions are not rare. Evidence for optimal MT strategy regarding order of treatment, including antegrade (extracranial first) or retrograde (intracranial first) approach is lacking. Therefore, a systematic review and meta-analysis is necessary to compare the two approaches for optimal management of tandem lesions in AIS.MethodsThis study will be performed with accordance to the PRISMA statement. Major databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library will be used for literature search. Randomized controlled trials and high-quality observational studies will be included. Risk of bias will be assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration criteria or Newcastle–Ottawa Scale according to type of study. Two reviewers will independently screen for eligible studies and perform data extraction. The primary outcomes are successful recanalization at post-intervention, and favorable outcome at 3-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes include duration of onset to arrival, onset to puncture, onset to recanalization, intracerebral hemorrhage, procedure and device related complications and mortality at 3-month follow-up. We will assess heterogeneity using the I2 statistic. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses will be performed to explore the sources of heterogeneity. Specific results will be described in narrative form when insufficient suitable studies are available for meta-analysis.DiscussionThis study will provide a reliable evidence base for antegrade or retrograde approach for the management of tandem lesions in AIS by synthesizing evidence from current pieces of literature comparing the two approaches, and also will provide updated clinical evidence of strategy selection and decision-making for this special group of patients. PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020199093
RuRh Bimetallene Nanoring as High‐efficiency pH‐Universal Catalyst for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Electrocatalysis of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is a vital and demanding, yet challenging, task to produce clean energy applications. Here, the RuRh2 bimetallene nanoring with rich structural defects is designed and successfully synthesized by a mixed‐solvent strategy, displaying ascendant HER performance with high mass activity at −0.05 and −0.07 V, separately higher than that of the commercial Pt catalyst. Also, it maintains steady hydrogen bubble evolution even after 30 000 potential cycles in acid media. Furthermore, the RuRh2 bimetallene nanoring shows an outstanding activity in both alkaline and neutral media, outperforming that of Pt catalysts and other reported HER catalysts. A combination of atomic‐scale structure observation and density functional theory calculations demonstrates that both the grain boundaries and symmetry breaking of RuRh2 bimetallene cannot only weaken the adsorption strength of atomic hydrogen, but also facilitate the transfer of electrons and the adsorption of reactants, further boosting the HER electrocatalytic performance in all pH values.
Behavioural Responses of the Colonial Sea Squirt Botrylloides violaceus Oka to Suspended Food Micro-Particles in Laboratory Cultures

Violet sea squirts are noteworthy model organisms, because they provide insights into various physiologic processes, including cell senescence, ageing, apoptosis and allorecognition. Consequently, their culture is critical to permit experimental studies. Most papers refer to short periods of rearing using various feeds, both living and conserved, missing a formal justification for their use or indications of their actual nutritional value. Here, we use two behavioural responses—the percentage of open siphons and the frequency of zooid contractions—as compared to the abundance of suspended microparticles during feeding tests, to identify feeds able to promote filter-feeding. The results will enable to formulate compound diets that maximise positive physiological responses. Our tests demonstrated that plant items, such as dry microalgae and cyanobacteria (Arthrospira platensis, commercially known as Spirulina), along with living planktonic Haptophyta (Isochrysis galbana), trigger clear positive reactions, represented by a higher frequency of zooid contractions and larger proportions of open siphons. These responses correspond to decreases in the concentrations of suspended microparticles during the experiment and indicate higher filter-feeding activity. In contrast, feeds commonly administered to colonies, such as milk powder, dried eggs and artificial plankton, triggered negative behavioural responses, and their intake was lower during the feeding trials.
European Communion and Planetary Organic Crisis

General rights Unless other specific re-use rights are stated the following general rights apply: Copyright and moral rights for the publications made accessible in the public portal are retained by the authors and/or other copyright owners and it is a condition of accessing publications that users recognise and abide by the legal requirements associated with these rights. • Users may download and print one copy of any publication from the public portal for the purpose of private study or research. • You may not further distribute the material or use it for any profit-making activity or commercial gain • You may freely distribute the URL identifying the publication in the public portal
Pandemic outbreaks (COVID-19) and sectoral carbon emissions in the United States: A spillover effect evidence from Diebold and Yilmaz index

This article extend the body of knowledge in the environmental sustainability literature by exploring the spillover effect across the United States’ carbon emissions from sectoral energy consumption: from the commercial sector (CEM), transport sector (TEM), industrial sector (IEM), residential sector (REM), electric power sector (EEM). From this perspective, this study accounted for world pandemic uncertainty index (WPU) in retrospect of global episodes (coronavirus pandemic), crude oil price (WTI), and disposable income per capita (DIC). To this end, the novel spillover methodology of Diebold and Yilmaz is employed in the context of the United State for the period January 1996-February 2020. Our Study shows that total spillover effect from the forecast error variance decomposition (FEVD) is 51.1%, while the rest 48.9% of the forecast variance is attributed to the idiosyncratic shocks. Furthermore, a significant contribution of 113.9% spillover effect from uncertainty due to pandemics to TME, IEM, REM, EEM, CEM, DIC, and WTI. Our study adds to the spillover index and computed the net spillover index between the outlined variables that shows the variance between the contribution of spillover to and from the spillover dynamics. Importantly, the study found that WTI, DIC, IEM, EEM, and CEM received a net spillover shock of 63.80%, 25.90%, 48.80%, 26.10%, and 53.3% from the total spillover index. However, WPU, TEM and REM are a net transmitter of spillover effect of 111.7%, 56.90%, and 48.50% respectively. These outcomes are instructive as decision-makers, stakeholders, and players in the energy sector and oil/energy market are required to pay more focus on sectors that are a net transmitter of spillover shocks such as the world pandemic uncertainty and as well those that are net receivers.
Study of the Thermal Decomposition of 2-Azidoacetic Acid by Photoelectron and Matrix Isolation Infrared Spectroscopy

2-Azidoacetic acid (N3CH2CO2H) has been synthesized and characterized by a variety of spectroscopic techniques, and the thermal decomposition of this molecule studied by matrix isolation infrared spectroscopy and real-time ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy. The results are consistent with the vapor phase thermal decomposition following a pathway involving concerted ejection of molecular N2 and the simultaneous formation of CO2 and methanimine (CH2NH). No evidence was found for the presence of intermediates such as the nitrene NCH2CO2H or the imine HNCHCO2H. At higher temperatures, CH2NH further decomposes to give HCN and H2.
Preparation and Characterisation of Polypyrrole-Iron Oxyhydroxide Nanocomposite as Sensing Material

Polypyrrole (PPy) has been widely used as a sensing material in many studies as PPy gives out noticeable reactions towards varieties of vapours of acids, bases, alcohols, alkanes, and chemical warfare agent (CWA) simulants. However, due to dispersion and mechanical properties limitation, PPy in nanoparticles (PPy NPs) has been introduced. The combinations between PPy NPs and nanosized metal oxide have shown promising improvement in the sensitivity of a sensor due to the larger total surface area of detection. In this study, the potential of PPy NPs and polypyrrole-iron oxyhydroxide (PFFs) nanocomposite as sensing materials in detecting the CWA simulant, dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP), is investigated. PPy NPs and modified PFFs nanocomposite were successfully synthesised using chemical oxidative polymerisation. The formation of PPy NPs and the effect of iron-oxyhydroxide (FeOOH) on the chemical interaction, morphology, and size of PPy NPs were investigated using attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). ATR-FTIR analysis showed that the modified PFFs nanocomposite was successfully produced through the presence of a sharp –OH peak. The size of the prepared PPy NPs and PFFs nanocomposite was observed in the range of 50 to 70 nm and 110 to 160 nm, respectively, through TEM analysis. The electrochemical behaviour of PPy NPs and PFFs nanocomposite towards DMMP was investigated using cyclic voltammetry (CV) where, in the presence of DMMP, PPy NPs and PFFs nanocomposite showed 24% and 21% current signal reduction, respectively. This suggests that both PPy NPs and PFFs nanocomposite are able to discriminate an electrical signal both with and without the presence of DMMP.
Measurements of the low frequency dispersion in electrical grade ceramics

The paper reports on the advanced technique of the dielectric response and conductivity calculation based on the recovery voltage measurements. The new calculation method has been developed and applied to assessment of an electrical grade ceramics made from quartz and alumina porcelain. The measured data were converted into the form of complex permittivity. Experimental results show the existence of the polarization process with relaxation frequency of about 0.001 Hz. The relaxation frequency and the conductivity appear to be very sensitive to the temperature variation. They could be prospective indicators of the changes generated by temperature and ageing of material. (© 2007 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Anisotropic mechanical behaviour of calendered nonwoven fabrics: Strain-rate dependency

Calendered nonwovens, formed by polymeric fibres, are three-phase heterogeneous materials, comprising a fibrous matrix, bond-areas and interface regions. As a result, two main factors of anisotropy can be identified. The first one is ascribable to a random fibrous microstructure, with the second one related to orientation of a bond pattern. This paper focuses on the first type of anisotropy in thin and thick nonwovens under uniaxial tensile loading. Individual and combined effects of anisotropy and strain rate were studied by conducting uniaxial tensile tests in various loading directions (0°, 30°, 45°, 60° and 90° with regard to the main fabric’s direction) and strain rate (0.01, 0.1 and 0.5 s−1). Fabrics exhibited an initial linear elastic response, followed by nonlinear strain hardening up to necking and final softening. The studied allowed assessment of the extent the effects of loading direction (anisotropy), planar density and strain rate on the mechanical response of the calendered fabrics. The evidence supported the conclusion that anisotropy is the most crucial factor, also delineating the balance between the fabric’s load-bearing capacity and extension level along various directions. The strain rate produced a marked effect on the fibre’s response, with increased stress at higher strain rate while this effect in the fabric was small. The results demonstrated the differences of the mechanical behaviour of fabrics from that of their constituent fibres.
Energy consumption, CO² emissions and economic growth in MENA countries

This study investigates the relationship between economic growth, final consumption, investment, energy use and CO² emissions in two groups of Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries: Oil Poor Countries (OPC) and Oil Rich Countries (ORC). It is assumed and verified that the structural relationship between GDP growth, energy use and CO² emissions is different in these two groups of countries. FGLS panel estimations were carried out over the period 1974–2014. In ORC, no significant relationships are observed between energy use and GDP, whereas CO² emissions and GDP are positively linked. In OPC, there are opposite connections: a positive link between GDP and energy use, whereas the impact of CO² emissions on GDP tends to be negative. In both groups of countries, a positive and bi-directional link is observed between energy use and CO² emissions. The strength of this link is twice bigger in OPC than in ORC. This indicates that CO2 reduction policies conducted through energy use control (quantitative and qualitative) will have higher effect in OPC than in ORC. This also shows that the relationships between economic growth, energy use and CO² emissions differ noticeably and structurally between OPC and ORC. These results provide new insights into the opportunities and threats faced by CO2 reduction policies in OPCs and ORCs.