Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of HA Nanoparticles on Adsorption of Vitamin D3 on Super-Hydrophobic PA6 Nanofibrous Scaffold

Vitamin D3 has significant roles in bone growth and the prevention of osteoporotic fractures. The present study investigated the effect of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles decoration onto polyamide-6 nanofibrous scaffold on adsorption behaviour of Vitamin D3. To synthesize the nanofibrous scaffold, an electrospinning device was used, and the surface of the scaffold was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and measurement of the water contact angle. The antibacterial activity test against E. coli and S. aureus bacteria indicated no such activity of pristine and hydroxyapatite decorated scaffold. The results demonstrated that a hydrophobic and high porous scaffold was formed, and hydroxyapatite nanoparticles were distributed inside the polyamide-6 nanofibers homogenously. Results showed that the hydroxyapatite nanoparticles improved the adsorption efficiency of polyamide-6 scaffold. It was found that the amount of adsorbed Vitamin D3 molecules onto the polyamide6/HA scaffold was rapid during the first hour of immersion (24.4 ng.cm-3), then declined over the next 3 h, and eventually reached a stable percentage of about 10.3 ng.cm-3. This phenomenon appears to be related to the high adsorption potential of porosities and the hydrophobic nanofibers during the first stage of immersion and non-occupied hydroxyapatite ceramic sites during the final stage of immersion. Keywords: Hydroxyapatite; Nanofibrous scaffold; Surface adsorption; Vitamin D3.
Rates of electron transport in the thylakoid membranes of isolated, illuminated chloroplasts are enhanced in the presence of ammonium chloride

The rate of flow of electrons from water to an artificial electron acceptor, dichlorophenolindophenol (DCPIP), through photosystem II in the thylakoid membranes of isolated chloroplasts is greatly enhanced in the presence of 10 mM ammonium chloride. Rate enhancement depends on irradiance levels. Uncoupling reagents like ammonium chloride prevent the formation of a proton gradient across the thylakoid membrane and consequently remove a constraint on the rate of electron transport. The mode of action of ammonium chloride is explained. Evidence obtained using an oxygen electrode that DCPIP itself also partially uncouples the system is presented as background information for instructors. Suggestions on how this reaction may be used in laboratory classes for students from high school to the senior undergraduate level are included.
Laccase production in solid‐state and submerged fermentation by Pleurotus ostreatus

A solid‐state fermentation (SSF) system for production of an industrially important enzyme laccase by Pleurotus ostreatus was developed by using potato dextrose yeast extract medium and polyurethane foam as a supporting material. The maximum laccase production in the SSF system was as high as 3×105 U/L. Addition of inducers, such as copper and ferulic acid, further enhanced the laccase production in SSF. Moreover, the time required for the maximum laccase production was reduced to 6 days compared to 10 days reported earlier. The improvement achieved by the SSF system was investigated by comparing it to a submerged fermentation system (SmF), both experimentally and by using a standard theoretical model along with a parameter sensitivity analysis. Laccase production in SSF was found to be twice of that in SmF. One of the main reasons for higher laccase production in SSF compared to SmF was possibly due to the presence of higher proteolytic activity in SmF. Strong proteolytic activity in SmF presumably caused subsequent laccase degradation, which lowered the ultimate laccase production in SmF compared to SSF.
Prediction of monthly flows for Três Marias reservoir (São Francisco river basin) using the CFS climate forecast model

ABSTRACT Despite the water crisis in 2016, 76% of the energy in Brazil was generated by hydroelectric plants, which shows that the Brazilian system is still strongly dependent on the hydrological conditions of basins. Therefore, the flow forecasts for these plants subsidize the decision making within the scope of the Electric Sector, since they allow the evaluation of the operational conditions of the hydroelectric and thermoelectric plants through the use of energy optimization models, providing gains in the operations of SIN (Sistema Interligado Nacional – the Brazilian National Interconnected System). The precipitation forecast is of fundamental importance for the elaboration of these hydroelectric flow forecasts. For energy evaluations, the DECOMP and NEWAVE models are used, with the GEVAZP model being applied to generate scenarios through an AR (p) (autoregressive) model. Accordingly, this study shows the impact of precipitation forecast on flow predictions in the climate horizon. For this, a statistical correction was made in the rain predicted by the CFS (Climate Forecast System) model, which tends to overestimate the predicted rain, with rainfall-flow models being calibrated. Tests were performed with this new modeling system and the results, in the form of scenarios, were compared with the scenarios generated by the GEVAZP model, showing the possibility of reducing the generated range by the latter, consequently causing the DECOMP model to not consider ranges with little or no probability of occurrence, which can improve the optimization of the SIN operation planning. This work also shows that the SMAP model exhibited better performance when compared to the Neural Networks model, in terms of the average flow range predicted in relation to the observed flow. There was a clear improvement in the flow predictions with the incorporation of the rain observed one month ahead in the simulations, mainly in the forecast of high flows. Finally, the climate indices had a good relationship with the flow and rain variables.
Chemical composition of liquid smoke from coconut shell waste produced by SME in Rongkop Gunungkidul

The availability of coconut shell waste in Rongkop, Gunungkidul has the opportunity to be processed into several products, including liquid smoke products, in one month production requires ± 1000 coconuts to be made. Liquid smoke is obtained from smoke condensation in the pyrolysis process. The liquid smoke contains phenol group compounds, acid groups, and carbonyl groups such as those found in natural smoke. All three can simultaneously act as antioxidants and antimicrobials as well as providing a distinctive color and flavor effect of smoke on food products. In this study, the pyrolysis process was implemented with variations in the heating temperature at 200°C; 250°C; 300°C with 8 hours of cooking time, and 1-5 cm of coconut shell size, 5.87% moisture content with 5 kg process capacity. This pyrolysis process produces a dark brown liquid with an average pH value of 3. Each of the pyrolysis liquid fumes is analyzed using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry to determine the chemical components inside. From the results showed, there were 16 chemical components identified at 200°C, the largest component was Acetic acid at 51.6%, 30 chemical components were identified at 250°C, the largest component was Acetic acid 50.88%, 48 chemical components were identified at 300°C, and the largest component Acetic acid at 39.98%.
VALUE INCREASING OF REJECT COAL WITH BIOMASS ADDING AS BIO-COAL BRIQUETTE

Aim: This paper aims to explain the added value increasing method of reject coal which has not utilized by the company. Methodology and Results: The method to increase added value in this study used the agglomeration process of briquettes form that changing composition by adding biomass. The biomass functions to minimize bottom ash produced from burning briquettes so that the briquettes burn entirely. Stages processes in this study consist of characterization, briquetting, physical test, and chemical test. Based on the analysis, reject coal still has a high calorific value of 5,929 cal/gr. Shapes and sizes that were not following needs of coal market or consumer due to reject coal to be a waste. Briquettes have been successfully produced and meet specification requirements based on applicable regulations in Indonesia. Besides physical properties, the briquette meet density requirements which are greater than or equal to 1 gr/cm3 and shatter index value is less than 0.5%. The gas emission test shows below threshold, which is CO 0-30 ppm, H2S 0-3.6 ppm, and NOx is not detected. After evaluation, it showed that by adding 30% biomass, ignition time could be decreased and remaining unburned briquettes or bottom ash was reduced as much as 68.68%. Conclusion, significance and impact study: The bio-coal briquettes is a strategic solution to environmental problems and alternative energy sources that are environmentally friendly, because CO and H2S emissions are still below the threshold, even for NOx not detected. Making Bio-coal briquettes as a solution to the utilization of reject coal mining waste to be used as an alternative energy source has been successfully carried out.
Predator–prey body size, interaction strength and the stability of a real food web

Summary 1We examined the empirical relationship between predator–prey body size ratio and interaction strength in the Ythan Estuary food web. 2We have refined a previously published version of the food web and explored how size-based predatory effects might affect food web dynamics. To do so, we used four predatory species Crangon crangon (Linnaeus), Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus), Pomatoschistus microps (Kroyer) and Platichthys flesus (Linnaeus) and one common prey species Corophium volutator (Pallas) from the food web. 3All predators and prey were sorted into small, medium and large size classes and placed into mesocosms in all possible pairwise combinations of size and species identity to determine per capita effects of predators on prey (aij). 4Using Lotka–Volterra dynamics the empirical body size relationships obtained from these experiments and other relationships already available for the Ythan Estuary, we parameterized a food web model for this system. The local stability properties of the resulting food web models were then determined. 5We found that by choosing interaction strengths using an empirically defined scaling law, the resulting food web models are always dynamically stable, despite the residual uncertainties in the modelling approach. This contrasts with the statistical expectation that random webs with random parameters have a vanishingly improbable chance of stability. 6The patterning of predator and prey body sizes in real ecosystems affects the arrangement of interaction strengths, which in turn determines food web stability.
Plio‐Pleistocene sea‐level changes drive speciation of freshwater fishes in north‐western Australia

Despite the influence of sea‐level changes on biogeographic/phylogeographic patterns in freshwater ecosystems being well documented, studies that explicitly link the influence of sea‐level change with speciation are rare. We aim to test the hypothesis that sea‐level changes during the Pliocene and Pleistocene have driven speciation in north‐western Australia's (NWA’s) largest freshwater fish family, Terapontidae, building upon a body of evolutionary literature focussed on the family.
Enchodorus, a New Genus of Dorylaimoidea From Italy

A new genus and species Enchodorus dolichurus is described and illustrated. It belongs to Nordiidae, subfamily Pungentinae. It has a needle-like odontostyle, rod-like odontophore, slightly swollen at base, paired gonads in both sexes, few, well spaced supplements in male and long and thin tails in both sexes. The transfer of Lenonchium Siddiqi, 1965 to the same family and subfamily is also proposed.
Mixed Broadleaved Tree Species Increases Soil Phosphorus Availability but Decreases the Coniferous Tree Nutrient Concentration in Subtropical China

Phosphorus (P) is a key limiting nutrient in subtropical forests and mixed forests with broadleaved species have been expected to stimulate P cycling, compared to pure conifer plantations. However, the mixture effect of Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook. ) and broadleaved species on rhizosphere soil and coniferous tree P dynamics is unclear. In our study, eight plots of a single species of a Chinese fir plantation (pure plantation, PP) and eight mixed plantations (mixed plantation, MP) with broadleaved tree species (Michelia macclurei Dandy in Hunan Province or Schima superba Gardn. et Champ. in Fujian Province) were selected in subtropical China. Six P fractions in the rhizosphere and bulk soils were analyzed by a modified Hedley P fractionation method. Phosphorus fractions and nitrogen (N) concentrations in different root orders, different age fresh needles and twigs, and needle and twig litter of Chinese fir were measured. Our results showed that available P, slowly released P, occluded P, and the total extractable P in rhizosphere soil were significantly higher in MP than PP (p < 0.05). In contrast, P and N concentrations in the transportive roots and two-year old needles were generally higher in PP than MP. Meanwhile, the slowly released P, occluded P, total extractable P, and residual P in rhizosphere soil were negatively correlated with P concentrations in young (absorptive and transportive roots, one- and two-year old needles) but not old tissues (storative roots, three-year old needles and litters). In conclusion, mixture may increase soil P availability through the rhizosphere effect, but can decrease P and N concentration of Chinese fir tissues by competition between Chinese fir and broadleaved species. Clearly, the mixture effect may differ in soil and plant nutrients, and this issue needs be taken into consideration when converting a pure conifer plantation into a mixed-species forest.
Theorising Intercontinental PHD Students’ Experiences: The Case of Students from Africa, and Asia

The doctorate degree ranks third on the academic hierarchy, and is commonly viewed as an approval on a student by an institution, to conduct original research in at least one academic discipline. Several motivations drive the need to acquire a doctorate degree, and they include intrinsic interest, employment considerations, personal, and professional development. To achieve this feat, some students pursue their PhD abroad for several reasons as discovered by this study. Using a quantitative approach, this paper reports on the findings of an online survey distributed to 1901 Asian and African students pursing their PhD to investigate their experiences, and determine their satisfaction, and its relationship with their personal and professional growth. Findings reveal that most students were satisfied with their decision to pursue a PhD in another continent, but were dissatisfied with some properties that made up the process. This included their relationship with their supervisors, their study-work-life balance, and its effects on their mental health. As you are reporting on a study that has already happened, write in past tense.
The Use of Blockchain Technology in Agriculture

Objective : This paper explores the use of blockchain technology in agriculture and agricultural products. Research Design & Methods : The article is based on a critical analysis of the literature with a view to understanding the current state of use of blockchain technology in agriculture. It was assumed that blockchain technology is used in the agricultural sector to promote food security, prevent food fraud and verify the origin and authenticity of agricultural products and agricultural inputs. Findings : Blockchain technology improves traceability and transparency, allowing parties within the agricultural value chain to identify faulty or suboptimal processes as well as bad actors. This ensures that ideal conditions are pursued from farm to market. The ability to trace the origin of food products is essential when food safety breaks down. The early identification of the origin of contamination will enable food companies to swing into action quickly to prevent illness and thus save lives. Such a timely response will also help limit food wastage and will save money by containing financial fallout. Implications / Recommendations : Blockchain technology has strong potential for success within the agricultural sector. It can be used to ensure food safety by enabling the source of agricultural products, as well as the source of their potential contamination, to be traced, and the authenticity of farming inputs to be verified. Blockchain can also be employed in the process of disbursing subsidies to farmers to ensure that they benefit from subsidy programmes. Finally, blockchain technology will offer farmers better prices and better payment methods and solve challenges in land title sales and purchase registration. Contribution : Blockchain is a new technology to the agricultural sector, and enormous challenges remain. There is still no established system to regulate blockchain transactions. Nevertheless, the application of blockchain in agriculture holds promising rewards.
CARACTERIZACIÓN DE PROTEÍNAS Y CONTENIDO MINERAL DE DOS VARIEDADES NATIVAS DE FRIJOL DE MÉXICO

The objective of this work was to characterize, at the biochemical level, two Mexican native landraces Bayo Berrendo and Patzcuareno of common bean. Storage protein from seeds was extracted from two common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) varieties (Bayo Berrendo and Patzcuareno), and their respective electrophoretic patterns were compared. Total soluble protein was 16,47% for Bayo Berrendo, and 14,53% for Patzcuareno. Differences were also detected in the albumin fraction. Moreover their flour showed high inhibitory activity against trypsin mainly in the phaseolin fraction, which corresponded to 355 units in the Bayo Berrendo and 507 units in the Patzcuareno variety. The elemental composition of the flour was also determined and showed differences. The Bayo Berrendo seed flour has a composition of 0,15% Ca, 5,53% K and 0,60% Mg. While values for the Patzcuareno flour were 0,17%, 3,52 and 0,67% respectively. Interestingly the Bayo variety contained 18,8 ppm iron, while Patzcuareno contains only 3,63 ppm. Other variables related to food usage were analyzed such as water absorption capacity, which showed values near 100% for both landraces, and cooking time which took less than 110 minutes. Phenotypically, the two landraces are different in both size and color. The weight for 100 seeds of the Bayo Berrendo variety was 14,6 g and for Patzcuareno 32,6 g.
Is a New ‘Planning 3.0’ Paradigm Emerging? Exploring the Relationship between Digital Technologies and Planning Theory and Practice

ABSTRACT In recent decades cities and urban planning have become increasingly digitised, complex and data rich. Despite this, the planning theory literature has largely ignored the role and impact of information and communication technologies in shaping planning’s ontologies, epistemologies, and methodologies. This article explores empirical studies and three major planning paradigms, to explore the changing role and influence of information and communication technologies (ICTs) on planning theory and practice. Based on this, the paper argues that ICTs are driving a shift towards a more interactive, intelligent, self-organising, and interconnected planning paradigm.
Ant Community Composition Across a Gradient of Disturbed Military Landscapes at Fort Benning, Georgia

Abstract Military training, soil texture, and ground cover influence ant communities at Fort Benning, a military installation in west-central Georgia. We sampled 81,237 ground-dwelling ants (47 species in 20 genera) with pitfall traps at 40 sites on a continuum from nearly pristine forest to highly disturbed training areas. We also measured 15 environmental variables related to vegetation and soil. Sites disturbed by military training had fewer trees, less canopy cover, more bare ground, and more compact soils with shallower A-horizons than comparable undisturbed sites. Pheidole bicarinata, Dorymyrmex smithi, and Pogonomyrmex badius dominated the most highly disturbed sites. Competitively submissive myrmicines, such as Aphaenogaster and Crematogaster, and formicines, such as Camponotus and Formica, were abundant in the undisturbed sites. Solenopsis invicta occurred in all but the least disturbed sites. Ant community composition was a useful indicator of disturbance at Fort Benning.
Is it correct to project and detect? How weighting unipartite projections influences community detection

Abstract Bipartite networks represent pairwise relationships between nodes belonging to two distinct classes. While established methods exist for analyzing unipartite networks, those for bipartite network analysis are somewhat obscure and relatively less developed. Community detection in such instances is frequently approached by first projecting the network onto a unipartite network, a method where edges between node classes are encoded as edges within one class. Here we test seven different projection schemes by assessing the performance of community detection on both: (i) a real-world dataset from social media and (ii) an ensemble of artificial networks with prescribed community structure. A number of performance and accuracy issues become apparent from the experimental findings, especially in the case of long-tailed degree distributions. Of the methods tested, the “hyperbolic” projection scheme alleviates most of these difficulties and is thus the most robust scheme of those tested. We conclude that any interpretation of community detection algorithm performance on projected networks must be done with care as certain network configurations require strong community preference for the bipartite structure to be reflected in the unipartite communities. Our results have implications for the analysis of detected community structure in projected unipartite networks.
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS AND ECOSYSTEMS:SOME CONCEPTS AND ISSUES

Economists and ecologists often disagree. While some of these disagreements arise from differences in individual perspectives, and some others may arise from a fundamental difference in paradigms, others may arise from simple misunderstandings. Economists are often remiss in not fully explaining the assumptions on which they base their analyses. In this paper I review the assumptions underlying the crucial economic concept of “marginal analysis. ” Ecologists concerned with the translation of scientific knowledge into social decision making should understand both the concept of marginal analysis and the circumstances under which it is or is not appropriate.
Joint Device Association and Power Coordination for H2H and IoT Communications in Massive MIMO Enabled HCNs

The integration of massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) enabled heterogeneous cellular networks (HCNs) and Internet of Things (IoT) is a promising treatment for future networking paradigms. In such networks, the human-to-human (H2H) devices and IoT devices have some distinct service requirements. Specifically, the former mainly concentrates on downlink throughput, but the latter pays more attention to uplink power consumption. Based on this, we design a device association mechanism (scheme) to achieve a tradeoff between these two performance metrics under devices’ association requirements. Through some appropriate adjustments of weighting parameters, different types of devices can improve their performance metrics of interest. At last, such a scheme is formulated as a network-wide logarithmic utility maximization problem in a nonlinear and combinatorial form. To solve it, we develop two types of association algorithms, whose primary difference lies in the treatment of weighting parameters. Then, we show the corresponding convergence and computation complexity analyses for them. Finally, we investigate the impacts of weighting parameters, the BS power and the number of antennas on some certain performance metrics of designed algorithms and other existing one. The simulation results show that the designed algorithms can meet different devices’ association requirements by properly adjusting weighting parameters.