Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nanoemulsions and Nanolatexes Stabilized by Hydrophobically Functionalized Cellulose Nanocrystals

Carboxylic acid cellulose nanocrystals (CNC-COOHs) that have been covalently functionalized (via peptide coupling chemistry) with a range of different hydrophobic groups have been investigated as nanoparticle surfactants to stabilize styrene-in-water nanoemulsions. It is shown that the size and stability of these nanoemulsions depend on both the amount of surface carboxylic acid groups as well as the amount and type of hydrophobic alkyl groups on the CNC surface. Two different biosources for the CNCs, microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and Miscanthus x. Giganteus (MxG), were investigated to see the effect that the CNC aspect ratio has on these nanoemulsions. Stable oil-in-water (o/w) Pickering emulsions with particle diameters of only a few hundred nanometers can be accessed using these hydrophobic functionalized CNCs, and the resulting emulsions can be polymerized to access nanometer sized latexes. The hydrophobic/hydrophilic balance of the functionalized CNCs was found to be critical to lower the interfac.
EEG-Based Demarcation of Yogic and Non-Yogic Sleep Patterns Using Power Spectral Analysis

Electroencephalogram (EEG) signals resulting from recordings of polysomnography play a significant role in determining the changes in physiology and behavior during sleep. This study aims at demarcating the sleep patterns of yogic and non-yogic subjects. Frequency domain features based on power spectral density methods were explored in this study. The EEG recordings were segmented into 1s and 0.5s. EEG patterns with four windowing scheme overlaps (0%, 50%, 60%, and 75%) to ensure stationarity of the signal in order to investigate the effect of the pre-processing stage. In order to recognize the yoga and non-yoga group through N3 sleep stage, non-linear KNN classifier was introduced and performance was evaluated in terms of sensitivity and specificity. The experimental results show that modified covariance PSD estimate is the best method in classifying the sleep stage N3 of yogic and non-yogic subjects with 95% confidence interval, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 97.3%, 98%, and 97%, respectively.
Scaling Occupancy Estimates up to Abundance for Wolves

Management of wildlife populations often requires reliable estimates of population size or distribution. Estimating abundance can be logistically di ﬃ cult, and occupancy models have been used as a less expensive proxy for abundance estimation. Another alternative is to use independent estimates of home ‐ range size and mean group size to directly scale occupancy estimates up to abundance. We used simulations to explore when scaling occupancy up to abundance is reliable, and as an example we applied an occupancy approach to estimate abundance of wolves ( Canis lupus ) from roadside snow ‐ tracking surveys in northern Wisconsin, USA, in 2016 and 2018. Estimates of wolf abundance were plausible and compared favorably with independent estimates produced by territory mapping, and snow ‐ tracking data requirements were lower than for territory mapping. Simulation results suggested that reasonable abundance estimates could be obtained under some conditions but also that severe positive bias could result under other conditions, especially when populations were small and dispersed, home range size was small, and areal sampling units were large. Positive bias in abundance estimates occurs because of closure assumption violations when tracks from a single wolf or pack are detected in > 1 sample unit, and the sum of the sample unit areas where tracks were detected exceed the sum of the home range areas. Bias was minimized when sampling units were small relative to home range size or when sampling units were route segments that approximate point sample units, and when home ranges were highly aggregated. We conclude that, although caution is warranted when scaling occupancy estimates up to abundance, scaled occupancy models can provide feasible and reliable estimates of abundance, assuming home range size and mean group size are accurately known or estimated, sampling units are appropriately chosen, and covariates that aggregate home ranges can be used to accurately predict occupancy probability. © 2021 The Authors. The Journal of Wildlife Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of The Wildlife Society.
Towards the Customers' Intention to Use QR Codes in Mobile Payments

This research studies the motivation of customers to choose the QR code as a payment tool by developing an integrated model based on UTAUT. Four hundred twenty-four valid responses were collected from diversified socio-economic backgrounds to validate the proposed framework. Compared with the original UTAUT model, the new one integrates ‘perceived security’, ‘perceived benefits’, and excludes ‘social influence’ to provide more comprehensive and consistent guidance. PLS-SEM technique was performed as in the data analysis process using SmartPLS. The study concluded that seven of nine hypotheses are supported by the use of PLS-SEM technique. Customers’ intention (R2=0.87) to use QR code as the payment tool is jointly contributed by their attitude, perceived usefulness, and subjective norms toward using QR code as the payment method. The formation of customers’ attitudes (R2=0.79) towards using QR code is affected by their perceived usefulness, perceived benefits, and subjective norms. Discussion and strategies for the third parties of QR payment providers and future research directions are also presented.
Few Impacts of Introduced Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarki) on Aquatic Stages of Boreal Toads (Anaxyrus boreas boreas)

Abstract. Introduced salmonids can impact aquatic ecosystems through direct predation and indirect effects. We explored the effects of introduced Cutthroat Trout (Onchoryncus clarki) on Boreal Toad (Anaxyrus boreas boreas) survival and habitat use during two aquatic life stages, the embryo and tadpole, at Boreal Toad breeding sites with and without Cutthroat Trout. We found no difference in embryo survival and higher tadpole survival at the site with Cutthroat Trout. Cutthroat Trout are unlikely to use the shallow areas where Boreal Toad eggs are deposited; however, during the tadpole stage, Cutthroat Trout and tadpoles overlap broadly in near-shore aquatic habitats. Frequency of tadpole habitat use is lower in Cutthroat Trout–used areas, but we observed no behavioral or temporal avoidance of Cutthroat Trout by tadpoles. Our results suggest that Cutthroat Trout do not have a negative effect on Boreal Toad embryo or tadpole survival in wild settings and that Cutthroat Trout presence does not preclude tadpoles from using habitats.
Robust Design of Reinforced Concrete Moment-Resisting Frames

Reinforced concrete moment resisting frame (RCMRF) is one of the most popular structural systems. Conventionally, buildings with RCMRF systems are designed to satisfy the relative displacement, resistance, and flexibility requirements defined by the design codes. Structural design codes have given different ranges of design parameters that the designers and engineers must consider in the design process of structures and the values selected for these parameters affect the seismic behaviour of the structures. However, performance assessment of the RCMRF under the earthquake loading to limit the probable levels of damage has a complicated and difficult procedure that is time-consuming for designing of ordinary buildings. In this study, to prevent this time-consuming process, tighter ranges for design parameters have been attempted to improve the seismic performance of the RCMRFs. In this regard, databases of RCMFs were created for different ranges of design parameters. The Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm is used to create these databases and RCMRFs are optimally designed according to ACI 318-14 code. Then, nonlinear time history analysis according to ASCE/SEI 7-16 code was performed on the RCMRFs in each one of the databases and the statistical analysis of local and global results acquired from the nonlinear time history analysis is carried out. Finally, tighter ranges of design parameters have been determined to achieve more robust structures without involvement in time-consuming processes.
Effects of self-concealment and self-esteem on Internet addiction in college students

We investigated the relationships between self-concealment, selfesteem, and Internet addiction in college students. Participants (N = 589 undergraduates) completed the Self-Concealment Scale, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the Internet Addiction Diagnostic Questionnaire. Results show that self-esteem partially mediated the positive relationship between self-concealment and Internet addiction. Further, the bootstrapping analysis results reveal that self-concealment had a significant indirect effect via self-esteem on Internet addiction among college students. These findings extend previous studies and shed light on ways to reduce Internet addiction from a positive and meaningful perspective through the effects of self-concealment and selfesteem.
Electronic and magnetic properties of the graphene densely decorated with 3d metallic adatoms

The electronic properties of graphene decorated with Ni, Co, Cu and Zn adatoms is studied with the density functional theory approach. Within the analysis the spin-orbit interaction is taken into account. We focus on the case when the indicated $3d$ metallic adatoms form a perfect, close-packed single-atomic layer above the graphene surface. The two configurations are examined, namely the adatoms in the on-top, and the hollow positions on graphene. First, we verify that the metallic adatoms in the close-packed structure do not form a covalent bonds with the graphene substrate. However, due to the proximity of the metallic adatoms to the graphene, the charge transfer from the adatom layer to the graphene takes place, and in consequence the graphene becomes $n$-doped. The observed charge transfer results from the arising hybridization between the graphene $2p$ and transition metal $3d$ orbitals. The proximity of metallic adatoms modifies the magnetic state of the graphene. This effect is especially pronounced for the decoration with magnetic atoms, when the magnetic moments on the graphene sublattices are induced. The analysis of the band structure demonstrates that the charge transfer, as well as the induced magnetism on graphene, modify the graphene electronic properties near high symmetry points, especially the Dirac cones. The presence of the metallic adatoms breaks graphene $K-K^{'}$ symmetry and splits the bands due to the exchange coupling. We show that for the hollow configuration the gap opening arises at the $K(K^{'})$-point due to the Rashba-like spin-orbit interaction, while in the case of the on-top configuration the energy gap opens mainly due to the staggered potential. We also mapped the parameters of an effective Hamiltonian on the results obtained with the density functional theory approach.
Paraovarian Cyst in Repeat-breeder Buffalo heifers: Ultrasonographic, Antioxidants and Serum Cell-free RNA markers

This study aimed to (1) identify the status of reproductive tract of repeat-breeder heifers (RBH) ultrasonography, as well as (2) determinethe variations in steroid hormones, oxidative stress biomarkers, and cell-free RNA in serum.These culled animals from400 heifers at the breeding stationwere examined ultrasonography, and whole blood samples were collected. Theultrasonic diagnosed heifers as paraovarian cyst (POC, n=18) associated with genital pathological conditionswere compared with groups of control heifers at follicular(n=6), luteal (n=6), and early pregnant (n=10). The POC appeared as anechoic circumscribed masses located nearby, but separated from the ovary. Follicular number, corpus luteum size, serum cell-free RNA, and ovarian steroids were not affected by POC, although dominant follicle size tended to be lower (P= 0.069)in POC withCL absence (POC-CL). Heifers with POC-CLhad lower MDA levels than pregnant ones. Buffaloes that had POC in the presence of CL (POC+CL) were found to have higher SOD activity than luteal and pregnant cases. Total serum proteinslevels recorded lower valuesin POC+CL compared to that in follicular phase. There was a significant positive relationship between POCsize, and GPx activity and CL size, but negative correlations with dominate follicles size. The POC might interfere with ovarian function, via alterations in antioxidant levels.
Photocatalytic Degredation of Acid Alizarin Black Using Powder and Nanoparticles of Titanium Dioxide

Photocatalytic degradation of acid alizarin black (AAB) dye (C.I. 21725) in aqueous solution was investigated using UV light in the presence of powder of titanium dioxide (P- TiO2) and nanoparticles of titanium dioxide (N- TiO2) as a catalyst. The operating conditions were catalyst dosage (10 and 20 mg/L) and initial concentration of AAB dye (10 and 20 mg/L). It was found that the increasing of catalyst concentration enhanced the dye decolourisation. Both catalysts exerted positive effects on the AAB removal whilst the initial concentration of AAB negatively affected its removal.
Immunological effects of different types of synthetic CpG oligodeoxynucleotides on porcine cells

The agonists of toll-like receptor 9, synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) containing CpG sequences, stimulate innate and adaptive immune responses in humans and a variety of animal species. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immunomodulatory effects of four types of CpG ODNs as potential porcine vaccine adjuvants. In this study, four classes of swine CpG ODNs with distinct structural and biological properties were designed. Their abilities to trigger the expression of TLRs, antigen-presenting molecules and cytokines and to induce antiviral effects were determined in three different types of porcine cells (IPEC-J2, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and 3D4/21). Our results showed that the four CpG ODNs triggered various types of molecular expression changed at the level of transcription. They activated the cytosolic antivirus TLRs at different levels, altered the mRNA expression of antigen-presenting molecules and intracellular signal transduction molecules, and triggered mRNA of cytokine production in a CpG type-specific and cell-specific manner at CpG ODNs, with the exception of type D, significantly increased IFN-α, IFN-β and TNF-α production and induced efficient anti-viral effects in IPEC-J2 cells but had little effect on MHC I expression. The designed CpG ODNs are useful for promoting early innate immunity and mucosal immunity and may also be promising adjuvant candidates for the treatment of porcine infectious diseases.
UvA-DARE (Digital Academic Repository) Fossil fuels, stranded assets and COVID-19: Imagining an inclusive & transformative recovery

The 2015 Paris Agreement on Climate Change implicitly requires phasing out fossil fuels; such a phase out may cost hundreds of trillions of dollars and induce widespread socio-ecological ramiﬁcations. The COVID-19 ‘pancession’ (pandemic + recession) has rattled global economies, possibly accelerating the fossil fuel phase out. This raises the question: What opportunities has COVID-19 presented to phase out fossil fuels
On L(h,k)-labelings of oriented graphs

We compare the behaviour of the $L(h,k)$-number of undirected and oriented graphs in terms of maximum degree, highlighting differences between the two contexts. In particular, we prove that, for every $h$ and $k$, oriented graphs with bounded degree in every block of their underlying graph (for instance, oriented trees and oriented cacti) have bounded $L(h,k)$-number, giving an upper bound on this number which is sharp up to a multiplicative factor $4$.
On the drivers of droplet variability in alpine mixed-phase clouds

Abstract. Droplet formation provides a direct microphysical link between aerosols and clouds (liquid or mixed-phase), and its adequate description poses a major challenge for any atmospheric model. Observations are critical for evaluating and constraining the process. To this end, aerosol size distributions, cloud condensation nuclei (CCN), hygroscopicity, and lidar-derived vertical velocities were observed in alpine mixed-phase clouds during the Role of Aerosols and Clouds Enhanced by Topography on Snow (RACLETS) field campaign in the Davos, Switzerland, region during February and March 2019. Data from the mountain-top site of Weissfluhjoch (WFJ) and the valley site of Davos Wolfgang are studied. These observations are coupled with a state-of-the-art droplet activation parameterization to investigate the aerosol–cloud droplet link in mixed-phase clouds. The mean CCN-derived hygroscopicity parameter, κ, at WFJ ranges between 0.2–0.3, consistent with expectations for continental aerosols. κ tends to decrease with size, possibly from an enrichment in organic material associated with the vertical transport of fresh ultrafine particle emissions (likely from biomass burning) from the valley floor in Davos. The parameterization provides a droplet number that agrees with observations to within ∼ 25 %. We also find that the susceptibility of droplet formation to aerosol concentration and vertical velocity variations can be appropriately described as a function of the standard deviation of the distribution of updraft velocities, σw, as the droplet number never exceeds a characteristic limit, termed the “limiting droplet number”, of ∼ 150–550 cm−3, which depends solely on σw. We also show that high aerosol levels in the valley, most likely from anthropogenic activities, increase the cloud droplet number, reduce cloud supersaturation (< 0.1 %), and shift the clouds to a state that is less susceptible to changes in aerosol concentrations and very sensitive to vertical velocity variations. The transition from an aerosol to velocity-limited regime depends on the ratio of cloud droplet number to the limiting droplet number, as droplet formation becomes velocity limited when this ratio exceeds 0.65. Under such conditions, droplet size tends to be minimal, reducing the likelihood that large drops are present that would otherwise promote glaciation through rime splintering and droplet shattering. Identifying regimes where droplet number variability is dominated by dynamical – rather than aerosol – changes is key for interpreting and constraining when and which types of aerosol effects on clouds are active.
Interaction between poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) PVP and fullerene C60 at the interface in PVP-C60 nanofluids–A spectroscopic study

Fourier transform infrared and Raman bands shows a discernible enhancement in band intensity of C–H stretching, C=O stretching, C–N stretching, C–H2 bending, and C–H2 in-plane bending in PVP molecules in the presence of C60 molecules. Amplification in intensity is ascribed to microscopic interactions results when a donation of nonbonding electron (n) occurs from a “>N–C=O” entity of PVP into a lowest unoccupied molecular orbital of the C60 molecule in PVP-C60 charge transfer (CT) complex. The C=O stretching band intensity (integrated) Vs C60 content plot exhibits a peak near a critical 13.9 μM C60 value owing to percolation effect. Light emission spectra show that even a small addition of 4.63 μM C60 able to suppress the band intensity by ~23% as a result of an energy loss. The integrated band intensity also decreases through a peak near 13.9 μM when plotted against the C60-content. In correlation to the vibration spectra, the maximum effect observed both in light emission and excitation spectra suggests a percolation effect in the CT complex. Exhibition of percolation threshold in C60-PVP donor-acceptor complex will be helpful in optimizing the photovoltaic properties vital for solar cell applications.
The utilization of a stable 2D bilayer MOF for simultaneous study of luminescent and photocatalytic properties: experimental studies and theoretical analysis

A new Pb(ii)-based 2D MOF comprising π-conjugated ligand 4′-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-[1,1′-biphenyl]-3,5-dicarboxylic acid (TZBPDC) and having the formula {[PbNa(TZBPDC)](H2O)(DMF)2}n (1) has been synthesized. Structural characterization of 1 indicates that the MOF has a 4-connected (4,4) motif. The photoluminescent investigation indicates that 1 can behave as potential luminescent sensor for the detection of nitroaromatic compounds (NACs), especially 2,4-dinitrophenol (2,4-DNP) and ferric ions, through the decrease in its luminescence intensity. Additionally, 1 also displays excellent capacity for the photodegradation of methylene orange (MO), which is a constituent of wastewater discharge. The most plausible mechanisms for the decrease in the luminescent intensity of 1 in the presence of different NACs have been explored though theoretical calculations, and the photocatalysis of 1 for organic dyes has been addressed using density of states (DOS) and partial DOS calculations.
Investigating the effect of singlet oxygen on polymerase activity during modulated irradiation at photodynamic treatment

The goal of this study was to assess the ability of singlet oxygen generated at photodynamic treatment using different irradiation modes to inhibit the enzyme TAQ polymerase activity. Experimentally were determined the laser irradiation dose and the singlet oxygen concentration that results to complete inhibition of TAQ polymerase activity. The results show that using pulse mode irradiation is 1.5x more efficient then continuous wave. TAQ polymerase damage was also assessed by fluorescence spectrometry — tryptophan residues fluorescence is decreased if damaged by singlet oxygen during photodynamic treatment. It was observed that on doses, where TAQ polymerase looses its enzymatic activity the fluorescence decreases only by 7%. The fluorescence decrement of tryptophan correlates with damage to the enzyme.
An energy aware scheme for layered chain in underwater wireless sensor networks using genetic algorithm

Extending the network lifetime is a very challenging problem that needs to be taken into account during routing data in wireless sensor networks in general and particularly in underwater wireless sensor networks (UWSN). For this purpose, the present paper proposes a multilayer chain based on genetic algorithm routing (MCGA) for routing data from nodes to the sink. This algorithm consists to create a limited number of local chains constructed by using genetic algorithm in order to obtain the shortest path between nodes; furthermore, a leader node (LN) is elected in each chain followed by constructing a global chain containing LNs. The selection of the LN in the closest chain to the sink is as follows: Initially, the closest node to sink is elected LN in this latter because all nodes have initially the same energy value; then the future selection of the LN is based on the residual energy of the nodes. LNs in the other chains are selected based on the proximity to the previous LNs. Data transmission is performed in two steps: intra-chain transmission and inter-chain transmission. Furthermore, MCGA is simulated for different scenarios of mobility and density of nodes in the networks. The performance evaluation of the proposed technique shows a considerable reduction in terms of energy consumption and network lifespan.