Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Heteroatom (N, S) Co-Doped CNTs in the Phenol Oxidation by Catalytic Wet Air Oxidation

The N, S-co-doping of commercial carbon nanotubes (CNTs) was performed by a solvent-free mechanothermal approach using thiourea. CNTs were mixed with the N, S-dual precursor in a ball-milling apparatus, and further thermally treated under inert atmosphere between 600 and 1000 °C. The influence of the temperature applied during the thermal procedure was investigated. Textural properties of the materials were not significantly affected either by the mechanical step or by the heating phase. Concerning surface chemistry, the developed methodology allowed the incorporation of N (up to 1.43%) and S (up to 1.3%), distributed by pyridinic (N6), pyrrolic (N5), and quaternary N (NQ) groups, and C–S–, C–S–O, and sulphate functionalities. Catalytic activities of the N, S-doped CNTs were evaluated for the catalytic wet air oxidation (CWAO) of phenol in a batch mode. Although the samples revealed a similar catalytic activity for phenol degradation, a higher total organic carbon removal (60%) was observed using the sample thermally treated at 900 °C. The improved catalytic activity of this sample was attributed to the presence of N6, NQ, and thiophenic groups. This sample was further tested in the oxidation of phenol under a continuous mode, at around 30% of conversion being achieved in the steady-state.
Disentangling the Ecological Determinants of Species and Functional Trait Diversity in Herb-Layer Plant Communities in European Temperate Forests

Forest herb-layer vegetation responds sensitively to environmental conditions. This paper compares drivers of both taxonomic, i.e., species richness, cover and evenness, and functional herb-layer diversity, i.e., the diversity of clonal, bud bank and leaf-height-seed plant traits. We investigated the dependence of herb-layer diversity on ecological determinants related to soil properties, climatic parameters, forest stand characteristics, and topographic and abiotic and biotic factors associated with forest floor structure. The study was conducted in different forest types in Slovenia, using vegetation and environmental data from 50 monitoring plots (400 m2 each) belonging to the ICP Forests Level I and II network. The main objective was to first identify significant ecological predictors and then quantify their relative importance. Species richness was strongly determined by forest stand characteristics, such as richness of the shrub layer, tree layer shade-casting ability as a proxy for light availability and tree species composition. It showed a clear positive relation to soil pH. Variation in herb-layer cover was also best explained by forest stand characteristics and, to a lesser extent, by structural factors such as moss cover. Species evenness was associated with tree species composition, shrub layer cover and soil pH. Various ecological determinants were decisive for the diversity of below-ground traits, i.e., clonal and bud bank traits. For these two trait groups we observed a substantial climatic signal that was completely absent for taxonomy-based measures of diversity. In contrast, above-ground leaf-height-seed (LHS) traits were driven exclusively by soil reaction and nitrogen availability. In synthesis, local stand characteristics and soil properties acted as the main controlling factors for both species and trait diversity in herb-layer communities across Slovenia, confirming many previous studies. Our findings suggest that the taxonomic and functional facets of herb-layer vegetation are mainly influenced by a similar set of ecological determinants. However, their relative importance varies among individual taxonomy- and functional trait-based diversity measures. Integrating multi-faceted approaches can provide complementary information on patterns of herb-layer diversity in European forest plant communities.
Experiments and applications of automatic temperature titrator in the control and analysis of alumina production process

The concentrations of alumina,caustic alkali and total alkali in the sodium aluminate solution of Bayer process were determined by automatic temperature titrator based on the temperature variations of chemical reactions during titration,and they were also compared with the results measured by artificial titration.The data of sodium aluminate solution at different concentrations determined by automatic temperature titrator had a good reproducibility,which accorded with normal distribution.No significant difference was identified comparing with the data measured by artificial titration,and the maximum difference was below 2 g/l for the same soluton.The results indicated that the method by automatic temperature titrator can meet the control and analysis requirements in alumina production.
Antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of Indo-Malayan stingless bee (Heterotrigona itama) honey from different seasons and distribution of flowers

The quality of honey produced by stingless bees can be affected by a variety of factors. Different seasons may have an influence on stingless bee behaviour while different flower sources may affect the properties of stingless bee honey. Thus, this study aimed to determine the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of stingless bee honey from different multifloral sources collected during dry and rainy seasons. Honey was collected from hives placed in two different areas with multifloral (area A and B). The difference between these areas was area A only planted with two types of flowers (with stevia) and area B with more than two flowers. Pollen in the honey samples was identified to confirm the seasonal variations. The antioxidative potential of the honey samples was determined using total phenolic content (TPC), DPPH and FRAP assays and total carotenoid content (TCC). Antimicrobial properties were analysed using well diffusion method (mm) against the foodborne pathogens Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. The results revealed that honey harvested during the dry season showed higher antioxidant properties compared to those harvested in the rainy season. The highest antioxidant activities were measured in honey samples taken from area B. Nevertheless, honey harvested in both seasons showed antimicrobial properties against all tested food pathogens, with the dry season samples showing the highest inhibition. Surprisingly, only honey from area A present showed no antimicrobial effect against E. coli. This study showed that the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of multifloral stingless bee honey are strongly affected by seasonal differences and the distribution of the flowering plant
IR and metasurface based mm-wave camera

We have developed a technique to measure low-power electromagnetic fields from mm-wave devices non-intrusively by combining a metasurface, designed to absorb power and focus the radiated power in a thermally isolated region, with an infrared (IR) camera. The metasurface consists of thermally isolated elements of low mass and highly emissive material for maximal IR conversion of the incident wave. The IR camera captures the converted energy and indirectly images the incident electromagnetic field on the metasurface. The setup combines multi-scale, multi-physical processes to conduct measurements of the incident electromagnetic fields in real time. In this work, the technique is presented and discussed. Measurements are carried out to demonstrate the technique and image the electromagnetic field of a radiating device. The results compare well with simulations, and the technique can measure the low power density levels of consumer devices and provide a general visualization of electromagnetic fields in a live setting.
Preliminary Protocol Development of a HPLC-TBARS-EVSC (Ex Vivo Stratum Corneum) Assay for Skin Research: Application in a Sunscreen System

Considering the importance of the cutaneous tissue investigation and the need for the development of new protocols to non-invasively establish the safety and efficacy of dermocosmetics and topical products, we aimed at developing an HPLC-TBARS-EVSC (high performance liquid chromatography–thiobarbituric acid reactive species–ex vivo stratum corneum) assay for the lipid peroxidation measurement on subjects’ stratum corneum (SC) obtained by tape stripping; additionally, we applied the HPLC-TBARS-EVSC assay in an emulsified sunscreen system containing ethylhexyl triazone and bemotrizinol as UV filters. HPLC analysis was performed in isocratic mode with 35% methanol/65% phosphate buffer (pH 7.0) as the mobile phase. The diode detector was set at 532 nm to quantify the malondialdehyde (MDA)-TBA adduct. An ex vivo tape stripping method was applied in 10 volunteers in three pre-defined regions of the volar forearms: the control; the irradiated; and the site containing the sunscreen (2.0 mg·cm−2). Ten adhesive tapes per region were used for SC removal. An exclusive ex vivo protocol to measure SC lipid peroxidation was preliminarily developed with linearity and selectivity. The protocol suggested the use of an artificial irradiation dose (5506 KJ·m−2) to improve the assay response from the SC. The sunscreen system had a significative decrease in SC lipoperoxidative damage compared to the control. Our protocol can aid in the efficacy establishment of anti-UV and antioxidant agents, for instance, in studies that aim at elucidating the level of SC lipid peroxidation and even in carrying out baseline investigations characterizing different ethnicities and genders.
Nutritive Value of Roselle and Anti-anemic Effect of Its Beverages in Male Rats Exposed to Lead Toxicity: Comparative Study

In Egypt, both iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and lead pollution represent formidable health challenges. This study was conducted to identify the nutritive value of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) dried red calyces and compare the protective anti-anemic effects of cold and hot beverages of Roselle (CRB and HRB, respectively) in lead –intoxicated rats. Thirty two adult male albino rats were divided into four equal groups, including a normal control group, while other groups were administered lead acetate (20 mg/kg/24h) and kept untreated (group 2), or received CRB and HRB (0.5 mL/100 g b.w./24h), respectively for 6 weeks. Finally, body weight gain was calculated. Serum lead and some anemia –related minerals were determined. Besides, liver antioxidant capacity and hematological indices in serum and whole blood were evaluated. Moreover, Roselle dried red calyces were chemically analyzed, while some physicochemical analyses were performed in both beverages. Results indicated the high nutritional value of dried Roselle red calyces, as they are good source of calories, protein and vitamin C. Moreover, they are rich in carbohydrates, fiber, calcium, iron and zinc. Biologically, lead exposure caused a significant increase in serum lead which in turn induced overweight, hematologic disorders, along with oxidative stress. Due to its higher anthocyanin content and total antioxidant activity, CRB was more efficient than HRB in preventing the toxic effects of lead. Accordingly, the present study confirms that dried Roselle red calyces are good source of health promoters and strongly indicates the protective effect of cold Roselle beverage against lead acetate -induced IDA.
Identification and Transferability of Tetracycline Resistance in Streptococcus thermophilus during Milk Fermentation, Storage, and Gastrointestinal Transit

The existence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in food products, particularly those carrying acquired resistance genes, has increased concerns about the transmission of these genes from beneficial microbes to human pathogens. In this study, we evaluated the antibiotic resistance-susceptibility patterns of 16 antibiotics in eight S. thermophilus strains, whose genome sequence is available, using phenotypic and genomic approaches. The minimal inhibitory concentration values collected revealed intermediate resistance to aminoglycosides, whereas susceptibility was detected for different classes of β-lactams, quinolones, glycopeptide, macrolides, and sulfonamides in all strains. A high tetracycline resistance level has been detected in strain M17PTZA496, whose genome analysis indicated the presence of the tet(S) gene and the multidrug and toxic compound extrusion (MATE) family efflux pump. Moreover, an in-depth genomic analysis revealed genomic islands and an integrative and mobilizable element (IME) in the proximity of the gene tet(S). However, despite the presence of a prophage, genomic islands, and IME, no horizontal gene transfer was detected to Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis DSM 20355 and Lactobacillusrhamnosus GG during 24 h of skim milk fermentation, 2 weeks of refrigerated storage, and 4 h of simulated gastrointestinal transit.
Molecular characterization of bacteria strians isolated from JIKO: A herbal preparation consumed in some parts of Kaduna metropolis, Nigeria

Herbal products are considered as phytomedicines which are used as complementary medicine and without adequate monitoring they are leased straightaway into the market. Preparation, transportation and handling of these products can lead to high microbial contamination which can be harmful to human health. The aim of this research was to molecularly characterize some multiple resistance bacteria obtained from JIKO which is a herbal preparation consumed in some parts of Kaduna metropolis. The genomic DNA was extracted from each bacteria isolates, 16s rRNA genes were amplified and sequenced. The sequenced obtained from the amplified genes were analyzed using Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) of the National Center for Biotechnology Institute database to compare the genes with the exist genes with ones in GENbank. The results obtained confirmed the identities of four bacteria isolates: Three Bacillus cereus and a Serratia species. It was concluded that herbal products can contain some bacterial contaminants if not properly handled. Key words: Herbal, phytomedicines, contaminants, genomic.
To what extent can the tiny parasitoid wasps, Eretmocerus mundus, fly upwind?

Body miniaturization in insects is predicted to result in decreased flight speed and therefore limited ability of these insects to fly upwind. Therefore, tiny insects are often regarded as relying on passive dispersal by winds. We tested this assumption in a wind tunnel by measuring the burst speed of Eretmocerus mundus (Mercet), a beneficial parasitoid wasp with body length <1 mm. Insects were filmed flying upwind towards a UV light source in a range of wind speed 0–0.5 m/s. The Insects flew towards the UV light in the absence and presence of wind but increased their flight speed in the presence of wind. They also changed flight direction to be directly upwind and maintained this body orientation even while drifted backwards relative to the ground by stronger winds. Field measurements showed that the average flight speed observed in the wind tunnel (0.3 m/s) is sufficient to allow flying between plants even when the wind speed above the vegetation was 3–5 folds higher. A simulation of the ability of the insects to control their flight trajectory towards a visual target (sticky traps) in winds show that the insects can manipulate their progress relative to the ground even when the wind speed exceeds their flight speed. The main factors determining the ability of the insects to reach the trap were trap diameter and the difference between insect flight speed and wind speed. The simulation also predicts the direction of arrival to the sticky target showing that many of the insects reach the target from the leeward side (i.e. by flight upwind). In light of these results, the notion that miniature insects passively disperse by winds is misleading because it disregards the ability of the insects to control their drift relative to the ground in winds that are faster than their flight speed.
The collective hukou in urban China

ABSTRACT This research note explains the important, somewhat unknown, hukou category: the collective hukou (jiti hukou, or JTHK) in urban China. We first briefly explain the hukou terminology and operations of the JTHK, then analyze its origin, highlighting its close relationship with the work unit (danwei) system in Mao’s era. The note then examines different types of JTHK introduced since the early 1980s to address new questions created by the separation of the hukou and the danwei systems. Our discussion seeks to shed light on the complexities of the changes in the hukou system that functions and affects urban society, social geography, especially in relation to migrants who have college education.
Fast and High Precise Spatial Documentation of Traffic Accident Site Using Only Low-Cost RPAS

Traffic accident documentation worldwide is generally done by conventional methods (e.g., surveying wheel and steel tapeline) followed by sketch and plan creation. These conventional methods are time-consuming and inaccurate; therefore, they can possibly be replaced by advanced modern methods, using the remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) for obtaining data, as well as the structure from motion (SfM) for processing. For the proof of concept, we designed and performed an experiment using low-cost multi-rotor RPAS on an arranged traffic accident involving three cars. The result of this experiment was an accurate 3D model with the possibility of precise measurement. The differences in distances and reference objects’ dimensions were in general below 1% compared to real values. The presented method is time-saving (requiring 85% less time), more precise, and more efficient compared to conventional methods. Moreover, it allows better data reusability, thus is very suitable and can be recommended for usage in routine situations in traffic accident documentation.
Estimation of Structural Deformed Configuration for Bridges Using Multi-Response Measurement Data

The structural deformed shape (SDS) is considered an important factor for evaluating structural conditions owing to its direct relationship with structural stiffness. Recently, an SDS estimation method based on displacement data from a limited number of data points was developed. Although the method showed good performance with a sufficient number of measured data points, application of the SDS estimation method for on-site structures has been quite limited because collecting sufficient displacement data measured from a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) can be quite expensive. Thus, the development of an affordable SDS estimation method with a certain level of accuracy is essential for field application of the SDS estimation technique. This paper proposes an improved SDS estimation method using displacement data combined with additional slope and strain data that can improve the accuracy of the SDS estimation method and reduce the required number of GNSSs. The estimation algorithm was established based on shape superposition with various combined response data (displacement, slope, and strain) and the least-squares method. The proposed SDS estimation method was verified using a finite element method model. In the validation process, three important issues that may affect the estimation accuracy were analyzed: effect of shape function type, sensor placement method, and effectiveness of using multi-response data. Then, the improved SDS estimation method developed in this study was compared with existing SDS estimation methods from the literature. Consequently, it was found that the proposed method can reduce the number of displacement data required to estimate rational SDS by using additional slope and strain data. It is expected that cost-effective structural health monitoring (SHM) can be established using the proposed estimation method.
Utilizing mycorrhizal responses to guide selective breeding for agricultural sustainability

This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. © 2021 The Authors. Plants, People, Planet © New Phytologist Foundation. 1Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA 2School of Earth and Sustainability, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA 3Environmental Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL, USA 4Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
Eriodictiol: um flavonóide antagonista do receptor trpv1 com atividade antioxidante

O receptor de potencial transiente vaniloide 1 (TRPV1) e um canal ionico permeavel a cations ativado por uma serie de estimulos nocivos, como calor, acidificacao e agentes irritantes como a capsaicina. Este receptor e responsavel pela deteccao e transmissao da dor aguda e cronica. Devido a isso, substâncias que modulem a atividade deste receptor apresentam um potencial clinico para o tratamento da dor. Assim, este trabalho objetiva a possivel interacao do flavonoide eriodictiol com o receptor TRPV1. Inicialmente, observamos que o eriodictiol foi capaz de deslocar o radioligante [3H]-resiniferatoxina, em ensaio de uniao especifica, do receptor TRPV1 com uma concentracao inibitoria 50% (IC50) de 46.9 (20.70 - 118.9) nM. Ao mesmo tempo, o eriodictiol tambem inibiu o influxo de calcio estimulado por capsaicina com IC50 de 44,4 (15,6 125,1) nM, sugerindo que este aja como um antagonista do receptor. Alem disso, tambem observamos que o eriodictiol induz antinocicepcao no teste da capsaicina intraplantar com efeito maximo de 49,010.5 e 63,94.0 % de inibicao maxima para o tratamento oral e intratecal, respectivamente, e com uma dose efetiva 50% (DE50) de 2,4 (1,0 5,5) mg/kg 2,2 (1,6 2,9) nmol/site, respectivamente. Alem disso, nao observamos alteracoes na atividade locomotora ou temperatura corporal dos animais. A administracao oral de eriodictiol tambem foi capaz de prevenir a nocicepcao induzida por capsaicina intratecal (71,75,7 % de inibicao). Ao mesmo tempo, o eriodictiol tambem aboliu a hiperalgesia termica e reduziu a alodinia mecânica (62,49,2 %) induzidas por adjuvante completo de Freund. Da mesma forma, o eriodictiol tambem preveniu totalmente a diminuicao de tiois nao proteicos e formacao de 3-nitrotirosina (3-NT) espinhais induzidas por capsaicina, ao passo que apresentou atividade antioxidante direta no texto de neutralizacao do radical ABTS. Em conclusao, nossos resultados mostram que o eriodictiol age como um antagonista do receptor TRPV1, com atividade antioxidante, induzindo antinocicepcao sem os efeitos colaterais e limitacoes esperados para antagonistas do receptor TRPV1. %%%%The transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) is a calcium permeable channel responsible for the transduction and modulation of acute and chronic pain signaling, being a potential target for treatment of different pain disorders. In spite of that, AMG517, a TRPV1 antagonist, presents several clinical limitations, such as the development of severe hypertermia. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible interaction of the flavonoid eriodictyol with the TRPV1 receptor and its putative antinociceptive and hyperthermic effect. Eriodictyol was able to displace the [3H]-resiniferatoxin binding (IC50 = 47 (21 - 119) nM) and to inhibit the calcium influx mediated by capsaicin (IC50 = 44 (16 125) nM), suggesting that eriodictyol acts as a TRPV1 antagonist. Moreover, eriodictyol induces antinociception in the intraplantar capsaicin test, with maximal effect of 4910 and 644% of inhibition for oral (ED50 = 2 (1-5) mg/kg) and…