Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Solid-Phase Microextraction—Gas Chromatography Analytical Strategies for Pesticide Analysis

Due to their extensive use and the globalized commerce of agricultural goods, pesticides have become a global concern. Despite the undoubtful advantages of their use in agricultural practices, their misuse is a threat to the environment and human health. Their analysis in environmental samples and in food products continues to gain interest in the analytical chemistry community as they are challenging matrices, and legal concentration limits are particularly low (in the order of ppb). In particular, the use of solid-phase microextraction (SPME) has gained special attention in this field thanks to its potential to minimize the matrix effect, while enriching its concentration, allowing very low limits of detection, and without the need of a large amount of solvents or lengthy procedures. Moreover, its combination with gas chromatography (GC) can be easily automated, making it a very interesting approach for routine analysis. In this review, advances and analytical strategies for the use of SPME coupled with GC are discussed and compared for the analysis of pesticides in food and environmental samples, hopefully encouraging its further development and routine application in this field.
Combined Effect of Ultrasound and Microwave Power in Tangerine Juice Processing: Bioactive Compounds, Amino Acids, Minerals, and Pathogens

The inhibition of Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 (E. coli), Staphylococcus aureus ATCC6538 (S. aureus), Salmonella Enteritidis ATCC 13076 (S. Enteritidis), and Listeria monocytogenes DSM12464 (L. monocytogenes) is one of the main aims of the food industry. This study was the first in which the use of ultrasound and microwave power were applied to optimize the values of the bioactive components, amino acids, and mineral compositions of tangerine juice and to inhibit Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella Enteritidis, and Listeria monocytogenes. The response surface methodology (RSM) was used to describe the inactivation kinetics, and the effects of ultrasound treatment time (X1: 12–20 min), ultrasound amplitude (X2:60–100%), microwave treatment time (X3: 30–40 s), and microwave power (X4:200–700 W). The optimum parameters applied to a 5-log reduction in E. coli were determined as ultrasound (12 min, 60%) and microwave (34 s, 700 W). The optimum condition ultrasound–microwave treatment was highly effective in tangerine juice, achieving up to 5.27, 5.12, and 7.19 log reductions for S. aureus, S. Enteritidis, and L. monocytogenes, respectively. Ultrasound–microwave treatment increased the total phenolic compounds and total amino acids. While Cu, K, Mg, and Na contents were increased, Fe and Ca contents were lower in the UM-TJ (ultrasound–microwave-treated tangerine juice) sample. In this case, significant differences were detected in the color values of ultrasound–microwave-treated tangerine juice (UM-TJ) (p < 0.05). The results of this study showed that ultrasound–microwave treatment is a potential alternative processing and preservation technique for tangerine juice, resulting in no significant quality depreciation.
Analysis of Muon Induced Neutrons in Detecting High Z Nuclear Materials

Abstract : Simulations of muon interactions with high Z material using two different muon energies, 100 MeV and 1 GeV, were performed on five different materials of various atomic numbers yielding average neutron production rates that range from 2.3 plus or minus 0.01 in enriched uranium to negligible amounts in aluminum when exposed to the 100 MeV energy muons. As the muon energy was increased to 1 GeV, neutron yields shrank to negligible levels. Little difference was found in neutron yield produced in non-fissile material. Experimental data was collected by exposing a 15 cm thick block of iron, and 5 and 15 cm thick blocks of lead to the natural atmospheric muon flux. The incident muon energy distribution was found to have a mode of 180 MeV and a mean of 520 MeV. Probability distributions were constructed for the neutron yields of each incident muon and no difference was found in the various distributions. The average muon induced neutron yield was also calculated and found to be 3.4 plus or minus 0.1 for a 15 cm thick block of iron, 2.8 plus or minus 0.1 for a 5 cm thick block of lead, and 2.2 plus or minus 0.1 for a 15 cm thick block of lead.
Semiconductor Multimaterial Optical Fibers for Biomedical Applications

Integrated sensors and transmitters of a wide variety of human physiological indicators have recently emerged in the form of multimaterial optical fibers. The methods utilized in the manufacture of optical fibers facilitate the use of a wide range of functional elements in microscale optical fibers with an extensive variety of structures. This article presents an overview and review of semiconductor multimaterial optical fibers, their fabrication and postprocessing techniques, different geometries, and integration in devices that can be further utilized in biomedical applications. Semiconductor optical fiber sensors and fiber lasers for body temperature regulation, in vivo detection, volatile organic compound detection, and medical surgery will be discussed.
Direct probe of the inner accretion flow around the supermassive black hole in NGC 2617

NGC 2617 is a nearby ($z\sim 0.01$) active galaxy that recently switched from being a Seyfert 1.8 to be a Seyfert 1.0. At the same time, it underwent a strong increase of X-ray flux by one order of magnitude with respect to archival measurements. We characterise the X-ray spectral and timing properties of NGC 2617 with the aim of studying the physics of a changing-look active galactic nucleus (AGN). We performed a comprehensive timing and spectral analysis of two XMM-Newton pointed observations spaced by one month, complemented by archival quasi-simultaneous INTEGRAL observations. We found that, to the first order, NGC 2617 looks like a type 1 AGN in the X-ray band and, with the addition of a modest reflection component, its continuum can be modelled well either with a power law plus a phenomenological blackbody, a partially covered power law, or a double Comptonisation model. Independent of the continuum adopted, in all three cases a column density of a few $10^{23}$ cm$^{-2}$ of neutral gas covering 20-40\% of the continuum source is required by the data. Most interestingly, absorption structures due to highly ionised iron have been detected in both observations with a redshift of about $0.1c$ with respect to the systemic redshift of the host galaxy. The redshifted absorber can be ascribed to a failed wind/aborted jets component, to gravitational redshift effects, and/or to matter directly falling towards the central supermassive black hole. In either case, we are probing the innermost accretion flow around the central supermassive black hole of NGC 2617 and might be even watching matter in a direct inflow towards the black hole itself.
Updating the Insecticide Resistance Status of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus in Asia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are two important vectors of several important arboviruses, including the dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses. Insecticide application is an important approach to reduce vector abundance during Aedes spp. -borne outbreaks in the absence of effective vaccines and treatments. However, insecticide overuse can result in the development of resistance, and careful monitoring of resistance markers is required. Methods: This meta-analysis and systematic review explored the spatial and temporal patterns of insecticide resistance in Asia from 2000 to 2021. PubMed, Scopus, EbscoHost, and Embase were used to enhance the search capability. The random-effects model was applied for the 94 studies that met our inclusion criteria for qualitative synthesis and meta-analysis. Results: Four major insecticides were studied (malathion, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, permethrin, and deltamethrin). Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane resistance rates were high in both Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus (68% and 64%, respectively). Conversely, malathion resistance was less prevalent in Ae. aegypti (3%), and deltamethrin resistance was less common in Ae. albopictus (2%). Ae. aegypti displayed consistently high resistance rates (35%) throughout the study period, whereas the rate of insecticide resistance in Ae. albopictus increased from 5% to 12%. The rates of the major kdr mutations F1534C, V1016G, and S989P were 29%, 26%, and 22%, respectively. Conclusions: Insecticide resistance in both Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus is widespread in Asia, although the rates vary by country. Continuous monitoring of the resistance markers and modification of the control strategies will be important for preventing unexpected outbreaks. This systematic review and meta-analysis provided up-to-date information on insecticide resistance in dengue-endemic countries in Asia.
Size Ranges of Magnetic Domain States in Tetrataenite

Paleomagnetic studies of meteorites provide unique constraints on the evolution of magnetic fields in the early solar system. These studies rely on the identification of magnetic minerals that can retain stable magnetizations over ≳4.5 billion years (Ga). The ferromagnetic mineral tetrataenite (γ''‐Fe0.5Ni0.5) is found in iron, stony‐iron and chondrite meteorite groups. Nanoscale intergrowths of tetrataenite have been shown to carry records of paleomagnetic fields, although the effect of magnetostatic interactions on their magnetic remanence acquisition remains to be fully understood. Tetrataenite can also occur as isolated, non‐interacting, nanoscale grains in many meteorite groups, although the paleomagnetic potential of these grains is particularly poorly understood. Here, we aim to improve our understanding of tetrataenite magnetization to refine our knowledge of existing paleomagnetic analyses and broaden the spectrum of meteorite groups that can be used for future paleomagnetic studies. We present the results of analytical calculations and micromagnetic modeling of isolated tetrataenite grains with various geometries. We find that tetrataenite forms a stable single domain state at grain lengths between 6 and ∼160 nm dependent on its elongation. It also possesses a magnetization resistant to viscous remagnetization over the lifetime of the solar system at 293 K. At larger grain sizes, tetrataenite's lowest energy state is a lamellar two‐domain state, stable at Ga‐scale timescales. Unlike many other magnetic minerals, tetrataenite does not form a single‐vortex domain state due to its large uniaxial anisotropy. Our results show that single domain and two‐domain tetrataenite grains carry an extremely stable magnetization and therefore are promising for paleomagnetic studies.
How do assemblages of epigeal Araneae and Coleoptera respond to changes in habitat structure caused by sugar cane crops in Northern Argentina?

ABSTRACT In Northwest Argentina, nothing is known about the relationship of Araneae and Coleoptera with sugar cane crops. Using pitfall traps in three continuous native forest sites (N) and three native forest windbreaks surrounded by sugar cane crops (W) in the province of Salta, we assessed a)- whether the native diversity of epigeal Araneae and Coleoptera in the Chaco Serrano forest changes as a result of the fragmentation of the habitat caused by the sugar cane plots, and b)- whether the diversity of predatory species increases in native forest windbreaks as a consequence of the contribution of species that come from crops. In the spring of 2006 and the summer of 2007, we collected 599 Araneae and 555 Coleoptera, with community W (S = 132, N = 535) containing much more species but fewer individuals than community N (S = 111, N = 619). We found that the spatial and phenological patterns of the alpha and beta diversities of N were altered in W communities. Thus, habitat fragmentation generated by sugar cane plots led to the local extinction of native Araneae and Coleoptera species. The abundance of generalist Araneae and herbivorous Coleoptera increased in W habitats, but the coprophagous and detritivorous beetles decreased. The diversity of predatory species (Araneae and some Coleoptera) increased in W habitats, although their abundance declined relative to N habitats. Species turnover determined beta diversity between N and W sites; however, between the W sites, nestedness increased and spiders showed a greater loss of species. The spatial heterogeneity between sites, seasons, and habitats had a substantial effect on the composition of the Araneae and Coleoptera assemblages, hence influencing regional diversity. Eight species were habitat indicators, particularly Leprolochus birabeni (Zodariidae), which responds unfavourably to perturbations in the agricultural landscape, and could be deployed as environmental monitors in the Chaco Serrano.
Necrotizing Fasciitis: A Side Effect of Rituximab Administration in Steroid-Dependent Nephrotic Syndrome

Abstract Steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome (SDNS) is a common type of childhood nephrotic syndrome. Remission following steroid therapy is achieved in 80–90% of the patients, while the remainder show steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS). Rituximab is an anti-CD20 chimeric monoclonal antibody with proven therapeutic effects in several diseases and has been used with great success in the treatment of NS since its discovery. We report a case of a 4-year-old girl diagnosed with SDNS at the age of 3. As treatment with steroids, enalapril, and mycophenolate failed to produce complete remission, rituximab was initiated, and remission was successfully achieved after administration of the first dose. Due to this response, rituximab therapy was continued; however, a day after being admitted to the nephrology ward for the second dose, she started to develop a high fever, which reached up to 40°C. In addition, she also displayed symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection and an ulcerated wound on her left cheek. The patient became drowsy with reactive pupils, cold peripheries, and weak peripheral pulses. The capillary refill time was prolonged to 3–4 seconds and it was decided to withhold the second dose of rituximab. The patient was shifted to the PICU as a case of septic shock secondary to facial cellulitis and started on inotropes (epinephrine and norepinephrine), meropenem, vancomycin, and hydrocortisone 15 mg. Thereafter, surgical debridement of the wound was carried out. The patient remained in remission with regard to nephrotic syndrome and was discharged in a healthy condition. In conclusion, rituximab used in conjunction with steroids and other immunosuppressants may increase the risk of serious infections like necrotizing fasciitis (NF). Further studies are needed to explore the relationship between rituximab and NF.
Scanning force microscopy investigation of the Pb(Zr0.25Ti0.75)O3/Pt interface

We report on a novel approach for the investigation of the Pb(ZrxTi1−x)O3/Pt interface applying scanning force microscopy techniques. Ferroelectric samples (PZT film /Pt/SiO2/Si) were polished at a shallow angle (∼6.1°) thereby enlarging the film cross section from a 430 nm film thickness to a width of more than 4 μm. Piezoresponse force microscopy and Kelvin probe force microscopy were applied in order to deduce the dielectric polarization P and local potential distribution over the full cross section. We clearly observe a transition layer with a thickness of ∼240 nm which manifests itself both in a gradual decrease of the piezoresponse signal as a function of film thickness and in a corresponding variation of the surface potential. Furthermore, after polarization reversal due to a dc voltage applied to the tip, a different retention behavior was observed within the transition layer. The results are tentatively attributed to negatively charged defects accumulated at the PZT/Pt interface.
Surface Forces Modelling: Application to Microassembly

Within the field of microassembly (i.e. assembly of parts with a size ranging from 10 μm to 1 mm), four strategies can be used to tackle the downscaling disturbing effects (i.e. adhesive and repulsive forces acting between the component and the gripper): how to overcome, reduce, take benefit from or avoid these forces. The last three strategies led to study respectively electrostatic forces, capillary forces and acoustic levitation forces. This paper consequently reports on analytical and numerical models, experimental validations, design and testing of prototypes. However all these steps haven’t been applied yet to the three effects. The originality of the study on electrostatic forces is based on the description of surface roughness in the model, which fits experimental results from the literature. The study of capillary forces is the most advanced one, including the design and testing of a capillary gripper. Some aspects of capillary condensation are also addressed, whose models are validated on both theoretical and experimental results of the literature. Finally, the study of acoustic levitation is not yet totally achieved however first simulation results seem to be very promising. Future tracks for theses studies will certainly be own experimental validation of the models and development of innovative microgripping solutions according to the design rules given by the models.
Effectiveness analysis of a foldable booster safety seat with integrated seatbelt buckle for reducing children’s vehicle accident injury risk

Abstract Vehicle collisions may result in severe injuries to child passengers. These accidents are of concern to the automotive community; hence child restraint systems are now subjected to legislative requirements. New foldable child safety seats are a new technology that has the potential for space-saving whilst protecting children from injuries. For the first time, this paper proposes to evaluate the safety of such a foldable seat, considering multiple frontal impact directions. The research created a baseline 6-year-old HybridIII child sled test computer model, built from a correlated vehicle rear seat cabin interior environment model and including its crash pulse characteristics, in which various seat safety configurations were evaluated. A total of seven scenarios were investigated, considering no booster seat, a traditional booster seat, and a foldable booster seat, combined with different impact angles, including frontal impact (0°), near and far side impacts (15° and 30°). In each scenario, the child kinematics, seatbelt to neck interaction, head acceleration, HIC15, and chest acceleration were extracted as metrics to determine the safety effectiveness of the foldable booster seat. The study concluded that the foldable booster seat reduced the risk of neck entrapment as well as better restrained the dummy in its seat. While the head acceleration, HIC15, and chest acceleration may slightly increase, injury responses caused by the foldable booster seat are still well within safe margins. This study suggests that foldable booster seats are innovative and practical and have the potential, pending more research, to protect children in frontal collisions better.
Radioembolization-Induced Changes in Hepatic [18F]FDG Metabolism in Non-Tumorous Liver Parenchyma

Background: [18F]FDG-PET/CT is increasingly used for response assessments after oncologic treatment. The known response criteria for [18F]FDG-PET/CT use healthy liver parenchyma as the reference standard. However, the [18F]FDG liver metabolism results may change as a result of the given therapy. The aim of this study was to assess changes in [18F]FDG liver metabolism after hepatic 90Y resin radioembolization. Methods: [18F]FDG-PET/CT scans prior to radioembolization and one and three months after radioembolization (consistent with the PERCIST comparability criteria), as well as 90Y-PET/CT scans, were analyzed using 3 cm VOIs. The FDG activity concentration and absorbed dose were measured. A linear mixed-effects logistic regression model and logistic mixed-effects model were used to assess the correlation between the FDG-activity concentration, absorbed dose, and biochemical changes. Results: The median SULVOI,liver at baseline was 1.8 (range = 1.2–2.8). The mean change in SULVOI,liver per month with an increase in time was 0.05 (95%CI 0.02–0.09) at p < 0.001. The median absorbed dose per VOI was 31.3 Gy (range = 0.1–82.3 Gy). The mean percent change in ΔSULVOI,liver for every Gy increase in the absorbed dose was –0.04 (95%CI −0.22–0.14) at p = 0.67. The SULblood and SULspleen results showed no increase. Conclusions: The [18F]FDG metabolism in the normal liver parenchyma is significantly but mildly increased after radioembolization, which can interfere with its use as a threshold for therapy response.
Still flowing: old and new approaches for traffic flow modeling

Certain aspects of traffic flow measurements imply the existence of a phase transition. Models known from chaos and fractals, such as non-linear analysis of coupled differential equations, cellular automata, or coupled maps, can generate behavior which indeed resembles a phase transition in the flow behavior. Other measurements point out that the same behavior could be generated by relatively simple geometrical constraints of the scenario. This paper looks at some of the empirical evidence, but mostly focuses on the different modelling approaches. The theory of traffic jam dynamics is reviewed in some detail, starting from the well-established theory of kinematic waves and then veering into the area of phase transitions. One aspect of the theory of phase transitions is that, by changing one single parameter, a system can be moved from displaying a phase transition to not displaying a phase transition. This implies that models for traffic can be tuned so that they display a phase transition or not. The paper focuses on microscopic modeling, discussing the approaches mentioned above, i.e. coupled differential equations, cellular automata, and coupled maps. The phase transition behavior of these models, as far as it is known, is discussed. Similarly, fluid-dynamical models for the same questions are considered. A large portion of the paper is given to the discussion of extensions and open questions, which makes clear that the question of traffic jam dynamics is, albeit important, only a small part of an interesting and vibrant field. As our outlook shows, the whole field is moving away from a rather static view of traffic towards a dynamic view, which uses simulation as an important tool.
Application of the PAKEM learning model to improve student learning outcomes in mathematics

This study examines the improvement of student learning outcomes using the Active, Creative, Effective, and Fun learning model. The application of the Active, Creative, Effective, and Fun learning model is closely related to other learning models. Active, Creative, Effective, and Fun learning models are helpful and can create meaningful learning. The research method used is classroom action research (CAR). This CAR research was conducted in two cycles. The research sample amounted to 22 people who were not taken at random. The data was obtained by using tests, namely the initial test, the first cycle test, and the second cycle test. They are calculating student completeness using the formula for individual mastery and classical wholeness and calculating the increase in learning outcomes using the N-Gain Normalized formula. Applying the Active, Creative, Effective, and Fun learning model can improve student learning outcomes in mathematics subjects as the subject of probability theory.