Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Unipolar plasma electrolytic oxidation: Waveform optimisation for corrosion resistance of commercially pure titanium

This study deals with the anodisation of titanium grade 2 in 0.5‐M sulphuric acid using a pulsed signal in a unipolar regime. The electrical parameters investigated are voltage, frequency and duty cycle. The use of duty cycles with a high percentage of anodic polarisation (90%), combined with high frequencies (1000 Hz) and the higher voltage tested (220 V), favoured the establishment of a plasma regime involving strong dielectric discharges, allowing the growth of thicker oxides but with rough architecture. The corrosion resistance of the formed film has been characterised by potentiodynamic tests in 0.5‐M NaBr for localised corrosion resistance and by immersion tests in 10% v/v sulphuric acid solution for a uniform corrosion assessment. Current–time curves, visual observations and electron microscope analysis (scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy) were the tools selected to provide a correlation between technological parameters and oxide growth mechanism. For localised and uniform corrosion, anodisation at 220 V with a high level of anodic polarisation (90%) and frequency (1000 Hz) was verified to be particularly advantageous.
Considerations for Size, Surface Charge, Polymer Degradation, Co‐Delivery, and Manufacturability in the Development of Polymeric Particle Vaccines for Infectious Diseases

Vaccines have advanced human health for centuries. To improve upon the efficacy of subunit vaccines they have been formulated into nano/microparticles for infectious diseases. Much progress in the field of polymeric particles for vaccine formulation has been made since the push for a tetanus vaccine in the 1990s. Modulation of particle properties such as size, surface charge, degradation rate, and the co‐delivery of antigen and adjuvant has been used. This review focuses on advances in the understanding of how these properties influence immune responses to injectable polymeric particle vaccines. Consideration is also given to how endotoxin, route of administration, and other factors influence conclusions that can be made. Current manufacturing techniques involved in preserving vaccine efficacy and scale‐up are discussed, as well as those for progressing polymeric particle vaccines toward commercialization. Consideration of all these factors should aid the continued development of efficacious and marketable polymeric particle vaccines.
Recent Advances in Twisted‐Fiber Artificial Muscles

An artificial muscle is a type of actuator that can contract, extend, or rotate when exposed to external stimuli (e.g., electrochemical, temperature, pressure, humidity, light, etc.). Twisted fibers can be used in powerful artificial muscles and can convert volume expansion upon stimuli into torsional rotation or axial contraction due to their spiral structure. Upon twist insertion, torsional stress is produced in the fiber, and fiber volume expansion increases the torsional stress, resulting in fiber untwisting. By inserting twist to form a self‐coiled fiber, fiber volume expansion causes the contraction of this self‐coiled fiber if the fiber is torsionally tethered. Fiber‐based artificial muscles have potential applications in a variety of fields such as temperature‐regulating clothing, soft robots, prosthetics, and exoskeletons. Herein, the recent progress in twisted‐fiber artificial muscles with different actuation stimuli, such as thermal, photo, solvent adsorption or infiltration, and electrochemical, is reviewed. The opportunities and challenges for twisted‐fiber artificial muscles are also discussed. Therefore, this review provides an insight for designing high‐performance and multi‐functional twisted‐fiber artificial muscles and motivates the development and applications of fiber‐based artificial muscle in future research.
A Dual Function Organoclay Sorbent for Lead and Chlorobenzene

To demonstrate the concept of organoclays with dual sorptive properties, carboxylic group-bearing carboxydecyltriethylammonium [(HOOC)C{sub 10}H{sub 20}N(C{sub 2}H{sub 5}){sub 3}]{sup +} cations (CDTEA) were used to substitute exchangeable inorganic cations of montmorillonite. Sorption of Pb{sup 2+} and chlorobenzene was examined as a function of pH and over a range of equilibrium concentrations at constant pH. The dual sorptive properties of CDTEA-montmorillonite were compared with those of its nonfunctionalized analogue, decyltrimethylammonium (DTMA)-montmorillonite, and with Na-montmorillonite. The infrared spectra showed bands corresponding to the carboxylic acid group and alkyl chain of CDTEA in CDTEA-montmorillonite. Titration of CDTEA-montmorillonite with NaOH indicated the existence of two distinct types of acidity originating from the native acid groups of the clay and the carboxylic groups of CDTEA. Sorption of Pb{sup 2+} by CDTEA-montmorillonite was much higher than that by Na-montmorillonite. Complete removal of 0.00724 cmol L{sup {minus}1} (15 mg L{sup {minus}1}) of Pb{sup 2+} by CDTEA-montmorillonite occurred at pH 5 and above, but this was not achieved by Na-montmorillonite, regardless of pH. Pb{sup 2+} sorption by DTMA-montmorillonite was lower than that by Na-montmorillonite. These results indicate that Pb{sup 2+} is effectively bound to carboxylic groups of CDTEA. Sorption of chlorobenzene by CDTEA-montmorillonite was comparable to that bymore » DTMA-montmorillonite. These results indicate that CDTEA-montmorillonite possesses dual sorptive properties for both heavy metals and organic contaminants. Neither Na- nor DTMA-montmorillonite were effective sorbents for both types of contaminants. The simultaneous removal of Pb{sup 2+} and chlorobenzene by CDTEA-montmorillonite and the non-competitive nature of the sorption processes each suggest that potential utility of such functionalized organoclays in the treatment of water contaminated by both heavy metals and organic chemicals. « less
Comparative study of clinical efficacy and safety of intrathecal isobaric ropivacaine 0.75% with fentanyl versus isobaric ropivacaine 0.75% alone for caesarean

<p><strong>Background: </strong>Compare the clinical efficacy and safety of intrathecal isobaric ropivacaine 0.75% with fentanyl, 10 mcg vs isobaric ropivacaine 0.75% alone for caesarean section. </p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Two hundred patients were considered eligible for the study of which one hundred and sixty-eight patients undergoing caesarean section under spinal anesthesia and were included in the study. Parturient to ASA physical status I-II scheduled for caesarean section were randomly selected for the study and are divided into group of 84 each. <strong></strong></p><p><strong>Results: </strong>There was significant difference in sensory block duration at T<sub>10</sub> (min) and total duration of analgesia (min) in both groups. This difference between two group’s was not significant. Adverse Effects in group RF 5 (5.9%) patients had hypotension and 2 (2.3%) bradycardias in group R 3 (3.5%) patient had hypotension. <strong></strong></p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Hemodynamic parameters were comparable in both the groups. Total duration of analgesia and sensory block duration at T<sub>10</sub> was significantly shorter with ropivacaine (with saline) compared to ropivacaine with fentanyl. </p>
Bio-ethanol Production from Thermally Pre-treated Corn Chaff and Cassava Waste Water

The production of bio-ethanol from corn chaff and cassava waste water was carried out after pretreatment with liquid hot water. Proximate analysis was carried out on the wastes using standard methods and the results obtained for corn chaff were carbohydrate (1.64%), fibre (22%), moisture (60.31%), ash (6.40%), fat (1.56%) and protein (9.09%) while the cassava waste water had carbohydrate (0.78%), fibre (21%), moisture (63.31%), ash (12.32%), fat (0.35%) and protein (2.24%). They were separately pretreated with liquid hot water, hydrolysed enzymatically, fermented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae and distilled to produce bio-ethanol. The specific gravity and refractive index were monitored during fermentation, both decreasing as fermentation progressed. The yield of bio-ethanol was 5% (v/v) for corn chaff and 4.2% (v/v) for cassava waste water which is low for sustainable ethanol production. Analysis of the fermentation broth and bio-ethanol produced were carried out using standard methods. Density (0.9218g/cm), refractive index (1.3521), viscosity (0.014 Pas) and boiling point (79.5C) were obtained for bio-ethanol from corn chaff while density (0.9622g/cm), refractive index (1.3501), viscosity (0.013 Pas) and boiling point (80.2C) were obtained for the bio-ethanol from cassava waste water. These were not close to the values expected for pure ethanol. The bio-ethanol produced from these two feedstocks were not of satisfactory quality even after the liquid hot water pretreatment, although that of the Original Research Article International Research Journal of Pure & Applied Chemistry, 4(2): 227-233, 2014 228 corn chaff was of better quality. Hence the need to exploit other optimization techniques for the production of bio-ethanol from corn chaff and cassava waste water.
Modeling and Simulation of Energy Harvesting Technologies in Low Power Nanogrids

This work presents an analysis on the integration of energy harvesting technologiesused for low power applications. The main goal e is to develop a simulation platform representing a nanogrid using the consolidated models of three of the most mature energy harvest sources: photovoltaic, thermoelectric and piezoelectric. The resulting model is used to evaluate the advantages of adding energy harvesters to a battery supplied applicaiton. It will be presented a short literature review, as well as a discussion about equivalent circuit models for each one of the sources used on the proposed 100 mW nanogrid. Aspects regarding modelling and simulation of the system on PSIM is presented and some case studies are performed to validate the proposed methodology.
Snapchat vs. Instagram: Social Network Sites and Self-Disclosure Differences Before and After Use

Every year, the number of social media users grows and so too does the use of different platforms. Scholarship continues to examine the impacts these platforms have on users’ behaviors and thought processes. This study examined the impacts social media usage has on one’s self-disclosure behaviors after using different platforms. As much scholarship has focused on Facebook and Twitter, this study attempted to bridge the gap in knowledge by examining the impacts of Instagram versus Snapchat, two platforms with different types of networks. Utilizing an experiment, participants were asked to interact with their respective social media platforms. Results showed that when using a more closed-network like Snapchat, users became more intentional in their sharing behaviors, whereas when using an open-network like Instagram, users became less likely to disclose information. Implications for theory and society are discussed.
Multiple levels of crosstalk in hormone networks regulating plant defense

Summary Plant hormones are essential for regulating the interactions between plants and their complex biotic and abiotic environments. Each hormone initiates a specific molecular pathway and these different hormone pathways are integrated in a complex network of synergistic, antagonistic and additive interactions. This inter‐pathway communication is called hormone crosstalk. By influencing the immune network topology, hormone crosstalk is essential for tailoring plant responses to diverse microbes and insects in diverse environmental and internal contexts. Crosstalk provides robustness to the immune system but also drives specificity of induced defense responses against the plethora of biotic interactors. Recent advances in dry‐lab and wet‐lab techniques have greatly enhanced our understanding of the broad‐scale effects of hormone crosstalk on immune network functioning and have revealed underlying principles of crosstalk mechanisms. Molecular studies have demonstrated that hormone crosstalk is modulated at multiple levels of regulation, such as by affecting protein stability, gene transcription and hormone homeostasis. These new insights into hormone crosstalk regulation of plant defense are reviewed here, with a focus on crosstalk acting on the jasmonic acid pathway in Arabidopsis thaliana, highlighting the transcription factors MYC2 and ORA59 as major targets for modulation by other hormones.
Wheeled Robot Design with Brain Wave Headset Control System

The development of the world of robotics is inevitable with the rapid development of supporting science and technology. There are various types and classifications of robots, although the basic development is not much different. One type of robot that is in demand and the most widely developed is the wheeled robot. The robot component itself is generally divided into 3 parts, the first sensor, the second processor or component processor and actuator, in this study which behaves as an actuator is a wheel, while that behaves as a sensor, researchers utilize brainwave reader headsets from neurosky, and those that served as a processor component or processor using Arduino Uno R3. The neurosky headset works wirelessly using a Bluetooth connection, and the data sent is in the form of a brain wave power level (blink streght level). Before it can be translated into a telepathic brain command, this signal is first captured and processed using an android handset using an application that is built based on blynk IoT, then after that the command is sent to Arduino as a robot processing component that has previously been fitted with HC-06 bluetooth module hardware. to capture wireless broadcasts from an android device, only after that the signal is processed by Arduino becomes a command to move forward, backward, left, right wheeled robot by the L298N motor driver. The test results in an ideal environment showed an average system success of 85%, while testing in a non-ideal environment (with obstacles of space and distance) showed an average system success of 40% with each test carried out 10 times.
Development and in vitro appraisal of Soluplus® and/or Carbopol® 971 buccoadhesive patches releasing atorvastatin

ABSTRACT Atorvastatin (ATR) is frequently prescribed to lower plasma cholesterol levels. However, features such as marginal aqueous solubility, high protein binding (>95%), and low bioavailability (12–14%) have opposed its oral use. Therefore, unidirectional controlled-release mucoadhesive patches of ATR, using Carbopol® (CP) as a mucoadhesive polymer, Soluplus® (SL) as a novel water-solubilizer carrier, and ethylene/vinyl acetate as a backing layer, were proposed as a potential strategy for buccal delivery. Various ratios of CP to SL were employed to prepare eight patches. Physicochemical properties, viscosity, mucoadhesion, and drug permeation were investigated. Patch A1 (3:1, CP:SL) emerged as the most promising system, with appropriate ﬂexibility and uniform thickness, weight, and drug content. Additionally, the appropriate surface pH, positive mucoadhesion properties, and swelling level were observed. Flow curves of the polymer mixtures were fitted perfectly to the Carreau-Yasuda and Casson models. The amount of drug diffused, and flux were 51.57% and 0.82 mg/cm2/h, respectively, with a four-fold increase in permeability across the cellulose membrane (P = 1.80 cm/h) when compared with the reference patch composed of 0% SL. It can be postulated that micellar structures of SL were able to solubilize the poorly soluble ATR and control its release across the uncoiled buccoadhesive CP network.
Habilidades emprendedoras: importancia, evolución y sub temas emergentes. Una revisión de literatura

Entrepreneurship has been in recent years a pillar for the world economy and in this understanding the present this article provides a conceptual basis that addresses the topic of skills and entrepreneurship. This study mainly analyses the concept of entrepreneurship and identifies some skills that are necessary for entrepreneurs who aim to achieve goals that are set from an early stage. The focus of this research in to conduct a literature review on the importance of the phenomenon of entrepreneurship, which is the central purpose of the article; in the same way emphasize about skills, since they become a relevant pillar within this context because they are a basis for addressing potential permanent problems and different magnitudes that arise through revolution processes. To comply with this structure, a consultation was made in Web of Science and subsequently a selection of the most important documents was made through the Tree of Science platform and, in the end, an analysis of perspectives or subtopics was carried out specifying entrepreneurial skills. Among the findings, it is found that the concept of entrepreneurs clarifies that the social skills of entrepreneurs are specific competencies that help the interaction and generation of personal contacts in a socio-productive way with other individuals. It is concluded that entrepreneurship or entrepreneurship are a method of human action.
Near-Field Plasmonics of an Individual Dielectric Nanoparticle above a Metallic Substrate

We simulate and discuss the local electric-field enhancement in a system of a dielectric nanoparticle placed very near to a metallic substrate. We use finite-element numerical simulations in order to understand the field-enhancement mechanism in this dielectric NP-on-mirror system. Under appropriate excitation conditions, the gap between the particle and the substrate becomes a “hot spot”, i.e., a region of intense electromagnetic field. We also show how the optical properties of the dielectric NP placed on a metallic substrate affect the plasmonic field enhancement in the nanogap and characterize the confinement in the gap. Our study helps to understand and design systems with dielectric NPs on metallic substrates which can be equally as effective for SERS, fluorescence, and nonlinear phenomena as conventional all-metal plasmonic structures.
NUCLEATION OF LENNARD-JONES FLUIDS : A DENSITY FUNCTIONAL APPROACH

We have examined the critical nucleus through density functional calculations of crystalline fluctuations in a Lennard‐Jones fluid. The free energy functional we employ has a square‐gradient form, with the parameters for a Lennard‐Jones interaction potential determined by a modified weighted density approximation applied locally through the liquid–solid interface. We have found that the interface and the center of the critical nucleus behave differently at large undercoolings and at large superheatings. At large undercoolings, the interface of the critical nucleus sharpens, in contrast to the critical nucleus near the spinodal (at large superheatings) that is wide in extent and small in amplitude. We compare the radius and work of formation from classical nucleation theory to that from density functional calculations.
Influence of Woody Breast Myopathy on Sarcomere Length and Tensile Strength in Commercial Broiler Pectoralis major Muscle

Woody breast syndrome is characterized by degenerative changes at the muscle fiber level and accumulation of connective tissue between the fibers. This study explored effects of the syndrome on muscle properties by focusing on a comparison of the sarcomere lengths between normal and woody breast muscles, including cranial and middle parts, surface and deeper layers, electrically stimulated and nonstimulated muscles, and their combinations. Tensile strengths longitudinally and transversally to the muscle fiber direction in the cranial and middle parts of the muscles were determined. The overall sarcomere lengths of woody breasts were longer than normal muscles (1.93 μ m vs. 1.88 μm; P < 0.05). The surface layer had overall longer sarcomere lengths than the deeper layer (cranial surface vs. cranial deeper layer: 1.97 vs. 1.89 μ m; middle surface vs. middle deeper layer: 1.93 vs.1.84 μ m; P < 0.05). Compared with normal breast muscles, woody breast muscles had longer sarcomeres in the surface layer; however, sarcomere length did not differ in the deeper layer. Electrically stimulated chicken breasts generally had longer sarcomere lengths (2.00 vs. 1.82 μm; P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in tensile strength between normal and focal woody breast (mild local lesion, usually in the cranial end) samples when fiber direction or sample location was studied (P > 0.05), but there was a clear difference between normal and focal versus diffuse (severe woody breast lesion throughout the muscle) samples (P < 0.001). Tensile strength was much greater in diffuse woody breast muscles when extended longitudinally or transversely to the fiber direction. In conclusion, although this study did not show sarcomere lengths in living muscle, it suggests an imbalance in sarcomere lengths in different parts of the breast muscle, which may induce a reduction in the functionality and strength of the muscle.
Determination of the optimal concentration of Minitube Equex paste for boar semen cryopreservation based on sperm motility characteristics

Equex paste is a non-permeating cryoprotective agent (CPA) that improved post-thaw survival of spermatozoa during boar semen cryopreservation. However, Equex paste produced by Nova Chemical Sales Inc. (MA, USA) is not currently available. The aim of the present study was to determine the optimal concentration of Minitube Equex paste (Minitube, Tiefenbach, Germany) for boar semen cryopreservation in comparison with Nova Equex STM paste (control). Fifteen ejaculates from 12 mature boars were collected by the glove-hand method. Each ejaculate was aliquoted and cryopreserved in base freezing extender III as Tris-citrate egg yolk (TEY) extender plus 9.0% glycerol classified into four groups. Group I was the control and included only 1.5% Nova Equex STM paste. Groups II, III and IV were the experiment groups, and contained different concentrations of Minitube Equex paste (Group II: 1.5%; Group III: 1.7%; and Group IV: 1.9%) added to the freezing extender III. After freezing and thawing, sperm motility characteristics were evaluated by Sperm Class Analyzer® incubated at 37 °C for 0 (10 min), 1 and 2 h post-thawing. In Group IV after thawing at 0 h, rapid velocity and the velocity curved line were significantly higher than in Groups II and III (P < 0.05) but did not differ from Group I. Moreover, after thawing at 1 h, LIN (linearity) in Group IV was higher than in Group II (P < 0.05), but did not differ from the other groups. In conclusion, the most suitable concentration of Minitube Equex paste in the current protocol was 1.9% supplemented with 9.0% glycerol in TEY-based freezing extender III, based on the conformity between data from manual guides and the observed sperm motility characteristics results.
Emerging Pacific Quasi‐Decadal Oscillation Over the Past 70 Years

Quasi‐decadal variation in various Pacific regions has been recognized for decades but its spatial‐temporal characteristics and generation mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here we show that the sea surface temperature (SST) in the equatorial central Pacific (ECP) exhibits a prominent 11‐year periodicity since 1951 but not before. An episodic‐like quasi‐decadal warm event is initiated in a northeast‐southwest tilted belt from the United States' west coast to the ECP. The initial development involves positive feedback between atmospheric heating‐induced Rossby waves and underlying SST in the tropical North Pacific. The amplification of ECP warming is primarily due to equatorward heat advection and deepening thermocline, while the zonal advective feedback mainly controls its decay. The quasi‐decadal oscillation (QDO) tends to follow the 11‐years solar cycle with a 1‐to‐2‐year phase delay, meanwhile, it possibly links to the nonlinear behavior of ENSO. The cause of intensification of the QDO over the past 70 years, however, remains elusive.