Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cross-linkable Polymer Matrix for Enhanced Thermal Stability of Succinonitrile-based Polymer Electrolyte in Lithium Rechargeable Batteries

A polymer electrolyte was prepared by using polyvinylidenefluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene (PVdF-HFP) or poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (PEGDMA) as polymer matrices, succinonitrile as an additive, and lithium perchlorate as a lithium salt. Compared to the polymer electrolyte employing PVdF-HFP, the PEGDMA-based polymer electrolyte exhibits substantially superior thermal stability when exposed to high temperatures. Nonetheless, the ionic conductivity of the PEGDMA-based polymer electrolyte was preserved in a wide temperature range between and .
Excellent optoelectrical properties of graphene oxide thin films deposited on a flexible substrate by Langmuir–Blodgett assembly

Transparent conductive films (TCFs) composed of ultra-large graphene oxide (GO) sheets are produced on a flexible poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) substrate using the Langmuir–Blodgett (L–B) assembly. The GO films are reduced using hydriodic (HI) acid followed by chemical doping treatments. The TCFs deliver excellent optoelectrical properties with a remarkable sheet resistance 1100 Ω sq−1 at a transmittance of 91%, which is considered among the best. The plasma-treated PET substrate plays an important role in determining the chemistry and surface morphology of GO films: a combination of strong covalent bonds and π–π interactions between the GO and PET is revealed. The L–B assembly technique is suitable for the fabrication of flexible TCFs of optoelectronic devices on a large scale.
Deep defect states in hydrogenated amorphous silicon studied by a constant photocurrent method

Experimental studies by means of a constant photocurrent method (CPM) have been carried out on the deep defect states in undoped hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a‐Si:H). Assuming Gaussian energy distributions, two types of defect states (ST1 and ST2) have been found from careful analysis of CPM spectra; one of these states (ST1) is a neutral Si dangling‐bond (Si D0) state, and the other (ST2) is a negatively charged dangling‐bond‐like defect state located in the lower gap. ST2 lies deeper in energy by 0.1 eV, and has a narrower full width at half‐maximum (FWHM) when compared with ST1. Possible candidates for ST2 have been discussed by referring to the previous models of defects in a‐Si:H. The FWHM of ST1 (the Si D0 state) does not always depend on the overall structural disorder estimated from Raman spectra. The energy position of the Si D0 state measured from the valence‐band edge is almost independent of the optical band gap. Long exposure to light increases the density of ST1 (the Si D0 state) and decr.
Capillary condensation of periodic phases in self-assembling systems

Self-assembling systems confined in slit-like pores of a width L are studied. We focus on phase transitions between uniform and ordered periodic phases. As shown by previous experimental and theoretical studies, the periodic phases respond elastically to the applied stress when the size λ of the unit cell is much larger than the size of molecules. For such phases a simple modification of the Kelvin equation for the phase coexistence in a slit is derived. The shift of the phase transition in confinement is given by two terms. The first term is the standard Kelvin equation, and the second one depends on the elastic modulus of the periodic phase. The modified Kelvin equation (MKE) is verified by explicit calculations in a lattice model for oil–water–surfactant mixtures. We show that the two terms can be comparable even for L∼10λ. While for L>5λ the MKE is obeyed very well in our model, for narrow slits we find significant deviations between actual transitions and the MKE, associated with an inelastic behavior of the periodic phase for L<5λ. We also show that in self-assembling systems a phase which in bulk is not stable for any thermodynamical state (except for a line of muliphase points) can become stable in a slit with particular external surfaces.
Novel polymer electrolytes prepared by copolymerization of ionic liquid monomers

Ionic liquid monomer couples were prepared by the neutralization of 1-vinylimidazole with vinylsulfonic acid or 3-sulfopropyl acrylate. These ionic liquid monomer couples were viscous liquid at room temperature and showed low glass transition temperature (Tg) at −83 °C and −73 °C, respectively. These monomer couples were copolymerized to prepare ion conductive polymer matrix. Thus prepared ionic liquid copolymers had no carrier ions, and they showed very low ionic conductivity of below 10−9 S cm−1. Equimolar amount of lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) to imidazolium salt unit was then added to generate carrier ions in the ionic liquid copolymers. Poly(vinylimidazolium-co-vinylsulfonate) containing equimolar LiTFSI showed the ionic conductivity of 4 × 10−8 S cm−1 at 30 °C. Advanced copolymer, poly(vinylimidazolium-co-3-sulfopropyl acrylate) which has flexible spacer between the anionic charge and polymer main chain, showed the ionic conductivity of about 10−6 S cm−1 at 30 °C, which is 100 times higher than that of copolymer without spacer. Even an excess amount of LiTFSI was added, the ionic conductivity of the copolymer kept this conductivity. This tendency is completely different from the typical polyether systems. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phytoremediation of Soil Contaminated with Used Motor Oil: II. Greenhouse Studies

The decomposition of used motor oil in soil as influenced by plant treatment was monitored in a greenhouse study. Soil contaminated with used motor oil (1.5% w/w) was seeded with soybean (Glycine max)/green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris); sunflower (Helianthus annus)/Indian mustard (Brassica juncea); mixed grasses/maize (Zea mays); and mixed clover (red clover, Trifolium pratense/ladino clover, Trifolium repens) and incubated. Soxhlet-extractable oil and grease remaining in the soil was monitored after 100 and 150 days. After 150 days in the clover treatment, the added oil was no longer detected. A total of 67% of the oil was removed in sunflower/mustard, and with addition of NPK fertilizer, the oil was completely removed. The grass/maize treatment resulted in a 38% oil reduction, which increased to 67% with fertilizer application. The control treatment reduced oil in soil by 82% when fertilizer was added. At 150 days the sunflower/mustard and wheat/oats treatments produced the greatest biomass in the presence.
Intercalation of Water in a Layered Perovskite Compound, NaEuTiO4

Intercalation of water was observed in a layered perovskite compound, NaEuTiO4, leading to its hydrated derivatives. There are some metastable intermediates in the hydrated derivatives. The hydration process includes several steps that are topotactic. The crystal structure of the hydrated derivatives was identified by Rietveld analysis for the powder X-ray diffraction pattern. It is confirmed that the water molecules are inserted into the sodium layer of NaEuTiO4.
Study on Caenorhabditis Elegans as a Combined Model of Microdosimetry and Biology

Microdosimetry is a tool for the investigation of microscopic energy deposition of ionizing radiation. This work used Caenorhabditis elegans as a model to estimate the microdosimetric deposition level at the 60Co gamma radiation. Monte Carlo software PHITS was employed to establish irradiated nematodes model. The dose deposition of the entire body and gonad irradiated to 100 Gy was calculated. The injury levels of radiation were evaluated by the detection of biological indicators. The result of microdosimetric experiment suggested that the dose of whole body of nematodes was estimated to be 99.9 ± 57.8 Gy, ranging from 19.6 to 332.2 Gy. The dose of gonad was predicted to be 129.4 ± 558.8 Gy (9.5-6597 Gy). The result of biological experiment suggested that there were little changes in the length of nematodes after irradiation. However, times of head thrash per minute and the spawning yield in 3 consecutive days decreased 27.1% and 94.7%, respectively. Nematodes in the irradiated group displayed heterogeneity. Through contour analysis, trends of behavior kinematics and reproductive capacity of irradiated nematodes proved to be consistent with the dose distribution levels estimated by microdosimetric model. Finally, C. elegans presented a suitable combined model of microdosimetry and biology for studying radiation.
Drought-induced reduction in flower size and abundance correlates with reduced flower visits by bumble bees

Abstract Reduced water availability can cause physiological stress in plants that affects floral development leading to changes in floral morphology and traits that mediate interactions with pollinators. As pollinators can detect small changes in trait expressions, drought-induced changes in floral traits could affect pollinator visitations. However, the linkage between changes in floral traits and pollinator visitations under drought conditions is not well explored. We, therefore, tested whether drought-induced changes in floral morphology and abundance of flowers are linked to changes in pollinator visitations. We conducted flight cage experiments with a radio frequency identification system for automated visitation recordings with bumble bees (Bombus terrestris) and common charlock (Sinapis arvensis) as the model system. In total, we recorded interactions for 31 foraging bumble bees and 6569 flower visitations. We found that decreasing soil moisture content correlated with decreasing size of all measured morphological traits except stamen length and nectar tube width. The reductions in floral size, petal width and length, nectar tube depth and number of flowers resulted in decreasing visitation rates by bumble bees. These decreasing visitations under lower soil moisture availability might be explained by lower numbers of flowers and thus a reduced attractiveness and/or by increased difficulties experienced by bumble bees in handling smaller flowers. Whether these effects act additively or synergistically on pollinator behaviour and whether this leads to changes in pollen transfer and to different selectionp ressures require further investigation.
Toxic Environmental Factors and their Association with the Development of Dementia: a Mini Review on Heavy Metals and Ambient Particulate Matter

Introduction: More and more studies are trying to establish a connection between dementia and environmental pollution. Dementia, most commonly associated with Alzheimer’s disease, is a chronic, progressive, neurodegenerative disorder that is directly associated to aging. Although the etiology of the disease is not fully understood, it is recognized as a multifactorial one. Genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of various forms of dementia. Both predisposing genes and environmental pollution have been shown to affect brain function through a variety of mechanisms. Aim: The purpose of this bibliographic work is «ecological consciousness» of modern societies to be awaken, to identify the harmful environmental factors and to highlight their involvement in the causal pathogenesis of the most debated disease, dementia. Methods: Trying to achieve this aim, the available bibliography was reviewed and selected for further study. In particular, recent bibliographic data and scientific papers were selected, mainly from the last five years. The information was collected using the keywords “environmental pollution”, “ toxic agents” and “etiology of dementia”, with particular emphasis on “Alzheimer’s disease”. The data were selected mainly from medical research databases. In particular, they were selected by PubMed, BioMed Central and Science Direct. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, long-term exposure of individuals to pollutants may be associated with an increased risk of dementia. However, we must be cautious in our conclusions, as further reliable studies are needed to confirm the stated evidence. Among other things, health professionals are responsible for promoting health, preventing and encouraging lifestyle change, so that the progressively growing elderly population remains autonomous, healthy and active.
Perinatal Cultural Aspects of African Refugee Women Resettled in Greece: Providing Culturally-sensitive Midwifery Care

Introduction: African refugee women constitute a growing group of maternity service users in Greece. Being a refugee is considered a risk factor in itself for poorer maternal and neonatal health outcomes. These women additionally, are at high risk of perinatal complications, often due to misconceptions or absence of interpretation between providers and patients through different cultural concepts. Consequently, midwives may feel uncertainly experienced when provide perinatal care for a culturally diverse patient population. Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate perinatal cultural aspects and practices of African refugee pregnant women in Greece, in order to increase cultural awareness and improve midwifery care in a culturally-sensitive way. Methods: Forty-two (n=42) African pregnant women who lived in a “Reception and Identification Center” on a greek island named “Samos”, were included in the study. Women were selected by “simple random sampling” and asked to complete anonymously, with assistance of interpreters, a questionnaire that was devised by the authors with open-ended and closed-ended questions. Results: Women were aged between 19-38 years old. The 50% (n=21) of them were from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 28.6% (n=12) from Ghana and 21.4% (n=9) from Cameroon. Major themes emerging from the data analysis were: presence of antenatal care in African countries, potentiality of abortions, complications in previous pregnancy, supplement receipt in previous pregnancy after healthcarers’ consultation, decision of birth place, support of traditional birth attendants’ during pregnancy and birth, consumption of culturally acceptable food during pregnancy and birth, culturally accepted disposal of placenta, postpartum ceremonies for the baby and newborn’s navel care. Conclusion: Increased understanding of the pluralistic African perinatal cultural aspects is essential. Inclusion of cultural insight and/or family members in decision making and implementation of training programmes culturally-oriented for midwives, can fulfil women’s health, social needs and expectations.
Propagation of ac and dc arcs on ice surfaces

Using a high-speed camera, the fundamental behavior of arcs on ice surfaces, including propagation velocity and root radii were studied under both ac and dc voltages. It was found that the arc may propagate randomly inside or outside of the ice with a relatively low velocity before the critical length is reached, and then at a much higher velocity. Moreover, the relationship between the radius of the arc root and leakage current was determined. The results obtained allowed us to improve our previous model dealing with insulators. There is a good concordance between the critical flashover voltage of ice-covered insulators calculated from the model and laboratory results.
Disposable Immunosensor for Escherichia Coli O157:H7 Based on a Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube-Sodium Alginate Nanocomposite Film Modified Screen-Printed Carbon Electrode

A disposable immunosensor for the detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7 based on a multiwalled carbon nanotube–sodium alginate nanocomposite film was constructed. The nanocomposite was placed on a screen-printed carbon electrode, and horseradish peroxidase-labeled antibodies were immobilized to E. coli O157:H7 on the modified electrode to construct the immunosensor. The modification procedure was characterized by atomic force microscopy and cyclic voltammetry. Under optimal conditions, the proposed immunosensor exhibited good electrochemical sensitivity to E. coli O157:H7 in a concentration range of 103–1010 cfu/mL, with a relatively low detection limit of 2.94 × 102 cfu/mL (S/N = 3). This immunosensor exhibited satisfactory specificity, reproducibility, stability, and accuracy, making it a potential alternative tool for early assessment of E. coli O157:H7.
Comparison of real-time PCR and ELISA for the detection of crustacean shellfish allergens

ABSTRACT Food allergies are a significant public health concern, and crustacean shellfish represent one of the major FDA regulated food allergens. Allergic individuals must avoid foods containing crustaceans, and this necessitates highly sensitive and accurate detection methods. Two of the major methods used are protein-based ELISA and DNA-based real-time PCR. In order to properly compare these very different methodologies, we used identical split samples for a side-by-side comparison and analysed them using four different real-time PCR methods and two different commercial ELISA kits. Three real-time PCR assays targeting the mitochondrial 12S genes of shrimp, crab, and lobster were compared to a commercial ELISA assay for total crustacean protein. A fourth real-time PCR assay targeting the tropomyosin gene of shrimp was compared to an ELISA assay for shrimp tropomyosin. All comparisons were carried out in two different food matrices: Manhattan clam chowder and fish sauce. PCR assays had a more broad dynamic range (0.1–106 mg/kg) as compared to ELISA (200–4000 mg/kg) and did not show matrix interference like ELISA. In cases where the ELISA assays did not have matrix interference, there was good qualitative agreement between PCR and ELISA. Graphical Abstract
Fork‐shaped mandibular incisors as a novel phenotype of LRP5‐associated disorder

The LRP5 gene encodes a Wnt signaling receptor to which Wnt binds directly. In humans, pathogenic monoallelic variants in LRP5 have been associated with increased bone density and exudative vitreoretinopathy. In mice, LRP5 plays a role in tooth development, including periodontal tissue stability and cementum formation. Here, we report a 14‐year‐old patient with a de novo non‐synonymous variant, p.(Val1245Met), in LRP5 who exhibited mildly reduced bone density and mild exudative vitreoretinopathy together with a previously unreported phenotype consisting of dental abnormalities that included fork‐like small incisors with short roots and an anterior open bite, molars with a single root, and severe taurodontism. In that exudative vitreoretinopathy has been reported to be associated with heterozygous loss‐of‐function variants of LRP5 and that our patient reported here with the p.(Val1245Met) variant had mild exudative vitreoretinopathy, the variant can be considered as an incomplete loss‐of‐function variant. Alternatively, the p.(Val1245Met) variant can be considered as exerting a dominant‐negative effect, as no patients with truncating LRP5 variants and exudative vitreoretinopathy have been reported to exhibit dental anomalies. The documentation of dental anomalies in the presently reported patient strongly supports the notion that LRP5 plays a critical role in odontogenesis in humans, similar to its role in mice.
Effect of Chronic Kidney Disease on Olfactory Function: A Case–Control Study

Background: Olfactory function of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been found to be defective, and patients are often unaware of it. This predisposes them to malnutrition with consequence on health recovery and quality of life. Aim: To assess the olfactory function and determine the pattern of olfactory dysfunction in patients with CKD attending the University College Hospital, Ibadan. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective, hospital-based case–control study of adult patients with CKD. The control group were age- and sex-matched individuals without CKD. Olfactory threshold (OT), odor discrimination (OD), and odor identification (OI) tests were carried out in participants using the “Sniffin Sticks. ” Results: There were 100 patients with CKD and 100 healthy controls, age ranges between 19 to 86 years (mean ± SD = 46.3 ± 13.9 years) and 20 to 85 years (mean ± SD = 43.4 ± 14.9 years), respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between cases and control gender distribution (P = .57). The mean olfactory scores were significantly lower among the cases than control, OI 11.2 ± 2.3 and 13.1 ± 1.2 (P < .001), OD 8.5 ± 2.4 and 10.9 ± 1.5 (P < .001), OT 6.4 ± 2.5 and 9.6 ± 1.9 (P < .001), and threshold discrimination and identification 26.0 ± 5.7 and 33.6 ± 3.3 (P < .001), respectively. Prevalent olfactory dysfunction among patients with CKD was 77% (hyposmia 72%, anosmia 5%), and the control was 16% (all hyposmia; P < .001). Conclusion: There was high prevalence of olfactory dysfunction among patients with CKD, and the affectation is more at the central olfactory pathway.
Visual cognition associated with knee proprioception, time to stability, and sensory integration neural activity after ACL reconstruction

Visual cognitive ability has previously been associated with anterior cruciate ligament injury and injury risk biomechanics in healthy athletes. Neuroimaging reports have identified increased neural activity in regions corresponding to visual‐spatial processing, sensory integration, and visual cognition in individuals after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), indicating potential neural compensatory strategies for motor control. However, it remains unclear whether there is a relationship between visual cognition, neural activity, and metrics of neuromuscular ability after ACLR. The purpose of this study was to (1) evaluate the relationship between visual cognitive function and measurements of neuromuscular control (proprioception and time to stability [TTS]), isokinetic strength, and subjective function, and (2) examine the neural correlates of visual cognition between ACLR (n = 16; time since surgery 41.4 ± 33.0 months) and demographically similar controls (n = 15). Visual cognition was assessed by the ImPACT visual motor and visual memory subscales. Outcome variables of proprioception to target knee angle 20°, landing TTS, strength, and subjective function were compared between groups, and visual cognition was correlated within groups to determine the relationship between visual cognition and outcome variables controlled for time from surgery (ACLR group). The control group had better IKDC scores and strength. Visual memory and visual motor ability were negatively associated with proprioception error (r = −0.63) and TTS (r = −0.61), respectively, in the ACLR group but not controls. Visual cognition was associated with increased neural activity in the precuneus and posterior cingulate cortex in the ACLR group but not control participants. These data suggest the neural strategy in which ACLR participants maintain proprioception and stability varies, and may depend on visual cognition and sensory integration neural activity.