Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterisation and antifungal activity of silver nanoparticles biologically synthesised by Amaranthus retroflexus leaf extract

ABSTRACT Following the emergence of resistant fungal pathogens, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) biosynthesized by plants have been recognized as promising tools to combat parasitic fungi. This study evaluated the potency of Amaranthus retroflexus in producing AgNPs, followed by testing their antifungal effects. The AgNPs exhibited a maximum absorption at 430 nm through ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, while the X-ray diffraction indicated that they were crystal in nature. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the conversion of Ag+ ions to AgNPs due to the reduction by capping material of plant extract. The transmission electron microscope analysis further revealed that the AgNPs were spherical ranging from 10 nm to 32 nm in size. The AgNPs at the concentrations of 50, 100, 200, and 400 μg/mL were applied to the growth of plant, mushroom, and human pathogenic fungi. The 50% minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC50) against Macrophomina phaseolina, Alternaria alternata and Fusarium oxysporum were observed to be 159.80 ± 14.49, 337.09 ± 19.72, and 328.05 ± 13.29 μg/mL, respectively. However, no considerable inhibition was observed regarding Trichoderma harzianum or Geotrichum candidum. These findings may suggest A. retroflexus as a green solution for biosynthesizing AgNPs with potent antifungal activities against plant pathogenic fungi.
Smart lighting systems: state-of-the-art and potential applications in warehouse order picking

Artificial lighting is a constant companion in everyday private and working life, influencing visibility in interior spaces as well as outdoors. In recent years, new technical solutions have extended traditional lighting systems to become ‘smart’. Different types of smart lighting systems are available on the market today, and researchers have concentrated on analysing their usability and efficiency, especially for private households, office buildings and public streets. This paper presents a systematic literature review to analyse the state-of-knowledge of technologies and applications for smart lighting systems. The results of the review show that smart lighting systems have been frequently discussed in the literature, but that their potentials in industrial environments, such as production and logistics, has rarely been addressed in the literature so far. Lighting systems for industrial environments often have very different requirements depending on the working environment and operating conditions. Based on the results of the literature review, this paper contributes to closing this research gap by discussing the usage potential of smart lighting systems to improve the efficiency of warehouse order picking, which is an application that may benefit from various functions smart lighting systems provide. Several propositions are developed that emphasise research opportunities and managerial implications in this context.
Quantum Mechanical Study, Spectroscopic (FT-IR, FT-Raman and UV-Vis) Study, NBO, NLO Analysis and Molecular Docking Studies of 2-Ethoxy-4-(Pyridine-2yliminomethyl)-Phenol

Abstract Experimental and theoretical investigations on the molecular structure, electronic and vibrational characteristics of 2-ethoxy-4-(pyridine-2yliminomethyl)-phenol (2E4P2P) were presented. The vibrational frequencies were calculated by structure optimization based on DFT/B3LYP with 6-311++G(d,p) basis set. The simulated vibrational spectra of the molecule had shown good agreement with the observed spectra. The stability and charge delocalization of the title molecule were studied by natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis. The energy gap of the molecule was calculated with highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO). The electronic transition was studied by UV-Vis analysis of the title molecule with same level of basis set. The non-linear optical (NLO) behavior, in terms of dipole moment, polarizability and first order hyperpolarizability, molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) and thermodynamic properties of the title compound were also calculated. Gauge independent atomic orbital (GIAO) method was used to calculate the 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) chemical shift values of 2E4P2P. Molecular docking studies were performed by Schrodinger software to establish the information about the interactions between the topoisomerase DNA gyrase enzymes and the novel compound.
Understanding the secondary supply of alcohol as a wicked policy problem: The unique case of the Banned Drinker Register in the Northern Territory

In an effort to tackle the exceptionally high level of alcohol consumption in the Northern Territory (NT) of Australia, there are a suite of alcohol policies and new legislation that have been introduced. These include restricted purchasing and consumption for certain individuals. In 2017, the Banned Drinker Register (BDR) was (re)introduced – a policy that involves placing persons who consume alcohol at harmful levels to themselves or others onto a register which prohibits the purchase of alcohol from take-away liquor outlets. As a result, there is an incentive for banned drinkers to obtain alcohol through friends, family, and through the black market – referred to as secondary supply. Though the phenomenon of secondary supply is not new, the recent evaluation of the BDR highlighted a number of challenges of tackling the secondary supply of alcohol. Informed by Head’s framework for assessing ‘wicked’ policy problems, this policy analysis uses data from interviews with stakeholders undertaken as part of two studies on alcohol policy and services. The findings present the limitations of the policy design and implementation context in preventing secondary supply of alcohol to banned drinkers. The paper concludes with implications for policy and research that better recognise the implementation context.
Long-Term Monitoring Reveals Differential Responses of Mussel and Host Fish Communities in a Biodiversity Hotspot

Biodiversity hotspots can serve as protected areas that aid in species conservation. Long-term monitoring of multiple taxonomic groups within biodiversity hotspots can offer insight into factors influencing their dynamics. Mussels (Bivalvia: Unionidae) and fish are highly diverse and imperiled groups of organisms with contrasting life histories that should influence their response to ecological factors associated with local and global change. Here we use historical and contemporary fish and mussel survey data to assess fish and mussel community changes over a 33 year period (1986–2019) and relationships between mussel abundance and their host fish abundance in Bogue Chitto Creek, a tributary of the Alabama River and a biodiversity hotspot. Mussel abundance declined by ~80% and community composition shifted, with eight species previously recorded not found in 2019, and a single individual of the endangered Pleurobema decisum. Fish abundances increased and life history strategies in the community appeared stable and there was no apparent relationship between mussel declines and abundance of host fish. Temporal variation in the proportion of life history traits composing mussel assemblages was also indicative of the disturbances specifically affecting the mussel community. However, changes and declines in mussel assemblages in Bogue Chitto Creek cannot be firmly attributed to any specific factor or events because of gaps in historical environmental and biological data. We believe that mobility differences contributed to differential responses of fish and mussel communities to stressors including habitat degradation, recent droughts and invasive species. Overall, our work indicates that monitoring biodiversity hotspots using hydrological measurements, standardized survey methods and monitoring invasive species abundance would better identify the effects of multiple and interactive stressors that impact disparate taxonomic groups in freshwater ecosystems.
A gang of ironworkers with the scent of blood: A participation observation of male dominance and its historical trajectories at Swedish semi-professional ice hockey events

Ice hockey has traditionally been a male-dominated culture that has both promoted and legitimised masculine dominance and gender inequality. The question is, how might ice hockey games, or other male-dominated sports, be organised differently and thus become more gender equal? Our ambition in this article is to initiate a discussion about how the construction of gender in ice hockey events operationalises or opposes the dominance of men and the marginalisation of women. The specific purpose is to identify techniques that configure men/masculinities as dominant in the ice hockey culture. Taking critical studies of men and masculinities as the point of departure, with a specific focus on the situational aspects of gender construction, this case study makes use of participatory observations of eight qualification games in Swedish semi-professional ice hockey. Our results show that men and certain types of masculinity dominate in the events framing the game and how this links the ice hockey players and the club with the local body-worker culture and its industrial, economic and historical context. Identification with these men is ideally created amongst male spectators, given that children and women do not have the same obvious place in the event’s narrative. Some clubs seek to include women and children in their matches, which affects both the atmosphere and the situation. By focusing on the events’ introductions and general narratives, and how they make use of a (masculine) version of the place’s past in the present, we discuss how the ice hockey culture contributes to the current hegemony of men and masculinities.
‘We belong to something beautiful’: Julie Vu’s and Madeline Stuart’s use of minority identity as a popular feminist self-branding strategy on Instagram

ABSTRACT This article analyses the use of minority identity as a popular feminist self-branding strategy on Instagram. Zooming in on the internet celebrities, Julie Vu, a Canadian transgender model, beauty queen and makeup artist, and Madeline Stuart, an Australian photo/runway model with Down syndrome, we explore the ways in which they both engage in building and strengthening their self-branding practices by actively drawing on their own self-representational identity work as minorities. We situate Vu and Stuart within a framework of contemporary branding culture and popular feminism, and map their journeys as users of different social media platforms, as well as their locations within online celebrity categories, leading to an analysis of their current engagements with Instagram as their main self-branding platform. The article argues that minority identity, as it is expressed in the cases of Vu and Stuart, has become a significant, if not essential, element in the broader landscape of self-branding practices and strategies on social media.
Volatility forecasting for the shipping market indexes: an AR-SVR-GARCH approach

ABSTRACT The shipping index has the characteristics of violent fluctuation, so its volatility is difficult to predict. To better predict the volatility of the shipping market, this paper proposes an AR-SVR-GARCH model, which combines traditional time series analysis and modern machine learning methods. This model overcomes linear limitations of traditional methods. Meanwhile, this paper proposes 1another AR-SVR-GJR model which can explain the leverage effect. Empirical results show that the two models proposed in this paper have good volatility prediction ability in the dry bulk shipping market, the crude oil shipping market and the shipping stock market. This indicates that the proposed models have portability among different shipping markets. In addition, the AR-SVR-GARCH model and the AR-SVR-GJR model have stable volatility prediction performance in shipping markets during the financial crisis and in the recent time.
Radionuclide Sorption to Rocks and Minerals: Effects of pH and Inorganic Anions. Part 2. Sorption and Speciation of Selenium

Sorption of "Se to rocks (metamorphosed chert and shale, and granodiorite) and minerals (hematite, magnetite and calcite) was investigated in 0.001 N, O.Ol N and 0.1 N solutions of Na2S04, NaCl, NajCOj and NaHCO,. The effect of pH and co-existing anions on the Sorption of this radionucHde is discussed in terms of surface complex formation. Variation in the speciation of '^Se during the Sorption experiment was examined. A low pH Solution produced a protonated surface on the sorbent which attracted the selenium anions. Of the co-existing anions ( S O r , Cl", C O r and HCOj) which compete with selenium anions for Sorption sites, SO4" was the most effective competitor. Oxidation of radioactive Se (first added as selenite) to selenate was promoted in the presence of sorbents. There was a positive correlation between the ratio of selenate in Solution and the ratio of Se sorbed. One explanation for this correlation is that the oxidation reaction of selenite to selenate is caused in part by electron transfer in the surface complex formed between the sorbent and selenite, resulting in the release of selenate into Solution. Greater selenite sorption therefore leads to a larger amount of selenate in the Solution. Because Se is one of the most mobile radionuclides contained in the final form of radioactive wastes, we compared its affinity for geological materials with other nuclides. Nuclide affinity for the solid phase, with the exception of calcite, was in the Order Co Cs Mn > Sr > Se in slightly acidic to basic solutions (pH 5.5 to 10.1) and Cs > Se > Co > Mn = Sr in acidic solutions (pH 4.5 to 4.8). Radionuclide sorption to calcite differed from that to other geological samples, the affinity for which decreased in the order Mn > Co > Sr > Se > Cs (pH 6.5 to 10.2).
Energy Harvesting Strategies for Wireless Sensor Networks and Mobile Devices: A Review

Wireless sensor network nodes and mobile devices are normally powered by batteries that, when depleted, must be recharged or replaced. This poses important problems, in particular for sensor nodes that are placed in inaccessible areas or biomedical sensors implanted in the human body where the battery replacement is very impractical. Moreover, the depleted battery must be properly disposed of in accordance with national and international regulations to prevent environmental pollution. A very interesting alternative to power mobile devices is energy harvesting where energy sources naturally present in the environment (such as sunlight, thermal gradients and vibrations) are scavenged to provide the power supply for sensor nodes and mobile systems. Since the presence of these energy sources is discontinuous in nature, electronic systems powered by energy harvesting must include a power management system and a storage device to store the scavenged energy. In this paper, the main strategies to design a wireless mobile sensor system powered by energy harvesting are reviewed and different sensor systems powered by such energy sources are presented.
Levels of Firmicutes, Actinobacteria Phyla and Lactobacillaceae Family on the Skin Surface of Broiler Chickens (Ross 308) Depending on the Nutritional Supplement and the Housing Conditions

The microbiome of animals, both in the digestive tract and in the skin, plays an important role in protecting the host. The skin is one of the largest surface organs for animals; therefore, the destabilization of the microbiota on its surface can increase the risk of diseases that may adversely affect animals’ health and production rates, including poultry. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of nutritional supplementation in the form of fermented rapeseed meal and housing conditions on the level of selected bacteria phyla (Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and family Lactobacillaceae). The study was performed on 30 specimens of broiler chickens (Ross 308), individually kept in metabolic cages for 36 days. They were divided into 5 groups depending on the feed received. On day 36, skin swabs were individually collected. Temperature and humidity were measured in the room. The temperature was measured every 2 days (18 measurements × 6 points). The results of Real-Time PCR analysis have shown a significant effect of the feed additive on the level of Firmicutes phylum on the skin. On the other hand, a variable level of the tested bacteria was shown depending on the location of the cages. The Firmicutes phylum and Lactobacillaceae family achieved the highest level in the top-window zone. However, in the case of the Actinobacteria phylum, the highest level was found at the top-door and middle-door zones. The obtained results suggest that the conditions in which animals live may affect the microbiota of their skin.
Efficacy of honey dressing versus hydrogel dressing for wound healing

Background: The field of plastic surgery involves wounds, such as acute and chronic or non-healing wounds. The mortality and morbidity inflicted by wounds may be substantial. To enhance wound healing and decrease morbidity and mortality, wound dressing selection is critical. Hydrogel dressing is a modern dressing that is versatile for various clinical situations. Nevertheless, a hydrogel may be expensive and not always readily available. Since the Egyptian period, honey has been used as a dressing, which was suggested to have an antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effect. Aim: To compare hydrogel and honey as dressing for all types of wounds in terms of wound healing time and slough production. Method: We conducted literature searching in multiple online databases using the keywords “wound”, “honey” or “honey dressing”, “hydrogel” or “hydrogel dressing”, “healing time”, and “slough” or “necrotic tissue”. Key terms were combined using Boolean operators and also searched using Medical Subheading (MeSH terms). Literature searches were conducted in the following databases; ProQuest, MEDLINE, Ebsco, EMBASE, Cochrane, Scopus, and Science Direct for randomized-controlled trial studies. Results: Literature searching yielded two randomized-controlled trials. Critical appraisal revealed that both studies were deemed valid. Honey dressing were similar to hydrogel dressing in terms of healing time 30.3 ± 6.7 (7-58) days vs. 33.2 ± 5.4 (14-61) days; 16.08 (12.3-19.9) days vs 17.12 (11.7-22.5) days; 17.13 (13.1-21.1) days vs 16.53 (12.3-20.8) days, respectively. However, Honey group has a slightly higher risk of slough production with an absolute risk increase of 4% for the non-HIV group and 3% for the combined group (HIV and non-HIV). Conclusion: The efficacy of honey as a wound dressing is equivalent to hydrogel for treating wounds in terms of wound healing duration. Nevertheless, the risk of slough production is slightly higher in the honey group.
Composition, antioxidant activities and hepatoprotective effects of the water extract of Ziziphus jujuba cv. Jinsixiaozao

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the composition, antioxidant activities, and hepatoprotective effects of water extracts of Ziziphus jujuba cv. Jinsixiaozao. In the water extract, the contents of total phenolics, total flavonoids and polysaccharides were 1.43 mg of gallic acid equivalent (GAE) per g of dry plant, 0.17 mg of rutin equivalent (RE) per g of dry plant, and 3.80 mg per g of dry plant, respectively. The main components of the phenolic acids were protocatechuic acid, catechol, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, vanilla acid and p-coumaric acid (17.02, 5.87, 7.46, 2.95, 1.06 μg per g of dry plant, respectively). The results show that the water extract of jujube (WEJ) had a significant antioxidant effect which was evaluated by DPPH, ABTS, ORAC and FRAP assays. In addition, they dramatically (p < 0.01) decreased the liver index, the activities of serum hepatic AST, ALT and LDH, levels of total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) which were induced by alcohol. The administration of mice with the WEJ significantly (p < 0.01) reduced MDA and enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes SOD and GSH-PX compared to the model group. WEJ pre-intake decreased subsequent alcohol-induced IL-6 and TNF-α; and reduced the nuclear factor kappa (NF-κB p65) and total nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activities in the liver (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the pathological analyses of liver proved the preventive and therapeutic effects of the WEJ in mice. Therefore, the water extract of jujube with antioxidant activities could be used to prevent and treat liver damage and inflammation induced by alcohol.
Relation of substance use to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder among undergraduate students: a cross-sectional survey

Background: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity. Previous studies had reported a significantly higher lifetime risk for psychoactive substance use disorders in the ADHD adults than the non-ADHD adults. The current study aimed to examine the correlation between ADHD symptoms and substance use among engineering college students. Methodology: This cross-sectional survey included a sample of undergraduate engineering students (N=711). The college students were screened using the Alcohol, Smoking and substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) version 3.0. The ADHD symptoms such as inattention and hyperactivity were assessed by the Adult ADHD self-report scale, Symptom Checklist (ASRS-v1.1) and impulsivity by the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11). Results: The symptoms of ADHD were found to be higher in students with substance use. The pattern of substance use in the study sample: tobacco (12.8%), alcohol (19.3%), marijuana (3.1%), sedatives (2.0%), cocaine (1.3%), opioid (0.7%), amphetamine (0.6%), inhalant (0.6%) and hallucinogens (0.4%). Conclusion: With the bidirectional data on ADHD and substance use disorder (SUD), the present study shows a significant relationship between the symptoms of ADHD and substance use in students.
Chemical Fractionation and Risk Assessment of Some Heavy Metals in Soils, Assiut Governorate, Egypt

Toxic elements behavior in Egyptian soil need more studies for the enhancement of soil quality and human health protection. The current study focuses on the mobility assessment of chemical species of As, Pb, Cr, Ni, Cu and Co in soils due to anthropogenic emission using sequential extraction (SE) and risk assessment code (RAC). Generally, the studied soils are alkaline calcareous loam soil. It has a low organic matter (OM) that ranges from 1 to 3.8% and is enriched with As, Pb, Cr, Ni, Cu and Co, which preferentially accumulate in soil clay and silt fraction. SE revealed that the non-residual (bioaccessible) fraction contains about (70.7%) As, (65.2%) Co, (58.8%) Cr, (28.4%) Cu, (6.8%) Ni and (64.5%) Pb, indicates the risk of pollution with As, Co, Cr, and Pb. RAC values indicated a high risk of soil pollution with As, medium risk of Co and Pb, low risk of Cu and Ni, and no risk of Cr. The results pointed out the geogenic source of Cr, mixed source of Co, Cu, and Ni and the anthropogenic source of As and Pb. The spatial distribution analyses of these metals indicated the role of urbanization, traffic, and industry on the releasing of toxic metals into the environment.
Sustentabilidade ambiental em comunidades de pescadores inseridas em destino turístico: o caso da Ilha Mem de Sá – Brasil

Objective: Evaluate the environmental sustainability of the community of Mem de Sá Island in Sergipe, Brazil, based on sustainability indicators concerning social, economic and natural aspects. Methodology: It was carried out following the model for assessing the sustainability of fishing communities in tourist destinations, described by Faxina (2014). The questionnaire was chosen as a data collection instrument where 64 representatives out of 75 families in the community were interviewed.