Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Marine-Derived Biowaste Conversion into Bioceramic Membrane Materials: Contrasting of Hydroxyapatite Synthesis Methods

Marine-derived biowaste increment is enormous, yet could be converted into valuable biomaterial, e.g., hydroxyapatite-based bioceramic. Bioceramic material possesses superiority in terms of thermal, chemical, and mechanical properties. Bioceramic material also has a high level of biocompatibility when projected into biological tissues. Tuning the porosity of bioceramic material could also provide benefits for bioseparation application, i.e., ultrafiltration ceramic membrane filtration for food and dairy separation processes. This work presents the investigation of hydroxyapatite conversion from crab-shells marine-based biowaste, by comparing three different methods, i.e., microwave, coprecipitation, and sol–gel. The dried crab-shells were milled and calcinated as calcium precursor, then synthesized into hydroxyapatite with the addition of phosphates precursors via microwave, coprecipitation, or sol–gel. The compound and elemental analysis, degree of crystallinity, and particle shape were compared. The chemical compounds and elements from three different methods were similar, yet the degree of crystallinity was different. Higher Ca/P ratio offer benefit in producing a bioceramic ultrafiltration membrane, due to low sintering temperature. The hydroxyapatite from coprecipitation and sol–gel methods showed a significant degree of crystallinity compared with that of the microwave route. However, due to the presence of Fe and Sr impurities, the secondary phase of Ca9FeH(PO4)7 was found in the sol–gel method. The secondary phase compound has high absorbance capacity, an advantage for bioceramic ultrafiltration membranes. Furthermore, the sol–gel method could produce a snake-like shape, compared to the oval shape of the coprecipitation route, another benefit to fabricate porous bioceramic for a membrane filter.
Insertion of Exogenous Genes within the ORF1a Coding Region of Porcine Astrovirus

A tagged or reporter astrovirus can be a valuable tool for the analysis of various aspects of the virus life cycle, and to aid in the development of genetically engineered astroviruses as vectors. Here, transposon-mediated insertion mutagenesis was used to insert a 15-nucleotide (nt) sequence into random sites of open reading frame 1a (ORF1a) based on an infectious full-length cDNA clone of porcine astrovirus (PAstV). Five sites in the predicted coiled-coil structures (CC), genome-linked protein (VPg), and hypervariable region (HVR) in ORF1a of the PAstV genome were identified that could tolerate random 15 nt insertions. Incorporation of the commonly used epitope tags, His, Flag, and HA, into four of the five insertion sites permitted the production of infectious viruses and allowed recognition by specifically tagged monoclonal antibodies. The results of immuno-fluorescent assays showed that Flag-tagged ORF1a protein overlapped partially with capsid and ORF2b proteins in the cytoplasm. Improved light-oxygen-voltage (iLOV) gene was also introduced at the insertion sites of CC, VPg, and HVR. Only one viable recombinant reporter PAstV expressing iLOV inserted in HVR was recovered. Biological analysis of the reporter virus showed that it displayed similar growth characteristics, and yet produced less infectious virus particles, when compared with the parental virus. The recombinant virus carrying the iLOV fused with the HVR of ORF1a protein maintained its stability and showed green fluorescence after 15 passages in cell cultures. The resultant fluorescently tagged virus could provide a promising tool for the rapid screening of antiviral drugs as well as allowing the visualization of PAstV infection and replication in living cells.
Improved Mixed-Integer Linear Programming Model for Short-Term Scheduling of the Pressing Process in Multi-Layer Printed Circuit Board Manufacturing

The pressing process is a part of the fabrication process of multi-layer printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing. This paper presents the application of a new mixed-integer linear programming model to the short-term scheduling of the pressing process. The objective was to minimize the makespan. The proposed model is an improvement from our previous model in the literature. The size complexity of the proposed model is better than that of the previous model, whereby the number of variables, constraints, and the dimensionality of variables in the previous model are reduced. To compare their performance, problems from literature and additional generated test problems were solved. The proposed model was shown to outperform the previous model in terms of computational complexity. It can verify a new optimal solution for some problems. For the problems that could not be solved optimally, the proposed model could find the incumbent solution using much less computational time than the previous model, and the makespan of the incumbent solution from the proposed model was better than or equal to that of the previous model. The proposed model can be a good option to provide an optimal schedule for the pressing process in any PCB industry.
Analytical and experimental study of the dynamics of a micro-electromechanical resonator based digital-to-analog converter

In this paper, an analytical model of a micro-electromechanical (MEM) resonator used as a 4-bit digital-to-analog converter (DAC) is presented. First, we derive the dynamic equation of the 4-bit DAC device, and the nonlinear governing equation is solved by the Galerkin method combined with a shooting technique to simulate the static response, linear eigenvalue problem, and forced vibration response of the device for various electrostatic actuation cases. Also, we optimize the air gaps in the linear domain to ensure enhanced performance of the DAC. Further, to analyze the operation of the DAC in the nonlinear regime, two experimental samples powered by −2 dBm and −12 dBm AC inputs are examined. Forward and backward frequency sweeps are conducted experimentally and analytically. The proposed analytical results are validated by comparison with experimental data. The results indicate that the presented modeling, simulations, and optimization are effective tools for the design of MEM resonator-based circuits.
How should we teach crystallography? A review of teaching books’ contents pages

This short article reflects on how we teach a crystallography course and which is specifically linked to what is called the course book. An audience of undergraduates in practice presents different challenges to the teacher depending on whether they are physicists, chemists or biologists; these being the specific courses I have taught in the last 40 years or so and for which I, therefore, have extensive experience. Graduate courses are organized by our crystallographic societies and associations. Such courses might be tailored to a given subject, as with undergraduates, or more likely might be for a broad, across the subjects, set of students. I have also taught on and/or organized these. In a third category, as researchers, we are increasingly called upon to explain our research to broad audiences such as of the public, and/or of school children, and these cross sections of society do not necessarily have much science training, or if they have it is long forgotten. As educators, I am sure all of us wrestle with choosing the sequence that we teach our crystallography concepts in our courses. This all connects directly to how we as a community formally define ‘a crystal’.
Variability of δ2H and δ18O in Soil Water and Its Linkage to Precipitation in an East Asian Monsoon Subtropical Forest Plantation

The linkage between δ2H and δ18O of soil water and precipitation provides a way of understanding precipitation infiltration, residence time, and soil water source. Soil water at 0–5, 15–20, and 40–45 cm depths and event-based precipitation were collected in a subtropical forest plantation. Correlations between the δ18O of soil water and precipitation on the same day were used to determine the critical threshold of precipitation infiltration. Residence time of precipitation in soil was determined with correlations between the δ18O of soil water and cumulative precipitation before sampling. Soil water source was determined by the intersection points of Soil Water Evaporation Lines (SEL) and local meteoric water lines. The results showed that precipitation >5–6 mm could pass through canopy and litter, and infiltrate into soil. Residence times varied from a few days to several months, and increased with soil depth. The model-based approach for SEL estimation were more robust than the regression-based approach due to the inverse variability in the δ2H and δ18O of soil water source and soil evaporative fractionation. Soil water at a 0–5 cm depth originated mainly from precipitation in the current season, while those at 15–20 and 40–45 cm depths originated mainly from precipitation in the previous season.
Empirical review on determinants of potato and onion production technology packages adoption in Ethiopia

Vegetable production technology packages adoption is essential for intensifying its productivity thereby improve the income of smallholder farmers in Ethiopia. Analog to vegetable, production adoption of Potato and onion also play a great role in improving the daily livelihood of farmers. However, there are few studies on its technology adoption to encourage farmers to substitute their production methods by modern production techniques and maximize return from the sector. The objective of this review paper is to review determinant factors of vegetable technology package adoption in Ethiopia by using the finding of popular published empirical researches. The findings of the review identified that, adoption of potato and onion technologies in Ethiopia is low due to different constraints caused by demographic factors, socio-economic factors, institutional factors and technological factors. Similarly, different empirical researches which are reviewed by this 0review paper identified different types of potato and onion production technology packages like improved seed varieties, fertilizers, quality seed, irrigation services, crop protection methods, and storing house.As a result of the above combinations of vegetable production technology adoption factors, the expected outcome to be obtained from the sector is still poorly performed. By considering the importance of these potato and onion production technology packages, applying and implementing the procedures of adoption bring the decision to adopt technologies and improve the extent of it thereby sustain potato and onion production in Ethiopia.
Quantification of the Optimal Level of Fiscal Decentralization in OECD Countries

1 Quantification of the Optimal Level of Fiscal Decentralization in OECD Countries The essence of fiscal decentralization is to increase economic efficiency in the redistribution of resources in the public sector through more effective satisfaction of local public needs by lower levels of government. The article aims to quantify the optimal degree of fiscal decentralization in relation to economic growth in a sample of 29 OECD countries for the years 1975–2018. Empirical research has shown a nonlinear relationship between the degree of fiscal decentralization and economic growth, which takes a parabolic shape. The optimal degree of fiscal decentralization maximizing economic growth reached the level of 31.3656%, or in the case of per capita growth, the level is 31.1309%. In most V4 countries, the degree of fiscal decentralization is at a lower level compared to the optimal one, which is not leading to maximization of economic growth, or economic growth per capita.
(2S*,5S*,6Z)-2,5-Epoxydocosan-6-en-21-ynoic Acid, New Fatty Acid from the Marine Sponge Haliclona fascigera

Marine sponges are recognized as a rich source of new marine natural products. In this study, chemical investigation of the CH2Cl2-MeOH (1:1) extract from the marine sponge Haliclona fascigera collected in Mayotte was carried out and highlighted a new unusual acetylenic and tetrahydrofuranic fatty acid, (2S*,5S*,6Z)-2,5epoxydocosan-6-en-21-ynoic acid (1). Its planar structure was elucidated by HRESIMS data, IR, 1D and 2D NMR spectra. The relative configuration of compound 1 was deduced from density functional theory (DFT) computational calculations fitted using the recently published DP4+ probability.
Inulin‐based emulsion‐filled gel as a fat replacer in prebiotic‐ and PUFA‐enriched dry fermented sausages

In order to produce fermented sausages with prebiotic fibre and improved fatty acid composition, 16% of pork back fat was replaced with inulin gelled suspension (I) and inulin linseed oil gelled emulsion (IO). Physico-chemical analysis, fatty acid profiles, lipid oxidation, microbiological, textural, colour and sensory analysis were carried out. The fat content was lower in I (31.38%) and IO (35.36%) modified sausages compared to control (44.37%) (P < 0.05). IO sausages had lower SFA and MUFA and higher PUFA content with an improved n-6/n-3 ratio (2.23) (P < 0.05) and a-linolenic acid increment (5.74 g per 100 g). Reformulation led to decrease in springiness, chewiness and hardness and increase in adhesiveness of the sausages. Modified sausages had lower L* and higher a* values, while b* values of I sausages did not differ compared to control sausages. Modified sausages were acceptable regarding all sensory attributes. Lipid oxidation parameters showed higher susceptibility to oxidation and lipolysis in IO sausages.
Effect of low-temperature plasma treatment of electrospun polycaprolactone fibrous scaffolds on calcium carbonate mineralisation

This article reports on a study of the mineralisation behaviour of CaCO3 deposited on electrospun poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) scaffolds preliminarily treated with low-temperature plasma. This work was aimed at developing an approach that improves the wettability and permeability of PCL scaffolds in order to obtain a superior composite coated with highly porous CaCO3, which is a prerequisite for biomedical scaffolds used for drug delivery. Since PCL is a synthetic polymer that lacks functional groups, plasma processing of PCL scaffolds in O2, NH3, and Ar atmospheres enables introduction of highly reactive chemical groups, which influence the interaction between organic and inorganic phases and govern the nucleation, crystal growth, particle morphology, and phase composition of the CaCO3 coating. Our studies showed that the plasma treatment induced the formation of O- and N-containing polar functional groups on the scaffold surface, which caused an increase in the PCL surface hydrophilicity. Mineralisation of the PCL scaffolds was performed by inducing precipitation of CaCO3 particles on the surface of polymer fibres from a mixture of CaCl2- and Na2CO3-saturated solutions. The presence of highly porous vaterite and nonporous calcite crystal phases in the obtained coating was established. Our findings confirmed that preferential growth of the vaterite phase occurred in the O2-plasma-treated PCL scaffold and that the coating formed on this scaffold was smoother and more homogenous than those formed on the untreated PCL scaffold and the Ar- and NH3-plasma-treated PCL scaffolds. A more detailed three-dimensional assessment of the penetration depth of CaCO3 into the PCL scaffold was performed by high-resolution micro-computed tomography. The assessment revealed that O2-plasma treatment of the PCL scaffold caused CaCO3 to nucleate and precipitate much deeper inside the porous structure. From our findings, we conclude that O2-plasma treatment is preferable for PCL scaffold surface modification from the viewpoint of use of the PCL/CaCO3 composite as a drug delivery platform for tissue engineering.
Victimization in Childhood Mediates the Association Between Parenting Quality, Stressful Life Events, and Depression in Adulthood

Background Various stressors during childhood and adulthood, such as experiencing poor parenting, abuse, and harassment, have long-lasting effects on depression. The long-term effects of childhood stressors, such as childhood abuse and inappropriate parenting experiences, on adult depression are mediated by personality traits. In the present study, we hypothesized that parental bonding in childhood influences adulthood depression, and that this association is mediated by childhood victimization experiences and negative life event evaluations in adulthood. To test this hypothesis, multiple regression analysis and structural equation modeling were performed. Methods A questionnaire survey, including Patient Health Questionnaire-9, victimization scale in childhood, Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI), and Life Experiences Survey was administered to 449 general adult volunteers (age: 41.1 ± 11.7 years; 196 men and 253 women). Multiple variables were analyzed by multiple regression analysis and structural equation modeling. Results Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that victimization experiences in childhood affect adulthood depression independently of several other factors. Structural equation modeling showed that the “parental care” subscale of the PBI decreased adulthood depression directly, as well as indirectly through its effects on victimization experiences in childhood and negative life events. On the other hand, the “parental overprotection” subscale of the PBI increased adulthood depression directly, as well as indirectly through its effects on the experience of victimization in childhood and negative life events. Conclusion The present study indicates that the experience of victimization in childhood is a risk factor of adulthood depression. Furthermore, we found that parenting quality experienced in childhood influences adulthood depression, and that these effects are mediated by the experiences of victimization in childhood and negative life events in adulthood.
Facilitating Antiviral Drug Discovery Using Genetic and Evolutionary Knowledge

Over the course of human history, billions of people worldwide have been infected by various viruses. Despite rapid progress in the development of biomedical techniques, it is still a significant challenge to find promising new antiviral targets and drugs. In the past, antiviral drugs mainly targeted viral proteins when they were used as part of treatment strategies. Since the virus mutation rate is much faster than that of the host, such drugs feature drug resistance and narrow-spectrum antiviral problems. Therefore, the targeting of host molecules has gradually become an important area of research for the development of antiviral drugs. In recent years, rapid advances in high-throughput sequencing techniques have enabled numerous genetic studies (such as genome-wide association studies (GWAS), clustered regularly interspersed short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) screening, etc.) for human diseases, providing valuable genetic and evolutionary resources. Furthermore, it has been revealed that successful drug targets exhibit similar genetic and evolutionary features, which are of great value in identifying promising drug targets and discovering new drugs. Considering these developments, in this article the authors propose a host-targeted antiviral drug discovery strategy based on knowledge of genetics and evolution. We first comprehensively summarized the genetic, subcellular location, and evolutionary features of the human genes that have been successfully used as antiviral targets. Next, the summarized features were used to screen novel druggable antiviral targets and to find potential antiviral drugs, in an attempt to promote the discovery of new antiviral drugs.
Gaseous Emissions from the Composting Process: Controlling Parameters and Strategies of Mitigation

Organic waste generation, collection, and management have become a crucial problem in modern and developing societies. Among the technologies proposed in a circular economy and sustainability framework, composting has reached a strong relevance in terms of clean technology that permits reintroducing organic matter to the systems. However, composting has also negative environmental impacts, some of them of social concern. This is the case of composting atmospheric emissions, especially in the case of greenhouse gases (GHG) and certain families of volatile organic compounds (VOC). They should be taken into account in any environmental assessment of composting as organic waste management technology. This review presents the relationship between composting operation and composting gaseous emissions, in addition to typical emission values for the main organic wastes that are being composted. Some novel mitigation technologies to reduce gaseous emissions from composting are also presented (use of biochar), although it is evident that a unique solution does not exist, given the variability of exhaust gases from composting.
Raman spectra analysis of ZrO
 2
 thermally grown on Zircaloy substrates irradiated with heavy ion: Effects of oxygen isotopic substitution

Recently, unusual Raman signals were observed in different works conducted on thin zirconia layers grown on zirconium alloys simulating in‐reactor materials after high fluence ion irradiation or for samples cut from fuel rods irradiated in nuclear plants. As such, these spectra clearly do not correspond to any known spectrum of a pure standard zirconia phase. Therefore, the analysis conducted in this paper aims to provide a better understanding of these peculiar Raman features. For that purpose, specific ion‐irradiated samples were analysed. In situ Raman spectroscopy was first used to follow the irradiation process. Then, samples were characterized using different excitation wavelengths. Finally, the effects of oxygen isotopic substitution were examined in details. Results are discussed in terms of disorder and size‐related effects.
Relationship between the height of fibular head and the incidence and severity of knee osteoarthritis

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between fibular head height and the incidence and severity of osteoarthritis associated with varus knee deformity. The fibular head height, joint line convergence angle (JLCA) and medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) were measured in a three-dimensional model. Ordinal multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the correlation between fibular head height and Kellgren–Lawrence (K–L) grade. Pearson correlation was used to analyze the correlation between fibular head height and K–L grade. A total of 232 patients (232 knees) were finally included in the study. There were significant differences in JLCA and hip–knee–ankle angle (P < 0.05), and both JLCA and hip–knee–ankle angle increased with severe aggravation of K–L grade. Both fibular head height and MPTA decreased as the K–L grade was severely aggravated. There was a significant negative correlation between K–L grade and fibular head height (r = −0.812, P < 0.001). Furthermore, there was a significant negative correlation between fibular head height and hip–knee–ankle angle (r = −0.7905, P < 0.001). In addition to body mass index, fibular head height is a risk factor for the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis associated with varus knee deformity; the smaller the fibular head height, the more severe the degree of varus deformity.