Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ultrasonic‐assisted extraction of bioactive chlorogenic acid from heilong48 soybean variety: Parametric optimization and evaluation of physicochemical and bioactive properties

Abstract Chlorogenic acid (CA), especially that found in soybeans, is a rich bioactive compound but has received very little attention in research settings in past decades. Ultrasonic‐assisted extraction (UAE) could be an efficient method to increase CA release from soybeans. Hence, this study aimed to optimize UAE parameters for CA extraction from heilong48 soybean (HS) variety and evaluate the physicochemical and bioactive properties of the soybean. Optimization of ultrasound parameters with a Box–Behnken design found a frequency of 20.0 kHz, a power density of 30.0 W/L), a temperature of 37.9°C, and a time of 28.0 min to be the best conditions, which gave a CA yield of 5.007 ± 0.033 mg/g and 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity of 93.197 ± 0.213 μmol of AA eq/g dry sample; these were higher than those of a non–ultrasound‐treated (raw) HS sample (CA yield of 1.627 ± 0.528 mg/g and DPPH radical scavenging activity of 10.760 ± 0.207 μmol of AA eq/g dry sample). A satisfactory model was obtained. Scanning electron microscopy results confirmed the structural changes of the HS variety caused by the optimized UAE parameters. High total polyphenol contents (TPCs; 4.726 ± 0.002 mg GAE/g) and total phenolic acids (1.883 ± 0.005 mg GAE/g) and low total flavonoid contents (0.040 ± 0.008 mg RE/g) were obtained. A positive linear correlation between antioxidant activity and TPC was established. A protein–phenolic interaction in the HS variety was observed. The results established that polyphenols should be considered a significant component of the HS variety. Likewise, the HS variety could be used for CA extraction.
Isolation, Structure Elucidation and Antimicrobial Evaluation of Natural Pentacyclic Triterpenoids and Phytochemical Investigation of Different Fractions of Ziziphus spina-christi (L.) Stem Bark Using LCHRMS Analysis

Ziziphus spina-christi L. (ZSC-L) is a tree with thorny branches, belongs to the family Rhamnaceae and grows in the sub-tropics. The purpose of this research is to isolate and partially purify bioactive components from the crude ethanol extract of the stem bark of ZSC-L. Besides, bioassay-guided fractionation of ZSC-L stem bark was conducted using different solvents. The solvents were reutilized to minimize the production cost and environmental harm. In addition, the antimicrobial activities of the fractions were analyzed, followed by metabolic profiling using LC-HRMS. The n-butanol fraction showed the highest antimicrobial efficacy, so it was subjected to further purification. For the first time, two major compounds were isolated from the stem bark of ZSC-L and identified as lupane-type pentacyclic triterpenoids betulinic acid and betulin. Both compounds were used as antibacterial and anticancer agents and considered as a green product as the extraction procedure reduced the use of hazardous chemicals. Metabolic characterization of ZSC-L and its bioactive fractions were performed using LC-HR-ESI-MS and the results revealed the dereplication of 36 compounds belonging to different chemical classes. Flavonoids and triterpenes were the most prominent metabolite classes in the different fractions. The molecular docking results were obtained by studying the interaction of betulin and betulinic acid with antimicrobial receptors (4UYM, 1IYL, 1AJ2, 6J7L, 1AD4, 2VEG) to support the in vitro results. Our study highlights that Ziziphus spina-christi and its phytoconstituents, especially triterpenoids, act as a promising antimicrobial candidate in pharmaceutical and clinical applications.
Investigation on Digital Control Concepts for Dynamic Applications of Electromagnetic Force Compensated Balances

This paper deals with the optimization of the dynamic performance of electromagnetic force compensated balances by alternative controller concepts. Concerning uncertainty of measurement and achievable resolution, balances based on the principle of electromagnetic force compensation represent the state of the art. Due to the high achievable resolution, the focus of the implementation is not concentrated on static weighing applications any longer, but also shifted towards dynamic purposes. Typical applications would be check-weigher or metering devices in pharmaceutical or food filling plants. There, the demand is not only to obtain the resolution at a high reproducibility, but also to reach a stable and reliable measurement result in a very short time. One possibility to achieve this goal is an optimization of the controller, whereas a PID controller represents the state of the art. For static applications, the PID controller’s performance is fairly good, but due to the limited number of parameters and the basic concept, the optimization potentialities for dynamic applications are restricted. An alternative approach is to realize the controller digitally. The advantage of this approach is, that the controller and filtering concept can be adapted unrestrictedly to the system to be controlled, and that parameters may be adjusted easily and online. With these concepts, the time to achieve a stable measurement signal can be diminished significantly. In this paper we will present detailed investigations on two commercially available Real-time systems (Controller and FPGA-based) for the implementation of digital control and filtering algorithms. The hardware restrictions were evaluated, and based on these results possible software realizations were tested. In accordance with the determined capabilities and limitations, a controller was designed. These first investigations emphasize the capabilities and potential of digital controllers.
Simple geometric constructs for routing and boundary detection in sensor networks

Micro-sensor and radio technologies now permit the manufacture of cheap sensor or embedded devices deployable en masse. Applications appear in a diverse set of environments for far reaching applications including but not limited to structural monitoring, target tracking, and early warning systems. When deployed to create a sensor network, have no foreknowledge of their environment. In a network of this type traditional networking techniques are unsuitable. In general, sensing and embedded devices are shaped by four constraints: limited power supply, small memory, unattended operation, and the error-prone nature of wireless communications. Our work is motivated by the hypothesis that within view of each node are geometric features that impact network characteristics and behaviour. The central objective in this thesis is to investigate the geometry of the network graphs. Doing so allows us to identify some of the unique features of the network that constrain larger problems. We first propose boundary detection solutions using two well-known structures. First with the convex hull we build a localised heuristic, local convex view (lcv), that is designed on the premise that a node on the convex hull of a small region of the network is likely on the convex hull of the whole network. We show positive results via analysis and simulation and discover that the geometric properties are directly responsible for its resilience to error. We propose further the alpha-hull. whose structure can reveal details in the ‘shape’ of a set of points. We find that by selecting the α-parameter carefully, it is possible to infer the network-wide α-hull from local communications and computations. We also investigate the limits of routing according to left- or right-hand rule (LHR). Using LHR, a node upon receipt of a message will forward to the neighbour that sits next in counter-clockwise order in the network graph. When used to recover from greedy routing failures, LHR guarantees success if implemented over planar graphs. We identify network constraints that lead us to propose the Prohibitive-link Detection and Routing Protocol (PDRP) that can guarantee delivery over non-planar graphs. As the name implies, the protocol detects and circumvents ‘bad’ links. Our implementation of PDRP reveals the same level of service as face-routing protocols despite preserving most intersecting links in the network.
Heavy Metal Accumulation, Tissue Injury, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation in Dromedary Camels Living near Petroleum Industry Sites in Saudi Arabia

Simple Summary The petroleum industry is a major source of energy and economic development but can pollute the environment and negatively impact animal and human health. Heavy metals are environmental pollutants and can reach the human body in direct and indirect ways. We investigated the levels of heavy metals in the soil and in the milk, blood, muscle, liver, and kidney of Arabian camels living near a petroleum industry site in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia. Our results revealed increased lead levels, cadmium, nickel, and vanadium in the soil and different tissues of camels. In addition, liver and kidney dysfunction, tissue damage, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis were reported. These findings may be of public interest and call attention to the assessment of the impact of the petroleum industry on the environment and the health of nearby communities. Abstract The petroleum industry can impact the environment and human health. Heavy metals (HMs), including lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), and vanadium (V), are toxic pollutants found in petroleum that can cause several severe diseases. This study investigated the impact of the oil industry on the Arabian camel (Camelus dromedarius) in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia, pointing to HMs accumulation, tissue injury, redox imbalance, inflammation, and apoptosis. Soil and camel samples (milk, blood, muscle, liver, and kidney) were collected from a site near an oil industry field and another two sites to analyze HMs. Pb, Cd, Ni, and V were increased in the soil and in the camel’s milk, blood, muscle, liver, and kidney at the polluted site. Serum aminotransferases, urea, and creatinine were elevated, and histopathological alterations were observed in the liver and kidney of camels at the oil industry site. Hepatic and renal lipid peroxidation, pro-inflammatory cytokines, Bax, and caspase-3 were increased, whereas cellular antioxidants and Bcl-2 declined in camels at the oil extraction site. In conclusion, the oil industry caused soil and tissue accumulation of HMs, liver and kidney injury, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in camels living close to the oil extraction site. These findings pinpoint the negative impact of the oil industry on the environment, animal, and human health.
Root-zone Temperature Effects on Spinach Biomass Production Using a Nutrient Film Technique System

Root-zone temperature (RZT) is closely related to nutrient transportation and biomass production. However, its influence on biomass production and dry matter distribution remains unknown, especially in year-long production greenhouses. We explore the potential of RZT as an environmental control method to promote spinach field production by quantifying the effects of RZT to increase spinach production. Three RZT treatments using a nutrient film technique (NFT) system quantified and evaluated the effects of spring, summer, and winter spinach cultivation. We investigated the growth characteristics, total aboveground dry matter, and fraction of dry matter distribution to the leaf and root (which corresponded with yield). The RZT effects on total aboveground dry matter varied with the average air temperature inside the greenhouse. The total aboveground dry matter correlated positively with RZT in optimal air temperature conditions (15–20 °C). The dry matter-to-leaves ratio of the spinach did not correlate significantly with RZT in suboptimal (5 °C < air temperature < 15 °C) or supraoptimal (20 °C < air temperature) conditions. Therefore, RZT can promote biomass accumulation. We suggest RZT provides a feasible method for controlling the dry matter distribution fraction. Further research into the functional role of RZT will support hydroponic growers in improving crop yield.
Minería de textos y datos e Inteligencia Artificial: nuevas excepciones al derecho de autor

Existe una creciente atención y discusión sobre cómo las leyes nacionales o los acuerdos internacionales deberían permitir o impedir el derecho fundamental a la investigación por medio de la minería de textos y datos, y la inteligencia artificial. Este artículo examina cómo las leyes de derechos de autor están empezando a regular la materia. Las más recientes modificaciones legislativas comprenden la inclusión de nuevas excepciones y limitaciones en las normas de reproducción, almacenamiento, y comunicación pública de las obras.El análisis indica que las normas aprobadas o utilizadas para regular la minería de textos y datos (TDM) varían en su contenido y objetivo de un país a otro, lo que empieza a generar un entorno internacional variado, inadecuado e incompatible para el desarrollo de proyectos de investigación basados en minería de textos y datos e inteligencia artificial. Este artículo concluye con reflexiones centradas en el derecho a la investigación, la inteligencia artificial, la minería de textos y datos, y la creación de nuevas limitaciones y excepciones en las leyes de derechos de autor.
Childhood Harsh Parenting and Later Aggression: Non-violent Discipline and Resting Skin Conductance as Moderators

ABSTRACT The link between childhood harsh parenting and later aggression is well established. However, harsh parenting may occur within the context of nonviolent discipline. Moreover, sympathetic nervous system activity may moderate the effects of harsh parenting on aggression. This study examined whether sympathetic nervous system activity, measured by skin conductance level (SCL), and childhood nonviolent discipline moderate the link between childhood harsh parenting and later aggression among emerging adults. Participants (N = 264, mean age = 19.37, 54% females) reported retrospectively on experiences of childhood harsh parenting and nonviolent discipline as well as current anger, hostility, verbal, and physical aggression. We also measured resting SCL. Regression analyses revealed a significant three-way interaction between childhood harsh parenting, nonviolent discipline, and resting SCL accounting for anger and a significant two-way interaction between childhood harsh parenting and resting SCL accounting for hostility. Results suggested that (1) at high levels of resting SCL and low levels of childhood nonviolent discipline and (2) at low levels of resting SCL and high levels of childhood nonviolent discipline, the link between childhood harsh parenting and anger was stronger. Moreover, the association between childhood harsh parenting and hostility was stronger among participants who exhibited high resting SCL. The findings are consistent with the biological sensitivity to context theory. Our study highlighted the importance to examine the influence of both environmental and biological variables underlying emerging adults’ aggression.
MINIMIZATION OF THE SHEET THINNING IN HYDRAULIC DEEP DRAWING PROCESS USING RESPONSE SURFACE METHODOLOGY AND FINITE ELEMENT METHOD

A B S T R A C T In most of sheet forming processes, production of the final parts with minimum thickness variation and low required force is important. In this research, minimization of the sheet thinning and forming force in the hydraulic deep drawing process was studied. Firstly, the process was simulated using the finite element method (FEM) and the simulation model was verified compared to experimental results. Then the sheet thinning ratio and punch force were modeled as objective functions using the response surface methodology (RSM). In this model, process parameters including punch nose radius, die entrance radius and maximum fluid pressure were the input variables. Required experiments for the RSM were designed using the central composite design (CCD) method and performed by FEM. Finally, optimum point of the parameters was obtained by multi-objective optimization of the objective functions using the desirability function method based on response surface model and then evaluated. In addition, optimum ranges of the parameters were determined using overlying contour plots. Results showed that the response surface models had good adequacy. According to this model, increasing of the punch nose radius and die entrance radius lead to decreasing of thinning ratio and increasing the maximum punch force. Also the maximum punch force increases by increasing the maximum fluid pressure. Optimization results represent reduction of the thinning ratio almost 10% compared with conventional results.
Effects of Vitamin D on Respiratory Function and Immune Status for Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background Many studies have demonstrated that vitamin D has clinical benefits when used to treat patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, most of these studies have insufficient samples or inconsistent results. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the effects of vitamin D therapy in patients with COPD. Methods We performed a comprehensive retrieval in the following electronic databases: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, and Chinese Scientific Journals Database (VIP). Two trained reviewers identified relevant studies, extracted data information, and then assessed the methodical quality by the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool, independently. Then, the meta-analyses were conducted by RevMan 5.4, binary variables were represented by risks ratio (RR), and continuous variables were represented by mean difference (MD) or standardized mean difference (SMD) to assess the efficacy of vitamin D therapy in patients with COPD. Then, publication bias assessment was conducted by funnel plot analysis. Finally, the quality of evidence was assessed by the GRADE system. Results A total of 15 articles involving 1598 participants were included in this study. The overall results showed a statistical significance of vitamin D therapy in patients with COPD which can significantly improve forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) (MD: 5.69, 95% CI: 5.01-6.38,P < 0.00001,I2 = 51%) and FEV1/FVC (SMD:0.49, 95% CI: 0.39-0.60,P < 0.00001,I2 = 84%); and serum 25 (OH)D (SMD:1.21, 95% CI:1.07-1.34,P < 0.00001,I2 = 98%) also increase CD3+ Tcells (MD: 6.67, 95% CI: 5.34-8.00,P < 0.00001,I2 = 78%) and CD4+ T cells (MD: 6.00, 95% CI: 5.01-7.00,P < 0.00001,I2 = 65%); and T lymphocyte CD4+/CD8+ ratio (MD: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.20-0.61,P = 0.0001,I2 = 95%) obviously decrease CD8+ Tcells(SMD: -0.83, 95% CI: -1.05- -0.06,P < 0.00001,I2 = 82%), the times of acute exacerbation (RR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.28-0.59,P < 0.00001,I2 = 0%), and COPD assessment test (CAT) score (MD: -3.77, 95% CI: -5.86 - -1.68,P = 0.0004,I2 = 79%). Conclusions Our analysis indicated that vitamin D used in patients with COPD could improve the lung function (FEV1 and FEV1/FVC), the serum 25(OH)D, CD3+ T cells, CD4 + T cells, and T lymphocyte CD4+/CD8+ ratio and reduce CD8+ T cells, acute exacerbation, and CAT scores.
Effects of Dietary Chlorogenic Acid Supplementation Derived from Lonicera macranthoides Hand-Mazz on Growth Performance, Free Amino Acid Profile, and Muscle Protein Synthesis in a Finishing Pig Model

Chlorogenic acid (CGA), as one of the richest polyphenol compounds in nature, has broad applications in many fields due to its various biological properties. However, initial data on the effects of dietary CGA on protein synthesis and related basal metabolic activity has rarely been reported. The current study is aimed at (1) determining whether dietary CGA supplementation improves the growth performance and carcass traits, (2) assessing whether dietary CGA alters the free amino acid profile, and (3) verifying whether dietary CGA promotes muscle protein synthesis in finishing pigs. Thirty-two (Large × White × Landrace) finishing barrows with an average initial body weight of 71.89 ± 0.92 kg were randomly allotted to 4 groups and fed diets supplemented with 0, 0.02%, 0.04%, and 0.08% CGA, respectively. The results indicated that, compared with the control group, dietary supplementation with 0.04% CGA slightly stimulated the growth performance of pigs, whereas no significant correlation was noted between the dietary CGA levels and animal growth (P > 0.05). Furthermore, the carcass traits of pigs were improved by 0.04% dietary CGA (P < 0.01). In addition, dietary CGA significantly improved the serum free amino acid profiles of pigs (P < 0.01), while 0.04% dietary CGA promoted more amino acids to translocate to skeletal muscles (P < 0.05). The relative mRNA expression levels of SNAT2 in both longissimus dorsi (LD) and biceps femoris (BF) muscles were augmented in the 0.02% and 0.04% groups (P < 0.05), and the LAT1 mRNA expression in the BF muscle was elevated in the 0.02% group (P < 0.05). We also found that dietary CGA supplementation at the levels of 0.04% or 0.08% promoted the expression of p-Akt and activated the mTOR-S6K1-4EBP1 axis in the LD muscle (P < 0.05). Besides, the MAFbx mRNA abundance in the 0.02% and 0.04% groups was significantly lower (P < 0.05). Our results revealed that dietary supplementation with CGA of 0.04% improved the free amino acid profile and enhanced muscle protein biosynthesis in the LD muscle in finishing pigs.
Economic feasibility studies on wind-biomass-solar based microgid power system through a modified differential evolution technique

An economic evaluation of a network of distributed energy resources (DERs) forming an autonomous power delivery system in an Indian scenario has been made. The mathematical analysis is based on the application of a modified differential evolution (MDE) algorithm. The total annual costs for the power delivery networks involving different types of consumers, organized into a microgrid and sharing power from a combination of DERs, battery have been evaluated. The DERs studied in this work are solar module (SPS), wind-turbine (WT) and biomass gassifier units (BMGU). To meet the consumption, the DERs are supported by a battery electrical storage system (BESS) and the provision to purchase/sale of power from/ to an utility connected to the microgrid. Two different sets of hybrid DERs namely WT-BMGU and SPS-BMGU are compared for the economic performance through the evaluation of the corresponding optimal power operation conditions. The results using a combination of SPS and BMGU as DERs are found to be more cost competitive. A reduction of 5.6 % in the annual cost is obtained using solar photovoltaic and biomass gassifier unit to that using wind-turbine and biomass gassifier unit for the same load demand in case of microgrid operation.