Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Experimental Evaluation of a Diesel Engine
for Combustion, Performance and Exhaust
Emissions with Fuel Blends Derived from
a Mixture of Fish Waste Oil and Waste
Cooking Oil Biodiesel

The production of biodiesel fuel for diesel engines from waste oil resources resolves a triple-faceted problem: environmental, economic and waste management. This study aimed to extract oil from fish waste, to convert the extracted oil into biodiesel fuel through base catalyzed transesterification and to reduce waste disposal-related environmental problems. Various fuel blends (CBFM10, CBFM20, CBFM30, CBFM40 and CBFM50) were prepared from a 1:1 mixture of waste canola oil biodiesel (WCOB) and transesterified fish waste oil (TFWO) with different proportions of mineral diesel. The mixture was named as the composite blends of fuel mixtures (CBFM). The fuel mixtures were subjected to physicochemical properties like kinematic viscosity, density, flash point and calorific values that were found with the international standard limits of biodiesel fuel and comparable to those of petroleum diesel with an added benefit to be lower in price being derived from waste resources. The formulated fuel blends were run in a 5.5kW stationary diesel engine to investigate combustion, performance and emission characteristics. In comparison to petroleum diesel, slightly higher BSFC, marginally lower BTE and shorter ignition delay was observed with CBFM fuel blends. As compared to fossil fuel diesel carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbons (HC) were found to decrease by 2.8-25.1% and 2.2-19.9%, respectively. In comparison to all tested fuel blends, CBFM10 has shown lower nitrogen oxide emissions. The tested fuel blends were found to have great potential to be utilized as cheap and easily handled alternative fuels for compression ignition (CI) engines without any modification in any part of the engine.
Optimized Extraction Method for Kleeb Bua Daeng Formula with the Aid of the Experimental Design

Kleeb Bua Daeng formula is one of the popular remedies sold in Chao Phya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital, Thailand. This formula contains Piper nigrum L. , Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. , and Centella asiatica L. as active components. Owing to getting the highest content of its phytochemical compounds, the conditions of solvent extraction for this formula were optimized. The type of solvent, number of extraction times, and ratio between the material and solvent were varied in this study using the Box–Behnken design. The important phytochemical constituents (total phenolics, flavonoids, carotenoids, and anthocyanins) were also determined. From the result of this study, it was found that the highest content of each total active compound was obtained from different conditions such as the optimal extraction condition of phenolic content was obtained using methanol as solvent, one time of extraction, and the ratio of powder and solvent was 1 : 6. Thus, the variation of solvent extraction condition could affect the phytochemical content. Further studies about the herbal formula involving the extraction process should concern the variation of extraction conditions to get the highest content of the active compound.
Straight Sampling Network for Point Cloud Learning

Sampling operation is a bottleneck of the hierarchical point cloud learning. Existing learnable sampling methods generate a “soft” virtual subset in the training phase, thus distorting the original underlying shape and losing 3D geometric information. In this paper, we propose a novel end-to-end discrete sampling method, named Straight Sampling, to output a “hard” authentic subset with the assistance of Straight Through Estimator. Equipped with Straight Sampling, a hierarchical architecture is developed to learn an effective representation. By grouping and pooling the sampled points in 3D Euclidean space, the network benefits from semantic features as well as 3D geometric information to achieve state-of-the-art performance.
Increasing in the Extraction Yield of Environmentally Friendly Antifouling Agent from Pseudomonas Aeruginosa MUT3 by Response Surface Methodology (RSM)

In the present study, the solvent-solvent extraction of phenazine 1-carboxylic acid (PCA) as an environmentally friendly antifouling agent from pseudomonas aeruginosa MUT3 culture was investigated. Accordingly, after screening the extraction ability of various solvents, the combined effects of operating parameters such as solvent type (ethyl acetate, dichloromethane, and n-hexane), solvent percent and mixing time on the PCA extraction process were analyzed using response surface methodology (RSM). As a consequence, ethyl acetate showed higher extraction yield (68%) and the optimum condition for PCA extraction were identified as 150% of solvent and 120 min mixing time. Meanwhile, the extraction yields for dichloromethane and n-hexane were measured by HPLC assay around 48.75 and 25.2%, respectively. The accuracy of the obtained model was proved by 99.90% R2 and 99.84% Adj R2. In addition, the disk diffusion test showed 9.2, 8 and 7.3 mm inhibition zone for ethyl acetate, dichloromethane and n-hexane, respectively. Consequently, the present study provided a great insight into the solvent-solvent extraction of antibiotics from the fermentation broth.
A Comprehensive Review of EMI Filter Network Architectures: Synthesis, Optimization and Comparison

This paper presents a volumetric comparison among three possible optimized three phase EMI filter structures, a three phase PFC converter used in cutting edge applications, such as avionics, space or shipboard power systems. The size minimization of each of the filter structures, described in the paper, was performed utilizing the volumetric optimization methodology proposed in the paper. This paper theoretically demonstrates the design steps for choosing the appropriate filter component values and number of filter stages to achieve the smallest volume of the DM filter stage for any given EMI filter structure. While the validation of the proposed design methodology was done through a MATLAB simulation, an experimental verification was also performed by designing and comparing the optimized EMI filter structures for a 2.3 kW proof-of-concept of a three-phase boost PFC converter for more electric aircraft (MEA) applications to comply with the stringent EMI requirements of the DO-160F standard.
Development of Metoprolol Tartrate Sustained Release Formulations by using Modified Starches

This study is aimed to design oral sustained-release formulations for the anti-hypertension drug Metoprolol tartrate. This drug exhibits required physicochemical and pharmacokinetic parameters to formulate sustained-release formulations. The literature survey reveals that Sustained Release formulations for some drugs were prepared by employing Modified Starch known as Calcium Starch. Natural Starches such as potato starch, rice starch, and corn starches can be chemically modified using cross-linking agents such as calcium chloride and it may be used as release retardants. The functional characteristics of starch may vary from source to source. Hence, there is a scope to evaluate the effect of starch on release characteristics of the drug. Further, the drug release is expected to be altered by the proportion of release retardant and hence there is a need to optimize the composition by screening the composition. Hence, there is scope for comparative evaluation of modified starches prepared using different naturally occurring starches and their effect on release characteristics of metoprolol tartrate for sustained release formulations.
Quality Criteria Establishment for Dissolution of Ascorbic Acid from Sustained Release Pellets

Many animals can synthesize vitamin C, which is known also as L-ascorbic acid, endogenously. However, the human body, in contrast to these organisms, has not the ability to synthesize this compound. Accordingly, it may be acquired from exogenous source as food supplement [1]. Vitamin C is involved in protein metabolism in addition to the synthesis of several biomolecules such as L-Carnitine, collagen and certain neurotransmitters [1,2]. Moreover, L-ascorbic acid acts as an antioxidant and has an important role to regenerate other antioxidants within body such as α-tocopherol, which is also called vitamin E [3,4]. In addition, L-ascorbic acid has a crucial function in the immune system [3] and enhance the absorption of non-heme iron [5]. Due to the physiological importance of vitamin C, deficiency in its daily intake causes disease condition known as “Scurvy”, with prominent signs include: lassitude, fatigue and fragile capillary system associated with widespread connective tissue weakness [6-9]. Due to the clinical and physiological importance of vitamin C, it has been incorporated in different forms by the manufacturers of the medicinal drug products [10]. During the last decades, extended release formulations became more common and popular because they offer several advantages over the classical dosage forms in terms of financial costs, toxic effects, dosing regimen and instability of blood plasma concentrations [11]. Efficiently low but therapeutically effective plasma concentrations of the active medicinal products can be achieved usually between 8 and 12 hours coupled with minimized risk of local irritation are among major advantages of the prolonged release drug forms [12-15].
Characterisation of atypical human GTPases: Elucidation of molecular functions and interactors

Emerging evidence suggests that several atypical Rho GTPases participate in the development of serious human pathologies such as chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and neurodegeneration. However, these GTPases remain poorly characterised at the functional, structural and biochemical level. Furthermore, the interactors and signalling pathways associated with these enzymes remain obscure. This study aimed to elucidate the molecular functions and interactors of three highly atypical human GTPases for the first time: hMiro1, hMiro2 and RhoH. Using PCR-based cloning and molecular biology techniques, full-length and truncated versions of these highly unusual human GTPases were successfully expressed, purified and characterised. Colorimetric assays were utilised to assess the GTPase hydrolytic activity of the human Miros in vitro, while PC3 cell migration assays and fluorescent microscopy allowed for an evaluation of Miro GTPase influence in live cancer cells. Biophysical characterisation of the Miros and RhoH was performed using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and circular dichroism (CD) thermal denaturation, while label-free proteomics allowed for the identification of several novel putative Miro interaction partners. Meanwhile, RhoH association with the death-associated kinase DRAK2 was assessed in vitro using anti-phosphoserine/phosphothreonine assays. The results show, for the first time, that individual domains of the human Miros are capable of intrinsic hydrolytic activity against GTP. Biophysical assessment by DLS suggests the Miros exist monomerically and exhibit average thermal stability. Knockdown of the human Miros produced a significant reduction in cell proliferation, with knockdown phenotypes associated with mitochondrial perinuclear aggregation under fluorescent microscopy. 37 novel putative signalling interactors for the human Miros were identified by mass spectrometry. Meanwhile, assessment of RhoH-DRAK2 interaction showed a novel association between these proteins in vitro, indicating that DRAK2 directly phosphorylates RhoH. The results improve current understanding of these important and unusual human GTPases and the molecular functions they engage in. The novel interactors identified may also prove clinically relevant in the future, particularly to the understanding and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.
A comparative study of maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) determined by two sub-maximal exercise tests

Aim: The aim of the study was to compare the predictive values of VO2max determined by two sub-maximal exercise tests: Bruce sub-maximal exercise test and Treadmill jogging test and to find correlation between these two tests. Materials and Methods: One hundred twenty five apparently healthy male subjects 18-25 years underwent first three stages of the original Bruce protocol in one session and exercise according to Treadmill jogging test in another session in randomised order. VO2max was calculated by using appropriate regression equation. Results: VO2max values from two tests (t test) revealed similar mean values of VO2max between the two tests (47.06 ± 2.74 vs. 47.20 ± 2.27, t=0.64; p=0.649) i.e. not differed statistically. Concordance correlation coefficient showed an insignificant (p>0.05) concordance between the two tests (r=0.020, 95% CI=-0.152 to 0.191) with low precision (p=0.021) but with high bias correction factor (Cb=0.98). Conclusion: In conclusion we can say that these two tests are comparable in terms of mean values of VO2max. Poor correlation coefficient between the two tests should be subjected to further study with subjects having wider age range and wide range in VO2max values.
Assessment of acaricidal activity of nanoscale ZnO encapsulated piperine formulation against Rhipicephalus microplus.

This study aims to synthesise and evaluate the acaricidal activity of nanoscale zinc oxide piperine formulation (NZPF) against Rhipicephalus microplus ticks. NZPF was prepared by using zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) and piperine by employing encapsulation technique; characterised by UV spectroscopy, Fourier transformed infrared analysis, X-ray diffraction, dynamic light scattering, zetapotential and scanning electron microscopy. Acaricidal activity of the NZPF on R. microplus was evaluated using larval packet test (LPT) and adult immersion test (AIT). LPT against R. microplus larvae showed an LC50 at 1 mg/l for NZPF followed by 2 and 3 mg/l for ZnONPs and piperine, respectively. AIT against R. microplus showed an LC50 at concentration of 3 mg/l for NZPF followed by 6 mg/l for ZnONPs and 7 mg/l for piperine. In both LPT and AIT, LC50 values of ZnONPs and NZPF were significantly lower compared to deltamethrin. NZPF showed significant ovulation inhibitory activity with lower IC50 and IC99 values compared to ZnONPs and piperine. NZPF has been proved to be the better alternative to routine chemical acaricides for control of tick infestation of cattle in the wake of acaricidal resistance, but safety issues need to be addressed before clinical application.
Evaluation of Linearization Methods for Control of the Pendubot

The aim of this paper is to test the usefulness of a new approach based on partial feedback linearization to control the Pendubot. The control problem stated in the article is to stabilize the Pendubot in the upright position. In particular, properties of the closed-loop system and the zero dynamics are investigated and illustrated by results of simulations. Next, the performance of a hybrid-like controller in the case of input saturation is evaluated by conduction extensive simulation trails. The experimental results suggest that the considered control methodology can be successfully applied for a real system.
Ion Channels in Epilepsy: Blasting Fuse for Neuronal Hyperexcitability

Voltage-gated ion channels (VGICs), extensively distributed in the central nervous system (CNS), are responsible for the generation as well as modulation of neuroexcitability and considered as vital players in the pathogenesis of human epilepsy, with regulating the shape and duration of action potentials (APs). For instance, genetic alterations or abnormal expression of voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs), Kv channels, and voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) are proved to be associated with epileptogenesis. This chapter aims to highlight recent discoveries on the mutations in VGIC genes and dysfunction of VGICs in epilepsy, especially focusing on the pathophysiological and pharmacological properties. Understanding the role of epilepsy-associated VGICs might not only contribute to clarify the mechanism of epileptogenesis and genetic modifiers but also provide potential targets for the precise treatment of epilepsy.
cold: An R Package for the Analysis of Count Longitudinal Data

This paper describes the R package cold for the analysis of count longitudinal data. In this package marginal and random effects models are considered. In both cases estimation is via maximization of the exact likelihood and serial dependence among observations is assumed to be of Markovian type and referred as the integer-valued autoregressive of order one process. For random effects models adaptive Gaussian quadrature and Monte Carlo methods are used to compute integrals whose dimension depends on the structure of random effects. cold is written partly in R language, partly in Fortran 77, interfaced through R and is built following the S4 formulation of R methods.
Effect of drying temperature and age of leaves on total phenolic content on Ficus deltoidea

The objective of this research is to investigate the relationship between drying temperature and age of leaves on the total phenolic content of Ficus deltoidea leaves. The leaves were dried at 4 different temperatures which are 30, 40, 60 and 80 °C. The age of leaves is determined by using chlorophyll meter to measure the chlorophyll content and categorized into three level of age leaves. The total phenolic content of the F. deltoidea dried leaves were determined using Standard Folin–Ciocalteu (FC) analytical methodology with methanolic extracts of the samples. The result showed that the total phenolic content is highest at 40°C drying temperature and at medium-aged of leaves. It is suggested to consider drying the F. deltoidea leaves at 40-80°C and harvest at the medium-aged of leaves maturity to obtain high total phenolic content.
Microwave Assisted Synthesis and Molecular Docking Studies of 3-Aryl-2-Alkyl-Quinazolin-4-one Derivatives

A novel series of several 2, 3 DISUBSTITUTED-QUINAZOLIN-4-ONE has been synthesized by the interaction of benzoxazinone with various amines yields quinazolin-4-one derivatives. In this study, fast flexible docking simulations were performed on GABA (A) R-beta3 homopentamer receptor. The results designate that the quinazoline ring forms hydrophobic and hydrogen bond contacts with TYR A: 157, TYR A: 205, PHE A: 200 amino acid residue.
Effect of Intermittent Monomode Microwave Heating on the Crystallization of Glutathione and Lysozyme on Indium Tin Oxide Films

Effect of intermittent monomode microwave heating on the crystallization of glutathione (GSH) and lysozyme on indium tin oxide (ITO) films using the metal-assisted and microwave-accelerated evaporative crystallization (MA-MAEC) technique was investigated. Intermittent time intervals of 5, 10, 15, 30, 40, 60, 120, 180, 240 min and 30, 40, 60, 120, 180, 240 min were employed for microwave heating of solutions of GSH (500 mg/mL) and lysozyme (40 mg/mL) using a monomode microwave source at 70 W, respectively. Optical microscopy and ImageJ software were employed to quantify and compare the size and number of GSH and lysozyme crystals grown at different microwave heating time intervals. The rate of crystallization for GSH crystals was found to be the fastest at ~ 7.52 μm/ min for the 5 min interval of microwave heating and decreased to 0.57 μm/min as the time interval of microwave heating was increased to 240 min. The rate of crystallization for lysozyme crystals was found to be 0.20 ~ 0.27 μm/min for 30-120 min of microwave heating and decreased to 0.07 μm/min as the time interval of microwave heating was increased to 240 min. Intermittent microwave heating of GSH and lysozyme solutions were found to have a minimal influence on the size and count of the crystals produced. X-ray crystallography studies and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic analysis of grown crystals confirmed that the duration of microwave heating have no or little effect on the crystal morphology and molecular structure of biomolecules studied.
Cerebral oxygenation monitoring in patients during and after cardiac arrest -- a narrative review of current methods and evidence

Hypoxic-ischemic brain injury (HIBI) is a leading cause of mortality in post-cardiac arrest (post-CA) patients who successfully survive the initial cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) but later die in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Therefore, a key priority of post-resuscitation ICU care is to prevent and limit the impact of HIBI by optimizing the balance between cerebral oxygen delivery and demand. Traditionally, an optimal systemic oxygen balance is considered to ensure the brain’s oxygen balance. However, the validity of this assumption is uncertain, as the brain constitutes only 2%of the body mass while accounting for approximately 20% of basal oxygen consumption at rest. Hence, there is a real need to monitor cerebral oxygenation realistically. Several imaging and bedside monitoring methods are available for cerebral oxygenation monitoring in post-CA patients. Unfortunately, each of them has its limitations. Imaging methods require transporting a critically ill unstable patient to the scanner. Moreover, they provide an assessment of the oxygenation state only at a particular moment, while brain oxygenation is dynamic. Bedside methods, specifically near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), brain tissue oxygen tension (PbtO2), and jugular venous oxygen saturation monitoring (SjvO2), have not often been used in studies involving post-CA patients. Hence there is ambiguity regarding clear recommendations for using these bedside monitors. Presently, the most promising option seems to be using the NIRS as an indicator of effective CPR. We present a narrative review focusing on bedside methods and discuss the evidence for their use in adult patients after cardiac arrest.
Adsorption Isotherm Studies of Rhodamine B on Citrus sinesis Peel

Adsorption of Rhodamine B on Citrus sinesis peel biosorbent has been conducted. The adsorption process was carried out in neutral pH for 90 min. The active surface of the Citrus sinesis peel biosorbent was 15 m2/g and the density was 0.52 g/cm3. The adsorption mechanism of Rhodamine B on Citrus sinesis peel biosorbent was studied using 4 adsorption model; Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Dubinin-Radushkevich. The adsorption fitted the Freundlich model with the regression value of 0.906. This indicates that the adsorption of Rhodamine B on the surface of Citrus sinesis peel biosorbent was a multilayer interaction.
Sustainability in the evaluation of bus rapid transportation projects considering both managers and passengers perspectives: A triple-level efficiency evaluation approach

Abstract The significant positive and negatives effects of transportation systems (TSs) on the sustainability of cities and human life draw much attention from both researchers and managers. Constructing bus rapid transit (BRT) networks, or adding new lines to the existing ones, is one of the cheapest and easiest solutions to improve the performance of the urban transportation network (UTN). Often, large number of candidate projects (BRT lines) renders the execution of all these projects impossible due to technical and financial limitations. Hence, evaluating the candidate projects and developing the best plan for constructing a BRT network is an important issue requiring a complex decision-making process. In this study, a multi-period triple-level sustainable BRT network design model has been proposed using data envelopment analysis, game theory, Malmquist Index (MI) and considering all sustainability dimensions including environment, economic and society. Both managers’ and passengers’ perspectives have been considered in the modeling. A procedure based on a genetic algorithm (GA) has been developed to solve the presented triple-level model. Finally, the model has been applied to a real-world case study of evaluating and selecting the BRT projects in the city of Isfahan, and the results have been analyzed.