Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
CHANGES IN COMPOSITION OF PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS AND TOCOPHEROLS IN BROCCOLI HEADS DURING SHORT-TERM STORAGE

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica) contains numerous biologically active compounds. However, their levels change during processing and storage. The objective of the research study was to determine the effect of short-term storage (1 ÷ 4 days) of broccoli heads at different temperatures (3 oC, 16 oC, and 21 oC) on the contents of phenolic acids, selected flavonoids (quercetin and kaempferol), and tocopherols. Broccoli heads were harvested in autumn when they reached their maximum size and their buds were 2 mm in diameter. The content of phenolics and tocopherols depended on the storage time of broccoli heads. The lowest content of phenolics was found immediately after the broccoli was harvested, whereas the highest content thereof was reported after 4 days of storage. However, the storage temperature did not impact the contents of those compounds. In the research study, the content of caffeic acid was reported to be highest in the fresh broccoli heads; the content of sinapic acid was the second-highest, and that of the ferulic acid was the third-highest. The content of kaempferol in the broccoli heads was higher than that of quercetin. No differences were reported in the content of quercetin and kaempferol at particular storage temperatures on every single day of the experiment. An increase was reported only when compared with the control sample (the 0 day of storage). In the broccoli heads, the predominant tocopherol was α-tocopherol. The lowest loss in the total tocopherols occurred while storing at a temperature of 3 oC and the highest: at a temperature of 21 oC.
High frequency of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli isolates from male patients' urine.

Background: The number of extended-spectrum -lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae reported cases all over the world has continued to increase faster than the other resistance mechanisms, particularly in E. coli and K. pneumoniae. Objectives: This cross-sectional study was designed to assess the prevalence of multidrug resistance of ESBL-producing urine isolates of E. coli and K. pneumoniae collected in Tehran hospitals, as well as the molecular characterizations of some ESBL genes, with an emphasis on occurrence rates by sex. Materials and Methods: A total of 190 E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates were collected from patients’ urine samples in hospitals from Tehran, Iran during 2009 - 2010, and were screened for antibiotic susceptibility, ESBL phenotype, and presence of blaCTX-M and blaTEM genes. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) for ceftazidime and cefotaxime were made by agar dilution method. Results: The ESBL phenotype was detected in 55.5% of E. coli and 46.4% of K. pneumoniae isolates. Presence of blaCTX-M-1 was dominant in both organisms. The prevalence of blaCTX-M-1 carrying isolates among ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae and E. coli isolates were 49.1% and 85.7%, respectively. Among ESBL-producing isolates, 68.5% of E. coli and 59.3% of K. pneumoniae isolates carried the blaTEM genes, and simultaneous carrying of blaCTX-M and blaTEM genes was observed in 68.5% of E. coli and 33.3% of K. pneumoniae isolates. The resistant rate to ceftazidime, cefotaxime, and cefepime was significantly higher in K. pneumoniae and E. coli isolates from male patients urine samples. A significant higher rate of blaCTX-M-1, blaTEM, and co-blaCTX-M-1-blaTEM genes were seen for E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates in male patients’ urine. Conclusions: The results indicate that the rates of ESBLs are high in urine E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates from Tehran hospitals. Also this study indicates that the urine isolates from male patients are significantly more resistant than the female isolates.
Impairment of Endothelial Thromboprotective Function by Haemodynamic and Inflammatory Stress Implications for hypertensive disease

The physiologically most important activator of intravascular fibrinolysis is tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA). The endothelium synthesizes and stores t-PA and regulated release of the enzyme is an important local protective response to prevent thrombus extension. Previous work by our group has shown that both patients with primary and secondary hypertension have a reduced capacity to release t-PA upon stimulation, a defect that is likely to contribute to the enhanced risk for arterial occlusion and tissue infarction in these subjects. The mechanism of this impairment is unclear although our experimental studies have indicated that it could be a direct effect of the elevated blood pressure. In order to investigate if the impairment could be reversed by lowering the blood pressure, we used the perfused-forearm model to examine hypertensive subjects for stimulated t-PA release before and after antihypertensive treatment. The findings show that the capacity for stimulated t-PA release can be significantly improved by blood pressure lowering. Treatment increased the amount of t-PA released and also improved the rapidity of the response. The changes were of similar magnitude regardless of treatment with the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor lisinopril or the calcium antagonist felodipine, suggesting that the improvement was related to the blood pressure effect per se. To examine the underlying mechanism of blood pressure-induced suppression of t-PA, we explored the potential involvement of the two main haemodynamic forces tensile stress and shear stress. Using in vitro biomechanical experimental models and cultured endothelial cells we observed suppressed t-PA gene expression and protein secretion in response to prolonged cyclic strain stimulation and a magnitude dependent suppression of t-PA transcript with prolonged laminar shear stress. Moreover, all reductions of t-PA were consistently followed by inductions of the main inhibitor of t-PA, plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1). Further, as hypertension is often associated with a low-grade inflammation, we investigated the impact of the prototypic proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) on t-PA expression. Prolonged stimulation of cultured endothelial cells was observed to suppress t-PA gene and protein expression. Mechanistic experiments with pharmacologic inhibitors showed that the inhibitory effect was nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) dependent and indicated that potential effector molecules might be the transcription factors NF-kB and CREB interacting with the t-PA kB and CRE promoter elements, respectively. In conclusion, these findings show that the impaired capacity to release t-PA in hypertensive subjects is directly related to the elevated blood pressure. Data from experimental studies indicate that this impaired fibrinolytic response could be an effect of an enhanced tensile, shear and inflammatory stress acting on the endothelium.
Effects of Anxiety on Change Detection in a Command and Control Task

Air battle management (ABM) operations places high demands on operator attention; operators are required to manage an airspace cluttered with aircraft, identify changes in amity of entities and respond appropriately to these aircraft. Awareness of the severe consequence of errors in detection and the risk of physical harm may contribute to operator stress and anxiety. Anxiety research shows a selective attention bias to threat-related information which, according to attentional control theory, impairs the inhibition and shifting stages of executive functioning related to attention. In the ABM context, task anxiety may increase change blindness by interfering with attentional processes. The current study aimed to observe these effects in dyads performing a simulated ABM task. Participants controlled fighter aircraft to destroy incoming enemy planes and protect their own assets. General aims of the study were to distinguish the impacts of trait and state anxiety on detection of target aircraft differing in threat, and to test the role of anxiety produced by a mood induction. Forty-six individuals were pre-screened for inclusion based on low and high trait anxiety such that teams of low, mixed and high trait anxiety might be compared. All teams performed the task in both neutral and anxious mood conditions. This experiment utilized a 3 × 3 × 2 × 2 mixed-model design. The between-groups factor was team composition (low anxious, mixed anxious, high anxious). Within-groups factors included trial mood state (Neutral-1/Anxious/Neutral-2), time, and target amity (neutral, low-threat, highthreat). The dependent measures collected in this experiment included measures of offensive and defensive performance in the air battle management task, measures of change detection, and three subjective state measures including the Dundee Stress State Questionnaire (DSSQ), StateTrait Personality Inventory (STPI) and the NASA Task Load Index (TLX). Team × Time mixedmodel analyses of variance (ANOVA) were run on all subjective state measures, i.e. state
Using Maximal Embedded Syntactic Subtrees for Textual Entailment Recognition

In this paper we address the textual entailment task by using tree mining and matching technique. Our results show that accuracy can be improved when using a combination of lexical entailment with syntactic matching. The best result we received by combining two components is the following: 70% of recall and 57,5% of precision on the test set.
Development of M12 Type Plug-in LDV Probe for Evaluation of Flow Field near Spark Location in SI Engine

In this study, a plug-in type LDV probe was developed in order to evaluate the flow field near the spark location in an engine. Mini LDV optics were installed in a small hole made in a M12 (thread) spark plug. Extremely compact LDV optics were designed and installed in a spark plug and this system can be readily used in an actual engine under firing conditions. The developed plug-in LDV probe was applied to single cylinder engine and measured the flow velocity near the spark location. The DPSS laser of 514 nm wavelength was used as a light source. The light from the laser was taken to the LDV probe using extended optical fibers connected with FC connectors. The burst signal from the LDV probe was transferred by another optical fiber, detected by photomultiplier and analyzed by signal processor. In this set-up, the equipment configuration except for probe was same as commercially available LDV system. When installed in an engine, the measurement point is located near to the spark plug and the working distance is 5mm down from the cylinder head. Before testing on the engine, a simple experimental set-up was designed and constructed to compare the developed LDV probe with commercially available φ14 mm LDV probe (Dantec Dynamics A/S) The compressed air was used and flow rate was controlled by pressure regulator. As expected, the mean velocity was proportional to the mass flow rate and the mean velocity and turbulence intensity results from the plug-in LDV probe are in well agreement with φ14 probe results. After validation of the developed probe using tube experiments, the plug- in LDV probe was applied to single cylinder engine (displacement volume: 500 cc). The plug-in LDV probe was directly installed in the spark plug hole without any modification to the engine head. The experiments were conducted under motoring and firing conditions. The engine has been tested between the speeds of 800 rpm and 2000 rpm. The data rate during the compression and expansion stroke was over 20 kHz under motoring condition and 25 kHz under firing condition. The effects of engine speed, cutoff frequency, data sampling rate, required number of cycles were discussed. In addition, the effect of engine speed on turbulent intensity around the ignition timing was investigated.
Foliar application of urea and bell pepper amino acids

The Bell peppers is a tropical culture and it is in the 10 most consumed vegetables of the world. The mineral nutrition is essential to the productivity and better quality of the gather fruits. In bell pepper cultivation, high portions of nitrogen are essential to a good performance of fruits. The foliar fertilizing is a complement to the ground fertilizing. The amino acids are a good source of nitrogen, once these are quickly incorporated to the plants metabolism. Therefore, this work aimed to estimate the sources and portions of N to the foliar application in Bell pepper cultivar. The Randomized blocks design was utilized in a factorial scheme 2 × 4, with four repetitions. The first factor corresponded in two sources of N: urea and amino acids. The second factor corresponded to the number of repetitions by foliar: 0, 1, 3, 5 and 7 applications during the culture cycle. The first foliar application occurred ten days after the transplant, and the subsequent in breaks of fifteen days after the first application. In the test there was not application. The baselines evaluated: Cross length of fruits, fruits diameters, number of total fruits and productivity in kg ha-1. The results were submitted to variation and regression analysis. The application of amino acids by foliar in plants of Bell pepper, increased the diameter and the length of fruits. High sources of urea also provided morphological changes in fruits however lower amino acids utilization. Key words: Capsicum annuum L. , nitrogen fertilizing, fruit quality.
Measuring and comparison of natural frequencies of bucket wheel excavators SchRs 1320 and K 2000

Machines used in opencast mines like bucket wheel excavators (BWE), spreaders and others are extremely loaded structures. Interactions between bucket wheel and overburden are reflected on steel structures as vibrations. Good tuning of dynamical properties of machines is necessary to minimize the vibrations. This goes thru good design of BWE including right concept of bucket wheel and his drive for expected geological conditions. Natural frequencies belong to basic dynamical characteristics. Their knowledge not only gives us the possibility to correct tuning of steel structures of BWEs in existing machines but also it is good base for designing of new BWEs. Presented paper deals with measuring of natural frequencies of BWEs SchRs 1320 and K 2000. There are compared differences between these two types of BWEs.
We've thrown away the pens, but are they learning? Using blogs in higher education

In today’s university classrooms, “the time of restricting students products and learning opportunities to ink on paper are past” (Siegle, 2007). Blogs are only one of many computer-mediated technologies starting to dominate blended and wholly online courses. Most people assume that using these technologies, because it is what the students want, will translate into increased learning opportunities. As the literature continuously asserts, however, learning, and especially reflection, does not just happen (Boud, Keogh, & Walker, 1985). It seems imperative, therefore, that extra measures are taken when any technology is being implemented in a university classroom to ensure high levels of reflection and cognitive processing are being fostered. Studies must be conducted to understand how blogs can be used to help students engage in reflection, at all levels: Stimulated Reflection, Descriptive Reflection, Dialogic Reflection and, the highest, Critical Reflection. This study explored the use of blogs in a tertiary setting to learn how the tool was used, and could be better used, to foster reflection and higher-order thinking. This paper focuses on how blogs were used as one element of a learning activity in an Accounting unit in an Australian university to promote reflection. We provide an analysis of the learning environment set by the instructor, including the learning task, learning resources, and learning supports, student perceptions of the value of the task, and an examination of students’ blogs. Finally, we discuss the outcomes of the blogs in terms of levels of reflection being accomplished.
4. TEXTURES AND MICROFABRICS IN FINE-GRAINED MUDS AND MUDSTONES FROM SITE 808, NANKAI ACCRETIONARY PRISM1

The microfabric of 11 mudrock specimens from ODP Site 808 (Nankai accretionary prism) was quantitatively analyzed using X-ray texture goniometry and optical petrography. The objectives of the study were to learn about rock strain and to detect a component of bulk lateral shortening in the deformation of the mudstones. Strain evaluation is based on the predictions of March theory, and on distortions of initially homogeneous marker particle distributions (the Fry technique). The main results are as follows. The specimens underwent a strain path of progressive flattening, which is closely related to loss of pore space by vertical loading. A component of bulk lateral shortening is detectable in the top 550 mbsf at Site 808, but compared with the amount of uniaxial vertical shortening, its relative magnitude is probably small. Moreover, it cannot be said with confidence whether this is caused by toe contraction of the accretionary wedge or by gravitationally induced downslope movement of the sediment pile. The mudstones examined were deposited in a marine environment with an oxic bottom water column. Micropore collapse is an important fabric building mechanism, but below 400 mbsf its effects are at least partly overridden by recrystallization of smectite. We conclude that mud microfabrics are not very precise deformation gauges, but can be used for rough estimations of strain.
RIVERINE HABITAT PREFERENCES OF BOTOS (INIA GEOFFRENSIS) AND TUCUXIS (SOTALIA FLUVIATILIS) IN THE CENTRAL AMAZON

The distribution and density of the Amazon’s two contrasting endemic dolphins—boto, or Amazon river dolphin, Inia geoffrensis, and tucuxi, Sotalia fluviatilis—were examined on two adjoining large rivers in western Brazil. Using a 17-m river boat as a sightings platform, strip transects were used to cover areas within 150 m of the river margin and line transects were used in all other areas. Highest densities of both dolphins occurred near the margin, and lowest in the center of rivers. Seven different habitats were identified along river margins. The boto and the tucuxi differed in some elements of habitat choice, but they shared a preference for areas with diminished current and where two channels joined. Neither species favored the two most common edge types in this region of the Amazon—mud banks and flooded forest margins. Overall, the most preferred habitat type was the least common, and known as ‘‘meeting of the waters. ’’ In these areas a channel of sediment-rich white water meets one carrying acidic black water; the resultant mixing produces particularly productive, and obviously attractive, conditions for dolphins. These results demonstrate that Amazonian dolphins selectively occur in areas known to be favored for gill net deployment by local fishermen, and may explain why entanglement is apparently a common cause of mortality.
CORRELATION OF INCREASED FIBRINOGEN & OXIDATIVE STRESS IN PROGNOSIS OF DIABETIC FOOT ULCER

BACKGROUND: Diabetic foot ulcer has poor prognosis and is a leading cause of amputation. Oxidative stress is associated with the pathogenesis of chronic wounds. Fibrinogen is a prognostic marker of peripheral vascular disease . AIMS: This prospective case-control study was designed to (i) evaluate and compare oxidative stress, protein carbonyl and fibrinogen levels, (ii) assess the correlation of the above parameters with prognosis in diabetic foot ulcer patients and healthy controls and (iii) whether fibrinogen levels can be used as prognostic markers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 100 diabetic patients (40 diabetic without complication, 40 diabetic foot ulcer grade 1 and 20 grade 2 patients) and 60 volunteer healthy controls. Oxidative stress was evaluated by estimating the amount of oxidant load of lipid peroxides by ferrous oxidation products in xylenol orange assay in conjunction with triphenylphosphine version 2 (FOX2 assay) and protein carbonyl. The antioxidant status level was estimated by ferric reducing ability of serum (FRAP assay). Fibrinogen and glycated hemoglobin was measured using commercial kits. SPSS version 17 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Oxidative stress was higher in diabetic foot ulcer patients compared to non ulcer (p<0.05) and controls (p<0.01). Increased oxidative stress and plasma fibrinogen correlated with poor prognosis. CONCLUSION: Increased oxidative stress and plasma fibrinogen are associated with poor prognosis irrespective of glycemic control.
Seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in adolescents and adults in Babol

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Helicobacter pylori is an important causative factor for chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer and gastric cancer. Based on the reports, about half of the world population are infected with this bacterium. The present study was designed with the purpose of investigation of H. pylori infection rate in adolescents and adults of
High Efficiency and cost effective Cu2S/CdS thin-film solar cell

Cu2S and CdS nanoparticles due to their unique band character, high extinction coefficients and impact ionization effects are the most promising light absorbers for solar cells. Here Cu2S and CdS nanoparticles are prepared by wet chemical method and are characterized using UV-Vis Absorption Spectroscopy and X-ray Diffraction. The thin film of Cu2S/CdS is prepared using Spin Coating technique. Cu2S/CdS solar cells form a p-n heterojunction solar cells with CdS having energy gap of 4.4eV and Cu2S having an energy gap of 2.65 eV. The results are quite appreciable and 10.9% efficiency is obtained from Cu2S/CdS thin-film solar cell. The photovoltaic properties including I–V characteristics, short-circuit current (Isc), open-circuit voltage (Voc), fill factor (ff), efficiency (η) of Cu2S/CdS heterojunction cells have been examined.
Bank risks, provisioning and the business cycle: a panel analysis on European intermediaries

Few works were interested in the procyclical character of the provisioning policy. However, the accounting practices as regards provisioning of the loans losses adopted by banks fluctuate with the business cycle and can reinforce financial instability. The objective of this study is to examine whether and to what extent provisioning policy are procyclical. We focus on the interaction between business cycle and provisioning policy (loan loss reserves and loan loss provisions) consistent with the Basel Accord of 1988 which made loan loss reserves no longer part of Tier I capital in the numerator of the capital adequacy ratio. An empirical model on panel data is then adapted on European banks from 1992 to 2004. In this model we consider two types of provisioning policy determinants: loan loss provisions and loan loss reserves. We identify banks with different strategies and different characteristics based on the ratio of non interest income in total revenue. We find that large banks tend to hold less risk. They establish fewer reserves than small banks. However, our results provide that functional diversification have no impact on provisioning policy. We also find that risk weighted assets reduce the volatility of the provisioning policy (loan loss provisions and loan loss reserves) during the cycle. The findings of our research are consistent with the empirical work of Bikker and Hu (2002), Laeven and Majnoni (2003), of Bikker and Metzemakers (2005) who show that banks more fund loans losses in period of economic downturn than in period of economic upturn for a whole of the OECD countries.