Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Third-Generation Snacks Manufactured from Andean Tubers and Tuberous Root Flours: Microwave Expansion Kinetics and Characterization

Andean tubers and tuberous roots have nutritional and medicinal properties transferred through ancestral generations. In this study, we aim to promote cultivation and consumption by developing a snack based on these crops. Corn grits were thoroughly mixed with sweet potato, mashua, and three varieties of oca flour (white, yellow, and red) in an 80:20 ratio, and a single-screw laboratory extruder was utilized to produce third-generation (3G) dried pellets. Microwave expansion was studied, and the dried 3G pellets and expanded snacks were characterized. The microwave expansion curves of the dried 3G pellets were adjusted to the Page, logarithmic, and Midilli–Kucuk models. During the characterization, the influence of the raw material composition was observed in sectional expansion, water content, water activity, water absorption, water solubility, swelling, optical and textural properties, and bioactive compounds. According to global color variation (mixture vs. expanded and dried vs. expanded) and bioactive compound analysis, the mashua suffered little chemical change or nutritional loss during the process. The extrusion process was shown to be an ideal method for manufacturing snacks from Andean tuber flours.
The Impact of 3D Prism Cavity for Enhanced Oil Recovery Using Different Nanomaterials

Enhanced oil recovery (EOR) has been offered as an alternative to declining crude oil production. EOR using nanotechnology is one of the most innovative trends in the petroleum industry. In order to determine the maximum oil recovery, the effect of a 3D rectangular prism shape is numerically investigated in this study. Using ANSYS Fluent software(2022R1), we develop a two-phase mathematical model based on 3D geometry. This research examines the following parameters: flow rate Q = 0.01–0.05 mL/min, volume fractions = 0.01–0.04%, and the effect of nanomaterials on relative permeability. The result of the model is verified with published studies. In this study, the finite volume method is used to simulate the problem, and we run simulations at different flow rates while keeping other variables constant. The findings show that the nanomaterials have an important effect on water and oil permeability, increasing oil mobility and lowering IFT, which increases the recovery process. Additionally, it has been noted that a reduction in the flow rate improves oil recovery. Maximum oil recovery was attained at a 0.05 mL/min flow rate. Based on the findings, it is also demonstrated that SiO2 provides better oil recovery compared to Al2O3. When the volume fraction concentration increases, oil recovery ultimately increases.
Comparison of Sugeno and Mamdani fuzzy models optimized by artificial bee colony algorithm for nonlinear system modelling

This paper is an extended version of the paper presented at TOK 2014 (Turkish Automatic Control National Meeting) which examined the determination of Sugeno type fuzzy model parameters optimized by the artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm for a microstrip antenna. This paper presents a performance comparison of the Sugeno and Mamdani type fuzzy models proposed for nonlinear system modelling. To determine the parameters of the fuzzy models, the ABC algorithm is used. For this purpose, several nonlinear system examples which given in the literature were considered, and the results obtained by the optimized fuzzy models were compared with the other modelling approaches in the literature. Simulation results demonstrate that the use of the ABC algorithm provides a remarkable contribution to the model’s performance.
The clot thickens: How to use viscoelastic testing in critical illness

Coagulopathy is common in critically ill patients and may result in complications such as bleeding or thromboembolic events. Viscoelastic testing (VET), including both thromboelastography (TEG®) and rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM®), offers a benefit over conventional coagulation tests in that it provides a qualitative and quantitative assessment of the degree of coagulopathy, including the ability to measure fibrinolysis. This review is a “how‐to” primer for critical care pharmacists to interpret and utilize VET in practice across a spectrum of coagulopathies, including trauma and traumatic brain injury, neurologic injury and emergencies, cardiothoracic surgery, liver disease, and medication‐induced coagulopathy.
Cenozoic Clastic Deposits in the Thermaikos Basin in Northern Greece and Their Reservoir Potential

The Epanomi gas field discovery during the 1980s at the eastern fringe of the Thermaikos Basin in Northern Greece proved the existence of an active petroleum system in the area. Seismic and drilling exploration programs in the area provide data to study the Cenozoic clastic sequence in the Thermaikos Basin. This study aims to recognize, through core and well-log data, the wide range of facies associations from different depositional environments, which contribute to the basin fill. Additional wells from the Kassandra and Epanomi onshore areas support the conclusions of this study. A detailed core description, a cuttings evaluation, and a log analysis of selected wells were the main tools for the facies association analysis. Seismic data from the area were used to identify the lateral extension of the depositional environments in the areas between and around the wells. The Eocene–Oligocene part of the stratigraphic succession corresponds to deep-water turbidites in the middle of the basin, passing laterally to a shallow marine and locally to fluvial, alluvial, and deltaic settings. The dominant (in terms of thickness) Miocene interval consists of fluvial and shallow marine sediments, while deltaic deposits are also present. The Quaternary deposits are mostly shallow marine, with local lagoonal sediments. The reservoir properties were integrated at the last stages of the study in order to identify the most interesting facies. The outcome of this study can be useful for hydrocarbon exploration or for potential future CO2 storage.
Effect of Pressure on Spontaneous Polarization and Tilt Angle in Ferroelectric Liquid Crystal Dobambc

Using a thermodynamic model based on the generalized Landau free-energy density expansion, we investigate the influence of hydrostatic pressure on the spontaneous polarization and tilt angle of ferroelectric chiral smectic C (Sm C*) phase near the Sm A–Sm C* transition in a ferroelectric mesogen DOBAMBC. It is shown that the pressure dependence of the tilt angle, spontaneous polarization and Sm A–Sm C* transition temperature (Tc) can be described in terms of four pressure-dependent Landau coefficients: two achiral coefficients a and b and two chiral coefficients Λ and d. The pressure dependence of the parameter a is due to the pressure-dependent Tc. With the increasing pressure, the stability of the Sm C* phase decreases. A close agreement between theory and experiment is found.
Orbital Complications of Extensive Allergic Fungal Rhinosinusitis: A Case Report

Allergic fungal rhinosinusitis is an immunoglobulin E-mediated disease caused by fungal antigens. Orbital complications due to bone erosion by the expanding, mucin-filled sinuses are considered uncommon, but they require immediate intervention. We report a successful management of a complicated case of allergic fungal rhinosinusitis in a 16-year-old female complaining of progressive nasal obstruction for four months, who only sought medical advice after developing proptosis and visual affection. The patient underwent surgical debridement and corticosteroid therapy followed by dramatic improvement of proptosis and vision. The differential diagnosis of proptosis with sinusitis must include allergic fungal rhinosinusitis.
The Experimental Development of Bread with Enriched Nutritional Properties Using Organic Sea Buckthorn Pomace

In this study, sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) pomace resulting from juice extraction was dried and ground in order to obtain a powder that was further used in bread making. Sea buckthorn pomace, an invaluable by-product of the industry, contains bioactive compounds and dietary fibers that promote health. Dried by-products of sea buckthorn are rich sources of nutritional and bioactive compounds, offering great potential for use as nutraceuticals in animal feed, ingredients in functional food, and the pharmaceutical industry. The utilization of sea buckthorn by-products promotes a circular and sustainable economy by implementing innovative methods and strategic approaches to recover high-value products and minimize waste in multiple ways. For this purpose, three organic sea buckthorn varieties were used, namely Mara (M), Clara (C), and Sorana (S). Further, 6%, 8%, and 10% pomace powder were added to wheat flour to prepare functional bread, and its effects on structural, nutritional, and sensorial characteristics were investigated. The volume, porosity, and elasticity of the obtained bread samples were slightly lower compared to the control sample (white bread). The nutritional characteristics revealed that the developed bread presented higher antioxidant activity, polyphenolic content, and crude fiber compared to the control sample. The acceptability test showed that consumer preferences were directed toward the bread samples containing 8% sea buckthorn powder, regardless of the variety, while the addition of 10% pomace powder led to major sensorial changes. The results of this study showed that sea buckthorn pomace powder can be successfully incorporated into bread in order to obtain a food product with enhanced properties.
Yield and Toxin Analysis of Leaf Protein Concentrate from Common North American Coniferous Trees

In the event of an abrupt sunlight reduction scenario, there is a time window that occurs between when food stores would likely run out for many countries (~6 months or less) and ~1 year when resilient foods are scaled up. A promising temporary resilient food is leaf protein concentrate (LPC). Although it is possible to extract LPC from tree biomass (e.g., leaves and needles), neither the yields nor the toxicity of the protein concentrates for humans from the most common tree species has been widely investigated. To help fill this knowledge gap, this study uses high-resolution mass spectrometry and an open-source toolchain for non-targeted screening of toxins on five common North American coniferous species: Western Cedar, Douglas Fir, Ponderosa Pine, Western Hemlock, and Lodgepole Pine. The yields for LPC extraction from the conifers ranged from 1% to 7.5%. The toxicity screenings confirm that these trees may contain toxins that can be consumed in small amounts, and additional studies including measuring the quantity of each toxin are needed. The results indicate that LPC is a promising candidate to be used as resilient food, but future work is needed before LPCs from conifers can be used as a wide-scale human food.
Exploring Synergistic Combinations in Extended and Pan-Drug Resistant (XDR and PDR) Whole Genome Sequenced Acinetobacter baumannii

Abstract: Background: The diminishing antimicrobial options for the treatment of XDR and PDR Acinetobacter baumannii is an increasing concern. In this study, we assessed the in vitro synergy of the fosfomycin (FOS) with meropenem (MEM), amikacin (AK), tigecycline (TGC), and colistin (CL) in whole genome sequenced isolates. Methods: Non-replicate whole genome sequenced (illumina next-generation sequencing platform, Clevergene, India), A. baumanii (7 XDR, 1PDR) were subjected to in vitro synergy testing by checkerboard (CB) and time kill assay (TKA) after MIC determination, with glucose-6-phosphate being incorporated in all runs. FOS was used as a cornerstone drug in four combinations and colistin in one. ResFinder, MLST, PlasmidFinder, and CSIPhylogeny tools were used. Results: Mortality occurred in three patients. Diverse MLST were observed, ST-1962 (3 isolates) and one each of ST2062, ST2063, ST1816, ST1806, ST234. FOS MICs ranged from 32 to 128 mg/L, MEM MIC: 16–64 mg/L, TGC MIC: ≤2–≤4 mg/L and AK MIC: >512 mg/L. CL: MIC range, 0.25–≤2 mg/L, PDR MIC > 16 mg/L. Synergy results by CB: FOS-MEM: synergy in ⅞ (90%) isolates. Synergy lowered MEM MICs to susceptibility breakpoints in 6/8 cases. CL-MEM: Excellent synergy (3/3) isolates. FOS-AK: Indifference in ⅞, antagonism ⅛ (AK-susceptible isolate). FOS-TGC: Partial synergy (PS) in 8/8 (TGC MIC dropped to ≤0.25 mg/L in 3/8). In the PDR isolate, synergy was seen in FOS-MEM, CL-MEM, PS in FOS-CL, FOS-TGC, indifference in FOS-AK. TKA: Excellent synergy was observed with FOS-MEM from 4 h, while FOS-AK and FOS-TGC demonstrated synergy at 24 h. Synergy was achieved despite presence of widespread resistance markers against aminoglycosides (AacAad, AadA, AadB, Aph3″Ia, ArmA, Arr, StrA, StrB), beta-lactams (ADC, BlaA1, BlaA2, Zn-dependent_hydrolase, OXA-23, OXA-51, PER-1,TEM-1D, CARB-5, Mbl), sulphonamides (SulII, SulI), phenicols (CatBx, CmlA), macrolides (MphE, MsrE) and tetracycline (TetB) were widespread. Carbapenemase, CARB-5 was present in one isolate. Beta-lactamase genes OXA-23, OXA-51, BlaA2, Zn-dependent_hydrolase, ADC, Mbl and macrolide resistance genes MphE, MsrE were present in all 8 isolates. Conclusions: FOS-MEM and CL-MEM are promising combinations against A. baumannii. Synergy of FOS-MEM in intrinsically resistant A. baumannii shows that this antibiotic combination might be useful in treating such XDR and PDR pathogens.
A mathematical model for the immunotherapeutic control of the Th1/Th2 imbalance in melanoma

Aggressive cancers develop immune suppression mechanisms, allowing them to evade specific immune responses. Patients with active melanoma are polarized towards a T helper (Th) 2-type immune phenotype, which subverts effective anticancer Th1-type cellular immunity. The pro-inflammatory factor, interleukin (IL)-12, can potentially restore Th1 responses in such patients, but still shows limited clinical efficacy and substantial side effects. We developed a model for the Th1/Th2 imbalance in melanoma patients and its regulation via IL-12 treatment. The model focuses on the interactions between the two Th cell types as mediated by their respective key cytokines, interferon (IFN)-$\gamma$ and IL-10. Theoretical and numerical analysis showed a landscape consisting of a single, globally attracting steady state, which is stable under large ranges of relevant parameter values. Our results suggest that in melanoma, the cellular arm of the immune system cannot reverse tumor immunotolerance naturally, and that immunotherapy may be the only way to overturn tumor dominance. We have shown that given a toxicity threshold for IFN$\gamma$, the maximal allowable IL-12 concentration to yield a Th1-polarized state can be estimated. Moreover, our analysis pinpoints the IL-10 secretion rate as a significant factor influencing the Th1:Th2 balance, suggesting its use as a personal immunomarker for prognosis.
A comparative study of multiple music signal noise reduction algorithms in music processing

Electronic music is susceptible to noise in production, which needs to be processed. This paper analyzed several commonly used noise reduction algorithms, including wiener filtering, wavelet transform, spectral subtraction, and improved spectral subtraction, and then compared the noise reduction performance of several algorithms by producing noisy music datasets in the audio analysis tool librosa. It was found from the experimental results that the wavelet transform algorithm performed best when sym3 was used as the wavelet basis function, and the number of decomposition layers was 7. The comparison of different algorithms showed that the performance of the wiener filtering algorithm was poor in reducing noise, and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and signal distortion ratio (SDR) was low; the performance of the improved spectral subtraction algorithm was the best, and the SNR and SDR were 20.36 dB and 17.94 dB, respectively, when the SNR was −8 dB, which were better than the other algorithms. The experimental results demonstrate the reliability of the improved spectral subtraction method in music signal noise reduction. The algorithm can be applied in practical music processing.
Effects of Different Feeding Durations on Ileum Length and Weight and Basal Endogenous Loss of Phosphorus in Broiler Chickens Fed a Phosphorus-Free Diet

Simple Summary The inevitable basal endogenous loss of nutrients from the body is closely associated with the animal’s metabolic functions. A purified diet formulated with highly refined feed ingredients lacking phosphorus is commonly used to determine the basal endogenous loss of phosphorus. However, such diets may alter metabolic functions, thereby affecting the basal endogenous loss of phosphorus. Moreover, feeding a purified diet for a long period of time may cause abnormal gut health, resulting in a decrease in empty gut weight and shorter intestinal segments. To the best of our knowledge, information on the effect of the feeding duration of a phosphorus-free diet on the basal endogenous loss of phosphorus is limited. We found that feeding broiler chickens a phosphorus-free diet for up to 4 days did not affect the amount of basal endogenous loss of phosphorus. Abstract The study investigated the effects of feeding duration on the length and weight of the ileum, and basal endogenous loss (BEL) of phosphorus (P) on broiler chickens fed a P-free diet (PFD). A standard starter diet was fed to 384 birds for 15 days. On day 15, they were weighed and randomly allocated to one of three treatment groups in a randomized complete block design, with eight replicate cages per treatment and 16 birds per cage. The birds in each treatment group were fed the PFD for 2, 3, or 4 days. There was an increase in growth performance (p < 0.05) as the PFD feeding duration increased from 2 to 4 days. Although the relative dry weight of the ileum (mg/100 g of body weight) decreased linearly (p < 0.05) as the PFD feeding duration increased, the amount of dried ileal digesta (g/bird) was not affected. The BEL of P was 110.2, 128.2, and 133.6 mg/kg of dry matter intake in birds fed the PFD for 2, 3, and 4 days, respectively. Feeding a PFD to broiler chickens for 2, 3, or 4 days did not change P BEL.
Edaphic ecotypic divergence in Senecio vulgaris and the evolutionary potential of predominantly self-fertilising species

ABSTRACT Background There is continued interest in ecotypic divergence because it is informative of local adaptation and can be an important step in speciation. Aim To investigate ecotypic divergence in a predominantly self-fertilising species, Senecio vulgaris, in response to variation in soil nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations. Methods Responses to increased N and P were compared among populations sampled from sand dune, bird sanctuary and garden habitats, containing soils of low, high and intermediate fertility, respectively. Responses were measured in terms of growth, with capitulum production and days to seed set recorded in some experiments. Results Population differences in response to increased N and P were detected and linked to differences in soil fertility among habitats. Thus, the sand dune population exhibited the lowest growth response to increased N and P concentrations, while a bird sanctuary population showed the greatest response to increased N supplied as either NaNO3, NH4NO3 or urea. Genetic variation in response to increased N was present in both of these populations. Conclusions The results indicate the presence of edaphic ecotypes in S. vulgaris, providing further evidence that questions the premise that self-fertilisation limits adaptation to environmental change and thus is an evolutionary dead-end.
A statistical study of compressional waves in the tail current sheet

[1] A statistical study of the Cluster FGM data is performed on compressional waves for 68 selected 12 min intervals when the spacecraft are in or near the neutral sheet. The data are well distributed in local time between 2100 and 0300 LT. The compressional wave power is strongly dependent on the maximum plasma flow velocity (based on the CIS-CODIF data) during the 12-min interval. Up to a perpendicular flow velocity of ∼400 km/s the spectral power increases with velocity; at higher velocities the spectral power saturates. The turbulence measured in the frequency range between 0.08 and 1 Hz shows that on that scale the magnetotail has fully developed quasi two-dimensional turbulence. We relate the quasi two-dimensional (2-D) turbulence to the finite extension of the flow channel, with a streaming instability as its source. There is an asymmetry in wave power between the premidnight and midnight/postmidnight sectors. The plasma flow direction splits the data into two distinct categories, the Earth/duskward and the tail/dawnward flows.
Exercise Prescription for the Work–Life Population and Beyond

The background for this paper concerns a high frequency of work-related disorders that may result from physical exposure at work being highly sedentary, repetitive–monotonous, or physically demanding. This may result in levels of physical inactivity or strenuous activity impairing health. The aim is to present an evidence-based exercise prescription for the work–life population and beyond. The exercise program is designed to be feasible for use at the workplace and/or during leisure time and to improve health, workability, productivity, sickness absence, etc. The specific concept of Intelligent Physical Exercise Training, IPET, includes the assessment of several health-related variables, including musculoskeletal disorders, physical capacity, and physical exposure at work and/or daily life activity. An algorithm with cut-points for prescribing specific exercises is provided. Exercise programs in praxis are addressed through descriptions of precise executions of various prescribed exercises and possible alternatives to optimize variation and adherence. Finally, perspectives on the significance of introducing IPET and the ongoing, as well as future lines of development, are discussed.
A Relationship between Climate Finance and Climate Risk: Evidence from the South Asian Region

South Asia is the most vulnerable region in the context of global warming, climate change, and climate risk. Climate finance is the most useful tool for combating climate challenges worldwide. The study explores the present picture of climate finance in South Asian (SA) countries. The study uses multilateral development bank (MDB), Green Climate Fund (GCF), and Germanwatch supplied data from 2011 to 2021. Under the theoretical lens of institutional capacity development, the study attempts to correlate climate finance and climate risk. The study indicates an increasing trend of MBDs’ and the GCF’s climate finance in many countries worldwide. The study finds that MDBs’ total global climate finance is USD 446,977 million, while the SA region has received USD 59,301 million since 2011. It also reports that MDBs provide 77% and 23% of the money to the mitigation and adaptation areas. Moreover, the study reports that, after COVID-19, MDBs substantially increased the amount of global climate financing, but this increase was not seen in the SA region. Our climate risk data indicate that most of the SA countries are highly long-term climate risky and lose, on average, 0.378% of GDP. The correlation matrix finds a negative and significant correlation between climate finance and long-term and yearly climate risk. The study identifies that the region’s climate financing flow of money is not rationally distributed based on the short-run and long-run climate risks. The study presumes that more climate finance would be the most effective mechanism to mitigate climate risk. Therefore, SA region leadership drastically requires a holistic framework to address the prevailing climate problems and to ensure regional coordination and cooperation toward climate finance and policies. The research findings have significant implications for climate policy and climate finance.