Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The ACE2/Ang (1–7)/MasR axis as an emerging target for antihypertensive peptides

Abstract Food protein-derived bioactive peptides, particularly antihypertensive peptides, are important constituents of functional foods or nutraceuticals. Most antihypertensive are identified as the inhibitors of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), a key enzyme responsible for the generation of angiotensin II (Ang II), which is a vasoconstricting peptide. Hence, ACE has long been used as a universal target to identify antihypertensive peptides. Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), is a homolog of ACE but uses Ang II as its key substrate to produce angiotensin (1–7), exerting vasodilatory activity via the mas receptor (MasR). Therefore, ACE2 functions in the opposite way as ACE and is an emerging novel target for cardiovascular therapy. The potential of food protein-derived bioactive peptides in targeting ACE2 has been rarely explored. While, recently we found that IRW, an egg white ovotransferrin-derived antihypertensive peptide, reduced blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats via the ACE2/Ang (1–7)/MasR axis, indicating a new mechanism of food protein-derived bioactive peptides in reducing blood pressure. The objectives of this review are to summarize the functions of the ACE2/Ang (1–7)/MasR axis and to examine its potential roles in the actions of food protein-derived antihypertensive peptides. The interaction between antihypertensive peptides and the ACE2/Ang (1–7)/MasR axis will also be discussed.
Probabilistic tsunami inundation assessment of Kuroshio Town,Kochi Prefecture, Japan considering the Nankai-Tonankai megathrust rupture scenarios

Abstract. The Nankai-Tonankai megathrust earthquake and tsunami pose significant risks to coastal communities in western and central Japan. Historically, this seismic region hosted many major earthquakes, and the current national tsunami hazard assessments in Japan consider megathrust events having moment magnitudes between 9.0 and 9.1. In responding to the lack of rigorous uncertainty analysis, this study presents an extensive tsunami hazard assessment for the Nankai-Tonankai Trough events, focusing upon the southwestern Pacific region of Japan. A set of 1,000 kinematic earthquake rupture models is generated via stochastic source modelling approaches, and Monte Carlo tsunami simulations are carried out by considering high-resolution grid data of 10-m and coastal defense structures. Significant advantages of the stochastic tsunami simulation methods include the enhanced capabilities to quantify the uncertainty associated with tsunami hazard assessments and to effectively visualize the results in an integrated manner. The results from the stochastic tsunami simulations can inform regional and local tsunami risk reduction actions in light of inevitable uncertainty associated with such probabilistic tsunami hazard assessments, and complement conventional deterministic tsunami scenarios and their hazard predictions, such as those developed by the Central Disaster Management Council of the Japanese Cabinet Office.
A Weighted Variance Approach for Uncertainty Quantification in High Quality Steel Rolling

This paper proposes a computer vision framework aimed to segment hot steel sections and contribute to rolling precision. The steel section dimensions are calculated for the purposes of automating a high temperature rolling process. A structured forest algorithm along with the developed steel bar edge detection and regression algorithms extract the edges of the high temperature bars in optical videos captured by a GoPro® camera. To quantify the impact of noises that affect the segmentation process and the final diameter measurements, a weighted variance is calculated, providing a level of trust in the measurements. The results show an accuracy which is in line with the rolling standards, i.e. with a root mean square error less than 2.5 mm.
Bioregulators on seed germination and seedling growth of sweet basil

Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) plants have multiple uses, ranging from spice to cosmetic purpose, besides being a source of essential oil and aromatic. These plants were commonly propagated by seed, however, few agrotechnologies are used to enhance the seed germination and initial growth in this crop. For this reason, our research aimed to evaluate aspects of seed germination of Ocimum basilicum L. cv. Limoncino, subjected to different bioregulators applied via substrate imbibition. The experiment was carried out in completely randomized design, with four treatments, as follows: T1: control (distilled water), T2: T13 a solution of a product formulated based on indolbutyric acid + naphthalene acetic acid + gibberellic acid (0.2 mL L-1, Liko Química), T3: gibberellic acid (0.5 mM L-1, progibb-400®) and T4: brassinosteroids (0.1 mM L-1). We evaluated: germination rate, germination speed index (GSI), first count, root and shoot length and chlorophyll a, b, total and carotenoids. The bioregulators did not influence germination, first count, GSI and photosynthetic leaf pigment, but application of gibberellic acid and brassinosteroids improve the shoot and root length, respectively. The gibberellic acid and brassinosteroids are promising bioregulators for stimulating initial basil growth.
Factors in the motivations of studio-based musical instrument learners in Hong Kong: An in-depth interview study

In this study, we investigated the factors affecting the motivation of studio-based instrumental learners in Hong Kong. We interviewed a total of 13 participants who learnt the violin and/or the piano. We analyzed the interview data by selective coding accordingly to the three basic needs in the conceptual framework of Basic Psychology Needs Theory, which is one of the mini-theories from Self-Determination Theory. The thematization of basic needs are (1) autonomy, (2) relatedness, and (3) competency. We found relatedness and competence were more related to our participants. This study contributes to the understanding of studio-based, learning-environment characteristics as well as specific motivation factors attributed to the distinctions between the violin and the piano learning environments in Hong Kong. We also discussed the issues of music learning in school and teacher's style of teaching practice.
Beyond Submodular Maximization via One-Sided Smoothness

The multilinear framework has achieved the breakthrough $1-1/e$ approximation for maximizing a monotone submodular function subject to a matroid constraint. This framework has a continuous optimization part and a rounding part. We extend both parts to a wider array of problems. In particular, we make a conceptual contribution by identifying a family of parameterized functions. As a running example we focus on solving diversity problems $\max f(S)=\frac{1}{2}\sum_{i,j\in A}A_{ij}:S\in\mathcal{M}$, where $\mathcal{M}$ is a matroid. These diversity functions have $A_{ij}\geq 0$ as a measure of dissimilarity of $i,j$, and $A$ has $0$-diagonal. The multilinear framework cannot be directly applied to the multilinear extension of such functions. We introduce a new parameter for functions $F\in{\bf C}^2$ which measures the approximability of the associated problem $\max\{F(x):x\in P\}$, for solvable downwards-closed polytopes $P$. A function $F$ is called one-sided $\sigma$-smooth if $\frac{1}{2}u^T\nabla^2 F(x) u\leq\sigma\cdot\frac{||u||_1}{||x||_1}u^T\nabla F(x)$ for all $u,x\geq 0$, $x\neq 0$. We give an $\Omega(1/\sigma)$-approximation for the maximization problem of monotone, normalized one-sided $\sigma$-smooth $F$ with an additional property: non-positive third order partial derivatives. Using the multilinear framework and new matroid rounding techniques for quadratic objectives, we give an $\Omega(1/\sigma^{3/2})$-approximation for maximizing a $\sigma$-semi-metric diversity function subject to matroid constraint. This improves upon the previous best bound of $\Omega(1/\sigma^2)$ and we give evidence that it may be tight. For general one-sided smooth functions, we show the continuous process gives an $\Omega(1/3^{2\sigma})$-approximation, independent of $n$. In this setting, by discretizing, we present a poly-time algorithm for multilinear one-sided $\sigma$-smooth functions.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PERSONALITY DIMENSIONS AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS DURING PANDEMIC LOCKDOWN

The present study was conducted through Google forms and a sample of 500 university students (250 males; 250 females) in the age range of 18-24 years participated by filling up Sociodemographic measure, the International Personality Item PoolBig Five Scale and the Ryff’s Psychological Well-being scale. Pearson’s product correlations and t-test were performed to determine the relationship between Personality dimensions and Psychological well-being of the research participants. Data was analyzed statistically at the level of p < 0.05. Students high on Extraversion, Neuroticism and Openness to Experience traits are at increased risk of poor Psychological well-being during the Lockdown period. Prospective longitudinal studies are needed to address the limited research on personality change during the Lockdown period. The results from the study showed that there was a statistically significant relationship between Personality dimensions and Psychological well-being, with Extraversion, Openness to Experience, and Neuroticism traits having a negative correlation with Psychological well-being. However, the results also indicated that Agreeableness and Conscientiousness traits have a statistically significant positive relationship with Psychological well-being. Therefore, results indicated that the Big Five Factors explained an important percentage of the variance of Psychological well-being among university students during the Lockdown period.
Effects of Selected Soil Amendments and Mulch Type on Soil Properties and Productivity in Organic Vegetable Production

The potential benefits of different types of soil amendments and mulch ground covers on soil chemical and biological properties, crop development and yield, and disease and pest issues in organic vegetable production, as represented by legume (green snap bean), cucurbit (green zucchini squash), and brassicaceous (turnip) vegetable crops, were evaluated in a two-year field trial in Maine, USA. Soil amendments evaluated (following an initial fertilizer base) included a commercial organic fertilizer alone, composted dairy manure, compost plus fish meal, and compost plus Wollastonite, a natural source of silicon (Si). A paper mulch was also compared with a woven polypropylene fabric mulch for their performance and effects as weed barriers within these systems. Mulch type significantly affected soil properties, with the fabric mulch associated with increases in soil moisture, organic matter, and other soil chemical and biological properties relative to the paper mulch. The fabric mulch also resulted in earlier emergence and earlier harvests for bean and zucchini. Soil amendments affected soil properties and crop growth and yield of bean and zucchini, with compost amendments increasing soil pH, organic matter, and several nutrient concentrations, as well as crop emergence and yield relative to a fertilizer-only treatment. Compost treatment also reduced the infestation and damage caused by mites on beans in 2018. Addition of fish meal increased most nutrient element concentrations and microbial respiration, and Si amendment increased emergence of beans, and reduced powdery mildew on squash and late season browning of beans. These results help define specific management practices to improve organic vegetable production and provide useful information and options for growers.
Fatty acid and stable isotope analyses to infer diet of antarctic toothfish caught in the southern ross sea

To infer important prey resources for Antarctic toothfish (Dissostichus mawsoni) in the southern Ross Sea, their lipid composition was determined and compared to lipid profiles of fish and invertebrate species taken as by-catch in the fishery or collected from the stomachs of toothfish. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios were also determined to further identify feeding relationships between these species. The aim of this study was to establish the feasibility of tracking the main dietary items of Antarctic toothfish by comparing results of biomarker analysis and conventional diet analysis. Samples were collected during a longline survey of pre-recruit toothfish in February 2012. Results of fatty acid (FA) and stable isotope analyses from this study provide evidence that a combination of these two techniques can delineate the main prey items of Antarctic toothfish and trophic structure of the toothfish-related fish food web in the southern Ross Sea ecosystem. Similarities in total FA compositions and the FA profiles in muscle tissue of Antarctic toothfish, and Pleuragramma antarcticum, Pogonophryne barsukovi, Dacodraco hunteri and Trematomus loennbergii indicated a trophic connection between toothfish and these fish species. Mean δ 15 N values of Antarctic toothfish were higher than those of P. antarcticum, P. barsukovi and T. loennbergii, indicating a higher trophic position of the toothfish. In contrast, similar δ 15 N values between Antarctic toothfish and icefish (D. hunteri) suggested that they occupy the same trophic position. Overall results of this survey are consistent with the frequency and percentage occurrence of prey in Antarctic toothfish stomachs. Further sample collection and biomarker analyses for more pelagic and benthic biota are needed to better understand the entire food-web structure in the southern Ross Sea.
Disentangling Moss Species Limitations: The Role of Physiologically Based Substrate Specificity for Six Species Occurring on Substrates with Varying pH and Percent Organic Matter

Abstract Substrate specificity has been pinpointed as key to understanding plant species distributions and to differentiating types of plant rarity. Substrate specific distribution patterns (e.g., calcicole and calcifuge) are particularly prevalent among bryophytes. Many authors have suggested that the effects of substrate chemistry might be most important during the establishment stage. The connection between substrate sensitivity during establishment and the degree of substrate specificity (i.e., substrate breadth) measured for adult plants in the field was explored for three rare moss species, Mielichhoferia macrocarpa, Didymodon johansenii, and Mnium arizonicum and three taxonomically allied common species, Bryum pseudotriquetrum, Didymodon rigidulus var. gracilis, and Mnium spinulosum, respectively. Substrate pH and organic matter content were determined for field samples to quantify species substrate breadths. These observed specificities were tested by comparing regeneration of gametophyte fragments on native and chemically opposite, non-native substrates. The three rare species were not consistently more substrate specific than their paired common species. Overall, establishment was higher on native substrates. The two moss species, M. macrocarpa and D. rigidulus var. gracilis, with the narrowest substrate breadths for pH and percent organic matter, were also the most sensitive to regeneration on non-native substrate. The significantly higher sensitivity of these two calcicole species in comparison with the other study species demonstrated that these calcicole species were more immediately sensitive to regeneration on non-native substrates than the calcifuge species, M. arizonicum and M. spinulosum and the calcicole species found on substrates with a wider range of organic content, B. pseudotriquetrum and D. johansenii, were less sensitive to substrate chemistry during regeneration. The use of regeneration experiments for exploring the degree and basis of species habitat specificities can help to resolve which habitat parameters physiologically limit the species. Information gained from such studies could be particularly useful for managing rare bryophyte populations.
How State Responses to Economic Crisis Shape Income Inequality and Financial Well-Being

Abstract This study examines how state government responses to economic crisis, in the form of unexpected changes in state fiscal policy, influence income inequality. State governments are vital actors in times of fiscal stress as nearly every state must make difficult policy decisions related to taxes and spending to address budget deficits, both of which are policies that shape the income gap. Focusing on periods of fiscal stress is important for the study of state inequality as those with fewer resources are the most likely to experience the consequences of their state’s fiscal response during these times. Using time-series cross-sectional data, this research demonstrates that income inequality increases when states respond to economic crisis by relying on unexpected spending cuts. These effects tend to persist even after initial economic downturns. In addition, one individual-level implication of the aggregate relationship between state policy responses and inequality—that people will be worse off financially when their states emphasize budget cuts in response to economic decline—is assessed using several post–Great Recession surveys. The findings have implications for the future of inequality in the United States and provide potential paths for state fiscal reform.
Paramedics' perceptions and experiences of NHS 111 in the south west of England

NHS 111 is a non-emergency telephone triage service in England, where people with non-urgent health problems or questions can gain access to information and services. However, studies have demonstrated key problems with the burden it places on emergency and ambulance services. To add to the evidence base, this study explores the perceptions and experiences of paramedics who attend patients referred to the ambulance service by NHS 111. A qualitative research design was adopted and seven frontline paramedics who work in the south west of England were interviewed. Data were collected using semi-structured interview questions and thematically analysed. Key overarching themes identified included: non-clinical call handlers making clinical decisions; caution and liability; an unwarranted, increased demand on the ambulance service; inaccurate call prioritisation; and interprofessional conflict. Improvements need to be made to the NHS 111 service to ensure the triage software it uses is triaging and prioritising patients accurately and to minimise inappropriate referrals to the ambulance service, promoting the right care for patients the first time.
MINIMISING PROTEIN OXIDATION IN RETAIL-PACKED MINCED BEEF USING THREE-GAS MA-PACKAGING

Minced beef is usually packed in high oxygen modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) with a gas mixture consisting of 70-80% oxygen (O2) and 20-30% carbon dioxide (CO2). Unfortunately, this results in rubbery and less juicy beef patties with a more rancid flavour compared with fresh or non- oxygen packed beef. To establish whether three-gas MAP (O2, CO2 and N2), instead of two-gas MAP (O2 and CO2), would affect sensory attributes, shelf life, protein and lipid oxidation, minced beef was packed in MAP with either 40%, 50% or 80% O2 and 20% or 40% CO2 with N2 as filler gas. When comparing traditional MA-packaging (80% O2 + 20% CO2) with a low oxygen packaging atmosphere (40% O2 + 20% CO2 + 40% N2), the latter is seen to increase the meat oxidative stability during storage but decrease acceptability and shelf life. In contrast, high oxygen MAP (80% and 50% O2) results in more oxidation but a longer shelf life. However, this was not sensorially detectable in the first five days of storage. To maintain shelf life, packaging in 50% O2 + 40% CO2 + 10% N2 or 80% O2 + 20% CO2 is preferable, although this gas mixture will not prevent lipid or protein oxidation in the meat.
Microbial Production and Characterization of Dextranase

The problems caused, the loss of sucrose, increase in viscosity of process syrups, and poor recovery of sucrose due to inhibition of crystallization. Many investigations suggested a minimization of dextran levels in the sugar factory by different methods even with the chemical additions. More recent approaches propose the application of dextranase for removal of performed dextran. However, theses approaches were uneconomical due to high costs (Jimenez, 2005) or not practical because the effect of temperature on the activity of dextranases, (Eggleston and Monge, 2005 and Eggleston et al., 2006). It was found that enzymatic method does not interfere with the sugar manufacturing process (Tilbury and French 1974). This enzymatic method is quick, easy and can be practiced at commercial scale. ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 3 Number 9 (2014) pp. 1095-1113 http://www.ijcmas. com
The Adhesion of the Barnacle, Balanus Balanoides, to Slate Surfaces

Techniques were developed to measure the adhesion of the barnacle Balanus balanoides (L.), over the post metamorphosis period. It was found that Balanus balanoides is capable of producing a proteinaceous adhesive material within one day of metamorphosis. This adhesive material was found to withstand applied forces of 1·7×105 Nm−2 before cohesive failure took place. The strength of the cement produced by older barnacles, measured at a time when the adult cement apparatus is known to be operating, was considerably greater and applied forces of 9·3 × 10 Nm were necessary to induce cohesive failure in the cement. The strength of B. balanoides cement was thus shown to be at least one tenth of that of commercial adhesives which have tensile strengths in the region of 107 Nm−2.
Korean and Vietnamese immigrants are not the same: Health literacy, health status, and quality of life

ABSTRACT Focused on the health literacy of two subgroups of Asian immigrants, Korean (N = 118) and Vietnamese (N = 105), this study examines the interrelationships among demographics, health literacy, self-perceived health status, and quality of life using structural equation modeling. Findings suggest that, although often labeled as Asian immigrants as an aggregate in the health literature, immigrants from Korea and Vietnam report significant differences in areas of demographics (age, citizenship, time in the US, education, marital status, English proficiency, and health insurance), utilization of health services (mammogram screening, pap smear, colorectal screening, visit to doctors), health literacy, and self-perceived health status, representing their own unique ethnic and immigration status. As hypothesized, for both Korean and Vietnamese immigrants, demographics (especially English proficiency) influence health literacy, which in turn affects self-perceived health status and quality of life. Self-perceived health status also directly affects quality of life. Therefore, health communication and interventions should focus on improving health literacy and alleviating health literacy disparities, which could increase the well-being and QOL among subgroups of Asian immigrants.