Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Food additives reduce lactic acid bacterial growth in culture medium and in meat products, increasing product shelf life

The uncontrolled growth of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in meat and meat products leads to product spoilage, and thus shortens product shelf life. Although food additives are known to decrease LAB growth, this effect has not been analyzed in detail. Here, a detailed analysis was performed of the effects of sodium chloride, sodium polyphosphate, sodium lactate, sodium nitrite/nitrate, and garlic on the growth of the Lactobacillus plantarum in culture medium. The results were used to design and test experimental formulations of meat products. Initially, the effect of food additives on L. plantarum was evaluated using a Fractional Factorial Design (FFD), followed by a Central Composite Rotatable Design (CCRD). The Modified Gompertz Model was adjusted to the growth curves to determine the Kinetic parameters of bacterial growth (logarithmic increase in the population, specific growth rate, and lag phase extension). Higher sodium lactate and sodium chloride levels had a negative impact on L. plantarum growth parameters (p? 0.05). Therefore, we designed experimental formulations of mortadella and smoked pork sausages containing 4% sodium lactate (w w-1) and 2.4-3.5% sodium chloride (w w-1), and determined LAB growth from samples of stored products produced according to these formulations, in order to determine product shelf life. There was an increased lag phase of LAB growth for most experimental formulations. Also, the experimental smoked pork sausages had a longer shelf life, which was increased by at least 22 days, suggesting that the proposed formulation, with higher than standard lactate concentration, increased the product’s shelf life.
Materials-to-product potentials for sustainable development in Nigeria

ABSTRACT In this study, the materials-to-product potentials of Nigeria in light of the need for sustainable national development was systematically reviewed. It was observed that agricultural and solid mineral resources are as abundant as petroleum resources but have gained less interest in research and development (R&D) due to lesser cash flow. The management and conversion of waste to useful products was established as an important facet of the wealth creation for sustainable development in the Nigerian context. The key issue in waste management and conversion observed in the paper circled around the poor efficiency of the system of manual reclamation and sorting. The relationship between universities and the industries for product development was observed to be fractious. It was recommended that complementary policy and infrastructure be put in place to ensure sustainability, and efforts are made to diversify out of the petroleum revenues. It was concluded that abundant resources for materials-to-product innovations for sustainable development is not in question but the willingness/motivation of the relevant stakeholders to put the necessary machinery in place is non-existent.
Where Did All the Appendicitis Go? Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Volume, Management, and Outcomes of Acute Appendicitis in a Nationwide, Multicenter Analysis

Objective: The study objective was to evaluate effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on rates of emergency department (ED) acute appendicitis presentation, management strategies, and patient outcomes. Summary Background Data: Acute appendicitis is the most commonly performed emergency surgery in the United States and is unlikely to improve without medical or surgical intervention. Dramatic reductions in ED visits prompted concern that individuals with serious conditions, such as acute appendicitis, were deferring treatment for fear of contracting COVID-19. Methods: Patients from 146 hospitals with diagnosed appendicitis and arrival between March 2016 and May 2020 were selected. Electronic medical records data were retrospectively reviewed to retrieve patient data. Daily admissions were averaged from March 2016 through May 2019 and compared with March 2020. April-specific admissions were compared across the 5-year pre-COVID-19 period to April 2020 to identify differences in volume, demographics, disease severity, and outcomes. Results: Appendicitis patient admissions in 2020 decreased throughout March into April, with April experiencing the fewest admissions. April 2020 experienced a substantial decrease in patients who presented with appendicitis, dropping 25.4%, from an average of 2030 patients (2016–2019) to 1516 in 2020. An even greater decrease of 33.8% was observed in pediatric patients (age <18). Overall, 77% of the 146 hospitals experienced a reduction in appendicitis admissions. There were no differences between years in percent of patients treated nonoperatively (P = 0.493) incidence of shock (P = 0.95), mortality (P = 0.24), or need for postoperative procedures (P = 0.81). Conclusions: Acute appendicitis presentations decreased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, while overall management and patient outcomes did not differ from previous years. Further research is needed focusing on putative explanations for decreased hospital presentations unrelated to COVID-19 infection and possible implications for surgical management of uncomplicated acute appendicitis. Keywords: acute appendicitis, COVID-19, decreasing volumes, multicenter study Mini-abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with fewer emergency department (ED) visits. Appendicitis is the most frequent general surgical condition presenting to EDs. Data analysis from a national hospital system revealed a 25.4% decrease in appendicitis admissions during April 2020 compared with previous years without significant changes in management or outcomes.
MODEL PERCEIVED RISK AND TRUST: E-WOM AND PURCHASE INTENTION (THE ROLE OF TRUST MEDIATING IN ONLINE SHOPPING IN SHOPEE INDONESIA)

Purpose. This study discusses the Role of Trust in Mediating eWOM and Perceived Risk of Online Purchase Intention in Shopee. Design / methodology / approach. This study was conducted in Jakarta using 185 samples using SEM-PLS data analysis method. Findings. Trust is able to act as mediating between ewom and also perceived risk of online purchase intention in shopee. Practical implication. Shopee companies should be able to provide reliability in services and various features, and also increase security when consumers shop online at Shopee, because it can create an interest in buying online on an ongoing basisTheoretical implications. This research has limitations that can be used as advice or input for further research.
Achieving useful data analytics for marketing: Discrepancies in information quality for producers and users of information

This study proposes as a key cause of the high failure rates in the implementation of analytical projects for marketing decisions, the discrepancy in the information quality (DIQ) perceived between producers (information technology [IT]) and users (marketing) of knowledge. Given that the DIQ between agents is a determining factor in the success of the ability to data analytics, this study focuses on examining this concept and its causes, specifically the resources related to data analytics that influence DIQ. The results of the surveys carried out with the IT and marketing managers of 95 companies in Spain, analyzed with a comparative methodological approach (dyadic), reveal the sources of the discrepancy, namely, the quality of the data, the technological capabilities, the talent, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) support, and alignment of the data plan with the marketing plan. JEL CLASSIFICATION M31; M15; D82; L10
Influence of dietary habits on depression among patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A cross-sectional study using KURAMA cohort database.

OBJECTIVE Although mental disorder is one of the most common comorbidities of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and is known as a critical influence on RA remission rates, there is little knowledge regarding a possible therapeutic strategy for depression or anxiety in a RA population. Most recently, clinical evidence of dietary improvement for depression has emerged in a general population, but the relationship between dietary habits and mental disorder has not been investigated in RA. The purpose of this study is to elucidate clinical associations between mental disorder (depression/anxiety), dietary habits and disease activity/physical function in patients with RA. METHODS A cross-sectional study was performed with 267 female outpatients from the KURAMA database. Using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), we classified the participants into three groups by depression state, and their characteristics were compared. Using the 20-items on the self-reported food frequency questionnaire, we investigated the relationship between dietary habits and depression or anxiety, adopting a trend test and a multivariate standardized linear regression analysis for the HADS score of depression or that of anxiety as a dependent variable. RESULTS According to the classified stage of depression, current disease activity (DAS28-CRP: 28-Joint RA Disease Activity Score-C-reactive protein) and the health assessment questionnaire disability Index (HAQ-DI) were significantly increased. Trend analyses revealed that the depression score was inversely associated with the consumption of three food (fish, vegetables and fruit) out of twenty as was the anxiety score with only fish intake. Furthermore, multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the depression score was negatively associated with frequent fish intake (≥ 3 times per week) (Estimate -0.53, p = 0.033), HAQ-DI score within normal range (Estimate -0.88, p ≤ 0.001) and MTX use (Estimate -0.60, p ≤ 0.023). For the anxiety score, multivariate analysis showed similar but not significant associations with variables except for HAQ-DI score. CONCLUSIONS In a RA population, both depression and anxiety had a significant and negative association with HAQ-DI score, and depression rather than anxiety had negative association with frequent fish intake. Modification of dietary habits such as increased fish consumption may have a beneficial effect on the depression state in RA patients.
Effect of phosphorus fortified compost on growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.) and Lablab (Lablab purpureus L.) intercropped maize in acidic soils of Western Kenya

Phosphorus deficiency majorly constrains maize (Zea mays L.) production in acidic soils of western Kenya. This requires high doses of expensive inorganic P fertilizers to correct. Recommended rock phosphates and manures are lowly adopted because of low solubility and P content respectively. A Randomized Complete Block Design experiment was conducted for two seasons to assess effect of a cheaper alternative P source, Phosphorus fortified Tithonia compost (PCM), on growth and yield of maize and lablab-intercropped maize on two sites with different soil fertility. The experiment was set up on seven farms per site in Kapkerer (low fertility) and Koibem (higher fertility). Three P source treatments of Minjingu rock phosphate (MRP), Phosphorus fortified Tithonia compost and Triple Super Phosphate (TSP) were applied at an equivalent rate of 26 kg P/ha for maize and maize-lablab intercrop. Data on plant height, Leaf Area Index (LAI), aboveground biomass, leaf P concentration and grain yield were collected. PCM treatment significantly (p≤0.05) increased maize height, LAI, aboveground biomass and grain yield compared to TSP in Kapkerer. No significant differences were noted in leaf P concentrations. PCM is a good alternative to expensive inorganic P fertilizers in acidic soils of western Kenya. Key words: Tithonia P-fortified compost, Rock phosphate, intercropping, lablab.
Antimicrobial Cocktail Combining Specific Peptide Extracts from Native Probiotic Bacteria Hamper Adulteration of Ready-to-Eat Mango Wedges

Consumption of ready-to-eat chopped fruits sold in the streets is a concern, as such activities are outside the regulation and protection in most developing countries. Ready-to-eat mangos are commonly sold as wedges in plastic cups at ambient temperature by mobile vendors in Ecuador, thus they are prone to contamination by bacteria, which poses a safety issue of concern. This work aimed to evaluate the effect of several antimicrobial cocktails consisting of previously designed specific peptide extract combinations from two probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus plantarum UTNCys5-4 and Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis UTNGt28, along with nisin, a commercial food additive, on mango wedges artificially inoculated with a logarithmic phase culture of a five-strain bacterial mixture (FSBM). Preliminary bacteriological analysis of mango wedges purchased from mobile vendors showed the presence of multiple antibiotic-resistant isolates such E. coli spp. , Enterobacter spp. , Shigella spp. , Salmonella spp. , along with yeasts and molds, indicating non-compliance with the food safety standards. The results revealed that two antimicrobial cocktails, T2 and T5, containing cell-free supernatant based (CFS) and precipitated peptides (PP) based cocktails from UTNCys5-4 and UTNGt28 strains applied at dose 1:3 (v/v), were the most efficient combinations that inhibited the colonization of total bacterial counts with 56.03% and 55.61% in mango wedges stored with refrigeration. The reduction of total E. coli counts was 64.93%, while Salmonella and Shigella counts were reduced by 98.09% and 97.93%, respectively, when mango wedges were treated with T5-cocktail. The commercial nisin inhibited total Salmonella spp. counts by 40.13%, while E. coli spp. and Shigella spp. diminished by 28.20% and 37.22%, respectively. Moreover, we showed that T5 but not T7 (nisin) damaged the target cell integrity, thereby eventually inhibiting their growth and reproduction. The selected antimicrobial cocktails exerted a bacteriolytic effect by killing the FSBM simultaneously in a fruit matrix and preventing their accumulation in mango wedges. Furthermore, there is a possibility of using peptide combinatorial treatments to combat drug-resistant bacteria in ready-to-eat fruits.
The problem-based learning (PBL) of biology for promoting health literacy in secondary school students

ABSTRACT Schools provide conducive environments for disseminating messages on health by implementing appropriate learning approaches and subjects such as biology in the curriculum. For instance, problem-based learning (PBL) is a student-centred approach commonly applied in the field of education. However, its implementation to improve the health literacy of secondary school students is a challenge. This study analyzes the perceptions of problem-based learning and its influence on health literacy in secondary school students. Lessons in biology are chosen as a platform for health literacy development since they cover topics related to disease and health. Quasi-experimental studies show that problem-based learning improves biological knowledge and health literacy. This study shows that students’ perceptions of the problem-based approach were empirically related to increased health literacy. These results provided the empirical and theoretical background for the application of problem-based learning in biology classes.
Neo-Ibuism in Indonesian Politics: Election Campaigns of Wives of Regional Heads in West Sumatra in 2019

This article focuses on electoral victories by wives of regional heads in West Sumatra province during Indonesia’s 2019 elections. We argue that these victories can be explained by the emergence of a phenomenon we label “neo-ibuism. ” We draw on the concept of “state ibuism,” previously used to describe the gender ideology of the authoritarian Suharto regime, which emphasised women’s roles as mothers (ibu) and aimed to domesticate them politically. Neo-ibuism, by contrast, allows women to play an active role in the public sphere, including in elections, but in ways that still emphasise women’s roles within the family. The wives of regional government heads who won legislative victories in West Sumatra not only relied on their husbands’ political resources to achieve victories, they also used a range of political networks to reach out to voters, in ways that stressed both traditional gender roles and their own political agency.
HOTS - based scientific learning to increase the comprehension concept and science students skill

This research aims to know the effectiveness of HOTS based scientific learning models to increase the comprehension concept and science students skill. The method was quasi-experiment with Pretest-Posttest Control Group Design. The type of data obtained in this study is quantitative data. Data collection techniques in this study were used observation, student questionnaires, and student evaluation tests. Data analysis using the homogeneity, normality, and t-test to test the effectiveness of the model. Based on the output table ″independent samples test, it is known that the sig. (2-tailed) knowledge value is 0.224 and the sig (2-tailed) skill value is 0.507. Because the sig value is 0.224 and 0.507> 0.05, according to the basis of decision making in the independent sample t-test, it can be concluded that Ho is accepted and Ha is rejected, which means that there is a difference between the average knowledge and skill values of SDN Sayung 3 and 4. Based on the research results obtained, it is known that the use of hots-based scientific learning models is proven to be effective in improving thecomprehension concept and science students skill. In addition to testing the effectiveness of the model, researchers also observed student activities to strengthen research results. Besides, data analysis of student and teacher responses showed the highest positive results.
Retinol binding protein 4 levels relate to the presence and severity of coronary artery disease

Background The previous studies have showed that serum retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) levels increase in metabolic disorders which are closely associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVD). However, the human studies investigating the role of RBP4 in CVD are conflicted. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between RBP4 with the presence and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) in this study. Methods 55 patients with presenting acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and 43 control subjects who had various cardiovascular risk factors with normal coronary artery on coronary angiography were included in this study. The serum RBP4 concentrations were measured using ELISA method, clinically and anatomically score models were used to assess the severity of coronary lesion. Results Serum RBP4 levels were significantly higher in patients with ACS compared to the without ACS (68.40 ± 47.94 mg/L vs. 49.46 ± 13.64 mg/L; p = 0.014). RBP4 was correlated with GENSINI and SYNTAX I score (r = 0.286 p = 0.034; r = 0.403 p = 0.002 respectively). However, there was no relationship between RBP4 and GRACE score. Conclusions The serum RBP4 levels increase in patients with CAD and its increased levels may be correlated with CAD severity.
The Forest School impact on children: reviewing two decades of research

ABSTRACT Forest School, a distinctive form of outdoor learning, was suggested to have a beneficial impact on the involved children. The purpose of this paper is to systematically locate and select existing articles published from January 2000 to December 2019 to identify what research had suggested in terms of the Forest School impact on the involved children. The present review of literature yielded seven positive Forest School effects on the children. In this paper, I solely focus on introducing the improved social and cooperative skills of the children as well as their physical skills and conclude with propositions for further studies.
Knowledge on Nutrition Labels for Processed Food: Effect on Purchase Decision among Indonesian Consumers

This study was conducted to observe the relationship between consumers’ knowledge on nutrition labels and the purchasing behavior for processed food products among Indonesian consumers. A crosssectional study was conducted in August‒September 2018 in five different cities of three provinces (Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi). Data were obtained from 400 adult consumers by self-administered questionnaires. The results showed that almost 70% of consumers in Indonesia check food labels; however, from that number only 37.5% paid attention to the nutrition label of a food product prior to making a purchase decision; this was most probably due to their knowledge on nutrition labels that was still poor, as shown by the mean score of 7.7 out of 14 questions (55%). In terms of food groups, milk and dairy products were deemed important by the consumers and the nutrition labels were often checked. When it comes to making a purchase decision, almost all of the consumers (96.0%) had decided to buy food products with nutrition labels as compared to those without. Furthermore, when compared to similar products also bearing nutrition labels, consumers deemed the claims of low fat (28.7%) and low sugar (22.6%) as a sign that the products are healthier and have a better nutrition profile. Knowledge on nutrition labels (OR=1.139; 95% CI:1.016‒1.276; p=0.025) and purchase decision on products with nutrition labels (OR=3.426; 95% CI:1.220‒9.623; p=0.019) were significantly associated with purchase decision for healthier processed food. This study has shown the importance of increasing consumers’ knowledge on nutrition labels in order to achieve a larger impact on food selection, nutrition, and health.
Occurrence of Postharvest Fungal Rots of Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas (L) Lam.) in Southwest Nigeria and their Control with Sawdust Extracts

A study was conducted in three agroecological zones (AEZs) of Southwest, Nigeria to evaluate the incidence and pathogenicity of postharvest fungal rots of sweetpotato and their control with extracts of sawdust from some tropical trees. Survey of rotted tubers was conducted in 18 markets across the three AEZs: humid rainforest (HF), derived savannah (DS), and southern guinea savannah (SGS). Fungi associated with rotted tubers were isolated, identified and their pathogenicity determined. In vitro fungitoxicity of Anogeissus leiocarpus, Gmelina arborea and Cola nitida sawdust extracts were assessed in an experiment laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 3 replicates. Six fungi species found to be associated with rot on tubers were Botryodiplodia theobromae, Rhizopus stolonifer, Aspergillus niger, Trichoderma viride, Penicillium oxalicum and Fusarium oxysporum. Highest (35%) rot incidence was observed in HF zone with R. stolonifer as the most prevalent. Botryodiplodia theobromae was most prevalent (68.75%, 54.54%) in SGS and DS zones respectively. All the six isolated fungi were pathogenic to sweetpotato but induced varying levels of rot severity. Botryodiplodia theobromae, R. stolonifer or A. niger induced complete (100%) rot of inoculated tubers. Sawdust extracts reduced mycelial growth of test pathogens at three sawdust concentrations (50 g/L, 75 g/L and 100 g/L) tested. Inhibition of fungal growth increased with extract concentration. Anogeissus leiocarpus sawdust extract at 100 g/L exhibited highest Original Research Article Beckley and Awoyemi; JEAI, 43(1): 24-33, 2021; Article no.JEAI. 65064 25 range of mycelial growth inhibition (8.80 73.0%) across tested pathogens. Gmelina arborea sawdust extract at 100 g/L significantly inhibited (p<0.05) mycelial growth of B. theobromae, P. oxalicum and T. viride while C. nitida exhibited strong fungitoxicity to F. oxysporum at 100 g/L. Application of the sawdust extracts at 50 g/L, 75 g/L and 100 g/L concentrations has the potential to minimize postharvest fungal rot of sweetpotato.