Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Microencapsulation of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) pulp oil by spray drying

Abstract The aim of this work was to encapsulate sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) pulp oil (SBPO) by spray drying. Gum Arabic (GA) and maltodextrins (MD) were used as wall materials. The effects of several factors, including GA to MD ratio, total solids content of emulsion, wall to core ratio, and inlet air temperature, on the microencapsulation efficiency (ME) were investigated. The optimization of operation conditions was realized by response surface methodology (RSM). The optimal conditions were as follows: GA to MD ratio 2.38, total solids content 39%, wall to core ratio 5.33, and inlet air temperature 154°C. Under the optimal conditions, the ME of SBPO microcapsules was 94.96 ± 1.42%. The physicochemical properties of microcapsules were also invested. SBPO microcapsules obtained had low water activity, low moisture content, high water solubility, and high bulk density. For the morphological characteristics, cracks and pores were not observed in most microcapsules, which was beneficial for the protection of ingredients in microcapsules. The particle size of SBPO microcapsules ranged from 0.01 to 5 μm, and the mean diameter d 4,3 was 2.55 μm. The analysis results of fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) informed the presence of SBPO in microcapsules. There were no significant differences in the content of the main fatty acids in SBPO before and after spray drying. The results of oxidative stability showed that the microencapsulation by spray drying could effectively protect SBPO from oxidation and extend the shelf life of SBPO.
Handgrip strength and body mass index among adolescents in Northern Nigeria

Introduction: Normative data on handgrip strength (HGS) and body mass index (BMI) are scarce among adolescents in the Nigerian context. The aims of this study were to evaluate patterns of HGS in relation to gender and age in Nigerian adolescents and its correlation with BMI.Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 1966 participants (1275 males) and (691 females) aged 12–20 years in Northern Nigeria. Body mass and height were measured. HGS was assessed using a dynamometer.Results: The right HGS (RHGS) was significantly higher than the left HGS (LHGS) (t = 21.337, p < 0.05). There were significant age differences in the RHGS and the LHGS (p < 0.05); however, no significant difference occurs at 12–14 years. Males participants aged 16–20 years had significantly higher RHGS values than females of the same age (p < 0.0038). Conversely, males aged 15–20 years had significantly higher LHGS values than females of the same age (p < 0.0038). There was a significant interaction between gender and age for the RHGS (F = 72.2, p < 0.05) and the LHGS (F = 92.1, p < 0.05). There was a significant correlation between the BMI and RHGS (r = 0.480, p < 0.01) and the LHGS (r = 0.465, p < 0.01). Conclusion: There are gender and age difference in the HGS of Nigerian adolescents, with the dominance of the RHGS in both genders. HGS correlated with BMI. This normative data on HGS may serve as baseline data for future comparative studies assessing HGS among the adolescent population in Nigeria.
MolluscDB: an integrated functional and evolutionary genomics database for the hyper-diverse animal phylum Mollusca

Mollusca represents the second largest animal phylum but remains poorly explored from a genomic perspective. While the recent increase in genomic resources holds great promise for a deep understanding of molluscan biology and evolution, access and utilization of these resources still pose a challenge. Here, we present the first comprehensive molluscan genomics database, MolluscDB (http://mgbase.qnlm.ac), which compiles and integrates current molluscan genomic/transcriptomic resources and provides convenient tools for multi-level integrative and comparative genomic analyses. MolluscDB enables a systematic view of genomic information from various aspects, such as genome assembly statistics, genome phylogenies, fossil records, gene information, expression profiles, gene families, transcription factors, transposable elements and mitogenome organization information. Moreover, MolluscDB offers valuable customized datasets or resources, such as gene coexpression networks across various developmental stages and adult tissues/organs, core gene repertoires inferred for major molluscan lineages, and macrosynteny analysis for chromosomal evolution. MolluscDB presents an integrative and comprehensive genomics platform that will allow the molluscan community to cope with ever-growing genomic resources and will expedite new scientific discoveries for understanding molluscan biology and evolution.
Access mapping highlights risks from land reform in upland Myanmar

ABSTRACT Secure land access is vital for Myanmar’s upland households, who rely on crops and forests to meet their subsistence needs. But recent land reforms threaten to undermine customary tenure and land-use practices in Myanmar. This paper combines income accounting methods with access theory to assess how new legislation may affect four Chin communities in the country’s north-west. Our assessment of 94 households’ land-access mechanisms and economic benefits from different types of land reveals existing land-access inequalities among Chin households and demonstrates communities’ continued dependence on environmental resources, especially those from swidden fields, home gardens and forests. A majority of households would lose all of their land-derived income, if they were denied access to communities’ customarily governed land, e.g., under the Vacant, Fallow and Virgin Land Management Law. Policy stakeholders should therefore intervene, to alleviate land-access inequalities among Chin households and to direct Myanmar’s land-system dynamics onto more just development trajectories.
Facile Preparation of ZnO Nanoparticles and Ag/ZnO Nanocomposite and Their Photocatalytic Activities under Visible Light

Zinc oxide (ZnO) has been known as an excellent photocatalyst for the degradation of a variety of organic pollutants under UV irradiation. This work describes a synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles via a facile precipitation method, and Ag was doped into Ag/ZnO nanocomposite to improve the photocatalytic degradation of BPA under visible light irradiation. The obtained ZnO nanoparticles were 20 nm in size and had a relatively high surface area and pore volume, 26.2 m2/g and 0.48 cm3/g, respectively. The deposition of Ag led to a decrease in the surface area, pore volume, and band gap energy ( ) of ZnO nanoparticles. However, the photocatalytic activity of Ag/ZnO composite in the case increased. The performance of ZnO was compared with Ag/ZnO composites at the different molar ratios, and the kinetic reaction of BPA in these catalysts was investigated by the first-order kinetic model. The sample of Ag/ZnO-10 composite had the highest catalytic activity and showed the degradation efficiency, reaction rate, and degradation capacity of 100% in 120 min, 0.014 min-1, and 40 mg/g, respectively. In comparison, the effects of Ag/ZnO molar ratio, catalyst dosage, solution pH, and concentration of BPA on photocatalytic degradation were investigated. Additionally, the photocatalytic performance of Ag/ZnO-10 composite was evaluated by the degradation of other persistent organic compounds such as phenol, tartrazine, and methylene blue and compared to other catalysts in literature.
Learning Better Representations for Audio-Visual Emotion Recognition with Common Information

Audio-visual emotion recognition aims to distinguish human emotional states by integrating the audio and visual data acquired in the expression of emotions. It is crucial for facilitating the affect-related human-machine interaction system by enabling machines to intelligently respond to human emotions. One challenge of this problem is how to efficiently extract feature representations from audio and visual modalities. Although progresses have been made by previous works, most of them ignore common information between audio and visual data during the feature learning process, which may limit the performance since these two modalities are highly correlated in terms of their emotional information. To address this issue, we propose a deep learning approach in order to efficiently utilize common information for audio-visual emotion recognition by correlation analysis. Specifically, we design an audio network and a visual network to extract the feature representations from audio and visual data respectively, and then employ a fusion network to combine the extracted features for emotion prediction. These neural networks are trained by a joint loss, combining: (i) the correlation loss based on Hirschfeld-Gebelein-Rényi (HGR) maximal correlation, which extracts common information between audio data, visual data, and the corresponding emotion labels, and (ii) the classification loss, which extracts discriminative information from each modality for emotion prediction. We further generalize our architecture to the semi-supervised learning scenario. The experimental results on the eNTERFACE’05 dataset, BAUM-1s dataset, and RAVDESS dataset show that common information can significantly enhance the stability of features learned from different modalities, and improve the emotion recognition performance.
Physiological Characterization of a Novel Wild-Type Yarrowia lipolytica Strain Grown on Glycerol: Effects of Cultivation Conditions and Mode on Polyols and Citric Acid Production

A new yeast wild-type Yarrowia lipolytica isolate presented efficient growth on glycerol. During flask cultures, nitrogen limitation led to the secretion of sugar-alcohols as the major metabolites of the process (mannitol, arabitol and erythritol), whereas insignificant quantities of citrate were synthesized. Although in some instances high initial glycerol concentrations were employed (≈150 g/L), remarkable glycerol assimilation and polyol secretion was observed. Total polyols ≈ 52 g/L (conversion yield on glycerol consumed = 0.43 g/g) was recorded in the flask experiments. The sugar-alcohol production bioprocess was successfully simulated with the aid of a modified Velhlust–Aggelis model that fitted very well with the experimental data, while optimized parameter values seemed to be quite consistent. In bioreactor trials, a noticeable metabolic shift towards citric acid production was observed, while simultaneously insignificant polyol quantities were produced. In fed-batch bioreactor experiments, a total citric acid quantity ≈ 102 g/L was recorded—one of the highest in the literature for wild-type Y. lipolytica strains. This metabolic transition was due to higher oxygen saturation into the medium that occurred in the bioreactor experiments compared with the flasks. Cellular lipids produced in the bioreactor trial contained higher concentrations of unsaturated fatty acids compared with those produced in flasks.
Using Day and Night – Scheduling Retrieval Practice and Sleep

Sleep right after studying new material is more conducive to memory than a period of wakefulness. Another way to counteract forgetting is to practice retrieval: taking a test strengthens memory more effectively than restudying the material. The current work aims at investigating the interaction between sleep and testing by asking if testing adds to, neutralizes, or decreases the effect of sleep on memory? We tested this in one pilot and one experiment by manipulating the timing of the practice test as well as whether practice was followed by sleep or wakefulness when learning foreign language vocabulary. Taking a delayed practice test significantly reduces forgetting for both the sleep and the wakefulness group. An immediate practice test, in contrast, had no such effect; here we find the standard beneficial sleep effect. However, the immediate practice test leads to higher recall in the final test in comparison to a delayed practice test, but only for the sleep group. Practical recommendations imply two things: first, if students study in the evening, they should test themselves immediately after learning. Second, if students study during the day the practice test should be delayed in order to reinforce memory and reduce forgetting of the material.
Effect of no-tillage and tillage systems on melon (Cucumis melo L.) yield, nutrient uptake and microbial community structures in greenhouse soils

Abstract No-tillage (UT) and tillage (TL) influence melon (Cucumis melo L.) production. However, the mechanism of improving the soil quality under UT in melon production is still unavailable. In this study, we attempted to explore the effects of UT and TL treatments on soil fertility and the microbial abundance and diversity in planting melon under greenhouse condition. Soil properties were determined and the bacterial v4-v5 16S rRNA and the fungal internal transcribed spacer gene were pyrosequenced by extracting greenhouse soil DNA. Results showed that the two treatments had different effects on nutrient uptake in melon plants under facility conditions. Additional nitrogen (N) was absorbed in the leaves and fruit in UT treatment. However, the N content in the UT treatment was kept as similar to that of the TL treatment. The phosphorus (P) contents in melon plant leaves and fruits in the UT treatment were higher than those in the TL treatment. High potassium (K) contents were observed in fruits and melon stem under the UT and TL treatments, respectively. Soil pH, organic matter and the available N influenced the bacterial and fungal distributions. The total N, total P and total K in melon plants were correlated with the bacterial and fungal groups in facility soils. The UT treatment had a substantial effect on the microbial diversity in soils planted with melon. Our study provided insights into the response of soil fertility and microbial structures to UT and TL treatments under greenhouse soils, which may aid in managing greenhouse soil quality.
Financial Structure: A Comparative Study between European Listed and Unlisted Companies

This paper aims to ascertain whether differences exist in the composition of the financial sources in listed and unlisted companies. In detail, we conduct a differential analysis of the financial structure, measured as debt to equity ratio (D/E), comparing European listed companies to unlisted peers. Analysis cover the period 2015-2017. The main samples of listed and unlisted companies were grouped in nine sub samples representative of as many economic sectors: Healthcare, Consumer cyclical, Consumer non-cyclical, Energy, Industrials, Basic materials, Technology, Telecommunications and Utilities. We compared the average value of debt to equity ratio for listed and unlisted companies, for different sectors in order to verify if in listed companies the incidence of debt is lower than that for unlisted ones as stated from the majority literature. Then, we calculated the differences between means as “means of D/E for listed companies-means of D/E for unlisted companies” and we used the t-test to observe the statistical significance. Results showed that differences between means were significant at 1% level: so, averages D/E ratio were comparable and they appeared almost always greater for unlisted companies. This confirms that unlisted companies make greater use of debt capital.
Plant-Parasitic Algae (Cephaleuros spp.) in Thailand, Including Four New Records1

Abstract: Recent work on species composition, taxonomy, and diversity of plant-parasitic algae in the genus Cephaleuros in Thailand has provided additional knowledge of the parasitic algae in the country. The seven previously reported species, Cephaleuros diffusus, C. expansa, C. karstenii, C. parasiticus, C. pilosa, C. solutus, and C. virescens, are shown to cause algal leaf spot on several host plants in Thailand. Four new records are reported, namely Cephaleuros druetii, C. henningsii, C. lagerheimii, and C. tumidae-setae, resulting in a total of 11 Cephaleuros species recorded from Thailand.
Hepatitis C Seroprevalence Among Consecutive Labor and Delivery Admissions in Two New York City Hospitals

Abstract Background Rates of hepatitis C virus (HCV) among women of childbearing age have increased as a result of the opioid epidemic, especially in the nonurban white population. Recently updated US Preventative Services Task Force and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance have recommended universal HCV screening during pregnancy, but obstetrics societies have not yet endorsed this recommendation. We evaluated the seroprevalence of HCV among pregnant women in an inner-city population, compared rates with other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) screened for during pregnancy, and evaluated factors associated with HCV positivity. Methods We performed a prospective seroprevalence study of consecutive labor and delivery admissions (both antepartum complications and delivery admissions) by testing serum samples for HCV antibody over 9 months at 2 major hospital settings in New York City. Results Fifty-six of 7373 (0.75%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.57–0.98) patients screened positive for HCV, with 28 of 4013 (0.70%; 95% CI, 0.46%–1.01%) and 28 of 3413 (0.82%; 95% CI, 0.55%–1.18%) at each hospital. Forty-one percent of HCV-positive patients had any reported HCV risk factors. Hepatitis C virus-positive patients were less likely to have private insurance and more likely to have a history of cannabis, cocaine, and injection drug use (P < .001). The HCV rates were higher among antepartum admissions compared with delivery admissions and higher than that of hepatitis B virus (0.65%; 95% CI, 0.48–0.86), human immunodeficiency virus (0.27%; 95% CI, 0.16–0.42), and syphilis (0.16%; 95% CI, 0.08–0.28). Conclusions We found a higher than expected HCV seroprevalence among pregnant women and higher than most other STIs routinely screened for in pregnancy. Most patients had no risk factors. These findings support universal screening for hepatitis C during pregnancy.
Comparison of Encryption Techniques in Internet of Things

— There are 20 Billion IoT devices in the world. The major difficulty facing the industry is the security and privacy of the data that is transmitted in IoT networks. This can be overcome with the use of Encryption during data transmission. Here we analyze the working of different Encryption and their use cases. A good Encryption technique will only reveal the content of the data transmitted to the intended recipient. We cover some popular and promising encryption techniques like Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), RSA and two fish algorithm and also the Hybrid encryption in Cloud computing
“Making It Work”: A Preliminary Mixed Methods Study of Rural Trauma Care Access and Resources in New Mexico

Introduction Patients in the rural western United States face challenges accessing trauma and surgical services and are more likely to succumb to their injuries. New Mexico, a rural and medically underresourced state, is a salient space to study these disparities. We examine how travel distance from trauma centers impacts injured patient outcomes and describe care delivery obstacles. Materials and Methods We conducted an explanatory mixed methods study by creating geospatial maps of New Mexico’s trauma data, incorporating linear regression analyses on patient outcomes as a function of estimated travel distance from trauma centers. We also conducted qualitative semi-structured interviews with trauma providers to illuminate and provide context for the geospatial findings utilizing a systematic, collaborative, iterative transcript analysis process. We constructed a conceptual framework describing rural trauma care delivery obstacles. Results Geospatial analyses revealed that most New Mexicans face long travel times to trauma centers. Comparing regression analyses using different data sources suggests that solely hospital-derived data may undercount rural trauma deaths. Interviews with 10 providers suggest that elements that may contribute to these findings include on-the-ground resource-based challenges and those related to broader healthcare systems-based issues. Our conceptual framework denotes how these elements collectively may impact rural trauma outcomes and proposes potential solutions. Conclusions In addressing rural patients’ needs, healthcare policy decision-makers should ensure that their datasets are comprehensive and inclusive. They must also take into account the particular challenges of underserved rural patients and providers who care for them by eliciting their perspectives, as presented in our conceptual framework.
Evaluation of exposure to parabens in Iranian women and its association with personal care products using behavior

Abstract Parabens are widely used in personal care products (PCPs) as antimicrobial factors due to their biocide property. These compounds have estrogenic activities and act as endocrine disruptors against biological systems. This study aimed to measure the urinary concentration of methylparaben (MP), ethylparaben (EP), propylparaben (PP), and butylparaben (BP), and to evaluate their association with the application of 19 PCPs among Iranian women. Parabens' detection frequency was 86–100%, and their median concentration was 8.53–93.4 μg/L, representing wide exposure of participants to parabens. The highest daily intake (DI) was related to MP (median = 13.4 μg/kg-BW/day); however, it was lower than the acceptable daily intake (ADI). The difference in the level of parabens between three groups of PCPs users (low, moderate, and high) was significant (P < 0.05). So, the parabens' level of exposure in Iranian women has been associated with their PCPs using habits, and the levels of urinary parabens were different based on the type of used products. For instance, the concentration was higher among the users of lotion (13–78%), makeup base (41–74%), sunscreen (34–71%), body wash (57–87%), and deodorants (58–61%). These findings can be used in future risk assessment studies and in the strategic planning for elimination of exposure in the Iranian population.
Chromium-rich vanadio-oxy-dravite from the Tzarevskoye uranium–vanadium deposit, Karelia, Russia: a second world-occurrence of Al–Cr–V–oxy-tourmaline

Abstract A green tourmaline sample from the Tzarevskoye uranium–vanadium deposit, close to the Srednyaya Padma deposit, Lake Onega, Karelia Republic, Russia, has been found to be the second world-occurrence of Cr-rich vanadio-oxy-dravite in addition to the Pereval marble quarry, Sludyanka crystalline complex, Lake Baikal, Russia, type-locality. From the crystal-structure refinement and chemical analysis, the following empirical formula is proposed: X(Na0.96K0.02□0.02)Σ1. 00 Y(V1.34Al0.68Mg0.93Cu2+0.02Zn0.01Ti0.01)Σ3. 00 Z(Al3.19Cr1.36V0.03Mg1.42)Σ6. 00(TSi6O18)(BBO3)3V(OH)3W[O0.60(OH)0.23F0. 17]Σ1. 00. Together with the data from the literature, a compositional overview of Al–V–Cr–Fe3+-tourmalines is provided by using [6]Al–V–Cr–Fe3+ diagrams for tourmaline classification. These diagrams further simplify the tourmaline nomenclature as they merge the chemical information over the octahedrally-coordinated sites (Y and Z) by removing the issues of uncertainty associated with cation order–disorder across Y and Z. Results show the direct identification of tourmalines by using the chemical data alone.