Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Alternative Preservation Steps and Storage on Vitamin C Stability in Fruit and Vegetable Products: Critical Review and Kinetic Modelling Approaches

Vitamin C, a water-soluble compound, is a natural antioxidant in many plant-based products, possessing important nutritional benefits for human health. During fruit and vegetable processing, this bioactive compound is prone to various modes of degradation, with temperature and oxygen being recognised as the main factors responsible for this nutritional loss. Consequently, Vitamin C is frequently used as an index of the overall quality deterioration of such products during processing and post-processing storage and handling. Traditional preservation methods, such as thermal processing, drying and freezing, are often linked to a substantial Vitamin C loss. As an alternative, novel techniques or a combination of various preservation steps (“hurdles”) have been extensively investigated in the recent literature aiming at maximising Vitamin C retention throughout the whole product lifecycle, from farm to fork. In such an integrated approach, it is important to separately study the effect of each preservation step and mathematically describe the impact of the prevailing factors on Vitamin C stability, so as to be able to optimise the processing/storage phase. In this context, alternative mathematical approaches have been applied, including more sophisticated ones that incorporate parameter uncertainties, with the ultimate goal of providing more realistic predictions.
Does transformational leadership encourage organizational commitment?

This study aims to determine whether job satisfaction mediates the relationship between transformational leadership and the organizational commitment of civil servants. A structural equation modelling approach was used to test the collected data with a sample of 51 respondents. The results show that job satisfaction can mediate the relationship between transformational leadership and organizational commitment.
Evaluation of Vascular Endothelial Function in Children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetic kidney disease belongs to the major complications of diabetes mellitus. Here, hyperglycaemia is a key metabolic factor that causes endothelial dysfunction and vascular changes within the renal glomerulus. The aim of the present study was to assess the function of the vascular endothelium in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (type 1 diabetes) by measuring selected endothelial lesion markers in blood serum. The selected markers of endothelial lesions (sVCAM-1, sICAM-1, sE-SELECTIN, PAI-1, ADMA and RAGE) were assayed by the immunoenzymatic ELISA method. The study involved 66 patients (age: 5–18 years) with type 1 diabetes and 21 healthy controls (age: 5–16 years). In the type 1 diabetes patients, significantly higher concentrations of all of the assayed markers were observed compared to the healthy controls (p < 0.001). All of the evaluated markers positively correlated with the disease duration, the age, and BMI of the patients, while only PAI-1 and sE-SELECTIN were characteristic of linear correlations with the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). It can be concluded that endothelial inflammatory disease occurs in the early stages of type 1 diabetes mellitus in children. The correlations between PAI-1, sE-SELECTIN, and eGFR suggest an advantage of these markers over other markers of endothelial dysfunction as prognostic factors for kidney dysfunction in children with type 1 diabetes.
Dependence Structures Between Sovereign Credit Default Swaps and Global Risk Factors in Brics Countries

This study examined the tail dependency structure of sovereign credit risk and three global risk factors in BRICS countries using copulas approach, which is known for its ability to provide the “true” tail correlation based on the correct marginal distribution. The empirical results show that global market risk sentiment comoves with sovereign CDS spreads across BRICS countries under extreme market events, with Brazil having the highest co-dependency followed by China, Russia, and South Africa. Furthermore, oil price volatility is the second biggest risk factor correlated with sovereign CDS spreads for Brazil and South Africa while exchange rate risk exhibits very small co-dependence with sovereign CDS spreads under extreme market conditions dominated by tail events. On the contrary, exchange rate risk is the second largest risk factor co-moving with China and Russia’s sovereign CDS spreads while oil price volatility exhibits the lowest co-dependence to CDS in these countries. Between oil price and currency risk, evidence of single risk factor dominance is found for Russia where exchange rate risk is largely dominant. These results suggest that BRICS policymakers might consider financial sector regulations that mitigate risks spill-over such as targeted capital controls when markets are distressed.
Performance of Pulse Code Modulation/Phase Modulation Receivers With Nonideal Data

In pulse code modulation/phase modulation systems, the nonreturn-to-zero or biphase data are directly modulated onto the residual carrier. Imperfection in the data, such as unbalance between +1 and −1 data (data unbalance) and unequal transition time (data asymmetry), cause improper synchronization of the residual carrier and the data clock. The result is a degradation in the symbol-error rate (SER) performance. In this article, the impact of imperfect data on the carrier synchronization process and SER performance is assessed. Simulation results are presented to support the analysis.
Early Enteral Feeding Improves Tolerance of Parenteral Nutrition in Preterm Newborns

(1) Background: The tolerance of preterm newborns for the high nutritional intakes given by parenteral nutrition (PN) is still debated because of the risk of metabolic complications. Despite enteral nutrition (EN) being the preferred route of nutrition, an exclusive enteral feeding is not always possible, as in preterm newborns, the gut is immature and less tolerant of EN. We aimed to study the impact of a minimal enteral feeding (MEF) on the possible early metabolic complications of PN in a cohort of preterms with gestational age at birth GA ≤ 29 + 6/7 weeks of postmenstrual age. (2) Methods: We divided the study sample in two cohorts: 1) Late-Feeding (cohort 1), newborns who received MEF starting from the 8th day of age, and (2) Early-Feeding (cohort 2), newborns who received MEF, consisting of the administration of at least 4–5 mL/kg/day by the enteral route, in the first 7 days of age. The primary outcome of the study was the rate of at least one metabolic complication, including hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, or metabolic acidosis. (3) Results: We enrolled 80 newborns (Late-Feeding cohort 51 vs. Early-Feeding cohort 29). The rate of all metabolic complications was statistically higher in the Late-Feeding cohort compared to the Early-Feeding cohort. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that late administration of MEF negatively influenced the rate of all metabolic complications. (4) Conclusions: Early minimal administration of EN is associated with less frequent PN-related metabolic side effects and a higher rate of survival in critically ill newborns.
Science, Technology and Society in Contemporary Japan

Part I. The Japanese Model of R & D: 1. Basic versus applied research: the role of corporate laboratories and universities 2. Cooperation versus competition: Miti's R & D projects and Japan's science cities Part II. Science and Technology for Economic Growth: 3. Quality versus quantity: the automobile industry 4. Technology versus commercial feasibility: nuclear power and electric utilities 5. Consumerism and development versus the environment Part III. The International Dimension: 6 Domestic development versus importation of technology: the aerospace industry and the FS-X fighter plane controversy 7 Domestic technology versus the export of technology Part IV. Science and Technology for the People? 8. Information society versus controlled society 9. Women versus men in the science and technology workforce 10. National interest versus local interests: the construction of Narita airport 11. The patient versus the doctor: changes in medical care and attitudes to the body.
Oxidative Transformations of 3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetaldehyde Generate Potential Reactive Intermediates as Causative Agents for Its Neurotoxicity

Neurogenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease, are associated, not only with the selective loss of dopamine (DA), but also with the accumulation of reactive catechol-aldehyde, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetaldehyde (DOPAL), which is formed as the immediate oxidation product of cytoplasmic DA by monoamine oxidase. DOPAL is well known to exhibit toxic effects on neuronal cells. Both catecholic and aldehyde groups seem to be associated with the neurotoxicity of DOPAL. However, the exact cause of toxicity caused by this compound remains unknown. Since the reactivity of DOPAL could be attributed to its immediate oxidation product, DOPAL-quinone, we examined the potential reactions of this toxic metabolite. The oxidation of DOPAL by mushroom tyrosinase at pH 5.3 produced conventional DOPAL-quinone, but oxidation at pH 7.4 produced the tautomeric quinone-methide, which gave rise to 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycolaldehyde and 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde as products through a series of reactions. When the oxidation reaction was performed in the presence of ascorbic acid, two additional products were detected, which were tentatively identified as the cyclized products, 5,6-dihydroxybenzofuran and 3,5,6-trihydroxybenzofuran. Physiological concentrations of Cu(II) ions could also cause the oxidation of DOPAL to DOPAL-quinone. DOPAL-quinone exhibited reactivity towards the cysteine residues of serum albumin. DOPAL-oligomer, the oxidation product of DOPAL, exhibited pro-oxidant activity oxidizing GSH to GSSG and producing hydrogen peroxide. These results indicate that DOPAL-quinone generates several toxic compounds that could augment the neurotoxicity of DOPAL.
A Retrospective Analysis of Clinical Outcome and Predictive Factors for Responders with Knee Osteoarthritis to a Single Injection of Leukocyte-Poor Platelet-Rich Plasma

Although various platelet-rich plasma (PRP) kits are commercially available, the efficacy of these kits for knee osteoarthritis (KOA) has not been fully investigated. This study aimed to investigate the short-term results of leukocyte-poor PRP (LP-PRP) and the factors that contribute to its efficacy. We retrospectively reviewed 124 patients with KOA who were treated with LP-PRP. White blood cell (WBC) and platelet counts in the whole blood and the LP-PRP were measured. KOA severity was assessed using radiography. Clinical evaluation was performed both prior to injection and after an average of 3.3 weeks after the injection using the Japanese Knee Osteoarthritis Measure (JKOM). Responders were defined based on the JKOM. The contributing factors for responders were examined using a multivariate logistic analysis. The responder rate was 58.1% and the contributing factors for responders were a higher visual analog scale score before injection, WBC count in whole blood, and platelet concentration ratio of LP-PRP. The LP-PRP improved the clinical scores in the short term. Certain patient characteristics before injection and the concentration ratio of LP-PRP may be predictors of its efficacy; these may provide clues for elucidating which components of LP-PRP act on KOA pathologies.
Science process skills acquisition level among form two students in one district of Sabah

This research was conducted to identify the acquisition level of science process skills among Form 2 students in one of the districts of Sabah, Malaysia, and to investigate the difference between male and female students' acquisition levels of such skills. The survey study involved a sample of 269 students (134 female and 135 male) aged 14 to15 years using the Science Process Skills Test (SPST) that consists of 35 items covering Basic Science Process Skills (BSPS) and the Integrated Science Process Skills (ISPS). The descriptive statistical results indicated that the science process skills for both male and female students were at a moderate level. The male and female students scored 47.28% and 49.89% respectively in the SPST. The independent t-test result revealed that there was no significant difference between male and female students' science process skills, although female students got better scores compared to male students with a p-value (0.684) that was more than 0.05 (p> 0.05). In conclusion, the acquisition of science process skills among students was at a moderate level for both genders despite the different teaching and learning approaches suggested by the Ministry of Education. This indicates the need for more attention being paid towards the teaching and learning activities that might enhance students’ science process skills, and might direct future research in terms of factors that might affect students' performance in terms of such skills.
Association between Smoking Habit and Pulmonary Tuberculosis at Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospita

Introduction: Smoking has been reported as one of tuberculosis (TB) risk factor. The association between smoking and TB has been proven in multiple studies, but little known about the association between smoking degree and sputum smear positive. Methods: An analytic observational study using cross-sectional design. Data of patients with pulmonary TB conducted at DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment Short course)/MDR (Multi Drug Resistance) outpatient and inpatient ward in Dr Soetomo General Hospital Surabaya from January to October 2018. The degree of smoking was measured using Brinkman Index (BI). The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were also estimated.Results: There were 94 patients with pulmonary TB, 56 non-smoker and 38 smoker. Light smoking (P = 0,120, OR = 0.200, 95% CI: 0.022-1.823), moderate smoking (P=0.377, OR = 1.667, 95% CI: 0.533-5.209), heavy smoking (P=0.076, OR= 0.333, 95% CI: 0.96-1.160). Moderate smoking compared to heavy smoking as a control (P=0.33, OR = 5.000, 95% CI=1.096-22.820). Conclusion: There’s no significant correlation between smoking habits and sputum smear positive, but the present study evidenced the patients with smoking habits had greater chance to get sputum smear positive than non-smokers. Patient with moderate smoking compared to heavy smoking had greater chance to get sputum smear positive.
The Interaction between DNA and Three Intercalating Anthracyclines Using Electrochemical DNA Nanobiosensor Based on Metal Nanoparticles Modified Screen-Printed Electrode

The screen-printed electrodes have gained increasing importance due to their advantages, such as robustness, portability, and easy handling. The manuscript presents the investigation of the interaction between double-strand deoxyribonucleic acid (dsDNA) and three anthracyclines: epirubicin (EPI), idarubicin (IDA), and doxorubicin (DOX) by differential pulse voltammetry on metal nanoparticles modified by screen-printed electrodes. In order to investigate the interaction, the voltammetric signals of dsDNA electroactive bases were used as an indicator. The effect of various metal nanomaterials on the signals of guanine and adenine was evaluated. Moreover, dsDNA/PtNPs/AgNPs/SPE (platinum nanoparticles/silver nanoparticles/screen-printed electrodes) was designed for anthracyclines–dsDNA interaction studies since the layer-by-layer modification strategy of metal nanoparticles increases the surface area. Using the signal of multi-layer calf thymus (ct)-dsDNA, the within-day reproducibility results (RSD%) for guanine and adenine peak currents were found as 0.58% and 0.73%, respectively, and the between-day reproducibility results (RSD%) for guanine and adenine peak currents were found as 1.04% and 1.26%, respectively. The effect of binding time and concentration of three anthracyclines on voltammetric signals of dsDNA bases were also evaluated. The response was examined in the range of 0.3–1.3 ppm EPI, 0.1–1.0 ppm IDA and DOX concentration on dsDNA/PtNPs/AgNPs/SPE. Electrochemical studies proposed that the interaction mechanism between three anthracyclines and dsDNA was an intercalation mode.
How Can China’s Indium Resources Have a Sustainable Future? Research Based on the Industry Chain Perspective

Global competition and storage for indium resources are increasing. This paper uses substance flow analysis to quantify the flow of indium in China from 2000 to 2019 and discusses the problems facing China’s indium industry chain. Over the past 20 years, China has mined more than 21,000 tons of indium from the lithosphere, and the accumulated indium content in imported ore is about 3600 tons. In the upper reaches of the industrial chain, the loss of indium exceeded 19,000 tons; in the middle reaches, due to technical barriers, China exported a large amount of indium at low prices and imported a large amount of ITO targets at high prices. The amount of indium in the imported targets exceeded 2100 tons; in the downstream, approximately 60% of the final products were exported abroad. China’s cumulative output of recycled indium was about 630 tons, primary indium output was 5912 tons, and the cumulative inventory of indium reached 3200 tons. Therefore, increasing the recovery rate in the primary production stage, overcoming the technical barriers in the middle of the industry chain, and establishing an efficient recovery system are necessary measures to promote the sustainable development of indium resources and its industry chain.
The aerodynamics of gyroplanes

This report describes research work undertaken for the Civil Aviation Authority by the University of Glasgow between November 1993 and June 2008 under the study entitled Aerodynamics of Gyroplanes, instigated by the 1991 Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) review of the airworthiness of Air Command series of gyroplanes. Elements of this study include analytical, wind tunnel and flight test activities. Research included the comparison of a mathematical model of the aircraft validated against actual flight test data. The Report also presents results from a number of associated studies, a literature review, a study of teeter margin, an assessment of blade flexibility on rotor and aircraft stability and a review of BCAR Section T.
User acceptance of an eco-driving support system

In this study an eco-driving support system was evaluated within a driving simulator study. The presented system was able to communicate with traffic lights and to detect traffic signs. On the basis of this information the system gave recommendations to the participants concerning fuel efficient gear shifting and acceleration/deceleration behavior. 30 participants drove different scenarios (traffic light approach, curves, and stop signs) with and without the eco-driving support system. Thereafter they answered acceptance questionnaires based on the Technology Acceptance Model concerning the system. Overall the acceptance of the system was very well. Yet, for some participants in the stop sign and curve scenarios the intervention of the system was too early.
Yield and quality of meat from shrimp (Pandalus jordani) precooked in water containing condensed phosphates

approved: Dr. David^. Crawford The effect of three condensed phosphates on the yield of Pacific shrimp meat cooked in water was investigated. The condensed phosphates studied were a commercial combination of sodium tripolyphosphate and hexametaphosphate (Brifisol 510), sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) and sodium hexametaphosphate (HMP). The effect of the molecular species of condensed phosphate, concentration, pH of the interaction medium and time of application (prior to or during water cooking) was also examined. D510 was the most efficient of the three condensed phosphates. Optimum concentration level varied in each experiment, but appears to be 1. 0% or lower. Optimum wet weight yields in three experiments were observed at 1. 0% D510 with a 6. 05 percentage point increase; at 0. 10% D510 with a 3. 56 percentage point increase and at 0. 01% D510 with a 1. 12 percentage point increase over the control. The optimum level of dry solids retained was observed at 0. 5% D510 with a 7.63 phosphates. Optimum pH levels were between 5.69 and 4.74 for samples exposed to TPP-CA prior to water cooking. However, samples not treated prior to water cooking produced greater yields than treated samples. Round shrimp soaked in a TPP solution for short periods of time at an apparent optimum pH (5. 28) resulted in similar or inferior yields to unsoaked samples, whether cooked in water or in TPP solution. The effect of Brifisol 510 on the yield of meat cooked with water was compared to that of meat cooked with steam. Steam precooking produced superior yields in comparison to water cooking for either soaked or unsoaked samples. Yields were optimum at 6. 0% D510 with 5. 70 and 13, 13 percentage points wet and dry weight solids yield increases, respectively. " Cooking shrimp in a condensed phosphate solution did not stabilize soluble proteins in a consistent manner. The effectiveness of the action of condensed phosphates in cooking water appeared to be highly dependent upon round shrimp condition. The presence of large amounts of water during cooking apparently reduced the concentration of phosphate on the surface of the meat below that needed for sufficient interaction with surface proteins. Shrinkage of tissue proteins, solubilization of collagenic proteins and release of juices during heating may have contributed to the negative results obtained. The
The Current Role of the Heavy/Light Chain Assay in the Diagnosis, Prognosis and Monitoring of Multiple Myeloma: An Evidence-Based Approach

Despite tremendous progress being made in recent years, multiple myeloma (MM) remains a challenging disease. The laboratory plays a critical role in the overall management of patients. The diagnosis, prognosis, clinical monitoring and evaluation of the response are key moments in the clinical care process. Conventional laboratory methods have been and continue to be the basis of laboratory testing in monoclonal gammopathies, along with the serum free light chain test. However, more accurate methods are needed to achieve new and more stringent clinical goals. The heavy/light chain assay is a relatively new test which can overcome some of the limitations of the conventional methods for the evaluation of intact immunoglobulin MM patients. Here, we report an update of the evidence accumulated in recent years on this method regarding its use in MM.
Inner Retinal Layer Thickness Alterations in Early Age Related Macular Degeneration in Eyes with Subretinal Drusenoid Deposits or Conventional Drusen

The purpose of this study was to evaluate central and parafoveal inner retinal layer thickness in patients with subretinal drusenoid deposits (SDD) or conventional drusen (CD). Participants underwent comprehensive ophthalmoscopic examination. Evidence of SDD or CD was evaluated with near infrared reflectance and spectral domain optical coherence tomography. Quantification of subfoveal lesions was made through a qualitative analysis of vertical and horizontal SD-OCT scans centered on the fovea. Inner retinal layer macular thickness measurements were obtained for central circles with 1, 3, and 5 mm diameter. Continuous variables were compared by the analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with post-hoc Tukey HSD correction for multiple comparison analysis. Fifty-five patients were included in the study; 18 eyes with SDD alone, 19 eyes with CD alone, and 18 eyes of healthy age-matched subjects. Eight eyes with SDD (44%) and 13 eyes with CD (68%) had subfoveal lesions. There was significant reduction in the inner retinal layer thickness in the central 1mm area and in the superior 3 mm area in the SDD and CD group compared to controls. In conclusion the inner retinal layer is thinner in the central macula and in the superior parafovea in eyes.