Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quality control of virgin olive oils with regard todifferent storage and shipment conditions

Virgin olive oil(VOO) is a product characterized by high economic and nutritional values, because of its superior sensory characteristics and minor compounds (phenols and tocopherols) contents. Since the original quality of VOO may change during its storage, this study aimed to investigate the influence of different storage and shipment conditions on the quality of VOO, by studying different solutions such as filtration, dark storage and shipment inside insulated containers to protect it. Different analytical techniques were used to follow-up the quality changes during virgin olive oil storage and simulated shipments, in terms of basic quality parameters, sensory analysis and evaluation of minor components (phenolic compounds, diglycerides, volatile compounds). Four main research streams were presented in this PhD thesis: The results obtained from the first experimental section revealed that the application of filtration and/or clarification can decrease the unavoidable quality loss of the oil samples during storage, in comparison with unfiltered oil samples. The second section indicated that the virgin olive oil freshness, evaluated by diglycerides content, was mainly affected by the storage time and temperature. The third section revealed that fluctuation in temperature during storage may adversely affect the virgin olive oil quality, in terms of hydrolytic rancidity and oxidation quality. The fourth section showed that virgin olive oil shipped inside insulated containers showed lower hydrolytic and oxidation degradation than those without insulation cover. Overall, this PhD thesis highlighted that application of adequate treatment, such as filtration or clarification, in addition to a good protection against other external variables, such as temperature and light, will improve the stability of virgin olive oil during storage.
SEPARATION OF OLEORESIN FROM GINGER RHIZOME POWDER USING GREEN PROCESSING TECHNOLOGIES

Ginger oleoresin is an important condiment in food and pharmaceutical industries because of its antioxidant and polyphenolic compounds. The effects of various extraction methods on yield parameters were presented in this article. The ultrasound treatment showed its potential to increase oleoresin extraction rate. The ultrasound-assisted supercritical carbon dioxide extraction was found to be the best method of extraction with the highest oleoresin yield of 8.15 ± 0.06% at 35°C temperature and 25 MPa pressure. The supercritical carbon dioxide extraction had 6.87% oleoresin yield at 25 MPa pressure, 40°C and 15 g/min CO2 flow rate. The signal-to-noise ratio showed that pressure and temperature had significant effect on the oleoresin yield, but their effect on flow rate was not significant. The ultrasound-assisted solvent extraction was 1.75 times faster than simple soxhlet extraction. Practical Applications Supercritical carbon dioxide extraction is an environment-friendly technology that separates pure compound from natural resource. Limitations of the solvent extraction method and steam distillation, such as residual organic solvent in product and degradation of thermally liable compounds, respectively, are major factors toward supercritical carbon dioxide extraction method gaining much attention in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical sectors. Ginger consists of specific oleoresin because of the presence of phenolic compounds. It has significant use in some foods and medicines as well. Hence, the optimization of the process to separate this oleoresin is an uphill task because of lack of literature. The orthogonal array design is a tool to reduce the number of experiments, and can become a useful tool in optimizing the experiment. This reduces the time of the experimentation, the cost on research, while obtaining better results. In this regard, the study was conducted to extract ginger oleoresin using supercritical carbon dioxide and orthogonal array design.
Characterisation of monovarietal virgin olive oils

This review analyses, how pedoclimatic aspects together with olive ripeness, harvest of olives, and the olive extraction system determine the chemical composition and sensory descriptors which assess the quality of virgin olive oils. Thus for monovarietal virgin olive oil, sensory descriptors evaluated by different European panels, volatile compounds produced through the lipoxygenase pathway, and series of compounds from unsaponifiable matter have been quantified.
Visualisation of Oxygen Concentration Profiles in the Aqueous Boundary Layer

In environment studies as well as for technical application, the study of air-water gas exchange is crucial. For process studies, a novel visualisation technique of oxygen concentrations in water was realised with high spatial resolution. To resolve turbulent processes in water, also the temporal resolution was pushed to the limit of a imaging frame rate of 185 Hz. For this purpose, the well-established method of laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) was extended introducing in this type of studies a new phosphorescent ruthenium dye that is more than 15 times more sensitive to oxygen than the previously used indicator dye. The chemical synthesis of this metal-ligand complex MLC was adapted to a preparation without intermediate steps. The challenge of this imaging technique for small-scale interactions was to resolve a very thin boundary layer extending less than a millimetre below the water surface. An image processing algorithm was developed that allow the automatic detection of the exact location of the air-water phase boundary within the resolution of 25 um/pixel. Only by this step, an accurate direct determination of an important parameter for gas-exchange studies, the boundary-layer thickness, is feasible. The developed methods were applied to systematic gas-transfer measurements mostly with surfactants, conducted in a range of wind speeds between 0.8-7 m/s in a circular wind-wave facility. The measured gas-transfer velocities compared extremely well to exchange rates derived from mass-balance methods. The novel visualisation technique drastically increased the poor signal quality inherent to standard LIF techniques. This enabled accurate measurements of gas-transfer velocities from aqueous concentration profiles for the first time.
Thermo-processable covalent scaffolds with reticular hierarchical porosity and their high efficiency capture of carbon dioxide

The preparation of moldable porous organic scaffolds with a hierarchical pore structure is demonstrated. The study shows for the first time that molecularly cross-linked covalent networks can be molded into a desired shape with three-dimensionally interconnected pores ranging over multiple length scales. Thermal cleavage and rearrangement chemistry of urea bonds allows the network to generate subnanometer pores with their nanoparticles being sintered to a monolithic structure containing pores of 2 to 100 nm via inter-particle sintering. Selective expulsion of small molecular fragments during the thermolysis of the network generated reticular micropores. The resultant hierarchically porous objects exhibited excellent capacity and selectivity for adsorption of carbon dioxide even from low concentration sources, for example, from the gas mixture of typical indoor air quality. The soft covalent network approach used here gives insights into the development of covalent organic networks with pore-based functionalities.
Structure-making with 3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid. I. The proton-transfer compounds of 3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid with a series of aliphatic amines

The crystal structures of the proton-transfer compounds of 3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid (dnsa) with ammonia (two polymorphs) and a series of common aliphatic amines (methylamine, triethylamine, hexamethylenetetramine and ethylenediamine) have been determined and the hydrogen-bonding associations in each analysed. The compounds are [(NH4)+(dnsa)-] (1A, 1B), [(CH3NH3)+(dnsa)-] (2), [{(C2H5)3NH}+(dnsa)-] (3), [(C6H12 N4H)+(dnsa)-] (4) and [{(CH2 NH3) 2}2+(dnsa)2-·H2O] (5). It is of interest that with hydrate (5) the phenolic proton of dnsa is also lost on reaction, giving a rare dianionic species. In all compounds, protonation of the amino group of the Lewis base occurs, with subsequent hydrogen bonding via this and other hydrogens variously to the carboxylic, nitro and phenolic oxygens of dnsa, and in the case of (5), the lattice water. The result is the formation of simple linear associations with the tertiary amines, or network polymers with the less-substituted examples. Short intramolecular hydrogen bonds between the phenolic group and the carboxylate group are found in all compounds except (5), with the proton localized on the carboxylate oxygen rather than on the phenolic oxygen, but in the case of (3), delocalized within the hydrogen bond.
HEADLINE PATTERNS IN VIRAL WEB CONTENT - ENGLISH-BULGARIAN COMPARATIVE CASE STUDY

The present article deals with the patterns for creating viral headlines for web content. More specifically, it offers a comparative, corpus-based case study of the patterns employed in English-language and Bulgarian-language viral headlines pertaining to one particular topic (the taste of Coca-Cola at McDonald’s). The aim of the article is to provide a descriptive analysis of a specific phenomenon and a comparison of the approaches to creating headlines on English-language websites on the one hand, and on Bulgarian websites, on the other.
In vitro mimicking of estrous cycle stages based on a comprehensive porcine oviduct epithelial cell culture model

Throughout the estrous cycle the oviduct epithelium undergoes dramatic morphological and functional changes. To elucidate cyclic cellular events and associated regulation mechanisms of 17beta estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4), we mimicked estrous cycle stages in vitro using a culture system of primary porcine oviduct epithelium cells (POEC). Cells were polarized in an air/liquid interface and then treated with E2 and P4 for physiological time periods: In experiment 1, high concentration of P4 with low concentration of E2 for 10 days resembled diestrus; in experiment 2, following the previous diestrus, sequential high E2 with low P4 for 2.5 days represented estrus. Histomorphometry and electron microscopy showed cyclic changes in cellular height, cell population, and cilia density under the influence of hormone stimulation. Transepithelial electrical resistance was high in simulated diestrus but reduced in estrus. Thus, E2 and P4 affect cellular polarity, transformation of ciliated and secretory cells, as well as electrical conductivity of oviduct epithelium. Simulation of diestrus led to significant decrease in expression of hormone receptors (PGR and ESR1) and other epithelial markers (MUC16, OVGP1, and HSP90B1), while sequential simulated estrus caused an increase in these markers. The hormonal regulation of some marker genes was clearly time-dependent. Furthermore, POEC showed increased sperm-binding capacity in simulated estrus. In this study, we also present a novel approach based on the AndroVision software, which can be routinely utilized as a parameter for ciliary activity, and for the first time, we showed fluid movement patterns along the epithelium lining in vitro. estrous cycle stages, fluid movement pattern, hormonal stimulation, oviduct epithelium, sperm binding
Production of Polyhydroxyalkanoates (Bioplastics) by Haloferax mediterranei Utilizing Ethanol Industry Waste in an Aerobic Bioreactor

Stillage,a highly polluting waste of the ethanol industry was utilized for the production of polydroxyalkanoate(PHA) by the extremely halophilic archaeon,Haloferax mediterranei both in shake flask and bioreactor level. Following pretreatment by the removal of total suspended solids and alcoholic content,100%(v/v) pretreated stillage was utilized leading to accumulation of approximately 71% and 63% PHA in the consecutive shake flasks and aerobic bioreactor study. Maximum PHA concentration of 16.42 g/l,product yield coefficient(based on total carbohydrate) of 0.34 and 0.24 g/l/hr volumetric productivity were achieved in Shake Flask study . Maximum PHA concentration of 13.12 g/l,product yield coefficient(based on total carbohydrate) of 0.27 and 0.216 g/l/hr volumetric productivity were achieved in aerobic bioreactor study.Concomitant lowering of BOD5 of pretreated stillage by at least 78% and COD by at least 80% was attained at the end of the process.The PHA was recovered by osmotic lysis of the cells and purification by sodium dodecyl sulfate(SDS) and organic solvents.Through UV-vis spectrophotometry,Gas Chromatography,Thin layer chromatography(TLC) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy,the PHA was identified as Poly-3(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate). The 3hydroxyvalerate content was 15.40%(small scale) and 17.2%(large scale). High salt concentration in the medium allowed this process without sterile conditions and thus reduction in costs of sterilization can be envisaged.The pretreatment process of stillage is economical than competing process such as ultrafiltration of whey,extrusion and enzymatic treatment of rice and corn starch.This process can easily be integrated into a distillery that has fermentation equipment and trained personnel. High PHA content, productivity,zero cost carbon source, low cost isolation of a high purity product and potential integration into an ethanol manufacturing unit with concomitant waste water treatment should merit further development of the process to higher scales.
The relationship between emotional intelligence and leadership style in educational leaders

Current research suggests that emotional intelligence continues to grow in importance and is a critical component of effective leadership. Although not usually listed as a specific job requirement, high emotional intelligence allows one to make more informed decisions and to solve problems more easily. A gap persists in research on emotional intelligence and leadership in the K–12 setting and determining whether educational leaders possess the skills to lead effectively, or if they need additional support in developing additional facility in emotional intelligence to support students. This quantitative correlational study examined the relationship between emotional intelligence and leadership style of educational leaders by surveying leaders in the K–12 setting. Results suggested that individuals with high levels of emotional intelligence are most likely to use a transformational-leadership style and least likely to use a laissez faire leadership style. No gender-based differences emerged for leadership style or overall level of emotional intelligence. This information will assist educational organizations and school districts in a variety of ways most importantly in equipping current leaders with tools to make their practice more effective. School districts may also use these findings to implement relevant professional development that targets improving overall emotional intelligence and leadership practice to benefit all employees, and specifically, to prepare future leaders.
Deep brain stimulation of the nucleus accumbens releases aversive inhibition of behaviour in obsessive-compulsive disorder

The striatum has long been implicated in motivation, learning, and action. Recent theories have proposed that the striatum is particularly involved in the coupling of these processes, giving rise to motivational biases in the selection and learning of actions. Here we assess the causal role of the ventral striatum in the motivational biasing of action for the first time in humans by directly stimulating the nucleus accumbens with deep brain stimulation (DBS). Treatment-refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder patients (n=8) performed a motivational Go/NoGo task with concurrent EEG recordings. The subjects needed to learn to make Go or NoGo responses in order to win reward or avoid punishment, while DBS was switched ON vs. OFF in a cross-over within-subject design. As previously observed in healthy populations, performance was strongly affected by the cue valence, such that fewer and slower Go responses were made when avoiding punishment than when playing for reward. DBS attenuated the inhibitory influence of punishment cues on reaction times and marginally on the proportion Go responses when Go responses were required. For the Go cues where these Pavlovian response tendencies conflicted with the instrumental requirements, oscillatory theta (4-8Hz) activity increased over the midfrontal cortex. These putative conflict-related midfrontal theta responses were not significantly affected by DBS. Taken together, these results suggest that nucleus accumbens stimulation attenuates the motivational biasing of action, seemingly without affecting frontal control systems. These results causally implicate the human nucleus accumbens in the coupling of motivation and behavioural activation.
Examination of Water Phase Transitions in Black Spruce by Magnetic Resonance and Magnetic Resonance Imaging

This study examines the phase transitions of water in wood by magnetic resonance and magnetic resonance imaging. The goal was to observe and understand the behavior of water below 0°C in wood. The species studied, black spruce ( Picea mariana Mill.), presented one abrupt phase change that occurred at about -3°C, which was attributed to the phase transition of free water. A more diffuse change occurred below -60°C, which was attributed to a phase transition of bound water. A recently developed portable unilateral magnetic resonance instrument is demonstrated as a powerful tool in the study of water in wood. This portable magnet used a bulk spin-spin relaxation time measurement that quantifies observable bound and free water in wood. Imaging was used to verify the unilateral magnetic resonance results and to better understand realistic freeze-thaw behavior of log samples in the field. A ring boundary behavior during the thawing process was observed, and likewise there were differences in the thawing behaviors of heartwood and sapwood samples.
Future Directions in Reducing Gastrointestinal Disorders in Children With ASD Using Fecal Microbiota Transplantation

Research on the use of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in the treatment of disorders related to digestive system ailments in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) is a new attempt in a therapeutic approach. There are very little scientific evidences available on this emerging alternative method. However, it appears to be interesting not only because of its primary outcome, relieving the gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, but also secondary therapeutic effect of alleviating autistic behavioral symptoms. FMT seems to be also promising method in the treatment of another group of pediatric patients, children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of this study is to discuss the potential use of FMT and modified protocols (MTT, microbiota transfer therapy) in the treatment of GI disorders in ASD children supported by reports on another disease, IBD concerning pediatric patients. Due to the few reports of the use of FMT in the treatment of children, these two patients groups were selected, although suffering from distant health conditions: neurodevelopmental disorder and gastrointestinal tract diseases, because of the the fact that they seem related in aspects of the presence of GI symptoms, disturbed intestinal microbiota, unexplained etiology of the condition and age range of patients. Although the outcomes for all are promising, this type of therapy is still an under-researched topic, studies in the group of pediatric patients are sparse, also there is a high risk of transmission of infectious and noninfectious elements during the procedure and no long-term effects on global health are known. For those reasons all obtained results should be taken with a great caution. However, in the context of future therapeutic directions for GI observed in neurodevelopmental disorders and neurodegenerative diseases, the topic seems worthy of attention.
Do Molecular Profiles of Primary Versus Metastatic Radioiodine Refractory Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Differ?

Management of metastatic radioiodine refractory differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) can be a therapeutic challenge. Generally, little is known about the paired molecular profile of the primary tumor and the metastases and whether they harbor the same genetic abnormalities. The present study compared the molecular profile of paired tumor specimens (primary tumor/metastatic sites) from patients with radioiodine refractory DTC in order to gain insight into a possible basis for resistance to radioiodine. Twelve patients with radioiodine refractory metastases were studied; median age at diagnosis of 61 years (range, 25–82). Nine patients had papillary TC (PTC), one had follicular TC (FTC), and two had Hürthle cell TC (HTC). Distant metastases were present in the lungs (n = 10), bones (n = 4), and liver (n = 1). The molecular profiling of paired tumors was performed with a panel of 592 genes for Next Generation Sequencing, RNA-sequencing, and immunohistochemistry. Digital microfluidic PCR was used to investigate TERT promoter mutations. The genetic landscape of all paired sites comprised BRAF, NRAS, HRAS, TP53, ATM, MUTYH, POLE, and NTRK genes, including BRAF and NTRK fusions. BRAF V600E was the most common point mutation in the paired specimens (5/12). TERT promoter mutation C228T was detected in one case. PD-L1 expression at metastatic sites was highly positive (95%) for one patient with HTC. All specimens were stable for microsatellite instability testing, and the tumor mutation burden was low to intermediate. Therefore, the molecular profile of DTC primary and metastatic lesions can show heterogeneity, which may help explain some altered responses to therapeutic intervention.
Numerical Simulations of Competitive-Consecutive Reactions in Turbulent Channel Flow

This thesis deals with mixing of passive scalars in a turbulent flow. The passive scalars are released in a turbulent plane channel flow and interpreted as either non-reactive components or reactive components that are involved in a competitive-consecutive reaction system. The evolution of these passive scalars under influence of turbulent mixing and chemical reaction is studied by means of Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS). For the non-reactive case, the mixing process behind two parallel line sources placed at a short distance from each other is studied and in particular the interference in the concentration statistics. The results of this study are interpreted as the concentration statistics resulting from two nearby stacks that release into the atmospheric boundary layer. For the reactive components, we study the downstream situation behind a source of species B placed in a background concentration of species A, where A and B are involved in the reaction system A+B => R, R+B => S and R is considered to be the desired reaction product. The rate of both reactions is determined by the combined influence of turbulent mixing and chemical kinetics. The primary influence on the course of this reaction system is found to be the hydrodynamics. The large scale turbulent fluctuations suppress the rate of the first reaction and enhance the rate of the second reaction. This effect could be an explanation for the anomalous high yields of S that are sometimes observed in experiments.