Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Trends in Approaches to Assist Freeze-Drying of Food: A Cohort Study on Innovations

ABSTRACT Freeze drying has been a very successful technology in the food and pharma industries, particularly owing to the benefits it offers in terms of product quality. It is most recommended for high-value foods and those that contain heat-sensitive ingredients. Over the years, to meet industry requirements, several variants of the freeze-drying technology have been developed, even to meet specific drying applications. The process of freeze-drying is highly energy-intensive and time-consuming. Nevertheless, innovative techniques are available with the potential to produce products at reduced drying times and lower cost, while being environment-friendly and maintaining freeze-dried quality. This review summarizes advances in the application of infrared, microwave, ultrasound, pulsed electric field, and other techniques as pretreatments and/or to assist conventional freeze-drying processes. Freeze drying combined with other techniques can provide more benefits in terms of energy, time, and cost savings. In this review, comparative studies have been presented to describe these aspects. Such techniques to assist the freeze-drying process can be linked well with sustainable food processing strategies, particularly considering a significant reduction in energy requirements.
Analyzing the Probability of Acquiring Cloud-Free Imagery in China with AVHRR Cloud Mask Data

Optical remote sensing data are used widely in many fields (such as agriculture, resource management and the environment), especially for the vast territory of China; however, the application of these data is usually limited by clouds. Although it is valuable to analyze the probability of acquiring cloud-free imagery (PACI), PACI using different sensors at the pixel level across China has not been reported. In this study, the PACI of China was calculated with daily Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) cloud mask data from 1990 to 2019. The results showed that (1) PACI varies dramatically in different regions and months in China. The value was larger in autumn and winter, and the largest figure reached 49.55% in October in Inner Mongolia (NM). In contrast, relatively small values occurred in summer, and the minimum value (5.26%) occurred in June in South China (SC). (2) As the climate changes, the PACI has increased significantly throughout the country and most regions, especially in North China (NC), with a growth rate of 1.9% per decade. The results can be used as a reference for selecting appropriate optical sensors and observation times in areas of interest.
The role of facilitating condition in enhancing user’s continuance intention

Many organizations are moving toward utilizing information system to enhance eficiency in everyday task. Although the influence of facilitating condition are important to the success of information system implementation, the literature lacks empirical research on tthe relationship between facilitating condition and continuance intention in private higher leaning institution. In this article, the researchers introduce a simple model based on information systems (IS) and user behavior literature to examine the effect of facilitating condition on the intention to continue using e-campus. A paper-and-pencil self-administered questionnaire survey with 500 users of Malaysian private higher learning institution is carried out to evaluate the proposed model. The result proves that facilitating condition have a significant effect on e-campus continuance intention. Important practical contributions are further discussed in the paper.
Determination of absolute atomic hydrogen densities by Two-Photon Absorption Laser Induced Fluorescence in a H2/CH4 Microwave Plasma at High Pressure and High Microwave Power

In the context of monocrystalline diamond plasma deposition, the atomic hydrogen densities have been determined by two-photon absorption laser induced fluorescence in a H2/CH4 microwave plasma at high pressure (200 hPa) and high microwave power (3000 W). H-atom densities were estimated by a calibration method that consists in normalizing the H-atom TALIF intensity by the intensity from Kr atoms in a pure krypton gas at a known pressure. In the range of pressures studied, the value of the H-atom fluorescence yield, which is necessary for the calculation of absolute densities, cannot be determined experimentally, but is estimated from a model calculation that solves the rate equations describing the population changes in the various H n=3 sublevels. In plasmas containing 1% CH4, the H-atom densities reach values ≥ 1.9×1023 m-3, and the gas temperature in the plasma bulk is ~3000 K.
Thermal expansion of brucite, Mg(OH)2

The lattice parameters have been measured between 20 and 310°C at atmospheric pressure. The thermal expansion is strongly anisotropic with a high coefficient of linear expansion parallel to the z axis. This leads to an overall volume coefficient of expansion (average of 10.9x10 -5 /K) that is several times greater than estimates based on amphiboles and other hydrous minerals.
Spider Silk-Augmented Scaffolds and Adipose-Derived Stromal Cells Loaded with Uniaxial Cyclic Strain: First Investigations of a Novel Approach for Tendon-Like Constructs

Tendon injuries still pose a challenge to reconstructive surgeons. Tendon tissue is a bradytrophic tissue and has a poor tendency to heal. Autologous tendon grafts are, therefore, still the gold standard in restorative operations but are associated with significant donor side morbidity. The experimental approach of the present study focused on the use of the biomaterial spider silk as a biocompatible and very stable carrier matrix in combination with a collagen type I hydrogel and adipose-derived stromal cells. The constructs were differentiated by axial strain to tendon-like tissue using a custom-made bioreactor. Macroscopically, tendon-like tissue could be detected which histologically showed high cell vitality even in long-term cultivation. In addition, cell morphology comparable to tenocytes could be detected in the bioreactor-stimulated tendon-like constructs compared to the controls. Immunohistochemically, tendon tissue-specific markers could be detected. Therefore, the developed tendon-like construct represents a promising approach towards patient specific tendon reconstruction, but further studies are needed.
Corporate governance, lifecycle and payout precommitment: An emerging market study

We analyze the role of firm-level corporate governance in determining the precommitment payout policy of emerging market firms and investigate if there is a precommitment lifecycle effect. Unlike previous studies for the U.S. firms, we only find evidence of precommitment among relatively well-governed firms, who combine good governance with large dividend payouts to shareholders and large debt-related repayments to creditors. We also document a strong precommitment lifecycle effect. Firms in the growth and mature stages of their lifecycle tend to use both debt and dividends to precommit to investors, with an increasing proportion of dividends in total payout measures. Our results are robust to an array of control variables, alternate payout proxies, firm-level corporate governance and addresses any potential endogeneity concerns in the sample.
The use of augmented reality to improve mathematics conceptual understanding of pre-service elementary education teachers

The purpose of this study was to determine the understanding of mathematics concepts of pre-service elementary education teachers at Universitas Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa (Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa University) through augmented reality learning media. The method used in this study was a quasi-experiment with the design of one group pre-test and post-test. The instrument used in this study was a test of understanding of mathematics concepts on geometry topic in the form of 10 description tests and tested on 20 pre-service teachers (higher education students). The average result of N-gain in pre-service elementary education teachers was 0.48 in the medium category. Based on the results obtained, the use of augmented reality can be used as a learning medium for mathematical concepts. In the learning process, students can easily understand the material taught. The suggestion in this research is that further development of augmented reality media is needed at all levels of education and it needs to be tested in a larger scale in order to know its effectiveness to be used in all levels of education.
HAR, TAAM and BODD refinements of model crystal structures using Cu Kα and Mo Kα X-ray diffraction data

The Independent Atom Model (IAM) of electron density is used in routine X-ray data analysis. However, this model does not give a quantitative description of the electron-density distribution. A better model that allows for modelling of aspherical charge density deformations is introduced by the Hansen–Coppens variant of the multipole model of electron density. However, the application of this model requires crystals of excellent quality and high-resolution XRD data which are quite often difficult criteria to fulfil. Therefore, Mo Kα and Cu Kα data of three model compounds (tricyclic imide, xylitol and methyluracil) were refined using IAM and new methods which enabled the refinement and reconstruction of charge density based on the Cu Kα data. These methods were the Bond-Oriented Deformation Density (BODD) model, Hirshfeld Atom Refinement (HAR) and the Transferable Aspherical Atom Model (TAAM). The final results were compared to the model obtained from neutron diffraction experiments. Our results demonstrated not only that Cu Kα data may be refined using BODD, HAR and TAAM methods, but also revealed systematic errors arising from the use of Cu Kα data. These errors were a result of the limited information in the low-resolution data set that manifested as higher values for the anisotropic displacement parameters (ADPs) and smaller maxima and minima of the residual electron density for the Cu Kα data compared to the Mo Kα data. Notably, these systematic errors were much less significant than those found for the IAM. Therefore, the application of BODD, HAR and TAAM on Cu Kα data has a more significant influence on the final results of refinement than for the Mo Kα data.
Postseismic Deformation due to the 2012 M
w 7.8 Haida Gwaii and 2013 M
w 7.5 Craig Earthquakes and its Implications for Regional Rheological Structure

Observations of ∼7 years of postseismic deformation following the 2012 M w 7.8 Haida Gwaii and 2013 M w 7.5 Craig earthquakes in western British Columbia and southeastern Alaska provides insight into the regional rheologic structure and seismological hazards. A stress‐driven afterslip‐only model cannot alone explain rates or spatial patterns of the far field and later stage postseismic deformation measured by Global Positioning System (GPS). We thus develop an integrated model that fits the observations by combining afterslip on the deeper extension of the faults and distributed viscous flow in the asthenosphere. The best‐fit integrated model has a 60‐km thick lithosphere overlying a Burgers body asthenosphere with a Maxwell viscosity of 2 × 1019 Pa s (0.8–3 × 1019 Pa s at 95% confidence), with a Kelvin viscosity assumed equal to 10% of that value. These values are in good agreement with rheological models derived from glacial isostatic adjustment data. The early, near‐field postseismic deformation from both events is dominated by their corresponding afterslip, however, throughout the Craig postseismic period, the dominant mechanism in the far field is viscoelastic relaxation. For the intermediate region between the two earthquakes, both events contribute to the observed postseismic displacements. Because there was no obvious afterslip following the Haida Gwaii event or known large historical earthquakes on the southernmost part of the QCF, this region continues to have great potential to suffer a large earthquake in the future.
Impact of Land Use Change on Non-Point Source Pollution in a Semi-Arid Catchment under Rapid Urbanisation in Bolivia

Changes in pollution pressure exerted on the Rocha River in Bolivia from diffuse sources were assessed using potential non-point pollution indexes (PNPI) for 1997 and 2017. PNPI is a simple, low-effort, time- and resource-saving method suitable for data-scarce regions, as it works at catchment level with commonly available geographical data. Land use type (obtained by Landsat imagery classification), runoff (determined by runoff coefficient characterisation) and distance to river network (calculated at perpendicular distance) were each transformed into corresponding indicators to determine their relative importance in generating pollution. Weighted sum, a multi-criteria analysis tool in the GIS environment, was used to combine indicators with weighting values. Different weighting values were assigned to each of the indicators resulting in a set of six equations. The results showed that higher PNPI values corresponded to human settlements with high population density, higher runoff values and shorter distance to river network, while lower PNPI values corresponded to semi-natural land use type, lower runoff coefficient and longer distances to river. PNPI values were positively correlated with measured nitrate and phosphate concentrations at six sub-catchment outlets. The correlation was statistical significant for phosphate in 2017. Maps were produced to identify priority source areas that are more likely to generate pollution, which is important information for future management.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS’ CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS BASED ON SELF-RELIANCE LEARNING

The study aims to describe the students ' critical thinking skills reviewed by self-reliance learning. The research methods used are qualitative descriptive. The research subject is a grade VIII A student of SMP Negeri 3 Kalibagor which amounted to 28 people. Sampling is performed using the purposive sampling technique. In one class, selected two students with the category of the self-reliance learned to be seen, three students with the category of the self-reliance began to develop, and two students with a category of self-reliance learning culture. Collection of data using polls, tests, interviews, and documentation. The data analysis techniques used include data reduction, data presentation, and drawing concluding. The validation test used is triangulation. The results showed that more than 80% of the students who had already filled in learning independence poll included categories began to develop. Students of self-reliance category learning culture have a better critical thinking ability compared to the students ' categories begin to look and start developing. However, students with these three learning self-reliance categories do not master the evaluation capability indicator.
Preparation and Characterization of Biodegradable Composited Films Based on Potato Starch/Glycerol/Gelatin

The use of plastics is resisted worldwide. Therefore, finding alternatives to plastic packaging products is an urgent issue. This work was dedicated to the preparation of biodegradable composited films with potato starch, glycerol, and gelatin. The formulation of the biodegradable film was first optimized via response surface methodology combined with the multi-index comprehensive evaluation method that considered physical properties (thickness, water solution (WS), tensile strength (TS) and elongation at break (E%)) and barrier property (light transmittance (T%)). Results indicated that the optimal conditions were 2.5% starch, 2.0% glycerol, and 1.5% gelatin (based on water). The optimized film presented excellent properties with TS of 4.47 MPa, E% of 109.91%, WS of 43.64%, and T% of 41.21% at 500 nm, and the comprehensive evaluation score of the composite film was 28.68. Moreover, a model verification experiment was further conducted, which proved that the predicted value highly matched experimental values, indicting the credibility and accuracy of the model. The resulting films were further characterized on the basis of rheological measurements, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The rheological measurements proved that the film-forming solution exhibited low shear viscosity and non-Newtonian fluid behavior. FTIR and SEM revealed excellent compatibility among starch, glycerol, and gelatin. Hence, the resulting optimized film may be expected to provide theoretical basis and technical support for the food packing industry.
DNA Amplification of Methanogenic Bacteria from The Sewage of Coconut Water by Specific Primer 16S rRNA and Specific Methanogenic Gene

This study aims to transform metanogenic bacterial plasmid into E. coli C600 and to identify the products of methane from E. coli transformants. Isolate of methanogenic bacteria from cow’s feces as a positive control, named A and B. The transformation of isolate from the sewage of coconut water (P and M) plasmid to E.coli C600 using “Blind Test” method Fermentation of coconut water by E.coli transformant that yield gas was quality-analyzed by burning and quantity-analyzed by GC. The result of gen 16S rRNA analysis by PCR, there is a similarity of nucleotide around 1088 bp, which is the same as isolate A and B from cow’s feces. The result of gen mcrA’s PCR on isolate P, M and isolate A and B have the similarity of nucleotide which is around 600 bp. The sequencing of gen 16S rRNA isolate P yielded nucleotide with composition respectively G 31.25%, C 20.58%, A 27.11%, and T 21.04% while the isolate M with composition respectively G 31.25%, C 20.31%, A 27.02, and T 21.32%. The identification of isolate M is similar with Clostridium tyrobutyricum (100%) and isolate P is almost similar with Clostridium tyrobutyricum (99%).
High Altitude Echoes From the Equatorial Topside Ionosphere During Solar Minimum

We describe a new class of nonthermal plasma density irregularities observed in the postmidnight topside equatorial ionosphere under low solar flux conditions. They are distinct from irregularities associated with equatorial spread F (ESF) in terms of their morphology and because they exhibit strong spectral sidebands at the lower‐hybrid frequency. The coherent echoes were observed in a series high‐altitude radar experiments performed at Jicamarca utilizing long‐ and coded double‐pulse modes and a dual‐beam mode. The coded double‐pulse mode was used to measure the low‐frequency characteristics of the echoes with fine range resolution. Doppler shifts of the main backscatter line were observed to fall between ±150 m/s. The long‐pulse mode was employed for high‐frequency spectral analysis which revealed the presence of strong spectral sidelobes at the lower‐hybrid frequency. A dual‐beam mode was used to investigate the horizontal structure of the echoes. Zonal drift speeds of 50–70 m/s were inferred with this mode, and longitudinal dimensions of approximately 270 km were estimated. The study summarizes with a discussion of different mechanisms that may be responsible for the phenomenon and the lower‐hybrid sidebands in particular.
Distribution of exogenous phytase activity in soil solid–liquid phases and their effect on soil organic P hydrolysis

The bioavailability and stability of organic phosphorus (P) in the soil may be affected by exogenous phytase (EPase) activity and distribution, but remain poorly understood. The distribution of EPase activity and hydrolysis ability of EPase on organic P in soil solid-liquid phases was investigated. The EPase addition to soil suspension (1:20, w/v) from three soil types (red soil, brown soil, and cinnamon soil) under three treatments (untreated soil, removing clay from soil, and removing organic matter from soil) with different characters in the solution and solid phases was assayed. The results showed that the disappearance pattern of EPase activity from solution was similar for all soils, whereas the enzyme activity on the solid phase was dependent on soil types and treatments with the greatest in red soil and untreated soil. When EPase was added to soils, the adsorption ratio of organic matter and clay was 10 to 25% and 3 to 7%, respectively, with sorption capacity of organic matter being significantly (p < 0.05) stronger than that of clay. Additionally, soil dehydrogenase activity, which is the indicator of overall soil microbial activities, increased after EPase addition and the two enzymes showed significant negative relation in the soil suspension and solution. At the same time, the organic P decreased significantly (p < 0.05) after the addition of EPase in the soil solid, which had a varied rate under –40% after incubating 192 h, whereas organic P in the solution phase increased significantly (p < 0.05). This study demonstrated that organic matter had a strong protective and adsorptive effect on EPase effectiveness and microbes mightbe directly affect EPase longevity and decay. This finding suggests that EPase activity in the solid phase played a more important role in organic P hydrolysis.
Technological Changes and Organizational Growth in Deposit Money Banks in Rivers State, Nigeria

This study examined the relationship between technological changes and organizational growth in deposit money banks in Rivers State. The study adopted the cross-sectional survey design to elicit response from staff of the identified deposit money banks in Rivers State. Primary data was collected using self-administered questionnaire. The population of the study comprised all the 16 deposit money banks in Port Harcourt. Using a multi-stage sampling technique, 96 staff were selected as the sample of the study. Since the banks had few permanent staff, convenient and census frame were adopted to determine the number of staff per bank. Thus, using the simple stratified random sampling technique the staff were categorized into three cadres-Top management, IT Personnel and Cashiers/Tellers from which staff were randomly selected from each cadre amounting 6 staff from each bank. The reliability was attained using test-re-test and Original Research Article Bestman and Nuka; AJEBA, 21(1): 55-63, 2021; Article no.AJEBA. 64758 56 Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient analysis with all items having a reliability index above 0.70. The Spearman Rank Order Correlation Coefficient (rho) was used in testing the hypotheses. The study revealed that there is a positive significant relationship between technological changes and organizational growth. This implies that the various developments in ICT have positive and significant influence on organizational growth. It, therefore, concluded that organizational growth in deposit money banks can be improved by the application of the various innovations and devices generated in the various stages of technological changes. The study, therefore, more attention be directed towards the use of ICTs in banking operations in deposit money banks in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, since the banking industry serve as a lubricant to the cog of the wheel of the nation’s economy.