Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Processing quality of important date cultivars grown in the United Arab Emirates for jam, butter and dates-in-syrup

Five important date cultivars being grown in the United Arab Emirates were investigated for the preparation of value-added processed products like jam, butter and dates-in-syrup. These processed date products had good shelf lives when stored at room temperature. The total plate counts and mold counts (Log 10 CFU/ml 2.06 to 3.99) were within acceptable limits, and the products were free from coliforms and Enterobacteriaceae during the period of storage. All the products prepared in this study were acceptable to panelists, and exhibit a good commercial potential in this area.
Virtual Screening Identifies Chebulagic Acid as an Inhibitor of the M2(S31N) Viral Ion Channel and Influenza A Virus

The increasing prevalence of drug-resistant influenza viruses emphasizes the need for new antiviral countermeasures. The M2 protein of influenza A is a proton-gated, proton-selective ion channel, which is essential for influenza replication and an established antiviral target. However, all currently circulating influenza A virus strains are now resistant to licensed M2-targeting adamantane drugs, primarily due to the widespread prevalence of an M2 variant encoding a serine to asparagine 31 mutation (S31N). To identify new chemical leads that may target M2(S31N), we performed a virtual screen of molecules from two natural product libraries and identified chebulagic acid as a candidate M2(S31N) inhibitor and influenza antiviral. Chebulagic acid selectively restores growth of M2(S31N)-expressing yeast. Molecular modeling also suggests that chebulagic acid hydrolysis fragments preferentially interact with the highly-conserved histidine residue within the pore of M2(S31N) but not adamantane-sensitive M2(S31). In contrast, chebulagic acid inhibits in vitro influenza A replication regardless of M2 sequence, suggesting that it also acts on other influenza targets. Taken together, results implicate chebulagic acid and/or its hydrolysis fragments as new chemical leads for M2(S31N) and influenza-directed antiviral development.
AN OVERVIEW OFTHE TASMANIAN MILLIPEDE FAUNA

There are at least 160 native species of millipedes in Tasmania, of which at least 130 are Polydesmida. The other native orders are Polyxenida, Sphaerotheriida, Polyzoniida, Spirostreptida and Chordeumatida. Twenty-seven of the natives have been formally described and another five are soon to be published. Species lists and briefnotes are given for each order. Ten introduced millipedes (six Julida, three Polydesmidaand one Polyxenida) are largely restricted to farms, gardens and degraded bushland. Native millipedes are widespread and abundant in most terrestrial habitats. Individual species are often restricted to one of a number of millipede 'regions' around Tasmania, some of which have remarkably sharp boundaries. INTRODUCfION Despite millipedes being familiar and relatively large arthropods, they are very little studied in Australia. This article summarises what is currently known about the taxonomy, general ecology and biogeography ofTasmanianmillipedes. It is based on my own field experience and on the millipede collections in the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery (QVMAG), the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) and the New Town Laboratories (New Town) of the Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment. The QVMAGcollection, which I curate, is by farthe largest and consists of many thousands of specimens from all parts of the State. To avoid making this issue of The Tasmanian Naturalist a monograph on millipedes , I have left out discussions of anatomy, life history and conservation, and global issues in millipede taxonomy and biogeography. General information on these animals can be found inmost textbooks of invertebrate zoology. Shear (1999) has written an enthusiastic popular article on millipedes, and Hopkin and Read (1992) have produced a very readable text on millipede biology. For interested naturalists I highly recommend a beautifully illustrated introduction to centipedes and millipedes by Shelley (1999)1.
Female–female aggression around mating: an extra cost of sociality in a multimale primate society

Multimale--multifemale groups, where both sexes mate promiscuously and the operational sex ratio is male biased, represent a classical mammalian society. Theory predicts low mating competition between females in such societies, but this is inconsistent with the frequent occurrence of female sexual signals. This study explores the determinants of female competition under such conditions by testing 3 hypotheses relating to patterns of aggression over the reproductive cycle in wild chacma baboons (Papio ursinus). Primarily, we expect the frequency of aggression to be highest among 1) lactating and pregnant females, who experience the greatest energetic demands, if females compete mainly over food, 2) lactating females, if females compete mainly over paternal care of infants, or 3) sexually active (swollen) females, if females compete mainly over mates. Data were collected from 27 females in 2 groups over 18 months and analyzed using mixed models. Our results provide most support for the mating competition hypothesis: aggression increases with the number of swollen females in a group, swollen females receive the most aggression, and mate-guarded swollen females receive more aggression than when unguarded. However, our analyses further indicate that such aggression rather than arising from direct mating competition, most likely reflects reproductive suppression and/or an increased exposure of swollen females to incidental aggression. These findings reveal the importance of sex in shaping social relationships among females in large primate groups where they were traditionally considered to be determined primarily by access to resources. Aggression associated with access to mates represents an extra cost of sociality to females. Copyright 2011, Oxford University Press.
Biomechanics of terrestrial locomotion: asymmetric octopedal and quadrupedal gaits

The main goal of this dissertation is to investigate the biomechanics of octopedal and quadrupedal locomotion in terrestrial animals, common determinants, advantages and limits, in particular of the asymmetric gaits. Two different approach have been chosen: i) a kinematic study of a terrestrial spider, the Brazilian giant tawny-red tarantula, an octopods predator species that hide in burrows, ambush and rapidly bounce the prey with a sprint, and ii) a comparative study of the two types of gallop of the cursorial terrestrial mammals. Eight-legs locomotion has been one of the first travelling modes on land, and spiders display one of the most versatile locomotor repertoire: they move at slow and fast speed, forward-backward-sideways, they climb and even jump, both on firm terrain and from the water surface. Spiders can walk in the two senses at the same speed, just by reversing their diagonal footfall scheme. They turn on the spot like an armoured tank, with opposite direction of the two treads of limbs. Also, the high number of limbs ensures an increased locomotor versatility on uneven and rough terrains, particularly in the likely unawareness of each endpoint location on the ground. The aims of this first part were: i) identifying the principal octopod gaits, ii) calculating the mechanical external and internal work at the different speeds/gaits, iii) assessing any tendency to exchange potential and kinetic energy of the body centre of mass, as in pendulum-like gaits, and iv) evaluating how spiders’ mechanical performance and variables allometrically compare to other species. Another question was: can the octopod gaits be considered as different combinations of two quadrupeds’ locomotion? In this investigation we used inverse dynamics to study the locomotor performance of a terrestrial spider. 9 reflective markers have been placed on the tip of the 8 legs and on the cephalothorax, and their position recorded at a frequency of 50 Hz and digitized through a motion analysis system. Data have been processed using LabView (National Instruments, USA) specific development. The 3D trajectories of the body centre of mass in local coordinates, as during locomotion on a treadmill, have been calculated by applying a mathematical method based on the Fourier analysis of the three coordinates of the centre of mass (COM) over time. Two main gaits, a slow and a fast one characterised by distinctive 3D trajectories of COM, have been identified.
Identification and Pathogenic Potential of Bacillus cereus Strains Isolated from a Dairy Processing Plant Producing PDO Taleggio Cheese

Low levels of contamination by Bacillus cereus at the cheese farm is essential for reducing any opportunity for growth prior consumption. In this study, B. cereus distribution in a plant producing Protected Designation of Origin Taleggio cheese was investigated and the virulence potential of the isolates was evaluated. Seventy-four samples were collected from Food and Non Food Contact Surfaces (FCS, NFCS), saline curd, and Taleggio. The eleven isolates were identified, typified, and clustered. Strains were tested for the production of hemolysins, hemolysin BL (HBL), phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C (PC-PLC), proteases, and biofilm, and for the presence of chromosomal toxin-encoding genes (sph, plcA, cytK, entFM, bcet, entS, nheA, nheB, nheC). B. cereus was detected on NFCS, FCS, and curd, but not in Taleggio. The isolates were grouped into six clusters, and all produced PC-PLC, hemolysins, and proteases, and most of them HBL (66.7%). All the clusters harbored the nheA, sph, plcA, entFM, and cytK genes, and some also nheB (83.3%), nheC (66.7%), bcet (50.0%), and entS (66.7%). All strains showed biofilm-forming ability. Our data reveal possible contamination of production plants and cheese curd by potentially virulent B. cereus, but bacterial absence in Taleggio highlights the efficacy of a proper management of the production phases in assuring consumer’s protection.
Milk and Energy Intakes of Suckling California Sea Lion Zalophus californianus Pups in Relation to Sex, Growth, and Predicted Maintenance Requirements

Isotope dilution was used to measure milk intake of 43 California sea lion pups on San Nicolas Island, California, from 1982 to 1984. Deuterium concentration was monitored in serial blood samples collected at about 5-day intervals for 3 wk after isotope administration. Estimated milk intakes differed significantly between male (723 ± 31.0 g ․ day⁻¹) and female (609 ± 24.0 g ․ day⁻¹) pups but did not increase from the first to second month postpartum. On a metabolic size basis (weight0.83), gross energy intakes did not differ between male and female pups but did differ between years, apparently as a consequence of the 1983 El Niño. The mean energy intakes (kcal ․ day⁻¹) of sea lion pups in the first (61 · W0.83) and second (308 · W0.83) months were high relative to terrestrial species. Regression of energy intake on growth rate predicted that maintenance energy requirements (kcal ․ day⁻¹) were also high (168 and 252 · W0.83 in the first and second months). The fact that California sea lion pups devote a large proportion of energy to maintenance rather than to growth or to blubber deposition may reflect both the energetic demands of an aquatic environment and limitations in the ability of lactating females to increase the rate of energy transfer to pups.
Structural Characteristics of Extracted Collagen from Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) Bone: Effects of Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid Solution and Hydrochloric Acid Treatment

Desalting is an important process of bone collagen extraction. In this present study, collagens were prepared from tilapia bone using acetic acid and pepsin. The extracted collagen was partially characterized. Prior to extraction, tilapia bone was desalted by soaking in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid solution and hydrochloric acid. Thermo-gravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy were performed to analyze the structural characteristics. The extracted protein was classified as collagen by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and circular dichroism. Results showed that desalination with HCl was fast, but collagen yield was low. No acid-soluble collagen and only 0.5% pepsin-soluble collagen were obtained from HCl-treated fish bone. By comparison, the yields of acid-soluble collagen and pepsin-soluble collagen from ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid-treated fish bone were 3.5 and 6.0%, respectively. These values were observed higher than those from HCl-treated fish bone. In HCl-treated fish bone, the properties of collagen, such as amino acid composition, denaturation temperature, and molecular weight distribution, were different from those of collagen in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid-treated fish bone. Collagens extracted from ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid-treated fish bone showed more integrated secondary structure. Therefore, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid can be used more effectively than HCl to extract collagen from tilapia bone.
Bio-Processing of Banana Peel for α-Amylase Production by Bacillus subtilis

Alpha amylase was produced by Bacillus subtilis utilizing banana peel in a solid state fermentation (SSF). The effect of varying incubation period, substrate level, pH of the medium, incubation temperature, peptone (nitrogen source) and micronutrients on the production of α-amylase was investigated. The maximum activity of α-amylase (9.06 IU/mL/min) was recorded after 24 hours of SSF at pH 7 and 35 o C temperature of the optimum banana peel medium containing, 50 g fresh chopped banana peel (substrate), 0.2% peptone, 0.02% MgSO4.7H2O, 0.04% CaCl2.2H2O and 0.1% KH2PO4. The enzyme produced by Bacillus subtilis can be used in industrial processes after characterization.
ENZYMATIC COMBUSTION BY LIGNINOLYTIC ENZYMES OF LIGNICOLOUS FUNGI

Lignicolous fungi are wood degrading organisms, which were able to decompose all wood polymers; lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose etc. by producing ligninolytic, cellulolytic and hemicellulolytic enzymes respectively. The complex plant polymer like lignin was biodegraded by a unique “enzymatic combustion,” i.e. a nonspecific enzyme-catalyzed burning. Enzymatic combustion, involves oxidative extracellular enzymes. The selective lignicolous fungi that decompose preferentially wood lignin by lignin peroxidase, Manganese peroxidase, and laccases in wood polysaccharides leaving cellulose were Lenzites sterioides1, 2, L. betulina, L. exima, Phellinus gillvus, P. nilgheriensis, P. robustus, Flavodon flavum, Ganoderma lucidum, Shizophyllum Commune. The soft rot fungi mainly cause degradation of cellulose by producing cellulolytic enzyme were Phoma multirostrata, Theliviopsis stste of Ceratocystis paradoxa, Fusarium palidoroseum, Alternaria Alternata, Chaetomium globosum, Curvularia lunata, Rhizopus stolonifer, Trichoderma Viride. In order to determine the lignin degrading capability of different lignicolus fungi from Ratanmahal Wildlife Sanctuary, the fungi were screened for production of extracellular wood degrading enzymes on solid media by providing appropriate substrates. The results obtained revealed that 10 fungi were white rot producing microbes with both ligninolytic and cellulolytic ability. Lignocellulolytic behaviour of lignicolus fungi makes them better equipped to degrade different wood in forest area. The white rot fungi showing highest ligninolytic activity was Lenzites exima and lowest cellulolytic activity was recorded in case of L. betulina. The soft rot fungi Phoma multirostrata Fusarium palidoroseum Alternaria Alternata Chaetomium globosum were producing ligninolytic enzyme was reported for the first time.
Follower Dependence, Independence, or Interdependence: A Multi-Foci Framework to Unpack the Mystery of Transformational Leadership Effects

We develop a multi-foci framework—“follower dependence,” “follower independence,” and “leader-follower interdependence”—to explain how transformational leadership influences follower performance. Follower’s personal identification with the leader, psychological empowerment, and leader-member exchange are employed as proxies for each of the three foci. Two separate studies consistently show that personal identification (denoting a “follower dependence” focus) is a more salient mechanism than the other two in explaining the transformational leadership-organizational citizenship behavior relationship. These results suggest transformational leadership is perhaps a theory of follower dependence rather than independence or interdependence. Theoretical implications, limitations, and future directions are discussed.
Replication of left ventricular haemodynamics with a simple planar mitral valve model

Abstract Tools for the numerical prediction of haemodynamics in multi-disciplinary integrated heart simulations have to be based on computational models that can be solved with low computational effort and still provide physiological flow characteristics. In this context the mitral valve model is important since it strongly influences the flow kinematics, especially during the diastolic phase. In contrast to a 3D valve, a vastly simplified valve model in form of a simple diode is known to be unable to reproduce the characteristic vortex formation and unable to promote a proper ventricular washout. In the present study, an adaptation of the widely used simplest modelling approach for the mitral valve is employed and compared to a physiologically inspired 3D valve within the same ventricular geometry. The adapted approach shows enhanced vortex formation and an improved ventricular washout in comparison to the diode type model. It further shows a high potential in reproducing the main flow characteristics and related particle residence times generated by a 3D valve.
Matrices of Optimal Tree-Depth and a Row-Invariant Parameterized Algorithm for Integer Programming

A long line of research on fixed parameter tractability of integer programming culminated with showing that integer programs with n variables and a constraint matrix with dual tree-depth d and largest entry D are solvable in time g(d,D)poly(n) for some function g. However, the dual tree-depth of a constraint matrix is not preserved by row operations, i.e., a given integer program can be equivalent to another with a smaller dual tree-depth, and thus does not reflect its geometric structure. We prove that the minimum dual tree-depth of a row-equivalent matrix is equal to the branch-depth of the matroid defined by the columns of the matrix. We design a fixed parameter algorithm for computing branch-depth of matroids represented over a finite field and a fixed parameter algorithm for computing a row-equivalent matrix with minimum dual tree-depth. Finally, we use these results to obtain an algorithm for integer programming running in time g(d*,D)poly(n) where d* is the branch-depth of the constraint matrix; the branch-depth cannot be replaced by the more permissive notion of branch-width.
Definition and Risks of Cytokine Release Syndrome in 11 Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients With Pneumonia: Analysis of Disease Characteristics

Abstract Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients with severe immune abnormalities are at risk of cytokine release syndrome (CRS). The definition, prevention, and treatment of symptoms of CRS in critically ill patients with COVID-19 are important problems. We report a single-center case series of 11 COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome from The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University in China from 26 January 2020 to 18 February 2020. The termination date of follow-up was 19 February 2020. Eight patients were determined to have characteristics of CRS, including pulmonary inflammation, fever, and dysfunction of nonpulmonary organs. An increase in interleukin-6 in peripheral blood was the highest risk factor and an early indicator of CRS in COVID-19.
Is Diet-shifting Facilitated by Modulation of Pancreatic Enzymes? Test of an Adaptational Hypothesis in Yellow-rumped Warblers

Abstract Many birds exhibit seasonal switches in diet and thus alter nutrients predominating their food intake. We tested for dietary modulation of pancreatic enzymes in Yellow-rumped Warblers (Dendroica coronata), a species for which such dietary changes are documented. Birds were fed three diets formulated from either fruit, insect, or seed. We predicted that pancreatic carbohydrase amylase, and the proteases trypsin and chymotrypsin, would be modulated in direct correlation with relative levels of dietary carbohydrate and protein, respectively. In contrast to the prediction, there was no significant dietary effect on activities of amylase and chymotrypsin, and a significant change in trypsin activity (highest on seed diet) occurred in the wrong direction with regard to the prediction. Considering the statistical power of our tests, we conclude that Yellow-rumped Warblers represent a case of only modest ability, at best, to modulate pancreatic enzymes. For some diets, especially high-starch diets that they digest relatively poorly and on which they tend to lose body mass, they may lack sufficient enzyme and hence are constrained in their dietary niche.
Effects of coronavirus 19 pandemic on maternal anxiety during pregnancy: a prospectic observational study

Abstract Objectives Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new respiratory disease that is spreading widely throughout the world. The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic on pregnant women in Italy. Methods We considered 200 pregnancies attending our antenatal clinic. A questionnaire was sent to each woman in the days of maximum spread of COVID-19. Sectional was finalized to acquire in 18 items maternal characteristics and to test the women’s perception of infection. Section included the State–trait anxiety inventory (STAI) 40 items validated test for scoring trait anxiety (basal anxiety, STAI-T) and state anxiety (related to the ongoing pandemic, STAI-S). An abnormal value of STAI was considered when ≥40. Results The questionnaire was completed by 178 women (89%). Fear that COVID-19 could induce fetal structural anomalies was present in 47%, fetal growth restriction in 65% and preterm birth in 51% of the women. The median value of STAI-T was 37 and in 38.2% of the study group STAI-T score ≥40 was evidenced. STAI-S values were significantly higher with an increase of median values of 12 points (p≤0.0001). There was a positive linear correlation between STAI-T and STAI-S (Pearson=0.59; p≤0.0001). A higher educational status was associated with increased prevalence of STAI-S ≥ 40(p=0.004). Subgrouping women by the other variables considered did not show any further difference. Conclusions COVID-19 pandemic induces a doubling of the number of women who reached abnormal level of anxiety. These findings validate the role of the remote use of questionnaire for identifying women at higher risk of anxiety disorders allowing the activation of support procedures.