Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Resveratrol/Selenium Nanocomposite with Antioxidative and Antibacterial Properties

In this work, we synthesized a new composite material comprised of previously formulated resveratrol nanobelt-like particles (ResNPs) and selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), namely ResSeNPs. Characterization was provided by FESEM and optical microscopy, as well as by UV-Vis and FTIR spectroscopy, the last showing hydrogen bonds between ResNPs and SeNPs. DPPH, TBA, and FRAP assays showed excellent antioxidative abilities with ResNPs and SeNPs contributing mainly to lipid peroxidation inhibition and reducing/scavenging activity, respectively. The antibacterial effect against common medicinal implant colonizers pointed to notably higher activity against Staphylococcus isolates (minimal inhibitory concentrations 0.75–1.5%) compared to tested gram-negative species (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Antibiofilm activity against S. aureus, S. epidermidis, and P. aeruginosa determined in a crystal violet assay was promising (up to 69%), but monitoring of selected biofilm-related gene expression (pelA and algD) indicated the necessity of the involvement of a larger number of genes in the analysis in order to further establish the underlying mechanism. Although biocompatibility screening showed some cytotoxicity and genotoxicity in MTT and alkaline comet assays, respectively, it is important to note that active antioxidative and antibacterial/antibiofilm concentrations were non-cytotoxic and non-genotoxic in normal MRC-5 cells. These results encourage further composite improvements and investigation in order to adapt it for specific biomedical purposes.
Antioxidants Enhancement to the Immune Response of NIH Mice to Vero Cell Grown Rabies Virus Vaccine

Introduction: Rabies cell culture vaccine (Vero-Rab) showed to be more immunogenic and a higher and faster release of antibody titer could be detected than in case of using Fermi type vaccine, DEV and CECV. Result: The immune response of NIH mice immunized intramuscularly using both vE - Se adjuvated and non adjuvated Vero cell rabies virus vaccine (Vero-Rab) showed an elevation of antibody level of vaccinated mice groups more than the limits decided by WHO for a potent rabies virus vaccine. Also, two different immunization regimens were achieved, 5 single doses and 3 double doses of vE-selenium adjuvated and non adjuvated Vero cell rabies virus vaccine. The antibodies developed against rabies virus vaccine could be detected 14 days post immunization using ELISA and IFA. The antibody level developed in sera of mice immunized, with either adjuvated and non adjuvanted Vero-Rab. , using different immunization regimens, could protect mice against the challenge with 100 MICLD50 of the challenge virus standard (CVS) after the end of the experiment, (6 months of the prim-vaccination). Conclusion: vE-Se as immune potentiator can enhance the immune response and single dose immunization regimen without vE-Se as immune stimulant was preferred than double dose regimen.
Factors associated with perinatal and neonatal deaths in Sao Tome & Principe: a prospective cohort study

Background Neonatal mortality reduction is a global goal, but its factors are seldom studied in most resource-constrained settings. This is the first study conducted to identify the factors affecting perinatal and neonatal deaths in Sao Tome & Principe (STP), the smallest Central Africa country. Methods Institution-based prospective cohort study conducted at Hospital Dr. Ayres Menezes. Maternal-neonate dyads enrolled were followed up after the 28th day of life (n = 194) for identification of neonatal death-outcome (n = 22) and alive-outcome groups (n = 172). Data were collected from pregnancy cards, hospital records and face-to-face interviews. After the 28th day of birth, a phone call was made to evaluate the newborn's health status. Crude odds ratios and corresponding 95% confidence intervals were obtained. A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The mean gestational age of the death-outcome and alive-outcome groups was 36 (SD = 4.8) and 39 (SD = 1.4) weeks, respectively. Death-outcome group (n = 22) included sixteen stillbirths, four early and two late neonatal deaths. High-risk pregnancy score [cOR 2.91, 95% CI: 1.18–7.22], meconium-stained fluid [cOR 4.38, 95% CI: 1.74–10.98], prolonged rupture of membranes [cOR 4.84, 95% CI: 1.47–15.93], transfer from another unit [cOR 6.08, 95% CI:1.95–18.90], and instrumental vaginal delivery [cOR 8.90, 95% CI: 1.68–47.21], were factors significantly associated with deaths. The odds of experiencing death were higher for newborns with infectious risk, IUGR, resuscitation maneuvers, fetal distress at birth, birth asphyxia, and unit care admission. Female newborn [cOR 0.37, 95% CI: 0.14–1.00] and birth weight of more than 2,500 g [cOR 0.017, 95% CI: 0.002–0.162] were found to be protective factors. Conclusion Factors such as having a high-risk pregnancy score, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, prolonged rupture of membranes, being transferred from another unit, and an instrumental-assisted vaginal delivery increased 4– to 9–fold the risk of stillbirth and neonatal deaths. Thus, avoiding delays in prompt intrapartum care is a key strategy to implement in Sao Tome & Principe.
Battery Storage Use in the Value Chain of Power Systems

In recent years, energy challenges such as grid congestion and imbalances have emerged from conventional electric grids. Furthermore, the unpredictable nature of these systems poses many challenges in meeting various users’ demands. The Battery Energy Storage System is a potential key for grid instability with improved power quality. The present study investigates the global trend towards integrating battery technology as an energy storage system with renewable energy production and utility grid systems. An extensive review of battery systems such as Lithium-Ion, Lead–Acid, Zinc–Bromide, Nickel–Cadmium, Sodium–Sulphur, and the Vanadium redox flow battery is conducted. Furthermore, a comparative analysis of their working principles, control strategies, optimizations, and technical characteristics is presented. The review findings show that Lead–Acid, Lithium-Ion, Sodium-based, and flow redox batteries have seen increased breakthroughs in the energy storage market. Furthermore, the use of the BESS as an ancillary service and control technique enhances the performance of microgrids and utility grid systems. These control techniques provide potential solutions such as peak load shaving, the smoothing of photovoltaic ramp rates, voltage fluctuation reduction, a large grid, power supply backup, microgrids, renewable energy sources time shift, spinning reserve for industrial consumers, and frequency regulation. Conclusively, a cost summary of the various battery technologies is presented.
Characterization of Staphylococcus aureus Nasal Carriage Among Healthcare Providers in an Intensive Care Unit: Insights into Antibiotic Resistance Profiles and Virulence Gene Distribution

Background: Staphylococcus aureus ranks among the leading causes of serious nosocomial infections. One critical route for the spread of this bacterium within hospitals is via asymptomatic carriers, particularly healthcare providers. Staphylococcus aureus can exist as part of the normal skin flora and within the anterior nostrils of individuals, making healthcare providers a significant vector for transmission. Several genes associated with virulence, such as toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (tsst-1), alpha-toxin (hla), and panton-valentine leucocidin (pvl), play pivotal roles in the pathogenicity and severity of infections caused by S. aureus. Objectives: This study aimed to characterize S. aureus nasal carriage among healthcare providers in an intensive care unit (ICU), with a particular focus on antibiotic resistance profiles and the prevalence of virulence genes. Methods: Nasal swabs were collected from 120 healthcare workers in the ICU of Ganjavian hospital, Dezful, Iran. Standard microbiological procedures were employed for S. aureus detection. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was conducted using both disk diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration methods. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was employed to identify the presence of the mecA gene and the virulence genes hla, tsst-1, and pvl. A statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the data. Results: The study revealed that 12.5% of healthcare providers were carriers of S. aureus, with 26.6% of them harboring methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains. Antibiotic resistance patterns varied, with a notable resistance to erythromycin and penicillin. The hla gene was detected in 66.6% of S. aureus strains; nevertheless, the tsst-1 and pvl genes were not identified. The study suggests a potential association between high expression of the hla and mecA genes and antibiotic resistance. Conclusions: This study underscores the prevalence of S. aureus nasal carriage, antibiotic resistance patterns, and the distribution of virulence genes among healthcare providers in an ICU setting. The findings emphasize the significance of continuous surveillance and infection control strategies to mitigate the transmission of S. aureus and associated infections within healthcare facilities. The study recommends routine screening of ICU healthcare providers for asymptomatic S. aureus carriers and appropriate interventions to eliminate colonization.
Metagenomic insights into the response of soil microbial communities to pathogenic Ralstonia solanacearum

Understanding the response of soil microbial communities to pathogenic Ralstonia solanacearum is crucial for preventing bacterial wilt outbreaks. In this study, we investigated the soil physicochemical and microbial community to assess their impact on the pathogenic R.solanacearum through metagenomics. Our results revealed that certain archaeal taxa were the main contributors influencing the health of plants. Additionally, the presence of the pathogen showed a strong negative correlation with soil phosphorus levels, while soil phosphorus was significantly correlated with bacterial and archaeal communities. We found that the network of microbial interactions in healthy plant rhizosphere soils was more complex compared to diseased soils. The diseased soil network had more linkages, particularly related to the pathogen occurrence. Within the network, the family Comamonadaceae, specifically Ramlibacter_tataouinensis, was enriched in healthy samples and showed a significantly negative correlation with the pathogen. In terms of archaea, Halorubrum, Halorussus_halophilus (family: Halobacteriaceae), and Natronomonas_pharaonis (family: Haloarculaceae) were enriched in healthy plant rhizosphere soils and showed negative correlations with R.solanacearum. These findings suggested that the presence of these archaea may potentially reduce the occurrence of bacterial wilt disease. On the other hand, Halostagnicola_larseniia and Haloterrigena_sp. _BND6 (family: Natrialbaceae) had higher relative abundance in diseased plants and exhibited significantly positive correlations with R.solanacearum, indicating their potential contribution to the pathogen’s occurrence. Moreover, we explored the possibility of functional gene sharing among the correlating bacterial pairs within the Molecular Ecological Network. Our analysis revealed 468 entries of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) events, emphasizing the significance of HGT in shaping the adaptive traits of plant-associated bacteria, particularly in relation to host colonization and pathogenicity. Overall, this work revealed key factors, patterns and response mechanisms underlying the rhizosphere soil microbial populations. The findings offer valuable guidance for effectively controlling soil-borne bacterial diseases and developing sustainable agriculture practices.
Antioxidant and Antibacterial Constituents from Two Sumatran Ferns, Trichomanes javanicum and Oleandra pistillaris

Mangiferin (1), vitexin (2) and 4-O-β-D-glucopyranosylcaffeic acid (3), by means of classical extraction, fractionation and chromatographic separation, have been isolated for the first time from aerial parts (stems and leaves) of Trichomanes javanicum Blume (Hymenophyllaceae) as well as 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (4) and gallic acid (5) from the rhizome of Oleandra pistillaris (Sw.) C. Chr. (Oleandraceae). These compounds were characterized by spectroscopic methods and then compared to those of data reported in the literature. Compound (1) and (4) showed significant antioxidant activity (IC50 value was 3.89 and 3.83 μM respectively) twice stronger than ascorbic acid as standard (IC50 value 7.86 μM). Compound (4) and (5) significantly inhibited the growth of Salmonella thypimurium and S. thypi while compounds (1), (2) and (3) showed weak inhibition toward Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and Vibrio cholerae. All compounds were not active against Enterococcus faecalis and Streptococcus mutans.
Developing motivation through an ICT cooperation project plan in English between Spanish and German students

This case study aims to research the connection between motivation and real-life experiences in the use of the English language through an ICT cooperation project plan between two centres. Introducing Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) by means of videoconferences and the Edmodo network, we connect teenagers from different countries who share hobbies and interests. The goal is that students from Spanish 3rd-grade compulsory secondary education or their equivalent 9th-grade German peers use English as a lingua franca to achieve their objectives. This also helps students to acquire a foreign language (English) in a motivating and communicative environment and to develop competencies that are usually relegated to the background in standard English classes. In total, 104 teenagers participated in this study, in which they had to write letters, record a video, and participate in three videoconferences. The research started with an online meeting between the two teams of teachers from both centres in which the general guidelines were set up. The research instruments that the students had to carry out during the project were pictures and letters, videoconferences, and finally a profile on an educational social network. The results show how this cooperation project motivated them to the point that they could end their school year with a better grade than they had before starting the project as they shared interests in the use of English to maintain cooperation with their peers.
The Characteristics of Youth With Missed HIV Visits in Alabama

Abstract Gaps in knowledge remain related to understanding missed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) visits and youth with HIV (YWH). This study examined data from an Alabama academic HIV clinic with clients aged 16 to 24 years old and found that non virally suppressed and older YWH were associated with missed visits among YWH.
Volatility and Herding Bias on ESG Leaders’ Portfolios Performance

We here analyze the factor loadings given by the CAPM, the Fama–French three (FF3), and the five-factor model (FF5), and test the performance and the validity of adding two more factors (volatility and dispersion of returns) to the FF5 factor model of European index-based ESG leaders’ portfolios. Our ESG leaders’ portfolios generated significant negative alphas during 2012–2022, corroborating the literature’s negative argument. The negative abnormal returns of ESG leaders’ portfolios are homogeneous across the three ESG pillars. We conclude that European ESG leaders’ portfolios are biased toward large cap and value stocks with robust operating profitability and against aggressive investments. As robustness tests, we examine Global ESG leaders’ index-based portfolios, producing the same results but with reduced importance in some loading factors like profitability and investment strategy. Furthermore, we deduced that European and Global ESG leaders’ portfolios tilt towards volatility and herding bias.
Enabling Social Enterprise Success in Malaysia: A Conceptual Model Linking Entrepreneurial Ecosystem and Financial Performance

With the evidence that social enterprises (SEs) are playing a significant role in promoting a country’s inclusive growth, it is worrying that only 33% of the social enterprises in Malaysia are able to sustain themselves by making profit, according to the report of the Malaysian Global Innovation and Creativity Centre (MaGIC) in year 2019. Therefore, this finding raises concerns where it is crucial and pressing to identify what are the resources that would assist social enterprises to achieve sustainable financial performance. Despite some studies that have explained the positive relationship between entrepreneurial ecosystem (EE) and commercial enterprises, there are still limited studies connecting entrepreneurial ecosystem to the financial performance of social enterprises. From this angle, the purpose of this study is to determine if the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Malaysia influences the financial performance of Malaysian social enterprises. A total of 130 online questionnaires will be distributed to the founders and co-founders of social enterprises in Malaysia with the purpose of data collection.
Characteristics of peat humification, magnetic susceptibility and trace elements of Hani peatland, northeastern China: paleoclimatic implications

A high‐resolution peat humification record is obtained from Hani peatland, northeastern China to study climate change. An absorbance value time series from alkali‐extraction is used as a peat humification indicator. In addition, Hani peat magnetic susceptibility and trace elements have also been investigated. There is a sensitive response to abrupt climate changes when comparing a high‐resolution peat humification record with a Hani δ18O temperature proxy record and a drift ice record from the North Atlantic Ocean. Based on analyses of factors that affect peat decomposition, we suggest similar paleoclimate significance between the Hani and Dajiuhu peat on the degree of humification with a higher peat humification indicating colder and drier climate conditions. In contrast, a warm and moist climate provides a deoxidized condition that results in lower peat humification. Moreover, the Rb/Sr ratios and χlf in Hani peatland also indicate different climate conditions, especially in late Holocene. According to the Hani peat data, regional paleoclimate variations can be divided into the following five phases: 11.5–10.0 cal. kyr BP with warm climate conditions; 10.0–8.8 cal. kyr BP with sharply cooling and warming climate conditions; 8.8–4.8 cal. kyr BP with alternating cooling and warming climate conditions; 4.8–1.6 cal. kyr BP with warm climate conditions overall and 1.6–0 cal. kyr BP with cold climate conditions.
Urbanization increases the proportion of aquatic insects in the diets of riparian spiders

The exchange of nutrients and organic material that occurs along the riparian zones of stream ecosystems is vital to providing energetic subsidies for both aquatic and terrestrial food webs. Orb-weaver spiders are major consumers of emerging aquatic insects, so impacts to the stream ecosystem and the riparian zone around it can have significant effects on riparian spider assemblages. Aquatic insects can represent anywhere from ∼50–100% of the diet of riparian orb-weavers, generally depending on factors such as spider taxa and prey diversity. However, most of the studies that examine riparian orb-weaver diets have been done in non-urban areas. Thus, little is known about how urbanization affects the transfer of energy and nutrients between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. The objective of our study was to determine if the proportion of aquatic insects in the diets of riparian orb-weaver spiders is altered by urbanization. We used stable isotope analyses and Bayesian mixing models to assess trophic transfers between primary energy sources, insects, and orb-weaver spiders along the riparian zone of an urban gradient in San Juan, Puerto Rico. We found that both δ13C and δ15N values varied with the amount of urbanization in aquatic insects, terrestrial insects, and 2 genera of riparian orb-weaver spiders. Spiders closely reflected changes in the isotopic values observed in aquatic insects along the urban gradient, with a noticeable decrease in δ15N values at the most urbanized sites. In addition, we found that the proportion of aquatic insects in the diets of the orb-weavers was ∼30% greater in heavily urbanized areas than non-urbanized areas. This study represents one of the few efforts to determine how urbanization can significantly alter riparian food webs and influence the exchange of subsidies between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.
Ethical Marketing Practices and Customer Loyalty Towards Petrol Stations in Calabar Metropolis

This study examined ethical marketing practices and customer loyalty towards petrol stations. It specifically sought to unravel the relationship between marketing transparency, quality assurance, environmental responsibility and customer loyalty towards petrol stations. To that end, the study adopted cross-sectional survey research design. This enabled the collection of primary data from 168 motorists in Calabar Metropolis using a structured questionnaire. The data obtained were descriptively analyzed, while the hypotheses of the study were tested using Pearson’s product moment correlation method. The findings of the study revealed that marketing transparency, quality assurance and environmental responsibility had significant positive relationships with customer loyalty towards petrol stations in Calabar Metropolis. On the basis of these findings, we recommended that petrol stations should adopt transparent marketing, maintain honesty in advertisements, ensure trustworthy employees, prevent deceptive pricing, guarantee accurate dispensing pumps, implement quality assurance measures for safety and durability, and exhibit a consistent commitment to environmental sustainability to foster positive perception and encourage repeat customer patronage. From the limitations of the present study, we offered potential suggestions to guide future research efforts.
The Thiol Group Reactivity and the Antioxidant Property of Human Serum Albumin Are Controlled by the Joint Action of Fatty Acids and Glucose Binding

The binding of ubiquitous serum ligands (free fatty acids) to human serum albumin (HSA) or its glycation can affect thiol group reactivity, thus influencing its antioxidant activity. The effects of stearic acid (SA) and glucose binding on HSA structural changes and thiol group content and reactivity were monitored by fluoroscopy and the Ellman method during a 14-day incubation in molar ratios to HSA that mimic pathophysiological conditions. Upon incubation with 5 mM glucose, HSA glycation was the same as HSA without it, in three different HSA:SA molar ratios (HSA:SA-1:1-2-4). The protective effect of SA on the antioxidant property of HSA under different glucose regimes (5-10-20 mM) was significantly affected by molar ratios of HSA:SA. Thiol reactivity was fully restored with 5–20 mM glucose at a 1:1 HSA:SA ratio, while the highest thiol content recovery was in pathological glucose regimes at a 1:1 HSA:SA ratio. The SA affinity for HSA increased significantly (1.5- and 1.3-fold, p < 0.01) with 5 and 10 mM glucose compared to the control. These results deepen the knowledge about the possible regulation of the antioxidant role of HSA in diabetes and other pathophysiological conditions and enable the design of future HSA-drug studies which, in turn, is important for clinicians when designing information-based treatments.