Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dependence of Thermodynamic Characteristics of Amylose‐Lipid Complex Dissociation on a Variety of Wheat

Native wheat starch contains amylose-lipid complexes (AMLs) that are formed both upon biosynthesis of native starch and upon heating of starch slurries at gelatinization temperature and above. These complexes have a detrimental impact on physicochemical properties of starch, because they reduce water binding by starch granules and retard their swelling. An objective of the presented work was to analyze the chemical composition of wheat starch and characterize the thermodynamics of gelatinization of different wheat starches and to evaluate the stability of AMLs derived from these starches with the aid of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Grains of eight wheat varieties were used throughout the studies. The gelatinization behavior of the eight wheat varieties examined was similar. The lowest temperature of the onset of gelatinization (Tk = 57.077C) was found for the Jawa variety, and the highest (Tk = 60.587C) for the Torka variety. Enthalpy of gelatinization (DHk) of the examined wheat starch preparations ranged from 9.14 J/g (Sakwa) to 11.95 J/g (Elena). Temperature and enthalpy of AMLs dissociation depended on wheat starch variety. During the first heating the temperature of the minimum of the endotherm (Td) ranged from 98.417 Ct o 100.57C. During the second heating, the minimum was at slightly higher temperatures, varying from 102.027C to 104.087C. Enthalpies of AML dissociation (DHd) varied from 1.45 J/g to 2.14 J/g during the first heating. During the second heating the enthalpy values were slightly lower (1.26 J/g to 1.68 J/g). Enthalpies of AML reassociation ranged from 1.29 J/g to 1.72 J/g during the first cooling, and from 1.17 J/g to 1.63 J/g during the second cooling. A correlation was found between the amount of lipids and AML content.
Comparison of spectrophotometric and HPLC methods for determination of lipid peroxidation products in rat brain tissues

Two methods for determination of lipid peroxidation (LPX) products in rat brain homogenates were compared. The thiobarbituric acid (TBA) test and HPLC assay for analysis of malondialdehyde (MDA) were applied. Rat brain homogenate dissolved in tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane hydrochloride (Tris-HCl) was mixed with TBA and H3PO4 and heated at 100°C to form colored complex that was extracted into butanol. No significant differences were found between the contents of TBA-reacting substances and their amount deduced from the MDA-TBA analysis. The presented results show that LPX products in brain homogenates can be determined without interferences also by the TBA test. Moreover, a survey of various methods used for the sample preparation before analysis of LPX products originating from different brain areas was made and compared with the obtained results.
A Review of Indigenous Food Crops in Africa and the Implications for more Sustainable and Healthy Food Systems

Indigenous and traditional foods crops (ITFCs) have multiple uses within society, and most notably have an important role to play in the attempt to diversify the food in order to enhance food and nutrition security. However, research suggests that the benefits and value of indigenous foods within the South African and the African context have not been fully understood and synthesized. Their potential value to the African food system could be enhanced if their benefits were explored more comprehensively. This synthesis presents a literature review relating to underutilized indigenous crop species and foods in Africa. It organizes the findings into four main contributions, nutritional, environmental, economic, and social-cultural, in line with key themes of a sustainable food system framework. It also goes on to unpack the benefits and challenges associated with ITFCs under these themes. A major obstacle is that people are not valuing indigenous foods and the potential benefit that can be derived from using them is thus neglected. Furthermore, knowledge is being lost from one generation to the next, with potentially dire implications for long-term sustainable food security. The results show the need to recognize and enable indigenous foods as a key resource in ensuring healthy food systems in the African continent.
Seed-Borne Pathogens of Faba Bean in Egypt: Detection and Pathogenicity

This study was undertaken to study the seed-borne fungi of faba bean that attack the plants and reduce their yield in Egypt. The results provide a database for further study to control the pathogens. Twenty-six seed samples representing six faba bean cultivars collected from different parts of Egypt were used in this investigation. The blotter and deep-freezing methods were used. Surface- and non-surface-sterilized faba bean seeds were tested to detect and isolate the associated seed-borne fungi. The following 20 fungal species belonging to 13 genera were observed and identified: Aspergillus flavus (Link ex. Gray), Aspergillus niger (Van Tieghem), Aspergillus ochraceus (Wilhelm), Penicillium digitatum (Pers.:Fr.) Sacc. , Penicillium italicum (Wehmer), Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissler, Botrytis faba (Sardina), Cephalosporium sp. , Cladosporium cladosporioides (Frensen. de Vries), Epicoccum nigrum (Link), Fusarium oxysporum (Schlechlendahl), Fusarium semitectum (Berkeley and Ravenel), Fusarium solani (Mart.) Sacc. , Fusarium verticillioides (moniliforme) (Sheld), Rhizoctonia solani (Kuhn), Rhizopus stolonifer (Ehr. ex Fr.), Stemphylium globuliferum (Vestergr.) E.G. Simmons), Trichothecium roseum (Pers.) Link, Verticillium dahliae (Ehrenp) Vuill. The blotter method yielded a greater number of fungi than the deep-freezing method on both surface and non-surface sterilized seeds, but the deep-freezing method was better for slow-growing fungi. The pathogenicity test revealed that the most commonly isolated fungi from pre- and post-emergence damping-off and stunted seedlings were F. verticillioides, R. solani, Cephalosporium sp. and V. dahliae. These fungi significantly reduced the photosynthetic pigments in faba bean leaves. Fusarium verticillioides caused the greatest reduction in chlorophyll content (A, B and total chlorophyll). Fusarium oxysporum and V. dahliae significantly reduced carotenoid content. R. solani significantly reduced total phenols content when compared with the other tested fungi.
Variations in the volume and concentration of the blood of the snail, Helix pomatia L., in relation to the water content of the body

A convenient measure of the "size" of a snail is its dry weight, exclusive of shell and alhumctl ~Iar~d, and, where ralrulable, its hlootl sntiitw. 'l'he sper-imenq of fItlix pwatia sturlicd contained between 3.8 ant1 10.2 g ol water prr gram dry ~veiq-l~t anti tjetwecrl 51 anrl 4% me; of cnpp-r per kilojirarn dry weiql~t. Whpn "cupper space" \\-as clt%firizd as thc uf~ight of blood wntcr that ~vol~lrl contain the mount of copper present i11 tllc brrtl? , cupprr spxrcs varied between 1.1 nnrl 4.4 g of water per araln rlry weizf~t. \:. lrialiui~s in copper sp:ire (apprnximatrly eqt1:11 10 blood volrrrn~) :~ccounti~~l for tire grclter part or the vari.lrio11 in tatal body nratrr, thou~h the :81~1ount of xvntrr in 11le tiss~les was also variable. The concentm~ion of . ;r>diurn it1 tlie 11loo:l \+aried rl:~tura llv ovrr the ranqe 46-1.3 ttlrr~ole/kg of wnter, varyinq prnpnrtioliate~y wit11 rhluride i'ariations in sutliurt~ ronccntr;ition are largi+ly ~IIP to vrlrintio~is in tf~u vcrlurr~e ai f~loorl if1 which L~IC sorlium is dissolver! , hut ;I givcn r.haii~e it1 hlrxrrl volume is, in general, associated with a propurtionalelv srnallcr r-h,~ngc in soiliuln concrntratirtn.
Effects of Habitat Disturbance on Texas Horned Lizards: An Urban Case Study

Abstract: Disturbance caused by habitat restoration or urbanization can threaten populations of sensitive wildlife species. We examined the effects of habitat disturbance on the ecology of an urban population of Texas Horned Lizards (Phrynosoma cornutum), a species of conservation concern in several states as a result of range-wide declines. We quantified changes in spatial distribution, survival rates, and population size and density over 9 yr (2003–2011) for a P. cornutum population on an urban reserve. The project was divided into three, 3-yr stages based on level of habitat disturbance. Spatial analyses did not support the hypothesis that disturbance associated with restoration activities affected the spatial ecology of P. cornutum on our study site. However, these results were not entirely conclusive due to the logistical constraints of working on a single site with an uncommon species. Survival (n = 147 lizards) was affected by season (inactive-season survival was higher), stage (declining survival in later stages with more disturbance), an interaction of season and stage, and disturbance (covariate of proportion of an individual's home range in disturbed areas for a given year; small negative effect). Major causes of mortality included depredation and anthropogenic activity. We estimated a population size of 33 ± 5 (95% CI of 28–49) individuals (excluding hatchlings) with a corresponding density of 2.68 lizards/ha in 2011, which represented a 38% decline since 2005. This decline was likely a consequence of two factors: the 2008 translocation of 17 adult lizards from an area adjacent to our study site impacted by housing development and a decrease in the annual survival rate of adults over time. Our case study addressed recent calls to examine specific mechanisms by which habitat loss and degradation affect herpetofauna and revealed classic responses of an isolated population to stochastic events and anthropogenic activities.
External Debt, Exchange Rate, and Unemployment in Selected ASEAN Countries

This research examines the empirical model of external debt, exchange rate, and unemployment in selected ASEAN Countries during 1980-2017. The countries included Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines. The data were collected from the World Bank publications. The ARDL-ECM and Granger Causality Test (GCT) were employed to address the research objectives. The findings indicated that there were short-term effects on each empirical model (external debt, exchange rate, and unemployment). Furthermore, the stability test exhibited that the models were precise and stable. The GCT result showed that there was a causal between external debt, exchange rate, and unemployment, especially in Indonesia. Moreover, the linkages between external debt, exchange rate, and unemployment in selected ASEAN Countries were co-movement. Therefore, the governments are expected to emphasis on macroeconomic policies, such as pro-stability of the exchange rate, external debt risk management, and pro-poor.
Comparison of outcome of milwaukee regimen and 48 hours regimen in diabetic ketoacidosis in a tertiary care hospital in Chitradurga, Karnataka, India

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is an important complication of diabetes mellitus, accounting for a majority of deaths related to diabetes in children. It is the presenting feature in the majority of cases of type 1 DM in children. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in children is defined as hyperglycemia (serum glucose concentration >200 mg/dL) in the presence of metabolic acidosis (blood pH<7.3 with serum bicarbonate level <15 mEq/L) and ketonemia (presence of ketones in the blood). It may occur in association with infection, other stressors or non-compliance with treatment. The annual incidence of DKA among children with type 1 DM is 1%-5% in western series and accounts for 8-28% of all primary admissions for DM to a hospital. It occurs in 20%-40% of children with known IDDM who omit insulin doses or who have not managed appropriately during an intercurrent illness.
Nitrate leaching from temperate perennial pastures grazed by dairy cows in south-eastern Australia

Nitrate (NO3-N) leaching losses were measured over 3 years from a temperate grass/clover pasture with and without 200 kg N fertiliser/ha, applied as ammonium nitrate or urea, using a system of moles and tile drains. Fertiliser was applied in 4 split dressings of 50 kg N/ha in each of the 4 seasons of each year. Drainage was collected continuously and NO3-N concentrations in drainage water were measured in subsamples collected using a flow-proportioned sampler. Pastures were rotationally grazed with dairy cows at stocking rates equivalent to 1.9 or 2.8 cows/ha for the unfertilised and fertilised treatments, respectively. Soil water deficit (SWD) varied markedly between seasons and years, with drainage occurring in the cooler, wetter months (April–October) and not at all through the summer. There were no significant differences between treatments in SWD, drainage events, or drainage volumes. Peak NO3-N concentrations were 19, 50, and 17 mg/L for the control, ammonium nitrate, and urea treatments, respectively. Mean annual flow-weighted NO3-N concentrations over the 3 years were 1.7 and 2.2 times higher from the ammonium nitrate treatment than from the urea and control treatments, respectively. Annual NO3-N leaching loads (kg N/ha) were 3.7–14.6 from the control treatment, 6.2– 22.0 from the urea treatment, and 4.3–37.6 from the ammonium nitrate treatment, for the lowest and highest drainage years, respectively. The experiment confirmed that the application of N fertiliser prior to periods of substantial drainage can result in high losses of NO3-N through leaching. More efficient and environmentally sound use of N fertiliser can be achieved by not combining high N fertiliser rates, high stocking intensity, and nitrate-containing fertilisers prior to periods when there is a risk of substantial drainage occurring.
Acute impact of a single dose of Dynamine®, TeaCrine, caffeine, and their combination on systemic hemodynamics and associated measures in men and women

Background: Dietary supplements purported to improve focus and “energy” often contain stimulants, which elevate both heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP). We evaluated the safety profile of the purine alkaloid methylliberine (Dynamine®) with regards to resting HR, BP, respiratory rate (RR), and body temperature (BT). Methods: 6 men (aged: 24±4) and 6 women (aged: 22±3) ingested methylliberine (Dynamine®; Compound Solutions, Inc.) at 25mg (M25) and 100mg (M100), caffeine at 150mg (C150), M100+C150, M100 + theacrine (Teacrine®, Compound Solutions, Inc.) at 50mg (M100+T50), and M100+T50+C150. All conditions were assigned using a Latin square design, with approximately one week separating the six different assignments. HR, BP, RR, and BT were collected at baseline and 0.25, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 4, 6, 8, 24, and 48 hours post-dose. Subjective mood was also recorded. Meal replacement bars and shakes were provided after hours 3 and 6. Results: For SBP and DBP, condition effects were noted (p<0.05), with all three caffeine conditions higher than those without caffeine. Condition effects were noted for attentive (p=0.02) and energetic (p=0.02), with M100+C150 greater than M100+T50; and moody (p<0.01), with M100 and M100+T50 greater than M100+C150. Main effects of time were noted for HR (p<0.001), BT (p<0.01), SBP (p<0.01), DBP (p<0.01), and focused (p=0.02), but no statistically significant interactions were noted. Conclusion: Methylliberine, alone or in combination with caffeine and/or theacrine, does not result in any significant increase in HR, BP, RR, or BT in healthy adults and has little impact on subjective mood. These findings should be considered with the understanding that subjects began testing in the early morning hours while in a fasted and rested state and were provided with two meals (hours 3 and 6) during the evaluation period, which may have impacted subjective mood.
Beyond the dots on the page: Harnessing transculturation and music education to address intercultural competence and social inclusion

Australia has always been known as one of the most multicultural countries in the world, but as globalisation becomes the norm and we begin to welcome people from countries with vastly different backgrounds, experiences, ideologies, values and belief systems, how can we harness the power of education to develop intercultural competence and enhance social inclusion? A reconsideration of what we teach and how is required in order to account for the social, cultural and economic differences and similarities embodied within the changing society and contemporary student cohort. More specifically, what role can music education play in fostering transculturational practices that provide opportunities for personal, social and academic achievement? This multiple case study is situated across three schools in Victoria, arguably one of the most culturally and religiously diverse and densely populated states in Australia. This research explores the perceptions, experiences and practices of teachers directly or indirectly involved with the music education programme in three schools that have a high percentage of young people with a refugee background. Key findings from this research indicated that intercultural competence and socially inclusive behaviours were seamlessly embedded in the music learning activities that were student-centred, active, practical, experiential and authentic.
ON THE SPECIFICITY OF THE LEAD METHOD FOR PHOSPHORYLASE

The specificity of the lead method for phosphorylase was investigated in rat liver by gel electrophoresis and biochemical and histochemical assays in comparison with the iodine method.It was found that in the case of the iodine method, inhibition of amylase by ethylenediamine tetraacetate was necessary for a full demonstration of the phosphorylase activity, while in the lead method such interference of the phosphorylase staining by amylase was not a serious problem.Phosphorylase was markedly inhibited by lead ions and glutaraldehyde, but quantitative and histochemical data indicated that glycogen synthesis could occur even in the presence of lead ions in frozen-substituted sections before and after fixation in glutaraldehyde.
COMMON FEATURES OF PHOTOPERIODISM IN PLANTS AND ANIMALS *

Abstract— Light break experiments show the role of the circadian clock in photoperiodic timemeasurement. Additional evidence comes from experiments which show the close relation between temperature‐ or light‐induced phase shifts in cycles of photoperiodic responsiveness and simultaneous phase shifts of other processes which are under control of the circadian clock. Using the circadian clock is a common feature of photoperiodism in plants and animals. This clock controls quantitative and qualitative changes in the responsiveness to light. However, quite different pigment systems may be involved, resulting in different action spectra for light break effects. In many cases, these action spectra differ also from the action spectra for phase shifts in the circadian clock.
Development and application of an empirical multifrequency method for backscatter classification

We evaluated the feasibility of identifying major acoustic scatters in North Pacific ecosystems based on empirical measurements of relative frequency response. Acoustic measurements in areas where trawl catches were dominated by single taxa indicated that it might be possible to discern among key groups of scatterers such as fish with gas-filled swimbladders, euphausiids, myctophids, and jellyfish. To establish if walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma), a key species in the ecosystem, can be separated reliably from other groups under prevailing conditions, we developed a method based on the normal deviate (or Z score) to identify backscatter consistent with the pollock relative frequency response. We evaluated the performance of the method by comparing it with the traditional method of species identification (i.e., directed trawl catches and subjective interpretation of echograms) during five large-scale acoustic surveys of the eastern Bering Sea. Pollock abundance estimates employing the multifrequency .
Medium optimization for lipid production through co-fermentation of glucose and xylose by the oleaginous yeast Lipomyces starkeyi

Co-fermentation of lignocellulose-based carbohydrates is a potential solution to improve the economics of microbial lipid production. In the present paper, experiments were performed to optimize the media composition for lipid production by the oleaginous yeast Lipomyces starkeyi AS 2.1560 through co-fermentation of glucose and xylose (2 : 1 wt/wt). Statistical screening of nine media variables was performed by a Plackett-Burman design. Three factors, namely mixed sugar, yeast extract and FeSO 4 , were found as significant components influencing cellular lipid accumulation. Further optimization was carried out using a Box-Behnken factorial design to study the effects of these three variables on lipid production. A mathematical model with the R 2 value at 96.66% was developed to show the effect of each medium composition and their interactions on the lipid production. The model estimated that a maximal lipid content of 61.0 wt-% could be obtained when the concentrations of mixed sugar, yeast extract and FeSO 4 were at 73.3 g/L (glucose 48.9 g/L, xylose 24.4 g/L), 7.9 g/L and 4.0 mg/L, respectively. The predicted value was in good accordance with the experimental data of 61.5%. Compared with the initial media, the optimized media gave 1.59-fold and 2.03-fold increases for lipid content and lipid productivity, respectively.
Factors Influencing Willingness to Pool in Ride-Hailing Trips

In the past decade, transportation network companies (TNCs) such as Uber, Lyft, and Via have established themselves as a viable transportation alternative to other modes. However, the popularity of these services has come with a fair share of criticism for their negative externalities such as increasing vehicle miles traveled and congestion in cities. Pooled ride-hailing trips, in which all or a part of two individual (or group) trips are combined in and served by a single vehicle, have the potential to reduce these externalities. Pooling of rides is an effective solution to reduce congestion and travel cost, but pooled rides still represent a small percentage of the total trips served (and miles driven) by TNCs relative to single-occupancy (and without customer) vehicle miles. Both TNCs and cities alike will benefit from understanding what factors encourage or deter pooling a ride-hailing trip. In this study, newly available Chicago transportation network provider data were explored to identify the extent to which different socioeconomic, spatiotemporal, and trip characteristics affect willingness to pool (WTP) in ride-hailing trips. Multivariate linear regression and machine-learning models were employed to understand and predict WTP based on location, time, and trip factors. The results show intuitive trends, with income level at drop-off and pickup locations and airport trips as the most important predictors of WTP. Results from this study can help TNCs and cities devise strategies that increase pooled ride-hailing, thereby reducing adverse transportation and energy impacts from ride-hailing modes.