Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
QUALITY AND NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF WHEAT BREAD WITH A PREPARATION OF OAT PROTEINS

The aim of this study was to investigate possibilities and advisability of the use of oats insoluble protein preparation for the production of wheat bread, in order to increase the amount of protein and biological value of protein in this kind of bakery. Research material consisted of the preparation of insoluble oats protein, wheat flour and wheat bread made with the share of oat protein: 5%, 7.5% and 10%, by weight of wheat flour. AOAC methods (2006) were used to determine protein, β-D-glucan and dietary fiber in raw materials and final products. Amino acid composition was measured with the help of amino acid analyzer AAA 400 and used to calculate chemical score (CS) and the integrated index of essential amino acids (EAAI), according to FAO/WHO/UNU, 2007. Quality of breads was evaluated by their volume, baking yield and total baking loss, and organoleptic assessment. Bread crumb texture profile was analyzed by texture analyzer TA.XT Plus.
Scalability of Ethylene Gaseous Jets for Fueling High-Speed Air-Breathing Combustors

The structures of ethylene jets injected from orifices of three different diameters at 30 and 90 degrees into a Mach 2 supersonic crossflow were studied experimentally. The ratio of the cross-sectional areas of the largest and smallest injectors is 25:1. Raman scattering was used to quantify injectant concentrations in the fuel plumes. The measured ethylene concentrations were compared with the predictions from the revised JETPEN code, which was mainly calibrated with H2 and He gases. Discrepancies were observed between the measurements and the JETPEN predictions for the structures of ethylene fuel plumes. Generally, JETPEN under-predicts the fuel plume size for ethylene jets injected at 90 degrees. The under-prediction worsens at large x/d locations and especially at high jet-to- air momentum flux ratio conditions. The JETPEN code slightly over-predicts the fuel plume size for the 30° jets. For a given injection condition, the predicted fuel plume for the 30° jet is larger than that for the 90° jet, which is not borne out by the experimental observation. Despite the discrepancies between predicted and observed fuel plume structures, the fuel plume penetration heights predicted by the JETPEN code agree well with the measured penetration heights. Excluding the influence of wall boundary layer, the present measurements show that the properties of fuel plume structures, such as shape, size, and concentration profiles, are scalable with the injector size. Based on the present data set, new penetration height correlations were developed to treat cases with injection angles other than 90 degrees. The experimental data generated from the present study can be used to validate the numerical simulations. NOMENCLATURE
Electronic structure effects in the vectorial bond-valence model

Abstract The vectorial bond-valence model (VBVM) describes the spatial distribution of bonds to each atom in a system in terms of the vector sum of the incident bond valences. It has been applied in the past to cations not subject to electronic structure effects (e.g., lone-pair or Jahn-Teller effects) in which case the expectation is that the vector sum will be approximately zero. Here we analyze 178 simpleoxide crystal structures and show that the vectorial bond-valence sum is a predictable function of the atomic valence (oxidation state) of each atom and the valence of the strongest bond to atoms for which second-order Jahn-Teller and lone-pair effects play a role in determining molecular geometry. Outliers are uniformly metastable or unstable under ambient conditions, suggesting that deviation from ideal vectorial bond-valence sums might be used as a proxy for some aspect of structural potential energy. These results are all strictly in harmony with the VSEPR model of molecular geometry, but may allow for more quantitative prediction.
How do employees really feel about team building? An exploratory netnographic investigation

ABSTRACT This study explored employees’ attitudes towards team-building events. Anonymous qualitative data were obtained using netnography and analysed through an interpretive content analysis approach. The data analysis yielded sixteen codes and five main themes, on the basis of which employees’ attitudes were modelled into eight categories, represented on a two-dimensional coordinate system along two axes (attitudinal and behavioural): true believers, go with the flow, rational thinkers, pragmatists, saboteurs, political dropouts, honest opt-outs, and absentees with genuine reasons. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed both in general terms and for hospitality enterprises.
How the introduction of digital sales channels affects salespeople in business-to-business contexts: a qualitative inquiry

Abstract Supplier firms in business-to-business (B2B) contexts increasingly are introducing digital sales channels. This marks a fundamental change for salespeople, in particular, given the extended capabilities of contemporary digital sales applications. While prior research has begun to explore the benefits of introducing digital sales channels for salespeople, insights into the challenges remain vague and fragmented. In addition, knowledge about contextual boundary conditions that help salespeople cope with the introduction of digital sales channels is scarce. Drawing on in-depth interviews with key decision-makers from supplier firms (21 interviews) and buyer firms (18 interviews), this article advances current theoretical knowledge by identifying three main challenges for salespeople, namely (1) the amplification of professional purchasing’s strategic reorientation, (2) the threat of purchasers pitting personal and digital sales channels against each other, and (3) tightrope acts in buyer education. Furthermore, this research offers insights into contextual boundary conditions, which are (1) sales buy-in for e-commerce and (2) sales empowerment for multichannel selling. These findings extend personal selling, multichannel, and strategic change implementation research. Moreover, they offer actionable practical implications.
Syringyl ratio and its relation to the erythro ratio of β-O-4-structure in leaf cell walls

Abstract In case of wood cell walls, there is a very clear relationship between the aromatic structure of lignin and the stereo configuration of β-O-4-structures; the syringyl ratio (S ratio, syringyl/(syringyl + guaiacyl)) obtained by the nitrobenzene oxidation method is linearly correlated to the erythro ratio (E ratio) of β-O-4 structure (erythro/(erythro + threo)) obtained by the ozonation method. In this study, 21 leaf samples and 9 stem samples were analyzed to examine whether such relationships can be found in the lignin of leaf and stem cell wall samples. Although some correlation between the S and E ratios was found in leaf and stem cell wall samples, the correlation was not as clear as in the case of woods (correlation coefficient, R2= 0.988 for 21woods and R2= 0.653 for all the leaf, stem and wood samples). In addition, the E ratios of some leaf samples were lower than 0.5, which is the lowest limit of the E-ratio for wood lignin. It was demonstrated that wood, stem and leaf samples are roughly distinguished by the yield of ozonation and nitrobenzene oxidation products from the sample (not from lignin), but not by the apparent lignin content obtained by the Klason method. The presence of syringyl nuclei in the leaves of Ginkgo, which is classified as gymnosperm, was confirmed by nitrobenzene oxidation.
Crisis management: The response of a small Dutch hospitality company during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract The purpose of this study was to explore how a small Dutch hospitality company responded to the COVID-19 pandemic and hence create an understanding of how hospitality businesses can potentially use this knowledge when facing similar crises in the future. This study is based on exploratory research and used interviews to collect primary data. Five themes were found: initial crisis response, operational expenses, health scare, marketing, and crisis impact. It is seen that crisis management was implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, where reactive strategies were key for survival. Immediate actions were taken and implementing change was seen as easier due to the small size of the company. Further, operational expenses were adjusted to the changed demand and a favourable reputation helped to rebuild customers’ trust, where marketing initiatives were seen as important to reach customers. Finally, the impact of COVID-19 can strengthen organisational efficiency when handled well. Research about the impact of COVID-19 on the hospitality industry is limited, therefore further research is recommended on the long-term crisis response and the crisis consequences as well as the attitude of owners and employees of the hospitality industry during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on tourism demand for destinations: an analysis of spatial heterogeneity from a multi-scale perspective

ABSTRACT This study explores the spatial heterogeneity of COVID-19 on tourism demand at different spatial scales. The results indicate that at the macroscale, cities with developed economies and mature tourism sectors are more affected while the differences in impact are further expanded at the mesoscale. At the microscale, cultural scenic destinations or well-known attractions are far more affected than natural and religious ones. Furthermore, the spatial distribution of the impact of COVID-19 on tourism demand is characterized by the “Heihe-Tengchong Line”, which is mainly affected by factors such as population density, economic level and foreign economic relations.
Donors for SARS-CoV-2 Convalescent Plasma for a Controlled Clinical Trial: Donor Characteristics, Content and Time Course of SARS-CoV-2 Neutralizing Antibodies

Background: Convalescent plasma is one of the treatment options for COVID-19 which is currently being investigated in many clinical trials. Understanding of donor and product characteristics is important for optimization of convalescent plasma. Methods: Patients who had recovered from COVID-19 were recruited as donors for COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) for a randomized clinical trial of CCP for treatment of severe COVID-19 (CAPSID Trial). Titers of neutralizing antibodies were measured by a plaque-reduction neutralization test (PRNT). Correlation of antibody titers with host factors and evolution of neutralizing antibody titers over time in repeat donors were analysed. Results: A series of 144 donors (41% females, 59% males; median age 40 years) underwent 319 plasmapheresis procedures providing a median collection volume of 850 mL and a mean number of 2.7 therapeutic units per plasmapheresis. The majority of donors had a mild or moderate course of COVID-19. The titers of neutralizing antibodies varied greatly between CCP donors (from <1:20 to >1:640). Donor factors (gender, age, ABO type, body weight) did not correlate significantly with the titer of neutralizing antibodies. We observed a significant positive correlation of neutralization titers with the number of reported COVID-19 symptoms and with the time from SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis to plasmapheresis. Neutralizing antibody levels were stable or increased over time in 58% of repeat CCP donors. Mean titers of neutralizing antibodies of first donation and last donation of repeat CCP donors did not differ significantly (1:86 at first compared to 1:87 at the last donation). There was a significant correlation of neutralizing antibodies measured by PRNT and anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgA antibodies which were measured by ELISA. CCP donations with an anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody content above the 25th percentile were substantially enriched for CCP donations with higher neutralizing antibody levels. Conclusion: We demonstrate the feasibility of collection of a large number of CCP products under a harmonized protocol for a randomized clinical trial. Titers of neutralizing antibodies were stable or increased over time in a subgroup of repeat donors. A history of higher number of COVID-19 symptoms and higher levels of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgA antibodies in immunoassays can preselect donations with higher neutralizing capacity.
The brain penetrant PPARγ agonist leriglitazone restores multiple altered pathways in models of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy

Leriglitazone reduces pathologically activated microglia and protects neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes in experimental models of X-ALD. A drug candidate for X-ALD Therapies for treating the neurodegenerative disease X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) are lacking. Patients often develop total disabilities and have reduced life expectancy. Peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) agonists had therapeutic effects in models of neurodgenerative diseases. Here, Rodriguez-Pascau et al. tested the brain penetrant full PPARγ agonist leriglitazone in preclinical models of X-ALD and in a phase 1 clinical trial. The treatment neuroprotective effects reduced neuroinflammation and improved mitochondrial functions in rodent- and patient-derived cells. In vivo, the treatment improved motor symptoms in X-ALD mice. Target engagement and modulation of inflammatory markers were reported in patients, suggesting that leriglitazone might be an effective treatment for X-ALD. X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD), a potentially fatal neurometabolic disorder with no effective pharmacological treatment, is characterized by clinical manifestations ranging from progressive spinal cord axonopathy [adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN)] to severe demyelination and neuroinflammation (cerebral ALD-cALD), for which molecular mechanisms are not well known. Leriglitazone is a recently developed brain penetrant full PPARγ agonist that could modulate multiple biological pathways relevant for neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases, and particularly for X-ALD. We found that leriglitazone decreased oxidative stress, increased adenosine 5′-triphosphate concentration, and exerted neuroprotective effects in primary rodent neurons and astrocytes after very long chain fatty acid–induced toxicity simulating X-ALD. In addition, leriglitazone improved motor function; restored markers of oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, and inflammation in spinal cord tissues from AMN mouse models; and decreased the neurological disability in the EAE neuroinflammatory mouse model. X-ALD monocyte–derived patient macrophages treated with leriglitazone were less skewed toward an inflammatory phenotype, and the adhesion of human X-ALD monocytes to brain endothelial cells decreased after treatment, suggesting the potential of leriglitazone to prevent the progression to pathologically disrupted blood-brain barrier. Leriglitazone increased myelin debris clearance in vitro and increased myelination and oligodendrocyte survival in demyelination-remyelination in vivo models, thus promoting remyelination. Last, leriglitazone was clinically tested in a phase 1 study showing central nervous system target engagement (adiponectin increase) and changes on inflammatory biomarkers in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid. The results of our study support the use of leriglitazone in X-ALD and, more generally, in other neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative conditions.
Driving Employee Engagement Through Five Personality Traits: An Exploratory Study

An attempt has been tried to explore the personality factors in predicting employee engagement among the middle-level employees in the IT industry. Based on an empirical investigation of 383 middle-level employees working in IT firms, the researcher cognizes their perception of various personality-related factors extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and openness to experience. The present study was exploratory in nature. A variance-based structural equation model (SEM) approach was adopted for the measurement of the model. The study confirmed that personality-related factors extraversion, conscientiousness neuroticism, and openness to experience significantly related to employee engagement. In addition to this extraversion, conscientiousness, neuroticism, openness to experience significantly predicted employee engagement, contrary, the insignificant effect was seen of agreeableness on employee engagement. Grounded to this study, it is strongly recommended that individual possess the extraversion, neuroticism, openness to experience, and conscientiousness qualities seen to be more engaged in their job while agreeableness person is seen to be less engaged. The corporate entity herein suggested that to keep the talented and valuable employees, must strategically think about these factors. To the best of my belief, this is the first and foremost article that address the personality-related factors in predicting employee engagement in the Indian context.
Prediction of Residue-specific Contributions to Binding and Thermal Stability Using Yeast Surface Display

Accurate prediction of residue burial as well as quantitative prediction of residue-specific contributions to protein stability and activity is challenging, especially in the absence of experimental structural information. This is important for prediction and understanding of disease causing mutations, and for protein stabilization and design. Using yeast surface display of a saturation mutagenesis library of the bacterial toxin CcdB, we probe the relationship between ligand binding and expression level of displayed protein, with in vivo solubility in E.coli and in vitro thermal stability. We find that both the stability and solubility correlate well with the total amount of active protein on the yeast cell surface but not with total amount of expressed protein. We coupled FACS and deep sequencing to reconstruct the binding and expression mean fluorescent intensity of each mutant. The reconstructed mean fluorescence intensity (MFIseq) was used to differentiate between buried site, exposed non active-site and exposed active-site positions with high accuracy. The MFIseq was also used as a criterion to identify destabilized as well as stabilized mutants in the library, and to predict the melting temperatures of destabilized mutants. These predictions were experimentally validated and were more accurate than those of various computational predictors. The approach was extended to successfully identify buried and active-site residues in the receptor binding domain of the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, suggesting it has general applicability.
Single Seed Microbiota: Assembly and Transmission from Parent Plant to Seedling

Seeds are key components of plant fitness and are central to the sustainability of the agri-food system. Both the seed quality for food consumption and the seed vigor in agricultural settings can be influenced by the seed microbiota. ABSTRACT The seed acts as the primary inoculum source for the plant microbiota. Understanding the processes involved in its assembly and dynamics during germination and seedling emergence has the potential to allow for the improvement of crop establishment. Changes in the bacterial community structure were tracked in 1,000 individual seeds that were collected throughout seed developments of beans and radishes. Seeds were associated with a dominant bacterial taxon that represented more than 75% of all reads. The identity of this taxon was highly variable between the plants and within the seeds of the same plant. We identified selection as the main ecological process governing the succession of dominant taxa during seed filling and maturation. In a second step, we evaluated the seedling transmission of seed-borne taxa in 160 individual plants. While the initial bacterial abundance on seeds was not a good predictor of seedling transmission, the identities of the seed-borne taxa modified the phenotypes of seedlings. Overall, this work revealed that individual seeds are colonized by a few bacterial taxa of highly variable identity, which appears to be important for the early stages of plant development. IMPORTANCE Seeds are key components of plant fitness and are central to the sustainability of the agri-food system. Both the seed quality for food consumption and the seed vigor in agricultural settings can be influenced by the seed microbiota. Understanding the ecological processes involved in seed microbiota assembly will inform future practices for promoting the presence of important seed microorganisms for plant health and productivity. Our results highlighted that seeds were associated with one dominant bacterial taxon of variable taxonomic identity. This variety of dominant taxa was due to (i) spatial heterogeneity between and within plants and (ii) primary succession during seed development. According to neutral models, selection was the main driver of microbial community assembly for both plant species.
Distinct gene regulatory signatures of dominance rank and social bond strength in wild baboons

The social environment is a major determinant of morbidity, mortality, and Darwinian fitness in social animals. Recent studies have begun to uncover the molecular processes associated with these relationships, but the degree to which they vary across different dimensions of the social environment remains unclear. Here, we draw on a long-term field study of wild baboons to compare the signatures of affiliative and competitive aspects of the social environment in white blood cell gene regulation, under both immune stimulated and non-stimulated conditions. We find that the effects of dominance rank on gene expression are directionally opposite in males versus females, such that high-ranking males resemble low-ranking females, and vice-versa. Among females, rank and social bond strength are both reflected in the activity of cellular metabolism and proliferation genes. However, pronounced rank-related differences in baseline immune gene activity are near-absent for social bond strength, while only bond strength predicts the fold-change response to immune (lipopolysaccharide) stimulation. Together, our results indicate that the directionality and magnitude of social effects on gene regulation depend on the aspect of the social environment under study. This heterogeneity may help explain why social environmental effects on health and longevity can also vary between measures.