Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Competitive O-Acetylserine Sulfhydrylase Inhibitor Modulates the Formation of Cysteine Synthase Complex

Cysteine is the main precursor of sulfur-containing biological molecules in bacteria and contributes to the control of the cell redox state. Hence, this amino acid plays an essential role in microbial survival and pathogenicity and the reductive sulfate assimilation pathway is considered a promising target for the development of new antibacterials. Serine acetyltransferase (SAT) and O-acetylserine sulfhydrylase (OASS-A), the enzymes catalyzing the last two steps of cysteine biosynthesis, engage in the formation of the cysteine synthase (CS) complex. The interaction between SAT and OASS-A finely tunes cysteine homeostasis, and the development of inhibitors targeting either protein–protein interaction or the single enzymes represents an attractive strategy to undermine bacterial viability. Given the peculiar mode of interaction between SAT and OASS-A, which exploits the insertion of SAT C-terminal sequence into OASS-A active site, we tested whether a recently developed competitive inhibitor of OASS-A exhibited any effect on the CS stability. Through surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy, we (i) determined the equilibrium constant for the Salmonella Typhimurium CS complex formation and (ii) demonstrated that the inhibitor targeting OASS-A active site affects CS complex formation. For comparison, the Escherichia coli CS complex was also investigated, with the aim of testing the potential broad-spectrum activity of the candidate antimicrobial compound.
Introduction to Advanced Integrated Wastewater Ponding Systems

In California and throughout the world the need for adequate, hygienic waste water management is ever increasing while the per capita share of the GNP allocated to this vital function is ever decreasing. As leaders in water resource manage­ ment you are of course aware that for the above reason and many others there is a desperate need for innovative technol­ ogies that can provide more effective and reliable wastewater treatment at a lower cost than existing systems.
Premenstrual tension syndrome and its impact on family function

Tayseer M. Metwallyand Ahmed G. Abdelrahman Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Suez University, Suez, Egypt Department of Family medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt Abstract: Background: Premenstrual tension syndrome (PMTS) is defined as periodic physical, cognitive, behavioral and mood changes during the premenstrual phase, about 90% of women report some PMS symptoms which adversely affect their normal performance. Objectives: To estimate the prevalence and risk factors of PMTS among undergraduate female students at Suez University, and its effect on family function. Methods: An analytic cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire. Two validated tools were used for assessment; the PMTS-OR scale for premenstrual tension syndrome assessment and family APGAR score for family function assessment, 190 participants among female students at Suez University shared in the study during the period between February to April 2020. Results: The mean age of participants was 19.95 years, 60.5% of them were students in theoretical colleges, 3.7% had no PMTS while 14.7%, 42.1%, 39.5% had mild, moderate, and severe premenstrual tension syndrome, respectively. Drinking coffee, late sleep, regularity of menstruation and educational attainment were significantly associated with PMTS. 15.8% were severely dysfunctional, 45.3% of participant had moderate family dysfunction, and 38.9% were highly functional. There was a statistically significant relationship between family dysfunction and both regularity of menstruation and premenstrual tension syndrome. Moderate and severe forms of PMTS were associated with increased probability of having family dysfunction. Conclusions: This study proved that PMTS is highly prevalent among undergraduate female students at Suez University and has a significant association with family dysfunction, so health awareness programs to girls and their families are needed to improve knowledge regarding menstrual disorders.
Large Differences in Diffuse Solar Radiation Among Current-Generation Reanalysis and Satellite-Derived Products

Though the partitioning of shortwave radiation (K↓) at the surface into its diffuse (K↓,d) and direct beam (K↓,b) components is relevant for, among other things, the terrestrial energy and carbon budgets, there is a dearth of large-scale comparisons of this partitioning across reanalysis and satellite-derived products. Here we evaluate K↓, K↓,d, and K↓,b, as well as the diffuse fraction (kd) of solar radiation in four current-generation reanalysis (NOAA-CIRES-DOE, NCEP/NCAR, MERRA-2, ERA5) datasets and one satellite-derived product (CERES) using ≈1400 site years of observations. Although the systematic positive biases in K↓ is consistent with previous studies, the biases in gridded K↓,d and K↓,b vary in direction and magnitude, both annually and across seasons. The inter-model variability in cloud cover strongly explains the biases in both K↓,d and K↓,b. Over Europe and China, the long-term (10-year plus) trends in K↓,d in the gridded products are noticeably differ from corresponding observations and the grid-averaged 35-year trends show an order of magnitude variability. In the MERRA-2 reanalysis, which includes both clouds and assimilated aerosols, the reduction in both clouds and aerosols reinforce each other to establish brightening trends over Europe, while the effect of increasing aerosols overwhelm the effect of decreasing cloud cover over China. The inter-model variability in kd seen here (0.27 to 0.50 from CERES to MERRA-2) suggests substantial differences in shortwave parameterization schemes and their inputs in climate models and can contribute to inter-model variability in coupled simulations. Based on these results, we call for systematic evaluations of K↓,d and K↓,b in CMIP6 models.
Does social reporting matter? Empirical evidence

Purpose This paper aims to examine the level of Islamic social reporting (ISR) disclosure of Islamic banking in Gulf Cooperative Council (GCC) countries using a checklist based on Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institution (AAOIFI) standards. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative method – Tobit Model – is adopted in this study. The unweighted disclosure method used to measure the ISR disclosure checklist consist of 51 items in Islamic banks (IBs) in the GCC countries. The stakeholder theory and legitimacy theory are used to investigate the possible banking performance factors affecting the accounting practices such as ISR disclosure in IBs. Findings The findings show that the ISR disclosure index is linked to the IBs’ performance indicators in GCC countries. The result indicates both Islamic banking profitability and age establish positive and statistically significant relationship with ISR disclosure while leverage establishes significant negative relationship with ISR disclosure. This implies that Islamic banking profitability, leverage, and age are essential bank performance indicators that make ISR disclosure worthy of doing even in the presence of Islamic bank stakeholders in GCC countries. This finding linked compliance with the mandatory disclosure recommendations of AAOIFI Standard No. 7, as well as voluntary disclosure. Research limitations/implications This study used cross sectional data for the year 2019, which is considered more recent despite its being a year data analysis. However, future research should consider mix method as well as more analysis tools provided their number of observations are sufficient enough. Social implications The study identifies the factors that may enhance Islamic financial institutions, including Islamic banking in GCC countries, to comply with ISR disclosure. The application of this study supports Accounting standards setters to consider standards that support ISR disclosure in Islamic banking in different countries. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is novel in exploring the level of ISR disclosure in Islamic banking in GCC countries by using a checklist based on AAOIFI standard No. 7 and establishes the relationship between ISR disclosure index and IBs profitability, leverage, as well as age of Islamic banking in operation.
Floristic and Eco-Morphological Study of Antibacterial Plants in Phytotherapeutic Practice of Kasai Oriental in DR Congo

Aims: To make an ethnobotanical survey in the province of Kasai Oriental to identify the plant species used in the treatment of bacterial diseases; carry out a floristic analysis and determine their eco-morphological characteristics. Study Design: The surveys were conducted in the villages of all the territories of the Kasai Oriental province in RD CONGO for five years and nine months, from March 2013 to December 2018. The confirmation of the identified species was made at the Laboratory of the ISP Mbujimayi and Herbarium of the ecology laboratory of the Department of Biology of the University of Kinshasa. Place and Duration of Study: The surveys were conducted in the villages of all the territories of the Kasai Oriental province in RD CONGO for five years and nine months, from March 2013 to Original Research Article Musuasua et al.; JOCAMR, 14(2): 19-41, 2021; Article no.JOCAMR. 68448 20 December 2018. The confirmation of the identified species was made at the Laboratory of the ISP Mbujimayi and Herbarium of the ecology laboratory of the Department of Biology of the University of Kinshasa. Methodology: Pre-established questionnaires were submitted to healers and potential patients living in the region. Data were collected on local phytotherapeutic practices in order to identify indigenous plants used in the treatment of bacterial diseases. The plants listed have been identified and their eco-morphological characteristics were determined. Results: From examination of the responses of 391 traditional healers and 1,485 residents and potential patients questioned, one hundred and sixteen plant species reputed to be effective against bacteriosis were identified. They belong to 19 orders, 39 families and 87 genera. Among these plants, only 6 families (Fabaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Rubiaceae, Phyllanthaceae, Lamiaceae and Moraceae) provide 51.57% of the species used against bacterial pathologies i.e more than half. Woody plants (62.94%) predominate among the species used (27.59% of trees, 27.59% of shrubs). Wild savannah species (44.83%) and pantropical ones (32.76%) are the most numerous among the plants of Kasai Oriental which provide drugs against bacteriosis. Conclusion: The results confirm that several local plant species are commonly used to treat bacterial diseases in Kasai Oriental. Local herbalists use more phanerophyte plants from savannah and especially trees and shrubs.
The effects of business accelerators in new ventures’ dynamic capabilities

Business accelerators provide entrepreneurs with a combination of capital and specific support resources to help them grow rapidly and scale their business idea. Despite their rapid emergence as key role players in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, research is still scant about their impact in new ventures development. This paper examines the effects of business accelerators based on the achievement of positive results from the dynamic capabilities perspective. Specifically, a qualitative and descriptive approach of Y Combinator’s business accelerator methodology has been applied. The analysis shows how Y Combinator contributes to the generation of dynamic capabilities in companies through the implementation of specific actions and resources embedded in its business acceleration program. Findings reveal that business accelerator stimulates dynamic capabilities of portfolio firms. It can help them to gain competitive advantage and superior performance in the market compared to companies that do not participate in an acceleration program.
Bladder cancer in young adults: Disease and treatment characteristics of patients treated at a tertiary cancer center

Objectives: The incidence of bladder cancer in the Middle East is increasing. Nevertheless, data on the young population with urothelial carcinoma (UC) of the urinary bladder in this region is scarce. Therefore, we evaluated clinical and tumor characteristics, in addition to treatment details in patients younger than 45 years old. Methodology: We reviewed all patients presenting with UC of the urinary bladder from July 2006 to December 2019. Clinical characteristics including demographics, stage at presentation, and treatment outcomes were extracted. Results: Out of 1272 new cases of bladder cancer, a total of 112 (8.8%) patients were ≤45 years old. Seven patients (6%) had nonurothelial histology and were excluded from the study. The remaining 105 eligible patients with UC had a median age at presentation of 41 years (35–43). Ninety-three patients (88.6%) were males. Tumor stage at presentation: nonmuscle invasive disease (Ta-T1), locally advanced muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) (T2-3), and metastatic disease were 84.7%, 2.8%, and 12.5%, respectively. All patients with MIBC received neoadjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Radical cystectomy was performed in 8 (7.6%) cases; three patients with MIBC and five with high-volume non-MIBC. Neobladder reconstruction was done in six patients. A total of 13 patients with metastatic disease (93%) received palliative chemotherapy (gemcitabine/cisplatin), and one (7%) was a candidate for best supportive care only. Conclusion: Bladder cancer is relatively rare in the young population, although the incidence at our region is higher than other reports in the literature. Most patients present with early disease. Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary approach are paramount for the management of these patients.
Brewing Method and Composition of Traditional Kochuzang (Red Pepper Paste) in Junrabook-do Area

Brewing method and quality of 15 samples of traditional Kochuzang in Junrabook-do area were investigated. Average combination ratio of glutinous rice: Meju (soybean Koji): red pepper powder was 2 : 0.7 : 1.1. In order to improve the taste of Kochuzang, some amount of natural soysauce was added in the Kochuzang at early stage of fermentation. Average content of sodium chloride was 7.32%; amino nitrogen, 123.3%; total sugar, 31.9%; reducing sugar, 19.4%; ethyl alcohol, 1.13% and the activity of acid protease was 0.07; liquefying amylase, 9.67 and saccharogenic amylase was 15.82. Five samples were selected as excellent Kochuzang through sensory evaluation. These samples were similarly strong in hot and sweet taste with alcoholic flavor, glossy surface and brownish red color.
Minority Party Capacity in Congress

When, and under what circumstances, are congressional minority parties capable of influencing legislative outcomes? We argue that the capacity of the minority party to exert legislative influence is a function of three factors: constraints on the majority party, which create opportunities for the minority party; minority party cohesion on the issue at hand; and sufficient motivation for the minority to engage in legislating rather than electioneering. Drawing on data on every bill considered in the House of Representatives between 1985 and 2006 and case examples of notable lawmaking efforts during the same period, we show that our theory helps predict which bills are considered on the House floor, which bills become law, and the substance of policy-making outcomes. Our findings have important implications for theories of congressional party power and our understanding of minority party influence on Capitol Hill.
Predictors of Swedish Teachers’ Attitudes and Willingness towards Research-based Teaching: Results of a Survey Study

International Journal on Social and Education Sciences (IJonSES) is a peer-reviewed scholarly online journal. This article may be used for research, teaching, and private study purposes. Authors alone are responsible for the contents of their articles. The journal owns the copyright of the articles. The publisher shall not be liable for any loss, actions, claims, proceedings, demand, or costs or damages whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with or arising out of the use of the research material. All authors are requested to disclose any actual or potential conflict of interest including any financial, personal or other relationships with other people or organizations regarding the submitted work.
Supplementary Calcium and Potassium Improve the Response of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) to Simultaneous Alkalinity, Salinity, and Boron Stress

ABSTRACT Irrigation water of poor quality that is high in salts, alkalinity-inducing compounds, and boron (B) threatens global agricultural production. The objective of the present study was to determine whether supplementary calcium (Ca) and potassium (K) ameliorate the response of tomato plants to a simultaneous combination of these stress conditions. Irrigation water high in alkalinity, salinity, and B reduced plant growth, which was associated with a partial impairment in the antioxidant system (reduction in catalase activity), impairment in water relations (reduced relative water content), decreased nutrient acquisition [lower nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), K, Ca, and magnesium (Mg) content]; and specific toxicity due to the increase in shoot sodium (Na) and B. However, stressed plants exhibited partially improved growth when supplemented with greater concentrations of Ca and K, which were associated with enhanced P concentration, maintenance of chlorophyll a concentration, and/or partially restored N, P, K, Ca, and Mg uptake.
An Atmospheric Origin for HCN-Derived Polymers on Titan

Titan’s haze is strongly suspected to be an HCN-derived polymer, but despite the first in situ measurements by the ESA-Huygens space probe, its chemical composition and formation process remain largely unknown. To investigate this question, we simulated the atmospheric haze formation process, experimentally. We synthesized analogues of Titan’s haze, named Titan tholins, in an irradiated N2–CH4 gas mixture, mimicking Titan’s upper atmosphere chemistry. HCN was monitored in situ in the gas phase simultaneously with the formation and evolution of the haze particles. We show that HCN is produced as long as the particles are absent, and is then progressively consumed when the particles appear and grow. This work highlights HCN as an effective precursor of Titan’s haze and confirms the HCN-derived polymer nature of the haze.
Prevalence and Molecular Characterization of Toxocara cati Infection in Feral Cats in Alexandria City, Northern Egypt

Background: This study was performed to determine the prevalence and to identify precisely Toxocara spp. , which infects feral cats in Alexandria, Egypt based on morphological and molecular approaches. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 100 feral cats trapped from different areas of Alexandria during 2018. Adult male and female worms were recovered from small intestinal contents after euthanasia and dissection of cats. Distinct morphological features were initially determined using available keys, and then after amplification and sequencing of the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (nad1) gene was carried out and phylogenetic trees were constructed. Results: Forty out of 100 cats were infected with Toxocara spp. Intensity of infection ranged from 1 to 9 worms/cat, with a mean of 2.27±1.6. All isolates were confirmed as T. cati based on morphological features and the sequence of nad1 gene. Results of the current study clearly show that Egyptian T. cati isolate examined herein is genetically similar to those recorded in other countries. Conclusion: The current work revealed high prevalence of T. cati in feral cats in the study area. This is the first genetic study that confirms T. cati from feral cats in Egypt. In addition, it demonstrated the suitability and need of genetic markers such as nad1 for identification of Toxocara spp. Furthermore highlights the public health importance of T. cati in Egypt.
Water stress affects the physio-morphological development of tomato growth

This study aimed to differentiate and identify the best soil field capacity for good plant growth and optimization of yield. Tomato is an herbaceous crop that needs an adequate amount of water for growth and yield optimization. This experiment was conducted in pots in a greenhouse to examine the effect of water stress on the growth, yield, and shelf-life of five tomato varieties namely Padma F1, Cobra F1, Symbal F1, Titanium F1 and Nkansah GH. This research was conducted at the project site of the NEIP Envirodome greenhouse at the Dawhenya irrigation scheme in Ghana, from January 2017 to May 2019 for 5 cropping cycles. The tomato varieties were subjected to soil field capacity of 80-100FC%, 70-75FC%, 60-65FC% and 50-55FC% with three replications in a randomized complete block design. Plant height, stem diameter, internode length, leaf relative water content, stomata conductance, transpiration rate, yield, and shelf-life were the parameters measured to compute the effect of water stress on the different tomato varieties. Results from this study revealed that water stress decreased significantly leaf relative water content, stomata conductance, and transpiration rate at p<0.05. In conclusion, moderate water stress at field capacity 60-65 FC% resulted in optimizing plant morphological characteristics, physiological response, yield, shelf-life, and total soluble salt. Key words: Water stress, tomato, crop physiology, crop morphology, yield, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, relative leaf water content.