Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
New insight into enzymatic cross-linking of globular proteins: from nanostructure to functionality

ABSTRACT In last two decades, enzymatic cross-linking of proteins has a growing interest in food technology for better tailoring protein functionality. However, the relation between physical and functional properties of enzymatically cross-linked proteins has been hardly addressed so far. The aim of this thesis was to elucidate the effect of enzymatic protein cross- linking on the physical and functional properties of protein nanoparticles at multiple lengthscale. In the first part of this thesis, as a model system, the enzymatic cross-linking of globular whey protein apo-α-lactalbumin (α-LA) by horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was discussed in details. In comparison with HRP, in the second part of the thesis, we also addressed to what extent both laccase (LC) (from trametes versicolor) and tyrosinase (TYR) (from agaricus bisporus) differ in catalyzing oxidative cross-linking of α-LA. Both HRP and LC were capable of creating self-similar large α-LA nanoparticles that have an open architecture at similar lengthscales whereas TYR led to the formation of α-LA oligomers only. All HRP-, LC-nanoparticles and TYR-oligomers exhibited a high extent of secondary structure content preserved whereas their almost all tertiary structure was lost upon enzymatic cross-linking. HRP-catalyzed cross-linking of α-LA resulted in more hydrophilic nanoparticles than LC-cross-linked α-LA nanoparticles. Whereas both HRP- and LC-nanoparticles exhibited very high colloidal and thermal stability against protein aggregation at pH 5.8 and 7.0, HRP- nanoparticles were more stable than LC-nanoparticles upon heating and in the presence of dithiothreitol (DTT). This suggests that, unlike HRP- nanoparticles, not only the dityrosine bonds but also disulfide cross-linking stabilizes LC-nanoparticles. Dilute dispersions of HRP-nanoparticles exhibited a high viscosity and a hydrophilic nature. As these dispersions were concentrated, they jammed above their critical overlapping concentration and thus created physical transparent protein hydrogels at relatively low protein concentration (4% w/v). These properties of HRP- nanoparticle dispersions offer high thickening properties that are comparable with polysaccharide in food applications as protein-based thickeners.
HIGH-PERFORMANCE THIN LAYER CHROMATOGRAPHY (HPTLC) FINGERPRINTING PATTERN OF MANGROVE AVICENNIA MARINA

Objective: An attempt has been made to study phytoconstituents and High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) fingerprinting pattern of leaf/stem/root methanol extracts of Avicennia marina . Methods: The phytochemical screening was done by standard biochemical methods and standard optimized HPTLC densitometry determination was performed under two different energy zones [under UV-254 nm and under 540 nm after derivatization at sample size-10 µl, temperature = 25.8±0.3 °C (constant) and relative humidity = 86±1% (constant) in optimized solvent system]. Results: Phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of phytochemicals in the leaf, stem, and root of the plant. Under UV–254 nm energy range, the leaf, stem and root extract showed the presence of 8, 6 and 5 components respectively and under 540 nm energy zone after derivatization, the leaf, stem and root extract revealed the presence of 7, 5 and 5 components, respectively and specific marker components with very high concentration (under UV-254 nm; 3, 2, 2 in leaf, stem, and root respectively and under 540 nm after ASR treatment; 2, 1, 2 in leaf, stem, and root respectively) were detected among them. Conclusion: The preliminary phytochemical test results elucidated Avicennia marina leaf, stem, and root as a hug reservoir of various class of phytochemicals and metabolites. The results obtained by HPTLC fingerprinting method found to be acceptable as a quick, reliable, accurate and economical for identification and authentication of Avicennia marina mangrove plant and useful to differentiate this mangrove species from other similar mangroves, in a single TLC plate run. This serves as a biochemical marker pattern for leaf, stem and root parts of this mangrove and for its diverse phytoconstituents.
Molecular diversity of halophilic fungi isolated from mangroves ecosystem of Miani Hor, Balochistan, Pakistan

To find the halophilic fungal biodiversity hundred soil samples were collected from mangrove ecosystem of Miani-Hor Balochistan. Miani-Hor lagoon is about 50 km long with a single inlet from sea. Out of hundred soil samples 14 different halophilic and halotolerant microorganisms were isolated. Growth characteristics along with microscopy delineated diversity of the halophilic fungal isolates. To determine the molecular level identification and classification, DNA extraction and consequently sequencing was done. Molecular biodiversity was determined by internal transcribed spacer region of fungus. Molecular identification along with phylogenetic tree determination was achieved by using ITS regions of the species belonging to the genus Aspergillus (4 isolates), Penicillium (4 isolates), Alternaria (3 isolates), Fusarium (1 isolate) and Pleosporaceae (2 isolates). Diversified halophilic and halotolerant fungi from mangroves ecosystem in Pakistan will open doors for the application of indigenous species as a biorefineries.
Analysis the Effect of Information Technology Capability, Business Innovation, Digital Disruption and Digital Disruption Reactions on Sustainable Banking Performance

Banks have an exclusive intermediary responsibility in maintaining sustainable development and have a demanding position related to digital technology development that requires banks to make adjustments. Technological innovations in financial services (FinTech) are overgrowing at this time. Referring to that, this research intends to examine more deeply the effect of information technology capabilities, business innovation, digital disruption and digital disruption reactions on sustainable banking performance. The object of the research was 54 banks that were categorized as Book I to Book IV Banks based on the decision of the Financial Services Authority (OJK). The sample used was 205 respondents who served as Chief Executive Officer (CEO)/ Chief Financial Officer (CFO) / Chief Technology Officer (CTO) / General Manager / Manager / Vice President. Purposive sampling used to determine the sample and Structural Equation Model (SEM) used for the analytical method. This study indicates that the direct effects of information technology capability and digital disruption reactions have a positive and significant effect on sustainable banking performance, and digital disruption has a positive and significant effect on digital disruption reactions. Only banking business innovation is having no significant effect on sustainable banking performance. While the indirect effect of digital disruption on sustainable banking performance mediated by the reaction to digital disruption shows positive and significant results. The ability of qualified information technology supported by digital capabilities and investment in human capital through development with training and dissemination of digital product/service development will encourage higher banking performance. Whereas business innovations that did not significantly effect bank performance, banks must synergize and collaborate with digital service providers outside the bank. Also, digital disruption has a positive effect on digital disruption reaction so that banks are expected to quickly and appropriately integrate digital disruption into the corporate strategy in the form of RBB (Bank Business Plan) because this will positively effect sustainable banking performance. The limited research related to digital reaction makes this research as one of the essential studies for banks so that banking management can blend in the banking strategy so that the banking business system so that bank financial technology can continue to make adjustments to information technology so that it makes banking performance sustainable and competitive.
Tree squirrel abundance and demography in managed coniferous forests of British Columbia are within the range of natural fluctuations of old-growth stands

The American red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus Exrleben) and northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus Shaw) are important mammal species in coniferous forests that are widely distributed across temperate and boreal ecological zones. Although T. hudsonicus and G. sabrinus apparently prefer late-successional forests, their population dynamics show no clear pattern in young second-growth and old-growth conifer forests. We used a compilation of study results that had standardized methodology and sampling effort to compare tree squirrel responses across a range of forest conditions. We tested the hypotheses (H) that abundance, reproduction, recruitment, and survival would be higher in (H1) old-growth than second-growth stands, (H2) unthinned than thinned second-growth stands, and (H3) lightly than heavily thinned stands. Tree squirrel populations in old-growth stands were considered the “standard” treatment to which other treatments in second-growth stands (unthinned and variously thinned) were compare.
Impact of Climate Change and Adaptation Measures on Transhumance Herding System in Gatlang, Rasuwa

Climate change impact is global and Nepal is no exception, posing vulnerability for different communities and regions. Transhumance herding is the culture and identity of indigenous settlement in Himalayan region where herders follow vertical transhumance herding as a part of subsistence mixed agriculture system for their livelihood. It differs from nomadism in terms of its periodicity, regularity, and mobility. This study confers the impacts of climate change and adaptation on transhumance herders in Gatlang of Rasuwa District. Focus Group Discussion, Key Informant Interview, and Questionnaire survey were carried out covering herder’s perception toward climatic variability, changes in the biophysical indicator, its impact and adaptation strategies. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, weighted mean, and Index of Usefulness of Practice for Adaptation (IUPA) tools. This study showed increase in mean average temperature (0.0202°C), increase in monsoon precipitation (2.1 mm) and decrease in winter precipitation (0.5 mm). Seasonal movement of livestock was mainly guided for adjusting temperature. The observed changes in biophysical indicator were diverse with shrinking grazing lands as most agreed statements followed by low crop productivity and faster melting of snow in rangeland. Herders perceived different adaptation strategies where reserving some grazing areas scored highest IUPA ranking followed by seasonal movement, storage of grass/hay, and so on. Though transhumance itself is one of the adaptation strategy against climate change people were not aware about changing monsoon precipitation and following same seasonal calendar as before which have affected livestock. These observations suggested that herders were unaware of the underlying cause and its impacts on the system which needed to be monitored scientifically.
Italian primary school teachers’ comfort and training needs regarding same-sex parenting

ABSTRACT School teachers today are increasingly coming into contact with lesbian and gay parents. Given the lack of research in the field, this study investigated the role of homonegativity and beliefs about the well-being of children raised by same-sex parents in how comfortable teachers feel when interacting with same-sex parents. Additionally, possible predictors of teachers’ training needs regarding sexual orientation and same-sex parenting were explored. The sample consisted of 244 primary-school teachers. The results showed that ‘personal discomfort’ and ‘beliefs about the welfare of children of lesbian and gay parents’ were predictive of ‘comfort in interacting with lesbian and gay families’. Seniority, having a high number of lesbian and gay friends and having positive ‘beliefs about the welfare of children with lesbian and gay parents’ are linked to recognising the need for training on lesbian, gay and same-sex parenting issues. Suggestions and implications are discussed.
Multiple disturbance patterns and population structure of a tropical tree species, Afzelia africana (Leguminosae–Caesalpinioideae), in two contrasting bioclimatic zones of the Republic of Benin

Understanding how multiple disturbances affect species population structure is crucial for designing a better conservation strategy of threatened species. In this paper, we assessed the disturbance patterns and evaluated their effects on the population structure of Afzelia africana, in two different bioclimatic zones of the Republic of Benin. The main disturbances in the studied area included branch pruning and debarking. Individuals of medium size (20–40 cm) were mostly pruned and debarked. The percentages of pruning and debarking were similar at population level across the two studied bioclimatic zones (t = −0.04, p = 0.96; t = 0.73, p = 0.48). Examining this at individual level, pruning was similar but debarking was higher in the Sudanian zone (12.14 ± 0.93%) than in the Sudano-Guinean zone (7.44 ± 0.88) (W = 40859, p < 0.001). Population structure was bell-shaped in the Sudanian zone regardless of the disturbance level. In contrast, in the Sudano-Guinean zone, mildly disturbed populations showed an inverse J-shaped structure, whereas those highly disturbed were bell-shaped. This underlined the climatic (dryness) and disturbance effects on the establishment and recruitment of small trees into the next life stage in tropical savanna ecosystems. Good regeneration pattern and the largest individuals were found within the protected areas, demonstrating the prominent role of protected areas for the species conservation. Therefore, we suggested that conservation efforts should be extended to populations outside the protected areas. Forestry department should establish firebreaks networks to protect small individuals and facilitate their recruitment, as well as the regulation and enforcement should be improved on the sustainable use of the species.
PREVALENCE OF BACTERIAL KERATITIS

Introduction: Microbial keratitis is a common potentially vision threatening ocular infection that may be caused by various pathogens like bacteria, fungi, viruses or parasites. Aims of the study to isolate the pathogenic bacteria in infective keratitis with its antimicrobial susceptibility pattern and to determine the risk factors. Materials and Methods: Corneal scrapings has collected from 100 patients with corneal ulceration during January 2007 to August 2008 and Bacterial isolation has done by Grams Staining, Colony characteristics, Biochemical characteristics and its antimicrobial susceptibility testing performed. Results: The bacterial isolation was 40% in corneal ulcers. Pseudomonas aeruginosa(22.5%) was the predominant pathogen followed by Staphylococcus aureus(20%), Streptococcus pneumoniae(20%), Micrococcus spp(20%). Trauma to eye(65%) was the most common predisposing factor. Bacterial ulcers were more common in males and in rural population. Most of the bacterial isolates were sensitive to Levofloxacin, Tetracycline, Amikacin. Conclusion: Early Diagnosis and treatment of bacterial ulcers responds well. Lack of awareness and illiteracy among rural population and late presentation to ophthalmic clinics is considered for deterioration.
Phytochemical Components and Antibacterial Activity of Tamarindus indica Linn. Extracts against Some Pathogens

Aim: To determine the phytochemical composition and antimicrobial properties of tamarind extracts on some aquatic pathogenic bacteria. Study Design: Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Animal Production, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Kwara State University, Malete, Nigeria, between August 2014 and April, 2015. Methodology: The phytochemical constituents in ordinary, warm and hot water as well as ethanol extracts of tamarind seed coat, pulp and leaves were screened. The Zone of Inhibition (ZOI) Original Research Article Adeniyi et al.; BJI, 17(2): 1-9, 2017; Article no.BJI. 30618 2 diameter (mm), Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) against some aquatic pathogenic bacteria were determined. Data were analyzed using ANOVA at P = . 05. Results: The result revealed presence of reducing sugar, flavonoid, saponin and terpenoids in all tamarind extracts. The synthetic antibiotics used had significantly higher ZOI than the tamarind extracts for all the test organisms. Tamarind pulp hot water extract significantly inhibited Aeromonas hydrophila and Hafnia alvei than other extracts while the leaf warm water extracts had significantly higher zone of inhibition against Pseudomonas putida. The best MIC was obtained for oxytetracycline and erythromycin against Enterobacter gergovia and Escherichia coli respectively. Pulp extracts and erythromycin exhibited the same MIC, 2.56 mg/ml, for Bacillus subtilis and H. alvei while the former had lower MIC (2.56 mg/ml) against Salmonella typhi than the MIC (5.12 mg/ml) of the later. Oxytetracycline and tamarind extracts also demonstrated the same MIC (2.56 mg/ml) against S. typhi. Pulp extracts exhibited MBC for most of the test organisms. Conclusion: Warm tamarind leaf and hot tamarind pulp aqueous extracts demonstrated better antimicrobial activities against some bacteria used in this study and hence the extracts could be used to control such microbes associated with the aquatic environment and fish products.
Explaining public risk acceptance of a petrochemical complex: A delicate balance of costs, benefits, and trust

Communities adjacent to polluting industrial facilities understand and evaluate risk in often ambivalent and contextualized ways, not only balancing economic and environmental concerns but also reflecting cultural practices, social worldviews, and trust relationships. In this case study of the Antwerp petrochemical complex, the largest in Europe, a residents’ survey and interviews are used to examine how two middle-class communities coexist with the nearby petrochemical plants. The findings show that citizens in both communities are generally aware of the environmental impact and public health risk but are predominantly accepting of the industry. For both communities, the most important factor explaining acceptance is the perceived socio-economic benefit for the community, while a direct individual benefit in terms of employment does not play a significant role. In one community, risk acceptance is further strengthened by trust in companies’ risk management, while in the other community, trust in regulators is more critical. The different results for both communities stress the importance of a socio-cultural perspective on risk and underline the criticality of relationships of trust. The article further discusses the implications of these findings for environmental decision-making, considering the delicate balance and the significant minority of the population who is less accepting. The present study adds to the risk perception literature by providing one of the first quantitative analyses explaining industrial risk acceptance, instead of perception, using the increasingly contested petrochemical industry as an exemplary case.
Effect of Bacillus cohnii on Some Physicomechanical and Microstructural Properties of Ordinary Portland Cement

Cement-made materials face durability and sustainability challenges. This is majorly caused by the presence of cracks. Cracking affects the mechanical strength of cement-based materials. Microbiologically induced calcite precipitation (MICP) has been found to enhance compressive strength, thus enhancing on the mechanical and durability properties of these materials. This paper presents the findings of a study conducted to investigate the effect of Bacillus cohnii on compressive strength development of OPC mortar prisms and the effect of Bacillus cohnii on cement setting time and soundness. Microbial concentration of 1.0 × 107 cells·ml−1 was used. Compressive strength tests analyses were carried out for each category of mortar prisms. Compressive strength tests were carried out on the 2nd, 7th, 14th, 28th, 56th, and 90th day of curing in distilled water and microbial solutions. All microbial mortars exhibited a greater compressive strength compared to the control with the highest observed at 90 days. Highest percentage gain in compressive strength was observed at 90 days which is 28.3%. Microstructural analysis was carried out using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) after 28 days of curing. The results indicated the presence of calcium carbonate and more calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) deposits on the bacterial mortars. The bacteria did not have an effect on cement soundness. Setting time was significantly accelerated.
‘Going the extra mile’ in resource integration: evolving a concept of sport sponsorship as an engagement platform

ABSTRACT Research question The few publications discussing sport sponsorship from a network approach lack sufficient explanations for resource integration. Building on the sport value framework, sponsorship, and engagement literature, our objective is to conceptualise sport sponsorship as an engagement platform on which the sponsee grants access and both sponsees and sponsors integrate resources. As such, we differentiate between contractual resource integration and sponsorship engagement. Furthermore, we aim to investigate empirically what types of resources are integrated within multiple sponsor–sponsee networks for a better theoretical foundation of our conceptualisation. Research method We apply a three-stage qualitative Delphi method with 61 experts from sport sponsorship practice in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Results and Findings The results indicate that multiple sponsors, as well as the sponsee, integrate resources beyond the sponsorship contract. These resources include management competencies, technical competencies, networking skills, innovative ideas, and products and services. Implications This study conceptualises sport sponsorship as an engagement platform. This understanding contributes to theorising about sport sponsorship. Sponsorship serves as more than a pure promotional and sales tool. The results show that voluntary resource integration can lead to strategic partnerships with access to knowledge and expertise. These findings enable us to refine our conceptualisation of sport sponsorship as an engagement platform. Consequently, sponsors can co-create business networks, leading to technology transfer and benefits from economic specialisation. Sponsees gain a better understanding of their role as facilitators of sponsors’ resource integration. That is, they take over the operator role, thus increasing their monetary and non-monetary value.