Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Phenolics and Antioxidant Properties of Black and Purple versus White Eggplant Cultivars

The total phenolic content, anthocyanins, phenolic acids, antioxidant capacity and α-amylase inhibitory activity of black (Aydin Siyahi), purple (Kadife Kemer) and white (Trabzon Kadife) eggplants grown in Turkey were subjected to a comparative investigation. The black cultivar exhibited the highest total phenolic (17,193 and 6552 mg gallic acid equivalent/kg fw), flavonoid (3019 and 1160 quercetin equivalent/kg fw) and anthocyanin (1686 and 6167 g delphinidin-3-O-glucoside equivalent/kg fw) contents in crude extracts of the peel and pulp. The majority of the caffeic acid was identified in the ester (2830 mg/kg fw) and ester-bound (2594 mg/kg fw) forms in the peel of ‘Kadife Kemer’ and in the glycoside form (611.9 mg/kg fw) in ‘Aydin Siyahi’, as well as in the pulp of these two eggplants. ‘Kadife Kemer’ (purple eggplant) contained the majority of the chlorogenic acid in free form (27.55 mg/kg fw), compared to ‘Aydin Siyahi’ in the ester (7.82 mg/kg fw), glycoside (294.1 mg/kg dw) and ester-bound (2.41 mg/kg fw) forms. The eggplant cultivars (peel and pulp, mg/kg fw) exhibited a relatively high delphinidin-3-O-rutinoside concentration in the peel of ‘Aydin Siyahi’ (avg. 1162), followed by ‘Kadife Kemer’ (avg. 336.6), and ‘Trabzon Kadife’ (avg. 215.1). The crude phenolic extracts of the eggplants exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity values (peel and pulp, µmoL Trolox equivalent/kg fw) of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH, 8156 and 2335) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC, 37,887 and 17,648). The overall results indicate that black and purple eggplants are the cultivars with greater potential benefits in terms of their phenolics and antioxidant values than the white eggplant.
Impact of diverse processing treatments on nutritional and anti-nutritional characteristics of soybean (Glycine max L.)

Soybean ( Glycine max L.) is considered as an important and widely consumed legume due to its higher nutritional and bioactive potential as well as better functional characteristics. It is a rich source of numerous nutritional components such as essential amino acids, protein, and various dietary components which are suitable for all age groups. This research is aimed to assess the effect of soaking, germination, fermentation (natural and with Saccharomyces cerevisiae ), and roasting on nutritional characteristics, anti-nutritional components, minerals (Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu), and bioactive components of soybean. The effect of soaking was studied at 12 and 24 h, while that of germination at 24, 48, and 72 h, fermentation for 12, 24, and 36 h interval, and roasting at a temperature of 180°C. The results revealed that the antioxidant activity increased significantly ( P ≤ 0.05) by 98.01% after 72 h of germination and 68% after the 36 h of fermentation with S. cerevisiae . Further, there was a 19.86 and 17.42% increase in the phenolic components during roasting and germination processes, respectively. The protein contents get increased significantly ( P ≤ 0.05) by 6.54, and 23% during germination and fermentation treatments, respectively. The anti-nutrients such as phytic acid and tannin contents declined significantly ( P ≤ 0.05) to the extent of 7.35, 27.94, and 58.82% and tannin contents as 8.70, 44.93, and 58.82%, after soaking, germination, and fermentation processes, respectively. There was a significant ( P ≤ 0.05) increase in mineral contents after processing treatments of soybean. Therefore, the processing treatments were quite effective in increasing the nutritional value as well as the bioactive components and decreasing the antinutritional components.
QUALITY CHANGES OF ‘CEMPEDAK’ (Artocarpus integer) FRUIT POWDER
PACKAGED IN ALUMINUM-LAMINATED POLYETHYLENE POUCHES

1Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, No. 1, Jalan Menara Gading, UCSI Heights, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 2Department of Food Technology, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43300 Selangor. 3Department of Process and Food Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43300 Selangor. 4Laboratory of Halal Services, Halal Products Research Institute, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Selangor, Malaysia. 5Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, 56000 Kuala Lumpur. 6Department of Food Science, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43300 Selangor. puilp@ucsiuniversity.edu. my,hasanah@upm.edu. my https://doi.org/10.34302/crpjfst/2022.14. 1.16 Article history: Received, 2 June 2021 Accepted, 15 March 2022 ABSTRACT ‘Cempedak’ powder was produced by spray-drying of juice produced from Celluclast® 1.5 L-treated ‘cempedak’ fruit puree, to which 15% (w/w) maltodextrin DE 10 and 0.66% (w/w) calcium phosphate have been added. Spray-drying took place at an inlet air temperature of 160 °C. The powder was packed in aluminum-laminated polyethylene pouches and subjected to accelerated storage at a temperature of 38±1 °C and 90% relative humidity (RH) for 49 days. Spray-dried ‘cempedak’ fruit powder was found to have a more pronounced hygroscopicity and caking tendency with the increase of storage time-apart from becoming darker, more reddish but less yellowish. The kinetics of most quality parameters monitored was of zeroorder, indicating that the ‘cempedak’ fruit powder degradation was constant: while hygroscopicity and water solubility index was of the first order. Under accelerated storage conditions, the shelf-life was extrapolated to be 60.43 days, based on the Guggenheim-Anderson-de Boer (GAB) model for water activity-moisture content.
Static mechanical properties of reactive powder concrete reinforced with basalt fibers

In this article, the effect of length (6, 12, and 18 mm) and volume fraction (0, 0.3%, 0.6%, 0.9%, 1.2%, and 1.5%) of basalt fibers (BFs) on the static mechanical properties of reactive powder concrete (RPC) was studied. The binding of BFs to matrix in BFRPC was investigated at the micro‐level by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The experimental results showed that BFs effectively improved the splitting tensile strength and flexural strength of the RPC, despite the effect of different lengths. With the increase in the BFs volume fraction, the splitting tensile strength and flexural strength first increased and then decreased. And, for compressive strength, 6 and 12 mm BFs can improve the strength, while 18 mm BFs caused strength recession. Compared with the experimental groups, it was found that the overall performance of RPC with the BFs length of 12 mm and the volume fraction of 0.9% was the best. The research results have great significance in the engineering application of BFRPC.
Allelopathy in Durum Wheat Landraces as Affected by Genotype and Plant Part

Durum wheat is one of the largest cultivated crops across Mediterranean areas. The high demand for sustainable crop productions, especially concerning weed management, is driving the return to local landraces. In the present work, the in vitro allelopathic effects of the extracts of three durum wheat landraces (‘Timilia’, ‘Russello’ and ‘Perciasacchi’) and a modern variety (‘Mongibello’), obtained from three different plant parts (ears, stems and roots), were tested on seed germination (G) and mean germination time (MGT) of Portulaca oleracea L. and Stellaria. media (L.) Vill. , two weeds commonly infesting wheat fields. In addition, the total polyphenol (TPC) and total flavonoid (TFC) content of extracts was determined. All extracts reduced G and increased MGT in both weeds compared to the control. The magnitude of phytotoxicity was strongly affected by the influence of genotype, plant part and extract dilution. Overall, the landraces ‘Timilia’ and ‘Russello’ showed the highest allelopathic effects, ear extracts were the most active, and the maximum extract dilution induced higher phytotoxicity. Extracts’ TPC and TFC corroborated these results. The findings obtained here encourage the use of local landraces as a source of allelochemicals and suggest that they could be left on soil surface or soil-incorporated after harvest for a possible weed control.
Natural Pectin-Based Edible Composite Coatings with Antifungal Properties to Control Green Mold and Reduce Losses of ‘Valencia’ Oranges

Novel pectin-based, antifungal, edible coatings (ECs) were formulated by the addition of natural extracts or essential oils (EOs), and their ability to control green mold (GM), caused by Penicillium digitatum, and preserve postharvest quality of ‘Valencia’ oranges was evaluated. Satureja montana, Cinnamomum zeylanicum (CN), Commiphora myrrha (MY) EOs, eugenol (EU), geraniol (GE), vanillin, and propolis extract were selected as the most effective antifungal agents against P. digitatum in in vitro assays. Pectin-beeswax edible coatings amended with these antifungals were applied to artificially inoculated oranges to evaluate GM control. ECs containing GE (2 g/kg), EU (4 and 8 g/kg), and MY EO (15 g/kg) reduced disease incidence by up to 58% after 8 days of incubation at 20 °C, while CN (8 g/kg) effectively reduced disease severity. Moreover, ECs formulated with EU (8 g/kg) and GE (2 g/kg) were the most effective on artificially inoculated cold-stored oranges, with GM incidence reductions of 56 and 48% after 4 weeks at 5 °C. Furthermore, ECs containing EU and MY reduced weight loss and maintained sensory and physicochemical quality after 8 weeks at 5 °C followed by 7 days at 20 °C. Overall, ECs with EU were the most promising and could be a good natural, safe, and eco-friendly commercial treatment for preserving orange postharvest quality.
The Clinical Utility of Soluble Serum Biomarkers in Autoimmune Pancreatitis: A Systematic Review

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is a rare etiological type of chronic pancreatitis. The clinical and radiological presentation of AIP often resembles that of pancreatic cancer. Identifying non-invasive markers for their early distinction is of utmost importance to avoid unnecessary surgery or a delay in steroid therapy. Thus, this systematic review was conducted to revisit all current evidence on the clinical utility of different serum biomarkers in diagnosing AIP, distinguishing AIP from pancreatic cancer, and predicting disease course, steroid therapy response, and relapse. A systematic review was performed for articles published up to August 2021 by searching electronic databases such as MEDLINE, Web of Science, and EMBASE. Among 5123 identified records, 92 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. Apart from immunoglobulin (Ig) G4, which was by far the most studied biomarker, we identified autoantibodies against the following: lactoferrin, carboanhydrase II, plasminogen-binding protein, amylase-α2A, cationic (PRSS1) and anionic (PRSS2) trypsinogens, pancreatic secretory trypsin inhibitor (PSTI/SPINK1), and type IV collagen. The identified novel autoantigens were laminin 511, annexin A11, HSP-10, and prohibitin. Other biomarkers included cytokines, decreased complement levels, circulating immune complexes, N-glycan profile changes, aberrant miRNAs expression, decreased IgA and IgM levels, increased IgE levels and/or peripheral eosinophil count, and changes in apolipoprotein isoforms levels. To our knowledge, this is the first systematic review that addresses biomarkers in AIP. Evolving research has recognized numerous biomarkers that could help elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms of AIP, bringing us closer to AIP diagnosis and its preoperative distinction from pancreatic cancer.
Beyond Parenting Socialization Years: The Relationship between Parenting Dimensions and Grandparenting Functioning

Parental socialization has been studied mainly when is in process, but less is known about its long-term impact on older adults, particularly on one of the most important developmental tasks in later life: being a grandparent. Participants were 313 Spanish grandparents. The present study examined the relationship between parenting and its impacts in the long term, when the child is a grandparent. The variables examined were parenting (parental warmth and parental strictness) and grandparenting functioning (satisfaction with life, meaning of life, parent–adult child relationship quality, emotional closeness with grandchildren, and role overload). The statistical analyses were a correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analyses. A constant pattern between parenting and grandparenting functioning has been found. Warmth was positively associated with grandparenting functioning, as opposed to strictness, which did not show benefits for grandparents and even showed a significant negative relationship with an indicator of grandparenting functioning. Present findings highlight that, during the socialization years, greater parental warmth but not parental strictness might be of benefit for children at the end of their life (i.e., when they are grandparents) but also for their descendants because they have a better relationship with the two following generations (i.e., adult children and grandchildren).
An exploratory study of speech-language pathologists’ clinical practice in the literacy domain: Comparing onsite practices with telepractice services during COVID-19

Abstract Purpose To explore speech-language pathologists' (SLP) practice in literacy prior to, and during, COVID-19 to understand the practicalities, feasibility and sustainability of telepractice literacy services. Method This exploratory study employed a cross-sectional survey comprising 46 questions covering participants’ caseload profile and service delivery models, their assessment and intervention practices and telepractice delivery of literacy services. Result Participants were 44 SLPs working primarily in private practice and education with children and adolescents. Students with literacy difficulties comprised a significant proportion of SLPs’ caseloads. Individual and group sessions were the most common format of delivery prior to COVID-19. In a telepractice model during COVID-19, SLPs saw fewer students overall. Most provided individual sessions only and reported cancellation of group sessions. SLPs described their practice in literacy as being aligned with evidence-based principles. A range of resources were used for literacy assessment and intervention. For most, their usual practice changed for telepractice. Many felt underprepared to use telepractice and experienced numerous challenges mostly relating to technology and family engagement. Conclusion Literacy has become a core area of practice for SLPs; however, continued advocacy towards consultative and collaborative services is needed within onsite and telepractice models. Telepractice required SLPs to develop additional skills and modify usual practice. Despite experiencing challenges, many indicated they would continue with telepractice given its perceived benefits.
Future changes in mean and extreme precipitation over the Mediterranean and Sahara regions using bias‐corrected CMIP6 models

This study examines the projected changes in mean and extreme precipitation over the Mediterranean (MED) and Sahara (SAH) regions based on the multi‐model ensemble mean of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) global climate model (GCM) datasets. The study employs robust statistical analyses to investigate future changes during 2015–2100 relative to a baseline period (1995–2014), under two Shared Socio‐economic Pathways (SSP) scenarios: SSP2‐4.5 and SSP5‐8.5. Selected indices from the Expert Team on Climate Change and Detection Indices are used in this study. They include those that represent maximum daily precipitation (RX1day), simple daily precipitation intensity (SDII), heavy precipitation days (R10mm), consecutive dry days (CDD), and consecutive wet days (CWD). Historical and projected daily precipitation is first bias‐adjusted using a quantile mapping approach before employing them to compute mean and extreme precipitation changes. The results demonstrate that the bias adjustment largely reduces the biases in the modelled mean and extreme precipitation over MED and SAH regions. Projections show a reduction in mean precipitation over most parts of the study region by the end of the 21st century. The areas encompassing Morocco and Algeria, and the Mediterranean area will experience the highest drying. The projected pattern agrees with the “wet gets wetter, dry gets drier” paradigm. The number of consecutive dry days and wet‐day intensity are also projected to increase and decrease, respectively. Under SSP5‐8.5, significant changes and the largest decrease in SDII attributed to global warming are projected in both regions. The reduction in mean precipitation, coupled with an increase in dry days, is likely to exacerbate the region's droughts and aridity situation and worsen the water scarcity status. Although there are uncertainties in the CMIP simulations, the findings support earlier studies based on varying datasets. This increases confidence in the output for decision‐making.
Analysis and Mitigation of Sub- Synchronous Resonance in Power System with SVC and Using BFO Based Optimal Controller

In this paper, BFO based optimal controller has been applied for damping sub synchronous resonance and torsional modes in a series compensated power system network. The study has been carried out on IEEE first benchmark model. Static var system (SVS) has been considered to be connected at the midpoint of a long transmission line. Optimal controller uses all the system states as feedback to stabilize the outputs. Eigen value analysis using a linearized system model has been carried out on the test system for improving the system stability and damping of sub-synchronous oscillations. In this paper the effectiveness of the optimal controller and optimal plus BFOA is investigated and compared, for damping of the electromechanical torsional oscillations in a given series compensated power system. The effectiveness of the proposed damping scheme is demonstrated by using time-domain approach based on dynamic response.
The Impact of Climate Changes on Slope Stability and Landslide Conditioning Factors: An Example from Kravarsko, Croatia

The Gajevo landslide in the Kravarsko area (Vukomeričke Gorice hilly area, northern Croatia) was chosen for investigation due to the existing landslide risk for the households at the landslide crown. Available data are limited, but a new landslide map and cross-section was developed within the presented research, mostly based on detailed light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data and field mapping. By comparing available orthophotos of the landslide, resident testimonies, precipitation data, and media releases, it was concluded that the landslide was activated in February 2014. The landslide was primarily triggered by increased precipitation (its measured variations could be in direct connection with ongoing global climate changes), but natural terrain features and anthropogenic factors also affected slope stability. New findings have led to the conclusion that the existing landslide area is large and complex and the crown and head scarp area should be stabilized by urgent remediation measures.
RCTs for policy in India - Ethical Considerations, Methodological Concerns and Alternative Approaches

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have become a popular methodological choice for policy analysis in the developing world. This paper describes the various ethical and methodological considerations when choosing to adopt RCTs for policy decisions through a review of literature in multiple disciplines. Unlike previous critical analysis of RCTs, this paper contextualises its critique to India, a country that has been the site of well over a hundred RCTs. Through illustrations of recent Indian policy RCTs on corruption, livelihoods, Public Distribution System, conflict and others, the paper raises concern about violations of ethical requirements like equipoise, informed consent, data harms, human costs to research participants and research staff. The paper discusses methodological limitations of RCTs for Indian policy making including heterogeneity, researcher effects, generalisability, policy-relevant unobserved mechanisms and other socio-political considerations. The paper ends with a description of alternative approaches and a simple checklist for practitioners, specifically policy makers, to assess the feasibility of RCTs for informing decision making in their context.
Analysis of the Correlation between the Radioactive Iodine Activity and Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio in Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Cancer

Simple Summary A higher tumor burden in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer undergoing radioactive iodine (131I) therapy may release into the bloodstream large amounts of 131I with a long residence time. We hypothesized that after the 131I intake, the blood concentration of 131I shows a course in several phases. To our knowledge, this research is the first of its kind. The results of the current study demonstrated a 131I blood concentration biphasic course. The time points to be considered are 46 and 69 h. 131I uptake in the residual thyroid tissue peaked after 46 h. The positive correlation between the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and administered 131I activity or the blood activity shows that the time interval between 46 and 69 h should be associated with the release of hematological inflammatory mediators, such as neutrophils and lymphocytes, to eradicate tumor cells in response to 131I therapy. Abstract Publications investigating the effect of radioactive iodine (131I) therapy on the circulating peripheral blood cells in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) are limited to blood samples collected more than 92 h after 131I. Studies conducted on blood samples collected up to 92 h are rare due to the radioactive contamination risk. This research aimed to assess the relationship between the prescribed 131I activity, human whole blood activity, and peripheral blood cells at many time points (6, 22, 46, 69, and 92 h after 131I). The study enrolled 50 female patients with DTC who received a 131I median activity of 90.54 mCi (3.35 GBq). The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was measured as an inflammatory marker. 131I uptake in the residual thyroid tissue peaked after 46 h. Blood activity decreased in the first 46 h and increased 69 h after the 131I intake. Blood activity was associated with the absolute lymphocyte count and the NLR at 69 h (r = −0.49 and r = 0.52, p < 0.001). Our results demonstrate that the time interval between 46 and 69 h should be associated with the release of hematological inflammatory mediators, such as neutrophils and lymphocytes, to eradicate tumor cells in response to 131I therapy.