Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Partners in Infectious Disease: When Microbes Facilitate Enteric Viral Infections

The lumen of the gastrointestinal tract harbors a diverse community of microbes, fungi, archaea, and viruses. In addition to occupying the same enteric niche, recent evidence suggests that microbes and viruses can act synergistically and, in some cases, promote disease. In this review, we focus on the disease-promoting interactions of the gut microbiota and rotavirus, norovirus, poliovirus, reovirus, and astrovirus. Microbes and microbial compounds can directly interact with viruses, promote viral fitness, alter the glycan structure of viral adhesion sites, and influence the immune system, among other mechanisms. These interactions can directly and indirectly affect viral infection. By focusing on microbe–virus interplay, we hope to identify potential strategies for targeting offending microbes and minimizing viral infection.
International Journal of Medical and Biomedical Studies (IJMBS)

Introduction: In recent years obesity has become a major health problem and life style changes, habits aggravated the prevalence of obesity in young children. Many studies have suggested that serotonin has been linked with the occurrence of obesity along with various other factors. Based on these facts we aimed to study the relation of serotonin allele’s expression with BMI of university students. Materials and Methods: The study was a case control involving 66 participants done in Biochemistry department, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al Khamiah. A standardized diet history questionnaire used to calculate the calorie intake. The saliva was collected and using the manufactures guidelines the DNA has been extracted using DNA Genotek kit. The polymerase chain reaction used to detect the polymorphism in the subjects. Finally DNA gel electrophoresis done to detect the alleles in different subjects. Results: The study results showed that BMI, Waist circumference and body weight percentage was significant in overweight and obese subjects. The most common alleles in normal subjects was SS when compared with overweight and obese showing SL, LL. Discussion and Conclusion: Our study was in accordance with other studies which showed L allele associate with obesity. We suggest that, L allele associate is a risk and can be used to assess/predict the obesity.
Has there been a change in the end-of-life decision-making over the past sixteen years?

Objectives: Physicians’ decision-making in end-of-life care includes many medical, ethical and juridical aspects. We studied the changes of these decisions over time and factors influencing them. Methods: A postal survey including two hypothetical patient scenarios were sent to 1258 Finnish physicians in 2015 and to 1182 in 1999. The attitudes, values and background factors of the physicians were also enquired. Results: The response rate was 56%. The physicians’ decisions to choose palliative approaches over active or intensive care increased from 1999 to 2015 when a terminally ill prostate cancer patient had probable iatrogenic GI-bleeding (53% vs 59%, p=0.014) and waited to meet his son (46% vs 60%, p<0.001) or a minister (53 vs 71%, p<0.001). Training in end-of-life care independently increased palliative approaches. Patient’s benefit (96% vs 99%, p=0.001), ethical values (83% vs 93%, p<0.001) and patient’s (68 vs 86%, p<0.001) or physician’s (44% vs 63%, p<0.001) legal protection were considered more influential to the decisions in 2015, while the family’s benefit was regarded as less influential to the decisions than it was in 1999 (37% vs 25%, p<0.001). Physicians were more willing to give a hospice voucher for an advanced breast cancer patient in 2015 (34% vs 58%, p<0.001). Conclusions: Our findings may reflect the transition to a stronger emphasis on patient-centred care and a stronger tendency to avoid futile therapies that have only short-term goals. The results highlight that education in all aspects of end-of-life care should be incorporated into the postgraduate training of medical specialties that take care of dying patients.
Does Official Development Assistance Volatility Influence Agricultural Productivity Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa?

Agriculture is of paramount importance of SubSahara African (SSA) countries. Owing to that, governments and donors invest in the agricultural sector in order to meet the sustainable development goals. However, gaps are observed between official development assistance (ODA) disbursements and commitments. Therefore, this paper investigates the effect of ODA and its volatility on agricultural productivity growth in SSA over the period 2002-2015, using a random effect model. The findings reveal a negative and significant effect of ODA volatility on agricultural productivity growth. The findings suggest that SSA countries partners may continue helping them to boost the agricultural productivity growth through ODA and reduce the gap between ODA disbursements and ODA commitments, to make ODA more predictable.
ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF AMORPHOPHALLUS KONKANENSIS AND AMORPHOPHALLUS BULBIFER TUBER

Objective: Evaluation of antibacterial activity of unexplored, endemic Amorphophallus konkanensis (AKT) Hett. , Yadav & Patil and Amorphophallus bulbifer (ABT) (Roxb.) Bl. Methods: Acetone and ethanol extracts of tubers of AKT and ABT were evaluated for in vitro antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Micrococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Klebsiella pneumoniae using agar diffusion method, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and growth pattern of test organisms. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis was carried out for active phenolic compounds. Results: AKT and ABT extracts for both solvents showed significant antibacterial activities. The zone of inhibition was ranged from 12-25 mm to 11- 23 mm for AKT and ABT extracts respectively. Highest significant activity was observed against M. aureus. The MIC values of acetone extracts were ranged from 200-350 μg/ml (AKT) to, 200-400 μg/ml (ABT). Ethanol extracts of AKT and ABT were showed MIC at 250-450 μg/ml and 300-450 μg/ ml respectively. MBC value of acetone extracts ranged from 260-460 μg/ml (AKT) to 300-500 μg/ml (ABT) and for ethanol extracts 340-500 μg/ml (AKT) and 380-540 μg/ml (ABT). The effect of extracts on growth of microorganisms was also studied. HPLC analysis showed phenolic compounds viz. tannic acid, gallic acid, quercetin, p-coumaric acid, and catechin. This polyphenolic rich extracts of AKT and ABT have demonstrated various degree of microbial growth inhibition. Conclusion: Antibacterial activity of AKT and ABT implies that, these plants have the potential for preparation of alternative medicines for infections caused by microorganisms that have become resistant to the current therapeutic measures. Keywords: Amorphophallus konkanensis, Amorphophallus bulbifer, Antibacterial activity, Minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum bactericidal concentration, High-performance liquid chromatography.
Gamification in Nutrition Apps - Users' Gamification Element Preferences: A Best-Worst-Scaling Approach

An unhealthy diet has become a leading risk factor for many diseases. The use of gamification elements (GEs) in nutrition apps offers a promising approach to change the eating habit. But, the design of GEs is often insufficient, leading to low user retention. Hence, the consideration of the underlying context and the target users’ preferences is essential. By conducting a survey with 220 possible users following the best-worst-scaling method, we found that goals, performance graphs, progress bars, rewards, and levels were the most preferred GEs in nutrition context. Leaderboards, narratives, social interaction, and badges were less desired. On average, five elements are perceived as optimal by most survey participants. Compared to users’ preferences in education and physical activity contexts, similarities, but also differences, were found. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of contextual differences of GE preferences and provide starting points for further research on gamification.
The Effectiveness of the Inquiry and Brain Storming Strategies in Developing Achievement and Creative Thinking Skills in Arabic Language of University Students

The study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of using inquiry and brainstorming strategies in teaching Arabic language for developing achievement and creative thinking skills of the university students. To achieve the previous objective, a teaching manual was prepared using inquiry and brainstorming strategies. Achievement test was prepared including 20 items multiple chooses questions related to knowledge, application and reasoning levels. In addition, creative thinking skills test was prepared including 10 items related to Fluency, flexibility and originality skills. The validity and reliability of the instruments were measured. The sample was selected randomly; it consists of two groups, experimental group 43 and a control group 39. The study was based on semi-experimental design pre—post-test, where the experimental group was taught using inquiry and brainstorming strategies, but the control group was taught using the usual strategies. The results of the study showed that there were statistically significant differences between the average scores of the experimental and control groups in the post achievement and creative thinking skills in general and their skills separately for the students of the experimental group. Also, the results showed a positive correlation between the scores of the experimental group in post creative thinking skills, and post achievement test in general. The effectiveness of inquiry and brainstorming strategies in the development of achievement levels and creative thinking skills was significant effect. The study recommended using the Inquiry and brainstorming strategies in the teaching Arabic language of university students.
Efficacy of Bt Cotton Plants in Australia: What is Going On?

We report on the patterns and causes of variable efficacy of Bt cotton plants for control of Helicoverpa spp. in Australia. Initially, it was hoped that these plants would be efficacious against their target pests throughout the cotton growing cycle. Spatial and temporal changes in efficacy have been followed in field plots of cotton using whole leaf bioassays and changes in Bt concentration and efficacy have been quantified using a variety of new bioassay approaches. In the laboratory, we have measured the response of the plants to a variety of stresses, including extremes of water availability and temperature. A consistent decline in plant efficacy was observed from mid-summer and, in the field, some crops require alternative treatments to control Helicoverpa from peak flowering onwards. By late season, larvae can develop and survive to pupation on Bt cotton. Further, some plants have variable efficacy in early season, even before squaring has commenced. There are many possible causes for the seasonal decline and variability. At this stage, we have evidence for a decline in the amount of Bt protein present and also for possible interference by plant factors in the availability of the Bt protein to the insect.
SARS-CoV-2 Protease-Dependent Human Cell Infection Induces Immunological Response Imbalance and Neutrophils “Proteolytic Storm”. Proteolysis Inhibitors can Prevent and Treat Covid-19

Based on Chinese CDCP report on COVID-19, 14% of patients presented severe disease and 5% critical conditions. The average case-fatality rate was 2.3%, but mortality was as high as 49% in patients with critical illness. Serious life threatening thromboembolic complications have been found in 71•4% of non survivors and micro/macro angiopathic coagulopathy has been found, at autopsy also, with highly increased neutrophil number, fibrinogen, concentrations of D-dimer and FDPs and NETs, ATIII decrease and normal number of platelets. A cytokine storm and interaction between inflammation and coagulation has been advocated as explanation of hypercoagulability. It has been shown that SARS-CoV-2 infection of alveolar cells is driven by the S-protein by engaging ACE2 and TMPRSS2 cell receptors. whose activation depends on the activity of various host proteases. Full inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 entry was observed when serine proteases inhibitor camostat mesylate was coupled with Cathepsin B/L inhibitor E-64d. In addition multiple proteases are involved in host immune response against viral invasion and immunopathology related to imbalanced immune activation. In this paper it’s hypothesised that the severity of Covid-19 is induced by recruitment of innate responder neutrophils, which release proteases and NETs inducing endothelial damage and imbalance of the four major proteolytic cascades (coagulation, complement, fibrinolysis and kallikrein) with prevalence of activators over inhibitors and consequent thrombotic complications. Platelets adhesion to damaged endothelium and vWFVIII multimers presence, due to loss of ADAMTS13, contributes to hypercoagulability state. Human plasma or serine protease inhibitors like aprotinin can help to control neutrophil induced “proteolytic storm”. The goal of this paper is to support the view that, in SARS-CoV-2 infection, proteases have a key role and exceeding imbalanced neutrophil innate “unfriendly fire” response can be identified as the trigger of a “proteolytic storm”, responsible for subsequent well known hypercoagulation and “cytokine storm” and human plasma, in adequate volumes, together with serine proteases inhibitors can be an effective therapeutic strategy.
Structure development and viscoelastic properties in silane‐crosslinked ethylene–octene copolymer

The development of structure and viscoelastic properties during silane crosslink reaction in metallocene ethylene–octene copolymer has been investigated. Using attenuated and transmission infrared spectroscopy, the concentrations of certain functional groups and change in sample thickness were monitored, giving the information on the progress of crosslink reaction. The evolution of crosslink content and viscoelastic properties was analyzed using a parallel-plate rheometer. The results showed that crosslinking process started with the hydrolyzation of methoxy groups in the near-surface layer, proceeding in a diffusion manner. At this stage no silanol groups could be detected, revealing that the condensation occurred promptly after hydrolyzation. The internal crosslink could not begin until there are sufficient water molecules in the surrounding. A water by-product from the condensation reaction played an essential part in the center region. The rheological data showed a reduction in magnitude of creep compliance. As the reaction proceeded, more networks took place within an existing gel. The materials, then, acted more like elastic and exhibited an improvement in ability for recovery process. The immobilization of chain segments, due to the presence of tight network, disallowed conformations necessary for crosslink reaction and a certain amount of hydrolyzable groups and silanol groups remained after a long crosslinking process. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Leaf essential oils of four Piper species from the State of Ceará - Northeast of Brazil

Os oleos essenciais obtidos por hidrodestilacao das folhas de quatro especies de Piper (P. arboreum, P. crassinervium, P. dilatatum and P. tuberculatum), coletadas no estado do Ceara, foram analisados por CG-EM. Os rendimentos dos oleos, calculados sobre o peso do material fresco, variaram entre 0,03 - 0,11% (p/p). Os oleos foram caracterizados pela presenca de mono- e sesquiterpenos, exceto o oleo de P. arboreum, no qual foram identificados apenas sesquiterpenos. b-Elemeno (0,58-3,03%), (E)-cariofileno (2,71-37,78%), germacreno D (3,43-11,81%), biciclogermacreno (2,83-25,07%) e d-cadineno (0,52-2,44%) foram detectados em todas as amostras analisadas. Os monoterpenos majoritarios identificados foram a-pineno (11,27%), b-pineno (20,01%), 1,8-cineol (10,81%) e linalol (28,61%) para P. crassinervium, e a-felandreno (22,53%) e D-3-careno (10,20%) para P. dilatatum. Biciclogermacreno (25,03 e 25,07%) para P. arboreum e P. dilatatum, (E)-nerolidol (11,12%) para P. arboreum, germacreno D (11,81%) para P. tuberculatum e (E)-cariofileno (10,26 e 37,78%) para P. dilatatum e P. tuberculatum, foram os principais sesquiterpenos. Este trabalho descreve, pela primeira vez, a composicao quimica dos oleos essenciais de P. crassinervium e P. tuberculatum.
Development of an unattended estuarine nutrient monitoring program using ferries as data‐collection platforms

Water quality monitoring of estuarine ecosystems relies on measurement of biogeochemically important elements, including nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), carbon (C), and silicon (Si) at a time‐step relevant to the environmental conditions affecting the estuary. To improve the temporal resolution of sample collection from the Neuse River estuary, North Carolina, USA, a water sampling system was installed on a state‐operated motor vehicle ferry. A gravity‐filtration device consisting of a plastic cylinder (15 cm long, 4 cm wide) with a 0.7 µm pore size filter at the bottom was suspended inside the mouth of the collection bottle. Dissolved organic nitrogen (DON), orthophosphate, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), ammonium, and silica were analyzed from filtered water samples, whereas nitrate plus nitrite analysis required acidification of samples in addition to filtration. Refrigerated storage of samples for 7 days had minimal effect on nutrient concentrations. A daily sample collection scheme was employed during September and October 2005 in the Neuse River estuary. There were relatively minor changes in N, P, C, and Si nutrients during and after passage of Hurricane Ophelia in September, but high concentrations of ammonium, silica, and orthophosphate occurred at the onset of high riverine discharge during a separate storm in October. In contrast, DOC, nitrate plus nitrite, and DON reached highest values after the peak riverine discharge. This high temporal resolution sampling regimen was essential for examining estuarine response to brief meteorological and hydrologic perturbations and is applicable to many other estuaries worldwide.
Cytotoxic Potential of Solanum lycopersicum Leaves Extract on Different Human Cell Lines

Plants have been traditionally used as a remedy against various diseases. In this study, the potential cytotoxic effects of the ethanol extract of leaves of Solanum lycopersicum were investigated on A549, HeLa, PC-3, MCF-7 and HEK293 cell lines. MTT assay was used for determination of cell viability. Apoptosis and activity of caspase-3 in A549 and HeLa cells treated with the extract were also investigated. At a concentration of 31.25 μg mL, this extract caused more than 50% cell death in the cancer cells that were tested for 72 h. It was determined that the extract of S. lycopersicum induced apoptosis in A549 and HeLa cells. Moreover, the extract of S. lycopersicum leaves caused significant caspase-3 activity in same cells. These findings may basically contribute to research related with the use of the extract of leaves of S. lycopersicum for development of anticancer agents. KeywordsCytotoxicity, Tomato, Human Cancer Cell Lines, Apoptosis BŞEÜ Fen Bilimleri Dergisi 7(2), 544-552, 2020 BSEU Journal of Science DOI: 10.35193/bseufbd.682245 e-ISSN: 2458-7575 (http://dergipark.gov.tr/bseufbd)
CodedBulk: Inter-Datacenter Bulk Transfers using Network Coding

This paper presents CodedBulk, a system for high-throughput inter-datacenter bulk transfers. At its core, CodedBulk uses network coding, a technique from the coding theory community, that guarantees optimal throughput for individual bulk transfers. Prior attempts to using network coding in wired networks have faced several pragmatic and fundamental barriers. CodedBulk resolves these barriers by exploiting the unique properties of inter-datacenter networks, and by using a custom-designed hop-by-hop flow control mechanism that enables efficient realization of network coding atop existing transport protocols. An end-to-end CodedBulk implementation running on a geo-distributed inter-datacenter network improves bulk transfer throughput by 1.2−2.5× compared to state-of-the-art mechanisms that do not use network coding.
Development of the systematic observation of COVID-19 mitigation (SOCOM): Assessing face covering and distancing in schools

Abstract Introduction: During the COVID-19 pandemic, some K-12 schools resumed in-person classes with varying degrees of mitigation plans in the fall 2020. Physical distancing and face coverings can minimize SARS-CoV-2 spread, the virus that causes COVID-19. However, no research has focused on adherence to mitigation strategies during school days. Thus, we sought to develop a systematic observation protocol to capture COVID-19 mitigation strategy adherence in school environments: The Systematic Observation of COVID-19 Mitigation (SOCOM). Methods: We extended previously validated and internationally used tools to develop the SOCOM training and implementation protocols to assess physical-distancing and face-covering behaviors. SOCOM was tested in diverse indoor and outdoor settings (classrooms, lunchrooms, physical education [PE], and recess) among diverse schools (elementary, secondary, and special needs). Results: For the unique metrics of physical-distancing and face-covering behaviors, areas with less activity and a maximum of 10–15 students were more favorable for accurately capturing data. Overall proportion of agreement was high for physical distancing (90.9%), face covering (88.6%), activity type (89.2%), and physical activity level (87.9%). Agreement was lowest during active recess, PE, and observation areas with ≥20 students. Conclusions: Millions of children throughout the USA are likely to return to school in the months ahead. SOCOM is a relatively inexpensive research tool that can be implemented by schools to determine mitigation strategy adherence and to assess protocols that allow students return to school safely and slow the spread of COVID-19.
A Comparison Between RAPD and Phenotypic Analyses on 24 Cotton Genotypes

Knowledge of genetic distances among individuals or populations in plant breeding programmes can be used to complement phenotypic information in choosing individuals to use in breeding for populations with high genetic variability. Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) techniques may be advantageous in studies of genetic relationships. This paper discusses research to identify primers that produce polymorphism among cotton (G. hirsutum L.) genotypes, to compare the effects of primer length in the generation of polymorphism, to estimate genetic distances among 23 genotypes from eight countries using RAPD analysis and tro compare such estimates with those obtained through phenotypic analysis.
Brand Equity And Brand Loyalty: The Mediating Effect Of Customer Satisfaction

Abstract: The study investigates the impact of brand equity on brand loyalty with the mediation of customer satisfaction in X Company and Y Company in Batticaloa city branch. The study uses five dimension of brand equity, which include perceived quality, perceived value of cost, brand identification, trust and lifestyle congruence. Questionnaire has been used to collect the data from the customers in using X Company and Y Company in Batticaloa city branch. The data has been collected from 267 respondents and analyzed through SPSS.