Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Extraction of Heat-Stabilised Defatted Rice Bran Protein by Solid-State Fermentation Using Heterofermentative Microbes from Traditional Asian Starters

SUMMARY Research background Heat-stabilised defatted rice bran (HSDRB) is a primary by-product of rice bran oil extraction industry and a nutritious source of protein. However, despite the unique nutritional profile of rice bran protein, the protein-rich by-product, HSDRB is underutilised as a low-value animal feed. Research on protein extraction from HSDRB by enzymatic hydrolysis has attracted the attention of numerous scientists. However, a cost-effective extraction method is required to mitigate the high costs associated with the use of enzymes. Therefore, we have presented an alternative economical and natural approach for protein extraction from HSDRB by solid-state fermentation (SSF) with heterofermentative microbes. Experimental approach SSF of HSDRB with two types of traditional Asian fermentation starters, namely loog-pang and koji, were evaluated for enzyme production and their efficacy in extracting proteins from HSDRB. For this purpose, HSDRB fermentation was carried out for 0, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h followed by 24-hour hydrolysis to evaluate the extracted rice bran protein. In addition, microbiome diversity in the fermentation starters was also determined by metagenomic sequencing of 16S rRNA and internal transcribed spacer to identify bacteria and fungi, respectively. Results and conclusions The microbial community in the fermentation starters showed the dominance of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) such as Bacillus subtilis in loog-pang and Streptococcus lutetiensis, Bacillus pumilus, Lactococcus cremoris, Lactococcus garvieae and Pediococcus pentosaceus in koji, while yeast species Saccharomycopsis fibuligera and Saccharomyces cerevisiae dominated the fungal diversity in loog-pang and koji starters, respectively. The results suggest that loog-pang and koji can produce cellulase, neutral and acid proteases during fermentation. Despite the discrepancy in their microbial diversity and the enzyme activity during SSF, both starters could effectively increase protein extraction from HSDRB. A positive relationship between the SSF duration and extracted protein was observed. During SSF with loog-pang and koji after 72 h followed by 24-hour hydrolysis, 65.66 and 66.67 % protein was extracted from HSDRB, respectively. The amino acid analysis of the protein hydrolysate produced by the non-fermented and fermented methods showed no difference and had an abundance of glutamic and aspartic acids, leucine, arginine, alanine and glycine amino acids, which accounted for approx. 58 % of the total amino acids. Novelty and scientific contribution Loog-pang and koji (traditional Thai and Japanese fermentation starters, respectively) were found to be effective in extracting proteins from HSDRB by SSF although they are inexpensive microbial enzyme sources. Future research aimed at scaling up HSDRB protein extraction for usage in industrial applications can draw on our results.
The Effects of Oral Probiotics on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM): A Clinical Trial Systematic Literature Review

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains a global health concern. Emerging clinical trial (CT) evidence suggests that probiotic intervention may promote a healthy gut microbiome in individuals with T2DM, thereby improving management of the disease. This systematic literature review summarizes thirty-three CTs investigating the use of oral probiotics for the management of T2DM. Here, twenty-one studies (64%) demonstrated an improvement in at least one glycemic parameter, while fifteen studies (45%) showed an improvement in at least one lipid parameter. However, no article in this review was able to establish a uniform decrease in glycemic, lipid, or blood pressure profiles. The lack of consistency across the studies may be attributed to differences in probiotic composition, duration of probiotic consumption, and probiotic dose. An interesting finding of this literature review was the beneficial trend of metformin and probiotic co-administration. Here, patients with T2DM taking metformin demonstrated enhanced glycemic control via the co-administration of probiotics. Taken together, the overall positive findings reported across the studies in combination with minimal adverse effects constitute ground for further quality CTs. This review provides recommendations for future CTs that may address the shortcomings of the current studies and help to extract useful data from future investigations of the use of probiotics in T2DM management.
Molecular Machinery of Lipid Droplet Degradation and Turnover in Plants

Lipid droplets (LDs) are important organelles conserved across eukaryotes with a fascinating biogenesis and consumption cycle. Recent intensive research has focused on uncovering the cellular biology of LDs, with emphasis on their degradation. Briefly, two major pathways for LD degradation have been recognized: (1) lipolysis, in which lipid degradation is catalyzed by lipases on the LD surface, and (2) lipophagy, in which LDs are degraded by autophagy. Both of these pathways require the collective actions of several lipolytic and proteolytic enzymes, some of which have been purified and analyzed for their in vitro activities. Furthermore, several genes encoding these proteins have been cloned and characterized. In seed plants, seed germination is initiated by the hydrolysis of stored lipids in LDs to provide energy and carbon equivalents for the germinating seedling. However, little is known about the mechanism regulating the LD mobilization. In this review, we focus on recent progress toward understanding how lipids are degraded and the specific pathways that coordinate LD mobilization in plants, aiming to provide an accurate and detailed outline of the process. This will set the stage for future studies of LD dynamics and help to utilize LDs to their full potential.
Financial Inclusion in Rural and Urban Nigeria: A Quantitative and Qualitative Approach

The study provided insights into current realities of financial inclusion among financially vulnerable (financially illiterate and semi-literate) customers in an emerging economy. The two-phased study adopted both quantitative and qualitative methods in which cross-sectional and phenomenological approaches were used for data collection, with specific emphasis on rural-urban differentials. Data for the first phase was obtained from an urban (n=211) and rural (n=242) sample selected via a combination of purposive and convenient sampling. A structured questionnaire was utilized in eliciting relevant information from the study participants. Data for the second phase was obtained from bank managers who are key informants with professional knowledge about trends of financial inclusion in Nigeria. Quantitative outcomes showed that residential status had a significant main effect on access to marketing financial inclusion services, such that rural residents had limited access to financial inclusion services; while perceived cost of financial inclusion had a significant main effect on usage of financial inclusion services, such that perceptions of high cost of perceived inclusion resulted in less usage of financial inclusion services. Qualitative outcomes highlighted major efforts used to drive financial inclusion including financial education and financial literacy in rural Nigeria, while highlighting the prospects, problems and possible interventions.
Racine and Cedarville Cystids and Blastoids with Notes on Other Echinoderms

No adequate study of the cystids of the Cedarville dolomite of Ohio ever has been undertaken. In Volume III of the Report of the Geological Survey of Ohio, published in 1876, Caryocrinites ornatus, Gomphocystites glans, Hallicystis imago, and Holocystites abnormis are listed from Bierley's quarry, along the creek four and a half miles east of Greenville, in Darke County, Ohio. On page 417 of the same volume Holocystites cylindricus is included in the list of fossils from the Niagara group, but no locality is mentioned. However, of the species cited, Caryocrinites ornatus is restricted to the Rochester shale of New York and the adjacent parts of Canada, and, although several species of Caryocrinites occur in the Cedarville dolomite of Ohio, none of these belong to the Rochester form, all being undescribed so far. Gomphocystites glans, moreover, is a Racine species with an elongated stipe, whereas all of the specimens of Gomphocystites found so far in the Cedarville dolomite of Ohio have short stipes. Hallicystites imago is represented by typical specimens from Springfield, Ohio. Forms resembling Holocystites abnormis and H. cylindricus also are present in the Cedarville dolomite of Ohio, but have not yet been studied with sufficient care to insure their identity. On the other hand, Holocystites alter natus is represented by characteristic specimens from several localities in Ohio, and a primitive species of Holocystites was described recently (OHIO JOUR. SCIENCE, 17, p. 203, pi. 9, figs. 3 A, B, C; pi. 10, fig. 8) under the name Holocystites greenvillensis Foerste. In the same paper two cystids were described under the terms Callocystites jewetti elongata Foerste and Callocystites sphceroidalis Foerste. Recent investigations have shown, however, that the latter species is founded on the exterior of Ccelocystis subglobosus, a species already described from the Racine dolomite, the latter being founded on casts of the interior of the theca.
Middle Level Mathematics Teachers’ Problems on Linear Relationships in a Semi-Structured Problem Posing Situation

Abstract This study examines in-service mathematics teachers’ problems on linear relationships that they posed in a semi-structured problem posing situation with a group and their ideas about the factors affecting the quality of the posed problems. Eight groups of 24 teachers participated in the study. Teachers' problems, written group work, and class discussion all served as sources of data for this study. The data was mainly analyzed through qualitative methods. The results demonstrate that seven groups’ problems were invalid because the problems did not meet the given conditions in the problem posing task. Their problems mostly lacked key mathematical concepts related to linear graphs, such as linearity, slopes, and y-intercepts. In class discussion, teachers dealt with the following factors that affect the quality of posed problems: misunderstanding of the problem posing situation, making inappropriate mathematical decisions, and using improper mathematical language. This study revealed that more content-focused practices are necessary to support teachers’ problem posing skills.
Career Intentions and Their Influencing Factors Among Medical Students and Graduates in Peshawar, Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study on Brain Drain

Background and objective: Physician brain drain is of mounting concern worldwide, especially in lower-middle-income countries like Pakistan, where the healthcare sector is overworked, and the exodus of talented health professionals further deteriorates the country's health statistics. Our study's objective was to investigate the career and migration intentions of medical undergraduates and graduates in Peshawar. Design, settings, and participants: A cross-sectional self-structured questionnaire was distributed among 305 fourth- and final-year medical students and demonstrators at Khyber Medical College and graduates working as house officers, medical officers, and training medical officers at its conjugate hospital, Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar. The questionnaire consisted of four sections designed to collect demographic details, determine participants' career and migration intentions, evaluate reasons for and against migration, and assess their reasons for establishing these intentions. The data were analyzed using IBM Corp. Released 2011. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 20.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp. Results: 67.5% of our respondents intended to migrate abroad, most of whom were men. The UK emerged as the top destination for those wishing to relocate. The most common reasons participants wanted to migrate were better quality of training and research, followed by a gain in professional skills over others, and lastly, better remuneration abroad. Most of those who wished to stay back chose family ties, a desire to serve the nation, and fixing flaws in the country's healthcare system as the most influential factors behind their decision to stay back. Conclusion: The threat of brain drain is far-reaching and profound, putting Pakistan's people's health at risk. Policymakers must act to address the country's healthcare workers’ concerns.
Isolation and Characterization of the Incitant of Leaf Spot of Turmeric and in-vitro Efficacy of Native Isolate of Endophytic Bacteria

Turmeric, Curcuma longa L. is an important commercial spice crop cultivated in Meghalaya covering 2,649 ha area with 16,497 MT productions. However, the turmeric cultivation is severely affected by leaf spot disease limiting its yield. So, the present study was conducted to identify the pathogen associated with leaf spot disease of turmeric as well as to check the efficiency of bacterial endophytes in managing the disease. Based on the morphological and cultural studies, six isolates of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides were identified as the causal organism of leaf spot disease of turmeric. The isolates on PDA medium produced white to grey fluffy (raised/ flat) cottony culture with serrated margin. All the isolates produced dark brown acervuli and globular conidia with oil globules inside. Five bacterial endophytes viz., BE 1, BE 222, M1W1, NGB21 and SVC 11 were tested against C. gloeosporioides by using dual culture assay. They were able to inhibit the mycelial growth of C. gloeosporioides in the range of 35.82-68.11%. The highest percent inhibition in dual culture assay was recorded in the isolate NGB 21 (68.11%) followed by isolate BE1 (59.89%).
The State of Cardiac Rehabilitation in Saudi Arabia: Barriers, Facilitators, and Policy Implications

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a critical public health issue in Saudi Arabia, where it is the leading cause of death. The economic burden of CVD in the country is expected to triple by 2035, reaching $9.8 billion. This paper provides an overview of CVD in Saudi Arabia and its risk factors, impact on healthcare, and effects on patients' quality of life. The review emphasizes the potential of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs in addressing the CVD epidemic. CR programs have been shown to reduce morbidity, mortality, and hospital readmissions while improving patients' cardiovascular health and overall well-being. However, these programs are underutilized and inaccessible in Saudi Arabia. The paper highlights the urgent need for CR programs in the country and suggests key strategies for implementation. These include increasing patient referrals, tailoring programs to individual needs, enhancing patient education, and making CR accessible through home-based options. Fostering multidisciplinary collaboration and developing tailored guidelines for Arab countries can further enhance the impact of CR programs. In conclusion, this review underscores the vital importance of comprehensive CR programs in Saudi Arabia to combat the rising CVD burden, improve patient quality of life, and align with the goals of the Saudi 2030 Vision for a healthier society.
STUDIES ON SEASONAL VARIATIONS OF ECTOPARASITIC MITES ON HONEYBEE COLONIES IN SHIVALIK HILLS OF HIMACHAL PRADESH

During present study an attempt has been made to st udy the seasonal variations of Varroa species and Tropilaelaps clareae (delfinando and Baker) mites in Apis mellifera L. and Apis cerana F. colonies in Shivalik hills of Himachal Pradesh. Data on ectopar asitic mites revealed that the populations of Varroa species were maximum during November, whereas, peak period of Tropilaelaps clareae attack was in September, as compared to the others surveyed months of the year.
Globalization of Water: Sharing the Planet's Freshwater Resources

List of Maps. Preface. 1. Introduction. 2. How much Water is used for Producing our Goods and Services? 3. Virtual-Water Flows between Nations as a Result of Trade in Agricultural and Industrial Products. 4. Water Saving through International Trade in Agricultural Products. 5. The Water Footprints of Nations. 6. The Water Footprints of Morocco and the Netherlands. 7. Virtual- versus Real-Water Transfers within China. 8. The Water Footprint of Coffee and Tea Consumption. 9. The Water Footprint of Cotton Consumption. 10. Water as a Geopolitical Resource. 11. Efficient, Sustainable, and Equitable Water Use in a Globalized world. Appendix I. Analytical Framework for the Assessment of Virtual-Water content, Virtual-Water Flows, Water Savings, Water Footprints, and Water Dependencies. Appendix II. Virtual-Water Flows per Country Related to International Trade in Crop, Livestock, and Industrial Products. Appendix III. National Water Savings and Losses due to Trade in Agricultural Products. Appendix IV. Water Footprints of Nations. Appendix V. Water Footprint versus Water Scarcity, Self-Sufficiency, and Water Import Dependency per Country. Glossary. References. Index
Plant‐based meat alternatives in South Africa: An analysis of products on supermarket shelves

Abstract All over the world, the development of products that resemble meat but contain predominantly plant‐sourced ingredients is a prime focus. Meat obtained by rearing animals is associated with a range of important issues related to the sustainability of the planet. Locally, the topic is trending and the cause of various debates among industry role players. This study aimed to explore and analyze plant‐based meat alternative (PBMA) products in the South African retail market as well as review internal (nutritional content and ingredients) and external (country of origin, cost/kg, and label claims) factors of the products. This study also compared the nutritional content of PBMA and comparative meat products. Seventy‐eight PBMA products were included: plant‐based sausages (n = 23), burgers (n = 31), chicken‐style (n = 11), mince (n = 8), and an “other” (n = 5) category providing for a variety of product lines. Information from product packaging (total fat, saturated fat, fiber, protein, sugar, sodium, carbohydrates, and energy density) was extracted for all PBMA (n = 78) and comparative meat product lines (n = 28). Meat products tended to be comparatively higher in saturated fat, while PBMAs were higher in carbohydrate, sugar, and dietary fiber content. Sodium content of plant‐based mince was approximately five times higher than beef mince. On‐pack claims for PBMAs included vegetarian/vegan/plant based (80% of products), high in/source of protein (48%), containing no genetically modified organisms (GMOs; 16%), and gluten free (26%). The plant protein trend has prompted innovation in PBMAs, however, wide nutrient ranges and higher sodium levels highlight the importance of nutrition guidelines for their development to ensure healthier product offerings to consumers. The findings of this study may assist in exploration of consumers' preferences/attitudes or engagement with PBMA products, which could, in turn, guide new product development within the category. However, information about possible barriers, drivers, consumer expectations, and attitudes toward these products is also required.
How the Spreading and Intensity of Interictal Epileptic Activity Are Associated with Visuo-Spatial Skills in Children with Self-Limited Focal Epilepsy with Centro-Temporal Spikes

This paper investigates brain–behaviour associations between interictal epileptic discharges and cognitive performance in a population of children with self-limited focal epilepsy with centro-temporal spikes (SeLECTS). Sixteen patients with SeLECTS underwent an extensive neuropsychological assessment, including verbal short-term and episodic memory, non-verbal short-term memory, attentional abilities and executive function. Two quantitative EEG indices were analysed, i.e., the Spike Wave Index (SWI) and the Spike Wave Frequency (SWF), and one qualitative EEG index, i.e., the EEG score, was used to evaluate the spreading of focal SW to other parts of the brain. We investigated associations between EEG indices and neuropsychological performance with non-parametric Spearman correlation analyses, including correction for multiple comparisons. The results showed a significant negative correlation between (i) the awake EEG score and the Block Tapping Test, a visuo-spatial short-term memory task, and (ii) the sleep SWI and the Tower of London, a visuo-spatial planning task (pcorr < 0.05). These findings suggest that, in addition to the usual quantitative EEG indices, the EEG analysis should include the qualitative EEG score evaluating the spreading of focal SW to other parts of the brain and that neuropsychological assessment should include visuo-spatial skills.
Shortcut‐to‐Adiabatic Controlled‐Phase Gate in Rydberg Atoms

A shortcut‐to‐adiabatic protocol for the realization of a fast and high‐fidelity controlled‐phase gate in Rydberg atoms is developed. The adiabatic state transfer, driven in the high‐blockade limit, is sped up by compensating nonadiabatic transitions via oscillating fields that mimic a counterdiabatic Hamiltonian. High fidelities are obtained in wide parameter regions. The implementation of the bare effective counterdiabatic field, without original adiabatic pulses, enables to bypass gate errors produced by the accumulation of blockade‐dependent dynamical phases, making the protocol efficient also at low blockade values. As an application toward quantum algorithms, how the fidelity of the gate impacts the efficiency of a minimal quantum‐error correction circuit is analyzed.
Implications of the distribution of seismicity near Lake Bogoria in the Kenya Rift

SUMMARY Previous seismicity studies in the Kenya Rift have not been able to determine accurately depths of earthquakes, nor have most of them determined epicentres precisely enough to allow correlation of the seismicity with particular surface features. We operated a small dense seismic array for 3 months near Lake Bogoria in the Kenya Rift with the aim of locating microearthquakes in 3-D. 572 earthquakes, 81 per cent with ML < 1.0, have been located. The majority of the events are associated with the larger older faults on the Rift shoulder rather than the young ‘grid’ faults in the centre of the Rift. Seismic activity in the central trough cannot be related directly to the surface faulting; we infer that it indicates the presence of deep buried faults. This possibility has important implications for extension estimates and models of the Rift. Most of the activity occurs at depths less than 12 km, and no normal activity is deeper than 16 km. There is a peak in seismic activity at a depth of 9–10 km and the cut-off depth for brittle failure is taken at 12 km. The depth distribution of these earthquakes is similar to that found in other intracontinental areas with similar heat flow which suggests that the crust beneath the Kenya Rift is of normal rheology.