Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pomegranate Extract Affects Fungal Biofilm Production: Consumption of Phenolic Compounds and Alteration of Fungal Autoinducers Release

Candida albicans expresses numerous virulence factors that contribute to pathogenesis, including its dimorphic transition and even biofilm formation, through the release of specific quorum sensing molecules, such as the autoinducers (AI) tyrosol and farnesol. In particular, once organized as biofilm, Candida cells can elude conventional antifungal therapies and the host’s immune defenses as well. Accordingly, biofilm-associated infections become a major clinical challenge underlining the need of innovative antimicrobial approaches. The aim of this in vitro study was to assess the effects of pomegranate peel extract (PomeGr) on C. albicans growth and biofilm formation; in addition, the release of tyrosol and farnesol was investigated. The phenolic profile of PomeGr was assessed by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS) analysis before and after exposure to C. albicans. Here, we showed that fungal growth, biofilm formation and AI release were altered by PomeGr treatment. Moreover, the phenolic content of PomeGr was substantially hampered upon exposure to fungal cells; particularly pedunculagin, punicalin, punicalagin, granatin, di-(HHDP-galloyl-hexoside)-pentoside and their isomers as well as ellagic acid–hexoside appeared highly consumed, suggesting their role as bioactive molecules against Candida. Overall, these new insights on the anti-Candida properties of PomeGr and its potential mechanisms of action may represent a relevant step in the design of novel therapeutic approaches against fungal infections.
Boltzmann equations for preheating

We derive quantum Boltzmann equations for preheating by means of the density matrix formalism, which account for both the non-adiabatic particle production and the leading collisional processes between the produced particles. In so doing, we illustrate the pivotal role played by pair correlations in mediating the particle production. In addition, by numerically solving the relevant system of Boltzmann equations, we demonstrate that collisional processes lead to a suppression of the growth of the number density even at the very early stages of preheating.
A Robust Personalized Classification Method for Breast Cancer Metastasis Prediction

Simple Summary Accurate prediction of breast cancer metastasis risks using gene expression data and machine learning can help improve cancer treatment and overall survival. However, breast cancer can be categorized into multiple subtypes, and a single predictive model may not work well for all patients. In this work, we propose a computational method to construct personalized models, where the key is to select a group of patients to train a different model for each testing patient. Experimental results on multiple datasets showed that the proposed method, termed Personalized Classifier with Multiple Thresholds (PCMT), achieved significantly better prediction accuracy than existing algorithms that train classifiers using all available patients or using patients belonging to a predefined subtype. In addition, the top features identified by PCMT are robust across different datasets, and include genes that are well known to be associated with subtype-specific metastasis. Abstract Accurate prediction of breast cancer metastasis in the early stages of cancer diagnosis is crucial to reduce cancer-related deaths. With the availability of gene expression datasets, many machine-learning models have been proposed to predict breast cancer metastasis using thousands of genes simultaneously. However, the prediction accuracy of the models using gene expression often suffers from the diverse molecular characteristics across different datasets. Additionally, breast cancer is known to have many subtypes, which hinders the performance of the models aimed at all subtypes. To overcome the heterogeneous nature of breast cancer, we propose a method to obtain personalized classifiers that are trained on subsets of patients selected using the similarities between training and testing patients. Results on multiple independent datasets showed that our proposed approach significantly improved prediction accuracy compared to the models trained on the complete training dataset and models trained on specific cancer subtypes. Our results also showed that personalized classifiers trained on positively and negatively correlated patients outperformed classifiers trained only on positively correlated patients, highlighting the importance of selecting proper patient subsets for constructing personalized classifiers. Additionally, our proposed approach obtained more robust features than the other models and identified different features for different patients, making it a promising tool for designing personalized medicine for cancer patients.
Improving the Structural Changes, Electrophoretic Pattern, and Quality Attributes of Spent Hen Meat Patties by Using Kiwi and Pineapple Extracts

Spent broiler hen meat is sold at a lower price, owing to its poor texture and lower acceptability, in comparison with broiler meat. The tenderization of spent hen meat using kiwi and pineapple extracts will encourage meat processors to use this less expensive meat as a new source of raw materials for the production of different chicken meat-derived products, particularly when solving the problem associated with a great shortage of raw chicken meat materials. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of kiwi extracts (5 and 7%), pineapple extracts (5 and 7%), and a combination between the two (5% kiwi and 5% pineapple) on the structural changes, electrophoretic pattern, and quality attributes of spent hen meat patties. The results demonstrated that all extract-treated meat patties exhibited a significant decrease in collagen content and shear force value, a significant increase in collagen solubility percentage, and significant improvements to all sensory attributes, in contrast to their counterpart control samples. Additionally, a non-significant change in lightness and yellowness values and a significant increase in redness value were observed in all extract-treated specimens. Moreover, the treatment of spent hen meat patties with kiwi and pineapple extracts resulted in marked degenerative changes of the muscle fiber and connective tissue, as well as a decrease in protein bands, with subsequent enhancement in tenderness. The effect was more highlighted in specimens treated with pineapple extracts (7%) and with kiwi (5%) and pineapple extracts mixture (5%).
Predicting Malignant Lymph Nodes Using a Novel Scoring System Based on Multi-Endobronchial Ultrasound Features

Simple Summary Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) features help differentiate between benign and malignant lymph nodes (MLNs) during transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA). B-, power/color Doppler, and elastography modes are used during EBUS-TBNA. However, only few studies have assessed them simultaneously. This study evaluated multi-EBUS features (B-, power/color Doppler, and elastography modes) and established a novel scoring system. Multivariable analysis revealed that short axis (>1 cm), heterogeneous echogenicity, absence of central hilar structure, presence of coagulation necrosis sign, and blue-dominant elastographic images were independent predictors of MLNs. At three or more EBUS features predicting MLNs, our scoring system had high sensitivity and specificity (77.9 and 91.8%, respectively). The area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) was 0.894 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.868–0.920), higher than that of B-mode features alone (AUC: 0.840 (95% CI: 0.807–0.873)). Our novel scoring system could predict MLNs more accurately than B-mode features alone. Abstract Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) features with B-, power/color Doppler, and elastography modes help differentiate between benign and malignant lymph nodes (MLNs) during transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA); however, only few studies have assessed them simultaneously. We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of each EBUS feature and aimed to establish a scoring system to predict MLNs. EBUS features of consecutive patients and final diagnosis per lymph node (LN) were examined retrospectively. In total, 594 LNs from 301 patients were analyzed. Univariable analyses revealed that EBUS features, except for round shape, could differentiate MLNs from benign LNs. Multivariable analysis revealed that short axis (>1 cm), heterogeneous echogenicity, absence of central hilar structure, presence of coagulation necrosis sign, and blue-dominant elastographic images were independent predictors of MLNs. At three or more EBUS features predicting MLNs, our scoring system had high sensitivity (77.9%) and specificity (91.8%). The area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) was 0.894 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.868–0.920), which was higher than that of B-mode features alone (AUC: 0.840 (95% CI: 0.807–0.873)). The novel scoring system could predict MLNs more accurately than B-mode features alone. Multi-EBUS features may increase EBUS-TBNA efficiency for LN evaluation.
Proprietary Knowledge Protection and Product Market Performance

Abstract Does proprietary knowledge protection (PKP) spur or hinder the product-market performance of new firms? Exploiting the staggered adoptions of the inevitable disclosure doctrine by U.S. State Courts, which enhance PKP, we show that treated firms increase industry-adjusted sales growth by 2% compared to control firms. The effect is concentrated among small and young firms and increases with the scope of proprietary knowledge and rivals’ access to external finance. PKP encourages firms to develop new products and stimulates initial public offering activity. Our results suggest that PKP alleviates predation risk associated with “deep-pocket” rivals by allowing firms to maintain competitive advantages.
DO PEER BANKS AFFECT ISLAMIC BANK FINANCIAL LEVERAGE DECISIONS?

This research aims to analyze the influence of peer banks on Islamic banks financial leverage decisions. The empirical model was tested using fixed-effect panel data regression with robust standard error and the data of Islamic banks in Indonesia for the years 2007-2020. The results of this study show that peer banks have a significant positive effect on Islamic bank financial leverage decisions, and it is robust during the global financial crisis. The positive impact of peer banks on Islamic bank financial leverage shows that the higher the financial leverage of the peer banks will make the Islamic bank raises its financial leverage. This research contributes to the literature and policymakers on the presence of peer banks effect, especially in Islamic bank financial leverage decisions. Islamic bank financial leverage decisions are not only affected by the circumstances of the Islamic bank itself but are also influenced by other Islamic banks' behavior.
Ultimate Internets

In a previous paper (gr-qc/0103002), the inflationary universe was described as a quantum growing network (QGN). Here, we propose our view of the QGN as the "ultimate Internet", as it saturates the quantum limits to computation. Also, we enlight some features of the QGN which are related to: i) the problem of causality at the Planck scale, ii) the quantum computational aspects of spacetime foam and decoherence, iii) the cosmological constant problem, iv) the "information loss" puzzle. The resulting picture is a self-organizing system of ultimate Internet-universes.
Papaloizou-Pringle instability suppression by the magnetorotational instability in relativistic accretion discs

Geometrically thick tori with constant specific angular momentum have been widely used in the last decades to construct numerical models of accretion flows onto black holes. Such discs are prone to a global non-axisymmetric hydrodynamic instability, known as Papaloizou-Pringle instability (PPI), which can redistribute angular momentum and also lead to an emission of gravitational waves. It is, however, not clear yet how the development of the PPI is affected by the presence of a magnetic field and by the concurrent development of the magnetorotational instability (MRI). We present a numerical analysis using three-dimensional GRMHD simulations of the interplay between the PPI and the MRI considering, for the first time, an analytical magnetized equilibrium solution as initial condition. In the purely hydrodynamic case, the PPI selects as expected the large-scale $m=1$ azimuthal mode as the fastest growing and non-linearly dominant mode. However, when the torus is threaded by a weak toroidal magnetic field, the development of the MRI leads to the suppression of large-scale modes and redistributes power across smaller scales. If the system starts with a significantly excited $m=1$ mode, the PPI can be dominant in a transient phase, before being ultimately quenched by the MRI. Such dynamics may well be important in compact star mergers and tidal disruption events.
Hypoglycemic Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Carum carvi L. Seeds in Normal and Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats

Background: Herbal medicine has been used for many years by different cultures around the world for the treatment of diabetes. Objective: The hypoglycemic effect of caraway ethanolic extract (Carum carvi L.) was investigated in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Methods: Intraperitoneal administration of caraway ethanolic extract seeds (0.1, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 g/kg body wt.) on the level of serum glucose and insulin in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were evaluated. Before administration and 1, 3 and 5 h after administrations of the ethanolic extract, blood samples were drawn from the retro-orbital sinus. Serum glucose and insulin levels were determined. Results: The results showed that the caraway ethanolic extract seeds at doses 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 g/kg body wt. significantly decreased serum glucose and insulin in diabetic rats in 3 and 5 h but not in healthy rats. Conclusions: It could be proofed that the traditional use of caraway as a hypoglycemic agent is justified and that extract from this plant show a dose-dependent hypoglycemic activity.
Path Data in Marketing: A Case Study of Broiler Chickens’ Partnership System in Kediri Regency, Indonesia

The study aimed to determine the distribution and marketing channels of the broiler chickens’ partnership system in Kediri Regency, Indonesia. Data were collected from July to August 2020. The respondents used in this study were plasma farmers and marketing agencies involved in the marketing of broiler chickens. The analytical model used in this research is a descriptive analysis of marketing channels from producers to consumers and an analysis of marketing efficiency. The results showed that there were five marketing distribution channels. Distribution channel 1 consisted of plasma farmers, core companies, wholesalers, intermediate traders, retailers, and consumers. Distribution channel 2 consisted of plasma farmers, core companies, wholesalers, intermediate traders, and consumers. Distribution channel 3 consisted of plasma farmers, core companies, wholesalers, retailers, and consumers. Distribution channel 4 consisted of plasma farmers, core companies, wholesalers, and consumers. Distribution channel 5 consisted of plasma farmers, core companies, intermediate traders, retailers, and consumers. The marketing margins for distribution channels 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 were IDR 2,250/kg, IDR 1,600/kg, IDR 1,200/kg, IDR 1,500/kg, and IDR 1,950/kg, respectively.
Transverse mode of an atom laser

The transverse mode of an atom laser beam that is outcoupled from a Bose\char21{}Einstein condensate is investigated and is found to be strongly determined by the mean-field interaction of the laser beam with the condensate. For repulsive interactions, the condensate acts as a diverging lens for the outcoupled atoms, and transverse interference fringes in the atomic beam are predicted due to the coherent addition of amplitudes for atoms emitted from different regions in the condensate. This effect can be used to investigate the transverse coherence of an atom laser beam.
Optical Properties of Vanadium in 4
H
 Silicon Carbide for Quantum Technology

We study the optical properties of tetravalent vanadium impurities in 4H silicon carbide (4H SiC). Emission from two crystalline sites is observed at wavelengths of 1.28 \mum and 1.33 \mum, with optical lifetimes of 163 ns and 43 ns. Group theory and ab initio density functional supercell calculations enable unequivocal site assignment and shed light on the spectral features of the defects. We conclude with a brief outlook on applications in quantum photonics.
DIFFERENCES IN GRAIN YIELD AND GRAIN QUALITY TRAITS OF WINTER TRITICALE DEPENDING ON THE VARIETY, FERTILIZER AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

The research conducted in the north of Montenegro in the period from 2017-2019 aimed to examine the impact of different fertilizer variants on the yield and grain quality traits in four varieties of winter triticale. The research included the control and three variants of nitrogen fertilization: 60 kg ha -1 (N 1 ), 100 kg ha -1 (N 2 ) and 120 kg ha -1 (N 3 ). In all fertilizer variants, in addition to nitrogen, another 100 kg of ha -1 phosphorus and potassium were used. The results of the research showed that all examined varieties reacted positively to the application of mineral nutrition both by changing the productive characteristics and by changing the grain quality. The greatest positive effect on all examined parameters that affect productivity had the variant of fertilization in which nitrogen was used in the amount of 120 kg ha -1 . The variety PKB Vožd had the highest yield (5.79 t ha -1 ) in both years of research, while the cultivar Favorit had the lowest yield (4.67 t ha -1 ). The variance analysis clearly indicated that the individual effects of variety and fertilization, as well as the effects of the interaction between variety x fertilization and fertilization x year on grain yield in the examined winter triticale varieties were significant (p<0.01).
Instructional Leadership and Its Effect on StudentsÃ¢ÂÂ Academic Performance

Introduction: Leadership in schools has been a major cause for concern, not only in our Jamaican society, but on a global level. Leaders are metaphorically viewed as anchors, as they are totally responsible for the success of their organization. Objectives: The aim of the current research is to: evaluate the role of instructional leadership on academic performance of students; Assess how instructional leadership influence on teachers’ instructions; evaluate instructional leadership and typology of school, and explore instructional leadership in secondary educational institutions in St. Andrew, Jamaica. Methods: This research employed mixed methodology. Survey research and phenomenological research methodologies were employed to investigate the topic. The sample comprised of one hundred teachers and administrators at two secondary educational institutions in Kingston and St. Andrew. For the quantitative data, these were recorded, retrieved, and analysed using the Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences for Windows (Version 21.0). The qualitative data were analyzed using thematic identifications and narrations. A p value of 5% was used to establish statistical associations. Findings: The majority of the respondents were females (69%), non-senior teachers (68%), and have been teaching for 4-10 years (43%). A positively weak statistical correlation existed between the performance of students and instructional leadership, with only 1.4% of the variance in academic performance students can be accounted for by instructional leaderships. Conclusion: The discourse of instructional leadership accounting for high academic achievement of students does not exist in this study, and this provides a platform for further examination of the issue from the perspective of instructional leadership and other variables.
Unity gain and nonunity gain quantum teleportation

We investigate continuous variable quantum teleportation. We discuss the methods presently used to characterize teleportation in this regime, and propose an extension of the measures proposed by Grangier and Grosshans , and Ralph and Lam . This new measure, the gain normalized conditional variance product M, turns out to be highly significant for continuous variable entanglement swapping procedures, which we examine using a necessary and sufficient criterion for entanglement. We elaborate on our recent experimental continuous variable quantum teleportation results , demonstrating success over a wide range of teleportation gains. We analyze our results using fidelity; signal transfer, and the conditional variance product; and a measure derived in this paper, the gain normalized conditional variance product.
DISCOVERY AND MONITORING OF A NEW BLACK HOLE CANDIDATE XTE J1752−223 WITH RXTE: RMS SPECTRUM EVOLUTION, BLACK HOLE MASS, AND THE SOURCE DISTANCE

We report on the discovery and monitoring observations of a new galactic black hole (BH) candidate XTE J1752−223 by Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE). The new source appeared on the X-ray sky on 2009 October 21 and was active for almost 8 months. Phenomenologically, the source exhibited the low-hard/high-soft spectral state bi-modality and the variability evolution during the state transition that matches standard behavior expected from a stellar mass BH binary. We model the energy spectrum throughout the outburst using a generic Comptonization model assuming that part of the input soft radiation in the form of a blackbody spectrum gets reprocessed in the Comptonizing medium. We follow the evolution of fractional root-mean-square (rms) variability in the RXTE/PCA energy band with the source spectral state and conclude that broadband variability is strongly correlated with the source hardness (or Comptonized fraction). We follow changes in the energy distribution of rms variability during the low-hard state and the state transition, and find further evidence that variable emission is strongly concentrated in the power-law spectral component. We discuss the implication of our results to the Comptonization regimes during different spectral states. Correlations of spectral and variability properties provide measurements of the BH mass and distance to the source. The spectral-timing correlation scaling technique applied to the RXTE observations during the hard-to-soft state transition indicates a mass of the BH in XTE J1752−223 between 8 and 11 solar masses and a distance to the source of about 3.5 kpc.