Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Attenuation of Sinapic Acid and Sinapine-derived Flavor-active Compounds Using a Factorial-based Pressurized High-temperature Processing

De-oiled canola meals are sources of protein-containing flavor-active phenolic compounds. Conventional canola oil processing utilizes an excess amount of solvents and is associated with the release of high-intensity bitter flavor-active phenolic compounds, limiting the use of the canola meal. Recent advances in the extraction and isolation of the bitter favor-active phenolic compounds from canola by-products produce protein isolates, however, would benefit the industry by producing a side-stream ingredient rich in phenolics. High temperature and pressure-aided processing, namely the accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) was investigated to extract the flavor-active bitter molecules from the canola meal. The extractability of flavor-active phenolic compounds including the major sinapates, kaempferol derivatives, and other thermo-generative compounds including thomasidioc acid (TA) was evaluated. The effects of temperature, solvent extractant and concentration, and the particle size of the meal, were examined on the extraction efficiency of these phenolic compounds. Extraction temperature (180oC) was the primary determinant (p<0.05) for the attenuation of major sinapates including sinapine and sinapic acid. Both ethanol and methanol extractants at a concentration of 70% (v/v) significantly (p<0.05) extracted the flavor-active phenolic compounds. The pressurized high temperature through optimized ASE conditions attenuated the bitter undesirable flavor-active phenolic molecules from canola meal thereby facilitating a potential value-added phenolic-rich by-product.
An Exterior Neumann Boundary-Value Problem for the Div-Curl System and Applications

We investigate a generalization of the equation curlw→=g→ to an arbitrary number n of dimensions, which is based on the well-known Moisil–Teodorescu differential operator. Explicit solutions are derived for a particular problem in bounded domains of Rn using classical operators from Clifford analysis. In the physically significant case n=3, two explicit solutions to the div-curl system in exterior domains of R3 are obtained following different constructions of hyper-conjugate harmonic pairs. One of the constructions hinges on the use of a radial integral operator introduced recently in the literature. An exterior Neumann boundary-value problem is considered for the div-curl system. That system is conveniently reduced to a Neumann boundary-value problem for the Laplace equation in exterior domains. Some results on its uniqueness and regularity are derived. Finally, some applications to the construction of solutions of the inhomogeneous Lamé–Navier equation in bounded and unbounded domains are discussed.
Possible Selves and Academic Motivation in Russian and American College Students

The study presents the relationship between the positive and negative possible selves in the academic domain and academic motivation. Despite the fact that previous studies have noted the motivating potential of possible selves, the relationship between the attributes of possible selves and academic motivation has not been subjected to conscious scrutiny. The sample was formed with 361 participants, Russian (Moscow, HSE University) and American (Miami, Florida International University) college students. The Possible Selves Questionnaire and the Academic Motivation Scale were applied. It was found that Russian and American students that have a significant positive possible self in the academic domain have a higher motivation to accomplish things compared to those who do not have this image of the future. It was demonstrated that among Russian students attributes of positive possible selves (time spent thinking, actual achievement strategies, obstacles) are connected with self-development motivation. American students are characterized by interrelationships between attributes of positive possible selves (time spent thinking, perceived efficacy, outcome expectancy, importance, obstacles) and motivation to accomplish things, as well as partly other types of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. The Russian students did not demonstrate any significant interrelationships between attributes of negative possible selves and academic motivation, while the Americans revealed the interrelationships between the outcome expectancy to avoid a negative possible self and motivation to accomplish things, as well as introjected motivation. The research results are discussed from the self-regulation perspective and in the context of socio-cultural differences.
Teaching English to young children as an innovative practice: Kuwaiti public kindergarten teachers’ beliefs

Abstract Globalization has driven the popularity of teaching English as a lingua franca. In Kuwait, expanding the teaching and learning of English to include public kindergarten schools would be an innovative practice, which would bring great expected learning outcomes. First, it would help children achieve more native-like pronunciation. Second, it would consolidate the notion that English is the language of study at later stages of education. To achieve these high expectations, it is important to explore the beliefs of Kuwaiti kindergarten teachers about teaching English. For the purpose of the study, 90 female Kuwaiti teachers whose first language is Arabic were randomly selected from three educational districts to respond to a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire. SPSS was used to calculate percentages, means and standard deviations. ANOVA and t-test were applied to identify significant differences with reference to the study variables (affiliation, experience, and educational district). The results indicated that kindergarten teachers believed strongly in the importance of teaching English to children at kindergarten stage. They reaffirmed the importance of children learning English as a global language as a means to empowerment and improved international communication. However, teachers were concerned that learning a foreign language at a young age may have a negative impact on their mother-tongue Arabic, especially their writing skills. The results identified significant differences with reference to participant affiliation and years of experience. Finally, the study concluded with some recommendations.
Exploration of the Underlying Nutritional, Inflammatory and Oxidative Stress Pathological Mechanisms in Preeclampsia using Principal Component Analysis

Normal pregnancy is characterized by a mild systemic inflammatory response and progressive increase in serum inflammatory cytokines that peak in the third trimester. During pregnancy pre-existing inflammatory conditions, acquired oxidative stress arising from the placenta malfunction and nutritional deficiencies can trigger intense systemic responses that lead to endothelial activation, dysfunction and preeclampsia. We investigated the principal nutritional, oxidative and inflammatory pathways that trigger the clinical manifestation of preeclampsia. This case-control study included 250 women with preeclampsia and 150 normotensive pregnant women. Urinary Iodine concentration (IUC) and serum levels of Ferritin, Thyroid-stimulating Hormone (TSH), selenium, Nitric Oxide (NO) gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), Rheumatoid factor, and high sense C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) of cases and controls were compared using the student’s t and the Mann-Whitney U tests. Principal component analysis was carried out to delineate the patterns of association between nutritional, inflammatory and oxidative markers and preeclampsia. The main pathophysiological pathways identified were the interactions between selenium/iodine deficiency and elevated serum TSH (endothelial dysfunction); serum ferritin, GGT, CRP and low urinary iodine concentration (inflammatory oxidative stress); elevated serum hs-CRP and Rheumatoid factor subclinical inflammation and immune cell activation) and high T3/T4 ratio (acute TSH stimulation of thyroid with low thyroid iodine stores) Combined selenium and iodine deficiency resulting into elevated TSH, low NO and preferential T3 secretion; acute inflammatory conditions associated with elevated serum GGT, CRP, and Ferritin; and subclinical inflammatory conditions characterized by autoimmunity are some of the major oxidant and inflammatory pathways associated with increased risk of preeclampsia.
COFFEE CONSUMPTION MAY DECREASE THE SERUM CREATININE AND PLASMA MALONDIALDEHYDE LEVELS IN RATS WITH HYPERURICEMIA INDUCED BY A HIGH PURINE DIET

The aim of this research was to determine the effect of coffee on creatinine and plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) level in rats fed on high purine diet. A total of 24 male Wistar rats divided into 4 groups of 6 rats each. Beef broth were given to 3 groups (K1, P1, P2) for thirty days. Beef broth administration were followed by giving coffee (caffeinated= P1 or by a decaffeinated= P2, 144 mg/200 g BW). Serum creatinine levels and plasma MDA were examined periodically on day 0, 15, and 30. Data were analyzed by multivariate analysis of variance or MANOVA test (CI= 95%, P0.05). Coffee administration (caffeinated and decaffeinated) may decrease the serum creatinine (day-30, K1= 3.17+ 0.69; P1= 1.63+0.11; P2= 1.14+0.08) and MDA levels (day-30, K1= 9.8+0.28; P1= 5.80+0.55, P2= 3.87+3.26) after 30 days of treatment (P= 0.000 for creatinine and MDA levels in K1, P1, P2 groups). A lower serum creatinine and MDA levels can be found in decaffeinated coffee grup. Coffee consumption for 30 days (especially decaffeinated) may decrease serum creatinine and plasma MDA in rat induced by a high purine diet.
Mechanical, Curing Parameters and Water Absorption of Hybrid Date Palm Leaf-Orange Peel Fibers Reinforced Unsaturated Polyester Composites

In this study, polymer-hybrid natural fibers composites were prepared using unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) as the matrix and a filler using date palm leaf fiber (DPLF) and orange peel fiber (OPF). The effect of DPLF and OPF on mechanical behavior (tensile strength and elongation at break), moisture absorption, UPR gel time (tgel) and peak exothermic temperature (Tpeak) were determined. The composites of UPR reinforced with DPLF and OPF were processed by hand lay-up technique. The UPR weight fraction was maintained at 90%, and DPLF/OPF proportions varied so that the percentage of natural fiber was 10 wt%. Seven (07) composites were prepared (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6 and C7) with different DPLF:OPF ratios (0:0, 1:0, 0.75:0.25, 0.5:0.5, 0.33:0.67, 0.25:0.75, 0:1) respectively in order to screen the possible interactions. DPLF were surface modified using 6% Alkali treatment, OPF were used without surface modification. Unlike DPLF, OPF showed considerable increase of UPR tgel and Tpeak which act as natural inhibitor. Tensile strength and fracture strength were also impacted negatively and positively depending on the different fiber proportions. Absorption tests showed a decrease in the composites hydrophobicity which increases significantly with higher DPLF proportions.
Inclusion of Shipping in the EU-ETS: Assessing the Direct Costs for the Maritime Sector Using the MRV Data

This paper aims to assess the direct economic impact on the maritime sector from its inclusion in the European Union-Emission Trading System (EU-ETS). The Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) data are analysed for the estimation of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions within the European Economic Area (EEA). The economic impact assessment model used is scenario-based, and includes different price incentives, geographical coverage and emission allowances allocation methods. According to our findings, in case the emission allowances are fully auctioned or partially free allocated on the basis of a uniform benchmark, the increased costs would be disproportional among the maritime segments. Such a scheme would penalise Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) and Roll-On/Roll-Off/Passenger (RoPax) segments due their high fuel consumption per transport work in relation to oil tankers and bulkers. The establishment of differentiated benchmarks per segment seems to be a prerequisite for the effective inclusion of shipping in the EU-ETS that will reward energy efficient vessels in each segment and avoid competition distortion within the maritime industry.
Enhancing Second Language Incidental Vocabulary Learning Through Technology

The emergence of digital learning environments has resulted in remarkable interest to researchers and professionals in pursuit of finding effective second language learning and teaching methodologies with the help of technology. Hence, this study intended to investigate whether different multimedia annotation modalities (i.e., L1 definition, L2 definition + audio, L2 definition + image) have different effects on enhancing L2 incidental vocabulary learning. Language learning and technology have received particular attention for quite some time now, yet, a critical review of earlier research led to the identification of a research gap as there was no previous research on settings where participants’ first language was Albanian. The nature and focus of research questions required the use of a quantitative deductive approach. More specifically, the study employed a quantitative quasi-experimental design with the utilization of a pre-test and an immediate post-test. Fifteen-year-old pupils at a secondary school read a second language text under different annotation conditions. Independent and paired samples t-tests were utilized in analyzing data collected through an immediate word recognition test. The findings yielded evidence that L1 definition and L2 definition + image is more effective in enhancing L2 incidental vocabulary learning compared to non-multimedia reading environment and L2 definition + audio, therefore providing positive pedagogical implications for the application of technology in developing second language incidental vocabulary learning. Received: 8 March 2021 / Accepted: 26 May 2021 / Published: 8 July 2021
The Roles of Supervisory Support and Involvement in Influencing Scientists’ Job Satisfaction to Ensure the Achievement of SDGs in Academic Organizations

Job satisfaction is the focus of this study, given its strategic importance, both to generate differentiation and competitive advantages, and to promote better and more sustainable results in organizations. Guided by the Affective Events Theory (AET), the interest is in analyzing the direct and indirect effects of supervisory support and involvement on job satisfaction and highlighting the implications of the academics’ emotions for sustainability-related policies and practices in academic environments. The context selected is the higher education (HE) sector in Malaysia for science disciplines, due to its socio-economic relevance and its direct link to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4), as well as to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A sample of 579 scientists were selected randomly and the analysis was carried out based on partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) methodology. Our results supported the hypotheses postulated in the study and especially highlighted the effects of supervisory support and positive affect on job satisfaction, as well as the effect of interpersonal conflict on negative affect. In terms of implications, policy makers at ministry level are advised to consider introducing directives which promote a climate of emotional safety and trust in academic institutions, to achieve the SDGs more effectively and efficiently. At the university level, and given the relevance of the observed effects, academic leaders are recommended to contemplate improving university environments in some way that reduces levels of negative work events (interpersonal conflict in our case). This is crucial as the negative work events can trigger negative emotions, which in turn cause scientists’ job dissatisfaction.
Parents' Well-Being and Emotion Regulation During Infancy: The Mediating Effects of Coping

New parents' emotional experiences and coping strategies vary by individual and contextual factors such that the efficacy of a coping strategy might depend on their context and the control a person has over each stressor. This is particularly true during the transition to parenthood, when there are numerous stressors parents have limited control over (e.g., sleepless nights, infant distress, and irregular feeding routines). The current study examines the associations between new parents' ( n = 188; 53.23% fathers) perceived stress, mental well-being, coping strategies, and emotion regulation during the transition to parenthood through path analysis. Overall model fit was excellent and indicated that parents' perceived stress was negatively associated with mental well-being and active coping strategy usage, and positively associated with behavioral disengagement strategy usage and difficulties with emotion regulation. Interestingly, parents' mental well-being was positively associated with the use of both active coping and behavioral disengagement strategies (and had no direct association with emotion regulation). Finally, active coping was negatively associated, and behavioral disengagement was positively associated, with emotion regulation difficulties. Family therapists and other mental health practitioners could adjust assessment practices for new families, as the evidence presented calls for context-based assessments of adaptation and coping supports during the transition to parenthood.
Preparation of Semi IPNs-Hydrogel Composite for Removing Congo Red and Bismarck Brown Y from Wastewater: Kinetic and Thermodynamic Study

Modified acrylamide-based semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) hydrogel composites were prepared for Congo red (CR) and Bismarck brown Y (BBY) dyes adsorption from aqueous solutions. Adsorption for both dyes were studied in batch mode and results show adsorption highly dependent on concentration, solution pH and contact time. The prepared hydrogels exhibited a high adsorption capability. Also, the kinetic studies indicated that the adsorption of dyes followed the pseudo-second-order model and was found to match well with the Langmuir isotherm model. Thermodynamic studies showed that the adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic in nature. The prepared hydrogel composites also exhibit good regeneration efficiency for the four successive adsorption-desorption cycles. Based on these analyses, it can be concluded that these adsorbents be acted as an efficient option for the removal of contaminant dyes from aqueous solutions.
Algorithmic personalization of source cues in the filter bubble: Self-esteem and self-construal impact information exposure

How do users pick out online information sources? Building on a self-regulation perspective to media use, this study investigates routes to self-enhancement (i.e. state self-esteem [SSE] increase) through selective exposure to sources of political online information. Personal-self importance (PSI) and social-self importance (SSI) were conceptualized as moderators of self-enhancement. An experiment mimicked the filter bubble, as participants (n = 88) browsed only attitude-aligned political content. The experiment varied source cues, with two (of eight) bylines displaying individual participants’ name initials as author initials. The selective exposure time participants spent on messages from same-initials authors was logged to capture egotism (based on the well-established name-letter effect). Pre-exposure SSE influenced self-enhancement, contingent upon both PSI and SSI. Perceived source similarity affected post-exposure SSE, contingent upon the same moderators. The findings show that algorithms can personalize source cues to attract users and impact self-esteem.
Development of Frozen Pulps and Powders from Carrot and Tomato by-Products: Impact of Processing and Storage Time on Bioactive and Biological Properties

Vegetables and fruits have an interesting nutritional profile, rich in bioactive metabolites, holding a high antioxidant potential and health associated benefits. However, their functional properties, the shorter shelf-life due to their high-water content, and their seasonality nature lead to extensive food losses and waste. The valorization of vegetables and fruits by-products through the development of value-added products and the application of preservation methods is of utmost importance to prevent food losses and waste. In this study, based on a circular economy approach, pulps and powders of baby carrot and cherry tomato by-products were prepared. Freezing, hot air drying and storage time impact on antioxidant activity and bioactive compounds were studied. Microbiological quality and pulps viscosity were also monitored for 6 months. During the freezing storage, TPC and antioxidant capacity by ABTS and ORAC assays decreased. The antioxidant capacity by DPPH method and carotenoid content increased during the first months of freezing, but then decreased. The drying process negatively affected the antioxidant capacity as well as carotenoid and polyphenolic content compared with the fresh vegetables. Both processing methodologies positively impacted the vitamin E content. During drying storage, there were no key variations in antioxidant capacity and bioactive content.
Analysis of Flood Fatalities in the United States, 1959–2019

Flooding is one of the main weather-related disasters that cause numerous fatalities every year across the globe. This study examines flood fatalities reported in the contiguous United States (US) from 1959 to 2019. The last two decades witnessed major flood events, changing the ranking of the top states compared to previous studies, with the exception of Texas, which had significantly higher flood-related fatalities than any other state. The rankings of counties within some states changed as well. The study aims to improve understanding of the situational conditions, demographics, and spatial and temporal characteristics associated with flood fatalities. The analysis reveals that flash flooding is associated with more fatalities than other flood types. In general, males are much more likely to be killed in floods than females. The analysis also suggests that people in the age groups of 10–19, 20–29, and 0–9 are the most vulnerable to flood hazard. Purposely driving or walking into floodwaters accounts for more than 86% of total flood fatalities. Thus, the vast majority of flood fatalities are preventable. The results will help identify the risk factors associated with different types of flooding and the vulnerability of the exposed communities.
A monolingual approach in an English primary school: practices and implications

Abstract This paper investigates a monolingual approach to the teaching of linguistic minority pupils in an English primary school at Key Stage Two (7–11 years old). The work is based on a longitudinal case study of one Russian-speaking migrant pupil and her schooled experience. The analysis and discussion explicate the prohibition of the first or home language (Russian) in the school, and reveal how denying a seven-year-old migrant child permission to use her L1 is detrimental to her learning experience and her well-being. The focal data derive from participant-observation fieldnotes, visual artefacts and interviews with the child, her mother, and a class teacher over a 7-month period. Through an analysis of the participants’ stancetaking, we show how the pupil’s voice is inaudible in her struggle against a monolingual attitude towards her bilingualism and multicompetence. Our contribution therefore builds on work in critical migrant language education, to identify the importance of enabling the presence of the L1 in learning for migrant pupils.