Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of sodium alginate‐based film loaded with resveratrol and thymol on the shelf life of cooked sausage and the inoculated Listeria monocytogenes

Abstract In present study, sodium alginate biodegradable films containing different concentrations of resveratrol (RES: 0.002% and 0.004%) or thymol (THY: 0.5% and 1%) and their combinations were prepared, and evaluated for their effects on spoilage‐related microbial profile, lipid oxidation, sensory properties, and protective effects against Listeria monocytogenes in beef mortadella sausage during 40 days storage at 4°C. The release rate of phenolic compounds was determined by the Folin–Ciocalteu test. To assess the shelf life of the product, changes in total viable count (TVC), lactic acid bacteria count (LAB), psychrotrophic bacteria count (PTC), pH levels, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels, and sensory characteristics (taste, color, odor, and overall acceptability) were evaluated. For the sensory evaluation, a panel of 70 semi‐trained judges was selected according to their initial performance. Samples wrapped with sodium alginate films containing 1% THY (alone or combined with different concentrations of RES) exhibited lower bacterial counts compared to other experimental groups at the end of the storage period (6.01–6.35 vs. 6.71–8.17 log10 CFU/g for TVC, 5.37–5.83 vs. 6.07–7.11 log10 CFU/g for LAB, 5.08–5.18 vs. 5.40–7.23 log10 CFU/g for PTC, and 6.53–6.92 vs. 7.23–9.01 log10 CFU/g for inoculated L. monocytogenes). Sodium alginate films containing the combination of 0.004% RES and different concentrations of THY showed higher antioxidant effects than other experimental groups (TBARS values of 1.68–1.99 vs. 2.23–3.80 mg MDA/kg sample). The sodium alginate film containing 0.004% RES + 1% THY exhibited the highest antimicrobial and antioxidant activities and highest sensory scores among all treatments. These findings highlight the potential application of the sodium alginate film containing a combination of RES and THY as an active packaging material with natural preservatives in the meat products industry. This application can effectively extend the shelf life and enhance the microbial safety of clean‐label cooked sausages during refrigerated storage.
Spontaneous mirror-symmetry breaking induces inverse energy cascade in 3D active ﬂuids

Classical turbulence theory assumes that energy transport in a 3D turbulent ﬂow proceeds through a Richardson cascade whereby larger vortices successively decay into smaller ones. By contrast, an additional inverse cascade characterized by vortex growth exists in 2D ﬂuids and gases, with profound implications for mete- orological ﬂows and ﬂuid mixing. The possibility of a helicity-driven inverse cascade in 3D ﬂuids had been rejected in the 1970s based on equilibrium-thermodynamic arguments. Recently, how-ever, it was proposed that certain symmetry-breaking processes could potentially trigger a 3D inverse cascade, but no physical system exhibiting this phenomenon has been identiﬁed to date. Here, we present analytical and numerical evidence for the existence of an inverse energy cascade in an experimentally validated 3D active ﬂuid model, describing microbial suspension ﬂows that spontaneously break mirror symmetry. We show analytically that self-organized scale selection, a generic feature of many biological and engineered nonequilibrium ﬂuids, can generate parity- violating Beltrami ﬂows. Our simulations further demonstrate how active scale selection controls mirror-symmetry breaking and the emergence of a 3D inverse cascade.
New interpretation of the wings of the pterosaur Rhamphorhynchus muensteri based on the Zittel and Marsh specimens

Abstract. The Zittel wing of Rhamphorhynchus muensteri is reinterpreted as preserving negative impressions of closely spaced broad flat actinofibrils that were replaced by calcite but were prepared away by the specimen's finder. The Marsh specimen preserves positive impressions of the dorsal and ventral surfaces of the wing, which show that the skin was smooth with fine wrinkles and that actinofibrils were not on the wing surface. Based on comparisons of those specimens, the dactylopatagium consisted of dorsal and ventral skins of epidermis and dermis surrounding a common hypodermis core, and keratinous actinofibrils developed in place within the dorsal epidermis adjacent to a layer of linear collagen fibers in the dorsal dermis. The actinofibrils and linear collagen fibers together formed the main functional structure of the dactylopatagium. That structure made the dactylopatagium somewhat stiff and essentially inextensible so that it folded up along discrete fold lines that probably were genetically determined. A pneumatic retrophalangeal wedge behind the antebrachium through at least wing phalanx 3 streamlined the transition between the thick wing spar and thin patagium.
Apple CRISPR-Cas9—A Recipe for Successful Targeting of AGAMOUS-like Genes in Domestic Apple

Fruit trees and other fruiting hardwood perennials are economically valuable, and there is interest in developing improved varieties. Both conventional breeding and biotechnology approaches are being utilized towards the goal of developing advanced cultivars. Increased knowledge of the effectiveness and efficiency of biotechnology approaches can help guide use of the CRISPR gene-editing technology. Here, we examined CRISPR-Cas9-directed genome editing in the valuable commodity fruit tree Malus x domestica (domestic apple). We transformed two cultivars with dual CRISPR-Cas9 constructs designed to target two AGAMOUS-like genes simultaneously. The main goal was to determine the effectiveness of this approach for achieving target gene changes. We obtained 6 Cas9 control and 38 independent CRISPR-Cas9 events. Of the 38 CRISPR-Cas9 events, 34 (89%) had gene edits and 14 (37%) showed changes to all alleles of both target genes. The most common change was large deletions, which were present in 59% of all changed alleles, followed by small deletions (21%), small insertions (12%), and a combination of small insertions and deletions (8%). Overall, a high rate of successful gene alterations was found. Many of these changes are predicted to cause frameshifts and alterations to the predicted peptides. Future work will include monitoring the floral development and floral form.
ZEF-Discussion Papers on Development Policy No. 334

We study how rural households in Ethiopia adapt to droughts through labor reallocation. By using three waves of panel data and exploiting spatial-temporal variations in drought exposure, we find that households reduce on-farm work and increase off-farm self-employment in response to both short-term and persistent droughts, without abandoning family farming. Diversification into off-farm activities is driven by drought-related productivity declines in agriculture and contributes to consumption smoothing. Households with better access to markets and financial services find it easier to reallocate labor off-farm. Our results highlight the importance of strengthening the rural non-farm economy to enhance rural households’ climate resilience.
LONG DISTANCE TRANSPORT AND WELFARE OF FARM ANIMALS

Foreword by Temple Grandin, Colorado State University, USA 1. Science of Animal Welfare, M C Appleby, World Society for the Protection of Animals, UK 2. Economic Aspects, AgraCEAS Consulting LDT, University of London, UK 3. Physiology of Disease, X Manteca, Universidad Autonoma de Barcelona, Spain 4. Meat Quality, G A Maria, University of Zaragoza, Spain 5. Enforcement of Transportation Regulations: The EU as Case Study, V A Cussen, World Society for the Protection of Animals, UK 6. The Welfare of Livestock During Sea Transport, C Phillips, University of Queensland, Australia 7. The Welfare of Livestock During Road Transport, D Broom (and colleagues), Cambridge University Animal Welfare Information Centre, UK 8. Africa, K Menzer, The Cadmus Group, USA 9. North America, M Enderbretson, Born Free USA, united with Animal Protection Institute 10. South America, C Gallo and T A Tadich, Universidad Austral de Chile, Chile 11. Asia, L Collins and P Brooke, Compassion in World Farming, UK 12. Australia and New Zealand, M Fischer, Kotare Bioethics, New Zealand B Jones, RSPCA Australia 13. Europe, S Corson, Positive Pet Behaviour, UK L Anderson, ANNEX Consultancy, UK 14. Middle East, A Rahman, Commonwealth Veterinary Association, India.
RESURRECTION FOR SISKIYOU BELLS, PROSARTES PARVIFOLIA

We conducted a study of Prosartes parvifolia S. Watson, a rare Siskiyou Mountains endemic, currently known from only 15 sites in Del Norte Co., California, and Curry and Josephine counties, Oregon. We found that P. parvifolia is (a) fertile, (b) probably not of hybrid origin, and (c) distinct and worthy of recognition as a species. Unlike congeners, its flowers produce ovaries with a single locule, and are pollinated by bees that buzz pollen from connivent anthers. Nectar is not produced. We provide an expanded description, illustrations, and distribution map for P. parvifolia as well as a key to the Prosartes of northwestern California and southwestern Oregon.
A Revised Experimental System of Root-Soil Interaction for Laboratory Workr

A set of experimental system for the study on the root system-soil interaction for laboratory work was presented. This system consisted of the following apparatuses and associating techniques for operation; (1) a handy-type root box covered with a mirror sheet, (2) a pinboard which enabled sampling of the root system in the root box soil as it stood in the soil, (3) a piece of holed polyethylene sheet for handling during the sampling of the root system and preserving the root system without impairment and disarrangement after sampling, (4) a transmitted light box for taking photograph of the root system. Techniques associating with those apparatuses consisted of the soil filling up into the root box, supplying water to the root box, washing out the root system from soil, and staining the sampled root system.Distribution patterns of soil porosity and moisture, and daily changes of soil temperature in the root box soil, were determined. Our soil filling-up technique gave high reproducibility as well as uniform porosity distribution in the root box soil with small difference among the root boxes. No significant differences were found in the soil moisture content at a given depth of horizontal soil layer. When the root box was put into the trench, the soil temperature in the root box was closer to that of a natural soil profile than when it was placed on the ground. Upland rice and maize were grown in the root box placed in the trench. Root systems sampled showed considerably uniform profiles among triplicated plants for both species. These results demonstrate the significance of preparation and control techniques of soil environments for the study on root system-soil interaction.
Early Eocene Mammals from the Driftwood Creek Beds, Driftwood Canyon Provincial Park, Northern British Columbia

ABSTRACT The early Eocene is an important time in Cenozoic history because it marked the height of global warming, coincident with significant reorganization of the mammalian biota. In North America, our understanding of mammalian diversity during this interval is largely limited to a fossil record south of the 49th Parallel. New discoveries in the early Eocene Driftwood Creek beds (Ootsa Lake Group), northern British Columbia (∼55°N) double the known diversity of Eocene mammals from this Canadian province and provide a window into the mammalian community that lived near the northernmost lake of the Okanagan Highlands, a series of Eocene lake deposits extending north-south from Republic, Washington, to Smithers, northern British Columbia. A diverse insect and fish fauna has been described from Okanagan Highlands Eocene lake shales, together with a diverse flora, interpreted as a cool upland forested landscape. We report the tapiroid cf. Heptodon and an erinaceomorph lipotyphlan Silvacola acares, gen. et sp. nov., from the Driftwood Creek beds. Presence of cf. Heptodon is consistent with the late early Eocene age of the Driftwood Creek beds determined by radiometric dating and palynology. Heptodon is otherwise known from Eocene localities in Wyoming and Colorado as well as Ellesmere Island in the High Arctic, whereas erinaceids are recorded from late Paleocene sites in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and the U.S. Western Interior and are relatively uncommon at Eocene sites in the U.S. Western Interior. Occurrence of cf. Heptodon at Driftwood Canyon supports the hypothesis proposed by others that tapiroids are proxies of densely forested habitats.
SUBTIDAL FORAMINIFERAL ASSEMBLAGES OF THE WESTERN PART OF THE SHATT AL-ARAB DELTA, KUWAIT, ARABIAN GULF

The foraminiferal fauna of the subtidal and tidal creek sediments of the western Mesopotamian shelf comprises 46 species including 0.17% Textulariina (agglutinated forms), 22.2% Miliolina (porcellaneous forms), 0.45% Lagenina and 77.1% Rotaliina. Cluster analysis of quantitative data on the distribution of tests of foraminiferal species in samples distinguished three assemblages related to major salinity variations and physiographic setting: 1) a tidal creek assemblage, including a typical Nonion association similar to that mentioned by Murray (1991) (found in low salinity areas), 2) an assemblage distributed over the eastern offshore of Bubiyan Island and around the island of Failaka, facing the open sea of the Mesopotamian shelf, including an atypical Nonion association with shallow shelf, subtidal faunal elements (found over regions of relatively “normal” Gulf salinities, but still affected by fresh-water influxes from Shatt Al-Arab), and 3) an assemblage distributed on the southern offshore region of Bubiyan Island and on the shore facing Kuwait Bay (found in relatively turbid waters with almost “normal” salinities), including an Ammonia / Asterorotalia association. The Nonion association, characterizes estuarine and lagoonal environments in coastal regions subjected to meso- or macrotidal regime. The Ammonia / Asterorotalia association is usually found in the Indian Ocean in shallow shelves with normal marine conditions and in sediments rich in organic carbon. The most stress resistant species in the studied fauna are those adapted to low salinities: Quinqueloculina poeyana , Pseudononion japonicum , Ammonia cf. aberdoveyensis and Ammonia elegans . They are conspicuously abundant in the tidal creeks. “Open marine” subtidal forms, which are less stress resistant, are Spiroloculina rotundata , Asterorotalia dentata and Challengerella bradyii. Both seem to favor Kuwait Bay.
Navigating the Post-COVID-19 Immunological Era: Understanding Long COVID-19 and Immune Response

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the world unprecedentedly, with both positive and negative impacts. COVID-19 significantly impacted the immune system, and understanding the immunological consequences of COVID-19 is essential for developing effective treatment strategies. The purpose of this review is to comprehensively explore and provide insights into the immunological aspects of long COVID-19, a phenomenon where individuals continue to experience a range of symptoms and complications, even after the acute phase of COVID-19 infection has subsided. The immune system responds to the initial infection by producing various immune cells and molecules, including antibodies, T cells, and cytokines. However, in some patients, this immune response becomes dysregulated, leading to chronic inflammation and persistent symptoms. Long COVID-19 encompasses diverse persistent symptoms affecting multiple organ systems, including the respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, and gastrointestinal systems. In the post-COVID-19 immunological era, long COVID-19 and its impact on immune response have become a significant concern. Post-COVID-19 immune pathology, including autoimmunity and immune-mediated disorders, has also been reported in some patients. This review provides an overview of the current understanding of long COVID-19, its relationship to immunological responses, and the impact of post-COVID-19 immune pathology on patient outcomes. Additionally, the review addresses the current and potential treatments for long COVID-19, including immunomodulatory therapies, rehabilitation programs, and mental health support, all of which aim to improve the quality of life for individuals with long COVID-19. Understanding the complex interplay between the immune system and long COVID-19 is crucial for developing targeted therapeutic strategies and providing optimal care in the post-COVID-19 era.
Compaction and swelling characteristics of sand-bentonite and pumice-bentonite mixtures

Abstract Bentonite mixed with varying quantities of sand is currently of widespread interest as engineering liners for water containment and waste disposal. However, the alternative use of pumice, widespread in many volcanic regions, has been less studied and requires further characterization of geotechnical properties and performance prior to its extensive use. The objective of this study was to determine and compare the compaction and swelling characteristics of sand-bentonite and pumice-bentonite mixtures using available geo-materials from Turkey. Standard Proctor compaction tests and constant volume swell tests were carried out using mixtures with four different bentonite contents (15, 20, 25, 30%) and three different sand and pumice grain size ranges (2.00–1.00; 1.00–0.50; 0.50–0.25 mm). The results indicate that pumice-bentonite mixtures have lower maximum dry unit weights, higher optimum moisture contents and greater swelling potentials than equivalent sand-bentonite mixtures. Important differences occur in the swelling potentials of the sand and pumice mixtures with respect to grain size whereby sand-bentonite mixtures show increased swelling with coarsening grain size, in contrast to the pumice−bentonite mixtures which showed a decrease. These differences are attributed to the amount of grain-size-dependent connected pore space that can be filled during bentonite expansion and the presence of dissolvable salts in the pumice. It is concluded that locally available pumice material could be used to replace sand in engineering bentonite seals, despite some differences in their geotechnical properties.
Dose-response relationship between daily screen time and the risk of low back pain among children and adolescents: a meta-analysis of 57831 participants

Background The risk of low back pain (LBP) increases steeply during adolescence, and adolescents with LBP are more likely to have low back pain in their adult years. This study aimed to investigate the dose-response relationship between daily screen time and the risk of low back pain among children and adolescents. Methods PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science were searched to collect relevant studies on daily screen time and the risk of low back pain from the establishment of the database up to December 2022. Two investigators independently screened the literature, extracted data, and evaluated the risk of bias in the included studies. Stata16.0 was used to perform a dose-response meta-analysis and the methodological quality evaluation of the included studies. Results The results of the meta-analysis showed that there is a positive correlation between daily computer time (OR = 1.32, 1.05–1.60), daily mobile phone time (OR = 1.32, 1.00–1.64), daily TV watching (OR = 1.07, 1.04–1.09) and the risk of low back pain, separately. The dose–response meta-analysis showed that there is a linear relationship between daily computer use and low back pain. The risk of low back pain increased by 8.2% for each 1-hour of daily computer use. Conclusions Screen time is related to the risk of low back pain, and there is a linear relationship between daily computer use and the risk of low back pain. A number of strategic measures should be taken to prevent adolescents from developing severe low back pain.
IRM du cancer du col de l'utérus en milieu tropical (MRI of the cancer of the cervix in tropical area)

Introduction : Le cancer du col de l’uterus est le premier cancer de la femme en Cote d’Ivoire avec un fort de mortalite eleve . Son diagnostic tardif et l’absence de radiotherapie limite sa prise en charge. L’IRM permet le bilan d’extension. Objectif : Decrire les aspects epidemiologiques et radiologiques du cancer du col de l’uterus en milieu tropical. Materiels et Methode : Etude descriptive retrospective realisee sur 12 mois. Ont ete inclus 50 patientes presentant un cancer histologiquement prouve. Resultats : La moyenne d’âge des patientes etait de 48,42 ans. Les lesions etaient dans 50% des cas endocervicales, dans 33% des cas infiltrantes. Le diametre tumoral moyen etait de 6,29cm, superieur au seuil d’operabilite de 04 cm. Il a ete observe 80% d’invasion vaginale, 73% d’invasion parametriale, 40% d’infiltration de la vessie ou du rectum. 41% des tumeurs presentaient une extension lymphatique. Les tumeurs etaient au stade IB de FIGO dans 6% des cas, IIB dans 33% des cas, et IVA dans 60% des cas. Conclusion : Le cancer du col de l’uterus est de decouverte tardive dans les pays tropicaux. L’IRM permet au mieux la stadification de la tumeur.
Psychological-Related Challenges in Speaking: Experience of Vocational Students

Speaking is still often considered one of the most daunting skills for English language learners. For Asian learners, such as Indonesian, it is quite common for them to experience psychological-related challenges whenever they are presented with speaking tasks. The aims of this research aims to analyze the psychological challenges of students in vocational education at the higher education level.This study uses a qualitative descriptive approach. Respondents in this study are 36 students. The data in this study were sourced from the experiences of the respondents which were recorded in their guided reflection and semi-structured interviews.The data from the reflection results were analyzed using three coding steps: open coding, axial coding, and selective coding. This study found that most participants reported negative feelings around speaking tasks, such as being nervous, afraid (of making mistakes), fear of failure, insecure, tense, anxious, and doubtful, faster heartbeats and trembling which mostly stemmed from afraid to failing to meet expectations, lack of preparation, and lack of adequate language competence. Suggestions for a better-speaking class are discussed.