Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of cereal based traditional malting technology on nutritional quality of iron-rich bean flour

Iron deficiency is a major public health challenge affecting the health of about 18 and 13.8% of children and women globally, respectively. About 43% children and 29% women in sub-Saharan Africa suffer from Iron Deficiency Anemia. In Uganda, recent demographic health statistics indicate that the prevalence of anaemia among children of 6-59 months stands at 53%; while that for women of child bearing age stands at 32%. Biofortified iron-rich bean varieties have been developed and adopted in Uganda to contribute to alleviation of iron deficiency challenges. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of traditional malting technology on nutritional quality of biofortified iron-rich beans (Phaseoulus vulgaris L.). The study examined the effect of the traditional malting technology on: (i) the contents of anti-nutritional factors (phytates, oxalates, polyphenols, tannins, trypsin inhibitor activity); (ii) digestibility of protein and bioavailability of iron and zinc; and (iii) retention of proximate constituents and mineral micronutrient contents in bean varieties. We used three bean varieties, namely NAROBEAN 1, hereafter referred to as NB1, NAROBEAN 2 (NB2), and NAROBEAN 3 (NB3), all of which are widely produced and consumed in Acholi sub-region. Application of paired t-test revealed that the traditional malting technology reduced only the content of oxalates by 42.3-54.8 % and trypsin inhibitor activity by 6.2-34.6 %, from the three varieties. The content of total phenols was reduced by 22.3 % only in NB 1 (P< 0.05). The traditional malting technology improved protein digestibility for the three varieties by 38-43.6 % (P< 0.05). Bioavailability of iron improved from in NB1 by 26.7 % and NB2 by 11.5 %; while that of zinc improved for only NB2 by 51.5 % (P<0.05). The contents of micronutrients and proximate constituents were not adversely affected by the traditional malting technology, except for phosphorus in NB1 and magnesium in NB3. Overall, traditional malting technology is effective at reducing trypsin inhibitors and oxalates, and improving protein digestibility and iron bioavailability.
Effects of Self-Management Training on Smartphone Dependence in Low to Moderate Adolescent Males’ Users

Abstract While taking advantage of the educational benefits of smartphones, students also apply this device in inappropriate ways that cause certain disciplinary and educational problems. This study examines the effect of self-management training on smartphone dependence among male high school students. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, data were collected using the Cell Phone Addiction Scale (Koo, 2009), which was completed by the trial and control groups before and after the educational intervention. After assessing their normal distribution, the data were analysed using the Chi-square test, the independent and paired t-tests, Mann–Whitney's U-test, and the Wilcoxon test at a significance level of p < . 05. Results: The results showed significant post-intervention reductions in the mean score of smartphone dependence (35.10) and its three domains, including withdrawal/tolerance (14.80), life dysfunction (8.70), and compulsion/persistence (11.60), in the trial group compared to the controls (44.80, 16.2, 12.10, and 16.50) and also in the mean score of certain applications of smartphones (p < .05). Discussion and conclusions: Despite the existing limitations, the results confirmed the efficacy of self-management training in reducing smartphone dependence in the students. The implementation of this programme is recommended for reducing dependence and promoting the proper use of this device.
Effect of using desert weeds (Chenopodiaceae) as supplements in substrates of Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom) production

Effect of using desert weeds (Chenopodiaceae) as supplements in substrates of Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom) production. Current Research in Environmental & Applied Mycology of Abstract This study has been done to define the possibility of using two desert plant straws Atriplex tatarica and Caroxylon cyclophyllum for the first time as supplements with wheat straw substrate in producing mushroom ( Pleurotus osteratus ) to invest and build proper capacities for desert environments. This study included assessing the possibility of introducing 10% of these desert weeds straw as supplements in the formula of substrate to know their effects on the mycelial growth, mycelium completion period, primordial completion period, fruiting bodies number, yield and biological efficiency and protein content of P. ostreatus using three prepared spawns from barley, white corn and wheat seeds. Results showed that the produced spawn from the white corn exhibited the best results in the growth and yield of P. ostreatus compared to the spawn produced from wheat straw and barley. Also the A. tatarica straw-supplemented substrate showed a higher producing rate in fruiting bodies number, protein content, yield and biological efficiency. A. tatarica straw-supplemented substrate exhibited the shorter mycelial growth completion period (28.26 days). This substrate exhibited highest yield, and biological efficiency were 1489.2 g.kg -1 , and 40.01%, respectively. Also, results showed the best protein percent 24.14% and 24.00% when suing this substrate with barley seeds spawn during the first and second flushes, respectively. It exhibited the highest loss in the substrate weight was 44.3%. In conclusion, these results encourage the supplementation of agricultural substrates using desert weeds especially A. tatarica and apply in desert environments at the commercial level.
Supranutritional Selenium-Yeast Supplementation of Beef Cows during the Last Trimester of Pregnancy Results in Higher Whole-Blood Selenium Concentrations in Their Calves at Weaning, but Not Enough to Improve Nasal Microbial Diversity

Simple Summary We previously showed that feeding selenium-enriched alfalfa hay to weaned beef calves diversified the nasal microbiome and improved health and growth in the feedlot, resulting in greater carcass weight and quality at slaughter. The objective of the current study was to see whether selenium supplementation of dams during various pregnancy trimesters similarly improves health and performance. Maternal supranutritional selenium supplementation during pregnancy increases selenium concentrations in calves, but is more effective the shorter the time period between maternal supplementation and assessment. Thus, calves should be fed selenium-enriched forages again at weaning in order to see a benefit in the nasal microbiome abundance and diversity, and consequently, in carcass measurements at slaughter. Abstract We previously reported that feeding Se-biofortified alfalfa hay to weaned beef calves in a preconditioning program increases whole-blood Se (WB-Se) concentrations and nasal microbiome abundance and diversity during the preconditioning period, decreases morbidity and mortality during the feedlot period, and increases carcass weight and quality at slaughter. The objective of the current study was to see whether similar improvements can be achieved through Se supplementation of dams during various pregnancy trimesters. In a two-year experimental study, 80 Angus-cross cows received once-weekly Se-yeast boluses containing 105 mg of Se, during either the first (TR-1), second (TR-2), or third (TR-3) pregnancy trimester, or were not bolused (CTR). Whole-blood Se concentrations were higher from CTR, to TR-1, to TR-2, and to TR-3 in newborn calves (all p < 0.01). At weaning, only calves from TR-3 mothers had higher WB-Se concentrations compared with calves from CTR mothers (p = 0.02), and no significant differences in nasal microbiome abundance and diversity or nasal microbiota were observed. In the feedlot period, morbidity was low, and no differences were observed. At slaughter, no differences in carcass weight and quality were observed. In conclusion, Se supplementation of pregnant cows is effective for increasing WB-Se concentration of newborn calves, and the increase can be sustained until weaning for calves born to TR-3 dams. However, the increase in WB-Se concentrations is small and does not result in beneficial changes in the nasal microbiome. Thus, calves should be fed Se-biofortified forages again at weaning in a preconditioning program in order to diversify the nasal microbiome prior to entering the feedlot.
Enthesis Healing Is Dependent on Scaffold Interphase Morphology—Results from a Rodent Patellar Model

The use of multiphasic scaffolds to treat injured tendon-to-bone entheses has shown promising results in vitro. Here, we used two versions of a biphasic silk fibroin scaffold to treat an enthesis defect created in a rat patellar model in vivo. One version presented a mixed transition between the bony and the tendon end of the construct (S-MT) while this transition was abrupt in the second version (S-AT). At 12 weeks after surgery, the S-MT scaffold promoted better healing of the injured enthesis, with minimal undesired ossification of the insertion area. The expression of tenogenic and chondrogenic markers was sustained for longer in the S-MT-treated group and the tangent modulus of the S-MT-treated samples was similar to the native tissue at 12 weeks while that of the S-AT-treated enthesis was lower. Our study highlights the important role of the transition zone of multiphasic scaffolds in the treatment of complex interphase tissues such as the tendon-to-bone enthesis.
Numerical Investigation of Performance of Continuous Composite Girders with UHPC slab at Hogging Moment

This paper intends to investigate the behavior of continuous composite girders with of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) slab at hogging moment zone utilizing the nonlinear finite element (FE) modeling. A nonlinear three-dimensional FE model of the continuous composite girder was developed utilizing the commercial software ABAQUS. The model considers both material and geometric nonlinearities. Behavior of normal concrete (NC) and UHPC was modeled utilizing damage plasticity model. Tied, normal friction behavior, embedded contacts were used to simulate the interfacial zones between contacted elements. Four different models were developed and validated with experimental results. The verified model showed satisfactory behavior and is capable of predicting the loading history for continuous composite girders. The model can capture the modes of failure either in normal concrete slab at sagging moment zone or delaminating of UHPC layer at hogging moment zone. A parametric study was carried out to investigate the effect of length of UHPC slab at hogging moment zone on the behavior of the continuous composite girders. The findings of the parametric study showed that the length of UHPC slab slightly affects the ultimate capacity, yielding load, and stiffness of the composite girders. However, significant enhancement in cracking loads was obtained as increasing the length of UHPC slab.
Performance analysis of nowcasting of GDP growth when allowing for conditional heteroscedasticity and non-Gaussianity

ABSTRACT The nowcasting performance of autoregressive models for GDP growth are analysed in a setting where the error term is allowed to be characterized both by conditional heteroscedasticity and non-Gaussianity. Standard, publicly available, quarterly data on GDP growth from 1979 to 2019 for six countries are employed: Australia, Canada, France, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. In-sample analysis suggests that when homoscedasticity is assumed, support is provided for non-Gaussian error terms; the estimated degrees of freedom of the t-distribution lie between two and seven for all countries. However, allowing for both conditional heteroscedasticity and t-distributed innovations, results indicate that conditional heteroscedasticity captures the fat-tailed behaviour of the data to a large extent. Results from out-of-sample analysis show that point nowcasts are hardly affected by taking conditional heteroscedasticity and/or non-Gaussianity into account. For the density nowcasts, it is found that accounting for conditional heteroscedasticity leads to improvements for Australia, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States; allowing for non-Gaussianity seems less important though. This result is robust to which measure is used for assessing density nowcasting performance.
Fusogenic Hybrid Extracellular Vesicles with PD-1 Membrane Proteins for the Cytosolic Delivery of Cargos

Simple Summary We developed a method using cell-derived lipid membrane capsules—called extracellular vesicles (EVs)—to deliver a model cargo into cytosol. These EVs were fused with liposomes (to form hybrid EVs) because cargo molecules can be more easily encapsulated within liposomes than EVs. EVs were engineered that expressed programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) and baculoviral envelope glycoprotein (gp64), which enabled the hybrid EVs to be internalized in cells and fuse with acidic organelles. The model cargo, Texas Red-labeled dextran, was shown to be released to the cytosol from the hybrid EVs by fusion with acidic organelles, such as late endosomes and lysosomes. Thus, these hybrid EVs are potential drug delivery carriers. Abstract Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell-derived lipid membrane capsules that can deliver functional molecules, such as nucleic acids, to target cells. Currently, the application of EVs is limited because of the difficulty of loading cargo into EVs. We constructed hybrid EVs by the fusion of liposomes and insect cell-derived EVs expressing recombinant programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) protein and baculoviral fusogenic glycoprotein gp64, and evaluated delivery of the model cargo molecule, Texas Red-labeled dextran (TR-Dex), into the cytosol. When PD-1 hybrid EVs were added to HeLa cells, the intracellular uptake of the hybrid EVs was increased compared with hybrid EVs without PD-1. After cellular uptake, the PD-1 hybrid EVs were shown to be localized to late endosomes or lysosomes. The results of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) indicated that membrane fusion between the hybrid EVs and organelles had occurred in the acidic environment of the organelles. When TR-Dex-loaded liposomes were fused with the PD-1 EVs, confocal laser scanning microscopy indicated that TR-Dex was distributed throughout the cells, which suggested that endosomal escape of TR-Dex, through membrane fusion between the hybrid EVs and acidic organelles, had occurred. These engineered PD-1 hybrid EVs have potential as delivery carriers for biopharmaceuticals.
A peptide-derived strategy for specifically targeting the mitochondria and ER of cancer cells: a new approach in fighting cancer

An effective anti-cancer therapy should exclusively target cancer cells and trigger in them a broad spectrum of cell death pathways that will prevent avoidance. Here, we present a new approach in cancer therapy that specifically targets the mitochondria and ER of cancer cells. We developed a peptide derived from the flexible and transmembrane domains of the human protein NAF-1/CISD2. This peptide (NAF-144-67) specifically permeates through the plasma membranes of human epithelial breast cancer cells, abolishes their mitochondria and ER, and triggers cell death with characteristics of apoptosis, ferroptosis and necroptosis. In vivo analysis revealed that the peptide significantly decreases tumor growth in mice carrying xenograft human tumors. Computational simulations of cancer vs. normal cell membranes reveal that the specificity of the peptide to cancer cells is due to its selective recognition of their membrane composition. NAF-144-67 represents a promising anti-cancer lead compound that acts via a unique mechanism.
PIR-Sensor-Based Surveillance Tool for Intruder Detection in Secured Environment: A Label-Consistency-Based Modified Sequential Dictionary Learning Approach

In modern days, the importance of developing intelligent surveillance tools for activities of daily living is rising day by day. Identifying intruder(s) among the people who have access to a secured environment is crucial to achieve a flawless surveillance system in residential and office environments. This present work shows how a novel dictionary learning (DL) algorithm-based approach can be combined with four pyroelectric infrared (PIR) sensor-based indigenously developed hardware modules to design an intruder detection system. A novel DL approach is proposed combining the concepts of label consistency (LC) with a modified consistent adaptive sequential DL approach, named here as the LC-based modified consistent adaptive sequential DL (LC-MCAS-DL) algorithm. The conventional objective function in DL has been reformulated here by introducing the LC constraints along with reconstruction and classification errors. Then, the solution of this objective function is obtained by using a modified version of the consistent adaptive sequential DL algorithm (MCAS-DL). Extensive experiments have been performed to establish the suitability of our proposed approach for the problem under consideration.
Mechanical properties of concrete with recycled aggregates and waste glass

The present investigation analyses the mechanical behaviour of concrete with recycled aggregates from precast debris and waste glass. The combination of both recycled materials permits an increased amount of recycled coarse aggregates reducing the loss of mechanical performance of the concrete, and enhances the environmental value of the final material. Four variables are considered: the percentage of recycled course aggregates, the amount of mortar adhered to their surface, the amount of cement replaced by recycled glass powder and the maximum particle size. The final goal is to determine the significance of each variable in the final product and identify the most efficient combination to optimize the performance of the concrete, maximizing its environmental value. Significant results have been obtained, showing that the calibration of the parameters may not be trivial.
Effect of Eight Weeks of High Intensity Interval Training on Insulin Resistance and IRS1 Gene Expression in Gastrocnemius Muscle of Obese Wistar Rats

Background and objectives : The role of genetic components in expression of proteins involved in signaling pathways of fat and carbohydrate metabolism has been well-demonstrated. The aim of this study was to determine effects of high intensity interval training (HIIT) on glucose, insulin, and insulin resistance levels as well as IRS1 expression in gastrocnemius muscle of obese Wistar rats. Methods : The study included 14 male, Wistar rats (aged 10 weeks) weighting 220 ± 20 g. Obesity was induced in all rats via exposure to a high-fat diet for six weeks. Then, the rats were randomly divided into a HIIT group (n=7) and a control group (n=7). The rats in the HIIT group performed treadmill running, five sessions a week, for eight weeks. Levels of fasting glucose, serum insulin, insulin resistance, and IRS1 expression in the gastrocnemius muscle of the rats were measured after the last training session. Data were analyzed by the independent t-test at statistical significance of 0.05. Results : The HIIT intervention significantly decreased fasting glucose compared with the control group ( p <0.0001). It also resulted in a significant decrease in serum insulin levels and insulin resistance compared with the control group ( p <0.0001). Moreover, the HIIT training significantly increased IRS1 expression ( p =0.030) in the gastrocnemius muscle of rats. Conclusion : Based on the available evidence, the increase in insulin function and the decrease in insulin resistance can be attributed to increased IRS1 expression in the gastrocnemius muscle following HIIT training.
Drought forecasting using the Prophet model in a semi-arid climate region of western India

ABSTRACT Accurate drought forecasting is necessary for early warning of drought hazards, water resources and eco-environmental management. This study assessed the capability of the Prophet model to forecast meteorological drought based on the standardized precipitation index (SPI). A comparative assessment was conducted among Prophet, support vector regression (SVR) and multiple linear regression (MLR) models to test the applicability of the new model. The SPI was computed at multiple time scales ( , , and ) for 38 meteorological stations located in semi-arid areas in western India. Minimum redundancy maximum relevance (mRMR) was applied to select input variables prior to the model development. The results reveal that the Prophet model yielded acceptable accuracy for drought forecasting, whereas SVR and MLR models showed greater error for short-term forecasting in terms of coefficient of determination ( ) and Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE). Therefore, the Prophet model is recommended as a new robust model for drought forecasting.
Sinusoidal growth, recruitment, mortality, yield-per-recruit analysis of Buried fan scallop Mimachlamys funebris (Reeve, 1853) and their implications for mariculture

This study described the growth, mortality, recruitment pattern and exploitation rate of the Buried fan scallop (Mimachlamys funebris) in Asid Gulf, Philippines. Monthly length-frequency data (N=3988) from April 2018 to March 2019 were used to examine population parameters using FISAT II. Two estimates of natural mortalities were used to compare variability of limit exploitation rates. Modelling through the oscillating von Bertalanffy growth function revealed that the species is fast growing (K=1.1 year–1) attaining SH∞ of 10.5 cm. Adequacy in the use of the sinusoidal version of the growth formula hinges on the mean annual temperature difference reported in the gulf to be 2°C. Recruitment pattern was continuous and bimodal throughout the year with two high pulses in April–May and September consistent with the reproductive seasonality reported for congeneric species. Fishing mortality coefficients (4.26 and 4.82 year–1) were higher than the natural mortality coefficients (0.543 and 1.1 year–1). Yield and biomass-per-recruit analysis showed that the current exploitation rates are 112% (Ecurr1 = 0.90) and 92% (Ecurr2 = 0.80) higher than the biological reference points adopted for the study particularly E50. These results demonstrate that M. funebris stock is overexploited, which necessitates effective management measures including mariculture.
Intranasal clotrimazole spray 1% associated with oral itraconazole for nasal feline sporotrichosis: a case series

Abstract Feline sporotrichosis is a major clinical problem among cats in Brazil and is also a neglected, but important, public health issue, due to its zoonotic potential. The nasal clinical form of the disease is particularly challenging, having treatment refractoriness and clinical signs relapse as common features. This case series study aimed to preliminarily describe the effects of the azolic antifungal drug, clotrimazole, as a topical 1% solution spray, together with per os itraconazole on inducing disease remission, as well as treatment tolerability and safety. Medical records of the Feline Medicine Service from the Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro were reviewed, and 7 feline patients met the inclusion criteria (confirmatory diagnostic reached, available follow-up records, and use of intranasal clotrimazole 1% solution –1 spray per nostril every 24 hours– as adjunctive therapy to itraconazole – 100 mg/cat per os every 24 hours). Among these, 4 had a history of treatment refractoriness done until then. Follow-up records included clinical evaluation, along with complementary tests and owner reports on tolerability and occurrence of adverse reactions. All patients have undergone clinical remission within 60 days. Tolerability were satisfactory, and adverse reactions were only found on complementary tests (hepatic enzyme elevation), without clinical repercussion. The intranasal use of 1% clotrimazole solution has shown as a promising adjunctive therapy to itraconazole for feline nasal sporotrichosis, even in previous refractory cases.