Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of Several Process Parameters on Sourdough Fermentation

Summary The influence of several process parameters (starter, sourdough refreshment, dough yield, ingredients)on sourdough fermentation was investigated. This was realised by online measurement of both pH andgas pressure in sourdough in a closed air-tight reactor. Firstly, the effect of sourdough refreshment onboth gas pressure and acidification was evaluated and shown to be accompanied by an increase in bothacidification and gas pressure evolution rates. Secondly, two commercial starters (BRS and BIO)differing in their microflora were compared as regards to their gassing power and acidifying proper-ties. BRS exhibited faster acidification but less gassing power. Moreover, the variation of sourdoughyield for BRS starter induced a different evolution of the acidification profile. Sourdough fermentationvaried also depending on the presence of NaCl. 2% of NaCl induced a lower gassing power insourdough by inhibiting the yeasts. Introduction Sourdough fermentation is generally evaluated by the measurement of severalparameters such as pH, acidity and microflora composition. Physicochemical or micro-biological data provide useful information for assessing the influence of processparameters on sourdough fermentations. For example, acidification rates can be usedfor evaluating the influence of the substrate on the fermentation (W
Factor Analysis of Prices and Agricultural Production in the European Union

Abstract Common agricultural policy (CAP) is a factor of development and cohesion of the European Union (EU) agriculture. The fundamentals of CAP were defined in the 1950s, when the Union was formed. Since then, CAP has been reforming and adapting to new circumstances. Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union defines the goals of CAP: stable (acceptable) prices of agricultural products, growth, productivity and technological progress in agriculture, growth in farmers’ income and supplying the common market. Factor analysis of the prices and production goals of CAP directly or indirectly involves the following variables: prices of agricultural and industrial products, indices of the prices of cereals, meat and milk, indices of the prices of agricultural products in France and Great Britain, agricultural GDP and EU GDP. The analysis results come down to 2 factors. The first – “internal factor” is a set of indicators homogenous in terms of greater impact of CAP on their trends (the prices of agricultural products in France, income from agriculture, the prices of agricultural products in EU and Great Britain and the milk price index). The second - “external factor” is made of general and global indicators (cereals prices, EU GDP and prices in industry). Factor analysis has confirmed high correlation of goals: production growth, productivity and technological progress in agriculture as well as “reasonable” prices in agriculture. The analysis shows high correlation between agricultural and industrial products, indices of the prices of cereals, meat and milk, indices of the prices of agricultural products in France and Great Britain, agriculture GDP and EU GDP (classified into internal and external factors). In general, the results of the factor analysis justify the existence of CAP, while the EU budget support brings wider social benefits.
A Morphosyntactic Analysis of Patient-Subject Constructions in Chinese

Abstract The exact nature and derivation of patient-subject constructions (PSC) in Chinese are still at dispute in literature. Based on the restriction of manner adverbial modification and the nonexistence of the manner reading of zenme ‘how’ observed in Chinese PSC, a morphosyntactic analysis has been provided. We argue that the seeming action verb V in PSC is not a real main verb, but a verbal root to be introduced into the derivation after syntax via external morphological merger. The real main verb of PSC in syntax is a covert light verb ∅BEC, which selects a nominal phrase (NP) as its specifier (Spec) and a resultative phrase (RP) as its complement. BECP is further selected by an aspect (Asp) head le. To satisfy the extended projection principle (EPP), the NP at [Spec, BECP] moves to the [Spec, TP] in syntax. After syntax, the resultative (R) head-moves to ∅BEC at the phonological form (PF) to satisfy the phonological requirement of ∅BEC, forming R-∅BEC; then, a bare verbal root merges with R-∅BEC at PF to denote the manner of the change of state. Due to the phonological requirement of le, V-R-∅BEC head-moves to le, producing the right order of PSC. The two elided forms of PSC can be derived similarly. This research suggests that covert light verbs and morphology may play an interactive role in the derivation of some “typical” constructions in Chinese.
An Update on the Genetic Aspects in Congenital Ventricular Septal Defect

Abstract Ventricular septal defects (VSDs) are the most common type of heart malformation and may occur like a part of a syndrome or as an isolated form. Clinical manifestations are related to the interventricular flow, which is determined by the size of the defect. Aiming at the identification of genetic causes is important in both syndromic and non-syndromic forms of VSD, to estimate the prognosis and choose the optimal management. Other reasons of the identification of genetic factors in the etiopathogenesis include the assessment of the neurodevelopmental delay risk, recurrence in the offspring, and association with extracardiac malformations. The diagnostic process has been improved, and currently the use of the most suitable and accessible technique in the clinical practice represents a challenge. Additional advantages in genetic testing were brought by next-generation sequencing technique, various testing panels being available in many laboratories.
Computer-Based Simulation for Enhancing Patient-Clinician Communication in Computerized Settings

In this paper, we discuss the importance of face to face consultation. We argue that information systems such as electronic medical records (EMRs) have both positive and negative impacts on the patient-clinician interaction. We propose computer based game-like simulation as a tool for training clinicians in integrating EMR use into the consultation.
Evolution of Corvids and their Presence in the Neogene and the Quaternary in the Carpathian Basin

Abstract Corvids are the largest songbirds in Europe. They are known in the avian fauna of Europe from the Miocene, the beginning of the Neogene, and are currently represented by 11 species. Due to their size, they occur more frequently among fossilized material than other types of songbirds, and thus have been examined to the largest extent. In the current article, we present their known evolution and their fossilized taxa in Europe and examine the osteology of extant species.
Two-Phase Exponential Model of Wealth Distribution

Abstract The topic of wealth and money distribution attracts great attention of economists, as well as researchers from other scientific fields, such as statistical physics and econophysics. An increasing number of models and simulations are being created in order to understand the process of wealth distribution and reaching the steady state of the distribution system. Also, the number of papers dealing with analysis and determining the distribution proportion is constantly growing, and, unlike the previous years, when the Pareto principle was “80-20”, today that principle could be “90-10”and even “90-20”. In this paper we present an agent-based simulation model derived from econophysics that describes the dynamics of wealth distribution. Two models of exponential function are tested: a one-phase model that uses the Newton’s law of cooling and a two-phase exponential function model. We found that exponential decreasing function adequately described the dynamics of wealth distribution, especially in the models without the possibility of borrowing money, and the validity of the Pareto principle “80-20” in these models could be confirmed.
Skull morphometric characters in parrots (Psittaciformes)

Abstract Parrots (Psittaciformes) are a unique and diverse avian group and vary tremendously in size, shape, and colour. Mainly distributed throughout the tropics and subtropics, most species of parrots are largely or exclusively arboreal with several exceptions. The species also differ in diet and habitat, which led to different musculoskeletal adaptations of the skull. However, parrots have conspicuous generalized external features; in this recent study, we tried to increase our knowledge of the cranial shape and foraging habits. A geometric morphometric approach was used to analyse two-dimensional cranial landmarks. We used principal component (PC) analyses on measurements that may be related to diet. The PCs described the relative height of the cranium, the relative length and curvature of the beak, differences in the orientation and curvature of the lacrimal bone and the upper margin of orbits, variation in the size and position of the palatine bone and the relative width of the cranium, and variation in the relative size of the neurocranium compared to the viscerocranium. The dietary categories overlap in the morphospace but the analysis in lateral and ventral view resulted in significant differences.
Isolation and identification of microsatellite repeat motifs from the Epinephelus fuscoguttatus genome

Epinephelus fuscoguttatus belongs to one of the largest serranidae fish family. Genetic information regarding existing fish populations in the wild is crucial for the conservation, particularly since the species is listed under the IUCD Red List due to intense fishing. Microsatellites of E. fuscoguttatus were isolated using streptavidin-biotin enrichment method. In total, 378 microsatellites were identified and characterized. Of these 378 total microsatellites, 46 (12.2%) were mononucleotides, 175 (46.3%) were dinucleotides, 109 (28.8%) were trinucleotides, 36 (9.5%) were tetranucloetides, 7 (1.9%) were pentanucleotides, 4 (1.1%) were hexanucleotides and 1 (0.3%) was a heptanucleotide. The most abundant microsatellite present in E. fuscoguttatus was the dinucleotide motif, (AC) n.
Non-destructive Test Methods for Corrosion Detection in Reinforced Concrete Structures

Abstract Several inspection methods can be used to assess the corrosion state of steel reinforcement in concrete. Especially for periodical field surveys and monitoring, non-destructive testing (NDT) methods are to be preferred as they do not cause any or very limited damage to the existing concrete. In this paper, the corrosion state of three reinforced concrete beams exposed to marine environment for 25 years was evaluated by measuring three parameters; electrochemical potential, concrete resistivity and corrosion rate. The measurements were performed with commercial devices. It was found that all devices are applicable for field inspections. Among the methods selected for the study, the electrochemical potential measured in a fine grid and analysed statistically offered the best possibility of evaluating the corrosion state; preferably in combination with selected excavations for determination of the level of corrosion.
Exploring the Maternal and Infant Oral Microbiomes

Setting the stage for good oral health early in life is critical to long-term oral and overall health. This exploratory study aimed to characterize and compare maternal and newborn oral microbiota among mother-infant pairs. Oral samples were collected from 34 pregnant African American women and their infants at 1 to 3 months of age. Extracted 16SrRNA genes were matched to the Human Oral Microbiome Database. Alpha and beta diversity differed significantly between overall maternal and infant microbiomes. Maternal or infant alpha diversity, however, was not differentiated by maternal gingival status. Several demographic and behavioral variables were associated with, but not predictive of, maternal oral microbiome alpha diversity. There was no association, however, among birth mode, feeding mode, and the infant oral microbiome. Megasphaera micronuciformis was the only periodontal pathogen detected among the infants. Notably, maternal gingival status was not associated with the presence/absence of most periodontal pathogens. This study provides an initial description of the maternal and infant oral microbiomes, laying the groundwork for future studies. The perinatal period presents an important opportunity where perinatal nurses and providers can provide oral assessment, education, and referral to quality dental care.
A Prospective Study Examining Trigger Factors and Hormonal Abnormalities in Adult Female Acne

Background: Numerous triggers have been implicated in adult female acne including endogenous (hormonal dysfunction and genetic predisposition) and exogenous causes (drugs, cosmetics, sunscreens, stress, and smoking). Aims: To evaluate the role of various trigger factors in adult female acne and to analyze the androgenic hormone pattern including anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) in these patients. Materials and Methods: Patients having acne of age ≥25 years were analyzed using a pre devised proforma to elicit trigger factors while the severity was graded using the Global Acne Grading System (GAGS). A detailed hormonal assessment was undertaken that assessed total testosterone (TT), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), free androgen index (FAI), AMH, 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and prolactin. Results: Out of the 165 cases seen and sub-analyzed for triggers, premenstrual flare, diet, cosmetics, and stress were the most commonly implicated causes. Among cosmetics, fairness creams and foundations were implicated.The hormonal analysis revealed deranged values of all hormones with the most common being 17-OHP and AMH. Almost 42.8% patients with DHEAS derangement and 58.75% females with raised 17-OHP suffered from moderate to severe stress. Limitations: A prospective cohort correlation study of the implicated triggers is needed to confirm the association with adult female acne. Conclusions: Adult female acne may be triggered by diet, stress, and cosmetics and there is a distinct hormonal milieu that accounts for hyperandrogenemia. We noted high levels of adrenal androgens which have been known to be associated with stress and sleep deprivation. Our study shows the value of counseling adult female acne patients about various acne triggers.
Appearance Modelling of Living Human Tissues

The visual fidelity of realistic renderings in Computer Graphics depends fundamentally upon how we model the appearance of objects resulting from the interaction between light and matter reaching the eye. In this paper, we survey the research addressing appearance modelling of living human tissue. Among the many classes of natural materials already researched in Computer Graphics, living human tissues such as blood and skin have recently seen an increase in attention from graphics research. There is already an incipient but substantial body of literature on this topic, but we also lack a structured review as presented here. We introduce a classification for the approaches using the four types of human tissues as classifiers. We show a growing trend of solutions that use first principles from Physics and Biology as fundamental knowledge upon which the models are built. The organic quality of visual results provided by these Biophysical approaches is mainly determined by the optical properties of biophysical components interacting with light. Beyond just picture making, these models can be used in predictive simulations, with the potential for impact in many other areas.
A versatile method to prevent transcriptional gene silencing in Arabidopsis thaliana

Transcriptional gene silencing (TGS) is a phenomenon by which transgenes that share homology in their promoter regions are inactivated. TGS is known to be reduced by using different promoters to drive the expression of each transgene. However, in order to perform a large-scale genetic screen in which overexpression lines are mutagenized by T-DNA tagging and therefore harbor two types of transgene, it is critical to develop a technique that consistently blocks TGS. Here, I report a versatile method that completely prevents TGS in transgenic Arabidopsis. A seedling morphology-based assay demonstrated that TGS could be significantly diminished by using different terminator sequences for each transgene. Furthermore, it was suggested that TGS might be reduced if the orientations of the two T-DNA sequences were reversed relative to each other. By combining these strategies, I showed that TGS was completely blocked in over 50,000 T1 plants. These findings present a thorough and versatile method to prevent TGS that is potentially applicable to various plant species and is expected to be used in diverse situations, from basic to applied research fields.
Making syrup from black walnut sap

Abstract Experimental tapping of black walnut (Juglans nigra L.) trees has shown that there is a substantial amount of sap flow in young black walnut trees and that it can be tapped and processed for the making of sugar syrup. It also shows the importance of a wide sapwood ring in obtaining a good yield of sap. Wind and temperature fluctuations appear to be related to daily sap production. Tree diameter, position in the stand, degree of openness of the crown, and some weather conditions were not reliable in predicting high-yield trees in this study, and sap sugar variation was too narrow to correlate to any other factors. Qualified taste tests indicate that the commercial Log Cabin ® product was preferred over both the walnut and the sugar maple syrups.
In Vivo Effects of Nonselective, Partially Selective, and Selective Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs on Lipid Peroxidation and Antioxidant Enzymes in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Clinical Study

Background: The relationship between oxidative stress, decreased antioxidant status, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been widely investigated. To date, few clinical studies have assessed the role of conventional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the modulation of oxidative stress in patients with RA. Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of nonselective, partially selective, and selective cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors on markers of oxidative stress in patients with RA. Materials and Methods: Thirty RA patients were enrolled in this open label, prospective study for 12 weeks and randomly assigned to either group receiving diclofenac 100 mg, meloxicam 15 mg, or celecoxib 200 mg daily (n = 10 in each group). Patients were evaluated for superoxide dismutase (SOD) and serum malondialdehyde (MDA) as oxidative markers at the baseline and at the end of 12 weeks. Various parameters for efficacy were also assessed. Results: The baseline values of the SOD enzyme were significantly lower and MDA values were significantly elevated in patients randomized to the three treatment groups as compared to the control group (P < 0.05). MDA level was significantly decreased in patients across all the treatment groups (P < 0.05) after 12 weeks. There was an improvement in mean SOD enzyme levels at the end of 12 weeks; the difference for SOD was significant as compared to the baseline in the meloxicam group only (P < 0.05) but not in diclofenac- and celecoxib-treated patients. Significant improvement was observed in all the treatment groups as regards patient assessment of pain visual analog scale, tender and swollen joint count, and patient global assessment. Conclusions: Diclofenac, meloxicam, and celecoxib carry antioxidant effects to a variable extent. NSAID possesses additional mechanism independent of COX inhibition which modulates oxidative stress.
Synthesis of nano-α mangostin based on chitosan and Eudragit S 100

Alpha-mangostin is a xanthone compound isolated from the mangosteen plant (Garcinia mangostana L.), which has various pharmacological activities. However, in its utilization alpha-mangostin is unstable and shows low solubility in the oral delivery system. Nanoparticles can deliver specific drugs to their workplace and increase the solubility. The objectives of this study were to create and characterize the alpha-mangostin nanoparticles based on chitosan and Eudragit® S 100. The nanoparticles were made by the ionic gelation method with comparisons core: Coating FI (1:2), FII (1:1), and FIII (2:1). Nanoparticles powder obtained using the spray pyrolysis method. Characterization using Fourier transform infrared indicates that the nanoparticles have been coated properly, and no damage occurred in the formula. The particle sizes for FI, FII, and FII are 373.381 ± 138.023 nm, 398.333 ± 184.977 nm, and 326.567 ± 130.366 nm, respectively, with a smooth surface. The entrapment efficiency value of FI, FII, and FIII are, respectively, 99.7692%, 99.6535%, and 99.476%. Alpha-mangostin was successfully encapsulated in chitosan-tripolyphosphate polymer by ionic gelation method and then coated with Eudragit S 100. Alpha-mangostin chitosan-eudragit nanoparticles (core: Polymer ratio of 1:2) yielded more entrapment efficiency.
Cutaneous Histoplasmosis: An Unusual Presentation with Nasal Obstruction

Histoplasmosis is a systemic fungal disease that may be presented with a variety of clinical manifestations, usually as an opportunistic infection in immunocompromised individuals. We present an HIV seropositive patient with a large fleshy growth causing left-sided nasal obstruction, as an unusual presentation. The lesions shrunk dramatically and almost completely on intravenous amphotericin-B lipid complex (ABLC) given for 2 weeks followed by long-term oral itraconazole.
Optimizing Assay and Extraction of Lipoxygenase in Wheat Germ

Using three-level seven-factor response surface methodology, wheat germ lipoxygenase (LPO) assay conditions were standardized. The important parameters were concentration of the substrate (linoleic acid), and surfactant (Tween 20), pH and temperature. The standardized LPO assay conditions for the 1 mL reaction volume were: 450 μM linoleic acid, 129 μM Tween 20, 175 mM ethanol, 1 mM EDTA, pH 6.2 (phosphate buffer), ionic strength 100 mM and 40 o C. LPO extraction conditions were standardized by sequential variation of parameters. Optimum conditions were a single extraction of defatted wheat germ flour at 2-5 o C with magnetic stirring of an extractant acetate buffer pH 4.5, ionic strength 100 mM, at buffer-to-solid ratio 10:1