Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of Sulfonation on the Properties of Expanded Extrudates Containing 32% Whey Protein

Whey protein concentrate (WPC) was treated with sodium sulfite to achieve 4 levels of disulfide bond sulfonation (0%, 31%, 54%, and 71% mole/mole). The WPCs were blended with cornstarch to a 32% (weigh/weight) protein content and extruded into an expanded product. Extrudates were collected at 160 °C and 170 °C and analyzed for physical (air cell diameter, expansion ratio, breaking strength, and density) and chemical (water adsorption index [WAI], water solubility index, moisture content, soluble protein, and carbohydrates) properties. The control and 54% sulfonated samples had larger expansion ratios and air cell diameters and smaller densities and breaking strengths than the 31% and 71% samples. Expansion increased at 170 °C in the sulfonated samples. The WAI was influenced by both sulfonation and temperature, whereas the other chemical properties (except moisture content) were influenced only by sulfonation level. Soluble protein and carbohydrate were highest in the control and 54% samples. The anomalous behavior of the 54% sample may have been the result of significant structural and functional changes of α-lactalbumin that are predicted to occur at approximately 50% sulfonation. Many functional properties of the WPCs were measured and were significantly correlated to the extrudate properties, particularly those related to protein unfolding and flexibility The increased ability for the proteins to become unfolded during extrusion may have promoted protein-starch interactions, which led to decreases in expansion and overall quality Disulfide bond content did influence the chemical and physical properties of an extruded-expanded whey protein products.
Cotton Growth and Physiological Responses to Boron Deficiency

Abstract Boron (B) deficiency is common in some cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) growing regions of the world. A better understanding of changes in the growth and physiological characteristics of cotton plants during the development of B deficiency will help us to define field diagnosis techniques and improve B fertilizer management recommendation. An experiment was conducted in a controlled‐environment growth chamber to determine effects of B deficiency during early vegetative growth on leaf photosynthesis, plant dry matter accumulation, photosynthetic assimilate partitioning, and other physiological parameters. Boron deficiency considerably decreased leaf net photosynthetic rate, plant height, leaf area, fruiting sites, and dry matter accumulation during squaring and fruiting. Depressed photosynthesis and plant growth (especially fruits and roots) resulted in increased fruit abscission and changes in dry matter partitioning among plant tissues. The results help explain effects of B deficiency on suppression of cotton growth and yield and provide information for improving the diagnosis of B deficiency in cotton production.
Characterization of Starch Granules from Waxy, Nonwaxy, and Hybrid Seeds of Amaranthus hypochondriacus L.

Perisperm starch granules of the dicotyledonous plant Amaranthus hypochondriacus L. were prepared from two homozygous lines (WxWx and wxwx) and their hybrid (Wxwx). The hybrid line was obtained by natural hybridization. By Sephadex G-75 column chromatography of isoamylase-debranched starches, the amylose content of WxWx starch was 16.9%, that of Wxwx was 10.7, and wxwx was zero. SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed that starch granules from two genotypes (WxWx and Wxwx) contained a Wx protein (MW = 68,000) which was supposed to be a starch granule-bound starch synthase and was associated with amylose synthesis, as observed in nonwaxy maize. The intensities of the stained protein bands were apparently correlated with the number of the Wx alleles. The Wx protein was not detected in the wxwx starch. These findings suggest that the Wx allele produces the Wx protein and amylose in the perisperm of A. hypochondriacus, with incomplete dominance over the wx allele. The Wx allele did not affect the fine s.
Design and characterization of selective laser‐melted Ti6Al4V–5Cu alloy for dental implants

Ti6Al4V–5Cu alloys have potential biomedical applications due to their adequate antibacterial properties. However, the wear and corrosion properties of these alloys are also crucial for dental implants. In the present study, Ti6Al4V–5Cu alloys were fabricated by selective laser melting (SLM). The microstructure and composition of Ti6Al4V–5Cu alloys by SLM were evaluated. The wear properties of the alloys in the simulated saliva environment and the atmospheric environment, as well as the electrochemical properties in the simulated saliva environment, were systematically investigated. The results showed that the crystal structure of Ti6Al4V–5Cu alloys was mainly composed of α‐Ti and Ti2Cu. In the SLM process, no preferred texture was observed due to the complex direction of the heat flux. The formation of Ti2Cu can improve the strength of the material and make the titanium copper alloy have higher microhardness. Ti6Al4V–5Cu alloy showed a satisfactory wear resistance in both wear media. The addition of Cu reduced the second‐phase content of the alloy. Meanwhile, the number of microcells was reduced, which was a positive factor to improve the corrosion resistance of the alloys.
The existence of housewives in the Instagram

Background of the study: Social media and housewives have become an inseparable unity, especially in Karawang. Accessing social media is a routine that is always done every day. Existence or self-actualization is the reason housewives have social media accounts, one of the Instagram. The purpose of this study is to determine the motives of housewives have Instagram and to know the forms of interaction and content that are distributed to the public. Purpose: This study aims to determine the impact of the use of Instagram on consumptive behavior of housewives in Karawang. Method: This qualitative research uses a descriptive method by taking a location on a housewife in Karawang. Findings: The motive of housewives using Instagram is quite religious, that is entertainment, selling its business, product, socialization, and self-existence, the form of interaction and content distributed in Instagram is post photo with caption interesting, giving hashtag, and follow the trends in Instagram. The conclusion of this research is through Instagram, the housewife can show their existence to the environment to be seen and accepted well. Conclusion : 1) Instagram is a phenomenal social media among housewives because users are spoiled with various features available on Instagram, 2) the campus provides a large bandwidth so they can access Instagram more easily, and 3) the impact of expanding access to the internet becomes they are more consumptive to do transactions face to face.
Geometric constraint-based modeling and analysis of a novel continuum robot with Shape Memory Alloy initiated variable stiffness

Continuum robots exhibit promising adaptability and dexterity for soft manipulation due to their intrinsic compliance. However, this compliance may lead to challenges in modeling as well as positioning and loading. In this paper, a virtual work-based static model is established to describe the deformation and mechanics of continuum robots with a generic rod-driven structure, taking the geometric constraint of the drive rods into account. Following this, this paper presents a novel variable stiffness mechanism powered by a set of embedded Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) springs, which can make the drive rods become ‘locked’ on the body structure with different configurations. The resulting effects of variable stiffness are then presented in the static model by introducing tensions of the SMA and friction on the rods. Compared with conventional models, there is no need to predefine the actuation forces of the drive rods; instead, actuation displacements are used in this new mechanism system with stiffness being regulated. As a result, the phenomenon that the continuum robot can exhibit an S-shaped curve when subject to single-directional forces is observed and analyzed. Simulations and experiments demonstrated that the presented mechanism has stiffness variation of over 287% and further demonstrated that the mechanism and its model are achievable with good accuracy, such that the ratio of positioning error is less than 2.23% at the robot end-effector to the robot length.
Opinion leaders' detection in dynamic social networks

Social media networks have revolutionized the way users interact and express their opinion. Obviously, identifying opinion leaders has a widespread applicability. For instance, by detecting leaders, companies can manipulate the public opinion. However, this task is challenging due to the complexity and the ceaseless change of the social networks structure. Yet, existing opinion leaders 'detection methods have essentially focused on static social graphs neglecting the temporal characteristics. Therefore, the necessity of identifying opinion leaders seems to be more and more crucial. In this context, we present a new approach for detecting opinion leaders based on analyzing online community interactions and dealing with the dynamic aspect of social networks. The experiments are performed on real data and the comparison of the proposed approach with commonly used approaches showed a good performance.
Antimicrobial activity of geraniol: an integrative review

ABSTRACT Geraniol presents many pharmacological properties including antifungal and antibacterial activity. The objective of this study was to conduct a review of the literature concerning in vitro antimicrobial activity, anti-biofilm action, and association studies with drugs and geraniol. The study was based on a literature search from 2007 to 2019, in the databases Lilacs, Scielo, Science Direct, and PubMed. The results of 21 articles 8were selected where the most studied genera were Candida and Staphylococcus. Broth microdilution methods were the most frequently used and generally presented MIC values of ≤600 µg/mL. In the association studies, the most used technique was Checkerboard, where combinations of geraniol and standard antimicrobials were found to be synergic for most strains. Geraniol also showed antibiotic activity against the genus Staphylococcus. From our review results, it is clear that the phytoconstituent geraniol presents antimicrobial action against various species.
Minimal-invasive approach reduces cardiopulmonary complications in elderly after lung cancer surgery

Background The number of elderly patients undergoing lung resection for lung cancer is continuously increasing. This study investigates the risk factors for postoperative complications in elderly lung cancer patients and the role of surgical approach in early postoperative outcome. Methods We reviewed all consecutive patients who underwent anatomical resection for early stage T1/2 lung cancer in a curative intent between January 2016 and November 2018 at our institution. Clinical data, postoperative complications, hospital stay and 30- and 90-day mortality were prospectively collected. Results A total of 505 (278 male) patients were included. One hundred ninety patients (38%) were ≥70 years of age. Forty-eight percent (n=241) had thoracotomy, 52% (n=264) were operated with video-assisted or robot-assisted thoracoscopy. Major cardiopulmonary complications were observed in 4.2% (n=21) patients. There was no significant difference in major cardiopulmonary complication rate following minimally invasive surgery between patients above or below 70 years of age (4.3% vs. 2.5%, P=0.47). In contrast, major cardiopulmonary complication rate was significantly higher in elderly thoracotomy patients than in patients below 70 years of age (9.9% vs. 2.6%, P=0.035). Elderly patients operated minimally invasive had a significantly shorter hospital stay compared to open approach (8.1 vs. 11.9 days, P<0.0001). Thirty- and 90-day mortality was comparable with 1.4% and 1.5%, respectively. Conclusions Pulmonary resection for lung cancer in elderly patients is safe and can be performed with a low morbidity and mortality. However, our results indicate that minimal invasive surgery leads to reduced postoperative complications especially in elderly and should be the preferred approach.
Metabolic and molecular events occurring during chromoplast biogenesis

Chromoplasts are nonphotosynthetic plastids that accumulate carotenoids. They derive from other plastid forms, mostly chloroplasts. The biochemical events responsible for the interconversion of one plastid form into another are poorly documented. However, thanks to transcriptomics and proteomics approaches, novel information is now available. Data of proteomic and biochemical analysis revealed the importance of lipid metabolism and carotenoids biosynthetic activities. The loss of photosynthetic activity was associated with the absence of the chlorophyll biosynthesis branch and the presence of proteins involved in chlorophyll degradation. Surprisingly, the entire set of Calvin cycle and of the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway persisted after the transition from chloroplast to chromoplast. The role of plastoglobules in the formation and organisation of carotenoid-containing structures and that of the Or gene in the control of chromoplastogenesis are reviewed. Finally, using transcriptomic data, an overview is given the expression pattern of a number of genes encoding plastid-located proteins during tomato fruit ripening.
Diversity analysis of Bemisia tabaci biotypes: RAPD, PCR-RFLP and sequencing of the ITS1 rDNA region

The Bemisia tabaci complex is formed by approximately 41 biotypes, two of which (B and BR) occur in Brazil. In this work we aimed at obtaining genetic markers to assess the genetic diversity of the different biotypes. In order to do that we analyzed Bemisia tabaci biotypes B, BR, Q and Cassava using molecular techniques including RAPD, PCR-RFLP and sequencing of the ITS1 rDNA region. The analyses revealed a high similarity between the individuals of the B and Q biotypes, which could be distinguished from the BR individuals. A phylogenetic tree based on ITS1 rDNA sequence was constructed. This is the first report of the ITS1 rDNA sequence of Bemisia tuberculata and of the BR biotype of B. tabaci.
The Origin of Diversity in Mammals of the Canadian Arctic Tundra

The 17 modern Canadian arctic tundra mammals share only six broad patterns of taxonomic variation and geographic distribution. These are believed to result from differing distributions during the Wisconsin glacial stage, and the past distributions to have been in large part determined by the ecological relations of the species during the . preceding interglacial stage. Those that were tundra species were able to maintain populations in the northern refugia, both in Beringia and Pearyland if the species was widespread (e.g., varying lemming) and only in the former if confined to western North America (e.g., brown lemming). Tree-line species (e.g., caribou) gave rise to both woodland and tundra forms, the former from populations isolated south of the ice, and the latter from populations trapped in the cooling northern refugia. Other species maintained themselves only in Beringia (e.g., man), and others only south of the ice-sheets (e.g., wolverine). Two species, polar bear and arctic fox, find sea-ice no barrier to distribution, and their present ranges are of as little zoogeographical relevance as those of anadromous fish.
Littoral Benthos of the Northern Baltic Sea II. Interrelationships of wet, dry and ash‐free dry weights of macrofauna in the Tvärminne Area

Weight determinations have been made by standard methods, for the species of the common, littoral macrofauna of the Tvarminne area, S Finland. Equations are provided, for species or higher taxa, for the prediction of dry weight from wet weight, and of ash-free dry weight from dry weight, applying the ratio model, the linear model and the curvilinear model. Factors affecting the weight estimates, including preservation in formalin, and some factors affecting the interrelationships of the weights have been discussed.
Association of serum uric acid concentration with components of pediatric metabolic syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Hyperuricemia is implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases and metabolic disorders. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) in childhood is one of the most important causes of different noncommunicable diseases in adulthood. This study aimed to systematically review the association between serum uric acid (UA) concentration and components of pediatric MetS. Materials and Methods: In this meta-analysis and systematic review, related articles were gathered by searching English databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar. We used the following keywords: uric acid, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, fasting blood sugar (FBS), hyperglycemia; the search was limited to English language and included observational and cohort studies performed among children or adolescents. Pooled relative risks (odds ratio [OR]) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were extracted. A random-effect model was used. Results: On the basis of 34 eligible studies, the pooled correlation between UA with metabolic components including FBS (r = 0.24, 95% CI = 0.09–0.40), fasting insulin (r = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.15–0.37), and hyperglycemia (r for triglyceride and UA = 0.23, 95% CI = 0.19–0.38) (r for high-density lipoprotein and UA = −0.28, 95% CI = −0.37 to −0.20) was statistically significant. The association of both diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) was statistically significant with UA (r for SBP and UA = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.24–0.43; r for DBP and UA = 0.18, 95% CI = 0.11–0.25). The OR between risk of abdominal obesity with UA was statistically significant (OR = 2.62, 95% CI = 1.41–3.84). Conclusion: Serum UA concentration is associated with major components of the pediatric MetS. Its measurement and control should be underscored in at-risk children and adolescents.
Energy-Efficient Ternary Multipliers Using CNT Transistors

In recent decades, power consumption has become an essential factor in attracting the attention of integrated circuit (IC) designers. Multiple-valued logic (MVL) and approximate computing are some techniques that could be applied to integrated circuits to make power-efficient systems. By utilizing MVL-based circuits instead of binary logic, the information conveyed by digital signals increases, and this reduces the required interconnections and power consumption. On the other hand, approximate computing is a class of arithmetic computing used in systems where the accuracy of the computation can be traded-off for lower energy consumption. In this paper, we propose novel designs for exact and inexact ternary multipliers based on carbon-nanotube field-effect transistors (CNFETs). The unique characteristics of CNFETs make them a desirable alternative to MOSFETs. The simulations are conducted using Synopsys HSPICE. The proposed design is compared against existing ternary multipliers. The results show that the proposed exact multiplier reduces the energy consumption by up to 6 times, while the best inexact design improves energy efficiency by up to 35 time compared to the latest state-of-the-art methods. Using the imprecise multipliers for image processing provides evidence that these proposed designs are a low-power system with an acceptable error.
Financial Management Practices and Growth of Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises: The case of Kassena-Nankana West District

The promotion of financial management practices and growth of Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (SMEs) can contribute significantly towards the sustained elevation of a nation for a better or more humane life. SMEs play a crucial role in addressing the impediments of poverty, inequality and job creation. Yet, many SMEs face numerous challenges ranging from the lack of capital, poor management skills and the application of best financial management practices. This paper explores SMEs’ financial management skills and practices in relation to their growth. The study used questionnaire to collect data from managers or owners of SMEs. Descriptive statistics was used to present the results of the data. Not only that but also, a multiple regression model was also used to test the correlation between financial management practices of SMEs and business growth. The results indicate a moderate correlation between the financial management practices of the SMEs and the growth of the enterprises. Based on the findings, it is recommended for targeted financial education programmes to help managers and owners of SMEs develop and adopt best financial management practices.
Differential expression of a gene signature for scavenger/lectin receptors by endothelial cells and macrophages in human lymph node sinuses, the primary sites of regional metastasis

Sentinel lymph node biopsy for several cancers has shown that metastatic tumour cells are preferentially arrested in the lymph node sinuses. To study the molecular components of this sinusoidal trap, gene profiling of lymph node (sinuses) versus tonsil (no sinuses) was performed. Among other groups of molecules, an intriguing gene signature of scavenger and lectin‐like receptors was identified. Nine of the 13 genes were preferentially expressed in sinusoidal cells by immunohistochemistry. Using stabilin‐2 and monoclonal antibody 3A5 as exclusive endothelial cell (EC) and macrophage (Mφ) markers, respectively, lymph node sinusoidal ECs (stabilin‐2+, LYVE‐1+, DC‐SIGNR+, MARCO+, stabilin‐1+, MMR+) and sinusoidal Mφ (MMR+, DC‐SIGN+, sialoadhesin+, CD163+, stabilin‐1+ ) showed distinct, but overlapping expression patterns of the signature molecules by double labelling immunofluorescence. The number of stabilin‐1+ sinusoidal Mφ, however, varied considerably between samples, indicating turnover/differentiation dynamics in this sinusoidal cell population. In the hepatic sinuses, LYVE‐1 and CD36 were strongly up‐regulated on both sinusoidal ECs and Mφ, while DC‐SIGNR and DC‐SIGN were strongly down‐regulated; in contrast to lymph node sinusoidal ECs, MARCO was confined to Mφ (Kupffer cells) in the liver sinuses. As Mφ are not present in the wall and lumen of splenic sinuses, splenic sinuses expressed a considerably reduced repertoire of scavenger/lectin receptors lacking sialoadhesin, CD36, CD163, and MARCO; in addition, DC‐SIGNR was absent from splenic sinusoidal ECs, while DC‐SIGN and thrombomodulin were strongly expressed. Interestingly, most of the signature molecules are known to mediate tumour cell adhesion in addition to their functions as scavenger or pattern recognition receptors. This study establishes a gene and tissue database platform to test the hypothesis that additive expression of the lymph node sinus signature genes in sinusoidal ECs and Mφ may contribute to selective tumour cell metastasis in lymph nodes and liver including organ‐specific mechanisms, such as intraluminal retention or transmigration, while sparing the spleen. Copyright © 2006 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.