Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Advancing Quantification of Water-Extractable Arabinoxylan in Beer: A High-Throughput Approach

Water-extractable arabinoxylan (WEAX) may cause major problems during clarification processes in a brewery owing to its ability to form gel networks. However, high WEAX contents can also enhance the nutritional quality of the final product as they play an important role in the human diet. Therefore, precise quantification of WEAX is required. Current methods are very time- and resource-consuming as well as limited in the number of samples and in some cases provide low accuracy. Thus, a reproducible high-throughput method for the quantification of WEAX optimized for beer was developed, reaching recovery rates (RRs) of almost 100%. The assay is based on Douglas’s colorimetric method. Hydrolysis was conducted using glacial acetic acid to induce the formation of red color complexes resulting from the interaction between pentose degradation products and phloroglucinol. The method was successfully transferred to a multi-mode microplate reader to minimize the loss of color intensity over time and to obtain a high throughput. By using 96-well plates, up to 40% of the previous analysis time could be saved, and a larger number of samples could be analyzed in one batch. The collected data determined xylose as an optimal calibration standard due to high accuracy and reproducibility. The respective AX control standards showed RR within the range of 95–105% without exception. To validate and show the ruggedness of the modified method, WEAX concentration in seven commercial German beers (e.g., lager, pilsner, wheat beer, non-alcoholic beer) was quantified. Interfering hexose sugars that lead to measurement errors when analyzing samples with high amounts of fermentable sugars (e.g., non-alcoholic beer produced by limited fermentation) were eliminated by Saccharomyces diastaticus fermentation. Further investigations were carried out by means of LC-MS in order to obtain additional information about the reddish product in the hydrolyzed samples. In this context, C16H12O6 could be identified as one of numerous condensation products, contributing to the coloring. The collected data showed the impact of diverse factors on the measured AX concentration and helped optimize the experimental procedure for a high sample throughput with precise and highly reproducible results. The proposed quantification method should be primarily used in completely fermented finished beer to emphasize the time aspect. Wort samples and non-alcoholic beer produced by limited fermentation can be also analyzed, but only after fermentation with S. diastaticus.
Modalités spatio-temporelles de la dispersion d'alevins de saumon atlantique (Salmo salar L.) à l'émergence

Nous avons etudie la dispersion (vitesse, duree, distance) d'alevins de saumon atlantique a l'emergence dans un ruisseau experimental. Le rythme journalier de devalaison suit etroitement le rythme d'emergence des alevins, ce qui montre une bonne correlation entre les deux activites, tout au moins en debut de periode. Les histogrammes de capture des alevins echantillonnes tous les 10 m presentent des caracteristiques de forme similaires (duree, asymetrie et aplatissement). Jusqu'au pic des captures, pres de 50 % des alevins devalent en 5 jours. Ils se dispersent a partir de la frayere sur 50 m en 3 ou 4 nuits et forment une cohorte homogene d'apres leur rythme de devalaison et leur taille. Apres le mode, les captures sont plus etalees dans le temps (environ 10 jours) et montrent plus de variabilite en fonction de la distance. Les alevins residents ne sont pas distribues uniformement dans les cinq biefs : les densites, de meme que les poids moyens, tendent a augmenter vers l'aval. Plus de 50 % de la population d'alevins survivants s'est etabli dans les 50 m en aval de la frayere. Les resultats revelent deux vagues de devalants. La premiere vague de dispersion, aussitot apres l'emergence, est rapide et importante. Elle ne dependrait pas directement de la competition territoriale et de la densite, mais permettrait d'eviter des densites localement trop elevees et d'utiliser plus efficacement les zones productives situees en aval de la frayere. La deuxieme vague d'alevins devalants correspondrait aux emergents tardifs et aux poissons soumis aux effets de la competition territoriale.
The Changes of Phyllosphere Fungal Communities among Three Different Populus spp.

As an ecological index for plants, the diversity and structure of phyllosphere microbial communities play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem stability and balance; they can affect plant biogeography and ecosystem function by influencing host fitness and function. The phyllosphere microbial communities reflect the immigration, survival, and growth of microbial colonists, which are influenced by various environmental factors and leaves’ physical and chemical properties. This study investigated the structure and diversity of phyllosphere fungal communities in three different Populus spp. , namely—P. × euramaricana (BF3), P. nigra (N46), and P. alba × P. glandulosa (84K). Leaves’ chemical properties were also analyzed to identify the dominant factors affecting the phyllosphere fungal communities. N46 exhibited the highest contents of total nitrogen (Nt), total phosphorus (Pt), soluble sugar, and starch. Additionally, there were significant variations in the abundance, diversity, and composition of phyllosphere fungal communities among the three species: N46 had the highest Chao1 index and observed_species, while 84K had the highest Pielou_e index and Simpson index. Ascomycota and Basidiomycota are the dominant fungal communities at the phylum level. Results from typical correlation analyses indicate that the chemical properties of leaves, especially total phosphorus (Pt), total nitrogen (Nt), and starch content, significantly impact the structure and diversity of the phyllosphere microbial community. However, it is worth noting that even under the same stand conditions, plants from different species have distinct leaf characteristics, proving that the identity of the host species is the critical factor affecting the structure of the phyllosphere fungal community.
Indoor Multihuman Device-Free Tracking System Using Multiradar Cooperative Sensing

Robust human tracking in indoor environments is an important feature of location-based service applications, including security surveillance, elderly monitoring, and so on. Yet, the advanced technology offered by camera-based device-free tracking systems can raise privacy concerns. To address this problem, we propose a low-cost, low-power, device-free human tracking system based on millimeter-wave (mmWave) radar that can provide rich ranging and radial velocity information. In order to achieve continuous tracking, we propose a multiradar cooperative sensing scheme; with the help of the double segmentation method, we overcome the user proximity problem that prevents multiple humans from being recognized using point cloud location information. Finally, we propose a tracking and trajectory optimization algorithm that considers both spatial information and probability distribution of moving direction to output human trajectory. Experimental results show that the proposed human tracking system provides a single-human tracking error of 8.5 cm and a multihuman tracking error of nearly 10 cm.
Selective Impact of Selenium Compounds on Two Cytokine Storm Players

COVID-19 patients suffer from the detrimental effects of cytokine storm and not much success has been achieved to overcome this issue. We sought to test the ability of selenium to reduce the impact of two important cytokine storm players: IL-6 and TNF-α. The effects of four selenium compounds on the secretion of these cytokines from THP-1 macrophages were evaluated in vitro following an LPS challenge. Also, the potential impact of methylseleninic acid (MSeA) on Nrf2 and IκBα was determined after a short treatment of THP-1 macrophages. MSeA was found to be the most potent selenium form among the four selenium compounds tested that reduced the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α secreted by THP-1 macrophages. In addition, an increase in Nrf2 and decrease in pIκBα in human macrophages was observed following MSeA treatment. Our data indicate that COVID-19 patients might benefit from the addition of MSeA to the standard therapy due to its ability to suppress the key players in the cytokine storm.
An Updated Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials and Observational Studies of Intravascular Ultrasound- versus Angiography-guided Left Main Stenting

Objectives: This updated meta-analysis aimed to consolidate clinical evidence comparing the clinical outcomes of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)-guided LMCA stenting versus conventional angiography-guided LMCA stenting. Methodology: We included “randomized controlled trials” and “observational studies” published in peer-reviewed English language journals that compared the clinical outcomes of LMCA revascularization using “drug-eluting stents (DES)” via “IVUS-guided” versus “angiography-guided” stenting. The primary outcome of interest was “major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE)”, while secondary outcome variables included “all-cause mortality”, “myocardial infarction (MI)”, “target vessel/lesion revascularization (TVR/TLR)”, and “stent thrombosis (ST)”. Risk ratios (RRs) for each outcome variable were calculated using the “Mantel-Haenszel method”. Results: The analysis included nine studies involving a total of 5,344 patients, with 2,282 undergoing “IVUS-guided” LMCA stenting and 3,062 undergoing “angiography-guided” LMCA stenting. “IVUS-guided” LMCA stenting showed a significant reduction in the risk of MACE compared to “angiography-guided” LMCA stenting, with a RR of 0.46 [95% CI: 0.27 - 0.79]. However, a high level of heterogeneity (I2=94%; p<0.01) was observed among the included studies. Additionally, “IVUS-guided” LMCA stenting was associated with significant reductions in all-cause mortality, MI, and ST, with RRs of 0.38 [0.21 - 0.66], 0.45 [0.26 - 0.77], and 0.24 [0.10 - 0.57], respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in TVR/TLR between “IVUS-guided” and “angiography-guided” LMCA stenting, with an RR of 0.64 [0.27 - 1.51]. Conclusion: “IVUS-guided” LMCA revascularization using DES was associated with a lower risk of MACE, death, MI, and ST compared to conventional “angiography-guided” LMCA stenting.
Assessment of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Knowledge among Unmarried Women Seeking Care at Secondary Healthcare Facilities

OBJECTIVES This study aims to assess the level of awareness regarding polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) among young, unmarried females attending secondary healthcare institutions. METHODOLOGY A cross-sectional study was conducted at a rural hospital between January 2022 and December 2022. Ethical clearance was obtained prior to data collection. A pre-designed proforma was employed to gather information from participants visiting the Out-patient Department (OPD). Data collection utilized a non-probability sampling technique, and subsequent analysis was performed using SPSS version 24. RESULTSThe study’s findings pertaining to knowledge levels, participants with no formal education constituted 24.03%, while 6.20% had completed high school and 3.87% held master’s degrees. Information on PCOS was relayed by sisters/cousins (13.17%) and mothers (20.25%), and 32.55% expressed hesitancy in seeking information due to shyness. Menstrual irregularities included polymenorrhagia (24%), oligomenorrhea (33%), amenorrhea (15%), and irregular periods (28%). Clinical deviations encompassed menstrual abnormalities (37%), abnormal male hair type distribution (12%), infertility (16%), mood disorder (7%), dyslipidemia (17%), and hypertension (11%). CONCLUSION The study underscores the need for well-structured educational initiatives to enhance comprehensive awareness of PCOS symptoms, facilitate early diagnosis and treatment, and ultimately improve overall well-being.
Student interest in the national council for agricultural education career pathways

This study describes student interest in the agricultural content pathways established by the National Council for Agricultural Education. Differences exist between male and female students concerning curriculum choices in agriculture, food, and natural resources. Male students were most interested in food products and processing systems, while females averaged the highest interest in animal systems. Females were significantly more interested in animal systems. Males were more interested in power, structural, and technical systems, biotechnology, food products and processing, and agribusiness systems. When considering the students’ race and ethnic background, Native Americans or Alaska Natives reported the most interest in animal systems. Asian students reported the highest interest in natural resource systems. African American students averaged the highest interest in power, structural and technical systems. White Non-Hispanic students reported the highest interest in animal systems. White Hispanic students reported the highest average interest in natural resources. White Non-Hispanic students were significantly more interested in agribusiness systems, animal systems, food products, and processing systems than were African American students. Native American or Alaskan Native students were significantly more interested in animal systems than African American students. This study concluded that male and female students value agricultural curriculum content differently and that the differences were significant in most agricultural content pathways. Students of different races and ethnic backgrounds value agricultural content pathways differently, but most of these differences were insignificant.
Inverse ductile thinning via lower crustal flow and fold‐induced doming in the West Carpathian Eo‐Alpine collisional wedge

Continental core complexes are generally interpreted to result from extensional doming due to gravity‐driven upflow of lower crust. In contrast, the Vepor Dome is characterized by the lack of inverted density profile and relatively cold metamorphic field gradient which precludes an activation of Rayleigh‐Taylor instability. Instead, the crustal structure of the Vepor Unit is marked by dense and weak metapelitic lower crust and light and strong granitoid upper crust inherited from Variscan nappe stacking. It is shown that the Cretaceous Eo‐Alpine tectonic evolution of the Vepor Dome is controlled by the dynamics of two neighboring mechanically strong continental blocks, i.e., the overthrusting of the suprastructural Gemer Unit from the south and the underthrusting of the Fatric basement from the north. Structural, metamorphic and geochronological data from the Vepor Unit imply two main phases of the convergent process: (1) Lower Cretaceous crustal thickening due to overthrusting and internal deformation of the Gemer Unit together with upper crustal folding in the Vepor Unit led to the progressive development of the orogenic front parallel pressure gradient. The instantaneous response of the lower crustal and low‐viscosity metapelites led to an along‐strike lower crustal flow accompanied by prograde Barrovian‐type metamorphism. (2) As the south vergent underthrusting of the Fatric basement propagated to greater depths during the Upper Cretaceous, the convergent process switched from top driven to bottom driven, and the exhumation of the lower crust occurred via polyharmonic folding. Overall doming of the Vepor Unit induced upper crustal detachment faulting and eastward unroofing of the dome.
Zoonotic Malaria Risk in Serra Do Mar, Atlantic Forest, Brazil

Here, the main goal is to assess natural infections of Plasmodium spp. in anophelines in a forest reserve from the same region where we previously found a surprisingly high rate (5.2%) of plasmodia infections (n = 25) in Kerteszia mosquitoes (N = 480) on the slopes of Serra do Mar, Atlantic Forest, Brazil. The mosquito collection sampling was carried out at the Legado das Águas Forest Reserve using CDC light traps and Shannon traps at night (5–10 pm) in 3-day collections in November 2021 and March, April, May, and November 2022. The captured specimens were morphologically identified at the species level and had their genomic DNA extracted in pools of up to 10 mosquitoes/pool. Each pool was tested using 18S qPCR and cytb nested PCR plus sequencing. A total of 5301 mosquitoes, mostly belonging to the genus Kerteszia (99.7%), were sampled and sorted into 773 pools. Eight pools positive for Plasmodium spp. were identified: four for Plasmodium spp. , one for P. vivax or P. simium, one for P. malariae or P. brasilianum, and two for the P. falciparum-like parasite. After Sanger sequencing, two results were further confirmed: P. vivax or P. simium and P. malariae or P. brasilianum. The minimum infection rate for Kerteszia mosquitoes was 0.15% (eight positive pools/5285 Kerteszia mosquitoes). The study reveals a lower-than-expected natural infection rate (expected = 5.2% vs. observed = 0.15%). This low rate relates to the absence of Alouatta monkeys as the main simian malaria reservoir in the studied region. Their absence was due to a significant population decline following the reemergence of yellow fever virus outbreaks in the Atlantic Forest from 2016 to 2019. However, this also indicates the existence of alternative reservoirs to infect Kerteszia mosquitoes. The found zoonotic species of Plasmodium, including the P. falciparum-like parasite, may represent a simian malaria risk and thus a challenge for malaria elimination in Brazil.
Evaluation of Losses in 3-D-Printed Geodesic Lenses Using a Ray-Tracing Model

This article applies an in-house generalized ray-tracing (RT) model to efficiently compute both the radiation pattern and the efficiency of geodesic lenses with nonrotationally symmetric shapes. Losses due to ohmic effects and surface roughness are included in the model. These losses are very relevant for monolithic geodesic lens antennas as postprocessing techniques cannot be applied to reduce the surface roughness of internal part of the metallic plates. The model is validated by comparison with full-wave simulations for three different lenses: a circular flat parallel-plate waveguide (PPW), an elliptically compressed geodesic lens, and a water-drop lens. These results show a reduction in computational time by a factor of 600 using the RT model. A non-rotationally symmetric water drop lens has been manufactured in a monolithic piece using the laser powder-bed fusion (LPBF) technique with successful experimental results.
Physico-Chemical Properties and Valorization of Biopolymers Derived from Food Processing Waste

The widespread use of synthetic plastics, as well as the waste produced at the end of their life cycle, poses serious environmental issues. In this context, bio-based plastics, i.e., natural polymers produced from renewable resources, represent a promising alternative to petroleum-based materials. One potential source of biopolymers is waste from the food industry, the use of which also provides a sustainable and eco-friendly solution to waste management. Thus, the aim of this work concerns the extraction of polysaccharide fractions from lemon, tomato and fennel waste. Characterizing the chemical–physical and thermodynamic properties of these polysaccharides is an essential step in evaluating their potential applications. Hence, the solubility of the extracted polysaccharides in different solvents, including water and organic solvents, was determined since it is an important parameter that determines their properties and applications. Also, acid-base titration was carried out, along with thermoanalytical tests through differential scanning calorimetry. Finally, the electrospinning of waste polysaccharides was investigated to explore the feasibility of obtaining polysaccharide-based membranes. Indeed, electrospun fibers are a promising structure/system via which it is possible to apply waste polysaccharides in packaging or well-being applications. Thanks to processing feasibility, it is possible to electrospin waste polysaccharides by combining them with different materials to obtain porous 3D membranes made of nanosized fibers.
Spatial Relationship and Colocation of Crimes in Jefferson County, Kentucky

Crime is a major social issue in U.S. cities. Understanding the spatial pattern of crimes is imperative for developing informed policy and effective policing strategies that will reduce crime in local communities. This article examines the spatial distribution of major crimes in Jefferson County, Kentucky. Using crime data spanning the period between 2009 and 2011, this study looked into the spatial relationships and colocation patterns among different types of crime across the county. Specifically we tried to uncover which crime types tend to colocate with each other and where the colocations exist in the county. More than thirty types of crime (excluding sex crimes) were first reclassified into ten categories, and aggregated into each of the 575 census block groups. Principal component analysis was used at the census block group level to extract components from reclassified crime data to identify the categories of crime that are heavily loaded together and therefore share similar location patterns. Four components were extracted and named contraband, violent, property, and theft. Component scores for each component were mapped and analyzed for census block groups, which helps reveal spatial colocation patterns of crimes in Jefferson County. Temporal changing in crime colocation patterns from 2009 to 2011 was also examined in this study.
Riverine nitrogen export from the continents to the coasts

We present an overview of riverine nitrogen flux calculations that were prepared for the International Nitrogen Initiative's current global assessment of nitrogen cycles: past, present, and future (Galloway et al., 2004). We quantified anthropogenic and natural inputs of reactive nitrogen (N) to terrestrial landscapes and the associated riverine N fluxes. Anthropogenic inputs include fossil‐fuel derived atmospheric deposition, fixation in cultivated croplands, fertilizer use, and the net import in human food and animal feedstuffs. Natural inputs include natural biological N fixation in forests and other noncultivated vegetated lands, and fixation by lightning. We use an empirical model relating total N inputs per landscape area to the total flux of N discharged in rivers based on watershed data from contrasting ecosystems spanning multiple spatial scales. With this approach, we simulate riverine N loads to the coastal zone and to inland waters from the continents. Globally, rivers exported about 59 Tg N yr−1, with 11 Tg N yr−1 transported to dry lands and inland receiving waters, and 48 Tg N yr−1 transported to the coastal zone. Rates of riverine N loss vary greatly among the continents, reflecting the regional differences in population and the associated anthropogenic N inputs. We compare our estimates to other approaches that have been reported in the literature. Our work provides an understanding of the sources of N to landscapes and the associated N fluxes in rivers, and highlights how anthropogenic activities impact N cycling around the world.
A stochastic approach for assessing the uncertainty of rainfall‐runoff simulations

Rainfall‐runoff models have received a great deal of attention by researchers in the last decades. However, the analysis of their reliability and uncertainty has not been treated as thoroughly. In the present study, a technique for assessing the uncertainty of rainfall‐runoff simulations is presented that makes use of a meta‐Gaussian approach in order to estimate the probability distribution of the model error conditioned by the simulated river flow. The proposed technique is applied to the case study of an Italian river basin, for which the confidence limits of simulated river flows are derived and compared with the respective actual observations.