Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Contamination Levels and Phenotypic and Genomic Characterization of Antimicrobial Resistance in Escherichia coli Isolated from Fresh Salad Vegetables in the United Arab Emirates

Contaminated fresh produce has been identified as a vehicle for human foodborne illness. The present study investigated the counts, antimicrobial resistance profile, and genome-based characterization of Escherichia coli in 11 different types of fresh salad vegetable products (n = 400) sampled from retailers in Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. E. coli was detected in 30% of the tested fresh salad vegetable items, with 26.5% of the samples having an unsatisfactory level (≥100 CFU/g) of E. coli, notably arugula and spinach. The study also assessed the effect of the variability in sample conditions on E. coli counts and found, based on negative binominal regression analysis, that samples from local produce had a significantly higher (p-value < 0.001) E. coli count than imported samples. The analysis also indicated that fresh salad vegetables from the soil-less farming system (e.g., hydroponic and aeroponic) had significantly (p-value < 0.001) fewer E. coli than those from traditional produce farming. The study also examined the antimicrobial resistance in E. coli (n = 145) recovered from fresh salad vegetables and found that isolates exhibited the highest phenotypic resistance toward ampicillin (20.68%), tetracycline (20%), and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (10.35%). A total of 20 (13.79%) of the 145 E. coli isolates exhibited a multidrug-resistant phenotype, all from locally sourced leafy salad vegetables. The study further characterized 18 of the 20 multidrug-resistant E. coli isolates using whole-genome sequencing and found that the isolates had varying numbers of virulence-related genes, ranging from 8 to 25 per isolate. The frequently observed genes likely involved in extra-intestinal infection were CsgA, FimH, iss, and afaA. The β-lactamases gene blaCTX-M-15 was prevalent in 50% (9/18) of the E. coli isolates identified from leafy salad vegetable samples. The study highlights the potential risk of foodborne illness and the likely spread of antimicrobial resistance and resistance genes associated with consuming leafy salad vegetables and emphasizes the importance of proper food safety practices, including proper storage and handling of fresh produce.
Effect of Preliminary Treatment by Pulsed Electric Fields and Blanching on the Quality of Fried Sweet Potato Chips

The effects of pulsed electric fields (PEF) and blanching pretreatments on frying kinetics, oil content, color, texture, acrylamide (AA) content, and microstructure have been investigated in this paper. The total PEF pretreatment duration was tPEF = 0.2 s with an intensity of E = 1 kV/cm; blanching was studied at 85 °C for 5 min. The results demonstrated that pretreatment significantly reduced the moisture ratio and oil content by 25% and 40.33%, respectively. The total color change ΔE value of the pretreated samples was lower than that of the untreated samples. In addition, pretreatment increased the hardness of the sample after frying, and the AA content in the fried samples pretreated with PEF + blanching was reduced by approximately 46.10% (638 μg/kg). Finally, fried sweet potato chips obtained by the combined pretreatment exhibited a smoother and flatter cross-sectional microstructure.
Machine Learning Prediction of Estimated Risk for Bipolar Disorders Using Hippocampal Subfield and Amygdala Nuclei Volumes

The pathophysiology of bipolar disorder (BD) remains mostly unclear. Yet, a valid biomarker is necessary to improve upon the early detection of this serious disorder. Patients with manifest BD display reduced volumes of the hippocampal subfields and amygdala nuclei. In this pre-registered analysis, we used structural MRI (n = 271, 7 sites) to compare volumes of hippocampus, amygdala and their subfields/nuclei between help-seeking subjects divided into risk groups for BD as estimated by BPSS-P, BARS and EPIbipolar. We performed between-group comparisons using linear mixed effects models for all three risk assessment tools. Additionally, we aimed to differentiate the risk groups using a linear support vector machine. We found no significant volume differences between the risk groups for all limbic structures during the main analysis. However, the SVM could still classify subjects at risk according to BPSS-P criteria with a balanced accuracy of 66.90% (95% CI 59.2–74.6) for 10-fold cross-validation and 61.9% (95% CI 52.0–71.9) for leave-one-site-out. Structural alterations of the hippocampus and amygdala may not be as pronounced in young people at risk; nonetheless, machine learning can predict the estimated risk for BD above chance. This suggests that neural changes may not merely be a consequence of BD and may have prognostic clinical value.
Ketogenic Diet and Ketone Bodies as Clinical Support for the Treatment of SARS-CoV-2—Review of the Evidence

One of the proposed nutritional therapies to support drug therapy in COVID-19 is the use of a ketogenic diet (KD) or ketone bodies. In this review, we summarized the evidence from tissue, animal, and human models and looked at the mechanisms of action of KD/ketone bodies against COVID-19. KD/ketone bodies were shown to be effective at the stage of virus entry into the host cell. The use of β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), by preventing the metabolic reprogramming associated with COVID-19 infection and improving mitochondrial function, reduced glycolysis in CD4+ lymphocytes and improved respiratory chain function, and could provide an alternative carbon source for oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Through multiple mechanisms, the use of KD/ketone bodies supported the host immune response. In animal models, KD resulted in protection against weight loss and hypoxemia, faster recovery, reduced lung injury, and resulted in better survival of young mice. In humans, KD increased survival, reduced the need for hospitalization for COVID-19, and showed a protective role against metabolic abnormalities after COVID-19. It appears that the use of KD and ketone bodies may be considered as a clinical nutritional intervention to assist in the treatment of COVID-19, despite the fact that numerous studies indicate that SARS-CoV-2 infection alone may induce ketoacidosis. However, the use of such an intervention requires strong scientific validation.
Application of Straight Line Fitting Method to the Edge Detection of One-Dimension Image

A straight line fitting method is adopted in edge detection of one-dimension image in the linear CCD measuring system. First, the one-dimension image is obtained with the linear CCD of the measuring system. Based on threshold comparison method, the high and low threshold values are set to cut out the middle part of the edge signal and use as fitting window. Then the edge signal within the fitting window will be linear fitted by means of least square method. Finally the middle threshold level between the bright and dark images is used to cut the fitting line and this crossing point is used as the position of image edge. The experimental results and the analysis show that compared with the threshold comparison method, the straight line fitting method can effectively inhibit the effect of random noise and has the advantages of high repeating accuracy and good stability, thus it can effectively detect the edge position of one-dimension image.
Feature Screening for High-Dimensional Variable Selection in Generalized Linear Models

The two-stage feature screening method for linear models applies dimension reduction at first stage to screen out nuisance features and dramatically reduce the dimension to a moderate size; at the second stage, penalized methods such as LASSO and SCAD could be applied for feature selection. A majority of subsequent works on the sure independent screening methods have focused mainly on the linear model. This motivates us to extend the independence screening method to generalized linear models, and particularly with binary response by using the point-biserial correlation. We develop a two-stage feature screening method called point-biserial sure independence screening (PB-SIS) for high-dimensional generalized linear models, aiming for high selection accuracy and low computational cost. We demonstrate that PB-SIS is a feature screening method with high efficiency. The PB-SIS method possesses the sure independence property under certain regularity conditions. A set of simulation studies are conducted and confirm the sure independence property and the accuracy and efficiency of PB-SIS. Finally we apply PB-SIS to one real data example to show its effectiveness.
Design and implementation of a remote monitoring system of mold cavity using eject pin in high-pressure die casting

ABSTRACT This research presents a design process for mould cavity monitoring with a temperature and force-generated pressure measurement system in high-pressure Die casting (HPDC). K-type thermocouple sensor was selected to measure the harsh environment of the Mould Cavity. An eject pin was processed and used for the installation of the sensor in the measurement system, and data was collected from the sensor and displayed as a real-time graph. The rationality of the obtained data was verified with comparative analysis with finite element analysis simulation (FEM) result as a reverse engineering approach. The proposed system is successfully measuring and monitoring the temperature and pressure inside the mould, allowing for the safe monitoring of Die casting. Through monitoring, abnormal conditions in the process can be detected. It is expected that this will reduce the defect rate and improve the quality of manufactured products.
The Use of Wearable Inertial Sensors and Workplace-Based Exercises to Reduce Lateral Epicondylitis in the Workstation of a Textile Logistics Center

People whose jobs involve repetitive motions of the wrist and forearm can suffer from lateral epicondylitis, which is a significant burden on both the individual and the employer due to treatment costs, reduced productivity, and work absenteeism. This paper describes an ergonomic intervention to reduce lateral epicondylitis in the workstation of a textile logistics center. The intervention includes workplace-based exercise programs, evaluation of risk factors, and movement correction. An injury- and subject-specific score was calculated from the motion captured with wearable inertial sensors at the workplace to evaluate the risk factors of 93 workers. Then, a new working movement was adapted to the workplace, which limited the observed risk factors and took into account the subject-specific physical abilities. The movement was taught to the workers during personalized sessions. The risk factors of 27 workers were evaluated again after the intervention to validate the effectiveness of the movement correction. In addition, active warm-up and stretching programs were introduced as part of the workday to promote muscle endurance and improve resistance to repetitive stress. The present strategy offered good results at low cost, without any physical modification of the workplace and without any detriment to productivity.
Concept of general and specific combining ability in relation to diallel crossing systems

A detailed examination of the concept of combining ability in relation to diallel crossing systems is made. Eight different analyses aro presented. 'l'hese result from a consideration of four different diallel crossing systems together wit.h two alternative assumptions with regard to the sampling nature of tho experimental material. A numerical example is given.
Association Between Higher-Level Functional Capacity and Subjective Well-Being in Older Adults with Chronic Conditions: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Aims The aim of the present study was to examine the associations between higher-level functional capacity and subjective well-being (SWB) in older adults with chronic conditions. Materials We used data from a self-administered questionnaire survey conducted in two day-service facilities and one home-visit nursing station. We performed multiple linear regression analyses with SWB measured by the revised Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale and higher-level functional capacity including instrumental self-maintenance, intellectual activity, and social role. Results 140 persons were included in the analyses. We did not find an association between instrumental self-maintenance and SWB (B = 0.30, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.15, 0.75). On the other hand, intellectual activity (B = 0.77, 95%CI: 0.19, 1.34) and social role (B = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.34, 1.43) were associated with SWB. Conclusions Being intellectually active and performing social role may be important to increase SWB in older adults with chronic conditions.
Status of Geant4 hadronic physics for the simulation of LHC experiments at the start of LHC physics program

In this short note we summarize the status of Geant4 hadronic physics for the simulation of LHC experiments, based on an extended physics validation program carried out in the last ten years. The data used come from thintarget published results and LHC test-beam set-ups with electron, pion and proton beams. No LHC collider data are yet utilized; rather, the expectations for the physics quality of Geant4 hadronic simulations for the first analyses at the start of the LHC physics program are discussed. Several physics lists are considered, for Geant4 versions 9.2 (used currently in ATLAS, CMS and LHCb simulations) and 9.3 (latest version, released in December 2009).
Effects of CaCl2 on 3D Printing Quality of Low-Salt Surimi Gel

In order to develop low-salt and healthy surimi products, we limited the amount of NaCl to 0.5 g/100 g in this work and studied the effect of CaCl2 (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 g/100 g) on the 3D printing quality of low-salt surimi gel. The results of rheology and the 3D printing showed that the surimi gel with 1.5 g/100 g of CaCl2 added could squeeze smoothly from the nozzle and had good self-support and stability. The results of the chemical structure, chemical interaction, water distribution, and microstructure showed that adding 1.5 g/100 g of CaCl2 could enhance the water-holding capacity and mechanical strength (the gel strength, hardness, springiness, etc.) by forming an orderly and uniform three-dimensional network structure, which limited the mobility of the water and promoted the formation of hydrogen bonds. In this study, we successfully replaced part of the salt in surimi with CaCl2 and obtained a low-salt 3D product with good printing performance and sensory properties, which could provide theoretical support for the development of healthy and nutritious surimi products.
Can We Detect Urban‐Scale CO2 Emission Changes Within Medium‐Sized Cities?

The COVID‐19 pandemic resulted in a widespread lockdown during the spring of 2020. Measurements collected on a light rail system in the Salt Lake Valley (SLV), combined with observations from the Utah Urban Carbon Dioxide Network observed a notable decrease in urban CO2 concentrations during the spring of 2020 relative to previous years. These decreases coincided with a ∼30% reduction in average traffic volume. CO2 measurements across the SLV were used within a Bayesian inverse model to spatially allocate anthropogenic emission reductions for the first COVID‐19 lockdown. The inverse model was first used to constrain anthropogenic emissions for the previous year (2019) to provide the best possible estimate of emissions for 2020, before accounting for emission reductions observed during the COVID‐19 lockdown. The posterior emissions for 2019 were then used as the prior emission estimate for the 2020 COVID‐19 lockdown analysis. Results from the inverse analysis suggest that the SLV observed a 20% decrease in afternoon CO2 emissions from March to April 2020 (−90.5 tC hr−1). The largest reductions in CO2 emissions were centered over the northern part of the valley (downtown Salt Lake City), near major roadways, and potentially at industrial point sources. These results demonstrate that CO2 monitoring networks can track reductions in CO2 emissions even in medium‐sized cities like Salt Lake City.
Plasmon-Enhanced Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction for Higher-Order Hydrocarbon Generation Using Plasmonic Nano-Finger Arrays

The carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR) is a promising method to both reduce greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations and provide an alternative to fossil fuel by converting water and CO2 into high-energy-density chemicals. Nevertheless, the CO2RR suffers from high chemical reaction barriers and low selectivity. Here we demonstrate that 4 nm gap plasmonic nano-finger arrays provide a reliable and repeatable plasmon-resonant photocatalyst for multiple-electrons reactions: the CO2RR to generate higher-order hydrocarbons. Electromagnetics simulation shows that hot spots with 10,000 light intensity enhancement can be achieved using nano-gap fingers under a resonant wavelength of 638 nm. From cryogenic 1H-NMR spectra, formic acid and acetic acid productions are observed with a nano-fingers array sample. After 1 h laser irradiation, we only observe the generation of formic acid in the liquid solution. While increasing the laser irradiation period, we observe both formic and acetic acid in the liquid solution. We also observe that laser irradiation at different wavelengths significantly affected the generation of formic acid and acetic acid. The ratio, 2.29, of the product concentration generated at the resonant wavelength 638 nm and the non-resonant wavelength 405 nm is close to the ratio, 4.93, of the generated hot electrons inside the TiO2 layer at different wavelengths from the electromagnetics simulation. This shows that product generation is related to the strength of localized electric fields.
Resource Allocation for a Secure SWIPT Network Based on a Quantitative Energy Harvesting Mechanism

Simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT) technology can effectively extend the lifecycle of energy-constrained networks. In order to improve the energy harvesting (EH) efficiency and network performance in secure SWIPT networks, this paper studies the resource allocation problem based on the quantitative EH mechanism in the secure SWIPT network. Based on a quantitative EH mechanism and nonlinear EH model, a quantified power-splitting (QPS) receiver architecture is designed. This architecture is applied in the multiuser multi-input single-output secure SWIPT network. With the goal of maximizing the network throughput, the optimization problem model is established under the conditions of meeting the legal user’s signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR), EH requirements, the total transmit power of the base station, and the security SINR threshold constraints. Due to the coupling of variables, the problem is a nonconvex optimization problem. To deal with the nonconvex optimization problem, a hierarchical optimization method is adopted. Firstly, an optimization algorithm based on the optimal received power of EH circuit is proposed, and a power mapping table is constructed through the optimization algorithm, from which the optimal power ratio to meet the user’s EH requirements is obtained; then, the nonconvex problem is transformed into a convex problem by using variable substitution, semidefinite relaxation, dichotomous optimization, etc. The simulation results show that compared with the power splitting receiver architecture, the input power threshold range of the QPS receiver architecture is larger, which can avoid the EH circuit falling into the saturated working area and maintain high network throughput.
Protective Role of an Extract Waste Product from Citrus bergamia in an In Vitro Model of Neurodegeneration

A balanced diet, rich in fruits and vegetables and ensuring the intake of natural products, has been shown to reduce or prevent the occurrence of many chronic diseases. However, the choice to consume large quantities of fruits and vegetables leads to an increase in the amount of waste, which can cause an alteration in environmental sustainability. To date, the concept of a “byproduct” has evolved, now being understood as a waste product from which it is still possible obtain useful compounds. Byproducts in the agricultural sector are a rich source of bioactive compounds, capable of possessing a second life, decreasing the amount of waste products, the disposal costs, and environmental pollution. A promising and well-known citrus of the Mediterranean diet is the bergamot (Citrus bergamia, Risso et Poiteau). The composition of bergamot is known, and the rich presence of phenolic compounds and essential oils has justified the countless beneficial properties found, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cholesterolemic, and protective activity for the immune system, heart failure, and coronary heart diseases. The industrial processing of bergamot fruits leads to the formation of bergamot juice and bergamot oil. The solid residues, referred to as “pastazzo”, are normally used as feed for livestock or pectin production. The fiber of bergamot (BF) can be obtained from pastazzo and could exert an interesting effect thanks to its content of polyphenols. The aims of this work were twofold: (a) to have more information (composition, polyphenol and flavonoid content, antioxidant activity, etc.) on BF powder and (b) to verify the effects of BF on an in vitro model of neurotoxicity induced by treatment with amyloid beta protein (Aβ). In particular, a study of cell lines was carried out on both neurons and oligodendrocytes, to measure the involvement of the glia and compare it with that of the neurons. The results obtained showed that BF powder contains polyphenols and flavonoids and that it is able to exercise an antioxidant property. Moreover, BF exerts a protective action on the damage induced by treatment with Aβ, and this defense is found in experiments on the cell viability, on the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, on the involvement of the expression of caspase-3, and on necrotic or apoptotic death. In all these results, oligodendrocytes were always more sensitive and fragile than neurons. Further experiments are needed, and if this trend is confirmed, BF could be used in AD; at the same time, it could help to avoid the accumulation of waste products.
The Junctophilin-2 Mutation p.(Thr161Lys) Is Associated with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Using Patient-Specific iPS Cardiomyocytes and Demonstrates Prolonged Action Potential and Increased Arrhythmogenicity

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is one of the most common genetic cardiac diseases; it is primarily caused by mutations in sarcomeric genes. However, HCM is also associated with mutations in non-sarcomeric proteins and a Finnish founder mutation for HCM in non-sarcomeric protein junctophilin-2 (JPH2) has been identified. This study aimed at assessing the issue of modelling the rare Finnish founder mutation in cardiomyocytes (CMs) differentiated from iPSCs; therefore, presenting the same cardiac abnormalities observed in the patients. To explore the abnormal functions in JPH2-HCM, skin fibroblasts from a Finnish patient with JPH2 p.(Thr161Lys) were reprogrammed into iPSCs and further differentiated into CMs. As a control line, an isogenic counterpart was generated using the CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing method. Finally, iPSC-CMs were evaluated for the morphological and functional characteristics associated with JPH2 mutation. JPH2-hiPSC-CMs displayed key HCM hallmarks (cellular hypertrophy, multi-nucleation, sarcomeric disarray). Moreover, JPH2-hiPSC-CMs exhibit a higher degree of arrhythmia and longer action potential duration associated with slower inactivation of calcium channels. Functional evaluation supported clinical observations, with differences in beating characteristics when compared with isogenic-hiPSC-CMs. Thus, the iPSC-derived, disease-specific cardiomyocytes could serve as a translationally relevant platform to study genetic cardiac diseases.