Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dry Ball-Milled Quinoa Starch as a Pickering Emulsifier: Preparation, Microstructures, Hydrophobic Properties and Emulsifying Properties

This research supplied a “cleaner-production” way to produce “clean-label” quinoa starch-based Pickering emulsifier with excellent emulsifying properties. The effects of dry ball-milling time and speed on the multi-scale structures and emulsifying properties of quinoa starch were studied. With increasing ball-milling time and speed, particle size first decreased and then increased, the crystallinity, lamellar structure and short-range ordered structure gradually decreased, and contact angle gradually increased. The increased contact angle might be related to the increased oil absorption properties and the decreased water content. The emulsification properties of ball-milled quinoa starch (BMQS)-based Pickering emulsions increased with the increase in ball-milling time and speed, and the emulsions of BMQS-4 h, 6 h, 8 h, and 600 r reached the full emulsification state. After 120 days’ storage, the oil droplets of BMQS-2 h (BMQS-400 r) deformed, the oil droplets increased, and the emulsification index decreased. The emulsification index and the oil droplets of BMQS-4 h, 6 h, 8 h and 600 r-based emulsions did not show obvious changes after storage, indicating the good emulsifying stability of these BMQS-based emulsions, which might be because that the relatively larger amount of starch particles that dispersed in the voids among the oil droplets could act as stronger network skeletons for the emulsion gel. This Pickering emulsifier was easily and highly efficiently produced and low-cost, having great potential to be used in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.
Measuring the dynamics of multiple deprivations among children: the cases of Andhra Pradesh, Ethiopia, Peru and Vietnam

This paper documents changes in the joint incidence of multiple deprivations during childhood using a novel decomposition of changes in the AlkireFoster family of multidimensional poverty measures, suitable for panel data. Changes in the adjusted headcount ratio are decomposed into changes in the multidimensional headcount and changes in the average number of deprivations among the poor. Each of the latter in turn are further decomposed into changes in relevant statistics including the transition probabilities of moving into and out of multidimensional poverty.
Intelligent weight prediction of cows based on semantic segmentation and back propagation neural network

Accurate prediction of cattle weight is essential for enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of livestock management practices. However, conventional methods often involve labor-intensive procedures and lack instant and non-invasive solutions. This study proposed an intelligent weight prediction approach for cows based on semantic segmentation and Back Propagation (BP) neural network. The proposed semantic segmentation method leveraged a hybrid model which combined ResNet-101-D with the Squeeze-and-Excitation (SE) attention mechanism to obtain precise morphological features from cow images. The body size parameters and physical measurements were then used for training the regression-based machine learning models to estimate the weight of individual cattle. The comparative analysis methods revealed that the BP neural network achieved the best results with an MAE of 13.11 pounds and an RMSE of 22.73 pounds. By eliminating the need for physical contact, this approach not only improves animal welfare but also mitigates potential risks. The work addresses the specific needs of welfare farming and aims to promote animal welfare and advance the field of precision agriculture.
A Genome-Wide Association Study Reveals the Genetic Mechanisms of Nutrient Accumulation in Spinach

Spinach is a significant source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These nutrients make it delicious and beneficial for human health. However, the genetic mechanism underlying the accumulation of nutrients in spinach remains unclear. In this study, we analyzed the content of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, oxalate, nitrate, crude fiber, soluble sugars, manganese, copper, and iron in 62 different spinach accessions. Additionally, 3,356,182 high-quality, single-nucleotide polymorphisms were found using resequencing and used in a genome-wide association study. A total of 2077 loci were discovered that significantly correlated with the concentrations of the nutritional elements. Data mining identified key genes in these intervals for four traits: chlorophyll, oxalate, soluble sugar, and Fe. Our study provides insights into the genetic architecture of nutrient variation and facilitates spinach breeding for good nutrition.
MULTIDISCIPLINARY: APPLIED BUSINESS AND EDUCATION

The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated a significant shift towards modular distance learning in education systems worldwide. In the Philippines, the Department of Education has developed Self-Learning Modules (SLMs) to ensure quality primary education for all learners during the pandemic. This research study aims to identify the challenges and effectiveness of the modular distance learning approach on the academic performance of Grade 12 Humanities and Social Sciences students at Botolan National High School. Employing a descriptive research design, data were collected through a validated questionnaire and analyzed using weighted arithmetic mean, frequency, percentage distribution
The tor dark net

The term “Dark Net” is loosely defined, but most frequently refers to an area of the Internet only accessible by using an encryption tool called The Onion Router (Tor). Tor is a tool aimed at those desiring privacy online, although frequently attracts those with criminal intentions. An innovative feature of Tor is the ability to host websites anonymously and with a degree of impunity — designed to be used by those in repressive regimes who wish to host whistle-blowing or political content. The study described in this paper collected data on the Tor Dark Net over a period of six months to analyze the type and popularity of the content. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the majority of sites were criminally oriented, with drug marketplaces featuring prominently. Notably, however, it was found that sites hosting child abuse imagery were the most frequently requested.
A method for detecting the presence of organic fraction in nucleation mode sized particles

New particle formation and growth has a very important role in many climate processes. However, the overall knowlegde of the chemical composition of atmospheric nucleation mode (particle diameter, d <20 nm) and the lower end of Aitken mode particles (d ≤50 nm) is still insufficient. In this work, we have applied the UFO-TDMA (ultrafine organic tandem differential mobility analyzer) method to shed light on the presence of an organic fraction in the nucleation mode size class in different atmospheric environments. The basic principle of the organic fraction detection is based on our laboratory UFO-TDMA measurements with organic and inorganic compounds. Our laboratory measurements indicate that the usefulness of the UFO-TDMA in the field experiments would arise especially from the fact that atmospherically the most relevant inorganic compounds do not grow in subsaturated ethanol vapor, when particle size is 10 nm in diameter and saturation ratio is about 86% or below it. Furthermore, internally mixed particles composed of ammonium bisulfate and sulfuric acid with sulfuric acid mass fraction ≤33% show no growth at 85% saturation ratio. In contrast, 10 nm particles composed of various oxidized organic compounds of atmospheric relevance are able to grow in those conditions. These discoveries indicate that it is possible to detect the presence of organics in atmospheric nucleation mode sized particles using the UFO-TDMA method. In the future, the UFO-TDMA is expected to be an important aid to describe the composition of atmospheric newly-formed particles.
Presentations of Children with Suspected Sepsis Caused by Acute Infectious Diarrhea in the Pediatric Emergency Department

Background: Acute infectious diarrhea is a common cause of hospitalization in children. Hence, early identification of acute bacterial gastroenteritis with suspected sepsis in pediatric emergency departments (EDs) is important. This study aimed to describe the clinical spectrum and initial characteristics of children who were presented to a pediatric ED with acute infectious diarrhea and suspected sepsis. Methods: Between April 2020 to March 2021, children with clinical diagnoses of acute bacterial colitis and suspected sepsis who were admitted to the pediatric ED were prospectively enrolled. The following data were obtained and compared between different age groups of children: including demographics, presentation, laboratory tests, culture results, treatment modalities, complications, and short-term outcomes. Results: A total of 105 patients (70 males and 35 females; mean age: 3.75 ± 3.52 years) were enrolled in this study. Of them, 89 (84.8%) patients were <6 years of age, and 80 (76.2%) patients required hospitalization for a duration of 4.7 ± 2.08 days. C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) levels were significantly higher in the admission (both p < 0.001) and anti-biotic treatment groups (both p < 0.001). Salmonella enteritidis was the most common organism cultured from the stool and blood samples (39 of 91 (38.5%) and 2 of 105 (1.9%), respectively). Conclusions: The primary causative organism of acute infectious diarrhea identified in this study was S. enteritidis. Age and elevated serum CRP or PCT levels could be important factors in the decisions of emergency physicians regarding hospitalization and antibiotic therapies for pediatric acute infectious diarrhea.
Analysis of Speedy Uptake of Electronic and Digital Signatures in Digital Economy with Special Reference to India

Information technology (IT) sector added diverse advantages to the contemporary face of India. Digital signatures and electronic signatures are one of the sophisticated means for authentication of electronic records in advancement of electronic commerce in digital world. Information communication technology (ICT) constitutes a threshold requirement for e-commerce adoption. International e-commerce transactions are based on the sophisticated catalog from end to end which is used for companies to advertise their products that result in import and export of their goods and services. This chapter discusses recent and emerging legal complexities regarding the use of digital signature and electronic signatures in India. It also discusses basic evidentiary questions related to digital and electronic signatures testimony and authenticity issues related to civil and commercial disputes. Moreover, it explores benefits of digital Signature in uplifting the best use -in-class technologies and shares best practices within the digital economy. AbstrAct
Administrative Management and Teaching Process of Teachers in Public Universities

Public universities face problems in their institutional structure and vision, and the actors must adopt strategies to improve management and face the challenges of virtuality and continuous improvement in educational standards. The research seeks to demonstrate how administrative management influences the teaching process of teachers in public universities, considering the conceptual pillars of administrative and educational action. For the empirical evidence, in-depth interviews were used, which were analyzed with the AtlasTi version 9 program. It is concluded that administrative management influences the teaching process of public university teachers.
Frequency‐domain waveform modelling and inversion for coupled media using a symmetric impedance matrix

To simulate the seismic signals that are obtained in a marine environment, a coupled system of both acoustic and elastic wave equations is solved. The acoustic wave equation for the fluid region simulates the pressure field while minimizing the number of degrees of freedom of the impedance matrix, and the elastic wave equation for the solid region simulates several elastic events, such as shear waves and surface waves. Moreover, by combining this coupled approach with the waveform inversion technique, the elastic properties of the earth can be inverted using the pressure data obtained from the acoustic region. However, in contrast to the pure acoustic and elastic cases, the complex impedance matrix for the coupled media does not have a symmetric form because of the boundary (continuity) condition at the interface between the acoustic and elastic elements. In this study, we propose a manipulation scheme that makes the complex impedance matrix for acoustic–elastic coupled media to take a symmetric form. Using the proposed symmetric matrix, forward and backward wavefields are identical to those generated by the conventional approach; thus, we do not lose any accuracy in the waveform inversion results. However, to solve the modified symmetric matrix, LDLT factorization is used instead of LU factorization for a matrix of the same size; this method can mitigate issues related to severe memory insufficiency and long computation times, particularly for large‐scale problems.
Neuroimaging evidence of visual-vestibular interaction accounting for perceptual mislocalization induced by head rotation

Abstract. Significance A fleeting flash aligned vertically with an object remaining stationary in the head-centered space would be perceived as lagging behind the object during the observer’s horizontal head rotation. This perceptual mislocalization is an illusion named head-rotation-induced flash-lag effect (hFLE). While many studies have investigated the neural mechanism of the classical visual FLE, the hFLE has been hardly investigated. Aim We measured the cortical activity corresponding to the hFLE on participants experiencing passive head rotations using functional near-infrared spectroscopy. Approach Participants were asked to judge the relative position of a flash to a fixed reference while being horizontally rotated or staying static in a swivel chair. Meanwhile, functional near-infrared spectroscopy signals were recorded in temporal-parietal areas. The flash duration was manipulated to provide control conditions. Results Brain activity specific to the hFLE was found around the right middle/inferior temporal gyri, and bilateral supramarginal gyri and superior temporal gyri areas. The activation was positively correlated with the rotation velocity of the participant around the supramarginal gyrus and negatively related to the hFLE intensity around the middle temporal gyrus. Conclusions These results suggest that the mechanism underlying the hFLE involves multiple aspects of visual-vestibular interactions including the processing of multisensory conflicts mediated by the temporoparietal junction and the modulation of vestibular signals on object position perception in the human middle temporal complex.
Couples motivational interviewing with mobile breathalysers to reduce alcohol use in South Africa: a pilot randomised controlled trial of Masibambisane

Introduction Heavy alcohol use among people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa can hinder the success of HIV treatment programmes, impacting progress towards United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS goals. Primary partners can provide critical forms of social support to reduce heavy drinking and could be included in motivational interviewing (MI) interventions to address heavy drinking; however, few studies have evaluated MI interventions for couples living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. We aim to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a couple-based MI intervention with mobile breathalyser technology to reduce heavy alcohol use and improve HIV treatment outcomes among HIV-affected couples in South Africa. Methods and analysis We will employ a three-arm randomised controlled trial to assess the efficacy of couple-based MI (MI-only arm) and in conjunction with mobile breathalysers (MI-plus arm) to address alcohol use and HIV outcomes, as compared with enhanced usual care (control arm). We will enrol heterosexual couples aged 18–49 in a primary relationship for at least 6 months who have at least one partner reporting hazardous alcohol use and on antiretroviral therapy for 6 months. Participants in both MI arms will attend three manualised counselling sessions and those in the MI-plus arm will receive real-time feedback on blood alcohol concentration levels using a mobile breathalyser. Couples randomised in the control arm will receive enhanced usual care based on the South African ART Clinical Guidelines. Feasibility and acceptability indicators will be analysed descriptively, and exploratory hypotheses will be examined through regression models considering time points and treatment arms. Ethics and dissemination The study was approved by the University of California, San Francisco (HRPP; protocol number 21-35034) and Human Sciences Research Council Research Ethics Committee (REC: protocol number 1/27/20/21). We will disseminate the results at local community meetings, community-level health gatherings and conferences focused on HIV and alcohol use. Trial registration number NCT05756790.
From Bench to Bytes: Utility of Social Media Platforms by Pathology Residents

Background The rise of virtual media has expanded to various fields and the medical profession has not been immune to its influence. The purpose of our study was to analyse and evaluate the impact of virtual social networks, on the professional growth and career progression of Pathology residents. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional survey was undertaken at the section of Chemical Pathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi. An online, questionnaire based on google forms was sent via WhatsApp application to the Pathology residents (n = 30) from July to August 2023. The anonymity of the participants was maintained. The statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel 2019. Results A total of 25 (83%) Pathology residents participated in the survey. 72% of the participants were females and 28% were males. Chemical Pathology residents constituted the largest proportion at 44%, followed by 24% from Hematology, 24% from Microbiology and 8% from Histopathology. 60% of the trainees acknowledged using social media platforms routinely for professional development. The most used social media platforms were YouTube (48%), Twitter (36%), Facebook (12%) and Instagram (4%). Social media network was perceived the most useful in increasing understanding regarding the profession (60%), strengthening the proficiency in problem-solving (56%) and enhancing critical thinking abilities (52%) whereas it was regarded as somewhat useful in enhancing clinical/professional decision-making skills (52%) and clinical expertise (60%). Conclusion Social media is gaining popularity in the realm of medicine and this survey reveals the perspective of Pathology residents on the social media networks and its growing impact on their professional growth.
Preference of cesarean delivery and its associated factors among pregnant women attending ante natal care at public health facilities of Debrebrehan City, Ethiopia: Cross-sectional study

Background A Caesarean section is a surgical procedure used to prevent or treat life-threatening maternal or fetal complications. Women’s delivery preferences have become a global issue of interest to many researchers and clinicians, especially given the ever-increasing rate of cesarean sections. There is limited data on the preference for cesarean delivery and its associated factors for Ethiopian women, particularly in the study area. The aim of the study is to assess the preference for cesarean delivery and its associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care at public health facilities in Debre Berhan, Ethiopia, in 2023. Methods An institution-based cross-sectional study design was done from May 5–20, 2023, among 512 participants, and a multi-stage sampling technique was used. The data were collected by using interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaires. The data were entered by Epi Data version 4.6 and then transferred to SPSS version 25 for analysis. With logistic regression, those variables with a p-value <0.25 in the bivariate analysis were candidates for multivariate logistic regression, and variables with a p-value <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Result The preference for a cesarean section was 26%, with a CI of 22.3% to 29.9%. Pregnant mothers who were not satisfied with their previous intrapartum care (AOR; 6.3 CI = (3.5–11), P = 0.01), had no knowledge about cesarean delivery (AOR; 2.9; 95% CI = 1.6–5.3), P = 0.01), had a previous history of spontaneous abortion (AOR; 3.1; 95% CI = (1.5–6.3), P = 0.001), lived in an urban area (AOR; 1.9; 95% CI = (1.0–3.5), P = 0.038), and had a current pregnancy-related problem (AOR; 4.8; 95% CI = 1.9–10), P = 0.001) were significantly associated with the preference for cesarean delivery. Conclusion In this study, the preference for cesarean delivery was high as compared to the World Health Organization recommendation. Pregnant mothers who were not satisfied with their previous intrapartum care, had no knowledge about cesarean delivery, had a previous history of spontaneous abortion, had an urban residence, and had a current pregnancy-related problem were significantly associated with a preference for caesarean delivery. Clinicians who are working in the delivery room should improve their service provision by using patient-centered care to increase patient satisfaction.
Plant choice between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal species results in increased plant P acquisition

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are plant root symbionts that provide phosphorus (P) to plants in exchange for photosynthetically fixed carbon (C). Previous research has shown that plants—given a choice among AMF species—may preferentially allocate C to AMF species that provide more P. However, these investigations rested on a limited set of plant and AMF species, and it therefore remains unclear how general this phenomenon is. Here, we combined 4 plant and 6 AMF species in 24 distinct plant-AMF species compositions in split-root microcosms, manipulating the species identity of AMF in either side of the root system. Using 14C and 32P/33P radioisotope tracers, we tracked the transfer of C and P between plants and AMF, respectively. We found that when plants had a choice of AMF species, AMF species which transferred more P acquired more C. Evidence for preferential C allocation to more beneficial AMF species within individual plant roots was equivocal. However, AMF species which transferred more P to plants did so at lower C-to-P ratios, highlighting the importance both of absolute and relative costs of P acquisition from AMF. When plants had a choice of AMF species, their shoots contained a larger total amount of P at higher concentrations. Our results thus highlight the benefits of plant C choice among AMF for plant P acquisition.