Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Structure-Based Bioisosterism Design, Synthesis, Biological Evaluation and In Silico Studies of Benzamide Analogs as Potential Anthelmintics

A recent screen of 67,012 compounds identified a new family of compounds with excellent nematicidal activity: the ortho-substituted benzamide families Wact-11 and Wact-12. These compounds are active against Caenorhabditis elegans and parasitic nematodes by selectively inhibiting nematode complex II, and they display low toxicity in mammalian cells and vertebrate organisms. Although a big number of benzamides were tested against C. elegans in high-throughput screens, bioisosteres of the amide moiety were not represented in the chemical space examined. We thus identified an opportunity for the design, synthesis and evaluation of novel compounds, using bioisosteric replacements of the amide group present in benzamides. The compound Wact-11 was used as the reference scaffold to prepare a set of bioisosteres to be evaluated against C. elegans. Eight types of amide replacement were selected, including ester, thioamide, selenoamide, sulfonamide, alkyl thio- and oxo-amides, urea and triazole. The results allowed us to perform a structure–activity relationship, highlighting the relevance of the amide group for nematicide activity. Experimental evidence was complemented with in silico structural studies over a C. elegans complex II model as a molecular target of benzamides. Importantly, compound Wact-11 was active against the flatworm Echinococcus granulosus, suggesting a previously unreported pan-anthelmintic potential for benzamides.
Bilateral patellar tendon rupture in a weightlifter during an acute high-loading resistance exercise bout: A case study

Bilateral patellar tendon ruptures are exceedingly uncommon, especially when they occur in individuals without predisposing risk factors or systemic disease. Due to its rarity, many cases are missed on initial presentation resulting in poor patient outcomes. Identifying associated risk factors aids in diagnosis and mitigates this oversight. We report a case of a healthy, recreational weightlifter who sustained bilateral patellar tendon ruptures during an acute high-loading resistance exercise bout. We discuss how a spike in acute workload may have predisposed our patient to this injury. Research into training load and athlete injury risk is currently in vogue, however, no studies have analysed whether poor load management increases the risk of tendon ruptures. This case prompts awareness for clinicians who diagnose and manage this injury and helps to stimulate the formation of educational initiatives for athletes and coaches, aimed at injury prevention.
A Balanced Tri-band PD Based on Microstrip-slotline Transition Structure Embedded Complementary Split-ring Resonators

Abstract A balanced tri-band equal power divider (PD) is proposed based on a balanced stepped-impedance microstrip-slotline transition structure in this paper. Multi-band differential-mode (DM) responses can be realized by embedding multiple complementary split-ring resonators (CSRRs) into the slotline resonator. It is found that a high and wideband common-mode (CM) suppression can be achieved. Moreover, the center frequencies of the DM passbands are independent from the CM ones, which significantly simplifies the design procedure. In order to validate its practicalbility, a balanced PD with three DM passbands centred at 1.57, 2.5 and 3.5 GHz is fabricated and a good agreement between the simulated and measured results is observed. To our best knowledge, a balanced tri-band PD is the first ever reported.
The association between fruit and vegetable consumption and metabolic syndrome in Korean adults: does multivitamin use matter?

OBJECTIVES Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is closely associated with dietary intake; however, few studies have investigated whether the consumption of fruits and vegetables and multivitamin use affect MetS in the Korean population. This study aimed to examine these effects in Korean adults. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study of 89,548 participants aged between 40 years and 69 years selected from the baseline data of the Health Examinees study conducted in Korea. Fresh vegetable and fruit consumption was assessed using a validated 106-item food frequency questionnaire. MetS and its components were defined using the National Cholesterol Education Program, Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify associations of fresh vegetable, fruit, and fresh vegetable+fruit consumption and multivitamin use with the prevalence of MetS. RESULTS Female in the highest quartile of fresh vegetable, fruit, and fresh vegetable + fruit consumption exhibited a lower prevalence of MetS than those in the lowest quartile. An inverse association with the prevalence of MetS was observed among male with only fresh vegetable consumption. The interaction between the 3 categories and multivitamin intake on the prevalence of MetS was not significant (all pinteraction>0.05), regardless of sex. CONCLUSIONS Multivitamin use and consumption of fresh vegetables and fruits had no significant synergistic effects. Although fresh vegetable and fruit consumption showed an inverse association with the prevalence of MetS, this relationship was not altered by multivitamin use.
On some types of somewhat continuous functions

Abstract Many researchers have introduced several generalizations of somewhat continuous functions. In our paper, we want to define a new type of somewhat continuous function by using the definition of a feebly ideal open set. The relationship of the somewhat continuous function has been established and justified by giving relevant illustrative examples. Specific characterizations and explanations of the somewhat continuous function have also been explored.
Effects of germinated and ungerminated grains on the production of non-dairy probiotic-fermented beverages

Non-dairy probiotic-fermented beverages were produced from germinated and ungerminated barley, highland barley and rice, which were germinated for 48–96 h at 30ºC, then dried, baked, ground, mixed and blended in a ratio of 3:2:1. Varying amounts of the mixture (0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 g) were added to soybean milk, peanut milk or coconut milk. Distilled water was used as a control. Sucrose (4 g) was added to each solution, followed by inoculation with Lactobacillus plantarum strain ZJ5 for 6 h. After fermentation, the pH, acidity, bacterial counts and antioxidant activity were measured and sensory evaluations were performed. Increase in the concentration of grain mixture to 8 g increased the pH, acidity, probiotic count, antioxidant content and polyphenol content values as well. The antioxidant capacity of germinated and ungerminated grain probiotic beverages was 1.08–1.26 mM and 0.69–1.08 mM, while the total phenolic content was 1.10–3.91 mM and 1.03–2.79 mM, respectively. The sensory evaluation scores of coconut beverages were higher than those of other beverages. Probiotic beverages containing 6 g of cereal mixture had the highest acceptability scores. Beverages containing germinated, as opposed to ungerminated, grains had higher nutritional value and better sensory qualities. The results highlighted the importance of germinated grains to improve the quality of non-dairy probiotic-fermented beverages.
On the potential of clustering approaches for hygrothermal material properties based on three degradation risks in solid masonry constructions

Historic masonry has a rich and colorful history making it a treasured part in our society. To preserve and protect this heritage, adequate moisture control, retrofit, and restauration strategies are required. However, due to the large range of material properties inherent to historic brickwork, a single uniform renovation strategy appears impossible. To describe similarity in brickwork, the existing clustering approach developed by Zhao was evaluated. The idea is that different types of bricks with similar properties can be represented by a single representative brick for that cluster, for example, when conducting hygrothermal simulations. It could help improve existing retrofit practice by reducing characterization processes and minimizing time-consuming laboratory measuring tests. However, in this paper the approach presented by Zhao is questioned since the clustering is solely based on an equal impact of the material properties and the response behavior and associated degradation risks are neglected. The aim of this paper was twofold. Firstly, similarity in brickwork obtained by clustering according to Zhao was evaluated by means of hygrothermal simulations to see whether bricks in the same cluster show similar degradation risks. Zhao’s clustering provides homogenous clusters regarding physical material properties, but significant variation was found in degradation risks for different bricks within the same cluster. Secondly, a methodology is presented to translate similarities in degradation profiles toward similarities in material properties. Sensitivity analyses were used to study the response behavior based on three degradations risks: mold growth, wood rot, and frost damage. Finally, an overall clustering scheme was generated for brickwork, based on classification trees for different degradation phenomena.
Decay Incidence and Quality Changes of Film Packaged ‘Simeto’ Mandarins Treated with Sodium Bicarbonate

Not rinsing sodium bicarbonate (SBC) treated fruit with freshwater can reduce post-harvest decay, but it can also be phytotoxic to peel tissues. Film packaging delays the ageing of peel, due to the high in-package humidity, but this also stimulates the growth of pathogens. Thus, as stand-alone treatments, both SBC and film packaging present advantages, but also drawbacks. In this study, SBC phytotoxicity was effectively mitigated when ‘Simeto’ mandarins, subjected to a 2 min dip treatment in a 2% SBC solution, were packaged using Omni film (highly permeable to water vapor and gases) or Coralife SWAF 400 film (with a low permeability to water vapor, but moderately permeable to gases). In particular, the combination Coralife SWAF 400 film allowed the fruit to be stored for 7 d at 5 °C, or 14 d at 20 °C, with negligible changes in overall appearance, almost no loss caused by decay, and an average weight loss of 1.3%. The in-package air composition, similar to air in Omni packages, and with an average between 5 kPa CO2 and 16 kPa O2 in Coralife SWAF 400 packages, slightly affected the sensory and chemical qualities. Combining SBC with film packaging is a feasible method to prolong the post-harvest life of citrus fruit, and control post-harvest diseases, while avoiding the use of synthetic fungicides.
Preparing Tomorrow’s Engineers And Engineering Technologists: An Evaluation Of The Project Lead The Way Outreach Program For Middle And High School Students In Indiana

Project Lead The Way is a pre-engineering program designed to prepare students for postsecondary engineering and engineering technology courses. PLTW courses utilize projectand problem-based learning strategies that encourage students to apply what they learn to reallife situations. At the middle school level the program is called Gateway to Technology. Gateway to Technology is project-based and designed with all students in mind and addresses national standards in math, science and technology. One of the goals of the middle school curriculum is to increase interest and awareness of female and minority students in technology and related careers. Gateway to Technology also encourages increasing numbers of students to elect the high school program. Over the past 6 years participation in PLTW in Indiana has risen to over 125 schools with over 14,000 students. The evaluation study sought to understand how PLTW programs are implemented and structured, as a means of identifying ways to increase the effectiveness of the PLTW programs in Indiana and sustaining them in the long term.
Chicken Mite (Other Common Names: Poultry Red Mite, Roost Mite) Dermanyssus gallinae (De Geer) (Arachnida: Acari: Dermanyssidae)

The chicken mite affects egg-laying hens in many parts of the world, including Europe, Japan, China, and the United States. Although Dermanyssus gallinae affects birds in many regions, it is most prevalent in European countries, where egg industry losses are estimated at $177 million per year. It is a known vector for the St. Louis encephalitis virus, as well as other illnesses, such as fowl pox virus, Newcastle virus, and fowl cholera. In the United States, Dermanyssus gallinae is rarely found in caged-layer operations and is more commonly found in breeder farms. This 3-page fact sheet was written by Ethan Carter and Jennifer L. Gillett-Kaufman, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, December 2015. (Photo credit: Lyle J. Buss, University of Florida)
Food Science of Animal Resources

The most abundant Orthoptera in Mexico is a small grasshopper (Sphenarium purpurascens) which is considered a food source with increased nutritional value due to its high protein content. Insect proteins have gained relevance because of their high potential as gelling, texturing, and extender agents in the food industry. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of substituting meat with a soluble protein extract from grasshopper obtained by alkalisation or alkalisation-piezoelectric ultrasound, on the techno-functional, physicochemical, and sensory characteristics of cooked meat models (sausages). The soluble protein was extracted in NaHCO3 pH 8 and a piezoelectric ultrasound 5-mm sonotrode at 20 kHz with 99% amplitude. Different formulations with meat substitution: 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% were prepared and characterised for their rheological behaviour, emulsion stability, weight loss by cooking, total protein content, colour, and texture. Sensory evaluation was conducted with consumers using a test involving check-all-that-apply and overall liking. The alkalisation-piezoelectric ultrasound method improved the solubility and the techno-functional properties of the soluble grasshopper protein when applied in sausages at maximum levels of 10% meat substitution. The sensory evaluation indicated that the formulation with 5% meat substitution exhibited the same acceptability as the control sample. Given these results, the soluble protein treated with alkalisation and piezoelectric ultrasound could be used as an extender in meat products.
Nutrient Accumulation Pattern in Mixtures of Wheat and Faba Bean Is Strongly Influenced by Cultivar Choice and Co-Existing Weeds

Simple Summary Growing a mixture of two or more crop species, particularly cereals and legumes, can enhance resource use efficiency for growth-limiting resources, such as nutrients. We evaluated the patterns of nutrient accumulation efficiency in different cultivars of faba bean and wheat grown in mixtures with and without the presence of weeds in a growth container experiment. The cultivar used in the mixture determined the amount of nitrogen accumulated by the legumes, but cereals generally accumulated more nitrogen in the mixtures than when grown as sole crops. Competition from weeds resulted in lower nitrogen accumulation in the crop plants, and plant neighbor identity affected the accumulation of other nutrients relative to the accumulation of nitrogen and phosphorus in the plants. Cultivar choice is therefore important for resource limitation and thereby the growth performance of plants grown in mixtures. Abstract Cereal–legume mixtures are often associated with higher yields than the components grown as sole crops, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. The study aims to evaluate how different cultivars in a two-species wheat–faba bean mixture influence above- and below-ground nitrogen (N) accumulation in the plant biomass, whether crop mixing affected the accumulation of other nutrients relative to the accumulation of N and phosphorus (P), and how the nutrient accumulation pattern in sole crops and mixtures is influenced by weed competition. Using a growth container experiment, we investigate nutrient accumulation patterns on specific wheat and faba bean cultivars grown as sole crops and mixtures, and with and without weed competition. We found that cereals in the mixture accumulated more N than in the sole crops, and the cultivar used influenced biomass accumulation in the legumes. Competition from weeds reduced the amount of plant N pools accumulated in the crop plant biomass. Based on stoichiometric scaling exponents, the plant neighbor affected the accumulation of other nutrients relative to the accumulation of N and P. These results are relevant for species and cultivar selection, all of which are important prerequisites for maximizing mixture performance.
Sensitivity analysis of simplified models of carbonation - extension in spatial variability -updating through Bayesian network

The aim of this work is to handle simplified models of carbonation in a probablistic approach in order to propose an optimized maintenance strategy against steel corrosion. First of all, a synthesis of existing simplified models is presented. Three categories of models have been highlighted. Then a sensitivity analysis is proposed for a ranking of input parameters. Elasticity, linear correlation coefficient of Pearson, impact on the mean and the standard deviation of the models response are the indicators used. Given that corrosion concerns overall a structure surface, a methodology to take into account spatial variability through these models is described in this paper. The method used for describing spatial variability is Karhunen Loeve expansion. When inspections are carried out on the strucure, new data are available. Therefore, an updating process of the spatial variability parameters through bayesian network has been tested in this work. Results show that the updating process works correctly.
Barriers to effective Legionella control in a changing world: a practitioner’s view

ABSTRACT Inhalation of aerosols containing Legionella pneumophila, a water-borne bacteria commonly found in natural and manmade water systems, is the main causative agent of Legionnaires’ disease (LD). Approximately 10–15% of all reported cases of LD result in fatality, with susceptibility to the disease being higher in immunosuppressed patients, men over 45 years of age, alcoholics, smokers and individuals with underlying diseases. The World Health Organisation (WHO), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and The United Kingdom (UK) Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have implemented a strict code of practice and guidelines to minimise the risk of the public from contracting LD. This paper provides a critical review of these three published guidelines. Evidence suggests that the current detection methods for Legionella, by culture and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), show large disparities in the detection and quantification of bacteria in water samples, raising concerns about the reliability of measures needed to safeguard public health. Moreover, a survey of 20 residential building complexes in different London boroughs highlights the need for a review of remedial action recommendations and a more inclusive risk assessment strategy that protects ‘at risk’ people in society. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Nickel mine soil is a potential source for soybean plant growth promoting and heavy metal tolerant rhizobia

Mine soil is not only barren but also contaminated by some heavy metals. It is unclear whether some rhizobia survived under extreme conditions in the nickel mine soil. Therefore, this study tries to isolate some effective soybean plant growth promoting and heavy metal resistant rhizobia from nickel mine soil, and to analyze their diversity. Soybean plants were used to trap rhizobia from the nickel mine soil. A total of 21 isolates were preliminarily identified as rhizobia, which were clustered into eight groups at 87% similarity level using BOXA1R-PCR fingerprinting technique. Four out of the eight representative isolates formed nodules on soybean roots with effectively symbiotic nitrogen-fixing and plant growth promoting abilities in the soybean pot experiment. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA, four housekeeping genes (atpD-recA-glnII-rpoB) and nifH genes assigned the symbiotic isolates YN5, YN8 and YN10 into Ensifer xinjiangense and YN11 into Rhizobium radiobacter, respectively. They also showed different tolerance levels to the heavy metals including cadmium, chromium, copper, nickel, and zinc. It was concluded that there were some plant growth promoting and heavy metal resistant rhizobia with the potential to facilitate phytoremediation and alleviate the effects of heavy metals on soybean cultivation in nickel mine soil, indicating a novel evidence for further exploring more functional microbes from the nickel mine soil.
Automated call detection for acoustic surveys with structured calls of varying length

When recorders are used to survey acoustically conspicuous species, identification calls of the target species in recordings is essential for estimating density and abundance. We investigate how well deep neural networks identify vocalisations consisting of phrases of varying lengths, each containing a variable number of syllables. We use recordings of Hainan gibbon Nomascus hainanus vocalisations to develop and test the methods. We propose two methods for exploiting the two‐level structure of such data. The first combines convolutional neural network (CNN) models with a hidden Markov model (HMM) and the second uses a convolutional recurrent neural network (CRNN). Both models learn acoustic features of syllables via a CNN and temporal correlations of syllables into phrases either via an HMM or recurrent network. We compare their performance to commonly used CNNs LeNet and VGGNet, and support vector machine (SVM). We also propose a dynamic programming method to evaluate how well phrases are predicted. This is useful for evaluating performance when vocalisations are labelled by phrases, not syllables. Our methods perform substantially better than the commonly used methods when applied to the gibbon acoustic recordings. The CRNN has an F‐score of 90% on phrase prediction, which is 18% higher than the best of the SVM or LeNet and VGGNet methods. HMM post‐processing raised the F‐score of these last three methods to as much as 87%. The number of phrases is overestimated by CNNs and SVM, leading to error rates between 49% and 54%. With HMM, these error rates can be reduced to 0.4% at the lowest. Similarly, the error rate of CRNN's prediction is no more than 0.5%. CRNNs are better at identifying phrases of varying lengths composed of a varying number of syllables than simpler CNN or SVM models. We find a CRNN model to be best at this task, with a CNN combined with an HMM performing almost as well. We recommend that these kinds of models are used for species whose vocalisations are structured into phrases of varying lengths.