Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Hair Shine Using Rendering and Subjective Evaluation

Hair shine is a highly desirable attribute to consumers within the cosmetic industry and is also an important indicator of hair health. However, perceptual evaluation of shine is a complex task as it is known that even subtle manipulation of local hair properties such as colour, thickness, or style and global properties such as lighting or environment can affect the evaluation. In this article, we are interested in the physical, optical, and chemical characteristics that affect the realism of hair along with the perception of shine. We have constructed a Computer Graphics (CG) setup, based on current physical testing systems, that reduces the number of variables that affect the perspective. Physically based shading models were used to create the images that participants assessed on realism, health, naturalness, and shine through three different evaluation experiments. Our results provide new insights on how hair is perceived, the factors that affect its realism, and the potential of using CG techniques in the cosmetic industry to replace physical testing.
Isolation and Characterization of Antiangiogenesis Compounds from the Fungus Aspergillus terreus Associated with Apostichopus japonicus Using Zebrafish Assay

Three compouds, (+)-butyrolactone IV (1), butyrolactone I (2) and terrelactone A (3) were isolated from the fungus Aspergillus terreus associated with Apostichopus japonicus from the Yellow Sea in China; their structures were elucidated by spectral methods. Compounds 1 and 2 were shown to have moderate antiangiogenesis activity when tested using the zebrafish assay. This is the first report of butyrolactones with antiangiogenesis activity.
HGF/MET and the Immune System: Relevance for Cancer Immunotherapy

An overactivation of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (MET) axis promotes tumorigenesis and tumor progression in various cancer types. Research data recently evidenced that HGF/MET signaling is also involved also in the immune response, mainly modulating dendritic cells functions. In general, the pathway seems to play an immunosuppressive role, thus hypothesizing that it could constitute a mechanism of primary and acquired resistance to cancer immunotherapy. Recently, some approaches are being developed, including drug design and cell therapy to combine MET and programmed cell death receptor-1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death receptor-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibition. This approach could represent a new weapon in cancer therapy in the future.
Arabinoxylan from Argentinian whole wheat flour promote the growth of Lactobacillus reuteri and Bifidobacterium breve

Arabinoxylans are part of dietary fibre and have received attention given their emergent prebiotic character. Four arabinoxylans extracts were obtained from Argentinian soft and hard wheat. In vitro assays were performed to describe the extent to which the extracts from whole wheat flour support selective growth of Bifidobacterium breve and probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC23272 in a defined media. The prebiotic effect was evaluated by three quantitative scores: relative growth, prebiotic activity score and prebiotic index. For prebiotic index equation the growth of Bacteroides and Clostridium strains was compared to that of bifidobacteria and lactic acid bacteria. All the arabinoxylans extracts supported the growth of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, reaching higher prebiotic activity score values than inulin (0·37 and 0·36 for Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium respectively). AX2 from soft wheat and AX4 from hard showed similar prebiotic index value to commercial inulin (2·64, 2·52 and 2·22 respectively), and AX3 extract presented higher prebiotic index value (4·09) than the positive control and other prebiotic index reported for arabinoxylans. These extracts could be used as prebiotic, synbiotic compositions or novel food prototypes to treat dysbiosis associated with many diseases.
Rapid detection of the commonly encountered carbapenemases (New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase, OXA-48/181) directly from various clinical samples using multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction assay

Background: Resistance due to New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM) and OXA-48/181 continues to emerge as a threat which is associated with nosocomial outbreaks and is a serious healthcare concern. Phenotypic detection being laborious and time-consuming requires rapid detection of NDM and OXA-48/181, which is achieved through real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Materials and Methods: In this study, RT-PCR assay was developed to simultaneously detect NDM and OXA-48/181. The assay was validated on 102 non-duplicate, phenotypically characterised clinical samples. Results: The assay showed a sensitivity and specificity of 97% and 100% for the detection of carbapenemases in comparison to conventional PCR. The in-house developed multiplex RT-PCR would help to rule-in the presence of NDM and OXA-48/181. Conclusions: Rapid detection of these carbapenemases would be assist in better patient management, in terms of accurate antimicrobial treatment, help in cohorting infected from uninfected patient to prevent spread.
Defining and Predicting Pain Volatility in Users of the Manage My Pain App: Analysis Using Data Mining and Machine Learning Methods

Background Measuring and predicting pain volatility (fluctuation or variability in pain scores over time) can help improve pain management. Perceptions of pain and its consequent disabling effects are often heightened under the conditions of greater uncertainty and unpredictability associated with pain volatility. Objective This study aimed to use data mining and machine learning methods to (1) define a new measure of pain volatility and (2) predict future pain volatility levels from users of the pain management app, Manage My Pain, based on demographic, clinical, and app use features. Methods Pain volatility was defined as the mean of absolute changes between 2 consecutive self-reported pain severity scores within the observation periods. The k-means clustering algorithm was applied to users’ pain volatility scores at the first and sixth month of app use to establish a threshold discriminating low from high volatility classes. Subsequently, we extracted 130 demographic, clinical, and app usage features from the first month of app use to predict these 2 volatility classes at the sixth month of app use. Prediction models were developed using 4 methods: (1) logistic regression with ridge estimators; (2) logistic regression with Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator; (3) Random Forests; and (4) Support Vector Machines. Overall prediction accuracy and accuracy for both classes were calculated to compare the performance of the prediction models. Training and testing were conducted using 5-fold cross validation. A class imbalance issue was addressed using a random subsampling of the training dataset. Users with at least five pain records in both the predictor and outcome periods (N=782 users) are included in the analysis. Results k-means clustering algorithm was applied to pain volatility scores to establish a threshold of 1.6 to differentiate between low and high volatility classes. After validating the threshold using random subsamples, 2 classes were created: low volatility (n=611) and high volatility (n=171). In this class-imbalanced dataset, all 4 prediction models achieved 78.1% (611/782) to 79.0% (618/782) in overall accuracy. However, all models have a prediction accuracy of less than 18.7% (32/171) for the high volatility class. After addressing the class imbalance issue using random subsampling, results improved across all models for the high volatility class to greater than 59.6% (102/171). The prediction model based on Random Forests performs the best as it consistently achieves approximately 70% accuracy for both classes across 3 random subsamples. Conclusions We propose a novel method for measuring pain volatility. Cluster analysis was applied to divide users into subsets of low and high volatility classes. These classes were then predicted at the sixth month of app use with an acceptable degree of accuracy using machine learning methods based on the features extracted from demographic, clinical, and app use information from the first month.
Sex hormone receptor expression and survival in esophageal adenocarcinoma: a prospective cohort study

Introduction A striking epidemiological feature of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is its strong, unexplained male predominance but few studies have evaluated the prevalence of sex hormone receptor expression in EAC. Results A low proportion of EAC tumors stained positive for ERα (4%) and AR (3%) while approximately one third stained positive for ERβ (31%). After a mean follow-up of 3 years (max 9 years), no significant associations were seen for ERα, ERβ or AR expression and EAC recurrence or survival. A non-significant reduction in mortality was observed for positive ERβ tumor expression, when restricting to patients with gastro-esophageal junctional (GEJ) cancer (HR 0.58, 95% CI 0.33, 1.03, p = 0.06). Materials and Methods We identified all EAC patients who underwent neo-adjuvant chemotherapy prior to surgical resection between 2004–2012 in the Northern Ireland Cancer Centre. Immunohistochemical expression of ERα, ERβ and AR was scored on triplicate cores to generate H-scores. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to evaluate the association between sex hormone receptor expression and overall, cancer-specific and recurrence-free survival. Conclusion We found little evidence of ERα or AR expression in EAC. A moderate proportion expressed ERβ and there was suggestive evidence that its expression was associated with improved survival in GEJ cancer patients.
Analyzing the Influence of Marketing Intelligence and Risk-Taking of the Librarians of Kids/Teens Libraries on Competitive Advantage and User Loyalty

ABSTRACT Objective: The purpose of this paper is to analyze the influence of marketing intelligence and risk-taking of the librarians of kids/teens libraries on competitive advantage in user loyalty, in view of the parents. Methodology: This research is a descriptive research and was performed using surveys and correlation analysis. The data was collected using a researcher-made questionnaire. The statistical population consisted of parents whose children have used the library services of kids/teens libraries in the Isfahan City. Sample members were chosen by random sampling. SPSS23 and AMOS23 software were used for data analysis. Findings: The findings indicated that the two variables of marketing intelligence and risk-taking ability of the librarians have no direct, significant influence on user loyalty, while competitive advantage directly affects it. However, marketing intelligence and risk-taking ability can influence user loyalty if mediated through competitive advantage. Results: If the librarians of kids/teens libraries can use their marketing intelligence to take reasonable risks, they can create a competitive advantage in service provision. The users will hence realize this advantage, thus turning into loyal users.
Health-related quality of life in adult primary immune thrombocytopenia

ABSTRACT Introduction: Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and the associated biologic and psychological effects can lead to reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Areas covered: This review focuses on the impact of ITP itself and its treatment on patients’ HRQoL. The findings show that the HRQoL is uniformly reduced amongst ITP patients, both with and without interventions. ITP significantly affects many aspects of patient HRQoL, which is comparable to that of patients with other chronic diseases. However, there is a lack of longitudinal studies among unselected ITP populations and the majority of studies focus on statistical differences between groups or between measures at different time points rather than quality of life (QoL) changes that are perceived as clinically relevant in patients. Expert commentary: Due to ITP being a chronic disease with an ongoing risk of bleeding, many treatments, and a good prognosis for survival, patients deal with their symptoms over prolonged time periods and good HRQoL is very important. In this review of HRQoL in ITP, we provide data on the current understanding, how HRQoL may be modified by treatment, and why it needs to be included as an outcome in future studies to optimize management of HRQoL issues in clinical practice.
Randomized clinical trial of a community navigation intervention to improve well-being in persons living with HIV and other co-morbidities

ABSTRACT Long-term survival of people living with HIV (PLWH) is associated with the development of co-morbid conditions and need for symptom management and other efforts to enhance quality of life. We conducted a longitudinal, randomized trial over 36 months to evaluate the effect of a community-based navigator intervention to provide early palliative care to 179 PLWH and other chronic conditions. Outcomes included quality of life, symptom management, coping ability, social support, self-management, and completion of advance directives. Data were analyzed using SAS mixed effects model repeat measurement. Our navigator program showed variable improvement over time of three outcome variables, self-blame, symptom distress, and HIV self-management. However, the program did not improve overall quality of life, social support, or completion of advance directives.
Development of a solid supersaturated self-nanoemulsifying preconcentrate (S-superSNEP) of fenofibrate using dimethylacetamide and a novel co-processed excipient

Abstract Background: Recrystallization of drug and incomplete drug release from liquisolid formulation are two major hurdles in the development of a supersaturated self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system. The aim of this research work was to develop a solid supersaturated self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system of fenofibrate (FB) for enhanced dissolution. Methods: FB loaded supersaturated self-nanoemulsifying preconcentrate (superSNEP) was prepared using dimethyl acetamide (DMA), medium chain triglycerides (MCT), and kolliphor EL. Co-processed excipients (CPE) prepared using inorganic microporous silica (Neusilin US2, Florite 100, or Aerosil 200) and hydrophilic polymers (Polyvinyl alcohol, HPMC, and Kollidon VA64) were evaluated for flow property, BET surface area, and adsorption capacity. Lipophilic fluorescent probe (coumarin-6) was used to investigate the extent of self-emulsification. The formulation was further characterized for solid state, in-vitro cytotoxicity in caco-2 cell line and in-vitro dissolution in a sink and non-sink conditions. Results: Optimized superSNEP with 20% w/v FB loading spontaneously formed nanoglobules of 40 ± 2.7 nm. DMA based self-nanoemulsifying system was found to be nontoxic to Caco-2 cell even at a very high concentration. CPE prepared using PVA and Florite 100 (1:1 weight ratio) showed the highest adsorption capacity (1 mL/g) and complete release of oil as depicted by fluorescence study. DSC thermogram and PXRD of S-superSNEP confirmed that FB remained in a solubilized state. S-superSNEP showed significantly faster and higher dissolution of FB in sink and non-sink conditions compared to the plain API. Conclusion: DMA and PVA-F100 based novel co-processed excipient could be potentially useful for the development of solid supersaturated self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system for enhancing dissolution of lipophilic drugs.
Variation in the cuticular hydrocarbons of the Mexican fruit fly Anastrepha ludens males between strains and age classes.

In this study cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) were characterized from wings of individual unmated males of different Anastrepha ludens (Loew) mass-reared strains of different ages (3 and 19-day-old): (a) a standard mass-reared colony (control), (b) a genetic sexing strain, (c) a selected strain, (d) a hybrid strain, and (e) wild males. We found that the hydrocarbon profiles in all males included two n-alkanes, five monomethyl alkanes, and two alkenes. CHCs ranged from C26 to C31 . The most prominent peaks were 2-methyloctacosane (2-Me-C28), n-nonacosene (C29:1), 2-methyltriacontane (2-Me-C30), and n-hentriacontene (C31:1). Significant variations in the CHC amounts of the mass-reared strains were observed from Day 9 and thereafter. Comparison of CHCs using multivariate and canonical analyses across ages and among mass-reared strains and wild males revealed qualitative and quantitative differences. The relative amounts of C29:1 and 2-Me-C30 were significantly higher across age groups in the mass-reared strains than those in the wild males. In contrast, amounts of n-nonacosane (C29) significantly increased in wild males as they aged. Through statistical analyses, we inferred that CHC amounts vary with age. Wild males differed significantly from the mass-reared strains in the amount of C29, and the genetic sexing strain Tap-7 had significantly higher values for 2-methylhexacosane (2-Me-C26). In contrast the selected and control strain differed from the other strains in amounts of C29:1 and 2-Me-C30. We suggest that differential profiles in hydrocarbon composition among the strains may be mainly due to environmental pressures.
Towards fungal computer

We propose that fungi Basidiomycetes can be used as computing devices: information is represented by spikes of electrical activity, a computation is implemented in a mycelium network and an interface is realized via fruit bodies. In a series of scoping experiments, we demonstrate that electrical activity recorded on fruits might act as a reliable indicator of the fungi’s response to thermal and chemical stimulation. A stimulation of a fruit is reflected in changes of electrical activity of other fruits of a cluster, i.e. there is distant information transfer between fungal fruit bodies. In an automaton model of a fungal computer, we show how to implement computation with fungi and demonstrate that a structure of logical functions computed is determined by mycelium geometry.
A Salient Belief Elicitation Examining Adolescents’ Meditation Beliefs Using the Reasoned Action Approach

The purpose of this study was to identify adolescents’ consequence, referent, and circumstance beliefs about trying to meditate at least twice in the next week in order to inform subsequent meditation intervention design. A survey based on reasoned action approach (RAA) constructs was developed and pilot-tested. Thereafter, adolescents (N = 129), recruited from a northeastern U.S. high school, responded to open-ended survey questions eliciting beliefs underlying intention to try meditating. Thematic analysis was executed to examine beliefs and frequencies of beliefs. Five types of salient meditation beliefs were identified: advantages (e.g., reduces stress, increases relaxation, improves focus), disadvantages (e.g., slows everything down), supporters and disapprovers (e.g., family and friends), and facilitating circumstances (e.g., more time, fewer distractions). Adolescents recognize meditation as having health benefits but as also taking time. They further viewed meditation as socially acceptable but need sufficient time and a conducive environment to try it. To be effective, interventions designed to promote adolescents’ self-regulation through meditation should address identified salient beliefs.
Comparative Evaluation on the Quality and Shelf life of Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar L.) Filets Using Microwave and Conventional Pasteurization in Combination with Novel Packaging Methods.

A comparative evaluation on the effect of carbon dioxide (CO2 ) on quality and shelf life of Atlantic salmon loins pasteurized with microwave and conventional technology was conducted. The experimental design allowed CO2 to enter the salmon muscle before (soluble gas stabilization [SGS] + vacuum) or after pasteurization (CO2 emitter + vacuum), whereas the control samples (vacuum only) were not presented for CO2 . This setup resulted in six different groups; three heated with microwaves and three with conventional pasteurization. The core temperature of microwave samples was 58.8 ± 2.2 °C, whereas the surface temperature was equal to the oven temperature (62 °C) during conventional pasteurization and close to the core temperature during microwave pasteurization (57.6 ± 1.4 °C). Microwave-heated samples showed higher microbial growth; decreased shelf life; and darker (lower L* -value), more reddish (higher a* -value), and yellowish (higher b* -value) colors compared to conventional-heated salmon. Lowest liquid loss (LL) was observed in salmon packaged with the CO2 emitter, whereas a SGS step prior to pasteurization did not affect the LL negatively as compared to samples packaged in vacuum only. Treatment with CO2 , independent of the prestep using SGS or an emitter, resulted in increased shelf life. Protein denaturation, microbial growth, product color, product shelf life, and sensory properties of the salmon loin were significantly affected by the applied pasteurization method (microwave- or conventional pasteurization). However, the heat load was probably too high to detect differences resulting from the pretreatment using SGS or packaging with CO2 emitter. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Recent developments with increased time pressure from both work and past time activities have led to a tremendous increase in the demand for convenient, tasty ready-to-use food options. Furthermore, contemporary trends for consumption of fresh or lightly processed seafood stress the need to develop processing methods that allow a fulfillment of these demands, while still offering a reasonable shelf life. Carbon dioxide in combination with either microwave or conventional pasteurization is innovative processing technology that can meet consumer's demand of such products.
Social media and co-creative service innovation: an empirical study

Purpose Online information research on hotels is gradually emerging as a key area of research with the increasing use of social media as a platform for co-creative service innovation (CCSI). The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships between the key drivers of co-creation intention in the social media context. Understanding relationships between key drivers of customers’ co-creation intention will prove valuable in advancing current knowledge about service innovation using social media. The key drivers examined in this study are – customer innovativeness, attitude toward CCSI on social media, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control. This knowledge will be of considerable value for its practical application in the hotel industry. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from 346 hotel guests using survey method. Structural equation modeling with a bootstrapping estimation was used to analyze the data. Findings The results show that customer innovativeness, attitude toward CCSI on social media, subjective norm and perceived behavioral control positively influence both co-creation and adoption intention. Further, it was also found that co-creation intention mediates the relationship between its two driving factors, namely, customer innovativeness, attitude toward CCSI in social media and adoption intention. Research limitations/implications The findings provide theoretical implications for hospitality discipline. The findings also provide various strategies hospitality firms can use to co-create service innovation through the effective use of social media. Originality/value The relationships examined in the present study have not been tested previously; this is the first attempt of the kind. Thus, the associations established in this study form an important contribution to the existing body of knowledge in co-creation, service innovation and social media literature.