Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Vitrification Solutions for Plant Cryopreservation: Modification and Properties

Many plants cannot vitrify themselves because they lack glassy state-inducing substances and/or have high water content. Therefore, cryoprotectants are used to induce vitrification. A cryoprotectant must have at least the following primary abilities: high glass-forming property, dehydration strength on a colligative basis to dehydrate plant cells to induce the vitrification state, and must not be toxic for plants. This review introduces the compounds used for vitrification solutions (VSs), their properties indicating a modification of different plant vitrification solutions, their modifications in the compounds, and/or their concentration. An experimental comparison is listed based on the survival or regeneration rate of one particular species after using more than three different VSs or their modifications. A brief overview of various cryopreservation methods using the Plant Vitrification Solution (PVS) is also included. This review can help in alert researchers to newly introduced PVSs for plant vitrification cryoprotocols, their properties, and the choice of their modifications in the compounds and/or their concentration.
Estimation of the climbing angle in the presence of yawing motion

The slope angle is one of the most influential factors which limit the control performance and the energy efficiency of not only internal-combustion engine vehicles but also electrified vehicles such as hybrid vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. However, measuring the slope angle is not easy because slope sensors are not sufficiently accurate and they are too expensive to implement in vehicles. In this study, the climbing angle as well as the slope angle are considered in the presence of yawing motion on a sloping road, and both angles are estimated. In order to describe the combined vehicle motions when turning on a sloping road, a new three-dimensional dynamics model is proposed including the heading angle with respect to the road slope orientation. The extended Kalman filter is designed on the basis of the three-dimensional dynamics model on a sloping road, and the key parameters for the sloping road are updated using the geometry relationship. The proposed estimation method is evaluated using simulations and field tests with a hybrid electric vehicle.
Non-Contact Measurement of Empathy Based on Micro-Movement Synchronization

Tracking consumer empathy is one of the biggest challenges for advertisers. Although numerous studies have shown that consumers’ empathy affects purchasing, there are few quantitative and unobtrusive methods for assessing whether the viewer is sharing congruent emotions with the advertisement. This study suggested a non-contact method for measuring empathy by evaluating the synchronization of micro-movements between consumers and people within the media. Thirty participants viewed 24 advertisements classified as either empathy or non-empathy advertisements. For each viewing, we recorded the facial data and subjective empathy scores. We recorded the facial micro-movements, which reflect the ballistocardiography (BCG) motion, through the carotid artery remotely using a camera without any sensory attachment to the participant. Synchronization in cardiovascular measures (e.g., heart rate) is known to indicate higher levels of empathy. We found that through cross-entropy analysis, the more similar the micro-movements between the participant and the person in the advertisement, the higher the participant’s empathy scores for the advertisement. The study suggests that non-contact BCG methods can be utilized in cases where sensor attachment is ineffective (e.g., measuring empathy between the viewer and the media content) and can be a complementary method to subjective empathy scales.
Noise Reduction Methods for Weighing Lysimeters

Mechanical vibration of the grass and crop weighing lysimeters, located at the University of California West Side Field Research and Extension Station at Five Points, Calif. generated noise in lysimeter mass measurements and reduced the quality of evapotranspiration (ET) data. The estimated power spectral density (PSD) for grass lysimeter mass data acquired at 1.3 ms intervals contained a large peak at 11 Hz . Crop lysimeter data produced similar peaks at frequencies greater than 1 Hz . An effective method for eliminating this noise source is arithmetic averaging of the data, which should be acquired sufficiently rapidly to avoid aliasing. The PSD also increased with decreasing frequency in the range 1.0–0.1 Hz . This noise was addressed by Savitsky–Golay (SG) filtering using 7-, 11-, and 15-point filters. Each filter was applied to the same data set consisting of 2,560 measurements taken during a 1-min interval every 10 min over a 26.3-h period. Noise reduction factors, defined as the ratio of standard d.
Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture in Dental Hospitals in the Twin cities, Pakistan

Objective: The purpose of our research is to evaluate the patient safety culture at Islamabad and Rawalpindi teaching hospitals. Materials and methods: A validated and slightly modified questionnaire was sent as a google forms link via WhatsApp and email to different teaching dental hospitals in the twin cities. The returned questionnaires were examined with IBM's statistical package for social sciences (version 22). ). Results: 139 complete questionnaires were analyzed and results were calculated as average positive and average negative responses. Conclusion: This pilot study demonstrated that degree of patient safety in general in the Hospitals of Pakistan was acceptable. The number of incident reports were very low. Many participants also stated that the hospital is only concerned about patient safety after an unfavorable incident occurs. , but they also reported that mistakes always lead to positive outcomes and the departments coordinate well with each other. Key words: Patient safety, incident reports, dental teaching hospital.
Comparison of Clinical Characteristics and Outcome of Critically Ill Patients Admitted to Tertiary Care Intensive Care Units in India during the Peak Months of First and Second Waves of COVID-19 Pandemic: A Retrospective Analysis

Abstract Background Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) continues to pose serious challenges to healthcare systems globally with the disease progressing over time in crest-trough pattern of waves. We compared the patient characteristics and outcomes of critically ill patients admitted during the first and second waves of COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods We did a retrospective analysis of medical records of critically ill patients admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) at the peak period of both waves. The data on demographics, symptoms, treatment received, and outcomes of patients were recorded. Results Compared to first wave, significantly more females, younger age group, and those without underlying comorbidities required ICU admission during the second wave. The treatments received during both periods were similar except for preferential use of methylprednisolone over dexamethasone and proclivity of bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) ventilation over high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC). There was no significant difference in the duration of ICU stay and mortality of patients. During the first wave, the factors associated with nonsurvival of patients were advanced age, comorbidities, severe disease, and a lesser number of days on HFNC. All these factors along with higher Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score were observed to be linked with patient nonsurvival during the second wave. Conclusion In India, the second wave of COVID-19 significantly influenced ICU demographics with a predominance of females and young adults requiring critical care. During both time periods, patients received similar treatment except for the propensity to use methylprednisolone and BiPAP as opposed to dexamethasone and HFNC in second wave. No significant difference in ICU mortality was noted. How to cite this article Kerai S, Singh R, Dutta S, Mahajan A, Agarwal M. Comparison of Clinical Characteristics and Outcome of Critically Ill Patients Admitted to Tertiary Care Intensive Care Units in India during the Peak Months of First and Second Waves of COVID-19 Pandemic: A Retrospective Analysis. Indian J Crit Care Med 2021;25(12):1349–1356.
Fast-velocity resistance training improves force development and mobility in Multiple Sclerosis

This study aimed to analyze the benefits of a lower-limb fast-velocity concentric resistance training on rate of force development, mobility, and quality of life in people with Multiple Sclerosis. A randomized controlled trial was conducted in 30 people with Multiple Sclerosis, who were randomly assigned to either an experimental (n=18) or a control (n=12) group. The experimental group carried out 10-weeks of fast-velocity concentric resistance training, while the control group did not perform any intervention. Early and late rate of force development during knee extension in both legs, sit-to-stand and Timed Up and Go tests and quality life questionnaire were evaluated before and after intervention. The training program evoked an increase in early rate of force development in experimental group (0-30; Rightleg: 63.9%, p<0.001;ES=-1.4; Leftleg: 52.7%, p<0.001;ES=-1.0) compared to control group (showed modest increases). Furthermore, experimental group improved mobility after training (Sit-to-stand: 22.2%, p<0.001;ES=1.0; Timed Up and Go Test: 10.1%, p<0.001;ES=1.1) and increased the perception of quality of life after training, while control showed no changes. The fast-velocity concentric resistance training has the potential to improve early rate of force development and mobility after 10-weeks of training. In addition, the increase in self-perceived quality of life following this training modality demonstrates promising results in the Multiple Sclerosis population.
Co-Expression of Nogo-A in Dopaminergic Neurons of the Human Substantia Nigra Pars Compacta Is Reduced in Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is mainly characterized by a progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Together with the small number, the high vulnerability of the dopaminergic neurons is a major pathogenic culprit of Parkinson’s disease. Our previous findings of a higher survival of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra co-expressing Nogo-A in an animal model of Parkinson’s disease suggested that Nogo-A may be associated with dopaminergic neurons resilience against Parkinson’s disease neurodegeneration. In the present study, we have addressed the expression of Nogo-A in the dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra in postmortem specimens of diseased and non-diseased subjects of different ages. For this purpose, in a collaborative effort we developed a tissue micro array (TMA) that allows for simultaneous staining of many samples in a single run. Interestingly, and in contrast to the observations gathered during normal aging and in the animal model of Parkinson’s disease, increasing age was significantly associated with a lower co-expression of Nogo-A in nigral dopaminergic neurons of patients with Parkinson’s disease. In sum, while Nogo-A expression in dopaminergic neurons is higher with increasing age, the opposite is the case in Parkinson’s disease. These observations suggest that Nogo-A might play a substantial role in the vulnerability of dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson’s disease.
A super high speed PM motor drive system by a quasi-current source inverter

The authors describe a surface-mounted PM (permanent magnet) motor with the ratings of 5 kW and 180000 RPM for super-high-speed drive applications such as machine tools. A much larger air gap, compared with that of the existing PM motors, is used to reduce the slot ripples and hence the resultant eddy current loss in the metallic sleeve that retains the permanent magnets; otherwise, this loss would be objectionable at such high speeds. The motor is supplied from a quasi-current source inverter with the DC current controlled by a chopper and operated at a near-unity power factor by the use of a simple position sensorless control, to improve the motor efficiency. Analytic results are presented showing the slot ripple reducing effect of increasing the air gap length. To investigate the losses of the sleeve, several motors with different sleeves were manufactured and tested. Typical experimental results on these prototypes are given, which show that a motor efficiency of higher than 90% can be realized at the rated torque over a wide speed range. <<ETX>>
Purification of Porcine Circovirus Type 2 Using an Affinity Chromatography Based on a Neutralizing Monoclonal Antibody against Viral Capsid Protein

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is a DNA virus without an envelope. The viral particle is icosahedral and has a diameter of approximately 17 nm. In order to obtain the purified virus, a broad-spectrum monoclonal antibody 3A5 against PCV2 was coupled to CNBr-activated SepharoseTM 4B, and an affinity chromatography was established for PCV2 purification. A total of 6.5 mg of purified PCV2a/LG with 97% purity was obtained from 120 mL of the viral culture medium, and only PCV2 was detected by electron microscopy. No significant changes in the antigenic characteristics of the purified virus were detected by a capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Furthermore, the titer of the purified PCV2 was 100 times higher than that of the unpurified virus. This affinity chromatography method was also used to purify PCV2b/LN590516 and PCV2d/SD446F16, and the purified viruses were detected by electron microscopy, capture ELISA, and virus titration, respectively. The results showed that these two strains can be successfully purified, but the yield is lower than that of the PCV2a strain. In addition, the purified virus could be used to study the viral adsorption and invasion of PK15 cells using indirect immunofluorescence assays. A large number of PCV2 signals were detected to transfer from the cellular surface to the periphery of the nucleus of the PK15 cells after 30 min of adsorption of the PCV2 to the PK15 cells. The affinity chromatography is a simple and convenient tool to obtain PCV2 with high purity. It could be applied for virus structure analysis, antibody preparation, and viral adsorption and invasion research.
Modeling Fault Among Bicyclists and Drivers Involved in Collisions in Hawaii, 1986-1991

Subsequent to a review of trends in collisions between bicyclists and motorists in Hawaii during the period 1986 to 1.991, characteristics of bicyclists and drivers involved in crashes are compared. On the basis of police-reported crash data it can be concluded that bicyclists tend to be young, male, and, not surprisingly, more likely to be seriously injured than motorists in bicycle-motor-vehicle collisions. Bicyclists are much less likely to be attributed with inattention than motorists, and slightly less likely to be attributed with misjudgment or alcohol or drug use than motorists. Bicyclists, however, are much more likely than motorists to disregard traffic controls or go the wrong way on a street just before becoming involved in a collision. Motorists are more likely than bicyclists to fail to yield, to engage in improper overtaking, or to follow too closely before becoming involved in a collision. The largest proportion of bicycle collisions occurs during the period 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Other temporal.
EVOLUTIONARY TRENDS IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE MATERIALS DESIGN

Material design is an important part of any educational process. In the open and distance learning mode of study, it is the heart of the educational process. In this wise, technology has become a major factor in the design of the learning materials of the ODL institutions. In the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), the new media has become a major ally in getting education to the educationally-hungry masses of the Nigerian populace. In this wise, the internet and other electronic media like the radio, CD-ROM have become important means of getting study materials to students, in addition to the printed means. The National Open University of Nigeria has therefore not only worked at producing qualitative materials for students’ use but also explored the internet as the fastest means of getting these materials to them. SMS is also being explored as a means of getting learning content across to the learners. All these means have become handy in preparing and assessing the English language instructional materials in NOUN. Thus, the English language programme of NOUN is bent on showing the way forward in the preparation of learning content for the students of English in Nigeria, especially those in the flexible learning mode, to maximise their learning experience. This is the focus of this study.
AF Inducibility Is Related to Conduction Abnormalities at Bachmann’s Bundle

We investigated whether patterns of activation at Bachmann’s bundle are related to AF inducibility. Epicardial mapping of Bachmann’s bundle during sinus rhythm was performed prior to cardiac surgery (192 electrodes, interelectrode distances: 2 mm). Compared to non-inducible patients (N = 20), patients with inducible AF (N = 34) had longer lines of conduction block (18(2–164) mm vs. 6(2–28) mm, p = 0.048), prolonged total activation time (55(28–143) ms vs. 46(24–73) ms, p = 0.012), multiple wavefronts entering Bachmann’s bundle more frequently (64% vs. 37%, p = 0.046) and more often areas of simultaneous activation (conduction velocity > 1.7 m/s, 45% vs. 16%, p = 0.038). These observations further support a relation between conduction abnormalities at Bachmann’s bundle and AF inducibility. The next step is to examine whether Bachmann’s bundle activation patterns can also be used to identify patients who will develop AF after cardiac surgery during both short- and long-term follow-up.
Stink Bug Communication and Signal Detection in a Plant Environment

Simple Summary Plant-dwelling stink bugs communicate with chemical and plant-borne vibratory signals that are altered when transmitted through the substrate and air. Mates are attracted to the same plant by pheromones, where they exchange information through mechanical and close-range chemical signals. Plants absorb odor molecules from insects and produce kairomones that can enhance or reduce insect responses to pheromones. Long-range communication between stink bug mates in the field occurs exclusively via pheromones. The species specificity of the sex-pheromones guarantees their success in finding mates in the plant environment. Substrate-borne communication occurs in a narrow frequency range that is tuned to the mechanical properties of the plant. Vibratory signals are transmitted with low attenuation and with altered frequency, amplitude, and temporal characteristics. The frequency sensitivity of the subgenual organ is tuned to the low-frequency resonant properties of the plants. Recognition is encoded in the vibratory signal species- and sex-specific temporal parameters and directionality in the time delay between signals arriving from different directions. The characteristics of behaviorally described multimodal close-range communication on a plant are under-investigated. Studies of neuronal processing of multimodal sensory signals in the stink bug brain are needed to understand how their integration affects behavioral responses. Abstract Plants influenced the evolution of plant-dwelling stink bugs’ systems underlying communication with chemical and substrate-borne vibratory signals. Plant volatiles provides cues that increase attractiveness or interfere with the probability of finding a mate in the field. Mechanical properties of herbaceous hosts and associated plants alter the frequency, amplitude, and temporal characteristics of stink bug species and sex-specific vibratory signals. The specificity of pheromone odor tuning has evolved through highly specific odorant receptors located within the receptor membrane. The narrow-band low-frequency characteristics of the signals produced by abdomen vibration and the frequency tuning of the highly sensitive subgenual organ vibration receptors match with filtering properties of the plants enabling optimized communication. A range of less sensitive mechanoreceptors, tuned to lower vibration frequencies, detect signals produced by other mechanisms used at less species-specific levels of communication in a plant environment. Whereas the encoding of frequency-intensity and temporal parameters of stink bug vibratory signals is relatively well investigated at low levels of processing in the ventral nerve cord, processing of this information and its integration with other modalities at higher neuronal levels still needs research attention.
Development of Analytical Strategies for the Determination of Olive Fruit Bioactive Compounds Using UPLC-HRMS and HPLC-DAD. Chemical Characterization of Kolovi Lesvos Variety as a Case Study

In this study, an overall survey regarding the determination of several bioactive compounds in olive fruit is presented. Two methodologies were developed, one UPLC-Q-TOF-MS method for the determination of olive fruit phenolic compounds and one HPLC-DAD methodology targeting the determination of pigments (chlorophylls and carotenoids), tocopherols (α-, β, -γ, δ-) and squalene. Target and suspect screening workflows were developed for the thorough fingerprinting of the phenolic fraction of olives. Both methods were validated, presenting excellent performance characteristics, and can be used as reliable tools for the monitoring of bioactive compounds in olive fruit samples. The developed methodologies were utilized to chemical characterize the fruits of the Kolovi olive variety, originating from the island of Lesvos, North Aegean Region, Greece. Twenty-five phenolic compounds were identified and quantified in Kolovi olives with verbascoside, hydroxytyrosol, oleacein and oleomissional found in significantly high concentrations. Moreover, 12 new bioactive compounds were identified in the samples using an in-house suspect database. The results of pigments analysis suggested that Kolovi variety should be characterized as low pigmentation, while the tocopherol and squalene content was relatively high compared to other olive varieties. The characterization of Kolovi olive bioactive content highlighted the high nutritional and possible economic value of the Kolovi olive fruit.
School Design: Crisis, Educational Performance and Design Applications

This paper explores the relationship between educational outcomes and the architectural design of educational facilities. Following a brief review of the crisis in school buildings in the United States, an attempt is made to clarify the issues involved in the research literature bearing on the relationship between educational performance and school facilities and to critically review some of that literature. Two physical environmental factors are found that directly impact academic achievement in elementary schools (school size and classroom size) and another two that impact “non-achievement” behaviors (location and secluded study spaces). Two of the 27 design patterns developed in response to these findings are presented and discussed. In conclusion, a mediational-interactional model of the relationship between the socio-physical environment and educational outcomes is presented.