Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transforming the Emotional Intelligence of the Feeders in Agribusinesses into the Development of Task Performance and Counterproductive Work Behaviors during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Simple Summary This research proposes a psychological model to describe how leadership can deal with the work burnout of feeders in livestock production agribusinesses to solve the important problems of mental health and well-being, thereby increasing the sustainable work of feeders. The empirical evidence comes from 240 livestock feeders from 80 Taiwanese livestock production agribusinesses. The research results can push the literature of emotional intelligence and implementation methods to livestock production agribusinesses. Abstract The present research poses a novel multilevel model to describe how transformational leadership can significantly affect task performance and counterproductive work behavior through intermediary effects of emotional intelligence, work engagement, and work burnout. The empirical data is from 240 livestock feeders from 80 Taiwanese livestock production agribusinesses. The empirical results demonstrate that leadership could indeed transform the emotional intelligence of livestock feeders into positive task performance and negative counterproductive work behavior. The research results can provide an implementation method for livestock production agribusinesses to achieve the sustainable work of feeders in agribusinesses through handling task performance and counterproductive work behavior of feeders.
Push-out bond strength and marginal adaptation of apical plugs with bioactive endodontic cements in simulated immature teeth

Objectives This study evaluates the bond strength and marginal adaptation of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) Repair HP and Biodentine used as apical plugs; MTA was used as reference material for comparison. Materials and Methods A total of 30 single-rooted teeth with standardized, artificially created open apices were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 10 per group), according to the material used to form 6-mm-thick apical plugs: group 1 (MTA Repair HP); group 2 (Biodentine); and group 3 (white MTA). Subsequently, the specimens were transversely sectioned to obtain 2 (cervical and apical) 2.5-mm-thick slices per root. Epoxy resin replicas were observed under a scanning electron microscope to measure the gap size at the material/dentin interface (the largest and smaller gaps were recorded for each replica). The bond strength of the investigated materials to dentin was determined using the push-out test. The variable bond strengths and gap sizes were evaluated independently at the apical and cervical root dentin slices. Data were analyzed using descriptive and analytic statistics. Results The comparison between the groups regarding the variables' bond strengths and gap sizes showed no statistical difference (p > 0.05) except for a single difference in the smallest gap at the cervical root dentin slice, which was higher in group 3 than in group 1 (p < 0.05). Conclusions The bond strength and marginal adaptation to root canal walls of MTA HP and Biodentine cement were comparable to white MTA.
A new method to infer the size, number density, and charge of mesospheric dust from its in situ collection by the DUSTY probe

Abstract. We present a new extended method of analyzing measurements of mesospheric dust made with DUSTY rocket-borne Faraday cup probes. It yields the variation of fundamental dust parameters through a mesospheric cloud with an unrivalled altitude resolution down to 10 cm or less. A DUSTY probe was the first probe which unambiguously detected charged dust/aerosol particles in the Earth's mesosphere. DUSTY excluded the ambient plasma by various biased grids, which however allowed dust particles with radii above a few nanometer to enter, and it measured the flux of charged dust particles. The flux measurements directly yielded the total ambient dust charge density. We extend the analysis of DUSTY data by using the impact currents on its main grid and the bottom plate as before, together with a dust charging model and a secondary charge production model, to allow the determination of fundamental parameters, such as dust radius, charge number and total dust density. We demonstrate the utility of the new analysis technique by considering observations made with the DUSTY probes during the MAXIDUSTY rocket campaign in June–July 2016 and comparing the results with those of other instruments (Lidar and photometer) also used in the campaign.
Synergistic Bond Properties of Different Deformed Steel Fibers Embedded in Mortars Wet-Sieved from Self-Compacting SFRC

Reliable bond of steel fiber in concrete is a key problem relating to the reinforcing effect of steel fiber on concrete matrix and for the guide in significance for the optimal design of the geometry and mechanical properties of steel fiber. In this paper, on the basis of multi-indices of evaluation for the bond properties of single hooked-end steel fiber, the indices for the evaluation of synergistic bond properties of different deformed steel fibers are proposed. The pull-out tests were carried out for different deformed steel fibers embedded in mortar wet-sieved from self-compacting SFRC with manufactured sand. Fourteen types of steel fibers were used, including six hooked-end, two crimped, four indentation, one milling, and one large-end. The bond strength, bond energy, and bond toughness of single and per unit weight steel fiber were evaluated with the correspondence to the loading status of cracking resistance, normal serviceability, and ultimate bearing capacity of concrete. Results show that the deformed steel fibers presented different bond behaviors, hooked-end, and crimped steel fibers with circular cross-sections and a tensile strength of higher than 1150 MPa have excellent effects of strengthening, energy dissipation, and toughening capacity on self-compacting concrete with a cubic compressive strength of 60 MPa at normal serviceability and ultimate bearing capacity. Indentation, milling, and large-end steel fibers are more suitable for reinforcing the concrete strength due to the rigid bond before concrete cracking. The synergistic working of steel fibers with concrete matrix should be concerned to realize the effects of only or simultaneously reinforcing the strength and toughness of concrete.
The Clot Thickens: Recent Clues on Hematopoietic Stem Cell Contribution to Age-Related Platelet Biology Open New Questions

Platelets provide life-saving functions by halting external and internal bleeding. There is also a dark side to platelet biology, however. Recent reports provide evidence for increased platelet reactivity during aging of mice and humans, making platelets main suspects in the most prevalent aging-related human pathologies, including cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and cancer. What drives this platelet hyperreactivity during aging? Here, we discuss how hematopoietic stem cell differentiation pathways into the platelet lineage offer avenues to understand the fundamental differences between young and old platelets. Recent advances begin to unravel how the cellular and molecular regulation of the parent hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells likely imbue aging characteristics on the resulting Plt progeny. The resulting mechanistic insights into intrinsic platelet reactivity will provide strategies for selectively targeting age-related pathways. This brief viewpoint focuses on current concepts on aging hematopoiesis and the implications for platelet hyperactivity during aging.
Recycling dyed cotton textile byproduct fibers as polypropylene reinforcement

The textile industry generates a large amount of byproducts that must be treated before being recycled or disposed of. The treatments to extract the dyeing agents are mandatory, and involve costs and interaction with toxic reagents. A relevant amount of such byproducts are short cotton dyed fibers. Cotton fibers are high-quality cellulosic fibers and can be used as composite reinforcement. In this paper, dyed cotton fibers were used to formulate, obtain and tensile test composite materials. The impact of the presence of dyes was studied and such dyes enhanced the interphase between the matrix and the reinforcement. On the other hand, when a coupling agent was incorporated to the formulation of the composites, the dyes hindered the chemical interactions between the maleic acid and the OH groups of the cellulosic fibers. Nonetheless, the composite materials showed competitive mechanical properties that were better than other natural fiber-reinforced composites and comparable to some glass fiber-based ones. Dyed cotton fibers can be used as reinforcement without further treatment, increasing the value chain of the textile industry and decreasing the chemical treatments necessary to recycle or dispose of dyed textile fibers.
Analysis of Combined Effect of CYP2C19 Genetic Polymorphism and Proton Pump Inhibitors Coadministration on Trough Concentration of Voriconazole

Purpose To analyze the combined effect of CYP2C19 genetic polymorphism and PPIs coadministration on voriconazole trough concentration (VCZ-Ctrough) in Chinese patients with hematological disorders. Patients and Methods A prospective observational study involved 250 plasma samples from 114 adult patients receiving voriconazole with or without PPIs were analyzed. Demographics and clinical characteristics were obtained from patient’s records. A validated LC-MS/MS was used to quantify the plasma VCZ-Ctrough. Genotyping for CYP2C19*2 and CYP2C19*3 variant alleles was performed by PCR-RFLP followed by DNA sequencing. The combined total score (from 2 to 5) was calculated for each patient. The higher the score, the lesser the metabolism of the patient. Findings Fifty percent of patients administered with voriconazole were coadministered with PPIs, predominantly omeprazole or esomeprazole. Patients exhibiting CYP2C19 poor metabolizer phenotype showed a significantly higher median VCZ-Ctrough, (4.31µg/mL [IQR, 1.64µg/mL–7.36µg/mL]) than patients with normal metabolizer (1.38µg/mL, [IQR, 0.79µg/mL–2.14µg/mL], p < 0.0001). Similarly, patients co-administration with PPIs had higher median VCZ-Ctrough (2.86µg/mL [IQR 1.33µg/mL–4.66µg/mL]), than PPIs non-users (1.71µg/mL, [IQR, 0.86µg/mL–3.48µg/mL], p = 0.001). However, we noted that the median VCZ-Ctrough for each factor was ranging within the normal recommended therapeutic range in the Chinese population (0.5µg/mL–5µg/mL). But when the two factors were combined, the median VCZ-Ctrough was steadily increasing as the metabolic capacity (reflected by combined total score) was increasing. Importantly, the median VCZ-Ctrough in PM/PPIs user (total score 5) was significantly elevated to supra-therapeutic levels compared to NM/PPI non-user group (total score 2) (5.83µg/mL [IQR, 2.19µg/mL–9.51µg/mL] versus 1.13µg/mL [IQR, 0.67µg/mL–1.82µg/mL]), respectively, P < 0.0001. Furthermore, we observed that the elevation of median VCZ-Ctrough to supra-therapeutic levels was largely contributed by omeprazole or esomeprazole compared to lansoprazole or pantoprazole. Conclusion Coadministration with PPIs significantly increased voriconazole trough concentrations and there was an additive effect in CYP2C19 PMs, who were most likely to have supra-therapeutic levels.
The Impact of Historical Price Information on Purchase Deferral

In this article, the authors examine how historical price information influences consumers’ decision to defer a purchase. They focus on two aspects of historical price information: the direction and the frequency of past price changes. The authors advance a theoretical framework postulating that the interaction between these two factors shapes consumers’ decisions to buy now versus later. Controlling for the total magnitude of price changes, the authors propose that consumers are more likely to defer purchase when the price of the product has previously increased compared with when the price has decreased. Importantly, the authors hypothesize that this effect is more pronounced when consumers observe a single large change in price (e.g., a decrease of $100 vs. an increase of $100) compared with when they observe multiple smaller changes that establish a trend (e.g., four decreases of $25 vs. four increases of $25). The authors argue that these effects are driven by differences in consumers’ expectations about future prices. They test their predictions, as well as two moderators of the proposed effects—the monotonicity and the timing of price changes—in six well-powered preregistered experimental studies (N = 5,713) using both hypothetical and actual purchases.
COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN LONG AND SHORT TERM ESTROUS SYNCHRONIZATION PROTOCOLS ON ESTROUS AND FERTILITY RESPONSES OF CYCLIC EWES

The present study was undertaken to minimize the period over which the progesterone impregnated sponges used for estrous synchronization protocols from 12 days to only 7 days, for improving conception rate and assess the serum hormonal concentrations, protein profile changes as well as oxidantantioxidant status to compare short term with long term protocol in cyclic Barki ewes. Twenty multiparous cycling ewes (2 4 years old) were randomly assigned into two equal groups (10 each), the first group was the short term protocol group (S-term protocol) and treated with sponges containing 50 mg medroxy progesterone acetate (MAP) for 7days. The second group was the long term protocol group (L-term protocol), also treated with the same sponges but for 12 days. At the time of sponge withdrawal, all ewes were intramuscularly injected with 200 IU PMSG (Pregnant Mare Serum Gonadotropin). Four fertile rams were introduced to all the ewes in the two groups for estrus detection and natural mating on the day of sponge withdrawal. Blood samples were collected on day of sponge insertion; on the 4 day, the 6 day of insertion; on the day of sponge withdrawal; on the 2 day of withdrawal as well as at one month after withdrawal from both groups. Conception rate as well as lambing rate were significantly higher (P>0.05) in S-term protocol (90%) than in L-term protocol group (60%). Serum progesterone level was significantly (P<0.05) higher in S-term protocol than L-term protocol group on day of withdrawal and during the first month after withdrawal (1.97 ± 0.08 vs 1.34 ± 0.10 ng/ml) and (2.78 ± 0.15 vs 1.89 ± 0.17 ng/ml), respectively. There was a significant decrease (P>0.05) in MDA level on the 2 day of withdrawal and at one month after withdrawal in S-term protocol ewes than Lterm protocol (10.17± 0.25, 9.02± 0.22 and 12.45±0.54, 9.75±0.22 nmol\ml)), respectively. Short-term progestagen protocol (7 days) for estrus synchronization resulted in an improved fertility than the common long-term protocol (12 days) in adult cyclic ewes.
UV-B RADIATION INHIBITS THE PHOTOSYNTHETIC ELECTRON TRANSPORT CHAIN IN CHLAMYDOMONAS REINHARDTII

UV radiation of sunlight is one of harmful factors for earth organisms, especially for photoautotrophs because they require light for energy and biomass production. A number of works have already been done regarding the effects of UV-B radiation at biochemical and molecular level, which showed that UV-B radiation could inhibit photosynthesis activity and reduce photosynthetic electron transport. However quite limited information can accurately make out inhibition site of UV-B radiation on photosynthetic electron transport. In this study, this issue was investigated through measuring oxygen evolution activity, chlorophyll a fluorescence and gene expression in a model unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Our results indicated that UV-B radiation could evidently decrease photosynthesis activity and inhibit electron transport by blocking electron transfer process from the first plastoquinone electron acceptors Q(A) to second plastoquinone electron acceptors Q(B), but not impair electron transfer from the water oxidizing complex to Q(A). The psbA gene expression was also altered by UV-B radiation, where up-regulation occurred at 2, 4 and 6h after exposure and down-regulation happened at 12 and 24 h after exposure. These results suggested that UV-B could affects D1 protein normal turnover, so there was not enough D1 for binding with Q(B), which may affect photosynthetic electron transport and photosynthesis activity.
CAR T Cell Therapy’s Potential for Pediatric Brain Tumors

Simple Summary T cells that are genetically engineered to express chimeric antigen receptors constitute an effective new therapy with curative potential for patients with hematological tumors. The value of chimeric antigen receptor T cells in childhood brain tumors, the leading cause of cancer death in children, is less clear. In this context, the main obstacles for these engineered T cells remain how to find them, allow them to infiltrate, and induce them to remain active in the tumor site. Here, we discuss recent progress in the field and examine future directions for realizing the potential of this therapy. Abstract Malignant central nervous system tumors are the leading cause of cancer death in children. Progress in high-throughput molecular techniques has increased the molecular understanding of these tumors, but the outcomes are still poor. Even when efficacious, surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy cause neurologic and neurocognitive morbidity. Adoptive cell therapy with autologous CD19 chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR T) has demonstrated remarkable remission rates in patients with relapsed refractory B cell malignancies. Unfortunately, tumor heterogeneity, the identification of appropriate target antigens, and location in a growing brain behind the blood–brain barrier within a specific suppressive immune microenvironment restrict the efficacy of this strategy in pediatric neuro-oncology. In addition, the vulnerability of the brain to unrepairable tissue damage raises important safety concerns. Recent preclinical findings, however, have provided a strong rationale for clinical trials of this approach in patients. Here, we examine the most important challenges associated with the development of CAR T cell immunotherapy and further present the latest preclinical strategies intending to optimize genetically engineered T cells’ efficiency and safety in the field of pediatric neuro-oncology.
The Mycobacterial DNA Methyltransferase HsdM Decreases Intrinsic Isoniazid Susceptibility

Tuberculosis, caused by the pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is a serious infectious disease worldwide. Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) remains a global problem, and the understanding of this resistance is incomplete. Studies suggested that DNA methylation promotes bacterial adaptability to antibiotic treatment, but the role of mycobacterial HsdM in drug susceptibility has not been explored. Here, we constructed an inactivated Mycobacterium bovis (BCG) strain, ΔhsdM. ΔhsdM shows growth advantages over wild-type BCG under isoniazid treatment and hypoxia-induced stress. Using high-precision PacBio single-molecule real-time sequencing to compare the ΔhsdM and BCG methylomes, we identified 219 methylated HsdM substrates. Bioinformatics analysis showed that most HsdM-modified genes were enriched in respiration- and energy-related pathways. qPCR showed that HsdM-modified genes directly affected their own transcription, indicating an altered redox regulation. The use of the latent Wayne model revealed that ΔhsdM had growth advantages over wild-type BCG and that HsdM regulated trcR mRNA levels, which may be crucial in regulating transition from latency to reactivation. We found that HsdM regulated corresponding transcription levels via gene methylation; thus, altering the mycobacterial redox status and decreasing the bacterial susceptibility to isoniazid, which is closely correlated with the redox status. Our results provide valuable insight into DNA methylation on drug susceptibility.
Effect of the type of urinary incontinence in the Outcome of laser Therapy for Treatment of Female Stress Urinary Incontinence

Female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is an important and common lower urinary tract symptom, middle-aged and elderly women are most commonly affected (Luber, 2004). It is known as “the symptom of involuntary urinary leakage related to effort or exercise, laughing, coughing or sneezing (Abrams et al., 2003). Urine loss can also occur during the sexual act and lead to significant distress (Temml et al., 2000).
Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis with retrograde intramedullary nail for Charcot neuroarthropathy of foot - A prospective observational study

Background: Surgical treatment is often needed for Charcot neuroarthropathy (CN) of foot. Even though good outcomes were reported with tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis (TTCA) in CN patients, the choice of implant is still an issue. The aim of the study was to evaluate the outcomes of TTCA with retrograde intramedullary nail, in patients with CN. Materials and methods: A prospective observational study was done with 41 consecutive patients treated with TTCA with hindfoot retrograde IM nail. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was used for the outcome evaluation, one year after surgery. Results: The mean age was 67.4(±8.7) years, with 63.5% females. Most common cause was diabetes mellitus (75.6%), followed by post-traumatic CN (19.5%) and chronic alcoholism (4.9%). Eleven (26.8%) had good score at the end of 1 year compared to five (12.2%) pre-op and twenty (48.8%) had fair score compared to fifteen (36.6%). The AOFAS score increased one year after surgery (p value 0.001). In twenty (48.8%) patients, the time taken for union was more than 6 months; and in 15 (36.6%) union occurred within 6 months of surgery. Six (14.6%) patients had non-union. Two (4.9%) had deep infection along with non-union. Hardware failure was seen in 3 (7.3%) patients. Hardware failure with non-union was reported in one (2.4%). Four (9.8%) patients had superficial wound infection and amputation done in one (2.4%) patient. Conclusion: Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis with retrograde intramedullary nail is an acceptable and safe procedure with good clinical outcomes in patients with Charcot arthropathy which obviates the need for amputation. Keywords: Charcot neuroarthropathy; tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis; intramedullary nail; amputation
Arabic and American Sign Languages Alphabet Recognition by Convolutional Neural Network

Hearing loss is a common disability that occurs in many people worldwide. Hearing loss can be mild to complete deafness. Sign language is used to communicate with the deaf community. Sign language comprises hand gestures and facial expressions. However, people fi nd it challenging to communicate in sign language as not all know sign language. Every country has developed its sign language like spoken languages, and there is no standard syntax and grammatical structure. The main objective of this research is to facilitate the communication between deaf people and the community around them. Since sign language contains gestures for words, sentences, and letters, this research implemented a system to automatically recognize the gestures and signs using imaging devices like cameras. Two types of sign languages are considered, namely, American sign language and Arabic sign language. We have used the convolutional neural network (CNN) to classify the images into signs. Diff erent settings of CNN are tried for Arabic and American sign datasets. CNN-2 consisting of two hidden layers produced the best results (accuracy of 96.4%) for the Arabic sign language dataset. CNN-3, composed of three hidden layers, achieved an accuracy of 99.6% for the American sign dataset.