Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Attenuated Kinetic and Kinematic Properties During Very Slow Tempo Versus Maximal Velocity Resistance Exercise

Purposely slow velocity resistance exercise (i.e., 10 sec concentric and 10 sec eccentric), sometimes called slow tempo, is a popular training method, but limits the loads that can be lifted (e.g., <50% 1RM). This study compared the biomechanical properties of slow tempo (SLOW) and maximal velocity (MAX) resistance exercise. Healthy resistancetrained men (n=5) performed two testing sessions (barbell squat and bench press) in random-order; a SLOW session (1 set x 10 repetitions at 28% 1RM, 10 sec concentric and 10 sec eccentric), and a MAX session (3 x 10 at 70% 1RM, volitionally controlled eccentric and maximal concentric velocities). A force plate and linear position transducer were used to collect kinetic and kinematic data for every repetition of both protocols. Statistical significance was set at α=0.05. For both exercises, both concentric and eccentric mean force (N) and power (W) for each repetition were greater for MAX. When the entire training session (barbell squat and bench press) was examined, SLOW exhibited greater time under tension, while MAX produced greater work (J) and impulse (N·s). Contrary to suggestions in both the lay and scientific literature, SLOW resistance exercise produced less force, power, and work than MAX resistance exercise.
Effect of Student Attitude on Academic Performance of Chemistry Subject: A Case of Bondo Sub-County, Kenya

Attitude is one of the key factors that influence student performance in any subject in secondary school education. Bondo has been among the Sub Counties in Kenya with poor academic performance in Chemistry subject and this could be attributed to poor student attitude towards the subject among other factors. This research paper sought to establish and address the effect of student attitude on performance in Chemistry subject in secondary schools in Bondo Sub County. The main objective of this study was based on the purpose of the study. The study was informed by Jean Piaget‟s constructivism theory of knowledge and its link to the study was done by a conceptual framework. The study adopted a correlation research design. Questionnaires, interviews and document analysis were used as instruments of data analysis. Quantitative data analysis generated both inferential and descriptive statistics while qualitative data was analyzed continuously using content and thematic issues. The findings revealed that the Pearson correlation co-efficient, r = 0.078 which is a positive correlation between attitude and academic performance in the subject in over 80% of the schools.
Polycythemia Vera Associated with Pulmonary Hypertension and Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: A Case Report

Patient: Male, 79-year-old Final Diagnosis: Diffuse large B cell lymphoma Symptoms: Dyspnea Medication:— Clinical Procedure: — Specialty: Cardiology • Hematology • Oncology Objective: Rare disease Background: Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), including polycythemia vera (PV), are associated with pulmonary hyper-tension (PH) and malignant lymphomas. Although the underlying mechanisms have not been completely clarified, it has been suggested that the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) mutation, which is frequently identified in PV, can be involved in the development and/or progression of these distinct diseases in patients with MPNs. However, no reports have described the coexistence of PH and malignant lymphoma in patients with MPNs. Case Report: A 79-year-old man being treated for PV for 27 years and PH for 5 years was hospitalized due to severe dyspnea at rest. His soluble interleukin-2 receptor levels gradually increased and the chest computed tomography showed remarkable progression of the lung lesions and an enlargement of the mediastinal and axillary lymph nodes. A lymph node biopsy was performed and the patient was diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Owing to his poor condition, chemotherapy was not initiated, and he died on the 89th day of hospitalization. The pathological autopsy revealed the destruction of alveolar structures with neoplastic space-occupying lesions of DLBCL. Multifactorial features of PH associated with MPNs, including the intimal thickening of pulmonary arteries accompanied by megakaryocytes and obstructed pulmonary arteries with organized thrombi in the lung tissue specimens, were observed. We found a JAK2 mutation based on a genetic analysis of the patient’s bone marrow. Conclusions: We present the rare case of a patient who had PV with a JAK2 mutation, which coexisted with PH and DLBCL, and he developed severe refractory respiratory failure.
Analysis of the Causes of Industrial Accidents using Tripod Delta Technique: A Case Study in a Chemical Process Industry

Background Chemical process industries are among the most important industries which have been faced with many catastrophic accidents. This study aimed to analyze the root causes of the accidents in a chemical process industry.MethodsThis study has been implemented in a chemical process industry using Tripod Delta technique in 2019. The implementation steps included forming an accident analysis team, reviewing accident documents and records, compiling Tripod Delta questionnaires, and determining the general failure types (GFTs) involved in the accident.ResultsThe results showed that procedures (PR), training (TR), and maintenance management (MM) have the most discrepancies in the accident (213, 212, and 202 respectively). In addition, communication (CO), hardware (HW), and design (DE) have the least discrepancies (33, 40, and 76 respectively). ConclusionThe findings indicated that training, standard, and safe procedures as well as maintenance management are determining factors in preventing industrial accidents. Therefore, in order to reduce the accident rates in industries, close attention should be paid to these areas and its indicators with a process and risk based approach.
Recent developments in combinatorial aspects of normal ordering

In this paper, we report on recent progress concerning combinatorial aspects of normal ordering. After giving a short introduction to the history and motivation of normal ordering, we present some recent developments. Many of them are related to the quantum plane or the Weyl algebra or close relatives thereof. Along the way, a few open problems are mentioned. 2020 Mathematics Subject Classification: 05A05; 05A10; 05A15; 05A19; 05C20; 05C30; 11B73, 11B75; 13N15; 16S15; 16S32; 16T30
Cytotoxicity and antibacterial activities of crude extract of Streptomyces sp. W08, an endophyte of Amomum krervanh Pierre

Strain W08 was isolated from the pseudostem tissue of Amomum krervanh Pierre (Zingiberaceae) and identified as Streptomyces sp. by analyzing its morphology, chemotaxonomy, and 16SrDNA sequence. It was shown to exert bactericidal effects against Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and methicillin-resistant S. aureus. Crude extract of its culture inhibited the tested bacteria, with minimum inhibitory concentrations of 32–128 μg/ml. The cytotoxicity of the crude extract was also assessed against cell lines using [3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide] colorimetric assay. The crude extract showed weak cytotoxic activity on L929 and Vero cells with IC50 values of 453.22 and >512.00 μg/ml, respectively. The most powerful cytotoxicity of the crude extract was observed in human cervical carcinoma cells and human breast carcinoma cells with IC50 values of 78.45 and 106.50 μg/ml, respectively, while the IC50 value of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells was 425.86 μg/ml. The bioactive compounds in the extract were isolated by column chromatography and thin-layer chromatography, which were revealed by IR and NMR analyses to be 1-hydroxy-2-methyl-6-methoxyanthraquinone (1) and 6-methoxy-2methylquinizarin (2). The findings showed that the crude extract of Streptomyces sp. W08 containing the bioactive compounds exhibited antibacterial activity and selective cytotoxicity toward some cancer cells. The studies on these compounds could thus lead to useful approaches for managing some bacterial infections and cancers in the future.
Effect of bio-fertilizers and inorganic manures on plant growth and flowering of chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum grandiflora) cv. Haldighati

A field experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of bio-fertilizers and inorganic manures on plant growth and flowering of chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum grandiflora) cv. Haldighati, during Sep. 2014 to Feb. 2015 and Sep. 2015 to Feb. 2016 at Floriculture Research Field, Department of Horticulture, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Allahabad (U.P.). Different levels and combination of bio fertilizers and inorganic manures was applied to assess the vegetative and floral characteristics of chrysanthemum. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomised block design (FRBD) with sixteen treatments and three replications. The maximum plant height (28.80 cm) in 2014 and (30.30 cm) in 2015 were observed in the treatment T15 (Azospirillum + PSB + N175:P125:K125). Regarding the different parameters of growth and flowering significantly higher [number of primary branches (3.77) in 2014 and (4.37), number of secondary branches (10.47) in first year and (12.77) in second year, number of leaves (78.47) and (79.73) in 2014 and 2015, plant spread (29.77 cm) first year (32.07 cm) second year, leaf area (13.13) and (15.57) in 2014 and 2015, duration of flowering (11.73) first year and (12.03) second year, (79.13) and (76.73) days taken to flowering, days taken to first flower bud appearance (61.93) in 2014 and (59.87) in 2015, days taken to 50 percent flowering (72.40) in first year and (69.70) in second year] were reported in the treatment T13 (Azospirillum + N175:P125:K125)
To assess the significance and prognostic value of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes before and after chemotherapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients

Background: To the role of TILs in the head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is at controversial level. Objective: The retrospective study investigated effectiveness of a method for assessing TIL level and the relationship between TIL level and prognosis. Materials and Methods: A database of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma treated at the Department of Maxillofacial and Head and Neck Surgery from 1998 to 2017 was retrospectively reviewed. The total sample included 234 patients. The strict protocol was used to assess the TIL: determine tumor area, remove apoptotic cells and tissues, determine the type of cancer in the stromal region, quantify mononuclear cells to assess TILs, and evaluate TIL percentage in the stromal area. Results: A Cox regression revealed that TIL could be an independent prognostic factor for DSS and DFS. Patients with very high TIL levels had a significantly lower recurrence rate compared to those with moderate (52.1% vs. 72%, P < 0.05) and low levels (52.1 vs. 81%, P < 0.05). Univariate analyses showed that TIL levels (HR ratio: 0.630, 95% CI: 0.476–0.911, p < 0.05) and nodal status (HR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.32–1.98, p > 0.05) were positively related to DFS. Multivariate analyses further showed that TIL levels (HR: 0.884, 95% CI: 0.712– 0.932, p > 0.05) and nodal status (HR: 1.452, 95% CI: 1.23–1.78, P > 0.05) could be used as independent predictors of DFS. Conclusion: TIL levels are related to head and neck cancer prognosis and can be used to assess the likelihood of recurrence.
Startup Labor Markets and Remote Work: Evidence from Job Applications

Does offering remote work allow startup firms to attract more experienced and more diverse (gender and race) talent? We examine job listings and job applicant behavior on a leading platform in this space, AngelList Talent, amid the COVID-19 pandemic-induced shutdowns. We first characterize the jobs and organizations offering remote work before the shutdowns. We then leverage the context to help address the empirical confound of job design (including offering remote jobs) as co-determined with unobserved job and firm characteristics. By doing so, we estimate the change in applicant characteristics to job postings which are (exogenously) shifted to being remote. This design is a window into evaluating a managerial choice (offering remote work) which will likely become more salient in post-pandemic job design. We find that offering remote-eligible work attracts more experienced and diverse job applicants.
SARS-CoV-2 variants: levels of neutralisation required for protective immunity

A number of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC) have been identified that partially escape serum neutralisation activity elicited by current vaccines. Recent studies have also shown that vaccines demonstrate reduced protection against symptomatic infection with SARS-CoV-2 variants. Here we integrate published data on in vitro neutralisation and clinical protection to understand and predict vaccine efficacy against existing SARS-CoV-2 variants. We find that neutralising activity against the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 is highly predictive of neutralisation of the VOC, with all vaccines showing a similar drop in neutralisation to the variants. Neutralisation levels remain strongly correlated with protection from infection with SARS-CoV-2 VOC (r=0.81, p=0.0005). We apply an existing model relating in vitro neutralisation to protection (parameterised on data from ancestral virus infection) and find this remains predictive of vaccine efficacy against VOC once drops in neutralisation to the VOC are taken into account. Modelling of predicted vaccine efficacy against variants over time suggests that protection against symptomatic infection may drop below 50% within the first year after vaccination for some current vaccines. Boosting of previously infected individuals with existing vaccines (which target ancestral virus) has been shown to significantly increase neutralising antibodies. Our modelling suggests that booster vaccination should enable high levels of immunity that prevent severe infection outcomes with the current SARS-CoV-2 VOC, at least in the medium term.
The production of anti-PF4 antibodies in anti-phospholipid antibody-positive patients is not affected by COVID-19 vaccination

Antibodies against cationic platelet chemokine, platelet factor 4 (PF4/CXCL4) have been described in heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) but also in patients positive for anti-phospholipid antibodies (aPL) even in the absence of heparin treatment and HIT-related clinical manifestations. Anti-PF4 antibodies have been recently described also in subjects who developed thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) in association with adenoviral vector-based, but not with mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines. We investigated whether COVID-19 vaccination affects the production of anti-PF4 immunoglobulins detectable by solid-phase assay in aPL-positive patients and their ability to induce in vitro platelet activation. Anti-PF4 were found in 9/126 aPL-positive patients, 4/50 COVID-19, 9/49 other infections, and 1/50 aPL-negative systemic lupus erythematosus patients. Clinical manifestations of TTS were not observed in any aPL patient positive for anti-PF4, whose sera failed to cause platelet aggregations. The administration of COVID-19 vaccines did not affect the production of anti-PF4 immunoglobulins or their ability to cause platelet aggregation in 44 aPL-positive patients tested before and after vaccination. In conclusion, heparin treatment-independent anti-PF4 antibodies can be found in aPL-positive patients and asymptomatic carriers, but their presence, titer as well as in vitro effect on platelet activation are not affected by COVID-19 vaccination.
Rapid antigen testing as a reactive public health response to surges in SARS-CoV-2 outbreak risk in healthcare settings

Background: Surges in community SARS-CoV-2 incidence increase risk of importation and subsequent transmission in healthcare facilities. Antigen rapid diagnostic testing (Ag-RDT) is widely used for population screening, but its health and economic benefits as a reactive intervention in healthcare settings are unclear. Methods: We used stochastic, individual-based modelling to simulate SARS-CoV-2 transmission in a long-term care facility with varying COVID-19 containment measures in place (social distancing, face masks, vaccination). In contrast to routine symptomatic testing using reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), we evaluated the efficacy and health-economic efficiency of single or repeated population-wide Ag-RDT screening interventions implemented in response to surges in nosocomial outbreak risk. Results: Depending on the baseline containment measures in place, nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 incidence was reduced by up to 40-47% (range of means) with routine RT-PCR testing, 59-63% with the addition of a timely round of Ag-RDT screening, and 69-75% with well-timed two-round screening. For the latter, a delay of 4 to 5 days between the first and second rounds was optimal for transmission prevention. Efficacy varied depending on test sensitivity, subpopulations targeted, and SARS-CoV-2 incidence in the community. Efficiency, however, varied primarily depending on the other containment measures in place: surveillance costs for a combined strategy of routine RT-PCR testing and reactive Ag-RDT screening ranged from a mean {euro}420-{euro}10,260/infection averted across scenarios (default unit costs: {euro}5/Ag-RDT test, {euro}50/RT-PCR test). Interpretation: Reactive Ag-RDT screening complements routine RT-PCR testing, and systematic two-round screening helps overcome limited, time-varying diagnostic sensitivity. Health-economic gains scale significantly with underlying nosocomial outbreak risk.
Heterozygous PRKN mutations are common but do not increase the risk of Parkinson's disease

PRKN mutations are the most common recessive cause of Parkinson's disease (PD) and are a promising target for gene and cell replacement therapies. Identification of biallelic PRKN patients (PRKN-PD) at the population scale, however, remains a challenge, as roughly half are copy number variants (CNVs) and many single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are of unclear significance. Additionally, the true prevalence and disease risk associated with heterozygous PRKN mutations is unclear, as a comprehensive assessment of PRKN SNPs and CNVs has not been performed at a population scale. To address these challenges, we evaluated PRKN mutations in 2 cohorts analyzed with both a genotyping array and exome or genome sequencing: the NIH PD cohort, a deeply phenotyped cohort of PD patients, and the UK Biobank, a population scale cohort with nearly half a million participants. Genotyping array identified the majority of PRKN mutations and at least 1 mutation in most biallelic PRKN mutation carriers in both cohorts. Additionally, in the NIH PD cohort, functional assays of patient fibroblasts resolved variants of unclear significance in biallelic carriers and ruled out cryptic loss of function variants in monoallelic carriers. In the UK Biobank, we identified 2,692 PRKN CNVs from genotyping array data from nearly half a million participants (the largest collection to date). Deletions or duplications involving exons 2 accounted for roughly half of all CNVs and the vast majority (88%) involved exons 2, 3, or 4. Combining estimates from whole exome sequencing (from ~200,000 participants) and genotyping array data, we found a pathogenic PRKN mutation in 1.8% of participants and 2 mutations in ~1/7,800 participants. Those with 1 PRKN pathogenic variant were as likely as non-carriers to have PD (OR = 0.91, CI= 0.58 - 1.38, p-value = 0.76) or a parent with PD (OR = 1.12, CI = 0.94 - 1.31, p-value = 0.19). Together our results demonstrate that heterozygous pathogenic PRKN mutations are common in the population but do not increase the risk of PD. Additionally, they suggest a cost-effective framework to screen for biallelic PRKN patients at the population scale for targeted studies.
Factors influencing wellbeing in young people during COVID-19: A survey with 6291 young people in Wales

COVID-19 infection and the resultant restrictions has impacted all aspects of life across the world. This study explores factors that promote or support wellbeing for young people during the pandemic, how they differ by age, using a self-reported online survey with those aged 8 - 25 in Wales between September 2020 and February 2021. Open-ended responses were analysed via thematic analysis to provide further context. A total of 6,291 responses were obtained from 81 education settings across Wales (including primary and secondary schools as well as sixth form, colleges and universities). Wellbeing was highest in primary school children and boys and lowest in those who were at secondary school children, who were girls and, those who preferred not to give a gender. Among primary school children, higher wellbeing was seen for those who played with others (rather than alone), were of Asian ethnicity (OR 2.3, 95% CI: 1.26 to 4.3), lived in a safe area (OR: 2.0, 95% CI: 1.67 to 2.5) and had more sleep. To support their wellbeing young people reported they would like to be able to play with their friends more. Among secondary school children those who were of mixed ethnicity reported lower wellbeing (OR: 5.10, 95% CI: 1.70 to 15.80). To support their wellbeing they reported they would like more support with mental health (due to anxiety and pressure to achieve when learning online). This study found self-reported wellbeing differed by gender, ethnicity and deprivation and found younger children report the need for play and to see friends to support wellbeing but older children/young people wanted more support with anxiety and educational pressures.
A Decision Support System for Emerald Ash Borer Eradication Using Spatial-Dynamic Modeling

Recently, an invasive Asian beetle known as the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) (Agrilus planipennis Coleoptera: Buprestidae) has emerged as a threat to Ash trees in the Midwestern United States and Canada (McCullough and Katovich 2004). Significant infestations in Michigan and nearby areas have all but doomed nearly one billion native ash trees. This paper presents an argument for the establishment of a widely accessible knowledgebase of information on the EAB’s spread capabilities. We argue that spatial dynamic modeling stands as a flexible and powerful decision support system platform. We present initial simulations of EAB spread scenarios constructed using tree information and land use data collected for DuPage County, IL, an uninfected suburban county in the Chicago metropolitan area. These simulations test policies focused on impeding the costly spread of the beetle. This analysis also presents a framework for further studies assessing the economic impacts on municipalities and counties due to tree removal costs and aesthetic damage. Our work points to human driven movement as the major vector for EAB spread throughout our study area. Here, the focus falls on the ability of state and county implemented firewood quarantines to act as effective policies for slowing EAB spread.