Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Serum Cortisol and Its Correlation with Leucocyte Profile and Circulating Lipids in Donkeys (Equus asinus)

Simple Summary There are relatively few studies investigating serum cortisol levels in donkeys. The aim of this study was to evaluate basal cortisol values in donkeys, and its physiological role on the immune system and lipid levels in relation to age and pregnancy. The results showed that age did not influence cortisol levels while pregnancy increased its concentrations. Different correlations were found between cortisol, leucocyte types, and serum triglycerides depending upon age and pregnancy state. Although correlation is, of course, not equivalent to causation, we can hypothesize that the multiple functions of cortisol on the immune system and lipid metabolism vary across donkey lifespan and are related to physiological state. Abstract The values for basal serum cortisol concentrations of horses are available in many studies. However, there are limited data about serum cortisol in donkeys. The present study aimed to determine the baseline values for serum cortisol, to evaluate the influence of age and pregnancy on its levels, and to correlate its values with leucocyte profile, serum cholesterol, and triglycerides. Serum samples were collected from 97 healthy donkeys. Cortisol was analyzed by chemo-luminescent assay. The median and the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles of serum cortisol measured and calculated in all donkeys were 5.64, 3.40, and 10.54 µg/dL, respectively. Females (n.91) were divided into three groups: Group A (young), Group B (adult), and Group C (pregnant at the 9th–11th months). The effect of age and physiological status was investigated by the Mann–Whitney test. Group C showed significantly higher levels than Group B (p < 0.05). Significant correlations were found in Group B with monocytes (r = 0.37, p < 0.01) and triglycerides (r = 0.30, p < 0.05), and in Group C with monocytes (r = 0.79, p < 0.01), basophils (r = 0.6, p < 0.05), and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (r = −0.63, p < 0.05). Higher cortisol values related to late pregnancy are also found in this species. These preliminary results provide evidence for a relationship between cortisol and the immune system as well as cortisol and lipid metabolism modulated by age and pregnancy when parameters are within normal values.
Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome and COVID-19

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in patients with COVID-19 is triggered by various mechanisms and can significantly affect the patient’s further treatment and prognosis. The study aimed to investigate the characteristics, major complications, and predictors of mortality in COVID-19 patients with ACS. All consecutive patients hospitalized from 5 July 2020 to 5 May 2021 for ACS with confirmed SARS-Co-2 were prospectively enrolled and tracked for mortality until 5 June 2021. Data from the electronic records for age and diagnosis, matched non-COVID-19 and COVID-19 ACS group, were extracted and compared. Overall, 83 COVID-19 ACS patients, when compared to 166 non-COVID ACS patients, had significantly more prevalent comorbidities, unfavorable clinical characteristics on admission (acute heart failure 21.7% vs. 6.6%, p < 0.01) and higher rates of major complications, 33.7% vs. 16.8%, p < 0.01, and intrahospital 30-day mortality, 6.7% vs. 26.5%, p < 0.01. The strongest predictors of mortality were aortic regurgitation, HR 9.98, 95% CI 1.88; 52.98, p < 0.01, serum creatinine levels, HR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01; 1.04, p < 0.01, and respiratory failure therapy, HR 13.05, 95% CI 3.62; 47.01, p < 0.01. Concomitant ACS and COVID-19 is linked to underlying comorbidities, adverse presenting features, and poor outcomes. Urgent strategies are needed to improve the outcomes of these patients.
Stability, the Last Frontier: Forage Yield Dynamics of Peas under Two Cultivation Systems

The stability of performance may be proved to be the last frontier for adopting certain genotypes in various cultivation systems and environments. The main objective of the present study was to analyze the forage yield stability performance of seven pea (Pisum sativum L.) genotypes based on various stability indices. The genotype behavior was studied based on the yield of peas under both conventional and low-input cultivation systems. Five cultivars of peas (broadly distributed) and two lines were used in a strip-plot design. Significant positive correlations were detected between forage yield and some other traits. This way, forage yield stability may be indirectly improved by improving certain traits showing qualitative inheritance. Comparisons revealed that genotypes exhibited stable performance, even in low-input farming systems. AMMI analysis, GGE biplot, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) combination showed statistically significant differences between genotypes and environments and the farming system. Our analysis depicted specific cultivars of peas for different areas and farming systems to attain highly stable performance. Vermio was confirmed to be a stable genotype for forage yield performance in low-input farming in Trikala and Kalambaka areas, while Pisso was indicated as the best in Florina and Giannitsa areas in low-input farming. The two pea lines exhibited stable performance in Giannitsa and Florina areas, especially in low-input conditions. The stable behavior of some genotypes in these conditions may be useful for farmers that raise livestock in mountainous areas. The genetic parameters show that the selection for fresh forage yield and dry matter yield in breeding programs is expected to be effective.
Local conditions of drought-related violence in sub-Saharan Africa

Despite growing concerns about the possible security implications of extreme precipitation shortfalls in vulnerable and politically fragile regions, the particular conditions that make armed violence more or less likely in times of drought remain poorly understood. Using a spatially disaggregated research design and focusing on sub-Saharan Africa, the present analysis assesses how far violent and nonviolent outcomes in the wake of drought can be accounted for by regional differences in the provision of key infrastructures that help coping with drought and preventing violence. The results indicate that civil conflict events in connection with drought are more likely in administrative areas with poorly developed road infrastructures. Drought-related communal violence, on the other hand, is more likely in regions where an important part of the population lacks access to an improved water source. Thus, while the provision of key infrastructures seems to moderate local conflict risks in connection with drought, there are nevertheless important distinctions with regard to different types of infrastructures and forms of armed violence. However, the importance of precipitation shortfalls as a conflict-facilitating factor in sub-Saharan Africa should not be overstated, as the overall contribution of drought measures to predicting violent events is modest in all calculated models.
Comparative Study of Otitis Media and Its Antibiotics Susceptibility Pattern in a Cohort of HIV Positive and Negative Patients

Aims: This study examined the comparative study of otitis media and its antibiotics susceptibility pattern in a cohort of HIV positive and negative patients. Study Design: A survey and laboratory analytical method was employed in the study. While a survey research design was used to sample a total of 110 patients out of a total population of 561,066 living in the study area. Laboratory analyses of the samples collected from the patients were used to analyze the data collected. Methodology: A total of 110 ear swabs were collected, 60 from HIV positive subjects and 50 from HIV negatives subjects with otitis media. Results: From the analysis of the data collected, results showed that 52 (86.7) samples from HIV positive patients and 44 (88%) samples from HIV negative patients yielded bacteria growth. The most predominant isolates from middle ear of HIV positive was Staphylococcus aureus, with total occurrence of 22(42.4%), followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pneumonia, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli with occurrence of 12(23%), 7(13.5%), 6(11.5%), 5(9.6%) respectively. The most predominant from HIV negative was Staphylococcus aureus, followed by Streptococcus pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes with occurrence of 16(36.4%), 10(22.7%), 8(18.2%), 6(13.6%), and 4(9.1%) respectively. The result of their antibiotics susceptibility test showed that all the bacteria isolates from both subjects were fully sensitive to fluoroquinolones, while a high level of resistance was seen with the use co-trimoxazole in HIV-positive subjects. Conclusion: Bacteria isolates from HIV positive patients were highly resistant to co-trimoxazole as compared to isolates from HIV negative patients that were sensitive to co-trimoxazole. It was also noted in the result that the sensitivity pattern of otitis media to antibiotics differs from HIV positive and HIV negative patients, thus requiring different management approaches.
Cyclic lateral loading of monopiles for offshore wind turbines

© 2015 Taylor and Francis Group, London. This paper presents the results of implicit three dimensional soil-pore fluid finite element analyses investigating cyclic lateral loading on a 3.8mdiameter monopile in London Clay.The cyclic behaviour of the clay was simulated using the subloading tij constitutive model.Two-way and one-way cyclic lateral loads, representing offshore wind turbine production loading conditions, were applied to the monopile. Both cyclic loads were found to cause progressive accumulation of pile lateral displacement and rotation at mudline. However, the one-way load induced greater cumulative pile deformation in comparison to the two-way load.With each cycle, the rate of accumulation attenuated indicating an increase in the cyclic clay stiffness. A gradual increase in the pile shear force and bending moment, and low magnitude excess pore pressure build-up in the clay over each cycle, provided further verification of cyclic clay hardening.
Dynamic Microstructure Assembly Driven by Lysinibacillus sp. LF-N1 and Penicillium oxalicum DH-1 Inoculants Corresponds to Composting Performance

The effects of Lysinibacillus sp. LF-N1 and Penicillium oxalicum DH-1 inoculants (LFPO group) on compost succession and the microbial dynamic structure of co-composting wheat straw and cow manure composting were investigated. The inoculants contributed to longer thermophilic stages, higher temperatures (62.8 °C) and lower microbial diversity in the LFPO treatment compared to the control group (CK). Moreover, LFPO inoculation increased the germination index and accelerated organic matter and lignocellulose degradation in the compost. Microbial analysis confirmed that the inoculants effectively altered the microbial communities. The predominant biomarkers for bacteria and fungi in inoculated compost were members of Lysinibacillus and Penicillium, respectively. Functional prediction showed greater lignocellulose degradation and less pathogen accumulation in the LFPO group. The cooccurrence network analysis showed that the network structure in LFPO compost was greatly simplified compared to that in CK. Bacterial cluster A was dominated by Lysinibacillus, and fungal cluster B was represented by Penicillium, which were significantly correlated with temperature and lignocellulose degradation, respectively (p < 0.05). These results demonstrated that the LF-N1 and DH-1 inoculants drove the bacterial and fungal assemblies to induce physicochemical property changes during cocomposting.
Classification of sequencing logic faults in multiple zone air handling units: A review and case study

This paper classifies common sequencing logic faults in multiple zone variable air volume (VAV) air handling unit (AHU) systems by conducting a critical review of the literature. Six broad categories of sequencing logic faults are identified affecting the state of operation, mode of operation, and supply air temperature and duct static pressure setpoint reset programs. A case study with building automation system (BAS) trend data from two VAV AHU systems is conducted to provide examples of these sequencing logic faults. Four of the six fault types are found present in at least one of the two AHUs. The most significant fault discovered was an incorrect reference to a nonexistent VAV terminal damper address forcing an unnecessarily high duct static pressure setpoint and wasting fan electricity. The BAS programs are reviewed in consultation with the operations staff, and the coding mistakes leading to the detected anomalous behavior are identified.
Dynamic bending behaviour of magnesium alloy rectangular thin-wall beams filled with polyurethane foam

ABSTRACT This study proposes a hybrid structural design concept of polyurethane foam-filled magnesium alloy AZ31B rectangular thin-walled beams which serve as energy absorbing components in automotive applications. Uniaxial tensile and compressive tests, and fracture tests were performed to investigate the material mechanical properties. Dynamic three-point bending tests were performed to study the deformation/fracture modes and energy absorption capacity for the foam-filled AZ31B beams, and to compare these mechanical properties with those for mild steel DC04 beams. Different AZ31B beams were filled with a variation of foam density (0.05, 0.20 and 0.30 g/cm3). It was found that the AZ31B beam filled with 0.20 g/cm3 foam reached the highest specific energy absorption; moreover, it absorbed more energy and reached much higher specific energy absorption than the foam-filled DC04 beam filled with the same foam, although the former one was nearly 54% lighter. The potential advantage of the foam-filled AZ31B beams is possibly associated with the high work hardening rate of AZ31B sheet in compression, which may involve more material in plastic deformation compared with the foam-filled DC04 beams. It has therefore been demonstrated that the hybrid structural design concept of the polyurethane foam-filled AZ31B beam has potential applications in auto-body structures.
Seniors’ eHealth literacy, health and education status and personal health knowledge

Background The COVID-19 pandemic made eHealth literacy skills and online health activities essential for seniors. Research aims (a) To examine the differences in eHealth literacy dimensions (awareness of sources, recognizing quality and meaning, understanding information, perceived efficiency, validating information) as related to participants’ health status and education level. (b) To explore the effect of eHealth literacy dimensions on participants’ personal health knowledge. Methods We used a cross-sectional design with a convenience sample of 298 Israeli seniors aged 65 or over during the second lockdown. The questionnaire was composed of three sections: (a) background characteristics, (b) an eHealth Literacy scale, and (c) perceived personal health knowledge. Results Participants with an excellent health status reported higher levels of awareness of sources and perceived efficiency than participants with poor or good health statuses. Furthermore, participants with a graduate degree understand online information better than participants with a high school education. Moreover, it was found that participants with a high school education sense that they are being smart on the net more than participants with an undergraduate degree. Finally, we found that eHealth literacy dimensions influenced the participants’ personal health knowledge. Conclusion As the population ages, it becomes more at risk for disease, and as a result, its health status weakens. Therefore, it is important to provide seniors with appropriate intervention programs for improving their eHealth literacy, which may eliminate health inequality. In addition, caregivers need to develop patients’ eHealth literacy skills—finding, evaluation, and interpretation of online health knowledge relevant to them.
Structure and Properties of the S49 Rail after a Long Term Outdoor Exposure

The subject of the research in this work was the S49 rail made of R260 rail steel (1.0623). The carried out investigations concern microstructure tests and tests of mechanical properties of rails after several years of exposure in the open air without usage. The purpose of the work was to determine on the basis of the results of research the possibilities of using the tested rail for usage and application for the construction of tracks on railway sidings. For investigations there were used diverse techniques reaching such engineering materials investigations like light or scanning electron microscope for microstructure investigations, as well as hardness and microhardness test were performed for determinations of the microstructural changes occurred in the upper area of the rails surface. The microstructure changes concerns especially the ferritic and pearlitic structure and the breaks in the present carbide mesh. During investigations it was found out that the tested railway rails are fully useful for application, after machining to achieve required dimensional parameters. It is also of high importance, of the economical point of view, that their price, also in case of earlier installation of the rails, may be lower than the current price off ered on the marked for a entire new product. The price diff erence reaches dimensions in the range of 5–10%.
Synthesis and Characterization of LaNi0.5Ti0.5O3 and La2NiTiO6 Double Perovskite Nanoparticles

In the present work, LaNi0.5Ti0. 5O3 and La2NiTiO6 nanoparticles were synthesized by the modified Pechini method. LaNi0.5Ti0. 5O3 was calcined at 1073 K for 17 h or 100 h, while La2NiTiO6 was calcined at 1273 K for 135 h. The double perovskite calcined at 1073 K for 17 h presented orthorhombic symmetry with Pbnm space group, mean particle size was 31.9 ± 1 nm, random ordering of Ni2+ and Ti4+ cations, Néel temperature close to 15 K, and magnetic moment of 1.29 μB. By increasing the calcination time, this material showed the same symmetry and space group, a mean particle size of 50.7 ± 2 nm, short-range ordering of Ni2+ and Ti4+ cations, Néel temperature around 12 K, and magnetic moment of 0.96 μB. La2NiTiO6 presented a monoclinic crystal structure, with P21/n space group, mean particle size of 80.0 ± 5 nm, rock salt ordering of Ni2+ and Ti4+, Néel temperature of approximately 23 K, and magnetic moment of 2.75 μB.
Modified double space technique for augmentation mastopexy

Introduction: Mastopexy with prosthesis remains a challenge for all plastic surgeons. Consistent results are still difficult to obtain for many reasons, and some authors advocate caution due to complications. Methods: This retrospective study includes 92 consecutive single-stage augmentation mastopexy cases performed by the same surgeon between March 2012 and October 2019. Results: The median follow-up was 14 months for the augmentation mastopexy group. Three patients (3.3%) had grade III capsular contracture. The revision rate was 25.3%: 7.6% with ptosis recurrence, scar revision in 6.5%, and 1.1% asymmetries. Three patients (3.3%) had ruptured muscle loop fixation, four patients (4.4%) had dynamic deformities. Conclusion: The modified double-space technique in our experience shows consistent long-term results, and revision/complication rates were similar to some studies but higher than others. Prior breast surgery, smoking, breastfeeding, and previous bariatric surgery do not increase rates of complications and revisions. It can be one of the options for covering and supporting implants in augmentation mastopexy procedures. ■ ABSTRACT e alguns autores defendem a cautela devido a complicações. Métodos: Este estudo retrospectivo inclui 92 casos consecutivos mastopexia de aumento em tempo único realizados pelo mesmo cirurgião, entre março de 2012 e outubro de 2019. Resultados: O seguimento médio foi de 14 meses para o grupo de mastopexia de aumento. Três pacientes (3,3%) tiveram contratura capsular grau III. O índice de revisões foi de 25,3%: 7,6% com recidiva da ptose, revisão de cicatrizes em 6,5%, 1,1% de assimetrias. Três pacientes (3,3%) apresentaram ruptura da fixação da alça muscular, quatro pacientes (4,4%) tiveram deformidades dinâmicas. Conclusão: A técnica modificada de duplo espaço apresenta em nossa experiência resultados consistentes a longo prazo, e as taxas de revisão/complicação foram semelhantes a alguns estudos, mas maiores do que outros. Cirurgia prévia da mama, tabagismo, amamentação e cirurgia bariátrica anterior não aumentam as taxas de complicações e revisões. Pode ser uma das opções para a cobertura e suporte dos implantes em procedimentos de mastopexia de aumento.
Ethical Climate’s Mediating Role on the Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence and Job Satisfaction

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this article is to determine the effects of emotional intelligence (EI) on job satisfaction and to examine whether ethical climate has a mediating role in this effect. Methodology: The study was conducted among employees of sales organizations in the automotive industry. Relationships between variables were determined by correlation and bootstrap regression analysis with data from 127 participants. Findings: The results revealed that emotional intelligence shows statistically positive and significant relationships with job satisfaction and ethical climate. Moreover, positive correlation was determined between ethical climate and job satisfaction. The most important result is the decrease of the effect of emotional intelligence on job satisfaction in the triple relationship that includes ethical climate. The findings indicated that the relationship between emotional intelligence levels and employees’ perception of organizational ethical climate weakened their impact on job satisfaction. Implication: Ethical climate has a mediating effect on the relationship between emotional intelligence and job satisfaction. The relationship between emotional intelligence levels and job satisfaction is indirectly strengthened by ethical climate. However, the triple relationship of variables weakens the effect of emotional intelligence on job satisfaction.