Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Functionalization of Bacterial Cellulose with the Antimicrobial Peptide KR-12 via Chimerical Cellulose-Binding Peptides

Bacterial-derived cellulose (BC) has been studied as a promising material for biomedical applications, including wound care, due to its biocompatibility, water-holding capacity, liquid/gas permeability, and handleability properties. Although BC has been studied as a dressing material for cutaneous wounds, to date, BC inherently lacks antibacterial properties. The current research utilizes bifunctional chimeric peptides containing carbohydrate binding peptides (CBP; either a short version or a long version) and an antimicrobial peptide (AMP), KR-12. The secondary structure of the chimeric peptides was evaluated and confirmed that the α-helix structure of KR-12 was retained for both chimeric peptides evaluated (Long-CBP-KR12 and Short-CBP-KR12). Chimeric peptides and their individual components were assessed for cytotoxicity, where only higher concentrations of Short-CBP and longer timepoints of Short-CBP-KR12 exposure exhibited negative effects on metabolic activity, which was attributed to solubility issues. All KR-12-containing peptides exhibited antibacterial activity in solution against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa). The lipopolysaccharide (LPS) binding capability of the peptides was evaluated and the Short-CBP-KR12 peptide exhibited enhanced LPS-binding capabilities compared to KR-12 alone. Both chimeric peptides were able to bind to BC and were observed to be retained on the surface over a 7-day period. All functionalized materials exhibited no adverse effects on the metabolic activity of both normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs) and human epidermal keratinocyte (HaCaT) epithelial cells. Additionally, the BC tethered chimeric peptides exhibited antibacterial activity against E. coli. Overall, this research outlines the design and evaluation of chimeric CBP-KR12 peptides for developing antimicrobial BC membranes with potential applications in wound care.
The microencapsulation of oregano extract by using different techniques: Spray-drying and freeze-drying techniques and their in vitro characterization

: The potential antimicrobial and antioxidant benefit of high levels of ursolic, rosmarinic acids and carvacrol in oregano extract has been limited until now by poor bioavailability arising from the low aqueous-phase solubility and slow dissolution behavior of the freeze-dried extract. To address this issue, microencapsulation technique had been used to solve above mentioned problems and to protect active substances from deteriorating due to environmental conditions, such as moisture, oxidation. The experimental settings were performed by statistical mixture experimental design. Moreover, microcapsules and freeze-dried extract were compared to ascertain the merit of microcapsules as a carriers for these poorly aqueous-soluble compounds. When the wall material solution contained 1.43 g of maltodextrin, 4.17 g of gum arabic, 14.39 g of modified starch, and 20 g of ethanol oregano extract, the yield of oregano’s active compounds, ursolic, rosmarinic acids and carvacrol, were 0.98 mg/g, 3.38 mg/g and 3.38 mg/g respectively. In particular, the release profile of ursolic, rosmarinic acids and carvacrol had levelled off after 15 minutes, depicting an impressive 2.7-3.0 fold increase compared to the freeze-dried control extract. The results imply that all actives can be conveniently delivered via oral and mucosal routes by first internalizing oregano extracts into appropriately engineered microcapsules.
99mTc-methoxyisobutylisonitrile single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography parathyroid imaging in the diagnosis of functional parathyroid cysts: an initial experience

Background Functional parathyroid cysts (FPCs) are rare and difficult to diagnose with noninvasive methods. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of 99mTc-methoxyisobutylisonitrile (99mTc-MIBI) single-photon emission computed tomography/computerized tomography (SPECT/CT) parathyroid imaging in the diagnosis of FPCs and to account for its performance. Methods The data from 10 patients with suspected parathyroid cysts (PCs) who underwent 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT parathyroid imaging between 2012 and 2022 were retrospectively evaluated. The diagnostic value of 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT parathyroid imaging for FPCs was analyzed. Results Surgical resection was performed in six cases and parathyroid puncture was performed in four cases. The sensitivity of 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT for FPCs was 100.0% (3/3), with a specificity of 100.0% (7/7) and an accuracy of 100.0% (10/10). The postoperative pathological findings in three cases of FPCs were parathyroid adenoma, parathyroid adenoma with hemorrhage, and parathyroid adenoma with cystic degeneration, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound and CT for PCs was only 22.22% (2/9) and 25.0% (1/4), respectively, and neither modality could indicate whether the cysts were functional or not. Conclusions 99mTc-MIBI parathyroid SPECT/CT imaging has a high value in the diagnosis of FPCs in patients with suspected PCs, and an intense ring-shaped accumulation of radioactivity in the cyst wall on 99mTc-MIBI imaging suggests that the patient may have FPCs.
Understanding International Product Strategy in Multinational Corporations through New Product Development Approaches and Evolution

International product strategy regarding global standardisation and local adaptation is one of the challenges faced by multinational corporations (MNCs). Studies in this area have tested the antecedents and consequences of standardisation/adaptation, but lack a new product development (NPD) perspective. In this study, we explore how product standardisation/adaptation is determined in the NPD context. Through a qualitative case study of four MNCs, we found three NPD approaches: multi-local, adaptation-based and platform-based. We analysed the advantages and challenges of each approach. In addition, we reveal how the factors (development of information and communication technology, competition pressure, brand awareness and technical capability) could influence the choice of a certain NPD approach. We draw implications on the paths to ensuring full leveraging of the benefits of a platform-based approach.
Efficacy of dexamethasone on latent phase during induction of Efficacy of dexamethasone on latent phase during induction of labour labour

Background : The hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands form the axis around which the process of giving birth revolves. Fetal adrenal steroid hormones change the noncontractile myometrium into the contractile state, affecting the placenta and membranes. Aim : The objective of this research was to determine the effect of intramuscular dexamethasone injection on the time between labor induction and the commencement of active phase of labor, as well as the duration of the active phase. Patients and methods : This was a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial conducted on pregnant women visiting the maternity ward of Al-Hussein University Hospital for 12 months. 200 pregnant women (according to the sample volume frame) who met the inclusion criteria were studied within the study ' s timeframe. The study followed the Ethics Board of the Egyptian Ministry of Health and an informed consent, verbal and written, was obtained from each participant and or her ﬁ rst-degree relatives in the study. Results : Dexamethasone Group showed signi ﬁ cantly shorter durations of all the stages of labor compared with the distilled water group. Conclusion : Dexamethasone injection could be considered as a useful and safe method for the induction of labor and in shortening of the labor duration.
Exploring the Limitations of using Large Language Models to Fix Planning Tasks

Large language models (LLMs) have revolutionized natural language processing (NLP), enabling human-like text generation, question answering, and translation. Despite claims of emergent reasoning capabilities, it has been demonstrated their lack of planning skills in tasks such as plan generation, plan reuse or replanning. In this work, we present ongoing efforts on exploring the limitations of LLMs in another task requiring reasoning and planning competences: that of assisting humans in the process of fixing planning tasks
Diagnostics and optimisation of mineral nutrition quality of pome fruit crops

Maliuk, T. , Pachev, I. , Kozlova, L. , Pcholkina, N. & Pokopseva, L. (2023). Diagnostics and optimisation of mineral nutrition quality of pome fruit crops. Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., 29 (4), 646–656 The research is devoted to diagnostics mineral nutrition of fruit crops, particularly apples and pears, based on related study of soil properties changes, as a result of fertilization and complex of criteria that characterise the quality of plants nutrition. The research was held on the basis of field experiments that studied systems of mineral nutrition of pears and apples, taking the features of soil conditions of the South of Ukraine, age periods, and technology of growth in the lands of Melitopol fruit growing research station named after M.F. Sidorenko of IH of NAAS into consideration. Schemes of the experiments reckon for the study, the effect of application of different doses, methods, and ratios of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in orchards on 4 pear varieties (Vesilna, Pektoral, Izuminka Krimu, Conference) and 2 apple varieties (Idared and Florina). It has been determined that the level of nutrients accumulation in southern chernozem and intensity of their absorption by the trees depend on changes of contents of nutrients as a result of fertilization, and hydrothermal regime of the soil as well. It has been also proved that balanced mineral nutrition increases overall resistance of fruit trees against unfavourable factors.
The Archaeology of Early Egypt : Social Transformations in North-East Africa , 10 , 000 to 2650 BC

The reproduction, and thereby evolution, of culture is a fluid concept whose conceptualisation is reflected in the different investigative methodologies being deployed within Africanist archaeology today. Despite problems in its theoretical and practical application, particularly reflecting disciplinary interests in ‘otherness’ (Keesing 1994), culture is regarded as an evolutionary process and can be broadly defined as:
Genetic and Phenotypic Characterization of Soybean Landraces Collected from the Zhejiang Province in China

The soybean is an important feed, industrial raw material, and food crop in the world due to its rich components. There is a long history of soybean cultivation with different types and rich resources in the Zhejiang province of China. It is important to understand genetic diversity as well as phenotypic variation for soybean breeding. The objective of this study was to analyze both genetic and phenotypic characteristics of the 78 soybean landraces collected, and to explore a potential advantage of germplasm resources for further application. These 78 autumn-type soybean landraces have been propagated, identified, and evaluated in both 2021 and 2022. There were agronomic, quality, and genetic variations according to the comprehensive analyses. There was a good consistency between seed size and seed coat color. There were significant differences of seed protein, fat, and sugar contents based upon the seed coat color. These soybean landraces were genotyped using 42 simple sequence repeat markers and then clustered into two groups. The two groups had a consistency with the seed coat color. This study gave us a combined understanding of both the phenotypic variation and the genetic diversity of the soybean landraces. Therefore, the reasonable crossing between different soybean types is highly recommended.
Optimization of the Spot Spacings for Reducing Roughness in Laser-Induced Optical Breakdown Processes for Corneal Laser Vision Correction

The aim of this work is to implement an algorithm that simulates a simplified cutting surface based on laser-induced optical breakdown (LIOB). The algorithm includes the definition of a possible positioning of the laser pulses and calculation of the roughness for different parameter settings (including LIOB threshold, pulse energies, and spot spacings) as the difference between simulated and ideal target cut (local differences within the cut, i.e., the waviness of the simulated cut vs. the homogeneity of the ideal target cut). Furthermore, optimizations of specific variables, such as spot distance (along the pathway), track distance (between lines/tracks), and pulse energy, are performed. The simulations suggest that lower pulse energies (well above the LIOB threshold) combined with asymmetric spacings (spot-to-track distance ratio >> 1) may be effective to lower the roughness of laser cuts generated by LIOB processes. The importance of lowering pulse energies (well above the threshold) emphasizes the need for the LIOB threshold to remain low (as low as possible). Reducing roughness by decreasing spacings (thus, increasing dose for same pulse energies) may have negative implications in visual recovery (risk for overdose). In all cases, the roughness is multiple times larger (rougher) than equivalent simulations for ablative procedures.
Foot , Hand , Face and Eye Representation in the Human Striatum

organization of striatal activation during foot, hand, face and eye movements. Seven right-handed, healthy volunteers were studied at 1.5 T using blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) contrast. The tasks consisted of self-paced flexion/extension of the right and left fingers and right toes, contraction of the lips and saccadic eye movements. For foot, hand and face movements, striatal activation was mainly found in the putamen with a somatotopical organization, the foot area being dorsal, the face area more ventral and medial, the hand area in between. Overlap between somatotopic territories was present, more prominent for hand–face than for foot–face or foot–hand areas. In the putamen, the activated areas of the ipsiand contralateral hand areas were not identical, suggesting a partial segregation of the ipsiand contralateral striatal sensorimotor projections. For saccadic eye movements, bilateral activation was observed at the junction between the body and the head of the caudate nucleus and in the right putamen. These data present evidence for a somatotopic organization of the human striatum which corresponds with the topography of corticostriatal projections described in the non-human primates.
Learning Style Identification Using Semisupervised Self-Taught Labeling

Education is a dynamic field that must be adaptable to sudden changes and disruptions caused by events like pandemics, war, and natural disasters related to climate change. When these events occur, traditional classrooms with traditional or blended delivery can shift to fully online learning, which requires an efficient learning environment that meets students’ needs. While learning management systems support teachers’ productivity and creativity, they typically provide the same content to all learners in a course, ignoring their unique learning styles. To address this issue, we propose a semisupervised machine learning approach that detects students’ learning styles using a data mining technique. We use the commonly used Felder-Silverman learning style model and demonstrate that our semisupervised method can produce reliable classification models with few labeled data. We evaluate our approach on two different courses and achieve an accuracy of 88.83% and 77.35%, respectively. Our work shows that educational data mining and semisupervised machine learning techniques can identify different learning styles and create a personalized learning environment.
SERVE PERFORMANCE OF THE MALE MASTER VOLLEYBALL

The objective of the study was to determine of the male master volleyball the performance of the type of serve and the effect of the serve in the reception zone. The study was composed by 15 matches of the male master volleyball of the category 35 years or more. The volleyball matches were filmed and after was analyzed with the scout. The significance p and new statistic detected statistical difference of the serve continuity in two comparisons (16.87±8.92 of the overhand float serve versus 3.85±2.28 of the jump power serve, 14.07±6.47 of the jump float serve versus the jump power serve). Other result the significance p and new statistic detected statistical difference of the serve continuity in the reception zone in four comparisons (1.20±0.44 of the zone 2 versus 10.67±3.79 of the zone 5, zone 2 versus 13.67±5.36 of the zone 6, 2.87±3.39 of the zone 3 versus zone 5 and zone 3 versus zone 6). In conclusion, serve performance is important for the volleyball coach guides the player during the training and during the volleyball match.
Urbanization and Environmental Quality in Africa

Africa’s rapid urbanization pose challenges for her sustainable development. This paper investigates the environmental impact of urbanization for 49 African countries from 1990 to 2010. Using the Stochastic Impacts by Regression on Population, Affluence and Technology (STIRPAT) framework, a recently developed semi-parametric panel fixed-effects regression technique, and two atmospheric air pollutants, namely carbon dioxide (CO2) and ambient particulate matter PM10 emissions, the evidence indicates that urbanization reduces environmental pollution. The semi-parametric analysis reveals that the result is more pronounced with PM10 but weaker for CO2 emissions. Moreover, there is no evidence to confirm the Kuznets hypothesis of an inverted U-shaped curve between urbanization and environmental pollution. To reap the benefits of urbanization, there is need for a strategic urban planning with basic infrastructure investment that promotes a green environment.
Long-arm Clip for Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Treatment of Mitral and Tricuspid Regurgitation – Ex-Vivo Beating Heart Study

ABSTRACT Background: A longer-arm clip design for transcatheter edge-to-edge repair of mitral and tricuspid valves could be beneficial in treating complex valve pathologies. Its hemodynamic effects and usability are unknown. This study aims to assess its new design in an ex-vivo beating heart model. Methods: The long-arm clip was implanted in porcine left (n = 14) and right (n = 6) hearts with induced degenerative mitral regurgitation and functional tricuspid regurgitation, respectively. Hemodynamic conditions were assessed at baseline, pathology and post-treatment. Usability and grasping quality were evaluated during simulated treatment. Results: Mitral valve treatment significantly increased cardiac output (p < 0.001) and decreased mean left atrial pressure during ventricular systole (p = 0.001) with respect to pathological conditions. Tricuspid treatment with grasping involving septal leaflet significantly increased cardiac output (posterior-septal grasping: p = 0.006; anterior-septal grasping: p = 0.04). There was no significant increase of transvalvular gradient pressure nor tissue damage. Conclusion: Long-arm clip treatment was feasible in porcine hearts, it effectively reduced regurgitation and did not significantly increase the transvalvular pressure gradient. Abbreviations: MV, mitral valve; DMR, degenerative mitral regurgitation; FTR, functional tricuspid regurgitation; TV, tricuspid valve; XTR Clip, long-arm clip; P2, posterior middle scallop of mitral valve; MRF, mitral regurgitation fraction; A-P, medial grasping of anterior and posterior leaflets; A-S, medial grasping of anterior and septal leaflets; P-S, medial grasping of posterior and septal leaflets; COs, systemic cardiac output; COp, pulmonary cardiac output; AoP, mean aortic pressure; PAP, mean pulmonary artery pressure; LAP, mean left atrial pressure; LAPsyst, mean left atrial pressure during ventricular systole; Δpm, mean diastolic pressure gradient across mitral valve; Δpt, mean diastolic pressure gradient across tricuspid valve; APd, mid-systole mitral antero-posterior distance; CI, confidence interval
Spinocerebellar ataxia 27B: A novel, frequent and potentially treatable ataxia

Abstract Hereditary ataxias, especially when presenting sporadically in adulthood, present a particular diagnostic challenge owing to their great clinical and genetic heterogeneity. Currently, up to 75% of such patients remain without a genetic diagnosis. In an era of emerging disease‐modifying gene‐stratified therapies, the identification of causative alleles has become increasingly important. Over the past few years, the implementation of advanced bioinformatics tools and long‐read sequencing has allowed the identification of a number of novel repeat expansion disorders, such as the recently described spinocerebellar ataxia 27B (SCA27B) caused by a (GAA)•(TTC) repeat expansion in intron 1 of the fibroblast growth factor 14 (FGF14) gene. SCA27B is rapidly gaining recognition as one of the most common forms of adult‐onset hereditary ataxia, with several studies showing that it accounts for a substantial number (9–61%) of previously undiagnosed cases from different cohorts. First natural history studies and multiple reports have already outlined the progression and core phenotype of this novel disease, which consists of a late‐onset slowly progressive pan‐cerebellar syndrome that is frequently associated with cerebellar oculomotor signs, such as downbeat nystagmus, and episodic symptoms. Furthermore, preliminary studies in patients with SCA27B have shown promising symptomatic benefits of 4‐aminopyridine, an already marketed drug. This review describes the current knowledge of the genetic and molecular basis, epidemiology, clinical features and prospective treatment strategies in SCA27B.
Exploring coral speciation: Multiple sympatric Stylophora pistillata taxa along a divergence continuum on the Great Barrier Reef

Abstract Understanding how biodiversity originates and is maintained are fundamental challenge in evolutionary biology. Speciation is a continuous process and progression along this continuum depends on the interplay between evolutionary forces driving divergence and forces promoting genetic homogenisation. Coral reefs are broadly connected yet highly heterogeneous ecosystems, and divergence with gene flow at small spatial scales might therefore be common. Genomic studies are increasingly revealing the existence of closely related and sympatric taxa within taxonomic coral species, but the extent to which these taxa might still be exchanging genes and sharing environmental niches is unclear. In this study, we sampled extensively across diverse habitats at multiple reefs of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) and comprehensively examined genome‐wide diversity and divergence histories within and among taxa of the Stylophora pistillata species complex. S. pistillata is one of the most abundant and well‐studied coral species, yet we discovered five distinct taxa, with wide geographic ranges and extensive sympatry. Demographic modelling showed that speciation events have occurred with gene flow and that taxa are at different stages along a divergence continuum. We found significant correlations between genetic divergence and specific environmental variables, suggesting that niche partitioning may have played a role in speciation and that S. pistillata taxa might be differentially adapted to different environments. Conservation actions rely on estimates of species richness, population sizes and species ranges, which are biased if divergent taxa are lumped together. As coral reefs are rapidly degrading due to climate change, our study highlights the importance of recognising evolutionarily distinct and differentially adapted coral taxa to improve conservation and restoration efforts aiming at protecting coral genetic diversity.