Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Immune-Enhancing Effects of Red Platycodon grandiflorus Root Extract via p38 MAPK-Mediated NF-κB Activation

Platycodongrandiflorus (PG) root extract has been widely used as an oriental herbal medicine. Red PG root extract (RPGE), which is made by steaming and drying PG several times, contains more saponin than raw (white) PG. Although RPGE has been known to have anti-inflammatory activity, the effects of RPGE on the immune-enhancing response remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the immune-enhancing effects of RPGE and its mechanism in macrophage cells and splenocytes. Our results revealed that cell proliferation of both macrophages and splenocytes correlate positively with the concentration of RPGE. Moreover, RPGE treatment increased the phagocytic activity of macrophage cells, as well as nitric oxide and cytokines production. Furthermore, RPGE induced phosphorylation of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, which contributed to nuclear factor-kappa B activation. Thus, our findings suggest that RPGE may be a potential functional food for improving immune function.
Modelling of stem-scale turbulence and sediment suspension in vegetated flow

This paper presents a vegetated flow and sediment transport model for investigating flow–vegetation–sediment interactions. Vegetation-induced turbulence is simulated by a turbulence closure, in which shear and stem-scale wake turbulent kinetic energies are solved separately. The model simulates both unidirectional and oscillatory flows as well as turbulence structures reasonably well with the model skill greater than 0.8 and the coefficient of determination greater than 0.95, and better agreements between simulations and measurements are observed in cases with large stem Reynolds number. To account for sediment suspension induced by wake turbulence within the canopy, a modified Shields parameter based on turbulence intensity is introduced. Compared to the traditional Shields number model in which sediment suspension is related to mean flow, the proposed model can more reasonably simulate sediment suspension in a dense vegetation canopy with the model skill greater than 0.8 and the coefficient of determination greater than 0.75, where mean flow is weak and stem-scale wake turbulence is dominant. The model uncertainties are evaluated by conducting sensitivity tests on the new coefficients introduced in the turbulence and sediment models. The influence of vegetation density on sediment suspension is also investigated. It is found that suspended sediment concentration is generally higher with higher vegetation density within the canopy, and lower with increasing vegetation density above the canopy.
Consequences of plume encounter on larval fish growth and condition in the Gulf of Mexico

Freshwater input into nearshore continental shelf waters from coastal river-estuarine plumes can greatly alter the physical and trophic environments experienced by fish larvae. However, the biological consequences of plume encounter on larval fish survival remain equivocal, largely due to the extreme variability of these systems but also because traditional sampling techniques alone are too coarse to effectively characterize the dynamic biophysical environment at spatiotemporal scales relevant to individual larvae. Using a multidimensional approach, we simultaneously collected in situ imagery and net samples of larval fishes and zooplankton from the Mobile Bay plume (Alabama, USA) and ambient continental shelf waters during a high discharge event (8−11 April 2016). We measured the effects of plume encounter on growth and condition of larval striped anchovy Anchoa hepsetus and sand seatrout Cynoscion arenarius, 2 prominent nearshore species in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Size-frequency distributions of both species indicated that larger individuals were present in shelf waters but absent from plume waters. Otolith microstructure analysis revealed that recent growth of both focal species was significantly lower for plume-collected larvae during the last few days prior to capture. Furthermore, plume larvae were in poorer morphometric condition (skinnier at length) than their shelf counterparts, despite the fact that there were higher concentrations of zooplankton prey in plume water masses. Taken together, these results suggest that elevated prey concentrations do not necessarily translate to higher growth and condition. High turbulence and turbidity within the plume may physically inhibit the prey capture ability and feeding success of fish larvae.
Tapentadol versus oxycodone for postoperative pain treatment the first 7 days after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized clinical trial.

Pain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a prevalent condition. This study compared the effectiveness of tapentadol extended release (ER) 50 mg x 2, oxycodone controlled release (CR) 10 mg x 2 and placebo; as added to a multimodal analgesic regime both in-hospital and at home the first week after TKA. The study was randomized and blinded for investigators, staff, outcome assessors and patients. Follow-up included pain intensity on mobilization, pain at rest, worst pain in the previous 24 hours, and adverse effects measured on 0-10 numeric rate scales. A total of 134 patients in three study groups received their allocated intervention and were included in the analysis. The primary outcome pain on mobilization the 7 first postoperative days reported as mean pain Area Under the Curve (AUC) was 528.1 (SD 267.5, IQR 356.6 to 665.4) for placebo, 427.2 (SD 203.9, IQR 303.6 to 544.3) for tapentadol ER and 507.9 (SD 243.7, IQR 292.4 to 686.8) for oxycodone CR (p=0.12). With the exception of constipation being less prevalent in the tapentadol ER group (p=0.02), we found no significant differences between treatment groups for the secondary outcomes. Tapentadol ER as an add-on to multimodal analgesia did not significantly improve pain relief when compared to oxycodone CR or placebo. Constipation was lowest in the tapentadol ER group.
How do institutional innovation systems affect open innovation?

ABSTRACT It is well known that innovation benefits firms and that openness may enhance these benefits. Yet few studies consider how a firm’s institutional context and different economic systems moderate openness and innovation outcomes in new ventures, which arguably are most exposed to institutional constraints. Comparing data from a liberal (Australia) and central market economy (China), and using search breadth as a measure of openness, we empirically tested the influence of external firm pressures on the relationship between openness and innovation outcomes in new ventures. Our results show that the well-established positive relationship between openness and innovation is market dependent and that, in emerging economies, it can be negative. Our findings demonstrate the importance of institutions and national economic systems in explaining open innovation in different contexts – a point not yet addressed in the open innovation literature.
Work Engagement and Work Performance among Japanese Workers: A 1-year Prospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE We carried out a prospective study to investigate the association between work engagement and work performance in a group of Japanese workers. METHODS Our cohort included 1,632 men and 192 women aged 65 years or younger who worked at a manufacturing company in Japan. Multiple regression analysis was conducted. RESULTS Higher work engagement at baseline was significantly associated with better work performance at follow-up (β = 0.159, p < 0.001). A sex-stratified analysis showed that the impact of work engagement at baseline on work performance at follow-up was stronger among women than among men (β = 0.242, p < 0.001 and β = 0.153, p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Higher work engagement may have beneficial effects on work performance. The impact of work engagement on work performance may be greater among women than among men.
Normal Mode Perspective on the 2016 QBO Disruption: Evidence for a Basic State Regime Transition

A normal mode decomposition of the dynamical structure of the quasi‐biennial oscillation (QBO) is presented in this article. It was found that the QBO is predominantly described by Rossby modes as well as westward inertio‐gravity modes with a low meridional mode index. We show that the 2016 QBO disruption was accompanied by an extreme amplitude event of an asymmetric zonal Rossby mode (with meridional index 4) consisting of the largest amplitude in 40 years. This component of the zonal flow favors the convergence of eastward momentum in the equatorial region, controlling the perturbations to the QBO. The zonal winds associated with this mode are extremely intermittent with heavy tail distributions. Our statistical analysis indicates a regime transition in this zonal mode in the recent decades, favoring stronger perturbations to the QBO.
Recent Activity of Nyiragongo (Democratic Republic of Congo): New Insights From Field Observations and Numerical Modeling

Nyiragongo volcano is known for its active lava lake and for socioeconomic issues arising from future possible eruptive events having major impacts on the community living in the Virunga region. The 2020 field expedition inside the summit crater has allowed the collection of unprecedented field observations to state on the current activity. Since the February 2016 intracrater event, the crater floor level has been rising much faster than during the 2010–2016 period. The current activity is reminiscent of the 1970–1972 and 1994–1995 periods preceding the lava lake drainage events in 1977 and 2002. Numerical simulations, successfully validated with data over the past 30 years, show that the rising of the crater floor could slow down in the next months/years and reach a critical equilibrium. Based on the past eruptive history and on the current activity, a flank eruption in the March 2024 to November 2027 interval could be a possible scenario.
Silviculture of Pinus Pinea L. in North Africa and The Mediterranean Areas: Current Potentiality and Economic Value

ABSTRACT This paper is a literature review of the silviculture of stone pine (Pinus pinea L.), combined with information available from North Africa in comparison with the northern Mediterranean zone. The objective is to use the available research results to provide guidance for stone pine stands for timber, cone, and pine nuts production management established in the Mediterranean zone. Pinus pinea L. is a Mediterranean species of economic importance due to its timber and pine nuts that have high market value, and its production can increase the economic value and development of degraded and marginalized areas. Special emphasis is given to the case study of Tunisia silvicultural system and other Mediterranean basin areas to characterize the production of stone pine stands. Among the objectives of this work is to give results on the methodology for producing grafted plant of stone pine on different regions and edaphic conditions and to evaluate the development of the plantations that generate both economic and ecological benefits (soil protection). In North Africa, we conclude that the area allocated to pine nuts should be notably greater. Our results provide useful information for the silviculture of Pinus pinea production of cones to be used in new program of forest management in North Africa.
The heart and living room of campus: A mixed-methods comparison of two informal learning spaces at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln

Universities are designing informal learning spaces as open, collaborative environments; while there is a need for collaborative spaces, the majority of students in both spaces are working independently. This article compares the usage and design features of informal learning spaces within the main library and union of a “university. ” Frequently referred to as the “heart” or “living room,” this architectural study employs mixed-method, explanatory sequential design. Quantitative data was collected through unobtrusive observations and random-sample surveys, followed by qualitative data collection via focus groups. Students visit the library more frequently and stay for longer periods of time than the union. Certain design features found to be more desired than others included standard-height tables and chairs that are comfortable; areas with natural lighting; and large, individual tables to spread out users’ belongings. Overall, it was found that the “heart” and “living room” of campus are serving their intended purposes. It is important for designers to remember that a variety of users have different needs and preferences that are served by a variety of spaces. This study builds on the limited literature regarding informal learning spaces and is the first to compare a university campus’s library to their union. Results will help shape the future of informal learning space design and guide future research in this field.
Standardization of alternate wetting and drying (AWD) method of water management in low land rice (Oryza sativa (L.))

Alternate wettting and drying (AWD) systems save water compared with continuoussubmergence (CS) irrigation. However, the reported effect on yield varies widely and detailedcharacterizations of the hydrological conditions of AWD experiments are often lacking so thatgeneralizations are difficult to make. We compared the effects of AWD and CS on crop andwater productivity in rice in the field experimentations in India. The experiment was conductedin irrigated lowlands and followed AWD practices by using field water tube. Crop and waterproductivity was significantly differed between AWD and CS of irrigation. The average grainyield was 5.8–7.4 t ha-1 with AWD irrigation methods and 7.5–7.6 t ha-1 with CS. The pooledvalues of irrigation water applied, effective rainfall and seasonal volume of water input variedfrom 1390, 216 and 1646 mm, respectively under CS and 708 to 1142 mm, 238 to 300 mm and1048 to 1420 mm, respectively under AWD irrigation regimes. Irrigation water applied in AWDirrigation regimes amounted to 50.9 to 82.1% of CS (1390 mm), averaged over two seasons, thecrop in different AWD irrigation regimes used water 63.6 to 86.2% of the CS (1646 mm)suggesting that the AWD practice enabled water saving of 13.8 to 36.4% in different treatments.Therefore, in view of considerable water saving (26.6 to 35.0%) and higher water productivitythe AWD method of water management is the best practice to meet the cope of water scarcity inlowland rice production.
Forest riparian buffers reduce timber harvesting effects on stream temperature, but additional climate adaptation strategies are likely needed under future conditions

Stream water temperature imposes metabolic constraints on the health of cold-water fish like salmonids. Timber harvesting can reduce stream shading leading to higher water temperatures, while also altering stream hydrology. In the Pacific Northwest, riparian buffer requirements are designed to mitigate these impacts; however, anticipated future changes in air temperature and precipitation could reduce the efficacy of these practices in protecting aquatic ecosystems. Using a combined modeling approach (Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), Shade, and QUAL2K), this study examines the effectiveness of riparian buffers in reducing impacts of timber harvest on stream water temperature in Lookout Creek, Oregon across a range of potential future climates. Simulations assess changes in riparian management alone, climate alone, and combined effects. Results suggest that maximum stream water temperatures during thermal stress events are projected to increase by 3.3–7.4 °C due to hydroclimatic change alone by the end of this century. Riparian management is effective in reducing stream temperature increases from timber harvesting alone but cannot fully counteract the additional effects of a warming climate. Overall, our findings suggest that the protection of sensitive aquatic species will likely require additional adaptation strategies, such as the protection or provisioning of cool water refugia, to enhance survival during maximum thermal stress events.
Biodiesel Production from Four Residential Waste Frying Oils: Proposing Blends for Improving the Physicochemical Properties of Methyl Biodiesel

The physicochemical properties of biodiesel fuels and their blends prepared from four residential waste vegetable frying oils (sunflower (FSME), canola (FCME), mixture of sunflower and rapeseed (FSRME) and corn (FSCME)) were evaluated and measured to determine the best blend. The results indicate that the stability of 10 biodiesel blends was above 10 h for 0-month, meeting the stability requirement regulated in EN 14214:2014 by adding FSCME, which depends on the concentration amount of FSCME. Besides, the results showed that all fuel samples did not meet the requirements of diesel fuel standards. Therefore, automobile gasoline is used as an additive to unmixed biodiesel in various concentrations to reduce the kinematic viscosity, density and cold flow properties. The results indicate that BG85 and BG80 have met the mixed pure biodiesel with gasoline fulfilled diesel fuel quality standard. Therefore, the samples with stability above 10 h were mixed with gasoline in 15% and 20% to reduce the cold flow properties and meet the specifications of the diesel fuel standards. Moreover, the effect of long-term storage on the properties of all samples was investigated under different storage conditions. The results indicate that higher storage temperatures and longer storage periods negatively influenced the properties of the fuel samples.
Unshrouding the Sphere from the Clouds: Towards a Comprehensive Conceptual Framework for Sustainable Employability

Sustainable employability refers to individuals’ long-term abilities to work and remain employed. Despite its societal importance in the light of aging populations and rapidly changing skill demands, sustainable employability still requires further definition and conceptualization. As such, the present paper aims to define and conceptualize sustainable employability comprehensively by reviewing existing studies on the concept. Additionally, the paper discusses and integrates sustainable employment, sustainable work, and sustainable work ability into our broad framework of sustainable employability. The resulting conceptual framework positions sustainable employability as an inherently longitudinal multidimensional individual characteristic that is the outcome of complex interactions between individual-, work- and work environmental characteristics. This framework enables researchers to identify the employment characteristics that promote sustainable employability and thereby comprise sustainable employment. Finally, the framework links to notions of person-environment fit, and job- and organizational design to create a basis for future research on sustainable employability.
Singawalang Leaf Extract Effects on LDL Levels of Hypercholesterolemic Male Rats

Petiveria Alliaceae or known as singawalang can decrease levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood because of the content of compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and tannins. This study is a laboratory experimental research with pre and posttest control group design. Sample using rats (Rattus norvegicus) males, aged 2-3 months with body weight ± 150 gs. The average LDL cholesterol level of negative control group (KN) is 3.40 ± 2.07, which means there is no significant increase. In the simvastatin group (S), the treatment group 1 (K1), group 2 (K2), and treatment group 3 (K3) the average of LDL cholesterol results showed a decrease with the result S = -71.10 ± 31.35, K1 = -53.60 ± 26.80, K2 = -67.05 ± 23.98, and K3 = -51.06 ± 20.27. By using One Way Anova obtained significance value of p <0.05, which showed significant differences between group KN with group S, K1, K2, K3.
Influence of Facebook Addiction on Study Habits of the Office Administration Students

This study determined the influence of Facebook addiction on study habits of the second year Bachelor of Science in Office Administration students during the second semester, Academic Year 2016-2017 in the College of Business Education of North Luzon Philippines State College, Candon City, Ilocos Sur. The descriptive-comparative-correlational method of research was utilized. The Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale (BFAS) and Study Habits Questionnaire (SHQ) were used as tools in gathering data. The mean, t-test, Pearson Product Moment Coefficient of Correlation, and Linear regression were utilized in the treatment of data. Results show that the respondents have a moderate degree of Facebook addiction; the male and female addiction to Facebook differ. There is a high study habit among the respondents and show no significant differences in their profile. Correlation analysis shows that the dimensions of Facebook addiction, namely: salience, tolerance, mood modification, relapse, withdrawal, and conflict are significantly correlated with overall study habits by the respondents which means that there is a direct yet positive correlation between the two variables. Hence, the higher the Facebook addiction, the higher the study habits among the second year BSOA students in the College of Business Education. Linear regression analysis reveals that addiction in using Facebook is a predictor of overall study habits among the BSOA second-year students. It is recommended that the result of this study should inform the students about the effects of Facebook addiction in their studies. An intervention program should be formulated as a means to strengthen the study habits of students.
Fuzzy‐HMM modeling for emotion detection using electrocardiogram signals

In this paper, a Fuzzy Hidden Markov Model (FHMM) for electrocardiogram (ECG)‐based emotion recognition is proposed. The FHMM model is modeled using the fuzzy membership of each class of feature vectors to compute the elements of the matric in the model. Each element in the matric is determined by the two nearest classes of feature vectors with fuzzy classification to avoid the winner‐takes‐all situation that usually happens in tradition discrete Hidden Markov Models (HMM) and that reduces the accuracy of the modeling results. The FHMM modeling proposed in this paper can improve the precision of traditional discrete HMM modeling. Also, the features for emotion recognition, which are selected according to those used in prior research, are calculated from ECG signals. The selected features form a feature vector and these are calculated for all ECG signals. Some feature vectors are used to train the FHMM model and the remaining are used for testing. Experimental results show that the proposed FHMM model can achieve impressive improvements on the three indices, sensitivities (Se%), positive predictive value (PPV%), and total classification accuracy (TCA%), compared to traditional HMM. Moreover, compared to some existing studies, the recognition rates of the proposed method are higher. These results verify the efficiency of the proposed method for emotion recognition from ECG signals.