Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Intensive Neurorehabilitation and Gait Improvement in Progressive Multiple Sclerosis: Clinical, Kinematic and Electromyographic Analysis

Background: Gait deficit is a hallmark of multiple sclerosis and the walking capacity can be improved with neurorehabilitation. Technological advances in biomechanics offer opportunities to assess the effects of rehabilitation objectively. Objective: Combining wireless surface electromyography and wearable inertial sensors to assess and monitor the gait pattern before and after an intensive multidisciplinary neurorehabilitation program (44 h/4weeks) to evaluate rehabilitation efficiency. Methods: Forty people with progressive multiple sclerosis were enrolled. Wireless wearable devices were used to evaluate the gait. Instrumental gait analysis, clinical assessment, and patient report outcome measures were acquired before and after the neurorehabilitation. Spatiotemporal gait parameters, the co-activation index of lower limb muscles, and clinical assessments were compared pre- and post-treatment. Results: Significant improvements after intensive neurorehabilitation were found in most of the clinical assessments, cadence, and velocity of the instrumental gait analysis, paralleled by amelioration of thigh co-activation on the less-affected side. Subjects with better balance performance and higher independence at baseline benefit more from the neurorehabilitation course. Conclusions: Significant improvements in gait performance were found in our cohort after an intensive neurorehabilitation course, for both quantitative and qualitative measures. Integrating kinematic and muscle activity measurements offers opportunities to objectively evaluate and interpret treatment effects.
Association of Proteus mirabilis and Providencia stuartii Infections with Diabetes

Background and Objectives: Proteus and Providencia are related genera of opportunistic pathogens belonging to the Morganellaceae family, often a cause of infections in the immunocompromised hosts, such as diabetic patients. Their clinical significance has increased due to their intrinsic resistance to polymyxins, which is often associated with acquired resistance mechanisms. In this study we evaluated the infections caused by Proteus mirabilis and Providencia stuartii in two groups of patients, with diabetes (group 1) and without diabetes (group 2) admitted to the intensive care unit and surgical wards. The infections were investigated in terms of infection type, risk factors, clinical course, predictive factors for unfavourable outcomes and antibiotic resistance profile. Materials and Methods: An observational, retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted, comprising all patients infected with these pathogens. Bacterial identification and antibiotic sensitivity testing were performed using the Vitek2C automated system. Results: Comparison of the two groups showed that the statistically significant common infectious risk factors were found less frequently among diabetic patients when compared with non-diabetic patients, and that antimicrobial resistance was significantly lower in the diabetic patient group. However, survival rates did not differ between the two groups, drawing attention to the implications of diabetes as comorbidity. Additionally, with regard to the antibiotic resistance profile, 38.89% of P. stuartii strains isolated from diabetic patients belonged to the difficult-to-treat (DTR) phenotype, contributing to the severity of these infections compared with those caused by P. mirabilis, of which 32% were wild type strains and 0% were DTR phenotype. The DTR/extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing P. stuartii isolates more than doubled the risk of mortality, while the presence of nasogastric nutrition tripled the risk. Conclusions: P. stuartii infections that occurred in diabetic patients proved to be more difficult to treat, the majority of them being healthcare-associated bacteremias.
Static shape control of flexible piezoelectric smart reflectors

The finite element formulation of a flexible piezoelectric smart reflector was presented based on Kirchhoff classical laminated theory, and its structural mechanic modeling and optimization algorithms were investigated. Firstly, the smart reflector with the honeycomb core was modeled with the equivalent laminate plate theory, and its finite element formulation was derived according to virtual work theory. The honeycomb core equivalent elastic modulus was calculated by using equivalent theory. Then, a simple four-node quadrilateral element was used in the model, and one electric potential degree of freedom was introduced to each active element. Accordingly, the relation between the mean square root error of reflector and the control voltages of actuators was derived, the optimization model for static shape control was created and the voltage limitation for piezoelectric actuator patches was imposed to maintain its control voltage within a practical range. The optimal control voltages were determined by using Lagrange multipliers to minimize the Root Mean Square (RMS) error. Finally, a numerical example of plane smart reflector was given to demonstrate the feasibility of smart mirror concept and the effectiveness of optimization algorithm. Simulation results indicate that the square root error of the smart reflector is reduced by above 90%, and the control voltage of each actuator is in a practical range.
Computational Simulations Highlight the IL2Rα Binding Potential of Polyphenol Stilbenes from Fenugreek

Widely used in global households, fenugreek is well known for its culinary and medicinal uses. The various reported medicinal properties of fenugreek are by virtue of the different natural phytochemicals present in it. Regarded as a promising target, interleukin 2 receptor subunit alpha (IL2Rα) has been shown to influence immune responses. In the present research, using in silico techniques, we have demonstrated the potential IL2Rα binding properties of three polyphenol stilbenes (desoxyrhaponticin, rhaponticin, rhapontigenin) from fenugreek. As the first step, molecular docking was performed to assess the binding potential of the fenugreek phytochemicals with IL2Rα. All three phytochemicals demonstrated interactions with active site residues. To confirm the reliability of our molecular docking results, 100 ns molecular dynamics simulations studies were undertaken. As discerned by the RMSD and RMSF analyses, IL2Rα in complex with the desoxyrhaponticin, rhaponticin, and rhapontigenin indicated stability. The RMSD analysis of the phytochemicals alone also demonstrated no significant structural changes. Based on the stable molecular interactions and comparatively slightly better MM/PBSA binding free energy, rhaponticin seems promising. Additionally, ADMET analysis performed for the stilbenes indicated that all of them obey the ADMET rules. Our computational study thus supports further in vitro IL2Rα binding studies on these stilbenes, especially rhaponticin.
An evaluation of emerging data collection technologies for travel demand modeling: from research to practice

Traditional methods of travel data collection are often limited by high costs, infrequent updates, or small sample sizes. Several emerging technologies, such as mobile phone positioning, global positioning system tracking, and Bluetooth re-identification, now allow for easier acquisition of long-term continuous trip data with little to no interaction with subjects. Growing interest in the use of these passive data collection techniques for travel modeling necessitates an evaluation of trends and concerns among researchers and practitioners. This paper contributed to this growing discussion in the field by first conducting a literature review, and then developing a web-based survey and interviews with transportation professionals to identify current applications and limitations of passive travel data. Based on the insights gained from these efforts, a set of research recommendations was developed, which will support the continued emergence of travel data collection technologies. The results revealed that several innovative sources of travel data are receiving increased attention and acceptance. On the other hand, more work will need to be done to address the concerns of travel demand modelers and help bridge the gap between the research and practice communities.
Leadership Strategies and Policies on Online Learning during the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Case Study

Educational institutions around the world have closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic endangering the academic agendas. Educational institutions have to shift to online learning platforms to keep the educational activities working. Nonetheless, the questions about the educational leadership strategies and policies of online learning are not clearly understood yet, principally for a developing country like Indonesia, where the technical constrictions like access to the Internet have become a serious issue. In this study, we focused on finding out the leadership strategies and policies of the heads of the postgraduate study programs and looking at the entire cycle in the learning process by looking at the implementation and evaluation of the goals of online learning during the pandemic. The study design was qualitative in the case study approach. Seven participants were willing to get involved in this study. The primary data sources were in-depth interviews with seven participants who are the heads and secretary of the postgraduate program at one public university in Jambi. We examined our interviews data by using within-case and cross-case displays and analyses. We categorized our analysis and discussion about our participants’ perspectives and the contexts in which leadership strategies and policies of online learning they managed emerge. The analysis of our texts revealed that major issues related to the causes and covid-19: the rapid, unpredictable and 'forced' transition from face-to-face teaching to distance or online teaching, leadership strategies and policies in online learning, and evaluating teaching and learning processes: “assessing its achievements and improving upon its effectiveness. ” Future education research and implications are also discussed.
Do adolescent risk assessment tools capture self-reported reasons for desistance? An examination of the content validity of protective factors

ABSTRACT This study used a novel approach to assess the content validity of three adolescent risk assessment tools: the Structured Assessment of Violence Risk in Youth (SAVRY; Borum et al., 2006), the Structured Assessment of Protective Factors for Violence Risk – Youth Version (SAPROF-YV; de Vries Robbé et al., 2015), and the Short-Term Assessment of Risk and Treatability: Adolescent Version (START:AV; Viljoen et al., 2014). In-person interviews and online surveys were conducted with people with a history of adolescent offending (n = 103), which included open-ended questions about their desistance from offending, followed by direct questions based on the tools’ protective factors. Responses were coded using directed content analyses based on the tools’ item definitions. In open-ended questions, across participants all items were mentioned, and all items were rated as important by at least some participants. Only a few additional themes emerged that were not captured by the tools. In addition, participants primarily discussed the presence of protective factors rather than the removal of risk factors, suggesting they represent distinct constructs. Overall the findings support the content validity of the SAVRY, SAPROF-YV, and START:AV protective factors, and highlight the value of perspectives from people with lived experience in risk assessment research.
Dissolvable microgel-templated macroporous hydrogels for controlled cell assembly

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)-based therapies have been widely used to promote tissue regeneration and to modulate immune/inflammatory response. The therapeutic potential of MSCs can be further improved by forming multi-cellular spheroids. Meanwhile, hydrogels with macroporous structures are advantageous for improving mass transport properties for the cell-laden matrices. Herein, we report the fabrication of MSC-laden macroporous hydrogel scaffolds through incorporating rapidly dissolvable spherical cell-laden microgels. Dissolvable microgels were fabricated by tandem droplet-microfluidics and thiol-norbornene photopolymerization using a novel fast-degrading macromer poly(ethylene glycol)-norbornene-dopamine (PEGNB-Dopa). The cell-laden microgels were subsequently encapsulated within another bulk hydrogel matrix, whose porous structure was generated efficiently by the rapid degradation of the PEGNB-Dopa microgels. The cytocompatibility of this in situ pore-forming approach was demonstrated with multiple cell types. Furthermore, adjusting the stiffness and cell adhesiveness of the bulk hydrogels afforded the formation of solid cell spheroids or hollow spheres. The assembly of solid or hollow MSC spheroids led to differential activation of AKT pathway. Finally, MSCs solid spheroids formed in situ within the macroporous hydrogels exhibited robust secretion of HGF, VEGF-A, IL-6, IL-8, and TIMP-2. In summary, this platform provides an innovative method for forming cell-laden macroporous hydrogels for a variety of future biomedical applications.
Group Triple P Intervention Effects on Children and Parents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Supporting parents through the delivery of evidence-based parenting interventions (EBPI) is a way of promoting children’s rights, given the known benefits to child development and family wellbeing. Group Triple P (GTP) is an EBPI suitable for parents of children aged 2–12 years, who experience parenting difficulties, and/or child behavior problems. Even though GTP has been intensively studied, information lacks on the magnitude of its effects, considering the risk of bias within and across prior research. To address this, a systematic review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO registration CRD42019085360) to evaluate the effects of GTP on child and parent outcomes at short- and longer-term was performed. Through a systematic search of a set of databases, 737 research papers were identified, and 11 trials were selected. The risk of bias within and across studies was evaluated. Significant positive effects of GTP were found immediately after the intervention for child behavior problems, dysfunctional parenting practices, parenting sense of competence, psychological adjustment, parental stress levels, conflict, and relationship quality. Six months after the intervention, positive effects were found only for child behavior problems. Data suggest that GTP might be an effective EBPI leading to positive family outcomes. Substantial risk of bias was found, highlighting the importance of improving the quality of research.
Reliability and Safety of Structural Elements in the Gigacycle Region of Loading

tests were carried out on a ZWICK Z050 testing machine at ambient temperature of T = 20 ± 5 °C, with the loading range in interval F = 0 ÷20 kN and the strain velocity of . ε m = 10 -3 s -1 . Round cross-section specimens were used; the shape and dimensions of the test specimens met the requirements of EN 10002-1 standard (5 specimens were used). Fatigue tests were carried out at high-frequency sinusoidal cyclic tension-compression loading (f ≈ 20 kHz, T = 20 ± 5 °C, R = -1, cooled by distilled water with anticorrosive inhibitor) and with the use of high-frequency loading equipment KAUP-ZU Zilina. Smooth round bar specimens (14 pieces) with 4 mm The authors of this paper, based on their own results, discuss fatigue properties of low-alloyed fine-grained steel STRENX 700MC obtained in the ultra-high-cycle region (gigacycle fatigue) with regard to the reliability and safety of structural elements. According to obtained data it is obvious that fatigue strength continuously decreases with increasing number of cycles to failure (in a range from N = 10 7 to N = 10 10 cycles). Fatigue limit σ c determined usually at N = 2 × 10 6 ÷ 10 7 cycles does not meet the requirements of reliability and safety of structural elements. Design of structural elements which will be working in the ultra-high-cycle fatigue region requires complete information about fatigue behavior of used structural materials.
Nanomaterial-Based Therapy for Wound Healing

Poor wound healing affects millions of people globally, resulting in increased mortality rates and associated expenses. The three major complications associated with wounds are: (i) the lack of an appropriate environment to enable the cell migration, proliferation, and angiogenesis; (ii) the microbial infection; (iii) unstable and protracted inflammation. Unfortunately, existing therapeutic methods have not solved these primary problems completely, and, thus, they have an inadequate medical accomplishment. Over the years, the integration of the remarkable properties of nanomaterials into wound healing has produced significant results. Nanomaterials can stimulate numerous cellular and molecular processes that aid in the wound microenvironment via antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and angiogenic effects, possibly changing the milieu from nonhealing to healing. The present article highlights the mechanism and pathophysiology of wound healing. Further, it discusses the current findings concerning the prospects and challenges of nanomaterial usage in the management of chronic wounds.
How Environmental Performance Affects Financial Performance in the Food Industry: A Global Outlook

The impacts of environmental performance on the financial performance of food firms are investigated in this paper using a sample of 6064 food companies from 51 countries. The financial performance is measured through sales and internal funds, and environmental performance is based on whether firms have adopted standards related to environmental management. The empirical results show that, for the full sample, food firms’ sales are positively associated with environmental performance, while environmental performance does not impact internal funds. In subsample analyses, this paper finds that the environmental performance of firms in lower-middle-income and upper-middle-income countries has a more significant impact on sales than firms in high-income countries. Moreover, desirable environmental performance significantly increases the internal funds of food firms in most country groups except for high-income countries. Grouping countries by region, we find that environmental performance significantly influences sales in all regions except for Africa. However, for internal funds, it is only substantial in Africa. The results also imply the significance of expanding firm size and adopting foreign technology for food companies to achieve better financial performance.
What are the Leading Sectors Expected to Reduce Inequality in South Sumatra Province?

This study aims to find out the leading sectors and to analyze income inequality in South Sumatera Province, which the result is very important since no recent research has been done in this field for the study area. The data used in this study are secondary data from 2011-2020 which are sourced from the publications of the BPS-Statistic of South Sumatera Province. To find out inequality and investigate its causes, Klassen typological analysis, Williamson index, and Theil's entropy index are used. Meanwhile, to analyze the potential leading sectors, a combination of Location Quotient analysis, Shift Share Analysis, and sectoral typology is used. The results of this study suggest that local governments develop the agricultural sector because it is proven to have excellent potential as a leading sector. In addition, the trade, hotel, and restaurant sector is a special sector and good to be developed because eleven regencies/cities have high potency for this sector. The results of the study also show that the regencies/cities in South Sumatera Province are grouped in quadrant III of Klassen’s, which is a relatively underdeveloped area. Income inequality in South Sumatra Province is categorized high with a Williamson index of 0.71, with the cause of the inequality being the inequality between groups of regencies/cities producing oil and gas.
Captivity Shifts Gut Microbiota Communities in White-Lipped Deer (Cervus albirostris)

Simple Summary Captivity is a common conservation method for endangered animals. However, a growing number of recent studies have shown that some animals in captivity might be in sub-health condition. The gut microbiota has been described as a complex, interactive internal system that has effects on diseases of the host with many interactions, and the occurrence of certain diseases is accompanied by changes and disorder of gut microbiota. We used16S rRNA sequencing technology and a mathematical model to find differences in gut microbiota composition and assembly processes. The results show that captivity might be unfavorable for white-lipped deer by shifting the gut microbiota composition and assembly process. Abstract White-lipped deer (Cervus albirostris) is a nationally protected wild animal species in China, as well as a unique and endangered species, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Captivity may alleviate the pressure from poaching and contribute to the repopulation and conservation of the population in the wild. The gut microbiota is described as a complex, interactive internal system that has effects on diseases of the host, with many interactions. However, the influence of captivity on the composition and assembly process of gut microbiota in white-lipped deer is unclear. This study applied high-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing technology to determine differences in the gut microbiota between captive (CW) and wild (WW) white-lipped deer. We used the null model, neutral community model, and niche width to identify whether captivity affects the composition and assembly process of gut microbiota. The results show that WW has a higher number of Firmicutes and a lower number of Bacteroidetes compared with CW at the phylum level, and it has more opportunistic pathogens and specific decomposition bacteria at the genus level. Principal coordinate analysis also indicated significant differences in the composition and function of gut microbiota in CW and WW. Moreover, the results reveal that captivity shifts the ecological assembly process of gut microbiota by raising the contribution of deterministic processes. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that captivity might potentially have an unfavorable effect on white-lipped deer by continually exerting selective pressure.