Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Acute Effect of Caffeine on the Synthesis of Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines in the Hypothalamus and Choroid Plexus during Endotoxin-Induced Inflammation in a Female Sheep Model

This study was designed to determine the effect of acute caffeine (CAF) administration, which exerts a broad spectrum of anti-inflammatory activity, on the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines and their receptors in the hypothalamus and choroid plexus (ChP) during acute inflammation caused by the injection of bacterial endotoxin—lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The experiment was performed on 24 female sheep randomly divided into four groups: control; LPS treated (iv.; 400 ng/kg of body mass (bm.)); CAF treated (iv.; 30 mg/kg of bm.); and LPS and CAF treated. The animals were euthanized 3 h after the treatment. It was found that acute administration of CAF suppressed the synthesis of interleukin (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α, but did not influence IL-6, in the hypothalamus during LPS-induced inflammation. The injection of CAF reduced the LPS-induced expression of TNF mRNA in the ChP. CAF lowered the gene expression of IL-6 cytokine family signal transducer (IL6ST) and TNF receptor superfamily member 1A (TNFRSF1) in the hypothalamus and IL-1 type II receptor (IL1R2) in the ChP. Our study on the sheep model suggests that CAF may attenuate the inflammatory response at the hypothalamic level and partly influence the inflammatory signal generated by the ChP cells. This suggests the potential of CAF to suppress neuroinflammatory processes induced by peripheral immune/inflammatory challenges.
Virtual Classrooms and the Discussion Forum: A Net Benefit for Business Students

A serendipitous turning point in education may be in the teaching/learning outcomes of online collaborative work. It is held that collaboration alone could signal the most meaningful insight as collaboration is social, dynamic, and multidimensional. Advanced technology opens broad teaching/learning opportunities though concomitantly providing divergent expectations concerning the quality of E-Learning. Many educators are using blended-learning and developing creative methods to integrate technology. Virtual classrooms and discussion forums are collaborative tools available on Course Management Systems widely used in Higher Education. As a practitioner-researcher, I hold that for graduate-level business students a collaborative process of knowledgebuilding ought to be integrated into their traditional program through Virtual Classrooms and/or Discussion Forums. The purpose of this research is to assess whether performance improved when graduate students developed their course assignment using collaborative learning tools. Two critical components were addressed: (a) collaborative performance on-line and (b) student-teacher interaction. Case assessment was conducted. Implications and recommendations were made.
Optimal Skyhook and Groundhook Control for Semiactive Suspension: A Comprehensive Methodology

This manuscript establishes a methodology that guides the designers to develop an optimal controller for a semiactive suspension system. The methodology’s processes are generally explained and straightforwardly, so a designer can extrapolate the methodology to a specific problem. Furthermore, this research presents an optimal control strategy for a semiactive control applied to a quarter vehicle model as an example of using the methodology. A particular interest is made in the advantages of such a simple synthesis and in the compromises that must be done in skyhook and groundhook control law applications. This manuscript exposes a logical and straightforward approach for choosing the controllers’ design parameters; also, efforts must be made to express precise performance specifications and constraints in the control design. The herein methodology could be relevant in the process design for intelligent suspensions, from one-quarter toward the entire vehicle.
Improvement of Pre-Service Teachers' Practical Knowledge and Motivation about Artificial Intelligence through a Service-learning-based Module in Guizhou, China: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Abstract. The purpose of this study is twofold: 1) to develop a service-learning-based module training artificial intelligence (AI) subject (SLBM-TAIS), and 2) to evaluate the effect of SLBM-TAIS on pre-service teachers’ (PSTs’) practical knowledge and motivation, as well as primary school students' attitude towards AI in China. Participants of this study comprised 60 PSTs and 107 primary school students. The experimental research in this study followed the quasi-experimental non-randomized pre-test and post-test control group design. The PSTs were divided into experimental and control groups, and the primary school students followed the same grouping. The PSTs in the experimental group taught AI subjects to the primary school students in the experimental group, while the PSTs in the control group taught AI subjects to the primary school students in the control group. The results of the study showed that SLBM-TAIS was effective in training PSTs to teach AI subjects to primary school students. Furthermore, the SLBM-TAIS developed in this study offered a unique technique for training PSTs and primary school students that could increase PSTs' practical knowledge and motivation, as well as primary school students' attitudes toward AI. The findings from this study are important in the field of educational psychology, and its contribution has several theoretical and practical implications. Keywords: Attitude; artificial intelligence; pre-service teachers; primary school students; practical knowledge; motivation
A Study of the Initial Surge Distribution in Concentric Transformer Windings

Certain properties of transformer windings in their response to lightning surges are investigated by a systematic study of the initial surge distribution, that is, by excluding the time effect. The investigation is further confined to stresses between layers or pancakes and between turns of concentric windings and to the voltage distribution between such windings and grounded parts. Insulation grading is considered. The influence of static shields at the line ends is given special consideration based on a new analysis of the series capacitance. By comparing the calculations with measurements of the electric field distribution on resistance paper, some limitations in replacing the actual field problem by circuit problems are uncovered and suitable approximations are developed for obtaining a practical solution.
Analysis of the levelized cost of green hydrogen production for very heavy vehicles in New Zealand

This study examined the feasibility of green hydrogen as a transport fuel for the very heavy vehicle (VHV) fleet in New Zealand. Green hydrogen is assumed to be produced through water electrolysis using purely renewable energy (RE) as an electricity source. This study chose very heavy vehicles as a potential market for green hydrogen, because it is considered “low- hanging fruit” for hydrogen fuel in a sector where battery electrification is less feasible. The study assumed a large-scale, decentralized, embedded (dedicated) grid-connected hydrogen system of production using polymer electrolytic membrane (PEM) electrolysers. The analysis comprised three steps. First, the hydrogen demand was calculated. Second, the additional RE requirement was determined and compared with consented, but unbuilt, capacity. Finally, the hydrogen production cost was calculated using the concept of levelized cost. A sensitivity analysis, cost reduction scenarios, and the implications for truck ownership costs were also undertaken. The results indicate an overall green hydrogen demand for VHVs of 71 million kg, or 8.5 PJ, per year, compared to the 14.7 PJ of diesel fuel demand for the same VHV travelled kilometres. The results also indicate that the estimated 9,824 GWh of RE electricity from consented, yet unbuilt, RE projects is greater than the electricity demand for green hydrogen production, which was calculated to be 4,492 GWh. The calculated levelized hydrogen cost is NZ$ 8.42/kg. Electricity cost was found to be the most significant cost parameter for green hydrogen production. A combined annual cost reduction rate of 3% for CAPEX and 4% for electricity translates to a hydrogen cost reduction of 30% in 10 years and more than 50% in 20 years.
Nanostructured Lipid Carriers Deliver Resveratrol, Restoring Attenuated Dilation in Small Coronary Arteries, via the AMPK Pathway

Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) are an emerging drug delivery platform for improved drug stability and the bioavailability of antihypertensive drugs and vasoprotective nutraceutical compounds, such as resveratrol (RV). The objective of this study was to ascertain NLCs’ potential to deliver RV and restore attenuated dilator function, using an ex vivo model of acute hypertension. Trimyristin–triolein NLCs were synthesized and loaded with RV. The uptake of RV-NLCs by human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs) maintained their viability and reduced both mitochondrial and cytosolic superoxide levels. Acute pressure elevation in isolated coronary arteries significantly attenuated endothelial-dependent dilator responses, which were reversed following incubation in RV-NLCs, superoxide dismutase or apocynin (p < 0.0001). RV-NLCs demonstrated a five-fold increase in potency in comparison to RV solution. At elevated pressure, in the presence of RV-NLCs, incubation with Nω-nitro-l-arginine (L-NNA) or indomethacin resulted in a significant reduction in the restored dilator component (p < 0.0001), whereas apamin and TRAM-34 had no overall effect. Incubation with the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) inhibitor dorsomorphin significantly attenuated dilator responses (p < 0.001), whereas the SIRT-1 inhibitor EX-527 had no effect. RV-NLCs improved the impaired endothelial-dependent dilation of small coronary arteries, following acute pressure elevation, via NO and downstream COX elements, mediated by AMPK. We suggest that RV-NLCs are an effective delivery modality for improved potency and sustained drug release into the vasculature. Our findings have important implications for the future design and implementation of antihypertensive treatment strategies.
Why can China maintain a high crop diversity? A spatial-temporal dynamic analysis

Crop diversity is crucial for producing more food and nutrition in the crowded planet and achieving agricultural sustainable development, and thus it is a hot topic in shaping policies aimed at ensuring food security. Many studies have revealed that enhanced crop diversity can benefit crop productivity. However, research on how to maintain a relatively high crop diversity at regional and national scales remains limited. This study attempts to examine the underlying mechanisms of crop diversity changes in China and eventually answer why China can maintain a high crop diversity from the spatial-temporal perspective. To achieve this end, the county level crop area dataset for the period of 1980–2014 was compiled and used to quantify the spatiotemporal dynamics of crop diversity in China. The result reveals that the China’s crop diversity trended upward over past 35 years, evidenced by more than 7 major crops at national level and 4 major crops at county level having undergone massive planting process to maintain a high crop diversity. Spatially, the crop diversity increased in more than two-thirds of the counties, and its hotspots moved gradually to the south-west mountainous area. The natural factor of slope and the social factor of population density contributed to shape the crop diversity pattern in global effects. In contrast, the irrigation degree, elevation of cropland, mean annual temperature and precipitation affected the spatially non-stationary distribution of crop diversity at the local level. On the whole, the maintenance of a higher crop diversity in China not only was limited by natural conditions, but also subject to adopt the multi-cropping systems strategic choice for the country to agricultural conditions. We argued that crop diversity can be an indicator to draw agricultural zoning, and increasing crop diversity should be recognized as a policy tool to implement agricultural sustainable development strategy.
A Comparison of GFR Calculated by Cockcroft-Gault vs. MDRD Formula in the Prognostic Assessment of Patients with Acute Pulmonary Embolism

Introduction Risk stratification is mandatory for optimal management of patients with acute pulmonary embolism (APE). Previous studies indicated that renal dysfunction predicts outcome and can improve risk assessment in APE. Aim The aim of the study was a comparison of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) formulas, MDRD, and Cockcroft-Gault (CG), in the prognostic assessment of patients with APE. Materials and Methods Data from 2274 (1147 M/1127 F, median 71 years) hospitalised patients with APE prospectively included in a multicenter, observational, cohort study were analysed. A serum creatinine measurement as a routine laboratory parameter at the cooperating centers and eGFR calculation were performed on admission. Patients were followed for 180 days. The primary outcome was death from any cause within 30 days. Results The eGFR levels assessed by both, MDRD (eGFRMDRD) and CG formula (eGFRCG), were highest in patients with low-risk APE and lowest in high-risk APE. The eGFR (using both methods) was significantly lower in nonsurvivors compared to survivors. Using a threshold of <60 ml/min/1.73 m2, eGFRMDRD revealed the primary outcome with sensitivity 67%, specificity 52%, PPV 8%, and NPV 97%, while eGFRCG had a sensitivity 62%, specificity 62%, PPV 8.6%, and NPV 96%. The area under the ROC curve for eGFRCG tended to be higher than that for eGFRMDRD: 0.658 (95% CI: 0.608-0.709) vs. 0.631 (95% CI: 0.578-0.683), p = 0.12. A subanalysis of ROC curves in a population above 65 yrs showed a higher AUC for eGFRCG than based on MDRD. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a worse long-term outcome in patients with impaired renal function. Conclusion eGFRMDRD and eGFRCG assessed on admission significant short- and long-term mortality predictors in patients with APE. The eGFRCG seems to be a slightly better 30-day mortality predictor than eGFRMDRD in the elderly.
Transcription Factor 21 Promotes Chicken Adipocyte Differentiation at Least in Part via Activating MAPK/JNK Signaling

The molecular mechanisms of transcription factor 21 (TCF21) in regulating chicken adipogenesis remain unclear. Thus, the current study was designed to investigate the signaling pathway mediating the effect of TCF21 on chicken adipogenesis. Immortalized chicken preadipocytes cell line (ICP), a preadipocyte cell line stably overexpressing TCF21 (LV-TCF21) and a control preadipocyte cell line (LV-control) were used in the current study. We found that the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) was significantly elevated in LV-TCF21 compared to LV-control. After treating ICP cells with a JNK inhibitor SP600125, the differentiation of ICP was inhibited, as evidenced by decreased accumulation of lipid droplets and reduced expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α (C/EBPα), adipocyte fatty acid binding protein (A-FABP), and lipoprotein lipase (LPL). Moreover, we found that the inhibition of JNK by SP600125 remarkably impaired the ability of TCF21 to drive adipogenesis. Taken together, our results suggest that TCF21 promotes the differentiation of adipocytes at least in part via activating MAPK/JNK pathway.
Visiting the hegemon: Explaining diplomatic visits to the United States

Diplomacy is a chief instrument of foreign policy. Through high-level diplomatic visits, governments can facilitate cooperation and signal the quality of their relations with other states. Because host countries cannot receive an indefinite number of visits, they must make strategic decisions, prioritizing some countries over others. This reveals information about their foreign policy priorities as well as diplomatic hierarchies and practices in the system as a whole. But what determines high-level diplomatic visits? Existing scholarship disagrees. In this research note, we assess the determinants of high-level diplomatic visits to the U.S. Theoretically, we draw on previous studies and formulate structural, domestic, and practice-oriented accounts of high-level visits as tools of foreign policy. Empirically, we gather original data on diplomatic visits to the U.S. by foreign leaders from 1946 to 2012. Our main results are two-fold. First, high-level diplomatic visits to the U.S. are primarily determined by structural factors such as economic relations. Second, we find clear differences in invited country profiles during and after the Cold War, demonstrating that high-level visits are used strategically to promote shifting foreign policy priorities.
A framework for preventive health marketing

ABSTRACT Preventive health is a key, yet nascent, area in health marketing that deserves greater attention in order to fullfil its promise for improving public health. This paper aims to contribute toward this cause by developing and testing a framework for preventive health marketing. To do so, this paper employs the Health Belief Model (HBM) as a theoretical lens, health screening as a case of preventive health, and structural equation modelling on cross-sectional survey data from 326 consumers. In doing so, this paper finds that preventive health behavior (i.e., desire and intention to attend and recommend health screening) is predominantly influenced by consumers’ efficacy (i.e., perceived benefits and barriers of health screening), social (i.e., subjective norm), and personal (i.e., perceived health importance), but not threat (e.g., perceived susceptibility and severity of health screening), beliefs of preventive health. This paper also finds that preventive health behavior may be significantly influenced by a number of preventive health externalities, such as affordability and cultural orientation. These findings, as a whole, contribute to a nuanced understanding of preventive health behavior for preventive health marketing.
Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process for Supplier Selection: A Case Study in An Electronic Component Manufacturer

Supplier selection has become one of the essential effects on the entire electronic supply chain network to gain competitiveness. In the upstream supply chain, companies are able to achieve a high quality and value of products to reduce the potential risks from both internal and external stakeholders by selecting the right suppliers. The case study company produces a nano sim-card connector in which four different types of raw materials are processed into different parts. Currently, the case study company selects each raw material supplier based on its appraisal record. Nevertheless, the appraisal record is measured by the department of procurement. When candidate suppliers are categorized at the same level, the cost becomes the priority criteria to select the supplier, which increases the potential risks of, for example, the components defect rate, a penalty from clients, and a reduction in orders. This paper proposed a Fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) model for the selection of raw material suppliers by collecting data from two of the company’s departments (procurement and engineering) and the clients to address qualitative and quantitative elements, uncertainty, and linguistic vagueness based on the company’s scenario in two parts. First, the main and sub-criteria can be weighted using a decision-maker (DM) to identify the level of importance. Second, the FAHP model also dealt with personal preferences and judgement so that the right supplier(s) for each raw material could be selected by collecting and computing the data from the respondents. Then, the sensitivity analysis is applied to observe how the decisions change when the model parameters in the top five sub-criteria change. The proposed model can offer better information and solutions for the DM in the case study company to differentiate the crucial main and sub-criteria and select the suitable raw material suppliers effectively.
THE MEDIATING EFFECT OF PROACTIVE KNOWLEDGE SHARING AMONG TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP, COHESION, AND LEARNING GOAL ORIENTATION ON EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE

The background of this study is based on the controversial relationship between transformational leadership and employee performance. Empirical and theoretical models resolve the controversy by building a new concept based on proactive knowledge sharing. The study established the influence of transformational leadership, cohesion and learning goal orientation on proactive knowledge sharing and employee performance. A total of 7 hypotheses were developed to solve the study problem, while purposive sampling was used in data collection. The respondents consisted of 6 employees of Sharia Banking in Indonesia. The SEM results indicate that five hypotheses were significant, while 2 were insignificant. Furthermore, proactive knowledge sharing strongly mediates the relationship between the studied variables. These results confirm the withdrawal of the new concept in improving employee performance.
Smear Layer Evaluation after Root Canal Instrumentation with Manual and Rotary Techniques: A Scanning Electron Microscopic Study

Background: The smear layer produced when root canals are instrumented is known to affect the prognosis of endodontic treatment. Clinicians are now moving towards flexible nickel titanium instruments in hand and rotary forms. It is important for them to be aware of the amount of smear layer produced by the various instrumentation systems. Objective: To observe and compare the mean smear layer scores following instrumentation of root canals with ISO standardized stainless steel K files, ProTaper hand and rotary systems under the scanning electron microscope. (SEM) Design: 45 single rooted human teeth with conical roots and type1 canals were divided into three groups of 15 each. The root canals in group 1 were prepared by ISO standardized stainless steel K files, group 2, by the hand ProTaper files and group 3, by the rotary ProTaper files. Irrigation was carried out using saline and 3% sodium hypochlorite. Following instrumentation, the coronal portion of the teeth was sectioned at the CEJ. The roots were then sectioned longitudinally and examined under the SEM. The SEM photographs were scored by two blinded examiners. Statistical analysis: Consistency between the two examiners was checked using the Kappa tests. The data was analyzed using Kruskal Wallis one way analysis of variance. The significance was set at a P value <0.01. Results: The difference between group 1 and group 2 was not significant. P = 0.82 There was significant difference between group 2 and group 3. P<0.01 There was significant difference between group 1 and group 3. P<0.01. Conclusion: Under the conditions of the study, the group 2 showed the most smear layer, followed by the group 1. Group 3 showed the least presence of smear layer.
Reconceptualizing fit in strategic human resource management: 'Lost in translation?'

To date, studies that focus on the concept of 'fit' in strategic human resource management (SHRM) fail to show consistent evidence. A variety of fit approaches are available, but there is no general consensus about what constitutes fit. This chapter aims to reconceptualize fit through a literature review and a critical reflection on the general findings to date. We reflect on what has been achieved up until now, identify what is still missing and present an alternative framework for conceptualizing fit, resulting in a set of propositions on SHRM and fit that can be tested in future research.