Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Seed Priming with Spermine Mitigates Chromium Stress in Rice by Modifying the Ion Homeostasis, Cellular Ultrastructure and Phytohormones Balance

Chromium (Cr) is an important environmental constraint effecting crop productivity. Spermine (SPM) is a polyamine compound regulating plant responses to abiotic stresses. However, SPM-mediated tolerance mechanisms against Cr stress are less commonly explored in plants. Thus, current research was conducted to explore the protective mechanisms of SPM (0.01 mM) against Cr (100 µM) toxicity in two rice cultivars, CY927 (sensitive) and YLY689 (tolerant) at the seedling stage. Our results revealed that, alone, Cr exposure significantly reduced seed germination, biomass and photosynthetic related parameters, caused nutrient and hormonal imbalance, desynchronized antioxidant enzymes, and triggered oxidative damage by over-accretion of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA) and electrolyte leakage in both rice varieties, with greater impairments in CY927 than YLY689. However, seed priming with SPM notably improved or reversed the above-mentioned parameters, especially in YLY689. Besides, SPM stimulated the stress-responsive genes of endogenous phytohormones, especially salicylic acid (SA), as confirmed by the pronounced transcript levels of SA-related genes (OsPR1, OsPR2 and OsNPR1). Our findings specified that SPM enhanced rice tolerance against Cr toxicity via decreasing accumulation of Cr and markers of oxidative damage (H2O2, O2•− and MDA), improving antioxidant defense enzymes, photosynthetic apparatus, nutrients and phytohormone balance.
“I Would Never Push a Vaccine on You”: A Qualitative Study of Social Norms and Pressure in Vaccine Behavior in the U.S.

Previous researchers have established the influence of social norms on vaccine behavior. However, little work has been performed contextualizing individuals’ experience with these social factors and how they operate to persuade individuals’ acceptance or refusal of a vaccine. We aimed to determine the mechanisms of familial and societal pressure or expectations that contribute to COVID-19 vaccine decision-making. We conducted four focus groups and eleven individual interviews (total n = 32) with participants from across the U.S. of different vaccination statuses. We identified three emergent themes: (1) Altruistic reasoning was particularly prevalent among initially hesitant late adopters—the desire to protect loved ones and others constituted a dominant motive, more powerful than protecting oneself. Vaccination was also reckoned as part of a joint effort to return to normal life; hence, it invoked a sense of responsibility or “obligation”; (2) expectation often became pressure; although most vaccinated participants stated that they respected others’ choices, late adopters or unvaccinated participants perceived differently and felt rushed or “forced” into choosing, and many resented being “targeted” or “bullied”; (3) vaccination status became a new label, frequently dividing families, thus producing familial mandates, exclusions, or social stratifications. This caused sadness and feelings of isolation, along with the formation of a camaraderie among the excluded unvaccinated. A vaccine decision builds from the complexities of individuals’ experiences and cultures. The vaccinated were not free of hesitancy nor were the unvaccinated all anti-vaxxers. Vigorous vaccine promotion successfully converted some undecided individuals but also fostered distrust of government; alarmingly, the push to receive the COVID-19 vaccine further triggered doubts about established vaccines. Communication strategies need to be developed and implemented carefully so as not to ostracize the unvaccinated community and strengthen their resistance.
Comparing Current and Next-Generation Humanized Mouse Models for Advancing HIV and HIV/Mtb Co-Infection Studies

In people living with HIV, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is the major cause of death. Due to the increased morbidity/mortality in co-infection, further research is urgently required. A limiting factor to research in HIV and HIV/Mtb co-infection is the lack of accessible in vivo models. Next-generation humanized mice expressing HLA transgenes report improved human immune reconstitution and functionality, which may better recapitulate human disease. This study compares well-established huNRG mice and next-generation HLA I/II-transgenic (huDRAG-A2) mice for immune reconstitution, disease course, and pathology in HIV and TB. HuDRAG-A2 mice have improved engraftment of key immune cell types involved in HIV and TB disease. Upon intravaginal HIV-1 infection, both models developed significant HIV target cell depletion in the blood and tissues. Upon intranasal Mtb infection, both models sustained high bacterial load within the lungs and tissue dissemination. Some huDRAG-A2 granulomas appeared more classically organized, characterized by focal central necrosis, multinucleated giant cells, and foamy macrophages surrounded by a halo of CD4+ T cells. HIV/Mtb co-infection in huNRG mice trended towards worsened TB pathology and showed potential for modeling co-infection. Both huNRG and huDRAG-A2 mice are viable options for investigating HIV and TB, but the huDRAG-A2 model may offer advantages.
Local-Based Content to Improve EFL Students' English Achievement: A Systematic Review

The study carries out a systematic literature review to collect evidence and drew a holistic picture of the effectiveness of local-based content in the EFL materials on learners’ reading, listening, writing, and speaking skills. The systematic review covered several databases including EBSCO and Google Scholar as well as leading publishers such as Emerald. The study adopts systematic search, analysis, and synthesis of published studies and research results relevant to the local-based content functioning in EFL materials were extracted. Specifically, the review extracted 49 peer-reviewed articles published between 2012 and 2020. The careful analysis of these articles revealed a medium to large effect of local-based content on reading and listening skills. However, there is unclear evidence of its effect on writing and speaking skills.
Cost-Effective Synthesis of Bacterial Cellulose and Its Applications in the Food and Environmental Sectors

Bacterial cellulose (BC), also termed bio-cellulose, has been recognized as a biomaterial of vital importance, thanks to its impressive structural features, diverse synthesis routes, high thermomechanical properties, and its ability to combine with multiple additives to form composites for a wide range of applications in diversified areas. Its purity, nontoxicity, and better physico-mechanical features than plant cellulose (PC) make it a better choice for biological applications. However, a major issue with the use of BC instead of PC for various applications is its high production costs, mainly caused by the use of expensive components in the chemically defined media, such as Hestrin–Schramm (HS) medium. Furthermore, the low yield of BC-producing bacteria indirectly accounts for the high cost of BC-based products. Over the last couple of decades, extensive efforts have been devoted to the exploration of low-cost carbon sources for BC production, besides identifying efficient bacterial strains as well as developing engineered strains, developing advanced reactors, and optimizing the culturing conditions for the high yield and productivity of BC, with the aim to minimize its production cost. Considering the applications, BC has attracted attention in highly diversified areas, such as medical, pharmaceutics, textile, cosmetics, food, environmental, and industrial sectors. This review is focused on overviewing the cost-effective synthesis routes for BC production, along with its noteworthy applications in the food and environmental sectors. We have made a comprehensive review of recent papers regarding the cost-effective production and applications of BC in the food and environmental sectors. This review provides the basic knowledge and understanding for cost-effective and scaleup of BC production by discussing the techno-economic analysis of BC production, BC market, and commercialization of BC products. It explores BC applications as food additives as its functionalization to minimize different environmental hazards, such as air contaminants and water pollutants.
Evaluation of outpatient service quality: What do patients and providers think?

ABSTRACT Background Healthcare service quality depends on the service process and interactions between customers and service providers. Therefore, this study aimed to assess service quality in outpatient clinics in hospitals from patients, employees, and managers' perspectives. Method This cross-sectional study was conducted in six public teaching hospitals in Tehran in 2019. The study population consisted of 433 patients, 100 employees, and 15 managers. The standard SERVQUAL questionnaire was used to collect data. Nonparametric statistical analysis including Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests were performed by using SPSS 23 software. Results The highest and lowest gaps from the patients' perspective were related to the dimensions of responsiveness (−1.70) and empathy (−1.42), from the employees' perspective, was related to tangibility (−1.22) and empathy (−0.49) and finally from the managers' perspective was related to tangibility (−1.73) and responsiveness (−0.41) Moreover, the highest gap in service quality was related to the patients' and managers' perception of the responsiveness dimension (Gap = −1.04, t = −6.08, P-value <0.001). Conclusion Managers are recommended to develop appropriate workforce training programs focusing on effective interactions and timely services. Also, an investment in physical environment and equipment is suggested.
Modifications to PM-Assisted Synchronous Reluctance Machine to Achieve Rare-Earth Free Heavy-Duty Traction

Automotive applications require electrical machines designed for high torque density, wide speed range, and low cost. NdFeB magnets can achieve a high torque density and wide speed range, and however, they have a high cost. Therefore, this article explores the capability of rare-earth-free (REF) design through a PM-assisted synchronous reluctance (PM-SynRel) motor. A PM-SynRel design with NdFeB has been used in this study where the NdFeB magnets have been replaced with ferrite magnets. Then, several modifications on the rotor have been made to ensure mechanical safety. Thermal analysis has been conducted last to evaluate the temperatures in the different machine parts to avoid exceeding the required limits. Finally, a prototype has been made and tested to validate the simulation results.
Prehospital Telestroke vs Paramedic Scores to Accurately Identify Stroke Reperfusion Candidates

Background and Objective Stroke reperfusion therapy is time critical. Improving prehospital diagnostic accuracy including the likelihood of large vessel occlusion can aid with efficient and appropriate diversion decisions to optimize onset-to-treatment time. In this study, we investigated whether prehospital telestroke improves diagnostic accuracy when compared with paramedic assessments and assessed feasibility. Methods We conducted a pragmatic, community-based, cluster randomized controlled trial comparing the diagnostic accuracy of telestroke assessments inside the ambulance with a modified Los Angeles Motor Scale (PASTA score). The primary outcome was the accuracy of predicting reperfusion candidates; secondary outcomes were accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of either approach to identify IV thrombolysis (IVT) and endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) candidates and true stroke patients by study group. The accuracy of telestroke and PASTA assessments was compared against in-person assessment in the emergency department and with the final diagnosis/intervention for the patient. We also monitored for technical challenges. Results We recruited 76 patients (35 telestroke and 41 PASTA) between August 2019 and September 2020. The mean age was 72.2 (±14.6) years. Telestroke was 100% (95% CI 90%–100%) and PASTA 70.7% (54.5%–83.9%) accurate in predicting reperfusion candidates compared with preimaging emergency department neurologist assessment (p < 0.001). When compared with actual reperfusion therapy administered, the predictive accuracy was 80% (63.1%–91.6%) and 60.1% (44.5%–75.8%) for telestroke and PASTA, respectively (p < 0.001). In predicting the administration of IVT, telestroke was 80% (63.1–91.6) and PASTA was 56.1% (39.8–71.5) accurate (p < 0.001). In predicting intervention with EVT, telestroke was 88.6% (73.3–96.8) and PASTA 56.1% (39.8–71.5) accurate (p = 0.005). The service model proved technically feasible and was acceptable to neurologists. Discussion Prehospital telestroke assessment is feasible, accurate, and superior to the PASTA score in predicting acute reperfusion therapies, presenting an effective option to guide prehospital diversion decisions. Trial Registration The trial was registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12619001678189). anzctr.org. au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx? id=378655&isReview=true. Classification of Evidence This study provides Class I evidence that intra-ambulance telestroke evaluation has a greater diagnostic accuracy compared with the PASTA score performed by paramedics in distinguishing hyperacute stroke patients who are candidates for reperfusion therapy.
Fabrication and characterization of hybrid poly (vinyl alcohol) based proton exchange membrane for energy generation from wastewater in microbial fuel cell system

Producing energy and utilizing it efficiently in industry and agriculture are key components of healthy growth of the economy of a country. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are a form of technology that can be utilized on a big scale to treat wastewater and generate electricity simultaneously. The cost of proton exchange membranes (PEM) in MFCs can be prohibitively high, and operational concerns such as biofouling and fuel crossover significantly limit the device's practical application in wastewater energy harvesting. As a remedy, the construction of an alternate membrane composed of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) crosslinked with sulfosuccinic acid (SSA) was dedicated to enhancing the proton conductivity and mechanical property of PVA membrane as PEM in MFC. In this study, there are several types of membranes that have been used with varying compositions of SSA (1‐5 wt.%). As indicated by the controlled water uptake and swelling ratio, as well as better thermo‐mechanical stability, crosslinking the PVA membrane resulted in a decrease in hydroxyl groups due to the carboxyl group of SSA and the formation of the ester bond. The addition of zirconium phosphate (ZrP) in various compositions ranging from 1 to 5 wt. % has boosted the crosslinked membrane further, whereas the hybrid membrane with PVA/5 wt. % SSA/5 wt. % ZrP that was selected resulted in a greater power density of 1.49 mW/m2, comparable to that of commercial Nafion membrane (1.85 mW/m2). The PVA/SSA/ZrP membrane exhibits its promise as a separator in future MFCs due to its compatible power performance with those commercial membranes.
Similarity Analysis of Understorey Plant Species in Forest Areas

Many forests have substantial understorey plants. These plants have an important contribution to soil and water conservation. The similarity index determines the resemblance of species structure and composition in a community. This research is aimed to see the impact and relationship of changes in the allocation of forest areas to the similarity of understorey species. The research was conducted using the line plot sampling method, sized 2 m x 2 m, with the understorey plants observed have been measured from germination to young plant (height 1.5 m). The number of plots in the plantation forest is 480 plots, protected areas 224 plots, and natural forest 96 plots. Determination of the number of understorey plots based on the minimum representative area curve. A Similarity Index was performed to analyze the data. The results indicated that there is an impact of changes in the forest area on the similarity of understorey species. It is known from the low similarity index value at the research location. It is due to the differences in environmental factors at the two locations such as air humidity, air temperature, the intensity of sunlight, and different patterns of forest area management.
Sensitivity of Central Oklahoma Convection Forecasts to Upstream Potential Vorticity Anomalies during Two Strongly Forced Cases during MPEX

AbstractThe role of upstream subsynoptic forecast errors on forecasts of two different central Oklahoma severe convection events (19 and 31 May 2013) characterized by strong synoptic forcing during the Mesoscale Predictability Experiment (MPEX) are evaluated by applying the ensemble-based sensitivity technique to WRF ensemble forecasts with explicit convection. During both cases, the forecast of the timing and intensity of convection over central Oklahoma is modulated by the southward extent of upstream midtropospheric potential vorticity anomalies that are moving through the base of a larger-scale upstream trough but pass by central Oklahoma prior to convective initiation. In addition, the convection forecasts are also sensitive to the position of lower-tropospheric boundaries, such that moving the boundaries in a manner that would lead to increased equivalent potential temperature over central Oklahoma prior to convective initiation leads to more precipitation. Statistical PV inversion and correlation c.
Around MOND: Lagrangians, Hubble Equations, Perturbations and External Field Effect

The MOdified Newtonian Dynamics (MOND) is presented here, as well as a theory that can be linked to it: the theory of the Aether, a four-vector field breaking Lorentz invariance. The form of its Lagrangian is studied, then basic equations of the theory are rederived in a detailed way, and calculated for different metrics, exploring the impact of non-zero spatial terms of the Aether. A brief attempt of making the Aether Lagrangian depend on a scalar field is presented. An analytic solving of a galaxy model with an external field is described, which highlights the MONDian external field effect that breaks the strong equivalence principle.
Protective Effects of Pioglitazone on Cognitive Impairment and the Underlying Mechanisms: A Review of Literature

Abstract Pioglitazone, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) agonist, is known to have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects on the brain, and its clinical potential in the treatment of cognitive impairment in diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson disease (PD) is currently being explored. This review focused on the reported beneficial effects of pioglitazone on cognitive dysfunction and summarized the associated mechanisms associated with pioglitazone-induced improvement in cognitive dysfunction. Our review of the relevant literature indicated that there is conclusive evidence of the effect of pioglitazone on improving cognitive impairment via its agonistic effect on PPAR-γ. Further, several mechanisms of action have been reported, and these include enhanced NF-kB and p38 activity; regulation of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α; inhibition of Aβ production; alterations in the levels of mitochondrial proteins such as mitoNEET; regulation of protein kinases such as CDK5 and JNK; regulation of ROS and MDA levels and the levels of the antioxidant proteins TRX1 and PON2; and increased expression of thyroid hormone receptors. Despite these promising findings, pioglitazone treatment is also associated with cardiovascular risks, such as weight gain and edema, which subsequently increase the risk of mortality. Further, it has been documented that pioglitazone may be unable to cross the blood–brain barrier when administered in certain forms, and it can also cause cell death when administered at high concentrations. Therefore, further research is required to explore the effects of acute and chronic pioglitazone treatment on memory function and the associated risks, in order to determine its clinical applicability in the treatment of cognitive disorders. Nonetheless, the current literature does demonstrate that pioglitazone promotes the function of PPAR receptors in ameliorating inflammation, oxidative stress, amyloidogenesis, and hypothyroidism, and enhancing neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, and mitochondrial function. Therefore, these mechanisms of PPAR receptors warrant further investigation in order to establish the clinical applicability of pioglitazone in the treatment of cognitive disorders, such as PD and AD, and neuronal impairment in conditions such as diabetes.
Pouvoir attractif, pour  Glossina tachinoides , de produits chimiques isolés des odeurs animales

Des expériences destinées à identifier les produits qui, dans l’odeur animale, sont attractifs pour Glossina tachinoides ont été entreprises par le CRTA de Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. Des dérivés phénoliques ont partiellement simulé l’effet de l’odeur de bovin. L’adjonction d’octenol, pourtant inefficace seul, a potentialisé ce pouvoir attractif. Cela permet d’espérer, à moyen terme, la possibilité d’utiliser le piégeage avec attractif pour les glossines riveraines.
Analysis of laser angle-resolved photoemission spectra of Ba2Sr2CaCu2O8+delta in the superconducting state: Angle-resolved self-energy and the fluctuation spectrum

We analyze the ultrahigh-resolution laser angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy intensity from the slightly underdoped Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+delta in the superconductive (SC) state. The momentum distribution curves were fitted at each energy omega employing the SC Green's function along several cuts perpendicular to the Fermi surface with the tilt angle theta with respect to the nodal cut. The clear observation of particle-hole mixing was utilized such that the complex self-energy as a function of omega is directly obtained from the fitting. The obtained angle-resolved self-energy is then used to deduce the Eliashberg function alpha F-2((+))(theta,omega) in the diagonal channel by inverting the d-wave Eliashberg equation using the maximum entropy method. Besides a broad featureless spectrum up to the cutoff energy omega(c), the deduced alpha F-2 exhibits two peaks around 0.05 and 0.015 eV. The former and the broad feature are already present in the normal state, while the latter emerges only below T-c. Both peaks become enhanced as T is lowered or the angle theta moves away from the nodal direction. The implication of these findings is discussed.
Behavioral Determinants of Open Defecation Free To Families in Soligi Village

Indiscriminate defecation (BABS) is an unhealthy behavior which is often encountered in everyday life. Until now, open defecation behavior in Soligi Village South Obi District is still being carried out. The purpose of this study was to analyze the determinants of open defecation free behavior in families in Soligi village. The type of research used is quantitative research with a cross sectional design. The sample was taken proportionally with a simple random sampling technique calculated using the Lemeshow formula with a proportion of 0.2 95% confidence level and 0.1 storage degree so that 135 families of samples could be found from a total population of 679 families, to avoid drop out samples plus 10% so that a sample of 145 families was obtained. Data analysis used univariate and bivariate with che-square test and p value < 0.05. The results of the study concluded that there was a significant relationship between knowledge, p-value = 0.001 less than = 0.05, attitude obtained p-value = 0.000 less than = 0.05, latrine ownership obtained p-value = 0.002 less than = 0.05, the availability of clean water obtained p-value = 0.000 less than = 0.05, the role of health workers obtained p-value = 0.000 less than = 0.05, and the role of community shops obtained p-value = 0.000 less than = 0.05 with open defecation behavior (BABS).