Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamases Genes in Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolates Obtained from Patients in Intensive Care Units

Background: Drug-resistant hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are a growing concern in modern medicine throughout the world. Klebsiella pneumoniae is one of the most prominent causative agents of multidrug-resistant nosocomial infections. It is also widely recognized for having a high resistance level to many antibiotic classes, particularly beta-lactams. Carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae has been identified as a major global cause of HAIs with adverse clinical outcomes. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance to have an in-depth understanding of the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genetic determinants of this bacterium to stop the spread of highly resistant K. pneumoniae in healthcare facilities and the resulting patient morbidity and mortality. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the AMR pattern of K. pneumoniae isolates obtained from intensive care units (ICUs), with a focus on extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) genes blaCTX-M, blaGES, and blaIMP. Methods: A total of 105 K. pneumoniae isolates obtained from the sputum samples of ICU patients were identified and confirmed using standard microbiological tests and 16S rRNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The antibiotic susceptibility test was performed for all the isolates. The presence of ESBL genes was determined phenotypically and by PCR. Results: The highest level of resistance was observed against ceftazidime (100%), cefotaxime (99%), and imipenem (93.3%). Approximately 87.6% and 39% of the isolates were sensitive to colistin and gentamicin, respectively. Phenotypic ESBL production was observed in 16 isolates, and the prevalence of blaCTX-M was 86.7%. No blaGES and blaIMP genes were detected. Conclusions: Periodic investigation of AMR-mediating genes is essential due to the high prevalence of ESBL genes in HAIs. The presence of other ESBL genes needs to be investigated for a more accurate understanding of the AMR status of K. pneumoniae in healthcare settings.
Catering incentives, sentiment investor, and dividend policy in six ASEAN countries

Abstract Fundamentals alone are insufficient to explain why companies adopt a particular dividend policy. Dividend policy can also be seen from a behavioral perspective because companies serve investors who strongly prefer stocks that pay dividends, hereinafter referred to as dividend catering theory. This study employs a quantitative research design to investigate the theory of dividend catering in six ASEAN countries from 2012 to 2021. The research utilizes a dynamic panel regression approach with a Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) estimation system, drawing data from the Thomson Reuters database and The World Bank. This research produced several findings. First, we show essential differences in the dividend policies of companies across countries. Second, we find that low (high) sentiment tends to high (low) catering incentives, so companies decide to pay (not pay) dividends. Third, companies based in common-law countries exhibit a strengthened relationship between catering incentives and the likelihood of dividend payments. Our findings explain the factors that contribute to the increase and decrease of the catering dividend in the ASEAN region and contribute to the decision-making of a company’s dividend payout by considering investor sentiment, which will ultimately increase firms’ value.
Preserving the Great Mosque of Córdoba (Spain): Characterization of Natural Stone Based on Rebound Hammer and Ultrasonic Tests

: The preservation of The Great Mosque of Cordoba (Spain) as a carrier of Andalusian collective memory requires innovative approaches to assess and maintain its structural health. This research centers on two non-destructive methods: direct ultrasound testing and rebound hammer. Laboratory tests were performed on natural stone provided by the primary material supplier for the Mosque ’ s restoration and rehabilitation works. Non-destructive and destructive tests were carried out over 10 ashlars and 100 cubic and prismatic specimens, which were cut from the ashlars. Tests were conducted in multiple directions to investigate stone anisotropy. Destructive testing indicated isotropy, but ultrasound test results disagreed. Sensitivity analysis of specimen dimensions affected result dispersion, but not average properties.
Effects of White Sorghum Flour Levels on Physicochemical and Sensory Characteristics of Gluten-Free Bread

This research studied the effects of white sorghum flour levels at 0, 10, 25, 40, 70, 85 and 100% in the matrix of rice and tapioca flours and corn starch on the properties of flour blends and the qualities of gluten-free (GF) bread. Single and composite flours were analyzed for moisture content, color and pasting properties. GF bread samples prepared from composite flours were analyzed for specific volume, moisture content, water activity, crumb color and instrumental texture. Sensory profiles of the breads were determined by nine trained descriptive panelists. The results show that increasing the sorghum flour content increased (p ≤ 0.05) color intensity, pasting temperature and setback viscosity, while it decreased (p ≤ 0.05) the peak and breakdown viscosities of flour blends. For GF bread, increasing white sorghum flour levels in the blends primarily affected specific volume, color, flavor and texture characteristics, leading to decreases (p ≤ 0.05) in specific volume, cohesiveness, springiness, chewiness and moistness, but increases (p ≤ 0.05) in color intensity, brown and nutty flavors, graininess and roughness. White sorghum flour could be used in the blends at the maximum level of 25% to get a good bread volume without sacrificing texture quality.
Efficacy of Transarterial Chemoembolization Combined With Camrelizumab in the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary cancer of liver tissue and is often caused by chronic liver diseases. The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging system is commonly used to determine the stage and prognosis of HCC. Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the recommended first-line therapy for intermediate-stage HCC (patients who have asymptomatic, multi-nodular hepatocellular carcinoma). Over the past 10 years, the combination of TACE with immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as Camrelizumab, has shown promising results in treating HCC. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search of PubMed, MEDLINE, Elsevier, Scopus, ATC abstracts, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases was performed to identify relevant studies on the effectiveness of TACE combined with Camrelizumab in the treatment of HCC. Study selection, data extraction, and quality assurance were conducted by independent investigators. From 1023 identified citations, six studies were included in the final analysis. The combined results of these studies showed a complete response rate of 7.35%, a partial response rate of 37.10%, stable disease in 28.76% of patients, an objective response rate of 46.13%, a disease control rate of 77.19%, and progression-free survival of 6.2 months. The combination of TACE and Camrelizumab appears to be a safe and effective treatment option for patients with advanced, recurrent, and unresectable HCC. However, the included studies had limitations such as retrospective design and small sample sizes. Further research is needed to validate and expand on these findings.
Boards of Directors and High-Tech Sectors Affect ESG Disclosure Quality: An Empirical Analysis of Global Firms

Our days are characterized by two intertwined phenomena, digital technologies and sustainability concerns, which have significantly changed our lives. The growing attention of stakeholders on sustainability has resulted in a greater demand for transparency about environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues, but, although the significance of ESG disclosure is widely acknowledged by businesses, the extent of ESG disclosure varies considerably between firms. This study, using agency theory as the theoretical basis, aims to examine the effect of various characteristics of boards of directors, such as gender diversity, independence, size, average age, frequency of meetings, tenure, and membership in high-tech industries, on the level of ESG disclosure. The empirical analysis is conducted using an OLS regression model on a cross-sectional sample of 863 firms. The findings show that board characteristics such as gender diversity, independence, and size, as well as membership in the high-tech sector, positively impact the level of ESG disclosure. Surprisingly, board members' average age positively influences ESG disclosure level, whereas board tenure has a negative influence. This study offers substantial implications for policymakers, regulators, and organizations committed to promoting sustainability and social responsibility.
Localized polar cap flow enhancement tracing using airglow patches: Statistical properties, IMF dependence, and contribution to polar cap convection

Recent radar observations have suggested that polar cap flows are highly structured and that localized flow enhancements can lead to nightside auroral disturbances. However, knowledge of these flows is limited to available echo regions. Utilizing wide spatial coverage by an all‐sky imager at Resolute Bay and simultaneous Super Dual Auroral Radar Network measurements, we statistically determined properties of such flows and their interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) dependence. We found that narrow flow enhancements are well collocated with airglow patches with substantially larger velocities (≥200 m/s) than the weak large‐scale background flows. The flow azimuthal widths are similar to the patch widths. During the evolution across the polar cap, the flow directions and speeds are consistent with the patch propagation directions and speeds. These correspondences indicate that patches can optically trace localized flow enhancements reflecting the flow width, speed, and direction. Such associations were found common (~67%) in statistics, and the typical flow speed, propagation time, and width within our observation areas are 600 m/s, tens of minutes, and 200–300 km, respectively. By examining IMF dependence of the occurrence and properties of these flows, we found that they tend to be observed under By‐dominated IMF. Flow speeds are large under oscillating IMF clock angles. Localized flow enhancements are usually observed as a channel elongated in the noon‐midnight meridian and directed toward premidnight (postmidnight) for +By (−By). The potential drops across localized flow enhancements account for ~10–40% of the cross polar cap potential, indicating that they significantly contribute to polar cap plasma transport.
Significance of Premature Vertebral Mineralization in Zebrafish Models in Mechanistic and Pharmaceutical Research on Hereditary Multisystem Diseases

Zebrafish are increasingly becoming an important model organism for studying the pathophysiological mechanisms of human diseases and investigating how these mechanisms can be effectively targeted using compounds that may open avenues to novel treatments for patients. The zebrafish skeleton has been particularly instrumental in modeling bone diseases as—contrary to other model organisms—the lower load on the skeleton of an aquatic animal enables mutants to survive to early adulthood. In this respect, the axial skeletons of zebrafish have been a good read-out for congenital spinal deformities such as scoliosis and degenerative disorders such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, in which aberrant mineralization in humans is reflected in the respective zebrafish models. Interestingly, there have been several reports of hereditary multisystemic diseases that do not affect the vertebral column in human patients, while the corresponding zebrafish models systematically show anomalies in mineralization and morphology of the spine as their leading or, in some cases, only phenotype. In this review, we describe such examples, highlighting the underlying mechanisms, the already-used or potential power of these models to help us understand and amend the mineralization process, and the outstanding questions on how and why this specific axial type of aberrant mineralization occurs in these disease models.
Vegetation recovery following pig removal in 'Ola'a-Koa Rainforest Unit, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

iv INTRODUCTION . 1 STUDYSITES . * . 2 METHODS . 3 RESULTS. 4 DISCUSSION. 6 LITERATURECITED . 9
Investigations on the Suitability of Non-Wood Kenaf Bast Fiber as an Alternative for Making Insulating Presspaper for Transformers

For decades, oil-impregnated paper and presspaper derived from Kraft pulp have been utilized in high-voltage transformers to fulfill the function of providing electrical insulation. In response to the growing demand for wood fiber on a global scale, non-wood fibers have been developed for use in pulp and presspaper manufacturing as alternatives to wood fibers. The purpose of this study is to develop an insulating presspaper for transformer applications using non-wood Kenaf Bast fiber. Specifically, this article investigates the morphology, thermal properties, tensile strength, and electrical breakdown voltage performance of Kenaf presspaper in order to assess its potential use as presspaper insulation. Results show that Kraft presspaper has better thermal stability and tensile strength value than Kenaf presspaper. A higher relative bond area in Kraft presspaper than in Kenaf presspaper is one reason for its mechanical strength. However, in terms of the electrical breakdown voltage performance, it has been seen that the Kenaf presspaper performance is greatly improved. The findings of the study show that additional investigation into the implementation of Kenaf presspaper in transformers is recommended. It is possible that the insulating performance could be improved by making some modifications to the production process of Kenaf presspaper.
Evaluation of febrile seizures in children infected with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant in Yunnan, China: a multi-center, retrospective observational study

Background The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant was reported to be linked to febrile seizures (FSs), but studies on FSs in children with Omicron infection remain relatively scarce, especially in the Chinese population. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of children diagnosed with Omicron infection with FSs in Yunnan, China, and evaluate the potential association between FSs and Omicron infection. Methods This study was conducted at four hospitals in Yunnan from December 8, 2022, to January 8, 2023, and consisted of 590 pediatric subjects. According to clinical characteristics, 85, 129 and 376 subjects were divided into the FS-only, Omicron-FS, and Omicron-only groups, respectively. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were retrospectively collected for analysis. Results The incidence of FSs in children with Omicron infection was 25.5% (129/505). Older age, stronger male predominance, as well as lower proportions of prior history and family history of seizures were observed in Omicron-FS and Omicron-only groups than in FS-only group, but there were no differences in these four above-mentioned events between these two Omicron-related groups. Compared to FS-only group, Omicron-FS group also had a shorter fever-to-seizure onset duration and more frequent seizures during a single course of fever. Moreover, higher levels of IL-6, TNF-α and ferritin as well as decreased counts of leukocytes and lymphocytes were confirmed in Omicron-FS group than in FS-only and Omicron-only groups. Regarding COVID-19 vaccination status, Omicron-FS group revealed a higher proportion of unvaccinated children and a lower proportion of three-dose vaccination than Omicron-only group. As for clinical outcomes, proportions of mechanical ventilation and intensive care unit admission observed in the two Omicron-related groups were notably higher than those in FS-only group. Meanwhile, Omicron-FS group showed the longest length of hospital stay, followed by Omicron-only group and FS-only group, in order. Finally, all patients but one who died of fulminant myocarditis had been successfully discharged. Conclusions The incidence of FSs in children with Omicron infection was 25.5% in Yunnan. FSs might be a clinical sign deserving more attention in children with Omicron infection. Furthermore, COVID-19 vaccination is likely to provide effective protection against Omicron-related FSs in children.
Antibacterial Effect of Cinnamon and Citronella Oils Combination Against Acne-Related Bacteria

Acne vulgaris is a dermatological disease whose pathogenesis is due to high sebum secretion, hyperkeratinization, hormonal changes, or bacterial infections. Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus are bacteria that can induce inflammation in acne. Cinnamomum burmannii and Cymbopogon nardus essential oils have been reported to have antibacterial activity against S. epidermidis and S. aureus. This study aimed to obtain the type of interaction of a combination of C. burmannii and C. nardus oils in inhibiting bacteria associated with acne. Essential oil components were identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS). Optimize the combination of C. burmannii and C. nardus oils using the checkerboard method. Furthermore, the Fractional Inhibitory Concentration Index (FICI) value is calculated to determine the effect of a combination that is synergistic, additive, not different or antagonistic. The main components of C. burmannii oil identified are cinnamaldehyde, eucalyptol, cinnamyl acetate, α-limonene, and α-terpineol. While C. nardus oil contains the five largest components: geraniol, citronellal, citronellol, citral, and geranyl acetate. Cinnamomum burmannii oil yielded 0.28%, with a refractive index of 1.5237. Meanwhile, the yield of C. nardus oil was 0.26%, with a refractive index of 1.4667. The combination of both oils yielded a FICI value of 1.5. The conclusion of this study shows that the combination of the two essential oils produces an indifferent effect against both S. epidermidis and S. aureus.
Over-the-Air Synchronization of Time, Phase and Frequency in a Distributed Receiving System

This paper addresses over-the-air synchronization of two distributed receivers connected to a fusion center via digital links. We distinguish between received signals’ synchronization and receiving channels’ synchronization. The applications are digital receive beamforming (BF) and radio source localization, respectively. We introduce the system and signal models and propose a synchronization procedure. The scheme for signal synchronization includes estimating and compensating for the instantaneous phase and time offsets between the received user signals. This is achieved by using wideband and narrowband pilots sent by a beacon transmitter, along with a wideband preamble sent by the user transmitter. Optionally, the scheme allows for equalization of the user signal, employing a narrowband pilot signal sent by the user transmitter. For channel synchronization, the procedure involves estimating and compensating for the instantaneous phase and time offsets between the receiving channels using pilot signals sent by the beacon transmitter. We assume variable frequency and constant time offsets during the observation interval. In addition, we propose a novel adaptive algorithm for instantaneous phase offset estimation. We demonstrate the performance of the synchronization procedure and the proposed algorithms through Monte Carlo simulations and experiments using USRPs (Universal Software Radio Peripheral). With a 20 dB signal-to-noise ratio and realistic frequency offset amplitude and dynamics, the 0.9-quantiles for time estimation error and instantaneous phase estimation error are one 20th of the sampling interval and 10 degrees, respectively. The total error is reduced almost to the noise-only error.
An Adapted GeneSwitch Toolkit for Comparable Cellular and Animal Models: A Proof of Concept in Modeling Charcot-Marie-Tooth Neuropathy

Investigating the impact of disease-causing mutations, their affected pathways, and/or potential therapeutic strategies using disease modeling often requires the generation of different in vivo and in cellulo models. To date, several approaches have been established to induce transgene expression in a controlled manner in different model systems. Several rounds of subcloning are, however, required, depending on the model organism used, thus bringing labor-intensive experiments into the technical approach and analysis comparison. The GeneSwitch™ technology is an adapted version of the classical UAS-GAL4 inducible system, allowing the spatial and temporal modulation of transgene expression. It consists of three components: a plasmid encoding for the chimeric regulatory pSwitch protein, Mifepristone as an inducer, and an inducible plasmid. While the pSwitch-containing first plasmid can be used both in vivo and in cellulo, the inducible second plasmid can only be used in cellulo. This requires a specific subcloning strategy of the inducible plasmid tailored to the model organism used. To avoid this step and unify gene expression in the transgenic models generated, we replaced the backbone vector with standard pUAS-attB plasmid for both plasmids containing either the chimeric GeneSwitch™ cDNA sequence or the transgene cDNA sequence. We optimized this adapted system to regulate transgene expression in several mammalian cell lines. Moreover, we took advantage of this new system to generate unified cellular and fruit fly models for YARS1-induced Charco–Marie–Tooth neuropathy (CMT). These new models displayed the expected CMT-like phenotypes. In the N2a neuroblastoma cells expressing YARS1 transgenes, we observed the typical “teardrop” distribution of the synthetase that was perturbed when expressing the YARS1CMT mutation. In flies, the ubiquitous expression of YARS1CMT induced dose-dependent developmental lethality and pan-neuronal expression caused locomotor deficit, while expression of the wild-type allele was harmless. Our proof-of-concept disease modeling studies support the efficacy of the adapted transgenesis system as a powerful tool allowing the design of studies with optimal data comparability.
Seasonal Variations of the Physical and Chemical Properties of Seawater at the Northern Red Sea, Egypt

The present study focused on the seasonal variations of physical and chemical properties of seawater at the Northern Red Sea coast. The results showed good quality of water of the area of study in general. Seasonal variations of physico-chemical parameters such as water temperature, pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen (DO) and the biological oxygen demand (BOD) were investigated and showed a range of 17.96 0.06 to 32.56 0.25 ˚ C for temperature, 7.78 0.01 to 8.21 0.02 for pH, 40.02 0.11 to 42.32 0.10‰ for salinity, 6.05 0.21mgl 1 to 8.05 0.12 mgl 1 for DO and 0.73 0.20 to 4.15 0.22 mgl 1 for BOD at different sites during the different seasons. The physico-chemical parameters have exhibited slightly seasonal variations at different sites of the present study area. Nutrients concentrations were very low at the different sites and showed an increase at site III. The ranges of ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, phosphate and silicate were: (1.93 0.11 to 14.31 2.11 mMl 1 ), (0.03 0.01 to 1.30 0.18 mMl 1 ), (0.15 0.05 to 4.88 2.25 mMl 1 ), (0.03 0.01 to 0.49 0.10 mMl 1 ) and (0.48 0.04 to 2.85 0.14 mMl 1 ) respectively, at the study area