Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Attenuation of sound in water through collections of very large bubbles with elastic shells

The ultimate goal of this work is to accurately predict the attenuation through a collection of large (on the order of 10 cm radius) tethered encapsulated bubbles used in an underwater noise abatement system. Measurements of underwater sound attenuation were performed during a set of lake experiments, where a low-frequency compact electromechanical sound source was surrounded by different arrays of encapsulated bubbles with various individual bubbles sizes and void fractions. The measurements are compared with an existing predictive model [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 97, 1510--1521 (1995)] of the dispersion relation for linear propagation in liquid containing encapsulated bubbles. Although the model was originally intended to describe ultrasound contrast agents, it is evaluated here for large bubbles, and hence low frequencies, as a design tool for the underwater noise abatement system, and there is fairly good quantitative agreement between the data and the model. Refinements to the model to incorporate multiple.
Increasing the Safety and Storage of Pre-Packed Fresh-Cut Fruits and Vegetables by Supercritical CO2 Process

This work presents a feasibility lab-scale study for a new preservation method to inactivate microorganisms and increase the shelf life of pre-packed fresh-cut products. Experiments were conducted on coriander leaves and fresh-cut carrots and coconut. The technology used the combination of hydrostatic pressure (<15 MPa), low temperature (≤45 °C), and CO2 modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). The inactivation was achieved for the naturally present microorganisms (total mesophilic bacteria, yeasts and molds, total coliforms) and inoculated E. coli. Yeasts and molds and coliform were under the detection limit in all the treated samples, while mesophiles were strongly reduced, but below the detection limit only in carrots. Inoculated E. coli strains were completely inactivated (>6.0 log CFU/g) on coconut, while a reduction >4.0 log CFU/g was achieved for carrots and coriander. For all the treated products, the texture was similar to the fresh ones, while a small alteration of color was detected. Microbiological stability was achieved for up to 14 days for both fresh-cut carrots and coconut. Overall, the results are promising for the development of a new mild and innovative food preservation technique for fresh food.
The effect of different milking techniques on the performance of the Anatolian water buffaloes

This study was carried out to determine the effects of hand and machine milking on milk performance in buffaloes. Twenty-four adult Anatolian water buffaloes (AWB), the age of about (5 and 6 years) old at stage 35 to 37 days of lactation were randomly divided into two similar groups, 12 AWB in each group. As a result of the investigation, it was determined that the machine milking group (2) significantly improved silage dry matter (DM), alfalfa DM and the total DM consumption of the buffalo compared to the handle milking group (1) (P<0.05), (P<0.05) and (P<0.01) While, a significant increase (P<0.01) was observed in the values of milk yield in the buffalo group (2) conducted machine milking compared to that Control group (1) (7.12 to 8.23 kg day-1). Another finding of the study was that the application of a pressure of 45 kPa increased the SCC compared to the handle milking group (1) (45.2-68.8x10 log mL-134.30%) (P<0.05). It was determined that regression equation between total DM and milk yield in machine milking was Y = -21.89+4.29 T**, regression coefficient was R2 = 0.868 and correlation coefficient was r = 0.932 (P<0.001). As a result of the research, the use of machine milking in buffalo enterprises can be recommended both in terms of increasing milk yield and facilitating work.
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Sex-Based Differences in Recurrent Concussion Incidence Across Sports

BACKGROUND: Disparities in concussion incidence exist on the basis of sex. This meta-analysis aimed to summarize the evidence for recurrent concussion incidence between male and female athletes across various sports. METHODS: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Data Sources - PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases. Eligibility Criteria for Selecting Studies - Studies written in English containing sex comparisons of recurrent concussion data published between January 2000 and June 2021 were included. RESULTS: A total of 1,509 records were identified, of which 114 studies were assessed for eligibility with full-text review. Six studies were ultimately included. Women were found to have more recurrent concussions than men across all sex-comparable sports, which included soccer, basketball, and baseball/softball [RR=2.16 (95% CI: 1.09-4.30)]. More specifically, women were found to have more recurrent concussions in soccer [RR=3.01 (95% CI: 2.08-4.35)] and basketball [RR=2.68 (95% CI: 1.39-5.17)], but inconclusive results were seen for baseball/softball [RR=2.54 (95% CI: 0.54-11.94)]. CONCLUSION: Recurrent concussion rates are greater in sex-comparable women’s sports than in men’s sports. Not all sports had sufficient evidence for inclusion in the meta-analysis. There are sex differences in recurrent concussion incidence in soccer and basketball.
Gemcitabine in combination with epibrassinolide enhanced the apoptotic response in an ER stress-dependent manner and reduced the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in pancreatic cancer cells

Gemcitabine is a broad-spectrum antimetabolite and a deoxycytidine analog recognized as a standard therapy alone or in combination with other antineoplastic agents in the therapy of pancreas cancer. Drug resistance following gemcitabine treatment is a common phenomenon; therefore, combinational therapy models are usually preferred. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, or pancreas cancer, is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. With the increasing incidence of pancreatic cancer every year, the mortality rate is also rising significantly because of late diagnosis, and limited chemotherapy options. Adjuvant chemotherapy after surgical resection is the typical option for the treatment of early pancreatic cancer. Mostly, 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin with irinotecan and oxaliplatin (FOLFIRINOX) and gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel is used for the prognosis of advanced pancreatic cancer; however, chemoresistance usually occurs limiting the effectiveness of the chemotherapy. Therefore, most of the studies are focused on gemcitabine combination with other drugs to overcome the situation. As an apoptotic agent and a member of brassinosteroids, epibrassinolide (EBR) induces endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-dependent cell death in different cancer cells, as shown by our group. In this study, we aimed to enhance the gemcitabine apoptotic effect by EBR combined treatment in pancreatic cancer cells. EBR treatment reduced cell viability and inhibited cell proliferation in PANC-1, MIA PaCa-2, and AsPC-1 cells. Each pancreatic cancer cell gave different responses to the EBR treatment because of different aggressiveness. However, EBR induced apoptosis through increasing ROS generation, which was associated with ER stress in PANC-1 and MIA PaCa-2 cells. Gemcitabine alone reduced the cell viability of each pancreatic cancer cell line; however, combination with EBR led to further induction of apoptotic cell death in each pancreatic cancer cell line. In addition, combined treatment of gemcitabine and EBR further decreased N-cadherin and vimentin expressions, suggesting that epithelial-mesenchymal transition of pancreatic cells is reduced. In conclusion, EBR had therapeutic potential to avoid the gemcitabine-induced side effects during the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
A review on indoor environmental quality in sports facilities: Indoor air quality and ventilation during a pandemic

Because of COVID-19, the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) in sports facilities has been a concern to environmental health practitioners. To develop an overall understanding of the available guidelines and standards and studies performed on IEQ in sports facilities, an extensive literature study was conducted, with the aim of identifying: (1) indicators that are being used to assess IEQ in different sports facilities; (2) indicators that are potentially interesting to be used to assess indoor air, in particular; (3) gaps in knowledge to determine whether sports facilities are safe, healthy and comfortable for people to stay and perform their activities. The outcome indicates that most current standards and previous investigations on IEQ in sports facilities mainly focused on dose-related indicators (such as ventilation rate), while building-related indicators (such as ventilation regime) and occupant-related indicators (such as IEQ preferences) were rarely considered. Little attention is given to the fact that ventilation systems may play an important role in the air quality of the location, and few investigations have been performed on the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. This study recommends more research into both occupant and building-related indicators as well as cross-modal effects between various IEQ factors for developing future standards on sports facilities.
Blood metabolites, body condition score, body weight and milk yield in relation to resumption of cyclicity in post-partum buffaloes

This study was designed to decipher the relationship between blood metabolites [glucose, total protein, urea, cholesterol, beta hydroxyl-butryicacic (BHBA), and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and leptin], body condition score (BCS), body weight (BW) and milk yield with resumption of post-partum cyclicity in buffaloes. Pluriparous buffaloes were screened using transrectal ultrasonography from day 0 to day 90 at 10 days interval and divided into two groups: I (n=7; buffaloes ovulated <30 days of calving) and II (n=7; anestrous buffaloes >90 days post-partum). Blood samples were collected in both groups at day 0, 10, 20 and 30 post-partum (day 0 considered as calving day) with BW, BCS and milk production observations during first month of lactation. In cyclic buffaloes, serum albumin was higher as compared to acyclic group. In addition, leptin, BW, BCS and milk yield differed with time. Significant correlation between BHBA, IGF-1, leptin and albumin in group I was observed. In conclusion, blood metabolites (albumin, BHBA, IGF-1 and leptin) were significantly correlated with each other in cyclic post-partum buffaloes, but not in acyclic group.
The Relationship between the Oral Microbiota and Metabolic Syndrome

The oral microbiota plays a crucial role in both systemic inflammation and metabolic syndrome (MetS), which is characterised by low-grade inflammation. Studies have analysed the gut microbiota using stool specimens from subjects with MetS; however, the etiological role of the oral microbiota in the development of MetS is still uncertain. We investigated the oral microbiota of 128 subgingival plaque samples from a South African cohort with and without MetS. After a comprehensive analysis of the oral microbiota, we observed a significant increase in Gram-positive aerobic and anaerobic microbiota in those with MetS. We observed an abundance of Actinomyces, Corynebacterium, and Fusobacterium genera in the MetS group, which differed significantly from previous studies, which found Granulicatella to be enriched in MetS. To further assess the impact of the metabolic parameters (FBG, Waist C, HDL, TGs, and BP) on the oral microbiota, we calculated the odds ratio (ORs) for significant oral microbiota identified between the MetS groups. We found that different species were associated with at least four MetS risk factors. This study has shown that the oral microbiota is disrupted in MetS and may promote inflammation providing a gateway to other systemic diseases, including diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
Optical Properties, Microstructure, and Phase Fraction of Multi-Layered Monolithic Zirconia with and without Yttria-Gradient

The differences in the optical properties of multi-layered zirconia with and without yttria-gradient are not fully understood. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the optical properties, related microstructures, and phase fractions of multi-layered zirconia with and without yttria-gradient. For this, multi-layered zirconia of 5 mol% yttria (5Y) stabilized (Katana STML) and 4Y/5Y stabilized (e.max MT Multi) were cut layerwise, sintered, and analyzed using the opalescence parameter (OP), average transmittance (AT%), translucency parameter (TP), and contrast ratio (CR). The average grain size and phase fractions were obtained from field-emission scanning electron micrographs and X-ray diffraction patterns, respectively. Although the TP values of Katana STML and e.max MT Multi did not show a significant difference (except for transition layer 1), the results of AT and CR showed that the translucency of e.max MT Multi was slightly higher than that of Katana STML (p < 0.05). The opalescence gradient was higher in Katana STML than in the e.max MT Multi. In both zirconia types, translucency increased from the dentin to enamel layer based on the AT, TP, and CR results, while OP decreased (p < 0.05). The higher translucency from the dentin to enamel layer in Katana STML was caused by the pigmentation gradient, while in e.max MT Multi, it was caused by the difference in phase fraction and the pigmentation gradient.
Comparative evaluation of loop mediated isothermal amplification assay for rapid detection of Staphylococcus aureus

A loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method for rapid detection of Staphylococcus aureus from milk using standard strain ATCC 33591 was optimized targeting thermonuclease (nuc) gene. LAMP protocol was optimized for detection of S. aureus at 62°C for 50 min in water bath. The analytical sensitivity of LAMP and qPCR was found to be equal, ca.102 CFU/ml, both in broth and spiked milk by commercial kit and phenol-chloroform-isoamyl method of DNA extraction, while the sensitivity of conventional PCR was low (ca. 103 and 104CFU/ml in broth and spiked milk samples, respectively), using kit method of DNA extraction. LAMP was 100% specific and in complete agreement with real time and conventional PCR. LAMP protocol optimized in the study was rapid and sensitive in detection of S. aureus in comparison to qPCR and PCR when kit method of DNA extraction was used. Application of LAMP for rapid detection of S. aureus on 126 field milk samples detected 93 milk samples positive out of 97 positive by culture without enrichment, hence giving sensitivity of 95.87%. Whereas, LAMP detected all 29 milk samples negative by culture as negative, thereby giving detection specificity of 100%. However, on enrichment of LAMP negative samples for four hours, LAMP could detect them positive for S. aureus. Enrichment of the milk sample for four hours enhanced the sensitivity of detection to 100% and detection limit to < 102 CFU/ml.
Harmonic analysis on totally disconnected groups and irregularities of point distributions

Abstract The goal of this paper is to study point distributions in the multi-dimensional unit cube which possess the structure of finite abelian groups with respect to certain p-ary arithmetic operations. Such distributions can be thought of as finite subgroups in a compact totally disconnected group of the Cantor type. We apply the methods of L q harmonic analysis to estimate very precisely the L q -discrepancies for such distributions. Following this approach, we explicitly construct point distributions with the minimal order of the L q -discrepancy for each q, 1 < q < ∞.
The Encompassing Principle and Its Application to Testing Non-nested Hypotheses

The encompassing principle is used to develop a testing framework which unifies the literature on non-nested testing, allowing analysis of the relationship between alternative tests and in particular enabling asymptotic and finite sample equivalences and identities to be established easily when they exist, as well as embracing nested hypothesis testing. The concept of the implicit null hypothesis of a test is introduced to show that the effective acceptance region for some tests extends beyond the acceptance region corresponding to the null of interest, and so such tests can be inconsistent against fixed alternatives closely related to the nominal null and alternative. The analysis is illustrated by an application to two non-nested linear regression models, and it is shown that the conventional F test, as well as all the one degree of freedom non-nested tests, has an encompassing interpretation, and that the F test is a "complete" parametric encompassing test.
Computer-aided design software measuring knee position sense: A valid and reliable method in subjects with Patellofemoral pain

: Purpose: : to evaluate the reliability and validity of computer-aided design (Autocad) software in assessing knee position sense in participants with (PFP) against an isokinetic-dynamometer (IKD) procedure. Methods: Cross-sectional, validity and reliability study in Isokinetic laboratory . Thirty-nine participants (11 males and 28 females) ranging in age from 18 to 35 years old participated in the study. On two separate occasions, two days apart, all subjects were evaluated by the same examiner. Knee joint position sense by isokinetic dynamometer (IKD) and Autocad software at angle 20º and 60º. Intra-tester reliability was obtained by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and standard error of measurement (SEM). Results: Validity was determined using the Pearson product-moment relationship, which revealed a moderate to good association (0.60) between the isokinetic dynamometer (IKD) and computer-aided design software at 20º and a good to excellent association (0.79) at 60º. Intrarater reliability coefficients (ICC) were (0.64) at 20º and (0.50) at 60º, indicating a moderate to good association at both angles with a standard error of measurement of (2.2) degree at 20º and (2.9) degree at 60º. Conclusion: computer-aided design software had high accuracy, a low exam cost, and not involves radiation exposure. These findings support using this method for examining joint position sense. Therefore, Therapist does not need expensive methods to obtain representative JPS abilities.
Microcalorimetry: A Novel Application to Measure In Vitro Phage Susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus in Human Serum

Infections involving antibiotic resistant Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) represent a major challenge to successful treatment. Further, although bacteriophages (phages) could be an alternative to antibiotics, there exists a lack of correlation in phage susceptibility results between conventional in vitro and in vivo assays. This discrepancy may hinder the potential implementation of bacteriophage therapy. In this study, the susceptibility of twelve S. aureus strains to three commercial phage cocktails and two single phages was assessed. These S. aureus strains (including ten clinical isolates, five of which were methicillin-resistant) were compared using four assays: the spot test, efficiency of plating (EOP), the optical density assay (all in culture media) and microcalorimetry in human serum. In the spot test, EOP and optical density assay, all cocktails and single phages lysed both methicillin susceptible and methicillin resistant S. aureus strains. However, there was an absence of phage-mediated lysis in high concentrations of human serum as measured using microcalorimetry. As this microcalorimetry-based assay more closely resembles in vivo conditions, we propose that microcalorimetry could be included as a useful addition to conventional assays, thereby facilitating more accurate predictions of the in vivo susceptibility of S. aureus to phages during phage selection for therapeutic purposes.
Palestinian analysis of COVID-19 vaccine compliance and reported death by vaccination type

ABSTRACT Background: This study aims to compare mortality and adherence to the second dose between different types of vaccines administered in Palestine. Methods and Participants: A retrospective cohort study of individuals vaccinated against COVID-19 from February 14, 2021 through January 2022. Data were retrieved from the Palestinian Ministry of Health database and included identity number, date of birth, vaccination date, vaccine type, and mortality. Results: The study included 16,726 individuals who were vaccinated and later diagnosed with COVID-19. The mean age was 42.1 years, and females comprised 48.5% (8,112) of the population. Only 62.7% of individuals adhered to receiving the second dose of a vaccine, and the average duration of effectiveness of all vaccines was 126 days after completing the double dose. Seventy-five COVID-related deaths were recorded among vaccinated individuals who were significantly older ages. Conclusion: Our study design demonstrated the disparity in vaccine uptake and adherence due to delay in vaccination and dependence on COVAX and other countries for the donated vaccines. It highlights the importance of a global approach and higher-income countries assisting lower-income countries in securing vaccine.
Impact of environmental trend in relation to genotypic and phenotypic trend on traits of economic interest in Kankrej cattle

Indiscriminate selection of animals in order to enhance milk production has led to less attention to other traits important in dairying, viz. reproduction; owing to negative association. The production and reproduction records of total 403 Kankrej cows maintained at Livestock Research Station, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar, over a period of 35 years from 1979 to 2013, were analyzed to study the production and reproduction traits, viz. 305 day milk yield (305 MY), lactation length (LL), dry period (DP), age at first calving (AFC) and service period (SP). The data were used to investigate the effect of environmental factors as well as estimation of genetic parameters of production and reproduction traits. Genetic, phenotypic and environmental trends were estimated to assess the breeding programme undergoing in the Kankrej herd over the years. The average performance of traits under study was obtained as 2128.64 kg, 282.60 days, 146.13 days, 1366.90 days and 158.06 days for 305 MY, LL, DP, AFC and SP, respectively. The heritability estimates obtained for these traits were 0.31, 0.17, 0.16, 0.05 and 0.96 for 305 MY, LL, DP, SP and AFC respectively. The estimated phenotypic and genetic trends were 7.66 and 23.10 Kg for 305 MY, â€“0.007 and â€“0.61 days for LL, 0.022, and â€“0.032 days for DP, â€“4.53 and â€“11.89 days for AFC and â€“0.07 and â€“1.61 days for SP, respectively. The results revealed that great improvement in Kankrej herd has been achieved in last 35 years. However, there is further scope of genetic improvement. Designed genetic programme has had great impact on improvement of milk production and AFC but very less impact on the reproductive traits.