Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Machine Learning for Prediction of Technical Results of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Chronic Total Occlusion

(1) Background: The probability of technical success in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for chronic total occlusion (CTO) represents essential information for specifying the priority of PCI for treatment selection in patients with CTO. However, the predictabilities of existing scores based on conventional regression analysis remain modest, leaving room for improvements in model discrimination. Recently, machine learning (ML) techniques have emerged as highly effective methods for prediction and decision-making in various disciplines. We therefore investigated the predictability of ML models for technical results of CTO-PCI and compared their performances to the results from existing scores, including J-CTO, CL, and CASTLE scores. (2) Methods: This analysis used data from the Japanese CTO-PCI expert registry, which enrolled 8760 consecutive patients undergoing CTO-PCI. The performance of prediction models was assessed using the area under the receiver operating curve (ROC-AUC). (3) Results: Technical success was achieved in 7990 procedures, accounting for an overall success rate of 91.2%. The best ML model, extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), outperformed the conventional prediction scores with ROC-AUC (XGBoost 0.760 [95% confidence interval {CI}: 0.740–0.780] vs. J-CTO 0.697 [95%CI: 0.675–0.719], CL 0.662 [95%CI: 0.639–0.684], CASTLE 0.659 [95%CI: 0.636–0.681]; p < 0.005 for all). The XGBoost model demonstrated acceptable concordance between the observed and predicted probabilities of CTO-PCI failure. Calcification was the leading predictor. (4) Conclusions: ML techniques provide accurate, specific information regarding the likelihood of success in CTO-PCI, which would help select the best treatment for individual patients with CTO.
The Effect of Perceived Organizational and Supervisory Support on Employee Engagement During COVID-19 Crises: Mediating Effect of Work-Life Balance Policy

This article examines how organizational and supervisory supports, directly and indirectly, impact employee engagement in U.S. federal agencies during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study applies two analysis models for two different sample groups: federal workers who were required to be physically present at a worksite during the pandemic and those who were not required to do so. Drawing from the sampling frame comprised of “permanently employed, non-political, non-seasonal, full- or part-time federal employees” in pay status as of October 2019, the findings from the U.S. Federal Employment Viewpoint Survey 2020 indicate that organizational and supervisory supports directly impact employee engagement regardless of employees’ work arrangements. However, work engagement is not increased by organizational and supervisory supports that actively encourage employees to use conventional incentives such as work–life balance policies. At the organizational level, this study suggests the need to redesign strategies to motivate public agents to engage in the agency’s mission because conventional and systemic employee support may be ineffective as currently designed. Overall, this study sheds more light on existing studies of public human resource management by examining employee engagement according to work arrangements during the pandemic.
Random feasible directions algorithm with a generalized Lagrangian relaxation algorithm for solving unit commitment problem

This study has developed a hybrid algorithm by combining the advantages of both the generalized Lagrangian multiplier method and the random feasible directions algorithm, to solve the unit commitment problem that exists in the large-scale nonlinear mixed integer programming of a power system. Furthermore, a filtering constraint implicit enumeration algorithm (FCIEA) incorporated with a rule-based selection strategy was used to avoid a local optimal or infeasible solution and to improve the accuracy and solution speed. The rule-based selection strategy was established on both the FCIEA and the advanced priority list method. To thoroughly demonstrate the proposed algorithm, three case studies were simulated: IEEE-10 units, a short-term dispatch of an autonomous renewable energy generation system, and a unit commitment of the Taiwan power system. Once the Lungmen nuclear power plant is commercially operated, critical concerns, such as the change of operating reserve demand, the safety, reliability, and economy of system operations, and the policy of dispatching ample operating reserves to different units, will force a redispatch of the current units to meet new economic costs. All of the results obtained in this study were tested under a practical power system. The result can provide Taipower Company a guideline for dispatch and scheduling. In addition to comparing the proposed algorithm with those in previous studies, three self-compiled programs were adopted, namely, simulating annealing and particle swarm optimization, to verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm and provide evidence for comparison.
MODIFICATION OF TEMPERATURE AND EMISSIVITY SEPARATION MODEL AND ITS SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS

According to the deficiency of temperature and emissivity separation(TES) model,a modified method of TES was presented.Simulated data were used to compare the precision of temperature and emissivity retrieved separately from before and after model modification.The sensitivity of TES and MTES model to the variety of initial setted emissivity,calibration error of atmospheric upwelling,downwelling radiation and transmission was then analyzed by way of theoretically analysis and simulated computation.Results show that the retrieval precision of MTES model is higher than that of TES model.Except for the calibration error of atmospheric downwelling radiation,other errors affect the precision of the two models,but MTES model is less sensitive to these errors.
Consideration of SH-wave fundamental modes in piezoelectromagnetic plate: electrically open and magnetically open boundary conditions

This report studies the dispersive wave propagation in the transversely isotropic (6 mm) piezoelectromagnetic (PEM) plate when the mechanical, electrical, and magnetic boundary conditions for both the upper and lower free surfaces of the plate are as follows: the mechanically free, electrically open, and magnetically open surfaces. This study follows some original results obtained in book. The fundamental modes’ dispersion relations are graphically shown for the following well-known PEM composite materials: BaTiO3–CoFe2O4 and PZT-5H–Terfenol-D. It is natural that for large values of the nondimensional parameter kd (k is the wave number and d is the plate half-thickness), the velocities of both the fundamental modes approach the surface shear-horizontal wave called the piezomagnetic exchange surface Melkumyan wave. It is well known that plate waves are usually utilized in the nondestructive testing and evaluation, for instance, in the airspace industry. Also, PEM materials are used as smart ones in various technical devices such as dispersive wave delay lines, (biochemi)sensors, lab-on-a-chip, etc.
Genomic Surveillance of Salmonella from the Comunitat Valenciana (Spain)

Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica is one of the most important foodborne pathogens and the causative agent of salmonellosis, which affects both humans and animals producing numerous infections every year. The study and understanding of its epidemiology are key to monitoring and controlling these bacteria. With the development of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) technologies, surveillance based on traditional serotyping and phenotypic tests of resistance is being replaced by genomic surveillance. To introduce WGS as a routine methodology for the surveillance of food-borne Salmonella in the region, we applied this technology to analyze a set of 141 S. enterica isolates obtained from various food sources between 2010 and 2017 in the Comunitat Valenciana (Spain). For this, we performed an evaluation of the most relevant Salmonella typing methods, serotyping and sequence typing, using both traditional and in silico approaches. We extended the use of WGS to detect antimicrobial resistance determinants and predicted minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). Finally, to understand possible contaminant sources in this region and their relationship to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), we performed cluster detection combining single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) pairwise distances and phylogenetic and epidemiological data. The results of in silico serotyping with WGS data were highly congruent with those of serological analyses (98.5% concordance). Multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) profiles obtained with WGS information were also highly congruent with the sequence type (ST) assignment based on Sanger sequencing (91.9% coincidence). In silico identification of antimicrobial resistance determinants and minimum inhibitory concentrations revealed a high number of resistance genes and possible resistant isolates. A combined phylogenetic and epidemiological analysis with complete genome sequences revealed relationships among isolates indicative of possible common sources for isolates with separate sampling in time and space that had not been detected from epidemiological information. As a result, we demonstrate the usefulness of WGS and in silico methods to obtain an improved characterization of S. enterica enterica isolates, allowing better surveillance of the pathogen in food products and in potential environmental and clinical samples of related interest.
Evaluating the Effect of Active Charcoal-Containing Toothpaste on Color Change, Microhardness, and Surface Roughness of Tooth Enamel and Resin Composite Restorative Materials

Methods Thirty-six bovine incisors and resin composite samples were prepared, stained with black tea, and then randomly divided into two groups. The samples were brushed with a charcoal-containing toothpaste (Colgate® MAX WHITE) and daily toothpaste (Colgate® Max Fresh) for 10,000 cycles. Before and after brushing cycles, color variables (ΔL, Δa, Δb), total color change (ΔE), plus Vickers microhardness were evaluated. Two samples of each group were prepared for surface roughness assessment via atomic force microscope. Data were analyzed by Shapiro–Wilk, Independent sample t-test and Mann–Whitney U tests. Results According to the obtained results, ΔE and ΔL were significantly higher whereas Δa and Δb were noticeably lower in charcoal-containing toothpaste group in comparison with daily toothpaste in both composite and enamel samples. The microhardness of samples brushed with Colgate® MAX WHITE was significantly higher than that of Colgate® Max Fresh in enamel (P = 0.04), whereas no significant difference was found in composite resin samples (P = 0.23). Colgate® MAX WHITE enhanced the roughness of both enamel and composite surfaces. Conclusion The charcoal-containing toothpaste could improve the color of both enamel and resin composite with no negative effect on microhardness. Nevertheless, its adverse roughening effect should be considered occasionally on composite restorations.
One-pot synthesis of sulfone-based chitosan derivatives from alkene: characterization, antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-cancer activity

Abstract Chitosan β-ketosulfone derivative was synthesized by chemical modification of chitosan with in situ generated β-ketosulfone using styrene, benzenesulfinic acid sodium salt in the presence of potassium persulphate and air in an aqueous medium. The chemical structure of the derivative was confirmed by various characterization techniques. The IR spectrum of chitosan β-ketosulfone showed new bands at 2366 cm−1 and 1367 cm−1 corresponding to the imine and sulfone functional group respectively. In the 1H NMR spectrum of the derivative, chitosan proton signals and new proton signals between δ 7.3 ppm and 7.7 ppm (aromatic region) were observed. Chitosan β-ketosulfone derivative showed better antimicrobial activity against A. niger fungi, gram-negative (E. coli) and gram-positive (B. subtilis) bacteria than native chitosan. The derivative also exhibited improved antioxidant activity over chitosan. The DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity of chitosan β-ketosulfone derivative at 1.6 mg/mL concentration were observed as 68.6 ± 1.5% and 90.2 ± 1.4% respectively at the same concentration. Moreover, the MTT cytotoxicity assay of the synthesized product on PBMCs (peripheral blood mononuclear cells) and HepG2 cells displayed encouraging results, which pave the pathway for the utilization of the derivative for further biomedical applications. Graphical Abstract Highlights Chitosan β-ketosulfone derivative synthesized via a novel route starting from simple starting materials better antimicrobial activity than native chitosan improved antioxidant activity over chitosan established on the basis of DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assay potent anti-cancer activity
SELECTION OF CASTOR (RICINUS COMMUNIS) CULTIVAR SUITABLE FOR COMMERCIAL ERI CHAWKI REARING

The present study was conducted to screen the suitable castor (Ricinus communis) cultivar for use in commercial chawki (young age silkworms) rearing of eri silkworm (Samia ricini D.). Five commercially available cultivars of castor viz., NBR-1, Kalpi-6, DCH-519, ICH-66 and DCS-9 were sown in the field and standard package of practices were followed to select the economically viable cultivar in terms of plant growth and yield parameters. The results revealed varying degrees of growth and yield parameters in all five cultivars in terms of plant height, number of leaves per plant and leaf yield at different days after sowing. Among all the cultivars, higher growth and yield parameters was recorded in two cultivars (NBR-1 and Kalpi-6). Further, these two cultivars (NBR-1 and Kalpi-6) were selected for analysis of biochemical constituents. Higher moisture retention capacity (82.65%), protein content (20.60%), carbohydrate content (17.12%) and other leaf quality parameters which are essential for eri young age silkworms (chawki) were recorded in NBR-1. Among the two castor cultivars fed to eri-silkworm, NBR-1 fed worms recorded higher larval weight and more uniformity compared to Kalpi-6 fed worms. The results indicate suitability of NBR-1 cultivar in terms of growth, yield, biochemical constituents and eri young age silkworm rearing. Therefore, NBR-1 is recommended for commercial eri chawki rearing in view of the higher leaf yield obtained at different intervals in a year and superior in improving the rearing performance of eri chawki. Based on these findings a standard package of practice to raise NBR-1 cultivar for chawki rearing has been developed.
Preparation of Novel Biodegradable Polymer Slow-Release Fertilizers to Improve Nutrient Release Performance and Soil Phosphorus Availability

Inspired by the gradual collapse of carbon chain and the gradual release of organic elements into the external environment during the degradation of biodegradable polymers, a novel biodegradable polymer slow-release fertilizer containing nutrient nitrogen and phosphorus (PSNP) was prepared in this study. PSNP contains phosphate fragment and urea formaldehyde (UF) fragment, which are prepared by solution condensation reaction. Under the optimal process, the nitrogen (N) and P2O5 contents of PSNP were 22% and 20%, respectively. The expected molecular structure of PSNP was confirmed by SEM, FTIR, XRD, and TG. PSNP can release N and phosphorus (P) nutrients slowly under the action of microorganisms, and the cumulative release rates of N and P in 1 month were only 34.23% and 36.91%, respectively. More importantly, through soil incubation experiment and leaching experiment, it was found that UF fragments released in the degradation process of PSNP can strongly complex soil high-valence metal ions, thus inhibiting the phosphorus nutrient released by degradation to be fixed in the soil and ultimately effectively increasing the soil available P content. Compared with ammonium dihydrogen phosphate (ADP), a small molecule phosphate fertilizer that is easily soluble, the available P content of PSNP in the 20–30 cm soil layer is almost twice that of ADP. Our study provides a simple copolymerization method to prepare PSNP with excellent slow-release N and P nutrients, which can promote the development of sustainable agriculture.
An Improved Canny Algorithm for Edge Detection

Edge detection is an important part of digital image processing. This paper discusses the basic theory of edge detection, its method based on the traditional Canny operator, and proposes an improved algorithm based on the eight neighborhood gradient magnitude to overcome the disadvantages of being sensitive to noise in the calculation of the traditional canny operator gradient. The two thresholds of the traditional Canny operator need manual setting, so there are some defects to different images. This paper puts forward an adaptive threshold calculation by OTSU method. The experimental results prove that this improved method can effectively detect the edge of the image. And the continuity of the edge is strong, and positioning accuracy is high.
Post-Operative Complications after Foramen Magnum Decompression with Duraplasty Using Different Graft Materials in Adults Patients with Chiari I Malformation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Despite extensive investigations, the choice of graft material for reconstructive duraplasty after foramen magnum decompression for Chiari type I malformation (CMI) is still a topic of discussion. The authors performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature examining the post-operative complications in adult patients with CMI after foramen magnum decompression and duraplasty (FMDD) using different graft materials. Our systematic review included 23 studies with a total of 1563 patients with CMI who underwent FMDD with different dural substitutes. The most common complications were pseudomeningocele (2.7%, 95% CI 1.5–3.9%, p < 0.01, I2 = 69%) and CSF leak (2%, 95% CI 1–2.9%, p < 0,01, I2 = 43%). The revision surgery rate was 3% (95% CI 1.8–4.2%, p < 0.01, I2 = 54%). A lower rate of pseudomeningocele was observed with autologous duraplasty when compared with synthetic duraplasty (0.7% [95% CI 0–1.3%] vs. 5.3% [95% CI 2.1–8.4%] p < 0.01). The rate of CSF leak and revision surgery was lower after autologous duraplasty than after non-autologous dural graft (1.8% [95% CI 0.5–3.1%] vs. 5.3% [95% CI 1.6–9%], p < 0.01 and 0.8% [95% CI 0.1–1.6%] vs. 4.9% [95% CI 2.6–7.2%] p < 0.01, respectively). Autologous duraplasty is associated with a lower rate of post-operative pseudomeningocele and reoperation. This information should be considered when planning duraplasty after foramen magnum decompression in patients with CMI.
Sphingosine Kinases at the Intersection of Pro-Inflammatory LPS and Anti-Inflammatory Endocannabinoid Signaling in BV2 Mouse Microglia Cells

Microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system, play important roles in brain homeostasis as well as in neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, neurovascular diseases, and traumatic brain injury. In this context, components of the endocannabinoid (eCB) system have been shown to shift microglia towards an anti-inflammatory activation state. Instead, much less is known about the functional role of the sphingosine kinase (SphK)/sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) system in microglia biology. In the present study, we addressed potential crosstalk of the eCB and the S1P systems in BV2 mouse microglia cells challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). We show that URB597, the selective inhibitor of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH)—the main degradative enzyme of the eCB anandamide—prevented LPS-induced production of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and caused the accumulation of anandamide itself and eCB-like molecules such as oleic acid and cis-vaccenic acid ethanolamide, palmitoylethanolamide, and docosahexaenoyl ethanolamide. Furthermore, treatment with JWH133, a selective agonist of the eCB-binding cannabinoid 2 (CB2) receptor, mimicked the anti-inflammatory effects of URB597. Interestingly, LPS induced transcription of both SphK1 and SphK2, and the selective inhibitors of SphK1 (SLP7111228) and SphK2 (SLM6031434) strongly reduced LPS-induced TNFα and IL-1β production. Thus, the two SphKs were pro-inflammatory in BV2 cells in a non-redundant manner. Most importantly, the inhibition of FAAH by URB597, as well as the activation of CB2 by JWH133, prevented LPS-stimulated transcription of SphK1 and SphK2. These results present SphK1 and SphK2 at the intersection of pro-inflammatory LPS and anti-inflammatory eCB signaling, and suggest the further development of inhibitors of FAAH or SphKs for the treatment of neuroinflammatory diseases.
Evaluation of Fungal Volatile Organic Compounds for Control the Plant Parasitic Nematode Meloidogyne incognita

Plant parasitic nematodes are a serious threat to crop production worldwide and their control is extremely challenging. Fungal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) provide an ecofriendly alternative to synthetic nematicides, many of which have been withdrawn due to the risks they pose to humans and the environment. This study investigated the biocidal properties of two fungal VOCs, 1-Octen-3-ol and 3-Octanone, against the widespread root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita. Both VOCs proved to be highly toxic to the infective second-stage juveniles (J2) and inhibited hatching. Toxicity was dependent on the dose and period of exposure. The LD50 of 1-Octen-3-ol and 3-Octanone was 3.2 and 4.6 µL, respectively. The LT50 of 1-Octen-3-ol and 3-Octanone was 71.2 and 147.1 min, respectively. Both VOCs were highly toxic but 1-Octen-3-ol was more effective than 3-Octanone. Exposure of M. incognita egg-masses for 48 h at two doses (0.8 and 3.2 µL) of these VOCs showed that 1-Octen-3-ol had significantly greater nematicidal activity (100%) than 3-Octanone (14.7%) and the nematicide metham sodium (6.1%). High levels of reactive oxygen species detected in J2 exposed to 1-Octen-3-ol and 3-Octanone suggest oxidative stress was one factor contributing to mortality and needs to be investigated further.