Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sustainable initiatives in the food industry: Role of businesses and regulators

In response to global calls for environmental awareness, the Malaysian government enforced restrictions on plastic usage in the Malaysian foodservice industry in 2020. Despite the efforts of public awareness campaigns championing the detrimental effects of traditional plastic usage, the impact of measures taken by food traders remains inadequate. The paper seeks to explore the relationship between subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, attitude, and the intention to use biodegradable straws among food traders. Purposive sampling method, the Structural Equation Model (SEM), and Partial Least Squares (PLS) tools were employed. The sample included 270 respondents. The result found a significant correlation between the four variables, i.e., subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, attitude, and intention to use. Hence, results obtained indicate that conscientious consumers have a significant influence on businesses in their quest to reduce their overall impact on the surrounding environment. Consequently, their socially responsible decisions, i.e., initiatives of using biodegradable products, have advocated mindful consumerism and encouraged positive purchasing behaviors. The results predict increasing demands as an outcome of this accumulated synergy, and this in turn provides more opportunities for food traders and their associated counterparts. The contributions of this study extend toward both theoretical and practical knowledge: (a) better understanding of consumer attitude and how it influences purchase intention, and (b) government regulation and enforcement towards environmental awareness and activities associated with global contributions.
Simulation of Seismic Collapse in Nonductile Reinforced Concrete Frame Buildings with Masonry Infills

AbstractImproved analysis methods and guidelines are presented to simulate the seismic collapse of nonductile concrete frame buildings with masonry infills. The analysis tools include an inelastic dual-strut model that captures the post-peak behavior of the masonry infill and its interaction with the surrounding frame. The dual compression struts capture the column-infill interaction that can cause shear failure of the columns and loss of their vertical load carrying capacity. A rigid softening shear degradation model is implemented in the beam-column elements to capture the shear failure of nonductile RC columns. Guidelines are presented to determine the strut model parameters based on data from 14 experimental tests on infill frames. The models are applied in three-dimensional nonlinear dynamic analyses of a three-story nonductile concrete frame prototype building with infills. The incremental dynamic analyses technique is utilized to understand the effect of the infill-column interaction and the rockin.
Whole transcriptome analysis of high and low IFN‐α producers reveals differential response patterns following rhinovirus stimulation

Viral respiratory infections cause considerable morbidity and economic loss. While rhinoviruses (RV) typically cause little more than the common cold, they can produce severe infections and disease exacerbations in susceptible individuals, such as those with asthma. Variations in the regulation of key antiviral cytokines, particularly type I interferon (IFN‐α and IFN‐β), may contribute to RV susceptibility. To understand this variability, we compared the transcriptomes of high and low type I IFN producers.
External Dacryocystorhinostomy and Patient Satisfaction: Perspective of General Ophthalmologist.

INTRODUCTION This study aimed to evaluate patient satisfaction over time in patients undergoing external dacryocystorhinostomy for primary nasolacrimal duct obstruction when done by a general ophthalmologist. MATERIALS AND METHODS This prospective interventional case series was done in a secondary level eye hospital in the Midwestern region of Nepal from 1st January 2018 to 30th December 2018. Fifty-four consecutive adult patients diagnosed with primary nasolacrimal duct obstruction who underwent external dacryocystorhinostomy performed by a general ophthalmologist were included. The surgical success rate was determined at six months on the basis of the resolution of symptoms with patency on syringing. Postoperative patient satisfaction was evaluated 6 months after surgery with a standardized Glasgow Benefit Inventory and post-intervention questionnaire. RESULTS A total of 54 eyes were operated on within the study period and a larger number of surgeries were done in the age group 26-30 years. Female constituted 79.6 % and male 20.4% with a ratio of 3.9:1. Overall surgical success rate 6 months after surgery was 96.30%. The mean total Glasgow benefit inventory (GBI) score was 48.83 ± 23.87 (95% CI, 42.96- 56.95), mean general subscale score was 52.70± 23.28 (95% CI, 46.49-60.38), social support subscale was 49.69 ± 44.68 (95% CI, 41.15-60.35) and physical health subscale score was 37.07 ± 41.19 (95% CI, 27.48-49.26). CONCLUSION The external dacryocystorhinostomy surgeries performed by general ophthalmologists achieved an excellent surgical success rate and good patient satisfaction proven by a validated questionnaire.
Labour productivity and Central American economic integration: The case of El Salvador

This paper seeks to identify the variables that determine labour productivity in El Salvador. The results show that the extreme openness of the Salvadoran economy, combined with the decline in its investment rate since the mid-1990s, have dampened labour productivity growth —as also has happened in other Central American countries. The study also finds that a country’s productivity is positively influenced by the vitality of quality employment and investment in neighbouring countries. This article concludes by advocating the restoration of protection to the subregion’s production sectors, the promotion of quality education, technology and the acquisition of knowledge and skills.
Learning loss among adolescent girls during the COVID-19 pandemic in rural Bangladesh

Poor learning remains a central challenge in Bangladesh despite considerable progress in advancing schooling access and reducing gender gaps in education. The learning crisis is feared to have been exacerbated during extended school closures and limited alternative opportunities for schooling during the COVID-19 pandemic. This brief summarizes findings on learning loss among adolescent girls during the pandemic in rural Bangladesh.
Sensory gating, neurocognition, social cognition and real-life functioning: a 2-year follow-up of early psychosis

Abstract Background Diminished sensory gating (SG) is a robust finding in psychotic disorders, but studies of early psychosis (EP) are rare. It is unknown whether SG deficit leads to poor neurocognitive, social, and/or real-world functioning. This study aimed to explore the longitudinal relationships between SG and these variables. Methods Seventy-nine EP patients and 88 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited at baseline. Thirty-three and 20 EP patients completed 12-month and 24-month follow-up, respectively. SG was measured using the auditory dual-click (S1 & S2) paradigm and quantified as P50 ratio (S2/S1) and difference (S1-S2). Cognition, real-life functioning, and symptoms were assessed using the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery, Global Functioning: Social (GFS) and Role (GFR), Multnomah Community Ability Scale (MCAS), Awareness of Social Inference Test (TASIT), and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Analysis of variance (ANOVA), chi-square, mixed model, correlation and regression analyses were used for group comparisons and relationships among variables controlling for potential confounding variables. Results In EP patients, P50 ratio (p < 0.05) and difference (p < 0.001) at 24-month showed significant differences compared with that at baseline. At baseline, P50 indices (ratio, S1-S2 difference, S1) were independently associated with GFR in HCs (all p < 0.05); in EP patients, S2 amplitude was independently associated with GFS (p = 0.037). At 12-month and 24-month, P50 indices (ratio, S1, S2) was independently associated with MCAS (all p < 0.05). S1-S2 difference was a trending predictor of future function (GFS or MCAS). Conclusions SG showed progressive reduction in EP patients. P50 indices were related to real-life functioning.
Transcriptional Analysis-Based Alterations Affecting Neuritogenesis of the Peripheral Nervous System in Psoriasis

An increasing amount of evidence indicates the critical role of the cutaneous nervous system in the initiation and maintenance of psoriatic skin lesions by neurogenic inflammation. However, molecular mechanisms affecting cutaneous neurons are largely uncharacterized. Therefore, we reanalyzed a psoriatic RNA sequencing dataset from published transcriptome experiments of nearly 300 individuals. Using the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software, we associated several hundreds of differentially expressed transcripts (DETs) to nervous system development and functions. Since neuronal projections were previously reported to be affected in psoriasis, we performed an in-depth analysis of neurite formation-related process. Our in silico analysis suggests that SEMA-PLXN and ROBO-DCC-UNC5 regulating axonal growth and repulsion are differentially affected in non-lesional and lesional skin samples. We identified opposing expressional alterations in secreted ligands for axonal guidance signaling (RTN4/NOGOA, NTNs, SEMAs, SLITs) and non-conventional axon guidance regulating ligands, including WNT5A and their receptors, modulating axon formation. These differences in neuritogenesis may explain the abnormal cutaneous nerve filament formation described in psoriatic skin. The processes also influence T-cell activation and infiltration, thus highlighting an additional angle of the crosstalk between the cutaneous nervous system and the immune responses in psoriasis pathogenesis, in addition to the known neurogenic pro-inflammatory mediators.
Sensitivity and Particle Swarm Optimization-based Congestion Management

Abstract In the competitive electricity market, it is not always possible to discharge all contracted power transactions due to congestion in one or more transmission lines. In most cases, the independent system operator tries to remove congestion by rescheduling output power of the generators. But all generators do not have the same effect (sensitivity) on the power flow of the congested lines, so it is not an economical way to reschedule output power of all generators for managing congestion. Thus, in this article, active and reactive power generator sensitivity factors of the generators to the congested lines have been used to determine the number of generators participating in congestion management. Second, a particle swarm optimization based algorithm has been suggested to minimize the deviations of rescheduled values of active power and reactive power of generators from scheduled values, considering voltage stability enhancement and voltage profile improvement criteria. Thus, rescheduling costs of active power and reactive power were minimized by particle swarm optimization. The effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed algorithm have been tested on IEEE 30-bus and New England 39-bus systems, and the obtained results have been compared with previous literature in terms of solution quality.
Phased array scanning performance simulation

An "old" hardware measurement approach using waveguide simulators has been united with up-to-date computer modeling techniques to provide active element characterization in the environment of large antenna arrays. Predictions are made for a triangular array of open-ended waveguides. The approach is fast, inexpensive, and easily handles complex, 3-dimensional elements.
Evaluating Open and Conventional Office Design

In an attempt to overcome limitations characteristics of past evaluations, a con ceptual model is presented as a guide to evaluators in collecting and analyzing data on office environments. A number of components of the model are then examined using data from a study of a new federal office building. Findings cooroborate those reported by others in showing that conventional offices are viewed more favorably by people occupying them than workers in either open or pooled office arrangements. The amount of workspace available to the worker is the most important factor associated with work station satisfaction, even after taking into account the type of work station and the workers' ratings of specific work station attributes. It is also demonstrated that people's feelings about the ambience of the agency within which they work and the architecture of the building influence their reactions to the immediate workspace. It is sug gested that space planners and designers who want their work appreciated by the user need concern themselves with the details of the workspace as well as the larger scale environment.
Clinical, immunological and genetic characterization of patients with X‐linked agammaglobulinemia in Costa Rica

X‐linked agammaglobulinemia is caused by mutations in the gene encoding Bruton tyrosine kinase. It produces an arrest in the maturation and differentiation of B cells with very low levels of all immunoglobulins isotypes. The aim of the study was to characterize the clinical, immunological and genetic defects in patients with XLA in Costa Rica. Sixteen cases were identified over a period of 30 years, a case every 2 years, approximately. Three patients were asymptomatic and diagnosis was made on family history. The average age of onset of symptoms was 1.46 years‐old (0.08–6.1). Six patients (44%) had onset of symptoms before 1 year of age and 12 (81%) patients before 5 years of age. The average age of diagnosis was 3.63 years‐old (0.17–13, SD 3.51 years‐old the average time between the onset of symptoms and the diagnosis was 2.5 years (2.5 months to 12 years, SD 3 years). The initial reason to study the patients was a recurrent infection, family history of XLA, arthritis and neutropenia. Four patients had pneumonia and two had suppurative lung disease. Nine patients had recurrent infections: acute otitis media, sinusitis, mastoiditis and recurrent diarrhoea. Three patients presented with arthritis. Neutropenia as an isolated event was not identified in any case. All patients receive monthly IVIG and no deaths were reported. Three new likely pathogenic/pathogenic variants in BTK gene have been described in our population. This is the first report of XLA Costa Rican patients and their BTK mutations.
Is There a Difference in Clinical Features, Microbiological Epidemiology and Effective Empiric Antimicrobial Therapy Comparing Healthcare-Associated and Community-Acquired Vertebral Osteomyelitis?

Background: Empiric antibiotic therapy for suspected vertebral osteomyelitis (VO) should be initiated immediately in severely ill patients, and might be necessary for culture-negative VO. The current study aimed to identify differences between community-acquired (CA) and healthcare-associated (HA) VO in terms of clinical presentation, causative pathogens, and antibiotic susceptibility. Methods: Cases of adult patients with VO treated at a German university orthopaedic trauma center between 2000 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient history was used to distinguish between CA and HA VO. Susceptibility of antibiotic regimens was assessed based on antibiograms of the isolated pathogens. Results: A total of 155 patients (with a male to female ratio of 1.3; and a mean age of 66.1 ± 12.4 years) with VO were identified. In 74 (47.7%) patients, infections were deemed healthcare-associated. The most frequently identified pathogens were Staphylococcus aureus (HAVO: 51.2%; CAVO: 46.8%), and Coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CoNS, HAVO: 31.7%; CAVO: 21.3%). Antibiograms of 45 patients (HAVO: n = 22; CAVO: n = 23) were evaluated. Significantly more methicillin-resistant isolates, mainly CoNS, were found in the HAVO cohort (27.3%). The highest rate of resistance was found for cefazolin (HAVO: 45.5%; CAVO: 26.1%). Significantly higher rates of resistances were seen in the HAVO cohort for mono-therapies with meropenem (36.4%), piperacillin–tazobactam (31.8%), ceftriaxone (27.3%), and co-amoxiclav (31.8%). The broadest antimicrobial coverage was achieved with either a combination of piperacillin–tazobactam + vancomycin (CAVO: 100.0%; HAVO: 90.9%) or meropenem + vancomycin (CAVO: 100.0%; HAVO: 95.5%). Conclusion: Healthcare association is common in VO. The susceptibility pattern of underlying pathogens differs from CAVO. When choosing an empiric antibiotic, combination therapy must be considered.
Modifying the initial rates of disinfection by-product formation potentials

A novel disinfection by-product (DBP) control process focused on modifying the initial formation rate of these compounds to reduce 7-day formation concentrations when chlorine is used as a disinfectant has been developed and evaluated. The novel treatment process utilizes sulfate, ultraviolet irradiation, pH, and aeration to enhance the initial formation and subsequent removal of total trihalomethane (TTHM), while also suppressing the initial formation of haloacetic acids (HAAs). The novel treatment process was evaluated for four different surface waters that ranged between 9.8 and 135 mg/L calcium (as CaCO3), 7.0 and 36 mg/L bicarbonate alkalinity (as CaCO3), and 1.9 and 2.9 mg/L dissolved organic carbon representative of specific ultraviolet absorbance values between 1.7 and 3.3. It was determined that 7-day TTHM and HAA formation potential reductions ranged from 36% to 57% and 20% to 47%, respectively, for the four waters studied. The primary factor governing DBP control was found to be the initial contact time at an elevated pH. A linear relationship between compressing the TTHM and HAA formation time and each DBP’s corresponding decrease in 7-day TTHM ultimate formation concentration was identified. The research reported in this study describes a novel approach to DBP control which could be evaluated by water purveyors to provide treatment for organic-laden surface water supplies through the incorporation of pH adjustment chemicals and a recirculating spray aeration system.
Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases Associated Sites of Tobacco Repression of Shoot Growth Regulates Its Localization in Plant Cells

Plant defense and growth rely on multiple transcriptional factors (TFs). REPRESSION OF SHOOT GROWTH (RSG) is known as one of the important TFs in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) with a basic leucine zipper domain. RSG was involved in plant gibberellin feedback regulation by inducing the expression of key genes. The tobacco calcium-dependent protein kinase, CDPK1 was reported to interact with RSG and manipulate its intracellular localization by phosphorylating Ser-114 of RSG. Here, we identified tobacco mitogen-activated protein kinase 3 (NtMPK3) as a RSG interacted protein kinase. Mutation of predicted MAPK-associated phosphorylation site of RSG (Thr-30, Ser-74 and Thr-135) significantly altered the intracellular localization of NtMPK3-RSG interaction complex. Nuclear transport of RSG and its amino acids mutants (T30A and S74A) were observed after treated with plant defense elicitor peptide flg22 in 5 min, while the two mutated RSG swiftly relocalized in tobacco cytoplasm in 30 min. Moreover, triple points mutation of RSG (T30A/S74A/T135A) mimics constant unphosphorylated status, and predominantly localized in tobacco cytoplasm. RSG (T30A/S74A/T135A) showed no relocalization effect under the treatments of either flg22, B. cereus AR156 or GA3, and was impaired in its role as TFs. Our results suggest that MAPK associated phosphorylation sites of RSG regulate its localization in tobacco and constant unphosphorylation of RSG in Thr-30, Ser-74 and Thr-135 keeps RSG predominantly localized in cytoplasm.
On Efficacy of Microwave Ablation in the Thermal Treatment of an Early-Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Simple Summary Hepatocellular carcinoma accounts for around 75% of all liver cancers, and represents the fourth most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Microwave ablation is a worldwide-diffused treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. According to the literature, the success rate for completely eliminating small liver tumors in patients treated with microwave ablation is greater than 85%. Microwave ablation is also highly recommended for COVID-19 patients with liver tumors as a fast treatment with a short recovery time. The involvement of the temperature dependence of the heat capacity, the thermal conductivity, and blood perfusion, is pivotal for establishing the correct ablation process and preserving the healthy tissue. The obtained simulation results clearly show that precisely localized heating distributions and heating efficiency can be achieved by using a multislot antenna probe. Deeper knowledge in this area would aid in the prediction and planning of patient-individual procedures. Abstract Microwave ablation at 2.45 GHz is gaining popularity as an alternative therapy to hepatic resection with a higher overall survival rate than external beam radiation therapy and proton beam therapy. It also offers better long-term recurrence-free overall survival when compared with radiofrequency ablation. To improve the design and optimization of microwave ablation procedures, numerical models can provide crucial information. A three-dimensional model of the antenna and targeted tissue without homogeneity assumptions are the most realistic representation of the physical problem. Due to complexity and computational resources consumption, most of the existing numerical studies are based on using two-dimensional axisymmetric models to emulate actual three-dimensional cancers and surrounding tissue, which is often far from reality. The main goal of this study is to develop a fully three-dimensional model of a multislot microwave antenna immersed into liver tissue affected by early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma. The geometry of the tumor is taken from the 3D-IRCADb-01 liver tumors database. Simulations were performed involving the temperature dependence of the blood perfusion, dielectric and thermal properties of both healthy and tumoral liver tissues. The water content changes during the ablation process are also included. The optimal values of the input power and the ablation time are determined to ensure complete treatment of the tumor with minimal damage to the healthy tissue. It was found that a multislot antenna is designed to create predictable, large, spherical zones of the ablation that are not influenced by varying tissue environments. The obtained results may be useful for determining optimal conditions necessary for microwave ablation to be as effective as possible for treating early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma, with minimized invasiveness and collateral damages.
Investigating the Nexus Between FDI and Institutional Quality: Evidence from Morocco

This article investigates the relationship between institutional quality and foreign direct investment (FDI) in Morocco using a large set of institutional quality variables over the period 1970–2016. The study uses ARDL bounds testing approach with structural breaks and Granger causality. The analysis is then extended to the disaggregated sub-components to discern the inherent dynamics of institutional quality. The study finds several relationships between FDI and various aspects of institutional quality. Results from both models conclude with policy recommendations.