Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Circulating Chemerin and Its Kinetics May Be a Useful Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarker in Critically Ill Patients with Sepsis: A Prospective Study

Chemerin, a novel adipokine, is a potent chemoattractant molecule with antimicrobial properties, implicated in immune responses. Our aim was to investigate circulating chemerin and its kinetics, early in sepsis in critically ill patients and its association with severity and prognosis. Serum chemerin was determined in a cohort of 102 critically ill patients with sepsis during the first 48 h from sepsis onset and one week later, and in 102 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Patients were followed for 28 days and their outcomes were recorded. Circulating chemerin was significantly higher in septic patients at onset compared to controls (342.3 ± 108.1 vs. 200.8 ± 40.1 μg/L, p < 0.001). Chemerin decreased significantly from sepsis onset to one week later (342.3 ± 108.1 vs. 308.2 ± 108.5 μg/L, p < 0.001), but remained higher than in controls. Chemerin was higher in patients presenting with septic shock than those with sepsis (sepsis onset: 403.2 ± 89.9 vs. 299.7 ± 99.5 μg/L, p < 0.001; one week after: 374.9 ± 95.3 vs. 261.6 ± 91.9 μg/L, p < 0.001), and in nonsurvivors than survivors (sepsis onset: 427.2 ± 96.7 vs. 306.9 ± 92.1 μg/L, p < 0.001; one week after: 414.1 ± 94.5 vs. 264.2 ± 79.9 μg/L, p < 0.001). Moreover, patients with septic shock and nonsurvivors, presented a significantly lower absolute and relative decrease in chemerin one week after sepsis onset compared to baseline (p < 0.001). Based on ROC curve analyses, the diagnostic performance of chemerin (AUC 0.78, 95% CI 0.69–0.87) was similar to C-reactive protein (CRP) (AUC 0.78, 95% CI 0.68–0.87) in discriminating sepsis severity. However, increased chemerin at sepsis onset and one week later was an independent predictor of 28-day mortality (sepsis onset: HR 3.58, 95% CI 1.48–8.65, p = 0.005; one week after: HR 10.01, 95% CI 4.32–23.20, p < 0.001). Finally, serum chemerin exhibited significant correlations with the severity scores, white blood cells, lactate, CRP and procalcitonin, as well as with biomarkers of glucose homeostasis, but not with cytokines and soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR). Circulating chemerin is increased early in sepsis and its kinetics may have diagnostic and prognostic value in critically ill patients. Further studies are needed to shed light on the role of chemerin in sepsis.
Frequency Fitting Optimization Using Evolutionary Algorithm in Cochlear Implant Users with Bimodal Binaural Hearing

Optimizing hearing in patients with a unilateral cochlear implant (CI) and contralateral acoustic hearing is a challenge. Evolutionary algorithms (EA) can explore a large set of potential solutions in a stochastic manner to approach the optimum of a minimization problem. The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate an EA-based protocol to modify the default frequency settings of a MAP (fMAP) of the CI in patients with bimodal hearing. Methods: This monocentric prospective study included 27 adult CI users (with post-lingual deafness and contralateral functional hearing). A fitting program based on EA was developed to approach the best fMAP. Generated fMAPs were tested by speech recognition (word recognition score, WRS) in noise and free-field-like conditions. By combining these first fMAPs and adding some random changes, a total of 13 fMAPs over 3 generations were produced. Participants were evaluated before and 45 to 60 days after the fitting by WRS in noise and questionnaires on global sound quality and music perception in bimodal binaural conditions. Results: WRS in noise improved with the EA-based fitting in comparison to the default fMAP (41.67 ± 9.70% versus 64.63 ± 16.34%, respectively, p = 0.0001, signed-rank test). The global sound quality and music perception were also improved, as judged by ratings on questionnaires and scales. Finally, most patients chose to keep the new fitting definitively. Conclusions: By modifying the default fMAPs, the EA improved the speech discrimination in noise and the sound quality in bimodal binaural conditions.
EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATIONS ON THE PERFORMANCE OF BITUMINOUS MIXES WITH RECLAIMED ASPHALT PAVEMENT (RAP) MATERIALS (CASE STUDY TUMKUR TO CHITRADURGA-NH4)

Recycling asphalt means adding the reclaimed asphalt to new asphalt mixes, with the aggregates and the old bitumen performing the same function as in their original application. Re-use asphalt means the utilization of reclaimed asphalt as foundation, fill or base course material, with the recovered aggregate and bitumen performing a lesser function than in the original application. Recycling of hot mix asphalt (HMA) material results in a reusable mixture of aggregate and asphalt binder known as Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP). Recycling of asphalt pavements is a valuable approach for technical, economical, and environmental reasons. Using RAP has been favored over virgin materials in the light of the increasing cost of asphalt, the scarcity of quality aggregates, and the pressuring need to preserve the environment. The present laboratory investigation carried out on Bituminous Concrete (BC) mixes prepared with 10 %, 20 %, 30 % and 40 % RAP material obtained by scarifying existing distressed asphalt pavement, Surface new aggregate and bitumen such as VG-30 without using any rejuvenator. In this investigation RAP to new aggregate ratio has been adopted as 10:90, 20:80, 30:70and 40:60.Various laboratory tests such as Marshall mix design, static indirect tensile test, repeated load indirect tensile fatigue tests were carried out on RAP mix and the results were found. From the laboratory results it is observed that RAP mixes shows good Marshall Stability, Indirect tensile strength, and fatigue life similar to conventional asphalt mix.
Histological Scores in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: The State of the Art

The histological assessment has been advocated as a detailed and accurate measure of disease activity in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). In ulcerative colitis (UC), histological activity has been demonstrated to be associated with higher rates of relapse, prolonged corticosteroid use and long-term complications, even when endoscopic remission is achieved. Therefore, histological healing may represent a potential treatment target. Several histological scores have been developed and are available today. The Robarts histopathology index (RHI) and the Nancy index (NI) are the only two recommended by the European Crohn’s and Colitis Organization (ECCO) for use in patients with UC. Conversely, in Crohn’s disease (CD), the discontinuous nature of lesions has limited standardized histological assessment. Most of the available histological scoring systems in CD are complex and not validated. The aim of this review is to comprehensively summarize the latest evidence regarding histological scoring systems in IBD. We guide the reader through understanding the importance of an accurate microscopic evaluation using validated scoring systems, highlighting the strengths and pitfalls of each score. The priorities of future research needs are also addressed.
The diversifying academic profession : the case of the Netherlands on institutional profiles, teaching and research, and professional careers

This paper explores the diversification of the academic profession by looking at the fault lines between teaching and research functions at three levels: (1) the level of institutional types and profiles (2) the programme level of bachelor and master and (3) the personal level, in particular the divide between men and women. On each of these levels the way teaching and research has been organised separates academics to their main activities. It appears that on the systems level the distinction between research universities and teaching institutions (universities of applied sciences) tends to be attenuated. The faculty of the latter institutions have a particular task to engage in practice-oriented research in cooperation with business mainly at the regional level which at the same time is relevant for their teaching and curricular innovation. At the programme level the teaching-research connection is also becoming more diverse in the sense that there is more flexibility regarding the division of teaching and research tasks at the bachelor and master level. Finally, the diversity on the personal level increased over the years and women are catching up quantitatively in access to academic positions. There is still an unequal distribution particularly in the higher academic ranks, however, the teaching – research dimension does not account for the gender differences in Dutch higher education.
Job demands-resources, work engagement, and organizational commitment

This study presents the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model to investigate employees’ organizational commitment. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of job demands and job resources on organizational commitment, as well as the mediating effect of work engagement, in the context of Indonesian state-owned enterprises. Data were gathered using a questionnaire from 115 employees of a state-owned enterprise. Partial Least Squares - Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was performed to analyze data. Results of data analysis indicate the negative influence of job demands and positive influence of job resources on organizational commitment. Also, work engagement mediates the effect of job demands and job resources on organizational commitment. The results of this study give a contribution to both theoretical and practical viewpoints. At the theoretical level, this study contributes to the literature on organizational commitment theory and the JD-R model. From the practical viewpoint, the study findings offer insight for Indonesian state-owned enterprises management to enhance employees’ organizational commitment by considering job demands, job resources, and work engagement of employees.
Analysis of the Factors Affecting Static In Vitro Pepsinolysis of Food Proteins

In this meta-analysis, we collected 58 publications spanning the last seven decades that reported static in vitro protein gastric digestion results. A number of descriptors of the pepsinolysis process were extracted, including protein type; pepsin activity and concentration; protein concentration; pH; additives; protein form (e.g., ‘native’, ‘emulsion’, ‘gel’, etc.); molecular weight of the protein; treatment; temperature; and half-times (HT) of protein digestion. After careful analysis and the application of statistical techniques and regression models, several general conclusions could be extracted from the data. The protein form to digest the fastest was ‘emulsion’. The rate of pepsinolysis in the emulsion was largely independent of the protein type, whereas the gastric digestion of the native protein in the solution was strongly dependent on the protein type. The pepsinolysis was shown to be strongly dependent on the structural components of the proteins digested—specifically, β-sheet-inhibited and amino acid, leucine, methionine, and proline-promoted digestion. Interestingly, we found that additives included in the digestion mix to alter protein hydrolysis had, in general, a negligible effect in comparison to the clear importance of the protein form or additional treatment. Overall, the findings allowed for the targeted creation of foods for fast or slow protein digestion, depending on the nutritional needs.
Digital Health Testbeds in Sweden: An exploratory study

Objective This study explored the Swedish digital health testbeds through the lens of complexity science. Methods The purposive sampling was used to identify 38 digital health testbed organizations to conduct interviews in written or audio-conferencing. The interview responses were aggregated and analyzed using thematic analysis. The themes were mainly generated through complexity theory and the principles of complex adaptive systems. Results Fifteen testbed organizations responded, comprising 13 written responses and two audio-conferencing. Five main theoretical themes were generated: agents and diversity, connections and communication, adaptation and learning, perturbations, and path dependence. Agents and diversity depicted different types of testbeds, stakeholders and innovation, and the primary function and purpose of the testbeds. Various factors enhancing connections and communications among multiple stakeholders were identified, such as the quality of e-health solutions and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Some adaptation and learning factors, such as internal reorganization, sharing and creating learning opportunities, and additional funding, guaranteed the sustainability of testbeds. Perturbations were characterized by two factors: non-linear interactions – lack of commitment and transparency in stakeholders' engagement, and uncertainty about testbed definitions and concepts. Path dependence highlighted the importance of history, such as previous positive and negative experiences. Conclusion This study provided insights into testbeds' organization, their functions, how various aspects were challenged, and how they adapted to overcome and improve the system issues. Identifying the stakeholders and relevant factors, commissioning an evaluation, backing up with a contingency plan, securing adequate funding, and disseminating the findings can improve the testbeds' design and implementation.
Fingertip Skin Bioimpedance Identification and Tactile Correlation: Experimental Studies towards a Smart Electro-Braille System

With the advances of the last twenty years, information has become readily available to most Americans. Databases of scholarly papers and news articles are now available at the touch of a button. For blind and visually impaired (BVI) individuals, however, reading is still a cumbersome task that requires either huge Braille books or, still fairly large, mechanical Braille systems that often times must be linked to a computer. Electrotactile based Braille systems that utilize electronic stimulation to the reading finger can be made much more portable, but can also prick or shock the user if skin conditions like moisture or contact area change rapidly. To solve this problem, a load-aware adaptive control loop that can adjust current stimulation level based on fingertip condition is needed. As a first step, we detail the preliminary implementation, calibration, and testing of a developed electronic Braille (e-Braille) system that can perform on-line identification of the bioimpedance parameters of a user's fingertip skin. The identified individual bioimpedance was used as a control reference for a load-aware adaptive control system in the next stage. The output of the constant voltage driver for the system was calibrated to a certain voltage output based on user input and data acquisition device (DAQ) output. Next the identification algorithm was developed and verified by observing that plots of the mean square error approached zero over time. Finally, the system was tested using a first order linear model of fingertip skin and a number of adjustments were made to reduce the identification error to an acceptable range. Additionally preliminary data were collected with an EEG headset to determine the tactile correlation between mechanical and electronic Braille. This work shows that with some adjustments, the identification system is capable of performing with errors as low as 10% over a comprehensive range of fingertip impedance values and errors as low as 5% when tuned to a specific set of bioimpedance parameters. The preliminary EEG data collected also, provide a point of comparison with which to test future studies on the brain’s response to e-Braille. Thus, this portable, adaptive e-Braille system has the potential to expand the access of BVI individuals to books, news, and social technology.
Trends of Income Inequality and Poverty Involvement: Panel Evidence from Bali Province

The excellent progress of Bali's tourism has a good impact on the economic development of Bali Province, but the imbalance in tourism development between North Bali and South Bali produces several negative impacts, one of those impacts is Income Inequality. This study is intending to explore the relationship between the sum of Hotels, Tourist, Motor Vehicle Tax, Motor Vehicle Fuel Tax, and Literacy toward Income Inequality in Bali Province. This study uses Panel Data Multiple Regression using Fixed Effect Model utilizing 9 districts in Bali Province as cross-section data with year intervals from 2012 to 2018. This study found that all independent variables have a significant effect on Income Inequality in Bali Province. The Hotels, The Motor Vehicle Tax, and The Motor Vehicle Fuel Tax variables have no significant effect to Income Inequality. Meanwhile, Tourist and Literacy significantly affect income inequality with a negative relation. Literacy and Tourist arrivals can mitigate Income Inequality and the development of poverty follows the trends of development of Income Inequality in Bali Province.
Relationship of residual feed intake with semen parameters and testicular ultrasound of Nellore bulls

Residual feed intake (RFI) is one of the main tools used to identify feed efficiency. However, there is no consensus on the true impact of RFI on male reproductive traits in cattle. The study aimed to evaluate characteristics of the testicular parenchyma and vascular parameters of the pampiniform plexus obtained by ultrasound, semen quality parameters, and sperm freezability in Nellore bulls classified based on RFI. Twenty-seven bulls (21.82±0.88 months of age) evaluated for feed efficiency were sampled for the study, including 15 with low RFI (-0.592±0.09 kg dry matter/day) and 12 with high RFI (0.792±0.10 kg dry matter/day). In ultrasound and Doppler assessment, the most efficient animals (low RFI) showed higher pulsatility and resistive indexes, as well as a tendency (P=0.061) towards greater heterogeneity of the testicular parenchyma (0.625±0.032 vs. 0.508±0.032; 1.012±0.072 vs. 0.802±0.072 and 12.9±0.96 vs. 10.2±0.96, respectively, for low vs. high RFI). However, these animals tended (P=0.0652) to have lower peak diastolic velocity (5.19±0.50 for low RFI vs. 6.54±0.50 for high RFI). Analysis of fresh semen showed a lower percentage of minor defects in low RFI animals (2.67±1.19%) compared to high RFI animals (8.10±1.19%), without differences in the other parameters in fresh or thawed semen and after thermoresistance testing. Evaluation of flow cytometry parameters showed a higher quality of mitochondrial respiration in semen samples of low RFI animals (22.04±2.50%) compared to high RFI animals (12.29±2.71%). In conclusion, although RFI exerts an effect on the Doppler parameters of the pampiniform plexus, it was not sufficient to affect the quality of fresh or thawed semen.
Lipophilicity and Pharmacokinetic Properties of New Anticancer Dipyridothiazine with 1,2,3-Triazole Substituents

The lipophilicity parameters (logPcalcd, RM0 and logPTLC) of 10 new active anticancer dipirydothiazines with a 1,2,3-triazole ring were determined theoretically using computational methods and experimentally by reversed-phase TLC. Experimental lipophilicity was assessed using mobile phases (a mixture of TRIS buffer and acetone) using a linear correlation between the RM retention parameter and the volume of acetone. The RM0 parameter was correlated with the specific hydrophobic surface b, revealing two congenerative subgroups: 1,2,3-triazole-1,6-diazaphenothiazines and 1,2,3-triazole-1,8-diazaphenothiazines hybrids. The RM0 parameter was converted into the logPTLC lipophilicity parameter using a calibration curve. The investigated compounds appeared to be moderately lipophilic. Lipophilicity has been compared with molecular descriptors and ADME properties. The new derivatives followed Lipinski’s, Ghose’s and Veber’s rules.
Goal Attainment in an Individually Tailored and Home-Based Intervention in the Chronic Phase after Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a heterogeneous condition with long-term consequences for individuals and families. Goal-oriented rehabilitation is often applied, but there is scarce knowledge regarding types of goals and goal attainment. This study describes goal attainment in persons in the chronic phase of TBI who have received an individualized, SMART goal-oriented and home-based intervention, compares goal attainment in different functional domains, and examines indicators of goal attainment. Goal attainment scaling (GAS) was recorded in the intervention group (n = 59) at the final session. The goal attainment was high, with 93.3% increased goal attainment across all goals at the final session. The level of goal attainment was comparable across domains (cognitive, physical/somatic, emotional, social). Gender, anxiety symptoms, self-reported executive dysfunction, and therapy expectations were indicators of goal attainment. These results indicate a potential for the high level of goal attainment in the chronic phase of TBI. Tailoring of rehabilitation to address individual needs for home-dwelling persons with TBI in the chronic phase represents an important area of future research.
Reply on RC1

> RC1.1: "In my opinion, one of the strongest assumption that might be warranted is that neutron contribution of each sub-domain can be assessed individually (L149). As far as I have understood, this is also actually not challenged by the MonteCarlo simulations because also in these analyses the distance of the first contact with the land is used for the calculation (L179 and L212). In contrast, assuming a more diffuse transport process I expect more interactions and mixing. This might change significantly the results. I would say that for addressing this question, a different definition of detected distance in the MonteCarlo simulation should be tested. If this will not the case within the present study, I suggest at least to extend the discussion around that. "
Facile Cellulase Immobilisation on Bioinspired Silica

Cellulases are enzymes with great potential for converting biomass to biofuels for sustainable energy. However, their commercial use is limited by their costs and low reusability. Therefore, the scientific and industrial sectors are focusing on finding better strategies to reuse enzymes and improve their performance. In this work, cellulase from Aspergillus niger was immobilised through in situ entrapment and adsorption on bio-inspired silica (BIS) supports. To the best of our knowledge, this green effect strategy has never been applied for cellulase into BIS. In situ entrapment was performed during support synthesis, applying a one-pot approach at mild conditions (room temperature, pH 7, and water solvent), while adsorption was performed after support formation. The loading efficiency was investigated on different immobilisation systems by Bradford assay and FTIR. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was chosen as a control to optimize cellulase loading. The residual activity of cellulase was analysed by the dinitro salicylic acid (DNS) method. Activity of 90% was observed for the entrapped enzyme, while activity of ~55% was observed for the adsorbed enzyme. Moreover, the supported enzyme systems were recycled five times to evaluate their reuse potential. The thermal and pH stability tests suggested that both entrapment and adsorption strategies can increase enzyme activity. The results highlight that the entrapment in BIS is a potentially useful strategy to easily immobilise enzymes, while preserving their stability and recycle potential.