Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Vegetative propagation of adult Ilex paraguariensis trees through epicormic shoots - doi: 10.4025/actasciagron.v35i1.15958

Normal 0 21 false false false The difficulty and length of time required for seed germination of mate ( Ilex paraguariensis ), as well as the pressing need for clonal multiplication of improved genetic material, has resulted in several studies related to vegetative propagation in an effort to obtain rooted cuttings more quickly and with better genetic quality. Currently, the biggest challenge is propagating and rooting adult plants selected in the field without requiring clear cutting to generate conditions for the basal induction of juvenile sprouts. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop a method to rescue adult mate plants through the generation of epicormic sprouts. To accomplish this, tree branches of mate that were at least 19 years of age were collected and packed in trays with sand for sprouting. Different solutions containing a mixture of sucrose and indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) were sprayed in branches at 29, 22, 15, 8 and 1 day(s) before collection. We conclude that the vegetative propagation of adult mate trees is technically efficient and requires no treatment with sucrose or IBA and results in the formation of plants suitable for planting or serving as mother plants for continuous multiplication via cloning.
Antibacterial, Antibiofilm, and Antiviral Farnesol-Containing Nanoparticles Prevent Staphylococcus aureus from Drug Resistance Development

Multidrug antimicrobial resistance is a constantly growing health care issue associated with increased mortality and morbidity, and huge financial burden. Bacteria frequently form biofilm communities responsible for numerous persistent infections resistant to conventional antibiotics. Herein, novel nanoparticles (NPs) loaded with the natural bactericide farnesol (FSL NPs) are generated using high-intensity ultrasound. The nanoformulation of farnesol improved its antibacterial properties and demonstrated complete eradication of Staphylococcus aureus within less than 3 h, without inducing resistance development, and was able to 100% inhibit the establishment of a drug-resistant S. aureus biofilm. These antibiotic-free nano-antimicrobials also reduced the mature biofilm at a very low concentration of the active agent. In addition to the outstanding antibacterial properties, the engineered nano-entities demonstrated strong antiviral properties and inhibited the spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2 by up to 83%. The novel FSL NPs did not cause skin tissue irritation and did not induce the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines in a 3D skin tissue model. These results support the potential of these bio-based nano-actives to replace the existing antibiotics and they may be used for the development of topical pharmaceutic products for controlling microbial skin infections, without inducing resistance development.
A facility for the characterisation of planar multilayer structures with preliminary niobium results

The maximum accelerating gradient of superconducting radio frequency cavities are currently reaching their theoretical limits, due to the magnetic field entering the superconductor in the form of vortices. To overcome these limits, thin film coated superconducting materials are required, however these need to be tested to optimise their properties. A system has been designed, built, and commissioned at Daresbury Laboratory that applies a local DC magnetic field parallel to the surface, from one side of a sample, similar to that in cavity operation. A magnetic flux density (up to 600 mT) is generated parallel to the sample surface in the 2 mm gap of a C-shaped ferrite yoke. Two Hall probe sensors are used to measure both the applied and penetrated magnetic field. The system operates in a cryogen free environment, with a minimum temperature of approximately 2.6 K. A Pb foil has been used to characterise the system, and determine how the sample size affects the results. Nb thin film samples have been tested for varying thickness to determine how the depth effects the field of full flux penetration, Bfp . The design, operation, methods of analysis and first results of this facility will be reported in this paper.
The Counteractive Effect of Self-Regulation-Based Interventions on Prior Mental Exertion: A Systematic Review of Randomised Controlled Trials

Background: Many investigations have been performed on the effects of mental exertion that consumes self-regulatory resources and then affects physical and/or cognitive performance later on. However, the effect of manipulating self-regulation and interventions to attenuate this negative effect remains unclear. Moreover, there is continuous controversy regarding the resource model of self-regulation. Objective: We conducted a systematic review to assess the literature on manipulating self-regulation based on four ingredients (standard, monitoring, strength, and motivation) in order to counter mental exertion and improve physical and/or cognitive performance. The results provide more insight into the resource model. Method: A thorough search was conducted to extract the relevant literature from several databases, as well as Google Scholar, and the sources from the references were included as grey literature. A self-regulation intervention compared to a control condition, a physical and/or cognitive task, and a randomised controlled trial were selected. Result: A total of 39 publications were included. Regarding the four components of self-regulation, the interventions could mainly be divided into the following: (i) standard: implementation intervention; (ii) monitoring: biofeedback and time monitoring; (iii) strength: repeated exercise, mindfulness, nature exposure, and recovery strategies; (iv) motivation: autonomy-supportive and monetary incentives. The majority of the interventions led to significant improvement in subsequent self-regulatory performance. In addition, the resource model of self-regulation and attention-restoration theory were the most frequently used theories and supported relevant interventions. Conclusion: In line with the resource model, manipulating the four components of self-regulation can effectively attenuate the negative influence of mental exertion. The conservation proposed in the strength model of self-regulation was supported in the current findings to explain the role of motivation in the self-regulation process. Future studies can focus on attention as the centre of the metaphorical resource in the model.
A retrospective look at mountain lion populations in California (1906–2018)

Mountain lion ( Puma concolor ) population management in California has varied widely over the past 100 plus years, ranging from a bounty system (1906-1963) to specially-protected status (1972-present). To elucidate how these different management approaches have influenced California’s mountain lion populations, we estimated historical population trends by combining purposeful (i.e., bounty and depredation) and incidental (i.e., vehicle strike) mortality statistics with estimates of annual growth and mortality rates derived from the literature. We used a backwards population projection method to estimate annual abundance and population trends, starting with population sizes drawn randomly from a uniform distribution ranging from 1,000-5,000. These back-calculations suggest that the bounty was effective at reducing mountain lion populations, as all simulations indicated a statewide population decline during this period. Specially-protected status was also likely effective, as mountain lion populations appear to have increased statewide following cessation of the bounty period. These analyses demonstrate the effectiveness of various management approaches to influence mountain lion population trends for the intended results, and provide context for understanding historical aspects of mountain lion populations in California, which is unique from other areas given the species’ specially-protected status here.
Quantifying carotid stiffness in a pre-hypertensive population with ultrafast ultrasound imaging

Purpose The aim of this study was to assess carotid stiffening in a pre-hypertensive (PHT) population using ultrafast pulse wave velocity (ufPWV). Methods This study retrospectively enrolled 626 individuals who underwent clinical interviews, serum tests, and assessments of the systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), pulse wave velocity-beginning of systole (PWV-BS), and pulse wave velocity-end of systole (PWV-ES) between January 2017 and December 2021. The patients were divided into three groups according to their blood pressure (BP)—normal BP (NBP): SBP <130 mmHg and DBP <80 mmHg (n=215); PHT: 130 mmHg≤SBP<140 mmHg and/or 80 mmHg≤DBP<90 mmHg (n=119); hypertensive (HT): SBP ≥140 mmHg and/or DBP ≥90 mmHg (n=292). Correlation analyses and comparisons were performed among the groups and in the cIMT subgroups (cIMT ≥0.050 cm and <0.050 cm). Results cIMT and PWV-ES significantly differed among the BP groups (P<0.05). The BP groups had similar PWV-BS when cIMT <0.050 cm or cIMT ≥0.050 cm (all P>0.05). However, the NBP group had a notably lower PWV-ES than the PHT (P<0.001 and P=0.024) and HT (all P<0.001) groups in both cIMT categories, while the PWV-ES in the PHT group were not significantly lower than in the HT group (all P>0.05). Conclusion Carotid morphological and biomechanical properties in the PHT group differed from those in the NBP group. ufPWV could be used for an early evaluation of carotid stiffening linked to pre-hypertension.
Stereotactic radiotherapy for brain metastases in patients with lung cancer; outcome and toxicity in clinical practice

Background Stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) is an established modality for treating limited brain metastases (BMs). This study aimed to assess the real-life treatment outcome and associated prognostic factors for survival in a consecutive lung cancer cohort receiving SRT for BMs. Materials and methods A retrospective review and analysis of patients with lung cancer with BMs treated with SRT in western Sweden between 2002 and 2017 were performed. Data were collected from patient charts and the radiotherapy dose planning system. Results One hundred nine patients corresponding to 139 lesions were assessed; the majority were treated with single-fractionated SRT with 20 Gy. The median overall survival (OS) was 6.1 months, with a 12-month survival rate of 24%. The estimated overall disease control rate (DCR) was 84% at a median time of three months. On multivariate analysis, WHO performance status (PS) (p = 0.002) and smoking status (p = 0.005) were significant predictive factors for survival. Four percent of the patients experienced possible grade III–IV toxicity, and previously administered cranial radiation therapy was a significant independent factor (p = 0.03) associated with the risk of developing acute toxicity. Conclusions SRT due to brain metastases from lung cancer is a well-tolerated treatment. When selecting patients suitable for treatment, PS and extracranial disease progression should be considered. Smoking cessation is probably of value even in this palliative setting. The goal of SRT for BMs is not only to improve survival but also to provide symptom relief, and future studies on SRT should assess patient-reported outcomes in addition to survival.
Overview and Status of the International Celestial Reference Frame as Realized by VLBI

Accurate measurement of angular positions on the sky requires a well-defined system of reference that is realized with accessible objects. The purpose of this study is to review the international standard realization of such a system, the International Celestial Reference Frame (ICRF). The ICRF uses the Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) technique as it has the highest resolution of any current astrometric technique for reference frames in order to observe Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) which are at such great distances (typical redshift ∼1) that there is currently no observed parallax or proper motion of these objects thus giving the frame excellent stability. We briefly review the history of the transition from the Fundamental Katalog 5 (FK5) optical frame to VLBI-based frames with attention to each of the three generations: ICRF-1, ICRF-2, and ICRF-3. We present some of the more prominent applications of the ICRF and outline the methods used to construct the ICRF. Next we discuss in more detail the current standard ICRF-3—which is the first frame to be realized at multiple wavelengths (S/X, K, X/Ka-bands)—including an estimate of its accuracy and limiting errors. We conclude with an overview of future plans for improving the ICRF.
Development of Injectable Calcium Sulfate and Self-Setting Calcium Phosphate Composite Bone Graft Materials for Minimally Invasive Surgery

The demand of bone grafting is increasing as the population ages worldwide. Although bone graft materials have been extensively developed over the decades, only a few injectable bone grafts are clinically available and none of them can be extruded from 18G needles. To overcome the existing treatment limitations, the aim of this study is to develop ideal injectable implants from biomaterials for minimally invasive surgery. An injectable composite bone graft containing calcium sulfate hemihydrate, tetracalcium phosphate, and anhydrous calcium hydrogen phosphate (CSH/CaP paste) was prepared with different CSH/CaP ratios and different concentrations of additives. The setting time, injectability, mechanical properties, and biocompatibility were evaluated. The developed injectable CSH/CaP paste (CSH/CaP 1:1 supplemented with 6% citric acid and 2% HPMC) presented good handling properties, great biocompatibility, and adequate mechanical strength. Furthermore, the paste was demonstrated to be extruded from a syringe equipped with 18G needles and exerted a great potential for minimally invasive surgery. The developed injectable implants with tissue repairing potentials will provide an ideal therapeutic strategy for minimally invasive surgery to apply in the treatment of maxillofacial defects, certain indications in the spine, inferior turbinate for empty nose syndrome (ENS), or reconstructive rhinoplasty.
Special Education Teachers of Color Retention Decisions: Findings From a National Study

Special education teachers of color are underrepresented in research about attrition and retention, despite evidence of their role in the academic, social, and emotional success of students of color. We used critical quantitative methods and structural equation modeling to investigate the attrition and retention variability between special education teachers (SETs) of color and White SETs. We sampled 778 SETs and found SETs of color reported higher rates of intent to remain in the profession than White SETs. SETs of color in urban schools also rated supports higher than White SETs, based on school geographical location, suggesting higher retention of SETs of color in urban schools. We offer implications for ensuring SETs of color are reflected in research, and policy and practice recommendations to move the discussion of race and teacher shortage forward in the field.
Transparency in product design: investigating design intentions and consumers’ interpretations

ABSTRACT Transparency is used in product design across various product categories. Because of the physical property of letting light go through, transparency can create unique visual styles. Transparency can also communicate additional information as a result of what is situated underneath the product cover, which prompts different consumers’ interpretations. To support designers to use transparency effectively, this research aims to explore the use of transparency in product design to provide an overview of the design intentions of using transparency. Specifically, two studies were conducted. In Study 1, in-depth interviews with experienced designers (N = 6) were conducted and the results revealed the overview of the following five design intentions of using transparency in product design: enrich visual appeal, enrich product experience, improve product usability, facilitate consumers’ comprehension and demonstrate product functionality. The overview was further validated through consumer interviews (N = 13) in Study 2.
Reliability and Validity of Common Subjective Instruments in Assessing Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour in Chinese College Students

The reliability and validity of common physical activity (PA) questionnaires are not well investigated in college students. This study aims to evaluate the reliability and validity of common subjective instruments in measuring PA and sedentary behaviour (SB) among college students. A total of 142 college students were included through convenience sampling. Each participant was asked to wear Actigraph wGT3X-BT accelerometers and fill physical activity logs (PAL) for 7 consecutive days. The Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ), the International Physical Activity Questionnaire long-form (IPAQ-LF), and short-form (IPAQ-SF) were interviewed by face-to-face at both day 0 and day 8. Reliability was evaluated by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), while the validity was evaluated by Spearman correlation coefficient and Bland–Altman statistics. The instruments showed moderate reliability in reporting total PA (ICC = 0.50–0.62) and SB (ICC = 0.47–0.52), while moderate validity in reporting moderate and vigorous PA (MVPA) (r = 0.37–0.42), but fair to poor validity in reporting SB (r = 0.09–0.28). Bland–Altman plots showed that all the instruments would underestimate MVPA and overestimate SB. Thus, in Chinese younger adults, the GPAQ, IPAQ-LF, IPAQ-SF, and PAL provide limited but acceptable reliability and validity in measuring MVPA and SB, among which GPAQ might be the most valid instrument.
Pan-European Cooperative Law: Where Do We Stand?

La version espanola de este articulo se puede encontrar en: http://ssrn.com/abstract=2198285This paper aims to provide a brief general overview of the present state of European Union (EU) cooperative law from the perspective of harmonization of cooperative law in Europe. It also presents the author’s point of view on the possible future of both EU cooperative law and the harmonization of European national cooperative laws.
Qualitative Analysis of Sustainability Certification Systems Based on ISO 21929-1

Sustainability certification systems are parameters used to measure the extent to which the building meets the necessary sustainable requirements. Currently, there are several types of sustainability certificates, in addition to regulatory standards. Therefore, this work sought to analyze the most influential sustainability certificate systems in the market, using the qualitative analysis of content created by Bardin and based on ISO 21929-1, with fourteen aspects, as a parameter for comparison, the focus of the study was adapted to this method to have a better understanding of the behavior of these systems. Some conditions were imposed to narrow down the number of certification systems, four systems were selected to be analyzed. After the qualitative analysis, it was possible to identify that DGNB (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nachhaltiges Bauen) is the only one that addressed all the fourteen aspects brought by ISO 21929-1, HQE (Haute Qualité Environnementale) and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) addressed fewer aspects, HQE highly addresses them. However, LEED has a more detailed and clear approach to the aspect related to the Internal conditions and air quality. Lastly, BREEAM addresses thirteen of the fourteen aspects of ISO 21929-1, and most of its content addressed is from the environmental area.
Activities of amylase , trypsin and chymotrypsin of pancreas and small intestinal contents in the red jungle fowl and broiler breed

The digestive enzyme activities of the pancreas and small intestinal segments were examined in two breeds of chickens that differ in growth rate over the period of 1-day (1-d) to 4-months (120-d) of age. The total body weight (BW) of the red jungle fowl (RJF) increased slowly during the experiment, in contrast to the commercial broiler chicken (CBC) which showed markedly increase (P < 0.05) over the same experiment. The pancreas weight (g/100 g BW) was greater (P < 0.05) in the RJF during the experiment, with the exception of 1-day old group. There was significantly higher (P < 0.05) pancreatic enzyme activity (unit/g) and (unit/100 g) BW for the CBC, particularly at 10-days. However, there were no differences between the breeds at (20 to 56 days) for amylase and (120 days) for chymotrypsin. The enzyme activity (unit/g) for all intestinal segments increased with age. The CBC attained a maximal value on 10 days for jejunal and ileal trypsin, and duodenal, jejunal and ileal chymotrypsin. Activities (unit/100 g BW) showed decrease with age for both breeds. The CBC had a relatively greater value (P < 0.05) at 1 day, except for the jejunal trypsin and the chymotrypsin. Thereafter, the relative activities were higher for the RJF until the end of the experiment. Although significant differences in the digestive enzyme activities were obtained between the two breeds, these differences were generally associated with differences in body weight. The effects of selection affected the development rate of the synthesis of these enzymes according to the body requirements and biological function and this may affect the digestion and finally the growth rate.
Long-Term Dynamics of New Residential Supply: A Case Study of the Apartment Segment in Sweden

Since the size of the homeownership ratio differs significantly between countries, it is important to understand the mechanisms that lie behind the decrease or growth of certain sectors of the housing market such as rentals and housing cooperatives. The aim of this study is to analyze the long-term dynamics of the new residential supply in Sweden’s three largest cities for the period of 1990–2020 and estimate in what way market fundamentals affect it through new construction and housing conversions. We apply panel data methodology and, in distinction to previous research, consider the development of the housing market (urban growth) as physical volume. The results demonstrate that structural changes are driven mainly by fundamental demand factors and that the displacement effect occurs primarily in the market’s rental sector and not in the owner-occupied segment. The apartment price per square meter, together with mortgage interest rates, are the major driving factors in the process of converting dwellings into housing cooperatives. Fundamental variables that affect new construction in both the rental and housing cooperative sectors are population and income growth. In the presence of a rent control environment, the rent or price level does not contribute to adding new units to the total housing stock.