Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCERS AND ELECTRONIC WORD OF MOUTH: THE COMMUNICATION IMPACT ON RESTAURANT PATRONIZING

Innovative forms of digital communications using blogging, vlogging, etc. have led to wider recognition and acceptance of social media influencer marketing by business entities. The purpose of this study is to explore the characteristics of electronic Word of Mouth (eWOM) generated by food blogging, that has an impact on consumers when they seek out the reviews by social media influencers to make dining decisions. More precisely, the study identifies four independent variables; The expertise of Source (EX); Popularity of Source (PO); Convenience of Information (CO) and Familiarityof Source (FA); and examines its impact on consumers’ Intention to Purchase (IN). The study starts off with a discussion of the coming of digital marketing communication, allowing traditional word of mouth marketing to evolve into the electronic word of mouth. The study followed quantitative methodology and the data was gathered using self-administered questionnaires. 353 usable responses were received, and the data were statistically analyzed using SPSS. The results show that the consumers’ the intention was strongly impacted by the familiarity of source and convenience of information, while the correlation is low for the expertise of source and popularity of source. The findings fill in the lack of studies in this area, specific to the food and beverage industry in the geographical context, and provide marketers a clearer picture of what is being valued by the consumers when they seek out opinions by the social media influencers. This in turn helps their decision-making when choosing food bloggers as part of their social media marketing strategy.
Increased Level of Serum Wingless-Type Mouse Mammary Tumor Virus Integration Site Family Member 5a in Patients with Cutaneous Lichen Planus

Purpose Cutaneous lichen planus (CLP) is an autoinflammatory skin disorder, and it is associated with metabolic syndrome. Wingless-type mouse mammary tumor virus integration site family member 5a (Wnt5a) is a potential factor in metabolic complications and it was shown to be upregulated in CLP lesions. Whether Wnt5a is altered in the circulation of patients with CLP is unclear. This study aimed to measure serum Wnt5a level in patients with CLP and to assess its relationship with body mass index (BMI). Methods We included 46 adult patients with CLP and 38 healthy adults as control. Serum Wnt5a was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results The mean serum Wnt5a was significantly higher in patients than controls (all P-value <0.001). The mean serum Wnt5a levels in obese (BMI between 30 and 40) patients were significantly higher than lean (BMI between 20 and 25) patients (P-value <0.001). Compared to lean patients with CLP, the concentration of serum Wnt5a levels was increased gradually with BMI score (all P-value <0.05). Conclusion Serum Wnt5a might be a potential biomarker for CLP and it was associated with BMI. An increase in serum Wnt5a may contribute to the development of metabolic comorbidity in CLP patients.
Numerical Simulation of Heat Transfer for Thermal Protective Clothing Incorporating Phase Change Material Layer

Phase-change materials(PCMs)can be used to reduce thermal stress and improve thermal comfort for workers wearing thermal protective clothing under fire.In this paper,a numerical model is developed,which investigates heat transfer within protective clothing system coupled with PCM layer when suddenly exposed to convective and radiant heat flux from simulated pre-flashover fire radiation.The simulation results are validated by the experimental values conducted in the apparatus for evaluating thermal protective performance and the computer results agreed well with the experimental values.The relations among protective performance and melting point,configuration of PCM layer in the protective clothing are also investigated by the model results.It was found that PCM have a positive effect on heat protection compared with the fire protective clothing commonly used.However,the efficiency of protection for human skin burn injury depends on the location and the thermal properties of PCM layer.
Synthesis of High Molecular Weight Stereo-Di-Block Copolymers Driven by a Co-Initiator Free Catalyst

Stereo-diblock copolymers of high molecular weight polylactide (PLA) were synthetized by the one pot-sequential addition method assisted by a heteroscorpionate catalyst without the need of a co-initiator. The alkyl zinc organometallic heteroscorpionate derivative (Zn(Et)(κ3-bpzteH)] (bpzteH = 2,2-bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)-1-para-tolylethoxide) proved to assist in the mechanism of reaction following a coordination-insertion process. Kinetic studies along with the linear correlation between monomer and number average molecular weight (Mn) conversion, and the narrow polydispersities supported the truly living polymerization character of the initiator, whereas matrix-assisted laser desorption/Ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) studies showed a very low order of transesterification. The high stereo-control attained for the afforded high molecular weight derivatives was revealed by homonuclear decoupled 1H NMR spectra and polarimetry measurements. The nanostructure of the PLA derivatives was studied by both wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and the stereocomplex phase of the PLA stereo-diblock copolymers was successfully identified.
Apoplastic histochemical features of plant root walls that may facilitate ion uptake and retention

Abstract We used brightfield and epifluorescence microscopy, as well as permeability tests, to investigate the apoplastic histochemical features of plant roots associated with ion hyperaccumulation, invasion, and tolerance of oligotrophic conditions. In hyperaccumulator species with a hypodermis (exodermis absent), ions penetrated the root apex, including the root cap. By contrast, in non-hyperaccumulator species possessing an exodermis, ions did not penetrate the root cap. In vivo, the lignified hypodermis blocked the entry of ions into the cortex, while root exodermis absorbed ions and restricted them to the cortex. The roots of the hyperaccumulators Pteris vittata and Cardamine hupingshanensis, as well as the aquatic invasives Alternanthera philoxeroides, Eichhornia crassipes, and Pistia stratiotes, contained lignin and pectins. These compounds may trap and store ions before hypodermis maturation, facilitating ion hyperaccumulation and retention in the apoplastic spaces of the roots. These apoplastic histochemical features were consistent with certain species-specific characters, including ion hyperaccumulation, invasive behaviors in aquatic environments, or tolerance of oligotrophic conditions. We suggest that apoplastic histochemical features of the root may act as invasion mechanisms, allowing these invasive aquatic plants to outcompete indigenous plants for ions.
Discovery of Highly Potent Fusion Inhibitors with Potential Pan-Coronavirus Activity That Effectively Inhibit Major COVID-19 Variants of Concern (VOCs) in Pseudovirus-Based Assays

We report the discovery of several highly potent small molecules with low-nM potency against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV; lowest half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50: 13 nM), SARS-CoV-2 (IC50: 23 nM), and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV; IC50: 76 nM) in pseudovirus-based assays with excellent selectivity index (SI) values (>5000), demonstrating potential pan-coronavirus inhibitory activities. Some compounds showed 100% inhibition against the cytopathic effects (CPE; IC100) of an authentic SARS-CoV-2 (US_WA-1/2020) variant at 1.25 µM. The most active inhibitors also potently inhibited variants of concern (VOCs), including the UK (B.1.1.7) and South African (B.1.351) variants and the Delta variant (B.1.617.2) originally identified in India in pseudovirus-based assay. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis with one potent inhibitor confirmed that it binds to the prefusion SARS-CoV-2 spike protein trimer. These small-molecule inhibitors prevented virus-mediated cell–cell fusion. The absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) data for one of the most active inhibitors, NBCoV1, demonstrated drug-like properties. An in vivo pharmacokinetics (PK) study of NBCoV1 in rats demonstrated an excellent half-life (t1/2) of 11.3 h, a mean resident time (MRT) of 14.2 h, and oral bioavailability. We expect these lead inhibitors to facilitate the further development of preclinical and clinical candidates.
Impacts of Slow-Release Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates on the Morpho-Physiological Traits, Yield, and Nitrogen Use Efficiency of Rice under Different Water Regimes

The efficient use of water and fertilizer is vital for optimizing plant growth and yield in rice production. To achieve sustainable rice production and resource management, the ways in which applied water and nitrogen affect the root and shoot morpho-physiology, as well as yield, must be understood. In this study, a pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of slow-release nitrogen fertilizer (sulfur-coated urea) application at three levels (light nitrogen (NL), medium nitrogen (NM), and heavy nitrogen (NH)) on the growth, yield, and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of rice grown under three water regimes (wetting and soil saturation (WSS), wetting and moderate drying (WMD) and wetting and severe drying (WSD)). The results revealed that differences in water regimes and fertilizer rates led to significant differences in the roots, shoots, yield, and NUE of rice. Increasing the N dosage by 5% enhanced the root and biomass production by 16% in comparison with that of the other groups. The NH×WSS treatment produced the greatest root length, weight, density, active absorption, and oxidation. However, the integration of WSS × NL generated the maximum value of nitrogen apparent recovery efficiency (63.1% to 67.6%) and the greatest value of nitrogen partial factor productivity (39.9 g g−1 to 41.13 g g−1). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images showed that plants grown under high and medium nitrogen fertilizer rates with WSS had improved leaf mesophyll structure with normal starch grains, clear cell walls, and well-developed chloroplasts with tidy and well-arranged thylakoids. These results show that TEM images are useful for characterizing the nitrogen and water status of leaves in the sub-micrometer range and providing specific information regarding the leaf microstructure. The findings of this study suggest that the application of NH×WSS can produce improvements in growth traits and increase rice yield; however, the NL×WSS treatment led to greater NUE, and the authors recommend its usage in rice agriculture.
Pattern of Forest Resource Utilization in Some Villages of Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand,
India

The Garhwal Himalaya, located in the Himalayan Biodiversity Hotpot, is facing a tremendous pressure especially in human habitation localities where majority of the inhabitants are dependent on the natural resources for their daily needs. The forest resource use patterns vary from one place to another depending upon the livelihood status of inhabitant of particular area. The present study deals the forest resource use pattern in five villages namely Ghidrasu, Daang, Kathur, Khon and Thapli situated in the fringe of a reserve forest of Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India. The average fodder consumption was found 1136.13±148.44 kg/ family/ month that ranged 1047.62–1334.56 kg/ family/ month. The average fuelwood consumption/ household/ month varied from 451.04 to 560.74 kg (average 486.30±43.90 kg). The average LPG consumption varied from 13.59 to 14.26 kg/ household/ month (average 13.85±0.25 kg) in the area. The total importance value (TIV) analysis revealed that Aesculus indica, Euonymus pendulus, Lyonia ovalifolia, Myrica esculenta, Pinus roxburghii, Prunus cerasoides, Quercus oblongata, Rhododendron arboreum and Swida macrophylla were the tree species of higher socioeconomic values hence needs especial concern and priority in conservation and management related activities.
Effects of Asymmetric Coupling Strength on Nonlinear Dynamics of Two Mutually Long-Delay-Coupled Semiconductor Lasers

This study investigates the effects of asymmetric coupling strength on nonlinear dynamics of two mutually long-delay-coupled semiconductor lasers through both experimental and numerical efforts. Dynamical maps and spectral features of dynamical states are analyzed as a function of the coupling strength and detuning frequency for a fixed coupling delay time. Symmetry in the coupling strength of the two lasers, in general, symmetrizes their dynamical behaviors and the corresponding spectral features. Slight to moderate asymmetry in the coupling strength moderately changes their dynamical behaviors from the ones when the coupling strength is symmetric, but does not break the symmetry of their dynamical behaviors and the corresponding spectral features. High asymmetry in the coupling strength not only strongly changes their dynamical behaviors from the ones when the coupling strength is symmetric, but also breaks the symmetry of their dynamical behaviors and the corresponding spectral features. Evolution of the dynamical behaviors from symmetry to asymmetry between the two lasers is identified. Experimental observations and numerical predictions agree not only qualitatively to a high extent but also quantitatively to a moderate extent.
Tilting the Balance: Therapeutic Prospects of CD83 as a Checkpoint Molecule Controlling Resolution of Inflammation

Chronic inflammatory diseases and transplant rejection represent major challenges for modern health care. Thus, identification of immune checkpoints that contribute to resolution of inflammation is key to developing novel therapeutic agents for those conditions. In recent years, the CD83 (cluster of differentiation 83) protein has emerged as an interesting potential candidate for such a “pro-resolution” therapy. This molecule occurs in a membrane-bound and a soluble isoform (mCD83 and sCD83, respectively), both of which are involved in resolution of inflammation. Originally described as a maturation marker on dendritic cells (DCs), mCD83 is also expressed by activated B and T cells as well as regulatory T cells (Tregs) and controls turnover of MHC II molecules in the thymus, and thereby positive selection of CD4+ T cells. Additionally, it serves to confine overshooting (auto-)immune responses. Consequently, animals with a conditional deletion of CD83 in DCs or regulatory T cells suffer from impaired resolution of inflammation. Pro-resolving effects of sCD83 became evident in pre-clinical autoimmune and transplantation models, where application of sCD83 reduced disease symptoms and enhanced allograft survival, respectively. Here, we summarize recent advances regarding CD83-mediated resolution of inflammatory responses, its binding partners as well as induced signaling pathways, and emphasize its therapeutic potential for future clinical trials.
Systemic Mobilization of Breast Cancer Resistance Protein in Response to Oncogenic Stress

Simple Summary The drug efflux mediated by xenobiotic transporters is one of the best recognized mechanisms of multidrug resistance in cancer that leads to the failure of therapeutic approaches. The aim of our research was to examine the influence of a growing tumor on the activity of xenobiotic transport in the host. Our study reveals a strong correlation between the development of melanoma tumor in mice and the level of breast cancer resistance protein, one of the major xenobiotic transporters, and its transcript in the normal tissues of the hosts distant from the tumor site. The systemic effects of the tumor are confirmed by a drastically enhanced xenobiotic transport, which is correlated with changes in the level of cytokines in blood. Such an unexpected type of tumor–host interaction, which leads to the systemic upregulation of breast cancer resistance protein, and very likely of other xenobiotic transporters too, has broad implications for cancer therapies, including chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy. Our findings shed new light on the biology of cancer and the complexity of cancer–host interactions that should be taken into account in the design of new generations of anti-cancer drugs and personalized medicine. Abstract The breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP or ABCG2) involved in cancer multidrug resistance (MDR), transports many hydrophobic compounds, including a number of anti-cancer drugs. Our comprehensive study using a mouse model reveals that a subcutaneously growing tumor strongly affects the expression of BCRP in the host’s normal organs on both the transcriptional and translational level. Additionally, the efflux of BCRP substrates is markedly enhanced. The levels of BCRP and its transcript in normal tissues distant from the tumor site correlate with tumor growth and the levels of cytokines in the peripheral blood. Thus, oncogenic stress causes transient systemic upregulation of BCRP in the host’s normal tissues and organs, which is possibly mediated via cytokines. Because BCRP upregulation takes place in many organs as early as the initial stages of tumor development, it reveals a most basic mechanism that may be responsible for the induction of primary MDR. We hypothesize that such effects are not tumor-specific responses, but rather constitute a more universal defense strategy. The xenobiotic transporters are systemically mobilized due to various stresses, seemingly in a pre-emptive manner so that the body can be quickly and efficiently detoxified. Our findings shed new light on the biology of cancer and on the complexity of cancer–host interactions and are highly relevant to cancer therapies as well as to the design of new generations of therapeutics and personalized medicine.
Surface Color Variations of Ground Beef Packaged Using Enhanced, Recycle Ready, or Standard Barrier Vacuum Films

With current meat industry efforts focused on improving environmental influencers, adopting sustainable packaging materials may be an easier transition to addressing the sustainability demands of the meat consumer. With the growing popularity of vacuum-packaged meat products, the current study evaluated instrumental surface color on fresh ground beef using vacuum packaging films, recycle-ready film (RRF), standard barrier (STB) and enhanced barrier (ENB). Ground beef packaged using ENB barrier film was lighter (L*), redder (a*) and more vivid (chroma) than all other packaging treatments during the simulated display period (p < 0.05). By day 12 of the simulated retail display, the ground beef surface color became lighter (L*), more yellow (b*), less red (a*), less vivid (chroma) and contained greater forms of calculated metmyoglobin, oxymyoglobin (p < 0.05). The current results suggest that barrier properties of vacuum packaging film for ground beef are pivotal for extending the surface color during fresh shelf-life conditions.
Latino sexual minority men’s intersectional minority stress, general stress, and coping during COVID-19: A rapid qualitative study

Abstract Introduction Sexual minority men face mental health, substance use, and HIV disparities, all of which can be understood by minority stress and intersectionality theories. With the emergence of COVID-19 and considering its disproportionate impact on Latinx and sexual minority communities, Latino sexual minority men (LSMM) may be facing unique consequences of this new pandemic that intersect with pre-COVID disparities. The purpose of the current study is to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on LSMM’s intersectional minority stress, general stress, and coping, filling a gap in the current literature. Methods The current rapid qualitative study explores the impact of COVID-19 on LSMM in South Florida who reported being HIV-negative (N = 10) or living with HIV (N = 10). Results The rapid analysis revealed themes of exacerbated intersectional minority stress and general stress in the context of COVID-19, some of which was related to the impact of pre-COVID-19 disparities in the LSMM community. Participants reported a variety of coping responses, some of which participants found helpful and others (e.g., substance use) which further exacerbated disparities. Conclusion The findings underscore the need to scale up and disseminate behavioral health resources to LSMM to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on this community’s health and well-being.
Small and slow is safe: On the drought tolerance of tropical tree species

Understanding how evolutionary history and the coordination between trait trade‐off axes shape the drought tolerance of trees is crucial to predict forest dynamics under climate change. Here, we compiled traits related to drought tolerance and the fast‐slow and stature‐recruitment trade‐off axes in 601 tropical woody species to explore their covariations and phylogenetic signals. We found that xylem resistance to embolism (P50) determines the risk of hydraulic failure, while the functional significance of leaf turgor loss point (TLP) relies on its coordination with water use strategies. P50 and TLP exhibit weak phylogenetic signals and substantial variation within genera. TLP is closely associated with the fast‐slow trait axis: slow species maintain leaf functioning under higher water stress. P50 is associated with both the fast‐slow and stature‐recruitment trait axes: slow and small species exhibit more resistant xylem. Lower leaf phosphorus concentration is associated with more resistant xylem, which suggests a (nutrient and drought) stress‐tolerance syndrome in the tropics. Overall, our results imply that (1) drought tolerance is under strong selective pressure in tropical forests, and TLP and P50 result from the repeated evolutionary adaptation of closely related taxa, and (2) drought tolerance is coordinated with the ecological strategies governing tropical forest demography. These findings provide a physiological basis to interpret the drought‐induced shift toward slow‐growing, smaller, denser‐wooded trees observed in the tropics, with implications for forest restoration programmes.
Grounded Theory of Asian American Activists for #BlackLivesMatter

A grounded theory study was employed to identify the conditions contributing to the core phenomenon of Asian American activists (N = 25) mobilizing toward thick solidarity with the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement in 2020. The findings indicate achieving a collective oppressed identity was necessary to mobilize in thick solidarity with the BLM movement and occurred because of causal conditions: (a) experiences of COVID-19–related anti-Asian discrimination, and (b) George Floyd’s murder. Non-action, performative or unhelpful action, and action toward thick solidarity were influenced by contextual factors: (a) alignment with personal and community values, (b) awareness and knowledge, and (c) perspectives of oppression. Mobilization was also influenced by intervening factors, which included affective responses, intergenerational conflict, conditioning of “privileges” afforded by White supremacy, and the presence of organized communities. Mental health professionals and social justice advocates can apply these findings to promote engagement in the community organizing efforts of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities with the BLM movement, denounce anti-Blackness, and uphold a culpability toward supporting the Black community.