Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Kinetic Modeling, Thermodynamic Approach and Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Thermal Inactivation of Lipases from Burkholderia cepacia and Rhizomucor miehei

The behavior against temperature and thermal stability of enzymes is a topic of importance for industrial biocatalysis. This study focuses on the kinetics and thermodynamics of the thermal inactivation of Lipase PS from B. cepacia and Palatase from R. miehei. Thermal inactivation was investigated using eight inactivation models at a temperature range of 40–70 °C. Kinetic modeling showed that the first-order model and Weibull distribution were the best equations to describe the residual activity of Lipase PS and Palatase, respectively. The results obtained from the kinetic parameters, decimal reduction time (D and tR), and temperature required (z and z’) indicated a higher thermal stability of Lipase PS compared to Palatase. The activation energy values (Ea) also indicated that higher energy was required to denature bacterial (34.8 kJ mol−1) than fungal (23.3 kJ mol−1) lipase. The thermodynamic inactivation parameters, Gibbs free energy (ΔG#), entropy (ΔS#), and enthalpy (ΔH#) were also determined. The results showed a ΔG# for Palatase (86.0–92.1 kJ mol−1) lower than for Lipase PS (98.6–104.9 kJ mol−1), and a negative entropic and positive enthalpic contribution for both lipases. A comparative molecular dynamics simulation and structural analysis at 40 °C and 70 °C were also performed.
A Cluster Analysis and Validation of Health-Related Fitness Tests in College Students

Because health-related fitness consists of several domains, understanding clustering of scores from a testing battery can help practitioners derive exercise programs. The purpose of this study was to explore the clustering of health-related fitness test scores in college students and to validate the solution against criterion measures. Participants were college students (Mean age = 19.2 0.6 years; N = 523; 342 females, 181 males) recruited from a university in the southwestern U.S. The health-related fitness assessments consisted of BMI, estimated VO2 Peak from the Astrand-Ryhming cycle ergometer test, and a standard push-up test. Criterion measures consisted of DXA-assessed percent body fat (%BF), measured VO2 Peak from a maximal treadmill test, and a 1-Repetition Maximum (1-RM) bench press score. A hierarchical cluster analysis was performed to derive groupings. One-way ANOVA tests were used to explore the differences among the derived cluster groups on each criterion measure. Six cluster groups were formed representing various fitness “phenotypes” (Pseudo-F = 179.7). The cluster groups differed in %BF (F(5, 517) = 44.6, p < 0.001, eta-squared = 0.31), measured VO2 Peak (F(5, 517) = 49.7, p < 0.001, eta-squared = 0.33), and 1-RM bench press scores (F(5, 517) = 17.0, p < 0.001, eta-squared = 0.12), providing validation evidence. Six cluster groups were formed from a health-related fitness test battery in college students that were validated against criterion measures of health-related fitness. The cluster groups can be used to inform current fitness status and for derivation of exercise programs.
Exploring the Potential of Symmetric Exon Deletion to Treat Non-Ischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy by Removing Frameshift Mutations in TTN

Non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is one of the most frequent pathologies requiring cardiac transplants. Even though the etiology of this disease is complex, frameshift mutations in the giant sarcomeric protein Titin could explain up to 25% of the familial and 18% of the sporadic cases of DCM. Many studies have shown the potential of genome editing using CRISPR/Cas9 to correct truncating mutations in sarcomeric proteins and have established the grounds for myoediting. However, these therapies are still in an immature state, with only few studies showing an efficient treatment of cardiac diseases. This publication hypothesizes that the Titin (TTN)-specific gene structure allows the application of myoediting approaches in a broad range of locations to reframe TTNtvvariants and to treat DCM patients. Additionally, to pave the way for the generation of efficient myoediting approaches for DCM, we screened and selected promising target locations in TTN. We conceptually explored the deletion of symmetric exons as a therapeutic approach to restore TTN’s reading frame in cases of frameshift mutations. We identified a set of 94 potential candidate exons of TTN that we consider particularly suitable for this therapeutic deletion. With this study, we aim to contribute to the development of new therapies to efficiently treat titinopathies and other diseases caused by mutations in genes encoding proteins with modular structures, e.g., Obscurin.
Different Types of Meatballs Enriched with Wild Thyme/Lemon Balm Aqueous Extract—Complex Characterization

In the context of the increasing lactation problems among breastfeeding women, the development of a healthy lifestyle is needed. Different variants of pork, turkey, and beef meatballs, with added lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) and wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum L.) aqueous extract (6%), were obtained. These herbs were selected and used due to their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and lactogenic potential. Two thermal treatments, hot air convection (180 °C) and steam convection (94 °C), were applied for meatballs processing. The obtained meatballs were further subjected to a complex characterization. The functionality of the plant extracts was proved by the values of total content of polyphenols (2.69 ± 0.02 mg AG/g dw) and flavonoids (3.03 ± 0.24 mg EQ/g dw). FT-IR analysis confirmed the presence of trans-anethole and estragole at 1507–1508 cm−1 and 1635–1638 cm−1, respectively. Costumers’ overall acceptance had a score above 5.5 for all samples, on a scale of 1 to 9. Further analysis and human trials should be considered regarding the use of lactogenic herbs, given their health benefits and availability.
Physiologic Range of Myocardial Mechano-Energetic Efficiency among Healthy Subjects: Impact of Gender and Age

Background: Myocardial mechano-energetic efficiency (MEE) is the capability of the left ventricle (LV) to convert the chemical energy obtained from the cardiac oxidative metabolism into mechanical work. The aim of present study was to establish normal non-invasive MEE and MEEi reference values. Methods: In total, 1168 healthy subjects underwent physical examinations, clinical assessment, and standardized transthoracic echocardiographic (TTE) examination. MEE was obtained by TTE as the ratio between stroke volume (SV) and heart rate (HR): MEE = SV/HR [HR expressed in seconds (HR/60)]. Because MEE is highly related to left ventricular mass (LVM), MEE was then divided by LVM with the purpose of obtaining an estimate of energetic expenditure per unit of myocardial mass (i.e., indexed MEE, MEEi, mL/s/g). Results: The mean values of MEE and MEEi in the overall population were 61.09 ± 18.19 mL/s; 0.45 ± 0.14, respectively. In a multivariable analysis, gender, body surface area (BSA), diastolic blood pressure, left atrial volume indexed to BSA, E/e’ and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) were the independent variables associated with MEE, while age, gender, BSA and TAPSE were the independent variables associated with MEEi. Conclusions: The knowledge of age- and gender-based MEE and MEEi normal values may improve the global assessment of LV cardiac mechanics and serve as a reference to identify phenotypes at high risk of cardiovascular events.
Toward Development of a Stochastic Wake Model: Validation Using LES and Turbine Loads

Wind turbines within an array do not experience free-stream undisturbed flow fields. Rather, the flow fields on internal turbines are influenced by wakes generated by upwind unit and exhibit different dynamic characteristics relative to the free stream. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standard 61400-1 for the design of wind turbines only considers a deterministic wake model for the design of a wind plant. This study is focused on the development of a stochastic model for waked wind fields. First, high-fidelity physics-based waked wind velocity fields are generated using Large-Eddy Simulation (LES). Stochastic characteristics of these LES waked wind velocity field, including mean and turbulence components, are analyzed. Wake-related mean and turbulence field-related parameters are then estimated for use with a stochastic model, using Multivariate Multiple Linear Regression (MMLR) with the LES data. To validate the simulated wind fields based on the stochastic model, wind turbine tower and blade loads are generated using aeroelastic simulation for utility-scale wind turbine models and compared with those based directly on the LES inflow. The study’s overall objective is to offer efficient and validated stochastic approaches that are computationally tractable for assessing the performance and loads of turbines operating in wakes.
COVID-19 Pandemic and Caregiving of Old Adults with Chronic Nervous System Disease

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and the concomitant quarantine have significantly reduced old adults’ independence in doing daily or functional activities. Thus, they require more support and help at home. Because of the effect of the disease’s progression and the adverse effects of quarantine on patients’ functional status, old adults’ caregivers might have been affected too. Objectives: The present research aimed to explore the role of the caregiving burden in the relationship between old adults’ functional status and caregivers’ mental health. Methods: The research population comprised caregiver families of old adults afflicted with chronic nervous diseases during the pandemic. To this aim, a sample of 249 caregiver families of old adults suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, or stroke participated in this study. Data were collected using three online questionnaires of Lawton’s instrumental activities of daily living scale (IADL), Novak’s caregiver burden inventory, and Goldberg’s mental health questionnaire. Data analysis was administered by Pearson’s correlation coefficient and structural equation modeling (SEM). Results: Correlation analysis and SEM results showed that the patients’ functional status and caregivers’ mental health had a significant, positive correlation, which was mediated by the caregiving burden variable. Conclusions: It can be concluded that better functional status of old adults can lead to a lower caregiving burden. Also, it can significantly improve caregivers’ mental health and increase the old adults’ and caregivers’ quality of life.
How Buyer-Supplier Relationships Can Create Value – Integrating Strategy and Operations Ms

The concept of competitive advantage in strategic management, following the resource based logic, is recently evolving to a consensus that defines competitive advantage as superior value creation in relation to competition. Value creation is defined as the wedge between the willingness to pay of firm ́s customers and the opportunity costs if its suppliers. This paper integrates this theoretical development with the literature of supply chain management and buyer-suppliers relationships in operations management, tapping into the large body of literature in the area. This integration leads to a more comprehensive and theoretically sound rationale for interpreting the impact on performance of both dyad members of collaborative relationships and supports new propositions of value creation and capture, including the role of trust in this process. The new theoretical approach also allows more rigorous operationalization of the related concepts and can be used for practical implications.
Recent Advances in the Synthesis of Graphene-Based Nanomaterials for Controlled Drug Delivery

Graphene-based nanomaterials have exhibited wide applications in nanotechnology, materials science, analytical science, and biomedical engineering due to their unique physical and chemical properties. In particular, graphene has been an excellent nanocarrier for drug delivery application because of its two-dimensional structure, large surface area, high stability, good biocompatibility, and easy surface modification. In this review, we present the recent advances in the synthesis and drug delivery application of graphene-based nanomaterials. The modification of graphene and the conjugation of graphene with other materials, such as small molecules, nanoparticles, polymers, and biomacromolecules as functional nanohybrids are introduced. In addition, the controlled drug delivery with the fabricated graphene-based nanomaterials are demonstrated in detail. It is expected that this review will guide the chemical modification of graphene for designing novel functional nanohybrids. It will also promote the potential applications of graphene-based nanomaterials in other biomedical fields, like biosensing and tissue engineering.
A new giant keelback slug of the genus Limax from the Balkans, described by citizen scientists

Abstract Background Despite their large size, striking colouration and genital extravagance, the taxonomy of the European giant keelback slugs of the genus Limax is still poorly understood. Preliminary morphological and molecular data suggest that many unnamed or unrecognised species exist, especially in the Alps, the Mediterranean and the Balkans. New information We organised a citizen science expedition to Durmitor National Park in Montenegro and discovered a new species, genetically distinct, but morphologically similar to the sympatric L.cinereoniger Wolf 1803 and describe it as L.pseudocinereoniger.
Reimagining student laboratories: creating a digitalized chemistry lab

The potential to make students experts in their own learning is often allocated to the use of digital media in learning settings [1] . At the Friedrich Schiller University of Jena, a chemical student laboratory is therefore being created, which will serve to test and research the use of digital media within a chemistry (lab) context. This digitalchemlab is a supplement to the already existing classical student laboratory. Digital media can be used to create an interesting and highly customised design of the lab day for each student. In a first research project, a digital learning module is designed. Learners are to select different tasks with optional learning aids along a differentiation matrix and switch flexibly between classic student lab aspects such as experimenting in the lab and digital tasks. This module will be piloted with students, student teachers and teachers. Evaluation and the accompanying research project will be addressed in this article.
WHAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED WITH DIGITAL SERVICE-ORIENTED BUSINESS MODELS: A CONFIGURATIONAL ANALYSIS OF ITALIAN MANUFACTURERS

The paper aims at explore what are the conditions affecting the ability of manufacturers in developing and supplying advanced digitally based services. Given the multiple and conjunctive causality of the investigated phenomenon, a Qualitative Comparative Analysis has been performed via the calibration of a qualitative investigation of BMI adopted in 19 small-to large-sized manufacturing firms located in northern Italy. The analysis assesses the impact of a series of theoretically relevant causal factors for the targeted outcome variable. It allows us to identify one configuration with optimal consistency, showing that level of the involvement, customer relations and external service suppliers are crucial for developing successful digitally based advanced services. Findings suggest manufacturing firms’ managers should: first, capitalize as far as possible on internal valuable knowledge and assets, mapping and leveraging useful people and technologies. Second, scout external service providers related to technology and strategy/organization that can help them in making the value proposition evolve. Third, they have to build and foster customer intimacy and capitalize on key customers, either leveraging on the extant sales / field service structures or envisioning new direct data exchange channels.
God in the A Survey Experiment

: “God talk” occurs when a member of the public gives religious reasons for a policy claim. The legitimacy of God talk is the subject of great debate among sociological and political theorists of the public sphere. There has never been an empirical study of the general public’s views of the legitimacy of God talk itself. Using a vignette survey experiment I find among the overall public that there is a statistically significant but extremely small degree of aversion to hearing God talk. Additionally, respondents claim to be able to understand God talk just as well as claims justified by science. Aversion to hearing and understanding God talk do differ by the religion of the respondent. I conclude with a discussion of how these results may influence theoretical debate about the public sphere.
University of Groningen Acute pre-operative ibuprofen improves cognition in a rat model for postoperative cognitive dysfunction Oberman,

Introduction: Studies show a need for trust between stakeholders in integrated services. However, few studies have investigated how trust develops between stakeholders on a micro-level. In a Danish intersectoral intervention for persons on sick leave due to common mental disorders, we explored why trust is needed and how trust is developed between micro-level stakeholders. Methodology: The qualitative study was based on 12 observations of interorganisational meetings, 16 interviews with service users, 24 interviews with health care professionals and employment consultants, and 8 interviews with supervisors. The analysis was guided by the theoretical concepts (dis-) trust, vulnerability and uncertainty. Results: Latent distrust between involved organisations, and vulnerabilities and uncertainties related to employment consultants’ statutory power over service users caused a perceived need for interpersonal trust. Time to establish knowledgebased relationships, healthcare professionals’ caring approach, and creating a feeling of sharing interests were compensating trust-building strategies that were often regarded as positive. Discussion and conclusion: Trust in personal relationships between stakeholders appeared to compensate for contextually shaped distrust, vulnerability and uncertainty. Identifying latent distrust, vulnerabilities, uncertainties, and power structures might be key to improving trust-building strategies in a specific context. The time-consuming process of trust-building between micro-level stakeholders should be supported structurally. CORRESPONDING AUTHOR: Rie Mandrup Poulsen The National Board of Social Services, Center for Data, Analysis and Methods, Edisonsvej 1, 5000 Odense C, Denmark rmpo@socialstyrelsen.dk
Examining the Design Space of AI-Mediated Social Matching Among Online Learners

Online education has been growing in demand over the years. However, online learners frequently experience social isolation, which negatively impacts their learning experience and outcome. In this chapter, we investigate the design space of social matching systems to help foster social connections among online learners. Speciﬁcally, we seek to answer three core design questions: (1) What data should be collected? (2) How to design technology to support students’ interactions with one another? (3) What are students’ concerns about the ethics of AI-mediated social matching? We begin by exploring the feasibility, design, and concerns of AI-mediated social interactions through existing literature. We then present our ongoing work on the design and use of AI conversational agents as social matching systems in the online learning context. Finally, we outline future directions for research on designing human-centered social matching systems in online learning.
Mindfulness in an Age of Digital Distraction and the Effect of Mindfulness on Employee Engagement, Wellbeing, and Perceived Stress

This study examined the effect of mindfulness on employee engagement, perceived stress and wellbeing. Based on non-probability sampling, data was gathered from 200 respondents engaged in the services sector in Malaysia. In this quantitative study, numerical data was collected using a survey method. The results of this study revealed that mindfulness practices had the highest impact on the work engagement of employees. The results also showed a strong but inverse relationship between mindfulness and perceived stress. The results further showed that mindfulness had moderate relations with employee wellbeing. The results of this study highlighted the relevance of mindfulness practices on employee engagement, perceived stress, and wellbeing in organisations. Organisations can support and implement mindfulness practices to help employees to combat stress and improve their engagement and wellbeing.
Effect of Non-surgical Periodontal Therapy on the Clinical Periodontal Inflammatory Parameters in \(\beta\)-Thalassemia Major (TM-\(\beta\)) Patients with Gingivitis

Background: Increased prevalence of gingival diseases in thalassemia patients has been consistently reported. In diseases with neutrophil dysfunctions, periodontal tissue is lost very rapidly. \(\beta\)-thalassemia major (TM- \(\beta\)) patients exhibit defective neutrophils and macrophages. Therefore, supplementary gingival inflammation is detrimental to periodontal tissues in these patients. This warrants attention to specialized oral health care intervention in these patients. This is the pioneer pre and post study that evaluates the effect of non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) in \(\beta\)-thalassemia major (TM- \(\beta\)) patients with gingivitis. And also reports the prevalence and distribution of disease severity in TM- \(\beta\)patients. Methods: 31 patients (15 females, 16 males) fulfilling the inclusion criteria were provided with protocol guided NSPT including scaling, polishing and chemical mouthrinse (0.2% CHX). Gingival index (GI), plaque score, Papillary bleeding index (PI) and periodontal pocket depth (PPD) were recorded with a periodontal probe (UNC-15) at baseline and evaluated after 6 weeks of intervention. Paired T-test was applied for GI, PBI and plaque and Wilcoxon signed rank test for PPD at the P-value of <0.05 Results: 86% of the assessed individuals had gingivitis (6% -mild, 44%- moderate and 36% - severe). NSPT showed highly significant (P - <0.000) improvement from baseline to 6 weeks after intervention for all the clinical parameters, GI, PBI, plaque score and PPD. Conclusion: Within the limitations of the study, the results show that with proper protocol, multidisciplinary approach and careful screening of the patient’s systemic status, TM-\(\beta\)patients with gingivitis respond positively to local measures of plaque control.