Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Constructing sustained-release herbicide formulations based on poly-3-hydroxybutyrate and natural materials as a degradable matrix.

BACKGROUND The purpose of the present study was to develop ecofriendly herbicide formulations. Its main aim was to develop and investigate slow-release formulations of herbicides (metribuzin, tribenuron-methyl, and fenoxaprop-P-ethyl) of different structure, solubility, and specificity, which were loaded into a degradable matrix of poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (P(3HB)) blended with available natural materials (peat, clay, and wood flour). RESULTS Differences in the structure and physicochemical properties of the formulations were studied as dependent on the type of the matrix. Herbicide release and accumulation in soil were associated with the solubility of the herbicide. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy showed that no chemical bonds were formed between the components in the experimental formulations. Degradation of the formulations in agro-transformed soil in laboratory conditions was chiefly influenced by the shape of the specimens (granules or pellets) while the effect of the type of the filler (peat, clay, or wood flour) was insignificant. The use of the granules enabled more rapid accumulation of the herbicides in soil: their peak concentrations were reached after three weeks of incubation while the concentrations of the herbicides released from the pellets were the highest after 5 to 7 weeks. Loading of the herbicides into the polymer matrix composed of the slowly degraded P(3HB) and natural materials enabled both sustained function of the formulations in soil (lasting between one and a half and three or more months) and stable activity of the otherwise rapidly inactivated herbicides such as tribenuron-methyl and fenoxaprop-P-ethyl. CONCLUSION The experimental herbicide formulations enabled slow release of the active ingredients to soil. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Extract from Broccoli Byproducts to Increase Fresh Filled Pasta Shelf Life

The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of extract from broccoli byproducts, as a green alternative to chemical preservation strategies for fresh filled pasta. In order to prove its effectiveness, three different percentages (10%, 15%, and 20% v/w) of extract were added to the filling of pasta. A shelf life test was carried out by monitoring microbiological and sensory quality. The content of phenolic compounds before and after in vitro digestion of pasta samples was also recorded. Results underlined that the addition of the natural extract helped to record a final shelf life of about 24 days, that was 18 days longer in respect to the control sample. Furthermore, results highlighted that the addition of byproducts extract to pasta also increased its phenolic content after in vitro digestion. Therefore, broccoli byproducts could be valorized for recording extracts that are able to prolong shelf life and increase the nutritional content of fresh filled pasta.
Tag Localization with Asynchronous Inertial-Based Shifting and Trilateration

Personal Area Networks (PAN) are key topologies in pervasive Internet of Things (IoT) localization applications. In the numerous object localization techniques, centralization and synchronization between the elements are assumed. In this paper, we leverage crowdsourcing from multiple fixed and mobile elements to enhance object localization. A cooperative crowdsourcing scheme is proposed to localize mobile low power tags using distributed and mobile/fixed readers for GPS assisted environments (i.e., outdoor) and fixed readers for indoors. We propose Inertial-Based Shifting and Trilateration (IBST) technique to provide an accurate reckoning of the absolute location of mobile tags. The novelty in our technique is its capability to estimate tag locations even when the tag is not covered by three readers to perform trilateration. In addition, IBST provides scalability since no processing is required by the low power tags. IBST technique is validated through extensive simulations using MATLAB. Simulation results show that IBST consistently estimates location, while other indoor localization solutions fail to provide such estimates as the state-of-the-art techniques require localization data to be available simultaneously to provide location estimation.
The development and integration of cognitive and clinical skills in undergraduate athletic training education programs: A survey of recently certified athletic trainers

THE DEVELOPMENT AND INTEGRATION OF COGNITIVE AND CLINICAL SKILLS IN UNDERGRADUATE ATHLETIC TRAINING EDUCATION PROGRAMS: A SURVEY OF RECENTLY CERTIFIED ATHLETIC By Brian Anthony Bratta Athletic training education began as an apprenticeship program in which students took a base level of classes while gaining a large portion of their training in the clinical setting. Current education standards have evolved into a full academic curriculum governed by an accrediting body. The increase in curriculum initiated recognition of athletic training as an allied health profession as well as creating a base level of knowledge for all athletic training students prior to sitting for the national certification exam. With this progression, an increase in textbook knowledge is expected, as a result skills are being overlooked that were developed during the field experiences of the apprenticeship, skills such as interpersonal relations and professional
Patient-Reported Outcome (PRO) as an Addition to Long-Term Results after High-Precision Stereotactic Radiotherapy in Patients with Secreting and Non-Secreting Pituitary Adenomas: A Retrospective Cohort Study up to 17-Years Follow-Up

High-precision radiotherapy has been established as a valid and effective treatment option in patients with pituitary adenomas. We report on outcome after fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT) in correlation with patient-reported outcomes (PROs). We analyzed 69 patients treated between 2000 and 2019. FSRT was delivered with a median total dose of 54 Gy (single fraction: 1.8 Gy). PRO questionnaires were sent to 28 patients. Median overall survival was 17.2 years; mean local control was 15.6 years (median not reached). Median follow-up was 5.8 years. Twenty (71%) patients participated in the PRO assessment. Physicians reported symptoms grade ≥3 in 6 cases (9%). Of all, 35 (51%) patients suffered from hypopituitarism at baseline, and during follow-up, new or progressive hypopituitarism was observed in 11 cases (16%). Patients reported 10 cases of severe side effects. Most of these symptoms were already graded as CTCAE (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events) grade 2 by a physician in a previous follow-up exam. PROs are an essential measure and only correlate to a certain extent with the physician-reported outcomes. For high-precision radiotherapy of pituitary adenomas, they confirm excellent overall outcomes and low toxicity. In the future, the integration of PROs paired with high-end treatment will further improve outcomes.
Sensing of Damage and Repair of Cement Mortar Using Electromechanical Impedance

Lead zirconium titanate (PZT) has recently emerged as a low-cost material for non-destructive monitoring for civil structures. Despite the numerous studies employing PZT transducers for structural health monitoring, no studies have assessed the effects of both damage and repair on the electromechanical impedance response in cementitious materials. To this end, this study was conducted to assess the effects of the damage and repair of mortar samples on the electromechanical response of a surface-mounted PZT transducer. When damage was introduced to the specimen in stages, the resonance frequencies of the admittance signature were shifted to lower frequencies as the damage increased, and an increase in the peak amplitude was detected, indicating an increase in the damping and a reduction in the material stiffness properties. Also, increasing the damage in the material has been shown to decrease the sensitivity of the PZT to further damage. During the repair process, a noticeable difference between the after-damage and the after-repair admittance signatures was noted. The root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) showed a decreasing trend during the repair process, when compared to the before repair RMSD response which indicated a partial recovery for the material properties by decreasing the damping property in the material.
Bayesian compartmental models and associated reproductive numbers for an infection with multiple transmission modes

Zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis (ZVL) is a serious neglected tropical disease that is endemic in 98 countries. ZVL is primarily transmitted via a sand fly vector. In the United States, it is enzootic in some canine populations; it is transmitted from infectious mother to pup transplacentally, and vector‐borne transmission is absent. This absence affords a unique opportunity to study (1) vertical transmission dynamics in dogs and (2) the importance of vertical transmission in maintaining an infectious reservoir in the presence of a vector. In this paper, we present Bayesian compartmental models and reproductive number formulations to examine (1) and (2), providing a mechanism to plan and evaluate interventions in regions where both transmission modes are present. First, we propose an individual‐level susceptible, infectious, removed (SIR) model to study the effect of maternal infection status during pregnancy on pup infection progression. We provide evidence that pups born to diagnostically positive mothers during pregnancy are more likely to become diagnostically positive both earlier in life, and at some point during their lifetime, than those born to diagnostically negative mothers. Second, we propose a population‐level SIR model to study the impact of a vertically maintained reservoir on propagating infection in a naive canine population through emergent vector transmission using simulation studies. We also present reproductive numbers to quantify contributions of vertically infected and vector‐infected dogs to maintaining infection in the population. We show that a vertically maintained canine reservoir can propagate infection in a theoretical naive population in the presence of a vector.
Neurourology and Urodynamics

Correspondence William Gibson, Division of Geriatric Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, 1‐198 Clinical Sciences Building, 11350 83 Ave, Edmonton, AB T6G 2P4, Canada. Email: wgibson@ualberta.ca Abstract Aims: The strong desire to void (SDV) induces changes in both cognition and gait. This may be due to the sensation of urinary urge acting as a source of diverted attention. This exploratory study examined the influence of SDV and a standardized distracting task on the performance of two measures of cognition, a simple reaction time (SRT) test and the trail making B test (TMT‐B). Methods: 18 volunteers, 8 male and 10 female, without lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) (mean age: 20.5, range: 20‐47), performed a test of SRT and the TMT‐B under three conditions; undistracted with an empty bladder, while experiencing SDV, and when performing a simultaneous distracting task, the auditory n back test. Results: A statistically significant increase in SRT was found when experiencing SDV and when distracted compared with the undistracted, bladder empty condition. The time taken to compete the TMT‐B significantly increased with distraction but was not affected by SDV. Conclusion: SDV induced a similar but smaller change in reaction time when compared with a distracting task, suggesting that SDV may act as a source of diverted attention in continent, healthy volunteers.
Bismuth-Doped Nanohydroxyapatite Coatings on Titanium Implants for Improved Radiopacity and Antimicrobial Activity

This study aims to present the possibility to obtain bismuth-doped nanohydroxyapatite coatings on the surface of the titanium implants by using a solution-derived process according to an established biomimetic methodology. The bioactivity of the titanium surface was increased by an alkali-thermal treatment. Then, under biomimetic conditions, the titanium surface was coated with a Bi-doped nanohydroxyapatite layer by using a modified supersaturated calcification solution (SCS) containing a bismuth salt. The apatite deposits were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy coupled with X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and digital X-rays radiography method. The results indicate that the Bi-doped nanohydroxyapatite coatings on titanium surface were produced. These coatings exhibit a good radiopacity, thus enhancing their applications in dental and orthopedic fields. Additionally, the Bi-doped nanohydroxyapatite coatings show significant antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.
ISOBAM-stabilized Ni2+ colloidal catalysts: high catalytic activities for hydrogen generation from hydrolysis of KBH4

ISOBAM-104-stabilized Ni2+ colloidal catalysts were synthesized through a facile method and used for hydrogen generation from hydrolysis of potassium borohydride (KBH4). Ni nanoparticles (NPs) were formed as the active phase during the catalytic process. Ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometry (UV–vis) and transmission electron microscopy were employed to characterize the structure and particle size of the as-formed Ni NPs. The results suggested that the catalytic activity of Ni2+ colloidal catalyst increased with the decreased size of as-formed Ni NPs, which is consistent with the results of density functional theory calculation. The highest catalytic activity of the catalyst can be 12400 ml-H2 min−1 g-Ni−1, which was even higher than that of noble Pt or Pd colloidal catalysts prepared using identical methods and catalytic conditions. According to the Arrhenius method, the ISOBAM-104-stabilized Ni2+ colloidal catalysts showed low activation energies of about 41.3 kJ mol−1 for the hydrogen generation from hydrolysis basic KBH4 solution.
Effect of the Titanium Isopropoxide:Acetylacetone Molar Ratio on the Photocatalytic Activity of TiO2 Thin Films

TiO2 thin films with different titanium isopropoxide (TTIP):acetylacetone (AcacH) molar ratios in solution were prepared by the chemical spray pyrolysis method. The TTIP:AcacH molar ratio in spray solution varied from 1:3 to 1:20. TiO2 films were deposited onto the glass substrates at 350 °C and heat-treated at 500 °C. The morphology, structure, surface chemical composition, and photocatalytic activity of the obtained TiO2 films were investigated. TiO2 films showed a transparency of ca 80% in the visible spectral region and a band gap of ca 3.4 eV irrespective of the TTIP:AcacH molar ratio in the spray solution. TiO2 films consist of the anatase crystalline phase with a mean crystallite size in the range of 30–40 nm. Self-cleaning properties of the films were estimated using the stearic acid (SA) test. A thin layer of 8.8-mM SA solution was spin-coated onto the TiO2 film. The degradation rate of SA as a function of irradiation time was monitored by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). An increase in the TTIP:AcacH molar ratio from 1:4 to 1:8 resulted in a ten-fold increase in the photodegradation reaction rate constant (from 0.02 to the 0.2 min−1) under ultraviolet light and in a four-fold increase under visible light.
Evaluation of Multiple Interface Functionality and Flow Mobility

The Internet and mobile communications are converging towards a single, globally connected network. The latest mobile devices are increasingly equipped with multiple access technologies. These interfaces will prove most useful if used in collaboration. The functionality possible with multiple interfaces is evaluated on a test-bed in this paper to determine the success of a typical multiple interface scheme. Our results show that there are distinct advantages in using multiple interfaces for data flows, however some scenarios illustrate potential performance problems under certain conditions.
Controversies in the Science of Sedentary Behaviour and Health: Insights, Perspectives and Future Directions from the 2018 Queensland Sedentary Behaviour Think Tank

The development in research concerning sedentary behaviour has been rapid over the past two decades. This has led to the development of evidence and views that have become more advanced, diverse and, possibly, contentious. These include the effects of standing, the breaking up of prolonged sitting and the role of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in the association between sedentary behaviour and health outcomes. The present aim is to report the views of experts (n = 21) brought together (one-day face-to-face meeting in 2018) to consider these issues and provide conclusions and recommendations for future work. Each topic was reviewed and presented by one expert followed by full group discussion, which was recorded, transcribed and analysed. The experts concluded that (a). standing may bring benefits that accrue from postural shifts. Prolonged (mainly static) standing and prolonged sitting are both bad for health; (b). ‘the best posture is the next posture’. Regularly breaking up of sitting with postural shifts and movement is vital; (c). health effects of prolonged sitting are evident even after controlling for MVPA, but high levels of MVPA can attenuate the deleterious effects of prolonged sitting depending on the health outcome of interest. Expert discussion addressed measurement, messaging and future directions.
Ets2 suppresses inflammatory cytokines through MAPK/NF-κB signaling and directly binds to the IL-6 promoter in macrophages

Proper activation of Toll-like receptor (TLR)-mediated signaling and production of proinflammatory cytokines are critical for the initiation of innate immunity, while the specific mechanism maintaining inflammatory homeostasis remains mostly unknown. Here, we show that Ets2 is upregulated following LPS and VSV stimulation. Ets2 knockdown or knockout leads to increased IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-β production in macrophages. Consistently, Ets2-deficient mice show exacerbated inflammatory cytokine production and are more susceptible to CLP-induced sepsis. Mechanistically, Ets2 inhibits the LPS- and VSV-induced activation of ERK1/2, JNK, p38, and p65. Ets2 also binds to the promoter of IL-6 to inhibit transcription. Collectively, the results of the present study show the negative regulatory role of Ets2 in LPS- and VSV-induced inflammation through the suppression of MAPK/NF-κB signaling, direct binding to the IL-6 promoter and inhibition of transcription.
New insights into gibberellin signaling in regulating flowering in Arabidopsis.

In angiosperms, floral transition is a key developmental transition from the vegetative to reproductive growth, and requires precise regulation to maximize the reproductive success. A complex regulatory network governs this transition through integrating flowering pathways in response to multiple exogenous and endogenous cues. Phytohormones are essential for proper plant developmental regulation and have been extensively studied for their involvement in the floral transition. Among various phytohormones, gibberellic acid (GA) plays a major role in affecting flowering in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. The GA pathway interact with other flowering genetic pathways and phytohormone signaling pathways through either DELLA proteins or mediating GA homeostasis. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in understanding the mechanisms of DELLA-mediated GA pathway in flowering time control in Arabidopsis, and discuss its possible link with other phytohormone pathways during the floral transition. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Use of ARIMA modeling in forecasting coriander prices for Rajasthan

The present study aimed to forecast the coriander prices for Rajasthan by using the time series data of monthly wholesale prices for the period from May 2003 to June 2015 of Ramganj mandi Rajasthan. To forecast the coriander prices ARIMA models introduced by Box and Jenkins (1970) were used. To test the reliability of model R, Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE), and Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) were used. The best fitted model was ARIMA (0, 1, 1). On comparing the alternative models, it was observed that AIC (2141.14), SBC (2147.09) and MAPE (6.38) were least for ARIMA (0, 1, 1) model therefore it was considered the most representative model for the price of coriander in Ramganj mandi of Rajasthan. Based on ARIMA (0, 1, 1) results the estimated coriander prices for Rajasthan would be increasing from July 2015 to December 2015 i.e. ` 9677, ` 9724, ` 9770, ` 9816 ` 9863 and ` 9909 per quintal, respectively. Thus the study focus the estimated coriander prices during near future which help the farmers to take appropriate sowing and selling decisions.
Detection of bacteria in bovine ovarian follicular fluid

The aim of this study was to examine the sterility of follicular fluid in large ovarian follicles in dairy cows. In all, 17 samples of paired follicular fluids and uterine contents collected from post‐slaughtered dairy cows were cultured to detect aerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria. Furthermore, the origin of the bacterial isolates from samples of follicular fluid and the uteri was also investigated using PFGE analysis. Follicular fluid concentrations of lipopolysaccharides were also determined. Of 17 uterine samples, 15 (88%) were detected as contaminated. In total, nine different bacterial genera and species were identified in the uterine and follicular fluid samples. Escherichia coli was the most prevalent bacterial species isolated from the uterine samples. Out of seven isolates of Staphylococcus aureus from the uterine samples, 6 (85%) were coagulase positive. Six isolates of Staphylococcus spp. were identified in 6 out of 17 follicular fluid samples (35%). Two out of six isolates were identified as Staphylococcus aureus (33%). Our results show that ovarian follicular fluid is not sterile in the bovine. The presence of Staphylococcus aureus in follicular fluid may partly explain the occurrence of infertility in some dairy cows.
Flexible Insole Sensors with Stably Connected Electrodes for Gait Phase Detection

Gait analysis is an important assessment tool for analyzing vital signals collected from individuals and for providing physical information of the human body, and it is emerging in a diverse range of application scenarios, such as disease diagnosis, fall prevention, rehabilitation, and human–robot interaction. Herein, a kind of surface processed conductive rubber was designed and investigated to develop a pressure-sensitive insole to monitor planar pressure in a real-time manner. Due to a novel surface processing method, the pressure sensor was characterized by stable contact resistance, simple manufacturing, and high mechanical durability. In the experiments, it was demonstrated that the developed pressure sensors were easily assembled with the inkjet-printed electrodes and a flexible substrate as a pressure-sensitive insole while maintaining good sensing performance. Moreover, resistive signals were wirelessly transmitted to computers in real time. By analyzing sampled resistive data combined with the gait information monitored by a visual-based reference system based on machine learning method (k-Nearest Neighbor algorithm), the corresponding relationship between plantar pressure distribution and lower limb joint angles was obtained. Finally, the experimental validation of the ability to accurately divide gait into several phases was conducted, illustrating the potential application of the developed device in healthcare and robotics.