Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of Management Systems on Soil Properties and Their Relationships to Kiwifruit Quality

Crop quality depends on several factors, among which soil properties play a great role. The use of organic products as sources of plant nutrients to improve crop quality has been established. The use of biological nutrient sources to improve crop quality as well as improve soil physical, chemical, and biological properties could be a viable alternative to organic and/or conventional farming. However, there is little information available on how soil properties and kiwifruit quality are affected by the use of a biological farming system. Therefore, research was conducted with the objective of comparing the response of conventional, organic, and biological management systems on soil properties and kiwifruit quality in respect to Actinidia deliciosa (Hayward) and A. chinensis (Hort16A). Greatest soil bulk density and lowest gas phase, maximum water-holding capacity, gravitational drainage, and hygroscopic moisture were observed in Hayward in both biological and conventional management systems. The variations in soil properties for total pH, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), and aluminium (Al) were linked to management practices, and electrical conductivity (EC), organic matter (OM), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and boron (B) were linked to cultural species. The Ca/Mg ratio of these orchards was more than 7:1, and the Mg/K ratio was less than 2:1, indicating application of dolomitic limestone is recommended over high-Ca liming materials. The greatest yield, total soluble solids, and ionic strength were obtained in Hort16A from conventional management. Greater P, Ca, Fe, Zn, and Cu levels were recorded in organic Hayward than in other management systems. However, greater total N, K, Mg, S, Na, Mn, and B contents were observed in conventional Hort16A than in organic, biological, or conventional Hayward. The results of this study indicated that all macronutrients flux in Hort16A better than in Hayward. On the other hand, flux of micronutrients in Hayward was greater than in Hort16A. The cost/benefit ratio is the most favorable, that is, lowest, for organic Hayward on volcanic soils in the Bay of Plenty.
Broadband antireflection of block copolymer/homopolymer blend films with gradient refractive index structures

The factors that influence the broadband antireflection of block copolymer/homopolymer blend films were systematically investigated. The gradient refractive index structure, which was generated by removing the PMMA content from a film of PS-b-PMMA/PMMA blends, contributed to the broadband antireflection. The volume fraction of the PMMA block (fPMMA), the total degree of polymerization (N) and the weight percent of the homopolymer played a key role in the formation of the gradient porosity index inner structure. By increasing χN, the PS porous structure was kept from collapsing after removal of the PMMA domain, which led to a stable gradient porosity ratio structure and higher transmittance. While increasing fPMMA, the PMMA domains changed from a dispersed phase to a continuous phase, which caused the residual PS structure to collapse more easily and the transmittance decreased. The best broadband antireflective properties were achieved from the 45 mg mL−1 solution of PS-b-PMMA (Mn = 68 000–33 500, fPMMA = ∼25%) blended with 30 wt% PMMA: a mean transmittance of 98.4% at full spectrum, and >98.0% in the visible–NIR range between 600 nm and 2000 nm.
Probability of hyperthermia in a hot environment while wearing a liquid cooling garment underneath firefighters' protective clothing

Abstract Firefighters’ protective clothing (FPC) can limit human thermoregulation due to limited water vapor permeability and insulation. This study investigated the effect of cooling on the physiological responses and probability of hyperthermia in subjects wearing FPC during exercise in a hot environment. Twelve males participated in this study. A maximal graded treadmill exercise test was performed to measure maximal oxygen uptake ( O2max) and to assess subjects’ capacity to perform the assigned exercise. Exercise included treadmill walking at 40% O2max in warm (30 °C) and humid (70% RH) conditions for 40 min while wearing FPC. Subjects participated in two randomly counterbalanced assigned experimental protocols: control (no cooling) and intervention (cooling). The experimental intervention consisted of a cooling garment infused with cooled water (18 °C) through silastic tubing sewn into the fabric and worn underneath FPC. Each subject served as their own control and, therefore, completed both the control and intervention of the protocol. A logistic regression model was used to analyze the interaction effect of cooling on the probability of progression to hyperthermia (Tc ≥ 38 °C). Subjects’ physiological responses increased during exercise in a warm and humid environment. Active cooling decreased (p < 0.05) the thermal stress thereby reducing the probability of hyperthermia while exercising in hot and humid conditions. The results indicate that when cooling was used each subject, on average, was 91% less likely to reach the lower threshold limit of hyperthermia. Exercise in hot environments while wearing FPC results in significant physiological strain, which may lead to hyperthermia. Utilization of a cooling garment reduced physiological strain and the probability of hyperthermia.
Pharmacogenomics in the era of next generation sequencing – from byte to bedside

Abstract Pharmacogenetic research has resulted in the identification of a multitude of genetic variants that impact drug response or toxicity. These polymorphisms are mostly common and have been included as actionable information in the labels of numerous drugs. In addition to common variants, recent advances in Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies have resulted in the identification of a plethora of rare and population-specific pharmacogenetic variations with unclear functional consequences that are not accessible by conventional forward genetics strategies. In this review, we discuss how comprehensive sequencing information can be translated into personalized pharmacogenomic advice in the age of NGS. Specifically, we provide an update of the functional impacts of rare pharmacogenetic variability and how this information can be leveraged to improve pharmacogenetic guidance. Furthermore, we critically discuss the current status of implementation of pharmacogenetic testing across drug development and layers of care. We identify major gaps and provide perspectives on how these can be minimized to optimize the utilization of NGS data for personalized clinical decision-support.
Electrochemical Creeping and Actuation of Polypyrrole in Ionic Liquid

The electrochemical creeping and actuation of polypyrrole films operated in an ionic liquid are reported. The electrochemical deformation was initiated by the reduction and swelling of the films by 15–20% with soaking in ionic liquid. An electrochemical strain of 3% and a blocked stress of 1.7 MPa showing cation movement were obtained. The film showed creeping at tensile loads larger than 0.5 MPa. The electrochemical strain obtained in a mixed solution of an ionic liquid and propylene carbonate was 15% at the initial stage, showing anion movement together with swelling induced by soaking in solvents. However, the electrochemical strain became negligible after several electrochemical cycles, resulting from the loss of electrochemical activity and conductivity upon swelling.
Uptake of internet-delivered UK adult hearing assessment

Abstract Objective To evaluate uptake of the internet-based hearing test, with respect to the 11% of UK adults that have hearing loss but do not use hearing aids. Design Feasibility study in a primary care practice in the North of England. Study Sample Adults aged 50–74 years were sent postal invitations to complete an internet hearing test (N = 600). Those who completed the test, those who failed (>35 dB HL in the better ear) and demographic correlates (age, gender, ethnicity and socioeconomic level) were recorded. Results 11.2% of invited adults completed the hearing test and 7.7% failed it. Those who took the test tended to have a higher socioeconomic background than those who did not. There were no differences in age, ethnicity or gender between those who took the test and those who did not. Conclusions An estimated 70% (7.7%/11.0%) of adults with hearing loss but who do not use hearing aids took the test. Uptake was equitable across most demographic categories. Uptake was high among a study sample that was substantially more deprived than the general UK population. Internet-based hearing testing offers an efficient paradigm for identifying hearing loss.
Nanoscale Dimensional Changes and Optical Properties of Polyaniline Measured by In Situ Spectroscopic Ellipsometry

The thickness and optical properties of polyaniline films deposited on gold substrates by electropolymerization were determined using in situ spectroscopic ellipsometry. The polymer films were deposited by potential cycling in 0.1 M aniline/ 1 M H 2 SO 4 . For the simultaneous determination of optical properties and thickness, two approaches were used: (i) The evolution of the ellipsometric parameters 4 and ψ at a constant wavelength was evaluated assuming a homogeneous layer growth resulting in a parabolic growth curve with a film thickness of ca. 65 nm (reduced state) after 40 cycles
Preclinical Drug Discovery in Colorectal Cancer: A Focus on Natural Compounds.

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) is considered one of the most predominant and deadly cancer globally. Nowadays, the main clinical management for this cancer includes chemotherapy and surgery, however, these treatments result in the occurrence of drug resistance and severe side effects, and thus it is a crucial requirement to discover an alternative and potential therapy for CRC treatment. Numerous cancers therapeutic were initially recognized from natural metabolites utilized in traditional medicine and several recent types of research have shown that many natural products own potential effects against CRC and may assist the action of chemotherapy for treatment of CRC. It has been indicated that most patients are well tolerated by natural compounds without showing any toxicity signs even at high doses. Conventional chemotherapeutics interaction with medicinal natural compounds presents a new feature in cancer exploration and treatment. Most of the natural compounds overwhelm malignant cell propagation by apoptosis initiation of CRC cells and arresting of the cell cycle (especially at G, S, and G2/M phase) that result in inhibition of tumor growth. OBJECTIVE This mini-review aimed to focus on natural compounds (alkaloids, flavonoids, polysaccharides, polyphenols, terpenoids, lactones, quinones, etc.) that were identified to have anti-CRC activity in vitro on CRC cell lines and/or in vivo experiments on animal models. CONCLUSION Most of the studied active natural compounds possess anti-CRC activity via different mechanisms and pathways in vitro and in vivo that might be used as assistance by clinicians to support chemotherapy therapeutic strategy and treatment doses for cancer patients.
Research priorities for control of zoonoses in South Africa

Abstract Background Zoonoses pose major threats to the health of humans, domestic animals and wildlife, as seen in the COVID-19 pandemic. Zoonoses are the commonest source of emerging human infections and inter-species transmission is facilitated by anthropogenic factors such as encroachment and destruction of wilderness areas, wildlife trafficking and climate change. South Africa was selected for a ‘One Health’ study to identify research priorities for control of zoonoses due to its complex disease burden and an overstretched health system. Methods A multidisciplinary group of 18 experts identified priority zoonotic diseases, knowledge gaps and proposed research priorities for the next 5 y. Each priority was scored using predefined criteria by another group of five experts and then weighted by a reference group (n=28) and the 18 experts. Results Seventeen diseases were mentioned with the top five being rabies (14/18), TB (13/18), brucellosis (11/18), Rift Valley fever (9/11) and cysticercosis (6/18). In total, 97 specific research priorities were listed, with the majority on basic epidemiological research (n=57), such as measuring the burden of various zoonoses (n=24), followed by 20 on development of new interventions. The highest research priority score was for improving existing interventions (0.77/1.0), followed by health policy and systems research (0.72/1.0). Conclusion Future zoonotic research should improve understanding of zoonotic burden and risk factors and new interventions in public health. People with limited rural services, immunocompromised, in informal settlements and high-risk occupations, should be the highest research priority.
A Liquid Biopsy Assay for Noninvasive Identification of Lymph Node Metastases in T1 Colorectal Cancer.

BACKGROUND & AIMS We recently reported use of tissue-based transcriptomic biomarkers (miRNA or mRNA) for identification of lymph node metastasis (LNM) in patients with invasive submucosal colorectal cancers (T1 CRC). In this study, we translated our tissue-based biomarkers into a blood-based liquid biopsy assay for noninvasive detection of LNM in patients with high-risk T1 CRC. METHODS We analyzed 330 specimens from patients with high-risk T1 CRC, which included 188 serum samples from two clinical cohorts (training cohort: n=46, validation cohort: n=142) and matched FFPE samples (n=142). We performed RT-qPCR followed by logistic regression analysis to develop an integrated transcriptomic panel and establish a risk-stratification model, combined with clinical risk factors. RESULTS We used comprehensive expression profiling of a training cohort of LNM-positive and -negative serum specimens to identify an optimized transcriptomic panel of four miRNAs (miR-181b, miR-193b, miR-195, miR-411) and five mRNAs (AMT, FOXA1, PIGR, MMP1, MMP9), which robustly identified patients with LNM (area under the curve [AUC]=0.86, 95% CI=0.72-0.94). We validated panel performance in an independent validation cohort (AUC=0.82, 95% CI=0.74-0.88). Our risk-stratification model was more accurate than the panel and an independent predictor for identification of LNM (AUC=0.90, Univariate: odds ratio [OR]=37.17, 95% CI=4.48-308.35, P<.001; Multivariate: OR=17.28, 95% CI=1.82-164.07, P=.013). The model limited potential overtreatment to only 18% of all patients, which is dramatically superior to currently used pathological features (92%). CONCLUSIONS A novel risk-stratification model for noninvasive identification of T1 CRC has the potential to avoid unnecessary surgeries for patients classified as high-risk by conventional risk-classification criteria.
Two-Stage Bayesian Optimization for Scalable Inference in State-Space Models

State-space models (SSMs) are a rich class of dynamical models with a wide range of applications in economics, healthcare, computational biology, robotics, and more. Proper analysis, control, learning, and decision-making in dynamical systems modeled by SSMs depend on the accuracy of the inferred/learned model. Most of the existing inference techniques for SSMs are capable of dealing with very small systems, unable to be applied to most of the large-scale practical problems. Toward this, this article introduces a two-stage Bayesian optimization (BO) framework for scalable and efficient inference in SSMs. The proposed framework maps the original large parameter space to a reduced space, containing a small linear combination of the original space. This reduced space, which captures the most variability in the inference function (e.g., log likelihood or log a posteriori), is obtained by eigenvalue decomposition of the covariance of gradients of the inference function approximated by a particle filtering scheme. Then, an exponential reduction in the search space of parameters during the inference process is achieved through the proposed two-stage BO policy, where the solution of the first-stage BO policy in the reduced space specifies the search space of the second-stage BO in the original space. The proposed framework’s accuracy and speed are demonstrated through several experiments, including real metagenomics data from a gut microbial community.
Ischemic-hypoxic preconditioning enhances the mitochondrial function recovery of transplanted olfactory mucosa mesenchymal stem cells via miR-181a signaling in ischemic stroke

Cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury causes a series of intricate cascade reactions in brain tissue causing apoptosis and proinflammatory programmed cell death known as pyroptosis of nerve cells. The dysfunction of target organelle mitochondria plays a key role in the process of neuronal apoptosis and pyroptosis. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been widely used in the experimental or clinical treatment of various ischemic diseases, but the therapeutic efficacy of MSCs on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury need to be improved. We successfully cultured olfactory mucosa MSCs (OM-MSCs) to obtain a better source of seed cells. In this way, the therapeutic potential of OM-MSCs transplantation has been evaluated for ischemic stroke using an optimized culture scheme in vitro. Ischemic-hypoxic preconditioned OM-MSCs (IhOM-MSCs) were used to treat a neuron model of oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion and the middle cerebral artery occlusion in rats. These results demonstrated that IhOM-MSCs mediated the upregulation of the downstream target genes GRP78 and Bcl-2 by miR-181a to protect mitochondrial function and inhibit apoptosis and pyroptosis of neurons in the ischemia/reperfusion injury model. Thus, IhOM-MSCs transplantation may be an effective therapy of ischemic stroke in the future.
SC-RPN: A Strong Correlation Learning Framework for Region Proposal

Current state-of-the-art two-stage detectors heavily rely on region proposals to guide the accurate detection for objects. In previous region proposal approaches, the interaction between different functional modules is correlated weakly, which limits or decreases the performance of region proposal approaches. In this paper, we propose a novel two-stage strong correlation learning framework, abbreviated as SC-RPN, which aims to set up stronger relationship among different modules in the region proposal task. Firstly, we propose a Light-weight IoU-Mask branch to predict intersection-over-union (IoU) mask and refine region classification scores as well, it is used to prevent high-quality region proposals from being filtered. Furthermore, a sampling strategy named Size-Aware Dynamic Sampling (SADS) is proposed to ensure sampling consistency between different stages. In addition, point-based representation is exploited to generate region proposals with stronger fitting ability. Without bells and whistles, SC-RPN achieves AR1000 14.5% higher than that of Region Proposal Network (RPN), surpassing all the existing region proposal approaches. We also integrate SC-RPN into Fast R-CNN and Faster R-CNN to test its effectiveness on object detection task, the experimental results achieve a gain of 3.2% and 3.8% in terms of mAP compared to the original ones.
A systematic review of randomized controlled trials examining workplace wellness interventions

Background: One of the influencing factors associated with weight gain is overeating as a maladaptive coping strategy to process or avoid the emotional impact of psychological stress. Psychological stress is chronically and pervasively associated with stress stemming from the workplace environment. Workplace wellness interventions have a unique opportunity to change environmental factors impacting psychological stress, which can improve individual food choice and weight management efforts. Aim: To synthesize evidence from randomized controlled trials on workplace wellness interventions that impact employee psychological stress and food choice or weight management. Methods: A systematic review was completed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Selected studies were limited to English-language articles exploring randomized interventions at workplaces among adult employees and included measurements of psychometric stress and food choice (qualitative or quantitative) or biometric weight management. From the search, 10 studies were included in the final review. Results: Results were inconsistent across studies. There was no observable association between psychological stress reduction and food choice or weight management. Mid-length interventions (ranging from 6 to 9 months) had more consistent associations between intervention program implementation, reduced psychological stress, and improved food choice or weight management. Conclusions: The studies examining employee food choices and weight management efforts remained very heterogeneous, indicating that more research is needed in this specific area of employee wellness program planning and measurement. Consistent research methodology and assessment tools are needed to measure dietary intake.
Characteristic fluorescence corrections in electron-probe microanalysis

A method has been developed for calculating characteristic fluorescence corrections in all cases involving K and L lines, based on the formula derived by Castaing for the case of one K line exciting another K line. A modification to the original formula is proposed, which takes into account more recent work on K line intensities; also some simplifications are suggested which enable corrections to be calculated quickly. Measurements of the relative intensities of K and L lines have been carried out to provide the necessary data for calculating corrections for fluorescence involving K and L lines.
Quantitative Lung Ultrasound: Technical Aspects and Clinical Applications

Lung ultrasound is increasingly used in emergency departments, medical wards, and critical care units—adult, pediatric, and neonatal. In vitro and in vivo studies show that the number and type of artifacts visualized change with lung density. This has led to the idea of a quantitative lung ultrasound approach, opening up new prospects for use not only as a diagnostic but also as a monitoring tool. Consequently, the multiple scoring systems proposed in the last few years have different technical approaches and specific clinical indications, adaptable for more or less time-dependent patients. However, multiple scoring systems may generate confusion among physicians aiming at introducing lung ultrasound in their clinical practice. This review describes the various lung ultrasound scoring systems and aims to clarify their use in different settings, focusing on technical aspects, validation with reference techniques, and clinical applications. Lung ultrasound permits reliable assessment and monitoring of lung aeration. Multiple scoring systems have been developed in recent years with specific technical aspects, and this article describes how to apply this technique in the appropriate clinical context.