Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
CTGF Attenuates Tendon-Derived Stem/Progenitor Cell Aging

Aged tendon-derived stem/progenitor cells (TSPCs) lead to age-related tendon disorders and impair tendon healing. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of TSPC aging remain largely unknown. Here, we investigated the role of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in TSPC aging. CTGF protein and mRNA levels were markedly decreased in the aged TSPCs. Moreover, recombinant CTGF attenuates TSPC aging and restores the age-associated reduction of self-renewal and differentiation of TSPCs. In addition, cell cycle distribution of aged TSPCs was arrested in the G1/S phase while recombinant CTGF treatment promoted G1/S transition. Recombinant CTGF also rescued decreased levels of cyclin D1 and CDK4 and reduced p27kip1 expression in aged TSPCs. Our results demonstrated that CTGF plays a vital role in TSPC aging and might be a potential target for molecular therapy of age-related tendon disorders.
A Study on Molecular Detection of Mutations Associated with Second Line Anti-tuberculosis Drug Resistance

Background: Efficient tuberculosis (TB) control is based on an early diagnosis followed by the rapid identification of drug resistance, in order to treat patients adequately, break the chain of transmission, and avoid the spread of resistant strains. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Mycobacterium tuberculosis have emerged worldwide and seriously threaten TB control and prevention programs. At the same time, the emergence of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR TB) has also become an important global health problem. Objectives: To detect common gene mutation pattern associated with drug resistance against second line anti-tuberculosis drugs in TB patients by SL-LPA as a rapid and early diagnostic test. Materials and Methods:total 652 sputum samples were received from 30 districts at culture district laboratory, Jamnagar from October 2018 to December 2018, and were included in the study. Second line Second line- line probe assay (SL-LPA) was used to detect mutations associated with resistance for anti-tuberculosis drugs. Results: Out of the 652 samples analyzed for mutations associated with second line anti-tuberculosisdrug resistance, 43% of the samples exhibited various forms of mutations. Out of these samples, mutations associated with gyrA gene were detected in 36.6% samples, gyrB gene mutation in 0.7% samples, rrs gene mutation in 4.4% samples and eis gene mutation in 1.2% samples. Conclusion: The present study provide information on the mutation pattern of drug resistant strains present in the geographical area and help to provide the basis for effective strategies for control of drug resistant TB in this region. It also re-emphasizes the importance of second line LPA which can diagnose TB and drug resistance in a single day and allows earlier administration of appropriate treatment as compared to culture result which take 1-2 months.
The Relationship between Social Responsibility and Business Performance: An Analysis of the Agri-Food Sector of Southeast Spain

This study aims to contribute to the existing debate on the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) orientation on different measures of business performance through the proposal of a conceptual model. Drawing on stakeholder theory, we conceptualize CSR as a broad and multidimensional construct with seven dimensions: employees, partners, customers, farmers, environment, community, and competition. We also extend the concept of business performance, which includes tangible variables, namely financial performance (FP) and export performance (EXP), as well as intangible variables, namely image and reputation (IR) and the satisfaction of relevant stakeholders (SS). The research context of this study is the agri-food sector in southeastern Spain. This sector has been the focus of attention of numerous researchers due to the relevance that social and environmental aspects have had in its development. To test the proposed model, the partial least-squares technique (PLS-SEM) was applied to data collected by means of a survey from a sample of 107 companies, which represent 81.4% of the turnover of the sector analyzed. The results show that CSR has a positive effect on financial performance, improves the volume and performance of exports, positively affects the corporate image and reputation, and increases the level of satisfaction of relevant stakeholders. Further research should examine the model from the perceptions of other stakeholders (e.g., customers, employees, and suppliers), using a longitudinal research design and exploring other contexts.
University of Southern Denmark Fatal occupational accidents in Danish fishing vessels 1989-2005 Laursen,

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UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DE SANTA MARIA CENTRO DE CIÊNCIAS DA SAÚDE PROGRAMA DE PÓS-GRADUAÇÃO EM CIÊNCIAS ODONTOLÓGICAS

FATIGUE STRENGTH OF A BILAYER SYSTEM OF PORCELAIN OVER ZIRCONIA: EFFECT OF SINTERING CONDITIONS AND SURFACE TREATMENT AUTHOR: Pablo Soares Machado ADVISOR: Marília Pivetta Rippe This study is formatted into two parts: the objective of study 1 was to evaluate the influence of the quantity and positioning of feldspathic ceramic over zirconia infrastructure specimens inside the sintering furnace on fatigue strength, color and translucency. Zirconia discs of In Ceram YZ (VITA) were made and sintered (final thickness: 0.7mm, diameter: 15mm). The VITA VM9 (VITA) porcelain was applied, and the specimens were divided into two groups for sintering: G1 group20 specimens, sintered one at a time in the center of the furnace; and G5 group100 specimens, sintered 5 at a time, 1 in the center of the furnace (G5C) and another 4 in the periphery (G5P). All specimens were ground and polished on the porcelain face until a final thickness of 1.4 mm with zirconia. The specimens were evaluated for color difference and translucency through a spectrophotometer and submitted to the fatigue test (Step-stress, n = 20). Survival rate analysis was performed for fatigue strength, while color and translucency analysis were performed by the CIEDE 2000 parameter. There was no statistical difference between the specimens positioned at the center of the furnace (G5C) and those at the periphery (G5P) for fatigue strength (p = 0.13) and translucency (p = 0.32), just for color (ΔE00> 1.8). Regarding the number of specimens per cycle, there was a statistical difference between the G1 group and the central G5 specimens (G5C) for fatigue strength (p = 0.00) and color (ΔE00> 1.8), but not for translucency (p = 0.26). Study 2 aimed to evaluate the influence of four zirconia surface treatments and thermocycling on the porcelain crack and delamination resistance of a bilayer assembly during fatigue test. Zirconia discs of IPS e.max Zircad MO (Ivoclar) were made, sintered (final thickness: 0.7mm, diameter: 15mm) and randomized into 8 groups (n = 15), according to: ‘surface treatment’ (control just cleaned; grinding; air-abrasion; and liner application) and ‘thermocycling’ (presence or absence). All specimens were submitted to a roughness test prior to application IPS e.max Ceram (Ivoclar) porcelain and statistically analyzed (Kruskal Wallis). After the porcelain sintering, all specimens were ground and polished on the porcelain face until they had a total thickness of 1.4 mm with zirconia. The thermocycling was performed for the appropriate groups, and the bilayer specimens were then submitted to the fatigue test (Step-stress, n = 15) and survival rate (Kaplen-Meier). The control group was similar to the other treatments for both outcomes, and the liner application treatment presented worse results in relation to the grinding and air-abrasion groups for crack outcome. The outcomes were not affected by thermocycling.
Full Secrecy for the Wiretap Channel with State Information Available at Both Encoder and Decoder

We investigate the problem of secure communication over a wiretap channel with state information available at both encoder and decoder. In this framework, the secrecy capacit y is strongly related to the knowledge, by both encoder and decod er, of the past, the current and the future channel states. The se crecy capacity has not been characterized yet, for neither causal , nor non-causal state information. Our results provide a bet ter understanding of the fundamental problems that arise in sec ure communication with state information and establish a conne ction with the wiretap channel with shared key. We introduce the concept of anti-causal state information i.e. the length ofthe sequence of states available at both encoder and decoder is arbitrarily larger than the length of the transmission block. The analysis reveals that the state information can be utilizedas a secret key that is shared among the encoder and the decoder. We establish the secrecy capacity for two interesting cases . The first is the discrete channel with anti-causal state information and the second is the Gaussian channel with non-causal state information. For both cases, our results show that the encod er and the decoder can use the channel state information in orde r to secure all the information that can be transmitted reliably.
Uncertainty in Interactive WMDS Visualizations

Visualizations are useful when learning from high-dimensional data. However, visualizations can be misleading when they do not incorporate measures of uncertainty; e.g., uncertainty from the data or the dimension reduction algorithm used to create the visual display. In our work, we extend a framework called Bayesian Visual Analytics (BaVA) on a dimension reduction algorithm, Weighted Multidimensional Scaling (WMDS), to incorporate uncertainty as analysts explore data visually. BaVA-WMDS visualizations are interactive, and possible interactions include manipulating variable weights and/or the coordinates of the two-dimensional projection. Uncertainty exists in these visualizations on the variable weights, the user interactions, and the fit of WMDS. We quantify these uncertainties using Bayesian models exploring randomness in both coordinates and weights in a method we call Interactive Probabilistic WMDS (IP-WMDS). Specifically, we use posterior estimates to assess fit of WMDS, the range of motion of coordinates, as well as variability in weights. Visually, we display such uncertainty in the form of color and ellipses, and practically, these uncertainties reflect trust in fitting a dimension reduction algorithm. Our results show that these displays of uncertainty highlight different aspects of the visualization, which can help inform analysts.
Using schematic maps for visually communicating efficient routes

Due to an increasing traffic density in urban environments, it is becoming more important for the traffic management to make road users aware of efficient route alternatives to obtain a better distribution of the traffic flow. In this approach, we use schematic maps to visually communicate and recommend routes to the traveler, which are efficient in terms of different traffic-related scenarios. Our methods used to create the maps are based on human perception of space, in order to communicate routes and traffic situations more
The Search for possible endophytes in the growth zone of maize leaves

ENG] Zea mays is one of the most important agricultural crop-species for the human diet, but little is known about the endophytes associated with maize. Within the last few years, endophytes are becoming more interesting as they can change our understanding about the relationship between bacteria and plants. There are a lot of studies with regards to this topic from the last couple of years, but not much is known on the role that these microorganisms develop colonising a particular cultivar, or their interaction with the host’s genome. The main objective of this project was to find evidence of bacterial endophyte organisms, and developing a PCR based protocol for isolating bacteria within the leaf growth zone of maize. This area has been chosen for this project since it has not been studied before in terms of endophytes. This project describes non-maize related sequences, extracted from maize leaf material, which could provide evidence for endophytes. In order to find robust evidence, firstly, next generation sequencing (NGS) data were mapped against the maize reference genome [Taxon ID: 4577]. The sequences that did not align against the maize reference genome, were the ones used during the study. These sequences were BLASTed (Boratyn , et al. 2012) using the NCBI database to get a taxonomic report. The most significant alignment was for Desulfitobacterium hafniense. To support this, various PCR protocols were designed by using two different kind of primers: general bacterial primers (A) and specific bacterial primers (B), which avoid chloroplast gene amplification. These were then sequenced with Illumina. The best alignments for general bacterial (A) primers were for 16S rRNA chloroplast genes and uncultured bacteria, which did not give useful information. However, when using the specific bacterial primers (B), the best hits were for uncultured bacteria clone FFCH13347. Since we were not able to get the same result as in the NGS data taxonomic study, we are not able to confirm the presence of Desulfitobacterium hafniense in the leaf growth zone or the presence of other bacteria organisms. Further analysis about possible endophytes within the leaf growth zone are thus needed. 4 The search for possible endophytes in the growth zone of maize leaves Anna Vidal
The relationship between video games, problem-solving skills, and academic performance from IT students’ perspective

The advancement in information technology has contributed to growth in different industries. One such industry that has gained prominence in recent years is the gaming industry. The game industry today has become a major platform of entertainment, amassing a large community of players across the globe. As most people consider video game play only as a form of entertainment, the existential educational benefits are missed. While it is true that violent games could negatively affect the psychological health of its players, playing games right can contribute positively to the improvement of skills and academics. The objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between video game play, problem-solving, and academic performance on Information Technology (IT) students and to understand the kinds of video games that affect their problem-solving skills in their studies. A quantitative research method was used, collecting quantitative data from students of the Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering (ITEE) of the University of Oulu through an online survey. The results of the study indicate that strategy and puzzle games significantly improve the problem-solving skills of students through analytical, logical, and creative thinking. The results of this study can be used in the future to investigate other phenomena such as how video games differently affect students with IT background from other students and how video games could be used as an effective educational tool for IT students.
A Test of Search-Experience-Credence Framework Through Online Review

In a traditional shopping environment, Search-Experience-Credence (SEC) framework has been widely used for consumer advertising research. In online shopping, online reviews are used by the consumer to check against claims in advertising as well as more in-depth product research. The SEC quality of a product influences the online review volume as well as helpfulness votes it receives. In this study, we tested the nomological validity of the SEC-framework by analyzing the number of reviews and helpfulness votes collected by a product, which demonstrated a significant difference for goods with differing SEC qualities. This study helps us better understand how and to what extent online reviews are used by consumers to evaluate products and services in different SEC categories. The preliminary findings fully support our hypothesis.
Complexity of Scheduling in High Level Synthesis

This work examines the complexity of scheduling for high level synthesis. It has been shown that the problem of finding the minimum time schedule for a set of chains of operations of two types using two processors, one of each type, is NP-complete. However, for two chains only, a polynomial time algorithm can been obtained for scheduling with two processors. The problem of scheduling a rooted binary tree of two operation types on two processors, one of each type, has been shown to be NPcomplete. It has also been proved that absolute approximations for schedule length minimization or processor minimization are NP-complete. A related resource constrained scheduling problem has also been shown to be NP-hard.
Основные задачи и перспективы развития системы управления качеством медицинской помощи в С.-Петербурге

This article is devoted to the aims and aspects for the development of the medical care quality management in Saint Petersburg. The article contains stages of quality control systems structure and its adoption on such levels as medical institutions and federal public authorities it reviews issues of forming normative legal basis, forming services and carrying out an expert examination of the quality in healthcare agencies. The article also deals with problems of medical services standartization. Analyzing the operation of the medical care quality management during the last three years are under discussion.
Proposed Model of E-Service Quality in the Context of E-Government: A Literature Review

The rapid development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has encouraged various government agencies to adopt ICT to provide services from traditional to e-services. The potential of ICT is utilized in order to improve the quality of government services. This study aims to propose a model of service quality in the context of e-Government. E-Service quality model can be used to measure the level of quality of e-Government services based on the existing dimensions. Models of e-service quality are generated through search and screening processes and synthesis processes for all identified dimensions. The results show that there are 12 dimensions of e-service quality model consisting of Web Design, Reliability, Responsiveness, Ease of Use, Efficiency, Citizen Support, Communication, Benefit & Opportunity Risk, Trust, Security and Leadership. The overall dimensions or factors of e-service quality should be accommodated by the government to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of electronic-based services.
A Cardiac Suspension Unit for Mitigating Thoracic Pressure in Postoperative Open-Sternal Newborns: A Heat Bed and X-Ray Compatible Design

Background Children born with congenital heart defects require corrective surgery where the breastbone is split. Immediate closure may not always be possible due to compression on the heart. Cardiac suspension is technique whereby traction is applied anterior to the chest to prevent these complications. However, this technique is limited by its unquantified tension, lack of compatibility with X-ray, and its crude aesthetic. Therefore, it was proposed that a mechanical tensioner unit could be designed to perform cardiac suspension while resolving these challenges. Methods An engineering design methodology will be undertaken to develop the tensioner. First, the design requirements will be established through a chart-review and survey interviews. Next, commercial and conceptual options will be evaluated in a Pugh matrix. The device will be considered as a series of sub-systems evaluated though mechanical analytics, FEA, and bench-top testing. Most notably, the device will be tested for its rigidity, tensile transmission, heat transfer and radiolucency. Results Initial data on suspension patients is presented and list of design requirements is established. Next, a cantilever structure is chosen for the overall design. The framing shows good fixation to the bed, but with a slight deflection that is within the design threshold. A compensator system and nonbackdrivable input are developed and assessed for the wire-guide system. However, transmission losses are noted due to friction which should be addressed in future work. Finally, Euler-Bernoulli beam modelling identifies Ultem for the design of the cantilever. Initial analytical and experimental testing validated this material selection. Significance This research presents the first formal investigation into the cardiac suspension technique. A complete prototype was designed, built and tested from this project. Despite some outstanding challenges, this new medical device is a strong step towards resolving the current limitations of cardiac suspension and consequently improving patient care.
Dynamic Systems and Applications 25 (2016) 501-530 EXISTENCE, UNIQUENESS AND STABILITY RESULTS FOR FUNCTIONAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS ON TIME SCALES

This paper studies functional differential equations on time scales and develops the theory of existence and uniqueness of solutions by utilizing the induction principle and Gronwall’s inequality on time scales. Further more, it establishes several criteria on uniform (asymptotic) stability and exponential stability using Lyapunov functions and Razumikhin technique. These criteria include some known results as special cases. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the stability criteria. AMS (MOS) Subject Classification. 34N05.
Using Secure Microcontrollers in IoT Applications: Insights from a Hands-on Evaluation

Security in IoT devices is a major topic that IoT is facing. Rising awareness from the customer side and up-coming regulations will force manufacturers to increase the level of security on their IoT devices. Particularly, it is a challenge to leverage the elaborate, well-known computer security algorithms to resource-constrained IoT devices. For the Cortex-A processors Arm® has already introduced their security extension TrustZone® for quite a while. With the new generation of secure microcontrollers, Arm® TrustZone® is now available for batterypowered IoT devices. Furthermore, these secure microcontrollers provide additional security features, such as hardware accelerators for cryptographic operations, secure key storage, and sophisticated random number generators, therefore, increasing security on resource-constrained IoT devices. The paper introduces the concept of these new secure microcontrollers and provides an overview of their features, by showing an application example that covers the topics of secure boot and the usage of TrustZone®. Furthermore, the paper presents energy measurements of the implemented example comparing them to the execution on conventional microcontrollers without TrustZone®. Finally, the paper summarizes advantages and weaknesses of secure microcontrollers compared to dedicated off-chip solutions like secure elements. Keywords—IoT security, secure microcontrollers, TrustZone®, ARMv8-M, trusted execution environment, secure firmware, hardware cryptography, resource-constrained devices