Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inclusion of Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) Extract in the Diet of Growing Lambs: Effects on Blood Parameters, Animal Performance, and Carcass Traits

Simple Summary Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) is a plant widely used for human consumption in Latin America, with important health benefits for people. However, limited knowledge on its effects on animal health and nutrition are available. In this study, we evaluated the inclusion of yerba mate extract at levels up to 4% of the dry matter in the diets of growing lambs and its effects on blood parameters, animal performance, body metrics and carcass traits. Yerba mate extract up to 2% of inclusion had positive effects on feed intake and animal performance; however, greater inclusion rates had negative effects on feed intake and animal performance. Supplementation of yerba mate extract up to 2% also increased white blood cells and globulins, which have been closely related to a better immune response in animals. Abstract This study aimed to evaluate levels of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) extract (YME), as a feed additive in the diets of growing lambs on serum biochemical parameters and hematological indices, animal performance, body metrics and carcass traits. Thirty-six entire (nine per treatment), male growing lambs, weighing 23.8 ± 3.7 kg, were fed the experimental diets which were treatments consisting of increasing levels of YME (0, 1, 2, and 4% inclusion on a dry matter [DM] basis) during an experimental period of 53 days. The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design, which initial body weight was used as blocking factor and the results were analyzed by orthogonal contrasts (linear, quadratic, and cubic). Yerba mate extract did not change the general health status of the animals; however, inclusions of up to 2% of the extract increased globulins (p = 0.05) and white blood cell count, as segmented neutrophils (p = 0.02) and lymphocytes (p = 0.04). Additionally, inclusion of up to 2% YME increased dry matter intake, final weight gain, total and daily gain (p < 0.05), also tended to increase ribeye area and reduce fat thickness (p < 0.10); however, YME above 2% of inclusion reduced animal productive parameters (p < 0.05). In conclusion, levels up to 2% of YME were beneficial to the health and productive parameters of growing lambs.
Application of Flexibility Index Approach for Sustainable Operation of Heat-integrated Autothermal Thermophilic Aerobic Digestion System

The present study proposes a decision-making approach based on flexibility index calculation of already obtained solutions of a stochastic multi-scenario optimization model for redesign of heat-integrated two-stage Autothermal Thermophilic Aerobic Digestion (ATAD) bioreactors system for municipal wastewater treatment operating under uncertainties. Obtained solutions with minimal costs for redesign were presented in Vladova et al. (2018). Aiming to find the solution which provides sustainable operation of the heat-integrated ATAD system within the widest range of variation of its uncertain parameters, the Flexibility Index (FI) approach should be applied. A fast approach for evaluation of the flexibility index by presenting it as an inscribed a hyper-rectangle in the scaled hyper-space of variation of the uncertain parameters so as to ensure no violation of the process feasibility constraints is proposed. An optimization problem for determining the maximal flexibility index is formulated and solved for each solution obtained in Vladova et al. (2018). Decision making is carried out to choose most sustainable solutions for redesigned ATAD system. Analyzing the results obtained, it can be concluded that not always the solutions with the minimal annual costs for redesigning provide the sustainable operation of the ATAD system.
ASSESSMENT OF GENETIC VARIABILITY AND ASSOCIATION ANALYSIS FOR YIELD AND YIELD ATTRIBUTING TRAITS IN BREAD WHEAT (TRITICUM AESTIVUM L.)

The present investigation was undertaken to study the relationship between seed yield and its contributing characters by using 11 genotypes of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Experiment was conducted at the Experimental Farm, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara during rabi 2017-2018. Observation were recorded for the characters i.e. days to 50% heading, days to maturity, plant height, number of productive tillers per plant, number of spikelets per ear, ear length, ear weight, number of ears per plant, number of grains per ear, 1000-grain weight, biological yield per plant, grain yield per plant, harvest index. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among the genotypes for all the characters. Indicating the existence of large variability among genotypes. High GCV was observed for number of ears per plant, number of productive tillers per plant, harvest index and grain yield per plant. PCV values were higher for number of ears per plant, grain yield per plant, number of productive tillers per plant and biological yield per plant. Both GCV and PCV were low for days to maturity. High heritability was observed in number of ears per plant, plant height and ear weight. High genetic advance as% of mean was observed in number of ears per plant, number of productive tillers per plant and harvest index. The correlation coefficient estimated positive and significant genotypic and phenotypic correlation in number of ears per plant, number of productive tillers per plant, days to maturity, biological yield per plant, harvest index with grain yield per plant. Path analysis revealed that the maximum positive direct effect was imposed by grains per ear followed by days to maturity, harvest index, biological yield per plant, days to 50% heading, 1000 grains weight, plant height and number of productive tillers per plant.
T Helper 2 Inhibitors in Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Clinical trials are currently underway to evaluate the benefit of dupilumab in treating allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). Dupilumab use has been reported to improve ACD reactions in some patients, but not all. Varying clinical responses to T helper 2 (TH2) inhibition challenge the classical view that ACD proceeds through a TH1-dominant pathway. Selective TH2 inhibitors, such as dupilumab, may attenuate ACD when the delayed hypersensitivity response is due to TH2-predominate activation; conversely, it may have no effect on ACD if it is elicited via TH1 or TH17 pathways. We hypothesize that allergen-specific T-cell responses and patient-specific factors both play an important role in determining which pathways are recalled in delayed hypersensitivity reactions.
Directionality of genital human papillomavirus infection transmission within heterosexual couples: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND Limited evidence indicates greater female-to-male (F-M) transmission of genital infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) relative to male-to-female (M-F). We verified the hypothesis of a differential transmission rate in couple-based studies by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases for studies published until December 2019. We calculated pooled estimates of F-M and M-F transmission rates and their rate differences per 100 person-months, with 95% confidence intervals (CI), using a random-effects model. We counted occurrences of directionality preponderance for each HPV type. RESULTS We identified 7 eligible studies published between 2008 and 2019, providing data for 752 couples. Pooled estimates for F-M and M-F transmission rates were 3.01 (CI:1.19-7.64; I2=97%) and 1.60 (CI:0.86-2.98; I2=89%), respectively. The overall rate difference was 0.61 (CI:-0.27-1.49; I2=75%). Three studies provided rates by sex and HPV genotype. Two favored a preponderance of F-M (F-M>M-F for 16 HPV genotypes vs M-F>F-M for 11; F-M>M-F for 29 genotypes vs M-F>F-M for 6), and one favored M-F (F-M>M-F for 6 genotypes vs M-F>F-M for 14) transmission. CONCLUSION There was slight evidence for a differential transmission rate favoring higher F-M than M-F transmission with substantial statistical heterogeneity across studies.
Nucleic‐acid‐based methods for monitoring the performance of in situ bioremediation

Over the last decade, major advancements have occurred in the application of nucleic‐acid‐based methods to detect and determine the levels of catabolic genes in environmental samples. Studies have focused on validating methods in microcosms, studying changes in the structure and expression of microbial communities in response to contaminants, and improving the sensitivity of the methods. Only in the last few years have these methods transitioned from development and validation to efforts to apply these methods for monitoring in situ bioremediation. Methods that analyse nucleic acids extracted from environmental samples are of value to bioremediation because they allow analysis independent of the artefacts that can arise from laboratory biodegradative potential assays and laboratory culture‐based enumerations and from the inability to culture a large proportion of the micro‐organisms in the environment In theory, these methods enable a more comprehensive perspective, and a more defensible interpretation, of the microbial community response to intrinsic and engineered bioremediation processes. Results from the first studies applying nucleic‐acid‐based methods to intrinsic or engineered bioremediation indicate that these methods have both potential and limitations. The rapidly increasing number of cloned and sequenced catabolic genes, methodological advancements such as the ability to track specific micro‐organisms without prior sequence data, and the potential use of bioaugmentation in the field suggest that the utility of these methods for in situ bioremediation will increase in the coming years.
Evidence for a Role of a Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α)-converting Enzyme-like Protease in Shedding of TRANCE, a TNF Family Member Involved in Osteoclastogenesis and Dendritic Cell Survival*

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related activation-induced cytokine (TRANCE), a member of the TNF family, is a dendritic cell survival factor and is essential for osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast activation. In this report we demonstrate (i) that TRANCE, like TNF-α, is made as a membrane-anchored precursor, which is released from the plasma membrane by a metalloprotease; (ii) that soluble TRANCE has potent dendritic cell survival and osteoclastogenic activity; (iii) that the metalloprotease-disintegrin TNF-α convertase (TACE) can cleave immunoprecipitated TRANCE in vitro in a fashion that mimics the cleavage observed in tissue culture cells; and (iv) that in vitro cleavage of a TRANCE ectodomain/CD8 fusion protein and of a peptide corresponding to the TRANCE cleavage site by TACE occurs at the same site that is used when TRANCE is shed from cells into the supernatant. We propose that the TRANCE ectodomain is released from cells by TACE or a related metalloprotease-disintegrin, and that this release is an important component of the function of TRANCE in bone and immune homeostasis.
Symptom Presentation After Concussion and Pre-existing Anxiety Among Youth Athletes

Abstract Our purpose was to evaluate the effect of self-reported pre-injury anxiety diagnosis on persistent symptom development, vestibular symptom severity, and balance control among youth who sustained a concussion. We performed a retrospective study of patients seen at a specialty pediatric concussion clinic. Patients were 18 years of age or younger, examined within 10 days of concussion, and received care until full recovery. A questionnaire was used to assess pre-existing medical and psychiatric conditions, including anxiety. Our main outcomes were prolonged symptom recovery defined as persistent symptoms for > 28 days after concussion) and severity of vestibular symptoms. Patients who reported pre-injury anxiety (n=43; median age=14.9 years; 37% female) were more likely to experience symptoms>28 days post-injury (76 vs. 54%; p=0.04) than those without pre-existing anxiety (n=241; median age=14.9 years; 53% female). After adjusting for sex, history of migraine, depression and ADHD, however, there was no independent association between pre-existing anxiety and prolonged symptom duration (adjusted odds ratio=2.34; 95% CI=0.083–6.63; p=0.11). Pre-existing anxiety was independently associated with self-reported nausea/vomiting severity (β coefficient=0.59, 95% CI=0.07–1.11). A pre-existing anxiety diagnosis does not appear to be associated with persistent symptoms after concussion, although it may be associated with post-injury nausea.
Telepresence

Telepresence, the perception of presence within a physically remote or simulated site, has been identified as a design ideal for synthetic environments. However, confusion exists within the literature about the precise definition of telepresence. Furthermore, there is a need for a plausible and parsimonious model of telepresence. This paper identifies three types of telepresence extant in the literature: simple telepresence, cybernetic telepresence, and experiential telepresence. The third definition is the most interesting. This paper reviews the origins of experiential telepresence and the theoretical approaches commonly used to explain it. One can term these technological approaches, which emphasize the role of control/display technology, and psychological approaches, which identify experiential telepresence with known psychological phenomena. Finally, the paper presents and discusses an integrative approach to telepresence featuring a structured attentional resource model. Actual or potential applications of this research include the design of future human-machine interfaces for teleoperated robots and virtual reality systems.
Rebuttal from Samuel Chung, Charles D. Bengtson, Michael D. Kim and Matthias Salathe

Begh and Aveyard (2020) reason that e-cigarettes are valuable smoking cessation tools due to their reduced risk profiles. However, vaping as a smoking cessation tool remains controversial. The largest study in this area (Hajek et al. 2019) seemed flawed and pointed to dangers that traditional smoking cessation programmes do not face. While e-cigarettes appeared associated with higher rates of smoking cessation compared to nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), only 3% in the NRT arm were on varenicline and none on bupropion. If NRT is combined with pharmacological interventions, it achieves quit rates equal to the e-cigarette arm in that study (e.g. Anthenelli et al. 2016). More importantly, an even greater number of participants (25%) became dual users of e-cigarettes and combustible cigarettes than the 18% of participants in the e-cigarette arm who achieved sustained abstinence from tobacco. This is problematic when considering that dual users may be at greater risk of respiratory illness (Bhatta & Glantz, 2020). Furthermore, the NRT arm in the Hajek study showed that only 9% continued NRT with successful cessation at 1 year follow-up, while 80% of the e-cigarette users continued to vape, basically replacing one harmful nicotine delivery device with another. The assertion that vaping is less harmful than smoking is based on lower levels of toxic chemicals in vapour than tobacco smoke. However, chemicals linked to disease are proportionately more toxic at lower levels of exposure (Lanphear, 2017) and long-term studies on vapour constituents are missing. Although the outbreak of vaping-related lung injuries is possibly related to vitamin E acetate and/or tetrahydrocannabinol, other e-cigarette vapour constituents could contribute (Krishnasamy et al. 2020). Furthermore, reduction in toxic exposure is not resulting in linear risk reduction: reducing smoking from 20 cigarettes per day to 1 reduces the risk for developing coronary artery disease only by half (Hackshaw et al. 2018). The same is true for lung function in which a smoking reduction of >85% has to be achieved to change the decline trajectory of the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) (Simmons et al. 2005). Vaping is also reaching alarming rates among adolescents (Cullen et al. 2019). The risk of escalating to tobacco (Vogel et al. 2019; Barrington-Trimis et al. 2020) will erode progress in lowering teen smoking over several decades. Amid mounting evidence of possible harm, one must, at the very least, caution on the use of e-cigarettes and require that legislators regulate these products to keep them away from non-smoking adolescents.
Expecting…

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A Data Analytics Approach to Online Tourists' Reviews Evaluation

This paper utilizes online data of tourists’ reviews from TripAdvisor to identify patterns with regards to sentiment and topics discussed by tourists that visit Cyprus, along with the investigation of the effect of tourist culture and purchasing power on reviews’ polarity, using logistic regression. The analysis uses natural language processing using the LDA technique and Naïve Bayes sentiment analysis. For the data collection, custom-made python scripts were used. Ordinal logistic regression is used to identify differences among the types of tourists visiting Cyprus, in accordance to culture and purchasing power.
An Ensemble Neural Network for the Emotional Classification of Text

In this work, we propose a novel ensemble neural network design that is capable of classifying the emotional context of short sentences. Our model consists of three distinct branches, each of which is composed of a combination of recurrent, convolutional, and pooling layers to capture the emotional context of text. Our unique combination of convolutional and recurrent layers enables our network to extract more emotionally salient information from text than formerly possible. Using this network, experiments classifying the emotional context of short sequences of texts from ﬁve distinct datasets, were conducted. Results show that the novel method outperforms all historical approaches across all datasets by 8.31 percentage points on average. Additionally, the proposed work produces results that are on average as accurate as state of the art methods, while using two orders of magnitude less training data. The contribution of this paper is a novel ensemble recurrent convolutional neural network capable of detecting and classifying the emotional context of short sentences.
Whole Body Radioautographic Analysis of the In Vivo Distribution of Glucagon Receptors in Mice

In the present study, the histologic distribution of glucagon receptors in the mouse was studied by in vivo whole body radioautography. Male mice were injected intravenously with 125l-labeled glucagon in the absence of and, in the presence of, excess unlabeled glucagon. Three, 6, 15 and 30 min after injection, the animals were perfused and subjected to radioautographic procedures. The results demonstrated that only the liver had a very high level of specific glucagon binding. Low level of specific glucagon binding was observed in the stomach, small intestine, heart, kidney cortex, adipose tissue
The Low-Prothrombine-Phosphene Phenomenon of Atrial Fibrillation: First Description of a Warning Sign

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a precursor of stroke. Vitamin K antagonist has revealed risk reduction in ischemic stroke in many studies. Methods: Description of an unusual, hitherto unknown phenomenon in a patient Result: Rare attacks of blue-margined zigzag phosphenes in an elderly patient with atrial fibrillation that occurred binocularly in homonymous fields. The attacks only occurred during periods of low prothrombine, and disappeared within five to fifteen minutes after taking a vitamin K antagonist. The attacks were not influenced by valsalva provoking activity (coughing or bending). The patient had consistently normal visual acuity, and had never had a visual field defect or neurological deficits. Conclusions: The appearance of zigzag phosphenes in this patient with a low prothrombine time is an important warning sign. This phenomenon may be considered as a biological marker for stroke prevention. The occurrence of coloured zigzag phosphenes may refer to areas of hyperexcitable cortical neurons. This phenomenon may be explained by an event involving cerebral microemboli that occurred during periods of low INR values reversible via medications.
Cross-Cultural Web Design and Education: A Comparison Between Arab Universities and US Universities Based on Hofstede Cultural Dimensions

There have been many studies in the last few years which have conducted the link between culture and web design. A few of the studies which were undertaken specifically focused on the effect of culture on educational websites, however very few have studied the differences between Arabic culture and Western culture and the effect each culture has on educational websites. The main objective of this paper is to overlay the differences between two cultures and examine the impact of culture based on Hofstede cultural dimensions on educational websites. For a conclusion to be made, the investigation must include three university websites from the two different areas in the world selected, which have a significant difference in culture according to Hofstede’s dimension culture. The universities that were chosen in this investigation are from the USA and Arab countries which include Harvard University, Stanford University and Columbia University, the universities from the Arab world includes Cairo University, Algiers University I and King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals. The results show that Arab university websites are more concerned about the amount of information that the website holds and the number of images it contains even if the images are of small sizes, unlike the English university websites which contain less images but larger in dimensions. The experts found themselves more comfortable surfing the Arab university websites due to the images barely containing any women. This is due to the masculinity of this culture, unlike the American culture which accepts women on images. This opposes Hofstedes’ findings that the masculinity in the USA is higher than the masculinity in the Arab culture. The Arabic culture has more collectivism and uncertainty than the American culture; the Arabic culture is also short-term orientated compared to the American culture which is long-term orientated.
Multidisciplinary Research in e-Health: Challenges and Thoughts

This paper attempts to shed some light on challenges encountered when researching e-Health, along with some thoughts on addressing them. The nature of e-Health requires putting together groups of multidisciplinary researchers. This complex, yet exciting, work environment presents several challenges that should be addressed in order to enhance e-Health studies. Issues regarding the system design and acceptance create challenges of their own and are discussed. Further challenges present themselves in aspects related to the data used for e-Health, some specific problems in this domain are related to obtaining labeled data for study, privacy issues, and dataset size. The paper also discusses the analysis of data and whether traditional expert experience is used or machine learning and data mining methods are preferred. While there is no claim to solve all the challenges raised, several directions on how to mitigate them and encourage research, in the fascinating area of e-Health, are suggested.