Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Systematic Approach for Real-Time Operator Functional State Assessment

A task overload condition often leads to high stress for an operator, causing performance degradation and possibly disastrous consequences. Just as dangerous, with automated flight systems, an operator may experience a task underload condition (during the en-route flight phase, for example), becoming easily bored and finding it difficult to maintain sustained attention. When an unexpected event occurs, either internal or external to the automated system, the disengaged operator may neglect, misunderstand, or respond slowly/inappropriately to the situation. In this paper, we discuss an approach for Operator Functional State (OFS) monitoring in a typical aviation environment. A systematic ground truth finding procedure has been designed based on subjective evaluations, performance measures, and strong physiological indicators. The derived OFS ground truth is continuous in time compared to a very sparse estimation of OFS based on an expert review or subjective evaluations. It can capture the variations of OFS during a mission to better guide through the training process of the OFS assessment model. Furthermore, an OFS assessment model framework based on advanced machine learning techniques was designed and the systematic approach was then verified and validated with experimental data collected in a high fidelity Boeing 737 simulator. Preliminary results show highly accurate engagement/disengagement detection making it suitable for real-time applications to assess pilot engagement.
Red Light Mitigates the Deteriorating Placental Extracellular Matrix in Late Onset of Preeclampsia and Improves the Trophoblast Behavior

Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy disorder which in extreme cases may lead to maternal and fetal injury or death. Preexisting conditions which increase oxidative stress, e.g., hypertension and diabetes, increase the mother's risk to develop preeclampsia. Previously, we established that when the extracellular matrix is exposed to oxidative stress, trophoblast function is impaired, and this may lead to improper placentation. We investigated how the oxidative ECM present in preeclampsia alters the behavior of first trimester extravillous trophoblasts. We demonstrate elevated levels of advanced glycation end products (AGE) and lipid oxidation end product 4-hydroxynonenal in preeclamptic ECM (28%, and 32% increase vs control, respectively) accompanied with 35% and 82% more 3-chlorotyrosine and 3-nitrotyrosine vs control, respectively. Furthermore, we hypothesized that 670 nm phototherapy, which has antioxidant properties, reverses the observed trophoblast dysfunction as depicted in the improved migration and reduction in apoptosis. Since NO is critical for placentation, we examined eNOS activity in preeclamptic placentas compared to healthy ones and found no differences; however, 670 nm light treatment triggered enhanced NO availability presumably by using alternative NO sources. Light exposure decreased apoptosis and restored trophoblast migration to levels in trophoblasts cultured on preeclamptic ECM. Moreover, 670 nm irradiation restored expression of Transforming Growth Factor (TGFβ) and Placental Growth Factor (PLGF) to levels observed in trophoblasts cultured on healthy placental ECM. We conclude the application of 670 nm light can successfully mitigate the damaged placental microenvironment of late onset preeclampsia as depicted by the restored trophoblast behavior.
atpE Mutation in Mycobacterium tuberculosis Not Always Predictive of Bedaquiline Treatment Failure

We report the emergence of an atpE mutation in a clinical Mycobacterium tuberculosis strain. Genotypic and phenotypic bedaquiline susceptibility testing displayed variable results over time and ultimately were not predictive of treatment outcome. This observation highlights the limits of current genotypic and phenotypic methods for detection of bedaquiline resistance.
Family Involvement in Ownership, Management and Firm Performance: Evidence from Indian Listed Companies

We studied the impact of family ownership and management on Indian family firm performance by using a sample of companies listed on the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) 500 from 2011–2020. The findings using panel data analysis demonstrate that family ownership positively impacts the accounting (ROA) and market (Tobin’s q) measures of firm performance in our sample. Further, there is empirical evidence that family management is positively associated with firm performance using ROA but negatively related to TQ with the study showing that founder-managed firms outperform descendent or professionally managed family firms in the Indian context. The study is unique in understanding the ways in which family businesses perform, behave and add value to the shareholders by analysing a dataset of listed companies for ten years.
Diffusion Research with Nanoporous Material More Than Just a Random Walk?

Owing to their potential for eco-friendly matter upgrading by molecular sieving and shape-selective conversion, nanoporous materials are among the pioneers of green chemistry. The performance of their application is often controlled by diffusion, i.e. the rate of mass transfer within these materials. This mass transfer, however, is rather complex and subject to numerous influences. Unambiguous diffusion measurement has thus remained a challenge to this day with errors in the interpretation of experimental data being all too common. The present feature reports the efforts of an IUPAC initiative to overcome these limitations.
Soft budget constraints in European and US leagues: similarities and differences

Kornai’s soft budget constraint (SBC) approach provides a useful framework, which is highly relevant for understanding the economics of European professional sports leagues. However, it has not hitherto been used in a comparative analysis of the European and North American sports leagues. This chapter offers a novel perspective on professional sports leagues that transcends the traditional profit versus win (utility) maximizing distinction by applying the SBC approach. Europe’s win (utility) maximizing teams usually face softness by surviving resounding and/or frequent losses, whereas the budget constraints for North American franchises appear ‘hard’. But are the American pro franchises in fact facing hard budget constraints and the survival characteristics of hardness? This chapter gives a brief interpretation of the European context by using the framework of the SBC approach, while further seeking to adjust and apply it to the American context. It points out that even though the American pro leagues are profitable compared to the European ones, many of the European characteristics are in fact at play in the US, revealing an existence of softness in both league types. In order to better understand the similarities as well as the well-known differences across these two traditionally opposed contexts, a new matrix of team sports economics based on the SBC ideas is developed, supplementing existing research and giving new insights into the peculiar economics of professional team sports.
SDN Security Review: Threat Taxonomy, Implications, and Open Challenges

Software-Defined networking (SDN) is a networking paradigm to enable dynamic, flexible, and programmatically efficient configuration of networks to revolutionize network control and management via separation of the control plane and data plane. The SDN technology has evolved in response to the demands from large data centers toward all types of networks, from IoT, enterprise, to ISP networks. On the one hand, SDN has provided solutions for high-demand resources, managing unpredictable data traffic patterns, and rapid network reconfiguration. It is further used to enhance network virtualization and security. On the other hand, SDN is still subject to many traditional network security threats. It also introduces new security vulnerabilities, primarily due to its logically centralized control plane infrastructure and functions. In this paper, we conduct a comprehensive survey on the core functionality of SDN from the perspective of secure communication infrastructure at different scales. A specific focus is put forward to address the challenges in securing SDN-based communications, with efforts taken up to address them. We further categorize the appropriate solutions for specific threats at each layer of SDN infrastructures. Lastly, security implications and future research trends are highlighted to provide insights for future research.
Enhancing Supply Chain through Implementation of Key IIoT Technologies

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to empirically assess the combined impact that Blockchain technology (BC), the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technologies, and agile production have on supply chain performance. This study is narrowly based on the analysis of data from 303 U.S. manufacturing managers. The proposed theoretical model is analyzed following a covariance-based structural equation modeling methodology (CB/SEM). This is the first study to empirically assess the combined impact of Blockchain technology, IIoT technologies, and agile production on supply chain performance. The results support the conclusion that Blockchain and IIoT technologies are complementary and yield greater agility. Managers are provided with evidence that combining Blockchain, IIoT technologies, and agile production will lead to greater improvements in supply chain performance than using these technologies stand-alone.
‘Gypsum on water. That schizophrenia.’ schizophrenia – a meeting of stories: a qualitative study

Abstract The purpose of the study was to enrich our understanding of how personal and master narratives ‘met’ in stories of individuals who experienced schizophrenia. Qualitative, in-depth and semi-structured interviews conducted in Poland with people diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia were processed using the thematic analysis method. Interview analysis yielded three ways in which the master and the personal narratives of schizophrenia met: reception of master narrative content, its negotiation within personal narratives, and application, i.e. using phrases from the master narrative to fill in or supplement descriptions of own experience. We emphasize the importance of self-awareness in using master narrative in encounters with individuals diagnosed with mental illness and its associated consequences. We point out the need to support the construction of personal narratives and, as postulated by phenomenological psychiatry, we stress the need to recognize subjective stories of the experience of schizophrenia as a special mode of human existence. Points of Interest This article looks in detail into stories created by people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia about their experiences and into the way they construct their narratives. Participants of this study recall in their stories statements of medical specialists and people from social environment talking about schizophrenia. Terms and phrases about schizophrenia cause versatile reactions among people with this diagnosis. Sometimes participants accept them, often they disagree with them, other times, however, they ascribe new meanings to them. It is important to be attentive in our use of language when speaking about schizophrenia and when talking to people with this diagnosis. The accounts of the participants in our study are another voice in the debate on the idea of abandoning the label of ‘schizophrenia’.
Harnessing Mucor spp. for Xylanase Production: Statistical Optimization in Submerged Fermentation Using Agro-Industrial Wastes

Xylan is the primary hemicellulosic polymer found in lignocellulosic agricultural wastes and can be degraded by xylanase. In the current research, Mucor circinelloides and M. hiemalis were tested for their ability to produce xylanase from tangerine peel by submerged fermentation. Experiments on five variables were designed with Box–Behnken design and response surface methodology. Analysis of variance was exercised, the xylanase output was demonstrated with a mathematical equation as a function of the five factors, and the quixotic states for xylanase biosynthesis was secured. In addition, xylanase was partially purified, characterized, and immobilized on calcium alginate beads. The optimum parameters for xylanase production by M. circinelloides and M. hiemalis were consisted of incubation temperature (30 and 20°C), pH value (9 and 7) incubation period (9 and 9 days), inoculum size (3 and 3 mL), and substrate concentration (3 and 3 g/100 mL), respectively. M. circinelloides and M. hiemalis demonstrated the highest xylanase activities after RSM optimization, with 42.23 and 35.88 U/mL, respectively. The influence of single, interchange, and quadratic factors on xylanase output was investigated using nonlinear regression equations with significant R2 and p values. The partial purification of M. circinelloides and M. hiemalis xylanase yielded 1.69- and 1.97-fold purification, and 30.74 and 31.34% recovery with 292.08 and 240.15 U/mg specific activity, respectively. Partially purified xylanase from M. circinelloides and M. hiemalis demonstrated the highest activity at neutral pH and 60 and 50°C, respectively. The immobilized M. circinelloides and M. hiemalis xylanase retained 84.02 and 79.43% activity, respectively. The production of xylanase from M. circinelloides and M. hiemalis utilizing RSM is deemed profitable for the decomposition of the agro-industrial wastes.
The Mediating Role of Social Support in the Relationship Between Psychological Capital and Depression Among Chinese Emergency Physicians

Purpose: Depression is common in medical practitioners across all stages of their careers, but few studies have explored positive factors for combatting depression in emergency physicians. This study aims to explore the association between psychological capital and depression among Chinese emergency physicians, along with the mediating role of social support in this relationship. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted at 33 grade III and class A general hospitals in 13 cities of Jiangsu Province, China. Emergency physicians participating in the study completed 568 questionnaires on psychological capital, social support, and depression. Regression analysis was applied to explore the relationship between psychological capital, social support, and depression, and to assess the mediating role of social support. Results: The rate of potentially depressed physicians was determined as 18.5% among our study sample. Depression was negatively correlated with psychological capital ( r = −0.384, p < 0.01) and its four components of hope, self-efficacy, resiliency, and optimism, and negatively correlated with social support ( r = −0.299, p < 0.01). Depression was negatively affected by psychological capital ( c = −0.398, p < 0.001), or by both psychological capital ( c ′ = −0.334, p < 0.001) and social support ( b = −0.171, p < 0.001), and social support was positively affected by psychological capital ( a = 0.372, p < 0.001), leading to a mediation effect of −0.064 and accounting for approximately 16.0% of the total effect of psychological capital on depression. Furthermore, social support exhibited a potent mediating role for emergency physicians with potential depressive disorder compared to those without depression. Conclusion: Psychological capital not only can directly affect depression, but can also alleviate it by increasing social support. Hospitals should pay attention to the mental health status of emergency physicians, and psychological capital training and emotional support can be implemented to improve mental health.
Current State and Perspectives of Simulation and Modeling of Aliphatic Isocyanates and Polyisocyanates

Aliphatic isocyanates and polyisocyanates are central molecules in the fabrication of polyurethanes, coatings, and adhesives and, due to their excellent mechanical and stability properties, are continuously investigated in advanced applications; however, despite the growing interest in isocyanate-based systems, atomistic simulations on them have been limited by the lack of accurate parametrizations for these molecular species. In this review, we will first provide an overview of current research on isocyanate systems to highlight their most promising applications, especially in fields far from their typical usage, and to justify the need for further modeling works. Next, we will discuss the state of their modeling, from first-principle studies to atomistic molecular dynamics simulations and coarse-grained approaches, highlighting the recent advances in atomistic modeling. Finally, the most promising lines of research in the modeling of isocyanates are discussed in light of the possibilities opened by novel approaches, such as machine learning.
Evaluating the risk of SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission to bats in the context of wildlife research, rehabilitation, and control

Abstract Preventing wildlife disease outbreaks is a priority for natural resource agencies, and management decisions can be urgent, especially in epidemic circumstances. With the emergence of SARS‐CoV‐2, wildlife agencies were concerned whether the activities they authorize might increase the risk of viral transmission from humans to North American bats, but had a limited amount of time in which to make decisions. We describe how decision analysis provides a powerful framework to analyze and reanalyze complex natural resource management problems as knowledge evolves. Coupled with expert judgment and avenues for the rapid release of information, risk assessment can provide timely scientific information for evolving decisions. In April 2020, the first rapid risk assessment was conducted to evaluate the risk of transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2 from humans to North American bats. Based on the best available information and relying heavily on expert judgment, the risk assessment found a small possibility of transmission during summer work activities. Following that assessment, additional knowledge and data emerged, such as bat viral challenge studies, that further elucidated the risks of human‐to‐bat transmission and culminated in a second risk assessment in the fall of 2020. We updated the first SARS‐CoV‐2 risk assessment with new management alternatives and new estimates of little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus) susceptibility, using findings from the fall 2020 assessment and other empirical studies. We found that new knowledge led to an 88% decrease in the median number of bats estimated to be infected per 1,000 encountered when compared to earlier results. The use of facemasks during, or a negative COVID‐19 test or vaccination prior to, bat encounters further reduced those risks. Using a combination of decision analysis, expert judgment, rapid risk assessment, and efficient modes of information distribution, we provided timely science‐based support to decision makers for summer bat work in North America.
Egg fatty acid profiles and potential health risk from defatted insect meal in laying hens’ diets

Insects, a staple feed for wild birds and free ranging poultry, have a relatively high protein quality and are a promising feed for commercial poultry. Replacing soybean meal with insect derived feeds potentially reduces dependency on feed imports, increasing the sustainability of egg production – but only if maintaining or enhancing their nutritional quality. This study investigated egg fatty acid (FA) profiles from replacing soyabean meal with Hermetia illucens (black soldier fly) meal (HIM) for laying hens. A three-week trial with 30 organic Lohman Selected Leghorn hens between 64-74 weeks old was repeated with four flocks at the end of their first laying cycle. In all replicate trials, ten birds were randomly allocated to each of three diets: (1) control with 360 g soybean/kg and no HIM; (2) H12 with 120 g HIM and 156 g soybean/kg; and (3) H24 with 240 g HIM/kg and no soybean. Complete replacement of soya (H24) increased saturated fatty acid (SFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and decreased total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), omega-6 (n-6) and omega-3 (n-3) PUFA concentrations in eggs. The intermediate H12 diet (replacing 33% soya) gave similar n-3 and MUFA concentrations to control eggs but significantly increased SFA and reduced total PUFA. However, birds moderated the transfer of high intakes of potentially damaging C12:0 and C14:0 into eggs and although differences in eggs were highly significant and great (relative to very low levels in control eggs) concentrations were substantially lower than in insect meal itself and some commonly consumed foods.
Predictors of customers’ continuance intention of mobile banking from the perspective of the interactivity theory

Abstract In order to test the key factors affecting users' continuance intention of mobile banking Apps, this study combined the Technology acceptance model (TAM) with the perceptual sinteraction model, and further added human-system interaction and perceived privacy security that was not explored in these models before. Data were collected from 349 users who had experience with mobile banking to test the model and were analyzed with a structural equation model. The present study showed that various interactive characteristics of mobile banking (human-human interaction, human-information interaction, human-system interaction) had significant positive impacts on users' perceptions of using mobile banking (perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, perceived privacy security). Users' perceptions of using mobile banking had significantly positive impacts on users' satisfaction with mobile banking, and user satisfaction had a significant impact on users' continuance intention. Users’ income level had a significantly negative impact on their continuance intention. In order to further enhance users’ continuance intention for mobile banking, designers and managers of mobile banking are suggested to pay special attention to the interactive characteristics of mobile banking and the impact on users' perceptions of mobile banking, so as to improve customer satisfaction and continuous intention.
Recent Advances in the Biocontrol of Nosemosis in Honey Bees (Apis mellifera L.)

Nosemosis is a disease triggered by the single-celled spore-forming fungi Nosema apis and Nosema ceranae, which can cause extensive colony losses in honey bees (Apis mellifera L.). Fumagillin is an effective antibiotic treatment to control nosemosis, but due to its toxicity, it is currently banned in many countries. Accordingly, in the beekeeping sector, there is a strong demand for alternative ecological methods that can be used for the prevention and therapeutic control of nosemosis in honey bee colonies. Numerous studies have shown that plant extracts, RNA interference (RNAi) and beneficial microbes could provide viable non-antibiotic alternatives. In this article, recent scientific advances in the biocontrol of nosemosis are summarized.