Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Clinically Isolated β-Lactam-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacilli in a Philippine Tertiary Care Hospital Harbor Multi-Class β-Lactamase Genes

In the Philippines, data are scarce on the co-occurrence of multiple β-lactamases (BLs) in clinically isolated Gram-negative bacilli. To investigate this phenomenon, we characterized BLs from various β-lactam-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from a Philippine tertiary care hospital. The selected Gram-negative bacilli (n = 29) were resistant to either third-generation cephalosporins (resistance category 1 (RC1)), cephalosporins and penicillin-β-lactamase inhibitors (RC2), or carbapenems (RC3). Isolates resistant to other classes of antibiotics but susceptible to early-generation β-lactams were also selected (RC4). All isolates underwent antibiotic susceptibility testing, disk-diffusion-based BL detection assays, and PCR with sequence analysis of extended-spectrum BLs (ESBLs), metallo-BLs, AmpC BLs, and oxacillinases. Among the study isolates, 26/29 harbored multi-class BLs. All RC1 isolates produced ESBLs, with blaCTX-M as the dominant (19/29) gene. RC2 isolates produced ESBLs, four of which harbored blaTEM plus blaOXA-1 or other ESBL genes. RC3 isolates carried blaNDM and blaIMP, particularly in three of the metallo-BL producers. RC4 Enterobacteriaceae carried blaCTX-M, blaTEM, and blaOXA-24-like, while A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa in this category carried either blaIMP or blaOXA-24. Genotypic profiling, in complement with phenotypic characterization, revealed multi-class BLs and cryptic metallo-BLs among β-lactam-resistant Gram-negative bacilli.
Ratings meet prices: The dynamic relationship of quality signals

Abstract The impact of product ratings is significant in the experience goods market, whose intangible products are difficult to evaluate before consumption. Product ratings can reduce information asymmetries because they represent a credible signal of quality and thus positively affect product sales. In this study, we shed light on how professional critics behave by focusing on the influence of product characteristics and former reviews on rating behavior and market prices as additional quality signals in wine markets. Using 13,911 observations from professional wine tastings, we analyze 8,444 worldwide-produced wines and their ratings over 20 years. We find clear evidence to suggest that prices and product ratings are significantly related. Finally, the results suggest that review consistency evolves and determines current ratings.
Early diagnosing diabetes using data mining algorithms

Diabetes has become a widespread and long lasting condition that continues to impact an increasing number of individuals across the globe. It is crucial to highlight the significance of accurately identifying, predicting, managing and treating diabetes in order to address this growing concern. Utilizing sophisticated data analysis techniques to examine data relating to diabetes can significantly enhance the early detection and prediction of this ailment, along with its associated complications like low or high blood sugar levels. The findings clearly demonstrate that the decision tree algorithm proves to be the most effective approach in promptly diagnosing diabetes patients and ensuring they receive timely access to suitable treatment options.
Evidencias del impacto de la Competencia sobre el Crecimiento Económico de América Latina y el Caribe

The analysis of the contribution of Total Factor Productivity (TFP) to growth as well as of competition to economic growth through the intensity of local competition is presented. The results indicate that of the total LAC countries, in eight of them the aggregate contribution of the intensity of local competition on economic growth was positive, Chile and Paraguay standing out, and in the others it was negative.
Efectos de un programa de actividad física sobre los parámetros cardiovasculares en una población de la tercera edad

En este estudio se analizaron los cambios a nivel cardiovascular, referidos a parametros de frecuencia cardiaca y tension arterial, en una actividad de mantenimiento para la tercera edad en la ciudad de Huesca, organizado por el Patronato Municipal de Deportes, en su actividad de Gerontogimnasia. Los sujetos estudiados fueron 67 hombres y mujeres que realizaban la actividad de Gerontogimnasia en diferentes horarios, con edades comprendidas entre los 64 y los 82 anos. Fueron sometidos al test submaximo de Harvard utilizando el Indice de Rendimiento del test Ruffier-Dickson. El estudio consistio en realizar dos test, en un intervalo de 5 meses y cuantificar los parametros anteriormente citados, para observar si se producian cambios significativos en su condicion fisica. Encontramos diferencias significativas en el indice de rendimiento, basado en la frecuencia cardiaca, y en la tension arterial media, en consonancia con los resultados obtenidos en otros estudios realizados sobre este tema. En cualquier caso debemos tener presente que la practica de la actividad fisica no tiene como unico objetivo la mejora de los parametros fisiologicos, sino que aporta beneficios a nivel psiquico, sociologico, afectivo.
Investigating the effects of nutrient concentration and light intensity on benthic biofilm development and phytoplankton growth in UK rivers

Phosphorus is often considered the limiting nutrient in rivers, and reducing concentrations has long been a key policy focus. However, experience has shown that many phosphorus mitigation schemes fail to achieve any improvements in ecological status. The primary aim of this thesis is to identify target phosphorus concentrations that need to be attained to improve river ecology. In-stream flume mesocosms were deployed on three UK rivers of varying levels of nutrient enrichment. Phosphorus concentrations were simultaneously increased and decreased (by iron-dosing) to provide a concentration gradient over which periphyton accrual was examined. This identified whether rivers were phosphorus limited, and allowed a phosphorus-limiting threshold to be quantified. The effects of nitrogen, and combined phosphorus and nitrogen addition were also examined. The River Lambourn study simultaneously manipulated light intensity and nutrient concentrations, demonstrating shading to have benefits in improving periphyton quality as a food resource and in reducing periphyton accrual. The near-pristine River Rede showed that increase in river phosphorus concentration had no effect on periphyton growth rate, but that there was a 3.5-fold increase in growth rate when phosphorus and nitrogen were added simultaneously, demonstrating the presence of sequential nutrient co-limitation. By repeating a 2005 study on the River Frome, the 2012 study proved that phosphorus-limiting thresholds change in response to changing river nutrient concentrations. Examination of changes in community structure by the trophic diatom index and flow cytometry provide evidence for a lower ecological threshold in rivers of ca. 30 μg l-1. A fast repetition rate fluorometer was used to assess phytoplankton stress across the Thames catchment throughout an algal bloom and data was examined alongside water quality data. Bloom development and collapse was primarily controlled by residence time and, secondarily, phosphorus concentration. This thesis has challenged traditional beliefs that phosphorus is the limiting nutrient in freshwater ecosystems and has provided insights on how to best meet the requirements of the Water Framework Directive and improve ecological status.
Neuroadaptive Prescribed-Time Consensus of Uncertain Nonlinear Multi-Agent Systems

This brief addresses the issue of adaptive prescribed-time consensus control for a class of unknown nonlinear multi-agent systems over an undirected connected topology. The radial basis function (RBF) neural networks (NNs) are applied to approximate the unknown nonlinearities present in the system. By utilizing graph theory and Lyapunov stability theory, we demonstrate that the proposed prescribed-time consensus protocol and adaptive law ensure the boundedness of all closed-loop signals in the system. A noteworthy advantage of the proposed method is the ability to achieve consensus within a predetermined time. Finally, a simulation example of a nonlinear Kuramoto oscillator dynamic system is provided to verify the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed scheme.
Editorial: Infectious diseases, microbial ecology, and antimicrobial resistance dynamics in food animals

COPYRIGHT © 2023 Kandeel and Megahed. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms. Editorial: Infectious diseases, microbial ecology, and antimicrobial resistance dynamics in food animals
Tobin-Q, Liquidity and Momentum risk-premia: A Demonstration of Weighted Least Squares Regression Approach

Purpose- The basic purpose of the study is to examine whether Tobin-q, liquidity and momentum risk-premium contributes the explanatory power in terms of explaining portfolio returns in PSX. Design/Methodology- The Weighted Least Square (WLS) regression technique is empirically used to examine the nexus between risk-factor and portfolio returns using PSX dataset. The models provide useful tools for making efficient strategies in the jurisdiction of investments and portfolio constructions. Findings- The study reveals that multidimensional liquidity exhibits weak significant results while Tobin-q and momentum risk-factors demonstrate statistically significant determinants for PSX. Furthermore, WLS regression produces robust coefficient results than OLS regression as except liquidity all the factors exhibit substantially improved results. Practical Implications- The study findings would be useful for stocks and portfolio managers constructing optimal and diversified portfolios while investing in PSX.
Bilateral L5 pedicle fracture with L5–S1 spondylolisthesis after single-level L4–5 posterior lumbar interbody fusion: illustrative case

BACKGROUND Single-level posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) or transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is a commonly performed surgical procedure for L4–5 isthmic spondylolisthesis. Postoperative L5 pedicle fracture with rapidly progressive spondylolisthesis at L5–S1 segment after L4–5 PLIF/TLIF is quite rare, and the etiology remains unclear. This report describes this rare complication and proposes a possible etiology focusing on the lumbosacral sagittal imbalance characterized by an anteriorly shifted lumbar loading axis. OBSERVATIONS The authors report a case complicated by L5 bilateral pedicle fractures and rapidly progressive spondylolisthesis at the L5–S1 segment very early after a single-level PLIF for L4–5 isthmic spondylolisthesis. Meyerding grade III anterolisthesis was observed at L5–S1 segment by 3 months after the initial surgery. Additional surgery was performed, and the fixation was extended to L4–ilium. Fracture healing was observed at 6 months postoperatively. LESSONS This complication may have been caused by abnormal local shear forces on the posterior neural arch of L5 vertebra and L5–S1 intervertebral disc, which were triggered by the fusion surgery for L4 shear-type spondylolisthesis. L4 sagittal vertical axis is considered a reasonable parameter representing lumbosacral sagittal imbalance with an anteriorly shifted loading axis and may be a candidate for the predictive parameters of this rare complication.
An Overview of Plant Phenolics and Their Involvement in Abiotic Stress Tolerance

Secondary metabolites, such as phenols and salicylic, play a crucial role in the regulation of development and tolerance mechanisms against a wide range of stresses. During adverse conditions such as biotic and abiotic stresses, plants induce the biosynthesis of phenolic compounds to provide tolerance. Phenolics are secondary aromatic metabolites synthesized through the shikimate/phenylpropanoid pathway or polyketide acetate/malonate pathway, which produce monomeric and polymeric phenolics. Phenolic compounds in plants not only take part in preventing stresses but also in regulating physiological activities. These compounds significantly regulate both below- and above-ground defense mechanisms. Plants synthesize thousands of phenolic compounds throughout their evolution to survive in changing environments. Environmental factors, such as high light, cold, drought, heavy metals, etc., increase the accumulation of phenolics to neutralize any toxic effects. This review focuses on the biosynthesis of phenolic compounds and their updated studies against abiotic stresses.
Antarctic extreme events

There is increasing evidence that fossil-fuel burning, and consequential global heating of 1.1°C to date, has led to the increased occurrence and severity of extreme environmental events. It is well documented how such events have impacted society outside Antarctica through enhanced levels of rainfall and flooding, heatwaves and wildfires, drought and water/food shortages and episodes of intense cooling. Here, we briefly examine evidence for extreme events in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean across a variety of environments and timescales. We show how vulnerable natural Antarctic systems are to extreme events and highlight how governance and environmental protection of the continent must take them into account. Given future additional heating of at least 0.4°C is now unavoidable (to contain heating to the “Paris Agreement 1.5°C” scenario), and may indeed be higher unless drastic action is successfully taken on reducing greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by mid-Century, we explain it is virtually certain that future Antarctic extreme events will be more pronounced than those observed to date.
Smart Targeted Delivery Systems for Enhancing Antitumor Therapy of Active Ingredients in Traditional Chinese Medicine

As a therapeutic tool inherited for thousands of years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) exhibits superiority in tumor therapy. The antitumor active components of TCM not only have multi-target treatment modes but can also synergistically interfere with tumor growth compared to traditional chemotherapeutics. However, most antitumor active components of TCM have the characteristics of poor solubility, high toxicity, and side effects, which are often limited in clinical application. In recent years, delivering the antitumor active components of TCM by nanosystems has been a promising field. The advantages of nano-delivery systems include improved water solubility, targeting efficiency, enhanced stability in vivo, and controlled release drugs, which can achieve higher drug-delivery efficiency and bioavailability. According to the method of drug loading on nanocarriers, nano-delivery systems can be categorized into two types, including physically encapsulated nanoplatforms and chemically coupled drug-delivery platforms. In this review, two nano-delivery approaches are considered, namely physical encapsulation and chemical coupling, both commonly used to deliver antitumor active components of TCM, and we summarized the advantages and limitations of different types of nano-delivery systems. Meanwhile, the clinical applications and potential toxicity of nano-delivery systems and the future development and challenges of these nano-delivery systems are also discussed, aiming to lay the foundation for the development and practical application of nano-delivery systems of TCM in clinical settings.
Datos ecológicos de los helechos ("Pteridophyta") del Centro de la Península Ibérica

espanolSe enumeran datos ecologicos, altitudinales y biogeograficos de helechos (Pteridophyta) del centro de la Peninsula Iberica. EnglishEcological, altitudinal and biogeographycal caracterization of ferns (Pteridophyta) from the Centre of the Iberian Peninsula.
Vietnam Country Study

As part of the Chronic Poverty Report 2008-09, the Viet Nam case study attempts to look at the various steps of implementation of policies meant to serve the chronically poor. Specifically, the report will provide a thorough analysis of the two most important programmes. The first is the National Targeted Programme on Hunger Eradication and Poverty Reduction (NTP on HEPR). This programme is directly aimed at a demographic group that is living below the poverty line (poor households). The second is the Programme on Socio-economic Development for Communes faced with Extreme Difficulties in mountainous and remote areas (Programme 135). This programme is directly aimed at a geographic group who live in mountainous and remote areas of Viet Nam. The majority of this group is comprised of people of ethnic minorities.Research tools: The research projects make use of extensive literature reviews, interviews and in-depth discussions with development specialists and researchers in Ha Noi.Location of the field trips: Field trips were conducted in Dien Bien province in the Northwest mountainous areas and Hai Phong in the Red River Delta. Dien Bien province was chosen because it belongs to the poorest mountainous region with a high density of ethnic minorities. Hien Hao commune of Cat Hai district, Hai Phong City was chosen because it presents a pocket of poverty in one of the fastest growing regions. The selection of the sites provides a West-to-East transect for the study. The choice of the field trip sites is planned to provide a cross-region comparison of implementation of policy focus.Structure of the report: Guided by the TOR, the report follows the questions therein. Appendixes are provided to help explain the specific settings of Viet Nam and form an important part of the report, providing information in the Viet Nam context for understanding the specific points discussed in the main report.
Analysis of soil

1. Soil Contamination Countermeasures Law Recently, along with redevelopment at old factory sites, etc., ground contamination with heavy metals and volatile organic compounds has become increasingly obvious. Due to this situation, the “Soil Contamination Countermeasures Law” was enacted on May 29, 2002 to protect the public health, and enforcement of the law began on February 15, 2003. Since it is probable that exposure to specific toxic substances over a long period of time results in high concentrations in the ground surface layer, and that these toxins enter the soil directly, maximum concentration standards were set for nine items. Twenty-five substances were specified as risks with respect to infiltration into underground water. Accordingly, it is necessary to conduct risk assessment with respect to these items at sites that are being investigated. Table 1 shows the specific toxic substances (heavy metals), as well as the specified standard criteria and measurement methods.
Identification of Belgian maritime zones affected by Eutrophication (IZEUT)

As Contracting Parties of the OSPAR Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic, Belgian authorities adopted the Common Strategy to combat eutrophication in the OSPAR maritime area. The long-term objective for 2010 is to achieve and maintain a healthy marine environment where eutrophication does not occur. In this scope Belgian authorities agreed to classify their maritime areas as ‘problem’ areas, ‘potential problem’ areas and ‘non-problem’ areas with respect to eutrophication using as a tool the Common Procedure for the identification of the eutrophication status of the maritime area edited by OSPAR (OSPAR 97/15/1-annex 24). The development of appropriate assessment criteria is fundamental in the Common Procedure as these will be used for identification of the current eutrophication status of marine coastal water but also for assessment of the effectiveness of measures implemented for nutrient reduction. The global objective of IZEUT is to provide to Belgian authorities a scientific support to implement the OSPAR Common Procedure to combat eutrophication in BCZ. With this aim, the sensitivity of BCZ to cultural eutrophication is assessed based on the quantitative and qualitative inventory of anthropogenic emissions and loads of nutrients to BCZ. The impact of nutrient loads on the global enrichment and coastal phytoplankton blooms is analysed using the current knowledge on eutrophication mechanism. In addition, the adverse effects of eutrophication in BCZ are assessed based on the qualitative perception of the eutrophication phenomenon and socioeconomic assessment of related damages amongst potentially affected sectors.
Father–child relationship and children’s peer competence: Mediated by children’s emotional regulation and environmental adaptation

This study aimed to explore father–child relationships and young children’s peer competence, as mediated by child emotional regulation and environmental adaptation. The children’s fathers and teachers completed peer competence, child emotional regulation and environmental adaptation measures on 216 Chinese children and their fathers. The results, following correlation analysis by SPSS 25.0 and validation analysis by AMOS modelling, demonstrated that: (a) a higher score on the parent–child relationship scale was associated with a higher children’s peer competence score; and (b) emotional regulation and environmental adaptation in the children’s ego resilience mediated between the father–child relationship and was associated with young children’s higher peer competence. These findings indicate that father–child relationship quality is important to children’s peer competence with superior emotional regulation and environmental adaptation. Therefore, educators should help enhance the parent–child relationship to improve children’s emotional regulation and school adaptation.
Application of GIS to Typhoon Risk Assessment

Damages from typhoon events have contributed more than 60 percent of total economic and social loss and the size of loss have been increased up to 800 million dollars per year in Korea, It is therefore necessary to make an effort to mitigate the loss of natural disasters. To facilitate the evaluation of damages in advance and to support the decision making to recover the damages, scientific methods have been adopted. With the effort, GIS data can provide various tools. Three components of hazard mapping are estimation of hazard, inventory for vulnerable features, and fragility of each feature. Vulnerability of natural disaster can be obtained by relation between loss and meteorological data such as precipitation and wind speed. Features can be categorized from other GIS data of public facilities and private properties, and then social and economic loss can be estimated. At this point, GIS data conversions for each model are required. In this study, we build a method to estimate typhoon risk based on GIS data such as DEM, land cover and land use map, facilities.