Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tongue of the Egyptian Endemic Bridled Skink (Heremites vittatus; Olivier, 1804): Gross, Electron Microscopy, Histochemistry, and Immunohistochemical Analysis

Simple Summary The present study describes the morphological characteristics of the tongue and laryngeal mound of Heremites vittatus. In SEM analysis, the complicated papillary system showed a special filiform system (nine subtypes) in addition to the conical system on the ventral surface of the foretongue apex. The dorsal surface of the laryngeal mound represented 18 longitudinal folds. Histologically, the keratinized layer was present in the foretongue but was absent in the mid- and hindtongue. Significant histochemical signals with positive glandular AB and PAS-positive reactions were observed. Immunohistochemistry showed strong cytokeratin immunopositivity in all parts of the tongue. Abstract The present study used light and scanning electron microscopy to describe the integrative morphological description of the tongue and laryngeal mound of Heremites vittatus, an endemic lizard of Saharan Africa. Additionally, ultrastructure, histology, histochemistry, and immunohistochemical approaches were used to characterize the lingual apparatus adaptations. In the present study, Heremites vittatus consisted of a complex lingual papillary system in which the ventral apical surface of the foretongue comprised conical papillae. The dorsal surface consisted of different filiform papillary (papillae filiformes) types: the anterior section had two types (bifid and pointed), and the posterior section had four types (triangular, trifid, quadrifid, and pentafid) papillae. The dorsal midtongue surface exhibits scale-like, serrated filiform papillae with anterior gland openings. The hindtongue consisted of two overlapping filiform papillae: scale-like, board-serrated papillae on the median portion and finger-like papillae on the wings. The dorsal surface of the laryngeal mound had 18 longitudinal folds with glandular openings. Histologically, the foretongue was covered by a slightly keratinized layer that was absent in the mid- and hindtongue. The lingual glands were absent from the foretongue but present in the interpapillary space in the mid- and hindtongues. We observed a few rounded taste buds in the conical papilla epithelium. Histochemical analysis revealed strong glandular Alcian Blue (AB)-positive and Periodic Acid–Schiff (PAS)-positive reactions. Immunohistochemistry showed strong cytokeratin immunopositivity in all parts of the tongue. In conclusion, the obtained data about the lingual characterizations have been consistent with the active foraging behavior of the species and its environmental conditions.
Strategies and representations used by early childhood education students in a functional thinking task: A case study

This article presents a study that addressed the functional relationships that two early childhood education students (five-six years old) evidenced, as well as the representations they used when solving a functional thinking task. The proposed task involved the function f(x)=2x, with six questions on particular cases and one on generalization. The data was collected through a semi-structured interview to each of the students and a qualitative analysis of their answers was carried out in each of the questions of the task. The results suggest that the two students are capable of approaching the proposed task through different strategies, such as additive and multiplicative correspondence relationship, and covariation. Also, it was found that they use systems of varied representations, being the verbal representation to express the generalization of the functional relationship one that stands out. It is concluded that early childhood education students may be able to tackle tasks that involve algebraic notions that focus on functional thinking.
Can foreign language learners discover the rules of non-salient forms?

Para los aprendices, ciertas formas lingüísticas sobresalen más que otras. Este cuasiexperimento investiga si los efectos de la instrucción explícita-deductiva y explícita-inductiva son igualmente afectados por el nivel de sobre saliencia perceptual de las formas lingüísticas meta, y si cada tipo de instrucción promueve el conocimiento explícito, implícito o ambos. El estudio se llevó a cabo con 65 estudiantes universitarios con una edad promedio de 21 años. Se examinaron tres condiciones: la instrucción explícita-deductiva, la explícita-inductiva y una condición control. Los resultados revelan que la instrucción explícita-inductiva generó un aprendizaje menor en el caso de una forma lingüística meta perceptualmente más sobresaliente, pero no hubo aprendizaje de la menos sobresaliente. La instrucción explícita-deductiva resultó en el aprendizaje de ambas formas independientemente de qué tanto sobresalen. Los resultados sugieren que la instrucción explicita-inductiva es más adecuada para enseñar formas más sobresalientes y la explícita-deductiva para las menos obresalientes. Las implicaciones pedagógicas y teóricas de estos hallazgos son explicadas a detalle.
Phenotypic and Genetic Characterization of Wildland Collections of Western and Searls Prairie Clovers for Rangeland Revegetation in the Western USA

Phenotypic and genetic characterization of wildland collections of western and Searls prairie clovers for rangeland revegetation in the western USA , Phenotypic and genetic characterization of wildland collections of western and Searls prairie clover. , مرکز فناوری اطلاعات و اطلاع رسانی کشاورزی
Essential Role of BMP4 Signaling in the Avian Ceca in Colorectal Enteric Nervous System Development

The enteric nervous system (ENS) is principally derived from vagal neural crest cells that migrate caudally along the entire length of the gastrointestinal tract, giving rise to neurons and glial cells in two ganglionated plexuses. Incomplete migration of enteric neural crest-derived cells (ENCDC) leads to Hirschsprung disease, a congenital disorder characterized by the absence of enteric ganglia along variable lengths of the colorectum. Our previous work strongly supported the essential role of the avian ceca, present at the junction of the midgut and hindgut, in hindgut ENS development, since ablation of the cecal buds led to incomplete ENCDC colonization of the hindgut. In situ hybridization shows bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP4) is highly expressed in the cecal mesenchyme, leading us to hypothesize that cecal BMP4 is required for hindgut ENS development. To test this, we modulated BMP4 activity using embryonic intestinal organ culture techniques and retroviral infection. We show that overexpression or inhibition of BMP4 in the ceca disrupts hindgut ENS development, with GDNF playing an important regulatory role. Our results suggest that these two important signaling pathways are required for normal ENCDC migration and enteric ganglion formation in the developing hindgut ENS.
Building scatter and vegetation attenuation measurements at 38 GHz

Several measurements have been made to determine the extent of scatter and attenuation of 38 GHz line of sight links by buildings and vegetation. Measured co- and cross-polar reflection profiles of a typical brick building are presented. A profile of incoming signal was measured for a receive antenna in a cluttered building environment, the results of which are compared with the field predicted by the ray-tracing model, currently under development at RAL. Measurements were made of the field propagated through vegetation at various receive heights such that the effects of foliage and tree trunks could be studied. Results are presented in several forms, including plots of attenuation versus vegetation depth, giving a value of the attenuation per metre for the tree type present.
Adverse Events Following mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine in 2021 and 2022: A Retrospective Analysis in Costa Rica and Italy

Introduction Pharmacovigilance plays a crucial role in evaluating and monitoring the safety of medicines, which is essential for preventing harm to patients and improving public health. This study aims to compare the pharmacovigilance systems of Costa Rica and Italy and assess the safety profile of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines in both countries. Methods Data were collected from the official pharmacovigilance platforms in Costa Rica and Italy. Adverse events following immunization (AEFIs) were categorized by system organ class. Reports of suspected AEFIs associated with COVID-19 vaccines were analyzed for the period from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2022. Results Both countries achieved high vaccination rates, with 84.9% in Italy and 92.9% in Costa Rica. A higher proportion of AEFIs occurred in females in both countries, with 53% and 65% in Naples and Costa Rica, respectively. Most AEFIs were observed in individuals aged 18-64 years. The rate of serious adverse reactions was lower in both countries than the international average. However, Naples reported a higher incidence of serious events per 100,000 inhabitants. Discussion The study sheds light on the importance of vaccine safety profiling and the significance of a comprehensive understanding of vaccine safety and effectiveness, specific population data, and collaborative strategies to mitigate and improve safety. Additionally, the study highlighted the significance of considering sex and gender when evaluating vaccine safety and efficacy, as sex-specific differences may impact vaccine outcomes. Conclusion Continuous pharmacovigilance efforts, collaborative approaches, and comprehensive data analysis are critical in ensuring vaccine safety and efficacy and safeguarding global public health. Lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic highlight the importance of proactive measures in addressing emerging challenges in vaccine safety and rollout programs worldwide.
Study on the effects of the physical education program in Japanese university: Integrates sports and life skills development

Abstract Life skills (LS) training programs help individuals develop their mental health and stress-related attitudes. This study aims to build a versatile physical education program (PEP) to promote LS and examine its effectiveness. The subjects were first-year Japanese university students. We conducted the LS survey in April (pre-semester) and August (post-semester) 2019. To analyze the difference in LS subscales scores depending on the PEP at the pre-semester/post-semester, we conducted two-way ANOVA repeated measures with the Semester-Sports item and examined simple main effects. As a result, there were significant interactions on the subscales “leadership (F (2,285) = 8.20, P < 0.001), ” “planning (F (2,285) = 3.97, p < 0.05),” “self-esteem (F (2,285) = 7.73, p < 0.001),” and “positive thinking (F (2,285) = 3.07, p < 0.05). ” Multiple comparison results showed that average scores for Tai Chi were significantly higher than Nordic walking and Basketball at the pre-semester. Moreover, there was a significant difference in all LS subscales between pre-semester and post-semester. This study suggested this PEP effectively developed the LS for new university students.
Rutin alleviated lipopolysaccharide-induced damage in goat rumen epithelial cells

Objective Rutin, also called vitamin P, is a flavonoids from plants. Previous studies have indicated that rutin can alleviate the injury of tissues and cells by inhibiting oxidative stress and ameliorating inflammation. There is no report on the protective effects of rutin on goat rumen epithelial cells (GRECs) at present. Hence, we investigated whether rutin can alleviate lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced damage in GRECs. Methods GRECs were cultured in basal medium or basal medium containing 1 μg/mL LPS, or 1 μg/mL LPS and 20 μg/mL rutin. Six replicates were performed for each group. After 3-h culture, the GRECs were harvested to detect the relevant parameters. Results Rutin significantly enhanced the cell activity (p<0.05) and transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) (p<0.01) and significantly reduced the apoptosis rate (p<0.05) of LPS-induced GRECs. Rutin significantly increased superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase activity (p<0.01) and significantly decreased lactate dehydrogenase activity and reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in LPS-induced GRECs (p<0.01). The mRNA and protein levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-1β, and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 8 (CXCL8) and the mRNA level of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and chemokine C-C motif ligand 5 (CCL5) were significantly increased in LPS-induced GRECs (p<0.05 or p<0.01), while rutin supplementation significantly decreased the mRNA and protein levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and CXCL8 in LPS-induced GRECs (p<0.05 or p<0.01). The mRNA level of toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), and the mRNA and protein levels of TLR4 and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) was significantly improved in LPS-induced GRECs (p<0.05 or p<0.01), whereas rutin supplementation could significantly reduce the mRNA and protein levels of TLR4 (p<0.05 or p<0.01). In addition, rutin had a tendency of decreasing the protein levels of CXCL6, NF-κB, and inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B alpha (0.05< p<0.10). Rutin could significantly decreased interferon regulatory factor 3 mRNA expression in LPS-induced GRECs (p<0.05), whereas interferon induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats 3 (IFIT3) and toll-interacting protein (TOLLIP) mRNA expression was not significantly different between the groups. LPS reduced the tight junction protein zonula occludin 1 (ZO-1) level in GRECs whereas rutin enhanced it. Rutin significantly improved tight junction protein Claudin-1 mRNA expression in LPS-induced GRECs (p<0.01), but could not affect tight junction protein Occludin mRNA expression. Conclusion Rutin alleviated LPS-induced barrier damage in GRECs by improving oxidation resistance and anti-inflammatory activity, which may be related to TLR/NF-κB signaling pathway inhibition.
Revelio: A Modular and Effective Framework for Reproducible Training and Evaluation of Morphing Attack Detectors

Morphing Attack, i.e. the elusion of face verification systems through a facial morphing operation between a criminal and an accomplice, has recently emerged as a serious security threat. Despite the importance of this kind of attack, the development and comparison of Morphing Attack Detection (MAD) methods is still a challenging task, especially with deep learning approaches. Specifically, the lack of public datasets, the absence of common training and validation protocols, and the limited release of public source code hamper the reproducibility and objective comparison of new MAD systems. Usually, these aspects are mainly due to privacy concerns, that limit data transfers and storage, and to the recent introduction of the MAD task. Therefore, in this paper, we propose and publicly release Revelio, a modular framework for the reproducible development and evaluation of MAD systems. We include an overview of the modules, and describe the plugin system providing the possibility of extending native components with new functionalities. An extensive cross-datasets experimental evaluation is conducted to validate the framework and the performance of trained models on several publicly-released datasets, and to deeply analyze the main challenges in the MAD task based on single input images. We also propose a new metric, namely WAED, to summarize in a single value the error-based metrics commonly used in the MAD task, computed over different datasets, thus facilitating the comparative evaluation of different approaches. Finally, by exploiting Revelio, a new state-of-the-art MAD model (on SOTAMD single-image benchmark) is proposed and released.
(N-Alkyloxalamido)-Amino Acid Amides as the Superior Thixotropic Phase Selective Gelators of Petrol and Diesel Fuels

(N-Alkyloxalamido)-amino acid amides 9–12 exhibit excellent gelation capacities toward some lipophilic solvents as well as toward the commercial fuels, petrol and diesel. Gelator 10 exhibits an excellent phase-selective gelation (PSG) ability and also possesses the highest gelation capacity toward petrol and diesel known to date, with minimum gelation concentration (MGC) values (%, w/v) as low as 0.012 and 0.015, respectively. The self-assembly motif of 10 in petrol and toluene gel fibres is determined from xerogel X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) data via the simulated annealing procedure (SA) implemented in the EXPO2014 program and refined using the Rietveld method. The elucidated motif is strongly supported by the NMR (NOE and variable temperature) study of 10 toluene-d8 gel. It is shown that the triple unidirectional hydrogen bonding between gelator molecules involving oxalamide and carboxamide groups, together with their very low solubility, results in the formation of gel fibres of a very high aspect ratio (d = 10–30 nm, l = 0.6–1.3 μm), resulting in the as-yet unprecedented capacity of gelling commercial fuels. Rheological measurements performed at low concentrations of 10 confirmed the strength of the self-assembled network with the desired thixotropic properties that are advantageous for multiple applications. Instantaneous phase-selective gelation was obtained at room temperature through the addition of the 10 solution to the biphasic mixture of diesel and water in which the carrier solvent was congealed along with the diesel phase. The superior gelling properties and PSG ability of 10 may be used for the development of more efficient marine and surface oil spill recovery and waste water treatment technologies as well as the development of safer fuel storage and transport technologies.
Fluxes of nitrous oxide on natural peatlands in Vuotos, an area projected for a hydroelectric reservoir in northern Finland

Jari T. Huttunen, Hannu Nykänen and Pertti J. Martikainen: Research and Development Unit of Environmental Health, Department of Environmental Sciences, Bioteknia 2, University of Kuopio, PO Box 1627, FIN-70211 Kuopio, Finland. Email: jari.huttunen@uku.fi. Jukka Turunen: Department of Geography, McGill University, 805 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2K6 Canada. Olli Nenonen: Kemijoki Ltd., Valtakatu 9-11, FIN-96101 Rovaniemi, Finland.
Variability of morpho-anatomical features of black pine needles at the area of Jastrebac and Goč

In this paper the variability of morphological (needle length and needle width) and anatomical (needle thickness, resin ducts width, epidermis thickness, hypodermis height and number of the hypodermis layers) properties of black pine (Pinus nigra J.F. Arnold) needles were studied at the intra- and inter-population levels. Two mountains in Serbia, Jastrebac and Goč, were selected as experimental plots. Three black pine trees were selected from both localities (6 in total). Obtained results showed that trees on Goč had bigger dimensions of the following elements: needle length, needle width, hypodermis height, number of hypodermis layers, needle thickness and epidermis thickness. On the other hand, only resin ducts width was greater by the trees from Jastrebac. The results of the analysis of variance showed that variation between studied populations, as well as variation between trees within populations was statistically significant for all needle traits except resin ducts width and hypodermis height.
Trench Formation under the Tunable Nanogap: Its Depth Depends on Maximum Strain and Periodicity

Metallic nanogaps have been studied for many years in the context of a significant amount of field enhancements. Nanogaps of macroscopic lengths for long-wave applications have attracted much interest, and recently one dimensional tunable nanogaps have been demonstrated using flexible PET substrates. For nanogaps on flexible substrates with applied tensile strain, large stress is expected in the vicinity of the gap, and it has been confirmed that several hundred nanometer-deep trenches form beneath the position of the nanogap because of this stress singularity. Here, we studied trench formation under nanogap structures using COMSOL Multiphysics 6.1. We constructed a 2D nanogap unit cell, consisting of gold film with a crack on a PDMS substrate containing a trench beneath the crack. Then, we calculated the von Mises stress at the bottom of the trench for various depths and spatial periods. Based on it, we derived the dependence of the trench depth on the strain and periodicity for various yield strengths. It was revealed that as the maximum tensile strain increases, the trench deepens and then diverges. Moreover, longer periods lead to larger depths for the given maximum strain and larger gap widths. These results could be applied to roughly estimate achievable gap widths and trench depths for stretchable zerogap devices.
Preventing Zoonoses: Testing an Intervention to Change Attitudes and Behaviors toward More Protective Actions

Zoonotic outbreaks are considered one of the most important threats to public health. Therefore, it is important to educate people on how to prevent zoonotic infections. The purpose of this research was to investigate an intervention aimed at changing people’s attitudes and behaviors toward more protective actions. In two studies (NStudy 1 = 402; NStudy 2 = 706), participants received an intervention based on previous literature in which knowledge about zoonoses, protective actions they could take, and a fear appeal were provided. In the control condition, no intervention was given. Subsequently, we measured participants’ risk knowledge, attitudes and behavioral intentions to reduce zoonotic risks, and fear. The results showed that the intervention heightened participants’ zoonotic knowledge and affected their attitudes and behavioral intentions (Studies 1 and 2) and a behavioral decision (Study 2) to reduce zoonotic risks. Moreover, our designed intervention proved more effective than the World Health Organization informative message on zoonoses (Study 2). In terms of theory, this is the first experimental demonstration that a general zoonotic risk communication message changed attitudes and behaviors toward more protective actions. In terms of policy, this research showed that a basic information message for the broader public has the potential to reduce zoonotic risks.
"Guam Is Our Home:" Taiwanese-Chinese "Old Timers '" Perceptions of Guam

This research utilizes the island of Guam as a case study to demonstrate ways in which Taiwanese-Chinese have successfully established themselves in businesses and applied their entrepreneurship within the last three decades of their settlement on Guam. Apart from being astute business people, their attachment to the island of Guam is asserted in various ways, and their sense of home grows stronger, with reference to the time they live in Guam, the locale where their children attend elementary and secondary schools and sometimes post-secondary. For many of the second generation of Taiwanese on Guam, having pursued tertiary education in the USA, and finding their marriage partner in the U.S. Mainland, their sense of home with reference to Guam nonetheless remains vibrant. This research is based on participant observation and in-depth interviews undertaken at various periods in 2008-2009 with twenty-five “old timers” among the Taiwanese-Chinese residents of Guam. The Taiwanese-Chinese “old-timers” on Guam are people in between – neither have they totally abandoned their Taiwanese homeland or roots as a result of their long stay abroad, nor have they become transnationals who live in two entirely different social fields, like the new Asian immigrants. The estimated 2,000 or so Taiwanese-Chinese on Guam have become “permanent settlers” in Guam. Well-adapted to the Hafa Adai lifestyle, they enjoy Guam’s multi-cultural, non-racialized environment. The Taiwanese-Chinese on Guam seem to encompass a separate identity from 19 th century