Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ORC6 acts as an effective prognostic predictor for non‑small cell lung cancer and is closely associated with tumor progression

Origin recognition complexes (ORCs) are vital in the control of DNA replication and the progression of the cell cycle, however the precise function and mechanism of ORC6 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is still not well understood. The present study used bioinformatics methods to assess the predictive significance of ORC6 expression in NSCLC. Moreover, the expression of ORC6 was further evaluated using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting, and its functional significance in lung cancer was assessed via knockdown experiments using small interfering RNA. A significant association was demonstrated between the expression of ORC6 and the clinical features of NSCLC. In particular, elevated levels of ORC6 were significantly strongly correlated with an unfavorable prognosis. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that increased ORC6 expression independently contributed to the risk of overall survival (HR 1.304; P=0.015) in individuals diagnosed with NSCLC. Analysis of Kaplan-Meier plots demonstrated that ORC6 expression served as a valuable indicator for diagnosing and predicting the prognosis of NSCLC. Moreover, in vitro studies demonstrated that modified ORC6 expression had a significant impact on the proliferation, migration and metastasis of NSCLC cells. NSCLC cell lines (H1299 and mH1650) exhibited markedly higher ORC6 expression than normal lung cell lines. The results of the present study indicated a strong association between the expression of ORC6 and the clinicopathological characteristics of NSCLC, which suggested its potential as a reliable biomarker for predicting NSCLC. Furthermore, ORC6 may have important therapeutic implications in the management of NSCLC.
Revisiting the climate impacts of cool roofs around the globe using an Earth system model

Solar reflective ‘cool roofs’ absorb less sunlight than traditional dark roofs, reducing solar heat gain, and decreasing the amount of heat transferred to the atmosphere. Widespread adoption of cool roofs could therefore reduce temperatures in urban areas, partially mitigating the urban heat island effect, and contributing to reversing the local impacts of global climate change. The impacts of cool roofs on global climate remain debated by past research and are uncertain. Using a sophisticated Earth system model, the impacts of cool roofs on climate are investigated at urban, continental, and global scales. We find that global adoption of cool roofs in urban areas reduces urban heat islands everywhere, with an annual- and global-mean decrease from 1.6 to 1.2 K. Decreases are statistically significant, except for some areas in Africa and Mexico where urban fraction is low, and some high-latitude areas during wintertime. Analysis of the surface and TOA energy budget in urban regions at continental-scale shows cool roofs causing increases in solar radiation leaving the Earth–atmosphere system in most regions around the globe, though the presence of aerosols and clouds are found to partially offset increases in upward radiation. Aerosols dampen cool roof-induced increases in upward solar radiation, ranging from 4% in the United States to 18% in more polluted China. Adoption of cool roofs also causes statistically significant reductions in surface air temperatures in urbanized regions of China (−0.11 ± 0.10 K) and the United States (−0.14 ± 0.12 K); India and Europe show statistically insignificant changes. Though past research has disagreed on whether widespread adoption of cool roofs would cool or warm global climate, these studies have lacked analysis on the statistical significance of global temperature changes. The research presented here indicates that adoption of cool roofs around the globe would lead to statistically insignificant reductions in global mean air temperature (−0.0021 ± 0.026 K). Thus, we suggest that while cool roofs are an effective tool for reducing building energy use in hot climates, urban heat islands, and regional air temperatures, their influence on global climate is likely negligible.
Enhancing immune response, antioxidant capacity, and gut health in growing beagles through a chitooligosaccharide diet

Chitooligosaccharides (COS) have attracted significant attention due to their unique biological activities, water solubility, and absorbable properties. The objective of the present study was to investigate the impact of COS-supplemented diets on the immune response, antioxidative capacity, hematology, serum biochemistry, and modulation of intestinal microbiota in growing beagles. Twelve weaning male beagles (6 weeks old; weighing 3.6 ± 0.6 kg) were fed either a control diet (food without COS, n = 6) or a COS-supplemented diet (n = 6) twice daily for 7 weeks. Blood samples collected at weeks 4 and 7 indicated that hematology and serum biochemistry remained unaffected by COS supplementation. Compared with the control group, the test group showed higher levels of serum antibodies against the canine distemper virus and parvovirus, higher levels of immunoglobulin A, G, and M, and increased activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase. In addition, COS was observed to modulate the intestinal flora by enhancing the presence of probiotics, such as Muribaculaceae, Prevotellaceae_Ga6A1_group, Lactobacillus, Collinsella, Blautia, and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group. In summary, a COS-supplemented diet could effectively improve dog health by regulating immune function and antioxidant responses and modulating intestinal microbiota. This study highlights the potentiality of using COS as a valuable nutraceutical for growing dogs.
Estimate of tsunami source using optimized unit sources and including dispersion effects during tsunami propagation: The 2012 Haida Gwaii earthquake

We apply a genetic algorithm to find the optimized unit sources using dispersive tsunami synthetics to estimate the tsunami source of the 2012 Haida Gwaii earthquake. The optimal number and distribution of unit sources gives the sea surface elevation similar to that from our previous slip distribution on a fault using tsunami data, but different from that using seismic data. The difference is possibly due to submarine mass failure in the source region. Dispersion effects during tsunami propagation reduce the maximum amplitudes by up to 20% of conventional linear longwave propagation model. Dispersion effects also increase tsunami travel time by approximately 1 min per 1300 km on average. The dispersion effects on amplitudes depend on the azimuth from the tsunami source reflecting the directivity of tsunami source, while the effects on travel times depend only on the distance from the source.
New Triphenylphosphonium Salts of Spiropyrans: Synthesis and Photochromic Properties

The most important area of modern pharmacology is the targeted delivery of drugs, and one of the most promising classes of chemical compounds for creating drugs of this kind are the photochromic spiropyrans, capable of light-controlled biological activity. This work is devoted to the synthesis and study of the photochromic properties of new triphenylphosphonium salts of spiropyrans. It was found that all the synthesized cationic spiropyrans have high photosensitivity, increased resistance to photodegradation and the ability for photoluminescence.
Diverse Expenditure Patterns of International Tourists on Santiago Island—Cape Verde

ABSTRACT Tourism is a relevant economic activity to promote the economic development of island destinations. This paper aims to segment the international market of Santiago Island in Cape Verde, based on tourism expenditures (accommodation, food and beverages, and transport). A total of 330 international tourists were interviewed. A hierarchical cluster analysis was carried out and analysis of variance, Kruskal–Wallis and Chi-square tests were undertaken to identify the profile of each segment. Three clusters emerged: the local products spenders, the supporting services spenders and the lodging spenders. The clusters differed in motivations, travel behavior, loyalty and sociodemographic profile. This study highlights several issues that should be considered when designing tourism development strategies to promote the economic development of island destinations.
Embedding Countries Governance in Assessing Companies' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Reporting: A Quantitative Analysis

The United Nations Sustainable Development Summit in New York in September 2015 resulted in a tumultuous period for the companies in their quest to support the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The adoption of SDGs by all United Nations member states targets ending poverty and other deprivations, developing strategies to improve health and education, reducing inequality, and spurring economic growth while tackling climate change and working to preserve oceans and forests. This paper aims to assess the influence of countries' governance six dimensions (Voice and Accountability, Political Stability and Absence of Violence/Terrorism, Government Effectiveness, Regulatory Quality, Rule of Law, and Control of Corruption) on European companies' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) reporting from 2019 to 2021. To achieve this goal, quantitative research was conducted through linear parametric regressions. The econometric analysis is based on six regression equations, one for each countries' governance dimension, data being collected from Thomson Reuters, World Bank Governance Indicator, and International Monetary Fund databases. The sample includes 2542 companies headquartered in Europe, with 6644 panel data observations highlighted. The results show that the indicators regarding countries’ governance negatively influence companies' SDGs reporting. This study fills the gap in countries' governance research in relation to companies' SDGs reporting, which helps develop future research. Therefore, future research should address other methods of quantifying the score of companies' SDGs reporting. Furthermore, this research may be extended to all 193 United Nations member states to investigate the impact of SDGs reporting on country performance.
High-dose amphotericin: yay or nay? A case series and literature review

Invasive fungal infections pose significant morbidity and mortality risks, particularly those caused by moulds. Available antifungal classes are limited by toxicities and are increasingly susceptible to resistance, particularly amongst challenging fungal pathogens. The purpose of this case series and literature review was to characterize the use of a high-dose lipid formulation of amphotericin B. A case series is presented including patients who received high-dose lipid formulation amphotericin B (≥7.5 mg/kg/day) between June 2012 and August 2021. Additionally, a systematic literature review was conducted by searching the PubMed database for English-language studies involving individuals who received high-dose amphotericin B therapy (≥7.5 mg/kg) using lipid formulations. Nine patients were included in the case series, receiving an average of 8.9 ± 1.3 mg/kg liposomal amphotericin B over a mean of 11.0 ± 10.8 days predominantly for mould infections including Mucorales, aspergillosis and Fusarium. The patients were primarily cared for in intensive care units, with varying treatment histories and outcomes. A total of 11 studies (n=260 patients) met inclusion criteria for the literature review. Responses to high-dose liposomal amphotericin B ranged from 8% to 100%, often showing favourable outcomes. High doses of liposomal amphotericin B were well tolerated both in the case series and in published literature, with serum creatinine changes being the most commonly reported adverse event. However, multi-patient studies continue to report less than favourable (range 8–62%) response rates. High-dose liposomal amphotericin B, either alone or in combination with other antifungal agents, might be a viable strategy for managing invasive fungal infections when few treatment choices exist. This article is part of the Challenges and strategies in the management of invasive fungal infections Special Issue: https://www.drugsincontext. com/special_issues/challenges-and-strategies-in-the-management-of-invasive-fungal-infections
Assessment of Facilitating Conditions Influencing the Adoption of Students’ Information System in Higher Learning Institutions

This research study aimed to assess facilitating conditions that influence the adoption of MOODLE system in higher learning institutions. This research paper generally explores facilitating conditions influencing the adoption of MOODLE students’ information system by measuring assistance with any system difficulties, system compatibility, and knowledge for system usage, required resources and technical support. This study used a Simple random sampling technique to obtain a total of 97 respondents from a population of about 3,000 students of Institute of Accountancy Arusha (IAA); a questionnaire was used as a method of data collection and the analysis of data involved the use of descriptive results that based on measured variables, the use of correlation analysis to determine relationship between dependent and predictor variables, ANOVA was also used to test the significant fit of the model and also regression analysis was conducted to show the significant relationship between the variables. Study findings revealed that 42.3% of the respondents agreed that they usually get specific person to assist them with any system difficulties, 43.3% supported for compatibility of MOODLE system being the same to the alternative platforms used to facilitate learning, 42.3% agreed to have enough knowledge on proper utilization of the system, the same percentage 42.2% of the respondents agreed and at the same vein opposed that the institute provides required resources for the adoption of MOODLE system. Additionally, 50.5% of the respondents agreed that the institute provides technical support for the adoption of the system even when they are outside the campus. On the basis of findings for this study, facilitating conditions influencing the adoption of MOODLE system encourage students in their learning environment as the challenges encountered are urgently solved by responsible personnel. Based on these findings, students of higher learning institutions should acknowledge on efforts made towards the assistance with any system difficulties, system compatibility, and knowledge for system usage, required resources and technical support. However, the researcher proposes further studies to be carried out on similar study for the variables found to be insignificant to the adoption of students’ information system in higher learning institutions that will result to sustainable facilitation for students and the institutions of higher learning towards the adoption of MOODLE system.
Enhancing Commercial Antibiotics with Trans-Cinnamaldehyde in Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Bacteria: An In Vitro Approach

One strategy to mitigate the emergence of bacterial resistance involves reducing antibiotic doses by combining them with natural products, such as trans-cinnamaldehyde (CIN). The objective of this research was to identify in vitro combinations (CIN + commercial antibiotic (ABX)) that decrease the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of seven antibiotics against 14 different Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria, most of them classified as ESKAPE. MIC values were measured for all compounds using the broth microdilution method. The effect of the combinations on these microorganisms was analyzed through the checkboard assay to determine the type of activity (synergy, antagonism, or addition). This analysis was complemented with a kinetic study of the synergistic combinations. Fifteen synergistic combinations were characterized for nine of the tested bacteria. CIN demonstrated effectiveness in reducing the MIC of chloramphenicol, streptomycin, amoxicillin, and erythromycin (94–98%) when tested on Serratia marcescens, Staphylococcus aureus, Pasteurella aerogenes, and Salmonella enterica, respectively. The kinetic study revealed that when the substances were tested alone at the MIC concentration observed in the synergistic combination, bacterial growth was not inhibited. However, when CIN and the ABX, for which synergy was observed, were tested simultaneously in combination at these same concentrations, the bacterial growth inhibition was complete. This demonstrates the highly potent in vitro synergistic activity of CIN when combined with commercial ABXs. This finding could be particularly beneficial in livestock farming, as this sector witnesses the highest quantities of antimicrobial usage, contributing significantly to antimicrobial resistance issues. Further research focused on this natural compound is thus warranted for this reason.
USING OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY TO CORRELATE PERIPAPILLARY CAPILLARY DENSITY TO PAPILLEDEMA GRADE IN IDIOPATHIC INTRACRANIAL HYPERTENSION

Purpose: Evaluation of the peripapillary microvascular density and neuronal changes in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) in correlation with the degree of papilledema clinically at time of presentation. Methods: This case-control study included 112 eyes of 84 individuals . They were divided into IIH with papilledema group ; 56 eyes of 28 patients and control group; 56 eyes of 56 healthy age and sex matched participants. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) to evaluate the Retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and peripapillary capillary vessel density (CVD) was done with colored fundus photography for documentation of papilledema. Results: The difference in CVD and RNFL were statistically significant between both groups with lower vessel density and thicker RNFL in the IIH group . The thickness of the RNFL was correlated with the degree of papilledema unlike CVD. Conclusion: OCT-A revealed a reduction in the CVD, which could be caused by the thickening the RNFL due to swelling of the axons in the per-ipapillary area caused by papilledema. Overall, OCT-A has the ability to quantify CVD, identify areas of hypoperfusion , and spot early ischemic abnormalities in IIH patients before they develop optic nerve atrophy.
ThE EUROPEAN UNION AND TURKEY: A REvIEw OF ThEIR COMMONALITIES AND DISPARITIES USINg CLUSTER ANALYSIS

Turkey has enjoyed considerable economic growth over the past decade and has a positive economic outlook and strong growth prospects. The country benefits from being located between Europe and the major energy producers in the Middle East in the so­called strategic energy corridor. The issue of Turkey’s accession to the EU has long been on the political agenda in Europe. Indeed, Turkey has made considerable efforts to become a full EU member state. However, the accession negotiations for EU membership continue, while Turkey has recently refused to open new accession chapters with the EU and instead has turned its attention to other regional developments. Turkey has strengthened its swtrategic ties with a wide range of countries including those in Europe and the Middle East. It also plays an influential role in a geography that stretches across the former Soviet Union nations. In this paper, the path of Turkey’s accession issues is reviewed and the direction of its economy based on the measure of GDP per capita is forecast using an autoregressive integrated moving average model. In addition, the cluster analysis technique is adopted in order to measure the possible standing of Turkey among EU members, the similarities between EU members, and the current path to becoming an EU member state. – spatial heterogeneity, temporal discontinuity, options in regional politics.
Digital Competence as Predictor for the Motivation to Use Artificial Intelligence Technologies among Librarians in Edo and Delta States, Nigeria

Motivation to use artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are those factors that influenced users’ drive to actually use AI technologies. There are various AI technologies that librarians can adopt to improve their service functions. However, studies have shown that the use of AI among librarians is low. It is in the light of this that this study therefore investigated the motivation to use AI technologies among librarians in Edo and Delta States. Descriptive survey research design was adopted. The population consist of 125 librarians selected from 18 Universities in Edo and Delta States, Nigeria. Total enumeration technique was adopted because of the manageable size of the population. A validated questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents. Data collected was analysed using both inferential and descriptive statistics. Finding revealed that digital competence (Adj. R2 = 0.195, p = 0.000b) has significant but weak influence on motivation to use AI technologies among librarians. The study concluded that digital competence influenced motivation to use AI technologies. The study recommended that there should be more awareness of AI among librarians. At the same time, librarians should improve their digital skill through regular training programs so that they can effectively use AI tools.
Effects of intercropping white clover in tea plantation on soil environment in subtropical hilly region

This paper investigated the effects of four years intercropping white clover in a one-year old tea plantation on soil environment,and tea yield and quality in subtropical hilly region.The results showed that intercropping white clover decreased soil bulk density,increased soil porosity and the contents of soil organic matter,total nitrogen,available nitrogen and available potassium,and partly consumed soil organic phosphorous.It increased the moisture content in key soil layer(0～20 cm) during key time(April-June),and also,postponed and shortened the period of high temperature in summer and the continual drought in autumn.Intercropping showed duplex effects of raising and keeping temperature at cold time while lowering temperature during hot season,making the temperature of same soil layer more stable.Intercropping also postponed the coming of high and low temperature,shortened the duration of extreme high temperature,lightened the effects of high temperature on tea tree growth,and thus,boosted the growth of tea tree,and improved the tea yield and quality.Compared to single-cropping,intercropping decreased the ratio of polyphenol to amino acid in spring and autumn tea by 17.10% and 30.90%,respectively,and increased the tea yield by 32.65%.
The IFSD Score—A Practical Prognostic Model for Invasive Fungal Spondylodiscitis

Objectives: Invasive fungal spondylodiscitis (IFSD) is rare and could be lethal in certain circumstances. The previous literature revealed limited data concerning its outcomes. This study aimed to establish a risk-scoring system to predict the one-year mortality rate of this disease. Methods: A total of 53 patients from a multi-centered database in Taiwan were included in this study. All the clinicopathological and laboratory data were retrospectively analyzed. Variables strongly related to one-year mortality were identified using a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to express the performance of our IFSD scoring model. Results: Five strong predictors were included in the IFSD score: predisposing immunocompromised state, the initial presentation of either radiculopathy or myelopathy, initial laboratory findings of WBC > 12.0 or <0.4 103/µL, hemoglobin < 8 g/dL, and evidence of candidemia. One-year mortality rates for patients with IFSD scores of 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 were 0%, 16.7%, 56.3%, 72.7%, and 100%, respectively. The area under the curve of the ROC curve was 0.823. Conclusions: We developed a practical scoring model with easily obtained demographic, clinical, and laboratory parameters to predict the probability of one-year mortality in patients with IFSD. However, more large-scale and international validations would be necessary before this scoring model is commonly used.