Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
External detection and localization of well leaks in aquifer zones

This dissertation presents a new methodology for monitoring, detecting, and localizing shallow, aquifer zone leaks in oil and gas wells. The rationale for this type of leak detection is to close the knowledge gap associated with public claims of subsurface water resource contamination caused by the oil and gas industry. A knowledge gap exists because there is no data, one way or the other, that can definitively prove or deny the existence of subsurface leakage pathways in oil and gas wells, new, old or abandoned. This dissertation begins with an overview of existing and future oil and gas well leak detection methods, and then presents three published papers, each describing a different phenomena that can be exploited for leak monitoring, detection, localization, and damage extent determination. The first paper describes the direct detection and localization of a leak that was discovered during a laboratory based hydraulic fracturing experiment. The second paper describes the laboratory measured electrical response that occurs during two phase flow inside of porous media. The third paper describes the detection and tracking of a gravity driven salt plume leak in a freshwater test tank in the laboratory. the three geophysical approaches that are presented, when combined together, provide a new, powerful, external to the well method to monitor, detect, localize, and assess the damage from leaks in the drinking water protection zone of oil and gas wells. This is a capability that is not available in any other leak detection and localization method. This dissertation also presents a chapter of Science, Technology and Society (STS), and Science, and Technology Policy (STP) as a final fulfillment requirement of the SmartGeo Fellowship program, and the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Policy minor. This chapter
An Interaction between Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Stress-Related Glucocorticoids in the Pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s Disease

Both the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glucocorticoids (GCs) play multiple roles in various aspects of neurons, including cell survival and synaptic function. BDNF and its receptor TrkB are extensively expressed in neurons of the central nervous system (CNS), and the contribution of the BDNF/TrkB system to neuronal function is evident; thus, its downregulation has been considered to be involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). GCs, stress-related molecules, and glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) are also considered to be associated with AD in addition to mental disorders such as depression. Importantly, a growing body of evidence suggests a close relationship between BDNF/TrkB-mediated signaling and the GCs/GR system in the CNS. Here, we introduce the current studies on the interaction between the neurotrophic system and stress in CNS neurons and discuss their involvement in the pathophysiology of AD.
Investigating EFL Students’ and Instructors’ Perceptions of Dictionary Usage in Writing Assessment

In this mixed-methods study we investigated the attitudes of 32 students and 34 teachers from a Saudi Arabian university toward dictionary use in writing assessments in EFL settings. We aimed to discern their views on the role of dictionaries in writing assessments and overall language proficiency. We asked both students and instructors to answer a 4-point Likert-style questionnaire to investigate their perceptions about using dictionaries in writing assessments. We interviewed participants later for further investigation. After analyzing the data both quantitatively and qualitatively, we found that students generally perceived dictionary use as being beneficial by enhancing vocabulary acquisition, improving writing performance and accuracy, and fostering positive attitudes toward writing without significantly affecting comprehension or focus on content. In contrast, teachers were skeptical, doubting dictionaries’ contribution to vocabulary development, writing quality, and accuracy. They also raised concerns about dictionaries’ not promoting positive writing attitudes or independent learning and potentially slowing down the writing process due to ineffective usage. Our study highlights a notable discrepancy between students’ positive perceptions and teachers’ reservations about dictionary use in language assessments. It suggests a need for further research to understand dictionaries’ impact on language learning and assessment outcomes, acknowledging the limitations of the study and the need for broader exploration in diverse educational contexts to resolve these differing views.
Basic psychological need frustration and coping styles

The basic psychological need theory assumes that there are three universal psychological needs: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Their satisfaction is a source of well-being and development. Their frustration results in malaise and the need to cope with actions reducing unpleasant tension, substituting or compensating for deficits. This study aimed to define the relationship between basic psychological need frustration and coping styles with the mediating role of stress. It was predicted that with stronger frustration, there would be stronger perceived stress and the tendency to develop an escape-avoidance coping style.The study included 626 participants (42.65% women) aged 18-40 (M = 22.22 ± 4.29). We used the following measures: PSS-10, COPE, and BPNS&FS. Exploratory factor analysis of COPE, correlations, and path analyses were performed.Exploratory factor analysis of the COPE results distinguished four coping styles: 1) problem-focused, 2) emotion-focused, 3) meaning-focused, and 4) escape-avoidance. Need frustration was positively associated with perceived stress and the escape-avoidance style. We found both direct and indirect – through perceived stress – effects of need frustration on coping styles, especially the escape-avoidance coping style.Frustration of basic psychological needs – autonomy, competence, and relatedness – can lead directly and through perceived stress to the formation of an escape-avoidance coping style.
Effects of initial step height on the headcut erosion of bank gullies: a case study using a 3D photo-reconstruction method in the dry-hot valley region of southwest China

Abstract Headcut erosion has been recognized as one of the main processes involved in gully development in the dry-hot valley region of southwest China. To examine the effect of initial step height on headcut erosion processes, three headcuts were constructed ranging in height from 0.75 to 1.25 m on an active bank gully head, and a series of scouring experiments were conducted under a flow discharge of 120 L min−1. The morphological evolutions of the plunge pools and soil loss volume were estimated by three-dimensional photo-reconstruction methods (3D-PR). As the step height increased, the experimental results showed that: (1) the transformed potential energy and shear stress would increase by approximately 4.89 J s−1 and 26.4 Pa on average when the step height increased 0.25 m; (2) the mean depth and width of the plunge pool exhibited obvious growth, and the morphology of the cross-section developed from approximately V-shaped to U-shaped; and (3) soil loss volume increased logarithmically, with total soil loss volumes of 0.076, 0.105 and 0.116 m3, respectively. Although the significant effects of the initial step height on headcut erosion were verified, further quantitative studies are required to quantify the mechanism of headcut erosion, especially for plunge pool erosion.
New stem giraffoid ruminants from the early and middle Miocene of Namibia

At the early and middle Miocene localities of the Sperrgebiet, Namibia, new material of climacoceratid ruminants have been collected recently. From Elisabethfeld we describe new material belonging to Propalaeoryx austroafricanus Stromer, 1926, together with a new genus and species of climacoceratid Sperrgebietomeryx wardi n. gen., n. sp. , a species without frontal appendages close to Propalaeoryx and to primitive early Miocene European ruminants such as Andegameryx. From the locality of Arrisdrift, we define another new genus and species of climacoceratid with frontal appendages, Orangemeryx hendey n. gen., n. sp. , characterized by its complex tined frontal apophyses. Comparison of the dentition and postcranial skeleton of this genus and those of Sperrgebietomeryx suggests a close phylogenetic relationships between them.
Land subsidence in Emilia-Romagna Region, northern Italy: recent results

In 2005-2007, an update of the geometric knowledge of the subsidence phenomenon in the Emilia-Romagna Region was conducted usmg the PSInSAR ™ satellite radar interferometric analysis technique, supported by high precision levelling. This paper describes a large dimension case study, i.e. the entire portion of the Po River valley contained in Emilia Romagna. A report of the overall activity is presented, together with a summary of the main results achieved.
Frank–Kasper Phases of Diblock Copolymer Melts: Self-Consistent Field Results of Two Commonly Used Models

We constructed phase diagrams of conformationally asymmetric diblock copolymer A-B melts using the polymer self-consistent field (SCF) calculations of both the dissipative particle dynamics chain (DPDC) model (i.e., compressible melts of discrete Gaussian chains with the DPD non-bonded potential) and the “standard” model (i.e., incompressible melts of continuous Gaussian chains with the Dirac δ-function non-bonded potential) in the χN-ε plane, where χN and ε characterize, respectively, the repulsion and conformational asymmetry between the A and B blocks, at the A-block volume fraction f = 0.2 and 0.3. Consistent with previous SCF calculations of the “standard” model, σ and A15 are the only stable Frank–Kasper (FK) phases among the five FK (i.e., σ, A15, C14, C15 and Z) phases considered. The stability of σ and A15 is due to their delicate balance between the energetic and entropic contributions to the Helmholtz free energy per chain of the system, which, within our parameter range, increases in the order of σ/A15, Z, and C14/C15. While in general the SCF phase diagrams of these two models are qualitatively consistent, A15 is not stable for the DPDC model at the copolymer chain length N = 10 and f = 0.3; any differences in the SCF phase diagrams are solely due to the differences between these two models.
Manipulation of Information in the 2024 Election in Indonesia: Political Dynamics in the Post-Truth Era

Information manipulation overshadows the conduct of the 2024 General Election. Even the manipulation of information in various forms has increased in dissemination since one year before the 2024 elections. Social media platforms become a means or medium used to disseminate information manipulation. Using the concept of information manipulation proposed by Vilmer et.al (2018), this study explores information manipulation that occurs in 2022 - 2023 which will be associated with individual and collective levels that cause manipulation. This research is qualitative research with a descriptive method supported by secondary data (literature) such as books, journals, research reports of competent institutions, mainstream media news, and several accounts on social media that show the tendency of information manipulation practices. The results of this study show that the use of visual information and narratives of hope and hatred is becoming a mainstay in information manipulation content. Visual information is easy to understand and remember, while narratives of hope and hatred easily arouse emotional sentiments and provoke so as to enhance the message conveyed to shape public perception to bring down political opponents and degrade public trust in the General Elections Commission (KPU) as the organizer of elections. This condition will affect political dynamics and if left unchecked has the potential to pose a serious threat to national security and resilience.
Variation of the chemical and biochemical responses to salinity during germination and early growth of seedlings of two populations of Agave durangensis Gentry

Agave durangensis (Asparagaceae) sustains a mescal industry in Mexico. The main reproductive strategy of the species is by seeds. The increased demand for agave-based beverages encourages producers to seek new cultivation areas. However, more than half of the territory of the country includes arid and semiarid zones, which are highly affected by salinity. The aim of the current study was to determine if salinity triggers different seed germination potential and variable biochemical and chemical responses in seedlings of two populations of A. durangensis, that might confer different tolerance to salinity. Seeds from each population were irrigated with four salinity treatments. Germination potential, as well as growth parameters and biochemical and chemical attributes of seedlings, were determined. Although with reduced germinability and germination speed, seeds of the two populations were able to germinate even under the strongest NaCl concentration (100 mM) evaluated. Effects in the growth parameters were registered; however, the seedlings of both populations survived throughout the experiments, increasing chlorophyll content and cell viability in most saline treatments. The enzymatic defense mechanism and the accumulation of proline were activated in a salt-dependent manner, which did not occur with the phenolic compounds; however, monomeric anthocyanin accumulation was outstanding under the two strongest NaCl concentrations evaluated. Important interpopulation differences were registered in each type of response, which were differently regulated under variable NaCl concentrations, some of them being more important than others under a particular saline condition. Seeds from the population Durango were more sensitive to salinity.
Managemental Impacts on Particulate Matter Emission in Tunnel-Ventilated Broiler Houses

In livestock houses, particulate matter (PM) is a critical factor not only for disease and odor spread but also for the work environment. In particular, workers are exposed to high concentrations of organic particulate matter and harmful gases while performing their tasks, and, as they age, they become more vulnerable to respiratory diseases. This study analyzed the PM concentrations in commercial broiler houses, focusing on the differences in ventilation rates according to the season and the type of work, categorized into a static work period (SWP) and dynamic work period (DWP). In the regional monitoring using gravimetric methods, the average PM concentrations were found to be within acceptable limits, with TSP at 1042 µg/m3, PM-10 at 718 µg/m3, and PM-2.5 at 137 µg/m3. These values did not exceed the recommended exposure limits for inhalable dust at 2400 µg/m3 and respirable dust at 160 µg/m3 in chicken farmers. However, in the personal monitoring using a real-time aerosol spectrometer, it was revealed that the aerosol concentrations during DWP exceeded the standards by up to 214%. Specifically, during DWP, the concentrations were 1.74 times higher for TSP, 1.40 times higher for PM-10, and 1.22 times higher for PM-2.5 compared to SWP. It was observed that during the movement of workers, the physical generation of particles around 10 µm, such as feed and bedding, occurred due to the movement of chickens, which influenced the aerosol concentration.
Breast Cancer Stem Cells – Diagnostic and Prognostic Significance

The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic and prognostic significance of CSCs cell population in human breast cancer. Tissue samples from primary and recurrent invasive ductal breast carcinomas, regional lymph nodes (metastatic and non-metastatic), distant bone metastases, as well as cells from permanent breast carcinoma cell lines (MCF7 and MDA-MB-231) and a normal mammary tissue cell line (MCF10) were included in the study. Tumour stem cells were identified immunohistochemically by the markers CD24, CD44 and ALDH1. The results of this study showed an increased population of tumour stem cells with high expression of CD44 and ALDH1 in invasive ductal carcinomas with metastatic regional lymph node and distant metastasis. Determination of the expression of markers characterizing the stem cell phenotype in breast cancer -- CD44, CD24 and ALDH1 early in the diagnostic process would be of high informative value regarding the biological behaviour of the tumour, in particular to assess its metastatic potential.
GEOSECS Indian Ocean and Mediterranean Radiocarbon

This paper is the third of a series detailing the general features of 14C distribution in the world oceans. In the preceding papers, we discussed the 14C activities of Atlantic and Pacific Ocean waters (Stuiver and Östlund, 1980; Östlund and Stuiver, 1980). We now give an outline of the 14C distribution of the Indian Ocean and profiles for one Mediterranean and three Red Sea stations.
Risperidone Decreases Expression of Serotonin Receptor-2A (5-HT2A) and Serotonin Transporter (SERT) but Not Dopamine Receptors and Dopamine Transporter (DAT) in PBMCs from Patients with Schizophrenia

Dopamine and serotonin receptors and transporters play an essential role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia; changes in their expression have been reported in neurons and leukocytes. Each antipsychotic induces a unique pattern in leukocyte function and phenotype. However, the use of polytherapy to treat schizophrenia makes it challenging to determine the specific effects of risperidone on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in the expression of D3, D5, DAT, 5-HT2A, and SERT in PBMCs from healthy volunteers (HV), drug-naive patients with schizophrenia (PWS), drug-free PWS, and PWS treated with risperidone for up to 40 weeks using quantitative PCR. Our study revealed elevated mRNA levels of D3, DAT, 5-HT2A, and SERT in unmedicated PWS. Treatment with risperidone led to a reduction only in the expression of 5-HT2A and SERT. Furthermore, we observed a moderate correlation between 5-HT2A expression and the positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS), as well as SERT expression and PANSS scale. We also found a moderate correlation between 5-HT2A and SERT expression and the positive subscale. The duration of risperidone consumption had a significant negative correlation with the expression of 5-HT2A and SERT. Our study introduces the measurement of 5-HT2A and SERT expression in PBMCs as a useful parameter for assessing the response to risperidone in PWS.
Responses in the polar and equatorial ionosphere to the March 2015 St. Patrick Day storm

The St. Patrick Day storm of 2015 (17 March 2015) occurred at a unique time when there were multiple spacecraft observing the Earth's ionosphere between 350 and 885 km. Observations of the plasma flows and densities from the five operational polar‐orbiting DMSP spacecraft combined with those from the equatorial‐orbiting C/NOFS spacecraft provided a comprehensive global record of the both the polar and equatorial ionosphere regions' responses to the storm. This paper presents an overview of the data from this suite of spacecraft focusing on the following aspects: (1) the polar cap ionosphere's reaction to the storm, (2) the change in the penetration electric field in the midlatitude region as a function of time and the solar local time during the storm, (3) the equatorial ionosphere's response of the meridional (vertical) flows to the penetration electric field and the disturbance dynamo during the storm, and (4) the creation of a predawn ionospheric bubble system near the equator during the storm's main phase that was observed at low altitudes by C/NOFS and later at high altitudes by several DMSP. Examining these phenomenon enable us to trace the dynamic flow of energy from the solar wind input in the polar ionosphere all the way to the equatorial ionosphere.
Isolation and in vitro assessment of chicken gut microbes for probiotic potential

Poultry production occupies an important place in the economy of any country. High broiler production in recent years has badly affected its profitability due to bad feed quality, excessive use of chemotherapeutic agents, emergence of diverse pathogens, and the deficiencies in management practices during rearing cycle. Microbiological improvement of the meat quality using potential probiotics can be beneficial for broiler farming. Present study was initiated to isolate chicken gastrointestinal tract (GIT) bacteria with probiotic potential. To isolate probiotics from chicken gut, alimentary canal of chickens of known sizes and ages was suspended in ringers soln. Under shaking conditions for overnight followed by serial dilutions of ringers soln. Bacterial isolates were analyzed via growth curve analysis, biochemical testing using RapID™ NF Plus Panel kit, molecular characterization, antimicrobial activity assay, antibiotic sensitivity assay, GIT adherence assay, bile salt and gastric acid resistant assay, and cholesterol assimilation assay. Four bacteria isolated in present study were identified as Limosilactobacillus antri strain PUPro1, Lactobacillus delbrueckii strain PUPro2, Lacticaseibacillus casei strain PUPro3, and Ligilactobacillus salivarius strain PUPro4. L. delbrueckii strain PUPro2 grew extremely fast. All isolates exhibited exceptional resistance to increasing concentrations of NaCl and bile salts with value of p >0.5. L. delbrueckii strain PUPro2 adhered to chicken ileum epithelial cells and demonstrated the highest viable counts of 320 colony forming units (CFUs). Antagonistic action was found in all isolates against P. aeruginosa, B. subtilis, B. proteus, and S. aureus, with value of p >0.5. Antibiotic susceptibility testing showed sensitivity to all the antibiotics used. Cholesterol assimilation was detected in all bacteria, with values ranging from 216.12 to 192.2 mg/dL. All isolates exhibited γ-hemolysis. In future, these bacteria might be tested for their impact on broilers meat quality and growth and can be recommended for their use as supplements for broilers diet with positive impact on poultry production.
Burden of postpartum depression in sub-Saharan Africa: An updated systematic review

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a significant public health concern in resource-constrained sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Efforts to combat this burden are hampered by the region’s wide variation in reported prevalence. This review aimed to systematically synthesize up-to-date data on PPD in SSA. The review was structured per the Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses. Included in the review were studies that reported the prevalence of PPD in SSA. A search was undertaken of PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, Academic Search Complete, and PsycINFO. A random-effect model was fitted to estimate the pooled burden of postpartum depressive symptoms in SSA. We conducted subgroup analyses to estimate the distribution of postpartum depressive symptoms based on important study characteristics: sample size, the timing of diagnosis, design, study setting/region, instrument, and income/ economy. The prevalence of postpartum depressive symptoms ranged from 3.8% to 69.9%, with a pooled estimate of 22.1% (CI 18.5–26.2; I2 = 98.2; Tau = 0.848; p<0.001). There was a significant variation in postpartum depressive symptoms with sample size (p<0.001). The highest prevalence (25.6% CI 21.5–30.1) was obtained within 12 weeks postpartum. The prevalence estimate was highest (23.3%; CI 20.1–26.8) with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). South Africa (30.6%; CI 23.6–38.7) and Zimbabwe (29.3%; CI 22.2–37.5) reported the highest prevalence rates, while Tanzania (13.5%; CI 10.1–17.9) reported the lowest prevalence estimates. Upper-middle SSA countries presented the highest prevalence rates (30.6%; CI 23.6–38.7). The prevalence was highest within the period 2010–2015. PPD constitutes a significant health burden in SSA and is fast becoming an epidemic in southern Africa.