Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Vegetational and landscape level responses to water level fluctuations in Finnish, mid-boreal aapa mire – aro wetland environments

Gradient, which is largely considered to be related to water level in mires, is referred to as a microtopographic mud bottom to carpet to lawn to hummock level gradient or the hummock level to intermediate level (lawn) to flark level gradient. The relationship of this vegetation gradient to various physical water level characteristics was studied. The general classification used in the present summary paper divides the aro vegetation of the inland of Northern Ostrobothnia into two main groups: (a) treeless fen aro vegetation (Juncus supinus, Carex lasiocarpa, Rhynchospora fusca, Molinia caerulea) and (b) heath aro vegetation (Polytrichum commune). The first group (a) was divided into fen aro wetlands with an approximately10 cm peaty layer at most and into aro fens with a peat layer thicker than 10 cm. The treatment of the water level gradient was divided into three main groups. (1) The mean water level correlated with mire surface levels (microtopographic gradient) within mires with slight water level fluctuations and partly within mires with considerable water level fluctuations. (2) Three habitat groups could be distinguished on the basis of the range of water level fluctuation i.e. mires with slight water level fluctuations, mires with considerable water level fluctuations and the aro vegetation with extreme water level fluctuations. (3) The timing of water level fluctuations indicated that there are different types of patterns within aro wetlands, the seasonal pattern being mainly a response to yearly snow melt and the several-year-fluctuation pattern being related to the regional groundwater table fluctuation in mineral soils (heath forests). A link was suggested between the stability of the water regime and peat production in local aapa mire – aro wetland environments. From the point of view of peatland plants the direction of variation from a stable to an unstable water regime in aapa mire – aro wetland environments represents a transition towards more and more harsh ecological conditions, partly forming a gradient through natural disturbance. A qualitative functional model was provided for the mire – aro wetland systems of Northern Ostrobothnia. The model supposes differences in the characteristics of peat between two functional complexes within a mire system. Finally, the model for local mire – aro wetland systems was converted to a general from: diplotelmic (acrotelm) mires were divided into two subtypes (diplotelmic water stabilization mires, diplotelmic water fluctuation mires) and the relationship of those subtypes to percolation mires and seasonal wetlands was considered.
Radiological Impact Assessment of Natural Radionuclides and Heavy Metal Contamination in Industrial Tin-Tailing Processing Effluent

This study investigates the radiological hazard and heavy metal contamination of water effluents from Malaysian tin-tailing processing plants. Samples were collected from retention ponds in seven separate tin tailing processing plants scattered throughout the state of Perak, Malaysia. Samples were analysed for radioactivity and heavy metal concentration using Gamma-ray Spectrometry System and Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry, respectively. The analysis indicates that the concentration of Radium-226 (226Ra), Radium-228 (228Ra), and Potassium-40 (40K) in samples ranged from 2.4 - 34.9 Bq/l, 0.8 - 14.7 Bq/l, and 19.5 - 299.4 Bq/l, respectively. These levels surpassed the control limits (5 Bq/l and 10 Bq/l for 226Ra and 228Ra) set by the regulatory authority. The analysis of the heavy metal contamination showed that the concentration of Arsenic (As) and Lead (Pb) werehigher than the Maximum Concentration Level (MCL) of 0.01 and 0.015 mg/L, respectively. Further evaluation of radiological impact showed that the average Annual Effective Doses (AED) by water ingestion and AED for external exposure are 1.43±0.67 mSv/y and 1.71±0.79 mSv/y, respectively. While for non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk assessments, the value of hazard index and lifetime cancer risk is 2.1×10-10 and 1.2×10-7, respectively. These research findings suggest that effective treatment of the effluent should be implemented before discharge into the drainage system to prevent the accumulation of radionuclides and heavy metals in the environment, which may pose a risk to public health.
Effects of black cumin, fenugreek, and sesame seeds as a mixture on performance, intestinal morphology, and blood traits of broilers under chronic heat stress conditions

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the impact of a seed mixture (SM) (black cumin, fenugreek, and sesame) on broiler chickens’ performance, intestinal morphology, and blood traits under chronic heat stress conditions. 330-day-old male Ross 308 chicks were divided into five treatments (6 replicates and 11 birds per each) consisting of a corn-soybean supplemented with 0, 1.5, 3, 4.5, and 6% SM for 45 days in a completely randomised design. 6% SM supplementation increased body weight (BW) at 45 days of age, average weight gain (AWG) at 26-45 days, and total rearing period under heat stress conditions (p < 0.05). Adding 3% SM to broiler diets increased average feed intake (AFI) at 26-45 and 1-45 days, feed conversion ratio (FCR) at 12-25, and the mortality rate decreased from 28.8% (0% SM) to 12.1% (6% SM) (p < 0.05). Adding SM had no significant effects on the relative weight of carcase segments and internal organs (p > 0.05) except for the duodenum, which increased weight and length at the level of 6% (p < 0.05). The red blood cell (RBC) count and haemoglobin were elevated in chicks inoculated with 3% and 6% SM, respectively (p < 0.05). The mean corpuscular volume (MCV) value increased following the supplementation of SM, while differential white blood cell (WBC) counts did not influence. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and Alanine transaminase (ALT) activity declined in chicks that received 6% SM at 45 days of age (p < 0.05). SM supplementation decreased liver steatosis, uric acid, glucose, total protein, and lipid profile concentrations of serum (p < 0.05). Therefore, we conclude that adding SM to the broiler diets at 6% level significantly improves broiler performance, blood traits, and liver health under chronic heat-stress conditions. HIGHLIGHTS Adding a 6% seed mixture to the broiler’s diet during the finisher phase improved weight, reduced mortality rate, better morphometric parameters, increased haemoglobin levels, and healthier liver function. Including a 3% seed mixture in the diet increased average feed intake throughout the rearing period and boosted FCR between 12 and 25 days and red blood cell count. Seed mixture supplementation led to an increase in mean corpuscular volume levels and a decrease in uric acid, glucose, total protein, and serum lipid profile concentration.
Precambrian Basement Geology of the Permian Basin Region of West Texas and Eastern New Mexico: A Geophysical Perspective

Because most of the Permian basin region of west Texas and southern New Mexico is covered by Phanerozoic rocks, other means must be found to examine the Precambrian upper crustal geology of the region. We have combined geologic information on the Precambrian from outcrops and wells with geophysical information from gravity and magnetic surveys in an integrated analysis of the history and structure of basement rocks in the region. Geophysical anomalies can be related to six Precambrian events: formation of the Early Proterozoic outer tectonic belt, igneous activity in the southern Granite-Rhyolite province, an episode of pre-Grenville extension, the Grenville orogeny, rifting to form the Delaware aulacogen, and Eocambrian rifting to form the early Paleozoic continental mar in. Two geophysical features were studied in detail: the Abilene gravity minimum and the Central Basin platform gravity high. The Abilene gravity minimum is shown to extend from the Delaware basin across north-central Texas and is interpreted to be caused by a granitic batholith similar in size to the Sierra Nevada batholith in California and Nevada. This batholith appears to be related to formation of the southern Granite-Rhyolite province, possibly as a continental margin arc batholith. Because of this interpretation, we have located the Grenville tectonic front southward from its commonly quoted position, closer to the Llano uplift. Middle Proterozoic mafic intrusions are found to core the Central Basin platform and the Roosevelt uplift. These intrusions formed at about 1.1 Ga and are related in time to both the Mid-Continent rift system and the Grenville orogeny in Texas. Because these features are likely to be rift related, they suggest that the concept of a Delaware aulacogen needs to be revised only to the extent that the rifting is Proterozoic in age, not Eocambrian. Precambrian basement structures and changes in lithology have influenced the structure and stratigraphy in the overlying Permian basin, and thus have potential exploration significance. Interpretation of the gravity and magnetic data with geologic information also leads us to suggest the existence of pre-Ellenburger basins, which may be extensive and of potential exploration interest.
Study on the correlation between yield characters and yield of superior rape(Brassica napus L.) in north Zhejiang Province

The field experiments of 24 superior rape varieties(lines) were carried out in order to study the correlation between 9 yield characters and yield per plant through statistical analysis.The results showed that the positive effects of available pods per plant,filled grains per pod and 1 000-grain weight on yield per plant were significant or very significant;the direct path coefficients of available pods per plant and filled grains per pod toyield were 0.9702 and 0.8439 respectively,and their net effects were very significantly positive;the direct path coefficient of 1 000-grain weight to yield was quite a big positive value but its net effect was negative;the direct path coefficient and net effect of pod density on yield were negative values.The above results suggest that it be necessary to select more pods per plant and grains per pod and in the meantime give consideration to 1 000-grain weight and appropriate pod density in the direction of the breeding high-yield superior rape in north Zhejiang Province.
Pro-Inflammatory Diets Are Associated with Frailty in an Urban Middle-Aged African American and White Cohort

Diet quality is a modifiable risk factor for frailty, but research on the association of frailty with dietary inflammatory potential is limited. The objective was to determine associations between diet quality assessed by the dietary inflammatory index (DII) with frailty status over time. Participants with both dietary and frailty data from the longitudinal Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span (HANDLS) study were used (n = 2901, 43.5% male, 43.8% African American, 48.5 y mean baseline age, with a mean 8.7 y of follow-up). Group-based trajectory modeling identified two frailty (remaining non-frail or being pre-frail/frail over time) and three diet quality trajectory groups (high or medium pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory potentials). Multiple logistic regression found both medium pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory DII trajectory groups, compared to the high pro-inflammatory group, were positively associated with being non-frail over time for the overall sample, both sexes and races. Kaplan–Meier curves and log-rank test revealed anti-inflammatory DII scores were associated with lower risk for being pre-frail or frail. No longitudinal relationship existed between frailty status at baseline and annualized DII change, a check on reverse causality. This study contributes to our current knowledge providing longitudinal evidence of the link between anti-inflammatory DII score with lower frailty risk.
Incorporation of Antimony Ions in Heptaisobutyl Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxanes

The direct incorporation of Sb(V) ions into a polycondensed silsesquioxane network based on heptaisobutyl POSS units (Sb(V)-POSSs) through a corner-capping reaction is reported for the first time in this work. As a reference sample, a completely condensed monomeric Sb(III)-POSS was prepared using a similar synthetic protocol. The chemical properties of both Sb-containing POSSs were investigated with different analytical and spectroscopic techniques. The analyses confirm the success of the corner-capping reaction for both samples and indicate that an Sb(V)-POSS sample is characterized by a heterogenous multimeric arrangement with an irregular organization of POSS cages linked to Sb(V) centers, and has a more complex structure with respect to the well-defined monomeric Sb(III)-POSS.
Video with multiple representations approach to promote students’ conceptual understanding of intermolecular forces

A number of studies have reported that the main cause of misconceptions are the abstract concepts and students’ low ability to integrate multiple representations (macroscopic, sub-microscopic and symbolic) in chemistry is also a cause of misconceptions. The aim of this study is to develop the video using multiple representations approach to improve students’ conceptual understanding. The method used is the analyze, design, development, implementation, and evaluation or ADDIE development model. Tests (pre and post) and questionnaire were used to collect the data. A video of intermolecular forces has been developed and tested to 82 first-year cohort students of the Chemistry Education Study Program who had taken basic chemistry courses. The average scores were increased from 57.31 (pre-test) to 78.19 (post-test) with the average gain is 20.88. The statistically significant increase in scores (p=0.000) was found, which signifies that the video could support students’ conceptual understanding. In addition to that, majority of students showed a positive response to the video as 99% (N=82) of them either agree or strongly agree with the statements of the questionnaire. This result verified that the video was successfully maintain students’ attention.
Bayesian Estimation of Dynamic Discrete Choice Models

We propose a new methodology for structural estimation of infinite horizon dynamic discrete choice models. We combine the dynamic programming (DP) solution algorithm with the Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm into a single algorithm that solves the DP problem and estimates the parameters simultaneously. As a result, the computational burden of estimating a dynamic model becomes comparable to that of a static model. Another feature of our algorithm is that even though the number of grid points on the state variable is small per solution-estimation iteration, the number of effective grid points increases with the number of estimation iterations. This is how we help ease the “curse of dimensionality. ” We simulate and estimate several versions of a simple model of entry and exit to illustrate our methodology. We also prove that under standard conditions, the parameters converge in probability to the true posterior distribution, regardless of the starting values.
of Birmingham Appetitive Pavlovian goal-tracking memories reconsolidate only under specific conditions

Despite extensive evidence that appetitive memories undergo reconsolidation, two notable failures to observe reconsolidation have been reported: instrumental responding and goal-tracking. However, these studies do not provide conclusive evidence for a lack of memory reconsolidation due to the numerous boundary conditions that dictate whether a memory will undergo reconsolidation. In this study we sought to reexamine reconsolidation in an appetitive, Pavlovian conditioned approach procedure and the behavioral boundary conditions within which memories are destabilized and reconsolidated. This study demonstrated that a Pavlovian goal-tracking memory, previously thought to be resistant to destabilization, will undergo memory reconsolidation under discrete conditions that favor reconsolidation as opposed to extinction, and that this is dependent on the amount of training rats received. With restricted training, systemic administration of MK-801 impaired memory extinction. In contrast, with more extended training, MK-801 administration impaired memory reconsolidation. We also demonstrate that behavioral boundary conditions that exist for appetitive memory reconsolidation are much more complex than simple parametric calculations. Moreover, extinction per se is not a boundary on reconsolidation, in that MK-801 also has no behavioral effect under some conditions.
New Potentiality of Bioactive Substances: Regulating the NLRP3 Inflammasome in Autoimmune Diseases

The NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is an essential component of the human innate immune system, and is closely associated with adaptive immunity. In most cases, the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome requires priming and activating, which are influenced by various ion flux signals and regulated by various enzymes. Aberrant functions of intracellular NLRP3 inflammasomes promote the occurrence and development of autoimmune diseases, with the majority of studies currently focused on rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis. In recent years, a number of bioactive substances have shown new potentiality for regulating the NLRP3 inflammasome in autoimmune diseases. This review provides a concise overview of the composition, functions, and regulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Additionally, we focus on the newly discovered bioactive substances for regulating the NLRP3 inflammasome in autoimmune diseases in the past three years.
Monitoring and evaluation as critical approach to enhance the performance of local government: South Africa

The present study undertakes an analysis of monitoring and evaluation as a pragmatic methodology for enhancing the efficacy of municipalities in the context of South Africa. Research findings indicate that a significant obstacle faced by South African municipalities is the issue of substandard performance. These aspects can be linked to several reasons, such as inadequate allocation of resources, limitations in capacity, and deficiencies in monitoring and assessment processes. This article posits that the use of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) is crucial in addressing instances of suboptimal performance within municipalities. There exists a necessity to enhance the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems in order to attain efficient performance management and ensure the provision of high-quality service delivery. The research was conducted among three distinct municipalities, namely Amajuba, uThukela, and uMgungundlovu, located in the province of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). The sample population comprised of municipal officials belonging to the Performance Management System (PMS) and Corporate Services units. The study employed a qualitative methodology and deliberately selected important participants who possessed knowledge and a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter under investigation. Furthermore, it is worth noting that the sample size consisted of 20 people. The researchers organized focus group conversations in order to gather data, which was subsequently controlled through the utilization of the NVivo software application. The findings of the study indicate that monitoring and evaluation (M&E) is a crucial component in enhancing the performance of local government. Its primary purpose is to establish the essential circumstances for achieving greater levels of performance that are sustainable over an extended period. Municipalities are required to demonstrate a firm dedication to the prioritization and adoption of municipal monitoring and evaluation (M&E) as an essential tool for facilitating progressive local governance. This commitment involves the institutionalization of M&E practices, the enforcement of mandatory adherence to established systems and procedures, the integration of information technology systems to enhance and fortify the implementation of M&E, and the utilization of participatory M&E approaches to assess the effectiveness of municipal functions and development endeavors.
Volatile Composition, Antimicrobial Activity, and In Vitro Innate Immunomodulatory Activity of Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench Essential Oils

Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench is a medicinal plant commonly used for the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections, the common cold, sore throat, migraine, colic, stomach cramps, and toothaches and the promotion of wound healing. Based on the known pharmacological properties of essential oils (EOs), we hypothesized that E. purpurea EOs may contribute to these medicinal properties. In this work, EOs from the flowers of E. purpurea were steam-distilled and analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), GC with flame-ionization detection (GC–FID), and chiral GC–MS. The EOs were also evaluated for in vitro antimicrobial and innate immunomodulatory activity. About 87 compounds were identified in five samples of the steam-distilled E. purpurea EO. The major components of the E. purpurea EO were germacrene D (42.0 ± 4.61%), α-phellandrene (10.09 ± 1.59%), β-caryophyllene (5.75 ± 1.72%), γ-curcumene (5.03 ± 1.96%), α-pinene (4.44 ± 1.78%), δ-cadinene (3.31 ± 0.61%), and β-pinene (2.43 ± 0.98%). Eleven chiral compounds were identified in the E. purpurea EO, including α-pinene, sabinene, β-pinene, α-phellandrene, limonene, β-phellandrene, α-copaene, β-elemene, β-caryophyllene, germacrene D, and δ-cadinene. Analysis of E. purpurea EO antimicrobial activity showed that they inhibited the growth of several bacterial species, although the EO did not seem to be effective for Staphylococcus aureus. The E. purpurea EO and its major components induced intracellular calcium mobilization in human neutrophils. Additionally, pretreatment of human neutrophils with the E. purpurea EO or (+)-δ-cadinene suppressed agonist-induced neutrophil calcium mobilization and chemotaxis. Moreover, pharmacophore mapping studies predicted two potential MAPK targets for (+)-δ-cadinene. Our results are consistent with previous reports on the innate immunomodulatory activities of β-caryophyllene, α-phellandrene, and germacrene D. Thus, this study identified δ-cadinene as a novel neutrophil agonist and suggests that δ-cadinene may contribute to the reported immunomodulatory activity of E. purpurea.
Uneven Expression of 20 Human Papillomavirus Genes Associated with Oropharyngeal Carcinoma

Background Human papillomavirus (HPV) is considered to be responsible for 95% of virus-related cancers in many organs. Oropharyngeal carcinoma (OC) is distinguished by the transformation of the healthy epithelium into precancerous cells. Aim The current study sought to examine the uneven gene expression of 20 genes among those scanned by microarray for oropharyngeal cancer patients. Materials and Methods The GSE56142 dataset was extracted from the Gene Expression Omnibus of the National Center for Biotechnology Information; 24 specimens were evaluated. Gene ontology (GO), the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, and the protein–protein interaction (PPI) were used to depict the biological roles of the genes under investigation using types of software. Results Six genes out of 20 in patients with invasive OC had a binding correlation with high expression (PDGFRS, COL6A3, COL1A1, COL3A1, COL2A1, and COL4A1), and only two genes with low expression (CRCT1 and KRT78). The expression levels of 20 genes were examined for patients with OC versus head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The correlation coefficient between highly expressed genes of the OC group was statistically significant at the P<0.05 level. Conclusions High expression levels of specific genes may serve as diagnostic tumor markers, particularly in the early stages of cancer, and testing should be performed in OC and HNSCC patients.