Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Study on the Soil Passivation of Nano-Manganese Dioxide-Modified Biochar under High-Arsenic Water Irrigation

[Objective] The irrigation area in northern Henan is an important grain producing area in China. Native high arsenic groundwater exists in the area and has long been used for agricultural irrigation. Increased soil arsenic (As) content under long-term irrigation threatens the quality and safety of crop products. Soil passivation is the use of adding passivators to the soil to fix pollutants to achieve the purpose of limiting their migration. Therefore, the preparation of an efficient and clean passivator and its arsenic fixation effect in soil are important research areas to reduce the risk of high arsenic groundwater. [Method] Firstly, nano-manganese dioxide (MnO2)-modified biochar was prepared via the pyrolysis of sawdust biochar, potassium permanganate and manganese sulfate monohydrate at a mass ratio of 1:0.18:0.29. Secondly, the adsorption characteristics were explored using adsorption kinetics and adsorption isothermal experiments. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) feature mapping and other characterization methods were used to study its physical properties and adsorption mechanism. Finally, a potting experiment was designed to explore the changes in arsenic content in soil when the passivator dosages were 0%, 1% and 5%. [Results] (1) The nano-MnO2 modified biochar could reach the adsorption dynamic equilibrium after 180 min, and its maximum adsorption capacity was 58.12 μg/g. (2) When the dosing ratio was 1%, the fixed efficiency of soil effective As content in potted crops of unplanted crops and planted crops was 4.18–5.51% and 1.99–3.83%. When the dosing ratio was 5%, it was 7.48–8.75% and 5.58–9.58%. [Conclusions] The results show that when the addition ratio is 0–5%, the passivation effect of soil effective As is positively correlated with the passivator dosage.
A Fast Augmented Lagrangian Method for Euler’s Elastica Models

In this paper, a fast algorithm for Euler’s elastica functional is proposed, in which the Euler’s elastica functional is reformulated as a constrained minimization problem. Combining the augmented Lagrangian method and operator splitting techniques, the resulting saddle-point problem is solved by a serial of subproblems. To tackle the nonlinear constraints arising in the model, a novel fixed-point-based approach is proposed so that all the subproblems either is a linear problem or has a closed-form solution. We show the good performance of our approach in terms of speed and reliability using numerous numerical examples on synthetic, real-world and medical images for image denoising, image inpainting and image zooming problems.
Note on the evolution of a Miocene composite volcano in an extensional setting, Zârand Basin (Apuseni Mts., Romania)

Bontâu is a major eroded composite volcano filling the Miocene Zârand extensional basin, near the junction between the Codru-Moma and Highiş-Drocea Mountains, at the tectonic boundary between the South and North Apuseni Mountains. It is a quasi-symmetric structure (16–18 km in diameter) centered on an eroded vent area (9×4 km), buttressed to the south against Mesozoic ophiolites and sedimentary deposits of the South Apuseni Mountains. The volcano was built up in two sub-aerial phases (14–12.5 Ma and 11–10 Ma) from successive eruptions of andesite lava and pyroclastic rocks with a time-increasing volatile budget. The initial phase was dominated by emplacement of pyroxene andesite and resulted in scattered individual volcanic lava domes associated marginally with lava flows and/or pyroclastic block-and-ash flows. The second phase is characterized by amphibole-pyroxene andesite as a succession of pyroclastic eruptions (varying from strombolian to subplinian type) and extrusion of volcanic domes that resulted in the formation of a central vent area. Numerous debris flow deposits accumulated at the periphery of primary pyroclastic deposits. Several intrusive andesitic-dioritic bodies and associated hydrothermal and mineralization processes are known in the volcano vent complex area. Distal epiclastic deposits initially as gravity mass flows and then as alluvial volcaniclastic and terrestrial detritic and coal filled the basin around the volcano in its western and eastern part.Chemical analyses show that lavas are calc-alkaline andesites with SiO2 ranging from 56–61%. The petrographical differences between the two stages are an increase in amphibole content at the expense of two pyroxenes (augite and hypersthene) in the second stage of eruption; CaO and MgO contents decrease with increasing SiO2. In spite of a ∼4 Ma evolution, the compositions of calc-alkaline lavas suggest similar fractionation processes. The extensional setting favored two pulses of short-lived magma chamber processes.
RELIGIOUS MODERATION IN THE BAKAR BATU TRADITION AT THE DANI MUSLIM COMMUNITY IN JAYAWIJAYA, PAPUA PROVINCE, INDONESIA

This qualitative study aims to identify religious moderation in the Bakar Batu tradition for the Dani Muslim community in Jayawijaya, Papua Province. The indicator of religious moderation formulated by the Ministry of Religion of the Republic of Indonesia becomes the analytical theory in this study. Data collection techniques through observation, interviews and documentation. The nature of this research approach is descriptive-analytic. Meanwhile, data analysis techniques go through three stages, namely data reduction, data presentation, and data verification. The results show that there is a dimension of mainstreaming religious moderation in the practice of the Bakar Batu tradition by the Dani Muslim community in Jayawijaya. First. dimensions of the value of tolerance in realizing harmony between religious people. This is realized through the creation of two holes for dishes. One hole is for food for Muslims, and the other is for food for non-Muslims. Thus the Bakar Batu tradition can still run with the nuances of full harmony between religious people. Second, the dimension of accommodative value to local culture in harmonizing religious teachings and local traditions. This is realized by replacing pork which is the main dish in the Bakar Batu tradition with halal meat. Thus, the Bakat Batu tradition can still be preserved by the Dani Muslim community without having to deviate from the normative provisions of Islamic teachings. The theoretical implication of this research shows that the mainstreaming of religious moderation by the Ministry of Religion of the Republic of Indonesia can be a paradigmatic basis as well as an approach in realizing harmonious relations between Islamic teachings and local cultural pluralism in Indonesia. The limitation of this research is that it has not examined the form of the government's concrete role or strategy regarding the mainstreaming of religious moderation values in the Bakar Batu tradition and other traditions in Jayawijaya
The Effect of Professional Autonomy and Nursing Work Environment on Nurses’ Patient Safety Activities: A Perspective on Magnet Hospitals

Aim. This study aimed to identify the effects of nurses’ professional autonomy and work environment on patient safety in general hospitals. By understanding this relationship, we sought to identify practical measures to improve patient safety in the healthcare context. Background. Professional autonomy and nursing work environments have positive effects on job performance, job satisfaction, and patient outcomes. Methods. Data were collected from 200 nurses working in general hospitals, using a cross-sectional survey design. The survey was conducted in 2021 using self-report questionnaires that included the Nursing Work Environment Scale and items on professional autonomy and patient safety activities. Results. The total professional autonomy score was 162.06 (range: 60–240). The mean scores of nursing work environment and nurses’ patient safety activities were 2.55 out of 4 and 4.22 out of 5, respectively. Multiple regression analysis revealed that professional autonomy (β = 0.234 and p = 0.001 ) and nursing work environment (β = 0.138 and p < 0.05 ) were identified as variables that had significant effects on patient safety activities. Among the independent variables, professional autonomy had the greatest influence on patient safety. Conclusion. The findings confirm the need to improve and find ways to enhance nurses’ professional autonomy and nursing work environment. Implications for Nursing Management. The findings confirm the need to improve and find ways to enhance nurses’ professional autonomy and the nursing work environment. Based on these findings, medical institutions and nursing managers should continue to make efforts to improve the nursing work environment to enhance patient safety, especially system improvements, expand nurse autonomy within medical institutions, strengthen hospital management support to evaluate its effectiveness, and further improve government-level policies and systems.
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on dengue cases in Malaysia

Background Globally, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the transmission dynamics and distribution of dengue. Therefore, this study aims to describe the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the geographic and demographic distribution of dengue incidence in Malaysia. Methods This study analyzed dengue cases from January 2014 to December 2021 and COVID-19 confirmed cases from January 2020 to December 2021 which was divided into the pre (2014 to 2019) and during COVID-19 pandemic (2020 to 2021) phases. The average annual dengue case incidence for geographical and demographic subgroups were calculated and compared between the pre and during the COVID-19 pandemic phases. In addition, Spearman rank correlation was performed to determine the correlation between weekly dengue and COVID-19 cases during the COVID-19 pandemic phase. Results Dengue trends in Malaysia showed a 4-year cyclical trend with dengue case incidence peaking in 2015 and 2019 and subsequently decreasing in the following years. Reductions of 44.0% in average dengue cases during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic phase was observed at the national level. Higher dengue cases were reported among males, individuals aged 20–34 years, and Malaysians across both phases. Weekly dengue cases were significantly correlated (ρ = −0.901) with COVID-19 cases during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion There was a reduction in dengue incidence during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic phase. Significant reductions were observed across all demographic groups except for the older population (>75 years) across the two phases.
Effect of the Administration of a Lyophilised Faecal Capsules on the Intestinal Microbiome of Dogs: A Pilot Study

Faecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) is a promising strategy for modulating the gut microbiome. We aimed to assess the effect of the oral administration of capsules containing lyophilised faeces on dogs with diarrhoea for 2 months as well as evaluate their long-term influence on animals’ faecal consistency and intestinal microbiome. This pilot study included five dogs: two used as controls and three with diarrhoea. Animals were evaluated for four months by performing a monthly faecal samples collection and physical examination, which included faecal consistency determination using the Bristol scale. The total number of viable bacteria present in the capsules was quantified and their bacterial composition was determined by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, which was also applied to the faecal samples. During the assay, no side effects were reported. Animals’ faecal consistency improved and, after ending capsules administration, Bristol scale values remained stable in two of the three animals. The animals’ microbiome gradually changed toward a composition associated with a balanced microbiota. After FMT, a slight shift was observed in its composition, but the capsules’ influence remained evident during the 4-month period. Capsules administration seems to have a positive effect on the microbiota modulation; however, studies with more animals should be performed to confirm our observations.
Developing Management Accounting Systems as a Change Process for Economic Sustainability: A Case of Sportswear Manufacturing SME

This study intends to explore the change process in developing management accounting systems to ensure economic sustainability under the theoretical underpinnings of dynamic capabilities. A single case study design has been incorporated to explore the change process at a sportswear manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) based in Sialkot, Pakistan. The rationale for choosing this case site is that this firm has undergone a recent change in the form of developing and using management accounting systems to address economic sustainability concerns. Data were collected via interviews and documents. We conducted 10 interviews and reviewed some internal documents to comprehend the change process. Due to the involvement of multiple organizational actors, the study finds that dynamic capabilities are reflected collaboratively. Due to the collaborative nature of interactions among organizational actors, sensing, seizing and transformation capabilities were termed collaborative dynamic capabilities. Under these dynamic capabilities, the case firm has successfully implemented the change process by developing management accounting systems. The CEO also arranged two training sessions for the workers to facilitate the change process. Furthermore, replacement and production innovation decisions were taken to reflect the change process by bringing change to the existing resource base. This research has contributed theoretically by addressing recent calls to comprehend the change process in the form of management accounting systems to address economic sustainability in the context of SMEs.
Modeling the Immune Response for Pathogenic and Nonpathogenic Orthohantavirus Infections in Human Lung Microvasculature Endothelial Cells

Hantaviruses, genus Orthohantavirus, family Hantaviridae, order Bunyavirales, are negative-sense, single-stranded, tri-segmented RNA viruses that persistently infect rodents, shrews, and moles. Of these, only certain virus species harbored by rodents are pathogenic to humans. Infection begins with inhalation of virus particles into the lung and trafficking to the lung microvascular endothelial cells (LMVEC). The reason why certain rodent-borne hantavirus species are pathogenic has long been hypothesized to be related to their ability to downregulate and dysregulate the immune response as well as increase vascular permeability of infected endothelial cells. We set out to study the temporal dynamics of host immune response modulation in primary human LMVECs following infection by Prospect Hill (nonpathogenic), Andes (pathogenic), and Hantaan (pathogenic) viruses. We measured the level of RNA transcripts for genes representing antiviral, proinflammatory, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic pathways from 12 to 72 h with time points every 12 h. Gene expression analysis in conjunction with mathematical modeling revealed a similar profile for all three viruses in terms of upregulated genes that partake in interferon signaling (TLR3, IRF7, IFNB1), host immune cell recruitment (CXCL10, CXCL11, and CCL5), and host immune response modulation (IDO1). We examined secreted protein levels of IFN-β, CXCL10, CXCL11, CCL5, and IDO in two male and two female primary HLMVEC donors at 48 and 60 h post infection. All three viruses induced similar levels of CCL5, CXCL10, and CXCL11 within a particular donor, and the levels were similar in three of the four donors. All three viruses induced different protein secretion levels for both IFN-β and IDO and secretion levels differed between donors. In conclusion, we show that there was no difference in the transcriptional profiles of key genes in primary HLMVECs following infection by pathogenic and nonpathogenic hantaviruses, with protein secretion levels being more donor-specific than virus-specific.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Loneliness Among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study in Jordan

Introduction: Loneliness is characterized by a sense of melancholy, emptiness, and despair, as well as a higher risk of both psychological and physical problems. Numerous post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) sequela, both physically and mentally, have been caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic that has affected many people. Memory issues and loneliness were found to be uniquely correlated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate how the COVID-19 epidemic affected the levels of loneliness among Jordanian university students. Methods: This is a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study. Google Forms were used for data collection, utilizing a three-item loneliness scale developed by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), United States, which accounts for the following items: (1) how often does the participant feel about lacking companionship, (2) how often does the participant feel being left out, and (3) how often does the participant feel isolated from others. Each item was marked for three frequency levels of experience: (1) hardly ever, (2) some of the time, and (3) often. Responses to the three loneliness questions were graded on a scale of 3-9, with scores between 3 and 5 indicating "not lonely" and scores between 6 and 9 indicating "lonely. " Results: The study included 802 participating students. Specifically, 75.4% of the participants were females, 58% were aged 20-25, and 39% were 17-19. In addition, 37% were from the capital city, while 28% lived in the middle area. Seventy nine percent were from public universities, and 74% were studying in their second year. According to UCLA's three-item loneliness scale, 411 (51.2%) participants were lonely, while 391 (48.8%) participants were not feeling lonely. According to direct question answers, 576 (71.8%) participants were lonely, and 226 (28.2%) were not lonely. Conclusion: The study concluded that the frequency of loneliness was high among Jordanian university students. However, both genders experienced equal levels of loneliness, while younger participants felt more lonely than older ones.
Denitrification with pyrite for bioremediation of nitrate contaminated groundwater

In the last decades, nitrate pollution has become a major threat to groundwater quality. The consequences include health concerns and environmental impacts. Nitrate contamination is mainly derived from agricultural practices, such as the application of manure as fertilizer. The Osona area (NE Spain) is one of the areas vulnerable to nitrate pollution from agricultural sources. Nitrate is derived from intensive farming activities and the high nitrate content results in a loss of water availability for domestic uses. The most important natural nitrate attenuation process is denitrification. Denitrifying bacteria are generally heterotrophic and use carbon compounds as the electron donor. Nevertheless, a limited number of bacteria are able to carry out chemolithotrophic denitrification, and to utilize inorganic compounds. Several field studies have suggested by means of geochemical and/or isotopic data that denitrification in some aquifers is controlled by pyrite oxidation. However, the feasibility of pyrite-driven denitrification has been questioned several times in laboratory studies. This thesis is concerned with the role of pyrite in denitrification and its potential use as a bioremediation strategy. Earlier studies showed the occurrence of denitrification processes in a small area located in the northern part of the Osona region and suggested that sulfide oxidation had an important role in natural attenuation. Therefore, the first part of this thesis deals with the characterization of the denitrification processes occurring in the Osona aquifer and their spatial and temporal variations. Denitrification processes linked to pyrite oxidation
Retrospective Study on the Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in Northern Taiwan

Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, the national lockdown had a significant impact on healthcare systems and diabetes management. The results of relevant studies were inconsistent. The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of lockdown on glycemic control among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2D) in Taiwan. Methods This was a retrospective study conducted in a single regional hospital in Northern Taiwan. The clinic characteristics of the patients were summarized. Anthropometric and biochemical data before and after the lockdown were collected and analyzed. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was performed to identify the independent determinants of variables, including baseline characteristics and laboratory parameters, for the changes in glycated hemoglobin(HbA1c). Results A total of 943 (females 48.5%) patients with T2D were enrolled. The mean age of the patients was 60.6±12.3years, with a mean HbA1c of 7.0±1.0%, a mean diabetes duration of 7.3±4.6years, and a mean body mass index(BMI) of 26.5±4.5kg/m2. The overall means of HbA1c and fasting blood glucose were significantly improved after the lockdown compared to before (7.0±1.0 vs 6.8±0.9, p<0.001 and 132.2±33.3 vs 124.4±30.0, p<0.001, respectively). The proportion of patients achieving HbA1c target (≤7%) was higher after the lockdown compared to before (61.5% vs 68.9%, p<0.001). Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that baseline HbA1c before the lockdown was a positive contributor to the change in HbA1c after the lockdown, whereas BMI and co-morbidity with dyslipidemia were negative contributors (standardized coefficient +0.16, p<0.001; −0.07, p=0.025; −0.12, p=0.001, respectively). Conclusion Our study highlights the benefits of lockdown measures on diabetic control in Northern Taiwan as a single-center experience with the improvement of HbA1c and fasting blood glucose. Understanding these consequences of national lockdown can help healthcare providers to improve diabetes care during the pandemic.
Well-being and internal resources during the COVID-19 pandemic in relation to meaning in life and existential anxiety

The COVID-19 pandemic represents an event that placed humanity in a context where confrontation with uncertainty, isolation, life threats, and significant changes in one's life were on a scale that exceeded by far any previous individual or community crises. The interest of the present research was to investigate the relationship between meaning in life (MiL) and existential anxiety (EA) with personal internal resources such as creativity, playfulness, well-being, and personal meaning. A total of 451 participants from 48 countries (mean age 34.93 years, standard deviation 12.62, 31.9% men, 67.4% women) were questioned via online questionnaires between May and June 2020. Cluster analysis was performed on the meaning in life and existential anxiety that generated four categories of persons: Reactive, Superficial, Preoccupied, and Dedicated. Well-being and internal resources were associated mostly with the Dedicated type and less with the Reactive one. Arguments relying on the existential positive psychology suffering model and the hostile world scenario are presented to support the results and plead for interventions that elicit meaning, stimulate creativity, and guide people in finding purpose in order to ultimately promote psychological and mental health.