Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Natural and Cultural Landscape Evolution during the Late Holocene in North Central Guatemalan Lowlands and Highlands

Paleoecology has been only in recent decades applied to Mesoamerica; this thesis provides new records of paleoenvironmental changes in Guatemala. Paleoecological reconstructions are developed based mainly on pollen in the Lachuá lowlands and Purulhá highlands of the Las Verapaces Region. For the first time, quantitative vegetation and climate analyses are developed, and plant indicator taxa from vegetation belts are identified. Changes in vegetation are explained partially by elevation and climatic parameters, topography, drainage divides, and biogeography. Pollen rain and indicator plant taxa from vegetation belts were linked through a first modern pollen rain analysis based on bryophyte polsters and surface sediments. The latter contain fewer forestinterior plant taxa in both locations, and in the highlands, they contain higher local pollen content than in the lowlands. These calibrations aided vegetation reconstructions based on fossil pollen in sediment records from the Lachuá and Purulhá regions. Reconstructions for the last ~2000 years before present (BP) were developed based on fossil pollen from cores P-4 on a floodplain in Purulhá, and L-3, a wetland in Lachuá.
Spatial variation in throughfall, soil, and plant water isotopes in a temperate forest

Studies of stable isotopes of water in the environment have been fundamental to advancing our understanding of how water moves through the soil–plant–atmosphere continuum; however, much of this research focuses on how water isotopes vary in time, rather than in space. We examined the spatial variation in the δ18O and δ2H of throughfall and bulk soil water, as well as branch xylem and bulk leaf water of Picea abies (Norway spruce) and Fagus sylvatica (beech), in a 1‐ha forest plot in the northern Alps of Switzerland. Means and ranges of water isotope ratios varied considerably among throughfall, soil, and xylem samples. Soil water isotope ratios were often poorly explained by soil characteristics and often not predictable from proximal samples. Branch xylem water isotope values varied less than either soil water or bulk leaf water. The isotopic range observed within an individual tree crown was often similar to that observed among different crowns. As a result of the heterogeneity in isotope ratios, inferences about the depth of plant root water uptake drawn from a two end‐member mixing model were highly sensitive to the soil sampling location. Our results clearly demonstrate that studies using water isotopes to infer root water uptake must explicitly consider how to characterize soil water, incorporating measures of both vertical and lateral variations. By accounting for this spatial variation and the processes that shape it, we can improve the application of water isotopes to studies of plant ecophysiology, ecohydrology, soil hydrology, and palaeoclimatology.
Evaluating Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase as a Suitable Target for Sleep Promotion in a Transgenic TauP301S Mouse Model of Neurodegeneration

Sleep disruption is an expected component of aging and neurodegenerative conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Sleep disruption has been demonstrated as a driver of AD pathology and cognitive decline. Therefore, treatments designed to maintain sleep may be effective in slowing or halting AD progression. However, commonly used sleep aid medications are associated with an increased risk of AD, highlighting the need for sleep aids with novel mechanisms of action. The endocannabinoid system holds promise as a potentially effective and novel sleep-enhancing target. By using pharmacology and genetic knockout strategies, we evaluated fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) as a therapeutic target to improve sleep and halt disease progression in a transgenic Tau P301S (PS19) model of Tauopathy and AD. We have recently shown that PS19 mice exhibit sleep disruption in the form of dark phase hyperarousal as an early symptom that precedes robust Tau pathology and cognitive decline. Acute FAAH inhibition with PF3845 resulted in immediate improvements in sleep behaviors in male and female PS19 mice, supporting FAAH as a potentially suitable sleep-promoting target. Moreover, sustained drug dosing for 5–10 days resulted in maintained improvements in sleep. To evaluate the effect of chronic FAAH inhibition as a possible therapeutic strategy, we generated FAAH−/− PS19 mice models. Counter to our expectations, FAAH knockout did not protect PS19 mice from progressive sleep loss, neuroinflammation, or cognitive decline. Our results provide support for FAAH as a novel target for sleep-promoting therapies but further indicate that the complete loss of FAAH activity may be detrimental.
Possibilities to Estimate Soil Erosion Intensity and Sediment Transport by GIS Technology Application

The work elaborates on basic GIS-technology implementation idea on example of Botonega (Istria-Croatia) reservoir within the framework of parametric methods that estimations of soil erosion intensity, as well as sediment production and transport are based on, for purpose of designing sediment settlement volume within future accumulations and retentions basins. Parametric methods used in mentioned estimation procedures are based upon the quantification of four basic erosion factors: climate, relief, vegetation and geological-pedological soil characteristics. Current availability and development degree of basic digital informations about space (satellite and air photographs, digital terrain models, specialized thematic databases) enables creation of thematic layers for all parameters represented in the selected parametric method through application of already developed softwares, with previously determined basic data transformation procedures. GIS-technology enables creation of thematic cartographic reviews of spatial units for thematic layers created in such a way, with corresponding values for specific methodological parameters. It obtains results after they have been overlapped and unified, according to the procedure defined by selected parametric method and with adequate numerical processing. That is, it yields quantity indicators of soil erosion intensity, as well as sediment production and transport. Described procedure classifies and quantifies methodological parameters more precisely, and final calculation results are more reliable than those obtained by traditional calculation. This conclusion is in this paper corroborated by results of sediment production and transport estimation on the example of a section of Botonega accumulation catchment area (Jukani subcatchment), which are compared with existing measurements of many years. Estimation has been conducted by GIS-technology implementation within the Gavrilovic parametric method, traditionally applied in Croatia.
Imposter Phenomenon and Its Predictors in Saudi ENT Specialists: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Impostor syndrome (IS) is characterized by an ongoing disbelief in the authenticity of one's accomplishments, attributing success to luck rather than to one's own ability or hard work. The syndrome has detrimental consequences in both personal and career aspects and is closely linked to emotional exhaustion, stress, and depressive symptoms. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of IS among otolaryngologists practicing in Saudi Arabia. Methods We performed a cross-sectional survey from August to October 2022 that targeted both practicing otolaryngologists and those still in their training phase in Saudi Arabia. The survey, delivered via email, tapped into the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) database to reach all registered otolaryngologists. The survey tool comprised questions on demographic details and employed the Clance Impostor Phenomenon (IP) Scale to evaluate the presence of IS. Results Out of 80 respondents, males (n = 46) were 57.5%, and 18.8% were consultants (n =15). The study found a 27.5% prevalence rate of IS among the surveyed otolaryngologists (n =80), with a mean score of 56.79 ± 12.98. In terms of severity, 62.5% (n = 50) had a moderate level of IS, 25.0% (n = 20) had high IS, and 5.0% (n = 4) had intense IS. It was significantly more common with resident otolaryngologists as compared to consultants (X2 = 7.476, df = 3; p = 0.048), but there was no significant association in terms of gender (X2=3.418, df =1; p = 0.064), type of hospital (X2= 6.351, df = 3; p = 0.096), or fellowship subspecialty (X2= 2.291, df = 4; p = 0.681). Conclusions The study detected that 36.9% of otolaryngologists (n = 17) experienced IS, with trainees being more susceptible than consultants and fellows. Further investigations to explore the scope and underlying reasons are recommended.
The role of serum lipid profile in the pathogenesis of arterial hypertension

Hypertension is a key contributor to the high global burden of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, due to its increasing prevalence worldwide. In clinical practice, dyslipidemia and hypertension often coexist, possibly because they share similar underlying causes, such as endothelial dysfunction and obesity. Consequently, this review article presents the collective findings on the role of lipid profile parameters in arterial hypertension. Individuals with hypertension often have significantly higher mean serum levels of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), while exhibiting lower mean serum levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) compared to those without hypertension. TC and HDL-C play an important role in the pathogenesis of arterial hypertension. However, there is a lack of studies explaining the link between TG and LDL-C and arterial hypertension. Future studies are necessary to fully elucidate the exact mechanisms by which the mentioned lipid parameters contribute to arterial hypertension.
Hemodynamic and Clinical Profiles of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Patients with GDF2 and BMPR2 Variants

Asians have a higher carrier rate of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)-related genetic variants than Caucasians do. This study aimed to identify PAH-related genetic variants using whole exome sequencing (WES) in Asian idiopathic and heritable PAH cohorts. A WES library was constructed, and candidate variants were further validated by polymerase chain reaction and Sanger sequencing in the PAH cohort. In a total of 69 patients, the highest incidence of variants was found in the BMPR2, ATP13A3, and GDF2 genes. Regarding the BMPR2 gene variants, there were two nonsense variants (c.994C>T, p. Arg332*; c.1750C>T, p. Arg584*), one missense variant (c.1478C>T, p. Thr493Ile), and one novel in-frame deletion variant (c.877_888del, p. Leu293_Ser296del). Regarding the GDF2 variants, there was one likely pathogenic nonsense variant (c.259C>T, p. Gln87*) and two missense variants (c.1207G>A, p. Val403Ile; c.38T>C, p. Leu13Pro). The BMPR2 and GDF2 variant subgroups had worse hemodynamics. Moreover, the GDF2 variant patients were younger and had a significantly lower GDF2 value (135.6 ± 36.2 pg/mL, p = 0.002) in comparison to the value in the non-BMPR2/non-GDF2 mutant group (267.8 ± 185.8 pg/mL). The BMPR2 variant carriers had worse hemodynamics compared to the patients with the non-BMPR2/non-GDF2 mutant group. Moreover, there was a significantly lower GDF2 value in the GDF2 variant carriers compared to the control group. GDF2 may be a protective or corrected modifier in certain genetic backgrounds.
EVALUATING SOIL PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES FOLLOWING ADDITION OF NON-COMPOSTED SPENT COFFEE AND TEA FOR ATHLETIC FIELDS

OF THESIS EVALUATING SOIL PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES FOLLOWING ADDITION OF NON-COMPOSTED SPENT COFFEE AND TEA FOR ATHLETIC FIELDS Physical and chemical properties of non-composted spent coffee (CF) and tea (T) suggest they may have applications as soil amendments for improving poor soils. Studies were conducted to determine 1) the effect of amendments on grass growth and soil properties, 2) the effect of incorporation versus surface application of amendments on soil properties, and 3) the effect of amendment application frequency on grass growth and soil properties. In the first study, amendments were mixed with sand and planted to bermudagrass. Treatments included CF, T, and peat moss (PM) mixed with sand, and 100% sand as a control. In the second study, amendments were topdressed onto a sand base with different timings. Pots were either aerified or not. Treatments included T, CF, PM, and a control. Nutrient contents and soil CEC and OM under CF and T treatments were equivalent to or greater than PM treatments. Tea showed comparable grass cover to the PM treatment, while CF showed an inhibitory effect to grass growth in the first year of the study. Aerification showed no benefit. Additionally, a field study was conducted to evaluate CF and T on surface hardness, VWC, and quality after trafficking. Differences were not observed among treatments.
The Preventive Effect of Urinary Trypsin Inhibitor on Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction, on the Aspect of Behavior, Evaluated by Y-Maze Test, via Modulation of Microglial Activity

This experimental study was designed to evaluate the effect of ulinastatin, a urinary trypsin inhibitor, on postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) in rats under general anesthesia with isoflurane, on the aspect of behavior, as evaluated using a Y-maze test and focusing on microglial activity. Ulinastatin (50,000 U/mL) and normal saline (1 mL) were randomly (1:1) administered intraperitoneally to the ulinastatin and control groups, respectively, before general anesthesia. Anesthesia with isoflurane 1.5 volume% was maintained for 2 h. The Y-maze test was used to evaluate cognitive function. Neuronal damage using caspase-1 expression, the degree of inflammation through cytokine detection, and microglial activation with differentiation of the phenotypic expression were evaluated. Twelve rats were enrolled in the study and evenly allocated into the two groups, with no dropouts from the study. The Y-maze test showed similar results in the two groups before general anesthesia (63 ± 12% in the control group vs. 64 ± 12% in the ulinastatin group, p = 0.81). However, a significant difference was observed between the two groups after general anesthesia (17 ± 24% in the control group vs. 60 ± 12% in the ulinastatin group, p = 0.006). The ulinastatin group showed significantly lower expression of caspase-1. Pro-inflammatory cytokine levels were significantly lower in the ulinastatin group than in the control group. The ulinastatin group had a significantly lower microglial activation (41.74 ± 10.56% in the control group vs. 4.77 ± 0.56% in the ulinastatin, p < 0.001), with a significantly lower activation of M1 phenotypes (52.19 ± 7.83% in the control group vs. 5.58 ± 0.76% in the ulinastatin group, p < 0.001). Administering ulinastatin before general anesthesia prevented neuronal damage and cognitive decline after general anesthesia, in terms of the aspect of behavior, as evaluated by the Y-maze test. The protective effect of ulinastatin was associated with the inhibition of microglial activation, especially the M1 phenotype.
Potential for Porphyry Copper Deposits in Northern Tōhoku (or the Exploration Potential for Base and Precious Metal Deposits in Japan 2020)

There are no known porphyry copper deposits in Japan. Attempts were made in the past to explain this paradox as the Japanese islands sit above a subduction zone of the type widely accepted to give rise to porphyry‐type deposits within subvolcanic magmatic–hydrothermal systems. Is it possible that porphyry copper systems are incompatible with the volcanoplutonic setting of the Japanese islands? In other words, is the established model for the genesis of porphyry copper systems not completely correct, or is it that the elusive Japanese porphyry deposit has not yet been found? We argue that, until proven otherwise, the answer lies in the latter option.
Submarine landslides in the Northern Tyrrhenian Sea and relationship with the turbiditic and contouritic deposits: morphology, stratigraphy, geotechnics and modelling

The Corsica Trough is an asymmetric confined basin located between the Corsica Island and the Tuscan Archipelago, with the western flank dominated by turbiditic and hemipelagic processes and the eastern flank by mass transport and contouritic processes. The present PhD project aims to develop our understanding of the mechanisms that control the formation of submarine landslides within muddy contourites (sediment deposits related to bottom currents) during the Plio-Quaternary. The broad data set available for this PhD project includes: multibeam bathymetry, seismic reflection data, sediment cores, in situ geotechnical measurements, current ADCP measurements and results of a hydrodynamic model. The contourites of the Corsica Trough are mainly composed of mud with sandy layers formed by enhanced bottom currents during periods of sea level fall. The contourite drifts grow slowly during sea level high-stands and rapidly during sea level low-stands due to the high sediment availability provided by an active turbidite system. Bottom currents control the seafloor morphology and generate plastered drifts on the slope. This is a convex-shaped contourite with steep slope gradients in the lower part limited by a moat (incision created by bottom currents). The Pianosa Slump was initiated in this lower part of the plastered drift. The occurrence of continuous erosive processes during cold periods could undercut the slope and trigger submarine landslides. Another predisposing factor for slope instability identified is the presence of a potential weak layer with a post-peak strain softening behaviour (strength loss with increasing strain). This particular property is caused by the presence of zeolites (product of the alteration of volcanic rocks). This layer originated the basal failure surface of the Pianosa Slump. In summary, the two main factors predispose the formation of submarine landslides in the Pianosa Ridge are: the morphology of the plastered drift with steep slopes in the lower part and a potential weak layer composed of zeolitic muddy sediment. The main triggering factor seems to be undercutting by bottom currents.
Neurocognitive Changes in Patients with Post-COVID Depression

Background: Depression and cognitive impairment are recognized complications of COVID-19. This study aimed to assess cognitive performance in clinically diagnosed post-COVID depression (PCD, n = 25) patients using neuropsychological testing. Methods: The study involved 71 post-COVID patients with matched control groups: recovered COVID-19 individuals without complications (n = 18) and individuals without prior COVID-19 history (n = 19). A post-COVID depression group (PCD, n = 25) was identified based on psychiatric diagnosis, and a comparison group (noPCD, n = 46) included participants with neurological COVID-19 complications, excluding clinical depression. Results: The PCD patients showed gender-dependent significant cognitive impairment in the MoCA, Word Memory Test (WMT), Stroop task (SCWT), and Trail Making Test (TMT) compared to the controls and noPCD patients. Men with PCD showed worse performances on the SCWT, in MoCA attention score, and on the WMT (immediate and delayed word recall), while women with PCD showed a decline in MoCA total score, an increased processing time with less errors on the TMT, and worse immediate recall. No differences between groups in Sniffin’s stick test were found. Conclusions: COVID-related direct (post-COVID symptoms) and depression-mediated (depression itself, male sex, and severity of COVID-19) predictors of decline in memory and information processing speed were identified. Our findings may help to personalize the treatment of depression, taking a patient’s gender and severity of previous COVID-19 disease into account.
MGSCA: Multiscale Gradient Selection-Based Coupled-Hypersphere Adaptation for Unsupervised Pavement Defect Detection

The pavement defect detection is challenging due to the diverse defects and their unpredictable formations. Current methods often struggle to perform well in situations with complex pavement backgrounds and weak textures, a problem that arises from the interference of various pavement information. We proposed an unsupervised pavement defect detection method with a multiscale gradient selection-based coupled-hypersphere adaptation (MGSCA) to alleviate these challenges. Specifically, the proposed method first constructs a lightweight and representative feature-capturing memory bank to effectively capture features of complex pavement backgrounds and reduce the inference time. Utilizing these representative features as hypersphere centers, we propose a hypersphere-coupled adaptive module that trains an axis-based self-attention descriptor to reduce the data bias of the pretrained network and improve the defect detection from the nondefective pavement backgrounds. On the Crack500 dataset, the proposed method achieved 0.930 area under the ROC curve (AUROC) in defect detection. For defect localization, the proposed method achieved 0.925 AUROC, 0.791 per-region-overlap (PRO), and 0.744 DICE. Compared with several state-of-the-art methods, the results on three datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed method in different scenarios.
The Translation and Preliminary Psychometric Validation of the Ghosting Questionnaire in Urdu

Background: “Ghosting” refers to the practice of abruptly cutting off all contact with a person with whom you have been in constant correspondence. The break comes without warning and without understandable provocation. The term most commonly applies to online romantic relationships. The motives for and effects of ghosting have been studied, and validated research questionnaires have been developed; however, there are no such questionnaires available for Urdu speakers. The purpose of this study was to adapt the “Ghosting Questionnaire (GQ)” for use in Pakistan and India, two of the world’s most populous countries—a process that involves translation, adaptation, and validation. Methods: The study’s methodology involved translating the GQ into Urdu using both forward and backward translation techniques. Convergent validity, test–retest reliability, internal consistency, confirmatory factor analysis, and goodness of fit were all components of the psychometric analyses. Conclusions: The Urdu version of the GQ demonstrated a good internal consistency, with the Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega both exceeding 0.90. It also showed a high test–retest reliability—(0.96). The one-factor structure was confirmed by the confirmatory factor analysis, which agreed with the original English version of the GQ.