Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Zn2SnO4 ternary metal oxide for ultraviolet radiation filter application: a comparative study with TiO2 and ZnO

ABSTRACT Ultraviolet (UV) radiation causes serious health risks. Inorganic metal oxides, such as titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO), have long been recognized for their effectiveness as UV radiation filters/blockers in sunscreen formulations. TiO2 and ZnO as UV-blocking materials have some limitations and issues such as producing harmful radicals and toxicity, respectively. As a result, there is a growing need to develop efficient and safe UV-blocking materials to overcome these limitations associated with the conventional TiO2 and ZnO materials. Zinc stannate (Zn2SnO4), as a ternary metal oxide, is expected to be a promising candidate due to its optical properties and potential for UV-blocking capability. This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the development and characterization of Zn2SnO4 as a potential alternative UV filter to TiO2 and ZnO. The fundamental characteristics, including structural, optical, and photocatalytic characteristics, as well as cell viability, were investigated for two Zn2SnO4 morphologies: cubic aggregate Zn2SnO4 nanoparticles (ZTO CANP) and Zn2SnO4 nanoparticles (ZTO NP), which were compared with the performance of TiO2 nanoparticles (TiO2 NP) and ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NP). Interestingly, in addition to their promising UVB and partial UVA blocking properties, ZTO CANP and ZTO NP were found to be relativity photocatalytically inactive materials, which means they produce less free radical species as in the case of TiO2 NP, and they cannot be considered as toxic materials as in the case of ZnO NP. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first direct comparison study examining the performance of Zn2SnO4 ternary metal oxide for its potential use as a UV filter. Further research and optimization need to be conducted on these materials, particularly on ZTO CANP as a promising alternative UV filter. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT IMPACT STATEMENT This study investigates the development and characterization of zinc stannate (Zn2SnO4) as a potential alternative UV-blocking material for sunscreen formulations. Despite their effectiveness as UV radiation filters, TiO2 and ZnO have harmful radicals and toxicity, respectively. The study focuses on two Zn2SnO4 morphologies: cubic aggregate Zn2SnO4 nanoparticles (ZTO CANP) and Zn2SnO4 nanoparticles (ZTO NP). They showed promising UVB and partial UVA blocking. Their UV blocking range seems to be an average of the blocking profile of TiO2 and ZnO. ZTO CANP and ZTO NP are found to be photocatalytically inactive, producing less free radical species and not being toxic. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first direct comparison study examining the performance of Zn2SnO4 ternary metal oxide for its potential use as a UV filter.
Assessment of Smear Layer Formation After Caries Removal Using Erbium Laser and Papain-Based Chemo-Mechanical Caries Removal Agent: An In Vitro Scanning Electron Microscopy Study

Introduction With the advancement in the field of adhesive dentistry, there has been a significant and groundbreaking shift toward the adoption of minimally invasive caries removal techniques where substrate modification is known to enhance adhesive bonding. The smear layer has always been controversial, as its modification helps in bonding, but if contaminated with bacteria, it compromises the formation of a satisfactory marginal seal. Thus, the recognition of the role played by the smear layer highlights the importance of the type of caries removal method employed. Hence, the aim of the present study was to assess and compare smear layer formation after caries removal using an erbium laser and chemo-mechanical caries removal agent by scanning electron microscopy. Methods The study involved the evaluation of 30 extracted human molars with occlusal caries. Based on the method of caries excavation, the samples were allocated into two separate groups: group 1 - caries removed using erbium laser (Waterlase, Biolase, Lake Forest, CA); group 2 - caries removed using papain-based chemo-mechanical caries removal agent (Carie Fix, Dengen Dental, Bahadurgarh, India). To assess the smear layer, the samples underwent examination using a scanning electron microscope at 1500x and 3000x magnification after removal of caries. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 22 software (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Mann-Whitney test was used to compare the mean smear layer (nonparametric) between both groups. Results Group 1 (Er:YAG laser) showed significantly greater removal of the smear layer than group 2 (papain-based chemo-mechanical caries removal agent) on the excavated caries surfaces (p < 0.001). In group 1, the dentinal tubules exhibited greater patency when compared to the partial patency observed in group 2. Conclusion Both techniques for caries removal were effective; however, the Er:YAG laser method was determined to be more efficient in comparison to the chemo-mechanical agent. These caries removal methods can be considered the future of minimally invasive dentistry.
Direct-Acting Antiviral Drug Modulates the Mitochondrial Biogenesis in Different Tissues of Young Female Rats

(1) Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is endemic in Egypt, with the highest prevalence rate worldwide. Sofosbuvir (SOF) is a nucleos(t)ide analog that specifically inhibits HCV replication. This study aimed to explore the possible effects of the therapeutic dose of SOF on the mitochondrial biogenesis and functions of the liver, muscle, and ovarian tissues of young normal female rats. (2) Methods: This study was conducted on 20 female Wistar rats, classified into two groups, the control group and the exposed group; the latter was orally supplemented with 4 mg/kg/day of SOF for 3 months. (3) Results: The exposure to SOF impairs mitochondrial biogenesis via mitochondrial DNA copy number decline and suppressed mitochondrial biogenesis-regulated parameters at mRNA and protein levels. Also, SOF suppresses the DNA polymerase γ (POLG) expression, citrate synthase activity, and mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit-5 (ND5) content, which impairs mitochondrial functions. SOF increased lipid peroxidation and oxidative DNA damage markers and decreased tissue expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nfe2l2). (4) Conclusions: The present findings demonstrate the adverse effects of SOF on mitochondrial biogenesis and function in different tissues of young female rats, which mostly appeared in ovarian tissues.
Land-Related Issues and Small Scale Private Forestry in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania

This study aimed at exploring the land-related issues and small scale private forestry in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania. Specifically, the study determined management and conflicts over land. In methodology, the study applied a cross-section research design with both qualitative and quantitative approaches. A sample size of 100 participants were involved in the description of 80 small-scale tree growers and 20 actors (local government, NGOs and investors). Besides, data collection was done by using questionnaire and in-depth interview. Analysis for quantitative data was done descriptively, additionally inferential analysis involved a Binary regression analysis with a chi-square (X2). The qualitative data were analyzed by using a content analysis. The results indicate that land-related issues is associated by; lack of transparency in land acquisition, inadequate security tenure, weak government administration and conflicting policies. All these factors causing conflicts over land. The study concludes that land-related issues affect small scale tree growers. The study recommends that the government and other actors should add efforts to avoid land-related issues at the community level.
Development of an Attitude Scale on Activities Related to Biology and Nature for Mentally Disabled Students

The aim of this study is to develop a valid and reliable scale to determine the attitudes towards the activities that can be applied to the mentally retarded students about biology and nature. During the preparation of the draft form of the scale, an item pool was created from relevant literature. Then, these items were presented to expert opinion in terms of language, intelligibility and content. This draft scale with 30 items in 5-point Likert type was applied to 177 pre-service teachers studying in the special education department of the faculty of education at a state university. Item analysis, exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were performed for the data collected after the application. As a result of the analyses, it was revealed that the scale had a five-factor structure consisting of 20 items. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the factor structure was compatible with the data. Goodness of fit index values was sufficient. The Cronbach Alpha internal consistency coefficient of the scale was calculated as 0.89. It can be said that the scale is valid and reliable in determining the views of pre-service teachers about the activities to be applied for mentally retarded students. In addition, the scale is suitable not only for teacher candidates, but also for use by teachers and researchers. In addition, different types of samples such as students in other fields at the undergraduate level and special education teachers who take courses related to special education can be included in the study group.
La visione sistemica complessa e il milieu locale per affrontare le sfide della resilienza

The metaphor of “resilience” appeared in urban and regional planning at the end of last century as a tool to achieve sustainable cities. Scientific research, policies and actions have been recently developed on resilience as response to the challenge of climate change. The most appropriate definition of resilience related to town planning is the ecological one looking at “city system” as an organism in continuous transformation. The city acts as a living organism able to react to stressful events, natural or socio-economic, to achieve acceptable levels of efficiency. The three prevailing thematic fields on the resilience studies focus on: resilience and sustainability, resilience and adaptation, resilience and territorial risks. The challenges of resilience concern natural and social changes such as: climate change, hydro-geological risk, flood risk, coastal erosion, desertification, urban heat island, lack of primary goods (water and agricultural goods), population growth, increasing concentration of urban population, scarceness of energy resources, growing gap between rich and poor countries. Spatial Planning for resilience should adopt principles of sustainable design like: decrease of land consumption, green infrastructure, enhancement of slow mobility, protection of rural and cultural heritage, sprawl reduction, compact city models. From a theoretical point of view, the cultural approach on the resilient city has been founded on structuralism and systems theory. Moreover the concept of urban milieu represents a theoretical and operational tool for territorial analysis because it is able to recognize the qualities of resilience of an urban region, aimed to the implementation of actions and physical projects. The editorial suggests to examine scientific studies, experiences and actions on urban resilience, paying attention to the theoretical principles of systemic analysis and local milieu in order to explain the capabilities of urban regions to produce useful innovation to face the stressed events impacting on the territory.
Effect of CO2-rich Atmosphere on the Thermal Decomposition of Natural Limestone Destined to Cement Production

Cement production is a major contributor to global carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions, accounting for approximately 7% of anthropogenic CO 2 emissions worldwide. The vast majority of these emissions arise from the calcination of limestone, a key component of the cement production process. During calcination, limestone is heated to high temperatures, causing it to decompose into calcium oxide (CaO) and CO 2 . Roughly two-thirds of the CO 2 emissions during cement production arise from this process, which releases large amounts of CO 2 into the atmosphere. One way to mitigate the CO 2 footprint of cement production is through the capture and utilization of CO 2 emissions during the calcination of limestone. By capturing CO 2 during the decomposition of limestone, cement producers can reduce their overall emissions and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change. However, the effectiveness of this approach depends on a number of factors, including the partial pressure of CO 2 during the calcination process. In recent years, a new technology has emerged for the separate calcination of limestone, which involves calcining limestone in a CO 2 -rich atmosphere. This approach helps to avoid the dilution of CO 2 by combustion flue gas, enabling more efficient capture and utilization of CO 2 emissions. However, the use of a CO 2 -rich atmosphere may also have an impact on the thermal decomposition of limestone, affecting the energy balance of the process. The aim of this paper is to investigate the influence of CO 2 partial pressure on the thermal decomposition of natural limestone used in cement production. A series of experiments were conducted to measure the thermal decomposition of limestone at different CO 2 partial pressures, and thermodynamic calculations were used to model the behaviour of the system. The results showed that CO 2 shifts the onset decomposition temperature of limestone to higher values, which can have a significant impact on the energy balance of the separate calcination technology.
MAPPA cores: an interdisciplinary approach

Pag. 149 1.Introduction The creation of palaeographic maps of Pisa urban and periurban area, is preparatory to the development of the archaeological potential map and represents the next milestone of the MAPPA project. The reconstruction of ancient geographies of Pisa plain must rely on an accurate knowledge of the subsurface stratigraphic architecture, which shows the relationships between lithofacies and natural or anthropogenically forced depositional environments. Moreover, these relationships must be placed into a consistent chronostratigraphic framework to reconstruct landscape and human settlements space-time evolution. To achieve this objective, eighteen sedimentary cores were performed, integrated with other two continuous cores already drilled (see MapPapers 3) and analysed using an interdisciplinary approach, based on the contributions from experts in different disciplines (archaeologists and geologists). This collaborative research required a common effort especially in correspondence of the uppermost cored portions, characterized by a strong interaction between natural and anthropic processes. The application of geoscience methodologies in archaeology and the identification of common-action protocols among archaeologists and geologists is one of the main challenges that still interest geoarchaeology today (BUTZER 2008). The results of the interdisciplinary study of MAPPA cores are reported further on. The full integration among sedimentological-stratigraphic, geochemical, palynological, geomorphological, micropalaeontological and archaeological data allow us to reconstruct the development of the palaeoenvironmental and settlement context of twenty strategic points in Pisa.
When Autoantibodies Are Missing: The Challenge of Seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis

Seronegative rheumatoid arthritis (SNRA) is characterized by the absence of both rheumatoid factor (RF) and antibodies against the cyclic citrullinated protein (ACPA) in serum. However, the differences between the two forms of RA are more complex and have not yet been definitively characterized. Several lines of evidences support the idea that there are specific elements of the two forms, including genetic background, epidemiology, pathogenesis, severity of progression over time, and response to therapy. Clinical features that may differentiate SNRA from SPRA are also suggested by data obtained from classical radiology and newer imaging techniques. Although new evidence seems to provide additional help in differentiating the two forms of RA, their distinguishing features remain largely elusive. It should also be emphasized that the distinctive features of RA forms, if not properly recognized, can lead to the underdiagnosis of SNRA, potentially missing the period called the “window of opportunity” that is critical for early diagnosis, timely treatment, and better prognosis. This review aims to summarize the data provided in the scientific literature with the goal of helping clinicians diagnose SNRA as accurately as possible, with emphasis on the most recent findings available.
Comparative Analysis of Financial Performance before And during Covid-19 Pandemic

This study assesses the financial performance of technology sector firms listed on the IDX by utilizing various financial ratios, including Return on Assets, Total Assets Turnover, Current Ratio, Debt to Equity Ratio, and Sales Growth. The study employs a quantitative approach with multiple regression analysis, and the research relies on secondary data gathered from financial reports spanning from the third quarter of 2018 to the second quarter of 2021. The sample selection method employed purposive sampling, resulting in a sample size of nine companies. The normality of the data was assessed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov method, revealing a non-normal distribution. As a result, the non-parametric Wilcoxon Signed Rank test was applied. The findings indicate significant disparities in the financial performance of technology sector companies listed on the IDX before and during the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly in metrics such as Total Assets Turnover, Current Ratio, Debt to Equity Ratio, and Sales Growth. However, the Return on Assets variable did not significantly differ before and during the Covid-19 pandemic. These insights can be valuable for stakeholders such as investors, creditors, and regulators in comprehending the associated risks and potential impacts when considering investment or extending credit to these entities
Nanoluciferase Reporter Zika Viruses as Tools for Assessing Infection Kinetics and Antibody Potency

Zika virus (ZIKV) has become endemic in multiple tropical and subtropical regions and has the potential to become widespread in countries with limited prior exposure to this infection. One of the most concerning sequelae of ZIKV infection is the teratogenic effect on the developing fetus, with the mechanisms of viral spread to and across the placenta remaining largely unknown. Although vaccine trials and prophylactic or therapeutic treatments are being studied, there are no approved treatments or vaccines for ZIKV. Appropriate tests, including potency and in vivo assays to assess the safety and efficacy of these modalities, can greatly aid both the research of the pathophysiology of the infection and the development of anti-ZIKV therapeutics. Building on previous work, we tested reporter ZIKV variants that express nanoluciferase in cell culture and in vivo assays. We found that these variants can propagate in cells shown to be susceptible to the widely used clinical isolate PRVABC59, including Vero and human placenta cell lines. When used in neutralization assays with bioluminescence as readout, these variants gave rise to neutralization curves similar to those produced by PRVABC59, while being better suited for performing high-throughput assays. In addition, the engineered reporter variants can be useful research tools when used in other in vitro and in vivo assays, as we illustrated in transcytosis experiments and a pilot study in guinea pigs.
Evaluation of the Diurnal Cycle of Blood Pressure and Sleep in Shift Workers

Background: Circadian misalignment of physiological factors in shift workers is poorly studied in the Indian population. In the present study, 24-hour blood pressure measurements were taken on the same subject twice, once during his morning and night shifts. Sleep was also monitored by a self-reported sleep diary, which was confirmed with an activity monitor, and the sleep quality was assessed using sleep questionnaires. Objective: This study aimed to discover the pattern of blood pressure variation, the dipping and non-dipping status, and its correlation with sleep. Methodology: This observational study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh, from April 2019 to September 2019, among security guards working rotating shifts in the Rishikesh hospital premises. Participants were given an activity sheet with instructions to document their daily activities for a complete 24-hour period on the designated measurement day, including recording the time of waking up and going to sleep. A wrist-worn activity monitor was utilised to assess the self-reported sleep duration provided by each participant on the activity sheet. Results: The present study showed the mean age of the participants as 27.03 ± 2.71 years, along with a mean body mass index (BMI) of 22.10 ± 1.64. Sleep duration was significantly higher during the morning shift (5.81 ± 1.08 hours) compared to the night shift (4.02 ± 1.70 hours) on the day of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) recording. The mean difference in systolic blood pressure between night shift workers between their awake and sleep periods was 15.91 ± 8.44 mmHg. However, no statistically significant disparity was seen when comparing the systolic blood pressure at the 24-hour mark during wakefulness and sleep between those working morning and night shifts (p >0.05). Conclusion: The current study's findings indicate that participation in shift work, particularly night shift work, could potentially play a role in the emergence of irregular circadian blood pressure patterns and potentially lead to a lack of nocturnal blood pressure decline.
Dams and development in China

Tilt, Bryan. Dams and development in China : the moral economy of water and power. New York : Columbia University Press, 2015. XV-259 p. ISBN : 978-0-231-17010-9. China is home to half of the world's large dams and adds dozens more each year. The benefits are considerable: dams deliver hydropower, provide reliable irrigation water, protect people and farmland against flooding, and produce hydroelectricity in a nation with a seeimingly insatiable appetite for energy. As hydropower responds to .
Postdepositional Evolution of Platform Claystones Based on a Simulation of Thermally Induced Diffusion of Radiogenic 40Ar from Diagenetic Illite

ABSTRACT The Lower Cambrian Lontova claystones contain well crystallized authigenic 1M illite mixed with detrital 2M illite. Part of the authigenic illite probably precipitated during sedimentation and subsequently experienced a temperature up to 140°C, despite a limited burial to 500-1000 m. The difference between the Rb-Sr and K-Ar dates of this authigenic illite are attributed to preferential loss of radiogenic 40Ar induced by a short-lasting thermal pulse. This interpretation is based on an Ar-diffusion model suggesting that the Lontova blue clays were heated to around 140°C for 2-5 Myr. This thermal pulse could have occurred in relation with hot-fluid migration induced by either tectonic dislocations in the basement rocks during the Late Silurian-Early Devonian, or rifting conditions during the Permian. By comparing Rb-Sr and K-Ar data, evaluation of radiogenic 40 Ar losses by small authigenic illite particles at low temperatures could be a powerful tool for reconstruction of evolutionary histories of sedimentary successions that were either shallowly buried, or percolated by migrating fluids released during tectono-thermal activities.