Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Harmattan Dust Characteristics using Fourier Transform-Infrared and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Method of Selected Sub-Saharan Region in African Stations

Polytechnic, Birnin Kebbi (12.4601°N, 4.4955°E), were the selected stations used in this study. The suspended Harmattan dust samples were obtained in glass petri plates using a direct deposition approach. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) were used to examine the samples collected. The results show that eleven functional groups were present in the samples, including =CH-H, - CH 3 , N-H, C=C, =C-H, C-H, O-H, C-N, C=O, C-O-C, and -CH 3 . According to GC-MS, the component (2-methoxy ethyl) had the greatest quality value (Q-Value) of 83, area percentage corresponding to time rating (RT) of 13.647, and CAS 018173-63-2 in the dust samples. It is therefore recommended that the Federal Republic of Nigeria's government increase funding for the research centers so that researchers can study all cities in the country and better observe the functional group metals present in the harmattan dust.
Inter-Rater Reliability of Collateral Status Assessment Based on CT Angiography: A Retrospective Study of Middle Cerebral Artery Ischaemic Stroke

The importance of assessing the collateral status (CS) in patients with ischaemic stroke (IS) has repeatedly been emphasised in clinical guidelines. Various publications offer qualitative or semiquantitative scales with gradations corresponding to the different extents of the collaterals, visualised mostly on the basis of CTA images. However, information on their inter-rater reliability is limited. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the inter-rater reliability of the scales for collateral assessment. CTA images of 158 patients in the acute period of IS were used in the study. The assessment of CS was performed by two experts using three methodologies: the modified Tan scale, the Miteff scale, and the Rosenthal scale. Cohen’s kappa, weighted kappa and Krippendorff’s alpha were used as reliability measures. For the modified Tan scale and the Miteff and Rosenthal scales, the weighted kappa values were 0.72, 0.49 and 0.59, respectively. Although the best measure of consistency was found for the modified Tan scale, no statistically significant differences were revealed among the scales. The impact of the CS on the degree of neurological deficit at discharge was shown for the modified Tan and Rosenthal scales. In conclusion, the analysis showed a moderate inter-rater reliability of the three scales, but was not able to distinguish the best one among them.
Responses of Stress-Tolerant Corals to Ocean Acidification

of a dissertation at the University of Miami. Dissertation supervised by Professors Peter Swart and Chris Langdon. No. of pages in text: (129) Increased atmospheric pCO2 is expected to reduce coral calcification through increased temperatures (global warming) and decreased pH (ocean acidification). Two species of corals found in Florida Bay, Solenastrea hyades and Siderastrea radians, exhibit high stress tolerance, persisting in an environment where seasonal swings in temperature and salinity often exceed tolerance limits for most other species of coral. The persistence of these two species in this marginal environment may provide insights into mechanisms of resilience to climate change stress. In other words, does tolerance to broad swings in physical environmental parameters also convey a tolerance to swings in the carbonate chemistry of Florida Bay water, which is also much broader than encountered in most coral reef environments? This dissertation combines laboratory and field studies to characterize the growth responses of stress tolerant corals to increased pCO2 across a range of temperatures. Several Caribbean species were incorporated into the laboratory studies to provide comparisons across species. The role of the environment in determining coral responses to ocean acidification was investigated, as well as the utility of determining historical conditions from coral skeletal proxies. This dissertation demonstrates 1) the potential of a coral in Florida Bay to preserve signals of water quality conditions including anomalous events in its skeleton, 2) stress-tolerant corals are still vulnerable to ocean acidification, 3) corals may face a trade-offs between calcification and stress tolerance, and 4) species-specific responses to simulated climate change (increased temperature and pCO2).
Extracting Fetal ECG Signals Through a Hybrid Technique Utilizing Two Wavelet-Based Denoising Algorithms

Developing an intelligent technique for fetal heartbeat detection to monitor the cardiac function of the fetus in the initial stages of pregnancy is crucial. In this research work, two hybrid algorithms are proposed that use a combination of recursive least square algorithm (RLS) and stationary wavelet transform (SWT) for fetal ECG extraction. The goal of this research is to enhance the fetal ECG signal, reduce noise and artifact, and accurately detect the R-peaks by employing improved spatially selective noise filtration (ISSNF) method or threshold-based denoising approach in the wavelet domain. Accurate fetal R-peak detection can provide important clinical information and aid in the diagnosis and treatment of fetal heart conditions. The primary aim is to extract a clear fetal ECG signal from the mixed abdominal signal. The abdominal signal is divided into multiscale components using SWT, with different levels of noise determining the scale of wavelet decomposition. The RLS algorithm is then utilized for removing maternal ECG components, and either ISSNF or threshold-based algorithms are employed for denoising in the wavelet domain. We evaluate the effectiveness of our proposed method using both synthetic and clinical data. Our analysis involves qualitative and quantitative measures, including visual inspection, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) computation, and QRS complex recognition. Our findings reveal that the proposed system exhibits superior performance when compared to conventional adaptive filtering techniques. The experimental results suggest that the proposed system has the potential to extract fetal ECG signals that are clear, with good SNR results and minimal disturbances.
Digital technologies in dentistry in Saudi Arabia: Perceptions, practices and challenges

Background The aim of this study was to assess practicing dentists’ characteristics and professional aspects that influence users to adopt Digital Technologies in Dentistry (DTD) in Saudi Arabia (SA). Moreover, we aimed to identify dentists’ perceived barriers and challenges and to anticipate future potential developments towards implementing DTDs in their practices in SA. Methods This analytical cross-sectional study based on a validated questionnaire was conducted using a snowball sampling technique to include a conveniently selected sample of dentists from all dental specialties currently working in SA. Results The response rate was 64% completed and returned. A statistically significantly large share of Gen X (10.1%) used digital technologies (DTs) in dental practice compared with non-digital users. 40% received sufficient postgraduate education on DT, 92% agreed that DT should be included in the undergraduate dental curriculum. However, 79% actually gained skills or knowledge on DT through workshops and formal courses. ‘Lack of practitioners’ awareness’, ‘lack of education and pioneers’ and ‘lack of clinical evidence’ were highlighted as the foremost barriers. Lower-frequency DT users believed that treating patients with DT makes treatment more predictable. Together, clinical trials and hands-on training courses can help overcome the barriers to the adoption of new dental technologies. Conclusions Exploring technology adoption and usage amongst practicing dentists allows healthcare stakeholders and policymakers to set a clear direction towards the digitalisation of the healthcare system and within healthcare organisations. The study also highlighted the foremost barriers, challenges and actions towards the adoption of DTDs.
Intentional spatial coding of responses under multiple action effect situations

COPYRIGHT © 2023 Heurley, Ferrier, Coutté and Thébault. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms. Intentional spatial coding of responses under multiple action e ect situations
COVID-19 Vaccination and Disease Course in People with Multiple Sclerosis in Greece

Over the past three years, humanity faced the abrupt spread of COVID-19, responsible for a worldwide health crisis. Initially, it was believed that individuals with chronic disorders, including multiple sclerosis, were more likely to be infected and suffer a worse degree of COVID-19 disease. Therefore, data with regard to COVID-19 disease outcomes in these populations may provide additional insight with regard to the management of chronic diseases during viral pandemics. The objective of this study is to evaluate COVID-19 disease course in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) during the COVID-19 pandemic in Greece and explore the impact of vaccination in the outcome of SARS-CoV-2 infection in this population. Anonymized data, extracted from nationwide administrative records between February 2020 and December 2021, were retrospectively analyzed in order to identify PwMS with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Demographic data, as well as data regarding COVID-19 infection and vaccination, were additionally collected. The study sample included 2351 PwMS (65.1% females, 51.2% unvaccinated at the time of infection). A total of 260 PwMS were hospitalized, while 25 PwMS died from COVID-19 disease and its complications. Older age, male sex and the presence of comorbidities were independently associated with a higher probability of hospitalization. The risk of hospitalization was decreased in PwMS receiving some disease-modifying treatments. Anti-CD20s demonstrated high odds ratios without reaching statistical significance. Regarding fatal outcome, only age reached statistical significance. Vaccination provided a significant protective effect against hospitalization but did not exhibit a statistically significant effect on mortality.
Pre-Alpine prograde evolution of the Upper Alpujarride (Betic-Rif belt) reveals a Paleotethys-related collision

ABSTRACT Medium and high grade kyanite-bearing graphitic metapelites of the basement of the Torrox Unit (Upper Alpujarride, Western Mediterranean) show kyanite-andalusite-kyanite replacements and coexisting garnet types with complex compositional zoning and growth-dissolution stages. This allows inferring two clockwise P-T paths associated with contrasted orogenic cycles of latest Carboniferous – earliest Permian and Eocene(? )-Miocene age, respectively. Dated (306 ± 77 Ma) prograde medium grade garnet cores with relatively low to moderate Ca content indicates pre-Alpine barrovian metamorphism in the kyanite stability field (ca. 600°C, 0.7–0.8 GPa). This implies a prograde pressurization of the sequence followed by decompression, as inferred from andalusite replacements after kyanite. Deeper in the sequence, anatectic granitic orthogneisses contain high-grade graphitic kyanite-bearing metapelitic restitic enclaves. Dating of rutile (with inclusions of kyanite) and monazite (shielded in biotite) from the pelitic enclaves provided pre-Alpine ages (ca. 300 Ma) rejuvenated due to Alpine overprint. Such pressurization event is not consistent with a late Variscan stage, commonly identified with a tectonic scenario characterized by orogenic collapse and decompression at ca. 300 Ma. Instead, we propose a post-Variscan collision event related to the closure of the western Paleotethys. On the other hand, Ca-rich cores of garnet porphyroblasts in the medium-grade metapelites formed at 1.1–1.2 GPa, 500°C, implying a metamorphic gradient of ca. 11.5°C/km related to Eocene (? ) subduction. Kyanite+phengite replacements after andalusite are related to this stage. Late Mg-rich Ca-poorer overgrowths in garnet porphyroblasts document increasing temperature during the first stage of decompression (down to 0.9 GPa at ca. 650°C) with increasing thermal gradient up to ca. 20°C/km. These two complete metamorphic cycles of pressurization and heating followed by decompression allow reconciling previous contradictory conclusions about the paragenetic and thermal gradient development during the Paleotethyan and Alpine cycles in different units of the Betic-Rif belt.
Embracing the Disrupted Language Teaching and Learning Field: Analyzing YouTube Content Creation Related to ChatGPT

Since late 2022, dozens of YouTube channels focusing on a diverse array of topics related to language learning with generative AI tools such as ChatGPT have rapidly emerged. This study explores the implementations and perspectives of YouTube content creators who now constitute an increasingly important segment of the ecosystem of language teaching and learning. A mixed methods netnographic approach was employed, combining qualitative and quantitative techniques. A total of 140 videos were identified and analyzed, and an in-depth content analysis was conducted to uncover underlying themes. Four main categories of creators were identified: educators, learners, technology professionals, and e-learning providers. Educators, especially English and Japanese teachers, were the majority, followed by learners and technology field professionals. This study highlights the benefits, drawbacks, and concerns associated with the integration of AI tools in language learning. By examining this rapidly evolving phenomenon, the study contributes towards an understanding of the role and impact of generative AI tools in language education.
American chestnut (Castanea dentata) habitat modeling: identifying suitable sites for restoration in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Since 2008, The American Chestnut Foundation’s (TACF) Appalachian Trail MEGA-Transect Project has engaged citizen scientists to collect American chestnut occurrence data over the length of the Appalachian Trail. This data helps TACF to locate surviving trees for use in their breeding program and expand their knowledge of chestnuts across the East Coast. However, this dataset is limiting in that it considers only the ridge-top habitat of the trail. To remedy this, we conducted an extensive sampling of side-trails in Shenandoah National Park in order to study more diverse elevation and habitat gradients. Expanding the dataset allows us to draw more informed conclusions about habitat for surviving American chestnuts. To achieve this, I developed a series of species distribution models, including GLM, CART, and Maxent models, based on field observations and spatial data of environmental variables. These predictive distribution models were then combined to generate a comprehensive map of the most likely surviving American chestnut occurrence locations across Shenandoah National Park. Additionally, projections based on future climate were made for the Maxent model to 2050 and 2070 in order to see if habitat for surviving trees might shift in the face of climate warming. Overall, the three species distribution modeling techniques tended to agree on location, but not quantity, of suitable habitat for surviving chestnuts. All models found elevation, sand, and slope to be the most significant habitat predictors in Shenandoah. Climate change models produced only subtle range shifts; as a generalist species, American chestnuts may not face adverse effects of future climate warming. Mapping these results provides valuable information to both Shenandoah National Park and TACF as they continue to search for, study, and restore American chestnuts in the Appalachian forest.
A Field Guide to the Identification of the Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) in the Arid West Region of the Western United States: A Delineation Manual

Abstract : The Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) is an approach for identifying the lateral limits of non-wetland waters However, determining whether any non-wetland water is a jurisdictional "Water of the United States" (WoUS) involves further assessment in accordance with the regulations, ease law, and clarifying guidance. In the Arid West region of the U.S., the most problematic Ordinary High Water (OHW) delineations are associated with the ephemeral/ intermittent channel forms that dominate the Arid West landscape. This report presents a method for delineating the lateral extent of the non-wetland waters in the Arid West using stream geomorphology and vegetation response to the dominant stream discharge.
A Splicing Variant in RDH8 Is Associated with Autosomal Recessive Stargardt Macular Dystrophy

Stargardt macular dystrophy is a genetic disorder, but in many cases, the causative gene remains unrevealed. Through a combined approach (whole-exome sequencing and phenotype/family-driven filtering algorithm) and a multilevel validation (international database searching, prediction scores calculation, splicing analysis assay, segregation analyses), a biallelic mutation in the RDH8 gene was identified to be responsible for Stargardt macular dystrophy in a consanguineous Italian family. This paper is a report on the first family in which a biallelic deleterious mutation in RDH8 is detected. The disease phenotype is consistent with the expected phenotype hypothesized in previous studies on murine models. The application of the combined approach to genetic data and the multilevel validation allowed the identification of a splicing mutation in a gene that has never been reported before in human disorders.
Evaluating the Impact of Seismic Activity on the Slope Stability of the Western Coast of Lefkada Island Using Remote Sensing Techniques, Geographical Information Systems, and Field Data

The current research aims to examine the long-term evolution of the western cliffs of Lefkada Island following the occurrence of the last two strong earthquakes, on 14 August 2003 and 17 November 2015, respectively. Medium resolution satellite data (Landsat) and very high-resolution data (Ikonos, Pleiades, and airphotos) were processed in Google Earth Engine and Erdas imagine software, respectively. The study area covers a 20 km-long region of the western cliffs of Lefkada Island, extending from Egremni beach to the South to Komilio beach to the North. Relief, vegetation, and inclination changes were detected in the ArcGis environment. The results were associated with in situ data provided through the installation of a sediment trap. The analysis of the results proved that seismicity is the main factor that formed the western coastline of Lefkada Island, affecting the integrity of the cliffs. Specifically, large earthquakes cause immediate vegetation and topographic (inclination changes, mass movements) modifications in the western cliffs of the island. Meanwhile, small earthquakes (magnitudes < 4.1) contribute to the cliff’s evolution during the inter-seismic era. The intensity of these aforementioned changes was closely related to the seismic activity that occurred in the vicinity of the study area. In addition, it was found that precipitation and wind do not exert a similar influence on the cliff’s evolution.
Approche geochimique du soulevement des aerosols a l'interface sol-atmosphere en zone desertique

L'objectif principal du travail presente ici est de comprendre comment les parametres dynamiques et pedologiques gouvernant l'erosion des sols des milieux arides ou semi-arides peuvent controler les compositions chimiques et mineralogiques ainsi que la repartition granulometrique des aerosols emis dans ces regions. Une etude preliminaire nous amene a definir une strategie faisant appel a l'utilisation de traceurs elementaires, mineralogiques et granulometriques pour mettre en evidence les mecanismes de mise en suspension des poussieres. L'objet de ce travail nous conduit alors a rechercher les divers types de sols sensibles a la deflation et a etablir pour chacun d'eux un bilan chimique et mineralogique dans leurs differentes fractions granulometriques. Pour chacune de ces formations aptes a fournir des aerosols, l'utilisation combinee de traceurs chimiques et mineralogiques nous permet de degager les principales especes mineralogiques susceptibles d'etre mobilisees en liaison avec la dynamique propre a chacune des fractions granulometriques. Nous indiquons les importantes implications de ces resultats sur la dynamique du soulevement et sur la composition des aerosols souleves. Nous mettons en evidence l'existence d'un fractionnement elementaire et mineral en relation avec l'intensite du soulevement. L'analyse granulometrique des traceurs de l'aerosol emis montre enfin l'existence d'un mode de particules argileuses submicroniques apparaissant lors des phases de mobilisation importante
Parp Inhibitors and Radiotherapy: A New Combination for Prostate Cancer (Systematic Review)

PARPi, in combination with ionizing radiation, has demonstrated the ability to enhance cellular radiosensitivity in different tumors. The rationale is that the exposure to radiation leads to both physical and biochemical damage to DNA, prompting cells to initiate three primary mechanisms for DNA repair. Two double-stranded DNA breaks (DSB) repair pathways: (1) non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) and (2) homologous recombination (HR); and (3) a single-stranded DNA break (SSB) repair pathway (base excision repair, BER). In this scenario, PARPi can serve as radiosensitizers by leveraging the BER pathway. This mechanism heightens the likelihood of replication forks collapsing, consequently leading to the formation of persistent DSBs. Together, the combination of PARPi and radiotherapy is a potent oncological strategy. This combination has proven its efficacy in different tumors. However, in prostate cancer, there are only preclinical studies to support it and, recently, an ongoing clinical trial. The objective of this paper is to perform a review of the current evidence regarding the use of PARPi and radiotherapy (RT) in PCa and to give future insight on this topic.
Lateral Response of Isolated Piles in Liquefied Soil with Lateral Soil Spreading

This paper provides a new analysis procedure for assessing the lateral response of an isolated pile in saturated sands as liquefaction and lateral soil spread develop in response to dynamic loading such as that generated during earthquake shaking. The phenomenon of lateral soil spread and its impact on deep foundations is still under investigation via lab and field testing. The analysis of piles in liquefied soils with lateral soil spread carries a number of challenging issues such as the evaluation of the driving force exerted by crust layer(s), the mobilized strength of the liquefied soil, and the amount of lateral soil displacement developed during the phase of lateral spread. The analytical and empirical concepts employed in the Strain Wedge (SW) model technique allow the extension of this technique to handle the sophisticated phenomenon of the lateral soil spreading that could accompany or follow the occurrence of seismic events. As a result, the p-y curve of liquefied soil with lateral spreading can be assessed based on soil and pile properties and the characteristics of the seismic event. The amount of soil lateral spreading can also be calculated to provide a representative p-y curve (i.e. a realistic pile/shaft lateral response) without using modifying parameters or shape corrections.