Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of adult smokers in Brazilian capitals according to socioeconomic deprivation

ABSTRACT Objective: To estimate the prevalence of adult smokers in the 26 capitals and the Federal District according to the Brazilian Deprivation Index (Índice Brasileiro de Privação – IBP). Methods: Dataset on smoking were obtained from the Surveillance of Risk and Protective Factors for Noncommunicable Diseases by Survey (Vigitel) system for the 26 capitals and the Federal District, in the period from 2010 to 2013. The IBP classifies the census sectors according to indicators such as: income less than ½ minimum wage, illiterate population and without sanitary sewage. In the North and Northeast regions, the census sectors were grouped into four categories (low, medium, high and very high deprivation) and in the South, Southeast and Midwest regions into three (low, medium and high deprivation). Prevalence estimates of adult smokers were obtained using the indirect estimation method in small areas. To calculate the prevalence ratios, Poisson models are used. Results: The positive association between prevalence and deprivation of census sector categories was found in 16 (59.3%) of the 27 cities. In nine (33.3%) cities, the sectors with the greatest deprivation had a higher prevalence of smokers when compared to those with the least deprivation, and in two (7.4%) there were no differences. In Aracaju, Belém, Fortaleza, João Pessoa, Macapá and Salvador, the prevalence of adult smokers was three times higher in the group of sectors with greater deprivation compared to those with less deprivation. Conclusion: Sectors with greater social deprivation had a higher prevalence of smoking, compared with less deprivation, pointing to social inequalities.
Earth's spin and volcanic eruptions: evidence for mutual cause‐and‐effect interactions?

The angular velocity of Earth's rotation shows decadal oscillations due to the lunisolar gravitational torque, as well as inter‐ or intra‐annual changes arising from the angular momentum exchange between the atmosphere and the solid Earth. The energies involved in the Length of Day (LOD) variations may affect the crustal deformation rate and seismic energy release on a global scale. We found significant correlation between the occurrences of major volcanic eruptions and the LOD pattern since AD 1750. On a multiyear scale, eruption frequency worldwide increases with LOD changes. Moreover, the injection of sulphur gases into the atmosphere during major eruptions is accompanied by significant inter‐annual LOD variations. This provides evidence of complex mutual cause‐and‐effect interactions: stress changes induced by multiyear variations in Earth's spin may affect climactic volcanic activity; also, the atmosphere's dynamic response to volcanic plumes may result in global changes of wind circulation and climate, with consequent LOD variations.
Voters’ disposition and the outcome of 2023 general elections in Nigeria

The paper sought to discuss the disposition of the voters as it affected the outcome of the 2023 presidential election in Nigeria. The objective was to interrogate the disposition of the voters and its impact on the presidential election. It adopted the qualitative secondary research approach as its research methodology and also relied on grounded theory strategy of inquiry. The paper utilized the rational choice theory (RCT) as its theoretical framework. It found out that the voters were highly mobilized to participate in the electoral process through effective voter education, promise to deploy technology which included INEC voter enrolment device (IVED); Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) for both voter accreditation and e-transmission of results for collation; and the INEC results viewing (IReV) portal that will offer the public access to view polling units results real-time. Although, the voters’ disposition significantly influenced the outcome of the presidential election, INEC failed to deliver on their promises and changed the rules in the middle of the exercise. It was recommended that the 2022 Amended Electoral Act be reviewed to ensure absolute use of technology to conduct and declare election results as well as embrace the use of e-voting technology utilizing e-ballot papers to allow voting from any location if duly registered, and permit diaspora voting in the democratic system in Nigeria.
Utilizing MRBQ to investigate risky rider behavior in Chinese young riders: combining the effect of Big Five personality and sensation seeking

Abstract The motorcycle rider behavior questionnaire (MRBQ) is one of the most extensively used questionnaires to explore risky rider behavior worldwide. However, whether previous research adopted other scales or other versions of MRBQ, neither of them fully cover the typicality of the risky behavior in Chinese motorcyclists. Moreover, past research investigated the MRBQ while combining the joint effect of Big Five personality (BFP) and sensation seeking lacks. Our study aims to revise the Chinese version of MRBQ in young riders and explore the relationship among BFP, sensation seeking, MRBQ, and self-reported traffic violations. 278 online participants filled out the Big Five Inventory measuring BFP, the sensation seeking scale, MRBQ items selected from previous versions in other countries, and self-reported traffic violations from the traffic management system (crashes, traffic violation frequency, penalty points, and fines). Exploratory factor analysis suggested 7 factors (safety equipment, traffic errors, speed violations, control errors, stunts, traffic violations, and safety violations), and the internal consistency reliability ranged from 0.58–0.91. The hierarchical linear regression analysis showed that agreeableness and conscientiousness in BFP negatively predicted the total MRBQ score, while openness in BFP and sensation seeking positively predicted the total MRBQ score. In addition, the Poisson regression analysis suggested that all kinds of self-reported traffic violations could be positively predicted by the total MRBQ score. Path analysis suggested the fully mediating role of sensation seeking. In conclusion, the Chinese version of the MRBQ is useful for future studies and the sensation seeking plays a mediating role between the Big Five personality and MRBQ.
HALAL-LABELED FOOD SHOPPING BEHAVIOR: THE ROLE OF IMAGE, TRUST, AND SATISFACTION WITH ATTITUDE

This research aims to examine the shopping behavior of halal-labeled food and the role of several factors in shaping consumer attitudes. Indonesia is a country with the largest Muslim population in the world, leading to high consumption of halal products. The demand for halal food continues to rise in the global market, with the halal food industry expected to reach trillions of dollars by 2027. Brand image, trust, and satisfaction are believed to influence consumer attitudes in purchasing halal-labeled food. This study employs a quantitative approach with a survey method and a questionnaire as the data collection instrument. Respondents are asked to assess variables related to shopping behavior of halal-labeled food using a Likert scale. The research findings conclude that brand image, trust, and satisfaction positively influence consumer attitudes in buying halal-labeled food. Therefore, companies need to enhance brand image, strengthen trust, and ensure customer satisfaction to improve consumer attitudes towards halal-labeled food. By optimizing these factors, consumers are expected to be more inclined to purchase and consume halal food products, thereby supporting the growth of the halal food industry in Indonesia. The managerial implications of this research suggest that companies should reinforce their brand image, enhance consumer trust, and ensure customer satisfaction to cultivate positive attitudes towards halal-labeled food products
Navigating the ERK1/2 MAPK Cascade

The RAS-ERK pathway is a fundamental signaling cascade crucial for many biological processes including proliferation, cell cycle control, growth, and survival; common across all cell types. Notably, ERK1/2 are implicated in specific processes in a context-dependent manner as in stem cells and pancreatic β-cells. Alterations in the different components of this cascade result in dysregulation of the effector kinases ERK1/2 which communicate with hundreds of substrates. Aberrant activation of the pathway contributes to a range of disorders, including cancer. This review provides an overview of the structure, activation, regulation, and mutational frequency of the different tiers of the cascade; with a particular focus on ERK1/2. We highlight the importance of scaffold proteins that contribute to kinase localization and coordinate interaction dynamics of the kinases with substrates, activators, and inhibitors. Additionally, we explore innovative therapeutic approaches emphasizing promising avenues in this field.
Shifts in biological productivity inferred from nutrient drawdown in the southern Beaufort Sea (2003–2011) and northern Baffin Bay (1997–2011), Canadian Arctic

This paper reports the first in situ evidence of change in the net biological productivity of high‐latitude western Arctic seas. Estimates of seasonal drawdown for major plant nutrients show that net community production (NCP) shifted differently in two contrasted Canadian oceanographic settings. In the stratified southeast Beaufort Sea, seasonal nitrate consumption increased 1.6‐fold between 2003–2004 and 2010–2011. The concomitant thickening of the nitrate‐depleted layer in summer/fall implies that subsurface chlorophyll maxima now consume nutrients over a larger extent of the water column. Meanwhile, nitrate consumption in the once productive North Water Polynya declined by 65% and is now nearly on par with the oligotrophic coastal Beaufort Sea. This decline is attributed to freshening and increased stratification. Commensurate changes in silicate and phosphate drawdown in the two regions indicate that diatoms drove the spatial and temporal shifts in NCP.
Relationships between Service Quality, Brand Image, Customer Satisfaction, and Customer Loyalty of UC Makassar

Economic development in recent years has been driven among others by the service industry. The fierce competitive situation has driven competing businesses to continually develop themselves to provide superior quality services and an excellent brand image to gain customer satisfaction and loyalty. This study aims to examine the relationships between service quality, brand image, customer satisfaction, and customer loyalty of UC Makassar. We collect research data from 68 students using a convenient sampling technique. We adopted the conceptual model from prior studies. PLS-SEM was conducted to test the relationships in the conceptual models. The outcomes indicate that customer satisfaction has a positive impact on customer loyalty. The findings also found that service quality positively affects brand image and customer satisfaction but not loyalty. Likewise, brand image has a positive effect on customer satisfaction but not on loyalty. The implications of this research, limitations, and directions for further research can be found below.
Homozygous C677T Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) Polymorphism as a Risk Factor for Endometriosis: A Retrospective Case–Control Study

This study was conducted to evaluate the role of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T homozygous polymorphism as a risk factor for endometriosis. A retrospective case–control study was conducted from January 2020 to December 2022 on all patients attending the gynecological outpatient clinic of our institution who had performed an MTHFR polymorphisms test. Patients with endometriosis were considered cases, while those without endometriosis were considered controls. The presence of an MTHFR C677T homozygous polymorphism was defined as exposure. Risk factors for endometriosis were considered confounders in a binomial logistic regression, with endometriosis diagnosis as the dependent variable. Among the 409 included patients, 106 (25.9%) cases and 303 (74.1%) controls were identified. A higher rate of MTHFR C677T homozygous polymorphism was found in patients with endometriosis (24.5% vs. 15.8%, p = 0.0453), with an adOR of 1.889 (95% CI 1.076–3.318, p = 0.0269) at the binomial logistic regression. A history of no previous pregnancy was associated with an endometriosis diagnosis (adOR 2.191, 95% CI 1.295–3.708, p = 0.0035). An MTHFR C677T homozygous polymorphism could be considered a risk factor for endometriosis. Epigenetic modifications may be the most important mechanism explaining the observed association through the processes of altered DNA methylation and reduced activity of antioxidant systems.
Differences in mental health outcomes for the adult population depending on their personal experience during the first months of the war in Ukraine: A cross-sectional study

: We aimed to determine differences in mental health outcomes for the adult population depending on their personal experience during the first months of the war in Ukraine. The study involved 1,257 respondents (32.3% male and 67.7% female, aged 18–61+ years). We used the Brief Resilience Scale, the Professional Hardiness Questionnaire, the General Self-Efficacy Scale, the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory—Expanded, the Short Screening Scale for DSM– IV post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the Giessen Subjective Complaints List. The obtained data showed high pressure of physical complaints and high levels of PTSD symptoms in adult Ukrainians. We found that positive mental health outcomes were significantly higher in adults with ‘Active’ personal experience during the first months of the war in Ukraine, which was shown by their significantly higher levels of four positive mental health indicators (resilience, general level of professional hardiness, self-efficacy and level of post-experience change). Negative mental health outcomes were significantly higher in adults with ‘Passive’ experience, which was shown by their significantly higher levels of two negative indicators (pressure of physical complaints and manifestations of PTSD symptoms). Our findings indicate a high need for psychological support and assistance for the Ukrainian population and show the direction of possible interventions.
Dual Implications of Nanosilver-Induced Autophagy: Nanotoxicity and Anti-Cancer Effects

In recent years, efforts have been made to identify new anti-cancer therapies. Various types of nanomaterials, including silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), are being considered as an option. In addition to its well-known antibacterial activity, AgNPs exhibit cytotoxic potential in both physiological and cancer cells by inducing stress-mediated autophagy and apoptotic cell death. A rapidly growing collection of data suggests that the proper regulation of autophagic machinery may provide an efficient tool for suppressing the development of cancer. In this light, AgNPs have emerged as a potential anti-cancer agent to support therapy of the disease. This review summarizes current data indicating the dual role of AgNP-induced autophagy and highlights factors that may influence its protective vs. its toxic potential. It also stresses that our understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of autophagy machinery in cancer cells, as well as AgNP-triggered autophagy in both normal and diseased cells, remains insufficient.
Methadone maintenance treatment is more effective than compulsory detoxification in addressing gut microbiota dysbiosis caused by heroin abuse

Introduction Heroin use disorder (HUD) is commonly accompanied by gut dysbiosis, but the roles of gut microbiota in HUD treatment, such as compulsory detoxification and methadone maintenance treatment (MMT), remain poorly understood. Methods In this study, we performed 16 s rDNA and whole metagenome sequencing to analyze the gut microbial profiles of HUD patients undergoing heroin addiction, heroin withdrawal (compulsory detoxification), and MMT. Results Our findings revealed that, compared to healthy controls, microbial diversity was significantly decreased in HUD patients who were in a state of heroin addiction and withdrawal, but not in those receiving MMT. We observed significant alterations in 10 bacterial phyla and 20 bacterial families in HUD patients, while MMT partially restored these changes. Whole metagenome sequencing indicated gut microbiota functions were significantly disrupted in HUD patients experiencing heroin addiction and withdrawal, but MMT was found to almost reverse these dysfunctions. In addition, we identified 24 featured bacteria at the genus level that could be used to effectively distinguish between healthy individuals and those with heroin addiction, heroin withdrawal, or receiving MMT. Furthermore, we found the relative abundance of Actinomyces, Turicibacter and Weissella were positively associated with the Hamilton Depression Scale score in different states of HUD patients. Discussion This study provides evidence from the gut microbiota perspective that MMT is a more effective approach than compulsory detoxification for HUD treatment.
Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy induces sex-specific dysbiosis in mice

Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy (DCM) is the most common cause of spinal cord impairment in elderly populations. It describes a spectrum of disorders that cause progressive spinal cord compression, neurological impairment, loss of bladder and bowel functions, and gastrointestinal dysfunction. The gut microbiota has been recognized as an environmental factor that can modulate both the function of the central nervous system and the immune response through the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Changes in gut microbiota composition or microbiota-producing factors have been linked to the progression and development of several pathologies. However, little is known about the potential role of the gut microbiota in the pathobiology of DCM. Here, DCM was induced in C57BL/6 mice by implanting an aromatic polyether material underneath the C5-6 laminae. The extent of DCM-induced changes in microbiota composition was assessed by 16S rRNA sequencing of the fecal samples. The immune cell composition was assessed using flow cytometry. To date, several bacterial members have been identified using BLAST against the largest collection of metagenome-derived genomes from the mouse gut. In both, female and males DCM caused gut dysbiosis compared to the sham group. However, dysbiosis was more pronounced in males than in females, and several bacterial members of the families Lachnospiraceae and Muribaculaceae were significantly altered in the DCM group. These changes were also associated with altered microbe-derived metabolic changes in propionate-, butyrate-, and lactate-producing bacterial members. Our results demonstrate that DCM causes dynamic changes over time in the gut microbiota, reducing the abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria, and lactate-producing bacteria to a lesser extent. Genome-scale metabolic modeling using gapseq successfully identified pyruvate-to-butanoate and pyruvate-to-propionate reactions involving genes such as Buk and ACH1, respectively. These results provide a better understanding of the sex-specific molecular effects of changes in the gut microbiota on DCM pathobiology.
Counter‐clockwise rotation of the eastern part of the Mongolia block: Early Cretaceous palaeomagnetic results from Bikin, Far Eastern Russia

SUMMARY We present palaeomagnetic results from Lower Cretaceous rocks in Bikin area of the Alchan basin (46.5°N, 134.7°E), Sikhote Alin orogenic belt, Far Eastern Russia. A high-temperature magnetization component with maximum unblocking temperatures at about 590°C was isolated from six sites of dacite welded tuffs in the Albian Alchanskaya Formation. The fold tests for these six sites are positive, suggesting that primary magnetization is preserved in the studied rocks. The tilt-corrected mean direction of D= 309.3°, I= 68.7° (α95= 10.1°), with a corresponding palaeopole position at 57.0°N, 76.8°E (A95= 15.1°), indicates a counter-clockwise (CCW) rotation for the studied area. CCW rotation is also indicated from west-directed declinations (D= 249.1°, I= 64.1°, α95= 11.2°) obtained from secondary magnetization of the Berriasian Kultukha Formation. Combining with the previously reported studies, the west-directed Cretaceous palaeomagnetic directions cover widely the eastern part of the Mongolia block. Comparison with 100 Ma palaeomagnetic pole for Eurasia shows that the eastern part of the Mongolia block experienced a CCW rotation of over 36° with respect to the Eurasian continent later than Late Cretaceous. This rotation is ascribed to post-Late Cretaceous extension that affected the continental basins (the Middle Amur, Sanjiang, Razdolnian, Amur-Zeya and Songliao basins) of the northeast Chinese Plain along the eastern margin of the Mongolia block. Contemporaneous with this CCW rotation, similar extension resulted in clockwise rotation of the eastern part of the North China block.
Determination of physicochemical parameters and heavy metals content of water samples from domestic and Kaduna River in Kaduna Metropolis, Kaduna State

Water is very essential for the survival of all living things both plants and animals depend on the availability of water. The aim of this work is to determine the physicochemical parameters and heavy metals content of water samples from domestic and Kaduna River in Kaduna metropolis. Standard method were used for physicochemical parameters and atomic absorption spectrophotometer were used for heavy metals of the water samples. The range of temperature (25.1±0.78°C and 27.6±0.21°C), pH value (6.30±0.29 and 8.46±0.06), turbidity (5.05±0.07m and 9.94±0.08m), the respective water conductivity were 5.95±0. 49μS/cm and 98.0±2. 82μS/cm, the TDS (4.15±0.35mg/l and 0.71±0.01mg/l), DO content recorded (1.18±0.01mg/l and 8.55±0.12mg/l), COD value were 1.08±0.11mg/l and 6.81±0.11mg/l and BOD (1.08±0.11mg/l and 6.81±0.11 mg/l) domestic and Kaduna River. In heavy metals, copper and cobalt concentrations were higher in domestic and Kaduna River water. The concentration of Zinc in domestic water (0.090±0.044ppm) was higher than that observed in Kaduna River (0.027±0.004ppm). Lead were 0.264±0.011ppm and 0.129±0.07ppm, Cadmium were 0.331±0.013ppm and 0.329±0.019ppm, respectively. The results showed that the water analyzed from domestic and Kaduna River water were within limit except chemical oxygen demand which was below, lead, cadmium and cobalt were above.
Rare Earth Elements in the Seagrass Zostera noltei and Sediments from the Black Sea Coast of Crimea

In the present work, we assessed the contents of rare earth elements (REEs), including yttrium and scandium, in rhizomes and leaves of the widespread seagrass Zostera noltei Hornemann 1832 and in the nearby sediments from the Black Sea coast. The total REE content in the sediments was found to be much higher than in Z. noltei. The order of decrease in the major REE contents in the sediments and the seagrass rhizomes was identical, except for La and Y. La was the most abundant in the sediments, and Y in the rhizomes. The contents of all REEs in rhizomes of Z. noltei were 1.5–10 times higher than in the leaves. The highest difference in the REE contents was found for the minor elements (Sm–Lu). The translocation factors for Sc and the minor elements (excluding Tb) from the sediments to the rhizomes and from the rhizomes to the leaves turned out to be pairwise equal, which indicates the similarity of the REE translocation mechanisms. Comparing our results with the literature data, it is possible to conclude that the seagrass Z. noltei does not have an advantage in the REE accumulation over marine macroalgae. At the same time, large coastal deposits of this seagrass after storms allow us to consider it as a possible source of REEs in the future.