Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Kinetic Modelling of Powder-Pack Boronized 4Cr5MoSiV1 Steel by Two Distinct Approaches

This work attempts to model the powder-pack boronizing kinetics of 4Cr5MoSiV1 steel in the interval of 1133 and 1253 K in order to predict the layers’ thicknesses. The first approach is referred to as the bilayer model and relies on the conservation principle of mass balance equations at the two phase fronts accounting for the linearity of boron distribution across each boride phase. The second approach deals with the application of dimensional analysis to simulate the boronizing kinetics of 4Cr5MoSiV1 steel. Using the bilayer model and the classical parabolic law, the boron activation energies in FeB and Fe2B were evaluated and discussed in light of the literature data. The estimated boron activation energies from the bilayer model were respectively equal to 164.92 and 153.39 kJ mol−1. These values were very comparable to those calculated from the classical parabolic law. Finally, it was proven that the dimensional analysis was able to simulate the layers’ thicknesses for the selected processing parameters.
Detection of Crimean–Congo Haemorrhagic Fever Virus from Livestock Ticks in Northern, Central and Southern Senegal in 2021

Crimean–Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) occurs sporadically in Senegal, with a few human cases each year. This active circulation of CCHFV motivated this study which investigated different localities of Senegal to determine the diversity of tick species, tick infestation rates in livestock and livestock infections with CCHFV. The samples were collected in July 2021 from cattle, sheep and goats in different locations in Senegal. Tick samples were identified and pooled by species and sex for CCHFV detection via RT-PCR. A total of 6135 ticks belonging to 11 species and 4 genera were collected. The genus Hyalomma was the most abundant (54%), followed by Amblyomma (36.54%), Rhipicephalus (8.67%) and Boophilus (0.75%). The prevalence of tick infestation was 92%, 55% and 13% in cattle, sheep and goats, respectively. Crimean–Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) was detected in 54/1956 of the tested pools. The infection rate was higher in ticks collected from sheep (0.42/1000 infected ticks) than those from cattle (0.13/1000), while all ticks collected from goats were negative. This study confirmed the active circulation of CCHFV in ticks in Senegal and highlights their role in the maintenance of CCHFV. It is imperative to take effective measures to control tick infestation in livestock to prevent future CCHFV infections in humans.
Mean Drift Wave Forces on Arrays of Bodies Surrounded by Thin Porous Surfaces

A semi-analytical solution is presented for the evaluation of mean drift wave forces on arrays of structures composed of impermeable vertical cylindrical bodies and surrounded by thin, porous surfaces. The porous cell is assumed to have fine pores so that a linear pressure drop can be considered. The mean drift wave forces on the array are determined via two principally different approaches: the momentum conservation theory and the direct integration of all pressure contributions upon the bodies’ instantaneous wetted surfaces. A solution method that solves the corresponding diffraction problem following the multiple scattering approach is proposed to account for the hydrodynamic interaction phenomena between the waves and the bodies. Numerical results are presented which illustrate the consistency of each of the two approaches in accurately evaluating the mean wave drift forces on several examined array configurations. It is shown that the thin, porous surface significantly reduces the drift forces on the array of bodies, whereas at specific wave frequencies, local enhancements of the forces’ values are noted due to the amplified wave field between the members of the array.
Effects of Organic Selenium and Probiotic Supplementation on the Performance of Indigenous and Crossbred Dairy Cows during Summer in the Tropics

The aim of the present study was to establish the influence of organic selenium and a yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, in combination on animal performance, physiological status, milk production and blood metabolites in indigenous and crossbred dairy cows during hot-humid climatic conditions in tropics. A total of 18 indigenous dairy cows and 18 crossbred dairy cows were divided into two groups(control and treatment) containing 9 cows each based on parity and milk yield for a period of 45 days. The control group were fed on a basal diet comprising a concentrate mix, wheat straw, and multi-cut sorghum greens, while the treatment group were offered basal rations supplemented with organic selenium (4 g/d) along with Saccharomyces cerevisiae (1010 CFU/g; 4 g/d). There were no significant changes found in feed intake, body weight and animal physiology; however, better feed efficiency was recorded in both of the treatment groups, irrespective of breed variation. There was a non-significant increase in milk yield recorded in both treatment groups in comparison with the control. Similarly, no significant effects were observed on the haemato-biochemical profile in both animal types. Hence, it can be concluded that the supplementation of organic selenium and probiotics in combination to indigenous and crossbred dairy cattle moderately improved feed efficiency and overall performance without affecting metabolic status under heat stress conditions in the tropics.
Selenium Biofortification of Lettuce Plants (Lactuca sativa L.) as Affected by Se Species, Se Rate, and a Biochar Co-Application in a Calcareous Soil

Selenium biofortification of lettuce plants was studied for two rates (5 and 10 mg kg−1 soil) of either selenate or selenite and for the effect of 5% w/w biochar addition. Lettuce seedlings were grown in pots containing 1 kg of a calcareous soil. Twelve weeks later, the plants were harvested and selenium (Se), phosphorus (P), and sulfur (S) concentrations were determined in heads and roots. Plant growth characteristics were measured and plant biometrics were assessed by NDVI, NDRE, and SPAD measurements. The highest Se concentration of 315.19 mg kg−1 D.W. and the highest amount of Se taken up by plants (950.5 μg/pot) were observed for the low selenate rate with biochar. The corresponding values for selenite treatments were an order of magnitude lower. Although in general, minor to severe toxicity symptoms occurred with selenium application in no biochar treatments (except selenite low rate), the addition of biochar secured plant growth and increased S and P concentrations in plants, regulating Se uptake by plants at high selenite rate and allowing maximum plant uptake at the low selenate rate. To propose an appropriate Se fertilization rate, the fate of excess selenates in the soil environment should be examined and experimentation under soil conditions is necessary.
Equine Crofton Weed (Ageratina spp.) Pneumotoxicity: What Do We Know and What Do We Need to Know?

Simple Summary Crofton weed toxicity, caused by Ageratina adenophora, has been recognized as a cause of fatal lung disease in horses for over a century. Despite its impact on horse health in many areas of the world, the toxic syndrome is poorly understood and understudied. This paper looks at the prior research on weed biology, the potential toxicology mechanisms, and the pathology in horses and other species, as well as the future directions to improve our understanding of this fatal toxic weed affecting horses. Abstract Crofton weed (Ageratina adenophora) is a global and highly invasive weed, with ingestion causing severe respiratory disease in horses, leading to irreversible and untreatable pulmonary fibrosis and oedema. While reports of equine pneumotoxicity remain common in Australia and New Zealand, equine pneumotoxicity may be underdiagnosed in other countries where Crofton weed is endemic but poorly differentiated. The pathogenesis of Crofton weed toxicity following ingestion has been well described in a number of different animal models, including rodents, rabbits, and goats. However, induced toxicity is organ-selective across different animal species, and these vastly differ from the pathogenesis described in horses, both clinically and after experimental exposure. Sources of variation may include species-specific susceptibility to different toxins present in the plant, different mechanistic processes of toxicity, and species differences in toxin biotransformation and bioactivation across different organs. Considering disease severity and Crofton weed’s invasiveness globally, assessing published toxicological and exposure data is necessary to advance research, identify specific toxins for horses, and possible prophylactic and therapeutic strategies. This review presents an overview of the available literature on equine toxicity, parallels between toxicity in horses and other animal species, and important aspects to be included in the future research agenda.
Profitability and Cost Analysis for Contract Broiler Production in Turkey

Simple Summary This study aims to determine the income level of contracted broiler breeders in terms of earnings and to calculate the profitability, cost, and return of contracted production. In broiler production, the contracted production model between the breeder and the integrated broiler business that supplies the product to the market is applied in Turkey as well as in the world. Broiler production is completed in 5–7 weeks in the normal process. This process may vary depending on slaughter weight, market conditions, carcass broiler weight demands of consumers, feed prices, broiler sales price, and operating conditions. However, in some periods, integrated broiler enterprises make the broiler slaughter earlier in order not to experience disruptions in product supply in the supply chain. In such cases, to determine whether broiler breeders suffer from income loss, breeding parameters were calculated as cost and net income gain in the study. The results show that the entrepreneurs generated a net income of $9.197 per m2 and $0.541 per broiler during the rearing period from broiler breeding. Despite the low earnings in contracted broiler breeding, it is continued because it allows the on-site evaluation of the workforce of family businesses engaged in breeding. Integrated broiler enterprises can procure products regularly throughout the year through contracted production. Abstract This study uses the data obtained from 63 broiler farms engaged in contract farming in Akhisar, Turkey. The average feed conversion ratio in the broiler farms is 1.75, the average live weight 2.25 kg, and the mean market age 38.9 days. The feed conversion rate and the income generated are highly correlated (r = −0.76). The production index is 313.4. According to this production index value, 47.6% of the enterprises are below the average production index. It is highest when the marketing age is greater than 38 days, less than and equal to 40. In other words, it is the optimum market age range where carcass yield is at maximum. The average mortality rate is 4.68%. In 52.4% of the enterprises, the mortality rate is above 5%. There is a low level of correlation between the mortality rate and income (r = −0.26). In broiler farming, mortality rate, and feed conversion ratio are factors that directly affect the success and income of the breeder. In broiler farming, the heating cost has the largest share of the total cost, followed by the litter cost. They are followed by labor, electricity, and pesticide costs. Variable costs account for three-quarters of the total operating costs. The farms have a mean gross value of production of $23.797 per m2 and $1.400 per broiler in a breeding period. The profit margin is 0.572 $/kg per broiler. The mean enterprise net income in the breeding period is $9.197 per m2 and $0.541 per broiler. These findings suggest that broiler farming is a profitable venture.
Mismatch Repair Protein Msh2 Is Necessary for Macronuclear Stability and Micronuclear Division in Tetrahymena thermophila

Mismatch repair (MMR) is a conserved mechanism that is primarily responsible for the repair of DNA mismatches during DNA replication. Msh2 forms MutS heterodimer complexes that initiate the MMR in eukaryotes. The function of Msh2 is less clear under different chromatin structures. Tetrahymena thermophila contains a transcriptionally active macronucleus (MAC) and a transcriptionally silent micronucleus (MIC) in the same cytoplasm. Msh2 is localized in the MAC and MIC during vegetative growth. Msh2 is localized in the perinuclear region around the MIC and forms a spindle-like structure as the MIC divides. During the early conjugation stage, Msh2 is localized in the MIC and disappears from the parental MAC. Msh2 is localized in the new MAC and new MIC during the late conjugation stage. Msh2 also forms a spindle-like structure with a meiotic MIC and mitotic gametic nucleus. MSH2 knockdown inhibits the division of MAC and MIC during vegetative growth and affects cellular proliferation. MSH2 knockdown mutants are sensitive to cisplatin treatment. MSH2 knockdown also affects micronuclear meiosis and gametogenesis during sexual development. Furthermore, Msh2 interacts with MMR-dependent and MMR-independent factors. Therefore, Msh2 is necessary for macronuclear stability, as well as micronuclear mitosis and meiosis in Tetrahymena.
RUNX Family as a Promising Biomarker and a Therapeutic Target in Bone Cancers: A Review on Its Molecular Mechanism(s) behind Tumorigenesis

Simple Summary The transcription factor RUNX family plays a crucial role in the formation of osteoblasts from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, contributing to bone development. However, emerging evidence suggests its involvement in tumor biology and cancer progression. In particular, the RUNX family has been associated with osteosarcoma by regulating factors related to tumorigenicity. As a vital molecule within the regulatory network of cancers, RUNX influences various upstream signaling pathways and downstream target molecules. Understanding the precise mechanisms underlying the development and prognosis of malignant tumors is essential. RUNX has been recognized as a potential therapeutic target for bone cancer, and further research into its role may lead to the development of new medications and improved clinical outcomes. Abstract The transcription factor runt-related protein (RUNX) family is the major transcription factor responsible for the formation of osteoblasts from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, which are involved in bone formation. Accumulating evidence implicates the RUNX family for its role in tumor biology and cancer progression. The RUNX family has been linked to osteosarcoma via its regulation of many tumorigenicity-related factors. In the regulatory network of cancers, with numerous upstream signaling pathways and its potential target molecules downstream, RUNX is a vital molecule. Hence, a pressing need exists to understand the precise process underpinning the occurrence and prognosis of several malignant tumors. Until recently, RUNX has been regarded as one of the therapeutic targets for bone cancer. Therefore, in this review, we have provided insights into various molecular mechanisms behind the tumorigenic role of RUNX in various important cancers. RUNX is anticipated to grow into a novel therapeutic target with the in-depth study of RUNX family-related regulatory processes, aid in the creation of new medications, and enhance clinical efficacy.
ACE-Inhibitory Activity of Whey Proteins Fractions Derived of Fermentation by Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG and Streptococcus thermophilus SY-102

Many studies have reported the benefits of probiotic microorganisms and the production of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Determining the proteolytic and ACE inhibition capacities during whey fermentation was the goal of the study. Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG, Streptococcus thermophilus SY-102, and both bacteria together were initially inoculated into whey, reaching an initial concentration of 108 CFU per milliliter in each fermentation system. Through the use of TNBS, SDS-PAGE, and SEC-HPLC methods, the proteolytic profile was examined. An in vitro investigation was performed to test the ACE inhibition capacity. With S. thermophilus, the logarithmic phase of microbial development was shorter than with L. rhamnosus (6 and 12 h, respectively). The logarithmic phase in the co-culture fermentation, however, was extended to 24 h. There were no significant differences in pH between the fermentations. However, the co-culture had a greater concentration of protein hydrolysis (453 ± 0.06 μg/mL), as indicated by the amount of free amino groups. Similarly, this fermentation produced more low molecular weight peptides. The higher inhibition activity, which increased at the conclusion of the fermentation with the co-culture and reached 53.42%, was influenced by the higher peptide synthesis. These findings highlighted the significance of creating useful co-culture products.
Obtention of Li3xLa2/3−xTiO3 ceramics from amorphous nanopowders by spark plasma sintering

ABSTRACT In this work, Li3xLa2/3−xTiO3 powder with nominal lithium content (x = 0.08) was synthesized by mechano synthesis method. Spark plasma sintering (SPS) was employed to prepare lithium lanthanum titanium oxide solid-state ceramic. The techniques of X-ray diffraction, high resolution scanning electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy were used to characterize the composition and microstructure of samples. The results showed that fine-grained ceramics with relative density of 95.5% were obtained by sintering the oxide powders at 1100°C for only 5 min.
Targeted c-Myc Inhibition and Systemic Temozolomide Therapy Extend Survival in Glioblastoma Xenografts

Glioblastoma is a highly aggressive disease with poor patient outcomes despite current treatment options, which consist of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. However, these strategies present challenges such as resistance development, damage to healthy tissue, and complications due to the blood–brain barrier. There is therefore a critical need for new treatment modalities that can selectively target tumor cells, minimize resistance development, and improve patient survival. Temozolomide is the current standard chemotherapeutic agent for glioblastoma, yet its use is hindered by drug resistance and severe side effects. Combination therapy using multiple drugs acting synergistically to kill cancer cells and with multiple targets can provide increased efficacy at lower drug concentrations and reduce side effects. In our previous work, we designed a therapeutic peptide (Bac-ELP1-H1) targeting the c-myc oncogene and demonstrated its ability to reduce tumor size, delay neurological deficits, and improve survival in a rat glioblastoma model. In this study, we expanded our research to the U87 glioblastoma cell line and investigated the efficacy of Bac-ELP1-H1/hyperthermia treatment, as well as the combination treatment of temozolomide and Bac-ELP1-H1, in suppressing tumor growth and extending survival in athymic mice. Our experiments revealed that the combination treatment of Bac-ELP1-H1 and temozolomide acted synergistically to enhance survival in mice and was more effective in reducing tumor progression than the single components. Additionally, our study demonstrated the effectiveness of hyperthermia in facilitating the accumulation of the Bac-ELP1-H1 protein at the tumor site. Our findings suggest that the combination of targeted c-myc inhibitory biopolymer with systemic temozolomide therapy may represent a promising alternative treatment option for glioblastoma patients.
Assessment of Nursing Students’ Awareness toward Ionizing Radiation: Cross-Sectional Study

Among healthcare workers, nurses are considered the core of healthcare auth–info services in healthcare facilities because of their responsibilities and duties toward patients. All healthcare professionals, especially nurses, must be completely knowledgeable about the hazards of ionizing radiation, and the most effective radiation protection techniques. This study assessed the attitude and awareness toward radiation protection among final-year nursing students in the Fatima College of Health Sciences (FCHS) campuses. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted between March and April 2022. A total of 200 out of 224 female participants ranging from 18 to 30 years old agreed to participate in the study. The highest percentage of final-year nursing students did not attend any radiation protection course (52%). The results of the last section of the survey indicate a lack of awareness of basic radiation protection knowledge among final-year nursing students in FCHS campuses (less than 80%). The results showed a lack of knowledge and poor attitude toward radiation hazards and radiation protection from final-year nursing students in the FCHS. Formal education about basic radiation and radiation is recommended in the nursing program for safe clinical practice.
Differential Effects of Musical Expression of Emotions and Psychological Distress on Subjective Appraisals and Emotional Responses to Music

This study aims to investigate how musical expressions of emotion and individuals’ psychological distress impact subjective ratings of emotional response and subjective appraisals, including familiarity, complexity, and preference. A sample of 123 healthy adults participated in an online survey experiment. After listening to four music excerpts with distinct musical expressions of emotional valence and arousal in a randomized sequence. Participants rated subjective emotions of energy, tension, and valence, as well as subjective appraisals, on a visual analogue scale ranging from 0 to 100. The results of repeated measures ANOVA demonstrated significant differences in emotional responses and appraisals across the ratings for different music excerpts (p > 0.01, respectively). The generalized linear mixed model results further revealed a significant main effect of musical valence on all emotional response dimensions of energy (β = −4.73 **), tension (β = 14.31 ***), valence level (β = −18.81 ***), and subjective appraisal in terms of familiarity (β = −23.06 ***), complexity (β = −6.67 ***), and preference (β = −19.54 ***). Musical arousal showed comparable results except for effects on emotional valence ratings. However, significant effects of psychological distress regarding depression, anxiety, and stress scores were only partially observed. Findings suggest that the expression of emotions through music primarily influences emotional responses and subjective appraisals, while the influence of an individual’s psychological distress level may be relatively subtle.