Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The First Evidence of Microplastics Occurrence in Greater Pipefish (Syngnathus acus Linnaetabus, 1758) in the Black Sea

Microplastics (MPs) occurrence in greater pipefish Syngnathus acus was assessed in the Black Sea for the first time. MPs were found in 21 % of total pipefish examined. MPs were mainly fibres in shape (89 %), black in colour (52 %) and 0.2- 1 mm (52 %) in size. The mean MP concentration was 0.30 mp. fish-1 (considering all the fish analysed) and was 1.38 mp. fish-1 (considering the fish that ingested them). The frequency of MP occurrence in male pipefish was higher (23.5 %) compared to females (20.7%) and immatures (16.7 %). 91.7 % of the polymers found were synthetic with the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) (29%) being the most common polymers. FTIR spectroscopy also confirmed the presence of the plastic-related compounds, butyl stearate (BS) and glyceraldehyde unnatural form (GA) in the analysed samples. Our results show that S. acus, which is an ecologically important demersal fish, is contaminated by MPs in the Black Sea and that there is an urgent assessment to better understand the environmental fate of MPs in the Black Sea and taking necessity measures to reduce the amount of plastics entering this basin.
Using DNA metabarcoding to assess insect diversity in citrus orchards

Background DNA metabarcoding is rapidly emerging as a cost-effective approach for large-scale biodiversity assessment and pest monitoring. The current study employed metabarcoding to assess insect diversity in citrus orchards in Ganzhou City, Jiangxi, China in both 2018 and 2019. Insects were sampled using Malaise traps deployed in three citrus orchards producing a total of 43 pooled monthly samples. Methods The Malaise trap samples were sequenced following DNA metabarcoding workflow. Generated sequences were curated and analyzed using two cloud databases and analytical platforms, the barcode of life data system (BOLD) and multiplex barcode research and visualization environment (mBRAVE). Results These platforms assigned the sequences to 2,141 barcode index numbers (BINs), a species proxy. Most (63%) of the BINs were shared among the three sampling sites while BIN sharing between any two sites did not exceed 71%. Shannon diversity index (H′) showed a similar pattern of BIN assortment at the three sampling sites. Beta diversity analysis by Jaccard similarity coefficient (J) and Bray-Curtis distance matrix (BC) revealed a high level of BIN similarity among the three sites (J = 0.67–0.68; BC = 0.19–0.20). Comparison of BIN records against all those on BOLD made it possible to identify 40% of the BINs to a species, 57% to a genus, 97% to a family and 99% to an order. BINs which received a species match on BOLD were placed in one of four categories based on this assignment: pest, parasitoid, predator, or pollinator. As this study provides the first baseline data on insect biodiversity in Chinese citrus plantations, it is a valuable resource for research in a broad range of areas such as pest management and monitoring beneficial insects in citrus gardens.
Examining the practice of urban governance using UN-Habitat urban governance index in Gondar city, North West Ethiopia

Abstract One of the outlining challenges of the twenty-first century is managing rapidly urbanizing cities. If managed well and guided by sound urban governance principles, cities can act as instruments of growth, and the goal of urban sustainability can be realized. On the other hand, poorly governed cities can become hubs of poverty, disparity, and conflict. Thus, this study is aimed to explore the implementation of urban governance principles in Gondar city. UN-Habitat’s Urban Governance Index (UGI) is employed as an analytical framework. UGI is a straightforward, easy, and flexible framework suited to measure the quality of urban governance practices in the local context. This study’s data included quantitative and qualitative data related to customer satisfaction in service delivery, citizen charter, access to electricity, waste management, water supply connections, pro-poor water policy, citizen involvement in decision-making, and incentives for the informal market. The result indicated that the highest values had been achieved in the effectiveness and accountability sub-indexes, with scores ranging between 0.65 and 0.56, respectively. Similarly, the lowest values have been recorded in equity and participation sub-indexes with scores between 0.44 and 0.37, respectively. The results revealed that the city still needs to implement sound governance principles. Therefore, attention should be given to implementing good urban governance principles to achieve the city we need that fits the smart city paradigm. Innovative structures with systems to implement UGI should be needed for sustainable urban development and to make our cities livable and competitive in the paradigm of sustainable cities.
Assessment and comparison of tonal noise models for Counter-Rotating Open Rotors

A hybrid method combining a three-dimensional unsteady RANS simulation of a cropped CROR at approach conditions and an acoustic analogy either based on a time formulation, an advanced-time formulation of Ffowcs-Williams and Hawkings’ analogy, or on a frequency formulation, an extension of Hanson’ s model to non compact chord length, has shown three main sources, the impacts of the front-rotor wakes on the aft-rotor, of the front-rotor tip vortex on the aft-rotor tip, and of the front-rotor hub horse-shoe vortex on the aft-rotor foot. Consequently, this study confirms that the aft-rotor is the dominant tonal noise source and has identified another potential noise source when the CROR is installed caused by the strong tip vortex of the highly-loaded clipped aft-rotor. The rotor-rotor distance should not be reduced as the potential effect is already felt on the front rotor. The influence of several numerical parameters including grid refinement, data sampling and simulation length has been evaluated on both aerodynamic and acoustic performances.
Diagnostic Findings and Surgical Management of Three Dogs Affected by Osseous Metaplasia Secondary to a Salivary Mucocele

Simple Summary A salivary mucocele is the most common disorder affecting the salivary glands. Saliva leakage from the salivary gland parenchyma and/or from associated duct damage causes a chronic inflammatory process which can occasionally result in osseous metaplasia. Dogs having an ossified sialocele present with a hard, non-fluctuating mass containing a viscous, sticky liquid at centesis. Either radiography or computed tomography can confirm the thick bone-like wall pseudocyst. Surgical excision of both the pseudocyst and the affected salivary gland represents the therapeutic gold standard in these cases. The aim of this study was to report the clinical and diagnostic findings, surgical management and histopathologic report of three cases of cervical sialocele complicated by pseudocapsule osseous metaplasia. Abstract Saliva is an irritant of the subcutaneous tissue, thus causing the development of a non-epithelial reactive pseudocapsule. Metaplastic ossification of the pseudocapsule is a condition rarely described in the veterinary literature. The main causes of calcification are trauma, tumours, various chronic inflammatory conditions and fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva. The aim of the present case series was to describe three dogs affected by a calcified salivary mucocele. The medical records of dogs affected by a cervical sialocele were retrospectively evaluated, and three cases met the inclusion criteria. All the dogs in this study were referred to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) of the Department of Veterinary Sciences of the University of Turin (Turin, Italy) for a large solid mass in the intermandibular region. The diagnosis of a mucocele was confirmed clinically by centesis and by radiography or CT. Complete excision of both the pseudocyst and the ipsilateral mandibular/monostomatic sublingual salivary gland was performed in all cases. The histological report showed large areas of bone metaplasia within the pseudocapsule and chronic sialadenitis. Based on this limited case series, complete excision of the pseudocyst and a concurrent sialoadenectomy provided an effective treatment for this rare salivary mucocele disorder.
Examining Demographics and Perceived ‘Sense of Community’ of Social Media-Based Professional Learning Communities

Social media has undoubtedly shifted the landscape of educator professional development in the 21st century. The establishment and development of identifiable professional learning communities (PLCs) like the #SSChat social studies community on Twitter enables educators to connect and collaborate with other professionals across the globe from their own mobile device. The purpose of this study was to determine the demographic features of the #SSChat members. Moreover, we sought to determine if there were any significant differences in #SSChat member’s perceived ‘Sense of Community’ (SOC) based on those demographics. No statistically significant findings were discovered. Still, the demographic data provide good discussions.
Multiplexed Host-Induced Gene Silencing of Aspergillus flavus Genes Confers Aflatoxin Resistance in Groundnut

Aflatoxins are immunosuppressive and carcinogenic secondary metabolites, produced by the filamentous ascomycete Aspergillus flavus, that are hazardous to animal and human health. In this study, we show that multiplexed host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) of Aspergillus flavus genes essential for fungal sporulation and aflatoxin production (nsdC, veA, aflR, and aflM) confers enhanced resistance to Aspergillus infection and aflatoxin contamination in groundnut (<20 ppb). Comparative proteomic analysis of contrasting groundnut genotypes (WT and near-isogenic HIGS lines) supported a better understanding of the molecular processes underlying the induced resistance and identified several groundnut metabolites that might play a significant role in resistance to Aspergillus infection and aflatoxin contamination. Fungal differentiation and pathogenicity proteins, including calmodulin, transcriptional activator-HacA, kynurenine 3-monooxygenase 2, VeA, VelC, and several aflatoxin pathway biosynthetic enzymes, were downregulated in Aspergillus infecting the HIGS lines. Additionally, in the resistant HIGS lines, a number of host resistance proteins associated with fatty acid metabolism were strongly induced, including phosphatidylinositol phosphate kinase, lysophosphatidic acyltransferase-5, palmitoyl-monogalactosyldiacylglycerol Δ-7 desaturase, ceramide kinase-related protein, sphingolipid Δ-8 desaturase, and phospholipase-D. Combined, this knowledge can be used for groundnut pre-breeding and breeding programs to provide a safe and secure food supply.
Effect of channel slope on flow characteristics of undular hydraulic jumps

Undular hydraulic jumps in sloping rectangular channels have been experimentally investigated. The upper limit of the inflow Froude number for the formation of an undular jump depends on the channel slope; if the channel slope is steeper than the critical slope. The streamwise changes of the surface profile, the bed pressure head, and the bed velocity in undular jumps have been characterized by the channel slope. The effects of channel slope on the wave height, the wave length, and the amplitude of undular jumps have been shown. Also, surface profiles of undular jumps have been compared with theoretical results proposed by Grillhofer and Schneider. The applicability of the theoretical results is discussed.
Determination of the ballistic performance ramie-fiber-reinforced epoxy composite-sic ceramic in multilayered armor system

Multilayered Armor System (MAS) is being extensively studied around the world for its ability to retain ceramic fragmentation after a collision occurs. MAS consist of a ceramic layer placed at the front and supported by a composite layer of ramie-fiber-reinforced epoxy resin. Present study utilizes natural fibers of 50 % ramie fibers with epoxy resin as the matrix and Silicon Carbide (SiC) ceramic as the front panel. The ballistic testing in this study used 7.62×51 mm NATO Ball projectile with a firing distance of 15 m from the bullet panel. The velocity of projectile was detected using LIGHT SCREEN B471 type. The aim of the study is to conclude the optimal thickness of ramie fiber-epoxy and SiC ceramics MAS structure based on experiments which can withstand 7.62 NATO ball bullet penetration. To achieve this aim, the following objectives are accomplished: study the effect of SiC ceramic addition to ramie composite on BFS and study the effect of SiC ceramic addition to ramie composite on failure mode. Results show that the addition of the number of layers of SiC increases resistance of ballistic MAS marked by a decrease in the value of BFS clay. The 5SiC+10R is the optimal thickness in resisting the penetration of 7.62×51 mm bullets with 12 mm BFS clay. Failure phenomena found in this study were projectile fragments, matrix cracks, radial cracks, impact points, and ceramic fragments. Matrix crack formation appears on 5SiC+10R with mini deformation in rear side. Phenomenon of ceramic fragmentation in the shot causes the MAS structure to be damaged, so that the ramie fiber composite layer will face the bullet directly if it is subjected to a second shot. Ultra High Hardness Armor (UHHA) as first layer on the MAS structure is an attractive option for further research.
Evaluation of Root Canal Morphology of Maxillary Second Premolars and Its Relation to Maxillary Sinus in a Saudi Arabian Population.

AIM This study aimed to evaluate the root canal anatomy of maxillary second premolars, and its relation to the maxillary sinus in a Saudi Arabian population using cone-beam computed tomography. MATERIALS AND METHODS Records of 301 patients (602 Teeth) were obtained from a Cone-beam Computed Tomography Database of the College of Dentistry, Jazan University from February 2020 to January 2022. The number of roots, root canals, and the relationship between the root apices of maxillary second premolars and the floor of the maxillary sinuses were studied. The data was recorded, tabulated, and statistically analyzed. RESULTS A majority of maxillary second premolars were single-rooted (78.74%), followed by double-rooted (20.76%) and three-rooted (0.5%). Two canals (59.1%) were seen in the majority of the examined teeth, followed by one canal (40.4%) and three canals (0.5%). The roots of the maxillary second premolars were predominantly (69.17%) outside the sinus. Nineteen percent of roots were in contact with the floor of the maxillary sinus with no significant difference between buccal and palatal roots, and around twelve percent (11.73%) of roots were inside the maxillary sinus. CONCLUSIONS The root canal system morphology of maxillary second premolars showed a wide range of anatomical variations in the Saudi Arabian population with a predominance of single roots. Most of the roots were located outside the sinus followed by in contact and then inside the sinus. Three-rooted second premolars were exceedingly rare. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE The cognizance of maxillary second premolar root canal anatomy and its relation to maxillary sinus would be a valuable affirmation for dentists of different nationalities treating the Saudi Arabian population to ensure a successful endodontic treatment.
Real-World Efficacy and Safety of Extended-Release Methylphenidate (PRC-063) in the Treatment of ADHD in Pediatric and Adult Subjects: Results of a Phase IV Multicenter Comparison With Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate

Objective: To evaluate the real-world efficacy, safety, and functional outcomes of PRC-063 (multilayer-release methylphenidate) versus lisdexamfetamine (LDX) in ADHD subjects in a phase IV, open-label study. Method: The primary endpoint was the change in the ADHD-DSM-5 Rating Scale (ADHD-5-RS) total score from baseline to Month 4. Secondary endpoints included a non-inferiority comparison between PRC-063 and LDX and measures of functioning and evening behavior. Results: One hundred forty-three pediatric and 112 adult subjects were enrolled. Mean ADHD-5-RS scores (standard deviation) were reduced in pediatric (−16.6 [10.4]) and adult (−14.8 [10.6]) subjects treated with PRC-063 (p < .001). PRC-063 was non-inferior to LDX in the pediatric population but not in the adult population. Significant improvements were demonstrated in quality of life and functionality. Both medications were well-tolerated; more adverse events led to study discontinuation in pediatric subjects treated with LDX versus PRC-063. Conclusion: PRC-063 and LDX significantly improved ADHD symptomatology and functioning and were well-tolerated.
Deep learning for the prediction of residual tumor after radiotherapy and treatment decision-making in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma based on magnetic resonance imaging

Background Concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) and induction chemotherapy (IC) plus CCRT (IC + CCRT) are the main treatments for patients with advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). We aimed to develop deep learning (DL) models using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging to predict the risk of residual tumor after each of the 2 treatments and to provide a reference for patients to select the best treatment option. Methods A retrospective study was conducted on 424 patients with locoregionally advanced NPC who underwent CCRT or IC + CCRT between June 2012 and June 2019 in the Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University. According to the evaluation of MR images taken 3 to 6 months after radiotherapy, patients were divided into 2 categories: residual tumor and non-residual tumor. Transferred U-net and Deeplabv3 neural networks were trained, and the better-performance segmentation model was used to segment the tumor area on axial T1-weighted enhanced MR images. Then, 4 pretrained neural networks for prediction of residual tumors were trained with CCRT and IC + CCRT datasets, and the performances of the models trained using each image and each patient as a unit were evaluated. Patients in the test cohort of CCRT and IC + CCRT datasets were successively classified by the trained CCRT and IC + CCRT models. Model recommendations were formed according to the classification and compared with the treatment decisions of physicians. Results The Dice coefficient of Deeplabv3 (0.752) was higher than that of U-net (0.689). The average area under the curve (aAUC) of the 4 networks was 0.728 for the CCRT and 0.828 for the IC + CCRT models trained using a single image as a unit, whereas the aAUC for models trained using each patient as a unit was 0.928 for the CCRT and 0.915 for the IC + CCRT models, respectively. The accuracy of the model recommendation and the decision of physicians was 84.06% and 60.00%, respectively. Conclusions The proposed method can effectively predict the residual tumor status of patients after CCRT and IC + CCRT. Recommendations based on the model prediction results can protect some patients from receiving additional IC and improve the survival rate of patients with NPC.
Spin torques and charge transport on the surface of topological insulator

We study various aspects of interplay between two-dimensional helical electrons, realized on the surface of a three-dimensional topological insulator, and the magnetization of a ferromagnet coupled to them. The magnetization is assumed to be perpendicular to the surface, with small transverse fluctuations $\mathbit{u}$. In the first part of this paper, we calculate spin torques that the helical electrons exert on the magnetization. Up to first orders with respect to $\mathbit{u}$, space/time derivative and electric current, we have determined all torques, which include Gilbert damping, spin renormalization, current-induced spin-orbit torques, and gradient corrections to them. Thanks to the identity between the velocity and spin in this model, these torques have exact interpretation in terms of transport phenomena, namely, diagonal conductivity, (anomalous) Hall conductivity, and corrections to them due to ordinary Hall effect on top of the anomalous one. These torque (and transport) coefficients are studied in detail with particular attention to the effects of vertex corrections and type of impurities (normal and magnetic). It is shown rigorously that the conventional current-induced torques, namely, spin-transfer torque and the so-called $\ensuremath{\beta}$ term, are absent. An electromotive force generated by spin dynamics, which is the inverse to the current-induced spin-orbit torque, is also studied. In the second part, we study the feedback effects arising as combinations of current-induced spin-orbit torques and spin-dynamics-induced electromotive force. It is demonstrated that the Gilbert damping process in this system is completely understood as a feedback effect. Another feedback effect, which may be called ``magnon-drag electrical conductivity,'' is shown to violate the exact correspondence between spin-torque and transport phenomena demonstrated in the first part.
BIBO stabilisation of Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy systems under persistent perturbations using fuzzy output-feedback controllers

Fuzzy output-feedback controllers are designed to achieve a bounded input-bounded output (bibo) stabilisation of takagi-sugeno (t-s) fuzzy systems under persistent perturbations. the designed fuzzy controllers are composed of a fuzzy observer and a static state-feedback controller, both based in the parallel distributed computation method. the design is carried out minimising the induced 1-norm of the t-s system from perturbations to controlled outputs. this design can be formulated in terms of linear matrix inequalities (lmis) and bilinear matrix inequalities (bmis), which are solved using two proposed iterative lmi (ilmi) algorithms. The designed controllers assume that all the premise variables are measurable. finally, this method is applied to an example.
Bayesian Cramér-Rao Bound Estimation With Score-Based Models

The Bayesian Cramér-Rao bound (CRB) provides a lower bound on the mean square error of any estimator in Bayesian inference under mild regularity conditions. It benchmarks the performance of statistical estimation and can also serve as a principled metric for system design and optimization. However, it is difficult to calculate the Bayesian CRB without explicit knowledge of the prior distribution. In this paper, we introduce a novel data-driven method for Bayesian CRB estimation, leveraging state-of-the-art score estimation and deep generative modeling techniques. We show that the proposed estimator is consistent and illustrate its performance in a denoising problem.