Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bona fide dendritic cells are pivotal precursors for osteoclasts

Objectives Osteoclasts (OCs) are myeloid-derived multinucleated cells uniquely able to degrade bone. However, the exact nature of their myeloid precursors is not yet defined. Methods CD11c-diphtheria toxin receptor (CD11cDTR) transgenic mice were treated with diphtheria toxin (DT) or phosphate buffered saline (PBS) during serum transfer arthritis (STA) and human tumour necrosis factor transgenic (hTNFtg) arthritis and scored clinically and histologically. We measured cytokines in synovitis by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). We performed ovariectomy in CD11cDTR mice treated with PBS or DT. We analysed CD11cDTR, CD11c-Cre/CX3CR1-STOP-DTR and Zbtb46-DTR-treated mice with DT using histomorphometry and OC of CD11c and Zbtb46 fate reporter mice by fluorescent imaging. We sorted murine and human OC precursors and stimulated them with macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) to generate OCs. Results Targeting CD11c+ cells in vivo in models of inflammatory arthritis (STA and hTNFtg) ameliorates arthritis by reducing inflammatory bone destruction and OC generation. Targeting CD11c-expressing cells in unchallenged mice removes all OCs in their long bones. OCs do not seem to be derived from CD11c+ cells expressing CX3CR1+, but from Zbtb46+conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) as all OCs in Zbtb46-Tomato fate reporter mice are Tomato+. In line, administration of DT in Zbtb46-DTR mice depletes all OCs in long bones. Finally, human CD1c-expressing cDCs readily differentiated into bone resorbing OCs. Conclusion Taken together, we identify DCs as important OC precursors in bone homeostasis and inflammation, which might open new avenues for therapeutic interventions in OC-mediated diseases.
The significance of structural rich club hubs for the processing of hierarchical stimuli

Abstract The brain's structural network follows a hierarchy that is described as rich club (RC) organization, with RC hubs forming the well‐interconnected top of this hierarchy. In this study, we tested whether RC hubs are involved in the processing of hierarchically higher structures in stimulus sequences. Moreover, we explored the role of previously suggested cortical gradients along anterior‐posterior and medial‐lateral axes throughout the frontal cortex. To this end, we conducted a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) experiment and presented participants with blocks of digit sequences that were structured on different hierarchically nested levels. We additionally collected diffusion weighted imaging data of the same subjects to identify RC hubs. This classification then served as the basis for a region of interest analysis of the fMRI data. Moreover, we determined structural network centrality measures in areas that were found as activation clusters in the whole‐brain fMRI analysis. Our findings support the previously found anterior and medial shift for processing hierarchically higher structures of stimuli. Additionally, we found that the processing of hierarchically higher structures of the stimulus structure engages RC hubs more than for lower levels. Areas involved in the functional processing of hierarchically higher structures were also more likely to be part of the structural RC and were furthermore more central to the structural network. In summary, our results highlight the potential role of the structural RC organization in shaping the cortical processing hierarchy.
A review of the mangrove floristics of India

The species composition in the mangrove habitats of India is reviewed and discussed. The review shows that Indian mangroves consist of 46 true mangrove species belonging to 14 families and 22 genera, which includes 42 species and 4 natural hybrids. In other words, about 57% of the world's mangrove species are represented in India. The East coast has 40 mangrove species belonging to 14 families and 22 genera. The West coast has 27 species belonging to 11 families and 16 genera and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANI) have 38 species belonging to 13 families and 19 genera. Among the 13 States/Union Territories having mangroves, diversity is highest in the ANI. Species namely Rhizophora × lamarckii, Lumnitzera littorea, Sonneratia ovata, S. lanceolata, S. × urama and S. × gulngai are restricted to ANI in India. In terms of mangrove diversity, India is the third richest country in the world (after Indonesia and Australia). However, a majority of the Indian mangrove habitats are now threatened by various factors such as reduction in freshwater flow, marine & coastal pollution, siltation, sedimentation and excessive salinity. Periodical floristic surveys are needed to monitor and preserve the rich mangrove plant diversity in India.
The Role of Agriculture in Economic Development and Poverty Reduction An Empirical and Conceptual Foundation

The World Bank Rural Development Family Work in Progress ii This report is one in the series of background studies prepared for the 2001 update of the World Bank's Rural Development Strategy. This series was created to disseminate findings of work in progress and to encourage the exchange of ideas among Bank staff and all others interested in development issues. This paper carries the name of the author and should be used and cited accordingly. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions are the author's own and should not attributed to the World Bank, its Board of Directors, its management, or any member countries.
Science-related populism: Conceptualization, empirical investigation, and implications for science communication (Dissertation Summary)

Populist criticism has become a significant challenge for science and science communication. Such criticism maintains that allegedly corrupt academic elites and their expertise are inferior to allegedly virtuous “ordinary people” and their common sense. It suggests that the people, rather than elites, should have authority over how “true knowledge” is produced and communicated. This dissertation provides a conceptual and empirical analysis of populist science criticism against the backdrop of science communication scholarship and practice. It develops a theoretical framework for populist demands toward science, conceptualizing them as science-related populism. It also introduces a novel measure to investigate science-related populism in surveys – the SciPop Scale – and provides empirical evidence on populist science criticism in Switzerland and beyond. Moreover, the dissertation discusses implications of science-related populism for public discourse about science as well as science communication practice and proposes ways to respond to it.
Psychological Distress During COVID-19 Confinement in Persons After Metabolic Surgery.

Background: People suffering from obesity often experience distress and psychopathological symptoms that decrease after undergoing metabolic surgery; the confinement caused by the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the whole population in this regard. Given that individuals undergoing metabolic surgery are at increased risk of developing these disorders, it is important to identify them in order to prevent or treat them appropriately. Therefore, this study aims to determine the relationship between COVID-19-related psychological distress and psychopathological symptoms in people who underwent metabolic surgery. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted including 102 participants more than six months after undergoing metabolic surgery. Sociodemographic information was collected, as well as psychological distress related to COVID-19 and psychopathological symptoms measured using the SCL-90R. A Structural Equation Model was developed to evaluate the effects and correlation between variables. Results: 90.2% of the participants were women, 84% had undergone gastric sleeve surgery while the rest had undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. The model obtained showed a significant correlation between the subscales of the SCL 90-R and COVID-19 related psychological distress and both were negatively correlated with the age of the participants. The COVID-19-related psychological distress factor had a significant effect on fear of contagion, perception and knowledge of risk of contagion, with risk perception being the most explained with 95.8% of variance explained. In addition, the final model showed adequate goodness-of-fit indicators. Conclusions: Psychological distress caused by pandemic and confinement is evidenced by higher scores on the SCL-90R instrument in persons with metabolic surgery. However, further studies and psychometric testing with more homogeneous samples in terms of sex and surgical technique are required.
Total Lightning Characteristics and Electric Structure Evolution in a Hailstorm

In this paper,total lightning data observed by SAFIR3000 3-D Lightning Locating System was combined with radar data to analyze characteristics of the lightning activity and electric structure of a hailstorm that occurred in Beijing on 31 May 2005.The results indicated that there were two active periods for the lightning activity during the hailstorm process.The hail shooting was found in the first period.After the end of the hail shooting,lightning frequency decreased suddenly.However,more active lightning activities occurred in the second period with lots of them appearing in the cloud anvil region.The peak of the lightning frequency came about 5 min prior to the hail shooting.Only 6.16%of the total lightning was cloud-to-ground(CG) lightning,among which 20%had positive polarity.This percentage was higher than that in normal thunderstorms.In addition,heavier positive CG lightning discharge occurred before rather than after the hail shooting.In the stage of the hail shooting,the electric structure of the hailstorm was inverted,with the main negative charge region located around the -40℃level and the main positive charge region around the -15℃level.In addition,a weak negative charge region existed below the positive charge region transitorily.After the hail shooting,the electric structure underwent fast and persistent adjustments and became a normal tripole,with positive charge in the upper and lower levels and negative charge in the middle levels.However,the electric structure was tilted under the influence of the westerly wind in the middle and upper levels.The lightning activity and electric structure were closely related to the dynamic and microphysical processes of the hailstorm.It was believed that severe storms with stronger updrafts were more conducive to an inverted tripolar electric structure than normal thunderstorms,and the inverted distribution could then facilitate more positive CG lightning in the severe storms.
Re-imagining assessment in higher education: Creating alternative pathways for inclusive and democratic assessments in Zambian higher education institutions

This paper interrogates emerging issues and assessment practices within higher education institutions in Zambia. It presents the reflections of a sample of lecturers and students from the country’s largest public university on their assessment experiences during and after the COVID-19 pandemic disruptions. Employing a qualitative research framework grounded in critical social theory, the study uncovers the constructions of assessment in higher education and how current assessment practices, particularly the focus on grades, undermine authentic learning experiences and learner motivation. Through in-depth interviews, participants challenge current practices and envision alternative approaches to higher education assessment that prioritize flexibility and creativity. This article gives a voice to the otherwise voiceless students and lecturers whose insights might be critical in transforming higher education assessments for student empowerment, equity, criticality, and lifelong learning.
Roper Basin burial history modelling: inferences for the timing of hydrocarbon generation

© Northern Territory Government March 2016. Copying and redistribution of this publication is permitted but the copyright notice must be kept intact and the source attributed appropriately. There has been very limited burial history modelling on the Mesoproterozoic Roper Group succession (referred to hereafter as Roper Basin); as a result the impact of major burial events and heat flow on the timing of hydrocarbon generation from the middle Velkerri Formation source rocks has been very poorly understood. Most recently, Silverman et al (2007) published burial history models for the McManus-1 and Jamison-1 wells, located in the central and northern portions of the Beetaloo Sub-basin respectively (Figure 1). Both of these models showed two burial events, one during the Mesoproterozoic associated with the deposition of the Roper Basin, and another
The Role of Digital Transformation on Marketing Performance of Bird Cages in Ajibarang with Digital Marketing as a Mediation Variable

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have an important role in increasing innovation and creativity so that they can improve economy. MSMEs can increase the community's economy by providing employment, and producing products or services needed by the community. More than 300 MSME bird cage craftsmen in the Ajibarang, who are recorded or who have not been recorded, are able to absorb labor so that they can reduce the unemployment rate. In its journey, MSMEs bird cage craftsmen in Ajibarang facing many problems, one of which was not maximizing technology in marketing. They are still using a personal selling strategy. This study aims to examine the effect of digital marketing on marketing performance. This study also eximing digital transformation is able to mediate digital marketing and marketing performance. The sample used in this study was 97 respondents with a purposive sampling technique. Based on the results of research conducted using Smart PLS, it shows that digital transformation has a positive effect on digital marketing and marketing performance. Digital marketing is able to mediate digital transformation variable and marketing performance variable. The digital transformation in Ajibarang bird cage craftsmen MSMEs, will increase their digital business marketing capabilities and will increasing marketing performance. Increasing digital transformation of the Ajibarang bird cage craftsmen MSMEs will lead to increased productivity, innovation, and creativity of MSME in facing business competition. The implication of this research is that the results of the research are able to become the resources for MSME Ajibarang bird cages in determining the right strategy to improve their marketing performance.
Psychological Capital and Work Engagement in Employees at PT. BMU Balikpapan

At its core, work engagement signifies a state in which employees exhibit their utmost performance driven by a genuine enjoyment of their tasks. Concurrently, psychological capital denotes an individual's psychological state characterized by a positive self-perception, facilitating optimal functioning. The focal point of this research lies in unraveling the interplay between psychological capital and work engagement within the workforce of PT. BMU Balikpapan. The study incorporates a quantitative approach with a sample size comprising 35 male and female employees. Employing two scales—psychological capital and work engagement—the research yields noteworthy results. The data analysis, with a significance value of 0.000 (P<0.05), unequivocally asserts a substantial positive correlation between psychological capital and work engagement among employees at PT. BMU Balikpapan. In essence, this implies that individuals possessing a heightened psychological capital are more likely to exhibit elevated levels of work engagement. The contribution of this relationship's efficacy is quantified at 8.7%, emphasizing the considerable impact of psychological well-being on the overall engagement of the workforce. These findings carry implications for organizational strategies aimed at optimizing employee performance and satisfaction. Recognizing the pivotal role of psychological capital in fostering work engagement, PT. BMU Balikpapan and similar entities are encouraged to integrate initiatives that nurture positive self-perceptions among employees, ultimately contributing to a more productive and fulfilling work environment.
Random Forests: some methodological insights

This paper examines from an experimental perspective random forests, the increasingly used statistical method for classification and regression problems introduced by Leo Breiman in 2001. It first aims at confirming, known but sparse, advice for using random forests and at proposing some complementary remarks for both standard problems as well as high dimensional ones for which the number of variables hugely exceeds the sample size. But the main contribution of this paper is twofold: to provide some insights about the behavior of the variable importance index based on random forests and in addition, to propose to investigate two classical issues of variable selection. The first one is to find important variables for interpretation and the second one is more restrictive and try to design a good prediction model. The strategy involves a ranking of explanatory variables using the random forests score of importance and a stepwise ascending variable introduction strategy.
Assessment of stability and bioactive compounds in yogurt containing novel natural starter cultures with the ability to promote longevity in Caenorhabditis elegans

Yogurt represent one of the oldest fermented foods containing viable lactic acid bacteria and many bio-active compounds that could exhibit beneficial effects on human health and train our immune system to better respond to invading pathogens. Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus are commonly used for yogurt preparation under controlled temperature and environmental conditions. In this study, we investigated probiotic features of S. thermophilus BGKMJ1-36 and L. bulgaricus BGVLJ1-21 strains isolated from artisanal sour milk and yogurt by using Caenorhabditis elegans as an in vivo model system. Further, we evaluated content of total fat, saturated fatty acids, proteins, and lactose, as well as vitamins and AA of yogurt prepared from above-mentioned starter cultures during 21 d of storage at 4°C to get insights of final product stability. We showed that S. thermophilus BGKMJ1-36 and L. bulgaricus BGVLJ1-21 strains applied in combination upregulated the expression of autophagy-related genes in C. elegans. Beside autophagy, we observed activation of TIR-1-dependent transcription of lysozyme-like antimicrobial genes involved in the immune defense of C. elegans . Upregulation of these genes strongly correlates with an increase in the longevity of the worms fed with yogurt culture bacteria. Further, we showed that yogurt prepared with S. thermophilus BGKMJ1-36 and L. bulgaricus BGVLJ1-21, as a final product, is rich with vitamin B 2 and dominant AA known by their pro-longevity properties. Taken together, our study pointed to the beneficial features of the tested starter cultures and yogurt and highlighted their potential to be used as a fermented food with added-value properties.
Comparative characteristics of Bi-and La-doped (Ca/Sr)MoO 4 -based materials with a defect scheelite-type structure

CaMoO 4 - and SrMoO 4 -based scheelite-type phases are noteworthy functional materials, whose properties strongly correlate with their structure. This work is devoted to La-or Bi-doped scheelite-type molybdates. The purpose of the present study is to quantify the effect of isolated electron pairs of bismuth on the distortion of the structure and related properties. Conventional solid-state technology was used for the synthesis of (Ca/Sr) 1 – 3 x La 2 x Ф x MoO 4 and Sr 1 – 3 x Bi 2 x Ф x MoO 4 , (0.025 ≤ x ≤ 0.275). The structure was investigated by X-ray powder diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. Rates of structure distortion were characterised by the analysis of the autocorrelation function (AAF) of Raman spectra. Energy gaps were calculated by the Kubelka-Munk method. The conductivity was studied with a.c. impedance spectroscopy. For (Ca/Sr) 1−3 x ( Bi/La) 2 x Ф x MoO 4 series 0.025 ≤ x ≤ 0.15 compositions show a basic defect scheelite structure, while 0.15 < x ≤ 0.225 compositions of Bi -doped samples exhibit tetragonal supercells. The chemical compression of unit cell is more evident in the case of Bi-doping, indicating the preferred orientation of the isolated electron pairs. The distortion of MoO 4 polyhedra showed by AAF was more significant for Sr 1−3 x Bi 2 x Ф x MoO 4 than for Sr 1−3 x La 2 x Ф x MoO 4 , the Δ corr parameters for Bi-doped compositions were almost double in comparison with La-doped one in the range of 50 – 600 cm – 1 of the Raman shift. The «critical» x = 0.15 point was also clearly indicated by Δ corr parameter. The AAF of the Raman spectra of solid oxides was shown to be a good tool for prediction of properties and points of phase transitions in solid oxides.
GIS-based multi criteria decision analysis techniques used to identify potential groundwater recharge zones in Quetta Valley, Pakistan

Many urban centres worldwide must depend on groundwater resources for domestic water supply due to less deteriorate and accessibility. The unplanned population growth and anthropogenic activ - ities has been affected the sustainability of groundwater resources globally. Quetta, the provincial headquarter of largest province of Pakistan, is facing serious issues of water scarcity, decline and less recharge. The objective of current study is to identify groundwater recharge potential zone using latest techniques of multi criteria decision analysis based on geographic information system and remote sensing applications for the Quetta Valley. The satellite images and other data sources are used to develop the thematic layers, viz., land use land cover, drainage density, lineament density, soil, rainfall, slope, geology, and geomorphology of the study area using various tools within ArcGIS. By using multicriteria decision analysis technique, the thematic layers are integrated and weighted overlay index analysis is employed to rank the parameter by its influence on groundwater recharge. Based on multi criteria decision analysis technique, the weight is allocated to each significant param - eter. The recharge zones map is categories into three categories: high, moderate, and poor zones base on groundwater recharge potential. The final map covers 48.9% high recharge area and moderate recharge area 28.2% while least recharge is observed in 22.9% area of total study area. The final map of potential groundwater recharge zone could help to suggest artificial recharge sites groundwater in the study area to sustain depleting groundwater resources which could be Urak, Balali, Jinnah Town, Killi Chiltan Lehri, Nawa Killi etc. The findings are useful for water resource development and management for provincial headquarter of biggest province of Pakistan.