Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cycles‐L: A Coupled, 3‐D, Land Surface, Hydrologic, and Agroecosystem Landscape Model

Managing landscapes to increase agricultural productivity and environmental stewardship can be informed by spatially‐distributed models that operate at spatial and temporal scales that are intervention‐relevant. This paper presents Cycles‐L, a landscape‐scale agroecosystem and hydrologic modeling system, using as a test case a watershed in Pennsylvania. Cycles‐L emerges from melding the landscape and hydrology structure of Flux‐PIHM, a 3‐D land surface hydrologic model, with the agroecosystem processes in the Cycles model. Consequently, Cycles‐L can simulate processes affected by topography, soil heterogeneity, and management practices, owing to its physically‐based hydrology that can simulate horizontal and vertical transport of solutes with water. The model was tested at a 730‐ha experimental watershed within the Mahantango Creek watershed. Cycles‐L simulated well stream water and mineral nitrogen discharge (Nash‐Sutcliffe coefficient 0.55 and 0.60, respectively) and grain yield (root mean square error 1.2 Mg ha−1). Cycles‐L outputs are as good or better than those obtained with the uncoupled Flux‐PIHM (water discharge) and Cycles (grain yield) models. Modeled spatial patterns of nitrogen fluxes like denitrification illustrate the combined control of crop management and topography. For example, denitrification is almost twice as high when simulated with Cycles‐L than when simulated with Cycles 1‐D. Due to its spatial and temporal resolution, Cycles‐L fills a gap in the availability of models that operate at a scale relevant to evaluate interventions in the landscape. Cycles‐L can become a central component in tools for climate change scenario analysis, precision agriculture, precision conservation, and artificial intelligence‐based decision support systems.
Multiple scattering of polarized light in uniaxial turbid media with arbitrarily oriented linear birefringence

The effective scattering Mueller matrices obtained by the simulation were simplified to the reduced matrices and factorized using the Lu-Chipman polar decomposition, which afforded the polarization parameters in two dimensions. In general, the scalar retardance around the illumination point of a pencil beam shows a broad azimuthal dependence with an offset. Photons may behave quite differently under the birefringence according to their polarization state. In contrast, when the birefringence is oriented along the y axis in the plane parallel to the surface (x-y) plane, for example, the azimuthal dependence of the scalar retardance shows clear maxima along the x and y axes and sharp valleys between the maxima. Photons propagating in the medium probably experience the retardance in nearly the same way, when they are polarized linearly and circularly. Moreover, the polarization parameters generally become nonsymmetric with respect to the plane perpendicular to both the x-y plane and the plane containing the birefringence axis, which suggests that the pathway of the lateral propagation of photons from the illumination point to the surrounding is slightly oblique upward relative to the x-y plane.
Efficacy of some compounds against Thrips tabaci Lind. infesting onion plants at Sohag Governorate, Egypt

Onion, Allium cepa L. , is one of the most valuable vegetable crops in Egypt. Thrips tabaci Lind. is the most damaging insect pest attacking onion plantations in the field. The present study was conducted at the Farm of Shandweel Agricultural Research Station, Sohag Governorate, Egypt during 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 seasons to evaluate the efficacy of some compounds against T. tabaci infesting onion plants. The effectiveness of three chemistry synthetic insecticides (emamectin benzoate, spinetoram and pyridalyl), two microbial insecticides ( Bacillus thuringiensis and Trichoderma longibrachiatum ) and two botanical extracts (garlic and chili), in addition to mineral oil against onion thrips was evaluated under field and laboratory conditions. In the field, data indicated that synthetic chemical insecticides gave higher reduction than other treatments in both seasons. Depending on the general mean, the highest reduction was observed on spinetoram in the two seasons. For safe materials, only chili extract gave reduction > 50%, with mean reduction percentage of 51.06% in 2021/2022 season. In laboratory, data clearly indicate that the tested compounds could be descendingly arranged based on LC 50 values as follows: spintoram, emamectin benzoate, pyridalyl, chilli extract, Garlic extract, Bacillus thuringensis , Trichoderama longibrachiatum , mineral oil.
X-ray diagnostics of chemical composition of the accretion disc and donor star in ultra-compact X-ray binaries

We search for the Fe Kα line in spectra of Ultra Compact X-ray Binaries (UCXBs). For this purpose we have analyzed XMM-Newton observations of five confirmed UCXBs. We find that the object 2S 0918-549 – whose optical spectrum bears tentative signatures of a C/O accretion disk – is devoid of any emission features in the 6-7keV range, with an upper limit of less than 10eV for the equivalent width (EW) of the iron line. 4U 1916-05 – whose optical spectrum is consistent with reflection from a He-rich accretion disk – exhibits a bright broad iron emission line. This behavior is in agreement with the theoretical predictions presented in Koliopanos, Gilfanov & Bildsten (2013). Namely, we expect strong suppression of the Fe Kα emission line in spectra originating in moderately bright (LogLx less than � 37.5) UCXBs with C/O or O/Ne/Mg-rich donors. On the other hand the EW of the iron line in spectra from UCXBs with He-rich donors is expected to retain its nominal value of � 100eV. Our analysis also reveals a strong Fe Kα line in the spectrum of 4U 0614+091. This detection points towards a He-rich donor and seems to be at odds with the source’s classification as C/O-rich. Nevertheless, a He-rich donor would explain the bursting activity reported for this system. Lastly, based on our theoretical predictions, we attribute the lack of a strong iron emission line – in the two remaining UCXB sources in our sample (XTE J1807-294, 4U 0513-40) – as an indication of a C/O or O/Ne/Mg white dwarf donor. From the upper limits of the Fe Kα line EW in 4U 0513-40, 2S 0918-549 and XTE J1807-294 we obtain a lower limit on the oxygen-to-iron ratio, O/Fe> 10 × [O/Fe]⊙.
Clinical Performance of Lateral Flow Assay for Cryptosporidium spp. Diagnosis

Cryptosporidium spp. is an apicomplexan protozoan parasite associated with gastroenteritis in humans. In 2018, Spain showed 1511 confirmed cases, with a growing trend since 2014. Despite this fact, Cryptosporidium spp. is not usually routinely examined when a parasitological study is ordered, although accurate diagnosis is fundamental to prevent the spread of the illness. The main objectives of the present work is to demonstrate the circulation and to study the epidemiology of cryptosporidiosis in patients who were being tested for the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. parasites in the faeces in the Metropolitan North Area of Barcelona, Maresme, and Vallés Occidental using a two-step algorithm. The stool samples were analysed using the Cryptosporidium/Giardia spp. immunochromatographic test; the positive samples were visualised under a microscope using auramine staining. The proportion of Cryptosporidium spp. cases was around 2% in the studied patients, with a pronounced seasonal incidence peak in late summer–early autumn. In our cohort, weight loss was the main symptom related to confirmed cases. The mean age of confirmed patients was 19 years old, and they were younger than the unconfirmed group. Cryptosporidium spp. is one of the parasites that currently circulate in many areas in Europe. Prevalence must be taken into account for active searching.
Social-psychological determinants of hormonal contraceptive use intentions among adolescent girls in the Bono East Region of Ghana

Introduction The correct and consistent use of hormonal contraceptive (HC) methods by sexually active adolescent girls can prevent pregnancy and avert the health and social consequences of unwanted pregnancy for both the mother and her child. Despite these benefits, research shows that HC use is rather low among adolescent girls globally and especially among those in low and middle-income countries. This study was carried out to assess the social-psychological determinants of HC use intentions among adolescent girls and young women. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1,203 young women aged 15–24 years from 70 communities within the Kintampo North Municipality and Kintampo South District in the Bono-East Region of Ghana from April 2021 to September 2021. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with the intention to use HC among the entire sample of 1,203 respondents and among two sub-samples of young women based on HC use experience. Results Attitude toward personal HC use (β = 0.268; p < 0.001), self-efficacy toward access and use of HC (β = 0.341; p < 0.001), and HC use experience (β = 0.647; p < 0.001) were found to be significant and unique correlates of HC use intention among the entire sample of adolescent girls. Attitude toward personal HC use and self-efficacy toward access and use of HC were also associated with HC use intention in the two sub samples significantly (p’s < 0.001). In addition, among participants with no HC experience, being a Christian as opposed to participants that affiliate themselves with Islam, Traditional religion or being non-religious positively predicts future HC use (β = 0.230; p < 0.01). Conclusion Our results demonstrate that different groups of adolescent girls need different interventions, focusing on different determinants for the motivation to use HC. Comprehensive sexuality education, informing all adolescent girls about the personal benefits of HC use and enhancing their skills in accessing and using HCs, can support their HC use intentions to promote their reproductive health and general wellbeing.
EFL Learners’ Comprehension of Extensive Reading Based on Higher Order Thinking Skills.

This study, conducted at a private university in Kuningan, West Java, aimed to understand the comprehension of learners based on Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) in Extensive Reading classes as well as to identify the reasons why some students find it challenging to understand reading based on HOTS in these classes. The three steps of the HOTS definition by Anderson and Krathwohl (2001) were analysis (C4), evaluation (C5), and creation (C6). The research is descriptive-qualitative, and the methods for gathering data include interviewing and observation. Second-semester students at a private university in Kuningan, West Java, served as the study's subjects. The observation's findings showed that the majority of second-semester students were capable of analyzing the information (Analyzing, C4), evaluating the text's main ideas (Evaluating, C5), and coming up with new ideas to use in other situations (Creating, C6), whether outside of the classroom or on other occasions. Moreover, based on the results of interviews with 10 students in the classroom, there were 5 main factors that affect the students’ reading comprehension based on HOTS which were: lack of vocabulary, lack of focus, lack of time, not having basic knowledge and not interesting in reading.
Perceptions of Saudi EFL Learners’ Willingness to Communicate in the Extramural Digital Context

This study aimed to investigate the factors that may impact Saudi English as a foreign language (EFL) learners’ willingness to communicate (WTC) in an extramural digital (ED) environment. To do this, 50 Saudi EFL learners from different Saudi secondary schools were interviewed. The collected data were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings of this study showed that there are three variables affecting the second language (L2) WTC of Saudi learners in the ED context: educational variables (including teacher-centred English pedagogy and use of L1 in the English classroom), contextual variables (including both familiarity with communication partners and familiarity with online communities) and Individual variables (including both L2 self-confidence and L2 anxiety). The findings of this research study contribute to achieving a better understanding of the L2 WTC of Saudi EFL learners in the ED context. Furthermore, the factors illustrated by the study findings can provide insight for teachers and policymakers in Saudi Arabia to promote the L2 WTC of Saudi EFL learners in classroom environments.
Combined Single Gene Testing and Genome Sequencing as an Effective Diagnostic Approach for Anophthalmia and Microphthalmia Patients

Anophthalmia and microphthalmia (A/M) are among the most severe congenital developmental eye disorders. Despite the advancements in genome screening technologies, more than half of A/M patients do not receive a molecular diagnosis. We included seven consanguineous families affected with A/M from Pakistani cohort and an unknown molecular basis. Single gene testing of FOXE3 was performed, followed by genome sequencing for unsolved probands in order to establish a genetic diagnosis for these families. All seven families were provided with a genetic diagnosis. The identified variants were all homozygous, classified as (likely) pathogenic and present in an A/M-associated gene. Targeted FOXE3 sequencing revealed two previously reported pathogenic FOXE3 variants in four families. In the remaining families, genome sequencing revealed a known pathogenic PXDN variant, a novel 13bp deletion in VSX2, and one novel deep intronic splice variant in PXDN. An in vitro splice assay was performed for the PXDN splice variant which revealed a severe splicing defect. Our study confirmed the utility of genome sequencing as a diagnostic tool for A/M-affected individuals. Furthermore, the identification of a novel deep intronic pathogenic variant in PXDN highlights the role of non-coding variants in A/M-disorders and the value of genome sequencing for the identification of this type of variants.
BNT162b2 Elicited an Efficient Cell-Mediated Response against SARS-CoV-2 in Kidney Transplant Recipients and Common Variable Immunodeficiency Patients

SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is the standard of care for the prevention of COVID-19 disease. Although vaccination triggers both humoral and cellular immune response, COVID-19 vaccination efficacy is currently evaluated by measuring antibodies only, whereas adaptative cellular immunity is unexplored. Our aim is to test humoral and cell-mediated response after three doses of BNT162b vaccine in two cohorts of fragile patients: Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID) patients and Kidney Transplant Recipients (KTR) patients compared to healthy donors. We enrolled 10 healthy controls (HCs), 19 CVID patients and 17 KTR patients. HC BNT162b third dose had successfully mounted humoral immune response. A positive correlation between Anti-Spike Trimeric IgG concentration and neutralizing antibody titer was also observed. CVID and KTR groups showed a lower humoral immune response compared to HCs. IFN-γ release induced by epitopes of the Spike protein in stimulated CD4+ and CD8+ T cells was similar among vaccinated HC, CVID and KTR. Patients vaccinated and infected showed a more efficient humoral and cell-mediated response compared to only vaccinated patients. In conclusion, CVID and KTR patients had an efficient cell-mediated but not humoral response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, suggesting that the evaluation of T cell responses could be a more sensitive marker of immunization in these subjects.
Clinical features and outcomes of appendiceal neuroendocrine tumours: 10 year audit from the Irish NET Centre of Excellence

Appendiceal neuroendocrine tumours (aNETs) are rare neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract often diagnosed incidentally at the time of appendicectomy. Appendicectomy is considered curative in the majority of cases but guidelines recommend right‐sided hemicolectomy (RHC) for those with specific high‐risk features despite no data supporting a survival benefit. We performed a retrospective search of multi‐disciplinary tumour board and pathology databases from 2012 to 2022 to identify cases of aNET treated at our centre. Follow‐up data were obtained from the electronic healthcare records. A total of 142 cases of aNET were included for analysis. Mean age at presentation was 34, of which 76% were female and 92% of aNETs were located in the tip/middle of the appendix; 90% were grade 1, and 93% had R0 resection. Tumour size was <1 cm in 54%, 1–2 cm in 36%, >2 cm in 9%. A total of 43 patients (30%) underwent RHC with lymph node metastases identified in 16 (37%). Lymph node metastases were associated with tumour size >2 cm (p = .008) and higher tumour grade (p = .041) on multivariate analysis. For aNET 1–2 cm, lymph node metastases were identified in 7/22 who had RHC (32%) with tumour grade the only significant risk factor (p = .046). Distant metastases were identified in 2 cases (1%), diagnosed synchronously and associated with grade 2 tumours. Overall survival for those with lymph node metastases was 100% after a median 4 years. Progression‐free survival was 93%, with a single case of disease progression associated with synchronous distant metastases at initial diagnosis. Lymph node metastases in aNET are associated with higher tumour grade and tumour size >2 cm. Disease progression in the setting of lymph node metastases is rare. The significance of lymph node metastases and need for completion RHC remains uncertain.
Analyzing Simulated Convective Bursts in Two Atlantic Hurricanes. Part I: Burst Formation and Development

AbstractUnderstanding the structure and evolution of the tropical cyclone (TC) inner core remains an elusive challenge in tropical meteorology, especially the role of transient asymmetric features such as localized strong updrafts known as convective bursts (CBs). This study investigates the formation of CBs and their role in TC structure and evolution using high-resolution simulations of two Atlantic hurricanes (Dean in 2007 and Bill in 2009) with the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model.Several different aspects of the dynamics and thermodynamics of the TC inner-core region are investigated with respect to their influence on TC convective burst development. Composites with CBs show stronger radial inflow in the lowest 2 km, and stronger radial outflow from the eye to the eyewall around z = 2–4 km, than composites without CBs. Asymmetric vorticity associated with eyewall mesovortices appears to be a major factor in some of the radial flow anomalies that lead to CB development. The anomalous outfl.
Stability of Monoclonal Antibodies as Solid Formulation for Auto-Injectors: A Pilot Study

Drug adherence is a significant medical issue, often responsible for sub-optimal outcomes during the treatment of chronic diseases such as rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis. Monoclonal antibodies (which are exclusively given parenterally) have been proven to be an effective treatment in these cases. The use of auto-injectors is an effective strategy to improve drug adherence in parenteral treatments since these pen-like devices offer less discomfort and increased user-friendliness over conventional syringe-based delivery. This study aims to investigate the feasibility of including a monoclonal antibody as a solid formulation inside an auto-injector pen. Specifically, the objective was to evaluate the drug stability after a concentration (to reduce the amount of solvent and space needed) and freeze-drying procedure. A preliminary screening of excipients to improve stability was also performed. The nano-DSC results showed that mannitol improved the stability of the concentrated, freeze-dried antibody in comparison to its counterpart without it. However, a small instability of the CH2 domain was still found for mannitol samples, which will warrant further investigation. The present results serve as a stepping stone towards advancing future drug delivery systems that will ultimately improve the patient experience and associated drug adherence.
The acceptability of homebased exercise snacking and Tai-chi snacking amongst high and low function UK and Taiwanese older adults

Introduction: Exercise “snacking” and Tai-chi ‘snacking’ protocols are designed to overcome typical barriers to older adults’ participation in muscle strength and balance exercise, using short bouts of home-based exercise. This study aimed to investigate the acceptability of homebred exercise- and Tai-chi snacking in British and Taiwanese older adults of high and low physical function. Methods: Thirty-three British and Thirty Taiwanese older adults took part in semi-structured interviews, after trying 1-week of exercise- and Tai-chi snacking. The interview schedule and deductive framework analysis was based on the seven components of the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (TFA). Differences between the Taiwanese and United Kingdom participants and those considered high versus low physical function were also analysed. Results: Both snacking regimes were found to be convenient and easy to implement. Participants reported that no activity had to be given up, and considered the programmes would be beneficial to their physical and mental health. Interestingly, more UK-based participants preferred the elegant and relaxing movements of Tai-chi snacking, yet participants with low physical function experienced difficulties when mastering Tai-chi movements. A few high physical function participants perceived exercise snacking to be tedious. Discussion: Overall, the snacking exercise was found to be acceptable and useful. Personal affective attitude and different cultural backgrounds may affect exercise participation. Nevertheless, it is important to consider individuals’ physical function when designing exercise regime. The findings indicate that making Tai-chi snacking easier to master initially, building in progression and adding some upper body movements in the exercise snacking may further enhance acceptability.