Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
FORMULATION AND IMMUNOMODULATORY BIOACTIVITY TEST OF NANOPARTICLE SYRUP OF ETHANOL EXTRACT OF SUNGKAI LEAVES (Peronema canescens Jack)

Sungkai plants are beneficial immunomodulators because of the presence of flavanoid compounds that increase oxygen radicals and antibody production. Pharmaceutical preparations function as immunomodulators, typically in the form of syrups, tablets, capsules, suspensions, and emulsions. Until now, there has been no nanoparticle syrup on the market, even though nanoparticle preparations have the advantage of modifying particle size, controlling the release of active ingredients to reach the active side, protecting drugs from degradation, reducing toxicity, and minimizing side effects. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the syrup of nanoparticles in the ethanol extract of Sungkai leaves acts as an immunomodulator and the stability of the preparation during storage. The methods used were experimental in the laboratory with extraction using the maceration method. The extract obtained was formulated into a nanoparticle solution using the ionic gelation method, then formulated into FO syrup (Base syrup) and F1 syrup (Nanoparticles of ethanol extract of sungkai leaves) and then carried out transmittance tests, particle size analyzer tests, immunomodulatory tests and stability tests. The yield of the extract was 17.5%. The raw material examination of all the materials was in accordance with the literature. The particle size of the nanoparticle solution was 40 nm, that of F0 syrup was 670 nm, and that of F1 syrup was 964 nm. All syrup preparations fell into the nanoparticle size category of 10–1,000 nm. The leukocyte count of the negative control treatment (syrup base) was 5,011 cells/mm³, .
Conifer samara structure diverges across the height of the tree crown

Samara morphology, including weight, size, and wing-to-seed ratios, is an important precursor to seed dispersal, and therefore a primary driver in large-scale alien conifer invasions. Prior studies have not reported morphological differences between samaras of different cones within a tree possibly because cone position at differing crown heights has not been examined. This preliminary study investigated whether cones from different crown heights of three lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Douglas) trees differ in the morphological characteristics of their samaras. Samaras from the lower tree crown were 17% heavier on average than those from the upper crown, without any significant differences in wing loading. Cones in the upper crown produced more seeds than in the lower crown, although this was inconsistent across the small sample size. These results suggest the effects on primary seed-dispersal are negligible, but further research is needed to determine the effect on secondary seed-dispersal. Larger seeds from the lower crown are better adapted to survive in a competitive environment near other trees, while cones in the upper crown may produce more, but smaller, seeds which could infer a bet-hedging strategy when dispersing into heterogeneous environments. These results suggest canopy-height should be considered when accounting for inter-cone variation in conifers.
Pathophysiology of Overactive Bladder and Pharmacologic Treatments Including β3-Adrenoceptor Agonists -Basic Research Perspectives-

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a symptom-based syndrome defined by urinary urgency, frequency, and nocturia with or without urge incontinence. The causative pathology is diverse; including bladder outlet obstruction (BOO), bladder ischemia, aging, metabolic syndrome, psychological stress, affective disorder, urinary microbiome, localized and systemic inflammatory responses, etc. Several hypotheses have been suggested as mechanisms of OAB generation; among them, neurogenic, myogenic, and urothelial mechanisms are well-known hypotheses. Also, a series of local signals called autonomous myogenic contraction, micromotion, or afferent noises, which can occur during bladder filling, may be induced by the leak of acetylcholine (ACh) or urothelial release of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). They can be transmitted to the central nervous system through afferent fibers to trigger coordinated urgency-related detrusor contractions. Antimuscarinics, commonly known to induce smooth muscle relaxation by competitive blockage of muscarinic receptors in the parasympathetic postganglionic nerve, have a minimal effect on detrusor contraction within therapeutic doses. In fact, they have a predominant role in preventing signals in the afferent nerve transmission process. β3-adrenergic receptor (AR) agonists inhibit afferent signals by predominant inhibition of mechanosensitive Aδ-fibers in the normal bladder. However, in pathologic conditions such as spinal cord injury, it seems to inhibit capsaicin-sensitive C-fibers. Particularly, mirabegron, a β3-agonist, prevents ACh release in the BOO-induced detrusor overactivity model by parasympathetic prejunctional mechanisms. A recent study also revealed that vibegron may have 2 mechanisms of action: inhibition of ACh from cholinergic efferent nerves in the detrusor and afferent inhibition via urothelial β3-AR.
Photoinduced transport in magnetic layered structures

• A submitted manuscript is the author's version of the article upon submission and before peer-review. There can be important differences between the submitted version and the official published version of record. People interested in the research are advised to contact the author for the final version of the publication, or visit the DOI to the publisher's website. • The final author version and the galley proof are versions of the publication after peer review. • The final published version features the final layout of the paper including the volume, issue and page numbers.
Deterioration of Kidney Function Is Affected by Central Arterial Stiffness in Late Life

Cardiovascular diseases affect kidney function. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible associations between hemodynamic parameters and change in kidney function in individuals aged 75 years and older. Data on hemodynamics and blood and urine samples were collected at baseline and during one-year visits. Hemodynamics were split into two groups based on median values. Changes in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were investigated between low and high groups for each hemodynamic parameter using analysis of variance. Changes in the albumin–creatinine ratio (ACR) were examined as binary outcomes (large increase vs. stable) using logistic regression. The population consisted of 252 participants. Participants in the high central systolic blood pressure (cSBP) group had a greater decline in eGFR than participants in the low cSBP group (−6.3% vs. −2.7%, p = 0.006). Participants in the high aortic pulse wave velocity (aPWV) group had a greater decline in eGFR than those in the low aPWV group (−6.8% vs. −2.5%, p = 0.001). Other hemodynamic parameters were not associated with eGFR changes. Hemodynamics were not associated with changes in the ACR; aPWV and cSBP appear to be predictors for eGFR decline in older age; monitoring and treatment of elevated stiffness might be helpful in order to prevent kidney function decline.
Revision of North American Salamanders of the Genus Plethodon

Systematic study of the North American salamander genus Plethodon reveals three major groups in the genus, designated the western plethodons, the eastern small plethodons, and the eastern large plethodons. The western plethodons occur in the northwestern United States and adjacent Canada and include five species (vandykei, larselli, dunni, vehiculum, and elongatus) in three species groups. Five species in three species groups also comprise the eastern small plethodons. Four of these (welleri, dorsalis, cinereus, and richmondi) occur in eastern North America; the fifth (neomexicanus) is known only from the Jemez Mountains of New Mexico. The eastern large plethodons include six species (wehrlei,yonahlossee, ouachitae, caddoensis, jordani. and glutinosus) in three species groups and occur only east of the Rocky Mountains. The eastern large and small plethodons are more closely related to each other than either is to the western plethodons, but of the two, the small group appears to be closer to the Western plethodons. Special emphasis has been placed on a study of geographic variation in pigmentation and segmentation characteristics of the eastern species. The use of the trinomen to describe geographic variation has been found unsatisfactory because of nonconcordance of geographically variable characters in species formerly considered polytypic. Seven isolated allopatric populations are still recognized as subspecies because of their apparent close relationship to the nominotypical subspecies, but the taxonomic status of each is still uncertain. Some of these forms are weakly differentiated and all are in need of further study.
Coaly Source Rocks of NW Borneo: Role of Suberinite and Bituminite in Oil Generation and Expulsion

The coaly source rocks currently investigated are of Tertiary age, collected from areas of Bintulu, Sarawak and Labuan Island, East Malaysia, and Brunei-Muara, Brunei Darussalam. Much of the petroleum in the Southeast Asian region was generated from organic matter of higher plant origin deposited within a lower delta plain to prodelta setting. However, the specific nature and origin (other than being 'higher plant') of the organic matter, has not been identified. In this study, the maceral suberinite and, the associated maceral, bituminite have been recognised as the most oil-prone macerals. It was petrographically observed that subsequent to hydrocarbon generation, the suberinite-phlobaphinite framework breaks down, giving rise to liptodetrinite, fluorinite, vitrodetrinite and exsudatinite. Accumulation of disordered or disintegrated suberinitic constituents subsequently formed bituminite. These suberinitic-rich coals appear to be associated with mangrove precursors prominently within paralic and shallow marine depositional settings. It was also noted that these hydrogen-rich constituents may have been transported into relatively deeper marine environments as suggested by the presence of suberinite in turbiditic sediments from Labuan Island.
Predictors of Depression in Elderly According to Gender during COVID-19: Using the Data of 2020 Community Health Survey

Background: This study aimed to examine factors influencing depression according to gender in people during COVID-19. Methods: This study was conducted on 61,147 elderly individuals over the age of 65 who participated in the 2020 Community Health Survey (CHS). Data analysis was conducted using SAS 9.4. Results: Elderly females had a higher perceived fear of COVID-19 than males. The common factors affecting depression in elderly individuals were age, monthly income, economic activity, stress, subjective health status, and social support. Among elderly women, changes in residential areas and daily life due to COVID-19 were identified as factors affecting depression. Conclusions: Therefore, during COVID-19, it was necessary to provide customized depression relief programs for the elderly, and it was necessary to find ways for them to positively perceive their health status and increase healthcare efficacy. In the future, it is necessary to pay attention to elderly women living in rural areas and make efforts to ensure that their daily lives are not interrupted by infectious diseases.
Follow-up study of COVID-19 sequelae (FOSCO study)

ABSTRACT Introduction: We undertook the first study from India to evaluate the long-term health effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods: The patients enrolled in our post-COVID-19 clinic were followed up for assessment at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after recovery from acute disease prospectively. Results: 200 patients with mean age of 50.72 years and 57.5% males were analysed. 42.5% had severe and 17% had moderate disease at the time of diagnosis. The persistence of symptoms beyond 1 month of diagnosis was seen in 72.5% (145/200) patients. 8% (16/200) of the patients had post-COVID-19 complications that required rehospitalisation after discharge or recovery from acute COVID-19. The complications included respiratory failure (2%), lung cavities (3.5%), fungal infection, pericardial effusion, pneumothorax and death. The symptoms were persistent beyond 3 months in 51% (102/200) and beyond 6 months in 17.5% (35/200) of cases. The patients with persistent symptoms beyond 3 months and 6 months had significantly higher intensive care unit (ICU) admission during acute COVID-19, severe disease during acute COVID-19, and higher prevalence of comorbidities compared to the recovered patients. The clinical recovery was attained in 95.5% (91/200) patients, and the radiological recovery was attained in 97.92% patients at 1 year. The mean duration to clinical recovery was 174.2 days. Conclusions: COVID-19 recovery takes longer time. However, clinico-radiological recovery is attained in >95% cases by one year.
Cambro-Ordovician vs Devono-Carboniferous geodynamic evolution of the Bohemian Massif: evidence from P–T–t studies in the Orlica–Śnieżnik Dome, SW Poland

Abstract The pressure–temperature–deformation–time (P–T–d–t) record of metagranitic rocks and adjacent diverse rocks of the metavolcano-sedimentary group from the Orlica–Śnieżnik Dome (OSD) in SW Poland is examined. The study aims to better understand the course of the break-up of northern Gondwana and the overprinting Variscan tectonometamorphism in the NE Bohemian Massif. We test the existing hypotheses that explain the Cambro-Ordovician thermal event recorded in the meta-supracrustal group by (i) syn-deformational regional metamorphism or (ii) the contact metamorphism of the (meta)sedimentary rocks around the intruding ~490–500 Ma granitic magmas. In addition, we check the extent and timing of the Variscan prograde and retrograde medium-pressure metamorphism in the OSD. The results imply that Early Palaeozoic monazites, rarely preserved in both rock groups, document ~490–500 Ma volcanic and plutonic events related to the Gondwana's break-up and following disturbance of the Th–U–Pb system during younger, Variscan events. The monazite geochronology reveals no distinct Cambro-Ordovician thermal aureole around the post-granitic orthogneisses. However, no large-scale Variscan juxtaposition is evident between the two main OSD rock groups or within the meta-supracrustal rocks. Consistent P–T–d–t results for the meta-supracrustal rocks and the orthogneisses suggest that their precursors contacted before the Variscan tectonometamorphism. The directly contiguous ortho- and paragneisses together experienced tectonometamorphic processes at maximum depths that correspond to 7.5–8.0 kbar and maximum temperatures of ~600–620°C, as a result of the Variscan collision of Gondwana and Euramerica. The continental collision-related events intensified at ~360 Ma and ~330–340 Ma.
Infiltration from a strip source

This study addresses infiltration from strip sources of water on the soil surface. The problem arises as the limiting case of furrow irrigation as well as for closely spaced surface drip emitters. Previously, the most common approach used for describing flow from strip sources was numerical modeling based on Richards' equation. This work investigates a third approach borrowed from previous applications for infiltration from disc sources. The assumption is that when the cumulative infiltration is expressed per unit area of the wetted strip, the difference of that value and one‐dimensional infiltration is linear with time. We test the assumption directly by doing numerical experiments with six representative soils and using various strip widths, boundary, and initial water contents. The general conclusions are that the differences between the cumulative infiltration per unit source area for a strip and a planar source are linearly related to time but that a single value of the proportionality factor γ is generally inadequate. Values of γ are found between 0.64 and 1.16. An effort was made to relate γ to soil hydraulic parameters and strip width as well as to the boundary and initial conditions. Once γ is defined, the strip infiltration follows immediately if the corresponding one‐dimensional solution is known without the necessity of performing a two‐dimensional simulation.
Human Rights Violations in the North Korean Education System: Voices of North Korean Refugees in South Korea

Article history: Received 17 Oct 2016 Revised Dec 17 2016 Accepted Dec 26 2016 This phenomenological study examines the perspectives of North Korean refugee students studying in South Korean universities regarding human rights violations in the North Korean education system. This study focuses on the shared experiences of the participants during their past in North Korea. The participants were asked to define “human rights” and discuss their perceptions of human rights violations in the North Korean education system; furthermore, they shared their perceptions of human rights violations in present-day North Korea. Four types of data were collected including a demographic survey, a timeline of primary life events, a standardized, open-ended interview, and journal entries. Data analysis procedures included finding significant themes and statements related to human rights violations in the North Korean education system. In addition, primary themes emerged that related to the participants’ perspectives of human rights violations in present-day North Korea. These descriptions led to the overall essence of the collective experiences of the participants.
PENGARUH UKURAN PERUSAHAAN TERHADAP MANAJEMEN LABA: ANALISIS DATA PANEL

Salah satu parameter penting dalam mengukur kinerja manajemen adalah laba. Untuk menunjukan prestasi perusahaan dalam menghasilkan laba, manajemen cenderung mengelola laba secara oportunis dan melakukan manipulasi laporan keuangan. Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan tujuan untuk menganalisis pengaruh asimetri informasi, ukuran perusahaan, earnings power (EP) terhadap manajemen laba. Penelitian ini menggunakan analisis regresi data panel. Manajemen laba yang diproksi dengan discreationary accruals dihitung menggunakan model Jones. Asimetri informasi diproksi menggunakan relatif bid-ask spread. Ukuran perusahaan dihitung menggunakan total aset dan earnings power diproksi menggunakan net profit margin (NPM). Objek penelitian yang digunakan adalah perusahaan sektor properti dan real estate dari tahun 2010 sampai dengan 2014. Hasil analisis menunjukan bahwa Ukuran Perusahaan, berpengaruh terhadap Manajemen Laba. Kata kunci : Asimetri Informasi, Ukuran Perusahaan, Earnings Power, Manajemen Laba
Impacts of Saharan Dust on Atlantic Regional Climate and Implications for Tropical Cyclones

The radiative and microphysical properties of Saharan dust are believed to impact the Atlantic regional climate and tropical cyclones (TCs), but the detailed mechanism remains uncertain. In this study, atmosphere-only simulations are performed from 2002 to 2006 using the Community Atmospheric Model, version 5.1, with and without dust emission from the Sahara Desert. The Saharan dust exhibits noticeable impacts on the regional longwave and shortwave radiation, cloud formation, and the convective systems over West Africa and the tropical Atlantic. The African easterly jet and West African monsoon are modulated by dust, leading to northward shifts of the intertropical convergence zone and the TC genesis region. The dust events induce positive midlevel moisture and entropy deficit anomalies, enhancing the TC genesis. On the other hand, the increased vertical wind shear and decreased low-level vorticity and potential intensity by dust inhibit TC formation in the genesis region. The ventilation index shows a decrease in the intensification region and an increase in the genesis region by dust, corresponding to favorable and unfavorable TC activities, respectively. The comparison of nondust scenarios in 2005 and 2006 shows more favorable TC conditions in 2005 characterized by higher specific humidity and potential intensity, but lower ventilation index, wind shear, and entropy deficit. Those are attributable to the observed warmer sea surface temperature (SST) in 2005, in which dust effects can be embedded. Our results imply significant dust perturbations on the radiative budget, hydrological cycle, and large-scale environments relevant to TC activity over the Atlantic.
Sources of particulate organic nitrates in the boreal forest in Finland

1) Department of Applied Physics, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland (*corresponding author’s e-mail: hao.liqing@uef.fi) 2) Department of Environmental Science, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland 3) Department of Physics, P.O. Box 64, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland 4) Atmospheric Integrated Research, University of California, 1102 Natural Sciences 2, Irvine, CA 92697-2025, USA 5) Finnish Meteorological Institute, Research and Development, FI-00101 Helsinki, Finland 6) Aerodyne Research Inc., 45 Manning Road, Billerica, MA 01821-3976, USA
Sources of Economic Growth: An Extensive Growth Accounting Exercise

A growth accounting exercise is conducted for 88 countries for 1960-94 to examine the source of cross-country differences in total factor productivity (TFP) levels. Two differences distinguish this analysis from that of the related literature. First, the critical technology parameter – the share of physical capital in output – is econometrically estimated and the usual assumption of identical technology across regions is relaxed. Second, while the few studies on the determinants of cross-country differences in TFP have focused on growth rates of real output this analysis is on levels. Recent theoretical as well as empirical arguments point to the level of TFP as the more relevant variable to explain.
Integrated Nutrient Management in Mustard (Brassica juncea L.)

1 productivity (Anonymous, 2010). The productivity is quite lower than other developed countries mainly due to suboptimal application of fertilizers and cultivation on marginal lands. Further the quality of mustard oil and its cake is an important aspect affected greatly by mineral nutrition (Tripathi et al., 2010). The gap between production and demand of oilseeds is progressively widening, therefore, the production of oilseed is to be increased for self-sufficiency. Mustard is a major oilseed crop and its oil is consumed mainly in North India. It is mainly grown in rabi season under poor management with imbalanced fertilization. The cost of production is increasing due to high prices of inorganic fertilizers.
How the Bologna reform influenced learning outcomes: analysis of perceived qualifications and professional requirements of environmental sciences graduates

ABSTRACT In the context of the Bologna reform, the Environmental Sciences programme at ETH Zurich was transformed from a Diploma to a Master's degree programme. In a comparative secondary analysis of graduate surveys of the last homogeneous cohort of Diploma graduates (N = 85) and two Master's cohorts after the reform (N = 108), this study investigated the qualifications required by graduates in their professional activities and matched them with the level of qualification acquired at university. It concluded that graduates’ general skills meet professional requirements better after the reform. However, for two out of five domain-specific skills (knowledge of legal aspects, interdisciplinary knowledge) ratings of skill acquisition declined significantly. Nonetheless, Master's graduates showed a slight or substantial knowledge and skills advantage for seven of the eight skills of the programme's qualification profile that were addressed in the survey. The basic quality of the sustainability oriented programme has thus been maintained.