Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
CD105 expression in cancer-associated fibroblasts: a biomarker for bone metastasis in early invasive ductal breast cancer patients

Introduction: Bone metastasis is one of the causes that mainly decrease survival in patients with advanced breast cancer. Therefore, it is essential to find prognostic markers for the occurrence of this type of metastasis during the early stage of the disease. Currently, cancer-associated fibroblasts, which represent 80% of the fibroblasts present in the tumor microenvironment, are an interesting target for studying new biomarkers and developing alternative therapies. This study evaluated the prognostic significance of the CD105 expression in cancer-associated fibroblasts in early breast cancer patients. Methods: Immunohistochemistry was used to assess CD105 expression in invasive ductal breast carcinomas (n = 342), analyzing its association with clinical and pathological characteristics. Results: High CD105 expression in cancer-associated fibroblasts was associated with an increased risk of metastatic occurrence (p = 0.0003), particularly bone metastasis (p = 0.0005). Furthermore, high CD105 expression was associated with shorter metastasis-free survival, bone metastasis-free survival, and overall survival (p = 0.0002, 0.0006, and 0.0002, respectively). CD105 expression also constituted an independent prognostic factor for metastasis-free survival, bone metastasis-free survival, and overall survival (p = 0.0003, 0.0006, and 0.0001, respectively). Discussion: The high CD105 expression in cancer-associated fibroblasts is an independent prognostic marker for bone metastasis in early breast cancer patients. Therefore, the evaluation of CD105(+) CAFs could be crucial to stratify BCPs based on their individual risk profile for the development of BM, enhancing treatment strategies and outcomes.
Evaluation of sweet chestnut cultivars and selections into the Vâlcea area.

Sweet chestnut cultivars and selections of French and Romanian origin were planted in 1998 into a trial organized at SCDP (Fruit Growing Research - Extension Station) Vâlcea, which is located in South West of Romania, into the Oltenia Region. Several French sweet chestnut cultivars were provided by INRA-UREFV Bordeaux: 'Bournette CA 112', 'Marissard CA 122', 'Marigoule CA 15', 'Maraval CA 74', 'Marsol CA 07', 'Precoce Migoule CA 48', 'Marron Comballe CA 106', 'Bouche Rouge CA 102'. Selections like 'VL 503 H', 'VL 504 H', 'VL 530 B', 'VL 602', 'VL 603' and 'VL 604' originated into the local populations of Castanea sativa Mill. from Vâlcea area were included into this trial. The cultivars and selections were grafted on C. sativa seedlings. Evaluation of the trial was carried out during 1999-2008 period, data regarding growth and development of plants, phenology, yield, fruit characteristics and occurrence of diseases and pests was collected. Some cultivars and selections proved to have good adaptability to the local conditions, proved precocious from the point of vue coming into bearing and produced largest yields: 'Marigoule CA 15', 'Marissard CA 122', 'Bournette CA 112', 'VL 503 H', 'VL 530 B', 'Marsol CA 07'.
CROSS-HOLE SEISMIC SURVEYS: APPLICATIONS FOR STUDYING SUBSURFACE FRACTURE SYSTEMS AT A HOT DRY ROCK GEOTHEMAL SITE

The use of cross hole seismic surveys for delineating the location and size of subsurface fracture systems is investigated. The radiation pattern for P and S waves emitted by a seismic source in a borehole is derived. Experimental work in relatively homogeneous granite suggests that the derived relationship adequately describes the radiation patten for both explosive sources and acoustic transducers placed in fluid-filled boreholes. Using the above functional expressions for the S- and P-wave amplitudes, we have developed a technique to estimate Q and locate discrete fractures in crystalline rock that compose the Hot Dry Rock Geothermal Reservoir at Fenton Hill, New Mexico. To calculate Q, we measure the P- and S-wave amplitudes as a function of distance and geometrical spreading effects, and match the relative attenuation to a function of the form exp (-1R/QV) using a least-squares regression technique. For undisturbed parts of the reservoir, we obtain values of Q on the order of 160 for P waves and from 170 to 150 for S waves. Using our method we are able to detect a decrease in the average Q due to extensive fracturing following heat extraction from the Fenton Hill reservoir. We have also been able to locate discrete large-scale fractures in the reservoir by noting regions characterized by a sudden change in signal amplitude, waveform or frequency content that cannot be explained by radiation pattern effects or increases in source-receiver separation. These localized attenuating regions in the Fenton Hill Hot Dry Rock reservoir are probably open fractures. (Author)
Acceptance of Solar Technology by Enterprises in the Mekong Delta Region, Vietnam

Objective: This study aims to demonstrate the influencing factors of solar technology acceptance by enterprises in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Method: The research data were collected using the quota sampling method, with a sample size of 292 active businesses in the Mekong Delta: Can Tho City (80 enterprises), Long An Province (77 enterprises), Tien Giang Province (68 enterprises), and Kien Giang Province (67 enterprises). The collected data will be processed using SPSS and AMOS software. The quantitative analyses employed to test the research hypotheses include a reliability test by Cronbach's alpha, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and structural equation modeling (SEM). Results: The study has identified five factors that positively influence the intention to use solar technology by businesses, including effort expectancy, performance expectancy, social influence, hedonic motivation, and facilitating conditions. Additionally, the study has shown the significant and decisive impact of intention to use on the behavior of using solar technology. Conclusions: The research findings further validate the suitability of the UTAUT in the field of renewable energy technology. The research results will provide important scientific materials for business managers in the solar energy field and researchers studying the acceptance of solar energy technology.
ASSESSMENT OF CONCEPTUAL UNDERSTANDING IN STUDENT LEARNING OF MOON PHASES

Many research studies have shown that lower-secondary school students’ scientific literacy depends on their understanding of corresponding scientific concepts. Therefore, it is of great significance to model and assess students’ conceptual understanding in learning specific scientific concepts, because it can reflect and diagnose students’ cognitive characteristics, so as to provide evidence for targeted educational interventions. However, on the topic of Moon Phases, existing research studies have deficiencies in the evaluation and analysis of different levels of students’ conceptual understanding, which restrict teachers to take effective educational interventions to help them. Thus, this study explored a new level division and an assessment test for revealing and explaining students’ different conceptual understanding in learning Moon Phases. This study was conducted among 768 Chinese lower-secondary school students. Through a variety of quantitative and qualitative analyses, it was found that students’ conceptual understanding of Moon Phases can be divided into three levels of continuous improvement, including the mechanical memory of different phenomena of moon phases, the formation of a preliminary mental model of Moon Phases, and the construction of a complete mental model of Moon Phases. Accordingly, this study made some precise suggestions for effectively improving students’ conceptual understanding of Moon Phases. Keywords: assessment of conceptual understanding, level division, Moon Phases, quantitative analysis, qualitative analysis
Predictive Analysis of Road Traffic Accidents in Katsina State, Nigeria Using Machine Learning Algorithms: A Study on Factors and Mitigation Strategies

This study aims to explore the use of machine learning algorithms in predicting the likelihood of road traffic accidents in Katsina State, Nigeria, with the goal of reducing the high rate of road traffic accidents and associated loss of lives and properties. The study collects and analyzes data on road traffic accidents in Katsina State, including the number of accidents, location, time of day, and the type of vehicles involved. Machine learning algorithms such as Decision Trees, Random Forest, and K-Nearest Neighbors, are trained using the data to predict the likelihood of road traffic accidents. The study also identifies the factors that contribute to road traffic accidents in Katsina State by using techniques such as feature selection and correlation analysis, to identify the most important variables. The findings can be used by stakeholders, including the government, law enforcement agencies, and road safety organizations, to develop and implement effective strategies to reducing road traffic accidents in Katsina State. The study utilizes data collected from the Federal Road Safety Corps database in Katsina, Nigeria, and employs data cleaning and feature selection techniques to improve data quality. The Random Forest algorithm achieved the predictive value as 85% while K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN) and Decision Tree algorithms yielded 17% and 42% respectively.
Bringing South Caucasus Closer to Europe? Achievements and Challenges in ENP Implementation

While the initial Commission Communication on Wider Europe (March 2003) did not include Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan in the forthcoming policy for the EU’s new neighbourhood, the Southern Caucasus region has now gained considerable attention in the framework of the ENP and beyond, not least because of security considerations. The ENP undoubtedly represents a step forward in the EU's policy towards Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, yet its implementation highlights major differences between the three countries and important weaknesses in all three of them. The Eastern Partnership addresses some of these weaknesses and it also significantly strengthens the EU's offer to South Caucasus countries, which is now fully in line with the perspectives proposed to the Western NIS. The paper highlights five main conclusions and policy recommendations.
Sporulation conditions influence the surface and adhesion properties of Bacillus subtilis spores

Spore-forming bacteria of the Bacillus subtilis group are responsible for recurrent contamination of processing lines in the food industry which can lead to food spoilage. The persistence of B. subtilis would be due to the high resistance of spores to extreme environmental condition and their propensity to contaminate surfaces. While it is well known that sporulation conditions modulate spore resistance properties, little is known about their effect on surface and adhesion properties. Here, we studied the impact of 13 sporulation conditions on the surface and adhesion properties of B. subtilis 168 spores. We showed that Ca2+ or Mg2+ depletion, lower oxygen availability, acidic pH as well as oxidative stresses during sporulation lead to the release of more hydrophobic and adherent spores. The consequences of these sporulation conditions on crust composition in carbohydrates and proteins were also evaluated. The crust glycans of spores produced in a sporulation medium depleted in Ca2+ or Mg2+ or oxygen-limited conditions were impaired and contained lower amounts of rhamnose and legionaminic acid. In addition, we showed that lower oxygen availability or addition of hydrogen peroxide during sporulation decreases the relative amount of two crust proteins (CgeA and CotY) and the changes observed in these conditions could be due to transcriptional repression of genes involved in crust synthesis in late stationary phase. The fact that sporulation conditions affect the ease with which spores can contaminate surfaces could explain the frequent and recurrent presence of B. subtilis spores in food processing lines.
Acute Effect of Four Stretching Protocols on Change of Direction in U-17 Male Soccer Players

Background: The ability to rapidly change direction while sprinting is a desirable athletic skill in soccer. Enhancing change of direction (COD) performance depends almost exclusively on specific training, with stretching traditionally considered one such intervention. However, the comparative impact of diverse stretching methods on COD in soccer players remains an area of interest. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effects of different stretching methods on COD ability in soccer players. Methods: Twelve male soccer players playing in the national championship football division II (age: 16.3 ± 0.3 years, height: 1.81 ± 0.10 m, body mass: 67.7 ± 7.2 kg) were tested for COD performance (i.e., Illinois agility test) after (1) control condition (20 min general warm-up without stretching), (2) static stretching, (3) dynamic stretching, (4) combined static-dynamic stretching, and (5) combined dynamic-static stretching. The duration of stretching intervention was approximately 6 min for static and dynamic stretching and 12 min for both the combined stretching conditions. The experimental sessions were separated by 72 h. Results: COD improved after dynamic stretching when compared to any other condition (p: 0.03–0.002; ηp2: 0.56–0.73), except for the control condition (p = 0.146; ηp2 = 0.18). In contrast, static stretching induced a detrimental effect on COD when compared only to the dynamic stretching condition (p < 0.01; ES = 1.35). Conclusion: Dynamic stretching exercises used by male soccer players in the warm-up improved COD. Other forms of stretching exercises, particularly static stretching, negatively impacted the COD performance. Therefore, coaches can consider integrating dynamic stretching protocols tailored to the athletes’ specific needs. Moreover, extending the investigation to encompass a wider range of athletes, including different age groups and genders, would enhance the applicability and generalization of the findings.
Determinants of experience & satisfaction in telehealth psychiatry during the COVID-19 pandemic for patients & providers

Introduction The objective of this study was to characterize the experiences and overall satisfaction of patients and providers with the March 2020 transition to telehealth in a psychiatric setting (telepsychiatry). The study also investigated how socio-demographic and clinical characteristics impact an individual’s experiences and satisfaction with telepsychiatry. Methods Responses were collected from 604 patients and 154 providers engaged in clinical care at one of three participating Johns Hopkins Medicine outpatient psychiatric clinics between January 2020–March 2021. Survey data were collected by self-report via Qualtrics or telephone follow-up. Results Respondents were predominately female and White. Over 70% of patients and providers were generally satisfied with telepsychiatry. However, providers were more likely to favor in-person care over telepsychiatry for post-pandemic care 48% to 17% respectively, while 35% rated both modalities equivalently. Patients were more evenly divided with 45% preferring telepsychiatry compared to 42% for in-person care, and only 13% rating them equivalently. Among providers, technical difficulties were significantly associated with both less satisfaction and lower preference for telepsychiatry [odds ratio for satisfaction (ORS) = 0.12; odds ratio for preference (ORP) = 0.13]. For patients, factors significantly associated with both lower satisfaction and lower preference for telepsychiatry included technical difficulties (ORS = 0.20; ORP = 0.41), unstable access to the internet (ORS = 0.46; ORP = 0.50), worsening depression (ORS = 0.38; ORP = 0.36), and worsening anxiety (ORS = 0.41; ORP = 0.40). Factors associated with greater satisfaction and higher preference for telepsychiatry among patients included higher education (ORS = 2.13; ORP = 1.96) and a decrease in technical difficulties over time (ORS = 2.86; ORP = 2.35). Discussion Patients and providers were satisfied with telepsychiatry. However, there were greater differences between them in preferences for continuing to use telepsychiatry post-pandemic. These findings highlight factors that influence patient and provider preferences and should be addressed to optimize the use of telepsychiatry in the future.
Audiological findings of family farmers exposed to pesticides

ABSTRACT Purpose To analyze the possible differences among the hearing of farmers and their families when compared to the population not exposed to pesticides. Methods Cross-sectional study with 70 smallholder family farmers (research group), with the mean age of 39.7 years, of both sexes and a mean of 23.7 years of exposure to pesticides. We included a control group with 71 participants of both sexes with the mean age of 39.5 years, not exposed to either noise or chemical substances, to compare the results. In stage 1, both groups were submitted to conventional and high-frequency audiometry, and acoustic immittance. In stage 2, only people with normal hearing were submitted to the evoked otoacoustic emissions and suppression effect on transient otoacoustic emissions. Results Significant differences were observed between the groups in the conventional pure-tone and in the high-frequency audiometry, as well as in the acoustic reflex. The most affected frequencies in the conventional pure-tone audiometry ranged from 3 to 6 kHz and, in the high-frequency audiometry, from 9000 to 11200 Hz. As for the transient otoacoustic emissions, the worse suppression effect results were found in the research group. Conclusion There were differences among the hearing of family farmers and the control group. The conventional auditory thresholds are related to the group, age and sex. Farming is associated with impairments in the basal region of the cochlea, absence of acoustic reflex, reduced signal-to-noise ratio of the transient otoacoustic emissions, and dysfunction in the olivocochlear efferents of the auditory system.
The Efficacy of Zinc Phthalocyanine Nanoconjugate on Melanoma Cells Grown as Three-Dimensional Multicellular Tumour Spheroids

Melanoma remains a major public health concern that is highly resistant to standard therapeutic approaches. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an underutilised cancer therapy with an increased potency and negligible side effects, and it is non-invasive compared to traditional treatment modalities. Three-dimensional multicellular tumour spheroids (MCTS) closely resemble in vivo avascular tumour features, allowing for the more efficient and precise screening of novel anticancer agents with various treatment combinations. In this study, we utilised A375 human melanoma spheroids to screen the phototoxic effect of zinc phthalocyanine tetrasulfonate (ZnPcS4) conjugated to gold nanoparticles (AuNP). The nanoconjugate was synthesised and characterised using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, a high-resolution transmission electron microscope (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and zeta potential (ZP). The phototoxicity of the nanoconjugate was tested on the A375 MCTS using PDT at a fluency of 10 J/cm2. After 24 h, the cellular responses were evaluated via microscopy, an MTT viability assay, an ATP luminescence assay, and cell death induction using annexin propidium iodide. The MTT viability assay demonstrated that the photoactivated ZnPcS4, at a concentration of 12.73 µM, caused an approximately 50% reduction in the cell viability of the spheroids. When conjugated to AuNPs, the latter significantly increased the cellular uptake and cytotoxicity in the melanoma spheroids via the induction of apoptosis. This novel Zinc Phthalocyanine Nanoconjugate shows promise as a more effective PDT treatment modality.
The Rise of China’s Multinationals

China’s multinationals are reshaping the relationship between ﬁrms and states. We use data on 26,954 outward FDI transactions by Chinese ﬁrms from 2000-2013 to draw inferences about ﬁrms’ objectives from their investment location decisions. We ﬁnd patterns consistent with rent seeking, diﬀerent strategies for diﬀerent types of ﬁrms, and inﬂuence of Communist Party patronage networks. Private ﬁrms are less responsive to government guidance on foreign investment than centrally-controlled state-owned enterprises, but reap greater beneﬁts from Chinese state eﬀorts to promote investment abroad through diplomacy.
Antioxidant Determining Using Electrochemical Method

Antioxidants are very beneficial for health as they protect the body from the effects of free radicals on various degenerative diseases caused by food contamination, air pollution, sunlight, etc. In general, methods for measuring the capacity of antioxidants generally use accurate methods such as spectrophotometry and chromatography. Still, this takes time, accurate sample preparation, and must be performed in a laboratory with particular expertise. Therefore, a new, more practical method needs to be developed for determining antioxidants, namely the electrochemical method. The electrochemical method is a promising method to develop because it comes with several advantages, including high sensitivity and fast response. The electrochemical method discussed in this article reviews sensors, biosensors, and nanosensors. This paper comprehensively analyzes contemporary developments in electrochemical biosensor techniques and antioxidant evaluation methodologies. The discussion centers on utilizing multiple biosensors. Electrochemical biosensors have been determined to be prevalent in analyzing food quality, assessing active factor functionality, and screening practical components. The present study outlines the difficulties linked with electrochemical bio-sensor technology and provides insights into the potential avenues for future research in this domain.
Identification of novel candidate loci and genes for seed vigor-related traits in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) via GWAS

Seed vigor (SV) is a crucial trait determining the quality of crop seeds. Currently, over 80% of China’s cotton-planting area is in Xinjiang Province, where a fully mechanized planting model is adopted, accounting for more than 90% of the total fiber production. Therefore, identifying SV-related loci and genes is crucial for improving cotton yield in Xinjiang. In this study, three seed vigor-related traits, including germination potential, germination rate, and germination index, were investigated across three environments in a panel of 355 diverse accessions based on 2,261,854 high-quality single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). A total of 26 significant SNPs were detected and divided into six quantitative trait locus regions, including 121 predicted candidate genes. By combining gene expression, gene annotation, and haplotype analysis, two novel candidate genes (Ghir_A09G002730 and Ghir_D03G009280) within qGR-A09-1 and qGI/GP/GR-D03-3 were associated with vigor-related traits, and Ghir_A09G002730 was found to be involved in artificial selection during cotton breeding by population genetic analysis. Thus, understanding the genetic mechanisms underlying seed vigor-related traits in cotton could help increase the efficiency of direct seeding by molecular marker-assisted selection breeding.