Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Scientific Validation of Standards for Tidal Current Energy Resource Assessment

The tidal current energy resource is challenging to assess with accuracy and precision. An accepted standard methodology is lacking, which in turn perpetuates uncertainty and hinders the industry’s development. Technical Committee 114 of the International Electro-technical Commission (IEC-TC-114) is working to develop a standard for emerging tidal energy conversion systems. The draft standard prescribes methods for determining, objectively and reliably, the scale and character of tidal current energy resources at a site. The IEC-TC-114 draft standard for tidal energy resource assessment and characterisation has not yet been tested in a real world case study. Hence, it is not yet known whether the proposed methods will yield the desired outcome. This research has adopted the Fundy Ocean Research Center for Energy (FORCE) project in Minas Passage, Nova Scotia, for pilot application of the draft standard on tidal current resource assessment. The Bay of Fundy, located on the Atlantic coast of North America between the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, is known for having the highest tidal range in the world and has long been recognised as an ideal stage for tidal energy development. The thesis is presented in three main parts. Firstly, the latest peer-reviewed scientific literature is summarised and the standard is reviewed in view of lessons learned. The aim of this exercise is to establish a scientific basis for and to develop suggestions towards improving and extending future revisions of the standard. Secondly, a comprehensive assessment of the tidal current energy resource at the FORCE project site is conducted in a manner that is consistent with IEC-TC-114 protocol based on available measurements from static current profiler surveys and a two-dimensional hydrodynamic model of the upper Bay of Fundy developed for this study. Thirdly, a sensitivity analysis is performed to determine the main sources of error and uncertainty affecting resource assessment, a topic which has yet to be addressed in the literature.
Dairy and gluten in disease activity in multiple sclerosis

Background Many diets promoted specifically for multiple sclerosis have been suggested to improve disease activity. Dairy and gluten are two components for which the recommendations vary between these diets. Existing research into the association between these dietary components and disease activity has been conflicting. Objective To explore the relationship between dairy and gluten intake and disease activity in multiple sclerosis over a 2-year period, using no evidence of disease activity (NEDA) 3 status. Methods 186 participants’ dairy and gluten intake was retrospectively estimated over 2 years using a dairy and gluten dietary screener. Estimated dairy and gluten intake was compared to disease activity, indicated by no evidence of disease activity 3 status, and quality of life, assessed by the Multiple Sclerosis International Quality of Life (MusiQoL) questionnaire. Results No significant association was found between mean estimated dairy or gluten intake and NEDA 3 status (p = 0.15 and 0.60, respectively). Furthermore, there was no significant relationship between dairy or gluten intake and MusiQoL) scores (p = 0.11 and 0.51, respectively). Conclusion Whilst we cannot rule out modest benefits due to our small sample size, we found that neither dairy nor gluten intake was associated with disease activity or quality of life in this study.
An Analysis of the Hydrological Cycle and Poleward Heat Transports Simulated by Two Climate Models

Heat and Freshwater transport by the oceans and atmosphere are an integral part of the climate system, aiming to cool the Tropics and warm the Extra-Tropics. General Circulation Models (GCMs) are used to simulate the climate system, however a key weakness to them is the uncertainty associated with model predictions. One component of this uncertainty is due to the model structural bias associated with the choice of ocean model vertical coordinate type, which can have substantial feedback within a coupled ocean-atmosphere model. This thesis aims to investigate the Heat and Freshwater transport in the climate system with specific relevance to three main topics: 1. sensitivity of heat and freshwater transport to model numerics 2. coupling between heat and freshwater transport 3. changes to heat and freshwater transport to increasing CO2 concentration Firstly, the choice of ocean vertical coordinate on the computed heat and freshwater transport in the oceans and atmosphere was investigated. By comparing the models CHIME (isopycnal level ocean model) and HadCM3 (z-level ocean model) in a control climate, it was found that variations to the atmospheric latent and dry static energy transports were much larger than those induced from anthropogenic emission scenarios predicted by the latest IPCC report (AR4, 2007). Secondly, a new theory that constrained the ratio of ocean to atmospheric heat transport Ho/Ha as a function of ocean temperature and salinity was examined. This theory was tested using a control scenario from the HadCM3 model for mid-latitudes, finding good agreement over the Northern Hemisphere, though poorer performance over the Southern Hemisphere. Finally, climate snapshots in CHIME were analysed under an increasing CO2 environment. An examination of heat and freshwater transport for the ocean atmosphere and the atmospheric dry static latent energy components, showed significant compensation within each pair. Further investigation into the ocean overturning circulation and atmospheric moisture transport revealed: a salinification (freshening) of the Atlantic (Pacific), increased zonal moisture transport through Central America, and a weakening of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation, validating CHIME’s anthropogenic responses with predictions from AR4.
From the Sun to the Cell: Examining Obesity through the Lens of Vitamin D and Inflammation

Obesity affects more than one billion people worldwide and often leads to cardiometabolic chronic comorbidities. It induces senescence-related alterations in adipose tissue, and senescence is closely linked to obesity. Fully elucidating the pathways through which vitamin D exerts anti-inflammatory effects may improve our understanding of local adipose tissue inflammation and the pathogenesis of metabolic disorders. In this narrative review, we compiled and analyzed the literature from diverse academic sources, focusing on recent developments to provide a comprehensive overview of the effect of vitamin D on inflammation associated with obesity and senescence. The article reveals that the activation of the NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa B subunit 1) and NLRP3 inflammasome (nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich-containing, pyrin domain-containing-3) pathways through the toll-like receptors, which increases oxidative stress and cytokine release, is a common mechanism underlying inflammation associated with obesity and senescence, and it discusses the potential beneficial effect of vitamin D in alleviating the development of subclinical inflammation. Investigating the main target cells and pathways of vitamin D action in adipose tissue could help uncover complex mechanisms of obesity and cellular senescence. This review summarizes significant findings related to opportunities for improving metabolic health.
Evaluation of knowledge, attitude and risk factor of Stroke in Tabuk Region, Saudi Arabia

Background: This research seeks to assess stroke-related knowledge, attitudes, and risk factors within Tabuk's population. Stroke's significant impact necessitates understanding local perceptions. This cross-sectional study consisting of 404 participants examines awareness of stroke and its risk factors, attitudes toward prevention and treatment, considering demographic variables. By pinpointing gaps, the research informs targeted educational efforts and interventions. The aim is to enhance stroke awareness, encourage healthier lifestyles, and reduce the local stroke burden. Through this investigation, the community can gain accurate knowledge, cultivate positive attitudes, and adopt informed practices, potentially improving overall well-being in Tabuk Methodology: The study was conducted in Tabuk, located in northwest Saudi Arabia. Data was collected through predesigned questionnaire. recruitment period for participants will be from the 1st of June 2023 to the 30th of July 2023. Results: This study discovered that 84.4% of participants were familiar with "stroke," while 95.3% correctly identified its brain location. About 80.9% accurately recognized blood vessel blockage or burst as the cause. Awareness varied for risk factors: diabetes (42.6%), high blood pressure (79.2%), high cholesterol (60.6%), and smoking (72.0%). Symptoms recognition ranged from 22.5% (high temperature) to 59.4% (trouble walking). Positive attitudes towards blood clot emergencies (85.4%) contrasted uncertainty about treatment (51.0%). Notably, 42.3% believed in full recovery and 45.3% knew to call an ambulance. 62.4% believed stroke prevention is possible. Distribution analysis revealed 39.4% with adequate knowledge, 30.2% with satisfactory awareness, and 54.6% with positive attitudes. Demographic factors showed no significant associations (p > .005), suggesting the need for targeted educational campaigns in Tabuk for improved stroke awareness and prevention. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study provides a comprehensive overview of stroke knowledge, attitudes, and risk factors among the population of Tabuk. The findings emphasize the importance of addressing knowledge gaps, correcting misconceptions, and promoting positive attitudes towards stroke prevention and treatment. By tailoring educational initiatives to the needs of the community, public health organizations can play a vital role in reducing the burden of stroke and improving overall health outcomes.
The Influencing Factors Firm Value with CSR as a Moderation Variable: A Study of Energy Companies Listed on the IDX in the Period 2014-2022

The value of a company reflects how investors assess the company. This research aims to analyze the influence of profitability (ROA), leverage (DER), firm size, and asset turnover (TATO) as factors that influence firm value (Tobin’s Q) and uses CSR disclosure as a moderating variable. This research uses a population of energy sector companies listed on the IDX in 2014–2022, which was selected according to criteria, resulting in a research sample of 28 companies with a total of 224 observations. The type of data used is secondary data, and the hypothesis testing used is panel data regression analysis with multiple linear regression tests and interaction moderation tests with the help of R-Studio software. The research results show that profitability has a positive effect on firm value, while leverage, firm size, and asset turnover do not affect firm value. CSR disclosure is unable to moderate profitability, leverage, firm size, and asset turnover based on firm value.
An Achaemenid God in Color

A limestone relief fragment with a figure in a winged disk from the fifth-century BCE Hall of 100 Columns at Persepolis in southwestern Iran that entered the Harvard Art Museums’ collections in 1943 preserves significant traces of its original coloration and has played a key role in the rediscovery of polychromy at the Achaemenid Persian capital. After tracing the fragment’s journey to Cambridge, MA, this article presents the results of recent technical studies of its pigment remains, including visible light-induced infrared luminescence (VIL) imaging, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy, and the analysis of micro samples by Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and polarizing light microscopy (PLM). The new scientific data is compared to the findings of ongoing investigations of polychromies at Persepolis and other Achaemenid Persian sites and evaluated for the information it can and cannot provide on the original appearance of the figure in the winged disk, likely the Zoroastrian god Ahuramazda. The article reviews past attempts at reconstructing the relief’s coloration and the assumptions that guided them, recounts the experience of creating a tangible three-dimensional color reconstruction for an exhibition, and concludes with some general thoughts on the valuation of colorfulness.
A first-principles study of the unsynthesized Indium halide perovskites RbInX3 (X= F, Cl, Br, I) for photovoltaic and photocatalytic applications

Due to their relevant properties, lead-free halide perovskites have attracted wide attention in the scientific community. This study investigates the structural, mechanical, electronic, optical, and photocatalytic properties of the Indium-based halide perovskites RbInX3 (X= F, Cl, Br, I) based on the density functional theory (DFT) using the WIEN2k package. The results show that RbInI3 exhibits a metallic behavior, while RbInBr3, RbInCl3, and RbInF3 exhibit semiconducting behavior with bandgap energies of 0.67, 1.43, and 2.45 eV, respectively. The high optical absorption and corresponding band gap energies make them good candidates for photovoltaic applications. In addition, the RbInF3 compound exhibits good photocatalytic performance since it satisfies the thermodynamic requirements needed to trigger the water-splitting reaction. This study also allows us to analyze the influence of halogen substitution on the properties of the compound RbInX3. Moreover, it will open the way to the experimental community as it is the first to study the properties of these perovskites.
In vitro management of Fusarium wilt of linseed using phytoextract, fungicides and bioagents

Fusarium wilts of linseed caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lini have been identified in nearly all linseed-producing countries of the world. A comparison of phytoextract, chemical, and bio control agents against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lini was conducted. Among the phytoextracts tested, Neem extract exhibited the highest antifungal activity in inhibiting the growth of F. oxysporum f.sp. lini at 5, 15, and 30% concentrations. In terms of biocontrol agents, T. virens was identified as the most efficient antagonist against F. oxysporum f.sp. lini. It significantly inhibited pathogen mycelial growth, displaying the highest level of inhibition. Among the chemical fungicides assessed, propiconazole exhibited the lowest mycelial growth of the pathogen and outperformed the other fungicides, with difenoconazole following as the next most effective.
Methylation of the Vitamin D Receptor Gene in Human Disorders

The Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) mediates the actions of 1,25-Dihydroxvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3), which has important roles in bone homeostasis, growth/differentiation of cells, immune functions, and reduction of inflammation. Emerging evidences suggest that epigenetic modifications of the VDR gene, particularly DNA methylation, may contribute to the onset and progression of many human disorders. This review aims to summarize the available information on the role of VDR methylation signatures in different pathological contexts, including autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, cancer, and others. The reversible nature of DNA methylation could enable the development of therapeutic strategies, offering new avenues for the management of these worldwide diseases.
Evaluation of Planting Materials and Nutrient Levels in Chewing Cane (Saccharum officinarum)

A field experiment was conducted at Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai, during 2012-2013 to evaluate the performance of planting materials and nutrient levels in chewing cane. (Saccharum officinarum). The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design with three replications. The treatments evaluated were planting materials of single budded setts (M 1 ), double budded setts (M 2 ), single chip bud seedlings (M3 ) under factor I and the nutrient levels viz., application of 100 per cent RDF + vermicompost @ 5 t ha -1 (S 1 ), 75 per cent RDF + vermicompost @ 5 t ha -1 (S 2 ), 50 per cent RDF + vermicompost @ 5 t ha -1 (S 3 ), 100 per cent recommended dose of N, P and 125 per cent K + vermicompost @ 5 t ha -1 (S 4 ), 75 per cent of N, P and 125 per cent K + vermicompost @ 5 t ha -1 (S 5 ) under factor II. The recommended dose of sugarcane is 275:62.5:112.5 kg NPK ha -1 . The result revealed that among the planting materials, single chip bud seedlings recorded the highest cane yield. Regarding the nutrient levels, application of 100 per cent recommended dose of N, P and 125 per cent K + vermicompost @ 5 t ha -1 recorded the best results. Regarding the interaction, the combination of planting single chip bud seedlings along with application of 100 per cent recommended dose of N, P and 125 per cent K + vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 recorded the highest cane yield. All the growth attributes showed the similar results.
The Impact of Postoperative Pulmonary Complications on Perioperative Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Pneumonectomy: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study of the German Thorax Registry

Postoperative pulmonary complications have a deleterious impact in regards to thoracic surgery. Pneumonectomy is associated with the highest perioperative risk in elective thoracic surgery. The data from 152 patients undergoing pneumonectomy in this multicenter retrospective study were extracted from the German Thorax Registry database and presented after univariate and multivariate statistical processing. This retrospective study investigated the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) and their impact on perioperative morbidity and mortality. Patient-specific, preoperative, procedural, and postoperative risk factors for PPCs and in-hospital mortality were analyzed. A total of 32 (21%) patients exhibited one or more PPCs, and 11 (7%) died during the hospital stay. Multivariate stepwise logistic regression identified a preoperative FEV1 < 50% (OR 9.1, 95% CI 1.9–67), the presence of medical complications (OR 7.4, 95% CI 2.7–16.2), and an ICU stay of more than 2 days (OR 14, 95% CI 3.9–59) as independent factors associated with PPCs. PPCs (OR 13, 95% CI 3.2–52), a preoperative FEV1 < 60% in patients with previous pulmonary infection (OR 21, 95% CI 3.2–52), and continued postoperative mechanical ventilation (OR 8.4, 95% CI 2–34) were independent factors for in-hospital mortality. Our data emphasizes that PPCs are a significant risk factor for morbidity and mortality after pneumonectomy. Intensified perioperative care targeting the underlying risk factors and effects of PPCs, postoperative ventilation, and preoperative respiratory infections, especially in patients with reduced pulmonary reserve, could improve patient outcomes.
Productivity of the warm-climate crop sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) in northern latitudes

Sweet potato ( Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. ) has a potential to become a new field crop for higher latitudes. Sweet potato was cultivated for the first time in the fields of Estonia. During the study, the photosynthetic characteristics and yields of sweet potato cultivars ‘Evangeline’ and ‘Covington’ were investigated under fertilisation with two nitrogen (N) rates (0 and 100 kg ha −1 N) and various fertilisers in 2018, 2019 and 2021. Variation in fertiliser rate and composition had no effect on CO 2 assimilation rate ( A ) and stomatal conductance ( g s ). The negative relationship between photosynthetic nitrogen use efficiency (PNUE) and intrinsic water-use efficiency (iWUE) among cultivars and treatments indicated that water availability could limit nutrient availability and ultimately reduce the potential yield in northern growing regions. The highest sweet potato tuber yield (t ha −1 ) was obtained from ‘Evangeline’ and ‘Covington’ at N0 in 2021. A comparison of yields of 2018 and 2021 experiments suggests that sweet potatoes can be grown in high latitudes. It can be concluded that depending on weather conditions, cultivars and soil properties, fertilisers can promote high plant productivity. Further studies should focus on sweet potato plants traits that enable the efficient use of nutrients and water during a short and potentially dry growing season.
Successional changes of Nardus stricta communities in the Central Balkan Range (Bulgaria)

Main succession changes are traced down in the Nardus stricta communities from the Central Balkan Range (Bulgaria). The demutational phase covers a period of 2-3 decades. Vegetation dynamics processes are analysed in parallel, according to the method of Braun-Blanquet and the Dominant approach. Classification of the communities according to the two approaches is offered. The Nardetum strictaе and Bruckenthalio- Juniperetum sibiricae associations represent two opposite points in the succession process. The spatial and the syntaxonomic correlation between the vegetation units is analysed, regarding the two phytocoenological schools.
Fascia Tissue Manipulations in Chronic Low Back Pain: A Pragmatic Comparative Randomized Clinical Trial of the 4xT Method® and Exercise Therapy

Background: The 4xT method is a protocolized practice in treating musculoskeletal disorders. The 4xT method consists of four components: Test (functional diagnostic test), Trigger (fascia tissue manipulations), Tape (elastic taping), and Train (exercise). There is a lack of clinical studies evaluating the treatment effects of the use of the 4xT method. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted to compare the effectiveness of the 4xT method and exercise therapy-only in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain. Based on a priori sample size calculation, fifty-one individuals with chronic nonspecific low back pain were randomly assigned to either the 4xT or exercise group. Both groups underwent a six-week rehabilitation program with two treatments per week. The primary outcomes were trunk flexion and extension mobility, trunk flexion, and extension mobility-dependent pain, and quality of life evaluated during a 6-week therapy period and after a 6-week therapy-off period. Results: Interaction effects were noted in all outcomes. The 4xT group showed significant improvements over time for trunk flexion and extension mobility, trunk flexion and extension mobility-dependent pain, and quality of life (p < 0.05), with no significant relapse post-therapy (except for extension mobility). The exercise group exhibited significant within-time changes in the quality of life, as measured with the VAS (p < 0.05), but not for EQ-5D-3L. Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrate that the 4xT method stands out as a promising and impactful treatment option for chronic nonspecific low back pain individuals, as it demonstrated significant reductions in mobility-dependent pain, increased trunk mobility, and improved quality of life compared to exercise-only treatments.