Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Immunogenicity of Oral Rabies Vaccine Strain SPBN GASGAS in Local Dogs in Bali, Indonesia

Dog-mediated rabies is endemic in much of Indonesia, including Bali. Most dogs in Bali are free-roaming and often inaccessible for parenteral vaccination without special effort. Oral rabies vaccination (ORV) is considered a promising alternative to increase vaccination coverage in these dogs. This study assessed immunogenicity in local dogs in Bali after oral administration of the highly attenuated third-generation rabies virus vaccine strain SPBN GASGAS. Dogs received the oral rabies vaccine either directly or by being offered an egg-flavored bait that contained a vaccine-loaded sachet. The humoral immune response was then compared with two further groups of dogs: a group that received a parenteral inactivated rabies vaccine and an unvaccinated control group. The animals were bled prior to vaccination and between 27 and 32 days after vaccination. The blood samples were tested for the presence of virus-binding antibodies using ELISA. The seroconversion rate in the three groups of vaccinated dogs did not differ significantly: bait: 88.9%; direct-oral: 94.1%; parenteral: 90.9%; control: 0%. There was no significant quantitative difference in the level of antibodies between orally and parenterally vaccinated dogs. This study confirms that SPBN GASGAS is capable of inducing an adequate immune response comparable to a parenteral vaccine under field conditions in Indonesia.
Higgs Field-Induced Triboluminescence in Binary Black Hole Mergers

We conjecture that the Higgs potential can be significantly modified when it is in close proximity to the horizon of an astrophysical black hole, leading to the destabilization of the electroweak vacuum. In this situation, the black hole should be encompassed by a shell consisting of a “bowling substance” of the nucleating new-phase bubbles. In a binary black-hole merger, just before the coalescence, the nucleated bubbles can be prevented from falling under their seeding horizons, as they are simultaneously attracted by the gravitational potential of the companion. For a short time, the unstable vacuum will be “sandwiched” between two horizons of the binary black hole, and therefore the bubbles may collide and form micro-black holes, which are rapidly evaporated by thermal emission of Hawking radiation of all Standard Model species. This evaporation, being triggered by a gravitational wave signal from the binary black-hole merger, can manifest itself in observations of gamma rays and very-high-energy neutrinos, which makes it a perfect physics case for multi-messenger astronomical observations.
Risk Assessment Model System for Aquatic Animal Introduction Based on Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP)

Simple Summary Invasive species (IS) can upset both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems which, in turn, can negatively affect production and economic development. Thus, many countries understand the importance of performing risk assessments on the potential for species to invade an ecosystem. Here, we report on our development of a quantitative risk assessment model to estimate the introduction of invasive aquatic animals into China’s inland waters. This model is based on the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). We propose that the use of this model can provide the basis to better understand the ecological impact of invasive aquatic animals and also effective protocols for risk management should an invasion take place. Abstract The spread of invasive species (IS) has the potential to upset ecosystem balances. In extreme cases, this can hinder economical utilization of both aquatic (fisheries) and terrestrial (agricultural) systems. As a result, many countries regard risk assessment of IS as an important process for solving the problem of biological invasion. Yet, some IS are purposefully introduced for what is seen as their potential economic benefits. Thus, conducting IS risk assessments and then formulating policies based on scientific information will allow protocols to be developed that can reduce problems associated with IS incursions, whether occurring purposefully or not. However, the risk assessment methods currently adopted by most countries use qualitative or semiquantitative methodologies. Currently, there is a mismatch between qualitative and quantitative assessments. Moreover, most assessment systems are for terrestrial animals. What is needed is an assessment system for aquatic animals; however, those currently available are relatively rudimentary. To fill this gap, we used the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to build a risk assessment model system for aquatic IS. Our AHP has four primary indexes, twelve secondary indexes, and sixty tertiary indexes. We used this AHP to conduct quantitative risk assessments on five aquatic animals that are typically introduced in China, which have distinct biological characteristics, specific introduction purposes, and can represent different types of aquatic animals. The assessment results show that the risk grade for Pterygoplichthys pardalis is high; the risk grade for Macrobrachium rosenbergii, Crassostrea gigas, and Trachemys scripta elegans is medium; and the grade risk for Ambystoma mexicanum is low. Risk assessment of the introduction of aquatic animals using our AHP is effective, and it provides support for the introduction and healthy breeding of aquatic animals. Thus, the AHP model can provide a basis for decision-making risk management concerning the introduction of species.
Investigations on the Fatigue Behavior of 3D-Printed and Thermoformed Polylactic Acid Wrist–Hand Orthoses

Additively manufactured wrist–hand orthoses (3DP-WHOs) offer several advantages over traditional splints and casts, but their development based on a patient’s 3D scans currently requires advanced engineering skills, while also recording long manufacturing times as they are commonly built in a vertical position. A proposed alternative involves 3D printing the orthoses as a flat model base and then thermoforming them to fit the patient’s forearm. This manufacturing approach is faster, cost-effective and allows easier integration of flexible sensors as an example. However, it is unknown whether these flat-shaped 3DP-WHOs offer similar mechanical resistance as the 3D-printed hand-shaped orthoses, with a lack of research in this area being revealed by the literature review. To evaluate the mechanical properties of 3DP-WHOs produced using the two approaches, three-point bending tests and flexural fatigue tests were conducted. The results showed that both types of orthoses had similar stiffness up to 50 N, but the vertically built orthoses failed at a maximum load of 120 N, while the thermoformed orthoses could withstand up to 300 N with no damages observed. The integrity of the thermoformed orthoses was maintained after 2000 cycles at 0.5 Hz and ±2.5 mm displacement. It was observed that the minimum force occurring during fatigue tests was approximately −95 N. After 1100–1200 cycles, it reached −110 N and remained constant. The outcomes of this study are expected to enhance the trust that hand therapists, orthopedists, and patients have in using thermoformable 3DP-WHOs.
Estimating the Evolution of a Post-Little Ice Age Deglaciated Alpine Valley through the DEM of Difference (DoD)

Since the end of the Little Ice Age (LIA, ~1830), the accelerated glaciers’ shrinkage along mid-latitude high mountain areas promoted a quick readjustment of geomorphological processes with the onset of the paraglacial dynamic, making proglacial areas among the most sensitive Earth’s landscapes to ongoing climate change. A potentially useful remote-sensing method for investigating such dynamic areas is the DEM (Digital Elevation Model) of Difference (DoD) technique, which quantifies volumetric changes in a territory between successive topographic surveys. After a detailed geomorphological analysis and comparison with historical maps of the Martello Valley (central Italian Alps), we applied the DoD for reconstructing post-LIA deglaciation dynamics and reported on the surface effects of freshly-onset paraglacial processes. The head of the valley is still glacierized, with three main ice bodies resulting from the huge reduction of a single glacier present at the apogee of the LIA. Aftermath: the glaciers lose 60% of their initial surface area, largely modifying local landforms and expanding the surface of the proglacial areas. The DoD analysis of the 2006–2015 timeframe (based on registered DEM derived from LiDAR—Light Detection and Ranging—data) highlights deep surface elevation changes ranging from +38 ± 4.01 m along the foot of rock walls, where gravitative processes increased their intensity, to −47 ± 4.01 m where the melting of buried ice caused collapses of the proglacial surface. This approach permits estimating the volume of sediments mobilized and reworked by paraglacial processes. Here, in less than 10 years, −23,675 ± 1165 m3 of sediment were removed along the proglacial area and transported down valley, highlighting the dynamicity of proglacial areas.
Compositional Differences of Greek Cheeses of Limited Production

Greece has a long tradition in cheesemaking, with 22 cheeses registered as protected designation of origin (PDO), 1 as protected geographical indication (PGI), and 1 applied for PGI. Several other cheeses are produced locally without any registration, which significantly contribute to the local economy. The present study investigated the composition (moisture, fat, salt, ash, and protein content), color parameters, and oxidative stability of cheeses that do not have a PDO/PGI certification, purchased from a Greek market. Milk and cheese types were correctly assigned for 62.8 and 82.1 % of samples, respectively, through discriminant analysis. The most important factors for milk type discrimination were L, a and b color attributes, salt, ash, fat-in-dry-matter, moisture-in-non-fat-substance, salt-in-moisture, and malondialdehyde contents, whereas a and b, and moisture, ash, fat, moisture-in-non-fat substance contents, and pH were the most influential characteristics for sample discrimination according to cheese type. A plausible explanation may be the differences in milk chemical composition between three animal species, namely cows, sheep, and goats and for the manufacture procedure and ripening. This is the very first report on the proximate analysis of these, largely ignored, chesses aiming to simulate interest for further study and production valorization.
Volcanic ash as a dating method in Finland

Tephrochronology is a high-precision dating method that uses volcanic ash horizons as isochrons in correlating and dating geological records and archaeological sites. First developed in the volcanic regions of the world, tephrochronology has expanded to ever more distal areas with improved laboratory and analytical methods that have enabled the utilization of even the scarcest deposits of far-travelled cryptotephra i.e. small volcanic glass shards that are invisible to the naked eye. The objective of this dissertation is to assess the potential of cryptotephra studies and tephrochronology in Finland. No cryptotephra studies had been conducted in Finland previously, and the ultimate aim of the work presented here was to establish a first outline for a Finnish tephrochronology that could be used as a dating tool in environmental research in the region. Cryptotephra was searched from 30 peatland and lake sites from an area that covers the whole southern and central Finland from Åland archipelago in the west to the Russian border in the east. As a result, cryptotephra deposits from at least 17 Icelandic and two Alaskan volcanic eruptions were detected and geochemically characterized from the Finnish environmental archives. The oldest identified tephra in Finland is the 7 ka Hekla 5 tephra and the youngest one is the Askja 1875 tephra. The Finnish tephrochronology therefore covers approximately 7000 years and the results of this study demonstrate that dispersal of tephra to Finland has been relatively frequent throughout this time. Within this project, the known dispersal areas of several Holocene tephras, such as Askja 1875, Hekla 1845, Hekla 1510, Landnám (Torfajökull), White River Ash eastern lobe, Hekla Ö and Aniakchak tephra were extended significantly eastwards, and the Hekla Y tephra was identified for the first time outside of Iceland. These results indicate that Icelandic tephra can travel to Finland along complex northerly and southerly pathways in addition to a direct eastwards dispersal route. Additionally, datasets of proximal geochemistry of Hekla X, Hekla Y, Hekla Z and Hekla 1845 tephras were produced and published to be used as an aid in establishing more robust correlations between the distal and proximal tephra records. The main outcome of this study is a first outline for a Finnish Holocene tephra framework. The high number of cryptotephra horizons in the framework demonstrates that there is great potential for further cryptotephra studies and utilization of tephrochronology as a dating method in Finland.
The Role of Late-Onset Inflammatory Markers in the Prediction of Complications and Graft Survival after Pancreas Transplantation

Background: Despite great progress in graft survival and complication rates, pronounced inflammatory responses are common after pancreas transplantation (PT). Subsequent to the first postoperative increase in inflammatory markers, we have frequently observed a second peak of C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cells (WBCs) following PT. This analysis is to assess the incidence and clinical relevance of late-onset increases in inflammatory markers following PT. Materials and methods: We analyzed all consecutive PTs over a 20-year period. The second peak of CRP (SCP) and WBCs (SWP) was defined as an increase >3 days after PT subsequent to a relevant initial decrease. Results: Of 116 patients, 60 (51.7%) developed SCP. SCP was not associated with pancreas graft loss or with thrombosis at discharge or at 90 days after PT (6.7% vs. 0.0%, p = 0.1; 8.3% vs. 1.8%, p = 0.2; and 15.0% vs. 3.6%, p = 0.06, respectively). Patients with SCP had more complications overall at discharge and at 90 days (85.0% vs. 50.0%, p < 0.001 and 93.3% vs. 76.8%, p = 0.02). In multivariable analysis, SCP was significantly associated with pre-transplant HbA1c (OR 2.1 (95% CI: 1.3–3.8); p = 0.005) and female gender (OR 0.03 (95% CI: 0.004–0.14); p ≤ 0.001). No significant association was found between SCP and pancreas cold ischemia time (OR 1.0 (95% CI: 1.0–1.0); p = 0.1), donor age (OR 1.01 (95% CI: 0.96–1.06); p = 0.7), recipient age (OR 0.9 (95% CI: 0.9–1.0); p = 0.1), or recipient BMI (OR 0.9 (95% CI: 0.9–1.4); p = 0.3). SWP did not differ in patients with or without SCP (p = 0.07) and there was no correlation with pancreas graft loss or relaparotomy (p = 0.3 and p = 0.6, respectively). Insulin-free graft survival after 1, 5, and 10 years did not differ between patients with SCP and those without SCP (95.0%, 90.2%, 90.2% vs. 96.1%, 91.2%, 88.7%, respectively; p = 0.964). Conclusion: Late-onset inflammatory reactions are frequently seen in PT and are correlated with higher overall complication rates. They are not correlated, however, with graft-specific complications or insulin-free graft survival.
S0007485323000214jra 1..9

The Ceratitis FARQ species complex consists of four highly destructive agricultural pests of Africa, namely C. fasciventris, C. anonae, C. rosa, and C. quilicii. The members of the complex are considered very closely related and the species limits among them are rather obscure. Their economic significance and the need for developing biological methods for their control makes species identification within the complex an important issue, which has become clear that can only be addressed by multidisciplinary approaches. Chromosomes, both mitotic and polytene, can provide a useful tool for species characterization and phylogenetic inference among closely related dipteran species. In the current study, we present the mitotic karyotype and the polytene chromosomes of C. rosa and C. quilicii together with in situ hybridization data. We performed a comparative cytogenetic analysis among the above two species and C. fasciventris, the only other cytogenetically studied member of the FARQ complex, by comparing the mitotic complement and the banding pattern of the polytene chromosomes of each species to the others, as well as by studying the polytene chromosomes of hybrids between them. Our analysis revealed no detectable chromosomal rearrangements discriminating the three FARQ members studied, confirming their close phylogenetic relationships.
Hydrocolloids from the Mushroom Auricularia heimuer: Composition and Properties

The ear- to shell-shaped fruiting bodies of the genus Auricularia are widely used as food and in traditional medicinal remedies. This study was primarily focused on the composition, properties and potential use of the gel-forming extract from Auricularia heimuer. The dried extract contained 50% soluble homo- and heteropolysaccharides, which were mainly composed of mannose and glucose, acetyl residues, glucuronic acid and a small amount of xylose, galactose, glucosamine, fucose, arabinose and rhamnose. The minerals observed in the extract included approximately 70% potassium followed by calcium. Among the fatty and amino acids, 60% unsaturated fatty acids and 35% essential amino acids could be calculated. At both acidic (pH 4) and alkaline (pH 10) conditions, the thickness of the 5 mg/mL extract did not change in a temperature range from −24 °C to room temperature, but decreased statistically significantly after storage at elevated temperature. At neutral pH, the studied extract demonstrated good thermal and storage stability, as well as a moisture retention capacity comparable to the high molecular weight sodium hyaluronate, a well-known moisturizer. Hydrocolloids that can be sustainably produced from Auricularia fruiting bodies offer great application potential in the food and cosmetic industries.
Localization of Insertion Sequences in Plasmids for L-Cysteine Production in E. coli

Insertion sequence elements (ISE) are often found to be responsible for the collapse of production in synthetically engineered Escherichia coli. By the transposition of ISE into the open reading frame of the synthetic pathway, E. coli cells gain selection advantage over cells expressing the metabolic burdensome production genes. Here, we present the exact entry sites of insertion sequence (IS) families 3 and 5 within plasmids for l-cysteine production in evolved E. coli populations. Furthermore, we identified an uncommon occurrence of an 8-bp direct repeat of IS5 which is atypical for this particular family, potentially indicating a new IS5 target site.
Modelling Crop Evapotranspiration and Water Use Efficiency of Maize Using Artificial Neural Network and Linear Regression Models in Biochar and Inorganic Fertilizer-Amended Soil under Varying Water Applications

The deficit irrigation strategy is a well-known approach to optimize crop water use through the estimation of crop water use efficiency (CWUE). However, studies that comprehensively reported the prediction of crop evapotranspiration (ETc) and CWUE under deficit irrigation for improved water resources planning are scarce. The objective of the study is to predict seasonal ETc and CWUE of maize using multiple linear regression (MLR) and artificial neural network (ANN) models under two scenarios, i.e., (1) when only climatic parameters are considered and (2) when combining crop parameter(s) with climatic data in amended soil. Three consecutive field experimentations were carried out with biochar applied at rates of 0, 3, 6, 10 and 20 t/ha, while inorganic fertilizer was applied at rates of 0 and 300 Kg/ha, under three water regimes: 100% Full Irrigation Treatment (FIT), 80% and 60% FIT. Seasonal ETc was determined using the soil water balance method, while growth data were monitored weekly. The CWUE under each treatment was also estimated and modelled. The MLR and ANN models were developed, and their evaluations showed that the ANN model was satisfactory for the predictions of both ETc and CWUE under all soil water conditions and scenarios. However, the MLR model without crop data was poor in predicting CWUE under extreme soil water conditions (60% FIT). The coefficient of determination (R2) increased from 0.03 to 0.67, while root mean-square error (RMSE) decreased from 4.07 to 1.98 mm after the inclusion of crop data. The model evaluation suggests that using a simple model such as MLR, crop water productivity could be accurately predicted under different soil and water management conditions.
Designing Vitamin D3 Formulations: An In Vitro Investigation Using a Novel Micellar Delivery System

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient with important immunomodulatory properties. As a fat-soluble compound, Vitamin D (and its D3 form) is immiscible with water, which presents challenges to absorption. In an in vitro setting, the current study characterizes novel micellar formulations of Vitamin D3 designed to improve absorption. Techniques used to evaluate and compare the micellar formulations against a non-micellar formula include the following: cryo-SEM to determine morphology; laser diffraction to determine particle size and distribution; zeta potential to determine stability of the particles; solubility assays to determine solubility in water and gastrointestinal media; and Caco-2 cell monolayers to determine intestinal permeability. Results show advantageous features (particle size range in the low micrometres with an average zeta potential of −51.56 ± 2.76 mV), as well as significant improvements in intestinal permeability, in one optimized micellar formula (LipoMicel®). When introduced to Caco-2 cells, LipoMicel’s permeability was significantly better than the control (p < 0.01; ANOVA). Findings of this study suggest that the novel micellar form of Vitamin D3 (LipoMicel) has the potential to promote absorption of Vitamin D3. Thus, it can serve as a promising candidate for follow-up in vivo studies in humans.