Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evolution of the Dust Composition in Damped Lyα Systems

We present a method for estimating the relative abundances of refractory elements in the interstellar dust of galaxies hosting damped Lyα (DLA) systems. The method requires gas-phase column densities of volatile and refractory elements, obtained from absorption-line spectroscopy, and interstellar abundances of the same elements, predicted by chemical evolution models of DLA galaxies. We applied this method to the sample of DLA systems with measurements of Mg, Si, S, Fe, and Zn column densities. We find that the dust abundance ratios (Si/Fe)d and (Mg/Fe)d decrease by almost two orders of magnitude in the metallicity range between ≃1/100 solar to roughly solar. This decrease is stronger than the well-known decline of α/Fe ratios with metallicity observed in metal-poor stars and galaxies, suggesting the existence of metallicity-dependent mechanisms of dust production. To cast light on these mechanisms we investigated the contributions of different stellar sources and interstellar processes to the galactic cycle of dust. We find that Type II SNe are important contributors to the dust composition at low metallicity ([Fe/H] < −0.6), whereas dust accretion in the interstellar medium appears to be important at higher metallicities, leading to a gradual rise of iron-rich particles, possibly in metal form. To further investigate the nature of the dust, we introduced an idealized model of dust grains based on a mixture of silicates (pyroxenes and olivines) and an iron-rich constituent. The model reproduces the evolutionary trends and suggests that olivines are dominant in silicates, in line with other studies of interstellar dust composition.
Development of Discovery Learning Assisted by Cabri Express Teaching Materials to Improve Students' Communication Ability and Mathematical Disposition

The purpose of this study was to improve students' mathematical concepts through improving communication skills and students' mathematical dispositions using Discovery Learning assisted by Cabri Express. This research is development research using the 4-D development model, which consists of the Define, Design, Develop, and Disseminate phases. The subjects in this study were 18 students. Data collection techniques in this study used the instrument questions given in the form of written tests, while the data analysis techniques in this study were data collection, data processing, data presentation, and concluding. So that the conclusions that can be drawn from this study are Cabri Express assisted teaching materials on flat plane material developed using three stages, namely define, design, and develop. Teaching materials have been validated with an average value of 87.3% with very valid and very practical criteria. Thus, the Cabri Express-assisted Discovery Learning teaching material on flat-sided spatial construction material is feasible to use. Furthermore, the teaching materials developed received a positive response from students with a percentage of 76% in the "interesting" category. Students' mathematical communication ability is 74% and students' mathematical disposition is 76% in the Good category. This proves that using teaching materials based on discovery learning assisted by Cabri Express improves students' communication skills and mathematical dispositions.
Climatic niche evolution in Smilacaceae (Liliales) drives patterns of species diversification and richness between the Old and New World

Geographical variation in species richness in plant groups is determined by the interplay between historical, evolutionary, and ecological processes. However, the processes underlying the striking disparity in species richness between Asia and the Americas remain poorly understood. Here, we synthesize global phylogenetic and macroecological data on the diversification of Smilacaceae, deciphering potential drivers underlying the species diversity pattern biased toward Asia. We compiled global distributions of all Smilacaceae species, and reconstructed the biogeographic history and niche evolution using a new time‐calibrated phylogeny (eight genes, 135 species). Integrating these data sets, we estimated evolutionary histories and diversification rates for each region, and tested correlations among species diversification, niche evolution, and niche divergence. Smilacaceae probably originated during the Late Cretaceous/Early Palaeocene and began to diversify in middle to low latitudes in Central America and Eurasia during the Late Eocene. Both the Old and New World clades exhibited a steady, albeit slight, increase of species diversification from the Late Eocene to Early Miocene. However, the Old World clade experienced an abrupt increase in net diversification during the Late Miocene. Our findings also revealed that species diversification rates were positively correlated with ecological niche evolution and niche divergence. Niche shifts and climatic niche evolution since the Middle Miocene played crucial roles in species diversification dynamics within Smilacaceae. The high plant richness in Asia may be explained by greater diversification in this region, potentially promoted by heterogeneous environments.
Flow induced crystallization prevents melt fracture of HDPE in uniaxial extensional flow

This work concerns extension induced crystallization of a commercial high density polyethylene above the equilibrium melting temperature. We compare the nonlinear response during uniaxial elongation to the morphology obtained in the quenched fibers after cessation of the flow at a Hencky strain of 5. At 12 °C above the melting temperature, the samples undergo brittle fracture. Samples stretched at 2 and 6 °C above the melting temperature remain intact throughout the entire course of deformation and exhibit a strain hardening behavior that does not follow time temperature superposition. We propose that stabilization of the filament at lower temperatures, as well as the failure of time temperature superposition, is caused by flow-induced nucleation and growth of shish structures oriented along the flow direction. Further justification is obtained from small-angle X-ray scattering performed on the quenched filament showing an increased formation of shish with an increase in the deformation rate. We find the critical Hencky strain for the onset of the shish formation to be between 0 and 0.6, which is significantly lower than the values reported in the existing literature. We model the influence of shish nucleation on the rheological response in an extension using the hierarchical multimode stress function, which is modified to include the stretched network assumption.This work concerns extension induced crystallization of a commercial high density polyethylene above the equilibrium melting temperature. We compare the nonlinear response during uniaxial elongation to the morphology obtained in the quenched fibers after cessation of the flow at a Hencky strain of 5. At 12 °C above the melting temperature, the samples undergo brittle fracture. Samples stretched at 2 and 6 °C above the melting temperature remain intact throughout the entire course of deformation and exhibit a strain hardening behavior that does not follow time temperature superposition. We propose that stabilization of the filament at lower temperatures, as well as the failure of time temperature superposition, is caused by flow-induced nucleation and growth of shish structures oriented along the flow direction. Further justification is obtained from small-angle X-ray scattering performed on the quenched filament showing an increased formation of shish with an increase in the deformation rate. We find the .
Experimental infection of a porcine kidney cell line with hepatitis A virus

The hepatitis A virus (HAV) induces severe acute liver injury and is adapted to human and monkey cell lines but not other cells. In this study, the HAV was inoculated into porcine kidney (PK-15) cells to determine its infectivity in porcine cells. The growth pattern of the HAV in PK-15 cells was compared with its growth pattern in fetal rhesus kidney (FRhK-4) cells. The growth of HAV was less efficient in PK-15 cells. In conclusion, HAV replication was verified in PK-15 cells for the first time. Further investigations will be needed to identify the HAV-restrictive mechanisms in PK-15 cells.
Universality for zeros of random polynomials

We consider random polynomials of the form $H_n(z)=\sum_{j=0}^n\xi_jq_j(z)$ where the $\{\xi_j\}$ are i.i. d non-degenerate complex random variables, and the $\{q_j(z)\}$ are orthonormal polynomials with respect to a compactly supported measure $\tau$ satisfying the Bernstein-Markov property on a regular compact set $K \subset \mathbb{C}$. We show that if $\mathbb{P}(|\xi_0|>e^{|z|})=o(\frac{1}{|z|})$, then the normalized counting measure of the zeros of $H_n$ converges in probability to the equilibrium measure of $K. $ This is the best possible result, in the sense that the roots of $H_n(z)=\sum_{j=0}^n\xi_jz^j$ fail to converge in probability to the appropriate equilibrium measure when the above condition on the $\xi_j$ is not satisfied. In addition, we give a multivariable version of this result. We also consider random polynomials of the form $\sum_{j=0}^n\xi_kf_{n,k}z^k$, where the coefficients $f_{n,k}$ are complex constants satisfying certain conditions, and the random variables $\{\xi_k\}$ satisfy $\mathbb{E} \log(1 + |\xi_0|) < \infty$. In this case, we establish almost sure convergence of the normalized counting measure of the zeros to an appropriate limiting measure. Again, this is the best possible result in the same sense as above.
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Relaxometry Parameters, Late Gadolinium Enhancement, and Feature-Tracking Myocardial Longitudinal Strain in Patients Recovered from COVID-19

COVID-19 infection is associated with myocarditis, and cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is the reference non-invasive imaging modality for myocardial tissue characterization. Quantitative CMR techniques, such as feature tracking (FT) and left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS) analysis, have been introduced as promising diagnostic tools to improve the diagnostic accuracy of suspected myocarditis. The aim of this study was to analyze the left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS) and the influence of T1 and T2 relaxation times, ECV, and LGE appearance on GLS parameters in a multiparametric imaging protocol in patients who recovered from COVID-19. The 86 consecutive patients enrolled in the study had all recovered from mild or moderate COVID-19 infections; none required hospitalization. Their persistent symptoms and suspected myocarditis led to cardiac magnetic resonance imaging within 3 months of the diagnosis of the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Results: Patients with GLS less negative than −15% had significantly lower LVEF (53.6% ± 8.9 vs. 61.6% ± 4.8; <0.001) and were significantly more likely to have prolonged T1 (28.6% vs. 7.5%; p = 0.019). Left ventricular GLS correlated significantly with T1 (r = 0.303; p = 0.006) and LVEF (r = −0.732; p < 0.001). Left ventricular GLS less negative than −15% was 7.5 times more likely in patients with prolonged T1 (HR 7.62; 95% CI 1.25–46.64). The reduced basal inferolateral longitudinal strain had a significant impact on the global left ventricular longitudinal strain. ROC results suggested that a GLS of 14.5% predicted prolonged T1 relaxation time with the best sensitivity and specificity. Conclusions: CMR abnormalities, including a myocarditis pattern, are common in patients who have recovered from COVID-19. The CMR feature-tracking left ventricular GLS is related to T1 relaxation time and may serve as a novel parameter to detect global and regional myocardial injury and dysfunction in patients with suspected myocardial involvement after recovery from COVID-19.
Assessment of Physico-Chemical Parameters of Water from Iwofe River, Rivers State, Nigeria

This study is aimed at assessing the physico-chemical parameters of water from the Iwofe River which is heavily stressed by extensive anthropogenic activities like bunkering. Two stations were established and surface water samples were collected bi-monthly at each station for one year. All the parameters were determined in-situ except biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) which was analyzed in the laboratory on the fifth day of sample collection. The results obtained show that pH varied from 5.66 and 6.87, dissolved oxygen (DO) ranged between 3.51 and 5.16 mg/l. Temperature had values ranging between 27.85 and 31.25 oC; salinity ranged between 5.96 and 11.54 ppt; conductivity ranged between 9.55 and 10.46 us/cm. The total dissolved solid (TDS) ranged between 7.15 and 13.63 mg/l and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) was between 0.85 and 2.84 mg/l. Seasonal fluctuations revealed that mean values of DO, TDS, salinity and temperature were higher during the dry season while pH and BOD were higher in the wet season, but mean conductivity values were uniform for both seasons. The study has shown that despite the visible anthropogenic perturbations in the study area, the surface water is still relatively clean.
Remdesivir Prescription in Pregnant Women Infected with COVID-19: A Report of Compassionate Use

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease that the physiological changes in pregnancy can make pregnant patients more susceptible to more severe forms of this infection. Hence, the treatment of COVID-19 in pregnant women can be challenging. This study was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Remdesivir in pregnant women with COVID-19. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 150 pregnant women with moderate to severe COVID-19 infection. Remdesivir was prescribed and continued for 5 or 10 days according to the patient's condition. Maternal and pregnancy outcomes and also recovery rates were evaluated. Moreover, additional variables were examined: age, gestational age, symptoms, O2 saturation and laboratory tests at admission, the interval between symptom initiation and admission to hospital and Remdesivir prescription, hospitalization days, and ICU admission. Results: The mean age was 32.37 years. Cough and dyspnea were the most prevalent symptoms (74% and 68.7%, respectively). At the time of admission, 79 (52.7%) women needed low-flow oxygen support, 67 (44.7%) needed high-flow oxygen support, and 4 (2.7%) were intubated. Fifty-four (36%) patients required ICU care. In patients who died (12 women), Remdesivir was prescribed later than those discharged (P value, 0.04). Patients with favorable pregnancy outcomes received Remdesivir earlier than those with unfavorable pregnancy outcomes (P value: 0.008). The recovery rate was 70% (89.9% in the low-flow oxygen, 50.7% in the NIPPV/high flow oxygen, and 0% in the intubated women). Conclusion: The results suggest that the early prescription of Remdesivir in pregnant women with moderate COVID-19 can improve the outcomes.
Hubbard Model Calculations for Zinc Oxide Semiconductor

To investigate the effects of Hubbard on-site Coulombic correction on the structural and electronical characteristics of wurtzite zinc oxide, first-principles calculations using density functional theory (DFT) were carried out. Because of the changes in structural characteristics brought about by the correction of hybridization between Zn 3d and O 2p states, suitable Hubbard terms need to be constructed before one can make an accurate forecast of the properties of ZnO. The computations were carried out by applying Hubbard corrections Ud to Zn 3d states and Up to O 2p states. These adjustments were based on the Wu-Cohen functional. When the Hubbard corrections Ud and Up were introduced to the calculation, the lattice parameters were more comparable to the experimental data and were found to be accurately predicted. The combination of the correction terms Ud and Up was successful in improving the underestimated bandgap of the wurtzite ZnO, which may have solved the difficulties that are associated with the traditional DFT. There is a strong agreement between the experimental bandgap and the best Hubbard parameters that were discovered for GGA-WC+U. These parameters were found to be Ud = 8 eV and Up = 8 eV.
Pulsed Electric Fields in Oncology: A Snapshot of Current Clinical Practices and Research Directions from the 4th World Congress of Electroporation

Simple Summary Locoregional therapies play an ever-increasing role in contemporary oncology. This review provides an up-to-date, informed analysis of locoregional therapies harnessing electric pulses. Irreversible electroporation (IRE), gene electrotransfer (GET), electrochemotherapy (ECT), calcium electroporation (Ca-EP), and tumour-treating fields (TTF) are integral to the therapeutic strategy in several solid tumours, ranging from skin cancers to visceral and bone metastases. Still, despite consolidated credibility and a favourable trade-off between efficacy and side effects, these therapies face fragmentation, as shown by differences in the stage of development and regulatory approval worldwide. Here, leading experts convened at the 4th World Congress of Electroporation (Copenhagen, 9–13 October 2022) provide a coherent, updated snapshot of this field. Hopefully, these techniques’ common scientific and technological ground will allow researchers to overcome knowledge barriers and develop synergistic strategies to improve patient outcomes. Abstract The 4th World Congress of Electroporation (Copenhagen, 9–13 October 2022) provided a unique opportunity to convene leading experts in pulsed electric fields (PEF). PEF-based therapies harness electric fields to produce therapeutically useful effects on cancers and represent a valuable option for a variety of patients. As such, irreversible electroporation (IRE), gene electrotransfer (GET), electrochemotherapy (ECT), calcium electroporation (Ca-EP), and tumour-treating fields (TTF) are on the rise. Still, their full therapeutic potential remains underappreciated, and the field faces fragmentation, as shown by parallel maturation and differences in the stages of development and regulatory approval worldwide. This narrative review provides a glimpse of PEF-based techniques, including key mechanisms, clinical indications, and advances in therapy; finally, it offers insights into current research directions. By highlighting a common ground, the authors aim to break silos, strengthen cross-functional collaboration, and pave the way to novel possibilities for intervention. Intriguingly, beyond their peculiar mechanism of action, PEF-based therapies share technical interconnections and multifaceted biological effects (e.g., vascular, immunological) worth exploiting in combinatorial strategies.
English for Engineering: Intercultural formal letter writing

Writing is a productive skill highly addressed in the ESP classroom. Students learning a foreign language have to learn how to create accurate structured texts with organized ideas to convey relevant meaning. The aim of this study is to analyze and categorize written mistakes produced by 1st cycle foreign students from different nationalities (i.e.: Romanian, Moroccan and Bulgarian) in the English for Engineering module at a Spanish university. The objective is to examine written language accuracy in formal letter writing such as enquiring and complaint letters, to detect any intercultural interference as to mother-tongue influence and other language varieties in the learning of curricular and linguistic knowledge. We believe that studies such as the one presented here allow teachers to provide students with written corrective feedback which may have a positive impact on students’ writing skills (Li, 2000), in this case, foreign students enrolled in an ESP module at a Spanish university.
Characterization of Leuconostoc carnosum and Latilactobacillus sakei during Cooked Pork Ham Processing

Cooked ham is a popular, ready-to-eat product made of pork meat that is susceptible to microbial growth throughout its shelf life. In this study, we aimed to monitor the microbial growth and composition of nine vacuum-packed cooked ham lots using plate counting until the microbial limit of 7.4 log10 AMC/LAB CFU/g was exceeded. Eight out of nine lots exceeded the microbial limit after 20 days of storage. Lactic acid bacteria strains, particularly Leuconostoc carnosum and Latilactobacillus sakei, prevailed in vacuum-packed cooked ham. Leuconostoc carnosum 2 (Leuc 2) and Latilactobacillus sakei 4 (Sakei 4) were isolated from raw meat and the post-cooking area of the food processing facility. Carbohydrate utilization patterns of Leuc. carnosum PFGE types isolated from raw meat and the food processing environment differed from those isolated from cooked ham. These findings demonstrate how raw meat and its processing environment impact the quality and shelf life of cooked ham.
Discharge modes of atmospheric pressure DC plasma jets operated with air or nitrogen

The different discharge modes that were observed for a plasma jet operated at atmospheric pressure with air or nitrogen by applying a DC high voltage to a microhollow cathode geometry were investigated. Critical parameters that determine the operation in either a self-pulsing or ‘true’ DC discharge mode were identified based on an electrical circuit model and investigated accordingly. Current limitation by the overall circuit resistance supports either a continuous charging and discharging of stray capacities, together with associated repetitive plasma generation, or a short circuit operation. These different modes can be controlled by gas flow rate and applied high voltage. Consecutive plasma development in the self-pulsing mode resembles characteristics of a transient spark discharge. When the associated memory effects start to last longer than intervals between subsequent electrical breakdowns, eventually a current-limited self-sustained glow-like discharge is supported.
Spatio-temporal urban growth dynamics of Lagos Metropolitan Region of Nigeria based on Hybrid methods for LULC modeling and prediction

ABSTRACT An accurate information on the amount and location of Land use and land cover (LULC) changes is necessary to develop and implement a sustainable-urban planning.This research investigates the potential of an integrated Multi-Layer Perceptron and Markov Chain Analysis (MLP-MCA) to map and accurately predict the future LULC change scenarios in Lagos Metropolitan Region of Nigeria. Multi-temporal LULC datasets derived from remotely sensed Landsat images from 1984, 2000 and 2015 were used for modeling, validation and prediction. Predicted LULC changes for 2030 and 2050 were performed based on the LULC map of 2015 using MLP-MCA method. The result reveals a significant expansion of built-up areas during the whole study period. Analysis of LULC distribution in Lagos metropolitan region shows that about 50% of urban land expansion happened beyond the administrative boundary of Lagos State during the period of 2000–2015. It is predicted that more than 75% of future urban growth will occur across the border of Lagos State, in the neighbouring Ogun State by 2050. These results imply that a strong and consistent collaboration between different states is crucial to establish an effective regional planning framework and ensure a proper planned growth of the metropolitan region.
Histological Findings Of Helicobacter Pylori In Diabetic Patients

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the histological findings of H-pylori in diabetic patients. Material and methods: This observation study was conducted on 90 diabetic patients with H-pylori infection at Gastroenterology Department, Nishtar Medical University, Multan in the duration from November, 2022 to April, 2023. Endoscopic and histological findings were determined. Chi Square test was applied with P value less than 0.05. Results: The mean age was 53.73±8.66 years with majority male patients. On histological findings chronic gastritis was seen in 74.4%, gastric atrophy 18.9% and intestinal metaplasia 6.7%. Conclusion: The histological findings of H-pylori in diabetic patients were chronic gastritis 74.4%, gastric atrophy 18.9% and intestinal metaplasia 6.7%. Keywords: H-pylori, Diabetes, Histological findings, Endoscopy