Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hydrophilic Biocompatible Fluorescent Organic Nanoparticles as Nanocarriers for Biosourced Photosensitizers for Photodynamic Therapy

Most photosensitizers of interest for photodynamic therapy—especially porphyrinoids and chlorins—are hydrophobic. To circumvent this difficulty, the use of nanocarriers is an attractive strategy. In this perspective, we have developed highly water-soluble and biocompatible fluorescent organic nanoparticles (FONPs) made from citric acid and diethyltriamine which are then activated by ethlynene diamine as nanoplatforms for efficient photosensitizers (PSs). Purpurin 18 (Pp18) was selected as a biosourced chlorin photosensitizer combining the efficient single oxygen generation ability and suitable absorption in the biological spectral window. The simple reaction of activated FONPs with Pp18, which contains a reactive anhydride ring, yielded nanoparticles containing both Pp18 and Cp6 derivatives. These functionalized nanoparticles combine solubility in water, high singlet oxygen generation quantum yield in aqueous media (0.72) and absorption both in the near UV region (FONPS) and in the visible region (Soret band approximately 420 nm as well as Q bands at 500 nm, 560 nm, 660 nm and 710 nm). The functionalized nanoparticles retain the blue fluorescence of FONPs when excited in the near UV region but also show deep-red or NIR fluorescence when excited in the visible absorption bands of the PSs (typically at 520 nm, 660 nm or 710 nm). Moreover, these nanoparticles behave as efficient photosensitizers inducing colorectal cancer cell (HCT116 and HT-29 cell lines) death upon illumination at 650 nm. Half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values down to, respectively, 0.04 and 0.13 nmol/mL were observed showing the potential of FONPs[Cp6] for the PDT treatment of cancer. In conclusion, we have shown that these novel biocompatible nanoparticles, which can be elaborated from biosourced components, both show deep-red emission upon excitation in the red region and are able to produce singlet oxygen with high efficiency in aqueous environments. Moreover, they show high PDT efficiency on colorectal cancer cells upon excitation in the deep red region. As such, these functional organic nanoparticles hold promise both for PDT treatment and theranostics.
Are you satisfied? Tracing antecedents of bank employees’ job satisfaction in their job role

This empirical study aims to explore the factors that impact job satisfaction among employees in private banks in Bangladesh, considering the prevailing atmosphere of intense competition in the country’s banking sector. Recognizing that employees are a crucial asset to any organization’s success, it is essential to explore the variables that contribute to their work contentment. The methodology adopted for this study follows a quantitative approach, employing regression analysis for scrutinizing the relationships between job satisfaction and selected variables. This study included a sample of 320 individuals employed in private banks in Bangladesh. This sample size was considered suitable for conducting a robust quantitative regression analysis. To collect the necessary data, the questionnaire was given to the bank personnel and employees via their email addresses. The survey instrument utilized in this investigation was modified from earlier research endeavors to ensure validity and reliability. To analyze the collected data, the researchers utilized the statistical software SPSS version 29.0. The regression analysis feature of SPSS was employed to test the model and hypotheses formulated for this study. The findings of the study reveal that green HR practices (β = 0.284), which encompass environmentally friendly policies and practices in human resource management, significantly contribute to employee job satisfaction. Additionally, remuneration (β = 0.224) emerges as another vital factor influencing job satisfaction. Furthermore, work environment (β = 0.298) was found to have a significant positive and highest effect among other two variables on job satisfaction levels.
Tandem T:Slim X2 Insulin Pump Use in Clinical Practice Among Pregnant Individuals With Type 1 Diabetes: A Retrospective Observational Cohort Study

Background: Insulin pump use is increasing in frequency among pregnant individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Automated insulin delivery (AID) technologies have not been studied extensively in pregnancy. Method: We present a retrospective case series of eight individuals with T1D who used the Tandem t:slim X2 insulin pump (Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc., CA, USA) during pregnancy. Weekly continuous glucose monitor and insulin pump data were analyzed from electronic medical records and data-sharing portals. Safety, glycemic control, and pregnancy outcomes were examined with both the control IQ (CIQ) and basal IQ (BIQ) algorithms. Results: Six CIQ and two BIQ users were studied. The mean glycated hemoglobin (A1C) during pregnancy was 6.1%, and the average time in pregnancy-recommended glycemic range (TIR; 63-140mg/dL) was 67.9%. There were no instances of diabetic ketoacidosis or severe hypoglycemia. CIQ users had a higher mean sensor glucose (127.6 mg/dL) compared to BIQ participants (118.4 mg/dL). However, the average time below range (<63 mg/dL) was 6.1% in BIQ participants compared to 1.5% in CIQ participants. CIQ participants used several strategies to achieve glycemic targets, including daytime use of sleep activity. An increased basal-to-bolus insulin ratio was negatively correlated with TIR (r=-0.415). Conclusions: Tandem t:slim X2 insulin pumps were safely used during pregnancy in eight individuals with T1D, with variable success in achieving recommended glycemic targets. Further research is needed to understand differences in CIQ and BIQ use in pregnancy. AID device manufacturers must additionally develop further methods to target lower glucose for pregnant users.
Relations entre la contraction thermique des sols en Europe du Nord-Ouest et la dynamique de l'inlandsis weichsélien

The study of ice wedge polygons in Europe and of their diagenesis indicates their frequent occurrence through the last Glacial alternating with loessic sedimentation. They are associated with continuous ice-poor permafrost. Their development is not correlated with orbital forcing, but more probably to polar winds related with the cyclic thickening of ice sheets ; their degradation seems correlated with their thinning, synchronous with the Heinrich events in the northern Atlantic.
Evaluating the Moisture Susceptibility of Asphalt Mixtures Containing RCA and Modified by Waste Alumina

The management of building and demolition waste is an important subject in the government's sustainability efforts. Today, recycling and reusing industrial waste and by-products is a topic of considerable relevance in every industry, but it is especially important in cement and concrete technology. Within the asphalt pavement sector, the necessity for environmentally friendly highway design and construction is at the top of the priority list. Nevertheless, due to the inferior behavior of the resulting recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) mixes, additional enhancement materials are needed. In this study, the effect of using alumina waste in the form of secondary aluminum dross (SAD) in the asphalt compacted specimens that contained RCA as coarse aggregate was discussed. The conventional limestone dust filler is replaced by SAD at rates of 10, 20, and 30% by filler weight in the control mix, and then the best percentage is used in mixtures containing RCA at rates of 25, 50, 75, and 100%. The experimental work includes volumetric properties by employing the Marshall design method, indirect tensile strength (ITS), and compressive strength. All the used percent of SAD enhanced the properties of the asphalt mixture; the tensile strength ratio (TSR) of the control mixture increased by 4.58%, 8.52%, and 7.64% for SAD rates (10, 20, and 30%), respectively. The best dosage of SAD was added to the mixture containing RCA at different specified rates. The maximum TSR (13.92%) was obtained at 25% RCA. The same steps were followed in the compressive strength test; adding SAD increased the index of retained strength (IRS) of the control mixture by 55.11, 13.42, and 9.13% for 10, 20, and 30%, respectively. Thereafter, the best dosage of 20% SAD was added to the hot mix asphalt (HMA) containing different RCA percents. The maximum IRS (17.43%) was also obtained at a 25% RCA. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-SP2023-09-019 Full Text: PDF
The Global Evolutionary History of Orf Virus in Sheep and Goats Revealed by Whole Genomes Data

Orf virus (ORFV) belongs to the genus Parapoxvirus (Poxviridae family). It is the causative agent of contagious ecthyma (CE) that is an economically detrimental disease affecting small ruminants globally. Contagious ecthyma outbreaks are usually reported in intensive breeding of sheep and goats but they have also been reported in wildlife species. Notably, ORFV can infect humans, leading to a zoonotic disease. This study aims to elucidate the global evolutionary history of ORFV genomes in sheep and goats, including the first genomes from Central America in the analyses. In comparison to the last study on ORFV whole genomes, the database now includes 11 more sheep and goat genomes, representing an increase of 42%. The analysis of such a broader database made it possible to obtain a fine molecular dating of the coalescent time for ORFV S and G genomes, further highlighting the genetic structuring between sheep and goat genomes and corroborating their emergence in the latter half of 20th century.
A large pterodactyloid pterosaur from the Late Cretaceous Ferron Sandstone of Utah

Abstract Three associated incomplete wing bones of a large pterodactyloid pterosaur from the Ferron Sandstone Member of the Mancos Shale Formation of Utah are described. Based on the morphology of the bones’ articular ends, the specimen is referred to the Pteranodontoidea. Associated ammonites indicate that the specimen's age is Middle Turonian, so it adds to the sparse worldwide record of Turonian pterosaurs. The record of pteranodontoid pterosaurs in the Western Interior Seaway of North America is reviewed, and it is suggested that pteranodontoids were not diverse.
Ascophyllum nodosum (Linnaeus) Le Jolis from Arctic: Its Biochemical Composition, Antiradical Potential, and Human Health Risk

Ascophyllum nodosum is a brown seaweed common in Arctic tidal waters. We have collected A. nodosum samples from the Barents Sea (BS), Irminger Sea (IS), and Norwegian Sea (NS) in different reproductive stages and have evaluated their biochemical composition, radical scavenging potential, and health risks. The total content of dominating carbohydrates (fucoidan, mannitol, alginate, and laminaran) ranged from 347 mg/g DW in NS to 528 mg/g DW in BS. The proportion of two main structural monosaccharides of fucoidan (fucose and xylose) differed significantly between the seas and reproductive phase, reaching a maximum at the fertile phase in the BS sample. Polyphenols and flavonoids totals were highest in NS A. nodosum samples and increased on average in the following order: BS < IS < NS. A positive correlation of free radical scavenging activity for seaweed extracts with polyphenols content was observed. The concentration of elements in A. nodosum from the Arctic seas region was in the following order: Ca > Mg > Sr > Fe > Al > Zn > As total > Rb > Mn > Ba > Cu > Co. Seaweeds from BS had the lowest metal pollution index (MPI) of 38.4. A. nodosum from IS had the highest MPI of 83. According to the calculated target hazard quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI) values, Arctic A. nodosum samples pose no carcinogenic risk to adult and child health and are safe for regular consumption. Our results suggest that the Arctic A. nodosum has a remarkable potential for food and pharmaceutical industries as an underestimated source of polysaccharides, polyphenols, and flavonoids.
Habitat use by the pumpkin toadlet, Brachycephalus ephippium (Anura, Brachycephalidae), in the Atlantic Rain Forest of Brazil

Originally, the Atlantic Forest occupied 1.5 million km2 and in mid-2000 it was reduced to only 7% of its original area (Myers et al., 2000; Tabarelli et al., 2005). Scientific concerns over ecosystems and biomes disappearance made researchers discover in frogs natural allies that can indicate the quality of the environment (Becker et al., 2007; Dixo et al., 2009; Hayes et al., 2010; Toledo et al., 2010). The amphibian Brachycephalus ephippium (Spix, 1824) is a small orange or chrome-yellow frog (Figure 1), with about 2 cm in snout-vent length and only two functional fingers and three toes (Izecksohn & Carvalho-e-Silva, 2001), and has its type locality in the municipality of Piquete, São Paulo, Brazil (Bokermann, 1966). The genus Brachycephalus is endemic from the region ranging from the state of Espírito Santo to Paraná (Pombal-Jr et al., 1998; RESUMEN: La ocupación del hábitat y el comportamiento circadiano de las especies a menudo están relacionados con las condiciones ambientales. El objetivo de este trabajo es describir el uso de los hábitats y la actividad circadiana en el anuro Brachycephalus ephippium en el estado de Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Se observó la frecuencia de ocupación de seis hábitats y se analizaron las diferencias entre las estaciones seca y lluviosa. El análisis causal de ocupación mostró un período de actividad de siete horas, con diferencias según los hábitats. La incidencia de luz natural resultó un factor importante en el período de actividad de la especie. Sugerimos que la especie es un buen bioindicador ya que las características del hábitat (e.g., cobertura arbórea) afectan directamente la incidencia de luz natural y ello puede afectar la ocupación de B. ephippium. Habitat use by the pumpkin toadlet, Brachycephalus ephippium (Anura, Brachycephalidae), in the Atlantic Rain Forest of Brazil
Generalized Curves for Gain Per Head and Gain Per Acre in Rates of Grazing Studies.

On California annual plant range at the San Joaquin Experimental Range periodic sulfur fertilization increased herbage production in two range units above that in unfertilized controls by 59 and 57 percent during a 5-year period. Initial response was stimulation of native clovers. Production of grasses and legumes increased in subsequent years after soil nitrogen had been built up. Greatest returns were on the better range sites. Yearly yields fluctuated because of weather about the same on fertilized as on unfertilized range. Grazing capacities were increased proportionally with yields, except for one pasture in the years when its was grazed during the green-forage season. Stocking of fertilized range could be raised materially above unfertilized range during the dryforage and green-forage seasons but not during the winter season. Fertilization produced more grazable herbage during late winter in one pasture but not in the other. Most of the greater growth on fertilized range occurred during the spring months.
Northern Syria and Upper Mesopotamia at the End of the Third Millennium B .C : Did a Crisis Take Place ?

L'etude des cartes realisees collectivement durant le Colloque de decembre 2005 permet de constater l'existence d'une tres grande diversite regionale dans l'evolution du peuplement de la Haute-Mesopotamie et de la Syrie du Nord a la fin du Troisieme Millenaire av. J.-C. La comparaison de ces cartes avec les tableaux presentes d'une part par A. Porter et d'autre part par G. Schwartz, montre qu'en depit de variations certaines dans l'analyse de l'evolution de quelques sites (variations dues a des principes methodologiques differents), toutes ces representations conduisent a des conclusions similaires : seule la region du Khabur parait avoir connu un phenomene de declin a la fin vers 2200-2100 av. J.-C. Il parait donc clair qu'on ne peut parler d'effondrement generalise du peuplement de ces regions a la fin du Troisieme Millenaire : la "crise" de 2200-2100 reste circonscrite au Khabur, voire au Moyen- Khabur. ; L'absence de crise generalisee ne signifie pas pour autant que les changements climatiques enregistres a la fin du Bronze Ancien dans les archives climatiques et environnementales n'ont pas eu de repercussions sur les societes humaines. Meme si les evenements climatiques de la fin du Troisieme Millenaire ne peuvent etre qualifies de "brutaux" (ils font partie en effet d'un processus d'aridification entame vers 3000 B.C., qui s'amplifie pendant la deuxieme moitie du Troisieme Millenaire), ils pourraient avoir contribue au declin de societes deja fragilisees par des phenomenes internes (guerres, surexploitation agricole, epuisement de certaines ressources, etc.). Les evenements climatiques de 2200-2100 B.C. ne constituent donc pas la cause mais pourraient etre le facteur declenchant du declin de la civilisation urbaine du Moyen-Khabur a la fin du Bronze Ancien . ; Quant aux causes de cette evolution, elles sont a rechercher dans des processus enclenches plusieurs siecles auparavant, ou sont meles aleas politiques et choix socio-economiques. En definitive, seules les societes fragilisees par de tels processus se sont montrees incapables de surmonter les tensions provoquees par les episodes de secheresse repetes de la fin du Troisieme Millenaire. Ce declin n'etait pas ineluctable ; ce qui explique que d'autres regions de Syrie et de Mesopotamie ont connu a cette epoque un destin plus favorable .
Homologues de la lillianite (gustavite, vikingite, heyrovskyite riche en Ag et Bi...) de l'indice à W-As-(Pb,Bi,Ag) de La Roche-Balue (Loire Atlantique, France)

Dans la carriere de La Roche-Balue (Ouest de Nantes, France), un filon de quartz est principalement mineralise en scheelite, mispickel et galene, avec de nombreux sulfosels de Pb-Ag/Bi. Trois stades de depot ont ete distingues : — stade 1 : pneumatolytique, avec quartz et orthose ; — stade 2 : hypothermal (350-400 °C), avec quartz, scheelite, mispickel (+ pyrrhotite et molybdenite), gustavite I + vikingite + heyrovskyite riche en Ag et Bi + eskimoite (+ or), galene ; — stade 3 tres tardif : epithermal avec pyrite, marcasite, chalcopyrite, cosalite argentifere, gustavite II, bismuth et tetraedrite. Entre polariseurs croises, les gustavites I et II montrent un maclage complexe ubiquiste. Dans la gustavite I, de nombreuses lamelles d'exsolution d'un terme pauvre en Ag et Bi de la serie lillianite-gustavite sont toujours presentes. Ces lamelles sont absentes de la gustavite II. La vikingite montre un maclage polysynthetique grossier, avec a plus petite echelle un autre maclage analogue a celui de la gustavite. Aucun maclage n'est visible dans la heyrovskyite riche en Ag et Bi. Ces trois sulfosels forment frequemment des associations epitaxiques. La faible anisotropie optique de la galene revele un maclage polysynthetique d'origine mecanique. Les analyses a la microsonde electronique indiquent 3,1 % Bi et 1,6 % Ag dans la galene. Les sulfosels de plomb contiennent de 0,02 a 0,05 % Se, 0,04 a 0,14 % Sb et 0,10 a 0,80 % Cd. La teneur en cadmium des homologues de la lillianite est correlee au contenu en Ag et Bi. La cosalite contient 1 % Cu et 2,6 % Ag. Dans le stade 2, les sulfosels montrent une lignee geochimique sub-parallele au segment Bi2S3-Pb2S2 dans le systeme Pb2S2-Bi2S3-Ag2S. L'etude aux rayons X a permis de caracteriser les cinq sulfosels inclus dans la galene, et notamment les deux termes de la serie lillianite-gustavite, ainsi que l'eskimoite mineure en association epitaxique avec la heyrovskyite. Durant le stade epithermal final, les sulfosels de plomb primaires ont ete dissous pour donner l'association (gustavite II + cosalite + galene). La decomposition de ces sulfosels peut etre due soit a leur instabilite a basse temperature, soit a la presence de cuivre qui favoriserait la cristallisation de la cosalite. Le contenu en cadmium des sulfosels de Pb-Ag/Bi est semblable a celui observe dans la serie de l'andorite. Apparemment, un enrichissement en cadmium est typique de solutions mineralisantes mobilisees lors de processus post-magmatiques generes par des intrusions granitiques.
Structural setting along the CROP-04 deep seismic profile (Southern Apennines - Italy)

An updated review of the Southern Apennines structural architecture, a proven petroleum province in Italy, is presented taking into consideration the new stratigraphic and structural constraints provided both by almost forty years of petroleum exploration and by the recently reprocessed CROP-04 deep seismic reflection profile. A regional geological cross-section, drawn nearly parallel to the CROP-04 seismic line, is described and discussed to point out the main features of the Southern Apennines. Moreover, a second shorter cross-section (named M. Foi cross-section), very well constrained by good quality seismic and well data, is used to describe the allochthonous units structural setting in detail, with special attention to the tectonic evolution of the Lagonegro units. The Southern Apennines (SA) are a Neogene and Quaternary thrust belt located in the hanging wall of a W-directed, E-retreating, subduction of the Apulo-Adriatic lithosphere. From a structural point of view, the SA are made up of a huge duplex system consisting of two main units: the allochthonous nappes and the Apulian platform. The allochthonous units, derived from the deformation of both peritidal carbonate platforms and pelagic basin successions and from the stratigraphically overlying foredeep deposits, are completely detached from their original substratum and transported onto the carbonates of the Apulian platform. Beneath the mountain chain the Apulian carbonates are deformed to form a buried antiformal stack. Some outstanding problems concern both the structural setting of the deeper part of the SA thrust belt (e.g. the degree of involvement of the crystalline basement in the Apulian antiformal stack) and of the allochthonous nappes. CROP-04 and well data suggest the possibility that Lagonegro and Apulian Platform carbonate units could extend at depth westward below the Apenninic platform units. Moreover, some geological and geophysical evidences suggest that shortening within the Apulian carbonate platform units might be significantly greater than previously assumed in several recent structural interpretations. The increased shortening hypothesis may have relevant implications for a better understanding of the petroleum system evolution. The complex antiformal stack-type structure of the Lagonegro units, revealed by well data and characterised by the tectonic repetition of the couple «Scisti Silicei» plus «Calcari con Selce», could be reproduced with a relatively simple series of ramp-flat thrusts propagating through the Lagonegro succession. Based on both the regional and the M. Foi cross-sections, a likely original width of about 125 km has been estimated for the Lagonegro basinal domain: 90 km are now deformed in antiformal-stack type structures in the axial zone of the Campania-Lucania arc while other 35 km might be buried, in our interpretation, below the Apennine units. The resulting total internal shortening for the Lagonegro domain is about 60%.