Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nondestructive Evaluation of Extended Scatterers Using Phaseless Data Subspace-based Optimization Method in the Framework of the Method of Moments

In this paper, we propose the Phaseless Data Subspace-based Optimization Method (PDSOM) in the framework of the Method of Moments(MoM) so as to reconstruct the relative- permittivity proflles of extended scatterers in Transverse Electric case, by utilizing only phaseless measurements (i.e., intensity data of the total fleld with no phase information). The numerical result demonstrates that the proposed method is capable of reconstructing complicated patterns with rapid rate of convergence and robust immunity to noise; and, more importantly, the com- parison unravels the framework-dependence of PDSOM, i.e., PDSOM in the framework of MoM outperforms PDSOM in framework of coupled dipole method (CDM), which supplies a new way of improving the capability of reconstruction.
Assessing Environmental Sanitation Practices in Slaughterhouses in Osogbo, Nigeria: Taking the Good with the Bad

The purpose of this paper is to examine environmental sanitation practices in slaughterhouses in Osogbo, Nigeria. This came about based on the recognition of the disposal of meat waste as sources of environmental pollution in the built environment. Survey for the study involved questionnaire administration at slaughterhouses and field observation. A total of thirty-three slaughterhouses were identified in the study area out of which fifteen (45.0%) were randomly selected. Findings revealed that an average of two cows were slaughtered daily in each of the slaughterhouses sampled and majority (80.0%) of the slaughterhouses were located near water bodies or places with high water table. Dumping of waste in premises of the slaughterhouses was the commonest method of the disposal of solid animal waste while liquid waste, effluents and wastewater were indiscriminately discharged into nearby streams and drainage. The practices of the slaughtering of animals and disposal of waste in the city were without consideration for its polluting effect and concerns for public health. The study recommended efficient and effective enforcement of environmental sanitation laws on slaughterhouses operations and environmental education for the slaughterhouse operators and residents.
Determinants of sweet potato value addition among smallholder farming households in Kwara state, Nigeria

Sweet potato is an important food security promoted crop in Nigeria. The recognition of its relative health benefits has resulted in fresh consumption as well as the utilization of processed products such as sweet potato chips, fries and pre-cut, flour, and pureed sweet potatoes. This study examined the determinants of sweet potato value addition among smallholder farmers in Kwara. A multi- stage sampling techniques was used to obtain information from 163 small holder farmers in Offa and Oyun local government areas of Kwara state. Descriptive statistics and Heckman two-stage model were used to analyse the data. The results indicate that 44% of the respondents were involved mainly in slicing and sun-drying; 39% took part in slicing, sun-drying and grinding into flour, while the main value adding activity of 15% of them was slicing and frying into chips. The results of the Heckman two-stage model showed that training and quantity of sweet potato harvested significantly increased farmers’ decision to add value by 0.494 units and 0.003 units respectively. Furthermore, membership of association extension visits and access to credit significantly increased farmers’ level of value addition to sweet potato by 1.301units, 0.821 units and 15.350 units respectively. Also, household size decreased the level of value addition by 2.174 units. For sweet potato farmers to be fully involved in value addition of their produce, loan packages, increase in extension outreaches, training and sensitization on birth control measures are necessary policy options.
Harvesting random embedding for high-frequency change-point detection in temporal complex systems

Abstract Recent investigations have revealed that dynamics of complex networks and systems are crucially dependent on the temporal structures. Accurate detection of the time instant at which a system changes its internal structures has become a tremendously significant mission, beneficial to fully understanding the underlying mechanisms of evolving systems, and adequately modeling and predicting the dynamics of the systems as well. In real-world applications, due to a lack of prior knowledge on the explicit equations of evolving systems, an open challenge is how to develop a practical and model-free method to achieve the mission based merely on the time-series data recorded from real-world systems. Here, we develop such a model-free approach, named temporal change-point detection (TCD), and integrate both dynamical and statistical methods to address this important challenge in a novel way. The proposed TCD approach, basing on exploitation of spatial information of the observed time series of high dimensions, is able not only to detect the separate change points of the concerned systems without knowing, a priori, any information of the equations of the systems, but also to harvest all the change points emergent in a relatively high-frequency manner, which cannot be directly achieved by using the existing methods and techniques. Practical effectiveness is comprehensively demonstrated using the data from the representative complex dynamics and real-world systems from biology to geology and even to social science.
Systematic Review of the Health and Equity Impacts of Remediation and Redevelopment of Contaminated Sites

(1) Background: Globally there is a vast legacy of contaminated sites from past industrial, commercial and military activity, waste disposal, and mineral extraction. This review examined the extent to which the remediation of contaminated sites reduces health risks to new and existing populations. (2) Methods: Standard academic databases were searched for papers that reported on health-related outcomes in humans following remediation and redevelopment of contaminated sites. Title/abstract screening, followed by full-text screening identified sixteen papers that met the eligibility criteria. (3) Results: Most studies were set in the United States of America and reported changes in blood lead concentrations in children, following soil remediation and, in some cases, public health campaigns to reduce exposure. Two further studies examined the impacts of remediation on soil contaminated with chromium and sediments contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). (4) Conclusions: Overall, the evidence suggests that remediation via removal, capping, and replacing soil, and planting vegetation is effective at reducing concentrations of lead and chromium in blood and urine in children. There is also evidence that sediment dredging can reduce PCB concentrations in umbilical cords in infants. Study designs are relatively weak and some recommendations are provided for those wishing to examine the health impacts of remediation.
Overexpression of Human Estrogen Biosynthetic Enzyme Hydroxysteroid (17beta) Dehydrogenase Type 1 Induces Adenomyosis-like Phenotype in Transgenic Mice

Hydroxysteroid (17beta) dehydrogenase type 1 (HSD17B1) is an enzyme that converts estrone to estradiol, while adenomyosis is an estrogen-dependent disease with poorly understood pathophysiology. In the present study, we show that mice universally over-expressing human estrogen biosynthetic enzyme HSD17B1 (HSD17B1TG mice) present with adenomyosis phenotype, characterized by histological and molecular evaluation. The first adenomyotic changes with endometrial glands partially or fully infiltrated into the myometrium appeared at the age of 5.5 months in HSD17B1TG females and became more prominent with increasing age. Preceding the phenotype, increased myometrial smooth muscle actin positivity and increased amount of glandular myofibroblast cells were observed in HSD17B1TG uteri. This was accompanied by transcriptomic upregulation of inflammatory and estrogen signaling pathways. Further, the genes upregulated in the HSD17B1TG uterus were enriched with genes previously observed to be induced in the human adenomyotic uterus, including several genes of the NFKB pathway. A 6-week-long HSD17B1 inhibitor treatment reduced the occurrence of the adenomyotic changes by 5-fold, whereas no effect was observed in the vehicle-treated HSD17B1TG mice, suggesting that estrogen is the main upstream regulator of adenomyosis-induced uterine signaling pathways. HSD17B1 is considered as a promising drug target to inhibit estrogen-dependent growth of endometrial disorders. The present data indicate that HSD17B1 over-expression in TG mice results in adenomyotic changes reversed by HSD17B1 inhibitor treatment and HSD17B1 is, thus, a potential novel drug target for adenomyosis.
Hand Motion Analysis during the Execution of the Action Research Arm Test Using Multiple Sensors

The Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) is a standardized outcome measure that can be improved by integrating sensors for hand motion analysis. The purpose of this study is to measure the flexion angle of the finger joints and fingertip forces during the performance of three subscales (Grasp, Grip, and Pinch) of the ARAT, using a data glove (CyberGlove II®) and five force-sensing resistors (FSRs) simultaneously. An experimental study was carried out with 25 healthy subjects (right-handed). The results showed that the mean flexion angles of the finger joints required to perform the 16 activities were Thumb (Carpometacarpal Joint (CMC) 28.56°, Metacarpophalangeal Joint (MCP) 26.84°, and Interphalangeal Joint (IP) 13.23°), Index (MCP 46.18°, Index Proximal Interphalangeal Joint (PIP) 38.89°), Middle (MCP 47.5°, PIP 42.62°), Ring (MCP 44.09°, PIP 39.22°), and Little (MCP 31.50°, PIP 22.10°). The averaged fingertip force exerted in the Grasp Subscale was 8.2 N, in Grip subscale 6.61 N and Pinch subscale 3.89 N. These results suggest that the integration of multiple sensors during the performance of the ARAT has clinical relevance, allowing therapists and other health professionals to perform a more sensitive, objective, and quantitative assessment of the hand function.
Perceptions and Practices of Oral Health Care Professionals in Preventing and Managing Childhood Obesity

In this study, we aimed to explore the perceptions of oral health care professionals (OHCPs) on childhood overweight and obesity screening and management in oral health settings in the Greater Sydney region in New South Wales, Australia. OHCPs involved in the Healthy Smiles Healthy Kids (HSHK) birth cohort study were purposively selected for this nested qualitative study. A sample of 15 OHCPs completed the face-to-face interviews, and thematic analysis was undertaken to identify and analyse the contextual patterns and themes. Three major themes emerged: (1) obesity prevention and management in dental practice; (2) barriers and enablers to obesity prevention and management in dental settings; and (3) the role of oral health professionals in promoting healthy weight status. This study found that OHCPs are well-positioned and supportive in undertaking obesity screening and management in their routine clinical practice. However, their practices are limited due to barriers such as time constraints, limited knowledge, and limited referral pathways. Strategies including capacity building of OHCPs, development of appropriate training programs and resources, and identification of a clear specialist referral pathway are needed to address the current barriers. This study provides an insight into opportunities for the oral health workforce in promoting healthy weight status among children.
Clinical Characteristics, Risk Factors for Severity and Pharmacotherapy in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients in the United Arab Emirates

Data on the clinical characteristics, severity and management of COVID-19 from the Middle East region, especially the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is very limited. We studied the clinical characteristics, laboratory biomarkers, risk factors for severity and pharmacotherapy of hospitalized COVID-19 patients in this single-center, analytical cross-sectional study conducted in a secondary care hospital of the UAE. A total of 585 patients were included in the study (median age, 49 years (IQR, 39–59); 66% male). Age > 45 years (OR = 2.07, 95% CI: 1.04–4.14, p = 0.040), male gender (OR = 3.15, 95% CI: 1.52–6.51, p = 0.002), presentation symptoms such as fever (OR = 3.68, 95% CI:1.34–10.11, p = 0.011) and shortness of breath/dyspnea (OR = 5.36, 95% CI: 2.69–10.67, p < 0.001), Hb < 13 g/dL (OR = 3.17, 95% CI: 1.51–6.65, p = 0.002), neutrophils > 7 × 103/mcL (OR = 4.89, 95% CI: 1.66–14.37, p=0.004), lymphocytes < 1 × 103/mcL (OR = 7.78, 95% CI: 1.01–60.19, p = 0.049), sodium < 135 mmol/L (OR = 5.42, 95% CI: 1.05–27.95, p = 0.044), potassium < 3.6 mmol/L (OR = 3.36, 95% CI: 1.03–11.01, p = 0.045), urea > 6.5 mmol/L (OR = 3.37, 95% CI: 1.69–6.73, p = 0.001) and LDH > 227 IU/L (OR = 6.26, 95% CI: 1.61–24.32, p = 0.008) were independent predictors of the severity of COVID-19. Antivirals (524, 89.6%) and corticosteroids (358, 61.2%) were prescribed for the management of COVID-19. In conclusion, older age, male gender, presentation symptoms such as fever and dyspnea, low hemoglobin, neutrophilia, lymphopenia, hyponatremia, hypokalemia, elevated levels of urea and lactate dehydrogenase were found to be independent risk factors for severe COVID-19. The pharmacotherapy of COVID-19 patients in our study was diverse, and the medications were prescribed based on the clinical condition of the patients.
Wind Farms and Power Lines Have Negative Effects on Territory Occupancy in Eurasian Eagle Owls (Bubo bubo)

Simple Summary Wind power can contribute to a necessary reduction in CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions. However, wind farm construction and infrastructure might cause other problems, for example, reducing biodiversity. In parts of their distribution area, eagle owls are scarce and declining, and not much is known about their tolerance for different kind of disturbances. Here, we investigated the presence–absence of Eurasian eagle owls (Bubo bubo) in 48 territories in the central part of Norway before the construction of eight wind farms and power lines started, and shortly after the construction period. Eagle owls living within 4–5 km away from the disturbance left their territories to a higher extent than eagle owls living even further away. Abstract Wind power is useful for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but the construction and operation might have negative effects on biodiversity. The purpose of this study was to investigate any effects of wind farm and power line construction on territory occupancy in the vulnerable Eurasian eagle owl. We investigated 48 eagle owl territories before and after the whole construction period and a short operation period with the use of sound meters. We found that territorial eagle owls within 4–5 km from the wind farm and power line construction disturbance left their territories to a significantly higher extent (41% reduction in the number of territories with eagle owls) compared with the eagle owls in territories further away (23% reduction). The distance from the nest site to the disturbance was significantly shorter for those territories that were abandoned compared with territories where the birds stayed. Possible reasons for this decline might be a higher mortality caused by collisions, desertion and avoidance of wind power areas caused by the noise and disturbance from their construction. In addition, there are possible indirect effects, for example reductions in prey species may force eagle owls to abandon their territories. The construction period lasted much longer than the period with active wind turbines and power lines in this investigation, but we cannot separate the effects of the two because the investigations were only possible in the eagle owl breeding season, and the wind turbines were activated shortly after the construction period. Our results imply that careful investigations are needed to detect the possible occurrence of eagle owls near any type of construction work. Studies of these territories should strongly influence how and when the construction work can be carried out, but more investigations are needed to find details about the influence of distance.
Women’s Expressed Motivational Factors for Participation in Aquarobics Classes

Leisure provides a vehicle for women to develop friendships in later life, yet few studies have explored older women’s experiences of social and emotional connections with leisure. This article provides insights into the perceived benefits a group of older women state they gain from participation in aquarobics for leisure. The main themes to emerge from the focus group interview data (n = 19 women, x¯ age = 75 years), illustrating the key motivational factor for participation in the classes, included an individual desire to improve one’s overall fitness. Participants also expressed a strong sense of belonging from being able to socialize after the activity, and highly valued the welcoming atmosphere and feeling of comradery involved. The aquarobics instructor was noted as performing a very important role in ensuring delivery of an enjoyable class experience where participants experienced variety, had fun, and felt happy taking part. For this group of women, aquarobics forms a health promoting leisure context offering an important space for gaining subjective wellbeing, building social connectedness and resisting the dominant ideology of aging.
Role of Amino Acid Transporter SNAT1/SLC38A1 in Human Melanoma

Simple Summary Malignant melanoma originates from melanocytes. Due to its high metastatic potential and its increasing incidence, it is one of the most aggressive types of cancer. Cancer cells generally exhibit an elevated metabolism, consequently adapting their expression of transport proteins to meet the increased demand of nutrients, such as amino acids. The aim of this study was to analyze the expression and function of the amino acid transporter SNAT1 in human melanoma. In addition, we wanted to determine its role in development and progression of malignant melanoma. We revealed that SNAT1 is overexpressed in melanoma tissue samples, as well as primary and metastatic cell lines. Moreover, we were able to show that SNAT1 plays an important role in forcing proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion, and inhibiting senescence of melanoma cells. Amino acid transporters like SNAT1 are therefore promising targets for the development of novel therapeutic strategies against melanoma. Abstract The tumor metabolism is an important driver of cancer cell survival and growth, as rapidly dividing tumor cells exhibit a high demand for energetic sources and must adapt to microenvironmental changes. Therefore, metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells and the associated deregulation of nutrient transporters are a hallmark of cancer cells. Amino acids are essential for cancer cells to synthesize the necessary amount of protein, DNA, and RNA. Although cancer cells can synthesize glutamine de novo, most cancer cells show an increased uptake of glutamine from the tumor microenvironment. Especially SNAT1/SLC38A1, a member of the sodium neutral amino acid transporter (SNAT) family, plays an essential role during major net import of glutamine. In this study, we revealed a significant upregulation of SNAT1 expression in human melanoma tissue in comparison to healthy epidermis and an increased SNAT1 expression level in human melanoma cell lines when compared to normal human melanocytes (NHEMs). We demonstrated that functional inhibition of SNAT1 with α-(methylamino) isobutyric acid (MeAIB), as well as siRNA-mediated downregulation reduces cancer cell growth, cellular migration, invasion, and leads to induction of senescence in melanoma cells. Consequently, these results demonstrate that the amino acid transporter SNAT1 is essential for cancer growth, and indicates a potential target for cancer chemotherapy.
Reducing Anxiety with Nature and Gardening (RANG): Evaluating the Impacts of Gardening and Outdoor Activities on Anxiety among U.S. Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted mental health. Growing research has identified the mental health benefits of nature contact, including gardening. We used a cross-sectional survey to investigate the association between gardening and other outdoor activities with anxiety among U.S. adults. The RANG (Reducing Anxiety with Nature and Gardening) survey was distributed online from June–September 2020 through social media (Twitter and Facebook) and a national Master Gardeners listserv. Survey questions captured demographics, COVID-19 experiences, gardening, outdoor activities, and anxiety using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale. Data were analyzed using chi-square, Fisher’s exact, and Kruskal–Wallis tests, as well as logistic regression. Among participants, 46% reported anxiety symptoms. Participants who had gardened ≥ 15 years and those gardening > 8 h over two weeks had lower anxiety scores. Spending more time outdoors on weekdays also decreased anxiety scores. After adjusting for covariates, lower odds of anxiety were identified for 50–69 and 70–89-year-olds vs. 18–29-year-olds; males vs. females; and Texas vs. Maryland residents. These findings confirm increased anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic and suggest that sustained gardening and other outdoor activities could help reduce anxiety.
Characterizing Tetraploid Populations of Actinidia chinensis for Kiwifruit Genetic Improvement

Understanding genetic diversity and structure in natural populations and their suitable habitat response to environmental changes is critical for the protection and utilization of germplasm resources. We evaluated the genetic diversity and structure of 24 A. chinensis populations using simple sequence repeat (SSR) molecular markers. The potential suitable distribution of tetraploid A. chinensis estimated under the current climate and predicted for the future climate was generated with ecological niche modeling (ENM). The results indicated that the polyploid populations of A. chinensis have high levels of genetic diversity and that there are distinct eastern and western genetic clusters. The population structure of A. chinensis can be explained by an isolation-by-distance model. The results also revealed that potentially suitable areas of tetraploids will likely be gradually lost and the habitat will likely be increasingly fragmented in the future. This study provides an extensive overview of tetraploid A. chinensis across its distribution range, contributing to a better understanding of its germplasm resources. These results can also provide the scientific basis for the protection and sustainable utilization of kiwifruit wild resources.