Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Commentary on the special issue “Language policies and practices in early childhood education: perspectives across European Migration Societies”. Agency in language policies and practices: a response to multilingual early childhood education and care

ABSTRACT This commentary discusses the theoretical and methodological issues highlighted by the special issue ‘Language Policies and Practices in Early Childhood Education: Perspectives across European Migration Societies’. A systematic review of the seven contributions in this special issue makes evident the concept of agency. Consequently, this commentary introduces agency in language policy and planning with a focus on multilingual early childhood education and care, and discusses how this concept emerged from the theoretical background and its presence in the interpretation of results, as well as how it unfolds in different contexts. This is followed by a reflection on the continuities and discontinuities in the ethnographic approaches employed. To address agency in early childhood education and care in more depth, a model of agency will be introduced. Lastly, future directions for participatory approaches in ethnography and advocacy will be discussed as new avenues for the investigation of language policy and practice.
Interpretation and model analysis of MAESTRO 1 Flevoland data

Abstract A model, based on the Radiative Transfer Theory and the Matrix Doubling algorithm, is tested with agricultural and forest radar returns measured by the JPL AIRSAR sensor over the Flevoland site (The Netherlands) at P, L and C bands. The test is generally valid, although some discrepancies are noted in the absolute P band values of μ° and not all the input parameters were obtainable from ground measurements. The model is also used to interpret the experimental results and to estimate the relative importance of the different scattering contributions.
Station coordinates, baselines, and Earth rotation from LAGEOS laser ranging: 1976–1984

Satellite laser range (SLR) measurements to LAGEOS from May 1976 to January 1984 have been used to compute earth rotation parameters and the geocentric positions of 57 laser tracking station sites occupied during this interval. The station position determinations were part of a simultaneous solution which includes LAGEOS orbit elements in 15-day arcs and earth rotation parameters in 3-day subarcs using residuals from a 7.7-year LAGEOS long arc (LLA 8402). Systematic differences between the terrestrial reference frames implied by the University of Texas station coordinate solution (LSC 8402) and by previous solutions computed at the University of Texas (UT) and at Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) are reviewed. The new solution resolves a 0.72 m z axis difference between the terrestrial reference system origins inferred from the GSFC solution (SL5) and the previous UT solution (LSC 8112). The implied origins of the LSC 8402 solution and the SL5 solution are consistent to less than 60 mm in all components, and after removing orientation and scale differences, the coordinates for 26 common tracking stations have an rms difference of less than 80 mm. The rms difference in baseline length for 22 station pairs used in the recent Crustal Dynamics Project very long baseline interferometry (VLBI)/SLR intercomparison experiment is 50 mm between the GSFC and UT laser solutions and 40 mm between the UT laser solution and the VLBI solution. The earth rotation parameters computed in 3-day intervals have an internal precision of 2 marc sec (62 mm at the earth's surface) for xp and yp and 0.15 ms (70 mm at the equator) for UT1. The estimated accuracy of the series, based on dual-baseline VLBI intercomparisons, is approximately 2 marc sec for xp and yp and 0.2 ms for UT1. The effects of plate motion on the determination of the secular drift in polar motion using the 7.7-year series is shown to be at the level of 1 marc sec/yr. Finally, baseline changes have been investigated by repeated station coordinate determinations using 60-day subsets of the 7.7-year interval of the LAGEOS data set. In each 60-day solution interval, orbit elements were estimated at 15-day intervals, and earth rotation parameters were determined at 5-day intervals. For the 4-year period beginning in January 1980, baseline length changes inferred by the successive 60-day solutions were found to be in general agreement with the motions predicted by the AM1-2 plate motion model of Minster and Jordan.
Antioxidant Action of Phytic Acid in Processed Fish Waste and Cooked Fish Sausages

ABSTRACT The study evaluated the efficiency of phytic acid (PA) for stabilization of processed fish waste (PFW – ventral muscle and vertebral column without fins) and its use as a substitute for pork in cooked sausages. The PA and sodium erythorbate (0.05%) was compared by quantifying hydroperoxides. PFW stabilized with 0.05% PA was used to replace pork (0, 25, 50, and 75% PFW) sausage formulation. All formulations showed a difference in texture in comparison to control, which had higher levels of hydroperoxides. Phytic acid has antioxidant action on PFW, optimized in 0.05%. PFW can substitute up to 25% for pork in cooked sausages.
Laser-Induced Crystallization of Standard Proteins on Ultra-Hydrophobic Surface and Characterization Using Raman Spectroscopy

Structural information helps to understand the function of the proteins and provides potential protein-ligand interactions of new drugs. X-ray crystallography is a powerful technique to determine the structure in three-dimensional geometry. However, obtaining high-quality single crystals remains an obstacle in macromolecular crystallography. Laser-induced crystallization is emerging as an alternative technique to circumvent this problem. In this study, we have prepared ultra-hydrophobic surfaces and used them for protein crystallization. Three model proteins, lysozyme, ferritin, and proteinase K, with distinct hydrophobicity, were used for this study. The protein droplet placed on three surfaces (non-siliconized, siliconized, and candle soot films) is exposed to a diode laser (785 nm, 75 mW). Ultra-hydrophobic candle soot surfaced coverslips rapidly yielded the crystals in conventional and laser-exposed droplets. Proteinase K nucleated faster than the lysozyme/ferritin on candle soot coated surface, compared to the regular coverslips suggesting that ultra-hydrophobic surfaces assisted laser-induced crystallization will play an essential role in protein crystallization.
Extraction of the Global Maximum Power for PV System under PSC Using an Improved PSO Technique

To get the most power out of photovoltaic (PV) panels, PV systems must utilize a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controller. In partial shading conditions (PSC), the power-voltage (P-V) characteristic of the PV network may show a single global maximum power point (GMPP) and two or more local maximum power points (LMPP). This indicates that the PV cells and panels do not get uniform illumination. As they converge on the maximum power point (MPP) that makes contact first, which is often one of the LMPPs in this scenario, common MPPT approaches like incremental conductance (InC) and perturb and observe (P&O) are unable to distinguish between a GMPP and LMPPs. In this paper, the extraction of the GMPP of the PV system under PSC based on a suggested particle swarm optimization (PSO) approaches is presented. The particularity of the suggested approach is that it takes into account the calculation of the position of each particle as a function of the duty cycle and the global maximum power. Results on the performance of the suggested PSO method show an advantage over the conventional PSO and the commonly used traditional P&O method. The suggested PSO technique offer better performance in terms of global power extracted, ripple rate of the power and efficiency.
FLOW-DEFORMATION RESPONSE OF DUAL-POROSITY MEDIA

A constitutive model for the coupled flow-deformation response of dual-porosity media is presented in this paper. The formulation is stated in component terms, where behavior is controlled by mechanical and hydraulic response of the individual porous and fractured phases. Representation in this form allows the potential importance of dual-porosity effects to be evaluated in controlling the coupled flow-deformation behavior of fractured geologic media.
Unraveling Immunological Dynamics: HPV Infection in Women—Insights from Pregnancy

During pregnancy, hormonal and immune adaptations are vital for supporting the genetically distinct fetus during elevated infection risks. The global prevalence of HPV necessitates its consideration during pregnancy. Despite a seemingly mild immune response, historical gestational viral infections underscore its significance. Acknowledging the established HPV infection risks during pregnancy, our review explores the unfolding immunological changes in pregnant women with HPV. Our analysis aims to uncover strategies for safely modulating the immune system, mitigating adverse pregnancy consequences, and enhancing maternal and child health. This comprehensive narrative review delves into the existing knowledge and studies on this topic.
Roundness in Holocene Sands of the Paraiba do Sul Coastal Plain, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Sea level changes during the late Quaternary played an important role in the construction of the extensive Paraiba do Sul River mouth coastal plain in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Large volumes of sand have been transferred from the adjacent inner shelf to the coastal plain, as a consequence of a continuous and gradual sea level drop during the past 5,000 years. At the same time, longshore currents, dominantly trending south-to-north, were important in the shaping of the asymmetric coastal plain on either sides of the Paraiba do Sul River mouth. Geological interpretation of the roundness of beach sands on both sides of the river mouth and in Holocene beach ridges from northern and southern terraces allows an evaluation of the roles played by sea level, river discharge fluctuations and longshore currents in the construction of the coastal plain.
An Intrapatient Dosimetry Comparison of 177Lu-rhPSMA-10.1 and 177Lu-PSMA-I&T in Patients with Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer

Visual Abstract As the use of radioligand therapy moves earlier in the prostate cancer timeline, minimizing the absorbed dose to normal organs while maintaining high tumor radiation doses becomes more clinically important because of the longer life expectancy of patients. We performed an intrapatient comparison of pretherapeutic dosimetry with the novel radiohybrid prostate-specific membrane antigen–targeting radiopharmaceutical 177Lu-rhPSMA-10.1, along with 177Lu-PSMA-I&T, in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Methods: Four consecutive patients with advanced histologically proven metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer who were scheduled for radioligand therapy were evaluated. Before undergoing therapy, each patient received 1.06 ± 0.05 GBq of 177Lu-rhPSMA-10.1 and 1.09 ± 0.02 GBq of 177Lu-PSMA-I&T at least 7 d apart. For dosimetric assessment, whole-body planar scintigraphy was performed after 5 min, 4 h, 1 d, 2 d, and 7 d. In addition, SPECT/CT images were acquired over the thorax and the abdomen, 4 h, 1 d, 2 d, and 7 d after injection. Dosimetry of the whole body and salivary glands was based on the evaluation of the counts in whole-body planar imaging. Dosimetry of the kidneys, liver, spleen, bone marrow, and tumor lesions (≤4 per patient) was based on the activity in volumes drawn on SPECT/CT images. Doses were calculated using OLINDA/EXM version 1.0. The therapeutic index (TI), or ratio between mean dose of the metastases and mean dose of the kidneys, was calculated for each patient. Results: We found the dose to the kidneys to be higher with 177Lu-rhPSMA-10.1 than with 177Lu-PSMA-I&T (0.68 ± 0.30 vs. 0.46 ± 0.10 mGy/MBq); however, 177Lu-rhPSMA-10.1 delivered an average of a 3.3 times (range, 1.2–8.3 times) higher absorbed radiation dose to individual tumor lesions. Consequently, intraindividual comparison revealed a 1.1–3.1 times higher TI for 177Lu-rhPSMA-10.1 than for 177Lu-PSMA-I&T in all evaluated patients. The effective whole-body dose was 0.038 ± 0.008 mSv/MBq for 177Lu-rhPSMA-10.1 and 0.022 ± 0.005 mSv/MBq for 177Lu-PSMA-I&T. Conclusion: Using 177Lu-rhPSMA-10.1 can significantly increase the tumor-absorbed dose and improve the TI compared with 177Lu-PSMA-I&T. An improved TI gives the flexibility to maximize tumor-absorbed doses up to a predefined renal dose limit or, in earlier disease, to reduce the radiation exposure to the kidney while still achieving an effective tumor dose. The function of at-risk organs such as the kidneys is being assessed in a prospective clinical trial.
Reproductive milestones across the lifespan and cardiovascular disease risk in women

Abstract Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for women across the developed and developing world. Beyond traditional cardiovascular risk factors, a number of reproductive milestones have been recognized. The goal of this White Paper, issued by the International Menopause Society in conjunction with World Menopause Day 2023, is to highlight female reproductive milestones in terms of potential cardiovascular risk and to review recommendations for minimizing that risk. The primary milestones discussed relate to menstrual cyclicity, adverse pregnancy outcomes, breast cancer treatments and menopause. Each of these categories has a number of permutations that have been shown in observational studies to be associated with increased cardiovascular risks. In current clinical care, recognition of these reproductive milestones has been encouraged so patients can be informed and motivated to engage in primary prevention of CVD early in their life course rather than retrospectively later in life. Options for specifically targeted care with specialist teams are designed to enhance success with risk identification, screening and possible detection of CVD and, optimally, primary or secondary prevention of CVD. Promoting cardiovascular health of women has far-reaching effects for themselves, their families and their progeny. It is time to make women’s cardiovascular health a priority.
Oxygen-18 concentrations in recent precipitation and ice cores on the Tibetan Plateau

[1] A detailed study of the climatic significance of δ18O in precipitation was completed on a 1500 km southwest-northeast transect of the Tibetan Plateau in central Asia. Precipitation samples were collected at four meteorological stations for up to 9 years. This study shows that the gradual impact of monsoon precipitation affects the spatial variation of δ18O-T relationship along the transect. Strong monsoon activity in the southern Tibetan Plateau results in high precipitation rates and more depleted heavy isotopes. This depletion mechanism is described as a precipitation “amount effect” and results in a poor δ18O-T relationship at both seasonal and annual scales. In the middle of the Tibetan Plateau, the effects of the monsoon are diminished but continue to cause a reduced correlation of δ18O and temperature at the annual scale. At the monthly scale, however, a significant δ18O-T relationship does exist. To the north of the Tibetan Plateau beyond the extent of the effects of monsoon precipitation, δ18O in precipitation shows a strong temperature dependence. δ18O records from two shallow ice cores and historic air temperature data were compared to verify the modern δ18O-T relationship. δ18O in Dunde ice core was positively correlated with air temperature from a nearby meteorological station in the north of the plateau. The δ18O variation in an ice core from the southern Plateau, however, was inversely correlated with precipitation amount at a nearby meteorological station and also the accumulation record in the ice core. The long-term variation of δ18O in the ice core record in the monsoon regions of the southern Tibetan Plateau suggest past monsoon seasons were probably more expansive. It is still unclear, however, how changes in large-scale atmosphere circulation might influence summer monsoon precipitation on the Tibetan Plateau.
Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Meal as Direct Replacement of Complex Fish Feed for Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus)

In the experiments, defatted black soldier fly meal reared on vegetable byproducts was used in the fry rearing of two economically important fish species, African catfish and rainbow trout. Both fish species were reared in a recirculation system and 0–33–66–100% of the complex fry feed was replaced by a defatted prepupae meal of black soldier flies during a 28-day feeding experiment. African catfish was reared at 25 ± 1 °C while rainbow trout was reared at 12 ± 1 °C. The results showed that the growth of African catfish was not significantly reduced when 66% of the feed was replaced by soldier fly meal (mean weight in the control fish group at the end of the experiment was 0.4632 ± 0.2469 g, while the 66% group resulted mean weights of 0.4150 ± 0.1886 g) and the survival did not show any statistically different results (mean survival in control group was 57.48 ± 13.76% while it was 56.6 ± 7.763% in the 66% group). In the case of rainbow trout, replacing the feed entirely with insect meal did not cause a decrease in weight gain (final mean weight in the control group was measured at 1.9640 ± 0.4154 g, while in the group consuming only insect meal, it was 1.9410 ± 0.4248 g) or in survival (in the control group 98.5%, while in the group consuming only insect meal 99.5%). All these preliminary results indicate that black soldier fly meal can be used directly as a nursery feed in fish farming as a partial or total replacement of complete feeds. The results showed that black soldier fly meal could replace 66% of the complex brood feed of African catfish and up to 100% of rainbow trout feed without deterioration of production results. Our experiments have therefore opened the way for further experiments on insect meal in larval rearing.
First-Row Transition 7-Oxo-5-phenyl-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine Metal Complexes: Antiparasitic Activity and Release Studies

Leishmaniasis and Chagas disease are still considered neglected illnesses due to the lack of investment in research, despite the fact that almost one million new cases are reported every year. Four 7-oxo-5-phenyl-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine (HftpO) first-row transition complexes (Cu, Co, Ni, Zn) have been studied for the first time in vitro against five different species of Leishmania spp. (L. infantum, L. braziliensis, L. donovani, L. peruviana and L. mexicana) as well as Trypanosoma cruzi, showing higher efficacy than the reference commercial drugs. UV and luminescence properties were also evaluated. As a proof of concept, anchoring of a model high-effective-metal complex as an antiparasitic agent on silica nanoparticles was carried out for the first time, and drug-release behaviour was evaluated, assessing this new approach for drug vehiculation.
Eight Weeks of Daily Cannabidiol Supplementation Improves Sleep Quality and Immune Cell Cytotoxicity

Background: The endocannabinoid system is active in nervous and immune cells and involves the expression of two cannabinoid receptor genes (CB1 and CB2), along with endogenous endocannabinoid ligands, 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG) and arachidonoyl ethanolamide (anandamide), and their synthetic enzymes. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-intoxicating exogenous cannabinoid agonist derived from plants that, at high doses, has received FDA approval as an anticonvulsant for epileptic seizures, and at low doses is marketed as a food-grade supplement for improved mental health, sleep quality, and immunological function. At present, the predominance of published CBD clinical research has focused on ameliorative or disease-specific intervention, with few trials investigating CBD effects in healthy populations. Methods: This clinical study aimed to investigate the effects of 8 weeks of 50 mg oral CBD on mental health, sleep quantity and quality, and immune cell function in healthy, college-aged individuals. Twenty-eight participants (average age 25.9 ± 6.1 y) were randomized to receive either daily oral capsules of 50 mg of CBD (CB, n = 14) or a calorie-matched placebo (CN, n = 14). Participants completed pre- and post-intervention assessments, including anthropometric measurements, mental health surveys, sleep analysis, and immunological function assessments. Results: After completing the 8-week intervention, there were no significant changes in body weight and BMI (CN: 1.09 ± 0.89%: CB: 1.41 ± 1.07%), or body fat percentage (CN: 9.01 ± 7.51%: CB: 8.57 ± 7.81%), respectively (values are % change pre to post, p > 0.05). There were also no significant differences between CB and CN groups with respect to mental health measures, sleep quantity, or circulating immunophenotype as a result of the intervention. However, the CB group experienced significant improvements in sleep quality measured objectively using a sleep questionnaire (p = 0.0023) and enhanced Natural Killer (NK) immune cell function assessed in situ (p = 0.0125). Conclusions: Eight weeks of daily 50 mg CBD may improve sleep quality, and NK immunosurveillance in healthy, younger adults.
The dependence of aerosol light‐scattering on RH over the Pacific Ocean

Measurements of the relative humidity dependence of aerosol light scattering are reported from three experimental venues over the Pacific Ocean. The measurement platform utilized was the CIRPAS Twin Otter aircraft. Results are compared with previous measurements at other locales and with theoretical models. The relatively low values of hygroscopicity obtained in marine air are consistent with a substantial organic component to the aerosol.
Using focus groups to inform a brief video intervention to reduce public stigma toward Black youth living with psychosis

Objective Black individuals living with psychosis are at risk for stigma and marginalization due to systematic discrimination and barriers to receiving treatment. Social contact-based interventions have the potential to reduce stigma; however, interventions with elements specific to the experiences of Black youth are limited. Therefore, we aimed to gather input from Black youth living with psychosis to develop a social contact-based, brief video intervention to reduce public stigma toward Black youth with psychosis. Methods Two 90-min focus groups were conducted with seven young Black individuals ages 18–30 with First Episode Psychosis from OnTrackNY. Participants were asked about their experiences of stigma and racial discrimination, and their perspectives on a video intervention. Focus group transcripts were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Results Themes that emerged included: the salience of stigma and racial experiences for some participants and not others; the linking of religiosity and symptoms in Black communities; the importance of taking responsibility for recovery as a coping strategy to counteract stigma; and mixed views on creating a video intervention specific to Black youth. Conclusion Meaningful and empowering involvement of individuals with lived experience of psychosis is essential to create stigma reducing interventions. Input from Black youth living with psychosis assisted in developing a culturally tailored brief video-based intervention to reduce public stigma toward Black youth with psychosis that included information about the protagonist’s experience of race and mental illness, specifically family, religious, and community-based experiences.