Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Occurrence and possible sources of organochlorine pesticides in soils of Ningbo, East China

ABSTRACT Study of the residues of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) can assist with the assessment of the contamination level, distribution, sources, transportation and trends in these selected OCPs. We investigated the concentration levels of hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), chlordane, which is currently used, and the never-used aldrin and dieldrin in the Ningbo region – a heavily industrialised and urbanised area in East China. OCPs were found in all soil samples and were predominantly composed of HCHs, DDT and its metabolites. The concentration of DDTs in the soil ranged from 2.2 to 566.6ngg–1, with a mean value of 55.6±94.8ngg–1, while the concentration of HCHs ranged from 2.7 to 28.2ngg–1, with an average of 4.6±2.9ngg–1. Aldrin, dieldrin, endrin and heptachlor were detected at much lower concentrations. The wide distribution of these never-used OCPs indicates that they have been input via long-range atmospheric processes. The results from analysis suggest that HCHs and DDTs were mainly derived from use in historical times.
Effect of Drugs Used in Pharmacotherapy of Type 2 Diabetes on Bone Density and Risk of Bone Fractures

This review summarizes the complex relationship between medications used to treat type 2 diabetes and bone health. T2DM patients face an increased fracture risk despite higher bone mineral density; thus, we analyzed the impact of key drug classes, including Metformin, Sulphonylureas, SGLT-2 inhibitors, DPP-4 inhibitors, GLP-1 agonists, and Thiazolidinediones. Metformin, despite promising preclinical results, lacks a clear consensus on its role in reducing fracture risk. Sulphonylureas present conflicting data, with potential neutral effects on bone. SGLT-2 inhibitors seem to have a transient impact on serum calcium and phosphorus, but evidence on their fracture association is inconclusive. DPP-4 inhibitors emerge as promising contributors to bone health, and GLP-1 agonists exhibit positive effects on bone metabolism, reducing fracture risk. Thiazolidinediones, however, demonstrate adverse impacts on bone, inducing loss through mesenchymal stem cell effects. Insulin presents a complex relationship with bone health. While it has an anabolic effect on bone mineral density, its role in fracture risk remains inconsistent. In conclusion, a comprehensive understanding of diabetes medications’ impact on bone health is crucial. Further research is needed to formulate clear guidelines for managing bone health in diabetic patients, considering individual profiles, glycemic control, and potential medication-related effects on bone.
Peer Victimization among Young Children in Jordan and their Coping Strategies

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of self-perceived peer victimization among early elementary school children in Jordan. The study also aimed at finding out the school settings where most victimization acts occur, the characteristics of the perpetrators, and the coping strategies of the victimized children. Methods: To achieve the study purposes, 242 students from first, second, and third grades were included in this study. For data collection purposes, an 18-item questionnaire was constructed to measure the prevalence of physical, verbal, and psychological victimization amongst the study participants. Collected data was then analyzed quantitatively using frequencies and percentages. Results: Results of the current study revealed that high percentages of students reported being cursed, hit, threatened, and prevented from playing with others. Psychological victimization was the most prevalent form (53.1%) followed by physical victimization (49.3 %) and verbal victimization (37.26 %). Furthermore, this study found that the classroom and the school yard are potential victimization settings, most forms of victimization were performed by boys of the same age group of the victims, and most victimized participants responded by complaining to their teachers or by doing nothing. Recommendations: In light of the findings, the study recommended that schools should adopt research-evident strategies and programs of victimization prevention in addition to conducting further research related to the topic of the study.
Expressive Illocutionary Acts on Manchester United Instagram Account

In this study, we analyzed expressive illocutionary acts in Manchester United Instagram comments, drawing on Searle's framework. Public figures and sports clubs, including Manchester United, leverage Instagram for personal branding and fan interaction. Our research focused on three distinct posts, revealing a spectrum of speech acts. The analysis identified a prevalence of thanking (14%), complaining (26%), complimenting (23%), wishing (20%), and greeting (17%). Notably, complaints stood out, indicating follower dissatisfaction with recent club developments. This underscores the significance of social media platforms in fostering user engagement and communication. The study sheds light on how fans express themselves in written form, contributing to the broader understanding of online interactions and the dynamics of fan-club relationships. As Instagram continues to play a pivotal role in communication, our findings offer insights into the diverse ways users engage with a prominent sports brand like Manchester United on this platform.
Heavy rainfall in Paraguay during the 2015-2016 austral summer: causes and sub-seasonal-to-seasonal predictive skill

During the austral summer 2015/16, severe flooding displaced over 170 000 people on the Paraguay River system in Paraguay, Argentina, and southern Brazil. These floods were driven by repeated heavy rainfall events in the lower Paraguay River basin. Alternating sequences of enhanced moisture inflow from the South American low-level jet and local convergence associated with baroclinic systems were conducive to mesoscale convective activity and enhanced precipitation. These circulation patterns were favored by cross-time-scale interactions of a very strong El Niño event, an unusually persistent Madden–Julian oscillation in phases 4 and 5, and the presence of a dipole SST anomaly in the central southern Atlantic Ocean. The simultaneous use of seasonal and subseasonal heavy rainfall predictions could have provided decision-makers with useful information about the start of these flooding events from two to four weeks in advance. Probabilistic seasonal forecasts available at the beginning of November successfully indicated heightened probability of heavy rainfall (90th percentile) over southern Paraguay and Brazil for December–February. Raw subseasonal forecasts of heavy rainfall exhibited limited skill at lead times beyond the first two predicted weeks, but a model output statistics approach involving principal component regression substantially improved the spatial distribution of skill for week 3 relative to other methods tested, including extended logistic regressions. A continuous monitoring of climate drivers impacting rainfall in the region, and the use of statistically corrected heavy precipitation seasonal and subseasonal forecasts, may help improve flood preparedness in this and other regions.
Meta‑analysis of the efficacy of venetoclax and azacitidine combination therapy and azacitidine monotherapy for treating acute myeloid leukemia

The present study aimed to compare the efficacy of combination therapy with venetoclax and azacitidine with that of azacytidine monotherapy in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, Weipu Database, Wanfang Digital Periodicals, Sinomed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature were searched for publications on the treatment of AML with venetoclax combined with azacitidine or with azacitidine monotherapy. A total of 5,271 relevant studies were retrieved, of which 10 were included. Literature quality was evaluated according to the Cochrane systematic review methodology, and data were extracted for meta-analysis using Review Manager 5.4. The combination of venetoclax and azacitidine demonstrated greater overall efficacy than azacitidine monotherapy for AML treatment. Notably, combination therapy resulted in a higher frequency of complete remission. By contrast, combined treatment and monotherapy showed no significant differences in partial remission, whereas there was a statistically significant decrease in the frequency of no remission in the combination therapy group compared with in the monotherapy group. The results also revealed a significantly higher incidence of adverse reactions when venetoclax and azacitidine were combined in the treatment of AML compared with the observed rates in response to azacitidine monotherapy. Moreover, subgroup analyses showed that no statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding adverse events, including hypokalemia and liver insufficiency. In conclusion, the combination of venetoclax and azacitidine was more effective than azacitidine alone, and had a good clinical application value in the treatment of AML. Although some adverse reactions occurred in response to the combination therapy, they did not significantly affect the prognosis of AML. To better evaluate the efficacy and safety of this treatment regimen, multicenter clinical studies with larger sample sizes are required.
Antiviral and Virucidal Activities of Uncaria tomentosa (Cat’s Claw) against the Chikungunya Virus

Uncaria tomentosa (UT) is a medicinal plant popularly known as cat’s claw belonging to the Rubiaceae family that has been reported to display antiviral and anti-inflammatory activities. The chikungunya virus (CHIKV) outbreaks constitute a Brazilian public health concern. CHIKV infection develops an abrupt onset of fever, usually accompanied by a skin rash, besides incapacitating polyarthralgia. There is no vaccine available or treatment for CHIKV infection. The present study evaluates the hydroalcoholic extract of UT bark as a potential antiviral against CHIKV. The in vitro antiviral activity of the UT extract against the Brazilian CHIKV strain was assessed using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, flow cytometry, and plaque assay. Results obtained demonstrated that UT inhibits CHIKV infection in a dose-dependent manner. At the non-cytotoxic concentration of 100 µg/mL, UT exhibited antiviral activity above 90% as determined by plaque reduction assay, and it reduced the viral cytopathic effect. Similarly, a significant virucidal effect of 100 µg/mL UT was observed after 24 and 48 h post-infection. This is the first report on the antiviral activity of UT against CHIKV infection, and the data presented here suggests UT as a potential antiviral to treat CHIKV infection.
Zein Multilayer Electrospun Nanofibers Contain Essential Oil: Release Kinetic, Functional Effectiveness, and Application to Fruit Preservation

In this study, sequential electrospinning was employed to produce a multilayer film consisting of zein nanofibers (Z) and Zataria multiflora essential oil (ZMEO) with different layers. The layers include: Z (without ZMEO), Z1 (one layer of Z + ZMEO), Z3 (three layers of Z + ZMEO), and Z5 (five layers of Z + ZMEO). Then, the effect of this antimicrobial packaging was investigated in relation to increasing the shelf life of strawberries at 4 °C for 12 days. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the fibers demonstrated a uniform and smooth structure without any beads. The use of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed that ZMEO was physically encapsulated into multilayer Z, resulting in an enhancement in thermal stability. The multilayer film showed a sustained release pattern of the encapsulated ZMEO for Z3, lasting for 90 h, and Z5, lasting for 180 h. This was in contrast to the rapid release within 50 h observed with Z film. The release kinetics for Z5 showed a good correlation with both the Higuchi and Korsmeyer–Peppas models, while for Z1 and Z3 films, Fickian diffusion was identified as the underlying mechanism. The findings of this study indicated that the multilayer film released ZMEO through a combination of diffusion and polymeric erosion. During a 12-day period of cold storage, strawberries that were treated with Z5 showed significant preservation of their anthocyanin (32.99%), antioxidant activity (25.04%), weight loss (24.46%), titratable acidity (11.47%), firmness (29.67%), and color (10.17%) compared to the control sample. The findings indicated that the sequential electrospinning technique used to create the multilayer nanofibrous film could be used in various fields, such as bioactive encapsulation, controlled release, antimicrobial packaging, and food preservation.
Teaching and learning of physical sciences grade 11 in rural schools through rural blended learning strategy

The aim of this paper was to explore how teaching and learning of physical sciences using rural blended learning strategy (RBLS) in rural schools occurred. A qualitative case study design was used to collect data from a from a rural school. Hence, it was a purposeful sampling strategy with one physical science teacher and his 45 learners. Data was collected through classroom observation, semi-structured, and focus group interviews. The study found that issues such as digital divide, poor training of teacher, incorrect teaching approaches, workloads, poor parental involvement remain challenges in rural areas, even though the teacher experienced effective institutional support and exposure to e-learning. As such, we noted his ability to create Google Classroom (GC) and WhatsApp platforms and their effective use, even though the same could not be said about the use of video conferencing (VC) platforms. Issues like workload were cited as the barriers to the implementation of RBLS. The teacher also carried on with teacher centered methods, which were not effective not only for the learning of science but also for the implementation of blended learning. Therefore, the teacher failed to flip the classroom. Learners on the other hand found RBLS to be inducing their self-directed learning and motivation. We recommend that more prolonged training on the use of RBLS should be provided, not only to teacher but also to the learners. Department of basic education should engage network providers on the provision of zero-rated data for educational applications such as GC and VC platforms while school governing bodies provide institutional support to both learners and teacher.
Positive interaction of trembesi (Samanea saman) and arbuscular mycorrhizae fungi in Pb stabilization of gold-mine tailing media

Abstract. Setyaningsih L, Ramadhani FA, Muttaqin Z, Maslahat M. 2024. Positive interaction of trembesi (Samanea saman) and arbuscular mycorrhizae fungi in Pb stabilization of gold-mine tailing media. Biodiversitas 25: 379-385. This experiment aimed to determine the ability of trembesi (Samanea saman Merr.) seedlings inoculated with AMF (Glomus manihotis) to reduce Pb from gold mine tailings media. Therefore, using plants and Arbuscular Mycorrhizae Fungi (AMF) is an alternative choice that can be considered to support a phytoremediation program to reduce Pb contamination in tailing areas. The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design in a greenhouse with two factors, i.e., with and without AMF, and four different Pb treatments (0, 0.5, 1, and 1.5 mM). AMF-inoculated seedlings were grown on tailings media and exposed to Pb in different concentrations for 5 weeks. The results showed that the seedlings were still able to grow on the media with Pb up to 1.5 mM with a tolerance index of 91.6%. AMF induced the plant to accumulate Pb dramatically higher, even though this absorption tended to reduce plant biomass. Root tissue stored significantly higher Pb than stem and leaf tissue, with an average concentration was 526.29 mg/kg in the roots of mycorrhizal seedlings. The bioaccumulation level of Pb in mycorrhizal seedlings was significantly higher. The value of the transport factor was below 1, indicating that S. saman seedlings carried out the phytostabilization. The interaction of AMF with S. saman has a big potential to be applied in efforts to remediate Pb in tailings.
Multipoint Energy-Balanced Laser-Ultrasonic Transducer Based on a Thin-Cladding Fiber

This study proposes a novel multipoint transducer system by utilizing the single-mode-multimode-thin-cladding fiber (SMTC) structure. This structure leverages the disparity in mode field diameter between the multimode fiber (MMF) and thin-cladding fiber (TCF) to generate high-amplitude ultrasonic signals safely and efficiently. The fabricated transducer exhibits signal amplitudes 2–3-fold higher compared to conventional laser-ultrasonic transducers. Simulation analysis investigates the impact of the length of the MMF and the diameter of the TCF on coupling efficiency. The coupling efficiency of individual transducer units can be accurately controlled by adjusting the length of the MMF. A three-point energy-balanced laser-ultrasonic transducer system was achieved, with improved energy conversion efficiencies, and the optimal thickness of candle soot nanoparticles (CSNPs) is experimentally determined. Additionally, we carried out experiments to compare the performance of the proposed SMTC-based transducer system under different material conditions using two different photoacoustic materials: graphite–epoxy resin and candle soot nanoparticle–polydimethylsiloxane (CSNP–PDMS) composite. CSNPs, as a cost-effective and easy-to-prepare composite material, exhibit higher photoacoustic conversion efficiency compared to graphite–epoxy resin. The proposed system demonstrates the potential for applications in non-destructive testing techniques.
The Mechanical Properties of Native Porcine Aortic and Pulmonary Heart Valve Leaflets

Aortic heart valves and their replacements fail in vivo for reasons that are not fullyunderstood. Mechanical evaluation and simulations of the function of native aorticvalves and their replacements have been limited to tensile and biaxial tests that seek toquantify the behavior of leaflet tissues as a homogenous whole. However, it is widelyunderstood that valvular tissues are multi-layered structures composed of collagen,elastin, and glycosaminoglycans. The mechanical behavior of these layers within intactvalve leaflet tissues and their interactions are unknown. In addition, pulmonary valveshave been used as substitutes for diseased aortic valves without any real understanding ofthe mechanical differences between the aortic and pulmonary valves. The pulmonaryvalve operates in an environment significantly different than that of the aortic valve and,thus, mechanical behavioral differences between the two valve leaflets may exist. In thisstudy, we sought to determine the mechanical properties of the porcine aortic andpulmonary valves in flexure, and to determine the mechanical relationship between theleaflet layers: the fibrosa, spongiosa, and ventricularis. This was accomplished bydeveloping a novel flexure mechanical testing device that allowed for the determinationof the flexural stiffness of the leaflet tissue was determined using Bernoulli-Eulerbending. Moreover, transmural strains were quantified and used to determine thelocation of the neutral axis to determine if differences existed in the layer properties ofthe fibrosa and ventricularis. To contrast the flexural studies, biaxial experiments werealso performed on the aortic and pulmonary valves to determine the mechanicaldifferences in the tensile behavior between the two leaflets.Results indicated that the pulmonary valve is stiffer than the aortic valve inflexure but less compliant than the aortic valve in biaxial tensile tests. The interactionsbetween the layers of the leaflets suggest an isotropic mechanical response in flexure, butdo so through mechanisms that are not fully understood. For heart valve leafletreplacement therapy, this study illustrates the biomechanical differences between theaortic and pulmonary valve leaflets and emphasizes the need to fully characterize the twoas separate but related entities. Understanding the interactions of microscopic structuressuch as collagen and elastin fibers is critical to understanding the response of the tissue asa whole and how all these elements combine to provide a functioning component of theorgan system.
Enhancement of Hip Joint Flexibility using Flexor and Unilateral Exercises

Improved hip flexibility is essential for enhanced overall fitness, ensuring balance and a broader range of motion. Therefore, the understanding of how limited hip movement and physical activity can affect performance and increase injury risk due to a lack of flexibility. Thus, this investigation determined the effectiveness of interventions, namely Flexor and Unilateral Exercises, in enhancing the hip-joint flexibility of the participants. The study involved 86 males and 80 females aged 15 to 18, utilizing a two-factor pretest-posttest quasi-experimental research design. Results indicated a significant difference in the pretest and posttest hip joint flexibility of the two groups, Flexor and Unilateral. Post-interventions, significant improvements in hip joint flexibility were evident in both groups. Additionally, the result revealed a noteworthy difference with a significant effect size between pretest and posttest flexibility measures for both the Flexor and Unilateral groups, emphasizing the effectiveness of each intervention. Notably, hip Flexor exercises yielded a considerably higher increment in hip range of motion compared to Unilateral exercises, indicating their superior impact. The two interventions distinctively and significantly enhanced hip joint flexibility, warranting further investigation into the nuances of hip joint range of motion and overall flexibility across genders. This exploration should include a thorough assessment of the intervention's efficacy for both men and women.
Leaf-variegated mutations induced using gamma irradiation of Anubias minima

The effects of chronic gamma irradiation on leaf mutations of Anubias minima were investigated. Tissue cultures of A. minima were exposed to chronic gamma radiation in a gamma room using Cobalt-60 sources at the Nuclear Technology Research Center, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand. Samples received a total dose of 0, 26.58, 41.12, 65.31, 79.81, 103.81, and 127.91 Gy at a dose rate of 0.6 Gy/h. At 60 days after irradiation, the number of surviving plantlets and the number of new shoots were counted and compared with the controls (0 Gy) to calculate the 50% lethal dose (LD50) and 50% growth reduction (GR50). The results showed that the radiation dose did not affect plant survival, but the GR50 was about 125 Gy in the M1V1 generation. After that, subcultures of new plantlets were transferred to a new medium, and the next generations were observed to note any new mutated characteristics after gamma irradiation. In the M1V9 generation, variegated leaf mutants could be selected. There were four different types of mutant leaves: Dark green leaves with light green specks, dark green leaves with white specks, light green leaves with dark green veins and specks, and white leaves with dark green veins and specks. After 3 months, the selected mutants of A. minima tissue transplanted into water tanks were healthy and had 100% survival.