Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
High sensitivity of summer temperatures to stratospheric sulfur loading from volcanoes in the Northern Hemisphere

Significance Stratospheric sulfate aerosols from large volcanic eruptions reflect incoming sunlight and cool climate, but this process is not well quantified due to a limited observational record. Here, we take advantage of the unique sulfur isotope fingerprint imparted by UV radiation in the upper stratosphere, measuring volcanic sulfate peaks in polar ice cores to determine their climatically important stratospheric component. We find evidence that several of the coldest decades in the last two thousand years—linked with major climatic and societal disruption—were driven by a relatively small amount of stratospheric sulfate from high-latitude eruptions. This challenges the view that tropical eruptions have the largest climatic impacts and suggests enhanced climatic sensitivity to high-latitude volcanic forcing in the Northern Hemisphere.
Retrieval of Chlorophyll-a and vegetation indices Using Sentinel-2 MSI Imagery in El-Burullus Lake, Egypt

Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) is considered an important indicator for assessing many environmental issues. Monitoring Chl-a accurately through remote sensing technology is an efficient approach to observing water quality and providing early warnings of water eutrophication which overcomes the limitations in field campaigns as well as cost constraints. The Sentinel-2 Multi-Spectral Imager (S2-MSI) was used to analyse El-Burullus Lake, which is considered the second-largest natural lake in Egypt. The Case-2 Regional/Coast Colour (C2RCC) atmospheric correction processor was applied to retrieve different optically active water constituents such as Chl-a, the total suspended matter and coloured dissolved organic matter, as well as vegetation indicators. The spatial distribution marked the eutrophicated areas about 87.2 % of El-Burullus Lake area which result from the inflow from a large number of polluted agricultural drains. The results of the validation between the captured S2-MSI Chl-a and in situ measurements confirmed a clear underestimation in the level of the retrieved C2RCC parameters as on average of 65.1 % for the Chl-a values. The low R 2 values (below 0.1481) mean the bio-optical model better fits the variations in the in situ Chl-a content, as the F-test showed a significant level for all the parameters. All the results, which included low values for the mean bias error (MBE), root mean square error and normalized root mean square error; below 15.13, 28.05, and 1.005 values, respectively, demonstrated that the empirical model exhibits a good performance with the bio-Received
Incorporating physical oceanographic proxies of recruitment into population models to improve fishery and marine protected area management

Variability in larval supply introduces uncertainty into the management of marine fisheries. This variability can confound short-term population projections of both traditional and spatially explicit models of fishery productivity. A potential remedy is the use of physical oceanographic variables, such as an upwelling index or the Pacific Decadal Oscillation, as proxies for recruitment year class strength. We describe a method for incorporating proxy information into population models for fishery management. Our model of a conventional fishery (using kelp rockfish as an example) suggested that prox ies were effective in predicting actual larval survival if there was a strong correlation between the proxy and larval survival (r > 0.8), when recruitment was highly variable. Model outputs were most useful when used to hindcast rather than forecast the population trajectory. A spatial extension of the model for marine protected areas (MPAs) confirmed those results and revealed that 1) larval dispersal distances did not affect the utility of the proxy, and 2) adult home range size influ enced whether before:after or inside:outside biomass ratios provided a more effective metric of MPA success. We found that proxies greatly improved model projections over short time scales, but that projections beyond the time needed for recruits to enter the fishery were less effective. This work provides an example of how information about environmental variability affecting recruitment can be incorporated into fishery models to improve management.
The impact of vestibular dysfunction on falls and postural instability in individuals with type 2 diabetes with and without diabetic polyneuropathy

Aim This study aimed to determine the association between vestibular dysfunction, falls, and postural instability in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) compared to healthy control individuals and to examine the impact of diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN). Methods This cross-sectional study included individuals with T2D with DPN (n = 43), without DPN (n = 32), and healthy controls (n = 32). Cervical and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP) were recorded, and latencies and amplitudes were determined. DPN was diagnosed based on nerve conduction studies and clinical scores. Postural instability was examined using a static posturographic balance system and calculated as an instability index (ST). Falls were recorded retrospectively during the past year. Group comparisons were conducted by using univariate and bivariate statistics. Results Individuals with T2D experienced more falls than healthy controls (T2D with DPN n = 12[38%], T2D without DPN n = 15[35%], controls n = 5[16%], p = 0.04). Individuals with T2D had decreased postural stability, T2D with DPN, ST (median of 52[iqi = 33; 77]), T2D without DPN, ST (median of 31[iqi = 24; 39]), controls ST (median of 26[iqi = 19; 33], p = 0.01), when comparing all three groups. Individuals with T2D had a greater number of no-responses in oVEMP compared to controls (T2D with DPN, n = 15[46.9%] T2D without DPN n = 25[58.1%], controls n = 9[28.1%], p = 0.04). No difference was found in cVEMP and oVEMP amplitudes in any of the groups. Irrespectively of DPN, fallers with T2D had decreased oVEMP and cVEMP latencies on the right ears, when comparing to non-fallers, respectively, n10 (fallers [median of 16, iqi=15;19 ms.] vs. non-fallers [median of 25 iqi=16;35 ms]); p13 (fallers [median of 16, iqi=15;17 ms.] vs. non-fallers [median of 15, iqi=8;16 ms.], p < 0.05). Conclusion Falls and postural instability were more frequent in individuals with T2D compared to healthy controls. Fallers with T2D had vestibular end-organ impairments based on the oVEMP and cVEMP latencies on the right but not the left ears, irrespective of DPN. Individuals with T2D had more frequent no-response of the oVEMP, indicating impaired vestibular nerve function.
EFFECT OF PARITY ON MILK PROXIMATE AND MINERAL COMPOSITIONS AMONG THREE BREEDS OF CATTLE UNDER EXTENSIVE MANAGEMENT IN NIGERIA.

A total of 270 cows comprising 90 each of Sokoto Gudali, White Fulani, and Red Bororo were used for the study. Each breed was replicated into three parities of 30 cows each. 5ml of milk samples were collected from each cow. The parameters analyzed were milk protein, fat, ash, moisture, calcium, iron, phosphorus, and sodium. The data were subjected to analysis of variance and mean were separated by Duncan multiple range test. Results in Sokoto Gudali revealed that Parity 3 was significantly (p<0.05) higher in milk ash 0.43%, moisture 82.08%, Fe 1.23 mg/L and Na 75.36 mg/L. Parities 1 and 2 were not significantly (p>0.05) different in milk ash, moisture, Fe as 0.36% and 0.37%, 81.72% and 81.21% and 1.02 mg/L and 1.15 mg/L respectively, however they were significantly (p<0.05) lower than the values (0.43 %, 82.08 % and 1.23 mg/L) obtained in parity 3. In Red Bororo, Parity 1 was significantly (p<0.05) higher in milk protein 3.97% whereas parity 3 was significantly (p<0.05) low in milk protein 3.01%. Parity 1 was significantly (p<0.05) higher in Fe, P and Na as 1.01mg/L, 375.62mg/L and 71.22mg/L respectively whereas parity 2 and 3 were same and significantly (p<0.05) low in Na as 62.68mg/L and 64.62mg/L respectively. In White Fulani Parity 1 was significantly (p<0.05) higher in milk protein 4.52% whereas parity 2 was significantly (p<0.05) low in milk protein 3.93%. Parity 3 was significantly (p<0.05) higher in milk ash, moisture, Ca, Fe and Na as 0.46%, 85.25%, 611.48mg/L, 1.23mg/L and 75.33mg/L respectively. The milk parameters increased with increased in parity which might be influenced by development of animal mammary glands.
Slope aspect and slope position have effects on plant diversity and spatial distribution in the hilly region of Mount Taihang, North China

In order to investigate the species diversity and spatial distribution of vegetation as affected by slope aspect and slope position in the hilly region of Mount Taihang, North China, eco-characteristics and abundance distribution of shrubs and herbs were studied at different geographical locations in 2008. Samples were collected along 32 transects at different slope positions (upper, medium and lower) of southern and northern slopes. Results show that vegetation mainly consists of communities with a limited number of species, and a total of 44 species (9 shrubs and 35 herbs) were recorded. Shrubs are widely distributed in southern slopes while herbs are better distributed in northern slopes. Southern slopes exhibit higher shrub species diversity while northern slopes have higher herb species diversity. In addition, lower positions host highest species diversity and richness, while hotter and drier mid-slopes support lowest species diversity and evenness. Due to the semi-arid climate and limited resources, only few species can adapt well to the thirsty local environmental conditions, and they have rather wider niches and occupy most available resources. The community structures are rather similar among the slope configurations, and all comprised of few common but most occasional species, with the former greatly exceeding the latter in the total number of individuals. The results indicate that slope aspect and slope position have strong influence on plant diversity and spatial distribution, but little effect on plant assemblage. Soil available water capacity and solar radiation are the major factors influencing the plant diversity and distribution in the study area.
Detrital zircon geochronology and provenance of the Neoproterozoic to Late Devonian Franklinian Basin, Canadian Arctic Islands

More than 1800 detrital zircon uranium-lead (U-Pb) ages collected from Franklinian Basin sedimentary strata of the Canadian Arctic Islands provide important insights into the depositional and tectonic evolution of the northern margin of Laurentia from the late Neoproterozoic to the Late Devonian. The Franklinian Basin succession is composed of strata with three distinctly different U-Pb age provenance signatures, which have implications for the tectonic and paleogeographic evolution of the entire Arctic region. Neoproterozoic and Lower Cambrian formations contain detrital zircon populations of 1750–1950 Ma and 2650–2800 Ma, which are consistent with derivation from Archean to Paleoproterozoic gneisses and granites of the west Greenland–northeast Canadian Shield. The Lower Silurian to Lower Devonian Danish River Formation contains a dominant population of 900–2150 Ma detrital zircons with scattered Archean ages. The 900–2150 Ma zircons were likely transported axially along the foreland basin of the East Greenland Caledonides (Caledonian orogen) and deposited in a deep-water basin between the Pearya terrane and northern Laurentian margin. Middle Devonian to Upper Devonian strata contain detrital zircon populations of 900–2150 Ma, similar to the Danish River Formation, but these units also contain 370–450 Ma and 500–700 Ma detrital zircons. The 900–2150 Ma zircons were likely derived from the East Greenland Caledonian Mountains, the uplifted foreland of the East Greenland Caledonides, and the Pearya terrane. The population of 370–450 Ma detrital zircons potentially comes from uplifting granites in the Caledonian Mountains and Pearya terrane. The 500–700 Ma detrital zircons were likely derived from the continental landmass responsible for the Ellesmerian orogen. The 500–700 Ma age of the zircons suggests that the northern landmass likely had a connection to rocks of the Timanide orogens, located in the Timan Range of northwestern Russia. A dominant population of 365–450 Ma and 500–700 Ma ages in Upper Devonian strata suggests that the Pearya terrane and the northern continental landmass became the dominant source by the end of Franklinian Basin sedimentation. Because detrital zircons are often recycled from older strata into younger deposits, these data provide the basis for understanding the sedimentary provenance of younger units of the Sverdrup Basin and sedimentary wedges along the present Arctic continental margin.
Elevated lactate/albumin ratio is associated with poor prognosis in sepsis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: The aim of this study was to explore the association between lactate/albumin ratio and the prognosis of sepsis patients. Methods: A computerized search was performed in Pubmed, EMbase, Ovid, Medline, and Google Scholar to collate relevant studies. The results were compared using standardized mean differences (SMD)/odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Prospective and retrospective cohort studies were both included in this study. Results: A total of nine studies involving 3039 participants were included. Pooled analysis revealed that survivors had substantially lower lactate/albumin ratio than non-survivors (SMD=-2.02, 95% CI: -2.76 to -1.28, I2=97.4%). Further, our results also indicated that elevated lactate/albumin ratio is an independent risk factor for mortality (OR=2.16, 95% CI: 1.58 to 2.95, I2=76.2%) and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) (OR=3.41, 95% CI: 1.78 to 6.50, I2=0.0%) in septic patients. Moreover, according to the area under curve (AUC) results, the lactate/albumin ratio also presented good discriminatory power to predict mortality (AUC=0.75, 95% CI: 0.68 to 0.84, I2=92.9%) and MODS (AUC=0.78, 95% CI: 0.68 to 0.91, I2=65.1%) in septic patients. Begg's and Egger's test suggested no publication bias in the included studies. Conclusions: Our results highlighted that the lactate/albumin ratio is an important prognostic factor for MODS and mortality in sepsis patients, having good capabilities in identifying MODS and mortality.
Gendarmerie Drones Used in National Security Missions

This research advocates support for the continuous development and modernization of the police and gendarmic forces, analysing the use of Drones in the operational activities of the Portuguese and Spanish security, police and gendarmic forces: the GNR and the Guardia Civil. Analysing the implementation and expansion of Drones, valuing how the use of these means is advantageous for the police service and for the operations of the GNR and Guardia Civil. Due to the major changes taking place in the world, it is crucial to rethink security and Portugal is gradually adapting to this reality, resulting in new demands for daily police service. The adopted methodology is based on the inductive method that allowed the data collected through analysis to be generalized of data on Drones of the Guardia Civil, appreciating their characteristics and use, with the aim of understanding and comparing their modus operandi regarding the use of Drones in the GNR. In short, it was possible to verify the importance and potential of Drones in surveillance, reconnaissance and target tracking missions having been carried out productive and important conclusions for building Drones capacity in the GNR.
Optimization of Extrusion Conditions for an Extruded Food Enriched with Mango By-Products (Mangifera indica var. Tommy Atkins) via Response Surface Methodology

Today, mango by-products are produced in significant amounts, posing an environmental problem. Their incorporation into food products offers a solution to this problem. An extruded food product formulated with the flours of white corn, mango peel, and mango kernel was developed. To obtain the desired quality regarding the physical and chemical characteristics of the extruded food product, an optimization study was carried out. Response surface methodology was used to evaluate the effect of the following extrusion process variables on the physical (expansion index (EI), hardness, water absorption index (WAI), water solubility index (WSI)) and chemical properties (total polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity): the die temperature (DT, 100–130 °C), the feed moisture content (FMC, 17–21%), and the screw speed (SS, 80–120 rpm). Response surface and regression models were performed to determine the responses as a function of the process variables. Model optimization was carried out with an R2 of >0.60, maximizing the WAI and minimizing the hardness and the WSI. The optimal conditions were a DT of 120.66 °C, an FMC of 21.88%, and an SS of 66.36 rpm. The extruded product’s characteristics were an EI of 1.10, a hardness of 63.66 N, a WAI of 5.41 g/g, a WSI of 16.20%, a TPC of 3402 mg GAE/100 g sample, and an antioxidant capacity of 90.09 mg Etrolox/g (measured by DPPH) and 79.38 mg Etrolox/g (measured by ABTS); the overall desirability value was 0.870.
Analysis and Experiment of Homopolar Inductor Alternator With an Active Compensated Winding in Capacitor Charging Power Supply System

Homopolar inductor alternator (HIA) typically plays a key role in the capacitor charging power supply (CCPS) system. However, HIA cannot meet the growing demand for higher power density due to its unipolar magnetic field. In order to obtain a compact HIA-CCPS with higher power density, a novel HIA named ACWHIA based on the active compensation theory is proposed in this article, by adding an active compensated winding (ACW) in the traditional HIA. The main function of ACW connected in series in the DC charging circuit, is to increase the machine's transient voltage for improving the system's power density. It is absolutely different from most of the existing pulsed alternators with compensated windings, whose theory is to reduce the transient inductance to increase the power density. In this article, the influence of the transient voltage on the charging performance is first analyzed. Second, the scheme and operating principle of ACWHIA are proposed. Third, the electromagnetic characteristics of the machine and the model of ACWHIA-CCPS are analyzed in detail by theoretical analysis. Then, a simplified model of the ACWHIA-CCPS system is proposed, and this model simplifies the analysis and shows the operating principle of the active compensation winding. Finally, a platform of ACWHIA is developed and the experiments are carried out. The results indicate that the novel machine can be an attractive choice to improve the power density of HIA-CCPS.
Investigating Communicative Language Teaching Barriers for English Students in Higher Education

Teaching English as a foreign language presents unique challenges. This research delves into the hurdles faced by English Language Department students at Al-Mergib University, particularly in active participation during the learning process. The study also explores the pedagogical strategies employed by Al-Mergib University instructors, with a focus on communicative language teaching (CLT). Through an applied research approach, the root causes of these challenges and potential solutions are investigated. Data were gathered from five teachers and ten students to offer deeper insights. Findings indicate a mixed teaching approach in Libyan classrooms, while many educators utilize interactive methods such as collaborative learning, others remain reliant on traditional techniques. The results highlight the necessity for teachers to adapt their strategies in response to evolving student needs. A significant challenge for students was understanding lectures, often due to rapid speech and limited vocabulary exposure, hampering language and vocabulary development. The study underscores the importance of targeted teaching practices, fostering student collaboration, and creating a dynamic learning environment. Enhancing students' confidence in English is further facilitated by encouraging its use outside the classroom setting. This research holds valuable implications for language education, curriculum development, teacher training, and the advancement of efficacious English communication skills.
A concentration of exceptionally well-preserved large tubular foraminifera in the Eocene Zumaya flysch, northern Spain

Abstract A concentration of exceptionally well-preserved large tubular foraminifera occurs on a specimen from the sole of a sandstone bed from the Eocene Zumaya flysch. The foraminifera were probably washed out from the sediment by a weak bottom current, orientated and concentrated in a pre-existing depression on the ocean floor. Fortunately, subsequently deposited turbidite sand, which forms the host bed, only disturbed the fossils to an infinitesimal degree.
Comparative analysis of antibiotic resistance and phylogenetic group patterns in human and porcine urinary tract infectious Escherichia coli

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common infectious diseases in humans and domestic animals such as pigs. The most frequent infectious agent in such infections is Escherichia coli. Virulence characteristics of E. coli UTI strains range from highly virulent pyelonephritis strains to relatively benign asymptomatic bacteriuria strains. Here we analyse a spectrum of porcine and human UTI E. coli strains with respect to their antibiotic resistance patterns and their phylogenetic groups, determined by multiplex PCR. The clonal profiles of the strains differed profoundly; whereas human strains predominantly belonged to clonal types B2 and D, these were not seen among the porcine strains, which all belonged to the E. coli clonal groups A and B1. Contrary to the human strains, the majority of the porcine strains were multidrug resistant. The distinct profiles of the porcine strains suggest selective pressure due to extensive antibiotic use.