Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
in-Nab-Paclitaxel-Loaded Poly (Lactic-Co-Glycolic Acid) Nanoparticles as Microtubule B-Tubulin Stabilizer in the Management of Pancreatic Cancer

ABS TRACT Pancreatic cancer, specifically driven by the Kirsten rat sarcoma virus gene mutation (KRAS), remains a formidable clinical challenge with limited therapeutic options. The absence of FDA-approved drugs directly targeting KRAS necessitates exploration of novel and more effective treatment strategies. This comprehensive literature review seeks to identify promising therapeutic avenues for pancreatic cancer by evaluating advancements in drug delivery systems. Nab-paclitaxel, an antimitotic agent, exhibits superior pharmacokinetic and bioavailability profiles compared to conventional paclitaxel. Utilizing poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles as carriers, we investigate the potential of nab-paclitaxel-loaded PLGA nanoparticles to enhance drug delivery and efficacy. Manufactured through the oil-in-water emulsification solvent evaporation method, nab-pa-clitaxel-loaded PLGA nanoparticles offer a faster half-life and undergo elimination via biliary excretion and metabolism. Notably, these nanoparticles leverage nanoalbumin interactions with cysteine/osteonectin-rich, acidic secreted proteins, resulting in highly selective targeting of pancreatic cancer cells. The findings of this review underscore the potential superiority of nab-paclitaxel-loaded PLGA nanoparticles in terms of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and clinical outcomes. Their ability to address the challenges posed by KRAS-driven pancreatic cancer holds promise as a transfor-mative approach in the treatment landscape. In conclusion, this review highlights the evolving landscape of therapeutic options for pancreatic cancer, shedding light on nab-paclitaxel-loaded PLGA nanoparticles as a potent and selective intervention. Further clinical validation and exploration of this innovative strategy are warranted to advance the management of this devastating disease.
Uncorrected refractive error in schoolchildren at Jabalpur district of Madhya Pradesh

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Varni Digamber Jain Gurukul schoolchildren in the age group of 5–15 years. Children were screened for visual acuity with the help of Snellen’s chart. The children who showed refractive problems in preliminary screening were confirmed by ophthalmologist at Department of Ophthalmology, NSCB Medical College, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India.
Stability of soil bacteria in undisturbed soil and continuous maize cultivation in Northern Thailand

Rotational shifting cultivation (RSC) in Northern Thailand serves the dual purpose of ensuring food security and meeting economic goals through maize cultivation. However, the research question remains: Does the dynamics of soil bacterial communities differ between maize monoculture and RSC fields with continuous fallow throughout the season? Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate and compare the variation of soil bacterial communities in maize monoculture and fallow RSC fields. A continuous 5-year fallow field (undisturbed soil; CF-5Y) and a continuous 5-year maize cultivation field (M-5Y) in Mae Chaem District, Chiang Mai Province, Northern Thailand, were selected due to their similarities in microclimate, topography, and the 5-year duration of different field activities. Over the span of a year, we collected soil samples from the surface layer (0–2 cm depth) at both sites. These collections occurred at 3-month intervals, starting from March 2022 (summer season) and followed by June (rainy season), September (rainy season), December (winter season), and March 2023 (summer season). Soil bacterial diversity and composition were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene-based metagenomic analysis. The results found that undisturbed soil over a 5-year period exhibited more stability in the richness and diversity of bacteria across seasons compared with M-5Y. Notably, fertilizer application and tillage practices in M-5Y can enhance both the diversity and richness of soil bacteria. In terms of bacterial abundance, Proteobacteria prevailed in CF-5Y, while Actinobacteria dominated in M-5Y. At the genus level, Candidatus Udaeobacter dominated during the summer and winter seasons in both CF-5Y and M-5Y sites. Interestingly, during the rainy season, the dominant genus shifted to Bacillus in both CF-5Y and M-5Y fields. The soil bacterial community in M-5Y was strongly influenced by organic matter (OM) and organic carbon (OC). In contrast, in CF-5Y, there was no correlation between soil properties and the soil bacterial community, likely due to the lower variation in soil properties across seasons. β-Glucosidase was the dominant enzyme in both CF-5Y and M-5Y sites, and it showed a positive correlation with OM and OC. Further studies should continue to investigate soil bacteria dynamics, considering the changes in land management practices.
Adaptive Fixed-Time Control for High-Order Nonlinear Systems With Unknown Control Coefficients and Quantized Input

This article considers the adaptive fixed-time control problem for high-order nonlinear systems in the presence of unknown control coefficients and quantized input. Unlike the previous results, the bounds of the control coefficients and the knowledge of the quantizer parameters are not required to be known. By utilizing adding a power integrator method, an adaptive controller is designed where a tuning parameter is introduced to compensate the unknown system parameters. By using the fixed-time stability theorem, a novel switching rule is developed to regulate the controller parameter online such that the fixed-time stability is ensured for the closed-loop systems. Finally, a simulation example is provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed control algorithm.
Combining biocontrol agent and high oxygen atmosphere, to reduce postharvest decay of strawberries

The use of Lactobacillus pentosus, in combination with high oxygen packaging modified atmosphere (O2MAP) for the preservation of the good quality of strawberries to control fruit decay, was investigated for 4 storage days at 4°C. Fruits without bacterial treatment and high O2 modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) decreases water loss (82.15%) and fruit decay (66.7%). However, bacterial-treated fruits and high O2 MAP effects are enhanced giving water loss reduction and a fruit decay preservation at about 33.81 and 14.28%, respectively. The color index, (L x (a/b)), was effectively preserved under the combined bacterial-high MAP with 21.9 for 80% O2 compared to the control. L. pentosus fruit adding was significantly beneficial for quality preservation by enhancing the high O2 MAP (80% O2) moulds and yeasts spoilage to 31.47% (p<0.05). The results suggest that bacterial treatments combined with high oxygen packaging atmosphere can be a shelf-life postharvest technique for the strawberry quality preservation. It prolongs the shelf-life of fresh-cut fruit, thanks to the microbial biocontrol agents against fungal pathogen associated to the oxidative stress atmosphere.
Microearthquake seismicity at the intersection between the Kazerun fault and the Main Recent Fault (Zagros, Iran)

SUMMARY Seismicity and fault plane solutions of earthquakes at the intersection between the Main Recent Fault (a right-lateral strike-slip fault that bounds the Zagros to the NE) and the Kazerun Fault system (another right-lateral zone that crosses the Zagros) show slip to be partitioned into nearly pure strike-slip at shallow depths and nearly pure thrust slip below 12 km. Such slip partitioning is commonly observed where oblique convergence occurs, but in general faults of different styles lie adjacent to one another, not at different depths with one below the other. We provide evidence for this partitioning in a microearthquake study in which we deployed a temporary network of 29 seismographs for 7 weeks. We located no activity north of the Main Zagros Reverse Fault (MZRF), which separates the Zagros fold belt from Central Iran. Most earthquakes occurred between the northern termination of the Kazerun Fault and the MZRF, but not near to known major faults. Activity is limited to the upper crust, between 2 and 16 km. Most of the focal mechanisms show strike-slip faulting, dextral if the NS striking plane is the active plane, but a few for the deepest events show reverse faulting, distributed between the Kazerun Fault and the MZRF, with P-axis trending consistently ∼NS. This partitioning of the deformation with depth suggests that the brittle upper crust deforms by slip on pre-existing faults that strike obliquely but that the lower crust accommodates the shortening by reverse faulting. We infer that the deformation in the upper part of the crust reflects a stiffer medium in which pre-existing faults localize the deformation. The largest event recorded during this experiment, located at the same place as the destructive 1977 Naghan earthquake (Mw ∼5.9, 348 victims), shows reverse faulting, likely related to the Dopolan High Zagros Fault. The crustal thickness deduced from receiver function analysis does not show a marked difference across the Kazerun fault, which suggests a pure strike-slip motion on the fault.
Assessment of the people-predator conflict through thematic PRA in the surroundings of Waza National Park, Cameroon

Introduction Exploratory PRA (participatory rapid appraisal) is generally used to get an overview of the way of life of community members, a qualitative assessment of their production methods, a descriptive assessment of their history and culture, and an introductory dialogue on problems etc. A conservation and development project organised a series of these exploratory PRA’s in communities living close to Waza National Park (Waza NP), Cameroon. Scholte et al. (1999a) reported on these PRA’s and on the specificity of PRA in a situation of conflict between park management and surrounding communities. The authors of this article participated in most of the PRA’s in key communities and had separate thematic sessions in additional communities with a specific objective: to assess the conflict between livestock and wild predators. This article presents the results and discusses the usefulness of thematic PRA.
Cysteine Attenuates the Impact of Bisphenol A-Induced Oxidative Damage on Growth Performance and Intestinal Function in Piglets

Bisphenol A (BPA), a kind of environmental toxin, widely impacts daily life. Cysteine (Cys) is a nutritionally important amino acid for piglets. However, it remains unclear whether Cys can alleviate BPA-induced oxidative damage in piglets. The aim of the present study was to explore the protective effects of Cys in BPA-challenged piglets. A total of twenty-four piglets were divided into four groups that were further subdivided based on the type of exposure (with or without 0.1% BPA) in a basal or Cys diet for a 28 d feeding trial. The results showed that BPA exposure decreased the piglets’ average daily weight gain by 14.9%, and decreased dry matter, crude protein and ether extract digestibility by 3.3%, 4.5% and 2.3%, respectively; these decreases were attenuated by Cys supplementation. Additionally, Cys supplementation restored BPA-induced decreases in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH), and increases in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, in the serum and jejunum (p < 0.05). Moreover, BPA decreased the jejunal mRNA expression of antioxidant genes, which were restored by Cys supplementation (p < 0.05). Cys also restored BPA and increased serum D-lactate levels and diamine oxidase (DAO) activity, and BPA decreased jejunal disaccharidase activity (p < 0.05). Further investigations in this study showed that the protective effects of Cys were associated with restoring intestinal barrier integrity by improving the jejunal morphology and enhancing the mRNA expression of tight junction proteins (p < 0.05). Collectively, the results herein demonstrated that Cys supplementation attenuated the impact of BPA-induced oxidative damage on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and intestinal function.
Association Between Emotional Intelligence and Turnover Intention: Its Effects on Job Performance in the Banking Sector

Studies in the banking sector in Pakistan showed that emotional intelligence (EI) and retention of employees had been found to be essential components in the job performance. Hence, this study tries to assess the relationship between emotional intelligence and job performance and turnover intention in the Pakistani banking industry. By examining how emotional intelligence might help with employee retention and performance, it aims to address the problem of high turnover rates. A total of 190 questionnaires were distributed to employees in various banks in Peshawar and Lahore, of which 169 questionnaires were collected back with a return rate of 89. Using AMOS version 26, the model was tested using a two-stage SEM methodology; first, the measurement model was used to assess the validity and reliability of the instrument, and then the structural model was estimated. The findings revealed that there was a positive and significant connection between EI and job performance, the relationship of turnover intention was found to be negative and significantly linked to EI. The results further show a positive but insignificant relationship between turnover intention and job performance. The results imply the prioritization of EI development among bank employees. This can be achieved through training and development programs that focus on improving emotional awareness, emotional regulation, empathy, and social skills.
COVID-19 Situation Report

In August, the West Bank was passing through its sixth wave of COVID-19, while Gaza was passing through its fifth wave. This rapid increase in cases is slowing down in September. Gaza broke records in the number of new positive cases in August, as cases reached 7,587 the week of July 24th, compared to 1,864 new positive cases reported in the previous week, a significant increase. The first week of September, cases were down to 6,172. The number of positive cases in the West Bank is down to only 85 active cases as of September 4.
Sperm Chromatin Status and DNA Fragmentation in Mouse Species with Divergent Mating Systems

Sperm DNA integrity and chromatin status serve as pivotal indicators of sperm quality, given their intricate link to sperm function, embryo development, and overall fertility. Defects in chromatin compaction, which are often associated with compromised protamine content, can lead to damaged DNA strands. In this study, the chromatin status and possible correlation with DNA damage was assessed in males of three mouse species: Mus musculus, M. spretus, and M. spicilegus. We employed various staining methods, including aniline blue, methylene blue (Diff-Quik), toluidine blue, and chromomycin A3, to assess chromatin compaction in cauda epididymal sperm. Samples were also analyzed by the sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) to estimate DNA fragmentation (%tDFI, %HDS). Analyses were carried out on freshly collected sperm and cells incubated for 3 h in a HEPES-buffered modified Tyrode’s medium simulating conditions of the female reproductive tract. Notably, the analysis of chromatin status yielded minimal abnormal values across all three species employing diverse methodologies. SCSA analyses revealed distinct variations in %tDFI between species. Following sperm incubation, the percentages of sperm stained with methylene blue exhibited differences among the species and were significantly correlated to the DNA fragmentation index. HDS demonstrated correlations with the percentages of sperm stained by aniline blue, methylene blue, and chromomycin A3. Overall, chromatin compaction was high across all species, with limited differences among them. The relationship between chromatin status and DNA integrity appeared to be related to levels of sperm competition among species.
A model for the analysis of rapid landslide motion across three-dimensional terrain

A new numerical model for the dynamic analysis of rapid flow slides, debris flows, and avalanches has been developed. The model is an extension of an earlier algorithm and is implemented using a numerical method adapted from smoothed particle hydrodynamics. Its features include (i) the ability to simulate flow across complex three-dimensional terrain; (ii) the ability to allow nonhydrostatic and anisotropic internal stress distributions, coupled with strain changes through frictional relationships; (iii) the ability to simulate material entrainment; (iv) a choice of different rheological kernels, including frictional, plastic, viscous, Bingham, and Voellmy; (v) a meshless solution, which eliminates problems with mesh distortion during long displacements; and (vi) highly efficient and simple operation. The model has been tested by analysing a series of laboratory flume experiments with granular materials, both on straight and curved paths. The model is capable of accurately predicting the margins of variou.
Carcass Yields and Meat Composition of Roosters of the Portuguese Autochthonous Poultry Breeds: “Branca”, “Amarela”, “Pedrês Portuguesa”, and “Preta Lusitânica”

Poultry meat is an important part of the human diet, and the valorisation of autochthonous breeds is a determinant for the sustainability of the rural areas. The increasing demand for niche products demands for better knowledge of the carcass characteristics and meat quality of these local populations. The present study aims to characterise the roosters’ meat from the “Branca” (BR), “Amarela” (AM), “Pedrês Portuguesa” (PP), and “Preta Lusitânica” (PL) breeds. A total of 80 birds (n = 20 per breed) between 38 and 42 weeks old were slaughtered. The physicochemical and nutritional composition were determined in the breast and drumstick meat. The meat of the PL breed had a higher (p ≤ 0.05) pH value, the AM meat revealed a water-holding capacity (WHC) of superior value and moisture content (p ≤ 0.05), while the BR breed had the highest (p ≤ 0.05) ash content. On the other hand, it was observed that the PP meat had a higher (p ≤ 0.05) yellowness index (b*). The breast meat exhibited, in all breeds, a lower pH value, WHC, redness (a*), and lipid content and greater (p ≤ 0.05) lightness (L*), b*, moisture, and ash and protein contents compared to the drumstick. Furthermore, it presented higher (p ≤ 0.05) K, P, and Mg contents and a superior proportion of total and sensorial relevant amino acids. Regarding the fatty acid profile, the breed differences were more significant in the drumstick, with the AM breed lipids presenting a higher (p ≤ 0.05) percentage of MUFAs in the fat, a lower atherogenic index, and a higher (p ≤ 0.05) value for the hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic fatty acids ratio, while the BR breed lipids presented a higher (p ≤ 0.05) percentage of PUFAs and PUFAs/SFAs ratio and a lower n-6/n-3 ratio. Considering the results obtained, it can be concluded that the meat from these breeds is a wholesome dietary option, distinguished by a favourable overall nutritional composition marked by elevated protein content, reduced lipid amounts, and amino and fatty acid profiles with desirable nutritional indices.
Observations of the O2 atmospheric band nightglow by the High Resolution Doppler Imager

During nighttime operation the High Resolution Doppler Imager (HRDI) on the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS) measures both the horizontal wind field at about 94 km altitude and the limb brightness of the O2(b(sup 1) Sigma(sup +)(sub g) - Chi(cubed)Sigma(sup +)(sub g)) (0,0) atmospheric band airglow. The dominant feature of the observed emission is a latitudinal and local time dependence which is consistent with the (1,1) diurnal tidal mode. A survey of the available data set from November 1991 to July 1993 reveals a semiannual variation in the peak brightness observed at the equator, with maxima observed at the equinoxes and minima at the solstices. These results are consistent with the long-term variations in the diurnal tidal amplitudes detected in HRDI wind measurements.
Overcoming Data Scarcity through Transfer Learning in CO2-Based Building Occupancy Detection

Knowing indoor occupancy states is crucial for energy optimization in buildings. While neural networks can effectively be used to detect occupancy based on carbon dioxide measurements, their application is impeded by the need for sufficient labeled training data. In this study, we analyze the prediction performance of three different transfer learning (TL) methods leveraging target room data jointly with data from other rooms. The methods include (1) pretraining and fine-tuning, (2) layer freezing, and (3) domain-adversarial learning. Using data from five real-world rooms and one simulated room, including multiple room types, we provide the most extensive evaluation of TL in the field of occupancy prediction from environmental variables to date. This work’s contribution further includes the architecture and hyperparameters of a deep CNN-LSTM model for CO2-based occupancy detection. Our results indicate that TL effectively reduces the required amount of target room data. Moreover, while previous literature was focused on pretraining with related real-world data, we show that similar performance can be achieved by the more practical approach of leveraging simulated data.
The first synapse in vision in the aging mouse retina

Vision is our primary sense, and maintaining it throughout our lifespan is crucial for our well-being. However, the retina, which initiates vision, suffers from an age-related, irreversible functional decline. What causes this functional decline, and how it might be treated, is still unclear. Synapses are the functional hub for signal transmission between neurons, and studies have shown that aging is widely associated with synaptic dysfunction. In this study, we examined the first synapse of the visual system – the rod and cone photoreceptor ribbon synapse – in the mouse retina using light and electron microscopy at 2–3 months, ~1 year, and >2 years of age. We asked, whether age-related changes in key synaptic components might be a driver of synaptic dysfunction and ultimately age-related functional decline during normal aging. We found sprouting of horizontal and bipolar cells, formation of ectopic photoreceptor ribbon synapses, and a decrease in the number of rod photoreceptors and photoreceptor ribbon synapses in the aged retina. However, the majority of the photoreceptors did not show obvious changes in the structural components and protein composition of their ribbon synapses. Noteworthy is the increase in mitochondrial size in rod photoreceptor terminals in the aged retina.