Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessing the utility of the spot 6 sensor in detecting and mapping Lantana camara for a community clearing project in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Lantana camara is a significant weed in South Africa which is causing severe impacts on agriculture by reducing grazing areas. This study assessed the potential of the SPOT 6 multispectral sensor and two broadband vegetation indices (NDVI and SR) for detecting and mapping Lantana camara in a community grazing land in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The SPOT 6 bands and vegetation indices successfully classified Lantana camara with an overall accuracy of 75% on an independent test dataset using the random forest algorithm. Furthermore, it was tested if the random forest model based on variable importance (VIP) could improve the classification accuracy using the best subset of bands and indices. A backward feature elimination technique was used to select the best subset of VIP bands and indices to improve the classification. By eliminating SPOT bands 1 and 4 which yielded the lowest VIP scores the random forest model improved the classification accuracy to 83.33% on an independent test dataset. The study indicates the potential of satellite remote sensing in weed detection and mapping in South Africa using readily available multispectral data to assist poorer communities in grazing management.
Sensitivity Analysis on the Influence Factors of Slope Stability for Ion-absorbed Rare Earth Ore by In-situ Leaching

To study the influence of each factor on slope stability of ion-absorbed rare earth ore by in-situ leaching,sensitivity analysis of single factor and multiple factors was carried out.Firstly,combined with the slope characteristics of ion-absorbed rare earth ore,seven factors were selected as the research objects,such as specific gravity,cohesion and internal friction angle of topsoil and weathered ore,as well as injection intensity.Secondly,the heterogeneous slope plan models were established to calculate the safety factors of slope.And the sensitivity analysis for the influence factors of slope stability with in-situ leaching was carried out by safety factors.The engineering results showed that the key monitoring position of slope was located in the interface between topsoil and weathered ore,and the key monitoring factor was injection intensity.
Theory of the Leaky Intestine: Gender Differences in Intestinal Parasitic Infections, Cytoskeletal Wall Dysfunctions, and Hypertension

BACKGROUND: Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) impact approximately 3.5 billion individuals globally. Protozoan IPIs may influence the intestinal microbiome. This research investigates IPI effects on intestinal wall thickness and their potential links to gender-specific hypertension. It also explores the impact of alterations in intestinal wall permeability on sodium and blood glucose levels. METHODS: The study enrolled 108 subjects, including 83 consecutive patients with confirmed symptomatic IPIs (48 males, 35 females) and 25 healthy controls (9 males, 16 females). B-mode ultrasound grayscale images of the duodenum and colon were taken with and without water contrast. RESULTS: Patients with parasites exhibited a higher BMI (mean = 28.98 ± 7.43) compared to controls (mean = 24.68 ± 7.2), F (1, 96) = 5.78, _p _< 0.05. IPI patients showed a tendency towards increased duodenal wall thickness (DUOTHICK = 0.88 ± 0.73 cm) versus controls (0.6 ± 0.1 cm), _p = _0.056. Additionally, IPI patients had significantly greater thickness in the ascending colon (ASCTHICK = 1.1 ± 0.3 cm) and descending colon (DSCTHICK = 1.2 ± 0.4 cm) compared to controls (ASCTHICK = 0.6 ± 0.2 cm, DSCTHICK = 0.6 ± 0.1 cm), _p _< 0.05. Men over 50 years exhibited greater DSCTHICK (1.25 ± 0.434 cm) than postmenopausal women (0.986 ± 0.389 cm), _p _< 0.05. DSCTHICK significantly predicted diastolic blood pressure (β = −0.295, _p _< 0.05) and blood sodium level (β = −0.300, _p _< 0.05). DUOTHICK in diabetic IPI patients exceeded that in nondiabetic patients. Effective antiparasitic and antidiabetic treatments induced changes in the echoanatomy of the intestinal wall, suggesting the sealing of ‘the leak’. CONCLUSIONS: IPIs disrupted the intestinal cytoskeleton, leading to “leaky gut syndrome” development.
Sphenothallus (“Vermes”) from the Tremadocian Dumugol Formation, Korea

Specimens of Sphenothallus ruedemanni (Kobayashi, 1934), which were originally assigned to Serpulites, are described from the Asaphellus Zone (Tremadocian) of the Dumugol Formation, Korea. Previously, Sphenothallus was known to occur in Middle Ordovician to Permian rocks, thus making Sphenothallus ruedemanni the earliest record of this genus. This species is characterized by a distally expanding tube with smooth to variously wrinkled surface. The tube is presently composed of quartz, chlorite, and/or muscovite, which appear to have replaced calcium phosphate. The zoological affinity of this tube-building animal is still uncertain.
Data report: early to middle Eocene benthic foraminifers at Sites U1331 and U1333, equatorial central Pacific Ocean, Expedition 320/321

1Nomura, R. , Takata, H. , and Tsujimoto, A. , 2013. Data report: early to middle Eocene benthic foraminifers at Sites U1331 and U1333, equatorial central Pacific Ocean, Expedition 320/321. In Pälike, H. , Lyle, M. , Nishi, H. , Raffi, I. , Gamage, K. , Klaus, A. , and the Expedition 320/321 Scientists, Proc. IODP, 320/321: Tokyo (Integrated Ocean Drilling Program Management International, Inc.). doi:10.2204/iodp.proc.320321.212. 2013 2Shimane University, 1060 Nishikawatsu-cho, Matsue, Shimane 690-8504, Japan. Correspondence author: nomura@edu.shimaneu. ac.jp 3BK21 Coastal Environmental System School, Division of Earth Environmental System, Pusan National University, Busan 609-735, Korea. Abstract
Composite Materials Using Mallow Fibers and Epoxy Resin

This work investigates chemically modified Mallow fibers (MF) and their utilization as reinforcement in an epoxy composite. The untreated Mallow fibers (UTMF) and the Mallow fibers treated (TMF) with 5% NaOH solution were characterized, and Mallow/epoxy resin composites (MEC) were fabricated using 10, 20, and 30 wt. % of TMF, and their mechanical, and thermal properties were studied. UTMF, TMF, and MEC were evaluated using Fourier-transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)-Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A tensile test was performed to characterize the MEC. The alkali treatment increased cellulose by 7% and lignin by 56%, removed hemicellulose and ash content up to 28.8% and 31.4% respectively, and reduced moisture by 3.5%. The spectra of the FTIR and DSC-TGA analyses show the broad absorption and decomposition characteristics of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin in the fibers. The UTMF presented a crystallinity index (C I ) value of 57% while the TMF had a C I value of 77.60%. From the results, it is observed that the maximum tensile strength value was obtained at 20 wt. % of fiber loading, giving 100.22 MPa, which is considered ideal for the fabrication of Mallow/epoxy resin composites.
An emotional advantage of multilingualism

The goal of the current paper is to investigate effects of multilingualism regarding emotional competence (EC). We argue that there might be two paths of influence that connect multilingualism and EC. First, we assume that multilingualism represents a linguistically and culturally heterogeneous context that may stimulate the development of EC. Second, cognitions, such as executive control or divergent thinking, might be an important condition for or constituent of emotions. Since cognitive abilities are sometimes assumed to be positively influenced by multilingualism (called the cognitive resp. bilingual advantage hypothesis), multilingualism might affect EC by boosting these cognitive functions. In an initial pre-study (N = 85) we found that two EC subcomponents were significantly predicted by degree of multilingualism (DM). In a second study (N = 989), we found that DM significantly predicted EC directly and was mediated by cultural heterogeneity but not by language switching, executive functions, or divergent thinking.
Chert exploitation and production in Sardinia during the Neolithic

This research deals with the modes of chert exploitation in Sardinia during the Neolithic, combining information on major chert sources identified across the island with the technological analysis on several stratigraphic reliable series. It focuses on the changes in raw material selection and on the evolution of technological behaviours between the 6th and the 4th millennium BCE. The data collected in this work allowed us either to shed a light on the role this lithic resource played in the production systems of Neolithic communities in Sardinia, and to catch differences in the modes of procurement, depending on the chronology and location of the sites. During the Early Neolithic, lithic raw material circulation in Sardinia did not occur through organized networks, but it seems to have relied on the high mobility of the local groups. It is only at the end of the 5th millennium BCE that well-organized exchange circuits started operating. These involved mainly obsidian and this raw material apparently consolidated in time, due to the role carried out by San Ciriaco and Ozieri Middle to Late Neolithic cultures in the control and development of the Monte Arci obsidian supply. Chert was never involved in these networks and was mainly exploited locally and opportunistically. However, from the end of the Neolithic, some outcrop in the Oligo-Miocene basin of Perfugas was exploited on a supra-local scale and for a relatively short period.
Can human-machine feedback in a smart learning environment enhance learners’ learning performance? A meta-analysis

Objective The human-machine feedback in a smart learning environment can influences learners’ learning styles, ability enhancement, and affective interactions. However, whether it has stability in improving learning performance and learning processes, the findings of many empirical studies are controversial. This study aimed to analyze the effect of human-machine feedback on learning performance and the potential boundary conditions that produce the effect in a smart learning environment. Methods Web of Science, EBSCO, PsycINFO, and Science Direct were searched for publications from 2010 to 2022. We included randomized controlled trials with learning performance as outcome. The random effects model was used in the meta-analysis. The main effect tests and the heterogeneity tests were used to evaluate the effect of human-machine feedback mechanism on learning performance, and the boundary conditions of the effect were tested by moderating effects. Moreover, the validity of the meta-analysis was proved by publication bias test. Results Out of 35 articles identified, 2,222 participants were included in this study. Human-machine interaction feedback had significant effects on learners’ learning process (d = 0.594, k = 26) and learning outcomes (d = 0.407, k = 42). Also, the positive effects of human-machine interaction feedback were regulated by the direction of feedback, the form of feedback, and the type of feedback technique. Conclusion To enhance learning performance through human-machine interactive feedback, we should focus on using two-way and multi-subject feedback. The technology that can provide emotional feedback and feedback loops should be used as a priority. Also, pay attention to the feedback process and mechanism, avoid increasing students’ dependence on machines, and strengthen learners’ subjectivity from feedback mechanism.
Exploring the Relationship between Gut Microbiome Composition and Blood Indole-3-acetic Acid in Hemodialysis Patients

Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), a protein-bound uremic toxin resulting from gut microbiota-driven tryptophan metabolism, increases in hemodialysis (HD) patients. IAA may induce endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and oxidative stress, elevating cardiovascular and cognitive risk in HD patients. However, research on the microbiome–IAA association is limited. This study aimed to explore the gut microbiome’s relationship with plasma IAA levels in 72 chronic HD patients aged over 18 (August 2016–January 2017). IAA levels were measured using tandem mass spectrometry, and gut microbiome analysis utilized 16s rRNA next-generation sequencing. Linear discriminative analysis effect size and random forest analysis distinguished microbial species linked to IAA levels. Patients with higher IAA levels had reduced microbial diversity. Six microbial species significantly associated with IAA levels were identified; Bacteroides clarus, Bacteroides coprocola, Bacteroides massiliensi, and Alisteps shahii were enriched in low-IAA individuals, while Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron and Fusobacterium varium were enriched in high-IAA individuals. This study sheds light on specific gut microbiota species influencing IAA levels, enhancing our understanding of the intricate interactions between the gut microbiota and IAA metabolism.
REVOLUTIONIZING THERAPEUTIC DELIVERY: DIOSGENIN-LOADED SOLID LIPID NANOPARTICLES UNLEASH ADVANCED CARRIERS

Objective: The pharmaceutical industry has paid a lot of attention to solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) because they show promise as drug delivery vehicles. The purpose of this research was to create and characterize SLN loaded with Diosgenin. Methods: To create SLN, the natural bioactive component diosgenin was encapsulated in a solid lipid matrix of compritol ATO 888. A modified solvent emulsification-evaporation process was used to create the SLN. Using a Box-Behnken Design (BBD), we were able to identify the optimal values for the drug-to-solid lipid ratio, surfactant concentration, and ultrasonication period that constitute an effective formulation. Results: It was found that the improved formulation had particle sizes of 170.96 nm, polydispersity indices (PDI) of 0.231, and entrapment efficiencies of 64.549±0.553% %. The zeta potential value of -40.2 mV was indicative of a steady dispersion. The average particle size of the SLN was measured to be 103.1429 nm, and their spherical morphology was validated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging. The optimized formulation did not undergo any chemical changes, as shown by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) testing. The in vitro drug release investigation showed that the SLN released Diosgenin continuously for 28 h. Conclusion: The optimized formulation of SLN, achieved through the BBD, offers a promising strategy to improve drug solubility while ensuring controlled drug release and long-term storage stability.
Investigation of Ambient Seismic Noise in Different Region of Georgia

Georgia, like the whole South Caucasus, is a tectonically and structurally complex region. It is one of the active segments of the Alpine-Himalayan belt, therefore it is important to assess the seismic hazard for Georgia. At the regional scale, this assessment is evaluated by applying probabilistic seismic hazard analysis that identifies the annual probability of exceedance of various ground motion levels defined in terms of selected ground motion intensity measures, such as PGA or spectral accelerations (SA) corresponding to various return periods related to possible future earthquake scenarios for a site represented by soil classes A according to EC8, Euro-code 8-EN 1998-1 (1998). At the local scale, seismic hazard assessment is made by analyzing the geological, geomorphological, geotechnical and geophysical characteristics of the site, as it is well established that the incoming seismic motion can change in amplitude, frequency, and duration due the site-specific local characteristics. That is the subject of micro-zonation investigation. Site – specific local characteristics are presented by the following parameters: Dominant frequency, Vs,30 (average shear-wave velocity to a depth of 30 meters) and amplification factor. In this work, we presented results of geophysical survey assessing local site conditions by dominant frequency that allows identification of similar seismic response areas. For this purpose, seismic noise records have been used first time in Georgia.
SLC2A9 rs16890979 reduces uric acid absorption by kidney organoids

Introduction: The excretion and absorption of uric acid (UA) by the kidneys helps regulate serum UA levels. GLUT9, encoded by SLC2A9, is mainly expressed in the renal tubules responsible for UA absorption. SLC2A9 polymorphisms are associated with different serum UA levels. However, the lack of proper in vitro models has stalled research on the mechanisms of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that affect UA metabolism in human urate transporters. Methods: In this study, we constructed a gene-edited human embryonic stem cells-9 (ESC-H9) derived kidney organoid bearing rs16890979, an SLC2A9 missense mutation with undetermined associations with hyperuricemia or hypouricemia. Kidney organoids derived from ESC-H9 with genetical overexpression (OE) and low expression (shRNA) of SLC2A9 to serve as controls to study the function of SLC2A9. The function of rs16890979 on UA metabolism was evaluated after placing the organoids to urate-containing medium and following histopathological analysis. Results: The kidney organoids with heterozygous or homozygous rs16890979 mutations showed normal SLC2A9 expression levels and histological distribution, phenotypically similar to the wild-type controls. However, reduced absorption of UA by the kidney organoids with rs16890979 mutants was observed. This finding together with the observation that UA absorption is increased in organoids with SLC2A9 overexpression and decreased in those with SLC2A9 knockdown, suggest that GLUT9 is responsible for UA absorption, and the rs16890979 SNP may compromise this functionality. Moreover, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was detected in organoids after UA treatment, especially in the kidney organoid carrying GLUT9OE, suggesting the cytobiological mechanism explaining the pathological features in hyperuricosuria-related renal injury. Discussion: This study showing the transitional value of kidney organoid modeling the function of SNPs on UA metabolism. With a defined genetic background and a confirmed UA absorption function should be useful for studies on renal histological, cellular, and molecular mechanisms with this organoid model.
ATLoc: Aerial Thermal Images Localization via View Synthesis

While visual localization has made significant advances in recent years, it still lacks robustness in low-light situations. Thermal camera images, which capture temperature data, provide a potential solution for these environments. However, the scarcity of well-annotated, publicly available datasets for thermal localization, particularly those focused on absolute pose estimation, impedes further advancement in this field. In this research, we introduce a novel dataset that includes six-degree-of-freedom (6-DoF) absolute poses of query images for large-scale, realistic aerial localization of thermal images. Besides, we introduce a render-to-localization pipeline tailored for thermal image localization. This pipeline predicts the 6-DoF pose of a query using a synthetic technique based on geometric refined thermal model. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of our method on this newly proposed dataset. Notably, our method achieves a median position error of less than 1.5 m and a median angle error of less than 1.5° under diverse test conditions. A comprehensive analysis of factors influencing localization accuracy is also provided. Our code and dataset will be available at https://github.com/RingoWRW/ATLoc.
Response-Category Conflict and Control Mode Determine Memory Performance for Distractors in a Flanker Paradigm

Cognitive conflicts can lead to better memory for task-relevant information. However, little is known about memory performance for task-irrelevant information. The present study investigated memory performance of task-irrelevant distractors using a Flanker paradigm. In two experiments (N = 699), participants first completed a study phase with 56 flanker trials. The stimuli consisted of trial-unique pictures. A congruent trial consisted of a target flanked by two identical pictures from the same category (e.g., all mammals). An incongruent trial consisted of a target and flankers from different stimulus categories (e.g., a mammal flanked by two identical birds), which results in a response-category conflict. To explore the impact of different control modes, congruent and incongruent trials were presented in pure blocks (allowing a proactive control mode) or in mixed blocks (requiring a reactive control mode). Afterwards, recognition memory was tested in a surprise memory test. In general, the results showed better memory for congruent than incongruent flankers in pure blocks. In contrast in mixed blocks, the results showed better memory for incongruent than for congruent flankers. Thus, memory performance for distractors varies systematically with response-category conflict and control mode.
Motivation crowding effects on the intention for continued use of gamified fitness apps: a mixed-methods approach

It has become an emerging idea for fitness apps to be gamified to intrinsically and extrinsically motivate user’s usage intention or behavior. For the long-term success of gamified fitness apps, understanding what and how various motivations affect continued use is critical. A combination of qualitative and quantitative methodologies was used to explore two research questions concerning gamified fitness applications. Specifically, the research questions focused on understanding the impacts of intrinsic and extrinsic motivations on continued usage. Additionally, the study aimed to investigate whether extrinsic motivations enhance or diminish the influence of intrinsic motivations. Results from qualitative study identified three intrinsic motivations (self-development, self-control and hedonic motivation) and two extrinsic motivations (social recognition and financial reward) in gamified fitness apps. Results from quantitative study indicated that intrinsic motivations (formed by self-development, self-control and hedonic motivation), financial reward and social recognition could significantly improve intention for continued use; and further, both financial reward and social recognition could crowd-in intrinsic motivations. This research offers insights into the phenomenon of motivation crowding effects on the intention to continue using gamified fitness apps.
Integrating adaptation of climate change to strengthen Malaysia’s disaster risk governance

As a result of changes in climate factors, the number of natural hazards has become more frequent. To achieve optimal governance of disaster risk, it is essential to consider climate change and modify the strategy so that it aligns with the agenda for reducing disaster risk. This paper’s findings are the result of a qualitative methodology that included a review of the literature on the topic DRR and CCA relates to both international and domestic policy in Malaysia. It discovered gaps in the convergence of DRR and CCA in terms of policy formulation, governance systems, and linkage among actors. To close the gaps, a comprehensive approach that involves multi-level governance as well as multi-sectoral initiatives through multiple disciplinary methods would be required. This necessitates a governance system that encourages the participation of actors from both domains in order to achieve greater sustainable development and climate risk management.