Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Simulated rainfall diurnal cycle of African Monsoon: a sensitivity study to model resolution and sea surface temperature forcing

The rainfall diurnal cycle of the African Monsoon is one of the most intriguing physical features of tropical convection along with its “phase – locked” occurrence. Global models do not reproduce its spatial and temporal characteristics, while the rainfall cycle is clearly identified by satellite-based precipitation patterns. In order to provide additional information to the dynamical description of monsoon mechanisms during the warm rainy season and a better comprehension of the convection “coherence”, a regional reanalysis strategy has been developed based on Regional Atmospheric Modelling System (RAMS), forced by NCEP/DOE Reanalysis (R-2) dataset. A sensitivity study has been performed with several model configurations in order to analyze the different contributions of principal forcing mechanisms acting on the phase – locked rainfall diurnal cycle. Five (2004-2008) extended boreal summer seasons, from April to November, have been simulated, testing two model grid spacing resolutions (i.e., at 30km and 60km), and two different sea surface temperature datasets (i.e., HADSST at 1°x1° of horizontal resolution and the 8 days MODIS SST at 36km x 36km of horizontal resolution). The proposed regional modeling strategy has been evaluated analyzing atmospheric fields with respect to NCEP/DOE Reanalysis and precipitation fields, using a classical statistical skill scores analysis, with respect to the CMORPH/NOAA rainfall estimates (Joyce et al., 2004).
Water stable isotopes as drinking water quality indicator in dug wells of Eastern Latvia

Stable isotope ratios of water (δ2H and δ18O) are important indicators which describe hydrological processes in the environment. These parameters allow to analyse structure, status, migration of pollutants and processes of the groundwater system. Groundwater from dug wells is widely used as a drinking water source highlighting the importance of investigation of water quality and its possible flows and sources. Despite available centralized water systems, there are still wide territories where dug wells are the main source of drinking water supply. Dug wells are recharged from shallow groundwaters which makes them more vulnerable to anthropogenic contamination. Therefore, quality monitoring and estimation of anthropogenic influences are of importance. Quality requirements of drinking water do not provide measurements of stable isotope ratios in drinking water, but the combination of those elements can be valuable for the characterization of impacts on groundwater quality. The aim of this study was to survey 64 dug wells in Eastern Latvia and analyse water quality together with measurements of stable isotope ratios. Measurements were performed twice, i.e., autumn and spring to track water sources in wells and describe the extent of possible impacts. This approach can indicate the magnitude of local factor impacts on drinking water quality. Surveyed wells provide high differences in analysed parameters, for example, nitrate concentrations in autumn varies from 0.44 to 108.26 mg LE−1. Also, other detected parameters are variable; therefore, tracking water flow with stable isotope values gives better insight into the water quality of the studied region.
Effect of Seasonal Variation on Anaerobic Treatment of Organic Municipal Solid Waste-II: Population Dynamics of Bacteria and Archaea Communities

This study was designed to investigate the effect of seasonal variation on population dynamics of bacteria and archaea communities during anaerobic treatment of organic municipal solid waste. The waste was subjected to anaerobic treatment inside one-stage 250 L-capacity batch-type mesophilic poly-tank reactors with used volume of 230 L, substrate concentration of 5.53% total solids, rumen juice as the source of microbial inoculum and a retention time of 84 days. The first Anaerobic Digestion (ADH) treatment was conducted during the dry season (between February and April, 2016) while the second Anaerobic Digestion (ADC) treatment, a repeat of the first process, was conducted during the rainy season (between July and October, 2016). To monitor performance of the anaerobic treatment process, populations of selected bacteria and archaea groups and biodegradation of the feed where estimated with time using standard methods. Inside the ADH system, the population of Acetoclastic Methanogens (AMA), Hydrogenotrophic Methanogens (HMA), Strict Anaerobic Bacteria (SAB) and Facultative Anaerobic Bacteria (FAB) ranged from not-detected to 8.76 × 106 CFU/ml, not-detected to 7.93 × 106 CFU/ml, 1.45 × 106 CFU/ml to 4.18 × 107 CFU/ml and 1.2 × 106 MPN/ml to 7.5 × 107 MPN/ml respectively with time. Inside the ADC system, the population of AMA, HMA, SAB and FAB ranged from not-detected to 1.46 × 106 CFU/ml, not-detected to 1.05 × 106 CFU/ml, 9.2 × 105 CFU/ml to 1.85 × 107 CFU/ml and 2.4 × 106 MPN/ml to 1.2 × 108 MPN/ml respectively with time. Biodegradation of the feed inside the ADH system and the ADC system, increased to 97.21% and 75.86% respectively after 84 days. Microbial populations inside the ADH-system increased significantly more than the microbial populations inside the ADC-systems with time, leading to a significantly (p<0.05) better performance of the ADH-system than the ADC-system with respect to biodegradation of the feed. Therefore, seasonal variation appears to have influenced the population dynamics of microbial communities during anaerobic degradation of the waste.
Is COVID-19 as Lethal as the Spanish Flu? The Australian Experience in 1919 and 2020 and the Role of Nonpharmaceutical Interventions (NPIs)

We conducted a comparative historical study to interrogate Professor Peter Doherty’s warning to Australians in April 2020 that ‘COVID-19 is just as lethal as the Spanish flu’. We identified the epicentres of both pandemics, namely, metropolitan Sydney in 1919 and metropolitan Melbourne in 2020 and compared the lethality of the Spanish Flu and COVID-19 in these two cities. Lethality was measured by the number and rate of hospital admissions, death rates, age-specific death rates and age-standardised mortality rates (ASMRs). Using these measures, we demonstrated the strikingly different waves of infection, their severity at various points in time and the cumulative impact of the viruses by the end of our study period, i.e., 30 September in 1919 and 2020. Hospital admissions and deaths from the Spanish Flu in 1919 were more than 30 times higher than those for COVID-19 in 2020. The ASMR per 100,000 population for the Spanish Flu was 383 compared to 7 for COVID-19: The former was about 55 times higher than the latter. These results suggest that the Spanish Flu was more lethal than COVID-19. Professor Doherty’s warning was perhaps taken seriously and that partly explains the findings of this study. Containing infection in 1919 and 2020 threw the burden on nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) such as ‘protective sequestration’ (quarantine), contact tracing, lockdowns and masks. It is likely that the persistent and detailed contact tracing scheme provides the best possible explanation for why NPIs in 2020 were more effective than in 1919 and therefore contributed to the lower lethality of the COVID-19 pandemic in its first year.
The Development of Basidiomycota Fungi with The Concept of Integrated Forest Management

The development of Basidiomycota that is cultivated by utilizing space on the forest floor has not been done much, especially in Indonesia. The Basidiomycota found in Indonesia have very high diversity, but have not been explored so far. Basidiomycota fungi is an alternative as a source of natural nutraceuticals. This study aims to obtain Basidiomycota fungi isolates that have the potential as a nutraceutical source. As the first stage in this research, the activities carried out were exploration, isolation on culture media, and identification of fungi based on genotypic characters. The results of this research have found eight types of basidiomycota that have the potential to be a source of nutraceutical in the geulis mountain forest area of â€‹â€‹West Java Indonesia. The fungi identified based on their genotypic characters were Pleurotus ostreatus, Ganoderma cf, resinaceum, Lentinula edodes, Vanderbylia fraxinea, Auricularia delicate, Pleurotus giganteus, Auricularia sp. , and Tricholoma giganteum.
SILICON DIOXIDE NANOPARTICLES, ELICITATION OF SILYBIN CONCENTRATION IN SILYBUM MARIANUM L. THROUGH CHALCONE SYNTHASE GENE EXPRESSION MODIFICATION

Using nanoparticles in plants has been demonstrated to increase growth and output while also altering the ratio of bioactive compounds in numerous plant species. An herb known as Silybum marianum synthesizes silymarin, a flavonolignan with liver-protective properties. Silymarin or its primary elements, silybin A and B, which are present mainly in S. marianum fruits, have been the subject of many attempts to increase its manufacture. Various quantities of SiO 2 NPs were used as a spray on the foliage of S. marianum crops grown in a greenhouse in order to study the impact of silicon dioxide nanoparticles (SiO 2 NPs) on growth, yield, photosynthetic pigment content, silybin A + B content, and chalcone synthase (CHS) genes expression. The amounts of bioactive components (silybin A + B) in S. marianum rose after foliar application of all tested SiO 2 NP S doses, improving plant growth and yield as well. Additionally, it was shown by the gene expression study that SiO 2 NPs increased silybin (A + B) production by stimulating CHS genes. The most effective SiO 2 dosage that improved yield and silybin content was 100 mgl -1 .
Species diversity and phylogenetic relationships of snapper (Lutjanidae: Lutjanus) inferred from mitochondrial DNA markers

Snappers (Lutjaniformes: Lutjanidae) are commercially important fishes in tropical and subtropical waters. However, species complexes still exist due to low-level morphological differences. Additionally, current availability of molecular sequences has led to significant changes in fish taxonomy. Therefore, species diversity of lutjanids is still unclear. In this study, we applied two mitochondrial markers (16S rRNA and Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, COI mtDNA) to investigate species diversity and phylogenetic relationships of lutjanid species collected from the coastal waters of Nghe An – Ha Tinh provinces, Northern Central, Vietnam. A total of 17 Lutjanus species have been identified using morphological and molecular methods. Combined with Genbank sequences, the phylogenetic tree was constructed using Neighbor Joining and Maximum Likelihood approaches based on 16S rRNA and COI mtDNA data set. Two main lineages have been detected with inconsistent basal clades between two topologies. Members of species complexes also showed a certain degree of closely relationships; however, conflicts between two topologies have also been recorded. These data contribute to the assessment of lutjanid biodiversity in Vietnam, and for resource management and conservation.
Total cucurbitacins from Herpetospermum pedunculosum pericarp do better than Hu-lu-su-pian (HLSP) in its safety and hepatoprotective efficacy

The pericarp of Herpetospermum pedunculosum (HPP) has traditionally been used for treating jaundice and hepatitis. However, the specific hepatoprotective components and their safety/efficacy profiles remain unclear. This study aimed to characterize the total cucurbitacins (TCs) extracted from HPP and evaluate their hepatoprotective potential. As a reference, Hu-lu-su-pian (HLSP), a known hepatoprotective drug containing cucurbitacins, was used for comparison of chemical composition, effects, and safety. Molecular networking based on UHPLC-MS/MS identified cucurbitacin B, isocucurbitacin B, and cucurbitacin E as the major components in TCs, comprising 70.3%, 26.1%, and 3.6% as determined by RP-HPLC, respectively. TCs treatment significantly reversed CCl4-induced metabolic changes associated with liver damage in a dose-dependent manner, impacting pathways including energy metabolism, oxidative stress and phenylalanine metabolism, and showed superior efficacy to HLSP. Safety evaluation also showed that TCs were safe, with higher LD50 and no observable adverse effect level (NOAEL) values than HLSP. The median lethal dose (LD50) and NOAEL values of TCs were 36.21 and 15 mg/kg body weight (BW), respectively, while the LD50 of HLSP was 14 mg/kg BW. In summary, TCs extracted from HPP demonstrated promising potential as a natural hepatoprotective agent, warranting further investigation into synergistic effects of individual cucurbitacin components.
The Effect of Credit Risk And Efficiency on Bank Performance in Indonesian Banking: With Liquidity as A Mediation Variable

Bank performance is important in the stability of a country. If a bank's financial performance is poor, it will have an impact on channeling funds to who need funds and will hinder the economy of a country. Therefore, this research was conducted to examine the factors that influence bank performance. This research has developed novelty that is of from research before with the use of an intermediary variable is Liquidity. This research uses secondary data in the form quarter time series from 2013 to 2019. The population and samples in this study are 41 conventional banks. The sampling technique used is exhaustive sampling method. The data analysis technique used is Path Analysis and Sobel Test to measure Intervening variables. The results of research on substructure I that partially Credit Risk and Efficiency have a negative and significant effect on Bank Performance, while the level of Liquidity has no effect on Bank Performance. In substructure II, Credit Risk and Efficiency do not affect the Liquidity Level. For the path analyze results in this research using the single test, it is found that the liquidity level does not interfere in the effect of credit and efficiency on bank performance.
ANALYSIS OF 8 GRADER STUDENTS’ PERFORMANCE AT SMP AM IN UNDERSTANDING THE TRIANGLE CONCEPT BASED ON NCTM GEOMETRY STANDARD

Geometry plays a pivotal role in mathematics education, contributing significantly to the development of students' spatial awareness, intuition, and visualization skills. Despite its importance, there are reported challenges in students' understanding of geometry, with the Merdeka curriculum geometry standard noted for not adequately emphasizing the fundamental understanding of triangle properties before introducing congruence. Conversely, studies have highlighted the effectiveness of incorporating NCTM (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics) standards in fostering mathematical comprehension in this domain. This research study delves into the performance of eighth-grade students in comprehending triangle concepts, guided by the NCTM geometry standard. Employing a content analysis technique on student work, created based on NCTM indicators and assessed accordingly, the study reveals deficiencies in students' understanding. These challenges include difficulties in describing and categorizing triangles, identifying angle relationships, constructing logical arguments using both inductive and deductive reasoning, and recognizing relationships between side lengths. These findings underscore the urgent need to address these knowledge gaps and bridge the disparity between NCTM standards and students' current comprehension levels regarding triangle concepts.
Myocardial Bridging of Mid-left Anterior Descending Artery (LAD) Presenting As Transient Left Bundle Branch Block During Nuclear Stress Test

Transient left bundle branch block occurring during a nuclear stress test in the setting of myocardial bridging is a relatively rare finding. We report a case of a 75-year-old male who presented with typical stable angina. Serial troponins were negative, and the electrocardiogram revealed normal sinus rhythm with left ventricular hypertrophy and T-wave inversions in the lateral leads. The nuclear stress test was non-ischemic but showed a transient left bundle branch block associated with chest pain and shortness of breath that occurred right after the administration of regadenoson. Coronary angiography revealed non-obstructive coronary artery disease and a mid-LAD myocardial bridge.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy on proliferation of fibroblasts isolated from chronic wounds in human in vitro

Chronic wounds pose significant challenges in healthcare due to impaired healing mechanisms. Fibroblast cells play a crucial role in wound healing by orchestrating proliferation and migration. This study aimed to assess fibroblast cells derived from chronic wounds and explore the impact of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on their growth and migration. Dermal samples from chronic pressure ulcers and diabetic ulcers were obtained from 20 patients at three sites. Fibroblasts from wound base, margins, and adjacent healing skin were isolated and characterized. Proliferation and migration capabilities of these cells were evaluated. LLLT was applied at various energy levels (2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, and 5 J/cm²) to assess its effect on cell count. Fibroblasts from chronic wounds exhibited slower proliferation and migration rates compared to normal dermal fibroblasts. Notably, LLLT intervention at different energy levels led to a significant increase in cell count, with the most pronounced effect observed at 3 J/cm². LLLT at an energy level of 3 J/cm² demonstrated a notable enhancement in fibroblast migration. These findings underscore the potential of LLLT as a therapeutic approach for chronic wounds, offering insights into its efficacy in augmenting fibroblast functions crucial for wound healing.
STEREOTACTIC RADIOSURGERY FOR PATIENTS WITH “RADIORESISTANT” BRAIN METASTASES

OBJECTIVE Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for the treatment of patients with brain metastases that have been determined to be "radioresistant" on the basis of histological examination. METHODS We reviewed the medical records of 41 consecutive patients who presented with 83 brain metastases from radioresistant primaries and subsequently underwent SRS. All patients were followed until death or for a median of 31 months after SRS. Tumor histologies included renal cell carcinoma (16 patients), melanoma (23 patients), and sarcoma (2 patients). Eighteen patients (44%) had a solitary metastasis, and 23 patients (56%) had multiple metastases. RESULTS The median overall survival time was 14.2 months after SRS. On the basis of univariate analysis, systemic disease status (P = 0.006) and Radiation Therapy Oncology Group recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) class (P = 0.005) were associated with survival. The median survival time was 23.5 months for patients in RPA Class I status and 10.5 months for patients in RPA Class II or III status. There was a trend (P = 0.12) toward improved median survival for patients with renal cell carcinoma (17.8 mo) as compared with patients with melanoma (9.7 mo). Multivariate analysis showed RPA class (P = 0.038) and histological diagnosis of primary tumor (P < 0.001) to be independent predictors for overall survival. In the 35 patients who underwent follow-up imaging, 9 (12%) of 73 tumors recurred locally. In 54% of the patients, distant brain failure (DBF) developed. Whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) improved local control and decreased DBF, according to the univariate and multivariate analyses. Patients who received adjuvant WBRT in addition to SRS had 6-month actuarial local control of 100% as compared with 85% among those who did not receive WBRT (P = 0.018). Patients who received adjuvant WBRT with SRS had a 6-month actuarial DBF rate of 17%, as compared with a rate of 64% among patients who had SRS alone (P = 0.0027). CONCLUSION Well-selected patients with brain metastases from radioresistant primary tumors who undergo SRS survive longer than historical controls. RPA Class I status and primary renal cell carcinoma predict longer survival. Adjuvant WBRT improves local control and decreases DBF but does not affect overall survival. Further studies are needed to determine which patients should receive WBRT.
Compressive Sensing and Reconstruction of Crop Growth Environmental Information

The crop growth environmental information in farmland such as temperature and humidity has a gentle variation amplitude in a certain time or space domain, and is sparse in the discrete cosine transform domain. Based on compression sensing, we construct the approach to crop growth environmental information monitoring. The reconstruction error for crop growth environmental information is validated through the simulation experiment. By exploiting orthogonal matching pursuit method, it is found that the reconstructed environmental information data are consistent with the measured data.
Comparative transcriptome and metabolome profiles of the leaf and fruits of a Xianjinfeng litchi budding mutant and its mother plant

Background: Litchi (Litchi chinensis) is an important sub-tropical fruit in the horticulture market in China. Breeding for improved fruit characteristics is needed for satisfying consumer demands. Budding is a sustainable method for its propagation. During our ongoing breeding program, we observed a litchi mutant with flat leaves and sharp fruit peel cracking in comparison to the curled leaves and blunt fruit peel cracking fruits of the mother plant. Methods: To understand the possible molecular pathways involved, we performed a combined metabolome and transcriptome analysis. Results: We identified 1,060 metabolites in litchi leaves and fruits, of which 106 and 101 were differentially accumulated between the leaves and fruits, respectively. The mutant leaves were richer in carbohydrates, nucleotides, and phenolic acids, while the mother plant was rich in most of the amino acids and derivatives, flavonoids, lipids and organic acids and derivatives, and vitamins. Contrastingly, mutant fruits had higher levels of amino acids and derivatives, carbohydrates and derivatives, and organic acids and derivatives. However, the mother plant’s fruits contained higher levels of flavonoids, scopoletin, amines, some amino acids and derivatives, benzamidine, carbohydrates and derivatives, and some organic acids and derivatives. The number of differentially expressed genes was consistent with the metabolome profiles. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway-enriched gene expressions showed consistent profiles as of metabolome analysis. Conclusion: These results provide the groundwork for breeding litchi for fruit and leaf traits that are useful for its taste and yield.
The Imperilled Oyster Industry of Virginia: A Critical Analysis with Recommendations for Restoration

of the paper by Quittmeyer, 1957. Virginia Board of Fisheries. 1902. Oct. 1, 1901 to Sept. 30, 1902. Report to the Governor of Virginia from Richmond. 13 pp. plus tables. Virginia Advisory Legislative Council. 1951. The Seafood Statutes and the Rehabilitation of the Seafood Industry. Report to the Governor and the General Assembly of Virginia. E. T. DeJarnette, Chairman, Richmond, Virginia, 15 pp.