Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Natural language processing meets spatial time series analysis and geovisualization: identifying and visualizing spatio-topical sentiment trends on Twitter

ABSTRACT Previous studies have introduced various approaches for visualizing the spatial and temporal distributions of sentiments expressed on social media. However, many existing methods either overlook the evolving nature of sentiments or fail to account for the spatial distribution of sentiment trends related to specific topics. To gain a comprehensive understanding of how sentiments evolve in relation to topics and geographies, it is essential to capture the dynamic nature of sentiment through time series analysis and geovisualization. This article introduces a workflow that combines natural language processing, spatial time series analysis, and geovisualization techniques to identify and visualize the variations in sentiment trends on Twitter across different geographic regions and topics. By examining the 2016 presidential debates as a case study, we uncover distinct temporal patterns in sentiment distributions across various topics and states. Our findings also show that adjacent states do not always share similar sentiment trends, and that geographic clusters with similar sentiment trends also vary across topics. Failing to consider these variations may result in misunderstanding public discourse and sentiments since they are diverse and dynamic in nature.
Assessing the impact of CO 2 equilibrated ocean alkalinity enhancement on microbial metabolic rates in an oligotrophic system

Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement (OAE) is a Negative Emissions Technology (NET) that shows 15 significant potential for climate change mitigation. By increasing the bicarbonate ion concentration in ocean water, OAE could enhance long-term carbon storage and mitigate ocean acidification. However, the side effects and/or potential co-benefits of OAE on natural planktonic communities remain poorly understood. To address this knowledge gap, a mesocosm experiment was conducted in the oligotrophic waters of Gran Canaria. A CO 2 -equilibrated Total Alkalinity (TA) gradient was employed in increments of 300 µmol·L -1 , 20 ranging from ~2400 to ~4800 µmol·L -1 . This study represents the first attempt to evaluate the potential impacts of OAE on planktonic communities under natural conditions. The results show that Net Community Production (NCP), Gross Production (GP), Community Respiration (CR) rates, as well as the metabolic balance (GP:CR), did not exhibit a linear response to the whole alkalinity gradient. Instead, significant polynomial and linear regression models were observed for all rates up to ∆TA1800 µmol·L -1 , in relation 25 to the Dissolved Inorganic Carbon (DIC) concentrations. Notably, the ∆TA1500 and 1800 µmol·L -1 treatments showed peaks in NCP shifting from a heterotrophic to an autotrophic state, with NCP values of 4 and 8 µmol O 2 kg -1 d -1 , respectively. These peaks and the optimum curve were also reflected in the phytoplankton abundance, size-fractionated chlorophyll a and 14 C uptake data. Furthermore, abiotic precipitation occurred in the highest treatment after day 21 but no impact on the measured parameters was 30 detected. Overall, a damaging effect of CO 2 -equilibrated OAE in the range applied here, on phytoplankton primary production, community metabolism and composition could not be inferred. In fact, a potential co-benefit to OAE was observed in the form of the positive curvilinear response to the DIC gradient up to the ∆TA1800 treatment. Further experimental research at this scale is key to gain a better understanding of the short and long-term effects of OAE on planktonic communities.
Circulating miR-320b Contributes to CD4+ T-Cell Proliferation in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus via MAP3K1

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by the production of autoantibodies and tissue inflammation. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as a promising candidate therapy for SLE owing to the immunomodulatory and regenerative properties. Circulating miRNAs are small, single-stranded noncoding RNAs in a variety of body fluids that regulate numerous immunologic and inflammatory pathways. Recent studies have revealed many differentially expressed circulating miRNAs in autoimmune diseases including SLE. However, the role of circulating miRNAs in SLE has not been extensively studied. Here, we performed small RNA sequencing analysis to compare the circulating miRNA profiles of SLE patients before and after MSC transplantation (MSCT), and identified a significant decrease of circulating miR-320b level during MSCT. Importantly, we found that the expression of circulating miR-320b and its target gene MAP3K1 was closely associated with SLE disease activity. The in vitro experiments showed that decreased MAP3K1 level in SLE peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was involved in CD4+ T-cell proliferation. In MRL/lpr mice, miR-320b overexpression aggravated symptoms of SLE, while miR-320b inhibition could promote disease remission. Besides, MSCs regulate miR-320b/MAP3K1 expression both in vitro and in vivo. Our results suggested that circulating miR-320b and MAP3K1 may be involved in CD4+ T-cell proliferation in SLE. This trial is registered with NCT01741857.
Empirical Models of Longshore Currents

It is proposed that the singularity of each beach setting results in longshore current developments unique to the location and conditions. Therefore it is plausible that the inter-relationships between the longshore current variables are not constant. This is in spite of the similarity of results in past studies that suggest a general form for longshore current regression solutions and current mathematical refinements of equations. Herein contemporaneous empirical studies of two dissimilar nearshore environments along Sandy Hook, New Jersey suggest different reactions to the same wave train. Regression models with coefficients of determination exceeding 60 %/o reveal that wave period, nearshore slope, and the angle of wave approach are important on low energy beaches while breaker height is the primary control on longshore current velocities for higher energy beaches.
Active compounds from Calendula officinalis flowers act via PI3K and ERK signaling pathways to offer neuroprotective effects against Parkinson's disease

Abstract Calendula officinalis flowers, associated with diverse biological effects, could be utilized as functional food ingredients to play a crucial role in human health. In this study, we examined the anti‐PD activity of C. officinalis flower extracts and investigated their bioactive compounds and molecular mechanisms based on LC–MS/MS assay, bioinformatic exploration and in vitro treatment of SH‐SY5Y cells. C. officinalis extracts exhibited significant positive effects on the length and fluorescence density of the dopaminergic neuron region in zebrafish larvae. At 10 μg/mL, the extract restored the length to 96.54% and fluorescence density to 87.77% of the control values, which was equivalent to the effect of a positive drug, indicating the extract's powerful potential to alleviate PD symptoms. Five active compounds, including chlorogenic acid, 3,4‐dicaffeoylquinic acid (DA), rutin, isorhamnetin 3‐O‐glucoside (IG) and calenduloside E (CE) were identified in extracts by LC‐QTOF‐MS/MS. Hsp90α, PI3K and ERK were revealed as core targets of DA, IG and CE in relation to anti‐PD activity. The compounds docked deeply within the pocket region of Hsp90α protein, and their binding energies (∆G b) were −6.93 kcal/mol (DA), −6.51 kcal/mol (IG) and −3.03 kcal/mol (CE), respectively. Subsequently, they concurrently activated the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and inhibited the ERK signaling pathway, thereby preventing neuronal death and alleviating neuronal degeneration. These compounds from C. officinalis could be potent nutraceutical agents with protective properties that may shield dopaminergic neurons against the damage caused by PD. Our findings provide a basis for utilizing the C. officinalis flowers in functional foods.
Context-Dependent Ant-Pollinator Mutualism Impacts Fruit Set in a Hummingbird-Pollinated Plant

Context-dependence in mutualisms is a fundamental aspect of ecological interactions. Within plant-ant mutualisms, particularly in terms of biotic protection and pollination, research has predominantly focused on elucidating the benefits while largely overlooking potential costs. This notable gap underscores the need for investigations into the drawbacks and trade-offs associated with such mutualistic relationships. Here, we evaluated the role of pericarpial nectaries (PNs) in shaping the dynamics of ant-pollinator mutualisms. Specifically, we investigated whether ants visiting the PN of Palicourea rigida (Rubiaceae) could deter hummingbirds and disrupt pollination, ultimately influencing fruit production. Our research involved manipulative experiments and observation of ant-pollinator interactions on P. rigida plants in the Brazilian savannah. We found that visiting ants can deter hummingbirds and/or disrupt pollination in P. rigida, directly influencing fruit set. However, these results are species-specific. The presence of very aggressive, large predatory ants, such as E. tuberculatum, had a negative impact on hummingbird behavior, whereas aggressive mid-sized ants, such as C. crassus, showed no effects. Our study illuminates the multifaceted aspects of ant-plant mutualisms and underscores the importance of evaluating costs and unexpected outcomes within these ecological relationships.
Aging and antioxidants: the impact of dietary carotenoid intakes on soluble klotho levels in aged adults

Objectives The association between dietary carotenoid intake and Soluble Klotho (S-Klotho) levels among the elderly population requires further evaluation. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between the dietary carotenoid intake and the S-Klotho plasma levels in older adults. Methods Eligible participants aged 60 years or above were selected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) data, collected between 2007 and 2016. The consumption of carotenoids was determined through two 24-hour dietary recall assessments. Moreover, the S-Klotho levels in the serum were measured using an Enzyme-Linked Immuno-Sorbent Assay (ELISA). Results A total of 5,056 participants were included in the study having a median total carotenoid intake of 9775.25 μg (95% confidence interval (CI): 8971.30−10579.21) and a median S-Klotho concentration of 815.59 pg/mL (95% CI: 802.59−828.60). The multivariable regression analysis showed that a single standard deviation increase in total carotenoid intake was significantly associated with an 8.40 pg/mL increase in S-Klotho levels (95% CI: 0.48−16.31). When the carotenoids were divided into quartiles, participants in the third ((4963.5μg/day,11662.5μg/day]) and fourth quartiles ((11662.5μg/day,377178μg/day]) showed higher S-Klotho levels compared to those in the first quartile. Among carotenoid subtypes, increased intake of α-carotene, β-carotene, and lutein with zeaxanthin was associated with elevated S-Klotho levels. These observed associations between carotenoid subtypes and S-Klotho levels remained consistent across male participants, having a normal weight, and a moderate physical activity based on stratified analysis. Conclusion The total carotenoid intake was positively related to plasma levels of S-Klotho in the elderly population, particularly for α-carotene, β-carotene, and lutein with zeaxanthin. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms behind this relationship.
The Measurement of Oceanic Particle Flux—Are "Swimmers" a Problem?

A B O U T 10 years ago, the use of sediment traps to measure oceanic particle fluxes and composition began to proliferate (Honjo, 1978; Rowe and Gardner, 1979: Knauere ta l . , 1979: Honjo, 1980: Deuser et al. 1981). This technique has now become widespread. Research on particle composition and flux using sediment-trap and other large-particle sampiing technologies has clearly shown the importance of particulate matter in global biogeochemical cycles. It has become a major goal within the oceanographic community to understand the processes controlling particle production, transport and destruction on both small and large scales (National Academy of Sciences, 1984; Alldredge and Hartwig, 1986). Particularly important to these studies is an accurate estimate of particle production and flux in surface waters. Initially, sediment traps were used to collect particles without careful regard to in-situ bacterial decay of material in the traps. As it became clear that organic material in particles could be significantly degraded during the two-week and longer periods over which traps were deployed (Gardner et al., 1983; Lee etal. . 1983; Knauere ta l . , 1984), poisons and preservatives became more commonly used to prevent decomposition. Typical poisons currently used are HgC1 e and NaN 3, while common preservatives are formalin and salt. We are currently investigating the effectiveness of these and other compounds in preventing decomposition and alteration of particulate organic compounds collected in sediment traps. However, with the use of poisons and preservatives, another potentially more significant bias is introduced to sediment trap collections. This is the collection of"swimmers" (see Fig. 1, p. 35): zooplankton and other marine animals that swim into the trap and die (Knauer et al., 1979, 1984: Harbi son and Gilmer, 1986: Martin et al. 1987). Under some circumstances, particularly in shallow traps placed in coastal areas, much of the material collected can be swimmers. We observed this in trap samples col-
Experimental Results on Sulfur and Salt Flux From an Inland Sulfidic System - The Loveday Basin

The purpose of this work is to determine the sulfur and total salt flux from the sediments under different conditions. Specifically, experiments were designed to investigate if flooding and flushing the basin (removing buffering capacity) would result in accelerated pyrite oxidation and acidification. Previous experimental studies from the site (Beavis et al., 2005; Welch et al., 2005) showed that salt release in slurry experiments was rapid, within ~ 1 day. Total S flux was dominated by gypsum dissolution for sediments collected from the upper part of the sediment profile even though pyrite was abundant ~ 1 wt%. Sediments from lower in the profile had a much lower total salt and sulfur release to solution, and the stoichiometry of the solution (Ca/SO4 << 0.4 wt/wt) indicated that at least some of the sulfur in solution did not originate from dissolving gypsum. None of these slurry experiments ever became acidic, even after a year. METHODS
The impact of contact and contactless interactions between the meta-atoms on terahertz bound states in the continuum

The excitation and manipulation of symmetry-protected bound states in the continuum (SP-BIC) is significantly valuable for metasurface-based biosensors. The interactions between adjacent meta-atoms determine the fundamental properties of SP-BIC; however, this topic has not been profoundly explored. In this work, we experimentally and numerically investigate the effects of contactless and contact interactions between adjacent dual-gap split-ring resonators (DSRRs) on the SP-BIC. We demonstrate that there is only one SP-BIC at 0.9 THz when the incident radiation polarization is parallel to the gap in both contactless and contact coupling conditions. When the polarization is vertical to the gap, the individual SP-BIC shifts the frequency to 0.8 THz under contactless coupling. Under contact coupling, the SP-BIC degrades to be an electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) windows at 0.8 THz. We calculated a 3.6 ps group delay of slow light for EIT. Numerical simulations indicate that the combination of one magnetic dipole (MD) in the inner arm and another electric dipole in the outer arm of DSRR results in quasi-BIC at 0.9 THz and 0.8 THz under contactless coupling. Under contact coupling conditions, the formation of quasi-BIC at 0.9 THz is similar to contactless coupling. However, two MDs of opposite polarity results in the EIT windows at 0.8 THz. Our results reveal excitation and manipulation of terahertz SP-BIC via contactless and contact coupling, which is significant for the innovation of terahertz biosensors.
Enzyme Activity and Lipogenesis Inhibition by Fermented Grain Using Natural Enzymes

This study aims to compare the effects of three enzyme-rich foods, including one fermented (grain enzyme) and two non-fermented foods (enzyme foods 1 and 2), by investigating their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-adipogenic properties. Grain enzyme exhibited the highest radical scavenging activity and was rich in antioxidant components, including total polyphenol and total flavonoid contents. Grain enzyme and enzyme foods 1 and 2 inhibited nitric oxide production by 27, 34, and 17%, respectively, at a concentration of 200 μg/mL in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Among the tested enzymes, grain enzyme demonstrated the strongest inhibition on the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (INOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and interleukin (IL)-1β, while Enzyme Food 2 exhibited the most significant suppression of IL-6 mRNA levels. Furthermore, Grain Enzyme demonstrated a stronger inhibitory effect compared to Enzyme Food 1 and 2. Grain Enzyme decreased the mRNA expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP)α, and fatty acid-binding protein (FABP)4 by 28, 21, and 30%, respectively, at a concentration of 400 μg/mL. In summary, fermented grain enzymes outperformed non-fermented enzymes in suppressing inflammation and adipogenesis. This study highlights the anti-inflammatory and anti-adipogenic effects of grain enzyme, suggesting its potential as a valuable dietary supplement for managing metabolic disorders.
The mediating role of team performance between affiliative leadership and project success in the IT Sector

By utilizing the Resource Based View theory, this research seek to establish the effect of affiliative leadership on project success. Thisstudy further examines the mediating role of team performance in the given relationship. The data was gathered from a sample of 300 project-team professionals employed within the IT sector of Pakistan. The PLS-SEM method was used to test the direct and mediating impacts. The findings indicated a significant influence of a affiliative leader on project success, with team performance playing a mediating role. The result showed that affiliative leader significantly influences project success and the team performance mediates the relationship between affiliative leadership and project success. This research stands out as one of the few studies that delve into the inter-relationships between affiliative leadership, project success, and team outcomes. It is worth noting that research in the developing countries context is notably scarce in this area. This study makes a significant contribution in IT sector by validating that affiliative leadership impacts project success while team performance mediates this relation. Our research brings a dual contribution to the literature, emphasizing the originality of our study. It establishes connections between affiliative leadership, team performance, and project success within the framework of the Resource-Based View, focusing on the unique context of the thriving IT sector in Pakistan. This originality extends our findings’ applicability to practitioners and researchers in diverse settings.
Inservice needs of Utah agriculture teachers

The purpose of this study was to identify and prioritize the inservice needs of agriculture teachers in the state of Utah. A list of 31 modified competencies from previous research and from the Utah State Office of Education was developed to assess the needs of Utah agriculture teachers. The Borich needs assessment model was used to determine the perceived level of importance and ability of agricultural instructors regarding the 31 competencies. All inservice needs were analyzed and ranked using mean weighted discrepancy scores (MWDS). The top five competencies in which agriculture teachers were most in need of inservice were: (a) utilizing the community in providing opportunities for students i.e. advisory committees, agricultural organizations, etc.; (b) developing supervised agricultural experience (SAE) opportunities for all students; (c) identifying and preparing FFA proficiency award applications; (d) planning and implementing student recruitment activities; and (e) teaching learning disabled students. In contrast, the five competencies in which agriculture teachers required the least amount of inservice were: (a) describing how to set up the meeting room; (b) conducting parent/teacher conferences; (c) explaining the history and organization of the FFA; (d) explaining FFA degree areas; and (e) explaining proper dress and characteristics of a good FFA leader.
Managing the nutrient loads of the Venice Lagoon Watershed: are the loads external to the watershed relevant under the WFD River Basin District framework?

ABSTRACT Azzellino A. , Carpani M. , Çevirgen S. , Giupponi C. , Parati P., Ragusa F. , Salvetti R. 2013. Managing the nutrient loads of the Venice Lagoon Watershed: are the loads external to the watershed relevant under the WFD River Basin District framework? Water policy in the EU needs to be increasingly coordinated under the integrated management structure required by Water Framework Directive. In the WFD framework, all river catchments are assigned to administrative River Basin Districts (RBDs) that produce river basin management plans (RBMPs). RBMPs need to define appropriate Program of Measures (PoMs) based on the knowledge of the pressures and impacts affecting the water environments. However, pressures may also be external to the administrative RBDs, and still play a significant role. This study presents the case of the Venice Lagoon Watershed (VLW) and analyses the apportionment of the nutrient loads discharged to the lagoon by apportioning the external and the internal nutrient sources. VLW is included in the River Basin District of the Eastern Alps, although due to the complex framework of legislations and authorities that have managed the watershed to date, it is the object of a separate planning. The source apportionment assessment is assessed at the watershed scale by combining direct measurements and modeling results. The US Soil and Water Assessment Tool is used to simulate the expected improvements due to the application of “within watershed” measures. Model simulations pointed out the significant contribution of the loads external to the watershed, which seriously affect the effectiveness of the “within watershed” PoMs which are revealed largely ineffective if not coordinated with PoMs of boundary RBDs.
A Rare Skeletal Disorder, Fibrous Dysplasia: A Review of Its Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Prospects

Fibrous dysplasia (FD) is a rare, non-hereditary skeletal disorder characterized by its chronic course of non-neoplastic fibrous tissue buildup in place of healthy bone. A myriad of factors have been associated with its onset and progression. Perturbation of cell–cell signaling networks and response outputs leading to disrupted building blocks, incoherent multi-level organization, and loss of rigid structural motifs in mineralized tissues are factors that have been identified to participate in FD induction. In more recent years, novel insights into the unique biology of FD are transforming our understandings of its pathology, natural discourse of the disease, and treatment prospects. Herein, we built upon existing knowledge with recent findings to review clinical, etiologic, and histological features of FD and discussed known and potential mechanisms underlying FD manifestations. Subsequently, we ended on a note of optimism by highlighting emerging therapeutic approaches aimed at either halting or ameliorating disease progression.