Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Intercomparison between CMIP5 model and MODIS satellite‐retrieved data of aerosol optical depth, cloud fraction, and cloud‐aerosol interactions

Aerosols are a critical component of the Earth's atmosphere and can affect the climate of the Earth through their interactions with solar radiation and clouds. Cloud fraction (CF) and aerosol optical depth (AOD) at 550 nm from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) are used with analogous cloud and aerosol properties from Historical Phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) model runs that explicitly include anthropogenic aerosols and parameterized cloud‐aerosol interactions. The models underestimate AOD by approximately 15% and underestimate CF by approximately 10% overall on a global scale. A regional analysis is then used to evaluate model performance in two regions with known biomass burning activity and absorbing aerosol (South America (SAM) and South Africa (SAF)). In SAM, the models overestimate AOD by 4.8% and underestimate CF by 14%. In SAF, the models underestimate AOD by 35% and overestimate CF by 13.4%. Average annual cycles show that the monthly timing of AOD peaks closely match satellite data in both SAM and SAF for all except the Community Atmosphere Model 5 and Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) models. Monthly timing of CF peaks closely match for all models (except GFDL) for SAM and SAF. Sorting monthly averaged 2° × 2.5° model or MODIS CF as a function of AOD does not result in the previously observed “boomerang”‐shaped CF versus AOD relationship characteristic of regions with absorbing aerosols from biomass burning. Cloud‐aerosol interactions, as observed using daily (or higher) temporal resolution data, are not reproducible at the spatial or temporal resolution provided by the CMIP5 models.
Hydrogeochemical Evolution of Groundwater Resource in an Arid Region of Southeast Iran (Ravar plain–Kerman province)

This study was carried out in the Ravar plain, a typical arid zone in southeastern Iran, with the objectives of evaluating hydrochemical quality of the groundwater resources and identifying the processes that modify the groundwater composition. Groundwater samples were collected from representative wells spread over the study area. Major cations and anions along with physico-chemical parameters were measured as per the standard methods. The study approach includes conventional graphical plots and multivariate analysis of the hydrochemical data to define the hydrogeochemical evaluation of groundwater system based on the ionic constituents, water types and hydrochemical facies. The results indicated that the groundwater in the study area is alkaline (pH 7.1–7.8), hard (TH 350-4000 mg/l) and brackish (TDS 868–13000 mg/l). The Chadha’s diagram shows that the prevalent water type is Na–Cl–SO4, with alkali metals exceeding the alkaline earth metals. Gibbs and Durov diagrams as well as ionic ratio plots indicated that evaporation, water–rock interaction and ion exchange are the main processes that regulate the groundwater quality. It was also found that the majority of groundwater samples are undersaturated with respect to evaporitic minerals and oversaturated with respect to carbonate minerals. The application of principal component analysis resulted in two PCs. PC I with loading on Cl-, Na+, SO4-2, EC, and Ca+2 which is related to degree of groundwater mineralization while PC II with opposite loadings of HCO3- and pH. The findings of the study may be applicable to areas with similar characteristics elsewhere in arid regions.
Reshaping Smart Cities through NGSI-LD Enrichment

The vast amount of information stemming from the deployment of the Internet of Things and open data portals is poised to provide significant benefits for both the private and public sectors, such as the development of value-added services or an increase in the efficiency of public services. This is further enhanced due to the potential of semantic information models such as NGSI-LD, which enable the enrichment and linkage of semantic data, strengthened by the contextual information present by definition. In this scenario, advanced data processing techniques need to be defined and developed for the processing of harmonised datasets and data streams. Our work is based on a structured approach that leverages the principles of linked-data modelling and semantics, as well as a data enrichment toolchain framework developed around NGSI-LD. Within this framework, we reveal the potential for enrichment and linkage techniques to reshape how data are exploited in smart cities, with a particular focus on citizen-centred initiatives. Moreover, we showcase the effectiveness of these data processing techniques through specific examples of entity transformations. The findings, which focus on improving data comprehension and bolstering smart city advancements, set the stage for the future exploration and refinement of the symbiosis between semantic data and smart city ecosystems.
The calibration, validation, and sensitivity analysis of DoSag

IN-STREAM DISSOLVED OXYGEN MODEL by ANNA M. CATHEY (Under the Direction of Matt Smith and George Vellidis) ABSTRACT Eighty four percent of dissolved oxygen (DO) impaired streams in Georgia occur within five physiographic regions in the coastal plain. This high number of violations in one area poses the question; is the natural level of DO in these streams less than the minimum set by the state? Streams in southern Georgia display several characteristics responsible for low levels of DO such as low gradient channels, high temperatures, and low to zero flow. The Georgia Environmental Protection Division plans to use a program called DoSag to model natural levels of DO in these streams. The objective of this research was to determine the applicability of DoSag in the coastal plain. This paper describes the parameter estimation, calibration, sensitivity analysis, and validation of the model in the coastal plain of Georgia. The paper's conclusion discusses a matrix of dominant causes of low DO including: sediment oxygen demand, reaeration, temperature, and streamflow.
Bases to inform a genetic line of whiteleg shrimp Penaeus (Litopenaeus) vannamei of Mexican origin

The whiteleg shrimp Penaeus (Litopenaeus) vannamei is one of the most relevant aquaculture species in Latin America and globally. Among several elements, the improvement of its production depends on the larval genetic quality produced in commercial hatcheries. A strategy for achievement is setting up a long-term management plan that includes the genetic settlement of a breeding population with broad genetic variability and reduced inbreeding levels and the design of adequate management and crossbreeding schemes. The settlement of the breeding population requires a detailed characterization of the genetic composition and diversity of the breeding line(s) that are being managed. The present study evaluated the genetic composition of six wild populations from the southern and northern coasts of the Mexican Pacific (Oaxaca, Guerrero, Nayarit, and Sinaloa) and 56 breeding lots maintained in commercial hatcheries. The genetic profiles of a low-density SNP marker panel (171 and 152 loci for the wild and hatchery-reared groups, respectively) were used to estimate genetic diversity and differentiation within and among samples. The wild population presented significant genetic differences between southern and northern Pacific locations. Although these populations showed higher diversity levels than the cultivated stocks, the genetic pool of the total 56 lots was highly variable with low inbreeding levels. The genetic characteristics of the analyzed populations and cultivated stocks warrant the constitution of a Mexican-origin breeding line with future potential for selection to the environmental conditions of the northwestern region of Mexico.
IFI16 Is Indispensable for Promoting HIF-1α-Mediated APOL1 Expression in Human Podocytes under Hypoxic Conditions

Genetic variants in the protein-coding regions of APOL1 are associated with an increased risk and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in African Americans. Hypoxia exacerbates CKD progression by stabilizing HIF-1α, which induces APOL1 transcription in kidney podocytes. However, the contribution of additional mediators to regulating APOL1 expression under hypoxia in podocytes is unknown. Here, we report that a transient accumulation of HIF-1α in hypoxia is sufficient to upregulate APOL1 expression in podocytes through a cGAS/STING/IRF3-independent pathway. Notably, IFI16 ablation impedes hypoxia-driven APOL1 expression despite the nuclear accumulation of HIF-1α. Co-immunoprecipitation assays indicate no direct interaction between IFI16 and HIF-1α. Our studies identify hypoxia response elements (HREs) in the APOL1 gene enhancer/promoter region, showing increased HIF-1α binding to HREs located in the APOL1 gene enhancer. Luciferase reporter assays confirm the role of these HREs in transcriptional activation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)–qPCR assays demonstrate that IFI16 is not recruited to HREs, and IFI16 deletion reduces HIF-1α binding to APOL1 HREs. RT-qPCR analysis indicates that IFI16 selectively affects APOL1 expression, with a negligible impact on other hypoxia-responsive genes in podocytes. These findings highlight the unique contribution of IFI16 to hypoxia-driven APOL1 gene expression and suggest alternative IFI16-dependent mechanisms regulating APOL1 gene expression under hypoxic conditions.
Effective Landscape Restoration for Native Biodiversity in Northern Victoria

Biodiversity is the variety of all life forms – species of plants, animals and micro-organisms, the genes they contain, and the populations, communities and ecosystems they crea te – and the interact ions between and among them and the physical environment that generate ecosystem (or ecological) processes (SEAC 1996, Saunders 2000, SER 2004). Examples of ecosystem processes include carbon fixation by plants (pho tosyn thesis), nutrien t cycling by micro-organisms, nitrogen fixation by bacteria, decomposition of organic matter, wa ter filtra tion, pollination of flowering plants by fauna and seed dispersal. Ecosystem processes that are of d irect bene fit to humans (e.g., carbon sequestra tion, water production, pest control) are called ecosystem services (Daily 1997, CSIRO 2001).
Transcriptome-Based Identification of Candidate Flowering-Associated Genes of Blueberry in a Plant Factory with Artificial Lighting (PFAL) under Short-Day-Length Conditions

In blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.), a perennial shrub, flower bud initiation is mediated by a short-day (SD) photoperiod and buds bloom once the chilling requirement is satisfied. A plant factory with artificial lighting (PFAL) is a planting system that can provide a stable and highly efficient growing environment for blueberry production. However, the characteristics of bud differentiation of blueberry plants inside PFAL systems are poorly understood. To better understand flower bud initiation and the flowering mechanism of blueberry in PFAL systems, the anatomical structure of apical buds under SD conditions in a PFAL system was observed using the southern highbush cultivar ‘Misty’ and a transcriptomic analysis was performed to identify the candidate flowering genes. The results indicated that the apical bud of ‘Misty’ differentiated gradually along with SD time course and swelled obviously when chilling was introduced. A total of 39.28 Gb clean data were generated, and about 20.31–24.11 Mb high-quality clean reads were assembled, yielding a total of 17370 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), of which 9637 were up-regulated and 7733 were down-regulated. Based on the functional annotation, 26 DEGs were identified including 20 flowering-related and 6 low-temperature DEGs, out of which the expressive level of four flowering-related DEGs (VcFT2, VcFPA, VcFMADS1, and VcCOP1) and two low-temperature-induced DEGs (VcTIL-1 and VcLTI 65-like) were confirmed by qRT-PCR with a good consistency with the pattern of transcriptome. Functional analysis indicated that VcFT2 was highly conserved with nuclear and cytoplasmic subcellular localization and was expressed mainly in blueberry leaf tissue. In Arabidopsis, ectopic overexpression of VcFT2 results in an early flowering phenotype, indicating that VcFT2 is a vital regulator of the SD-mediated flowering pathway in blueberry. These results contribute to the investigation of photoperiod-mediated flowering mechanisms of blueberry in PFAL systems.
Effectiveness and safety of Danshen injections in treatment of cardiac failure: a network meta-analysis

Objective: The purpose of this network meta-analysis (NMA) was to compare the therapeutic effects of various Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge [Lamiaceae; Salviae miltiorrhizae radix et rhizoma]) injections on heart failure to determine the optimal Danshen injection combined with conventional treatment. Methods: 8 databases were searched from the inception of these databases to May 2023 to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effectiveness and safety of Danshen injections in the treatment of heart failure. This NMA was performed using Stata 16.0 software and R 4.1. 3 software. Results: A total of 24 RCTs involving 2,186 subjects were included. The intervention group received Danshen injections plus conventional treatment, involving the following 7 Danshen injections. The results of the NMA showed that Compound Danshen injection + Common (SUCRA: 79.6%) and Sodium tanshinone ⅡA sulfonate injection + Common (SUCRA: 78.0%) exhibited higher total effective rates. Sodium tanshinone ⅡA sulfonate injection + Common (SUCRA: 94.3%) and Danshen injection + Common (SUCRA: 68.2%) were superior to other traditional Chinese medicines in improving left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Danshen injection + Common (SUCRA: 99.9%) and Shenxiong glucose injection + Common (SUCRA: 77.2%) were the most effective in reducing brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). In addition, compared with conventional treatment, all Danshen injections did not increase the risk of adverse reactions. Conclusion: Current evidence shows that all seven Danshen injections are effective for heart failure. Due to the limited quantity and quality of the included studies, our findings need to be verified by more high-quality studies.
Senescence-Associated Heterochromatin Foci Suppress γ-H2AX Focus Formation Induced by Radiation Exposure

DNA damage is induced by both endogenous and exogenous factors. Repair of DNA double-strand break (DSB), a serious damage that threatens genome stability, decreases with senescence. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the decline in DNA repair capacity during senescence remain unclear. We performed immunofluorescence staining for phosphorylated histone H2AX (γ-H2AX) in normal human fetal lung fibroblasts and human skin fibroblasts of different ages after chronic irradiation (total dose, 1 Gy; dose rate, 1 Gy/day) to investigate the effect of cellular senescence and organismal aging on DSB repair. Accumulation of DSBs was observed with cellular senescence and organismal aging, probably caused by delayed DSB repair. Importantly, the formation of γ-H2AX foci, an early event in DSB repair, is delayed with cellular senescence and organismal aging. These results suggest that the delay in γ-H2AX focus formation might delay the overall DSB repair. Interestingly, immediate γ-H2AX foci formation was suppressed in cells with senescence-associated heterochromatin foci (SAHF). To investigate the relationship between the γ-H2AX focus formation and SAHF, we used LiCl to relax the SAHFs, followed by irradiation. We demonstrated that LiCl rescued the delayed γ-H2AX foci formation associated with cellular senescence. This indicates that SAHF interferes with γ-H2AX focus formation and inhibits DSB repair in radiation-induced DSB. Our results suggest that therapeutic targeting of SAHFs have potential to resolve DSB repair dysfunction associated with cellular senescence.
Education for Prospective Teachers on Augmented Reality (AR) Learning Media in Science Subjects

The improvement of education quality can be supported by the utilization of technology such as Augmented Reality (AR) as a learning media that can help teachers visualize the material. Prospective teachers need to understand the benefits of using AR as a learning media and be motivated to realize it. This education activity aims to increase the knowledge of prospective science teachers regarding the utilization of AR as a learning media and how to create it. The target participants in this education activity are prospective science teacher students from various universities in Indonesia. The participants who attended this education activity were 115 prospective science teacher students from several universities in Indonesia. Data collection of participant responses used a questionnaire consisting of 10 statements and one open-ended question regarding the participants' messages and impressions of this education activity. Participants gave very good responses, averaging 82% towards this activity. These response results indicate that this education activity achieved its goals in terms of the number of participants and the types of responses from participants. Participants are interested in this activity and motivated to practice creating AR media.
Cardiac Rehabilitation Increases Plasma Klotho Levels

Background: Mineral metabolism (MM), mainly fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) and klotho, has been linked to cardiovascular (CV) diseases. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) has been demonstrated to reduce CV events, although its potential relationship with changes in MM is unknown. Methods: We performed a prospective, observational, case-control study, with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients who underwent CR and control patients (matched by age, gender, left ventricular ejection fraction, diabetes, and coronary artery bypass grafting), who did not. The inclusion dates were from August 2013 to November 2017 in CR group and from July 2006 to June 2014 in control group. Clinical, biochemical, and MM biomarkers were collected at discharge and six months later. Our objective was to evaluate differences in the modification pattern of MM in both groups. Results: We included 58 CR patients and 116 controls. The control group showed a higher prevalence of hypertension (50.9% vs. 34.5%), ST-elevated myocardial infarction (59.5% vs. 29.3%), and treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (100% vs. 69%). P2Y12 inhibitors and beta-blockers were more frequently prescribed in the CR group (83.6% vs. 96.6% and 82.8% vs. 94.8%, respectively). After six months, klotho levels increased in CR patients whereas they were reduced in controls (+63 vs. −49 pg/mL; p < 0.001). FGF-23 was unchanged in the CR group and reduced in controls (+0.2 vs. −17.3 RU/dL; p < 0.003). After multivariate analysis, only the change in klotho levels was significantly different between groups (+124 pg/mL favoring CR group; IC 95% [+44 to +205]; p = 0.003). Conclusions: In our study, CR after ACS increases plasma klotho levels without significant changes in other components of MM. Further studies are needed to clarify whether this effect has a causal role in the clinical benefit of CR.
Proposal for A Model Based on Elements and Digital Transformation Project Management Practices to Support Business Agility

Objective: The objective of this article is to present a conceptual model that includes the elements and practices of Digital Transformation project management to support Business Agility, as the adoption of project management practices and digital technologies allows organizations to adapt flexibly to the business environment in which they operate. Method/design/approach: To achieve the objective, field research was carried out using interviews and focus groups. Results and conclusions: Based on the results, it was possible to present a conceptual model that represents the elements and practices of managing Digital Transformation projects to support Business Agility in organizations. Research Contributions: In relation to theoretical contributions, the results obtained from the literature review compared with empirical research allowed discussions to advance on the phenomenon of Digital Transformation and Business Agility. Originality/Value: A practical model capable of supporting project management professionals during the life cycle of Digital Transformation projects stands out.
Faunal remains from recent excavations at Shishan Marsh 1 (SM1), a Late Lower Paleolithic open-air site in the Azraq Basin, Jordan

Abstract Excavations from 2013 to 2015 at the site of Shishan Marsh 1 (SM1) in the Azraq Basin of eastern Jordan have yielded substantial late middle Pleistocene lithic assemblages in association with faunal remains. Faunal preservation is poor, but multiple taxa have been identified, including cf. Panthera leo, Gazella sp. , Bos cf. primigenius, Camelus sp. , Equus spp. , cf. Stephanorhinus hemitoechus, Palaeoloxodon cf. recki, and Elephas cf. hysudricus. The overall Azraq habitat may have been most similar to a savanna ecosystem, with a mixture of open grassland/shrub habitats and more closed vegetation along the wetlands margins. These taxa were drawn to the relatively lush oasis environment, where they were a dietary resource of the hominin groups exploiting the wetlands resources.
Exploration of the molecular biological mechanisms and review of postoperative radiotherapy cases in tenosynovial giant cell tumors

Tendon Sheath Giant Cell Tumor (TGCT) is a benign tumor that primarily grows within joints and bursae. However, it has a high postoperative recurrence rate, ranging from 15% to 45%. Although radiotherapy may reduce this recurrence rate, its applicability as a standard treatment is still controversial. Furthermore, the pathogenic mechanisms of TGCT are not clear, which limits the development of effective treatment methods. The unpredictable growth and high recurrence rate of TGCT adds to the challenges of disease management. Currently, our understanding of TGCT mainly depends on pathological slice analysis due to a lack of stable cell models. In this study, we first reviewed the medical records of two female TGCT patients who had undergone radiotherapy. Then, by combining bioinformatics and machine learning, we interpreted the pathogenesis of TGCT and its associations with other diseases from multiple perspectives. Based on a deep analysis of the case data, we provided empirical support for postoperative radiotherapy in TGCT patients. Additionally, our further analysis revealed the signaling pathways of differentially expressed genes in TGCT, as well as its potential associations with osteoarthritis and synovial sarcomas.
Quality attributes of oil extracted from hazelnuts treated with gaseous ozone

In this study, the impact of ozonation on hazelnut oil quality was investigated. Hazelnuts were exposed to gaseous ozone at different concentrations (3.3 and 10 mg·L−1) and exposure times (30, 60, and 120 min). The fatty acid value and composition remained unchanged. β-sitosterol, campesterol, and ∆5-avenasterol contents were unaffected. With increasing ozone levels and exposure times, there was a slight rise in peroxide value and γ-tocopherol, and a decrease in α-tocopherol. The total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were lower in oil extracted from hazelnuts which had been ozonated for more than 60 min at both doses, compared to the control. Overall, the quality and composition of hazelnut oil remained stable with ozone treatments, depending on the treatment conditions.