Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Biomagnification process of total mercury in the aquatic ecosystem of an enclosed Isahaya Bay, Kyushu, western Japan

The studied of biomagnification process of total mercury (THg) in the coastal benthic ecosystem in Isahaya Bay, Kyushu, western Japan, where a part of mercury, was discharged by the volcanic activities of Mt. Unzen, which is being taken up by the primary producers (phytoplankton, cyanobacteria, benthic diatoms). Through environmental surveys and samplings of macro-benthic animals and fishes, the sediment contained 133 ± 23 ng/g d.w. (mean ± S.D.) of THg, which was about 4.9 times higher than that of particulate organic matter (POM) suspended in the overlying water on the sediment. This indicated that the sediment acted as if it was a concentrator of mercury, since the mercury was supplied continuously on the sediment by the deposition of POM. The biomagnification of THg tended to be accelerated significantly among the primary consumers of the macro-benthic communities that relied on the sediment for diets and/or habitats, which is referred to as “High THg content group”, and the secondary consumers that favored to prey on the primary consumers of “High total mercury content group” in the detritus food chain on the sea floor. Among the fishes and mega-benthos such as cuttlefish, mantis shrimp, octopus, it was not able to recognize any significant relationship between the trophic position and THg content of the body tissues. The two species of the tertiary consumers of fish, Lateolabrax japonicas (Japanese seabass) and Paralichthys olivaceus (bastard halibut), contained 266 ± 99 ng/g d.w. (mean ± S.D., n = 5) and 249 ng/g d.w. (n = 1) of THg, while the THg contents of the six species of fishes of the secondary consumers or the intermediate consumers between the secondary and tertiary ones exceeded those of the tertiary consumers of fish. In particular, extremely high contents of THg were detected from Hemitrygon akajei (red stingray) (extra-large size class (72.0 cm, 5,150 g); 3,700 ng/g d.w. , large size class (63.3 ± 4.9 cm, 1,847 ± 145 g, n = 4); 671 ± 340 ng/g d.w. ), and Acanthopagrus schlegelii (blackhead seabream) (942 ng/g d.w.). The six species of fishes have a common feeding habit that favor benthic animals for diets, including bivalves, polychaetes, crabs, shrimps etc., and are referred to as “bentho-pelagic species”. Some of these benthic animals contain high levels of mercury, which are referred to as “High THg content group”, in both of the primary consumers and secondary ones. The extremely high contents of THg detected from the benthopelagic fishes seemed to be transferred from the
Comparative Analysis of Quantitative Gene Expression of TGF-β in Patients with Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis and the Normal Population

Background: Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) is a widespread opportunistic gynecological condition resulting from infections by Candida albicans and non-C. albicans (NAC) species. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), a significant cytokine involved in cell-mediated immunity (CMI), plays a crucial role in vaginal infections. Objectives: The current study was conducted to evaluate the differences in TGF-β gene expression between patients with RVVC and healthy individuals using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Methods: This case-control study involved 124 patients diagnosed with RVVC and 225 age-matched healthy individuals as controls. The mRNA expression of the TGF-β gene was measured using quantitative real-time PCR (QRT-PCR). Data analysis and the creation of graphs were carried out using SPSS and GraphPad PRISM software. Results: The QRT-PCR findings showed higher TGF-β expression in RVVC patients compared to the control group, though the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.2538). Conclusions: Our study revealed that the expression of the TGF-β1 isoform was elevated in patients with clinical manifestations in the vagina, although the increase was not statistically significant. Based on this outcome, further in vivo studies are necessary to elucidate the precise role of TGF-β isoforms in the vaginal tract of patients with RVVC.
Singularity-Robust Inverse Kinematics for Serial Manipulators

This paper is a practical~guideline how to analyze and evaluate literature algorithms of singularity-robust inverse kinematics or to construct new ones. Additive, multiplicative and based on the Singularity ValueDecomposition (SVD) methods are examined to retrieve well conditioning of a matrix to be inverted in the Newton algorithm of inverse kinematics. It is shown that singularity avoidance can be performedin two different, but equivalent, ways: either via properly modified manipulability matrix or not allowing to decreese the minimal singular value below a given threshold. It is discussed which method can always be used and which only when some pre-conditions are met. Selected methods are compared to with respect to the efficiency of coping with singularities based on a theoretical analysis as well as simulation results. Also some questions important for mathematically and/or practically oriented roboticians are stated and answered.
Description of an intramonocytic hemoparasite, Hepatozoon lainsoni sp. nov. (Apicomplexa: Adeleorina: Hepatozoidae), infecting Ameiva ameiva lizard (Reptilia: Squamata: Teiidae) in northern Brazil

The hemogregarine (Apicomplexa: Adeleorina) parasites are considered to be the most common and widespread hemoparasites in reptiles. The genus Hepatozoon (Apicomplexa: Adeleorina: Hepatozoidae) can be found parasitizing a broad range of species and, in reptiles, they infect mainly peripheral blood erythrocytes. The present study detected and characterized a hemogregarine isolated from the lizard species, Ameiva ameiva, collected from the municipality of Capanema, Pará State, North Brazil. Blood smears and imprints from lungs, brain, heart, kidney, liver, bone marrow and spleen were observed using light microscopy and the parasite was genetically identified by molecular analysis. Morphological, morphometric, and molecular data were obtained. Parasite gamonts were found in 49.5% (55/111) of the blood smears from Ameiva ameiva , and were characterized as oval, averaging 12.0 ± 0.8 x 5.9 ± 0.6 µm in size, which displaced the nuclei of parasitized monocytes laterally. Parasite forms resembling immature gamonts were observed in the spleen and bone marrow of the lizards. Furthermore, phylogenetic analyses of 18S rRNA sequences did not reveal gene similarity with other Hepatozoon spp. sequences from reptiles. Thus, morphological and molecular analyses have identified a new species of Hepatozoon parasite, Hepatozoon lainsoni sp. nov., which infects monocytes of the A. ameiva lizard.
Transparent Conductive Oxides for Organic Electronics

Organic solar cells and organic light emitting diodes are on the forefront of emerging technologies aimed at harnessing light in ways never thought possible. Largearea installations of OLED solid state lighting (SSL), as well as organic photovoltaics (OPVs), will become possible as the efficiencies of these devices continue to rise. All organic solar cells and OLEDs require the use of transparent conductive electrodes. Indium oxide (ITO) is currently the transparent conductor of choice for these applications, due to its unique combination of transparency, high conductivity, durability, and favourable surface properties. Indium, however, is a rare and expensive metal; proposed large-area installations of OPV cells and OLEDs will add further strain to global indium supply. Transparent conductive materials that are abundant, inexpensive, and which enable efficient and robust organic devices must therefore be developed. In the present work, suitable ITO anode replacement materials are demonstrated for OLEDS, small-molecule, polymer, and PbS colloidal quantum dot photovoltaics.
The Fragmented Picture of Antimicrobial Resistance in Kenya: A Situational Analysis of Antimicrobial Consumption and the Imperative for Antimicrobial Stewardship

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) jeopardizes the effectiveness of essential antimicrobial agents in treating infectious diseases. Accelerated by human activities, AMR is prevalent in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Kenya, due to indiscriminate antibiotic use and limited diagnostics. This study aimed to assess Kenya’s AMR efforts through a situational analysis of policy efficacy, interventions, and implementation, culminating in recommendations for strengthening mitigation. Employing two methodologies, this study evaluated Kenya’s AMR endeavors. A systematic scoping review summarized AMR dynamic, and an expert validated the findings, providing an on-the-ground perspective. Antibiotic resistance is driven by factors including widespread misuse in human medicine due to irrational practices, consumer demand, and substandard antibiotics. Heavy antibiotic use in the agricultural sector leads to contamination of the food chain. The National Action Plan (NAP) reflects a One Health approach, yet decentralized healthcare and funding gaps hinder its execution. Although AMR surveillance includes multiple facets, diagnostic deficiencies persist. Expert insights recognize proactive NAP but underscore implementation obstacles. Kenya grapples with escalating resistance, but commendable policy efforts exist. However, fragmented implementations and complexities persist. Addressing this global threat demands investment in healthcare infrastructure, diagnostics, international partnerships, and sustainable strategies.
The Variability of Tryptophan Metabolism in Patients with Mixed Type of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Patients with a mixed type of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-M) experience constipation and diarrhea, which alternate between weeks or months. The pathogenesis of this syndrome is still little understood. The aim of the study was mainly to evaluate the urinary excretion of selected tryptophan (TRP) metabolites during the constipation and diarrhea periods of this syndrome. In 36 patients with IBS-M and 36 healthy people, serum serotonin level was measured by ELISA and urinary levels of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), kynurenine (KYN) and indican (3-IS) were determined using the LC-MS/MS method. The levels of all above metabolites were higher in the patient group, and increased significantly during the diarrheal period of IBS-M. In particular, the changes concerned 5-HIAA (3.67 ± 0.86 vs. 4.59 ± 0.95 mg/gCr, p < 0.001) and 3-IS (80.2 ± 17.4 vs. 93.7 ± 25.1 mg/g/Cr, p < 0.001). These changes coexisted with gut microbiome changes, assessed using hydrogen-methane and ammonia breath tests. In conclusion, the variability of TRP metabolism and the gut microbiome may cause the alternation of IBS-M symptoms.
Teacher Efforts in Increasing Student Interest in Reading the Quran

This research uses descriptive qualitative methods. Data was collected through observation, interviews, and documentation. The data analysis uses the following steps, namely data reduction, data display, and drawing conclusions. The results of the analysis show the condition of interest in reading the Al-Quran of class VII students at the Legusa Community Learning Activity Center, Luak District, Lima Puluh Kota. Fifty Cities showed results that students' interest in reading the Quran was still low. The efforts carried out by Islamic Religious Education teachers are quite diverse. Starting from motivating students to be enthusiastic and happy when studying the Quran. Gives an overview of the virtues of reading the Quran. Give rewards to students who are serious about studying. Tadarus at the beginning of learning. Factors that influence Islamic Religious Education teachers in increasing interest in reading the Quran are factors within students, namely physiological and psychological factors in children. Factors from outside the student, the student's family, and their environment. lack of available lesson hours. This can be seen in students who do not repeat lessons at home. Because most of them have jobs while studying. Apart from that, there is also a lack of support from the family for them to study. So they really need to continue to be motivated and encouraged to be enthusiastic about learning.
Dynamics of Primary Productivity and Oceanographic Parameters under Influence of the Amazon River Plume

The watershed of the Amazon River discharges about 120,000 m3·s-1 of freshwater into the adjacent platform and oceanic region. The aim of this work was to analyze the distribution of oceanographic parameters, chlorophyll a and primary productivity under the influence of the Amazon River plume, during the period of greatest extension of the Amazon plume. Collections were carried out in September 14 in 16 stations including continental platform and oceanic region. It was possible to observe superficial currents along the coast in the northwest direction, but with less intensity and currents with greater speeds towards the east due to the North Brazil Current retroflexion at this time of the year, transporting the plume to the central Atlantic Ocean. The spatial influence of the plume was observed in the salinity, which ranged from 28 to 36.75, although the high precipitation in the region may also have contributed as a source of freshwater. However, the sampled region showed strong negative linear correlation of silicate, chlorophyll a and primary productivity with salinity. The primary productivity values ranged from 0.04 to 18.81 mg C m-3 day-1, whereas chlorophyll a concentrations ranged from 0.15 mg·m-3 to 1.83 mg·m-3, decreasing their values as they move away from the coast. The Amazon River plume can reach and influence the oceanographic and biological parameters in a large area of this oligotrophic region. However, the results also suggest that the export of material from the adjacent coastal region is another determinant of the region’s productivity.
Percepciones estudiantiles y uso de GeoGebra en la enseñanza de matemáticas: un análisis comparativo entre grados

Las aplicaciones educativas sirven como herramientas cruciales para facilitar el aprendizaje de conceptos instruidos en el aula. En particular, este estudio se centra en GeoGebra, una aplicación interactiva que se utiliza para mejorar la comprensión de las matemáticas entre los estudiantes de nivel básico y medio. El principal objetivo de este artículo es comprender la percepción de los estudiantes sobre el uso de GeoGebra como un facilitador en su proceso de aprendizaje matemático. Se implementó una encuesta utilizando la escala Likert para evaluar diversas dimensiones, incluyendo los aspectos motivacionales de la aplicación, la facilidad de navegación e interacción, así como sus aspectos pedagógicos y didácticos. Para analizar las percepciones, se recurrió a la aplicación de estadísticas descriptivas. Los resultados indican que la percepción de los estudiantes hacia GeoGebra es generalmente positiva, con una aceptación satisfactoria de su uso en el aula. En conclusión, el uso de GeoGebra puede actuar como una mediación efectiva, tanto pedagógica como tecnológicamente, para respaldar la enseñanza de las matemáticas a los estudiantes de niveles básicos y medios
Analysis of Matched Filter Mismatch for Focusing Moving Targets in Multi-channel Synthetic Aperture Radar

Abstract : This report derives the matched filter necessary for focusing moving targets in multi-channel Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) systems after clutter cancellation has been performed. The Displaced Phase Centre Antenna (DPCA) is utilized to achieve the clutter cancellation in a two channel SAR system. After deriving the matched filter, the tolerance of the filter is then analyzed for mismatches against errors in the moving targets position and velocity components. The tolerances are quantified for two exemplar SAR systems; an X-band airborne SAR and a C-band satellite SAR. The analysis also reveals when simplified versions of the matched filter can be used.
Nonlinear response of hail precipitation rate to environmental moisture content: A real case modeling study of an episodic midlatitude severe convective event

The dependence of hail production on initial moisture content in a simulated midlatitude episodic convective event occurred in northeast China on 10–11 June 2005 was investigated using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model with a double‐moment microphysics scheme where both graupel and hail are considered. Three sensitivity experiments were performed by modifying the initial water vapor mixing ratio profile to 90% (“Q−10%”), 105% (“Q+5%”), and 110% (“Q+10%”) of the initial conditions used for the control simulation. It was found that increasing the initial water vapor content caused the hail and total precipitation rates to increase during the first 5 h. The precipitation response to increasing water vapor content was monotonic for this first episode; however, for the event's second episode, the hail precipitation rate responds to the initial water vapor profile nonlinearly, while the total precipitation rate responds mostly monotonically. In particular, simulation Q+5% achieves the largest hail production rate while simulation Q+10% has the largest total precipitation rate. In contrast, during the second episode simulation Q−10% has the strongest vertical motion, produces the most cloud ice and snow, but has the lowest hail production. Analysis shows that increasing the initial moisture content directly increases the precipitation during the first episode, which subsequently induces a stronger, longer‐lasting cold pool that limits the development of deep convection during the second episode.
Trait emotional intelligence predicts selfesteem and trait anxiety in adolescents

Trait anxiety and self-esteem, as indicators of well-being, have been understudied in the literature that examines the relationship between emotional intelligence and well-being in adolescent development. Anxiety and self-esteem are emotion-based factors in adolescent personality and are expected to be related to Trait Emotional Intelligence (TEI) as an adaptive emotion-based capacity. The objective of the study is to examine the unique contributions of TEI on trait anxiety and self-esteem in adolescents in the context of personality. The study involved 807 adolescents ages 16-19 from central Slovakia and examined the predictive relationship of TEI (as measured by the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire, TEIQue-ASF) separately on self-esteem and on trait anxiety after considering broad based personality (as measured by the Freiburger´s Personality Inventory, FPI) and cognitive abilities (assessed by Amthauer´s Intelligence Structure Test, IST). The results showed that TEI has strong bivariate correlations with both trait anxiety (r =-.65) and self-esteem (r = .62) that maintained significance in the regression analyses. With trait anxiety as a dependent variable the explained variance by TEIQue-ASF factors above personality traits was 6%. With self-esteem as the dependent variable TEIQue-ASF factors explained a greater amount of variance (9%) with none of the personality traits as significant. The overall findings suggest that TEI is an important factor in adolescent well-being through its associations with lower trait anxiety and higher self-esteem.
Geospatial relation captioning for high-spatial-resolution images by using an attention-based neural network

ABSTRACT High-spatial-resolution (HSR) remote sensing images serve as carriers of geographic information. Exploring geo-objects and their geospatial relations is fundamental in understanding HSR remote sensing images. To this end, this study proposes an intelligent semantic understanding method for HSR remote sensing images via geospatial relation captions. Firstly, we propose a method of geospatial relation expression to convey the topological, directional and distance relations of geo-objects in HSR images. Secondly, on the basis of images and their geospatial relation captions, an image dataset is constructed for model training. Finally, geospatial relation captioning is implemented for HSR images by using an attention-based deep neural network model. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed captioning method can effectively provide geospatial semantics for HSR image understanding.
Near‐Channel Versus Watershed Controls on Sediment Rating Curves

Predicting riverine suspended sediment flux is a fundamental problem in geomorphology, with important implications for water quality, land and water resource management, and aquatic ecosystem health. To advance understanding, we evaluated environmental and landscape factors that influence sediment rating curves (SRCs). We generated SRCs with recent total suspended solids (TSSs) and discharge data from 45 gages on 36 rivers throughout the state of Minnesota, USA. Watersheds range from 32 to 14,600 km2 and represent distinct settings regarding topography, land cover, and geologic history. Rivers exhibited three distinct SRC shapes: simple power functions, threshold power functions, and peaked or negative‐slope functions. We computed SRC exponents and coefficients (describing the steepness of the relation and the TSS concentration at median flows, respectively). In addition to quantifying watershed topography, climate/hydrology, geology, soil type, and land cover, we used lidar topography to characterize the near‐channel environment upstream of gages. We used random forest models to analyze relations between SRC parameters and attributes of the watershed and the near‐channel environment. The models correctly classify 78% of SRC shapes and explain 37%–60% of variance in SRC parameters. We find that SRC steepness (exponent) is strongly related to near‐channel morphological characteristics including near‐channel relief, channel gradient, and presence of lakes along the local channel network, but not to land use. In contrast, land use influences TSS concentrations at moderate and low flow. These findings suggest that the near‐channel environment controls changes in TSS as flows increase, whereas land use drives median and low flow TSS conditions.
The Influence of Parental Socioeconomic Status Characteristics on Children’s Educational Outcomes in Kazakhstan

This paper reviews the findings on relations between parents' socioeconomic status and children’s educational outcomes in existing literature as well as assesses the validity of literature that analyzes Kazakhstan's case in this field. We examine and summarize the findings, measurements, data sources, and areas of similarity in the process of finding the relationship between parental socioeconomic status (SES) characteristics and children's academic outcomes in the available literature from around the world. As the paper will show, the available literature demonstrates a strong correlation between parental socioeconomic status (SES) factors and children’s educational outcomes. Surprisingly, the available literature on Kazakhstan contradicts these claims. Therefore, this paper will analyze the validity of papers that assess the case of Kazakhstan and propose possible amendments in methodology, as well as suggest the reasons why the results are different from everywhere else.