Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Single metal nanoparticles: optical detection, spectroscopy and applications

Since the first report on the far-field optical detection of single metal nanoparticles in the late 1990s, the field has rapidly developed and new methods and concepts have been introduced. Eliminating averaging over the broad size, shape and crystallinity distributions produced by even the best of current synthesis methods, these techniques have proven extremely useful for gaining a deeper insight into many of the properties of metal nanoparticles. These techniques have already led to the first applications specifically directed at using single particles. In this review we describe far-field optical techniques (both linear and nonlinear) that have sufficient sensitivity to detect single metal particles. We further discuss emerging applications, and emphasize the importance of single-particle detection techniques in their development.
Determinants for adoption of foundation rice seed production: Evidence from Kailali district of Nepal

Rice seed production is an emerging agricultural enterprise to increase the income of farmers in Kailali. However, adoption of seed production technology is very limited in spite of its potential, which results in the poor supply of quality seed for its multiplication. Thus, this paper examines the influencing factors affecting farmers’ decision to adopt the foundation rice seed production in Kailali, Nepal. In total 158 households, 116 certified, and 42 foundation seed producers were selected using a stratified random sampling technique. The primary data were collected from September to November 2021. T-test, chi-square, and binary logistic model were applied for data analysis using SPSS. The result revealed that land size, experience, gender of household head, access to credit, training, extension contact, and type of family are statistically significant between two categories. Besides, the empirical result of logistic regression analysis indicated that out of twelve, six explanatory variables such as age, experience, training, extension contact, education, and type of family had significantly influence on adoption decision. Therefore, it is concluded the rice seed training programs and increasing the extension services would be beneficial to motivate the farmers for the production of foundation rice seed production.
An Empirical Method for Adjusting Time Use Data in Brazil

Abstract Compared to other Latin American countries, women in Brazil spend substantially fewer hours on unpaid household services. Also, national data suggest a surprisingly unusual distribution of services by age. We hypothesize that Brazilian time use data are deficient, among other factors, because of the underreporting of direct caregiving activities. We propose a method to adjust PNAD time use data based on the relation between hours allocated to unpaid direct care and indirect care taken from a reference population. The method’s application increases the number of hours spent in unpaid services by up to 60% (women) and 35% (men), depending on age. It also changes the age profiles, making them more consistent with the literature. Adjusted time use data can help researchers look at Brazil’s gendered economy in more detail, measuring the contribution of men and women of different ages for a fraction of the economy invisible from official statistics.
Physical Function of Japanese Preadolescents during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Children’s exercise habits have changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to examine the physical function and physical activity of preadolescent children before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. This cross-sectional study compared time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), grip strength, single-leg standing time, and two-step tests of healthy children aged 10 to 12 years, enrolled from January 2018 to January 2020 (pre-COVID-19 group, n = 177) and from January 2021 to September 2022 (during-COVID-19 group, n = 69). The during-COVID-19 group had weaker grip strength (median: 14.4 vs. 15.8 kg; p = 0.012), worse performance on the two-step test (mean: 1.56 vs. 1.60; p = 0.013), and less MVPA (median: 4 vs. 7 h per week; p = 0.004). Logistic regression showed that the during-COVID-19 group was significantly related to weaker grip strength (odds ratio: 0.904, 95% CI: 0.829–0.986; p = 0.022) and worse performance in the two-step test (odds ratio: 0.976, 95% CI: 0.955–0.997; p = 0.028). The COVID-19 pandemic decreased exercise opportunities for preadolescent children, which may have had a negative impact on muscle strength and balance. It is essential to increase the amount of MVPA among preadolescent children.
Decreased Innate Migration of Pro-Inflammatory M1 Macrophages through the Mesothelial Membrane Is Affected by Ceramide Kinase and Ceramide 1-P

The retrograde flow of endometrial tissues deposited into the peritoneal cavity occurs in women during menstruation. Classically (M1) or alternatively (M2) activated macrophages partake in the removal of regurgitated menstrual tissue. The failure of macrophage egress from the peritoneal cavity through the mesothelium leads to chronic inflammation in endometriosis. To study the migration differences of macrophage phenotypes across mesothelial cells, an in vitro model of macrophage egress across a peritoneal mesothelial cell monolayer membrane was developed. M1 macrophages were more sessile, emigrating 2.9-fold less than M2 macrophages. The M1 macrophages displayed a pro-inflammatory cytokine signature, including IL-1α, IL-1β, TNF-α, TNF-β, and IL-12p70. Mass spectrometry sphingolipidomics revealed decreased levels of ceramide-1-phosphate (C1P), an inducer of migration in M1 macrophages, which correlated with its poor migration behavior. C1P is generated by ceramide kinase (CERK) from ceramide, and blocking C1P synthesis via the action of NVP231, a specific CERK chemical inhibitor, prohibited the emigration of M1 and M2 macrophages up to 6.7-fold. Incubation with exogenously added C1P rescued this effect. These results suggest that M1 macrophages are less mobile and have higher retention in the peritoneum due to lower C1P levels, which contributes to an altered peritoneal environment in endometriosis by generating a predominant pro-inflammatory cytokine environment.
Does Rice Quality Matter? Understanding Consumer Preferences for Rice in Nigeria

Abstract Rice is a staple crop in Nigeria. Even with a push to increase domestic production, little is known about the functionality of Nigeria’s open bag markets and the preferences of consumers for specific rice attributes. Our study uses a hedonic price model to identify quality attribute preferences of consumers and potential market failures. Our results indicate that Nigerian consumers prefer rice with homogenous long slender kernels and a low presence of broken rice and are indifferent to chalkiness. The findings are useful as they can inform future strategies for rice breeders, domestic policy makers, and rice exporters.
Role of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) as a acute prerenal kidney injury marker: Exploring factors associated with its postoperative levels in hypotension-controlled otorhinolaryngology surgery

Introduction: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a sudden decrease in kidney function due to damage within seven days or less, thus inducing an early stress response that can be promptly detected by biomarkers, such as Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (NGAL). The aim of this study was to analyse the role of NGAL level as a biomarker of postoperative prerenal AKI in patients who underwent otorhinolaryngology surgery with controlled hypotension. Methods: A prospective study was conducted among patients that underwent otorhinolaryngology surgery with controlled hypotension. Patients were selected with purposive sampling. NGAL level was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) from venous blood collected 1-hour pre- and 2-hour post-surgery. NGAL levels were compared between preoperative and postoperative states. Wilcoxon and Spearman test were used to determine the correlation between NGAL levels and parameters of AKI. Results: A total of 30 patients underwent a varies of otorhinolaryngology surgeries were recruited in this study. Our data suggested no significant different between the level of NGAL during preoperative and postoperative (184.73±120.09 ng/mL vs 175.80±129.97 ng/mL). Pre-operative laboratory parameters of AKI such as blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatine (SCr), BUN/SCr ratio, and GFR had no correlation with postoperative NGAL level. In addition, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, MAP, heart rate, EtCO2, duration of surgery and the duration of controlled hypotension had no correlation with postoperative NGAL. Conclusion: NGAL levels have nonsignificant role as biomarker of incidence of postoperative prerenal AKI in patients who receiving otorhinolaryngology surgery with controlled hypotension. However, further study with the bigger sample size is warrant to confirm the findings of this study.
Plasma Convection and Particle Loss

Afterglow plasmas in a linear quadrupole showed the same anomalous loss rate from a region where density fluctuations were undetectable (peak‐to‐peak fluctuation/average density < 1%) as from turbulent regions. The possibility that convective cells may be responsible for the anomalous loss from the quiescent region is discussed.
Further Investigations of Clusters of Galaxies

The number-density distributions of ten further clusters of galaxies were derived by counting galaxies on the red Polomar Sky Survey prints. For eight isolated clusters the radial number-density distributions and the radial cumulative galaxy distributions were calculated. Die Anzahl-Dichte-Verteilungen wurden fur zehn weitere Galaxienhaufen durch Galaxienzahlungen auf den Karten des Palomar Sky Survey ermittelt. Fur acht isolierte Haufen wurden die radialen Anzahl-Dichte-Verteilungen und die radialen kumulativen Galaxienverteilungen ermittelt.
Biolistic transformation of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) with the Oryza sativa L. H+-PPase gene for improved salt stress tolerance

Several biotic and abiotic stresses adversely affect sugarcane crop. Amongst the abiotic stresses, salinity causes substantial losses to sugarcane yield. Lack of conducive environment for sugarcane flowering and unstable genome are the main constraints in sugarcane crop improvement via conventional breeding. Therefore, genetic engineering of sugarcane using Oryza sativa L. H+-PPase gene (OVP1) to confer salt tolerance is the preferred alternative strategy. In the present research, tissue culture and biolistic transformation protocols for sugarcane were optimized. For callus induction, Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) was most effective. Maximum callus induction (50.22%) was achieved on CM-3 augmented with 2.5 mgL-1 2,4-D. The induced calli was subjected to biolistic transformation. For biolistic transformation, the gold particles (0.6 and 1.0 µm) and plasmid DNA (100 and 50 ng) were used for 1X and 2X bombardment. Significant differences (P≤0.05) were observed amongst the gold particles and plasmid DNA concentrations. Maximum transformation frequencies were observed when calli were bombarded 2X with 0.6 µm gold particles coated with 100 ng of DNA (23.60%). Selection and regeneration of transgenic calli were performed on MS media augmented with BAP (2.5 mgL-), NAA (1 mgL-1) hygromycin (25 mgL-1) and 2% coconut water. Regenerated plants after root induction on MS media containing NAA (2 mgL-1) and 2% coconut water were transferred to loam and clay (1:1) and acclimatized to greenhouse condition. The transgenic plants were confirmed through PCR and RT-PCR.
Inventing Islam(ism): De-Islamization under Secular Authoritarianism in Bangladesh

The presence of Islamism in Muslimistan necessitates a secular age, as only in a secular age does it become possible to be for or against Islam due to the decentering of Islam as the default organizing premise of Muslim societies. Within this fundamental de-Islamization or secularization of Muslim societies, further de-Islamization is made possible by secular power’s ability to dictate and even produce Islam, which continues to perpetually shift the meanings of secularism and Islamism in accordance with the European Enlightenment’s notion of progress. The banality and universality of secularism, and markedness and provinciality of Islam(ism), ensure that only the (perceived) absence of secularism and (perceived) presence of Islamism are felt – never the other way around. Bangladesh’s recent authoritarian turn, its social engineering during secular authoritarianism, and the recent calls for democratization – all point towards the secularist politics of de-Islamization which invents Islam(ism) in de-Islamization, and which then explains the failings of secularism through the regime and Bangladesh’s “Islamist character”. The implications include a never-ending de-Islamization process, spelling the end of the post-Islamism thesis, as post-Islamism becomes an impossible state. Secular power invents in post-Islamism a new Islamism, delaying the post-Islamist moment ad infinitum.
PVA-Based Nanofibers Containing Chitosan Modified with Graphene Oxide and Carbon Quantum Dot-Doped TiO2 Enhance Wound Healing in a Rat Model

Electrospun nanofibrous constructs based on nanoparticles and biopolymers have recently been used in tissue engineering because of their similarity to the extracellular matrix in nature. In this study, electrospun chitosan-carbon quantum dot-titanium dioxide-graphene oxide (CS-CQD-TiO2-GO) nanofibrous mats were synthesized for use as wound dressings by the electrospinning method. To increase the biodegradation rate and water resistance, the fabricated nanofibrous mats were cross-linked. SEM images showed a uniform and coherent structure of CS-CQD-TiO2-GO nanocomposites and CS-CQD-TiO2-GO electrospun nanofibers mats. FTIR analysis, XRD pattern, SEM mapping, and EDS spectrum demonstrate the accuracy of the synthesis as well as the elemental and chemical structure of the nanofibrous mat. The water contact angle indicated that the nanofibrous mat had a hydrophilic property, which is essential for controlling wound exudates. The tensile strength and elongation tests showed that the nanofibrous mat has suitable mechanical properties for wound dressing, including significant flexibility and strength. Interestingly, antimicrobial testing illustrated that the fabricated nanofibrous mat had antibacterial activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Appropriate cell viability and cytocompatibility of treated mouse fibroblast NIH3T3 cells with the nanofibrous mat were determined using an MTT assay. The animal study results confirmed the proper potential of the nanofibrous mat in wound dressing applications.
Five Traditional Chinese Medicine External Treatment Methods Combined with Mecobalamin for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: A Network Meta-Analysis

Background Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is one of the most common chronic complications of diabetes. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) external treatment has been widely used in China as adjunctive treatment, and some small sample clinical studies have proved its effectiveness. However, due to the limited number of studies, we used network meta-analysis to compare the effectiveness of 5 commonly used external treatment methods of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Methods We searched PubMed, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, CBM, WanFang Knowledge Service Platform, and VIP databases and collected and screened randomised controlled trials on the external treatment of traditional Chinese medicine combined with mecobalamin in the treatment of DPN according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The search period was from 2011 to May 2021. The quality of included studies was assessed using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials. The outcome indicators are Toronto score, median nerve sensory conduction velocity, and median nerve motor conduction velocity. Results A total of 22 publications were included in the study. The results of the network meta-analysis showed that acupuncture combined with mecobalamin was superior to other TCM external treatments combined with mecobalamin in terms of decreasing the Toronto score (MD = −2.8, 95% CI: −5.2∼−0.49), improving median nerve sensory conduction velocity (MD = 3.6, 95% CI: 2.4∼4.9), and median nerve motor conduction velocity (MD = 4.5, 95% CI: 2.6∼6.5). The SUCRA value and probability ranking chart showed that among the three outcome indicators, acupuncture combined with mecobalamin was the best, followed by acupoint injection combined with mecobalamin. Conclusion In this network meta-analysis, acupuncture combined with mecobalamin shows the best results in the treatment of DPN, followed by acupoint injection combined with mecobalamin.
Forensic Dentistry as an Analysis Tool for Sex Estimation: A Review of Current Techniques

: Sex estimation is an integral part of the forensic human identification process. Determining the sex of an unknown deceased victim helps with the dental profiling process, as only missing persons of the same sex need to be considered for identification. Nowadays, methods that are commonly used in dental sex estimation have either low accuracy or reliability or require complex equipment or tools to perform. Forensic tools for dental sex determination can broadly be categorised into metric, non-metric, and biochemical methods. This paper provides an in-depth review into the existing methods for dental sex estimation and presents the strengths and limitations of each method. It will also briefly discuss prospective developments in the field of dental sex estimation.
Effects of Cardiac Contractility Modulation Electrodes on Tricuspid Regurgitation in Patients with Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction: A Pilot Study

Background: Cardiac contractility modulation (CCM) is an innovative therapy for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction delivered by a cardiac implantable device (Optimizer Smart®). One of the most prominent periprocedural complications common to all cardiac implantable devices (CIDs) is tricuspid regurgitation (TR) due to the placement of the right ventricular endocardial leads. To date, no published studies have assessed the changes in the TR degree in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) who received an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) after the implantation of cardiac contractility modulation therapy devices. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the implantation of the trans-tricuspid leads required to deliver CCM therapy on the severity of TR in patients with HFrEF who previously underwent ICD implantation. Methods: We enrolled 30 HFrEF patients who underwent CCM therapy between November 2020 and October 2021. For all the patients, echocardiographic evaluations of TR were performed according to current guidelines 24 h before and six months after the Optimizer Smart® implant was applied. Results: At the 6-month follow-up, the grade of TR remained unchanged compared to the preimplant grade. The value of the vena contracta (VC) of TR was 0.40 ± 0.19 cm in the preimplant period and 0.45 ± 0.21 cm at the 6-month follow-up (p = 0.33). Similarly, the TR proximal isovelocity surface area (PISA) radius value was unchanged at follow-up (0.54 ± 0.22 cm vs. 0.62 ± 0.20 cm; p = 0.18). No statistically significant difference existed between the preimplant VC and PISA radius values, irrespective of the device type. Conclusions: The implantation of right ventricular electrodes for the delivery of CCM therapy did not worsen tricuspid regurgitation in patients with HFrEF and ICD.
Site preference of alloying additions in intermetallic compounds

A general method is suggested in this paper to determine the site preference of alloying additions in intermetallic compounds with either stoichiometric or non-stoichiometric compositions, by first-principles binding-energy calculations using cluster models. The relationships of the site preference of alloying additions with the compositions of the host elements and with the concentrations of the additions themselves in the host are established. The validity and reliability of the method are tested by applying it to the site preference study of some ternary additions (Sc, Ti, V, Fe, Co, Cu, Nb, Mo and Pd) in gamma'-Ni3Al. The results obtained are in complete agreement with the experimental data, which proves that our method is successful.
The mechanical and electrical properties of flexible strain sensors based on carbonized cotton knitted fabric

In recent years, developing flexible strain sensors with excellent and practical mechanical–electrical properties has remained a challenge. Weft knitted fabric made of loops with excellent extensibility is widely used in the textile and garment fields. In this work, a flexible strain sensor based on carbonized plain cotton fabric and thermoplastic polyurethane film for encapsulation was prepared by a simple, relatively environment-friendly, low-cost and scalable method. The plain cotton fabric was translated to a conductive fabric with impregnation (10% diamine hydrogen phosphate), oxidation (pre-oxidation at 240°C for 60 min in air), high-temperature carbonization treatment. The tensile and sensing properties of the encapsulated sensor based on this carbonized plain cotton fabric were tested in the course and wale extensions. The experimental results showed that the strain sensor exhibited high sensitivity, stable repeatability and low creep properties overall. The resistance change rates of the strain sensor stretched in the two directions had no apparent dependence on the tensile speed and frequency. The sensor in course stretching revealed a broad strain of more than 250% with the maximum gauge factor of 10.1, while in contrast, these two data were 140% and 9.2 in wale stretching, respectively. These excellent sensing performances were given credited to the unique modified structure of carbonized cotton knitted fabric. The carbonized cotton knitted fabric strain sensor has great potential in wearable devices for physiological signal monitoring and human motion detection due to its scalable manufacturing process, low material costs and superior mechanical–electrical properties.
Eco-Translatology-Based Analysis of Chinese Yao Ethnic Group's Costumes in Foreign Publicity Translation—A Case Study of Jinxiu Yao Ethnic Museum

: As a key window for foreign tourists to understand the history and culture of the Chinese Yao ethnic group, the standardization of Publicity Translation in Yao ethnic Museum appears especially important. By applying the eco-translatology, the entire translation ecological environment of the museum has been considered in the Chinese-English translation of the museum in this paper. Based on a case study of Jinxiu Yao ethnic museum, it is found that different translation methods should be adopted for different dimensions. From language dimension, the translation methods of transliteration, literal translation, and transliteration and annotation can be adopted in the foreign publicity translation. From cultural dimension, the translation methods of domestication, foreignization, and cultural mediation can be adopted in it. The methods of structural adaptation and contextual adaptation can be adjusted according to actual communication scenarios to help foreign tourists to better understand the costume culture of Chinese Yao ethnic group for promoting the spread of Chinese culture around the world.