Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Physiological and transcriptomic analyses reveal critical immune responses to hypoxia and sulfide in the haemolymph of clam Tegillarca granosa

Hypoxia and sulfide are inducing potential damage to aquatic organisms. However, the effects of hypoxia and sulfide on their immune systems and molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. In the present study, the clam Tegillarca granosa was exposed to hypoxia alone or in combination with sulfide (0.1, 0.5 mM) to investigate the physiological and transcriptomic responses in haemolymph. The IBR analysis revealed that moderate sulfide stimulated immune responses via increasing the total hemocyte counts, phagocytic activity, antibacterial activity, and antioxidant activity. The transcriptomic analysis revealed many critical signaling pathways (Toll and Imd, FoxO, NLR) and biological processes (antimicrobial/antibacterial peptide, interferon, interleukin, leukocyte, lymphocyte, mitophagy) involved in the immunostimulation. Our results would offer insights into the sulfide-tolerant molecular mechanisms in this species and provide a useful tool for assessing the integrated biological impacts of hypoxia and sulfide on shellfish.
Plant phylogenetic relatedness and herbivore specialization interact to determine pest biocontrol efficiency in mixed plantations

Pest herbivory regulation is one of the key functions provided by diverse ecosystems, especially when compared to species depauperate agro-ecosystems and in the context of increased pest outbreaks due to global change. The dilution effect of host diversity on insect herbivory suggests that mixed plantations are feasible for regulating pest herbivory in agroecosystems. Dilution effect of increased plant diversity on insect herbivory has been widely observed, yet little is known about how it may change with plant phylogenetic relatedness and herbivore specialization, especially at the community level. Here, we compared herbivore richness, abundance, and degree of herbivory (i.e., the ratio of trees damaged by pest and total trees in a given area) among the two monocultures and the four mixed plantations in Wenchang city, Hainan Province, China. We also respectively assessed the effects of phylogenetically close or distant species on generalist and specialist herbivores in monocultures and mixture. We found that increasing the number of phylogenetically closely-related tree species could dilute generalist herbivore richness, abundance, and degree of herbivory but amplify specialist herbivore richness, abundance, and degree of herbivory. In contrast, increasing the number of phylogenetically distant tree species increased generalist herbivore richness, abundance, and degree of herbivory, while reducing specialist herbivore richness, abundance, and degree of herbivory. Our results suggest that plant phylogenetic relatedness and herbivore specialization can indeed interact to influence pest control efficiency when using mixed plantations to manage pest herbivory in agroecosystems. Thus, both herbivore specialization and plant phylogenetic relatedness should be taken into account in the management of agro-ecosystems and biodiversity conservation with respect to herbivory.
The efficacy of dermoscopy in defining the surgical margins of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: a retrospective study

Objective To investigate the diagnostic value of dermoscopy in defining the tumor margin of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) for the appropriate surgical margin. Methods A total of 90 cSCC patients were enrolled in the study. All patients were recruited into two groups: those who preserved intact macroscopic features of neoplasms without or after incisional biopsy and those with uncertain residual tumors after excisional biopsy. A dermoscopy-defined surgical margin of 8mm outward was used according to the tumor boundaries observed with the naked eye and dermoscopy. All excised tumor specimens were divided into serial sections according to the four “3, 6, 9, 12” directions at every 4-mm interval from the dermoscopy-detected tumor margin. Pathological examination was performed at 0 mm, 4 mm, and 8 mm margins to confirm tumor remnants. Results Retrospective analysis of dermatoscopic results showed inconsistent clinical and dermatoscopic borders in 43 of 90 cases (47.8%). The ability of dermoscopy to detect tumor borders showed no statistical difference between the two groups (p > 0.05). In the unbiopsy or incisional biopsy group, 66.6% of the tumors were resected with a 4-mm margin and 98.3% with an 8-mm margin, with significant differences (p = 0.047). For patients with inconspicuous clinical evidence of residual tumor after excisional biopsy, the tumor clearance rate was 53.3% at 0 mm, 93.3% at 4 mm, and 100.0% at 8 mm. Statistically significant differences were noted between 0 mm and 4 mm (p = 0.017), as well as between 0 mm and 8 mm (p = 0.043) but did not differ between 4 mm and 8 mm (p > 0.05). Conclusions Dermoscopy defined the tumor margin of cSCC better than visual inspection alone. Direct dermoscopic-guided surgery with at least 8-mm expansion was recommended for high-risk cSCC. Dermoscopy also assisted in identifying surgical margins at the healing biopsy site, making 8 mm still the recommended expansion range.
Cutaneous leishmaniasis situation analysis in the Islamic Republic of Iran in preparation for an elimination plan

Iran has invariably been under the growing public health threat of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), a significant barrier to local development that hinders the prevention and control efforts toward eliminating the disease. So far, no comprehensive and in-depth epidemiological analysis of the CL situation has been carried out nationwide. This study aimed to employ advanced statistical models to analyze the data collected through the Center for Diseases Control and Prevention of Communicable Diseases during 1989–2020. However, we emphasized the current trends, 2013–2020, to study temporal and spatial CL patterns. In the country, the epidemiology of CL is incredibly intricate due to various factors. This fact indicates that the basic infrastructure, the preceding supports, and the implementation plan related to preventive and therapeutic measures need crucial support. The leishmaniasis situation analysis is consistent with desperate requirements for efficient information on the control program in the area. This review provides evidence of temporally regressive and spatially expanding incidence of CL with characteristic geographical patterns and disease hotspots, signifying an urgent need for comprehensive control strategies. This information could be a suitable model and practical experience in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, where over 80% of CL is reported.
Use of immigration status for coercive control in domestic violence protection orders

In the context of domestic violence (DV), immigration-related circumstances can be exploited by an abuser to coerce and manipulate their partner. Using an intersectional structural framework, we examine how social structures overlaid with immigration-specific experiences operate to further enhance opportunities for abuse against immigrant women. We conducted a textual analysis to identify how socially constructed systems interact with a victim-survivor's immigration status to introduce more tools for abusers to engage in coercive control and/or acts of violence in a random sample of petitioners (i.e., victim-survivors) who were granted a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) in King County, WA (n = 3,579) from 2014–2016 and 2018–2020. We hand-reviewed textual petitioner narratives and identified n = 39 cases that discussed immigration-related circumstances and related acts of violence and coercion. These narratives included threats to contact authorities to interfere with an ongoing immigration process, deportation threats, and threats that would separate families. In many cases, petitioners indicated that immigration-related threats prevented them from leaving the violent partner, seeking help, or reporting the abuse. We also found mention of barriers for victims to receive protection and gain autonomy from further abuse including a lack of familiarity with US protections and laws, and restrictions on authorizations to work. These findings demonstrate that structurally created immigration-specific circumstances provide opportunities for threats and retaliation against victim-survivors by abusers and create barriers to seeking help initially. Policy should respond to anticipate these threats in the immigrant community and engage early responders (e.g., healthcare providers, law enforcement) to support victim-survivors from immigrant communities.
Revisiting brittle fracture as an energy minimization problem : Comparisons of Grith and Barenblatt surface energy models

Following the ideas presented in Francfort and Marigo [1], we assume that the cracking of a brittle body is governed by a principle of least energy. By adopting Grith’s assumption on the surface energy and by seeking for global minimum, we showed that it is then possible to remedy to some major defects of the classical Grith theory based on the criterion of the critical energy release rate, in particular the issue of the crack initiation. We can in this way completely solve various problems of failure of engineering structures, either by using analytical methods (see [1], [2] and [3]) or by using an adapted numerical method (see [4] or [5]). In counterpart this new formulation leads itself to a few but not admissible defects like undesirable size eects or the inability of the material to sustain body forces. As a remedy, we simply propose to change the form of the surface energy by adopting the idea of Barenblatt and to seek local minima. This paper is devoted to analyze the advantages of these changes in a one dimensional context. It completes the previous published works of [6], [7] or [8] about Barenblatt model.
Identification of microRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers for atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Genetic factors contribute to the AF pathophysiology by altering the structural and functional properties of proteins involved in different cellular activities. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), which take part in structural and electrical remodeling during the AF evolution, are important genetic elements that must be considered. The aim of study is to determine correlation between the expression of miRNAs and the development of AF, as well as to explain any potential importance of genetic factors in the AF diagnosis. Methods and Results Online scientific databases, including Cochrane, ProQuest, PubMed, and Web of Science were used to conduct the literature search. The keywords were associated with or characterized the relationship between miRNAs and AF. The pooled sensitivity and specificity statistical parameters were analyzed using a random-effects model. The miRNAs had a combined sensitivity and specificity of 0.80 (95% CI = 0.70–0.87) and 0.75 (95% CI = 0.64–0.83) for the diagnosis of AF, respectively. The area under the SROC was 0.84 (95% CI = 0.81–0.87). The DOR was 11.80 (95% CI = 6.79–20.50). This study also revealed that miRNAs had a pooled PLR of 3.16 (95% CI = 2.24–4.45) and NLR of 0.27 (95% CI = 0.18–0.39) for the diagnosis of AF. The miR-425-5p demonstrated the highest sensitivity (0.96, 95% CI, 0.89–0.99). Conclusion The meta-analysis revealed substantial connection between miRNA expression dysregulation and AF, supporting the potential diagnostic role of miRNAs. The miR-425-5p has potential role as a biomarker for AF.
Personnel selection using an improved fuzzy MCDM algorithm

In [19], Liang and Wang proposed personnel selection using fuzzy MCDM algorithm. In their algorithm, they suggested a method to develop the membership function for the aggregation of the weighted ratings versus various subjective criteria of each alternative. However, despite the merits of their work, two shortcomings are found in their method:(1) The membership function of the aggregated weighted ratings of each alternative is developed based on the multiplication of the averaged ratings and the averaged weights. This is not correct because the multiplication for each weighted rating should be executed before the weighted ratings of each alternative are added. (2) Their membership function has limitations because the multiplication of two positive triangular fuzzy numbers may not produce triangular shape. Thus, their method is not reo liable. To overcome the above shortcomings. this paper presents an improved fuzzy MCDM algorithm. in which the membership function for the multiplication of two posi-tive triangular fuzzy numbers will be fully developed. A numerical example demonstrates the feasibility of the proposed method.
Genetic characterization of human echinococcosis in Southern Punjab, Pakistan

Introduction Echinococcosis is a neglected tropical zoonotic infection that affects both the human and livestock populations. In Pakistan, the infection is long-standing, but data on its molecular epidemiology and genotypic characterization in the southern Punjab region are limited. The aim of the current study was the molecular characterization of human echinococcosis in southern Punjab, Pakistan. Methods Echinococcal cysts were obtained from a total of 28 surgically treated patients. Patients’ demographic characteristics were also recorded. The cyst samples were subjected to further processing to isolate DNA in order to probe the Nad1 and Cyt-b genes, followed by DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis for genotypic identification. Results The majority of the echinococcal cysts were from male patients (60.7%). The liver was the most commonly infected organ (60.71%), followed by the lungs (25%), spleen (7.14%), and the mesentery (7.14%). Molecular and genotypic identification through sequencing and phylogenetic tree analysis showed that most of the cysts (24/28, 85.7%) were caused by the species Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (E. granulosus s.s.) (G1 and G3), followed by Echinococcus multilocularis (E. multilocularis) and Echinococcus canadensis (E. canadensis) (G6/G7) (3/28, 10.8%, and 1/28, 3.5%, respectively). Conclusion The current study concluded that the majority of human infections were caused by E. granulosus s.s. , followed by the E. multilocularis and E. canadensis species (G6/G7). Genotypic characterization among both human and livestock populations is needed to explore the genetic diversity of echinococcosis.
Elucidating a fresh perspective on the interplay between exosomes and rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by chronic synovitis and the destruction of bones and joints. Exosomes are nanoscale lipid membrane vesicles originating from multivesicular bodies and are used as a vital means of intercellular communication. Both exosomes and the microbial community are essential in RA pathogenesis. Multiple types of exosomes from different origins have been demonstrated to have effects on various immune cells through distinct mechanisms in RA, which depend on the specific cargo carried by the exosomes. Tens of thousands of microorganisms exist in the human intestinal system. Microorganisms exert various physiological and pathological effects on the host directly or through their metabolites. Gut microbe-derived exosomes are being studied in the field of liver disease; however, information on their role in the context of RA is still limited. Gut microbe-derived exosomes may enhance autoimmunity by altering intestinal permeability and transporting cargo to the extraintestinal system. Therefore, we performed a comprehensive literature review on the latest progress on exosomes in RA and provided an outlook on the potential role of microbe-derived exosomes as emerging players in clinical and translational research on RA. This review aimed to provide a theoretical basis for developing new clinical targets for RA therapy.
The effects of displaying availability sections of an automated driving function

So far, there has been little research into displaying the availability of a higher-level automated driving system. The benefits of presenting availability times while driving automatically have already been discussed, but there are no findings on giving information on all availability sections (operational design domains) independent of the current state of the automated driving system. This work aims to close this gap by conducting a driving simulator study with N = 54 participants to verify whether an overview display of all the road sections on which automated driving is possible has a positive effect on the participants’ acceptance, usability, workload, and task performances. Results showed that the presentation of this additional information had a significantly positive influence on both acceptance and task performance. The outcomes of this work indicate that the required transparency-creating information of the automated driving system should not be limited to safety-related information or the phases of automated driving itself.
Free convection in a square porous cavity filled with a nanofluid using thermal non equilibrium and Buongiorno models

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to theoretically analysis the steady-state natural convection flow and heat transfer of nanofluids in a square enclosure filled with a porous medium saturated with a nanofluid considering local thermal non-equilibrium (LTNE) effects. Different local temperatures for the solid phase of the nanoparticles, the solid phase of porous matrix and the liquid phase of the base fluid are taken into account. Design/methodology/approach – The Buongiorno’s model, incorporating the Brownian motion and thermophoresis effects, is utilized to take into account the migration of nanoparticles. Using appropriate non-dimensional variables, the governing equations are transformed into the non-dimensional form, and the finite element method is utilized to solve the governing equations. Findings – The results show that the increase of buoyancy ratio parameter (Nr) decreases the magnitude of average Nusselt number. The increase of the nanoparticles-fluid interface heat transfer parameter (Nh.
Performance of FBK low-afterpulse NUV silicon photomultipliers for PET application

The improvement of the coincidence resolving time (CRT) is one of the key factors for the next generation of positron emission tomography (PET) scanners. Silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) are strong candidates to substitute photo multipliers tubes because of their compactness, ruggedness and insensitivity to magnetic fields. In order to achieve the best CRT, the SiPM should have high PDE which can be obtained increasing the bias voltage. We recently improved the NUV SiPM technology, with the addition of a new substrate type that provides significantly lower afterpulsing probability (Low-AP). This enables to extend the maximum bias voltage and thus obtain higher PDE. Additionally, we implemented a lower electric field version (Low-F) to reduce the field-enhanced thermal generation components of the dark count rate. In this work we present results of energy and timing resolution for PET application, using LYSO scintillator crystals, and coupled with 3 × 3 mm2 NUV SiPMs of three types: non-Low-AP, Low-AP and Low-AP + Low-F. All the devices reach very similar energy resolutions, around 9.5 %, and close to the intrinsic limit of the LYSO. Concerning the timing resolution, we found that the Low-AP substrate achieves an improvement of the CRT of ≈ 30 ps, confirmed with the Low-F. Using 4 × 4 mm2 Low-AP SiPMs coupled to 3 × 3 × 5 mm3 and 3.8 × 3.8 × 22 mm3 LYSO crystals we obtained CRTs of 130 and 200 ps FWHM, respectively.
An Empirical Study of High-Order

Abstruct- Computer simulations are used to determine the stability Limits of single-bit delta-sigma modulators up to order 8. It is found that none of the existing criteria for stability are adequate for design. Plots of the maximum signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) achievable with a given modulator order and oversampling ratio (OSR) are presented. These graphs can be used to determine the modulator order and OSR required to achieve a given SNR or to check the tightness of (as yet unavailable) theoretical bounds.
Band gap engineering of ZnO by doping with Mg

Mg-doped zinc oxide (MgxZn1−xO (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.20)) samples were synthesized by polymeric precursor method. The structural and optical properties were investigated by x-ray diffractometer (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), UV–visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy. XRD patterns reveal that synthesized samples have a wurtzite structure. Lattice parameters, the degree of distortion of the samples were calculated from the XRD. SEM images show that the synthesized samples contain the elongated spherical shaped grains. The Raman scattering investigation and FTIR spectra authenticate the presence of Mg in the system and also show phase segregation at the higher Mg doping concentration. Optical band gap energy is determined from the Tauc relation. It is interesting to know that optical band energy exhibits blue shift with the increase of Mg doping concentration up to 16 mole %.
Ageing analysis of the giant radio galaxy J1343+3758

Deep 4860 and 8350 MHz observations with the VLA and 100-m Effelsberg telescopes, supplementing available radio survey maps at the frequencies of 327 MHz (WENSS survey) and 1400 MHz (NVSS survey), are used to study the syn- chrotron spectra and radiative ages of relativistic particles in opposite lobes of the giant radio galaxy J1343+3758 (Machalski & Jamrozy 2000). The classical spectral ageing analysis (e.g. Myers & Spangler 1985) with assumption of equipartition magnetic fields gives a mean separation velocity (� vsep� ) of about 0.16 c and 0.12 c measured with respect to the emitting plasma, and suggests a maximum particle age of about 48 and 50 Myr in the NE and SW lobes, respectively. On the contrary, a mean jet- head advance speed (� vadv� ) in the above lobes, derived from ram-pressure arguments, is about 0.016 c and 0.017 c, respectively. This would imply a substantial backflow of the lobe material from the hotspot regions towards the radio core, vbf, which is not supported by the available radio maps. A compromise is achieved by assuming an enhancement of 3 to 5 times the equipartition magnetic field strengths in the lobes which givesvsep �≈ 0.06 c andvadv �≈� vbf �≈ 0.03 c, hence a dynamical age of the source of 204 ± 40 Myr. A comparison of the radiative and dynamical ages of the investigated giant radio galaxy implies that the dynamical age is about 4 times the maximum synchrotron age of the emitting particles, which supports the conclusion of Blundell & Rawlings (2000) that the spectral and dynamical ages are comparable only when they are � 10 Myr, and suggests that for FRII-type sources the discrepancy between these ages increases with age.
Supporting Small Businesses and Local Economies Through Virtual Reality Shopping and Artificial Intelligence: A Position Paper

: The rise of e-commerce and online sales has had a detrimental effect on small businesses that lacked an online presence in recent years, with negative consequences for local services and economies. Despite attempts to digitize businesses, large corporations continue to hold a privileged position that allows them to capture the majority of sales. Small businesses may regain a competitive edge against large platforms by anticipating and adapting to the next phases of commercial evolution, which are likely to be heavily reliant on Virtual Reality shopping and Artificial Intelligence. In this article, we propose a platform that combines these two technologies and enables local businesses to join forces and overcome physical barriers, thereby providing a virtual world of unrestricted retail spaces. The system also proposes retail collection points and develops attractive leisure plans around these points through the outcomes of a recommender system, thereby promoting city activity and bolstering local economies.