Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Molecular characterization of equine herpes viruses type 1 and 4 among Arabian horse populations in Egypt during the period between 2021-2022

Background: Equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) is a major cause of abortion and respiratory disease. Equine herpesvirus type 4 (EHV-4), on the other hand, is exclusively associated with respiratory disease in horse populations worldwide, particularly in Egypt and Arabian countries. Aim: This study aims to investigate the circulation of EHV-1 and EHV-4 in the Arabian horse population through molecular detection and genetic characterization of EHV-1 and/or EHV-4 that may threaten the stability of horse industry. Methods: A total of 80 samples including 50 nasal swabs, 10 vaginal swabs and 20 whole blood samples were collected from vaccinated and registered pure-bred Arabian adult horses from different studs in the governorates of northern Egypt(Cairo, Dakahlyia and Qalyubia) from 2021 to 2022. The collected samples were screened using consensus PCR for detection of EHVs using specific primers targeting DNA polymerase gene.The positive samples were subjected to conventional PCR for detection of EHV-1 and/or EHV-4using specific primers targeting glycoprotein(gB)gene.EHV-1 and EHV-4 amplicons were partially sequenced and phylogenetically analyzed using Sanger method. Results: Consensus PCR revealed that 48 out of 80 samples were positive for EHVs with percentage of 60%. Typing of the selected positive samples using conventional PCR showed that 29 out of 80 were positive for EHV-1 with percentage 36.25%, while 24 out of 80 samples were positive for EHV-4 with percentage 30%. Mixed infections with both viruses were detected in 5 samples. The amplified products were sequenced using Sanger method and submitted to GenBank under accession number OM362231MG-1 for EHV-1 strain and OM362232 MG-4 for EHV-4 strain. Sequence analysis and alignments of the amplified fragments of the EHV-1 and EHV-4 glycoprotein B (gB) gene to that of GenBank-derived reference strains revealed a high degree of similarity. According to the phylogenetic tree, the obtained sequences of EHV-1 and 4 in the current study showed homogeneity with local Egyptian and foreign EHV-1 and 4 strains and heterogeneity with EHV-2 and 5. Conclusion: The current investigation showed that molecular methods are appropriate assays for an efficient and accurate diagnosis of EHVs. Furthermore, it supports earlier research findings about the prevalence of EHV-1 and 4 in Arabian horse populations in Egypt.
Assessing global drivers of parasite diversity: host diversity and body mass boost avian haemosporidian diversity

Biodiversity varies worldwide and is influenced by multiple factors, such as environmental stability and past historical events (e.g., Panama Isthmus). At the same time, organisms with unique life histories (e.g., parasites) are subject to unique selective pressures that structure their diversity patterns. Parasites represent one the most successful life strategies, impacting, directly and indirectly, ecosystems by cascading effects on host fitness and survival. Here, I focused on a highly diverse, prevalent, and cosmopolitan group of parasites (avian haemosporidians) to investigate the main drivers (e.g., host and environmental features) of regional parasite diversity on a global scale. To do so, I compiled data from four global datasets on (i) avian haemosporidian (malaria and malaria-like) parasites, (ii) bird species diversity, (iii) avian functional traits, and (iv) climate data. Then, using generalized least square models, I evaluated the effect of host and environmental features on haemosporidian diversity. I found that haemosporidian diversity mirrors host regional diversity and that higher host body mass increases haemosporidian diversity. On the other hand, climatic conditions had no effect on haemosporidian diversity in any model. When evaluating Leucocytozoon parasites separately, I found parasite diversity was boosted by a higher proportion of migratory hosts. In conclusion, I demonstrated that haemosporidian parasite diversity is intrinsically associated with their hosts’ diversity and body mass.
Using social media for air pollution detection-the case of Eastern China Smog

Air pollution has become an urgent issue that affecting public health and people’s daily life in China. Social media as potential air quality sensors to surveil air pollution is emphasized recently. In this research, we picked up a case-2013 Eastern China smog and focused on two of the most popular Chinese microblog platforms Sina Weibo and Tencent Weibo. The purpose of this study is to determine whether social media can be capable to be used as ‘sensors’ to monitor air pollution in China and to provide an innovative model for air pollution detection through social media. Based on that, we propose our research question, how a salient change of air quality expressed on social media discussions to reflect the extent of air pollution. Hence, our research (1) determine the correlation between the volume of air quality-related messages and observed Air quality index (AQI) with the help of time series analysis model; (2) investigate further the impact of a salient change of air quality on the relationship between the people’s subjective perceptions regarding to air pollution released on the Weibo and the extent of air pollution through a co-word network analysis model. Our study illustrates that the discussions on social media about air quality reflect the level of air pollution when the air quality changes saliently. (Less)
What does it take to close the loop? Lessons from a successful citrus waste valorisation business

PurposeIn this case study, we examine how a citrus peel valorising company based in the Netherlands was able to adopt a circular business model while navigating regulatory, managerial, and supply chain-related barriers.Design/methodology/approachIn-depth, semi-structured interviews with key personnel in the company, notes from field observations, photographs of the production process, and documents from a legal judgement served as data for this single, qualitative case study. Data were coded inductively using the in vivo technique and were further developed into four themes and a case description.FindingsResults from our study indicate that the regulatory and political contexts in the Netherlands were critical to the company’s success. Like in the case of most fruitful industrial symbioses, partnerships founded on mutual trust and economically appealing value propositions played a crucial role in ensuring commercial viability. Collaborating with larger corporations and maintaining transparent communication with stakeholders were also significant contributing factors. Lastly, employees’ outlook towards circularity combined with their willingness to learn new skills were important driving factors as well.Originality/valueIn addition to expanding the scholarship on the adoption of circular business models, this research offers novel insights to policymakers and practitioners. It provides empirical evidence regarding the importance of public awareness, adaptable legislation, and harmonised policy goals for supporting sustainable entrepreneurship in the circular economy.
Factors Associated with HIV/Tuberculosis Coinfection among People Living with HIV after Initiation of Antiretroviral Treatment in Lingwala Health Zone from 2021 to 2023

Context and objective: Around 8% of incident cases of tuberculosis (TB) were reported among people living with HIV worldwide in 2022. Tuberculosis is the leading cause of death among people living with HIV. Africa accounts for the majority of co-infection episodes, with over 50% of cases in some parts of southern Africa. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), around 9% of persons living with HIV (PLHIV) develop TB and 11% of TB patients are infected with HIV. The DRC is one of the 30 countries in the world bearing the brunt of co-infection. Despite the efforts made by countries to improve access to antiretroviral traitement (ART), TB remains a major problem among people living with HIV. The Lingwala Health Zone in the provincial city of Kinshasa recorded a large number of cases of HIV/TB co-infection during the study period. The aim of this study was to determine the factors associated with HIV/TB co-infection among PLHIV on ART in the Lingwala health zone (HZ) in Kinshasa. Methods: This was a case-control study conducted in the state-run HIV care facilities in the Lingwala health district among PLHIV who had visited the health facilities during the period 2021-2023. Cases were coinfected
Suitability of Gelatin Methacrylate and Hydroxyapatite Hydrogels for 3D-Bioprinted Bone Tissue

Background: Complex bone defects are challenging to treat. Autografting is the gold standard for regenerating bone defects; however, its limitations include donor-site morbidity and increased surgical complexity. Advancements in 3D bioprinting (3DBP) offer a promising alternative for viable bone grafts. In this experiment, gels composed of varying levels of gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) and hydroxyapatite (HA) and gelatin concentrations are explored. The objective was to increase the hydroxyapatite content and find the upper limit before the printability was compromised and determine its effect on the mechanical properties and cell viability. Methods: Design of Experiments (DoE) was used to design 13 hydrogel bioinks of various GelMA/HA concentrations. These bioinks were assessed in terms of their pipettability and equilibrium modulus. An optimal bioink was designed using the DoE data to produce the greatest stiffness while still being pipettable. Three bioinks, one with the DoE-designed maximal stiffness, one with the experimentally defined maximal stiffness, and a literature-based control, were then printed using a 3D bioprinter and assessed for print fidelity. The resulting hydrogels were combined with human bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) and evaluated for cell viability. Results: The DoE ANOVA analysis indicated that the augmented three-level factorial design model used was a good fit (p < 0.0001). Using the model, DoE correctly predicted that a composite hydrogel consisting of 12.3% GelMA, 15.7% HA, and 2% gelatin would produce the maximum equilibrium modulus while still being pipettable. The hydrogel with the most optimal print fidelity was 10% GelMA, 2% HA, and 5% gelatin. There were no significant differences in the cell viability within the hydrogels from day 2 to day 7 (p > 0.05). There was, however, a significantly lower cell viability in the gel composed of 12.3% GelMA, 15.7% HA, and 2% gelatin compared to the other gels with a lower HA concentration (p < 0.05), showing that a higher HA content or print pressure may be cytotoxic within hydrogels. Conclusions: Extrusion-based 3DBP offers significant advantages for bone–tissue implants due to its high customizability. This study demonstrates that it is possible to create printable bone-like grafts from GelMA and HA with an increased HA content, favorable mechanical properties (145 kPa), and a greater than 80% cell viability.
Livelihoods strategies, deforestation and biodiversity conservation : a micro econometric analysis using rural households survey in the Tridom transboundary conservation landscape

This thesis investigates the key drivers of rural households’ choices of livelihoods, and how these choices impact forest clearing and biodiversity conservation under a landscape approach. Using a novel and unique database obtained from a face-to-face survey with a representative sample of 1035 households in the Dja-Odzala-Minkebe trinational transboundary conservation landscape (Tridom-TCL)- Congo basin , this PhD thesis address three main questions investigated in three chapters. Using a spatial probit model, the first chapter investigates “how do local and indigenous households formulate their preferences among livelihoods strategies? ” Using a spatial lag model, the second chapter investigates “how and how much do these livelihoods strategies, given wildlife constrains such as human-wildlife conflicts, impact smallscale deforestation? ” Using corner solution models, the third chapter investigates "how the nature of the interactions among households and wildlife, the households’ main activities as well as their land holdings impact their willingness to pay to prevent endangered forest elephant extinction? ”Among other, we find that livelihoods strategies are determined by autochthonous status, financial assets (money transfer and access to loan), distance to market and larger crop losses resulting from human-wildlife conflicts. Further, we show that livelihoods strategies are important for deforestation. Therefore, the commitments to reducing small-scale deforestation may be favored by a good consideration of factors that drive households’ livelihoods strategies. We find out that spatial issues seem to be important. Proximity among households yields spatial shift effects and spatial spillover effects that are likely to amplify small-scale deforestation. We also argue that, cross-cutting solutions towards a sustainable landscape considering these three crucial issues involve optimizing trade-off between households’ livelihoods strategies, forest and the natural habitats of fauna. Therefore, the issues of community land security, of where natural habitat is needed and of how it should be managed are at the core of the problem. For example, decision-makers should proceed with the integration of large mammals mobility corridors far away from the community settlements in order to enhance zero-conflict-oriented elephant habitats; corridors should be consistently placed relatively to high elephant-concentration zones without crossing into zones with denser human populations.
Cultural Courtesies: Decoding Politeness Formulas in the Aseer Dialect of Arabic

This study analyzes politeness formulas within the Aseer dialect of Arabic, employing Conceptual Metaphor Theory and the Embodiment Hypothesis as theoretical frameworks. With a dataset encompassing a total of 300 formulas, comprising 210 related to body parts and 90 linked to devotion formulas, the research unravel the conceptual metaphors and metonymies inherent in these expressions. The study elucidates the cultural alignment of these formulas and their consistency with societal norms, contributing to the preservation of oral heritage in the Aseer region. The findings highlight how human beings utilize metaphor metonymy to embody abstract ideas, emphasizing the cultural significance of these politeness formulas and their connection to the physical and cultural experiences of the Aseer community. The outcomes of the study do not only enhance our understanding of politeness formulas but also pave the way for cross-dialect and cross-linguistic comparisons and applications in various fields, such as cross-cultural pragmatics, ethnographic studies, semantic mapping, and cultural preservation.
Pioneering Astaxanthin-Tumor Cell Membrane Nanoparticles for Innovative Targeted Drug Delivery on Melanoma

Background Recently, the use of the tumor or its secretions as drug carriers has gradually become popular, with the advantages of high biocompatibility and enhanced drug delivery to specific cells. Melanoma is the most malignant tumor of all skin cancers; it is the most metastatic and, therefore, the most difficult to treat. The main purpose of this study is to develop nanovesicles with tumor cell membrane secretion properties to encapsulate target substances to enhance the therapeutic effect of cancer. Methods Astaxanthin was selected as an anticancer drug due to our previous research finding that astaxanthin has extremely high antioxidant, anti-ultraviolet damage, and anti-tumor properties. The manufacturing method of the astaxanthin nanovesicle carrier is to mix melanoma cells and astaxanthin in an appropriate ratio and then remove the genetic material and inflammatory factors of cancer cells by extrusion. Results In terms of results, after the co-culture of astaxanthin nanovesicles and melanoma cancer cells, it was confirmed that the ability of astaxanthin nanovesicles to inhibit the growth and metastasis of melanoma cancer cells was significantly better than the same amount of astaxanthin alone, and it had no effect on normal Human cells are also effective. There was no apparent harm on normal cells, indicating the ability of the vesicles to be selectively transported. Conclusion Our findings illustrated the potential of astaxanthin nanovesicles as an anticancer drug.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis-dependent monocyte expression quantitative trait loci, cytokine production, and TB pathogenesis

Introduction The heterogeneity of outcomes after Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) exposure is a conundrum associated with millennia of host-pathogen co-evolution. We hypothesized that human myeloid cells contain genetically encoded, Mtb-specific responses that regulate critical steps in tuberculosis (TB) pathogenesis. Methods We mapped genome-wide expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) in Mtb-infected monocytes with RNAseq from 80 Ugandan household contacts of pulmonary TB cases to identify monocyte-specific, Mtb-dependent eQTLs and their association with cytokine expression and clinical resistance to tuberculin skin test (TST) and interferon-γ release assay (IGRA) conversion. Results cis-eQTLs (n=1,567) were identified in Mtb-infected monocytes (FDR<0.01), including 29 eQTLs in 16 genes which were Mtb-dependent (significant for Mtb:genotype interaction [FDR<0.1], but not classified as eQTL in uninfected condition [FDR≥0.01]). A subset of eQTLs were associated with Mtb-induced cytokine expression (n=8) and/or clinical resistance to TST/IGRA conversion (n=1). Expression of BMP6, an Mtb-dependent eQTL gene, was associated with IFNB1 induction in Mtb-infected and DNA ligand-induced cells. Network and enrichment analyses identified fatty acid metabolism as a pathway associated with eQTL genes. Discussion These findings suggest that monocyte genes contain Mtb-dependent eQTLs, including a subset associated with cytokine expression and/or clinical resistance to TST/IGRA conversion, providing insight into immunogenetic pathways regulating susceptibility to Mtb infection and TB pathogenesis.
A Framework for Security Assessment of Android Mobile Banking Applications

Mobile banking applications make users' daily lives easier by allowing them to access banking services, such as balance inquiries and bill payments, anytime and anywhere. Since these applications manage very sensitive financial data, special attention must be paid to data security. Several works in the literature assess the security of mobile banking applications. However, we observe the lack of a widely adopted framework among researchers for assessing the security of mobile banking applications. In this paper, we propose a framework consisting of twenty-six criteria for assessing the security of Android mobile banking applications. These criteria are divided into five categories: mobile device security, data in transit, data storage, cryptographic misuse, and others. Subsequently, we evaluate the proposed framework based on predefined requirements. These requirements are no redundancy, no ambiguity, and comprehensiveness. As a case study, we assess the security of the Android mobile banking applications of seven major Canadian banks. The results show that data in transit is adequately protected by these applications.
Association of altitude and frailty in Chinese older adults: using a cumulative frailty index model

Objective The population is aging exponentially and the resulting frailty is becoming increasingly evident. We aimed to explore the association between altitude and frailty, and to identify associated factors for frailty. Methods This is a community-based cross-sectional survey. 1,298 participants aged ≥60 years from three different altitudes were included in the study. To quantify frailty, we constructed a frailty index (FI) and a frailty score (FS). The FI was divided into non-frailty, prefrailty, and frailty. The Odds Ratios and confidence intervals (ORs, 95%CIs) were used to evaluate the association between altitude and FI and FS in multivariate ordinal logistic regression and linear regression. Results There were 560 (53.1%) participants in the prefrailty and 488 (37.6%) in the frailty group. The FS increased with higher altitude (P for trend <0.001). Multivariate ordinal logistic regression analysis revealed an association between altitude and frailty, OR = 1.91 (95% CI: 1.38–2.64) in mid-high altitude and 2.49 (95% CI:1.40–4.45) in high altitude. The same trend of association was found in the univariate analysis. The FS increased by 1.69 (95% CI: 0.78–2.60) at mid-high altitude and 3.24 (95%CI:1.66–4.81) at high altitude compared to medium altitude. Conclusion The study indicates that high altitude exposure is an associated factor for frailty in older adults. This association become stronger with higher altitudes. As a result, it is essential to conduct early frailty screening for residents living at high altitudes.
How Academic Experiences and Educational Aspirations Relate to Well-Being and Health among Indigenous Sami Youth in Northern Norway

Increasingly, education occupies the lives of Indigenous adolescents worldwide. This qualitative study is part of the project “Circumpolar Indigenous Pathways to Adulthood” (CIPA), where the overall aim was to identify young people’s stressors in five circumpolar sites, and the resilience processes that safeguard transition into adulthood (Allen et al. 2014). The present study explores the everyday lives of young Sami in Northern Norway regarding educational demands and plans, related challenges and stressors and their impact on well-being, health and cultural continuity. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in 2010 (N=22) with reindeer husbandry affiliation (RH: 11) and non-reindeer husbandry affiliation (NRH: 11) adolescents, aged 13–19 (females: 12). School well-being was divided into educational factors (culture-based teaching, e.g. Sami handicraft and outdoor practices), environmental factors (e.g. school canteen) and social factors (e.g. caring teachers), while challenges and stressors were educational (e.g. getting good marks), environmental (e.g. noise) and social (e.g. bullying). Lower secondary school pupils called for more tradition-based teaching. Educational aspirations were highestamong females and NRH males. RH males generally planned to continue their traditional lifestyle and showed the strongest place attachment. We also address the maintenance of cultural continuity, which is important for the well-being and health of Indigenous youth.