Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Use of Polyurethane Composites with Sensing Polymers as New Coating Materials for Surface Acoustic Wave-Based Chemical Sensors—Part I: Analysis of the Coating Results, Sensing Responses and Adhesion of the Coating Layers of Polyurethane–Polybutylmethacrylate Composites

The sensing layers for surface acoustic wave-based (SAW) sensors are the main factor in defining the selectivity and reproducibility of the responses of the sensor systems. Among the materials used as sensing layers for SAW sensors, polymers present a wide range of advantages, from availability to a large choice of chemical-sensing environments. However, depending on the physical–chemical properties of the polymer, issues about the chemical and mechanical stability of the sensing layer have been reported that can compromise the application of sensor systems in the long-term. The sensor properties are defined basically by the properties of the coating material and the quality of the coating process. The strategy used to improve the properties of polymeric coating layers for SAW technology involved the use of polyurethane (PU) in combination with a second polymer that is responsible for the sensing properties of the resulting layer; this is obtained by a reproducible and robust coating procedure. In this first part of our research, we used polymer composites of different compositions of polybutylmetacrylate (PBMA) as the sensing polymer with polyurethane. The analysis of the coating (ultrasonic parameters), the relative sensor responses and the adhesion results for the PU–PBMA composites were determined. The ultrasonic analysis and the relative sensor responses showed very reproducible and precise results, indicating the reproducibility and robustness of the coating process. Accurate correlations between the results of the ultrasonic parameters due to the coating and the relative sensor responses for the organic analytes analyzed were obtained, showing a precise quantitative relationship between the results and the constitution of the composite coating materials. The composites show practically no significant sensor responses to water. The PU–PBMA composites substantially enhanced adhesion to the surface of the piezoelectric sensor element in comparison to the coating with pure PBMA, without loss of its sensing properties. Other PU–polymer composites will be presented in the future, as well as an analysis of the selectivity for the organic analytes for these types of coating materials.
Limited Clinical Utility of Routine Mycobacterial Cultures for the Management of Diabetic Foot Infections

Abstract Mycobacterial infections of the foot and ankle are uncommon. In a cohort of 2340 patients with diabetic foot infection (DFI) in a region with increased prevalence of mycobacterial disease, we identified no clinically significant positive cultures over a 3-year period. Routine mycobacterial culture of DFIs is of limited clinical utility.
Unveiling the inhibition mechanism of Clostridioides difficile by Bifidobacterium longum via multiomics approach

Antibiotic-induced gut microbiota disruption constitutes a major risk factor for Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). Further, antibiotic therapy, which is the standard treatment option for CDI, exacerbates gut microbiota imbalance, thereby causing high recurrent CDI incidence. Consequently, probiotic-based CDI treatment has emerged as a long-term management and preventive option. However, the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of probiotics for CDI remain uninvestigated, thereby creating a knowledge gap that needs to be addressed. To fill this gap, we used a multiomics approach to holistically investigate the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of probiotics for CDI at a molecular level. We first screened Bifidobacterium longum owing to its inhibitory effect on C. difficile growth, then observed the physiological changes associated with the inhibition of C. difficile growth and toxin production via a multiomics approach. Regarding the mechanism underlying C. difficile growth inhibition, we detected a decrease in intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis due to B. longum–produced lactate and a subsequent decrease in (deoxy)ribonucleoside triphosphate synthesis. Via the differential regulation of proteins involved in translation and protein quality control, we identified B. longum–induced proteinaceous stress. Finally, we found that B. longum suppressed the toxin production of C. difficile by replenishing proline consumed by it. Overall, the findings of the present study expand our understanding of the mechanisms by which probiotics inhibit C. difficile growth and contribute to the development of live biotherapeutic products based on molecular mechanisms for treating CDI.
Stratification of βSβ+ Compound Heterozygotes Based on L-Glutamine Administration and RDW: Focusing on Disease Severity

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is heterogeneous in terms of manifestation severity, even more so when in compound heterozygosity with beta-thalassemia. The aim of the present study was to stratify βSβ+ patient blood samples in a severity-dependent manner. Blood from thirty-two patients with HbS/β-thalassemia compound heterozygosity was examined for several parameters (e.g., hemostasis, inflammation, redox equilibrium) against healthy controls. Additionally, SCD patients were a posteriori (a) categorized based on the L-glutamine dose and (b) clustered into high-/low-RDW subgroups. The patient cohort was characterized by anemia, inflammation, and elevated coagulation. Higher-dose administration of L-glutamine was associated with decreased markers of inflammation and oxidation (e.g., intracellular reactive oxygen species) and an altered coagulation profile. The higher-RDW group was characterized by increased hemolysis, elevated markers of inflammation and stress erythropoiesis, and oxidative phenomena (e.g., membrane-bound hemoglobin). Moreover, the levels of hemostasis parameters (e.g., D-Dimers) were greater compared to the lower-RDW subgroup. The administration of higher doses of L-glutamine along with hydroxyurea seems to attenuate several features in SCD patients, probably by enhancing antioxidant power. Moreover, anisocytosis may alter erythrocytes’ coagulation processes and hemolytic propensity. This results in the disruption of the redox and pro-/anti-inflammatory equilibria, creating a positive feedback loop by inducing stress erythropoiesis and, thus, the occurrence of a mixed erythrocyte population.
Role of phytochemicals and secondary metabolites from Mentha spicata in acetylcholine esterase inhibition for effective pest control of Tetranychus urticae Koch

ABSTRACT The two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch) poses a significant threat to global food production. However, the environmental risks associated with synthetic pesticides have necessitated the exploration of eco-friendly alternatives. Plant-based biopesticides utilizing secondary metabolites have emerged as promising strategies for pest management. This study aimed to extract and characterize Mentha spicata L. through biochemical analyses, GC-MS, and LC-QTOF-MS. The extract’s acaricidal, oviposition deterrence, and repellent properties were evaluated against Tetranychus urticae, revealing a pronounced time- and concentration-dependent effect over 96 hours, with an LC50 of 3 µg/mL. Furthermore, the impact of the extract on plant growth was assessed using tomato plants, demonstrating an enhancement in growth rate based on photosynthesis, weight, and oxidative stress markers analyses. Polyphenolics and terpenoids in M. spicata were identified as contributors to its biological activities, including antioxidant and free-radical scavenging properties. Molecular docking experiments targeting acetylcholine esterase (AChE) were conducted on the identified phytocompounds, indicating a high affinity for δ-3-Carene and Isoferuloyl C1 glucuronide. The pesticidal effects of these compounds were attributed to their competitive and synergistic inhibition of AChE. These findings highlight the potential of plant extracts, specifically M. spicata, as effective biopesticides in future pest control strategies. The utilization of secondary metabolites from plant sources offers a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to combatting T. urticae infestations.
Analysis of Walmart's Marketing Strategy Based on STP Theory

Walmart is a retail industry leader, and its growth and success have given the company a measure of reference significance. Analyzing the retail industry's current market condition, resolving the challenge, and providing strategic reference for other businesses may all be accomplished by studying Walmart's approach to marketing. This study examines the following aspects of Walmart's marketing strategy through literature review and analysis method: market segmentation, market target, and market positioning, with an eye on the theory underlying each of them. The research concluded that Walmart used population, geography, and the purchasing power of different consumer groups to divide the market into distinct segments, and that the company used both a generic marketing strategy and a more targeted marketing strategy to meet customer demand for its low prices and convenient locations. Walmart has made tactical tweaks to the aforementioned marketing methods to account for the ever-shifting nature of the market. In order to pursue the sustainable development of businesses, the paper adopts a more complex and humanized segmentation principle, modifies the market target strategy and market positioning, and upgrades the positioning to energy conservation and environmental protection.
Unsupervised Multi-Spectrum Stereo Depth Estimation for All-Day Vision

Over recent years, there has been an increase in research interest regarding depth estimation using multiple-spectrum images from Visible-Light (VIS) and Thermal-Infrared (TIR) cameras. Depth estimation with multi-spectrum images has the potential for more reliable depth estimation under varying illumination conditions. However, most of the existing multi-spectrum depth estimation methods rely on the supervision of ground-truth depth information or other additional complex labels or equipment, resulting in limited convenience for practical application. To address these challenges, we propose a new unsupervised all-day depth estimation framework with multi-spectrum stereo images, specifically, a thermal image (acting as the right view) and a visible-light image (acting as the left view), and they are denoted as a single frame of multi-spectrum stereo sequences. The network uses multiple frames of multi-spectrum stereo images as input during training and a single frame of multi-spectrum stereo images as input for testing. We improve the depth estimation accuracy by combining the intra-spectrum temporal consistency and the cross-spectrum spatial consistency. A unique self-teacher structure is integrated to augment the quality of nighttime depth estimation using daytime image data. Simultaneously, we release a large multi-spectrum stereo dataset, which includes TIR-VIS stereo images collected during the day and night. Experimental results reveal that our method achieves a significant improvement in all-day depth estimation by effectively utilizing multi-spectrum stereo images.
IMPACT OF BRAND IDENTITY COMPONENTS ON UNIVERSITY BRAND IMAGEIN HO CHI MINH CITY

We all see that newly established schools, the building of identity and brand image becomes more urgent and needs more attention than schools that have existed for many years. However, HUTECH University established in 1995, has undergone certain changes that require repositioning with the brand image. Therefore, the choice of educational institutions for this case study becomes more significant. The results of the study show that the factors that make up brand identity, which affect the brand image of HUTECH University from high to low, are: Brand Relevance (BRL) β= 0.357; Teaching Staff (TS) β=0.287; Brand Reputation (BRP) β= 0.200; Brand Personality (BPS) β=0.182; Brand Relationship (BRT) β=0.073; Brand Performance (BPF) β= 0.044; and Educational Opportunity (EF) β= 0.039.
Interacting with nature in and through boundary crossing learning: A case of bioart-making

ABSTRACT Background The ongoing transformation of the interplay between human beings and nature calls for new ways of learning. Although established educational practices merging sciences and arts have been studied before, the focus has been mainly on science or technology-discipline-orientated aspects. More research is needed on the characteristics of learning that address nature and the biological through art-based practices. Methods Utilizing a case study approach, a week-long multidisciplinary project developed around bioart-making, and implemented in a Finnish upper secondary school, was scrutinized. The main data consisted of transcribed participant interviews and textual and visual material from a project blog. The data were analyzed using qualitative theory-driven content analysis to describe and understand the cross-boundary processes and human-nature interactions taking place within the project. Findings Bioart-making constituted as a boundary object bringing together different understandings of nature. Identification, coordination, reflection, and transformation processes on different levels emerged as a part of and as an outcome of bioart-making. In and through these, learners interacted with nature through intertwined events of material-experiential utilization, cognitive knowledge-building, emotional connecting, and philosophical reflection. Contribution This paper advances the theoretical discussion on integrative art-based practices’ potential, especially in relation to learning that addresses nature and the biological.
The ASTER Imaging Rock and Soil Information Extraction Method in Multiple Vegetations Covered Areas

Altered mineral and rock mapping in vegetation covered areas, especially in multiple vegetations covered areas, is quite difficult. The utilization of linear spectral separation technique can extract vegetation types from vegetation, rock and soil mixtures, and subtract spectra of various vegetation types, with the remaining spectra being spectra of rocks and soils. After that, the soil and rock spectra can be restored according to the allotment. The test of this method in the study area shows that the mineral and rock mapping result is reliable. The method can be used extensively in the altered mineral and rock mapping work of the vegetation covered areas.
Fabrication, characterization, and in vivo implantation of eugenol-loaded nanogels and PCL/Cs electrospun nanofibers for wound healing applications

Developing wound dressings with a high potential to cover damaged skin tissue and facilitate cell adhesion and migration at the injury site is crucial in skin tissue engineering to accelerate wound healing. Electrospun nanofibers from natural/synthetic polymers are amongst the favorable wound dressings with appropriate physicochemical and biological properties. As well, nanoformulations of phenolic phytochemical “eugenol” have been shown to fasten wound healing via various anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. Herein, we developed a bi-component wound dressing of PCL/Cs electrospun nanofibers and eugenol nanogel to investigate its effects on tissue healing in vivo. PCL/Cs nanofibers were fabricated using an electrospinning method at the 15:1 ratio, and eugenol-loaded nanogels were synthesized by adding carboxymethylcellulose as the gelling agent, and their physicochemical characteristics were assessed. Scaffolds were implanted in a full-thickness excision wound model in Wistar rats, followed up for 21 days. The results showed that electrospun nanofibers had an average diameter of 228 nm with uniform and smooth morphology aligned randomly. Eugenol-loaded nanogel showed an average size distribution of 126 nm. Eugenol-loaded nanogel and nanogel + nanofiber groups significantly reduced wound surface area over 21 days. Histological evaluations showed that Eugenol-loaded nanogel and nanogel + nanofiber groups developed the full-thickness epidermis with the complete epithelium and stratum corneum, angiogenesis, and low macrophage infiltration in which predominantly mature collagen fibers were poorly and well organized, respectively. The combination of eugenol-loaded nanogel + PCL/Cs nanofiber accelerated wound healing by reducing inflammation, and edema along with enhancing angiogenesis, collagen synthesis, and re-epithelialization. Graphical Abstract
DESIGNING A DECISION-SUPPORT TOOL FOR HARVEST MANAGEMENT OF GREAT LAKES LAKE WHITEFISH (COREGONUS CLUPEAFORMIS) IN A CHANGING CLIMATE

DESIGNING A DECISION-SUPPORT TOOL FOR HARVEST MANAGEMENT OF GREAT LAKES LAKE WHITEFISH (COREGONUS CLUPEAFORMIS) IN A CHANGING CLIMATE By Abigail Julia Lynch Fisheries are a vitally important renewable resource if managed sustainably (i.e., with harvest at a rate that does not deplete population levels and allows for future use). Climate change is expected to impact fish, fisheries, and the communities dependent upon them by altering fish habitat which will shift the distribution and abundance of fish populations. Changes to fish distribution and abundance will challenge current fisheries management practices and highlight the need for new adaptive approaches to manage the ecological, social, and economic impacts of climate change on fisheries. Decision-support tools can assist fishermen and fisheries managers make more informed management choices related to climate change. Using the Laurentian Great Lakes as a case-study, and specifically the Lake Whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis) fishery in the 1836 Treaty Waters of Lakes Huron, Michigan, and Superior, the objectives of this dissertation were to: 1) Review the physical and biological mechanisms by which cold-, cool-, and warmwater fish species will be affected by climate change in the Great Lakes; 2) Examine the feasibility of decision-support tools for fishery management in the context of climate change; 3) Survey Lake Whitefish fishermen, fishery researchers, and fishery managers to document need and willingness to implement a decision-support tool for harvest management of Lake Whitefish and climate change; and, 4) Develop a model of Lake Whitefish recruitment including climatic relationships and project recruitment with climate change. By the end of the 21st century, the Great Lakes will be warmer, wetter, winder, with less ice cover. Changes to the Great Lakes climate will change habitat for Great Lakes fishes, including Lake Whitefish. Lake Whitefish recruitment has been linked to climate variables, specifically temperature, wind speed, and ice cover. A mechanistic model confirmed a positive relationship between Lake Whitefish recruitment and temperature and ice cover and a negative relationship between Lake Whitefish recruitment and wind speed using corrected Akaike’s Information Criterion for model selection. Surveying Lake Whitefish fishermen, researchers, and managers showed that those affiliated with the fishery support the use of decision-support tools can assist this fishery integrate science into management. The survey recommendations were used to develop the decision-support tool for the Lake Whitefish climate-recruitment relationship with climate projections. Some management units will expect up to a 50% decline and others up to a 220% increase in Lake Whitefish recruitment because of spatial variability in the climate-recruitment relationships and climate projections.
Application of Logging Data to the Sediment Size-Grading Inversion

Rock particle-size and grading are the main features of sedimentary rocks, and also the main indicators to evaluate the deposition environment and ancient geographical analysis of the sediment. Meanwhile, its also the controlling factors that influence sediments diagenetic environment and physical property. Because of the widely use of PDC bit, there is a greater error between logging lithology and size grade, which has restricted the further development of geologic research. By utilizing GR, CNL, DEN, DT and resistivity curves, we Abstract the parameters M, N, which is sensitive to particle size and lithology, and another parameters-the ratio of deep resistivity and shallow resistivity, combining with the particle-size analysis data of core. Then, we establish the inversion model for particle size of sediment through logging geology analysing. The field data processing and contrast of core data has proved this model feasible in inverting the sedimentary particle-size, and providing a sequential size graded profile.
Development of a Time-Domain, Variable-Period Surface-Wave Magnitude Measurement Procedure for Application at Regional and Teleseismic Distances, Part II: Application and Ms–mb Performance

The Russell surface-wave magnitude formula, developed in Part I of this two-part article, and the M_s(VMAX) measurement technique, discussed in this article, provide a new method for estimating variable-period surface-wave magnitudes at regional and teleseismic distances. The M_s(VMAX) measurement method consists of applying Butterworth bandpass filters to data at center periods between 8 and 25 sec. The filters are designed to help remove the effects of nondispersed Airy phases at regional and teleseismic distances. We search for the maximum amplitude in all of the variable-period bands and then use the Russell formula to calculate a surface-wave magnitude. In this companion article, we demonstrate the capabilities of the method by using applications to three different datasets. The first application utilizes a dataset that consists of large earthquakes in the Mediterranean region. The results indicate that the M_s(VMAX) technique provides regional and teleseismic surface-wave magnitude estimates that are in general agreement except for a small distance dependence of −0.002 magnitude units per degree. We also find that the M_s(VMAX) estimates are less than 0.1 magnitude unit different than those from other formulas applied at teleseismic distances such as Rezapour and Pearce (1998) and Vanĕk et al. (1962). In the second and third applications of the method, we demonstrate that measurements of M_s(VMAX) versus m_b provide adequate separation of the explosion and earthquake populations at the Nevada and Lop Nor Test Sites. At the Nevada Test Site, our technique resulted in the misclassification of two earthquakes in the explosion population. We also determined that the new technique reduces the scatter in the magnitude estimates by 25% when compared with our previous studies using a calibrated regional magnitude formula. For the Lop Nor Test Site, we had no misclassified explosions or earthquakes; however, the data were less comprehensive. A preliminary analysis of Eurasian earthquake and explosion data suggest that similar slopes are obtained for observed M_s(VMAX) versus m_b data with m_b <5. Thus the data are not converging at lower magnitudes. These results suggest that the discrimination of explosions from earthquakes can be achieved at lower magnitudes using the Russell (2006) formula and the M_s(VMAX) measurement technique.