Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Defining the ecological and physiological traits of phytoplankton across marine ecosystems

Marine phytoplankton are central players in the global carbon cycle, responsible for nearly half of global primary production. The identification of the factors controlling phytoplankton ecology, physiology, and, ultimately, bloom dynamics has been a central problem in the field of biological oceanography for the past century. Molecular approaches enable the direct examination of species-specific metabolic profiles in mixed, natural communities, a task which was previously intractable. In this thesis, I developed and applied novel analytical tools and bioinformatic pipelines to characterize the physiological response of phytoplankton to their environment at various levels of taxonomic grouping. An in silico Bayesian statistical approach was designed to identify stable reference genes from high-throughput sequence data for use in RT-qPCR assays or metatranscriptome studies. Using a metatranscriptomic approach, the role of resource partitioning in the coexistence of two closely related diatom species in an estuarine system was examined. This study demonstrated that co-occurring diatoms in a dynamic coastal system have apparent differences in their capacity to use nitrogen and phosphorus, and that these differences may facilitate the diversity of the phytoplankton. The second field study focused on the diatom, haptophyte, and dinoflagellate functional groups, using simulated blooms to characterize the traits that govern the magnitude and timing of phytoplankton blooms in the oligotrophic ocean. The results indicated that blooms form when phytoplankton are released from limitation by resources and that the mechanistic basis for the success of one functional group over another may be driven by how efficiently the transcriptome is modulated following a nutrient pulse. The final study looked at the sub-species level, examining the balance of phenotypic plasticity and strain diversity in the success of the coccolithophore Emiliania huxleyi. Results indicated strong control of nitrogen on the species complex and showed that nutrient resupply shifted the strain composition as well as transcript abundance of key biogeochemical genes involved in nutrient acquisition and the life stage of the population. Together, these studies demonstrate the breadth of information that can be garnered through the integration of molecular approaches with traditional biological oceanographic surveys, with each illuminating fundamental questions around phytoplankton ecology and bloom formation. Thesis Supervisor: Sonya T. Dyhrman Title: Associate Professor of Earth & Environmental Science Columbia University Thesis Supervisor: Elizabeth B. Kujawinski Title: Associate Scientist with Tenure Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Proximate composition, levels of heavy metals and their associated risk assessment in ginger (Zingiber officinale roscoe)

Ginger is a medicinal plant widely used as a spice and botanically categorized in the Zingiberaceae family, Zingiber genus, and officinale species. Natural and anthropogenic sources can discharge heavy metals into the environment from which they enter the human body through food, water, air, and skin contact and cause detrimental health effects. In this study, ginger samples were randomly collected from five kebeles in Ilubabor and Bunno Bedelle zones, Southwest Ethiopia, from which a composite sample was made for analysis. Microwave-assisted digestion was carried out using concentrated nitric acid in the presence of hydrogen peroxide followed by atomic absorption spectrometer detection using different Association of Analytical Chemists, AOAC methods. Proximate analysis was performed with different standard operating procedures. The mean levels of heavy metals were 0.009 mg/kg for Arsenic, Chromium, and Lead and 0.01 mg/kg for cadmium while 578.2 mg/kg was obtained for iron. Proximate composition analysis shows 82.89%, 2.00%, 0.07%%, 1.63%, 3.42%, 9.99%, and 48.59 kcal for moisture, crude protein, crude fat, ash, crude fiber, carbohydrate, and energy, respectively. The validated method had acceptable linearity (R2 = 0.9978 - 0.9993), the limit of detection (8.18x10-5 - 0.0075), the limit of quantification (2.7x10-4 - 0.025), recovery (75 - 106.87%) and precision (4.77 - 13.97 %). The hazard index (HI) of the metals was less than one showing insignificant non-carcinogenic risk from exposure to a single or multiple possibly toxic elements from the studied ginger samples.
Time-Course Changes in Speciation and Solubility of Cadmium in Reduced and Oxidized Paddy Soils

A prolonged flooding during rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivation is recommended to immobilize soil Cd by the formation of CdS under anoxic conditions. The problem with this recommended practice is that it reduces rice yields compared with intermittent flooding, which is less effective at immobilizing CdS through reductive precipitation. This study investigated the solubility of Cd in relation to chemical speciation of Cd and S and soil redox potential through a time series of measurements during a 29-d reduction period followed by a 20-d oxidation period using X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy and chemical extraction. Two Aquent soils with different S levels in water- and oxalate-extractable fractions (hereafter low-S and high-S soils) were used to investigate the formation and dissolution of CdS. In the reducing period, the CdS proportion in the high-S soil rapidly increased to 30% at Day 4 and reached 90% at Day 29, whereas CdS in the low-S soil did not exceed 35%. In the following oxidizing period, CdS in the soils underwent oxidative dissolution but was not completely dissolved, remaining at 435 mV and 38-fold greater for the high-S soil at Eh >529 mV. This result indicates that each soil has a threshold Eh value at which the solubility of Cd is drastically altered during the course of soil reduction and oxidation processes.
Towards an event stratigraphy for Baltic Sea sediments deposited since AD 1900: approaches and challenges

Reconstructions of environmental changes at sub‐decadal to decadal resolution based on central Baltic Sea sediments rely on accurate and precise high‐resolution sediment depth/age relationships. A model chronology for Baltic Sea sediments is presented here based on established historical records of anthropogenic radionuclides (137Cs/241Am/bomb14C), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), lead (Pb) and stable lead isotope (206/207Pb ratios), and radionuclide 210Pb and 14C decay dating methods. Marker horizons consisting of chemical precipitates formed by documented Major Baltic Inflow (MBIs) events and an extended diatom bloom period were also integrated into the model. The main time markers in Baltic Sea sediments that formed during the last 120 years were the following: (i) the deepest observation of 210Pbunsupp. (marking the 210Pb dating horizon) and departure of Hg from natural background levels at c. AD 1900; (ii) first detectable presence of PCBs at AD 1935; (iii) radionuclide production (i.e. 241Am) due to nuclear weapons testing between AD 1954 and AD 1975, with a peak in AD 1963; (iv) maximum heavy metal and PCB concentrations in the AD 1960s/1970s; (v) the Chernobyl nuclear accident in AD 1986 as a sharp 137Cs increase; (vi) exceptionally strong diatom blooms with a massive diatom layer found in the Eastern Gotland Basin in AD 1988–1990; and (vii) characteristic manganese‐carbonate layers in the deeper central basins formed by MBIs in AD 1993 and AD 2003. A precise and accurate sediment depth/age relationship can only be achieved in restricted areas of the Baltic Sea where continuous sedimentation has prevailed and there has been limited postdepositional disturbance. We demonstrate that parallel Hg and 137Cs measurements can be used to assess the quality of sediment sequences for high‐resolution environmental reconstructions. We show examples of sediment profiles that conform to the historical record, and examples from Western Baltic Sea areas where it appears to be impossible to establish accurate geochronologies.
Competency of Science Vocational Teachers in the Industrial Revolution 4.0 Era

Vocational education is used to prepare students to be ready to work both in their own environment or in the community, so the main mission of educators and policy makers is to form a strong foundation for students in the learning process, mastery and application of academic skills and the application of concepts that needed. The purpose of this study is vocational teacher competence in the era of industrial revolution 4.0 in SMKN 1 Sei Menggaris and vocational teacher competency in Indonesia today, especially in SMKN 1 Sei Menggaris. The method used in descriptive qualitative research, with data analysis techniques is the Interactive Model Analysis. The results of the research obtained are first: Competencies needed by Science vocational teachers in the current industrial revolution era 4.0 are global language mastery, teamwork, having competencies in accordance with DUDI, mastery of technology with familiarize themselves with ICTs using ICT, mastering teacher competencies, can teach effectively, have competencies in management and class organization, organize learning both theory and practice, and integrate theory with practice. Both vocational teacher competencies have been well implemented at Wonosari Vocational High School 2.
Can Virtual Reality be Used for the Prevention of Peer Sexual Harassment in Adolescence? First Evaluation of the Virtual-PRO Program

ABSTRACT Objective: The present study analyzed the Virtual-PRO program’s efficacy in preventing peer sexual harassment by promoting the bystanders’ active intervention and incorporating a virtual reality (VR) component. The impact of the program on sexist attitudes, moral disengagement, the intention to intervene as bystanders, and the involvement in sexual aggression and victimization was tested. Method: Virtual-PRO is a VR-enhanced sexual harassment curricular prevention program of six one-hour sessions. The evaluation comprised a pre-test, a post-test after the intervention, and a follow-up measure at three months. In the study, 579 Spanish adolescent students aged between 12 and 17 years (M = 14.76, SD = 0.88; 47.1% boys) were randomly grouped into experimental (n = 286) and control (n = 293) conditions. Results: The Virtual-PRO program effectively controlled participants’ levels of sexism and reduced moral disengagement in the experimental group compared to the control group three months after the intervention. The program also showed positive results in changing bystander behavior, increasing the intention to intervene when the victim was not a friend. Finally, visual/verbal and online victimization decreased in the experimental group and increased in the control group. No differences were found for physical sexual victimization and sexual aggression. Conclusions: The first trial of the Virtual-PRO program is promising and highlights the use of VR as a sexual harassment prevention tool. Follow-up measures are essential to determine the impact of interventions accurately.
Forecasting Development of Medical Services Market in the Context of Model-Based Innovation Economy

The relevance of the article is due to the current stage of worldwide medical services development. The global nature of innovation development and digital technologies have affected all spheres of human activity, including medicine. On the other hand, the increasing role of social aspects in economic development forms new tasks in the development of healthcare. It should become of a better quality and more accessible. The paper used general scientific and special research methods. Among the special research methods, we used mathematical methods: statistical research, correlation and regression analysis. This article presents the results of forecasting the development of the medical services market in the Khorezm region of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the mid-term perspective. The mathematical model of forecasting the development of the medical services market took into account such factors as the number of private clinics, the number of employees of medical organizations, the real cost of medical services in constant prices, the number of operating hospital facilities, real total income per capita in constant prices of organizations, total income per capita in constant prices. Correlation analysis showed a high, stable relationship between the indicators. Regression analysis allowed to determine the forecast parameters of the market of medical services in the Khorezm region of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The reliability of calculations was checked by Student’s t-test and Durbin-Watson statistic test. Increasing the quality of life of the population in the region is the basis for increasing demand for quality health services and will lead to the growth of the private sector of health services.
Deriving Design Rules for Personalization of Soft Rehabilitation Gloves

Soft actuators developed for hand rehabilitation show promise, but their practical application requires addressing individual differences and establishing suitable design rules. While joint modular soft actuators offer flexibility for diverse hand dimensions, existing performance validations have only examined a limited number of actuator sizes and neglected crucial factors like joint alignment. Customization efforts have lacked standardization, relying on a trial-and-error approach. Therefore, this study systematically evaluates the impact of actuator design parameters (size and mounting position) on joint range of motion (ROM) and torque, proposing novel design rules based on linear optimization. Experimental assessments, conducted on dummy fingers emulating human biomechanics, provide profound insights into the intricate interplay of design parameters and support performance. The findings strongly advocate maintaining a reference position for stable support, irrespective of actuator size, emphasizing the need to align the actuator with the joint center. The proposed design rules incorporate user-specific finger information, offering customized design rules. Proportionate actuator lengths to single-phalangeal length (PsPL), Proportionate actuator lengths to multi-phalangeal length (PmPL), Proportionate actuator lengths to Range of Motion (PROM), and the Traditional Method are systematically compared. Assistive performances (ROM and torque) and trajectory analysis reveal that the PsPL-designed actuator exhibits the most stable and natural assistive performance. This study emphasizes the importance of understanding actuator deformations for personalized adaptation, providing valuable insights for advancements in assistive and rehabilitative technologies.
The Anthroposophic Art of Ernesto Genoni, Goetheanum, 1924

Ernesto Genoni (1885-1975) was a pioneer of biodynamic and organic farming in Australia. He was the first Australian member of Rudolf Steiner’s Experimental Circle of Anthroposophic Farmers & Gardeners (joining in 1928). Others in Ernesto’s set joined the Experimental Circle, including his eldest brother, Emilio (in 1930), Ruby Macpherson (in 1935), and her niece, Ileen Macpherson (in 1936). Ernesto and Ileen founded and farmed Australia’s original ‘Demeter Farm’ (from 1935). However biodynamic and organic farming was but one aspect of Ernesto’s life. Ernesto trained for five years in classical art at the prestigious Brera Academy of Fine Art in Milan (Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera). Ernesto spent the year 1924 at Dornach, Switzerland, the headquarters of Rudolf Steiner’s Anthroposophy movement, where he experimented with painting “in the anthroposophic way”. The works presented here and in the exhibition, Angels of the First Class, are believed to be those works. Eleven images (image 1 and images 5 through 14) were recently revealed stored in a folder in a private collection along with Ernesto’s personal poster of the first Goetheanum (image 4). Images 15 and 16 are from two other private collections and are included here (and in the exhibition) because, by size, content, and style, they appear to be part of Ernesto’s suite of Anthroposophic paintings of 1924. A century ago, Ernesto joined the AIF in Western Australia and served as a stretcher bearer on the killing fields of the Western Front in 1916, in the battles of the Somme and Pozieres. From the battlefield, he was conscripted into the Italian Army, and he was eventually demobilised in Italy in 1919. In 1923 , Ernesto was still in Italy. From Milan, he wrote to Rudolf Steiner offering his labour for advancing the Anthroposophy project at Dornach. Ernesto arrived there early in 1924 and successfully applied to Dr Steiner for acceptance into the First Class (Erste Klasse der Freien Hochschule fur Geisteswissenschaft). The First Class was Steiner’s new course of instruction in Spiritual Science for Anthroposophists who were established in their practice. Steiner held these classes from 15 February through to 20 September of 1924. In 1926, Ernesto migrated to Australia (after two previous visits) with the intention of exhibiting his art - most probably his classical style oil paintings - but he was thwarted in this plan by the prevailing Depression. In Australia, Ernesto co-founded the Michael Group in Melbourne (Anthroposophy meetings beginning in 1928) for the study of Steiner’s works. He taught the First Class in Melbourne and Adelaide.
Antagonistic and auxin-dependent phosphoregulation of columella PIN proteins controls lateral root gravitropic setpoint angle in Arabidopsis

Lateral roots of many species are maintained at non-vertical angles with respect to gravity. These gravitropic setpoint angles (GSAs) are intriguing because their maintenance requires that roots are able to effect gravitropic response both with and against the gravity vector. Here we have used the Arabidopsis lateral root in order to investigate the molecular basis of the maintenance of non-vertical GSAs. We show that gravitropism in the lateral root is angle-dependent and that both upward and downward graviresponse requires auxin transport and the generation of auxin asymmetries consistent with the Cholodny-Went model. We show that the symmetry in auxin distribution in lateral roots growing at GSA can be traced back to a net, balanced polarization of PIN3 and PIN7 auxin transporters in the columella cells. Further, upward and downward graviresponse in lateral roots correlates with corresponding changes in PIN3 and PIN7 polar localisation. Finally, we show that auxin, in addition to driving tropic growth in the lateral root, acts within the columella to regulate GSA via the PIN phosphatase subunit RCN1 in a PIN3-dependent and PIN7-independent manner. Together, these findings provide a molecular framework for understanding gravity-dependent nonvertical growth in Arabidopsis lateral roots.
Health Information Seeking Behaviour in University Students Sri Lanka

Health Information Seeking Behaviour (HISB) refers to the action individuals take to fulfil their health-related information needs. In today's information-rich world, understanding HISB has become crucial for developing effective strategies in information-seeking and health management. For university students, efficient HISB can alleviate health-related anxiety, enhance risk management, promote self-care, and empower informed decision-making, all of which can positively impact academic performance. The findings unveiled intriguing patterns in information source preferences, with 46.2% of students turning to the Internet as their primary source, 41% relying on interpersonal networks, and 13% consulting healthcare professionals. Notably, no students reported using mass media platforms for health information. Gender, year of study, degree program, physical activity, health literacy, self-efficacy, and perceived severity of health problems exhibited significant associations with the choice of information sources. For instance, male students preferred the Internet, while female students leaned towards consulting healthcare professionals and interpersonal networks. Second-year students primarily used the internet, while final-year students sought advice from family and friends. Those who work-activity turned to healthcare professionals, whereas sports-activity favoured the internet. Furthermore, students with low work activity showed reduced odds of using the internet. Interestingly, sports activity had a significant impact only among internet information seekers. Students with moderate health literacy were more inclined to consult family and friends. This comprehensive study provides valuable insights into the factors affecting HISB among university students, offering a nuanced understanding of their information-seeking behaviour. These findings have implications for health education and interventions promoting informed and responsible health-related decision-making among young adults.
Development of Interactive Multimedia Using Android-based Ispring Suite and Integrated Webquiz Kahoot for Temperature and Heat Material

Research on the development of interactive multimedia using Android-based Ispring Suite and integrating Webquiz Kahoot on temperature and heat material, which aims to analyze the level of validity and practicality of the developed multimedia. The research was conducted using the R&D method through a 4-D model (Define, Design, Development, and Disseminate). However, this research is limited to the development stage because it is focused on knowing the level of validity and practicality of the product. The definition stage includes front-end analysis, analysis of student needs, and formulation indicators of competence attainment. The design stage includes making an outline, a flowchart, and a storyboard, choosing a supporting platform, and selecting the type of writing. The development stage includes making products, conducting validation tests by material and media expert validators, and conducting practical tests involving XI IPA 1 and XI IPA 3 classes as research subjects and high school physics educators. The results showed that the validation results for material experts and media experts were 0,94 and 0,92 in the very valid category, while the average percentage of practicality was 97,5% in the very practical category. The developed interactive multimedia can be used in the learning process on temperature and heat material for class XI IPA, and it is hoped that using this multimedia can improve student learning outcomes.
Raman lidar/AERI PBL Height Product

Planetary Boundary Layer (PBL) heights have been computed using potential temperature profiles derived from Raman lidar and AERI measurements. Raman lidar measurements of the rotational Raman scattering from nitrogen and oxygen are used to derive vertical profiles of potential temperature. AERI measurements of downwelling radiance are used in a physical retrieval approach (Smith et al. 1999, Feltz et al. 1998) to derive profiles of temperature and water vapor. The Raman lidar and AERI potential temperature profiles are merged to create a single potential temperature profile for computing PBL heights. PBL heights were derived from these merged potential temperature profiles using a modified Heffter (1980) technique that was tailored to the SGP site (Della Monache et al., 2004). PBL heights were computed on an hourly basis for the period January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2011. These heights are provided as meters above ground level.