Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bacteriome analysis of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans-JP2 genotype-associated Grade C periodontitis in Moroccan adolescents

Background Grade C (previously aggressive) periodontitis (GCP) in adolescents is prevalent in certain parts of Africa where it is associated with JP2 genotype, a highly virulent strain of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. The aim of this study was to characterize the subgingival bacteriome in Moroccan subjects with GCP positive to A. actinomycetemcomitans JP2 genotype. Methods Subgingival plaque samples were collected from shallow and deep pockets of 8 subjects with GCP (17.2 ± 1.5 years) and from gingival sulci of 13 controls with no periodontitis (14.6 ± 1.1 years). Identification and genotyping of A. actinomycetemcomitans was performed using PCR analysis of the ltx operon, while bacteriome profiling was done by 16S rRNA gene sequencing (V1–V3 region). Groups were compared in terms of microbial diversity, abundances, and dysbiosis. Results The shallow and deep pocket sites from GCP cases had a significantly altered microbial composition compared to controls. Species associated with health included Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Lautropia mirabilis, Streptococcus spp. , Gemella spp. , and Rothia spp. While known periodontal pathogens, including Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Treponema spp. and Fretibacterium spp. , were significantly enriched in GCP, non-conventional taxa, including Pseudomonas oral taxon C61 and Enterobacter cloacae were more abundant and showed stronger association with the disease. Less significant differences in abundances of individual taxa were observed between shallow and deep pockets. Overall dysbiosis measured in terms of Subgingival Microbial Dysbiosis Index (SMDI) differentiated between GCP and no-periodontitis with 95% accuracy. Conclusions The results suggest that several periodontal pathogens involved in the adult-type periodontitis also play a role in JP2 genotype-associated GCP. The potential role of non-conventional taxa in the pathogenesis of GCP warrants further investigation.
TEMPORAL AND SPATIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF SEASONAL AND ANNUAL RAINFALL IN MALAWI TEMPORAL AND SPATIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF SEASONAL AND ANNUAL RAINFALL IN MALAWI

An understanding of the temporal and spatial characteristics of rainfall is central to water resources planning and management. Such information is often limited in many developing countries like Malawi, an agro-based economy where 90% of the agriculture is rain fed. Most climate models project an overall decline of rainfall for the whole Southern Africa. However, some studies have observed changes in the mean rainfall varying on relatively small spatial scales in the region. The main objective of this study was to investigate spatial and temporal characteristics of annual, seasonal and monthly rainfall in Malawi, a relatively lower spatial scale. In Malawi (Fig. 1), both rainfall and temperature are altitude dependent. Rainfall ranges from 700 mm in the semi-arid low lying parts to 2500 mm in the highlands whereas temperature ranges between 10–40oC countrywide. Two main rain bearing systems dominate the rainfall of Malawi and the Southern Africa region: (1) The Inter tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) marked by convergence of north easterly monsoon and south easterly trade winds and (2) The Congo air boundarythe northwest winter monsoons comprised of recurving tropical Atlantic air that reaches Malawi through the Congo basin. The Congo Air is normally active in the central and northern parts of the country.
Composition, diversité et successions des copépodes planctoniques des eaux libanaises (Méditerranée Orientale)

Presentation de l'inventaire faunistique des especes de copepodes plnctoniques rencontrees dans les eaux libanaises de 1970 a 1988.La structure du peuplement des copepodes a ete etudiee pour montrer la diversite specifique et la succession annuelle des populations
Phytoplankton dynamics and seasonal variation in Tungabhadra River, India

Tungabhadra River, an important tributary of Krishna, flows in the district Davangere in the central part of Karnataka State, India. A total of 64 species of phytoplankton were recorded during the present study period. These include 23 species of Chlorophyceae, 18 species of Cyanophyceae, 14 species of Bacillariophyceae and 9 species of Euglenophyceae. Water and algal samples were collected at regular intervals of 15 days at 2 stations from December 2006 to October 2007. The results of the summer (December-March), winter (April-July) and rainy (August-November) seasons indicate that the highest phytoplankton dynamics were represented by 39 species in the summer season. In this study, green algae constituted the highest percentage of 35.29 and 36.67% followed by blue green algae (29.41 and 26.67%), Diatoms (23.53 and 20.00%) and Euglenphyceae (11.76 and 16.67%) at Stations 1 and 2 respectively. Maximum and minimum densities of 21,476 and 16,682 o/L were recorded at Station S1 while those at Station S2 were 18,392 and 12,729 o/L respectively. The diversity of species varied from 0.160 to 1.147 during the study period. Phytoplankton species richness ranged from 0.371 to 0.552 while the phytoplankton species evenness varied from 0.079 to 0.671 during the study period. Key words: Phytoplankton dynamics, algae species, river, statistical analysis, India.
Neurovascular Correlates of Cobalamin, Folate, and Homocysteine in Dementia

Background: Cobalamin (Cbl) and folate are common supplements clinicians prescribe as an adjuvant therapy for dementia patients, on the presumption of their neurotrophic and/or homocysteine (Hcy) lowering effect. However, the treatment efficacy has been found mixed and the effects of Cbl/folate/Hcy on the human brain remain to be elucidated. Objective: To explore the neurovascular correlates of Cbl/folate/Hcy in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and subcortical ischemic vascular dementia (SIVD). Methods: Sixty-seven AD patients and 57 SIVD patients were prospectively and consecutively recruited from an outpatient clinic. Multimodal 3-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging was performed to quantitatively evaluate cerebral blood flow (CBF) and white matter integrity. The relationship between neuroimaging metrics and the serum levels of Cbl/folate/Hcy was examined by using the Kruskal-Wallis test, partial correlation analysis, and moderation analysis, at a significance level of 0.05. Results: As a whole, CBF mainly associated with Cbl/folate while white matter hyperintensities exclusively associated with Hcy. As compared with AD, SIVD exhibited more noticeable CBF correlates (spatially widespread with Cbl and focal with folate). In SIVD, a bilateral Cbl-moderated CBF coupling was found between medial prefrontal cortex and ipsilateral basal ganglia, while in the fronto-subcortical white matter tracts, elevated Hcy was associated with imaging metrics indicative of increased injury in both axon and myelin sheath. Conclusions: We identified the neurovascular correlates of previously reported neurotrophic effect of Cbl/folate and neurotoxic effect of Hcy in dementia. The correlates exhibited distinct patterns in AD and SIVD. The findings may help improving the formulation of supplemental Cbl/folate treatment for dementia.
Machine learning for real-time prediction of complications induced by flexible uretero-renoscopy with laser lithotripsy

It is not always easy to predict the outcome of a surgery. Peculiarly, when talking about the risks associated to a given intervention or the possible complications that it may bring about. Thus, predicting those potential complications that may arise during or after a surgery will help minimize risks and prevent failures to the greatest extent possible. Therefore, the objectif of this article is to propose an intelligent system based on machine learning, allowing predicting the complications related to a flexible uretero-renoscopy with laser lithotripsy for the treatment of kidney stones. The proposed method achieved accuracy with 100% for training and, 94.33% for testing in hard voting, 100% for testing and 95.38% for training in soft voting, with only ten optimal features. Additionally, we were able to evaluted the machine learning model by examining the most significant features using the shpley additive explanations (SHAP) feature importance plot, dependency plot, summary plot, and partial dependency plots.
Exponential Stability of Linear Systems with Multiple Time Delays

In this paper, a class of linear systems with multiple time delays is studied. The problem of exponential stability of time-delay systems has been investigated by using Lyapunov functional method. We will convert the system of multiple time delays into a single time delay system and show that if the old system is stable then the new one is so. Then we investigate the stability of converted new system, by using matrix decomposition and linear matrix inequality (LMI) technique. Some numerical examples are given to illustrate the efficiency of our method.
A Topical Scalp Serum Containing Adenosine, MgSO4, Vitamin CG, and Pre- and Probiotic Fractions Reduces Discomfort and Associated Symptoms of Sensitive Scalp

Purpose. Sensitive scalp (SScalp) is characterized by abnormal and nociceptive sensations, such as stinging and itching, that lead to scalp discomfort. This study assessed the benefit of a once-daily serum containing Adenosine, Magnesium Sulfate (MgSO4), Vitamin C Glucoside (CG), and pre- and probiotic fractions in subjects with SScalp. Methods. An open-label, single center study in adult subjects with a Global Scalp Discomfort (GSD) score of ≥8 (0–27), defined as the sum of individual symptom scores (0–9) for itching, stinging, and warming sensations. The frequency of scratching was self-declared. Evaluations were performed immediately after the 1st application (D0Timm) and at D21, during which the cosmetic acceptability was additionally assessed. Transepidermal water loss and skin hydration were assessed at baseline, D21, and D28. Squalene (SQ) and SQOOH were analyzed at D0T0, D21T0, and D28. Tolerance was assessed throughout the study. Results. 42 subjects (30 women and 12 men) participated in this study. The mean age was 44.0 ± 13.0 years. At baseline, the mean GSD was 13.9 ± 3.28. The GSD and symptoms significantly p < 0.0001 improved at D0Timm and lasted until the end of the study (D28), with insignificant worsening. There was a significant reduction of SQOOH at D21 and D28. Subject satisfaction was high, associated with a good tolerance. A similar and significant p < 0.0001 improvement was observed for subjects with more severe symptoms and a GSD score ≥14 at baseline. Conclusion. The topical serum significantly reduces SScalp, global discomfort, and oxidative stress and is beneficial in the management of sensitive scalp. This TRIAL is registered with NCT05630027.
Stable lead isotopes, trace metals and radionuclides in sediments of the Alligator Rivers Region to assess impacts of uranium mining

Post-mining environmental protection is the key to successful rehabilitation; especially where runoff and erosion from rehabilitated mine sites can lead to pollution and contamination of the surrounding land and watercourses. Australian guidelines recommend that tailings materials from uranium mining and milling be contained without any detrimental impact on the environment for at least 1000 years. The Alligator Rivers Region (ARR) in Northern Australia includes a large area of Kakadu National Park (KNP), which is world heritage listed for its conservation value. Within the ARR are numerous uranium (U) anomalies and prospects, one current operational U mine and several former U mines. The aim of this study was to develop a sensitive methodology to assess the impacts of U mining on sediments in the ARR. This involved an appraisal of stable lead isotopes, radionuclides and trace metals within sediments and soils, including surface and core samples, to determine the off-site impacts from a spatial and temporal perspective. The sites investigated were Ranger Uranium Mine (currently operating mine site), Nabarlek uranium mine (rehabilitated former mine site), Koongarra Mineral Lease (former exploration activities but not mined) and Ranger Anomaly 2 (identified U orebody within KNP). The study found that there are localised areas on and adjacent to the mine sites and anomalies where soils had elevated levels of trace metals and radionuclides. Lead isotope ratios are highly radiogenic in some samples, indicating the presence of U-rich material. Erosion products with more radiogenic Pb isotope ratios have also deposited in sediments downstream of the former ore bodies. However, there is no indication that the radiogenic erosion products found on the mine sites/anomalies have significantly contaminated sediments further downstream. The monitoring methodology is able to determine very small percentage (~1 per cent) contributions of erosion products equivalent to very low additional mine or orebody derived Pb/U concentrations of less than 0.1 mg kg-1 Pb and 0.05 mg kg-1 U, compared to background concentrations of typically 11 mg kg-1 Pb and 3 mg kg-1 U. This contribution is less than the concentration variability observed within the sediments and would not be discernible without the use of lead isotope ratios. This research project demonstrated that a sediment monitoring approach integrating lead isotope ratios with trace metals and radionuclides can deliver more information than metal and radionuclide concentrations alone, especially in terms of identifying sediment sources and their respective contributions to mining impacts. The isotopic monitoring methodology can be readily reproduced and transferred to other sites and it will ultimately provide better measurement of rehabilitation success.
Illite/Smectite Diagenesis and Its Variable Correlation with Vitrinite Reflectance in the Pannonian Basin

Abstract—The correlation between illite/smectite (I/S) diagenesis and mean vitrinite reflectance (Ro) data is examined in mudrocks from a hydrocarbon exploration well (geothermal gradient 35°C km−1) from the Great Hungarian Plain of the Pannonian Basin System. The expandability of I/S decreases with depth and there is a change from random to ordered mixed-layering at about 2500 m depth. At this depth Ro is about 0.6%. Comparison of the correlation of expandability and Ro from this study to published data for the Vienna Basin and the Transcarpathian Basin, sub-basins of the Pannonian Basin System, shows that the correlation is systematically different for each sub-basin, according to their thermal histories. In the Vienna Basin (geothermal gradient 25°C km−1), for any given value of Ro, the expandability of I/S is less than in the Transcarpathian Basin (geothermal gradient 55°C km−1) and the sediments are older and more deeply buried. Data from the present study are intermediate. This variation is believed to be due to the effect of time on the smectite-to-illite reaction. Results of an optimization procedure to calculate the kinetics of the smectite-to-illite reaction, using as input the expandability depth profiles, and thermal histories constrained by comparison of observed and calculated Ro data, showed that I/S diagenesis in the Pannonian Basin System can be modelled by a single first order rate equation: $$-dS/dt=e^{log(A)-E/RT}\cdot\;S$$−dS/dt=elog(A)−E/RT⋅S where S = fraction of smectite layers in I/S, t = time (Ma), e = exponential function, log(A) = frequency factor = 7.5 (Ma−1), E = activation energy = 31.0 kJ mol−1, R = universal gas constant, and T is temperature in Kelvin. This result also suggests an important role for time. By combining the kinetics of the smectite-to-illite reaction with a kinetic model of vitrinite maturation it is possible to define a domain within which all ‘normal’ (burial diagenesis) correlations between Ro and I/S diagenesis should lie. Such diagrams can be used to identify different thermal histories related to different geotectonic settings and ‘anomalous’ data such as that affected by igneous intrusions.
Characterization of soil structure and water infiltration spatial variability using electrical resistivity tomography at decimetre scale. A study of two contrasted soil tillage modalities

Abstract Simplification of tillage practices is often considered as a solution for reducing time constraints and costs, and also for limiting soil erosion. Simplified tillage practices adopted over several years progressively induce modifications of soil physical properties in the top soil layer at decimetric scale. The general aim of this study was to test the capacity of electrical resistivity tomography to characterize the spatial variability of soil structure, bulk density and water flow in a loamy Cambisol with two modalities of tillage (conventional tillage, no tillage). For each tillage treatment, the experiment combined: 1) a description of the soil structure profile, 2) measurements of bulk density and soil hydraulic conductivities; 3) 2D electrical resistivity tomographies measured before and after an irrigation to characterize the spatial variability of soil water fluxes. These geophysical data are correlated to the spatial variability of soil structure and hydrodynamics properties.
Floods, Habitat Hydraulics and Upstream Migration of Neritina virginea (Gastropoda: Neritidae) in Northeastern Puerto Rico

Massive upstream migrations of neritid snails (Neritidae: Gastropoda) occur in tropical and subtropical streams worldwide, but their seasonality and proximate causes are unknown. We monitored massive upstream migrations of Neritina virginea for 99 weeks, and conducted a detailed study of snail density, size, and hydraulic descriptors in lower Rio Mameyes, northeastern Puerto Rico. The study assessed the 1) timing and seasonality of upstream migration, 2) size composition of migratory aggregations, 3) patterns of habitat use, and 4) role of floods on upstream migration. Massive upstream migrations (500-3000 ind/m 2 ) were observed in 44 of 99 weeks of observation. While N. virginea aggregations occurred at random time intervals, they were clumped during rainy periods. Migratory aggregations consisted mostly of small individuals (5-7 mm). Greater mean density was consistently observed in a stable riffle than in an unstable run (115.7 and 17.8 ind/m 2 , respectively), but mean density increased and mean size reduced in both reaches during the first 7 upstream migratory events. N. virginea density and size dynamics differed between reaches as a function of habitat hydraulics. While juveniles used the stable riffle as a permanent habitat and preferred passageway, they also used an adjacent, unstable reach after storm events. Density variation was correlated with days postflood (>3.5 m 3 /s) in both reaches. Our observations indicated that massive upstream migrations of N. virginea juveniles occur at least once a month, presumably as habitat-dependent responses to floods.
Adaptive Sampling for Seabed Identification from Ambient Acoustic Noise

We study the problem of adaptively obtaining am-bient acoustic measurements via an autonomous underwater vehicle, with the goal of characterizing the geoacoustic properties of the seabed. In contrast to the traditional adaptive sampling scenario, we are provided with sets of snapshots associated with each spatial location, making the problem one of unsupervised learning. We demonstrate how sets of snapshots can be used to obtain noisy pairwise similarities between locations, which can then be used to perform level set estimation to separate the seabed into two highly-distinct types. We propose an adaptive sampling policy that aims to directly reduce the number of locations whose level set membership is uncertain, as well as an approach to minimizing the distance traveled while sampling. Results on synthetic and real-world sediment data demonstrate the benefits of our approach in terms of both accuracy and distance traveled.
Estimation of precipitable water over the Amazon Basin using GOES imagery

The Amazon Rainforest is the largest continuous rainforest on Earth. It holds a rich abundance of life containing approximately one-half of all existing plant and animal species and 20% of the world’s fresh water. Climatologically, the Amazon Rainforest is a massive storehouse of carbon dioxide and water vapor and hosts hydrologic and energy cycles that influence regional and global patterns. However, this region has gone through vast land cover changes during the past several decades. Lack of conventional, in situ data sources prohibits detailed measurements to assess the climatological impact these changes may cause. This thesis applies a satellite-based, thermal infrared remote sensing algorithm to determine precipitable water in the Amazon Basin to test its applicability in the region and to measure the diurnal changes in water vapor. Imagery from the GOES geostationary satellite and estimated atmospheric conditions and radiance values derived from the NCEP/NCAR Reanalysis project were used as inputs to the Physical Split Window (PSW) technique. Retrievals of precipitable water were made every 3 hours throughout each day from 12Z to 24Z for the months of June and October, 1988 and 1995. These months correspond to when the atmosphere is not dominated by clouds during the rainy (wet) season or smoke and haze during the burning (dry) season. Monthly, daily, and diurnal aggregates of precipitable water fields were analyzed spatially through seven zones located uniformly throughout the region. Monthly average precipitable water values were found to be 20 mm to 25 mm in the southeast and 45 mm to 50 mm in the northwest zones. Central and northwest zones showed little variation throughout the day with most areas peaking between 15Z and 21Z, representing early to late afternoon local time. Comparisons were made to nearby, coincident radiosonde observations with r ranging from 0.7 to 0.9 and MAE from 6 mm to 12 mm.
Factors Affecting Students' Decision to Choose Regional Public Universities: An Empirical Study from Vietnam

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of several factors on students' decisions to attend a public institution in Vietnam's North Central area. The enrollment issue toward regional institutions is particularly critical in the Vietnam Ministry of Education and Training reforming the university enrollment process and the complicated scenario of the Covid-19 pandemic. A total of 500 students were surveyed for research samples. Data is synthesized, validated, cleaned, and analyzed using SPSS and AMOS software using methods including reliability, EFA, CFA, and SEM. The findings suggest that the proposed independent components (individual factors, study fees, advertisement, infrastructure and facilities, local features, and lastly, training activities) have a beneficial impact on students' decision to attend a public university in the North Central region. The study also found that the graduation exam outcome had a moderating effect on the relationship between registration and students' decisions. These imply targeted solutions for regional public universities to diversify training majors, improve training quality, capitalize on local advantages, increase interaction, and promote training programs and image to be more effective in attracting students and maintaining competition in the current enrollment environment.