Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Environmental Reconstruction of Hani Peatland since 15 cal.ka B.P

Based on the grain-size of peat as the climate index,combining Pollen information,the paleo-climate at Hani area during the 15 cal.ka B.P is reconstructed and environment evolution is improved since late Pleistocene.The distribution of sediments grain-size,the parameters of sediments grain-size and the characteristics of grain-size frequency curves are analyzed,The results show that ash of Hani peat is dominated by silt and sand and the grainsize of sediments is tapering from top to bottom,the grain-size distribution is symmetrical distribution.Based on the analysis of the characteristics of grain-size frequency curves of typical Wind sediment,lake sediment and fluvial sediment grain size,this paper argues that peat deposits in this area between lake sediment and fluvial sediment and peat ash particle size was mainly affected by water power,So the peat ash can be used to indicate the summer monsoon and can be used for rebuilding the evolution of paleo-climate.The results of the grain-size fractal dimensions show that they are positive correlation between fractal dimensions and sorting coefficient of sediment and the fractal dimensions can also effectively reflect the grain distribution and paleo-climate evolution.Combining the grain size and Pollen information,reveals that paleoclimate were cold-dry,humidity-cold,cold-wet,warm-dry from 15 cal.ka B.P,and recognizes Younger Dryas,9.2 ka and 8.2 ka drought events.
LASSO-derived prognostic model predicts cancer-specific survival in advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma over 50 years of age: a retrospective study of SEER database research

Background This study aimed to develop a prognostic model for patients with advanced ductal adenocarcinoma aged ≥50 years. Methods Patient information was extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression analysis was performed to screen the model variables. Cases from Nanchang Central Hospital were collected for external validation. The new nomogram and the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) criteria were evaluated using integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) and net reclassification index (NRI) indicators. Survival curves presented the prognosis of the new classification system and AJCC criteria. Results In total, 17,621 eligible patients were included. Lasso Cox regression selected 4 variables including age, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and AJCC stage. The C-index of the training cohort was 0.721. The C-index value of the validation cohort was 0.729. The AUCs for the training cohorts at 1, 2, and 3 years were 0.749, 0.729, and 0.715, respectively. The calibration curves showed that the predicted and actual probabilities at 1, 2, and 3 years matched. External validation confirmed the model’s outstanding predictive power. Decision curve analysis indicated that the clinical benefit of the nomogram was higher than that of the AJCC staging system. The model evaluation indices preceded the AJCC staging with NRI (1-year: 0.88, 2-year: 0.94, 3-year: 0.72) and IDI (1-year: 0.24, 2-year: 0.23, 3-year: 0.22). The Kaplan–Meier curves implied that the new classification system was more capable of distinguishing between patients at different risks. Conclusions This study established a prognostic nomogram and risk classification system for advanced pancreatic cancer in patients aged ≥50 years to provide a practical tool for the clinical management of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
Sociodemographic Disparities in Adults with Kidney Failure: A Meta-Analysis

This meta-analysis aims to assess current evidence regarding sociodemographic disparities among adults with kidney failure. Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, CENTRAL, and Google Scholar were systematically searched from inception to 20 February 2022. Overall, 165 cohort studies were included. Compared to White patients, dialysis survival was significantly better among Black (hazard ratio—HR: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.61–0.75), Asian (HR: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.61–0.72) and Hispanic patients (HR: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.73–0.88). Black individuals were associated with lower rates of successful arteriovenous fistula use, peritoneal dialysis and kidney transplantation, as well as with worse graft survival. Overall survival was significantly better in females after kidney transplantation compared to males (HR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.84–0.90). Female sex was linked to higher rates of central venous catheter use and a lower probability of kidney transplantation. Indices of low SES were associated with higher mortality risk (HR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.14–1.31), reduced rates of dialysis with an arteriovenous fistula, peritoneal dialysis and kidney transplantation, as well as higher graft failure risk. In conclusion, Black, Asian and Hispanic patients present better survival in dialysis, while Black, female and socially deprived patients demonstrate lower rates of successful arteriovenous fistula use and limited access to kidney transplantation. PROSPERO registration: CRD42022300839.
Psychedelics, epilepsy, and seizures: a review

Psychedelic compounds have been utilized by humans for centuries for medicinal, religious, and tribal purposes. Clinical trial data starting from the early 2000s and continuing today indicates that psychedelics are a clinically efficacious treatment for a variety of neurological and psychiatric disorders. However, all clinical trials examining these substances have excluded any individual with a past or current history of seizures, leaving a large cohort of epilepsy and non-epilepsy chronic seizure disorder patients without anywhere to turn for psychedelic-assisted therapy. These exclusions were made despite any significant evidence that clinically supervised psychedelic use causes or exacerbates seizures in this population. To date, no clinical trial or preclinical seizure model has demonstrated that psychedelics induce seizures. This review highlights several cases of individuals experiencing seizures or seizure remission following psychedelic use, with the overall trend being that psychedelics are safe for use in a controlled, supervised clinical setting. We also suggest future research directions for this field.
The First Report on the Complete Sequence Characterization of Bluetongue Virus Serotype 3 in the Republic of Korea

Simple Summary Bluetongue (BT) is an economically significant disease in ruminants, transmitted worldwide by Culicoides midges, with the causative agent being the bluetongue virus (BTV). Traditionally prevalent in tropical regions, its geographic range is expanding due to climate change. Despite its global impact, research on the BTV in the Republic of Korea (ROK) is scarce. In this study, we aimed to assess BTV seroprevalence and conduct genetic analyses on isolates from South Korea. Out of 5824 cattle samples, 194 (3.33%) showed BTV antibodies, and 2 out of 1095 (0.18%) goat samples were positive. BTV RNA analyses of 422 high-risk area cattle samples revealed 51 (12.1%) positive cases. The virus was successfully isolated from one sample, identified as serotype 3 based on segment 2 analysis. This study presents the first full-genome sequence of a South Korean BTV serotype 3 isolate, serving as a global reference. These data aid in understanding phylogenetic relationships among BTV strains and recognizing reassortment events, enhancing our knowledge of this developing virus. Abstract The bluetongue virus (BTV) is a significant animal pathogen with economic implications in the ruminant industry. Despite global reports on BTV detection and epidemiologic investigations, limited studies have focused on the virus in the ROK. In this study, BTV epidemiological research was conducted on blood samples from cattle and goat farms across nine regions during 2013–2014. The results showed that 3.33% of bovine blood samples (194/5824) and 0.19% of goat blood samples (2/1075) tested positive for BTV antibodies using ELISA. In Jeju-do, BTV RNA amplification occurred in 51 of 422 samples (12.1%) using real-time reverse transcription (RT-qPCR). The isolation of one sample revealed it as serotype 3, as indicated by the sequence of segments 2 (Seg-2) and 6 (Seg-6), associated with the eastern BTV topotype. However, based on Seg-1, -3, -4, -5, -7, -8, -9, and -10 analyses, the BTV-3/JJBB35 strain is more closely related to distinct BTV strains. These findings imply BTV circulation and that the Korean-isolated BTV might originate from Asian BTV strains due to multiple reassortment events. This study provides foundational data for ongoing BTV monitoring and disease-control policies in the ROK.
Systematic Review of Auditory Training Outcomes in Adult Cochlear Implant Recipients and Meta-Analysis of Outcomes

Objective: to review evidence on the efficacy of auditory training in adult cochlear implant recipients. Data Sources: PRISMA guidelines for a systematic review of the literature were followed. PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL databases were queried on 29 June 2023 for terms involving cochlear implantation and auditory training. Studies were limited to the English language and adult patient populations. Study Selection: Three authors independently reviewed publications for inclusion in the review based on a priori inclusion and exclusion criteria. Inclusion criteria encompassed adult cochlear implant populations, an analysis of clinician- or patient-directed auditory training, and an analysis of one or more measures of speech recognition and/or patient-reported outcome. Exclusion criteria included studies with only pediatric implant populations, music or localization training in isolation, and single-sample case studies. Data Extraction: The data were collected regarding study design, patient population, auditory training modality, auditory training timing, speech outcomes, and data on the durability of outcomes. A quality assessment of the literature was performed using a quality metric adapted from the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) Working Group guidelines. Data Synthesis and Meta-Analysis: Data were qualitatively summarized for 23 studies. All but four studies demonstrated significant improvement in at least one measured or patient-reported outcome measure with training. For 11 studies with sufficient data reporting, pre-intervention and post-intervention pooled means of different outcome measures were compared for 132 patients using meta-analysis. Patient-direct training was associated with significant improvement in vowel-phoneme recognition and speech recognition in noise (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively), and clinician-directed training showed significant improvement in sentence recognition in noise (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The literature on auditory training for adult cochlear implant recipients is limited and heterogeneous, including a small number of studies with limited levels of evidence and external validity. However, the current evidence suggests that auditory training can improve speech recognition in adult cochlear implant recipients.
Síntomas de ansiedad en estudiantes de medicina ante el regreso a clases presenciales postpandemia

Introducción: La afectación en la salud mental de los estudiantes universitarios durante la pandemia fue un tema que progresivamente adquirió importancia a nivel mundial; trastornos como depresión, ansiedad, estrés, ideas suicidas, consumo de sustancias y alteraciones del sueño durante el confinamiento fueron documentadas por diversos autores. Trabajos de investigación sobre lo que ocurre con la salud mental de los estudiantes al regresar a las clases presenciales tras la pandemia, existen en menor cantidad. Objetivo: Determinar el nivel de ansiedad en estudiantes de medicina ante el regreso a clases presenciales tras pandemia por COVID-19. Método: Estudio observacional, descriptivo, transversal. Se recabaron variables sociodemográficas de los participantes mediante encuesta en línea, y para determinar la presencia de trastorno de ansiedad generalizada (TAG) se aplicó el General Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) Resultados: Se encuestaron 141 alumnos, 112 mujeres (79.4%) y 29 hombres (20.6%), la edad promedio fue de 21.43 años. Se encontró que 110 alumnos (78%) tuvieron algún grado de ansiedad, 48.3% tuvo síntomas moderados y graves. No hubo diferencias significativas entre los casos con ansiedad y sin ansiedad en cuanto a sexo y preferencia de modalidad para tomar clases, así como tampoco entre las experiencias y expectativas ante el regreso a clases presenciales. Conclusiones: Se encontraron niveles altos de ansiedad en los estudiantes; sin embargo, las experiencias vividas durante el confinamiento y los temores sobre el regreso a clases no tuvieron una asociación estadísticamente significativa para la presencia de estos síntomas.
Exploring the Efficacy of Lightweight Encryption Techniques: A Comprehensive Review

With the widespread adoption of applications and IoT devices, modern society has come to rely on them in various aspects of daily life. These applications and devices cover a range of needs, including home appliances and even medical devices for body monitoring. Because a significant amount of data generated by IoT devices and applications must be transmitted over networks, particularly the Internet, there is an increased risk of cyber-attacks on this transmitted data. This data can be text, images, sound, or other forms, and it is critical to ensure its protection, especially if it contains valuable information. Extensive research has been conducted on various encryption algorithms to ensure the security of transmitted data, whether through block ciphers or stream ciphers. In addition, efforts have been made to increase encryption efficiency by securing the transmission channels. The question of this research is “what is the state of the art in the lightweight encryption in terms of strength and speed up the process? ”. This paper provides a comprehensive survey of research related to two main categories of lightweight encryption, and work focused on secure authentication between entities. The paper includes an analysis of the techniques used in each surveyed paper and highlights their main results.
Sensing Quality Driven Positioning and Orientation for LiDAR Sensors

Beam-based sensors like LiDAR are indispensable for modern infrastructures, machines, and autonomous moving objects. Their placement is crucial for their value and acceptance in the considered applications. However, determining the sensor’s blind areas requires significant time and resources when relying on simulation. We propose a set of analytical indicators that significantly reduce this overhead associated with the placement and installation of beam-based sensors.Based on a geometrical model that considers both the sensor and sensing quality, we define novel indicators accordingly and show their effectiveness for intelligent traffic safety infrastructure. The proposed indicators contribute to sensor calibration during the initial sensor setup and represent a vital step toward self-calibration throughout the entire system’s life cycles.
Desmodesmus tropicus (Chlorophyta) in the Danube Delta – reassessing the phylogeny of the series Maximi

ABSTRACT Desmodesmus maximus (West & G.S.West) Hegewald, D. perforatus (Lemmermann) E.Hegewald and D. tropicus (W.B.Crow) E.Hegewald form the series Maximi within the genus Desmodesmus. Desmodesmus tropicus is a rare species although it is widely distributed in tropical regions including South-East Asia, South America and the USA. It is less common in temperate fresh waters, known only from Ukraine. In this study, we report for the first time its presence in the Danube Delta (Puiu Lake), Romania. The morphology and molecular phylogeny of two newly isolated strains were studied in relation to other strains of the genus Desmodesmus, series Maximi. Cell wall structures (rosettes, spines, tubes, honeycomb-shaped mesh with hexagonal units) which are important in the taxonomy of these algae were investigated by light-, scanning- and transmission electron microscopy. The phylogenetic position of the strains in the Algae and Cyanobacteria Culture Collection of the Institute of Biological Research was assessed using 18S rDNA sequences, ITS2 primary and secondary structures and by analysis of Compensatory Base Changes. Morphological traits and measurements of cells, coenobia and spines matched the description of D. tropicus, although some differences from the established morphological key (ridge-like structures resembling fine ribs) were also noticed. Identification as D. tropicus var. longiclathratus (Tell) Jeon & Hegewald was based on the presence of inner spines on four-celled and especially on eight-celled coenobia. The ITS2 sequence and secondary structure phylogeny supported the assignment of both AICB strains to D. tropicus, with no divergence from other D. tropicus sequences to support the identification of var. longiclathratus. Nevertheless, the morphological measurements and the ITS2 primary and secondary structure data indicated two distinct subclusters within D. tropicus, and a new possible taxon within the series Maximi.
Exploring the level of information security in the South African banking industry

The purpose of this study is to explore the level of information security among South African banks with the aim of determining the level of their resilience to cyberattacks and intrusions. The study employs a mixed approach that involves both quantitative and qualitative analyses of the responses obtained from a structured questionnaire used as the survey instrument. The questionnaire was distributed to some selected members of staff of the 17 licensed banks in South Africa saddled with the responsibilities of operation, customer service, management, and administration. In addition, non-parametric statistical analyses such as Fischer’s Exact and Chi-square tests, as well as Spearman’s correlation, were carried out. The outcome of this study indicated that the effectiveness of information security on customers’ service in the South African banking industry is assumed to be high. South African banks are deploying different anti-fraud technologies to strengthen the level of information security; however, there are still substantial cases of cyberfraud and unauthorised intrusions. The findings also indicate that the integration of forensic accounting and management control systems may promote information security in the banking industry. This study provided an insight into the impact of information security framework development to reduce systems’ vulnerability and intrusions.
DESARROLLO VEGETATIVO Y REPRODUCTIVO DE VASTAGOS DE DIFERENTE ORDEN DE TRES HÍBRIDOS COMERCIALES DE MAÍZ EN DOS DENSIDADES DE SIEMBRA

La produccion de macollos puede otorgar estabilidad al rendimiento del maiz en ambientes con oferta variable de recursos, o compensar fallas en el establecimiento de plantulas. El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar la fenologia de los estadios vegetativos y reproductivos de vastagos principales y macollos y su relacion con el crecimiento en etapas tempranas del cultivo, en escenarios de alta oferta de recursos bajo densidades de siembra contrastantes. Se realizo un experimento a campo en la FAUBA durante 2014-2015, con dos hibridos dentados (ARV2194HXRR y ARV2183MGRR) y un hibrido pisingallo (Argenpop 141) sembrados en dos densidades (3 y 6 plantas m -2 ) sin limitaciones hidrico-nutricionales. Desde etapas tempranas del ciclo, la proporcion de plantas con macollos presento diferencias (0,005< P <0.1) entre densidades (mayor en baja densidad). En ARV2194HXRR y Argenpop141, esta proporcion respondio positiva y linealmente a la tasa de crecimiento del vastago principal durante los primeros 42 dias desde emergencia. Para similares tasas, el ARV2183MGRR nunca presento macollos. Debido a la mayor produccion de macollos en baja densidad, ARV2194HXRR y Argenpop141 presentaron estabilidad en el numero de vastagos m -2 (ca. 7,6 y 8,3 vastagos m -2 para ARV2194HXRR y Argenpop141; respectivamente) entre densidades. A pesar del menor numero de hojas (ca. 13,8 vs 22 y 10,4 vs 18 hojas para macollos y vastagos principales de ARV2194HXRR y Argenpop141; respectivamente) y similar filocrono (ca. 44,6 y 56,5 °Cd hoja -1 para ARV2194HXRR y Argenpop141; respectivamente), los macollos florecieron mas tardiamente (ca. 120 y 70 °Cd para ARV2194HXRR y Argenpop141; respectivamente) y presentaron una mayor asincronia floral (ca. -123 y -71°Cd para ARV2194HXRR y Argenpop141; respectivamente) que el vastago principal (ca. 18 y 7°Cd para ARV2194HXRR y Argenpop141; respectivamente), probablemente debido a la demora en el inicio del macollaje (aprox. en 8-9 hojas aparecidas del vastago principal) y en la iniciacion floral de sus apices.
Loess Deposits of Kashmir, Northwest Himalaya, India

The spatial and temporal variation of Kashmir loess deposits has been explained as the function of palaeotopographical configuration consequent to the Pir Panjal Range uplift datable at 0.4 m.y. At least three palaeosurfaces were available for loess deposition at different time intervals. Three types of loess-palaeosol profiles developed on these palaeosurfaces which show altitudinal differences. Stratigraphical correlation between different profiles was possible with the help of marker beds and soil typological parameters. Seven lithounits constitute the total loess-palaeosol succession in the basin. Soil types were recognised using sedimentological, mineralogical and microfabric parameters in addition to field criteria.
Editorial: Perspectives on mobility, migration and well-being of international students in the Asia

This edition of the International Journal of Asia Pacific Studies explores issues relating to global student mobility in the Asia Pacific. The contributions to this edition from Australia and Malaysia emerged from a forum held in Australia in February where academics and researchers from Malaysia, China, Singapore and Australia presented papers and discussed ways of interpreting the character and the implication of global student mobility. The forum entitled International Students in the Asia Pacific: Mobility, Migration, Well-being and Security held from 13-15th February 2008 attracted over 40 presenters. The forum was hosted by the Centre for Asian Pacific Social Transformation Studies at the University of Wollongong and was part of a continuing research partnership between the Universiti Sains Malaysia, the University of Wollongong and a growing number of Australian and Malaysian researchers.
A service improvement report of blood-borne virus screening in a high secure mental hospital

Background: Patients in a high secure hospital are a high-risk population for exposure to blood-borne viruses (BBV) because of previous lifestyles. Objective: This service improvement study intends to improve patients care by the Infection Prevention and Control Team (IPCT) coordinating the BBV screening and vaccination programme within the hospital. Methods: A retrospective review of patients’ notes in 2007 and 2016 was used. Results: The results show an increase in screening offered and screening undertaken from 2007 to 2016. It also identifies an increase in hepatitis B vaccination programmes completed. Discussion: The expansion of the IPC and Physical Healthcare Team appear to be associated with the increase of screening and vaccination rates.