Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic potential of bixin on inflammation: a mini review

Chronic inflammation is the underlying mechanism for many diseases. Thus, inflammatory signaling pathways are valuable targets for new treatment modalities. Natural products have gained interest as a potential source of bioactive compounds which provide health benefits in combating inflammatory-related diseases. Recent reports have linked the medicinal values of Bixa orellana L. with its anti-inflammatory activities. Therefore, this review aims to examine the therapeutic potential of bixin, a major bioactive constituent found in the seeds of B. orellana, on inflammatory-related diseases based on existing in vitro and in vivo evidence. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory mechanism of bixin via signaling pathways is explored and possible toxic effects are addressed. The findings suggest that bixin may ameliorate inflammation via inhibition of toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-kappa B (TLR4/NF-κB), phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) and thioredoxin-interacting protein/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (TXNIP/NLRP3) inflammasome mechanisms. More well-planned clinical studies should be performed to verify its effectiveness and safety profile.
Oral Microbiota: The Influences and Interactions of Saliva, IgA, and Dietary Factors in Health and Disease

Recent advances in metagenomic analyses have made it easier to analyze microbiota. The microbiota, a symbiotic community of microorganisms including bacteria, archaea, fungi, and viruses within a specific environment in tissues such as the digestive tract and skin, has a complex relationship with the host. Recent studies have revealed that microbiota composition and balance particularly affect the health of the host and the onset of disease. Influences such as diet, food preferences, and sanitation play crucial roles in microbiota composition. The oral cavity is where the digestive tract directly communicates with the outside. Stable temperature and humidity provide optimal growth environments for many bacteria. However, the oral cavity is a unique environment that is susceptible to pH changes, salinity, food nutrients, and external pathogens. Recent studies have emphasized the importance of the oral microbiota, as changes in bacterial composition and balance could contribute to the development of systemic diseases. This review focuses on saliva, IgA, and fermented foods because they play critical roles in maintaining the oral bacterial environment by regulating its composition and balance. More attention should be paid to the oral microbiota and its regulatory factors in oral and systemic health.
Three-Dimensional Groundwater Models of the 300 Area at the Hanford Site, Washington State

Researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory developed field-scale groundwater flow and transport simulations of the 300 Area to support the 300-FF-5 Operable Unit Phase III Feasibility Study. The 300 Area is located in the southeast portion of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hanford Site in Washington State. Historical operations involving uranium fuel fabrication and research activities at the 300 Area have contaminated engineered liquid-waste disposal facilities, the underlying vadose zone, and the uppermost aquifer with uranium. The main objectives of this research were to develop numerical groundwater flow and transport models to help refine the site conceptual model, and to assist assessment of proposed alternative remediation technologies focused on the 300 Area uranium plume.
Moderate- and High-Intensity Endurance Training Alleviate Diabetes-Induced Cardiac Dysfunction in Rats

Exercise training is an encouraging approach to treat cardiac dysfunction in type 2 diabetes (T2DM), but the impact of its intensity is not understood. We aim to investigate whether and, if so, how moderate-intensity training (MIT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) alleviate adverse cardiac remodeling and dysfunction in rats with T2DM. Male rats received standard chow (n = 10) or Western diet (WD) to induce T2DM. Hereafter, WD rats were subjected to a 12-week sedentary lifestyle (n = 8), running MIT (n = 7) or HIIT (n = 7). Insulin resistance and glucose tolerance were assessed during the oral glucose tolerance test. Plasma advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) were evaluated. Echocardiography and hemodynamic measurements evaluated cardiac function. Underlying cardiac mechanisms were investigated by histology, western blot and colorimetry. We found that MIT and HIIT lowered insulin resistance and blood glucose levels compared to sedentary WD rats. MIT decreased harmful plasma AGE levels. In the heart, MIT and HIIT lowered end-diastolic pressure, left ventricular wall thickness and interstitial collagen deposition. Cardiac citrate synthase activity, mitochondrial oxidative capacity marker, raised after both exercise training modalities. We conclude that MIT and HIIT are effective in alleviating diastolic dysfunction and pathological cardiac remodeling in T2DM, by lowering fibrosis and optimizing mitochondrial capacity.
Permafrost ecosystems : Siberian larch forests

Part 1: Introduction. 1. Introduction - Background and objectives of the field study in Siberia A. Osawa. - Part 2: Ecological setting. 2. Floristic diversity and its geographical background in Siberia O.A. Zyryanova et al.- 3. Geographic distribution and genetics of Siberian larch A.P. Abaimov. - 4. Wildfire ecology in continuous permafrost zone M. Sofronov, A. Volokitina. - 5. Recovery of forest vegetation after fire disturbance A.P. Abaimov et al.- Part 3: Ecosystem dynamics and function. 6. Biomass and productivity of Siberian larch forest ecosystems T. Kajimoto et al.- 7. Development of stand structure in larch forests A. Osawa, T. Kajimoto. - 8. Soil carbon and nitrogen storage in Siberian permafrost region Y. Matsuura. - 9. Soil respiration in larch forests T. Morishita et al.- 10. Net ecosystem exchange of CO2 (NEE) in a permafrost larch ecosystem Y. Nakai. - 11. Behavior of dissolved organic carbon in larch ecosystems A.S. Prokushkin, S. Hobara. - 12. Nitrogen cycling in larch ecosystem N. Tokuchi et al.- Part 4: Tree physiology and the environment. 13. Photosynthesis of larch trees T. Koike et al.- 14. Respiration of larch trees S. Mori. - 15. Root system development of Siberian larch trees T. Kajimoto. - 16. Seasonal changes in radial growth of Larix gmelinii in central Siberia in relation to its climatic responses K. Yasue et al.- 17. Dendrochronology of larch trees growing on Siberian permafrost E.A. Vaganov et al.- Part 5: Ecosystem comparisons. 18. The permafrost larch forests of North America R.W. Wein. - 19. Characteristics of larch forests in Daxingan Mountains, northeast China F. Shi et al.- 20. Carbon dynamics of larch plantations in northeast China and Japan M. Jomura et al.- 21. The role of ectomycorrhizae in boreal forest ecosystems: a forestry perspective L. Qu et al.- Part 6: Responses to climate change: synthesis. 22. From vegetation zones to climatypes: effects of climate warming on Siberian ecosystems N.M. Tchebakova et al.- 23. The modeling of forest floors in boreal forests: implications for forest dynamics and climate change I.A. Nalder, R.W. Wein. - 24. Effects of global warming on ecophysiological responses of larch trees T. Koike et al.- 25. Climate change and larch forest ecosystems of Siberia: implications for ecosystem structure and function A. Osawa. -
Financial Resource Management: Status and Challenges in Public Secondary Schools in Kinondoni Municipality, Tanzania

One of the most important resources for obtaining a top-notch education is financial. Ensuring that the necessary funding is secured on time and that the schools are making the best use of their current financial resources is essential for improving educational quality. The aim of this study was to examine the challenges that head of secondary schools experience when managing their financial resources. This study's theoretical framework was the agency theory proposed by Stephen Ross and Barry Mitnick in 1973. A mixed-approach research method and a concurrent transformative research design were used. For the study's participation sample, 39 respondents were necessary. The sample consisted of 22 teachers, 6 heads of schools, and 5 members of the school board. Questionnaires, interviews, and documentary analysis were used to collect data. The synthesis of the findings showed that the level of financial resource control functions displayed by secondary school heads of public schools was notably low. Lack of proper financial management abilities, a lack of financial guidelines, political influence, and corruption among committee members were issues related to this reality. To improve the management of financial resources and maximize the benefits from those resources, heads of schools should become fully versed in all financial resource management procedures and skills. This will help the schools perform more effectively overall.
Primera cita de Pyramica membranifera (Emery, 1869) (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) y listado actualizado de hormigas alóctonas para Marruecos (Norte de África)

Uno de los componentes del proceso de cambio global en que está inmerso nuestro planeta son las especies alóctonas/invasoras, ya que pueden provocar importantes alteraciones en los ecosistemas que ocupan. De ahí la importancia de monitorizar la presencia de este tipo de especies. P. membranifera es una especie alóctona de distribución pantropical, presente tanto en ambientes insulares como continentales, y que aparentemente se introduce con facilidad en nuevas área por la actividad humana. Su presencia en las zonas templadas es mucho menor, aunque puede encontrarse en altas densidades en las zonas ajardinadas de las ciudades (Ordóñez-Urbano, Reyes-López et al., 2008) o en las zonas costeras (Ordóñez-Urbano, Reyes-López et al., 2008). No obstante, se trata de una especie difícil de detectar. Esto se debe a que las obreras tienen una longitud aproximada de 2 mm, con una coloración amarillo-anaranjada y sus hábitos son completamente hipogeos (ver Fig. 1). Su facilidad de establecimiento en las nuevas zonas puede tener más éxito gracias a su posibilidad de reproducción partenogenética (Ito, Touyama et al., 2010). No obstante, hasta el momento no puede considerarse como invasora o, por lo menos, no se perciben cambios o alteraciones en los nuevos ambientes donde se establece. Si provoca cambios, no son comparables a los que ocasionan especies invasoras como por ejemplo, la hormiga argentina. En el norte de África apenas hay citas de esta especie y ninguna es reciente. Se la ha citado en Túnez (Forel, 1904) y en varias localidades de Egipto (Finzi, 1936). Esta primera cita para Marruecos está basada en dos obreras capturadas el 18/08/2010 (Taheri leg.) bajo una piedra, ocupada por un nido de Plagiolepis maura (N 35o 12.816' W 003o 49.930'). La zona, Temsamane Abelkh, se encuentra a 41km de la ciudad de Alhucemas (Al-hoceima) y a 9 km en línea recta del mar mediterráneo. La vegetación arbórea y arbustiva dominante está constituida por algunos ejemplares de Pinus halepensis (el más dominante), Tetraclinis articulata, Eucalyptus sp, Pistacia lentiscus, Olea europaea, Ceratonia siliqua, Cistus albidus, Ranunculus macrophyllus y Ulex sp. Se trata de un “bosque isla” en una zona desforestada y dominada por las explotaciones agrícolas. En el momento actual, otras especies alóctonas/invasoras presentes en Marruecos, además de P. membranifera son (Cagniant 2006; Delabie & Jacques 2007):
Lead-free perovskites InSnX3 (X = Cl, Br, I) for solar cell applications: a DFT study on the mechanical, optoelectronic, and thermoelectric properties

This study aims to explore for the first time the mechanical, electronic, optical and thermoelectric properties of cubic lead-free perovskites InSnBr3 and InSnI3 to investigate their potential applications in solar cell devices. Additionally, the previously examined InSnCl3 perovskite is also included. The properties of the perovskites were determined using first-principles calculation based on the well-known Density Functional Theory (DFT) with the Generalized Gradient Approximation (GGA) functional implemented in the Quantum Espresso package. One of the most important findings was that the bandgaps of the compounds decrease and undergo an indirect-to-direct bandgap transition when Cl is replaced by Br and I. This indicates that InSnBr3 and InSnI3 perovskites are more suitable for solar cell applications. The bandgap energies for InSnCl3, InSnBr3, and InSnI3 perovskites are 0.59 eV (R→X), 0.44 eV (R→R), and 0.24 eV (R→R), respectively. The improved band gaps using the HSE06 functional are 2.35 eV, 2.13 eV, and 2.01 eV for the respective perovskites. The materials were found to possess chemical, mechanical, and thermodynamic stability as well as ductile behaviour. Furthermore, the materials exhibit remarkable optical properties, including high absorption coefficients and relatively small reflectivity. The calculated thermoelectric properties indicated high electrical conductivity and reasonable figure of merit values, making them promising candidates for the application in thermoelectric devices.
Enhancing X-ray-Based Wrist Fracture Diagnosis Using HyperColumn-Convolutional Block Attention Module

Fractures affect nearly 9.45% of the South Korean population, with radiography being the primary diagnostic tool. This research employs a machine-learning methodology that integrates HyperColumn techniques with the convolutional block attention module (CBAM) to enhance fracture detection in X-ray radiographs. Utilizing the EfficientNet-B0 and DenseNet169 models bolstered by the HyperColumn and the CBAM, distinct improvements in fracture site prediction emerge. Significantly, when HyperColumn and CBAM integration is applied, both DenseNet169 and EfficientNet-B0 showed noteworthy accuracy improvements, with increases of approximately 0.69% and 0.70%, respectively. The HyperColumn-CBAM-DenseNet169 model particularly stood out, registering an uplift in the AUC score from 0.8778 to 0.9145. The incorporation of Grad-CAM technology refined the heatmap’s focus, achieving alignment with expert-recognized fracture sites and alleviating the deep-learning challenge of heavy reliance on bounding box annotations. This innovative approach signifies potential strides in streamlining training processes and augmenting diagnostic precision in fracture detection.
Short-Term Cast Immobilization of a Unilateral Lower Extremity and Physical Inactivity Induce Postural Instability during Standing in Healthy Young Men

Previous studies have reported an increased postural sway after short-term unilateral lower limb movement restriction, even in healthy subjects. However, the associations of motion limitation have not been fully established. The question of whether short-term lower limb physical inactivity and movement restriction affect postural control in the upright position remains. One lower limb of each participant was fixed with a soft bandage and medical splint for 10 h while the participant sat on a manual wheelchair. The participants were instructed to stand still for 60 s under eyes-open (EO) and eyes-closed (EC) conditions. Using a single force plate signal, we measured the center of pressure (COP) signal in the horizontal plane and calculated the total, anterior–posterior (A–P), and medial–lateral (M–L) path lengths, sway area, and mean COP displacements in A–P and M–L directions. The COP sway increased and the COP position during the upright stance shifted from the fixed to the non-fixed side after cast removal, compared to before the cast application, under both EO and EC conditions. These findings indicated that 10 h of unilateral lower limb movement restriction induced postural instability and postural control asymmetry, suggesting the acute adverse effects of cast immobilization.
Fluid computational model for mineral and vegetal pigments diffusing in Chinese color-ink painting

In this paper, simulation of artistic vegetable and mineral pigments diffusing effects of Chinese color-ink painting is presented, using a novel physical model according to the Second Fick's diffusing law and Brownian motion theory. Due to the fact that generation of most art effects depends on complicated pigment-water motion simulation such as diffusing and pigment mixing on and under traditional fabric cotton paper (Xuan paper) surface, the proposed model is found effective for simulating the pigment-water motion in art creating process. Implemented on the GPU, the simulation operations in our system can be accomplished in a real-time manner. The effectiveness of the proposed techniques is validated in our developed Digital Painting System, where various art effects can be successfully re-produced including the Initial area-Darkened initial edge-Diffusion area Lightened diffusion edge (IDDL) effect for vegetable pigments, the Initial area-Darkened initial edge-Diffusion area-Darkened diffusion edge (IDDD) effect for mineral pigments, and multistroke superimposing effects and achieves. In addition, quantitative evaluation is also introduced and shows superior performance of the proposed model in comparison with state-of-the-art techniques.
Resonant-Type Piezoelectric Pump Driven by Piezoelectric Stacks and a Rhombic Micro Displacement Amplifier

To obtain a high flow rate, a resonant-type piezoelectric pump is designed, fabricated, and studied in this paper. The pump consists of four parts: a piezoelectric vibrator, a pump chamber, a check valve and a compressible space. The designed piezoelectric vibrator is composed of a rhombic micro displacement amplifier, counterweight blocks and two piezoelectric stacks with low-voltage drive and a large output displacement. ANSYS software (Workbench 19.0) simulation results show that at the natural frequency of 946 Hz, the designed piezoelectric vibrator will produce the maximum output displacement. The bilateral deformation is symmetrical, and the phase difference is zero. Frequency, voltage, and backpressure characteristics of the piezoelectric pump are investigated. The experimental results show that at a certain operating frequency, the flow rate and the backpressure of the piezoelectric pump both increase with the increase in voltage. When the applied voltage is 150 Vpp, the flow rate reaches a peak of 367.48 mL/min at 720 Hz for one diaphragm pump, and reaches a peak of 700.15 mL/min at 716 Hz for two diaphragm pumps.
Fabrication of Fe3O4 core-TiO2/mesoSiO2 and Fe3O4 core-mesoSiO2/TiO2 Double Shell Nanoparticles for Methylene Blue Adsorption: Kinetic, Isotherms and Thermodynamic Characterization

Herein, Fe3O4 core-TiO2/mesoSiO2 and Fe3O4 core-mesoSiO2/TiO2 double shell nanoparticles were prepared by first (R1) and second (R2) routes and applied for the removal of methylene blue. The reported adsorption capacities for R1-0.2, R1-0.4 and R2 samples were 128, 118 and 133 mg.g−1, respectively, which were obtained after 80 min as equilibrium contact time, and pH of 6 using a methylene blue concentration of 200 ppm. The adsorption of methylene blue using the prepared Fe3O4 core-meso SiO2/TiO2 double shell was analyzed by kinetic and isotherms models. In addition, thermodynamic investigations were applied to assess the spontaneous nature of the process. The obtained results confirmed that the pseudo-second order model is well fitted with the adsorption data and the Freundlich-isotherm assumption suggested a multilayer adsorption mechanism. In addition, results of the thermodynamic investigation indicated that ΔG° was in the range of −2.3 to −6.8 kJ/mol for R1-0.2, −2.8 to −6.3 kJ/mol for R1-0.4 and −2.0 to −5.2 kJ/mol for R2. In addition, the ΔH° and ΔS° values were found in the range of 26.4 to 36.19 kJ.mol−1 and 94.9 to 126.3 Jmol−1 K−1, respectively. These results confirm that the surfaces of Fe3O4 core-mesoSiO2/TiO2 and Fe3O4 core-TiO2/mesoSiO2 double shell exhibit a spontaneous tendency to adsorb methylene blue from the aqueous solutions. The achieved performance of Fe3O4 core-meso SiO2/TiO2 and Fe3O4 core-TiO2/meso SiO2 double shell as adsorbent for methylene blue removal will encourage future research investigations on the removal of a broad range of contaminants from wastewater.
Role of Crystalloids in the Perioperative Setting: From Basics to Clinical Applications and Enhanced Recovery Protocols

Perioperative fluid management, a critical aspect of major surgeries, is characterized by pronounced stress responses, altered capillary permeability, and significant fluid shifts. Recognized as a cornerstone of enhanced recovery protocols, effective perioperative fluid management is crucial for optimizing patient recovery and preventing postoperative complications, especially in high-risk patients. The scientific literature has extensively investigated various fluid infusion regimens, but recent publications indicate that not only the volume but also the type of fluid infused significantly influences surgical outcomes. Adequate fluid therapy prescription requires a thorough understanding of the physiological and biochemical principles that govern the body’s internal environment and the potential perioperative alterations that may arise. Recently published clinical trials have questioned the safety of synthetic colloids, widely used in the surgical field. A new clinical scenario has arisen in which crystalloids could play a pivotal role in perioperative fluid therapy. This review aims to offer evidence-based clinical principles for prescribing fluid therapy tailored to the patient’s physiology during the perioperative period. The approach combines these principles with current recommendations for enhanced recovery programs for surgical patients, grounded in physiological and biochemical principles.
HIGH-PERFORMANCE WORK SYSTEM ON SUSTAINABLE ORGANIZATIONS PERFORMANCE IN SMES

Managing performance is quite easy, but sustaining that performance is the real challenge for organizations in the 21st century. Hence, the research’s main objective is to examine the impact of high-performance work system on sustainable organizational success in small and medium business (SMEs). Moreover, for global business organizations to succeed innovation must be involved. Therefore, the study is mediated by the Innovative work behaviour. Data were obtained among 820 SME employees in Nigeria. The Analysis used Partial Least Square (PLS) to check the hypothesis. In order to introduce creativity or inspire workers to behave innovatively in the workplace, they need a sense of well-being to actively engage employee organisations. This research will allow managers to agree to invest in workers so that employees work successfully and display creative actions in order to achieve sustainable organisation. This study adds to the scientific management literature by exploring the phenomena sustainable lens innovation and high-performance work by the SMEs in concurrently improve innovation-specific skills, inspiration, and voice habits across employees, resulting in higher innovation efficiency.