Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
New approaches to oil vulnerability mapping for Australian cities: the case of South-East Queensland, the 200km city

Australian cities are extremely dependent on oil for transportation, with relatively high automobile mode shares. ‘Forced car ownership’ is prevalent, especially in the outer suburbs of capital cities due to poor public transport services and connectivity. The potential harm caused by oil dependence and uncertain supply can be seen as a form of vulnerability. This paper develops and applies new approaches to better understand oil vulnerability and its spatial patterning. A new oil vulnerability framework that builds on previous approaches is provided, drawing on climate change vulnerability concepts of exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity. GIS-based oil vulnerability mapping is used to reveal the different dimensions across the urbanised coast of South-East Queensland (SEQ). This study is compared with previous approaches, notably Dodson and Sipe’s (2007) VIPER Index, and current regional transport and urban patterns. Consistent with previous studies, outer suburbs away from well-serviced public transport corridors are least prepared for sudden oil shock events, though subtle nuances are revealed using the new methods. This study revealed the multiple dimensions of oil vulnerability with a new visual classification technique. The resultant index could help planners and policy makers to holistically identify areas at high risk and provide more targeted responses. The new indicators and vulnerability mapping methods have a potential to be expanded to other urban jurisdictions within and beyond Australia.
O impacto da diabetes tipo 01 no desenvolvimento do cérebro em crianças

O diabetes é um distúrbio metabólico que gera apreensão em qualquer faixa etária. Nesse sentido, estudos demonstram que a DM1 em crianças pode impactar o desenvolvimento cerebral na primeira infância. Método: Trata-se de uma revisão de literatura baseada em consulta às bases de dados PUBMED, Google Acadêmico e Scielo. Utilizaram-se os descritores "Diabetes Mellitus tipo 1", "Desenvolvimento do cérebro infantil e diabetes", “Relação hipoglicemia/hiperglicemia e desenvolvimento cognitivo“. Como critérios de inclusão houve a preferência por artigos completos; e como exclusão, a não adequação ao tema e estudos incompletos. Revisão: Avaliou-se que tanto a hiperglicemia quanto a hipoglicemia podem prejudicar o desenvolvimento das funções cognitivas na infância, persistindo na fase adulta. Estudos comprovaram que crianças com episódios graves de hipoglicemia tiveram desempenho inferior em testes de memória e de cognição geral, em relação a crianças sem o quadro. Outros estudos observaram associações entre a hiperglicemia e funcionamento executivo, capacidade de aprendizado e memória, como também uma relação entre a velocidade de processamento e a hiperglicemia controlada. Conclusão: Muito embora já existam evidências do impacto dos extremos glicêmicos sob o desenvolvimento cognitivo durante a primeira infância, e até mesmo sua persistência na vida adulta, carecem mais estudos relacionados ao tema.
The Behavioral Analysis of Media Social Utilization and Its Implications on the Adolescent Based on an Islamic Perspective

Social media users show a number that continues to grow. The use of social media has both positive and negative impacts. According to various studies, social media can affect mental health for long-term use. For this reason, research on the effects that arise due to the use of social media needs to be carried out continuously to minimize the harmful effects of using this media. This study aims to determine the impact of social media on changes in adolescent behavior. This study analyzes changes in adolescent behavior based on patterns of access to information. Furthermore, this study investigates the practice of adolescents in accessing and using information sources using Burhuss Skinner's theory and Social Islamic perspective. The results showed that adolescents tend to imitate behavior or Tasyabbuh. If it is not balanced with adequate literacy skills, changes in adolescent behavior have a destructive tendency. Study results show this harmful effect, which offers a negative correlation. Assistance and improvement of adolescent literacy competence will help adolescents reduce the adverse effects of using technology.
Japanese encephlu emergence in Australia: the potential population at risk

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), an RNA virus transmitted by Culex mosquitoes, primarily cycles between aquatic birds and mosquitoes with pigs as amplifying hosts, posing a significant global encephalitis threat. The emergence and spread of the JEV in new epidemiological regions, such as recent cases in Australia and nonendemic areas like Pune, India, raise significant concerns. With an estimated 68 000 clinical cases and 13 600 to 20 400 deaths annually, JEV poses a substantial global health threat. The virus primarily affects children, with a case-fatality ratio of 20–30% and long-term neurological sequelae in survivors. The changing epidemiology, influenced by factors like bird migration, climate change, and increased urbanization, contributes to the geographic expansion of JEV. The recent outbreaks underscore the potential for the virus to establish itself in nonendemic regions, posing a threat to populations previously considered at low-risk. With limited treatment options and high rates of neurological complications, continued surveillance, traveler vaccination, and research into treatments are crucial to mitigate the impact of JEV on human health. The evolving scenario necessitates proactive measures to prevent and control the spread of the virus in both endemic and newly affected areas.
Gamma-convergent LDG method for large bending deformations of bilayer plates

Bilayer plates are slender structures made of two thin layers of different materials. They react to environmental stimuli and undergo large bending deformations with relatively small actuation. The reduced model is a constrained minimization problem for the second fundamental form, with a given spontaneous curvature that encodes material properties, subject to an isometry constraint. We design a local discontinuous Galerkin (LDG) method, which imposes a relaxed discrete isometry constraint and controls deformation gradients at barycenters of elements. We prove $\varGamma $-convergence of LDG, design a fully practical gradient flow, which gives rise to a linear scheme at every step, and show energy stability and control of the isometry defect. We extend the $\varGamma $-convergence analysis to piecewise quadratic creases. We also illustrate the performance of the LDG method with several insightful simulations of large deformations, one including a curved crease.
Rotational Stagnation Point Non-Newtonian Second-Grade Fluid Flowing over Spiraling Disk

Numerical study is conducted to execute the analysis of rotational stagnation point second-grade liquid flowing over the spiraling rotatory disk. Heat transmission analysis is accounted. The problem is formulated in the coupled partial differential equations forms which are later simplified in view of similar variables. The Keller-Box (KB) procedure is adopted for the execution of numerical solutions. The involved parameters influences on the velocity and temperature profiles are presented and interpreted. The skin-frictions and Nusselt number are reported in the forms of numerical data. The present results are verified through the comparison with already available material in the literature. This study addressed that the thickness layer of boundary augmented against the incrementing viscoelastic and rotational parameters. Both rotational and viscoelasticity resist the temperature. The rotational parameter rises radial skin-friction and heat transmission rate while diminishes the swirl skin friction.
Magnesium-Doped Nano-Hydroxyapatite/Polyvinyl Alcohol/Chitosan Composite Hydrogel: Preparation and Characterization

Background Polyvinyl alcohol/Chitosan hydrogel is often employed as a carrier because it is non-toxic, biodegradable, and has a three-dimensional network structure. Meanwhile, Magnesium-doped nano-hydroxyapatite(Mg-nHA) demonstrated high characterization to promote the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cell(BMSCs). Therefore, in order to develop a porous hydrogel scaffold for the application of bone tissue engineering, an appropriate-type Mg-nHA hydrogel scaffold was developed and evaluated. Methods A composite hydrogel containing magnesium-doped nano-hydroxyapatite (Mg-nHA/PVA/CS) was developed using a magnetic stirring-ion exchange method and cyclic freeze-thaw method design, with polyvinyl alcohol and chitosan as the main components. Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR), electron energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed to analyze the chemical structure, porosity, and elemental composition of each hydrogels. The equilibrium swelling degree, moisture content, pH change, potential for biomineralization, biocompatibility, the osteogenic potential and magnesium ion release rate of the composite hydrogel were also evaluated. Results SEM analysis revealed a well-defined 3D spatial structure of micropores in the synthesised hydrogel. FTIR analysis showed that doping nanoparticles had little effect on the hydrogel’s structure and both the 5% Mg-nHA/PVA/CS and 10% Mg-nHA/PVA/CS groups promoted amide bond formation. EDS observation indicated that the new material exhibited favourable biomineralization ability, with optimal performance seen in the 5% Mg-nHA/PVA/CS group. The composite hydrogel not only displayed favourable water content, enhanced biocompatibility, and porosity (similar to human cancellous bone), but also maintained an equilibrium swelling degree and released magnesium ions that created an alkaline environment around it. Additionally, it facilitated the proliferation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and their osteogenic differentiation. Conclusion The Mg-nHA/PVA/CS hydrogel demonstrates significant potential for application in the field of bone repair, making it an excellent composite material for bone tissue engineering.
Evaluating the Determinants of Young Runners' Continuance Intentions toward Wearable Devices

Running has gained popularity as a fitness activity in China, with a growing number of young runners utilizing wearable devices to monitor their running routines and engage in quantified self-practices. The continuous evolution of wearable devices in terms of products and services has expanded the choices available to young runners. Therefore, there is a need to analyze the factors influencing the continuance intention of young runners, providing insights into how to promote the sustained growth of these products or services in the market. This study is grounded in the Technology Acceptance Model and the Theory of Planned Behavior, with an extension incorporating the quantified self to explore the impact of users' continuance intentions to use wearable devices. A survey was conducted among 468 young runners who already used wearable devices, and the data collected were analyzed using PLS-SEM. The results indicate that perceived usefulness and attitudes from the Technology Acceptance Model positively influence intentions for continued use. Additionally, subjective norms according to the Theory of Planned Behavior positively influence continuance use intentions. However, perceived behavioral control does not have a significant effect on continuance use intentions. Conversely, the Quantified-Self positively influences continuance use intentions and partially mediates the relationship between perceived usefulness and continuance use intentions. This research has several theoretical implications for the Theory of Planned Behavior, the Technology Acceptance Model, and the Quantified-Self research construct. Moreover, this study has practical implications for practitioners concerning the adoption and acceptance of wearable devices by young people. This approach enables practitioners to target and implement precise strategies to meet the current demands of the young runner market. Doi: 10.28991/HIJ-2023-04-04-02 Full Text: PDF
Influence of AI-Enabled Digital Payment Systems on Mental Accounting Among Gen-Z

Artificial Intelligence (AI) plays an important role in finance, especially in digital payment systems, which are taking over cash as the de-facto payment mode, mainly among Gen-Z. Mode or source of payment can impact the cognitive process underlying spending – mental accounting. This study aims to ascertain whether the features of AI-enabled digital payment systems used by Gen-Z have an influence on mental accounting behaviours exhibited by them. Data was collected from 100 respondents selected using convenience sampling, through a self-structured questionnaire administered online. It was found that majority of the respondents preferred mobile payment apps and that there was a positive correlation between the variables. The results of this study underline the importance of AI in digital payments scenario, and is of particular use to AI developers and consumers.
QUEUEING GAMES WITH AN ENDOGENOUS NUMBER OF MACHINES

A BSTRACT . This paper studies queueing problems with an endogenous number of machines with and without an initial queue, the novelty being that coalitions not only choose how to queue, but also on how many machines. For a given problem, agents can (de)activate as many machines as they want, at a cost. After minimizing the total cost (processing costs and machine costs), we use a game theoretical approach to share to proceeds of this cooperation, and study the existence of stable allocations. First, we study queueing problems with an endogenous number of machines, and examine how to share the total cost. We provide an upper bound and a lower bound on the cost of a machine to guarantee the non-emptiness of the core (the set of stable allocations). Next, we study requeueing problems with an endogenous number of machines, where there is an existing queue. We examine how to share the cost savings compared to the initial situation, when optimally requeueing/changing the number of machines. Although, in general, stable allocation may not exist, we guarantee the existence of stable allocations when all machines are considered public goods, and we start with an initial schedule that might not have the optimal number of machines, but in which agents with large waiting costs are processed ﬁrst.
A revision of Dolichogenidea (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Microgastrinae) with the second mediotergite broadly rectangular from Area de Conservación Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Abstract The first species of Dolichogenidea (Hymenoptera: Braconidae, Microgastrinae) with the second mediotergite broadly quadrate to rectangular are revised, and eight new species from Area de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG), Costa Rica are described, all authored by Fernandez-Triana & Boudreault: alejandromasisi, angelagonzalezae, carlosmanuelrodriguezi, genuarnunezi, josealfredohernandezi, melaniamunozae, rogerblancoi, and yeimycedenoae. A new species group (carlosmanuelrodriguezi) within the genus is proposed to accommodate those species, as well as additional undescribed species from the Neotropical region found in collections. All new species are found in rainforests (120–900 m) and all are parasitoids of Depressariidae (except for one species parasitizing Choreutidae). The unique shape of the second mediotergite and long ovipositor are features shared with the alejandromorai species group in the genus Apanteles, an example of convergent evolution; both wasp groups also parasitize similar hosts in ACG.
The Apelin/APJ System: A Potential Therapeutic Target for Sepsis

Abstract Apelin is the native ligand for the G protein-coupled receptor APJ. Numerous studies have demonstrated that the Apelin/APJ system has positive inotropic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects and regulates fluid homeostasis. The Apelin/APJ system has been demonstrated to play a protective role in sepsis and may serve as a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of sepsis. Better understanding of the mechanisms of the effects of the Apelin/APJ system will aid in the development of novel drugs for the treatment of sepsis. In this review, we provide a brief overview of the physiological role of the Apelin/APJ system and its role in sepsis.
Molecular Signaling and Metabolic Responses during the Interaction between Human Keratinocytes (HaCaT) and the Dermatophyte Trichophyton rubrum

Trichophyton rubrum is the leading causative agent of dermatophytosis worldwide. Keratinocytes are the first line of defense that drives an immune response against fungal invasion. Host-specific pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) to trigger immunological pathways. Fungal cell wall components are the primary sources of fungal PAMPs, and some pathogens increase cell wall rearrangement to evade the immune system. Glycolysis and enhanced lactate levels are critical for improving host immune responses to fungal infections. Using reverse transcription–quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), we evaluated the transcriptional responses of human genes involved in fungal recognition and glycolytic metabolism and fungal cell-wall-related genes in a co-culture model of human keratinocytes with T. rubrum. We observed the upregulation of several Toll-like receptors (TLRs), NOD-like receptors (NLRs), and glycolytic genes. Complementarily, we measured intra- and extracellular glucose levels and the increase in lactate production in the co-culture supernatant. We noted a distinct transcriptional regulation pattern of fungal cell-wall-related genes from fungal growth on keratin as the primary carbon source compared to co-culture with human keratinocytes. Our results showed new insights into the transcriptional adaptation of keratinocytes, particularly in regulating genes involved in sensing and metabolic processes, during the interaction with T. rubrum.
Clinical Impact of Pharmacogenetic Testing on Antidepressant Therapy

Optimization of antidepressant treatment can be achieved by administration of gene tests that inform about pharmacokinetics. While the CYP450 gene test has merit in special cases the ABCB1-test informs about penetrance of a given drug into the brain. In both cases the prediction can be improved if combined with measurement of plasma drug concentrations. The implementation of gene tests targeting pharmacodynamics is not warranted until we know more about pathology of depression and antidepressants mode of action.
Modulation of Extracellular Matrix Composition and Chronic Inflammation with Pirfenidone Promotes Scar Reduction in Retinal Wound Repair

Wound repair in the retina is a complex mechanism and a deeper understanding of it is necessary for the development of effective treatments to slow down or even prevent degenerative processes leading to photoreceptor loss. In this study, we harnessed a laser-induced retinal degeneration model, enabling a profound molecular elucidation and a comprehensive, prolonged observation of the wound healing sequence in a murine laser-induced degeneration model until day 49 post laser. Our observations included the expression of specific extracellular matrix proteins and myofibroblast activity, along with an analysis of gene expression related to extracellular matrix and adhesion molecules through RNA measurements. Furthermore, the administration of pirfenidone, an anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic compound, was used to modulate the scar formation after laser treatment. Our data revealed upregulated collagen expression in late regenerative phases and sustained inflammation in the damaged tissue. Notably, treatment with pirfenidone was found to mitigate scar tissue formation, effectively downregulating collagen production and diminishing the presence of inflammatory markers. However, it did not lead to the regeneration of the photoreceptor layer.
Toxic Shock Syndrome: A Literature Review

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare, life-threatening, toxin-mediated infectious process linked, in the vast majority of cases, to toxin-producing strains of Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. The pathophysiology, epidemiology, clinical presentation, microbiological features, management and outcome of TSS are described in this review. Bacterial superantigenic exotoxins induces unconventional polyclonal lymphocyte activation, which leads to rapid shock, multiple organ failure syndrome, and death. The main described superantigenic exotoxins are toxic shock syndrome toxin—1 (TSST-1) and enterotoxins for Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins (SpE) A, B, and C and streptococcal superantigen A (SsA) for Streptococcus pyogenes. Staphylococcal TSS can be menstrual or nonmenstrual. Streptococcal TSS is linked to a severe group A streptococcal infection and, most frequently, to a necrotizing soft tissue infection. Management of TSS is a medical emergency and relies on early detection, immediate resuscitation, source control and eradication of toxin production, bactericidal antibiotic treatment, and protein synthesis inhibiting antibiotic administration. The interest of polyclonal intravenous immunoglobulin G administration as an adjunctive treatment for TSS requires further evaluation. Scientific literature on TSS mainly consists of observational studies, clinical cases, and in vitro data; although more data on TSS are required, additional studies will be difficult to conduct due to the low incidence of the disease.
Surface Properties of a Biocompatible Thermoplastic Polyurethane and Its Anti-Adhesive Effect against E. coli and S. aureus

Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is a polymer used in a variety of fields, including medical applications. Here, we aimed to verify if the brush and bar coater deposition techniques did not alter TPU properties. The topography of the TPU-modified surfaces was studied via AFM demonstrating no significant differences between brush and bar coater-modified surfaces, compared to the un-modified TPU (TPU Film). The effect of the surfaces on planktonic bacteria, evaluated by MTT assay, demonstrated their anti-adhesive effect on E. coli, while the bar coater significantly reduced staphylococcal planktonic adhesion and both bacterial biofilms compared to other samples. Interestingly, Pearson’s R coefficient analysis showed that Ra roughness and Haralick’s correlation feature were trend predictors for planktonic bacterial cells adhesion. The surface adhesion property was evaluated against NIH-3T3 murine fibroblasts by MTT and against human fibrinogen and human platelet-rich plasma by ELISA and LDH assay, respectively. An indirect cytotoxicity experiment against NIH-3T3 confirmed the biocompatibility of the TPUs. Overall, the results indicated that the deposition techniques did not alter the antibacterial and anti-adhesive surface properties of modified TPU compared to un-modified TPU, nor its bio- and hemocompatibility, confirming the suitability of TPU brush and bar coater films in the biomedical and pharmaceutical fields.