Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the OXPHOS system in plant mitochondria

This thesis aims to provide a deeper understanding of structure and function of the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) system in plant mitochondria. Thanks to improvements in electron microscopy (EM), a high number of structural details were obtained in the last years. Besides the already known stable interactions of OXPHOS complexes, termed supercomplexes, even higher-ordered oligomers are formed by those (section 2.2). Evidence is adduced for a row-like organization of complexes I, III and IV, termed ‘respiratory string’. Furthermore, ATPsynthase (complex V) forms long rows of dimers located at locally curved cristae membranes, which are supposed to induce the bending of the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM). New details about the structure of complex I and the I+III2 supercomplex in Zea mays are outlined in section 2.1. The typical L-shaped complex I structure resembles the one from Arabidopsis thaliana and also in maize, a member of the group of C4 species, the plant specific carbonic anhydrase (CA) domain could be detected. Comparing this domain with the X-ray structure of homotrimeric γ-CA from the archaebacterium Methanosarcina thermophila, it is suggested that the CA domain in maize most likely represents a trimer, too. Additionally, single-particle EM of complex I from maize reveals structural heterogeneity in complex I, which is not known for other plant species so far. Different physiological roles for these two complex I forms have to be discussed. Moreover, the I+III2 supercomplex seems to be more stable in maize than in Arabidopsis. In section 2.4 an immunoblot based quantification approach is presented, revealing the ratio of OXPHOS complexes in different plant tissues. Drastic differences in complex I to complex II ratio of individual plant tissues of Arabidopsis thaliana are displayed. This leads to the suggestion of additional tissue dependent functions of these respiratory chain complexes in plants besides electron transfer. Due to the results obtained by this study, lightdependent side functions of complex I are discussed. Beyond these approaches on the characterization of the OXPHOS system, a new application based on blue native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (BN-PAGE), which is the method of choice for analyses of membrane protein complexes, was established in this thesis (section 2.3). Different protein samples are labelled with distinct fluorescent dyes, pooled and resolved in one single gel (blue native difference gel electrophoresis, BN-DIGE). This technique allows systematic and quantitative comparisons of protein complexes of related protein fractions, structural investigations of protein complexes as well as assignments of protein complexes to subcellular fractions like organelles.
Evaluation of Stacking on Biomedical Data

Objectives: Stacking is a well-known ensemble technique, but some of its aspects still need to be explored, e.g., there are few recommendations on which and how many algorithms should be used at level-0 or even which algorithm should be used to compose the level-1 meta-classifier. The literature indicates the meta-algorithm at level-1 should be simple, and Naive Bayes has been typically used in these studies. Methods: In this work, we have analyzed stacking on biomedical datasets, using three different paradigms of machine learning algorithms to compose the meta-classifier. Results: The experiments indicate simple meta-algorithms do not provide good results. Conclusion: the meta-classifier must have a degree of complexity to provide a nice performance.
Comparative Study of Antimicrobial Activities of twotype of TiO 2 Nanoparticles Against the Pathogenic Strain of Escherichia coli Rehab

The current study investigated the antibacterial properties0.25%, 0.50% and 1% of two different types of nano-TiO2 against a selection of pathogenic bacteria (Escherchia coli) isolated from a sample of wastewater from Riyadh, for the purposes of further application to time and cost effective water purification in Saudi Arabia. A commercial sample of nanoparticles metal oxide containing 98% titanium dioxide (TiO2) that was brown in colour – hereinafter (T2B). Another commercial sample of nanoparticles metal oxide was obtained containing 99% titanium dioxide (TiO2) that was white in colour – hereinafter (T2W). Pathogenic bacteria were cultured in liquid nutrient medium to evaluate the antibacterial effects of 0.25%, 0.50% and 1% of both types of nano-TiO2.Electron microscopy was also used to observe the effect of both nanoparticles on the pathogenic bacterial cells in the liquid media specimens. For both nano-specimens significant results were seen for 0.25%0.50% and 1% concentration. The bacterial number substantially decreased with 0.25%, 0.50% and 1% of both nanoparticles. However, better results were obtained with 0.50% and 1% of (T2B), where bacterial inhibition was greater in both media. With (T2B), bacterial clearance was observed in nearly half the time needed (T2W). This has been observed in both media. In the liquid medium, complete cell death was seen with 1% (T2B) after 4 hours compared with 6 hours with 1% (T2W). Electron microscopy showed bacterial samples completely destroyed with 1% (T2B). E. coli appeared to be sensitive bacteria to the presence of both (T2W) and (T2B) nanoparticles, as they experienced significant bacteria disruption and damage . [Rehab K. Alhajjar, Najat A. Y. Marraiki1,Ekram A. AbdelMoaty. Comparative Study of Antimicrobial Activities of twotype of TiO2Nanoparticles Against the Pathogenic Strain of Escherichia coli. Life Sci J 2014;11(12):982989]. (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite. com. 169
ESTRUAL CHARACTERISTICS OF WEST AFRICAN DWARF GOAT DOES UNDER THREE ESTRUS INDUCTION PROTOCOLS

Estrual characteristics of three estrus induction protocols were investigated using thirty multiparous West African dwarf goats with average weight 16.2±3.14 kg. Three aproned bucks were used to determine estrus. Does were assigned equally and randomly to protocols: Chloprostenol (PGG), Ovsynch (OvG), and Estradiol (EG). Goats were fed elephant grass ad libitum, concentrate and clean fresh water. Goats in: PGG received 125 mcg chloprostenol (double injection, i/m ), ten days interval; OvG received 50 mcg Gonadorelin® on day 0, 125 mcg Chloprostenol on day 7, 50 mcg Gonadorelin® on day 9; EG received 1 mg Super Estradiol® (double injections), two days interval. Onset of estrus (OE), proportion of does in estrus (PDE), duration of estrus (DE), reproductive hormones, vaginal cytology, and vulva diameters were studied. The OE, PDE, DE for PGG, OvG and EG were 48 hour, 90%, 2.32±3.84; 0 hour, 100%, 1.62±0.28; 0 hour, 100%, 5.00±0.00, respectively. Across protocols, differences in titers for LH, FSH, and Estradiol were significant (P<0.05) while progesterone was not (P>0.05); SEC (%) for the period 24-96 hours were significant (P<0.05); vertical and horizontal vulva diameters (VDs) were not significant (P>0.05); ratios vertical:horizontal VDs i.e. 1.29:1 (PGG), 1.53:1 (OvG) and 1.37:1 (EG) differed. In conclusion, the protocols synchronized estrus in WAD does; OvG and EG had shortest OE and highest PDE; OvG had least DE; hormone titers (except progesterone) and SEC varied; changes in VDs were similar but, vertical:horizontal VDs was highest in OvG.
Compositional Reasoning for Visual Question Answering

Visual Question Answering (VQA) is the task of answering natural language queries based on images (Figure 1 shows an example). VQA is a challenging multi-modal problem that requires a combination of scene understanding, natural language parsing, and logical reasoning. The problem has been extensively studied, especially in the last couple of years, and many methods have been proposed (Xiong et al., 2016; Andreas et al., 2016b; Fukui et al., 2016; Lu et al., 2016; Yang et al., 2016). However, as argued by (Johnson et al., 2016), many of these models do not possess actual reasoning abilities, and simply exploit statistical properties of the datasets. For example, questions about counting might always have some small number as the answer, and the model might simply predict this number without actually counting. Johnson et al. (2016) seek to address these limitations by proposing a new dataset, CLEVR, which reduces easily exploitable biases, and also provides ground truth annotations to allow easier analysis of the reasoning capabilities of models.
New finds of well-preserved Tithonian (Late Jurassic) fossils from Owadów–Brzezinki Quarry, Central Poland: a review and perspectives

Here we briefly report the discovery of new, exceptionally well-preserved Late Jurassic (Tithonian) fossils from Owadów– Brzezinki quarry – one of the most important palaeontological sites in Poland. These finds which comprise organisms living originally in different environments indicate that the Owadów–Brzezinki site represents a link – most probably in a form of open marine passages – betweeen distinct palaeobiogeographical provinces. This creates an unprecedented opportunity for better recognition of the regional palaeobiogeography of adjacent European areas during the Late Jurassic.
ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION IN BOTSWANA : THE ROLE OF FINANCIAL DEVELOPMENT , INDUSTRIALISATION AND URBANIZATION

Botswana’s electricity supply is overwhelmed by the growing energy demands with the peak electric power deficits being met through imports. This study seeks to understand the key drivers of this increasing electricity demand. Using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) bounds testing and Error Correction Model (ECM), it examines the role played by financial development, industrialisation and urbanization in Botswana’s energy (or more specifically electricity)-growth nexus between 1981 and 2011. The findings reveal that economic growth, financial development and industrialization positively affect electricity consumption in the short-run and long-run. However, urbanization increases electricity consumption only in the long-term. These finding not only support conservation hypothesis but also imply that policy-makers should take into account the increase in electricity demand arising from financial development, urbanization and industrialisation in energy (electricity) consumption planning in the economy to avoid energy crisis. In addition, policy-makers should search and invests in renewable energy sources such as solar to increase access to cheap energy source.
Correlations between glycaemic control and serum chromium levels among type 2 diabetic patients in Denpasar, Bali

Introduction: The National Basic Health Research (Riskesdas) in 2013 showed 6.9% diabetes prevalence in Indonesia with the highest among aged 55 years and above in urban areas. Poor glycaemic control is reported to be related to low chromium levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study aimed to determine the correlation between serum chromium and glycaemic control in T2DM patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at six community health centres (Puskesmas) in Denpasar, Bali in July 2015-Jan 2016. A total of 165 T2DM patients who met the inclusion criteria were included. The subjects were aged 50-70 years, registered in the Chronic Diseases Management Programme (Prolanis), members of diabetic health clubs in the Puskesmas, and were taking oral hypoglycaemic medication. Anthropometric measurements were taken, including weight, height and waist circumference. Fasting blood samples were collected for determination of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) using HPLC, blood glucose (FBG) by tipyrine (GODPAP) enzymatic colorimetric method, and serum chromium using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). Correlations between HbA1c and FBG with serum chromium were determined using Spearman Correlation test (95% CI). Results: There was a significant negative correlation between FBG levels and serum chromium (r=-0.813; p<0.001); while no significant correlation was found between HbA1c and serum chromium (r=-0.059; p>0.05). Conclusion: Serum chromium levels of T2DM patients in this study were low, while their FBG levels correlated negatively with serum chromium status. Studies on a larger sample of T2DM patients should be undertaken to verify this finding for nutritional care of diabetic patients.
oots of inequity : How the implementation of REDD + reinforces past njustices

The extent to which REDD+ initiatives should be a mechanism to address poverty and provide other co-benefits apart from carbon storage, is hotly debated. Here, we examine the benefit distribution policy and practice of a prominent REDD+ project in Kenya with the aim of understanding the extent to which it addresses equity. We reveal that while the project design was attentive to equity concerns in distributing benefits amongst the project implementer, landowners and the wider population of small-scale farmers and pastoralists in the area, in practice, the initial flow of benefits were concentrated in the hands of a few. This was because developments in land tenure since pre-colonial times had involved processes of dispossession and elite capture, enabled by colonial and post-colonial land policies that left the majority
Governing the Time Will Govern Development – or, ‘Territory of Faster Development: Everything for People’ Megaproject Realization Proposals

In the present article the author substantiates the thesis that the contemporary scientific knowledge has exhausted its explanatory potentials and does not contribute to definition of the objective causes of the emerging systemic crisis in Russia and in the world. Hence, such knowledge does not help to conduct the search and to substantiate transition to the new economic growth model, although Russia in its current situation is doomed to stagnation, further slowdown of growth rates, increase in unemployment and poverty. As argued further on in the article, only by reaching the visionary level of understanding the roots of the emerging systemic crisis and all other problems, it has become possible to form the methodology for cognition of regularities in the human system development, and then, basing on the given methodology, to substantiate the need and possibility to realize the megaproject of ‘Territory of Faster Development: Everything for People’.
The physiological reactivity of the young in short-term audio-visual exposure to TV news involving aggression and blood in Romania

This research is focused on showing the physiological reactivity of the Romanian young exposed on short-term to aggressive and TV news involving blood. The method: The participants were 73 students from the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Bucharest aged between 18 and 23 (m=20.4, S.D.=1.3), 32 males and 41 females. The instruments were the followings: 1) The Laffayette Polygraph, LX 4000-Platinum Series; 2) The video stimuli recorded from Romanian TV news from the highest rated TV broadcasting news, scheduled at 17.00 and 19.00 hours (during the afternoon). The results: By applying Wilcoxon nonparametric test for dependent experimental groups, the hypotheses regarding the statistically significant differences between the GSR (p<0.05) and the blood pressure (p<0.05) during the exposure to TV news involving blood and aggression have been confirmed. The findings provide evidence to parents and teachers who should prohibit their children from watching TV news involving blood and aggression and replace them with educational, cultural or other kind of TV news. Keywords-GSR, TV news involving blood and aggression, desensitization.
Monitoring and Analysis of the Real Estate Market in a Social Perspective: Results from the Turin’s (Italy) Experience

In Italy, it has always been difficult to collect reliable data on real estate given the opacity of the information available. Keeping into consideration the actual availability of data and information, the possibility to have a structure for permanently monitoring and analysing the real estate market is fundamental. Focusing on developing and disseminating knowledge related to practices in this context, in this paper the Turin’s (Northern Italy) experience is presented, through the Real Estate Market Observatory (TREMO): This structure is based on a data-warehouse, implemented over time, with databases that lead to historic price observations of the residential market. The data warehouse is the basis for investigating methodologies and analyses, assuming the spatial requisites of the data and its georeferencing as the main discriminant in choosing among descriptive statistics, multi-varied or spatial analysis methods. In twenty years, several studies have been developed, allowing us not only to explore the applicability of models and operative modalities, but also to obtain results with a high potential impact under a social viewpoint. In this paper, the methodologies developed for implementing the monitoring structure are presented, specifically the “quality process” and computerized analysis procedures, followed by some representative research experiences with reference to aims, models and results.
CFR Working Paper NO . 1806 On the Choice of CEO Duality : Evidence from a Mandatory Disclosure

We adopt a novel approach to explain why firms opt for or against CEO duality and the value implications of this choice. Exploiting the 2009 amendments to Regulation S-K, we provide unique evidence on the first-time disclosure of the reasons firms state for combining (separating) the roles of CEO and chairman. The stated reasons support both agency theory and organization theory. They are more numerous and comprise more words, including more positive words, for firms with duality. Examining the announcement returns to firms’ disclosures, we find that investors evaluate the main reasons for CEO duality by considering the firm’s characteristics. JEL classification: G14, G34, G38
Changes in quality parameters of tomatoes during storage : a review

The quality of tomatoes drastically changes according to storage conditions, such as temperature, humidity, and air composition. High storage temperatures result in the degradation of the firmness and color of tomatoes and in decay by bacteria, whereas chilling injury and softening can be caused by storage at low temperatures. The gas composition in the storage and packaging are other parameters that influence the quality and shelf life of tomatoes by preventing excessive transpiration and respiration. In addition, tomato quality is dependent on the degree of maturity and harvest season. Because there are many quality parameters, it is necessary to systemically establish an optimal standard, and this approach requires collecting and reviewing various data on storage conditions. The aim of this review was to provide basic information by comparing and analyzing studies on the changes in tomato quality (firmness, color, lycopene content, and acidity of tomatoes) during storage and to describe a few models that can assess the quality parameters. Many studies have provided results from experiments on the effects of postharvest control (e.g., storage temperature, packaging film, and gas treatment, as reviewed above) on tomato quality including firmness, soluble solids content, and lycopene content. However, it is still necessary to conduct an overall analysis of the published conditions and to determine the best method for preserving the quality of tomatoes as well as other fruits.
On striking the balance between the fairness of service and throughput in Road Side Units ( RSUs ) based vehicular ad hoc networks ( VANETs )

Data dissemination using Road Side Units (RSUs) in Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs) got considerable attention to assist the inter-vehicles communication to overcome the vehicle-to-vehicle frequent disconnection problem. An RSU invokes the underlying scheduler to choose a data item to broadcast in order to satisfy the pending requests of vehicles. Conventionally, a scheduler selects a data item based on different metrics, which are usually the deadline of a request, the size of an item and the popularity of an item. In the conventional scheduling manner, normally the popular data items are
A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF SOCIAL BOT CLASSIFICATION TECHNIQUES

With social media rising in popularity over the recent years, new so called social bots are infiltrating by spamming and manipulating people all over the world. Many different methods have been presented to solve this problem with varying success. This study aims to compare some of these methods, on a dataset of Twitter account metadata, to provide helpful information to companies when deciding how to solve this problem. Two machine learning algorithms and a human survey will be compared on the ability to classify accounts. The algorithms used are the supervised algorithm random forest and the unsupervised algorithm k-means. There will also be an evaluation of two ways to run these algorithms, using the machine learning as a service BigML and the python library Scikit-learn. Additionally, what metadata features are most valuable in the supervised and human survey will be compared. Results show that supervised machine learning is the superior technique for social bot identification with an accuracy of almost 99%. To conclude, it depends on the expertise of the company and if a relevant training dataset is available but in most cases supervised machine learning is recommended.
Learning from Data Streams: Processing Techniques in Sensor Networks

Sensor networks consist of distributed autonomous devices that cooperatively monitor an environment. Sensors are equipped with capacities to store information in memory, process this information and communicate with their neighbors. Processing data streams generated from wireless sensor networks has raised new research challenges over the last few years due to the huge numbers of data streams to be managed continuously and at a very high rate. The book provides the reader with a comprehensive overview of stream data processing, including famous prototype implementations like the Nile system and the TinyOS operating system. The set of chapters covers the state-of-art in data stream mining approaches using clustering, predictive learning, and tensor analysis techniques, and applying them to applications in security, the natural sciences, and education. This research monograph delivers to researchers and graduate students the state of the art in data stream processing in sensor networks. The huge bibliography offers an excellent starting point for further reading and future research.
EVALUATION OF SOME SUGAR BEET VARIETIES AS AFFECTED BY HARVESTING DATES UNDER NEWLY RECLAIMED SOIL

Two field experiments were carried out during 2008/2009 and 2009/2010 seasons at Kafr El-Hammam village, Sharkia Governorate to study the effect of harvesting dates on productivity of some sugar beet varieties. Sugar beet varieties Gazella, Carola and Lola were planted on 1 October in both seasons. Harvesting dates were done at 180, 195 and 210 days from sowing. The experimental design was a split-plot design with four replication, harvesting dates were allocated in the main plots and varieties in the sub-plots. Results showed that: delaying harvesting dates from 180 to 210 days from sowing significantly increased root fresh weight (g/plant), sucrose%, as well as root and sugar yield (tons/fed). While, nitrogen%, sodium%, potassium% were decreased significantly in both seasons. Harvesting dates at 195 days from sowing gave the highest values. Sugar beet varieties gave significant increase for root fresh weight (g/plant), sucrose%, as well as, root yield and sugar yield (tons/fed) in both seasons. While, sodium%, potassium% decreased significantly in both seasons. However, root diameter in the 2 season only. The interaction was significant in both seasons for root fresh weight (g/plant), sucrose%, root and sugar yield (tons/fed). However, root diameter in the 1 season and sodium and potassium% in the 2 season. , respectively. In general it can be concluded that harvesting Lola sugar beet variety at 195 days from sowing was the best treatment for maximizing sugar beet productivity in the newly reclaimed soils under the environment of this study.