Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Different Levels of Nitrogen and Filter Mud on Tomato Vegetative Growth Yield and Yield Components

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different levels of nitrogen and filter mud cake applications on vegetative growth and yield on tomato cultivar "Castle Rock". Place and Duration of Study: Field experiments were conducted during two successive winter seasons 2015/2016 and 2016/2017 at the experimental farm, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Bakht Alruda, Ed Duiem, Sudan. Methodology: Treatments included three Nitrogen levels (0, 43 and 86 kg N/ ha) and three filter mud levels (0, 2 and 4 ton/ ha). Urea (46%N) was used as source of nitrogen and applied after fifteen days from sowing. Filter mud cake was applied one month before sowing. The treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Results: Results showed significant differences among N treatments in tomato vegetative growth, yield and yield components in the two seasons. The 86 kg N/ ha showed the highest vegetative growth yield and yield components compared to control. The filter mud application at both rates showed significant increase in the most vegetative growth parameters, yield and yield components compared to the control in the two seasons. The combination of N and filter mud resulted in significant increase in vegetative growth and yield components, the highest values were obtained by application of 86 kg/ha combined with 4 ton filter mud /ha. Conclusion: Considering the present study it can be concluded that the application of 86 kg/ha combined with 4 ton filter mud /ha is the best level in terms of maximum vegetative growth, yield and yield components of Castle Rock tomato cultivar.
The potential protective effects of tetrahydrobiopterin on cadmium-induced pancreatic changes in male rats

Cadmium (Cd) is a widespread environmental and industrial pollutant. It accumulates in the pancreas and could influence its endocrine and exocrine functions. Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is essential for various processes, and present in all tissues of higher organisms. This study was designed to investigate the effect of BH4 on the acute pancreatic damage induced by Cd and detect its mechanism(s) of action. Thirty rats were randomly divided into three groups (10 rats each). Control: received saline, Cd: received (single dose of CdCl2 4 mg/kg, i.p.) and BH4+Cd: received (single dose of BH4 20 mg/kg, i.p.) one hour before single dose of CdCl2 (4 mg/kg, i.p.). The α-amylase, lipase, glucose, insulin and interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels were measured in serum and intercellular adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1), malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were measured in pancreatic homogenate. Histopathological examination of pancreas was done. BH4 improved pancreatic functions, where α-amylase, lipase, glucose and IL-6 levels were significantly decreased while insulin levels were significantly increased in serum. Pancreatic damage was ameliorated as evident by significant decrease of ICAM-1 and MDA and significant increase of SOD levels in pancreatic homogenate. Also, the disturbed pancreatic tissues were ameliorated. In conclusion, BH4 induced improvements in pancreatic tissue and functions in cadmium-exposed rats. Part of BH4 beneficial effects could be attributed to anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activity.
Planning and Decision-Making for Autonomous Vehicles

In this review, we provide an overview of emerging trends and challenges in the field of intelligent and autonomous, or self-driving, vehicles. Recent advances in the field of perception, planning, and decision-making for autonomous vehicles have led to great improvements in functional capabilities, with several prototypes already driving on our roads and streets. Yet challenges remain regarding guaranteed performance and safety under all driving circumstances. For instance, planning methods that provide safe and system-compliant performance in complex, cluttered environments while modeling the uncertain interaction with other traffic participants are required. Furthermore, new paradigms, such as interactive planning and end-to-end learning, open up questions regarding safety and reliability that need to be addressed. In this survey, we emphasize recent approaches for integrated perception and planning and for behavior-aware planning, many of which rely on machine learning. This raises the question of verification and safety, which we also touch upon. Finally, we discuss the state of the art and remaining challenges for managing fleets of autonomous vehicles.
n of tetracycline and cefradine using biochar derived from seaweed Sargassum sp.

Surface properties of biochars derived from seaweed Sargassum sp. were observed as obvious difference to those from agricultural wastes. In this study, the adsorptive removal of two types of antibiotics, tetracycline (TC) and cefradine (CF), on the biochar were compared and discussed herein. The rod-like tissues of the raw seaweed swelled to be spindle-like at pyrolytic temperature above 400°C. The carbon content was increased from 22.9% of the raw seaweed to 37.2% of the biocharpyrolyzed at 600°C (BC600), while the oxygen content was just increased slightly from 24.7% to 27.8%. The uptake of both TC and CF on the biochar was found to be pH-dependent. The maximum adsorption capacities of TC and CF calculated from the Langmuir model were 128.1 and 61.7 mg/g, respectively, while more CF molecules were adsorbed on biochar at a low adsorbate concentration. Both the Coulombic interaction and π–π electron-donor-acceptor interaction between seaweed biochar and CF/TC molecules played the predominant roles during the adsorption process. The experimental data was well fitted by the pseudo-second-order kinetics model, indicating a possible chemisorption process to some extent. Isotherm result implied that both surface adsorption and partitioning contributed to the uptake of TC and CF onto BC600.
H2 High Pressure Annealed Y-Doped ZrO2 Gate Dielectric With an EOT of 0.57 nm for Ge MOSFETs

We report on the impact of H<sub>2</sub> high pressure annealing (H<sub>2</sub>-HPA) on a Y-doped ZrO<sub>2</sub> (Y-ZrO<sub>2</sub>)/GeO<sub>x</sub>/Ge gate stack. In this paper, compared to conventional forming gas annealing (FGA), the H<sub>2</sub>-HPA increased the k-value of the Y-doped ZrO<sub>2</sub> gate dielectric to as high as 47.8 by enhancing the crystallization of the Y-ZrO<sub>2</sub>. This process can achieve an aggressively scaled equivalent oxide thickness (EOT) of 0.57 nm with an extremely low gate leakage current (J<sub>g</sub>) of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$ {4.5} \times {10}^{- {6}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> A/cm<sup>2</sup>. In addition, the H<sub>2</sub>-HPA effectively passivated the dangling bonds and reduced the interface trap density (D<sub>it</sub>) to as low as <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${3.4} \times {10}^{ {11}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> eV<sup>−1</sup>cm<sup>−2</sup>. The Ge pMOSFETs of the Y-ZrO<sub>2</sub> with H<sub>2</sub>-HPA led to a ~ 70% improvement in the effective hole mobility compared to the counterpart device with the conventional FGA. The device with H<sub>2</sub>-HPA also showed an improved subthreshold swing (SS) value of 93 mV/dec compared to that with the FGA (135 mV/dec).
Toxicological Effects of Garlic Bulbs Aqueous Extract on Two Tetranychid Mites (Acari: Tetranychidae)

Experiments were conducted in the laboratory to assess the ability and stability of garlic (Allium sativum Linn.) aqueous extract to control the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae), and the carmine spider mite, Tetranychus cinnabarinus (Boisduval) in Egypt. Natural plant extracts, as (Allium sativum Linn.), have minimum-risk to the environment, so they can considered as an easy alternative to pesticides. Seven concentrations ranging from 2000 to 40000 ppm garlic were used to measure extract toxicity. Data showed that the maximum mortality values were 83.33and 86.67 % after 7 days, for T. urticae, and T. cinnabarinus, respectively. The effect of storage periods on the efficacy of different six concentrations of aqueous garlic extract on the same mite species was studied. Results indicated that the extract acaricidal activity decreased throw time for all tested concentrations. After four weeks it lost about 30% of its activity. Garlic aqueous extract significantly reduced egg deposition and egg hatchability of T. urticae and T. cinnabarinus. Regarding mites’ mortality and fecundity, there were no statistically significant differences between the two species. These experiments demonstrated that garlic aqueous extract is effective in the control of both tetranychid mite pests.
Morphology‐dependent electrochemical performance of nitrogen‐doped carbon dots@polyaniline hybrids for supercapacitors

In this work, the binary N‐CDs@PANI hybrids were fabricated by introducing zero‐dimensional nitrogen‐doped carbon dots (N‐CDs) into reticulated PANI. Firstly, N‐CDs were prepared by one‐pot microwave method, and then, the N‐CDs were introduced into in situ oxidative polymerization of aniline (ANI) monomer. The N‐CDs with abundant functional groups and high electronic cloud density played a significant role in guiding the polyaniline‐ordered growth into intriguing morphologies. Moreover, morphology‐dependent electrochemical performances of N‐CDs@PANI hybrids were investigated and N‐CDs improve static interaction and enhance the special capacitances in the N‐CDs@PANI hybrids. Especially, the specific capacitance of PC4 hybrid can reach 785 F g−1, which exceed that of pure PANI (274 F g−1) at current density of 0.5 A g−1 according to three‐electrode measurement. And the capacitance retention of the PC4 hybrid still keeps 70% after 2000 cycles of charge and discharge. The N‐CDs@PANI hybrids can have potential applications in electrode materials, supercapacitors, nonlinear optics, and microwave absorption.
Studies on redox modulation of nlrp3 inflammasome

i Abstract Studies on Redox Modulation of NLRP3 Inflammasome Razif Abas, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, United Kingdom. NLRP3 inflammasome activation provides an innate host defence against pathogens. Two steps of inflammasome complex activation are recognised: Signal 1 or priming (expression of NLRP3 protein, pro-IL-1β, pro-IL-18 and procaspase-1), followed by Signal 2 or activation (expression of active IL-1β and IL18). Additionally, caspase 5 may be involved via a non-canonical pathway. The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible role of cytosolic superoxide and slow-release hydrogen sulfide generation in mitochondria, in activating the NLRP3 inflammasome in THP-1 and HUVEC and EA.hy926 endothelial cells. Cells were differentiated with PMA (5 ng/ml) for 1-3 days. Subsequently, LPS treatment (5 μg/ml) was administered for 24 h for Signal 1 activation followed by bzATP (300 μM) for 1 hour for Signal 2. Signal 1 and Signal 2 of the NLRP3 inflammasome were up-regulated in the human macrophage cell model. Both endothelial cell types showed evidence of low level Signal 1 activation. Despite HUVEC cells showing priming of the NLRP3 inflammasome, there was no evidence for Signal 2 activation. Surprisingly, EA.hy926 cells showed low levels of active IL-1β, when exposed to PMA, suggesting other endpoints of an active NLRP3 inflammasome such as HMGB1, which was expressed in EA.hy926 cells, are worthy of investigation. Subsequently, the effects of intracellular generation of superoxide (mitoparaquat and paraquat at 1 and 5 μM) were investigated in differentiated THP-1 cells before and after LPS. In our hands, intracellular superoxide generation was unable to enhance Signal 1 NLRP3 inflammasome in PMA-differentiated THP-1 cells. However, the higher concentration of mitoparaquat was able to increase Signal 2. Non-canonical pathway was not detected in THP-1 cells. Interestingly, slow-release hydrogen sulfide donors (GYY4137 and AP39) reduced Signal 2 NLRP3 inflammasome suggesting antiinflammatory properties. These data support a role for redox active oxygen and sulfur species in modulating inflammatory IL-1β and IL-18 synthesis in human monocytes with proand anti-inflammatory activities respectively.
Comparison of Drying Characteristics of Seedless Grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) Using Solar Dehydrator and Natural-Sun-Dehydration

This study attempts to compare the dehydrating characteristics of pretreated seedless grapes using two different modes of dehydrating (Modified-Quonset dehydrator and Natural-sun-drying) under climatic conditions of Mansoura University (31.043°N and 31.352°E). Solar dehydrating systems for drying agricultural products have clarified to be practical, saving energy and time, economical, and the responsible approach environmentally. Different measurements of macroclimatic parameters (incident solar radiation, air temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed) and microclimatic parameters (incident solar radiation, air temperature, bulk temperature of grape berries, and air relative humidity) had monitored, measured and recorded during the experimental work. The thermal performance analysis for the solar dehydrator, drying characteristics of thin layer of pretreated seedless grapes, and quality of raisins produced from two different modes of dehydrating were tested and evaluated. During the experimental work, the hourly average incident solar radiation outside was 673.8 W/m2 (± 214.2), while that amount inside the solar dryer was 588.9 (± 220.9), which achieved an hourly average effective transmittance of polycarbonate cover of 87.40% (± 6.9). The hourly average air temperatures outside and inside solar dehydrator during was 31.0 (± 2.0), and 49.9 (± 10.1). Accordingly, the increasing percentage in dehydrating-air-temperature was 61.25%. The hourly average air-relative-humidity inside the solar dehydrator was 26.4% (± 1.40), whilst, the outside air-relative humidity was 63.7% (± 3.6). Consequently, solar dehydrator reduced the air-relative-humidity under the outside by 37.3%. The overall thermal efficiency of the solar dehydrator was 72.21%, while, the drying efficiency of the solar dehydrator was 56.48%. As a result, about 27.79% of the total heating power was lost with the exhausted air. The initial moisture content of pretreated seedless grapes prior to the drying process was 77.19% w.b. (± 0.65 w.b.). During the drying process, the drying time, drying rate, and quantity of produced raisins for the Modified-Quonset and Natural-sun-dehydrating, respectively, was 49 and 66 hours, 574.7 and 434.1 g/hr. , and 6.840 and 6.785 kg of raisins. Accordingly, each one kilogram of raisins requires 4.902 and 5.158 kg of fresh grapes, respectively. The solar dehydrator increased the rehydration ratio by 12.28% as compared with the Natural-sun-drying system. The total carbohydrates contained in the fresh seedless grapes (462.4 mg/g) decreased into 393.71 and 339.70 mg/g due to drying process, respectively. The concentration of sugar contained in fresh grapes (409.8 mg/g reduced in raisins and reached into 341.32 and 329.68 mg/g), respectively. Main contained of Vitamin C in raisins had also affected by the drying process with a 24.61% and 35.28% reduction for the two different modes of dehydrating, respectively.
Androgen attenuates antitumor effects of gastric cancer cells by bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells via restricting the JNK signaling activation

Background Researches on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) have generated controversial results in tumor research. In the present study, we aimed to explore the functions of BMMSCs on gastric cancer and the possible mechanism in a mimicking microenvironment of the stomach. Methods Transwell co-cultured system was used to co-culture BMMSCs and gastric cancer SGC-7901 cells. In some experiments, androgen and its antagonist were added into the cells as required. Cell viability, cell apoptosis, mRNA and protein expressions of apoptosis- and JNK signaling- associated genes were respectively determined by performing cell counting kit-8, flow cytometry, quantitative real-time PCR and western blot. Results Androgen contributed to the growth of BMMSCs and SGC-7901 cells. In co-cultured system, BMMSCs not only suppressed SGC-7901 cell viability, induced cell apoptosis and promoted tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α release, but also regulated the level of Bax/Bcl-2 and elevated the expressions of phosphorylation (p)-JNK and p53. After adding androgens, the anti-tumor effects of BMMSCs were weakened. Meanwhile, the antagonists of androgens could partially recover BMMSCs in vitro inhibitory effects on gastric cancer cells by activation of JNK signaling. Conclusions This study demonstrated the important roles of BMMSCs on the growth and apoptosis of gastric cancer cells in vitro. Additionally, in the mimicking microenvironment of the stomach, androgen weakened the antitumor effects of BMMSCs by limiting JNK signaling activation, suggesting that androgen antagonist may be a promising adjuvant drug to BMMSCs in gastric cancer therapy.
Sensory Attributes of Market Milk, Yogurt, and Kefir Supplemented
 with Various Concentrations of Aronia melanocarpa (black
 chokeberry) Powder: A Preliminary Study

Aronia melanocarpa (black chokeberry) powder containing various bioactive compounds is widely used in the food industry. We examined the sensory attributes (taste, color, flavor, texture, and overall acceptability) of market milk, yogurt, and Kefir containing different concentrations of Aronia melanocarpa powder. In market milk, the scores of all categories except color were the same or lower in market milk containing 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, or 2% Aronia melanocarpa powder than the control group (0%). No statistical difference in color and flavor was observed between Kefir and yogurt. However, there was a statistical difference between the control and treated groups in taste, texture and, overall acceptability (p < 0.05). As the content of Aronia melanocarpa powder increased, color, flavor, taste, and overall acceptability scores generally decreased. Yogurt and Kefir, with the addition of 1% Aronia melanocarpa powder, displayed the highest scores.
Synthesis of polyethyleneimine modified polyurethane foam for removal of Pb(II) ion from aqueous solution

A novel adsorbent based on polyurethane foam (PUF) with high density of amino groups was studied for Pb(II) removal. Polyethyleneimine (PEI) was used as functional reagent to modify the surface of PUF. The PEI modified PUF (PEI-PUF) was characterized by FTIR, SEM, XPS and elementary analysis and used for removal of Pb(II) ion from aqueous solution. The effects of equilibrium time, pH of the solution, initial Pb(II) concentration and temperature were investigated. PEI-PUF-10 and PEI-PUF-30 with different PEI content exhibited superior adsorption performance of Pb(II). Compared with PEI-PUF-10, PEI-PUF-30 has a faster adsorption rate, shorter equilibrium time and higher adsorption capacity, which may be due to the high content of PEI and the easily accessible active sites. The maximum adsorption capacity of Pb(II) on PEI-PUF-10 and PEI-PUF-30 were 98.1 and 183.0 mg g–1, respectively. The adsorption of Pb(II) on PEI-PUF was highly pH dependent and endothermic. After five cycles of adsorption/desorption, the adsorption capacity of Pb(II) on PEI-PUF-30 only showed a slight loss, which indicated that the adsorbents can be regenerated and reused for practical application.
Simultaneous Transmit/Receive Multi-Functional Ultra-Wideband Transceiver with Reduced Hardware

Modern wireless systems employ a variety of techniques to overcome limited spectrum issues. In order to exploit the full available spectrum it is highly desirable to have a single multi-functional and low cost ultra-wideband (UWB) transceiver. To this end, this dissertation proposes the following solutions, 1) receiver hardware reduction, 2) flexible and low cost back-ends for full spectrum utilization, and 3) full-duplex realization for concurrent transmit and receive. Central to the dissertation is the introduction of a novel on-site coding receiver (OSCR) architecture to significantly reduce hardware requirements at the analog back-end. At the digital back-end, single field programmable gate arrays (FPGA) are used for beamforming. Experimental validation was carried out to demonstrate OSCR using an 8-channel communication back-end operating from 300 3800 MHz. Specifically, direction of arrival estimates for multiple beams at different frequencies were successfully demonstrated. This architecture was shown to provide reductions of 85% in power, 80% in cost, and 60% in total hardware as opposed to typical transceivers. The dissertation also presents a full duplex communication approach for simultaneous transmit receive. Self-interference cancellation filters at the RF domain are presented and tested. They are shown to achieve more than 20 dB cancellation across 500 MHz. This should be compared to the narrowband of < 100 MHz cancellation
Nutritional composition of Sacha inchi (Plukenetia Volubilis L.) as affected by different cooking methods

ABSTRACT The object of this study was to determine the effect of cooking method on the fatty acid composition, mineral content, and physicochemical properties of Sacha inchi. The analysis showed that roasting at 160 ℃ for 6 minutes significantly increased (p < .05) most of the mineral contents of the Sacha inchi, whilst decreasing its potassium and sodium content. Contrarily, boiling at 100 ℃ for 13 minutes significantly decreased (p < .05) the mineral contents of the Sacha inchi (except for calcium and sodium). Unsaturated fatty acid content was similarly affected. Roasting at 160 ℃ for 6 minutes significantly increased (p < .05) the omega 3, 6, and 9 of the Sacha inchi, but boiling at 100 ℃ for 13 minutes significantly decreased (p < .05) its unsaturated fatty acids. These results show that the roasting at 160 ℃ for 6 minutes is a superior processing method of Sacha inchi for production and highlight why it is important to correctly perform the cooking process in order to both avoid nutritional value loss and the worsening of physicochemical properties. Therefore, the results of this study indicate the possible utilization of Sacha inchi in food industry.
Leaf wetting mitigates midday depression of photosynthesis in tomato plants

We studied the effects of leaf wetting on midday depression of photosynthesis regarding plant water balance and leaf morphological traits. The plants without leaf wetting showed a significant reduction in midday photosynthesis with a concomitant decrease with leaf conductance, because of lower leaf water potential (-1.3 MPa) due to excessive transpiration water loss. However, midday depression was not observed in the plants with leaf wetting. Lower contact angle between leaf surface and water droplet showed that tomato leaves have lower water repellency. However, water on the leaf surface completely dried within 20 min indicating that effect of water coverage on stomata for CO 2 uptake was small. In addition, leaf wetting significantly decreased evaporative demands, which contributed to maintaining appropriate water balance and avoided midday stomatal closure, and it contributed to mitigation of midday depression of photosynthesis.