Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of noradrenaline release by ω‐conotoxin GVIA in the rat tail artery

1 The perivascular nerves of isolated tail arteries from Wistar rats were stimulated with field pulses (1Hz, 2 pulses, every 2 min). ω‐Conotoxin 10 nmol l−1 depressed neurogenically mediated contractions, but did not influence the contractions to noradrenaline 0.1–0.3 μmol 1−1. 2 The inhibitory effect of ω‐conotoxin was concentration‐dependent (IC50 = 3.8 nmol l−1). It did not reach a steady‐state during 30 min incubation and could not be reversed upon subsequent washout for another 60 min. 3 A gradual increase in the Ca2+ concentration of the medium from 1.25 mmol l−1 to 10 mmol 1−1 enhanced vasoconstriction and attenuated the action of ω‐conotoxin 10 nmol l−1. When a low stimulation intensity (120 mA) was used at high external Ca2+ (10 mmol l−1), similar contractile responses were obtained as under normal conditions (200mA current, 2.5 mmol l−1 Ca2+). However, the inverse relationship between the effect of the toxin and external Ca2+ remained unchanged. 4 The time‐course and degree of the inhibition by ω‐conotoxin 3 nmol l−1 was identical in tail arteries of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and their normotensive controls (WKY). 5 When tail arteries of Wistar rats were preincubated with [3H]‐noradrenaline, field stimulation (0.4 Hz, 24 pulses, every 16 min) evoked tritium overflow and vasoconstriction. ω‐Conotoxin 30 nmol l−1 inhibited both responses to a similar extent. 6 Our results suggest that ω‐conotoxin selectively blocks Ca2+ channels in the terminals of perivascular nerves and thereby reduces the release, but not the contractile effect of the sympathetic transmitter.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on rural tourism in Czechia Preliminary considerations

ABSTRACT The paper discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on rural tourism in Czechia. It points out that the catastrophic scenarios of the decline in tourism mainly concern urban destinations focused on foreign tourism. In contrast, rural destinations create an alternative. Some of them have even shown an increase in tourism in the 2020 summer season as compared to 2019. However, this new orientation requires investing in infrastructure, marketing and regional cooperation. Highlights Paper investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on rural tourism in Czechia. The decline in tourism mainly affected destinations focused on foreign tourists. Czech countryside gained domestic tourists due to natural, gastronomic and local attractions. The specificity of COVID 19 new outbreaks is its local or regional limitation. The COVID-19 epidemy has created an opportunity for the development of rural tourism.
Side Effects of Pesticides on the Olive Fruit Fly Parasitoid Psyttalia concolor (Szépligeti): A Review

Pesticide applications in olive orchards could alter the biological control of parasitoid Psyttalia concolor Szépligeti (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) on the key pest Bactrocera oleae Rossi (Diptera: Tephritidae). Psyttalia concolor adults can be contaminated by exposure to spray droplets, contact with treated surfaces or oral uptake from contaminated food sources. Pesticides impact both pest and parasitoid populations when they coexist in time and space, as they reduce pest numbers available for parasitoids and might cause toxic effects to parasitoids from which they need to recover. Therefore, the appropriate timing and application of selective chemical treatments provides the opportunity to incorporate this parasitoid in the IPM of B. oleae. This manuscript reviews the current literature on lethal and sublethal effects of insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, and biopesticides on P. concolor. Insecticides were generally more toxic, particularly organophosphates and pyrethroids, while herbicides and biopesticides had less effects on mortality and reproductive parameters. Some fungicides were quite harmful. Most of the studies were conducted in laboratory conditions, focused on reproduction as the only sublethal effect, exclusively considered the effect of a single pesticide and persistence was hardly explored. Field studies, currently quite scarce, are absolutely needed to satisfactorily assess the impact of pesticides on P. concolor.
Conoscopic image of a biaxial negative in a reentrant discotic – biaxial nematic phase transition

ABSTRACT Conoscopic images have confirmed the occurrence of biaxial positive ( and biaxial negative ( ) nematic phases between the two uniaxial nematic (discotic – and calamitic – ) phases. Biaxial positive ( ) nematic phase was also optically characterised between two uniaxial phases. These nematic phases are found in different phase diagram lines of potassium laurate ( ), decanol ( ) and deuterium oxide ( ) lyotropic mixtures. In limited concentration range between the two phase diagram lines the following phase sequence ( ) is determined here through conoscopic images. An analysis of the meaning of this result leads us to conclude that the biaxial nematic phase range between uniaxial nematic phases of phase diagrams with nematic lyotropic materials is separated in two regions: one has an optically positive signal and the other, having an optical negative signal. Graphical abstract
EFFECT OF EQUILIBRIUM METAL CONCENTRATIONS ON APPARENT SELECTIVITY COEFFICIENTS OF SOIL COMPLEXES

We reevaluated selected data describing complexation (including adsorption) of cadmium and other trace metals by natural solid and soluble soil components, using a consistent format to demonstrate the conditional nature of reported selectivity coefficients. In all cases, the determined selectivity values increased substantially as the concentration of trace metals decreased with respect to the concentration of other competing cations. This dependence upon relative metal concentrations is apparently due to the heterogeneous composition of complexing sites in most soil systems and competition among the various cations present for these sites. Most selectivity coefficients have been obtained after the introduction of metal concentrations well above those normally encountered in natural systems, with little attention paid to the concentration and composition of competing cations. Under such conditions, the metal occupied not only the most specific sites, but a large portion of the more numerous nonspecific sites. The use of selectivity values obtained under such conditions, in predictive models, will greatly underestimate metal complexation in natural systems. This demonstrates the importance of determining selectivity coefficients under conditions comparable to those existing in nature, if results are to be applicable to real systems.
The Interrelationship Between Perceived Quality, Perceived Value and User Satisfaction Towards Behavioral Intention in Public Transportation: A Review of the Evidence

The most critical concern to the public transportation service is the low number of ridership. The lack of enthusiasm to use public transportation is because the passengers were not satisfied with the service provided. Thus, researchers across the globe are focusing on investigating the factors that affect user satisfaction and the consequences of user satisfaction in the public transportation service. However, a review of the evidence across public transportation mode and region has shown a lack of comprehensive investigations. Thus, this paper seeks to bridge the literature gap by reviewing the evidence to justify the relationship between the antecedents of user satisfaction, such as perceived quality and perceived value, and the consequence of user satisfaction, namely complaints and loyalty to the provided service. Based on the literature review, it is concluded that the perceived quality and perceived value have a significant effect on user satisfaction. Also, the satisfied user leads to loyalty to the service and can reduce the number of complaints. This study has established that the root of this relationship is the quality of the service provided. Hence, service providers need to prioritize this factor to ensure user satisfaction, which will increase their loyalty to the offered service. This research will help the service provider ensure the survival of their business and bring benefits to the environments through reduced traffic congestion and pollution. Keywords— public transportation; public transit; user satisfaction; perceived quality; perceived value.
Photolysis and laser-excited fluorescence and phosphorescence emission of trans-glyoxal in an argon matrix at 13 K

Matrix-isolated monomers and cage dimers of trans-glyoxal in an argon matrix at 13 K photodecompose to give the same photoproducts, H/sub 2/CO and CO, when they are excited in the S/sub 2/ reverse arrow S/sub 0/ absorption region. The dimers and the monomers in minor sites are photolyzed more easily than the glyoxal monomer in major sites. No photoproducts are formed when they are excited in the S/sub 1/ reverse arrow S/sub 0/ absorption region, but both fluorescence and phosphorescence emissions are observed with the latter intensity being predominant. Glyoxal A tilde /sup 1/A/sub u/ is efficiently quenched to a tilde /sup 3/A/sub u/ in an argon matrix, with the matrix playing a role similar to that of collision partners in the gas phase.
Bicycle Helmets and Bicycle-Related Traumatic Brain Injury in the Netherlands

The aim of this study was to determine the association between bicycle helmet use in adults (16 years and older) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) in emergency departments (EDs) in the Netherlands.The conducted research was a retrospective case-control study in patients aged 16 years and older who sustained a bicycle accident and therefore visited the EDs of participating hospitals throughout 2016. Cases were patients with TBI; controls were patients without TBI but with other trauma. Exposure was defined as helmet wearing during the accident. In total, 2133 patients were included in the study, 361 case patients and 1772 controls. Within the TBI group (cases) 3.9% of patients wore a helmet compared with 7.7% of patients in the control (non-head injury) group (odds ratio [OR] 0.49, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.28-0.86). No difference in helmet wearing was observed in patients who sustained accidents that involved motorized vehicles (OR 0.91; 95% CI: 0.29-2.83). In conclusion, adult patients (≥16 years of age) with TBI had a significantly lower odds of wearing a bicycle helmet than adult patients with other trauma, adding more evidence that wearing a bicycle helmet effectively protects against TBI.
Diameter Structure Changes in the Pre-Maturing Black Locust and Common Hackberry Stand in the Subotica-Horgoš Sands under the Influence of a Late Thinning

(1) University of Novi Sad, Institute of Lowland Forestry and Environment, Antona Čehova 13d, RS-21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; (2) University of Belgrade, Faculty of Forestry, Kneza Višeslava 1, RS-11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (3) Croatian Forest Research Institute, Division for Silviculture, Cvjetno naselje 41, HR-10450 Jastrebarsko, Croatia; (4) University of Belgrade, Institute for Multidisciplinary Research, Kneza Višeslava 1, P.O. Box 33, RS11030 Belgrade
Eulerian and Lagrangian Comparison of Wind Jets in the Tokar Gap Region

The Lagrangian and Eulerian structure and dynamics of a strong wind event in the Tokar Gap region are described using a Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model hindcast for 2008. Winds in the Tokar Gap reach 25 m s−1 and remain coherent as a jet far out over the Red Sea, whereas equally strong wind jets occurring in neighboring gaps are attenuated abruptly by jump-like hydraulic transitions that occur just offshore of the Sudan coast. The transition is made possible by the supercritical nature of the jets, which are fed by air that spills down from passes at relatively high elevation. By contrast, the spilling flow in the ravine-like Tokar Gap does not become substantially supercritical and therefore does not undergo a jump, and also carries more total horizontal momentum. The Tokar Wind Jet carries some air parcels across the Red Sea and into Saudi Arabia, whereas air parcel trajectories in the neighboring jets ascend as they cross through the jumps, then veer sharply to the southeast and do not cross the Red Sea. The mountain parameter Nh/U is estimated to lie in the range of 1.0–4.0 for the general region, a result roughly consistent with a gap jet having a long extension, and supercritical flows spilling down from higher elevation passes. The strong event is marked by the formation of a feature with a vertical cellular structure in the upstream entrance region of the Tokar Gap, a feature absent from the more moderate events that occur throughout the summer. The cell contains descending air parcels that are fed into the Tokar Gap and one of the neighboring gaps. An analysis of the Bernoulli function along air parcel trajectories reveals an approximate balance between the loss of potential energy and gain of internal energy and pressure, with surprisingly little contribution from kinetic energy, along the path of the descending flow. The winds in all gaps attain the critical wind speed nominally required to loft dust into the atmosphere, though only the Tokar Gap has a broad, silty delta region capable of supplying particulate matter for dust storms.
Comparison of Supercritical Fluid Extraction and Solvent Extraction of Isoflavones from Soybeans

Abstract Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) with supercritical carbon dioxide and solvent extraction of isoflavones from soybeans were investigated. Extraction efficiencies under several different extraction conditions were examined. For SFE, pressure, temperature, organic modifier content, were optimized. The best extraction conditions were 55°C, 100 bar, and 7.5% ethanol modifier. Extraction recoveries of daidzein (97.3%) and genistein (98.0%) were obtained. For the solvent extraction, with 30 mL of 1 N HCL and 80% ethanol, daidzein of 676.3 µg/g and genistein of 659.9 µg/g were extracted. Data shows that SFE gives a little lower isoflavones recovery compared to conventional extraction with organic solvents. However, the SFE method has several advantages over the solvent extraction method. Sample handling steps are minimized, thus reducing possible losses of analytes and saving analysis time. No cleanup steps are employed, and no organic solvent extractions are involved in this method.
Markers of Energy Metabolism Affect Lactate Metabolism and Aerobic Performance in Competitive Female Cyclists

(1) Background: Low energy availability (LEA) has negative effects on performance, but mechanisms, timing, and other circumstances of these effects are not yet established. We aim to assess the performance-related effects of low energy availability in competitive female cyclists with a detailed approach to within-day energy availability (WDEB). (2) Methods: Female competitive cyclists (n = 8) completed the measurement of body composition, resting energy expenditure, and incremental testing; they reported diary logs and used accelerometers for energy availability (EA) calculation. Based on the Low Energy Availability in Females (LEAF) questionnaire, performance and energy parameters were compared between cyclists with risk for relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S; the LEAF+ group) and cyclists without any risk (LEAF−). (3) Results: 87.5% had EA <30 kcal/kg. EA and energy balance in LEAF– were significantly different from LEAF+ cyclists (U = 0.00, z = −2.00, p < 0.05 and U = 0.00, z = −2.00, p < 0.05, respectively). We found significant correlations between WDEB−300 and EA (−0.736, p = 0.037) and energy balance (−0.732, p = 0.039). In addition, relative power output was correlated with mRMR/pRMR (−0.763, p = 0.046). (4) Conclusions: This study is the first to show that WDEB−300 in competitive female cyclists is greater in cyclists with risk for RED-S. Increased time in a catabolic state was correlated to worse anaerobic capacity in incremental testing. Measuring mRMR/pRMR might be useful as it was negatively associated with aerobic performance.
Open-incubation, diffusion methods for measuring solute reaction rates in sediments

Sedimentary solute distributions and fluxes are determined in part by the kinetics of production/consumption reactions in a deposit. It is possible to estimate rates and investigate kinetic relations in undisturbed or manipulated sediments by documenting build-up or depletion patterns of solutes allowed to diffuse either between relatively thin sections of sediment and a well-stirred water reservoir or through a large section of sediment without an overlying reservoir. The time-dependent concentrations in the sediment in both cases depend on reaction rates, kinetics, diffusion coefficients, and geometric scaling of the sediment and contacting reservoir. The water reservoir size and sediment thickness can be altered to allow rapid estimates of reaction rates at near steady-state or to examine nonsteady-state behavior. Nonsteady-state models are always required for the whole-core incubation method, which has the advantages that it is less labor-intensive than many other rate measurement methods and the incubations can be performed in situ. Experimental comparisons between open-incubation and more traditional closed-incubation estimates of reaction rates show good agreement for solutes such as HN{sub 4}(+), SO4(--), HPO{sub 4}(-) and I(-). In some cases, e.g., Mn(++), Fe(++), and HPO{sub 4}(-) production, where major back-reactions with sediment occur, open-incubations without substantial build-up of solutes may providemore » the most accurate method for estimating production rates. In principle, the open incubation methods described can be used for any diffusable species. 31 refs., 19 figs., 1 tab. « less
Nutritional Potential of Myrianthus holstii Fruit of Rwanda

Myrianthus holstii fruit has been a neglected edible fruit with limited nutritional information. This study evaluated the physical and chemical characteristics of M. holstii fruit of Rwanda. The physical parameters including fruit weight, fruit size, pulp content, seed weight and seed size are reported. The fruit pulp that is acidic pH (3.38±0.04) contained; protein (8.03±0.95 g/100g), dietary fibre (25.64±0.06 g/100g), vitamin C (19.80±2.13 mg/100g), beta carotene (0.99 mg/100g), iron (16.262±0.576 mg/100g), zinc (2.327±0.034 mg/100g) and copper (0.573±0.011 mg/100g). Assessment of these nutrient contribution to the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) showed 100g of pulp can meet 42%, 103%, 79%, 233%, 163%, 49% and 143% for children (4-8-year-old); and 18%, 103%, 22%, 133%, 90%, 29%, and 63% for adults (19-50years) respectively. The seeds had an oil yield of 37.67±1.53% with omega 6 fatty acid (78.92) being the most dominant. The total unsaturation in the oil was 90.91% with 78.92% poly unsaturated fatty acids. Based on the nutritional information, M. holstii can be a good source of beta carotene (vitamin A), iron, zinc and omega 6 fats that are essential in nutrition and health. Therefore, the fruit should be promoted for consumption as a snack and also processed into food products like fruit juice, wine, jelly, jam and vegetable oil to enhance the nutrition, health and income of households. Keywords: Myrianthus holstii, fruit, nutritional composition, bioactive, proximate, chemical, physical, Rwanda
Customer brand engagement during service lockdown

Purpose While the customer brand engagement (CBE) research has advanced important insight, most studies to date explore CBE under regular, free-market conditions, yielding an important knowledge gap regarding its manifestation under less regular conditions, including disaster/pandemics. This study, therefore, aims to explore CBE with essential/non-essential service during COVID-19-prompted citizen lockdown. Design/methodology/approach Based on a review, the authors develop a framework of lockdown-based CBE with essential/non-essential service interactions, which are conceptualized by their respective capacity to meet differing needs in Maslow’s hierarchy. The authors view lockdown-based essential/non-essential service interactions to differentially impact CBE, as summarized in a set of propositions. Findings The framework depicts lockdown-based essential/non-essential service interactions and their respective impact on CBE. The authors propose two essential service modes (i.e. socially distant/platform-mediated interactions) and two non-essential service modes (i.e. service closure/platform-mediated interactions), which the authors hypothesize to differently affect CBE. Moreover, the authors view the associations between our lockdown-based service modes and CBE to be moderated by customers’ regulatory focus (i.e. promotion/prevention), as formalized in the propositions. Research limitations/implications Given the authors’ focus on lockdown-based CBE, this paper adds unique insight to the literature. It also raises ample opportunities for further study, as outlined. Practical implications This study yields important managerial implications, including the suggested adoption of differing tactics/strategies to leverage promotion/prevention-focused customers’ brand engagement during lockdown. Originality/value By exploring the effects of lockdown-based essential/non-essential service modes on promotion/prevention-focused customers’ brand engagement, this paper adds novel insight.
Ensemble of Machine-Learning Methods for Predicting Gully Erosion Susceptibility

Gully formation through water-induced soil erosion and related to devastating land degradation is often a quasi-normal threat to human life, as it is responsible for huge loss of surface soil. Therefore, gully erosion susceptibility (GES) mapping is necessary in order to reduce the adverse effect of land degradation and diminishes this type of harmful consequences. The principle goal of the present research study is to develop GES maps for the Garhbeta I Community Development (C.D.) Block; West Bengal, India, by using a machine learning algorithm (MLA) of boosted regression tree (BRT), bagging and the ensemble of BRT-bagging with K-fold cross validation (CV) resampling techniques. The combination of the aforementioned MLAs with resampling approaches is state-of-the-art soft computing, not often used in GES evaluation. In further progress of our research work, here we used a total of 20 gully erosion conditioning factors (GECFs) and a total of 199 gully head cut points for modelling GES. The variables’ importance, which is responsible for gully erosion, was determined based on the random forest (RF) algorithm among the several GECFs used in this study. The output result of the model’s performance was validated through a receiver operating characteristics-area under curve (ROC-AUC), sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) statistical analysis. The predicted result shows that the ensemble of BRT-bagging is the most well fitted for GES where AUC value in K-3 fold is 0.972, whereas the value of AUC in sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV is 0.94, 0.93, 0.96 and 0.93, respectively, in a training dataset, and followed by the bagging and BRT model. Thus, from the predictive performance of this research study it is concluded that the ensemble of BRT-Bagging can be applied as a new approach for further studies in spatial prediction of GES. The outcome of this work can be helpful to policy makers in implementing remedial measures to minimize damages caused by gully erosion.
The first detection of a population of Aedes aegypti in the Atlantic Forest in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Aedes aegypti is almost completely restricted to human-modified environments, especially urban areas, and rarely invades forests. Ovitraps were utilized in a reserve (Bom Retiro) in Rio de Janeiro state. Eggs of A. aegypti, genetically not differentiable from those of urban mosquitoes, were obtained at a location more than 700 m inside the border of the forest and 900 m away from a trail at the entrance to the forest. The presence of A. aegypti in a primary forest indicates its ability to adapt to sylvatic environments in Brazil, suggesting great potential for the transmission of several arboviruses due to the difficulty in controlling these mosquitoes.