Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Altered Expression of c-Jun, Bcl-2 and Bax, and Apoptotic Cell Death in Rat Hippocampus Following Kainic Acid-Induced Seizures

Purpose: To investigate whether c-Jun, Bcl-2 and Bax expressions are altered in rat hippocampus after kainic acid (KA)-induced seizures, and to determine whether such changes correlate with apoptotic cell death. Methods: Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were used. Thirty rats were assigned to the experiment group, and 10 rats the control. KA (20 mg/kg) was injected once intraabdominally. The behavioral patterns were observed after the injection. The rats’ brain was extracted 4, 24, and 72 hours after KA injection. c-Jun, Bcl-2 and Bax expression were evaluated by immunohistochemistry, and apoptosis by TUNEL staining. The expression of c-Jun, Bcl-2 and Bax at each hippocampal region were compared, and the relationship between cJun, Bcl-2 and Bax expression, and apoptosis was investigated. Results: c-Jun expression was increased at CA1, CA3 and CA4 regions 4 hours after the injection, and the increased expression was continued to 72 hours at CA3 region. Bcl-2 expression was increased at CA1, CA3 and CA4 regions 4 and 24 hours after the injection, and the increased expression was continued to 72 hours at CA3 region. Bax expression was increased at CA3 and CA4 regions 4 hours after KA injection, and the increased expression was continued to 72 hours at CA3 region. Apoptosis was significantly increased at CA3 region 4 hours after KA injection. Conclusion: c-Jun expression was increased in hippocampus after KA-induced seizures, and cell death-regulating proteins Bcl-2 and Bax expression, and apoptosis were increased at similar regions. These results suggest that c-Jun might be activated in KA-induced apoptotic cell death mechanism. (J Korean Epilep Soc 2007;11(1): 15-24)
Participatory Variety Selection of Improved Potato (Solanium tuberosum L) Varieties in Harari People Regional State and Eastern Hararghe Zone

Participatory varietal selection involves both scientific measurements and farmers evaluations; hence it has emerged as the best method to identify farmers’ preferred crop varieties and their popularization. The experiment was conducted during 2019 cropping season at Dire Xayara and Gurawa districts of Harari People Regional State and Eastern Hararghe zone of Oromia Regional State, respectively. The objective of the study was to identify adaptable, high yielding and diseases and pest tolerant potato varieties based on farmer`s management, and to evaluate and select potato varieties based on farmer’s preference. The treatments arranged in randomized complete block design with three replications. Treatments were consisted of eight potato varieties including standard check. Both agronomic data and farmers preferences toward the varieties were collected and analyzed using Genstat software and matrix ranking respectively. The analysis result showed that there were significant (p<0.05) difference among the varieties in all agronomic parameters except flowering date. Belete Variety gave the highest yield (39.6t/ha) followed by Bubu (29.91t/ha) and Gudanie (28.63t/ha). Matrix ranking of farmers’ preference also showed that Belete and Bubu varieties ranked first and second in both districts. Dagim and Horro varieties were not only the low yielding, but also the least preferred varieties by farmers in the study districts. Farmers also liked Marachere for earliness and Gudanie for marketable yield and vegetative performance. However, they indicated that tuber size of Marachere is very small and Gudanie is susceptible to late blight. Therefore based on the findings, Belete and Bubu varieties could be recommended to potato growers in study area and similar agro ecology for further promotion and the two varieties (Marachere and Gudanie) could be used by potato breeders in their breeding program to exploit their merits.
Real‐time estimation and prediction of lateral stability of coaches: a hybrid approach based on EKF, BPNN, and online autoregressive integrated moving average algorithm

: This study aimed to develop a coach state estimation and prediction system to enhance driving safety. Different from existing vehicle stability estimation studies, the authors propose a hybrid method to estimate and predict the state of a coach in real time. First, the vehicle sideslip angle and yaw rate are estimated by a three-degrees-of-freedom vehicle model combined with an extended Kalman filter (EKF) estimation algorithm. Then, a steering system is established that replaces the front-wheel angle with the steering wheel input torque. Next, a seven-degrees-of-freedom vehicle model analyses the effects of various driving influencing factors on the vehicle sideslip angle and the boundary of the stable region of the phase plane of the vehicle sideslip angle rate, and a boundary value parameter database is obtained. A back propagation neural network (BPNN) model is then established to obtain the boundary function parameter values under multifactor coupling conditions. Furthermore, an online prediction of the steering wheel input torque in a time series is done, and the prediction value is input to the steering system and neural network model. The effectiveness of the proposed method was evaluated via simulations based on MATLAB/Simulink and TruckSim software.
Investigation of Coronavirus Deposition in Realistic Human Nasal Cavity and Impact of Social Distancing to Contain COVID-19: A Computational Fluid Dynamic Approach

The novel coronavirus responsible for COVID-19 has spread to several countries within a considerably short period The virus gets deposited in the human nasal cavity and moves to the lungs that might be fatal As per safety guidelines by the World Health Organization (WHO), social distancing has emerged as one of the major factors to avoid the spread of infection However, different guidelines are being followed across the countries with regards to what should be the safe distance Thus, the current work is an attempt to understand the virus deposition pattern in the realistic human nasal cavity and also to find the impact of distance that could be termed as a safety measure This study is performed using Computational Fluid Dynamics as a solution tool to investigate the impact of COVID-19 deposition (i) On a realistic 3D human upper airway model and (ii) 2D social distancing protocol for a distance of 0 6, 1 2, 1 8, and 2 4 m The results revealed that the regional deposition flux within the nasal cavity was predominantly observed in the external nasal cavity and nasopharyngeal section Frequent flushing of these regions with saltwater substitutes can limit contamination in healthy individuals The safe distancing limit estimated with 1 m/s airflow was about 1 8 m The extensive deposition was observed for distances less than 1 8 m in this study, emphasizing the fact that social distancing advisories are not useful and do not take into account the external dynamics associated with airflow © 2020 Tech Science Press All rights reserved
The Build-Up of Aerosols Carrying the SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus, in Poorly Ventilated, Confined Spaces

A model of the distribution of respiratory droplets and aerosols by Lagrangian turbulent air-flow is developed and used to show how the SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus can be dispersed by the breathing of an infected person. It is shown that the concentration of viruses in the exhaled cloud can increase to infectious levels with time (grow linearly), in a confined space where the air re-circulates. The model is used to analyze the air-flow and SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus build-up in a restaurant in Guangzhou, China [32, 30]. It is concluded that the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic in the restaurant in January 2020, is due to the build-up of the airborne droplets and aerosols carrying the SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus and would not have been prevented by standard ventilation. A comparison with standard models for aerosol concentration shows that, in the absence of ventilation, the decay of the aerosol concentration is also controlled by the decay time of the virions in aerosols. This decay time is very long, with low relative humidity, and a steady state is not achieved in the time-frame of the contagion. Instead the concentration exhibits a polynomial increase and reaches infectious levels in a relatively short time, explaining the outbreak in the restaurant in Guangzhou.
Photoelectrochemical Properties and Photostabilities of High Surface Area CuBi2O4 and Ag-Doped CuBi2O4 Photocathodes

Electrochemical synthesis methods were developed to produce CuBi2O4, a promising p-type oxide for use in solar water splitting, as high surface area electrodes with uniform coverage. These methods involved electrodepositing nanoporous Cu/Bi films with a Cu:Bi ratio of 1:2 from dimethyl sulfoxide or ethylene glycol solutions, and thermally oxidizing them to CuBi2O4 at 450 °C in air. Ag-doped CuBi2O4 electrodes were also prepared by adding a trace amount of Ag+ in the plating medium and codepositing Ag with the Cu/Bi films. In the Ag-doped CuBi2O4, Ag+ ions substitutionally replaced Bi3+ ions and increased the hole concentration in CuBi2O4. As a result, photocurrent enhancements for both O2 reduction and water reduction were achieved. Furthermore, while undoped CuBi2O4 electrodes suffered from anodic photocorrosion during O2 reduction due to poor hole transport, Ag-doped CuBiO4 effectively suppressed anodic photocorrosion. The flat-band potentials of CuBi2O4 and Ag-doped CuBi2O4 electrodes prepared in this .
Impacts of Flash Flood on Livelihood and Adaptation Strategies of the Haor Inhabitants: A Study in Tanguar Haor of Sunamganj, Bangladesh

The study evaluates the impacts of flash flood (especially 2017 massive flash flood) and explores prevailing adaptation strategies taken by haor inhabitants to subdue the impact. Primary data were collected through field visit, questionnaire survey, FGD and KII. A purposive random sampling method was applied for selecting 350 households from 10villages located in and around Tanguar Haor. The inhabitants of low-lying haor areas are extremely vulnerable to flash flood. Their coping mechanism has been strictly curved by a number of social, economic, and political factors, leading to vicious circle of debt and poverty to mohajon (money lender) and micro credit institution, perennial marginalization from haor resources by influential groups and subsequent dependency on wealthy neighbors or relatives. The haor indigent community lives with flood, suffers a loss of income and living, confronts it with food shortage and malnutrition, and survives with the circumstances by bearing considerable debt with high interest rates. This vicious circle of debt, resource loss and poverty act as a dynamic force towards their long-lasting paucity and vulnerabilities, which curve their capability to get ready, take action, and recuperate from subsequent floods, as well as any other disasters. Government should formulate combined and effectual haor management and flood management policy and implemented suitably to shield lives and livelihoods of haor inhabitants. The Dhaka University Journal of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Vol. 8(1), 2019, P 41-51
Phytochemical Analysis, Nutritional Value And Ethnobotanical Knowledge of Pelargonium Quercetorum Agnew (geraniaceae)

Pelargonium quercetorum Agnew is an edible wild species of Pelargonium genus which has a lot of concern in term of ethnobotanical knowledge, nutrition value and phytochemical analysis. Traditionally, it was providing local and rural people medicines and food security. Nowadays, wild edible plants (WEPs) become a central action to preserve the culture that belongs to the natural heritage. Thus, the aim of this research is to investigate ethnobotanical knowledge related to the traditions, phytochemical and nutritional value of P. quercetorum. Semi questionnaire has been used in Deralok town for ethnobotanical knowledge determination. The findings showed the main threats were overgrazing and overharvesting of this WEPs; a quantity of (10kg) took per year as a food and medicines during spring season. The plant was in a high abundance but required bio-conservation alongside it can be taken together with medication with the very rare side effect on the people. Furthermore, the analysis part has been done in the laboratories of college of agricultural engineering science, University of Duhok, Kurdistan region of Iraq. The findings of this research shown interestingly the highest level contents of (fat=3.68g / 100g, carbohydrate=46.78g /100g, dry matter moisture content=10.93g / 100g and fibers=20.56g / 100g), macro mineral (Ca=4512.9mg / 100g and Mg=229.69mg / 100 g), micro minerals (Zn=4.398mg / 100 g, Mn=3.926mg / 100 g and Cu=1.074mg / 100g) were seen in leaves part. But, the highest content of (Energy value 185.44g/100g, Protein 23.38g/100g and Ash 7.63g / 100g), macro mineral (P=928.5mg / 100g, S=4.036mg / 100g, K=1147.9mg/100g and Na= 118.54mg / 100g), micro minerals (Fe=23.779mg / 100g) were seen in root part. Hence, the study evidence shown that this geranium species can enhance nutrition value and food security as well as natural remedies for the local people
Technological acceptance of Moodle through latent variable modeling – a systematic mapping study

ABSTRACT In this study, we report on a Systematic Mapping Study (SMS) for the application of technology acceptance models to Moodle under the prism of latent variable modeling. Based on an automatic search including primary studies from journals, conferences, and book chapters during 2001 to 2019, 41 primary were selected. We aim to contribute to a better understanding of how research has been conducted in this field by identifying research trends and gaps. Moreover, we assessed the reported statistical processes and quantitatively summarized the main findings achieved so far. We found that this is a research topic with an increasing interest today, where most of the reported experiences extend the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), focus on college students from several programs, come from Europe or Asia, and are published as articles of journals with different impact factors. Overall, studies presented important issues regarding how the statistical analysis was conducted, specially regarding pre- and post-analysis stages. Furthermore, a large number of hypotheses has been tested with a predominance of those from original models. Some research opportunities were also identified and discussed.
Study of Microbial Contamination in Broilers and Drug Sensitivity in Modern Abattoirs in Khartoum State- Sudan

The consumption of poultry meat increased worldwide within the last decades (FAO, 1993; McNamara, 1997; Mead, 1997). Competition for an increased share of the poultry meat market centers on lowering the price, thus making poultry more attractive for the consumers. Therefore, modern poultry processing requires a high rate of throughput to meat consumers demand. With complete mechanization and automation, the number of slaughtered birds in many processing plants can reach 12000 birds per hour (Jame et al., 2000). During the slaughter process of poultry different microorganisms contaminate meat and most frequently Gram-positive rod and micrococci and also Gram-negative bacteria in final product, including enterobacteria (\Mead, 1989; Zivkovic, 2001; Kozacinski et al., 2006). Foodborne pathogens can be introduced also to the food during processing, storage and preparation from infected humans who handle the food or by cross contamination from other raw agricultural products (Hodberg et al., 1994). Dirty worker hands, clothes, equipments of slaughterhouse acted as intermediate sources of contamination of meat (Gill, 1998; Gilmour et al., 2004; Abdelsadig, 2006; Abdalla et al., International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 9 Number 12 (2020) Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas. com
Evaluation of Depression and Anxiety Disorders and Correlation with the Treatment of Patients with Psoriasis Vulgaris

Introduction: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory multisystemic disease with several comorbidities, namely anxiety and depression disorders. Methods: In this study, the prevalence of these psychiatric entities was investigated by the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 questionnaries and related to the socio-demographic variables and to the forms of clinical treatment. Results: A total of 90 patients (56 females) were analyzed. Of these, 41 patients (45.56%) used topical treatment only, 28 patients (31.11%) used oral methotrexate and 21 patients (23.33%) used immunobiological agents (anti-TNF-alfa agents). It was observed that 47 patients (52.23%) presented some degree of depression (mild, moderate or severe) and 53 patients (58.89%) presented some degree of anxiety disorder (mild, moderate or severe). There was no statistical relationship between the anxiety and depression scores and the PASI score, as well as age, employability or schooling. There was a statistical association between psychiatric comorbidities and the female gender (p <0.0001). It was also observed a lower prevalence of depression (p = 0.0336) on patients using immunobiological treatments. Conclusion: The findings confirm published data, showing association of psychiatric conditions with psoriasis, especially in relation to TNF-alpha, so that anti-TNF therapies may become an alternative for the treatment of depression or anxiety disorders associated with psoriasis.
Comparison and combination of titrimetric and respirometric techniques to estimate nitrification kinetics parameters

A respirometric technique (open respirometry) and a titrimetric technique (pH-stat) were compared to monitor the first nitrific ation step (ammonia oxidation to nitrite) by providing a titrimetric biosensor (ANITA), previously developed to measure ammonia oxidation kinetics, with an oxygen electrode. Then, a new procedure for the simultaneous estimation of kinetic constants relate d to both ammonia and nitrite oxidisers which couples both open respiration and titration, is presented. This procedure allows fo r the complete characterisation of the nitrifying biomass kinetics with simple and short (1 to 1.5 h) tests without any analytical su bstrate determination. All data handling was implemented on Excel data sheets in order to be able to follow data interpolation step by step instead of using software packages which automatically perform data processing.
Evaluating submicron-sized activated carbon adsorption for microfiltration pretreatment

Submicron powdered activated carbon (PAC) rapidly adsorbed natural organic matter (NOM) fromwater samples: a batch test of the adsorption kinetics showed that the NOM concentration dropped substantially within 15 s and then leveled off. In a tubular flow reactor test, NOM removal after a 15 s contact time was almost the same as removal values attained at longer contact times. Laboratory-scale and bench-scale pilotplant ceramic microfiltration (MF) experiments with submicron PAC adsorption pretreatment were conducted to evaluate NOM removal and to examine the effect of the PAC on filterability. The laboratory scale MF experiment revealed that PAC adsorption pretreatment could be accomplished with a detention (2.4 s) that was much shorter than the time expected from the adsorption kinetics test. This result suggests that adsorption pretreatment for MF could be accomplished by adding the submicron PAC directly into the feed line to the membrane and that installation of a special PAC contactor before the membrane unit is unnecessary. Although micron PAC rather than submicron PAC was used unintentionally in the pilot plant experiment, these PAC showed much better NOM removal than normal PAC, and no adverse effects, such as transmembrane pressure buildup and reversible or irreversible membrane fouling, were observed.
High Efficiency In vitro Regeneration and Genetic Stability of Corallocarpus epigaeus - An Endangered Medicinal Plant

Indirect regeneration of plantlets from multiple shoot induction of Corallocarpus epigaeus was obtained from leaf and nodal explants on MS with different concentrations of BAP in combination with IAA/IBA or IBA alone. Among all the combinations, BAP and IBA exhibited maximum regeneration. High frequency of multiple shoots (89%) was obtained on BAP (2.0 mg/l) and IBA (1.5 mg/l) in nodal explants. Maximum mean shoot length of 6.8 ± 0.33 cm was obtained in nodal explants cultured on BAP (1.0 mg/l) + IBA (0.5 mg/l), followed by leaf explants with 6.7 ± 0.47 cm on BAP (3.0 mg/l) + IAA (2.5 mg/l). The highest frequency of rooting (88.3%) was obtained on NAA (1.0 mg/l) and IBA (2.0 mg/l) with 21.83 ± 0.57 mean number of roots. The well-rooted healthy plantlets were acclimatized with a survival rate of 80%. Inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) analysis revealed the genetic similarity of in vitro raised plants with the mother plant.
Predictive capability of response surface methodology and cybernetic models for cyanogenic simultaneous nitrification and aerobic denitrification facilitated by cyanide-resistant bacteria

Free cyanide (CN) is a threat to metabolic functions of the microbial population used for the treatment of wastewater, particularly, total nitrogen removal (TN) consortia which gets inhibited by CN in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Many other methods are used to treat CN prior to the TN removal stages; however, these methods increase the operational cost of the WWTPs. The capability of a microbial population to use multiple substrates is critical in WWTP and in eliminating inhibition associated with CN. Previously, cyanide resistant bacteria were used to eliminate the inhibitory effect of CN towards simultaneous nitrification and aerobic denitrification (SNaD). However, a study to predict the degradation efficiency of the microorganism was required. In this study, response surface methodology (RSM) and cybernetic models were used to predict and optimize SNaD performance for TN removal under CN conditions. Physiological parameters influencing the SNaD were pH 6.5 and 36.5C, with TN and CN degradation efficiency of 78.6 and 80.2%, respectively. These results show a complete elimination of the CN inhibitory effect towards SNaD and show the prediction ability of both RSM and the cybernetic models used. These results exhibited a promising solution in the control, management, and optimization of SNaD.
Popoulu: A Promising Plantain Banana Could Strengthen the Banana Chips Industry in India

Background: Nendran is the commercial variety of banana grown exclusively for preparation of chips but its yield potential is very low (10 to 12 kg/plant). Hence an attempt was made to identify suitable banana varieties for processing along with high yield.Methods: Six banana genotypes, viz., Popoulu and Nendran (Plantain type) and NRCB-8, Monthan, Bhoodibale and Kovvur Bontha (Cooking type) were evaluated for the parameters viz., bunch weight, finger weight, finger length, finger girth, pulp recovery and crop duration apart from processing utility.Result: ‘Popoulu’ was found to be superior for maximum pulp recovery (76.61%) along with higher chips recovery (40.45%). With respect to overall acceptability, chips processed from ‘Popoulu’ recorded higher scores (8.07) followed by Nendran (7.56). Popoulu was also found superior for finger weight, finger girth and attained maturity with lesser duration.
Patogenetic relationship between the corneal epithelial thickness and microcirculation in the conjunctiva during optical coherent tomography in healthy subjects without ophthalmopathology

Relevance. The ocular surface is composed of various tissue components, and all of these components work together to maintain the integrity and normal function of the ocular surface. Aim of the work: to study of indicators of the blood flow of the bulbar conjunctiva and the state of the corneal epithelium in a group of conventionally healthy individuals and assessment of their physiological relationship. Materials and methods. The study involved 20 apparently healthy people (40 eyes) of the Caucasian race, aged from 25 to 53, without concomitant ophthalmopathology. During the examinations, the state of the cornea (thickness of the cornea, epithelium) and bulbar conjunctiva