Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genome Investigation of Brucella melitensis Strains Isolated From Brucellosis Patients in Kuwait

Background: Human brucellosis is present on all inhabited continents with high prevalence in many areas of the world, including Kuwait and the Middle East. To implement proper control measures, the identification and characterization of Brucella species and genotypes are required through a reliable and rapid subtyping method. In previous studies, whole-genome sequencing (WGS) has shown its potential as an epidemiological typing tool. Using WGS data, this study aimed to identify the species, phage sequences, putative antibiotic resistance genes, virulence factors, and genotypes of Brucella melitensis strains isolated from patients in Kuwait and other countries. Methods: Five B. melitensis isolates of Kuwaiti origin and 31 other isolates of B. melitensis originating from 28 countries were analyzed using whole genome-based approaches for genotypic identification and typing. In-silico techniques were used to identify the sequences for phages, antibiotic resistance genes, virulence factors, and genotypes using multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and whole-genome single-nucleotide polymorphism (wgSNP). Results: The analysis of WGS data demonstrated that all five Kuwaiti isolates belonged to the non-vaccine strains of B. melitensis. Furthermore, the data represented the presence of two phage sequences, two antibiotic resistance genes, and 51 virulence factors in Kuwaiti isolates. Eventually, the genotypes of all isolates were identified based on MLST and wgSNP analysis, and wgSNP analysis suggested the possible areas/countries of origin of Kuwaiti isolates. Conclusion: WGS data can be used to characterize Brucella isolates, and molecular techniques can be applied in-silico to rapidly identify and classify Brucella into species and genotypes and trace the possible origin of the isolates.
Effect of Shape and Size on the Transport of Floating Particles on the Free Surface in a Natural Stream

Understanding how floating particles are transported by streaming waters is crucial in predicting the transport of plastic pollution, which is dramatically abundant in rivers, lakes, and oceans. Using particle tracking velocimetry, we investigate the motion of floating particles of different shape and size on the turbulent free surface of a field‐scale meandering stream. We consider two different locations, where the role of surface waves on transport is deemed negligible. Millimeter‐sized spheres are used as tracers to characterize the surface flow. These are compared with centimeter‐sized discs and rods, approximating typical‐sized pieces of floating litter. The larger particles exhibit similar mean and fluctuating velocities as the tracers but filter out the extreme turbulent accelerations. Consequently, their motion is more time‐correlated and their spreading rate is larger. This behavior is also confirmed by complementary laboratory measurements in an open channel flow. The rotation of the rods, affected by a range of turbulent scales, reduces the correlation time scale of their translational motion, and leads to a slower dispersion compared to the discs, despite the rods' length being larger than the discs' diameter. Taken together, these results indicate that the motion of finite‐sized objects floating on the surface of weakly wavy turbulent waters is consistent with the behavior of inertial particles in three‐dimensional turbulence. These results can be valuable when constructing predictive models of floating plastics.
Solutions to mean curvature equations in weighted standard static spacetimes

In this article, we study the solutions for the mean curvature equation in a weighted standard static spacetime, \(\mathbb{P}_f^n\times_\rho\mathbb{R}_1\), having a warping function \(\rho\) whose weight function f does not depend on the parameter \(t\in\mathbb{R}\). We establish a f-parabolicity criterion to study the rigidity of spacelike hypersurfaces immersed in \(\mathbb{P}_f^n\times_\rho\mathbb{R}_1\) and, in particular, of entire Killing graphs constructed over the Riemannian base \(\mathbb{P}^n\). Also we give applications to weighted standard static spacetimes of the type \(\mathbb{G}^n\times_\rho\mathbb{R}_1\), where \(\mathbb G^n\) is the Gaussian space. For more information see https://ejde.math.txstate.edu/Volumes/2020/83/abstr.html
Models of Artificial Neural Networks Applied to Demand Forecasting in Nonconsolidated Tourist Destinations

This article focuses on a new proposed artificial neural network (ANN) model for tourism demand forecasting using time-series which, unlike previous models, uses different seasons of arrivals and values of months with similar behavior as input variables and achieves a forecast up to a year in advance. We demonstrate the validity and greater precision of the proposed model in forecasting a nonconsolidated destination with marked seasonality, which has been scarcely dealt with in other research. We achieve a comparatively greater quality of results and a longer period in advance than previously used auto-regressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) and ANN models. Highly accurate results were also obtained in destinations such as Portugal, which also proves its validity for mature destinations.
Naringin–Dextrin Nanocomposite Abates Diethylnitrosamine/Acetylaminofluorene-Induced Lung Carcinogenesis by Modulating Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, Apoptosis, and Cell Proliferation

Simple Summary Despite advancements in the field, lung malignancies are the primary cause of cancer-attributable morbidity and mortality on a global scale. Recently, therapeutic agents have demonstrated improved efficacy when combined with nanocarriers to improve their delivery, bioavailability, and efficacy. Accordingly, the aim of this study is to evaluate the effects and mechanisms of action of naringin–dextrin nanocomposites (Nar-Dx-NCs) against diethylnitrosamine (DEN)/2-acetylaminofluorene (2AAF)-induced lung carcinogenesis in male Wistar rats. Naringin’s preventive action against DEN/2AAF-induced lung cancer was amplified using Nar-Dx-NCs, which exerted heightened anti-carcinogenic effects by suppressing oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell proliferation and activating apoptosis. Abstract Nanotechnology has proven advantageous in numerous scientific applications, one being to enhance the delivery of chemotherapeutic agents. This present study aims to evaluate the mechanisms underlying the chemopreventive action of naringin–dextrin nanocomposites (Nar-Dx-NCs) against diethylnitrosamine (DEN)/2-acetylaminofluorene (2AAF)-induced lung carcinogenesis in male Wistar rats. DEN was administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) (150 mg/kg/week) for two weeks, followed by the oral administration of 2AAF (20 mg/kg) four times a week for three weeks. Rats receiving DEN/2AAF were concurrently treated with naringin or Nar-Dx-NCs orally at a dose of 10 mg/kg every other day for 24 weeks. Naringin and Nar-Dx-NCs treatments prevented the formation of tumorigenic cells within the alveoli of rats exposed to DEN/2AAF. These findings were associated with a significant decrease in lipid peroxidation, upregulation of antioxidant enzyme (glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase) activity, and enhanced glutathione and nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 expression in the lungs. Naringin and Nar-Dx-NCs exerted anti-inflammatory actions manifested by a decrease in lung protein expression of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β and mRNA expression of interleukin-6, interferon-γ, nuclear factor-κB, and inducible nitric oxide synthase, with a concurrent increase in interleukin-10 expression. The anti-inflammatory effect of Nar-Dx-NCs was more potent than naringin. Regarding the effect on apoptosis, both naringin and Nar-Dx-NCs significantly reduced Bcl-2 and increased Bax and P53 expressions. Moreover, naringin or Nar-Dx-NCs induced a significant decrease in the expression of the proliferator marker, Ki-67, and the effect of Nar-Dx-NCs was more marked. In conclusion, Nar-Dx-NCs improved naringin’s preventive action against DEN/2AAF-induced lung cancer and exerted anticarcinogenic effects by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation and improving apoptotic signal induction and propagation.
Chronic Functional Adaptations Induced by the Application of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Combined with Exercise Programs: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

The present systematic review aimed to determine the chronic effects of the combination of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and exercise on motor function and performance outcomes. We performed a systematic literature review in the databases MEDLINE and Web of Science. Only randomized control trials that measured the chronic effect of combining exercise (comprising gross motor tasks) with tDCS during at least five sessions and measured any type of motor function or performance outcome were included. A total of 22 interventions met the inclusion criteria. Only outcomes related to motor function or performance were collected. Studies were divided into three groups: (a) healthy population (n = 4), (b) neurological disorder population (n = 14), and (c) musculoskeletal disorder population (n = 4). The studies exhibited considerable variability in terms of tDCS protocols, exercise programs, and outcome measures. Chronic use of tDCS in combination with strength training does not enhance motor function in healthy adults. In neurological disorders, the results suggest no additive effect if the exercise program includes the movements pretending to be improved (i.e., tested). However, although evidence is scarce, tDCS may enhance exercise-induced adaptations in musculoskeletal conditions characterized by pain as a limiting factor of motor function.
The digital era of taxation: Analysing the effectiveness of digital tax adoption on petroleum excise duty revenue

Abstract This paper investigates the relationship between digital tax adoption and the performance of petroleum excise duty using a sample of 52 petroleum importing companies in Uganda for the period 2022. Ordered probit regressions were used in the analysis to achieve the study’s objectives. Consistent with the results of prior studies, we find a statistically significant and positive association between digital tax adoption and the performance of petroleum excise duty. Distinct from past studies, we further examined the link between the attributes of digital tax adoption and the performance of petroleum excise duty. In line with the technology adoption model, our results revealed that among the digital tax adoption attributes, perceived usefulness, information infrastructure, and digital skills significantly contribute to positive variance in petroleum excise duty performance. Though digital tax adoption has received sizeable study in the literature, its application in the context of petroleum excise duty has received less scholarly attention.
On Parameter Selection for First-Order Methods: A Matrix Analysis Approach

First-order convex optimization algorithms are popular due to their computational attractiveness and applicability to a wide range of domains such as machine learning and control. Despite the substantial progress being made over the last few decades, some open questions related to their convergence remain unaddressed. In addition, majority of the first-order methods assume strong convexity to analyze both the stability of the method and derive an explicit convergence rate. In this manuscript, we relax the strong convexity condition, and then, lay out two main contributions. First, we provide a methodology where one can analyze the speed of convergence of the algorithm using the contractive theory and linear algebra. Second, we find explicit values of the tuning parameters of the Double Momentum Algorithm (which unifies many of the popular algorithms), ensuring stability for gradient L-Lipchitz functions. In this work, while an explicit convergence rate is not provided, the foundational results serve as a stepping stone in that direction, as we provide an explicit non-asymptotic rate. Furthermore, our numerical experiments demonstrate superior performance of the proposed method. Beyond optimization, we also apply our method to two-sided markets in non-cooperative game theory.
A review of research into tourist and recreational uses of protected natural areas

The opinions expressed in this document are not necessarily those of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. Accuracy in calculations, figures, tables, names, quotations, references etc. is the complete responsibility of the authors. A review of research into tourist and recreational uses of protected natural areas. PREFACE This report is one of the outcomes of a consultancy project conducted by the authors for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA). The goals of the project brief were to: • Identify relevant social indicators to monitor aspects of human use and impacts on human use of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and World Heritage Area; and • Develop a Reef-wide social monitoring program that the GBRMPA can implement at either local or broad scale level to monitor the identified social indicators. In particular the GBRMPA was seeking to monitor indicators of the following: • Perceptions of impacts on use and amenity; • Values held for specific and more general locations; • Motivations for engaging in Reef-related activities; • Experiences of Reef-related activities; • Perceptions of environmental conditions; • Social profiles; and users' understanding of Marine Park regulations governing use and management strategies and initiatives. The proposal that was accepted focussed the project on tourist and recreational use of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) and suggested the project goals required three components. • The determination of what factors should be monitored. This requires an understanding of the full range of factors that influence patterns of use and user evaluations of their experience, and the relative importance of these factors. • Methods for measuring these factors or performance indicators. • Procedures for incorporating these measures into a Reef wide ongoing, cost effective monitoring program. This report is a review of the literature to assist in the first component listed above. • This report focuses on tourist and recreational use of protected natural areas in order to provide insights into social indicators and monitoring for the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. • It reviews the factors that influence patterns of use of protected areas in general and the evaluations by users of their experience together with the relative importance of factors determining use and experience. • Further, the report provides some preliminary recommendations identifying topic areas for future studies of GBR recreation and tourist use. • The report commences with a review of how readers can efficiently access the details …
Pathways to higher education: the aspirations of first and second generation immigrants and the permeability of educational tracks in France, Switzerland and Canada

Despite their different histories as countries of immigration, Switzerland, France and Canada all have a sizeable immigrant population, some of which do experience obstacles in their educational and professional careers. On the one hand, France and Switzerland offer both academic and vocational routes to higher education, whereas academic routes prevail in Canada. In this paper the authors clarify not only if, but also how - through which institutional settings - higher education is accessed by students from vulnerable immigrant groups. The results show that across the three countries, 1st and 2nd generation Northern African youths in France, Turkish or former Yugoslavian youths in Switzerland and Latino and Caribbean youths in Canada are respectively underrepresented in higher education. These differences are greatly reduced and even disappear when the socioeconomic background and educational performance in secondary school is controlled for.
MEGASCOPIC ALGAE 1300 MILLION YEARS OLD FROM THE BELT SUPERGROUP, MONTANA: A REINTERPRETATION OF WALCOTT'S HELMINTHOIDICHNITES

In 1899, C. D. Walcott described carbonaceous films on bedding surfaces of dark grey shale from the 1300 m.y. old Greyson Shale of the Belt Supergroup in Montana as trace fossils, assigning them to the genus Helminthoidichnites Fitch. We have re- examined Walcott's collection and have concluded that the fossils represent megascopic and probably eukaryotic algae. They are redescribed here under the names Proterotainia mon- tana, n. gen., n. sp. , P. neihartensis (Walcott) n. comb. , Lanceoforma striata, n. gen., n. sp. , and Grypania spiralis (Walcott), n. gen., n. comb. These are the oldest megascopic body fossils now known, and they extend the known record of megascopic algae by at least 400 m.y. The relatively high diversity and quality of preservation of these fossils demon- strate that fine-grained, clastic sediments are potential repositories of well-preserved Pre- cambrian plants.
Block Transmission Scheduling Strategy Based on Deadline Priority

Emerging network applications, such as virtual reality technology, autonomous driving, and large-scale Internet of Things, usually require a significant amount of bandwidth and have high requirements for data delivery time. However, the existing Quick UDP Internet Connection (QUIC), TCP, and other protocols cannot fully meet these needs. A scheduling algorithm based on a time-sensitive protocol can meet the above requirements at the transport layer and reduce the development difficulty of the application layer. Therefore, this paper is based on Deadline-aware Transport Protocol (DTP) and implemented in a Python 3.0 environment. It focuses on the scenario where video data blocks are sent to the transport layer. In this paper, we study the decision-making method and congestion control method for data block priority and deadline, and optimize the delay-sensitive transmission protocol. We propose a scheduling algorithm to meet the service's delay demands and enhance the overall service quality. Additionally, we introduce an improved scheduling scheme for network scenarios involving multiple senders or receivers. Our research aims to effectively address the service delay requirements under different network conditions.
Mechanical crosstalk between the intervertebral disc, facet joints, and vertebral endplate following acute disc injury in a rabbit model

Vertebral endplate sclerosis and facet osteoarthritis have been documented in animals and humans. However, it is unclear how these adjacent pathologies engage in crosstalk with the intervertebral disc. This study sought to elucidate this crosstalk by assessing each compartment individually in response to acute disc injury.
Growth and yield response of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to tillage and row spacing in maize-wheat cropping system in semi-arid region

Tillage practices and row spacing can be manipulated to optimize spatial distribution and plant growth, therefore maximizing sunlight, soil water use efficiency, nutrients and grain yield on sustainable basis. A field study was conducted to determine the effect of tillage and row spacing on growth and yield of wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) at Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan during wheat season. The treatments were comprised of two tillage practices viz. zero tillage and conventional tillage and four row spacing viz. 15 cm, 20 cm, 25 cm and 30 cm. The experimental results revealed that zero tillage significantly enhanced the plant height, tillers m -2 , spike length, 1000 kernel weight and yield and yield components of wheat plants as compared to conventional tillage. Wheat plants resulted in a significant increase in tillers m -2 and accumulated higher biomass and grain yield under 15-cm row spacing than all three other row spacing. The grain yield increase was mainly attributed to more tillers m -2 at 15-cm than the other row spacing. So, zero tillage and narrow row spacing (15 cm) proved to be involved in higher wheat yield for the wheat-maize cropping system in semi-arid regions.
Methodologies accounting for indirect Land Use Change (iLUC): assessment and future development

Land demand is constantly increasing due to increasing population and consumption patterns. When new land is required land use changes are triggered, causing several environmental and social impacts. Particularly debated is the assessment of indirect Land Use Change effects. Several methodological approaches have been proposed for carrying out the assessment. In this paper we reviewed state-of-the-art iLUC models and classified them in two main categories: economic models and deterministic models. Five models have been selected and compared according to fifteen criteria covering modeling framework, impact categories assessed and models’ transparency. The results show that, within a Life Cycle Assessment approach, progresses have been made in Economic General Equilibrium and Deterministic Models and a combination of those can achieve a markedly robust assessment of iLUC. There are still wide margins for improving current models. In particular, there is room for improving precision of data, identification of marginal land and inclusion of a broader range of impact categories.
Identification of Permeable Carbonates with Well Logs Applying the Differential Effective Medium Theory

For carbonates, the porosity alone, as calculated with the combination of the Neutron and Density logs, is not enough to predict whether an interval will be permeable or not. A rock is permeable if the voids in it (matrix porosity, fractures, vugs) are connected. The well known Differential Effective Medium theory (DEM) allows the modeling of rocks perceived to be permeable or impermeable. Spherical pores in relatively low porosity rocks are assumed to be isolated and therefore resulting in very impervious rocks. Very flat ellipsoidal pores (penny cracks) with a random orientation are postulated to form an interconnected network of pores, resulting in a very pervious rock. These two end points can be identified in a Velocity (from the sonic log) vs. porosity (from the radioactive logs) diagram corresponding to the interval of interest, where the curves modeled with the DEM and the Wyllie curve have also been plotted. Impervious points should fall high above the Wyllie curve in such a diagram, whilst the points representing permeable rocks should fall well below the Wyllie curve. Production tests have been used to check the theory.
Risk Factors and Predictive Model for Mortality of Hospitalized COVID-19 Elderly Patients from a Tertiary Care Hospital in Thailand

Background: Early detection of elderly patients with COVID-19 who are at high risk of mortality is vital for appropriate clinical decisions. We aimed to evaluate the risk factors associated with all-cause in-hospital mortality among elderly patients with COVID-19. Methods: In this retrospective study, the medical records of elderly patients aged over 60 who were hospitalized with COVID-19 at Thammasat University Hospital from 1 July to 30 September 2021 were reviewed. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of mortality. The sum of weighted integers was used as a total risk score for each patient. Results: In total, 138 medical records of patients were reviewed. Four identified variables based on the odds ratio (age, respiratory rate, glomerular filtration rate and history of stroke) were assigned a weighted integer and were developed to predict mortality risk in hospitalized elderly patients. The AUROC of the scoring system were 0.9415 (95% confidence interval, 0.9033–0.9716). The optimized scoring system was developed and a risk score over 213 was considered a cut-off point for high mortality risk. Conclusions: A simple predictive risk score provides an initial assessment of mortality risk at the time of admission with a high degree of accuracy among hospitalized elderly patients with COVID-19.