Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Association between Chromosome 4 and mercury accumulation in muscle of the three‐spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus)

Anthropogenic stressors, such as pollutants, act as selective factors that can leave measurable changes in allele frequencies in the genome. Metals are of particular concern among pollutants, because of interference with vital biological pathways. We use the three‐spined stickleback as a model for adaptation to mercury pollution in natural populations. We collected sticklebacks from 21 locations in Flanders (Belgium), measured the accumulated levels of mercury in the skeletal muscle tissue, and genotyped the fish by sequencing (GBS). The spread of muscle mercury content across locations was considerable, ranging from 21.5 to 327 ng/g dry weight (DW). We then conducted a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) between 28,450 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the accumulated levels of mercury, using different approaches. Based on a linear mixed model analysis, the GWAS yielded multiple hits with a single top hit on Chromosome 4, with eight more SNPs suggestive of association. A second approach, a latent factor mixed model analysis, highlighted one single SNP on Chromosome 11. Finally, an outlier test identified one additional SNP on Chromosome 4 that appeared under selection. Out of all ten SNPs we identified as associated with mercury in muscle, three SNPs all located on Chromosome 4 and positioned within a 2.5 kb distance of an annotated gene. Based on these results and the genome coverage of our SNPs, we conclude that the selective effect of mercury pollution in Flanders causes a significant association with at least one locus on Chromosome 4 in three‐spined stickleback.
Effects of Wavy Leading-Edge Protuberance on Hydrofoil Performance and Its Flow Mechanism

This paper examines the effects on a Clark-y three-dimensional hydrofoil of wavy leading-edge protuberances in a quantitative and qualitative way. The simulation is accompanied by a hybrid RANS-LES model in conjunction with Zwart-Gerber–Belamri model. Detailed discussions of the stable no-cavitating, unsteady cavitating flow fields and the control mechanics are involved. The force characteristics, complicated flow behaviors, cavitation–streamwise vortex interactions, and the cavitating flow instability are all presented. The results demonstrate that protuberances acting as vortex generators produce a continuous influx of boundary-layer vorticity, significantly enhancing the momentum transfer of streamwise vortices and therefore improving the hydrodynamics of the hydrofoil. Significant interactions are described, including the encouragement impact of cavitation evolution on the fragmentation of streamwise vorticities as well as the compartmentation effect of streamwise vorticities binding the cavitation inception inside the troughs. The variations in cavitation pressure are mainly due to the acceleration in steam volume. In summary, it is vital for new hydrofoils or propeller designs to understand in depth the effects of leading-edge protuberances on flow control.
Studying the relationship between social policy promotion and neoliberalism: the case of social investment

ABSTRACT Drawing from the fields of Cultural Political Economy and Critical Policy Studies, this article examines the relationship between social policy and neoliberalism, focusing on the ‘social investment’ discourse promoted by the European Commission. In the social policy literature, social investment is widely considered a policy framework able to overcome neoliberalism, with the latter defined rather narrowly as welfare retrenchment. Instead, referring to the vast literature on neoliberalism, this article proposes an innovative two-dimensional conceptualisation of neoliberalism as a political and epistemological project. The analysis reveals that while social investment provides a much more generous reform path than welfare retrenchment, it nevertheless largely follows neoliberalism in its epistemological and distributive dimensions, extending the economic rationale to non-economic areas and accommodating the interests of the economic and financial elites. The article finally connects this result with broader debates within international political economy on the future of the welfare state in a global economy.
Assessing the Clinical Improvement in Patients with COVID-19 using Lopinavir-Ritonavir: A Systematic Review

Aims: Globally the focus is towards finding an effective treatment for COVID-19 patients in order to suppress the spread of this pandemic disease. An antiviral combination of lopinavir-ritonavir is considered to be effective in treating COVID-19 patients. Therefore, the present study aims to assess the clinical improvements of lopinavir-ritonavir in COVID-19 patients. Study Design: a systematic review study was conducted and articles published since December 2019 were included. The statistical analysis of quantitative data was performed using Review Manager (RevMan) to generate forest plots. Results: The study showed that there was no significant difference in COVID-19 patients treated with lopinavir-ritonavir or in combination with anti-viral therapy or other conventional methods. Conclusion: the use of lopinavir-ritonavir resulted in greater adverse consequences among COVID-19 patients. It further recommends conducting meta-analysis studies with a greater number of studies to highlight the clinical improvement associated with the use of Lopinavir-ritonavir.
Extreme Temperature Trends in the Beninese Niger River Basin (Benin)

In the context of climate change, the study of the variability of the climatic extremes in several regions of the world is of capital importance. This study has as main objective to analyze the variability of extreme temperature events in the Beninese basin of the Niger River for the recent and the near future. To achieve this objective, seven (07) extreme temperature indices based on historical daily temperature observations (1976 to 2019) and REMO RCM simulation outputs of RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios (2021-2050) were calculated. The obtained results were represented by calculating the means for each index and analyzing the trends and their significance by the Mann-Kendall method. The results show that the indices of extreme temperature intensity (TNn, TXx, and DTR), and those related to the frequency of warm sequences (WSDI, TN90p and TX90p) have experienced a significant increase in the past. This increase will continue until 2050. In contrast, the cold sequence frequency index (CSDI) decrease over the historical period as well as over the future period. These indices show much more change with the RCP8.5 scenario than with the RCP4.5 of the REMO climate model. Only the TXx and CSDI indices show statistically significant changes at all stations.
Clinical Pilot Series of Non-Self-Contained Periodontal Infrabony Defects Treated with a Slowly Resorbable Bovine Pericardium Membrane in Combination with Low-Temperature-Treated Decellularized Bovine Bone Particles

The aim of this case series was to present the clinical outcomes of non-contained intrabony periodontal defects (IPDs) treated by means of papillary preservation flaps in association with a slowly resorbable bovine pericardium membrane (BPM) and a low-temperature-treated bovine bone graft (BBG). Eight healthy, non-smoking patients (two males and six females, mean age 48 ± 8 years) with stage 3 periodontitis and at least one site with residual probing depth (PD) ≥ 6 mm associated with a non-contained IPD ≥ 3 mm were treated. Two weeks after surgery, no adverse events were observed, and an early wound healing score (EHS) of 8.1 ± 1.0 was recorded. After 1 year, the mean probing depth (PD) reduction and mean clinical attachment level gain (CAL-gain) accounted for 4.8 ± 0.7 and 3.5 ± 0.7 mm, respectively, whereas the mean gingival recession (REC) was of 1.2 ± 0.3 mm. Radiographic bone fill was observed in all cases. In conclusion, the treatment of non-contained IPDs with a slowly resorbable BPM and a low-temperature-treated BBG could be considered safe and may result in significant clinical improvements 1 year after surgery.
The Effects of Fibrotic Cell Type and Its Density on Atrial Fibrillation Dynamics: An In Silico Study

Remodeling in atrial fibrillation (AF) underlines the electrical and structural changes in the atria, where fibrosis is a hallmark of arrhythmogenic structural alterations. Fibrosis is an important feature of the AF substrate and can lead to abnormal conduction and, consequently, mechanical dysfunction. The fibrotic process comprises the presence of fibrotic cells, including fibroblasts, myofibroblasts and fibrocytes, which play an important role during fibrillatory dynamics. This work assesses the effect of the diffuse fibrosis density and the intermingled presence of the three types of fibrotic cells on the dynamics of persistent AF. For this purpose, the three fibrotic cells were electrically coupled to cardiomyocytes in a 3D realistic model of human atria. Low (6.25%) and high (25%) fibrosis densities were implemented in the left atrium according to a diffuse fibrosis representation. We analyze the action potential duration, conduction velocity and fibrillatory conduction patterns. Additionally, frequency analysis was performed in 50 virtual electrograms. The tested fibrosis configurations generated a significant conduction velocity reduction, where the larger effect was observed at high fibrosis density (up to 82% reduction in the fibrocytes configuration). Increasing the fibrosis density intensifies the vulnerability to multiple re-entries, zigzag propagation, and chaotic activity in the fibrillatory conduction. The most complex propagation patterns were observed at high fibrosis densities and the fibrocytes are the cells with the largest proarrhythmic effect. Left-to-right dominant frequency gradients can be observed for all fibrosis configurations, where the fibrocytes configuration at high density generates the most significant gradients (up to 4.5 Hz). These results suggest the important role of different fibrotic cell types and their density in diffuse fibrosis on the chaotic propagation patterns during persistent AF.
Irreproducibility in searches of scientific literature: A comparative analysis

Abstract Repeatability is the cornerstone of science, and it is particularly important for systematic reviews. However, little is known on how researchers’ choice of database, and search platform influence the repeatability of systematic reviews. Here, we aim to unveil how the computer environment and the location where the search was initiated from influence hit results. We present a comparative analysis of time‐synchronized searches at different institutional locations in the world and evaluate the consistency of hits obtained within each of the search terms using different search platforms. We revealed a large variation among search platforms and showed that PubMed and Scopus returned consistent results to identical search strings from different locations. Google Scholar and Web of Science's Core Collection varied substantially both in the number of returned hits and in the list of individual articles depending on the search location and computing environment. Inconsistency in Web of Science results has most likely emerged from the different licensing packages at different institutions. To maintain scientific integrity and consistency, especially in systematic reviews, action is needed from both the scientific community and scientific search platforms to increase search consistency. Researchers are encouraged to report the search location and the databases used for systematic reviews, and database providers should make search algorithms transparent and revise access rules to titles behind paywalls. Additional options for increasing the repeatability and transparency of systematic reviews are storing both search metadata and hit results in open repositories and using Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to retrieve standardized, machine‐readable search metadata.
Smart Mixes in International Supply Chains: A Definition and Analytical Tool, Illustrated with the Example of Organic Imports into Switzerland

Combinations of national and international, hard and soft powers, known as Smart Mixes, have been proposed as a way for governments in consumer countries to influence the behaviour of supply chain actors who operate outside their jurisdiction. However, the Smart Mix concept has not yet been precisely defined, which has hindered its operationalization as a means of analyzing the governance of long and complex international supply chains. The aim of this contribution is to derive a working definition of Smart Mixes and use it to create and demonstrate a generalizable analytical tool that facilitates identification of whether a Smart Mix exists in an international supply chain. To address this aim, we reviewed existing literature on Smart Mixes to define the concept, which led to a three-step process for analyzing a supply chain. In a second stage, we demonstrate the process by applying it to the example of organic imports into Switzerland, using data from expert interviews and existing public documentation. The application showed that the governance of the organic sector in Switzerland related to imported products fulfils the criteria for it to be considered a Smart Mix that enables the Swiss Government to influence the behaviour of supply chain actors outside its jurisdiction. This example shows that the proposed Smart Mix concept is sound under particular circumstances: in this case, when the interests of the public and private sectors are aligned so that binding public measures provide protection to the private sector. These circumstances are not unique to organic imports into Switzerland, which allows the conclusion that Smart Mixes may provide sustainability solutions in other international supply chains.
A Critical Review on Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) as a Drought Stress Management Tool

Water scarcity is known as a major stumbling block towards crop development and its output all over the world. Certain free-living bacterial strains have been found near the plant root zones which have shown to improve resistance of plants towards water stress. Despite availability of basic nutrients, drought an abiotic factor substantially inhibits growth, development and yield of crops by causing an increase in ethylene levels. It is a good idea to incorporate the use of a management tool which is the utilization of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria to help several crops manage drought conditions. Drought stress in crops can be alleviated by reducing ethylene synthesis, exopolysaccharide, osmoregulation, Indole-3-acetic acid and aggregation with the ACC deaminase-containing plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria. Inoculating pathogens like root rot (Macrophomina phaseolina) affected plant with Pseudomonas fluorescens strain TDK1 with ACC deaminase function improves drought stress. Using plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria to mitigate the negative imbibes of drought in most crops is a good idea. Several studies have been carried out on plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, as its inoculation not only manages drought related conditions but increases root hair growth and lateral root, which assist in increased water and nutrient uptake. It limits ethylene supply, alternatively increases plant root growth by hydrolyzing 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC). This review will give us a perspective on the importance of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, as it is one of the efficient tools that helps manage drought stress on several crops.
Leveraging a Community of Practice to Build Faculty Resilience and Support Innovations in Teaching during a Time of Crisis

Amidst the COVID-19 upheaval to higher education, a grantor-led community of practice (CoP) supported faculty members to deliver an innovative, sustainability-oriented entrepreneurship curriculum and maintain resiliency as teaching professionals. This paper discusses how through engagement in the CoP, this group of faculty from across engineering, material science, business, and geosciences demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and pivoted to create curriculum for students in real time, as the events of the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded throughout 2020 and impacted face-to-face learning. The role the community of practice played in sustaining and supporting the faculty will be discussed. Case studies from faculty members will demonstrate how sustainable design and social responsibility can be integrated into entrepreneurially focused classes and student experiences across disciplines. The primary contribution of this research is the important role that an emergent learning framework can play in informing how best to optimize the CoP format and approach in a way that leverages and addresses individual member strengths, challenges, and experiences, and supports the needs of CoP members during a time of significant change and crisis.
Public acceptance of electric roadways: The case of Los Angeles, California

Abstract Dynamic charging has the potential to overcome the barriers to electric vehicle (EV) adoption by converting road segments into powered lanes (electric roadways or ERs). This paper focuses on examining public acceptance by determining the factors that affect the short-term and long-term intention to purchase an EV and drive on ERs; identifying the clusters of the technology acceptance; and assessing the value of travel time savings (VTTS) for driving on ERs, in general, and for different clusters. A survey was conducted in Los Angeles, California and distributed online, gathering 600 responses. The results showed that respondents’ innovativeness, lifestyle and environmental consciousness significantly affect the intention to drive on ERs in the short- and long-run. Public acceptance, in general, seems to be related to charging patterns, safety of commute route, and safety concerns for ERs, among other factors, and depends on the implementation time of the technology. Higher VTTS were found for electrified lanes exclusive for EVs on interstate and arterial roads. People who were classified as positive toward ERs had higher VTTS for ERs followed by those who were neutral and those who were concerned about ERs. This paper can help policymakers and transport operators devise strategies to accelerate EV adoption by appropriately implementing the ER technology.
Brachiopods from the Latham Shale Lagerstätte (Cambrian Series 2, Stage 4) and Cadiz Formation (Miaolingian, Wuliuan), California

Abstract. A moderately diverse assemblage of brachiopods from the Latham Shale Lagerstätte (Cambrian Series 2, upper Stage 4) and the upper Cadiz Formation (Miaolingian, Wuliuan), California is described in detail for the first time. The fauna includes both linguliform and rhynchonelliform brachiopods—Hadrotreta primaea (Walcott, 1902), Paterina prospectensis (Walcott, 1884), Dictyonina pannula (White, 1874), and Mickwitzia occidens Walcott, 1908; and Nisusia fulleri Mount, 1981 and Wimanella highlandensis (Walcott, 1886), respectively—together with olenellid trilobites and hyolithids. The fauna differs from other Cambrian Konservat-Lagerstätten (notably Cambrian Series 2 Chengjiang and Guanshan Lagerstätten, eastern Yunnan) in that the brachiopod shell valves in many cases are still preserved with their original mineralization. Moreover, the excellently preserved shale-hosted valves even include cases with exquisite epithelial cell molds, otherwise only seen in acid-etched material from carbonate rocks. The pitted ornamentation in D. pannula closely resembles that described from Ordovician linguliforms. The unusual preservation of N. fulleri provides important clues for ancestral composition of the brachiopod shell. The two articulated rhynchonelliform species probably represent the oldest records of this group from the west Laurentia. The fauna could also represent the earliest onset of the transition from the Cambrian Evolutionary Fauna (CEF) to the Paleozoic Evolutionary Fauna (PEF).
Effect of low caloric diet supplemented by fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) seeds or black cumin (Nigella sativa) seeds and its mixture on obese adult female patients

The present work was carried out to study the effect of low caloric diet supplemented with fennel seeds or black cumin seeds and their mixture on obese adult females. The control group (G1) used low caloric diet with 1000 kcal without supplementation, while groups (2 and 3) used low caloric diet supplemented with 5 g black cumin and 5g fennel seeds seeds, respectively. On the other hand, group (4) used low caloric diet supplemented a mixture of 2.5 g fennel seeds and 2.5g black cumin seeds. All supplementation were mixed with a cup of light yoghurt in dinner meal. The study was performed for 4 weeks. Anthropometric measurements and levels of serum triglyceride, cholesterol, LDL and HDL were taken pre and post the study. Females taken low caloric diet supplemented with black cumin (G2) or mixture of black cumin and fennel (G4) recorded significant decrease in their BMI when compared to the control group. Cases supplemented with Fennel (G3) recorded insignificant decrease in their BMI. The total cholesterol decreased significantly in groups (2 and 4), while it was decreased insignificantly in group (3) compared to the control group. HDL levels increased significantly in groups (2 & 4) compared to group (1). Results of the present study indicated that significant decrease were in total body weight, BMI, WC, AC, TSF and AMC in group (2) which received black cumin seeds, followed by group (4) which received mixture of black cumin seeds and fennel seeds, followed by group (3) which received fennel seeds compared to the control group.
STABILITY INDICATIVE AND COST EFFECTIVE ANALYTICAL METHOD DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF FENOFIBRIC ACID AND PITAVASTATIN BY USING RP-HPLC

Objective: The current investigation was pointed at developing and progressively validating novel, simple, responsive and stable RP-HPLC method for the measurement of active pharmaceutical ingredients of Fenofibric acid and Pitavastatin. Methods: A simple, selective, validated and well-defined stability that shows gradient RP-HPLC methodology for the quantitative determination of Fenofibric acid and Pitavastatin. The chromatographic strategy utilized X-bridge phenyl column of dimensions 250x4.6 mm, 5 micron, using isocratic elution with a mobile phase of acetonitrile and 0.1 percent formic acid (60:40). A flow rate of 1 ml/min and a detector wavelength of 242 nm utilizing the PDA detector were given in the instrumental settings. Results: Validation of the proposed method was carried out according to an international conference on harmonization (ICH) guidelines. LOD and LOQ for the two active ingredients were established with respect to test concentration. The calibration charts plotted were linear with a regression coefficient of R2 > 0.999, means the linearity was within the limit. Recovery, specificity, linearity, accuracy, robustness, ruggedness were determined as a part of method validation and the results were found to be within the acceptable range. Conclusion: The proposed method to be fast, simple, feasible and affordable in assay condition. During stability tests, it can be used for routine analysis of the selected drugs.