Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Identifying deflections of reinforced concrete beams under seismic loads by bio‐inspired optimization of deep residual learning

The seismic performance of a building must be evaluated after it has been affected by an earthquake load. In the evaluation process, building codes and standards require that the drift of the structure is determined to assess structural performance. This study provides an innovative method that helps engineers in measuring the deflection of reinforced concrete (RC) beams. An imagery deep learning model, called residual networks (ResNet), is used to classify the deflection based on observation by computer vision. However, determining the optimal values of the hyperparameters of this model is a challenge. Therefore, a hybrid model that integrates the bio‐inspired optimization (i.e., jellyfish search [JS] algorithm) and ResNet is developed. The input data that are used to train the model are images that are collected in RC structural experiments. This experiment involved 29 cantilever beams with various RC designs. These specimen RC beams were tested under simulated seismic loads with lateral displacement control. After each load had been applied to the beam, four single‐lens digital cameras captured images from the east, west, north, and south. Then, the performance of computer vision‐based JS–ResNet was evaluated by comparing its accuracy with that of the original ResNet using default hyperparameters. The results of the analysis show that the proposed JS–ResNet model achieves higher accuracy than conventional ResNet. Therefore, the hybrid model can provide insights in similar visual surveillance tasks.
The cardiovascular responses after lipopolysaccharide microinjection into the dorsomedial periaqueductal gray in rats

Introduction: The dorsomedial periaqueductal gray (dmPAG) is located around the cerebral aqueduct with various functions such as cardiovascular regulation and is affected by inflammation. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a complex molecule with an inflammatory effect that is known to affect blood pressure. In the present study, the cardiovascular effect of LPS microinjection into the dmPAG was investigated. Methods: Rats were divided into three groups consisting of 1: control; 2: 50 ng LPS and 3: 100 ng LPS. Rats were mounted on a stereotaxic device after anesthesia and a continuous recording of cardiovascular parameters was done by a PowerLab device, connected to a cannulated femoral artery and drugs microinjected into dmPAG. The changes (∆) in systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were calculated at different times and compared to the control group. Results: Both doses of LPS when microinjected into the dmPAG brought on a significant hypotensive response in the pressure parameters (MAP, SBP, and DBP) when compared to control. A non-significant increase in HR was also documented in both groups. Conclusion: The results of this experiment indicated that LPS, when microinjected into the dmPAG, induced a hypotensive response in anesthetized rats in both doses in comparison to control.
Realistic Forests and the Modeling of Forest‐Atmosphere Exchange

Forests cover nearly a third of the Earth's land area and exchange mass, momentum, and energy with the atmosphere. Most studies of these exchanges, particularly using numerical models, consider forests whose structure has been heavily simplified. In many landscapes, these simplifications are unrealistic. Inhomogeneous landscapes and unsteady weather conditions generate fluid dynamical features that cause observations to be inaccurately interpreted, biased, or over‐generalized. In Part I, we discuss experimental, theoretical, and numerical progress in the understanding of turbulent exchange over realistic forests. Scalar transport does not necessarily follow the flow in realistic settings, meaning scalar quantities are rarely at equilibrium around patchy forests, and significant scalar fluxes may form in the lee of forested hills. Gaps and patchiness generate significant spatial fluxes that current models and observations neglect. Atmospheric instability increases the distance over which fluxes adjust at forest edges. In deciduous forests, the effects of patchiness differ between seasons; counter intuitively, eddies reach further into leafy canopies (because they are rougher aerodynamically). Air parcel residence times are likely much lower in patchy forests than homogeneous ones, especially around edges. In Part II, we set out practical ways to make numerical models of forest‐atmosphere more realistic, including by accounting for reconfiguration and realistic canopy structure and beginning to include more chemical and physical processes in turbulence resolving models. Future challenges include: (a) customizing numerical models to real study sites, (b) connecting space and time scales, and (c) incorporating a greater range of weather conditions in numerical models.
BDSF Is a Degradation-Prone Quorum-Sensing Signal Detected by the Histidine Kinase RpfC of Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris

The diffusible signal factor (DSF) family consists of quorum-sensing signals employed by Gram-negative bacteria. These signals are a group of cis-2-unsaturated fatty acids, such as DSF, BDSF, IDSF, CDSF, and SDSF. ABSTRACT Diffusible signal factors (DSFs) are medium-chain fatty acids that induce bacterial quorum sensing. Among these compounds, BDSF is a structural analog of DSF that is commonly detected in bacterial species, and it is the predominant in planta quorum-sensing signal in Xanthomonas campestris. How BDSF is sensed in Xanthomonas spp. and the functional diversity between BDSF and DSF remain unclear. In this study, we generated genetic and biochemical evidence that BDSF is a low-active regulator of X. campestris pv. campestris quorum sensing, whereas trans-BDSF does not seem to be a signaling compound. BDSF is detected by the sensor histidine kinase RpfC. Although BDSF has relatively low physiological activities, it binds to the RpfC sensor with a high affinity and activates RpfC autophosphorylation to a level that is similar to that induced by DSF in vitro. The inconsistency in the physiological and biochemical activities of BDSF is not due to RpfC-RpfG phosphorylation or RpfG hydrolase. Neither BDSF nor DSF controls the phosphotransferase and phosphatase activities of RpfC or the ability of RpfG hydrolase activity to degrade the bacterial second messenger cyclic di-GMP. We demonstrated that BDSF is prone to degradation by RpfB, a critical fatty acyl coenzyme A ligase involved in the turnover of DSF-family signals. rpfB mutations lead to substantial increases in BDSF-induced quorum sensing. Although DSF and BDSF are similarly detected by RpfC, our data suggest that their differential degradation in cells is the major factor responsible for the diversity in their physiological effects. IMPORTANCE The diffusible signal factor (DSF) family consists of quorum-sensing signals employed by Gram-negative bacteria. These signals are a group of cis-2-unsaturated fatty acids, such as DSF, BDSF, IDSF, CDSF, and SDSF. However, the functional divergence of various DSF signals remains unclear. The present study demonstrates that though BDSF is a low active quorum-sensing signal, it binds histidine kinase RpfC with a higher affinity and activates RpfC autophosphorylation to the similar level as DSF. Rather than regulation of enzymatic activities of RpfC and its cognate response regulator RpfG encoding a c-di-GMP hydrolase, BDSF is prone to degradation in bacterial cells by RpfB, which effectively avoided the inhibition of bacterial growth by accumulating high concentrations of BDSF. Therefore, our study sheds new light on the functional differences of quorum-sensing signals and shows that bacteria balance quorum sensing and growth by fine-tuning concentrations of signaling chemicals.
Comparison of Analgesic Efficacy of Erector Spinae and Oblique Subcostal Transverse Abdominis Plane Block in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Introduction: The pain after Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (LC) which has both somatic and visceral component. Interfascial plane blocks play a major role in Multimodal Analgesia (MMA). Previous studies have found good analgesic benefits with Erector Spinae Plane (ESP) and Oblique Subcostal Transversus Abdominis Plane (OSTAP) blocks. However, till date no study exists which compares the above blocks with addition of dexamethasone. Aim: To compare ESP with OSTAP block using low concentration of Local Anaesthetic (LA) and dexamethasone as part of MMA in elective LC. Materials and Methods: A total of 66 patients were included in this study and finally, 60 patients were analysed. They were randomised to receive either bilateral ESP at T7 level or bilateral OSTAP with 20 mL 0.2% ropivacaine and 4 mg dexamethasone before starting anaesthesia. Primary outcome measures were total opioid consumption and mean Visual Analog Scale (VAS) in the first 24 hours postoperatively. Secondary outcome measures were intraoperative opioid consumption, opioids or block related complication, and patients’ feedback for procedural satisfaction and postoperative pain control. The results were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 23.0. Continuous and categorical data were analysed using appropriate statistical analysis. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Both the blocks provided excellent pain relief. The mean (24 hours) opioid consumption in ESP group was 29.83±54.74 mg and in OSTAP group was 73.17±94.04 mg; p=0.034. The mean VAS was significantly lower in the ESP block at all point of time during first 24 hours in ESP group was 0.58 and in OSTAP group was 1.72 (p<0.001). The mean intraoperative opioid requirement in ESP and OSTAP group were 6.9±1.8 mg and 7.6±2.3 mg of nalbuphine, respectively. No complications were noted in any patients. Conclusion: Addition of dexamethasone in ESP block provides significant analgesia and less opioid consumption in patients undergoing LC. Hence, ESP block can be considered as part of MMA in LC surgery.
Continuous monitoring of the health status of cement-based structures: electrical impedance measurements and remote monitoring solutions

The continuous monitoring of cement-based structures and infrastructures is fundamental to optimize their service life and reduce maintenance costs. In the framework of the EnDurCrete project (GA no. 760639), a remote monitoring system based on electrical impedance measurements was developed. Electrical impedance is measured according to the Wenner’s method, using 4-electrode arrays embedded in concrete during casting, selecting alternating current as excitation, to avoid the polarization of both electrode/material interface and of material itself. With this measurement, it is possible to promptly identify events related to contaminants ingress or damages (e.g. cracks formation). Conductive additions are included in some elements to enhance signal-to-noise ratio, as well as the self-sensing properties of concrete. Specifically, a distributed sensor network was implemented, consisting of measurement nodes installed in the elements to be monitored, then connected to a central hub (RS-232 protocol). Nodes are realized with an embedded unit for electrical impedance measurements (EVAL-AD5940BIOZ board with AD5940 chip, by Analog Device) and a digital thermometer (DS18B20 by Maxim Integrated), enclosed in cabinets filled with an IP68 gel against moist-related problems. Data are available on a Cloud through Wi-Fi network or LTE modem, hence can be accessed remotely via a use-friendly multi-platform interface.
On Foreign Direct Investment from the ASEAN-8 Countries: A Panel Data Estimation

This paper examines how capital flight, loan interest rates, inflation, exchange rates and economic growth influence foreign direct investment in the ASEAN-8 countries. We apply fixed effect estimation to panel data for data belonging to eight countries from the period 1994 to 2018. The results show that capital flight and economic growth have a positive and significant effect on foreign direct investment. An increase in capital flight, capital retain from sources of funds which greater than the use of funds, has encouraged foreign direct investment to increase. Furthermore, increased economic growth has stimulated foreign direct investment. We find that an increase in loan interest rate (SIBOR), inflation and depreciation of the exchange rate triggers a significant decline in foreign direct investment. This finding implies that capital retention from capital flight and economic growth are the main factors that create an increase in foreign direct investment in the ASEAN-8 countries. Meanwhile, loan interest rates (SIBOR), inflation and depreciation of the exchange rate are the risk factors that investors need to consider when investing in those particular countries. This paper is useful for policy makers in the ASEAN-8 countries to consider these five variables, as the important factors that significantly influence foreign direct investment in the ASEAN-8 countries.
The Importance of Glycerophospholipid Production to the Mutualist Symbiosis of Trypanosomatids

The symbiosis in trypanosomatids is a mutualistic relationship characterized by extensive metabolic exchanges between the bacterium and the protozoan. The symbiotic bacterium can complete host essential metabolic pathways, such as those for heme, amino acid, and vitamin production. Experimental assays indicate that the symbiont acquires phospholipids from the host trypanosomatid, especially phosphatidylcholine, which is often present in bacteria that have a close association with eukaryotic cells. In this work, an in-silico study was performed to find genes involved in the glycerophospholipid (GPL) production of Symbiont Harboring Trypanosomatids (SHTs) and their respective bacteria, also extending the search for trypanosomatids that naturally do not have symbionts. Results showed that most genes for GPL synthesis are only present in the SHT. The bacterium has an exclusive sequence related to phosphatidylglycerol production and contains genes for phosphatidic acid production, which may enhance SHT phosphatidic acid production. Phylogenetic data did not indicate gene transfers from the bacterium to the SHT nucleus, proposing that enzymes participating in GPL route have eukaryotic characteristics. Taken together, our data indicate that, differently from other metabolic pathways described so far, the symbiont contributes little to the production of GPLs and acquires most of these molecules from the SHT.
PyCO2SYS v1.8: marine carbonate system calculations in Python

Abstract. Oceanic dissolved inorganic carbon (TC) is the largest pool of carbon that substantially interacts with the atmosphere on human timescales. Oceanic TC is increasing through uptake of anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2), and seawater pH is decreasing as a consequence. Both the exchange of CO2 between the ocean and atmosphere and the pH response are governed by a set of parameters that interact through chemical equilibria, collectively known as the marine carbonate system. To investigate these processes, at least two of the marine carbonate system's parameters are typically measured – most commonly, two from TC, total alkalinity (AT), pH, and seawater CO2 fugacity (fCO2; or its partial pressure, pCO2, or its dry-air mole fraction, xCO2) – from which the remaining parameters can be calculated and the equilibrium state of seawater solved. Several software tools exist to carry out these calculations, but no fully functional and rigorously validated tool written in Python, a popular scientific programming language, was previously available. Here, we present PyCO2SYS, a Python package intended to fill this capability gap. We describe the elements of PyCO2SYS that have been inherited from the existing CO2SYS family of software and explain subsequent adjustments and improvements. For example, PyCO2SYS uses automatic differentiation to solve the marine carbonate system and calculate chemical buffer factors, ensuring that the effect of every modelled solute and reaction is accurately included in all its results. We validate PyCO2SYS with internal consistency tests and comparisons against other software, showing that PyCO2SYS produces results that are either virtually identical or different for known reasons, with the differences negligible for all practical purposes. We discuss insights that guided the development of PyCO2SYS: for example, the fact that the marine carbonate system cannot be unambiguously solved from certain pairs of parameters. Finally, we consider potential future developments to PyCO2SYS and discuss the outlook for this and other software for solving the marine carbonate system. The code for PyCO2SYS is distributed via GitHub (https://github.com/mvdh7/PyCO2SYS, last access: 23 December 2021) under the GNU General Public License v3, archived on Zenodo (Humphreys et al., 2021), and documented online (https://pyco2sys.readthedocs.io/en/latest/, last access: 23 December 2021).
Effect of Ethanol Leaf Extract of Khat (Catha edulis forsk) on Prefrontal Cortex Oxidative Markers and Hematological Profile of Wistar Rats

Aim: This study evaluated the effect of ethanol leaf extract of Catha edulis on the prefrontal cortex oxidative markers and hematological profile of Wistar rats. Study Design: The study design was experimental. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry, Kampala International University, Uganda and Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacy, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda. Between January and May, 2021. Methodology: Fresh C. edulis leaves were collected after on-spot identification, and authenticated before being chopped into small pieces and pulverized mechanically. The powdered material was extracted through cold maceration using 70% ethanol for 72 h. The extract was concentrated in vacuo to dryness at 40oC using rotary evaporator. The lethal dose (LD50) of the crude extract was determined using acute toxicity test. The sub-acute toxicity of the crude extract was evaluated by orally administering daily doses of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg to the male Wistar rats for 28 days. The animals were monitored for mortality, behavioral and physiological signs of toxicity. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT) activities and Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were estimated using standard methods. The blood samples were analyzed using the automated hematology analyzer: Mindray BC-6000. Shenzhen, China. Results: The median lethal dose (LD50) of the C. edulis leaf extract was greater than 5000mg/kg b w. The SOD and CAT activities of C. edulis treated groups compared to the control group were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced, the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were increased in C. edulis treated groups compared to the control group. There was no significant change in the hematological parameters, however, there were slight variations in the WBC and RBC counts in some C. edulis treated groups. Conclusion: Long term chewing of C. edulis could result in oxidative stress. It is therefore important for chronic C. edulis leaf chewers to take caution.
The Interaction of Vitamin D and Corticosteroids: A Mortality Analysis of 26,508 Veterans Who Tested Positive for SARS-CoV-2

This data-based cohort consisted of 26,508 (7%) United States veterans out of the 399,290 who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 from 1 March to 10 September 2020. We aimed to assess the interaction of post-index vitamin D (Vit D) and corticosteroid (CRT) use on 30-day mortality among hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Combination Vit D and CRT drug use was assessed according to four multinomial pairs (−|+, −|−, +|+, +|−). Respective categorical effects were computed on a log-binomial scale as adjusted relative risk (aRR). Approximately 6% of veterans who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 died within 30 days of their index date. Among hospitalized patients, a significantly decreased aRR was observed for the use of Vit D in the absence of CRTs relative to patients who received CRTs but not Vit D (aRR = 0.30; multiplicity corrected, p = 0.0004). Among patients receiving systemically administered CRTs (e.g., dexamethasone), the use of Vit D was associated with fewer deaths in hospitalized patients (aRR = 0.51) compared with non-hospitalized patients (aRR = 2.5) (P-for-Interaction = 0.0071). Evaluating the effect of modification of these compounds in the context of hospitalization may aid in the management of COVID-19 and provide a better understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this and future infectious disease outbreaks.
The importance of breeding infrastructure and support services: The success/failure of artificial insemination as a method of disseminating genetic material to smallholder dairy farmers in southern Africa

Important breeding infrastructure includes livestock identification, performance recording and evaluation programmes, research, training and extension programmes, farmers’ associations, and supply of replacement animals. Lack of dairy stock suitable for the smallholder sector has been cited, at national and regional levels, as one of the major limitations to dairy development in southern African countries. Smallholder farmers usually produce their own replacement animals. However, for dairy development programmes, genotypes not normally used by smallholder farmers are required; various methods have been used to introduce these genotypes and to supply farmers with replacement animals.
Modelling risk impacts on the budgeted cost of traditionally procured building projects

Risk is inherent in construction from the inception to the completion stages of a project’s life. The less information is available at the inception of a construction project, the higher the level of risks and uncertainties. Whilst it is a known fact that the risk factors inherent in a construction project are responsible for the deviation between the budgeted and actual project costs, how these risk factors combine to impact the project cost has not been investigated. This then is the concern of this study. The study identified the risk factors impacting the budgeted cost of traditionally procured building projects through a structured questionnaire survey. Using the mean ranking analysis, the significant risk factors were determined which were used in developing a risk/impact assessment model for evaluating the impacts of risk on the budgeted cost of traditionally procured building projects. The developed model shows a very good predictive ability; indicating that the model could assist in pro-actively determining the likely impacts of identified risks on the budgeted cost of traditionally procured building projects.