Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Regional heterogeneity in gene expression, regulation and coherence in hippocampus and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex across development and in schizophrenia

Recent large-scale genomics efforts have better characterized the molecular correlates of schizophrenia in postmortem human neocortex, but not hippocampus which is a brain region prominently implicated in its pathogenesis. Here in the second phase of the BrainSeq Consortium (Phase II), we have generated RiboZero RNA-seq data for 900 samples across both the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and the hippocampus (HIPPO) for 551 individuals (286 affected by schizophrenia disorder: SCZD). We identify substantial regional differences in gene expression, in both pre- and post-natal life, and find widespread differences in how genes are regulated across development. By extending quality surrogate variable analysis (qSVA) to multiple brain regions, we identified 48 and 245 differentially expressed genes (DEG) by SCZD diagnosis (FDR<5%) in HIPPO and DLPFC, respectively, with surprisingly minimal overlap in DEG between the two brain regions. We further identified 205,618 brain region-dependent eQTLs (FDR<1%) and found that 124 GWAS risk loci contain eQTLs in at least one of the regions. We also identify potential molecular correlates of in vivo evidence of altered prefrontal-hippocampal functional coherence in schizophrenia. These results underscore the complexity and regional heterogeneity of the transcriptional correlates of schizophrenia, and suggest future schizophrenia therapeutics may need to target molecular pathologies localized to specific brain regions.
The impact of potassium on downy mildew of cucumber and its leaf/soil nutritional status.

Background: The interaction of plant nutrition and disease development has been well documented. Potassium (K) application has been widely recognized to decrease disease incidence in many host plants. However, contradictory reports about its impact on plant diseases have been ascertained therefore further research is needed for each host-pathogen system. The objective of the present study was to examine the effect of K levels on downy mildew severity and assess their impact on soil and nutritional status of cucumber plants. Methods: K (200-700 mg L) was applied to plants grown in pots under greenhouse conditions through fertigation, according to a randomized block design with four replicates. Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) were given to plants at stable concentrations. The cucumber leaves were inoculated with a zoospore suspension of Pseudoperonospora cubensis, the causal agent of downy mildew. Leaf and lesion area as well as nutrients in plant tissues and soil were determined. Results: Plants treated with 300 and 400 mg L of K demonstrated the lowest downy mildew severity. Above these rates, K supply led to downy mildew increase in cucumber leaves. The cubic regression curve can be fitted to the disease progress for downy mildew, irrespective of K doses. Leaf and soil nutrient content appeared to affect infection and leaf size. Reduced concentration of soil NH4-N was noticed in fertigation levels of 300 and 400 mg L K and the lowest Mn content appeared in leaves of cucumber plants grown in 400 mg L K. Conclusion: The suppression effect of K on downy mildew had an optimum limit and beyond this, disease spread was observed. K enrichment of soil via potassium nitrate fertilizer could be considered as an efficient method for the control of downy mildew of cucumber plants.
Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Polyurethane Drug Delivery Systems

Selective delivery of drugs to localized regions of tissue within the body is a complex problem, representing one path through which the efficacy of many pharmaceutical compounds can be enhanced. Many pharmaceutical compounds show excellent activity in vitro, but their uses are severely limited in vivo. Unstable active conformations, limited membrane diffusion, rapid metabolism and/or clearance, decreased solubility, and dose-limiting systemic toxicity are just a few areas in which potential problems exist, halting drug development. Compounds exist possessing ideal pharmacologic activity for treating specific disease states, but they are simply unable to be delivered in adequate quantities or in the proper active conformation to the target site in the body. The following dissertation details the synthesis, characterization, and performance of a series of polyurethane drug delivery systems based on amino acids and the simple carbohydrates. The materials were synthesized from lysine diisocyanate (LDI) and glycerol with the aid of various tertiary amine and organometallic urethane catalysts. Candidate drugs were incorporated into the materials by way of labile urethane and urea linkages; subsequent drug release relied on the passive hydrolysis of the tethering bonds. Drug release from the materials correlated to material morphology, urethane catalyst, and chemical functionality of the incorporated drug. A single-phase polyurethane material was designed, synthesized, and shown capable of simultaneously releasing multiple pharmacologic agents at different rates. Finally, naturally occurring ionic ligands were incorporated into the LDI-glycerol polyurethanes to alter their swelling characteristics and release kinetics. This endeavor has resulted in the formulation of a series of polyurethane materials, capable of long-term controlled release of pharmacologic agents within the body. The structure-function relationships elucidated provide key design criteria, which can ultimately be used to develop such advanced degradable polyurethane materials.
Microbial Quality of Raw Beef and Chevon From Selected Markets in Cape Coast, Ghana

This study assessed microbial quality of raw beef and chevon (goat meat) from selected meat retail shops in Abura, Kotokuraba and Science markets in Cape Coast, Ghana. Stock solutions from beef and chevon were analyzed on nutrient agar, MacConkey agar, and potato dextrose agar media using microbiological procedures. Results revealed that beef from Kotokuraba market was the most contaminated with mean highest bacterial counts of 1.15x108 and 9.40x107 cfu/ml in nutrient agar and MacConkey agar media, respectively. The results further showed that chevon from Science market was the most contaminated with mean highest bacterial counts of 1.67x108 and 7.10x107 cfu/ml in nutrient agar and MacConkey agar media, respectively. Mean fungal counts in PDA medium was the least recorded for both beef and chevon from all the three markets. Comparative analyses of results suggest that chevon was more contaminated than beef from Abura market, whereas beef was more contaminated than chevon from Kotokuraba market. However, from Science market, except in MacConkey agar medium, where beef was more contaminated than chevon, chevon was more contaminated than beef in nutrient agar and PDA media. Bacteria isolated were Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp. , Nocardia spp. , Salmonella spp. , Staphylococcus spp. , and Streptococcus spp. Fungi of the genera Aspergillus, Candida, Fusarium, Penicillium, and Rhodotorula were isolated. We conclude that raw beef and chevon sold in markets in Cape Coast are contaminated by pathogenic and toxigenic microbes that may affect meat quality and consequently pose public health concerns to consumers.
An assessment of the wind power dynamics in the European coastal environment

The objective of the proposed work is to assess the possible wind power dynamics along the European coastal environment in the context of the very predictable future development of the offshore wind energy extraction. From this perspective, 15 reference points have been selected in the Baltic, Mediterranean and Black seas, representing 5 representative locations for each sea, respectively. The proposed analysis is based on the wind fields provided by a Regional Climate Model (RCM) for the future time period 2021-2050. These data are processed and analysed considering the Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) scenarios 4.5 and 8.5. In the first RCP scenario (4.5), an enhancement of the greenhouse gas emissions until 2040 is considered followed afterwards by a decline. On the other hand, the second scenario assumes that the greenhouse gas emissions enhancement will continue during the entire 21st century and after. The first scenario is considered as the most realistic approach, while the second as the most pessimistic. Furthermore, in order to complete the picture an analysis of the historical wind data coming from the same RCM for the past 30-year period 1976-2005 is also carried out. In this way, a more comprehensive image of the wind power dynamics in the some relevant locations from the European coastal environment is provided. In order to enlarge the perspective, the analysis of the historical data is also extended for some locations in the North Sea, where wind farms already operate. The results indicate a slight enhancement of the average wind power in most of the locations considered. This enhancement appears to be stronger for RCP8.5 than for RCP4.5. On the other hand, the maximum wind power is expected to have much higher peaks for RCP8.5 and this especially concerns the western side of the Black Sea. The work is still on going and the analysis will be extended in both space and time covering more coastal locations and the time period until the end of the 21 st century.
Sliding Mode Control of a Distributed-Parameter Wafer Spin Clean Process

In this study, a temperature controller for chemical fluids, which are impinged on a rotating silicon wafer, is presented. The chemical fluid is heated by a heating plate that is mounted below the rotating wafer. The thermal behavior of the system is modeled as a distributed-parameter system. In order to deal with this problem setting, a second-order sliding mode controller is proposed. The controller is inspired by the finite-dimensional generalized super-twisting algorithm. Finite-time convergence despite the presence of a certain class of disturbances is proven by means of a Lyapunov function. The algorithm is implemented and tested on the real system.
Adaptive Finite-Time Control for Half-Vehicle Active Suspension Systems With Uncertain Dynamics

The finite-time control design problem of half-vehicle active suspension systems with uncertain dynamics and external disturbances is investigated in this article. The unknown functions, which caused by uncertain parameters and unknown dynamics, are approximated with help of neural networks. An extended Lyapunov condition of finite-time stability is employed to achieve the control of the vertical and pitch motions more quickly. Then, assisted by the practical finite-time theory, the finite-time controller is proposed. It can ensure that half-vehicle active suspension systems achieve the stability in a finite time and the ride comfort can be enhanced. In addition, the developed adaptive finite-time control approach is performed to half-vehicle active suspension systems. By comparing analysis of simulation results, the validity of the established scheme is demonstrated and the performance of half-vehicle active suspension systems is exhibited.
Mitigating Effect of Honey on Caffeine Induced Oxidative Stress in Male Albino Rats

Aim: The study was aimed at determining the mitigating effect of honey on oxidative stress induced by caffeine using oxidative stress markers such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, Glutathione and malondialdehyde, in male albino rats. Study Design: A completely randomized design (CRD) was used in this study. Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in the Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, University of Calabar and lasted for 65 days. Methodology: Thirty healthy male albino rats of 12 weeks old were randomly divided into five groups of six rats each. The experimental animals were treated with combinations of caffeine and honey using oral gavage. Group 1 served as the control and was given only water and feed; Group 2 were treated with 10 ml/kgBW of honey (honey group); Group 3 were treated with 200 mg/kgBW of caffeine (caffeine group); Group 4 were treated with 200 mg/kgBW of caffeine and 10 ml/kgBW of honey (C + H1 group) while Group 5 were treated with 20 ml/kgBW of honey and 200 mg/kgBW of caffeine (C + H2). Original Research Article Uno et al.; JSRR, 21(3): 1-7, 2018; Article no.JSRR. 44014 2 Results: Results indicated a significant (p<0.05) decrease in serum levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione observed in caffeine treated rats in comparison with the control. Also, a significant increase in the serum concentration of malondialdehyde in caffeine treated rats was observed. Effectively, honey mitigated caffeine induced effect on the oxidative stress markers in albino rat models and the effect was dose dependent. Conclusion: The findings of this study provide evidence that honey has the potential to mitigate the effect of caffeine on oxidative stress markers in male albino rat models in a dose dependent manner.
A simple topographical model to predict Golden Eagle
 Aquila chrysaetos
 space use during dispersal

Many large raptors exploit or rely on anabatic and orographic winds which provide vertical lift, to supplement or provide the energy fuelling flight. Airspace is therefore a critical habitat for such large raptors and its use is subject to the underlying terrestrial topography, because particular topographical features are more likely to provide wind‐energetic lift. Accordingly, ridges and/or ‘rugged topography’ are common preferred features in habitat use by large raptors. Our study aimed to provide a simple model of space use for a large raptor, the Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos, based on thousands of GPS telemetry records during juvenile dispersal of 92 birds tagged as nestlings between 2007 and 2016 across upland Scotland. Model development was based on the hypothesis that four topographical variables would be influential: slope, aspect, altitude and distance from ridge. The telemetry dataset was divided into training and two testing components. The first testing set was derived by a temporal split resulting in approximately equal sample size on records and some temporal overlap in individuals’ records with training data. The second testing set involved no individuals from the training set. Aspect was removed early in training model development because it was not influential. The model found that young Golden Eagles preferred, or used according to availability, space above slopes greater than 10°, at an altitude of ≥ 300 m, and within 300 m of a ridge. The test data were highly correlated with those from the training data in the model variables, and performance as regard to expected preferences from the model was improved in both test datasets, indicating the model was robust. Given the apparent universal nature of large raptor dependence on topography, that topography is relatively immutable according to time and use, and that topographical data are readily available, we commend our approach to other habitat preference studies of Golden Eagles and other large raptors elsewhere.
hPRESS: A Hardware-Enhanced Proxy Re-Encryption Scheme Using Secure Enclave

Proxy re-encryption (PRE) allows a proxy to transform one ciphertext to another under different encryption keys while keeping the underlying plaintext secret. Because of the ciphertext transformability of PRE, there are many potential private communicating applications of this feature. However, existing PRE schemes are not as full-fledged as expected. The lack of necessary features makes them hard to apply in real-world scenarios. So far, there does not exist a unidirectional multihop PRE scheme with constant decryption efficiency and constant ciphertext size without extensions. Impractical performance and weak scalability also hinder PRE from most real-world applications. In this work, we present a new PRE scheme with secure hardware enclave named hPRESS (hardware-enhanced PRE scheme using secure enclave). To the best of our knowledge, hPRESS is the first unidirectional multihop PRE scheme which achieves both constant decryption efficiency and constant ciphertext size without extensions. A detailed security analysis demonstrates that our proposal is CCA secure based on the security of the underlying encryption schemes and the secure enclave. We also implement a prototype based on Intel SGX, one of the most popular secure enclave techniques in recent years, and evaluate its performance. The experimental results show that, compared with previous PRE schemes, our hPRESS is almost one order of magnitude faster in terms of the decryption and transformation.
Comparative efficacy of some insecticides against Bactrocera zonata (Saunders) under laboratory condition

The experiment was conducted to assess the efficacy of insecticides in the laboratory of NIA, Tandojam, during 2017 on mango fruit. Four insecticides (Laser, Trichlorfon, Lambda, and Malathion) were tested and also compared with each other as well as control. On pupal emergence, the impact of insecticides showed results that highest mean population was observed at different doses of Lambda were 34.25, 25.75, 12.25, 11 and 7.25 then of Malathion were 32.75, 23.25, 23.5, 18.75 and 15.75 and of Laser were 21.00, 20.00, 6.00, 6.5 and 3.75. In contrast, the lowest mean population was observed of Truchloron were 14.25, 15, 13.75, 10.5, and 8.25, respectively. On adult emergence, the highest mean population was found of Lambda were 30, 16.75, 7.75, 7 and 5.25, then Malathion was 15.25, 11, 10.5, 8 and 5, and Laser were 9.75, 10.25, 10.25, 9.5 and 5.75 Whereas lowest of Trichlorfon as 8.75, 8.75, 7.5, 6.5 and 4.5 respectively. While the impact on male and female survivorship ratio recorded on Trichlorfon, the male was 4.75, 5.5, 4.0, 3.5, and 2.25 and female was 3.75, 3.5, 3.25, 3.75, and 3. On Laser, the male was 3.75, 7.0, 5.25, 4.0 and 2.5, and female was 4.5, 5.75, 5, 3.75 and 2.5 but on Malathion, the male was 5.0, 6.0, 3.75, 4.5 and 3.5 and female was 4.5, 5.5, 4.5, 3.75 and 3.25. Where also on Lambda, the male was 6.5, 7, 5.25, 5.25, and 4.75 and female was 5.25, 6, 5.25, 4 and 4.25 respectively.
Cosine Similarity Based Line Protection for Large-Scale Wind Farms

In this article, power converters are used in the integrated wind farms and can change the fault characteristics of the power system. The conventional pilot protection suffers from low sensitivity, or even the risk of maloperation. In order to address these problems, the fault features of the transient current of various power sources are analyzed and a novel pilot protection based on cosine similarity is proposed. To validate the proposed protection, the real time digital simulator hardware-in-loop tests are carried out to verify the proposed method. In addition, a field short-circuit test is conducted in a real wind farm to examine the performances of the proposed protection. The results demonstrate that the proposed method can be potential option for industrial applications.
Differences in classroom motivational climate: causes, effects and implications for teacher education. A multilevel study

Research on classroom motivational climate (CMC) has shown significant differences between classrooms in CMC. However, it is not known whether teachers’ motivational knowledge, and goals and expectancies related to their students contribute to such differences, and consequently, on the effects of CMC on students. For answering this question, a multilevel model of the relationships among a) teachers’ knowledge and motivational characteristics, b) students’ goals and expectancies (SGE), c) perceived CMC, and d) students’ attribution of perceived motivational improvement to teachers (APMIT) was tested using structural equation methods. A total of 2.223 Secondary and High-School students and their 95 teachers participated in the study. Results showed that teachers’ motivational quality (TMQ) has a significant indirect effect on differences between classrooms in CMC, and on the students’ attribution of perceived improvement in motivational variables to teachers, but also that teachers’ characteristics differ in their contribution to TMQ, and so, to CMC.
Studies on accumulated thermal unit, thermal use efficiency of different rice genotypes at different phenological stages

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif season of 2019 at Student Instructional Farm of A.N. D.U. A. & T, Kumarganj, Ayodhya (U.P.) Studies on accumulated thermal unit, thermal use efficiency of different rice genotypes at different phenological stages. Experiment was conducted with in Randomized Block Design and replicated four times. The treatments comprised of 3 crop growing environment i.e. 5th July (D1), 15th July (D2) and 25th July (D3) with 3 genotypes i.e. NDR-97 (V1), SARJOO-52 (V2) and BPT-5204 (V3). The results revealed that Crop growing environment of 5th July (D1) took more days to reach harvest stage in all genotypes. With respect to the heat units viz., growing degree days, photo thermal unit, helio thermal unit, the first growing environment of rice on 5th July (D1) is giving more values over after growing environment i.e. 15th July (D2) and 25th July (D3). Maximum thermal use efficiency (TUE) was recorded in crop growing environment on July 5th (0.60 g/m2/0C days-1) at milking the stage, followed by July 15th (0.39g/m2/0Cdays-1) and July 25th (0.41g/m2/0Cdays-1).
The Journal of the Southern Association for Information Systems The

The recent influx of various technologies has affected all sectors of the human life including education. Mobile learning has emerged with the evolution of mobile devices that has enhanced knowledge sharing via distance education systems. In Nigeria, it has been observed that under-utilization of the technology in higher education institutions (HEIs) is still prevalent. This study investigated the factors hindering the use of mobile devices for mobile-learning by students. Four research questions were formulated based on UTAUT model with nine variables and 391 survey questionnaires were administered on the students in two institutions in Ogun State. Data obtained were analyzed using two multiple regression and path analysis on SPSS 23. Findings showed that the facilitating factor of the mobile device leads other variables on direct effect on the attitude of students towards usage of mobile devices for m-learning. The management of HEIs should provide technical infrastructure supports on the use of mobile devices
RESPONSE OF CERTAIN PHYTOCHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS IN SWEET PEPPER LEAVES TO SOME BIO-STIMULANTS UNDER TWO TYPES OF SALINITY

High salinity level of NaCl and CaCl 2 (4000 mg/L) markedly increased whereas the low levels and its combination decreased electrolyte leakage percentage (E.L. %) in sweet pepper leaves as compared to the unstressed plants. In addition, application of all selected bio-regulators used at both applied levels, in most cases, alleviated the harmful effect of salinity on E.L. % especially ascorbic acid at 50 mg/L. Relative water content (RWC) and photosynthetic pigments were significantly increased thereafter decreased as salinity levels increased. In addition, CaCl 2 at low level caused a great increase in RWC % followed by NaCl+CaCl 2 and NaCl (2000 mg/L). While, pre-soaking seeds in both levels of the applied bio-stimulants caused a significant increase in RWC % and the photosynthetic pigments concentrations . In addition, AsA at 50 mg/L or SA at 75 mg/L was more effective in this respect as compared to the untreated plants. Ascorbic acid, proline, total phenols as well as total soluble carbohydrates concentrations in sweet pepper shoot were increased with increasing salinity levels from 2000 to 4000 mg/L of all salinity types. In addition, NaCl led to a great increase followed by NaCl+CaCl 2 and CaCl 2 as compared to the unstressed plants. In addition, pre-soaking seeds in SA, AsA, α-tocopherol and yeast extract at both levels increased ascorbic acid, proline, total phenols as well as total soluble carbohydrates concentrations under saline conditions. Moreover, AsA at 50 mg/L or SA at 75 mg/L was more effective in this respect as compared with the other treatments