Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Contrasting Host-parasite Population Structure and Role of Host Specificity: Morphology and Mitogenomics of a Parasitic Flatworm on Pelagic Deepwater Cichlid Fishes from Lake Tanganyika

Little phylogeographic structure is presumed for highly mobile species in pelagic zones. Lake Tanganyika is a unique ecosystem with a speciose and largely endemic fauna famous for its remarkable evolutionary history. In bathybatine cichlid fishes, the pattern of lake-wide population differentiation differs among species. We tested the magnifying glass hypothesis for their parasitic flatworm Cichlidogyrus casuarinus. Lake-wide population structure of C. casuarinus ex Hemibates stenosoma was assessed based on a portion of the mtCOI gene combined with morphological characterisation. Additionally, intraspecific mitogenomic variation among 80 individuals within one spatially constrained parasite metapopulation sample was assessed using shotgun NGS. While no clear geographic genetic structure was detected in parasites, both geographic and host-related phenotypic variation was apparent. The incongruence with the genetic north-south gradient observed in the host may be explained by the broad host range of this flatworm as some of its other host species previously showed no lake-wide restriction of gene flow. Our results are consistent with host driven morphological variation without genetic differentiation of the parasite, and highlight the importance of integratively approaching parasites` potential as “tags” for their hosts. We present the first parasite mitogenome from Lake Tanganyika and propose a methodological framework for studying intraspecific mitogenomic variation of dactylogyrid monogeneans.
Survey of the Relationship between Extroversion and Transition in Cigarette and Hookah Smoking Stages in High-School Students in Tabriz: A Longitudinal Study

Background: Smoking is a public health problem that affects the adolescent population's health. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between extroversion (compared with introversion) and transition in cigarette and hookah smoking stages in high-school students to use the results in smoking prevention programs. Methods: A sample of 2312 students aged 15–16 years in Tabriz were included in the study. Demographic characteristics, cigarette, hookah smoking status, and Eysenck's extroversion questionnaires were completed by all students in the selected schools. Eight months later, cigarette and hookah smoking status were assessed again to determine transition in smoking stages. The marginal homogeneity (MH) test was used to compare the smoking status at the beginning and 8 months later. The generalized estimating equation (GEE) method with the ordinal link was applied to estimate the effect of extroversion on transition in smoking stages. Results: The mean (standard deviation) age of the students participating in the study was 15.5 (0.5) years. MH test results showed that, in general, transmission in the stages of both cigarette and hookah smoking in 8 months was significant in students (P-value < 0.0001). Extrovert personality had a significant positive effect on the transition from lower stages to higher cigarette and hookah smoking stages according to the GEE with ordinal link (P = 0.01). In cigarette and hookah smoking, extrovert persons transited to higher stages 1.64 and 1.55 times more than introvert persons. Conclusions: Being an extrovert person had a significant effect on the transitioning to higher stages of smoking cigarettes and hookah. In designing cognitive programs to prevent people from smoking or encourage them to quit smoking, considering this dimension of personality trait can be useful in the efficacy of the program.
Insights Into the Origin and Deformation Style of the Continental Moho: A Case‐Study From the Western Alps (Italy)

Several hypotheses on the origin of the continental Moho are still debated and multiple mechanisms may contribute to its formation. Here, we present quantitative estimation of the seismic properties and anisotropy of the crust‐mantle transition in the Western Alps where an example of newly formed (proto)‐continental Moho is unusually shallow. We make use of teleseismic P‐to‐S converted‐waves recorded by stations deployed on top of the Ivrea Body (IB), a volume of possibly serpentinized mantle peridotite below exhumed (ultra‐)high pressure crustal rocks. The IB has been mapped by gravity, magnetic, active and passive seismic surveys suggesting an extremely shallow Moho. We demonstrate that the P‐to‐S converted waves propagating through this region display coupled features: (a) they record expected presence of strong seismic velocity contrast at shallow depth as due to the lower crustal and upper mantle transition; (b) they are decomposed due to anisotropic properties of rocks involved. The proto‐continental Moho is recognized as an increase in S‐wave velocity (∼0.4–1 km/s) at shallow depths of 5–10 km. The presence of anisotropy within the IB and overlying crustal rocks is evidenced by back‐azimuthal dependence of the amplitude of P‐to‐S phases. The strength of anisotropy is ∼−14% on average pointing out the presence of metamorphosed/hydrated material (e.g., serpentinite) below the Moho. Anisotropic directions are consistent across Moho in both crust and upper mantle. The similarity of the anisotropy parameters between crust and upper mantle suggests they have been shaped by the same deformation event.
Sub-Chronic Cadmium Exposure in Drinking Water Dysregulates Lipid and Glucose Metabolisms in Apoe (-/-) Mice: Molecular Insights Into the Etiology of Atherosclerosis

Background: Exogenous exposure to cadmium is associated with cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, but experimental evidence elucidating the molecular events involved is still unclear, hence this study. We investigated whether sub-chronic cadmium exposure alone could cause a disruption in lipid and glucose metabolisms and whether the combined effect of these dysregulations could progressively lead to atherosclerosis in ApoE (-/-) mice. Methods: Experiments were performed in male ApoE (-/-) mice (8 weeks 25 ± 3g; n=60), which were randomly placed into four (4) groups according to body weight and administered cadmium (CdCl2) 0, 50, 100 and 200 mg/L, respectively in drinking water consecutively for 4 months. After treatment, changes in body weight were evaluated and mice plasma was analyzed for LDL, HDL, TCHO, TG, insulin and glucose levels. The collected samples were sent for histological examination in the 4th month and two-way ANOVA was used for statistical analysis. Results Levels of plasma LDL increased in all treatment groups but was statistically significant in the 4th month across all treatment groups when compared both with the blank control group and the first month mice. Plasma HDL levels were lowered in all treatment groups in the 2nd and 4th months when compared with the 1st month mice. Statistically significant decreases in plasma HDL levels were also observed in the 2nd month in the group receiving CdCl2 (100mg/L and 200mg/L) when compared with the blank control. TCHO and TG levels increased but was statistically significant in the former in the 1st, 2nd and 4th month at CdCl2 (100mg/L and 200mg/L) and in the latter at the same dose only in the 4th month. Moreover, fasting plasma glucose and insulin were elevated and lowered, respectively. Histological examination of aortal root also showed a dose-dependent increase in plaque formation, being most visible in the treatment group receiving CdCl2 (200mg/L). Conclusion: In line with our hypothesis, sub-chronic oral exposure of ApoE (-/-) mice to cadmium dysregulated their glucose and lipid profiles and the combined effect of this may be a contributory molecular event in the development of atherosclerosis. Keywords: Cadmium. Atherosclerosis. Glucose dysfunction. ApoE (-/-) mice. Lipid dysfunction. Atherosclerotic plaques
Comparison of resilience of different plant teams to drought and temperature extremes in Denmark in sole and intercropping systems

ABSTRACT Intercropping (IC) can reduce nitrogen fertilizer requirements, supress weeds, and improve crop yields and yield stability. Three field trials were conducted in Denmark in 2018 with intercropping and sole crops (SC) using spring wheat, barley, faba bean and field pea to compare productivity under five fertilizer levels. The trials were carried out using in a split-plot design with four. Anomalous weather during the 2018 cropping season created drought conditions and high temperatures above 31°C. No effect of fertilizer treatment was found, and total dry matter and grain yields were supressed in all systems. Wheat grain yields averaged 2.14 t ha−1 across systems, ranging from 1.58 t ha−1 as a component of the IC to 2.44 t ha−1 as SC, and barley grain yields averaged 2.35 t ha−1. Faba bean yielded 1.78 t ha−1 as SC, but failed in the IC. Pea failed in both systems. Intercropping barley with cover crops had no effect on grain yield or total dry matter. These results suggest that intercropping provided no production advantage during a drought and illuminate the need to continue conducting research and breeding on drought-resistant cultivars.
Variability and sources of the internal wave continuum examined from global moored velocity records

Energy for ocean turbulence is thought to be transferred from its presumed sources (namely, the mesoscale eddy field, near-inertial internal waves and internal tides) to the internal wave continuum, and through the continuum via resonant triad interactions to breaking scales. To test these ideas, the level and variability of the oceanic internal gravity wave continuum spectrum are examined by computing time-dependent rotary spectra from a global database of 2260 current meter records deployed on 1362 separate moorings. Time series of energy in the continuum and the three “source bands” (near-inertial, tidal and mesoscale) are computed, and their variability and covariability examined. Seasonal modulation of the continuum by factors of up to 5 is seen in the upper ocean, implicating wind-driven near-inertial waves as an important source. The time series of the continuum is found to correlate more strongly with the near-inertial peak than with the semi-diurnal or mesoscale. The use of moored internal-wave kinetic energy frequency spectra as an alternate input to the traditional shear or strain wavenumber spectra in the Gregg-Henyey-Polzin finescale parameterization is explored and compared to traditional strain-based estimates.
Financial Feasibility of Poultry Layer Farms in Chittoor District, India

The present study attempts to assess the financial feasibility of layer farms of poultry birds in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, India. In total, 60 farms were considered for the study, with 20 each for small, medium and large size. A pretested questionnaire was used to collect data from poultry farmers. The Net Present Worth is highest for large farms followed by medium and small farms at both 12 and 16% discount rates, proving the economic viability of farms. The Benefit-Cost Ratio and farm size were positively related and the large farms were economically more viable. The internal rate of return is higher than that of the discount rate for all sizes of farms which implies that investment is feasible. Even though the returns are decreased by 10% (Case I) or costs increased by 10% (Case II), the small, medium and large poultry layer farms are economically feasible at both 12% and 16% discount rates as NPV is positive and BCR is greater than 1. But if the returns are decreased by 10% and Costs increased by 10% (Case III), the small farms become financially infeasible at both discount rates, whereas medium farms become financially infeasible at a 16% discount rate only. The large layer farms are economically feasible at both discount rates if the returns are decreased by 10% and Costs increased by 10% (Case III). Based on NPV, BCR and Original Research Article Soumya and Reddy; AJAEES, 39(5): 120-145, 2021; Article no.AJAEES. 69196 121 IRR, large layer farms were most profitable followed by medium and small layer farms. The benefits per bird were highest and cost of production was lowest in case of large farms. The study revealed that poultry layer farming is a profitable business in Chittoor district.
Increasing the production of some specific cytotoxic triterpenoids and evaluation of the morpho-physiological response associated with in vitro salt stress in Pistacia khinjuk Stocks.

Triterpenoids are a class of secondary metabolites that are known to exhibit and possess various biological activities. Using plant biotechnological tools, a novel approach for producing these compounds offers opportunities not only to produce such bioactive secondary metabolites but also to increase the quantities of these essential phytochemicals. Therefore, this study was aimed to elucidate the biosynthesis of some cytotoxic triterpenoids through in vitro micropropagation of Pistacia khinjuk Stocks with the application of different NaCl concentrations (0 to 250 mM) and to evaluate the triterpenoids content as well as synchronize the morpho-physiological properties of plant materials during the salt application. The effects of these salt concentrations were investigated on P. khinjuk seedlings grown for four weeks by using the MS medium supplemented with 100 mg/L L-ascorbic acid and NaCl of given concentrations. LC-MS/MS results showed that the amount of all triterpenoid types from different plant parts was increased while root-shoot lengths, RWC, total Chl, Chl-a/b, and carotenoid values were decreased significantly at high salinity concentrations (150 mM). The reduction of the quantitative and qualitative morphophysiological parameters was due to the production of an increased amount of secondary compounds, i.e., triterpenoids rather than primary compounds in response to the increased salt concentrations.
Do Jumps Matter in Both Equity Market Returns and Integrated Volatility: A Comparison of Asian Developed and Emerging Markets

In this paper, we examine whether jumps matter in both equity market returns and integrated volatility. For this purpose, we use the swap variance (SwV) approach to identify monthly jumps and estimated realized volatility in prices for both developed and emerging markets from February 2001 to February 2020. We find that jumps arise in all equity markets; however, emerging markets have more jumps relative to developed markets, and positive jumps are more frequent than negative jumps. In emerging markets, the markets with average volatility earn higher returns during jump periods; however, highly volatile markets earn higher returns during jump periods in developed markets. Furthermore, markets with low continuous returns and high volatility are more adversely affected during periods of negative jumps. The average ratio of jump variations to total variation shows considerable variations due to jumps. Integrated volatility is high during periods of negative jumps, and this pattern is consistent in both developed and emerging markets. Moreover, the peak volatility of stock markets is observed during periods of crises. The implication of this study is useful in the asset pricing model, risk management, and for individual investors and portfolio managers for both developed and emerging markets.
Playing Mathematics in Early Childhood Based on Semiotics

Playing mathematics in early childhood based on semiotics gives children the opportunity to identify objects, look for signs and interpret signs so that they can solve problems in games. This study aims to describe semiotic based early childhood mathematics play activities. The research was conducted at the PAUD Lab School, Muhammadiyah University of Jember. The research subjects were 5 children from group B. The results showed that the activities of playing mathematics in early childhood based on semiotics were (1) collecting information related to semiotic-based math games, (2) looking for objects that matched the game and counting the number of objects found, (3) looking for relevant signs and signs. that are relevant to the number of objects found, (4) associated with signs of knowledge that have been previously possessed and look for all signs according to the objects found, (5) the child retells the play that has been done
HOTS QUESTIONING ABILITY AND HOTS PERCEPTION OF LANGUAGE TEACHERS IN INDONESIA

This study is part of a larger-scale research aimed at mapping the pedagogical competence of teachers of English and Indonesian Language across three cities of differing demographic features in Indonesia. As a subset of the study, this paper focused on investigating the ability to formulate higher-order thinking (HOT) questions in the classroom among the teachers, as well as getting their perception about applying HOTS in their classes. The mapping was done by comparing the abilities across teachers’ regions, years of service, and subjects taught (English and Indonesian Language). This research was designed as a case study involving quantitative and qualitative data analyses, with 15 (fifteen) secondary school teachers as the participants. Data were collected through classroom observations, document (lesson plan) analyses, as well as teachers’ interviews. Quantitative analysis was performed on the teachers’ scores in formulating HOTS questions, while teaching documents and transcripts were coded for qualitative analysis. Although the statistical results revealed no significant difference between the HOTS questioning scores of the teachers in the different regions and years of service, qualitative data suggested that language medium, as shown by the difference between English and Indonesian Language teachers, might be an important factor affecting the abilities of teachers to ask HOT questions, as well as their perception of the applicability of HOTS in their classes. The inquiry into the teachers’ perceptions of HOTS also displayed a gap between teachers in the bigger city and those in more remote regions, as well as between the novices and the practitioners.
THE IMPACT OF ENERGY SUBSIDY REFORM ON ECONOMIC GROWTH IN EGYPT OVER THE PERIOD FROM 2013 TO 2020

In most developing countries, and the Middle East region in particular, “Energy Subsidy” is an issue of special importance for policymakers. To this day, there are no conclusive results concerning the possible impacts of the energy subsidies reform on economic growth. On this basis, this current study aims to examine the impacts of the energy subsidies reform on the economic growth in Egypt. To achieve the study’s objective, the impacts of the energy subsidies reform have been divided into the following: (a) indirect impacts: estimated through the use of AMOS OR WARP PLS program, and (b) direct impacts: determined on basis of the Autoregressive Distributed Lag Model. So, this study evaluates the indirect effects of energy subsidy reform on economic growth. So, this current study has concluded that the energy subsidies reform in Egypt has significant negative effects on economic growth in both the short and long terms, whether they are direct or indirect impacts. Therefore, this research recommends that when it comes to reducing the energy subsidies, the Egyptian government shall adopt a lenient approach, to avoid the relevant negative impacts; thus, such measures shall be executed over many stages that extend for a longer period of time, with the provision of a social fund that supports the low-income people more comprehensively.
Optimization Scheme Based on High-Frequency Link Interconnection of Submodules

Submodule (SM) capacitor voltage ripple and imbalance are inherent problems with conventional modular multilevel converter (MMC). In addition, the large size capacitance in SM reduces the power density of MMC, and the life defect of electrolytic capacitor also decreases reliability of the converter. This article proposes a modified switched-capacitors based MMC (SC-MMC) topology with ripple-power decoupling channels. Without relying on any closed-loop control, the natural elimination of SMs ripple-power and automatic balance of SMs voltage can be realized simultaneously, which greatly increase the power density and simplify the control design of system. In this article, the ripple characteristic of the conventional MMC and the constraint on capacitance are studied, and an SMs ripple-power decoupling method is analyzed. The power characteristics and impedance constraint analysis of the switched-capacitors are described in detail and the configuration assessments including volume, cost, and efficiency of the SC-MMC are also analyzed. Finally, a down-scaled experimental platform is built, and the experimental results verify the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Event-Triggered Control for Guaranteed-Cost Bipartite Formation of Multi-Agent Systems

This paper is concerned with event-triggered guaranteed-cost bipartite formation control of multi-agent systems with antagonistic interactions. In order to save the limited network communication bandwidth of multi-agent systems, event-triggered sampled-data transmission strategy is adopted. Event conditions are designed for both leader and followers to reduce the frequency of state transmission more effectively. According to the event-triggered sampled-data of the leader and followers, bipartite formation controllers are designed for followers. By using the event conditions and the Lyapunov method, the sufficient conditions for the realization of bipartite formation and guaranteed-cost bipartite formation are obtained in terms of linear matrix inequality, respectively. Finally, the effectiveness of the theoretical results is demonstrated by numerical examples.
Efficacy of Chelator CBMIDA-CaNa2 for the Removal of Uranium and Protection against Uranium-induced Cell Damage in Human Renal Proximal Tubular Cells

AbstractIn animal experiments, catechol-3,6-bis(methyleiminodiacetic acid) (CBMIDA) was proven to be an effective chelator for the decorporation of uranium (U)(VI). In the present study, the authors investigated the molecular processes of CBMIDA-CaNa2 on the removal of U(VI) at the cellular level and explored its protective effects and mechanism against U(VI)-induced cell damage in HK-2 human renal proximal tubular cells. The results indicated that the chelating U(VI) effect of CBMIDA-CaNa2 was superior compared to that of DTPA-CaNa3; more specifically, at concentrations of 50 and 250 &mgr;M, CBMIDA-CaNa2 can significantly reduce U(VI) uptake and increase U(VI) release in U(VI)-exposed HK-2 cells after immediate or 24-h and 48-h delayed chelator administration better than those of DTPA-CaNa3. Furthermore, CBMIDA-CaNa2 significantly decreased the lactate dehydrogenase release and the formation of micronuclei and inhibited the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in HK-2 cells exposed to U(VI), whereas DTPA-CaNa3 was demonstrated to be ineffective. By reviewing the results of animal experiments conducted by several other investigators, including this lab, the authors found that removal efficacy and protective effects of these two chelators for U(VI) at the cellular level agreed well with those of animal studies. In addition, although U(VI) induced the increase of metallothionein protein expression in HK-2 cells, CBMIDA-CaNa2 can mobilize and remove the U(VI) from metallothionen (MT) after 48-h delayed chelator treatment. These results suggested that CBMIDA-CaNa2 protected against U(VI)-induced HK-2 cells damaged by reducing U(VI) uptake, increasing U(VI) release and scavenging the U(VI)-induced intracellular ROS.