Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Endurance Training on Cerebellar Gene Expression of the ADP-Ribosylation Factor 6 in Rats with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Background: Experimental evidence demonstrated that endurance training (ET) could be beneﬁcial for the diabetic peripheral neuropathy(DPN),butitsmechanismisnotclear. Duetothecriticalroleof theADP-ribosylationfactor( Arf6 )inthenervoussystem, the current study aimed at evaluating the eﬀects of ET on gene expression of Arf6 in cerebellum of male Wistar rats with DPN. Methods: Animals were randomly divided into three groups: Control (C), diabetic control (DC), and diabetic trained (DT). Diabetes induction was performed by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ). Behavioral nociception assessment was con-ductedbyVonFreyﬁlamentsandtailﬂicktests. Treadmillprotocolconsistedof sixweeksof moderateintensityendurancetraining. The Arf6 cerebellar gene expression was assessed by the real-time PCR. Results: In the current study, the Arf6 gene expression levels in the DC group were signiﬁcantly higher than those of the C group (P = 0.003). Also, ET could damp this elevation in diabetic rats (P = 0.004). Conclusions: It seems that Arf6 is an important mediator of stress-induced plasticity in the nervous system in response to ET and neurodegenerationdisease,buttheexactphysiologicalfunctionsof Arf6 arenotclear. Hence,furtherstudiesarerequiredtoidentify these issues.
Comparison of Bioactive Components in Tempeh Produced by Three Different Rhizopus Starters and Immunomodulatory Effect of Tempeh on Atopic Dermatitis Mice

Various food components, such as polyphenol and soluble dietary fiber, attenuate the decline of immunomodulatory function. We compared the bioactive components (isoflavone aglycone, total polyphenol, and low-molecular-weight soluble dietary fiber) in tempeh fermented with Rhizopus oligosporus (tempeh Rm), Rhizopus oryzae (tempeh Ro), or Rhizopus stolonifer (tempeh Rs). Tempeh Rs had the highest content for total isoflavone aglycone and low-molecular-weight soluble dietary fiber, which were 0.065 g and 2.5 g/100 g dry weight, respectively. Moreover, total polyphenol in tempeh Rs was 0.35 g/100 g dry weight, which was higher than that in unfermented soybean and tempeh Ro. We selected tempeh Rs and examined the therapeutic effects of dietary tempeh Rs on atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions induced by house dust mite in NC/Nga mice. The ingestion of tempeh Rs resulted in significant reductions in the skin severity scores for both ears and the immunoglobulin E concentration in experimental mice.
The twobar seabream, Acanthopagrus bifasciatus (Teleostei: Sparidae), in the western Mediterranean Sea: a likely ship-borne introduction

On November 2019, a single individual of Acanthopagrus bifasciatus was captured along the coast of Barcelona. Its external characteristics were described and morphologically analysed. This record represents the second confirmed observation of this species in the Mediterranean Sea and the first for the western basin. Its detection in a commercial harbour supports the hypothesis of a ship-borne introduction.
Combining 3D-MOT with motor and perceptual decision-making tasks: conception of a life-sized virtual perceptual-cognitive training paradigm

The present study introduces a virtual life-sized perceptual-cognitive paradigm combining three dimensional multiple object tracking (3D-MOT) with motor (Experiment 1) or perceptual (Experiment 2) decision-making tasks. The objectives were to assess the impact of training on task performance and to determine the best training conditions for improvement and learning. Seventy-one participants were randomly trained under one of four training conditions (isolated 3D-MOT task, 3D-MOT simultaneously combined with a decision-making task, consolidated 3D-MOT and decision-making task, isolated decision-making task). Task performance was evaluated using speed thresholds, decision accuracy (%) and reaction time (s). Findings showed that the dual-task paradigm allowed satisfactory degrees of performance on both tasks despite an important dual-task cost. Interestingly, the results seemed to favor consolidated over simultaneous training for dual-task performance when 3D-MOT was combined with a motor task. The amount of attentional shared resources in regards to the nature of the additional task was discussed.
High-Efficiency Single-Phase Matrix Converter With Diverse Symmetric Bipolar Buck and Boost Operations

Single-phase matrix converters (MCs) are undergoing rapid developments due to their bipolar voltage gain (as required in dynamic voltage restorers) and step-changed frequency operation (used in high step-up ac–dc rectifiers, and to provide medium frequency isolation in traction and wind turbine converters, etc.). However, existing buck–boost MCs require high-voltage/current rating devices, and suffer from large component voltage/current stresses and ripples, significantly degrading their efficiency. This article proposes a highly efficient single-phase buck–boost MC; consisting of eight IGBTs (implemented using two full-bridge IGBT modules), second-order input and output filters, and a small value film capacitor. Efficient discrete inverting and noninverting buck and boost operations are proposed (same as that of sixteen-switch cascaded buck–boost MC) with significantly lower component voltage/current stresses and ripples. In addition, flexible inverting and noninverting buck–boost operations are proposed with independent control of buck and boost duty ratios. All of the proposed operations are free of commutation issues, compatible with reactive loads, and provide smooth input and output currents. Furthermore, all the switches have same voltage stresses, and all four switches in a full-bridge module experience the same current stresses. A comprehensive description of circuit operation is presented based on a number of proposed switch modulation strategies with a nonunity power factor load, followed by design guidelines, and comparative evaluations with existing topologies. Finally, experimental verification results are presented, using a 400-VA laboratory prototype converter.
A new nudibranch species, genus Flabellina (Opisthobranchia: Aeolidacea) from the Caribbean with redescriptions of F. verta (Marcus 1970), and F. dushia (Marcus and Marcus, 1963)

A new species of Flabellina has been discovered at Abaco, Bahamas and St. Lucia in the Caribbean Sea. This species, Flabellina dana sp. nov. has a translucent white body with a wide opaque white midline stripe, opaque white sides and red cerata with white cnidosacs. It has annulate rhinophores, a trait that immediately distinguishes it from all other tropical Atlantic and Caribbean species except the violet colored Flabellina alternata Ortea and Espinosa, 1998 from Angola. It is compared with all Flabellina species worldwide having annulate (ringed) rhinophores. Flabellina verta (Marcus, 1970), originally described from Brazil, has been found from Venezuela to Florida (Sarasota and Miami) in a variety of color patterns. This species is redescribed to clarify its identification. Flabellina dushia (Marcus and Marcus, 1963), originally described from Curaçao in the Caribbean Sea, has recently been redescribed from the eastern tropical Atlantic (Canary Islands and Cabo Verde Islands) by Ortea, Caballer and Morro (2004). Both the original description and the redescription lacked any mention of the reproductive system, so this species is redescribed in this paper.
The identification of Takin Budorcas taxicolor (Mammalia: Bovidae) through dorsal guard hair

The dorsal guard hairs of Takin Budorcas taxicolor was examined using the optical light and scanning electron microscopes for species identification. It is found that the dorsal guard hair of B. taxicolor is possessed a completely unique microscopic characteristic especially the medullary character-uniserial ladder structure, which differs from other species of mammals. The ‘irregular wave’ of scale patterns and ‘rippled’ scale margins of cuticular, and the ‘circular’ shape of a transverse section of hair also determines the species identity of B. taxicolor, because these characteristics are infrequent in other species of mammals. The micro-photographs and characters of hairs are presented here can be used in the forensic science, as an appropriate reference for species identification of B. taxicolor.
Current Status of the Occurrence and Reaction Root-knot Nematodes in the Main Botanical Families of Medicinal Plants

Medicinal plants are described such as those produce substances capable of provoking reactions in the human body leading to the cure of diseases. Like as cultivated species, medicinal plants can be attacked by various pests and diseases, affecting the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of their curative properties, as well as productivity. Phytonematodes are one of the main factors limiting the productivity of cultivated plants. In medicinal species this pathogens group has caused damage in the sanity of the plants interfering in the quality of the compounds produced. Among them, due to the high parasitism degree, the species of the genus Meloidogyne, popularly known as root-knot nematodes. Among the management strategies of these phytopathogens, biological and cultural controls have low efficiency reports. Likewise, chemical control is not indicated due to its high cost, besides, its high toxicity and risk of environmental pollution. Therefore, the most effective control method is the use of resistant plant species or cultivars. Once these species are identified, they can be used as antagonists or incorporated into the soil, aiming to decrease the nematode population in infested areas. The use of resistant medicinal species allows little or no reproduction of Meloidogyne spp. , providing effective control in the field. Other advantages are the reduction of production costs, and the protection of the environment against pollution caused by chemical waste.
Reconciliation of inconsistent data sources using hidden Markov models

This paper discusses how National Statistical Institutes (NSI’s) can use hidden Markov models (HMMs) to produce consistent official statistics for categorical, longitudinal variables using inconsistent sources. Two main challenges are addressed: first, the reconciliation of inconsistent sources with multi-indicator HMMs requires linking the sources on the micro level. Such linkage might lead to bias due to linkage error. Second, applying and estimating HMMs regularly is a complicated and expensive procedure. Therefore, it is preferable to use the error parameter estimates as a correction factor for a number of years. However, this might lead to biased structural estimates if measurement error changes over time or if the data collection process changes. Our results on these issues are highly encouraging and imply that the suggested method is appropriate for NSI’s. Specifically, linkage error only leads to (substantial) bias in very extreme scenarios. Moreover, measurement error parameters are largely stable over time if no major changes in the data collection process occur. However, when a substantial change in the data collection process occurs, such as a switch from dependent (DI) to independent (INDI) interviewing, re-using measurement error estimates is not advisable.
How effective has been the Spanish lockdown to battle COVID-19? A spatial analysis of the coronavirus propagation across provinces

This paper assesses the effectiveness of the Spanish lockdown of population on March 14th to battle the COVID-19 propagation, as well as the effect of bringing forward the date of this public intervention. We test not only whether the lockdown (and othercontrol measures) has prevented local contagion of the virus, but also whether it has prevented the inter-province spread of COVID-19. We find a drastic reduction in the propagation of coronavirus across the Spanish provinces since March 14th, indicating that the lockdown has been quite effective in preventing the between-province spread of the coronavirus. Regarding the propagation of the virus within each province, we find a significant contraction in the rates of growth of coronavirus cases (5.8% on average) attributed to the lockdown. A first counterfactual exercise shows that the lockdown implemented on March 14 has reduced the number of potential COVID-19 cases by 79.5%. The largest reductions in coronavirus cases are found in provinces that are either close to the epicentres of the coronavirus or adjacent to provinces with more advanced epidemics. A second counterfactual exercise shows, however, that the number of coronavirus cases would have been reduced by an additional 12.8% if the lockdown had been brought forward to March 7th, a reduction that likely would have prevented the collapse of many hospitals in Spain.
School Management in the Implementation of Character Values in the Teaching-Learning Process

Globalization progress and after the earthquake and Tsunami of Aceh make it more easier for new cultures to come into which lead to the social and character changing of students and society. School education is one of most effective ways to build individual characters so they can grow up better in society. This research was intended to find out school management in the implementation of character values in the teaching-learning process. This research was designed as a case study conducted by collecting data from Junior High School in Banda Aceh. The data were collected by using observation, interview, and documents. The result show that: Teachers write the character values applied in learning steps in Study Plan. The implementation of character value in learning process in the classroom done by using integrated approach in all lesson materials. The teacher shows the character values that contained in the lesson material, giving example that suitable to an event or the situation where the student lives, telling a story that brings up the expected character, using source of the study. Character values implemented to student are suitable with the lesson material such and the prioritized character is religious character.
Antioxidant Activity of Oxalis tuberosa peel extracts

La Oxalis tuberosa es un cultivo andino que fue introducido en México por un intercambio intercultural, es un tubérculo rico en carbohidratos, calcio y hierro, también posee antioxidantes en la cáscara y la pulpa, lo que lo hace ideal para reducir el estrés oxidativo y aplicarlo como aditivo o conservador en alimentos, para aumentar la efectividad es necesario aplicar un método de extracción de los compuestos bioactivos, es por eso que se elaboró un extracto a base de harina de cáscara de Oxalis tuberosa y solventes como: hexano (EH), acetona ( EA) y etanol (Ee) para evaluar la capacidad antioxidante de estos extractos. La metodología principal fue la cuantificación de compuestos fenólicos totales (TPC), el ensayo de inhibición de DPPH, la determinación de EC50 y ABTS. En todos los métodos Ee mostró diferencias significativas (p<0.05) con 9.23 mEAG/g en TPC, un porcentaje de inhibición máximo de 76.74% de radical DPPH y 789.6 mgEq. de Trolox en el ensayo ABTS. Con base a los resultados, el uso de etanol es el más eficaz para extraer compuestos bioactivos como antioxidantes, será posible aplicar estos compuestos como aditivos para formular alimentos funcionales o como conservantes para aumentar la vida útil.
The Epidemiological Characteristics of an Outbreak of 2019 Novel Coronavirus Diseases (COVID-19) — China, 2020

Background: An outbreak of 2019 novel coronavirus diseases (COVID-19) in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China has spread quickly nationwide. Here, we report results of a descriptive, exploratory analysis of all cases diagnosed as of February 11, 2020. Methods: All COVID-19 cases reported through February 11, 2020 were extracted from China’s Infectious Disease Information System. Analyses included the following: 1) summary of patient characteristics; 2) examination of age distributions and sex ratios; 3) calculation of case fatality and mortality rates; 4) geo-temporal analysis of viral spread; 5) epidemiological curve construction; and 6) subgroup analysis. Results: A total of 72,314 patient records—44,672 (61.8%) confirmed cases, 16,186 (22.4%) suspected cases, 10,567 (14.6%) clinically diagnosed cases (Hubei Province only), and 889 asymptomatic cases (1.2%)—contributed data for the analysis. Among confirmed cases, most were aged 30–79 years (86.6%), diagnosed in Hubei (74.7%), and considered mild (80.9%). A total of 1,023 deaths occurred among confirmed cases for an overall case fatality rate of 2.3%. The COVID-19 spread outward from Hubei Province sometime after December 2019, and by February 11, 2020, 1,386 counties across all 31 provinces were affected. The epidemic curve of onset of symptoms peaked around January 23–26, then began to decline leading up to February 11. A total of 1,716 health workers have become infected and 5 have died (0.3%). Conclusions: COVID-19 epidemic has spread very quickly taking only 30 days to expand from Hubei to the rest of Mainland China. With many people returning from a long holiday, China needs to prepare for the possible rebound of the epidemic.
A crop tree release variant of precommercial thinning using a backpack mounted chain saw

Although crop tree release (CTR) in hardwood stands is an accepted variant of precommercial thinning (PCT), the lack of an affordable and feasible method hinders its adoption. CTR implies selecting between 150 and 500 trees ha–1 when trees are between 7 and 12 m high and cutting only stems competing with the target crop trees. We performed a field trial of a CTR variant of PCT in a 27.8 ha hardwood stand using a backpack mounted chain saw. A detailed time study was performed to document the trial over 13 days. Compared to conventional PCT performed earlier in the life of a stand, precommercial crop tree release required cutting larger stems, which showed to be feasible and productive using a backpack mounted chain saw. Productivity varied between 0.22 to 0.47 ha h–1 during the trial, Although productivity could vary with stand characteristics and worker, this proof of concept trial demonstrates some of the potential uses that this new saw configuration offers and sets the basis for an eventual larger scale deployment of this treatment.
Gymnopilus minisporus sp. nov., a new species and a new record of the European species G. hybridus from northeast China

During our field work in northeast China, two species of Gymnopilus, Gymnopilus minisporus sp. nov. and Gymnopilus hybridus, were identified and described based on morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses. The main distinguishing characteristic of G. minisporus is the conspicuously small basidiospores. The phylogenetic tree based on internal transcribed spacers of rDNA sequences using Bayesian and Maximum Likelihood methods showed that G. minisporus has an independent monophyletic lineage, and G. hybridus from China and Sweden grouped in a monophyletic branch.
Survival, growth and photosynthesis analysis of native forest species established in the tropical dry forest in Antioquia, Colombia

The tropical dry forest (TDF) is one of the most affected ecosystems by anthropic activities in the world; so, it is necessary to study the dynamics of its ecosystem in order to restore it. With the aim of determining the survival, development, and photosynthetic behaviors of forest species at a young age, a field study was performed using three species Cedrela odorata L. (Spanish cedar), Pachira quinata (Jacq.) W.S. Alverson (red ceiba) and Ochroma pyramidale (Cav. ex Lam.) Urb. (balsa) species. Field data were collected in different periods whose climatic conditions were: dry period (S.0), first rainy period (Ll.1), first dry period (S.1), second rainy period (Ll. 2), and second dry period (S.2). The total height (H) and the root collar diameter (RCD) were measured repeatedly, and two harvests were made to measure dry weight. Besides, photosynthetic performance and its effect on the species development species during three contrasting rainfall periods was evaluated by measuring photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), stomatal conductance (gs), intercellular carbon (Cint), net photosynthesis (NP), transpiration (trans), efficient water use (EWU) and efficient light use (ELU) from 8:00 and 17:00 h during the day. Analysis of variance was performed obtaining significant differences (P<0.05) in the interaction time×species regarding variables H and RCD, and the photosynthetic variable NP. The gs and trans variables showed statistical significance with the species and rainfall periods; Cint was significant only for the rainfall periods. The species O. pyramidale presented the best survival and tolerance to weather by adapting physiological mechanisms, while C. odorata was the most affected species by climatic conditions concerning overall survival.
To study the profile and determination of farm women in decision making process in vegetable cultivation in Panagar block of Jabalpur District (M.P.)

Women’s contribution to the farming sector in respect of operation and decision making has largely. Farm women play key role in all agricultural operations. This study analysed role of farm women in decision making process in vegetable cultivation in Panagar Block of Jabalpur district (M.P.) India. The main objective of the study was to ascertain the extent of role of farm women in decision making process in vegetable cultivation. The study revealed that more number of farm women found to have medium decision making process in vegetable cultivation i.e. (45.83%) followed by the low decision making (37.50%) and high decision making (16.67%) in vegetable operations respectively. Highest decision making process in vegetable cultivation found in weeding practice of vegetable followed by seed sowing, seed treatment, plant protection practice and application of manure and fertilizer.
Origin, ecology and human conflict of gray wolf (Canis lupus) in Suleman Range, South Waziristan, Pakistan

Abstract The gray wolf (Canis lupus; Linnaeus, 1758) is one of the most widespread terrestrial species and occurs in a variety of habitats. While well studied in North America and Europe, wolf populations in Asia are among the most evolutionarily distinct, endangered and data deficient. The Indian wolf (Canis lupus pallipes) is a subspecies of gray wolf that ranges from Southwest Asia to the Indian Subcontinent. Despite being categorized as “Endangered” in Pakistan, data on the gray wolf’s status, ecology and distribution are poorly understood. The current study investigates its genetic distinctiveness, distribution, feeding ecology and wolf livestock conflict in the Suleman Range, South Waziristan, Pakistan. We confirmed that the gray wolf is present in South Waziristan and is genetically similar to the wolves of Iran and Saudi Arabia based on their mtDNA D-loop haplotypes. The gray wolf was recorded at eight different sampling sites in the study area with elevational range between 1642 m to 2688 m. We estimated a population of 15 wolves, with a density of 0.62 individuals/km2 area surveyed. An analysis on scats revealed 52% contribution from livestock (with goats and sheep being the preferred prey) and 48% from wild prey. Biomass consumption showed gray wolf relied heavily on domestic prey (88%) during the summer season, resulting in human conflict with 28 wolves killed in response to livestock depredation during 2016–2017, requiring immediate conservation measures to save its remaining population.