Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Overexpression of TaMYB4 Confers Freezing Tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana

Freezing stress is one of the main factors limiting the growth and yield of wheat. In this study, we found that TaMYB4 expression was significantly upregulated in the tillering nodes of the strong cold-resistant winter wheat variety Dongnongdongmai1 (Dn1) under freezing stress. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis, qRT-PCR and protein–DNA interaction experiments demonstrated that monodehydroascorbate reductase (TaMDHAR) is a direct target of TaMYB4. The results showed that overexpression of TaMYB4 enhanced the freezing tolerance of transgenic Arabidopsis. In TaMYB4 overexpression lines (OE-TaMYB4), AtMDHAR2 expression was upregulated and ascorbate-glutathione (AsA–GSH) cycle operation was enhanced. In addition, the expression of cold stress marker genes such as AtCBF1, AtCBF2, AtCBF3, AtCOR15A, AtCOR47, AtKIN1 and AtRD29A in OE-TaMYB4 lines was significantly upregulated. Therefore, TaMYB4 may increase freezing tolerance as a transcription factor (TF) in Arabidopsis through the AsA–GSH cycle and DREB/CBF signaling pathway. This study provides a potential gene for molecular breeding against freezing stress.
Estimation des fonctions de Littlewood-Paley-Stein sur les variétés riemanniennes à courbure non positive

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Excitation of surface plasmon polaritons by electron beam with graphene ribbon arrays

Graphene has emerged as an alternative material to support surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) with its excellent properties such as the tight electromagnetic field localization, low dissipative loss, and versatile tunability. Thus, graphene surface plasmon polaritons (GSPs) provide an exciting platform to develop a series of novel devices and systems from the optical band to the terahertz (THz) band. In this paper, theoretical and simulated studies about the excitation of SPPs by an injected electron beam with periodic graphene ribbon arrays deposited on a dielectric medium are presented. The analytical dispersion expression of the GSP mode on the graphene ribbon arrays is obtained by using a modal expansion method along with periodic boundary conditions in the structure. With this result, the dispersion relation, propagation loss, and field pattern of the propagating GSPs for both periodic graphene microribbon arrays and the complete graphene sheet are investigated and analyzed in the THz band. It is show.
A 50 year decennial survey of male Bornean orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus wurmbii) with supplemental genetic analysis in Tanjung Puting National Park, Indonesia

Abstract. Galdikas BM, Linsky RE, Djojoasmoro R, Lorenz J, Wagner RS. 2023. A 50 year decennial survey of male Bornean orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus wurmbii) with supplemental genetic analysis in Tanjung Puting National Park, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 2587-2595. This study investigates the declining presence of adult males in a protected wild population of Bornean orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus wurmbii) at the Camp Leakey study area in Tanjung Puting National Park (TPNP), Central Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo. Orangutan populations are in decline due to habitat destruction and fragmentation. Documenting changes within existing orangutan populations over time is important to understand demographic changes that may indicate pre-extinction processes and imminent collapse. Wild orangutan behavior has been studied at Camp Leakey since 1971. Observations of orangutans over the past five decades have documented a greatly decreased number of encounters with flanged adult males. A supplementary six-month genetic study was hindered by the fact that only two adult males briefly appeared in the study area in 2016 as compared to 40 adult male encounters in the same time period in 1976. The decline which appears most visible in data from 1986 to 1996 continues into 2006 and 2016. Genotypes from 24 wild adult orangutans encountered in 2016 were analyzed to assess the expected genetic parameters of a wild orangutan population. Pairwise relatedness was high among and between adult females and subadult males. The only two flanged males present during the genetic survey shared zero pairwise relatednesses. However, both flanged males had non-zero pairwise relatedness with other members of the Camp Leakey community and thus it is likely they were from different local areas. These data show the genetic consequences of the observed demographic changes. As TPNP forests have become disconnected from neighboring habitats, natural orangutan male dispersal may be disrupted. Disruption of male dispersal would increase the risk of accelerated extirpation for the orangutan population in TPNP as well as other orangutan populations, especially those that are remnant and less protected.
Educational Game-based Design Training on Newton's Laws for Physics Teachers: A Need Analysis for Module Development

Game-based learning (GBL) is one of the approaches that could foster students' learning, motivation and the development of 21st-century skills. Past studies have shown that students face problems learning Newton's laws. Educators are eager to integrate GBL into their teaching but often lack the knowledge and training. Aims: This study was conducted to identify the problems teachers face while teaching Physics, the implementation level of GBL in Physics classrooms, the need for a training module development and the module's requirements. Study Design: Quantitative research design. Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in Malaysia between June 2022 and October 2022. Methodology: A stratified sampling method was used, involving 338 secondary school Physics teachers in Malaysia answering an online need analysis survey. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS software to obtain the percentage, mean and standard deviation. Results: The findings showed that the significant challenges faced were a lack of experience in implementing GBL in teaching Newton's laws, students' low motivation and insufficient time. Subsequently, the results showed an inadequate implementation level of GBL in teaching Physics. The findings also revealed a need for developing a training module that could assist teachers in designing educational games and implementing GBL in teaching Newton's laws. The requirements of the module were identified in this study. Conclusion: The data obtained from this study will be used to design and develop an educational game design training module that meets the teachers' needs and thereby help them to create educational games and implement GBL better.
Reporting COVID-19 Cases through the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response Network in the Southwestern State of Nigeria: A Health Facility Survey

Background: Rapid case detection of suspected COVID-19 cases and reporting to designated public health authorities for investigation and other public health actions are crucial in containing and ending the COVID-19 outbreak in Nigeria. In this study, we assessed the reporting practices of healthcare workers regarding COVID-19 cases through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Response (IDSR) structure and the predictive factors in the Southwest state of Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed in recruiting one hundred and seventeen participants for the study in two Local Government Areas of Ondo State, Southwest Nigeria. Data were collected through interviewers’ administered questionnaires to the respondents, capturing their socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of COVID-19 surveillance, and Reporting practices of COVID-19 case reporting through the IDSR structure. The data were collected between May and June 2022 and then scrutinized for completeness and analysis using IBM SPSS version 23.0 statistical software. The 95% Confidence Interval (CI) and the computed p-value were used to determine the relationship between the dependent and independent variables. Hence, the p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: We assessed 117 healthcare workers who consented to participate in the study. Seventy-one (60.7%) of the respondents were from Akure South LGA while 39.3% were recruited from Owo LGA. The mean age ± standard deviation of respondents was 38.27±10.38 years with about one-quarter (39; 33.3%) of the respondents within the age group 30-39 years. Also, about half of the respondents were nurses/ Midwives in addition to community health workers who represent 35.0% of the respondents. More than half of the respondents worked in tertiary (58; 49.6%) and primary health facilities (49; 41.9%). Two-thirds, 74 (63.2%) of the respondents had good and 43 (36.8%) had a fair/poor knowledge of COVID-19 case reporting while 51 (43.6%) of the respondents have good practices of reporting COVID-19. Having a good knowledge of COVID-19 surveillance and case reporting (AOR=2.61, 95% CI=1.070-6.371) and having attended COVID-19 surveillance training (AOR=2.87, 95% CI=1.093-7.241) were significant predictive factors to good COVID-19 case reporting practices among health care professionals. Conclusion: Our study found poor reporting practices of COVID-19 cases by a healthcare professional to public health authorities. Hence, we recommend regular training of healthcare professionals on COVID-19 case reporting through the IDSR strategy to enhance their knowledge of disease reporting and in addition, adequate provision of designated IDSR reporting tools to further improve the reporting practices of COVID-19 cases and other IDSR priority diseases among health care professionals.
Deformed Geometries and the Gauge/Gravity Duality

In this thesis, we use state of the art numerical methods to study three new examples of polarized geometries with particular emphasis on their roles in the gauge/gravity duality. The gauge/gravity duality is of great theoretical interest as it allows us to relate the difficult problems of strongly coupled field theories with those of easier to solve space-time geometries. Of these geometries, there are few analytical examples. The numerical solutions constructed in this thesis therefore encompass a novel contribution to gauge/gravity duality research. In each example, we consider static and stationary solutions to the Einstein equations and perform the corresponding thermodynamic analysis resulting in a phase diagram that could be used to describe a dual field theory at strong coupling. First, we will discuss asymptotically AdS4 solutions deformed by a constant electric field. Next, we consider coupling this solution to a neutral scalar field. The resulting geometries are dual to deformed ABJM theory in three dimensions. Finally, we construct the asymptotically flat, 11 dimensional black hole solutions dual to the deconfined phase of the BMN matrix model. The BMN matrix model can be studied directly at strong coupling using Monte Carlo techniques, providing an important test of the gauge/gravity conjecture by way of our strong coupling prediction.
Effectiveness of Combined Preoperative Sublingual Misoprostol and Intravenous Tranexamic Acid on Intraoperative Blood Loss During Elective Caesarean Section: A Randomised, Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Introduction: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of preoperative administration of sublingual misoprostol and intravenous tranexamic acid (TXA) on intraoperative blood loss during elective caesarean sections. Methods: This was a double-blinded, randomised, placebo-controlled study involving 116 women scheduled for elective caesarean sections. The treatment arm, group 1 (n=58), received 1000 mg of intravenous tranexamic acid 10-15 minutes before skin incision and 600 mcg of sublingual misoprostol after sub-arachnoid anaesthesia and before skin incision. Group 2 (n=58) received placebos; both groups had oxytocin injections at the delivery of the placenta. The data were analyzed using IBM® Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Results: The primary outcome was the intraoperative blood loss and the difference between preoperative and postoperative hematocrit values in both groups. The mean intraoperative blood loss was significantly lower in the study group than in the control group (308.552 ± 42.991 mL versus 736.414 ± 171.889 mL, p<0.001). The differences between the preoperative and post-operative hematocrit values were also significantly lower in the study group than in the control group (2.212% ± 0.805% versus 5.660% ± 2.496%, p<0.001). Conclusion: Preoperative administration of 1000 mg of intravenous tranexamic acid and 600 mcg of sublingual misoprostol significantly reduced blood loss related to elective caesarean delivery.
Statistical tests of distributional scaling properties for financial return series

Existing empirical evidence of distributional scaling in financial returns has helped motivate the use of multifractal processes for modelling return processes. However, this evidence has relied on informal tests that may be unable to reliably distinguish multifractal processes from other related classes. The current paper develops a formal statistical testing procedure for determining which class of fractal process is most consistent with the distributional scaling properties in a given sample of data. Our testing methodology consists of a set of test statistics, together with a model-based bootstrap resampling scheme to obtain sample p-values. We demonstrate in Monte Carlo exercises that the proposed testing methodology performs well in a wide range of testing environments relevant for financial applications. Finally, the methodology is applied to study the scaling properties of a data-set of intraday equity index and exchange rate returns. The empirical results suggest that the scaling properties of these return series may be inconsistent with purely multifractal processes.
Numerical resolution of the global eigenvalue problem for the gyrokinetic-waterbag model in toroidal geometry

In this paper, we present two codes for the linear stability analysis of the ion temperature gradient instability in toroidal geometry using a gyrokinetic multiwaterbag model for ion dynamics. The first one solves the linearized ion dynamics as an initial value problem, while the second relies on an asymptotic expansion in the so-called ballooning representation allowing us to build a tractable eigenvalue problem. Results from the two codes are presented and compared for equilibria based on modified Cyclone parameters. A good agreement between both codes is found for a class of equilibria with a narrow extent in perpendicular velocity and for which trapped particle orbits are ignored. The local spectrum computed by the eigenvalue is shown to agree remarkably well with previous Cyclone results when trapped particle orbits are included. Lastly we discuss how the equilibrium building procedure for this type of waterbag model requires particular care when dealing with closed equilibrium contours related to the presence of trapped particle orbits.
Methyltransferase like 21C interaction with Hsc70 affects chicken myoblast differentiation

Abstract Skeletal muscle has an essential role in boiler production, which depends on the muscle fibre development during the embryonic stage. Whereas the posttranslational modifications of both histone and non-histone proteins are known to regulate postnatal muscle development, the biological significance of non-histone methylation is poorly understood. Recently, the methyltransferase like 21 C (METTL21C) is identified as a non-histone lysine methyltransferase whose role in chicken muscle function remains elusive. In this study, METTL21C was found by comparing free-range and caged modes in Lueyang black-boned chicken aged 60 and 120 days. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) analysis demonstrated that METTL21C was mainly enriched in chicken soleus (SOL) and gastrocnemius muscle (GA) (p < .05). Meanwhile, METTL21C had a rapid increase during chicken myoblast differentiation. After METTL21C overexpression, myogenic differentiation (MyoD) and myogenin (MyoG) expression were significantly increased, indicating that METTL21C promotes chicken myoblast differentiation. Using co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis, heat shock cognate 71 kDa protein (Hsc70) was confirmed to interact with METTL21C, while the effects of Hsc70 Lys-561 (Hsc70 K561) mutation suggested that Hsc70 was a METTL21C target protein. These results identify the molecular mechanism of METTL21C interaction with Hsc70 associated with chicken myoblast differentiation in the postnatal period. Highlights The mRNA of methyltransferase like 21C (METTL21C) was significantly increased in free-rang mode and during the chicken myoblast differentiation. Overexpression of METTL21C promoted the primary chicken myoblasts proliferation and differentiation. METTL21C could mediate the lysine methylation modification of heat shock cognate 71 kDa protein (Hsc70) to regulate the proliferation of chicken myoblasts.
Experimental study, numerical simulation and GRNN model for predicting the flexural loading capacity of corroded reinforced concrete beams

Abstract The present article is an effort to quantify the flexural strength of corroded reinforced concrete (RC) beams. Eight RC beams with dimensions of 150 × 200 × 2200 mm were tested in four-point bending, including six beams corroded in a chloride environment with average corrosion of longitudinal reinforcement in the range of 5% to 15%. The remaining two beams were used as control beams. The ultimate strength, failure mode and particularly the relationship between crack width and corrosion level are analyzed and discussed. A two-dimensional non-linear finite element model has been presented to simulate the steel bar corrosion considering the deterioration of concrete strength and steel-concrete bond stress. The generalised regression neural network (GRNN)-based model for the ultimate flexural strength of corroded RC beams has been established based on 123 experimental data collected from previous studies. The experimental results were used to separately validate the non-linear finite element model and novel GRNN model. Experimental results indicate that if the overall corrosion rate is used, the corrosion crack width can be a function of the percentage of section loss. The GRNN model provides superior predictive results compared to previous empirical methods with the highest correlation coefficient (r), and the smallest normalised root mean square error.
Association of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease with COVID-19-Related Intensive Care Unit Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background and Objective: The association of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) with intensive care unit (ICU) admissions and the need for mechanical ventilation and disease severity in COVID-19 patients. Material and Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted on the databases: Cochrane, Embase, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and the Web of Science from January 2019 to June 2022. Studies evaluating MAFLD using laboratory methods, non-invasive imaging, or liver biopsy were included. The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO (ID CRD42022313259), and PRISMA guidelines were followed. The NIH quality assessment tool was used for quality assessment. RevMan version 5.3 software was used for pooled analysis. A sensitivity analysis was performed to assess the result’s stability. Results: A total of 37,974 patients from 17 studies were assessed for the association between MAFLD and ICU admission. A total of 3396 COVID-19 patients required ICU admission: 1236 (20.41%) in the MAFLD group and 2160 (6.77%) in the non-MAFLD group. The odds ratio was 1.86 for ICU admission, p = 0.007, and a (95% CI) of [1.18–2.91]. A total of 37,166 patients from 13 studies were included in the need for invasive mechanical ventilation analysis. A total of 1676 patients required mechanical ventilation: 805 in the MAFLD group (14.20% of all MAFLD patients) and 871 patients in the non-MAFLD group (2.76% of all non-MAFLD patients). The odds ratio was 2.05, p = 0.02, and a (95% CI) of [1.12–3.74]. A total of 5286 patients from 14 studies were included in the COVID-19 disease severity analysis. Severe COVID-19 was seen in 1623 patients, with 33.17% (901/2716) of MAFLD patients and 28.09% (722/2570) of non-MAFLD patients having severe disease. The odds ratio was 1.59 for disease severity, p = 0.010, and a (95% CI) of [1.12–2.26]. Conclusions: Our meta-analysis suggests that there are significantly increased odds of ICU admissions, a need for invasive mechanical ventilation, and disease severity in MAFLD patients who acquire COVID-19.
Making and mobilising place: The governance of Greater Manchester’s decarbonisation ambitions

ABSTRACT The urgent need to address the current climate crisis has highlighted the need to shift from planning to implementing decarbonisation strategies. Despite the importance of shifting towards the implementation of strategic plans and the increasing ubiquity of place-based approaches to decarbonisation, few studies have considered the dynamic of how place is mobilised and the scales at which narratives are translated into action. The aim of the article is to understand the ways in which place and scale are incorporated into the governance of place-based decarbonisation visions by drawing upon a relational framing. Based on semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders and a document review, the article focuses on how place is used to develop and justify two different approaches for supporting localised decarbonisation, Local Area Energy Plans and the Energy Innovation Agency in Greater Manchester, UK, a city region aiming to achieve carbon neutrality by 2038. The findings reveal that achieving localised decarbonisation ambitions is contingent upon the interaction between multiple places and scales, as well as the need for an overarching guiding framework. The authors conclude that Greater Manchester’s decarbonisation ambitions incorporate both absolute and imagined understandings of place, with place being both created and mobilised to achieve decarbonisation ambitions.
Leukemia Mortality among Benzene-Exposed Workers in Brazil (2006–2011)

Background: In this study, the annual leukemia mortality rate is estimated by occupational groups potentially exposed to benzene in Brazil and compared to non-exposed workers by sex. Methods: Data were extracted from the Mortality Information System and the National Institute of Geography and Statistics from 2006 to 2011. Occupational groups exposed to benzene were defined by using the Finnish Job-Exposure Matrix, FINJEM. Results: We found 21,049 leukemia deaths in 1917 in occupational groups potentially exposed to benzene, corresponding to an annual average mortality rate of 4.5/100,000, higher than the estimate for non-exposed workers: 2.6/100,000, corresponding to a Mortality rate ratio MRR = 1.7. Each benzene-exposed occupational group had increased leukemia mortality, and printers and occupations in graphics presented the highest MRR (2.7), followed by laboratory assistants (MRR = 2.6), laundry workers, chemists, and upholsterers, each of these occupational groups presenting MRR = 2.3. Conclusions: Benzene shows the need for better enforcement of protective norms against this known carcinogen. Our results support the need for better enforcement of protective norms to reduce benzene exposure.