Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exploring the benefits of e-learning for life and earth sciences education in Moroccan high schools

The reliance on online learning systems has increased during the COVID-19 epidemic to maintain education. The effectiveness of online life and earth science instruction is assessed in this study which involves 150 first-year high school students. Methodologically, it juxtaposes e-learning with traditional classroom teaching across various parameters. The study reveals that digital learning yielded better results across all considered variables (p < 0.05), irrespective of student gender (p = 0.216). Better performance was seen in subjects such as "man and the environment" and "greenhouse effect and climate change" when learning was carried out online (p < 0.001). However, no notable scoring differences were found in practical subjects such as " creation of ecological reserves to preserve biodiversity," "clean technologies to protect the environment" and " environmental education and sustainable development," (p = 0.627 and p = 0.147). Thus, e-learning proves to be a useful supplement to traditional instruction. It shouldn't be used in place of hands-on activities in all situations.
Insights into the Inhibitory Mechanisms of the Covalent Drugs for DNMT3A

The perturbations of DNA methyltransferase 3 alpha (DNMT3A) may cause uncontrolled gene expression, resulting in cancers and tumors. The DNMT inhibitors Azacytidine (AZA) and Zebularine (ZEB) inhibit the DNMT family with no specificities, and consequently would bring side effects during the treatment. Therefore, it is vital to understand the inhibitory mechanisms in DNMT3A to inform the new inhibitor design for DNMTs. Herein, we carried out molecular dynamics (MD) and quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) simulations to investigate the inhibitory mechanisms of the AZA and ZEB. The results were compared to the methyl transfer of cytosine. We showed how the AZA might stop the methyl transfer process, whereas the ZEB might be stuck in a methyl-transferred intermediate (IM3). The IM3 state then fails the elimination due to the unique protein dynamics that result in missing the catalytic water chain. Our results brought atomic-level insights into the mechanisms of the two drugs in DNMT3A, which could benefit the new generation of drug design for the DNMTs.
Regeneration of grassland after removal of pine plantations in the north eastern mountain grasslands of the Drakensberg escarpment, Mpumalanga, South Africa

Concern for the severe loss of biodiversity of grassland species is often voiced. Plantation forestry is known to cause extensive and long lasting disturbance of the natural environment in particular in areas such as the mountain grassland of the Drakensberg escarpment. The survey was conducted in the Graskop area on sites within pine plantations along the Treur River bordering the Blyde River Nature Reserve. The results showed that restoration of plant species biodiversity through natural succession, on cleared plantation sites, required periods longer than seven years and that the regeneration of a great many of the indigenous forb species remained uncertain. Two survey areas were selected and within each survey area, sampling sites were selected to represent three categories of vegetation namely, undisturbed grassland and sites where pine trees had been removed three and seven years previously. Samples of plants were collected from each of these sampling sites. Analysis by means of an classification technique determined the species composition of the disturbed sites in relation to that of the intact grassland. Wheel point surveys were also carried out on these sites to provided information on the vegetation cover, as well as the degree of species regeneration on each site. The variation in vegetation composition of the various plots was analysed by means of Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) and Two-Way Indicator Species Analysis (TWINSPAN). The results showed three distinct species assemblages which corresponded with the three categories of sampling sites. Also that the indigenous forbs species comprised 68% of all the sampled species most of which had failed to regenerate in either the three or
Effect of Vacuum and Modified Atmosphere Packaging on the Shelf Life and Quality of Gutted Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) during Refrigerated Storage

The quality changes of gutted rainbow trout in vacuum packaging (VP) and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) with 40% CO2 + 60% N2 (MAP1), 60% CO2 + 40% N2 (MAP2), and 90% CO2 + 10% N2 (MAP3) were evaluated. The samples were stored at 3 ± 0.5 °C, and on days 1, 4, 7, 10, 13, and 16 of storage, microbiological, chemical, and sensory testing was performed. The aerobic plate count (APC) and psychrotrophic bacteria count (PBC) in VP fish exceeded the conventional limit of 7 log cfu/g on day 10, and in MAP1 and MAP2 fish on day 16, whereas in MAP3 fish, their number remained below that limit during the experiment. MAP significantly slowed down the growth of Enterobacteriaceae in trout, and the degree of inhibition increased with increasing CO2 concentration in the gas mixture. The lowest lactic acid bacteria numbers were detected in VP fish, whereas the highest numbers were determined in trout packaged in MAP2 and MAP3. Significantly lower numbers of hydrogen sulfide-producing (H2S) bacteria were detected in fish packed in MAP. Distinct patterns were observed for pH among treatments. The lowest increase in TBARS values was detected in VP and MAP3 fish, whereas in MAP1 and MAP2 fish, the TBARS values were higher than 1 mg MDA/kg on day 16 of storage when a rancid odor was detected. MAP inhibited the increase in total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) content of trout compared to trout packaged in a vacuum. The sensory attributes of trout perceived by the sensory panel changed significantly in all experimental groups during storage. Based primarily on sensory, but also microbial, and chemical parameters, MAP has great potential for preserving fish quality and extending the shelf life of gutted rainbow trout from 7 days in VP to 13 days in MAP1 and MAP2, and to 16 days in MAP3.
Characterization of GEXP15 as a Potential Regulator of Protein Phosphatase 1 in Plasmodium falciparum

The Protein Phosphatase type 1 catalytic subunit (PP1c) (PF3D7_1414400) operates in combination with various regulatory proteins to specifically direct and control its phosphatase activity. However, little is known about this phosphatase and its regulators in the human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum. To address this gap, we conducted a comprehensive investigation into structural and functional characteristics of a conserved Plasmodium-specific regulator called Gametocyte EXported Protein 15, GEXP15 (PF3D7_1031600). Through in silico analysis, we identified three significant regions of interest in GEXP15: an N-terminal region housing a PP1-interacting RVxF motif, a conserved domain whose function is unknown and a GYF-like motif that potentially facilitates specific protein-protein interactions. To further elucidate the role of GEXP15, we conducted in vitro interaction studies, which demonstrated a direct interaction between GEXP15 and PP1 via the RVxF binding motif. This interaction was found to enhance phosphatase activity of PP1. Additionally, utilizing a transgenic GEXP15-tagged line and live microscopy, we observed high expression of GEXP15 in late asexual stages of the parasite, with localization predominantly in the parasite nucleus. Immunoprecipitation assays followed by mass spectrometry analyses revealed GEXP15’s interaction with ribosomal and RNA binding proteins. Furthermore, through pulldown analyses of recombinant functional domains of GEXP15 tagged with a His-tag, we confirmed its binding to the ribosomal complex via the GYF domain. Collectively, our study sheds light on the PfGEXP15-PP1-ribosome interaction, which plays a crucial role in protein translation. These findings suggest that PfGEXP15 could serve as a potential target for the development of malaria drugs.
Measurement and stabilization of streambank erosion in North Carolina.

Sediment pollution is the leading cause of water quality impairment in North Carolina's streams and rivers.Streambank erosion is a major source of sediment in watersheds with changing land use and limited riparianprotection. This paper describes results of a study to measure streambank erosion rates at sites with varyingerodibility related to streambank height, angle, material, vegetation, and root depth. Results are used todetermine important factors in evaluating stream restoration projects and estimating expected watershedsediment loads from streambanks. Also presented are lessons learned from stream restoration projects usingnatural channel design techniques. Restoration measures include channel geometry modification, in-streamstructures such as rock vanes and root wads, and riparian corridor management.
Effects of Health Insurance on Quality of Care in Low-Income Countries: A Systematic Review

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of health insurance on quality of care in low-income countries (LICs). Methods: We conducted a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines. We searched seven databases for studies published between 2010 and August 2022. We included studies that evaluated the effects of health insurance on quality of care in LICs using randomized experiments or quasi-experimental study designs. Study outcomes were classified using the Donabedian framework. Results: We included 15 studies out of the 6,129 identified. Available evidence seems to suggest that health insurance has limited effects on structural quality, and its effects on the process of care remain mixed. At the population level, health insurance is linked to improved anthropometric measures for children and biomarkers such as blood pressure and hemoglobin levels. Conclusion: Based on the currently available evidence, it appears that health insurance in LICs has limited effects on the quality of care. Further studies are required to delve into the mechanisms that underlie the impact of health insurance on the quality of care and identify the most effective strategies to ensure quality within insurance programs. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd. york.ac. uk/prospero/display_record. php? RecordID=219984, identifier PROSPERO CRD42020219984
S212: A RANDOMIZED DOUBLE-BLIND PHASE 3 STUDY OF JAKTINIB VERSUS HYDROXYUREA IN PATIENTS WITH INTERMEDIATE-2 OR HIGH RISK MYELOFIBROSIS

Book Citations: Authors, Title, HemaSphere, 2023;7(S3):pages. The individual abstract DOIs can be found at https://journals.lww. com/hemasphere/pages/default.aspx. Disclaimer: Articles published in the journal HemaSphere exclusively reflect the opinions of the authors. The authors are responsible for all content in their abstracts including accuracy of the facts, statements, citing resources, etc. 253 Patients aged ≥18 with primary, post-polycythemia vera or post-essential thrombocythemia myelofibrosis, dynamic international prognostic scoring system (DIPSS) Int-2 or high risk, and no prior or ≤10 days’ treatment with a JAK inhibitor were enrolled and randomly assigned (2:1) to receive jaktinib 100 mg bid plus hydroxyurea placebo or hydroxyurea 0.5 g bid plus jaktinib placebo, stratified by DIPSS risk status (Int-2 or high risk). One interim analysis was pre-specified to be conducted when the 70 patients completed the 24-week treatment or met the criteria for the treatment termination before week 24. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with a spleen volume reduction of ≥35% from baseline (SVR35) at week 24, measured by MRI/CT images and assessed by Independent Review Committee. Secondary endpoints included the best spleen response rate (defined as achieving SVR35 at any time), the proportion of patients with a ≥50% reduction in Total Symptom Score (TSS50), improvement of anemia, safety, etc.
99mTc-HFAPi imaging identifies early myocardial fibrosis in the hypertensive heart

Background: This study aimed to explore whether 99mTc-radiolabeled fibroblast activation protein inhibitor (99mTc-HFAPi) imaging can detect early myocardial fibrosis in the hypertensive heart. Methods: In the experimental model, spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and age-matched Wistar Kyoto rats (WKYs) were randomly divided into three groups (8, 16, and 28 weeks). The animals underwent 99mTc-HFAPi imaging and echocardiography. Autoradiography and histological analyses were performed in the left ventricle. The mRNA and protein expression level of the fibroblast activation protein (FAP) and collagen I were measured using quantitative PCR and western blot. In the clinical investigation, a total of 106 patients with essential hypertension and 20 gender-matched healthy controls underwent 99mTc-HFAPi imaging and echocardiography. Results: In-vivo and in-vitro autographic images demonstrated diffusely enhanced 99mTc-HFAPi uptake in the SHR heart starting at week 8, before irreversible collagen deposition. The mRNA and protein levels of FAP in SHRs began to increase from week 8, whereas changes in collagen I levels were not detected until week 28. In the clinical investigation, even in hypertensive patients with normal diastolic indicators, normal left ventricular geometry, and normal global longitudinal strain (GLS), the prevalence of increased 99mTc-HFAPi uptake reached 34, 41, and 20%, respectively, indicating that early fibrogenesis precedes structural and functional myocardial abnormalities. Conclusion: In hypertension, 99mTc-HFAPi imaging can detect early fibrotic process before myocardial functional and structural changes.
The Defeathering Effect by Scalding in Chickens Follows Their Intrinsic Dermal Histologies

Simple Summary The intrinsic differences of skin histology between the feather calamus and the surrounding outer follicle sheath and neighboring cutaneous tissues reflect their resistance to thermal denaturation and account for the defeathering effect by scalding in various breeds and ages of chickens. Abstract This study aimed to delineate the fundamental skin histology and its association with feathers in broilers and native Red-Feather (RF) chickens and further elucidate their thermal alterations in respect to the defeathering effect by scalding. Comparisons of skin thickness between fresh samples and those after dehydration and fixation, as well as their collagen contents and histological differences, suggested that RF chickens had a thicker dermal layer with more collagen deposition and compact architecture, particularly in the neck and abdominal skin, but a thinner hypodermal layer in the back, chest, and abdomen skin. Despite an adolescent age, RF chickens showed a shorter calamus depth of tail feathers but a larger calamus diameter of wing feathers. Within the feather follicle punch, a very intense follicle sheath layer with compact collagenous matrixes to fulfill the space next to the inner feather root sheath was observed in RF chickens. Under both soft and hard scalding, RF chickens showed a lower degree of denaturation on hip skins and were more resistant to structural disintegration, primarily within the epidermal and dermal layer. Accordingly, a much narrower gap space between the feather sheath and surrounding follicle sheath was observed, and the gap expansion was also resistant to thermal changes. These results suggest that the defeathering effect by scalding follows the intrinsic skin histologies in chickens of various breeds and ages, primarily depending on the interaction of the feather calamus with the surrounding follicle sheath and neighboring cutaneous tissues, reflecting their resistance to thermal denaturation, but is irrelevant to the feathers per se.
The tectonic evolution of NW Borneo

The deepwater fold and thrust belt offshore Sabah, NW Borneo, is located on a continental margin that hosts a number of proven hydrocarbon accumulations. Reprocessed and depth-migrated regional 2D seismic data reveal the occurrence of a wide range of compressional, syn-depositional deformation features including large-scale thrust faults and prominent thrust-hangingwall anticlines. This paper focuses on the documentation and detailed description of the style of deepwater folds and the associated stratal patterns within a study area of ca. 3000 km offshore Sabah, NW Borneo. This region exhibits a variety of fold systems including (1) anticlines with large interlimb angles that exhibit no seafloor expression; (2) anticlines with medium interlimb angles, seafloor relief and a faulted anticline crest; (3) anticlines with small to medium interlimb angles, a seafloor expression and flanks associated with slides and slumps, and finally; (4) anticlines with small interlimb angles that are commonly buried by a thick sedimentary overburden and, in places, modified by superimposed syn-sedimentary, deltaic normal faults. If analysed section per section perpendicular to the strike of the fold and thrust belt, the widest anticlines occur in the most seaward parts of the fold belt near the present-day thrust front, whereas the narrower anticlines are located further landward. However, if viewed along the strike of the deepwater fold belt, there are significant variations in the geometry of laterally corresponding, contemporaneously developing fold systems. Susanne Hesse, Stefan Back, Dieter Franke, 2010a. The structural evolution of folds in a deepwater fold and thrust belt – a case study from the Sabah continental margin offshore NW Borneo, SE Asia. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 27, 442-454. Chapter 1 Structural evolution of folds in the deepwater fold and thrust belt 2 To explain these differences, factors such as rock inhomogeneities in the deformation wedge, variable surface slope, irregular basement topography, differential sediment input or the presence or absence of subsurface gas hydrates need to be taken into account. These factors vary significantly within the studied system, and are therefore difficult to generalise and transfer to other submarine fold and thrust belts.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi impact the production of alkannin/shikonin and their derivatives in Alkanna tinctoria Tausch. grown in semi-hydroponic and pot cultivation systems

Introduction Alkanna tinctoria Tausch. is a medicinal plant well-known to produce important therapeutic compounds, such as alkannin/shikonin and their derivatives (A/Sd). It associates with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), which are known, amongst others beneficial effects, to modulate the plant secondary metabolites (SMs) biosynthesis. However, to the best of our knowledge, no study on the effects of AMF strains on the growth and production of A/Sd in A. tinctoria has been reported in the literature. Methods Here, three experiments were conducted. In Experiment 1, plants were associated with the GINCO strain Rhizophagus irregularis MUCL 41833 and, in Experiment 2, with two strains of GINCO (R. irregularis MUCL 41833 and Rhizophagus aggregatus MUCL 49408) and two native strains isolated from wild growing A. tinctoria (R. irregularis and Septoglomus viscosum) and were grown in a semi-hydroponic (S-H) cultivation system. Plants were harvested after 9 and 37 days in Experiment 1 and 9 days in Experiment 2. In Experiment 3, plants were associated with the two native AMF strains and with R. irregularis MUCL 41833 and were grown for 85 days in pots under greenhouse conditions. Quantification and identification of A/Sd were performed by HPLC-PDA and by HPLC-HRMS/MS, respectively. LePGT1, LePGT2, and GHQH genes involved in the A/Sd biosynthesis were analyzed through RT-qPCR. Results In Experiment 1, no significant differences were noticed in the production of A/Sd. Conversely, in Experiments 2 and 3, plants associated with the native AMF R. irregularis had the highest content of total A/Sd expressed as shikonin equivalent. In Experiment 1, a significantly higher relative expression of both LePGT1 and LePGT2 was observed in plants inoculated with R. irregularis MUCL 41833 compared with control plants after 37 days in the S-H cultivation system. Similarly, a significantly higher relative expression of LePGT2 in plants inoculated with R. irregularis MUCL 41833 was noticed after 9 versus 37 days in the S-H cultivation system. In Experiment 2, a significant lower relative expression of LePGT2 was observed in native AMF R. irregularis inoculated plants compared to the control. Discussion Overall, our study showed that the native R. irregularis strain increased A/Sd production in A. tinctoria regardless of the growing system used, further suggesting that the inoculation of native/best performing AMF is a promising method to improve the production of important SMs.
A Brief Literature Review of Open-Channel Current Meter Testing

A Brief Literature Review of Open-Channel Current Meter Testing Kirk G. Thibodeaux 1 , Member ASCE The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has undertaken the task of conducting an evaluation of the USGS's standard water-flow current meter, the Price type-AA current meter. The first part of the USGS's task was to conduct a comprehensive literature review to determine the extent and types of testing that has been conducted to evaluate the performance of various types of current meters used for open-channel flow measurements. The meter types included in the review were the vertical-axis mechanical type, the horizontal-axis mechanical type, the electromagnetic type, and the point-velocity acoustic (ultrasonic) type current meters. The review revealed that current meters have been systematically tested since the 1890's. The testing covered in the literature consisted of evaluating the performance of current meters subjected to various methods of standard calibration techniques, to oscillatory flow (vertical, horizontal, and axial), to oblique flow (vertical and horizontal angles of flow), proximity to boundaries, turbulence effects, and temperature effects.
The Effects of Thermocycling on the Physical Properties and Biocompatibilities of Various CAD/CAM Restorative Materials

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the changes in physical properties and biocompatibilities caused by thermocycling of CAD/CAM restorative materials (lithium disilicate, zirconia reinforced lithium silicate, polymer-infiltrated ceramic network, resin nanoceramic, highly translucent zirconia). A total of 225 specimens were prepared (12.0 × 10.0 × 1.5 mm) and divided into three groups subjected to water storage at 37 °C for 24 h (control group), 10,000 cycles in distilled water at 5–55 °C (first aged group), and 22,000 cycles in distilled water at 5–55 °C (second aged group) [(n= 15, each]). The nanoindentation hardness and Young’s modulus (nanoindenter), surface roughness (atomic force microscopy (AFM)), surface texture (scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM)), elemental concentration (energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS)) and contact angle were evaluated. The morphology, proliferation and adhesion of cultured human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) were analyzed. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test (p < 0.05). The results showed that the nanoindentation hardness and Young’s modulus were decreased after thermocycling aging. Cell viability and proliferation of the material decreased with aging except for the highly translucent zirconia. Zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate exhibited significantly lower cell viability compared to other materials. The surface roughnesses of all groups increased with aging. Cell viability and Cell adhesion were influenced by various factors, including the surface chemical composition, hydrophilicity, surface roughness, and topography.