Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
In Silico Analysis Using SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease and a Set of Phytocompounds to Accelerate the Development of Therapeutic Components against COVID-19

SARS-CoV-2, the virus that caused the widespread COVID-19 pandemic, is homologous to SARS-CoV. It would be ideal to develop antivirals effective against SARS-CoV-2. In this study, we chose one therapeutic target known as the main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2. A crystal structure (Id: 6LU7) from the protein data bank (PDB) was used to accomplish the screening and docking studies. A set of phytocompounds was used for the docking investigation. The nature of the interaction and the interacting residues indicated the molecular properties that are essential for significant affinity. Six compounds were selected, based on the docking as well as the MM-GBSA score. Pentagalloylglucose, Shephagenin, Isoacteoside, Isoquercitrin, Kappa-Carrageenan, and Dolabellin are the six compounds with the lowest binding energies (−12 to −8 kcal/mol) and show significant interactions with the target Mpro protein. The MMGBSA scores of these compounds are highly promising, and they should be investigated to determine their potential as Mpro inhibitors, beneficial for COVID-19 treatment. In this study, we highlight the crucial role of in silico technologies in the search for novel therapeutic components. Computational biology, combined with structural biology, makes drug discovery studies more rigorous and reliable, and it creates a scenario where researchers can use existing drug components to discover new roles as modulators or inhibitors for various therapeutic targets. This study demonstrated that computational analyses can yield promising findings in the search for potential drug components. This work demonstrated the significance of increasing in silico and wetlab research to generate improved structure-based medicines.
Managing Stigma Through Laughter: Disability Stigma & Humor as a Stigma Management Communication Strategy

ABSTRACT Stigma can negatively impact those who are stigmatized and is created by and managed through communication. This study examines a specific stigmatized community, those with hearing loss, and a specific communication strategy, humor, that might be used to manage stigma. The results indicate that humor can be used to manage both the internal and interpersonal effects of humor. Additionally, participants reported using humor as a strategy to challenge or defend against stigma. Integrating research from communication, disability studies, and sociology, this interdisciplinary study extends work on stigma management communication as well as disability humor.
Water Absorption Behavior of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch (OPEFB) and Oil Palm Kernel Shell (OPKS) as Fillers in Acrylic Thermoplastic Composites

In recent years, the use of oil palm wastes has been an interesting approach for the development of sustainable polymer matrix composites. Nevertheless, the water absorption behavior of these materials is one of the most critical factors for their performance over time. In this study, the water uptake characteristics of acrylic thermoplastic matrix composites reinforced separately with oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) and oil palm kernel shell (OPKS) were evaluated through immersion test in distilled water. The specimens of both composites were manufactured using the compression molding technique at three temperatures (80, 100, and 120 °C) using different particle sizes (425–600 and 600–850 µm). The composites, before and after the absorption test, were characterized by means of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, and scanning electron microscopy. The evaluation was complemented by the application of the Fickian diffusion model. Overall results showed that water absorption capacity decreased at a higher processing temperature and a larger particle size. In particular, it was observed that the type of reinforcement also influenced both water absorption and diffusivity. OPKS/acrylic and OPEFB/acrylic composites reached a maximum absorption of 77 and 86%, with diffusivities of 7.3 × 10−9 and 15.2 × 10−9 m2/min, respectively. Experimental evidence suggested that the absorption mechanism of the composites followed a non-Fickian model (n < 1.0).
In-network data processing approach for heterogeneous wireless sensor networks

A wireless sensor network (WSN) is a set of special-ized devices that commonly monitor environmental and physical conditions. A critical aspect of applications with WSNs is their limited resources especially in multivariate sensor features when transmitting large amount of data from the nodes to the base station. The aim is then to optimize power consumption during data transmission by using data reduction methods. In this article, we study multivariate data reduction at node's level. We propose a new efficient model based on reducing collected data by aggregation and polynomial regression. We evaluate and compare our method with existing data aggregation techniques, and with the following well-known compression techniques (xz, bzip2, brotli and gzip). The simulation results show that our approach outperforms the existing methods and offers a good approximation of data quality with small approximation errors.
Zambian Secondary School Biology Teachers’ Profiles of Planned Topic-specific Pedagogical Content Knowledge for Teaching Respiration

Teachers’ pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) has the potential to influence lesson planning, teaching and students’ academic performance in science. Since PCK is embodied in lesson planning (as planned PCK), this study employed the multiple-case design to describe in-depth the biology teachers’ profiles of planned topic-specific PCK (plTSPCK) for teaching respiration. While the target population comprised all biology teachers in Chipata district of Zambia, data were collected from nine teachers drawn from six secondary schools. The study used face-to-face lesson planning interviews which were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Mavhunga and Rollnick’s model of TSPCK was adopted as the analytical framework. After analysing each interview transcript, the teachers’ integration of plTSPCK components was summarised into plTSPCK maps. The findings reveal that (a) the integration of the plTSPCK components in the teachers’ profiles was idiosyncratic; (b) the components conceptual teaching strategies, curricular saliency and students’ prior knowledge were central to the integration of plTSPCK; and (c) representations and what makes the topic easy/difficult were the least integrated components. The study recommends enhancing teachers’ PCK through teacher professional development activities such as lesson studies using the TSPCK framework as an analysis tool for the lesson plans and the observed lesson to demonstrate the planned and enacted PCK respectively.
Spatial and Temporal Assessment of Remotely Sensed Land Surface Temperature Variability in Afghanistan during 2000–2021

The dynamics of land surface temperature (LST) in Afghanistan in the period 2000–2021 were investigated, and the impact of the factors such as soil moisture, precipitation, and vegetation coverage on LST was assessed. The remotely sensed soil moisture data from Land Data Assimilation System (FLDAS), precipitation data from Climate Hazards Group Infra-Red Precipitation with Station (CHIRPS), and NDVI and LST from Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) were used. The correlations between these data were analyzed using the regression method. The result shows that the LST in Afghanistan has a slightly decreasing but insignificant trend during the study period (R = 0.2, p-value = 0.25), while vegetation coverage, precipitation, and soil moisture had an increasing trend. It was revealed that soil moisture has the highest impact on LST (R = −0.71, p-value = 0.0007), and the soil moisture, precipitation, and vegetation coverage explain almost 80% of spring (R2 = 0.73) and summer (R2 = 0.76) LST variability in Afghanistan. The LST variability analysis performed separately for Afghanistan’s river subbasins shows that the LST of the Amu Darya subbasin had an upward trend in the study period, while for the Kabul subbasin, the trend was downward.
An Efficient Way of Introducing Gender Into Evolutionary Algorithms

Evolutionary algorithms have been extensively used for numerous optimization problems with great success in the past years. They mimic nature’s process of evolution to find solutions to a large range of mathematical problems. In this work a new strategy is suggested to introduce gender, defined by a characteristic of an individual, that is easy to implement in evolutionary algorithms, as long as they are based on evaluating a fitness function. The new method outperforms comparable evolutionary approaches without gender for all standard test problems considered. The present study shows that with increasing problem complexity the performance of this gender variant increases to more than double the success rates while keeping the computational effort at about the same level and still being clearly better for easy problems. Additionally, in the mean, the new method results in better fitness values for all presented cases.
3′5-Dimaleamylbenzoic Acid Attenuates Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis in Mice

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic lung disease characterized by parenchymal scarring, leading progressively to alveolar architecture distortion, respiratory failure, and eventually death. Currently, there is no effective treatment for IPF. Previously, 3′5-dimaleamylbenzoic acid (3′5-DMBA), a maleimide, demonstrated pro-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties; however, its potential therapeutic effects on IPF have not been addressed. Bleomycin (BLM) 100 U/kg was administered to CD1 mice through an osmotic minipump. After fourteen days of BLM administration, 3′5-DMBA (6 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg) and its vehicle carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) were administered intragastrically every two days until day 26. On day 28, all mice were euthanized. The 3′5-DMBA effect was assessed by histological and immunohistochemical staining, as well as by RT-qPCR. The redox status on lung tissue was evaluated by determining the glutathione content and the GSH/GSSG ratio. 3′5-DMBA treatment re-established typical lung histological features and decreased the expression of BLM-induced fibrotic markers: collagen, α-SMA, and TGF-β1. Furthermore, 3′5-DMBA significantly reduced the expression of genes involved in fibrogenesis. In addition, it decreased reduced glutathione and increased oxidized glutathione content without promoting oxidative damage to lipids, as evidenced by the decrease in the lipid peroxidation marker 4-HNE. Therefore, 3′5-DMBA may be a promising candidate for IPF treatment.
Lgr5+ cells are required and dynamically participate in olfactory epithelium regeneration: a revisiting shows Lgr5 expression in multiple cell lineages

Olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) located in the olfactory epithelium (OE) detect thousands of volatile environmental odors to form the sense of smell. OSNs are generated from basal cells, which show the characteristics of progenitor/stem cells. In the mammalian OE, persistent neurogenesis occurs during lifetime, providing a unique model to study the tissue turnover and fate determination of stem cells. Methods: Immunohistochemical analysis and RNAscope in situ hybridization indicated the localization of leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptor 5 (Lgr5) in the intact and injured OE. Lineage tracing was conducted to analyze the dynamic role of Lgr5+ cells in the OE homeostasis and regeneration. We also used DTR-driven genetic depletion of Lgr5+ cells and lentivirus-mediated Lgr5 downregulation to demonstrate the essential role of Lgr5+ cells in the OE regeneration. Results: We show that Lgr5 marks horizontal basal cells (HBCs) in the OE of adults but not newborns. We revisit the role of Lgr5+ cells in the OE homeostasis and regeneration, and find that Lgr5+ cells participate in the OE homeostasis from neonatal to one-month-old age, as well as in the OE regeneration post injury. During the OE regeneration, Lgr5 is transiently expressed in apical supporting cells, immature neurons, and mature sensory neurons. The Lgr5+ cells become or generate HBCs in the regenerated OE. DTR-driven cell depletion shows that Lgr5+ cells are not necessary in the adult OE homeostasis, but required in the recovery of OE from injury. Lgr5 down-regulation by lentiviral infection also demonstrates the essential role of Lgr5 expression in the OE regeneration. Conclusion: Our study elucidates the role of Lgr5+ cells in the OE homeostasis and regeneration, potentially providing a candidate to cell-based therapy against olfactory dysfunction.
Back to traditional stadium names: Fans’ role in financing naming rights through crowdfunding

Purpose Despite the growing number of corporate-sponsored sport facilities, public resistance to naming rights sometimes arises. In line with other supporter-based financial instruments such as fan bonds or shares, the possibility arises that a sport club’s supporters could invest in the stadium naming rights to secure a traditional name, possibly by initiating a crowdfunding project. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the factors separating potential capital providers from non-participants and to determine which factors influence the investment decision. Design/methodology/approach The authors used an online questionnaire to evaluate respondents’ willingness to participate in a crowdfunding project. The data were analyzed by logit and probit regressions. The link was posted to selected online fan forums as well as to clubs’ fan group caretakers in Germany. In total, 708 respondents fully completed the questionnaires. Additionally, the authors provided the initial results of a proposal for a hypothetical reward-based crowdfunding project that was also part of the questionnaire. Findings The findings indicate that the most involved participants who support traditional values in sports are the most willing to participate in a crowdfunding project. Thus, crowdfunding can actually be seen as a supporter-based instrument that is an alternative to existing sport facility naming rights models. However, the analysis also indicates that the sums that can be generated through crowdfunding are limited. Originality/value Insight into a relatively new financial instrument is provided, and an alternative approach to sport facility naming rights management is offered. Ultimately, a combination of a crowdfunding project with financing by a certain number of sponsors supporting a traditional name is proposed, which may be a possible future solution that sport facility naming rights management groups can pursue.
From domestication syndrome to breeding objective: insights into unwanted breakup in common beans to improve shattering

ABSTRACT Context. Agronomical traits like loss of seed dispersal targeted by ancient human selection are an important milestone of crop domestication. Evolution in plant species is a result of natural and human selection at the time of domestication. Evolution leads to continued improvement of adaptive traits in almost all plant species. Aim. Pod shattering, one of the examples of convergent evolution, is defined as breaking up of the pod shell enabling the successful dispersal of seeds mainly in wild species. Since the available climate change models predict an increase in aridity, it is expected that the losses on account of shattering will be aggravated, especially in dry areas. Methods. Histological studies and biochemical parameters are increasingly used as surrogates for pod shattering response as they provide key inputs for selecting contrasting genotypes based on differential lignification, role of pectin, fibre, cellulose and total carbohydrate content as well as enzymes such as endopolygalacturonase and β-glucanase and hormones. Key results. There is diversity for level of shattering, with race Nueva Granada showing higher rates of pod shattering as compared to the Durango and Jalisco races. Genomics has helped identify several genes or quantitative trait loci (QTL) such as PDH-1, St-1, SHAT-1, WRKY1 and MYB26 that are implicated in various traits related to pod shattering. Conclusions. Plant breeders need to introgress shattering resistance into commercial varieties to mitigate the imminent yield losses. Implications. This requires an in-depth knowledge of mechanistic, physiological, biochemical and the underlying genetic basis of pod shattering resistance.
Optimizing the PM2.5 Tradeoffs: The Case of Taiwan

The causes of PM 2.5 is dynamic and systematic. However, many studies approach the PM 2.5 problem by focusing only on either socioeconomic factors or geo-meteorological factors in isolation such data insufficiency might undermine the effort to control PM 2.5 . We propose a LSTM-XGBoost model composing both socioeconomic and geo-meteorological factors together to improve the PM 2.5 monitoring system. We forecast the weekly PM 2.5 concentrations in five regions in Taiwan based on machine learning training data. The results indicate that overall small trucks usage should be reduced by 80% while maintaining semi-trucks and passenger cars at current level. In addition, coal and IPP Gas power have no impact on PM 2.5 concentrations in central Taiwan while usage in passenger cars, small tracks and tractor trailers should be reduced by 80% in central Taiwan. Overall, central Taiwan and Chiayi regions have the highest PM 2.5 projections at XGBoost output of 68.5 and 59.1 level. Finally, our model indicates that the use of fossil fuel based small tracks and tractor trailers should be reduced by 80% to maintain a reasonable level of PM 2.5 .
The Impact of EFL Teachers’ Emotional Intelligence and Teacher-Related Variables on Self-Reported EFL Teaching Practices

Teacher emotions form a cornerstone of classroom teaching practices. The study investigated the impact of EFL teachers’ traits emotional intelligence, teaching qualifications, teaching experience, teaching stage, gender and age on their self-reported classroom teaching practices. An online survey was administered to 115 EFL teachers. The findings confirmed a significant positive correlation between emotional intelligence and classroom teaching practices. Teaching experience was found to influence classroom management and pedagogical skills, but not teacher creativity and teacher predictability, which was in favour of the most experienced teachers. Teaching qualifications affected creativity, classroom management and pedagogical skills which was in favour of PhD holders. No effects were detected for teaching stage, age or gender on EFL teachers’ classroom teaching practices. The findings are discussed in line with the previous relevant research and the related theories.
Robust Flatness-Based Control With Nonlinear Observer for Boost Converters

DC–DC boost converters are widely used in different applications, such as electric transportation systems and telecommunications. A robust controller is required due to boost converter nonlinear behavior. Reducing the number of sensors in the control system is important. It leads to a lower cost system. This article presents sensorless flatness-based control and a nonlinear observer for a boost converter. Practically, it is difficult to build an exact mathematical model. Thus, online estimators are applied to estimate the modeling error and build a more realistic model. In addition, the output current and input voltage are estimated by the observer. As a result, the sensors of these two parameters are removed. The proposed controller is robust to variations in the input voltage and load resistance. A one-loop structure is implemented for the proposed controller to control the input current and output voltage. Because of the one-loop structure properties, high dynamical performance can be achieved. A reduced number of sensors and a high-bandwidth controlled system are the main contributions of this article. Simulation and experimental results are presented to confirm the effectiveness of the proposed control method.
Are there differences between a real C0-C1 mobilization and a sham technique in function and pressure pain threshold in patients with chronic neck pain and upper cervical restriction? A randomised controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND Chronic neck pain is one of the main reasons for visiting a healthcare professional. In recent years, it has been shown that upper cervical restriction may be a factor involved in neck pain. OBJECTIVE To compare the immediate effects of a real cervical mobilization technique versus a sham cervical mobilization technique in patients with chronic neck pain and upper cervical restriction. METHODS This was a randomised, controlled, double-blind clinical trial. Twenty-eight patients with chronic neck pain were recruited and divided into two groups (14 = real cervical mobilization; 14 = sham mobilization). Both groups received a single 5-minute treatment session. Upper cervical range motion, flexion-rotation test, deep cervical activation and pressure pain threshold were measured. RESULTS In the between-groups comparison, statistically significant differences were found in favour of the real cervical mobilization group in upper cervical extension (p= 0.003), more restricted side of flexion-rotation test (p< 0.001) and less restricted side of flexion-rotation test (p= 0.007) and in the pressure pain threshold of the right trapezius (p= 0.040) and right splenius (p= 0.049). No differences in deep muscle activation were obtained. CONCLUSION The real cervical mobilization group generates improvements in upper cervical spine movement and pressure pain threshold of right trapezius and right splenius compared to the sham group in patients with chronic neck pain and upper cervical restriction.