Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Studies on the Mycoflora and some Physical characteristics of Ghanaian Maize (Zea Mays L) Varieties and the Effect of Extracts of Zanthoxylum Xanthoxyloides Lam and Kigelia Africana Benth on some of the Contaminant Fungi

Mycoflora o f mixed maize grains and the newly developed Abeleehi and Obaatanpa varieties and airspora in the Warehouse o f the Ghana Food Distribution, GFDC, at Balduzzi, Kumasi have been studied under normal and simulated ambient Environmental Relative Humidities (ERH ’s) representative of the Ghanaian conditions. Some important physical and processing characteristics of £. and normal stackbumed white and yellow maize (seed water absorption, swelling index, 1000-seed weight, fermentation parameters) and gem ination capacity of grains were also examined. To ascertain the ability of Abeleehi and Obaatanpa varieties to absorb and desorb moisture in relation to the development o f attendant resident fungi, the moisture sorption isotherm at ERH’s 55-95% were determined in simulated humidity chambers. Finally results o f the use of aqueous, acetone and methanolic extracts of the dry leaves of Zanthoxylum xanthoxyloides and the dry leaves and dry fruit o f Kigelia africana as biofungicides to control vegetative growth and sporulation of important potential pathogenic fungi (Paecilomyces carneus, P.puntoni, P.varioti, Curvularia lunata, Fusarium moniliforme and Penicillium digitatum) resident in Abeleehi and Obaatanpa varieties are reported. Fifteen different fungal species (Aspergillus flavus, A.niger, A.sulphureus, A.tamarii, Penicillium brevicompactum, P.chrysogenum, P.citrinum, P.cyclopium, P. digitatum, P.glabrum, P.oxalicum, Cladosporium herbarum, Fusarium moniliforme, F.roseum andM ucor haemalis) were isolated from maize grains obtained from the GFDC Warehouse at Balduzzi, Kumasi. Aspergillus species (A.flavus, A.niger, A. sulphur e-US', A.tamarii) and Penicillium species (Penicillium brevicompactum, P.chiysogenum, P.citrinum, P.cyclopium, P.digitatum) predominated. The initial fungal population in the mixed grain variety was 4.8 5.4 log |0 CFU/g but this decreased by 0.4 -1.3 log cycle after 2 months. There was no statistical difference (P< 0.05) between the population of fungi isolated from grains sampled from the top, middle and bottom o f the bagstacks. Aspergillus flavus was Hie most predominant fungi encountered constituting 41.744.0% o f the species followed by Mucor haemalis (4.0 20.5%). Both A.flavus and M. haemalis occurred at all positions sampled. Twenty four different airspora o f fungi (Aspergillus flavus, A.clavalus, A.fiumigatus, A.niger, University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug. edu.gh
A Coaxial Atmospheric Microwave Plasma Source With Low-Generating Power

Conventional atmospheric microwave plasma sources face challenges in achieving plasma generation at the milliwatt power level, often requiring a reduction in operating pressure to generate plasma at lower power levels. This article presents a novel atmospheric microwave plasma source based on the coaxial structure to generate plasma at the milliwatt power level at atmospheric pressure. First, numerical simulations based on the finite element method (FEM) and equivalent transmission line model (ETLM) have been done to design the structure. Simulation results show that at the optimal structure, the microwave reflection ratio <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\vert {S}_{{11}}\vert $ </tex-math></inline-formula> at 2.45 GHz is equal to −19.58 dB before plasma excitation and the electric field strength reaches <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$6.03\times 10^{{5}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> V/m when the input power is 1 W. Second, a practical experimental system is built according to the simulations. Experimental results show that the <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\vert {S}_{{11}}\vert $ </tex-math></inline-formula> at its resonant frequency is −19.2 dB before plasma excitation, which agrees well with the simulations. Moreover, the minimum input microwave power values for generating argon, CO2, and air plasmas are 100 mW, 5 W, and 10 W, respectively. Finally, this novel atmospheric microwave plasma source has been used to decompose and convert CO2, the highest conversion rate and energy efficiency reach 24.1% and 49.2%, respectively, which are comparable to low-pressure microwave plasmas. Thus, the proposed microwave plasma source in this article has great potentials for industrial applications to reduce carbon emissions.
Preclinical Efficacy of Peripheral Nerve Regeneration by Schwann Cell-like Cells Differentiated from Human Tonsil-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in C22 Mice

Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease (CMT) is a hereditary disease with heterogeneous phenotypes and genetic causes. CMT type 1A (CMT1A) is a type of disease affecting the peripheral nerves and is caused by the duplication of the peripheral myelin protein 22 (PMP22) gene. Human tonsil-derived mesenchymal stem cells (TMSCs) are useful for stem cell therapy in various diseases and can be differentiated into Schwann cell-like cells (TMSC-SCs). We investigated the potential of TMSC-SCs called neuronal regeneration-promoting cells (NRPCs) for peripheral nerve and muscle regeneration in C22 mice, a model for CMT1A. We transplanted NRPCs manufactured in a good manufacturing practice facility into the bilateral thigh muscles of C22 mice and performed behavior and nerve conduction tests and histological and ultrastructural analyses. Significantly, the motor function was much improved, the ratio of myelinated axons was increased, and the G-ratio was reduced by the transplantation of NRPCs. The sciatic nerve and gastrocnemius muscle regeneration of C22 mice following the transplantation of NRPCs downregulated PMP22 overexpression, which was observed in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that NRPCs are feasible for clinical research for the treatment of CMT1A patients. Research applying NRPCs to other peripheral nerve diseases is also needed.
“It helps me to stay on the right path, rather than give in”: Mixed-method process evaluation of the ImpulsePal app-based intervention for weight management

Background Empirical research indicates that impulsive processes that operate below conscious monitoring can undermine peoples’ attempts to change behaviour patterns, especially those that have become habitual. This may, therefore, be a serious challenge for those trying to lose weight. A novel smartphone app-based intervention (ImpulsePal) offers practical strategies to manage impulsive urges to facilitate reductions in the consumption of energy-dense processed food and overeating. Aim This process evaluation of ImpulsePal aimed to explore what was delivered/received and used, mechanisms of action, and potential contextual factors impacting intervention engagement and outcomes. Methods A mixed-methods process evaluation, with composite analysis of the quantitative (app usage statistics) and qualitative data (semi-structured interviews), was conducted alongside a feasibility randomised controlled trial with individuals with a body mass index of at least 25 kg/m2 who wanted to lose weight. Results Of 58 participants receiving ImpulsePal, 56 had successfully shared app usage statistics, and 36 (62%) were interviewed. Although usage statistics indicated reductions in the use of some features, interviews indicated that participants were still using app-recommended strategies without requiring them to open ImpulsPal. Overall, interviews highlighted that participants valued having access to in-the-moment support, felt more aware of their own eating behaviour and influences on it, and felt an increased ability to avoid and reconceptualise, in-the-moment temptations. Conclusion This process evaluation offers support for a logic model suggesting that impulse management, using ImpulsePal, can promote healthier eating among those motivated to lose weight. It also highlights the necessity of using multimodal methods to explore the delivery and use of digital interventions.
Global Analysis of the WOX Transcription Factor Family in Akebia trifoliata

Akebia trifoliata is an economically important, self-incompatible fruit tree in the Lardizabalaceae family. Asexual propagation is the main strategy used to maintain excellent agronomic traits. However, the generation of adventitious roots during asexual propagation is very difficult. To study the important role of the WUSCHEL-related homeobox (WOX) transcription factor in adventitious root growth and development, we characterized this transcription factor family in the whole genome of A. trifoliata. A total of 10 AktWOXs were identified, with the following characteristics: length (657~11,328 bp), exon number (2~5), isoelectric point (5.65~9.03), amino acid number (176~361 AA) and molecular weight (20.500~40.173 kDa), and their corresponding expression sequence could also be detectable in the public transcriptomic data for A. trifoliata fruit. A total of 10 AktWOXs were classified into modern (6), intermediate (2) and ancient clades (2) and all AktWOXs had undergone strong purifying selection during evolution. The expression profile of AktWOXs during A. trifoliata adventitious root formation indicated that AktWOXs play an important role in the regulation of adventitious root development. Overall, this is the first study to identify and characterize the WOX family in A. trifoliata and will be helpful for further research on A. trifoliata adventitious root formation.
Special Economic Zones in India

This book systematically evaluates the trajectories of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) policymaking in India and its performance. The findings of the study are the result of detailed fieldwork conducted by the author in India and China at different points in time. Exploring China's SEZs policy and performance, the book discusses whether Indian policymakers were aware of the nuances of China's SEZs policy and the various facets of performance before replicating it for India. Performance analyses of Indian SEZs are carried out using both a conventional set of performance indicators and new frameworks, such as the zone trade performance index, the resource cost framework and efficiency analysis. Offering a balanced view to rate the performance of Indian SEZs, the significance of this study lies in its quest to provide an holistic appraisal of the various unexplored issues in the literature pertaining to SEZs in India.
THE NORTH AND NORTH-WEST SPANISH CONTINENTAL MARGIN: A REVIEW < 1 l

The west Galicia margin (Spain) provides a model for passive continental margin evolution. During the Meso­ zoic, the continental crust of the margin experienced severa! episodes of extension. The main stage was during the Berriasian-late Aptian interval. The stretching of the lithosphere resulted in a) the thinning of the continental crust, testified by superficial extensional structures (normal faults, tilted fault blocks) and rapid subsidence, and b) the emplacement of mantle rocks (peridotite) at the continental rift axis. The crustal thinning and the final emplacement of peridotite onto the seafloor are explained by uniform, normal, simple shear of the continental lithosphere, following asthenosphere diapirism. The sedimentary response to the rifting process was the rapid de­ position of coarse detrital sediments in the half grabens of the rift. The pre-rift sediments are platform carbonates, and the post-rift sediments are distal turbidites followed by pelagic sediments. To the south of the Bay of Biscay, the north Galicia and Asturias margin evolved as the Galicia passive margin until latest Cretaceous time. During the Paleocene-Eocene interval, it was converted into an active margin as a result of the Eurasian-lberian plate convergence and related southward subduction of the European plate beneath the lberian plate. A marginal trench and a tectonic accretionary prism developed at the plate boundary and the margin was shortened, deformed and eroded, becoming a subduction-related fold belt. Today it is the westward prolongation of the Pyrenean and Cantabric collisional chain. Therefore models accounting for the emerged part of the Pyrenees must also be constrained by offshore data.
"Asiatic" copper in New Kingdom Egypt

This work presents a combination of Lead Isotope Analysis ( LIA ) and ancient Egyptian texts and depictions in order to describe the history of the ox -hide copper ingots presence in Egypt , which w ere called by the Egyptians “Asiatic copper”. Ox-hide ingots in Egypt represent a particular case where the information given by ancient sources and modern chemical analyses might be combined in order to establish the provenance of archaeological objects and the hist ory of a particular m aterial during the Bronze Age. Ox -hide ingots arrived to Egypt where the first kings of the Egyptian New Kingdom developed an impressive building program through the entire country and needed a supply of copper and other materials. The “Asiatic copper” was depicted in different tombs and temples from the 18 th to the 20 th dynasties in Thebes and Amarna. According to depictions and texts, three different regions supplied copper according to ancient Egyptians: Syria, Cyprus and Crete. Howe ver, the LIA of the lead present in mined copper permits to establish that the ingots were made of copper from Apliki mines, in Central Cyprus. The depictions in Egyptian tombs and temples probably represented not only the actual region of provenance but a lso the peoples involved in the trade, because t he ingots were traded by Syrian merchants following a route that passed Syria, Cyprus, Crete and Greece
The diagnosis of multiple sclerosis: what has changed in diagnostic criteria?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, demyelinating disease affecting the central nervous system. Diagnosis of MS is based on the proof of disease dissemination in time (DIT) and dissemination in space (DIS) and excluding other disorders that can mimic multiple sclerosis in laboratory tests and clinical manifestation. Over the years the diagnostic criteria have evolved; the introduction of magnetic resonance in the McDonald’s 2001 criteria was revolutionary. Since then, the criteria have been modified up to the currently used McDonald 2017. The aim of this review is to analyse the 2017 McDonald criteria, assess what has changed from the 2010 criteria, and present the impact of revised criteria on rapid and accurate diagnosis of MS. The main differences are as follows: inclusion of oligoclonal bands in cerebrospinal fluid as a DIT criterion, and symptomatic and cortical lesions in magnetic resonance imaging are counted in the determination of DIS and DIT. We present also the newest recommendations of the Polish Medical Society of Radiology and the Polish Society of Neurology and international group of North American Imaging in Multiple Sclerosis and Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers, as well as future directions for further investigations. A proper diagnosis is crucial for the patient’s quality of life, to give the possibility of early treatment, and to help avoid misdiagnosis and unnecessary therapy.
Theoretical Trade-Off Between Fairness and Efficiency in the Cooperative Driving Problem for CAVs at On-Ramps

Cooperative driving is crucial for improving traffic efficiency and safety for connected and automated vehicles (CAVs), especially in traffic bottlenecks. However, most of the state-of-the-art cooperative driving strategies neglect the issue of fairness. Fairness is essential to properly allocate road resources and improve the travel experience. In this paper, we focus on the fairness concerns in the on-ramp cooperative driving problem. First, we note that enhancing traffic efficiency usually leads to unfairness, but we propose solutions to balance both aspects. Using the fundamental relation in traffic flow theory, we illustrate the existence of the trade-off at congested on-ramps. We then make some modifications to the cooperative driving strategies to incorporate fairness considerations. Simulation results show that the modified strategies achieve trade-offs in agreement with the theoretical one, laying the foundation for implementing the trade-off in real-world scenarios. These findings are enlightening for the increasing research on fairness issues in cooperative driving, and contribute to the optimization of traffic management strategies.
Comparison of Gambier Extract (Uncaria Gambier Robx) and Angiotensin Receptor Blocker on Proteinuria Reduction and Antioxidants - Enhancement in Nephrotic Rat Models

Background: Proteinuria is a significant clinical manifestation that causes edema in several diseases, including Nephrotic Syndrome (NS). Untreated proteinuria is strongly linked to the progression of kidney failure. One of the adjuvant therapies could be used to reduce proteinuria such as Angiotensin Receptor Blocker (ARB) including Losartan®. Gambier is a traditional medicinal plant widely known for its antioxidant effects. Catechin, a compound contained in Gambier Extract (GE), has been used to reduce microalbuminuria in diabetics. However, its application in NS has not been widely studied. Objective: This study compared the effects of GE and ARB in reducing proteinuria and increasing antioxidant activity levels, as well as reported histopathological findings in the nephrotic Wistar rat model. Methods: An experimental design study with a control group and a posttest was conducted. The experimental animals were divided into four groups: the control group (K1), the group with puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN) injection (K2), the group with PAN injection + GE (K3), and the group with PAN injection + Losartan® (K4). The standard GE used was Sarie Uncariae® by Toyo Brothers, PT while the ARB (Losartan®) was obtained from Novell, PT. Protein urine, the activity level of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were assessed using the colorimetric method. Renal histopathology was assessed based on Rollerman’s criteria. Results: Gambier extract significantly reduced proteinuria, as depicted by a decrease in protein/volume urine (p = 0.009), increased antioxidant activity, as illustrated by an elevation in T-SOD activity levels (p = 0.007), and tended to decrease MDA levels compared to Losartan®. Based on histopathological findings, GE tended to reduce the percentage of kidney damage in rats induced by puromycin. Conclusion: Gambier extract has been shown a higher antioxidant effect by increasing T-SOD activity levels, reducing proteinuria and also exhibiting a tendency to diminish kidney damage.
Social characteristics of a megacity: a case of Dhaka City, Bangladesh

The paper aims to explore the social characteristics of Dhaka City, Bangladesh. The city has experienced a higher rate of urban growth in recent decades and it has transformed into a megacity. This rapid mass urban transformation of Dhaka City is not commensurate with its overall development. As such, the city is characterised by the high level of poverty and social vulnerability, shortage of housing, infrastructure and social services, poor quality of physical and social environment and inefficient urban management. Archival/textual research has been employed as the central research method for exploring the features of this city. This paper, however, argues that rapid mass urban transformation of Dhaka City has caused serious challenges in equity and justice, social stability as well as infrastructure management.
Combined Effects of Fronts, Upwelling and the Biological Pump on Organophosphate Esters in the Changjiang (Yangtze) River Estuary During Summer

Estuarine and coastal environments are important transport pathways and regional sinks for anthropogenic pollutants. In this study, the occurrence and transport of the continuously released organophosphate esters (OPEs) was investigated together with physical and biochemical parameters throughout the water column in the Changjiang (Yangtze) River estuary during the summer. Total dissolved and particulate OPEs showed great spatial heterogeneity, with mean concentrations of 550 ± 280 ng/L in the estuary, 110 ± 270 ng/L in the front/upwelling zone, and 410 ± 450 ng/L in the continental shelf. OPE concentrations in the estuarine bottom waters were high due to massive terrestrial/sediment inputs. In contrast, the “surface enrichment and depth depletion” of OPEs in the continental shelf was closely related to seasonal stratification. Reduced OPE concentrations were observed in the frontal/upwelling zone due to isopycnal heaving. Frontal activity and upwelling induced phytoplankton blooms in the coastal regions, which jointly contributed to elevated OPEs beneath surface water with high phytoplankton aggregation. The OPEs mainly originated from wastewater treatment plant discharges, industrial pollution and consumer products. These OPEs generally posed a low ecological risk to aquatic lives, but their long‐term effects cannot be ignored due to their continuous high production, usage and release.
Status of Some Trace Elementsin Idiopathic and Ischemic Cardiomyopathy and Coronary Artery Disease: Echocardiographic Correlation

Background:The most principal mechanisms of cardiomyopathies are;high preload and afterload and low myocardial contractility, imbalance of trace elements may cause myocardial metabolic dysfunction and may have a role in aetiology of cardiomyopathy, particulary in IDC. Trace elements are being increasingly recognized as essential mediators of the development and progression of heart diseases.Methods: Study design Multi case-control study and single center estimation of trace elements concentrations in a number of volunteer settings this study was conducted in the Department of Cardiology, Ibn Albitar Hospital, and in the Physiological Chemistry Department of the College of Medicine, Baghdad University, from June 2005 to July 2006. Subjects Twenty-five patients with IDC, 15 patients with ICM, 16 patients with coronary artery disease(CAD) who have normal LV function, and seventeen healthy individuals as controls were included in this study. Investigations included serum estimation of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and magnesium (Mg) concentrations in these groups of patients and controls.Results: The mean (±SD) value of serum zinc was significantly decreased in CAD patients compared with controls (P< 0.003). Serum Cu values (mean±SD) were significantly higher in IDC, ICM and CAD groups than in controls (P< 0.0001, P< 0.002, and P< 0.007, respectively). Serum Mg (mean±SD) value was significantly decreased in ICM patients compared to controls (P<0.007). Furthermore, there was a significant positive correlation between serum Mg levels and the values of LVEF % in IDC patients (r=0.522, P< 0.007). Conclusion: This study confirmed that heart failure (IDC and ICM) and CAD are associated with serum trace elements (Zn, C u, and Mg) abnormalities.
Increased water yield due to the hemlock woolly adelgid infestation in New England

Over the past few decades, a hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) infestation has significantly affected eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) in the eastern U.S., and warmer winters are expected to promote a continued northward expansion in the future. Here we report a water yield increase due to the HWA infestation in New England, U.S. Since the first observation in 2002, peak growing season evapotranspiration over a hemlock‐dominated area has decreased by 24–37% in 2012 and 2013. Over the same time period, the water yield from the study catchment significantly increased as compared to an adjacent catchment with less hemlock cover. The net increase was estimated to be as much as 15.6% of annual water yield in 2014 based on an ecohydrological modeling analysis. This study indicates that the ongoing hemlock decline is also largely altering hydrological regimes in the northeastern U.S.