Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of criteria to assist the selection of good quality grafted grapevines prior to their commercialisation

The production of grafted grapevine plant material is a complex process with many steps running over at least one year, from grafting to final sorting in nurseries. To reach the market in France, grafted grapevines must meet three criteria by law: resistance to a manual graft union test (or thumb test), a minimum number of three roots and a woody, lignified stem which has grown from the bud of the scion wood of at least 2 cm long. This study aimed to evaluate the possibility of using visual criteria to select good quality grafted grapevines, without the need to do the thumb test because the thumb test is manual and therefore very subjective; the test depends on the strength applied by the person who realises it. This study was done on 22 scion/rootstock combinations with different degrees of grafting success, i.e., producing different proportions of marketable plants after one year in the nursery. The three legal criteria currently used to select marketable grafted grapevines in France as well as other external and measurable criteria such as the length of lignified stem and diameter, the number of thin and thick roots, and rootstock wood diameter were measured on the 22 scion/rootstock combinations. Variation in the values for these different criteria was observed and correlations between the criteria and the number of marketable plants were studied. This data was then analysed to determine which visible criteria contribute most to identifying marketable grafts. The percentage of marketable grafts was most strongly correlated with the thumb test and positively correlated with the length of the lignified stem. The variables with the highest predictive effect for identifying marketable plants (other than the thumb test) were the number of large roots and the length of the lignified stem. The possibility of using visible criteria to screen for good quality grafted plants is discussed, but no single, or combination of criteria, was sufficiently strongly correlated with the percentage of marketable plants to replace the thumb test.
An Evaluation Of Environmental Education In Selected Primary Schools In Pahang, Malaysia

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the current status of Environmental Education (EE) in four selected primary schools in Pahang, Malaysia based on international standards by UNESCO. It also aims to propose some best practices in EE for the primary school and to make recommendations for curriculum development in EE for the primary school. The study employed the case study design involving four selected national government primary schools. This study used qualitative research methods comprising in-depth interviews, observations and document analysis to collect data for analysis. Findings revealed uneven emphasis given to the implementation of EE at the four schools. It was found that projects involving environmental awareness were more prominent in one school whereas the other three schools did not emphasize on such projects. In curriculum instruction of subjects, there was minimum integration of EE in the lessons. The findings also revealed that EE across the curriculum was not fully implemented due to the lack of understanding in integrating EE in the classroom. Findings provide useful feedback to educational policy makers and curriculum developers. Among the best practices of EE proposed were that schools should embark on a holistic approach in EE where everyone has to be well informed and trained to maintain a sustainable environment. This implies that greater attention need to be paid to EE in schools and more importantly the practical implementation of EE in curriculum instruction that fulfils UNESCO standards. Finally, the study provided recommendations for effective teaching and learning approaches, activities and resources in EE.
Mechanism of Action of Cyanidin 3-O-Glucoside in Gluconeogenesis and Oxidative Stress-Induced Cancer Cell Senescence

Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G) is a natural anthocyanin abundant in fruits and vegetables that interacts and possibly modulates energy metabolism and oxidative stress. This study investigated the effect of C3G on gluconeogenesis and cancer cell senescence. C3G activates adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a cellular energy sensor involved in metabolism and the aging process. C3G suppressed hepatic gluconeogenesis by reducing the expression of gluconeogenic genes through the phosphorylation inactivation of CRTC2 and HDAC5 coactivators via AMPK. C3G did not directly interact with AMPK but, instead, activated AMPK through the adiponectin receptor signaling pathway, as demonstrated through adiponectin receptor gene knockdown experiments. In addition, C3G increased cellular AMP levels in cultured hepatocytes, and the oral administration of C3G in mice elevated their plasma adiponectin concentrations. These effects collectively contribute to the activation of AMPK. In addition, C3G showed potent antioxidant activity and induced cellular senescence, and apoptosis in oxidative-stress induced senescence in hepatocarcinoma cells. C3G increased senescence-associated β-galactosidase expression, while increasing the expression levels of P16, P21 and P53, key markers of cellular senescence. These findings demonstrate that anthocyanin C3G achieves hypoglycemic effects via AMPK activation and the subsequent suppression of gluconeogenesis and exhibits anti-cancer activity through the induction of apoptosis and cellular senescence.
Recognition of a Novel Gene Signature for Human Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most common malignant and incurable brain tumors. The identification of a gene signature for GBM may be helpful for its diagnosis, treatment, prediction of prognosis and even the development of treatments. In this study, we used the GSE108474 database to perform GSEA and machine learning analysis, and identified a 33-gene signature of GBM by examining astrocytoma or non-GBM glioma differential gene expression. The 33 identified signature genes included the overexpressed genes COL6A2, ABCC3, COL8A1, FAM20A, ADM, CTHRC1, PDPN, IBSP, MIR210HG, GPX8, MYL9 and PDLIM4, as well as the underexpressed genes CHST9, CSDC2, ENHO, FERMT1, IGFN1, LINC00836, MGAT4C, SHANK2 and VIPR2. Protein functional analysis by CELLO2GO implied that these signature genes might be involved in regulating various aspects of biological function, including anatomical structure development, cell proliferation and adhesion, signaling transduction and many of the genes were annotated in response to stress. Of these 33 signature genes, 23 have previously been reported to be functionally correlated with GBM; the roles of the remaining 10 genes in glioma development remain unknown. Our results were the first to reveal that GBM exhibited the overexpressed GPX8 gene and underexpressed signature genes including CHST9, CSDC2, ENHO, FERMT1, IGFN1, LINC00836, MGAT4C and SHANK2, which might play crucial roles in the tumorigenesis of different gliomas.
Could Pontimonas Harbour Halophilic Members Able to Withstand Very Broad Salinity Variations?

Pontimonas is currently described as a genus including only one species of slightly halophilic marine bacteria. Although some works revealed its presence in some hypersaline environments, the information on its habitat preference is still scant. This work investigated Pontimonas presence in selected ponds of the Saline di Tarquinia marine saltern and in the seawater intake area. The two-year metabarcoding survey documented its constant presence along the ponds establishing the salinity gradient and in a distinct basin with permanent hypersaline conditions (BSB). Pontimonas was higher in the ponds than in the sea, whereas it had similar abundances in the sea and in the BSB. Its representative OTUs showed significant trends according to different parameters. Along the salinity gradient, OTU1 abundance increased with decreasing water temperatures and increasing rainfalls, and it showed a maximum in January; OTU2 increased with increasing BOD5 and it showed the highest abundances in the period August–October, and OTU 3194 increased at decreasing salinities. In BSB, a significant seasonal variation was shown by OTU 3194, which started increasing in spring to reach a maximum in summer. The results suggest that Pontimonas could easily settle in hypersaline habitats, having also broad euryhaline members and some possible extreme halophilic representatives.
Harmonic Mitigation in Utility Grid with Highly Unbalanced Non- linear Load Using Intelligent Controller: an Experimental Study

Study Abstract . The kind of grid-connected loads and the control strategy of harmonic mitigation system using active power filters (APF) play a very important role in terms of total harmonic distortion (THD) and their performances during dynamic operating conditions. Much research deals with these filtering systems only under nonlinear loads with THD values of the source current not exceeding 30%. However when much distorted loads like LED lighting is chosen, the used control strategy can work unsatisfactorily. In this contribution paper, the indirect current control method (ICC) was examined under an extreme case when involving a very high nonlinear load. For the current control, the hysteresis method is adopted which provides switching signals with a fast response and good accuracy. Without require any accurate mathematical model and based on a linguistic description, a fuzzy logic control scheme (FLC) is also developed for the DC-side capacitor voltage to enhance the undesirable dynamic performances obtained using a conventional proportional-integral controller (PI). Simulations outputs and experimental implementation using dSPACE hardware are done under Matlab/Simulink software. Obtained results demonstrate very good performances of the laboratory platform and the control system has been proved to be effective and in perfect compliance with the standard harmonic limits IEEE 519-1992 even when the load current is highly distorted characterized by a high THD more than 60% and an important amplitude
Exploring Cold Hardiness within a Butterfly Clade: Supercooling Ability and Polyol Profiles in European Satyrinae

Simple Summary In insects distributed in temperate and cold zones, cold hardiness during overwintering crucially affects the distribution, including range shifts due to climate change. Our previous work on the genus Erebia, a cold-adapted and species-rich group of the sub-family Satyrinae (Nymphalidae), disclosed unexpected diversity of cold hardiness strategies, with closely related species surviving or not surviving freezing of larval body fluids. Asking whether this diversity is peculiar to this genus, or may be common in the Satyrinae clade, we investigated supercooling ability, contents of sugars and polyols in overwintering larvae tissues, and evolutionary signal of these traits of eight European Satyrinae species (from seven genera) and compared them with the Erebia representatives investigated earlier. We show that cold hardiness strategies are indeed diverse in the group and that high mountain and continental steppe species employ similar cryoprotection mechanisms, differing from those employed by species of more mesic environments. Abstract The cold hardiness of overwintering stages affects the distribution of temperate and cold-zone insects. Studies on Erebia, a species-rich cold-zone butterfly genus, detected unexpected diversity of cold hardiness traits. We expanded our investigation to eight Satyrinae species of seven genera. We assessed Autumn and Winter supercooling points (SCPs) and concentrations of putatively cryoprotective sugars and polyols via gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Aphantopus hyperantus and Hipparchia semele survived freezing of body fluids; Coenonympha arcania, C. gardetta, and Melanargia galathea died prior to freezing; Maniola jurtina, Chazara briseis, and Minois dryas displayed a mixed response. SCP varied from −22 to −9 °C among species. Total sugar and polyol concentrations (TSPC) varied sixfold (2 to 12 μg × mg−1) and eightfold including the Erebia spp. results. SCP and TSPC did not correlate. Alpine Erebia spp. contained high trehalose, threitol, and erythritol; C. briseis and C. gardetta contained high ribitol and trehalose; lowland species contained high saccharose, maltose, fructose, and sorbitol. SCP, TSPC, and glycerol concentrations were affected by phylogeny. Species of mountains or steppes tend to be freeze-avoidant, overwinter as young larvae, and contain high concentrations of trehalose, while those of mesic environments tend to be freeze-tolerant, overwinter as later instars, and rely on compounds such as maltose, saccharose, and fructose.
Cell-Penetrating Peptides with Unexpected Anti-Amyloid Properties

Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) with sequences derived originally from a prion protein (PrP) have been shown to exhibit both anti-prion and anti-amyloid properties particularly against prion proteins and the amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide active in Alzheimer’s disease. These disease-modifying properties are so far observed in cell cultures and in vitro. The CPP sequences are composed of a hydrophobic signal sequence followed by a highly positively charged hexapeptide segment. The original signal sequence of the prion protein can be changed to the signal sequence of the NCAM1 protein without losing the anti-prion activity. Although the detailed molecular mechanisms of these CPP peptides are not fully understood, they do form amyloid aggregates by themselves, and molecular interactions between the CPPs and PrP/Aβ can be observed in vitro using various spectroscopic techniques. These initial intermolecular interactions appear to re-direct the aggregation pathways for prion/amyloid formation to less cell-toxic molecular structures (i.e., co-aggregates), which likely is why the disease-inducing PrP/Aβ aggregation is counteracted in vivo.
Distributed Computing for the Pierre Auger Observatory

Pierre Auger Observatory operates the largest system of detectors for ultra-high energy cosmic ray measurements. Comparison of theoretical models of interactions with recorded data requires thousands of computing cores for Monte Carlo simulations. Since 2007 distributed resources connected via EGI grid are successfully used. The first and the second versions of production system based on bash scripts and MySQL database were able to submit jobs to all reliable sites supporting Virtual Organization auger. For many years VO auger belongs to top ten of EGI users based on the total used computing time. Migration of the production system to DIRAC interware started in 2014. Pilot jobs improve efficiency of computing jobs and eliminate problems with small and less reliable sites used for the bulk production. The new system has also possibility to use available resources in clouds. Dirac File Catalog replaced LFC for new files, which are organized in datasets defined via metadata. CVMFS is used for software distribution since 2014. In the presentation we give a comparison of the old and the new production system and report the experience on migrating to the new system.
Bilateral C5 Palsy Following A Circumferential Surgery for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: A Case Report and Review

Background and Importance: The development of C5 root palsy is a well-known potential complication of cervical spine surgeries for the correction of cervical spondylotic myelopathy. It typically occurs unilaterally, but on extremely rare occasions, bilaterally. The value of intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring in detecting iatrogenic acute versus delayed onset C5 palsy, the rarity of bilateral C5 palsy, and its optimal management require further discussion. Case Presentation: A 49-year-old woman with quadriparesis due to cervical spondylotic myelopathy is presented. She underwent circumferential 360° cervical spine surgery. This operation was subsequently complicated by a delayed bilateral C5 palsy, despite normal transcranial motor evoked potentials (MEPs). With the utilization of conservative treatment, the complete resolution of this complication took roughly eight months. Conclusion: Bilateral C5 palsy is an infrequent consequence of multilevel cervical spine surgeries. Although intraoperative monitoring of transcranial electrical stimulation-induced MEPs has high sensitivity and specificity in foreseeing the acute-onset C5 palsy, it cannot predict delayed-onset palsy. Including the current case, only seven cases have been reported in the medical literature. Overall, conservative management in adherence to rigorous physical therapy may be an acceptable treatment.
Design of a 20W GaN MMIC Doherty Power Amplifier for the Frequency Range 4400MHz - 5000MHz

The Doherty Power Amplifier architecture is becoming increasingly popular for many RF producers because of its enhanced efficiency characteristics compared to traditional amplifier classes. One major constraint of practical Doherty designs is its limited bandwidth, which is due to its use of transmission lines. At the request of Kongsberg Aerospace, methods of implementing a 20W Doherty PA to cover the frequency range 4400 5000 MHz was explored. To achieve this, the theoretical frequency response of transmission lines and the Doherty system was deducted using Z-parameters, and lumped component equivalents of transmission lines is proposed. A practical Doherty PA using a Π-equivalent of the transmission line was implemented in CAD using CREE’s GaN MMIC technology. The main PA of the Doherty system was implemented as a class-B amplifier, and the auxiliary PA was implemented as a class-C amplifier. A practical method of finding passive MMIC components from ideal components using Z-parameters is given, and practical restrictions of MMIC design and general PA design is also explored. The method of using small-signal analysis to design the Doherty output network using Z-parameters with the Doherty equivalent circuit is also explored, with the aim of saving time and complexity. The finished Doherty design is given with results for the frequency band 4400 5000 MHz. The design was able to deliver above 18.9W RMS power across the frequency range, with a peak power of 20.3W at 4.7GHz. At saturation, the system delivers above 44% drain efficiency with a mean value of 50.6% across the frequency range. In 6dB backoff, the system delivers above 38% with a mean value of 42.2%. The system also has a power gain between 12.2dB and 13.3dB across the frequency band. A simple layout of the Doherty MMIC is given, using transmission lines as interconnects. The total area of the layout became 4.92mm2 with interconnects and 1.33mm2 without. Finally, the results are compared to other practical Doherty designs, and practical methods to improve the performance and frequency response further is given.
A hybrid machine learning-optimization approach to pricing and train formation problem under demand uncertainty

Due to the complexity of pricing in service industry, it is important to provide an efficient pricing framework for real-life and large-sized applications. To this end, we combined an optimization approach with a regression-based machine learning method to provide a reliable and efficient framework for integrated pricing and train formation problem under hybrid uncertainty. To do so, firstly, a regression-based machine learning model is applied to forecast the ticket price of the passenger railway and then, the obtained price in is used as the input of a train formation optimization model. Further, in order to deal with the hybrid uncertainty of demand parameter, a robust fuzzy stochastic programming model is proposed. Finally, a real transportation network from the Iran railway is applied to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed model. The analysis of numerical results indicated that the proposed framework is able to state the optimal price with less complexity in comparison to traditional models.
A CFD INVESTIGATION INTO MOLTEN METAL FLOW AND ITS SOLIDIFICATION UNDER GRAVITY SAND MOULDING IN PLUMBING COMPONENTS

: Metal casting using the solidification of molten metal flows involves complex heat transference during production. This can cause defects in the workpiece, affecting the efficiency of production. This research will use the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) technique to investigate the filling, solidification, and cooling stages of the production of a component for plumbing. The CFD program FLOW 3D CAST v5.03 tracked the leading edge of the molten metal liquid (based on the Volume of Fluid (VOF) method). A two-equation k–ɛ turbulence was adopted to provide a Reynold term, and it should be noted that the geometry of the molten liquid and the internal chamber is the same as in the actual production line. The simulation shows how different pouring temperatures affect the runner, and that the pouring temperature influenced the behavior of the molten metal flow, resulting in defects on the workpiece. Moreover, the runner and its number affected the liquid metal flow and affected the defect's location during the solidification period. Future work will verify the results between the simulation and experiments, and further investigate possible defect locations on the surface of the workpiece, which could be a critical criterion in further discussions.
Design and Development of an Assistive Exoskeleton for Independent Sit-Stand Transitions among the Elderly

1.5 million Senior citizens above the age of 65 in a population that numbers at approximately 43 million today, live under supervision, either at their own houses or at retirement homes across the United States. These people require assistance with at least one or more Activity of Daily Living (ADL) and in everyday life. The act of transferring is an important contributor to this measure of in-situ independence in mobility. Transferring in and out of chairs, toilets and beds requires the ability to perform sit-stand transitions, and thus the ability to perform this task independently assumes importance. Given the high annual cost for individual nursing supervision, the technology needs to be developed to make the elderly independent. This work presents the experimental evaluation of sit-stand transitions to quantify the kinematics and kinetics of the movement. An automated analysis framework is developed and is used to analyze the experimental data. Parameters thus obtained inform the design and manufacture of a passive assistive knee exoskeleton device. This device is evaluated using a computational model to describe its effect on the intended motion. A design for a Linear Quadratic Regulator based controller is then presented for an actuated system that supplements the user’s effort towards completion of a sit to stand task.