Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
THE CERIUM-BASED METHOD IS ADVANTAGEOUS IN COMBINATION OF PHOSPHATASE ENZYME CYTOCHEMISTRY WITH POST-EMBEDDING IMMUNOCYTOCHEMISTRY

In order to expand the possibility combining enzyme cytochemistry and immunocytochemistry, the post-embedding immunogold technique was applied to tissue sections stained by either the cerium-based or lead-based method for phosphatases. After enzyme cytochemical staining for alkaline phosphatase (ALPase) and acid phosphatase (ACPase), rat liver sections were dehydrated and embedded in the LR White without osmication. The ultrathin sections were labeled by post-embedding immunogold technique for anti-cathepsin D.Both the lead-based and cerium-based methods were sufficient to localize enzyme activities in the tissue before the immunoreaction. However, lead phosphate deposits, which were reaction products of phosphatases detected by the lead-based method, largely disappeared from the tissue embedded in LR White during the post-embedding immunoreaction. In contrast, cerium phosphate deposits, reaction products by the cerium-based method, were retained in the tissue even after the immunoreaction. Moreover, from the clear-cut difference in particle sizes, the cerium phosphate precipitates were readily distinguished from the immunogold particles within the same organelle. The preceding enzyme cytochemical procedures by the cerium-based method did not hinder the sensitivity and specificity of post-embedding immunogold labeling. These results indicate that the cerium-based method has the advantage of combining pre-embedding enzyme cytochemistry with post-embedding immunocytochemistry.
Oil Pipeline Weld Defect Identification System Based on Convolutional Neural Network

The automatic identification and classification of image-based weld defects is a difficult task due to the complex texture of the X-ray images of the weld defect. Several depth learning methods for automatically identifying welds were proposed and tested. In this work, four different depth convolutional neural networks were evaluated and compared on the 1631 image set. The concavity, undercut, bar defects, circular defects, unfused defects and incomplete penetration in the weld image 6 different types of defects are classified. Another contribution of this paper is to train a CNN model "RayNet" for the dataset from scratch. In the experiment part, the parameters of convolution operation are compared and analyzed, in which the experimental part performs a comparative analysis of various parameters in the convolution operation, compares the size of the input image, gives the classification results for each defect, and finally shows the partial feature map during feature extraction with the classification accuracy reaching 96.5%, which is 6.6% higher than the classification accuracy of other existing fine-tuned models, and even improves the classification accuracy compared with the traditional image processing methods, and also proves that the model trained from scratch also has a good performance on small-scale data sets. Our proposed method can assist the evaluators in classifying pipeline welding defects.
Combining Available Spatial Data to Define Restoration Goals

Defining the restoration target is the first step towards creating a vegetation community restoration plan and is critical for measuring success of a project. We propose a method of determining restoration goals which utilizes publicly available soils data from the Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) website. Ecological site data associated with each soil type provide the dominant vegetation types supported by a particular soil. These data can be used to create potential natural vegetation maps that can be used to guide restoration goals. We employed these methods on 2 barrier strandplain peninsulas in the Texas Coastal Bend—Lamar and Live Oak peninsulas, creating a map of grouped ecological sites. We then related the sites to a current land cover classification scheme by means of a crosswalk to allow for a comparison with current land cover, resulting in a simplification of the natural vegetation map. To address gaps in the vegetation information, we used digital elevation models and knowledge of existing zonation patterns in the vegetation to determine the potential natural vegetation at particular elevations. Two examples demonstrate the utility of this approach where soil and/or vegetation have been altered in a coastal environment. These methods offer a starting point for determining the natural vegetation assemblage and appropriate restoration target.
Impact of short‐term exposure to low subzero temperatures on egg hatch in the hemlock looper, Lambdina fiscellaria

The frequency of extreme events, such as cold spells, is expected to increase under global warming. Therefore, the ability of insects to survive rapid changes in temperature is an important aspect to investigate in current population ecology. The hemlock looper (HL), Lambdina fiscellaria (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae), a defoliator of boreal balsam fir forests in eastern Canada, overwinters at the egg stage on tree trunks and branches where eggs can be exposed to very low subzero air temperatures. Using eggs from the island of Newfoundland (NL) and Quebec mainland (QC), we undertook field and laboratory experiments to determine: (1) their supercooling point (SCP) in mid‐January and mid‐February; (2) overwintering mortality; (3) cold tolerance to various combinations of subzero temperatures (−25, −30, −33, −35, or −37 °C) and exposure durations (2, 4, 8, 12, or 16 h); and (4) potential causes of death at subzero temperatures above the SCP. Regardless of population or sampling date, eggs supercooled on average at −40.1 °C. In the field, 59% of eggs from either population that overwintered in Sainte‐Foy (QC) and Corner Brook (NL) hatched successfully, whereas none did in Armagh (QC) or Epaule (QC). In the laboratory, 50% of eggs survived after 4 h at −34.4 °C or after 14 h at −32.9 °C. In contrast, regardless of exposure duration, >50% of eggs hatched at temperatures ≥−33 °C, but <50% did so at ≤−35 °C, suggesting high pre‐freeze mortality. However, when eggs were attached to thermocouples and exposed to temperatures ranging from −25 to −37 °C for 16 h, 69% froze at temperatures of −35 to −37 °C, but only 2% did at −25 or −30 °C. Time to freeze decreased as subzero temperatures declined, and this was more evident in island eggs than in mainland eggs. Overall, eggs can freeze after a brief exposure to subzero temperatures higher than the standard SCP, and are thus highly vulnerable to cold spells.
ROAD-CLIMATE ZONING FOR WATER-THERMAL MODE REGULATION IN TRANSPORT STRUCTURES

The article considers the problems of road-climatic zoning of the territory of Ukraine. The shortcomings of the existing system and the need to update and improve it were justified. The purpose of work was formed and realized taking into account modern approaches to meteorological data processing and segmentation methods. The study is based on long-term observations of weather conditions throughout the country. Using the moisture-thermal regime calculation and analytical system, the collected static meteorological information was processed and tables of the initial data for further analytical processing were obtained. The paper describes the methodology of cluster analysis using as the main tool for the typification of territories and the allocation of morphologically homogeneous humid areas. The result of the work was the elaboration of a road and climatic zoning map under the wetting conditions of the road subgrade working layer. KEYWORDS
Detection of $Bacillus$ $cereus$ Group from Raw Rice and Characteristics of Biofilm Formation

Abstract Bacillus cereus is widely distributed on various foods and is known to cause clinical infections, food poisoning toxin induced diarrhea and vomiting. In this study, B. cereus group detected and analyzed rice, rice bran, and biofilm characterization of B. cereus confirmed. B. cereus was identified in approximately 34.6% of brown rice and 50.0% of rice bran. B. thuringiensis was detected in 3.9% of brown rice and 23% of rice bran, and B. mycoides was isolated from rice bran. The microtiter plate assay detected differences in biofilm-forming ability among B. cereus group isolates. Biofilm of B. cereus seemed to increase the MIC values of antimicrobial agent and antibiotic compounds compared with planktonic cells. Therefore, sufficient attention should be given to good manufacturing practice and good agriculture practice to avoid contamination of B. cereus group raw material including rice. Key words: Bacillus cereus group, rice, biofilm formation, antimicrobial agents † Corresponding author: Jong-Hyun Park, Dept. of Food Science and Biotechnology, Kyungwon University, Seongnam 461-701, Korea. Tel: +82- 31-750-5523, Fax: +82-31-750-5273, E-mail: p5062@kyungwon.ac. kr
What Drives Ambition? Personality, Self-Perceived Leadership Potential, and the “Desire to Be Your Own Boss”

This study focuses on the correlates of an individual’s rating of their leadership potential. 1194 adults completed a six-factor High Potential work-related questionnaire and they also self-rated their leadership potential as well as their actual desire to become their own boss. Neither age nor sex was related to the two dependent variables, but nearly all the traits were. Stepwise regressions showed Competitiveness, Risk Approach and Conscientiousness were particularly related to self-related leadership potential. Three traits, namely Competitiveness, Risk Approach and Curiosity were related to the desire to become their own boss which accounted for 16% of the variance. SEM showed Conscientiousness, Curiosity, Risk Approach, Ambiguity Acceptance, and Competitiveness were significant positive predictors of self-rated Leadership Potential (R2 = .33). Similarly, Curiosity, Risk Approach, Competitiveness, and Leadership Potential were significant positive predictors of participants’ desire to be their own boss, whilst Adjustment was a negative predictor. Implications and limitations are acknowledged.
Simulation of Cotton Stalks for Syngas Generation Using CO2 and Air as Gasifying Agents

Gasification of coal and biomass using CO2 and air mixture as a carrier gas offers an encouraging way to eliminate the shortage of energy and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. In the present study, the EulerianLagrangian approach was applied to understand the thermochemical conversion behavior of feedstock in entrained flow gasifier. Commercial CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) code ANSYS FLUENT®14 was used for the simulation purpose. It was observed that with variation in the CO2 in the air and the CO2 to cotton stalk ratio had a meaningful effect on gasification performance. The different ratios of air and CO2 in varying percentages such as 20% CO2, 30% CO2, 40% CO2, 50% CO2, 60% CO2, 70% CO2 and remaining percentages of air were introduced in entrained flow gasifier. With the increase in CO2 to cotton stalk ratio, the concentration of H2 and CO2 decreased whereas as the concentration of CO improved. It is revealed that mole fraction of CO and CH4 attained maximum when CO2% in the air was 50% and H2 mole fraction was observed maximum at a CO2% in the air was 30%. At 50% CO2 mixture in air, the maximum lower heating value and cold gas efficiency were observed. Therefore, the optimum situation might be 50% percentage CO2 in the gasifying agent for this entrained flow gasifier. Hence an increase in CO and H2, the cold gas efficiency and lower heating value reached the maximum. However, this study provides an appropriate route for energy production using cotton stalks as raw material and will help in designing and operation of the entrained flow reactor. The simulations indicate the thermodynamic limits of gasification and allow for the formulation of the general principles ruling this process. Moreover, no literature is available for the parametric investigations of Pakistani biomass gasification using entrained-flow gasifier. So this is a novel work for Pakistan and will be treated as foundation work for biomass gasification in the country.
The Effect of Add-on Garcinia mangostana L. Extract on Endothelial Dysfunction in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Subjects with High Risk Framingham Score: A Cohort Study

Background : Garcinia mangostana L. has been extensively used for years as antioxidant and anti-inflammation. However, its role in the context of endothelial disease was lacking. Objectives : To assess the effect of add-on G. mangostana L. extracts on endothelial dysfunction in type 2 diabetes subjects with high-risk Framingham score, compared to placebo. Methods : This was a prospective cohort study conducted in type 2 diabetes subjects with high-risk Framingham score. Subjects were randomized into two groups. The first group received 2,520 mg/day of G. mangostana L. extract. The second group was given a placebo for 90 days. The outcome measure of our study was the levels of endothelial progenitor cell (EPC), circulating endothelial cell (CEC), nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-6, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), malondialdehyde (MDA), Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and fasting blood glucose. Multiple linear regression was used to determine the correlation and effect estimate. Results: A total of 49 patients were included in our study. Of those, elevated levels of EPC and SOD were observed in treatment group compared to placebo. On the other hand, the level of CEC, IL-1, Il-6, NO, MDA, TNF-α, fasting blood glucose and HbA1c was found significantly lower than placebo. Conclusion: Garcinia mangostana L. extract is associated with an increased levels of EPC and SOD, and it is also correlated with a decreased levels of CEC, IL-1, Il-6, NO, MDA, TNF-α, fasting blood glucose and HbA1c.
Traumatic appendicitis: Is it a fairy tale? A literature review

Acute appendicitis is the most common surgical condition in patients presenting to emergency departments worldwide. It was only in the early 1930s that the relationship between blunt trauma and acute appendicitis was reported. Searches on the terms “traumatic appendicitis” and “appendicitis post blunt trauma” in PubMed, Google, and Medline yielded 23 full-text articles about traumatic appendicitis. The articles reported on acute post-traumatic appendicitis. Nevertheless, the relationship between acute appendicitis and trauma is still controversial. A few theories have attempted to explain the relationship; however, a definitive cause has not yet been identified. A patient presenting with right iliac fossa or diffuse abdominal pain after a traumatic event should be investigated, and acute appendicitis should be included in a differential diagnosis.
Contribution to the production and use of biomass-derived solvents – a review

In this review key processes for the synthesis of greener or more sustainable solvents derived from renewable sources (saccharides, lignocellulose and triglycerides) are discussed. It is shown that a series of platform chemicals such as glycerol, levulinic acid and furans can be converted into a variety of solvents through catalytic transformations that include hydrolysis, esterification, reduction and etherification reactions. It was also considered several aspects of each class of solvent regarding performance within the context of the reactions or extractions for which it is employed.
Working (From Home) During a Crisis: Online Social Contributions by Workers During the Coronavirus Shock

Prior research has documented that during mortality-related crises workers face psychic costs and are motivated to make social contributions. In addition, management practices that encourage workers to make social contributions during a crisis create value for firms. However, the coronavirus crisis of 2020 is unprecedented given conditions of social distancing. It raises the question of whether workers who continued to work (albeit from home) during this crisis were constrained in their ability to make social contributions and exhibited disproportionately greater psychic costs compared to workers who could not work from home. We exploit this shock to estimate differences in content contributions to an online community by workers who work from home (WFH) relative to workers who cannot work from home (CWFH). Online content contributions are especially pertinent in our context because social distancing constrained traditional forms of social contributions such as physical volunteering. Using data from a popular question-and-answer platform, we estimate a difference-in-differences specification and report nuanced results: while WFH workers made 19% fewer online contributions on average and contribute less to topics such as ‘family’, they make 148% more contributions on topics related to ‘WFH best practices. ’ Using natural language processing tools, we also find that WFH workers exhibited greater psychic costs than CWFH workers. We provide evidence for a plausible mechanism, i.e. time allocation, and show that WFH workers attempted to catch up on social contributions at the end of their workday, suggesting time constraints. Our research contributes to literatures on managing workers during a crisis, WFH and online communities, and have several immediate implications for managing WFH and CWFH workers during the coronavirus crisis.
Quality characteristics of cured ham produced from Landrace and Duroc pigs fed restricted energy diets with and without $\alpha$-tocopheryl acetate or green tea catechins

T he effects of compensatory growth diets with and without antioxidant (α-tocopheryl acetate (α-TA) or green tea catechin (GTC)) inclusion on the quality characteristics of cured hams were examined. Compensatory growth diets combined periods of restricted dietary energy intake (incorporating grassmeal as a source of low metabolisable energy) followed by periods of high en- ergy intake. Landrace or Duroc pigs (n = 72) were allocated to one of six experimental diets from 21 days post-weaning to 105 kg live weight. Dietary treatment did not influence any of the ham char- acteristics examined (ham weight, cook loss, lipid oxidation or CIE colour values). Lipid oxidation, determined as 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS values), and CIE colour (L*, a* and b*) values remained stable throughout refrigerated storage. Brine solution additives may have contributed to oxidative stability and masked any dietary effects. In contrast, breed significantly affected ham quality. Lipid oxidation was lower in hams from Duroc pigs. Redness (a* values) was more intense in Landrace hams than equivalent Duroc samples. No differences were observed between breeds for CIE L* and b* values or percentage cook loss. The quality characteristics of cured hams were influenced to a greater extent by breed than by dietary intervention through com- pensatory growth. Inclusion of α-TA or GTC did not affect the quality or storage stability of cured hams.
Abomasal nematodes from three Norwegian wild reindeer populations

Three separate populations of wild reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus L.) in Norway were examined for the presence of abomasal nematodes. The following six species were recorded: Ostertagia gruhneri, Skrjabinagia arctica, Trichostrongylus axei, Teladorsagia circumcincta, Teladorsagia davtiani, and Nematodirus tarandi. Ostertagia gruhneri dominated both in prevalence and intensity of infection. Teladorsagia davtiani occurred in only one of the populations investigated, and N. tarandi was found in calves only. Reindeer and sheep grazed the same areas, but no evidence of transfer of parasites from sheep to reindeer was found. All 72 adult reindeer and 10 calves examined during February–April harboured adult abomasal nematodes. The mean intensity of abomasal nematodes was highest in the population with the highest density of reindeer. Reindeer from this population were in poor physical condition. The influence of abomasal nematodes on life-history parameters of the host population is discussed.
Possible Involvement of Small Oligomers of Amyloid-β Peptides in 15-Deoxy-Δ12,14 Prostaglandin J2-Sensitive Microglial Activation

Abstract In Alzheimer’s disease, fibrillar amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides form senile plaques associated with microglia. However, the relationship between Aβ peptides and microglia is not fully understood. In this study, the incubation of Aβ1-40 (Aβ40) produced small oligomers, while incubation with Aβ1-42 (Aβ42) caused large molecular aggregates. Microglial production of nitrite, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-a was induced by Aβ40, but not Aβ42. This production was significantly reduced by 15-deoxy-Δ 12,14 prostaglandin J 2 , and it was completely suppressed by β-sheet breaker peptide, Leu-Pro-Phe-Phe-Asp. These results suggest that small oligomers, rather than large molecular aggregates, mediate microglial activation induced by Aβ peptides.
DIFFERENTIAL GROWTH AND BODY COMPOSITION IN ALTRICIAL PASSERINES

SUMMARY The differential development of various body organs and of fat, water, and other constituents was studied in three species with altricial nestlings—Blue Tit, House Martin and House Sparrow. In all species resources available at each stage of the nestling period were allocated to those components of most use to the nestlings at the time, although due regard was paid to future needs. Components associated with the ingestion and assimilation of food, such as the mouth, gizzard, intestine and liver, developed early in the nestling period whilst locomotory components, such as wings and pectoral muscles, developed late. Similarly, body plumage needed for insulation developed ahead of the locomotory remiges and rectrices, but only after much of the nestlings' growth in size had been completed. The water index (water content/lean dry weight) provided a consistent index of tissue and nestling maturity amongst young of different nutritional status. This index was very similar for all three species when age was expressed as a fraction of the nestling period. Both absolute fat content and the fat index (fat content/lean dry weight) increased with age. The adaptive value of these trends and of interspecific differences in fat index is discussed. The results are seen as consistent with both the physiological bottleneck models of avian growth rates. It is suggested that the growth patterns of birds may be dominated more by ecological considerations affecting all aspects of the development mode than by internal physiological constraints affecting growth rates alone.
FutureForest: Promoting Biodiversity Literacy by Implementing Citizen Science in the Classroom

Abstract The terms Anthropocene and Homogenocene are frequently used to describe our current epoch, which is characterized by strong human impacts on the environment. One defining feature of the Anthro- or Homogenocene is biodiversity loss – experts say we are heading for Earth's sixth mass extinction. A crucial weapon in the battle against threats to biodiversity is education, particularly biodiversity literacy. Raising awareness of the social and environmental value of biodiversity, providing education on the concept of biodiversity, and promoting the ability to act may lead to active and responsible citizenship. We developed a biodiversity education teaching unit to promote biodiversity literacy through formal education. To make the topic of biodiversity tangible for students, our approach involves them in a citizen science project and uses the forest ecosystem to illustrate the relations between economic, ecological, and social aspects of biodiversity.