Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Low-Cost On-Street Parking Management System Based on Bluetooth Beacons †

In recent years, many city governments around the world have begun to use information and communication technology to increase the management efficiency of on-street parking. Among various experimental smart parking projects, deployment of wireless magnetic sensors and smart parking meters are quite common. However, using wireless magnetic sensors can only detect the occupancy of parking spaces without the knowledge of who are currently using these parking spaces; human labor is still needed to issue the parking bills. In contrast, smart parking meters based on image recognition can detect the occupancy of parking spaces along with the license plate numbers, but the cost of deploying smart parking meters is relatively high. In this research, we investigate the feasibility of building an on-street parking management system mainly based on low-cost Bluetooth beacons. Specifically, beacon transmitters are installed in the vehicles, and beacon receivers are deployed along the roadside parking spaces. By processing the received beacon signals using Kalman filter, our system can detect the occupancy of parking spaces as well as the identification of the vehicles. Although distance estimation using the received signal strength is not accurate, our experiments show that it suffices for correct detection of parking occupancy.
Chronic Kidney Disease as Oxidative Stress- and Inflammatory-Mediated Cardiovascular Disease

Generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) is necessary for both physiology and pathology. An imbalance between endogenous oxidants and antioxidants causes oxidative stress, contributing to vascular dysfunction. The ROS-induced activation of transcription factors and proinflammatory genes increases inflammation. This phenomenon is of crucial importance in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), because atherosclerosis is one of the critical factors of their cardiovascular disease (CVD) and increased mortality. The effect of ROS disrupts the excretory function of each section of the nephron. It prevents the maintenance of intra-systemic homeostasis and leads to the accumulation of metabolic products. Renal regulatory mechanisms, such as tubular glomerular feedback, myogenic reflex in the supplying arteriole, and the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system, are also affected. It makes it impossible for the kidney to compensate for water–electrolyte and acid–base disturbances, which progress further in the mechanism of positive feedback, leading to a further intensification of oxidative stress. As a result, the progression of CKD is observed, with a spectrum of complications such as malnutrition, calcium phosphate abnormalities, atherosclerosis, and anemia. This review aimed to show the role of oxidative stress and inflammation in renal impairment, with a particular emphasis on its influence on the most common disturbances that accompany CKD.
Effects of parentage and competitor phenology on the growth of larval Hyla chrysoscelis

Larvae of four sibships (a 2 x 2 factorial cross) of Hyla chrysoscelis were raised in three competition regimens. These were competitors (larval Rana catesbeiana) absent, competitors introduced simultaneously with Hyla, and competitors introduced 11 d after Hyla. Hyla body mass at day 41 of growth was influenced by level of competition, timing of competitor introduction, and effects of male and female parent. Rana introduced simultaneously with Hyla reduced Hyla mass at day 41 more than did Rana introduced 11 d later. Female parentage affected body mass at day 41 additively. The effects of male parentage depended on the timing of competitor introduction: when Rana were introduced simultaneously with Hyla, offspring of male 2 were larger at day 41 than offspring of male 1. When Rana were introduced 11 d after Hyla, offspring of male 1 were larger at day 41 than offspring of male 2. This interaction between the effects of male parentage and timing of competitor introduction suggests that some genotypes may exhibit tradeoffs between maximum growth rate and competitive ability, and that phenological variation may lead to selection among genotypes in the natural population.
Synthesis and Technology of Nanoemulsion-Based Pesticide Formulation

Declines in crop yield due to pests and diseases require the development of safe, green and eco-friendly pesticide formulations. A major problem faced by the agricultural industry is the use of conventional agrochemicals that contribute broad-spectrum effects towards the environment and organisms. As a result of this issue, researchers are currently developing various pesticide formulations using different nanotechnology approaches. The progress and opportunities in developing nanoemulsions as carriers for plant protection or nanodelivery systems for agrochemicals in agricultural practice have been the subject of intense research. New unique chemical and biologic properties have resulted in a promising pesticide nanoformulations for crop protection. These innovations—particularly the nanoemulsion-based agrochemicals—are capable of enhancing the solubility of active ingredients, improving agrochemical bioavailability, and improving stability and wettability properties during the application, thus resulting in better efficacy for pest control and treatment. All of these—together with various preparation methods towards a greener and environmentally friendly agrochemicals—are also discussed and summarized in this review.
Over-Winter Survival and Nest Site Selection of the West-European Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) in Arable Dominated Landscapes

Simple Summary Hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) have declined markedly in the UK in recent decades. One key stage that could affect their population dynamics is the annual winter hibernation period. Therefore, we studied two contrasting populations in England to examine patterns of winter nest use, body mass changes and survival during hibernation. On average, animals at both sites weighed the same prior to, and used the same number of nests, during hibernation. There was a marked difference in survival rates between the two sites, but no animals died during hibernation; all deaths occurred prior to or after the hibernation period, mainly from predation or vehicle collisions. Hedgehogs consistently nested in proximity to some habitats (hedgerows, roads, woodlands) but avoided others (pasture fields); the use of other habitats (arable fields, amenity grassland, buildings) varied between the two sites. These data suggest: (i) that hibernation was not a period of significant mortality at either site for individuals that had attained a sufficient weight (>600 g) in autumn; but that (ii) habitat composition did significantly affect the positioning of winter nests, such that different land management practices (historic and current) could influence hibernation success. Abstract The West-European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) has declined markedly in the UK. The winter hibernation period may make hedgehogs vulnerable to anthropogenic habitat and climate changes. Therefore, we studied two contrasting populations in England to examine patterns of winter nest use, body mass changes and survival during hibernation. No between-site differences were evident in body mass prior to hibernation nor the number of winter nests used, but significant differences in overwinter mass change and survival were observed. Mass change did not, however, affect survival rates; all deaths occurred prior to or after the hibernation period, mainly from predation or vehicle collisions. Hedgehogs consistently nested in proximity to hedgerows, roads and woodlands, but avoided pasture fields; differences between sites were evident for the selection for or avoidance of arable fields, amenity grassland and buildings. Collectively, these data indicate that hibernation was not a period of significant mortality for individuals that had attained sufficient weight (>600 g) pre-hibernation. Conversely, habitat composition did significantly affect the positioning of winter nests, such that different land management practices (historic and current) might potentially influence hibernation success. The limitations of this study and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Comparative Metabolomics Profiling of Polyphenols, Nutrients and Antioxidant Activities of Two Red Onion (Allium cepa L.) Cultivars

Onion is among the most widely cultivated and consumed economic crops. Onions are an excellent dietary source of polyphenols and nutrients. However, onions phytonutrient compositions vary with cultivars and growing locations. Therefore, the present study involved the evaluation of polyphenol, nutritional composition (proteins, nitrogen, and minerals), sugars, pyruvate, antioxidant, and α-amylase inhibition activities of red onion cultivars, sweet Italian, and honeysuckle grown in California and Texas, respectively. The total flavonoid for honeysuckle and sweet Italian was 449 and 345 μg/g FW, respectively. The total anthocyanin for honeysuckle onion was 103 μg/g FW, while for sweet Italian onion was 86 μg/g FW. Cyanidin-3-(6”-malonoylglucoside) and cyanidin-3-(6”-malonoyl-laminaribioside) were the major components in both the cultivars. The pungency of red onions in honeysuckle ranged between 4.9 and 7.9 μmoL/mL, whereas in sweet Italian onion ranged from 8.3 to 10 μmoL/mL. The principal component analysis was applied to determine the most important variables that separate the cultivars of red onion. Overall results indicated that total flavonoids, total phenolic content, total anthocyanins, protein, and calories for honeysuckle onions were higher than the sweet Italian onions. These results could provide information about high quality and adding value to functional food due to the phytochemicals and nutritional composition of red onions.
In Vitro Responses of Plant Growth Factors on Growth, Yield, Phenolics Content and Antioxidant Activities of Clinacanthus nutans (Sabah Snake Grass)

Clinacanthus nutans, commonly known as Sabah snake grass, is one of the more important medicinal plants in Malaysia’s herbal industry. C. nutans has gained the attention of medical practitioners due to its wide range of bioactive compounds responsible for various biological activities, such as anti-cancer, anti-venom and anti-viral activities. Due to its high pharmacological properties, the species has been overexploited to meet the demands of the pharmaceutical industry. The present study was conducted to establish a suitable in vitro culture procedure for the mass propagation of C. nutans. Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium, supplemented with different types of cytokinins, auxins, basal medium strength and sucrose concentrations, were tested. Based on the results, a full-strength MS basal medium supplemented with 12 µM 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 30 g/L sucrose was recorded as the best outcome for all the parameters measured including the regeneration percentage, number of shoots, length of shoots, number of leaves and fresh weight of leaves. In the analysis of the phenolics content and antioxidant activities, tissue-cultured leaf extracts assayed at 100 °C exhibited the highest phenolic content and antioxidant activities. The propagation of C. nutans via a plant tissue culture technique was recorded to be able to produce high phenolic contents as well as exhibit high antioxidant activities.
Y44A Mutation in the Acidic Domain of HIV-2 Tat Impairs Viral Reverse Transcription and LTR-Transactivation

HIV transactivator protein (Tat) plays a pivotal role in viral replication through modulation of cellular transcription factors and transactivation of viral genomic transcription. The effect of HIV-1 Tat on reverse transcription has long been described in the literature, however, that of HIV-2 is understudied. Sequence homology between Tat proteins of HIV-1 and 2 is estimated to be less than 30%, and the main difference lies within their N-terminal region. Here, we describe Y44A-inactivating mutation of HIV-2 Tat, studying its effect on capsid production, reverse transcription, and the efficiency of proviral transcription. Investigation of the mutation was performed using sequence- and structure-based in silico analysis and in vitro experiments. Our results indicate that the Y44A mutant HIV-2 Tat inhibited the activity and expression of RT (reverse transcriptase), in addition to diminishing Tat-dependent LTR (long terminal repeat) transactivation. These findings highlight the functional importance of the acidic domain of HIV-2 Tat in the regulation of reverse transcription and transactivation of the integrated provirions.
Proteomics-Based Methodologies for the Detection and Quantification of Seafood Allergens

Seafood is considered one of the main food allergen sources by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). It comprises several distinct groups of edible aquatic animals, including fish and shellfish, such as crustacean and mollusks. Recently, the EFSA recognized the high risk of food allergy over the world and established the necessity of developing new methodologies for its control. Consequently, accurate, sensitive, and fast detection methods for seafood allergy control and detection in food products are highly recommended. In this work, we present a comprehensive review of the applications of the proteomics methodologies for the detection and quantification of seafood allergens. For this purpose, two consecutive proteomics strategies (discovery and targeted proteomics) that are applied to the study and control of seafood allergies are reviewed in detail. In addition, future directions and new perspectives are also provided.
Resilience of Aspergillus westerdijkiae Strains to Interacting Climate-Related Abiotic Factors: Effects on Growth and Ochratoxin A Production on Coffee-Based Medium and in Stored Coffee

We examined the resilience of strains of Aspergillus westerdijkiae in terms of growth and ochratoxin A (OTA) production in relation to: (a) two-way interacting climate-related abiotic factors of water activity (aw, 0.99–0.90) × temperature (25–37 °C) on green coffee and roasted coffee-based media; (b) three-way climate-related abiotic factors (temperature, 30 vs. 35 °C; water stress, 0.98–0.90 aw; CO2, 400 vs. 1000 ppm) on growth and OTA production on a 6% green coffee extract-based matrix; and (c) the effect of three-way climate-related abiotic factors on OTA production in stored green coffee beans. Four strains of A. westerdijkiae grew equally well on green or roasted coffee-based media with optimum 0.98 aw and 25–30 °C. Growth was significantly slower on roasted than green coffee-based media at 35 °C, regardless of aw level. Interestingly, on green coffee-based media OTA production was optimum at 0.98–0.95 aw and 30 °C. However, on roasted coffee-based media very little OTA was produced. Three-way climate-related abiotic factors were examined on two of these strains. These interacting factors significantly reduced growth of the A. westerdijkiae strains, especially at 35 °C × 1000 ppm CO2 and all aw levels when compared to 30 °C. At 35 °C × 1000 ppm CO2 there was some stimulation of OTA production by the two A. westerdijkiae strains, especially under water stress. In stored green coffee beans optimum OTA was produced at 0.95–0.97 aw/30 °C. In elevated CO2 and 35 °C, OTA production was stimulated at 0.95–0.90 aw.
TẠP CHÍ KHOA HỌC ĐHSP TPHCM

Collembola communities in Can Tho city were investigated on species composition, distribution and biodiversity in 27 sampling stations. The study recorded 60 species belonging to 34 genera under 12 families. They were characterized by high dominance index and occurrence constancy index. The findings also showed Collembola differently distributed according to natural habitats and seasons. These results indicated Collembola communities are useful soil fauna for bioindicator, soil quality and environmental monitoring.
Covalent Immobilization of Polypeptides on Polylactic Acid (PLA) Films and Their Application to Beef Preservation.

In order to enhance the advantage of long-term stability and low toxicity active packaging system, this study was to develop two biodegradable covalent immobilized antibacterial packaging films and apply them to beef preservation. The surface of PLA film was modified with plasma treatment to generate carboxylic acid groups, and then antibacterial agent nisin or ε-Poly-lysine (ε-PL) was covalently attached to the modified film surface. Physical, chemical and antimicrobial properties of films were then characterized. FTIR spectra, SEM images and water contact angle confirmed that nisin or ε-PL was successfully grafted onto the film surface. Microbial analysis indicated that the grafted films effectively inhibit the growth of bacteria. Finally, the effects of nisin-g-PLA film or ε-PL-g-PLA film on physicochemical changes and microbiological counts of beef during cold storage at 4℃ were investigated. The results showed that covalent immobilized antibacterial packaging films had positive impacts on beef shelf life and quality. Therefore, covalent immobilized antibacterial packaging system could be a novel preservative method for foods.
Characterization of vB_StuS_MMDA13, a Newly Discovered Bacteriophage Infecting the Agar-Degrading Species Sphingomonas turrisvirgatae

Members of Sphingomonas genus have gained a notable interest for their use in a wide range of biotechnological applications, ranging from bioremediation to the production of valuable compounds of industrial interest. To date, knowledge on phages targeting Sphingomonas spp. are still scarce. Here, we describe and characterize a lytic bacteriophage, named vB_StuS_MMDA13, able to infect the Sphingomonas turrisvirgatae MCT13 type strain. Physiological characterization demonstrated that vB_StuS_MMDA13 has a narrow host range, a long latency period, a low burst size, and it is overall stable to both temperature and pH variations. The phage has a double-stranded DNA genome of 63,743 bp, with 89 open reading frames arranged in two opposite arms separated by a 1186 bp non-coding region and shows a very low global similarity to any other known phages. Interestingly, vB_StuS_MMDA13 is endowed with an original nucleotide modification biosynthetic gene cluster, which greatly differs from those of its most closely related phages of the Nipunavirus genus. vB_StuS_MMDA13 is the first characterized lytic bacteriophage of the Siphoviridae family infecting members of the Sphingomonas genus.
Exposure of Human Skin Organoids to Low Genotoxic Stress Can Promote Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Regenerating Keratinocyte Precursor Cells

For the general population, medical diagnosis is a major cause of exposure to low genotoxic stress, as various imaging techniques deliver low doses of ionizing radiation. Our study investigated the consequences of low genotoxic stress on a keratinocyte precursor fraction that includes stem and progenitor cells, which are at risk for carcinoma development. Human skin organoids were bioengineered according to a clinically-relevant model, exposed to a single 50 mGy dose of γ rays, and then xeno-transplanted in nude mice to follow full epidermis generation in an in vivo context. Twenty days post-xenografting, mature skin grafts were sampled and analyzed by semi-quantitative immuno-histochemical methods. Pre-transplantation exposure to 50 mGy of immature human skin organoids did not compromise engraftment, but half of xenografts generated from irradiated precursors exhibited areas displaying focal dysplasia, originating from the basal layer of the epidermis. Characteristics of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were documented in these dysplastic areas, including loss of basal cell polarity and cohesiveness, epithelial marker decreases, ectopic expression of the mesenchymal marker α-SMA and expression of the EMT promoter ZEB1. Taken together, these data show that a very low level of radiative stress in regenerating keratinocyte stem and precursor cells can induce a micro-environment that may constitute a favorable context for long-term carcinogenesis.
FODMAP Intake in Spanish Population: Open Approach for Risk Assessment

Fermentable oligo-, di- and monosaccharides and polyols’ (FODMAP) were related with intestinal complications. The present study aimed to determine the FODMAP consumption of Spanish children, adolescents and adults, analyzing the real FODMAP risk of foods, and to set an open methodology for the measurement of this intake in other regions as well as nutrient intake assurance. Total fructan analysis was performed analytically in eighty-seven food samples. Daily intake of FODMAPs, fiber and micronutrients was calculated by combining the food composition for selected fermentable carbohydrates with the national food consumption stratified by age in an open software. Spanish child and adolescent total FODMAP consumption was settled as 33.4 ± 92.4 and 27.3 ± 69.0 g/day, respectively. Both intakes were higher than that of the adult population (21.4 ± 56.7 g/day). The most important food sources of lactose, excess of fructose and total fructan, considering their content and dietary intake were different between age groups. The contribution of these foods to dietary calcium and fiber and the consequent risk of deficiency if they are withdrawn was highlighted. We demonstrated the relevance of stratifying the total FODMAP intake by age. An open approach for FODMAP intake quantification and nutrient control was provided.
Physioxia Expanded Bone Marrow Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Have Improved Cartilage Repair in an Early Osteoarthritic Focal Defect Model

Focal early osteoarthritis (OA) or degenerative lesions account for 60% of treated cartilage defects each year. The current cell-based regenerative treatments have an increased failure rate for treating degenerative lesions compared to traumatic defects. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are an alternative cell source for treating early OA defects, due to their greater chondrogenic potential, compared to early OA chondrocytes. Low oxygen tension or physioxia has been shown to enhance MSC chondrogenic matrix content and could improve functional outcomes of regenerative therapies. The present investigation sought to develop a focal early OA animal model to evaluate cartilage regeneration and hypothesized that physioxic MSCs improve in vivo cartilage repair in both, post-trauma and focal early OA defects. Using a rabbit model, a focal defect was created, that developed signs of focal early OA after six weeks. MSCs cultured under physioxia had significantly enhanced in vitro MSC chondrogenic GAG content under hyperoxia with or without the presence of interleukin-1β (IL-1β). In both post-traumatic and focal early OA defect models, physioxic MSC treatment demonstrated a significant improvement in cartilage repair score, compared to hyperoxic MSCs and respective control defects. Future investigations will seek to understand whether these results are replicated in large animal models and the underlying mechanisms involved in in vivo cartilage regeneration.