Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Investigation of variable storage conditions for cultivated northern wild rice and their effects on seed viability and dormancy

Abstract Cultivated northern wild rice (NWR; Zizania palustris L.) has been bred and studied since the 1950s. One challenge facing researchers is the lack of storage options, due to the seed's unorthodox behaviour. This study evaluated varying storage temperature and moisture conditions for the maintenance of seed viability and dormancy breaking in Minnesota-grown NWR. First, seeds were placed in non-submerged, freezing storage (NSFS) for 12–26 weeks, then in submerged, cold storage (SCS) for 2 weeks. The addition of SCS increased germination (%G) relative to NSFS alone (<0.1% NSFS, 15% NSFS and SCS), indicating that NSFS does not kill seeds but also does not break seed dormancy. Next, the required length of SCS was evaluated by placing seeds in NSFS for 12 weeks and then in SCS for 2–14 weeks. A longer SCS period increased %G from 3 to 79%, at 2 and 14 weeks of SCS, respectively. Lastly, seeds were placed in NSFS, followed by SCS, at varying intervals over a 29-week period. Across lines, germination increased from 20 to 76% between 4 and 7 weeks of SCS, respectively, then plateaued. The results of this study indicate that NSFS could be used to store NWR seeds, but at least 7 weeks in SCS is required to overcome dormancy. Additionally, while NSFS did not break seed dormancy, physiological changes related to stratification processes were occurring in non-submerged, freezing conditions. Results also suggest that the genotypic variation in NWR could be utilized for selection to improve germination and storage viability.
Does FDI Aﬀect Productivity and Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa?

ABSTRACT This study investigates the direct and indirect effects of foreign direct investment (FDI) on economic growth and total factor productivity (TFP) using data for 25 countries in sub-Saharan Africa during the period 1980–2014. The main findings reveal that the direct effect of FDI on both economic growth and TFP is largely negative. Furthermore, the results suggest that the influence of financial development and human capital accumulation on the effect of FDI is negligible. The paper proposes policy considerations to facilitate the potential role of financial access and human capital in exerting a positive impact of FDI on growth.
New information flows for cancer registries: testing the use of laboratory data in the province of Reggio Emilia, Italy

Introduction Haematological malignancies often escape the standard information flows of cancer registries because diagnosis is not always based on bone marrow histology but, rather, on other laboratory tests. Objective To quantify incident haematological malignancies identified exclusively through the laboratory information system and to measure the impact of that source on the sensitivity and accuracy of registering these malignancies. Methods We collected data from the only provincial laboratory of Reggio Emilia on molecular biology, flow cytometry tests and bone marrow smears to detect specific markers of some chronic haematological malignancies. We carried out a record linkage between laboratory reports (period 2013–2017) of patients resident in the province of Reggio Emilia and the Cancer Registry of Reggio Emilia. Results Of the 303 patients who underwent at least one of these tests, 85 were not included in our Cancer Registry. Of these 85 patients, 42 had received a diagnosis of cancer: 34 myeloproliferative neoplasms, 3 chronic myeloid leukaemias, 3 myelodysplastic neoplasms, 1 multiple myeloma and 1 chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. We recovered 4.2% of the total number of chronic haemolymphopoietic cancers registered in the study period, accounting for 15% of myeloproliferative neoplasms. For 30% of prelinkage cases, the specificity of the morphological code improved. Conclusions Although the laboratory information system’s contribution to the completeness of Cancer Registry incident cases was modest, it is useful to add laboratory data to routine cancer registry information flows due to the increasing use of molecular characterisation and to the phenomenon of dehospitalisation.
Compact sub‐6 GHz 5G‐multiple‐input‐multiple‐output antenna system with enhanced isolation

A compact two‐element multiple‐input‐multiple‐output (MIMO) antenna system with improved impedance matching and isolation is presented for future sub‐6 GHz 5G applications. The two identical tapered microstrip line fed modified rhombus‐shaped radiating elements are placed in the same orientation at a compact substrate area of 0. 24λ0 × 0. 42λ0 (where, λ0 at 3.6 GHz) on a shared rectangular ground. A remodeled T‐shaped ground stub is placed between a pair of radiating element to achieve improved impedance bandwidth and isolation. Further, a split U‐shaped stub connected to center of each radiating element to achieve the desired resonant frequency of 3.6 GHz. The proposed antenna covers a −10 dB operating band of 3.34 to 3.87 GHz (530 MHz) with more than 20 dB isolation between a pair of elements. MIMO performances are also analyzed and experimentally validated. The measured performances of a prototype are found in good agreement with simulated performances. Further, the simulation study is carried out to see the effect of housing and extended ground plane on two‐element MIMO antenna for practical application. An idea of realization of 12‐element MIMO is also studied using the proposed two‐element MIMO antenna.
Synthesis, Solution Conformation and Biological properties of 2′,3′-Dideoxy-3′-fluoro-D-erythro-pentofuranosides of 2-Thiouracil and 2-Thiothymine

Abstract The synthesis of the α- and β-anomers of 2′,3′-dideoxy-3′-fluoro-2-thiouridine and 2′,3′-dideoxy-3′-fluoro-2-thiothymidine via Lewis acid catalysed nucleoside condensation is described. High resolution 1H NMR data, solution conformations and biological properties are also presented.
Adoption of blockchain technology in various realms: Opportunities and challenges

Our society is becoming “smarter” and more interconnected, as evidenced by technological trends such as smart farming, smart healthcare, supply chain and logistics, and smart city and nation. Security and privacy are two major key considerations in these smart applications, such as blockchain‐based security solutions for Industry 4.0‐based applications (the focus of this study). In this study, we present a systematic review of existing blockchain‐based solutions, particularly for Industry 4.0‐based applications. We present the merits and demerits of various state‐of‐the‐art approaches. We also highlight the challenges of the blockchain with the scope of interoperability and governance so that this gives a clear understanding to researchers and professionals.
The Impact of Home-Based Exercise Program on Physical Function of Chronic Kidney Disease Patients: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract Background Home-based exercise program showed the potential in improving physical function of chronic kidney disease patients, and it might need low associated costs. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the impact of home-based exercise program on physical function of chronic kidney disease patients. Methods PubMed, EMBASE, Web of science, EBSCO, and Cochrane library databases were systematically searched. This meta-analysis included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of home-based exercise program on physical function of chronic kidney disease patients. Two investigators independently searched articles, extracted data, and assessed the quality of included studies. The primary outcomes were 6-min walk test and grip strength change. Results Seven RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, compared with control intervention in chronic kidney disease patients, home-based exercise program could significantly improve 6-min walk test (MD=79.01; 95% CI=22.39–135.62; P=0.006) and grip strength (SMD=0.52; 95% CI=0.14–0.89; P=0.007), but showed no impact on pain scores (SMD=−1.43; 95% CI=−3.75 to 0.88; P=0.22), Kidney Disease Quality of life including symptom/problem list (SMD=1.92; 95% CI=−1.06 to 4.90; P=0.21), effects of kidney disease (SMD=−3.69; 95% CI=−8.56 to 1.19; P=0.14), or burden of kidney disease (SMD=1.04; 95% CI=−0.75 to 2.82; P=0.26). Conclusions Home-based exercise program might improve physical function for chronic kidney disease, and more RCTs should be conducted to confirm this issue.
An Electrochemical Process Comparison of As(III) in Simulated Groundwater at Low Voltage in Mixed and Divided Electrolytic Cells

A relatively low voltage can be favor of e- transfer and peroxide generation from dominant 2e--reduction of O2 on carbon materials as cathode, with low energy loss. In this study the conversion of As(III) in simulated high arsenic groundwater at low voltage was compared in a mixed and a anode–cathode separated electrolytic system. With applied voltages (the potential difference between cathode and anode) from 0.1 V to 0.8 V, As(III) was found to be efficiently converted to As(V) in the mixed electrolytic cells and in separated anodic cells. The complete oxidation of As(III) to As(V) at 0.1–0.8 V was also achieved on graphite in divided cathodic cells which could be long-running. The As(III) conversion process in mixed electrolytic cells, anodic cells and cathodic cells all conformed to the pseudo first-order kinetics equation. The energy consumed by As(III) conversion was decreased as the applied voltage declined. Low voltage electrolysis is of great significance for saving energy consumption and improving the current efficiency and can be applied to in-situ electrochemical pre-oxidation for As(III) in high arsenic groundwater.
Pathogenesis of Thrombocytopenia in Chronic HCV Infection: A Review

Abstract A large proportion of patients with chronic hepatitis C have associated thrombocytopenia (TCP). Due to bleeding risks, TCP, when severe, can limit diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, treatments, and increases risk of complications, especially excessive bleeding. It is important to understand the mechanisms that cause TCP in order to manage it. In general, TCP can be due to increased destruction or decreased production. Proposed mechanisms of increased destruction include autoantibodies to platelets and hypersplenism with sequestration. Proposed mechanisms of decreased production include virus-induced bone marrow suppression and decreased TPO production. Autoantibodies directed against platelet surface antigens have demonstrated an inverse correlation with platelet counts. Hypersplenism with sequestration involves the interaction of portal hypertension, splenomegaly, and platelet destruction. Decreased production mechanisms involve appropriate and inappropriate levels of TPO secretion. There is limited evidence to support viral-induced bone marrow suppression. In contrast, there is strong evidence to support low levels of TPO in liver failure as a major cause of TCP. TPO-agonists, specifically eltrombopag, have been shown in hepatitis C patients to increase platelet counts without reducing portal hypertension or splenomegaly. We conclude that TCP in hepatitis C virus-induced liver disease is often multifactorial, but an understanding of the mechanisms can lead to judicious use of new drugs for treatment.
Is measuring results in social services possible? The lived experiences of professionals in key positions

ABSTRACT This study illuminates professionals in key positions and their lived experience of measuring results in social services. Human service organizations were chosen as a focus area since the social services are complex, and research is currently limited regarding this phenomenon. Eight professionals in key positions agreed to participate in the study and were interviewed individually. A phenomenological hermeneutical method inspired by the interpretation theory developed by Ricoeur was used to analyse their narrations. Firstly, by a naive reading, the phenomenon was sensed. Secondly, the structural analysis revealed three themes: having inner mixed feelings regarding performance measurement in social work, feeling questioned regarding professional competence, and feelings of being in an organization far removed from the core of social work. Thirdly, an interpreted comprehensive understanding was: Measuring results in social services is like putting a jigsaw puzzle together, where each piece has its special place. This puzzle still lacks pieces, and it is only when the complexity of measuring results in social work is understood that the puzzle can be put together in its entirety. The study indicates it is important to address uncertainties and mixed feelings among professionals in key positions in social work organizations to maintain work environments which promote professionals’ health in relation to measuring for results.
In vitro immunomodulation of magnesium on monocytic cell toward anti-inflammatory macrophages

Abstract Biodegradable magnesium (Mg) has shown great potential advantages over current bone fixation devices and vascular scaffold technologies; however, there are few reports on the immunomodulation of corrosive Mg products, the micron-sized Mg particles (MgMPs). Human monocytic leukemia cell line THP-1 was set as the in vitro cell model to estimate the immunomodulation of MgMPs on cell proliferation, apoptosis, polarization and inflammatory reaction. Our results indicated high-concentration of Mg2+ demoted the proliferation of the THP-1 cells and, especially, THP-1-derived macrophages, which was a potential factor that could affect cell function, but meanwhile, cell apoptosis was almost not affected by Mg2+. In particular, the inflammation regulatory effects of MgMPs were investigated. Macrophages exposed to Mg2+ exhibited down-regulated expressions of M1 subtype markers and secretions of pro-inflammatory cytokines, up-regulated expression of M2 subtype marker and secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokine. These results indicated Mg2+ could convert macrophages from M0 to M2 phenotype, and the bioeffects of MgMPs on human inflammatory cells were most likely due to the Mg2+-induced NF-κB activation reduction. Together, our results proved Mg2+ could be used as a new anti-inflammatory agent to suppress inflammation in clinical applications, which may provide new ideas for studying the immunomodulation of Mg-based implants on human immune system.
Recognizing Indonesian Acronym and Expansion Pairs with Supervised Learning and MapReduce

During the previous decades, intelligent identification of acronym and expansion pairs from a large corpus has garnered considerable research attention, particularly in the fields of text mining, entity extraction, and information retrieval. Herein, we present an improved approach to recognize the accurate acronym and expansion pairs from a large Indonesian corpus. Generally, an acronym can be either a combination of uppercase letters or a sequence of speech sounds (syllables). Our proposed approach can be computationally divided into four steps: (1) acronym candidate identification; (2) acronym and expansion pair collection; (3) feature generation; and (4) acronym and expansion pair recognition using supervised learning techniques. Further, we introduce eight numerical features and evaluate their effectiveness in representing the acronym and expansion pairs based on the precision, recall, and F-measure. Furthermore, we compare the k-nearest neighbors (K-NN), support vector machine (SVM), and bidirectional encoder representations from transformers (BERT) algorithms in terms of accurate acronym and expansion pair classification. The experimental results indicate that the SVM polynomial model that considers eight features exhibits the highest accuracy (97.93%), surpassing those of the SVM polynomial model that considers five features (90.45%), the K-NN algorithm with k = 3 that considers eight features (96.82%), the K-NN algorithm with k = 3 that considers five features (95.66%), BERT-Base model (81.64%), and BERT-Base Multilingual Cased model (88.10%). Moreover, we analyze the performance of the Hadoop technology using various numbers of data nodes to identify the acronym and expansion pairs and obtain their feature vectors. The results reveal that the Hadoop cluster containing a large number of data nodes is faster than that with fewer data nodes when processing from ten million to one hundred million pairs of acronyms and expansions.
Aquatic Macrophyte Approach to Assess the Impact of Disturbances on the Diversity of the Ecosystem and on River Quality

Disturbance has long been recognized as an important determinant of community characteristics in aquatic systems. The aims of our study were to evaluate the impact of different disturbances on the macrophyte diversity and on river quality. To this end, we investigated the floristic composition for different stretches impacted by disturbances and we tested both diversity indices and the trophic index (IBMR) “Biological Index Macrophytes in Rivers” in the Moselle river (NE of France). The river was divided into four sections of different lengths based on uniformity of morphological characteristics, substrate conditions and flowing velocity: the upper, the wild, the resectioned and the downstream Moselle. Floristic composition and water chemical parameters were analysed from 1999 to 2001. The man-made increase of nutrient concentration favoured the floristic richness in the last sites of the upper Moselle, whereas river dynamics and floods did not allow the development of vegetation in the wild Moselle. Disturbances caused by industrial sewage and eutrophication allowed the spreading of pollu-tolerant and riparian alien species. The aquatic macrophyte approach is a useful means to detect impact of disturbances on diversity and on river quality. However, it was not effective in assessing disturbances such as flood overflow or chemical pollution.
Flow volume curve: A diagnostic tool in extrathoracic airway obstruction

The flow-volume loop (F/V-loop) is a presentation of inhalation and exhalation of air stream volume during inspiration and expiration. It demonstrates the obstructive, restrictive and mixed pattern lung pathology. Flow-volume loop has been extensively used for evaluating the severity, progression and resolution of various causes of upper-airway conditions.
Predictors of anxiety and depressive symptoms among Greek nurses

Introduction: The increasing needs of an aging population and the shortage of nursing personnel have a negative impact on the workload of nurses increasing the risk of developing anxiety and depressive symptoms. This research aims to evaluate the strength of occupational and demographic characteristics in predicting anxiety and depression among nurses. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a sample of 164 Greek nurses from three hospitals employed full-time participated. Anxiety and depression were measured using the validated Greek versions of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory – State and Trait Y forms and the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale, respectively. The statistical analysis of the data was performed using the statistical program SPSS version 19.0. The statistical significance level was set up at 0.05. Results: Younger nurses, unmarried, those without children, those with less work experience, and working in the general medical units were more vulnerable. The average number of patients per nurse during the day shift may not predict anxiety or depression scores. Strong positive correlation between state and trait anxiety (r [162] = 0.77, p < 0.001), state anxiety and depression (r [162] = 0.62, p < 0.001), and trait anxiety and depression (r [162] = 0.63, p < 0.001) was revealed. Conclusion: Anxiety and depression are prevalent among nurses. Demographic and working characteristics are strong predictors of anxiety and depression among nurses. Nursing managers should emphasize emotional interventions (cognitive behavioral therapy, training on emotional intelligence, strengthening coping skills, and development of high resilience) in supporting nurses at higher risk.
Comparative Effects of Ambient Ultraviolet‐B Radiation on Two Sympatric Species of Australian Frogs

Abstract: Declines have been observed in a number of Australian frog species, many of these at high elevations. Alpine regions in Australia are likely to be particularly subject to increases in ultraviolet‐B radiation ( UV‐B, 280–320 nm) because UV‐B levels increase with elevation and because anthropogenic depletion of ozone has been particularly severe in the southern hemisphere. We compared survivorship of embryos and tadpoles of a declining species of frog, Litoria verreauxii alpina, with those of a sympatric nondeclining species, Crinia signifera, under three ambient UV‐B treatments, unshielded, control, and UV‐B–excluding. Experiments were conducted in artificial water bodies established at three different elevations (1365, 1600, and 1930 m) in the Snowy Mountains of southeastern Australia. The exclusion of UV‐B significantly enhanced survival of L. v. alpina (declining species) at all elevations. Overall, the probability of dying was highest in the unshielded treatments and lowest under the UV‐B–excluding treatment for both species over all elevations. The probability of dying was significantly higher in L. v. alpina than in C. signifera for a given UV‐B treatment at the two highest elevations. Our results support the hypothesis that ultraviolet radiation is likely to be a contributing factor in the disappearance of L. v. alpina at high elevations in southern Australia.
Ultrastructural pattern of loricrin localization in the epidermis of the red kangaroo Macropus rufus (Marsupialia, Mammalia) in relation to the formation of stratum corneum in mammalian epidermis

Abstract The ultrastructural immunolocalization of loricrin, a major protein of the cell corneous envelope is known for the epidermis of monotremes and placental mammals, but not in the soft epidermis of marsupials. This information would allow a definitive generalization on the role of loricrin in the process of keratinization in mammalian epidermis. The present study on the hairy epidermis of the red kangaroo has shown that the immunolabelling for this protein is diffuse in the upper spinosus layer and is peripherally associated with keratohyalin granules in the granular layer. Immunolabelling, however, is poor or absent in the darker part of keratohyalin granules which likely contains pro-filaggrin and filaggrin. In transitional and corneous cells, loricrin concentrates along the forming cell corneous envelope as in the hairy epidermis of other mammals. However, in the softer part of the corneous layer, rich in lipids, the labelling tends to disappear. Loricrin therefore appears to be connected with the strengthening of the cell corneous envelope of mature corneocytes, but becomes poorly detected in soft corneocytes. Based on the present and previous information, the distribution of loricrin in the epidermis of different mammals and in the epidermis of birds and reptiles is discussed.
The mir-35-42 binding site in the nhl-2 3’UTR is dispensable for development and fecundity

Figure 1: CRISPR mutations demonstrate that the mir-35-42 binding site in nhl-2 is not essential for development or fecundity. (A) Schematics depicting the region of the nhl-2 3’UTR containing two mutations affecting the mir-35-42 binding site. nhl-2(cdb114) is a 75-bp deletion encompassing the binding site, whereas nhl2(cdb29) is a mutation that reverses the sequence of the seed-binding site, thus abolishing predicted base pairing to mir-35 (or its family members mir-36-42). (B) Quantification of embryonic lethality and brood size in homozygous mutant nhl-2 lines as shown in (A).