Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A New Terrorism Categorization Based on Casualties and Consequences Using Hierarchical Clustering

Abstract This study deployed the agglomerative hierarchical clustering technique on the Global Terrorism Database to develop a new way of categorizing terrorism. Four clusters were extracted, resulting in a new categorization of terrorism based on casualties and consequences. The subcategories include low-casualty, medium-consequence terror groups; medium-casualty, high-consequence terror groups; high-casualty, low-consequence terror groups; and higher-casualty, low-consequence terror groups. The connectedness, separation, and compactness of the four clusters were evaluated and the results were reasonably accurate. This new categorization has useful application in counterterrorism regarding proportionate budgeting of weaponry and other resources.
Phytochemical constituents of some Nigerian medicinal plants

Alkaloids, tannins, saponins, steroid, terpenoid, flavonoids, phlobatannin and cardic glycoside distribution in ten medicinal plants belonging to different families were assessed and compared. The medicinal plants investigated were Cleome nutidosperma, Emilia coccinea, Euphorbia heterophylla, Physalis angulata, Richardia bransitensis, Scopania dulcis, Sida acuta, Spigelia anthelmia, Stachytarpheta cayennensis and Tridax procumbens. All the plants were found to contain alkaloids, tannins and flavonoids except for the absence of tannins in S. acuta and flavonoids in S. cayennsis respectively. The significance of the plants in traditional medicine and the importance of the distribution of these chemical constituents were discussed with respect to the role of these plants in ethnomedicine in Nigeria.
The Effect of Select Biological and Environmental Factors on the Horizontal Gene Transfer and Functionality of the TOL Plasmid: A Case Study for Genetic Bioaugmentation

The Effect of Select Biological and Environmental Factors on the Horizontal Gene Transfer and Functionality of the TOL Plasmid: A Case Study for Genetic Bioaugmentation by Kaoru Ikuma Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Duke University Date:_______________________ Approved: ___________________________ Claudia Gunsch, Supervisor ___________________________ Marc Deshusses ___________________________ Heileen Hsu-Kim ___________________________ Rytas Vilgalys ___________________________ Francis de los Reyes An abstract of a dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering in the Graduate School of Duke University
Interactions between Environmental Contaminants and Gastrointestinal Parasites: Novel Insights from an Integrative Approach in a Marine Predator

Environmental contaminants and parasites are ubiquitous stressors that can affect animal physiology and derive from similar dietary sources (co-exposure). To unravel their interactions in wildlife, it is thus essential to quantify their concurring drivers. Here, the relationship between blood contaminant residues (11 trace elements and 17 perfluoroalkyl substances) and nonlethally quantified gastrointestinal parasite loads was tested while accounting for intrinsic (sex, age, and mass) and extrinsic factors (trophic ecology inferred from stable isotope analyses and biologging) in European shags Phalacrocorax aristotelis. Shags had high mercury (range 0.65–3.21 μg g–1 wet weight, ww) and extremely high perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) residues (3.46–53 and 4.48–44 ng g–1 ww, respectively). Males had higher concentrations of arsenic, mercury, PFOA, and PFNA than females, while the opposite was true for selenium, perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA), and perfluooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS). Individual parasite loads (Contracaecum rudolphii) were higher in males than in females. Females targeted pelagic-feeding prey, while males relied on both pelagic- and benthic-feeding organisms. Parasite loads were not related to trophic ecology in either sex, suggesting no substantial dietary co-exposure with contaminants. In females, parasite loads increased strongly with decreasing selenium:mercury molar ratios. Females may be more susceptible to the interactive effects of contaminants and parasites on physiology, with potential fitness consequences.
Development and evaluation of ForestGrowth‐SRC a process‐based model for short rotation coppice yield and spatial supply reveals poplar uses water more efficiently than willow

Woody biomass produced from short rotation coppice (SRC) poplar (Populus spp.) and willow (Salix spp.) is a bioenergy feedstock that can be grown widely across temperate landscapes and its use is likely to increase in future. Process‐based models are therefore required to predict current and future yield potential that are spatially resolved and can consider new genotypes and climates that will influence future yield. The development of a process‐based model for SRC poplar and willow, ForestGrowth‐SRC, is described and the ability of the model to predict SRC yield and water use efficiency (WUE) was evaluated. ForestGrowth‐SRC was parameterized from a process‐based model, ForestGrowth for high forest. The new model predicted annual above ground yield well for poplar (r2 = 0.91, RMSE = 1.46 ODT ha−1 yr−1) and willow (r2 = 0.85, RMSE = 1.53 ODT ha−1 yr−1), when compared with measured data from seven sites in contrasting climatic zones across the United Kingdom. Average modelled yields for poplar and willow were 10.3 and 9.0 ODT ha−1 yr−1, respectively, and interestingly, the model predicted a higher WUE for poplar than for willow: 9.5 and 5.5 g kg−1 respectively. Using regional mapped climate and soil inputs, modelled and measured yields for willow compared well (r2 = 0.58, RMSE = 1.27 ODT ha−1 yr−1), providing the first UK map of SRC yield, from a process‐based model. We suggest that the model can be used for predicting current and future SRC yields at a regional scale, highlighting important species and genotype choices with respect to water use efficiency and yield potential.
Evaluation of the effects of bone morphogenetic protein-2 on the healing of bone calvarial defects in ovariectomized rats

Bone morphogenetic proteins BMPs are often used with bone grafts for bone regeneration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of demineralized freeze-dried bone allografts and externally applied rhBMP-2 on bone healing in experimentally generated defects in the calvarium of ovariectomized and nonovariectomized rats via histological and immunohistochemical assays. The current study was carried out on 42 female Wistar rats. After ovariectomy was performed in half of the rats, the rats were divided into three groups: control, allograft, and allograft + BMP. An experimental defect with a diameter of 4 mm was created unilaterally in the parietal bone using a trephine dental drill and a physiodispenser with saline. All animals were euthanized at the end of week 8, and bone tissues were analyzed histologically and immunohistochemically. The allografts produced better results in terms of calvarial defect healing in both the ovariectomized and nonovariectomized groups compared to the control group in enhancing bone healing, whereas BMPs combined with allografts had no positive effect on new bone formation. The allografts and BMPs applied in both groups produced fibrous tissues rather than new bone tissue. Further comprehensive studies on the effectiveness of BMPs in the formation of new bone tissue should be conducted in animals with estrogen deficiency.
The Feasibility of Bomb Radiocarbon Analysis to Support an Age-at-length Relationship for Red Abalone, Haliotis rufescens Swainson in Northern California

Abstract Analysis of bomb generated radiocarbon (14C) changes in a red abalone, Haliotis rufescens Swainson shell was used to evaluate age-at-length relationships derived from data from a previous multiyear, multisite tag-recapture study. Shell carbonate was extracted from four successive growth trajectory locations in a single shell with a maximum shell length of 251 mm. Extraction locations were based on Von Bertalanffy growth function (VBGF) predictions and chosen to span the initial rise of the 14C-bomb pulse that is known to have occurred in surface ocean waters during 1958 ±1 y in the northeast Pacific. The close temporal correspondence of the red abalone sample series to regional Δ14C records demonstrated the utility of the technique for validating age-at-length relationships for the red abalone. The findings provided support for a mean VBGF derived age of 32 y (range 30–33 y) for the specimen; however, the analysis of 14C data indicated that the specimen could be older.
RECENT RADIATION OF THE PALMARIACEAE (RHODOPHYTA) 1

Molecular phylogenetic studies on the evolution of the red algae indicate that this ancient division has many lineages that have recently undergone radiations. One such example is the cold–temperate family Palmariaceae. In this study, sequences from the ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer regions were compared among ten species in the Palmariaceae from both Atlantic and Pacific sites, Phylogenetic analyses of sequence data, in which Rhodophysema georgii Batters was used as outgroup and root, indicate a radiation into four clades, three of which contain species of “Palmaria” and the fourth species of Halosaccion. Palmaria palmata (L.) Kuntze, the type and only North Atlantic species in the genus, stands apart from all remaining species in the family and terminates the most basal branch in the rooted tree. The three more derived clades have radiated mainly in the North Pacific. Southern Ocean Palmaria and North Atlantic Devaleraea are hypothesized to have invaded from separate but closely related North Pacific ancestors. The ease with which sequences could be aligned combined with an unsaturated transition: transversion ratio and modest divergence involving predominantly point mutations suggests that the initial radiation is relatively recent (late Miocene–Pliocene) and that the Devaleraea–Palmaria clade is even more recent (late Pliocene–Pleistocene).
Formononetin in clovers as a feeding deterrent against clover root weevil

The effect of leaf feeding by adult clover root weevils on the isoflavonoid content of red and white clovers was investigated in a glasshouse experiment. Lines of both clovers previously selected for variation in formononetin content were used. A higher percentage of white clover leaves than red clover leaves were damaged by the weevils, and the high formononetin red clover was least readily eaten. The formononetin content of the white clovers did not differ between the selections, was much lower than in the red clovers, and did not change in response to weevil feeding. In both red clover lines, formononetin and biochaninA levels rose in response to weevil feeding, suggesting that both compounds have antifeedant properties against clover root weevil. Because high foliar levels of oestrogenic compounds like formononetin threaten fertility of grazing sheep it is concluded that plant breeding programmes should increase the levels of formononetin and/or biochaninA in clover roots to mitigate the impact of weevil larval feeding on roots and nodules.
The complete mitochondrial genome and phylogenetic analysis of Littorina brevicula (Gastropoda, Littorinidea)

Abstract The complete mitochondrial genome of the Littorina brevicula was determined in this study. The complete mitogenome (mtDNA) is 16,356 base pairs (bp) in length and contains 13 protein-coding genes, two rRNA genes, and 22 tRNA genes. The control region was divided into two parts. The overall base composition of the genome in descending order was 35.33%—T, 28.41%—A, 20.43%—C, and 15.81%—G. In 13 protein-coding genes, 12 genes start with ATG, except nad5 starts with ATT. For the stop codon, seven genes end with TAA, atp6, nad41, and nad3 end with TAG. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that L. brevicula is close to Naticidea family. This study first determined the complete mitochondrial genome of L. brevicula. It would be a supplement for the genetic analysis of L. brevicula and promote the phylogenetic of Littorinidea.
Re-greening of agrosystems in the Burkina Faso Sahel: greater drought resilience but falling woody plant diversity

Summary Droughts and land degradation result in biodiversity and ecosystem service losses with serious implications for human wellbeing. The Sahel region has seen increased plant cover since the end of 1970s–1980s droughts, but understanding the nature and implications of this change remains a priority. This study aimed to assess changes in the woody floristic composition of re-greened agrosystems since the droughts in Burkina Faso. In 148 vegetation survey plots distributed across areas with increasing woody plant cover and those to some extent protected from exploitation, a total of 71 species from 51 genera and 23 families were identified. Compared to pre-drought flora, our measurements show a decline in the diversity and density of woody species. Combretaceae species and thorny species of the genera Acacia and Balanites, which are more tolerant of drought, were the most dominant, indicating a post-drought woody vegetation that is more resistant to water stress. The increased presence of food-producing species in agroforestry parks (cultivated fields with woody plants) seems to reflect the growing needs of the human population.
Antioxidant activity, nitric oxide scavenging activity and phenolic contents of Ocimum gratissimum leaf extract

Plant derived antioxidant could be useful as food additives to prevent food deterioration and also to impart human health and prevent oxidative stress associated diseases. In this study, the free radical scavenging potential of a methanol extract of the leaves of Ocimum gratissimum was assessed by measuring its capability for scavenging 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, superoxide anion radical (O2 ), hydroxyl radical (OH), nitric oxide radicals (NO), as well as its ability to inhibit lipid peroxidation, using appropriate assay systems compared to natural and synthetic antioxidants. Total phenolic, flavonoid and flavonol contents were determined by spectrophotometric methods. The extract significantly inhibited DPPH radical with an IC50 value of 12.3± 1.95 μg/ml, inhibited O2 . – (IC50 = 82.9 ± 5.12 μg/ml), OH radical (IC50 = 38.9 ± 2.8 μg/ml) and non-enzymatic lipid peroxidation (IC50 = 270.5 ± 8.2 μg/ml) and also inhibited the accumulation of nitrite in vitro. The plant extract yielded 0.839 ± 0.097 mg gallic acid equivalents phenolic content and 39.12 ± 2.43 mg rutin equivalents flavonoid content. The observed antioxidant potentials and phenolic content of the extract suggest that an ethanol extract of O. gratissimum leaves is a potential source of natural antioxidants and could be useful in the food industry to retard oxidative degradation of lipids and thereby improve food quality. However, isolating the active principles and in vivo studies are warranted.
A Novel Hand Pallet Truck and Multi-objective Optimization Design of It’s Lifting Mechanism

Hand pallet truck is widely used to carry baggage and cargoes in daily life and work. However, rotary-lift based luggage hand pallet truck is inconvenient to handle and difficult to carry heavy goods. Hydraulic cylinder based hand pallet truck is also used commonly, but its lifting speed is not fast enough. In addition, most of them can’t save energy. To this end, a novel rotary-lift based hand pallet truck is proposed. Auxiliary and cushioning forces are provided by gas springs. Its lifting height is adjustable. Critically, its lifting mechanism can be locked automatically after ascending or descending into the target positions. Thus, it’s easy for just one person to operate. Aiming at saving time, force and energy, a multi-objective optimization design model for the lifting mechanism is built, based on which most key parameters and dynamics indexes can be calculated. Numerical analysis and experiment results show that the proposed model is effective and the design scheme of the novel hand pallet truck is feasible.
A NEW FOSSIL FURNARIID FROM THE PLEISTOCENE OF URUGUAY, WITH REMARKS ON NASAL TYPE, CRANIAL KINETICS, AND RELATIONSHIPS OF THE EXTINCT GENUS PSEUDOSEISUROPSIS

Abstract We describe Pseudoseisuropsis cuelloi, a new fossil furnariid from the upper Pleistocene of Uruguay, and investigate its phylogenetic relationships. Results of a cladistic analysis using 52 osteological characters from 29 taxa, including the extinct Pseudoseisuropsis nehuen, were consistent with placing the new species in the genus Pseudoseisuropsis. We conclude that the skull of Pseudoseisuropsis was prokinetic, although the shape of the nostrils was like a typical schizorhinal and rhynchokinetic furnariid. This observation reveals the inadequacy of the traditional categories of nasal types in characterizing the diversity of morphologies found in skulls of the Furnariidae. Finally, the analysis did not support a close relationship between Pseudoseisuropsis and Pseudoseisura, as previously thought, but suggests that Pseudoseisuropsis either belongs to the Dendrocolaptinae, or represents a more basal lineage within the Furnariidae. Un Nuevo Furnárido Fósil del Pleistoceno de Uruguay, con Observaciones sobre Tipos Nasales, Quinesis Craneal y Relaciones Filogenéticas del Género Extinto Pseudoseisuropsis Resumen. En el presente estudio se describe a Pseudoseisuropsis cuelloi, una nueva especie fósil de Furnariidae del Pleistoceno superior de Uruguay, y se investigan sus relaciones filogenéticas. El resultado de un análisis cladístico con 52 caracteres osteológicos y 29 taxa, incluyendo el ejemplar tipo de Pseudoseisuropsis nehuen es consistente con la inclusión de la nueva especie en el género Pseudoseisuropsis. Se concluye que el movimiento craneal de Pseudoseisuropsis era proquinético, a pesar de que la forma de las aberturas nasales es similar al de un típico furnárido esquizorrino/rincoquinético. Esta aparente contradicción pone en evidencia que las categorías tradicionales de tipos nasales son poco adecuadas para caracterizar la diversidad morfológica del cráneo en los Furnariidae. Por último, el análisis filogenético revela que Pseudoseisuropsis no esta estrechamente emparentado con Pseudoseisura, como fuera propuesto originalmente, sino que sugiere su inclusión en Dendrocolaptinae o en un linaje más basal dentro de la familia Furnariidae.
A pattern and polarization reconfigurable antenna with metasurface

A reconfigurable antenna (RA) with the functions of pattern and polarization adjustment is presented. The reconfigurations can be realized in a continuous frequency band. The proposed antenna consists of a feeding line on the bottom layer, a cross slot on the middle ground layer, and a metasurface (MS) on the top layer. The reconfigurations are achieved by changing the states of PIN diode switches on the MS and the ground plane. In the working band from 5.12 GHz to 5.20 GHz, three kinds of radiation patterns can be generated by the antenna, one of which can switch between left‐handed circular polarization (LHCP) and right‐handed circular polarization (RHCP) along the Z‐axis. The other two patterns, which are at ±20° angles to the Z‐axis, are both linear polarizations. The antenna is fabricated and tested. The simulation and measurement results are found to be in good agreement.
State Ownership and Risk-Taking Behavior: An Empirical Approach to Get Better Profitability, Investment, and Trading Strategies for Listed Corporates in Vietnam

Corporate risk-taking behavior and investment is a crucial factor in order to seek higher profits and a better trading strategy. Competitive advantage and innovation, while maintaining profitability and state ownership, are considered as crucial resources. Furthermore, it is essential to connect the short-term and long-term business and investment objectives plus stakeholder’s expectations to corporate sustainability and development. This connection is especially important in the context of transforming economies and getting better trading strategies. This study estimates the relationship between state ownership, profitability, corporate risk-taking behavior, and investment in Vietnam by using Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) methods. Using the data of 501 listed non-financial corporates during the period 2007–2015 from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi Stock Exchanges, we find that profitability is determined as a factor to reduce corporate risk-taking acceptance caused by the chances of entrenchment. Meanwhile, the impact of state ownership on the risk appetite of corporate has a non-linear effect. In particular, state ownership reduces corporate risk-taking behavior and investment but yet increases the risk-taking behavior and investment when the state ownership rate exceeds a threshold. One the one hand, this implies that the low level of state ownership not only prevents risk-taking behavior and investment but also results in more severe agency problems, causing unsustainability due to the imbalance of interests among various stakeholders. On the other hand, a dominant role of state ownership concentration causes a boost in corporate risk-taking decision-making in investment and trading strategy, leveraging the connection of significant external resources to deal with uncertain problems. The study contributes to existing theories of corporate governance in the context of a socialist-oriented market.
Phosphorylation of cardiac myosin–binding protein-C contributes to calcium homeostasis

Cardiac myosin–binding protein-C (cMyBP-C) is highly phosphorylated under basal conditions. However, its phosphorylation level is decreased in individuals with heart failure. The necessity of cMyBP-C phosphorylation for proper contractile function is well-established, but the physiological and pathological consequences of decreased cMyBP-C phosphorylation in the heart are not clear. Herein, using intact adult cardiomyocytes from mouse models expressing phospho-ablated (AAA) and phosphomimetic (DDD) cMyBP-C as well as controls, we found that cMyBP-C dephosphorylation is sufficient to reduce contractile parameters and calcium kinetics associated with prolonged decay time of the calcium transient and increased diastolic calcium levels. Isoproterenol stimulation reversed the depressive contractile and Ca2+-kinetic parameters. Moreover, caffeine-induced calcium release yielded no difference between AAA/DDD and controls in calcium content of the sarcoplasmic reticulum. On the other hand, sodium–calcium exchanger function and phosphorylation levels of calcium-handling proteins were significantly decreased in AAA hearts compared with controls. Stress conditions caused increases in both spontaneous aftercontractions in AAA cardiomyocytes and the incidence of arrhythmias in vivo compared with the controls. Treatment with omecamtiv mecarbil, a positive cardiac inotropic drug, rescued the contractile deficit in AAA cardiomyocytes, but not the calcium-handling abnormalities. These findings indicate a cascade effect whereby cMyBP-C dephosphorylation causes contractile defects, which then lead to calcium-cycling abnormalities, resulting in aftercontractions and increased incidence of cardiac arrhythmias under stress conditions. We conclude that improvement of contractile deficits alone without improving calcium handling may be insufficient for effective management of heart failure.