Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Time series modeling for forecasting wheat production of Pakistan.

Wheat is the main agriculture crop of Pakistan. For country planning, forecasting is the main tool for predicting the production of wheat to determine the situation what would be the value of production coming year. In this research, we developed time series models and best model is identified for the objective to forecast the wheat production of Pakistan. In this research large time periods i.e. 1902-2005 data was used. Various time series models are fitted on this data using two software’s JMP and Statgraphics. We have found that the best model is ARIMA (1, 2, 2). On the basis of this selected model, we have found that wheat production of Pakistan would become 26623.5 thousand tons in 2020 and would become double in 2060 as compared in 2010.
Neural Metaphor Detection with a Residual biLSTM-CRF Model

In this paper we present a novel resource-inexpensive architecture for metaphor detection based on a residual bidirectional long short-term memory and conditional random fields. Current approaches on this task rely on deep neural networks to identify metaphorical words, using additional linguistic features or word embeddings. We evaluate our proposed approach using different model configurations that combine embeddings, part of speech tags, and semantically disambiguated synonym sets. This evaluation process was performed using the training and testing partitions of the VU Amsterdam Metaphor Corpus. We use this method of evaluation as reference to compare the results with other current neural approaches for this task that implement similar neural architectures and features, and that were evaluated using this corpus. Results show that our system achieves competitive results with a simpler architecture compared to previous approaches.
Effects of green manures on nitrogen loss and availability in an organic cropping system

Abstract In certified organic cropping systems, the supply of nitrogen (N) to crops is limited by restrictions on fertiliser inputs, although green manure crops can be used to improve N retention and supply. This study involved a comparison between three green manure crops (oats (Avena sativa), lupins (Lupinus angustifolius), and oats‐lupins mix) and a fallow for their ability to conserve N over winter and influence N availability to a subsequent crop. Intact soil monolith lysimeters (19 cm diameter × 30 cm deep) were taken from an established organic farm and the experiment included four replicates of the three green manure crops and a fallow treatment. Nitrate‐N leaching losses from the various treatments were measured over a 150‐day period (March‐October). The green manure crops reduced the amount of N that was leached over winter. Cumulative N leaching losses were similar from the three green manure treatments (4.1–4.9 kg N ha‐1), and these were significantly lower than N loss from the fallow treatment (8.4 kg N ha–1). Amounts of N taken up by the green manure crops were 100, 162, and 126 kg N ha–1 for the oats, lupins, and oats‐lupins, respectively. Annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) was sown 3 weeks after green manure incorporation to assess their impact on N availability. Dry matter yield and N uptake by ryegrass were significantly greater for the green manure‐amended soil (454–689 kg DM ha–1, 17–22 kg N ha–1) than for the fallow treatment (297 kg DM ha–1, 9.4 kg N ha–1). The findings of this study demonstrated that inclusion of a green manure is an effective means of reducing N leaching loss over winter and improving N supply in organic cropping systems.
Spider locomotion on the water surface: biomechanics and diversity

Abstract Spiders in many families are capable of locomotion on the surface of water, a capability that, at its simplest, requires only a strongly hydrophobic integument and the same postures and motions that are used on land. Specialized aquatic gaits, in contrast, are only characteristic in the Pisauridae, Trechaleidae, Ctenidae, and Tetragnathidae. They are less common features of aquatic locomotion in Lycosidae, are only occasionally encountered in Salticidae, and are rare in Araneidae. Most of what is known about the biomechanics of these specialized gaits comes from research on fishing spiders (Pisauridae) and, because the physics and hydrodynamics are similar in many respects, on water striders (Insecta: Hemiptera: Gerridae). In what follows, I have concentrated on the biomechanics of propulsion in water-walking spiders and water striders because propulsion on the air-water interface was mysterious until the 1990s when researchers began seeking answers to the central question: What provides the resistance against which a spider or water strider pushes when it sweeps its legs backward? The answers, now nearly complete, include a) dimple distortion, b) drag, c) generation of vortices, and d) nanoscale brushing of the water surface by hydrophilic hairs.
A Mixture Containing Fermented Achyranthes japonica Nakai Ameliorates Osteoarthritis in Knee Joints of Monoiodoacetate-Injected Rats.

We demonstrated the effect of a mixture containing fermented Achyranthes japonica Nakai (FS) in the context of a monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis animal model. The mineralization, anabolic and catabolic factors, and the amount of cytokines within the articular cartilage of rats were measured after administration of MIA. We found that dietary supplementation with methylsulfonylmethane (positive control) and FS (FS 100 mg/kg body weight [b.w.] and FS 300 mg/kg b.w.) effectively suppressed pathological changes in the knee joint and inhibited changes in the architectural and mineralization parameters. In addition, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and proinflammatory cytokines in the serum and catabolic factors, including matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 and MMP-7 in articular cartilage, were decreased by dietary supplementation with FS in MIA-induced osteoarthritis. Based on these findings, we suggest that FS can be used for the development of potential therapies for osteoarthritis.
Ecology of domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) as a host for Guinea worm (Dracunculus medinensis) infection in Ethiopia.

The global programme for the eradication of Guinea worm disease, caused by the parasitic nematode Dracunculus medinensis, has been successful in driving down human cases, but infections in non-human animals, particularly domestic dogs (Canis familiaris), now present a major obstacle to further progress. Dog infections have mainly been found in Chad and, to a lesser extent in Mali and Ethiopia. While humans classically acquire infection by drinking water containing infected copepods, it has been hypothesised that dogs might additionally or alternatively acquire infection via a novel pathway, such as consumption of fish or frogs as possible transport or paratenic hosts. We characterised the ecology of free-ranging dogs living in three villages in Gog woreda, Gambella region, Ethiopia in April-May 2018. We analysed their exposure to potential sources of Guinea worm infection, and investigated risk factors associated with infection histories. The home ranges of 125 dogs and their activity around water sources were described using GPS tracking, and the diets of 119 dogs were described using stable isotope analysis. Unlike in Chad, where Guinea worm infection is most frequent, we found no ecological or behavioural correlates of infection history in dogs in Ethiopia. Unlike in Chad, there was no effect of variation among dogs in their consumption of aquatic vertebrates (fish or frogs) on their infection history, and we found no evidence to support hypotheses for this novel transmission pathway in Ethiopia. Dog owners had apparently increased the frequency of clean water provision to dogs in response to previous infections. Variations in dog ranging behaviour, owner behaviour and the characteristics of natural water bodies all influenced the exposure of dogs to potential sources of infection. This initial study suggests that the classical transmission pathway should be a focus of attention for Guinea worm control in non-human animals in Ethiopia.
The Inflammatory Relationship between Hepatitis C Virus with Coronary and Carotid Atherosclerosis.

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), a global health concern, has been linked to various hepatic and extrahepatic deleterious manifestations. Several observational studies, have either supported the increased likelihood of coronary and carotid atherosclerosis after infection with hepatitis C virus, or refuted it. To date, there has been no clear consensus to support either train of thought, as randomized, controlled clinical trials have not been completed. In this review, we first discuss articles that support the notion that HCV infection leads to increased plaque formation due to systemic inflammation and then focus on articles that refute this idea. From the literature, we do know that both inflammatory and lipid processes play a role in plaque formation, and thus both components are important in the successful treatment of atherosclerosis. Based on our review of the literature, we do believe HCV-infected individuals are at an increased risk for more severe coronary artery disease than their healthy counterparts. Although there is no irrefutable evidence that links HCV infection with plaque formation and/or rupture, cardioprotective measures should be taken to reduce poor health outcomes, especially in those individuals who are already at risk of coronary disease.
α-Fetoprotein in the Woodchuck Model of Hepadnavirus Infection and Disease: Normal Physiological Patterns and Responses to Woodchuck Hepatitis Virus Infection and Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abstract Persistent infection of the eastern woodchuck (Marmota monax) with the woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV) produces disease sequelae similar to those observed in humans with persistent hepatitis B virus infection, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To further characterize serological markers of HCC in the woodchuck, serum α-fetoprotein (AFP) was measured under normal physiological conditions and following infection with WHV. Serum AFP was elevated in association with WHV-induced hepatitis and HCC and was a useful indicator of hepatic responses in individual animals throughout the course of experimental WHV infection. The frequent occurrence of normal elevations in serum AFP during the fall and winter, however, limits the use of AFP as a marker for early detection of HCC. The present temporal studies of AFP responses in WHV-infected woodchucks have identified several stages of infection where virological and cellular interactions can be investigated at the molecular level. Studies of AFP in the woodchuck model should provide opportunities to further elucidate the physiological and immunological functions of AFP and to understand virus-host cell interactions during the course of experimental hepadnavirus infection leading to HCC.
Growth and Fatty Acid Composition of Juvenile Olive Flounder Paralichthys olivaceus Fed Diets Containing Different Levels and Ratios of Eicosapentaenoic Acid and Docosahexaenoic Acid

This study was carried out to investigate the influences of dietary levels, ratios and sources of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on the growth and fatty acid compositions of juvenile olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus. Sixteen diets containing five levels of EPA (0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, and 4.0%), five levels of DHA (0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0% and 4.0%), three ratios of EPA/DHA (75/25, 50/50 and 25/75), two levels of squid liver oil (5% and 10%) and a control diet containing 5% soybean oil were hand-fed to triplicate groups of fish (average weight, 9.7 ± 0.3 g) for 8 weeks. Survival, specific growth rate, feed efficiency and protein efficiency ratio of fish were not affected by dietary EPA and DHA levels or ratios. Also, the dietary treatment had no significant effect on the lipid and protein contents of muscle and whole body of fish. A corresponding increase in the EPA and DHA contents of fish occurred with increasing EPA and DHA levels in their diets. Our results suggest that juvenile olive flounder require a dietary EPA level of approximately 0.32% in the presence of 0.74% DHA for sui table survival and growth, and that EPA and DHA levels in fish muscle can increase to as much as 32% and 53%, respectively, of the total fatty acid content.
A test of ecological succession hypotheses using 55‐year time‐series data for 361 boreal forest stands

Aim There has been much work on succession over many decades, but succession fundamentals are still debated because of the reliance on chronosequences and dendrochronological reconstruction, both of which are problematic approaches. Here we use time-series data to test four hypotheses that lie at the heart of successional theory: (1) the neighbourhood effect hypothesis – tree species abundance is time dependent; (2) the density-dependence hypothesi s–ar are species is more favoured over time; (3) the resource ratio hypothesis – species that can grow at the lowest resource level tend to dominate resource limited sites through succession; and (4) the intermediate disturbance hypothesis – intermediate disturbances increase the abundance of rare species. Location Central boreal forest in Canada (47°50′–50°10′ N; 80°10′–85°50′ W). Methods We used repeated measurements from sequential aerial photography and ground surveys for 361 fire-origin stands that were measured over a c. 55-year period. Results Shade-intolerant Pinus banksiana decreased, tolerant Thuja occidentalis increased, intolerant Populus spp. and Betula papyrifera displayed a U-shaped trend, and intermediate-tolerant Picea spp. and tolerant Abies balsamea did not change with time since fire, showing evidence of negative, positive, or neutral neighbourhood effects. Species either persisted for longer or increased more in non-conspecific stands, and had higher increases in abundance when associated with species of contrasting shade tolerance, supporting the density-dependence hypothesis and indicating shade-tolerance complementarity as a mechanism for coexistence. Resource-poor soils favoured those species capable of tolerating limited resources, whereas rich soils permitted invasion and promoted mixtures, supporting the resource ratio hypothesis. Intermediate disturbances increased the invasibility of rare species. Main conclusions Contrary to previous studies where time since a standreplacing disturbance is the sole predictor for succession, our study shows that time alone is either an insufficient predictor or is irrelevant to species dynamics in the boreal forest. Rather, density dependence, site resource and intermediate disturbances are key mechanisms in species dynamics and coexistence over time.
The effect of lutein on paclitaxel-induced neuropathy and neuropathic pain in rats

Background: Paclitaxel is a drug used to treat cancer, but it causes neuropathic pain and peripheral neuropathy. One of the causes of these effects of paclitaxel on nerve tissue is oxidative damage. Lutein has antioxidant effects. In this study, it was investigated the influence of lutein whether decrease oxidative damage of paclitaxel on nerve tissue or not. Methods: Pain threshold (PT) in paw of paclitaxel-only group (PC), paclitaxel+lutein group (PL), and control group (CG) rats were measured using a Basile algesimeter. The sciatic nerve tissue of experimental animals was used to conduct biochemical analyses. Analyses of malondialdehyde (MAD), total glutathione (GT), myeloperoxidase (MP), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) were performed. Histopathologic examination was performed in all groups. The CG and the other groups were compared. Results: PT was lowest in the PC group. However considerable increase in pain threshold in paw was observed in the PL group with respect to the PC group. As a result, the usage of lutein increased PT in paw. The PC group had signs of oxidative damage. With the use of lutein, paclitaxel was prevented from causing oxidative damage. Histopathological examination revealed that paclitaxel caused damage to myelin sheath and axon of sciatic nerve tissue. However, lutein was found to prevent this damage to the myelin sheath and axon. Paclitaxel causes neuropathic pain and peripheral neuropathy. One of the causes is the oxidative damage of paclitaxel in nerve tissue. Conclusion: Lutein, which has an antioxidant effect, prevents the damage of paclitaxel on nerve tissue.
The role of 5-HTTLPR in autism spectrum disorder: New evidence and a meta-analysis of this polymorphism in Latin American population with psychiatric disorders

The autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex disorder encompassing a broad phenotypic and genotypic variability. The short (S)/long (L) 5-HTTLPR polymorphism has a functional role in the regulation of extracellular serotonin levels and both alleles have been associated to ASD. Most studies including European, American, and Asian populations have suggested an ethnical heterogeneity of this polymorphism; however, the short/long frequencies from Latin American population have been under-studied in recent meta-analysis. Here, we evaluated the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism in Colombian individuals with idiopathic ASD and reported a non-preferential S or L transmission and a non-association with ASD risk or symptom severity. Moreover, to recognize the allelic frequencies of an under-represented population we also recovered genetic studies from Latin American individuals and compared these frequencies with frequencies from other ethnicities. Results from meta-analysis suggest that short/long frequencies in Latin American are similar to those reported in Caucasian population but different to African and Asian regions.
THE INFLUENCE OF HABITAT QUALITY ON DISPERSAL, DEMOGRAPHY, AND POPULATION DYNAMICS OF VOLES

We compared the effects of habitat quality on dispersal, demography, dynamics, and fitness of prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster) and meadow vole (M. pennsylvanicus) populations by manipulating habitat patches in experimental landscapes. Four habitat patches in each of four replicate landscapes differed in availability of high-quality food and amount of vegetative cover in a 2 × 2 factorial design. High cover had a strong positive effect on basic habitat quality, as reflected by the performance of founders early in the season, but supplemental food had only a small effect. Population growth ceased for prairie voles after week 18 (mid-October) when densities had reached much higher levels in habitats with high cover (260 ± 27 voles/ha in high cover with either high or low food; mean ± 1 se) than in habitats with low cover (115 ± 38 voles/ha in high food, low cover and 60 ± 15 voles/ha in low food, low cover). Population growth had ceased in three habitat types for meadow voles by week 20 at much higher den.
Facilitating stakeholder engagement in early stage translational research

Introduction Stakeholder engagement can play an important role in increasing public trust and the understanding of scientific research and its impact. Frameworks for stakeholder identification exist, but these frameworks may not apply well to basic science and early stage translational research. Methods Four Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) hubs led six focus groups and two semi-structured interviews using a semi-structured discussion guide to learn from basic science researchers about stakeholder engagement in their work. The 24 participants represented fourteen clinical and academic disciplines. Results Early stage translational researchers reported engagement with a broad array of stakeholders. Those whose research has a clinical focus reported working with a more diverse range of stakeholders than those whose work did not. Common barriers to stakeholder engagement were grouped into three major themes: a poor definition of concepts, absence of guidance, and limited resources. Discussion The National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), the consortium of CTSAs, and the individual CTSA “hubs” are three actors that can help early stage translational researchers develop shared terms of reference, build the necessary skills, and assemble the appropriate resources for engaging stakeholders in Clinical and Translational Research. Getting this right will involve a coordinated push by all three entities.
Modeling of the Transmission of Coronaviruses, Measles Virus, Influenza Virus, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and Legionella pneumophila in Dental Clinics

Dental health care workers are in close contact to their patients and are therefore at higher risk for contracting airborne infectious diseases. The transmission rates of airborne pathogens from patient to dental health care workers are unknown. With the outbreaks of infectious diseases, such as seasonal influenza, occasional outbreaks of measles and tuberculosis, and the current pandemic of the coronavirus disease COVID-19, it is important to estimate the risks for dental health care workers. Therefore, the transmission probability of these airborne infectious diseases was estimated via mathematical modeling. The transmission probability was modeled for Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Legionella pneumophila, measles virus, influenza virus, and coronaviruses per a modified version of the Wells-Riley equation. This equation incorporated the indoor air quality by using carbon dioxide as a proxy and added the respiratory protection rate from medical face masks and N95 respirators. Scenario-specific analyses, uncertainty analyses, and sensitivity analyses were run to produce probability rates. A high transmission probability was characterized by high patient infectiousness, the absence of respiratory protection, and poor indoor air quality. The highest transmission probabilities were estimated for measles virus (100%), coronaviruses (99.4%), influenza virus (89.4%), and M. tuberculosis (84.0%). The low-risk scenario leads to transmission probabilities of 4.5% for measles virus and 0% for the other pathogens. From the sensitivity analysis, it shows that the transmission probability is strongly driven by indoor air quality, followed by patient infectiousness, and the least by respiratory protection from medical face mask use. Airborne infection transmission of pathogens such as measles virus and coronaviruses is likely to occur in the dental practice. The risk magnitude, however, is highly dependent on specific conditions in each dental clinic. Improved indoor air quality by ventilation, which reduces carbon dioxide, is the most important factor that will either strongly increase or decrease the probability of the transmission of a pathogen.
An in vitro model for hypertrophic adipocytes: Time‐dependent adipocyte proteome and secretome changes under high glucose and high insulin conditions

Obesity is the consequence of a positive energy balance and characterized by enlargement of the adipose tissue, which in part is due to hyperplasia and hypertrophy of the adipocytes. Not much is known about the transition of normal mature adipocytes to the hypertrophic state, which in vivo is very hard to study. Here, we have maintained mature human SGBS cells as a surrogate for adipocytes, changes of morphological and molecular metabolism of the adipocytes were monitored over the first 4 days and the last 4 days. In total, 393 cellular proteins and 246 secreted proteins were identified for further analysis. During the first 4 days of high glucose and insulin, the adipocytes seemed to prefer pyruvate as energy source, whereas beta‐oxidation was down‐regulated supporting lipid loading. Over time, lipid droplet fusion instead of lipid uptake became relatively important for growth of lipid droplets during the last 4 days. Moreover, ECM production shifted towards ECM turnover by the up‐regulation of proteases over eight days. The present in vitro system provides insight into the metabolic changes of adipocytes under conditions of high glucose and insulin, which may help to understand the process of in vivo adipocyte hypertrophy during the development of obesity.