Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Outlook on the Interplay of Artificial Intelligence and Software-Defined Metasurfaces: An Overview of Opportunities and Limitations

Recent advances in programmable metasurfaces, known as software-defined metasurfaces (SDMs), offer a paradigm shift from uncontrollable to fully tunable and customizable wireless propagation environments, enabling a plethora of new applications and technological trends. To explore this cutting-edge technological concept, we review the architecture and electromagnetic (EM) wave manipulation functionalities of SDMs, detail recent advances toward realizing these programmable functionalities in wireless communication applications, elaborate on how artificial intelligence (AI) can address various constraints introduced by the real-time deployment of SDMs, review state-of-the-art research on the integration of AI with SDMs, and offer a look ahead toward unexplored possibilities of AI mechanisms in the context of SDMs.
Estimation of minimum volume of bounding box for geometrical metrology

This paper presents algorithms for estimating the minimum volume bounding box based on a three-dimensional point set measured by a coordinate measuring machine. A new algorithm, which calculates the minimum volume with high accuracy and reduced number of computations, is developed. The algorithm is based on the convex hull operation and established theories about a minimum bounding box circumscribing a convex polyhedron. The new algorithm includes a pre-processing operation that removes convex polyhedron faces located near the edges of the measured object. As showed in the paper, the solution of the minimum bonding box is not based on faces located near the edges; therefore, we can save computation time by excluding them from the convex polyhedron data set. The algorithms have been demonstrated on physical objects measured by a coordinate measuring machine, and on theoretical 3D models. The results show that the algorithm can be used when high accuracy is required, for example in calibration of reference standards.
A New Simulation Approach of Transient Response to Enhance the Selectivity and Sensitivity in Tunneling Field Effect Transistor-Based Biosensor

In this work, a new simulation approach of transient analysis on single cavity dielectric-modulated (DM) <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${p}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>-type of tunnel field-effect transistor (TFET) is examined for biosensing applications. The device operation and performance are investigated using the 2D device simulator and results are well-calibrated with experimental data. In this work, we have examined DC transfer characteristics, the transient response of drain current, drain current sensitivity (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${S}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>), and selectivity (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\Delta {S}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>). Focussing more on the transient results, we have obtained maximum sensitivity of orders greater than 10<sup>8</sup> for APTES biomolecule with respect to air and a significant selectivity value in orders of 10<sup>3</sup> for APTES with respect to Biotin biomolecule. The performance of the device in terms of selectivity can be further improved (~10<sup>4</sup>) by optimizing the back-gate bias, and therefore, the impact of back-gate bias has been analysed. The results for charged biomolecules and partially filled cavity are further investigated & highlighted. The DM <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${p}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>-TFET biosensor shows a significant improvement in the results with the transient response for biosensing applications with the feasibility of operating at low voltages (gate voltage of −2.0 V, drain voltage of −0.5 V and back gate voltage 0 to 0.5 V).
Relationship Between Serum Agouti-Related Peptide Levels and Metabolic Syndrome in Euthymic Bipolar Patients.

Introduction Agouti-Related Peptide (AgRP) is expressed primarily in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus, stimulates appetite and decreases metabolism and energy expenditure. The aim of our study is to evaluate the relationship between serum Agouti-Related Peptide (AgRP) levels and metabolic syndrome in euthymic bipolar patients. Methods Forty euthymic bipolar patients who used only mood stabilizer for at least three months and 40 healthy volunteers as control group were included in the study. We measured fasting blood glucose levels and serum levels of AgRP, total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) of all participants. The main outcome measure was the difference between patients and control groups in terms of metabolic syndrome frequency and the relationship between serum AgRP level and metabolic syndrome is also investigated. Results The metabolic syndrome was significantly more common in euthymic bipolar patients than in control group (p=0.039). Additionally, levels of blood glucose and triglyceride were significantly higher in the patient group than in the control group (p=0.006 and 0.01 respectively). Serum AgRP levels did not differ between the patient and control groups (p=0.35). Also, in euthymic bipolar patients, there was no significant difference in serum AgRP levels between patients with metabolic syndrome and those without (p=0.754). Conclusion We found significantly higher frequency of metabolic syndrome in euthymic bipolar patients than in the control group. However, there was no significant difference in the levels of serum AgRP between bipolar patients with and without metabolic syndrome in either study groups.
Seasonal changes of two biomarkers of oxidative stress (LDH, MDA) in the edible mollusc Donax trunculus (Mollusca: Bivalvia) from the Gulf of Annaba (Algeria): correlation with carbohydrate and lipid contents

ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to determine seasonal variations of two biomarkers of oxidative stress, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and malondialdehyde (MDA), and their correlation with lipid-carbohydrate metabolism in the edible bivalve Donax trunculus. The samples were collected during the four seasons in 2014 at two sites in the Gulf of Annaba (northeast of Algeria): El Battah, which is some distance from any source of pollution, is considered a relatively clean site, while Sidi Salem is a site exposed to various sources of industrial, urban and harbour pollution. The results show a significant decrease in LDH activity in Sidi Salem D. trunculus compared with those at El Battah. Moreover, carbohydrate levels increased significantly in Sidi Salem. The MDA rate increased significantly in Sidi Salem relative to El Battah, while the amounts of lipid showed a significant decrease. The lipid and carbohydrate metabolism was negatively correlated with LDH and MDA. This difference between the two sites was observed for all seasons, with more effect in spring and summer. The results obtained showed that under stressful conditions due to anthropogenic factors, some physiological processes of D. trunculus can be affected. Thus, D. trunculus appears to be a suitable sentinel species for the assessment of ecotoxicological risk in the Gulf of Annaba.
Native Plant Diversity and Composition Across a Pinus radiata D.Don Plantation Landscape in South-Central Chile—The Impact of Plantation Age, Logging Roads and Alien Species

Alien tree plantations are expanding globally with potential negative effects for native biodiversity. We investigated plant species diversity and composition in a Pinus radiata landscape in south-central Chile, a biodiversity hotspot, by sampling understory vegetation in different plantation age classes, along forest roads and in natural forest remnants in order to find effective conservation measures for native biodiversity. Plantations, including different age classes and roadsides, maintained high native species richness at the landscape scale but supported a completely different community composition than natural forests. Thus, natural forest remnants must be conserved as plantations cannot replace them. Certain natural forest species occurred frequently in mature plantations and can represent starting points for retaining natural elements in plantations. Generalist native and alien species benefited from plantation management, mainly in young plantations and along roadsides. Stand maturation and a closed canopy, though, reduced alien species occurrences within plantations. Along roads, shade-tolerant aliens should be monitored and removed as they can potentially invade natural forests. Native species conservation in plantations requires a holistic approach of the full mosaic of land uses including the protection of remaining natural forests, alien species monitoring along roadsides and patches with continuous canopy cover to reduce pressure by alien species.
MicroRNA regulation of CTP synthase and cytoophidium in Drosophila melanogaster

CTPsyn is a crucial metabolic enzyme which synthesizes CTP molecules through the de novo or salvage pathway. It has the extraordinary ability to compartmentalize into filaments termed cytoophidia. Although this property is retained amongst orthologues, and cytoophidia are therefore found across kingdoms, the mechanisms behind their formation remain unknown. Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) are single-stranded RNA with length of 20 – 22 nucleotides, capable of exerting mRNA silencing and degradation as a form of regulation. D. melanogaster itself has a high total gene count to miRNA gene number ratio, alluding to the possibility that CTPsyn may too come under the regulatory effects of these small RNAs. A thorough miRNA overexpression involving 123 UAS-miRNA lines, followed by staining of ovarian cytoophidia dme-egg chambers, revealed a small group of candidates which confer either a lengthening or truncating effect on the structure. Prime candidates are identified on the basis of consistency. MiR-975 and miR-1014 are both cytoophidia-elongating, whereas miR-190 and miR-932 are cytoophidia-shortening. Though target prediction shows that miR-975 and miR-932 do indeed have binding sites on CTPsyn mRNA, in vitro assays instead revealed that none of the four candidates may actually do so. This suggests that the effects asserted by overexpressed miRNAs indirectly reach CTPsyn and its cytoophidia through the actions of middling elements. In silico target prediction and qPCR quantification indicated that, at least for miR-932 and miR-1014, these undetermined elements may be players in fat metabolism. This is the first study to thoroughly investigate miRNAs in connection to CTPsyn expression and activity in any species. The findings presented could serve as a basis for further queries into not only the fundamental aspects of the enzyme’s regulation, but may uncover new facets of closely related pathways as well.
Comparisons of population density and genetic diversity in artificial and wild populations of an arborescent coral, Acropora yongei: implications for the efficacy of “artificial spawning hotspots”

We are developing techniques to restore coral populations by enhancing larval supply using “artificial spawning hotspots” that aggregate conspecific adult corals. However, no data were available regarding how natural larval supply from wild coral populations is influenced by fertilization rate and how this is in turn affected by local population density and genetic diversity. Therefore, we assessed population density and genetic diversity of a wild, arborescent coral, Acropora yongei, and compared these parameters with those of an artificially established A. yongei population in the field. The population density of wild arborescent corals was only 0.27% of that in the artificial population, even in a high‐coverage area. Genetic diversity was also low in the wild population compared with the artificial population, and approximately 10% of all wild colonies were clones. Based on these results, the larval supply in the artificial population was estimated to be at least 1,400 times higher than that in wild A. yongei populations for the same area of adult population.
Genetic Variation of Sinorhizobium meliloti Isolates Differing in Their Ability to Drought Tolerance

Rana A. Hameed Nidhal N. Hussain Abed aljasim M. Aljibouri College of Science/ Al-Mustansiryia University College of Science/ Baghdad University Biotechnology Research Center/ Al-Nahrain University ذيمح ضيضع اوس هيسح تمعو لاضو سُبجنا هسيحم مساجناذبع * /مولعلا ةيلك ةعماجلا ةيرصنتسملا /مولعلا ةيلك دادغب ةعماج * ةيئايحلاا ةناقتلا ثوحب زكرم / نيرهنلا ةعماج Abstract Soil bacteria Sinorhizobium meliloti had enormous agricultural value, due to their ability in fixing nitrogen symbiotically with an important forage crop legumealfalfa. The aim of this study (i) isolate indigenous S. meliloti from different field sites in Iraq, (ii) evaluate the isolates tolerance to induce drought using polyethylene glycol-6000, (iii) assessing genetic diversity and genetic relationships among isolates of natural population with drought tolerant abilities. Drought tolerance study revealed vast variations between Sinorhizobium isolates, the highest tolerant isolates to drought were twelve from total thirty 40%, tolerated from -3 up to -4 Mpa (mega pascal), while the drought sensitive isolates tolerated upto – 1.5 Mpa, except isolate Bs58 which tolerated upto -1 Mpa water potential. The growth declined with the increase of drought stress. Cluster analysis based on RAPD-PCR showed significant differences among S. meliloti isolates, and the results gave almost identical grouping of isolates in regards to drought experiment. Among indigenous isolates two divergent groups could be determined, the first major group included drought tolerant isolates and the second major group comprised all drought moderate and sensitive isolates with 40% similarity between the two major groups.
Yield stability in winter wheat composite cross populations under organic and conventional conditions from the F5 to the F13.

The use of Composite Cross Populations (CCPs) as an alternative breeding approach, has gained significant interest, particularly due to the potential adaptability of evolving populations to specific locations. Three winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) CC populations were created in 2001 through collaboration between Elm Farm Research Centre (ORC) and the John Innes Institute in the UK. The populations were created through the inter-crossing of 20 parental varieties, in order to create a high yielding (Y) population; a high baking quality (Q) population and a population consisting of the 9 x 12 (YQ) intercrosses. Since 2005/6 (F5), the populations have been maintained at Kassel University without conscious selection. The objectives of the study are to increase the resilience, adaptability and performance of winter wheat through increased genetic diversity, as well as the improvement of breeding efficiency and the introduction of a novel breeding method that has the potential to provide an alternative source of germplasm in the form of CCPs. The adaptation of CCPs into mainstream practice is hampered by a number of factors including legal and quality aspects, but yield performance and stability of the CCPs are important criteria in view of increasing climatic unpredictability and for farmers (Finckh et al. 2000). Actual yields, as well as the yield stability of the populations relative to a common reference variety will be presented.
Evaluation of rice genotypes for nutritional components and lipase activity in bran

To achieve the objective of the evaluation of rice genotypes for nutritional components and lipase activity in bran, sixteen rice genotypes including ten non-basmatis and six basmatis were used in the present study. Significant variation in ash (5.29-14.43%), crude protein (11.38-20.25%), crude fat (16.43-21.88%) and crude fibre (3.2414.01%) was observed in bran from rice genotypes under evaluation. The bound phenolic content (BPC) was 39.19 percent higher than free phenolic content (FPC), while significant variation was seen in total phenolic content (TPC, 11.59-28.73 mg g DW), flavonoid (0.17-2.32 mg g DW) and odihydroxyphenol (0.023-0.112 mg g DW) content. Compared to nonbasmatis, bran from basmati varieties showed about 14% higher anthocyanin content. Significant variations were observed in the content of proanthocyanidins (0.86-7.75 mg g DW), phytate (21.6-36.7 mg g DW), tocopherols (0.11-0.31 mg g DW) and free amino acids (3.38-12.20 mg g DW). Bran from rice genotypes under evaluation showed a high DPPH free radical scavenging activity (72.46-92.59%). Wide variations in reducing power (1.06-2.47 mg g DW), metal chelating power (13.61-94.36 %), free radical ABTS scavenging activity (0.54-1.31 mM g DW), and ferric reducing ability power (8.31-20.15 μM Fe(II)gDW) of rice bran extracts were seen. Accumulation of free fatty acids after 48 hours of storage ranged from 0.36-1.20 mM g DW. Wide differences in endogenous rice bran lipase activity (0.49-2.77 μmoles of pNP produced min mgprotein) were observed. This knowledge about on the variations in phytochemical components, antioxidant potential and lipase activity among rice bran from different genotypes would enable the breeders to produce rice genotypes with improved phytochemical levels, high antioxidant potential and low lipase activity. _________________________ ____________________ Signature of Major Advisor Signature of the Student
QuickN: Practical and Secure Nearest Neighbor Search on Encrypted Large-Scale Data

In this article, we propose a scheme, named QuickN, which can efficiently and securely enable nearest neighbor search over encrypted data on untrusted clouds. Specifically, we modify the search algorithm of nearest neighbors in tree structures (e.g., R-trees), such that the modified algorithm adapts to lightweight cryptographic primitives (e.g., Order-Preserving Encryption) without affecting the original faster-than-linear search complexity. Moreover, we propose an optimized algorithm on top of our modified search algorithm, where it can significantly save communication overheads of a client without introducing any additional information leakage. We devise an approximate algorithm to <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$k$</tex-math><alternatives><mml:math><mml:mi>k</mml:mi></mml:math><inline-graphic xlink:href="wang-ieq1-3009961.gif"/></alternatives></inline-formula>-nearest neighbor search to improve search efficiency by taking a tradeoff in the completeness of search results. In addition, we also demonstrate our design only leaks minimal privacy against advanced inference attacks. Our experimental results on Amazon EC2 show that our algorithms are extremely practical over massive datasets.
Multilocus phylogeny, diagnosis and generic revision of the Guiana Shield endemic suckermouth armoured catfish tribe Lithoxini (Loricariidae: Hypostominae)

With > 450 species, Hypostominae is the most species-rich subfamily of suckermouth armoured catfishes (Loricariidae). Both morphological and molecular analyses of Hypostominae strongly support monophyly of ten distinctively smallbodied (< 9 cm standard length), highly depressed (maximal head depth > 7.2 times in standard length) species comprising two currently valid genera (Exastilithoxus and Lithoxus) that are restricted to fast-flowing, rocky-bottomed rivers and streams draining the Guiana Shield in northwestern South America. We describe the tribe Lithoxini for this clade and present a multilocus phylogeny for eight Lithoxini species, including type species of all nominal genera and subgenera. Based on morphological and molecular data, we resurrect and redescribe the previously synonymized subgenus Paralithoxus for a strongly supported clade of eight species that are restricted to rivers south and east of Venezuela and have seven to nine interdorsal plates and five rows of plates on the caudal peduncle. We also erect the new genus Avalithoxus for Lithoxus jantjae, a species that is narrowly endemic to the Ventuari River immediately upstream of Salto Tencua and is unique in Hypostominae for having only 12 branched caudal-fin rays. Lithoxus is restricted to Lithoxus lithoides from the Essequibo and Correntyne rivers in Guyana and Suriname. A redescription of Paralithoxus bovallii based on recently collected specimens and an identification key to all four genera are also provided. Geographical distributions of Lithoxini clades suggest that geological uplift and geodispersal via stream capture played important roles in promoting vicariance and allopatric speciation.
Insights into the seasonal adaptive mechanisms of Chinese alligators (Alligator sinensis) from transcriptomic analyses

Abstract. The Chinese alligator (Alligator sinensis) is an endemic and rare species in China, and is considered to be one of the most endangered vertebrates in the world. It is known to hibernate, an energy-saving strategy against cold temperatures and food deprivation. Changes in gene expression during hibernation remain largely unknown. To understand these complex seasonal adaptive mechanisms, we performed a comprehensive survey of differential gene expression in heart, skeletal muscle, and kidney of hibernating and active Chinese alligators using RNA-Sequencing. In total, we identified 4780 genes differentially expressed between the active and hibernating periods. GO and KEGG pathway analysis indicated the likely role of these differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The upregulated DEGs in the active Chinese alligator, CSRP3, MYG and PCKGC, may maintain heart and skeletal muscle contraction, transport and storage of oxygen, and enhance the body’s metabolism, respectively. The upregulated DEGs in the dormant Chinese alligator, ADIPO, CIRBP and TMM27, may improve insulin sensitivity and glucose/lipid metabolism, protect cells against harmful effects of cold temperature and hypoxia, regulate amino acid transport and uptake, and stimulate the proliferation of islet cells and the secretion of insulin. These results provide a foundation for understanding the molecular mechanisms of the seasonal adaptation required for hibernation in Chinese alligators, as well as effective information for other non-model organisms research.
Effects of red and blue LEDs on in vitro growth and microtuberization of potato single-node cuttings

The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of red and blue LEDs on in vitro growth and microtuberization of potato (Solanum tuberosum) singlenode cuttings. Explants were incubated under 6 light treatments: 100% red LEDs (R), 75% red LEDs+ 25% blue LEDs (3RB), 50% red LEDs+ 50% blue LEDs (RB), 25% red LEDs+ 75% blue LEDs (R3B), 100% blue LEDs (B) and white LEDs (W). Most of the growth and physiological parameters were significantly higher in 3RB than W. Enhancement of leaf area and chlorophyll concentrations were obtained in B. Leaf stomata were elliptical with the lowest density in 3RB. However, those in W were round in shape, and those with the smallest size and the highest density were observed in R. Most of the characteristics of microtuberization were also improved in 3RB. The combined spectra of red and blue LEDs increased the number of large microtubers. The fresh weight of individual microtubers in R and W were increased, but not their number. These results suggest that, of the treatments assessed, 3RB is optimal for the in vitro growth of potato plantlets and the combination of red and blue LEDs is beneficial for microtuberization.
A Tutorial on Joint Radar and Communication Transmission for Vehicular Networks—Part II: State of the Art and Challenges Ahead

In Part I of this three-part tutorial on dual-functional radar-communication (DFRC), we overviewed the fundamental elements of DFRC. As Part II of the tutorial, this letter overviews the state-of-the-art (SoA) in DFRC, with a particular emphasis on the use of the technique for seamless connectivity in the vehicular network. We commence by introducing the conventional beam tracking approaches for millimeter wave (mmWave) communication systems, based exclusively on communication signalling and feedback, followed by the DFRC based schemes tailored for the vehicular network. Finally, we evaluate a number of SoA DFRC schemes through comparative simulations.