Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Molecular Characterization of Lyssaviruses Originating from Domestic and Wild Cats Provides an Insight on the Diversity of Lyssaviruses and a Risk of Rabies Transmission to Other Susceptible Mammals and Humans in South Africa

Rabies is one of the most significant public and veterinary health problems, causing approximately 59,000 human deaths annually in the developing countries of Asia and Africa. The aetiologic agent, a viral species of the Lyssavirus genus, is highly neurotropic and has a wide host range, including terrestrial mammals and several Chiropteran species. The Lyssavirus mokola (MOKV) was first isolated in the late 1960s from organ pools of shrews (Crocidura flavescens manni) in the Mokola forest (Nigeria). To date, at least 30 MOKV isolations have been confirmed, all exclusively from Africa, with 73% from southern Africa. There is limited knowledge about the epidemiology of MOKV, and the reservoir host species is unknown. Here, we report on the molecular characterization of rabies viruses originating from both domestic and African wild cats. A partial region of the lyssavirus genome, encoding the nucleoprotein, was amplified and sequenced. Nucleotide sequence analysis demonstrated that 98% of cats were infected with both the canid and mongoose rabies virus variants, as well as a rare lyssavirus, Lyssavirus mokola, from a domestic cat from Eswatini. Furthermore, the nucleotide sequence divergence between the recently identified MOKV isolate and the historical Lyssavirus mokola isolates ranged from 6.8% to 8.3%. This study further highlights the association between the potential host species of Lyssavirus mokola and the domestic cat as an incidental host, and the important role cats may play in rabies transmission dynamics in the country. Therefore, continuous vaccination of domestic cats against rabies is crucial, even after the elimination of dog-mediated rabies, as spillover related to sylvatic rabies cycles is likely to occur.
Online Vs Offline: Comparison of Effectiveness of PhET Simulation and Science KIT in Junior High School

Purpose of the study: This study aims to compare the effectiveness of online and offline simulation media. Especially during the transition period from the new normal, hybrid learning and back to the new normal. Methodology: The research design used was quasi-experimental. The study sample was taken using a random sampling technique. The data collection techniques used are observation and tests. Observation is carried out to find out more about the subject of research. A trial is conducted to determine the condition of students before and after receiving treatment. There are two test instruments used, namely pretest and posttest. The treatment given to the control class is learning using Science KIT, and the experimental class will use PhET Simulation. The results of the study will be processed using SPSS. Main Findings: PhET media and science KIT based on the N-gain test proved to increase on average after treatment. In the control class, the gain value was 0.7, while the gain value was 0.8 in the experimental class. According to the criteria, both classes are in the high category. but in contrast to the percentage of effectiveness, the use of PhET is effective with a rate of 86%, while KIT science is quite practical with a ratio of 71%. Novelty/Originality of this study: PhET simulation media and science KIT can explain abstract material to improve cognitive understanding. The use of this simulation media can be adjusted to learning conditions. if offline, use KIT, and if online, use PhET.
InSPIRED: single pixel imaging regularized by EBS data

Single-pixel cameras (SPCs) and event-based sensors (EBS) are two technologies representing two different yet complementary sensing paradigms. Whereas single-pixel cameras make global measurements, from which local information is inferred, EBS cameras measure only local intensity variations and cannot naturally measure the global light level. In standard SPC systems, local information must be inferred from many global measurements and the total resolution of the camera is limited by the resolution of the random patterns displayed on the DMD. Event Based Sensors, however, measure the outlines of moving objects at a higher spatial resolution than the DMD patterns. By allowing the reconstruction to incorporate this extra edge information, super-resolution with respect to the DMD patterns can be achieved. The same idea holds in the time domain - the EBS camera is able to measure scene changes that occur faster than the DMD pattern display rate. In a traditional SPC, fast scene motion would lead to motion blur. The InSPIRED camera, however, can likely reconstruct crisp, high-framerate video by combining the low-resolution intensity information given by the SPC with the high-resolution edge-information given by the EBS camera. By marrying the sparse sampling of an SPC with the high temporal feature map that results from an EBS we will be able to define a new image sampling technique that will yield the low SWaP-C benefits of each while interrogating scene dynamics in a manner that the fields of compressive sensing and event based sensing cannot accomplish in isolation.
Single station estimation of seismic source time function from coda waves: The Kursk disaster

We propose a high‐resolution technique for estimating the source time function of a seismic event from only one record. This technique is based on the spectral factorization of the minimum phase wavelet from the most random part of a seismogram: its coda. As the coda non‐stationarity is inconsistent with the classical spectral factorization theory, we develop a two‐step algorithm: first, the diffuse coda field is whitened to remove the non‐stationary attenuation effect; second, the minimum phase wavelet equivalent of the seismic source time function is estimated. Applied to the recordings of the Kursk's wreck, this method gives a source wavelet strikingly similar to the general shape of an underwater explosion, allowing us to infer its depth and yield. Based on the fundamental “random” character of diffusive waves, this approach opens up promising applications for new blind deconvolution methods.
Taxonomic and phytogeographical problems in Astragalus of the Old World and South-West Asia

Astragalus , excluding Astracantha (formerly Astragalus subgenus Tragacantha ), has a world total of c. 2500 species, of which c. 500 are in the New World; it is one of the largest genera of flowering plants. The estimated number of species in the Flora Iranica area is c. 900–1000. Because of the huge size of the genus, no one person is familiar with all its groups; although 150 sections have been described, many are poorly delimited, often not typified and many untenable. In the Old World the genus is almost entirely restricted to the northern hemisphere. Sections with primitive characters mostly contain mesophytic species widespread in mountains and relatively humid regions; in the more advanced sections the species are adapted to dry or arid conditions. Only a few sections are strictly endemic to the Flora Iranica area (e.g. sects. Microphysa, Acanthophace, Leucocercis ). In 2 of the better known large sections ( Astragalus and Caprini ) there are 2 main centres of diversity: the Armenian knot and the Zagros mountains; Afghanistan and the adjacent Pamir-Alai region. Their patterns of distribution and migration are probably repeated in several other sections in the genus.
Joint Estimation of Unresolved Leader–Follower in the Presence of Dense False Signals Using Monopulse Radar

Monopulse radar accurately determines the target direction. However, multiple target echoes and dense false signals lead to unresolved targets and false detections. This makes target tracking challenging. The aircraft is equipped with a towed radar active decoy at a fixed distance, forming the leader–follower configuration. This article treats the aircraft and the decoy as a single target in the Bayesian state model. Subsequently, constraints from the configuration are employed to jointly estimate their angles. Monopulse measurements from the leader–follower configuration are a mixture of potentially unresolved measurement, dense false signals, and background clutter, and they are modeled as target area measurements, state-dependent clutter, and state-independent clutter, respectively. Subsequently, these different measurement types are combined using a random finite set approach, enabling a holistic tracking solution. The proposed method is implemented by particle filtering. In the simulations, the proposed method was compared with other methods and found to be efficient in tracking unresolved aircraft and towed decoy. The results indicate that the performance of the method improves as the follower-to-leader ratio increases within a certain range, highlighting its suitability for practical applications.
Near-Infrared Light Exposure Triggers ROS to Downregulate Inflammatory Cytokines Induced by SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein in Human Cell Culture

The leading cause of mortality from SARS-CoV-2 is an exaggerated host immune response, triggering cytokine storms, multiple organ failure and death. Current drug- and vaccine-based therapies are of limited efficacy against novel viral variants. Infrared therapy is a non-invasive and safe method that has proven effective against inflammatory conditions for over 100 years. However, its mechanism of action is poorly understood and has not received widespread acceptance. We herein investigate whether near-infrared (NIR) light exposure in human primary alveolar and macrophage cells could downregulate inflammatory cytokines triggered by the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein or lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and via what underlying mechanism. Our results showed a dramatic reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines within days of NIR light treatment, while anti-inflammatory cytokines were upregulated. Mechanistically, NIR light stimulated mitochondrial metabolism, induced transient bursts in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and activated antioxidant gene transcription. These, in turn, downregulated ROS and inflammatory cytokines. A causal relationship was shown between the induction of cellular ROS by NIR light exposure and the downregulation of inflammatory cytokines triggered by SARS-CoV-2 S. If confirmed by clinical trials, this method would provide an immediate defense against novel SARS-CoV-2 variants and other inflammatory infectious diseases.
The Formation of Ceramic Analytical Groups: Hopi Pottery Production and Exchange, A.C. 1300–1600

AbstractThe formation of ceramic analytical groups based on compositional, technological, and stylistic analyses enables us to begin modeling the conditions of production and exchange that affected Hopi potters between A.C. 1300 and 1600. The present study indicates that intervillage and intravillage production units can be isolated for pueblos located on adjacent mesas in NE Arizona. Exchange of vessels between sites on and off the Hopi mesas suggests directionality, but there is little direct evidence that bears on hypothesized intervillage alliances of either potters' groups, kin groups, or elites.
Valuing surfing ecosystems: an environmental economics and natural resources management perspective

Abstract Surfing ecosystems—surf breaks and their surrounding areas—can provide multifaceted benefits, including support for tourism industries, personal and social wellbeing and shoreline protection. Previous research has predominantly concentrated on quantifying direct expenditures, sidelining non-market values, and failing to consider the interactions between multiple ecosystem components. To address these gaps, this paper provides a review of key principles of environmental economics and natural resource management in relation to surfing ecosystems. We examine how the value of surfing ecosystems can affect (and be affected by) factors related to environmental sustainability, tourism demands and economic development. We propose a novel framework for characterizing the values of surfing ecosystems and conducting economic assessments, based on six main features: (i) surf breaks, (ii) surfing resources, (iii) surfing ecosystems, (iv) economic values, (v) economic valuation, (vi) equity and sustainability. This structured approach may serve to improve decision-making processes concerning environmental changes that impact surfing ecosystems, including tourism management plans and environmental regulations. Our study aligns with broader global initiatives to better account for ocean-based values and support sustainable, nature-based tourism. Graphical abstract
Contrast maximisation based technique for 2-D ISAR autofocusing

An image contrast based algorithm for 2-D ISAR image autofocusing is proposed. The problem of ISAR image autofocusing is formulated analytically by defining geometry and dynamics of the radar-target system and by assuming a mathematical model for the received signal. The image focusing is then achieved by estimating the model parameters through the maximisation of the image contrast. The problem of the maximum search is solved numerically by means of an iterative search method. An algorithm able to produce an accurate initial guess is also developed by using the radon transform. The good accuracy of the initial guess guarantees the convergence of the optimisation problem solution to the global maximum. The performance of the proposed autofocusing technique is tested by comparing it to the point prominent processing (PPP) algorithm, the phase gradient algorithm (PGA) and the image entropy based technique (IEBT), through the use of real data. Results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Microgrid Integration Based on Deep Learning NARMA-L2 Controller for Maximum Power Point Tracking

This paper presents a hybrid energy resources (HER) system consisting of solar PV, storage, and utility grid. It is a challenge in real time to extract maximum power point (MPP) from the PV solar under variations of the irradiance strength. This work addresses challenges in identifying global MPP, dynamic algorithm behavior, tracking speed, adaptability to changing conditions, and accuracy. Shallow Neural Networks using the deep learning NARMA-L2 controller have been proposed. It is modeled to predict the reference voltage under different irradiance. The dynamic PV solar and nonlinearity have been trained to track the maximum power drawn from the PV solar systems in real time. Moreover, the proposed controller is tested under static and dynamic load conditions. The simulation and models are done by using MATLAB/Simulink. The simulation results from the proposed NARMA-L2 controller have been compared with existing Perturb and observe PO-MPPT and Incremental Conductance INC -MPPT methods.
The Response of the Indo Pacific Throughflow to Interannual Variations in the Pacific Wind Stress. Part II: Realistic Geometry and ECMWF Wind Stress Anomalies for 1985 89

Abstract The effect of interannual variability in wind stress on the transport between the Pacific and Indian Oceans through the Indonesian archipelago is investigated using a multilevel, numerical, general circulation model (GCM). The experiments are conducted in a spinup, anomaly mode: the GCM is initially at rest with a horizontally uniform stratification typical of tropical oceans. The wind stress anomalies are derived from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts 1000-mb winds for 1985–89. The modeled variability is sensitive to the specification of bottom topography and archipelago geometry. Two model configurations are considered: (i) flat-bottomed with the option of sills within a simplified, idealized archipelago and (ii) realistic bottom topography and a complex archipelago. In the first model, there is northward depth-integrated transport anomaly lasting 2½ years with phase 6 months ahead of the collapse of the equatorial easterlies prior to the 1986–87 El Nino. The peak transport.
Amino acid profiles, disease activity, and protein intake in adult patients with Crohn’s disease

Introduction Crohn’s disease (CD) is an immune-mediated inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract with a relapsing–remitting course. Amino acids (AAs) may play critical roles in the intestinal manifestations of disease, due to their involvement in many metabolic and immune functions. The present study aimed to explore serum AA concentrations in adult patients with CD, looking into their variations due to disease activity, surgery and protein content of diet. Eventually, the link between AAs and inflammatory markers was also assessed. Methods Consecutive adult patients aged 18–65 years with diagnosis of CD were recruited. All participants underwent anthropometry and were instructed to fill in a 3-day food record to assess protein intake. Disease activity was clinically defined using the Crohn’s Disease Activity Index (CDAI), while blood samples were taken to analyze serum AA profile and inflammatory markers. Results A total of 103 patients with CD (61 men and 42 women; age:39.9 ± 13.9 years, BMI: 23.4 ± 3.51 kg/m2) were included. Tryptophan levels were found to be remarkably decreased in most subjects, unrelated to disease activity. On the contrary, concentration of lysine, leucine, valine and glutamine decreased in active versus quiescent CD patients, while aspartic acid, glutamate and glycine increased. The latter AAs were also directly correlated with CDAI and serum interleukin (IL)- 1β concentration. Considering the total protein intake, expressed as g/kg/body weight, we observed a reduction in some essential AAs in patients with unmet protein requirements compared to patients who met the recommendation. Discussion In conclusion, specific AAs varied according to disease activity and protein intake, adjusted to body weight and disease status. Glu and Asp concentrations raised with increasing IL-1β. However, extensive research is needed to understand the mechanisms underpinning the link between variation in serum AAs, disease activity and protein intake in patients with CD.
Upwelling and the occurrence of cold water around Cape Recife, Algoa Bay, South Africa

Between February 1989 and March 1990 a study was undertaken to investigate sea temperature variability around Cape Recife, Algoa Bay, during and after upwelling events. Data were collected by moored thermistors and during a ship's cruise, and wind measurements were made at Cape Recife and Bird Island. Results confirmed upwelling off the southern shoreline of Cape Recife during easterly or north-easterly winds. When the wind switched to westerly or south-westerly, upwelling relaxed and cold water that had broken the surface during upwelling was dispersed eastwards towards the point of Cape Recife. Within a few hours of the change in wind direction to westerly, cold water was observed along the Algoa Bay shoreline of Cape Recife. The influence of wind-forcing and Kelvin waves on upwelling and the emergence of cold water along the Bay-side shoreline of the cape are discussed.
Effects of Five Coumarins and Standardized Extracts from Tagetes lucida Cav. on Motor Impairment and Neuroinflammation Induced with Cuprizone

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) with no curative treatment, and the available therapies aim to modify the course of the disease. It has been demonstrated that extracts of Tagetes lucida have immunomodulatory and neuroprotective effects. This work induced motor damage and neuroinflammation in male BALB/c mice by oral administration of cuprizone (CPZ) (40 mg/kg) for five weeks. In addition, the extracts and coumarins of Tagetes lucida (25 mg/kg) were used to control these damage variables; during the experiment, animals were subject to behavioral tests, and at the end of 5 weeks, mice from each group were used to measure the integrity of biological barriers (brain, kidneys, and spleen) through the extravasation test with blue Evans dye. In another group of animals, the ELISA method measured the brain concentrations of IL-1β, IL-4, IL-10, and TNF-α. The results presented here allow us to conclude that the extracts and coumarins IC, HN, PE, DF, and SC of Tagetes lucida exert a neuroprotective effect by controlling the motor damage and neuroinflammation by increasing the expression of IL-4 and IL-10 and decreasing IL-1β and TNF-α; notably, these treatments also protect organs from vascular permeability increase, mainly the BBB, in mice with CPZ-induced experimental encephalomyelitis (VEH * p < 0.05). However, more studies must be carried out to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of the pharmacological effects of this Mexican medicinal plant.
A compound event framework for understanding extreme impacts

Climate and weather variables such as rainfall, temperature, and pressure are indicators for hazards such as tropical cyclones, floods, and fires. The impact of these events can be due to a single variable being in an extreme state, but more often it is the result of a combination of variables not all of which are necessarily extreme. Here, the combination of variables or events that lead to an extreme impact is referred to as a compound event. Any given compound event will depend upon the nature and number of physical variables, the range of spatial and temporal scales, the strength of dependence between processes, and the perspective of the stakeholder who defines the impact. Modeling compound events is a large, complex, and interdisciplinary undertaking. To facilitate this task we propose the use of influence diagrams for defining, mapping, analyzing, modeling, and communicating the risk of the compound event. Ultimately, a greater appreciation of compound events will lead to further insight and a changed perspective on how impact risks are associated with climate‐related hazards. WIREs Clim Change 2014, 5:113–128. doi: 10.1002/wcc.252
Anti-Obesity Effects of Chitosan and Its Derivatives

The number of obese people in the world is rising, leading to an increase in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders. The search for medications including natural compounds for the prevention of obesity is an urgent task. Chitosan polysaccharide obtained through the deacetylation of chitin, and its derivatives, including short-chain oligosaccharides (COS), have hypolipidemic, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and antioxidant properties. Chemical modifications of chitosan can produce derivatives with increased solubility under neutral conditions, making them potential therapeutic substances for use in the treatment of metabolic disorders. Multiple studies both in animals and clinical trials have demonstrated that chitosan improves the gut microbiota, restores intestinal barrier dysfunction, and regulates thermogenesis and lipid metabolism. However, the effect of chitosan is rather mild, especially if used for a short periods, and is mostly independent of chitosan’s physical characteristics. We hypothesized that the major mechanism of chitosan’s anti-obesity effect is its flocculant properties, enabling it to collect the chyme in the gastrointestinal tract and facilitating the removal of extra food. This review summarizes the results of the use of COS, chitosan, and its derivatives in obesity control in terms of pathways of action and structural activity.