Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Rootstock, scion, and microbiome contributions to cadmium mitigation in five Indonesian cocoa cultivars.

Reducing levels of heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd) in cacao beans has become an important priority for cacao production in Indonesia. Current mitigation strategies revolve around breeding and the use of soil ameliorants, and in the future, the soil microbiome may also have the potential to reduce Cd bioavailability and uptake by cacao trees. However, there remains a need for locally specific recommendations for low-Cd-accumulating cacao cultivars and knowledge of native beneficial bacteria and fungi. In a greenhouse study using field soil supplemented with Cd, five cacao clones (MCC02, M01, S1, S2, and ICCRI 9) were grafted in a fully factorial design to the same hybrid half sibling rootstocks, plant uptake was measured before and after the addition of cadmium nitrate, and rhizosphere microbial communities were characterized. Rootstock, scion, and graft combinations all significantly affected plant Cd levels, but the ranking of clones differed between low and high Cd soils. Twenty-six bacterial taxa and one fungal taxon were associated with Cd uptake. These results highlight the continued importance of breeding as a cadmium mitigation strategy and support the potential for the soil microbiome to contribute to reducing cadmium uptake in cacao.
Seroconversion and Prevalence of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen among Vaccinated Health Care Workers in Ashanti Region, Ghana

Background Health care workers (HCWs) constantly stand at a high risk of exposure to the hepatitis B virus because of the nature of their work. Hence, it is mandatory for HCWs to undergo hepatitis B vaccination. However, most HCWs in Ghana do not check their HBsAb titre after completion of their primary vaccination. This study assessed the prevalence of HBsAg and the seroconversion rate among vaccinated health care workers in the Ashanti Region, Ghana. Materials and Methods A semistructured open-ended questionnaire was pretested and administered to 424 HCWs. Two (2) ml of blood was drawn and qualitative analyses (HBsAg, HBsAb, HBeAg, HBeAb, and HBcAb) were done on the blood samples. Samples that tested positive to HBsAb were quantified using ELISA. Data obtained were analysed using GraphPad Prism 9. Results Out of the 424 study participants, 271 (63.9%) were females and 153 (36.1%) were males. Seroconversion (≥1 mIU/mL) and seroprotection (≥10 mIU/mL) through vaccination only among study participants were 67.5% (n/N = 286/424) and 58.0% (n/N = 246/424), respectively. Prevalence of hepatitis B viral infection was 2.4% (n/N = 10/424). Anti-HBc seropositivity was 13.2%, and anti-HBs seronegativity was 24.1%. 2.4% (n/N = 10/424) of study participants were negative to HBsAg but positive to HBcAb. In addition, 8.5% (n/N = 36/424) of the study participants were seroprotected due to exposure and recovery from previous HBV infection. Age, the number of doses received, taking a booster dose, and keeping a vaccination record card were significant factors influencing seroconversion status. Conclusion This study reaffirms the need for HCWs to undergo a supervised primary hepatitis B vaccination course. Postvaccination serological testing should be done for all HWCs to confirm immunity and reduce their chances of contracting HBV infection.
Correction of Misalignment Errors in the Integrated GNSS and Accelerometer System for Structural Displacement Monitoring

Structural health monitoring (SHM) systems are widely deployed to monitor the dynamic behaviors of large civil infrastructures such as bridges and tall buildings. Global Navigation Satellite System- (GNSS-) based technologies are often a key component in such an SHM system considering the unique capability of GNSS in determining real-time displacements. GNSS often integrates with an accelerometer to achieve complementary advantages. However, due to the various error sources in GNSS measurements and accelerometer, accuracies of GNSS and accelerometer fusion results often cannot meet the requirements of SHM. We propose to integrate a multi-antenna GNSS and an accelerometer with an unscented multi-rate Kalman filter (UMRKF-MA) to correct the system misalignment errors between the sensors, aiming to produce a much more accurate real-time displacement measurement technology for monitoring large civil infrastructures. Extensive experiments with datasets gathered using a shaking table have indicated that the proposed method was able to improve the accuracy of real-time displacement measurements by up to about 40–65% compared to some existing approaches, and that a 1 mm level of real-time monitoring of displacements could be achieved with the method. The method has also been applied to process a dataset from a real-world long-span bridge when heavy vehicles passed through the bridge in a loading test and significantly improved results were obtained.
Black Cohosh and Climacteric Symptoms: Growing Knowledge about the Efficacy and Safety

Hormone therapy of perimenopausal and postmenopausal disorders includes, in many cases, treatment with estrogens but many recent studies have raised the question as to whether it brings more dangers than benefits for patients. This has led to an increased use of alternatives, mainly plant derived extracts. Among the botanical supplements and herbal medicinal products, extracts of the rhizome and roots of black cohosh are used worldwide for these purposes. This plant has a long-standing history of being used to treat climateric complaints and its clinical efficacy has been proven in several double-blind placebo controlled studies. In terms of safety, minor and transient adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, headaches and dizzness have been observed in clinical trials. A few cases of hepatotoxicity have been reported, but a direct association with the use of black cohosh has not been demonstrated. Black cohosh was first thought to be estrogenic in nature, but recent studies have proposed it as selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) and serotoninergic, dopaminergic and cholinergic mechanisms have been described. Black cohosh shows great promise for relief of menopausal symptoms, primarly of vasomotor and possibly mood symptoms, with an overall positive safety profile of at least 6 months and likely longer. However, data from longer and in some cases more rigorous clinical trials are necessary to assess high efficacy and to substantiate safety.
Gamification Adaptive Elements in Virtual Learning to Improve Behaviour and Collaborative Interaction

A crucial aspect of virtual learning is an adaptable and dynamic environment that can adjust to individual learning strategies, encouraging positive behavior change while simultaneously maintaining motivation to learn. Research has demonstrated that gamification techniques can enhance learning effectiveness by incorporating motivational and enjoyable elements. This technique utilizes game mechanics, including competition among students to achieve recognition. However, implementing gamification techniques can lead to individualistic and competitive behavior among students when completing tasks. This emphasis on rewards can negatively impact collaborative interactions between students, which is critical for engagement in virtual learning and future workplace success. Consequently, this study aims to develop adaptive gamification elements in virtual learning that can promote collaborative behavior and maintain student motivation. The findings of this study shows that gamification elements such as leaderboard, badges, points, rewards, challenges, feedback, progress bars and level can be implemented for developing a virtual learning model based on students' learning style.
Soil CO2 flux trends with differences in soil moisture among four types of land use in an Ecuadorian páramo landscape

Abstract Páramo grasslands are important carbon sinks in the Ecuadorian Andes. Although carbon content of páramo Andisols is correlated with high water retention, the effects of differences in soil moisture under different types of land use on soil carbon processes have not been explicitly tested in the Ecuadorian Andes. This study assessed the relationship between soil moisture and soil CO2 flux among a mature páramo grassland, recently burned páramo grassland, native montane forest, and pine plantation in an Ecuadorian páramo landscape. Soil CO2 flux was greater in the forest sites compared to the grassland sites. Thus, a shift from grassland to forest cover may have significant implications for soil carbon loss via CO2 flux. Our results suggest that although soil moisture plays a significant role in differences of soil CO2 flux rates among land-use types, more investigation into mechanisms for soil carbon loss and how they are driven by land-use change is needed. To our knowledge, these are the first soil CO2 flux rates reported for the Ecuadorian páramo.
Practising refusal as relating otherwise: engagements with knowledge production, ‘activist’ praxis, and borders

This special issue explores the concept of refusal through academic and personal reflections, conversation, poetry, activism, and performative practice. In this introduction, we first situate practices of refusal within very specific locations of struggle and then frame these refusals as a practice of relating otherwise. Relating otherwise is a ‘mode of engagement’ – not a theory or method – that shapes relationships with ourselves, each other, and the world. The introduction goes on to discuss how refusal practices engage with (1) decolonial modes of knowing, (2) embodied, situated, and relational ways of meaning-making, and (3) the undoing of existing dichotomies within ‘activist’ practice.
Assessing HDBSCAN Implementation for Traffic Congestion Pattern Estimation in Bangkok with Taxi GPS Probe

Traffic congestion is a major issue that is experienced globally in metropolitan cities. The phenomenon becomes more serious during peak hour as congestion increases and degrades the traffic networks. Each city possesses a unique traffic network, and the behaviour of its residents affects its traffic patterns. Therefore, a flexible congestion pattern identification approach is desirable. We proposed the employment of Hierarchical Density Based Spatial Clustering of Applications with Noise (HDBSCAN) to estimate traffic congestion propagation patterns through congestion length distribution. Global positioning System (GPS) probe of taxis were utilised to represent traffic pattern within Bangkok. The dataset was preprocessed into two successive timeframes, namely “later” timeframe and “prior” timeframe before being clustered. The identified congestion hotspots from both timeframes were transformed into a congestion area from which congestion lengths were extracted. Similarity measurements on congestion lengths distribution were conducted against Longdo Traffic’s top 100 most congested roads list in Bangkok, showed encouraging results across all tests, with more than 90% similarity in one of the measurements, which indicated that HDBSCAN was feasible to make a key contribution to traffic management research.
Torque Ripple Suppression for Open-End Winding Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Machine Drives With Predictive Current Control

In order to suppress the torque ripple of an open-end winding permanent-magnet synchronous machine (OEW-PMSM), a q-axis current injection method is typically employed but the disturbances caused by the third flux linkage parameter mismatch can augment the torque ripple. To solve this problem, in this paper, first, a zero-sequence current (ZSC) and zero-sequence back-EMF observer (ZCBO) are proposed based on an adaptive sliding mode control, which is able to simultaneously estimate ZSC and zero-sequence back EMF under varying conditions. Based on this ZCBO, the estimated ZSC and zero-sequence back EMF could compensate for the one-step control delay and suppress the aforementioned disturbances. Second, although central hexagon modulation is employed in the predictive current control (PCC) scheme, zero-sequence voltage (ZSV) still exists in the zero-sequence path due to the dead time of the inverter, affecting the predictive accuracy of the ZCBO. To accurately establish the ZCBO, the ZSV caused by the dead time of the inverter is considered in the ZCBO. Finally, a comparative study of two types of methods is presented, and simulations established by MATLAB software and experimental confirmations are carried out to verify the effectiveness of the proposed PCC scheme in this paper.
On Regional Ecological Benefit Compensation Standard in Minjiang River Basin

Currently regional ecological benefit compensation standard in Minjiang river basin is determined by the provincial government that relied on the hierarchical authority,which is lack of scientific calculation.In this paper,cost-sharing method in ecological reconstruction is used to measure ecological compensation standard in Minjiang river basin.The paper puts forward that the way of the reallocating the cost of the ecological protection is practical and feasible which has the great value of the popularization.
Predictors of alfalfa forage quality.

The aim of this study was to use acid detergent fibre (ADF) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) content, height and maturity stage of pre cut alfalfa as predictors of forage quality. Stands of pure first pre cut alfalfa, were sampled from various field experiments during May and June 2011 and 2012 at Agricultural Research and Development Station Simnic Craiova Romania. The samplings and measurements were repeatedly realized from the late vegetative to full flower stage in a 30x30 cm square. The alfalfa maturity stages were used to assign a numerical value to the most mature stem in the sample area. All samples were oven-dried at 60oC, homogenised to a particle size of 1 mm and analysed for dry matter (DM), ADF and NDF content. Digestible DM calculated from percent ADF, is on estimate of the digestibility of the feed. Dry matter intake, calculated from percent NDF is on estimate of the amount of feed on animal will consume in percent of body weight. Relative feed value (RFV) reflects both digestibility (from % ADF) and intake potential (from % NDF) of alfalfa forage. The plant height and maturity provides a close estimate of RFV in the field. By determining the RFV of standing alfalfa, producers can more accurately when to make first spring cut of alfalfa. Adapting of predictors method by growers can be facilitated by the development of simple tables.
Inhibiting Intracellular α2C-Adrenoceptor Surface Translocation Using Decoy Peptides: Identification of an Essential Role of the C-Terminus in Receptor Trafficking

The G protein-coupled α2-adrenoceptor subtype C (abbreviated α2C-AR) has been implicated in peripheral vascular conditions and diseases such as cold feet–hands, Raynaud’s phenomenon, and scleroderma, contributing to morbidity and mortality. Microvascular α2C-adrenoceptors are expressed in specialized smooth muscle cells and mediate constriction under physiological conditions and the occlusion of blood supply involving vasospastic episodes and tissue damage under pathological conditions. A crucial step for receptor biological activity is the cell surface trafficking of intracellular receptors, triggered by cAMP-Epac-Rap1A GTPase signaling, which involves protein–protein association with the actin-binding protein filamin-2, mediated by critical amino acid residues in the last 14 amino acids of the receptor carboxyl (C)-terminus. This study assessed the role of the C-terminus in Rap1A GTPase coupled receptor trafficking by domain-swapping studies using recombinant tagged receptors in transient co-transfections and compared with wild-type receptors using immunofluorescence microscopy. We further tested the biological relevance of the α2C-AR C-terminus, when introduced as competitor peptides, to selectively inhibit intracellular α2C-AR surface translocation in transfected as well as in microvascular smooth muscle cells expressing endogenous receptors. These studies contribute to establishing proof of principle to target intracellular α2C-adrenoceptors to reduce biological activity, which in clinical conditions can be a target for therapy.
RAFOS Float Trajectories from the Labrador Sea Water Level in the Iceland Basin, 1997 - 2003. 2. Ed.

The overall objective of the subproject A3 of SFB 460* (1996 - 2003) was to observe the water mass transformation in the eastern basin of the subpolar gyre with direct methods including RAFOS floats. Our floats populated the 1500 m depth range of the Iceland Basin occupied by low salinity Labrador Sea Water and higher salinity Overflow Water. The first water mass reaches the Basin through the Charlie-Gibbs Fracture Zone. Its source region is in the Labrador Sea where it is generated on a yearly basis by deep reaching winter time convection. The second intermediate water mass of the eastern basin enters the region as Iceland Scotland Overflow Water with its perpetual source in the Norwegian Seas. At the southeastern margin of our region of interest remainders of Mediterranean Water mix with the other two characteristic water masses. A smaller number of floats was deployed in the lower deep water of the Iceland Basin at nominally 2600m depth. Data for the presented gallery of intermediate float trajectories were collected between summer 1997 and summer 2003. We have tracked 57 RAFOS floats. These neutrally buoyant in-situ drifters were launched during six research cruises. Their average underwater missions exceeded one year. The Lagrangian experiment lasted until 2003 when all four sound sources were completely recovered. The data set comprises also trajectories from float parks. These ensembles of floats enable repeated Lagrangian time series with identical initial conditions allowing estimates of the representativeness of individual trajectories. *SFB (Sonderforschungsbereich) stands for an accelerated research initiative comprising intensive observations and modelling efforts of fluctuations in the thermohaline circulation in the subpolar gyre of the North Atlantic.
Fingerprint Identification from Digital Images Using Deep Learning

Authentication methods, particularly those based on biometrics, are becoming increasingly popular due to their superior security, cost-effectiveness, and user-friendliness compared to conventional methods. The spread of contagious illness has led to the urgent need for contactless fingerprint verification in various sectors. However, challenges arise in fingerprint categorization in touchless systems due to factors like image clarity, background interference, besides external conditions. This research introduces an initial work on a deep learning system for touchless fingerprint identification, utilizing a comprehensive dataset of 2,143 images from 175 participants. The task is presented as a classification problem. Our proposed solution combines preprocessing strategies with deep and transfer learning models, incorporating various preprocessing methods to boost the classification efficacy in touchless fingerprint identification. Based on our tests, the InceptionResnet model emerged as the top performer, registering an accuracy rate of 89%.
Microbiological Analysis of Street Foods Sold in Kathmandu, Nepal

Objectives: To investigate whether the street foods are potential source of pathogens or not. Methods: A total of 36 samples of different street foods were aseptically collected from different areas of Kathmandu Valley and was transported to laboratory. The bacterial load was enumerated using pour plate technique on plate count agar. Fungal load was enumerated using pour plate technique on potato dextrose agar and coliform load was also calculated using pour plate technique on VRBA. While Staphylococcus aureus was selectively detected on Mannitol Salt Agar. Escherichia coli was detected by observation of metallic sheen on Eosin Methylene Blue Agar. Results: The highest bacterial load was found on pani-puri with 70.4x103 cfu/ml and highest fungal load was found on samosa with 34.5x103 cfu/ml whereas the presence of coliforms was only detected in panipuri and chana chatpate. The food samples consisted of E. coli and S. aureus. E.coli was only detected from chana-chatpate. While the average Staphylococcal load was found to be highest in pani-puri (91.6x103 cfu/ml) and lowest in mo: mo (1.7x103 cfu/ml). Conclusion: This study concludes that E. coli and coliforms are the most common contaminant in channa chatpate sold in streets. Panipuri and channa chatpate sold in streets have the highest microbial loadand hence more chances of harboring potential pathogens. Street food sample in Kathmandu is mostly contaminated with the S. aureus.
Huygens Principle-based Microwave Brain Imaging through Finite Difference Time Domain

This paper investigates the application of Huygens principle (HP) in brain imaging. We employ simulation techniques, specifically the Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) method, in order to comprehensively evaluate the efficacy of this methodology in detecting strokes within the brain. The FDTD method is particularly noteworthy due to its straightforward implementation and high level of accuracy. Moreover, its compatibility with time domain analysis allows us to effectively incorporate time-varying sources. In order to demonstrate the effectiveness of HP procedure, we examine various scenarios in our simulations. The results provide compelling evidence of the considerable potential of HP imaging for the brain, highlighting its adaptability for a wide range of applications. These research findings yield valuable insights into the possibilities of using HP for brain imaging, laying the foundation for future advancements and innovation in the field of brain imaging for stroke detection.
A taxonomic note on the helicoid land snail genus Traumatophora (Eupulmonata, Camaenidae)

Abstract Traumatophoratriscalpta (Martens, 1875) is reported for the first time from the Tianmushan Mountains, Zhejiang Province, and its morpho-anatomy is described based on this new material. The genus Traumatophora is redefined on the basis of both shell and genital anatomy of its type species. The presence of the dart apparatus suggests this genus belongs to the subfamily Bradybaeninae rather than to the Camaeninae. This genus is distinguished from all other Chinese bradybaenine genera by the combination of the following key morphological characteristics: embryonic shell smooth, palatal teeth present, dart sac tiny with rounded proximal accessory sac that opens into a dart sac chamber, mucous glands well developed, entering an accessory sac through a papilla, epiphallic papilla absent, flagellum present. A comparison is also presented of Chinese bradybaenine genera with known terminal genitalia.
Experimental Assessment of an Epidermal RFID Sensor Grid for Skin Temperature Monitoring during Microwave Hyperthermia

Microwave hyperthermia is an emerging anti-cancer therapy with the potential to improve the outcomes of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. However, the application of high power electromagnetic fields to the skin can cause thermal damage and discomfort to patients. To address this issue, a novel epidermal RadioFrequency Identification (RFID)-based Thermal Monitoring Sheet (R-TMS) was previously introduced by authors as a wireless, low-cost, noninvasive, and easy-to-use solution for skin temperature monitoring purposes during the treatment. R-TMS is a planar grid of RFID antennas embedded with temperature-sensing Integrated Circuits (ICs), operating in the Ultra-High-Frequency (UHF) band, and designed to be placed in direct contact with the skin to provide a real-time temperature spatial map. Authors demonstrated that R-TMS is electromagnetic compatible with superficial microwave hyperthermia, ensuring patient safety and treatment effectiveness. In this paper, preliminary experimental results demonstrate the R-TMS capability to provide a real-time 2D temperature spatial map, as well as its sensing accuracy and reliability.