Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Using MALDI-TOF MS to Identify Mosquitoes from Senegal and the Origin of Their Blood Meals

Simple Summary Mosquitoes are capable of transmitting numerous diseases to humans and animals. However, not all mosquitoes are vectors. It is therefore very important to identify mosquitoes in order to distinguish vectors from non-vectors. Our aim was to evaluate the ability of MALDI-TOF MS to identify mosquitoes collected in Senegal and stored for several months in silica gel, and to determine the origin of their blood meal. We have identified 12 different species, most of which are vectors of human disease. We also found that these mosquitoes fed mainly on humans. Our results confirm that MALDI-TOF MS is a promising and rapid technique for identifying mosquitoes and the origin of their blood meal. However, the percentage of good-quality spectra was low, demonstrating that mosquitoes should be pre-treated before being preserved in silica gel. Transferring the MALDI-TOF MS database to Senegal will enable mosquitoes to be identified on the spot as quickly as possible. Abstract Mosquitoes are arthropods that represent a real public health problem in Africa. Morphology and molecular biology techniques are usually used to identify different mosquito species. In recent years, an innovative tool, matrix-assisted desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), has been used to identify many arthropods quickly and at low cost, where equipment is available. We evaluated the ability of MALDI-TOF MS to identify mosquitoes collected in Senegal and stored for several months in silica gel, and to determine the origin of their blood meal. A total of 582 mosquitoes were collected and analysed. We obtained 329/582 (56.52%) MALDI-TOF MS good-quality spectra from mosquito legs and 123/157 (78.34%) good-quality spectra from engorged abdomens. We updated our home-made MALDI-TOF MS arthropod spectra database by adding 23 spectra of five mosquito species from Senegal that had been identified morphologically and molecularly. These included legs from Anopheles gambiae, Anopheles arabiensis, Anopheles cf. rivulorum, Culex nebulosus, Anopheles funestus, and three spectra from abdomens engorged with human blood. Having updated the database, all mosquitoes tested by MALDI-TOF MS were identified with scores greater than or equal to 1.7 as An. gambiae (n = 64), Anopheles coluzzii (n = 12), An. arabiensis (n = 1), An. funestus (n = 7), An. cf rivulorum (n = 1), Lutzia tigripes (n = 3), Cx. nebulosus (n = 211), Culex quinquefasciatus (n = 2), Culex duttoni (n = 1), Culex perfescus (n = 1), Culex tritaeniorhynchus (n = 1), and Aedes aegypti (n = 2). Blood meal identification by MALDI-TOF MS revealed that mosquitoes had fed on the blood of humans (n = 97), cows (n = 6), dogs (n = 2), goats (n = 1), sheep (n = 1), and bats (n = 1). Mixed meals were also detected. These results confirm that MALDI-TOF MS is a promising technique for identifying mosquitoes and the origin of their blood meal.
Compositional Streamline-Based Modeling of Polymer Flooding Including Rheology, Retention, and Salinity Variation

The chemical enhanced oil recovery (CEOR) technology that is most used worldwide is polymer flooding due to its proven commercial success at field scale, maturity, and versatility to combine with other technologies. So, there has been an increasing interest in expanding its applicability to more unfavorable mobility ratio conditions and adverse environments (such as high-temperature, high-salinity carbonate reservoirs, pH-sensitive polymers, and formations with active clays). Therefore, a requirement for successful field application is to find the design parameters of the process that balance material requirements and oil recovery benefits in a cost-effective manner, which is usually done through reservoir modeling. Polymer flooding predictive tools normally require detailed information and are based on time-consuming field reservoir simulations. Thus, for effective project management, a quick and sound tool is needed to screen for polymer flooding applications without giving up key physical–chemical phenomena that govern the oil recovery. In this research, we developed a two-dimensional polymer flooding model based on the streamlines approach. This is an alternative to having a multidimensional practical tool thoroughly representing the physical and chemical behavior of polymer flooding by considering key phenomena such as rheology behavior (shear thinning and shear thickening), salinity variations, permeability reduction, and polymer adsorption. Previously published streamline multidimensional models for polymer flooding lack the integrated modeling of the above-mentioned key phenomena. Additionally, the models to represent rheology and retention phenomena in the proposed tool consider a more complete description than the present streamline-based simulators. For the construction of streamlines, we considered a black oil formulation to estimate the pressure and saturation 2D distribution by applying the implicit in pressure and explicit in saturation method, coupled with an explicit formulation for the 2D composition computation. For saturation-composition along the streamlines, the 1D practical tool incorporated represents the polymer flooding key phenomena. The numerical algorithm used by the streamline-based tool is supported by laboratory experiments for waterflooding in homogenous porous media, analytical results for waterflooding in heterogeneous media, polymer flooding field scale simulation cases, and a CMG-STARS model built as a reference for waterflooding in both media (homogenous and heterogeneous) and for polymer flooding. The practical tool developed contributes to simplifying the upscaling from laboratory observations to field applications with better fitted numerical simulation models and to determining favorable scenarios; thus, it could assist in understanding how key parameters affect oil recovery without performing time-consuming CEOR simulations.
Blockchain in the Food Industry: Integrating Machine Learning in a Systematic Literature Review

This study provides a systematic literature review of blockchain technology in the food industry with a supply chain lens. We identify primary and sub-themes, discuss implications and applications in terms of delivering value and propose literature-informed future research directions. This review uncovered three primary themes: a) Value Creation; b) Supply Chain Digitization; and c) Transformation. It demonstrates that digitalizing food networks with blockchain technology may benefit from increased stakeholder involvement and data visibility to gain competitive advantage. Beyond the theoretical contributions, this research provides a methodological contribution by demonstrating the uses of machine learning techniques to perform systematic literature reviews.
Protective effect of heat-processed Gynostemma pentaphyllum on high fat diet-induced glucose metabolic disorders mice

Glucose metabolic disorders (GMD) can promote insulin resistance (IR) and diabetes, and damage liver and kidney. Gynostemma pentaphyllum is commonly used in the clinical treatment of diabetes, but the research on its main active constituents and GMD has not been reported yet. This study explores the therapeutic potential of gypenosides of heat-processed Gynostemma pentaphyllum (HGyp) on high-fat diet-induced GMD in mice. HGyp was administered at different doses for 12 weeks. The investigation encompassed an array of parameters, including body weight, blood lipids, blood glucose, and liver tissue components. Metabolomic and network analyses were conducted to uncover potential targets and pathways associated with HGyp treatment. The results revealed that HGyp alleviated GMD by reducing body weight, blood glucose, and improving blood lipids levels, while increasing liver glycogen and antioxidant enzyme levels. Additionally, HGyp exhibited protective effects on liver and kidney health by reducing tissue damage. Fourteen blood components were detected by LC-MS. Metabolomic and network analyses indicated the potential engagement of the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in the therapeutic effects of HGyp.Furthermore, Western blot and ELISA assays confirmed that HGyp upregulated GLO1 and GLUT4 while down-regulating AGEs and RAGE expression in liver tissue. In light of these findings, HGyp demonstrates promise as a potential therapeutic candidate for combating GMD, warranting further exploration in the development of therapeutic strategies or functional products.
Safety and efficacy of self-expandable Evolut R vs. balloon-expandable Sapien 3 valves for transcatheter aortic valve implantation: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The aim of this study was to systematically search literature and conduct a meta-analysis comparing the clinical efficacy and safety of Evolut R and Sapien 3 valves for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The PubMed, Biomed Central, Scopus, Cochrane library and Google scholar databases were searched for articles published up to June, 2019. A total of 5 studies were included. In total, 795 patients underwent TAVI with Evolut R, while 665 patients received the Sapien 3 valve in the included studies. Overall device success with Evolut R was 95.7% and with Sapien 3 was 94.2%. Pooled data indicated no significant differences between the 2 valves (OR, 1.12; 95% CI, 0.66-1.89; P=0.68; I2=0%). No significant differences were observed in the incidence of none to mild paravalvular leakage between the 2 groups (OR, 1.71; 95% CI, 0.83-3.54; P=0.14; I2=0%). Both mean [random; mean difference (MD) = -3.96; 95% CI, -4.61 to -3.31; P<0.00001, I2=0%] and peak (random; MD = -6.85; 95% CI, -8.22 to -5.48; P<0.00001, I2=0%) aortic valve gradients were significantly lower with Evolut R. No significant differences were observed in the 30-day mortality (OR, 1.32; 95% CI, 0.45-3.87; P=0.62; I2=0%) or 30-day stroke outcomes (OR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.32-1.81; P=0.54; I2=0%) between the 2 devices. On the whole, the findings of this study indicate that Evolut R and Sapien 3 valves may be comparable in terms of device success and short-term complications. The differences between the 2 devices for post-operative moderate to severe paravalvular leak and permanent pacemaker implantation remain unclear. There is thus a need for a large multi-center randomized controlled trial to provide stronger evidence on this subject.
Untailored vs. Gender- and Body-Mass-Index-Tailored Skeletal Muscle Mass Index (SMI) to Assess Sarcopenia in Advanced Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC)

Simple Summary In this study, we investigated the optimal SMI cutoff to discriminate overall survival (OS) in a cohort of consecutive advanced HNSCC patients. Untailored, BMI-tailored and gender-tailored cutoffs were analyzed, and gender-tailored SMI categorization had the highest prognostic value, which was retained in a multivariate analysis including several HNSCC-specific prognostic factors. Abstract (1) Background: Sarcopenia lasting >1 year might be considered a chronic condition in many HNSCC patients. CT-scan-derived Skeletal Muscle Mass Index (SMI) is an established surrogate of sarcopenia; yet, the cut-off reported in the literature (literature-based, lb-SMI < 43.2) is mainly based on the risk of chemoradiotherapy-induced toxicity, and the optimal value to discriminate OS is under-investigated. (2) Methods: The effect on OS of the lb-SMI cutoff was compared with an untailored OS-oriented SMI cutoff obtained in a cohort of consecutive advanced HNSCC patients treated with primary chemoradiotherapy, bio-chemotherapy or chemo-immunotherapy (cohort-specific, cs-SMI cutoff). Gender- and BMI-tailored (gt-SMI and bt-SMI) cut-offs were also evaluated. Cutoff values were identified by using the maximally selected rank statistics for OS. (3) Results: In 115 HNSCC patients, the cs-SMI cutoff was 31.50, which was lower compared to the lb-SMI reported cut-off. The optimal cut-off separately determined in females, males, overweight and non-overweight patients were 46.02, 34.37, 27.32 and 34.73, respectively. gt-SMI categorization had the highest effect on survival (p < 0.0001); its prognostic value was independent of the treatment setting or the primary location and was retained in a multivariate cox-regression analysis for OS including other HNSCC-specific prognostic factors (p = 0.0004). (4) Conclusions: A tailored SMI assessment would improve clinical management of sarcopenia in chemoradiotherapy-, bio-chemotherapy- or chemo-immunotherapy-treated HNSCC patients. Gender-based SMI could be used for prognostication in HNSCC patients.
Mapping solid waste governance modes in a Mexican municipality

ABSTRACT Human decisions and modes of organization can be analyzed according to their rationale, which can be based on hierarchies, markets, or networks. This classification is known as governance modes. This article addresses municipal solid waste (MSW) governance inside and outside protected areas based on the Sepultura Biosphere Reserve (REBISE) case in Chiapas, Mexico. We conducted semi-structured interviews and a content analysis of laws and municipal regulations to identify the stakeholders and institutions that operate at community and municipal levels. Our research is a first effort to analyze the modes of MSW governance and offers a spatially explicit classification to reveal the spatial differences in how MSW is governed. The populations close to the capital city and the main roads have a multiplicity of mechanisms and modes of MSW governance, which contrasts with distant communities located within the REBISE. This work illustrates the gaps where municipal authorities are unable to fulfill their obligations and the potential of market and collaborative mechanisms. Characterizing governance modes through spatially explicit thematic maps reveals the interactions between stakeholders and formal and informal institutions, which could contribute to territorial planning toward more effective MSW governance. Summary Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) governance is a social process in which people or organizations (governmental or non-governmental stakeholders) make agreements (formal or informal institutions) about MSW. This process can occur under different contexts, for example, at local, municipal, state or federal scales. The possible interactions between the different types of stakeholders and institutions generate governance structures specific to a social context and historical process (hierarchical structure, markets, networks or hybrids). The identification of these governance structures, through the identification of stakeholders and institutions, allows us to understand internal logics and, therefore, points of improvement in governance. In this research we identify these structures in a Mexican municipality, with the help of maps, in order to present spatially explicit MSW governance information. We succeeded in mapping the hierarchical and market mode at the local and municipal level, and the way in which they interact.
Field foot patrol effectiveness in Kafue National Park, Zambia

Field foot patrols effectiveness for wildlife protection in a large vegetal mosaic Kafue National Park (22,400 km2) was assessed for two successive periods of different duration. The relationship between patrol days spent in the field by patrol teams and resultant outcomes was determined. Using trained patrol scout teams, field data was recorded on prescribed patrol forms. Prosecution data was populated into database and analysed for their spatial coverage. Study findings showed that 2 to 8 day foot patrols were more effective than protracted patrols. By changing field patrol duration the Wildlife Agency significantly reduced events of “serious and minor offences” and saved at least 46.67% of its conservation funds for foot patrols. Most of the offenders (69.13%) of environmental crimes originated from adjacent areas to the Park. It was proposed that wildlife managers explore and implement effective pragmatic foot patrols on site specific basis. In addition, it was postulated that community based conservation programmes in peripherals of Kafue National Park, if strengthened, could greatly contribute to biodiversity conservation. Future studies would be required to further investigate drivers of environmental crimes, elucidating attitudes of poachers and reasons for their involvement in illegal wildlife trade vis-a-vis local demands of natural products. Key words: Environmental crimes, effectiveness, community based conservation, Kafue National Park, Zambia.
Geochemical Processes: Water and Sediment Environments

The approach of this book to geochemistry can be summarized in the question: What happens, and how fast does it happen, when waters, solids, and gases interact in the earths surface environment? The environment of the earths surface is made of solids and fluids, and theinteractions among them are responsible for much of what is taking place in the physical world around us. The dissolved load of natural waters and the materials of which sediments are made are the products of reactions taking place practically everywhere on land, in the atmosphere, and in the hydrosphere. Thus the term water and sediment environments applies effectivelly to much of the surface environment of the earth, including the zone of up to a few kilometers above and below the land and ocean surface. Evolution present itself to us as a more or less complex variety of processes-geological, physical, chemical, and biological. To this end, the inclusive title Geochemical Processes was chosen for the book, to introduce a text that emphasizes processes and time-dependent phenomena.
Distribution of Abacion texense (Loomis, 1937), the only milliped species traversing the Rio Grande, Mississippi, and Pecos rivers (Callipodida: Abacionidae)

Localities are documented for the milliped Abacion texense (Loomis, 1837) (Callipodida: Abacionidae) whose distribution forms both the northern and southern ordinal limits in the Western Hemisphere. The westernmost component of Abacion Rafinesque, 1820, A. texense is the only milliped species whose range spans the Mississippi and Pecos rivers and the Rio Grande. Distribution extremes are in Hennepin County (Co.), Minnesota, in the north; Terrell and Potter cos. , Texas, in the west; Alcorn Co., Mississippi, in the east; and southwestern Tamaulipas, Mexico, in the south. Occurrences are projected for southeastern South Dakota, northwestern Alabama, and the southwestern periphery of Tennessee. The type series of A. texense consists solely of the male holotype, so a neotype will be needed if this individual is ever lost, because no paratypes were officially designated.
Internal deformation due to shear and tensile faults in a half-space

A complete set of closed analytical expressions is presented in a unified manner for the internal displacements and strains due to shear and tensile faults in a half-space for both point and finite rectangular sources. These expressions are particularly compact and systematically composed of terms representing deformations in an infinite medium, a term related to surface deformation and that is multiplied by the depth of observation point. Several practical suggestions to avoid mathematical singularities and computational instabilities are also presented. The expressions derived here represent powerful tools both for the observational and theoretical analyses of static field changes associated with earthquake and volcanic phenomena.
Picophytoplankton biomass distribution in the global ocean

Abstract. The smallest marine phytoplankton, collectively termed picophytoplankton, have been routinely enumerated by flow cytometry since the late 1980s during cruises throughout most of the world ocean. We compiled a database of 40 946 data points, with separate abundance entries for Prochlorococcus, Synechococcus and picoeukaryotes. We use average conversion factors for each of the three groups to convert the abundance data to carbon biomass. After gridding with 1° spacing, the database covers 2.4% of the ocean surface area, with the best data coverage in the North Atlantic, the South Pacific and North Indian basins, and at least some data in all other basins. The average picophytoplankton biomass is 12 p 22 μg C l−1 or 1.9 g C m−2. We estimate a total global picophytoplankton biomass of 0.53–1.32 Pg C (17–39% Prochlorococcus, 12–15% Synechococcus and 49–69% picoeukaryotes), with an intermediate/best estimate of 0.74 Pg C. Future efforts in this area of research should focus on reporting calibrated cell size and collecting data in undersampled regions. http://doi.pangaea. de/10.1594/PANGAEA.777385
Tectonic Emplacement of the Burro Mountain Ultramafic Body, Santa Lucia Range, California

The Burro Mountain body is a crudely equidimensional block of unusually fresh ultramafic rock. This block, along with numerous smaller and more elongate serpentinite bodies, has been emplaced in a highly sheared Franciscan terrane immediately west of the Nacimiento fault. This fault separates two major structural units: (1) on the east, a 40- by 300-mile block with basement of granitic rock, schists and gneisses, and (2) on the west, a 10- by 100-mile tract of Franciscan Formation. Within the Burro Mountain body the primary rock types and their approximate percentages are: peridotite (65), dunite (35), and pseudopyroxenite (<1). Variations among these lithologic types produce a well-defined internal structure, the two major elements of which are: (1) pervasive compositional layering whose attitude throughout the body varies little from N. 5° W. , 80° E. , and (2) superimposed discordant structures which may cut the earlier layering at any angle. The first set is thought to have been formed by metamorphic differentiation associated with internal deformation, the second set by metasomatic replacement, possibly a succeeding phase of the earlier metamorphic differentiation. Serpentinization is nearly complete at the margins but progressively decreases toward the center of the body. Contact metasomatism, related to Serpentinization, is responsible for the sporadic presence of rodingites around the margins. An arm-like extension of the main body and linear trains of serpentinite bodies extending for miles parallel to the regional structure may represent previous marginal material sheared out during emplacement. The tectonic nature of the emplacement is demonstrated by the discordance of internal versus regional structure, discrepancy of metamorphic grade between ultramafic and country rock, extreme marginal shearing, lack of igneous contacts, and association with other tectonic inclusions. Several lines of evidence suggest a subcrustal origin for the primary ultramafic rock.