Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Identification of the CDPK gene family in patchouli and functional analysis in response to continuous cropping stress

To further reveal the molecular mechanisms underlying the formation of continuous cropping disorders in patchouli, this study analyzed the function of calcium dependent protein kinase (CDPK) genes at the molecular level in patchouli continuous cropping disorders. The findings unveiled the presence of 45 PcCDPK genes within the complete patchouli genome dataset. These genes exhibited a range of molecular weights from 50.78 to 78.96 kDa and aliphatic index values spanning from 74.42 to 88.49, and are shown to be hydrophilic proteins. The evolution of 45 PcCDPK members was divided into 4 subfamilies, with a total of 65 pairs of collinear genes. Each PcCDPK contains a STKc-CAMK domain and four EF-hand structures exhibiting a certain degree of conservatism during evolution. Transcriptome data further supported the significance of PcCDPK25 and PcCDPK38 genes, showing substantial upregulation, which was corroborated by qRT-PCR results. The 1629 bp and 1716 bp CDS sequences were obtained by cloning the PcCDPK25 and PcCDPK38 genes, respectively, and subcellular localization showed that both proteins were localized on the plasma membrane. This comprehensive study provides molecular-level confirmation of the pivotal roles played by CDPK genes in the emergence of continuous cropping challenges in patchouli plants, establishing a crucial foundation for a deeper comprehension of the molecular mechanisms underpinning these obstacles.
Comparison of the effects of rumen-protected and unprotected L-leucine on fermentation parameters, bacterial composition, and amino acids metabolism in in vitro rumen batch cultures

This study was conducted to compare the effects of rumen-protected (RP-Leu) and unprotected L-leucine (RU-Leu) on the fermentation parameters, bacterial composition, and amino acid metabolism in vitro rumen batch incubation. The 5.00 g RP-Leu or RU-Leu products were incubated in situ in the rumen of four beef cattle (Bos taurus) and removed after 0, 2, 4, 6, 12, 16, and 24 h to determine the rumen protection rate. In in vitro incubation, both RP-Leu and RU-Leu were supplemented 1.5 mmol/bottle (L-leucine HCl), and incubated after 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 16 h to measure gas production (GP), nutrient degradability, fermentation parameters, bacterial composition, and amino acids metabolism. Results from both in vitro and in situ experiments confirmed that the rumen protection rate was greater (p < 0.01) in RP-Leu than in RU-Leu, whereas the latter was slow (p < 0.05) degraded within incubation 8 h. Free leucine from RP-Leu and RU-Leu reached a peak at incubation 6 h (p < 0.01). RU-Leu supplementation increased (p < 0.05) gas production, microbial crude protein, branched-chain AAs, propionate and branched-chain VFAs concentrations, and Shannon and Sobs index in comparison to the control and RP-Leu supplementation. RU-Leu and RP-Leu supplementation decreased (p < 0.05) the relative abundance of Bacteroidota, which Firmicutes increased (p < 0.05). Correlation analysis indicated that there are 5 bacteria at the genus level that may be positively correlated with MCP and propionate (p < 0.05). Based on the result, we found that RP-Leu was more stable than RU-Leu in rumen fluid, but RU-Leu also does not exhibit rapid degradation by ruminal microbes for a short time. The RU-Leu was more beneficial in terms of regulating rumen fermentation pattern, microbial crude protein synthesis, and branched-chain VFAs production than RP-Leu in vitro rumen conditions.
Shared Account Problem in Super Apps

The rapid digitization of various services has led to the emergence of super apps, providing an array of utilities under one application. A common usage scenario of such platforms, such as Alipay, involves shared accounts by multiple users, typically within a family. However, this shared use poses a unique challenge to the security protocols designed to prevent unauthorized access, as they can misinterpret legitimate multi-user behavior as fraudulent activity. In this paper, we explore the complexities involved in accurately discerning such shared usage from potential security threats and investigate current solutions. It aims to stimulate discussion around a more flexible, adaptive, and user-inclusive approach to account security in the evolving landscape of super apps.
NMR “Finger Prints” of N-Heterocyclic Carbenes, DFT Analysis: Scopes and Limitations

The scopes and limitations of theoretical methods for estimating various NMR metrics of NHCs are considered on a wide range of model NHCs and their derivatives, using a number of computational approximations. On the whole, the most reliable, from the point of view of predictability and insusceptibility to additional effects, are 31P/13C NMR shifts of NHC–phosphinidene adducts and 13C CSs of carbenes themselves. The method based on the analysis of 77Se CS NHC–selenoureas has some limitations since the observed NMR parameters can also be modulated by exchange effects due to their formation with non-classical hydrogen bonds. As for HEP, since the delicate balance of electron distribution between Pd and two carbon centers can nonlinearly affect relativistic spin–orbit effects, the accuracy of the estimation of this metric may still be limited. 13C CSs of NHC–azolium salts do not seem to be reliable, since the observed values are strongly influenced by the effects of the exchange between different forms with counterions, which are difficult to estimate correctly.
Image Segmentation of Fiducial Marks with Complex Backgrounds Based on the mARU-Net

Circuits on different layers in a printed circuit board (PCB) must be aligned according to high-precision fiducial mark images during exposure processing. However, processing quality depends on the detection accuracy of fiducial marks. Precise segmentation of fiducial marks from images can significantly improve detection accuracy. Due to the complex background of PCB images, there are significant challenges in the segmentation and detection of fiducial mark images. In this paper, the mARU-Net is proposed for the image segmentation of fiducial marks with complex backgrounds to improve detection accuracy. Compared with some typical segmentation methods in customized datasets of fiducial marks, the mARU-Net demonstrates good segmentation accuracy. Experimental research shows that, compared with the original U-Net, the segmentation accuracy of the mARU-Net is improved by 3.015%, while the number of parameters and training times are not increased significantly. Furthermore, the centroid method is used to detect circles in segmentation results, and the deviation is kept within 30 microns, with higher detection efficiency. The detection accuracy of fiducial mark images meets the accuracy requirements of PCB production.
Threatened plant translocation case study: 'Banksia brownii' (Feather leaved Banksia), Proteaceae

Australasian Plant Conservation | Vol 27 No 1 June – August 2018 The Species • Long-lived non-lignotuberous shrub or small tree. • Endemic to Western Australia. • 18 extant (surviving; in existence) natural populations, 10 with less than 100 plants, which occur over a 90 km range around Albany (to the north and east). • Three biogeographically and genetically distinct population groups have been identified and are considered to be separate conservation units for management and recovery.
Replication and Expression of the Consensus Genome of Hepatitis B Virus Genotype C from the Chinese Population

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype C is a prevalent HBV genotype in the Chinese population. Although genotype C shows higher sequence heterogeneity and more severe liver disease than other genotypes, its pathogenesis and immunological traits are not yet fully elucidated. In this study, we first established and chemically synthesized the consensus sequence based on representative 138 full-length HBV genotype C genomes from the Chinese population. The pHBV1.3C plasmid system, containing a 1.3-fold full-length HBV genotype C consensus sequence, was constructed for subsequent validation. Next, we performed functional assays to investigate the replicative competence of pHBV1.3C in vitro through the transient transfection of HepG2 and Huh7 cells and validated the in vivo function via a hydrodynamic injection to BALB/c recipient mice. The in vitro investigation revealed that the extracellular HBV DNA and intracellular replicative intermediate (i.e., pregenomic RNA, pgRNA) were apparently measurable at 48 h, and the HBsAg and HBcAg were still positive in hepatoma cells at 96 h. We also found that HBsAg and HBeAg accumulated at the extracellular and intracellular levels in a time-dependent manner. The in vivo validation demonstrated that pHBV1.3C plasmids induced HBV viremia, triggered morphological changes and HBsAg- or HBcAg- positivity of hepatocytes, and ultimately caused inflammatory infiltration and focal or piecemeal necrosis in the livers of the murine recipients. HBV protein (HBsAg) colocalized with CD8+ T cells or CD4+ T cells in the liver. F4/80+ Kupffer cells were abundantly recruited around the altered murine hepatocytes. Taken together, our results indicate that the synthetic consensus sequence of HBV genotype C is replication-competent in vitro and in vivo. This genotype C consensus genome supports the full HBV life cycle, which is conducive to studying its pathogenesis and immune response, screening novel antiviral agents, and further optimizing testing and therapeutics.
EFFECTIVE MICROORGANISMS (EM) AND WASTEWATER SYSTEMS

The use of effective microorganisms (EM) for reducing volumes of sewage sludge has often been suggested as feasible in either wastewater treatment plants or on-site wastewater treatment systems such as septic tanks. The organisms are supposed to eliminate the volumes of sludge produced, with the benefits of reduced sludge handling, and consequently lower costs and decreased impacts upon the environment. This project aimed to test the hypothesis that EM is beneficial in reducing sludge volumes. Two areas of experimentation were undertaken, one at a controlled experiment at the Coffs Harbour Wastewater Treatment Plant (CHWTP) and a second on five domestic septic tanks in the Armidale-Dumaresq area (northern NSW). Results from CHWTP showed a significant decrease in pH levels with increased EM dose, improved settlement of the sludge, but a significant increase in BOD5. There was a significantly higher level of solids in the treated tanks compared to the control. The lack of consistency between the tank treatments with respect to quality and quantity of sludge remained an issue. The septic tanks indicated a pattern of similar conditions following a final application, suggesting domination by a particular type of microorganism. However, there was no reduction in suspended solids content in the effluent. It is concluded that there were not sufficient changes to sludge volume (CHWTP) or suspended solids (septic tanks) to indicate a clear benefit from the use of EM in wastewater.
19. ROCK-MAGNETIC PROPERTIES OF PLEISTOCENE PASSIVE MARGIN SEDIMENTS: ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE AND DIAGENESIS OFFSHORE NEW JERSEY1

Downhole changes in the concentration, grain size, and mineralogy of the magnetic components of Holocene through upper Pleistocene continental slope sediments (Ocean Drilling Program Holes 903A and 904A) were analyzed to judge the primary detrital vs. the diagenetic origin of the magnetic signal. Natural remanent magnetization (NRM), magnetic susceptibility (K), anhysteretic remanent magnetization (ARM), isothermal remanent magnetization (IRM), and additional hysteresis measurements were performed for densely sampled intervals (ca. every 15 cm). Single-domain through small pseudosingle-domain magnetite is identified as the dominant remanence carrying mineral. However, relative changes of the rock-magnetic properties on a sample-by-sample basis appear to be more instructive in detecting diagenetic overprints of the signal than are determinations of absolute grain sizes. Major downhole changes in the rock-magnetic properties are dominated by the original detrital signal and clearly record differences of glacial and interglacial modes of deposition. Postdepositional dissolution and the authigenic growth of magnetite modulate the detrital magnetic mineralogy dominantly in well-defined sections, which represent the contact of unconformably deposited sediment packages. This diagenetic alteration of the magnetic signal is restricted to the finer ferrimagnetic fraction and can be detected by analyzing the grain selectivity of the ARM acquisition process. The alteration of the magnetic mineralogy occurred repeatedly during sediment diagenesis.
Internet of Things in Pregnancy Care Coordination and Management: A Systematic Review

The Internet of Things (IoT) has positioned itself globally as a dominant force in the technology sector. IoT, a technology based on interconnected devices, has found applications in various research areas, including healthcare. Embedded devices and wearable technologies powered by IoT have been shown to be effective in patient monitoring and management systems, with a particular focus on pregnant women. This study provides a comprehensive systematic review of the literature on IoT architectures, systems, models and devices used to monitor and manage complications during pregnancy, postpartum and neonatal care. The study identifies emerging research trends and highlights existing research challenges and gaps, offering insights to improve the well-being of pregnant women at a critical moment in their lives. The literature review and discussions presented here serve as valuable resources for stakeholders in this field and pave the way for new and effective paradigms. Additionally, we outline a future research scope discussion for the benefit of researchers and healthcare professionals.
The income-happiness nexus: uncovering the importance of social comparison processes in subjective wellbeing

Introduction Previous research has established a positive correlation between income and subjective wellbeing (SWB). This correlation is attributed to income’s ability to provide material circumstances and influence one’s perceived socioeconomic rank in society, known as subjective socioeconomic status (SES). Objective This study sought to examine whether social comparison processes could mediate the relationship between income and SWB. Specifically, we aimed to explore the impact of comparing one’s current socioeconomic situation to individuals from a similar socioeconomic background (referred to as Comsim) on SWB, based on the similarity hypothesis of social comparison theory. Methods Data stem from two separate two-wave surveys. Study 1 comprised 588 participants, with 294 men and 294 women; age range 25–60 years; mean age 41.5 years). Study 2 comprised 614 participants, with 312 men and 302 women; age range 25–60 years; mean age 43.5 years. In both studies, data on predictors and SWB were collected 3 months apart. Results In both study 1 and study 2, bivariate analysis demonstrated a positive correlation between income and SWB. However, multivariate regression models revealed that income did not have a direct effect on SWB. Instead, in both studies, subjective SES and Comsim emerged as significant predictors of SWB, with Comsim being the most influential. Furthermore, our formal mediation analysis indicated that subjective SES and Comsim fully mediated the relationship between income and SWB, when combined. Additionally, in study 2, we found that cognitive factors such as personal control, as well as affective factors like self-esteem, played a mediating role between the social comparison processes and SWB. Conclusion This study contributes to existing research by emphasizing the importance of two distinct social comparison mechanisms in mediating the relationship between income and SWB. Implications Therapeutic interventions to improve SWB should also consider social comparison processes. From a political standpoint, policies addressing income inequality can mitigate the negative effects of social comparisons on wellbeing. Providing support to those in lower socioeconomic positions can also enhance SWB.
Avionic Satellite Communication Terminal Requirements and Technology Maturity Analysis

Due to the increased demand for global connectivity, there has been a growing interest in the development and use of nonterrestrial networks for applications (such as aeronautics), where terrestrial networks are not available or do not deliver satisfying performance. The use of newly deployed constellations in nongeostationary satellite orbits (NGSO) is getting much attention as it could potentially enable new performance levels in these applications, bridging the gaps of geostationary satellite orbit systems. However, it has also lead to the need for more complex terminals, capable of continuously steering their beams toward the satellites. User terminals and their corresponding antennas become therefore crucial elements of the system. For employment in aeronautics, user terminals must adhere to avionic environment-specific constraints, affecting the achievable performance. This article focuses on the special constraints on the antenna terminal while taking into account an avionics satellite communication scenario for commercial aircrafts and identifies potentialities and limitations of the use of NGSO systems as well as of the current technologies in market for airborne terminals.
The Evaporative Demand Drought Index. Part I: Linking Drought Evolution to Variations in Evaporative Demand

AbstractMany operational drought indices focus primarily on precipitation and temperature when depicting hydroclimatic anomalies, and this perspective can be augmented by analyses and products that reflect the evaporative dynamics of drought. The linkage between atmospheric evaporative demand E0 and actual evapotranspiration (ET) is leveraged in a new drought index based solely on E0—the Evaporative Demand Drought Index (EDDI). EDDI measures the signal of drought through the response of E0 to surface drying anomalies that result from two distinct land surface–atmosphere interactions: 1) a complementary relationship between E0 and ET that develops under moisture limitations at the land surface, leading to ET declining and increasing E0, as in sustained droughts, and 2) parallel ET and E0 increases arising from increased energy availability that lead to surface moisture limitations, as in flash droughts. To calculate EDDI from E0, a long-term, daily reanalysis of reference ET estimated from the American Soc.
Lexical competition, sound change, and language dominance in Cantonese tone category recognition

Speech perception can be shaped by factors such as lexical competition, synchronic variation, and language dominance. Listeners can use lexical information to categorize sounds and recognize words, but systematic variation may act to neutralize lexical contrasts. Additionally, the detail in the phonological-lexical representations may vary along with linguistic experience. We examine the confluence of these factors in the current study, examining how lexical competition structures phonetic variation of merging vs. non-merging tone categories in Cantonese-English bilinguals varying in relative Cantonese vs. English dominance. Listeners categorized tokens from lexical tone continua generated from minimal pairs (Experiment 1: Word identification) and from word-nonword pairs (Experiment 2: Lexical decision). When there are lexical competitors at both endpoints of the continua, listeners maintained more discrete categorization functions for non-merging tones than merging tones. In the absence of lexical competition, there was no difference in response functions for merging and non-merging tones at the group level. English-dominant early Cantonese-English bilinguals consistently showed less sigmoidal response functions compared to Cantonese-dominant early bilinguals in both experiments suggesting that lexical representations may be stored with less precise tonal detail by English-dominant Cantonese speakers. Overall, these data suggest that the presence of a lexical competitor constrains the range of acceptable phonetic variation for non-merging tones, while listeners are more accepting of phonetic variation in the merging tone categories.
Maternalism and new imperialism in Russia: “good mothers” for a militarizing state—expectations, implications, and resistances

This article explores maternalism in Russia in the context of the contemporary Russian authoritarian state. In particular, I analyze what implications maternalism has for women, mothers, and families on the one hand and how it is connected to the Russian state's new imperial ambitions on the other. I also explore how maternalism is challenged and employed by those resisting state politics, including militarism. Historically, maternalism was used for the analysis of the development of the welfare state in Europe and beyond and for studying women's activism that contributed to significant changes in the state's welfare politics. Maternalism in European history could be seen as “a progressive heterosexual maternal womanhood”; according to Mary Daly, it could be explained as a recognition of the “existence of a uniquely feminine value system based on care and nurturing” and as the assumption that women are performing “a service to the state by raising citizen-workers”. Gender historians of Latin America showed that speaking from the position of a mother was quite important for claiming both the right to be accepted as an equal citizen and the improvement of maternity care, welfare, and living conditions for mothers and children. Furthermore, maternalism was widely used in protests against state militarism, wars, and military dictatorships, not least as a part of the campaign against the Vietnam War or the crimes of the Argentinian military dictatorship. However, maternalism was also widely used by several totalitarian regimes, including fascism and Stalinism. Maternalism was an important political instrument used by the state socialist discourse in order to show the superiority of the “socialist” welfare system over the “capitalist” one and to make this system appear attractive to women from “developing” countries.
Forest Disturbance and North American Carbon Flux

North America's forests are thought to be a significant sink for atmospheric carbon. Currently, the rate of sequestration by forests on the continent has been estimated at 0.23 petagrams of carbon per year, though the uncertainty about this estimate is nearly 50%. This offsets about 13% of the fossil fuel emissions from the continent [Pacala et al., 2007]. However, the high level of uncertainty in this estimate and the scientific community's limited ability to predict the future direction of the forest carbon flux reflect a lack of detailed knowledge about the effects of forest disturbance and recovery across the continent. The North American Carbon Program (NACP), an interagency initiative to better understand the distribution, origin, and fate of North American sources and sinks of carbon, has highlighted forest disturbance as a critical factor constraining carbon dynamics [Wofsy and Harris, 2002]. National forest inventory programs in Canada, the United States, and Mexico provide important information, but they lack the needed spatial and temporal detail to support annual estimation of carbon fluxes across the continent. To help with this, the NACP recommends that scientists use detailed remote sensing of the land surface to characterize disturbance.