Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Genome-Wide Identification and Comparative Analysis of the Heavy-Metal-Associated Gene Family in Cucurbitaceae Species and Their Role in Cucurbita pepo under Arsenic Stress

The heavy-metal-associated (HMA) proteins are a class of PB1-type ATPases related to the intracellular transport and detoxification of metals. However, due to a lack of information regarding the HMA gene family in the Cucurbitaceae family, a comprehensive genome-wide analysis of the HMA family was performed in ten Cucurbitaceae species: Citrullus amarus, Citrullus colocynthis, Citrullus lanatus, Citrullus mucosospermus, Cucumis melo, Cucumis sativus, Cucurbita maxima, Cucurbita moschata, Cucurbita pepo, and Legenaria siceraria. We identified 103 Cucurbit HMA proteins with various members, ranging from 8 (Legenaria siceraria) to 14 (Cucurbita pepo) across species. The phylogenetic and structural analysis confirmed that the Cucurbitaceae HMA protein family could be further classified into two major clades: Zn/Co/Cd/Pb and Cu/Ag. The GO-annotation-based subcellular localization analysis predicted that all HMA gene family members were localized on membranes. Moreover, the analysis of conserved motifs and gene structure (intron/exon) revealed the functional divergence between clades. The interspecies microsynteny analysis demonstrated that maximum orthologous genes were found between species of the Citrullus genera. Finally, nine candidate HMA genes were selected, and their expression analysis was carried out via qRT-PCR in root, leaf, flower, and fruit tissues of C. pepo under arsenic stress. The expression pattern of the CpeHMA genes showed a distinct pattern of expression in root and shoot tissues, with a remarkable expression of CpeHMA6 and CpeHMA3 genes from the Cu/Ag clade. Overall, this study provides insights into the functional analysis of the HMA gene family in Cucurbitaceae species and lays down the basic knowledge to explore the role and mechanism of the HMA gene family to cope with arsenic stress conditions.
Trends in occupational gender segregation in India

This paper analyses the trends in occupational segregation by gender in the Indian labour market separately for the rural and urban sectors. The paper is based on four quinquennial rounds of nationally representative household surveys on employment and unemployment conducted by an arm of the Government of India covering the period from 1987–1988 to 2004–2005. The level of segregation is measured using the dissimilarity, Gini and square root indices. Our findings indicate that the occupational segregation in India increased during this period and the level of segregation is higher in the urban sector than that in the rural. Using a decomposition analysis, we find that the increase in the segregation can be attributed to changes in both occupation-mix and sex-composition effects.
Magnetostratigraphic correlation of the Lincoln Creek Formation, Washington: Implications for the age of the Eocene/Oligocene boundary

Paleomagnetic studies of the upper Eocene to Oligocene Lincoln Creek Formation, southern Olympic Peninsula, Washington, produce a polarity pattern spanning Chrons C15r to C6C. This allows direct correlation of the provincial foraminiferal and molluscan biostratigraphy with the global marine chronology. A high-temperature basalt date of 38.5 ± 1.6 Ma correlates with a position just below Chron C15, placing Chron C15r at about 38 Ma. This suggests that the age of the Eocene/Oligocene boundary within Chron C13r is younger than 38 Ma, probably about 37−36 Ma.
Estimates of the stratospheric residual circulation using the downward control principle

The transformed Eulerian-mean momentum and continuity equations are used to calculate the residual mean meridional circulations for the lower stratosphere and troposphere. Momentum and temperature fluxes required for the computation are estimated from U.K. Meteorological Office (UKMO) analyzed geopotential heights. National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) CCM2 model output is used to assess the errors associated with the calculation. The model comparisons showed that the method works reasonably well for solstice seasons, but is inadequate for equinox seasons. In addition, it is found that some parameterization of gravity wave drag needs to be included with the planetary wave forcing to accurately estimate the residual mean circulation using this method.
A World on Fire: Observations and Speculations in a Crottyian Vein

I offer this article as a small way of honoring my friend, mentor, and role model Jim Crotty, whose intellectual legacy, commitment to engaged scholarship, lived experience, and warmth and generosity continue to influence me profoundly. Here, I offer several observations and speculations on the state of play in the global and US financial systems in a Crottyian vein. These include several 1980s throwbacks—bank failures in the United States; rentier-driven tight monetary policies across the world with attendant negative effects; and, debt distress and the likelihood of a (new) “lost decade” in the Global South. These familiar experiences are unfolding against the backdrop of an interregnum in which a “post-American global financial order” is emerging in an environment marked by “productive and destructive incoherence. ” JEL Classification: F02, F33, O23, E44, E58
Freshwater pulmonate snails and their potential role as trematode intermediate host in a cercarial dermatitis outbreak in Southern Thailand

This study aimed to investigate the pulmonate snail species in the vicinity of the cercarial dermatitis outbreak area in southern Thailand. In 2020, an outbreak of cercarial dermatitis was reported in Chana district, Songkhla Province, caused by the ruminant schistosome Schistosoma indicum and its snail intermediate host Indoplanorbis exustus . In the present study, 1,175 pulmonate snails were collected between October 2021 and October 2022 from five provinces covering 34 locations in southern Thailand. Seven pul - monate snail species were identified based on shell morphology, including Amerianna carinata , Gyraulus bakeri , G. convexiusculus , G. hubendicki , Physella acuta , Indoplanorbis exustus
The Application of Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm to Optimizing Vehicle Routes Problem

The problem of vehicle routing with capacity is a combinatorial optimization problem that is included in the NP-Hard category. In this article, we suggest an artificial bee colony algorithm, which is a technique inspired by the clever behavior of bees in searching for food sources. To achieve the best outcomes, the artificial bee colony algorithm will be developed in conjunction with other algorithms. To determine how well the artificial bee colony method handles the issue of optimizing vehicle routes with capacity, eight distinct benchmark problems will be completed and then contrasted with other algorithms. The output of this research is a matrix showing the sequence of vehicle routes formed.
Long‐Term Water Quality and Biological Responses to Multiple Best Management Practices in Rock Creek, Idaho 1

Abstract: Water quality and macroinvertebrate assemblage data from 1981 to 2005 were assessed to evaluate the water quality and biological responses of a western trout stream to the implementation of multiple best management practices (BMPs) on irrigated cropland. Data from Rock Creek near Twin Falls, Idaho, a long‐term monitoring site, were assembled from state and federal sources to provide the evaluation. Seasonal loads of the nonpoint source pollutants suspended sediment (SS), total phosphorus (TP), and nitrate‐nitrite (NN) were estimated using a regression model with time‐series streamflow data and constituent concentrations. Trends in the macroinvertebrate assemblages were evaluated using a number of biological metrics and nonmetric multidimensional scaling ordination. Regression analysis found significant annual decreases in TP and SS flow‐adjusted concentrations during the BMP implementation period from 1983 to 1990 of about 7 and 10%, respectively. These results are coincident with the implementation of multiple BMPs on about 75% of the irrigated cropland in the watershed. Macroinvertebrate assemblages during this time also responded with a change in taxa composition resulting in improved biotic index scores. Taxon specific TP and SS optima, empirically derived from a large national dataset, predicted a decrease in SS concentrations of about 37% (52 to 33 mg/l) and a decrease in TP concentrations of about 50% (0.20 to 0.10 mg/l) from 1981 to 1987. Decreasing trends in TP, SS, and NN pollutant loads were primarily the result of naturally low streamflow conditions during the BMP post‐implementation period from 1993 to 2005. Trends in macroinvertebrate responses during 1993 to 2005 were confounded by the introduction of the New Zealand mudsnail (Potamopyrgus antipodarum), which approached densities of 100,000 per m2 in riffle habitat. The occurrence of this invasive species appears to have caused a major shift in composition and function of the macroinvertebrate assemblages.
Effects of Bottom Boundary Layer Parameterization on Reproducing Deep and Bottom Waters in a World Ocean Model

Abstract A simple bottom boundary layer (BBL) model is developed to be incorporated into a z-coordinate medium resolution ocean general circulation model. In the BBL model, velocity is calculated from the pressure gradient, which is also calculated within the BBL. Preliminary experiments using an idealized basin model clearly document that, for reproducing realistic overflow/downslope flow, it is essential to adopt the horizontally distributed Rayleigh drag coefficient in the BBL model and also that, for avoiding warming of the abyssal ocean owing to unphysical strong flows created by the pressure gradient error along the steep slope, it is necessary to limit the area of the BBL. This BBL model is successfully incorporated into a World Ocean model with 1° × 1° resolution, producing the overflow/downslope flow in the northern North Atlantic and around Antarctica. The dense overflow/downslope flow water provides the nucleus of the abyssal water in the World Ocean, leading to the better representation of the.
Effects of forest type and environmental factors on forest carbon use efficiency assessed using MODIS and FIA data across the eastern USA

The carbon use efficiency (CUE) of a forest, calculated as the ratio of net primary productivity (NPP) to gross primary productivity (GPP), measures how efficiently a forest sequesters atmospheric carbon. Some prior research has suggested that CUE varies with environmental conditions, while other suggests that CUE is constant. Research using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data has indicated a variable CUE, but those results are suspected because MODIS NPP data have not been well validated. We tested two questions. First, whether MODIS CUE is constant or whether it varies by forest type, climate, and geographic factors across the eastern USA. Second, whether those results occur when field-based NPP data are employed. We used MODIS model-based estimates of GPP and NPP, and forest inventory and anlaysis (FIA) field-based estimates of NPP data. We calculated two estimates of CUE for forest in 390 km2 hexagons: (1) MODIS CUE as MODIS NPP divided by MODIS GPP and (2) F/M ZCUE as the standardized difference between FIA NPP and MODIS GPP. MODIS CUE and F/M ZCUE both varied similarly and significantly in relation to forest type, and climatic and geographic factors, strongly supporting a variable rather than a constant CUE. The CUE was significantly higher in deciduous than in mixed and evergreen forests. Regression models indicated that CUE decreased with increases in temperature and precipitation and increased with latitude and altitude. The similar trends in MODIS CUE and F/M ZCUE support the use of the more easily obtained MODIS CUE.
Application of particle swarm optimisation to sandwich material design

Sandwich materials, consisting of two thin, stiff facings separated by a low density core, can be used to produce structures that are both light and flexurally rigid. However, the optimisation of sandwich materials is not straightforward. This is because there are typically multiple design variables and multiple design objectives. Particle swarm optimisation is a heuristic method that is capable of finding optimal solutions within complex design spaces. The application of particle swarm optimisation to multi-objective sandwich beam problems is described here. The free variables investigated include the facing thickness, and the facing and core materials. Furthermore, for the facings, multiply, oriented laminate constructions are considered. Based on these inputs, sandwich beams are optimised for stiffness, mass and cost. The results show that the particle swarm optimisation algorithm is effective at finding a range of optimal solutions for the given objectives.
Synthetic seismic reflection profile through the Ivrea zone–Serie dei Laghi continental crustal section, northwestern Italy

A geologic cross section, restored to its original horizontal orientation in Permian-Triassic time, has been constructed for the middle and lower continental crustal rocks of the Ivrea-Verbano zone and the adjacent Serie dei Laghi of northwestern Italy. Seismic P-wave velocities of a representative suite of rock samples were measured to high-pressure and high-temperature conditions. A synthetic seismic reflection profile, ∼76 km long and 30 km thick, was computed to compare what can be deduced from the seismic profile with what is known in much more detail from geologic mapping. Imaged features correspond closely to those seen on many present-day profiles, and the broad features of the tectonic evolution would be correctly interpreted, but important recumbent fold structures would be missed, and relationships between intrusive bodies and their country rocks would be unclear.
Hydrus-1D Model for Simulating Phosphorus Transport in Paddy Crop Irrigated with Alternate Wetting and Drying Practice

ABSTRACT The alternate wetting and drying (AWD) irrigation practice involves soil moisture stress-based irrigation scheduling which possibly affects the rice field’s phosphorus (P) transport and balance components. The focus of this study was to understand P-transport under AWD irrigation and estimate the associated balance components in rice using a solute transport model, Hydrus-1D. In this study, rice was cultivated in 30 lysimeter plots with three irrigation treatments (no soil water stress/NS, mild soil water stress/400 cm/MS, and severe soil water stress/750 cm/SS) and each treatment was replicated 10 times. The field experimental data were used to simulate P transport with the help of the Hydrus-1D model. The Hydrus-1D model was calibrated and validated for P transport within the soil matrix under AWD irrigation practice. The P distribution was mostly concentrated within the top puddled soil layer (0–20 cm) and did not move to the deeper soil layers. The simulated results indicate that the recommended dose of P with 3–5 cm ponding water depth will increase the P availability for rice and reduce the P leaching loss in AWD irrigation practice. The Hydrus-1D model can be used as a management tool to determine the appropriate P application rate and ponding water depth irrigated with AWD for which the required P nutrients are sufficiently available to rice and the P loss to the environment can be controlled for sustainable rice production.
Finescale Vertical Structure of the Upwelling System off Southern Peru as Observed from Glider Data

AbstractThe upwelling system off southern Peru has been observed using an autonomous underwater vehicle (a Slocum glider) during October–November 2008. Nine cross-front sections have been carried out across an intense upwelling cell near 14°S. During almost two months, profiles of temperature, salinity, and fluorescence were collected at less than 1-km resolution, between the surface and 200-m depth. Estimates of alongshore absolute geostrophic velocities were inferred from the density field and the glider drift between two surfacings. In the frontal region, salinity and biogeochemical fields displayed cross-shore submesoscale filamentary structures throughout the mission. Those features presented a width of 10–20 km, a vertical extent of ~150 m, and appeared to propagate toward the shore. They were steeper than isopycnals and kept an aspect ratio close to f/N, the inverse of the Prandtl ratio. These filamentary structures may be interpreted mainly as a manifestation of submesoscale turbulence through sti.
Grid‐cell‐based crop water accounting for the famine early warning system

Rainfall monitoring is a regular activity of food security analysts for sub‐Saharan Africa due to the potentially disastrous impact of drought. Crop water accounting schemes are used to track rainfall timing and amounts relative to phenological requirements, to infer water limitation impacts on yield. Unfortunately, many rain gauge reports are available only after significant delays, and the gauge locations leave large gaps in coverage. As an alternative, a grid‐cell‐based formulation for the water requirement satisfaction index (WRSI) was tested for maize in Southern Africa. Grids of input variables were obtained from remote sensing estimates of rainfall, meteorological models, and digital soil maps. The spatial WRSI was computed for the 1996–97 and 1997–98 growing seasons. Maize yields were estimated by regression and compared with a limited number of reports from the field for the 1996–97 season in Zimbabwe. Agreement at a useful level (r = 0·80) was observed. This is comparable to results from traditional analysis with station data. The findings demonstrate the complementary role that remote sensing, modelling, and geospatial analysis can play in an era when field data collection in sub‐Saharan Africa is suffering an unfortunate decline. Published in 2002 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Effect of Thyme Honey on the Histopathological Changes of the Testis in Relation to the Side Effects of Valproic Acid in Adult Male Wistar Rats

Introduction. Valproic acid (VPA) is a widely used drug in the treatment of emotional and nervous depression, mental imbalances, epilepsy, and control of bipolar disorders. Despite its therapeutic effects, VPA has toxic effects on male reproduction. The testis is an organ sensitive to oxidative stress. On the other hand, thyme honey contains antioxidant compounds. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of thyme honey on the histopathological changes of the testis in relation to the side effects of VPA in adult male Wistar rats. Methods. In this study, 48 Wistar rats were used, which were randomly divided into equal eight groups and received their desired substances. Including the control group, Th1, Th2, and Th3 groups receiving 1, 2, and 3 g/kg of thyme honey, respectively, VPA (500 mg/kg), VPA + Th1 (500 mg/kg of VPA + 1 g/kg of thyme honey), VPA + Th2 (500 mg/kg of VPA + 2 g/kg of thyme honey), and VPA + Th3 (500 mg/kg of VPA + 3 g/kg of thyme honey). After 60 days, evaluation of malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and histological studies of hematoxylin-eosin and Masson’s trichrome staining were performed. Results. The use of thyme honey significantly improved some parameters related to spermatogenesis, and in addition, it increased sperm production in the honey groups. In addition, the changes in MDA levels in the groups have shown a decrease in the amount of lipid peroxidation in the VPA + Th2 group. The amount of TAC also increased after increasing the dose of thyme honey. Conclusion. Based on the results of this study, it seems that thyme honey has been able to reduce the side effects of VPA to some extent due to its high percentage of antioxidants.
Physicochemical characteristics and microbial quality of an oil polluted site in Gokana, Rivers State.

Samples were collected from the soil surface area, the water surface, sub-surface sediment sand, sand from the river shore, Dead Sea food and dead mangrove vegetation leaves. Test results indicated that the Total Heterotrophic Bacteria (THB) values ranged from (9.0 ~ 103 . 2.6 ~ 106) cfu/ml with the sample from the water surface having the highest value (2.6 ~ 106) cfu/ml and the least with the sample from the sub-surface (9.0 ~103) cfu/g. The Total coliforms values ranged from (6.9 ~ 103 . 2.3 ~ 106) cfu/100g with sample from the dead vegetation leaves having the highest value (2.3 ~ 106) cfu/100g and the least value from the sample from mangrove substrate (6.9 ~ 103) cfu/100g. Among the physico-chemical parameters tested, TDS, lead, copper, chromium, cobalt, zinc, cadmium, nickel and arsenic were within acceptable limits as specified by regulatory agents. However, electrical conductivity, oil and grease, and iron were very high and above specified limits. The pH values ranged from 3.90 . 8.15 with the sample from the mangrove substrate having the highest value (8.15) and the lowest value was from the sample from the crude on water surface (3.90). The electrical conductivity values ranged from (1275 . 3565) ƒES/cm with sample from crude band on soil surface having the highest value (3565)ƒES/cm and the lowest value from the sample from the sub-surface sediment sand (1275) ƒES/cm. The oil and grease values ranged from (620 . 32040) mg/kg with sample from soil surface having the highest value (32040) mg/kg and the lowest value from the river shore sand (620) mg/kg. The high level of oil and grease contamination poses a concern. This therefore, validates the concern that releases of large quantities of oil to aquatic and terrestrial environments present a long term threat to all forms of life
Full endoscopic lumbar decompression of spinal stenosis through uniportal approach

Introduction: To investigate the certain advantages of full endoscopic lumbar decompression (FELD) surgery over conservative techniques in lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). Minimal invasive techniques have been introduced recently to treat lumbar spinal stenosis and gained popularity over conservative techniques because of the minimal tissue damage along with the satisfactory postoperative outcome. In our study, the FELD technique using a uniportal approach is described and investigated in accordance with the preliminary clinical results of patients who had degenerative spinal stenosis. Methods: 55 patients who underwent FELD were retrospectively reviewed. General demographics and parameters including operation time, length of hospital stay, mean time to return to work, complications were recorded. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS) for low back and leg pain, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for functional assessment. Results: The mean follow-up time was 36 months. There was no measurable intraoperative blood loss. The mean operating time was 97,4 minutes. The length of hospital stay after the operation was 27 hours on average. The difference between preoperative and postoperative VAS scores was statistically significant (p<0.001). No surgery-related complication was noted. Conclusions: Amongst other standard techniques, FELD has the technical advantages of less paraspinal muscle dissection, less tissue trauma, less risk of spinal instability, minimal blood loss, quicker postoperative recovery and shorter length of hospital stay.