Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Vitamin E biofortification: enhancement of seed tocopherol concentrations by altered chlorophyll metabolism

Homogentisate Phytyltransferase (HPT) catalyzes condensation of homogentisate (HGA) and phytyl diphosphate (PDP) to produce tocopherols, but can also synthesize tocotrienols using geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGDP) in plants engineered for deregulated HGA synthesis. In contrast to prior tocotrienol biofortification efforts, engineering enhanced tocopherol concentrations in green oilseeds has proven more challenging due to the integral role of chlorophyll metabolism in supplying the PDP substrate. This study show that RNAi suppression of CHLSYN coupled with HPT overexpression increases tocopherol concentrations by >two-fold in Arabidopsis seeds. We obtained additional increases in seed tocopherol concentrations by engineering increased HGA production via overexpression of bacterial TyrA that encodes chorismate mutase/prephenate dehydrogenase activities. In overexpression lines, seed tocopherol concentrations increased nearly three-fold, and resulted in modest tocotrienol accumulation. We further increased total tocochromanol concentrations by enhancing production of HGA and GGDP by overexpression of the gene for hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD). This shifted metabolism towards increased amounts of tocotrienols relative to tocopherols, which was reflected in corresponding increases in ratios of GGDP/PDP in these seeds. Overall, our results provide a theoretical basis for genetic improvement of total tocopherol concentrations in green oilseeds (e.g., rapeseed, soybean) through strategies that include seed-suppression of CHLSYN coupled with increased HGA production.
Recent Advances in Scaffolds for Guided Bone Regeneration

The rehabilitation of alveolar bone defects of moderate to severe size is often challenging. Currently, the therapeutic approaches used include, among others, the guided bone regeneration technique combined with various bone grafts. Although these techniques are widely applied, several limitations and complications have been reported such as morbidity, suboptimal graft/membrane resorption rate, low structural integrity, and dimensional stability. Thus, the development of biomimetic scaffolds with tailor-made characteristics that can modulate cell and tissue interaction may be a promising tool. This article presents a critical consideration in scaffold’s design and development while also providing information on various fabrication methods of these nanosystems. Their utilization as delivery systems will also be mentioned.
A single-institution experience with 177Lu RPT workflow improvements and qualifying the SPECT/CT imaging for dosimetry

Background and purpose Implementing any radiopharmaceutical therapy (RPT) program requires a comprehensive review of system readiness, appropriate workflows, and training to ensure safe and efficient treatment delivery. A quantitative assessment of the dose delivered to targets and organs at risk (OAR) using RPT is possible by correlating the absorbed doses with the delivered radioactivity. Integrating dosimetry into an established RPT program demands a thorough analysis of the necessary components and system fine-tuning. This study aims to report an optimized workflow for molecular radiation therapy using 177Lu with a primary focus on integrating patient-specific dosimetry into an established radiopharmaceutical program in a radiation oncology setting. Materials and methods We comprehensively reviewed using the Plan–Do–Check–Act (PDCA) cycle, including efficacy and accuracy of delivery and all aspects of radiation safety of the RPT program. The GE Discovery SPECT/CT 670DR™ system was calibrated per MIM protocol for dose calculation on MIM SurePlan™ MRT software. Jaszcak Phantom with 15–20 mCi of 177Lu DOTATATE with 2.5 µM EDTA solution was used, with the main energy window defined as 208 keV ±10% (187.6 to 229.2 keV); the upper scatter energy window was set to 240 keV ±5% (228 to 252 keV), while the lower scatter energy window was 177.8 keV ±5% (168.9 to 186.7 keV). Volumetric quality control tests and adjustments were performed to ensure the correct alignment of the table, NM, and CT gantry on SPECT/CT. A comprehensive end-to-end (E2E) test was performed to ensure workflow, functionality, and quantitative dose accuracy. Results Workflow improvements and checklists are presented after systematically analyzing over 400 administrations of 177Lu-based RPT. Injected activity to each sphere in the NEMA Phantom scan was quantified, and the MIM Sureplan MRT reconstruction images calculated activities within ±12% of the injected activity. Image alignment tests on the SPECT/CT showed a discrepancy of more than the maximum tolerance of 2.2 mm on any individual axis. As a result of servicing the machine and updating the VQC and COR corrections, the hybrid imaging system was adjusted to achieve an accuracy of <1 mm in all directions. Conclusion Workflows and checklists, after analysis of system readiness and adequate training for staff and patients, are presented. Hardware and software components for patient-specific dosimetry are presented with a focus on hybrid image registration and correcting any errors that affect dosimetric quantification calculation. Moreover, this manuscript briefly overviews the necessary quality assurance requirements for converting diagnostic images into dosimetry measurement tools and integrating dosimetry for RPT based on 177Lu.
Firing Alterations of Neurons in Alzheimer’s Disease: Are They Merely a Consequence of Pathogenesis or a Pivotal Component of Disease Progression?

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder, yet its underlying causes remain elusive. The conventional perspective on disease pathogenesis attributes alterations in neuronal excitability to molecular changes resulting in synaptic dysfunction. Early hyperexcitability is succeeded by a progressive cessation of electrical activity in neurons, with amyloid beta (Aβ) oligomers and tau protein hyperphosphorylation identified as the initial events leading to hyperactivity. In addition to these key proteins, voltage-gated sodium and potassium channels play a decisive role in the altered electrical properties of neurons in AD. Impaired synaptic function and reduced neuronal plasticity contribute to a vicious cycle, resulting in a reduction in the number of synapses and synaptic proteins, impacting their transportation inside the neuron. An understanding of these neurophysiological alterations, combined with abnormalities in the morphology of brain cells, emerges as a crucial avenue for new treatment investigations. This review aims to delve into the detailed exploration of electrical neuronal alterations observed in different AD models affecting single neurons and neuronal networks.
Design and Development of a Pyrolysis Reactor to Produce Biochar at Industrial Scale

A pyrolysis reactor, operating at medium pyrolysis conditions (at 5500C temperature and 2 hrs of residence time) to continuously produce biochar was developed. The interruption caused by routine loading and unloading is eliminated by a screw mechanism that allows mechanized loading and unloading. Biochar as a bio fertilizer could be well matched with the current Sri Lankan agro community’s expectations on conserving the soil and its quality. The proposed design is capable of producing biochar at a rate of 100 g/min. A scaled-down 10 g/min prototype was built to measure and validate required temperature levels, continuous production, and the complete conversion of the biomass into biochar. Readily available cinnamon sticks and corncobs were utilized as biomass to create separate biochar samples. The biochar yields were measured as approximately 32% for cinnamon and 28% for corncobs. Further testing of biochar samples for their structural morphology displayed a significant number of pores ranging from micro to macro scale (good porosity). These porous morphologies would enable capturing diffusive substance and trap them, while acting as mass transfer channels. Due to these unique qualities, biochar can act as an effective fertilizer for soil, facilitating fast adsorption, retention, and slow diffusion of nutrient agents. So, this could well fit in to serve the purpose of using this product as a biofertilizer to remedy the loss of soil fertility due to the extensive use of chemical fertilizers.
Nature-based Natural-hazard Preparedness: A Cross Section of Categorized Examples

Despite prevailing interests, no rigorous research has been conducted to examine the role of nature in natural-hazard preparedness. This systematic review aimed to describe how nature can reduce the impacts of natural hazards during the preparedness stage. The study focuses on the land, water, and air systems and on three types of stakeholders: international organizations, developed countries, and developing countries. Further, it provides supplementary strategies, such as immediate actions, local engagement, and research and development, that the stakeholders should apply to enhance their nature-based natural-hazard preparedness. We suggest integrating costs and benefits analysis, local culture, societal challenges, and environmental justice into the implementation of nature-based solutions. Finally, this review outlines the framework of nature-based natural-hazard preparedness by discussing the relationship between nature and society.
Natural Feeding to Increase the Growth of Sangkuriang Catfish Fry (Clarias sp)

Feed is a major problem in aquaculture because it requires relatively large costs so that it requires alternative food sources in increasing production. This study aims to analyze the use of natural feed to increase the growth of catfish seedlings Sangkuriang Clarias sp. The study was conducted at the Feed Laboratory of the Department of Fisheries, Bosowa University for 31 days with experimental methods and a Complete Randomized Design. Sangkuriang catfish seeds are 1 month old with an average weight of 1.02 – 1.04 g, raised in a 5-liter jar-shaped container, with a density of 40 heads/jar. Feeding in the form of Daphnia sp, mosquito larvae, and Tubifex sp ad libitum three times every day, namely morning, afternoon, and evening. The results showed that the highest specific growth rate was obtained in Tubifex sp feed seeds by 14.91%, the highest mortality was achieved in Daphnia sp feed seeds at 16.6% and the lowest mortality was achieved at Tubifex sp treatment at 10%. Water quality during maintenance still follows the hatchery requirements of catfish Sangkuriang Clarias sp. Natural feeding Tubifex sp is better to give as natural feed because it provides a better daily growth rate compared to Daphnia sp and Mosquito Larvae.
Composting system improvement by life cycle assessment approach on community composting of agricultural and agro industrial wastes

In order to improve a community composting system, three scenarios have set based on the critical points of initial system from sensitivity analysis result of Life Cycle Assessment of community composting system of agricultural and agro industrial wastes composting. Sensitivity analysis of initial system revealed two critical points that used as consideration on setting of improvement system scenarios. On initial system, composting process contributed the highest impact potency on acidification, eutrophication, global warming, and photochemical oxidation, while distribution was responsible for the highest impact on human toxicity potential. By comparison of initial composting system with three improvement scenarios, it found that the third improvement scenario (SC3) was the best scenario that recommended to be implemented. SC3 promoted application of compost blanket for gases emission reduction of compost pile, and substitution diesel fuel of pick-up with CNG fuel for transportation emission reduction. This scenario reduced impact of initial composting system by 29% with the highest impact reduction was on global warming potential by 54%.
Mapping vegetation biophysical and biochemical properties using unmanned aerial vehicles-acquired imagery

ABSTRACT Remote-sensing imagery with different spatial resolutions has been widely applied to retrieve vegetation properties in various ecosystems. However, the spatial resolutions of most space-borne or air-borne images (e.g. 2 m) are not fine enough to investigate canopy-level (e.g. 0.5 m) properties, especially in heterogeneous ecosystems (e.g. grasslands, wetlands). Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as an emerging remote-sensing platform offer a unique ability to acquire imagery at very high spatial resolution (centimetres). This study utilizes an UAV to investigate vegetation properties in a heterogeneous grassland, focusing on estimating LAI and chlorophyll content and building digital elevation model (DEM) to support analysing spatial variations of these vegetation properties. The acquired images were mosaicked and geometrically and radiometrically corrected. LAI and chlorophyll content were then estimated using vegetation indices and textural variables. Results show LAI and chlorophyll content can be quantitatively retrieved (e.g. LAI from 0 to 8, chlorophyll content from 0 to 180 µg cm−2), with higher accuracy for imagery acquired in the middle growing season. Complex terrain in the study area highly influences the sprout and growth of vegetation. Methods discussed in this article can also be applied to study other ecosystems, such as agricultural fields and wetlands.
Assessing the Match Physical Responses of International Referees for Footballers with Cerebral Palsy: A Tournaments and Halves Comparative Analysis

Similar to conventional football, the modality dedicated to footballers with cerebral palsy (CP) requires referees who cope with the physical demands imposed during competitive matches to apply the rules of the game. While a significant body of research has explored the physical demands on referees in mainstream football, there is a noticeable lack of data regarding CP football. This study aimed to examine the physical response of international referees participating in different levels of world competitions for footballers with CP. Thirteen international referees, who officiated 49 matches in the men’s 2022 World Cup (1st to 15th ranked teams) and 2022 World Championships (16th to 30th ranked teams), participated in this study. A cross-sectional design was used to determine the physical responses and compare the 1st and 2nd halves and the performance in the different tournaments, recording physical variables throughout the matches. Significant higher physical responses were observed in the World Cup in comparison to the World Championship. Overall, high-level tournaments have been shown to elicit more intense physical responses from referees officiating CP football matches compared to lower-level tournaments. For the World Cup, a significantly higher number of accelerations and decelerations were registered in the 1st half compared to the 2nd half. This information may be useful for the strength and conditioning coaches of referees to plan weekly training sessions more specifically and adjust the periodical training load and post-match recovery protocols.
Comparison of Potential Evapotranspiration Models and Establishment of Potential Evapotranspiration Curves for Temperate Kashmir Valley

Potential evapotranspiration (PET) is a crucial indicator of hydrologic regime of a region. It is an important variable in the estimation of actual evapotranspiration (AET) in hydrological and ecosystem modeling. Evapotranspiration affects the amount of runoff and thus the irrigation water requirements of crops as well as water resources management. The present study has been carried out to compare the commonly used PET methods for the Shalimar weather station in district Srinagar of Kashmir Valley. FAO-56 Penman-Monteith equation is a standard method in estimating the PET. Other methods of PET estimation namely Modified-Penman, Hargreaves, Turc, Blaney Criddle, Christiansen, and Open Pan were compared with reference to Penman-Monteith method. Modified-Penman method was most correlated with the FAO-56 PM method with the coefficient of determination (R 2 ) as high as 0.99. Modified-Penman method was followed by Hargreaves method with R 2 of 0.98. Hargreaves method was then used to establish PET curves for other districts of Kashmir valley namely, Anantnag, Budgam, Baramulla, Kulgam, Kupwara and Pulwama where only data on air temperature is available. The highest annual PET was obtained for District Budgam being 951 mm and the least was obtained for district Baramulla being 759 mm.
Inkjet-Printed Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Dispersion as Wireless Passive Strain Sensor

In this study, a multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) dispersion is used as an ink for a single-nozzle inkjet printing system to produce a planar coil that can be used to determine strain wirelessly. The MWCNT dispersion is non-covalently functionalized by dispersing the CNTs in an anionic surfactant, namely sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). The fabrication parameters, such as sonication energy and centrifugation time, are optimized to obtain an aqueous suspension suitable for an inkjet printer. Planar coils with different design parameters are printed on a flexible polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polymer substrate. The design parameters include a different number of windings, inner diameter, outer diameter, and deposited layers. The electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis is employed to characterize the printed planar coils, and an equivalent electrical circuit model is derived based on the results. Additionally, the radio frequency identification technique is utilized to wirelessly investigate the read-out mechanism of the printed planar MWCNT coils. The complex impedance of the inductively coupled sensor undergoes a shift under strain, allowing for the monitoring of changes in resonance frequency and bandwidth (i.e., amplitude). The proposed wireless strain sensor exhibits a remarkable gauge factor of 22.5, which is nearly 15 times higher than that of the wireless strain sensors based on conventional metallic strain gauges. The high gauge factor of the proposed sensor suggests its high potential in a wide range of applications, such as structural health monitoring, wearable devices, and soft robotics.
Investigation of Radial and Tangential Stresses Occurring in Epoxy (T300) Material Disc with Different Methods

In this study, a composite disc with Epoxy (T300) material was considered. It is possible to come across different studies to examine the stress field on disks rotating or stationary under thermal loads. Discs play a vital role in the assembly of machine parts in industry. Knowing the behavior of machine parts against temperature allows very good data to be transferred to today’s artificial intelligence world. Epoxy materials are very important today. Epoxies are made up of very strong fibers. They are used in unmanned aerial vehicles, spacecraft and the rocket industry. In addition, their maximum and minimum hardening properties, good adhesion properties and wear resistance are also quite high. In this study, an Epoxy disk (T300) subjected to linear increasing temperature was modeled. The stresses obtained on the discs were determined by different methods. As can be seen from the results, for a temperature of 150 °C, the average stress, strain and compression occurring sequentially in the inner and outer regions of the disk acts as 215.06 and –443.90 MPa. According to the results obtained, it was concluded that there are parallel increases in stresses as the temperature increases, and this can be proven by other different studies in the literature.
Vertical accuracy evaluation of freely available latest high-resolution (30 m) global digital elevation models over Cameroon (Central Africa) with GPS/leveling ground control points.

ABSTRACT Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) contain topographic relief data that are vital for many geoscience applications. This study relies on the vertical accuracy of publicly available latest high-resolution (30 m) global DEMs over Cameroon. These models are (1) the ALOS World 3D-30 m (AW3D30), (2) the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission 1 Arc-Second C-Band Global DEM (SRTM 1) and (3) the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Global DEM Version 2 (ASTER GDEM 2). After matching their coordinate systems and datums, the horizontal positional accuracy evaluation was carried out and it shows that geolocation errors significantly influence the vertical accuracy of global DEMs. After this, the three models are compared among them, in order to access random and systematic effects in the elevation data each of them contains. Further, heights from 555 GPS/leveling points distributed all over Cameroon are compared to each DEM, for their vertical accuracy determination. Traditional and robust statistical measures, normality test, outlier detection and removal were used to describe the vertical quality of the DEMs. The test of the normality rejected the hypothesis of normal distribution for all tested global DEMs. Overall vertical accuracies obtained for the three models after georeferencing and gross error removal in terms of Root Mean Square (RMS) and Normalized Median Absolute Deviation (NMAD) are: AW3D30 (13.06 m and 7.75 m), SRTM 1 (13.25 m and 7.41 m) and ASTER GDEM 2 (18.87 m and 13.30 m). Other accuracy measures (MED, 68.3% quantile, 95% quantile) supply some evidence of the good quality of AW3D30 over Cameroon. Further, the effect of land cover and slope on DEM vertical accuracy was also analyzed. All models have proved to be worse in the areas dominated by forests and shrubs areas. SRTM 1 and AW3D30 are more resilient to the effects of the scattering objects respectively in forests and cultivated areas. The dependency of DEMs accuracy on the terrain roughness is evident. In all slope intervals, AW3D30 is performing better than SRTM 1 and ASTER GDEM 2 over Cameroon. AW3D30 is more representative of the external topography over Cameroon in comparison with two others datasets and SRTM 1 can be a serious alternative to AW3D30 for a range of DEM applications in Cameroon.
Cochlear Implant Complications in Children: Libyan Scenario and Experience

cochlear implant (CI) is considered a safe procedure; however, complications may happen, either due to the presence of the implant itself which act as a foreign body or the presence of congenital anomalies of the ear. One hundred eighty-two children implanted by cochlear implant team in Specialty surgical center (SSC)/Benghazi-Libya between May 2012 to December 2021 were recruited in this study. Demographic data: about name, age and sex, vaccination history, audiological and radiological assessment in form of CT scan temporal bone and MRI brain, surgical procedure and any difficulties encountered during the operation, are recorded. Complications encountered were grouped as major and minor ones. one hundred eighty-two patients were studied; age range was from seventeen months to twelve years. The major complications that need hospitalization or surgical interventions were seen 3.29% whereas minor complications that do not need hospitalization but they resolve spontaneously or treated in out-patient department; accounts for 13.7%. Accidental trauma was the major risk factor that seen in both major and minor complications. Cochlear implantation in children continues to be reliable and safe in experienced hands, with a low percentage of severe complications as long as long-term medical follow up is there. Major Complications of CI in children in SSC are related to trauma and hematoma formation as a major factor.