Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cellular and Ultrastructure Alteration of Plant Roots in Response to Metal Stress

Metal stress is among the important environmental stresses, which influences the growth and development of plants and crops in many areas in the biosphere. Root is an important gate for the absorption of water and mineral nutrition which in many types of lands is also accompanied by a higher concentration of metal elements, either essential (such as Fe, Mn, and Cu) or non-essential metal elements or heavy metals (such as Al, Pb, Hg, Cd, and Ag). In response to metal stress, plant roots sometimes develop a cellular structure to prevent excessive concentration of metal components to avoid toxic effects and cellular damage. Physiological and biochemical responses at the cellular level, which result in ultrastructure changes may occur due to or to avoid the negative effect of metal toxicity. In many cases it was followed by the reduction of root growth followed by discontinu ing entirely plant growth. On the other hand, the structural changes are an important part of root mechanism to sustain the plant from metal toxicity. In this chapter, different changes in the cellular ultrastructure resulting from toxic damage or indicating tolerance response to metal stress will be elucidated.
Outline of Ascomycota - 2007

Lumbsch, H. T. and S.M. Huhndorf (ed.) 2007. Outline of Ascomycota – 2007. Myconet 13: 1 58. The present classification contains all accepted genera and higher taxa above the generic level in phylum Ascomycota.
Molecular mechanism of resveratrol inhibition of Zika virus NS3 helicase: behind the scenes

Aim: Zika virus (ZIKV) still poses a health risk to women and their babies without US FDA-approved vaccines or treatments. Experimentation has proved resveratrol inhibition of ZIKV NS3 helicase without specifying the molecular events during inhibition. Materials & methods: Herein, we leaped forward to study the molecular dynamics of the bound and unbound enzyme, identifying precise binding residues and interactions, and the enzyme's adaptation to support binding, since loop dynamics affect viral RNA replication. Results: Resveratrol stabilizes the P-loop and causes the RNA-binding loop to block the RNA-binding pocket for 200 ns, which is concurrent with experimental evidence that resveratrol binding significantly reduces ATP hydrolysis activity. Conclusion: This study illuminates the structural dynamics of ZIKV helicase and druglikeness of resveratrol, which will advance anti-ZIKV drug development.
Phenotypic determinism and contingency in the evolution of hypothetical tree-like organisms

Whether evolutionary history is mostly contingent or deterministic has been given much focus in the field of evolutionary biology. Studies addressing this issue have been conducted theoretically, based on models, and experimentally, based on microcosms. It has been argued that the shape of the adaptive landscape and mutation rate are major determinants of replicated phenotypic evolution. In the present study, to incorporate the effects of phenotypic plasticity, we constructed a model using tree-like organisms. In this model, the basic rules used to develop trees are genetically determined, but tree shape (described by the number and aspect ratio of the branches) is determined by both genetic components and plasticity. The results of the simulation show that the tree shapes become more deterministic under higher mutation rates. However, the tree shape became most contingent and diverse at the lower mutation rate. In this situation, the variances of the genetically determinant characters were low, but the variance of the tree shape is rather high, suggesting that phenotypic plasticity results in this contingency and diversity of tree shape. The present findings suggest that plasticity cannot be ignored as a factor that increases contingency and diversity of evolutionary outcomes.
Dicksonia sellowiana Hook. and Nepholepis cordifolia (L.) Lellinger extracts as potential green pesticides: insecticidal activity

Known as green insecticides, natural plant-based products have become a promising alternative to conventional insecticides. The primary objective of the present study was to analyze, under laboratory conditions, the insecticidal activity of crude ethanol extracts of the fern species Dicksonia sellowiana and Nephrolepis cordifolia against Oncopeltus fasciatus (Hemiptera). Fern leaves were collected from Itatiaia National Park (Brazil), dried and ground using 96% ethanol, with the extract concentrated in a rotary evaporator. The crude extract was used to prepare a 50 mg/mL solution, with acetone as solvent. Qualitative analysis of the terpenoid and phenolic substance profile in the extracts was performed by thin-layer chromatography (TLC). Fourth-instar insects were used, in groups of 10 animals per treatment, with three repetitions. Four treatments were used: D. sellowiana and N. cordifolia extracts, acetone control and water control. Then, 1 μL either of the respective solution was topically applied to the insect abdominal cuticle. After 21 days, all the insects in the water control group had reached adult. The N. cordifolia extract was responsible for 63% ( p < 0.0001) of insect mortality around 16 days after treatment, whereas the D. sellowiana exhibited 50% ( p < 0.0001) on the 21 st day post-treatment. The extracts also caused delays in insect molting and metamorphosis. The D. sellowiana and N. cordifolia extracts exhibited 18% similarity in the terpenoid profile and 0% for phenolic substances. N. cordifolia and D. sellowiana show potential for research on selective biodegradable substances for use as green insecticides.
Metabolic Engineering of the Model Photoautotrophic Cyanobacterium Synechocystis for Ethanol Production: Optimization Strategies and Challenges

Photoautotrophic ethanol production using model cyanobacteria is an attractive technol - ogy that offers potential for sustainable ethanol production as a biofuel. Model strains of Synechocystis PCC6803 have been metabolically engineered to convert central meta bolic intermediates such as pyruvate to acetaldehyde via cloned heterologous pyruvate decarboxylase and from acetaldehyde to ethanol via cloned homologous or heterologous alcohol dehydrogenase. While the technology is now proven, strategies are required to increase the ethanol levels through metabolic and genetic engineering and in addition, production and process strategies are required to make the process sustainable. Here we discuss both genetic and molecular strategies in combination with do wnstream strate gies that are being applied while also discussing challenges to future application.
Anti-tyrosinase and anti-melanogenic potential of shallots (Allium ascalonicum) from various cultivation sites in Thailand

The present study aimed to investigate the anti-tyrosinase effect of shallots ( Allium ascalonicum ) in Thailand and to prepare an optimised shallot extract for use as a skin-lightening agent. Aqueous and ethanolic shallot extracts from 14 cultivation sites were investigated for anti-tyrosinase effect and cytotoxicity. Shallots from Phayao exhibited low cytotoxicity and a high tyrosinase inhibitory effect, and therefore, were selected for the preparation of optimised shallot extract, AA 20-4-40. Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of the extract were not observed in human dermal fibroblast cells treated with the extract at 1–10 mg/ml. The extract also decreased both mushroom tyrosine activity and intracellular tyrosinase activity in B16F10 cells. In addition, the extract significantly decreased melanin content in cells. These results indicated that AA 20-4-40 has the potential to be used as a skin-lightening agent in cosmeceuticals.
Factors Influencing User Satisfaction with Information Systems: A Systematic Review

User satisfaction has been considered as the measure of information system effectiveness success. User satisfaction is difficult to define but is considered an evaluation construct. Globally health organizations, particularly hospitals, invest a huge amount of money on information system projects. If hospital information systems (HISs) are to be successful, factors influencing or related to user satisfaction should be taken into account at the time of designing, developing or adopting such systems. The current study aimed to provide a comprehensive review of factors related to user satisfaction with information systems. The researchers systematically searched PubMed, Science Direct, and IEEE electronic databases for articles published from January 1990 to June 2016. A search strategy was developed using a combination of the following keywords: "model," "user satisfaction," "information system," "measurement," "instrument," and " tool. " Reported dimensions, factors, and their possible influence on user satisfaction with information systems were extracted from the studies wherever was possible. Overall factors influencing user satisfaction with information systems can be categorized in seven dimensions: Information quality, system quality, vendor support quality, system use, perceived usefulness, user characteristics, and organizational structure & management style. If all these factors are considered properly in the process of developing, designing, implementing, or purchasing information systems, the higher user satisfaction with the system will be likely. Otherwise, it would end up with unsatisfied users that will finally contribute to the system failure.
Novel Efficacious Utilization of Fuzzy-Logic Controller-Based Two-Quadrant Operation of PMBLDC Motor Drive Systems for Multipass Hot-Steel Rolling Processes

This study investigates the rough steel-rolling process, which requires repeated and rapid bidirectional hot-rolling operations and proposes a fuzzy-logic-controller-based brushless electric DC (BLDC) motor drive system for the same. We present a modeling of the hot-steel rough-rolling process using a set of metallurgical parameters and mechanical equations based on their operating conditions, specific features and characteristics, all obtained from actual data. The above equations and related parameters were modeled in MATLAB/Simulink schematic under variations in temperature and slab thickness corresponding using three different hot-rolled (HR) steel specimens. This led to the creation of a pair of speed and torque- profiles with alternate polarities for successive passes covering the entire rolling process for each steel specimen. A fuzzy logic controller utilized the above profiles on the motor shaft by incorporating speed and current feedback loops to attain reference speed and calculation of instantaneous stator currents of the BLDC motor with respective phase sequences, so as to satisfy the torque-profile. Simulation results showing the detailed performance of the drive system are presented. Further, experimental work on a BLD-motor-drive system is presented, along with loading arrangements and an arm controller embedded with control algorithm for the multi-loop feedback system used for the closed loop speed control. The efficacy of the new applications proposed in this study for the first time can be seen from the validation of the results from the BLDC motor with its fuzzy-based controller in terms of simulation and hardware, thereby serving to be an attractive alternative to conventional induction motor drive systems for steel rolling.
Gambaran Infeksi Protozoa Usus Pada Murid Sekolah Dasar Negeri 22 Andalas, Padang

Infeksi protozoa usus merupakan salah satu masalah kesehatan di dunia dan sering terjadi pada murid-murid sekolah dasar. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui angka kejadian protozoa usus pada murid Sekolah Dasar Negeri 22 Andalas, Padang.Penelitian ini menggunakan desain penelitian deskriptif dan menggunakan teknik Consecutive Sampling. Penelitian dilakukan di Sekolah Dasar Negeri 22 Andalas, Padang dari bulan Juli 2017 hingga Oktober 2018 dan didapatkan sampel sebanyak 36 sampel tinja.Selanjutnya sampel diperiksa dengan menggunakan metode modifikasi pewarnaan Ziehl Neelsen.Dari penelitian ini didapat angka infeksi protozoa usus sebesar 13,9% dan jenis spesies protozoa usus yang ditemukan pada pemeriksaan tinja adalah Mixed infected (Cryptosporidium dan E. histolytica), Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium sp dan Blastocystis hominis. Protozoa usus ini ditemukan lebih tinggi pada perempuan dibandingkan laki-laki. Spesies lebih banyak ditemukan yaitu Giardia lamblia sebesar 40%. Pencegahan infeksi perlu dilakukan, sehingga angka kesakitan dapat dikurangi. Kata kunci : Protozoa usus, G.lamblia, E. histolitica, Cryptosporidium, B.hominis, Mixed infected
Circularly Symmetric Companding Quantization-Inspired Hybrid Constellation Shaping for APSK Modulation to Increase Power Efficiency in Gaussian-Noise-Limited Channel

In this paper we address hybrid probabilistic-geometric constellation shaping (HCS) of amplitude phase shift keying (APSK) constellation based on the reversed model of optimal companding quantization for circularly symmetric sources with the goal to increase the constellation power efficiency in Gaussian-noise-limited channel. To empirically optimize the proposed APSK constellation such that a symbol-error rate (SER) reaches its minimum under given constraints with respect to signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and the prior probabilities of constellation points, for various settings of constellation parameters, we investigate SER dependence on SNR and determine the constellation parameters achieving minimum SER. The SER dependence on SNR we estimate theoretically by deriving approximate formula for SER of uncoded APSK constellation in Gaussian-noise-limited channel and practically by performing simulation. The obtained results are well-matched verifying the accuracy of approximate SER formula. The results also show that our APSK constellation outperforms some previous APSK and $M$ -ary QAM constellations in terms of power efficiency. Thus, for SER equal to 10−6 the gain in power efficiency amounts up to 2.35 dB, 2.23dB and 1.64 dB compared with the maximum mutual information-optimized 4+12-APSK, 4+12+16-APSK and 4+12+20+28-APSK constellations, respectively. This means that by employing APSK constellation we propose instead the traditional APSK constellations the transmitted signal power can be reduced by a third enabling lower power consumption. The improved power efficiency of our APSK constellation makes it suitable for application in power-limited communications such as fiber-optic communications, satellite communications, power-line communications, and multiple-input multiple-output wireless transmissions.
Occurrence, damage, and population dynamics of the olive fruit fly ( Bactrocera oleae Gmelin) in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

The olive is one of the most important crops of the Mediterranean region. Ninety-eight percent of the world? s olive production occurs in this region. However, pest control is a major concern of olive growers, and the olive fruit fly is one of the major economic pests. The aim of this research was to observe their population, infestation rates, and effect on the quality of olive oil. This research included 14 olive groves within 2 different locations. To determine the population dynamics of adult olive fruit flies, 6 yellow sticky traps were placed haphazardly within the tree canopies (approximately 1.5 m in height) of each olive grove between the months of July and December during 2015 and 2016. Results showed that the infestation rate decreases when relative humidity increases (Pearson correlation: -0.597; P = 0.01). On the other hand, negative weak correlation was observed between the altitude and infestation rate (Pearson correlation: -0.206; P = 0.01). Interestingly, positive moderate correlation was determined between average temperature and infestation rate (Pearson correlation: +0.523; P = 0.01). As expected, positive moderate to high correlation (Pearson correlation: +0.735; P = 0.01) was determined between the olive fruit fly infestation rate and oil/acid ratio. This research is the first comprehensive study of olive fruit fly population dynamics and provides valuable information of its ecology within the Mediterranean climate.
CONVENING THE GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS OF A LIMITED COMPANY: ESTONIAN LAW IN A DIGITAL PERSPECTIVE

In today’s modern and digital society, electronic means of communication are used in all areas of life, including communication between shareholders of companies. The objective of this article is to determine whether – and if so which – modern-day electronic communication channels could be used by Estonian private and public limited companies for sending a notice of a general meeting, and also whether Estonian legislation is in accordance with the above-mentioned principles of the EU on this matter. To that end, the article begins with an analysis of the legal nature of a notice on convening a meeting and its communication. The article also analyses the requirements established in the Estonian legislation on convening a general meeting, comparing it with corresponding German and, to a lesser extent, British law. The hypothesis is that the applicable law in Estonia may currently impose unreasonable obstacles to the use of digital and flexible solutions for convening a meeting. Based on the analysis of the article, the main conclusion is that Estonian company law has not exercised all the possibilities for ensuring the use of flexible digital solutions regarding communication between a company and its shareholders, and therefore needs modernisation.
Efficacy of an Intranasal Tear Neurostimulator in Sjögren Syndrome Patients

Purpose To assess the efficacy and safety of an intranasal tear neurostimulator (ITN) device in Sjögren syndrome (SS) patients. Methods This was a two-visit prospective, randomized, controlled, same-day crossover study in participants with SS. Inclusion criteria were assessed at a baseline screening visit and included an Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score ≥13, and a Schirmer with anesthesia ≤10 mm/5 min (in at least one eye), with a cotton swab stimulation induced increase of ≥4 mm in the same eye. Participants returned for the application visit, where they received intranasal and extranasal applications of the ITN in random sequence, separated by at least 60 min. Schirmer scores were measured in both eyes after each application and compared to baseline values. Generalized linear models were performed to compare the change in Schirmer scores from baseline, and generalized estimating equations were used to account for correlations from repeated measurements in the same eye and measurements from two eyes of the same patient. Results Fifty-five participants were screened and 35 were enrolled (all female), ranging in age from 31 to 72 years (mean, 57 years). The baseline OSDI score ranged from 14 to 91 (mean, 50.5), and the baseline Schirmer score had a mean (SD) of 6.4 (3.5) ranging from 0 to 20 (mm/5min). Improvement in Schirmer scores was significantly greater for intranasal device application (13.5 mm/5min, 95% CI: 10.4, 16.5) compared to extranasal device application (0.8mm/5min, 95% CI: −0.9, 2.4) (p<0.0001). The effects of the intranasal device application were significant regardless of the participant’s baseline Schirmer score and systemic SS medication usage (p<0.05). Conclusion Intranasal application of the ITN device significantly increased tear production in a subset of SS patients compared to baseline and was more effective than extranasal application. While production of the ITN device was recently discontinued, our findings suggest that other therapies that neurostimulate the lacrimal function unit may be effective in a subset of SS patients.
Analysis and Assessment of Existing Software Quality Models to Predict the Reliability of Component-Based Software

Software engineering is an approach pre-owned by the researchers and innovators to reduce the ratio of crisis in software. Therefore the designer/ innovator can readily design a valuable quality software, by using various approaches like Component-Based Software Engineering (CBSE). The components quality has a high impact on the quality of a whole application. Several quality models for CBSE and Component-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) are available in the literature so this paper presents various quality models with defined parameters for quality prediction. Several models, like, Boehm's, McCall's, FURPS, ISO 9126, Dromey's, have been developed for quality evaluation using hierarchically related characteristics of quality indicators. Over the years, some models have been developed for structuring software quality for software. Nowadays, researchers are showing their passion for innovation in the area of software reliability. The reliability of a software component relies on the following factors like the reliability of services, environment frequency so finally this paper presents the analysis and assessment of software quality models and their quality parameters for CBS by going through various researchers and practitioners' work.
Neighbourhood cohesion as a form of privilege

Contrary to the idea that neighbourhood cohesion is something that inherently benefits the poor or counterbalances the forces of social exclusion, in this article we argue that it can also function as a mechanism of cumulative advantage. In order to explore this proposal, we offer a definition and key dimensions of neighbourhood cohesion based on three components: place attachment, local relations and commitment to the local common good. We test our proposal in a highly segregated Latin American city: Santiago, Chile. A combination of survey data and georeferenced information was obtained from a random sample of 700 residents. The results reveal the existence of four neighbourhood cohesion types: Communitarians, Belongers, Strangers and Outsiders. As expected, we found that people who reside in affluent areas and perceive themselves to live in more reputable neighbourhoods are those who report the strongest patterns of neighbourhood cohesion. We conclude by questioning the scope and effectiveness of policies which have promoted neighbourhood cohesion as a ‘tool’ of governance without first attempting to reduce socio-spatial rifts. We also ask whether these notable spatial differences in neighbourhood cohesion contribute to improving the overall social cohesion at the city level.
Effects of Supplementation with Glutathione and its Precursors on Athlete Performance

Intensive exercise is related to an increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the main cause of oxidative stress, as a consequence of higher energy demand [1,2]. In active tissues such as skeletal muscles, ROS activity results mainly from mitochondria damage and may impair the muscle force production. Therefore, many athletes consume antioxidant supplements to suppress muscle fatigue or to facilitate the process of recovery. Whether such antioxidant supplementation has beneficial effects on sport performance and health is a matter of controversy which seems to stem from considerable differences in study designs [3]. Some authors report that antioxidant supplementation, especially a prolonged one, may have deleterious effects on health and sport performance, e.g. by down regulating natural ROS quenching mechanisms or hampering organism adaptation to increased physical exercise [4-8]. Such results are in line with the free radical theory of development which posits that formation of reactive species plays a very important role in development of organisms and their adaptation to environmental changes [9]. Other studies report that antioxidant supplementation may lead to increased sport performance or shortens the process of post-exercise recovery; the effects highly desired by competitive athletes. A common feature of those studies seems to be a short and acute supplementation period, usually a few days or weeks long, which perhaps still allows for triggering the adaptation mechanisms in response to increased production of ROS. These studies are of the main interest of this review.