Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the linear and non-linear SGS models in simulating the internal flow in a centrifugal pump impeller

INTRODUCTION Large eddy simulation (LES) has been developed for several decades since the pioneer works of Smagorinsky [1] and Deardorff [2]. The Smagorinsky Model (SM), including the dynamic version (DSM), adopts a linear relationship between the SGS stress tensor and the strain-rate tensor. According to the results from Tao et al [3] and Horiuti [4], the linear relationship adopted by SM is actually not hold. Kosovic [5] proposed a polynomial (non-linear) relation of SGS stress which depended on both the strain rate and the vorticity. Wang et al [6] extended the model by applying the dynamic procedure proposed by Germano [7], named DNM here after. As a typical turbo-machine, centrifugal pump plays an important role in industry. Due to the superior accuracy, LES attracts more concentrations in the field of centrifugal pump‘s research and design. In most commercial CFD codes, only linear SGS models are included. However, the results from linear models are not so satisfying, especially at off-design conditions [8]. It is necessary to test the performance of the non-linear SGS model. As the implementation of new model into these codes is relatively fussy, the open-source code OpenFOAM [9] is used in this paper. For comparison, the linear model DSM and the non-linear model DNM are used in simulating the flow in a centrifugal pump impeller. The calculation results are compared with the PIV results by Pedersen et al [8].
Towards Enhancing Service Delivery in Higher Education Institutions via Knowledge Management Technologies and Blended E-Learning

Higher education, as a service sector, offers various programs to develop the students which can add value to the society. People, knowledge and technology play vital roles in attaining high service delivery in higher education institutions (HEIs). Knowledge sharing (KS), which is an arm of knowledge management (KM), is a key factor in HEIs requires full usage of technology to disseminate knowledge from teaching and researches through e-learning. However, technology challenges are prevalent in Africa. Hence, this paper illustrates how e-learning system can be used to enhance KM in HEIs in Africa and provide the benefits of both. Characteristics of KM and e-learning system have been highlighted. The paper shows relationship among different types of KM, e-learning and blended e-learning (BEL). It has been enumerated that there is a meeting point between KM, e-learning and BEL towards enhanced service delivery in HEIs in Africa in the era of open distance learning for towards achieving mass education. Hence, African governments should step up their efforts in funding technology-enhanced training in HEIs and necessary policies to promote effective and efficient quality services in DL education using KM and BEL.
CHARACTERIZATION OF PALM FIBERS FOR REINFORCEMENT IN POLYMER MATRIX

This work presents the extraction of fibers from various parts of the palm tree, its chemical and physical property characterization through standard tests and also development of composite samples with these fibers for testing tensile strength on a computerised universal testing machine. The results obtained through experimentation were compared with few other natural fiber based composites and the values were presented. The composite developed possess appreciable tensile strength and shall be used in automotive industry, aerospace applications, etc.
Transpiration

infecting fungus. In this the inner hyphae began to grow and broke through the outer lavers, and on this mycelium, whose origin was clear, conidiophores and conidia arose within three days. These showed it to be a Penicillium (Citromyces) very like P. geophiiluni, and similar results were reached with Fagus. Fungi of this group were also found in the forest soil where mycorhiza of Fagus was abundant. Carpinus was not available for experiments on reinfection, but a considerable number of young roots of a two-year-old Fagus showed infection from pure cultures of the Carpinus mycorhiza, as well as from several other species of forest Penicillia. -C. R. B.
Neuroprotective effects of direct activation and transactivation of PDGFβ receptors

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptors are expressed throughout the body, including the central nervous system (CNS). Although the physiological role of PDGF receptors in the developed CNS is not fully characterized, PDGF signaling appears to provide neuroprotective effects against several neuronal insults. One of the bestcharacterized neuroprotective effects of PDGF type-b receptors is against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) protein-induced neurotoxicity, with potential physiological relevance to HAD. PDGFb receptors are also neuroprotective against glutamate excitotoxicity, which is associated with both stroke and neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease. The neuroprotective effects of PDGFb receptors occur both via direct activation by ligand (PDGF-BB), as well as by PDGFb receptors activated downstream of G protein-coupled receptor signaling. In addition to the involvement of PDGF signaling in various pathologies and potential therapies, there is also an emerging body of evidence that PDGF may serve as a biomarker for neurological or psychiatric
Ferulic acid reduced histamine levels in the smoked horsemeat sausage

This study assessed the effect of ferulic acid on the accumulation of histamine in traditional Xinjiang smoked horsemeat sausage. The dynamics of histamine-producing microorganisms were monitored by PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) with specific primer pairs, and histidine and histamine levels were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Relative parameters including microbiological growth, pH and moisture content were also evaluated. PCR-DGGE provided a rapid and convenient method for detecting and identifying histamine-producing bacteria. The results showed that ferulic acid reduced the histamine concentration and inhibited the growth of histamine-producing bacteria during fermentation and ripening. Additionally, the inhibitory effect of ferulic acid was stronger than that of the starter culture. Therefore, ferulic acid appears to be a useful additive for manufacturing fermented sausages.
Role of structural and functional proteins of SARS -COV-2

Severe acute respiratory corona virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a ribonucleic acid (RNA) virus with enveloped no-segmented positive sense belonging to a beta (β) - corona virus family. It has 29,903 nucleotides sized genome with 10 open reading frames (ORF). ORF1 (ab) encodes two polypeptides pp1a and pp1b cleaved into 16 functional proteins, which are mainly intended to form replication transcription complex (RTC). The cleavage process of pp1a and pp1b polypeptides to 16 functional proteins of SARs-CoV-2 is mainly facilitated by main protease and papain-like protease. The replication transcription complex (RTC) formed by the action of 16-functional proteins of SARs-CoV-2 is mainly involved as viral RNA synthesis machinery in the transcriptional and replication process of viral RNAs. ORF (2-10) encodes for structural (for example: spike (S), membrane (M), nucleocapsid (N), and envelop (E)) and accessory proteins of SARs-CoV-2. The main functions of structural proteins are viral assembly, viral coating, viral entry into host cells and assembly of the RNA genome. Accessory proteins are proteins that are not involved in the viral synthesis machinery, as 16 functional proteins, and in the viral assembly, coating, entry into host cells and packaging of Viral RNAs, as structural proteins. Rather, these are proteins that may play central role by enhancing viral assembly process, virulence and pathogenesis of SARs-CoV-2. Our aim in the current review was to elaborate the specific role of these structural and functional proteins on viral genomic replication and transcription, viral assembly, host cell attachment and pathogenesis. Multiple literatures have been reviewed to achieve the objective of this review.
OPTIMAL FEATURE SELECTION ALGORITHM FOR HIGH DIMENSIONAL DATA SETS USING PARTICLE SWARM OPTIMIZATION

: In high dimensional data sets, there are large numbers of features in classification problems. But all of them are not necessarily beneficial for classification. Feature selection involves the choosing of a small number of relevant features in order to achieve similar or even better classification performance. When all the features are used, irrelevant and redundant features reduce the performance. Maximizing the classification performance and minimizing the number of features are the important objectives of feature selection. Fuzzy entropy facilitates the partition of the input space into decision regions. It enables the selection of appropriate features with good seperability for the classification task. In the recent times, the observations in the swarm behavior of birds and fishes, has led to the study of the nature inspired heuristic algorithms called particle swarm optimization. It has been applied to find solution for many optimization applications. This paper proposes a hybrid method for feature subset selection based on Fuzzy entropy with particle swarm optimization. The proposed algorithm is applied to four different data sets. Further the performance metrics and the dimension metrics are calculated and compared with the existing FCBF (Fast correlation based filter solution) algorithm. The results show that the proposed algorithm can give significant results for the feature selection process.
Yield performance of chromosomally engineered durum wheat-Thinopyrum ponticum recombinant lines in a range of contrasting rain-fed environments across three countries

Introgressions of Thinopyrum ponticum 7AgL chromosome segments, spanning 23%, 28% and 40% of the distal end of durum wheat 7AL arm, were previously shown to contain multiple beneficial gene(s)/QTL for yield-related traits, in addition to effective disease resistance (Lr19, Sr25) and quality (Yp) genes. In the present study, durum wheat near isogenic recombinant lines (NIRLs), harbouring each of the three introgressions, were included for the first time in multi-location field trials, to evaluate general and environment-specific effects of the alien chromatin on 26 yield-related traits. The results from nine different trials across contrasting environments of Italy, Morocco and South Australia over four years revealed that the overall impact of 7AgL introgressions into the tetraploid wheat background did not imply, except in one environment, major yield penalty. The comprehensive effect of the three 7AgL segments on individual yield-contributing traits, resulted in significant increases of biomass m−2 (+9%), spike number m−2 (+13%), grain number m−2 (+11%) and spikelet−1 (+8%), but also in a general, significant decrease of grain weight (−8%). When the separate NIRLs were analysed, each of the three 7AgL segments turned out to be associated with variation of specific yield components. The effects of the 40%-long segment proved to be the most stably expressed across environments and involved significant increases of spike and grain number m−2 (13% and 15%, respectively), grain number spike−1 (10%) and spike fertility index (46%), though accompanied by a significant decrease in thousand grain weight (−23%). In spite of this trade-off between grain number and grain weight, their interplay was such that in four trials, including dryer environments, a grain yield advantage was observed. This evidence, and comparison with the two other NIRLs, substantiates the hypothesized existence of major gene(s)/QTL for grain number in the most proximal 28-40% 7AgL region, exclusive to the 40%-long 7AgL introgression. The present study represents an important validation of the use of chromosomally engineered genetic stocks for durum wheat improvement, targeting not only disease resistance and quality traits but also relevant yield components.
Olfactory cues of habitats facilitate learning about landscapes of fear

As animals move through their environment, they must respond to different levels of predation risk in different habitats. We demonstrate that tadpoles use habitat odors to learn about the overall risk associated with specific habitats. Tadpoles adjusted their antipredator behavior to match the risk experienced in different habitats, becoming neophobic (fearful of novel odors) in high-risk habitats. However, responses were not consistent across habitat types, and tadpoles did not use habitat cues when learning about predators.
Growth rate variability of larval European eels (Anguilla anguilla) across the extensive eel spawning area in the southern Sargasso Sea

7 The European eel ( Anguilla anguilla) spawns in the Sargasso Sea, and the leptocephalus larvae are 8 distributed in the Subtropical Convergence Zone (ST CZ), covering an area approximately 500 X 9 2000 km in extent. The STCZ is hydrographically div erse and highly dynamic, which is likely to 10 impact growth and survival opportunities of the lar vae. Here we investigate the temporal and spatial 11 growth rate variability of larvae collected along s even sampling transects across the STCZ during 12 March-April 2014. Scanning electron microscopic ana lyses of otolith ring-formations were used to 13 estimate larval age-at-length, initial growth and g rowth trajectories. Analyzed larvae averaged 14 14 mm in length and 30 days of age. Age estimation ind icated that the larvae were spawned during one 15 continuous period, extending from mid-February to l ate-March, and that spawning had peaked 16 during the new moon of March 4. Growth estimates (a ver ge: 0.38 mm d , ~6% weight increase d 17 ) showed substantial variability among individuals. There were no apparent spatial trends in this 18 variability, and no linkage to measures of temperat ure and salinity, while earlier-spawned 19 leptocephali showed slightly higher growth rates th an later-spawned larvae. The variability in 20 growth rates at single sampling sites was as great as variability across the entire area of distributi on. 21 This indicates that individual growth opportunities are strongly impacted by variable conditions in 22
Unraveling The Molecular Mechanisms Of Aposematic Pigmentation In Oncopeltus Fasciatus

Variations in body pigmentation, encompassing both the range of specific colors as well as the spatial arrangement of those colors, are among the most noticeable and lineage-specific insect features. However, the genetic mechanisms responsible for generating this diversity are still limited to several model species that are primarily holometabolous insects. To address this lack of knowledge, we utilize Oncopeltus fasciatus, an aposematic hemimetabolous insect, as a new model to study insect pigmentation. First, to determine the genetic regulation of black pigment production in Oncopeltus, we perform an RNAi analysis on three core genes involved in the melanin pathway, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), dopa decarboxylase (DDC), and laccase 2 (lac2). The black pigmentation is affected in all instances, showing that the black pigments in this species are derived from the melanin pathway. The results of the DDC RNAi are particularly informative because they reveal that it is Dopamine melanin, not DOPA melanin, which is the predominant component of black pigments in Oncopeltus. Second, we test whether pigmentation follows a two-step model where the spatial premapping of enzymatic activity is followed by vein-dependent transportation of melanin substances. We confirm the existence of the first step by observing that premature wings develop black pigmentation when exposed to melanin precursors. In addition, we
C-Reactive Protein –Biological Marker of Inflammation in Patients with Pneumonia

Abstract Introduction. The term biomarkers or biological markers generally refers to proteins measured in the circulation (blood), whose concentration indicates some normal or pathological state or condition. The biomarker is objectively measured and evaluated as an indicator of normal biological processes or pharmacological responses to therapeutic interventions. One of these biological markers is C-reactive protein (CRP). Aim. To evaluate the efficiency of using adequate and appropriate biomarkers for diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of pneumonia in children. Methods. This study included 30 patients with diagnosed pneumonia, who were admitted at our Institute. Blood samples were taken prior to initiation of treatment in patients with pneumonia and 7 and 14 days after the treatment. The control group included physically active and healthy individuals without family history of disease, aged from 1 to 14 years. All the results of the biochemical analyses were within the reference values, and none of the control individuals received therapy. In our country, for serum C-reactive protein, as well as for other parameters that determine the diagnosis of the patient, we use a common method for determining normal values, by choosing a huge representative sample from the screening population, consisting of healthy individuals without any disease, especially with no sign of this disease (the children who should be checked up). Further, normal values obtained in this way are taken as reference values. Results. The average serum CRP protein levels prior to antibiotic therapy were the following: (1-2) x̄±sd =34.94±20.44 mg/L, (3-6) x̄±sd=68.20±10.87 mg/L, (7-11) x̄±sd=65.59±12.01 mg/L, whereas in patients with pneumonia after 7-day antibiotic treatment the values were the following: x̄±sd=24.64 ± 11.57 mg/L/x̄±sd =40.10±6.83 mg/L/x̄±sd=32.09±6.68 mg/L (P<0.05), and after 14-day-therapy x̄±sd=6.80±1.14 mg/L/x̄± sd=7.20±0.82 mg/L/x̄±sd=8.10±0.89 mg/L (P<0.05). Also, CRP in serum correlated with the severity of the clinical condition (P<0.05). Discussion and conclusion. This study is useful for showing the importance of C-reactive protein in serum for early diagnosis and follow-up of the pneumonia. CRP is very important as a biomarker, both from clinical and scientific aspect. It can be used for early rapid diagnosis, monitoring of pneumonia and can successfully be used in a large number of diagnosis. It opens new opportunities for further research in this field.
Molecular cloning of chicken transforming growth factor β1 and isolation of microsatellites

Transforming growth factor-Bs (TGFBs) are candidate genes in the control of chicken development and growth. It is very important to study the expression, regulation and functions of these genes. Microsatellites are ideal DNA markers for genetic linkage studies and genome mapping. An increasing numbers of studies have demonstrated that they may also be involved in DNA homologous recombination, gene regulation and genome rearrangement in vivo. The [CAG/CTG]n triplets have an important role in transcriptional factors. We have attempted to clone the 5' region of the chicken TGFB1 gene to facilitate a more detailed analysis of the expression and developmental role of TGFBs. We have developed a method for enriching microsatellites in chicken DNA libraries to facilitate the generation of polymorphic markers and the identification of potential transcriptional factors. We have shown that chicken TGFB1 exists as an single copy gene with an upper size limit of approximately 15 to 22 kb. However, screening of a lambda phage chicken genomic library using both the TGFB1 cDNA and oligo probes failed to obtain chicken TGFB1 clones. Procedures were developed for the construction of specific microsatellite-enriched DNA libraries. [CA/TG] n-enriched genomic DNA libraries were constructed using "genetic marker selection" and DNA affinity hybridisation procedures; whereas [CA/TG] nand [CAG/CTG] n-enriched liver cDNA libraries were constructed by a DNA affinity
The complete mitochondrial genome of the Asian stinging catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis (Siluriformes, Heteropneustidae) and its comparison with other related fish species

Abstract The complete mitogenome of Heteropneustes fossilis is described using Ion Torrent (PGM sequencer), which showed it was 16,489 bp in size comprising 13 mRNAs, 22 tRNAs, 2 rRNA genes, and 858 bp as D-Loop control region, along with gene order and organization, being similar to most of the other related Siluriformes fish mitogenome of NCBI databases. The 20 RNAs were packed into a typical cloverleaf structure. The mitogenome in the present study has 99% similarity to the complete mitogenome sequence of H. fossilis mitogenome reported earlier and also would be helpful in understanding the population genetics, phylogenetics, and evolution of catfishes.
Data on draft genome sequence of chickpea (Cicer arietinum)

The dataset contains genome sequence of the ~738 Mb chickpea genome from CDC Frontier, a kabuli variety, which contains an estimated 28,269 genes. Re-sequencing and analysis of 90 cultivated and wild genotypes from 10 different countries identifies both targets of breeding-associated genetic sweeps and targets of breeding-associated balancing selection. Candidate genes for disease resistance and agronomic traits are highlighted, including traits that distinguish the two main classes of cultivated chickpea- desi and kabuli. These data comprise a resource for chickpea improvement through molecular breeding, and provide insights into both genome diversity and domestication. GBrowse Visualization Links: Chickpea genome at LIS Research Article
Improve Barrier Properties and Significantly Reduce Your Carbon Footprint with In-Line Metallizing and Top-Coating

This two-step process creates certain inherent disadvantages, such as high operating and capital costs, which we attempted to overcome by retrofitting a traditional single zone free-span metallizing chamber with an in-line top-coating process directly after the metallizing area. We also found that barrier could be significantly improved over standard metallizing, and hence opportunities were created to assist consumer goods companies to reduce the carbon footprint of their packaged goods.
'Crk'-ing the Code: The role of Crk adaptor proteins in zebrafish eye development

The migration of neurons from their place of birth to their place of function is an important process during neurodevelopment. Two adaptor proteins, Crk and Crkl, are known to be important factors for neuronal migration. In the neocortex, both molecules play a critical role in the well studied Reelin signaling pathway, guiding newly born neurons to their correct cell layer to create the laminated structure of this tissue. These two adaptor proteins are implicated in human disease of the nervous system. Heterozygous compound deletion of human chromosome 17p13, which includes CRK, occurs in Miller-Dieker syndrome, a severe type of lissencephaly (smooth brain syndrome). Autosomal dominant compound deletion of human chromosome 22q11.2, which includes CRKL, causes DiGeorge Syndrome, a neural crest migratory disease that effects the heart, kidneys, ears, immune system, and face. Danio rerio, or zebrafish, are a great model to study the developing nervous system, and are used in our studies. We characterized expression of crk and crkl at various stages of zebrafish embryo development and determined that both are expressed in the developing eye. We aim to determine if Crk and Crkl have a role in eye development, as the eye and neocortex are very similar in the way they are patterned, and little is known about the signaling mechanisms that guide lamination of the retina. Using mutant knockout lines, we have determined gross retinal phenotypes of Crk deficient, Crkl deficient, and Crk and Crkl compound deficient embryos. Crk and Crkl are both required for proper eye development, as combinations of Crk and Crkl deficiency lead to impaired formation of this tissue. Crk seems to be particularly important for proper eye size, and Crkl is required for proper lamination. This preliminary research is critical to further elucidating the role Crk and Crkl are playing in the retina.