Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The gene expression and enzymatic activity of pinoresinol-lariciresinol reductase during wood formation in Taiwania cryptomerioides Hayata

Abstract Taiwania (Taiwania cryptomerioides Hayata) is an indigenous conifer species of Taiwan. Various secondary metabolites of Taiwania with diverse bioactivities have been identified, and lignans are especially abundant in the heartwood (hW). In the present study, the wood of this species was separated to cambium (Cam), sapwood (sW), transition zone (TZ) and hW and their transcriptomes were sequenced. Three pinoresinol-lariciresinol reductases (PLRs; designated TcPLR1, TcPLR2.2 and TcPLR3), which are responsible for lignan biosynthesis, were cloned and their expressions in wood tissues were detected. TcPLRs had higher expression levels in Cam and sW in RNA-seq and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) results. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis of the reaction products of TcPLRs revealed that TcPLR1 can reduce (+)-pinoresinol to lariciresinol, and both TcPLR2.2 and TcPLR3 could reduce (+)-pinoresinol to lariciresinol and secoisolariciresinol.
Cinétique d’infestation par Haemonchus contortus et réponse d’ovins de races résistante (Martinik Black Belly) et sensible (Lacaune)

The extension of resistance of gastrointestinal nematodes to anthelmintics, recently observed in Haemonchus contortus, represents a real problem and makes it urgent to find alternative solutions such as the selection of helminth-resistant animals. All cases of experimental infestations show significant individualvariability in egg excretion, allowing good discrimination between resistant and susceptible individuals, which enables selecting resistant individuals in the studied breeds. However, the lack of knowledge on immune response mechanisms in sheep worms is an obstacle to the development of this selection. It is known that the excretion level of parasite eggs in feces is a relevant indicator for assessing the resistance of an animal to worms. This criterion was examined in the present study carried out with two French sheep breeds, the Martinik Black Belly (resistant) and the Lacaune (sensitive). The sheep were infested orally with a single dose of 10,000 L3 larvae of H. contortus. The sheep response was monitored during antemortem and postmortem examinations. The results clearly showed that during a first H. contortus infestation there was a significant difference between the parasite populations (parasite intensity and egg production) and between certain pathophysiological parameters (blood and tissue eosinophilia) observed in the two sheep breeds.
Handwritten Character Recognition using Neural Networks forBanking Applications

Banks often accept handwritten forms for various purposes like application for creating or closure of accounts, loans, net banking, etc. The form takes a lot of user information consisting of sensitive data viz. Aadhar card number, pan card number. This information is usually taken in pen-paper format and needs entry to the bank database to document the particulars in the system or the bank requires to store a physical copy of the form for future reference. Manual entry of these details into the bank database is a tedious process and might be erroneous at times. Also, maintaining the original copy of the form or like document generate stockpiles of paper. In an attempt to overcome these discrepancies, the proposed problem statement provides a solution by making use of Handwritten Character Recognition which will input data in the form of an image to store and maintain it in a digital library
Rhizosphere interactions for disease suppression and biocontrol.

Microbial communities play a pivotal role in the functioning of superior organisms by influencing their physiology and development (1). While many members of the rhizosphere microbiome are beneficial to plant growth, also plant pathogenic microorganisms colonize the rhizosphere striving to break through the protective microbial shield and to overcome the innate plant defense mechanisms in order to cause disease (2). To infect root tissue, pathogens have to compete with members of the rhizosphere microbiome for available nutrients and microsites. In disease-suppressive soils, pathogens are strongly restricted in growth by the activities of specific rhizosphere microorganisms (3). Using metagenomics and metatranscriptomics studies we postulate that the invading pathogen induces, directly or via the plant, stress responses in the rhizobacterial community that lead to shifts in microbiome composition and to activation of antagonistic traits that restrict pathogen infection. Therefore, upon attack by a fungal root pathogen, plants can exploit microbial consortia from soil for protection against infections (4). In this context, we hypothesized that breeding towards resistance against soilborne pathogens influences the assembly of microbial communities and the abundance of specific functional traits associated with protection provided by the rhizosphere microbiome (5). Here, we will discuss recent discoveries on rhizosphere interactions and soilborne pathogens aiming to elucidate the role of the rhizosphere microbiome in reducing disease impacts.
Transition induced by an egg-crate roughness on a flat plate in supersonic flow

Abstract Hot-wire measurements in a Mach 3.5 quiet tunnel were made in the wake of a roughness patch on a flat plate. These measurements were used to determine mode shapes and frequencies of the dominant instabilities leading to boundary-layer transition. The egg-crate roughness pattern is an analytic function described by a sinusoidal equation, similar to an array of discrete elements that are positioned in a spanwise and streamwise grid, but containing both protuberances and dimples. This is an intermediate configuration towards understanding the underlying physics of a pseudorandom distributed roughness, and ultimately, the underlying physics of roughness-induced boundary-layer transition. The roughness pattern had a wavelength of 6.25 mm, with a nominal amplitude of 272 ${\rm \mu}{\rm m}$ (0.49 times the boundary layer thickness at the first row of protuberances). The roughness was positioned near the leading edge of the flat plate and contained 3.5 wavelengths in the streamwise direction and 7.5 wavelengths in the spanwise direction. The dominant instability was centred near 74 kHz at a free stream unit Reynolds number of $12.9\times 10^{6}\,{\rm m}^{-1}$ and resembled an antisymmetric mode downstream of each of the protuberances in the roughness patch. Computations using linear stability analysis based on the plane-marching parabolized stability equations (PSE) showed limited agreement with measurements when comparing the growth of the wake instability. Better agreement with the measurements was observed when considering the modification of first mode waves by the egg-crate roughness patch and the solution of the three-dimensional harmonic linearized Navier–Stokes equations was used as the in-flow to the PSE. The agreement confirms the significance of disturbance growth both upstream of and above a finite length roughness patch and the effect on the growth of instabilities in the wake.
Fermentative parameters and aerobic stability of orange peel silage with pelleted citrus pulp

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the effects of pelleted citrus pulp (PCP) added to orange peel on fermentative parameters and aerobic stability of orange peel silages. The treatments were based on different levels of PCP: 0 (control), 10% PCP, 20% PCP, and 30% PCP calculated according to the weight of orange peel (w/w), with five experimental silos per treatment stored for 60 days. Chemical composition, fermentative parameters, microbial population, and dry matter (DM) losses were performed in silages after opening the [. ]
Twelve Sectors DPC Control Based on Neural Hysteresis Comparators of the DFIG Integrated to Wind Power

Received: 5 March 2020 Accepted: 2 June 2020 A twelve sectors direct power control (TSDPC) drive allows direct and independent command of reactive power linkage and active power by the selection of optimum inverter switching tables (STs). There is no need for any complex transformation of voltage or current. However, each vector selected from the ST cannot produce the required accurate rotor voltage vector (VV) to provide the desired reactive and active power. This results in the production of ripples in the reactive power as well as active power waveforms. In this study, we propose a technique to minimize active and reactive power ripples. In this technique, the hysteresis comparators are replaced by two artificial neural networks (ANNs) controller and are compared to the TSDPC technique. The traditional twelve sectors DPC and the proposed technique are simulated and the comparison of their performances is presented.
Sülfametiyazol-2,2′-Bipiridin Tuzunun Yapısal ve Spektral İncelenmesi: Deneysel ve Moleküler Modelleme Çalışması

Bu calismada Sulfametiyazol-2,2′-Bipiridin tuzunun sentezi, spektroskopik ozellikleri (IR, UV-Vis ve termal) aciklanmaktadir. Birim hucrenin asimetrik biriminde, bir sulfametiyazol, bir 2,2′-Bipiridin icermektedir. Karakterizasyon icin tek kristal X-isini kirinimi teknigi kullanilmistir. 296 K' de tek kristal X-isini kirinimi sonucuna gore P2 1 /n monoklinik uzay grubunda a = 8.658 (3) A, b = 24.686 (6) A, c = 9.927 (4) A, α = 90o, β = 103.61 (3)o, γ = 90o ve Z = 4 olarak kristallendigi gorulmustur. Molekul uzerine kapsamli olarak teorik ve deneysel yapisal calismalar FT-IR ve UV-Vis spektroskopisi ile yapilmistir. Teorik hesaplamalar ve optimize edilmis geometrik parametrelerin tumu, yogunluk fonksiyonel teorisi (DFT), B3LYP hibrit yontemi 6-31G (d,p) baz seti kullanilarak hesaplanmistir. TGA ile termal ozellikler incelenmistir. Kompleksin Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans ve Aspergillus flavus ’a karsi antimikrobiyal calismalari yapilmistir. Optimize edilmis kompleks, 5J9B, 5BMM, 5HTG, 1ZUV, 4F0V ve 4YNU’ya yerlestirilerek biyolojik aktivitesi teorik olarak incelenmistir.
Genotype × Environment Interaction: A Prerequisite for Tomato Variety Development

Tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum L.) is the second most important vegetable crop in the world due to its high level of nutrition particularly in vitamins and antioxidants. It is grown in several ecologies of the world due to its adaptability and ease of cultivation. Besides field conditions, tomatoes are grown in controlled environments which range from hydroponics and simple high tunnel structures to highly automated screen houses in advanced countries. However, the yield and quality of the fruits are highly influenced by the environment. This results in unpredictable performances in different growing environments in terms of quality, a phenomenon known as genotype by environment (G × E) interaction which confounds selection efficiency. Various approaches are employed by plant breeders to evaluate and address the challenges posed by genotype by environment interaction. This chapter discusses various field and controlled environments for growing tomatoes and the effect of these environments on the performance of the crop. The various types of genotype × environment interactions and their effect of the tomato plant are discussed. Finally, efforts are made to suggest ways and methods of mitigating the confounding effects of genotype × environment interaction including statistical approaches.
Kura Clover Living Mulch: Spring Management Effects on Nitrogen

Kura clover living mulch (KCLM) systems have the potential to provide ecosystem services in intensively managed cropping systems while supplying soil mineral nitrogen (N) to the growing cash crop. Living mulch management relies on strong spring suppression to reduce competition between vigorous kura clover and emerging row crop seedlings, but standard suppression management practices utilize widely different modes of action. The objective of this research was to gain insight into the impact of common KCLM management practices on early season N dynamics. Kura clover was mowed, and residue was either harvested or returned before rows were established via strip tillage or banded herbicide. Soil and gaseous N pools were monitored for 12 weeks post initial application of suppression management treatments. An enrichment factor (EF) approach was utilized to compare N pools under managed treatments relative to an unmanaged clover control. Strip tillage increased soil N by 300%, while banded herbicide row establishment increased soil N by 220% relative to the unmanaged control. Pre-plant clover harvest reduced short term soil NO3–N, but during later time intervals there was no relationship between residue management and soil N. We conclude that, for the dual goals of maintaining clover perenniality while providing greater soil N enrichment, strip tillage is superior to band herbicide for row establishment. Additionally, pre-plant clover harvest may open opportunities for dual harvests in a single growing season, increasing economic return while maintaining in-season N contributions from the living mulch.
Occurrence of emerging contaminants and analysis of oestrogenic activity in the water and sediments from two coastal lagoons in south-eastern Brazil

There is increasing concern in the scientific community regarding emerging contaminants in aquatic matrices because of the potential effects of these contaminants on aquatic biota. In recent decades, the Itaipu–Piratininga lagoon system has suffered a series of environmental impacts, among which water pollution stands out. In this context, the aim of this study was to analyse the occurrence of pharmaceuticals and endocrine disrupters in water (dissolved and particulate phases) and in surface sediments, and their potential oestrogenic effects. Contaminant concentrations were determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, whereas oestrogenic activity was evaluated using the yeast oestrogen screen assay. Of the 12 compounds analysed, concentrations of gemfibrozil, acetaminophen and diclofenac were below the limit of detection. The compounds with the highest detection frequency in the water were bisphenol A>4-octylphenol>naproxen>oestradiol, whereas in the sediment were bisphenol A>naproxen>oestradiol. Higher pharmaceutical concentrations and numbers of microcontaminants were observed in August 2017 (winter), which can be explained by the lower dilution and degradation capacity of these compounds during winter. Oestrogenic activity was observed in at least one of the three matrices (i.e. water (dissolved and particulate phases) and surface sediments) at all sampling stations and in both sampling campaigns (January and August 2017). Combined with data in the literature data, the results of this study indicate probable adverse effects of contaminants on aquatic organisms of this lagoon system.
Heritage monitoring and surveillance using Sentinel satellite data in the Lower Alentejo (Portugal)

In this article, the potential of Satellite Remote Sensing (SRS) for large-scale monitoring of archaeological sites is analysed. This analysis focuses on the Portuguese Lower Alentejo region, where multiple sites have been destroyed over the last years, mainly due to intensive agriculture. The development of a surveillance system based on data from the Sentinel 1 and Sentinel 2 satellite constellations, named SENSEOS, had its pilot application in this region during the first half of 2019. In a vast region where authorities lacked the proper resources to timely detect events endangering the integrity of heritage sites, this system tried to overcome these issues. By using Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and optical data, it was possible to detect such events through a technique labelled Normalized Difference Amplitude Index (NDAI). The identification of these changes on the surface, associated with potentially destructive events, contributed to minimize the damage and destruction of archaeological sites.
Saharan Dust Events over the Valencian Community (Eastern Iberian Peninsula): Synoptic Circulation Patterns and Contribution to PM10 Levels

ABSTRACT A characterization of Saharan Dust Events (SDE) passing over the Valencian Community (Eastern Spain) during the 2014-2017 period has been carried out. The assessment has focused on the following points: a) the study of their occurrence and impact on PM10 mass concentrations, b) the identification of the favorable synoptic patterns at 850 hPa associated with SDE by means of a cluster analysis and c) the application of the Gamma Probability Density Function (PDF) to fit the mass contributions of SDE to PM10 levels. The study has determined that the Valencian Community (VC) is under the influence of this kind of transport on ~26% of the days of the year, contributing 3.3 mg m-3 (~23%) to the PM10 average value. Five circulation scenarios (1-5) were identified. In scenario 1 (17.4%), the transport was produced due to a trough placed over the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula coupled with a high pressure system centred on Western Algeria, Tunisia and Eastern Libya. According to the PDF analysis, SDE characterized by this type of pattern were most likely to have elevated contributions to PM10 mass concentrations. In scenarios 3 (39.2%) and 5 (19.4%), a high pressure system located over North Africa was present. Both types of patterns also contributed to high concentrations of mineral dust in the VC. Scenarios 1, 3 and 5 were more frequent during summer months, specially type 3 (69%). On the other hand, types 2 (16.2%) and 4 (7.2%), both characterized by a deep low located over the West or Northwest of the Iberian Peninsula, were frequent in spring and, to a lesser extent, during the winter season. Scenarios 2 and 4 had a lower probability to contribute to high concentrations of mineral dust over the study area.
Music May Reduce Loneliness and Act as Social Surrogate for a Friend: Evidence from an Experimental Listening Study

After losing a close other, individuals usually confide in an empathic friend to receive comfort and they seem to have a heightened desire for mood-congruent, consoling music. Hence, it has been proposed that affect-congruent music acts as a social surrogate for an empathic friend. Thus, we hypothesized that listening to comforting music, as a response to a social loss experience, provides a sense of empathic company as indicated by reduced loneliness and heightened empathy. We further predicted that distracting music would have a stronger impact on the listeners’ mood in comparison to comforting pieces. To test these assumptions, an experiment with two factors was designed: (1) Sadness was induced by an approved guided imagery method where participants visualized either their father dying (social loss), losing their eyesight (non-social loss), or shopping for groceries (control condition). (2) After the mood induction, the listening task included either comforting or distracting music that participants selected themselves. Psychometric measures for mood and loneliness were collected before and after the mood induction and after the music listening. The data were analyzed with mixed model ANOVAs. The results showed a significant reduction of loneliness and a relevant rise in empathy and mood due to listening to self-selected music, irrespective of the listener’s mood or the applied listening strategy, which suggests that private musical engagement in general can provide mood-repair and a sense of connection. This beneficial effect of private musical engagement supports the notion that not only music production but also its perception engenders social cognition. Overall, the findings corroborate the idea of music as a social surrogate.
Investigação da Rotina de Aprendizagem de Desenvolvedores de Software

This work describes a qualitative research carried out with professional software developers regarding their learning routines. We investigate participants’ perceptions about their learning tasks and strategies used. We consider an interview script based on the Self-Regulation of Learning model. The results indicate the ability to learn is crucial for such professionals and their routines are very similar to that of self-regulated learners. Resumo. Este trabalho descreve uma pesquisa qualitativa realizada com profissionais desenvolvedores de software a respeito de suas rotinas de aprendizagem. Investigamos as percepções dos participantes sobre suas tarefas de aprendizagem e estratégias empregadas. Utilizamos um roteiro de entrevistas baseado no modelo de Autorregulação da Aprendizagem (Self-Regulated Learning). Os resultados indicam que a capacidade de aprender é crucial para esses profissionais e que suas rotinas muito se assemelham a de aprendizes autorregulados.
Experience, challenges and lessons learnt from microsurgical clipping of intracranial aneurysms at an emerging neurosurgical centre

Objectives: To share our experience, challenges faced, lessons learnt and analyze the results of surgical management by microsurgical clipping of intracranial aneurysms at an emerging neurosurgical centre at Guru Gobind Singh medical college and hospital (GGSMC&H) Faridkot, Punjab. India. Material and Methods: This study includes all the patients who presented with the diagnosis of intracranial aneurysm on CT angiography and were treated with the microsurgical clipping, between March 2017 to April 2019. Results: There was a total of 23 patients 11female and 12 male. Age range 32 to 85years. On admission 22 patients had SAH on CT scan and one was admitted after incidental detection of the aneurysm without SAH. The time interval between ictus and admission was 0-3 days in 13 patients, 3-14 days in 8 patients and more than 14 days in 1 patient. WFNS grade (gd) I-15 patients, gd II-2, gd III-2, gd IV-3 patients. Fisher gd I-nil, gd II-9, gd III-4, gd IV-9 patients. In 23 patients 27 Aneurysms were clipped. Distribution of location was Anterior Communicating-12, Distal Anterior Cerebral Artery- 4, Middle cerebral artery (MCA) Bifurcation-3, MCA trifurcation-1, Anterior Choroidal-1, Posterior Communicating (P-com) -1, Ophthalmic Internal Carotid Artery (OICA)-4 and three patients had associated multiple aneurysms. Size of aneurysms varied from < 02mm diameter in 2 patients, 2-25mm - 23 and, more than 25mm-2 aneurysms. There was intra op rupture in 2 cases. Post-operatively 2 patients developed hemiparesis, which recovered, nine patients developed vasospasm. Two patients developed chest related complications. One patient developed renal failure. There were 8 deaths. Patients are on follow up since March 2017 till date. Conclusions: Intracranial aneurysms are challenging to manage due to their proximity to vital intracranial structures, and difficulty in securing intracranial proximal control. Thorough knowledge of intracranial anatomy of adjacent relations, arachnoid planes and skilful dissection is a key element for a successful outcome. Data collected from GGSMC & Hospital may not be representative of the entire state or country’s population. Therefore, a large-scale data collection is necessary to create our own database to ascertain the risk factors and preventive measures that are exclusive to our state and nation.