Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Metal Organic Framework — Based Mixed Matrix Membranes for Carbon Dioxide Separation: Recent Advances and Future Directions

Gas separation and purification using polymeric membranes is a promising technology that constitutes an energy-efficient and eco-friendly process for large scale integration. However, pristine polymeric membranes typically suffer from the trade-off between permeability and selectivity represented by the Robeson's upper bound. Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) synthesized by the addition of porous nano-fillers into polymer matrices, can enable a simultaneous increase in selectivity and permeability. Among the various porous fillers, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are recognized in recent days as a promising filler material for the fabrication of MMMs. In this article, we review representative examples of MMMs prepared by dispersion of MOFs into polymer matrices or by deposition on the surface of polymeric membranes. Addition of MOFs into other continuous phases, such as ionic liquids, are also included. CO2 separation from hydrocarbons, H2, N2, and the like is emphasized. Hybrid fillers based on composites of MOFs with other nanomaterials, e.g., of MOF/GO, MOF/CNTs, and functionalized MOFs, are also presented and discussed. Synergetic effects and the result of interactions between filler/matrix and filler/filler are reviewed, and the impact of filler and matrix types and compositions, filler loading, surface area, porosity, pore sizes, and surface functionalities on tuning permeability are discoursed. Finally, selectivity, thermal, chemical, and mechanical stability of the resulting MMMs are analyzed. The review concludes with a perspective of up-scaling of such systems for CO2 separation, including an overview of the most promising MMM systems.
Morphological and molecular characterization of six of the most frequently cultivated hard wheat varieties in Tunisia

To effectively differentiate and characterize six of the most cultivated hard wheat ( Triticum durum Desf) varieties in Tunisia, morphological and molecular markers were used. In the former approach, 10 qualitative characters were employed, as recommended by UPOV descriptors. Twelve of the 17 screened simple sequence repeat (SSR) primers showed clear polymorphic patterns following agarose and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Of these 12 primers, 64.3% produced polymorphic bands. Based on pedigree and origin, it was concluded that there was a narrow genetic base between these varieties. Mantel’s test showed a weak correlation between morphological and molecular data (r = 0.24), indicating that these two approaches are complementary and can be used to study polymorphism, even within a small durum wheat collection. This data set is important for Tunisian hard wheat breeders who would seek to expand the genetic base of their breeding material. Key words: Simple sequence repeat (SSR), International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) descriptor, hard wheat, polymorphism. INTRODUCTION Cereal grain production is a strategic sector in Tunisian agriculture. Recently, increasing attention has been paid to the research of new genotypes, which led to the registration of more than 50 new varieties (Deghais et al., 2007). These varieties were developed either by crosses between Tunisian varieties (for example, ‘INRAT69’, ‘Razzek’, ‘Maali’, ‘Om Rabia’, ‘Nasr’), through varietal exchange between research institutions (‘Kyperounda’, ‘Kavkaz’, ‘Achtar’, ‘Nesma’, etc.) or through adaptation of descendants native to CIMMYT (‘Maghrebi’, ‘Karim’, ‘Khiar’) and ICARDA (‘Om Rabia’, ‘Nasr’). Morpho-physiological characterization is most commonly used in polymorphism research. Morphological characterization of species and/or of varieties used to be the only means
Exclusion probabilities obtainable by biochemical polymorphisms in dogs

Summary General formulae are given to calculate the exclusion probabilities in false paternity and parentage cases by means of gene loci with an arbitrary number of alleles whereas in paternity cases an arbitrary number of offspring per litter is considered additionally. By aid of these formulae and on the basis of the allele frequencies of four blood protein and enzyme systems the probabilities of excluding incorrect paternity and parentage are calculated in seven German dog breeds. The results are tabulated and discussed. It can be shown that the exclusion probability in false paternity cases increases distinctly with an increasing number of offspring per litter and its maximum is nearly attained if 5 offspring are examined. Therefore it is of value to consider entire litters in paternity controls in dogs.
αPix Stimulates p21-activated Kinase Activity through Exchange Factor-dependent and -independent Mechanisms*

Activation of p21-activated kinases (Paks) is achieved through binding of the GTPases Rac or Cdc42 to a conserved domain in the N-terminal regulatory region of Pak. Additional signaling components are also likely to be important in regulating Pak activation. Recently, a family of Pak-interacting guanine nucleotide exchange factors (Pix) have been identified and which are good candidates for regulating Pak activity. Using an active, truncated form of αPix (amino acids 155–545), we observe stimulation of Pak1 kinase activity when αPix155–545 is co-expressed with Cdc42 and wild-type Pak1 in COS-1 cells. This activation does not occur when we co-express a Pak1 mutant unable to bind αPix. The activation of wild-type Pak1 by αPix155–545 also requires that αPix155–545 retain functional exchange factor activity. However, the Pak1H83,86L mutant that does not bind Rac or Cdc42 is activated in the absence of GTPase by αPix155–545 and by a mutant of αPix155–545 that no longer has exchange factor activity. Pak1 activity stimulated in vitro using GTPγS-loaded Cdc42 was also enhanced by recombinant αPix155–545 in a binding-dependent manner. These data suggest that Pak activity can be modulated by physical interaction with αPix and that this specific effect involves both exchange factor-dependent and -independent mechanisms.
A Novel Method for Nonlinear Dynamics Analysis of Fetal Heart Rate in Fetal Distress Using Visibility Graph

In this paper, two novel nonlinear features, average clustering coefficient (CC) and resource distribution index (Rd), were used to study the difference between pathological fetus and normal fetus. This new method for nonlinear dynamics analysis is based on visibility graph (VG). We performed statistical t-test on the time series of fetal heart rate (FHR) in the two groups and compared them with approximate entropy (ApEn) and sample entropy (SampEn). The results showed that the new features were robust in the sequence length of 2, 5 and 10 minutes, and had significant differences between normal and pathological groups (P<0.05). The new analysis method preliminary explores the nonlinear dynamics in cardiac beat mechanics caused by fetal distress, which provides a new strategy for the evaluation of fetal state.
Sex-specific association of serum uric acid dynamics with the incidence of metabolic syndrome in a health check-up Chinese population: a prospective cohort study

Objective Many studies have demonstrated that elevated serum uric acid (SUA) level is linked with metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, whether there is a sex difference in the association between SUA and MetS has not been determined. This study aimed to accurately explore the impact of SUA longitudinal changes on MetS by sex. Design A prospective cohort study. Setting The Health Check-up Centre of the Second Hospital affiliated with Dalian Medical University from 2010 to 2016. Participants A health check-up cohort of 577 men and 1698 women aged 20–60 years who did not exhibit MetS or hyperuricaemia at baseline and underwent at least two physical examinations from 2010 to 2016. Primary and secondary outcome measures Weight, height, blood pressure and blood biochemistry parameters, including SUA, were measured. MetS was defined according to the Joint Interim Statement criteria. Methods Based on longitudinal data, a linear mixed-effects model was constructed to explore the characteristics of SUA dynamic changes in males and females, and joint modelling of longitudinal and survival data was done to analyse the association between SUA dynamic changes and MetS occurrence. Results The natural logarithm of SUA (LNSUA) in females exhibited a gradually increasing trend, and its annual growth rate in females who developed MetS was greater than that of the non-MetS females. The longitudinal growth of SUA in females was a risk factor for the onset of MetS, and the estimated HR was 13.2580 (95% CI 1.9106 to 91.9957) for each 1-unit rise in LNSUA longitudinally. An association between the longitudinal growth of LNSUA and MetS was not found in males. Conclusions The longitudinal increase in SUA in females could increase the risk of MetS, even if the SUA changes within the normal range. The longitudinal increase in SUA in males was not a predictor for MetS.
Réparation et régénération de l’épithélium respiratoire

L’epithelium de surface des voies aeriennes proximales assure la protection de la muqueuse respiratoire grâce a differents mecanismes, comme la clairance mucociliaire, la regulation des flux d’ions et d’eau et la secretion de molecules de defense. La seconde ligne de protection est assuree par des complexes jonctionnels intercellulaires permettant de preserver la fonction de barriere de l’epithelium. En contact permanent avec l’environnement exterieur, l’epithelium des voies aeriennes est cependant frequemment lese par les agents toxiques, les bacteries ou les virus inhales : ces lesions peuvent entrainer la perte de l’integrite de la barriere epitheliale ou la desquamation partielle ou totale des cellules epitheliales. Afin de restaurer sa fonction, l’epithelium respiratoire doit non seulement reparer les lesions, mais aussi reconstituer et regenerer un epithelium fonctionnel. Ces processus complexes allient des fonctions de migration, proliferation et differenciation cellulaire, regulees par divers facteurs de croissance, cytokines, proteines de la matrice extracellulaire et enzymes proteolytiques. La connaissance des mecanismes cellulaires et moleculaires gouvernant la restauration tissulaire est un prerequis indispensable a l’elaboration de strategies proregeneratrices de l’epithelium de surface des voies aeriennes dans de nombreuses pathologies respiratoires telles que l’asthme, les bronchopneumopathies chroniques obstructives, la mucoviscidose ou les bronchiolites obliterantes.
Evaluation of five new European Standard Set (ESS) STR loci in a Bangladeshi Population Sample

Genetic polymorphism of five new European Standard Set (ESS) STR loci was studied in a sample population of Bangladesh using Investigator ESSplex kit (QIAGEN). Allele frequencies and forensic efficiency parameters were evaluated in a sample of 88 unrelated individuals. No significant deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was observed for the loci. The combined probability of match (PM) and combined power of exclusion (PE) for the studied loci was calculated to be 1.22 × 10 -6 and 0.98306 respectively. However, combining this data with data from other STR loci typically incorporated in most of the commercial kits using our population sample gave very high level of individualisation. Typing of these five ESS loci therefore may provide a useful addition to the previously established set of autosomal STR loci in Bangladeshi population.
Scienscope: Hand-Held Mediation Device for Facilitating Exploratory Behaviors with Exhibits in Museum Visitors

Many museums have begun to use mobile devices to provide interactive content to visitors. However, such devices can also easily distract visitors, drawing their attention away from the exhibits. In this pictorial, we show the steps in designing Scienscope-a hand-held mediation device that can be used as a stethoscope to explore additional information hidden within exhibits at close range. As Scienscope hovers on authentic objects, it provides digital content and audio-haptic feedback, reinforcing the visitors' exploratory behaviors. After interviewing museum experts and bodystorming the museum space, we followed an iterative design process using low-fi prototyping to explore the users' experience. Three application scenarios were devised to show how Scienscope can be used for different types of exhibits. We discussed how visitors respond to and explore hidden information about exhibits at close range, which can be helpful for museum curators and designers.
Zirconium-based metallic glass and zirconia coatings to inhibit bone formation on titanium

Surface-modified commercially pure titanium (Cp-Ti) with zirconium (Zr)-based thin film metallic glasses (Zr-TFMGs) and ZrO2 thin films were surgically implanted into the tibiae of rats; the bone formation was analyzed to examine the performance of the coatings as a biomaterial. Zr-TFMGs and ZrO2 thin films were coated on Cp-Ti substrates to monitor the control of assimilation in vitro and in vivo. The microstructural and elemental analyses were carried out for the as deposited thin films by x-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. TFMG- and ZrO2-coated Ti specimens were immersed in simulated body fluid (SBF) for a period of 21 days to evaluate the calcium phosphate precipitation in vitro. XRD, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy were used to quantify the mineralization on the coated Zr-TFMG and ZrO2. In vitro corrosion studies showed that the Zr-based TFMG and ZrO2 coatings sustained in the SBF, exhibited superior corrosion resistance to the bare crystalline Ti substrate. Wettability studies showed TFMG and ZrO2 coatings with a hydrophobic nature, and the TFMG-coated SBF-submerged specimens showed a hydrophilic nature. The in vitro cell viability of MC3T3-E1 cells showed good cell proliferation and low cytotoxicity. The calcification deposits were evaluated by staining with alizarin red S, which showed a lower calcium formation on Zr-TFMG compared to ZrO2. The present work also aims to assess the assimilation behavior of Cp-Ti, Zr-TFMG and ZrO2 in vivo by inserting the coated specimen in the femur of rats. After post-implantation of 8 weeks, specimens were examined by micro-CT evaluation. The bone contact ratios as calculated were 72.75%, 15.32% and 38.79%. Consequently, the bone affinity was Cp-Ti wire >ZrO2-coated Ti wire >Zr48Cu36Ag8Al8-coated Ti wire.
Effects of habitat complexity on ant assemblages

We investigated responses of ant communities to habitat complexity, with the aim of assessing complexity as a useful surrogate for ant species diversity. We used pitfall traps to sample ants at twenty-eight sites, fourteen each of low and high habitat complexity, spread over ca 12 km in Sydney sandstone ridge-top woodland in Australia. Ant species richness was higher in low complexity areas, and negatively associated with ground herb cover, tree canopy cover, soil moisture and leaf litter. Ant community composition was affected by habitat complexity, with morphospecies from the genera Monomorium, Rhytidoponera and Meranoplus being the most significant contributors to compositional differences. Functional group responses to anthropogenic disturbance may be facilitated by local changes in habitat complexity. Habitat complexity, measured as a function of differences in multiple strata in forests, may be of great worth as a surrogate for the diversity of a range of arthropod groups including ants.
Kinetics of single and dual simultaneous infection of pigs with swine influenza A virus and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus

Abstract Background Simultaneous viral infections exhibit the phenomenon of viral interference, but understanding of the effect of one virus on another is limited. Objective Evaluate and compare clinical characteristics, immune and acute phase response, viral shedding and viral load in pigs singly and doubly inoculated with swine influenza A virus (swIAV) and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). Animals Fifty‐four 7‐week‐old piglets. Methods Clinical status and gross lung lesions were scored. Titration of swIAV was carried out in Madin‐Darby canine kidney cells. The PRRSV RNA was quantified using a commercial qPCR kit. Antibodies were detected by hemagglutination inhibition assay and commercial ELISA. A lymphocyte proliferation assay was used to measure antigen‐specific T‐cell responses. Acute phase proteins were determined using ELISA. Results No differences were found between mean clinical scores, swIAV and PRRSV shedding, and magnitude of the humoral and T‐cell response between single‐inoculated and dual‐inoculated groups. Concentrations of C‐reactive protein and haptoglobin increased in PRRSV‐inoculated and coinoculated groups, whereas serum amyloid A concentration was increased in groups inoculated or coinoculated with swIAV. Mean swIAV TCID50 titers in the lungs did not differ significantly between coinoculated and swIAV single‐inoculated pigs. A significantly higher mean copy number of PRRSV was found in the lungs of PRRSV only‐inoculated pigs at 2 day postinoculation (DPI). From 4 DPI, no significant differences in PRRSV load were identified. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Coinfection of pigs with swIAV and PRRSV did not potentiate clinical signs, lung lesions, immune response, and replication of the viruses in the respiratory tract.
10 Years of Research With and On Hackathons

Hackathon formats have been praised for their potential for promoting innovative thinking and making in a short time-frame. For this reason, hackathons have also been embraced by many researchers who use hackathons as part of their research in various ways. Through an extensive review of 381 publications published during a 10 year time span, we document the multiple ways in which hackathons are embraced and used by researchers The paper contributes to a better understanding of hackathons as part of research by providing a broad overview as a resource for researchers. We identify three main motivations for using hackathons as part of research: 1) Structuring learning, 2) structuring processes, and 3) enabling participation. For each of the motivations, we identify research with hackathons, and research on hackathons as two main categories. Drawing on several examples from the review we discuss benefits and challenges of using hackathons as part of research.
The Role of Knowledge Management in Organizational Performance and Gaining Sustainable Competitive Advantage

Nowadays, businesses are undergoing dramatic change due to the dynamic environments of technology and development. Consequently, organizations should focus on being competitive in their field through continuous improvement of people, processes, capabilities, and performance, thus sustaining their competitive advantage. To achieve this goal, organizations should utilize all of their resources, especially intellectual resources. Knowledge is a vital asset which organizations use to enrich innovation and insights, to enhance their vision, mission and strategies, and to ensure superior organizational performance with a high profitability over competitors by effectively managing their knowledge. This work aims to illustrate the role of knowledge management (KM) and its processes to achieve the main goal of any organization, which is to gain a sustainable competitive advantage over competitors, and how KM enhances organizational performance.
Experts in the Shadow of Algorithmic Systems: Exploring Intelligibility in a Decision-Making Context

Algorithms support decision-making in various contexts, often diminishing human agency in the process. Without meaningful human input, use of predictive systems can result in costly errors, leaving users unable to evaluate accuracy. Intelligibility is one design criterion that may ensure users remain in the decision-making loop. However, guidance is currently diffuse and focused on the lay user, ignoring the role of expertise. We propose a cognitive psychology-based framework that segments decision-making space by users' expertise, risk-environment and motivation. We illustrate this by focusing on expertise, exploring how we might inform usable intelligibility in interface design, enhancing user agency in the decision-making process.
Advanced imaging of right ventricular anatomy and function

Right ventricular (RV) size and function are important predictors of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with various conditions. However, non-invasive assessment of the RV is a challenging task due to its complex anatomy and location in the chest. Although conventional echocardiography is widely used, its limitations in RV assessment are well recognised. New techniques such as three-dimensional and speckle tracking echocardiography have overcome the limitations of conventional echocardiography allowing a comprehensive, quantitative assessment of RV geometry and function without geometric assumptions. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and CT provide accurate assessment of RV geometry and function, too. In addition, tissue characterisation imaging for myocardial scar and fat using CMR and CT provides important information regarding the RV that has clinical applications for diagnosis and prognosis in a broad range of cardiac conditions. Limitations also exist for these two advanced modalities including availability and patient suitability for CMR and need for contrast and radiation exposure for CT. Hybrid imaging, which is able to integrate anatomical information (usually obtained by CT or CMR) with physiological and molecular data (usually obtained with positron emission tomography), can provide optimal in vivo evaluation of Rv functional impairment. This review summarises the clinically useful applications of advanced echocardiography techniques, CMR and CT for comprehensive assessment of RV size, function and mechanics.
Porcine DNA Detection in Finished Meat Products Using DifferentMitochondrial DNA ( mt -DNA) on Polymerase Chain reaction

This study was conducted to detect the presence of porcine DNA in meat products in the market using different mitochondrial (mt) DNA on conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Porcine DNA detection in meat products was tested due to some issues associated with the adulteration of food products in Malaysia. This is an important issue especially for Halal authentication which is required for some religious practices such as in Islam and Hinduism. Many techniques have been developed for determining the Halal status of food products. In this paper, Polymerase Chain Reaction method was used to detect the presence of porcine DNA in meat products. Positive and negative controls were always present for each batch of extraction. DNA of raw pork meat was used as a positive control while nucleus free water is used as negative control. DNA of meat products was amplified by using species-specific primer namely mtATP6 with band size of 83-bp and Pork1 and Pork2 with band size of 531-base pair (bp) mitochondrial (mt) DNA D-loop primer to detect pork species. The present study demonstrated that none of the samples were contaminated with porcine residuals but selected samples with pork meat were positive. The species-specific PCR amplification yielded excellent results for identification of pork derivatives in food products and it is a potentially reliable and suitable technique in routine food analysis for Halal certification