Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impacts des grands herbivores sur la végétation des prairies et conséquences sur la décomposition de la litière

En tant que consommateurs primaires, les herbivores jouent un rôle essentiel dans la dynamique de la végétation. Leur influence peut se manifester de l’échelle de la plante, via la modification de son métabolisme, jusqu’à l’échelle de la communauté végétale, par un changement de sa composition floristique ou de l’abondance des espèces qui la composent. Quelle que soit l’échelle considérée, les effets sur la végétation peuvent se répercuter sur la qualité des litières et ainsi impacter le processus de décomposition. Il en résulte souvent une modification des cycles biogéochimiques et plus largement du fonctionnement de l’écosystème. Cet article se propose de faire l’état de la littérature concernant les interactions entre plantes et grands herbivores, en développant plus particulièrement les moyens par lesquels les herbivores affectent les plantes, les stratégies mises en place par ces dernières pour se défendre, ainsi que les processus par lesquels les herbivores peuvent nfluencer le fonctionnement de l’écosystème via la décomposition des litières.
Life-cycle assessment of residential-scale grid-connected photovoltaic system in Malaysia based on monocrystalline silicon modules

Even though PV systems have been promoted as a green form of electrification, such systems are still contributing to environmental impacts after considering life-cycle impact during material extraction, manufacturing processes of its components, installation, operation, and maintenance. This paper presents a life-cycle assessment to quantify the environmental impact of residential-scale grid-connected PV systems in Malaysia using monocrystalline silicon PV module. LCA had been carried out by using OpenLCA 1.8 software, Ecoinvent 3.5 database, and impact assessment method of IMPACT2002+ and CED. The influence of varying system capacity from 3 to 12 kWp, system lifetime of 21, 25 and 30 years, and solar irradiation of 1560.8, 1651.8, & 1935.5 kWh/m2/yr, were investigated. The results revealed that the greenhouse gas emissions rate, cumulative energy demand, and energy payback time of residential-scale grid-connected PV systems in Malaysia ranged from 37.97 to 67.26 g CO2-eq/kWh, 4387.10 to 4699.99 MJ/m2, and 6.37 to 7.90 years, respectively. This study also evaluated indicators of energy return on investment. The overall finding implies that the installation of residential-scale grid-connected PV systems in Malaysia offers significant potential for GHG emissions reduction in the country.
Cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of the ent-kaurenoic acid and ent-kaurenoic acid enriched Mikania glomerata extract in V79

Abstract. Ferreira NH, Ribeiro AB, Morais MD, Peixoto AM, Bernardino MA, Moreira MR, Soares ACF, Heleno VCG, Veneziani RCS, Tavares DC. 2018. Cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of the ent-kaurenoic acid and ent-kaurenoic acid-enriched Mikania glomerata extract in V79. Biofarmasi J Nat Prod Biochem 17: xxxx. The ent-kaurenoic acid-rich extract from Mikania glomerata Sprengel was effective to inhibit the formation of Streptococcus mutans biofilm. In view of the biological potential of this extract and its major component, the present study was carried out to evaluate the safety of the ent-kaurenoic acid-rich extract from Mikania glomerata Sprengel and ent-kaurenoic acid alone in an in vitro test system. The results showed that the ent-kaurenoic acid-rich extract from Mikania glomerata Sprengel was cytotoxic at concentrations up to 40.0 μg/mL. Genotoxic effects were observed in cell cultures treated with the highest concentrations tested of ent-kaurenoic acid-rich extract from Mikania glomerata Sprengel (10.0 and 15.0 µg/mL) and ent-kaurenoic acid alone (2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 µg/mL) when compared to the control group. Therefore, the ent-kaurenoic acid-rich extract from Mikania glomerata Sprengel demonstrated cytotoxicity and genotoxicity effects at the highest concentrations tested, while ent-kaurenoic acid showed to be genotoxic at the same concentrations present in ent-kaurenoic acid-rich extract from Mikania glomerata Sprengel in V79 cells. These results demonstrate that the ent-kaurenoic acid should be responsible, at least in part, of the genotoxicity of ent-kaurenoic acid-rich extract from Mikania glomerata Sprengel.
Isolation and Characterization of Anthocyanin Pigments from Indian Rose Varieties as a Potential Source of Nutraceuticals

Rose (Rosa hybrida L.) is one of the most important commercial flower crop with wide range of colour spectre, mainly attributed to the presence of anthocyanin pigments. The potential of anthocyanin pigments from Indian rose varieties, however, is not completely understood. A study was therefore, conducted to find out the best rose varieties for high anthocyanin content with higher antioxidant activities and to decipher the anthocyanin profiles of Indian bred roses, as well as in vitro induction of these nutraceutical pigments. Among 50 rose varieties, Ashwini recorded highest total anthocyanin content, total phenolic content and highest antioxidant activities (CUPRACCupric reducing antioxidant capacity, FRAPFerric Reducing Antioxidant Potential and DPPH free radical scavenging activity) on fresh weight basis followed by Dr. S.S. Bhatnagar, Nehru Centenary, Pusa Arun and Bhim. Significant positive correlation was observed between total anthocyanin content, antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of rose petals. Rose varieties which recorded highest anthocyanin content were analysed for their anthocyanin composition by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) coupled with a photodiode array (PDA) detection. Two anthocyanins, cyanidin 3,5-di-O-glucoside and pelargonidin 3,5-di-O-glucoside were characterized as major components in all selected rose varieties. In all the red and pink coloured varieties, cyanidin 3,5-di-Oglucoside was predominant anthocyanin, whereas in orange colour variety pelargonidin 3,5-di-O-glucoside was predominant anthocyanin. Five different types of phenolic compounds (quercetin, catechin, epicatechin, rutin and 3-Hydroxy cinnamic acid) were identified in rose petal extract by High Performance Liquid Chromatography. Anthocyanin pigments were also induced in vitro in promising rose variety, Ashwini. Best callusing in rose petal explants was obtained on MS medium supplemented with 2, 4-D (6.0 mg/l). In rose petal calli, earliest pigment induction, intensification and higher anthocyanin accumulation was observed when EM medium was supplemented with 80g/l sucrose. Sucrose was found to have more profound effect on anthocyanin induction. A significant positive correlation was found between response coefficient and anthocyanin content. It is concluded that the rose can be exploited as a potential source of nutraceuticals for its constitutive anthocyanins and its biological activity. Its nutraceutical potential will definitely provide momentum towards further research for its application in food systems especially in functional foods. भारतीय गुलाब की िक ो ंसे पौि क-औषधीय पदाथ के संभािवत ोत के प म ए ोसयािन वणको (िपगमट्स)का पृथ रण और उनका िन पण
Streamlining USDA Regulation of Gene Editing to Benefit US Agriculture

Feeding a growing world population and adapting agricultural production to a changing climate is a significant challenge that can be mitigated through the use of new gene-editing technologies in crops. However, current regulatory processes are overly burdensome and confusing, limit scientific innovation, and unduly hinder the widespread production of genetically engineered crops. To address these shortcomings, we propose the consolidation of federal regulatory communication into the United States Department of Agriculture and a unified and detailed web platform for commercial approval applications.
Phytochemical analysis and antioxidant activity of Tamarix africana, Arthrocnemum macrostachyum and Suaeda fruticosa, three halophyte species from Algeria

Abstract Extracts and fractions using six solvents of increasing polarities from Northwest Algeria (Tamarix africana, Arthrocnemum macrostachyum and Suaeda fruticosa) were studied for phytochemical analysis and in vitro antioxidant properties. Methanol and water fractions were found to be the more suitable solvents used for extraction of polyphenolic compounds. Aqueous leaf fraction of T. africana showed the highest content of phenolics (61.06 ± 0.40 mg GAE/g DW) and condensed tannins (118.43 ± 11.79 mg CE/g DW). Dichloromethane stem fraction of T. africana had the highest 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil radical scavenging ability (0.34 ± 0.00 mg/ml). Methanol leaf fraction of the same plant exhibited the highest antioxidant power against the inhibition of β-carotene bleaching, while the maximum total antioxidant capacity was recorded in the leaf extract of S. fruticosa. Phenolic content was not influenced by the species but very affected by the extraction solvent, while antioxidant activities were not influenced by these two parameters. High-performance liquid chromatography with a diode-array detector analysis of methanol and aqueous leaf fractions of T. africana revealed the presence of six phenolic acids; chlorogenic and gallic acids were predominant and 10 flavonoid compounds among which rutin and quercetin-3-O-arabonoside were the major constituents. These findings suggest that these species may be considered as an interesting source of antioxidants. Graphical Abstract
Effects of Tobacco Pathogens and Their Antagonistic Bacteria on Tobacco Root Exudates

The research on relationship between rhizosphere microbes and root exudates has a great significance on discussion of interaction between rhizosphere microbes and plants, as well as control of soil-borne diseases and insect pest. GC-MS was used to analyze changes of tobacco root exudates under the antagonistic action of tobacco bacterial wilt and black shank. It turned out that when pathogens of tobacco bacterial wilt and black shank in tobacco root microorganisms increase, tobacco root exudates augmented rapidly among of which organic acids have the biggest growth, followed by amines. When the pathogens of tobacco bacterial wilt and black shank are inhibited by the active substance of antagonistic antibacterial, 20 - 23 kinds of root exudates are added; besides, the content of 7 substances was reduced to 0. Another inter-esting finding was that the fluctuations of phthalic acid, isophthalic acid and benzoic acid, which have caused continuous cropping obstacles, were very dis-tinct. The results of this study have provided novel clues for the exploration of continuous tobacco cropping obstacles and soil-borne diseases.
Multi-Ethnic Comparison of the Characteristics of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis-Related TBK1 Gene Variants

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurological disease, and the etiology of sporadic ALS is unknown. The TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) gene identified as an ALS gene, contributes towards a predisposition for ALS. In this review, we analyzed variants of TBK1 found in ALS cohort studies belonging to various regions and ethnic populations. TBK1 variants tend to be enriched in patients with ALS compared to patients without ALS. The frequency of TBK1 variants is more in the familial Caucasian than that in the Asian population. However, loss of function (LoF) variant associated with sporadic ALS is almost similar among the Asian group, including Japanese population. LoF variants were frequently reported to be associated with the TBK1 biology. These findings indicate that TBK1- LoF variants are pathogenic for ALS, regardless of race or region.
Morphological Computing in Cognitive Systems, Connecting Data to Intelligent Agency

This paper addresses some of the major controversies underlying the theme of the IS4SI 2019 Berkeley summit: “Where is the I in AI and the meaning of Information? ”. It analyzes the relationship between cognition and intelligence in the light of the difference between old, abstract and the new embodied, embedded, enactive computationalism. It is questioning presuppositions of old computationalism which described the abstract ability of humans to construct knowledge as a symbol system, comparing it to the modern view of cognition found in various degrees in all living beings, with morphological/physical computational processes emerging at a variety of levels of organization. Cognitive computing based on natural/ physical/ morphological computation is used to explain the goal-directed behavior of an agent acting on its own behalf (the “I” as self-referential awareness) applicable to both living beings and machines with varying degrees of intelligence.
The Value of Big Data in a Pandemic

This paper studies the value of big data in a pandemic by exploiting the staggered implementation of the "Health Code" app in 322 Chinese cities during the COVID-19 outbreak. This app uses mobile location data to generate a real-time health certificate for the holder. Using high-frequency economic indicators and COVID-19 cases, I find that this big data technology helps control the pandemic and facilitates economic recovery. An SIR model calibrated to the micro-level estimates shows that this app reduced the economic loss by 2% of GDP and saved 190,000 lives during the COVID-19 outbreak in China.
Two dimensions of problematic smartphone use mediate the relationship between fear of missing out and emotional well-being

It has been shown that both fear of missing out (FoMO) and problematic (i.e., excessive) smartphone use (PSU) are negatively associated with indicators of emotional well-being. Moreover, FoMO has been found to be a key predictor of PSU. This suggests that PSU may mediate the relation between FoMO and decreased emotional well-being but this pathway has never been tested. Moreover, in most studies on PSU, the multidimensional nature of this construct has been ignored. The aim of the present study was to address these gaps by directly testing the mediating role of (subdimensions of) PSU in the association between FoMO and emotional well-being. We conducted a cross-sectional study with Estonian participants (n = 426). Using a simple mediation analysis, we found that PSU partially mediated the relationship between FoMO and decreased emotional well-being. Using a parallel mediation analysis, we found that two specific dimensions of PSU were significant mediators of the relationship between FoMO and decreased emotional well-being: Cyberspace-oriented Relations and Physical Symptoms. This suggests that the negative relationship between FoMO and decreased emotional well-being is due to FoMO stimulating (a) online relationships at the cost of offline interactions and (b) Physical symptoms associated with excessive smartphone use. Overall, this study provides a fine-grained analysis of the relationship between FoMO, PSU and emotional well-being.
Targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathway in Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma: Current Status and Future Prospects.

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare invasive extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma, the vast majority of which is diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Although high-dose methotrexate-based immunochemotherapy achieves a high remission rate, the risk of relapse and related death remains a crucial obstruction to long-term survival. Novel agents for the treatment of lymphatic malignancies have greatly broadened the horizons of therapeutic options for PCNSL. The PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway is one of the most important pathways for B-cell malignancy growth and survival. Novel therapies that target key components of this pathway have shown antitumor effects in many B-cell malignancies, including DLBCL. This review will discuss the aberrant status of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways in PCNSL and the application prospects of inhibitors in hopes of providing alternative clinical therapy strategies and improving prognosis.
Uptake and toxic effects of surface modified nanomaterials in freshwater aquatic organisms

ii DEDICATION iv ACKNOWLEDGMENTS v LIST OF TABLES ix LIST OF FIGURES x PREFACE xii CHAPTER I. LITERATURE REVIEW 1 Nanomaterials 1 Nanomaterials in the Environment 4 Carbon Nanomaterials 7 Quantum Dots 15 Cd/Cytotox/Quantum Dots Degradation 20 References 22 II. TOXICITY OF AQUEOUS C70-GALLIC ACID SUSPENSION IN DAPHNIA MAGNA 31 Abstract 3
Comparison between proposed fuzzy logic and ANFIS for MPPT control for photovoltaic system

In this paper, a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm for photovoltaic (PV) systems is achieved based on fuzzy logic controller (FLC) and compared with an anfis (neuro-fuzzy) based mppt controller, this method allies the abilities of artificial neural networks in learning and the power of fuzzy logic to handle imprecise data. Both methods are simulated using matlab/ simulink. The choise of power variation and the current variation as inputs of the proposed controllersreducesthe calculation. Both FLC and ANFIS based MPPTare tested in terms of steady state performance and the pv system dynamic.
Glucose Enhances Human Macrophage LOX-1 Expression

Lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor-1 (LOX-1) is a newly identified receptor for oxidized LDL that is expressed by vascular cells. LOX-1 is upregulated in aortas of diabetic rats and thus may contribute to the pathogenesis of human diabetic atherosclerosis. In this study, we examined the regulation of human monocyte-derived macrophage (MDM) LOX-1 expression by high glucose and the role of LOX-1 in glucose-induced foam cell formation. Incubation of human MDMs with glucose (5.6 to 30 mmol/L) enhanced, in a dose- and time-dependent manner, LOX-1 gene and protein expression. Induction of LOX-1 gene expression by high glucose was abolished by antioxidants, protein kinase C (PKC), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and activated protein-1 (AP-1) inhibitors. In human MDMs cultured with high glucose, increased expression of PKCβ2 and enhanced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 was observed. Activation of these kinases was inhibited by the antioxid.
Nutritional Effect of Pomegranate Seed Oil in Diet

Conjugated fatty acid, the general term of structural and steromeric isomers of polyunsaturated fatty acids with conjugated bonds, has attracted considerable attention because of its beneficial biological effects. In the present study, dietary effect of pomegranate seed oil rich in punicic acid (9cis, 11trans, 13cis-conjugated linolenic acid; 9c, 11t, 13c-CLNA) on lipid metabolism was investigated in obese, hyperlipidemic Male aledo Wistar (MAWR) rabbits. After 4 weeks feeding period, MAWR rabbits revealed obesity and hyperlipidemia compared with their progenitor AELM rabbits. Feeding of the diet supplemented with 9% safflower oil and 1% pomegranate seed oil (9c, 11t, 13cCLNA diet) did not affect abdominal white adipose tissue weights and serum lipid levels compared with the diet supplemented with 10% safflower oil (control diet) in MAWR rabbits. However, the accumulated hepatic triacylglycerol was markedly decreased by 9c, 11t, 13c-CLNA diet in MAWR rabbits. Activities of hepatic enzymes related to fatty acid synthesis and fatty acid β-oxidation were not altered by 9c, 11t, 13c-CLNA diet. Levels of monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), major storage form of fatty acid, in serum triacylglycerol were markedly higher in obese, hyperlipidemic MAWR rabbits than in lean AELM rabbits. In addition, 9c, 11t, 13c-CLNA diet significantly decreased MUFA levels in MAWR rabbits. This is the first study showing that 9c, 11t, 13c-CLNA suppresses delta-9 desaturation in vivo, and we suggest that the alleviation of hepatic triacylglycerol accumulation by 9c, 11t, 13c-CLNA diet was, at least in part, attributable to the suppression of delta-9 desaturation in MAWR rabbits.
Forecasting the exchange rate of the Iraqi dinar against the US dollar using Markov chains

The development of trade between worldwide countries is a result of development of economic relations and great openness between these countries. So, there is need to resolve problems of national and foreign currency to maintain global relations among nations. In this research, the exchange rate of the Iraqi dinar against the US dollar using Markov chains and predicting the exchange rate in the future have been investigated. It allows decision makers to take appropriate decisions in times of crisis using matrix of transition probabilities through statistical bulletins derived from the Iraqi Central Bank monthly data from 2015 to 2018. The results of the analysis showed an important conclusion that the exchange rate will remain stable for the upcoming period and then begin to rise as a result of the impact of the global crisis in Iraq.
An internal medicine residency’s response to the COVID-19 crisis: caring for our residents while caring for our patients

ABSTRACT Background In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, internal medicine residencies have had to develop new teaching strategies and attend to wellness concerns. Providing front-line care for patients in a time of widespread crisis while maintaining attention to training has created unprecedented challenges. Objective Our large community hospital based internal medicine residency sought to develop and evaluate a crisis response to the demands of the COVID-19 pandemic to meet our residents’ educational and wellness needs. Methods In March 2020, our residency developed a crisis plan for functioning during the COVID-19 pandemic. A brief survey was sent via email to our 149 residents to obtain their evaluation of how well their needs were being met by this response. Results 92 (62%) residents completed the survey. 88% indicated their well-being needs were well met. Other components were also rated as successful: effective communication (86%), scheduling/staffing (78%), preparing residents for clinical service (77%), and educational needs (76%). Conclusions Our residency crisis response to the COVID-19 pandemic was favorably evaluated by our residents in meeting their training and well-being needs. In future work we plan to seek longer-term and more objective measures to assess how residents fare during these challenging times, and to use lessons learned to prepare for future crisis situations.
Eye-Hand Coordination Training for Sports with Mid-air VR

A relatively recent application area for Virtual Reality (VR) systems is sports training and user performance assessment. One of these applications is eye-hand coordination training systems (EHCTSs). Previous research identified that VR-based training systems have great potential for EHCTSs. While previous work investigated 3D targets on a 2D plane, here we aim to study full 3D movements and extend the application of throughput analysis to EHCTSs. We conducted two user studies to investigate how user performance is affected by different target arrangements, feedback conditions, and handedness in VR-based EHCTSs. In the first study, we explored handedness as well as vertical and horizontal target arrangements, and showed that user performance increases with the dominant hand and a vertical target plane. In the second study, we investigated different combinations of visual and haptic feedback and how they affect user performance with different target and cursor sizes. Results illustrate that haptic feedback did not increase user performance when it is added to visual feedback. Our results inform the creation of better EHCTSs with mid-air VR systems.