Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Betaine Supplementation Attenuates S-Adenosylhomocysteine Hydrolase-Deficiency-Accelerated Atherosclerosis in Apolipoprotein E-Deficient Mice

S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) is a risk factor of cardiovascular diseases and atherosclerosis. However, the causal association between SAH and atherosclerosis is still uncertain. In the present study, heterozygous SAH hydrolase (SAHH+/−) knockout mice were bred with apolipoprotein E-deficient mice to produce ApoE−/−/SAHH+/− mice. At 8 weeks of age, these mice were fed on AIN-93G diets added with or without betaine (4 g betaine/100 g diet) for 8 weeks. Compared with ApoE−/−/SAHHWT mice, SAHH deficiency caused an accumulation of plasma SAH concentration and a decrease in S-adenosylmethionine (SAM)/SAH ratio as well as plasma homocysteine levels. Betaine supplementation lowered SAH levels and increased SAM/SAH ratio and homocysteine levels in ApoE−/−/SAHH+/− mice. Furthermore, SAHH deficiency promoted the development of atherosclerosis, which was reduced by betaine supplementation. The atheroprotective effects of betaine on SAHH-deficiency-promoted atherosclerosis were associated with inhibition of NFκB inflammation signaling pathway and inhibition of proliferation and migration of smooth muscle cells. In conclusion, our results suggest that betaine supplementation lowered plasma SAH levels and protected against SAHH-deficiency-promoted atherosclerosis through repressing inflammation and proliferation and migration of smooth muscle cells.
Simulation Analysis and Experimental Evaluation of Improved Field-Oriented Controlled Induction Motors Incorporating Intelligent Controllers

This work discusses the simulation and experimental demonstration of a genetic algorithm hybrid fuzzy-fuzzy controller (GA-HFFC) system to achieve speed control of a variable-speed induction motor (IM) drive based on a space vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM) technique by means of an eZdspF28335 digital signal processing (DSP) experiment board. Two features of field-oriented control (FOC) were used to design the GA-HFFC, namely, the current and frequency. To overcome the limitations of the FOC technique, the principles of the GA-HFFC were introduced through the acceleration-deceleration stages to regulate the speed of the rotor with the help of a fuzzy frequency controller, while a fuzzy stator current amplitude controller was involved during the steady-state stage. The results revealed that the proposed control approach could deliver a practical control solution in the presence of diverse operating conditions.
Evaluation of the response of indigenous cotton cultivars to low potassium stress in hydroponics system

The quantity and availability of potassium (K) are declining in soils of the world and becoming a serious issue for successful cotton production. Considerable variation for K acquisition has been reported in cotton germplasm. Therefore, exploiting the genotypic variation for K uptake and utilization could be useful for the development of K efficient cultivars. Nine pre-selected cotton cultivars were evaluated for their potassium use efficiency (KUE) and growth response under low (0.26 mM) and adequate (3.33 mM) K levels. Cultivars were grown for six weeks in a hydroponics system supplying with half-strength Hoagland’s solution with the above-mentioned levels of K.Cultivars showed variable response for biomass production, shoot tissue K concentration, K uptake, KUE at low and adequate K levels. Leaves, stalk and root biomass productions were significantly reduced due to low K stress. A significant positive correlation (R 2 = 0.95 ** , p <0.01) was found between shoot dry matter (SDM) and KUE at a low K supply level in cotton cultivars. Overall reduction of net photosynthetic rate (P N ) in cultivars due to low K stress was 38.7% compared with adequate K level. Furthermore, the correlations of K utilization index and KUEwith the net photosynthetic rate (P N) were positive and highly significant (R 2 = 0.95 ** , R 2 = 0.85 ** , p <0.01), respectively, at a low K level. Therefore, the potassium utilization efficiency (KUTE) trait can be used as a criterion for the selection of K-efficient cotton cultivars. The results exhibit significant variability for K uptake and KUEin the indigenous cotton cultivars which can be exploited to develop promising cultivars for low K input environments.
Chiba and Kajiyama measured 3D configurations of the human vocal tract and made physical models based on the measurements

: In 1930's, Chiba and Kajiyama conducted 3D measurements of the human vocal tract for the first time in history. In this paper, we first reviewed how they measured vocal-tract configurations. They further simplified the vocal-tract configurations and made physical straight models based on the simplifications. In addition to introducing our replicas of the straight models based on their simplifications, we also designed bent models based on their 3D measurements
A systematic review of UAV applications to education

ABSTRACT This study was to review empirical studies on UAV usage in education. 43 papers were selected and reviewed with respect to the following dimensions: (1) publication time and source, (2) methodology in reviewed studies, and (3) main findings reported by researchers. The results showed that the highest number of published articles was between 2018 and 2020, and that most studies were published in journals and conference proceedings. Most participants were undergraduate students from Asia. Most studies were conducted for five days or less and the most frequent domain to which UAV was applied was STEM. Scholars often used questionnaires and tests as measurement instruments. We found that the most frequent learning activities were collecting data with UAV, learning how to fly UAV, introducing UAV, working in the field with UAV, and programming UAV. Research variables that scholars explored in reviewed studies often were learning performance, attitude and motivation. The main findings concerned skills, knowledge, motivation and responsibility. The advantages of UAV in education were accessing data from inaccessible or dangerous locations, collecting and delivering temporal and spatial resolution information quickly etc., disadvantages were availability issues, legal issues, logistical issues, and privacy and ethics issues.
Test-size evolution of the planktonic foraminifer Globorotalia menardii in the eastern tropical Atlantic since the Late Miocene

Abstract. The mean test size of planktonic foraminifera (PF) is known to have increased especially during the last 12 Myr, probably in terms of an adaptive response to an intensification of the surface-water stratification. On geologically short timescales, the test size in PF is related to environmental conditions. In an optimal species-specific environment, individuals exhibit a greater maximum and average test size, while the size decreases the more unfavourable the environment becomes. An interesting case was observed in the late Neogene and Quaternary size evolution of Globorotalia menardii, which seems to be too extreme to be only explained by changes in environmental conditions. In the western tropical Atlantic Ocean (WTAO) and the Caribbean Sea, the test size more than doubles from 2.6 to 1.95 and 1.7 Ma, respectively, following an almost uninterrupted and successive phase of test-size decrease from 4 Ma. Two hypotheses have been suggested to explain the sudden occurrence of a giant G. menardii form: it was triggered by either (1) a punctuated, regional evolutionary event or (2) the immigration of specimens from the Indian Ocean via the Agulhas leakage. Morphometric measurements of tests from sediment samples of the Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) Leg 108 Hole 667A in the eastern tropical Atlantic Ocean (ETAO) show that the giant type already appears 0.1 Myr earlier at this location than in the WTAO, which indicates that the extreme size increase in the early Pleistocene was a tropical-Atlantic-Ocean-wide event. A coinciding change in the predominant coiling direction likely suggests that a new morphotype occurred. If the giant size and the uniform change in the predominant coiling direction are an indicator for this new type, the form already occurred in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean at the Pliocene–Pleistocene boundary at 2.58 Ma. This finding supports the Agulhas leakage hypothesis. However, the hypothesis of a regional, punctuated evolutionary event cannot be dismissed due to missing data from the Indian Ocean. This paper presents the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) and thermocline hypothesis in the ETAO, which possibly can be extrapolated for explaining the test-size evolution of the whole tropical Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea for the time interval between 2 and 8 Ma. The test-size evolution shows a similar trend with indicators for changes in the AMOC strength. The mechanism behind this might be that changes in the AMOC strength have a major influence on the thermal stratification of the upper water column and hence the thermocline, which is known to be the habitat of G. menardii.
An Electromyographic Analysis of Romanian, Step-Romanian, and Stiff-Leg Deadlift: Implication for Resistance Training

The present study examined the posterior chain muscle excitation in different deadlift variations. Ten competitive bodybuilders (training seniority of 10.6 ± 1.8 years) performed the Romanian (RD), Romanian standing on a step (step-RD), and stiff-leg deadlift (SD) with an 80% 1-RM. The excitation of the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, biceps femoris, semitendinosus, erector spinae longissimus, and iliocostalis was assessed during both the ascending and descending phases. During the ascending phase, the RMS of the gluteus maximus was greater in the step-RD than in the RD (effect size (ES): 1.70, 0.55/2.84) and SD (ES: 1.18, 0.11/2.24). Moreover, a greater RMS was found in the SD than in the RD (ES: 0.99, 0.04/1.95). The RMS of the semitendinosus was greater in the step-RD than in the RD (ES: 0.82, 0.20/1.44) and SD (ES: 3.13, 1.67/4.59). Moreover, a greater RMS was found in the RD than in the SD (ES: 1.38, 0.29/2.48). The RMS of the longissimus was greater in the step-RD than in the RD (ES: 2.12, 0.89/3.34) and SD (ES: 3.28, 1.78/4.78). The descending phase had fewer differences between the exercises. No further differences between the exercises were found. The step-RD increased the overall excitation of the posterior chain muscles, possibly because of the greater range of movement and posterior muscle elongation during the anterior flexion. Moreover, the RD appeared to target the semitendinosus more than the SD, while the latter excited the gluteus maximus more.
Assessment of the impact of large CRTs and flat panel monitors on productivity and quality in an insurance company

Assessment of the Impact of Large CRTs and Flat Panel Monitors on Productivity and Quality in an Insurance Company. (December 2004) Michael Federico Johnson, B.S., The University of Texas at El Paso Co-Chairs of Advisory Committee: Dr. J. Steven Moore Co-Chairs of Advisory Committee: Dr. Jerome J. Congleton This field study evaluates the impact of replacing existing 17-inch Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) monitors with 19 and 21-inch CRT monitors and 18.1-inch Flat Panel Displays (FPDs) on matrices of productivity, visual comfort, and physical discomfort among 30 employees within a large insurance company (Policy Service and Claims). Metrics were analyzed over a five (5) month period. During Phase One (initial eight weeks) of the study, metrics were gathered weekly on 17-inch CRT monitors to establish a baseline of data on productivity, visual comfort and physical discomfort. During Phase Two (12 weeks), each subject used the 19-inch CRT, 21-inch CRT and 18.1-inch FPD for two weeks, respectively interspersed with other subjects in the study utilizing 17-inch monitors for the same time period. Initially, it appears that the 19-inch monitor enables users to enter more keystrokes per hour ( 19 =1894) than its 17-inch counterpart ( 17=1721) which would be a productivity
PENGARUH ORIENTASI WIRAUSAHA DAN KAPABILITAS JEJARING USAHA TERHADAP PENINGKATAN KINERJA UKM DENGAN KOMITMEN PERILAKU SEBAGAI VARIABEL INTERVIENING (Studi Empiris pada Sentra UKM Batik di Sragen, Jawa Tengah)

In order to be able to seize the opportunities that a dynamic operating environment opens up, entrepreneurial SMEs have to reconfigure their existing asset base and processes. This study explores the effect of behavioral commitment on entrepreneurial orientation process and a firms reconfiguring network capabilities on performance by using survey data from 105 owners/manajers of batik SMEs in Sragen batik centrer, Central Java. Our findings indicate that indirectly, a SMEs entrepreneurial orientation have higher influence on SMEs performance through behavioral commitment; and reconfiguring network capabilities have an effect on its international performance and provide empirical support for the dynamic capability view of the firm. Entrepreneurial orientation process combined with behavioral commitment reconfiguring capabilities constitutes a potential source of competitive advantage. Dalam rangka untuk mendapatkan peluang usaha di lingkungan yang dinamis dan terbuka, UKM yang berorientasi wirausaha harus mengkonfigurasi lagi proses-proses bisnis dan asset yang dimiliki saat ini. Studi ini mengeksplorasi pengaruh komitmen perilaku terhadap proses orientasi wirausaha dan pengaruh konfigurasi kapabilitas jejaring perusahaan/UKM terhadap kinerja usaha. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode survey. Data yang digunakan berasal dari 105 pemilik/manajer UKM batik di sentra batik Kabupaten Sragen. Temuan dari penelitian ini adalah: secara tidak langsung orientasi wirausaha mempunyai pengaruh yang lebih besar terhadap kinerja usaha UKM yang dimediasi oleh variabel komitmen perilaku; dan rekonfigurasi kapabilitas jejaring usaha mempunyai pengaruh terhadap kinerja internasionalnya dan memberikan bukti dukungan empiris terhadap pandangan kapabilitas dinamis perusahaan. Proses orientasi wirausaha dikombinasikan dengan komitmen perilaku mekonfigurasi lagi kapabilitas yang menjadi sumber potensial keunggulan daya saing.
Study on Giant Magnetostrictive Material Actuator and Its Resonant Frequency

The fast steering mirror (FSM) is a key part to improve the systemic transmitted accuracy in self-adaptive optical system. According to the applications of FSM, the giant magnetostrictive material is used as driving unit to develop the giant magnetostrictive actuator suitable for FSM. The stroke, output displacement and vibrating model of actuator are studied. The giant magnetostrictive TbDyFe alloy is made through zone-melted directional-solidification method with super-high temperature gradient, and has a 〈112〉 preferred orientation. At 10 MPa pre-pressure, its saturated magnetostriction gets to 0.175%, and the linear section length exceeds 1.2%. The quasi-static displacement gets to ±40 μm. The output force is over 1 000 N. Using 10 mm diameter TbDyFe alloy rod, the first order natural frequency of the actuator is 97 Hz when bracing 1 kg mass. The above conditions make a good foundation for the research on FSM system.
Chloroplast Genomic Variation in Euonymus maackii Rupr. and Its Differentiation Time in Euonymus

Euonymus maackii Rupr. is a small deciduous tree belonging to family Celastraceae. It is an important ornamental tree and a potential medicinal plant resource. Here, we assembled and annotated the chloroplast (cp) genome of E. maackii. By combining this genome with seven available cp genomes from Euonymus species, we performed plastome variation analysis of E. maackii and Euonymus. Furthermore, we reconstructed a phylogenetic tree and estimated the differentiation time of E. maackii. The newly assembled cp genome of E. maackii was 157,551 bp in size and had a typical quadripartite structure, which consisted of one large single-copy (LSC 86,524 bp) region, one small single-copy (SSC 18,337 bp) region, and a pair of inverted repeat regions (26,345 bp). A total of 652 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 65 insertions/deletions (indels) were detected between the two cp genomes of E. maackii, with overall genetic variation of 4.1 SNPs per kb or a π value of 0.00443, reflecting a high level of intraspecific variation. Some coding and noncoding regions with higher variation were identified, including trnV-UAC, petN, ycf1-ndhF, trnM-CAU-atpE, rpl2-rpl23, psbZ-trnG-GCC, trnY-GUA-trnE-UUC, trnW-CCA-trnP-UGG, rps16-trnQ-UUG, and psbC-trnS-UGA. The hypervariable coding and noncoding regions in E. maackii were not the same as those in Euonymus. The phylogenetic tree and divergence time based on the whole cp genomes showed that the seven Euonymus species formed a clade, which was sister to that formed with Catha edulis and Maytenus guangxiensis, and they separated 24.74 million years ago. E. maackii and E. hamiltonianus were most closely related, having separated from each other only approximately 2.68 million years ago. Our study provides important genetic information for further studies of E. maackii, such as studies on its phylogeography, population genetics and molecular ecology, and provides new insights into the evolution of the cp genome in Euonymus.
The development of a neo-industrial organisation methodology for describing and comparing structural and behavioural characteristics of construction supply chains

The model draws from theories of industrial economics and supply chain literature, and is an attempt to advance the construction supply chain field through the development of an industrial organisational methodology to describe construction supply chains. Empirical studies have examined the industrial organisation of other industries, typically forming descriptions based upon vertical integration and horizontal market concentration. A review of the trends in the supply chain literature indicate there is a need to develop a model to describe the industrial organisation of the construction industry through supply chain structure. The merging of the supply chain concept with the industrial organisation model as a methodology for understanding the structural characteristics is an important contribution to construction economic theory. The paper begins to develop a language for describing the structure and behaviour of supply chains specific to the construction industry and is so doing suggests a neo-industrial organisation approach.
A Novel Android Botnet Detection System Using Image-Based and Manifest File Features

Malicious botnet applications have become a serious threat and are increasingly incorporating sophisticated detection avoidance techniques. Hence, there is a need for more effective mitigation approaches to combat the rise of Android botnets. Although the use of Machine Learning to detect botnets has been a focus of recent research efforts, several challenges remain. To overcome the limitations of using hand-crafted features for Machine-Learning-based detection, in this paper, we propose a novel mobile botnet detection system based on features extracted from images and a manifest file. The scheme employs a Histogram of Oriented Gradients and byte histograms obtained from images representing the app executable and combines these with features derived from the manifest files. Feature selection is then applied to utilize the best features for classification with Machine-Learning algorithms. The proposed system was evaluated using the ISCX botnet dataset, and the experimental results demonstrate its effectiveness with F1 scores ranging from 0.923 to 0.96 using popular Machine-Learning algorithms. Furthermore, with the Extra Trees model, up to 97.5% overall accuracy was obtained using an 80:20 train–test split, and 96% overall accuracy was obtained using 10-fold cross validation.
Neural decoding from surface high-density EMG signals: influence of anatomy and synchronization on the number of identified motor units

Objective. High-density surface electromyography (HD-sEMG) allows the reliable identification of individual motor unit (MU) action potentials. Despite the accuracy in decomposition, there is a large variability in the number of identified MUs across individuals and exerted forces. Here we present a systematic investigation of the anatomical and neural factors that determine this variability. Approach. We investigated factors of influence on HD-sEMG decomposition, such as synchronization of MU discharges, distribution of MU territories, muscle-electrode distance (MED—subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness), maximum anatomical cross-sectional area (ACSAmax), and fiber cross-sectional area. For this purpose, we recorded HD-sEMG signals, ultrasound and magnetic resonance images, and took a muscle biopsy from the biceps brachii muscle from 30 male participants drawn from two groups to ensure variability within the factors—untrained-controls (UT = 14) and strength-trained individuals (ST = 16). Participants performed isometric ramp contractions with elbow flexors (at 15%, 35%, 50% and 70% maximum voluntary torque—MVT). We assessed the correlation between the number of accurately detected MUs by HD-sEMG decomposition and each measured parameter, for each target force level. Multiple regression analysis was then applied. Main results. ST subjects showed lower MED (UT = 5.1 ± 1.4 mm; ST = 3.8 ± 0.8 mm) and a greater number of identified MUs (UT: 21.3 ± 10.2 vs ST: 29.2 ± 11.8 MUs/subject across all force levels). The entire cohort showed a negative correlation between MED and the number of identified MUs at low forces (r = −0.6, p = 0.002 at 15% MVT). Moreover, the number of identified MUs was positively correlated to the distribution of MU territories (r = 0.56, p = 0.01) and ACSAmax (r = 0.48, p = 0.03) at 15% MVT. By accounting for all anatomical parameters, we were able to partly predict the number of decomposed MUs at low but not at high forces. Significance. Our results confirmed the influence of subcutaneous tissue on the quality of HD-sEMG signals and demonstrated that MU spatial distribution and ACSAmax are also relevant parameters of influence for current decomposition algorithms.
FORMAÇÃO DE PROFESSORES DE CIÊNCIAS PARA A EQUIDADE EDUCACIONAL COMO SUBSTRATO PARA O DESENVOLVIMENTO SUSTENTÁVEL

Dada a relevância mundial da Agenda 2030 para o Desenvolvimento Sustentável (DS), este artigo vincula-se ao ODS 4, específico para a educação, objetivando discutir fatores teóricos e práticos para a estruturação de programas de formação de professores pautados nos princípios da equidade educacional (EE), a partir de experiências compartilhadas com o Programa Harvard Teacher Fellows. Na literatura especializada ainda há pouca clareza sobre as melhores formas para aprimorar a formação de professores para a EE, trazendo grandes desafios tanto para pesquisadores e educadores quanto para formuladores de políticas públicas. Para a consecução do objetivo proposto foi realizado um estudo etnográfico do tipo interpretativo. A partir de uma estrutura teórica para análise de programas de formação de professores, discute-se os resultados obtidos vinculando aspectos substantivos e estruturais do Programa Harvard Teacher Fellows focados na EE. Reuniu-se um conjunto de fatores que podem catalisar o debate acerca da estruturação de programas de formação de professores, no geral, e de formação de professores de ciências para a EE, em específico, bem como suas implicações para as iniciativas de DS.