Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Geographical and ecological drivers of coexistence dynamics in squamate reptiles

Aim Species richness varies widely across space. To understand the processes behind these striking patterns, we must know what are the relevant drivers underlying species coexistence. Several factors can potentially shape species coexistence such as the speciation process, the time since divergence between lineages, environmental effects, and intrinsic properties of the organisms. For the first time, we model the coexistence dynamics of lizards and snakes across broad temporal and spatial scales, investigating the role of species interactions, dispersal ability, and geographic area. Location Global Time period Last 20 million years Major taxa studied Squamata (lizards and snakes) Methods We used 448 closely related species pairs and their age since divergence across 100 dated phylogenies. We categorized each pair as sympatric or allopatric and as occurring on islands or continents. We measured morphological traits to quantify niche divergence and used range and body size as proxies for dispersal ability. We applied a model-comparison framework in lizards and snakes separately to evaluate which factors best explained their coexistence dynamics. Results We found that distinct factors drive the coexistence dynamics in lizards and snakes. In snakes, species pairs that coexist tend to occur on islands and are more different in body size, suggesting that both geographical setting and species interactions might be relevant factors. In contrast, we only found evidence that dispersal ability shaped the coexistence of lizards, where species coexist when they have higher dispersal abilities. Main conclusions Lizards and snakes greatly differ in coexistence dynamics. Higher heterogeneity in coexistence dynamics within lizards and group-specific life-history aspects might help to explain these findings. Our results emphasize that the interaction between where organisms are and who they are, ultimately shapes biodiversity patterns. We also highlight interesting avenues for further studies on species coexistence in deep time.
Roles of Transportation Management Centers in Incident Management on Managed Lanes

This guidebook examines traffic incident management practices that are implemented by transportation management centers on managed lanes. The document examines the unique operating environment of managed lanes from an incident management perspective. The roles of the transportation management center in the managed lane environment are discussed in terms of incident preparedness and real-time incident management activities and support. A comparison of best practices for eight case studies is presented, and an in-depth analysis of the role of the transportation management center in incident management is presented for three of the managed lane facilities examined in the case studies.
Position Control of a Pneumatic Drive Using a Fuzzy Controller with an Analytic Activation Function

The fuzzy logic controller, which uses an analytic activation function for the defuzzification procedure, was applied to the position control of a servo pneumatic drive controlled by a proportional valve. The Gaussian shape of input fuzzy sets, with the possibility of their modification, was used to fuzzify the input signal. The control signal was determined by introducing an analytic function instead of defining the fuzzy rule base. In this way, a conventional 2-D fuzzy rule table base is modified into 1-D fuzzy defuzzification based on an analytic function to calculate the controller output. In this control algorithm, the problem of conventional fuzzy logic control, in terms of the exponential growth in rules as the number of input variables increases, is eliminated. The synthesis controller procedure is adjusted to the flow rate characteristic of the proportional valve. The developed control algorithms are verified by computer simulation and by testing on a real pneumatic rodless cylindrical drive.
Bioactive Peptides: Synthesis, Sources, Applications, and Proposed Mechanisms of Action

Bioactive peptides are a group of biological molecules that are normally buried in the structure of parent proteins and become active after the cleavage of the proteins. Another group of peptides is actively produced and found in many microorganisms and the body of organisms. Today, many groups of bioactive peptides have been marketed chemically or recombinantly. This article reviews the various production methods and sources of these important/ubiquitous and useful biomolecules. Their applications, such as antimicrobial, antihypertensive, antioxidant activities, blood-lipid-lowering effect, opioid role, antiobesity, ability to bind minerals, antidiabetic, and antiaging effects, will be explored. The types of pathways proposed for bioactive applications will be in the next part of the article, and at the end, the future perspectives of bioactive peptides will be reviewed. Reading this article is recommended for researchers interested in various fields of physiology, microbiology, biochemistry, and nanotechnology and food industry professionals.
Photobiomodulation Therapy Combined with Static Magnetic Field (PBMT–SMF) on Spatiotemporal and Kinematics Gait Parameters in Post-Stroke: A Pilot Study

Background: Gait deficit is a major complaint in patients after stroke, restricting certain activities of daily living. Photobiomodulation therapy combined with a static magnetic field (PBMT-SMF) has been studied for several diseases, and the two therapies are beneficia. However, their combination has not yet been evaluated in stroke. Therefore, for PBMT–SMF to be used more often and become an adjunctive tool in the rehabilitation of stroke survivors at physical therapy rehabilitation centers and clinics, some important aspects need to be clarified. Purpose: This study aimed to test different doses of PBMT–SMF, to identify the ideal dose to cause immediate effects on the spatiotemporal and kinematic variables of gait in post-stroke patients. Methods: A randomized, triple-blinded, placebo-controlled crossover pilot study was performed. A total of 10 individuals with hemiparesis within 6 months to 5 years since the occurrence of stroke, aged 45–60 years, were included in the study. Participants were randomly assigned and treated with a single PBMT–SMF dose (sham, 10 J, 30 J, or 50 J) on a single application, with one dose per stage at 7-day intervals between stages. PBMT–SMF was applied with a cluster of 12 diodes (4 of 905 nm laser, 4 of 875 nm LEDs, and 4 of 640 nm LEDs, SMF of 35 mT) at 17 sites on both lower limbs after baseline evaluation: plantar flexors (2), knee extensors (9), and flexors (6). The primary outcome was self-selected walking speed, and the secondary outcomes were kinematic parameters. Gait analysis was performed using SMART-D 140® and SMART-D INTEGRATED WORKSTATION®. The outcomes were measured at the end of each stage after the single application of each PBMT–SMF dose tested. Results: No significant differences (p > 0.05) in spatiotemporal variables were observed between the different doses, compared with the baseline evaluation. However, differences (p < 0.05) were observed in the kinematic variable of the hip in the paretic and non-paretic limbs, specifically in the minimum flexion/extension angulation during the support phase (HMST–MIN) in doses 10 J, 30 J, and 50 J. Conclusions: A single application of PBMT–SMF at doses of 10 J, 30 J, and 50 J per site of the lower limbs did not demonstrate positive effects on the spatiotemporal variables, but it promoted immediate effects in the kinematic variables of the hip (maximum and minimum flexion/extension angulation during the support phase) in the paretic and non-paretic limbs in post-stroke people.
Highly Transparent Aromatic Polyamides from Unsymmetrical Diamine with Trifluoromethyl Groups

Soluble and transparent wholly aromatic polyamides (PAs) were synthesized from an unsymmetrical diamine monomer having trifluoromethyl (CF3) groups, 4-(4′-aminophenoxy)-3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)aniline. The monomer was polymerized with several dicarboxylic acid monomers via the Yamazaki–Higashi polycondensation method. All of the synthesized polyamides have an amorphous morphology, and they are soluble in many polar organic solvents at room temperature. Flexible and transparent films of the polyamides were prepared by solution casting and these polymer films show good optical transparencies with cut-off wavelengths of 337–367 nm and transparencies of 88%–90% at 550 nm. In addition, all the polymers were thermally stable over 400 °C and exhibited glass transition temperatures (Tg) higher than 300 °C. Unsymmetrically inserted trifluoromethyl groups on polyamides improves the solubility as well as the transparency of the polymers while maintaining good thermal properties. They also showed low refractive indices around 1.5333~1.5833 at 633 nm owing to the existence of low polarizable trifluoromethyl groups.
Pleural Biopsy in Evaluation of Malignant Pleural Effusion- A Review

Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is one of the common presentation of many carcinoma including lung, breast and lymphomas. It is very important to make an etiological diagnosis of the MPE cases without any delay as treatment depends on its cause. Cytopathological examination of fluid for malignant cells is the easiest and most sensitive method for detecting malignant pleural effusion (MPE). Despite cytology being a sensitive test, many patients remain undiagnosed, then there is a need of histopathological examination of pleura. Invasive procedures like Closed pleura biopsy (CPB) or thoracoscopy was recommended. CPB was earlier considered an investigation of choice in cases of undiagnosed pleural effusion with good efficacy Since the emergence of medical thoracoscopy (MT), use of CPB in the diagnosis of cytology negative MPE is gradually declining. However, due to the high cost and challenges associated with the surgery, thoracoscopy is only used in a restricted number of cases. CPB is less reliable than cytopathological testing of fluid or MT in determining MPE. Yet, it is a simple procedure with little procedure -related complication. The purpose of this article is to assess the clinical presentation and approach to MPE, as well as the role of CPB in diagnosing MPE and to investigate the benefits and drawbacks of CPB. ”
A blockchain‐based privacy‐preserving authentication system for ensuring multimedia content integrity

With the prevalence of digital cameras, multimedia data have been used to record facts and provide evidence of events. However, the integrity of multimedia data is vulnerable to attacks with the proliferation of data tampering tools. In fact, an effective multimedia content authentication system should support compliant editing (cropping, rotation, compression, and so forth) and have the ability to detect malicious data tampering. Data traceability is a feasible strategy to verify the integrity and provenance of multimedia data. Besides, the privacy of multimedia data needs to be protected to prevent unauthorized access. In this paper, we trace transformations of multimedia data privately by integrating a transparent and immutable blockchain with trusted hardware that provides the capability of private computation. Our system exploits a hybrid storage pattern that separately stores multimedia data off the blockchain and their hashes on the blockchain. With this, our system ensures data integrity and addresses the issue of blockchain's storage capability. Experimental results and analysis show that our solution is efficient and verifiable. A lightweight verifier merely needs to store block headers and is able to validate query results returned by full nodes.
Research and Practice on Matrix Model of Software Project Process Management

Software project management is more complex than general engineering project,because it relates to many business knowledge for different application area,the visibility and measurement of its final result and implementation process is weaker.On the bases of analysis of the characteristics of software project management,and combing with the experience in software project development and management,the elements of software project management about organizational structure,planning and process control are discussed,the matrix model of software project management is proposed.The joint effect of business knowledge and computer techniques under the model is analyzed,and the discussion about the model and application of requirement management is given.The proposed model was proved to be effective in practice.
Highly Selective and pH-Stable Reverse Osmosis Membranes Prepared via Layered Interfacial Polymerization

Ultrathin and smooth polyamide (PA) reverse osmosis (RO) membranes have attracted significant interest due to their potential advantages of high permeance and low fouling propensity. Although a layered interfacial polymerization (LIP) technique aided by the insertion of a polyelectrolyte interlayer has proven effective in fabricating ultrathin and uniform membranes, the RO performance and pH stability of the fabricated LIP membrane remain inadequate. In this study, a poly(piperazineamide) (PIPA) layer prepared via interfacial polymerization (IP) was employed as an interlayer to overcome the limitations of the prototype LIP method. Similar to the control polyelectrolyte-interlayered LIP membrane, the PIPA-interlayered LIP (pLIP) membrane had a much thinner (~20 nm) and smoother selective layer than the membrane fabricated via conventional IP due to the highly surface-confined and uniform LIP reaction. The pLIP membrane also exhibited RO performance exceeding that of the control LIP and conventional IP-assembled membranes, by enabling denser monomer deposition and a more confined interfacial reaction. Importantly, the chemically crosslinked PIPA interlayer endowed the pLIP membrane with higher pH stability than the control polyelectrolyte interlayer. The proposed strategy enables the fabrication of high-performance and pH-stable PA membranes using hydrophilic supports, which can be applied to other separation processes, including osmosis-driven separation and organic solvent filtration.
Different Plant Disease Detection and Pest Detection Techniques Using Image Processing

Abstract: In India, agriculture is a significant industry. Our Indian economy is also heavily reliant on agriculture; given that agriculture employs near about 70% of the population, it is critical to boost crop/plant productivity. Farmers have struggled to achieve higher productivity and better market prices due to many sorts of crop diseases. As a result, early detection of plant diseases becomes an essential strategy for avoiding losses in an agricultural production system. The disease's symptoms are mostly noticeable on leaves. It's difficult to keep track of each plant manually across a large area. As a result, image processing techniques are used to observe and diagnose plant diseases, which may be a better option for detecting diseases fast and accurately. This paper provides the review of different plant disease and pest control techniques using image processing in the recent years. Keywords: Image Processing, Agricultural, Disease Techniques, Pest Control.
Have cNG regulations in Delhi Done t heir Job

Air quality interventions are a new phenomenon in the rapidly growing megacities of developing countries. The enforcement of compressed natural gas (CNG) in Delhi (India) and Lahore (Pakistan) are two examples of such interventions, which have drawn the attention of media, the public and researchers worldwide. As a result, there is an increasing interest in the understanding of the impact of these interventions on the time-space dynamics of air pollution and their effect, in turn, on human health. The limited spatial-temporal coverage of air pollution data, however, restricts our ability to evaluate the impact of such interventions. The sequential details on CNG regulations in Delhi and associated environmental laws are available in Bell et al (2004). A few studies have attempted to evaluate the levels of air pollution in Delhi in pre- and post-intervention periods. For example, Kathuria (2005) examined the short- and long-term effects of CNG regulations in Delhi. He used air pollution data from 1999 to 2003, monitored at a central site near the income tax office (ITO) in Delhi, and employed an autoregressive model to indirectly evaluate the levels of air pollution before and after the regulations. Although the results of his analysis do not suggest any significant improvement in air quality, as measured by PM 10 , total suspended particulate (TSP) matter and nitrogen oxides (NO x ), after the CNG regulations, it does not imply that the emission levels did not drop from the targeted sources – buses, autorickshaws and taxis.
Twitter Bot Detection

i 1.Introduction . 1 1.1 Perspective . 2 1.2 Objective . 3 2. Existing Work . 4 2.1 Methods . 4 3. The Data . 8 3.1 What it Means to Be a Bot . 8 3.2 Gathering the Data . 9 4. Analysis . 12 4.1 Feature Extraction . 12 4.2 Methods . 13 4.3 Performance . 15 5. Conclusions . 20 References . 21
Effets de la consommation de petites doses de cacao sur les pressions artérielles selon leurs valeurs de base, chez des noirs africains

La baisse des pressions artérielles augmente avec la quantité de flavanols dans le cacao consommé. Or, le goût amer du cacao rend cette consommation difficile. Le but du travail a été de déterminer les effets de la consommation de petites doses de cacao selon les niveaux des pressions artérielles de sujets noirs africains. Au total, 56 noirs africains, masculins, âgés de 18 à 30 ans, ont été randomisés en 32 consommateurs de 2 g de poudre à 100% de cacao par jour et 24 témoins. Les pressions artérielles systolique (PAS) et diastolique (PAD) ont été mesurées à jeun, à J1 (sans cacao), J8, J15 et J22. Leurs variations entre J1 et les autres jours ont été comparées entre les sous-groupes d’un même groupe établis selon le niveau des PAS (<110 mmHg et ≥100 mmHg) et PAD (<75 mmHg et ≥75 mmHg) à J1. A la 1ère semaine (J8), les variations négatives (baisse) de la PAS des consommateurs ayant à J1 une PAS ≥110 mmHg ont été significativement différentes de celles des autres consommateurs (-5,5±6,2 mmHg versus 0,4±5,0 mmHg, p=0,01). Chez le sujet jeune noir africain, les petites doses de cacao favorisent une baisse plus importante des PAS les plus élevées. The decrease in blood pressure increases with the amount of flavanols in the cocoa consumed. However, the bitter taste of cocoa makes it difficult to consume. The aim of the work was to determine the effects of small doses of cocoa intake on the blood pressure levels among black Africans. A total of 56 black African men aged 18-30, were randomized to 32 consumers of 2 g of 100% cocoa powder per day and 24 controls. The systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) arterial pressures were measured on an empty stomach, on D1 (without cocoa), D8, D15, and D22. Their variations between D1 and the other days were compared between the subgroups of a group established according to the level of SBP (<110 mmHg and ≥100 mmHg) and DBP (<75 mmHg and ≥75 mmHg) on D1. At the 1st week (D8), the negative variations (decrease) in SBP of consumers with a SBP ≥110 mmHg on D1 were significantly different from those of other consumers (-5.5±6.2 mmHg versus 0.4±5.0 mmHg, p=0.01). In young black Africans, small doses of cocoa promote a greater drop in the highest SBP.
Boundary Crossing for Education Continuity: Exploring WhatsApp's Potential in Botswana During and Beyond the Pandemic

Based on a conceptualization of WhatsApp as a boundary object that permits educational institutions to cross over from in-school teaching to out-of-school teaching, this study investigated the viability of WhatsApp as a mobile learning (m-Learning) technology tool for the continuity of teaching and learning in Botswana during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilizing a narrative review of the literature, we found that WhatsApp’s viability is supported by Botswana’s high mobile phone penetration rate, the extensive coverage of the country’s mobile broadband network, reduced domestic internet prices and research findings of WhatsApp’s technological, educational and academic advantages elsewhere. However, teachers require training to develop relevant technological and pedagogical competences. WhatsApp’s viability also requires inclusive access for all children including those from rural poor families and living with disabilities, and the protection of children learning online from mobile phone dependency and exposure to potentially harmful content and abuse.
Early 2015 Performance In Baltic Sea Ports: Forecasts Of Estonian Performance For Entire Year

Abstract Many changes have appeared in year 2015. In Europe economic malaise has continued since debt crisis started in year 2010, and although its effects on Northern Europe have started to diminish, new economic dark clouds have appeared through sanctions set by both European Union and Russia to each other during year 2014. Together with these, shipping sector has been under pressure due to strict sulphur regulation implemented from early 2015 onwards in the entire Baltic Sea Region. Due to these factors, sea ports at Baltic Sea have been under pressure during the first months of 2015, this particularly concerning container handling. Based on our regression model forecast, Estonia and Port of Tallinn shall have clearly declining container handling year ahead. However, overall handling at sea port is not so easy to forecast.
In silico studies, chemical composition, antibacterial activity and in vitro antigen-induced phagocytosis of Stryphnodendron adstringens (Mart.) Coville

We investigate the chemical composition of aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts of Stryphnodendron adstringens by evaluating the total polyphenolic and tannin contents, antioxidant activity as well as marker compounds by UHPLC-MS. Through the in silico approach the molecular and pharmacokinetic parameters were predicted for the two major substances found in the extract, the pyrogallol (1) and chlorogenic acid (2). The antibacterial activity was verified by determining the MIC of the extracts on different bacterial strains. The inhibition zone diameter (ZD) of three different extracts of S. adstringens was studied, those with ZD>10mm proceeded to the determination of the MICs. The most active antimicrobial sample was S. adstringens ST3. The extracts of S. adstringens analyzed herein demonstrated not only high content of polyphenols and total tannins, but also antioxidant activity and activity against important bacterial pathogens like Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria gonorrhoeae as well as against multiresistant bacteria such as MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The effects of S. adstringens extract on the phagocytosis and intracellular killing of Candida albicans and Candida. kefyr from two normal individuals were studied. We propose that the effect of S. adstringens on the neutrophils may be related to a possible mechanism for regulation functions in these cells.