Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tracking the Tristan-Gough mantle plume using discrete chains of intraplate volcanic centers buried in the Walvis Ridge

Resolving the age-distance relation of volcanism along the Walvis Ridge (southern Atlantic Ocean) is essential to understanding relative motion between the African plate and the Tristan-Gough mantle plume since the opening of the South Atlantic. However, tracking the location of the Tristan-Gough plume might not be practicable if most of the complex morphology of the massive Walvis Ridge is related to the proximity of the South Atlantic mid-ocean ridge. Here we use new 40Ar/39Ar basement ages for the Tristan- Gough hotspot track, together with information about morphology and crustal structure from new swath maps and seismic profiles, to infer that separated age-progressive intraplate segments track the location of the Tristan-Gough mantle plume. The apparent continuity of the inferred age-distance relation between widely separated age-progressive segments implies a connection to a stable or constantly moving source in the mantle.
Locomotory Behavior of Water Striders with Amputated Legs

The stability of the body during locomotion is a fundamental requirement for walking animals. The mechanisms that coordinate leg movement patterns are even more complex at water–air interfaces. Water striders are agile creatures on the water surface, but they can be vulnerable to leg damage, which can impair their movement. One can assume the presence of certain compensatory biomechanical factors that are involved in the maintenance of postural balance lost after an amputation. Here, we studied changes in load distribution among the legs and assessed the effects of amputation on the locomotory behavior and postural defects that may increase the risk of locomotion failure. Apparently, amputees recover a stable posture by applying leg position modifications (e.g., widening the stance) and by load redistribution to the remaining legs. Water striders showed steering failure after amputation in all cases. Amputations affected locomotion by (1) altering motion features (e.g., shorter swing duration of midlegs), (2) functional constraints on legs, (3) shorter travelled distances, and (4) stronger deviations in the locomotion path. The legs functionally interact with each other, and removal of one leg has detrimental effects on the others. This research may assist the bioinspired design of aquatic robots.
A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE ON THE HIGH FIVE: AGARICUS, PLEUROTUS, LENTINULA, AURICULARIA & FLAMMULINA

World production and consumption of mushrooms has increased at a rapid rate, especially since the mid 1990s. Not only has production and consumption increased as the world’s population has increased, but per capita consumption of mushrooms has increased as well. Over a 15-year period (1997 to 2012), per capita consumption of mushrooms increased from about 1 kg/year to over 4 kg/year. China is the main producer and consumer of mushrooms. The demand for mushrooms has been phenomenal – production to meet the growing demand is a performance seldom duplicated in agriculture today.
Gas properties of winter lake ice in Northern Sweden: implication for carbon gas release

Abstract. This paper describes gas composition, total gas content and bubbles characteristics in winter lake ice for four adjacent lakes in a discontinuous permafrost area. Our gas mixing ratios for O2, N2, CO2, and CH4 suggest that gas exchange occurs between the bubbles and the water before entrapment in the ice. Comparison between lakes enabled us to identify 2 major "bubbling events" shown to be related to a regional drop of atmospheric pressure. Further comparison demonstrates that winter lake gas content is strongly dependent on hydrological connections: according to their closed/open status with regards to water exchange, lakes build up more or less greenhouse gases (GHG) in their water and ice cover during the winter, and release it during spring melt. These discrepancies between lakes need to be taken into account when establishing a budget for permafrost regions. Our analysis allows us to present a new classification of bubbles, according to their gas properties. Our methane emission budgets (from 6.52 10−5 to 12.7 mg CH4 m−2 d−1 at 4 different lakes) for the three months of winter ice cover is complementary to other budget estimates, as our approach encompasses inter- and intra-lake variability. Most available studies on boreal lakes have focused on quantifying GHG emissions from sediment by means of various systems collecting gases at the lake surface, and this mainly during the summer "open water" period. Only few of these have looked at the gas enclosed in the winter ice-cover itself. Our approach enables us to integrate, for the first time, the history of winter gas emission for this type of lakes.
Estimating the roles of dependency ratio and economic growth on child mortality in SAARC countries: Evidence from panel data analysis

In developing nations like the SAARC, child mortality is an issue. The health status of an economy can be effectively assessed through its significant indicators. In situations where mortality rates are elevated, there is a corresponding increase in the fertility rate as parents seek to compensate for the higher likelihood of child mortality. This leads to a decrease in the allocation of resources per child in terms of education and healthcare, inadvertently hindering the development of human capital and perpetuating the cycle of poverty and illness. National GDP is lowered by high death rates. This study estimates the roles of dependency ratio and economic growth on child mortality using cross-country data for SAARC countries. The study applies panel data techniques (Fixed Effect Model, Random Effect Model, Generalized Least Square Regression, and Panel Corrected Standard Error regression). Based on the Hausman Specification Test, the preferred model is Random effect model. In the case of heteroscedasticity, the better choice is GLS regression, especially when T is greater than cross-sections N. However, the study also estimates panel-corrected standard error regression. The findings reveal that there is a positive relationship between child mortality and the dependency ratio and a negative one between child mortality and economic growth. The study additionally evaluates the cumulative impacts of both variables on it. The findings indicate that the impact of both variables remains consistent. The policy implications are that economic growth-maximizing and dependency ratio-minimizing policies should be adopted. The study contributes to the existing literature by finding the role of dependency ratio in child mortality, at least with respect to SAARC countries.
A Colonic Organoid Model Challenged with the Large Toxins of Clostridioides difficile TcdA and TcdB Exhibit Deregulated Tight Junction Proteins

Background: Clostridioides difficile toxins TcdA and TcdB are responsible for diarrhea and colitis. Lack of functional studies in organoid models of the gut prompted us to elucidate the toxin’s effects on epithelial barrier function and the molecular mechanisms for diarrhea and inflammation. Methods: Human adult colon organoids were cultured on membrane inserts. Tight junction (TJ) proteins and actin cytoskeleton were analyzed for expression via Western blotting and via confocal laser-scanning microscopy for subcellular localization. Results: Polarized intestinal organoid monolayers were established from stem cell-containing colon organoids to apply toxins from the apical side and to perform functional measurements in the organoid model. The toxins caused a reduction in transepithelial electrical resistance in human colonic organoid monolayers with sublethal concentrations. Concomitantly, we detected increased paracellular permeability fluorescein and FITC-dextran-4000. Human colonic organoid monolayers exposed to the toxins exhibited redistribution of barrier-forming TJ proteins claudin-1, -4 and tricellulin, whereas channel-forming claudin-2 expression was increased. Perijunctional F-actin cytoskeleton organization was affected. Conclusions: Adult stem cell-derived human colonic organoid monolayers were applicable as a colon infection model for electrophysiological measurements. The TJ changes noted can explain the epithelial barrier dysfunction and diarrhea in patients, as well as increased entry of luminal antigens triggering inflammation.
Assimilation of Nitrate into Asparagine for Transport in Soybeans

In this study, the systematic analysis of nitrate assimilation and transport in soybean roots was further improved by analyzing the concentrations of nitrate assimilates, asparagine and glutamine, in soybean roots and the related enzyme activities. This provided a theoretical basis for the efficient utilization of nitrogen fertilizer in soybean farming. A dual-root soybean system with both sides being nodulated was used to provide nitrate withdrawal and resupply in three phases on one side, while the other side received nutrients without nitrogen under sand culture conditions. Measurements were taken of the root’s nitrate reductase and glutamine synthetase activities, as well as the concentrations of asparagine. Measurements were also taken of the asparagine concentration in the basal root peeled skin (where the primary transport pathway is the phloem) and the woody parts (where the primary transport pathway is the xylem). Furthermore, the concentration of glutamine in the roots was also assessed. The findings indicated a positive correlation between the nitrate concentration in the roots and the activity of glutamine synthetase in the roots on both sides. The levels of asparagine in the roots, specifically those in the basal root peeled skin and woody part on both sides, rose when nitrate was added and declined when nitrate was removed. There was no significant change in glutamine concentration within the roots of soybeans. Hence, we deduced that the local provision of nitrate to the dual-root soybeans might enhance the absorption of nitrate into the roots on both sides. Additionally, the assimilated substances were predominantly carried as asparagine through the peeled skin and woody sections of the basal root, facilitating transportation in both directions within the soybean plants (from shoot to root and from root to shoot).
Reference Genes Screening and Gene Expression Patterns Analysis Involved in Gelsenicine Biosynthesis under Different Hormone Treatments in Gelsemium elegans

Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) is an accurate method for quantifying gene expression levels. Choosing appropriate reference genes to normalize the data is essential for reducing errors. Gelsemium elegans is a highly poisonous but important medicinal plant used for analgesic and anti-swelling purposes. Gelsenicine is one of the vital active ingredients, and its biosynthesis pathway remains to be determined. In this study, G. elegans leaf tissue with and without the application of one of four hormones (SA, MeJA, ETH, and ABA) known to affect gelsenicine synthesis, was analyzed using ten candidate reference genes. The gene stability was evaluated using GeNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, ∆CT, and RefFinder. The results showed that the optimal stable reference genes varied among the different treatments and that at least two reference genes were required for accurate quantification. The expression patterns of 15 genes related to the gelsenicine upstream biosynthesis pathway was determined by RT-qPCR using the relevant reference genes identified. Three genes 8-HGO, LAMT, and STR, were found to have a strong correlation with the amount of gelsenicine measured in the different samples. This research is the first study to examine the reference genes of G. elegans under different hormone treatments and will be useful for future molecular analyses of this medically important plant species.
Variation Studies in the Model Teak Seed Orchard, New Forest, Dehra Dun

In forest tree species like Teak, to save time, work on selection of plus trees, establishment of grem plasm banks and creation of seed orchard has to be taken up simultaneously. Genotypic differences, for various parameters, between clones assembled in a first cycle seed orchard create lot of problems and as a consequence seed production is much less than expected. Experiences gained from the model seed orchard of Teak at New Forest, Dehra Dun-first ever seed orcbard in the country - have been presented in this paper to provide information on the performance of various clones to serve as guiding factors for the creation of second cycle seed orchards.
Potential candidacy for thrombolysis among ischemic stroke patients presenting to Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar

Objectives: To determine the number of ischemic stroke patients presenting to a tertiary care hospital that are potential candidates for thrombolysis. Methods: This need analysis study was conducted on one hundred consecutive ischemic stroke patients during the last quarter of 2022 at the Department of Medicine, Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar. The Arrival National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIH Stroke Scale) was calculated for all suspected stroke patients after a detailed history and clinical examination. An urgent non-contrast-enhanced CT scan brain was carried out. Patients were included in the study group after intra-cranial bleed was excluded on imaging. Results: The majority (43%) of the patients (male and female) fell in the age group 51-60 years. Fifty-nine (59%) patients had hypertension as a co-morbid condition; 49% had diabetes mellitus while the remaining percentages were constituted by other risk factors. Fifty-seven (57%) patients presented with NIH Stroke Scale between 5-15; 25% had NIH Stroke Scale greater than or equal to 21. Forty-one (41%) patients having daytime (8 am to 8 pm) strokes presented within 4.5 hours of stroke onset to the hospital while 31% of patients having nighttime strokes (8 pm to 8 am) presented within 4.5 hours of stroke onset to the hospital. Conclusion: The majority (72%) of ischemic stroke patients reached the hospital facility within 4.5 hours of stroke onset. These patients can be benefited from thrombolysis leading to improved outcomes if available in that particular health facility.
Oscillatory porewater bioadvection in marine sediments induced by hydraulic activities of Arenicola marina

We employed real‐time pressure recording and high temporal resolution two‐dimensional oxygen imaging to characterize the porewater bioadvection related to hydraulic activities of Arenicola marina, a widespread representative of benthic macrofauna. Behavior‐specific positive and negative pressure oscillations and hydraulic pulses resulted in bidirectional porewater flow and highly dynamic redox oscillations on the scale of minutes. Pumping of water by the worm into its blind‐ending burrow pressurized the sediment and caused sediment oxygenation at depth and the exit of anoxic porewater into the overlying water. The sediment volume that was affected by bioadvective transport of oxygen and the porewater flow patterns varied strongly among sediment types. In low‐permeability sediments, localized plumes of anoxic porewater ascended from the sediment, presumably through sedimentary cracks, while porewater flowed evenly through highly permeable sediments. Hydraulic behaviors that moved water out through the open tail shaft caused a reduction of porewater pressures below the hydrostatic baseline which resulted in the collapse of plumes and enhanced oxygen penetration into the surficial sediments. Porewater bioadvection and the related perfusing and oscillatory phenomena will affect a variety of biogeochemical and ecological processes, including organic matter mineralization, benthic recruitment, and prey localization. We suggest that bidirectional porewater bioadvection and the associated transient geochemical conditions are prevalent features of biogenically active sediments.
Lead Compounds for Brain Protection against Alzheimer’s

To find a promising drug for treatment of Alzheimer’s` is not that easy target. Although some medications have FDA approval for management of AD, all of them offer symptomatic benefits. This is because efforts to find the treatment are distributed among many targets in the brain which make it so difficult to find a drug that can correct all of them at once. The primary histopathologic lesions of Alzheimer’s pathology are amyloid plaques, NFTs and neuronal loss with a wide genetic background which deteriorate the patient condition so rapidly. In the current article, we highlight some lead compounds that protect brain cells from undergoing this dark pathway or, which is more important, to stop deterioration and worsening of the case after starting of the disease. sex lead compounds of natural sources suggested as anti-AD drugs with brief discussion of each of them regarding its chemistry, physiochemical properties, mechanism of action, bioavailability, derivatives and method of synthesis. These natural extracts can be expected as lead compounds for design and synthesis of more effective derivatives as prophylactic treatment against Alzheimer’s. The aim of our review is to help to direct efforts to treat AD toward the prophylactic choice according to research results and scientific facts.
The Differential Effects of Internal Control Teams on Investment Decision Making Based on Industry Competition

This study investigates how a company’s internal control team affects their investment decision making, considering the level of industry competition within the South Korean capital market. A model obtained from the literature was employed to test the hypothesis. When industry competition is low, the quantitative adequacy of internal control staff increases the likelihood of investment when the risk of underinvestment is high, and it decreases the likelihood of investment when the risk of overinvestment is high. However, this is not the case when industry competition is fierce. Qualitative adequacy of internal control staff—expertise—has a significant effect on investment decision making when industry competition is high, but has no significant effect when industry competition is low. These results suggest that investors should consider the quantitative and qualitative adequacy of internal control staff along with the level of industry competition when evaluating the investment efficiency of a company.
Coastal capital: economic valuation of coral reefs in Tobago and St. Lucia.

This project received generous financial support from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, the United Nations Environment Program – Caribbean Environment Program, the Ocean Foundation, the Henry Foundation, the Curtis and Edith Munson Foundation, the Chino Cienega Foundation, the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, SwedBio, the International Coral Reef Action Network and the Buccoo Reef Trust.
Crop rotation effects on soil carbon and physical fertility of two Australian soils

The effect of using different crop rotations, including legumes and fallows, on soil structural stability, unsaturated hydraulic conductivity, and the concentration of different carbon fractions was examined in a long-term rotation trial established in 1966 on a Black Earth (Pellic Vertisol) and a Red Clay (Chromic Vertisol) soil. There was a large decrease in the concentration of soil carbon fractions following cropping and cultivation on both soils. The inclusion of some legume rotation crops resulted in an increase in labile carbon concentrations compared with continuous wheat or a long fallow treatment. Aggregate stability to wetting under both immersion and tension wetting was reduced as a result of cropping and cultivation for both soil types. However, there was an improvement in aggregate stability with immersion wetting, on the Red Clay soil, for the lucerne (Medicago sativa), clover (Trifolium subterraneum), and continuous wheat (Triticum aestivium) treatments compared with the long fallow. Similar results were found for the Black Earth soil; however, on this soil the medic (Medicago scutella) rotation also showed an improvement in soil structure. On the Red Clay soil there was a decrease in hydraulic conductivity (K) with cropping, at all tensions measured. K for the Black Earth soil was higher at 30 and 40 mm tension on the cropped soil than on the uncropped reference soil, but at 10 mm tension the reference soil had a higher K value than all rotations except the lucerne. There was a significant correlation between labile carbon and all determinations of aggregate stability for the Red Clay soil. Farmers should be encouraged to eliminate long fallowing and to adopt no-till techniques combined with the return of residues from either the primary crop or rotation crops which have a slower breakdown rate, as this management is likely to have a better potential for increasing soil carbon content and improving soil structure. The investigation of ways to better increase the quantity and quality of soil organic matter and hence soil chemical and physical fertility is necessary if long-term sustainable agriculture is to be possible.
A study on the utilization, perception and potential of social media as a marketing tool: the case of travel agencies in Azerbaijan

I ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . V TABLE OF CONTENTS . VI LIST OF TABLES . X LIST OF FIGURES . XI LIST OF APPENDICES . XIII LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS . XIV CHAPTER
La motivación en la educación superior: aplicación de un path analysis.

Usually, we tend to accept that the study of motivation is important in the early years of schooling. However, there is now a growing consensus that the theoretical construct developed in the field of psychology to refer to a set of factors that cause, maintain and direct behavior toward a goal, is of fundamental importance not only on any formal education, but also in any area where humans involved. This article studies the relationship between motivation and academic performance in students from the University of El Salvador. To determine the relationship between the variables and their causal bases, we have used the Path Analysis, a typology of so-called SEM analysis (for its acronym in English Structural Equation Models). In this study, subscales were used to represent the latent variable internal and external locus of control. The final model excluded the latent variable external locus of control for their low explanatory contribution. The report concludes that the internal locus of control, self-made gradients, confidence and interest of the students are the best predictors of academic performance.
Deep Learning-Enabled Heterogeneous Transfer Learning for Improved Network Attack Detection in Internal Networks

Cybersecurity faces constant challenges from increasingly sophisticated network attacks. Recent research shows machine learning can improve attack detection by training models on large labeled datasets. However, obtaining sufficient labeled data is difficult for internal networks. We propose a deep transfer learning model to learn common knowledge from domains with different features and distributions. The model has two feature projection networks to transform heterogeneous features into a common space, and a classification network then predicts transformed features into labels. To align probability distributions for two domains, maximum mean discrepancy (MMD) is used to compute distribution distance alongside classification loss. Though the target domain only has a few labeled samples, unlabeled samples are adequate for computing MMD to align unconditional distributions. In addition, we apply a soft classification scheme on unlabeled data to compute MMD over classes to further align conditional distributions. Experiments between NSL-KDD, UNSW-NB15, and CICIDS2017 validate that the method substantially improves cross-domain network attack detection accuracy.