Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF ROOT INHABITING ENDOPHYTIC BACTERIA

Endophytic bacteria (EBs) are beneficial to stimulating plant growth. However, little information about the EBs associated with soybean plant roots is available. This study examined the diversity of ten EBs isolated from soybean root tissues. Morphological and biochemical characterization methods revealed significant variation among the isolates. Most isolates displayed smooth colony surfaces, regular shapes, and rod-shaped cells. However, Bacterial Strain-5 and 10 exhibited rough surfaces and irregular shapes, while Bacterial Strain-4 displayed round cell shapes instead of the typical rod morphology. Moreover, the isolates demonstrated diverse pigmentation, with strains showing various shades of white, creamy, light yellow, pinkish red, Creamish, yellow, and red. In KOH test, three strains (2, 6, and 9) showed positive reactions to KOH, while the remaining seven strains (1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 10) showed negative reactions. The catalase test confirmed that four strains (1, 2, 6, and 9) were gram-negative, and the six strains (3, 4, 5, 7, 8 and 10) were gram-positive. In the gram staining test, seven strains (1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 9, and 10) were gram-negative, while the remaining three strains (4, 5, and 7) were gram-positive. Finally, in the starch hydrolysis test, seven strains (1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 9, and 10) were gram-negative, whereas the three strains (4, 5 and 7) were gram-positive. This study will help us identify various EBs that could play a role in the nodule formation and adaptation of soybean plants in diverse soil conditions in Pakistan.
Perovskite Solar Cell: Chemical Composition and Bandgap Energy via Machine Learning

The exponential growth in publications and applications of perovskite photovoltaic cells highlights their significance in energy conversion and carbon emissions mitigation. From 2009 to 2023, the efficiency of these cells has significantly increased from 3.9% to 25.7%. The adaptive capacity of perovskite structures for solar spectrum absorption and current displacement is strongly influenced by the bandgap energy, ideally situated between 1.3 and 1.7 eV. Although various perovskite compositions can potentially attain this energy range, the synthesis methodologies remain empirically driven, presenting challenges to experimental viability. In this context, leveraging experimental databases provided by global researchers emerges as an effective approach to expedite and enable research on perovskite structures for photovoltaic cells. This study utilized the comprehensive MaterialsZone database to feed machine learning algorithms, focusing on Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Random Forest (RF) methodologies to predict the bandgap energy in a targeted perovskite composition. By conducting synthesis experiments towards specific compositions guided by model predictions, it becomes feasible to efficiently achieve the desired bandgap energy. Such a strategy not only accelerates research progress but also serves to curtail costs associated with the synthesis of perovskite materials. The RF model exhibited an average percentage error of 5.13%, a standard deviation of the percentage error of 6.99%, and a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 0.119. In contrast, the SVM model recorded an average percentage error of 4.05%, a standard deviation of the percentage error of 6.45%, and RMSE of 0.881. These developed models not only demonstrate high predictive capacity but also contribute substantively to the comprehension of the intricate relationship between the chemical composition and bandgap energy values of perovskites. By deploying machine learning algorithms, this work paves the way for targeted optimizations and considerable strides in the manufacturing of perovskite-based photovoltaic cells.
Human Health Impacts of Perfluoroalkyl Substances, Micro- and Nanoplastics Contamination of Drinking Water

PFAS are organic compounds made up of carbon and fluorine atoms, often characterized by a carbon backbone with fluorine atoms attached. The key feature is the presence of perfluoroalkyl groups, where all hydrogen atoms on the carbon chain are replaced by fluorine atoms. PFAS are considered persistent and bioaccumulative, meaning they do not break down easily in the environment and can accumulate in organisms over time. Long-term exposure to PFAS has been associated with potential health risks, including liver damage, immune system effects, developmental issues, and an increased risk of certain cancers. Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) pose significant environmental and potential health risks. They can be ingested by humans on consumption of contaminated water potentially causing harm. MNPs have been found in drinking water sources, soil, and aquatic life including fish, shellfish, and plankton. These particles can accumulate in the tissues of plants and animals and can enter the human food chain. Due to these environmental and health concerns, efforts are being made to regulate and reduce the use of PFAS in various applications, reduce plastic pollution, improve waste management, and develop sustainable alternatives to mitigate the impacts of MNPs on the environment and human health.
Relationships between Bereavement Support Strategies and Empathy Dimensions

Helpful and unhelpful bereavement support strategies have been identified in many studies. However, few studies have researched the reasons for choosing different ways of supporting the bereaved. Taking this into account, the current study aimed to analyze the relationships between empathy dimensions (Empathy with negative emotions, Empathy with positive emotions, Empathy as a social role, and Emotional reactions provoked by empathy) and bereavement support strategies (Social support/offering practical help, Minimizing feelings, Providing a religious perspective, and Complimenting the deceased and/or bereaved). The Bereaved Support Questionnaire and the Empathy Assessment Questionnaire were administered online to a sample of 271 participants (68.3% female). Descriptive statistics revealed the tendency of respondents to achieve higher than average scores on all empathy dimensions, except on Empathy with negative emotions. This finding points to a difficulty in consoling the bereaved, as they are mostly faced with unpleasant feelings. The respondents showed a slight preference to choose supportive messages that are high in person-centeredness, over those belonging to the Minimizing feelings and Providing a religious perspective subscale. Pearson’s correlation and network analysis indicated that empathy is positively associated with the use of high person-centered approach to support (Social support/offering practical help and Complimenting the deceased and/or bereaved). However, results have also shown that the inclination to use these types of messages is to some extent accompanied with a tendency to minimize the feelings of the bereaved. The article discusses possible interpretations of these findings, as well as guidelines for implementing the findings in bereavement support.
Seizure Disorders at Madonna University Teaching Hospital; Prevalence, Patterns and Co-Morbidities â A 7 Year Review

Objective: The study was designed to study the prevalence, patterns and comorbidities of seizure disorders among psychiatric clinic attendees at Madonna University Teaching Hospital, Elele, Rivers State, Nigeria, over a 7-year period. Materials and Methods: Case files of all psychiatric patients who attended the psychiatric clinic of Madonna University Teaching Hospital (MUTH) from June 2011 to June 2018 were revived. Records of patients who had a diagnosis of seizure disorder were studied. Results: A total of 2,283 patients attended the psychiatric clinic within the time frame stated. Out of this, 148 were diagnosed with a seizure disorder, hence giving a prevalence of 6.5%. The largest proportions of the subjects were aged 21-30 years (33.1%), female (54.1%), single (71.6%) and had a secondary education (39.9%). Tonic clinic seizure was the most prevalent seizure type (55.4%). Most of the patients had neither medical (70.3%) nor psychiatric co-morbidity (60.8%). Temporal lobe epilepsy had the highest psychiatric co-morbidity (91.7%) and the most common psychiatric co-morbidity was Depression (16.2%). The association between seizure type and psychiatric co-morbidity was statistically significant (χ2=22.388, df=8, p<0.05). Conclusion: Tonic-clonic seizure was the most prevalent seizure type seen but those suffering from temporal lobe epilepsy had the highest rate of psychiatric morbidity. Depression was the most common psychiatric co-morbidity among epileptic patients and seizure patients have the tendency to develop another medical condition as they grow older.
IGFBPL1 inhibits macrophage lipid accumulation by enhancing the activation of IGR1R/LXRα/ABCG1 pathway

Lipid accumulation in macrophages plays an important role in atherosclerosis and is the major cause of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Reducing lipid accumulation in macrophages is an effective therapeutic target for atherosclerosis. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) exerts the anti-atherosclerotic effects by inhibiting lipid accumulation in macrophages. Furthermore, almost all circulating IGF-1 combines with IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs) to activate or inhibit the IGF signaling. However, the mechanism of IGFBPs in macrophage lipid accumulation is still unknown. GEO database analysis showed that among IGFBPS family members, IGFBPL1 has the largest expression change in unstable plaque. We found that IGFBPL1 was decreased in lipid-laden THP-1 macrophages. Through oil red O staining, NBD-cholesterol efflux, liver X receptor α (LXRα) transcription factor and IGR-1 receptor blocking experiments, our results showed that IGFBPL1 inhibits lipid accumulation in THP-1 macrophages through promoting ABCG1-meditated cholesterol efflux, and IGFBPL1 regulates ABCG1 expression and macrophage lipid metabolism through IGF-1R/LXRα pathway. Our results provide a theoretical basis of IGFBPL1 in the alternative or adjunct treatment options for atherosclerosis by reducing lipid accumulation in macrophages.
Computationally Efficient Blind Source Separation-Based MIMO-PA Linearization

This paper presents a Cross-Interference Reduction Digital predistortion (CIR-DPD) for a multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) system. The proposed method cancels the detrimental effect of crosstalk due to different MIMO branches and the antenna reflection from the same antenna. This technique incorporates an Independent Component Analysis (ICA) algorithm-based source separation technique to find the mixing matrix developed due to crosstalk and antenna reflection. Further, this mixing matrix is used to predict the pre-cancellation of antenna reflection and crosstalk matrix. The proposed CIR-ICA model furnishes a two-step single-iteration digital mitigation solution to multiple branches of MIMO transmitters. Compared to current DPD techniques, the proposed CIR-DPD model enables suitable detection for transmitter defects while lowering its complexity. The experimental proof-of-concept for the $4\times 4$ MIMO transmitter is presented in the presence of crosstalk, PA nonlinearity, and antenna reflection.
Selectivity of gillnets on the main fish species caught in the floodplains of the Madeira River (Rondônia, Brazil)

Small-scale fishing in the floodplains of the Amazon basin has intensified, with gillnets being one of the main types of tackle used. In this study, we evaluated the length structure of fish species in a floodplain lake of the Madeira River basin, emphasizing the selectivity of the nets in the main species caught. The fisheries were collected in periods of high water and low water, with nets of mesh sizes of 40, 60, 80, 100, 120 and 160 mm. Tests between the periods and also comparing the meshes were performed and the parameters of the selectivity curves estimated with the SELECT calculation code. Records of 17 new maximum lengths are presented. Of the 12 most abundant species, the selectivity of the nets in the modal lengths for Anchovia surinamensis were 13.3, 19.9, 26.6 and 33.2 cm in the nets with mesh sizes of 40, 60, 80 and 100 mm, respectively. In the three smallest mesh sizes, the values for Potamorhina altamazonica were 12.7, 19.0 and 25.3 cm and for Pellona flavipinnis values were 15.4, 23.2 and 30.9 cm. In the two smallest mesh sizes, the following values were presented for the species Potamorhina latior (12.9 and 19.4 cm), Potamorhina rutiloides (11.3 and 16.9 cm), Triportheus elongatus (19.7 and 29.5 cm), Triportheus flavus (14.1 and 21.1 cm) and Pimelodus blochii (15.5 and 23.0 cm). The estimates of selectivity of the nets, in addition to being basic information for fishery sciences, are also fundamental for the management of Amazonian fish stocks.
A Silicon-Based Field-Effect Biosensor for Drug-Induced Cardiac Extracellular Calcium Ion Change Detection

Calcium ions participate in the regulation of almost all biological functions of the body, especially in cardiac excitation–contraction coupling, acting as vital signaling through ion channels. Various cardiovascular drugs exert their effects via affecting the ion channels on the cell membrane. The current strategies for calcium ion monitoring are mainly based on fluorescent probes, which are commonly used for intracellular calcium ion detection (calcium imaging) and cannot achieve long-term monitoring. In this work, an all-solid-state silicone–rubber ion-sensitive membrane was fabricated on light-addressable potentiometric sensors to establish a program-controlled field-effect-based ion-sensitive light-addressable potentiometric sensor (LAPS) platform for extracellular calcium ion detection. L-type calcium channels blocker verapamil and calcium channel agonist BayK8644 were chosen to explore the effect of ion channel drugs on extracellular calcium ion concentration in HL-1 cell lines. Simultaneously, microelectrode array (MEA) chips were employed to probe the HL-1 extracellular field potential (EFP) signals. The Ca2+ concentration and EFP parameters were studied to comprehensively evaluate the efficacy of cardiovascular drugs. This platform provides more dimensional information on cardiovascular drug efficacy that can be utilized for accurate drug screening.
The ncRNAs Involved in the Regulation of Abiotic Stress-Induced Anthocyanin Biosynthesis in Plants

Plants have evolved complicated defense and adaptive systems to grow in various abiotic stress environments such as drought, cold, and salinity. Anthocyanins belong to the secondary metabolites of flavonoids with strong antioxidant activity in response to various abiotic stress and enhance stress tolerance. Anthocyanin accumulation often accompanies the resistance to abiotic stress in plants to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS). Recent research evidence showed that many regulatory pathways such as osmoregulation, antioxidant response, plant hormone response, photosynthesis, and respiration regulation are involved in plant adaption to stress. However, the molecular regulatory mechanisms involved in controlling anthocyanin biosynthesis in relation to abiotic stress response have remained obscure. Here, we summarize the current research progress of specific regulators including small RNAs, and lncRNAs involved in the molecular regulation of abiotic stress-induced anthocyanin biosynthesis. In addition, an integrated regulatory network of anthocyanin biosynthesis controlled by microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), transcription factors, and stress response factors is also discussed. Understanding molecular mechanisms of anthocyanin biosynthesis for ROS scavenging in various abiotic stress responses will benefit us for resistance breeding in crop plants.
Multi-modal knowledge base generation from very high resolution satellite imagery for habitat mapping

Abstract Monitoring of ecosystems entails the evaluation of contributing factors by the expert ecologist. The aim of this study is to examine to what extent the quantitative variables, calculated solely by the spectral and textural information of the space-borne image, may reproduce verified habitat maps. 555 spectral and texture attributes are extracted and calculated from the image. Results reached an overall accuracy of 65% per object, 76% per pixel, and 77% in reproducing the original objects with segmentation. Taking into consideration the large number of different habitats queried and the lack of any ancillary information the results suggest the discriminatory power of the finally selected attributes. Potential and limitations are discussed.
A Carnegie perspective on intermittent risk taking in entrepreneurship

Varying risk-taking tendency is an important area of inquiry for the Carnegie perspective. Drawing on organizational learning literature, we develop a model to illuminate the mechanisms that can underlie time-varying risk taking tendency in entrepreneurship. In particular, we delineate conditions under which abrupt risk taking punctuates periods of risk-avoiding behaviors, a pattern that we call “intermittent risk taking. ” We use serial entrepreneurs whose bouts with risk taking are often depicted as driven by an entrepreneurial itch to illustrate our model. In our conceptualization, decision makers engage in an interplay of experiential and vicarious learning as they move into and out of higher-risk self-employment (i.e., venture creation) with in-between stints in lower-risk wage-employment. Using a computational model to simulate the dynamics of this conceptualization, we find that vicarious learning from satisfied risk-avoiding peers can exert a pull that draws disappointed entrepreneurs into periods of risk avoidance (i.e., wage-employment). However, the moment that the satisfaction of these peers fails to convince, this pull wanes. In effect, the entrepreneur vicariously learns that the grass may not be greener on the other side which then leads them to return into self-employment. The itch for risk taking then recurs not necessarily because risky venture creation offers higher payoffs than risk-avoiding options but because decision makers come to see that risk avoidance may not be a satisfactory alternative either — a conceptualization that adds nuance to prior notions of varying risk tendencies and serial entrepreneurship.
Axial and Torsional Free Vibrations of Elastic Nano-Beams by Stress-Driven Two-Phase Elasticity

Size-dependent longitudinal and torsional vibrations of nano-beams are examined by two-phase mixture integral elasticity. A new and efficient elastodynamic model is conceived by convexly combining the local phase with strain- and stress-driven purely nonlocal phases. The proposed stress-driven nonlocal integral mixture leads to well-posed structural problems for any value of the scale parameter. Effectiveness of stress-driven mixture is illustrated by analyzing axial and torsional free vibrations of cantilever and doubly clamped nano-beams. The local/nonlocal integral mixture is conveniently replaced with an equivalent differential law equipped with higher-order constitutive boundary conditions. Exact solutions of fundamental natural frequencies associated with strain- and stress-driven mixtures are evaluated and compared with counterpart results obtained by strain gradient elasticity theory. The provided new numerical benchmarks can be effectively employed for modelling and design of Nano-Electro-Mechanical-Systems (NEMS).
Clinical Applications of Adeno-Associated Virus Gene Therapy in Rare Diseases

This paper provides a comprehensive overview of adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy, a revolutionary approach that has shown promise in treating various genetic disorders. The therapy uses a harmless virus to deliver a functional copy of a defective gene to patient cells, thereby correcting the underlying congenital defect. AAV gene therapy is first discussed in the context of three specific diseases: Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, and Huntington's disease. AAV gene therapy has been demonstrated to improve disease progression and patient quality of life in some cases, based on existing findings and arguments. In addition, we acknowledge the high cost of these therapies, which can range from $850,000 to $3,500,000, which limits their wide application. Although there are high costs associated with AAV gene therapy, the benefits, such as improved patient survival and quality of life, often outweigh them. Based on a study on the cost-effectiveness of AAV-mediated gene therapy for severe haemophilia B, the therapy was found to be more cost-effective than alternatives in most cases. Despite its potential for treating genetic disorders, AAV gene therapy poses a significant financial challenge due to its high cost. To make the therapy more accessible, future research should focus on reducing these costs. AAV gene therapy's long-term effects and safety require further investigation, as do its long-term safety concerns.
Migration strategy of the Great crested newt (Triturus cristatus) in an artificial pond

In animals, migration is an evolutionary adaptation to manage seasonally varying habitats. Often driven by climatic changes or resource availability, amphibians then migrate from their hibernation sites to their breeding grounds. This research focused on the migratory habits of the Great crested newt (Triturus cristatus). The study explored factors like gender, body size, and environmental determinants, noting that immigration and emigration events proved distinct during the year. Results unveiled that males typically reached ponds first, with temperature being pivotal: males preferred up to 5 °C, females around 10 °C, while juveniles moved as temperatures increase. Wind velocity affected larger newts, around 120 mm, prompting them to migrate with stronger winds. Notably, heavy rainfall favored migration of newts of roughly 60 mm size. Humidity displayed gender-based trends: males associated positively with average levels, females showed aversion above 50%, and juveniles leaned towards drier conditions. Emigration patterns mirrored these findings, emphasizing roles of temperature, wind, and humidity. The effect of moonlight is not statistically significant. These findings provide valuable insights into the environmental factors influencing the migration of T. cristatus, which may guide future conservation efforts.
Muscle-Derived Stem/Progenitor Cells Ameliorate Acute Kidney Injury in Rats through the Anti-Apoptotic Pathway and Demonstrate Comparable Effects to Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Background and Objectives: To date, the therapeutic potential of skeletal muscle-derived stem/progenitor cells (MDSPCs) for acute kidney injury (AKI) has only been evaluated by our research group. We aimed to compare MDSPCs with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) and evaluate their feasibility for the treatment of AKI. Materials and Methods: Rats were randomly assigned to four study groups: control, GM (gentamicin) group, GM+MDSPCs, and GM+BM-MSCs. AKI was induced by gentamicin (80 mg/kg/day; i.p.) for 7 consecutive days. MDSPCs and BM-MSCs were injected 24 h after the last gentamicin injection. Kidney parameters were determined on days 0, 8, 14, 21, and 35. Results: MDSPCs and BM-MSCs accelerated functional kidney recovery, as reflected by significantly lower serum creatinine levels and renal injury score, higher urinary creatinine and creatinine clearance levels (p < 0.05), lower TUNEL-positive cell number, and decreased KIM-1 and NGAL secretion in comparison to the non-treated AKI group. There was no significant difference in any parameters between the MDSPCs and BM-MSCs groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions: MDSPCs and BM-MSCs can migrate and incorporate into injured renal tissue, resulting in a beneficial impact on functional and morphological kidney recovery, which is likely mediated by the secretion of paracrine factors and an anti-apoptotic effect. MDSPCs were found to be non-inferior to BM-MSCs and therefore can be considered as a potential candidate strategy for the treatment of AKI.