Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Accurate and rapid detection of Fasciola hepatica copro‐DNA in sheep using loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technique

Abstract Fascioliasis is a parasitic infection caused by Fasciola spp. in humans and animals. Despite significant advances in vaccination and new therapeutic agents, little attention has been paid to validate methods for the diagnosis of fascioliasis in animals. This study aimed to compare the loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technique with PCR assay for the diagnosis of F. hepatica in sheep. In this cross‐sectional study, 195 stool samples were collected from sheep for 3 months in Lorestan province, West of Iran. Specimens’ parasitological examination was performed by using the direct wet mount and formalin‐ether concentration method. After DNA extraction from the samples, molecular analysis was done using PCR and LAMP techniques based on the Fasciola ribosomal intergenic spacer (IGS) sequence. Of 195 specimens of sheep, 11 specimens were identified as F. hepatica‐positive infection by using microscopic, PCR and LAMP assays. Kappa agreement test results showed that there was a significant agreement between the results of microscopic examination diagnostic tests, PCR and LAMP (Kappa = 0.51–0.72 and p < .001). According to the results of chi‐square comparisons between parasite prevalence applying different techniques and variables of age, sex breed, and type of drinking water, there was no significant relationship (p ≥ .05). However, most of the infected sheep with Fasciola were 3‐ to 4‐year‐old females, of the Lori breed and consumed tap water. In many endemic areas, successful prevention and treatment of fascioliasis in animals depend on rapid and accurate diagnosis. Based on the results of the Kappa agreement, the significant agreement among the results of the microscopic examination, PCR and LAMP indicates the accuracy and reliability of these tests in the diagnosis of F. hepatica in sheep. However, molecular methods, especially the LAMP technique, are suggested because of their higher sensitivity and reliability for the diagnosis of F. hepatica even under field conditions.
Specialized contributions of mid-tier stages of dorsal and ventral pathways to stereoscopic processing in macaque

The division of labor between the dorsal and ventral visual pathways has been well studied, but not often with direct comparison at the single-neuron resolution with matched stimuli. Here we directly compared how single neurons in MT and V4, mid-tier areas of the two pathways, process binocular disparity, a powerful cue for 3D perception and actions. We found that MT neurons transmitted disparity signals more quickly and robustly, whereas V4 or its upstream neurons transformed the signals into sophisticated representations more prominently. Therefore, signaling speed and robustness were traded for transformation between the dorsal and ventral pathways. The key factor in this tradeoff was disparity-tuning shape: V4 neurons had more even-symmetric tuning than MT neurons. Moreover, the tuning symmetry predicted the degree of signal transformation across neurons similarly within each area, implying a general role of tuning symmetry in the stereoscopic processing by the two pathways.
Exploiting the spontaneous potential of the electrodes used in the capacitive mixing technique for the extraction of energy from salinity difference

The “capacitive mixing” (CAPMIX) technique is aimed at the extraction of energy from the salinity difference between the sea and rivers. It is based on the voltage rise that takes place at the electrodes when changing the salt concentration of the solution in which the two electrodes are dipped. In this paper, we focus on activated carbon electrodes, produced with various methods and treatments, and we measure their behaviour in CAPMIX experiments. We find that they behave as polarizable electrodes only on time scales of the order of minutes, while on longer time scales they tend to move to a specific “spontaneous” potential, likely due to chemical redox reactions. This analysis sheds light on the charge leakage, i.e. the loss of the stored charge due to undesired chemical reactions, which is one of the main hurdles of the CAPMIX technique when performed with activated carbon electrodes. We show that the leakage finds its origin in the tendency of the electrode to move to its spontaneous potential. Our investigation allows us to completely get rid of the leakage and demonstrates the striking result that CAPMIX cycles can be performed without an external power supply.
Emergence and Expansion of the SARS-CoV-2 Variant B.1.526 Identified in New York

Recent months have seen surges of SARS-CoV-2 infection across the globe along with considerable viral evolution. Extensive mutations in the spike protein of variants B.1. 1.7, B1.351, and P.1 have raised concerns that the efficacy of current vaccines and therapeutic monoclonal antibodies could be threatened. In vitro studies have shown that one mutation, E484K, plays a crucial role in the loss of neutralizing activity of some monoclonal antibodies as well as most convalescent and vaccinee sera against variant B.1. 351. In fact, two vaccine trials have recently reported lower protective efficacy in South Africa, where B.1. 351 is dominant. To survey for these novel variants in our patient population in New York City, PCR assays were designed to identify viruses with two signature mutations, E484K and N501Y. We observed a steady increase in the detection rate from late December to mid-February, with an alarming rise to 12.3% in the past two weeks. Whole genome sequencing further demonstrated that most of our E484K isolates (n=49/65) fell within a single lineage: NextStrain clade 20C or Pangolin lineage B.1. 526. Patients with this novel variant came from diverse neighborhoods in the metropolitan area, and they were on average older and more frequently hospitalized. Phylogenetic analyses of sequences in the database further reveal that this B.1. 526 variant is scattered in the Northeast of US, and its unique set of spike mutations may also pose an antigenic challenge for current interventions.
A study of the tropospheric oxidation of volatile organic compounds using chemical ionization mass spectrometry

The mechanisms and kinetics of reactions important to the troposphere have been investigated using a high pressure, turbulent, discharge-flow technique coupled to a chemical ionization mass spectrometer. The ability to accurately model tropospheric chemistry depends on kinetic and mechanistic information for a wide variety of species. The gas-phase chemistry of the troposphere is dominated by the oxidation of trace species such as methane. One important intermediate in the oxidation of methane is the methylperoxy radical (CH3O2). The kinetic rate coefficient of the reaction of CH3O2 with NO was measured at 298 K and 100 Torr. The kinetics of the reaction of CH3O2 with HO2 were then examined. Aromatics are another important class of trace species found in the troposphere. The daytime oxidation of toluene is initiated by reaction with the OH radical. Rate coefficients and detailed mechanistic information for this oxidation pathway are poorly understood. The kinetics of the reaction of toluene with OH were measured at 298 K and 100 Torr. The detection of radical intermediates in this pathway was also accomplished using CIMS. Biogenic hydrocarbons also have complex oxidation mechanisms which are poorly understood. Many of these compounds are cyclic alkenes or dienes with complicated oxidation mechanisms. Propylene (C3H6) is a very simple alkene and can be studied as a proxy to larger biogenic compounds. The rate coefficient for the reaction of propylene with OH was measured at 100 Torr for a range of temperatures (235-305 K). The rate coefficient for the reaction of the hydroxy-propylperoxy radical (CH3CH(OO)CH2OH) with NO was also measured at 100 Torr for a range of temperatures (235-305 K). This technique was also extended to the study of the important reaction of NO with the βor δ-hydroxy-peroxy radical formed in the oxidation of isoprene (C5H8OHO2) at 100 Torr and 298 K. Thesis Supervisor: Mario J. Molina Title: Institute Professor
The causal influence of increasing the statutory retirement age on job satisfaction among older workers in the Netherlands

ABSTRACT Since 2013, the Netherlands has gradually increased the statutory retirement age. We use a regression discontinuity design to analyse the effect of the increase in retirement age on overall job satisfaction and satisfaction with the organisation’s personnel policy. Date of birth was used as a sharp cut-off to assign workers to the intervention or comparison group. The increase had no effect on overall job satisfaction. An effect was only observed for satisfaction with the personnel policy in one of the groups analysed. Further, there was only a significant effect if the statutory retirement age was increased by seven months, but this relation was no longer significant when controlling for the difference in days between the date of birth and the cut-off.
Selective, Simple and Economical Method for the Voltammetric Determination of Bi(III) in the presence Cystine in Non - Complexing Solution

The simple and fast method for the determination of Bi(III) in non-complexing solution was proposed. The catalytic activity of cystine on Bi(III) ions electroreduction process were utilized. The calibration graph of Bi(III) in 4 mol·dm -3 chlorate (VII) in the presence of 1·10 -2 mol·dm -3 cystine is linear in the range of concentrations of Bi(III) from 7·10 -7 to 4·10 -5 mol·dm -3 . The detection and quantification limits were found to be 1.2·10 -7 mol·dm -3 and 4.02·10 -7 mol·dm -3 , respectively. Precision and recovery of the method were investigated by determination of Bi(III).
Design and characterization of ceramic hollow fiber membrane derived from waste ash using phase inversion-based extrusion/sintering technique for water filtration

ABSTRACT Low-cost green ceramic hollow fiber membranes (CHFM) were successfully designed and fabricated from the industrial waste ash, palm oil fuel ash (POFA) via phase inversion-based extrusion/sintering techniques for water filtration application. The extrusion process parameters such as suspension viscosity, air gap distance, and bore fluid flow rate were systematically explored to produce the membrane with desired morphology. A high suspension viscosity would result in a small macro-voids structure. Moreover, a high air gap distance would induce fiber with long macro-voids structure, while a low bore fluid flow rate would lead to the formation of distorted lumen structure. The effect of sintering temperature toward CHFM was also studied and characterized. An increase in the sintering temperature improved the membrane bending strength, but also afflicted the flux performance due to lower porosity and higher tortuosity. The developed membranes achieved excellent bending strengths of >75 MPa at lower sintering temperatures than the alternative ceramic counterparts, due to the formation of the eutectic liquid during sintering. The relatively low sintering temperature of POFA-derived CHFMs could reduce the energy consumption and sintering duration, which could be more economically attractive than their ceramic counterparts, thus benefiting industrial users.
Study on Physicochemical Characteristics of Waxy and High‐amylose Wheat Starches in Comparison with Normal Wheat Starch

Waxy and high-amylose wheats are genetically modified cultivars produced firstly in Japan. The physicochemical properties of waxy and high-amylose wheat starches were investigated and compared to those of normal bread-wheat starch. The waxy wheat starch (˜ 1% of amylose) showed higher gelatinization temperature, transition enthalpy and crystallinity of granules than the normal and high-amylose wheat starches. The paste of waxy wheat starch had higher peak viscosity and swelling power, lower pasting temperature and final viscosity, which are favorable for producing Japanese white-salted noodles (Udon) of high-quality. In contrast, the high-amylose wheat starch had higher amylose content (37.5%), blue value and wavelength of maximal iodine absorption but lower gelatinization temperature and crystallinity than the normal wheat starch. The paste of high-amylose wheat starch had lower peak viscosity, breakdown and final viscosity than that of the normal wheat starch. These properties of the high-amylose wheat starch contributed to improve textural properties of noodles which were similar to durum wheat noodles.
Al2O3/glass/hBN composites with high thermal conductivity and low dielectric constant for low temperature cofired ceramic applications

ABSTRACT Al2O3/glass/hBN composites were successfully fabricated for the LTCC applications. Alignment and homogeneous distribution of the platelet hBN particles during tape casting allowed high hBN (5 wt%) loading as well as facilitated densification at 800°C (density of 2.65 g/cm3, apparent porosity of 0.7%). XRD results proved that hBN neither chemically reacted with the other phases nor decomposed with temperature, which was critical to increase thermal conductivity and at the same time to decrease dielectric constant. Dielectric constant of the dense composites decreased (or, alternatively, enhanced) with increasing hBN content from 7.3 for the 0 wt% hBN to 6.55 for the 5 wt% hBN at 5 MHz. In addition, hBN addition strongly improved the mean thermal conductivity from 1.86 W/m·K for the 0 wt% hBN to 2.43 W/m·K for the 5 wt% hBN between 75°C and 250°C. Therefore, the hBN phase itself effectively optimized both dielectric and thermal properties at the same time and made the Al2O3/glass/hBN composites a promising candidate for the LTCC applications.
Geoffrey Gorer and the Study of Burma’s “Personality”

Abstract:During the Second World War, the British social anthropologist Geoffrey Gorer was commissioned by the US Office of War Information to write a “diagnostic study” of the “Burmese Personality”. His report made a strong impression at the time but, like its author, has now been forgotten. This article looks back at that exercise, its antecedents and its impact on perceptions of the country now known as Myanmar. It also notes how Gorer’s notions of “national character”, based on his idiosyncratic interpretation of Freudian teachings, continued to exercise some influence after the war. Echoes of such ideas can be found in more recent discussions of Myanmar’s “strategic culture” and claims by successive Myanmar governments to the country’s cultural distinctiveness.
Differential Tweetment: Mitigating Racial Dialect Bias in Harmful Tweet Detection

Automated systems for detecting harmful social media content are afflicted by a variety of biases, some of which originate in their training datasets. In particular, some systems have been shown to propagate racial dialect bias: they systematically classify content aligned with the African American English (AAE) dialect as harmful at a higher rate than content aligned with White English (WE). This perpetuates prejudice by silencing the Black community. Towards this problem we adapt and apply two existing bias mitigation approaches: preferential sampling pre-processing and adversarial debiasing in-processing. We analyse the impact of our interventions on model performance and propagated bias. We find that when bias mitigation is employed, a high degree of predictive accuracy is maintained relative to baseline, and in many cases bias against AAE in harmful tweet predictions is reduced. However, the specific effects of these interventions on bias and performance vary widely between dataset contexts. This variation suggests the unpredictability of autonomous harmful content detection outside of its development context. We argue that this, and the low performance of these systems at baseline, raise questions about the reliability and role of such systems in high-impact, real-world settings.
Preparation of arrowroot starch nanoparticles by butanol-complex precipitation, and its application as bioactive encapsulation matrix.

Arrowroot starch is one of Indonesia’s local native starches derived from the Maranta arundinaceae tubers. This starch has high amylose content, increasing its potential to produce nano-sized V-amylose starch by butanol-complexed precipitation. One of starch pretreatments is lintnerization to produce crystalline and low DP starch. The aim of this research was to find out the characteristics of arrowroot starch nanoparticles produced by butanol-complex precipitation of lintnerized starch and its application as an encapsulation matrix for herb extract. Treatments involved lintnerized starch concentration of 5 and 10%, resulted from 2 and 24 hours of lintnerization process, and then each starch was precipitated by n-butanol. Preparation of starch nanoparticles by butanol precipitation following lintnerization of arrowroot starch produced nanosize particles ranged from 78.6 nm to more than 538.7 nm (average 261.4 nm), showing non-granular morphologies, and consisting of high porosities, as well as changing its crystalline pattern and thermal properties. The amylose content and solubility increased but enzymatic digestibility decreased to below than 60%. The lower particle size and enzymatic digestibility with high porosity made aroowroot starch nanoparticles suitable as controlled release matrix for bioactive compound. Application of starch nanoparticles as an encapsulation matrix for andrographolide extract showed smooth and sphere morphology with the average size about 200 nm. The FTIR spectra showed carbonyl strecthing band at 1727cm-1 from and rographolide.
I agree with the decision, but they didn't deserve this: Future Developers' Perception of Fairness in Algorithmic Decisions

While professionals are increasingly relying on algorithmic systems for making a decision, on some occasions, algorithmic decisions may be perceived as biased or not just. Prior work has looked into the perception of algorithmic decision-making from the user's point of view. In this work, we investigate how students in fields adjacent to algorithm development perceive algorithmic decisionmaking. Participants (N=99) were asked to rate their agreement with statements regarding six constructs that are related to facets of fairness and justice in algorithmic decision-making in three separate scenarios. Two of the three scenarios were independent of each other, while the third scenario presented three different outcomes of the same algorithmic system, demonstrating perception changes triggered by different outputs. Quantitative analysis indicates that a) 'agreeing' with a decision does not mean the person 'deserves the outcome', b) perceiving the factors used in the decision-making as 'appropriate' does not make the decision of the system 'fair' and c) perceiving a system's decision as 'not fair' is affecting the participants' 'trust' in the system. In addition, participants found proportional distribution of benefits more fair than other approaches. Qualitative analysis provides further insights into that information the participants find essential to judge and understand an algorithmic decision-making system's fairness. Finally, the level of academic education has a role to play in the perception of fairness and justice in algorithmic decision-making.
Gyro: A Digital Spiking Neural Network Architecture for Multi-Sensory Data Analytics

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) that interact with the physical world in real-time make use of a multitude of sensors and often execute deep neural network workloads for perceiving the state of the environment. To increase UAV’s operations, it is required to execute these workloads in the most power-efficient manner. Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs) have been proposed as an alternative solution for the execution of deep neural networks in an energy-efficient way. We introduce Gyro, a digital event-driven architecture capable of executing spiking neural networks. The architecture is tailored towards sensory fusion applications and it is optimized for Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). In hardware, we demonstrate the performance of a sensory fusion task using a public dataset of bi-temporal optical-radar data for pixel-wise crop classification. We achieve an accuracy of 99,7%, a peak throughput of 31,82 Giga Synaptic Operations per Second (GSOPS) while consuming 50 pico Joule / Synaptic Operation (pJ/SO).
Functional reconstruction of human AML reveals stem cell origin and vulnerability of treatment-resistant MLL-rearranged leukemia

Chemoresistant human CD34−/lo/CD38+ MLL leukemic stem cells originate from HSCs and can be resensitized by targeting ABCC3 with fidaxomicin. An origin-al leukemia treatment strategy The heterogeneity of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has problematized understanding this cancer’s cell of origin and the role that this origin might play in the onset of treatment resistance. Zeisig et al. used cord blood and cells from patients with primary MLL-rearranged AML to determine that most MLL-AML cells are derived from either hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) or common myeloid progenitor cells. They further showed that the ABCC3 inhibitor fidaxomicin together with doxorubicin extended survival in mouse models of treatment resistant MLL-AML derived from specifically HSCs. This work could have implications for the clinical treatment of AML with MLL rearrangement. Chemoresistance remains the major challenge for successful treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Although recent mouse studies suggest that treatment response of genetically and immunophenotypically indistinguishable AML can be influenced by their different cells of origin, corresponding evidence in human disease is still largely lacking. By combining prospective disease modeling using highly purified human hematopoietic stem or progenitor cells with retrospective deconvolution study of leukemia stem cells (LSCs) from primary patient samples, we identified human hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and common myeloid progenitors (CMPs) as two distinctive origins of human AML driven by Mixed Lineage Leukemia (MLL) gene fusions (MLL-AML). Despite LSCs from either MLL-rearranged HSCs or MLL-rearranged CMPs having a mature CD34−/lo/CD38+ immunophenotype in both a humanized mouse model and primary patient samples, the resulting AML cells exhibited contrasting responses to chemotherapy. HSC-derived MLL-AML was highly resistant to chemotherapy and expressed elevated amounts of the multispecific anion transporter ABCC3. Inhibition of ABCC3 by shRNA-mediated knockdown or with small-molecule inhibitor fidaxomicin, currently used for diarrhea associated with Clostridium difficile infection, effectively resensitized HSC-derived MLL-AML toward standard chemotherapeutic drugs. This study not only functionally established two distinctive origins of human LSCs for MLL-AML and their role in mediating chemoresistance but also identified a potential therapeutic avenue for stem cell–associated treatment resistance by repurposing a well-tolerated antidiarrhea drug already used in the clinic.