Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dissemination of carbapenem-non-susceptible Acinetobacter baumannii isolates collected from educational hospitals in Qazvin province of Iran

Background: Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) is known as an opportunistic pathogen related to health-care-associated infection that has a high antibiotic resistance potential, notably against carbapenems that are widely used to combat A. baumannii infections. This study aimed to detect oxacillin-hydrolyzing (OXA) carbapenemases and metallo-β-lactamases (MBL) among carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii isolated strains and to determine their clonal relationship by repetitive extragenic palindromic PCR (rep-PCR). Methods: In the present study, a total of 211 non-repetitive isolates of A. baumannii were collected from Qazvin educational hospitals (2016–2017). The disk diffusion method was used to investigate the antibiotic susceptibility of studied strains, followed by the detection of MBL and OXA-type genes using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing methods. The rep-PCR method assessed the clonal relationship of carbapenem-non-susceptible A. baumannii isolates. Result: The obtained results showed that 87.2% and 86.7% of isolates were non-susceptible to imipenem and meropenem. The bla OXA-24 (93.5%) was the most frequent gene, followed by the bla OXA-23 (4.34%), bla IMP-1 (1.63%), and bla VIM-1 (0.54%). Meanwhile, bla OXA-58 and bla OXA-143 genes were not found. 81.5% and 66.1% of isolates contained ISAba1 upstream of the bla OXA-23 and bla OXA-58 genes, respectively. Rep-PCR results revealed the carbapenem non-susceptible isolates belonged to three distinct clones: A 171 (81%), B 34 (16.1%), and C 6 (2.8%). Conclusions: The results indicated a high prevalence of carbapenem-non-susceptible A. baumannii , with the emergence of the bla OXA-24 gene as the most common gene and the notable prevalence of MBL genes. These results revealed the need for appropriate therapeutic and infection control strategies and monitoring susceptibility patterns for controlling A. baumannii infections.
The impacts of algal control in catfish and percid aquaculture ponds

Over-fertilization, pond age, copper sulfate treatment, phosphorus and copper residual in the pond sediment, fish density, and cannibalism were among some possible causes of variations in larval percid survival and growth in 0.4 ha earthen ponds. In this study, we examined the inorganic fertilization effect on fish by comparing fish raised in the original 30 μg P/l treated ponds, to those raised in a reduced 20 μg P/l treated ponds, while keeping the weekly nitrogen level at 600 μg N/l. Results from 2001-2003 showed that at the end of the 5-6 wk production period, neither harvested fish length, weight, survival, ind/ha, nor yield was significantly different between treatments (P>0.05). Furthermore, monitoring fish growth showed no significant difference between treatments over the production season. Phytoplankton and zooplankton densities were higher in 30 μg P/l ponds than 20 μg P/l ponds, with a significant difference (P<0.05) in 2001 but not in 2002. Significantly lower Secchi depths and higher pH (P<0.05) was observed in 30 μg P/l ponds, while dissolved oxygen and temperature were similar between treatments. SRP, TP, NO3-N and NH4-N concentrations were similar between
I Trust You, Will You Trust Me? Asymmetry of Bilateral Trust and the Market for Technology

A substantial body of literature on the market for technology has highlighted the role of formal institutions on intellectual property rights. However, limited focus has been given to informal institutions when formal institutions are not well established. This study draws on the transaction cost perspective and theory of geography of innovation and examines the effect of interregion bilateral trust on technology transfer between pairs of provinces in China. We use data on all cross-province patent licensing deals in China between 2009 and 2019 and find that bilateral trust has a positive effect on the probability and size of interprovincial patent licensing. In addition, we find a stronger role of bilateral trust in facilitating the licensing in strategic emerging industries and with science-based patents. We also find that the effect of bilateral trust is stronger for distant patent licensing compared with neighboring ones. Our findings contribute to studies on the innovation outcomes of social trust by revealing the asymmetry side of trust in the market for technology.
Few-Shot Anomaly Detection via Personalization

Even with a plenty amount of normal samples, anomaly detection has been considered as a challenging machine learning task due to its one-class nature, i. e. , the lack of anomalous samples in training time. It is only recently that a few-shot regime of anomaly detection became feasible in this regard, e. g. , with a help from large vision-language pre-trained models such as CLIP, despite its wide applicability. In this paper, we explore the potential of large text-to-image generative models in performing few-shot industrial anomaly detection. Specifically, recent text-to-image models have shown unprecedented ability to generalize from few images to extract their common and unique concepts, and even encode them into a textual token to “personalize” the model: so-called textual inversion. Here, we question whether this personalization is specific enough to discriminate the given images from their potential anomalies, which are often, e. g. , open-ended, local, and hard-to-detect. We observe that standard textual inversion exhibits a weaker understanding in localized details within objects, which is not enough for detecting industrial anomalies accurately. Thus, we explore the utilization of model personalization to address anomaly detection and propose Anomaly Detection via Personalization (ADP). ADP enables extracting fine-grained local details shared in the images with simple-yet an effective regularization scheme from the zero-shot transferability of CLIP. We also propose a self-tuning scheme to further optimize the performance of our detection pipeline, leveraging synthetic data generated from the personalized generative model. Our experiments show that the proposed inversion scheme could achieve state-of-the-art results on two industrial anomaly benchmarks, MVTec-AD and VisA, in the regime of few normal samples.
Virtual Shake Robot: Simulating Dynamics of Precariously Balanced Rocks for Overturning and Large-displacement Processes

Understanding the dynamics of precariously balanced rocks (PBRs) is important for seismic hazard analysis and rockfall prediction. Utilizing a physics engine and robotic tools, we develop a virtual shake robot (VSR) to simulate the dynamics of PBRs during overturning and large-displacement processes. We present the background of physics engines and technical details of the VSR, including software architecture, mechanical structure, control system, and implementation procedures. Validation experiments show the median fragility contour from VSR simulation is within the 95% prediction intervals from previous physical experiments, when PGV/PGA is greater than 0.08 s. Using a physical mini shake robot, we validate the qualitative consistency of fragility anisotropy between the VSR and physical experiments. By overturning cuboids on flat terrain, the VSR reveals the relationship between fragility and geometric dimensions (e.g., aspect and scaling ratios). The ground motion orientation and lateral pedestal support affect PBR fragility. Large-displacement experiments estimate rock trajectories for different ground motions, which is useful for understanding the fate of toppled PBRs. Ground motions positively correlate with large displacement statistics such as mean trajectory length, mean largest velocity, and mean terminal distance. The overturning and large displacement processes of PBRs provide complementary methods of ground motion estimation.
Mesozoic and older rift basins on the SE Greenland Shelf offshore Ammassalik

Abstract Seismic reflection data and shallow cores from the SE Greenland margin show that rift basins formed by the mid- to Late Cretaceous in the offshore area near Ammassalik. Here termed the Ammassalik Basin, this contribution documents the area using reprocessed older shallow seismic reflection data together with a more recent, commercial deep seismic reflection profile. The data show that the basin is at least 4 km deep and may be regionally quite extensive. Interpretation of gravity anomaly data indicate that the basin potentially covers an area of nearly 100 000 km2. The sediments in the basins are at least of Cretaceous age, as indicated by a sample from just below the basalt cover that was dated as Albian. Dipping sediment layers in the basins indicate that older sediments are present. Comparison of the data to the conjugate Hatton margin where older basins are exposed beneath the volcanic cover shows similar stratigraphy of similar ages. Reconstructions of the position of the basin during the Permian–Triassic and Jurassic suggest that older sedimentary strata could also be possible. In contrast to the conjugate Hatton margin, possible older strata subcrop out below the seafloor along the shallow margin, providing a future opportunity to sample some of the oldest sediments to determine the onset of rifting between SE Greenland and the Hatton margin.
At the edge of a new ocean: post-volcanic evolution of the Palaeogene Kap Dalton Group, East Greenland

Following the extensive flood basalt volcanism that accompanied the onset of seafloor spreading and arrival of the proto-Icelandic hotspot in the North Atlantic region, marine sedimentation resumed during the early Middle Eocene. In East Greenland, post-basaltic sediments exposed at Kap Dalton and Savoia Halvo represent the scattered remains of a much more widespread, fluvial to shallow-marine succession. Deposition in the late Paleocene–Eocene was governed by a complex interplay between loading, thermal contraction of the oceanic crust, passage of the hotspot and eustatic sea-level changes. At Kap Dalton extrusion of Early Eocene, Chron C21r flood basalts was followed by subaerial erosion, creating an irregular relief dissected by fluvial channels. The area was transgressed during the early Middle Eocene and, during the Middle Eocene, a muddy, poorly oxygenated shelf was formed. The presence of clean quartz sandstones within the early post-basaltic succession indicates that areas with little or no basaltic cover became periodically exhumed. The depositional events documented in the Kap Dalton succession strengthen the possibility of Middle Eocene non-volcanic reservoir units being present in the offshore areas, lending support to the Eocene play in the northern North Atlantic region.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Accumulation inPhragmites australis Grown on Constructed Wetlandfor Sludge Stabilization

A pilot-scale constructed wetland was tested for the disposal and stabilization of sludge from a municipal wastewater treatment plant. The accumulation and distribution of sixteen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the plants of Phragmites australis grown on the wetland receiving the sludge was investigated in comparison with native plants without the sludge to examine the effectiveness using P. australis as PAHs bioaccumulator. The experiment lasted for three years and divided into three phases: year 1 was adjustment phase; year 2 was operational phase; year 3 was natural stabilization phase. Analysis of the distribution of PAHs in native P. australis showed that the sequence of PAHs content in the plants was leaves > stems > roots at 2583, 2198 and 899 µg/kg (DW), respectively. After two year load and one year natural stabilization, the PAHs content in the loaded sludge declined by 63%; the tested plants in the constructed wetland accumulated much more PAHs than native plants. The bioconcentration factor (BCF) of leaves was slightly higher than that of roots and stem i.e. 3.759, 3.518 and 3.368, respectively. The respective PAHs contents in the roots, stems and leaves of the tested P.australis were 7313, 7002 and 7814 µg/kg (DW), being 8.13, 3.19 and 3.02 times of that in the native one, respectively. The BCF of roots and stems of the low molecular weight (MW) PAHs (2–3 ring PAHs) predominated as 5.02 and 4.93 in all samples from the constructed wetland, while the BCF of middle-MW PAHs (4 ring PAHs) was 3.15 and 2.1, and that of high-MW PAHs (5–6 ring PAHs) was 2.29 and 2.63, respectively. In the leaves, the BCF of low-MW and middle-MW PAHs was 4.03 and 4.17, which was higher than 2.81 of high-WM PAHs. The results demonstrated that this plant can effectively remove PAHs from the sludge discharged to the wetland.
Exploring the Allure: What Drives Customers to Embrace Mobile Banking Apps?

This empirical investigation precisely explores the allure that drives customers to embrace mobile banking apps. This paper aims to examine the combined roles that perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, perceived security and trust, and perceived hedonic motivation play in the adoption of mobile banking apps. It also aims to determine the effect of perceived hedonic motivation as a mediating variable in the relationship between these factors and the allure to embrace mobile banking apps. The research employed a positivist research philosophy and a descriptive research design, utilizing a survey method. Data were collected from 409 users of mobile banking apps from Karnali Province, employing a purposive sampling technique. The study exclusively conducted inferential analysis, employing the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) technique to achieve its objectives. The study found a statistically significant positive impact of perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, perceived security and trust, and perceived hedonic motivation on the adoption of mobile banking apps. Additionally, it identified the complementary partial mediating role of hedonic motivation. It accentuated its supportive influence on the relationships between PEoU, PSaT, and PU, and the allure to embrace mobile banking apps. These findings offer actionable insights for practitioners seeking to enhance mobile banking apps' appeal and user experience, acknowledging the intricate interplay of factors that collectively shape consumer willingness in the dynamic digital finance landscape
Effects of polyphenolic maqui (Aristotelia chilensis) extract on the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome and activation of mast cells in a mouse model of Crohn’s disease-like colitis

Introduction Crohn’s disease (CD) involves activation of mast cells (MC) and NF-кB in parallel with the PPAR-α/NLRP3 inflammasome/IL-1β pathway in the inflamed colon. Whether polyphenols from maqui (Aristotelia chilensis) represent a natural alternative treatment for CD is unclear. Therefore, we used an animal model of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced CD-like colitis to investigate protective effects of maqui extract through monitoring NLRP3 inflammasome and MC activation in colon tissue. Methods Maqui extract was administered via orogastric route to mice after (post-Treatment group) or prior (pre-Treatment group) to TNBS-induction. Colon pathology was characterized by histoarchitectural imaging, disease activity index (DAI), and assessing NF-кB, p-NF-кB, PPAR-α/NLRP3 expression and IL-1β levels. Results Compared to mice treated with TNBS alone administration of anthocyanin-rich maqui extract improved the DAI, colon histoarchitecture and reduced both colon wet-weight and transmural inflammation. Induction with TNBS significantly increased colonic NLPR3 inflammasome activation, while co-treatment with maqui extract (either post- or pre-Treatment) significantly downregulated NLRP3, ASC and caspase-1 levels, which manifested as reduced colonic IL-1β levels. Supplemented maqui extract marginally diminished NF-кB activity in epithelial cells but reached statistical significance in immune cells (as judged by decreased NF-кB phosphorylation). PPAR-α signaling was largely unaffected by Maqui whereas MC infiltration into the colon mucosa and submucosa decreased and their level of degranulation was suppressed. Conclusion These outcomes show the post- and pre- Treatment effect of a polyphenolic extract rich in anthocyanins from maqui the acute phase of TNBS- induced CD-like colitis is linked to suppression of the NLRP3 inflammasome and reduced MC responses. These data indicate that maqui extract represents a potential nutraceutical for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Closing the gap, are we there yet? Reflections on the persistence of second-level digital divide among adolescents in Central and Eastern Europe.

Although the divides in Internet access seem to have diminished, there are still significant differences in terms of the digital skills the young users possess (Hargittai, 2002). Drawing upon the data collected in the EU Kids Online II project, the present chapter investigates the differences in digital competencies and self-confidence of teenagers in four countries in Central and Eastern Europe: Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria and Poland. Building on a conflict perspective which emphasizes how Internet use, understood like a package of particular knowledge and skills, plays an important role in maintaining inequalities (Witte & Mannon, 2009), our study showed that parental background accounts for differences in their own use of internet but also in the digital skills of their children. Moreover, the results showed that adult patterns of internet use reproduce rather than challenge class advantages or disadvantages that parents pass on their children. Finally, children-specific differentiations of use contribute to the deepening of the divides.
Effect of the Pretreatment on the Properties of Cement-Based Recycled Powder

Three pretreatment methods including calcination, carbonization, and a carbonization-calcination combined pretreatment were studied to understand the pretreatment mechanisms for cement-based recycled powder (CRP). The mineral and microstructure of the CRP sample were investigated through X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermal gravity (TG) analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) after exposure to different thermal temperatures (400 °C, 600 °C, and 800 °C), carbonization times (6 h, 1 d, and 3 d), and pre-carbonization for 1 d followed by heating at 800 °C. The results showed that the optimal thermal pretreatment temperature was approximately 720–800 °C. Through the process of calcination, the C-S-H, Ca(OH)2, and CaCO3 minerals in the CRP sample underwent decomposition to produce CaO or C2S. During carbonation, the pretreatment not only results in the increased production of CaCO3 owing to the reaction of the C-S-H gel and Ca(OH)2 with CO2, but also enhances its properties and the strength of chemical bond between CaCO3 and the post-hydration products. Both CaCO3 and CaO were present after the combined pretreatment, which indicates that the CaCO3 mineral formed superior stability after it had been pre-carbonated. Due to fewer impurities in CRP, the positive effect of the pretreatment on CRP was significantly better than that on recycled powder derived from construction and demolition waste.
Website quality and user satisfaction: A higher education perspective

At the forefront of this digital revolution stands the omnipresent website, a virtual gateway that transcends geographical boundaries, providing us unparalleled access to information and services from anywhere on the globe. In this increasingly interconnected world, websites have become the digital storefronts and first impressions of entities, be they businesses, organizations, or individuals. Consequently, people often make swift and decisive judgments about an agency based solely on its online presence's user experience and interface design. Given how quickly the internet is developing, the online quality of an academic university website is essential to student satisfaction. This study explores the intricate relationship between student satisfaction and academic university website quality (usability quality, information quality, service interaction quality, and user satisfaction). It provides a detailed analysis of the student experience. We use multiple regression with a sample size of 104 student respondents. This study uses factual data and student input to analyze significant areas of academic university websites. The results show that user satisfaction with website quality is positively significant to user satisfaction. Repetitive interactions are more common on websites that excel in usability, accessibility, and responsiveness. We hope this research can help developers to improve academic university websites.
Phylogenetic Synecdoche Demonstrates Optimality of Subsampling and Improves Recovery of the Blaberoidea Phylogeny

Phylogenomics seeks to use next-generation data to robustly infer an organism’s evolutionary history. Yet, the practical caveats of phylogenomics motivates investigation of improved efficiency, particularly when quality of phylogenies are questionable. To achieve improvements, one goal is to maintain or enhance the quality of phylogenetic inference while severely reducing dataset size. We approach this goal by designing an optimized subsample of data with an experimental design whose results are determined on the basis of phylogenetic synecdoche − a comparison of phylogenies inferred from a subsample to phylogenies inferred from the entire dataset. We examine locus mutation rate, saturation, evolutionary divergence, rate heterogeneity, selection, and a priori information content as traits that may determine optimality. Our controlled experimental design is based on 265 loci for 102 blaberoidean cockroaches and 22 outgroup species. High phylogenetic utility is demonstrated by loci with high mutation rate, low saturation, low sequence distance, low rate heterogeneity, and low selection. We found that some phylogenetic information content estimators may not be meaningful for assessing information content a priori. We use these findings to design concatenated datasets with an optimized subsample of 100 loci. The tree inferred from the optimized subsample alignment was largely identical to that inferred from all 265 loci but with less evidence of long branch attraction and improved statistical support. In sum, optimized subsampling can improve tree quality while reducing data collection costs and yielding 4-6x improvements to computation time in tree inference and bootstrapping.
Theory and Experiments on Multi-Ion Permeation and Selectivity in the NaChBac Ion Channel

The highly selective permeation of ions through biological ion channels is an unsolved problem of noise and fluctuations. In this paper, we motivate and introduce a non-equilibrium and self-consistent multi-species kinetic model, with the express aims of comparing with experimental recordings of current versus voltage and concentration and extracting important permeation parameters. For self-consistency, the behavior of the model at the two-state, i.e., selective limit in linear response, must agree with recent results derived from an equilibrium statistical theory. The kinetic model provides a good fit to data, including the key result of an anomalous mole fraction effect.