Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A consensus Covid-19 immune signature combines immuno-protection with discrete sepsis-like traits associated with poor prognosis

Person-to-person transmission of SARS-CoV-2 virus has triggered a global emergency because of its potential to cause life-threatening Covid-19 disease. By comparison to pauci-symptomatic virus clearance by most individuals, Covid-19 has been proposed to reflect insufficient and/or pathologically exaggerated immune responses. Here we identify a consensus peripheral blood immune signature across 63 hospital-treated Covid-19 patients who were otherwise highly heterogeneous. The core signature conspicuously blended adaptive B cell responses typical of virus infection or vaccination with discrete traits hitherto associated with sepsis, including monocyte and dendritic cell dampening, and hyperactivation and depletion of discrete T cell subsets. This blending of immuno-protective and immuno-pathogenic potentials was exemplified by near-universal CXCL10/IP10 upregulation, as occurred in SARS1 and MERS. Moreover, specific parameters including CXCL10/IP10 over-expression, T cell proliferation, and basophil and plasmacytoid dendritic cell depletion correlated, often prognostically, with Covid-19 progression, collectively composing a resource to inform SARS-CoV-2 pathobiology and risk-based patient stratification.
Image-based modelling of inhaler deposition during respiratory exacerbation

For many of the one billion sufferers of respiratory diseases worldwide, managing their disease with inhalers improves their ability to breathe. Poor disease management and rising pollution can trigger exacerbations which require urgent relief. Higher drug deposition in the throat instead of the lungs limits the impact on patient symptoms. To optimise delivery to the lung, patient-specific computational studies of aerosol inhalation can be used. However in many studies, inhalation modelling does not represent an exacerbation, where the patient's breath is much faster and shorter. Here we compare differences in deposition of inhaler particles in the airways of a healthy male, female lung cancer and child cystic fibrosis patient. We aimed to evaluate deposition differences during an exacerbation with image-based healthy and diseased patient models. We found that during an exacerbation, particles progressing to the lower airways were distributed similarly to those inhaled during healthy breathing, but fewer in quantity. Throat deposits were halved in the healthy patient compared to the diseased patients under extreme inhalation, due to changes in the detailed shape of the throat. Our results identify that the modelled upper airway must be patient-specific, and an exacerbating profile tested for optimal measurement of reliever inhaler deposition.
Why Unmanned Aircraft Systems Failed for a Century?

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) will be the dominating force multiplier of the future air power. When the background of the technology and concept is researched, it can be seen historical systems complying with modern description of UAS started almost at same years with manned aircraft. UAS used in different operational functions such as intelligence reconnaissance surveillance (ISR), air to ground attack, electronic warfare, suppression of enemy air defense (SEAD) etc. in history and never followed an uninterrupted development line. UAS world today seems to be reinventing these concepts. This paper is trying to analyze the reasons of failures of many projects of the history. Determining the factors preventing the success of historical UAS, may provide a different point of view to planners, decision makers, UAS industry and scholars for current UAS development and procurement phases.
Elecronic Word-of-Mouth

ABSTRACT The important influence of peer recommendations on consumer purchases has been strongly established. However, recent growth in electronic discussion boards has increased the potential for electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) between people who have never met. This study examines and compares the extent of eWOM on electronic discussion boards within U.S. and China based websites. Using online surveys (N = 214) and observation of discussion postings (N = 3029), data was collected from the “Digital Photography” discussion boards on eBay, Yahoo, and Google (U.S. based websites) and EachNet, Sina, and Netease (China based websites). The findings indicated both similarities and differences in the information giving and seeking behaviors, with the U.S. participants more likely to provide information than Chinese participants, resulting in the U.S. based discussion boards containing a richer source of information relative to requests.
Towards Heterogeneous Deterministic Replay for Symmetric Multiprocessors

A program can be recorded and then deterministically replayed. This is used for debugging applications and detecting the cause of bugs or errors after they were observed. During recording, all non-deterministic events are stored for later replay. Upon replay, this allows the program to behave exactly like the recording, down to the instruction level. A detailed analysis of the program is possible during replay. To improve the analysis results, it can be done in a different environment than the recording while preserving the exact instruction flow. In this master thesis, the ability to extend a heterogeneous record and replay system with multi-core support is evaluated. To make memory race conditions deterministic, a chunk based protocol is evaluated with which a transactional memory is simulated in the hypervisor. No hardware modifications are required for this. A prototype is implemented based on QEMU that records a virtual machine and replays the recording in an emulator. It is shown that recording on a virtual machine causes low memory overhead and acceptable performance overhead. The scalability of the system is shown to be good for processor numbers that are currently used in virtual machines, although for high numbers of processors this solution does not scale. It is validated that a correct replay is possible in an emulated environment.
Pathogen Reduction and Factors Responsible for Pathogen Reduction in Dairy Farm Operations Treating Dairy Manure

Manure management at large dairy operations presents a challenge; there is an increasing interest among farm managers for reuse of their manure and other farm residuals as low-cost bedding materials. A significant barrier preventing more widespread adoption of this technology is ambiguity in regards to the presence of disease-causing agents that may sicken animals and reduce farm milk production. In this study, pathogen reduction was correlated to the operational parameters of different manure management techniques at three different dairy farms in northern New York State. Two log order reductions of Campylobacter, Enterococcus, Klebsiella, and fecal Bacteroidetes concentrations were achieved during composting or mesophilic anaerobic digestion of organic material. Effluent concentrations for the specific pathogens ranged between 1E3 to 1E2 g-1 dry solids and 1E6 g-1 dry solids for fecal Bacteroidetes for both treatment systems. Bacterial concentrations in freestall barn bedding was lowest for the farm using clean sand only, followed by the farm that recycles bedding sand after sand separation, and the farm that uses bedding with composted manure solids. Pathogen concentrations were strongly correlated to moisture content, volatile solids content, and sample type (organic versus inorganic samples).
A Survey of Potential Bacterial Hazards in Salad Vegetables Sold in Lusaka District, Zambia, in 2018

Salad vegetables are a source of fresh nutrition and can also serve a vehicle for foodborne pathogens. This was a cross-sectional study conducted in February and March 2018 aimed at isolating some enteropathogens from some salad vegetables. Ten samples of each salad vegetable (carrots, cabbage, cucumbers, and tomatoes) were collected from two supermarkets and two open-markets. A total of 160 samples were collected and analyzed microbiologically for the presence of Shigella spp, Vibrio app, and Salmonella spp. The isolated bacteria were identified by conventional biochemical tests. Vibrio spp were isolated from all the vegetables that were collected from both the two open markets (62.5% and 72.5%) and two supermarkets (67.5% and 77.5%), with the highest isolation rate recorded in cabbages. The frequency of occurrence of Shigella spp and Salmonella spp was higher in supermarkets (50% and 65%; 50% and 15%) than in the open markets (10% and 7.5%; 10% and 35%), respectively. The present study revealed the presence of potential bacterial hazards in salad vegetables sold in both open markets and supermarkets in Lusaka district. The isolated bacterial pathogens are aetiological agents of diarrheal disease that even at low dose could be infectious for sensitive populations.
REPRODUCTIVE CYCLE OF THE CUTTLEFISH, SEPIA OFFICINALIS (L.) IN THE NORTHERN PART OF THE BAY OF BISCAY

The sexual cycle of the cuttlefish, Sepia officinalis, from the northern part of the Bay of Biscay was followed over several years (1988 to 1990 and 1992 to 1993). Successive maturity stages are reached at the same time regardless of site in the northern part of the Bay. In this area, the majority of cuttlefish reproduce during their second year of life (group II) whereas the remainder reproduce in their first year (group I). The first visible signs of sexual development concern the testis in males and the genital tract in females. Males mature earlier than females: the first spermatophores appear in July (group II) and October (group I) while mature eggs appear from December (group II) and March (group I). The breeding season lasts from about mid-March to late June (3.5 months).
Therapeutic effectiveness of interferon-alpha2b against COVID-19: the Cuban experience

Background Effective therapies are needed to control the SARS-Cov-2 infection pandemic and reduce mortality associated with COVID-19. Several clinical studies have provided evidence for the antiviral effects of type I interferons (IFNs) in patients with respiratory coronaviruses. This study assessed the therapeutic efficacy of IFN-alpha 2b in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 during the first month after the outbreak began in Cuba. Method This multicenter prospective observational study was conducted in 16 hospitals in 8 Cuban provinces. Participants were patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection detected from throat swab specimens by real time RT-PCR who gave informed consent and had no contraindications for IFN treatment. Patients received therapy as per the Cuban COVID protocol, that included a combination of oral antivirals (lopinavir/ritonavir and chloroquine) with intramuscular administration of IFN-alpha 2b (Heberon Alpha R, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana), 3 times per week, for 2 weeks. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients discharged from hospital (without clinical and radiological symptoms and non-detectable virus by RT-PCR). The secondary endpoint was the case fatality rate (CFR), defined as the number of confirmed deaths divided by the number of confirmed cases. Results From March 11th to April 14th, 814 patients were confirmed SARS-CoV-2 positive in Cuba, 761 (93.4%) were treated with Heberon Alpha R and 53 received the approved protocol without IFN treatment. The proportion of fully recovered patients was higher in the IFN-treated compared with non-IFN treated group (95.4% vs 26.1%, p<0.01). The CFR for all patients was 2.95%, and for those patients who received IFN-alpha 2b the CFR was reduce to 0.92. The estimated global CFR is 6.34% and 4.05% for the Americas reported by WHO and PAHO, respectively. In this study, 82 patients (10.1%) required intensive care and, of these, 42 (5.5%) were treated with IFN. Conclusions This report provides preliminary evidence for the therapeutic effectiveness of IFN alpha-2b for COVID-19 and suggests that the use of Heberon Alpha R may contribute to complete recovery.
Primed, but not engaged: the poor performance of self-efficacy primes in promoting civic engagement, in a laboratory experiment in Uganda

Civic engagement is considered an important element of a healthy polity. Yet, many attempts to induce it fail, and experimental evidence on ‘what works’ to induce it is limited. Further, most experimental studies in this area of research focus on self-reported or low-cost proxy behavior outcomes. This paper describes a laboratory experiment with 809 participants to measure the impact of short behaviorally-informed messages on civic engagement in Uganda. We randomly assign participants to three treatment audio messages, applying different self-efficacy enhancing techniques, and one control audio, and measure their effect on two primary components of civic engagement: a lab measure of attention to political and pre-political information, and a real-world activity measure: attendance at a community meeting. We find that short audio messages can prompt people to pay more attention to pre-political information, but do not encourage overall civic engagement behavior, and some treatments produce a significant negative effect on our measures of engagement. We also find that a rights-focused message, closely modelling current civil society practice, does not generate increased civic engagement. We conclude that one-off behaviorally informed audio messages are insufficient to generate civic engagement in this context. JEL Codes: ​D72; D91; P48
COVID-19 Disease in Children: Clinical Course, Diagnosis and Treatment Overview and Literature Data Compilation

When compared with SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2 is a highly contagious infection agent. Although MERS-CoV infection is known to have higher mortality, SARS-CoV-2 has spread to many people all over the world in a very short time. In addition to this, SARS-CoV-2 (like SARS-CoV and MERS) infects less children and results in milder clinic than in adults. Although the reason of it is not known, difference in their immunities or being less likely to be exposed to the source of the infection is thought to be the reason. However, it should not be forgotten that children can contribute to the spread of infection among adults and population, along with being mostly asymptomatic.
The Role of Information Access and Awareness of Informal Financial Services on Economic Empowerment of Rural Women Groups Affiliated To Joyful Women Organization in Kericho County, Kenya

Rural women are exposed to economic disability yet they form the majority of the rural population. Globally, women contribute greatly to the domestic agricultural output and family food security. Several studies from Sub-Saharan Africa showed that rural women are credit constrained than men of equivalent socioeconomic conditions.Empowerment and improvement of women's socio-economic status is important for achievement of the necessary rural Development. In Kenya informal financial services concept has taken root with recent adoption of Joyful Women Organisation to provide financial resources to rural women to engage in livelihood projects. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of informal financial services to the economic empowerment of rural women entrepreneurs in Kenya. To achieve the purpose, the study carried out the following specific objective; to assess the role of information access and awareness of informal financial services on economic empowerment of rural women entrepreneurs in Kericho County. The study used a survey design and targets rural women who are members of groups that subscribe to (JoyWO). The target population was 1040 members of women spread in 65 groups. Stratified sampling method was used to sample out 153 women. The study was carried out in Kericho County. The main instruments of data collection were the questionnaire, focus group questionnaire, and use of interview schedule for key informants. A pre-test of the questionnaire was carried out in a similar setting in Nakuru County to test the reliability of the instrument. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics, frequency distributions, chi-square and multiple linear regressions with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The results of the study showed that there was a significant relationship between information access and economic empowerment (χ=23.508, df= 9, P=0.005). The researcher therefore failed to accept the null hypothesis. Hence there was a significant relationship between information access and economic empowerment.The study recommends that the policy makers see the need to link formal institutions with the emerging informal ones so as to improve on capital sustainability, accessibility and finally positive financial values.The formal institutions should encourage the rural women that have negative attitudes towards formal finance by removing barriers, bureaucracy and making provisions for flexibility in accessing funds and addressing the needs of the customer; this may involve the CBK being the regulatory agency. At the same time the formal banks should have less procedures and less paperwork in establishing the credit worth of the client and have flexible loans.The study will be helpful to groups and their members in streamlining their lending, saving and borrowing programmes.
NF‐κB modulates lipopolysaccharide‐induced microglial nerve growth factor expression

Microglia/brain macrophages activated in response to injury, infection, or inflammation of the central nervous system (CNS) mediate both neurotoxic and neurotrophic activities. Although the cytotoxic effects of microglia have been analyzed in detail, little is known about the signaling pathways involved in microglial neurotrophin expression. Using purified rat microglial cell cultures, the effects of inflammatory agents such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on microglial nerve growth factor (NGF) expression were studied. Application of LPS (0.1–100 ng/ml) induced a rapid (2–4 h), dose‐dependent increase in NGF mRNA expression followed by enhanced release of NGF protein within 24 h. To determine whether the transcription factor NF‐κB, known to be stimulated in activated microglia, is involved in inflammatory mediator‐induced NGF expression, we used the NF‐κB inhibitor pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC). Addition of PDTC (100 μM) to microglia completely abolished LPS‐induced NGF synthesis, suggesting a key role for NF‐κB in microglial NGF expression by inflammatory mediators. In conclusion, NF‐κB‐controlled NGF expression by activated microglia appears to contribute to the cross‐talk between the immune and nervous systems during inflammation in the CNS. GLIA 22:401–407, 1998. © 1998 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Morphology and Ultrastructure of Secreting and Nonsecreting Foliar Trichomes of Helichrysum aureonitens (Asteraceae)

Electron microscopical examination of foliar appendages of Helichrysum aureonitens Sch. Bip. has revealed two types of trichomes. The nonsecreting type consisting of four cells form a dense mass of long, fibrous hairs, covering the entire surface of the shoot. The glandular secreting type are few in number, club shaped, and consist of several cells. Glandular trichomes consist of secretory cells with dense cytoplasm, free ribosomes, numerous cisternae of endoplasmic reticulum, and scattered mitochondria. Secretions accumulate in a cavity beneath a sheath derived from separation of the cuticularized outer wall surface of the top tier of secretory cells and are released to the outside when the cavity ruptures. Only the apical pair of cells participate in secretion. Cells of both types have plastids without thylakoids. We hypothesize that the active therapeutic compounds (probably flavonoids) secreted by H. aureonitens are produced by the endoplasmic reticulum in the glandular trichomes.
Oligosaccharide Profile in Fruits and Vegetables as Sources of Prebiotics and Functional Foods

Low molecular weight carbohydrates including sugar alcohols and mono-, di- and oligosaccharides, in particular fructooligosaccharides and raffinose-family oligosaccharides, were determined in 32 fruits and 41 vegetables. Vegetables generally contained less monosaccharides than fruits. Sorbitol was detected in 18 fruits, xylitol in 15, while mannitol was found only in watermelon. On the other hand, sorbitol was found in 12, xylitol in 16, and mannitol in 14 vegetables. Cluster analysis was applied to categorized fruit and vegetables according to their content. Blueberry, pear, watermelon, and nectarine from the fruits; and garlic, spring garlic, leek, white onion, and scallion from the vegetables formed statistically significant clusters reach in oligosaccharides. Most fruits contained low amounts of fructooligosaccharides. The highest content of fructooligosaccharides was found in nectarine (0.89 ± 0.031 g/100 g fresh weight). The vegetable with the highest quantity of fructooligosaccharides was scallion (3.32 ± 0.108 g/100 g fresh weight). White onion (2.24 ± 0.092 g/100 g fresh weight) and scallion (4.10 ± 0.147 g/100 g fresh weight) were found to have relatively high fractions of fructooligosaccharides and raffinose-family oligosaccharides, while Jerusalem artichoke, chicory root, and garlic distinguished themselves by the highest fructan levels, 8.99 ± 0.238 g/100 g fresh weight, 8.40 ± 0.186 g/100 g fresh weight, and 7.51 ± 0.209 g/100 g fresh weight, respectively. These foods could be exploited as potential sources for commercial extractions of prebiotics which can be used as ingredients for functional food products.
Factors Related to Self-care in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive survey of 118 outpatients with type 2 diabetes in national university hospital C in Korea. Data were collected from self-report questionnaires covering information on demographics, self-care, and self-efficacy. Additional data were collected from medical records including information on HbA1c, fasting blood glucose levels, and cholesterol levels. Collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and multiple regression using SPSS/WIN version 22.0 software.
Genotype X Environment Interaction and Stability Analysis in Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.]

Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp. ) is the important grain legume which occupies a major place in dietary requirement. It is cultivated in varied agro climatic conditions ranging from moisture stress and input starved conditions to irrigated conditions. In India, this crop occupies 4.43 million hectare area with total production of 4.25 million tones (Directorate of Economics and Statistics), where as in the world, it occupies an area of 7.02 million hectare with total production 6.80 million tones having productivity of 969 kg/ha respectively (FAO STAT). Gene action and phenotypically stable genotypes are of great importance, because the environmental conditions vary from region to region. The stability is the consistency in performance of a variety over a wide range of environments (Singh and Chaudhary, 1985). Genotype may react to variable environments in such a way that its development is buffered against International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 9 Number 4 (2020) Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas. com