Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A comprehensive data-driven model of cat primary visual cortex

Knowledge integration based on the relationship between structure and function of the neural substrate is one of the main targets of neuroinformatics and data-driven computational modeling. However, the multiplicity of data sources, the diversity of benchmarks, the mixing of observables of different natures, and the necessity of a long-term, systematic approach make such a task challenging. Here we present a first snapshot of a long-term integrative modeling program designed to address this issue in the domain of the visual system: a comprehensive spiking model of cat primary visual cortex. The presented model satisfies an extensive range of anatomical, statistical and functional constraints under a wide range of visual input statistics. In the presence of physiological levels of tonic stochastic bombardment by spontaneous thalamic activity, the modelled cortical reverberations self-generate a sparse asynchronous ongoing activity that quantitatively matches a range of experimentally measured statistics. When integrating feed-forward drive elicited by a high diversity of visual contexts, the simulated network produces a realistic, quantitatively accurate interplay between visually evoked excitatory and inhibitory conductances; contrast-invariant orientation-tuning width; center surround interactions; and stimulus-dependent changes in the precision of the neural code. This integrative model offers insights into how the studied properties interact, contributing to a better understanding of visual cortical dynamics. It provides a basis for future development towards a comprehensive model of low-level perception. 2 Author summary Computational modeling can integrate fragments of understanding generated by experimental neuroscience. However, most models considered only a few features of neural computation at a time, leading to either poorly constrained models with many parameters, or lack of expressiveness in over-simplified models. A solution is to develop detailed models, but constrain them with a broad range of anatomical and functional data to prevent overfitting. This requires a long-term systematic approach. Here we present a first snapshot of such an integrative program: a large-scale spiking model of cat primary visual cortex, that is constrained by an extensive range of anatomical and functional features. Together with the associated modeling infrastructure, this study lays the groundwork for a broad integrative modeling program seeking an in-depth understanding of vision.
Equivalence Testing of a Youth Risk and Needs Assessment

Truancy can have a detrimental impact on student outcomes. Risk assessments are used to identify behavioral and emotional problems associated with school truancy. Although imperative for informing decisions about student’s welfare, risk assessments generally lack substantial validity evidence. Specifically, supporting score interpretation across cultural groups through measurement invariance (MI) is needed for such assessments. This study examined MI, specifically factor invariance (FI), of the Washington Assessment of the Risks and Needs of Students (WARNS) across African American, Latinx, and Caucasian students using confirmatory factor analysis with traditional FI criteria and the equivalence testing (ET) procedure. Results from traditional criteria suggested that the factor structure is similar across groups. The ET procedure demonstrated minor model misspecifications.
Zinc and iron-mediated alleviation water deficiency of maize by modulating antioxidant metabolism

Microelements are inorganic compounds involved in the synthesis of enzymes and biologically active substances. To evaluate the physiological responses of maize to ZnSO4 and FeSO4 under drought stress, a field experiment was conducted on maize plants grown under different soil moistures and treated with foliar ZnSO4 and FeSO4 applications. Drought stress especially at early seed growth stage significantly reduced grain yield and Fv/Fm ratio; however, the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione reductase (GR) was enhanced under drought stress. Foliar applied ZnSO4 and FeSO4 boosted the grain yield under non irrigation at vegetative growth stage and at early seed growth stage, respectively. Between grain yield and MDA concentration (r= -0.73), superoxide dismutase (r= -0.57), peroxidase (r= -0.49), H2O2 (r= -0.67) and catalase enzyme (r= -0.42) significant and negative correlation were observed. Combined application of ZnSO4 and FeSO4 resulted in alleviation of maize plant drought stress by Zn and Fe-mediated improvement in photosynthetic attributes. In addition, the foliar application of ZnSO4 and FeSO4 regulated physiological processes in maize plants and alleviated the adverse effects of water stress. According to the results, ZnSO4 and FeSO4 could be used for improving maize growth under drought stress.
Genetic diversity of Polish cultivars of common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) based on molecular and protein markers

Knowledge of the composition subunits of proteins glutenins makes it much easier to determine the quality and suitability of the final product obtained from gluten. It is important to remember that not only molecular processes model gluten protein polymorphism. In this study, the genetic diversity of Polish common wheat cultivars was examined at the level of DNA and glutenin’s proteins HMW-GS. The SDS-PAGE and RAPD bands were evaluated in binary matrix, which was the basis for further analysis of results, using appropriate measures of variability: Q-Cochran test (Cochran, 1950), p < 0.05; I-Shannon index; Si-Similarity index; PIC-Polymorphism Information Content; (PCA-Principal component analysis). Both types of markers proved to be useful in the overall assessment of genetic variability between tested of common wheat cultivars. The general genetic diversity indicates that good candidates with unique composition of HMW-GS subunits were selected among the examined cultivars and three OPA-02, OPA-03, OPB-08 primers with the highest power differentiating for the studied genotypes were selected. Results of the research revealed the potentials of RAPD and SDS-PAGE technique in determining genetical diversity and make a suitable qualitative assessment of common wheat cultivars.
Organ Dose Conversion Coefficients Calculated for Korean Pediatric and Adult Voxel Phantoms Exposed to External Photon Fields

Background: Dose conversion coefficients (DCCs) have been commonly used to estimate radiation-dose absorption by human organs based on physical measurements of fluence or kerma. The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) has reported a library of DCCs, but few studies have been conducted on their applicability to non-Caucasian populations. In the present study, we collected a total of 8 Korean pediatric and adult voxel phantoms to calculate the organ DCCs for idealized external photon-irradiation geometries.
Toward Cognitive Management Accounting

This paper examines the impact of cognitive technologies in management accounting. The purpose of the research was to create the current management accountant skills model. The main contributions of this paper are the literature study of the future of management accounting, the study of the impact of cognitive technologies on management accounting, the labor market research, and the current management accountant skills model. The purpose of the literature study was to highlight the opportunities and challenges of the application of cognitive technologies to management accounting and the role of cognitive abilities in the management accountant profession. The labor market study was conducted in order to analyze the impact of cognitive technologies on the management accountant profession and identify the core skills required. The paper fulfills the research gap regarding the impact of cognitive information technologies on management accounting and the management accountant profession in terms of smart and sustainable organization conception. The number of job positions with cognitive analytic skills, big data skills, cognitive abilities, and additional skills and competencies was identified. Although the research reveals differences in the demand for skills and abilities among the studied countries, the common skills model for managerial accountants was successfully created.
Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA / DHA) and Vitamin E Addition on the Growth Performance and the Larvae Performance of Cyprinus carpio L.

This study was conducted in earthen ponds of shrimp hatchery belonging to the Basrah Agricultural Directorate, to find out the effect using of food additives omega-3 and Vitamin E on the performance of the growth and the quality of the produced larvae of the common carp Cyprinus carpio L. Three treatments were used, the first treatment (T1) represented control without any food additives, the second treatment (T2) contained 5gm.Kg-1 diet of omega-3 fatty acids and the third treatment (T3) contained Vit. E was added at 200 mg.Kg-1 diet. The experiment lasted for 82 days. For each treatment three replicate were used and six common carp brood stock in each replicate. The productive parameters (body weight, weight gain, feed conversion rate, feed efficiency ratio% and specific and relative growth rate%) were measured. Results indicated an improvement in all production parameters and in the feed conversion efficiency of for T2 and T3, compared with the T1. The weight gain (526.39 gm.fish-1), feed conversion rate was 3.61 and feed efficiency ratio was 28.13% for the T2 which showed a significant differences (P 0.05 ) in comparison with both treatments T1 and T2; the specific and relative growth rate for T2 were 0.32%. day-1 and 30.81 %. day-1 respectively showed also a significant differences (P<0.05) compared with the control. These results showed that addition Vit. E to the diet improved the production parameters of common carp larvae better than in omega-3 and control treatments. The study concluded that addition omega-3 fatty acids at a concentration of 5gm Kg -1, and Vit. E at a concentration of 200 mg kg-1 to the diet enhanced the growth rates of common carp and improved larvae production.
Glaucomatous Macular Vasculature: A Quantitative Analysis

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of the macular vessel density (VD) and the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) in glaucoma quantitatively using the optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A). Methods: Twenty-five eyes of 13 patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and 12 eyes of 6 healthy participants were enrolled retrospectively. Functional visual field (VF) and structural Spectral-Domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness (RNFLT) were assessed in all participants. OCT-A was performed on a fovea centered, 15x10 degrees, macular region. OCT-A scans were processed with MATLAB software and automatically graded to define FAZ parameters. The parafoveal VD in the superficial and deep retinal vascular plexus (SVP and DVP) was analyzed by quadrant and circular segmented zones. Results: Foveal Avascular Zone -Major Axis Length (p=0.02), Area (p=0.04), Equivalent Diameter (p=0.04) and Perimeter (p=0.04) were significantly larger in glaucoma than the control group. Regarding SVP and DVP, the average macular total VD were lower in glaucoma patients compared to the control group (p<0.01; p<0.01). Additionally, the inner circular region (p=0.04; p<0.01 respectively for SVP and DVP) and all quadrants except for North had a lower VD in glaucoma group compared to the control group. Assessment of the total VD successfully predicted RNFLT (p<0.001) and was significantly associated with the probability of glaucoma (p=0.009). Conclusion: OCT-A parameters, namely the FAZ morphology and the macular VD, were associated with glaucomatous functional and structural changes. The macular VD showed a considerable diagnostic value. It may be a modern biomarker, representing microvascular network disruption of the macular perfusion in glaucoma.
Conformational switching of CD81 controls its function as a receptor for hepatitis C virus

CD81 is a multifunctional protein that plays a central role in both physiological and pathological processes. Recent structural analysis of CD81 indicates that it adopts a compact fold with its large extracellular loop sitting close to the plasma membrane; however, there is evidence that CD81 can undergo a conformational switch where the extracellular loop flips into an extended open conformation. We investigated the relevance of CD81 conformational switching to its function as a receptor for hepatitis C virus (HCV). Structure-led mutagenesis was used to generate CD81 variants with altered conformational switching. Each variant maintained proper protein folding and expression, and retained a basic function: the ability to chaperone CD19 to the cell surface. We then used multiple systems to evaluate HCV receptor activity; in these experiments ‘open’ CD81 variants exhibited consistently poor receptor function, whereas a ‘closed’ CD81 displayed enhanced ability to support HCV entry. We sought to corroborate these findings by exploring CD81 structural flexibility using molecular dynamics simulations. These experiments were in excellent agreement with our in vitro work, with ‘open’ CD81 variants having a propensity to undergo conformational switching. Taken together, we provide evidence for a conformational switch in CD81 that regulates its HCV receptor activity. This work furthers our understanding of the molecular mechanism of HCV entry and is relevant to CD81’s other functions in health and disease.
A review of recent advances in computational and experimental analysis of first adsorbed water layer on solid substrate

ABSTRACT The interactions at the water/solid interface is of great importance to a broad range of scientific phenomena and technological processes in astrophysics, electrochemistry, corrosion, lubrication, and heterogeneous catalysis. Tremendous research interest has been dedicated to comprehending the behaviours of water molecules near solid surfaces, particularly the first adsorbed water layer (FAWL) due to its dominant role in dictating mass and charge transport and influencing reaction rate and mechanism at the interface. In this review, we summarise the recent advances in the molecular-level understanding of the FAWL on solid substrates. We start by describing the evolution of the ice-like bilayer structures of FAWL on Ru(0001) and Pt(111) surfaces, followed by a brief discussion of substrate surface morphology effect on water structures. Subsequently, we discuss the molecular and dissociative adsorption structures of FAWL on metal oxide surfaces. After that, we interpret how the properties of FAWL affect the behaviour of water molecules above the monolayer. The summary and outlook towards the design and manipulation of ordered monolayer water is presented in the end. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Computational investigation of the cavitation vortex dynamics in flow over a three-dimensional hydrofoil by a new transport-based model

Cavitation is of significant practical interest due to its unsteady features which could induce destructive effects such as drastic drop in efficiency, noise, vibration, and corrosion for propulsion systems, rudders and other hydraulic machinery. A thorough understanding of the hydrodynamics in the cavitating flow past a three-dimensional hydrofoil makes indicators for an improved control performance of these hydraulic systems. Hence, a computational investigation of the cavitating flow over the Delft Twist-11 hydrofoil was performed with special emphasis on the cavitation vortex dynamics. A new transport-based cavitation model was proposed and compared with the conventional Schnerr–Sauer model through the predictions of cavitation characteristics, for which available experimental data were also provided. The results show that, as compared with the Schnerr–Sauer model, the proposed model can predict closer engineering parameters, including time-mean lift coefficient and vapor shedding frequency with the experiments. In addition, more reasonable structure and dynamics of the three-dimensional unsteady sheet/cloud cavitation patterns, including the cavity growth, break-off, and collapse downstream are captured by the proposed model. With the help of the vorticity transport equation in a variable density flow, further analysis of the flow field predicted by the proposed model reveals that cavitation promotes the production of vortex as well as the flow instabilities. Vorticity production in the cavitating flow is mainly induced by the terms of vortex stretching and vortex dilatation, while the baroclinic torque only contributes in the region of shedding and collapse of the cloud cavity and the contribution of the viscous diffusion term is negligible as compared with the other three terms. The main significance of this study is that it demonstrates the potential of a robust transport-based cavitation model to investigate the unsteady dynamics in the cavitating flow past a three-dimensional twisted hydrofoil and expected to make sense for other hydraulic machinery.
Discrimination, Disenfranchisement and African American WWII Military Enlistment

This paper documents that disenfranchisement and discrimination discouraged WWII volunteer military participation of African American men, relative to Caucasian men, after the Pearl Harbor attack. The race-gap in volunteer enlistment is most pronounced in regions where discrimination was particularly severe. There is no gap in draft enlistment anywhere. Consistent with the notion that disenfranchisement and discrimination discourage military participation, we document that forcibly interred Japanese Americans were much less likely to serve in the U.S. military than those not interred.
Reclaiming Alleyways to Improve Network Connectivity: Lessons from Dubai’s Neighborhoods

This study highlights the necessity of studying both streets and alleyways when assessing network connectivity efficiency. Taking Dubai as a case, the research evaluates eleven neighborhoods with different streets and alleyways systems designed during different growth periods. The focus is placed on the efficiency of different street layouts and explores the contribution of alleys to that efficiency. A Pedestrian Route Directness (PRD) test is used to assess the efficiency of neighborhoods streets and alleys system. Findings show that alleys improved connectivity once added to the network showing an improvement in average PRD values, network densities, and plots passing the test.
Implementation and Effectiveness of Crew Resource Management in the Medical Sector

Received: 10 March 2020 Accepted: 28 May 2020 Crew Resource Management (CRM) is a simulation-based team training that strives to reduce human errors in emergencies and to increase patient safety by improving nontechnical skills. This qualitative study examines the current implementation and effectiveness of medical CRM training in German-speaking countries (Germany and Switzerland). Data was collected through interviews with 20 experts who conduct CRM training in various disciplines and application contexts. The material was analyzed first, using qualitative content analysis, and second, a frequency analysis was conducted. In order to ensure inter-rater reliability, Cohen's kappa was calculated. The results are consistent with research and showed that CRM in German-speaking countries is mainly based on the same principles, and training is conducted similarly. However, CRM is not widespread yet and requires consistent standards. Improvement in behavior in everyday professional life after training sessions have been observed, but no clear evidence of effectiveness on the outcome of the training has been provided to this point. Utilizing this study, German-speaking CRM applicants can compare their training implementation with that of the presented sample. This study is the first to assess the current implementation and effectiveness of CRM in German-speaking countries from the perspective of different disciplines and professions in the medical sector.
Hybrid Bayesian Network Models of Spinal Injury and Slip/Fall Events

Background: Biomechanists are often asked to provide expert opinions in legal proceedings, especially personal injury cases. This often involves using deterministic analysis methods, although the expert is expected to opine using a civil standard of “more likely than not” that is inherently probabilistic. Methods: A method is proposed for converting a class of deterministic biomechanical models into hybrid Bayesian networks that produce a probability well suited for addressing the civil standard of proof. The method was developed for spinal injury during lifting. Its generalizability was assessed by applying it to slip and fall events based on the coefficients of friction at the shoe–floor interface. Results: The proposed method is shown to be generalizable beyond lifting by applying it to a slip and fall event. Both the lifting and slip and fall models showed that incorporating evidence of injury could change the probabilities of critical quantities exceeding a threshold from “less likely than not” to “more likely than not. ” Conclusions: The present work shows that it is possible to develop Bayesian networks for legal use based on laws of engineering mechanics and probabilistic descriptions of measurement error and human variability.
Soil science at the University of Alberta: a century of service to science and society1

Abstract: This paper highlights major activities and achievements in soil science by professors at the University of Alberta (U of A), which provide incredible benefits to society, provincially, nationally, and globally. Evolution of the soils profession in Alberta commenced in 1919 with the hiring of F.A. Wyatt, who developed the Department of Soil Science (DSS) and initiated a soil survey program in Alberta. J.D. Newton joined the department in 1922, teaching and supporting soil surveys that led to a fertilizer program greatly benefitting agriculture. With time, opportunities and problems were encountered with utilization of soils. U of A soil scientists conducted inventories, conducted innovative research, developed superior management techniques, and through evolving education and extension, continuously helped bring improvements to how we utilized and managed soil resources. The DSS 100 yr evolution is chronicled under the themes of pedology (including soil survey), soil fertility, soil sustainability (conservation, land reclamation, and contaminant remediation), with embedded specialized studies within these themes.