Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ICT usage in Contexts of Regional Inequalities

This short paper aims to identify the differences of ICT usage among municipalities in Brazil, especially in local governments. Thus, it intends to describe the characteristics of technology use among Brazilian municipalities. This first effort is looking for defining those characteristics through a quantitative analysis using secondary data from ICT Electronic Government Survey 2017 - a national survey conducted every two years by the Regional Center for Studies on the Development of Information Society (Cetic.br). Statistical analysis provided four clusters related to the dimensions defined for the study. The clusters enabled us to describe and analyze the main characteristics of ICT use by Brazilian local governments. They also pointed out the inequalities related to ICT access and adoption by the different municipalities in the country, including some initial insights about the level of usage.
Etiology and characteristics of halitosis in patients of a halitosis center in Northern Italy.

BACKGROUND As there are few studies in Europe describing characteristics of breath malodor for large groups of patients, this retrospective study was designed to analyse the etiology of halitosis among patients attending a breath malodor center in Northern Italy. METHODS Clinical records of 547 consecutive patients were reviewed and data on self-perceived halitosis, organoleptic scores, volatile sulphur compound (VSC) levels, and oral health condition were extracted and analysed. RESULTS The prevalence of intra-oral halitosis was 90.7%. In 21 patients no objective signs of breath malodor could be found. Periodontitis and gingivitis were the main cause of bad breath in 33.9% of subjects and in combination with tongue coating in 55.2%. Only eight subjects have tongue coating as the only cause of halitosis. Ear, nose and throat (ENT)/extra-oral causes were found in 5.2% of the patients. VSC concentrations were lower in the psychogenic halitosis group, whereas no statistically significant differences were detected when comparing intra-oral and extra-oral halitosis except for (CH3)2S. CONCLUSIONS Psychogenic halitosis is a rare condition among subjects complaining of suffering from bad breath. The most prevalent cause of halitosis is intra-oral, in particular a combination of tongue coating and periodontal disease. Tongue coating is rarely the primary cause of oral malodor.
Cadmium uptake and distribution in tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill)

The growth responses and accumulation of heavy metal cadmium (Cd) was studied in tomato plants. Tomato seedlings were raised in sand-culture and watered with nutrient solution containing cadmium (in the form of CdCl2) at doses ranging from 0 to 7.12 mM. At low concentrations, there was no marked growth reduction in terms of fresh and dry mass. However, the highest concentration (7.12 mM) of cadmium depressed growth in terms of fresh and dry mass and caused reduction in chlorophyll content. Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Page Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) of proteins showed the expression of low molecular weight proteins (~18, ~30 kDa) in Cd-treated plants when compared to control. Among the different plant parts examined for Cd accumulation, the root tissue showed maximum accumulation. The uptake, distribution and possible implications of cadmium tolerance in tomato plants are discussed.
Homelessness in Berlin: Between Americanization and Path Dependence

This study examines the potential Americanization of homelessness and homeless policy in post-Unification Berlin in light of recent neoliberal policy reforms and simultaneously declining levels of homelessness. Drawing upon original ethnographic research from the late 1990s, secondary sources, and key informant interviews, it is shown that partial Americanization exists in that homeless people find themselves displaced from the commercial center, contained and warehoused in poor areas surrounding the center, and subject to substandard welfare, service, and shelter provision. The harshest consequences, however, are ameliorated by the still-existing, more comprehensive welfare system that, abetted by slowed urban rental markets, is more effectively used to facilitate homeless people's re-entry into the housing market. Given that the new workfare policies facilitate the formation of a new class of working poor, the long-term prospects of homeless people remain grim, especially after the economy begins its next contraction.
Forty-five years of change on low wooded islands, Great Barrier Reef

During the 1928-29 Expedition, centred at Low Isles, Spender mapped the ‘low wooded islands’ or ‘island-reefs’ of Low Isles and Three Isles in detail, and additional information was published by Steers, T. A. Stephenson and others. From this work, two different models of the evolution of low wooded islands were proposed, Spender holding that the islands were in a state of equilibrium resulting from their location on the reef, Steers that they could be placed in an evolutionary sequence. Moorhouse described the results of cyclones at Low Isles in 1931 and 1934, and Fairbridge & Teichert reconsidered the general issues following aerial reconnaissance and a brief visit to Low Isles in 1945. Subsequently, aspects of change since 1928-29 have been studied at Low Isles by W. Stephenson, Endean & Bennett in 1954 and by W. Macnae in 1965. Maps produced since 1929, however, have all been based on Spender’s surveys. In 1973, Low Isles and Three Isles were remapped in detail, and a direct comparison can now be made over an interval of 45 years. This shows changes in island topography, and substantial alteration in the size and location of shingle ramparts which has affected conditions for coral growth on reef flats. Mangroves have extended greatly at Low Isles, but not at all at Three Isles. The implications of these findings for the general models of Steers and Spender will be discussed and related to the Holocene history of the Great Barrier Reefs.
Long term effects of cormorant predation on fish communities and fishery in a freshwater lake

Cormorant impact upon natural fish populations has long been debated but little studied because of the requirements of sound data that are often hard to fill. In this study I have monitored fish community composition/abundance before and after a cormorant colony was established in a high productive lake, Ymsen, of south-central Sweden. Data on fish abundance before cormorant establishment enabled me to control for changes in fish densities prior to cormorant colonisation. To control for possible changes in fish populations caused by factors other than cormorant predation (i.e. large-scale regional changes due to climate) data were compared with a control lake, Garnsviken, with no cormorants. Since Lake Ymsen also harbour an important commercial fishery, cormorant impact upon fishery yields was evaluated. The most important fish species in the diet of the cormorants were ruffe (75% by number), roach (11%) and perch (10%). Except for perch, commercially important fish made up a very small fraction of the cormorant diet. Eel, the most important fish for the fishery, was absent in the cormorant diet, pikeperch constituted 0.2% and pike 1.5%. Estimated fish outtake by the cormorants was 12.8 kg ha -1 yr -1 compared to 8.6 kg ha -1 yr -1 for the fishery. Despite considerable fish withdrawal by the cormorants, fish populations did not seem to change in numbers or biomass. The present study indicates that cormorant impact upon fish populations in Lake Ymsen was small and probably in no case has led to declines of neither commercial nor of non-commercial fish species. Still, the number of breeding cormorants in Lake Ymsen, in relation to foraging area, is among the highest known for Swedish lakes.
A Spatio-Temporal Hierarchical Model for Crowd Formation Planning in Large-Scale Performance

Crowd formation of aesthetic transformation is considered to have extremely high artistic value and is widely applied in large-scale performances. In this paper, a spatio-temporal hierarchical model that parts the crowd formation transform into multiple granularities is proposed. Its core idea is to add spatio-temporal constraints created by directors into transformation process after multi-level division. In this model, average hash value and energy optimization are used to achieve reasonable crowd formation arrangement, while smooth and collision-free formation transformations are presented by constrained region growth and Kuhn–Munkres algorithm. We have also proposed a framework to achieve the generation of visually pleasing crowd formation transform performance based on the constraints. Besides, a virtual crowd formation transformation simulation was built to verify the effect of the proposed model. Through simulation experiments and comparisons, it was demonstrated that this hierarchical model can generate aesthetic crowd formation transformation with a satisfactory process.
Parallelly Processed Peak Cancellation Signal-Based PAPR Reduction Method Using Null Space in MIMO Channel for MIMO-OFDM Signals

In this paper, we propose a computational complexity-efficient algorithm called PCCNC for the adaptive peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) reduction method using the null space in a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) channel for MIMO-orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signals. Based on our preliminary work, the proposed PCCNC in this paper newly introduces a parallel peak cancellation process at each iteration. By adding the multiple peak cancellation (PC) signals to the time-domain transmission signal vector simultaneously, the number of iterations in the iterative algorithm is reduced. The constraint so that the PC signal is transmitted only to the null space in the MIMO channel by beamforming (BF) makes interference from PC signal to the data streams not observed at the receiver side. Since the fast Fourier transform (FFT) and inverse FFT (IFFT) operations at each iteration are not required different from the conventional algorithm and thanks to the introduced parallel processing, the proposed PCCNC reduces the required number of iterations and total computational complexity compared to the conventional algorithm for achieving the same throughput-vs.-PAPR performance.
Experimental Assessment of a Broadband Current Sensor based on the X-Hall Architecture

The X-Hall sensor is presented, characterized and proposed as a viable architecture for silicon-integrated, broadband, current/magnetic-field measurements. The X-Hall architecture overcomes the methodological bandwidth limit of state-of-the-art Hall-effect sensors by replacing the typically used spinning-current technique with a DC bias-based, passive offset compensation technique, which is less effective from an absolute standpoint but presents the key feature of being frequency independent.Three different prototypes have been realized and experimentally characterized in both static and dynamic operation. Static characterization demonstrates a competitively low residual offset of the X-Hall sensor with respect to spun Hall sensors operated at high frequency. Even though physical simulations reveal a theoretical bandwidth limit set at 200 MHz for the X-Hall sensor, experimental dynamic characterization on the prototypes identifies the presence of additive dynamic perturbations limiting the sensor bandwidth, which are attributable to technology issues in the practical implementation of the prototypes. Nevertheless, it is possible to compensate these perturbations through a vector differential measurement model, so that a bandwidth of 4 MHz is demonstrated, which is the broadest bandwidth ever achieved by a purely Hall-effect based sensor, to the best of knowledge of the authors.
Convergent patterns of sex chromosome dosage compensation between lepidopteran species (WZ/ZZ) and eutherian mammals (XX/XY): insights from a moth neo-Z chromosome

In contrast to XX/XY species, Z-linked expression is overall reduced in female WZ/ZZ species compared to males or the autosomal expression. This pattern (Z<ZZ≈AA) has been consistently reported in all the WZ/ZZ taxa examined so far, with the singular exception of the insect order of Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies). However, conflicting results linger in this taxon due to discrepancies in data analyses and tissues sampled. To address this issue, we analyzed dosage compensation in the codling moth Cydia pomonella (Tortricidae) using tissues that represent different levels of sexual divergence. C. pomonella is the most basal lepidopteran species yet examined for dosage compensation and has a neo-Z chromosome resulting from an ancient Z:autosome translocation. We based our analyses on RNAseq and de novo transcriptome data from C. pomonella, as well as scrutiny into investigations of other lepidopteran species. Our evidence supports that the lepidopterans share a pattern (Z ≈ ZZ < AA) of dosage compensation that mirrors the eutherian mammals (X ≈ XX < AA). In particular, reproductive tissues appear to be exempt from dosage compensation, which helps explain the incongruence in prior reports. Furthermore, C. pomonella ancestral-Z segment exhibited a greater expression reduction than genes on the neo-Z segment, which intriguingly also reflects the differential up-regulation between the ancestral and newly-acquired X-linked genes in mammals. The insect order of Lepidoptera challenges both the classic theories regarding evolution of sex chromosome dosage compensation and the emerging view on dosage compensation’s association with sexual heterogamety.
Organization of brain and spinal cord locomotor networks in larval lamprey

In vertebrates, rhythmic locomotor behaviors, such as walking, flying, and swimming, are initiated by "command" systems in the brain that activate locomotor networks in the spinal cord to initiate rhythmic motor activity and locomotor movements (Grillner, 1981). The spinal locomotor networks are distributed along the spinal cord and coupled by a spinal coordinating system to form a central pattern generator (CPG). Spinal CPGs are capable of producing the basic pattern of rhythmic activity in the absence of sensory feedback, although sensory feedback is critical for "fine tuning" the centrally generated locomotor pattern (Grillner, 1975). In in vitro brain/spinal cord preparations from larval lamprey, spinal locomotor activity that is similar to swimming activity in whole animals can be initiated by pharmacological microstimulation in several brain areas: rostrolateral rhombencephalon (RLR); dorsolateral mesencephalon (DLM); ventromedial diencephalon (VMD); and reticular nuclei. However, the actual movements that would result from this in vitro burst activity have not been investigated in detail. In the present study, pharmacological stimulation was applied to the above brain locomotor areas in semi-intact preparations from larval lamprey, and swimming movements and muscle burst activity in the freely moving caudal body were analyzed (Jackson and McClellan, 2001; Jackson et al., 2006). First, bilateral stimulation with pharmacological agents in the VMD, DLM, or RLR initiated symmetrical swimming and well-coordinated muscle burst activity that was not significantly different than those during swimming in whole animals. Unilateral stimulation in these areas usually did not produce symmetrical swimming. Second, with synaptic transmission blocked in the brain, bilateral stimulation in reticular nuclei also
Effect of Phytase Supplementation on the Performance of Broiler Chickens Fed Wheat Based Diets

An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of phytase supplementation in wheat-based diets containing different levels of non-phytate phosphorus (NPP). Four experimental diets containing 0.50 per cent NPP, 0.30 per cent NPP, 0 30 per cent NPP+phytase and 0.50 per cent NPP+phytase were formulated using wheat as a major source of energy. Day-old broiler chicks (n=240) were allotted to four treatment groups with three replicates of 20 chicks in each. The dietary treatments were offered to birds during their starting (0–4 wks) and finishing (5–6 wks) phases. There was significant (P<0.05) depression in weight gain, feed intake, feed efficiency, retention of calcium and phosphorus, calcium and phosphorus levels in serum, tibia ash and its phosphorus level due to reduction of NPP from 0.05 to 0.30 per cent. There was no significant difference in retention of nitrogen and tibia calcium. However, retention of phosphorus improved significantly (P<0.05). Enzyme supplementation to low NPP (0.30%) diet significantly improved growth performance, retention of dry matter, calcium, phosphorus and level of calcium and phosphorus in serum and tibia ash. Howerver, the effects of the supplementation at high NPP (0.50%) level were not significant The results show that phytase supplementation in wheat based low NPP (0.30%) diet improved growth performance and mineral utilization in broiler chickens
N2 Fixation and Nitrate Uptake by White Clover Swards in Response to Root Temperature in Flowing Solution Culture

Nodulated white clover plants were grown as simulated swards in flowing nutrient solutions under controlled temperatures and natural illumination. Root temperatures were then changed and the total N 2 fixation was measured in the absence of a supply mineral N. All treatments were subsequently supplied with NO 3 − and the relative uptake of N by N 2 fixation and NO 3 − uptake was compared
Multiuser Detector based on Fused Amended Orthogonal Matching Pursuit and Subspace Pursuit Algorithms for Uplink Grant-Free NOMA Wireless Communication Systems

This paper focuses on multiuser detection scheme for both user data and user activities in uplink Non Orthogonal Multiple Access (NOMA) networks with grant-free transmission mode. In this paper a new fused compressive sensing algorithms-based multiuser detection (MUD) scheme is proposed. The scheme is based on the union of amended versions of two traditional compressive sensing algorithms, the subspace pursuit (SP) and the orthogonal matching pursuit (OMP) algorithms. The proposed MUD is named the Amended OMP-union-Amended SP (AmdOMP-union-AmdSP)-based MUD. The AmdOMP-union-AmdSP-based MUD recovers transmitted signal within a continuous time slots. During this period it is assumed that there are variations in user activities. The results obtained from the computer simulation carried out indicate that the proposed AmdOMP-union-AmdSP-based MUD exhibits improved performance when compared with its constituent MUDs and other MUDs considered in this paper. However, the computational complexity cost of the proposed MUD is quite expensive, and is more than double the respective computational complexity cost of its constituent MUDs, the Amended OMP-based MUD and the Amended SP-based MUD.
CPAnet Registry—An International Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis Registry

Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) is a chronic fungal infection of the lung associated with high morbidity and mortality. The CPA Research network (CPAnet) registry established in 2018 is an international multicenter collaboration aiming to improve CPA knowledge and patient care. This study’s aim was to describe the data collection process and content of CPAnet registry with preliminary clinical data. In the CPAnet registry, clinical data are collected through a web-based questionnaire. Data include CPA phenotype, comorbidities, treatment, outcome, and follow-up from several international centers. An exemplary descriptive analysis was performed on 74 patients, who were registered online before April 2020. CPA patients were predominantly (72%) male, 39% had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and 68% had a history of smoking. Chronic cavitary pulmonary aspergillosis was the most common CPA subtype (62%). In 32 patients (52%), voriconazole was the preferred first-line therapy. The multicenter multinational CPAnet registry is a valuable approach to gather comprehensive data on a large study population and reflects real-world clinical practice rather than focusing on specific patient populations in more specialized centers. Additional CPA reference centers are being encouraged to join this promising clinical research collaboration.
COVID-19 Pandemic: What Can the West Learn From the East?

Differences in public health approaches to control the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic could largely explain substantial variations in epidemiological indicators (such as incidence and mortality) between the West and the East. COVID-19 revealed vulnerabilities of most western countries’ healthcare systems in their response to the ongoing public health crisis. Hence, western countries can possibly learn from practices from several East Asian countries regarding infrastructures, epidemiological surveillance and control strategies to mitigate the public health impact of the pandemic. In this paper, we discuss that the lack of rapid and timely community-centered approaches, and most importantly weak public health infrastructures, might have resulted in a high number of infected cases and fatalities in many western countries.
Epidemiologic Study of Patients Registered in Oncology Unit at a Hepatobiliary Tertiary Care Center in India

Abstract Background: Cancer accounts for about 1 in 7 deaths, worldwide. Primary cancers of the hepatobiliary system are significant health problems worldwide and their management presents great challenges for the hepatobiliary specialist. The incidence of hepatobiliary malignancies is on an increasing trend in India. Study: We did a retrospective study for the epidemiologic, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of patients with cancer registering for treatment in the oncology division at the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, Delhi, India, between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2017. Results: Atotal of 502 new patients were registered during the study period. The majority of the patients were male (M:F 1.69:1), in the age group of 35–64 years (64.3%) and presented in advanced stages of the disease (72.7% in Stage III and IV). The most common cancers were gallbladder cancer (GBC) (29.7%) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (17.3%). GBC was the most common in females (M: F 1:1.6), 86.6% were advanced (Stage III and IV), and gallstones were present in 44.3% patients (M: F 1:2.9). Periampullary carcinoma presented in early stages (71% in Stage I and II). Survival at 6 months (n = 110 evaluable patients) was 100% for Stage I, 88% for Stage II, 73.7% for Stage III and 42.1% for Stage IV, and 62.7% overall (P < 0.001). Survival at 6 months (n = 123 evaluable patients) was 56.5% for biliary cancers, 71.4% for HCC, and 75% for nonbiliary cancers (P = 0.15). 217 (43%) patients had one visit to the hospital and 168 (34%) patients had 2–5 visits with no or little follow-up. Conclusions: Most of the disease burden was in the male gender (GBC was more common in females), in the age group 35–64 years and with advanced disease presentation (except periampullary cancer). Survival diminished significantly with increasing stage of disease. Survival was worse for patients with biliary cancers. This could be due to advanced presentation, poor follow-up, and inadequate public health awareness.