Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Origins and Prevalence of Texture Bias in Convolutional Neural Networks

Recent work has indicated that, unlike humans, ImageNet-trained CNNs tend to classify images by texture rather than by shape. How pervasive is this bias, and where does it come from? We find that, when trained on datasets of images with conflicting shape and texture, CNNs learn to classify by shape at least as easily as by texture. What factors, then, produce the texture bias in CNNs trained on ImageNet? Different unsupervised training objectives and different architectures have small but significant and largely independent effects on the level of texture bias. However, all objectives and architectures still lead to models that make texture-based classification decisions a majority of the time, even if shape information is decodable from their hidden representations. The effect of data augmentation is much larger. By taking less aggressive random crops at training time and applying simple, naturalistic augmentation (color distortion, noise, and blur), we train models that classify ambiguous images by shape a majority of the time, and outperform baselines on out-of-distribution test sets. Our results indicate that apparent differences in the way humans and ImageNet-trained CNNs process images may arise not from differences in their internal workings, but from differences in the data that they see.
Physiological Effect Of Auxins On Growth Characteristics And Productive Potential Of Verbascum thapsus - A Medicinal Plant

Due to current revival of interest in herbal drugs and pharmaceuticals, demand for medicinal plants is increasing day by day leading to destructive harvesting which ultimately has resulted into reduction and even extinction of many rare medicinal plants. Plant growth regulators like auxins have proved to increase the productivity and growth characteristics of many plants. They have proved their importance in agro technology of many plants hence, in the present study, an effort has been made to suggest agro technology of a very important medicinal plants-Verbascum thapsus (family: Scrophulariaceae), a hairy biennial plant which grows as wild in Himalayan region. The plant is used for curing a wide range of chest complaints and also to treat diarrhea. The leaves and flowers are Anodyne; Antiseptic; Astringent; Demulcent; Emollient; Expectorant; Narcotic; Odontalgic; Vulnerary. Effect of foliar spray of different concentration of auxins (IAA (50,100,200 ppm), 2,4-D (5,10,20 ppm) on agumentation of growth characteristics was studied. Observations reveal that IAA 50 ppm increased the shoot and root length, number of branches, nodes and leaves, while IAA 200 ppm was found to be the best for leaf area, number of flower and fruits. 2,4-D treated plants exhibited much reduction in number of flowers, indicating the adverse effect of this chemical towards growth. IAA 50 ppm resulted in maximum productivity of aboveground and underground compartment of V. thapsus on annual basis. (Researcher. 2009;1(5):47-51). (ISSN: 1553-9865)
Rapid Turnover and Edge Effects in Dung Beetle Assemblages (Scarabaeidae) at a Bolivian Neotropical Forest‐Savanna Ecotone1

Habitat fragmentation and the widespread creation of habitat edges have recently stimulated interest in assessing the effects of ecotones on biodiversity. Ecotones, natural or anthropogenic, can greatly affect faunal movement, population dynamics, species interactions, and community structure. Few data exist, however, on insect community response to forest–savanna ecotones, a natural analog to anthropogenically cleared areas adjacent to forest. In this study, the abundance, total biomass, average individual biomass, and distribution of scarabaeine dung beetles were examined at a sharp tropical evergreen forest–savanna ecotone in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. The abundance, total biomass, and average individual biomass of dung beetles varied significantly across the forest, edge, and savanna habitats. Species richness (Sobs) also varied significantly across the three habitats, but statistical estimations of true species richness (Sest) did not. Habitat specificity of the dung beetles in this study was extremely high. Of the 50 most common species collected during the study, only 2 species were collected in both the forest and savanna habitats, signaling nearly complete community turnover in just a few meters. Strong edge effects were evidenced by the decline in abundance, total biomass, and species richness at the forest‐savanna boundary.
Bioactive potential assessment of antibacterial peptide produced by Lactobacillus isolated from milk and milk products

Now a days, functional foods and bioactive components in foods have gained a lot of attention and interest of researchers and consumers. A functional food has various physiological (Schanbacher et al., 1998; Korhone n and Pihlanto-Leppala, 2004) benefits and can reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Recent studies (Gobbetti et al,. 2007) have shown that a broad range of biologically active compounds such as antibacterial peptides, immunoglobulin, antimicrobial proteins, oligosaccharides and lipids present in milk, that give protection against pathogens. Milk contains a wide range of bioactive peptides that have positive impact on body function and in due course influence health. Biologically active peptides derived from dairy products are initially found in inactive form within the sequence of the precursor protein but can be released by hydrolysis of the precursor molecules by digestive protease enzyme or proteolysis by proteolytic microbes. Once these bioactive peptides are released either by digestion or proteolysis, they may ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 3 Number 6 (2014) pp. 72-80 http://www.ijcmas. com
TAXONOMIC DISTRIBUTION OF COPPER‐ZINC SUPEROXIDE DISMUTASE IN GREEN ALGAE AND ITS PHYLOGENETIC IMPORTANCE 1

Twenty‐nine species of green algae (from four classes: Charophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Pleurastrophyceae, and Ulvophyceae, but not the Micromonadophyceae), five species of bryophytes, and four species of vascular plants were tested for the presence of iron, manganese, and copper‐zinc superoxide dismutase. Copper‐zinc superoxide dismutase was found in members of the Charophyceae, Bryophyta, and Tracheophyta. Manganese and/or iron superoxide dismutase were found in all classes of green algae and most land plants. The presence of the copper‐zinc form of superoxide dismutase only in the class of green algae hypothesized to be closest to the land plant progenitors strengthens the argument for that phylogenetic relationship. It also suggests that this form of superoxide dismutase was a vital attribute for the survival of the earliest land plants.
Nosocomial Infections in Gastrointestinal Cancer Patients: Bacterial Profile, Antibiotic Resistance Pattern, and Prognostic Factors

Background Cancers of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and its associated excretory glands are one of the most common causes of cancer-related death worldwide, and these patients are more likely to developing nosocomial infections due to immunodeficiency. Objective To explore the bacterial profile, antibiotic resistance pattern, and prognostic factors of nosocomial infections in hospitalized GI cancer patients. Methods All electronic medical records of nosocomial infection episodes in hospitalized GI cancer patients were retrospectively reviewed. In-hospital mortality was used to evaluate the prognosis of patients. Mann–Whitney test, Chi-square test, and binary logistic regression analysis were used to identify potential risk factors for in-hospital mortality. P-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results A total of 428 GI cancer patients developed nosocomial infections during hospitalization. Respiratory tract infections (44.2%), bloodstream infections (BSIs) (11.7%), and abdominal cavity infections (11.4%) were the most common infection sites. The predominant causative pathogens were extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli (13.6%), ESBL-negative E. coli (11.9%), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (10.0%). Multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains were detected in 27.6% of isolates. Antimicrobial susceptibility analysis showed that the isolated Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) exhibited high sensitivity to amikacin, meropenem, imipenem, and piperacillin/tazobactam, while the isolated Gram-positive bacteria exhibited high sensitivity to tigecycline, linezolid, and vancomycin. The overall in-hospital mortality of all patients was 11.2% in the study. Multivariate analysis showed that ECOG performance status ≥two scores, length of antibiotic treatment <9.0 days, existence of septic shock, and hypoproteinemia were independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality. Conclusion The burden of nosocomial infections in GI cancer patients is considerably high, with GNB being predominantly isolated causative pathogens. Surveillance on serum albumin level, adequate antibiotic treatment, early identification, and prompt treatment of septic shock could benefit the prognosis.
Clinical Characteristics of Six Cases of Tracheobronchopathia Osteochondroplastica

Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics of tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica (TO). Methods The clinical data of six patients with TO from November 2016 to November 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. The etiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of TO were summarized. Result All six patients with TO were middle-aged males, confirmed by histopathological examination. The main clinical symptoms were cough, sputum, hemoptysis, chest pain, and repeated pulmonary infection. Some patients could make a preliminary diagnosis by chest CT, and bronchoscopy showed that TO mainly occurred in the trachea and the main bronchus and was more likely to invade the right bronchus. The treatment mainly includes anti-infection, phlegm-resolving, and other symptomatic treatment. Conclusion TO is a benign disease predisposing to adults, and males are more likely to be affected. Its clinical manifestations are lack of specificity, and the cause may be related to chronic infection. Bronchoscopy combined with histopathological examination is the primary approach for the diagnosis of TO. There is no well-recognized treatment standard for TO, and the judgment of therapeutic effect is inconsistent. It is necessary to improve the understanding of this disease from a clinical perspective.
Feasibility of a smartphone app to enhance physical activity in progressive MS: a pilot randomized controlled pilot trial over three months

Background People with chronic progressive multiple sclerosis (CPMS) have limited options in medical treatment. Enhancing physical activity (PA) might promote neuroregeneration in multiple sclerosis (MS) and positively influence disability, thus providing an alternative to medical treatment. Previous studies indicate that evidence-based patient information (EBPI) is essential for inducing behavioral change, e.g. enhancing PA. Objective To investigate feasibility of a smartphone app providing EBPI about the benefit of PA and a simple activity feedback to enhance PA in people with CPMS in a pilot randomized controlled trial over 3 months. Methods Thirty-eight people with CPMS (mean age 51 years, median Expanded Disability Status Scale 4.0) were 1:1 randomized into either a control group (n = 20) or an intervention group (n = 18). The intervention group received access to a multimedia EBPI app including activity feedback, texts, figures and videos. In the control group, participants received a leaflet with unspecific information about exercising in general. The EPBI itself was designed based on a systematic review. At baseline and after 3 months, all participants underwent clinical performance tests, filled in questionnaires and received an activity monitor (Actigraph®) for 7 days. The primary endpoint was the rate of responders defined as participants with a 20% increase of physical acitivity (time of moderate or vigiorous PA—MVPA) or 20% increase of the number of steps, both assessed with the activity monitor. As secondary endpoints, we compared accelerometry, performance and questionnaires adjusted for baseline measurments between the groups (ANCOVA). Moreover, we used questionnaires to compare knowledge about exercise (activity requiring physical effort, carried out to improve or improve health and fitness) in MS, usability of the app in general and motivation towards a more active lifestyle after 3 months in both groups. Results The groups showed significant differences in disease duration and PA according to the Godin–Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire at baseline. After 3 months, we detected no difference in the rate of responders, which was an overall 22%. However, MVPA significantly increased in both groups (p < 0.001) and the intervention group tended to have a higher motivation towards a more active lifestyle (Cohens D = 0.7, p = 0.09) as measured by the questionnaire. Reponses also showed, that participants appreciated the app but claimed a lack of interactivity as a short-coming. Conclusion Just providing information in a multimedia smartphone app did not enhance physical activitiy more than a simple leaflet in this small pilot trial in CPMS. However, the group of app users tended to have a higher motivation towards a more active lifestyle. Overall, the concept of a smartphone app to support an active lifestyle in MS is highly appreciated by participants.
Medicolegal Consideration to Prevent Medical Malpractice Regarding Opioid Administration: An Analysis of Judicial Opinion in South Korea

Purpose Although the use of opioids is increasing in South Korea, there have been no studies on the serious complications caused by the opioids. The aim of this study was to investigate the rare but serious complications through medicolegal analysis. Materials and Methods From January 1994 to December 2019, we retrospectively reviewed the closed cases of lawsuits involving the complications of opioids using the database of judgments of the Supreme Court of Korea. General characteristics, opioid-induced complications, and judicial characteristics were analyzed. Results Of the 46 cases, 31 cases of complications were finally included in the analysis. There were 28 (90.3%) cases of opioid administration for acute pain and 3 (9.7%) cases for chronic pain. The most commonly prescribed opioid was pethidine (n = 13, 41.9%), and the most common complication was respiratory depression (n = 17, 54.8%). All except two cases were associated with permanent injuries, including 18 (58%) deaths. Twelve (38.7%) cases were ruled in favor of the plaintiff in the claims for damages, with a median payment of United States dollar (USD) 126,346 (IQR: USD 77,275–379,219). Of these cases, the most frequently admitted complaint by the court was the neglect of observation (n = 10, 32.3%), followed by the inappropriate drug choice (n = 4, 12.9%). Eleven (36.7%) cases were plaintiffs’ claims for violating explanation obligations, of which 2 (6.7%) were recognized in the court. Conclusion Our results suggest that physicians must be aware of the serious complications related to opioids and health policies to prevent such complications and malpractice should be adopted.
Alemtuzumab-related thyroid disease in people with multiple sclerosis is associated with age and brainstem phenotype at disease onset

Background Autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) occurs in 40%–50% of alemtuzumab-treated persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS), most of whom will develop Graves’ Disease (GD). Objective To explore contributory factors for alemtuzumab-related AITD in pwMS. Methods A retrospective patient chart review was performed. Results Sixteen out of 52 (30.8%) pwMS developed AITD. GD occurred in 56.3% (n = 9), the majority (n = 7, 77.8%) symptomatic. All but one (85.7%) pwMS with symptomatic GD developed atypical, large and rapid fluctuations in thyroid hormone levels unexplained by effect of anti-thyroid medication alone. All symptomatic GD cases were age ≤32 years when starting alemtuzumab (ɸ = 0.60, p = 0.03). PwMS who started alemtuzumab at a younger age developed thyroid disease earlier (r = 0.51, p = 0.04). PwMS with clinical and radiological evidence of brainstem involvement at onset of multiple sclerosis were 11 times more likely to develop symptomatic GD compared with those with other phenotypes (p < 0.01). Conclusion Alemtuzumab-induced reconstitution GD may result from early and increased cross-reactivity between antigens common to the brainstem and thyroid, or presence of shared Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) alleles that determine brainstem and thyroid involvement. We suggest cautious use of alemtuzumab in younger (≤32 years) pwMS with early brainstem involvement, especially those actively planning pregnancy, where alternative therapies are readily available.
Study on the efficacy of some entomogenous fungi against brown plant hopper, Nilaparvata lugens Stal in irrigated rice

A field trial was conducted for three consecutive kharif seasons of 2010, 2011 and 2012 to study the efficacy of certain entomopathogenic fungi viz., Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae , Verticilium lecani @ 5 g/l having 1x10 8 CFU along with standard check - Acephate 75% SP @ 1.5 g/l against brown plant hopper, Nilaparvata lugen Stal and predators (mirid bugs and spiders). The results clearly indicated that Acephate 75 SP @ 1.5g/l was highly effective against BPH, but highly toxic to predators with higher grain yield and higher benefit cost ratio. However, B. bassiana, and M. anisopliae @ 5 g/l though found to be ineffective at 5 days after first spray, their efficacy against BPH increased with increase in days after spray and found to be at par with Acephate at 10 days after second spray. Among the entomopathogens, B. bassiana, and M. anisopliae were found to be relatively more effective against BPH and relatively less toxic to predators, followed by V. lecani.
Effect of different feed application rate on growth, survival andcannibalism of African catfish, Clarias gariepinus fingerlings -

In aquaculture feeding rate is an important factor affecting the growth of fish, and thusdetermining the optimal feeding rate is important to the success of any aquaculture operation. Inthe present study aimed to investigate the effect of different feeding rate on the growth, survival,cannibalism and body composition of African catfish, Clarias gariepinus fingerlings (initialweight; 1.629± 0.016g). The commercial catfish feed was used and it consists of 38% protein, 5%lipid, 15% ash and 12% moisture. Four feeding rates were evaluated (2%, 5%, 8% and 12%), as apercentage of fish body weight, with three replicates per treatment. The fishes were fed twice perday at 08:30 and 17: 30 hr. At the beginning of the experiment and at 7-day intervals all the fishfrom each tank were collected, counted, individually measured (nearest mm) and weighed (nearestmg) for four weeks. After each sampling period, the amount of feed given was adjusted accordingto the biomass in each tank. Final weights were significantly greater (p< 0.05) than initial weightsin all the feeding rate. At 8% and 12% feeding rate, C. gariepinus fingerlings were found toachieve maximum growth. The best feed conversion ratio (1.00±0.086) was observed in 8%,followed by (1.250±0.010) in 12% feeding rate. Significantly the highest specific growth rate(6.590±0.100) was obtained in 12% followed by (6.047±0.291) in 8% feeding rate. Fish survivaldid not increase by providing more feed. Cannibalism was also not reduced by providingcommercial feed. The fish fed at 2% feeding rate had the highest ash contents but lowest lipidcontent, while the fish fed at 12% feeding rate had the highest lipid content than the other feedingrate. Based on the growth performance, feed efficiency data obtained in the present study suggestthat the optimum feeding rate of 8% bw/day for African catfish, C. gariepinus fingerlings.
Effect of dietary mannan-oligosaccharides on some blood biochemical, haematological parameters and carcass traits in purebred New Zealand White and crossbred rabbits

This study examined the effect of dietary treatments containing mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS) on some blood biochemical, haematological parameters and carcass traits of 60 weaned purebred New Zealand White (NZW) and New Zealand White × Rex (NZW × RX) crossbred rabbits. They were assigned to a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement (two genetic groups; and three dietary treatments of zero, 0.5 or 1.0 g MOS/kg of diet). Blood samples have been collected at slaughter at 10 weeks of age. Significant differences were observed among dietary treatments for all biochemical and haematological parameters with the exception of triglycerides. There was a genetic group and dietary treatment interaction for albumen (P < 0.001), cholesterol (P = 0.002), red blood cell count (RBC) (P = 0.007), haemoglobin (Hb) concentration (P = 0.009) and haematocrit % (P < 0.001) observed. Rabbits from the NZW × RX genetic group fed a diet with 1.0 g/kg MOS had the highest plasma cholesterol level (0.97 ± 0.012 mmol/L), whereas the lowest level (0.89 ± 0.012 mmol/L) was detected in rabbits from the NZW × RX genetic group fed the Control diet. Rabbits from the NZW genetic group fed the diet with 1.0 g/kg MOS had the highest RBC (4.27 ± 0.083 × 106/mm3) whereas rabbits from the same genetic group fed the diet with 0.5 g/kg MOS had the highest Hb concentration (11.43 ± 0.097 g/dL) and haematocrit (30.29 ± 0.163%). Some carcass traits such as liveweight, hot and reference carcass weight (P < 0.001), percentage of periscapular, and perirenal fat relative to reference carcass weight (P < 0.05) were significantly affected by the dietary MOS supplementation. In conclusion, MOS supplementation in the diet, especially 1.0 g/kg, improved immunity, health indicators in the blood, liveweights and carcass weights of rabbits without any harmful effects on the other carcass traits. Furthermore, purebred NZW and NZW × RX crossbred rabbits showed relatively similar performance for all traits of interest. A significant interaction between genetic group and dietary supplementation of MOS was shown for albumen, cholesterol, RBC and haematocrit %.
Autologous Deciduous Tooth-Derived Material for Alveolar Ridge Preservation: A Clinical and Histological Case Report

The management of the alveolar socket is fundamental to create conditions that would allow the positioning of dental implants in the same site, when required. A number of biomaterials were described in scientific literature to be used for alveolar socket preservation immediately after tooth extraction: autogenous grafts, allograft (of various origin), and synthetic products. Among the autogenous biomaterials, some authors proposed the use of autogenous dentin and/or enamel, retrieved from teeth, adequately managed, and purified. The present case report with two-year follow-up shows one case of alveolar socket preservation by using tooth graft material that was subsequently treated with one implant-supported rehabilitation in the same site. The paper presents clinical and histological outcomes and confirms the feasibility of adopting such autogenous biomaterial in standard procedures.