Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
COMPARATIVE TRANSCRIPTOMICS REVEALS THE MOLECULAR MECHANISMS OF MAIZE IN RESPONSE TO DOWNY MILDEW CAUSED BY Peronosclerospora philippinensis (WESTON) SHAW

Maize is the Philippines’ second most valuable staple crop based on overall value and total area planted. Yellow maize, which is the most important type, is utilized as feed for poultry and swine. Still, local maize production is hampered by the Philippine downy mildew (DM) disease caused by the pathogen Peronosclerospora philippinensis (Weston) Shaw, causing substantial losses in maize production annually. To comprehend the underlying resistance mechanisms upon the presence of the disease, we performed an RNA-Seq comparative transcriptomics approach between mock-inoculated and DM-inoculated susceptible and resistant yellow maize inbred lines. Among the identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs), we detected 43 DEGs shared in both genotypes which may play roles in the basal defense response of maize upon DM infection. We also identified 68 DEGs exclusive to the susceptible genotype, providing insights into the molecular responses underlying successful DM disease progression in maize. Further, we detected 651 DEGs unique to the resistant genotype. This set of genes revealed that the molecular basis of DM resistance in maize is governed by multi-faceted defense strategies. These include multi-process regulations such as programmed cell death (PCD), regulatory proteins, and transcription factors involved in pathogen defense mechanisms, cell wall organization, homeostasis, and many others. Out of 694 resistant DEGs detected, we narrowed down genes of interest, particularly those highly overexpressed and associated with disease resistance found in other crops. Finally, transcriptome-wide variants and their corresponding impact on gene function were detected for further application in targeted genotyping-by-sequencing, association studies, and marker-assisted DM resistance breeding.
Automatic Prediction of High-Resolution Daily Rainfall Fields for Multiple Extents: The Potential of Operational Radar

This study investigates the added value of operational radar with respect to rain gauges in obtaining high-resolution daily rainfall fields as required in distributed hydrological modeling. To this end data from the Netherlands operational national rain gauge network (330 gauges nationwide) is combined with an experimental network (30 gauges within 225 km 2 ). Based on 74 selected rainfall events (March–October 2004) the spatial variability of daily rainfall is investigated at three spatial extents: small (225 km 2 ), medium (10 000 km 2 ), and large (82 875 km 2 ). From this analysis it is shown that semivariograms show no clear dependence on season. Predictions of point rainfall are performed for all three extents using three different geostatistical methods: (i) ordinary kriging (OK; rain gauge data only), (ii) kriging with external drift (KED), and (iii) ordinary collocated cokriging (OCCK), with the latter two using both rain gauge data and range-corrected daily radar composites—a standard operational radar product from the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI). The focus here is on automatic prediction. For the small extent, rain gauge data alone perform better than radar, while for larger extents with lower gauge densities, radar performs overall better than rain gauge data alone (OK). Methods using both radar and rain gauge data (KED and OCCK) prove to be more accurate than using either rain gauge data alone (OK) or radar, in particular, for larger extents. The added value of radar is positively related to the correlation between radar and rain gauge data. Using a pooled semivariogram is almost as good as using event-based semivariograms, which is convenient if the prediction is to be automated. An interesting result is that the pooled semivariograms perform better in terms of estimating the prediction error (kriging variance) especially for the small and medium extent, where the number of data points to estimate semivariograms is small and event-based semivariograms are rather unstable.
Admissible Parameter Sets and Complexity Estimation of Crossbred Algorithm

The Crossbred algorithm is one of the algorithms for solving a system of polynomial equations, proposed by Joux and Vitse in 2017. It has been implemented in Fukuoka MQ challenge, which is related to the security of multivariate crytography, and holds several records. A framework for estimating the complexity has already been provided by Chen et al. in 2017. However, it is generally unknown which parameters are actually available. This paper investigates how to select available parameters for the Crossbred algorithm. As a result, we provide formulae that give an available parameter set and estimate the complexity of the Crossbred algorithm.
Aerobic decomposition and organic amendment effects on grain yield of triplecropped rice in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam.

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine whether soil aeration during decomposition of incorporated crop residues and application of organic amendments contributes to the improvement of soil quality and rice yield for sustainable intensive rice production in the Mekong Delta. A field experiment was conducted on triplecropped rice during three consecutive crops with five treatments: (1) Conventional anaerobic decomposition of crop residues as a control (2) Air-drying of soil for three weeks before planting to foster aerobic decomposition of crop residues; (3) Air-drying of soil for three weeks combined with application of 10 Mg ha -1 compost of sugarcane filter cake (4) Air-drying of soil for four weeks before planting; and (5) Doublecropping of a rice-maize rotation.
Inference of Synthetically Lethal Pairs of Genes Involved in Metastatic Processes via Non-Negative Matrix Tri-Factorization

Metastases formation dramatically represents the most widespread cause of cancer-related deaths; to date, however, few agents are specifically designed to contrast this phenomenon. In the last years, the concept of synthetic lethality (SL) for the design of new therapies has been effectively analysed and exploited. For the proper employment of this concept, a reliable computational identification of genetic SL pairs is required; massive use of laboratory-based methods is unfeasible due to the huge number of possible gene combinations. Non-Negative Matrix Tri-Factorization is emerging as an effective prediction method for inferring gene-to-gene relationships, and we hereby apply it to the inference of unknown SL gene pairs. The method is based on the decomposition of an association matrices in three non-negative matrices and their reconstruction. Here, the method is applied to data from SynLethDB, the most complete SL dataset, projected over metastatic genes. We show, by means of classical indicators, that he method is effective in inferring unseen pairs; we also demonstrate that the evaluation metric raises when we include in the prediction also other datasets describing gene features, that we properly include in the computation by means of additional matrices on the side of the main SL one. In this enhanced setting, we show that the method infers novel SL pairs, some of which independently supported by the literature.
Speedy-Mcrio: An Easy-to-use, Comprehensive, Reads-based Pipeline for Metagenomic Shotgun Sequencing Data Analysis

The development and application of high-throughput sequencing technology and bioinformatics have promoted the understanding of complex microbial communities in various ecosystems. However, complex environment configuration and tool installation is still a problem. In addition, the output results of various bioinformatics tools are also quite different. For microbial community analysis, some existing pipelines can only provide limited options for user customization. Besides, many pipelines are so heavyweight that it takes a lot of time to install, so a flexible and lightweight pipeline for metagenomic shotgun sequencing data analysis is significant. Here we described a comprehensive and modular bioinformatics pipeline for analyzing metagenomic shotgun sequencing data, called Speedy-Mcrio, which mainly provides reads-based metagenomic sequencing data analysis. In addition, we evaluated the differences between Kraken2 and MetaPhlAn4 in terms of species classification. Speedy-Mcrio is a powerful and efficient pipeline, which is very suitable for researchers with little computer skills. It can implement quality control, analysis, and visualization of the entire analyzing process with a few commands, and users can customize parameters through configuration files according to specific research goals, which greatly saves time. Speedy-Mcrio runs in Docker, so it can be run on any operating system.
Ceriops zippeliana Blume (Rhizophoraceae), a New Record of a Mangrove Species in Singapore

Ceriops zippeliana Blume is here reported as a new record for the mangrove forests in Singapore. The botanical description of this new record with color plates and a key to the two Ceriops species in Singapore are provided. It is noteworthy that C. tagal (Perr.) C. B. Rob. is rarer than C. zippeliana in Singapore. Thus, special attention for conservation should be focused on C. tagal and a further survey of this genus would provide valuable information to better manage Singapore’s mangrove plant biodiversity.
Mentality towards early hereditary screening among understudies of Osun State Polytechnics in Nigeria

This study investigated the attitude towards pre-marital genetic screening among students of Osun State Polytechnics. Descriptive survey design was used for the study. The instrument for data collection was self developed and structured questionnaire in four-point likert scale format. Descriptive statistics of frequency count and percentages were used to describe the demographic data, while the parametric statistics of t-test and ANOVA set at 0.05 alpha level were used to test the hypotheses. A total number of one thousand, one hundred and sixty-five (1,165) Higher National Diploma (HND) students served as respondents for the study. Multistage sampling technique was used in three stages to select the respondents, namely: purposive sampling technique was used to select the schools; stratified sampling technique was used to select the Faculties and Departments, while proportionate sample of 25% was selected from each stratum. Three hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The following were the values obtained: Difference in Attitude towards Pre-marital Genetic Screening (Crit-t = 1.96, Cal.t = 1.310, df = 1163, P>.05); Difference in Attitude Due to Religion (F(2,1162) = . 689, P>. 05) and Difference in Attitude Due to Course of Study (F(5,1159) = . 585, P>. 05). Conclusions were drawn based on the findings of the study. The study recommended, among other things, that religious organizations should serve as useful channels to disseminate health information since people always have respect for places of worship and religious leaders. Also, Health Education should be incorporated into the curriculum of Polytechnics.
Knowledge of nursing teams regarding clinical manifestations and risk group for COVID-19

Objective: to compare the knowledge of nurses and nursing technicians working in Emergency Care Units regarding the recognition of clinical manifestations and risk groups for the development of the severe form of COVID-19. Method: descriptive study, carried out with 53 professionals from three emergency care units, with data collection carried out through a self-answered questionnaire. Data analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (t-student and chi-square tests). Research protocol approved by the institution's Research Ethics Committee. Results: an association stands out between the mention of clinical manifestations such as nausea and vomiting, risk groups and the role, nurses or nursing technicians (p<0.05) and the level of training, that is, nurses reported with the presence of these symptoms was more frequent than nursing technicians. Conclusion: nursing professionals have knowledge regarding symptoms and risk groups, even if there is a difference between the professional level.
Taxonomic and Phylogenetic Updates on Apiospora: Introducing Four New Species from Wurfbainia villosa and Grasses in China

Apiospora, an ascomycetous genus in Apiosporaceae, comprises saprobes, endophytes, and pathogens of humans and plants. They have a cosmopolitan distribution with a wide range of hosts reported from Asia. In the present study, we collected and isolated Apiospora species from Wurfbainia villosa and grasses in Guangdong and Yunnan provinces in China. Multi-locus phylogeny based on the internal transcribed spacer, the large subunit nuclear rDNA, the partial translation elongation factor 1-α, and β-tubulin was performed to clarify the phylogenetic affinities of the Apiospora species. Based on the distinctive morphological characteristics and molecular evidence, Ap. endophytica, Ap. guangdongensis, Ap. wurfbainiae, and Ap. yunnanensis are proposed. Descriptions, illustrations, and notes for the newly discovered species are provided and compared with closely related Apiospora species. An updated phylogeny of Apiospora is presented, along with a discussion on the phylogenetic affinities of ambiguous taxa.
British Lower and Middle Palaeolithic Handaxe Groups

In the Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society for 1964, the writer presented (Roe, 1964) an interim report on his programme of research on the British Lower and Middle Palaeolithic material, describing methods of studying assemblages of handaxes by metrical and statistical analysis, and outlining the first results obtained. The present paper offers a summary of the final results obtained for certain aspects of the same research project, in particular the discerning of various groupings among the 38 handaxe assemblages considered. The Groups which emerge are clusters of sites whose industries are similar in terms of the morphological range and usual degree of refinement of their handaxes. The Thesis for which the research was undertaken was completed in March, 1967 (Roe, 1967), and is available for consultation. It is of course quite impossible to quote in the present paper more than a small part of the evidence upon which the final conclusions depend.
SCORPIONS OF THE NATIONAL REACTOR TESTING STATION IDAHO USA

— During ecological studies in 1966 and 1967, 282 scorpions of Paruroctonus boreus (Girard) were collected in can pit-traps in 12 plant communities. The ideal habitat was in vegetated areas where the total ground cover was more than 85 percent, of which at least 60 percent was broad-leaf shrubs and 5 percent grasses. Populations of ants and spiders were highest where scorpions were most abundant. Scorpions were most active above ground during August, with about half as much activit}" during July. None were found prior to May or after September. Ecological investigations of ectoparasites and other arthropods of the National Reactor Testing Station were conducted by personnel of Brigham Young University from June 1966 to September 1967. Can pit traps that were used to trap ground-dwelling animals captured 282 scorpions of the species Paruroctonus boreus (Girard) in 12 plant communities. Some ecological data on these arachnids are reported herein. I am grateful to John Johnson for the identification of most of the specimens. The National Reactor Testing Station, situated in southeastern Idaho approximately 30 miles west of Idaho Falls, is in the Snake River section of the Columbia River Basin. The vegetation is typical of the cool, northern desert shrub biome and is characterized predominantly by sagebrush {Artemisia tridentata), rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus) , and grasses of the genera Agropyron, Elymus, Oryzopsis, and Stipa. Allred (1968) described the ecological aspects of the station and defined and pictured the 12 study sites included here. The vegetative cover of each of these study sites is summarized below. For further details on the vegetation of the station, consult Atwood (1970). Site 1: Chrysothamnus 38%, Artemisia 24%, grasses 15%, forbs 10.5%, Opuntia 6%, Tetradymia 1.5%, bare ground 5%. Site 2: Artemisia 50%, Chrysothamnus 15%, grasses 15%, Eurotia 10%, forbs 7%, bare ground 3%. Site 3: Elymus 50%, forbs 35%, bare ground 15%. Site 4: Oryzopsis and Stipa 90%, shrubs 5%, forbs 5%. Site 5; Juniperus 40%, forbs 1%, bare ground 59%. Site 6: Chrysothamnus 30%, Tetradymia 30%, Artemisia 20%, grasses 5%, forbs 5%, bare ground 10%. Site 7: Chrysothamnus 41%, Artemisia 30%, Eurotia 9%, forbs and grasses 4%, bare ground 16%. Site 8: Artemisia 30%, Atriplex 26%, Chrysothamnus 5%, forbs and grasses 1%, bare ground 38%. Site 9: Chenopodium 40%, Eurotia 35%, Artemisia and Chrysothamnus 2%, Salsola 2%, forbs 1%, bare ground 20%. Site 10: Artemisia 68%, Opuntia 7%, grasses 7%, forbs 5%, bare ground 13%. iBYU-AEC Report No. COO-1559-10. ^Department of Zoology, Brigham Young Umversity, Provo, Utah 84602.
Working Paper Series Financial stability considerations in the conduct of monetary policy

We empirically analyze the interaction of monetary policy with ﬁnancial stability and the real economy in the euro area. For this, we apply a quantile vector autoregressive model and two alternative estimation approaches: simulation and local projections. Our speciﬁ-cations include monetary policy surprises, real GDP, inﬂation, ﬁnancial vulnerabilities and systemic ﬁnancial stress. We disentangle conventional and unconventional monetary policy by separating interest rate surprises into two factors that move the yield curve either at the short end or at the long end. Our results show that a build-up of ﬁnancial vulnerabilities tends to be accompanied initially by subdued ﬁnancial stress which resurges, however, over a medium-term horizon, harming economic growth. Tighter conventional monetary policy reduces inﬂationary pressures but increases the risk of ﬁnancial stress. We ﬁnd unconventional monetary policy to be similarly eﬀective in reducing inﬂation, but with a lower adverse eﬀect on growth and ﬁnancial stress. Tighter unconventional monetary policy is also found to have a dampening eﬀect on the build-up of ﬁnancial vulnerabilities.
Wheezing, a significant clinical phenotype of COPD: experience from the Taiwan Obstructive Lung Disease Study

the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease 2011 guidelines, the wheezing group still had worse symptom scores and more exacerbations. Conclusion: Wheezing is an important phenotype in patients with COPD. Patients with COPD having the wheezing phenotype are associated with worse symptoms, more exacerbations, and worse lung
MIT Open Access Articles Comparing state-of-the-art visual features on invariant object recognition tasks

Tolerance (“invariance”) to identity-preserving image variation (e.g. variation in position, scale, pose, illumination) is a fundamental problem that any visual object recognition system, biological or engineered, must solve. While standard natural image database benchmarks are useful for guiding progress in computer vision, they can fail to probe the ability of a recognition system to solve the invariance problem [23, 24, 25]. Thus, to understand which computational approaches are making progress on solving the invariance problem, we compared and contrasted a variety of state-of-the-art visual representations using synthetic recognition tasks designed to systematically probe invariance. We successfully re-implemented a variety of state-of-the-art visual representations and conﬁrmed their published performance on a natural image benchmark. We here report that most of these representations perform poorly on invariant recognition, but that one representation [21] shows signiﬁcant performance gains over two baseline representations. We also show how this approach can more deeply illuminate the strengths and weaknesses of different visual representations and thus guide progress on invariant object recognition.
Towards a Territorial Approach for Rural Development.

A aschejtman@rimisp.org B jberdegue@rimisp.org Paper prepared for the DFID-funded Research Programme, Institutions and Pro-Poor Growth (IPPG). The authors are grateful to DFID for the funding that made this research possible. The views expressed in this paper are entirely those of the author and in no way represent either the official policy of DFID or the policy of any other part of the UK Government. Material published by the IPPG may be reproduced free of charge in any format or medium provided it is reproduced faithfully, not used in a misleading context and properly attributed to the author(s). Copyright exists in all other original material published by members of the Programme and may belong to the author or to the University of Manchester depending on the circumstances of publication. Enquiries should be sent to the editor at the above address.
Participation of Muslim consumers in boycotts of global companies' products: Social dilemma perspectives

This study aims to investigate the motivation of Muslim consumers to boycott the products of companies whose policies support LGBT legality. The act of boycotting products is becoming increasingly common among Muslim consumers if the global company's policies are contrary to the Islamic values of acknowledging the existence of the LGBT community. Social dilemma theory becomes a framework to solve this problem. An empirical study using an online questionnaire instrument for data collection. A total of 339 respondents from among students in one big city participated in this study. SEM-PLS becomes an analytical tool to identify the important motivations of Muslim consumers to boycott the products of companies whose policies are pro-LGBT. The findings of this study indicate that Muslim consumers are boycotting the products of global companies whose policies are pro-LGBT because of the encouragement of perceived efficacy and expectation of overall participation through the likelihood of boycott success. Academic and managerial implications are also discussed in this paper as a
Properties of Un-Torreﬁed and Torreﬁed Poplar Plywood (PW) and Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF)

: In a context where there is an increasing need for thermal treatments of wooden products, the current research contributes a description of the torrefaction treatment of two of the composite wood materials available on the international market. The present paper presents the importance of the torrefaction process for poplar plywood and medium-density ﬁberboard. In this paper, the positive aspects of the torrefaction process (decrease in water absorption, thickness swelling and shrinkage, and color) but also the negative aspects of mechanical resistance to static bending are presented. Poplar plywood (PW) and medium-density ﬁberboard (MDF) panels, with the initial dimensions of 2000 × 1250 mm, were used. From these, 300 × 300 mm samples were cut and torreﬁed using two diﬀerent temperatures (170 and 190 °C) and two diﬀerent periods (for 1 and 2 h). After the treatment, the samples were cut in diﬀerent sizes (as necessary for each type of evaluation method) from diﬀerent zones of the panels and used to evaluate the water absorption and thickness swelling, to determine their modulus of rupture, roughness, and color changes. The obtained results emphasize that the mass loses increase at high temperature as the main disad-vantageous characteristics of torrefaction. Also, while the caloriﬁc power increases with the increase in the parameters of the torrefaction regime, the hygroscopicity and some mechanical properties of the material simultaneously decrease.