Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spatial and temporal variability in the response of phytoplankton and prokaryotes to B-vitamin amendments in an upwelling system

Abstract. We experimentally evaluated the temporal (interday and interseason) and spatial variability in microbial plankton responses to vitamin B12 and/or B1 supply (solely or in combination with inorganic nutrients) in coastal and oceanic waters of the northeast Atlantic Ocean. Phytoplankton and, to a lesser extent, prokaryotes were strongly limited by inorganic nutrients. Interday variability in microbial plankton responses to B vitamins was limited compared to interseason variability, suggesting that B-vitamin availability might be partially controlled by factors operating at seasonal scale. Chlorophyll a (Chl a) concentration and prokaryote biomass (PB) significantly increased after B-vitamin amendments in 13 % and 21 %, respectively, of the 216 cases (36 experiments × 6 treatments). Most of these positive responses were produced by treatments containing either B12 solely or B12 combined with B1 in oceanic waters, which was consistent with the significantly lower average vitamin-B12 ambient concentrations compared to that in the coastal station. Negative responses, implying a decrease in Chl a or PB, represented 21 % for phytoplankton and 26 % for prokaryotes. Growth stimulation by B1 addition was more frequent on prokaryotes than in phytoplankton, suggesting that B1 auxotrophy in the sampling area could be more widespread in prokaryotes than in phytoplankton. Negative responses to B vitamins were generalized in coastal surface waters in summer and were associated with a high contribution of Flavobacteriales to the prokaryote community. This observation suggests that the external supply of B12 and/or B1 may promote negative interactions between microbial components when B-vitamin auxotrophs are abundant. The microbial response patterns to B12 and/or B1 amendments were significantly correlated with changes in the prokaryotic community composition, highlighting the pivotal role of prokaryotes in B-vitamin cycling in marine ecosystems.
Experiencing Transformation of Professional Identity: From Teaching to Leadership in a Small Rural Primary School in Cyprus

The study used the Clarke and Hollingsworth (2002) model on teacher professional growth to investigate the changes and the transition of professional identity when a deputy head teacher was appointed as an acting head teacher in a small rural primary school in Cyprus. The head teacher had no previous experience in headship, and did not receive any training or followed an induction course to the job. The goal of the study was to identify ways to support novice acting head teachers for effective leadership in the complexities of small primary schools. Data was collected through diary notes and semi-structured interviews using thematic analysis of qualitative data. The analysis revealed the importance of the interaction between the external stimuli and information through informal professional learning in the role set and the personal knowledge and previous experience. Feelings of isolation as the main outcome of this experience enabled changes in leadership practice through enactment and reflection. The teacher’s suggestions for a professional learning program could be the contribution of her personal experience on the educational context.
Lifestyle as Risk Factor for Infectious Causes of Death in Young Dogs: A Retrospective Study in Southern Italy (2015–2017)

Infectious diseases are a common cause of death in young dogs. Several factors are thought to predispose young dogs to microbiological infections. Identifying the cause of death is often a challenge, and broad diagnostic analysis is often needed. Here, we aimed to determine the infectious causes of death in young dogs aged up to 1 year, examining how it relates to age (under and over 6 months), lifestyle (owned versus ownerless), breed (purebred and crossbreed), and gender. A retrospective study was conducted in a 3-year period (2015–2017) on 138 dead dogs that had undergone necropsy and microbiological diagnostics. Enteritis and pneumonia were the most commonly observed lesions. Polymicrobism was more prevalent (62.3%) than single-agent infections and associated with a higher rate of generalised lesions. Ownerless dogs showed over a three-fold higher predisposition to viral coinfections than owned dogs. Above all, canine parvovirus was the most prevalent agent (77.5%), followed by canine coronavirus (31.1%) and canine adenovirus (23.9%); ownerless pups had a higher predisposition to these viruses. Escherichia coli (23.9%), Clostridium perfringens type A (18.1%), and Enterococcus spp. (8.7%) were the most commonly identified bacteria, which mostly involved in coinfections. A lower prevalence of CDV and Clostridium perfringens type A was observed in puppies under 6 months of age. In conclusion, this study is the first comprehensive survey on a wide panel of microbiological agents related to necropsy lesions. It lays the groundwork for future studies attempting to understand the circulation of infectious agents in a determined area.
ANALYSIS OF IMPACT OF CAR, BOPO, NPF ON PROFITABILITY OF ISLAMIC BANKS (YEAR 2015-2017)

Islamic banks have been known as the resistant banks to the global crisis that hit Indonesia a few years ago. The unique maintenance of Islamic bank performance leads to business continuity. Some Islamic bank performance can be measured by its profitability. There are some factors that affect the profitability Islamic bank and used in this study including CAR, BOPO, and NPF. While the purpose of this study is to determine the effect of CAR, BOPO and NPF on the profitability of Islamic commercial banks. The population of this research is the Islamic commercial bank whose financial statements have been published to the statistics of Islamic banks from 2015 -2017. This research used secondary data from OJK website. Data analysis in this paper conducted multiple linear regression analysis method. The results of this study indicate that the BOPO variable has a significant effect on ROA. On the other hand CAR and NPF variables have no significant effect on ROA.
THE TOPICAL APPLICATION EFFECT OF NANO-HYDROXYAPATITE VERSUS PLATELET RICH FIBRIN ON THE EARLY STAGES OF EXTRACTION SOCKET HEALING IN RABBITS: HISTOMORPHOMETRIC, HISTOCHEMICAL AND IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL STUDY

Introduction: The proper healing of extraction socket is essential for ridge preservation and better sequential prosthetic procedures. Several techniques and materials are developed for acceleration of socket healing. Two of the promising materials for this purpose are nanohydroxyapatite (NHA) and platelet rich fibrin (PRF); their mechanism of action and optimum application techniques are still not fully elucidated. Purpose: To compare between NHA and PRF topical application in the enhancement of early stages of extraction socket healing in rabbits. Materials & Methods: The mandibular first molars were extracted in twenty-four rabbits; the extraction sockets were divided into 3 groups: control group didn’t receive topical treatment. N and P groups received topical application of NHA and PRF respectively. Each group was subdivided into 2 subgroups according to the date of scarification after extraction: 1 week and 2 weeks. The extraction sockets were investigated by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Masson trichrome (MT) stains and proliferation cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) marker. The results were illustrated histologically and histomorphometrically. Results: Both NHA and PRF treated groups in both 1 week and 2 weeks periods showed enhanced socket healing, more regular and mature bone in both H&E and MT stains as well as increased PCNA positive cells percentage in comparison to control group. The bone area in both periods and the osteocyte count after 1 week were highest in PRF group followed by NHA group while control group revealed the least values. These differences were statistically non-significant except the percentage of immuno-positive cells. Conclusion: Both NHA and PRF improve the extraction socket healing process with slight preference of PRF particularly in the cellular proliferation in the first week after extraction.
Detection of common bacterial causes of urethritis in symptomatic men at the STD laboratory of MU-Sofia by microscopy, culture and NAAT

INTRODUCTION: Urethritis is one of the major causes of morbidity in men. The primary pathogens are Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, but also Mycoplasma genitalium . Ureaplasma urealyticum , Trichomonas vaginalis , anaerobes, Herpes simplex virus (HSV), and adenovirus. AIM: The aim of this study was to detect common bacterial causes of urethritis in symptomatic men by Gram stain, culture and nucleic acid amplification techniques (NAAT), and to compare them. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-eight male patients with clinical symptoms suggestive of urethritis were enrolled in the study. Three urethral samples were obtained from each one - for smear on a glass slide, culture, and NAAT. The glass slides were subjected to Gram stain. Culture on modified Thayer Martin media was used for detection of N. gonorrhoeae . Isolation of C. trachomatis was performed on McCoy cells, afterwards stained for immunoﬂuorescence with anti-lipopolysaccharide monoclonal antibody. Cultivation and ennumeration of Ureaplasma spp. and M. hominis was done with Mycofast Revolution kit. DNA extractions and amplifications by using multiplex Real Time PCR tests were done for all the bacteria. RESULTS: In 30 persons, infections were detected by using different microbiological tests. N. gonorrhoeae was discovered by Gram stain in 5 samples; by cultivation - in 6; by PCR - in 8. C. trachomatis was found in 13 samples with cultivation; by PCR - in 14. Ureaplasma spp. was found in 7 samples with cultivation and in 9 with PCR. M. genitalium was detected only by PCR in 3 samples. M. hominis was negative in all tested swabs. Co-infections with two microorganisms were detected in 4 samples. All the samples with positive results showed increased number of leukocytes on Gram staining. DISCUSSION: Although many infections can be diagnosed on the basis of clinical criteria alone, accurate and timely diagnostic microbiology is essential for the clinical management of patients' infections. In our study the PCR was the most sensitive and rapid method for the diagnosis of urethritis in symptomatic men. Nevertheless we recommend that the test is combined with at least one more technique for greater accuracy in the interpretation of the results.
Effect of Citric Acid Treatment and Fermentation on the Chemical Composition of African Yam Bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa) and Sensory Evaluation of Its Gruel

Aims: Legumes, (especially indigenous/ underutilized legumes), have been found to make substantial contributions to nutrient intakes of the populace especially in low resources environments. The African yam bean (AYB) is one of such indigenous legumes with utilization constraints such as hard-to-cook phenomenon, beany flavour, bitter taste and some antinutritional factors that limit its utilization. The aims of this study were to determine effect of citric acid treatment and fermentation on the chemical composition of African yam bean (Sphenostylisstenocarpa) and sensory evaluation of its gruel. Methodology: Cream coloured AYB seeds were purchased in Enugu, Enugu State Nigeria. Sorted AYB seeds were washed and fermented in citric acid medium (0.25%, 0.5% and 1%) for 24 h 48 h Original Research Article Aburime et al.; EJNFS, 12(4): 51-65, 2020; Article no.EJNFS. 56733 52 and 72 h at room temperature (28°C) in a seed water ratio of 1:4 (w/v). The control seeds were fermented without citric acid for 24 h, 48 h and 72 h. After fermentation, each batch of the fermented seeds was divided into two. The first half was dehulled and the other half was left as whole. The fermented seeds were separately dried and milled into flour for further use. Standard methods were used for proximate, mineral and anti-nutrient analyses. Gruels were produced from all the flours and subjected to sensory evaluations using a nine-point hedonic scale. Data obtained were analyzed using a Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compute the mean and standard deviations. Means were compared using the least significant difference (LSD) and significance accepted at P<. 05. Results: Chemical compositions of AYB flour fermented in 0.5% citric acid solution showed that protein contents increased by 50%, dietary fibre decreased by 0.02%. Raffinose, stachyose, lectins, trypsin inhibitors, tannins, oxalates, phytates and saponins were all significantly reduced to safe levels. Gruels made from raw and dehulled AYB seeds fermented for 24 h with 0.5% citric acid had higher scores for aroma (7.30 & 7.35, respectively) and general acceptability (7.32 & 7.22, respectively). Dehulled AYB fermented for 24 h in 1% citric acid had the highest score (7.99) for colour. Based on the sensory evaluation results, gruels made from the AYB seeds fermented in 0.5% citric acid compared with the gruels made from AYB seeds that were fermented in tap water. The results showed that gruels made from the AYB seeds that were fermented in 0.5% citric acid for 24 h had higher score for aroma (7.70), colour (7.10) and overall acceptability (7.52). Utilization of AYB in food formulation could be improved by fermenting in 0.5% citric acid solution for 24 h.
Construct Validity and Dimensionality of the Measure of Criminal Social Identity within a Sample of American, Pakistani, and Polish inmates.

Purpose - The aim of the current study was to test the construct validity and dimensionality of the Measure of Criminal Social Identity (MCSI) with a sample of American, Pakistani, and Polish inmates. Method - Adopting a cross-sectional survey design, the opportunistic sample consisted of offenders incarcerated in three different countries; 351 inmates from Poland, 501 from the United States, and 319 from Pakistan (Total n = 1171), with inmates completing anonymous, self-administered, paper-and-pencil questionnaires. Traditional confirmatory factor analysis, along with confirmatory bifactor modelling was used in order to examine the fit of four different models of criminal social identity. Findings - Results revealed that data were best explained by a three-factor model of criminal social identity (cognitive centrality, in-group ties, and in-group affect) within offender populations. Composite reliability indicated that the three factors were measured with very good reliability. Conclusions/limitations/implications - Validation of the MCSI within the large cross-cultural prison sample provides substantial support for the measure’s reliability and utility across diverse offender populations. Consideration of low factor loadings of items one and three for the Pakistan dataset and item two for the United States dataset, leads the researchers to outline possible recommendations that these questions be reworded and additional items be added. Originality - This is the first study to validate MCSI cross-culturally and specifically utilising a western prison population, consisting of male and female offenders.
Molecular epidemiology of Zika virus and Rubella virus in pregnant women attending Sobi Specialist Hospital Ilorin, Nigeria

Background: Zika virus and rubella virus are viruses of concern to public health owing to their independent ability to cross the placenta causing congenital defects and complications. This study aims to determine the molecular epidemiology of these viruses amongst pregnant women attending Sobi Specialist hospital in Ilorin, Kwara state. Methods: After ethical approval and duly completed informed consent form, blood sample and respondent data were collected for Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay after which the respective IgM positive samples were molecularly analyzed independently. Results: The recorded immune status to the individual viruses were 32 (16.0%) and 14 (7.0%) for zika virus IgM and IgG while rubella virus IgM and IgG had 24 (12.0%) and 118 (59.0%) prevalence respectively. The molecular analysis of the rubella virus yielded a partial sequence of its E1 glycoprotein which was assigned accession number MT153585 after GenBank deposition while zika virus had no detectable molecular result. Further analysis of serostatus revealed coinfection (3.5% and 3.7%) and mono (1.0% and 36.0%) for IgM and IgG respectively and seroconversion of 17.5%. The unexposed respondent was 38.0%. Amongst the evaluated demographic/risk factors, the viruses were statistically significant (p<0.05) for age, type of marriage, occupation, parity and frequency of contact with people while mosquito prevention strategy and its implementation were also significant for zika virus acquisition. Conclusions: Awareness of respondent to the viruses was very low with 97.0% unaware prior to this study. Vaccination for the vaccine preventable rubella virus should be implemented while adherence to mosquito prevention strategies and discouragement of breeding site should be is encouraged. There is need for the enactment of surveillance route for these viruses to ascertain the extent of the silent burden on the health of the baby in Nigeria.
Fair Influence Maximization: A Welfare Optimization Approach

Several behavioral, social, and public health interventions, such as suicide/HIV prevention or community preparedness against natural disasters, leverage social network information to maximize outreach. Algorithmic influence maximization techniques have been proposed to aid with the choice of ``peer leaders'' or ``influencers'' in such interventions. Yet, traditional algorithms for influence maximization have not been designed with these interventions in mind. As a result, they may disproportionately exclude minority communities from the benefits of the intervention. This has motivated research on fair influence maximization. Existing techniques come with two major drawbacks. First, they require committing to a single fairness measure. Second, these measures are typically imposed as strict constraints leading to undesirable properties such as wastage of resources. To address these shortcomings, we provide a principled characterization of the properties that a fair influence maximization algorithm should satisfy. In particular, we propose a framework based on social welfare theory, wherein the cardinal utilities derived by each community are aggregated using the isoelastic social welfare functions. Under this framework, the trade-off between fairness and efficiency can be controlled by a single inequality aversion design parameter. We then show under what circumstances our proposed principles can be satisfied by a welfare function. The resulting optimization problem is monotone and submodular and can be solved efficiently with optimality guarantees. Our framework encompasses as special cases leximin and proportional fairness. Extensive experiments on synthetic and real world datasets including a case study on landslide risk management demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed framework.
Emergent Properties of Foveated Perceptual Systems

We introduce foveated perceptual systems, inspired by human biological systems, and examine the impact that this foveation stage has on the nature and robustness of subsequently learned visual representation. Specifically, these \textit{two-stage} perceptual systems first foveate an image, inducing a texture-like encoding of peripheral information, which is then inputted to a convolutional neural network (CNN) and trained to perform scene categorization. We find that: 1-- Systems trained on foveated inputs (Foveation-Nets) have similar generalization as networks trained on matched-resource networks without foveated input (Standard-Nets), yet show greater cross-generalization. 2-- Foveation-Nets show higher robustness than Standard-Nets to scotoma (fovea removed) occlusions, driven by the first foveation stage. 3-- Subsequent representations learned in the CNN of Foveation-Nets weigh center information more strongly than Standard-Nets. 4-- Foveation-Nets show less sensitivity to low-spatial frequency information than Standard-Nets. Furthermore, when we added biological and artificial augmentation mechanisms to each system through simulated eye-movements or random cropping and mirroring respectively, we found that these effects were amplified. Taken together, we find evidence that foveated perceptual systems learn a visual representation that is distinct from non-foveated perceptual systems, with implications in generalization, robustness, and perceptual sensitivity. These results provide computational support for the idea that the foveated nature of the human visual system might confer a functional advantage for scene representation.
The second moment of Sn(t) on the Riemann hypothesis

Let [Formula: see text] be the argument of the Riemann zeta-function at the point [Formula: see text]. For [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] define its antiderivatives as [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is a specific constant depending on [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. In 1925, Littlewood proved, under the Riemann Hypothesis (RH), that [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text]. In 1946, Selberg unconditionally established the explicit asymptotic formulas for the second moments of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. This was extended by Fujii for [Formula: see text], when [Formula: see text]. Assuming the RH, we give the explicit asymptotic formula for the second moment of [Formula: see text] up to the second-order term, for [Formula: see text]. Our result conditionally refines Selberg’s and Fujii’s formulas and extends previous work by Goldston in [Formula: see text], where the case [Formula: see text] was considered.
Learn to Effectively Explore in Context-Based Meta-RL

Meta reinforcement learning (meta-RL) provides a principled approach for fast adaptation to novel tasks by extracting prior knowledge from previous tasks. Under such settings, it is crucial for the agent to perform efficient exploration during adaptation to collect useful experiences. However, existing methods suffer from poor adaptation performance caused by inefficient exploration mechanisms, especially in sparse-reward problems. In this paper, we present a novel off-policy context-based meta-RL approach that efficiently learns a separate exploration policy to support fast adaptation, as well as a context-aware exploitation policy to maximize extrinsic return. The explorer is motivated by an information-theoretical intrinsic reward that encourages the agent to collect experiences that provide rich information about the task. Experiment results on both MuJoCo and Meta-World benchmarks show that our method significantly outperforms baselines by performing efficient exploration strategies.