Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of biotic and abiotic factors on the production and degradation of fish environmental DNA: An experimental evaluation

Environmental DNA (eDNA) is a very promising approach to facilitate and improve the aquatic species monitoring, which is crucial for their management and conservation. In comparison with the plethora of monitoring studies in the fields, relatively few studies have focused on experimentally investigating the “ecology” of eDNA, in particular pertaining to processes influencing the detection of eDNA. The paucity of knowledge about its ecology hampers the use of eDNA analysis to its full potential. In this study, we experimentally evaluated the impact of several biotic and abiotic factors on the rate of production and degradation of eDNA. Individuals of three freshwater fish species (brown bullhead, tench, and yellow perch) with distinct ecology were placed in two types of water from the St. Lawrence River (Québec, Canada) with very distinct physicochemical characteristics and at three different temperatures. Water samples were then filtered at predetermined time intervals, and quantitative PCR was used to quantify the eDNA in each sample. We found that temperature, species, water types, and some interactions between these factors had a strong effect on the production and degradation of eDNA. The results of this study enhance our knowledge about the ecology of eDNA, thus improving eDNA data interpretation.
Deep learning model enables the discovery of a novel immunotherapeutic agent regulating the kynurenine pathway

ABSTRACT Kynurenine (Kyn) is a key inducer of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Although indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO)-selective inhibitors have been developed to suppress the Kyn pathway, the results were not satisfactory due to the presence of various opposing mechanisms. Here, we employed an orally administered novel Kyn pathway regulator to overcome the limitation of anti-tumor immune response. We identified a novel core structure that inhibited both IDO and TDO. An orally available lead compound, STB-C017 (designated hereafter as STB), effectively inhibited the enzymatic and cellular activity of IDO and TDO in vitro. Moreover, it potently suppressed Kyn levels in both the plasma and tumor in vivo. STB monotherapy increased the infiltration of CD8+ T cells into TME. In addition, STB reprogrammed the TME with widespread changes in immune-mediated gene signatures. Notably, STB-based combination immunotherapy elicited the most potent anti-tumor efficacy through concurrent treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors, leading to complete tumor regression and long-term overall survival. Our study demonstrated that a novel Kyn pathway regulator derived using deep learning technology can activate T cell immunity and potentiate immune checkpoint blockade by overcoming an immunosuppressive TME.
Cuff Pressure and Friction in the Design of Indwelling Fecal Drainage Catheters

Background. The ideal indwelling fecal drainage (IFD) catheter contains stool and is safe for patients. Pressure and friction exerted by the retention cuff on rectal mucosa are thought to contribute to the risk of tissue necrosis and other device-related trauma in patients with fecal incontinence. We hypothesized that a device could be designed with a compliant material that would better conform to the patient’s anatomy, optimizing sealing and minimizing leakage. Ideally, the cuff material would also contribute to minimizing pressure. Methods. We performed two laboratory tests on IFD catheters manufactured by Bard (DigniShield
Online Learning During the Covid-19 Pandemic: Readiness and Satisfaction among Indonesian Students

The spread of Covid-19 has affected the entire world, including the education sector in Indonesia. This study examines the relationship between Indonesian students’ readiness and students satisfaction with online learning during the Covid-19 pandemic. It used an online questionnaire to reach 518 students as a participant. Structural equation modelling (SEM) with SmartPLS software was utilised to examine the relationship between the variables. The finding indicated four dimensions of student readiness (online student attributes, time management, technical competencies, and online communication competencies) closely related to students’ satisfaction with online learning. The result provided an understanding of the condition of online learning satisfaction from students readiness point of view during the Covid-19 pandemic in Indonesia. This study serves as a starting point for stakeholders (government and education institutions) in making future policies.
Effect of non-sentinel metastasis on adjuvant treatment decisions and survival in Z0011 eligible non-screened detected breast cancer population

Background The Z0011 trial results have shown that axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) can be avoided in cT1-2 patients undergoing breast conservation surgery with 1–2 metastatic sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs). We compared the clinicopathological characteristics of the Z0011 eligible non-screen detected breast cancer patients’ cohort with the Z0011 trial study population. Additionally, we have explored the effect of non-sentinel metastasis on adjuvant treatment decisions and survival. Methods The details of early breast cancer (EBC) patients fulfilling Z0011 eligibility criteria were retrieved from a prospectively maintained database (2013–2017) and electronic medical records. We used Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 25 and Stata V15 for the data analysis. Results 128/194 (66%) sentinel lymph node biopsy positive patients had fulfilled the Z0011 inclusion criteria. Compared to the Z0011 study, our cohort patients were younger, with more aggressive disease (higher T2, Grade 3), had a higher rate of macrometastasis (82.8% versus 58.8%) and non-SLN metastasis (48% versus 27%). The information gained by ALND had changed decisions for chemotherapy in 3% and no change of radiotherapy in Z0011 eligible patients. Further nodal positivity in completion ALND was not significantly associated with overall survival (p = 0.86) and disease-free survival (p = 0.5). Conclusion Z0011 eligible Indian EBC patients are significantly different from the Z0011 study population, with younger age of presentation, higher grade, a higher rate of both SLN macro metastasis and non-SLN positivity. The impact of non-sentinel metastasis on adjuvant treatment decisions and survival is minimal.
Using Hue, Saturation, and Value Color Space for Hydraulic Excavator Idle Time Analysis

Accurate analyses of equipment idle time are crucial for the efficient utilization of construction equipment in large construction projects. The less idle time the equipment has, the higher productivity it can achieve. However, it is not feasible for field personnel to visually observe the operation of construction equipment all day. An image processing-based methodology is presented in this paper to automatically quantify the idle time of hydraulic excavators. The image color space (hue, saturation, and value), which shows significant advantages over the red, green, and blue color space in identifying and tracing hydraulic excavators, is used as the base for image segmentation and tracing algorithms. The changing centroid coordinates of an excavator in successive images taken at constant time intervals are used as indicators of movement. Experimental results show that the presented methodology has a promising application potential for effective equipment management in construction projects.
Evaluating the Higher Order Thinking Skills in Reading Exercises of English for Palestine Grade 8

This study aimed at evaluating the availability of higher order thinking skills (HOTS) in the reading exercises of English for Palestine Grade 8 to find out to what extent the reading exercises in the SB and WB match the suggested criteria. To achieve the aim of the study, the researchers adopted the descriptive analytical approach. Consequently, she used two tools to collect the needed data which are: a content analysis card and a structured interview. Specifically, to formulate the content analysis card, the researchers built the suggested criteria benefiting from the previous studies, related literature, and institutions' publication. Concerning the validity of the used tool, the analysis card was shown to a number of experts to benefit from their valuable comments and modification. In the light of their comments, the final shape of the analysis card was constructed. After that, the researchers interviewed 16 8 th grade English language teachers to find out their views regarding the availability of HOTS in the reading exercises in order to validate or refute the findings she got from the analysis card. The following findings were drawn out from the analysis of the book: Only fifteen out of the 26 items i.e., % 58 which are considered the criteria to evaluate the reading comprehension exercises in the target book 'English for Palestine Grade eight ' are available. Whereas the other eleven items i.e., % 42 are completely neglected. The skills available are not well-distributed in the SB neither in the WB. Thus, the distribution of the available HOTS categories is the following: Concerning the analysis skill, it got % 51.92. The SB has % 58.44, whereas the WB has % 33.33. Regarding the synthesis skill, it got % 41.35. The SB has % 32.47 while the WB has % 66.67. The evaluation skill, on the other hand, got the least score among the other two skills. It got the percentage of % 6.73 in only the reading exercises of the SB, with noting that the exercises of the WB have no share of this skill. In regard to the interview, there was almost agreement among the 8 th grade English language teachers that there is a shortage in the HOTS in the reading exercises and they are not well-treated. In the light of these data, the researchers recommend modifying the reading exercises by providing them with more enrichment material that include HOTS. English language supervisors are also recommended to hold more workshops to train English language teachers how to enhance such skills in students' mentalities
THE EFFECT OF ANTAGONIST CONDITIONING CONTRACTIONS ON LOWER AND UPPER BODY POWER TESTS

This study assessed the effect of antagonist conditioning contractions (ACC) on lower and upper body power tests. Six subjects performed the bilateral countermovement jump and the supine medicine ball chest throw on a force platform in baseline conditions and after ACC. A repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare performance between the baseline conditions and the ACC condition. Analysis demonstrated no significant main effects for GRF (p = 0.41) or RFD (p = 0.55) for the countermovement jump. Additionally, there were no significant main effects for GRF (p = 0.85) or RFD (p = 0.95) for the medicine ball throw. This study demonstrated that maximal short term ACC do not enhance multi-joint power tests such as the countermovement jump and medicine ball throw.
The sperm longevity and freezability in the modified BHSV extender of Thai Pradu-hangdum chicken

Pradu-hangdum is a distinctive Thai native pure breed chicken. To conserve the pure breed of this chicken species, the artificial insemination was invested. The key to the highly successful output of this technique is high quality of semen. Hence, the objective of the present study is to characterize the Pradu-hangdam sperms and their longevity and freezability in the BHSV extender. The semen of the 30 randomized male chicken were collected. The macroscopic and microscopic examination were used to determine the sperm characters. The results revealed that the Pradu-hangdam sperms contained normal a spiral-shaped head, mid-piece and tail and normal white cream color. The mean number of sperm concentration was 5.24×109 ± 1.54 sperms/mL. The mean volume was 0.22 ± 0.08 mL. The results of longevity in mean total motility of sperm was 85.20%, 56.00% and 36.33% storage for 1, 24, and 48 hours after semen collection in extender, respectively. The longevity of sperm storage in extender decreased significantly at 24 and 48 hours (P<0.05). The freezability of Pradu-hangdam semen significant decreased from 81.45% to 57.02% of motility (P<0.05) but in the range of acceptable result for insemination. In conclusion, this study provides the basic knowledge of sperm characters and their longevity which decreases in relation to the time after collection even though it was preserved and frozen in the BHSV of the acceptable data. Furthermore, the freezing technique and fertility rate should be a further study in the long-term preservation of Pradu-hangdam sperms.
Effect of Aggregate Spacing on Skid Resistance of Asphalt Pavement

In the design of skid resistant asphalt pavements, it is a common practice in pavement engineering to perform laboratory tests to ensure that the paving aggregate has the required frictional resistance and wheel-polishing resistance, and to specify a minimum surface texture depth of the completed pavement to provide adequate surface drainage for safe travel in wet weather. These controls, however, may not be adequate for all types of pavement construction. For instance, field experience in Singapore indicated that aggregate spacing, or gap width between aggregates, had important effects on the skid resistance of asphalt pavements. This paper describes a laboratory study to examine the effect of aggregate gap width on frictional resistance of laboratory prepared specimens. Aggregate gaps ranging from 2 to 10 mm were studied. The 2 mm gap represents that of a dense graded mix, while 10 mm gaps are found in a typical porous asphalt mixture. The British pendulum tester was adopted for the experimental evaluation of frictional resistance. The laboratory test results confirmed the effect of aggregate spacing as observed in the field. Further experimental tests using laboratory fabricated portland cement specimens indicated that the area of the contact surface, as well as the number of gaps within the test area have significant effect on the measured frictional resistance. There is a need for pavement engineers to examine this effect in the asphalt pavement mix design process to ensure that adequate skid resistance will be achieved in actual construction.
Fault-tolerant control in variable speed drives: a survey

A survey on fault-tolerant control is presented for variable speed drives (VSD), mainly addressing DC and induction motors. Thus, fault diagnosis, accommodation and hardware reconfiguration are reviewed with application to VSD. First, the most common fault scenarios in these electrical machines are described. These conditions are analysed, and their implications and mathematical modelling are discussed. Next, the fault diagnosis strategies based on signal processing, model-based techniques and artificial intelligence are reviewed. Moreover, the diverse hardware reconfiguration schemes of power actuators with semiconductor failures are detailed. A key piece in any VSD is the control algorithm, which can be severely affected in a fault condition. Finally, the fault accommodation schemes suggested so far in the literature are illustrated.
Taxonomic myths and phylogenetic realities in the systematics of the Opisthorchiidae (Trematoda)

The Opisthorchiidae are a large trematode group with a complex taxonomic structure at the subfamily level. Phylogenetic assessment of the Metorchiinae, the Opisthorchiinae and the Pseudamphistominae was carried out using 28S rDNA, concatenated 18S + 28S rDNA, ITS1 and ITS2 rDNA, and COI mt DNA sequences data set. Phylogenetic analyses showed that Metorchis (Metorchiinae), Pseudamphistomum (Pseudamphistominae), Opisthorchis and Clonorchis (Opisthorchiinae) were grouped in a same clade and that Amphimerus (Opisthorchiinae) has a basal position to all these genera. Thus, the Opisthorchiinae can only be resolved as a monophyletic taxon in combination with metorchiine and pseudamphistomine trematodes. The group comprising opisthorchiines, metorchiines and pseudamphistomines clustered with apophallines and liliatrematines. However, the Apophallinae did not appear as a monophyletic taxon. As a result, two subfamilies of traditional opisthorchiids, the Metorchiinae and the Pseudamphistominae, were not recognized as valid. In addition, we demonstrated the existence of three monophyletic groups of heterophyid trematodes, which is important for the future revision of this group.
Sensory-Processing Sensitivity and Pathways to Depression and Aggression: The Mediating Role of Trait Emotional Intelligence and Decision-Making Style—A Pilot Study

While the link between sensory-processing sensitivity (SPS) and internalizing symptoms has been well-established, a link to externalizing problems is still to be explored. This study aimed to further examine the relation between SPS and behavioral problems by testing the potential mediating roles of trait emotional intelligence (TEI) and decision-making styles. Pathway analyses were conducted on data from 268 community sample participants (Mage = 25.81, SD = 2.41, 61.2% females). Results indicated gender differences in the pathway level outcomes of SPS, as well as potential partial mediators in men and women. SPS both directly and via the mediating effects of the well-being factor (TEI) and avoidant decision-making influenced depression, regardless of gender. Direct effects on aggression were, however, obtained only in the male sample. Indirect effects of SPS on aggression were found in spontaneous decision-making for men and in the self-control and sociability factors of TEI for women. Directions for future research were discussed.
Rolling multi-period optimization to control electric vehicle charging in distribution networks

Summary form only given. The integration of electric vehicles (EVs) poses potential issues for low voltage (LV) distribution networks, such as excessive voltage deviations and overloading of equipment. Controlled EV charging is seen as one possibility for reducing, or even eliminating, these issues. The implementation of controlled charging schemes, in particular centralized schemes, can require forecasts of a number of variables, e.g., household loads, EV availability, and battery requirements. The unpredictability of individual customer behavior may, however, lead to large variations between forecast and realized behavior. This work presents a multi-period, unbalanced load flow and rolling optimization method, which focuses on controlling the rate and times at which EVs charge over a 24-h time horizon, with a minimum cost objective, subject to certain constraints. Inputs are updated and a new optimization is performed at each time step so that deviations from the initial forecast can be readily accounted for.
Superheroes or puppets? Local government chief executive officers in Victoria and Queensland

This article examines the chief executive positions in the Victorian and Queensland local government systems through Mintzberg's three-dimensional model and Broussine's capacity model, highlighting the complexities and diversities of these roles. The different approaches to reform taken by the state governments have produced different relationships between chief executives and elected representatives. Of particular interest is the impact of the contract and key performance indicators used by local governments and their ability to facilitate or constrain chief executives in achieving their objectives. The findings suggest that a key challenge for local governments is to establish contractual and performance systems that allow chief executives to achieve their objectives, to deal more effectively with challenges facing communities and contribute to more sustainable local governments.
Evaluation of Effectiveness of Coordinated Signal Control in Reducing Vehicle Emissions during Peak Hours versus Nonpeak Hours

Traffic signal coordination is not only an effective traffic flow operational strategy to smooth the traffic in urban areas but is also considered a potentially effective means to reduce vehicle emissions. Nevertheless, when traffic flow speed decreases, the effectiveness of using traffic signal coordination to reduce emissions may be substantially weakened. This paper evaluates the effectiveness of signal coordination in reducing vehicle emissions during peak versus nonpeak hours, two speed scenarios. The operating mode binning approach is used as a statistical technique to calculate emission rates, and the difference in emissions is adopted as the measure of effectiveness in the study. Data used in the study include Global Positioning System data and emission data collected from real-world tests. It was found from the study that coordinated signal control could reduce vehicle emissions in the following order (most to least reduction): oxides of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, and carbon monoxide. However, its effectiveness would be impaired during peak hours when the speed was decreased. Meanwhile, the test shows that the effectiveness will be affected by driver behavior. Either low average speed or intentionally slow driving will weaken the effectiveness of coordinated control in reducing vehicle emissions. The research in this paper is a pilot study and the same methodology will be used to conduct a more thorough study.
Provenance Analysis and Structural Study of the Cycladic Blueschist Unit Rocks from Iraklia Island: From the Paleozoic Basement Unroofing to the Cenozoic Exhumation

Detailed mapping and structural observations on the Cycladic Blueschist Unit (CBU) of Iraklia island integrated by detrital zircon (DZ) U-Pb ages elucidate the Mesozoic pre-subduction evolution and the Cenozoic orogenic events. Field data reveal that the Iraklia tectonostratigraphy includes a heterogeneous Lower Schist Unit juxtaposed against a Variegated Marble Unit and an overlying Upper Schist Unit. The contact is an extensional ductile-to-brittle-ductile, top-to-N shear zone, associated with the Oligo-Miocene exhumation. The DZ spectrum of the Lower Schist Unit characterized by Gondwanan/peri-Gondwanan provenance signatures points to Late Triassic maximum depositional ages (MDAs). A quartz-rich schist layer yielded Precambrian DZ ages exclusively, considered part of the pre-Variscan metasedimentary Cycladic Basement, equivalent to those observed on Ios island. A significant change occurred during the deposition of the Upper Schist Unit, revealing Late Cretaceous MDAs and a high amount of Late Paleozoic DZ ages, attesting to more internal Pelagonian source areas. The imprint of Paleotethyan vs. Neotethyan geodynamic events is revealed in the DZ U-Pb ages record. The Triassic DZ input demonstrates eroded volcanic material related to the final Paleotethys closure and the Pindos/CBU rift basin opening. Late Cretaceous metamorphic/magmatic zircons and ~48-56 Ma zircon rims constrain the onset of subduction and high-pressure metamorphism.