Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium Infection on Intestinal Goblet Cells and Villous Morphology in Broiler Chicks

Abstract Live broiler chickens are important in the transmission of Salmonella to humans. Reducing Salmonella levels in the intestine of broiler chickens, in part, requires understanding of the interactions between Salmonella and the intestinal barriers that represent the first line of defense. Such barriers include the mucus layer (composed of mucins secreted by goblet cells) and the underlying epithelium. Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of Salmonella Typhimurium infection on intestinal goblet cell dynamics (density and size) and villous morphology in broiler chicks. In Experiment 1, broiler chicks were either challenged with sterile media (control treatment) or orally given 7.4 × 107 colony-forming units (CFU) at 3 days of age (termed the CST treatment). Treatments were similar in Experiment 2, except that chicks in the CST treatment were challenged with 7.8 × 106 CFU at 4 days of age. Duration of each experiment was 14 days. At 7 days postchallenge (PC) in Experiment 1, jejunal tissue sections were collected, formalin-fixed, and routinely processed for histologic measurement of villous morphometric indices. In Experiment 2, at 10 days PC, jejunal tissue sections were collected and processed for histologic determination of goblet cell numbers and size, in addition to villous measurements. Results showed that Salmonella Typhimurium infection increased goblet cell density, reduced villous surface area, increased the incidence of epithelial exfoliation, and increased the incidence of heterophil influx into the lamina propria (P < 0.05). It was concluded that Salmonella Typhimurium infection impacts goblet cell biology and exerts morphopathologic changes in the jejunum of broiler chicks.
Driver Hypovigilance Detection for Safe Driving using Infrared Camera

Driver safety can be made possible by continually monitoring the hypovigilance of the driver. Researchers have worked on analysing the driver drowsiness or inattention detection by using the camera mounted on the vehicle. This paper works on Infrared camera based monitoring of the hypovigilance (normal, fatigue, drowsy, visual and cognitive inattention) which is nothing but monitoring the state of the driver during different timings of the day. The simulator based environment was used to monitor and record the behaviour of the driver continuously for a period of two hours. The raw video is filtered and the features were extracted and classified using Support Vector Machine (SVM), k-Nearest Neighbour (KNN) and Ensemble classifier algorithm. The average accuracy of fusion of hypovigilance state for Behavioural measure is 64.1%.
Excitation and Detection of Surface Skimming Bulk Waves on Rotated Y-Cut Quartz

A theoretical analysis of excitation, transmission, andreception of surface skimming bulk waves(SSBW)by a pair of interdigital electrodes on rotated Y-cut quartz has been performed. Because quartz is relatively weakly piezoelectric, solutions to the Christoffel equations decouple to first order into purely acoustic and electrostaticwaves. When a time-varying voltage is appliedto a set of interdigital electrodes, it is found that each Fourier component of the induced electrostatic potential is coupled to a phase-matched outward propagating acoustic plane wave through the requirementof zero normal surface stress. By integrating the acoustic power density overkspace, a simple analytical expression for the radiation resistanceis obtained in terms of the material and transducer parameters. An asymptotic integration of the Fourier-components of the acoustic wave amplitude leads through the method of saddle-point integration to a closed-form expression for acoustic wave amplitude and far-field radiation pattern. Reciprocity is used to obtain closed form expressions for insertionloss.
Clustering and Closure Coefficient Based on k-CT Components

Real-world networks contain many cliques since they are usually built from them. The analysis that goes behind the cliques is fundamental because it discovers the real structure of the network. This article proposed new high-order closed trail clustering and closure coefficients for evaluation of the network structure. These coefficients are able to describe the inner structure of the network concerning its randomized or organized behavior. Moreover, the coefficients can cluster networks with similar structures together. The experiments show that the coefficients are useful in both the local and global context.
Association of the rs7903146 polymorphism in transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2) gene with gestational diabetes mellitus: a meta-analysis

Abstract A meta-analysis was performed to assess the association between the transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2) gene polymorphism rs7903146 (IVS3C > T) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). A comprehensive search was conducted to identify all case-control or cohort design studies of the above-mentioned associations. The fixed or random effect pooled measure was selected on the basis of homogeneity test among studies. Heterogeneity among studies was evaluated using the I2. Meta-regression was used to explore the potential sources of between-study heterogeneity. Publication bias was estimated using Egger’s linear regression test. A total of 10 studies including 3404 cases and 6473 controls were involved in this meta-analysis. Overall, after excluding articles that deviated from HWE in controls, and further the key contributors to between-study heterogeneity, significant associations between TCF7L2 rs7903146 genetic polymorphism and risk of gestational diabetes mellitus were observed in the dominant (OR 1.653, 95% CI 1.416–1.930) and codominant (OR 1.525, 95% CI 1.350–1.723) models. The meta-analysis suggests that TCF7L2 rs7903146 genetic polymorphism was associated with increased risk of gestational diabetes mellitus.
Problem Construction and Creativity: The Role of Ability, Cue Consistency, and Active Processing

Problem construction has been suggested as the first step in creative problem solving, but our understanding of the underlying process is limited. According to a model of problem construction (Mumford, Reiter-Palmon, & Redmond, 1994), problem construction ability, active engagement in problem construction, and the presence of diverse and inconsistent cues influence creative problem solving. To test these hypotheses, 195 undergraduates were asked to solve 6 real-life problems and complete a measure of problem construction ability. Active engagement in problem construction was manipulated by instructions to the participants. Cue consistency was manipulated by the information presented in the problem situation. The quality, originality, and creativity of the solutions were evaluated. Results indicated that problem construction ability was related to higher quality solutions as well as solutions rated as more original. Problem construction ability also interacted with cue consistency such that individuals wit.
Impact of the geometry, path-loss exponent and random shadowing on the mean interference factor in wireless cellular networks

The interference factor, defined for a given location in the network as the ratio of the sum of the path-gains form interfering base-stations (BS) to the path-gain from the serving BS is an important ingredient in the analysis of wireless cellular networks. It depends on the geometric placement of the BS in the network and the propagation gains between these stations and the given location. In this paper we study the mean interference factor taking into account the impact of these two elements. Regarding the geometry, we consider both the perfect hexagonal grid of BS and completely random Poisson pattern of BS. Regarding the signal propagation model, we consider not only a deterministic, signal-power-loss function that depends only on the distance between a transmitter and a receiver, and is mainly characterized by the so called path-loss exponent, but also random shadowing that characterizes in a statistical manner the way various obstacles on a given path modify this deterministic function. We present a detailed analysis of the impact of the path loss exponent, variance of the shadowing and the size of the network on the mean interference factor in the case of hexagonal and Poisson network architectures. We observe, as commonly expected, that small and moderate shadowing has a negative impact on regular networks as it increases the mean interference factor. However, as pointed out in the seminal paper [16], this impact can be largely reduced if the serving BS is chosen as the one which offers the smallest path-loss. Revisiting the model studied in this latter paper, we obtain a perhaps more surprising result saying that in large irregular (Poisson) networks the shadowing does not impact at all the interference factor, whose mean can be evaluated explicitly in a simple expression depending only on the path-loss exponent. Moreover, in small and moderate size networks, a very strong variability of the shadowing can be even beneficial in both hexagonal and Poisson networks.
Semi-autonomous adaptive cruise control systems

The concept of a semi-autonomous adaptive cruise control system is developed that enjoys significant advantages over present-day adaptive cruise control systems in terms of highway safety and traffic flow. The semi-autonomous systems combine the advantages of autonomous vehicles with the advantages of fully automated highway systems in which vehicles operate cooperatively as a platoon. Unlike platoon systems, the semi-autonomous systems will be immediately deployable on present-day highways where both manually driven and adaptive cruise controlled vehicles can co-exist. The theoretical results show that the proposed system would be able to safely maintain smaller headway-gaps, would be string stable, and would be guaranteed to have smaller actuator inputs than a standard autonomous adaptive cruise control system. The simulation results in the paper indicate that more accurate and smoother tracking, smaller headway gaps, smaller control efforts and increased robustness to vehicle dynamics are achieved by semi-autonomous control.
Comparison of Machine Learning Algorithms for Shelter Animal Classification

Establishing characteristics of the shelter animal which determine its outcome is an important task for solving the problem of homeless and abused animals. The main goal of this research was to identify which machine learning algorithm can provide the most accurate prediction of the outcome for an animal, based on its main features. The first step in this research was the transformation of data into a proper form for the implementation of the algorithms. Furthermore, several machine learning algorithms were trained in order to achieve the best possible classification results. The results of the algorithms were compared and the most suitable algorithms were selected based on their performance metrics. This research proposes using a combination of multiple data preprocessing techniques, imbalanced data and machine learning algorithms for predicting the outcome for shelter animal based on its characteristics. K-Nearest Neighbors and C4.5 algorithms provided the best classification results in this research.
Partial discharge location in power cables using a phase difference method

This paper presents a new partial discharge (PD) location technique for power cables. Unlike commonly used time-domain reflectometry (TDR) methods, this technique is based on the analysis of phase difference between the direct and reflected waves of a PD pulse measured at the cable end. The phase difference at various frequencies can be obtained from the cross Fourier spectral density function. After implementing a phase unwrapping algorithm, the defect is located. This technique has been tested using the Electromagnetic Transient Program (EMTP) on the model of a 20 kV, 1-km underground cable. The simulation takes into account the frequency-dependent parameters of the cable and the measurement accuracy of the A/D converter (8-bit). The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) varies from 10 dB to -5 dB for all computer simulations. The statistical results are given to demonstrate the performance of the proposed technique.
Designs for Mounting Reed Switches in Closed Complete Current Conductors and on Cable Lines

A brief consideration of the current sensors with the magnetosensitive elements. The use of reed switches as current sensors in relay protection is advised. The principle of building protections on reed switches is stated. The disadvantages of the known designs for mounting the reed switches in closed complete current conductors are analyzed. Four designs for mounting reed switches near three-phase closed complete current conductors with dividing barriers and on cable lines are proposed. In the first one, the bracket with reed switches is attached to two dividing barriers of the current conductor, in the second to its shell and passes through the dividing barriers, in the third, the reed switch is mounted on a rotary drum located in a housing attached to the cable, in the fourth – on an inclined bracket. Further we speak about how the response parameters of magnetosensitive elements are controlled using these designs.
Majority Vote and Other Problems when using Computational Tools

Computational tools are essential for most of our research. To use these tools, one needs to know how they work. Problems in application of computational methods to variation analysis can appear at several stages and affect, for example, the interpretation of results. Such cases are discussed along with suggestions how to avoid them. The applications include incomplete reporting of methods, especially about the use of prediction tools; method selection on unscientific grounds and without consulting independent method performance assessments; extending application area of methods outside their intended purpose; use of the same data several times for obtaining majority vote; and filtering of datasets so that variants of interest are excluded. All these issues can be avoided by discontinuing the use software tools as black boxes.
SquirrelJoin: Network-Aware Distributed Join Processing with Lazy Partitioning

To execute distributed joins in parallel on compute clusters, systems partition and exchange data records between workers. With large datasets, workers spend a considerable amount of time transferring data over the network. When compute clusters are shared among multiple applications, workers must compete for network bandwidth with other applications. These variances in the available network bandwidth lead to network skew, which causes straggling workers to prolong the join completion time. We describe SquirrelJoin, a distributed join processing technique that uses lazy partitioning to adapt to transient network skew in clusters. Workers maintain in-memory lazy partitions to withhold a subset of records, i.e. not sending them immediately to other workers for processing. Lazy partitions are then assigned dynamically to other workers based on network conditions: each worker takes periodic throughput measurements to estimate its completion time, and lazy partitions are allocated as to minimise the join completion time. We implement SquirrelJoin as part of the Apache Flink distributed dataflow framework and show that, under transient network contention in a shared compute cluster, SquirrelJoin speeds up join completion times by up to 2.9× with only a small, fixed overhead.
Opposite expression patterns of Sonic hedgehog and Indian hedgehog are associated with aberrant methylation status of their promoters in colorectal cancers

Aims: Activation of the Hedgehog (Hh) signalling pathway in colorectal cancers (CRCs) is controversial, and its regulation mechanism remains to be elucidated. In the present study we attempted to clarify the regulatory mechanism of the expression of Hh ligands during colorectal carcinogenesis. Methods: Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry were used to characterise expressions of the SHH, IHH and GLI1 genes in 36 CRCs, and the findings compared to 21 hyperplastic polyps and 32 colorectal adenomas. In addition, the methylation status of the SHH and IHH promoters in these samples were investigated. Results: Expressions of SHH and GLI1 proteins were increased significantly in CRCs compared with those in hyperplastic polyps and colorectal adenomas (p<0.01 for both). In contrast, IHH was almost lost in both colorectal adenomas and CRCs. Furthermore, DNA methylation analysis revealed that the frequency of SHH methylation in CRCs (20.6%) was significantly lower than that in colorectal adenomas (72.4%, p<0.001) and hyperplastic polyps (64.7%, p = 0.002). IHH promoter methylation was frequently observed in colorectal adenomas (55.2%, p = 0.004) and CRCs (70.6%, p<0.001) compared with that in hyperplastic polyps (11.8%). Conclusion: SHH hypomethylation could lead to the SHH dependent activation of Hh pathway in CRCs. On the other hand, down‐regulation of IHH expression as a result of hypermethylation, may be an early event in colorectal carcinogenesis.
Modeling a Frequency Converter with Vector-Algorithmic Control

The paper discusses the existing methods of regulating the speed of rotation of a three-phase induction motor, their advantages and disadvantages. The most efficient way to change the engine speed is to change the frequency of the supply voltage. A frequency converter developed using vector-algorithmic control is proposed and the result of mathematical modeling of the proposed frequency converter in comparison with direct-on-line motor with MATHLAB Simulink environment is presented. This frequency converter uses a simple control system that can be performed in various ways, which allows adjusting the rotation speed of a three-phase induction motor, for example, in an electric drive for longitudinal movement of a crane beam, where 2-3 fixed speeds are needed.
Optimization of Conditions for High Production of 3-HPA through Mathematical Modelling of Series Reactions by Resting Lactobacillus reuteri

Glycerol can be converted to 3-HPA and 1,3-propanediol by resting Lactobacillus reuteri. The main catalytic pathway of glycerol is dehydration and reduction. In this study, a novel mathematical model was set up to describe the series reactions of glycerol transformation by L. reuteri. In the model, the cell deactivation rate was proposed by a first order equation with different constants for step one and step two of series reactions. The biotransformation process was satisfactorily simulated by the kinetic model proposed. By comparison of cell deactivation and transformation rate constants under different conditions, the optimal conditions for 3-HPA production by resting cell were obtained. The results showed that the 3-HPA/glycerol yield was highest when the biotransformation was done at glycerol concentration of 200 mmol L, pH 6.2 and at 37 °C by resting cell with a concentration of 25.3 g L. Under the optimal transformation condition for resting cell of L. reuteri, the inactivation rate constants of cell (k1, k1) and conversion rate constants (k2, k3) in step one and step two are 0.72 ± 0.04 h , 12.54 ± 0.63 h, 0.073 ± 0.002 L g h, 0.11 ± 0.01 L g h, respectively.
The repressing and enhancing functions of the herpes simplex virus regulatory protein ICP27 map to C-terminal regions and are required to modulate viral gene expression very early in infection

The phenotypic properties of ICP27 temperature-sensitive and deletion mutants and the results of transient expression assays have demonstrated that ICP27 has a modulatory effect on viral gene expression induced by ICPs 0 and 4. In order to identify the regions of the ICP27 molecule that are responsible for its enhancing and repressing activities, 10 nonsense and 3 in-frame deletion mutations were introduced into the coding sequence of the cloned ICP27 gene. These mutant genes were tested in transient expression assays for their ability to complement an ICP27 null mutant and to enhance and repress expression from a spectrum of herpes simplex virus type 1 promoters in reporter CAT genes when expression was induced by ICP0 or ICP4. The results of assays with cloned mutant genes demonstrate that the ICP27 polypeptide contains two regions, located between amino acid residues 327 and 407 and residues 465 and 511, that contribute to its repressing activity. The amino acid region located between the two repressing regions (residues 407 to 465) is able to interfere with ICP27 repressing activity. None of the mutant genes exhibited efficient enhancing activity for any of the herpes simplex type 1 promoters tested, demonstrating that amino acids comprising the carboxy-terminal half of the ICP27 molecule, including the terminal phenylalanine residue, are required for wild-type enhancement as well as for efficient complementation of an ICP27 null mutant. Phenotypic characterization of an in-frame deletion mutant, vd3, and a previously isolated null mutant, 5dl 1.2 (A. M. McCarthy, L. and P. A. Schaffer, J. Virol. 63:18-27, 1989), demonstrated that ICP27 is required to induce the expression of all classes of viral genes very early in infection and confirmed the requirement for ICP27 later in infection (i) to repress early gene expression, (ii) to induce wild-type levels of delayed-early or gamma 1 gene expression, and (iii) to induce true late or gamma 2 gene expression. The vd3 mutant, which specifies an ICP27 peptide lacking the repressing region between residues 327 and 407, is able to (i) repress early gene expression, consistent with the repressing ability of the d3 mutation in transient expression assays, (ii) induce the synthesis of significant but reduced levels of delayed-early (gamma 1) proteins and no gamma 2 proteins (thus vd3 exhibits a late protein phenotype intermediate between that of the wild-type virus and 5dl 1.2), and (iii) confer altered electrophoretic mobility on ICP4, demonstrating a role for ICP27 in the posttranslational modification of this essential regulatory protein. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Bootstrapping Joint Bayesian model for robust face verification

Generative Bayesian models have exhibited good performance on the face verification problem, i.e., determining whether two faces are from the same person. As one of the most representative methods, the Joint Bayesian (JB) model represents two faces jointly by introducing some appropriate priors, providing better separability between different face classes. The EM-like learning algorithm of the JB model, however, are occasionally observed to have unsatisfactory converge property during the iterative training process. In this paper, we present a Bootstrapping Joint Bayesian (BJB) model which demonstrates good converging behavior. The BJB model explicitly addresses the classification difficulties of different classes by gradually re-weighting the training samples and driving the Bayesian models to pay more attentions to the hard training samples. Experiments on a new challenging benchmark demonstrate promising results of the proposed model, compared to the baseline Bayesian models.
Strategic Management Tools and Techniques and Organizational Performance: Findings from the Czech Republic

The purpose of this study is to investigate the current level of strategic management tools and techniques utilization as well as to explore and identify the impact of management tools on organizational performance in the Czech Republic. The research paper is based on a questionnaire survey obtained from the 91 companies. This paper is one of the few studies which investigate the relationship between management tools and techniques and organizational performance. The findings show the level of management tools utilization and possibilities influencing performance. The study indicates that there is a positive significant relationship between management tools and techniques utilization and organizational performance.