Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The diversity and functional capacity of microbes associated with coastal phototrophs

Coastal marine phototrophs exhibit some of the highest rates of primary productivity in the world. They have been found to host a diverse set of microbes, many of which may impact the biology of their phototroph hosts through metabolisms that are unique to microbial taxa. Here we characterized the metabolic functions of phototroph-associated microbial communities using metagenomes collected from 2 species of kelp (Laminaria setchellii and Nereocystis luetkeana) and 3 marine angiosperms (Phyllospadix scouleri, P. serrulatus and Zostera marina), including the rhizomes of two surfgrass species (Phyllospadix spp.) and the seagrass Zostera marina, and the sediments surrounding P. scouleri and Z. marina. Using metagenomic sequencing, we describe 72 metagenome assembled genomes (MAGs) that potentially benefit from being associated with macrophytes and may contribute to macrophyte fitness through their metabolic gene content. All host-associated metagenomes contained genes for the use of dissolved organic matter from hosts and vitamin (B1, B2, B7, B12) biosynthesis. Additionally, we found a range of nitrogen metabolism genes that transform dissolved inorganic nitrogen into forms that may be more available to the host. The rhizosphere of surfgrass and seagrass contained genes for anaerobic microbial metabolisms, including nifH genes associated with nitrogen fixation, despite residing in a well-mixed and oxygenated environment. The range of oxygen environments engineered by macrophytes likely explains the diversity of both oxidizing and reducing microbial metabolisms, and contributes to the functional capabilities of microbes and their influence on carbon and nitrogen cycling in nearshore ecosystems. Importance Kelps, seagrasses and surfgrasses are ecosystem engineers on rocky shorelines where they show remarkably high levels of primary production. Through analysis of their associated microbial communities, we found a variety of microbial metabolisms that may benefit the host, including nitrogen metabolisms and the production of B vitamins. In turn, these microbes have the genetic capability to assimilate the dissolved organic compounds released by their phototroph hosts. We describe a range of oxygen environments associated with surfgrass, including low-oxygen microhabitats in their rhizomes that host genes for nitrogen fixation. The tremendous productivity of coastal phototrophs is likely due in part to the activities of associated microbes and an increased understanding of these associations is needed.
THE INFLUENCE OF ACQUIRER CSR ON INVESTOR REACTION IN CROSS-BORDER ACQUISITIONS

We analyze the influence of acquirer CSR performance on acquirer announcement returns for a sample of 545 transactions, in which acquirers from emerging countries purchased targets from developed markets. Drawing on stakeholder theory, we argue that emerging market acquirers with higher CSR performance experience more favorable investor reactions upon acquisition announcement. We furthermore posit that this CSR performance-investor reaction relationship is more pronounced in acquisitions characterized by larger institutional or cultural distances between the acquirer and target’s countries.
Who Makes an Effort? A Person-Centered Examination of Motivation and Beliefs as Predictors of Students’ Effort and Performance on the PISA 2015 Science Assessment

Each time new PISA results are presented, they gain a lot of attention. However, there are many factors that lie behind the results, and they get less attention. In this study, we take a person-centered approach and focus on students’ motivation and beliefs, and how these predict students’ effort and performance on the PISA 2015 assessment of scientific literacy. Moreover, we use both subjective (self-report) and objective (time-based) measures of effort, which allows us to compare these different types of measures. Latent profile analysis was used to group students in profiles based on their instrumental motivation, enjoyment, interest, self-efficacy, and epistemic beliefs (all with regard to science). A solution with four profiles proved to be best. When comparing the effort and performance of these four profiles, we saw several significant differences, but many of these differences disappeared when we added gender and the PISA index of economic, social, and cultural status (ESCS) as control variables. The main difference between the profiles, after adding control variables, was that the students in the profile with most positive motivation and sophisticated epistemic beliefs performed best and put in the most effort. Students in the profile with unsophisticated epistemic beliefs and low intrinsic values (enjoyment and interest) were most likely to be classified as low-effort responders. We conclude that strong motivation and sophisticated epistemic beliefs are important for both the effort students put into the PISA assessment and their performance, but also that ESCS had an unexpectedly large impact on the results.
Corynebacterium Species Inhibit Streptococcus pneumoniae Colonization and Infection of the Mouse Airway

The stability and composition of the airway microbiome is an important determinant of respiratory health. Some airway bacteria are considered to be beneficial due to their potential to impede the acquisition and persistence of opportunistic bacterial pathogens such as Streptococcus pneumoniae. Among such organisms, the presence of Corynebacterium species correlates with reduced S. pneumoniae in both adults and children, in whom Corynebacterium abundance is predictive of S. pneumoniae infection risk. Previously, Corynebacterium accolens was shown to express a lipase which cleaves host lipids, resulting in the production of fatty acids that inhibit growth of S. pneumoniae in vitro. However, it was unclear whether this mechanism contributes to Corynebacterium-S. pneumoniae interactions in vivo. To address this question, we developed a mouse model for Corynebacterium colonization in which colonization with either C. accolens or another species, Corynebacterium amycolatum, significantly reduced S. pneumoniae acquisition in the upper airway and infection in the lung. Moreover, the lungs of co-infected mice had reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory myeloid cells, indicating resolution of infection-associated inflammation. The inhibitory effect of C. accolens on S. pneumoniae in vivo was mediated by lipase-dependent and independent effects, indicating that both this and other bacterial factors contribute to Corynebacterium-mediated protection in the airway. We also identified a previously uncharacterized bacterial lipase in C. amycolatum that is required for inhibition of S. pneumoniae growth in vitro. Together, these findings demonstrate the protective potential of airway Corynebacterium species and establish a new model for investigating the impact of commensal microbiota, such as Corynebacterium, on maintaining respiratory health.
Use of Library and Internet Resources by Urdu Faculty, Research Scholars and P.G. Students in University Libraries of Andhra Pradesh State

The Information and communication technology has transformed the old concept of libraries from traditional to digital form. In today’s world the most popular source of information is the Internet and electronic resources. The present study has been undertaken to assess the availability and use of library and web resources by Urdu faculty, research scholars and P.G. students in select university libraries of erstwhile Andhra Pradesh. The particular study was under taken to assess the awareness, availability and use of library and Urdu web resources by the users. Their extent of satisfaction, impediment and impact of Internet and Urdu web resources were analyzed. The findings of the study revealed that there are scanty Urdu resources available online and also there is lack of knowledge among scholars about the use of web resources. To utilize the Urdu web resources to its maximum, it is necessary to build awareness among the research scholars and train them in browsing internet as well as searching information on the internet and using resources. This can be done by conducting user orientation/awareness program.
Perfluorocarbon Emulsion Contrast Agents: A Mini Review

Perfluorocarbon emulsions offer a variety of applications in medical imaging. The substances can be useful for most radiological imaging modalities; including, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasonography, computed tomography, and positron emission tomography. Recently, the substance has gained much interest for theranostics, with both imaging and therapeutic potential. As MRI sequences improve and more widespread access to 19F-MRI coils become available, perfluorocarbon emulsions have great potential for new commercial imaging agents, due to high fluorine content and previous regulatory approval as antihypoxants and blood substitutes. This mini review aims to discuss the chemistry and physics of these contrast agents, in addition to highlighting some of the past, recent, and potential applications.
Matrin3: Disorder and ALS Pathogenesis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the degeneration of both upper and lower motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. ALS is associated with protein misfolding and inclusion formation involving RNA-binding proteins, including TAR DNA-binding protein (TDP-43) and fused in sarcoma (FUS). The 125-kDa Matrin3 is a highly conserved nuclear DNA/RNA-binding protein that is implicated in many cellular processes, including binding and stabilizing mRNA, regulating mRNA nuclear export, modulating alternative splicing, and managing chromosomal distribution. Mutations in MATR3, the gene encoding Matrin3, have been identified as causal in familial ALS (fALS). Matrin3 lacks a prion-like domain that characterizes many other ALS-associated RNA-binding proteins, including TDP-43 and FUS, however, our bioinformatics analyses and preliminary studies document that Matrin3 contains long intrinsically disordered regions that may facilitate promiscuous interactions with many proteins and may contribute to its misfolding. In addition, these disordered regions in Matrin3 undergo numerous post-translational modifications, including phosphorylation, ubiquitination and acetylation that modulate the function and misfolding of the protein. Here we discuss the disordered nature of Matrin3 and review the factors that may promote its misfolding and aggregation, two elements that might explain its role in ALS pathogenesis.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor: A Systematic Review

Background: The introduction of tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy has dramatically improved the clinical effectiveness of patients with locally advanced and/or metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), and this systematic review was conducted aiming at the cost-effectiveness analysis of TKIs in GIST. Methods: A thorough literature search of online databases was performed, using appropriate terms such as “gastrointestinal stromal tumor or GIST,” “cost-effectiveness,” and “economic evaluation. ” Data extraction was conducted independently by two authors, and completeness of reporting and quality of the evaluation were assessed. The systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA statement. Results: Published between 2005 and 2020, 15 articles were incorporated into the systematic review. For advanced GIST, imatinib followed by sunitinib was considered cost-effective, and regorafenib was cost-effective compared with imatinib re-challenge therapy in the third-line treatment. For resectable GIST, 3-year adjuvant imatinib therapy represented a cost-effective treatment option. The precision medicine-assisted imatinib treatment was cost-effective compared with empirical treatment. Conclusion: Although identified studies varied in predicted costs and quality-adjusted life years, there was general agreement in study conclusions. More cost-effectiveness analysis should be conducted regarding more TKIs that have been approved for the treatment of GIST. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd. york.ac. uk/, PROSPERO: CRD42021225253.
Multitask Metamodel for Keypoint Visibility Prediction in Human Pose Estimation

: The task of human pose estimation (HPE) aims to predict the coordinates of body keypoints in images. Even if nowadays, we achieve high performance on HPE, some difficulties remain to be fully overcome. For instance, a strong occlusion can deceive the methods and make them predict false-positive keypoints with high confidence. This can be problematic in applications that require reliable detection, such as posture analysis in car-safety applications. Despite this difficulty, actual HPE solutions are designed to always predict coordinates for each keypoint. To answer this problem, we propose a new metamodel that predicts both keypoints coordinates and their visibility. Visibility is an attribute that indicates if a keypoint is visible, non-visible, or not labeled. Our model is composed of three modules: the feature extraction, the coordinate estimation, and the visibility prediction modules. We study in this paper the performance of the visibility predictions and the impact of this task on the coordinate estimation. Baseline results are provided on the COCO dataset. Moreover, to measure the performance of this method in a more occluded context, we also use the driver dataset DriPE. Finally, we implement the proposed metamodel on several base models to demonstrate the general aspect of our metamodel.
Similarity Breeds Trust: Political Homophily and CEO-Board Communication*

We find that similarity of political views between the CEO and independent directors (“political homophily”) encourages the CEO to share adverse information with the board. Firms with higher political homophily have lower stock price crash risk, and are more likely to divest previously acquired assets with poor performance. Furthermore, the effect of political homophily is complemented by strong shareholder governance which prevents friendly board from insulating the CEO in the case of ex post negative outcomes. Our identification utilizes the exogenous variation in political beliefs associated with the entry of a conservative television network in local markets. Our findings show that a friendly board facilitates CEOboard communication which is crucial for the board to function effectively in its advisory role.
Efficacy of peloidotherapy in unilateral plantar fasciitis: A pilot study

Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of peloidotherapy on pain, functional status, and quality of life (QoL) in patients with unilateral plantar fasciitis (PF). Patients and methods This prospective, observational pilot study included a total of 80 patients (13 males, 67 females; mean age: 47.7±9.9 years; range, 28 to 68 years) with a diagnosis of unilateral PF between April 2018 and October 2018. The patients were divided into two equal groups. The study group (n=40) received peloidotherapy (five days per week for two weeks, total of 10 sessions) + Achilles tendon and plantar fascia stretching exercises (self-stretching for two weeks twice per day for 30 sec, 10 repeats) + heel cup treatment. The control group (n=40) received Achilles tendon and plantar fascia stretching exercises + heel cup treatment. The patients were evaluated before and after treatment using the Visual Analog Scale-pain (VAS-pain), Foot and Ankle Outcome Scores (FAOS), and Heel Tenderness Index (HTI). Results The study group showed statistically significant improvements for all parameters after treatment compared to baseline (p<0.05). Control group showed statistically significant improvements in the VAS-pain, HTI, and FAOS-QoL subscales after treatment compared to baseline (p<0.05). The study group had a better improvement in the VAS-pain, FAOS-pain, and FAOS-work daily life subscales than the control group (p<0.05). Conclusion These results indicate that peloidotherapy may be effective in reducing pain and improving functional status and QoL for patients with unilateral PF.
Analysis of the Transonic Flow Around a Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle Configuration

The present investigation has been carried out as part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization/Science and Technology Organization Applied Vehicle Technology 201 Task Group on extended assessment of reliable stability and control prediction methods for North Atlantic Treaty Organization air vehicles. The stability and control configuration is considered. Its geometry as well as the low-speed aerodynamics and the corresponding flow physics are well known from the literature: For medium angles of attack, the flow around the leading edge is governed by three sections: namely, an apex vortex in the front part, a region of attached flow in the middle portion, and a tip vortex in the outer part of the leading edge. The size of these regions varies with the angle of attack. In the present study, the compressible flow around this configuration has been calculated using the computational fluid dynamics DLR TAU code in the Mach number range of 0.55≤M∞≤0.85 and angles of attack of 0 deg≤α≤16 deg for a constant R.
Energy Savings Potential and Opportunities for High-Efficiency Electric Motors in Residential and Commercial Equipment

This report describes the current state of motor technology and estimates opportunities for energy savings through application of more advanced technologies in a variety of residential and commercial end uses. The objectives of this report were to characterize the state and type of motor technologies used in residential and commercial appliances and equipment and to identify opportunities to reduce the energy consumption of electric motor-driven systems in the residential and commercial sectors through the use of advanced motor technologies. After analyzing the technical savings potential offered by motor upgrades and variable speed technologies, recommended actions are presented.
MODELING AND MULTI-RESPONSE OPTIMIZATION OF ABRASIVE WATER JET MACHINING USING ANN COUPLED WITH NSGA-II

This paper aims to develop a predictive model and optimize the performance of the abrasive water jet machining (AWJM) during machining of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) epoxy laminates composite through a unique approach of artificial neural network (ANN) linked with the nondominated sorting genetic algorithm-II (NSGA-II). Initially, 80 AWJM experimental runs were carried out to generate the data set to train and test the ANN model. During the experimentation, the stand-off distance (SOD), water pressure, traverse speed and abrasive mass flow rate (AMFR) were selected as input AWJM variables and the average surface roughness and kerf width were considered as response variables. The established ANN model predicted the response variable with mean square error of 0.0027. Finally, the ANN coupled NSGA-II algorithm was applied to determine the optimum AWJM input parameters combinations based on multiple objectives.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of the placebo effect in panic disorder: Implications for research and clinical practice

Objective: This review aimed to measure the degree of placebo response in panic disorder. Data Sources: We searched major databases up to 31 January 2021, for randomized pharmacotherapy trials published in English. Study Selection: A total of 43 studies met inclusion criteria to be in the analysis (with 174 separate outcome measurements). Data Extraction: Changes in outcome measures from baseline in the placebo group were used to estimate modified Cohen’s d effect size. Results: A total of 43 trials (2392 subjects, 174 outcomes using 27 rating scales) were included in the meta-analysis. Overall placebo effect size was 0.57 (95% confidence interval = [0.50, 0.64]), heterogeneity (I2: 96.3%). Higher placebo effect size was observed among clinician-rated scales compared to patient reports (0.75 vs 0.35) and among general symptom and anxiety scales compared to panic symptoms and depression scales (0.92 and 0.64 vs 0.56 and 0.54, respectively). There was an upward trend in effect size over the publication period (r = 0.02, p = 0.002) that was only significant among clinician-rated scales (r = 0.02, p = 0.011). There was no significant publication bias, Egger’s test (p = 0.08). Conclusion: We observed a substantial placebo effect size in panic disorder. This effect was more prominent for some aspects of panic disorder psychopathology than for others and was correlated with the source of the assessment and publication year. This finding has implications both for research design, to address the heterogeneity and diversity in placebo responses, and for clinical practice to ensure optimal quality of care. Systematic review registration number: PROSPERO, CRD42019125979.
Negotiating learner-centred education as a national mandate: a case study of EFL teachers in Thai universities

ABSTRACT In 1999, the western concept of ‘Learner-Centred Education’ (LCE) was nationally mandated for schools and universities across Thailand. Most early research into this mandate portrayed Thai teachers in deficit terms, suggesting they were unwilling or unable to implement government policy. Such studies often underappreciated the range of cultural, institutional, and historical factors that were mediating the teachers’ practices. This narrative-based qualitative case study reflexively investigates how four university teachers of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) from three contrasting universities in Thailand negotiated socio-cultural and institutional factors to successfully implement the national mandate of LCE. The study analyses a range of narrative-based qualitative data to show how the teachers were able to differentiate teaching approaches, respect student diversity and independence, and promote dialogic teaching and learning. It also argues for the importance of ongoing professional learning to support teachers’ implementation of LCE.
Testing and Optimizing the Drude Polarizable Force Field for Blocked Amino Acids Based on High-Level Quantum-Mechanical Energy Surfaces

The correct reproduction of conformational substates of amino acids was tested for the CHARMM Drude polarizable force field. This was achieved by evaluating the reorganization energies for all low lying energy minima occurring in all 15 neutral blocked amino acids on a quantum-mechanical (QM) energy surface at the MP2/cc-pVDZ level. The results indicate that the bonded parameters of the N-acetyl (ACE) and N-Methylamide (CT3) blocking groups lead to significant discrepancies. A reparametrization of five bond angles significantly improved the agreement with the QM energy surface. The corrected Drude force field exhibits almost the same average reorganization energies relative to the MP2 energy surface as the AM1 and PM3 semi-empirical methods.
MILLIMETER WAVE SWITCHED BEAM RECTANGULAR LOOP DIPOLE ANTENNA ARRAY USING A 4×4 BUTLER MATRIX

A four-stage switched beam antenna array at millimeter-wave (mm-wave) frequencies is designed, fabricated, and experimental results are demonstrated. A novel rectangular loop dipole antenna (RLDA) applying the quasi Yagi-Uda concept is designed to achieve high gain and wide bandwidth with end-fire radiation. This RLDA with director has a return loss better than 10 dB over a frequency range of 32GHz to 37GHz and a peak gain of 8.5 dB. The proposed high gain end-fire RLDA antenna in combination with a 4× 4 Butler Matrix (BM) creates the switched beam configuration and generates four beams in the directions of 15◦ ± 2◦, −45◦ ± 4◦, 38◦ ± 2◦, and −15◦ ± 1◦ at 33.5GHz, 34.5GHz, and 35.5GHz with successive input port excitation. The switched beam configuration has overall dimensions at 34.5GHz is 26mm × 25.8mm (3.03λ× 3.0λ).