Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Validation of a skin and coat scoring protocol in dogs

Skin and coat scores have been used to assess changes in skin and coat quality in dogs. The aim of this study was to evaluate a skin and coat protocol in dogs of different coat types. Skin and coat of long-haired, short-haired and wire-haired dogs were scored for alopecia, glossiness, greasiness, softness, scaliness and overall skin and coat quality by ten observers. Intraobserver and interobserver agreement was assessed using kappa values. Thirty-six client-owned dogs were included in the study. The overall intraobserver agreement was moderate when assessing greasiness and glossiness and substantial when assessing alopecia, softness, scaliness and overall skin and coat quality. The overall interobserver agreement was only slight to fair for all features assessed. In conclusion, the proposed skin and coat scoring protocol assesses different aspects of the skin and coat quality in dogs and is easy and non-invasive. Scoring skin and coat quality over time is only reliable if performed by the same person.
Antimicrobial Resistance Pattern of Bacterial Meningitis Among Patients in Quetta, Pakistan

Introduction Bacterial meningitis (BM) is a lethal infectious disease that persists as a substantial cause of morbidity and mortality. The antimicrobial drug resistance in BM pathogens poses a major threat to the community while raising challenges for clinicians. For the first time, we elucidate the incidence rate of BM and its drug resistance among the population of Quetta, Balochistan. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted (from January 2018 to March 2021) among meningitis patients admitted to government hospitals in Quetta. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimen was collected and processed for microbiological and cytological analysis. Bacterial isolates were identified and confirmed using phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene. Results We found 35.9% (321/894) confirmed cases of BM among the population of Quetta, Balochistan. The identified bacterial isolates comprised Streptococcus pneumoniae 14.7% (130/894), Staphylococcus aureus 6.9% (61/894), Neisseria meningitidis 5.7% (51/894), Haemophilus influenzae 2.5% (22/894), Escherichia coli 4.5% (40/894), and Klebsiella pneumoniae 1.9% (17/894). A high percentage in male patients of 20.8% (186/894) was identified as compared to female patients of 15.1% (135/894). Extreme age groups such as infants (age range: 1 month to 1 year) and adults (age range: 61 years to 99 years) with low immunity were critically affected by BM. Clinical parameters such as abnormal CSF appearance, pH, and high WBCs in BM patients with endocarditis as the underlying disease were significantly at elevated risk of fatal outcome. 16S rRNA gene phylogenetic analysis confirmed the evolutionary similarity of isolated strains with prevailing pathogenic strains in Asia. Furthermore, age was identified as a significant risk factor for clinical outcomes. Conclusion The majority of the identified BM patients belonged to rural areas with limited health-care facilities and paramedic staff. The high case fatality rate 11% demonstrates increased antibiotic resistance among BM isolates, thereby stimulating its devastation in underdeveloped regions. Timely detection and intensive treatment of BM may improve critical outcomes in patients.
Violator spaces: Structure and algorithms

Sharir and Welzl introduced an abstract framework for optimization problems, called LP-type problems or also generalized linear programming problems, which proved useful in algorithm design. We define a new, and as we believe, simpler and more natural framework: violator spaces, which constitute a proper generalization of LP-type problems. We show that Clarkson’s randomized algorithms for low-dimensional linear programming work in the context of violator spaces. For example, in this way we obtain the fastest known algorithm for the P-matrix generalized linear complementarity problem with a constant number of blocks. We also give two new characterizations of LP-type problems: they are equivalent to acyclic violator spaces, as well as to concrete LP-type problems (informally, the constraints in a concrete LP-type problem are subsets of a linearly ordered ground set, and the value of a set of constraints is the minimum of its intersection). © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Buoy Light Pattern Classification for Autonomous Ship Navigation Using Recurrent Neural Networks

In near coast navigation, buoys and beacons convey essential information about dangers. At night-time, selected buoys send out individual blink-sequences that are marked in sea charts. International regulations require that navigation officer on watch makes visual confirmation of objects and their type in order to navigate safely. With rapid developments of highly automated vessels, this duty needs be carried out by algorithms that detect and locate objects without human intervention. At night-time, this requires algorithms that decode blink sequences and are able to classify from this information. The paper investigates this problem and suggests an algorithm that solves the problem. Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) with Gated Recurrent Units (GRU) are developed for classification. A dedicated architecture is suggested that includes both temporal and color decoding to obtain unique precision. We demonstrate how networks are trained on synthetically generated data, and the paper shows, on real-world data, how the suggested approach yields 100.0% accurate results on 44 real-world recordings while being robust to inaccuracy in actual blink sequences. Comparison with baseline signal processing and with a recent state-of-the-art 3D CNN model shows that the new blink-sequence classifier outperforms alternative algorithms. A showcase of the results of this work is available in this video: https://youtu.be/KEi8qNnKV2w.
How Do Supernovae Impact the Circumgalactic Medium? I. Large-scale Fountains around a Milky Way–like Galaxy

Feedback is indispensable in galaxy formation. However, lacking resolutions, cosmological simulations often use ad hoc feedback parameters. Conversely, small-box simulations, while they better resolve the feedback, cannot capture gas evolution beyond the simulation domain. We aim to bridge the gap by implementing small-box results of supernovae-driven outflows into dark matter halo-scale simulations and studying their impact on large scales. Galactic outflows are multiphase, but small-box simulations show that the hot phase (T ≈ 106–7 K) carries the majority of energy and metals. We implement hot outflows in idealized simulations of the Milky Way halo, and examine how they impact the circumgalactic medium. In this paper, we discuss the case when the star formation surface density is low and therefore the emerging hot outflows are gravitationally bound by the halo. We find that outflows form a large-scale, metal-enriched atmosphere with fountain motions. As hot gas accumulates, the inner atmosphere becomes “saturated. ” Cool gas condenses, with a rate balancing the injection of the hot outflows. This balance leads to a universal density profile of the hot atmosphere, independent of mass outflow rate. The atmosphere has a radially decreasing temperature, naturally producing the observed X-ray luminosity and column densities of O vi, O vii, and O viii. The self-regulated atmosphere has a baryon and a metal mass of (0.5–1.2) × 1010 M⊙ and (0.6–1.4) × 108 M⊙, respectively, small compared to the “missing” baryons and metals from the halo. We conjecture that the missing materials reside at even larger radii, ejected by more powerful outflows in the past.
The Anti-Sickling Properties of Medicinal Plants, Insights in Botanical Medicine*

SCD is one of the most prevailing homogeneous inherited haemoglobinopathies causing a plethora of various clinical complications to the patients. The high mortality and morbidity severely concern the Western community, where numerous clinical trials and research for a cure are in process. In order to al-leviate patients from the severe symptoms of the disease, avoiding the side effects, Botanical Medicine exhibits concrete evidence, as a gold candidate, to be the salvation to the problem. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review (PRISMA) protocol has been used to achieve extensive research on the topic, focusing on the identification and evaluation of the phytochemical properties of common medicinal plants. Meta-analysis has also been imple-mented on the results of published literature. Forest plots have been plotted, comparing and evaluating the results’ validity and significance. The meta-analysis results have undoubtedly demonstrated the importance and significance of the medicinal plants and their properties against various clinical complications, focusing on the pathogenicity of SCD. Surprisingly, their effectiveness to suppress haemoglobin polymerisation and increase the Fe 2+ /Fe 3+ ratio in patients, en-hanced the normal morphological erythrocytes’ appearance by suppressing the sickle shape of drepanocytes. Research made on the epidemiology of SCD asso-ciates the disease with the geographical frequency of malaria infection. Based on the natural selection theory of Charles Darwin, nature aids in the popula-tion’s survival by the endemicity of various medicinal plants in areas with increased SCD patients. Limitations to the medicinal plants’ consumptions and further therapeutic options have been discussed.
Korean University Students’ Problematic Alcohol use, Depression, and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury During COVID-19 Lockdown

Background This study investigated depression, problematic alcohol use, and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) of university students in Korea during COVID-19 lockdown and evaluated the moderating effect of problematic alcohol use in the relationship between depression and NSSI. Methods In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 234 Korean university students’ data were used to analyze the relationship between depression and NSSI and the moderating effect of problematic alcohol use. To analyze the moderating effect, Hayes PROCESS macro (model 1) was used. Results Of the participants, 69.7% were problematic alcohol drinkers and 58.1% were binge drinkers. Depression and NSSI scores were 13.948 and 0.901, respectively. Of the participants, 33.3% had experienced NSSI for 6 months. Depression was positively associated with NSSI among university students. Furthermore, problematic alcohol use had a conditional moderating effect on the relationship between depression and NSSI. Conclusions Problematic alcohol use had conditional moderating effects on the relationship between depression and NSSI. Additionally, since the COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing, to prevent NSSI, health care professionals in the university should screen students with problematic alcohol use and depressive symptoms.
Eucalyptus oil-mediated synthesis of gold nanoparticles

The search for efficient methods for the synthesis of metal nanoparticles has been widely explored. Within this context, the use of biological materials such as plants, algae, bacteria and fungi has been reported to various metal nanoparticles as an efficient, low-cost and environmental friendly approach. In this paper we present a single-step method for synthesizing gold nanoparticles, by using essential oils from Brazilian Eucalyptus leaves (urograndis and dunnii). The results strongly suggest that the presence of a stronger bioreducing agent, α-Terpinyl acetate, in the Eucalyptus urograndis, results in higher antioxidant capacity and hence in the synthesis of gold nanoparticles with more controlled size distribution.
Intrinsic High Refractive Index Siloxane–Sulfide Polymer Networks Having High Thermostability and Transmittance via Thiol–Ene Cross-Linking Reaction

Siloxane-based polymer films obtained by the sol–gel process are often porous and exhibit low refractive indices. To address this issue, we have prepared two intrinsic high refractive index siloxane–sulfide polymer networks via the Piers–Rubinsztajn reaction and thiol–ene click chemistry based on readily available tetraethoxysilane (TEOS). Our siloxane–sulfide polymers consisting of aromatic groups and sulfur display enhanced thermostability with high Tg (>120 °C) and T5d (>320 °C) as compared to related materials. Such good thermal properties significantly expand their application as high thermostable optical materials. Besides, both flexible and colorless polymer films P1 and P2 exhibit high refractive indices of 1.625 and 1.665 at 546 nm, respectively. P2 also shows high refractive index of 1.648 at 1000 nm. Moreover, both siloxane–sulfide polymer films are uniform and homogeneous with high optical transmittance of 90% for wavelength ranging from 400 to 2000 nm. These data indicate that the new siloxan.
Studying the Effect of Chondroitin Sulfate on the Physicochemical Properties of Novel Gelatin/Chitosan Biopolymer-Based Cryogels

The application of biopolymers in tissue engineering is of a great interest due to of their inherent properties such as cell adhesion, biodegradation, bioavailability, and viscoelasticity. In this study, we synthesized cryogels based on biopolymers of gelatin, chitosan, and chondroitin sulfate by cryopolymerization and studied the effect of chondroitin sulfate on changing the physicochemical properties of cryogels such as pore size, pore volume, density, gel fraction, and biodegradation. A macroporous surface of the synthesized polymers has been investigated by SEM. The glass transition temperatures of the crosslinked cryogels, determined by the DSC method, were higher compared to that of the non-crosslinked cryogel used as a reference. The results of the MTT test showed that aqueous extracts of the prepared cryogels had no toxic effect on rat adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells. The research in this area is of great importance and provides new insights into novel, effective methods for obtaining biopolymers that can be used as carriers of cells.
Overexpression of a Voltage-Dependent Anion-Selective Channel (VDAC) Protein-Encoding Gene, MsVDAC, from Medicago sativa Confers Cold and Drought Tolerance to Transgenic Tobacco

Voltage-dependent anion channels (VDACs) are highly conserved proteins that are involved in the translocation of tRNA and play a key role in modulating plant senescence and multiple pathways. However, the functions of VDACs in plants are still poorly understood. Here, a novel VDAC gene was isolated and identified from alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). MsVDAC localized to the mitochondria, and its expression was highest in alfalfa roots and was induced in response to cold, drought and salt treatment. Overexpression of MsVDAC in tobacco significantly increased MDA, GSH, soluble sugars, soluble protein and proline contents under cold and drought stress. However, the activities of SOD and POD decreased in transgenic tobacco under cold stress, while the O2 - content increased. Stress-responsive genes including LTP1, ERD10B and Hxk3 were upregulated in the transgenic plants under cold and drought stress. However, GAPC, CBL1, BI-1, Cu/ZnSOD and MnSOD were upregulated only in the transgenic tobacco plants under cold stress, and GAPC, CBL1, and BI-1 were downregulated under drought stress. These results suggest that MsVDAC provides cold tolerance by regulating ROS scavenging, osmotic homeostasis and stress-responsive gene expression in plants, but the improved drought tolerance via MsVDAC may be mainly due to osmotic homeostasis and stress-responsive genes.
Webrooming or showrooming? The moderating effect of product attributes

PurposeThis study examines consumers' channel attitudes and choices leading to webrooming and showrooming, and how product attributes (informational vs experiential and perceived risk) moderate the effects of channel attitudes.Design/methodology/approachA research framework is built upon the heterogeneity of channel attitudes, the lack of intrachannel lock-in and interchannel synergy. A questionnaire-based survey yields 868 multi-channel consumer responses in China. Simultaneous equation modeling and STATA 12.0 are used to test the hypotheses.FindingsConsumers webroom when buying high-risk informational products (e.g. personal computers or mobile phones). They webroom as well as showroom for high-risk experiential products (e.g. clothing or cosmetics). Moreover, a single channel is preferred to webrooming or showrooming for purchasing low-risk informational (e.g. books or stationery) and low-risk experiential (e.g. snacks or toys) products. The results also show that webrooming is more frequently used than showrooming by consumers.Research limitations/implicationsThis study extends current understanding on multi-channel and omnichannel shopping behavior and highlights the role of product attributes in customer journey mapping.Practical implicationsThis study offers retailers and other downstream firms a fresh perspective on multi-channel customer experience management and channel design.Originality/valueThis study offers a clear explanation on the commonalities and differences between webrooming and showrooming.
Simultaneous neural machine translation with a reinforced attention mechanism

To translate in real time, a simultaneous translation system should determine when to stop reading source tokens and generate target tokens corresponding to a partial source sentence read up to that point. However, conventional attention‐based neural machine translation (NMT) models cannot produce translations with adequate latency in online scenarios because they wait until a source sentence is completed to compute alignment between the source and target tokens. To address this issue, we propose a reinforced learning (RL)‐based attention mechanism, the reinforced attention mechanism, which allows a neural translation model to jointly train the stopping criterion and a partial translation model. The proposed attention mechanism comprises two modules, one to ensure translation quality and the other to address latency. Different from previous RL‐based simultaneous translation systems, which learn the stopping criterion from a fixed NMT model, the modules can be trained jointly with a novel reward function. In our experiments, the proposed model has better translation quality and comparable latency compared to previous models.
Seasonal adjustment of particulate matter pollution in coastal East Asia during the 2020 COVID lockdown

Seasonally, the East Asian particulate matter (PM) level is higher in the winter–spring period than in summer, at which time the level rapidly decreases due to the summer monsoon migration. Attempting to attribute East Asian PM pollution to a source without considering such natural factors is challenging. However, to what degree the effect of season on an attribution bias remains controversial; the bias may even be implicated in PM-related health effects. This study examined seasonal dynamics including the unusual precipitation evolution during 2020—a year in which coronavirus-related lockdowns occurred frequently worldwide—and suggested a large-scale effect from the removal of PM pollutants from most of the coastal cities in East Asia. In winter–spring 2020, compared with that of previous years, a deeper and farther southward intrusion of the East Asian coastal trough and a stronger surface monsoon flow acted jointly to transport air pollutants over the Korea–Japan region. In summer 2020, the strength and migration of the western North Pacific (WNP) high increased precipitation and removed air pollutants in mid-latitude East Asia, whereas it reduced precipitation in the subtropical WNP. Consequently, the reduced PM level in the subtropical region (including Taiwan) may be irrelevant to the anomalous seasonal pattern. Although an artificial effect is conceivable and may be primarily responsible for the marked decrease in 2020 East Asian PM pollutants in some subtropical cities, the modulation of a large-scale and precipitating effect also deserves consideration.
Genome Survey Sequencing of an Iconic ‘Trophy’ Sportfish, the Roosterfish Nematistius pectoralis: Genome Size, Repetitive Elements, Nuclear RNA Gene Operon, and Microsatellite Discovery

The ‘Pez Gallo’ or the Roosterfish, Nematistius pectoralis, is an ecologically relevant species in the shallow water soft-bottom environments and a target of a most lucrative recreational sport fishery in the Central Eastern Pacific Ocean. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, N. pectoralis is assessed globally as Data Deficient. Using low-coverage short Illumina 300 bp pair-end reads sequencing, this study reports, for the first time, the genome size, single/low-copy genome content, and nuclear repetitive elements, including the 45S rRNA DNA operon and microsatellites, in N. pectoralis. The haploid genome size estimated using a k-mer approach was 816.04 Mbp, which is within the range previously reported for other representatives of the Carangiformes order. Single/low-copy genome content (63%) was relatively high. A large portion of repetitive sequences could not be assigned to the known repeat element families. Considering only annotated repetitive elements, the most common were classified as Satellite DNA which were considerably more abundant than Class I-Long Interspersed Nuclear Elements and Class I-LTR Retroviral elements. The nuclear ribosomal operon in N. pectoralis consists of, in the following order: a 5′ ETS (length = 948 bp), ssrDNA (1835 bp), ITS1 (724 bp), a 5.8S rDNA (158 bp), ITS2 (508 bp), lsrDNA (3924 bp), and a 3′ ETS (32 bp). A total of 44 SSRs were identified. These newly developed genomic resources are most relevant for improving the understanding of biology, developing conservation plans, and managing the fishery of the iconic N. pectoralis.
Effects of Reliability Index on Optimal Configuration of Hybrid Solar/Battery Energy System by Optimization Approach: A Case Study

Stand-alone hybrid energy systems based on solar and energy storage are an effective option for rural areas to meet the load demand. The objective of the current work is to the optimal configuration of a stand-alone hybrid photovoltaic/battery energy storage system with the help of an efficient metaheuristic algorithm, improved harmony search, to supply electrical of a residential load in Iran. The objective function is a minimization of total life cycle cost (TLCC) subject to the reliability index (loss of load probability). The optimal configurations of hybrid systems are compared in respect of different losses of load probability (0 to 20%). Sensitivity analysis and effects of economic parameters based on photovoltaic and battery prices are carried out to study the possibility of the suggested scheme. The results show that, by increasing the reliability index from 0 to 20%, the optimal number of panels and batteries decreases by 52 and 1202. Also, it is found that the TLCC of the system and cost of system components are increased by decreasing of the reliability index value.