Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
CCTV Enables the Discovery of New Barbastelle (Barbastella barbastellus) Vocalisations and Activity Patterns Near a Roost

We monitored a barbastelle (Barbastella barbastellus) maternity roost for four months using a portable CCTV system, time synchronised with ultrasound recorders. We discovered three patterns of vocal activity not previously described. When barbastelles investigated the roost entrance, calls resembling the approach phase of echolocation were produced consisting of a group of 10 or more broadband pulses of low amplitude, not detected more than a few metres from the roost. The other two distinct vocal patterns were produced during swarming around the roost tree. The first consisted of broadband pulses which were similar to those in the approach pattern, but which tended to be produced in a dynamic group rather than a fixed pattern. They were of higher amplitude than the approach echolocation pulses and were considered to be swarming echolocation pulses. This pattern frequently morphed into sequences containing social calls with a quasi-constant frequency (QCF) tail of very high amplitude. These social calls were likely produced to warn approaching bats on a potential collision course, similar to calls previously described in other species as ‘honking’. In addition to these three vocalisations, standard echolocation pulses were emitted, as well as hooked calls presumably having a social context. These latter two vocalisations were less commonly recorded in our study. Pulse duration was shortest for approach echolocation and longest for the hooked social calls. Amplitude was lowest for approach echolocation and highest for swarming honking calls. The QCF tail in swarming honking was steeper than for swarming social calls. CCTV video evidence (by motion detection) proved invaluable for relating behaviour to call type.
Dielectric Elastomers UV-Cured from Poly(dimethylsiloxane) Solution in Vinyl Acetate

Poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) has been extensively used as an electroactive polymer material because it exhibits not only excellent moldability but also mechanical properties sufficient enough for electroactive performance despite low dielectric permittivity. Its low dielectric property is due to its molecular non-polarity. Here, we introduce a polar group into a PDMS elastomer by using vinyl acetate (VAc) as a crosslinker to improve the dielectric permittivity. We synthesized a high-molecular weight PDMS copolymer containing vinyl groups, namely poly(dimethylsiloxane-co-methylvinylsiloxane) (VPDMS), and prepared several of the VPDMS solutions in VAc. We obtained transparent PDMS films by UV curing of the solution layers. Electromechanical actuation-related physical properties of one of the UV-cured films were almost equivalent to or superior to those of platinum-catalyzed hydrosilylation-cured PDMS films. In addition, saponification of the UV-cured film significantly improved the electrical and mechanical properties (ɛ′ ~ 44.1 pF/m at 10 kHz, E ~ 350 kPa, ɛ ~ 320%). The chemical introduction of VAc into PDMS main chains followed by saponification would offer an efficacious method of enhancing the electroactive properties of PDMS elastomers.
X*: Anytime Multi-Agent Path Finding For Sparse Domains Using Iterative Repairs

Optimally solving the Multi-Agent Path Finding (MAPF) problem is computationally expensive; often, real world systems need a valid solution quickly and would like to improve the quality of the solution if time allows, making anytime MAPF solvers of great practical interest. In many of these practical domains, planning for each agent individually produces a solution with sparse agent-agent collisions involving few agents, and these collisions allow for a geometrically local repair, even if this repair is globally sub-optimal. Furthermore, if the geometric scope of the repair is increased, it will produce a higher quality repair; as the scope grows to the entire domain, it will produce a globally optimal repair. Using these properties, we present an anytime MAPF framework, WAMPF, along with an eﬃcient implementation, X*, which employs re-use techniques during repair scope growth. On the theoretical side, we provide full proofs of correctness for WAMPF and X*. On the experimental side, we show that X* outperforms state-of-the-art anytime or optimal MAPF solvers in fast solution generation and is competitive with state-of-the-art anytime or optimal MAPF solvers for optimal solution generation.
Exploring functionally annotated transcriptional consensus regulatory elements with CONREL

Abstract Understanding the interaction between human genome regulatory elements and transcription factors is fundamental to elucidate the structure of gene regulatory networks. Here we present CONREL, a web application that allows for the exploration of functionally annotated transcriptional ‘consensus’ regulatory elements at different levels of abstraction. CONREL provides an extensive collection of consensus promoters, enhancers and active enhancers for 198 cell-lines across 38 tissue types, which are also combined to provide global consensuses. In addition, 1000 Genomes Project genotype data and the ‘total binding affinity’ of thousands of transcription factor binding motifs at genomic regulatory elements is fully combined and exploited to characterize and annotate functional properties of our collection. Comparison with other available resources highlights the strengths and advantages of CONREL. CONREL can be used to explore genomic loci, specific genes or genomic regions of interest across different cell lines and tissue types. The resource is freely available at https://bcglab.cibio. unitn.it/conrel.
Experimental Assessment of Color Deconvolution and Color Normalization for Automated Classification of Histology Images Stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin

Simple Summary The appearance of histology images stained with H&E can vary a lot as a consequence of changes in the reagents, staining conditions, preparation procedure and acquisition system. In this work we investigated whether color preprocessing—specifically color deconvolution and color normalization—could be used to correct such variability and improve the performance of automated classification procedures. Experimenting on 11 datasets, 13 image descriptors and eight color pre-processing methods we found that doing no color preprocessing was the best option in most cases. Abstract Histological evaluation plays a major role in cancer diagnosis and treatment. The appearance of H&E-stained images can vary significantly as a consequence of differences in several factors, such as reagents, staining conditions, preparation procedure and image acquisition system. Such potential sources of noise can all have negative effects on computer-assisted classification. To minimize such artefacts and their potentially negative effects several color pre-processing methods have been proposed in the literature—for instance, color augmentation, color constancy, color deconvolution and color transfer. Still, little work has been done to investigate the efficacy of these methods on a quantitative basis. In this paper, we evaluated the effects of color constancy, deconvolution and transfer on automated classification of H&E-stained images representing different types of cancers—specifically breast, prostate, colorectal cancer and malignant lymphoma. Our results indicate that in most cases color pre-processing does not improve the classification accuracy, especially when coupled with color-based image descriptors. Some pre-processing methods, however, can be beneficial when used with some texture-based methods like Gabor filters and Local Binary Patterns.
Effect of pitfall trap depth on epigaeic beetle sampling (Coleoptera: Carabidae and Staphylinidae) in wet forested ecosites in Alberta, Canada

Abstract The depth at which pitfall traps were sunk into the ground and the resulting catches of epigaeic Carabidae (Coleoptera) and Staphylinidae (Coleoptera) assemblages in subhygric to hydric ecosites with very deep organic soil layers was investigated in the upper foothills ecoregion of Alberta, Canada. Traps were installed at seven sites, with six surface traps (the pitfall trap lip <5 cm below soil surface) and six deep traps (the pitfall trap lip >20 cm below soil surface) at each site. A total of 5289 beetles representing 75 taxa were collected. There were no significant effects of trap depth on catch. Rarefaction estimates of species diversity were higher in surface pitfall traps for both taxa. The similarity of pooled catches between deep and surface traps was on average 75%, suggesting that both trap types were collecting similar faunas. We found no advantage to using deep pitfall traps in addition to surface traps to sample the epigaeic fauna of wet forest stands and peatlands.
Contact dynamics and force control of space manipulator systems

Detailed modelling of contact dynamics involving a flexible space manipulator system and a payload is considered in this paper. The components undergoing direct contact (the end–effector of a manipulator and a payload) are modelled using the finite–element method, while the rest of the system is handled through the usual flexible multi–body formulation. Then, the system dynamics is composed of a set of differential equations subjected to sets of algebraic equations expressing kinematic or contact constraints. This dynamic model is then used to design a composite controller which must simultaneously achieve three goals: (i) trajectory tracking, (ii) force control and (iii) stabilization of the flexible degrees of freedom of the multi–body system. The singular perturbation method is used to obtain two reduced–order models; subsequently, the slow subsystem is used to design a hybrid position/force controller based on impedance control, and the fast subsystem is used to design a linear quadratic regulator (LQR).
Laboratory Scale Culture of Early-Stage Kuruma Shrimp Marsupenaeus japonicus Larvae Fed on Thraustochytrids Aurantiochytrium and Parietichytrium

ABSTRACT Early-stage larvae of the Kuruma shrimp Marsupenaeus japonicus are cultured up to mysis stages on microalgae, including Chaetoceros calcitrans, Chaetoceros gracilis, and/or Tetraselmis tetrathele, as food sources. Microalgal proliferation is affected by weather conditions, making stable and systematic production of both the microalgae and M. japonicus larvae difficult. The Thraustochytrids are a group of heterotrophic protists that include the genera Aurantiochytrium and Parietichytrium. The Thraustochytrids contain large quantities of n-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids, especially docosahexaenoic acid, an important nutritional component for the growth and physiological function of marine animals. Because the Thraustochytrids are heterotrophic and multiply rapidly in artificially controlled environments, their large scale culture is easy, stable, and systematic. To determine if Aurantiochytrium and Parietichytrium can be used instead of microalgae as a diet for early stage M. japonicus larvae, these larvae were reared in the laboratory on a diet containing C. calcitrans or strains of Aurantiochytrium or Parietichytrium, and their survival, development, and growth were compared. Larvae fed on the KOU10 strain of Parietichytrium sp. showed significantly greater survival, development, and growth than larvae fed on other diets, including those containing C. calcitrans. Although the mechanism by which the KOU10 strain enhanced the survival and growth performances of M. japonicus larvae is presently unclear, these larvae may be stably and systematically cultured on diets containing Parietichytrium instead of microalgae.
Mechanisms of hydrogen sulfide induced vasodilation

Myogenic tone is an important regulator of blood flow and may contribute to peripheral vascular resistance and blood pressure. Myogenic tone is a luminal pressure-induced constriction of the vasculature that is mediated by a vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) plasma membrane potential (Em) depolarization and Ca influx. Ca sparks, which are ryanodine receptor (RyR) mediated Ca release events, oppose myogenic tone by activating large-conductance Ca-activated K channels (BKCa) to hyperpolarize VSMC Em. The gaseous signaling molecules (gasotransmitters) NO and CO activate Ca sparks to cause vasodilation. H2S, a third gasotransmitter produced by cystationine γ-lyase (CSE) in the vasculature, activates several K channels to promote VSMC Em hyperpolarization. We therefore sought to determine whether H2S inhibits the development of myogenic tone. We hypothesized that H2S opposes myogenic tone through the activation of Ca sparks and subsequent BKCa channel activation. We observed that in small mesenteric arteries CSE-produced H2S reduced myogenic tone. We also found that RyR-mediated Ca sparks and BKCa channel activity opposed tone in
Factors Influencing Place Attachment to Middle-Eastern Restaurants in the United States: A Case Study

The purpose of this study is to explore the factors that affect Arab customers’ place attachment in relation to an Arabic-designed restaurant in the United States. The Middle Eastern culture, representation, and identity are made explicit in the restaurant. The research is conducted as a case study, and the data-gathering methods involve interviewing the restaurant owner, distributing questionnaires to customers, and taking pictures of the restaurant to record the place identity. Twenty-five Arab customers were selected, using purposive sampling technique, for the questionnaire. In addition, the owner of the restaurant was interviewed in order to obtain in-depth information about the restaurant and the services provided. Because this study focuses on customers’ feelings and perceptions of the restaurant, a qualitative method of data collection was employed. The findings illustrated that Layalina Restaurant represents a meaning of place for Arab customers. The main physical characters that contribute to place attachment among participants are representing cultural elements, comfortable seating, and supporting group and personal activities. On the other hand, the psychological and social attributes that influence Arabic customers attachment to the restaurant are safety, comfort, protected personal space, the sense of ownership, networking and socialization which improve occupants’ feelings for and attitudes regarding the place. In a globalized world, interior designers need to understand the cultural needs and behavior for those we design for, and this paper tried to contribute to that respect
Experimental characterization and modeling of the permeability of fibrous preforms using gas for direct processes application.

A methodology to measure in-plane permeability of fibrous media using a transient one dimensional air flow is developed. The method, based on the measurement of gas pressure at the boundaries throughout the transient flow, is convenient, clean and fast, avoids usage of a gas flow meter and offers a way to study the gas transport within fibrous media. The gas transport through fibrous porous media is described by several models to comply with different flow regimes. The permeability, only depending on the fibrous structure, is determined by inverse method, fitting the simulation results to the experimental data obtained using rising or dropping pressure methods. The results of viscous permeability Kv of Glass/Carbon Twill Woven fabrics (viscous permeability Kv ranging from 10-11 to 10-10 m2) measured using gas match well the permeability measured with liquid compression and injection techniques from previous works. The deviation from Darcy's law caused by gas sliding effect on low permeability Carbon Uni-Directional fabrics (Kv from 10-14 to 10-12 m2) is analyzed and a related parameter of fabric material shows a dependence in permeability, with a similar trend as the Klinkenberg sliding parameter in soils and rocks.The experimental errors due to dimensions, thermal effect, pressure variation, sample handling, and trapped gas at boundaries are analyzed. It comes out that the sensitivities of pressure sensors and trapped gas volumes at the boundaries have the most important effects. A design for 2D measurement using gas to obtain 2D permeability tensor in one single test is proposed to avoid the issues of trapped gas at boundaries. Simulated experiments show that the measurements based on pressure measured at three proposed locations could provide robust and accurate results for fabrics of anisotropic permeability ratios (K1/K2) ranging from 0.1 to 10, with various principal permeability direction orientations.
The developmental environment modulates mating‐induced aggression and fighting success in adult female Drosophila

Abstract Competition over access to resources early in life can influence development, and, in turn, affect competitive phenotypes in reproductive adults. Theory predicts that competition between adult females should be especially context‐dependent, because of constraints imposed by high costs of reproduction. However, the potential impact of developmental environments on competition in adult females remains little understood. In Drosophila melanogaster, the developmental environment can strongly influence adult condition, and prime adult competitive behaviour. In this species, female–female aggression is dependent on reproductive state and increases after mating due to the receipt of sperm and seminal fluid components. However, the effects of the developmental environment on adult female aggression, and any potential interactions with mating status, are unknown. To address this problem, we first raised flies at low and high larval density, which altered competition over limited resources, produced large and small adult females, respectively, and potentially primed them for differing levels of adult competition. We then fought the resulting adult females, either as virgins, or after receiving aggression‐stimulating ejaculates at mating, to test for interacting effects. We found, as expected, that mating elevated contest duration. However, this mating‐induced boost in aggression was strongly exacerbated for high density (small) females. Low density (large) females won more contests overall, but were not more successful in fights after mating. In contrast, mating increased the fighting success in females raised in high density environments. Our results suggest that individuals who experience competitive, resource‐limited, rearing conditions are more sensitive to the aggression‐stimulating effects of the male ejaculate. This finding highlights the importance of the developmental environment in mediating adult social interactions and provides support for the theory that female–female aggression should be highly context‐dependent. A http://onlinelibrary.wiley. com/doi/10.1111/1365-2435.13214/suppinfo is available for this article.
Genotypic and phenotypic characterization of methicillin resistance determinants and β-lactamase in Staphylococcus species

Aims: To characterize the genotypic distribution of mec complex, bla complex, methicillin-resistance level (cefoxitinMIC) and β-lactamase activity in carriage methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus species for a potential correlation. Methodology and results: Biochemical test, 30 µg cefoxitin diffusion disc test, cefoxitin E-test, mec and bla complexes distributions, Pbp2a and β-lactamase assays were conducted to characterize phenotypic and genotypic of MRSA and MRCoNS in our collection. Phylogenetic tree was constructed using MEGA6 software to trace the diversity of blaZ gene of MRSA and MRCoNS. Sixteen MRSA and nineteen MRCoNS were identified by biochemical tests followed by 30 µg cefoxitin antibiotic disc susceptibility test and mecA gene screening. Twenty nine isolates carry complete mecA genes (2.1 kb), incomplete mec regulator (negative or truncated) and positive Pbp2a assay for both MRSA and MRCoNS. Only MRCoNS SC177 isolate with cefoxitin MIC of 32 µg/mL carries complete mec complex. Thirty-one of thirty-five isolates carry complete bla complex (blaZ, blaRI, blaI) with 10 MRSA produce strong β-lactamase and cefoxitin MIC of ≥12 µg/mL. Only 4 MRCoNS with cefoxitin MIC of ≤8 µg/mL produce strong β-lactamase. The diversity of blaZ gene was demonstrated by phylogenetic analysis and unusual amino acid mutation at position 145 for MRSA SA60 isolate may compromise its β-lactamase activity with low cefoxitin MIC level (2 µg/mL). Conclusions, significance and impact of the study: Isolates that carry complete complete mecA gene were largely consistent with the expression of Pbp2a. Nevertheless, there is no clear correlation of mec regulator genes in relation to cefoxitin-MIC in both methicillin resistant (MR) Isolates that carry Staphylococcus species. On the other hand, various expression level of β-lactamase may correlate with cefoxitin-MIC level in MRSA as compared to MRCoNS.
ScamCoins, S*** Posters, and the Search for the Next BitcoinTM

Participants in cryptocurrency markets are in constant communication with each other about the latest coins and news releases. Do these conversations build hype through the contagiousness of excitement, help the community process information, or play some other role? Using a novel dataset from a major cryptocurrency forum, we conduct an exploratory study of the characteristics of online discussion around cryptocurrencies. Through a regression analysis, we find that coins with more information available and higher levels of technical innovation are associated with higher quality discussion. People who talk about "serious" coins tend to participate in discussion displaying signatures of collective intelligence and information processing, while people who talk about "less serious" coins tend to display signatures of hype and naïvety. Interviews with experienced forum members also confirm these quantitative findings. These results highlight the varied roles of discussion in the cryptocurrency ecosystem and suggest that discussion of serious coins may be oriented towards earnest, perhaps more accurate, attempts at discovering which coins are likely to succeed.