Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
DNA Barcoding of Blow Fly (Diptera: Calliphoridae) Species in Coffey County Kansas

Forensic entomology has relied heavily on necrophagous flies within the family Calliphoridae (aka blow flies) due to their predictable succession on a decaying corpse. These organisms are among the first insect species to arrive and have been used to aid investigators in predicting the postmortum interval (PMI) (Brown et al., 2015). Since blowfly succession patterns may vary among closely related species, accurate identification is critical for the accuracy of PMI determination. However, identification using external, morphology-based techniques can prove difficult, prompting researchers to adopt molecular techniques to aid identification efforts (Zaidi et al., 2011). DNA barcoding is a methodology used to discriminate among species (Hebert et al., 2003). The mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene is amplified using conserved primers and its DNA sequence used to produce a “barcode”. Comparing the barcode sequence to a reference database of DNA sequences along with sequence alignment allows determination of the genetic distance between the two sequences as well as identification to the species level. Current literature and database searches yielded no resident fauna or barcode information on the calliphorids in Kansas. Knowledge of the resident blowfly fauna is critical if these organisms are to be used as a forensic tool. As an initial step to fill this lack of data, the local blowfly population was surveyed in Coffey County, Kansas. Flies were collected and DNA barcodes used to identify each fly down to the species level. Calliphorids from the genus Calliphora, Cynomya, Lucilia, and Phormia were identified.
Spatial co-fragmentation pattern of cell-free DNA recapitulatesin vivochromatin organization and identifies tissues-of-origin

Three-dimensional chromatin organization varies across cell types and is essential for gene regulation. However, current technologies are unable to assessin vivogenome-wide chromatin organization non-invasively. Here we show that distant correlations in the fragment length of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) recapitulate three-dimensional chromatin organization. The inferred organization is highly concordant with that measured by Hi-C in white blood cells from healthy donors, and is not explained by technical bias or sequence composition. Furthermore, the inferred organization reflects different genomic organization in the various cell types contributing to cfDNA, allowing identification and quantification of tissues of origin. This approach is concordant with previous methods, but with more complete representations of cfDNA. Our results, demonstrated in cfDNA from healthy individuals and cancer patients, may enable noninvasive monitoring ofin vivogenome organization and accurate quantification of cell death in different clinical conditions.
Predicting the Propagation of Acoustic Waves using Deep Convolutional Neural Networks

A novel approach for numerically propagating acoustic waves in two-dimensional quiescent media has been developed through a fully convolutional multi-scale neural network. This data-driven method managed to produce accurate results for long simulation times with a database of Lattice Boltzmann temporal simulations of propagating Gaussian Pulses, even in the case of initial conditions unseen during training time, such as the plane wave configuration or the two initial Gaussian pulses of opposed amplitudes. Two different choices of optimization objectives are compared, resulting in an improved prediction accuracy when adding the spatial gradient difference error to the traditional mean squared error loss function. Further accuracy gains are observed when performing an a posteriori correction on the neural network prediction based on the conservation of acoustic energy, indicating the benefit of including physical information in data-driven methods.
Problems in sample treatment in trace analysis

One of the most important parts of any analytical procedure is the initial decomposition of the sample. Not only must the sample matrix be dissolved but the element sought must be converted reliably to the proper ionic form before chemical reactions characteristic of that element can be obtained. Fusion with molten potassium fluoride is one of the simplest and most effective methods for dissolving metallic as well as siliceous refractories because of the stability of the fluoride complexes and the high reaction rates available at its melting point of 846/sup 0/C. Inclusion of a small quantity of potassium nitrate even permits rapid and complete dissolution of refractory carbides such as Carborundum. The cake then be transposed either with sulfuric acid to a pyrosulfate fusion with simultaneous volatilization of both hydrogen fluoride and silicon tetrafluoride, or with nitric and boric acids to give a solution free of sulfate. The procedure is neither difficult nor time-consuming as is generally supposed. Extremely serious problems can be introduced by evaporating solutions of quadrivalent elements to dryness or by neutralizing them to too high a pH. Powerful sequestering agents can be produced from orthophosphates in the sample that will completely change the course of themore » analysis unless recognized and provided for. Standardizations are frequently carried out in a careless and inaccurate manner. Contamination is one of the greatest problems in trace analysis and needs to be avoided by good management and understanding of the causes. Preservation of both samples and standards can be vastly improved by application of a little more fundamental chemistry. « less
Contagion, Exchange Rate, and Financial Volatility: Indonesian Case in Global Financial Turbulence

Global turbulence after the financial crisis has hit Indonesia and almost all emerging countries. Quantitative Easing (QE) normalization (tapering of) has caused the capital outflows from emerging countries. Trade war and increasing geopolitical tension together raise the pressure. Argentina and Turkey have been experiencing economic shock. Indonesia should identify the contagion possibility and refer to Thai baht contagion experience in 1997. This paper assesses the contagion, exchange rate, and financial volatility triggered by global turbulence and Argentina-Turkey crisis in 2018. We use vector autoregression (VAR), simple correlation, dynamic conditional correlation (DCC), and regression method. We will investigate the potential contagion both in stock and exchange rate markets and in the rupiah exchange rate determination from both contagion and fundamental factors regarding the balance of payment (BOP) condition. The empirical result shows the potential contagion from Argentina and Turkey’s financial crisis to the Indonesian economy, especially to the stock market and exchange rate. The regression and correlation result also shows that Turkey has a higher financial contagion effect than Argentina to Indonesian financial market. Balance of payment condition also has the significant effect to explain rupiah exchange rate depreciation.
Carotenoid Content in Cherry Tomatoes Correlated to the Color Space Values L*, a*, b*: A Non-destructive Method of Estimation

Cherry tomatoes are rich sources of carotenoids. The carotenoids are known to be precursors of vitamin A and also act as an antioxidant. It is important to visually judge the tomato surface color for higher β carotene content since this is the major provitamin AA carotenoid. Estimation of carotenoids by HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography) and spectrophotometric methods in tomatoes are very expensive and time consuming. Therefore, colorimeters can be used to describe the color and determine the carotenoid content in a relatively easy and inexpensive manner. The objective of this study was to determine, if the carotenoid content within cherry tomatoes measured by conventional method could correlate with colorimetric CIE (Commission International del’Eclairage) L*, a*, b* color space values. Strong correlations were found between color surface value a* and total carotenoids (0.82) and lycopene content (0.87). We also observed positive correlation for the b* color value with β carotene (0.86). The L* value was negatively correlated (-0.78) with an increase in carotenoids. These close associations between color space values L*, a*, b* and carotenoids will help the breeders to quickly screen large germplasm/ breeding lines in their breeding program for improvement in carotenoid content through this time saving, inexpensive and nondestructive method at fully ripe stage.
Processed Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) Food Products in Malawi: From Poor Men’s to Premium-Priced Specialty Food?

The baobab tree (Adansonia digitata L.) is an important source of non-timber forest products in sub-Saharan Africa. Its fruits contain high amounts of vitamin C, calcium, and dietary fibre. In addition, other parts of the tree are traditionally used for human consumption, particularly during lean seasons. In line with the increasing demand for natural, healthy, and nutritious food products, the baobab has great potential to contribute to human nutrition and rural livelihoods. In Malawi, where demand for baobab has substantially increased within the last decade, baobab fruits are being processed into a variety of food and non-food products, such as fruit juice, ice-lollies, sweets, and cosmetics. Yet, information on the sociodemographic background and quality preferences of baobab consumers is scanty. The current study, therefore, aimed to (1) map the diversity of baobab products available in Malawi; (2) determine consumer segments and their preferences for the most common baobab food products; and (3) examine the contribution of major attributes of processed baobab food products on their price. We employed a mixed-methods approach including the analysis of 132 baobab products and a survey of 141 consumers in formal and informal retail outlets, adopting multistage and purposive sampling. Qualitative and quantitative data were analysed using cluster analysis, cross tabulation, and hedonic regression. Results pointed to two distinct consumer segments for baobab food products, largely following the formal–informal product divide currently existing in Malawi. Both segments clearly differed with regard to preferred product attributes. We also showed that extrinsic product attributes such as packaging quality, labelling, conformity with food standards, or health claims provided distinct differentiation potential for baobab food manufacturers. In addition to providing empirical evidence for the transition of baobab food products into higher-value market segments, our results can help food processing enterprises to improve the composition and marketing of their baobab products.
Reynolds number effects on atomization and cyclic spray fluctuations under gasoline direct injection conditions

ABSTRACT This paper provides a brief overview of recent experimental studies regarding fuel property effects on the liquid jet disintegration and droplet breakup for gasoline direct injection. Microscopic and macroscopic spray visualizations were carried out in an injection chamber with a laser based planar Mie-imaging techniques. A dominant influence of the liquid fuel viscosity on the cavitating, turbulent nozzle flow and spray formation is shown for different fuels and fuel temperatures. A reduced fuel viscosity leads to a slim spray that is characterized by a reduced spray width and an increased spray penetration. Furthermore, cyclic spray fluctuations are reduced for larger Reynolds numbers. Additionally, the atomization quality was found to be different for high-viscosity fuels that show a smaller average droplet size due to reduced injected mass. These complex phenomena are explained by the viscosity dependent turbulent, cavitating nozzle flow and can hardly be predicted by classical atomization models.
A Conceptual IR Chatbot Framework with Automated Keywords-based Vector Representation Generation

This paper proposes a conceptual remodel of Information Retrieval (IR) chatbot framework designed to eliminate the need for large Question-Answer (QA) pair dataset in chatbot’s machine learning training and knowledge base development. Within ten proposed framework’s components, we describe Ans2Q: a Neural Network model for question type approximation, and HR6: an IR score ranking calculation based on Ans2Q output. Fundamentally, these two components are the variance in which the proposed framework differs from others. Together with process flow explanation, we also provide several related formulas that hopefully can be used to implement this framework. Our general aim with this framework is to provide a tool that can be used to develop close domain chatbot with small knowledge and no readily available QA pair datasets.
Markdown Pricing with Quality Perception

Problem Deﬁnition: Consumers often perceive higher-priced products to have higher quality. Less is known on how quality perception is aﬀected by price markdowns. In addition, it is an open question whether and how consumers’ ex-ante expectation on a future markdown aﬀects their quality perception as well as purchase decisions. We answer these questions in a markdown setting under a ﬁxed inventory. Academic/Practical Relevance: This paper adds to the growing literature that incorporates consumers’ behavioral regularities in revenue management by studying the new dimension of quality perception and generates new insights absent in the current literature. Our results oﬀer insights on how retailers should adapt their markdown strategy in the presence of price-based quality perception. Methodology: We develop a consumer model that incorporates quality perception and emotional loss when the expected markdown is too optimistic as compared to the actual markdown. We embed this model into the retailer’s markdown optimization and examine the impact of consumers’ behavioral factors on the retailer’s optimal strategy. Finally, we design and conduct a consumer study to calibrate our model and validate the functional relationships among key factors. Results: Consumers’ quality perception increases with the products full price while it decreases with the (expected) markdown. We show that the retailer’s optimal markdown is nonmonotone in these quality perception parameters. The nonmonotonicity is driven by the nontrivial tradeoﬀ of trying to maintain a higher perceived quality by the consumers while controlling potential loss emotion that could arise if consumers observe a smaller-than-expected markdown, particularly when total market demand is not very large. Furthermore, we ﬁnd that it is beneﬁcial for the retailer to pre-announce and commit to a markdown strategy to prevent a mismatch between consumers’ expectation and the actual markdown. This approach beneﬁts the retailer by eliminating the negative eﬀect on sales of the consumers’ loss emotion due to an optimistic expectation. Managerial Implications: Ignoring these behavioral factors can substantially hurt the retailer’s payoﬀ. When inventory is tight, it is critical to correctly capture consumers quality perception (38% average loss in payoﬀ if ignored). When instead inventory is suﬃcient, the retailer should be mindful of the potential emotional loss that its markdown could create among its consumers.
Can herb-clover mixes compensate for the lack of milk in the diet of early-weaned lambs?

ABSTRACT This experiment investigated the feasibility of using herb-clover mixes to enable early weaning of lambs at ∼60 days of age. Over two years, twin lambs weighing more than 16 kg were allocated to three treatments: ryegrass pastures until 90 days-of-age, herb-clover mix until 90 days-of-age or weaned at ∼60 days of age onto herb-clover mix. In 2014, lambs offered the herb-clover mix, weaned at 60 or 90 days, were heavier at 90 days than lambs grazing on pasture with their dams. In 2015, lambs that weaned early onto the herb-clover mix were lighter at the same age as lambs that remained with their dam, but they still achieved a commercial weight. Ewes weaned early were heavier at weaning than ewes suckling lambs on ryegrass pasture in both years. Under some conditions, early weaning of lambs onto a herb-clover mix can be an effective alternative to conventional weaning on ryegrass pasture.
THE CORRELATION BETWEEN STUDENTS’ STUDY ANXIETY AND STUDENTS’ READING COMPREHENSION

When it comes to the different aims of reading, L2 learners tend to have different level of difficulties and results. They often find they are able to read interesting materials, usually are derived from their hobbies or interests, but fail when they have to read for a test or a lesson. This could be the sign of study anxiety. The researcher was interested in this matter; therefore this study aimed to find out whether or not there was a significant correlation between students’ study anxiety and students' reading comprehension at tenth grade of SMK Hang Nadim. The population was tenth grade students of SMK Hang Nadim in academic year 2018/2019, consisted of 104 students. Then, cluster random sampling was used to determine the sample from the population. Data were gathered from reading test and study anxiety questionnaire. After analyzing the data by using pearson product moment correlation, it found out that r xy < r table = 0,019 < 0,396. Hence, it can be concluded that Ho was accepted and Ha was rejected. Thus, based on the result, it can be concluded that there is no significant correlation between students’ study anxiety and students' reading comprehension.
Image-based estimation, planning, and control for high-speed flying through multiple openings

This article focuses on enabling an aerial robot to fly through multiple openings at high speed using image-based estimation, planning, and control. State-of-the-art approaches assume that the robot’s global translational variables (e.g., position and velocity) can either be measured directly with external localization sensors or estimated onboard. Unfortunately, estimating the translational variables may be impractical because modeling errors and sensor noise can lead to poor performance. Furthermore, monocular-camera-based pose estimation techniques typically require a model of the gap (window) in order to handle the unknown scale. Herein, a new scheme for image-based estimation, aggressive-maneuvering trajectory generation, and motion control is developed for multi-rotor aerial robots. The approach described does not rely on measurement of the translational variables and does not require the model of the gap or window. First, the robot dynamics are expressed in terms of the image features that are invariant to rotation (invariant features). This step decouples the robot’s attitude and keeps the invariant features in the flat output space of the differentially flat system. Second, an optimal trajectory is efficiently generated in real time to obtain the dynamically-feasible trajectory for the invariant features. Finally, a controller is designed to enable real-time, image-based tracking of the trajectory. The performance of the estimation, planning, and control scheme is validated in simulations and through 80 successful experimental trials. Results show the ability to successfully fly through two narrow openings, where the estimation and planning computation and motion control from one opening to the next are performed in real time on the robot.
MOLECULAR CLONING, BIOINFORMATION ANALYSIS AND EXPRESSION OF THE STRICTOSIDINE SYNTHASE IN Dendrobium officinale

The enzyme strictosidine synthase (STR, EC: 4.3.3.2) plays a key role in the biosynthetic pathway of terpenoid indole alkaloid (TIA). It catalyzes the condensation of the tryptamine and secologanin to form 3α(S)-strictosidine, which is the common precursor of all TIAs. In this paper, a STR gene designated as DoSTR (GenBank: KX068707) was first cloned and characterized from Dendrobium officinale with rapid amplified cDNA ends method (RACE). DoSTR has a length of 1380bp with 1179bp open reading frame encoding 392 amino acids. BlastP analyses showed that its amino acid sequence was classified into Str_synth superfamily. qRT-PCR showed that DoSTR was expressed in all tissues tested, with a significantly higher level in flower and the lowest in stem. Four different treatments with MeJA, SA, ABA and AgNO3, respectively, could induce the DoSTR expression to a different extent. And the effect of MeJA was the most obvious and transcript level of DoSTR induced by MeJA was 20.7 times greater than that of control at 48 hours after treatment. Furthermore, it was found that DoSTR was localized in vacuole through transient expression in tobacco. The characterization and expression of DoSTR can help in further studying the role of DoSTR in the biosynthesis of TIAs in D. officinale. This study may throw light on the alkaloid biosynthesis pathway of D. officinale.
Utilization of Tissue Ploidy Level Variation in de Novo Transcriptome Assembly of Pinus sylvestris

Compared to angiosperms, gymnosperms lag behind in the availability of assembled and annotated genomes. Most genomic analyses in gymnosperms, especially conifer tree species, rely on the use of de novo assembled transcriptomes. However, the level of allelic redundancy and transcript fragmentation in these assembled transcriptomes, and their effect on downstream applications have not been fully investigated. Here, we assessed three assembly strategies for short-reads data, including the utility of haploid megagametophyte tissue during de novo assembly as single-allele guides, for six individuals and five different tissues in Pinus sylvestris. We then contrasted haploid and diploid tissue genotype calls obtained from the assembled transcriptomes to evaluate the extent of paralog mapping. The use of the haploid tissue during assembly increased its completeness without reducing the number of assembled transcripts. Our results suggest that current strategies that rely on available genomic resources as guidance to minimize allelic redundancy are less effective than the application of strategies that cluster redundant assembled transcripts. The strategy yielding the lowest levels of allelic redundancy among the assembled transcriptomes assessed here was the generation of SuperTranscripts with Lace followed by CD-HIT clustering. However, we still observed some levels of heterozygosity (multiple gene fragments per transcript reflecting allelic redundancy) in this assembled transcriptome on the haploid tissue, indicating that further filtering is required before using these assemblies for downstream applications. We discuss the influence of allelic redundancy when these reference transcriptomes are used to select regions for probe design of exome capture baits and for estimation of population genetic diversity.
Identification of zoonotic Cryptosporidium parvum in fresh water ornamental fish: first report

Regarding the importance of zoonotic species of Cryptosporidium in humans and domestic animals, and the lack of information about the distribution of Cryptosporidium spp. especially the zoonotic species of aquarium ornamental fish with due attention to their relation to urban water sources and human owners, the present study was designed. Cryptosporidium has been described in more than 17 species of both fresh and saltwater fish with parasites located deep within and on the surface of the stomach or intestinal epithelium. To date, two important species of Cryptosporidium for public health, namely C. parvum and C. hominis have been identified in fish samples from cultured and wild freshwater and marine environments. In this study, identification of Cryptosporidium spp. and zoonotic Cryptosporidium parvum by histopathology and PCR amplification at the 18S rRNA locus among 100 freshwater ornamental fish were performed. Results showed that a total of 16 fish samples (16%) were identified as positive for Cryptosporidium spp. by histopathology. C. parvum was also found in two fish hosts (goldfish). The detection of zoonotic C. parvum in ornamental fish is significant and suggests that the fish might be a good contamination indicator of water with sewage and agricultural run-off.