Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic resilience in chickens against bacterial, viral and protozoal pathogens

The genome contributes to the uniqueness of an individual breed, and enables distinctive characteristics to be passed from one generation to the next. The allelic heterogeneity of a certain breed results in a different response to a pathogen with different genomic expression. Disease resistance in chicken is a polygenic trait that involves different genes that confer resistance against pathogens. Such resistance also involves major histocompatibility (MHC) molecules, immunoglobulins, cytokines, interleukins, T and B cells, and CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes, which are involved in host protection. The MHC is associated with antigen presentation, antibody production, and cytokine stimulation, which highlight its role in disease resistance. The natural resistance-associated macrophage protein 1 (Nramp-1), interferon (IFN), myxovirus-resistance gene, myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88), receptor-interacting serine/threonine kinase 2 (RIP2), and heterophile cells are involved in disease resistance and susceptibility of chicken. Studies related to disease resistance genetics, epigenetics, and quantitative trait loci would enable the identification of resistance markers and the development of disease resistance breeds. Microbial infections are responsible for significant outbreaks and have blighted the poultry industry. Breeding disease-resistant chicken strains may be helpful in tackling pathogens and increasing the current understanding on host genetics in the fight against communicable diseases. Advanced technologies, such as the CRISPR/Cas9 system, whole genome sequencing, RNA sequencing, and high-density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping, aid the development of resistant breeds, which would significantly decrease the use of antibiotics and vaccination in poultry. In this review, we aimed to reveal the recent genetic basis of infection and genomic modification that increase resistance against different pathogens in chickens.
Orbital controls on Namib Desert hydroclimate over the past 50,000 years

Despite being one of the world’s oldest deserts, and the subject of decades of research, evidence of past climate change in the Namib Desert is extremely limited. As such, there is significant debate regarding the nature and drivers of climate change in the low-latitude drylands of southwestern Africa. Here we present data from stratified accumulations of rock hyrax urine that provide the first continuous high-resolution terrestrial climate record for the Namib Desert spanning the past 50,000 yr. These data, spanning multiple sites, show remarkably coherent variability that is clearly linked to orbital cycles and the evolution and perturbation of global boundary conditions. Contrary to some previous predictions of southwestern African climate change, we show that orbital-scale cycles of hydroclimatic variability in the Namib Desert region are in phase with those of the northern tropics, with increased local summer insolation coinciding with periods of increased aridity. Supported by climate model simulations, our analyses link this to variations in position and intensity of atmospheric pressure cells modulated by hemispheric and land-sea temperature gradients. We conclude that hydroclimatic variability at orbital time scales is driven by the combined influence of direct low-latitude insolation forcing and the influence of remote controls on the South Atlantic anticyclone, with attendant impacts on upwelling and sea-surface temperature variations.
Analysis of Collaborative Brain Computer Interface (BCI) based Personalized GUI for Differently Abled

AbstractBrain-Computer Interfaces (BCI) use Electroencephalography (EEG) signals recorded from the brain scalp, which enable a communication between the human and the outside world. The present study helps the patients who are people locked-in to manage their needs such as accessing of web url’s, sending/receiving sms to/from mobile device, personalized music player, personalized movie player, wheelchair control and home appliances control. In the proposed system, the user needs are designed as a button in the form of a matrix, in which the main panel of rows and columns button is flashed in 3 sec intervals. Subjects were asked to choose the desired task/need from the main panel of the GUI by blinking their eyes twice. The double eye blink signals extracted by using the bio-sensor of NeuroSky’s mind wave device with portable EEG sensors are used as the command signal. Each task is designed and implemented using a Matlab tool. The developed Personalized GUI application collaborated with the EEG device acce.
Fungal outbreak in the Catacombs of SS. Marcellino and Pietro Rome (Italy): From diagnosis to an emergency treatment

The present study reports a sudden fungal outbreak that occurred in the corridor near the entrance of the Catacombs of SS. Marcellino and Pietro in Rome (Italy) observed after 1 year of a restoration treatment that interested the walls of the entrance of the Catacombs and some artifacts placed in situ. The colonization was observed on the vault at the entrance and in correspondence with the restored marble pieces displayed on the left side of the corridor. No growth was observed on the right side where similarly treated marble slabs were placed. Samples taken in correspondence with fungal biofilm were analyzed through the combined use of microscopical, cultural, and molecular tools and showed that the vault and the left side of the corridor entrance were colonized by a complex fungal biofilm consisting mainly of Coniophora sp. and other genera, such as Hypomyces, Purpureocillium, Acremonium, Penicillium, and Alternaria, many of which are well known as responsible of biodeterioration of stone surfaces. Regarding the brown-rot basidiomycete Coniophora, it was able to form very large colonies on the substrata with a diameter of up to 57 cm. Although the direct observation under a light microscope evidenced the presence of abundant brown fungal conidia, several attempts to cultivate the microorganism failed, therefore only through DNA sequencing analyses, it was possible to identify and characterize this fungus. There is very little literature on the genus Coniophora which is reported as one of the causes of wet-rot decay of wood in buildings. A connection with calcium-containing materials such as bricks and mortars was demonstrated, but no data were available about the possible role of this species in the biodeterioration of stones. This study features the first finding of a strain related to the basidiomycetous genus of Coniophora in the order Boletales in association with evident phenomena of biodeterioration.
Reconfigurable Architecture for Image Feature Detection

Hardware based developments are useful for variety of image based applications such as highly challenging video surveillance. FPGA comprises of combination of the hardware attributes of an ASIC, supporting reconfigurability, reduced time-to-market and real time performance. Hardware based feature detection is a promising solution that exploits inherent parallelism in algorithms to accomplish significant improvement in speed. The efficient usage of resources still remains a challenge that specifically determines the cost of hardware, which can be addressed using our approach. In this paper, we have presented the hardware architecture for feature detection part of the Scale Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT) algorithm for frames from an HD-720p video. The proposed architecture is designed using Xilinx System Generator (SysGen) tool and implemented on Genesys2 Kintex-7 FPGA Development Board.
Effects of different photoperiods and feeding regimes on immune response, oxidative status, and tissue damage in juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

A three-month culture experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of the feeding regime on liver health, non-specific immunity, and apoptosis of juvenile rainbow trout under constant light conditions. A total of six experimental groups contained two photoperiods [LL (24L:0D) and LD (12L:12D)] and three feeding regimes [R (random feeding), D (mid-dark stage feeding), L (mid-light stage feeding)], defined as R-LL, D-LL, L-LL, R-LD, D-LD, L-LD. The experiment results revealed a significantly higher alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level in the nocturnal feeding group (D-LD) and significantly higher aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in the R-LL and D-LL groups, indicating possible liver damage in these groups. In addition, high serum levels of immunoglobulins M (IgM), complement 3 (C3), and complement 4 (C4) were observed in the LL (compared to LD), R (LL conditions), and D (LD conditions) groups, suggesting that stress may be present in these groups. Meanwhile, under LL, high cytokine genes (tnf-α, il-1β, il-6, and il-8) expression were observed in the liver and intestine of the L group, possibly reflecting a stronger immune response. In the liver, high malondialdehyde (MDA) content was observed in the LL (compared to LD), R (LD conditions), and D (LL conditions) groups, suggesting that these groups were subjected to oxidative damage. Further, higher apoptosis genes (cytc and bcl-2) expression in the liver was detected in the R and D-LD groups. The highest level of hepatic apoptotic cells was also observed in the D-LD group. Taken together, long-term exposure to LL, random feeding, and nocturnal feeding can cause oxidative damage to juvenile rainbow trout, leading to hepatocyte apoptosis, while scheduled diurnal feeding can alleviate the oxidative damage caused by LL.
Transfer functions

This chapter summarizes the different approaches used to reconstruct past environmental conditions from micropaleontological proxy data. The first group of methods involves calibration, i.e. a relationship is calculated between a given environmental variable and the abundances of the various species (e.g. regression, partial least squares). The second group involves the calculation of a similarity index between the assemblages (modern analogue technique on raw assemblages or based on surface responses). The validation of the transfer functions must be done using several well known statistics calculated on independent modern data (coefficient of determination, root-mean-square error …). In conclusion, limitations and potentials of the different approaches are discussed.
Screening and fermentation medium optimization of a strain favorable to Rice–fish Coculture

Rice–fish coculture (RF) is a small ecosystem in which microorganisms are widely distributed in the fish, water environment, soil, and plants. In order to study the positive effects of microorganisms on common carp and rice in the RF ecosystem, a total of 18 strains with growth-promoting ability were screened from common carp (Cyprinus carpio) gut contents, among which three strains had the ability to produce both DDP-IV inhibitors and IAA. The strain with the strongest combined ability, FYN-22, was identified physiologically, biochemically, and by 16S rRNA, and it was initially identified as Bacillus licheniformis. As the number of metabolites secreted by the strain under natural conditions is not sufficient for production, the FYN-22 fermentation medium formulation was optimized by means of one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) experiments and response surface methodology (RSM). The results showed that, under the conditions of a soluble starch concentration of 10.961 g/l, yeast concentration of 2.366 g/l, NH4Cl concentration of 1.881 g/l, and FeCl3 concentration of 0.850 g/l, the actual measured number of FYN-22 spores in the fermentation broth was 1.913 × 109 CFU/ml, which was 2.575-fold improvement over the pre-optimization value. The optimized fermentation solution was used for the immersion operation of rice seeds, and, after 14 days of incubation in hydroponic boxes, the FYN-22 strain was found to have a highly significant enhancement of 48.31% (p < 0.01) on the above-ground part of rice, and different degrees of effect on root length, fresh weight, and dry weight (16.73, 17.80, and 21.97%, respectively; p < 0.05). This study may provide new insights into the fermentation process of Bacillus licheniformis FYN-22 and its further utilization in RF systems.
Estimates of energy properties of torrefied pellets by colorimetric parameters.

Colorimetric parameters can be an important tool to predict the quality of torrefied products and assist in the control of torrefaction. Considering the importance of control, the torrefaction process for quality of the torrefied product, the present work had the objective of correlating and adjusting models between colorimetric parameters and energy properties of pine pellets torrefied in a screw type reactor. Pellets were produced and submitted to torrefaction at temperatures of 210, 250 and 290 °C and at residence times of 10, 20 and 30 minutes. Were measured the colorimetric parameters L (lightness), a (redgreen coordinate) and b (blue-yellow coordinate), determined the hygroscopic equilibrium moisture, bulk density, useful calorific value and estimated energy density. Was evaluated the correlation between the colorimetric parameters and the properties of pellets and, when significant, linear or nonlinear models were adjusted to estimate the properties as a function of the colorimetric parameters. The use of parameters L and b allowed a satisfactory estimation of energetic properties of the pine pellets torrefied, being a promising technique for application in torrefaction control in real time, allows the increase of quality and homogeneity of the final product.
Discovery and exploration of widespread infection of mycoviruses in Phomopsis vexans, the causal agent of phomopsis blight of eggplant in China

Phomopsis vexans, which causes Phomopsis blight of eggplant, has been reported worldwide. To study the biocontrol of this disease, 162 leaf and fruit samples of eggplant Phomopsis blight were collected from Hunan, Hubei, Jiangxi, Sichuan, Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangdong and Anhui Provinces from 2017 to 2019. Eighty-seven pathogenic fungus isolates were identified as P. vexans. The following studies were conducted: screening of sporulation medium, spore morphology analysis, mycovirus detection and identification of novel mycoviruses in these isolates. The results showed that eggplant tissue medium was the most suitable medium for rapid sporulation, and all isolates had mycoviruses consisting of mainly mixed infections. The genome of these mycoviruses varied from 1-15 kb. Five novel mycoviruses infecting P. vexans were obtained, including “Phomopsis vexans fusarivirus 1” (PvFV1), “Phomopsis vexans ourmia-like virus 1” (PvOLV1), “Phomopsis vexans endornavirus 2” (PvEV2), “Phomopsis vexans partitivirus 1” (PvPV1) and “Phomopsis vexans victorivirus L1” (PvVVL1). Thus, PvVVL1 displays a unique genome structure, and this is the first report of a victorivirus consisting of two segments and of a deltapartitivirus infecting the fungus host.
Designing the User Interface. Strategies for Effective Human-Computer Interaction

Ben Shneiderman again provides a complete, current, and authoritative introduction to user-interface design. Students will learn practical techniques and guidelines needed to develop good systems designs - systems with interfaces the typical user can understand, predict, and control. This third edition features new chapters on the World Wide Web, information visualization, and computer-supported cooperative work. It contains expanded and earlier coverage of development methodologies, evaluation techniques, and user-interface building tools. The author provides provocative discussion of speech input/output, natural-language interaction, anthropomorphic design, virtual environments, and intelligent (software) agents.
Action Plan for Australian Lizards and Snakes 2017

Lizards and snakes (squamate reptiles) are the most diverse vertebrate group in Australia, with approximately 1000 described species, representing about 10% of the global squamate diversity. Squamates are a vital part of the Australian ecosystem, but their conservation has been hindered by a lack of knowledge of their diversity, distribution, biology and key threats. The Action Plan for Australian Lizards and Snakes 2017 provides the first comprehensive assessment of the conservation status of Australian squamates in 25 years. Conservation assessments are provided for 986 species of Australian lizards and snakes (including sea snakes). Over the past 25 years there has been a substantial increase in the number of species and families recognised within Australia. There has also been an increase in the range and magnitude of threatening processes with the potential to impact squamates. This has resulted in an increase in the proportion of the Australian squamate fauna that is considered Threatened. Notably over this period, the first known extinction (post-European settlement) of an Australian reptile species occurred – an indication of the increasingly urgent need for better knowledge and management of this fauna. Six key recommendations are presented to improve the conservation management and plight of Australian squamates. This Action Plan represents an essential resource for research scientists, conservation biologists, conservation managers, environmental consultants, policy makers from Commonwealth and State/Territory governments, and the herpetological community.
Implementation of data protection laws in the European Union and in California is associated with a move of clinical trials to countries with fewer data protections

The European Union implemented data privacy laws in mid-2018 and the state of California enacted a similar law several weeks later. These regulations affect medical data collection and analysis. It is unclear if they achieve this goal in the realm of clinical trials. Here we investigate the effect of these laws on clinical trials through analysis of clinical trials recorded on the US's ClinicalTrials.gov, the World Health Organization's International Clinical Trials Registry Platform and scientific papers describing clinical trials. Our findings show that the number of phase 1 and 2 trials in countries not adhering to these data privacy laws rose significantly after implementation of these laws. The largest rise occurred in countries which are less free, as indicated by the negative correlation (−0.48, p = 0.008) between the civil liberties freedom score of countries and the increase in the number of trials. This trend was not observed in countries adhering to data privacy laws nor in the paper publication record. The rise was larger (and statistically significant) among industry funded trials and interventional trials. Thus, the implementation of data privacy laws is associated a change in the location of clinical trials, which are currently executed more often in countries where people have fewer protections for their data.
Development of a Novel Acoustic Sensor using Sputtered ZnO Thin Film

In this paper we report fabrication and characterization of ZnO thin film for acoustic sensor application. ZnO thin film of thickness about 680 nm was deposited using RF reactive magnetron sputtering. This film was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) for its microstructure and morphology. The sensing property of the ZnO thin film was investigated using a standard electro-acoustic calibrator. The as-synthesized ZnO thin film produced noticeable piezoelectric voltage output for different Sound Pressure Levels. This study indicated the suitability of sputtered ZnO thin film for acoustic sensor application.
Short dual antiplatelet therapy and dual antiplatelet therapy de-escalation after primary percutaneous intervention: For whom and how

Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) for 6–12 months, followed by lifelong aspirin monotherapy is considered an effective standard therapy for the prevention of thrombo-ischemic events in patients with acute and chronic coronary syndrome (ACS, CCS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or after a primarily conservative treatment decision. In ACS patients, the stronger P2Y12-inhibitors ticagrelor or prasugrel are recommended in combination with aspirin unless the individual bleeding risk is high and shortening of DAPT is warranted or clopidogrel is preferred. However, also in patients at low individual bleeding risk, DAPT is associated with a higher risk of bleeding. In recent years, new antithrombotic treatment strategies, such as shortening DAPT followed by early P2Y12-inhibitor monotherapy and de-escalating DAPT from potent P2Y12-inhibitors to clopidogrel by maintaining DAPT duration time, have been investigated in clinical trials and shown to reduce bleeding complications in cardiovascular high-risk patients without negative effects on ischemic events. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge and discuss its implication on future antithrombotic strategies in terms of a personalized medicine.
Decision Making in the AEGIS Combat Information Center

This paper presents the methods and findings of a study designed to identify the decision requirements for anti-air warfare officers in the Combat Information Center of an AEGIS cruiser. Decision requirements include the decisions that systems operators make, the cognitive strategies they invoke to make these decisions, and the cues and factors essential for making these decisions. These requirements can be used to design training, human-computer interfaces, or decision supports. The researchers adopted a method based on Naturalistic Decision Making (NDM) research. NDM describes how people make decisions in real-world settings under conditions of time pressure, high risk, and ambiguity. This paper describes a process for obtaining data necessary for describing these decision processes. The central method is a semi-structured interview method, the Critical Decision method (CDM). CDM was used to interview 31 experienced AEGIS personnel resulting in 14 incidents that reflect real problems experienced by the operational fleet. Analysis of these incidents revealed 183 decisions. Of these, 103 concerned situation assessments (SA). The operators used feature matching and story building to make all SA decisions. The operators invoked recognitional strategies to generate 95% of the course of action (COA) options and compared multiple options in only 5% of the COA decisions. The findings reported here indicate that under conditions of time pressure and ambiguity: decision makers rarely use analytical decision strategies, they usually satisfice rather than optimize, they rely heavily on diagnostic decisions, and they invoke singular rather than comparative evaluations of courses of action.