Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the Task Mapping and Scheduling for DAG-based Embedded Vision Applications on Heterogeneous Multi/Many-core Architectures

In this work, we show that applying the heterogeneous earliest finish time (HEFT) heuristic for the task scheduling of embedded vision applications can improve the system performance up to 70% w.r. t. the scheduling solutions at the state of the art. We propose an algorithm called exclusive earliest finish time (XEFT) that introduces the notion of exclusive overlap between application primitives to improve the load balancing. We show that XEFT can improve the system performance up to 33% over HEFT, and 82% over the state of the art approaches. We present the results on different benchmarks, including a real-world localization and mapping application (ORB-SLAM) combined with the NVIDIA object detection application based on deep-learning.
Hepatoprotective potential of Azima tetracantha and Tribulus terrestris on ferrous sulfate-induced toxicity in rat

The present study is to evaluate the antihepatotoxic effect of hydroalcoholic extract of leaf powder of Azima tetracantha and the fruit powder of Tribulus terrestris. Ferrous sulfate was used to induce hepatotoxicity and Silymarin was used as a standard drug. The level of biochemical parameters such as protein, albumin, globulin, HDL, vitamin E, superoxide dismutase and catalase were observed to be decreased and the level of glucose, LDL, VLDL, bilirubin, cholesterol, triglycerides, alkaline phosphatase and TBARS were increased in hepatotoxicity-induced rats. Retrieval of liver parameters to normal level was obtained after the oral administration of herbal drugs. Histopathological studies revealed diminished hepatocellular injury in the herbal drugs treated rats. As a conclusion hydro alcoholic extract of leaf powder of A. tetracantha and fruit powder of T. terrestris were possesses significant hepatoprotective activity.
Plasma Metabolites and Creatine Kinase Levels of Shorebirds During Fall Migration in the Prairie Pothole Region

ABSTRACT. Wetland habitats in the Prairie Pothole Region of North America have been greatly reduced since European settlement, but the availability of managed wetlands has increased. The relative efficacy of these two habitats for meeting energetic demands of migrating shorebirds is unknown. To assess the relative suitability of stopover sites, we measured plasma metabolites and creatine kinase in Least Sandpipers (Calidris minutilla), Semipalmated Sandpipers (C. pusilla), and Pectoral Sandpipers (C. melanotos) at natural and managed wetland sites during fall migration in northeastern South Dakota and westcentral Minnesota. We used stepwise multiple regression to identify significant effectors of plasma metabolite levels, followed by analysis of covariance to compare metabolite values between birds in the two habitat types. Plasma metabolite levels generally did not differ significantly between birds in the two habitat types, with two exceptions. Plasma triglycerides of Pectoral Sandpipers were 2.6× higher at managed than at natural wetlands, suggesting higher rates of fattening at managed sites, but this was not supported by plasma glycerol levels, which did not differ significantly between birds in the two habitat types, or by body mass, which was greater for adult males in natural wetlands. Plasma creatine kinase levels of Least Sandpipers were 75% higher at managed than at natural wetlands, which suggests that repair of flight-induced muscle damage may be slower for this species at managed wetlands. The general absence of significant differences in plasma metabolites among shorebirds in the two wetland types suggests that natural and managed wetlands serve as similarly effective stopover habitat for fall-migrating shorebirds in the Prairie Pothole Region.
Use of IDEXX Colilert-18® and Quanti-Tray/2000 as a Rapid and Simple Enumeration Method for the Implementation of Recreational Water Monitoring and Notification Programs

Abstract The Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act of 2002 (BEACH Act) requires the implementation and/or expansion of routine recreational water quality monitoring programs in all United States coastal recreational waters, including the Great Lakes, to be adopted by 2004. While the standardization of sample collection and laboratory testing protocols is essential, the ability to provide timely public notification is an equally important element. In preparation for the implementation of the BEACH Act in Wisconsin the communities of Milwaukee and Racine investigated the use of IDEXX Colilert-18, Quanti-Tray/2000 (IDEXX) as a means to reduce the time necessary for public notification of recreational water quality while still providing accurate and consistent test results. Conducted over a 2-year period, this study compared two methods, IDEXX and an approved USEPA membrane filtration method (m-Tec agar), for the quantitative determination of Escherichia coli in split samples from fresh water beaches. ANOVA analysis of regression relation indicated no significant difference between the data sets obtained using these methodologies (p < 0.001). Parallel studies conducted in the United Kingdom produced similar results. The fact that IDEXX decreases the time from sample collection to public notification by over six hours coupled with its ease of use and consistent results make this method an attractive choice for the implementation of fresh water and marine beach management programs.
Overseas-returned executives and their roles in firm performance: evidence from China

ABSTRACT This paper examines the roles of overseas-returned executives in optimizing the business performance of Chinese companies. Using the data from listed companies in China’s manufacturing industry, we find that overseas-returned executives improve firm performance, especially in non-state-owned firms, large firms and firms located in eastern China. Further mechanism analysis reveals that overseas-returned executives influence firm performance mainly through the risk-taking mechanism. This paper contributes to the firm performance literature by stating the importance of overseas-returned executives.
Repurposing of Approved Drugs with Potential to Block SARS-CoV-2 Surface Glycoprotein Interaction with Host Receptor

Background: Respiratory transmission is the primary route of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Angiotensin I converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the known receptor of SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein for entry into human cells. A recent study reported absent to low ACE2 promoter activity in a variety of human lung epithelial cell samples. Three bioprojects (PRJEB4337, PRJNA270632 and PRJNA280600) invariably found abundant expression of ACE in human lungs compared to very low expression of ACE2. Methods: In silico tools were applied to assess potential interaction of SARS-CoV-2 surface spike protein with human ACE as well as predict the drugs that may block SARS-CoV-2 interaction with host receptor. Results: Although it is not obvious from the primary sequence alignment of ACE2 and its homolog ACE (also known as ACE1), comparison of X-ray crystallographic structures show striking similarity in the regions of these proteins which is known (for ACE2) to interact with the receptor binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Critical amino acids that mediate interaction with the viral spike protein in ACE2 are organized in the same order in ACE. In silico analyses predicts comparable interaction of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein with ACE2 and ACE. In addition, this study predicts and selects already approved drugs from a list of 1263, which may interfere with the binding of SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein to ACE2 and/or ACE.
Isoform Sequencing Provides Insight Into Freezing Response of Common Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

The objective of the study is to reveal the freezing tolerance mechanisms of wheat by combining the emerging single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing technology PacBio Sequel and Illumina sequencing. Commercial semiwinter wheat Zhoumai 18 was exposed to −6°C for 4 h at the four-leave stage. Leaves of the control group and freezing-treated group were used to perform cDNA library construction. PacBio SMRT sequencing yielded 51,570 high-quality isoforms from leaves of control sample of Zhoumai 18, encoded by 20,366 gene loci. In total, 73,695 transcript isoforms, corresponding to 23,039 genes, were identified from the freezing-treated leaves. Compared with transcripts from the International Wheat Genome Sequencing Consortium RefSeq v1.1, 57,667 novel isoforms were discovered, which were annotated 21,672 known gene loci, as well as 3,399 novel gene loci. Transcriptome characterization including alterative spliced events, alternative polydenylation sites, transcription factors, and fusion transcripts were also analyzed. Freezing-responsive genes and signals were uncovered and proved that the ICE-ERF-COR pathway and ABA signal transduction play a vital role in the freezing response of wheat. In this study, PacBio sequencing and Illumina sequencing were applied to investigate the freezing tolerance in common wheat, and the transcriptome results provide insights into the molecular regulation mechanisms under freezing treatment.
Perception towards the Newly Adopted VAT & SD Act 2012 In Bangladesh: A Strategic Analysis on Tax Practitioners and Experts

Purpose: The prime purpose of the study is to analyze the perceptions of tax practitioners and related experts towards the newly adopted VAT (Value Added Tax) and SD Act 2012 in Bangladesh. Specifically the study investigates the perception regarding three dimensions namely administrative aspect, business organizations & socioeconomic conditions and on government/ public benefits. Finally the study will suggest possible future research in this area. Design/Methodology/Approach: Purposive random sampling technique has been adopted for the study. Primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Statistical tables were used to display and interpret the research results. Results/Findings: The overall perception towards the new VAT & SD Act seems to be mixed. The study says that administrative rules regulations need to be modified. This act will have negative impact on socioeconomic condition and VAT/ Gov. revenue collection may fall. Since there is mixed perception towards the VAT act, further study is suggested in this area. Originality/Value: The research result will be valuable to the policymakers and researchers.
CHARACTERISTIC IMMUNOCYTOCHEMICAL LOCALIZATION OF GLUTATHIONE-PEROXIDASE (GSH-PO) IN RAT TESTICULAR INTERSTITIAL MACROPHAGES

An immunohisto-cytochemical localization of glutathione-peroxidase (GSH-PO) in rat testicular interstitial macrophages was studied on 1) normal untreated rats 2) 2 weeks after hypophysectomy 3) and with gonadotropin administration for 1 week after hypophysectomy, in order to clarify the role of GSH-PO. In group 1, an immunohisto-cytochemical localization of GSH-PO was observed in cytosol as a characteristic lysosome-like structure. In group 2, immunohistochemically, the number of GSH-PO positive macrophages decreased as compared with that of the group 1. However, in group 3, immunohistochemically, the number of GSH-PO positive macrophages increased as compared with that of group 2. An intracellular lysosome-like GSH-PO also increased as compared with that of the other groups.These findings suggest that a very close relationship lies between immunocytochemical localization of GSH-PO in the testicular interstitial macrophages and testosterone production in the testicular Leydig cells. The possible role of GSH-PO in the testicular interstitial macrophage is discussed.
Generality Analysis Method of Research Papers Using User Behavior Data on the Internet

1 和歌山大学大学院システム工学研究科 Graduate School of Systems Engineering, Wakayama University 〒 640-8510 和歌山県和歌山市栄谷 930, E-Mail: s206099@wakayama-u.ac.jp 2 和歌山大学システム工学部 Fuculty of Systems Engineering, Wakayama University 〒 640-8510 和歌山県和歌山市栄谷 930, E-Mail: kazama@wakayama-u.ac.jp 3 豊橋技術科学大学情報・知能工学系 Department of Computer Science and Engineering,Toyohashi University of Technology 〒 441-8580 愛知県豊橋市天伯町雲雀ヶ丘 1-1, E-Mail: yoshida@cs.tut. ac.jp 4 東京大学大学院人文社会系研究科 Graduate School of Humanities and Sociology, The University of Tokyo 〒 113-0033 東京都文京区本郷 7-3-1, E-Mail: i2k@l.u-tokyo.ac.jp 5 同志社大学 免許資格課程センター Center for License and Qualification, Doshisha University 〒 602-8580 京都市上京区今出川通烏丸東入 E-mail: min2fly@slis.doshisha. ac.jp ∗ 連絡先著者 Corresponding Author
Analysis of Research Parameters for Cascading Failures of Interdependent Network Based on the Giant Component

With the deepening of the research on complex network, the cascading failures problem of the interdependent network is one of the hot research issues in the field. Setting reasonable parameters in the cascading failures analysis of interdependent network is of great significance for subsequent research. The mechanism of common models generation is analyzed, and its formula expression form is constructed. Starting from the single network cascading failures pattern, combined with the interdependent network theory research, a cascading failures model of interdependent network based on the giant component is established. The robustness analysis of interdependent networks with different network scale and different average degree is carried out for three common interdependent networks: BA-BA, WS-WS and ER-ER. The best condition for the robustness study of the interdependent network is obtained. That is, the sub-network node scale NS = NC ≥ 100 and the average degree k = 6. The conclusions obtained in this paper can provide a reference for the study of cascading failures in power, communication and other interdependent networks.
STERNAPIS CAPILLATA SP. N. (ANNELIDA, POLYCHAETA)

Sternaspis capillata sp. n. , aqui descrita, e o primeiro representante da familia Sternaspidae a ser assinalado em aguas brasileiras. A familia e considerada, por muitos autores, como contendo apenas uma especie, cosmopolita, S. scutata (Ranzani) 1817. A insuficiencia das descricoes torna dificil uma apreciacao objetiva do valor das 14 especies mencionadas no "Catalogo" de HARTMAN. Esta autora admite, como aceitaveis, duas especies: S. scutata (Renier) 1807 e S. fossor Stimpson 1853. Destas, distingue-se S. capillata sp. n. pelo numero e forma das cerdas dos segmentos anteriores, pelo excepcional desenvolvimento das cerdas do 11.o par posterior e pela presenca de abundantes e longas papilas filiformes recobrindo a regiao branquial. Consideramos a especie proxima de S. laevis Caullery, 1944, descrita da Malasia e conhecida apenas atraves da descricao original.
Biologically active endophytic Quambalaria sp. from Leptospermum junipae in Australia

An endophyte, designated “AV 17-3”, was isolated from a stem sample of an Australian Prickly Tea Tree, Leptospermum junipae, growing in the coastal area of the state of Victoria, Australia. Isolation of the partial 18S rDNA sequence and a subsequent search in GenBank revealed high homology to the fungal genus Quambalaria. Standard scanning electron microscopy (SEM) as well as environmental SEM of the isolate revealed that it produces widely elliptically shaped spores (4.5–5.5 × 1–2.2 μm) and secondary budding spores (2.0–3.0 × 1.5–1.7μm) on conidiophores, all showing a close similarity to Quambularia pitereka. The fungus produces bioactive compounds that were inhibitory to all and lethal to some pathogenic fungi, such as Phytophthora erythroseptica. It also inhibited or killed other tested bacteria and fungi, including Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Xanthomonas citri, Mycosphaerella fijiensis, Saccharomyces cerevisae and Bacillus subtilus. It is well known that Quambalaria pitereka is a cause of blight in Australian tree species; however, our isolate of Quambalaria produced no evidence of disease in its host plant and exhibited strong antimicrobial activities against a variety of human and plant pathogens. At least one reddish biologically active product was isolated and shown to be polar and labile.
The circadian system of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

Abstract In the unicellular eukaryotic green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, several circadian rhythms have been physiologically well characterised. Recently, the entire nuclear, chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes of this alga have been sequenced, and about 200 000 expressed sequence tags have been created. Therefore, functional proteomics of the circadian system has been initiated and has resulted in the identification of novel components of the circadian system (a protein disulfide isomerase and a tetratricopeptide repeat protein). Furthermore, comparative analysis of the C. reinhardtii genome with known clock-related genes from other model organisms reveals that some photoreceptors and especially clock-related kinases and phosphatases are well conserved in C. reinhardtii. Several circadian expressed genes have been identified in C. reinhardtii, whose temporal expression is controlled at the transcriptional level. Also, a circadian RNA-binding protein (CHLAMY 1) has been characterised. It represents a novel type of RNA-binding protein and mediates circadian control at the post-transcriptional level. Its circadian binding activity appears to be controlled by differential multi-protein complexes.
Cropping systems, carbon sequestration and erosion in Brazil, a review

Soils represent a large carbon pool, approximately 1,500 Gt, which is equivalent to almost three times the quantity stored in terrestrial biomass and twice the amount stored in the atmosphere. Any modification of land-use or land management can induce variations in soil carbon stocks, even in agricultural systems that are perceived to be in a steady state. Tillage practices often induce soil aerobic conditions that are favourable to microbial activity and may lead to a degradation of soil structure. As a result, mineralization of soil organic matter increases in the long-term. The adoption of no-tillage systems and the maintenance of a permanent vegetation cover (Direct seeding Mulched based Cropping system [DMC]), may increase carbon levels in the top-soil.
Cellulolytic and dextranolytic Gram-negative bacteria: revival of the genus Cellvibrio

Blackall, Linda L. , Hayward, A.C. & Sly, L.I. 1985. Cellulolytic and dextranolytic Gram‐negative bacteria: revival of the genus Cellvibrio. Journal of Applied Bacteriology59, 81–97. Nine bacterial strains were isolated from rhizosphere soils by enrichment in a defined mineral salts medium containing either cellulose or dextran as the sole carbon source. These and 17 reference strains, including representatives of two species of the invalid genus Cellvibrio, were characterized on morphological, biochemical and physiological properties. Numerical analyses were performed on the results using two different measures of similarity and methods of clustering. Eight of the nine isolates, three unnamed reference strains and the strains of Cellvibrio showed a high level of similarity and comprised a single cluster in both methods of analysis. The salient properties of strains in this cluster were: Gram‐negative, aerobic, slender rods, some having a slightly curved axis; mixed flagellation; oxida‐tive metabolism of glucose; extensive hydrolytic ability on complex polysaccharides; production of curdlan polysaccharide on glucose. Revival of the genus Cellvibrio (Winogradsky 1929) gen. nov., with an amended description and a new type species Cellvibrio mixtus sp. nov. is proposed. Copyright
Spatial patterns in the composition of shallow‐water macroinvertebrate communities of a large New Zealand river

Abstract Identifying the environmental factors influencing biotic patterns in large rivers will assist with extrapolating biological monitoring results to broader scale conclusions about river condition. In the present study, we collected macroinvertebrates and physico‐chemical data at 47 shallow‐water (<1‐m deep) sites, including nine sites at major tributary junctions, during summer along the lower Waikato River, North Island, New Zealand. Macroinvertebrate communities were dominated by a few relatively abundant and widespread taxa. Upper site samples were characterised by high relative abundances of Diptera, but the significance of this group declined further downstream where Crustacea became more dominant. Overall, more taxa (36) were found at tributary junctions than at mainstem sites within four hydrogeomorphic zones (22–31 taxa per zone). Significant differences among faunal groups identified in a cluster analysis on relative abundance data were detected for the percentage of wood sampled, and for water conductivity which increased downstream at mainstem sites and was high at some junction sites. Non‐metric multidimensional scaling of percentage abundance data revealed differences in community composition among zones, and among some mainstem and tributary junction sites. Geographic position (easting and northing) was significantly correlated with taxa richness and community evenness (Pielou) at mainstem sites (excluding tributary junctions), reflecting an increase in sample diversity and less equitable taxonomic dominance with distance down river. Overall, these results point to an interplay between habitat patchiness and successional and hydrogeom orphic processes influencing macroinvertebrate community composition in the lower Waikato River. Such multiscale variations need to be accounted for in the design of invertebrate biomonitoring programmes if they are to represent the ecological condition of large river environments.
Effects of a Mindfulness-Based Intervention on Circulating Cytokine Levels in Individuals with Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Pilot Study

Peripheral inflammation plays an important role in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and dysregulations in circulating levels of different inflammatory mediators are detectable as early as the mild cognitive impairment (MCI) stage towards AD. Depressive symptoms, another risk factor of AD, are often found in individuals with MCI and associated with heightened levels of peripheral inflammatory mediators. Diminution in depressive symptoms and alterations of peripheral inflammation profiles have been observed following Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs). In this pilot randomized-control trial, the impact of a mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) was compared to that of a psychoeducation-based intervention (PBI) on the peripheral inflammation profile and depressive symptomatology of participants with MCI. Plasma samples and scores on the Geriatric Depression scale (GDS) were obtained from 12 participants per group before and after the 8-week interventions. OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine 2020; 5(2), doi:10.21926/obm.icm. 2002022 Page 2/24 Flow cytometry allowed for inter-group comparisons of the pro-inflammatory cytokines Interleukin (IL)-6 and Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-α levels. Post-MBI, two tendencies stand out regarding inflammation profiles: 1) a decrease of TNF-α for participants having higher initial levels of this cytokine, and 2) an increase of IL-6 levels for all participants. In the PBI group, the cytokine levels remained unchanged post-intervention. Regarding depressive symptomatology, no significant variations were noted for both groups. Moreover, variations on depressive symptoms and peripheral levels of cytokines were not correlated. MBI could exert a physiological effect on an important feature of AD, namely inflammation. Furthermore, action mechanisms behind physiological and psychological effects of MBIs could stem from independent sources. This remains to be demonstrated with more robust data.