Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gret1 retrotransposon and VvmybA1 gene sequences in somatic mutants of new table grape varieties ‘Brasil’ and –Black Star’ (Vitis vinifera L.).

Somatic mutations in grapes are relatively frequent and associated with diversity in grape skin color and berry morphology. Mutations that occur on a side branch of the ‘Benitaka’ cultivar with rosy-red berry skin color generated the ‘Brasil’ cultivar, and mutations that occurred on a side branch of ‘Brasil’ generated the ‘Black Star’ cultivar, both showing a black color in the berry skin. Therefore, genetic characterization of the Gret1 retrotransposon and the VvmybA1 gene in ‘Italia’, ‘Rubi’, ‘Benitaka’, ‘Brasil’, and ‘Black Star’ was started to find whether the altered coloration of berries in ‘Brasil’ and ‘Black Star’ is a product of different mutation patterns in the investigated sequences. Six primer combinations were used for the amplification of different sequences of the Gret1 retrotransposon and VvmybA1 gene of the five cultivars. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the Gret1 retrotransposon and the VvmybA1 gene and sequencing of the amplified products using six primer combinations showed no different alleles or different nucleotide sequences in ‘Brasil’ and ‘Black Star’. The sequencing of the VvmybA1 gene in the present study showed that the mutations that occurred in the cultivar ‘Italia’ for generating the ‘Benitaka’ cultivar persisted in the ‘Brasil’ and ‘Black Star’ cultivars.
Too Much and Too Little: Antidepressant Treatment in Stroke Survivors during the First Year.

BACKGROUND Post-stroke depression (PSD) is the most frequent mental illness after stroke, affecting about 30% of stroke survivors and hampering rehabilitation outcome. While current guidelines recommend monitored antidepressant treatment (ADT) in PSD, the limited precision between the use and need of ADT in clinical practice remains underassessed and poorly understood. METHODS Depression according to DSM criteria and ADT was assessed in n = 294 stroke survivors from two German rehabilitation centers about one, six, and twelve months after stroke. At each measurement occasion, PSD and current use of ADT was assessed, leading to four subgroups: PSD (yes/no) and ADT (yes/no). Frequencies of ADT and PSD were examined and analyzed with regard to depression severity (minor/major). Intra-individual trajectories were used to assess the persistence in ADT over- and undertreatment from a longitudinal perspective. RESULTS After one, 6 and 12 months, 36.7%, 31.1% and 25.5% of stroke survivors fulfilled the criteria for depression. Across all measurement occasions, 53% of depressed stroke survivors did not receive ADT, while 12% of the non-depressed did. ADT between stroke survivors with major or minor depression differed at baseline but not thereafter. Between 15-40% of the depressed without ADT experienced persisting undertreatment and 25-50% the non-depressed with ADT had not fulfilled depression criteria at an earlier time point. CONCLUSIONS Depression occurred in one in three stroke survivors. Among these, only one in two received ADT, irrespective of PSD severity after discharge. In contrast, one in eight stroke survivors without depressive disorder received ADT, about half of them in the absence of earlier PSD. In conclusion, we found evidence of both under- and overtreatment of PSD with ADT, which emphasizes the need for a more stringent implementation of current PSD guideline recommendations.
Teledermoscopy in the Diagnosis of Melanocytic and Non-Melanocytic Skin Lesions: NurugoTM Derma Smartphone Microscope as a Possible New Tool in Daily Clinical Practice

Background: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, teledermoscopy has been increasingly used in the remote diagnosis of skin cancers. In a study conducted in 2020, we demonstrated a potential role of an inexpensive device (NurugoTM Derma) as a first triage to select the skin lesions that require a face-to-face consultation with dermatologists. Herein, we report the results of a novel study that aimed to better investigate the performance of NurugoTM. Objectives: (i) verify whether the NurugoTM can be a communication tool between the general practitioner (GP) and dermatologist in the first assessment of skin lesions, (ii) analyze the degree of diagnostic–therapeutic agreement between dermatologists, (iii) estimate the number of potentially serious diagnostic errors. Methods: One hundred and forty-four images of skin lesions were collected at the Dermatology Outpatient Clinic in Novara using a conventional dermatoscope (instrument F), the NurugoTM (instrument N), and the latter with the interposition of a laboratory slide (instrument V). The images were evaluated in-blind by four dermatologists, and each was asked to make a diagnosis and to specify a possible treatment. Results: Our data show that F gave higher agreement values for all dermatologists, concerning the real clinical diagnosis. Nevertheless, a medium/moderate agreement value was obtained also for N and V instruments and that can be considered encouraging and indicate that all examined tools can potentially be used for the first screening of skin lesions. The total amount of misclassified lesions was limited (especially with the V tool), with up to nine malignant lesions wrongly classified as benign. Conclusions: NurugoTM, with adequate training, can be used to build a specific support network between GP and dermatologist or between dermatologists. Furthermore, its use could be extended to the diagnosis and follow-up of other skin diseases, especially for frail patients in emergencies, such as the current pandemic context.
Honeypot Allocation for Cyber Deception Under Uncertainty

Cyber deception aims to misrepresent the state of the network to mislead the attackers, falsify their reconnaissance conclusions, and deflect them away from their goals. Honeypots serve as decoy devices inside networks that can capture adversaries for monitoring purposes. We propose a two-phase deception approach based on honeypot allocation. In the first phase, we develop a proactive deceptive honeypot allocation policy, the second phase proposes a reactive deception approach that dynamically allocates honeypots according to IDS updates. Considering a practical scenario, the defender partially monitors the adversary’s activities. To this end, we develop our deception approach using a combination of game-theoretic and reinforcement learning models. We cast the problem of reactive deception as a partially observable Markov decision process (POMDP) based on a game-theoretic dynamic model to accommodate the imperfect monitoring of the actions taken by the attacker. We solve this combined partially observable game model using Monte-Carlo tree search to overcome the game model complexity. We give a game-theoretic analysis to explain the attack-defense policies at equilibrium. Finally, we present numerical results to validate the effectiveness of the proposed deception approach.
Short Acting Beta Agonist Use Associated with Increased Mortality and Morbidity in Asthma Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE Short acting b2 agonists are recommended to be used ≤ 2 canisters per year. It is suggested that overuse of b2 agonists will lead to increased morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to determine if overuse of b2 agonists result in increased morbidity and mortality. METHODS We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature to determine if overuse of b2 agonists cause increase mortality, ICU admissions, hospitalization, and exacerbation. RESULTS A total of 11,888 publications were identified and 4260 duplications were removed, resulting in 7268 abstracts that were screened and 7254 irrelevant studies that were excluded. Ultimately, 14 studies were included. The overall pooled estimated odds ratio (OR) for mortality was 0.83 (95% CI: 0.66, 1.05), 0.99 for ICU admission (95% CI: 0.80, 1.21), 1.22 for hospitalization (95% CI: 0.96, 1.31), and 0.99 for exacerbation (95% CI: 0.85, 1.15). CONCLUSION There is no statistical difference in mortality, ICU admission rate, hospitalization, or exacerbation with using b2 agonists.
JVM SPEC favours 32-bit platforms

The platform-agnostic nature of Java is made possible thanks to the presence of the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) with a well defined set of bytecodes and library routines. This requires the availability of a JVM for many different platforms, 32-bit as well as 64-bit wide. During an effort to port the Jikes Research Virtual Machine (RVM) to the 64-bit PowerPC, we stumbled into a number of problems that prove that the Java specification was designed with a 32-bit platform in mind and that prevent an efficient implementation on a 64-bit platform. All described problems boil down to the fact that all types have a fixed size, while it is in the nature of some types to automatically adapt to the wordsize of the current platform. We would like to share those issues with the community, so that future SPEC designers can take into account these flaws. While Java declares to be platform independent, we believe some aspects of the Java SPEC are designed too specific for a 32-bit platform. Keywords—Java, JVM SPEC, 64-bit platform, porting experience
First-Principles Study on the Elastic Mechanical Properties and Anisotropies of Gold–Copper Intermetallic Compounds

In this study, first-principles calculations were utilized to investigate the lattice constants, elastic constants, and mechanical properties of gold–copper (Au–Cu) intermetallic compounds (IMCs), including AuCu3, AuCu, and Au3Cu. We also verified the direction dependence of the Young’s modulus, shear modulus, and Poisson’s ratio of the compounds. The calculated lattice parameters agreed with the experimental data, and the single-crystal elastic constants, elastic modulus E, shear modulus G, bulk modulus B, and Poisson’s ratio ν were calculated. For the Young’s and shear moduli, AuCu3 showed the highest anisotropy, followed by AuCu and Au3Cu. The Poisson’s ratios of AuCu3 and Au3Cu crystals were isotropic on (100) and (111) crystal planes and anisotropic on the (110) crystal plane. However, the Poisson’s ratio of the AuCu crystal was anisotropic on (100) and (111) crystal planes and isotropic on the (110) crystal plane.
Review of metal-containing resists in electron beam lithography: perspectives for extreme ultraviolet patterning

Abstract. Background: Metal-containing resists entered the mainstream semiconductor industry process flow to mitigate the low absorbance of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation by thin films of organic resists that lead to poor sensitivity and their inability to handle rigors of development and etching conditions. Aim: The long and rich history of using metal-containing resists in electron beam lithography can offer interesting lessons, pointers, and insights to the relatively newcomer EUV lithography, which is slightly over a decade old. Approach: Electron beam lithography has been enjoying a considerable amount of freedom in the choice of resist materials for close to 50 years; especially the use of metal-containing resists to attain not only single digit nanometer resolution, higher sensitivity, and etch resistance but also lower line-edge roughness. Here, we make a comprehensive historical review of the progress made in the patterning of metal-containing resists in electron beam lithography and derive insights that can be potentially useful in EUV patterning. Perspectives: Small molecular weight resists are proven to be crucial for achieving higher resolution with low line-edge roughness. Simplifying process flow by reducing etch-stack-layers is conceivable with metal-containing resists, along with direct-patterning of functional materials for heterogeneous integration. Efficient contact hole patterning at tighter pitches may be incumbent on progress in positive-tone resist research.
First-Principles Study of Electronic and Optical Properties of Tri-Layered van der Waals Heterostructures Based on Blue Phosphorus and Zinc Oxide

The creation of van der Waals heterostructures with tunable properties from various combinations of modern 2D materials is one of the promising tasks of nanoelectronics, focused on improving the parameters of electronic nanodevices. In this paper, using ab initio methods, we theoretically predict the existence of new three-layer van der Waals zinc oxide/blue phosphorus/zinc oxide (ZnO/BlueP/ZnO) heterostructure with AAA, ABA, ABC layer packing types. It is found that AAA-, ABA-, and ABC-stacked ZnO/BlueP/ZnO heterostructures are semiconductors with a gap of about 0.7 eV. The dynamic conductivity and absorption spectra are calculated in the wavelength range of 200–2000 nm. It is revealed that the BlueP monolayer makes the greatest contribution to the formation of the profiles the dynamic conductivity and absorption coefficient spectrums of the ZnO/BlueP/ZnO heterostructure. This is indicated by the fact that, for the ZnO/BlueP/ZnO heterostructure, conductivity anisotropy is observed at different directions of wave polarization, as for blue phosphorus. It has been established that the absorption maximum of the heterostructure falls in the middle ultraviolet range, and, starting from a wavelength of 700 nm, there is a complete absence of absorption. The type of layer packing has practically no effect on the regularities in the formation of the spectra of dynamic conductivity and the absorption coefficient, which is important from the point of view of their application in optoelectronics.
Negative curvature fibre optics for delivery of high-peak power light for manufacturing applications

This thesis covers investigations into high peak power short (nanosecond) and ultrashort (picosecond and femtosecond) pulse delivery through novel hollow-core microstructured silica fibres the Negative Curvature Fibre (NCF) and the Free Boundary Anti-Resonant Fibre (FBARF) for manufacturing applications. Both types of fibres provide light guidance in the NIR and green spectral regions via the AntiResonant Reflecting Optical Waveguiding (ARROW) mechanism. NCFs exhibit extremely low attenuations of 0.04 dB/m and 0.15 dB/m at 1030 nm and 532 nm respectively, not achievable with photonic bandap hollow-core fibres. These fibres have been demonstrated to deliver NIR and green picosecond pulses with peak powers at the level of 15 MW and 5 MW respectively, which significantly exceeds the capabilities of commercially available singlemode fibres. Optimised NCFs for transmission in both spectral regimes provide singlemode, high quality output and maintain the spectral and temporal properties of the original laser pulse. Furthermore, these fibres exhibit a low sensitivity to bending with useful bend diameters ≥ 5 cm, which is sufficient for most beam delivery applications. This was further improved by developing and introducing a dynamic fibre delivered power stabilisation system which enables efficient compensations of bend-induced power fluctuations. Practical implementation of NCF delivered pulses in manufacturing applications has been demonstrated in the precision micro-machining of metals, crack-free micromilling of fused silica and waveguide writing in borosilicate glass. The FBARF structure is a modification of the NCF design aimed for an improvement in energy handling capacity, light confinement and further reduction of bending loss. However, the fibres reported in this thesis (fabricated for guidance at 1 μm and green wavelengths) are preliminary designs, and so their full potential e.g. their energy handling capacities could not be fully established. Nevertheless, initial tests performed within this work indicated that further development of this fibre design should result in a reduction of the intrinsic attenuation and bend loss to a level comparable with the NCFs while increasing the optical damage threshold.
Soft Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access-Based Handover for Throughput Enhancement

Non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) has been extensively investigated to improve the performance of wireless networks, but discussion on how to apply it optimally to multi-cell networks has been rare. Therefore, in this study, we apply the NOMA technique to a soft handover situation and present a method to use NOMA effectively in multi-cell networks. First, we derive a theoretical condition of soft NOMA handover (NOMA-HO) that increases the handover user rate without reducing the sum rate of two paired users in serving and target cells. Based on this condition, we then design an efficient soft NOMA-HO procedure that minimizes signaling overhead and channel feedback. Simulation results show that the proposed soft NOMA-HO scheme significantly improves the cell-edge user rate without degrading the cell-inner user rate compared with the conventional hard NOMA handover schemes.
A Combined System of Shunt Passive and Series Active Filters

A combined system of shunt passive and small rated series active filters has already been proposed by the authors. The operating principle and steady compensation characteristics have been presented also. The combined system can greatly reduce problems of using only shunt passive or shunt active filters and is suitable for harmonic compensation for large VA rated loads in power systems, because the required VA rating of the series active filter used here is considerably smaller than that of a conventional shunt active filter.In steady states, the combined system behaves like an ideal compensator, because the extraction of the harmonics easy. However, some loads such as cycloconverters fluctuate with rapid speed and cannot be regarded as steady loads. It is difficult for a conventional shunt passive filter to compensate for these fluctuating loads because they generate various frequency harmonics. So it is necessary to discuss transient compensation characteristics of the combined system when it is applied to compensation for fluctuating loads.In this paper, focusing on transient states, stability and compensation characteristics of the combined system are analyzed and discussed theoretically and experimentally in detail. The stable and unstable regions of the combined system and the problems faced by improving transient compensation characteristics are revealed. Then, to improve transient characteristics of the system, a new control method is proposed, and the validity is experimentally demonstrated.
Working Paper 39: Behavioural drivers of corruption facilitating illegal wildlife trade

This Problem Analysis is a review of the efficacy and opportunities for using social norm and behaviour change (SNBC) approaches to combat illegal wildlife trade (IWT) and other natural resource-related corruption. Behavioural science is a rich and expansive field that has received prominent coverage in recent years for the promise it offers as a foundational yet underutilised approach to achieving biodiversity conservation. Extensive literature shows how SNBC initiatives can help combat diverse corruption problems, although for those related to natural resource management the evidence for doing so is sparse. This report synthesises the available information and suggests the next steps to redress this current lack of evidence. It seeks to: Understand what SNBC approaches might or might not work in fighting corruption. Identify entry points for designing SNBC interventions that can effectively reduce corruption related to IWT. This Analysis has been produced in association with the Targeting Natural Resource Corruption (TNRC) project. The TNRC project is working to improve biodiversity outcomes by helping practitioners to address the threats posed by corruption to wildlife, fisheries and forests. TNRC harnesses existing knowledge, generates new evidence, and supports innovative policy and practice for more effective anti-corruption programming. Learn more at tnrcproject.org. This publication is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents are the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID, the United States Government, or individual TNRC consortium members.
Effect of school eye health education program on eye health knowledge and practice in middle school students

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the effects of an eye health education program on the level of knowledge and eye health practice of middle school students. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted using a pretest-posttest nonequivalent control group non-synchronized design. The study participants were from one middle school first graders in a province of Korea. The experimental group was composed of three classes (76 students), and the control group was composed of three other classes (77 students). Pretests were conducted in June for the experimental group and in August for the control group. The experimental group received an eye health education program developed for this study consisting of four sessions in total, given once a week for 45 minutes per session. The control group was instructed by the school's health teacher in the eye health education included in the existing health education curriculum. Posttests were conducted three weeks after the training in the control group and immediately after the fourth eye health education session in the experimental group. Results: After being instructed in the eye health education program, the eye health-related knowledge (t=9.45, p<.001) and eye health practice (t=2.18, p=.031) of the experimental group participating in the education program were higher than those of the control group. Conclusion: The eye health education program was effective in improving middle school student’s level of eye health-related knowledge and eye health practice. School health teachers could implement this program as a part of the standard eye health education for middle school students. The long-term effects of practicing eye health behavior needs to be confirmed in a future study.
Terrestrial impact craters track the voyage of lithospheric plates

The paradigm of plate tectonics has aided in the identification of the journey of continents on the globe, their assembly into supercontinents, disruption, and re‐assembly. Here, we use meteorite impact craters as proxies for tracking the voyage of lithospheric plates. Employing the provisions in GPlates, an interactive geographic information system‐based plate tectonic reconstruction model, we were able to identify the palaeo‐position, and velocity of the 174 terrestrial impact craters, formed after 1,100 Ma, across the globe. These parameters of craters were evaluated for independent tectonic plates and were correlated with global tectonic events. For example, the similarity in the velocity of Beaverhead (900 Ma) and Holleford (550 Ma) craters since 550 Ma is traced to the connection between the Eastern Basin and North America Craton commencing 1,100 Ma, and through the South Basin and Range. Likewise, the drastic reduction in the velocity of Spider Crater (700 Ma) in Australia after 600 Ma can be attributed to the subduction between east and west Gondwana. The accelerated motion of the Indian Plate at 63 Ma, when the lithosphere was hovering over the Réunion hotspot, is also explained. With the advent of more improved plate tectonic models and the discovery of more impact craters, improvised interpretations will be possible.