Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) faecal microbiome differs with diet in a wild population

Background The diet of the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) is comprised almost exclusively of foliage from the genus Eucalyptus (family Myrtaceae). Eucalyptus produces a wide variety of potentially toxic plant secondary metabolites which have evolved as chemical defences against herbivory. The koala is classified as an obligate dietary specialist, and although dietary specialisation is rare in mammalian herbivores, it has been found elsewhere to promote a highly-conserved but low-diversity gut microbiome. The gut microbes of dietary specialists have been found sometimes to enhance tolerance of dietary PSMs, facilitating competition-free access to food. Although the koala and its gut microbes have evolved together to utilise a low nutrient, potentially toxic diet, their gut microbiome has not previously been assessed in conjunction with diet quality. Thus, linking the two may provide new insights in to the ability of the koala to extract nutrients and detoxify their potentially toxic diet. Method The 16S rRNA gene was used to characterise the composition and diversity of faecal bacterial communities from a wild koala population (n = 32) comprising individuals that predominately eat either one of two different food species, one the strongly preferred and relatively nutritious species Eucalyptus viminalis, the other comprising the less preferred and less digestible species Eucalyptus obliqua. Results Alpha diversity indices indicated consistently and significantly lower diversity and richness in koalas eating E. viminalis. Assessment of beta diversity using both weighted and unweighted UniFrac matrices indicated that diet was a strong driver of both microbial community structure, and of microbial presence/absence across the combined koala population and when assessed independently. Further, principal coordinates analysis based on both the weighted and unweighted UniFrac matrices for the combined and separated populations, also revealed a separation linked to diet. During our analysis of the OTU tables we also detected a strong association between microbial community composition and host diet. We found that the phyla Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes were co-dominant in all faecal microbiomes, with Cyanobacteria also co-dominant in some individuals; however, the E. viminalis diet produced communities dominated by the genera Parabacteroides and/or Bacteroides, whereas the E. obliqua-associated diets were dominated by unidentified genera from the family Ruminococcaceae. Discussion We show that diet differences, even those caused by differential consumption of the foliage of two species from the same plant genus, can profoundly affect the gut microbiome of a specialist folivorous mammal, even amongst individuals in the same population. We identify key microbiota associated with each diet type and predict functions within the microbial community based on 80 previously identified Parabacteroides and Ruminococcaceae genomes.
Circulating factors associated with sarcopenia during ageing and after intensive lifestyle intervention

Ageing, chronic diseases, prolonged inactivity, and inadequate nutrition pose a severe threat to skeletal muscle health and function. To date, experimental evidence suggests that ageing‐related subclinical inflammation could be an important causative factor in sarcopenia. Although inflammatory signalling has been implicated in the pathogenesis of experimental animal models of sarcopenia, few studies have surveyed the clinical association between circulating factors and muscle mass in patients before and after lifestyle interventions. In this study, we evaluated whether proinflammatory cytokines are associated with the onset of sarcopenia, which circulating factors are associated with the severity of sarcopenia, and how these factors change after lifestyle interventions in sarcopenic elderly persons.
Electronically Reconfigurable 6 × 6 Element Transmitarray at K-Band Based on Unit Cells With Continuous Phase Range

This letter describes the design and characterization of a linear polarized 6 × 6 element transmitarray providing a beam-steering range of <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\text{100}^\circ$</tex-math></inline-formula> at 24.6 GHz. The transmitarray is formed of unit cells providing a continuous electronically reconfigurable phase range of <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\text{360}^\circ$</tex-math></inline-formula> by using varactor diodes as tunable elements. The unit cell consists of four single RO4350B laminate layers. Unit cell and transmitarray have been characterized by measurements showing good agreement with the numerical results.
Detection of Deception Using Facial Expressions Based on Different Classification Algorithms

Most psychologists argue that facial behavioral during lying is different from facial behavioral when telling the truth, so the facial behavioral can be used as reliable indicators for spotting liars. The deception detection systems (DDSs) based on facial expressions are non-invasive, mobile and cost-effective. In this work a DDS is dependent on Facial Action Coding System (FACS) for facial features extraction, the main idea of FACS is to describe all facial actions using Action Units (AUs), each AU is related to movement one or more facial muscles. Eight AUs are used which incorporated into a single facial behavior pattern vector; these AUs are AUs 5, 6, 7, 10, 12, 14, 23, and 28. Datasets are collected for 43 subjects (20males, 23 females) most of them between ages 18-25. Four types of classification algorithms are used individually in the last stage of the proposed system; these classifiers are MLP, KNN, VG-RAM, and SVM. The simulation results show that the best results are obtaining when using VG-RAM and KNN classifiers. The main contributions of this work are new classification techniques in DDS, collect real database that can use to measure the performance of any DDS based on facial expressions, and select suitable facial features.
Capacitor Balancing and Common-Mode Voltage Reduction of a SiC Based Dual T-Type Drive System Using Model Predictive Control

The dual T-type multilevel converter (MLC) is an advanced topology with a reduced switching device count compared to a conventional diode clamped converter. This paper proposes a reduced switching state model predictive control (MPC) of a dual T-type drive system considering the DC link capacitor balancing, the common-mode voltage (CMV) along with torque control of an open-ends induction motor. The proposed study addresses the CMV in two different scenarios; i.e., the CMV reduction (CMVR) and CMV elimination (CMVE). A Matlab simulation for the proposed drive system is presented. A dual T-type converter prototype based on Silicon-Carbide discrete MOSFET switch is designed, implemented, and tested in the laboratory. The proposed MPC scheme achieves the torque command as well as balances the dual DC links in an efficient manner. It is observed that the CMVE has some limitation compared to CMVR, particularly at rated speed operation. It is worth mentioning that the proposed reduced switching states technique could reduce the computation time from 5.5 ms to $140~\mu \text{s}$ for CMVR and $70~\mu \text{s}$ for CMVE. In addition, the results demonstrate the effectiveness of CMVR scheme in reducing the harmonic contents, the torque and flux ripples, and converter switching loss compared to the CMVE scheme.
A New Technique for the Characterization and Design of Class-F RF Power Amplifiers

In class-F RF power amplifiers, there are several methodologies used to characterize the RF power device in order to present the proper harmonic impedances at its terminals, the most widely used of which is the load-pull method. This paper presents an alternative technique based on the analytic derivation of the optimum terminal load impedances at the first three harmonic frequencies using both the device intrinsic and package parasitic elements. The output matching network is then synthesized analytically to present the calculated harmonic impedances at the device output terminal. As a confirmation to the proposed technique, a 6-W power amplifier circuit has been designed and simulated using a commercial GaN HEMT power device to operate at 900 MHz. The simulated results show a drain efficiency of more than 84%, output power of more than 38 dBm, and power gain of more than 13 dB at the specified frequency.
Cooperative Deep Q-Learning With Q-Value Transfer for Multi-Intersection Signal Control

The problem of adaptive traffic signal control in the multi-intersection system has attracted the attention of researchers. Among the existing methods, reinforcement learning has shown to be effective. However, the complex intersection features, heterogeneous intersection structures, and dynamic coordination for multiple intersections pose challenges for reinforcement learning-based algorithms. This paper proposes a cooperative deep Q-network with Q-value transfer (QT-CDQN) for adaptive multi-intersection signal control. In QT-CDQN, a multi-intersection traffic network in a region is modeled as a multi-agent reinforcement learning system. Each agent searches the optimal strategy to control an intersection by a deep Q-network that takes the discrete state encoding of traffic information as the network inputs. To work cooperatively, the agent considers the influence of the latest actions of its adjacencies in the process of policy learning. Especially, the optimal Q-values of the neighbor agents at the latest time step are transferred to the loss function of the Q-network. Moreover, the strategy of the target network and the mechanism of experience replay are used to improve the stability of the algorithm. The advantages of QT-CDQN lie not only in the effectiveness and scalability for the multi-intersection system but also in the versatility to deal with the heterogeneous intersection structures. The experimental studies under different road structures show that the QT-CDQN is competitive in terms of average queue length, average speed, and average waiting time when compared with the state-of-the-art algorithms. Furthermore, the experiments of recurring congestion and occasional congestion validate the adaptability of the QT-CDQN to dynamic traffic environments.
Environmental modulation of the proteomic profiles from closely phylogenetically related populations of the red seaweed Plocamium brasiliense

The genus Plocamium encompasses seaweeds that are widely distributed throughout the world’s oceans, with Plocamium brasiliense found along the tropical and subtropical coasts of the Western Atlantic. This wide distribution can lead to structured populations due to environmental differences (e.g., light levels or temperature), restricted gene flow, and the presence of cryptic species. Abiotic variation can also affect gene expression, which consequently leads to differences in the seaweeds protein profile. This study aimed to analyze the genetic and proteomic profiles of P. brasiliense sampled in two geographically distinct sites on the coastline of Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil: Arraial do Cabo (P1) and Búzios (P2). The genetic profiles of macroalgal specimens from these two sites were indistinguishable as assessed by the markers UPA/23S, rbcL, and COI-5P; however, the protein profiles varied significantly between populations from the two sites. At both sites the ribulose-1,5-biphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase was the most abundant protein found in P. brasiliense specimens. The number of phycobiliproteins differed between both sites with the highest numbers being found at P1, possibly due to water depth. The differences in proteomic profiles of the two nearly identical populations of P. brasiliense suggest that environmental parameters such as light availability and desiccation might induce distinct protein expression, probably as a result of the phenotypic plasticity within this population of seaweed.
Fog Computing Security Challenges and Future Directions [Energy and Security]

The perception of fog computing is to bring a virtual presence into day-to-day objects. The lowest layer of the fog architecture is the Internet of Things (IoT), which created a revolution by changing ordinary objects into smart objects that automatically sense and process data. In the IoT, smart objects connected over the Internet communicate with each other and exchange data with the fog server to improve services to customers. There are some challenges to achieving the benefits of the IoT. This article discusses a three-layered fog architecture and highlights potential security threats and solutions at each layer. Finally, open research issues are discussed at all three layers of the fog hierarchy.
Acute Ethanol Produces Ataxia and Induces Fmr1 Expression via Histone Modifications in the Rat Cerebellum.

BACKGROUND The cerebellum is fundamental for motor coordination and therefore crucial in ethanol (EtOH)-induced ataxia. EtOH contributes to cerebellar pathophysiology. Fragile-X mental retardation protein (FMRP) is a complex regulator of RNA and synaptic plasticity implicated in fragile-X tremor and ataxia syndrome, a phenotype featuring increased Fmr1 mRNA expression. Recent studies have implicated glutamatergic targets of FMRP in hereditary cerebellar ataxias including the main cerebellar excitatory amino acid (Eaa1) transporter and a subtype of metabotropic glutamate receptor (Grm5). However, EtOH-induced changes in cerebellar Fmr1 expression and its epigenetic regulation have not been investigated. Here, we examined the effects of acute EtOH exposure on ataxic behavior, gene expression, and epigenetic regulation of the Fmr1 gene and its glutamatergic targets in the rat cerebellum. METHODS Male adult Sprague Dawley rats received acute EtOH (2 g/kg) intraperitoneally 1 hour prior to ataxic behavioral testing on the accelerating rotarod and were sacrificed immediately thereafter. Cerebellar tissues were analyzed for gene expression and epigenetic regulation of the Fmr1 gene and its glutamatergic targets in the rat cerebellum using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and chromatin immunoprecipitation. RESULTS Acute EtOH exposure caused marked ataxia on the accelerating rotarod test compared with saline-treated controls. This ataxic response was associated with increases in mRNA levels of Fmr1, postsynaptic density 95 (Psd95), Eaa1, and Grm5 in the cerebellum. In addition, we found increased H3K27 acetylation both at the promoter region of Fmr1 and at a proposed cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) response-element binding (CREB) site downstream of the Fmr1 transcription start site. Furthermore, acute EtOH exposure significantly increased Creb1 and the histone acetyltransferases (HAT) CREB binding protein (Cbp), and p300 mRNA transcripts. CONCLUSIONS Overall, EtOH regulates cerebellar Fmr1 expression most likely via HAT-mediated increase in histone acetylation. We propose that FMRP regulation of glutamatergic transcripts plays an important role in disrupting the excitatory-inhibitory balance in the cerebellum underlying EtOH-induced ataxia.
Thyrotoxic goiter and asymptomatic thyroid nodule as an initial presentation of clear cell renal cell carcinoma: A report of two cases

Thyroid nodule as a metastasis to renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is rarely found. We present two cases – presented with thyroid nodules and diagnosed as metastatic RCC; one patient had thyrotoxic goiter, whereas the second patient presented with asymptomatic thyroid nodule. Subsequently, hemithyroidectomy and total thyroidectomy were performed, respectively. Then, both patients underwent radical nephrectomy for the primary tumor. At present, patients are under regular oncology follow-up, with no evidence of disease recurrence.
Trends in Readmissions and Length of Stay for Patients Hospitalized With Heart Failure in Canada and the United States.

Importance Over the past decade, reducing 30-day readmission rates has been emphasized in the United States (including via the implementation of the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program) but not Canada. Objective To examine changes that occurred from April 1, 2005, to December 31, 2015, in the United States and Canada for hospitalization length of stay and 30-day readmission rates of patients with heart failure. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study included patients admitted with a primary diagnosis of heart failure to Canadian and US hospitals between April 1, 2005, and December 31, 2015, using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision code 428.xx and Tenth Revision code I50. The study examined secular trends in length of stay and readmissions in both countries and tested for changes after implementation of the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program using segmented regression models and the association between length of stay and readmissions using patient-level and hospital-level multivariable logistic regression models. Data analysis was completed from February 2018 to August 2018. Main Outcomes and Measures Thirty-day readmissions. Results Between 2005 and 2015, mean length of stay declined marginally in Canadian hospitals (from a mean [SD] of 7.5 [5.7] to 7.3 [5.6] days; P < .001) but remained stable in US hospitals (mean [SD], 4.9 [3.7] days to 4.9 [3.5] days). Thirty-day readmission rates declined similarly in Canada (from 4088 of 20 758 patients [19.7%] to 3823 of 21 733 patients [17.6%] for all-cause readmissions; P < .001; and from 1743 of 20 758 patients [8.4%] to 1490 of 21 733 patients [6.9%] for heart failure-specific readmissions; P < .001) and the United States (from 21.2% to 18.5% for all-cause readmissions; from 7.6% to 5.7% for heart failure-specific readmissions; both P < .001). There were small but statistically significant positive correlations between length of stay and 30-day readmissions in both Canada (odds ratio, 1.01 [95% CI, 1.01-1.01]) and the United States (odds ratio, 1.01 [95% CI, 1.01-1.01]). Interrupted time-series analysis comparing readmission rates before and after the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program implementation revealed no significant difference in either country for all-cause readmission rates before and after October 2012. There was also no change in the slope of the temporal trends; in Canada, all-cause readmissions were decreasing 1.1% per year before implementation and 1.3% after implementation (P = .84 for slope change) compared with 1.6% per year in the United States before implementation and 1.8% per year after October 2012 (P = .60 for slope change). Conclusions and Relevance Both Canada and the United States exhibited similar temporal declines in 30-day all-cause readmissions over the past decade. These findings suggest that the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program did not appear to be associated with this secular trend or length of stay for heart failure in the United States.
The Impact of Organizational Innovativeness on Firm Performance in Poland: The Moderating Role of Innovation Culture

Purpose: The study aims to examine the relationship between organizational innovativeness and firm performance, considering the culture of innovation as a potential moderator of this relationship. The present work provides important managerial insights into drivers of firm performance. Design/Methodology/Approach: A survey was conducted across 121 random manufacturing businesses in Poland. A regression analysis series was used to assess the relationships between organizational innovation, an innovation culture, and a firm’s performance. Findings: Organizational innovativeness and innovation culture both have a substantial and positive impact on firm performance. The innovation culture played a moderating role in the relationship between innovativeness and firm performance in both high- and low-innovation cultures and across all dimensions of innovation. The moderation itself was the strongest in strategic innovativeness, whereas the market innovativeness model produced the most significant variance attributable to the moderator. Practical Implications: The study speaks to the need to consider organizational innovativeness and drivers of the innovation culture when striving for good firm performance – a notion important for management practice. Originality/Value: The literature provides ample evidence to substantiate the thesis that innovation positively impacts a firm’s performance, though findings vary substantially across studies. Furthermore, a paucity of studies would model and empirically verify the relationship between organizational innovativeness and firm performance among industrial businesses operating in Central-Eastern Europe. There is also little research demonstrating the role of the innovation culture in moderating this relationship. This research makes an essential contribution to the existing literature by empirically examining the relationship between organizational innovativeness, innovation culture, and firm performance.
Understanding complex drivers of wildlife crime to design effective conservation interventions

In conservation understanding the drivers of behavior and developing robust interventions to promote behavioral change is challenging and requires a multifaceted approach. This is particularly true for efforts to address illegal wildlife use, where pervasive—and sometimes simplistic—narratives often obscure complex realities. We used an indirect questioning approach, the unmatched count technique, to investigate the drivers and prevalence of wildlife crime in communities surrounding 2 national parks in Uganda and combined scenario interviews and a choice experiment to predict the performance of potential interventions designed to tackle these crimes. Although poverty is often assumed to be a key driver of wildlife crime, we found that better‐off households and those subject to human–wildlife conflict and those that do not receive any benefits from the parks’ tourism revenue sharing were more likely to be involved in certain types of wildlife crime, especially illegal hunting. The interventions predicted to have the greatest impact on reducing local participation in wildlife crime were those that directly addressed the drivers including, mitigating damage caused by wildlife and generating financial benefits for park‐adjacent households. Our triangulated approach provided insights into complex and hard‐to‐access behaviors and highlighted the importance of going beyond single‐driver narratives.
Short-term Ultraviolet Index Forecasting Using ARIMA Model

Solar energy is recognized as an ideal renewable energy. Solar photovoltaic power generation is an important way to use solar energy. It can alleviate the existing energy crisis and various environmental problems caused by traditional energy. Photovoltaic power generation as a clean renewable energy gradually plays an increasingly prominent role in smart micro-grid. Due to the fluctuation of solar radiation intensity, accurate power prediction is one of the important conditions for the successful grid connection of solar power plants. This paper focuses on the prediction of ultraviolet power index. Based on the analysis of cumulative autoregressive moving average model, the stationary of ultraviolet index time series was detected, the order of ultraviolet index model was estimated, and the ARIMA model of ultraviolet index was determined. The prediction accuracy of the model is determined by the root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE).