Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Panfungal Marker (1,3)-⃞-D-Glucanin Diagnosis of Invasive Infections with Candida Species

Abstract Introduction. Although blood culture is considered a gold standard in diagnosis of invasive infections, it is still not reliable and fast enough for diagnosis of candidemia. Determination of serum (1,3)-⃞-D-glucan is a highly sensitive and specific test for invasive mycosis, and could probably be of benefit to patients with high risk for invasive infections with Candida species. Aim. The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the diagnostic performance of serum (1.3)-⃞-Dglucan BDG (Fungitell) assay, in comparison with blood culture, for diagnosis of invasive infections with Candida species. Methods. Blood and sera from 120 patients divided in 4 groups, hospitalized at the University clinics in Skopje, during a 2-year period, were investigated for invasive Candida infections. Blood was examined with conventional methods (automated BacT/Alert system, Gram stain and culture on fungal media). Identification of Candida species was performed with VITEK-2 system. Serum (1,3)-⃞-D-glucan was determined by means of Fungitell assay. Results. Positive blood culture was registered in 23.33%, 43.33%, 23.8% and in 3.33% of samples only in groups I, II, III and IV, respectively. Positive findings with (1,3)-⃞-D-glucan Fungitell assay at the same time with blood culture were detected in 83.33%, 76.67%, 30% and 26.67% in groups I, II, III and IV, respectively. The average concentration of BDG was highest in group I, followed by group II, group IV and group III. Conclusion. Our results suggest that a positive (1,3)-⃞-D-glucan assay could be a superior test in addition to the blood culture for diagnosis of candidemia and highlights the value of this test as a diagnostic adjunct in the serodiagnosis of an invasive candidiasis.
Context-Rich Privacy Leakage Analysis Through Inferring Apps in Smart Home IoT

Emerging Internet of Things (IoT) systems leverage connected devices to enable intelligent and automated functionalities. Despite the benefits, there exist privacy risks of network traffic, which have been studied by the previous research. However, with the current privacy inference remaining at the event-level, potential privacy risks are underestimated, which, as our study shows, can be much higher than previously reported through app-level traffic analysis. A key observation of our research is that IoT event-triggered traffic is generated by apps, which often adopt an if-trigger-then-action (trigger–action) programming paradigm. We utilize this feature to develop fingerprints to differentiate running apps and learn context-rich privacy-sensitive information from apps. In this article, we present a privacy leakage analysis called ALTA to infer running apps in smart home IoT environments. First, ALTA identifies app fingerprints through static analysis and extracts sensitive information from app descriptions and input prompts. Then, through dynamic traffic profiling, it learns traffic fingerprints of apps. Finally, ALTA matches the fingerprints of app and traffic, and thus is able to pinpoint which app is running from IoT traffic at runtime. To demonstrate the feasibility of our approach, we analyze 254 SmartThings applications via program and natural language processing (NLP) analysis. We also perform the app inference evaluation on 31 apps executed in a simulated smart home. The results suggest that ALTA can effectively infer running apps from IoT traffic and learn context-rich information (e.g., health conditions, daily routines, and user activities) from apps with high accuracy.
MicroRNAs in the Making: Post-transcriptional Regulation of MicroRNA Biogenesis in Caenorhabditis elegans

Author(s): Mondol, Vanessa | Advisor(s): Pasquinelli, Amy E. | Abstract: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs, ~22 nucleotides (nt) long, with major roles in gene regulation. MiRNAs bind imperfectly to complementary sequences in the 3’ untranslated region of target messenger RNAs (mRNAs) causing translational repression and destabilization. A single miRNA has the potential to regulate hundreds of different mRNA targets, highlighting the importance of miRNAs in almost all cellular pathways. Originally discovered as part of the Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) developmental timing pathway, miRNAs were soon found in a multitude of other organisms, including humans. MiRBase, an online database for miRNAs, now lists g35,000 miRNAs, in g200 different species, including viruses, though many of their roles remain to be characterized. Because misregulation is often associated with disease, especially cancer, exploring miRNA biogenesis is critical for understanding the intricacies of disease development. Furthermore, the conserved temporal expression of various miRNAs highlights the importance of these regulators in pluripotency and development. Understanding how miRNAs are produced and regulated has been a major topic of study over the past 15 years. While the basic mechanisms of miRNA biogenesis and function have been uncovered, how these processes are regulated remains an outstanding problem.There are multiple instances of transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation during miRNA biogenesis. In Chapter I, I introduce much of the latest understanding about the mechanisms of miRNA biogenesis and regulation. Details about the discovery of miRNAs, C. elegans as a model, as well as general information on biogenesis and targeting, can be found in Chapter II. I worked on several projects investigating post-transcriptional regulation of miRNA biogenesis in C. elegans. In Chapter III, I identify and characterize the primary lin-4 transcripts, and demonstrate how a conserved RNA binding protein, RBM-28, regulates mature lin-4 expression, but not primary or precursor. My investigation in Chapter IV led to notable insights on how splicing pri-let-7 leads to a secondary structure rearrangement that facilities recognition by the Microprocessor. My survey of polycistronic worm miRNAs discussed in Chapter V indicates that there are many more examples awaiting further study. Overall, this research describes novel examples of post-transcriptional regulation of miRNAs.
Comparison of two methods for detection of Cryptosporidium & Giardia in water

The steps of two immunofluorescent-antibody-based detection methods were evaluated for their efficiencies in detecting Giardia cysts and Cryptosporidium oocysts. The two methods evaluated were the American Society for Testing and Materials proposed test method for Giardia cysts and Cryptosporidium oocysts in low-turbidity water and a procedure employing sampling by membrane filtration, Percoll-Percoll step gradient, and immunofluorescent staining. The membrane filter sampling method was characterized by higher recovery rates in all three types of waters tested: raw surface water, partially treated water from a flocculation basin, and filtered water. Cyst and oocyst recovery efficiencies decreased with increasing water turbidity regardless of the method used. Recoveries of seeded Giardia cysts exceeded those of Cryptosporidium oocysts in all types of water sampled. The sampling step in both methods resulted in the highest loss of seeded cysts and oocysts. Furthermore, much higher recovery efficiencies were obtained when the flotation step was avoided. The membrane filter method, using smaller tubes for flotation, was less time-consuming and cheaper. A serious disadvantage of this method was the lack of confirmation of presumptive cysts and oocysts, leaving the potential for false-positive Giardia and Cryptosporidium counts when cross-reacting algae are present in water samples.
Direct electrodeposition of Ni‐Co‐S on carbon paper as an efficient cathode for anion exchange membrane water electrolysers

The development of an efficient water electrolyser is essential for sustainable hydrogen production; however, its application remains limited by the insufficient performance of the electrode. Herein, we report a rapid, simple, and cost‐effective fabrication of an Ni‐Co‐S cathode for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), which is directly usable for an anion exchange membrane water electrolyser (AEMWE). The Ni‐Co‐S electrocatalysts are prepared on a carbon paper (CP) substrate by a one‐step electrodeposition method by controlling deposition parameters such as the deposition potential, time, and electrolyte composition. The optimized Ni‐Co‐S/CP electrode demonstrates a high HER activity with an overpotential of 91 mV at −10 mA/cm2 in 1.0 M KOH. An AEMWE single cell employing the Ni‐Co‐S/CP cathode coupled with a commercial IrO2/CP anode exhibits a current density of 1.7 A/cm2 at 2.4 Vcell, which is higher than that of an AEMWE single cell with a commercial Pt/C/CP cathode; this is attributable to the enhancement of the electron and reactant/product transfer via appropriate cathode design.
Genetic Uniformity of Japanese Giant Salamander (Amphibia, Caudata) from Kiso River, Central Japan

Abstract: The Japanese giant salamander, Andrias japonicus, is known to exhibit very low genetic diversity, but the number of individuals surveyed in a population is limited by now. We investigated partial sequences (673 bp) of mitochondrial cytochrome b gene in 180 specimens of a population from the Inuyama Head Works on the Kiso River, Central Japan, over nine years so as to clarify the degree of genetic diversity. The result again confirmed a tendency of lack of diversity; only one individual differed from the remaining 179 with an uncorrected p-distance of only 1.5%. The individual had the sequence identical with that reported for an individual from San'in District of Western Japan, far from the Kiso River, and is thought to have been introduced artificially. The healthy condition of the salamander population in spite of highly reduced genetic diversities might be due to possible decrease of inbreeding depression, resulting from the past purging effect of ancestral inbreeding wherein deleterious recessive alleles were eliminated from the gene pool.
Generalized Mittag-Leffler Lévy process and its connections to first passage times of Lévy subordinators

Abstract In this article, we introduce generalized Mittag-Leffler Lévy (GMLL) process. GMLL distribution is represented as a general Lévy subordinator delayed by a gamma process. We show various properties of this new process like it’s corresponding Lévy density function and the so-called long-range dependence property. We provide also an explicit representation for the cumulative density function (CDF) for such process which can be an inspiration for construction of various versions of the GMLL processes. Moreover we establish Fokker-Planck type equation for its one dimensional probability density functions (PDF). Our construction will allow us to link GMLL process to the first passage time of the Lévy subordinator.
Language Teachers and Crowdsourcing

The paper presents a cross-European survey on teachers and crowdsourcing. The survey examines how familiar language teachers are with the concept of crowdsourcing and addresses their attitude towards including crowdsourcing into language teaching activities. The survey was administrated via an online questionnaire and collected volunteers’ data on: (a) teachers’ experience with organizing crowdsourcing activities for students/pupils, (b) the development of crowdsourced resources and materials as well as (c) teachers’ motivation for participating in or employing crowdsourcing activities. The questionnaire was disseminated in over 30 European countries. The final sample comprises 1129 language teachers aged 20 to 65, mostly working at institutions of tertiary education. The data indicates that many participants are not familiar with the concept of crowdsourcing resulting in a low rate of crowdsourcing activities in the classroom. However, a high percentage of responding teachers is potentially willing to crowdsource teaching materials for the language(s) they teach. They are particularly willing to collaborate with other teachers in the creation of interactive digital learning materials, and to select, edit, and share language examples for exercises or tests. Since the inclusion of crowdsourcing activities in language teaching is still in its initial stage, steps for further research are highlighted.
Evaluation of method performance and matrix effect for 57 commonly used herbicides in some vegetable families using LC-MS/MS determination

Abstract A modified QuEChERS method was employed with LC-MS/MS to evaluate the matrix effects of 12 different vegetables matrices in 57 globally used herbicides. The average recoveries of pesticides at different concentrations varied between 70 and 120%. The reproducibility expressed as relative standard deviation was <25%. The limit of quantitation was (0.005–0.01 mg/kg). The measurement uncertainty is lower than 40%. Three vegetables families: Cucurbitaceae, Solanaceae and leafy vegetables were selectd for study. Among the investigated commodities, leafy green vegetables have the highest matrix effects, MEs percentages ranged between (2 & 282%). The highest suppression in analytes response was observed for parsley with matrix ME (2–19%). Most of tested herbicides showed suppression extent at the lower fortified concentrations. Tomato recorded the highest enhancement in most of studied herbicides of MEs% ranged from (122 to 379%). Butachlor, chlorbromuron, fenoxaprop-p-ethyl, flufenacet, fluzafop-p-butyl, hexythiazox, prosulfocarb and pyriproxyfen showed ion suppresion for all vegetables matrices with MEs% ranged from (5 to 79%). Matrix effects (MEs) were evaluated by comparing the slopes of target analytes to prove reproducibility (n = 5). The current study emphasize using of matrix match calibration with these commodity pesticides combinations, whereas, ME’s were dependent on composition of analyte and co-eluting agents.
Genetic Variation for Resistance to Phytophthora Root Rot in Eastern White Pine Seedlings

Deployment of genetically resistant Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus L.) planting stock could reduce economic losses to root rot caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi Rands in Christmas tree and forest plantations. This study aimed to determine the degree of genetic control of resistance to P. cinnamomi in Eastern white pine and secondarily, to compare the aggressiveness of two P. cinnamomi isolates derived from different host species. Phytophthora isolates from Fraser fir (Abies fraseri (Pursh) Poir. ) and Eastern white pine were used in a main and supplemental study, respectively, including 83 and 20 open-pollinated families. In each study, two-year-old seedlings were inoculated twice each of two consecutive years and mortality was assessed biweekly for 16 weeks each year. During the first year, mortality increased over time to 18.6% and 40.4% while family variation in mortality ranged from 1.3% to 60.0% and 12.5% to 73.0% in the main and supplemental studies, respectively. At the end of the first year, individual-tree and family-mean heritability estimates were, respectively, 0.44 ± 0.0935 and 0.85 ± 0.180 for the main study, and 0.57 ± 0.216 and 0.90 ± 0.343 for the supplemental study. The P. cinnamomi isolate from Eastern white pine was more aggressive and there was a large interaction between isolates and pine families. Deploying resistant families will be complicated by this interaction but should, nevertheless, reduce economic losses.
Isolation and characterization of a novel paraffin wax and solid wax degrading endosymbiotic bacteria from Citrus mealy bug (Planococcus citri)

Bacterial isolates capable of degrading the paraffin wax and solid wax were isolated from the body of citrus mealy bug. In total nine isolates were isolated but among them only four showed degradation ability by formation of halo on Modified Davis Minimal Agar media and change in colour on Blue spirit agar media. These isolates were identified by 16srRNA and they were Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis and Pseudomonas putida. The morphological and biological profile of bacterial strains were also identified. The bacterial species showed reduction in residual amount of liquid paraffin and among them Bacillus subtilis (3.421g) becomes more efficient. The incubated samples containing strains viz., Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilisi, Bacillus licehniformis and Pseudomonas putida showed significant reduction in residual weight of solid wax. The highest reduction was observed by Bacillus cereus (66.53%). However, no difference was observed in the residual weight of solid wax in control even after 30 days (0%).
The Role of GPR109a Signaling in Niacin Induced Effects on Fed and Fasted Hepatic Metabolism

Signaling through GPR109a, the putative receptor for the endogenous ligand β-OH butyrate, inhibits adipose tissue lipolysis. Niacin, an anti-atherosclerotic drug that can induce insulin resistance, activates GPR109a at nM concentrations. GPR109a is not essential for niacin to improve serum lipid profiles. To better understand the involvement of GPR109a signaling in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, we treated GPR109a wild-type (+/+) and knockout (−/−) mice with repeated overnight injections of saline or niacin in physiological states characterized by low (ad libitum fed) or high (16 h fasted) concentrations of the endogenous ligand, β-OH butyrate. In the fed state, niacin increased expression of apolipoprotein-A1 mRNA and decreased sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 mRNA independent of genotype, suggesting a possible GPR109a independent mechanism by which niacin increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL) production and limits transcriptional upregulation of lipogenic genes. Niacin decreased fasting serum non-esterified fatty acid concentrations in both GPR109a +/+ and −/− mice. Independent of GPR109a expression, niacin blunted fast-induced hepatic triglyceride accumulation and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α mRNA expression. Although unaffected by niacin treatment, fasting serum HDL concentrations were lower in GPR109a knockout mice. Surprisingly, GPR109a knockout did not affect glucose or lipid homeostasis or hepatic gene expression in either fed or fasted mice. In turn, GPR109a does not appear to be essential for the metabolic response to the fasting ketogenic state or the acute effects of niacin.
Portuguese Principals’ Professional Development Needs and Preferred Learning Methods

Due to the crucial role principals have on school outcomes, investing in their training is a cost-effective approach for schools’ improvement. Research shows that principals attribute pertinence to their ongoing professional development. However, little research has been conducted on principals’ training needs from their viewpoint, particularly in Portugal. Through individual interviews (n = 19) and a questionnaire (n = 117) to principals, we collected data that enable us to understand principals’ perceptions on their training needs, focusing on learning areas, skills to be developed and learning methods. Results show considerable variability, reinforcing the relevance of tailored and contextualised approaches to professional development. Globally, principals request management skills and training opportunities that enable them to develop leadership skills (e.g., personal, interpersonal/socioemotional). Moreover, principals need training on instructional and distributed leadership practices. Collaborative and reflective methods are the ones principals prefer. Practical implications for the design of systematic professional development practices, in a lifelong perspective, are also discussed.
Tourists’ work-related smartphone use at the tourist destination: making an otherwise impossible trip possible

ABSTRACT This study examines the under-examined but frequently observed phenomenon of tourists combining work and leisure while travelling and the role that smartphones play. We considered through the lens of leisure constraint concept and viewed work-related smartphone use at a tourist destination as a leisure constraint negotiation strategy. We also considered the antecedents of work-related leisure constraints, negotiation-efficacy, fear of missing out on the latest work-related development, and travel motivation, and the consequence of tourist experience with experiential familiarity as the moderator. Partial least squares (PLS) method and PLS multigroup analyzes were used to analyze the data collected from 267 Taiwanese tourists (135 and 132 had visited the destination once and more than once, respectively). The analysis shows that work-related leisure constraints and fear of missing out invoke the negotiation strategy of smartphone use for work-related purposes. Interestingly, such negotiation strategies increase escapist experiences for tourists. This study implies that using a smartphone for work-related purposes is a compromise made by tourists, and such a compromise may not be entirely bad. It allows the tourists to tour the destination and simultaneously work on-and-off when working is unavoidable.
Exploring wearable technology for supporting couples in long-distance relationships

: In this paper, we explore the possibilities of wearable technology in supporting couples in long-distance relationships (LDRs) to achieve better insights on how wearables could be designed to fit the real needs of this user group. We approach the topic with a hands-on design workshop, where twelve participants living in an LDR created concepts and low-fidelity physical prototypes of wearables
Collaboration in multi-tier supply chains for reducing empty running: a case study in the UK retail sector

ABSTRACT This research aims to explore ways to improve transport efficiency in retail multi-tier supply chains by integrating raw material sourcing of suppliers into the transport network. The performance of the proposed scenario is assessed using a discrete-event simulation (DES) model that includes the additional pick-up and drop-off points of an extended transport network. The results suggest an improvement in the transport network efficiency, evidenced in the reduction of empty running levels and costs. This study supports the idea that the integration of raw material sourcing of suppliers into a retailer's transport network can bring significant benefits.
A Geometric Perspective on the Modulation of Potential Energy Release by a Lateral Potential Vorticity Gradient

The release of available potential energy by growing baroclinic instability requires the slope of the eddy fluxes to be shallower than that of mean density surfaces, where the amount of energy released depends on both the flux angle and the distance of fluid parcel excursions against the background density gradient. The presence of a lateral potential vorticity (PV) gradient is known to affect the growth rate and energy release by baroclinic instability, but often makes the mathematics of formal linear stability analysis intractable. Here the effects of a lateral PV gradient on baroclinic growth are examined by considering its effects on the slope of the eddy fluxes. It is shown that the PV gradient systematically shifts the unstable modes toward higher wavenumbers and creates a cutoff to the instability at large scales, both of which steepen the eddy flux angle and limit the amount of energy released. This effect may contribute to the severe inhibition of baroclinic turbulence in systems dominated by barotropic jets, making them less likely to transition to turbulence-dominated flow regimes.