Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Semantics in the Edge: Sensors and actuators in the Web of Linked Data and Things

Editorial Federica Cena a and Armin Haller b and Maxime Lefrançois c,* a Dipartimento di Informatica, Università degli Studi di Torino, Turin, Italy E-mail: federica.cena@unito.it b Research School of Management & Research School of Computer Science, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia E-mail: armin.haller@anu.edu. au c Univ Lyon, MINES Saint-Étienne, CNRS, Laboratoire Hubert Curien UMR 5516, Saint-Étienne, France E-mail: maxime.lefrancois@emse.fr
Fast and Parallel RankClus Algorithm based on Dynamic Rank Score Tracking

: Given a bi-type information network, which is an extended model of well-known bipartite graphs, how can clusters be e ﬃ ciently found in graphs? Graph clustering is now a fundamental tool to understand overviews from graph-structured data. The RankClus framework accurately performs clustering for bi-type information networks us-ing ranking-based graph clustering techniques. It integrates graph ranking algorithms such as PageRank or HITS into graph clustering procedures to improve the clustering quality. However, this integration incurs a high computational cost to handle large bi-type information networks since RankClus repeatedly computes the ranking algorithm for all nodes and edges until the clustering procedure converges. To overcome this runtime limitation, we present a novel RankClus algorithm that reduces the running time for large bi-type information networks. Our proposed method employs dynamic graph processing techniques into the iterative ranking procedures included in RankClus. By dynamically updating ranking results, our proposal reduces the number of computed nodes and edges during repeated ranking procedures. For further improving the e ﬃ ciency, we also present a parallel implementation of our proposed algorithm by using thread-based parallelization on a modern manycore CPU. We experimentally verify using real-world datasets that our fast and parallel proposed methods successfully reduces the running time while maintaining the clustering quality of RankClus.
Challenges of PBFT-Inspired Consensus for Blockchain and Enhancements over Neo dBFT

Consensus mechanisms are a core feature for handling negotiation and agreements. Blockchain technology has seen the introduction of different sorts of consensus mechanism, ranging from tasks of heavy computation to the subtle mathematical proofs of Byzantine agreements. This paper presents the pioneer Delegated Byzantine Fault Tolerance (dBFT) protocol of Neo Blockchain, which was inspired by the Practical Byzantine Fault Tolerance (PBFT). Besides introducing its history, this study describes proofs and didactic examples, as well as novel design and extensions for Neo dBFT with multiple block proposals. Finally, we discuss challenges when dealing with strong Byzantine adversaries, and propose solutions inspired on PBFT for current weak-synchrony problems and increasing system robustness against attacks. Key Contribution: Presents an overview of the history of PBFT-inspired consensus for blockchain, highlighting its current importance on the literature, challenges and assumptions. Contributes to the field of Distributed Consensus, proposing novel extensions for the Neo dBFT (dBFT 2.0+, dBFT 3.0 and dBFT 3.0+), with new insights on innovative consensus mechanisms.
A Novel Extension of the TOPSIS Method Adapted for the Use of Single-Valued Neutrosophic Sets and Hamming Distance for E-Commerce Development Strategies Selection

Neutrosophic sets have been recognized as an effective approach in solving complex decision-making (DM) problems, mainly when such problems are related to uncertainties, as published in numerous articles thus far. The use of the three membership functions that can be used to express accuracy, inaccuracy, and indeterminacy during the evaluation of alternatives in multiple-criteria DM can be said to be a significant advantage of these sets. By utilizing these membership functions, neutrosophic sets provide an efficient and flexible approach to the evaluation of alternatives, even if DM problems are related to uncertainty and predictions. On the other hand, the TOPSIS method is a prominent multiple-criteria decision-making method used so far to solve numerous decision-making problems, and many extensions of the TOPSIS method are proposed to enable the use of different types of fuzzy as well as neutrosophic sets. Therefore, a novel extension of the TOPSIS method adapted for the use of single-valued neutrosophic sets was considered in this paper.
Breeding of A New Two-rowed Pearling Barley Cultivar "Tochinoibuki"

Summary: W Tochinoibuki derived from the cross Tochikei253/「(Tochikei216/ant28-494)F1」The traits of Tochinoibuki are described in comparison with the standard variety, Sukai Golden in the followings. Tochinoibuki is the same heading time and maturing time. The culm length of Tochinoibuki is shorter, while the ear length is longer. The line is characterized with greater numbers of panicles, however, thousand kernel weight and volume weight are equivalent to those of Sukai Golden. Percentage of plump grain is inferior, but plum grain yield is similar. It is inferior in pre-harvest sprouting tolerance and is more susceptible to powdery mildew. Equipped with the resistance gene of rym3 and rym5 like Sukai Golden, Tochinoibuki is highly resistant to barley yellow mosaic virus type I, II, III, IV and V. Pearling time takes slightly longer, but the whiteness of pearled grain is better. As the line has less polyphenol content and almost negligible levels of proanthocyanidin and catechin content, heat-causing browning hardly occurs．
Cohort effects and proximal versus distal metrics for lifetime reproductive success in Richardson's ground squirrels

Lifetime reproductive success (LRS) in the form of number of descendants is a commonly used measure of individual fitness, but the life stage at which descendants are counted varies among studies. Conceptual and logistical trade-offs exist along the gradient of proximal-to-distal LRS metrics. Although proximal metrics, such as number of offspring weaned, are logistically easier to collect than distal metrics, such as number of reproductively mature offspring or grandoffspring, they may be of little evolutionary significance if stochastic events heavily influence the realized number of descendants. We use a 25-year demographic data set based on 954 adult female Richardson's ground squirrels (Urocitellus richardsonii) from 22 annual cohorts to characterize and compare 6 metrics for LRS: lifetime production of litters, numbers of weanlings, weanling daughters, adult daughters, weanling matrilineal granddaughters, and adult matrilineal granddaughters. Most adult females weaned only 0 (21%), 1 (47%), or 2 (22%) lifetime litters. All LRS distributions were right skewed, with 53% and 77% of adult female Richardson's ground squirrels having no adult female matrilineal descendants after 1 and 2 generations, respectively. Survival of daughters and mothers covaried with calendar year, and LRS was strongly influenced by the calendar year in which females recruited into the breeding population as yearlings. Catastrophic flooding in 2005 killed nearly all descendants from the 2004 and 2005 cohorts. Daughter survival to adulthood explained more variance in lifetime production of adult daughters and granddaughters than number, size, or sex ratio of litters. Overall, to have a ≥ 50% chance of 1 adult granddaughter, a female needed to produce 2 litters, 7 weanling daughters, or 2 adult daughters. All distal (response) versus proximal (predictor) LRS metrics had significantly positive relationships, but variability increased with each distal step in the response variable. Our long-term study highlights sampling issues with LRS studies, variability within and among cohorts, and the role of stochastic events in uncoupling a mammal's reproductive effort from realized number of descendants.
Behavioural responses of migratory shorebirds to disturbance at a high-tide roost

Abstract Many long-distance migratory shorebirds are threatened. Anthropogenic disturbance at roost sites on their non-breeding grounds might exacerbate other threats by leading to depletion of fat reserves and forcing birds away from traditional sites. We measured the response (occurrence of alarm flight and resettlement time) of roosting shorebirds knots (Calidris spp.) and sand plovers (Charadrius spp.) to anthropogenic and natural disturbances. Flight was the most common response (0.86 alarm flights h−1). The likelihood of an alarm flight was most strongly influenced by flock size and distance to the disturbance agent, smaller flocks closer to the agent being more likely to take flight. Sand plovers had shorter flight-initiation distances than knots but took longer to resettle after disturbance. Resettling duration was also influenced by time since arrival on the non-breeding grounds, being longest shortly after birds arrived. Energy budget models suggested that 10 alarm flights per day increased daily energy expenditure by 4.5–4.7% for knots and 7.5–7.8% for sand plovers. This may reduce energy reserves to levels below the threshold that can be replenished by normal intake rates and thus negatively affect survival or reproductive success. Increased disturbances may place additional and unsustainable pressures on populations that are already experiencing major declines.
Effect of Caudal Autotomy on Locomotor Performance of Wall Lizards (Podarcis muralis)

We examined the effects of caudal autotomy on terrestrial and arboreal locomotory perfor- mance using European wall lizards (Podarcis muralis) from an established population in Cincinnati, Ohio. Tail loss significantly increased running speed and distance travelled but markedly decreased arboreal locomotor performance (speed and distance). The effects of tail type (original, unbroken vs. regenerated, previously broken) seldomly were significant before autotomy but became more markedly apparent fol- lowing tail removal. Significant interactions between tail type and autotomy indicated that individuals possessing original or regenerated tails responded differently to tail loss. Whereas original tails were associated with superior locomotor performance before tail loss, individuals that had possessed regenerated tails before autotomy ran fastest and farthest and traversed an arboreal substrate fastest after their tails were removed. These results suggest that lizards that have been previously subjected to caudal autotomy are able to learn by experience how to compensate for the absence of a tail and, accordingly, traverse an arboreal substrate faster - even after their tail has regenerated and is subsequently autotomized again. The importance of these trends is discussed in light of foraging and escape mode postulates.
Development of a cell-line model to mimic the pro-survival effect of nurse-like cells in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Abstract The interaction between Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells and monocyte-derived nurse-like cells (NLCs) is fundamentally important to CLL biology. However, studies of how CLL cells and NLCs interact have been hampered by the need for freshly obtained CLL blood samples, coupled with wide variation in the number of monocytes present in the blood of individual patients. Here, we report the development and validation of a cell-line model of NLCs which overcomes these difficulties. Co-culture of primary CLL cells with THP-1 cells induced to differentiate into macrophages by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) significantly reduced both spontaneous and fludarabine-induced cell death of leukemic cells. Furthermore, compared with their M1-polarized counterparts, M2-polarized macrophages derived from PMA-differentiated THP-1 cells conferred to CLL cells greater protection from spontaneous and fludarabine-induced apoptosis. Since NLCs resemble M2 tumor-associated macrophages, this cell-line model could be useful for investigating the mechanisms through which NLCs protect CLL cells from spontaneous and drug-induced apoptosis.
Tendon-derived cathepsin K-expressing progenitor cells activate Hedgehog signaling to drive heterotopic ossification.

Heterotopic ossification (HO) is pathological bone formation characterized by ossification within muscle, tendons, or other soft tissues. However, the cells of origin and mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of HO remain elusive. Here we show that deletion of Suppressor of fused (Sufu) in Cathepsin K-Cre-expressing (Ctsk-Cre-expressing) cells resulted in spontaneous and progressive ligament, tendon, and periarticular ossification. Lineage tracing studies and cell functional analysis demonstrated that Ctsk-Cre could label a subpopulation of tendon-derived progenitor cells (TDPCs) marked by tendon marker Scleraxis (Scx). Ctsk+Scx+ TDPCs are enriched for tendon stem cell markers and show the highest self-renewal capacity and differentiation potential. Sufu deficiency caused enhanced chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation of Ctsk-Cre-expressing tendon-derived cells via upregulating Hedgehog (Hh) signaling. Furthermore, pharmacological intervention of hedgehog signaling using JQ1 suppressed the development of HO. Thus, our results display that Cathepsin K-Cre labels a subpopulation of TDPCs contributing to HO and their cell fate changes are driven by activation of Hh signaling.
Mobility and structural barriers in rural South Africa contribute to loss to follow up from HIV care

ABSTRACT Retention in HIV care is crucial to sustaining viral load suppression, and reducing HIV transmission, yet loss to follow-up (LTFU) in South Africa remains substantial. We conducted a mixed methods evaluation in rural South Africa to characterize ART disengagement in neglected rural settings. Using convenience sampling, surveys were completed by 102 PLWH who disengaged from ART (minimum 90 days) and subsequently resumed care. A subset (n = 60) completed individual in-depth interviews. Median duration of ART discontinuation was 9 months (IQR 4-22). Participants had HIV knowledge gaps regarding HIV transmission and increased risk of tuberculosis. The major contributors to LTFU were mobility and structural barriers. PLWH traveled for an urgent family need or employment, and were not able to collect ART while away. Structural barriers included inability to access care, due to lack of financial resources to reach distant clinics. Other factors included dissatisfaction with care, pill fatigue, lack of social support, and stigma. Illness was the major precipitant of returning to care. Mobility and structural barriers impede longitudinal HIV care in rural South Africa, threatening the gains made from expanded ART access. To achieve 90-90-90, future interventions, including emphasis on patient centered care, must address barriers relevant to rural settings.
The Association between Tea Consumption and Nasopharyngeal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction Heated debates have been on-going about tea consumption and the incidence of cancer, especially in head and neck cancer types. This study aimed to review the association between tea consumption habits and nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC). Methods: This review was carried out in accordance with the PRISMA-P protocol. Literature search for journal articles that published studies on the relationship between tea consumption and NPC was performed via databases, such as Elsevier, PubMed, Science Direct, Springer Link, Google, and Google Scholar, for 10 years from 2008 to 2018. Relevant studies were obtained by applying the pre-determined keywords, such as nasopharyngeal cancer, tea consumption and NPC, risk factors of NPC and benefits of tea consumption. Results: A total of 126 articles was retrieved. These articles were subjected to eligibility assessment. Six articles remained after applying the inclusion criteria. Results suggest that habitual tea consumption reduces NPC. Tea consumption significantly reduces NPC with all the studies having a p-value ≤0.05. Meta-analysis showed statistical association between tea consumption and NPC risk with OR=0.865 at 95% CI (0.806-0.929). Conclusion: This study suggests that habitual tea consumption could be associated with prevention of NPC development. Additional studies are needed to further understand the molecular role of bioactive compound and potential health benefit of tea consumption in NPC prevention.
Investigations of Phytoconstituents, Antioxidant and Anti-Liver Cancer Activities of Saueda monoica Forssk Extracted by Microwave-Assisted Extraction

Background: Wild edible plants are good sources for bioactive compounds, vitamins, and minerals with various applications. They can play a role in supporting the immune system and are highly beneficial as resources. Suaeda monoica Forssk is a wild edible plant that grows in Iraq and it’s biological activities have not yet reported. Methods: Saueda monoica Forssk bioactive compounds were extracted by a microwave-assisted extraction method using ethanol as a solvent, and its chemical composition was analyzed by GC-MS. The biological activities were evaluated via antioxidant, anti-liver-cancer, antibacterial, and toxicity tests in vitro. Results: The results of GC-MS analysis showed that there were about 20 bioactive compounds. The most abundant compound was N,N-Dimethylglycine methyl ester, followed by 9,12,15-Octadecatrienoic acid, n-Hexadecanoic acid, and N,N-Dimethylglycine. The antioxidant activity of the ethanol extract of the plant showed a significant IC50. The extract of S. monoica against liver cancer cells (HCAM) showed significant toxicity. Flow cytometric analysis showed a significant induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrested at G1 phase. Conclusions: The results indicated the significance of the components of Iraqi S. monoica Forssk by MAE method as a potential food supplement in nutrition systems to prevent liver cancer and enhance the liver’s defense against diseases.
Effects of photobiomodulation on bone defects grafted with bone substitutes: A systematic review of in vivo animal studies

A present, photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) effectiveness in enhancing bone regeneration in bone defects grafted with or without biomaterials is unclear. This systematic review (PROSPERO, ref. CRD 42019148959) aimed to critically appraise animal in vivo published data and present the efficacy of PBMT and its potential synergistic effects on grafted bone defects. MEDLINE, CCCT, Scopus, Science Direct, Google Scholar, EMBASE, EBSCO were searched, utilizing the following keywords: bone repair; low‐level laser therapy; LLLT; light emitting diode; LEDs; photobiomodulation therapy; in vivo animal studies, bone substitutes, to identify studies between 1994 and 2019. After applying the eligibility criteria, 38 papers included where the results reported according to “PRISMA. ” The results revealed insufficient and incomplete PBM parameters, however, the outcomes with or without biomaterials have positive effects on bone healing. In conclusion, in vivo animal studies with a standardized protocol to elucidate the effects of PBMT on biomaterials are required initially prior to clinical studies.
All-cause and cause-specific mortality among people with regular or problematic cocaine use: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIMS To estimate pooled all-cause and cause-specific mortality risk for people with regular or problematic cocaine use. METHODS Systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective or retrospective cohort studies (n≥30) of people with regular or problematic cocaine use with data on all-cause or cause-specific mortality. Of 2808 papers, 28 were eligible and reported on 21 cohorts with a total 170,019 individuals. Cohorts identified based on acute care for drug poisoning or other severe health presentation were excluded. Title/abstract screening was conducted by one reviewer; a second reviewer independently checked 10% of excluded studies. Two reviewers conducted full-text screening. Data were extracted by one reviewer and checked by a second. A customised review-specific study reporting quality/risk of bias tool was used. Data on crude mortality rates (CMR) and standardised mortality ratios were extracted for both all-cause and cause-specific mortality. Standardised mortality ratios were imputed where not provided by the author using extracted data and information from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017. Data were pooled using a random-effects model. RESULTS The pooled all-cause crude mortality rate was 1.24 per 100 person-years (95% CI: 0.86, 1.78; n=16 cohorts), but with considerable heterogeneity (I2 =98.8%). The pooled all-cause standardised mortality ratio was 6.13 (95%CI: 4.15, 9.05; n=16 cohorts). Suicide (SMR 6.26, 95%CI 2.84, 9.68), accidental injury (SMR 6.36, 95%CI 4.18, 9.68), homicide (9.38, 95%CI 9.38, 3.45, 25.48), and AIDS-related mortality (SMR 23.12, 95%CI 11.30, 47.31) were all elevated compared with age and sex peers in the general population. CONCLUSIONS There are elevated rates of mortality among people with regular or problematic cocaine use for traumatic deaths and deaths attributable to infectious disease.
Genetic evaluation of dairy bulls for energy balance traits using random regression

Current selection objectives for dairy cattle breeding may be favouring cows that are genetically predisposed to mobilize body tissue. This may have consequences for fertility since cows may resume reproductive activity only once the nadir of negative energy balance (NEB) has passed. In this study, we repeatedly measured food intake, live weight, milk yield and condition score of Holstein cattle in their first lactation. They were given either a high concentrate or low concentrate diet and were either selected or control animals for genetic merit for kg milk fat plus milk protein. Orthogonal polynomials were used to model each trait over time and random regression techniques allowed curves to vary between animals at both the genetic and the permanent environmental levels. Breeding values for bulls were calculated for each trait for each day of lactation. Estimates of genetic merit for energy balance were calculated from combined breeding values for either (1) food intake and milk yield output, or (2) live weight and condition-score changes. When estimated from daily fluxes of energy calculated from food intake and milk output, the average genetic merit of bulls for energy balance was approximately -15 MJ/day in early lactation. It became positive at about day 40 and rose to +18 MJ/day at approximately day 150. When estimated from body energy state changes the NEB in early lactation was also -15 MJ/day. It became positive at about day 80 and then rose to a peak of +10 MJ/day. The difference between the two methods may arise either because of the contribution of food wastage to intake measures or through inadequate predictions of body lipid from equations using live weight and condition score or a combination of both. Body energy mobilized in early lactation was not fully recovered until day 200 of lactation. The results suggest that energy balance may be estimated from changes in body energy state that can be calculated from body weight and condition score. Since body weight can be predicted from linear type measures, it may be possible to calculate breeding values for energy balance from national evaluations for production and type. Energy balance may be more suitable as a breeding objective than persistency.