Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The influence of anticoagulant resistance on effective rodent control in the UK1

Widespread use of warfarin, and other multiple-dose anticoagulants, selected populations of warfarin-resistant rodents in the UK and in other countries. The effectiveness of rodent control was dramatically reduced when the resistant animals formed a large proportion of a population. The second-generation anticoagulants were developed to overcome these practical control problems with warfarin and were considered to be effective rodenticides against warfarin-resistant populations. In the UK, however, difenacoum showed reduced efficacy for controlling an established warfarin-resistant Rattus norvegicus population covering a substantial area of farmland in southern England. Continued use of difenacoum selected for difenacoum-resistant animals, so that the rodenticide is now ineffective for controlling rats in three counties. Brodifacoum was subsequently used to control some infestations and there is evidence that these treatments selected for animals with an increased level of resistance to brodifacoum. Anticoagulant resistance in Mus domesticus is less of a practical problem because of the availability of non-anticoagulant rodenticides for the control of this species. There is evidence, however, of bromadiolone resistance in M. domesticus trapped on farms in the UK. Recent investigations of the mechanism of anticoagulant resistance in R. norvegicus have indicated that vitamin K3 (menadione) is an antidote to anticoagulants in resistant animals. This form of the vitamin is included as a dietary supplement in poultry and pig food and would aid the survival, and therefore increase the selection, of resistant animals when anticoagulants are used exclusively.
Life cycle energy use and environmental implications of high-performance perovskite tandem solar cells

Scalable and high-efficiency perovskite tandem solar cells with long lifetime pave the way for sustainable photovoltaics. A promising route to widespread deployment of photovoltaics is to harness inexpensive, highly-efficient tandems. We perform holistic life cycle assessments on the energy payback time, carbon footprint, and environmental impact scores for perovskite-silicon and perovskite-perovskite tandems benchmarked against state-of-the-art commercial silicon cells. The scalability of processing steps and materials in the manufacture and operation of tandems is considered. The resulting energy payback time and greenhouse gas emission factor of the all-perovskite tandem configuration are 0.35 years and 10.7 g CO2-eq/kWh, respectively, compared to 1.52 years and 24.6 g CO2-eq/kWh for the silicon benchmark. Prolonging the lifetime provides a strong technological lever for reducing the carbon footprint such that the perovskite-silicon tandem can outcompete the current benchmark on energy and environmental performance. Perovskite-perovskite tandems with flexible and lightweight form factors further improve the energy and environmental performance by around 6% and thus enhance the potential for large-scale, sustainable deployment.
The Importance of Geology, Climate and Anthropogenic Disturbances in Shaping Boreal Wetland and Aquatic Landscape Types

Abstract: Boreal wetlands are recognized as important wildlife habitats, especially as breeding and staging grounds for a large number of waterfowl. The main objectives of this study were to quantify the distribution of wetland and aquatic wildlife-habitat landscape types within boreal Quebec and to determine how such recognizable wildlife habitats vary among climatic regimes and landforms. A total of 456 forest maps systematically distributed within a 540000 km2 area were used to classify 12 wetland and 5 different aquatic habitat types. Habitat types belonging to wetland and aquatic classes respectively covered 10.3 % and 11.7 % of the study area. Spatial heterogeneity was confirmed using a hierarchical cluster analysis by identification of 6 wetland landscape types further categorized into 3 groups: wet, dry, and anthropogenic. The last emphasizes the magnitude of human alteration of aquatic habitats, with reservoirs representing 26% of total water coverage. Partial redundancy analyses showed that landform data alone had better explanatory power (28%) than climatic data (19%) to account for the variation in wetland coverage. These results suggest that terrestrial ecozones based on landform (rather than climate) could serve as indicators for wetland conservation planning and facilitate wetland conservation and management decisions.
Chemical analysis of nickel silicides with high spatial resolution by combined EDS, EELS and ELNES

The continuous scaling in semiconductor technology has made accurate characterization of transistor compounds more challenging. Often, the main difficulty is to obtain both high spatial resolution and information on the chemical composition of the material. In this context, Ni-silicides are selected as a test-vehicle to examine the combination of quantification and spatial resolution, by using different analytical TEM techniques in parallel.
Diversity of naturally regenerating tree species in the overstorey layer of Larix kaempferi plantations and abandoned broadleaf coppice stands in central Japan

Summary To consider the ecological restoration potential of plantations, we investigated the influence of stand age on naturally regenerated tree species diversity in the overstorey layer of Larix kaempferi (Lamb.) Carriere plantations in central Japan and compared the results with those of a naturally regenerated broadleaf forest (abandoned coppice). In aging plantations, although stand structure was more developed and tree species diversity tended to increase, species composition did not tend towards that observed in abandoned broadleaf coppice forests. The reasons appeared to be because few species were significantly and positively correlated with stand age, newly recruited species would not associate with abandoned coppice forests, and some of the tree species occurring in younger plantations would persist in older plantations. Changing in the species composition of the overstorey as stands age is therefore considered to be difficult, particularly since the species composition of naturally regenerated trees at an earlier stage of plantation development has a marked effect on the species composition later on. If the species composition of the studied plantations is to be altered to more closely reflect that of naturally regenerated forests in the region, then it may be necessary to implement supplementary management measures.
Network Intrusion Detection for IoT Security Based on Learning Techniques

Pervasive growth of Internet of Things (IoT) is visible across the globe. The 2016 Dyn cyberattack exposed the critical fault-lines among smart networks. Security of IoT has become a critical concern. The danger exposed by infested Internet-connected Things not only affects the security of IoT but also threatens the complete Internet eco-system which can possibly exploit the vulnerable Things (smart devices) deployed as botnets. Mirai malware compromised the video surveillance devices and paralyzed Internet via distributed denial of service attacks. In the recent past, security attack vectors have evolved bothways, in terms of complexity and diversity. Hence, to identify and prevent or detect novel attacks, it is important to analyze techniques in IoT context. This survey classifies the IoT security threats and challenges for IoT networks by evaluating existing defense techniques. Our main focus is on network intrusion detection systems (NIDSs); hence, this paper reviews existing NIDS implementation tools and datasets as well as free and open-source network sniffing software. Then, it surveys, analyzes, and compares state-of-the-art NIDS proposals in the IoT context in terms of architecture, detection methodologies, validation strategies, treated threats, and algorithm deployments. The review deals with both traditional and machine learning (ML) NIDS techniques and discusses future directions. In this survey, our focus is on IoT NIDS deployed via ML since learning algorithms have a good success rate in security and privacy. The survey provides a comprehensive review of NIDSs deploying different aspects of learning techniques for IoT, unlike other top surveys targeting the traditional systems. We believe that, this paper will be useful for academia and industry research, first, to identify IoT threats and challenges, second, to implement their own NIDS and finally to propose new smart techniques in IoT context considering IoT limitations. Moreover, the survey will enable security individuals differentiate IoT NIDS from traditional ones.
Recent Advances in the Role of Natural Killer Cells in Acute Kidney Injury

Growing evidence is revealing a central role for natural killer (NK) cells, cytotoxic cells belonging to the broad family of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), in acute and chronic forms of renal disease. NK cell effector functions include both the recognition and elimination of virus-infected and tumor cells and the capability of sensing pathogens through Toll-like receptor (TLR) engagement. Notably, they also display immune regulatory properties, exerted thanks to their ability to secrete cytokines/chemokines and to establish interactions with different innate and adaptive immune cells. Therefore, because of their multiple functions, NK cells may have a major pathogenic role in acute kidney injury (AKI), and a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving NK cell activation in AKI and their downstream interactions with intrinsic renal cells and infiltrating immune cells could help to identify new potential biomarkers and to select clinically valuable novel therapeutic targets. In this review, we discuss the current literature regarding the potential involvement of NK cells in AKI.
RepA Promotes the Nucleolar Exclusion of the V2 Protein of Mulberry Mosaic Dwarf-Associated Virus

Plant viruses have limited coding capacities so that they rely heavily on the expression of multifunctional viral proteins to achieve a successful infection. The functional specification of viral proteins is often related to their differential interaction with plant and viral components and somewhat depends on their localization to various subcellular compartments. In this study, we analyzed the intracellular localization of the V2 protein of Mulberry mosaic dwarf-associated virus (MMDaV), an unsigned species of the family Geminiviridae. We show that the V2 protein colocalizes with the nucleolar protein fibrillarin (NbFib2) in the nucleolus upon transient expression in the epidermal cells of Nicotiana benthamiana. A yeast-two hybrid assay, followed by bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays, demonstrated the specific interaction between V2 and NbFib2. Intriguingly, we find that the presence of MMDaV excludes the V2 protein from the nucleolus to nucleoplasm. We present evidence that the replication-associated protein A (RepA) protein of MMDaV interacts with V2 and enables the nucleolar exclusion of V2. We also show that, while V2 interacts with itself primarily in the nucleolus, the presence of RepA redirects the site of V2–V2 interaction from the nucleolus to the nucleoplasm. We further reveal that RepA promotes V2 out of the nucleolus presumably by directing the NbFib2-V2 complex from the nucleolus to the nucleoplasm. Considering the critical role of the nucleolus in plant virus infection, this RepA-dependent modulation of V2 nucleolar localization would be crucial for understanding the involvement of this subcellular compartment in plant–virus interactions.
The Practical Potential of Bacilli and Their Enzymes for Industrial Production

Bacillus spp. are an affordable source of enzymes due to their wide distribution, safety in work, ease of cultivation, and susceptibility to genetic transformations. Researchers are particularly interested in proteolytic enzymes, which constitute one of the most diverse groups of microbial proteins in terms of properties. Despite the long history of their research, this group of enzymes continue to show great potential for practical application in the biomedical industry, as well as in the agricultural industry. Thus, the unique properties of bacillary proteinases, such as stability in a wide range of temperatures and pH, high specificity, biodegradability of a wide range of substrates, and the high potential of sequenced Bacillus genomes are a powerful foundation for the development of new biotechnologies. The current review aims to discuss recent studies on various enzymes in particular, proteinases produced by bacteria of the genus Bacillus, along with their prospective practical applications. This article also presents an interpretive summary of the recent developments on the usage of probiotic Bacillus strains as potential feed additives.
Progress of RAGE Molecular Imaging in Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by senile plaques (SPs), which are caused by amyloid beta (Aβ) deposition and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) of abnormal hyperphosphorylated tau protein. The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) binds to advanced glycation end products deposited during vascular dysfunction. Alzheimer’s disease may occur when RAGE binds to Aβ and releases reactive oxygen species, further exacerbating Aβ deposition and eventually leading to SPs and NFTs. As it is involved in early AD, RAGE may be considered as a more potent biomarker than Aβ. Positron emission tomography provides valuable information regarding the underlying pathological processes of AD many years before the appearance of clinical symptoms. Thus, to further reveal the role of RAGE in AD pathology and for early diagnosis of AD, a tracer that targets RAGE is needed. In this review, we first describe the early diagnosis of AD and then summarize the interaction between RAGE and Aβ and Tau that is required to induce AD pathology, and finally focus on RAGE-targeting probes, highlighting the potential of RAGE to be used as an effective target. The development of RAGE probes is expected to aid in AD diagnosis and treatment.
Dung beetles of the Kibale Forest, Uganda; comparison between virgin and managed forests

It is commonly believed that the vast majority of insect species living in tropical forests do not survive in areas that have been clear-cut. Even species for which resources in clearings are suitable generally disappear. Tropical forest dung beetles exemplify this phenomenon (South America Howden & Nealis 1975, Africa Cambefort 1984, South-East Asia Hanski unpubl.), presumably because of the radical change in microclimate that occurs when forest is cleared (Howden & Nealis 1975). The effects of forestry practices less drastic than clear-cutting on insect faunas remain poorly known (Holloway 1987, Wolda 1987, Wolda et al. 1983). For dung beetles, there are no comparisons between the species assemblages of virgin and managed forests. Here we report such a comparison in the Kibale Forest region in Uganda. The Kibale Forest is a medium-altitude moist evergreen forest in western Uganda (00 27' N, 300 26' E, 1500 m altitude). The forest area is about 550 km2, and is isolated by about 50 km from other forest areas (Struhsaker 1975). The annual rainfall is about 1500 mm with two rainy seasons from late August to early December and from early March to early May. A long-term study of forestry practices in the Kibale Forest has yielded results on treefalls (Skorupa & Kasenene 1984), primates (Skorupa 1986, Struhsaker 1975), small rodents (Basuta & Kasenene 1987, Kasenene 1984) and on elephants, duikers and arthropods (Nummelin 1986, 1989). We trapped beetles with human dung-baited pitfalls in March-May and September-November in 1984-86, closely following the trapping procedure described in Hanski (1983). Traps were placed in two areas of virgin forest (K30 and Ngogo), at two sites of selectively felled forest (Kibale Forest Project study sites K14 and K15), and in two areas of non-native soft-wood plantations (about 20 years old,Pinus caribbaea Morolet and Cupressus lusitanica Mill.). The
The biocompatibility of resin composite materials on different stem cells.

Objectives: Composite resins should undergo attentive tests to specify their biocompatibility before they have contact with the teeth, regardless of physico-mechanical properties. Hence, this study has been carried out to assess the knowledge of potential cellular responses and biological effects of composite resins on three different cells after two different exposure times. Methods: The composites Surefil SDR flow, Dentsply Caulk/ABD (SS), X-tra base flowable, Voco Cuxhaven Germany (XB), Venus Bulk Flow, Voco Cuxhaven Germany (VB), Filtek Bulk Flow, 3 M/ESPE-USA (FB), Tetric-Evo bulk flow, Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein (TE) were immersed into molds (Height: 4 mm, Width: 6 mm) and polymerized according to manufacturer's instructions. Human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs), cortical neuron cells (CNCs) and dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) were inoculated into 24-well plates, separately. Then, the insert membranes with a 3 µm pore width compatible for plates were inserted and dental composite samples were added. The experimental procedures were performed after 24 h and 72 h. The cell viability of the cells was obtained from an MTT assay. Total antioxidant (TAS) and oxidant (TOS) status were examined by using real assay diagnostic kits. The dynamic process of apoptosis analysed by using annexin V-FITC staining with flow cytometry. Human beta defensins were assessed by RT-PCR. Lastly, supernatants were analysed for production of IL6, IL8 and IL10 cytokines. Results: According to analysis of variance, there were significant differences between three cells. There was an increase in the cytotoxicity values in some groups after 72 h. A 24 h and 72 h experiment revealed that VB was the strongest cytotoxic agent, followed sequentially by XB and FB. Exposure of cells to the composites of SS, XB, VB, FB and TE for 24 h reduced the cell number approximately by 6, 24, 35.6, 28.6 and 1%. A 72 h reduced the cell number for 25.3, 31.6, 40.6, 50.3 and 8%, respectively, by SS, XB, VB, FB and TE. Conclusions: It can be concluded that from all these data, if the three cell cultures are compared, cortical neuron cells were more sensitive to the resin composites.
Efficient FeFET Crossbar Accelerator for Binary Neural Networks

This paper presents a novel ferroelectric field-effect transistor (FeFET) in-memory computing architecture dedicated to accelerate Binary Neural Networks (BNNs). We present in-memory convolution, batch normalization and dense layer processing through a grid of small crossbars with reduced unit size, which enables multiple bit operation and value accumulation. Additionally, we explore the possible operations parallelization for maximized computational performance. Simulation results show that our new architecture achieves a computing performance up to 2.46 TOPS while achieving a high power efficiency reaching 111.8 TOPS/Watt and an area of 0.026 mm2 in 22nm FDSOI technology.
Perfil de ácidos grasos en carne de toretes Europeo x Cebú finalizados en pastoreo y en corral

The purpose of this work was to determine the fatty acids in intramuscular fat from crossbred European (Bos taurus) with Zebu (Bos indicus) steers that were finished on grazing or feedlot conditions. Data from fifty-two steers were analyzed by ANOVA in a 2x2 factorial design. Half of the steers were grazing Stargrass [Cynodon plectostachyus (K. Schum) Pilg. ] pasture (P), and the other half were fed with concentrated (C) that consisted in 65 % corn, 10 % soybean meal, 20 % hay, 4 % tallow, 1 % urea and minerals mix. Half of each group was composed of steers with more than ¾ B. taurus (T), while the other half was mainly ¾ B. indicus (I). Steers were slaughtered at 500 kg of live weight. Samples from Longissimus dorsi near the 12th rib were taken. Fat was extracted and fatty acids analyzed by GC. The most abundant fatty acid (in mg/g fat) was oleic C18:1 (381±16.4) followed by palmitic C16:0 (250±5.3) and stearic C18:0 (201±8.6), The content of CLA C18:2, 9-cis,11-trans was 6.1±0.67. Myristic C14:0 and palmitic C16:0 were higher in C steers, while stearic C18:0 was higher in P steers (P<0.01). C14:0, C16:0, C18:2, C18:3 and total CLA were higher (P<0.05) in I steers, while C18:0 was higher (P<0.05) in T steers. It is concluded that the fatty acids profile of European x Zebu crossbred steers is different whether the animals are finished in pasture or feedlot and by the degree of crossbreeding.
Non-Cooperative Game of Throughput and Hash Length for Adaptive Merkle Tree in Mobile Wireless Networks

The restricted resources of mobile wireless networks such as limited bandwidth have resulted in stringent requirements on the available quality of service (QoS). To enhance the communication performance, mobile nodes attempt to optimize the available bandwidth of wireless networks, which, however, makes them vulnerable to the malicious attacks of adversaries owing to the open and mobile context. Furthermore, improving the security level of the communication consumes bandwidth and thus degrades the communication quality. In order to harmonize the QoS and security, in this paper, the two conflicting terms “communication player” and “security player” are considered as two individual players and are balanced using game theory. Furthermore, we construct a non-cooperative game model, wherein the utilities of the communication player and security player are maximized by controlling the number of nodes transmitted and the length of hash, respectively. We formulate the utility functions of the communication player with respect to the throughput as well as the security level of the Merkle tree for the security player. This paper considers complete information game and incomplete information game, for which we theoretically determine the pure strategy Nash equilibrium and the pure strategy Bayesian Nash equilibrium, respectively. Extensive numerical calculations are performed to comprehensively investigate the utilities of each player and the Nash equilibrium for various combinations of the concerned parameters. The results show that the presented theoretical game approach enables a mobile node to adaptively perform specific actions based on the derived Nash equilibrium. With the obtained Nash equilibrium values, both communication player's and security player's utilities reach to the maximum so that satisfactory communication quality can be realized without compromising the security.
Engagement in Human-Agent Interaction: An Overview

Engagement is a concept of the utmost importance in human-computer interaction, not only for informing the design and implementation of interfaces, but also for enabling more sophisticated interfaces capable of adapting to users. While the notion of engagement is actively being studied in a diverse set of domains, the term has been used to refer to a number of related, but different concepts. In fact it has been referred to across different disciplines under different names and with different connotations in mind. Therefore, it can be quite difficult to understand what the meaning of engagement is and how one study relates to another one accordingly. Engagement has been studied not only in human-human, but also in human-agent interactions i.e., interactions with physical robots and embodied virtual agents. In this overview article we focus on different factors involved in engagement studies, distinguishing especially between those studies that address task and social engagement, involve children and adults, are conducted in a lab or aimed for long term interaction. We also present models for detecting engagement and for generating multimodal behaviors to show engagement.