Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ADLs Monitoring by Accelerometer-Based Wearable Sensors: Effect of Measurement Device and Data Uncertainty on Classification Accuracy

Machine Learning algorithms are often used for automatic recognition and classification of Activities of Daily Living, and they rely on the computation of several features capturing the relevant characteristics of the collected signals, either in the time and frequency domains. While the accuracy of the measurement device used may be assessed by the manufacturer’s specifications or by specific tests, the propagated uncertainty of the computed features is typically not considered in the framework of automatic classification approaches. In this paper, the impact of the measurement devices on data quality, and consequently on the performance of automatic classifiers, is evaluated, in the context of accelerometer-based recognition of Activities of Daily Living with a wrist-worn device. Results show that different accuracy performance may be attained in the classification process, depending on the wearable device used, despite the same environmental and operational conditions.
Genetic transformation of ectomycorrhizal fungi mediated by Agrobacterium tumefaciens

A technique was developed for transforming the ectomycorrhiza-forming basidiomycetes Suillus bovinus, Hebeloma cylindrosporum , and Paxillus involutus based on Agrobacterium tumefaciens -mediated T-DNA transfer. The selection marker employed was the Sh ble gene conferring resistance to phleomycin under control of the Schizophyllum commune GPD promoter and terminator. Transformants from all three investigated species were shown by PCR to contain the GPDScP-Shble-GPDScT construct, although the fate of the foreign DNA (integrated vs episomal, single-copy vs multi copy) could not be determined. The mycorrhiza formed between S. bovinus Bl r transformants and Pinus sylvestris did not reveal any differences from those formed with untransformed Suillus bovinus.
Association between haematozoan infections and reproduction in the Pied Flycatcher

1. Parasites may affect breeding success of their host since they compete for the same resources as their hosts. Reproduction may also increase the susceptibility of a host to parasite infections owing to lowered resistance to parasites during breeding. 2. We studied the association between breeding performance and haematozoan parasite infection in the Pied Flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca) by using both natural data on reproduction and data from clutch size manipulations. 3. The most frequent blood parasites of the Pied Flycatcher in central Finland were Haemoproteus pallidus, Haemoproteus balmorali and Trypanosoma avium complex. 4. We did not find evidence that these haematozoan parasites have any debilitating effects on either reproduction or survival. The variation in reproductive effort did not seem to influence susceptibility to new blood parasite infections. 5. The intensity of Haemoproteus balmorali tended to increase in infected males as the brood size was artificially enlarged. Also, in females intensity of H. pallidus infection tended to increase with the level of clutch size manipulation. Thus, increased reproductive effort seems to debilitate the ability of Pied Flycatcher to control chronic infections. 6. Individuals with enlarged clutches/broods increased their reproductive effort at the expense of defence towards parasites. The cost of current reproduction may then be at least partly mediated by haematozoan infections.
Visual Speech Recognition: A Deep Learning Approach

A machine being able to perform lip-reading would have been deemed impossible a few decades ago. However, the exponential growth of machine learning in the past few years has made it possible for a machine to understand human speech based on visual inputs alone. Numerous research studies infer that a very less percentage of the English language can be comprehended through visual data alone, i.e. lip reading. Visual speech recognition experts can only infer about 3–4% of words spoken through lip-reading after viewing videos (without audio) multiple times. These experts also examine other parameters such as body language, facial cues, habits, and context to some extent. This task is very tedious (or exhausting). The proposed visual speech recognition approach has used the concept of deep learning to perform word-level classification. ResNet architecture is used with 3D convolution layers as the encoder and Gated Recurrent Units (GRU) as the decoder. The whole video sequence was used as an input in this approach. The results of the proposed approach are satisfactory. It achieves 90% accuracy on the BBC data set and 88% on the custom video data set. The proposed approach is limited to word-level only and can easily be extended to short phrases or sentences.
NOVEL INTRON PHYLOGENY SUPPORTS PLUMAGE CONVERGENCE IN ORIOLES (ICTERUS)

Abstract A recent study of New World orioles (Icterus spp.), which traced a large number of plumage characters onto a mitochondrial DNA phylogeny, reported high frequencies of evolutionary convergence and reversal of plumage characters (Omland and Lanyon 2000). Although those results are consistent with other smaller scale studies that have documented plumage homoplasy, the mitochondrial genome is inherited as a single linkage group, so mitochondrial data represent only one gene tree. The mitochondrial (mt) DNA tree may not reflect the true evolutionary history of a lineage; therefore, it remains possible that the plumage characters could reflect the true species phylogeny. Other rapidly evolving regions of DNA can provide independent phylogenetic hypotheses useful for evaluating mitochondrial gene trees. A novel phylogenetic marker, a region of the nuclear gene ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) spanning from exon 6 to exon 8, was sequenced in 10 oriole species. The resultant nuclear gene tree reconstructs the same three major oriole clades as the mtDNA tree (Omland et al. 1999), supporting the conclusion that plumage evolution in the New World orioles has been highly homoplastic. Although most phylogenetic studies that have employed introns report greatest resolution at the genus or family level, ODC appears to offer some degree of phylogenetic resolution for infrageneric analyses. However, that intron has clearly not sorted to monophyly within or between closely related species.
DNA-remethylation around a STAT5-binding enhancer in the αS1-casein promoter is associated with abrupt shutdown of αS1-casein synthesis during acute mastitis

ProlactinstimulatestheexpressionofmilkgenesduringlactationthroughtheactivationofSTAT5transcriptionfactors,which subsequently bind to their cognate target sequence on the promoters. Demethylation of 5methylCpG dinucleotides permits the tissue-specific accessibility of transcription factor-binding sites during development, but remethylation has not been showntocontributetoacutesuppressionofgeneexpression.WecharacterizefunctionallyanovelSTAT5-bindinglactational enhancer in the far upstream promoter (wK10 kbp) of the bovine aS1-casein-encoding gene. This promoter area is hypomethylatedinthelactatingudder only.Remethylationofthisareaaccompaniesanexperimentallyelicitedacuteshutdownof casein synthesis in fully lactating cows, whose udder quarters have experimentally been infected with a pathogenic E. coli strain. Within 24 h after infection, the relevant promoter area was remethylated from 10% of the DNA molecules in the uninfected control quarters to w50% in the infected quarters, the typical values for fully lactating and not lactating udders respectively. Increased methylation resulted in tighter chromatin packing. Concomitantly, the aS1-casein mRNA concentration dropped to w50% while the protein synthesis was shut down to w2.5% in the infected quarters, alone. The
Standing stock of Nyctiphanes simplex in the southern region of the California Current System

On the west coast of Baja California, Nyctiphanes simplex is by far the most abundant euphausiid species. To determine its importance in terms of growth production (Pg), and its relation to physical changes in the southern region of the California Current System, a survey was made along the Baja California peninsula including intensive sampling areas on Bahia Vizcaino, south of Punta Abreojos and in front of Bahia Magdalena during February 1994. The results show high values for zooplanktonic volumes, chlorophyll a concentrations, and abundance of N. simplex along the peninsula associated to inshore areas from Bahia Vizcaino to the Golfo de Ulloa. Daily N. simplex growth production (Pg) values in Bahia Vizcaino and South Punta Abreojos were 0.215 and 0.440 mg dw m ‐3 day ‐1 respectively. In Bahia Magdalena the Pg value (0.014 mg dw m ‐3 day ‐1 ) was lower. Larvae (organisms ≤6 mm) showed the highest percentage of Pg. The Pg values recorded here, are nearly 3-fold the values registered previously in Bahia Vizcaino, and correlate well with those reported before at Bahia Magdalena. The region off Punta Abreojos proved to be the most important in terms of Pg of N. simplex for February 1994. Seasonal hydrographic conditions along the Baja California peninsula during winter may explain higher Pg values in South Punta Abreojos. The secondary production values of N. simplex produced in Bahia Vizcaino and Punta Abreojos contribute to maintain these important biological activity centers.
Bupivacaine hydrochloride complexation with some α‐ and β‐cyclodextrins studied by potentiometry with membrane electrodes

Membrane electrodes selective to bupivacaine cations were developed and those with PVC‐dibutylphthalate membrane containing sparingly soluble bupivacaine phosphotungstate appeared to be the most suitable. Inclusion complexation of bupivacaine cations with cyclodextrins was studied by potentiometric measurements of the free bupivacaine cation concentration in aqueous solutions of bupivacaine hydrochloride with cyclodextrin using the prepared electrodes. Native α‐cyclodextrin (α‐CD) and β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD), as well as their random‐substituted derivatives hydroxypropyl‐α‐cyclodextrin (HP‐α‐CD), hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (HP‐β‐CD) and methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (M‐β‐CD), were chosen for the study. The measured potentiometric data processed both by a linear and nonlinear regression corroborated the formation of weak 1:1 bupivacaine cation‐cyclodextrin complexes and the corresponding complexation constants K11 ∼50–155m−1 were evaluated by the non‐linear least‐squares method. The mutual order of K11 values, especially α‐CD > β‐CD, suggested that the bupivacaine butyl group was mainly responsible for the inclusion complexation; the highest K11 was exhibited by M‐β‐CD followed by α‐CD. The observed complexation may substantially modify properties of bupivacaine hydrochloride dosage forms with sufficient concentration of cyclodextrin but bupivacaine cations are readily released from the weak cyclodextrin complexes by dilution.
Predation Risk, Prey Abundance, and the Vertical Distribution of Three Brachyuran Crabs on Gulf of Maine Shores

Abstract Three large brachyuran species are common in the intertidal and shallow subtidal of New England rocky shores: two native crabs Cancer borealis (Jonah crab) and Cancer irroratus (rock crab), and the introduced crab Carcinus maenas (European green crab). For these three co-occurring species in the Isles of Shoals (Gulf of Maine, USA), we compared distribution and abundance to survivorship and prey availability along a depth gradient and examined stomach contents and prey preference. The three species show differences in vertical distribution: Carcinus is more abundant in the intertidal, while both species of Cancer are more abundant in the subtidal. Survivorship of both species of Cancer increases with increasing depth, while survivorship of Carcinus decreases with increasing depth, perhaps corresponding to differential vulnerability to predation by gulls in the intertidal and by decapods and fish in the subtidal. There were notable differences in laboratory prey preference experiments: C. irroratus consumed both small mobile and non-mobile prey (amphipods, small snails, and small mussels), while Carcinus consumed primarily small mobile prey (amphipods and isopods). In contrast, C. borealis consumed larger, heavier bodied prey (larger snails and mussels) but did not eat amphipods or isopods. However, differences in prey preference among crab species were greater than the differences in realized diets. Based on stomach content analysis, the blue mussel Mytilus edulis was the majority component of stomach contents for all three species. Some differences were evident in the remaining diet components: Carcinus was the most omnivorous (> 30% green algae), C. borealis consumed more snails and arthropods, and C. irroratus consumed the most mussels. Overall, species distribution does not track the distribution of the preferred prey of each species; rather, the distribution corresponds with patterns of survivorship, indicating predominant top-down control of crab distribution.
Characterization and evolution of peridinin-chlorophyll a binding protein gene families in symbiotic dinoflagellates

This dissertation consists of three integrated chapters. Chapter One presents the first genomic characterization of the PCP gene family from a symbiotic dinoflagellate, Symbiodinium sp. from Hippopus hippopus (Symbiodinium 203). Symbiodinium 203 has long PCP genes organized like those of Amphidinium carterae and Lingulodinium polyedra, but with a putative promoter that is different from L. polyedra. There are at least 14 distinct coding regions out of 36 ± 12 PCP genes in this family. Diversity of Symbiodinium 203's PCP gene family appears to be consequence of low levels of concerted evolution and acts as a primary source of variability in PCP isoforms. Predicted amino acid substitutions in Symbiodinium 203's PCP apoproteins result in shifts of isoelectric points, and protein modeling suggests that polymorphic sites may influence light
Multi-drug resistant pattern and plasmid profile of Escherichia coli and other gram-negative bacteria isolates from clinical specimen in Benin City, Nigeria

Escherichia coli (E. coli) belonging to the family Enterobacteriaceae has been implicated as the causal agent to many gastro-intestinal disorders in man and animal. Seventy samples of clinical origins were collected randomly from patients at Lahour Public Health Research centre, Benin City in Edo state. E. coli were found in 4/70 (25%) of the samples; while Klebsiella spp. , Proteus spp. and Pseudomonas spp. had percentage abundance of 12.5, 31.25 and 31.25% respectively. All E. coli isolates were resistant to the following antibiotics Ampicilin, Nalidixic acid, Chloramphenicol, Tetracycline, Cotrimoxazole, Norfloxacine, Traflox, Ciproval, Nitrofurantoin and Perflacin, while 75% were resistant to Gentamicine, only. E. coli isolates were screened for plasmids. It was observed that 3(75%) were plasmid mediated while 1(25%) harbored only the chromosomal DNA. This study indicates the susceptibility pattern of E. coli resistance to different antibiotics and the need to contend the continuous spread of the these resistant strains. Key words: Escherichia coli, antibiotics resistance pattern, plasmid profile.
Drivers of vegetation change in grasslands of the Sheffield region, northern England, between 1965 and 2012/13

Abstract Questions How has vegetation species diversity and species composition changed between 1965 and 2012/13 in acidic and calcareous grasslands? What has driven this change in vegetation? Location A 2400-km2 area around Sheffield, northern England. Methods In 1965 a survey was conducted to describe grassland vegetation of the Sheffield region. We repeated this survey in 2012/13, revisiting acidic and calcareous grassland sites (455 quadrats). Climate, N and sulphur deposition, cattle and sheep stocking rates, soil pH, altitude, aspect and slope were considered to be potential drivers of variation in vegetation. We analysed temporal changes in vegetation and examined relationships with spatial and temporal variation in driver variables. Results Both acidic and calcareous grasslands showed clear changes in species composition between the two time periods. In acidic grasslands there was no significant change in richness but there were declines in diversity. There were significant increases in Ellenberg N. Nitrogen deposition and grazing were identified as potential drivers of spatial and temporal patterns but it was not possible to discriminate the respective impacts of potential drivers. In calcareous grasslands there were declines in species richness, diversity and appropriate diversity indices. Climate and soil pH were identified as potential drivers of spatial and temporal patterns. Conclusions Despite only small site losses compared to other surveys in the UK, especially within the national park, both calcareous and acidic grasslands showed very clear changes in species composition. In acidic grasslands, high abundance of Pteridium aquilinum was a particular problem and had increased considerably between the two survey periods. Atmospheric N deposition and grazing were identified as drivers of species diversity. A number of calcareous grasslands showed signs of reduced management intensity leading to scrub invasion.
PIECEWISE REGRESSION: A TOOL FOR IDENTIFYING ECOLOGICAL THRESHOLDS

We demonstrate the use of piecewise regression as a statistical technique to model ecological thresholds. Recommended procedures for analysis are illustrated with a case study examining the width of edge effects in two understory plant communities. Piece-wise regression models are “broken-stick” models, where two or more lines are joined at unknown points, called “breakpoints. ” Breakpoints can be used as estimates of thresholds and are used here to determine the width of edge effects. We compare a sharp-transition model with three models incorporating smooth transitions: the hyperbolic-tangent, bent-hyperbola, and bent-cable models. We also calculate three types of confidence intervals for the breakpoint estimate: an interval based on the computed standard error of the estimate from the fitting procedure, an empirical bootstrap confidence interval, and a confidence interval derived from an inverted F test. We recommend use of the inverted F test confidence interval when sample sizes are large, and cautious use of bootstrapped confidence intervals when sample sizes are smaller. Our analysis demonstrates the need for a careful study of the likelihood surface when fitting and interpreting the results from piecewise-regression models.
Decline of sable antelope in one of its key conservation areas: the greater Hwange ecosystem, Zimbabwe

Land use has major effects on wildlife conservation. We studied variations of sable antelope Hippotragus niger densities between 1990 and 2001 in comparison with various land uses in and around Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe. Trends of other ungulates, including elephant Loxodonta africana, were examined simultaneously, because sable may be sensitive to forage and apparent competition and to high elephant densities. Sable densities declined in the whole region, very likely because of adverse rainfall conditions. Densities were constantly higher in the hunting areas and forestry lands than in the national park. Interestingly, elephant densities showed the opposite, with higher densities in the national park than in the adjacent areas. Whether these results reflect a negative effect of high elephant numbers on sable must still be tested directly. Likewise, while habitat characteristics and lion predation did not appear responsible for the higher sable densities outside the national park, they could not be discounted as an influence on the differing sable densities in different land-use areas. It is clear, however, that high protection status is not always sufficient to ensure adequate conservation of flagship species. We therefore call for further investigations of ecological interactions within protected areas. Resume L'amenagement du territoire a des effets majeurs sur la conservation de la nature. Nous avons etudie les variations de la densite des antilopes sable Hippotragus niger entre 1990 et 2001 en comparant differentes utilisations des terres dans et en dehors du Parc National de Hwange, au Zimbabwe. Les tendances d'autres ongules, notamment les elephants Loxodonta africana, ont ete etudiees en meme temps parce que les sable pourraient etre sensibles a l'alimentation et a l'apparente competition, et a une forte densite d’elephants. La densite des sable a decline dans toute la region, tres probablement a cause de conditions pluviometriques difficiles. La densite etait toujours plus elevee dans les zones de chasse et les zones boisees que dans le parc national. Il est interessant de noter que la densite des elephants etait opposee, plus elevee dans le parc national que dans les zones voisines. Il faut encore tester directement pour savoir si ces resultats indiquent un effet negatif du grand nombre d’elephants sur les sable. Si les caracteristiques de l'habitat et la predation par les lions ne semblaient pas responsables de la plus forte densite des sable en dehors du parc national, leur influence sur les densites de sable differentes selon l'utilisation des aires ne peut pas etre ecartee. Il est clair, cependant, qu'un statut de protection eleve n'est pas toujours suffisant pour assurer la conservation adequate d'especes emblematiques. Nous demandons des lors qu'il soit procede a de nouvelles recherches sur les interactions ecologiques au sein des aires protegees.
Movement patterns of the invasive signal crayfish determined by PIT telemetry

In one of the first field studies to utilize passive integrated transponder (PIT) telemetry to study space use of invertebrates, movement of the introduced signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus (Dana, 1852)) was examined intensively in a high-density population in an upland river in northern England from 18 August to 6 September 2004. Crayfish (carapace length 21.0–67.3 mm) were tracked with externally attached PIT tags, enabling remote detection of tagged crayfish by the use of a portable detector. Of the 406 crayfish tagged, 356 (87.7%) were subsequently relocated at least once. The majority of crayfish remained close to the release location (median distance between release and final locations 36.3 m; 25th percentile 10.4 m, 75th percentile 91.6 m). However, movements of up to 345 m were recorded. There was no relationship between sex or size and distance moved. A small waterfall, upstream of the release location, appeared to form a barrier preventing movements of tagged crayfish upstream past it du.