Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Edinburgh Research Explorer Transcriptional analyses identify genes that modulate bovine macrophage response to Toxoplasma infection and immune stimulation

The obligate intracellular parasite, Toxoplasma gondii , is highly prevalent among livestock species. Although cattle are generally resistant to Toxoplasma strains circulating in Europe and North America, the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. Here, we report that bovine bone marrow-derived macrophage (BMDM) pre-stimulated with interferon gamma (IFN γ ) restricts intracellular Toxoplasma growth independently of nitric oxide. While Toxoplasma promoted the expression of genes associated with alternative macrophage activation and lipid metabolism, IFN γ abrogated parasite-induced transcriptional responses and promoted the expression of genes linked to the classical macrophage activation phenotype. Additionally, several chemokines, including CCL22 , that are linked to parasite-induced activation of the Wnt / β -catenin signaling were highly expressed in Toxoplasma -exposed naïve BMDMs. A chemical Wnt / β -catenin signaling pathway antagonist (IWR-1-endo) signiﬁcantly reduced intracellular parasite burden in naïve BMDMs, suggesting that Toxoplasma activates this pathway to evade bovine macrophage anti-parasitic responses. Congruently, intracellular burden of a mutant Toxoplasma strain (RH 1 ASP5 ) that does not secrete dense granule proteins into the host cell, which is an essential requirement for parasite-induced activation of the Wnt / β -catenin pathway, was signiﬁcantly reduced in naïve BMDMs. However, both the Wnt / β -catenin antagonist and RH ASP 1 5 did not abolish parasite burden differences in naïve and IFN γ -stimulated BMDMs. Finally, we observed that parasites infecting IFN γ -stimulated BMDMs largely express genes associated with the slow dividing bradyzoite stage. Overall, this study provides novel insights into bovine macrophage transcriptional response to Toxoplasma . It establishes a foundation for a mechanistic analysis IFN γ -induced bovine anti-Toxoplasma responses and the counteracting Toxoplasma survival strategies.
Exploring the ﬁnite-time dissipativity of Markovian jump delayed neural networks

In this paper, we study the ﬁnite-time dissipativity analysis of Markovian jump-delayed neural networks (MJDNNs). The goal is to establish less conservative results for extended dissipativity conditions for delayed MJDNNs. To achieve this, an appropriate Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional (LKF) with novel inequality like composite slack-matrix-based integral inequality (CSMBII). Next, the CSMBII and other suﬃcient conditions are employed to estimate the derivative of the constructed LKF. Using these techniques, a delay-dependent ﬁnite-time dissipativity condition is derived in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). These LMIs are used to formulate the ﬁnite dissipativity condition for the delayed MJNNs. The utility of the suggested approach is then conﬁrmed by a number of interesting numerical examples, one of which has been conﬁrmed by a real-world application of the benchmark problem that is associated with the designed MJDNNs. The illustrative simulation results conclusively demonstrate the superior performance and success of the developed CSMBII technique in this proposal, surpassing the limitations of existing techniques.
INTERACTION OF EXTENSION WORKER WITH FAREMRS AND ROLE OF RADIO AND TELEVISION AS SOURCES OF INFORMATION IN TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER: A CASE STUDY OF FOUR VILLAGES OF DISTRICT PESHAWAR AND CHARSADDA

Agricultural extension services and electronic medi a play an important role in the adoption of new agr icultural technologies. Extension worker is an important link between resea rch organizations and farmers. Field surveys carrie d out during 2004 in district Peshawar and Charsada revealed that unfort unately the services of extension workers were not very impressive. Majority (85%) of the farmers was unaware of the services of the extension workers. Almost 88% of the farmers d id not get any benefit from extension workers as against only 12% farmers who got some benefits like technical advice (8.75%) , demonstration (3.75%) and equipment (10%). Majority (82.5%) of the farmers did not visit the local Agriculture Exten sion office and only 12.5% of the farmers reported visits of extension w orker to their fields, majority of which was big an d influential farmers. Only 5% farmers were visited once a year, 8.75% at monthly and 3.75% at weekly basis. Radio and TV are expected to play an impartment role in the process of technology transf er. Radio sets were owned by 83.75% of the sampled farmers who listened to the agricultural programs and TV sets were owned by 82.5% of the sampled farmers and were benefited from its programs. Out of the total respondents who listened to radio or watc hed TV, 73.75% got new information about different agricultural problems and their solution from different programs. Another 50% of the respondents were interested in weather fore cast and 37.5% wanted to know the daily prices of agriculture commodities. F or illiterate farmers radio was the only source of information about market prices as it is easy for them to know actual prices in the local or national markets.
Comment on “The Effect of Same-Sex Marriage Comment on “The Effect of Same-Sex Marriage Laws on Different-Sex Marriage: Evidence From the Laws on Different-Sex Marriage: Evidence From the Netherlands” Netherlands”

In the recent Demography article titled “The Effect of Same-Sex Marriage Laws on Different-Sex Marriage: Evidence From the Netherlands,” Trandafir attempted to answer the question, Are rates of opposite sex marriage affected by legal recognition of same sex marriages? The results of his approach to statistical inference—looking for evidence of a difference in rates of opposite-sex marriage—provide an absence of evidence of such effects. However, the validity of his conclusion of no causal relationship between same-sex marriage laws and rates of opposite-sex marriage is threatened by the fact that Trandafir did not also look for equivalence in rates of opposite-sex marriage in order to provide evidence of an absence of such an effect. Equivalence tests in combination with difference tests are introduced and presented in this article as a more valid inferential approach to the substantive question Trandafir attempted to answer.
Analytical and Empirical Evaluation of the Feasibility of MEV Extraction Techniques on the Algorand Blockchain

Miner Extractable Value (MEV) is a concept highlighting the potential for miners to maximize their profits by strategically managing transactions. This can be achieved by selecting, sequencing, or even censoring transactions in the blocks they produce. In this study, we turn our focus to the Algorand blockchain. Algorand stands out as a platform that tries to resolve the blockchain trilemma, o ff ering scalability, security, and decentralization. One of its distinguishing features is its adherence to a First-Come-First-Serve (FCFS) transaction ordering mechanism. Through di ff erent experiments, we delved into understanding how the Algorand network behaves under di ff erent transactional scenarios. Our research conclusively indicates that, in contrast to some blockchains, Algo-rand’s transaction ordering remains una ff ected by the transaction fees. Additionally, even under conditions of high network tra ffi c or congestion, the ordering mechanism remains consistent. A key insight from our study is that it’s the proximity to the block proposer that holds significant sway. This factor, more than any other, determines a transaction’s finality and its sequential position within a block.
Why don't they minimize their tax? An experimental approach to hybrid finance

International tax law allows, under certain circumstances, to considerably reduce the group average tax rate. In some cases, even the tax-free repatriation of yields on intra-group finance is possible, in particular when using hybrid finance. These cases are normally connected to complex questions of foreign, domestic, and bilateral tax law as well as to uncertainty on whether the intended tax consequences will be upheld by the fiscs in future years. We experimentally investigate the two key variables, legal uncertainty and tax complexity while controlling for decision makers’ risk attitude. Results show that overall tax complexity has a negative effect on the probability to choose a hybrid finance instrument, while legal uncertainty has not. The impact of the two factors is moderated by decision makers’ risk attitudes.
First record of Titan cardinal fish, Holapogon maximus (Apogonidae) along the South east coast of Tamilnadu, India

Apogonidae (cardinalfishes) is a speciose family composed of at least 330 species (Fraser and Allen, 2010). The IndoPacific genus Holapogon belonging to the family Apogonidae commonly known as titan cardinal fishes which are purely marine and this genus Holapogon is represented by a single species H. maximus which are mostly found in demersal region. Cardinalfishes form a major component of fish assemblages on coral reefs in terms of species diversity and numerical abundance (Allen, 1993) the cardinalfishes in the coromandal coast are generally inhabit on soft–bottom areas.
Mixed-Mode Surveys Compared with Single Mode Surveys: Mixed-Mode Surveys Compared with Single Mode Surveys: Trends in Responses and Methods to Improve Completion Trends in Responses and Methods to Improve Completion

This paper reviews recent trends in modes of conducting surveys and presents results from a series of experiments comparing different approaches for collecting survey data and improving response rates in general population studies. The modes examined include the telephone, mail, and a mixed-mode method which combines mail with Web data collection. A series of studies were conducted by the Oregon State University Survey Research Center from 2006-2014 using probability samples of Oregon residents. Response rates and the percent of respondents completing the questionnaires by Web were compared. The results showed that response rates were increased by modifying the cover letter to emphasize the cost savings of an online response, adding a fifth contact, and limiting instructions for respondents. A mixed-mode approach, providing only a Web link, resulted in more respondents replying by Web as compared with individuals given an option of completing the questionnaire by Web or mail. The demographics of the respondents, as compared with the general population, varied across each mode.
The genus Placolecis (Catillariaceae, Lichenized Ascomycota) in Russia

A review of the lichen genus Placolecis in Russia is presented. Localities in the Primorye Territory of Placolecis loekoesiana, a new to Russia species, and P. opaca, a new to the Russian Far East species, are reported. For P. opaca, this is a second locality in Russia after Trans-Baikal Territory (South Siberia). Placolecis loekoesiana was previously known exclusively from the “locus classicus” in South Korea. New localities in South Korea are also reported. The description and localities of the new to Russia lichen species Placolecis loekoesiana in the Primorye Territory are reported and results of the phylogenetic analysis (nrITS/5.8S) of Placolecis species are presented, confirming the distinctness of P. loekoesiana and indicating conspecifity of Far Eastern specimens with specimens from South Korea. The studied specimens of P. loekoesiana from Russia and South Korea differ from the protologue by hyaline hymenium smaller in size, exclusively ellipsoid ascospores smaller in size and thallus bigger in size. The verified diagnostic traits of P. loekoesiana based on studied specimens from Russia and South Korea are given. Besides, the data on pycnidia and conidia for P. loekoesiana are presented for the first time. Thus, the species is characterized by its placodioid, yellow-brown or yellow-olivaceous thallus, lecideine apothecia with glossy permanent proper margin, yellow to orange-yellow medulla, hyaline hymenium, pale brownish to hyaline hypothecium, 8-spored Catillaria-type asci with simple, hyaline, ellipsoid ascospores. New data on ecology of the species are reported: so far P. loekoesiana was known occurring on calcareous rocks in habitats with periodically flowing water, while wherevers in the Russian Far East, it grows on open, dry surfaces of calcareous rocks at the elevation 290 to 480 m.
Promoting Rule Compliance in Daily-Life: Evidence from a Randomized Field Experiment in the Public Libraries of Barcelona

We study how to promote compliance with rules that carry low penalties and are pervasive in all sorts of organizations. We have access to data on the users of all public libraries in Barcelona. In this setting, we test the effect of sending email messages with different contents. We find that users return their items earlier if asked to do so in a simple email, showing that a general reminder of the users' duty is effective in promoting rule compliance. Furthermore, adding other contents to the general reminder does not increase compliance significantly.
Fast Radiation Mapping and Unknown Multiple Sources Localization using Topographic Contour

—Toward a global picture of the radiation exposure of an area, particularly for fast emergency response, a UAV based exploration method is proposed. Without a priori knowledge of the radiation ﬁeld, it is difﬁcult to select the region of interest (ROI) which includes all radiation sources. For the case of a single radiation source, a greedy algorithm may localize the source by ﬁnding the maximum radiation value. However, when multiple sources generate a hotspot in a cumulative manner, the hotspot position does not coincide with one of the source positions. Therefore, we propose an efﬁcient exploration method to quickly localize the radiation sources using the following procedures: (1) ROI selection using topographic maps with speciﬁc radiation level selection methods and (2) source localization estimating the number of sources and their positions with incremental variational Bayes inference of Gaussian mixtures. Under three different conditions according to the number of sources and their positions, we have shown that the proposed model can reduce the ROI and signiﬁcantly improve the estimation accuracy than existing methods.
Arm-CODA: A Data Set of Upper-limb Human Movement During Routine Examination

This article thoroughly describes a data set of 240 multivariate time series collected using 34 Cartesian Optoelectronic Dynamic Anthropometer (CODA) placed on the upper limb of 16 healthy subjects each undergoing 15 predefined movements such as raising their arms or combing their hair. Each sensor records its position in the 3D space. In total, 2.5 hours of time series are collected. A remarkable aspect of this data set is the extensive availability of metadata: subjects’ characteristics (age, height, etc.) as well as movements’ annotations. Indeed, for each subject and each movement, the start and end time stamps of at least two iterations of the same movement are provided. In addition to the study of human motion, this data set can be used to evaluate generic time series analytical tasks such as multivariate time series segmentation, clustering, or classification.
Plate Meter Calibrations for Forage Mass Follow a Continuum of Plate Meter Calibrations for Forage Mass Follow a Continuum of Sward Basal Density Sward Basal Density

The ability to quantify forage mass (FM) is needed when budgeting pasture supply. Calibrated sward height is an indirect measure of FM. In a previous study, it was observed that the regression intercept and slope of forage density vs. height (FDint and FDslope, respectively) had a strong linear relation, giving rise to the hypothesis that there is a calibration continuum across pastures. This hypothesis was tested using 121 plate meter calibrations conducted across a range of plant species, defoliation managements, land resource areas, latitude, and elevation. Sward compressed height (CHt) was measured using a resting plate meter. Within calibrations, 30 to 60 paired CHt and FM samples were collected: half pre-grazing and half post-grazing. Within calibrations, the linear relation between CHt and forage density (FD) was calculated. Across calibrations, the linear relation between FDint and FDslope was calculated. Forage mass available for grazing (FMAG) was predicted using individual calibrations and the continuum calibration and compared with forage mass grazed (FMG) measured using pre-and post-grazing clipped samples. Across calibrations, there was a strong linear relation between FDint and FDslope ( R 2 = 0.83). Within calibrations, predicted FMAG vs. FMG was accurate and precise. Across events, predicted FMAG using the continuum was accurate but less precise. Using the continuum to estimate FMAG provided estimates
An Energy-Eﬃcient Method with Dynamic GPS Sampling Rate for Transport Mode Detection and Trip Reconstruction

This paper presents a novel approach for trip reconstruction and transport mode detection. While traditional methods use a ﬁxed GPS sampling rate, our proposed method uses a dynamic rate to avoid unnecessary sensing and waste of energy. We determine a time for each sampling that gives an interesting trade-oﬀ using a particle ﬁlter. Our approach uses as input a map, including transit network circuits and schedules, and produces as output the estimated road segments and transport modes used. The eﬀectiveness of our approach is shown empirically using real map and transit network data. Our technique achieves an accuracy of 96.3% for a 15.0% energy consumption reduction (compared to the existing technique that has the closest accuracy) and an accuracy of 85.6% for a 56.0% energy consumption reduction.
Microfacies Modeling in Fine Reservoir Description

This paper first analyzes the foundation of microfacies modeling in fine reservoir description based on the region sedimentary analysis and the establishment of stratum data base by high resolution sequence stratigraphy.It also introduces the modeling methods and techniques that are widely used in present microfacies modeling,such as object-based and pixel-based technology of architecture analysis and crosswell seismic technology and other techniques of geology and physical geology and development dynamics information with some evaluation of their advantages and disadvantage.With a summary of these methods,it suggests that care should be taken in the choice,the test and the optimization of these models in the process of microfacies research.Meanwhile,it points out the tendency of microfacies modeling in fine reservoir description.
Nutritional evaluation of the moonfish Mene maculata (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) from Parangipettai, southeast coast of India

Objective: T o assess the nutritions in maculata ( loch & S chneider, 1801 ) ( M. maculata ) . Methods : F ishes ( 14 - 16 cm ) were obtained from the landings at P arangipettai for the evaluation of biochemical composition. T he present study deals with biochemical composition such as protein, carbohydrate, lipid, amino acids fatty acids, vitamins and minerals which were evaluated in the moonfish. Results: T he results of proximate composition in M. maculata showed that the percentage of protein was high in the tissue ( 23 . 16 %) , followed by the carbohydrate ( 1 . 3 %) and lipid ( 2 . 62 %) . T otally 20 essential and nonessential amino acids were present at the rate of 46 . 72 % and 43 . 91 % . I n the analysis, the fatty acid profile by gas chromatography revealed the presence of higher amount of saturated fatty acid ( palmitic acid 22 . 17 %) than monounsaturated fatty acid ( oleic acid 14 . 51 %) and polyunsaturated fatty acid ( alpha linolenic acid 16 . 07 %) . V itamins were detected in M. maculata . A mong them, vitamin A was found in higher levels ( 124 . 5 mg/g ) , whereas vitamin B 6 was noticed as lower levels ( 0 . 34 mg/g ) . I n the present study, totally 5 macro minerals and 2 trace minerals were reported. T he macro mineral calcium ( 156 . 7 mg/g ) was found at the highest level and other minerals such as sodium ( 31 . 98 mg/g ) , potassium ( 21 . 33 mg/g ) , copper ( 1 . 43 mg/g ) and magnesium ( 0 . 341 mg/g ) were also detected in the moonfish. Conclusions: T he result showed that the moonfish M. maculata tissue is a valuable food recipe for human consumption, due to its high quality protein and well-balanced amino acids.
The utilization of spatial statistics in a study of built-up densification in Yogyakarta urban area

Simple spatial statistics can be used in analyzing spatially the mean center, orientation, and standard deviation of an area with built-up densification. This research maps the built-up densification of urban areas in Yogyakarta based on the Landsat TM images of 1994, 1996, and 1998, Landsat ETM images of 2001 and 2003, and Aster images of 2006, and examines the characteristics of built-up densification in the urban areas of Yogyakarta using a spatial statistic approach. Built-up densification maps of five periods were obtained by spatial analysis of the built-up densification maps of 1994-1996, 1996-1998, 1998-2001, 2001 2003, and 2003-2006. Simple spatial statistics was applied in analyzing the built-up densification characteristics of each period. There were four spatial statistic components to describe the built-up densification, namely, the mean center position of an ellipse plane, the orientation of the ellipse, the long axis of the ellipse, and the short axis or width of the ellipse. Built-up densification maps were extracted from the spatial resolution satellite images comprising the TM Lansat satellite images, the ETM Lansat satellite images, and the Aster satellite images. Built-up densifications maps were constructed by analyzing the serial overlay operation of the built-up density maps in two consecutive years. The spatial statistic analysis of the five built-up densification maps shows dynamic variations of mean center position, orientation, and standard deviation of the built-up densification in the urban areas of Yogyakarta. Keywords: built-up densification, built-up densification maps, orientation of the ellipse, satellite images, spatial resolution, spatial statistics
Influence of Heat Treatment on Tea Polyphenols and Their Impact on Improving Heat Tolerance in Drosophila melanogaster

This study investigated the potential mechanism of action of tea polyphenols (TPs), one of the major active ingredients in tea, to enhance heat resistance in Drosophila and the attenuating effect of heat treatment of TPs on their efficacy. The results showed that TPs were able to prolong the average survival time of Drosophila under high-temperature stress (p < 0.05), but the effect of TPs in prolonging the survival time of Drosophila melanogaster was significantly reduced (p < 0.05) with increasing TP heat-treatment time until it disappeared. The composition of TPs changed after heat treatment. It was also shown that the weakening of the effect of TPs in improving the heat tolerance of Drosophila was related to the decrease in the content of catechins and phenolic acids in their fractions as well as with the increase in the content of laccase. Transcriptomic analysis showed that the effect of TPs on heat tolerance in Drosophila melanogaster was closely related to the longevity regulation pathway, the neuroactive ligand–receptor interaction signaling pathway, and the drug metabolism–cytochrome P450 pathway. Metabolomics analysis showed that the effect of TP intervention in improving the body’s heat tolerance was mainly related to amino acid metabolism and energy metabolism. However, thermal processing weakened the relevance of these transcriptomes and metabolomes. The present study reveals the mechanism of action by which heat-treated TPs affect the body’s heat tolerance, which is important for the development and utilization of the heat-protection function of tea.