Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Hormonal Administration on Reproductive Development of Holstein Bull Calves and Concomitant Changes in Semen Characteristics and Seminal Plasma

This study aimed to determine semen quality and seminal biochemicals at 1 ejaculate, puberty, and maturity of Holstein bulls administrated with GnRH, hCG and testosterone. Holstein male calves (n=16, 8 mo old) were divided into four groups, 4 in each. During 10-weeks interval, each animal was bi-weekly i.m injected with saline (2 ml), 2 ml GnRH, 1500 IU hCG, and 2 ml testosterone. Results indicated the earliest ages to 1 ejaculation, puberty, and maturity by hCG. Ejaculate volume was higher (P<0.05) by GnRH. Sperm motility and livability increased (P<0.05) by GnRH. Seminal total proteins (TP) and albumin (AL) decreased (P<0.05) by GnRH and hCG. Globulin (GL) and fructose decreased (P<0.05) by treatments in the 1 ejaculate. At puberty and maturity, TP, AL, and fructose increased (P<0.05) by treatments. GL increased (P<0.05) by GnRH and hCG. AL:GL increased by GnRH and testosterone at puberty, and by testosterone at maturity. Triglycerides in 1 ejaculation increased (P<0.05) by GnRH. At puberty, HDL, LDL, cholesterol, and triglycerides in GnRH; LDL, cholesterol, and triglycerides in hCG; and triglycerides in testosterone increased (P<0.05). while HDL in hCG and testosterone decreased (P<0.05). At maturity, LDL and cholesterol in hCG, and triglycerides in GnRH and hCG increased (P<0.05), while HDL decreased (P<0.05) by treatments.This study concluded that the treatment of Holstein male calves with GnRH or hCG (once/two weeks) for 10 weeks prior to puberty (8 months of age) leads to early sexual puberty-maturity ages and semen with good quality and chemical composition.
The Usage of Eduscrum in the Educational Process in Institutions of Higher Education

We are convinced by modern realities that in a changing world, most knowledge, except fundamental, looses its value with incredible speed. The ability to find non-standard solutions, readiness for continuous self-improvement and lifelong learning remain relevant. The demands of the labor market are also changing dynamically, expecting new competencies, skills, styles of work in future specialists. And so, university education must accept this challenge with dignity, adapting those best practices that have proven their effectiveness in other fields. In this context, the IT sector produces new approaches to business processes. Some of them are successfully used in various fields. One such example is the Agile flexible management methodology and its adapted version of eduScrum, which has been effectively implemented in global and domestic educational practice in recent years. This approach does not provide ready-made answers to existing questions, but it helps to form in both, students and teachers, relevant competencies; it will be impossible to survive without them in the near future. The article briefly covers the history of development and the essence of Agile and Scrum, considers the possibility of their usage during educational process. It is emphasized that this methodology can be quite effective in higher education because it develops a high level of self-motivation in students, increases the productivity of the educational process through improving organizational forms, methods and ways of teaching, iterative interaction between teachers and students. It contributes to the student's professional and personal competencies that is expected from them by the society and the business circles.
Dynamically Reconfigurable Multi-Classifier Architecture on FPGA

In the past few years, machine learning has become predominant in various research fields, including human activity recognition. However, with the increasing accuracy requirements and complexity for practical applications, the speed and the power cost make the implementation impracticable. To improve the performance as well as to maintain low power consumption, the use of reconfigurable hardware has aroused interest. Implementation and validation of a hardware architecture are proposed to overcome the complexity problem while improving the speed-performance of classification as well as maintaining the low power consumption. This project aims to devise and evaluate a complete FPGA-based, run-time reconfigurable architecture that supports the dynamic deployment of multiple accelerator cores. The main idea is to develop an architecture which accelerates machine learning classifiers, running on a general-purpose processor, by transparently mapping computationally intensive parts of their execution to reconfigurable hardware. With this strategy, the performance of the embedded application will be enhanced since the units will act as acceleration co-processors of the generalpurpose processor. The results obtained during this research, show that the generated custom loop accelerator could be used to compute complex machine learning classifiers with an increasingly large amount of data. It also devised the ability to scale the system architecture to several processors, each one with the correspondent accelerator as a co-processor. However, the experimental results show that the accelerator performance for the K-nearest neighbours algorithm is significantly affected by the overhead introduced by the external memory accesses mechanism.
Transurethral resection of the prostate Studies on efficacy, morbidity and costs

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), based on benign prostatic enlargement (BPE), are increasingly common, in ageing men. A considerable amount of men will ultimately progress with deteriorating symptoms or with the occurrence of complications secondary to obstruction of the bladder outlet, for example, urinary retention (UR). These subjects need surgery. Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is the gold standard surgical intervention for symptoms associated with BPE. Over time, the TURP procedure has evolved due to manifold technical improvements and these progresses, coupled with improved surgical skill, are thought to have led to additional improvements regarding voiding outcomes, coupled with a decreased morbidity and mortality. The aims of this thesis were to explore and elucidate the effects of TURP, in a non-academic setting, including functional outcomes, complications and healthcare costs. All consecutive men subjected to a TURP procedure due to BPE at Skaraborgs Hospital during the periods 2010-2012 and 2017-2019 were identified and data retrieved from the hospital records. All men were followed-up for 3 months postoperatively and more if deemed necessary. Responders were defined according to criteria set up by de Wildt. Complications were graded in accordance with the Clavien-Dindo system. In Paper I, men with bothersome LUTS and men in UR reported response rates of 95% and 83% respectively indicating that TURP is a successful procedure in both these patient categories. In Paper II, the incidence of major complications was low, during hospital stay (2.3%) and between hospital discharge and follow-up (3.4%). Late complications, requiring endourological re-intervention occurred in 9.7%. In Paper III, we followed the fate of the 35 non-responders and found that 11 men were finally judged to have satisfactory voiding parameters, 16 men utilized clean intermittent self-catheterisation to varying degrees, 7 men had to use an indwelling catheter indefinitely, and only one man still suffered from bothersome LUTS. In Paper IV, we analysed all in-hospital expenses of 122 men subjected to TURP and found that the median cost for this procedure was 37343 SEK (IQR 29852-44260). The main drivers of total cost were length of hospital stay, the surgical procedure and anaesthesia related costs. The main factor that increased total cost per patient was the occurrence of complications. In summary, transurethral resection of the prostate is a rewarding operation in men with UR or with bothersome LUTS. Men with preoperative UR constituted most of non-responders. There was a low use of invasive urodynamic investigations after surgery. In the end, nearly one in three non-responders had a fair outcome with or without redo-surgery. TURP in routine clinical care was linked with a low incidence of serious complications. TUR syndrome was very rare. A small amount of patients needed the endourological treatment to be repeated. The main factor affecting total cost for a TURP procedure was the occurrence of postoperative complications.
Local administration of liposomal-based Srpx2 gene therapy reverses pulmonary fibrosis by blockading fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic and progressive fatal interstitial lung disease characterized by abnormal transition and proliferation of fibroblasts. The uncontrolled transition of fibroblasts, commonly known as myofibroblasts, are the principal source of the enormous extracellular matrix (ECM) depositing in lung parenchyma, leading to gradual failure of gas exchange and mortality of the patients. However, up to now, rare effective therapeutic strategies have been developed to blockade fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition (FMT) in IPF. Method: We illustrated that the lungs originated from IPF patients and mice with pulmonary fibrosis are characterized by the overexpression of sushi-repeat-containing protein, X-linked 2 (SRPX2). Further functionality studies identified the pivotal role of SRPX2 in FMT. Mechanistically, SRPX2 was involved in a TGFβR1/SMAD3/SRPX2/AP1/SMAD7 positive feedback loop. Specifically, SRPX2 was upregulated by TGF-β1 in a TGFβR1/SMAD3-dependent manner, after which SRPX2 in turn repressed the expression of AP1, subsequently minimized SMAD7 expression, through which it reduced the formation of inhibitory complex with TGFβR1 and enhanced SMAD signaling pathway to promote FMT and exacerbate pulmonary fibrosis. Notably, intratracheal administration of siRNA-loaded liposomes could effectively suppress the expression of Srpx2 in the lung and remarkably protect mice against BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis, concomitant with a significant reduction of FMT. Results: Accordingly, these data indicate that Srpx2 plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis and suggests the strategy aiming at silencing Srpx2 could be a promising therapeutic approach against pulmonary fibrosis in clinical settings.
THE APPLICATION OF LINE SCAN THERMOGRAPHY USING MULTIPLE COLLABORATIVE ROBOTS

This paper will present details of a dual collaborative robotic implementation of line scan thermography for the inspection of a complex geometry, composite aircraft fuselage. Line scan thermography is an inspection technique that has proven to be a successful means of rapidly scanning large areas of aircraft fuselage. The technique involves the movement of a line heat source across the outer surface of a large structure followed by an infrared imager at a fixed distance behind the heater. Images of defects in the structure under inspection are reconstructed from measurements of the induced surface temperature variations. An overview of the line scan thermography technique along with the robotic implementation, details and inspection results will be presented.
Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Eschericia coli from livestock

Extended-spectrum I²-lactamases (ESBL) are enzymes produced in Gram negative bacterial plasmids that already have resistance to I²-lactam antibiotics. Bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Klebsiella pneumoniae are the most common ESBL-producing bacteria and are often detected as the cause of urinary tract infections, pneumonia and sepsis. ESBL-producing bacteria are generally known as infectious agents and considered as nosocomial pathogens. In the last decade the existence of livestock as animals transmitting and spreading ESBL has become a potential issue of new threats to humans. In this study, we describe the nature of ESBL, ESBL which produces type E. coli from livestock, factors that influence ESBL, transmission to human health, epidemiology of ESBL that produces E. coli in a global view, ESBL treatment, and ESBL control. Livestock provide animal protein in the form of meat and milk that are included in the global supply chain of trade and food. Feces animal waste production is a potential source of contaminants for the possible spread of ESBL bacteria to humans and the environment. ESBL treatment in humans is still very limited so preventing the spread of infection through the one health principle approach is the best way that can be done.
OP-ICBJ200138 1517..1530

*Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Droevendaalsesteeg 10, Wageningen, 6708 PB, The Netherlands; Behavioural Ecology Group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH, the Netherlands; Bioinformatics Unit, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Droevendaalsesteeg 10, Wageningen, 6708 PB, The Netherlands; Department of Terrestrial Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Droevendaalsesteeg 10, Wageningen, 6708 PB, The Netherlands
Comparison of Two Novel Treatment Options upon Clinical Experience for Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1: Risdiplam vs. Nusinersen

Nusinersen and risdiplam are emerging molecules started to be used in Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) treatment. In this observational study, we aimed to compare the effects of these two molecules on SMA type 1 patients. In the two patients we presented in this report, both were diagnosed as SMA type 1 in the neonatal period, and their genetic defects were similar and their treatments were initiated at the same age and this exceptional similarity served us the opportunity for comparison. Two patients were intubated because of respiratory failure secondary to pneumonia. Case 2 receiving risdiplam was successfully extubated after pneumonia treatment but Case 1 receiving nusinersen could not be extubated and needed permanent assisted ventilation. Case 2 received a drug with an ease of use, showed better muscle strength, preserved native swallowing capability, revealed normal growth pattern, did not need further respiratory support as a result of better respiratory status.
Model-Based Alternative of Document-Based System Development for Enterprise Resource Planning by Cortlandt

of Praxis Model-Based Alternative to Document-Based System Development for Enterprise Resource Planning Organizations increasingly look to the use of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems to improve operational performance and advance revenue targets. However, research on ERP implementations highlights the regularity with which projects fail, adversely impacting enterprise performance and revenue goals. Enterprise resource planning implementation traditionally utilizes document-based engineering that does not always meet customer expectations. Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) is increasingly being used in the Systems Engineering (SE) community for design systems in the fields of defense and telecommunications. This research looked to address the gap between enterprise design and implemented system performance. The approach utilized a simplified MBSE approach as a part of case study approach with three companies and selected ERP module implementations. The research demonstrates that MBSE when applied robustly to ERP implementations results in a statistically significant greater adherence to customer identified requirements, behavior, and structure.
Maternal Folic Acid Impacts DNA Methylation Profile in Male Rat Offspring Associated With Neurodevelopment and Learning/Memory Abilities

Background: Periconceptional folic acid (FA) supplementation not only reduces the incidence of neural tube defects, but also improves cognitive performances in offspring. However, the genes or pathways that are epigenetically regulated by FA in neurodevelopment were rarely reported. Methods: To elucidate the underlying mechanism, the effect of FA on the methylation profiles in brain tissue of male rat offspring was assessed by methylated DNA immunoprecipitation chip. Differentially methylated genes (DMGs) and gene network analysis were identified using DAVID and KEGG pathway analysis. Results: Compared with the FA-N group, 1939 DMGs were identified in the FA-D group, and 1498 DMGs were identified in the FA-S group, among which 298 DMGs were overlapped. The pathways associated with neurodevelopment and learning/memory abilities were differentially methylated in response to maternal FA intake during pregnancy, and there were some identical and distinctive potential mechanisms under FA deficiency or supplemented conditions. Conclusions: In conclusion, genes and pathways associated with neurodevelopment and learning/memory abilities were differentially methylated in male rat offspring in response to maternal FA deficiency or supplementation during pregnancy.
MIKKO KONKI: Implementation of modern methods to identify DNA methylation marks for episodic memory impairment and Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease and a common cause of dementia worldwide. The pathogenic mechanisms of AD are not completely understood. Both genetic and external factors, like lifestyle and other diseases, can alter AD risk. The impact of external factors may be mediated by epigenetic mechanisms, like DNA methylation. The first clinical symptoms of AD usually manifest as episodic memory impairment (EMI), however, AD can be diagnosed only at a later stage when neurodegeneration is far-progressed. New methods are required to enable early diagnosis and characterization of the disease mechanisms. The main goals of this study were to implement new methods for characterization of disease marks and mechanisms and to identify new DNA methylation marks for EMI and AD with these methods. Reduced Representation Bisulfite Sequencing (RRBS) was first implemented by utilising human embryonic stem cells and by identifying DNA methylation changes in these cells during transformation to abnormal karyotype. RRBS was then utilised to identify blood DNA methylation marks for AD in Finnish disease discordant twin pairs. Such marks were detected in eleven genomic regions and the one in adenosine deaminase RNA specific B2 gene (ADARB2) was validated in Swedish twin cohorts. A new twin sample cohort was collected and genome-wide bisulphite sequencing method was implemented to identify plasma cellfree DNA methylation marks for EMI. No markers were detected. Patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cell lines and a brain organoid model were generated to study the pathogenic mechanisms of AD. In conclusion, the results show that DNA methylation marks associated with AD can be detected not only in the brain but also in blood, however, more research is required to evaluate whether these marks can be utilised in diagnostics. Several methods enabling identification of disease marks were successfully implemented, samples from a new cohort were collected and pluripotent stem cell-based model was established to study AD. These resources will be valuable for future research aiming to identify mechanisms and markers for AD.
Fe b 20 01 Cosmic acceleration and a natural solution to the cosmological constant problem

We trace the origin of the cosmological constant problem to the assumption that Newton’s constant G sets the scale for cosmology. And then we show that once this assumption is relaxed (so that the local G as measured in a local Cavendish experiment is no longer to be associated with global cosmology), the very same cosmic acceleration which has served to make the cosmological constant problem so very severe instead then serves to provide us with its potential resolution. In addition, we present an alternate cosmology, one based on conformal gravity (a theory which explicitly possesses no fundamental G), and show that once given only that the sign of the vacuum energy density Λ is explicitly the negative one associated with the spontaneous breakdown of the scale invariance of the conformal gravity theory (this actually being the choice of sign for Λ which precisely leads to cosmic acceleration in the conformal theory), then that alone, no matter how big Λ might actually be in magnitude, is sufficient to not only make its measurable contribution to current era cosmology naturally be of order one today, but to even do so in a way which is completely compatible with the recent high z supernovae cosmology data. Cosmology can thus live with either a fundamental G or with the large (and even potentially negative) Λ associated with elementary particle physics phase transitions but not with both. In an appendix we distinguish between the thermodynamic free energy and the thermodynamic internal energy, with it being the former which determines cosmological phase transitions and the latter which is the source of the gravitational field. Then we show that, even if we make the standard ad hoc assumption that Λ actually is quenched in standard gravity, vacuum energy density is nonetheless still found to dominate standard cosmology at the time of the phase transition which produced it. However, within conformal gravity no difficulty of this type is encountered. ∗gr-qc/9903005 v2, February 15, 2001
Why Has Euro Crisis Management Been So Hard? EUI E-book on Institutions and the Crisis

The euro crisis began in 2010 as a fiscal crisis in Greece and a banking crisis in Ireland, two small countries which together made up about 4 percent of euro area GDP. IMF-EU programs backed by the ECB were meant to quickly address the underlying fiscal and financial problems and prevent contagion. Instead, the crisis spun out of control. By early 2011, it had reached Portugal; by the third quarter of 2011, Italy and Spain. By 2012, the entire euro area was in recession. Even after it began to recover, in 2014, aftershocks of the crisis continued to haunt the euro area. After a government opposing EUand IMFsponsored adjustment came to power, Greece almost exited the euro in 2015. Most recently, a government coalition crystalizing anti-EU sentiment in Italy poses a serious, perhaps existential, challenge to the euro and the EU. With similarly polarized views in other countries, it looks like the euro crisis may be perpetuating itself indefinitely (or until the euro collapses).
Higher order numerical method for a semilinear system of singularly perturbed differential equations∗

In this paper, a system of singularly perturbed second order semilinear differential equations with prescribed boundary conditions is considered. To solve this problem, a parameter-uniform numerical method is constructed, which consists of a classical finite difference scheme and a piecewise uniform Shishkin mesh. It is proved that the convergence of the proposed numerical method is essentially second order in the maximum norm. An numerical illustration presented here supports the proved theoretical results. AMS subject classifications: 65L11, 65L12, 65L20, 65L70
Evolution of Strategies in Sequential Security Games

In this paper we introduce a generic approach to solving Sequential Security Games (SGs) based on Evolutionary Algorithms. The method (named EASG ) is general and largely game-independent, which allows for its application to a wide range of SGs with only slight adjustments. The efficacy of EASG is verified on 3 types of games from different domains: patrolling, surveillance, and cyber-security. Comprehensive experiments performed on more than 300 test games demonstrate robustness and stability of EASG, manifested by repetitively achieving optimal or near-optimal solutions. The main advantage of EASG compared to alternative approaches to solving SGs is its time efficiency. EASG finds high-quality solutions with approximately linear time scalability and can therefore be applied to solving SG instances which are beyond capabilities of the state-of-the-art exact methods. Due to anytime characteristics, EASG is particularly well suited for time-critical applications.