Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic Basis and Breeding Perspectives of Grain Iron and Zinc Enrichment in Cereals

Micronutrient deficiency, also known as “hidden hunger,” is an increasingly serious global challenge to humankind. Among the mineral elements, Fe (Iron) and Zn (Zinc) have earned recognition as micronutrients of outstanding and diverse biological relevance, as well as of clinical importance to global public health. The inherently low Fe and Zn content and poor bioavailability in cereal grains seems to be at the root of these mineral nutrient deficiencies, especially in the developing world where cereal-based diets are the most important sources of calories. The emerging physiological and molecular understanding of the uptake of Fe and Zn and their translocation in cereal grains regrettably also indicates accumulation of other toxic metals, with chemically similar properties, together with these mineral elements. This review article emphasizes breeding to develop bioavailable Fe- and Zn-efficient cereal cultivars to overcome malnutrition while minimizing the risks of toxic metals. We attempt to critically examine the genetic diversity regarding these nutritionally important traits as well as the progress in terms of quantitative genetics. We sought to integrate findings from the rhizosphere with Fe and Zn accumulation in grain, and to discuss the promoters as well as the anti-nutritional factors affecting Fe and Zn bioavailability in humans while restricting the content of toxic metals.
Human-Agent Interaction : Challenges for Bringing Humans and Agents Together

There has been an increasing interest in the area of HumanAgent Interaction (HAI), as demonstrated by the recent organisation of workshops and conferences dedicated solely to this topic (and this workship is a very good example of this). However, as illustrated by the topics in some of these events, there are different visions of what the area of Human-Agent Interaction is. In this paper we argue that while human computer interaction (HCI) studies the interaction between humans and computers, the field of Human-Agent Interaction should be focused on the systems, models, applications and methodologies that allow for humans and “agents” to interact, collaborate, negotiate and even become peers. Differently from HCI in HAI we have “autonomy” on the side of the machines, making the interaction much richer, decentralised and emergent. With this idea in mind, in this paper we try to draw some challenges to the field, which we need to address if we aim at having humans and agents together interacting as peers.
Semantic Segmentation , Urban Navigation , and Research Directions

We introduce and give a detailed review of semantic segmentation. We begin with some key early methods, and our discussion will make its way to the state of the art. We also talk about the use of semantic segmentation for navigation in outdoor urban environments. Finally, we touch on two fascinating research directions that we believe hold a lot of potential. Semantic segmentation is the task of taking an input image and producing dense, pixel level, semantic predictions. Accurate and rich semantic segmentation is a driver of visual understanding and reasoning, and has a direct impact on many real world applications.
The Higher Phylogeny of Austronesian and the Position of Tai-Kadai

This paper presents a new higher phylogeny for the Austronesian family, based on three independent lines of evidence: the observation of a hierarchy of implications among the numerals from 5 to 10 in the languages of Formosa and in PMP; the finding that the numerals *pitu '7', *walu '8', and *Siwa '9' can be derived from longer additive expressions meaning 5+2, 5+3, and 5+4, preserved in Pazeh, using only six sound changes; and the observation that the phylogeny that can be extracted from these and other innovations—mostly changes in the basic vocabulary—evinces a coherent spatial pattern, whereby an initial Austronesian settlement in NW Taiwan expanded unidirectionally counterclockwise along the coastal plain, circling the island in a millennium or so. In the proposed phylogeny, Malayo-Polynesian is a branch of Muic, a taxon that also includes NE Formosan (Kavalan plus Ketagalan). The ancestor language, Muish, is deemed to have been spoken in or near NE Formosa. Further evidence that the Tai-Kadai languages, contrary to common sense, are a subgroup of Austronesian (specifically: a branch of Muic, coordinate with PMP and NE Formosan) is presented.
Robust Face Recognition Using the Deep C2D-CNN Model Based on Decision-Level Fusion

Given that facial features contain a wide range of identification information and cannot be completely represented by a single feature, the fusion of multiple features is particularly significant for achieving a robust face recognition performance, especially when there is a big difference between the test sets and the training sets. This has been proven in both traditional and deep learning approaches. In this work, we proposed a novel method named C2D-CNN (color 2-dimensional principal component analysis (2DPCA)-convolutional neural network). C2D-CNN combines the features learnt from the original pixels with the image representation learnt by CNN, and then makes decision-level fusion, which can significantly improve the performance of face recognition. Furthermore, a new CNN model is proposed: firstly, we introduce a normalization layer in CNN to speed up the network convergence and shorten the training time. Secondly, the layered activation function is introduced to make the activation function adaptive to the normalized data. Finally, probabilistic max-pooling is applied so that the feature information is preserved to the maximum extent while maintaining feature invariance. Experimental results show that compared with the state-of-the-art method, our method shows better performance and solves low recognition accuracy caused by the difference between test and training datasets.
Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Infectious Human Diseases

Neutrophils, as the main cells of the first line of host defense against microbial patho - gens, are responsible for pathogen recognition, inhibition of pathogen spreading into the host tissue, and finally, killing the invader cells. Neutrophils carry out these func - tions via numerous mechanisms, including a relatively recently described activity based on a release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), a process called netosis. NETs are structures composed of DNA backbone, decorated with antimicrobial factors, derived from neutrophil granules. The structure of NETs and their enzymatic and microbicidal inclusions enable efficient trapping and killing of microorganisms within the neutrophil extracellular space. However, the efficiency of NETs depends on neutrophil ability to recognize pathogen signals and to trigger rapid responses. In this chapter, we focus on possible pathways involved in the release of NETs and summarize the current knowl - edge on triggers of this process during bacterial, fungal, protozoan, and viral infections. We also consider the mechanisms used by microorganisms to evade NET‐killing activity and analyze the harmful potential of NETs against the host cells and the contribution of NETs to noninfectious human diseases.
Clostridium perfringens in suckling piglets with diarrhoea and its PCR typing and prevalence in the Czech Republic in 2001-2003

Out of the total of 153 farms under investigation that had been experiencing diarrhoea in suck- ling piglets, the presence of Clostridium perfringens was detected on 60 farms (39.2%). PCR typing of isolates prepared by anaerobic cultivation was carried out by multiplex PCR. C. perfringens type A (37.9%) and type C (1.3%) were detected on 58 and 2 farms, respectively. The cpb2 gene was found in 79.3% strains of C. perfringens type A and in 100% strains of type C. An evaluation of the prevalence of positive identification of C. perfringens with the cpb2 gene shows that the microorganism was diagnosed on large farms with the basic herd of over 700 or 1 000 sows significantly more frequently. None of the isolates was positive as to the specific sequences of the enterotoxin-coding gene.
Instant Preview and Analysis System Implementation of Intelligent Stereo Cameras

This study presents an instant preview and analysis system implementation of intelligent stereo cameras (ISCs). A parameter optimization prototype adopted the instant preview and analysis system of the ISCs has been achieved the automatic alignment function, and obtained optimal stereo films with the automatic alignment function by adjusting gap and angle between dual cameras. The instant preview and analysis system of the ISCs with parameter optimization can enhance the quality of stereo films effectively and reduce filmed errors and save retouched cost and time in harsh filmed environment.
Post-release survival and physiology of angled luderick (Girella tricuspidata) after confinement in keeper nets in an Australian estuary

The study was initiated in response to concerns about the post-release welfare of angled luderick (Girella tricuspidata) after protracted confinement in keeper nets. In all, 111 fish were angled and confined for 2-250 min before being released into holding cages (with 87 controls) and monitored for 4 d. Blood was taken from fish angled and brought on board immediately (n = 11), angled and held in keeper nets (n = 25), and angled and held in monitoring cages for 4 d (n = 12). Blood was also taken from controls held in monitoring cages for 4 d (n = 12). No controls and only one angled fish died. Compared with immediately sampled angled fish, those confined in keeper nets had significantly elevated cortisol, glucose, lactate, chloride, sodium, and aspartate aminotransferase. Most of the variables returned to pre-stress levels in caged fish after 4 d. Despite this recovery, the short-term stress associated with capture and keeper-net confinement has welfare implications and justifies avoiding such a practice and/or reducing the personal daily angling quota of the species.
Subject Areas : Fluid Dynamics , Biological Physics A Viewpoint on : Fluid Dynamics of Bacterial Turbulence

Bacteria are among the oldest and most abundant living species on Earth, and their activity influences the planet’s environmental dynamics in multiple ways. Microbial metabolic products maintain soil structure, marine bacteria control the biochemistry and photosynthetic productivity of the oceans [1], and Geobacter bacteria are able to clean contaminated sites by “feeding” on heavy metals such as uranium [2]. Bacteria often migrate en masse over large distances, moving in dense groups in a highly organized, collective fashion known as “swarming motility. ” Compared to independent individual movements, such collective motions have multiple evolutionary advantages: a bacterial colony can more easily populate new territories, search for food, and increase its survival probability in harsh conditions. Swarming is also an effective strategy to prevail against antibiotics [3].
Psychogeography in the Age of the Quantified Self — Mental Map modelling with Georeferenced Personal Activity Data

Personal and subjective perceptions of urban space have been a focus of various research projects in the area of cartography, geography, and related fields such as urban planning. This paper illustrates how personal georeferenced activity data can be used in algorithmic modelling of certain aspects of mental maps and customised spatial visualisations. The technical implementation of the algorithm is accompanied by a preliminary study which evaluates the performance of the algorithm. As a linking element between personal perception, interpretation, and depiction of space and the field of cartography and geography, we include perspectives from artistic practice and cultural theory.
xploring Mars Glass Tube Anomalies

This practical article provides information regarding the use of Edward de Bono CoRT thinking skills to broaden and enhance critical and creative thinking skills in twice exceptional students using the Mars Glass Tube Mystery as a vehicle to explore possibilities and spark creative thinking. The exceptionalities addressed in this lesson plan are gifted learners who have one or more additional exceptionalities of slow processing speed and / or poor fine motor skills. Throughout the lesson, the Mars Mystery photos leveraged both prior knowledge and student curiosity to create an engaging activity for the participants. CoRT thinking skills provided a robust structure for guiding meaningful discussions, a means of encouraging deeper thought, and facilitating productive group discourse. The mysteryfocused lesson encouraged imagination, allowing students to not only stretch independent thought but to actively participate in sharing and validating each other’s ideas and to explore creativity as a way to express ideas and generate conclusions.
Teaching Numbers to Preschool Students with Interactive Multimedia: An Experimental Study

This experimental study addresses the effect of a multimedia learning environment including the number concepts from 1 to 10 has been implemented on 6 year-old (6072 months) children. The sample consisted of 20 students attending to a preschool. A control and experiment group pre-posttest design is administered. As a result, no statistically significant differences were found on posttest. But the average results of the experimental group scores were higher than the same of control group. It has been observed that the preschool students were not successful on the conversation about number concepts in both groups. In addition, gender was not a significant indicator for children’s developments of number concept acquisition. The study provides some interpretations about the effect of multimedia on the increasing performances about the experimental group students which is based on the design features of the multimedia. Article history: Received Revised Accepted
Identification, capsular typing and virulence factors of Pasteurella multocida isolates from Merino lambs in Extremadura (Southwestern Spain)

This report describes the prevalence, capsular type and virulence factors of Pasteurella multocida isolated from the respiratory tracts of healthy and diseased lambs. For this study, five hundred and ninety-eight fattening lambs from different feedlots of the community of Extremadura were analysed. Isolation and identification of P. multocida were performed using conventional bacteriological and biochemical techniques, while confirmation of P. multocida identification, capsular type and virulence factors was done using the polymerase chain reaction technique (PCR). Of 598 studied lambs (410 clinically healthy and 188 diseased sheep), P. multocida was isolated from 37 animals (6.2%), with prevalence rates of 0.49% (2/410) in healthy lambs and 18.62% (35/188) in diseased lambs confirming a close relationship between the presence of bacteria and disease. Capsular typing of P. multocida isolates demonstrated two capsular types: A (15) and D (22), with general prevalence rates of 40.5% and 59.5%, respectively, and with the exclusive presence of type D in healthy animals (100%) and types D and A among diseased animals (42.9% and 57.1%, respectively). Among four virulence genes investigated (pfhA, hgbB, tbpA and toxA), we found a remarkable high prevalence of tbpA (100%) (37/37) genes in P. multocida; toxA was only detected in some diseased lambs (11/37), while the rest of the studied genes were not detected. The high prevalence of toxA among isolates from diseased animals may imply an important role of this gene in the virulence of P. multocida isolates in sheep, especially in diseased lambs.
Efficiency and effectiveness in case of disaster: a visual damage assessment test

Abstract. A user study is conducted to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of two types of visualizations to identify damages sites in case of disaster. The test consists out 36 trials (18 for each visualisation) and in each trial an area of 1 × 1 km, located in Ghent, is displayed on a screen. This image shows the combined height information from before and after the disaster. The first visualisation, page flipping, is based on greyscale images with height information from the pre- and post-disaster situation between which users can switch manually. The second visualisation, difference image, is a result of subtracting the heights (before versus after) and assigning a blue-white-red colour ramp. In order to simulate the urgency with which the data is captured, systematic and random imperfections are introduced in the post-disaster data. All participants’ mouse and key interactions are logged, which is further complemented by the registration of their eye movements. This give insights the visualizations’ efficiency, effectiveness and the overall search strategies of the participants.
A dromaeosaur from the Maastrichtian of James Ross Island and the Late Cretaceous Antarctic dinosaur fauna

The recovery of material of a small theropod from the Early Maastrichtian, Cape Lamb Member of the Snow Hill Island Formation is an unusual occurrence from primarily marine sediments. The pedal morphology of the specimen that includes a Metatarsal II with a lateral expansion caudal to Metatarsal III, a third metatarsal that is proximally narrow and distally wide, a Metatarsal III with a distal end that is incipiently ginglymoidal and a second pedal digit with sickle-like ungual are all diagnostic of a theropod that belongs to the family of predatory dinosaurs, the Dromaeosauridae. Yet this Antarctic dromaeosaur retains plesiomorphic features in its ankle and foot morphology. As new dromaeosaur species are being recovered from the mid-Cretaceous of South America and the retention of primitive characters in the Antarctic dromaeosaur, a new biogeographic hypothesis on dromaeosaur distribution has been generated. Gondwanan dromaeosaurs are not North America immigrants into South America and Antarctica; rather they are the relicts of a cosmopolitan dromaeosaur distribution, which has been separated by the vicariant break up of Pangea and created an endemic clade of dromaeosaurs in Gondwana.
ROI Based Double Encryption Approachfor Secure Transaction of Medical Images

The main focus is on enabling, supporting process in the health care industry for implementing a secure, robust and privacy complaint system for the safe distribution and use of medical image. In this paper, a new method that combines image encryption and watermarking technique for safe transaction of medical image is proposed. This method is based on selecting the ROI in the image as the watermark. This portion is encrypted by linear feedback shift register based stream ciphering which is again encrypted by the key generated by Diffie Hellman Algorithm. The encrypted ROI is embedded into the medical image by Spread spectrum technique. The proposed approach proves to be highly secure as two keys are used for encryption and the secret message is spreaded throughout the Medical image.
Is It Better to Enter a Volume CT Dose Index Value before or after Scan Range Adjustment for Radiation Dose Optimization of Pediatric Cardiothoracic CT with Tube Current Modulation?

Objective To determine whether the body size-adapted volume computed tomography (CT) dose index (CTDvol) in pediatric cardiothoracic CT with tube current modulation is better to be entered before or after scan range adjustment for radiation dose optimization. Materials and Methods In 83 patients, cardiothoracic CT with tube current modulation was performed with the body size-adapted CTDIvol entered after (group 1, n = 42) or before (group 2, n = 41) scan range adjustment. Patient-related, radiation dose, and image quality parameters were compared and correlated between the two groups. Results The CTDIvol after the CT scan in group 1 was significantly higher than that in group 2 (1.7 ± 0.1 mGy vs. 1.4 ± 0.3 mGy; p < 0.0001). Image noise (4.6 ± 0.5 Hounsfield units [HU] vs. 4.5 ± 0.7 HU) and image quality (1.5 ± 0.6 vs. 1.5 ± 0.6) showed no significant differences between the two (p > 0.05). In both groups, all patient-related parameters, except body density, showed positive correlations (r = 0.49–0.94; p < 0.01) with the CTDIvol before and after the CT scan. The CTDIvol after CT scan showed modest positive correlation (r = 0.49; p ≤ 0.001) with image noise in group 1 but no significant correlation (p > 0.05) in group 2. Conclusion In pediatric cardiothoracic CT with tube current modulation, the CTDIvol entered before scan range adjustment provides a significant dose reduction (18%) with comparable image quality compared with that entered after scan range adjustment.
Mapping historical landscape changes with the use of a space-time cube

Abstract. In this contribution, we introduce geographic concepts in the humanities and present the results of a spacetime visualization of ancient buildings over the last centuries. The techniques and approaches used were based on cartographic research to visualize spatio-temporal information. As a case study, we applied cartographic styling techniques to a model of the Royal Castle in Warsaw and its different spatial elements, which were constructed and destroyed during their eventful history. In our case, the space-time cube approach seems to be the most suitable representation of this spatio-temporal information. Therefore, we digitized the different footprints of the castle during the ancient centuries as well as the landscape structure around, and annotated them with monarchies, epochs and time. During the digitization process, we had to cope with difficulties like sources in various scales and map projections, which resulted in varying accuracies. The results were stored in KML to support a wide variety of visualization platforms.
Scoring Amino Acid Mutations to Predict Avian-to-Human Transmission of Avian Influenza Viruses

Avian influenza virus (AIV) can directly cross species barriers and infect humans with high fatality. Using machine learning methods, the present paper scores the amino acid mutations and predicts interspecies transmission. Initially, 183 signature positions in 11 viral proteins were screened by the scores of five amino acid factors and their random forest rankings. The most important amino acid factor (Factor 3) and the minimal range of signature positions (50 amino acid residues) were explored by a supporting vector machine (the highest-performing classifier among four tested classifiers). Based on these results, the avian-to-human transmission of AIVs was analyzed and a prediction model was constructed for virology applications. The distributions of human-origin AIVs suggested that three molecular patterns of interspecies transmission emerge in nature. The novel findings of this paper provide important clues for future epidemic surveillance.
Recent Advances in Carbon Nanotube-Polymer Composites

Carbon nanotubes demonstrate remarkable mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties, which allow a number of exciting potential applications. In this article, the most recent progress in research on the development of carbon nanotube-polymer composites is critically reviewed, with emphasis on recent advances in the principles and techniques for carbon nanotube functionalization. Various functionalization approaches and their role in the preparation of carbon nanotube-polymer composites with improved mechanical and electrical properties are discussed. The interaction between carbon nanotubes and polymers is also reviewed. Various techniques of carbon nanotube-polymer interaction measurements, including experimental and modelling studies, are described. Different methods of interaction improvement, mainly categorized under covalent and noncovalent interactions, are also described afterwards. An optimum carbon nanotube-polymer interaction is a crucial factor towards reaching the full potential of carbon nanotubes in nanocomposites. Potential topics of oncoming focus along with the potential applications of carbon nanotube-polymer composites are highlighted.