Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Structural damage detection in plates using a deep neural network–couple sparse coding classification ensemble method

The present study aims at identifying damages in plate structures by applying a pattern recognition–based damage detection technique using the frequency response function. The large number of degrees of freedom is one of the crucial obstacles in the way of accurately identifying damages in plate structures. On the other hand, frequency response functions include many details that dramatically lower the computing speed and enlarge the memory needed for storing data, hampering the application of this method. Furthermore, this study performs principal component analysis as an authoritative feature extraction method with the purpose of reducing the dimensions of the measured frequency response function data and generating distinct feature patterns. Also, because there has been no individual optimal classifier applicable to all problems, an ensemble comprising two powerful classifiers containing couple sparse coding classification and deep neural networks is used to predict the structure damage. This study evaluates the accuracy of damage detection by the proposed method in square-shaped structural plates with the lengths of 1 m and 2 m under different damage scenarios, namely, single and multiple element.
Progress and Challenges in Agricultural Applications of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi

Arbuscular mycorrhiza is a widespread interaction between plant roots and mutualistic fungi that both promotes plant mineral nutrition and supports stability in many natural ecosystems. Given the demand in current agriculture for these ecosystem services, it appears desirable to further integrate this interaction in current management schemes. While two different approaches can be identified in this regard, a number of problems have limited the agricultural application of mycorrhiza to date. In this review, the sensitivity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi to certain agricultural management methods, the functional variability of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, and the variability of plant responsiveness will be discussed in particular. In addition we will focus on recent advances in the study of mycorrhiza in natural ecosystems, and illustrate how such knowledge might be used to further the integration of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in agricultural regimes, and so increase the sustainability and robustness of current practice.
Crowd Requirement Rating Technique (CrowdReRaT) Model for Crowd Sourcing

Requirement Engineering (RE) is an area of software engineering that handles the requirement and elicitation phase which involves the extraction of requirements from business users, clients, and or stakeholders. Producing software that is widely acceptable by prospective users is a function of the accuracy of the requirements gathered during the requirement and elicitation phase of software development. Crowd Requirement Engineering (CrowdRE) is an emerging method that utilizes the power of the crowd kicking out the traditional method for collecting software requirements. The power of a crowd is in its diversity of expertise and talents however, there is still the challenge of managing the crowd, analyzing, and annotating crowd requirements. This research work aims at developing a multi-level CrowdRE model known as the Crowd Requirement Rating Technique (CrowdReRaT) that enable annotation of requirements by different crowd members at various level. Several models were reviewed systematically to identify their areas of strengths and weaknesses. However, a recommendation for integrating a mini personality survey to know and understand the nature and skillsets of crowd members was suggested.
Effects of Garbage Enzyme on the Heavy Metal Contents and the Growth of Castor under Mine Tailing

Pot experiment was performed to study the effect of garbage enzyme from the peel dregs of kiwifruit and Rosa roxburghii on the growth of castor and the contents of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb) in the aerial part. The results indicated that the addition of two kinds of garbage enzyme with different concentrations was beneficial to the growth of castor, and the biomass of castor could be increased by up to 80%. High-concentration of Rosa roxburghii enzyme inhibited the absorption of heavy metals by castor, low-concentration of Rosa roxburghii enzyme showed a promotion effect; while high-concentration of kiwifruit enzyme increased the content of heavy metals in the aerial part of castor, low-concentration of kiwifruit enzyme showed inhibition, with a maximum decrease of 21% ∼ 42%. The results showed that kiwifruit enzyme with 1:800 diluted concentration could promote the growth of castor, and had the best inhibition effect on heavy metal absorption of castor.
Light transmittance, soil temperature, and soil moisture under residue of hairy vetch and rye

Cover crop residue on the surface of soils in no-tillage systems can suppress weed emergence and growth. Although allelopathy often is invoked to explain weed suppression by residue, physical alterations of the seed environment could be important as well. This experiment was conducted to determine the light, temperature, and moisture conditions under cover crop residue. Hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth) and rye (Secale cereale L.) were desiccated with a contact herbicide and residue rates ranging from one-fourth to four times the natural residue biomass were estahlished in experiments at Beltsville, MD and Ithaca, NY. Photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) was determined above and below residue at approximately monthly intervals after initiation of the experiment [. ]
Differential Diagnosis of Reactive and Infectious Arthritis after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Summary. Relevance. Negative results of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction occur in 10-20% of cases. The incidence of infectious arthritis can reach up to 1.7% and even up to 7.1%, according to the literature. However, ACL reconstruction can be complicated not only by infectious but also by reactive arthritis. Differential diagnosis between infectious and reactive arthritis is often hard to be done, but it is necessary for effective treatment. Objective: to determine the possible causes of the development of reactive and infectious arthritis after ACL reconstruction, peculiarities of their diagnostics and differential diagnostics. Materials and Methods. The literature data regarding the frequency of reactive and infectious arthritis after various methods of surgical treatment of ACL injury and the use of different types of implants, as well as laboratory indicators of the activity of the inflammatory process in the postoperative period and such indicators in reactive and infectious arthritis, were analyzed. We also analyzed literature data on the sensitivity and specificity of various methods of microbiological studies in patients with infectious synovitis or arthritis. Results. Numerous probable causes of a higher incidence of infectious arthritis in ACL reconstruction are suspected. Synthetic implants may be the cause of the development of reactive arthritis, according to a number of studies. Our experience in using different biodegradable fixators from various manufacturers suggest that the percentage of complications depends not only on the fact of the biodegradability of the implant, but on its composition, and even on the percentage of tricalcium phosphate or the manufacturer. Therefore, it is impossible to unambiguously state that biodegradable fixators are worse or better then metallic or non-biodegradable polymeric ones. However, on average, if we consider all existing fixators from various manufacturers, the number of complications when using biodegradable implants is higher. Diagnosis of reactive arthritis is often based on negative bacteriological findings. Given the not always high sensitivity of bacteriological inoculation of synovial fluid and the duration of the investigation, we cannot rely only on its results. Conclusions. The most difficult for differential diagnosis between infectious and reactive arthritis (synovitis) is acute synovitis after ACL reconstruction with normal results of bacteriological studies, but high biochemical parameters of inflammation. We suggest to suspect infectious arthritis after ACL reconstruction in the following hemogram values: 1) CRP >40-50 mg/l, 2) ESR >30-50 mm/h, 3) fibrinogen >800 mg/ml, 4) procalcitonin in blood plasma >0.5 ng/ml, 5) leukocytosis and left shift of the leukocyte formula, with the following synovial fluid test parameters: a) CRP >40-50 mg/l, b) leukocytosis with an increase in the percentage of polymorphonuclear leukocytes >75%.
Do white whales, Delphinapterus leucas, carry surrogates in response to early loss of their young?

Seven sightings in which mature belugas were seen to persist in carrying inanimate objects leads us to the hypothesis that this might be surrogate behaviour in response to perinatal mortality. The long period of dependence by the calf on its mother would indicate a strong mother–calf bond in this species, which might lead to such an extreme manifestation of protective behaviour.
CONSUMERS' RESPONSES TO FOOD PRODUCTS WITH INCREASED LEVELS OF POLYUNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS

Pigs were reared on different diets, leading to different percentages of PUFA'S (up to 40%) in their fat. Pork products, mostly cold, were evaluated by a consumer panel for overall preferences, and on various characteristics such as color, etc. Panel members evaluated also the acceptability of the products. Results show that the modified pork products do reasonably well, compared with standard products. The biggest exception is liver sausage.
Effects of Endogenous Auxin on Citrus Somatic Embryogenesis

This study investigated the changes in endogenous auxin concentration during embryogenesis of citrus (Citrus sinensis Osb.) in tissue culture. Embryogenic callus (EC) was induced from ovules of 'Trovita orange' and 'Oomishima navel'. In both varieties, the EC having greater capacity for embryogenesis had a correspondingly higher endogenous indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) concentration. When the EC in 'Washington navel' and 'Oomishima navel' were cultured on hormone-free media which can induce embryogenesis, the IAA concentration increased for 2 days, then rapidly decreased and stabilized 14 days later. These results suggest that the decrease in IAA concentration is closely related to citrus embryogenesis.
FIRE IN AMAZONIAN SELECTIVELY LOGGED RAIN FOREST AND THE POTENTIAL FOR FIRE REDUCTION

Approximately 8000 km2 of Brazilian Amazon forest are selectively logged each year. Although virgin forest in eastern Amazonia is generally immune to fire, selectively logged forests are susceptible to fire. In eastern Amazonia we employed permanent-plot studies, forest fuel moisture measurements, and hemispheric canopy photographs to study the impacts of fire on a selectively logged forest, the microclimatic conditions that foster forest fires, and the measures that loggers might take to reduce fire incidence. Significant tree mortality followed a typical ground fire in a selectively logged forest. Forty-four percent of all trees ≥10 cm in diameter at breast height died in a burned plot while only 3% died in an unburned plot. In large logging gaps the density of regenerating pioneer species increased by >60% in burned plots 15 mo after the fire, while it decreased by >40% in unburned plots. The rate of fuel drying in selectively logged forest was influenced by photon flux density (PFD), time since loggin.
A suggested physical explanation for the existence of a biological boundary at 24°30′S in the Benguela system

The distributions of shoals, commercial catches and larvae of pelagic fish species in the Benguela ecosystem suggest that a well-defined biological boundary exists near 24°30′S, in the vicinity of Meob Bay. Available physical oceanographic data, particularly the seasonal distribution of temperature and cube of the wind speed, are examined and reference is made to two case studies consisting of images derived from NOAA-7 and NIMBUS-7, to demonstrate mesoscale variability in sea surface temperature, near-surface chlorophyll and the surface circulation pattern. Surface distributions of temperature, salinity and chlorophyll revealed no significant longshore gradients in the region that could explain the biological boundary, but the wind data suggest that the rate at which kinetic energy is supplied to the surface layers, and hence the turbulent mixing, decreases substantially north of 24°30′S. The effect is seen in vertical temperature profiles along the coast as appreciably stronger stratification on the equ.
PREVALENCE OF TST, ENTC, ENTA AND ENTA/C GENES IN STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS STRAINS ISOLATED FROM DIFFERENT FOODS

Background: Staphylococcus aureus is a major foodborne pathogen throughout the world. Enterotoxins and toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 are important virulence factors and as pyrogenic toxin superantigens have profound effects on the ir host. Thus circulation of TSST 1 producing S.aureus among people and food chain is a worrying issue. The present paper was conducted to study Prevalence of tst, ent C , ent A and ent A/C genes in staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from different foods. Methods: Over 1040 food samples have been analyzed differentially according to Iran national standard (number= 1194 ) for S.aureus identification. After DNA extraction, PCR reactions were carried out by reference strain as positive control, adequate primers. Results: At present study, prevalence of foodstuffs contaminated by S.aureus isolates was about 9.5% ( 100 strains). Of 25% of isolates producing ent C , 28% (seven strains) had tst gene at the same time and of 8% of isolates producing ent A , 12.5% (one strain) were positive for tst genes simultaneously. Altogether of 9% isolates producing combination of ent C and ent A , 44.4% (four strains) were also producer of tst gene. Conclusion: Prevalence of TSST 1 producing strains in combination with enterotoxin genes is considerable especially with ent C and A plus C . On the other hand, circulation of these isolates in humans, animals, foods and environment has hazardous effect for general public health. Abstract
Sharing national security information in Finland

ABSTRACT Safeguarding Finland’s national security is a collaborative function of the intelligence authorities and their clients and partners. This collaboration requires a sharing of national security information within the intelligence community, and with other public authorities – both domestic and foreign – as well as with enterprises and corporations. The first objective of this article is to distinguish norms regulating the sharing of national security information from the intelligence and data processing legislation, and to organise this legal substance into three categories: Disclosure of information in (1) national co-operation, (2) international co-operation, and for (3) crime prevention. The second objective is to identify areas of development in each of these three categories and accordingly suggest law and policy recommendations for the future.
Some characterizations of Gallai graphs

Gallai graph of a graph G is a graph whose vertices are the edges of G and the adjacency of the vertices depends on whether they are part of a triangle or not in G. We find some forbidden subgraph characterization of graphs for which Gallai graph is either a trivially perfect graph or a 3-sun-free graph or an interval graph.
Early experience utilizing artificial intelligence shows significant reduction in transfer times and length of stay in a hub and spoke model

Background Recently approved artificial intelligence (AI) software utilizes AI powered large vessel occlusion (LVO) detection technology which automatically identifies suspected LVO through CT angiogram (CTA) imaging and alerts on-call stroke teams. We performed this analysis to determine if utilization of AI software and workflow platform can reduce the transfer time (time interval between CTA at a primary stroke center (PSC) to door-in at a comprehensive stroke center (CSC)). Methods We compared the transfer time for all LVO transfer patients from a single spoke PSC to our CSC prior to and after incorporating AI Software (Viz.ai LVO). Using a prospectively collected stroke database at a CSC, demographics, mRS at discharge, mortality rate at discharge, length of stay (LOS) in hospital and neurological-ICU were examined. Results There were a total of 43 patients during the study period (median age 72.0 ± 12.54 yrs., 51.16% women). Analysis of 28 patients from the pre-AI software (median age 73.5 ± 12.28 yrs., 46.4% women), and 15 patients from the post-AI software (median age 70.0 ± 13.29 yrs., 60.00% women). Following implementation of AI software, median CTA time at PSC to door-in at CSC was significantly reduced by an average of 22.5 min. (132.5 min versus 110 min; p = 0.0470). Conclusions The incorporation of AI software was associated with an improvement in transfer times for LVO patients as well as a reduction in the overall hospital LOS and LOS in the neurological-ICU. More extensive studies are warranted to expand on the ability of AI technology to improve transfer times and outcomes for LVO patients.
Oviposition mistakes in herbivorous insects: confusion or a step towards a new host plant?

Insects sometimes lay eggs on host plants unsuitable for their offspring. One explanation for this behavior has been that the association of insect and plant is new, and therefore, the insect has not had time to develop a capacity for discrimination. We explore an alternative explanation using a simulation model of gall-forming cecidomyiid oviposition behavior. It is demonstrated that insects which can discriminate between plant types have little advantage over «confused» (non-discriminating) counterparts when the proportion of poor host plants is large and the time available for oviposition is short. When non-discriminating females also oviposit on their eclosion plant the advantage of discrimination is negligible. We suggest that for insects where a host shift is costly, e.g. gall-forming cecidomyiids with an intimate relationship with the plant, there are only small penalties to retaining a non-discriminating oviposition strategy. Insect traits such as short adult life span and poor capacity for directed flight further act to maintain the insect in a state of perpetual «confusion»
Experimental derivation of functions relating growth of Arabidopsis thaliana to neighbour size and distance

1 A dynamic competition kernel for a plant growing in the presence of a neighbour is a function describing how the competitive effect experienced by the plant depends on its own size, and the size of and distance to a neighbour. Competition experiments on Arabidopsis thaliana were used to derive dynamic competition kernels for this species. 2 The experiments entailed growing target plants in isolation, and with single neighbours of different relative sizes, and at different distances. Growth was determined from repeated measures of the area occupied by each plant. Target plants with smaller neighbours, or with neighbours that were further away, grew to a larger size than targets with larger, or closer, neighbours. 3 Relative growth rate (RGR) of isolated plants was best described by the Gompertz equation, a standard plant growth equation that reduces RGR in proportion to the logarithm of plant size. 4 Competition kernels were constructed by modifying the Gompertz equation to include the competitive effect of a neighbour. Alternative kernels (including the zone of influence model), with and without a parameter of asymmetry of competition, were constructed from observed growth rates of target plants with neighbours over short time intervals. The kernels were evaluated based on their ability to predict the size of targets and neighbours over a much longer time period. 5 The kernel that best described growth overall was a simple function proportional to the logarithm of neighbour size, and decreasing with distance to the neighbour. The zone of influence model was best able to describe the effects of distance on competition, but was relatively unsuccessful when the two plants differed substantially in size. Including a parameter for asymmetry did not provide any notable improvements in predictive ability, and in many cases made the predictions worse.
Copper toxicity to the endoparasitic trematode (Posthodiplostomum minimum) relative to physid snail and bluegill sunfish intermediate hosts

A laboratory study was conducted to determine copper toxicity to the endoparasitict ematode Posthodiplostomum minimum (MacCallum) relative to snail first intermediate hosts and bluegills (Lepomis macrochirus Rafinesque) as second intermediate hosts. To determine copper effects on cercariae, the life‐cycle stages of P. minimum were established in the laboratory. A 96‐h median lethal concentration (LC50) test for bluegills was performed, and the calculated value of 0.892 mg/L total Cu was considered in selection of copper concentrations for all other experiments. Snail hosts (Physella gyrina (Say)) exposed to copper concentrations equal to 0, 8.9, 22.3, 44.6, and 89.2 μg/L Cu, exhibited a significant toxic response with ∼64% and ∼87% mortality occurring in the 44.6 and 89.2 μg/L concentrations, respectively. The 7‐d LC50 for snails was 38.0 μg/L Cu. Free‐swimming cercariae exposed to the same copper concentrations exhibited a similar toxic response with a 9‐h LC50 of 32.0 μg/L Cu and a 12‐h LC50 of 26.0 μg/L Cu.
[Clinical efficacy of mechanical bacterial lysate in the prevention of infectious exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease].

AIM To evaluate the efficacy of mechanical bacterial lysate on the prevention of infectious exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in patients with frequent exacerbations. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study included patients (n=60) with frequent exacerbations of COPD (groups C and D according to the GOLD classification). All COPD patients were divided into two groups by blind method. The first group (n=30) received conventional therapy for COPD plus MBL (the course included 3 cycles of 10 days therapy with 20-day intervals between them). The second group of patients (control, n=30) received conventional therapy for COPD without MBL.We evaluated the severity of symptoms, frequency of recurrence of COPD exacerbations, readmissions, need for emergency care and changes in basic therapy of COPD. Evaluations were done on 10 days, 1, 3 and 6 months from the start of the study. RESULTS Adding of MBL to the therapy list of COPD resulted in a significant decrease of biomarkers of systemic inflammation and sputum purulence during compared to the control group. After 6 months of observation MBL group demonstrated statistically significant improvement of respiratory function, decrease in frequency of COPD exacerbations, needs for emergency medical service, reduced changes in basic therapy and hospitalization for exacerbation of COPD. Therapy with MBL showed a high degree of safety and low incidence of adverse events. CONCLUSION The results of the study indicate that MBL may be used for the prevention of severe infectious exacerbations of COPD.