Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Identification of an efficient filtering-segmentation technique for automated counting of fish fingerlings

The counting of fish fingerlings is an important process in determining the accurate consumption of feeds for a certain density of fingerlings in a pond. Image processing is a modern approach to automate the counting process. It involves six basic steps, namely, image acquisition, cropping, scaling, filtering, segmentation, and measurement and analysis. In this study, two (2) filtering and two (2) segmentation algorithms are identified based on the following observations: the nonuniform brightness and contrast of the image; random noise brought about by feeds, waste, and spots in the container; and the likelihood of the image samples or application used by the different authors of the smoothing and clustering algorithms in their respective experiments. Four (4) combinations of filtering-segmentation algorithms are implemented and tested. Results show that combination of local normalization filter and iterative selection threshold yield a very high counting accuracy using the measurement function such as Precision, Recall, and F-measure. A Graphical User Interface (GUI) is also presented to visualize the image processing steps and its counting results.
Multimodal Imaging of Post-Infectious Unilateral Outer Retinopathy and Choroiditis

ABSTRACT Purpose: To describe with multimodal imaging a case of post-infectious unilateral outer retinopathy with choroiditis. Methods: Retrospective chart review of a case of a 67-year old male who presented following the onset of viral symptoms with an acute onset outer retinopathy, small vessel leakage on fluorescein angiography, and choroidal involvement evident on indocyanine green angiography and near infrared fundus autofluorescence (NIR-AF). Work up for infectious and autoimmune etiologies was negative. Results: Treatment with IV methylprednisolone followed by high dose oral prednisone resulted in improvement in visual acuity, outer retinal reconstitution and resolution of the choroidal changes. Conclusions: Despite this presentation sharing features with both acute zonal occult outer retinopathy (AZOOR) and multifocal choroiditis (MFC), the case is highly atypical of both entities.
Cognitive Bias in Zoo Animals: An Optimistic Outlook for Welfare Assessment

Simple Summary Cognitive bias testing has emerged as one of the most valid tools in measuring animals’ affective states, and while it has been extensively applied in farm and laboratory settings, only a few studies have taken place in zoos and aquaria. This review evaluates past cognitive bias studies on non-domesticated, “exotic” species kept in zoos or other settings and uses their experiences to make recommendations for establishing this research in zoos. The many variables inherent to functioning zoo environments will determine the scope and design of cognitive bias studies, but equally future efforts should be cognizant of the significant and unique benefits for the animals, managers, and scientists involved. Abstract Cognitive bias testing measures how emotional states can affect cognitive processes, often described using the “glass half-full/half-empty” paradigm. Classical or operant conditioning is used to measure responses to ambiguous cues, and it has been reported across many species and contexts that an animal’s cognitive bias can be directly linked to welfare state, e.g., those in better welfare make more optimistic judgements. Cognitive bias testing has only recently been applied to animals and represents a key milestone in welfare science: it is currently one of the only accurate methods available to measure welfare. The tests have been conducted on many farm, laboratory, and companion animal species, but have only been carried out in zoo settings a handful of times. The aims of this review are to evaluate the feasibility of cognitive bias testing in zoos and its potential as a tool for studying zoo animal welfare. The few existing zoo cognitive bias studies are reviewed, as well as those conducted on similar, non-domesticated species. This work is then used to discuss how tests could be successfully designed and executed in zoo settings, which types of tests are most appropriate in different contexts, and how the data could be used to improve animal welfare. The review closely examines the many variables are present in the zoo which cannot be controlled as in other settings, termed here the Zoo Environment (ZE) Variables. It is recommended that tests are developed after consideration of each of the ZE Variables, and through strong collaboration between zookeepers, managers, and academic institutions. There is much unexplored potential of cognitive bias testing in the zoo setting, not least its use in investigating animal welfare in zoos. It is hoped that this review will stimulate increased interest in this topic from zoo managers, scientists, and industry regulators alike.
Impact of Sox11 over-expression in Ba/F3 cells

In mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) there is controversy as to whether SOX11 acts as an oncogene or a tumor suppressor. To investigate its function as a potential oncogene, Sox11 was induced in the pro-B cell line Ba/F3, a cell-line previously used for the evaluation of the transformation capability of
Therapeutic Role of Green Tea Polyphenols in Improving Fertility: A Review

Sperm cells are highly sensitive to reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are produced during cellular oxidation. In normal cell biology, ROS levels increase with a decreasing antioxidant response, resulting in oxidative stress which threatens sperm biology. Oxidative stress has numerous effects, including increased apoptosis, reduced motion parameters, and reduced sperm integrity. In this regard, green tea polyphenols (GrTPs) have been reported to possess properties that may increase the quality of male and female gametes, mostly via the capability of catechins to reduce ROS production. GrTPs have antioxidant properties that improve major semen parameters, such as sperm concentration, motility, morphology, DNA damage, fertility rate, and gamete quality. These unique properties of green tea catechins could improve reproductive health and represent an important study area. This exploratory review discusses the therapeutic effects of GrTPs against infertility, their possible mechanisms of action, and recommended supportive therapy for improving fertility in humans and in animals.
Synchronous-hysteresis superconducting machine with stacks of second generation tapes

Superconducting Electric Machines (SEM) have some advantages compared to machines with conventional conductors, such as higher power density, weight reduction, increased efficiency, and higher overload capacity. Those properties make the SEM ideal for several applications where a lighter and smaller machine is necessary. The SEM can be constructed using high temperature superconductor (HTS) bulks with trapped field or with superconducting tapes arranged as coils. Recent works have been proposed to replace the HTS bulk by stacks of second generation (2G) tapes to trap the magnetic field. Electric machines using trapped field in stacks of 2G tapes were not deeply investigated in the literature. In this context, the purpose of the present work is to study a SEM constructed with 2G tape stacks spirally arranged on the rotor. A small-scale SEM prototype was constructed and tested at 77 K in a laboratory bench. The tape stacks can be used in the SEM to operate in the synchronous or hysteresis regime, depending on the torque demanded by the load. Results as quasi-static torque, torque at locked rotor and torque vs. speed are presented. These results can help us to project the next generation of SEM.
LOW FREQUENCY OF EXTRA-PAIR PATERNITY AND HIGH FREQUENCY OF ADOPTION IN BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKES

Abstract We studied the timing and frequency of extra-pair copulations and extra-pair fertilizations in the Black-legged Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla), a socially monogamous seabird that breeds in dense colonies. We recorded 313 copulations by 82 marked pairs in 25 000 nest-hr over three years. We recorded only two extra-pair copulations, both of which were obtained by opportunistic males that disrupted pair copulations in progress. Pairs performed a mean of 14 copulations per clutch suggesting that males may copulate relatively frequently for paternity assurance. Our parentage analysis based on eight microsatellite markers did not detect any extra-pair paternity in 119 offspring from 86 broods; however we did detect three cases of adoption caused by chicks moving to adjacent nests. The between-nest movement of a minimum of 8% of chicks suggests that escaping siblicide may be an adaptive strategy for some nestlings, despite the risk of falling into the sea and drowning (observed in 11 of 21 chicks). Baja Frecuencia de Paternidad Extra-Pareja y Alta Frecuencia de Adopción en Rissa tridactyla Resumen. Estudiamos la frecuencia de cópulas y fertilizaciones extra-pareja y el momento en que éstas ocurrieron en Rissa tridactyla, un ave marina socialmente monógama que se reproduce en colonias densas. Registramos 313 cópulas por parte de 82 parejas marcadas en 25 000 horas-nido a través de tres años. Registramos sólo dos cópulas extra-pareja, ambas obtenidas por machos oportunistas que perturbaron cópulas que se estaban efectuando entre miembros de una pareja. Las parejas realizaron un promedio de 14 cópulas por nidada, lo que sugiere que los machos estarían copulando frecuentemente para asegurar su paternidad. Nuestros análisis basados en ocho marcadores microsatélites no detectaron ninguna instancia de paternidad extra-pareja en 119 crías de 86 nidadas. Sin embargo, detectamos tres casos de adopción causados por el movimiento de pichones a nidos adyacentes. El movimiento entre nidos de al menos el 8% de los pichones sugiere que escapar del siblicidio podría ser una estrategia adaptativa para algunos de éstos, a pesar del riesgo de caer al mar y ahogarse, lo que se observó en 11 de 21 pichones.
Pomegranate Juice Increases Sirtuin1 Protein in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell from Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Placebo Controlled Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND Few studies have examined anti-inflammatory effects of pomegranate juice (PJ). The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of PJ on nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65 and sirtuin1 in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC), and plasma vascular inflammation biomarkers. METHODS Patients with type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned to either the PJ (n = 22) or the placebo group (n = 22). The patients in the PJ group received 250 mL of PJ daily for 12 weeks, whereas the placebo group received corresponding control beverages of similar color and energy content. At baseline and at the end of week 12, fasting plasma concentrations of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule type 1 (sICAM-1), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule type 1 (sVCAM-1), and soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin) were measured. NF-κB p65 and SIRT1 were measured in the PBMC. RESULTS Plasma sE-selectin concentration decreased significantly in the PJ group at the end of week 12 compared to baseline (P < 0.001 for treatment effect), and the reduction was significant in comparison with the placebo group (P < 0.05 for treatment effect). There were no significant differences between the two groups in plasma sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1. At the end of the study, compared with the placebo group, NF-κB p65 in PBMC was significantly lower (P < 0.01 for treatment effect) and SIRT1 was significantly higher (P < 0.0001 for treatment effect) in the PJ group. CONCLUSION This study supports the PJ consumption as a food with potential benefits in individuals with type 2 diabetes as evidenced by improvements in NF-κB and SIRT1 levels in PBMC of study participants.
Universitet Integrating new approaches to atrial fibrillation management the 6 th AFNET / EHRA Consensus Conference

Kotecha, Dipak; Breithardt, Günter; Camm, A John; Lip, Gregory Y H; Schotten, Ulrich; Ahlsson, Anders; Arnar, David; Atar, Dan; Auricchio, Angelo; Bax, Jeroen; Benussi, Stefano; Blomstrom-Lundqvist, Carina; Borggrefe, Martin; Boriani, Giuseppe; Brandes, Axel; Calkins, Hugh; Casadei, Barbara; Castellá, Manuel; Chua, Winnie; Crijns, Harry; Dobrev, Dobromir; Fabritz, Larissa; Feuring, Martin; Freedman, Ben; Gerth, Andrea; Goette, Andreas; Guasch, Eduard; Haase, Doreen; Hatem, Stephane; Haeusler, Karl Georg; Heidbuchel, Hein; Hendriks, Jeroen; Hunter, Craig; Kääb, Stefan; Kespohl, Stefanie; Landmesser, Ulf; Lane, Deirdre A; Lewalter, Thorsten; Mont, Lluís; Nabauer, Michael; Nielsen, Jens C; Oeff, Michael; Oldgren, Jonas; Oto, Ali; Pison, Laurent; Potpara, Tatjana; Ravens, Ursula; RichardLordereau, Isabelle; Rienstra, Michiel; Savelieva, Irina; Schnabel, Renate; Sinner, Moritz F; Sommer, Philipp; Themistoclakis, Sakis; Van Gelder, Isabelle C; Vardas, Panagiotis E; Verma, Atul; Wakili, Reza; Weber, Evelyn; Werring, David; Willems, Stephan; Ziegler, André; Hindricks, Gerhard; Kirchhof, Paulus
Les jeux de faces dans le marchandage des Vietnamiens

Resume: Les faces sont des notions de base de la theorie de politesse linguistique. Pour avoir une relation harmonieuse entre les interactants, il leur faut s’amenager l’un l’autre, c’est-a-dire respecter les faces d’autrui ou ne pas les menacer. Dans une negociation de prix le marchandage, le vendeur et le client vietnamiens utilisent des strategies differentes pour gagner leur face negative (de l’argent). Ces trategies peuvent etre tres polies pour donner la face a l’autre mais aussi des strategies tres impolies qui menacent la face de celui-ci. Ils peuvent meme se degrader leur face positive pour gagner la face negative. Tout cela cree une relation tres tendue dans une negociation conflictuelle.
Cyclodextrin-Enabled Polymer Composites for Packaging †

Cyclodextrin complexes of fragrances, antimicrobial agents, dyes, insecticides, UV-filters can be incorporated into polymers (packaging films, trays, containers) either to ensure the slow release or a homogeneous distribution of the complexed substances. This way the propagation of microorganisms on surface of enwrapped products is decelerated, or the product is made more attractive by slowly released fragrances, protected against UV-light-induced deterioration, oxidation, etc. Incorporating empty cyclodextrins into the packaging material an aroma barrier packaging is produced, which decelerates the loss of the aroma from the packaged food, prevents the penetration of undesired volatile pollutants from the environment, like components of exhaust gases, cigarette smoke, and reduces the migration of plasticizers, residual solvents and monomers, etc. Applying cyclodextrins in active packaging allows to preserve the quality of food and ensures a longer shelf-life for the packaged items.
It is time to start taking tobacco seriously as a risk factor for psychosis: self‐medication cannot explain the association

Citing this paper Please note that where the full-text provided on King's Research Portal is the Author Accepted Manuscript or Post-Print version this may differ from the final Published version. If citing, it is advised that you check and use the publisher's definitive version for pagination, volume/issue, and date of publication details. And where the final published version is provided on the Research Portal, if citing you are again advised to check the publisher's website for any subsequent corrections.
Effect of Remineralizing Gels on Microhardness, Color and Wear Susceptibility of Bleached Enamel.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of a remineralizing gel combining fluoride and calcium silicate/phosphate or a sodium fluoride gel on bleached enamel microhardness, color, and wear susceptibility. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Two hundred forty bovine enamel-dentin samples were prepared. Baseline analysis of Knoop microhardness, color coordinates (L*a*b*), and surface profile were performed. According to the baseline microhardness values, specimens were stratified into six groups (n=40): NC (negative control)-no treatment; BL (positive control)-bleaching with 40% hydrogen peroxide gel (Opalescence Boost, Ultradent); BL/Rs-bleaching + application of calcium silicate/phosphate gel (Regenerate Serum, Unilever - Rs); Rs/BL-Rs + bleaching; Rs/BL/Rs-Rs + bleaching + Rs; and BL/F-bleaching + 2% sodium fluoride gel. After the treatment described for each group, color change (ΔE) and microhardness were evaluated again. To evaluate abrasion susceptibility, samples were randomly divided into two subgroups, according to the toothpaste used (Cp-Close Up or Rt-Regenerate), and underwent 100,000 brushing strokes. The profile of each sample was evaluated and the mean wear calculated. The data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey tests. RESULTS: All bleached groups showed a significant reduction of microhardness in relation to the negative control. The groups treated with remineralizing gels showed a significantly higher microhardness and less wear than the positive control, although nonsignificant differences were observed among them. Nonsignificant differences in ΔE were found among bleached groups. The groups brushed with Regenerate toothpaste showed significantly less wear than those brushed with Close Up toothpaste. CONCLUSIONS: The remineralizing gels did not interfere with bleaching efficacy. However, all the treatments minimized the surface hardness reduction caused by the bleaching procedure and enamel loss after abrasion. Regenerate toothpaste resulted in less enamel abrasion.
Recommended Protocols for Instrumental Assessment of Voice: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Expert Panel to Develop a Protocol for Instrumental Assessment of Vocal Function.

Purpose The aim of this study was to recommend protocols for instrumental assessment of voice production in the areas of laryngeal endoscopic imaging, acoustic analyses, and aerodynamic procedures, which will (a) improve the evidence for voice assessment measures, (b) enable valid comparisons of assessment results within and across clients and facilities, and (c) facilitate the evaluation of treatment efficacy. Method Existing evidence was combined with expert consensus in areas with a lack of evidence. In addition, a survey of clinicians and a peer review of an initial version of the protocol via VoiceServe and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's Special Interest Group 3 (Voice and Voice Disorders) Community were used to create the recommendations for the final protocols. Results The protocols include recommendations regarding technical specifications for data acquisition, voice and speech tasks, analysis methods, and reporting of results for instrumental evaluation of voice production in the areas of laryngeal endoscopic imaging, acoustics, and aerodynamics. Conclusion The recommended protocols for instrumental assessment of voice using laryngeal endoscopic imaging, acoustic, and aerodynamic methods will enable clinicians and researchers to collect a uniform set of valid and reliable measures that can be compared across assessments, clients, and facilities.
Mir‐1287 suppresses the proliferation, invasion, and migration in hepatocellular carcinoma by targeting PIK3R3

Mature microRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small noncoding RNA molecules involved in regulation of post‐translational gene expression. Although aberrant levels of miRNAs have been found in various tumor tissues, their importance in tumor development and the molecular basis of their regulatory role remain unclear. Our bioinformatic analysis on The Cancer Genome Atlas database and microarray‐based comparison of miRNA in different cell lines revealed that the level of mir‐1287 is suppressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. When upregulated, mir‐1287 can reduce the tumorigenesis phenotypes of HCC cells in several in vitro models. We further found that mir‐1287 directly targets messenger RNA encoding PIK3R3, which is a tumor‐promoting factor acting in several pathways linked to tumorigenesis. Our study suggests that aberrant suppression of mir‐1287 is potentially responsible for the development of HCC, and miRNA‐based strategies may be developed for efficient detection and treatment of HCC.
Designs of Empirical Evaluations of Nonexperimental Methods in Field Settings

Over the last three decades, a research design has emerged to evaluate the performance of nonexperimental (NE) designs and design features in field settings. It is called the within-study comparison (WSC) approach or the design replication study. In the traditional WSC design, treatment effects from a randomized experiment are compared to those produced by an NE approach that shares the same target population. The nonexperiment may be a quasi-experimental design, such as a regression-discontinuity or an interrupted time-series design, or an observational study approach that includes matching methods, standard regression adjustments, and difference-in-differences methods. The goals of the WSC are to determine whether the nonexperiment can replicate results from a randomized experiment (which provides the causal benchmark estimate), and the contexts and conditions under which these methods work in practice. This article presents a coherent theory of the design and implementation of WSCs for evaluating NE methods. It introduces and identifies the multiple purposes of WSCs, required design components, common threats to validity, design variants, and causal estimands of interest in WSCs. It highlights two general approaches for empirical evaluations of methods in field settings, WSC designs with independent and dependent benchmark and NE arms. This article highlights advantages and disadvantages for each approach, and conditions and contexts under which each approach is optimal for addressing methodological questions.
Creating a holistic support service for people with vision impairment.

The diagnosis of visual impairment is life changing for patients as it has huge impacts on activities and tasks of daily living, self-identity, and mental wellbeing. In order to adapt to living with visual impairment, a multidimensional, holistic service is required in terms of practical, social, and emotional support and rehabilitation in order to empower people to become independent.1 The mental health needs of people with visual impairment, and in fact chronic diseases in general, are an important aspect that needs to be addressed as part of a holistic service. The Living Better Project,2 a Scottish Government-funded initiative in 2008, identified five key types of support that patients with chronic diseases desired: The above themes are the same for patients with visual impairment and many of these findings have been reflected in research specific to visual impairment. Specifically, patients with visual impairment have expressed a need for more emotional support and counselling, to gain skills …