Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Practical Euthanasia Method for Common Sea Stars (Asterias rubens) That Allows for High-Quality RNA Sampling

Simple Summary Sea stars are iconic marine invertebrates and are important for maintaining the biodiversity in their ecosystems. As humans, we interact with sea stars when they are used as research animals or displayed at public or private aquaria. Molecular research requires fresh tissues that have thus far been considered to be of the best quality if collected without euthanasia. This is the first paper describing a method to euthanize sea stars that still allows for sampling of high-quality tissue that can be used for advanced research. Since it can be difficult to tell if an invertebrate has died, it is important to use a two-step method where the first step makes it non-responsive and the next step ensures it has died. Sea stars were placed in a solution of magnesium chloride until they no longer reacted to having their underside or oral surface tapped. Sea stars did not seemingly find the magnesium chloride solution unpleasant. After they were no longer reactive, the sea stars were immediately sampled. Tissue from their digestive glands was extracted and interpreted to be of adequate quality for molecular research techniques. This study promotes animal welfare while maintaining high-quality tissue sampling for molecular research. Abstract Sea stars in research are often lethally sampled without available methodology to render them insensible prior to sampling due to concerns over sufficient sample quality for applied molecular techniques. The objectives of this study were to describe an inexpensive and effective two-step euthanasia method for adult common sea stars (Asterias rubens) and to demonstrate that high-quality RNA samples for further use in downstream molecular analyses can be obtained from pyloric ceca of MgCl2-immersed sea stars. Adult common sea stars (n = 15) were immersed in a 75 g/L magnesium chloride solution until they were no longer reactive to having their oral surface tapped with forceps (mean: 4 min, range 2–7 min), left immersed for an additional minute, and then sampled with sharp scissors. RNA from pyloric ceca (n = 10) was isolated using a liquid–liquid method, then samples were treated with DNase and analyzed for evaluation of RNA integrity number (RIN) for assessment of the quantity and purity of intact RNA. Aversive reactions to magnesium chloride solution were not observed and no sea stars regained spontaneous movement or reacted to sampling. The calculated RIN ranged from 7.3–9.8, demonstrating that the combination of animal welfare via the use of anesthesia and sampling for advanced molecular techniques is possible using this low-cost technique.
Sleep Quality among Breast and Prostate Cancer Patients: A Comparison between Subjective and Objective Measurements

Breast and prostate cancer patients may experience physical and psychological distress, and a possible decrease in sleep quality. Subjective and objective methods measure different aspects of sleep quality. Our study attempted to determine differences between objective and subjective measurements of sleep quality using bivariate and Pearson’s correlation data analysis. Forty breast (n = 20) and prostate (n = 20) cancer patients were recruited in this observational study. Participants were given an actigraphy device (ACT) and asked to continuously wear it for seven consecutive days, for objective data collection. Following this period, they filled out the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Questionnaire (PSQI) to collect subjective data on sleep quality. The correlation results showed that, for breast cancer patients, PSQI sleep duration was moderately correlated with ACT total sleeping time (TST) (r = −0.534, p < 0.05), and PSQI daytime dysfunction was related to ACT efficiency (r = 0.521, p < 0.05). For prostate cancer patients, PSQI sleep disturbances were related to ACT TST (r = 0.626, p < 0.05). Both objective and subjective measurements are important in validating and determining details of sleep quality, with combined results being more insightful, and can also help in personalized care to further improve quality of life among cancer patients.
Can Potato Plants Be Colonized with the Fungi Metarhizium and Beauveria under Their Natural Load in Agrosystems?

Beauveria and Metarhizium fungi are facultative plant endophytes that provide plant growth-stimulating, immunomodulatory, and other beneficial effects. However, little is known about the level of plant colonization by these fungi under natural conditions. We assessed the endophytic colonization of potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) with entomopathogenic fungi at their natural load in soils (102–104 colony-forming units per g). Microbiological analyses of soils and plant organs, as well as a metagenomic analysis of potato roots and leaves, were conducted in three locations in Western Siberia, consisting of conventional agrosystems and kitchen gardens. The fungi were isolated at a relatively high frequency from unsterilized roots (up to 53% of Metarhizium-positive plants). However, the fungi were sparsely isolated from the internal tissues of roots, stems, and leaves (3%). Among the genus Metarhizium, two species, M. robertsii and M. brunneum, were detected in plants as well as in soils, and the first species was predominant. A metagenomic analysis of internal potato tissues showed a low relative abundance of Beauveria and Metarhizium (<0.3%), and the communities were represented primarily by phytopathogens. We suggest that colonization of the internal tissues of potatoes occurs sporadically under a natural load of entomopathogenic fungi in soils. The lack of stable colonization of potato plants with Beauveria and Metarhizium may be due to competition with phytopathogens.
Avaliação de métodos de desofuscação de palavrões

Cursing is a form of expression that is noted by its intensity. When someone uses this form of expression they are emitting a spontaneous and raw form of opinion, usually suppressed for the ``mild ways'' and sensitive people. As it happens, this sort of expression is also valuable when doing some sort of opinion mining and sentiment analysis, now a routine task across the social networks. Therefore in this work we try to evaluate the methods that allow the recovery of this forms of expression, disguised through obfuscation methods, often as a way to escape automatic censorship.
Irradiance Sensing through PV Devices: A Sensitivity Analysis

In this work, a sensitivity analysis for the closed-form approach of irradiance sensing through photovoltaic devices is proposed. A lean expression to calculate irradiance on a photovoltaic device, given its operating point, temperature and equivalent circuit model, is proposed. On this expression, the sensitivity towards errors in the measurement of the photovoltaic device operating point and temperature is analyzed, determining optimal conditions to minimize sensitivity. The approach is studied for two scenarios, a stand-alone sensor and irradiance sensing on an operating power-producing photovoltaic device. A low-cost realization of a virtual sensor employing the closed form for monitoring performance of photovoltaic module is also presented, showing the advantage of this kind of simple solution. The proposed solution can be used to create a wireless sensor network for remote monitoring of a photovoltaic plant, assessing both electrical and environmental conditions of the devices in real time.
The Effect of Polarized Training (SIT, HIIT, and ET) on Muscle Thickness and Anaerobic Power in Trained Cyclists

This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of two different concepts in a training program on muscle thickness and anaerobic power in trained cyclists. Twenty-six mountain bike cyclists participated in the study and were divided into an experimental group (E), which performed polarized training, comprising sprint interval training (SIT), high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and endurance training (ET), and a control group (C), which performed HIIT and ET. The experiment was conducted over the course of 9 weeks. Laboratory tests were performed immediately before and after the conducted experiment, including an ultrasound measurement of the quadriceps femoris muscle thickness and a sprint interval testing protocol (SITP). During the SITP, the cyclists performed 4 maximal repetitions, 30 s each, with a 90-s rest period between the repetitions. SITP was performed to measure maximal and mean anaerobic power. As a result of the applied training program, the muscle thickness decreased and the mean anaerobic power increased in the experimental group. By contrast, no significant changes were observed in the control group. In conclusion, a decrease in muscle thickness with a concomitant increase in mean anaerobic power resulting from the polarized training program is beneficial in mountain bike cycling.
Different Performance of Phthorimaea operculella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) among Four Potato Tuber Varieties under Laboratory Condition

Simple Summary Phthorimaea operculella is considered one of the most damaging potato pests in both field and storage. Learning the developmental performance of P. operculella on different potato varieties is necessary before developing management practices. Abstract The potato tuber moth Phthorimaea operculella Zeller is one of the most damaging potato pests in the world and is difficult to control as the larvae feed only inside potatoes. Evaluating the effects of performance of P. operculella on different potato varieties may help to facilitate the development of effective pest management practices. In our study, P. operculella reared on potato variety Lishu6 showed strong performance and on Qingshu 9 exhibited the poorest performance, while P. operculella fed on Hezuo 88 and Yunshu 304 performed moderately. Firstly, larval performance of P. operculella fed on Lishu 6 with that on Hezuo 88, Yunshu 304, and Qingshu 9 was compared by using an age-stage two-sex life table. Compared with larvae fed on Lishu 6, those fed on Qingshu 9 exhibited significantly lower survival, with only 5.56% developing to the adult stage. Secondly, the pupal weight experiment showed that the pupae weight of P. operculella feeding on Lishu 6 tubers (0.0123 g) was significantly heavier than that those feeding on Qingshu 9 (0.0102 g) (p < 0.001). Thirdly, female oviposition and larvae feeding preference indicated that females oviposited on Lishu 6 in preference to Qingshu 9 (p < 0.05, p < 0.001). Overall, this study demonstrated that Qingshu 9 is the least suitable host, and planting this variety over a large scale can provide a basis for the next step of P. operculella control.
Discrimination between Eggs from Stink Bugs Species in Europe Using MALDI-TOF MS

Simple Summary Recent globalization of trade and travel has led to the introduction of exotic insects into Europe, including the brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys)—a highly polyphagous pest with more than 200 host plants, including many agricultural crops. Unfortunately, farmers and crop-protection advisers finding egg masses of stink bugs during crop scouting frequently struggle to identify correctly the species based on their egg masses, and easily confuse eggs of the invasive H. halys with those of other (native) species. To this end, we have investigated using matrix-assisted laser desorption and ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) for rapid, fieldwork-compatible, and low-reagent-cost discrimination between the eggs of native and exotic stink bugs. Abstract In the current paper, we used a method based on stink bug egg-protein immobilization on filter paper by drying, followed by post-(storage and shipping) extraction in acidified acetonitrile containing matrix, to discriminate between nine different species using MALDI-TOF MS. We obtained 87 correct species-identifications in 87 blind tests using this method. With further processing of the unblinded data, the highest average Bruker score for each tested species was that of the cognate reference species, and the observed differences in average Bruker scores were generally large and the errors small except for Capocoris fuscispinus, Dolycoris baccarum, and Graphosoma italicum, where the average scores were lower and the errors higher relative to the remaining comparisons. While we observed clear discrimination between the nine species using this method, Halyomorpha halys and Piezodorus lituratus were more spectrally related than the other pairwise comparisons.
Combining Inertial Sensors and Machine Learning to Predict vGRF and Knee Biomechanics during a Double Limb Jump Landing Task

(1) Background: Biomechanics during landing tasks, such as the kinematics and kinetics of the knee, are altered following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and reconstruction. These variables are recommended to assess prior to clearance for return to sport, but clinicians lack access to the current gold-standard laboratory-based assessment. Inertial sensors serve as a potential solution to provide a clinically feasible means to assess biomechanics and augment the return to sport testing. The purposes of this study were to (a) develop multi-sensor machine learning algorithms for predicting biomechanics and (b) quantify the accuracy of each algorithm. (2) Methods: 26 healthy young adults completed 8 trials of a double limb jump landing task. Peak vertical ground reaction force, peak knee flexion angle, peak knee extension moment, and peak sagittal knee power absorption were assessed using 3D motion capture and force plates. Shank- and thigh- mounted inertial sensors were used to collect data concurrently. Inertial data were submitted as inputs to single- and multiple- feature linear regressions to predict biomechanical variables in each limb. (3) Results: Multiple-feature models, particularly when an accelerometer and gyroscope were used together, were valid predictors of biomechanics (R2 = 0.68–0.94, normalized root mean square error = 4.6–10.2%). Single-feature models had decreased performance (R2 = 0.16–0.60, normalized root mean square error = 10.0–16.2%). (4) Conclusions: The combination of inertial sensors and machine learning provides a valid prediction of biomechanics during a double limb landing task. This is a feasible solution to assess biomechanics for both clinical and real-world settings outside the traditional biomechanics laboratory.
De-Europeanisation in European foreign policy-making: assessing an exploratory research agenda

ABSTRACT This Conclusion poses a number of cross-cutting questions, and explores the ways in which the Special Issue has addressed them. The questions are: (1) Is de-Europeanisation in European foreign policy-making simply an ‘internal’ process? (2) Is de-Europeanisation a tactic or a trend? (3) Is de-Europeanisation in European foreign policy-making just ‘politics’? (4) Is de-Europeanisation about capacity, or about legitimacy? (5) How does de-Europeanisation relate to the potential costs and risks of European foreign policy? (6) Is de-Europeanisation a one-way street? In addressing these issues, the article identifies a number of potential areas for further research relating to the forms, processes and implications of de-Europeanisation.
The Domestic Challenge to EU Foreign Policy-Making: From Europeanisation to de-Europeanisation?

ABSTRACT Developing a novel conceptualization of ‘de-Europeanisation’, this introduction provides a common theoretical framework to advance our understanding of EU foreign policy-making in times of internal and external challenges. De-Europeanisation relates to situations where EU foreign policy-making runs against the grain of certain Member States’ declared values and interests; where Member States are less willing to engage in collective foreign policy-making at the EU-level, prioritising other multilateral frameworks or (unilateral) national actions; and where the results of that policy-making are, on occasion, explicitly undermined by Member State practice. Departing from the understanding that (de)Europeanisation is an overarching ‘framework’ rather than a theory, authors focus on – and theorize about – different ‘drivers’, ‘elements’ and ‘dynamics’ of de-Europeanisation’. The theoretical framework developed in this introduction provides guidance for the following individual articles, which are mapped against a common understanding of de-Europeanisation and which locate themselves within the overarching conceptual framework. This will allow for a systematic analysis, comparison and evaluation across the different case studies included in this special issue.
Single-cell damagenome profiling unveils vulnerable genes and functional pathways in human genome toward DNA damage

A new single-cell whole-genome amplification method allows the genome-wide characterization of DNA damage and gene vulnerability. We report a novel single-cell whole-genome amplification method (LCS-WGA) that can efficiently capture spontaneous DNA damage existing in single cells. We refer to these damage-associated single-nucleotide variants as “damSNVs,” and the whole-genome distribution of damSNVs as the damagenome. We observed that in single human neurons, the damagenome distribution was significantly correlated with three-dimensional genome structures. This nonuniform distribution indicates different degrees of DNA damage effects on different genes. Next, we identified the functionals that were significantly enriched in the high-damage genes. Similar functionals were also enriched in the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) detected by single-cell transcriptome of both Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This result can be explained by the significant enrichment of high-damage genes in the DEGs of neurons for both AD and ASD. The discovery of high-damage genes sheds new lights on the important roles of DNA damage in human diseases and disorders.
Forearm muscle mitochondrial capacity and resting oxygen uptake: Relationship to symptomatic fatigue in persons with multiple sclerosis

Background Mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). Whether mitochondrial alterations are a function of ambulatory dysfunction or are of a non-ambulatory systemic nature is unclear. Objective To compare oxidative capacity, and rest muscle oxygen consumption (mVO2) in the upper limb of persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) to a control group (CON), whereby an upper limb would be comparatively independent of ambulation or deconditioning. Methods Near infra-red spectroscopy was used to measure oxidative capacity of the wrist flexors in PwMS (n = 16) and CON (n = 13). Oxidative capacity was indicated by the time constant (TC) of mVO2 recovery following brief wrist flexion contractions. Measurements included well-being, depression, symptomatic fatigue, disability, handgrip strength, cognition, and functional endurance. Analysis was by T-tests and Pearson correlations with p ≤ 0.05. Data are mean (SD). Results TC of mVO2 recovery was slower in PwMS (MS = 47(14) sec, CON = 36(11) sec; p = 0.03). No significant correlations were found between oxidative capacity and any other measures. Rest mVO2 was not different between groups, but correlated with symptomatic fatigue (r = 0.694, p = 0.003) and strength (0.585, p = 0.017) in PwMS. Conclusion Oxidative capacity was lower in the wrist flexors of PwMS, possibly indicating a systemic component of the disease. Within PwMS, rest mVO2 was associated with symptomatic fatigue.
Climate therapy and the development of South Africa as a health resort, c.1850–1910

Abstract Historical research is undeveloped concerning tourism in sub-Saharan Africa. This research contributes to scholarship about the history of tourism for climate and health. In South Africa the beginnings of international tourism are associated with its emergence as a health resort and to climate therapy. Using archival sources an analysis is undertaken of the factors that influenced the emergence of South Africa as a health destination during the 19th century. Climate therapy was of particular interest for the treatment of consumption or tuberculosis. Arguably, the perceived therapeutic regenerative qualities of South Africa's climate became a driver for the development of a form of international tourism that pre-dated the country's emergence as a leisure tourism destination.
A real-time matching system for large-small field of view images based on Zynq

Aiming at the requirement of real-time matching between the large field of view image of the night vision goggles on helmet and the small field of view image of the infrared rifle sight in the individual observation and sighting system, this paper uses the Zynq heterogeneous embedded platform and adopts the software and hardware co-design method to build a system that can match the two images in real time. Experiments show that when the large field of view image is 640×480 pixels, the small field of view image is 200×200 pixels, and the frame rate of the two cameras is 25 frames per second, this system’s matching frame rate reaches 23 frames per second, which meets the needs of real-time matching. The system has a certain degree of robustness to rotation and zooming, and its matching accuracy is high.
Effective deep learning training method using blur and noise filter to detect defect in TFT-LCD PAD

In this paper, we propose a preprocessing method of exploiting noise and blur for effective noise elimination in data. At present, there are many kinds of research to improve the performance of object classification, detection, and image segmentation based on deep learning. For instance, adding noise to data, multiple in-depth convolution layers, and data augmentation have been studied in many ways. An in-depth convolution network results in long processing time and data augmentation gives a burden to memory usage. However, adding noise and blur data preprocessing method gives less burden to hardware, which helps improve algorithm performance. The proposed method is applied to TFT-LCD (Thinfilm Transistor Liquid Crystal Display) PAD defect detection for improved performance. To verify the accuracy and repeatability, 691 actual defect images are used in experiments. These images are composed of complex patterns and defects in the images having barely 2 pixels with little intensity difference. To confirm which filters are better, Gaussian blur, Salt & Pepper noise, and Gaussian noise filters are used for comparison. According to the result, the experiments with Salt & Pepper and Gaussian noise detect all defects. However, the repeatability of the Gaussian noise filter seems better than that with Salt & pepper. Furthermore, applying noise and blur to train data shows more than twice higher detection accuracy than those without such applications. We verified that using Gaussian noise and blur indicates excellent accuracy and repeatability when inspecting the TFT-LCD PAD area in AOI machines.
Fast Brillouin optical time-domain reflectometry based on frequency-agile technology for dynamic strain measurements

Two types of fast Brillouin optical time-domain reflectometry (BOTDR) for dynamic strain measurements have been proposed and experimentally demonstrated based on the frequency-agile technology. Using the frequency-agile modulated reference wave, the spontaneous Brillouin gain spectrum (BGS) is fast scanned in the frequency domain. Then, the spontaneous BGS can be reconstructed in the time domain by employing the band-pass filter and envelope detection. The frequency-agile technology enables two fast frequency-modulation methods, optical frequency sweeping and optical chirp chain modulation. Based on these two methods, the proposed fast BOTDR allows for a distributed, one-end-access and dynamic strain measurements. Besides, the sensing performance is investigated with different experiment parameters. The dynamic strain with dozens of Hertz vibrating frequency is successfully measured for both fast BOTDR schemes, which shows the proposed fast BOTDR a bright prospect.