Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A centimeter-long bacterium with DNA compartmentalized in membrane-bound organelles

Cells of most bacterial species are around 2 µm in length, with some of the largest specimens reaching 750 µm. Using fluorescence, x-ray, and electron microscopy in conjunction with genome sequencing, we characterized Ca. Thiomargarita magnifica, a bacterium with an average cell length greater than 9,000 µm that is visible to the naked eye. We found that these cells grow orders of magnitude over theoretical limits for bacterial cell size through unique biology, display unprecedented polyploidy of more than half a million copies of a very large genome, and undergo a dimorphic life cycle with asymmetric segregation of chromosomes in daughter cells. These features, along with compartmentalization of genomic material and protein synthesis in membrane-bound organelles, indicate gain of complexity in the Thiomargarita lineage, and challenge traditional concepts of bacterial cells. One Sentence Summary Ca. T. magnifica are compartmentalized centimeter-long bacteria
Evolutionary genomics of socially polymorphic populations of Pogonomyrmex californicus

Social insects vary considerably in their social organization both between and within species. In the California harvester ant, Pogonomyrmex californicus (Buckley 1867), colonies are commonly founded and headed by a single queen (haplometrosis, primary monogyny). However, in some populations in California (USA), unrelated queens cooperate not only during founding (pleometrosis) but throughout the life of the colony (primary polygyny). The genetic architecture and evolutionary dynamics of this complex social niche polymorphism (haplometrosis vs pleometrosis) have remained unknown. Here, we provide a first analysis of its genomic basis and evolutionary history using population genomics comparing individuals from a haplometrotic population to those from a pleometrotic population. We discovered a recently evolved (< 200 k years), 8 Mb non-recombining region segregating with the observed social niche polymorphism. This region shares several characteristics with supergenes underlying social polymorphisms in other socially polymorphic ant species. However, we also find remarkable differences from previously described social supergenes. Particularly, four additional genomic regions not in linkage with the supergene show signatures of a selective sweep in the pleometrotic population. Within these regions, we find for example genes crucial for epigenetic regulation via histone modification (chameau) and DNA methylation (Dnmt1). These results suggest that social morph in this species is a polygenic trait involving a potential young supergene. Further studies targeting haplo- and pleometrotic individuals from a single population are however required to conclusively resolve whether these genetic differences underlie the alternative social phenotypes or have emerged through genetic drift.
Gamification in Higher Education - a Pilot Study with SQL Course

Nowadays studying Computer Science or Information Technologies is a stable trend for young people who want to have a successful and well-paid career. Unfortunately, part of the students simply follows this trend, instead of being deeply involved in the area of ICT, which calls for additional effort in motivating them. Moreover, the COVID-19 crisis moved a lot of courses into online mode and lecturers had to create or to enrich existing digital learning content and online activities in their courses in order to keep the quality of the educational process. Gamification is possibly one of the modern approaches to increase students' motivation to study more effective. In this paper, a pilot study of the implementation of gamified self-training and self-assessment in an online SQL course conducted during the spring 2020 and 2021 semesters is presented. Technological and methodological issues of implementing gamification are discussed too. Usage of gamified self-training and self-assessment in SQL course allows higher final achievements of the students regardless of some used gamified elements and number of gamified self-trainings. © 2021 Copyright for this paper by its authors.
Assessment of Eating Behaviors and Lifestyle Habits of Community Living Indian Adults, with and without Irritable Bowel Syndrome

The study was aimed at comparing the eating behaviours, stress symptoms and lifestyle habits, like sleep quality and amount of physical activity, also anthropometric indices and socio-demographic variables of community living 18-45 years old Indian adults with and without Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). The study was an observational cross sectional study. Snowball method of convenience sampling was used to recruit 214 participants. An electronic self reported questionnaire was used to collect data. The association between categorical variables was assessed using chi square test. Linear regression was used to predict the independent association of lifestyle factors on the odds of having IBS. Significance for all the statistical measures was determined at <0.05 level. IBS was diagnosed positive for 16 of the 214 participants, thus prevalence was found to be 7.5%. In the IBS positive group, about 54% were females and 87.5% were in the age group of 18-25 years alone. 62.5% of the IBS positives had a larger than normal waist circumference. 67% reported their bowel habit to be alternating between diarrhoea and constipation. Sleep quality was reported to be poor in 100% of the IBS positive population. Mild and moderate depression was found to be prevalent among the IBS positives. About 74.3% of the individuals with IBS were found to be moderately inactive. Pulse preparations (p=0.003), and fruits like apples (p<0.000) and bananas (p<0.010), were consumed lesser by the IBS group. HFSS items like Biscuits (p=0.041) and Cakes (p<0.000) were consumed more often by them. A similar trend was seen for Chaats (p=0.012), Ice creams (p<0.000), Chocolates (p=0.006), Coffee (p=0.049) and Soft drinks (p=0.038). Skipping at least one major meal in a day (p<0.000) and replacing a meal with an energy bar (p=0.029) were more frequent in the IBS group than the normal individuals. Linear regression analysis revealed that a lower PSQI Score (p= 0.012), Larger waist circumference (p=0.001), Certain foods being triggers to GI symptoms and thus avoiding them (p=0.006), Consuming alcohol (p=0.042) to be significantly related to the IBS occurrence. The study concluded that a female gender and younger age group can be predicted to be a risk factor of IBS. Irregular eating habits and bad dietary choices can aggravate symptoms. Regular physical activity, taking care of mental health, following sleep hygiene and being conscious about food choices can be beneficial in preventing IBS symptoms.
: Online Primal-Dual Algorithms

The idea of online primal-dual algorithm is to simultaneously maintain a feasible primal solution x and a feasible dual solution y. At t-th arrival, the algorithm updates both the primal and the dual while maintaining feasibility. Since weak-duality implies that a feasible dual gives a bound on the optimal primal value, we get the following lemma (which is a slight generalization because we allow a scaled dual to be feasible).
Influences on User Trust in Healthcare Artificial Intelligence: A Systematic Review

Background: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly prominent in domains such as healthcare. It is argued to be transformative through altering the way in which healthcare data is used. The realisation and success of AI depend heavily on people’s trust in its applications. Yet, influences on trust in healthcare AI (HAI) applications so far have been underexplored. The objective of this study was to identify aspects related to users, AI applications and the wider context influencing trust in HAI. Methods: We performed a systematic review to map out influences on user trust in HAI. To identify relevant studies, we searched seven electronic databases in November 2019 (ACM digital library, IEEE Explore, NHS Evidence, ProQuest Dissertations & Thesis Global, PsycINFO, PubMed, Web of Science Core Collection). Searches were restricted to publications available in English and German. To be included studies had to be empirical; focus on an AI application (excluding robotics) in a health-related setting; and evaluate applications with regards to users. Results: Three studies, one mixed-method and two qualitative studies in English were included. Influences on trust fell into three broad categories: human-related (knowledge, expectation, mental model, self-efficacy, type of user, age, gender), AI-related (data privacy and safety, operational safety, transparency, design, customizability, trialability, explainability, understandability, power-control-balance, benevolence) and context-related (AI company, media, users’ social network). The factors resulted in an updated logic model illustrating the relationship between these aspects. Conclusion: Trust in HAI depends on a variety of factors, both external and internal to AI applications. This study contributes to our understanding of what influences trust in HAI by highlighting key influences, as well as pointing to gaps and issues in existing research on trust and AI. In so doing, it offers a starting point for further investigation of trust environments as well as trustworthy AI applications.
SUERF Policy Brief No 256 , January 2022 Operating leverage and its importance during the Covid-19 pandemic

The Covid-19 pandemic provoked a series of epidemiological measures resulting in a significant decline in corporate activity, especially in economic sectors that require social contact. This sudden stop of business activity exposed the sensitivity of the corporate sector to operating leverage (the pressure of fixed costs). Using the sample of the Croatian corporate sector (2008-2020) we show that firms with higher fixed costs generally have lower financial leverage and keep higher liquidity buffers as a precaution. Moreover, we show that their profitability and liquidity is more sensitive to a slow-down in business activity. Without the fiscal support, during the pandemic, profitability pressure on high fixed costs firms would have provoked adjustments in terms of reducing capacities, which would have impeded economic recovery. Understanding operating leverage is therefore important not only for understanding the developments around the Covid-19 pandemic but also for understanding and improving resilience of the corporate sector, for instance, against climate events and supply chain disruptions. SUERF Policy Brief No 256, January 2022
A Survey on Secure and Efficient Item Information Retrieval in Cloud Computing

: Cloud computing is a promising information technique (IT) that can organize a large amount of IT resources in an efficient and flexible manner. Increasingly numerous companies plan to move their local data management systems to the cloud and store and manage their product information on cloud servers. But for protecting data privacy, sensitive data has to be encrypted before outsourcing. An accompanying challenge is how to protect the security of the commercially confidential data, while maintaining the ability to search the data. The various searchable encryption techniques are used. Privacy problems have become very challenge one in a cloud computing environment. Privacy is the protection for the truthful use of personal information of cloud user. Privacy preserving data search schemes were designed to ensure that only legitimate users based on identifiers or keywords, and have the ability to search the data. These schemes safeguard the user’s personal data but enable the server to return to the target ciphertext file according to the query request. Thus, we can ensure the security of user data and privacy while not unduly reducing the query efficiency.
Intra-Palpebral Tuberculin Skin Test and Interferon Gamma Release Assay in Diagnosing Tuberculosis Due to Mycobacterium caprae in European Bison (Bison bonasus)

Despite the threat posed by tuberculosis (TB) to the protected European bison (Bison bonasus), no validated TB tests exist for this species. This pilot study evaluates two tests based on detecting cellular immunity for this purpose: interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) and tuberculin skin test (TST). Ten animals were subjected to ante-mortem and post-mortem examinations. IGRA was performed using a commercial test, and the comparative TST was performed in the eyelids. The lesions were assessed post-mortem and material was collected for mycobacterial culture. The isolated strains were subjected to genotyping. At post-mortem examination, five out of ten individuals demonstrated both tuberculous lesions and positive culture results (Mycobacterium caprae). Compared to the palpebral TST, the findings of the IGRA are easier to interpret when diagnosing tuberculosis in European bison.
A Master-Slave Game Optimization Model for Electric Power Companies Considering Virtual Power Plant

As an emerging and active entity in China’s electricity market, electricity selling companies call for a more reliable operational mechanism and new consumption mode to broaden their profit margins. Aiming at distributed power generation-based sales companies and by considering the participation of virtual power plants (VPPs), this paper presents the relevant operating systems in the Chinese power market. Then the paper proposes a new platform for power transactions and optimal dispatch based on a master-slave game optimization model. The model is built so that the main gamer, power sales company, can achieve maximum profit while at the same time the secondary gamer, represented by the VPP attains the lowest internal dispatching cost. The energy of both parties is linked together, and the two parties continuously exchange their own strategies and optimize the operational decisions and scheduling plans iteratively. The results of the investigated case study reveal the benefits to retail electricity companies from adopting the proposed model to aggregate and manage decentralized resources, and optimize decision-making. The platform facilitates the use of controllable loads and distributed energy sources to participate in market transactions on a large scale, and optimize the operational strategies of electric utilities.
Estimation of genetic parameters and the effect of inbreeding on dairy traits in Istrian sheep

Abstract Pedigree analysis is an important tool for assessing genetic variability and detecting heritage patterns in domestic animals. This study aimed to (1) assess genetic variability, (2) estimate genetic parameters for daily milk yield (DMY), fat content (FC), and protein content (PC), and (3) estimate the impact of inbreeding on the aforementioned dairy traits in Istrian sheep breed. The generation interval was 3.8 years. The average family size per sire and dam was 13.5 and 1.6, respectively. There were 923 female and 282 male founders (f), 105 male and 137 female effective founders (fe ), and 72 male and 95 female effective ancestors (fa ). A total of 28 sires and 34 dams explained 50% of the genetic variability. The effective number of male and female founder genomes (fne ) was 33 and 53, respectively. Low fe/f (0.37 and 0.15), high fe/fa (1.45 and 1.44), and low fne /fe (0.45 and 0.39) for males and females indicated overuse of a small number of animals in reproduction and substantial loss of founder alleles. The heritabilities of MY, FC, and PC were 0.09, 0.03, and 0.06, respectively. Genetic correlations between DMY and FC, DMY and PC, and FC and PC were −0.22, −0.27, and 0.70, respectively. Regression of phenotypes on inbreeding coefficient ( ) within the animal genetic model revealed negligible inbreeding depression for all traits (p<.01; a 1% increase in decreased DMY, FC, and PC by 0.002 kg/day, 0.01%, and 0.002%, respectively). Regression of breeding values on was insignificant for all traits (p>.05). HIGHLIGHTS Genetic diversity, genetic parameters and the impact of inbreeding on dairy traits were estimated using pedigree information. Results indicate recent loss of genetic variability, low heritability and negligible impact of inbreeding on dairy traits. Genomic optimum contribution selection is the best solution to achieve genetic gain and slow down the loss of genetic variability in this population.
Designing for Patient Safety

Empirically evaluate existing and future interfaces for their suitability to user task. Wiseman, Cox, and Brumby (2013) conducted an analysis of the patterns of digits and numbers used when programming infusion devices across multiple wards at a hospital over 5 years. They found that zero is the most commonly entered digit, the most common values for rate and drug volume are round numbers ending in zero, and the third most common value for rate is 999. The authors concluded that the current design of number entry interfaces in infusion pumps is not optimized for usage patterns. They suggest the following guidelines when designing number entry interfaces:
Ipsilateral Vestibular Schwannoma after Cochlear Implantation

Objective The vestibular schwannoma incidence rate is approximately 4.2 per 100,000/year. Thus far, about 700,000 cochlear implantations have been performed worldwide; therefore, the occurrence of vestibular schwannoma postcochlear implantations can be assumed to be infrequent. Recent developments allow safe observation and surveillance of the implanted-side internal auditory canal (IAC) and cochlea by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), even after cochlear implantation. Patients. A 71-year-old woman with sudden hearing loss and a contralateral vestibular schwannoma without clinical and genetic signs of neurofibromatosis type II. Intervention(s). Ipsilateral cochlear implantation and contralateral vestibular schwannoma extirpation with regular tumor follow-up. Main Outcome Measure(s). Comparison of ipsilateral pre and postcochlear implantation 3T MRI T1 GAD. Results We observed a tumor growing at the fundus of the internal auditory canal 1 year after cochlear implantation on the ipsilateral side. Although first detected after cochlear implantation beside a known vestibular schwannoma on the contralateral side, a scan slice thickness of 2 mm cannot fully exclude the preoperative persistence of a small tumor. Based on the clinical findings and after genetic exclusion of NFII, the patient was classified as a NFII mosaic type. Conclusion Even after cochlear implantation, tumors in the IAC causing vertigo, facial palsy, and affecting the audiologic outcome can be detected by MRI. The MRI slice thickness used before cochlear implantation should be under 2 mm.
Research of Grid-connected Photovoltaic Inverter

A double direction inverter of grid-connected photovoltaic is discussed in theory.The math model of the system voltage and power grid current is established using analytical method of small signal,a control scheme of the system steady and correspond preferences is designed.Finally,solar grid-connected photovoltaic inverter with power system networking run,and the experiment shows the control system model feasibility and practicability in engineering,it has utility value for development and study of grid-connected photovoltaic invert product.
Beneficial Effects of Eruca sativa Defatted Seed Meal on Visceral Pain and Intestinal Damage Resulting from Colitis in Rats

Most therapies used in patients affected by inflammatory bowel diseases are ineffective in preventing the development of chronic visceral hypersensitivity, mainly due to inflammation-induced enteric neuroplasticity. Glucosinolates, secondary metabolites mainly of Brassicaceae with anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, are effective in treating both neuropathic and arthritis pain through H2S release and Kv7 potassium channel activation. The aim of this work was to investigate the protective and anti-hyperalgesic efficacy of a defatted seed meal from Eruca sativa Mill. (Brassicaceae), rich in glucosinolates, in a rat model of colitis induced by 2,4-dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (DNBS). The mechanisms of action were also investigated. Visceral pain was assessed by measuring the abdominal response to colorectal distension. Fifteen days after colitis induction, the acute administration of E. sativa defatted seed meal (0.1–1 g kg−1 p.o.) dose-dependently relieved pain. This effect was hampered by co-administering an H2S scavenger or a selective Kv7 blocker. Administering E. sativa (1 g kg−1) for 14 days, starting after DNBS injection, contributed to counteracting visceral pain persistence in the post-inflammatory phase of colitis by promoting colon healing from the damage and reducing enteric gliosis. E. sativa defatted seed meal might be employed as a nutraceutical tool for supporting abdominal pain relief in patients.
COMBINED EFFECTS OF STRAW RETURNING AND NITROGEN FERTILIZER APPLICATION ON CROP YIELD AND NITROGEN UTILIZATION IN THE CHERNOZEM OF NORTHEAST CHINA

Balancing the relationship between straw returning and fertilizer, especially nitrogen fertilizer application is vital for achieving the goal of reducing fertilization and improving soil fertility. To better understand their combined effects on crop yield and nitrogen utilization, a study was conducted to explore the effects of straw returning and nitrogen fertilizer application on crop yield and nitrogen utilization. In contrast to straw return, nitrogen fertilizer application had a more significant effect on the crop yield. Straw ploughing led to significantly higher crop yield under the nitrogen fertilizer application rates of 0, 90, 150 kg/ha compared to straw mulching (P < 0.05). No significant differences for > 150 kg/ha concerning their effects on crop yield were observed between straw ploughing and mulching. The optimal residual return amount was 9000 kg/ha and straw return was not decisive to crop yield under the same nitrogen fertilizer application rate. Straw ploughing better promoted nitrogen uptake, utilization, harvest and retention than straw mulching and no residue addition when combined with nitrogen fertilizer application. These findings demonstrate that straw ploughing and 150 kg/ha nitrogen fertilizer application rate is a better combination for implementing stable production and enhancing nitrogen utilization synchronously in the chernozem of Northeast China.
Targeting the Endocannabinoidome in Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic Ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the most common malignancy of the pancreas, is an aggressive and lethal form of cancer with a very high mortality rate. High heterogeneity, asymptomatic initial stages and a lack of specific diagnostic markers result in an end-stage diagnosis when the tumour has locally advanced or metastasised. PDAC is resistant to most of the available chemotherapy and radiation therapy treatments, making surgery the most potent curative treatment. The desmoplastic tumour microenvironment contributes to determining PDAC pathophysiology, immune response and therapeutic efficacy. The existing therapeutic approaches such as FDA-approved chemotherapeutics, gemcitabine, abraxane and folfirinox, prolong survival marginally and are accompanied by adverse effects. Several studies suggest the role of cannabinoids as anti-cancer agents. Cannabinoid receptors are known to be expressed in pancreatic cells, with a higher expression reported in pancreatic cancer patients. Therefore, pharmacological targeting of the endocannabinoid system might offer therapeutic benefits in pancreatic cancer. In addition, emerging data suggest that cannabinoids in combination with chemotherapy can increase survival in transgenic pancreatic cancer murine models. This review provides an overview of the regulation of the expanded endocannabinoid system, or endocannabinoidome, in PDAC and will explore the potential of targeting this system for novel anticancer approaches.