Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Research on a Decision Prediction Method Based on Causal Inference and a Multi-Expert FTOPJUDGE Mechanism

Legal judgement prediction (LJP) is a crucial part of legal AI, and its goal is to predict the outcome of a case based on the information in the description of criminal facts. This paper proposes a decision prediction method based on causal inference and a multi-expert FTOPJUDGE mechanism. First, a causal inference algorithm was adopted to process unstructured text. This process did not require very much manual intervention to better mine the information in the text. Then, a neural network dedicated to each task was set up, and a neural network that simultaneously served multiple tasks was also set up. Finally, the pre-trained language model Lawformer was used to provide knowledge for downstream tasks. By using the public data set CAIL2018 and comparing it with current mainstream decision prediction models, it was shown that the model significantly improved the performance of downstream tasks and achieved great improvements in multiple indicators. Through ablation experiments, the effectiveness and rationality of each module of the proposed model were verified. The method proposed in this study achieved reasonably good performance in legal judgment prediction, which provides a promising solution for legal judgment prediction.
Application of Cyperus esculentus oil in the development of sustained release diclofenac sodium-loaded nanostructured lipid carrier

The aim of the work was to develop sustained release diclofenac sodium nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) using tigernut oil (TNO), solid lipids and polyethylene glycol 4000 (PEG 4000) and to evaluate the properties of the formulations. Structured lipids containing tiger nut oil, Softisan®154 and Phospholipon® 90H at varying ratios were prepared by fusion and used as the lipid carrier in formulating the NLC. PEGylated lipid carriers were also employed and the physicochemical properties of these formulations were studied using standard methods including particle size and polydispersity index, encapsulation efficiency, loading capacity and drug release. The results revealed some monodispersed nano-sized formulations that were stable over time. Particle size ranged from 75.22 ± 22.72 nm to 78.11 ± 32.73 nm. High encapsulation efficiency of about 92 % was obtained confirming the suitability of the TNO based carrier. In vitro drug release in simulated intestinal fluid (pH 7.2) revealed that PEGylated diclofenac sodium-loaded NLC exhibited significantly higher sustained release properties than the non-PEGylated formulations (p <0.05). The results of the drug release kinetics models revealed that the NLC followed a mixed order release kinetic. Hence, the findings in this work showed that TNO could be used as a lipid carrier matrix in combination with other solid lipids for the development of sustained release diclofenac sodium-loaded nanostructured lipid carrier.
Regulatory Fit across Levels of Abstraction

ABSTRACT Previous research has shown that regulatory fit has different effects on cognitive processes, such as the ability to make abstractions, or identifying various levels of perceptual characteristics from the environment. In the current study, we measured perceived abstractions under different environments of regulatory fit and mismatch by having the participants identify conceptual abstractions of distance and size, such as “far” and “large” under different regulatory environments of either fit or mismatch. Results showed no effect in reaction time in making associations between the different abstractions under the different regulatory environments, which reveals that more studies is needed to provide further insight into the relationship of different regulatory mindsets and its influence on cognitive processes, such as making associations and abstractions across different categories of conceptual words and pictures.
Genome-wide identification of long noncoding RNA genes and their potential association with mammary gland development in water buffalo

Objective Water buffalo, an important domestic animal in tropical and subtropical regions, play an important role in agricultural economy. It is an important source for milk, meat, horns, skin, and draft power, especially its rich milk that is the great source of cream, butter, yogurt, and many cheeses. In recent years, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to play pivotal roles in many biological processes. Previous studies for the mammary gland development of water buffalo mainly focus on protein coding genes. However, lncRNAs of water buffalo remain poorly understood, and the regulation relationship between mammary gland development/milk production traits and lncRNA expression is also unclear. Methods Here, we sequenced 22 samples of the milk somatic cells from three lactation stages and integrated the current annotation and identified 7,962 lncRNA genes. Results By comparing the lncRNA genes of the water buffalo in the early, peak, and late different lactation stages, we found that lncRNA gene lnc-bbug14207 displayed significantly different expression between early and late lactation stages. And lnc-bbug14207 may regulate neighboring milk fat globule-EGF factor 8 (MFG-E8) and hyaluronan and proteoglycan link protein 3 (HAPLN3) protein coding genes, which are vital for mammary gland development. Conclusion This study provides the first genome-wide identification of water buffalo lncRNAs and unveils the potential lncRNAs that impact mammary gland development.
Psychrotolerant Bacillus cereus: An emerging pathogen from foodborne diseases

Bacillus cereus is a foodborne pathogen which has become a concern to food industries due to its ability to produce spores. The high resistance of the spores against heat, radiation, and chemical agents allows them to survive much longer during food processing and sanitising treatments, and causes recontamination of the products. Furthermore, the emergence of psychrotolerant B. cereus species able to grow and proliferate at refrigeration temperatures has raised concerns for food industries as it shows enhanced germination at low temperatures which makes the problem associated with chilled and minimally processed foods much more complicated. Temperature discrepancies often occur during transportation and storing of chilled foods at retail and consumer’s homes, which provide more favourable conditions for the spores to germinate into active cells. The present review therefore highlights the current scientific knowledge associated with this pathogen, including an introduction on the characteristics, classification, sources, virulence, and foods associated with it, as well as the clinical syndromes and preventive measures to control and mitigate foodborne diseases it causes.
Observation of Thickness-Dependent Exchange Interaction in EuO Ultrathin Films

The electronic structure of single-crystalline EuO (100) ultrathin films, together with their exchange splitting energy (ΔE EX) and ferromagnetic phase transition temperature (T C), was investigated by temperature- and thickness-dependent angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. Both ΔE EX and T C decreased monotonically with decreasing film thickness. The band shift showed an opposite thickness dependence at the Γ and X points, reflecting the balance of the hybridization between the Eu 4f and O 2p states (super-exchange interaction) and between the Eu 4f, O 2p, and Eu 5d states (indirect-exchange interaction). The observed transition from an indirect energy gap in the bulk to a direct gap in the ultrathin films of the ferromagnetic semiconductor EuO could be potential in future spintronic devices.
Effects of in ovo application of resveratrol on hatchability, hatching time, yolk sac weight and chick performance in quail

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of in ovo resveratrol in hatching quail eggs on hatching traits, organ weights and chick performance. The eggs were randomly distributed into four groups as non-injected group (PC; Positive control), 0.2 ml saline (NC; Negative control), 0.2 ml solution containing 1 nmol of resveratrol (R1) and 0.2 ml solution containing 4 nmol of resveratrol (R4). Hatchability of set eggs (HSE) and hatchability of fertile eggs (HFE), embryonic mortality (EM), chick hatching time, yolk sac weight (YSW), and chick performance characteristics were investigated. The effects of in ovo resveratrol administration on the HSE were insignificant. HFE decreased significantly with in ovo resveratrol treatment. All injected groups were adversely affected in terms of embryonic deaths. The effect of in ovo resveratrol application on chick hatch weight, and YSW (g, %), chick performance was insignificant. It was observed that in ovo resveratrol treatment had no significant effect on the hatching time, except at 408 h of incubation. As a result, in ovo resveratrol application had a negative effect on hatchability and EM, but did not have affected the hatching time, YSW and chick performance.
Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Reveals Cellular and Transcriptional Changes Associated With Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is currently a substantial public health problem and one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. However, the cellular and transcriptional changes in TBI at single-cell level have not been well characterized. In this study, we reanalyzed a single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) dataset of mouse hippocampus to identify the key cellular and transcriptional changes associated with TBI. Specifically, we found that oligodendrocytes were the most abundant cell type in mouse hippocampus, and detected an expanded astrocyte population, which was significantly activated in TBI. The enhanced activity of inflammatory response-related pathways in the astrocytes of TBI samples suggested that the astrocytes, along with microglia, which were the major brain-resident immune cells, were responsible for inflammation in the acute phase of TBI. Hormone secretion, transport, and exocytosis were found upregulated in the excitatory neurons of TBI, which gave us a hint that excitatory neurons might excessively transport and excrete glutamate in response to TBI. Moreover, the ependymal subpopulation C0 was TBI-specific and characterized by downregulated cilium movement, indicating that the attenuated activity of cilium movement following TBI might decrease cerebrospinal fluid flow. Furthermore, we observed that downregulated genes in response to candesartan treatment were preferentially expressed in excitatory neurons and were related to pathways like neuronal systems and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, indicating that candesartan might promote recovery of neurons after traumatic brain injury via mediating neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions and reducing excitotoxicity. In conclusion, our study identified key cell types in TBI, which improved our understanding of the cellular and transcriptional changes after TBI and offered an insight into the molecular mechanisms that could serve as therapeutic targets.
2 DOF Low Cost Platform for Driving Simulator: Design and Modeling

In order to be an effective tool for driver evaluation and education, driving simulators need to be better designed to reduce simulator sickness. In this paper, we expose platform design, description and the modeling aspects of a 2 DOF low cost motion platform allowing the restitution of the longitudinal and yaw movements. To enhance the drive immersion in the virtual world, a haptic feedback steering wheel will be implemented. The whole system is considered as a two coupled systems and linked mechanically. The first system consists in motorized rail for the longitudinal movement while the second system consists in motorized yaw allowing either curve-taking movement. The platform mechanics is proposed as presented in the next sections to study the driving simulator sickness on the driver and especially the yaw component. Experimental studies were made to devise a characterization of the platform capabilities and frequency responses. Experimentations were carried out for classical drive operation. First conclusion and future works are established.
Green Building Project Cost Budgeting and Cost Control Integrating Interactive VR Genetic Algorithm

The development of buildings in the future will tend to the direction of green buildings. At present, most of the calculations of their costs usually use empirical models, which lack the basis for quantitative prediction. For the purpose of improving the accuracy of budget and control of project cost for green buildings, this paper applies interactive virtual reality (VR) genetic algorithm and analyze project budget accordingly. The prediction accuracy is effectively increased based on the mathematical analysis model. Finally, the test results suggest that the proposed algorithm can effectively improve the cost control efficiency and engineering quality of green buildings and reduce the construction cost of buildings.
Influences of Vitamin D and Iron Status on Skeletal Muscle Health: A Narrative Review

There is conflicting evidence of the roles vitamin D and iron have in isolation and combined in relation to muscle health. The purpose of this narrative review was to examine the current literature on the roles that vitamin D and iron have on skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function and how these nutrients are associated with skeletal muscle health in specific populations. Secondary purposes include exploring if low vitamin D and iron status are interrelated with skeletal muscle health and chronic inflammation and reviewing the influence of animal-source foods rich in these nutrients on health and performance. PubMed, Scopus, SPORT Discus, EMBAE, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar databases were searched to determine eligible studies. There was a positive effect of vitamin D on muscle mass, particularly in older adults. There was a positive effect of iron on aerobic and anaerobic performance. Studies reported mixed results for both vitamin D and iron on muscle strength and function. While vitamin D and iron deficiency commonly occur in combination, few studies examined effects on skeletal muscle health and inflammation. Isolated nutrients such as iron and vitamin D may have positive outcomes; however, nutrients within food sources may be most effective in improving skeletal muscle health.
Comparative study of distance metrics for t-closeness

In our present technical world we all have to submit our personal information to various organisations driven by mutual beneﬁts. The collected data has to be published. There was a need for exchange of the published data between diﬀerent parties. Given data in its original form contains sensitive information of the person. If the given data is published directly sensitive information is revealed to others which violates the privacy of individual directly. In order to publish the data without violating one’s personal privacy we use a technique called t -closeness. In this method the metric used was Earth Mover’s Distance(EMD). But this metric does not satisﬁes probability scaling property which makes it not to reﬂect the diﬀerence between the probabilities. This make EMD to produce inaccurate results which may increase the anonymization. In order to have a metrics that satisﬁes all the distance metric properties including probability scaling property we make a study on diﬀerent metrics like Squared Root Jensen-Shannon,Pearson and Divergence. We compare these metric by taking diﬀerent parameters like Discenibility Metrics,propensity score and precision.
Efficacy and optimal timing of low-volume aerial applications of copper fungicides for the control of red needle cast of pine

Background: Red needle cast (RNC) is a foliar disease of radiata pine (Pinus radiata D.Don), caused by Phytophthora pluvialis Reeser, Sutton & E.Hansen and occasionally Phytophthora kernoviae Brasier, Beales & S.A. Kirk. The disease has impacted plantations in New Zealand since at least 2008. To develop management recommendations for red needle cast, research has focused on identifying chemical control options and understanding pathogen epidemiology to guide optimal timing of spray application. The objectives of this study were to: (1) assess the efficacy of aerial copper fungicide application for the control of red needle cast in mature radiata pine plantations; and (2) investigate optimal spray timing. Methods: To address these objectives, three operational-scale field trials were undertaken in successive years between 2017 and 2019 at a forest in the Central North Island of New Zealand. RNC severity was assessed in canopies of forest blocks exposed to cuprous oxide applied at 0.855 kg ha-1 active ingredient in low-volume aerial spray at different times of the year (November, February and April (or May)). Needle cast from plantation trees and infection levels on trap plants were also assessed in some years. Results: Application of cuprous oxide significantly reduced RNC severity in all three trials. As well as reducing disease severity, application of cuprous oxide also tended to reduce needle cast from plantation trees and infection on trap plants in years when these were also assessed. No consistent effect of spray timing was observed. Generally, all three spray timings reduced disease severity compared to the unsprayed control, but differences were not always significant, and few differences were detected between different spray timings. Conclusions: The results reported here are the first to show that low-volume aerial applications of cuprous oxide applied at 0.855 kg ha-1 active ingredient can reduce the severity of RNC in commercial radiata pine plantations. No consistent effect of spray timing was detected. These findings support the development of management recommendations for RNC.
Static Delay Variation Models for Ripple-Carry and Borrow-Save Adders

This paper introduces two statistical delay-variability models for certain hardware adder implementations, namely, the ripple-carry adder (RCA) and the borrow-save adder (BSA). The introduced models take into account correlated variation sources. Initially, we derive a first proposed model, namely, Type-I model, in the form of expressions for the computation of the exact probability density functions (pdfs) of maximum output delays for Gaussian and non-Gaussian variation sources. Furthermore, we present closed formulas for the covariances between output delays of the aforementioned adder architectures. The introduced derived covariances are subsequently combined with Clark’s method to derive a second proposed model, Type-II model, which comprises approximations of the maximum delay pdfs for an RCA and a BSA. Simulation results and the derived exact Type-I PDFs are found to perfectly agree, while the proposed Clark-based Type-II models present an error for standard deviation of maximum delay that increases as BSA word length increases. Both the introduced models and the simulations prove that BSAs achieve narrower delay distributions than RCAs, i.e., they significantly reduce delay variance. Consequently, BSAs are proven to be suitable for variation-tolerant applications by providing a timing safety margin, when compared to RCA architectures. The underlying analysis indicates that for the case of BSA and either intra-die delay variations only or both intra- and inter-die delay variations, the Type-II models introduce non-negligible errors, which are as much as 16% of the standard deviation of maximum delay for a 256-digit BSA, as the Type-II Gaussian pdf approximations deviate significantly from the exact Type-I PDFs. However, for all RCA and BSA inter-die only variation cases, both types present satisfactory accuracy due to the Gaussian shape of exact pdfs.
Anxiety-like Behavior and GABAAR/BDZ Binding Site Response to Progesterone Withdrawal in a Stress-Vulnerable Strain, the Wistar Kyoto Rats

Stress susceptibility could play a role in developing premenstrual anxiety due to abnormalities in the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and impairments in the GABAA receptors’ benzodiazepine (BDZ) site. Hence, we studied the stress-vulnerable Wistar Kyoto rat strain (WKY) to evaluate progesterone withdrawal (PW) effects on anxiety, HPA axis response, and to explore indicators of GABAA functionality in the BDZ site. For five days, ovariectomized WKY rats were administered 2.0 mg/kg of progesterone. Twenty-four hours after the last administration, rats were tested in the anxiety-like burying behavior test (BBT) or elevated plus maze test (EPM), and corticosterone was determined. [3H]Flunitrazepam binding autoradiography served as the BDZ binding site index of the GABAA receptor in amygdala nuclei and hippocampus’s dentate gyrus (DG). Finally, different doses of diazepam in PW-WKY rats were tested in the BBT. PW induced anxiety-like behaviors in both BBT and EPM compared with No-PW rats. PW increased corticosterone, but was blunted when combined with PW and BBT. PW increased [3H]Flunitrazepam binding in the DG and central amygdala compared with No-PW rats. Diazepam at a low dose induced an anxiogenic-like response in PW rats, suggesting a paradoxical response to benzodiazepines. Overall, PW induced anxiety-like behavior, a blunted HPA axis response, and higher GABAAR/BZD binding site sensitivity in a stress-vulnerable rat strain. These findings demonstrate the role of stress-susceptibility in GABAAR functionality in a preclinical approximation of PMDD.
THE LARSON–TINSLEY EFFECT IN THE ULTRAVIOLET: INTERACTING VERSUS “NORMAL” SPIRAL GALAXIES

We compare the UV–optical colors of a well-defined set of optically selected pre-merger interacting galaxy pairs with those of normal spirals. The shorter wavelength colors show a larger dispersion for the interacting galaxies than for the spirals. This result can best be explained by higher star formation rates on average in the interacting galaxies, combined with higher extinctions on average. This is consistent with earlier studies which found that the star formation in interacting galaxies tends to be more centrally concentrated than in normal spirals, perhaps due to gas being driven into the center by the interaction. As noted in earlier studies, there is a large variation from galaxy to galaxy in the implied star formation rates of the interacting galaxies, with some galaxies having enhanced rates but others being fairly quiescent.