Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Anaemia in Lambs Caused by Mycoplasma ovis: Global and Australian Perspectives

Simple Summary Mycoplasma ovis (formerly Eperythrozoon ovis) inhabits red blood cells and may cause their destruction, leading to anaemia, jaundice and death mainly in lambs, and condemnation of jaundiced carcases at abattoirs. Mycoplasmosis is spread during high-risk procedures that expose or share blood, especially when blood sucking flies and other insects are present on wounds that transfer infection. High-risk procedures include vaccination (re-use of needles), ear-tagging (ineffective disinfection), surgical castration and mulesing (in Australia), and potentially crutching and shearing, with outbreaks usually occurring up to 6 weeks later. Affected animals are weak, lagging in the ‘tail of the mob’ and collapsing when mustered. The investigation of other causes of anaemia and jaundice is required, particularly haemonchosis (Barbers pole worms) and malnutrition. The diagnosis involves the demonstration of M. ovis in blood smears and/or by PCR, although the absence of the parasite in smears from affected animals requires the examination of in-contact healthy animals. Treatment with antibiotics is ineffective. For its control, it is required that risky procedures are avoided during high insect activity and the yarding of stock within the next 6 weeks is minimised. Recent anecdotal observations suggest that improved farm practices, including fly control and pain/antiseptic wound dressing may potentially decrease M. ovis risk on some farms in some areas of Australia. Abstract Mycoplasma ovis (formerly Eperythrozoon ovis) is a haemotropic parasitic bacterium found within erythrocytes and distributed widely in global sheep and goat production regions. M. ovis is transmitted by biting flies and by contaminated instruments, causing morbidity and mortalities from anaemia, usually within 6 weeks following blood-exposure procedures, particularly vaccination, castration, ear tagging, mulesing, and occasionally crutching and shearing. Affected animals develop haemolytic anaemia and may have jaundice, causing abattoir condemnations. The typical history, clinical and pathological findings, display of M. ovis in blood smears and/or by PCR is diagnostic, although immune responses deplete M. ovis from smears; hence, in-contact healthy animals should be examined. Differential diagnoses include haemonchosis, fasciolosis, malnutrition (copper or vitamin B12 deficiency), and plant toxicities. M. ovis parasitaemia may persist, with recrudescence following stressful events, although most older sheep remain immune. Human infections have been reported. Inadequate socioeconomic data present difficulties in assessing the impact of M. ovis on production and as antimicrobial therapy is ineffective, its control requires management practices that minimize the impact of invasive procedures in periods when risks of M. ovis transmission are more likely. Although considered an emerging pathogen, recent improvements in welfare attitudes and husbandry practices on Australian sheep farms may potentially limit the transmission of M. ovis.
INITIAL SCREENING OF CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS FOR GREEN, LEAN AND SIX SIGMA IMPLEMENTATION IN PAKISTANI SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES

It is believed that implementation of green, lean and six sigma (GLSS) practices in SMEs is important to achieve sustainable growth likewise large scale industries. Pakistan is a developing country and its economic development is heavily dependent over the existence and growth of SMEs. The aim of this study is to identify and rank the major critical success factors (CSFs) that will affect GLSS practices implementation in Pakistani SMEs. List of sixteen CSFs is developed based on the available literature and with the consultation of experts. Structured interviews are conducted from the academic and field experts to collect the data. Later on, data is statistically analyzed to rank the CSFs of GLSS implementation in SMEs. Top seven CSFs that achieved above 70% agreement by the experts are Management participation and support, Training and education, Leadership for GLSS, Legislation, Understanding GLSS methodologies, Organizational infrastructure and Technology up gradation in Pakistani SMEs. This study significantly lessens the implementation troubles and will assist in conducting empirical studies in SMEs by considering CSFs in Pakistani context.
Cauchy noise removal by a generalized nonlocal low-rank method

Abstract. Image denoising is a fundamental problem in image processing. Images may be contaminated by different kinds of noises in different imaging applications. Cauchy noise often arises in many practical applications, such as radar and sonar image processing. We consider removing Cauchy noise in the images. We develop a generalized low-rank model for Cauchy noise removal and design a proximal alternating algorithm to solve this nonconvex model. The convergence of the algorithm is also demonstrated. Numerical experiments illustrate that the proposed method can remove Cauchy noise in the images much better than the existing state-of-the-art methods in terms of both image recovered visual qualities and measure quantities.
Finding my drumbeat:  applying lessons learned from Remo Ruffini to understanding astrophysical transients

As with many fields from fashion to politics, science is susceptible to “bandwagon”-driven research where an idea becomes increasingly popular, garnering a growing amount of “scientific” support. Bandwagons allow scientists to converge on a solution, but when the prevailing bandwagon is incorrect or too simple, this rigid mentality makes it very difficult for scientists to find the right track. True scientific innovation often occurs through scientists willing to march to the beat of their own drum. Using examples in the field of astrophysical transients, this paper demonstrates the importance of supporting scientists in their quest to develop their own personal drumbeat.
Yoga as a complementary therapy for obesity prevention in childhood and adolescent obesity

Background: Obesity is still one of the most serious health risks facing today's children and adolescents. Yoga has grown in popularity in the United States, and it appears to be a promising way to help adults with weight loss and management. However, research on yoga programmes aimed at weight loss in children or adolescents is limited. Objectives: The current study provided a systematic review of yoga-based interventions for weight loss in children and adolescents who were overweight or obese. Methods: The authors performed a systematic review of articles obtained from the databases Alt HealthWatch, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, PubMed, and Web of Science. Inclusion criteria were studies that used yoga as a primary component, targeted overweight or obese children or adolescents, measured body weight or BMI as an outcome, used any type of study design, and were published in English-language peer-reviewed journals. Results: The inclusion criteria were met by nine studies in total. The majority of studies (n = 5) were conducted in the United States and implemented in schools (n = 5). Three of the studies examined were randomized controlled trials, and two had attrition rates approaching 50%.
On multistage approach for flexible routing in flexible manufacturing systems

Optimizing flexible routing in flexible manufacturing systems is one of the aspects that increase the efficiency of flexible manufacturing systems especially in dynamic environment systems. This article presents a multistage approach to solve flexible routing problem in flexible manufacturing systems. Multistage approach includes three stages; the first stage is a production simulation system to find the fitness of the flexible manufacturing systems corresponding to different products’ routes’ groups. The second stage proposes an artificial neural network approach to predict the products’ routes’ group in flexible manufacturing systems. The last stage combines genetic algorithms and artificial neural network to optimize proper routes for all product types in flexible manufacturing systems. Multistage approach proposed in this study aims to reduce the computational time required to obtain and optimize the flexible routes in flexible manufacturing systems. The results of this study show that the artificial neural network can be used efficiently to predict the flexible routes in flexible manufacturing systems and it reduces the computational time for routes’ optimization required with production simulation system. This characteristic improves the flexibility of flexible manufacturing systems since it can be adapted frequently against any change in production ratios.
High-frequency and high-performance vrm design for the next generations of processors

It is perceived that Moore's Law will prevail at least for the next decade with the continuous advancement of processing technologies for integrated circuits. According to Intel's roadmap, over one billion transistors will be integrated in one processor by the year 2010; the processor's clock speed will approach 15 GHz; the core static currents will increase up to 200 A; the dynamic current slew rate will rise up to 250 A/ns; and the core voltage will decrease to 0.8 V. The rapid advancement of processor technology has posed stringent challenges to power management for both an efficient power delivery and an accurate voltage regulation. The primary objectives of this dissertation are to understand the fundamental limitations of the state-of-the-art solution for the power management, and hence to support possible solutions for meeting the power requirement of the next generations of processors. First, today's voltage-regulator module (VRM) design, which is based on the multiphase interleaving buck topology, is thoroughly analyzed. The analysis results of the control bandwidths versus the VRM transient voltage spikes highlight the trend of high-frequency VRM design for smaller size and faster transient response. Based on the concept of achieving constant VRM output impedance, design guidelines are proposed for different kinds of control methods. However, the high switching-related losses in the conventional multiphase buck converter limit its further applications. This dissertation proposes a series of new topologies in order to break through the barriers by applying an inductor-coupling or autotransformer structure to reduce the switching-related losses by extending the duty cycle. Then, this dissertation pushes the topology innovation further by introducing soft-switching quasi-resonant converters for the VRM design. The combination of the quasi-resonant and active-clamped concepts derives a family of new converters, which can eliminate all the switching and body-diode losses. The experimental results at 1–2MHz switching frequencies prove that the proposed solutions for the VRM design can realize very high efficiency and high power density.
Cancer stem cell marker expression and methylation status in patients with colorectal cancer

The number of individuals diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC) has been on an alarming upward trajectory over the past decade. In some countries, this cancer represents one of the most frequently diagnosed types of neoplasia. Therefore, it is an important demand to study the pathology underlying this disease to gain insights into the mechanism of resistance to treatment. Resistance of tumors to chemotherapy and tumor aggressiveness have been associated with a minor population of neoplastic cells, which are considered to be responsible for tumor recurrence. These types of neoplastic cells are known as cancer stem cells, which have been previously reported to serve an important role in pathogenesis of this malignant disease. Slovakia has one of the highest incidence rates of CRC worldwide. In the present study, the aim was to classify the abundance of selected stem cell markers (CD133, CD166 and Lgr5) in CRC tumors using flow cytometry. In addition, the methylation status of selected genomic regions of CRC biomarkers (ADAMTS16, MGMT, PROM1 (CD133), LGR5 and ALCAM) was investigated by pyrosequencing in a cohort of patients from Martin University Hospital, Martin, Slovakia. Samples from both primary tumors and metastatic tumors were tested. Analysis of DNA methylation in the genomic regions of indicated five CRC biomarkers was also performed, which revealed the highest levels of methylation in the A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 16 and O6-methyguanine-DNA methyl transferase genes, whereas the lowest levels of methylation were found in genes expressing prominin-1, leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptor 5 and activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule. Furthermore, tumor tissues from metastases showed significantly higher levels of CD133+ cells compared with that in primary tumors. Higher levels of CD133+ cells correlated with TNM stage and the invasiveness of CRC into the lymphatic system. Although relatively small number of samples was processed, CD133 marker was consider to be important marker in pathology of CRC.
Data Sensemaking in Self-Tracking: Towards a New Generation of Self-Tracking Tools

Abstract Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) researchers have been increasingly interested in investigating self-trackers’ experience with self-tracking tools (STT) to get meaningful insights from their data. However, the literature lacks a coherent, integrated and dedicated source on designing tools that support self-trackers’ sensemaking practices. To address this, we carried out a systematic literature review by synthesizing the findings of 91 articles published before 2021 in HCI literature. We identified four data sensemaking modes that self-trackers go through (i.e., self-calibration, data augmentation, data handling, and realization). We also identified four design implications for designing self-tracking tools that support self-trackers’ data sensemaking practices (i.e., customized tracking experience, guided sensemaking, collaborative sensemaking, and learning sensemaking through self-experimentation). We provide a research agenda with nine directions for advancing HCI studies on data sensemaking practices. With these contributions, we created an analytical information source that could guide designers and researchers in understanding, studying, and designing for self-trackers’ data sensemaking practices.
Grid power quality improvements using grid-coupled hybrid electric vehicles

Abstract The paper examines the interaction between grid-coupled full hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) and the grid. The interaction allows the hybrid vehicle to travel a significant part of the time in all-electric mode. On the other hand, the grid coupling allows the grid to use the hybrid car as a controllable load and energy storage facility, enabling a higher penetration of variable generation units, such as renewable sources based on wind and photovoltaic cells. Experiments with a battery, grid connection and induction machine prove the feasibility of these grid-coupled hybrid electric vehicles. 1 Introduction The batteries currently used in HEVs are expensive and heavy, leading to a low specific energy content. Through the rapid development of batteries the cost per kWh diminishes while the specific energy content rises. As a consequence, larger amounts of energy can be stored in an economic way for the electric propulsion of HEVs and larger distances can be travelled in an all-electric “emission free” mode. An estimated 85 % of fuel (not energy) savings can be achieved if the vehicle has an all-electric driving range of 100 km [6]. In order to achieve this kind of fuel savings, the battery needs to be charged with electrical energy from the grid, as opposed to the current practice where a combustion engine powers an on-board electric generator to produce electric energy. The only requirement to make this happen is a grid coupling. This grid coupling makes a variety of interactions possible between a fleet of HEVs and the grid [1,5]. From the perspective of the hybrid fleet, the grid coupling enables a lower energy cost and a reduction in environmental pollution, on condition that the electric energy production itself is environmently friendly. From the perspective of the grid the fleet of hybrid electric vehicles can act as a controllable load to smooth grid load. Power electronics for the grid coupling, can provide reactive power to enhance the power factor of the installation and can be used as an active filter to eliminate harmonics. By injecting electrical energy in the grid, the HEV can be used as reserve power unit to set off the loss of a power plant, as replacement for peak power units, as part of a microgrid or as stand-alone mobile generator. Other possibilities such as peak-shaving are possible from a technical point of view, but lack the necessary economical feasibility.
Measuring urban water resilience at household level: A comparative study through a framework for developing countries

ABSTRACT With unregulated urbanization and skewed financial resources, cities of developing countries like India are struggling with urban services provisions like water services. An index, Household Urban Water Resilience Index (HUWRI) has been proposed, comprising resilience characteristics and abilities to assess the inherent water resilience of the households and identify the weak and strong links. A total of six case areas in the study area of Jaipur, India are assessed with different development profiles including slum area (HUWRI scale score 32.7), a recently notified area (HUWRI scale score 37.64), an area that witnessed a rapid transformation from low density to high-density development (HUWRI scale score 45.04), an old area with small-sized plots (HUWRI scale score 38.17), an area traditionally developed with medium and large plots (HUWRI scale score 46.05) and an upscale area (HUWRI scale score 44.28). Measures are suggested to strengthen the urban water resilience for households based on the assessment of the resilience profile.
Analisis Usability Website Resmi Pemerintah Kota Surakarta Menggunakan Metode Heuristic Evaluation

Website Resmi Pemerintah Kota Surakarta merupakan portal layanan resmi milik Pemerintah Kota Surakarta sebagai salah satu upaya pemerintah dalam memenuhi kebutuhan informasi dan layanan berbasis online yang diperlukan bagi masyarakat. Evaluasi website tersebut dilakukan oleh OPD (Organisasi Perangkat Daerah) setiap 6 bulan dan oleh perwakilan masyarakat Kota Surakarta melalui Musyawarah Kelurahan Membangun setiap 1 tahun. Namun, hasil wawancara yang telah dilakukan kepada 3 masyarakat Kota Surakarta menunjukkan bahwa masih terdapat permasalahan usability pada website resmi Pemerintah Kota Surakarta. Untuk dapat mengidentifikasi permasalahan usability lainnya, maka penelitian ini dilakukan menggunakan metode heuristic evaluation dengan melibatkan 4 expert evaluator pada bidang user interface. Hasil evaluasi menunjukkan terdapat 21 poin permasalahan yang terdiri dari 4 poin cosmetic issue, 3 poin minor issue, 3 poin major issue, dan 11 poin usability catastrophe. Dari permasalahan yang telah ditemukan, maka dilakukan analisis dan penyusunan rekomendasi perbaikan berupa desain visual antarmuka pengguna sebagai solusi permasalahan yang telah diidentifikasi oleh expert evaluator. Rekomendasi perbaikan desain visual antarmuka yang dibuat dapat menjadi solusi 19 poin permasalahan dari 21 poin permasalahan yang telah diidentifikasi. Terdapat 2 poin permasalahan yang tidak dicantumkan dalam rekomendasi perbaikan desain antarmuka karena permasalahanpermasalahan tersebut tidak dapat disolusikan dengan dibuatnya rancangan perbaikan desain visual antarmuka pengguna.
Proteomic analysis of differential anther development from sterile/fertile lines in Capsicum annuum L.

Background Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is a major cash crop throughout the world. Male sterility is an important characteristic in crop species that leads to a failure to produce functional pollen, and it has crucial roles in agricultural breeding and the utilization of heterosis. Objectives In this study, we identified many crucial factors and important components in metabolic pathways in anther and pollen development, and elucidated the molecular mechanism related to pollen abortion in pepper. Methods Pepper pollen was observed at different stages to detect the characteristics associated with male sterility and fertility. The phytohormone and oxidoreductase activities were detected in spectrophotometric and redox reaction assays, respectively. Proteins were extracted from male sterile and fertile pepper lines, and identified by TMT/iTRAQ (tandem mass tags/isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation) and LC-MS/MS (liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometer) analysis. Differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) were analyzed based on Gene Ontology annotations and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes database according to |fold change)| > 1.3 and P value < 0.05. DAPs were quantified in the meiosis, tetrad, and binucleate stages by parallel reaction monitoring (PRM). Results In this study, we screened and identified one male sterile pepper line with abnormal cytological characteristics in terms of pollen development. The peroxidase and catalase enzyme activities were significantly reduced and increased, respectively, in the male sterile line compared with the male fertile line. Phytohormone analysis demonstrated that the gibberellin, jasmonic acid, and auxin contents changed by different extents in the male sterile pepper line. Proteome analysis screened 1,645 DAPs in six clusters, which were mainly associated with the chloroplast and cytoplasm based on their similar expression levels. According to proteome analysis, 45 DAPs were quantitatively identified in the meiosis, tetrad, and binucleate stages by PRM, which were related to monoterpenoid biosynthesis, and starch and sucrose metabolism pathways. Conclusions We screened 1,645 DAPs by proteomic analysis and 45 DAPs were related to anther and pollen development in a male sterile pepper line. In addition, the activities of peroxidase and catalase as well as the abundances of phytohormones such as gibberellin, jasmonic acid, and auxin were related to male sterility. The results obtained in this study provide insights into the molecular mechanism responsible for male sterility and fertility in pepper.
Mash maker: Improvisation for student studios

As design educators, we feel it’s imperative to prepare students for the wicked problems of the 21st century. Design Futures , the briefing papers released by AIGA in 2018, anticipates a complex future where design solutions must be increasingly open-ended to accommodate many layers of uncertainty. In an effort to model such unpredictable constraints, we developed the Mash Maker project, a design charrette that explores the collision of time and form through a system of carefully devised prompts. The conditions encouraged first-year design students to utilize improvisation methods, iteration, and collaboration while underscoring the value of process over outcome. Music provided a logical framework for exploring this relationship, precisely, hip-hop, which uses time-based characteristics for structuring sound (Caswell). In many ways, a beat mimics "the grid," a principle of design. Students designed songs in real-time using specific visual and typographic prompts. By designing and listening in tandem, students connected the auditory to the visual in a pro-process experience that often led to uncertain territory.