Conflict-Aware Active Automata Learning

Active automata learning algorithms cannot easily handle conflict in the observation data (different outputs observed for the same inputs). This inherent inability to recover after a conflict impairs their effective applicability in scenarios where noise is present or the system under learning is mutating. We propose the Conflict-Aware Active Automata Learning (C AL) framework to enable handling conflicting information during the learning process. The core idea is to consider the so-called observation tree as a first-class citizen in the learning process. Though this idea is explored in recent work, we take it to its full effect by enabling its use with any existing learner and minimizing the number of tests performed on the system under learning, specially in the face of conflicts. We evaluate C AL in a large set of benchmarks, covering over 30 different realistic targets, and over 18,000 different scenarios. The results of the evaluation show that C AL is a suitable alternative framework for closed-box learning that can better handle noise and mutations

Screening forCronobacterSpecies in Powdered and Reconstituted Infant Formulas and from Equipment Used in Formula Preparation in Maternity Hospitals

Background/Aims: Cronobacter spp. have been identified as being of considerable risk to neonates. The occurrence of organism in infant formulas is therefore of considerable interest. Methods: The occurrence of Cronobacter spp. in infant feeds (formulas and fortified cow’s milk) was determined using most probable number (MPN) analysis, and from formula preparation utensils. Ninety nine samples were analyzed, of which 42 were unopened cans of powdered infant formula (PIF), 25 reconstituted infant formulas in feeding bottles, 27 utensils used from the preparation of infant formula, and 5 samples of fortified cow’s milk. Presumptive Cronobacter spp. isolates were identified using the 7 allele multilocus sequence typing (MLST) scheme. Results: C. sakazakii, C. malonaticus and C. muytjensii were recovered from PIF. Although the incidence of Cronobacter in PIF was 29% (12/42), the level was low with an average of 0.54 MPN/100g. According to MLST profiling, C. sakazakii was the most frequently isolated Cronobacter species, and C. sakazakii ST4 (associated with neonatal meningitis) was recovered from 2/42 PIF samples at 0.51 and 0.92 MPN/100g. Conclusions: Cronobacter spp. can be isolated from PIF and therefore strict hygienic practices during PIF preparation are important to minimize neonate exposure and reduce the risk of severe infections

DO DYNAMIC TARIFFS PROMOTE INVESTMENT IN RENEWABLES? THE CASE OF A NON-REGULATED MONOPOLY

We consider a non-regulated monopolist supplier of electricity that may use renewable and/or non-renewable resources to produce electricity. Renewable resources require an ex ante investment and generate an uncertain output with fixed operating costs. Non-renewable resources are perfectly dispatchable and have variable operating costs proportional to output. We find that dynamic tariffs promote investment in renewables in all scenarios except one where output from renewables when weather conditions are favorable is so large that the monopolist prefers to curtail excess energy. Only in that scenario, dynamic tariffs decrease investment in renewables. In any case, dynamic tariffs are welfare-improving in that both the monopolist and consumers become better off

PHYTOCHEMICAL PROFILE WITH ANTI-TUMOR ACTIVITY ESTIMATION OF CRUDE EXTRACT, ESSENTIAL OIL AND D-LIMONENE FROM CITRUS AURANTIUM L. AGAINST EHRLICH CARCINOMA

Objective: Plant based drugs have been a solution in the search for more cost-effective and less harmful drugs for the treatment of neoplasia. Citrus aurantium L. (Rutaceae) is abundant in Brazil and D-limonene, a monoterpene used in the prevention and treatment of neoplasia, was identified as a major compound in the oil of this specie. Objective of current study includes estimation of anti-tumor activity of Citrus aurantium L. (Rutaceae) (crude extract, essential oil and D-limonene) against Ehrlich carcinoma, as well as their phytochemical evaluation (D-limonene and essential oil). Methods: There was a randomized non-clinical trial in which were used adult male mice (Balb-C). Four groups of animals were used having 6 numbers of animal in each group. All groups were inoculated with the Ehrlich tumor and then received the treatment (control, crude extract, essential oil and D-limonene) by oral route daily (28 day treatment). Essential oil was obtained by hydro-distillation and analyzed by the means of GC (Gas Chromatography) that was attached to mass spectrometry. In last of the observations  hemogram was obtained. Results: Animals treated with the essential oil has shown no significant difference compared to the group treated with D-limonene. The group treated with crude extract had a growth inhibition close to the essential oil and D-limonene groups. Conclusion: It´s concluded that the essential oil and the crude extract of Citrus aurantium, L. (Rutaceae) can become therapeutic agents because of their anti-tumor activity with no toxicity to the blood cells and have low cost of production. Further studies are necessary, so they can be used in the treatment of neoplasia in humans. The chromatographic and spectrometric analyzes indicated the presence of other components in smaller amounts in the essential oil, which suggests that they could have a synergic activity to the D-limonene.                           Peer Review History: Received 2 June 2020; Revised 25 June; Accepted 4 July, Available online 15 July 2020 Academic Editor: Dr. Muhammad Zahid Iqbal, AIMST University, Malaysia, [email protected] UJPR follows the most transparent and toughest ‘Advanced OPEN peer review’ system. The identity of the authors and, reviewers will be known to each other. This transparent process will help to eradicate any possible malicious/purposeful interference by any person (publishing staff, reviewer, editor, author, etc) during peer review. As a result of this unique system, all reviewers will get their due recognition and respect, once their names are published in the papers. We expect that, by publishing peer review reports with published papers, will be helpful to many authors for drafting their article according to the specifications. Auhors will remove any error of their article and they will improve their article(s) according to the previous reports displayed with published article(s). The main purpose of it is ‘to improve the quality of a candidate manuscript’. Our reviewers check the ‘strength and weakness of a manuscript honestly’. There will increase in the perfection, and transparency. Received file:                Reviewer's Comments: Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 6.0/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 8.0/10 Reviewer(s) detail: Ahmad Najib, Universitas Muslim Indonesia, Makassar, Indonesia, [email protected] Dr. Mohamed Said Fathy Al-Refaey, University of Sadat City, Menofia, Egypt, [email protected]  Similar Articles: CYTOTOXIC EFFECT AND PHYTOCHEMICAL STUDY OF PETROLEUM ETHER EXTRACT OF TILIA CORDATA MIL

Structure of the protective nematode protease complex H-gal-GP and its conservation across roundworm parasites

Roundworm parasite infections are a major cause of human and livestock disease worldwide and a threat to global food security. Disease control currently relies on anthelmintic drugs to which roundworms are becoming increasingly resistant. An alternative approach is control by vaccination and ‘hidden antigens’, components of the worm gut not encountered by the infected host, have been exploited to produce Barbervax, the first commercial vaccine for a gut dwelling nematode of any host. Here we present the structure of H-gal-GP, a hidden antigen from Haemonchus contortus, the Barber’s Pole worm, and a major component of Barbervax. We demonstrate its novel architecture, subunit composition and topology, flexibility and heterogeneity using cryo-electron microscopy, mass spectrometry, and modelling. Importantly, we demonstrate that complexes with the same architecture are present in other Strongylid roundworm parasites including human hookworm. This suggests a common ancestry and the potential for development of a unified hidden antigen vaccine

The Nature of Surface Oxides on Corrosion-Resistant Nickel Alloy Covered by Alkaline Water

A nickel alloy with high chrome and molybdenum content was found to form a highly resistive and passive oxide layer. The donor density and mobility of ions in the oxide layer has been determined as a function of the electrical potential when alkaline water layers are on the alloy surface in order to account for the relative inertness of the nickel alloy in corrosive environments

Electro-Deposition of Carbon Structures at Mid Voltage and Room Temperature Using Ethanol/Aqueous Solutions

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Direct syntheses of carbon structures including nanodiamond, microdiamond and diamond-like carbon (DLC) on silicon wafers by liquid phase electro-deposition are presented. The solution (ethanol/water) was employed as electrolyte at different concentration levels. Assays were carried out maintaining constant the electric potential between the silicon electrodes in the range of (80-300 V) at current density of approximately 2.0 mA/cm(2). Scanning electron microscopy showed that non-uniform, smooth and heterogeneous structures were produced. The structural composition was evaluated by micro-Raman spectroscopy. A mechanism for the formation of sp(3) and sp(2) hybridizations is proposed. (C) 2012 The Electrochemical Society. [DOI: 10.1149/2.066203jes] All rights reserved.1593D159D161Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq

Trend analysis of the quality indicators for the Brazilian cervical cancer screening programme by region and state from 2006 to 2013

Quality indicators for the Brazilian cervical cancer screening programme can provide a perspective on its effectiveness in Brazilian macro-regions and states. The aim of this study was to perform a trend analysis of the cervical cancer screening program's quality indicators, according to Brazilian regions and states, from 2006 to 2013.(undefined)info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio