BEAT: An Open-Source Web-Based Open-Science Platform

With the increased interest in computational sciences, machine learning (ML), pattern recognition (PR) and big data, governmental agencies, academia and manufacturers are overwhelmed by the constant influx of new algorithms and techniques promising improved performance, generalization and robustness. Sadly, result reproducibility is often an overlooked feature accompanying original research publications, competitions and benchmark evaluations. The main reasons behind such a gap arise from natural complications in research and development in this area: the distribution of data may be a sensitive issue; software frameworks are difficult to install and maintain; Test protocols may involve a potentially large set of intricate steps which are difficult to handle. Given the raising complexity of research challenges and the constant increase in data volume, the conditions for achieving reproducible research in the domain are also increasingly difficult to meet. To bridge this gap, we built an open platform for research in computational sciences related to pattern recognition and machine learning, to help on the development, reproducibility and certification of results obtained in the field. By making use of such a system, academic, governmental or industrial organizations enable users to easily and socially develop processing toolchains, re-use data, algorithms, workflows and compare results from distinct algorithms and/or parameterizations with minimal effort. This article presents such a platform and discusses some of its key features, uses and limitations. We overview a currently operational prototype and provide design insights.Comment: References to papers published on the platform incorporate

Harmful effects of endosulfan treatment on cyanobacterial distribution and some macromolecules of soybean plant

In a trial to evaluate the impact of one of the commonly used insecticides in Egypt, a plot area cultivated with soybean was sprayed with endosulfan. Some of the biochemical criteria of the treated soybean and the biodiversity and biochemical activity of its companion cyanobacteria were compared with those of the untreated ones. The results revealed that endosulfan application caused inhibition in the attendance and biodiversity of the soil cyanobacteria found in the rhizosphere of the treated soybean, specially the filamentous species. The treated soil showed a highly significant inhibition in their ARA (acetylene-reducing activity) and exopolysaccharides. The biochemical analysis showed a high significant decrease in all the carbohydrate fractions as well as DNA and RNA contents of the treated soybean plants compared with the untreated ones. However, the total soluble proteins significantly Increased, indicating some defense pattern against the lethal effects of endosulfan. From the results, it could be concluded that application of endosulfan has a significant potential to change ecosystems and soil biological processes and could potentially reduce future farm productivity and cause harmful impact to agriculture

ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE PATTERNS OF PROTEUS ISOLATES FROM CLINICAL SPECIMENS

Total of 6840 clinical samples were collected from King Fahd Hospital at Medina, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Clinical samples were screened for Proteus spp. It is found that Proteus spp isolates representing about 3% of all positive samples isolated from different clinical sources. Males were found to be more vulnerable than females in acquiring Proteus infections. Results showed that the greatest number of Proteus spp. isolates from clinical specimens were isolated from wound and sputum swabs specimens representing about 88% of all clinical specimens.Thirteen different antibiotics representing different families of antibiotics were tested on Proteus spp. specimens for studying its antimicrobial sensitivity pattern. Results of antimicrobial sensitivity tests revealed that imipenem (IMP) antibiotic was the most effective antibiotic against Proteus spp. with 91% of antimicrobial sensitivity. Imipenem (Imp) was followed by amikacin (AK) with 61% of antimicrobial sensitivity.Results are recommending prescribing of imipenem (IMP) antibiotic in the treatment of Proteus spp infections. It is recommended also to prescribe amikacin (AK) in the case of sensitivity to imipenem (IMP). In acute cases, Proteus infections could require use of combined antimicrobial therapy (imipenem- amikacin). Results also demonstrated that percentage of Proteus spp. infections was highest during summer season representing about 40% of infections all year along. Summer season was followed by winter season with about 32% of infections

Ultrasonographic Appearance and Echo-pattern Characterization of Donkeys’ Internal Reproductive Organs

The current study was achieved to designate the accessory sex glands, ampullae and urethra of 25 healthy male donkeys using the ultrasonography. Animals were classified according to their age into young peri-mature (i.e. ≤2 years; n=7) and old mature (>3 years; n=18). The examination was done per rectum by using Magic 2200 scanner with a 6 MHz linear transrectal transducer. The position of each gland was allocated, and length and width were measured. The dimensions of prostate gland lobes and ampulla ductus deferens significantly differed between the examined groups. The echo-pattern analysis of vesicular gland and ampulla ductus deferens, in terms of mean pixel value (MPV), pixel intensity (PI) and pixel number (PN), significantly differed between premature and mature donkeys. Age was significantly correlated with all sex glands measurements. There was a substantial confident relationship between MPV and PI and the dimensions of vesicular and ampulla ductus deferens. In the meantime, PN was clearly negatively correlated with vesicular gland length and width. In conclusions, ultrasound is a feasible non-invasive diagnostic tool that could be used to characterize the accessory glands along the course of the pelvic urethra of male donkeys reared in Egypt. The addressed measures as well as acoustic physiognomies of the secondary sex organs are considered a promising guide in fertility potential prediction and/or the discrimination of the pathological conditions of male reproductive organs

Not your terrorist: Case studies examining the intersectional identities and aspirations of Arab American Muslim middle school boys

Arab Muslim boys living in the United States have experienced varying levels of public scrutiny since 9/11 and prior to. Public perceptions of these experiences are centered on media-driven representations; often inaccurate depictions of the nuanced lives of these boys. While Arab Muslims have lived in the United States more than a century, their lived experiences, particularly experiences while in school are missing. This research study examined how Arab American Muslim Middle School boys perceived their intersecting identities while navigating instances of bias. To address this, one overarching research questions guided this study: “How do key intersecting social classifications race, gender, culture, and religion, impact Arab American middle school boys’ ethnic identity perceptions?” To further explicate on these nuances four sub-questions were addressed, including: “How do these boys define success and achievement in relation to schooling?”; “How have middle school Arab American boys experienced cultural bias/or how have they perceived cultural bias?”; To what extent do Arab American boys seek out resources (community family, religion), through their social networks?” and “How have they navigated schooling as framed by these experiences of cultural bias?” Using an Intersectional Identities Theoretical Framework (Crenshaw, 1989; Phelan, 1991; Collins, 2009), this study explored the multifaceted nature of identity perception, namely the boys’ experiences with power relationships resulting from these identifiers. Four themes surfaced including how they operationalized power and oppression across identity categories namely, Religion, Culture, Gender and Race. To delve into these questions and to represent the experiences of each boy with detail, a qualitative case study design (Bodgen & Biklen 2003; Erickson & Shultz, 1992; Merriam, 1998; Yin, 2006) was used to analyze and produce rice and detailed narratives. This study will promote discussion about the very nature of the lived experiences of Arab Muslim boys growing up in the United States. It will also serve as a platform for administrators and policy makers in the daily decisions, for example curriculum decisions, impacting this scrutinized population

The effect of dietary calcium inclusion on broiler gastrointestinal pH: quantification and method optimization

There is little consensus as to the most appropriate methodology for the measurement of gastrointestinal pH in chickens. An experiment was conducted to establish the optimum sampling method for the determination of broiler digesta pH in birds fed differing levels of dietary calcium. Ross 308 broilers (n = 60) were fed one of two experimental diets, one containing 0.8% monocalcium phosphate and 2% limestone and one containing 0.4% monocalcium phosphate and 1% limestone. Four factors were investigated to determine the most appropriate method of measuring broiler gastrointestinal digesta pH: removal from the tract, prolonged air exposure, altering the temperature of the assay, and controlling the water content of the digesta. The conditions were assessed at bird ages from 7 to 42 d post hatch. Dietary Ca content had no significant effect on in situ pH, but it contributed towards variance in ex situ pH of both gizzard and duodenum digesta