Probabilistic Graphical Models on Multi-Core CPUs using Java 8

In this paper, we discuss software design issues related to the development of parallel computational intelligence algorithms on multi-core CPUs, using the new Java 8 functional programming features. In particular, we focus on probabilistic graphical models (PGMs) and present the parallelisation of a collection of algorithms that deal with inference and learning of PGMs from data. Namely, maximum likelihood estimation, importance sampling, and greedy search for solving combinatorial optimisation problems. Through these concrete examples, we tackle the problem of defining efficient data structures for PGMs and parallel processing of same-size batches of data sets using Java 8 features. We also provide straightforward techniques to code parallel algorithms that seamlessly exploit multi-core processors. The experimental analysis, carried out using our open source AMIDST (Analysis of MassIve Data STreams) Java toolbox, shows the merits of the proposed solutions.Comment: Pre-print version of the paper presented in the special issue on Computational Intelligence Software at IEEE Computational Intelligence Magazine journa

Prevalence of BoHV-1 seropositive and BVD virus positive bulls on Irish dairy farms and associations between bull purchase and herd status

peer-reviewedBackground BVD and IBR are contagious viral diseases highly prevalent in Irish cattle. Despite their significant reproductive and economic impact very little is known about the BVD and IBR status of stock bulls (a bull used for breeding purposes). There are still a high proportion of dairy farms in Ireland that rely on the use of a bull for breeding cattle and ensuring the fertility of the bulls is of paramount importance for the efficiency of the farms. The prevalence of BoHV-1 and BVD in stock bulls in Irish dairy herds has never been investigated. The objectives of this study therefore were: (i) to provide descriptive, observational data on the use of stock bulls on Irish dairy farms; (ii) to investigate the BVD and BoHV1 status of a sub-set of stock bulls; (iii) to investigate factors associated with BVD and BoHV1 status of stock bulls and (iv) to investigate factors associated with dairy herd status for BVD and BoHV1, including any associations with the use of stock bull. A total of 529 blood samples from bulls involved in the dairy breeding process were analysed for BVD virus using RT-PCR, and BoHV-1 antibodies by ELISA test. A total of 305 different dairy herds took part in the study and the overall BVD and BoHV-1 herd status was determined by ELISA using four bulk tank milk samples over the 2009 lactation. Logistic regression was used to investigate the associations between the stock bulls and BVD and BoHV-1 herd and individual status. Results Of the 305 total participating farms, 235 farms (77 %) had at least one bull and 167 farms had purchased bulls. Two bulls (0.4 %) out of 529 tested were found positive for BVD virus and 87 (16.7 %) tested seropositive for BoHV-1. Some significant associations were identified between the purchase of bulls and both viral diseases. Purchased bulls were three times more likely to be seropositive for BoHV-1 than homebred bulls. In the same way, herds with purchased bulls were three times more likely to be classified as seropositive for BVD and four times more likely to have evidence of recent BoHV-1 circulation than farms where all the bulls were homebred. Conclusions The prevalence of BoHV-1 and BVD in stock bulls in Irish dairy herds has never been investigated. This study highlights the widespread use of stock bulls in Irish dairy herds, as well as the high rate of exchange of bulls between farms. Significant associations were found between the origin of the bull and their serological BoHV-1 status. In keeping with these results, bulls with higher number movements between farms were more likely to be seropositive for BoHV-1

John Dewey : a feminist consideration of his concepts of the individual and sociality.

This dissertation considers selected aspects of John Dewey\u27s educational philosophy from a feminist perspective. As inquiry, it is a critical consideration of an established educational tradition. Most importantly, this inquiry suggests that through consideration, we may find relevant wisdom for our feminist educational theories and practices. The focus of this dissertation are John Dewey\u27s concepts of the individual and sociality. Because both John Dewey\u27s and feminist educational treatises are experience-centered, the consideration of the notions of the individual and of sociality is prudent. Through an examination of Dewey\u27s construction of the individual and sociality, we are able to consider whether or not we can we apply Dewey\u27s revisionist philosophy to our personal, political and social worlds. Do Dewey\u27s concepts of the individual and the social have the characteristic connectedness that many feminists require? Do his conceptualizations of the individual and the social have anything of value for feminist agendas? Are feminist goals for the individual and sociality possible through a Deweyan conceptualization? Can Dewey\u27s individual and sociality help fuel the feminist revolution? Concluding observations present the dangers of neglecting to consider past educational thought, feminist educational theorists\u27 responsibilities, and the worth of reappropriating Dewey\u27s concepts of the individual and sociality. By reappropriating John Dewey\u27s concepts of the individual and sociality and using them as feminist pedagogical anchors, we are able to take possession of the cognitive powers of interdependence. From the consideration of feminist models of sociality, we can submit that a feminist model of friendship can serve as the means for attaining broader and more heightened intellectual abilities. The writings of John Dewey serve as primary sources while texts on feminist theory provide the parameters for analysis

Simulación numérica del proceso de Pasteurización artesanal de leche

El proceso de pasteurización consiste en el calentamiento de líquidos hasta una temperatura tal que permita la reducción de los microorganismos patógenos hasta un nivel aceptable para el ser humano y de esta forma extender el tiempo de vida útil. El enfriamiento es la última etapa de la pasteurización, durante esta etapa el producto debe ser enfriado drásticamente a la temperatura de inhibición bacteriana (4 °C). El tiempo de calentamiento en la pasteurización es un parámetro importante, ya que si es breve no destruye el número suficiente de microorganismos y, por lo tanto, su población podría volver a aumentar hasta niveles que pongan en riesgo la salud de los consumidores, por otro lado si es muy grande se incurren en pérdidas económicas y se degrada la calidad del producto. El objetivo de este trabajo es la optimización de la pasteurización artesanal de leche, para aprovechar la producción regional de las chacras de la provincia de Misiones y realizar la transferencia a pequeños productores. Se analizó el proceso de pasteurización lenta, que emplea temperaturas de entre 63ºC y 65 ºC y un tiempo mínimo de 30 minutos. Se efectuó la simulación numérica del proceso de pasteurización empleando el método de elementos finitos. Se utilizaron modelos de simetría axial del sachet para distintos valores de temperatura del agua de calefacción y del agua de enfriamiento. Los modelos fueron validados con medidas experimentales de la temperatura dentro y fuera del sachet conteniendo un litro de agua mediante un termistor Pt100 y termómetros, durante los procesos de calentamiento y enfriamiento. Se analizaron los resultados identificando los puntos que necesitaban más tiempo en calentarse en el interior del sachet. Con la historia térmica de esos puntos se calculó el tiempo necesario para destruir distintos tipos de los microorganismos de acuerdo a su resistencia intrínseca y así determinar el tiempo óptimo de pasteurización. También se tuvieron en cuenta otros dos parámetros para analizar la eficiencia de la pasteurización, la ausencia de fosfatasa alcalina, ya que su eliminación asegura la eliminación de los microorganismos patógenos y la presencia de lactoperoxidasa, que es un indicador de la calidad del producto. Finalmente se determinaron recomendaciones de tiempos óptimos para diferentes temperaturas del agua de calefacción y una forma más eficiente del enfriamiento del producto comprendiendo dos etapas.Fil: Martinez, Ana M.. Provincia de Misiones. Comite de Desarrollo E Innovacion Tecnologica; ArgentinaFil: Rosenberger, Mario Roberto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnológico Nordeste. Instituto de Materiales de Misiones; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Misiones; Argentin

Rumen fluke in Irish sheep: prevalence, risk factors and molecular identification of two paramphistome species

peer-reviewedBackground Rumen flukes are trematode parasites found globally; in tropical and sub-tropical climates, infection can result in paramphistomosis, which can have a deleterious impact on livestock. In Europe, rumen fluke is not regarded as a clinically significant parasite, recently however, the prevalence of rumen fluke has sharply increased and several outbreaks of clinical paramphistomosis have been reported. Gaining a better understanding of rumen fluke transmission and identification of risk factors is crucial to improve the control of this parasitic disease. In this regard, a national prevalence study of rumen fluke infection and an investigation of associated risk factors were conducted in Irish sheep flocks between November 2014 and January 2015. In addition, a molecular identification of the rumen fluke species present in Ireland was carried out using an isolation method of individual eggs from faecal material coupled with a PCR. After the DNA extraction of 54 individual eggs, the nuclear fragment ITS-2 was amplified and sequenced using the same primers. Results An apparent herd prevalence of 77.3 % was determined. Several risk factors were identified including type of pasture grazed, regional variation, and sharing of the paddocks with other livestock species. A novel relationship between the Suffolk breed and higher FEC was reported for the first time. The predominant rumen fluke species found was C. daubneyi. Nevertheless, P. leydeni was unexpectedly identified infecting sheep in Ireland for the first time. Conclusions An exceptionally high prevalence of rumen fluke among Irish sheep flocks has been highlighted in this study and a more thorough investigation is necessary to analyse its economic impact. The isolation of individual eggs coupled with the PCR technique used here has proven a reliable tool for discrimination of Paramphistomum spp. This technique may facilitate forthcoming studies of the effects of paramphistomosis on livestock production. The most noteworthy finding was the identification of P. leydeni affecting sheep in Ireland, however further studies are required to clarify its implications. Also, a significant relationship between Suffolk breed and a heavier infection was found, which can be used as a starting point for future research on control strategies of rumen fluke infection.This study was funded by Irish Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine research stimulus funding; project reference 13/ S/405

E. coli

Escherichia coli meningitis is a frequent pathology in children younger than 3 years old, but is an uncommon disease in adults. E. coli infection is the main cause of intrahospital bacteremia as a consequence of the employment of different medical procedures. Our patient, male, 69 years old, presented with fever, progressive difficulty in breathing, and shivers 24 h after transrectal prostate biopsy, with an absence of any other symptoms. He received prophylactic treatment with ciprofloxacin and later empirical treatment with ampicillin and tobramicin. After that, the patient presented with fever, headache, behavioral changes, somnolence, disorientation, a fluctuating level of conscience, cutaneous widespread pallor, and acute urinary retention. On physical exploration, we observed generalized hypoventilation, Glasgow 10, stiffness of the neck, inconclusive Kernig; the remaining neurological exploration was normal. Systematic of blood: leukocytes = 8,510/mm3 (94.5% polymorphonuclear), platelet = 87,000/mm3, pH = 7.51, pCO2 = 28.8 mmHg, pO2 = 61 mmHg, O2 saturation = 93.8%, and remaining values were normal. Chest X- ray, cranial CT scan, urine cultures were normal. Blood culture: E. coli. CSF: glucose <0.4 g/l, total proteins = 3.05 g/l, PMN = 7 cells. Microscopic examination of the CSF: Gram-negative bacilli; CSF's culture: abundant E. coli. The case of acute meningitis by multiresistant E. coli after transrectal prostate biopsy presented demonstrates that antibiotic prevention with ciprofloxacin is not absolutely risk free. Besides the use of antibiotic prevention for multiresistant microorganisms, the urologist and other physicians involved in the procedure must not forget that the rate of major complications of transrectal prostate biopsy is 1%, especially when it is performed in patients who will not benefit from that biopsy

Contrasting ecological regimes of microbial plankton along beagle channel and burdwood bank in sub-antarctic waters

Marine microbial plankton hold high structuraland functional diversity, however, high-resolution data are lacking in a largepart of the Global Ocean. The Burdwood Bank (BB) hosts rich benthicbiodiversity in low chlorophyll waters of the southern Patagonian Shelf,Argentina. So far, the microorganisms that sustain the productivity over thebank have not been described. During austral summer 2016, we assessed themicrobial plankton (0.2-200 µm cell size) diversity and biomass along alongitudinal transect (54.2-55.3°S, 58-68°W) from the Beagle Channel (BC) tothe BB, characterized by contrasting hydrography. Results displayed a markedzonation in the composition and structure of the microbial communities.Protistan phytoplankton biomass was 28 times higher in the BC than in oceanicwaters above the BB, attributed mainly to large diatom blooms. In contrast,over the BB, small coccolithophores such as Emilianiahuxleyi, nanoflagellates and phototrophic picoplankton dominated. In turn,the biomass of microheterotrophs above the BB doubled the biomass in the BC dueto large ciliates and dinoflagellates. Notably, toxic phytoplankton species andtheir associated phycotoxins were detected, in particular high abundance of Dinophysis acuminata and pectenotoxinsabove the bank, highlighting their prevalence in open subpolar regions.Picoeukaryotes and Synechococcus wereremarkably important over the bank, both at surface and deep waters. Theirbiomass surpassed that of phototrophic protists by 5 times, emphasizing theimportance of small-sized phytoplankton in low chlorophyll waters. Thehomogeneous water column and high retention over the bank seem to favor thedevelopment of picophytoplankton and microzooplankton and their exportation tothe benthos. Overall, our findings unfold the plankton configuration in theSouthern Patagonian Shelf, ascribed as a sink for anthropogenic CO2,and highlight the diverse ecological traits that microorganisms develop toadjust their yield to changing conditions.Fil: Guinder, Valeria Ana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía; ArgentinaFil: Malits, Andrea. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas; ArgentinaFil: Ferronato, Carola. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía; ArgentinaFil: Krock, Bernd. Alfred-Wegener-Institute, Bremerhaven; AlemaniaFil: Garzon Cardona, John Edison. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto de Química del Sur. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Química. Instituto de Química del Sur; ArgentinaFil: Martinez, Ana M.. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto de Química del Sur. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Química. Instituto de Química del Sur; ArgentinaXVIII Congreso Latinoamericano de Ciencias del MarArgentinaAsociación Latinoamericana de Investigadores en Ciencias del Ma