Search results for: demonstration wildfire detection and action from space

Authors: Chieh-Chung Tsou, Chun-Min Lo, Yeh-Shiu Chu

Abstract:

Cell’s mechanical forces provide important physical cues in regulation of proper cellular functions, such as cell differentiation, proliferation and migration. It is believed that adhesive forces generated by cell-cell interaction are able to transmit to the interior of cell through filamentous cortical cytoskeleton. Prominent among other membrane receptors, Cadherins are prototypical adhesive molecules able to generate remarkable forces to regulate intercellular adhesion. However, the mechanistic steps of mechano-transduction in Cadherin-mediated adhesion remain very controversial. We are interested in understanding how Cadherin protein complexes enable force generation and transmission at cell-cell contact in the initial stage of intercellular adhesion. For providing a better control of time, space, and substrate stiffness, in this study, a combination of protein micropattern, micropipette manipulation, and traction force microscopy is used. Pair micropattern with different forms confines cell spreading area and the gaps in pairs varied from 2 to 8 microns are applied for monitoring the forces that cell pairs generated, measured by traction force microscopy. Moreover, cell clones obtained from epithelial cells undergone genome editing are used to score the importance for known components of Cadherin complexes in force generation. We believe that our results from this combinatory mechanobiological method will provide deep insights on understanding the biophysical principle governing mechano- transduction of Cadherin-mediated intercellular adhesion.

Keywords: cadherin, intercellular adhesion, protein micropattern, traction force microscopy

Procedia PDF Downloads 251

Authors: S. Nqayi, B. Sondezi

Abstract:

A rare-earth-based Sm₂MnRuO₆₊δ (SMRO) double perovskite was prepared using a high-temperature solid-state reaction. The structural, morphological, chemical, thermodynamic, and magnetic properties were measured with X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), respectively. The XRD revealed a tetragonal structure belonging to the I4/mmm space group, number 139, with linear Mn−O−Ru bonds. Replacing the well-studied alkaline earth metal with a rare-earth element increased the Mn-O bond length difference between the shorter equatorial (Mn-Oab) and the axial (Mn-Oc) bonds by approximately 6.3%. The elemental composition showed an O-rich double perovskite with a Ru deficit, which encourages the formation of a Ru⁶⁺ (d²) state. XPS spectra of Sm-3d, Ru-3d, and Mn-2p revealed the coexistence of a double oxidation state for each cation; Sm²⁺, Sm³⁺, Ru³⁺, Ru⁶⁺, Mn²⁺ , and Mn³⁺, in varying proportions. Entropy studies showed drastic ordering of spins at low temperatures (up to 12.4 K), whilst increasing temperatures above this point resulted in a drastic increase of disorder of the spins (up to 43.26 K), beyond which a constant slope of entropy is observed. Magnetic measurements revealed two magnetic ground states at TN = 12.4 K and TC = 43.3 K ordering antiferromagnetically (AFM) and ferromagnetically (FM), respectively. Kneller fit further showed that the materials become completely paramagnetic at TB = 88.1 K, (the blocking temperature). The existence of ferromagnetic (FM) super-exchange coupling in this work originating from Mn³⁺ (t³₂𝓰e¹𝓰)−O−Ru³⁺ (t⁵₂𝓰e⁰𝓰) and Mn²⁺ (t³₂𝓰e²𝓰−O−Ru⁶⁺ (t²₂𝓰e⁰𝓰) which plays an important role in suppressing the Mn/Ru−O−Mn/Ru antiferromagnetic (AFM) interactions.

Keywords: solid-state reaction, super-exchange coupling, ferromagnetic, Kneller’s law, entropy

Procedia PDF Downloads 25

Authors: Ahmed Gaber Abdel Raheem, Nashwa Ahmed Mohamed

Abstract:

Introduction: Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is largely caused by the degeneration of the cochlea. Therapeutic options for SNHL are limited to hearing aids and cochlear implants. The cell transplantation approach to the regeneration of hair cells has gained considerable attention because stem cells are believed to accumulate in the damaged sites and have the potential for the repair of damaged tissues. The aim of the work: was to assess the use of bone marrow transplantation in repair of damaged inner ear hair cells in rats after the damage had been inflicted by Amikacin injection. Material and Methods: Thirty albino rats were used in this study. They were divided into three groups. Each group ten rats. Group I: used as control. Group II: Were given Amikacin- intratympanic injection till complete loss of hearing function. This could be assessed by Distortion product Otoacoustic Emission (DPOAEs) and / or auditory brain stem evoked potential (ABR). GroupIII: were given intra-peritoneal injection of bone marrow stem cell after complete loss of hearing caused by Amikacin. Clinical assessment was done using DPOAEs and / or auditory brain stem evoked potential (ABR), before and after bone marrow injection. Histological assessment of the inner ear was done by light and electron microscope. Also, Detection of stem cells in the inner ear by immunohistochemistry. Results: Histological examination of the specimens showed promising improvement in the structure of cochlea that may be responsible for the improvement of hearing function in rats detected by DPOAEs and / or ABR. Conclusion: Bone marrow stem cells transplantation might be useful for the treatment of SNHL.

Keywords: amikacin, hair cells, sensorineural hearing loss, stem cells

Procedia PDF Downloads 451

Authors: Barzi Ghizlane, Badrane Nohayla

Abstract:

In an environment characterized by a succession of economic, environmental, and social crises, companies must reassess their financial approach, not merely with a survival mindset, but with the aim of evolving and thriving in a constantly changing context. In this process, a sustainable financial function becomes imperative to ensure long-term growth. By integrating sustainable and responsible practices, companies can better identify and anticipate risks, diversify their sources of financing, and, most importantly, strengthen the management of their resources. Indeed, the sustainable financial function goes far beyond traditional financial activities of companies. It positions itself as a strategic pillar of development and growth through the adoption of green approaches that meet their immediate needs. This perspective constitutes a combination of financial performance and sustainability. Consequently, it allows companies to navigate with agility in a changing environment while ensuring increased resilience. Moreover, a company’s ability to withstand external shocks and risks is based on three fundamental pillars. First, proactive crisis management, which essentially allows for the identification and detection of vulnerabilities related to economic and social risks, while establishing efficient and flexible financial mechanisms to mitigate their impact. Second, maintaining financial transparency is crucial to strengthening stakeholder trust, attracting investors, and solidifying the company's market reputation. Finally, incorporating responsible and resilient investments, primarily based on ESG criteria, is key. The objective of this study is to explore how the green financial function can become a key driver in increasing companies’ resilience to various contemporary crises. It aims to demonstrate that the introduction of sustainable principles in financial management is a pathway to turning challenges into opportunities for growth and transformation.

Keywords: finance, corporate, innovation, resilience, crises, performance

Procedia PDF Downloads 11

Authors: Kathleen Cravero, Amanda Nace, Samantha Ski

Abstract:

The Violence Against Children Surveys (VACS) is nationally representative surveys of male and female youth ages 13-24, designed to measure the burden of sexual, physical, and emotional violence experienced in childhood and adolescence. As of 2019, 24 countries implemented or are in the process of implementing a VACS, covering over ten percent of the world’s child population. Since the first article using VACS data from Swaziland was published in 2009, several peer-reviewed articles have been published on the VACS. However, no publications to date have analyzed the breadth of the work and analyzed how the data are represented in the peer-reviewed literature. In this study, we conducted a literature review of all peer-reviewed research that used VACS data or discussed the implementation and methodology of the VACS. The literature review revealed several important findings. Between 2009 and July 2019, thirty-five peer-reviewed articles using VACS data from 12 countries have been published. Twenty of the studies focus on one country, while 15 of the studies focus on two or more countries. Some countries are featured in the literature more than others, for example Kenya (N=14), Malawi (N=12), and Tanzania (N=12). A review of the research by gender demonstrates that research on violence against boys is under-represented. Only two studies specifically focused on boys/young men, while 11 studies focused only on violence against girls. This is despite research which suggests boys and girls experience similar rates of violence. A review of the publications by type of violence revealed significant differences in the types of violence being featured in the literature. Thirteen publications specifically focused on sexual violence, while three studies focused on physical violence, and only one study focused on emotional violence. Almost 70% of the peer-reviewed articles (24 of the 35) were first-authored by someone at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There were very few first authors from VACS countries, which raises questions about who is leveraging the data and the extent to which capacities for data liberation are being developed within VACS countries. The VACS provide an unprecedented amount of information on the prevalence and past-year incidence of violence against children. Through a review of the peer-reviewed literature on the VACS we can begin to identify trends and gaps in how the data is being used as well as identify areas for further research.

Keywords: data to action, global health, implementation science, violence against children surveys

Procedia PDF Downloads 138

Authors: Manal Elsayed Elkheshin, Rasha Saleh Mansour, Mohamed Fawzy Mohamed Eldnasury, Mamdouh Elbadry Mohamed

Abstract:

This research Aims to identify the main factors affecting the production and the fish consumption in Egypt, through the econometric estimation for various forms functions of fish production and fish consumption during the period (1991-2014), as the aim of this research to forecast the production and the fish consumption in Egypt until 2020, through determine the best standard methods using (ARIMA).This research also aims to the economic feasibility of the production of fish in aquaculture farms study; investment cost and represents the value of land, buildings, equipment and irrigation. Aquaculture requires three types of fish (Tilapia, carp fish, and mullet fish), and the total area of the farm, about an acre. The annual Fish production from this project about 3.5 tons. The annual investment costs of about 50500 pounds, Find conclude that the project can repay the cost of their investments after about 4 years and 5 months, and therefore recommend the implementation of the project, and internal rate of return reached (IRR) of about 22.1%, where it is clear that the rate of large internal rate of return, and achieves pound invested in this project annual return is estimated at 22.1 pounds, more than the opportunity cost, so we recommend the need to implement the project.Recommendations:1. Increasing the fish agriculture to decrease the gap of animal protein. 2.Increasing the number of mechanism fishing boats, and the provision of transport equipped to maintain the quality of fish production. 3.Encourage and attract the local and foreign investments, providing advice to the investor on the aquaculture field. 4. Action newsletters awareness of the importance of these projects where these projects resulted in a net profit after recovery in less than five years, IRR amounted to about 23%, which is much more than the opportunity cost of a bank interest rate is about 7%, helping to create work and graduates opportunities, and contribute to the reduction of imports of the fish, and improve the performance of the food trade balance.

Keywords: equation model, individual share, red meat, consumption, production, endogenous variable, exogenous variable, financial performance evaluates fish culture, feasibility study, fish production, aquaculture

Procedia PDF Downloads 372

Authors: Kanokon Chaicom, Chitima Sirijerachai, Kanchana Chansung, Pinsuda Klangsang, Boonpeng Palaeng, Prajuab Chaimanee, Pimjai Ananta

Abstract:

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is characterized by the consistent involvement of the Philadelphia chromosome (Ph), which is derived from a reciprocal translocation between chromosome 9 and 22, the main product of the t(9;22) (q34;q11) translocation, is found in the leukemic clone of at least 95% of CML patients. There are two major forms of the BCR/ABL fusion gene, involving ABL exon 2, but including different exons of BCR gene. The transcripts b2a2 (e13a2) or b3a2 (e14a2) code for a p210 protein. Another fusion gene leads to the expression of an e1a2 transcript, which codes for a p190 protein. Other less common fusion genes are b3a3 or b2a3, which codes for a p203 protein and e19a2 (c3a2) transcript, which codes for a p230 protein. Its frequency varies in different populations. In this study, we aimed to report the frequency of BCR-ABL fusion transcript types with CML by multiplex PCR (polymerase chain reaction) in Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen, Thailand. Multiplex PCR for BCR-ABL was performed on 58 patients, to detect different types of BCR-ABL transcripts of the t (9; 22). All patients examined were positive for some type of BCR/ABL rearrangement. The majority of the patients (93.10%) expressed one of the p210 BCR-ABL transcripts, b3a2 and b2a2 transcripts were detected in 53.45% and 39.65% respectively. The expression of an e1a2 transcript showed 3.75%. Co-expression of p210/p230 was detected in 3.45%. Co-expression of p210/p190 was not detected. Multiplex PCR is useful, saves time and reliable in the detection of BCR-ABL transcript types. The frequency of one or other rearrangement in CML varies in different population.

Keywords: chronic myeloid leukemia, BCR-ABL fusion transcript types, multiplex PCR, frequency of BCR-ABL fusion

Procedia PDF Downloads 247

Authors: Neda Zamani

Abstract:

The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of training courses and their limitations using the CIPP model. The investigations were done on Isfahan Refinery as a case study. From a purpose point of view, the present paper is included among applied research and from a data gathering point of view, it is included among descriptive research of the field type survey. The population of the study included participants in training courses, their supervisors and experts of the training department. Probability-proportional-to-size (PPS) was used as the sampling method. The sample size for participants in training courses included 195 individuals, 30 supervisors and 11 individuals from the training experts’ group. To collect data, a questionnaire designed by the researcher and a semi-structured interview was used. The content validity of the data was confirmed by training management experts and the reliability was calculated through 0.92 Cronbach’s alpha. To analyze the data in descriptive statistics aspect (tables, frequency, frequency percentage and mean) were applied, and inferential statistics (Mann Whitney and Wilcoxon tests, Kruskal-Wallis test to determine the significance of the opinion of the groups) have been applied. Results of the study indicated that all groups, i.e., participants, supervisors and training experts, absolutely believe in the importance of training courses; however, participants in training courses regard content, teacher, atmosphere and facilities, training process, managing process and product as to be in a relatively appropriate level. The supervisors also regard output to be at a relatively appropriate level, but training experts regard content, teacher and managing processes as to be in an appropriate and higher than average level.

Keywords: training courses, limitations of training effectiveness, CIPP model, Isfahan oil refinery company

Procedia PDF Downloads 84

Authors: E. Knisel, H. Rupprich, A. Heissel

Abstract:

Health Literacy is defined as the degree to which people have the capacity to obtain and understand information to make health decisions. Illustrated are three levels of health literacy: (1) Functional literacy refers to the transmission of information about e. g. physical activity and nutrition; (2) interactive literacy implies the development of personal and social skills to adopt health-related behaviour and (3) critical health literacy indicates advanced cognitive skills connected with personal empowerment to critically analyse health information, to define self-determined goals and taking action in various situations accordingly. The achievement of the third level refers to self-determination and autonomy which should be outcomes of exercise programs for overweight children as health-related behaviour change will occur and persist if it is autonomously motivated. Method: We adopted a quasi-experimental design with group (autonomy supportive coaching, control) and session (pre-test, intervention, post-test, and follow-up-test). Overweight and obese children and adolescents at the age of 8-14 years (N=40) received a 6-month (20 sessions) exercise program with autonomy supportive coaching implemented by the coaches and sandwiched between pre-test and post-test. All participants (N=92) completed the German version of the Basic Needs Satisfaction Scale Sport and Exercise. Additionally, we assessed the engagement in the exercise program by the MVPA (Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity) and by the adherence and drop-out-rate. Results: Participants in the intervention group perceived their autonomy as moderate in the post-test and the follow-up-test. However, the psychological intervention failed to develop a high autonomy, as both groups show moderate perceived autonomy from the pre-test to the post-test. Participants in the intervention group were higher engaged in MVPA in the exercise program and they attend the program more regularly. Discussion: Young overweight and obese children and adolescents can acquire autonomy using autonomy supporting coaching. However, research identifying the extent they achieve critical health literacy is required to implement an autonomy-supportive coaching style into exercise programs for this target group.

Keywords: autonomy support, coaching, health literacy, health promotion

Procedia PDF Downloads 489

Authors: Muskan Jain, Baiju Gopal

Abstract:

Objectives: Intimacy in interpersonal relationships is integral to psychological health and everyday wellbeing; the focus is on intimacy, which can be described as feelings of closeness, connection, and belonging within relationships, which is influenced by an individual's gender identity as well as life experiences. The study aims to explore the experiences of intimacy of the non-binary gender; this marginalized community has increased risks of developing the imposter phenomenon. The study explores the influence of IP on the development and sustenance of intimacy in relationships. Methods: The present study accumulates detailed narratives from 10 non-binary young adults ages 18 to 25 in metropolitan cities of India. Thematic analysis was used for the data analysis. Results: Seven major themes have emerged revolving around internalized criticism and self-depreciating behavior, which causes distance between partners. The four themes that result in the internalization of criticism are lack of social stability, invalidation by social units, adverse life experiences, and estrangement due to gender identity. Three themes that encapsulate major difficulties in relationships are limited self-disclosure, inhibition of physical needs, and fear of taking space. The findings have been critically compared and contrasted with the existing body of literature in the domain, which sets the agenda for further inquiry. Conclusion: It is important for future studies to capture the experiences of non-binary genders in India to provide better therapeutic support in order to assist them in forming meaningful and authentic relationships, thus increasing overall wellbeing.

Keywords: imposter phenomenon, intimacy, internalized criticism, marginalized community

Procedia PDF Downloads 62

Authors: Nesrine Benarous, Hassiba Bougueria, Nabila Moussa Slimane, Aouatef Cherouana

Abstract:

Crystal polymorphism is important for the synthesis of more potent and bioactive pharmaceutical compounds, including their different properties, such as packing arrangement and conformation. In fact, polymorphism plays a vital role in drug development. Different parameters affect the crystallization and give their degree of freedom. Severalproperties affected polymorphism, like kinetics, thermodynamics, spectroscopy, and mechanical property. Various techniques are used for characterizing polymorphs, are crystallography, morphology, phase transitions, molecular motion, and chemical environment. In this work, crystal structures of two polymorphs (I and II) of the Schiff base (SB) title compound were prepared by condensation reaction. The crystal structures of both polymorphs were determined by single X-ray analysis. The two polymorphs crystallize in two different space groups: P21/c for I and Pbca for II. The dihedral angles between the two phenyl rings are 4.81º for I and 82.27º for II. Both crystal structures are built on the basis of moderate and weak hydrogen bonds, 𝜋-stacking, and halogen⋯halogeninteractions. On the other hand, Hirshfeld surface (HS) analysis indicates that the most important contributions to the crystal packing for the two polymorphs are from Cl⋯H/H⋯Cl, H⋯H, and N⋯H/H⋯N contacts. These are followed by C⋯H/H⋯C for compound I and C⋯C and by C⋯H/H⋯C contacts for compound II. Afterwards, the in vitro antibacterial activity revealed that the SB have been found effective against G- bacteria Klebsiella pneumonia andG+ bacteria Staphylococcus aureuswith MIC value of14.37μg/mL. Moreover, the SBexhibited moderate toxicity against Brine Shrimp with LC50 value of 44.19μg/mL.

Keywords: polymorph, crystal structure, hirshfeld surface analysis, in vitro antibacterial activity, toxicity

Procedia PDF Downloads 117

Authors: Xiaoyan Wang, Zhongde Wang

Abstract:

The issue of climate change, which originated in the middle of the twentieth century, has become a focus of international political, academic, and non-governmental organizations and public attention. In order to address the problems caused by climate change, the Chinese government has proposed a dual-carbon target and taken some national measures, such as ecological priority and green low-carbon development. These goals and measures are highly aligned with the values of the landscape architecture industry. This is an opportunity for the architectural discipline and the landscape architecture industry, so it is very necessary to summarize and analyze the hotspots related to climate change in the field of building science in China, which can assist the landscape architecture industry and related organizations in formulating more rational professional goals and taking actions that contribute to the betterment of societal, environmental development. Through the study, it is found as follows: firstly, after 20 years of rapid development, the research on climate change in the major architectural disciplines has shown a trend of diversification of research perspectives, interdisciplinary cross-cutting, and broadening of content; secondly, the research contents of landscape architecture focuses on the strategies to adapt to climate change, such as selection of urban tree species, the urban green infrastructure space layout, and the resilient city. Finally, in the future, climate change-based landscape architecture research will make the content system more diversified, but at the same time, it is still necessary to further deepen the research on quantitative methodology and construct scale systematic planning and design methods.

Keywords: climate change, landscape architecture, knowledge mapping, cites-pace

Procedia PDF Downloads 60

Authors: Levente Kovács, Fruzsina Luca Kézér, Ottó Szenci

Abstract:

Prediction of the onset of calving and recognizing difficulties at calving has great importance in decreasing neonatal losses and reducing the risk of health problems in the early postpartum period. In this study, changes of rumination time, reticuloruminal pH and temperature were investigated in eutocic (EUT, n = 10) and dystocic (DYS, n = 8) dairy cows around parturition. Rumination time was continuously recorded using an acoustic biotelemetry system, whereas reticuloruminal pH and temperature were recorded using an indwelling and wireless data transmitting system. The recording period lasted from 3 d before calving until 7 days in milk. For the comparison of rumination time and reticuloruminal characteristics between groups, time to return to baseline (the time interval required to return to baseline from the delivery of the calf) and area under the curve (AUC, both for prepartum and postpartum periods) were calculated for each parameter. Rumination time decreased from baseline 28 h before calving both for EUT and DYS cows (P = 0.023 and P = 0.017, respectively). After 20 h before calving, it decreased onwards to reach 32.4 ± 2.3 and 13.2 ± 2.0 min/4 h between 8 and 4 h before delivery in EUT and DYS cows, respectively, and then it decreased below 10 and 5 min during the last 4 h before calving (P = 0.003 and P = 0.008, respectively). Until 12 h after delivery rumination time reached 42.6 ± 2.7 and 51.0 ± 3.1 min/4 h in DYS and EUT dams, respectively, however, AUC and time to return to baseline suggested lower rumination activity in DYS cows than in EUT dams for the 168-h postpartum observational period (P = 0.012 and P = 0.002, respectively). Reticuloruminal pH decreased from baseline 56 h before calving both for EUT and DYS cows (P = 0.012 and P = 0.016, respectively), but did not differ between groups before delivery. In DYS cows, reticuloruminal temperature decreased from baseline 32 h before calving by 0.23 ± 0.02 °C (P = 0.012), whereas in EUT cows such a decrease was found only 20 h before delivery (0.48 ± 0.05 °C, P < 0.01). AUC of reticuloruminal temperature calculated for the prepartum period was greater in EUT cows than in DYS cows (P = 0.042). During the first 4 h after calving, it decreased from 39.7 ± 0.1 to 39.00 ± 0.1 °C and from 39.8 ± 0.1 to 38.8 ± 0.1 °C in EUT and DYS cows, respectively (P < 0.01 for both groups) and reached baseline levels after 35.4 ± 3.4 and 37.8 ± 4.2 h after calving in EUT and DYS cows, respectively. Based on our results, continuous monitoring of changes in rumination time and reticuloruminal temperature seems to be promising in the early detection of cows with a higher risk of dystocia. Depressed postpartum rumination time of DYS cows highlights the importance of the monitoring of cows experiencing difficulties at calving.

Keywords: reticuloruminal pH, reticuloruminal temperature, rumination time, dairy cows, dystocia

Procedia PDF Downloads 318

Authors: W. Swiderski

Abstract:

Composite materials are one answer to the growing demand for materials with better parameters of construction and exploitation. Composite materials also permit conscious shaping of desirable properties to increase the extent of reach in the case of metals, ceramics or polymers. In recent years, composite materials have been used widely in aerospace, energy, transportation, medicine, etc. Fiber-reinforced composites including carbon fiber, glass fiber and aramid fiber have become a major structural material. The typical defect during manufacture and operation is delamination damage of layered composites. When delamination damage of the composites spreads, it may lead to a composite fracture. One of the many methods used in non-destructive testing of composites is active infrared thermography. In active thermography, it is necessary to deliver energy to the examined sample in order to obtain significant temperature differences indicating the presence of subsurface anomalies. To detect possible defects in composite materials, different methods of thermal stimulation can be applied to the tested material, these include heating lamps, lasers, eddy currents, microwaves or ultrasounds. The use of a suitable source of thermal stimulation on the test material can have a decisive influence on the detection or failure to detect defects. Samples of multilayer structure carbon composites were prepared with deliberately introduced defects for comparative purposes. Very thin defects of different sizes and shapes made of Teflon or copper having a thickness of 0.1 mm were screened. Non-destructive testing was carried out using the following sources of thermal stimulation, heating lamp, flash lamp, ultrasound and eddy currents. The results are reported in the paper.

Keywords: Non-destructive testing, IR thermography, composite material, thermal stimulation

Procedia PDF Downloads 260

Authors: Tapiwa Brine Mutsauri

Abstract:

The MEROPS system is an information resource for proteases that classifies them into clans according to their catalytic type. Within the Plant kingdom, cysteine ​​proteases are one of the best known, as they are the catalytic type on which the first studies on plant proteases were focused. Plant cysteine ​​proteases have a similar mechanism of action to serine proteases, and some are known to have activity on factors of the blood coagulation cascade, such as a potent antithrombotic effect, and also cause increased fibrinolysis. Of a few plant cysteine ​​proteases, the three-dimensional structure is known, so a method of interest to be able to predict their potential activity on the factors of the coagulation cascade would be to know their structure. Phylogenetics is the study of the evolutionary relationships between biological entities, often species, individuals, or genes (which can be called taxa). It is essential to identify the evolutionary position and the possible distribution of these enzymes in the plant kingdom, particularly those that act on coagulation factors. Bioinformatic tools, such as Clustal Omega / Jalview and Mega6, can be used to create phylogenetic trees. From the results of the alignment, it can be seen that although there is a certain degree of conservation (Conservation) and consensus (Consensus) among the eleven sequences, the functionally important motifs (those corresponding to the active site), the degree of conservation and consensus is very low. We could then infer that although activity on coagulation is reported for these enzymes, linked to their structural and mechanistic similarity with serine proteases, this activity may not have a direct or primary relationship with the proteolytic activity associated with their common, poorly conserved active site in this case. This ultimately could be related to modifications in the reaction mechanism of several of the enzymes studied, which would require more detailed study. Also, below, we will deal with factors that may have a greater influence on this result. The results of this work enrich the understanding of how species (and molecular sequences in general) evolve. Through phylogenetics, we learn not only how sequences came to be the way they are today but also the general principles that allow us to predict how they will change in the future. For pharmaceutical sciences, phylogenetic selection of biologically related species can help identify closely related members of a species with compounds of pharmacological importance, such as plant cysteine ​​proteases, in addition to identifying structural features that may influence their pharmacological activity and which can be valuable for drug design.

Keywords: computational simulation, proteases, coagulation, bioinformatics

Procedia PDF Downloads 28

Authors: Cengiz Tavşan, Niloufar Akbarzadeh

Abstract:

Architecture in Iran has a continuous history from at least 5000 BC to the present, and numerous Iranian pre-Islamic elements have contributed significantly to the formation of Islamic art. At first, decoration was limited to small objects and containers and then progressed in the art of plaster and brickwork. They later applied in architecture as well. The art of gypsum and brickwork, which was prevalent in the form of motifs (animals and plants) in pre-Islam, was used in the aftermath of Islam with the art of calligraphy in decorations. The splendor and beauty of Iranian architecture, especially during the Islamic era, are related to decoration and design. After the invasion of Iran by the Arabs and the introduction of Islam to Iran, the arrival of the Iranian classical architecture significantly changed, and we saw the Arabic calligraphy decoration of the mosques in Iran. The principles of aesthetics in the art of calligraphy in Iran are based precisely on the principles of the beauty of ancient Iranian and Islamic art. On the other hand, after Islam, calligraphy was one of the most important sources of Islamic art in Islam and one of the important features of Islamic culture. First, the calligraphy had no cultural meaning and was only for decoration and beautification, it had the same meaning only in the inscriptions; however, over time, it became meaningful. This article provides a summary of the history of calligraphy in the mosques (from the entrance to Islam until the Safavid period), which cannot ignore the role of the calligraphy in their decorative ideas; and also, the important role that decorative elements play in creating a public space in terms of social and aesthetic performance. This study was conducted using library studies and field studies. The purpose of this study is to show the characteristics of architecture and art of decorations in Iran, especially in the mosque's architecture, which reaches the pinnacle of progress. We will see that religious beliefs and artistic practices are merging and trying to bring a single concept.

Keywords: Islamic art, Islamic architecture, decorations in Iranian mosques, calligraphy

Procedia PDF Downloads 280

Authors: Matei Tudor Berceanu, Hema Viswambharan, Kirti Kain, Chew Weng Cheng

Abstract:

Background - Obesity parameters, particularly visceral obesity as measured by the waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), correlate with insulin resistance. The metabolic microvascular changes associated with insulin resistance causes increased peripheral arteriolar resistance primarily to the lower limb vessels. We hypothesize that ankle systolic blood pressures (SBPs) are more significantly associated with visceral obesity than brachial SBPs. Methods - 1098 adults enriched in south Asians or Europeans with diabetes (T2DM) were recruited from a primary care practice in West Yorkshire. Their medical histories, including T2DM and cardiovascular disease (CVD) status, were gathered from an electronic database. The brachial, dorsalis pedis, and posterior tibial SBPs were measured using a Doppler machine. Their body mass index (BMI) and WHtR were calculated after measuring their weight, height, and waist circumference. Linear regressions were performed between the 6 SBPs and both obesity parameters, after adjusting for covariates. Results - Generally, the left posterior tibial SBP (P=4.559*10⁻¹⁵) and right posterior tibial SBP (P=1.114* 10⁻¹³ ) are the pressures most significantly associated with the BMI, as well as in south Asians (P < 0.001) and Europeans (P < 0.001) specifically. In South Asians, although the left (P=0.032) and right brachial SBP (P=0.045) were associated to the WHtR, the left posterior tibial SBP (P=0.023) showed the strongest association. Conclusion - Regardless of ethnicity, ankle SBPs are more significantly associated with generalized obesity than brachial SBPs, suggesting their screening potential for screening for early detection of T2DM and CVD. A combination of ankle SBPs with WHtR is proposed in south Asians.

Keywords: ankle blood pressures, body mass index, insulin resistance, waist-to-height-ratio

Procedia PDF Downloads 145

Authors: N. G. Vepkhvadze, T. Enukidze

Abstract:

Anthrax is a fatal disease caused by strains of Bacillus anthracis, a spore-forming gram-positive bacillus that causes the disease anthrax in animals and humans. Anthrax is a zoonotic disease that is also well-recognized as a potential agent of bioterrorism. Infection in humans is extremely rare in the developed world and is generally due to contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products. Testing of this zoonotic disease began in 1907 in Georgia and is still being tested routinely to provide accurate information and efficient testing results at the State Laboratory of Agriculture of Georgia. Each clinical sample is analyzed by RT-PCR and bacteriology methods; this study used Real-Time PCR assays for the detection of B. anthracis that rely on plasmid-encoded targets with a chromosomal marker to correctly differentiate pathogenic strains from non-anthracis Bacillus species. During the period of 2015-2022, the State Laboratory of Agriculture (SLA) tested 250 clinical and environmental (soil) samples from several different regions in Georgia. In total, 61 out of the 250 samples were positive during this period. Based on the results, Anthrax cases are mostly present in Eastern Georgia, with a high density of the population of livestock, specifically in the regions of Kakheti and Kvemo Kartli. All laboratory activities are being performed in accordance with International Quality standards, adhering to biosafety and biosecurity rules by qualified and experienced personnel handling pathogenic agents. Laboratory testing plays the largest role in diagnosing animals with anthrax, which helps pertinent institutions to quickly confirm a diagnosis of anthrax and evaluate the epidemiological situation that generates important data for further responses.

Keywords: animal disease, baccilus anthracis, edp, laboratory molecular diagnostics

Procedia PDF Downloads 92

Authors: Majid Haghshenas, James Wilson, Ranganathan Kumar

Abstract:

In this study, an Algebraic Coupled Level Set-Volume of Fluid (A-CLSVOF) method with capillary pressure treatment is proposed for the modeling of two-phase capillary flows. The Volume of Fluid (VOF) method is utilized to incorporate one-way coupling with the Level Set (LS) function in order to further improve the accuracy of the interface curvature calculation and resulting surface tension force. The capillary pressure is determined and treated independently of the hydrodynamic pressure in the momentum balance in order to maintain consistency between cell centered and interpolated values, resulting in a reduction in parasitic currents. In this method, both VOF and LS functions are transported where the new volume fraction determines the interface seed position used to reinitialize the LS field. The Hamilton-Godunov function is used with a second order (in space and time) discretization scheme to produce a signed distance function. The performance of the current methodology has been tested against some common test cases in order to assess the reduction in non-physical velocities and improvements in the interfacial pressure jump. The cases of a static drop, non-linear Rayleigh-Taylor instability and finally a droplets impact on a liquid pool were simulated to compare the performance of the present method to other well-known methods in the area of parasitic current reduction, interface location evolution and overall agreement with experimental results.

Keywords: two-phase flow, capillary flow, surface tension force, coupled LS with VOF

Procedia PDF Downloads 358

Authors: Montree Bunruangses, Sonath Bhattacharyya, Somchat Sonasang, Preecha Yupapin

Abstract:

A two-level system is manipulated by a microstrip add-drop circuit configured as an atom like system for wave-particle behavior investigation when its traveling speed along the circuit perimeter is the speed of light. The entangled pair formed by the upper and lower sideband peaks is bound by the angular displacement, which is given by 0≤θ≤π/2. The control signals associated with 3-peak signal frequencies are applied by the external inputs via the microstrip add-drop multiplexer ports, where they are time functions without the space term involved. When a system satisfies the speed of light conditions, the mass term has been changed to energy based on the relativistic limit described by the Lorentz factor and Einstein equation. The different applied frequencies can be utilized to form the 3-phase torques that can be applied for quantum engines. The experiment will use the two-level system circuit and be conducted in the laboratory. The 3-phase torques will be recorded and investigated for quantum engine driving purpose. The obtained results will be compared to the simulation. The optimum amplification of torque can be obtained by the resonant successive filtering operation. Torque will be vanished when the system is balanced at the stopped position, where |Time|=0, which is required to be a system stability condition. It will be discussed for future applications. A larger device may be tested in the future for realistic use. A synchronous and asynchronous driven motor is also discussed for the warp drive use.

Keywords: quantum engine, relativistic motor, 3-phase torque, atomic engine

Procedia PDF Downloads 66

Authors: Ntloana Hlabishi Peter

Abstract:

The availability of public transportation modes and qualitative infrastructure is a burning issue that affects urban sustainability. Public transportation is indispensable in providing adequate transportation means to people at an affordable price, and it promotes public transport reliance. Burgersfort town has a critical condition on the urban public transportation infrastructure which affects the bus and taxi public transport modes and the existing infrastructure. The municipality is regarded as one of the mining towns in Limpopo Province considering the availability of mining activities and proposal on establishment of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ). The study aim is to assess the efficacy of current public transportation infrastructure and to propose relevant recommendations that will unlock the possibility of future supportable public transportation systems. The Key Informant Interview (KII) was used to acquire data on the views from commuters and stakeholders involved. There KII incorporated three relevant questions in relation to services rendered in public transportation. Relevant literature relating to public transportation modes and infrastructure revealed the imperatives of public transportation infrastructure, and relevant legislation was reviewed concerning public transport infrastructure. The finding revealed poor conditions on the public transportation ranks and also inadequate parking space for public transportation modes. The study reveals that 100% of people interviewed were not satisfied with the condition of public transportation infrastructure and 100% are not satisfied with the services offered by public transportation sectors. The findings revealed that the municipality is the main player who can upgrade the existing conditions of public transportation. The study recommended that an intermodal transportation facility must be established to resolve the emerging challenges.

Keywords: public transportation, modes, infrastructure, urban sustainability

Procedia PDF Downloads 233

Authors: Tina Pujara

Abstract:

Urban and regional research in the new emerging inter-disciplinary field of happiness is seemingly limited. However, it is progressively being recognized that there is enormous potential for social and behavioral scientists to add a spatial dimension to it. In fact, the happiness of communities can be notably influenced by the design and maintenance of the neighborhoods they inhabit. The probable key reasons being that places can facilitate human social connections and relationships. While it is increasingly being acknowledged that some neighborhood designs appear better suited for social connectedness than others, the plausible reasons for places to deter these characteristics and perhaps their influence on happiness are outwardly unknown. In addition, an explicit step wise methodology to assess neighborhood designs for happiness (of their communities) is not known to exist. This paper is an attempt towards developing such a methodological framework. The paper presents the development of a methodological framework for assessing neighborhood designs for happiness, with a particular focus on the outdoor shared spaces in neighborhoods. The developed methodological framework of investigation follows a mixed method approach and draws upon four different sources of information. The framework proposes an empirical examination of the contribution of neighborhood factors, particularly outdoor shared spaces, to individual happiness. One of the main tools proposed for this empirical examination is Jan Gehl’s Public Space Public Life (PSPL) Survey. The developed framework, as presented in the paper, is a contribution towards the development of a consolidated methodology for assessing neighborhood designs for happiness, which can further serve as a unique tool to inform urban designers, architects and other decision makers.

Keywords: happiness, methodology, neighbourhood design, outdoor shared spaces

Procedia PDF Downloads 166

Authors: Narayan Moger, Divya B., Preethi Jambagi, Krishnaveni C. K., Apsana M. R., B. R. Patil, Basvaraj Bagewadi

Abstract:

Salinity is one of the major threats to world food security. Considering the requirement for salt tolerant crop plants in the present study was undertaken to clone and transferred the salt tolerant ectA gene from marine ecosystem into agriculture crop system to impart salinity tolerance. Ectoine is the compatible solute which accumulates in the cell membrane, is known to be involved in salt tolerance activity in most of the Halophiles. The present situation is insisting to development of salt tolerant transgenic lines to combat abiotic stress. In this background, the investigation was conducted to develop transgenic tomato lines by cloning and transferring of ectA gene is an ectoine derivative capable of enzymatic action for the production of acetyl-diaminobutyric acid. The gene ectA is involved in maintaining the osmotic balance of plants. The PCR amplified ectA gene (579bp) was cloned into T/A cloning vector (pTZ57R/T). The construct pDBJ26 containing ectA gene was sequenced by using gene specific forward and reverse primers. Sequence was analyzed using BLAST algorithm to check similarity of ectA gene with other isolates. Highest homology of 99.66 per cent was found with ectA gene sequences of isolates Halomonas elongata with the available sequence information in NCBI database. The ectA gene was further sub cloned into pRI101-AN plant expression vector and transferred into E. coli DH5α for its maintenance. Further pDNM27 was mobilized into A. tumefaciens LBA4404 through tri-parental mating system. The recombinant Agrobacterium containing pDNM27 was transferred into tomato plants through In planta plant transformation method. Out of 300 seedlings, co-cultivated only twenty-seven plants were able to well establish under the greenhouse condition. Among twenty-seven transformants only twelve plants showed amplification with gene specific primers. Further work must be extended to evaluate the transformants at T1 and T2 generations for ectoine accumulation, salinity tolerance, plant growth and development and yield.

Keywords: salinity, computable solutes, ectA, transgenic, in planta transformation

Procedia PDF Downloads 84

Authors: Clemence Collon, Didier Poracchia

Abstract:

The manipulation of sports competitions is a new type of sports integrity problem. While doping has become an organized, institutionalized struggle, the manipulation of sports competitions is gradually building up. This study aims to describe and understand how the soft Olympic and Paralympic law was gradually built. It also summarizes the legal tools for prevention, detection, and sanction developed by the international Olympic movement. Then, it analyzes the impact of this soft law on the law of the States, in particular in French law. This study is mainly based on an analysis of existing legal literature and non-binding law in the International Olympic and Paralympic movement and on the French National Olympic Committee. Interviews were carried out with experts from the Olympic movement or experts working on combating the manipulation of sports competitions; the answers are also used in this article. The International Olympic Committee has created a supranational legal base to fight against the manipulation of sports competitions. This legal basis must be respected by sports organizations. The Olympic Charter, the Olympic Code of Ethics, the Olympic Movement Code on the prevention of the manipulation of sports competitions, the rules of standards, the basic universal principles, the manuals, the declarations have been published in this perspective. This sports soft law has influences or repercussions in each state. Many states take this new form of integrity problem into account by creating state laws or measures in favor of the fight against sports manipulations. France has so far only a legal basis for manipulation related to betting on sports competitions through the infraction of sports corruption included in the penal code and also created a national platform with various actors to combat this cheating. This legal study highlights the progressive construction of the sports law rules of the Olympic movement in the fight against the manipulation of sports competitions linked to sports betting and their impact on the law of the states.

Keywords: integrity, law and ethics, manipulation of sports competitions, olympic, sports law

Procedia PDF Downloads 157

Authors: Domenico Chizzoniti, Monica Moscatelli, Letizia Cattani, Luca Preis

Abstract:

A primary healthcare facility in developing countries should be a multifunctional space able to respond to different requirements: Flexibility, modularity, aggregation and reversibility. These basic features could be better satisfied if applied to an architectural artifact that complies with the typological, figurative and constructive aspects of the context in which it is located. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to identify a procedure that can define the figurative aspects of the architectural structure of the health prototype for the marginal areas of developing countries through a critical approach. The application context is the rural areas of the Northeast of Bahia in Brazil. The prototype should be located in the rural district of Quingoma, in the municipality of Lauro de Freitas, a particular place where there is still a cultural fusion of black and indigenous populations. Based on the historical analysis of settlement strategies and architectural structures in spaces of public interest or collective use, this paper aims to provide a procedure able to identify the categories and rules underlying typological and figurative aspects, in order to detect significant and generalizable elements, as well as materials and constructive techniques typically adopted in the rural areas of Brazil. The object of this work is therefore not only the recovery of certain constructive approaches but also the development of a procedure that integrates the requirements of the primary healthcare prototype with its surrounding economic, social, cultural, settlement and figurative conditions.

Keywords: architectural typology, developing countries, local construction techniques, primary health care.

Procedia PDF Downloads 329

Authors: Rachel deCatanzaro, Madeline Austen, Ken Tuininga, Kathy St. Laurent, Christina Rohe

Abstract:

In Canada, the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA) provides protection for wildlife species at risk and a national legislative framework for the conservation or recovery of species that are listed as endangered, threatened, or special concern under Schedule 1 of SARA. Key aspects of the federal species at risk program include the development of recovery documents (recovery strategies, action plans, and management plans) outlining threats, objectives, and broad strategies or measures for conservation or recovery of the species; the identification and protection of critical habitat for threatened and endangered species; and working with groups and organizations to implement on-the-ground recovery actions. Environment Canada’s progress on the development of recovery documents and on the identification and protection of critical habitat in Ontario will be presented, along with successes and challenges associated with on-the ground implementation of recovery actions. In Ontario, Environment Canada is currently involved in several recovery and monitoring programs for at-risk bird species such as the Loggerhead Shrike, Piping Plover, Golden-winged Warbler and Cerulean Warbler and has provided funding for a wide variety of recovery actions targeting priority species at risk and geographic areas each year through stewardship programs including the Habitat Stewardship Program, Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk, and the Interdepartmental Recovery Fund. Key research needs relevant to the recovery of species at risk have been identified, and include: surveys and monitoring of population sizes and threats, population viability analyses, and addressing knowledge gaps identified for individual species (e.g., species biology and habitat needs). The engagement of all levels of government, the local and international conservation communities, and the scientific research community plays an important role in the conservation and recovery of species at risk in Ontario– through surveying and monitoring, filling knowledge gaps, conducting public outreach, and restoring, protecting, or managing habitat – and will be critical to the continued success of the federal species at risk program.

Keywords: conservation biology, habitat protection, species at risk, wildlife recovery

Procedia PDF Downloads 456

Authors: Haniyeh Parhizkar

Abstract:

When Sarris came up with the "auteur theory" in 1962, he emphasized that the utmost premise of auteur theory is the inner meanings and concepts of a film and that a film is purely an art form. Today's mainstream movies are conceptually closer to what the Frankfurt School scholars regarded as "reproduced" and "mass culture" years ago. Hollywood goes on to be a huge movie-making machine that leads the dominant paradigms of films throughout the world and cinema is far from art. Although there are still movies, directors, and audiences who favor art cinema over Hollywood and mainstream movies, it's an almost undeniable fact that, for the most part, people's perception of movies is widely influenced by their American depiction and Hollywood's legacy of mass culture. With the uprising of Hollywood studios as the forerunners of the movie industry and cinema being largely dependent on economics rather than artistic values, this distinctive role of cinema has diminished and is replaced with a global standard. The Blockbuster 2022 film, 'Everything, Everywhere, All at Once' is now the most-awarded movie of all time, winning seven Oscars at the 95th Academy Awards. Despite its main cast being Asian, the movie is produced by American incorporation and is heavily influenced by Hollywood's dominant themes of superheroes, fantasy, action, and adventure. The New Yorker film critic, Richard Brody, called the movie "a pitch for a Marvel" and critiqued the film for being "universalized" and "empty of history and culture". Other critics of Variety pinpointed the movie's similarities to Marvel, particularly in their storylines of multi-universe which manifest traces of American legacy. As argued by these critics, 'Everything, Everywhere, All at Once' might appear as a unique and authentic film at first glance, but it can be argued that it is yet another version of a Marvel movie. While the movie's universal acclaim was regarded as recognition and an acknowledgment of its Asian cast, the issue that arises here is when the Hollywood influences and American themes are so robust in the film, is the movie industry honoring another culture or is it yet another celebration of Hollywood's dominant paradigm. This essay will employ a critical approach to Hollywood's dominance and mass-produced culture, which has deprived authenticity of non-American movies and is constantly reproducing the same formula of success.

Keywords: hollywoodization, universalization, blockbuster, dominant paradigm, marvel, authenticity, diversity

Procedia PDF Downloads 94

Authors: Xiaohan Gao, Kai Liu

Abstract:

As essential components of urban areas, primary and secondary schools are extensively distributed throughout various regions of the city. During times of urban disturbances, these schools become direct carriers of complex disruptions. Therefore, fostering resilient schools becomes a pivotal driving force to promote high-quality urban development and a cornerstone of sustainable school growth. This paper adopts the theory of spatial resilience and focuses on primary and secondary schools in Chinese cities as the research subject. The study first explores the potential disturbance risks faced by schools and delves into the origin and concept of spatial resilience in the educational context. Subsequently, the paper conducts a meta-analysis to characterize the spatial resilience of primary and secondary schools and devises a spatial resilience planning mechanism. Drawing insights from exemplary cases both domestically and internationally, the research formulates spatial and planning resilience strategies for primary and secondary schools to cope with perturbations. These strategies encompass creating an overall layout that integrates harmoniously with nature, promoting organic growth in the planning structure, fostering ecological balance in the landscape system, and enabling dynamic adaptation in architectural spaces. By cultivating the capacity for "resistance-adaptation-transformation," these approaches support sustainable development within the school space. The ultimate goal of this project is to establish a cohesive and harmonious layout that advances the sustainable development of primary and secondary schools while contributing to the overall resilience of urban areas.

Keywords: complex disruption, primary and secondary schools, spatial resilience, sustainable development

Procedia PDF Downloads 83

Authors: Mazifah Simis, Azahan Awang, Kadir Arifin

Abstract:

The brownfield regeneration is being implemented in developped countries. However, as a group 1 developing country in the South East Asia, the rapid development and increasing number of urban population in Malaysia have urged the needs to incorporate the brownfield regeneration into its physical planning development. The increasing number of urban ex-landfills is seen as a new resource that could overcome the issues of inadequate urban green space provisions. With regards to the new development approach in urban planning, this perception study aims to identify the sustainable planning approach based on what the stakeholders have in mind. Respondents consist of 375 local communities within four urban ex-landfill areas and 61 landscape architect and town planner officers in the Malaysian Local Authorities. Three main objectives are set to be achieved, which are (i) to identify ex-landfill issues that need to be overcome prior to the ex-landfill redevelopment (ii) to identify the most suitable types of ex-landfill redevelopment, and (iii) to identify the priority function for ex-landfill redevelopment as the public parks. From the data gathered through the survey method, the order of priorities based on stakeholders' perception was produced. The results show different perception among the stakeholders, but they agreed to the development of the public park as the main development. Hence, this study attempts to produce an integrated approach as a model for sustainable ex-landfill redevelopment that could be accepted by the stakeholders as a beneficial future development that could change the image of 296 ex-landfills in Malaysia into the urban public parks by the year 2020.

Keywords: brownfield regeneration, ex-landfill redevelopment, integrated approach, stakeholders' perception

Procedia PDF Downloads 358

Authors: Janos Juhasz, Sandor Pongor, Balazs Ligeti

Abstract:

Next-generation sequencing, especially whole genome shotgun sequencing, is becoming a common approach to gain insight into the microbiomes in a culture-independent way, even in clinical practice. It does not only give us information about the species composition of an environmental sample but opens the possibility to detect antimicrobial resistance and novel, or currently unknown, pathogens. Accurately and reliably detecting the microbial strains is a challenging task. Here we present a sensitive approach for detecting pathogens in metagenomics samples with special regard to detecting novel variants of known pathogens. We have developed a pipeline that uses fast, short read aligner programs (i.e., Bowtie2/BWA) and comprehensive nucleotide databases. Taxonomic binning is based on the lowest common ancestor (LCA) principle; each read is assigned to a taxon, covering the most significantly hit taxa. This approach helps in balancing between sensitivity and running time. The program was tested both on experimental and synthetic data. The results implicate that our method performs as good as the state-of-the-art BLAST-based ones, furthermore, in some cases, it even proves to be better, while running two orders magnitude faster. It is sensitive and capable of identifying taxa being present only in small abundance. Moreover, it needs two orders of magnitude less reads to complete the identification than MetaPhLan2 does. We analyzed an experimental anthrax dataset (B. anthracis strain BA104). The majority of the reads (96.50%) was classified as Bacillus anthracis, a small portion, 1.2%, was classified as other species from the Bacillus genus. We demonstrate that the evaluation of high-throughput sequencing data is feasible in a reasonable time with good classification accuracy.

Keywords: metagenomics, taxonomy binning, pathogens, microbiome, B. anthracis

Procedia PDF Downloads 139