Flud: A Hybrid Crowd–Algorithm Approach for Visualizing Biological Networks

Modern experiments in many disciplines generate large quantities of network (graph) data. Researchers require aesthetic layouts of these networks that clearly convey the domain knowledge and meaning. However, the problem remains challenging due to multiple conflicting aesthetic criteria and complex domain-specific constraints. In this article, we present a strategy for generating visualizations that can help network biologists understand the protein interactions that underlie processes that take place in the cell. Specifically, we have developed Flud, a crowd-powered system that allows humans with no expertise to design biologically meaningful graph layouts with the help of algorithmically generated suggestions. Furthermore, we propose a novel hybrid approach for graph layout wherein crowd workers and a simulated annealing algorithm build on each other’s progress. A study of about 2,000 crowd workers on Amazon Mechanical Turk showed that the hybrid crowd–algorithm approach outperforms the crowd-only approach and state-of-the-art techniques when workers were asked to lay out complex networks that represent signaling pathways. Another study of seven participants with biological training showed that Flud layouts are more effective compared to those created by state-of-the-art techniques. We also found that the algorithmically generated suggestions guided the workers when they are stuck and helped them improve their score. Finally, we discuss broader implications for mixed-initiative interactions in layout design tasks beyond biology.

Xanthoepocin, a photolabile antibiotic of Penicillium ochrochloron CBS 123823 with high activity against multiresistant gram-positive bacteria

Background With the steady increase of antibiotic resistance, several strategies have been proposed in the scientific community to overcome the crisis. One of many successful strategies is the re-evaluation of known compounds, which have been early discarded out of the pipeline, with state-of-the-art know-how. Xanthoepocin, a polyketide widespread among the genus Penicillium with an interesting bioactivity spectrum against gram-positive bacteria, is such a discarded antibiotic. The purpose of this work was to (i) isolate larger quantities of this metabolite and chemically re-evaluate it with modern technology, (ii) to explore which factors lead to xanthoepocin biosynthesis in P. ochrochloron, and (iii) to test if it is beside its known activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), also active against linezolid and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (LVRE)—a very problematic resistant bacterium which is currently on the rise. Results In this work, we developed several new protocols to isolate, extract, and quantify xanthoepocin out of bioreactor batch and petri dish-grown mycelium of P. ochrochloron. The (photo)chemical re-evaluation with state-of-the-art techniques revealed that xanthoepocin is a photolabile molecule, which produces singlet oxygen under blue light irradiation. The intracellular xanthoepocin content, which was highest under ammonium-limited conditions, varied considerably with the applied irradiation conditions in petri dish and bioreactor batch cultures. Using light-protecting measures, we achieved MIC values against gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which were up to 5 times lower than previously published. In addition, xanthoepocin was highly active against a clinical isolate of linezolid and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (LVRE). Conclusions This interdisciplinary work underlines that the re-evaluation of known compounds with state-of-the-art techniques is an important strategy in the combat against multiresistant bacteria and that light is a crucial factor on many levels that needs to receive more attention. With appropriate light protecting measures in the susceptibility tests, xanthoepocin proved to be a powerful antibiotic against MRSA and LVRE. Exploring the light response of other polyketides may be pivotal for re-introducing previously discarded metabolites into the antibiotic pipeline and to identify photosensitizers which might be used for (antimicrobial) photodynamic therapies.

Markov Matrix and Entropy based Tamper Detection Technique for Text Images

In this paper, a novel watermarking technique for the tamper detection of text images is pro- posed. Entropy of every sentence is computed and Markov matrix using the occurrences of the characters is used to generate a character pattern. Entropy and character patterns are converted to Unicode Zero Width Characters (ZWCs) by using a lookup table. The ZWCs of entropy of each sentence is embedded at the end of every sentence after terminator. ZWCs of the character patterns are embedded in the end of the text of the image. On receiver side, ZWCs are extracted and converted to numerical form using the same lookup table. Entropy of every sentence and character patterns are recalculated and compared with extracted values for tamper detection. Comparison of technique with existing state-of-art techniques shows the effectiveness of the proposed technique.

Infrastructure BIM Platform for Lifecycle Management

Recently, the application of the BIM technique to infrastructure lifecycle management has increased rapidly to improve the efficiency of infrastructure management systems. Research on the lifecycle management of infrastructure, from planning and design to construction and management, has been carried out. Therefore, a systematic review of the literature on recent research is performed to analyze the current state of the BIM technique. State-of-the-art techniques for infrastructure lifecycle management, such as unmanned robots, sensors and processing techniques, artificial intelligence, etc., are also reviewed. An infrastructure BIM platform framework composed of BIM and state-of-the-art techniques is then proposed. The proposed platform is a web-based platform that contains quantity, schedule (4D), and cost (5D) construction management, and the monitoring systems enable collaboration with stakeholders in a Common Data Environment (CDE). The lifecycle management methodology, after infrastructure construction, is then completed and is developed using state-of-the-art techniques using unmanned robots, scan-to-BIM, and deep learning networks, etc. It is confirmed that collaboration with stakeholders in the CDE in construction management is possible using an infrastructure BIM platform. Moreover, lifecycle management of infrastructure is possible by systematic management, such as time history analysis, damage growth prediction, decision of repair and demolition, etc., using a regular inspection database based on an infrastructure BIM platform.

FORMATION OF FUTURE SOCIAL WORKERS’ READYNESS TO WORK WITH THE FAMILY: TRAINING ON THE USE OF ART TECHNIQUES

The article raises one of today problems, which needs to be solved in the conditions of the modern changing development of the Ukrainian society. The basis of this topic is high-quality professional training of future social workers who will be able to effectively interact with the family or its individual members. The authors emphasize that the use of art techniques in social work with the family is a new direction in the social professionals activities, for example, to prevent, diagnose and correct the clients’ perception; their awareness of the importance of the functions of their family and the formation of a valued attitude to the achievements of their kind, etc. The article also notes that through the use of a variety of pictorial, plastic, musical, metaphorical and other means, social professionals have the opportunity to creatively obtain material for research and assistance in solving family problems. The main idea of the training developed by the authors is to reveal the essence of art techniques in the activities of a social worker while working with the family. The presented training material is aimed at solving such tasks as to characterize the type of art techniques for the activities of social workers and social educators; to promote the awareness of future social workers of the value of the family and family relationships; to study the influence of gender on the life of all family members. Among the developed exercises are such art techniques as collage, meditation, work with plastic and paper materials, etc. The presented article emphasizes that art activity in cases of work with families will help to clarify the peculiarities of clients' perception of their own "family portraits", will allow to see the features of "joint activities" of family members and reveal the "world of parent-child relations". The authors take into account that both children and their parents are not often ready to interact with social professionals, feeling ashamed, afraid or just uncomfortable though the process of immersion in the world of creativity and artistic expression is able to implement important for family life therapeutic action and finding ways to solve complex problems.