Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multi-Objective Optimization Using Cuckoo Optimization Algorithm : A Game Theory Approach

This paper presents an application of Cuckoo Optimization Algorithm (COA) in game theory and multiobjective optimization problems. The recently introduced COA has proven its excellent capabilities, such as faster convergence and better global optimum achievement over conventional optimization algorithms. In this paper COA is used to find Nash Equilibrium points of nonlinear non-cooperative games. The introduced method can also be used as an alternative approach to solve multi-objective optimization problems. The effectiveness of the proposed method, in comparison to genetic algorithm and Colonial Competitive Algorithm (CCA), is proven through several static and dynamic example games and also multi-objective problems.
CDC 23 regulates cancer cell phenotype and is overexpressed in papillary thyroid cancer

Cancer gender disparities have been observed for a variety of human malignancies. Thyroid cancer is one such example where there is a dramatic difference in the incidence, aggressiveness, and death rate by gender. The molecular basis for gender disparity is poorly understood. To address this, we performed genome-wide gene expression profiling in matched papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) samples and identified nine candidate genes differentially expressed by gender. One of these genes was CDC23 that was upregulated in PTC in men compared with women. Because the function and expression of CDC23 is unknown in eukaryotic cells, we further characterized the expression of CDC23 in normal, hyperplastic, and PTC tissue samples. We found CDC23 was overexpressed in PTC and absent in normal and hyperplastic thyroid tissue. In thyroid cancer cells, functional knockdown of CDC23 resulted in an increase in the number of cells in both the S and G2M phases of the cell cycle, and an inhibition of cellular proliferation, tumor spheroid formation, and anchorage-independent growth. Cellular arrest in both S and G2M phases was associated with significant cyclin B1 and securin protein accumulation after CDC23 knockdown. Moreover, the effect of CDC23 on cellular proliferation and cell cycle progression was reversed on triple knockdown studies of CDC23, cyclin B1, and securin. Our data taken together suggestsCDC23 has important biologic effects on cell proliferation and cell cycle progression. The effect of CDC23 on cellular proliferation and cell cycle progression is mediated, at least in part, by cyclin B1 and securin protein levels. Therefore, we propose that CDC23 is a critical regulator of cell cycle and cell growth, and may be involved in thyroid cancer initiation and progression, and may explain the different tumor biology observed by gender. Endocrine-Related Cancer (2011) 18 731–742
Bandwidth Enhancement of Printed E-Shaped Slot Antennas Fed by CPW and Microstrip Line

Two printed wide-slot antennas with E-shaped patches and slots, for broadband applications, are proposed. They are fed by a coplanar waveguide (CPW) and a microstrip line with almost the same performances. Detailed simulation and experimental investigations are conducted to understand their behaviors and optimize for broadband operation. Good agreement between the measurement and simulation has been achieved. The impedance bandwidths, determined by 10-dB reflection coefficient, of the proposed slot antennas fed by microstrip line and CPW, from both measurement and simulation, are about 136% (2.85 to 15.12 GHz) and 146% (2.83 to 18.2 GHz), respectively. This large operating bandwidth is obtained by choosing suitable combinations of feed and slot shapes. In order to achieve wider operation bandwidth both of the designed antennas have round corners on the wide slot and patch. Meanwhile, the proposed antennas exhibit almost omnidirectional radiation patterns, relatively high gain, and low cross polarization. A comprehensive numerical sensitivity analysis has been done to understand the effects of various dimensional parameters and to optimize the performance of the designed antennas. Results for reflection coefficient, far-field E and H-plane radiation patterns, and gain of the designed antennas are presented and discussed.
The link between mental health-related discrimination and suicidality: service user perspectives

Background Suicide is a major global public health issue. Mental illness is a risk factor for suicide, but as many individuals with a diagnosed mental health problem do not experience suicidal ideation or attempt suicide, other individual and societal factors must be considered. Mental illness-related discrimination is one potential risk factor. Method Using mixed methods, the influence of discrimination on suicidality amongst 194 individuals diagnosed with depression, bipolar or schizophrenia spectrum disorders was investigated. Qualitative interviews with a sub-sample of 58 individuals who reported a link between experience of discrimination and suicidality were analysed using framework analysis. Quantitative methods were used to examine the model derived from qualitative analyses. Results Results indicate that the experience of discrimination led 38% of the overall sample of 194 participants, to suicidal feelings and 20% reported that it contributed to making a suicide attempt. The qualitative model derived from interviews with a sub-sample of 58 participants suggested that the experience of discrimination is experienced as a stressor that exceeds coping resources, leading to a negative self-image and a perception of decreased supportive networks/social structure. The anticipation of further negative events and treatment, and the perception of a lack of supportive networks led individuals in this study to feelings of hopelessness and suicidality. Quantitative analyses provided support for the model. Conclusions These data suggest that both psychological therapies aimed at improving coping skills and population-level anti-stigma interventions that reduce the occurrence of discrimination may provide some protection against suicide amongst individuals with mental health problems.
Oncogenic dependency on β-catenin in liver cancer cell lines correlates with pathway activation

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a serious public health challenge with few therapeutic options available to cancer patients.Wnt/β-catenin pathway is thought to play a significant role in HCC pathogenesis. In this study, we confirmed high frequency of CTNNB1 (β-catenin) mutations in two independent cohorts of HCC patients and demonstrated significant upregulation of β-catenin protein in the overwhelming majority of HCC patient samples, patient-derived xenografts (PDX) and established cell lines. Using genetic tools validated for target specificity through phenotypic rescue experiments, we went on to investigate oncogenic dependency on β-catenin in an extensive collection of human HCC cells lines. Our results demonstrate that dependency on β-catenin generally tracks with its activation status. HCC cell lines that harbored activating mutations in CTNNB1 or displayed elevated levels of non-phosphorylated (active) β-catenin were significantly more sensitive to β-catenin siRNA treatment than cell lines with wild-type CTNNB1 and lower active β-catenin. Finally, significant therapeutic benefit of β-catenin knock-down was demonstrated in established HCC tumor xenografts using doxycycline-inducible shRNA system. β-catenin downregulation and tumor growth inhibition was associated with reduction in AXIN2, direct transcriptional target of β-catenin, and decreased cancer cell proliferation as measured by Ki67 staining. Taken together, our data highlight fundamental importance of aberrant β-catenin signaling in the maintenance of oncogenic phenotype in HCC.
Assessing the Determinants of Export Diversification in Africa

Diversification of production and exports is critical for African countries to promote sustainable growth and economic transformation. This paper empirically explores the long-run determinants of export diversification by estimating a cross country regression model using a panel of 53 African countries for 1995-2011. System GMM estimates provide robust evidence supporting the importance of per capita income, infrastructure, public investment, human capital and the institutional framework as significant drivers of export diversification. This calls on African countries to design and implement long-term development strategies and institutional reforms to foster export diversification and economic transformation.
On the U.S. Firm and Establishment Size Distributions

This paper revisits the empirical evidence on the nature of firm and establishment size distributions in the United States using the Longitudinal Business Database (LBD), a confidential Census Bureau panel of all non-farm private firms and establishments with at least one employee. We establish five stylized facts that are relevant for the extent of granularity and the nature of growth in the U.S. economy: (1) with an estimated shape parameter significantly below 1, the best-fitting Pareto distribution substantially differs from Zipf's law for both firms and establishments; (2) a lognormal distribution fits both establishment and firm size distributions better than the commonly-used Pareto distribution, even far in the upper tail; (3) a convolution of lognormal and Pareto distributions fits both size distributions better than lognormal alone while also providing a better fit for the employment share distribution; (4) the estimated parameters are different across manufa cturing and services sectors, but the distribution fit ranking remains unchanged in the sectoral subsamples. Finally, using the Census of Manufactures (CM), we find that (5) the distribution of establishment-level total factor productivity---a common theoretical primitive for size---is also better described by lognormal than Pareto. We show that correctly characterizing the firm size distribution has first order implications for the effect of firm-level idiosyncratic shocks on aggregate activity.
Epidemiology of fascioliasis in human endemic areas

Abstract Considered a secondary zoonotic disease until the mid-1990s, human fascioliasis is at present emerging or re-emerging in many countries, including increases of prevalence and intensity and geographical expansion. Research in recent years has justified the inclusion of fascioliasis in the list of important human parasitic diseases. At present, fascioliasis is a vector-borne disease presenting the widest known latitudinal, longitudinal and altitudinal distribution. Fasciola hepatica has succeeded in expanding from its European original geographical area to colonize five continents, despite theoretical restrictions related to its biology and in turn dependent upon environmental and human activities. Among the different epidemiological situations, human hypo- to hyperendemic areas, including epidemics, are noteworthy. A global analysis of the distribution of human cases shows that the expected correlation between animal and human fascioliasis only appears at a basic level. Areas presenting very high human prevalences and intensities, especially in children and females, have been recently described. In hypo- to hyperendemic areas of Central and South America, Europe, Africa and Asia, human fascioliasis presents a range of epidemiological characteristics related to a wide diversity of environments. Thus far well-known epidemiological patterns of fascioliasis may not always explain the transmission characteristics in any given area and control measures should consider the results of ecoepidemiological studies undertaken in the zones concerned.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INFORMATION SHARING AND QUALITY MANAGEMENT IN THE SMALL AND MEDIUM BEEF ENTERPRISES IN KENYA

Research on organization economics reports a general trend towards information sharing in food supply chains. Business globalization and efficient communication via Information Technology, have forced food enterprises to turn towards a more cooperative behavior. While this change to cooperative data communication has occurred in other supply chains, it is not common in beef supply chains. Studies have shown that efficient coordination of chain information enables seamless traceability and harmonization of production processes between the various stages of the supply chains. There is substantial evidence documenting the effects of information sharing on SME growth and performance but adequate empirical evidence on the relationship between information sharing and quality management in the beef enterprises is lacking. This study sought to fill this knowledge gap. Simple random sampling was adopted and a semi-structured questionnaire was used to generate data from selected respondents in the beef sector in Kenya. Data was analyzed using structural equation modeling. Results showed a positive relationship between information sharing and quality management. Therefore, enterprises should ensure flow of information for quality products in a competitive global market.
Sustainable Tourism and Residents’ Perception towards the Brand: The Case of Malaga (Spain)

A brand can turn a geographical location into a landmark and influences the tourist planification of a city. Although the world tourist sector recognizes Malaga as The Coast of Sun, this analysis also reveals several more elements, which should be substantiated if a rebranding is carried out. If the brand is well managed, the residents’ perspective must be taken into account. Avoiding the seasonality and keeping the destination in the future will allow the sustainable development of the tourism in the city of Malaga. In order to achieve the goals set in this research, a descriptive methodology has been used. This study has been carried out using a questionnaire in which 1230 residents have participated. Indeed, the results show that Malaga brand is being built under the concept of culture and that some attributes are vital for the territory’s image. This encourages economic growth and hence employment. This paper offers important implications to both public and private institutions insofar as they promote tourism campaigns.
Opportunistic invasive fungal infections: diagnosis & clinical management

Invasive fungal infections are a significant health problem in immunocompromised patients. The clinical manifestations vary and can range from colonization in allergic bronchopulmonary disease to active infection in local aetiologic agents. Many factors influence the virulence and pathogenic capacity of the microorganisms, such as enzymes including extracellular phospholipases, lipases and proteinases, dimorphic growth in some Candida species, melanin production, mannitol secretion, superoxide dismutase, rapid growth and affinity to the blood stream, heat tolerance and toxin production. Infection is confirmed when histopathologic examination with special stains demonstrates fungal tissue involvement or when the aetiologic agent is isolated from sterile clinical specimens by culture. Both acquired and congenital immunodeficiency may be associated with increased susceptibility to systemic infections. Fungal infection is difficult to treat because antifungal therapy for Candida infections is still controversial and based on clinical grounds, and for molds, the clinician must assume that the species isolated from the culture medium is the pathogen. Timely initiation of antifungal treatment is a critical component affecting the outcome. Disseminated infection requires the use of systemic agents with or without surgical debridement, and in some cases immunotherapy is also advisable. Preclinical and clinical studies have shown an association between drug dose and treatment outcome. Drug dose monitoring is necessary to ensure that therapeutic levels are achieved for optimal clinical efficacy. The objectives of this review are to discuss opportunistic fungal infections, diagnostic methods and the management of these infections.
Thermodynamic and molecular properties of the interaction between amphioxus calcium vector protein and its 26 kDa target.

Calcium vector protein (CaVP) of amphioxus shares some common structural features with Ca(2+)-dependent activators such as troponin C and calmodulin, and is associated in vivo with a 26 kDa (CaVPT), a multidomain protein with one IQ- and two IgII-motifs. Isolated CaVP binds two Ca2+ ions with very different intrinsic affinity constants: K'Ca1 = 4.9 x 10(6) M-1 and K'Ca2 = 7.3 x 10(3) M-1, respectively. In the complex with CaVPT, CaVP also binds two Ca2+, but with strong positive cooperativity (nH = 1.9) and with distinctly higher affinity: K'Ca1 = 2.4 x 10(5) M-1 and K'Ca2 = 1.0 x 10(8) M-1. Since neither in the isolated CaVP nor in the complex Ca2+ binding is influenced by 2 mM MgCl2, both sites can be considered as Ca(2+)-specific. In the absence of Ca2+, the complex is stable under physiological conditions, but the interaction is governed by the principle of linked functions and Ca2+ binding to CaVP reinforces the affinity between CaVP and CaVPT 70-fold. Both proteins interact with the hydrophobic probe 2 p-toluidinylnaphthalene-6-sulfonate (TNS), but CaVPT enhances the fluorescence 45-fold, CaVP-Ca2 and metal-free CaVP only 10- and 5-fold, respectively. Complex formation between CaVPT and CaVP leads to a 3-fold reduction of the fluorescence enhancement, suggesting that a strong solvent-shielded hydrophobic core is formed. CaVP contains two highly reactional thiols (kSH > 0.3 s-1) for 5,5'-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB); CaVPT contains three thiols, two of them also with kSH > 0.3 s-1 in the native state. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Corporate Governance and Firm Performance: A Study of Sri Lankan Manufacturing Companies

Corporate governance is about putting in place the structure, processes and mechanism that ensure that the firm is being directed and managed in a way that enhances long term share holder value through accountability of managers and enhancing organizational performance. Corporate governance refers to a set of rules and incentives by which the management of a company is directed and controlled. Hence good corporate governance maximizes the profitability and long term value of the firm for shareholders. There is a great awareness among the researchers to carry out the researches in “corporate governance’. Very little researches on “corporate governance” are available in Sri Lanka and need to be empowered companies to pay a special attention on corporate governance. In a way, the present study is initiated on “corporate governance and firm performance” with the samples of 28 manufacturing companies using the data representing the periods of 2007 – 2011. Board structure, board committee, board meeting and board size including executive directors, independent non-executive directors, and non executive directors were used as the determinants of corporate governance whereas return on equity (ROE) and return on assets (ROA) were used as the measures of firm performance. The study found that determinants of corporate governance are not correlated to the performance measures of the organization. Regression model showed that corporate governance don’t affect companies’ ROE and ROA. Further recommendations are also put forwarded in the research. Key words: Corporate governance, firm performance, board size, board structure, board committee, board meeting.
Predictive factors for postoperative visual acuity in idiopathic epiretinal membrane: a systematic review

The aim of this study was to review the literature on predictive factors for postoperative visual acuity (VA) in surgery for idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM). A systematic review of the literature in the databases of PubMed and Embase was performed. The risk of bias was assessed based on predefined criteria and the results were summarized. In total, 1927 studies were retrieved of which 35 were potentially eligible. Nineteen studies were of adequate quality in terms of bias. Preoperative VA, central foveal thickness (CFT) and inner segment/outer segment (IS/OS) integrity on optical coherence tomography (OCT) were most extensively studied. Other preoperative factors studied were severity of metamorphopsia, several OCT parameters, fundus autofluorescence and multifocal electroretinogram. In the current literature, preoperative VA is the only variable consistently associated with postoperative VA. IS/OS integrity on OCT is probably associated, and the severity of metamorphopsia, cone outer segment tips integrity and fundus autofluorescence are possibly associated with postoperative VA. CFT is not associated with postoperative VA. Further studies with adequate methodological quality are needed to confirm these findings. Therefore, an overall prediction model, including different parameters, is still awaited.
Aalborg Universitet Headache attributed to airplane travel : diagnosis , pathophysiology , and treatment

Background: Headache attributed to airplane travel, also named "airplane headache" (AH) is a headache that occurs during take-off and landing. Today, there are still uncertainties about the pathophysiology and treatment of AH. This systematic review was performed to facilitate identification of the existing literature on AH in order to discuss the current evidence and areas that remain to be investigated in AH. Methods: The systematic literature search was performed in 3 relevant medical databases; PubMed, Scopus, and Embase. The search yielded 220 papers and the papers were sorted based on inclusion and exclusion criteria established for this study. Results: This systematic review included 39 papers. Main findings revealed that AH attacks are clinically stereotyped and appear mostly during landing phases. The headache presents as a severe painful headache that often disappears within 30 min. The pain is unilateral and localized in the fronto-orbital region. Sinus barotrauma has been considered as the main cause of AH. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and triptans have been taken by passengers with AH, to relieve the headache. Conclusions: Based on this systematic review, further studies seem required to investigate underlying mechanisms in AH and also to investigate the biological effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and triptans for alleviating of AH. These studies would advance our understanding of AH pathogenesis and potential use of treatments that are not yet established.
Research on Development Strategy of Tourism Industry in the Southern Sichuan Economic Zone

The Southern Sichuan Economic Zone is one of the earliest explored districts in Sichuan Province and has gradually become a new polar of economic growth. There are abundant tourism resources that ensure a strong momentum of economic development for the tourism industry; however, several problems still exist and await urgent solution. The proposed strategy of tourism industry development will contribute to moving the obstacles that hinders the development of tourism industry and achieving the transformation, upgrading and frog-leaping development of tourism industry in the Southern Sichuan Economic Zone.
Micro-Checker: Software for identifying and correcting genotyping errors in microsatellite data

DNA degradation, low DNA concentrations and primer-site mutations may result in the incorrect assignment of microsatellite genotypes, potentially biasing population genetic analyses. MICRO - CHECKER is WINDOWS ®-based software that tests the genotyping of microsatellites from diploid populations. The program aids identification of genotyping errors due to nonamplified alleles (null alleles), short allele dominance (large allele dropout) and the scoring of stutter peaks, and also detects typographic errors. MICRO - CHECKER estimates the frequency of null alleles and, importantly, can adjust the allele and genotype frequencies of the amplified alleles, permitting their use in further population genetic analysis. MICRO CHECKER can be freely downloaded from http://www.microchecker. hull.ac. uk/.