Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reference Class Forecasting and Machine Learning for Improved Offshore Oil and Gas Megaproject Planning: Methods and Application

This article develops and describes rigorous oil and gas project forecasting methods. First, it builds a theoretical foundation by mapping megaproject performance literature to these projects. Second, it draws on heuristics and biases literature, using a questionnaire to demonstrate forecasting-related biases and principal-agent issues among industry project professionals. Third, it uses methodically collected project performance data to demonstrate that overrun distributions are non-normal and fat-tailed. Fourth, reference-class forecasting is demonstrated for cost and schedule uplifts. Finally, a predictive approach using machine learning (ML) considers project-specific factors to forecast the most likely cost and schedule overruns in a project.
Chrysin Attenuates High Glucose-Induced BMSC Dysfunction via the Activation of the PI3K/AKT/Nrf2 Signaling Pathway

Purpose High glucose environment in diabetes mellitus induces the dysfunction of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs) and impairs bone regeneration. Chrysin is a natural polyphenol with outstanding anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation ability. However, whether and how chrysin affects BMSCs in high glucose conditions remain poorly understood. The present study aimed to explore the effects and underlying mechanisms of chrysin on the BMSCs exposed to high glucose environment. Materials and Methods Cell viability was detected by cell counting kit 8 assay and 5-ethynyl-2’-deoxyuridine staining, while cell apoptosis was determined through flow cytometry using Annexin V-FITC/PI kit. The oxidative stress in BMSCs was evaluated by detecting the reactive oxygen species production, malondialdehyde content, and superoxide dismutase activity. Alkaline phosphatase staining, Alizarin Red staining, and quantitative real-time PCR were performed to determine the osteogenic differentiation. Western blot was used to examine the expression of the PI3K/ATK/Nrf2 signaling pathway. Furthermore, chrysin was injected into calvarial defects of type 1 diabetic SD rats to assess its in vivo bone formation capability. Results Chrysin reduced oxidative stress, increased cell viability, and promoted osteogenic differentiation in BMSCs exposed to high glucose. Blocking PI3K/ATK/Nrf2 signaling pathway weakened the beneficial effects of chrysin, indicating that chrysin at least partly worked through the PI3K/ATK/Nrf2 pathway. Conclusion Chrysin can protect BMSCs from high glucose-induced oxidative stress via the activation of the PI3K/AKT/Nrf2 pathway, and promote bone regeneration in type 1 diabetic rats.
An Evolutionary Multi-Objective Approach for Fuzzy Vehicle Routing Problem

We certify that we have read this thesis and that in our opinion it is fully adequate in scope and quality as a thesis for the degree of Master of Science in Computer Engineering. ABSTRACT In this thesis, Evolutionary Multi-objective Optimization Algorithm for solving Fuzzy Vehicle Routing Problem (FVRP) is described. FVRP is an extension of VRP with Time Windows, which is one of the variants of VRP. In addition to FVRP, Multiple Depot VRP (MDVRP) is used in solving the problem. So, the proposed work and the solution approach is a Fuzzy Multiple Depot VRP (FMDVRP). The objectives that are to be optimized in this solution approach are the minimization of: total travelled distance by vehicles, waiting time of vehicles and customers, and maximization of: load capacity of vehicles and service satisfaction of customers. NSGA-II is a multi-objective optimization algorithm that is used for problems with several objectives to be optimized. In NSGA-II, there is population, which is initialized randomly, and then through several generations a new population is generated from the previous one, and the best of these populations are chosen. The typical genetic operators are applied for generating new population. In addition, NSGA-II uses a new parameter called crowding distance, which is used for better divergence. In experimental results, benchmark problem instances classified by geographical distribution of customers are used in order to compare the results obtained with others. From the results, it is observed that the proposed solution minimizes the waiting time of vehicles by 30% more than the proposed solutions of other researchers. 30% daha fazla araç bekleme süresini en aza indirdiği görülmüştür. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS First of all, I would like to say Alhamdulillah for giving me the strength and determination in completing this thesis throughout a year. I Praise Allah alone for His Mercy. I am very grateful to my parents for their invaluable support, patience and believe in me and who sacrificed everything for me. My sincere thanks go to my supervisor Asst. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Ünveren for his assistance, direction and guidance. In particular, his recommendations and suggestions have been invaluable for the thesis, since he made me understand the topic about which I had little knowledge. I also wish to thank Asst. Prof. Dr. Adnan Acan for his shouldering while I was submitting a paper for publication related to my thesis. I am particularly indebted to my wife for her invaluable patience, …
Should we hail the Red King? Evolutionary consequences of a mutualistic lifestyle in genomes of lichenized ascomycetes

Abstract The Red Queen dynamic is often brought into play for antagonistic relationships. However, the coevolutionary effects of mutualistic interactions, which predict slower evolution for interacting organisms (Red King), have been investigated to a lesser extent. Lichens are a stable, mutualistic relationship of fungi and cyanobacteria and/or algae, which originated several times independently during the evolution of fungi. Therefore, they represent a suitable system to investigate the coevolutionary effect of mutualism on the fungal genome. We measured substitution rates and selective pressure of about 2000 protein‐coding genes (plus the rDNA region) in two different classes of Ascomycota, each consisting of closely related lineages of lichenized and non‐lichenized fungi. Our results show that independent lichenized clades are characterized by significantly slower rates for both synonymous and non‐synonymous substitutions. We hypothesize that this evolutionary pattern is connected to the lichen life cycle (longer generation time of lichenized fungi) rather than a result of different selection strengths, which is described as the main driver for the Red Kind dynamic. This first empirical evidence of slower evolution in lichens provides an important insight on how biotic cooperative interactions are able to shape the evolution of symbiotic organisms.
Deterioration of Cycloserine in Drug Susceptibility Testing of Mycobacterium

Purpose Cycloserine is an effective group C anti-tuberculosis drug. But the reliability and reproducibility of drug susceptibility tests (DST) for this drug cannot be guaranteed and provide poor clinical predictive values. However, DST of cycloserine in practice provides rough estimate of the drug resistance of Mycobacterium strains, there is practical need to clarify the problem of cycloserine in in vitro DST, and to explore solutions to overcome these limitations. Methods The effectiveness of serial cycloserine solutions incubated at 37°C for 1 to 29 days was tested using the Alamar Blue assay, and cycloserine in culture medium was analyzed by UPLC-MS. Results The data revealed that cycloserine itself continuously degraded in culture medium. This amount of degradation was sufficient to alter the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of Mycobacterium strains and therefore could not be ignored, although it was more stable than in phosphoric acid buffer. Conclusion The different test times and the degradation of cycloserine were responsible for the lack of agreements between the cycloserine DST methods and the low reliability of this in vitro test. By adjusting with the incubation time depended degradation ratio of cycloserine, more accurate MIC values may be obtained allowing for improved coincidence between in vitro experiment and clinic use. Furthermore, it can guide clinicians to carry out this anti-tuberculosis treatment more effectively and reliably.
Evaluation of different water regimes on Hevea brasiliensis grown on Haplic Ferralsol soil at nursery stage

The main source of natural rubber is from Hevea brasiliensis. Demand for natural rubber is expected to increase once more with increasing of crude oil price and demand for developing automotive industry in several countries. Suitable planting areas decreases and invaluable water resource has been new challenges. This study will provide details about effect of water deficiency in Hevea brasiliensis. Two new latex timber clones from Malaysia Rubber Board (MRB), RRIM 2001 and RRIM 3001 were used in this study. Five levels of treatment were used; plants irrigated for every two days, five days, 10 days, 15days and everyday which acted as control. The experimental design used was a completely randomized block design (RCBD) with four replications. Fundamental changes of plant growth and physiological responses showed that treatment with well watered for clone RRIM 2001 (T1) had higher values than other treatments. Photosynthesis rate highest in well watered (T6) with mean 11. 26μmol m-2s-1, while T4, T5 and T9 were lowest with the mean 0.00μmol m-2s-1. Stomata conductance showed significant difference between T6 with 0. 16μmol m-2s-1 compared to under stress treatments with 0.00 μmol m-2s-1. The results also showed root length increase with increasing of water stress. There was treatment failure to adapt to water stress at treatments withholding water for 15 days followed by treatments 10 days and five days. RRIM 2001 and RRIM 3001 clones had responded to water stress by indicating changes in morphological and physiological responses. This concluded that Hevea brasiliensis cannot withstand water stress at nursery stage and replanting in dry areas.
Adhesion of Enteropathogenic, Enterotoxigenic, and Commensal Escherichia coli to the Major Zymogen Granule Membrane Glycoprotein 2

Infection by pathogenic bacteria, such as certain Escherichia coli pathotypes, results in diarrhea in mammals. Pathogens, including zoonotic agents, can infect different hosts or show host specificity. ABSTRACT Pathogenic bacteria, such as enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) and enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), cause diarrhea in mammals. In particular, E. coli colonizes and infects the gastrointestinal tract via type 1 fimbriae (T1F). Here, the major zymogen granule membrane glycoprotein 2 (GP2) acts as a host cell receptor. GP2 is also secreted by the pancreas and various mucous glands, interacting with luminal type 1 fimbriae-positive E. coli. It is unknown whether GP2 isoforms demonstrate specific E. coli pathotype binding. In this study, we investigated interactions of human, porcine, and bovine EPEC and ETEC, as well as commensal E. coli isolates with human, porcine, and bovine GP2. We first defined pathotype- and host-associated FimH variants. Second, we could prove that GP2 isoforms bound to FimH variants to various degrees. However, the GP2-FimH interactions did not seem to be influenced by the host specificity of E. coli. In contrast, soluble GP2 affected ETEC infection and phagocytosis rates of macrophages. Preincubation of the ETEC pathotype with GP2 reduced the infection of cell lines. Furthermore, preincubation of E. coli with GP2 improved the phagocytosis rate of macrophages. Our findings suggest that GP2 plays a role in the defense against E. coli infection and in the corresponding host immune response. IMPORTANCE Infection by pathogenic bacteria, such as certain Escherichia coli pathotypes, results in diarrhea in mammals. Pathogens, including zoonotic agents, can infect different hosts or show host specificity. There are Escherichia coli strains which are frequently transmitted between humans and animals, whereas other Escherichia coli strains tend to colonize only one host. This host specificity is still not fully understood. We show that glycoprotein 2 is a selective receptor for particular Escherichia coli strains or variants of the adhesin FimH but not a selector for a species-specific Escherichia coli group. We demonstrate that GP2 is involved in the regulation of colonization and infection and thus represents a molecule of interest for the prevention or treatment of disease.
Characterization and Parametric Study on Mechanical Properties Enhancement in Biodegradable Chitosan-Reinforced Starch-Based Bioplastic Film

Bioplastic has been perceived as a promising candidate to replace petroleum-based plastics due to its environment-friendly and biodegradable characteristics. This study presents the chitosan reinforced starch-based bioplastic film prepared by the solution casting and evaporation method. The effects of processing parameters, i.e., starch concentration, glycerol loading, process temperature and chitosan loading on mechanical properties were examined. Optimum tensile strength of 5.19 MPa and elongation at break of 44.6% were obtained under the combined reaction conditions of 5 wt. % starch concentration, 40 wt. % glycerol loading, 20 wt. % chitosan loading and at a process temperature of 70 °C. From the artificial neural network (ANN) modeling, the coefficient of determination (R2) for tensile strength and elongation at break were found to be 0.9955 and 0.9859, respectively, which proved the model had good fit with the experimental data. Interaction and miscibility between starch and chitosan were proven through the peaks shifting to a lower wavenumber in FTIR and a reduction of crystallinity in XRD. TGA results suggested the chitosan-reinforced starch-based bioplastic possessed reasonable thermal stability under 290 °C. Enhancement in water resistance of chitosan-incorporated starch-based bioplastic film was evidenced with a water uptake of 251% as compared to a 302% registered by the pure starch-based bioplastic film. In addition, the fact that the chitosan-reinforced starch-based bioplastic film degraded to 52.1% of its initial weight after 28 days suggests it is a more sustainable alternative than the petroleum-based plastics.
Unlike Glycerophosphocholine or Choline Chloride, Dietary Phosphatidylcholine Does Not Increase Plasma Trimethylamine-N-Oxide Levels in Sprague-Dawley Rats

Choline, betaine, and L-carnitine are transformed into trimethylamine (TMA) by gut microbiota, absorbed into the liver, and oxidized into trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) by flavin-containing monooxygenases. Elevated TMAO levels may negatively affect human health. As phosphatidylcholine (PC) is the main source of dietary choline, its intake or PC-rich foods may be harmful to human health; however, quantitative comparative information among dietary choline compounds (PC, glycerophosphocholine [GPC], and choline chloride [CC]) regarding in vivo generation of TMAO is lacking. Here, we compared the effects of PC, GPC, and CC on plasma TMAO levels in rats. Furthermore, we investigated their effects on gut microbiota at the genus level. Dietary PC did not affect plasma TMAO levels, whereas dietary GPC and CC significantly increased them. At the genus level, plasma TMAO levels were significantly negatively correlated with relative abundances of Anaerotruncus, Actinomyces, Enterococcus, Dialister, Clostridium XIVa, and Granulicatella; they were significantly positively correlated with that of Coprobacter. Moreover, the relative abundances of Anaerotruncus and Coprobacter were found to predict plasma TMAO levels. Therefore, dietary PC, unlike GPC or CC, does not increase plasma TMAO levels in rats. Furthermore, several gut microbes are associated with changes in plasma TMAO levels in rats fed with choline compounds.
A new bioenergy model that simulates the impacts of plant‐microbial interactions, soil carbon protection, and mechanistic tillage on soil carbon cycling

Advancing our predictive understanding of bioenergy systems is critical to design decision tools that can inform which feedstock to plant, where to plant it, and how to manage its production to provide both energy and ecosystem carbon (C) benefits. Here, we lay the foundation for that advancement by integrating recent developments in the science of belowground processes in shaping the C cycle into a new bioenergy model, FUN‐BioCROP (Fixation and Uptake of Nitrogen‐Bioenergy Carbon, Rhizosphere, Organisms, and Protection). We show that FUN‐BioCROP can approximate the historical trajectory of soil C dynamics as natural ecosystems were successively converted into intensive agriculture and bioenergy systems. This ability relies in part on a novel tillage representation that mechanistically models tillage as a process that increases microbial access to C. Importantly, the impacts of tillage and feedstock choice also influence FUN‐BioCROP simulations of warming responses with no‐till perennial feedstocks, miscanthus, and switchgrass, having more C that is unprotected and susceptible to warming than tilled annual feedstocks like corn–corn–soybean. However, this susceptibility to warming is balanced by a greater potential for increases in belowground C allocation to enhance soil C stocks in perennial systems. Collectively, our model results highlight the importance of belowground processes in evaluating the ecosystem C benefits of bioenergy production.
Aging effects on neural processing of rhythm and meter

When listening to musical rhythm, humans can perceive and move to beat-like metrical pulses. Recently, it has been hypothesized that meter perception is related to brain activity responding to the acoustic fluctuation of the rhythmic input, with selective enhancement of the brain response elicited at meter-related frequencies. In the current study, electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded while younger (<35) and older (>60) adults listened to rhythmic patterns presented at two different tempi while intermittently performing a tapping task. Despite significant hearing loss compared to younger adults, older adults showed preserved brain activity to the rhythms. However, age effects were observed in the distribution of amplitude across frequencies. Specifically, in contrast with younger adults, older adults showed relatively larger amplitude at the frequency corresponding to the rate of individual events making up the rhythms as compared to lower meter-related frequencies. This difference is compatible with larger N1-P2 potentials as generally observed in older adults in response to acoustic onsets, irrespective of meter perception. These larger low-level responses to sounds have been linked to processes by which age-related hearing loss would be compensated by cortical sensory mechanisms. Importantly, this low-level effect would be associated here with relatively reduced neural activity at lower frequencies corresponding to higher-level metrical grouping of the acoustic events, as compared to younger adults.
Characteristics of a negative lightning with multiple‐ground terminations observed by a VHF lightning location system

Propagation characteristics of a negative cloud‐to‐ground lightning with four leader‐return stroke sequences exhibiting four ground terminations, referred to as multiple termination flash, are analyzed using a two‐dimensional mapping system of lightning radiation sources in VHF band along with broadband electric field change records. The four stepped leader‐stroke sequences were produced from two different branches of the preliminary breakdown process inside the cloud, and the time intervals between each adjacent two leader‐stroke sequences were 82.9 ms, 81.4 ms, and 152.2 ms, respectively. The first two stroke sequences were multiple termination strokes (MTSs), and each MTS showed two different ground terminations induced by two leader branches. The corresponding electric field changes exhibited two fast‐rising waveforms separated by 1.5 ms and 2.7 ms, respectively, and the second peak was 3–4 times smaller than the first. The second grounding branch in each MTS occurred when its channel was in poor connection conditions to the main stroke channel. The third and fourth leader‐stroke sequences connected to the ground with one of the different grounded channels of the second MTS. The dart leaders before these two strokes exhibited chaotic pulse trains (CPTs) with significant slow electric field variations accompanying strong and continuous VHF radiations. The CPTs only occurred in the dart leader stage which propagated with a speed in an order of 107 m/s. Different from dart leader, attempted leader was associated with regular pulse trains and propagated at a speed order of 106 m/s along the previous channel.
How Right-Wing Populists Instrumentalize News Media: Deliberate Provocations, Scandalizing Media Coverage, and Public Awareness for the Alternative for Germany (Afd)

The rise of right-wing populist parties in Western democracies is often attributed to populists’ ability to instrumentalize news media by making deliberate provocations (e.g., verbal attacks on migrants or politicians from other parties) that generate media coverage and public awareness. To explain the success of populists’ deliberate provocations, we drew from research on populism and scandal theory to develop a theoretical framework that we tested in two studies examining the rise of German right-wing populist party Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) between January 2015 and December 2018. In Study 1, an input–output analysis of 17 deliberate provocations by AfD politicians in German news media revealed much more coverage about their attacks on migrants than about their attacks on political elites, although all were covered in predominantly scandalizing ways. Next, Study 2, involving media database research and an analysis of Google Trends data, showed that the provocations had increased overall media coverage about the AfD and influenced public awareness of the party
Is a change as good as a rest? : investigating part-time Reserve service as a method of stress recovery

Is a Change as Good as a Rest? Investigating Part-Time Reserve Service as a Method of Stress Recovery By Patrick A. Horsman Abstract: Reservists in the Canadian Armed Forces have received little if any attention from an occupational health perspective despite the fact that many hold a full time civilian job and work part-time for the military. The purpose of the present study was to examine: A) How stressors from the civilian and Reserve job interact in predicting mental health and organizational outcomes; and B) If Reserve Service can act as a form of recovery experiences; and if so, whether or not those experiences can buffer the impact of stressors experienced in the civilian job. Results indicate that the effects of stressors remain within job in predicting job satisfaction and turnover; that recovery experienced during Reserve employment has a direct impact on strain symptoms; and that these Recovery Experiences also moderate the relationship between conflict in the civilian workplace and strain. Study implications, limitations and directions for future research are discussed. Reservists in the Canadian Armed Forces have received little if any attention from an occupational health perspective despite the fact that many hold a full time civilian job and work part-time for the military. The purpose of the present study was to examine: A) How stressors from the civilian and Reserve job interact in predicting mental health and organizational outcomes; and B) If Reserve Service can act as a form of recovery experiences; and if so, whether or not those experiences can buffer the impact of stressors experienced in the civilian job. Results indicate that the effects of stressors remain within job in predicting job satisfaction and turnover; that recovery experienced during Reserve employment has a direct impact on strain symptoms; and that these Recovery Experiences also moderate the relationship between conflict in the civilian workplace and strain. Study implications, limitations and directions for future research are discussed.