Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tool condition monitoring based on mel-frequency cepstral coefficients and support vector regression

Manufacturing process performances become a key issue for reliability improvement. In order to decreasing loss of production due to machine stopping, to achieve this goal to maintain the equipments in operational condition, make products quickly, economically and with high quality. This requirement can be satisfied by implementing appropriate maintenance strategies, Condition based maintenance (CBM) used condition monitoring technologies for health assessment and remaining useful life (RUL) estimation of equipment working under different operating conditions. To achieve this goal; A new method for tool wear condition monitoring based on Mel-frequency cepstral coefficients(MFCC) and support vector regression (SVR); The raw signals are first processed to extract the MFCC features, which are then exploited to learn models that represent the evolution of the cutting tool's degradation. SVR is a learning technique where the goodness of fit is measured; the idea is based on the computation of a nonlinear regression function in a high dimensional feature space where the input data are mapped via a nonlinear function. The proposed method is applied on real world cutting tools degradation. The experimental results show that the health indicator can reflect effectively the tool wear degradation.
Molecular dynamics simulations from putative transition states of α‐spectrin SH3 domain

A series of molecular dynamics simulations in explicit solvent were started from nine structural models of the transition state of the SH3 domain of α‐spectrin, which were generated by Lindorff‐Larsen et al. (Nat Struct Mol Biol 2004;11:443–449) using molecular dynamics simulations in which experimental Φ ‐ values were incorporated as restraints. Two of the nine models were simulated 10 times for 200 ns and the remaining models simulated two times for 200 ns. Complete folding was observed in one case, while in the other simulations partial folding or unfolding events were observed, which were characterized by a regularization of elements of secondary structure. These results are consistent with recent experimental evidence that the folding of SH3 domains involves low populated intermediate states. Proteins 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Recent Developments in Cell-Based Microscale Technologies and Their Potential Application in Personalised Medicine

It is becoming increasingly apparent that some individuals are more susceptible to disease than others and more importantly some patients respond to prescribed therapies better than others. One of the main reasons for differences in disease susceptibility and the effectiveness of drug treatment lies in the genetic makeup of the patient. In addition to many environmental factors, genetic variations such as mutations, DNA polymorphisms and epigenetic gene regulation are the key players involved in the fate of a person’s health. Recent advances in genomics and proteomics are providing novel insights into the complex biological process of disease. These insights will ultimately help to tailor personalised approaches to the treatment of disease based upon individual molecular “blueprints” of their genome and proteome. Personalised medicine extends beyond the traditional medical approach in the treatment of patients as it aims to identify and target molecular factors contributing to the illness of individual patients. The personalised medicine approach is already playing a significant role in the way we treat and monitor disease. As many as 10 out of 36 anti-cancer drugs approved by the European Union in the last 10 years are considered to be personalised medicines (Eicheler, 2010). Breast cancer is one of the best examples whereby a personalised medical approach is adopted to detect the expression status of an oestrogen receptor called ESR1 in the nucleus of breast cancer cells. Approximately 70% of breast cancer patients overexpress this protein which is an important prognostic and predictive marker. Outcomes for these patients have been significantly improved by targeting the ESR1 using a hormonal treatment known as Tamoxifen. Interestingly this is the most commonly prescribed anticancer treatment in the world, highlighting the importance of a personalised approach in the management of disease. Microscale technologies are emerging as an enabling platform for the development of novel personalised medicines and their broad accessibility. Miniaturised devices have the potential to process minute clinical samples and perform extensive genetic, molecular and cellular analyses directly on a microfluidic chip. The integration of pre-analytical sample handling with a subsequent sample analysis on a single microfluidic device will help to achieve highest reproducibility of results and minimise inter-laboratory bias and operators
Determination of Optimal Subsidies for Balancing Local Supply/Demand of Biomass Products Within a Regional Development Strategic Plan

Under the assumption that energy crop farmers believe the price in the previous period will prevail in the current period as well, adjusting their cultivation species accordingly, the biomass market may exhibit instability. In the present work, optimal subsidy Iopt is determined for balancing local supply/demand of biomass products for avoiding such instability while ensuring adequacy of biomass inventory for feeding continuously a biomass processing unit. The Iopt model is implemented for parameter values referring to Greek biomass­to­energy market, which appears to be a developing sector although the economy (as a whole) is in recession during the last two years. It is also shown that optimization of the subsidy required to balance local supply/demand of biomass products depends on capacity optimization of the biomass processing plant under consideration, within a strategic plan for regional development that should put emphasis on (i) the improvement of the rural roads network to minimize transportation costs and (ii) the diffusion of information about conditions recommended for biomass storing in open air to avoid enzymatic hydrolysis which deteriorates the quality of raw material and decreases the efficiency of the processing unit.
The Influence of Perceived Benefits on The Satisfaction with the Loyalty Program

Nowadays every loyalty program must have some value proposition, it becomes the main factor attracting customer to join the loyalty program. Value proposition, considered as a set of benefits customer receives being a member of the loyalty program relates to perceived benefits. Identifying the influence of perceived benefits becomes important to satisfy customers and can lead to greater loyalty to the program what can result greater loyalty to the store. The aim of the study was to measure the influence of perceived benefits on the satisfaction with the loyalty program in Lithuanian grocery retailing. 312 respondents took part in the research. A structural equation modelling using partial least squares path modelling methodology was applied in order to determine the impact of perceived benefits on the satisfaction with the loyalty program. The research findings indicate that the most important loyalty program benefits for the customer satisfaction with the loyalty program are monetary savings (as a part of utilitarian benefits), exploration (as a part of hedonic benefits), entertainment (as a part of hedonic benefits) and social (as a part of symbolic benefits). On the other hand, convenience (as a part of utilitarian benefits) and recognition benefit (as a part of symbolic benefits) are not important in the case of the satisfaction with the loyalty program in Lithuanian grocery retailing. The study findings imply that it is advantageous for Lithuanian grocery retailers to provide partly utilitarian, hedonic and partly symbolic benefits in their programs for gaining customer satisfaction through loyalty programs.DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.5755/j01.ee. 28.1. 14635
Biochemical Characterization of Molybdenum Cofactor-free Nitrate Reductase from Neurospora crassa*

Background: Eukaryotic nitrate reductase maturation is poorly understood. Results: Binding of molybdenum cofactor to apo-nitrate reductase is independent from other prosthetic groups. Conclusion: Active site formation of eukaryotic nitrate reductase is an autonomous process intrinsically tied to nitrate reductase dimerization. Significance: The understanding of molybdenum cofactor-dependent enzyme maturation is of significance as molybdenum enzymes are involved in essential cellular processes. Nitrate reductase (NR) is a complex molybdenum cofactor (Moco)-dependent homodimeric metalloenzyme that is vitally important for autotrophic organism as it catalyzes the first and rate-limiting step of nitrate assimilation. Beside Moco, eukaryotic NR also binds FAD and heme as additional redox active cofactors, and these are involved in electron transfer from NAD(P)H to the enzyme molybdenum center where reduction of nitrate to nitrite takes place. We report the first biochemical characterization of a Moco-free eukaryotic NR from the fungus Neurospora crassa, documenting that Moco is necessary and sufficient to induce dimer formation. The molybdenum center of NR reconstituted in vitro from apo-NR and Moco showed an EPR spectrum identical to holo-NR. Analysis of mutants unable to bind heme or FAD revealed that insertion of Moco into NR occurs independent from the insertion of any other NR redox cofactor. Furthermore, we showed that at least in vitro the active site formation of NR is an autonomous process.
Porter's (1980) Generic Strategies, Contextual Factors and Performance: An Empirical Examination of Their Relationship

This research investigates the pattern of adoption of Porter's (1980) generic strategies in the Australian Manufacturing Industry by contextual factors such as industry category, type of goods produced, product life cycle stage, finn size, market type, and business unit's growth trend relative to industry. The findings suggest that there is a statistically significant relationship between the choice of generic strategy and finn size, product life cycle stage, and business unit's growth trend relative to industry. The research extends further to investigate the relationship between generic strategies and various measures of business performance. Contrary to what Porter suggests, Australian manufacturing businesses are found to have a preference for combined strategies such as cost leadership and differentiation or focused differentiation. This suggests that Australian manufacturing businesses are now pursuing customers and market-oriented strategy as suggested by Hilmer (1991) than a single strategy of cost control or differentiation. An analysis of performance by generic strategy adoption, however, suggests that companies that adopt a single strategy outperform those which adopt combined strategies on a number of performance measures, providing support to Porter's contentions.
Interdisciplinary Action Supporting Sexual Assault Prevention Efforts in Rural Elementary Schools

The purpose of this study1 was to evaluate if knowledge is gained by rural, elementary school-aged children of sexual assault prevention concepts following implementation of an interdisciplinary prevention program. Rural children (N = 294 pretest and N = 301 posttest) were tested before and after delivery of a theater program developed for teaching sexual assault prevention concepts. The program was delivered to children enrolled in the 3rd and 4th grades of 3 rural elementary schools. Analysis of variance results indicate an increase in knowledge gained in all age groups. Significant difference in knowledge gained occurred in concept areas related to touch by authority figures, secrets, uncomfortable touch by individuals known to them, strangers, and boys' risk of abuse. Results support the need for ongoing interdisciplinary efforts to teach children sexual assault prevention concepts.
Corporate acquisition: a value strategy during the period of crisis. A comparison between Italian and UK companies

Many studies have emphasized the critical effects that corporate acquisition can have on performance and risk, but also on the stakeholders system further compounded in the case of environmental jolt. The aim of this paper is to analyze the relation between different M&A strategies and performance in terms of ROI and Tobin Q. The study is based on the evidence stemming from the sample of listed on Milan Stock Exchange companies, benchmarked with the sample of UK listed companies, that are more active historical players on the financial market. We find that UK companies are more active in acquisition activity but that activity does not produce generally positive effects on accounting (ROI) and market (Tobin Q) performance. The acquisition strategies of Italian companies show the predominance of a neutral effect on performance.
Farm and farmer characteristics affecting the decision to plant forests in Ireland.

Understanding the factors that influence farmers to enter forestry is important in order to develop efficient policies aimed at promoting greater rates of private planting. Using Ireland as a case study, factors affecting farmers’ participation in farm forestry were evaluated. Specifically, a nationally representative panel dataset collected annually between 1995 and 2009 was used to model both farm and farmer related characteristics affecting the probability of farmers entering into forestry. Results suggest that there is significant heterogeneity among farm households in terms of farm forestry participation. Owners of larger farms and those in less-intensive farm systems were more likely to enter into forestry during the period 1995-2009. Age and the presence of children were negatively associated with farm forestry participation.
Expected Benefits of Topotecan Combined With Lapatinib in Recurrent Ovarian Cancer According to Biological Profile: A Phase 2 Trial

Objective Lapatinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), also inhibits breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) involved in resistance to topotecan. The aim of this multicenter study was to assess the efficacy of the combination topotecan-lapatinib in epithelial ovarian cancer relapsing after a first line of chemotherapy. Methods Patients having relapsed within 6 months (n = 20) or between 6 and 12 months (n = 19) received weekly topotecan (3.2 mg/m2 given intravenously on days 1, 8, and 15) and daily oral lapatinib (1250 mg). Translational studies were performed on tumor and serum. Results An objective (partial) response was observed for 5 patients (14%), all with late relapse. The rates of overall benefits, including responses and stabilizations, were 37% and 62% in patients having relapsed within or after 6 months, respectively. Corresponding median time to progression were 58 and 94 days. The most frequent toxicity was hematological, including grade 4 neutropenia (18%) and thrombocytopenia (3%). None of the tumors overexpressed HER2 or EGFR, and no mutation was found. Two Kras mutations were identified. Positive expressions of BCRP and cyclin A (median, 70% and 40%) were not correlated to the response to treatment. Conclusions This study failed to demonstrate a clinical benefit of lapatinib-topotecan compared to previously described activity with topotecan alone in a context of low levels of EGFR and HER2 expressions, and no biomarkers could be identified. The absence of correlation between BCRP expression and clinical outcomes suggests that other mechanisms of resistance to topotecan could predominate.
MEGF8 is a modifier of BMP signaling in trigeminal sensory neurons

Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling has emerged as an important regulator of sensory neuron development. Using a three-generation forward genetic screen in mice we have identified Megf8 as a novel modifier of BMP4 signaling in trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons. Loss of Megf8 disrupts axon guidance in the peripheral nervous system and leads to defects in development of the limb, heart, and left-right patterning, defects that resemble those observed in Bmp4 loss-of-function mice. Bmp4 is expressed in a pattern that defines the permissive field for the peripheral projections of TG axons and mice lacking BMP signaling in sensory neurons exhibit TG axon defects that resemble those observed in Megf8−/− embryos. Furthermore, TG axon growth is robustly inhibited by BMP4 and this inhibition is dependent on Megf8. Thus, our data suggest that Megf8 is involved in mediating BMP4 signaling and guidance of developing TG axons. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.7554/eLife.01160. 001
Cancer Therapy : Preclinical Combination of Farnesyltransferase and Akt Inhibitors Is Synergistic in Breast Cancer Cells and Causes Significant Breast Tumor Regression in ErbB 2 Transgenic Mice

The Akt activation inhibitor triciribine and the farnesyltransferase inhibitor tipifarnib have modest to little activity in clinical trials when used as single agents. In this article, preclinical data show that the combination is more effective than single agents both in cultured cells and in vivo. Combination index data analysis shows that this combination is highly synergistic at inhibiting anchorage-dependent growth of breast cancer cells. This synergistic interaction is also observed with structurally unrelated inhibitors of Akt (MK-2206) and farnesyltransferase (FTI-2153). The triciribine/tipifarnib synergistic effects are seen with several cancer cell lines including those from breast, leukemia, multiple myeloma and lung tumors with different genetic alterations such as K-Ras, B-Raf, PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinase), p53 and pRb mutations, PTEN, pRB and Ink4a deletions, and ErbB receptor overexpression. Furthermore, the combination is synergistic at inhibiting anchorage-independent growth and at inducing apoptosis in breast cancer cells. The combination is also more effective at inhibiting the Akt/mTOR/S6 kinase pathway. In an ErbB2-driven breast tumor transgenic mouse model, the combination, but not single agent, treatment with triciribine and tipifarnib induces significant breast tumor regression. Our findings warrant further investigation of the combination of farnesyltransferase and Akt inhibitors. Clin Cancer Res; 17(9); 2852–62. 2011 AACR.
Neuroblastoma Cells Expressing the Noradrenaline Transporter Are Destroyed More Selectively by 6‐Fluorodopamine than by 6‐Hydroxydopamine

6‐Hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA) has been used for lesioning catecholaminergic neurons and attempted purging of neuroblastoma cells from hematopoietic stem cells in autologous bone marrow transplantation (ABMT). Neurotoxicity is mediated primarily by reactive oxygen species. In ABMT, 6‐OHDA, as a purging agent, has been unsuccessful. At physiological pH it autooxidizes before targeted uptake, resulting in nonspecific cytotoxicity of nontarget cells. A catecholamine analogue, similar to 6‐OHDA but with a lower rate of autooxidation enabling uptake by target cells, is thus required. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectra in this study show that 6‐fluorodopamine (6‐FDA) hydrolyzes slowly to 6‐OHDA at physiological pH. Oxygen consumption, H2O2, and quinone production are found to be intermediate between those of 6‐OHDA and dopamine (DA). Relative neurotoxicity of these compounds was assessed by cell viability and DNA damage in the human neuroblastoma lines SH‐SY5Y and SK‐N‐LO, which express and lack the noradrenaline transporter, respectively. Specific uptake of DA and 6‐FDA by SH‐SY5Y cells was demonstrated by competitive m‐[131I]iodobenzylguanidine uptake inhibition. The competition by 6‐OHDA was low owing to rapid autooxidation during incubation with equal toxicity toward both cell types. 6‐FDA toxicity was preferential for SH‐SY5Y cells and reduced in the presence of desipramine, a catecholamine uptake inhibitor. We demonstrate that 6‐FDA cytotoxicity is more specific for cells expressing catecholamine reuptake systems than is 6‐OHDA cytotoxicity.
Theories and factors applied in investigating the user acceptance towards personal health records: Review study

Abstract Personal health records can be considered as a noticeable advancement in consumer health informatics. PHRs have been adopted in many nations, whereas other countries are planning to adopt this technology. Understanding the user acceptance of PHRs by organizations and individuals is a critical issue. Many researches discussed the acceptance and adoption of PHRs; few studies were experimental. The main objective of this study is reviewing the related studies that have been made in order to investigate the user acceptance of PHRs through reviewing the theories that have been used, the main factors involved, and any missing aspects to be applied in this field. The review's major components are: topic, location of the study, sample size, statistical tools, models or theories, goals, and findings of the study.
Big Data Application in Commercial Economy Management

In the era of information technology development, big data is playing an enormous role in commercial development circle, cybereconomy new challenges for enterprise development and competition, and gradually become a significant management model in commercial economic management. Furthermore, commercial big data has initiated a new round of industrial revolution and played a positive role in economic governance, which is an important application in national basic database construction, e-government, internet banking, and ecommerce and enterprise information management. Firstly, this paper briefly introduced big data promoting function and industry application. Secondly, authors discussed commercial big data issues in actual application process, and function and commercial opportunity in business management. Finally, authors pointed out big data usage opportunities and challenges, proposed suggestions for promoting social and economy growth. Keywords—Big data; Commerce; Economic management; Application