Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Joint optimization of power allocation and load balancing for hybrid VLC/RF networks

In this paper, we propose and study a new jointloadbalancing(LB)andpowerallocation(PA)scheme for a hybrid visible light communication (VLC) and radio frequency (RF) system consisting of one RF access point (AP) and multiple VLC APs. An iterative algorithm is proposed to distribute users on APs and distribute the powers of the APs on their users. In the PA subproblem, an optimization problem is formulated to allocate the power of each AP to the connected users for total achievable data rate maximization. In this subproblem, we propose a new efficient algorithm that finds optimal dual variables after formulating them in terms of each other. This new algorithm provides faster convergence and better performance than thetraditionalsubgradientmethod.Inaddition,itdoesnot dependonthestepsizeortheinitialvaluesofthevariables, which we look for, as the subgradient does. Then, we start withtheuseroftheminimumdatarateseekinganotherAP thatoffersahigherdatarateforthatuser.Userswithlower dataratescontinuereconnectingfromoneAPtoanotherto balancetheloadonlyifthistravelincreasesthesummation of the achievable data rates and enhances the system fairness.TwoapproachesareproposedtohavethejointPAand LB performed: a main approach that considers the exact interference information for all users, and a suboptimal approach that aims to decrease the complexity of the first approach by considering only the approximate interference information of users. The numerical results demonstrate that the proposed algorithms improve the system capacity and system fairness with fast convergence.
Production of Bacterial Cellulose by Acetobacter xylinum through Utilizing Acetic Acid Hydrolysate of Bagasse as Low-cost Carbon Source

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a promising and renewable nanomaterial due to its unique structural features and appealing properties. Intensive study on BC preparation has been mainly focused on biosynthesis by certain bacteria, while the high economic costs of fermentation, especially the carbon sources, remain challenges to its application. In this study, bacterial cellulose was synthesized by Acetobacter xylinum with the acetic acid hydrolysate of bagasse used as carbon source. After the bagasse was pretreated by acetic acid, the components in hydrolysate and the removal rate was investigated, and the pretreatment conditions were optimized as follows: temperature of 160 °C, heating time of 60 min, addition of acetic acid of 2.0% (m/m), and solid-to-liquid ratio of 1/5. Prior to Acetobacter xylinum cultivation, the hydrolysate was detoxified by activated carbon. The detoxification process was very efficient for BC production, with a yield up to 2.13 g/L when the dosage of activated carbon was 5% (m/V). Furthermore, the obtained BC was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which showed that the ribbons width of BC was between 30 and 80 nm. X-ray patterns showed the crystallinity value was 74.6 % and the crystallinity index (CI%) was 66.5 %, which also evidenced the presence of peaks characteristic of Cellulose I polymorph. In conclusion, it is feasible to produce BC from bagasse hydrolysate. This model of waste recycling could aid in the development of sustainable strategies.
Deep learning for tissue microarray image-based outcome prediction in patients with colorectal cancer

Recent advances in computer vision enable increasingly accurate automated pattern classification. In the current study we evaluate whether a convolutional neural network (CNN) can be trained to predict disease outcome in patients with colorectal cancer based on images of tumor tissue microarray samples. We compare the prognostic accuracy of CNN features extracted from the whole, unsegmented tissue microarray spot image, with that of CNN features extracted from the epithelial and non-epithelial compartments, respectively. The prognostic accuracy of visually assessed histologic grade is used as a reference. The image data set consists of digitized hematoxylin-eosin (H and E) stained tissue microarray samples obtained from 180 patients with colorectal cancer. The patient samples represent a variety of histological grades, have data available on a series of clinicopathological variables including long-term outcome and ground truth annotations performed by experts. The CNN features extracted from images of the epithelial tissue compartment significantly predicted outcome (hazard ratio (HR) 2.08; CI95% 1.04-4.16; area under the curve (AUC) 0.66) in a test set of 60 patients, as compared to the CNN features extracted from unsegmented images (HR 1.67; CI95% 0.84-3.31, AUC 0.57) and visually assessed histologic grade (HR 1.96; CI95% 0.99-3.88, AUC 0.61). As a conclusion, a deep-learning classifier can be trained to predict outcome of colorectal cancer based on images of H and E stained tissue microarray samples and the CNN features extracted from the epithelial compartment only resulted in a prognostic discrimination comparable to that of visually determined histologic grade.
STRATEGIC ISSUE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES OF SAVINGS AND CREDIT COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES IN MOMBASA COUNTY, KENYA

This study focused on Strategic Issue Management (SIM) practices by Savings and Credit Co-operative Societies in Mombasa County in Kenya. Strategic Issue Management specializes in detecting surprise developments in the business environment through constant monitoring and surveillance; and execution of timely responses (Ansoff and McDonnell, 1990). The study was deemed necessary because the environments are full of surprises and instabilities the world over. In fact, issue management has become established as a distinct business discipline, with proven capacity to add strategic value to organizations (Pearce & Robinsonl, 2005). Broadly speaking, issue management attempts to minimize surprises which accompany social and political change by serving as an early warning system for potential and environmental threats and attempts to promote more systematic and effective responses to particular issues by serving as a coordinating and integrating force within the corporation (David, 2005). Cooperatives in Kenya’s turbulent business environment have faced critical challenges such as: traditional products, leadership and governance issues, capital base requirement, taxation, Information and Communications Technology, regulation and supervision, developing competitive business models, demand for loans, non-remittance of fees by members, forgery, HIV/AIDS and outreach issues. These among others have forced cooperatives managers to pause, ponder and devise ways to strengthen their enterprises. Thus the central challenge for cooperatives is to find constructive ways to build and retain competitive advantages in the market place. This is only possible if they incorporate good governance practices in their institutions. Therefore, in a bid to enhance cooperative performance through strategic issue management practices, this research embarked on a quest that raised certain questions: How do cooperative societies rate strategic issue management practices? To what extend did the various strategic issue management practices apply to their cooperatives. The study findings revealed that many cooperatives in Mombasa County were practicing strategic issue management. It is evident that Strategic Issue Management is very significant to a cooperative’s future. This is in line with what Perrot (2008) found out when he posited that tracking, monitoring and managing priority issues is necessary for a firm’s survival during turbulence. Keywords: Strategic Issue Management, Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities and Threats (SWOT), Management by Objectives (MBO), Euro quip matrix
Intolerance of uncertainty as the vulnerability factor among parents of childhood cancer survivors: A 3-month follow-up study

ABSTRACT Purpose: In a 3-month follow-up study, we assessed the intolerance of uncertainty in 61 parents of a childhood cancer survivor. The objective was to compare its prevalence over time. We tested these parents twice i.e., at treatment completion (time 1) and 3 months later (time 2). We hypothesized that this personality factor stayed stable and had aversive effects on cognitive processes. Findings: Noticeable intolerance of uncertainty rates were found. At both assessments, results showed that this factor was central in the development of excessive worries, poor problem orientation, rumination, cognitive avoidance and positive beliefs about worry. Repeated measures revealed a decrease for anxiety and cognitive avoidance, and an increased level for somatic symptoms. Conclusions: Parents who are intolerant of uncertainty are at risk to display dysfunctional behaviors over time. Sensitizing health care professionals to the identification of this factor and its associated difficulties is essential for the implementation of efficient intervention strategies.
Teachers as Learners Promoting Entreprenuership Education

In Finland, entrepreneurship education has long been included in the national core curriculum. In order to achieve the societal goals of entrepreneurship education, teachers need to know these goals and act accordingly. Therefore, we wanted to study teachers’ reflections on entrepreneurship education. The preliminary data was collected at the beginning of the project from twenty-nine (29) teachers at basic, upper secondary and vocational secondary education levels in 2008. They were asked how they realize entrepreneurship education in practice. The analysis of the qualitative data was coded through content typing. The main results indicate teachers’ reflections, and as a consequence, their learning about entrepreneurship education is in process although it is still too limited thinking about strengthening entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship education in societies.
Comparative proteomic analysis of proteins involved in oocyte meiotic maturation in mice

After birth, oocytes stay at the diplotene stage in prophase of meiosis I. Meiosis resumes about 1 day before ovulation, and arrests in metaphase II (MII) after ovulation. The mature, MII oocytes are then ready for fertilization and to provide materials for early embryonic development. Proteomic characterization of oocytes can help identify proteins that are important for female meiotic maturation and early embryonic development. In this study, we compared the proteomic profiles between the germinal vesicle and MII mouse oocytes by two‐dimensional electrophoresis; 95 differentially expressed protein spots corresponding to 63 proteins were identified. Many of these proteins are known to be essential for oocyte meiosis and early embryonic development, such as adenylosuccinate synthetase, nucleoplasmin‐2, and protein–arginine deiminase type‐6. Of the 12 proteins that were identified and are highly expressed in oocytes, a novel protein, E330034G19Rik, was found to be oocyte‐specific. According to analysis by bioinformatics, it may regulate chromosome segregation during meiosis or cleavage. An in‐depth study of these proteins will help us better understand the mechanisms of oocyte meiotic maturation, fertilization, and early embryogenesis. It will also help us understand the mechanisms of diseases that stem from abnormal oocyte maturation, such as polycystic ovary syndrome and premature ovary failure. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 79:413–422, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Support Vector Machine (SVM) as Alternative Tool to Assign Acute Aquatic Toxicity Warning Labels to Chemicals

Quantitative structure‐activity relationship (QSAR) analysis has been frequently utilized as a computational tool for the prediction of several eco‐toxicological parameters including the acute aquatic toxicity. In the present study, we describe a novel integrated strategy to describe the acute aquatic toxicity through the combination of both toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic behaviors of chemicals. In particular, a robust classification model (TOXclass) has been derived by combining Support Vector Machine (SVM) analysis with three classes of toxicokinetic–like molecular descriptors: the autocorrelation molecular electrostatic potential (autoMEP) vectors, Sterimol topological descriptors and logP(o/w) property values. TOXclass model is able to assign chemicals to different levels of acute aquatic toxicity, providing an appropriate answer to the new regulatory requirements. Moreover, we have extended the above mentioned toxicokinetic‐like descriptor set with a more toxicodynamic‐like descriptors, as for example HOMO and LUMO energies, to generate a valuable SVM classifier (MOAclass) for the prediction of the mode of action (MOA) of toxic chemicals. As preliminary validation of our approach, the toxicokinetic (TOXclass) and the toxicodynamic (MOAclass) models have been applied in series to inspect both aquatic toxicity hazard and mode of action of 296 chemical substances with unknown or uncertain toxicodynamic information to assess the potential ecological risk and the toxic mechanism.
Dengue Virus Non-Structural Protein 5

The World Health Organization estimates that the yearly number of dengue cases averages 390 million. This mosquito-borne virus disease is endemic in over 100 countries and will probably continue spreading, given the observed trend in global warming. So far, there is no antiviral drug available against dengue, but a vaccine has been recently marketed. Dengue virus also serves as a prototype for the study of other pathogenic flaviviruses that are emerging, like West Nile virus and Zika virus. Upon viral entry into the host cell and fusion of the viral lipid membrane with the endosomal membrane, the viral RNA is released and expressed as a polyprotein, that is then matured into three structural and seven non-structural (NS) proteins. The envelope, membrane and capsid proteins form the viral particle while NS1-NS2A-NS2B-NS3-NS4A-NS4B and NS5 assemble inside a cellular replication complex, which is embedded in endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-derived vesicles. In addition to their roles in RNA replication within the infected cell, NS proteins help the virus escape the host innate immunity and reshape the host-cell inner structure. This review focuses on recent progress in characterizing the structure and functions of NS5, a protein responsible for the replication and capping of viral RNA that represents a promising drug target.
Abnormal interaction of VDAC 1 with amyloid beta and phosphorylated tau causes mitochondrial dysfunction in Alzheimer ’ s disease

The purpose of our study was to determine the relationship between voltage-dependent anion channel 1 protein (VDAC1) and amyloid beta (Ab) and phosphorylated tau in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Using brain specimens from AD patients, control subjects and 6-, 12and 24-month-old Ab precursor protein (APP) transgenic mice, we studied VDAC1 protein levels. Further, we also studied the interaction between VDAC1 and Ab (monomers and oligomers) and phosphorylated tau, using cortical issues from AD patients, control subjects, APP, APP/PS1 and 3XTg.AD mice. We also studied ageand VDAC1-linked, mutant APP/Ab-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in APP and non-transgenic wild-type (WT) mice. We found progressively increased levels of VDAC1 in the cortical tissues from the brains of patients with AD, relative to control subjects, and significantly increased levels of VDAC1 in the cerebral cortices of 6-, 12and 24-month-old APP transgenic mice, relative to the age-matched control WT mice. Interestingly, we found VDAC1 interacted with Ab and phosphorylated tau in the brains from AD patients and from APP, APP/PS1 and 3XTg.AD mice. We found progressively increased mitochondrial dysfunction in APP mice relative to WT mice. These observations led us to conclude that VDAC1 interacts with Ab, and phosphorylated tau may in turn block mitochondrial pores, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction in AD pathogenesis. Based on current study observations, we propose that reduced levels of VDAC1, Ab and phosphorylated tau may reduce the abnormal interaction between VDAC1 and APP, VDAC1 and Ab, and VDAC1 and phosphorylated tau; and that reduced levels of VDAC1, Ab and phosphorylated tau may maintain normal mitochondrial pore opening and pore closure, ultimately leading to normal mitochondrial function, mitochondria supplying ATP to nerve terminals and boosting synaptic and cognitive function in AD.
Simple Methods and Rational Design for Enhancing Aptamer Sensitivity and Specificity

Aptamers are structured nucleic acid molecules that can bind to their targets with high affinity and specificity. However, conventional SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment) methods may not necessarily produce aptamers of desired affinity and specificity. Thus, to address these questions, this perspective is intended to suggest some approaches and tips along with novel selection methods to enhance evolution of aptamers. This perspective covers latest novel innovations as well as a broad range of well-established approaches to improve the individual binding parameters (aptamer affinity, avidity, specificity and/or selectivity) of aptamers during and/or post-SELEX. The advantages and limitations of individual aptamer selection methods and post-SELEX optimizations, along with rational approaches to overcome these limitations are elucidated in each case. Further the impact of chosen selection milieus, linker-systems, aptamer cocktails and detection modules utilized in conjunction with target-specific aptamers, on the overall assay performance are discussed in detail, each with its own advantages and limitations. The simple variations suggested are easily available for facile implementation during and/or post-SELEX to develop ultrasensitive and specific assays. Finally, success studies of established aptamer-based assays are discussed, highlighting how they utilized some of the suggested methodologies to develop commercially successful point-of-care diagnostic assays.
Vadeli İşlem Piyasasında Optimal Hedge Rasyosunun Statik ve Dinamik Teknikler Yardımıyla Hesaplanması

Bu calismanin amaci Turk vadeli islem piyasalarindaki optimal hedge rasyosu modelini, ekonometrik modeller arasinda kiyaslama yaparak tahmin etmektir. BIST30 endeksine ait Şubat/2005-Agustos/2013 araligindaki fiyat serileri uzerinden gerceklestirilen analizlerde Hedge Rasyosu’nun tahmini Geleneksel EKK, Basit Hata Duzeltme Modeli (ECM), Vektor Hata Duzeltme Modeli (VECM) ve ECM-GARCH modelleri gibi statik yontemler ve cok degiskenli GARCH (M-GARCH) modelleri olan VEC-CCC-GARCH ve VEC-Diag-BEKK gibi dinamik modeller yardimiyla gerceklestirilmistir. Arastirma sonuclarina gore dinamik modeller ile gerceklestirilen HR tahmini statik modellere gore daha tutarli ve guvenilirdir. Ayrica statik modeller arasinda ECM-GARCH modeli, varyansin zamana bagli olarak degistigini dikkate aldigi icin diger geleneksel yontemlere gore ustunluk saglamaktadir. Bu sonuclar HR literaturundeki benzer bulgularla ayni cizgidedir.
Personality and performance are affected by age and early life parameters in a small primate

Abstract A whole suite of parameters is likely to influence the behavior and performance of individuals as adults, including correlations between phenotypic traits or an individual's developmental context. Here, we ask the question whether behavior and physical performance traits are correlated and how early life parameters such as birth weight, litter size, and growth can influence these traits as measured during adulthood. We studied 486 captive gray mouse lemurs (Microcebus murinus) and measured two behavioral traits and two performance traits potentially involved in two functions: exploration behavior with pull strength and agitation score with bite force. We checked for the existence of behavioral consistency in behaviors and explored correlations between behavior, performance, morphology. We analyzed the effect of birth weight, growth, and litter size, while controlling for age, sex, and body weight. Behavior and performance were not correlated with one another, but were both influenced by age. Growth rate had a positive effect on adult morphology, and birth weight significantly affected emergence latency and bite force. Grip strength was not directly affected by early life traits, but bite performance and exploration behavior were impacted by birth weight. This study shows how early life parameters impact personality and performance.
Trabalho en el Brasil Job satisfaction of nurses working in Brazil *

Objective: To know if nurses working in Brazil are satisfied with the exercise of their practice and what factors are associated with it. Methods: Exploratory cross-sectional study of 130 nursing professionals from the five Brazilian regions. We collected demographic data and administered the Job Satisfaction Scale of Occupational Stress Indicator (OSI), at three times during the period of August 2006 to March 2007. Results: The five aspects of the OSI associated with job satisfaction were: relationship with others in the organization in which one works, the type (content) of the work performed, degree of motivation felt about one’s work, degree of job security and current level of flexibility and freedom one believes s/he has at work. Conclusion: Professional satisfaction presents in a significantly different manner between genders, referring to the fact that professionals have different perceptions of their work. In the women, the importance and degree of concern about job security was evident. In the men, the predominant motivation was participation in important decisions, and the flexibility and freedom at work.
Social distance, ethnicity, and religion in Northwest China: a survey of inter- and intra-group attitudes among Han, Hui, and Tibetan students

Building on existing research concerned with social distance in multi-ethnic states, this study of college students in Gansu Province and Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region provides a picture of social attitudes, intra-group attachment, and inter-group social distance along ethnic and religious lines in Northwest China. The study measures inter-ethnic group fissures in Chinese society as measured in social distance between three ethnic groups: Han, Hui, and Tibetan. Comparative survey methods are used to examine inter- and intra-group relations by mapping dimensions of social distance among 382 university students. Our results indicate only very subtle differences that suggest a closer majority–minority relationship than the previous literature indicates, especially between the Hui and Han. The findings show some clustering and segregating patterns along ethnic lines, specifically when accounting for degrees of trust and tolerance and levels of ethnic and religious attachment. The Hui and Han in Ningxia exhibit closer inter-group relations in comparison to wider measurements of social distance between the Tibetan and Han in Gansu. Where the survey data revealed clustering among ethnic groups, the analysis shows that religious, geographical, and economic differences fail to account for the attitudinal differences between ethnic groups.
#GirlsLikeUs: Trans advocacy and community building online

In this research, we examine the advocacy and community building of transgender women on Twitter through methods of network and discourse analysis and the theory of networked counterpublics. By highlighting the network structure and discursive meaning making of the #GirlsLikeUs network, we argue that the digital labor of trans women, especially trans women of color, represents the vanguard of struggles over self-definition. We find that trans women on Twitter, led by Janet Mock and Laverne Cox, and in response to histories of misrepresentation and ongoing marginalization and violence, deliberately curate an intersectional networked counterpublic that works to legitimize and support trans identities and advocate for trans autonomy in larger publics and counterpublics.