Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic Potential of Pegylated Hemin for Reactive Oxygen Species-Related Diseases via Induction of Heme Oxygenase-1: Results from a Rat Hepatic Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury Model

Many diseases and pathological conditions, including ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, are the consequence of the actions of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Controlling ROS generation or its level may thus hold promise as a standard therapeutic modality for ROS-related diseases. Here, we assessed heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), which is a crucial antioxidative, antiapoptotic molecule against intracellular stresses, for its therapeutic potential via its inducer, hemin. To improve the solubility and in vivo pharmacokinetics of hemin for clinical applications, we developed a micellar hemin by conjugating it with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) (PEG-hemin). PEG-hemin showed higher solubility in water and significantly prolonged plasma half-life than free hemin, which resulted from its micellar nature with molecular mass of 126 kDa in aqueous media. In a rat I/R model, administration of PEG-hemin significantly elevated HO-1 expression and enzymatic activity. This induction of HO-1 led to significantly improved liver function, reduced apoptosis and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances of the liver, and decreased inflammatory cytokine production. PEG-hemin administration also markedly improved hepatic blood flow. These results suggest that PEG-hemin exerted a significant cytoprotective effect against I/R injury in rat liver by inducing HO-1 and thus seems to be a potential therapeutic for ROS-related diseases, including I/R injury.
Wireless sensor network for machine condition based maintenance

A new application architecture is designed for continuous, real-time, distributed wireless sensor networks. We develop a wireless sensor network for machinery condition-based maintenance (CBM) using commercially available products, including a hardware platform, networking architecture, and medium access communication protocol. We implement a single-hop sensor network to facilitate real-time monitoring and extensive data processing for machine monitoring. A LabVIEW graphical user interface is described that allows for signal processing, including FFT, various moments, and kurtosis. A wireless CBM sensor network implementation on a heating and air conditioning plant is presented as a case study.
Spectral Estimation for Noise Robust Speech Recognition

We present results on the recognition accuracy of a continuous speech, speaker independent HMM recognition system that incorporates a novel noise reduction algorithm. The algorithm is a minimum mean square error estimation tailored for a filter-bank front-end. It introduces a significant improvement over similar published algorithms by incorporating a better statistical model for the filter-bank log-energies, and by attempting to jointly estimate the log-energies vector rather than individual components. The algorithm was tested with SRI's recognizer trained on the official speaker-independent "Resource management task" clean speech database. When tested with additive white gaussian noise, the noise reduction achieved by the algorithm is equivalent to a 13 dB SNR improvement. When tested with desktop microphone recordings, the error rate at 13 dB SNR is only 40% higher than that with close-talking microphone at 31 dB SNR.
New optimization criterion for load frequency control of power system

The new optimization criterion has been proposed for the tuning of controller gains of load frequency control (LFC) of interconnected hydro-thermal power system. Dynamic performance of LFC system relies upon the optimization criteria used to find the values of optimum controller gain settings. This paper presents new optimization criterion for controller gains and its dynamic performance has been compared to the existing optimization criterion. The generation rate constraints (GRCs) of 3% per minute for thermal power system and 360% per minute to increase and 270% per minute to lower down the generation level of hydro power system have been considered. The dynamic responses have been obtained for 1% load disturbance in thermal area system. As linear model of LFC system is considered therefore such a small disturbance will be sufficient to draw the inferences.
Circulating concentrations of insulin markers and coronary heart disease: a quantitative review of 19 Western prospective studies.

AIMS It is uncertain whether there are associations between circulating levels of insulin markers and coronary heart disease (CHD) risk. We report an updated meta-analysis of studies of circulating levels of three insulin markers (fasting insulin, non-fasting insulin, and pro-insulin) and CHD risk. METHODS AND RESULTS Prospective studies based in Western populations that reported on associations between levels of fasting insulin, non-fasting insulin, and pro-insulin and incident CHD [defined as non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) or coronary death] were identified by computer-based searches and by manual searches of the relevant literature. Nineteen relevant population-based studies were identified, of which 14 reported on fasting insulin levels involving 2649 CHD cases, eight reported on non-fasting insulin levels involving 1980 CHD cases and three reported on pro-insulin levels involving 413 CHD cases. In a comparison of individuals who had circulating levels of each of these markers in the top third with those in the bottom third of the population, the odds ratio for CHD was 1.12 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.98-1.28] for raised fasting insulin, 1.35 (1.14-1.60) for raised non-fasting insulin, and 2.23 (1.65-3.00) for raised pro-insulin. There was no good evidence of heterogeneity in these estimates attributable to the several study characteristics recorded, including sex, assay methods used, or degree of adjustment of risk estimates, but the available data in many of these subgroups, particularly by sex, are sparse. CONCLUSION Associations between CHD risk and fasting or non-fasting insulin levels are likely to be more modest than previously suspected. Preliminary data suggest that pro-insulin levels may be more strongly associated with CHD risk than are insulin levels, and this possibility should be evaluated in larger and more rigorous studies.
VESPER – SPATIAL PREDICTION SOFTWARE FOR PRECISION AGRICULTURE

VESPER is a user-friendly software program, written at the ACPA, to calculate global and local variogram models, undertake global and local kriging in either punctual or block form and output the parameters and estimates in an ASCII text format. The program provides control of the semivariogram calculation and choice of models that may be fit to the input data. A boundary and prediction grid may be generated in the software or supplied as an external file. VEPSER allows user defined neighbourhood and prediction-block sizes, along with a number of more advanced controls. It provides a real-time graphical display of the semivariogram modeling and a map of the kriging estimation progress. Having the ability to tailor the prediction process to individual data sets is essential for Precision Agriculture (PA) where data quantity, density and measurement quality varies.
Infografis Sebagai Media Dalam Meningkatkan Pemahaman Dan Keterlibatan Publik Bank Indonesia

ABSTRAK: Suatu studi eksploratif mengenai penggunaan infografis sebagai media komunikasi kebijakan dapat membentuk ketertarikan situasi, pemahaman situasi, dan cara berperilaku publik non-ahli ekonomi terhadap informasi kebijakan ekonomi Bank Indonesia yang kompleks. Studi ini menggunakan metode penelitian gabungan dan konsep teori ‘ Medium is The Message ’ dari Marshall McLuhan. Sampel dalam penelitian ini sebanyak lima belas (15) orang dengan menggunakan teknik purposive sampling . Hasil penelitian dan simpulan penelitian yaitu infografis Bank Indonesia sudah cukup baik dalam membentuk ketertarikan situasional publik. Namun, masih terdapat beberapa aspek yang harus diperbaiki agar dapat memaksimalkan ketertarikan publik. Pada pemahaman situasional, infografis belum mampu membentuk pemahaman publik. Permasalahan ini disebabkan oleh masih banyak terdapatnya bahasa ekonomi dan keterbatasan pengetahuan umum publik mengenai dunia ekonomi. Terakhir, cara berperilaku publik terhadap informasi ekonomi belum dapat terbentuk karena tidak tercapainya pemahaman situasional oleh publik. Meskipun begitu, publik memiliki keinginan dan harapan yang cukup baik terhadap perekonomian Indonesia. ABSTRACT: An exploratory design about the use of infographic as an communication medium can establish situational interest, situational understanding, and public behavior by non-experts towards the information of economics complex policy. This study used Mixed Methods and Medium is The Message Theory propounded by Marshall McLuhan. The sample of this study is fifteen (15) people and use purposive sampling as the sampling technique. The results and conclusions of this research shows that infographic of Bank Indonesia has been good-enough on establishing situational interest by public. However, there is still room for improvement that can optimize more public interest. In situational understanding, infographic has not been good-enough to establish situational understanding. This problem is caused by the presence of many economics terms and languages in the infographic and the limitation of economics knowledge by the public. Lastly, the public behavior towards economics information can not be established due to the unsuccessful forming of situational understanding by the public. Even so, the public still has the desire and hope towards the economics of Indonesia. The public is willing to get involved in the efforts to maintain and improve the economics of Indonesia.
Effect of Bleaching and Thermocycling on Resin-Enamel Bond Strength

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of bleaching and thermocycling on microshear bond strength of bonded resin composites to enamel. Enamel slices were prepared from ninety-six intact human premolars and resin composite cylinders were bonded by using Adper Single Bond 2 + Filtek Z350 or Filtek silorane adhesive and resin composite. Each essential group was randomly subdivided to two subgroups: control and bleaching. In bleaching group, 35% hydrogen peroxide was applied on samples. Thermocycling procedure was conducted between 5°C and 55°C, for 3.000 cycles on the half of each subgroup specimen. Then microshear bond strength was tested. Methacrylate-based resin composite had higher bond strength than silorane-based one. The meyhacrylate-based group without bleaching along with thermocycling showed the most bond strength, while bleaching with 35% carbamide peroxide on silorane-based group without thermocycling showed the least microshear bond strength. Bleaching caused a significant degradation on shear bond strength of silorane-based resin composites that bonded using self-etch adhesive resin systems.
Deficiency of CD8+ effector memory T cells is an early and persistent feature of multiple sclerosis

Background: Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) have a deficiency of circulating CD8+ T cells, which might impair control of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and predispose to MS by allowing EBV-infected autoreactive B cells to accumulate in the central nervous system. Based on the expression of CD45RA and CD62L, CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells can be subdivided into four subsets with distinct homing and functional properties, namely: naïve, central memory, effector memory (EM) and effector memory re-expressing CD45RA (EMRA) cells. Objective: Our aim was to determine which memory subsets are involved in the CD8+ T cell deficiency and how these relate to clinical course. Methods: We used flow cytometry to analyze the memory phenotypes of T cells in the blood of 118 MS patients and 112 healthy subjects. Results: MS patients had a decreased frequency of EM (CD45RA–CD62L–) and EMRA (CD45RA+CD62L–) CD8+ T cells, which was present at the onset of disease and persisted throughout the clinical course. The frequencies of CD4+ EM and EMRA T cells were normal. Conclusion: Deficiency of effector memory CD8+ T cells is an early and persistent feature of MS and might underlie the impaired CD8+ T cell control of EBV.
An Evaluation of Prefiltered Reconstruction Schemes for Volume Rendering

In this paper, prefiltered reconstruction techniques are evaluated for volume-rendering applications. All the analyzed methods perform a discrete prefiltering as a preprocessing of the input samples in order to improve the quality of the continuous reconstruction afterward. Various prefiltering schemes have been proposed to fulfill either the spatial-domain or the frequency-domain criteria. According to our best knowledge, however, their thorough comparative study has not been published yet. Therefore, we derive the frequency responses of the different prefiltered reconstruction techniques to analyze their global behavior such as aliasing or smoothing. Furthermore, we introduce a novel mathematical basis to also compare their spatial-domain behavior in terms of the asymptotic local error effect. For the sake of fair comparison, we use the same linear and cubic B-splines as basis functions, but combined with different discrete prefilters. Our goal with this analysis is to help the potential users to select the optimal prefiltering scheme for their specific applications.
Consumer neuroscience for marketing researchers

Purpose For many consumer neuromarketing researchers, the use of functional magnetic resonance imaging has been the most preferred neuroscience technique. However, electroencephalography, eye tracking, and implicit measurements are becoming increasingly popular market research methods due to rapid technological improvements and reduced costs. Design This article is an overview of the most commonly used consumer neuroscience techniques in marketing research. Findings Many peer-reviewed journal articles in the consumer neuroscience literature usually provide only a brief summary of the actual functions of each neuroscience technique used in their research. Throughout the consumer neuroscience and marketing research literature, there is a lack of comprehensive evaluation of the relative merits of all neuroscience research tools. There is no rigorous analysis of the relative appropriateness of all the neuroscience, physiological, and biometric research tools currently used in consumer neuroscience market research. Originality/value This is the first paper that provides a comprehensive review of all relevant neuroscience techniques with a proper explanation of their functions and utility for different types of research. Each individual neuromarketing research tools' strengths and weaknesses are analysed for particular types of marketing research questions and highlights some of the key research papers and authors for interested researchers to follow up.
Fast algorithm for directional time-scale analysis using wavelets

Fast algorithms performing time-scale analysis of multivariate functions are discussed. The algorithms employ univariate wavelets and involve a directional parameter, namely the angle of rotation. Both the rotation steps and the wavelet analysis/synthesis steps in the algorithms require a number of computations proportional to the number of data involved. The rotation and wavelet techniques are used for the segregation of wanted and unwanted components in a seismic signal. As an illustration, the rotation and wavelet methods are applied to a synthetic shot record.
A motivational perspective on punishment in social dilemmas

ABSTRACT In social dilemma situations, individuals benefit from uncooperative behaviour while exploiting resources of the collective. One prominent solution to prevent uncooperative behaviour and to increase cooperation is to establish a sanction system in that private resources are invested by individuals to punish uncooperative interaction partners. The present review is intended to provide an overview concerning motivational determinants of punishment in social dilemma situations. Specifically, we (a) outline that fairness concerns and revenge motivate individuals to punish uncooperative other individuals, (b) show that this is done especially when they possess the basic motivational orientation of a prevention focus. We (c) illustrate that individuals do not punish to acquire a good reputation in the eyes of others, and (d) elaborate on whether individuals punish to regulate satisfaction. Finally, we present empirically neglected motivational factors in studies on punishment in social dilemmas and discuss limitations and possible future directions in this field of research.
A Primal-Dual Simulation Algorithm for Pricing Multi-Dimensional American Options

This paper describes a practical algorithm based on Monte Carlo simulation for the pricing of multi-dimensional American (i.e., continuously exercisable) and Bermudan (i.e., discretelyexercisable) options. The method generates both lower and upper bounds for the Bermudan option price and hence gives valid confidence intervals for the true value. Lower bounds can be generated using any number of primal algorithms. Upper bounds are generated using a new Monte Carlo algorithm based on the duality representation of the Bermudan value function suggested independently in Haugh and Kogan (2001) and Rogers (2001). Our proposed algorithm can handle virtually any type of process dynamics, factor structure, and payout specification. Computational results for a variety of multi-factor equity and interest rate options demonstrate the simplicity and efficiency of the proposed algorithm. In particular, we use the proposed method to examine and verify the tightness of frequently used exercise rules in Bermudan swaption markets.
Diagnosing Magnetars with Transient Cooling

Transient X-ray emission, with an approximate t-0.7 decay, was observed from SGR 1900+14 over 40 days following the giant flare of 1998 August 27. We calculate in detail the diffusion of heat to the surface of a neutron star through an intense 1014-1015 G magnetic field, following the release of magnetic energy in its outer layers. We show that the power-law index, the fraction of burst energy in the afterglow, and the return to persistent emission can all be understood if the star is composed of normal baryonic material.
An Echo State Network approach to structural health monitoring

Echo State Networks (ESNs) have been applied to time-series data arising from a structural health monitoring multi-sensor array placed onto a test footbridge which has been subjected to a number of potentially damaging interventions over a three year period. The time-series data, sampled approximately every five minutes from ten temperature sensors, have been used as inputs and the ESNs were tasked with predicting the expected output signal from eight tilt sensors that were also placed on the footbridge. The networks were trained using temperature and tilt sensor data up to the first intervention and subsequent discrepancies in the ESNs' prediction accuracy allowed inferences to be made about when further interventions occurred and also the level of damage caused. Comparing the error in signals with the location of each of the tilt sensors allowed damaged regions to be determined.
On the Anti-Ramsey Property of Ramanujan Graphs

If G and H are graphs, we write G→ H (respectively, G→ TH) if for any proper edge‐coloring γ of G there is a subgraph H' ⊂ G of G isomorphic to H (respectively, isomorphic to a subdivision of H) such that γ is injective on E(H'). Let us write Cl for the cycle of length l. Spencer (cf. Erdos 10]) asked whether for any g ⩾ 3 there is a graph G = Gg such that (i) G has girth g(G) at least g and (ii) G→ TC3. Recently, Rodl and Tuza [22] answered this question in the affirmative by proving, using nonconstructive methods, a result that implies that, for any t ⩾ 1, there is a graph G = Gt of girth t + 2 such that G→ C2t+2. In particular, condition (ii) may be strengthened to (iii) G→ C𝓁 for some l = 𝓁(G). For G = Gt above 𝓁 = 𝓁(G) = 2t + 2 = 2g(G) − 2. Here, we show that suitable Ramanujan graphs constructed by Lubotzky, Phillips, and Sarnak [18] are explicit examples of graphs G = Gg satisfying (i) and (iii) above. For such graphs, 𝓁 = l(G) in (iii) may be taken to be roughly equal to (3/2)g(G), thus considerably improving the value 2g(G) − 2 given in the result of Rodl and Tuza. It is not known whether there are graphs G of arbitrarily large girth for which (iii) holds with 𝓁 = 𝓁(G) = g(G). © 1995 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
South African land reform as peacebuilding: integrating perspectives from social identity theory and symbolic politics in a peacebuilding conceptual framework

This study considers land reform as an essential part of the South African transformation. In particular it considers land reform as having the potential to impact social relations and therefore as an initiative that has the potential to either normalize or further entrench conflictual social relations. In order to address this conflictive potential the study suggests that land reform should be considered and conducted in terms of a peacebuilding framework. The study argues that existing approaches to peacebuilding are lacking in their integration of Social Identity (as represented by Social Identity Theory and Self-categorization Theory) and Symbolic Politics concepts (as developed from Symbolic Interactionism and the notion of Symbolic Politics in Murray Edelman’s heritage) in their conceptual frameworks. Lederach’s (1997) comprehensive peacebuilding framework, it is argued, offers sufficient conceptual complexity to integrate these ideas in peacebuilding thinking and practice. The absence of the application of these concepts is apparent in current research on South African land reform, an initiative seen as a necessary transformation process but one characterized by intergroup conflicts. Existing literature exhibits limited exploration of the complex social identities and symbolic interpretations that are prevalent in land reform, especially those represented by the perspectives of current land owners. These limitations, it is argued, can be addressed by application of concepts from the Social Identity perspective and a Symbolic Politics perspective. The purpose as well as limits of the research are indicated by the following research questions: 1) How do land owners experience land reform, particularly in terms of their social identities and the symbolic dimension of politics? 2) How can these experiences be explained in terms of the Social Identity and Symbolic Politics perspectives? 3) What can these perspectives contribute to a peacebuilding framework for land reform? The research questions are pursued through an ethnographic case study using qualitative data collected from 2011-2014 from 42 individual, semi-structured interviews with land owners in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. The individuals interviewed are all land owners that are actively involved in agriculture. Their involvement ranges from large scale commercial practices that incorporates an extensive agri-business dimension to small scale, family-owned commercial farming enterprises. The agricultural activities they are involved in include fruits, forestry, livestock and game farming. Stellenbosch University https://scholar.sun.ac.za
ACO-Based multiple geometric elements measure path planning for CMM

Effective path planning is very important to improve the measure efficiency and security of Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM). In order to apply ACO to measure path planning, some key technologies such as establishment of relationship matrix and search of valid path were solved through thorough researches to CMM path planning and Ant Colony Optimization (ACO). Based on this, an ACO-Based multiple geometric elements measure path planning for CMM, which is more suitable for digitalization of parts with complex construction, was presented. At last, the measure path planning of supercharger impeller was implemented with this approach. These two examples demonstrate that the path planning algorithm is efficient, secure, and robust.