Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Designing a Multi-epitope Peptide Vaccine Against COVID-19 Variants Utilizing In-silico Tools

Background and Aim: SARS-CoV-2 is the causative agent of Coronavirus 2019 or COVID-19 in the world. Novel coronavirus disease is a respiratory disease. To date, there have been challenges in the treatment for COVID-19 and emerged new variants like UK B1.1. 7. Accordingly, an effective prevention regime is needed for this infection, which covers most variants. The purpose of this research was to predict the conserved epitopes of Spike and Nucleocapsid proteins from SARS-CoV-2 for the design of a novel coronavirus 2019 multi-epitope vaccine using in silico tools. Materials and Methods: Computational analysis and immunoinformatics approaches include identification of potential conserve epitopes and selection of epitopes based on allergenicity, toxicity, antigenicity, and molecular docking were used for epitope prediction and screening. In the next step, selected segments of the epitopes were attached by the suitable linkers. Finally, Maltese-bound protein (MBP) as an adjuvant was added to the novel vaccine structure. The secondary and third structures of the designed multi-epitope vaccine were predicted via immunoinformatics algorithms. Predicted structure refined and validated for attaining best stability. In the end, immunoinformatics evaluation, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics were performed to confirm vaccine efficiency. Codon optimization and in silico cloning were done to ensure the expression yield of the novel multi-epitope vaccine in the target host. Results: This study showed that our data support the suggestion that the designed vaccine could induce immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 variants. Conclusion: The structure designed had acceptable quality with software reviews. Further in vitro and in vivo experiments are needed to confirm the safety and immunogenicity of the candidate vaccine. © 2021. All Rights Reserved.
Assessment of interbar currents in double-cage induction motors with broken bars

Research has shown that it is possible for currents to flow in a broken rotor bar of a squirrel cage induction motor by means of interbar currents. Such research dealt only with single-cage motors. Further work was necessary when considering double-cage motors. This paper proves theoretically and experimentally that interbar currents also exist in double-cage motors. The influence of interbar currents on the current distribution around the broken bar is also shown. >
Novel CRISPR-Associated Gene-Editing Systems Discovered in Metagenomic Samples Enable Efficient and Specific Genome Engineering

Development of medicines using gene editing has been hampered by enzymological and immunological impediments. We described previously the discovery and characterization of improved, novel gene-editing systems from metagenomic data. In this study, we substantially advance this work with three such gene-editing systems, demonstrating their utility for cell therapy development. All three systems are capable of reproducible, high-frequency gene editing in primary immune cells. In human T cells, disruption of the T cell receptor (TCR) alpha-chain was induced in >95% of cells, both paralogs of the TCR beta-chain in >90% of cells, and >90% knockout of β2-microglobulin, TIGIT, FAS, and PDCD1. Simultaneous double knockout of TRAC and TRBC was obtained at a frequency equal to that of the single edits. Gene editing with our systems had minimal effect on T cell viability. Furthermore, we integrate a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) construct into TRAC (up to ∼60% of T cells), and demonstrate CAR expression and cytotoxicity. We next applied our novel gene-editing tools to natural killer (NK) cells, B cells, hematopoietic stem cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells, generating similarly efficient cell-engineering outcomes including the creation of active CAR-NK cells. Interrogation of our gene-editing systems' specificity reveals a profile comparable with or better than Cas9. Finally, our nucleases lack preexisting humoral and T cell–based immunity, consistent with their sourcing from nonhuman pathogens. In all, we show these new gene-editing systems have the activity, specificity, and translatability necessary for use in cell therapy development.
An analysis of the influence of organisational culture on TQM implementation in an era of global marketing: the case of Syrian manufacturing organisations

Many recent research studies have examined the influence of organisational culture (OC) on the implementation of total quality management (TQM). However, research investigating the impact of OC on TQM implementation in developing countries has been relatively scarce, specifically in Syria. This study aims to fill this gap in the literature by empirically examining the influence of OC on TQM implementation in Syrian manufacturing organisations (SMOs). To achieve this, a questionnaire-based survey was developed and distributed to 350 middle managers in SMOs. The analysis of the collected data revealed that the adhocracy and group culture types are the most supportive cultures for the implementation of TQM practices. This paper presents new data and empirical insights into the relationship between OC types and TQM implementation in SMOs. The paper concludes with a discussion of the managerial implications of our findings, research shortcomings and suggestions for future research.
A Survey on Privacy Preservation in Fog-Enabled Internet of Things

Despite the rapid growth and advancement in the Internet of Things (IoT), there are critical challenges that need to be addressed before the full adoption of the IoT. Data privacy is one of the hurdles towards the adoption of IoT as there might be potential misuse of users’ data and their identity in IoT applications. Several researchers have proposed different approaches to reduce privacy risks. However, most of the existing solutions still suffer from various drawbacks, such as huge bandwidth utilization and network latency, heavyweight cryptosystems, and policies that are applied on sensor devices and in the cloud. To address these issues, fog computing has been introduced for IoT network edges providing low latency, computation, and storage services. In this survey, we comprehensively review and classify privacy requirements for an in-depth understanding of privacy implications in IoT applications. Based on the classification, we highlight ongoing research efforts and limitations of the existing privacy-preservation techniques and map the existing IoT schemes with Fog-enabled IoT schemes to elaborate on the benefits and improvements that Fog-enabled IoT can bring to preserve data privacy in IoT applications. Lastly, we enumerate key research challenges and point out future research directions.
Low Phase Noise and High Conversion Gain Oscillator Mixer Constructed with a 0.18-m CMOS Technology

This paper presents a compact down-conversion oscillator mixer fabricated with a 0.18- m CMOS technology. The oscillator mixer consists of a conventional nMOS differential coupled oscillator, a switch stage, and a pMOS cross-coupled pair which is used to release the design constraint between the conversion gain and the start-up condition. Since the switch stage and the pMOS cross-coupled pair are stacked on the nMOS differential oscillator, the bias currents of the switch stage and the pMOS cross-coupled pair can be entirely reused, so as to reduce the power dissipation. The experimental results show a conversion gain of 6.5 dB at 2.1 GHz associated with a single-sideband (SSB) noise figure of below 13 dB. The oscillator mixer also exhibits a tuning range of 184 MHz and a phase noise of 116 dBc/Hz at 1-MHz offset from the LO frequency of 6.8 GHz, and it consumes 11 mA from 1.8 V bias voltage.
Visual Attention in The Fovea and The Periphery during Visual Search

Visual search depends on both the foveal and peripheral visual system, yet the foveal attention mechanisms is still lack of insights. We simultaneously recorded the foveal and peripheral activities in V4, IT and LPFC, while monkeys performed a category-based visual search task. Feature attention enhanced responses of Face-selective, House-selective, and Non-selective foveal cells in visual cortex. While foveal attention effects appeared no matter the peripheral attention effects, paying attention to the foveal stimulus dissipated the peripheral feature attentional effects, and delayed the peripheral spatial attentional effects. When target features appeared both in the foveal and the peripheral, feature attention effects seemed to occur predominately in the foveal, which might not distribute across the visual field according to common view of distributed feature attention effects. As a result, the parallel attentive process seemed to occur during distractor fixations, while the serial process predominated during target fixations in visual search.
Complete mitochondrial genome for the whitemouth croaker Micropogonias furnieri (Perciformes: Sciaenidae)

Abstract This study is the first to research to report the complete 16,496 bp mitochondrial genome of Micropogonias furnieri, which consists of 13 protein-coding genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, and a control region (D-loop). The overall base composition of the complete genome is 27.26% A, 25.65% T, 16.46% G, and 30.63% C, with a high A + T content of 52.91%. Phylogenetic analysis showed that M. furnieri was most closely related to Sciaenops ocellatus. In this study, the mitogenome of M. furnieri will provide useful information for phylogenetic and evolutionary understanding in the family Sciaenidae.
Design of Permanent Magnet Hybrid Magnetic Bearing with Minimum Salient Poles

In order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the generation of renewable energy is required. Therefore, this paper focused on a small-sized hydraulic generator, since small scale hydropower has a large potential for power generation. Standard mechanical bearings are installed in conventional small-sized hydraulic generators to support the rotating shaft. However, mechanical ball bearings cause rotational loss, noise and limitation of device durability. In order to upgrade the performance of a hydraulic generator, a new type of permanent magnet hybrid type magnetic bearing is proposed in this study. The stator is designed by finite element method magnetic field analysis. According to the analytical result, by making the root of stator salient pole wider and eliminating magnetic saturation, stronger bearing power was obtained. The analytical attractive force and negative spring force characteristics were then verified under static operation conditions with a simple experimental setup. Moreover, in order to confirm dynamic performance in the time domain, the impulse response was measured with the result showing good performance. In addition, by using the measured coefficient of attractive force and negative spring force, a numerical simulation was carried out to check the dynamic performance in the frequency domain and compared with an experimental result. The result of the frequency response showed good control performance in frequency domain.
The Optimal Attitude Controller Design and Simulation of Three-Axis Dual Rotor Helicopter

In this paper, the model of three-axis dual rotor helicopter is built, through a new motor control algorithm of real-time grouping, the decoupling and independent control of pitch, yaw and roll channels is realized; then the “dead zone” is introduced to design the attitude controller on the basis of the optimal control law which minimize the weighted sum of response time and energy consumption, to achieve optimal control of the attitude of the helicopter; finally, the simulation model of the attitude control system is established in the MATLAB/Simulink environment. Simulation results show the feasibility of the optimal attitude controller design.
An optimal automatic train operation (ATO) control using genetic algorithms (GA)

This paper shows the form of the optimal solution and how to minimize energy of the train driving control that can be included into automatic train operation (ATO) systems. We consider the case where a train is to be driven by automatic operation mode along a nonconstant gradient curve and with speed limits. Using the genetic algorithms (GA), we constructed an optimal train driving strategy. The results are compared with P. Howlett's optimization method using the constrained optimal technique (Lagrange function and Kuhn-Tucker equations) in view of energy cost benefit. For the case studies, we used a railway track of Seoul City MRT system. As a result of the test, we verified that the proposed algorithm could be of effective energy cost benefit.
Hybrid Branchline Couplers -- A Useful New Class of Directional Couplers

The hybrid branchline coupler consists of two transmission lines connected alternately by /spl lambda//4 shunt and series branches. The analysis of this structure leads to a class of directional couplers of which the parallel transmission-line and the de Ronde strip-slot types may be regarded as special cases. From the precise design data thus available, a number of 3-dB strip-slot couplers have been built in C band and X band with a performance close to the predicted one.
Analysis and implementation of a multi-ratio switched capacitor DC-DC converter for a supercapacitor power supply

An energy harvesting system requires an energy storing device to store the energy retrieved from the surrounding environment. This can either be a rechargeable battery or a supercapcitor. Due to the limited lifetime of rechargeable batteries, they need to be periodically replaced. Therefore, a supercapacitor, which has ideally a limitless number of charge/discharge cycles can be used to store the energy; however, a voltage regulator is required to obtain a constant output voltage as the supercapacitor discharges. This can be implemented by a Switched-Capacitor DC-DC converter which allows a complete integration in CMOS technology, although it requires several topologies in order to obtain a high efficiency. This thesis presents the complete analysis of four different topologies in order to determine expressions that allow to design and determine the optimum input voltage ranges for each topology. To better understand the parasitic effects, the implementation of the capacitors and the non-ideal effect of the switches, in 130 nm technology, were carefully studied. With these two analysis a multi-ratio SC DC-DC converter was designed with an output power of 2 mW, maximum efficiency of 77%, and a maximum output ripple, in the steady state, of 23 mV; for an input voltage swing of 2.3 V to 0.85 V. This proposed converter has four operation states that perform the conversion ratios of 1/2, 2/3, 1/1 and 3/2 and its clock frequency is automatically adjusted to produce a stable output voltage of 1 V. These features are implemented through two distinct controller circuits that use asynchronous time machines (ASM) to dynamically adjust the clock frequency and to select the active state of the converter. All the theoretical expressions as well as the behaviour of the whole system was verified using electrical simulations.
Busulfan and cyclophosphamide‐based conditioning regimen still holds the promise of being a safe and efficacious regimen for allogeneic transplantation in patients with transfusion‐dependent thalassemia, even in high risk

Busulfan and cyclophosphamide (BuCy)‐based regimen has been used as a standard myeloablative chemotherapy for haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in thalassemia. However, treosulfan‐based conditioning regimen has emerged due to concerns of toxicities. We retrospectively analysed the safety and efficacy of fludrabine/Bu/Cy/antithymocyte globulin (ATG) versus treosulfan/thiotepa/fludrabine regimens for Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) in transfusion‐dependent thalassemia (TDT) conducted at our institute (2013–2021). In 75 patients, 36 (48%) received Flu/Bu/Cy/ATG whereas 39 (52%) received Treo/Thio/Flu. Median age was 6 (1–12) and 9 (1–15) years, respectively. Number of patients with Classes I, II, and III were 14, 10, and 12 in Flu/Bu/Cy/ATG versus 2, 19, and 18 in Treo/Thio/Flu group, respectively. Graft was growth factor mobilized bone marrow in Flu/Bu/Cy/ATG versus peripheral blood stem cell in Treo/Thio/Flu group. Mean stem cell dose was 3.82 (2.2–9.1) versus 5 (1.65–8.01) 106/kg in Flu/Bu/Cy/ATG versus Treo/Thio/Flu group, respectively. Neutrophils and platelets engrafted at a median of 16 (14–21) and 16 (9–47) days in Flu/Bu/Cy/ATG and 15 (10–20) and 13 (9–41) days in Treo/Thio/Flu group. Median duration of follow‐up was 28 (23–32.9) months. Five (6.6%) patients had rejection (all secondary). Venoocclusive disease was observed in 2 (5.7%) versus 4 (10.3%) patients (p = .047), respectively. Flu/Bu/Cy/ATG had 4 (11.4%) patients with acute GVHD versus 15 (38.5%) patients which had significant impact on survival (p = .038). We observed chronic GVHD in 4 (11.4%) and 11 (28.2%) patients, respectively, with significant impact on survival (p = .031). Four (5.1%) patients had TRM in Treo/Thio/Flu group, in contrast to none in Flu/Bu/Cy/ATG group. Mixed chimerism was common in Flu/Bu/Cy/ATG {20 (57.1%)} versus Treo/Thio/Flu group {12 (30.1%)}. Five‐year Event Free Survival (EFS) and OS of entire cohort were 87% + 4% and 94% + 3%, respectively. Estimated TFS, EFS, OS of Flu/Bu/Cy/ATG versus Treo/Thio/Flu was 97.1% + 2.9% versus 89.2% + 5.1% (p = .251), 97 + 3% versus 80.7 + 6% (p = .041) and 100% versus 90.4 + 5% (p = .067), respectively. In our experience, Flu/Bu/Cy/ATG regimen is safe and effective even in high‐risk TDT. However, one needs to be vigilant for mixed chimerism.
Structural Pattern of Perceived Pain Based on Brain/ Behavioral Systems and Social Support Mediated by Distress Tolerance

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the structural pattern of perceived pain based on brain/ behavioral systems and social support mediated by distress tolerance. Method: The research method was descriptive-correlational and the statistical population of the present study included all migraine patients referred to Bouali Hospital and two neurology clinics in Tehran in 2020, from which 374 patients were selected by convenience sampling method. Research tools include Behavioral Inhibition/ Activation Systems Scales by Carver & White (1994); Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support by Zimet et al. (1988); Distress Tolerance Scale by Simons, & Gaher (2005) and Chronic Pain Questionnaire by Mohammadian (1995). The data of the present study were analyzed using structural equation modeling and Amos software. Results: The results indicated that the structural model of the research fit with the collected data. Indirect path coefficient between behavioral activation system and perceived pain was negative (P=0.001, β=-0.109). The indirect path coefficient between perceived social support and perceived pain was negative (P=0.001, β=0.145). Conclusion: It seems that perceived social support and behavioral activation system motivate the individual to endure pain-related distress in order to reduce it. Based on the results of the present study, interventions that modulate the manifestations of brain/ behavioral systems and provide support groups to provide social support to patients with migraine pain are suggested.
Application of artificial neural networks and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system models to short-term streamflow forecasting

The present article aims to forecast streamflow by using artificial neural networks (ANNs), adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), and autoregressive moving average (ARMA). For this purpose, the daily streamflow time series of two hydrometry stations of Hajighoshan and Tamar on Gorgan River are used for two periods of 1983–2007 and 1974–2007, respectively. Root mean square error (RMSE) and correlation coefficient (R) statistics are employed to evaluate the performance of the ANNs, ANFIS, and ARMA models for forecasting streamflow (1 day ahead). Comparison of the results reveals that the ANFIS model outperforms the ARMA model. Based on the results of validation stage, for the forecasting 1 day ahead streamflow, ANN with RMSE = 0.028 m3/s and R = 0.59 for the Hajighoshan station and RMSE = 0.013 m3/s and R = 0.44 for the Tamar station were found to be superior to the ANFIS with RMSE = 1.98 m3/s and R = 0.42 for the Hajighoshan station and RMSE = 2.18 m3/s and R = 0.22 for the Tamar station. In addit.
Closed-loop control in FDDI-based factory communication systems

For modern enterprises, computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) utilises supervisory control of a large scale real-time system. To be able to implement a supervisory control (dynamical network management), a reduced model of the large scale computing and communication system is a prerequisite. A reduced model is obtained in this work using the cell structure of a modern enterprise, which leads to a hierarchical modelling methodology of the information flow and the system parameter information flow. In the hierarchical modelling methodology, the development of one model of a communication system cell is sufficient for the supervisory control of the enterprise which is a widely distributed computing and communication system. The methodology reported in this work is sufficient for the modelling and analysis of a factory-wide fibre distributed data interface (FDDI) based communications system for integral plant automation.
Electrode optimization for high-speed traveling-wave integrated optic modulators

Different electrode configurations for LiNbO/sub 3/-based Mach-Zehnder traveling-wave electrooptic modulators are analyzed. It is found that the Z-cut coplanar waveguide (CPW) configuration provides the best compromise between the characteristic impedance, the half-wave voltage, and the driving power. To increase the bandwidth and simultaneously reduce the half-wave voltage, an optimum design of multisection phase reversal electrode is proposed. To verify the theoretical predictions experimentally, two modulators, both using the Z-cut LiNbO/sub 3/ CPW configuration, were fabricated and characterized, one with an optimized five-section phase reversal electrode and the other with a conventional single-section electrode. By comparing the performances of these two devices, it is confirmed that significant improvements on the bandwidth to half-wave voltage ratio and the flatness of the frequency response can indeed be obtained from using an optimized multisection phase reversal electrode.
Membrane Micro Air Vehicles with Adaptive Aerodynamic Twist: Numerical Modeling

Micro air vehicles are typically characterized by a low aspect ratio wing operating at low Reynolds numbers ( 104 ) : aerodynamics involve a three-dimensional flow field with numerous regions of separated flow. Furthermore, aerodynamic twist can be built into the wing through the use of a thin membrane skin, to adaptively increase the wing camber. This work formulates a static aeroelastic model of such a wing, by coupling a linear membrane model to a well-validated steady laminar Navier–Stokes solver. The membrane deformation causes a significant pressure redistribution which increases lift and longitudinal static stability, though a drag penalty also develops. The efficiency of a rigid wing increases with Reynolds number, but decreases for a membrane wing, as the deformation generally provides a nonoptimal airfoil shape. Membrane deformation leads to larger separation bubbles, and acts as a barrier to the tip vortex formation. At high angles of attack, the aerodynamic twist causes a direct interaction be.