Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effects of acute nicotinamide riboside supplementation on substrate utilisation and 5km time-trial performance

Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) administration has been shown to increase fat oxidation and improve endurance performance in rodents, whilst recent research has proven it is safe for human consumption. The present study aimed to investigate the influence of acute NR supplementation on substrate utilisation and exercise performance in humans. In this counter-balanced, crossover design study, eleven recreationally-active males performed a 60-minute bout of cycling at 55% VO\(_2\)\(_m\)\(_a\)\(_x\), followed by a 5km time-trial. Participants completed this twice during visits separated by at least one week, once following the consumption of 1000mg NR, and the other following placebo consumption. The contribution of fat oxidation to total substrate utilisation was not significantly different between the NR and placebo conditions during steady-state exercise (22.3±9.0% and 19.6±7.3%, respectively; p < 0.05). Similarly, there were no significant differences shown between 5km time-trial performance with NR (823.4±250.0 seconds) and placebo (819.5±239.8 seconds). To conclude, a single dose of NR does not influence substrate utilisation during moderate-intensity exercise, nor does it enhance exercise performance. Future research should investigate the effects of chronic NR supplementation, or the coupling of this with exercise training to further test the capacity of NR in humans during exercise.
Is competition a significant hallmark of ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) ecology?

Community ecology has a clear need to develop an understanding of the structure and dynamics of natural communities. Interspecific competition is considered key in structuring local ant communities, and it has been described as the "hallmark of ant ecology". The goal of this literature review is to summarize the evidence supporting the importance of competition in structuring ant communities. First, we describe ant dominance hierarchies, paying special attention to species ranked at the highest level, i.e., dominants. We also establish criteria to standardize the definition of species dominance at both global and local scales, in order to allow comparisons among studies conducted in different regions and at different spatial scales. In particular, we discuss the factors that affect competition, such as trade-offs between dominance and thermal tolerance, as well as between dominance and food discovery, habitat complexity, disturbance, parasitism, and predation. Then, we analyse the relationship between patterns of local and global species richness and the degree of dominance present in communities. Finally, we present the different methodologies, both traditional and modern, used by ant ecologists to test for the effects of competition in ant communities and highlight the advantages and disadvantages of each. The current review supports, to some degree, the reigning paradigm that competition is the predominant structuring force in ant communities. However, it also lays out clear evidence that competition might be less important than has previously been assumed. We suggest that a complex network of interactions involving different abiotic and biotic factors drives the structure of ant communities. We call for more studies to analyse the relative importance of the different factors that structure ant communities, an effort which would improve ant ecological theory.
Adoption Determinants of Xml-Based Invoices : an Exploratory Investigation

The digitalization of all business processes along the supply chain is a crucial method for cutting down administrative costs, improve productivity, and achieving transparency. One major business document being exchanged in almost any business transaction in the invoice. Electronic invoices are of great potential especially when automatically processing structured data (e.g., XML data). We conducted a qualitative study du understand the adoption determinants of XML-based invoice standards. Therefore, we analyzed interview material and organized the results in the technological, organizational, and environmental (TOE) framework. Within the technological element the simple XML special characteristics play a crucial role for its adoption. The organizational element is characterized by internal aspects like monetary and technical resources as well as available knowledge and expertise. Network effects and competitive pressure are adoption determinates set exogenous and are depicted in the external task environmental element.
Religion and Politics in Contemporary Turkey : Attitudes of Atheists T ayfun

As contemporary societies tend to experience a more heterogeneous religious landscape, it becomes more difficult for governments to accommodate religious differences, various beliefs and non-religion within the realm of politics. By drawing upon semi-structured interviews with 12 self-identified atheists from different backgrounds in Turkey, this paper explores the attitudes of atheists towards the intersection of religion and politics in contemporary Turkey. In this paper, the concept of hegemony by Antonio Gramsci is used in order to analyze the hegemonic position of Islam within the realm of politics in contemporary Turkish society. Rather than a Marxist view of a clear-cut dichotomy of classes as ruling and ruled, a Bourdieuan approach, where society is thought to be consisting of many “fields,” including religion and many groups that strive to gain more power within these fields, was adopted. The results indicated that atheists perceive religion and politics as closely intertwined, as politics are perceived as being strongly influenced by religion. The close connection between politics and religion is then seen as leading to an increase in religiosity in society, as well as to increasing pressure on atheists both by the state and the public.
Synthesis, Docking Studies, and In Vitro Evaluation of Some Novel Thienopyridines and Fused Thienopyridine–Quinolines as Antibacterial Agents and DNA Gyrase Inhibitors

A series of novel thienopyridines and pyridothienoquinolines (3a,b–14) was synthesized, starting with 2-thioxo-1,2-dihydropyridine-3-carbonitriles 1a and 1b. All compounds were evaluated for their in vitro antimicrobial activity against six bacterial strains. Compounds 3a,b, 4a, 5b, 6a,b, 7a, 9b, 12b, and 14 showed significant growth inhibition activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria compared with the reference drug. The most active compounds (4a, 7a, 9b, and 12b) against Staphylococcus aureus were also tested for their in vitro inhibitory action on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The tested compounds showed promising inhibition activity, with the performance of 12b being equal to gentamicin and that of 7a exceeding it. Moreover, the most promising compounds were also screened for their Escherichia coli DNA gyrase inhibitory activity, compared with novobiocin as a reference DNA gyrase inhibitor. The results revealed that compounds (3a, 3b, 4a, 9b, and 12b) had the highest inhibitory capacity, with IC50 values of 2.26–5.87 µM (that of novobiocin is equal to 4.17 µM). Docking studies were performed to identify the mode of binding of the tested compounds to the active site of E. coli DNA gyrase B.
Bayesian Nonparametric Tensor Completion

In this paper, we propose a Bayesian nonparametric method to estimate missing data in tensors. The proposed method uses a Tucker-1 factorization to learn a smaller core tensor and a factor matrix via Gibbs sampling. Unlike most existing Tucker factorization algorithms, the tensor rank is estimated automatically. This is done by employing an Indian Buffet Process prior over the latent matrix, where the estimated number of non-zero columns corresponds to the tensor rank. The missing data is then estimated based on the latent structure learned from the factorization. As a result, the method provides a form of Bayesian model averaging over estimated ranks, allowing it to avoid overfitting. As an illustration, a number of datasets are artificially corrupted at various levels. Relative error is used to assess completion performance and our result is compared to parallel matrix factorization as a baseline. The empirical results show that our method does not beat the current state of the art, but provides pertinent information that other methods do not. That is, statistical quantities, like mean standard error, are readily available due to the Bayesian estimation framework of our method. Lastly, we identify some future avenues for research that may improve performance.
Performance Evaluation Methodology for Cloud Computing using Data Envelopment Analysis

Cloud Computing is a new distributed computing model based on the Internet infrastructure. The computational power, infrastructure, applications, and even collaborative content distribution is provided to users through the Cloud as a service, anywhere, anytime. The adoption of Cloud Computing systems in recent years is remarkable, and it is gradually gaining more visibility. The resource elasticity with the cost reduction has been increasing the adoption of cloud computing among organizations. Thus, critical analysis inherent to cloud’s physical characteristics must be performed to ensure consistent system deployment. Some applications demand more computer resources, other requests more storage or network resource. Therefore, it is necessary to propose an approach to performance measurement of Cloud Computing platforms considering the effective resource performance, such as processing rate, memory buffer refresh rate, disk I/O transfer rate, and the network latency. It is difficult to discover the amount of resources are important to a particular application. This work proposes a performance evaluation methodology considering the importance of each resource in a specific application. The evaluation is calculated using two benchmark suites: High-Performance Computing Challenge (HPCC) and Phoronix Test Suite (PTS). To define the weight for each resource, the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) methodology is used. The methodology is tested in a simple application evaluation, and the results are analyzed. Keywords–Cloud Computing; Performance evaluation; Methodology.
A Mapping Repository for Meta-querier Evolution

There exist an increasing number of online databases searchable only through query interfaces. Meta-querier with an integrated query interface is a practical solution to effective searching of information from multiple data sources. The multiplicity of data sources and their frequent changes necessitate the need for maintenance to support the evolution of meta-queriers. This paper presents a novel framework called MEQE to address this unique issue of meta-querier evolution. Central to the framework is the concept of a mapping repository, which is a domainbased information base. This information base stores all current and past mapping information, and their evolution orders, and functions as a mapping storage for query translation from a meta-querier to the underlying queriers. Moreover, it serves as a domain-based knowledge base for (semi-)automatic schema matching and merging. The innovation in the design of the mapping repository is a conceptual graph model, which integrates both mapping and version management. In addition, the proposed framework can facilitate four advanced features: self-validation, self-configuration, self-maintenance, and virtualization. The paper describes details of the model and outlines an implementation architecture. Finally, it characterizes classes of mapping repositories and examines the potential use of the repository-based solutions for schema matching and merging.
Handwritten Digits Classification [ Team Y . E . S . : COMP 598 Group Project 3

In this project, we aim to classify a much more difficult variation of the MNIST dataset of handwritten digits. We adopt feature selection and construction techniques together with five main machine learning algorithms: Gaussian Naive Bayes, Multilayer Perceptron, Linear Support Vector Machine, Convolutional Neural Network, and Generative Stochastic Network. We analyze and assess the parameter selection process and the performance of each algorithm. We conclude the report with discussion and suggestions for further improvement.
Webface: design of an identity verification system in PHP

As web browsers improve their capabilities and customers get access to faster internet connections, the market is experiencing an increase on the services located in the web. This has opened the gate for the implementation of systems that, not long ago, used to seem unfeasible due to the technical limitations intrinsic to client-server applications. In this context, the project presents a design of an identity verification system integrated on a web application programmed in PHP. The implemented web-server user registration makes use of face detection and optical character recognition techniques to gather the information needed to verify the identity of the user. Such decision is made by using a deep neural network, and requires the user to provide an identity document. In order to simplify, the only document supported is the most recent version of the Spanish national identity document, referred as DNI 3.0. The scope of this study is use existing libraries and machine learning techniques (including trained classifiers) for the purpose of identity validation, and not not to modify and re-train the classifiers.
The Harris algorithm revisited on the CELL processor ∗

Highly responsive implementations of corner detection is really expected as it is a key ingredient for other image processing kernels like the motion detection. Indeed, motion detection requires the analysis of a continuous flow of images, thus a real-time processing implies the use of highly optimized subroutines. We consider a tiled implementation of the Harris corner detection algorithm on the CELL processor. The algorithm is a chain of local operators applied to each pixel and its periphery. Such a special memory access pattern clearly exacerbates on the hierarchy transition penalty. In order to reduce the consequent time overhead, tiling is a commonly considered way. When it comes to image processing filters, incoming tiles are overdimensioned to include their neighborhood, necessary to update border pixels. As the volume of ”extra data” depends on the tile shape, we need to find a good tiling strategy. On the CELL, such investigation is not directly possible with native DMA routines. We overcome the problem by enhancing the DMA mechanism to operate with non conventional requests. Based on this extension, we proceed with experiments on the CELL with a wide range of tile sizes and shapes, thus trying to confirm our intuition on the optimal configuration.
Trend of salvage treatment in diffuse large B cell lymphoma in the outpatient chemotherapy era

Patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) who have failed to achieve complete remission with first-line therapy can subsequently receive salvage therapy. However, there is no definite consensus on the use of salvage therapy, and little information on the optimal treatment regimen. The present study retrospectively analyzed data from 131 patients diagnosed with DLBCL between April 2002 and November 2017 who relapsed and received salvage therapy. Primary treatment included R-CHOP or R-CHOP-like regimens. The most common salvage regimen was R-DeVIC (42%), followed by R-ESHAP (23%), other aggressive regimens (12%) and palliative therapy (23%). The median overall survival (OS) was 45.7 months for R-DeVIC, 41.8 months for palliative therapy, 29.4 months for R-ESHAP, and 28.5 months for aggressive regimens (P=0.937). A total of 25 patients underwent autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT), and the OS was 75.6 months for these patients compared with 33.5 months (range, 25.6–45.6 months) for patients who did not undergo ASCT (P=0.033). Following the establishment of an outpatient chemotherapy unit in 2014, R-DeVIC use became more common, increasing from 37% prior to 2014 to 46% after 2014, whereas R-ESHAP use decreased (31 to 17%). The present study did not identify the optimal salvage regimen for patients with DLBCL. However, salvage ASCT improved the outcome, and regimens administered via peripheral veins were demonstrated to be more common in outpatient chemotherapy settings.
Assessment of the effects of neonicotinoids and fipronil on biodiversity and health

In this scientific advisory report on public health policy, the Superior Health Council of Belgium provides a review of the WIA-study on the impact of neonicotinoids and fipronil on biodiversity and ecosystems, and places the findings of this study and the conclusions of a similar, more recent study of EASAC in the wider context of the European and Belgian pesticide policy and of the role of ecosystem services in fostering human health.
PRETREATMENT AND OPTIMIZATION STUDIES ON THE EXTRACTION OF ANTIOXIDANT COMPONENTS FROMPHALERIA MACROCARPA FRUIT

Phaleria macrocarpa, one of many indigenous Indonesian plants, possesses potent antioxidant activity and hence may serve as natural food preservative, cosmetic ingredients, as well as food supplement. This study is the second stage of a three-year project to isolate antioxidant components in Phaleria macrocarpa for natural preservative application. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of pretreatment process on the oleoresin and bioactive content, and to optimize three parameters in the extraction process, i.e. ethanol concentration, F/S ratio, and temperature. The selected pretreatment method was solid-liquid extraction using a non-polar solvent (n-hexane) and a semi polar solvent (ethyl acetate). The pretreatment process produced less sticky oleoresin, especially with n-hexane, due to significant removal of tannin, and had only a little effect (less than 4%) on the antioxidant activity and flavonoid content. However, the pretreatment indeed reduced the yield of oleoresin by around 10%. Three important parameters of the extraction process were optimized using Central Composite Experimental Design by varying operation temperature from 27.5 °C to 64.5 °C, F/S ratio from 1 : 11.5 g/mL to 1 : 53.5 g/mL, and ethanol concentration from 14 %-v/v to 93 %-v/v. The response surface analysis showed a maximum point at ethanol concentration of 30 %-v/v, F/S ratio of 1 : 45 g/mL, and temperature at 57 oC which gave the oleoresin yield of 1.00 g oleoresin/g dry feed and antioxidant activities of 2.99 μmol DPPH/mg oleoresin.
Vargas, Valeria Ruiz and Lawthom, Rebecca and Prowse, Alicia and Ran- dles, Sally and Tzoulas, Konstantinos (2019)Implications of vertical policy integration for sustainable development implementation in higher education

The United Nations together with various national and local actors have acknowledged the importance of sustainable development. However, sustainable development implementation is not straightforward and requires contribution by different actors. Universities have a role in influencing and contributing towards sustainable development. Also, some universities have committed to support sustainable development implementation. One of the instruments to implement sustainable development are policy frameworks, which exist at international, national and institutional level. Vertical policy integration is crucial to support effective implementation of sustainable development. Analysing vertical policy integration could provide information to help improve sustainable development implementation. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to improve understanding of sustainable development implementation in higher education by undertaking a multilevel (international, nationally, organisational) analysis of policy frameworks. Results suggested that policy frameworks include policy issues such as collaboration, partnership, education, outreach, teaching and learning, staff development, curriculum review, research, campus operations and policy that can support sustainable development implementation. However, these policy issues are not consistently integrated at all levels of policy frameworks. Achieving consistency could enhance sustainable development implementation in higher education institutions. © 2019 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
Effect of ascorbic acid on blackening and sprouting of Musa spp shoot tips

The effect of ascorbic acid (0, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 150 mgl -1 ) on blackening and sprouting of Musa spp genotypes was investigated using shoot tip culture. Ascorbic acid did not minimize blackening, but rather markedly reduced the sprouting of cultured shoot tip explants. Ascorbic acid, genotype and genotype x ascorbic acid interactions were significant for shoot tip blackening and spouting, though genotype was a substantial source of variation to blackening response. ‘TMBX 5295 -1’ (cooking banana hybrid) shoot tips exhibited maximum blackening response, while ‘Agbagba’ (false-horn plantain) shoot tips showed highest sprouting. An inverse / negative relationship (r = 0.27., P < 0.001) was obtained between shoot tip blackening and sprouting. Data obtained suggest that supplementation of medium supplemented (MS) medium with ascorbic acid was not beneficial for shoot tip culture of Musa spp. Other techniques for effective minimization of explant blackening are proposed.
Silicon Materials and Processing

A study of parasitic bipolar junction transistor effects in single pocket thin film siliconon-insulators (SOI) nMOSFETs has been carried out. Characterization and simulation results show that parasitic bipolar junction transistor action is reduced in single pocket SOI MOSFETs in comparison to homogeneously doped conventional SOI MOSFETs. A novel Gate-InducedDrain-Leakage (GIDL) current technique was used to characterize the SOI MOSFETs. 2 D simulations were carried out to analyze the reduced parasitic bipolar junction effect in single pocket thin film SOI MOSFETs.
Managerial ability and goodwill impairment losses : analysis in publicly-held companies listed on B 3

Objective: The study analyzes the influence of managerial ability on the existence and magnitude of goodwill impairment losses in publicly-held companies listed on B3. Method: Descriptive, documentary and quantitative research, using data collected in the database Economática, management reports and notes to the financial statements. The sample consisted of 148 observations. Information for the period from 2012 till 2016 was analyzed. Results: Of all companies with goodwill, 10.81% accounted for losses. The largest number of companies that accounted for losses was found in the “petroleum, natural gas and biofuels” sector. As for the magnitude of the losses, the highest mean value was found in the “basic materials” sector, followed by “information technology” and “petroleum, natural gas and biofuels”. Company managers from the “noncyclical consumption” sector revealed higher managerial ability, followed by the managers from the “health” and “cyclical consumption” sectors. More skilled managers can avoid and reduce losses of goodwill. Contributions: The Recoverability test is a relevant issue when discussing aspects of information quality in the financial statements and a procedure of interest to the stakeholders, as it affects the future cash flow production. Therefore, the research is relevant by providing new evidence of factors that can interfere in the recognition and magnitude of losses in the Brazilian scenario.