Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary game theoretic resource allocation simulation for molecular communication

Molecular Communication (MC) is an emerging technology using molecules to transfer information between nanomachines. In this paper, we approach the resource allocation problem in Molecular Nano-networks (MCN) from the perspective of evolutionary game theory. In particular, we consider an MCN as an organism having three types of nodes acting as a sensor, relay, and sink, respectively. The resources are distributed among the nodes according to an evolutionary process, which relies on the selection of the most successful organisms followed by creating their offspring iteratively. In this regard, the success of an organism is measured by the total number of dropped messages during its life cycle. To illustrate the evolution procedure, we design a toy problem, and then solve it analytically and using the evolution approach for comparison. We further simulate the performance of the evolution approach on randomly generated organisms. The results reveal the potential of evolutionary game theory tools to improve the transmission performance of MCNs.
Hardware-Based Activation Function-Core for Neural Network Implementations

Today, embedded systems (ES) tend towards miniaturization and the carrying out of complex tasks in applications such as the Internet of Things, medical systems, telecommunications, among others. Currently, ES structures based on artificial intelligence using hardware neural networks (HNNs) are becoming more common. In the design of HNN, the activation function (AF) requires special attention due to its impact on the HNN performance. Therefore, implementing activation functions (AFs) with good performance, low power consumption, and reduced hardware resources is critical for HNNs. In light of this, this paper presents a hardware-based activation function-core (AFC) to implement an HNN. In addition, this work shows a design framework for the AFC that applies a piecewise polynomial approximation (PPA) technique. The designed AFC has a reconfigurable architecture with a wordlength-efficient decoder, i.e., reduced hardware resources are used to satisfy the desired accuracy. Experimental results show a better performance of the proposed AFC in terms of hardware resources and power consumption when it is compared with state of the art implementations. Finally, two case studies were implemented to corroborate the AFC performance in widely used ANN applications.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Intranasal Corticosteroid in Allergic Rhinitis Patients: Development of a New Questionnaire

Objectives: The knowledge gap and attitude of allergic rhinitis (AR) patients using intranasal corticosteroid (INCS) led to the poor outcome of their disease. We aimed to develop and validate a new questionnaire to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of AR patients that can be used to assess and understand the factors affecting compliance of INCS. Methods: The questionnaire comprised development and validation stages. A self-administered questionnaire was developed after a comprehensive literature review. It was subjected to content and face validity before a revised final version was drafted. Exploratory factor analysis was used to assess the validity of the questionnaire. Cronbach’s alpha was used to verify internal consistency. Results: The development phase resulted in a questionnaire consisting of 14 items. Explanatory factor analysis revealed four factors associated with KAP. The four factors were extracted, and 12 items were kept. The factors were attitude domain with four items (factor 1), practice domain with four items (factor 2), and knowledge domain with four items (factor 3 has two items, and factor 4 has two items). The Cronbach’s alpha of the four factors ranged from 0.614 to 0.809. The final questionnaire consists of 3 domains with 12 items (the knowledge domain with four questions; the attitude domain with four questions; the practice domain with four questions) and was valid and reliable. Conclusions: The newly developed questionnaire has adequate validity and reliability. It is a useful tool to improve the treatment of AR patients by understanding the factors affecting their compliance.
Refunctioning and Extending Ethnographic Methods of Data Collection and Analysis in Educational Action Research

W artykule podejmuję próbę zarysowania konsekwencji metodycznych głównych przesunięć konceptualnych, które jako efekt zwrotów epistemologiczno-metodologicznym odnotowywanych w naukach społecznych, występują (już czy występować mogą) których spodziewać się można w przestrzeni edukacyjnych badań w działaniu. Przyjmując, że opis etnograficzny stanowi punkt wyjścia większości podejmowanych w edukacji projektów zaliczanych do tego typu badań interwencyjnych określanych jako action research, skupiam się na pytaniu o odzwierciedlanie się w ich metodyce rozszerzenia związanego z konstytuowaniem (się) zróżnicowanych formuł poszukiwań w związku z przeformułowywaniem etnografii po „kryzysie reprezentacji”. @font-face {font-family:"Cambria Math"; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}@font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-1610611985 1073750139 0 0 159 0;}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin:0cm; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}. MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}div.WordSection1 {page:WordSection1;}
MEASUREMENTS RELATIVE TO PERFORMANCE AND EFFICIENCY OF SNOW REMOVAL MACHINES FOR HIGHWAYS. BASIS OF DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION (Messversuche an Schneeraummaschinen fuer Landstrassen Entwurfsgrundlagen)

Abstract : Snow removal machines are designed to remove snow from highways. In contrast to the familiar one-way or V-type snowplows, they mechanically scoop up the snow, which subsequently is thrown clear for a considerable distance. In doing this, they avoid the formation of snowbanks, which the other types of plows usually pile up along the roadsides, and which may frequently develop into snowdrifts. For that reason, the desire is felt to use them on a widespread scale; however, at the present status of the technique, their cost of production and operation is very high, and they are therefore seldom used. In order to shed light on the various technical problems concerning these machines, measurements were carried out in the years 1940 to 1945 which have revealed interesting facts relative to their method of operation. The purpose of the report is to discuss the results obtained during the test runs involved. (Author)
Links of Perceived Pornography Realism with Sexual Aggression via Sexual Scripts, Sexual Behavior, and Acceptance of Sexual Coercion: A Study with German University Students

Exposure to pornographic material has been linked to sexual aggression perpetration and victimization in a large body of research. Based on social learning theory and 3A theory of script learning, this study contributes to this research by testing the hypothesis that the more realistic pornography is perceived to be by young adults, the more likely they are to experience and engage in sexual aggression. Two underlying pathways were proposed: one path via scripts and patterns of sexual behavior regarding consensual sexual interactions that contain established risk factors for sexual aggression victimization and perpetration, and a second path via the acceptance of sexual coercion. In a cross-sectional study, 1181 university students in Germany (762 female; 419 male) completed measures of pornography use and perception, risky sexual scripts and sexual behavior, and acceptance of sexual coercion. As predicted, pornography realism was a positive predictor of risky sexual scripts, risky sexual behavior, and acceptance of sexual coercion. Indirect links with sexual aggression victimization and perpetration were found via both pathways. No gender differences in the associations were found. The implications for media literacy interventions addressing the realism of pornography are discussed.
A non-results-based effectiveness index for construction site managers

A method is presented for non-results-based effectiveness indexing of construction site managers (CSMs). The 52 competence element index is based on previous research on construction-specific competency elements and stakeholder assessment systems. The method was qualitatively assessed through industry focus groups and quantitatively validated through an empirical study. The performance of 61 Australian CSMs was evaluated by 329 peers, superiors and subordinates. The measurement tool successfully measured each individual's level of ability on each competence element and produced an individual effectiveness score for each CSM. The application of the method resulted in the identification of three levels of effectiveness: a distinct and homogeneous ‘elite’ group of very effective CSMs; a very low performing control group of former CSMs; and a group of CSMs that are adequately effective. The development and validation of the method are provided, plus some insights into the characteristics of each of the groups.
ASSOCIATION OF NOVEL POLYMORPHISM OF ESR2 GENE (G40100A) WITH PRODUCTION TRAITS OF BROWN LOCAL IRAQI CHICKEN

The estrogen receptor 2 (ESR2) plays a crucial role in the growth and development of follicles and ovulation in chickens. The aim of this study was detect the association of estrogen receptor 2(ESR2) gene polymorphisms with the production performance of brown local Iraqi chicken. A total of 104 hens from the F4th generation of local chicken selected for high egg yield were used. The novel SNP(G40100A) transition within third prime untranslated region (3 prime UTR) of ESR2 gene. Three genotypes were found: Wild(GG), Heterozygous(GA), and Homozygous(AA) through (PCR-DAN sequencing). Chi-square analysis showed no significant in genotypic and allelic frequencies for SNP which were agreement with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The genotypes GG and GA were significantly superior with age at sexual maturity compared to AA genotype. The genotype GA was significantly associated with hen day egg production (HDEP) at 30 weeks compared to genotype AA, as well as the genotype GA highest significant variance was reported comparing with the GG genotype in HDEP at 45 and 60 weeks, thus, the study recommends to exploit this ESR2 gene polymorphism (G40100A) as promising marker in breeding program via, the selection of individuals carrying the genotype GA, characterized by the high egg production.
Decomposition of the Sources of Real Exchange Rate Misalignment in Egypt: Evidence from the ARDL Model

This paper examines the behavior of the real exchange rate in Egypt over the period 1965–2018 by attempting to pursue three interrelated purposes. The first is to investigate the extent of deviations between the actual exchange rate and its equilibrium level and illustrate the magnitude of any currency misalignments. The second is to search for the different phases of over- and undervaluation of the local currency and explain the accompanying economic policies and/or factors leading to them. The third and ultimate purpose is to explore the role of transitory and permanent factors in deviating the actual real exchange rate from its equilibrium level. Understanding these factors should help in the design of economic policies directed to address the misalignment of the local currency. An autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bound test approach is used and conducted for both the bilateral and effective real exchange rates to achieve these three purposes during the selected period. To derive the equilibrium exchange rate estimate, the behavioral equilibrium exchange rate (BEER) approach is adopted. The findings reveal that the Egyptian pound was misaligned from its equilibrium value during most of the examined period. The results confirm the relative importance of the terms of trade and degree of openness variables in determining the equilibrium real exchange rate in Egypt followed by investment ratio and government consumption variables. The local currency witnessed a recent phase of overvaluation, which began in 2009, until the free float of the local currency in November 2016, after which, the Egyptian pound was found to have experienced a new phase of undervaluation till the end of the period examined. The findings show a considerable relative impact of fundamental-based factors over a prolonged period spanning from 1986 to 2003 and at the end of the period examined as well. Moreover, the documented results lend general support to the fact that both permanent or fundamental-based factors and short-run shocks prove to be important influential factors impacting currency misalignment in Egypt.
Relationship between High Expression of Kaiso Protein and Poor Prognosis of Lung Cancer and the Regulation Mechanism of Malignant Phenotype of Lung Cancer Cells

In this study, Kaiso was discovered to be a unique member of the POZ-zinc fingers family of transcription factors, which has been implicated in the genesis and progression of cancer. Although there is still some debate, Kaiso is believed to be implicated in the development of human cancer. It should be noted that there is minimal evidence available on the therapeutic relevance of nuclear Kaiso in lung cancer in humans. Histone or DNA modifications that control gene activity outside of the underlying sequence are examples of epigenetic alternations. Epigenetic alterations are heritable but reversible. Human illness, such as lung cancer, is often related to epigenetic dysregulation. In preclinical and clinical studies, epigenetic-targeted therapy has shown significant therapeutic promise for solid tumours and has been used in the treatment of haematological malignancies using different medicines targeting epigenetic regulators. It is important to note that the abnormal activities of Kaiso enzymes in tumour growth are summarised below and the development of inhibitors or medicines targeting epigenetic enzyme regulation is highlighted.
Defining defect specifications to optimize photomask production and requalification

Reducing defect repairs and accelerating defect analysis is becoming more important as the total cost of defect repairs on advanced masks increases. Photomask defect specs based on printability, as measured on AIMS microscopes has been used for years, but the fundamental defect spec is still the defect size, as measured on the photomask, requiring the repair of many unprintable defects. ADAS, the Automated Defect Analysis System from AVI is now available in most advanced mask shops. It makes the use of pure printability specs, or "Optimal Defect Specs" practical. This software uses advanced algorithms to eliminate false defects caused by approximations in the inspection algorithm, classify each defect, simulate each defect and disposition each defect based on its printability and location. This paper defines "optimal defect specs", explains why they are now practical and economic, gives a method of determining them and provides accuracy data.
Hybrid Space Vector Modulation Scheme to Reduce Common-Mode Voltage Magnitude and Frequency in Three-Level Quasi-Z-Source Inverter

The three-level quasi-Z-source inverter (TLQZSI) is an attractive topology that is suitable for voltage buck and boost operation. This article further presents a hybrid space vector modulation (HSVM) scheme to reduce the common-mode voltage (CMV) magnitude and frequency simultaneously. At first, the selection of basic vectors is optimized. Six medium vectors, six small vectors that have low CMV magnitudes, one zero vector, and three shoot-through vectors are utilized to produce the ac output voltage. The shoot-through state is properly inserted within the zero vector without affecting the normal ac output voltage. The effective small vector is selected according to the neutral-point voltage (NPV). Duty cycles of the adopted vectors are updated accordingly, and the restriction of the duty cycle of effective small vector is also derived. When comparing with the conventional SVM method, the CMV magnitude for the proposed scheme is suppressed by half. Furthermore, the CMV frequency is reduced by comparison to the conventional CMV reduction method. The feasibility of the proposed scheme has been tested by using the Simulink platform and a hardware-based test rig.
On the consecutive prime divisors of an integer

Paul Erd˝os, Janos Galambos and others have studied the relative size of the consecutive prime divisors of an integer. Here, we further extend this study by examining the distribution of the consecutive neighbour spacings between the prime divisors p 1 ( n ) < p 2 ( n ) < · · · < p r ( n ) of a typical integer n ≥ 2. In particular, setting γ j ( n ) := log p j ( n ) / log p j +1 ( n ) for j = 1 , 2 , . , r − 1 and, for any λ ∈ (0 , 1], introducing U λ ( n ) := # { j ∈ { 1 , 2 , . , r − 1 } : γ j ( n ) < λ } , we establish the mean value of U λ ( n ) and prove that U λ ( n ) /r ∼ λ for almost all integers n ≥ 2. We also examine the shifted prime version of these two results and study other related functions.
Analysis of plunging phenomenon in dam reservoirs using three-dimensional density flow simulations

Density flow is investigated in a three-dimensional model through a dam reservoir with diverging and sloping bottom channels. When an inflow of higher density enters ambient dam reservoir water, it plunges below the ambient water and becomes density underflow. In the present model, nonlinear and unsteady continuity, momentum, energy, and turbulence model equations are formulated in the Cartesian coordinates. The k–e turbulence model is used with an extension to include production or destruction of turbulent kinetic energy. To investigate the Coriolis force effect on the density flow in a dam reservoir, a Coriolis force parameter is included in the governing equations. The equations of the model are solved based on the initial and boundary conditions of the dam reservoir flow for a range of bottom slopes and divergence angles. In this paper, variation in density flow parameters, such as velocity, temperature, and turbulence viscosity through the dam reservoir, is investigated. Moreover, mixing rate, plungi.
Statistical Modeling of Shape and Motion of the Wrist Bones

Carpal instability occurs when the wrist bones assume a pathological posture, e.g. due to ligament rupture as a result of trauma. Ligament rupture cannot be diagnosed reliably directly, as current medical imaging modalities do not provide sufficient soft-tissue contrast (X-ray, CT) or lack a sufficiently high resolution (CT, MRI). Ligament rupture, however, affects the motion patterns of the carpal bones and thereby limits their functionality. Non-healthy deviating motions and postures can be identified by comparing possibly pathological wrist postures and motions to the healthy motion patterns. In this research a statistical motion model is constructed from 4D-RX images to capture the natural variations in motion between different wrists. Because of differences in bone shape and size between individuals and because of positioning inaccuracies between acquisitions, constructing a statistical model that is sensitive to small pathological motion deviations is not straightforward. By describing the motions of carpal bones in a local way, the statistical motion model is insensitive to global size and shape variations between wrists of different individuals and sufficiently sensitive to detect small deviating motion patterns due to ligament ruptures and also to estimate the healthy bone positions and orientations of a pathological wrist. The latter makes the developed statistical motion model a valuable tool for wrist diagnosis and surgical planning.
Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Analyses of Mechanisms Underlying Effects of the Cyperi Rhizoma-Chuanxiong Rhizoma Herb Pair on Depression

Objective We aimed to investigate the mechanisms underlying the effects of the Cyperi Rhizoma-Chuanxiong Rhizoma herb pair (CCHP) against depression using a network pharmacology approach. Methods A network pharmacology approach, including screening of active compounds, target prediction, construction of a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses, and molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and molecular mechanics Poisson–Boltzmann surface area (MMPBSA), were used to explore the mechanisms of CCHP against depression. Results Twenty-six active compounds and 315 and 207 targets of CCHP and depression, respectively, were identified. The PPI network suggested that AKT1, IL-6, TP53, DRD2, MAPK1, NR3C1, TNF, etc., were core targets. GO enrichment analyses showed that positive regulation of transcription from RNA polymerase II promoter, plasma membrane, and protein binding were of great significance. Neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, dopaminergic synapse, and mTOR signaling pathway were important pathways. Molecular docking results revealed good binding affinities for the core compounds and core targets. MD simulations and MMPBSA validated that quercetin can stably bind to 6hhi. Conclusions The effects of CCHP against depression involve multiple components, targets, and pathways, and these findings will promote further research on and clinical application of CCHP.
The Disclosure of Personally Identifiable Information in Studies of Neighborhood Contexts and Patient Outcomes

Clinical epidemiology and patient-oriented health care research that incorporates neighborhood-level data is becoming increasingly common. A key step in conducting this research is converting patient address data to longitude and latitude data, a process known as geocoding. Several commonly used approaches to geocoding (eg, ggmap or the tidygeocoder R package) send patient addresses over the internet to web-based third-party geocoding services. Here, we describe how these approaches to geocoding disclose patients’ personally identifiable information (PII) and how the subsequent publication of the research findings discloses the same patients’ protected health information (PHI). We explain how these disclosures can occur and recommend strategies to maintain patient privacy when studying neighborhood effects on patient outcomes.
Measuring Method of Rotation Used in Research on Steel Frame Semi-Rigid Beam-to-Column Connection

In order to get the performance of steel frame semi-rigid joint under load, scholars made a lot of tests to research on this kind of joint. For purpose of carrying out research on steel frame semi-rigid joint better, this paper referring to many tests made by different scholars, expounds some measuring methods commonly used to do research on steel frame semi-rigid joint. Some common problems and the solutions in different measuring method are summarized, and suitable method should be chose by different experiment purpose.