Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Opportunity cost determines action initiation latency and predicts apathy

Background: Apathy, a disabling and poorly understood neuropsychiatric symptom, is characterised by impaired self-initiated behaviour. Although the computational mechanisms that determine self-initiation are poorly understood, it has been hypothesised that the opportunity cost of time (OCT) may be a key variable linking self-initiated behaviour with motivational status. Using a novel behavioural task and computational modelling, we investigated the relationship between OCT, self-initiation and apathy. OCT represents the amount of reward which is foregone per second if no action is taken. We predicted that higher OCT would engender shorter action latencies, and that individuals with greater sensitivity to OCT would have higher behavioural apathy.Methods: We modulated the OCT in a novel task called the ‘Fisherman Game’, Participants freely chose when to self-initiate actions to either collect rewards, or on occasion, to complete non-rewarding actions. We measured the relationship between action latencies, OCT and apathy for each participant across two independent non-clinical studies, one under laboratory conditions (n=21) and one online (n=90). ‘Average-reward’ reinforcement learning was used to model our data. We replicated our findings across both studies.Results: We show that the latency of self-initiation is driven by changes in the OCT. Furthermore, we demonstrate, for the first time, higher apathy was showed greater sensitivity to changes in OCT in younger adults. Our model shows that apathetic individuals experienced greatest change in subjective OCT during our task as a consequence of being more sensitive to rewards.Conclusions: Our results suggest that OCT is an important variable for determining free-operant action initiation and understanding apathy.
Resurrecting the Tromba Marina: A Bowed Virtual Reality Instrument using Haptic Feedback and Accurate Physical Modelling

This paper proposes a multisensory simulation of a tromba marina – a bowed string instrument in virtual reality. The auditory feedback is generated by an accurate physical model, the haptic feedback is provided by the PHANTOM Omni, and the visual feedback is rendered through an Oculus Rift CV1 head-mounted display (HMD). Moreover, a user study exploring the experience of interacting with a virtual bowed string instrument is presented, as well as evaluating the playability of the system. The study comprises of both qualitative (observations, think aloud and interviews) and quantitative (survey) data collection methods. The results indicate that the implementation was successful, offering participants realistic feedback, as well as a satisfactory multisensory experience, allowing them to use the system as a musical instrument.
Prediction of a new class of half-metallic ferromagnets from first principles

Half-metallic ferromagnetism (HMFM) occurs rarely in materials and yet offers great potential for spintronic devices. Recent experiments suggest a class of compounds with the `ThCr$_{2}$Si$_{2}$' (122) structure -- isostructural and containing elements common with Fe pnictide-based superconductors -- can exhibit HMFM. Here we use $ab$ $initio$ density-functional theory calculations to understand the onset of half-metallicity in this family of materials and explain the appearance of ferromagnetism at a quantum critical point. We also predict new candidate materials with HMFM and high Curie temperatures through A-site alloying.
Drug-discovery tools for cystic fibrosis : optical probes to quantify gating and trafficking of ΔF508-CFTR

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a debilitating disease caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, which codes for the CFTR anion channel. ΔF508, the most common CF-associated mutation, causes both a gating and a trafficking defect in the CFTR protein. This thesis describes the optimisation and use of two fluorescence assays, capable of measuring the two defects caused by the ΔF508 mutation. Yellow fluorescent protein (YFP)-CFTR, in which halide sensitive YFP is tagged to the Nterminal of the CFTR coding sequence, is a functional assay, used to test for ΔF508-CFTR potentiator activity. CFTR-pHTomato, in which the pH sensor is tagged to the fourth extracellular loop of CFTR, is used to measure membrane density and internal CFTR expression. Human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293 cells), expressing YFP-ΔF508-CFTR were used to screen a pilot library of compounds with some structural similarity to known potentiator VX- 770. Ligand-based virtual screening was then used to construct two further libraries, based on VX-770 and the lead hit compound from the pilot screen. A number of novel ΔF508-CFTR potentiators were identified in each of the screens. Recently published studies suggest that chronic treatment with VX-770 decreases ΔF508- CFTR density at the plasma membrane, potentially limiting its clinical effectiveness. ΔF508- CFTR-pHTomato was used to show that a number of hit compounds from our screens did not decrease membrane density of ΔF508-CFTR. The YFP-CFTR assay was also used for studies investigating the mechanism of potentiation by VX-770. We provide evidence that WT-CFTR does not require phosphorylation for potentiation by VX-770, which has not been reported previously. Additionally, studies using gating mutations do not support the current hypothesis that VX-770 stabilises the posthydrolytic open state in the CFTR gating cycle.
Dabkeh al Djoufieh: Exploring the Sustainability of Jordanian Folklore

The authors of this paper analyze the Dabkeh al Djoufieh (Dabkɛ ālǧwofyɛ) in its capacity as an inherent part of Jordanian folklore that has been seldom studied. Whereas contemporary Jordan has experienced a rapid burst of cultural globalization, the rural song and dance of Dabkeh al Djoufieh can be observed as a highly dynamic manifestation of belonging and as a symbol of national solidarity. One of the defining features of the Dabkeh al Djoufieh is that it is immanent in every social event in Arab communities. Secondly, as a sample of folk music, Dabkeh al Djoufieh continues to be a vibrant resource for contemporary audiences. The paper focuses on the main musical and poetic characteristics of Dabkeh al Djoufieh. The qualitative analysis applied integrates ideas concerning semantics as a representation of the social context and ethnic identities, whereas music is viewed as an indicator of local heritage. This paper probes the questions: What is Dabkeh Djoufieh? Where does it originate? And how is it implemented in Jordanian folklore culture? Furthermore, the study discusses the social power found within poetic folk verse, specifically, the role of the metaphor as a tool for expressing communal realities and individual experiences. Likewise, the study analyzes the musical features of the traditional Dabkeh al Djoufieh and how it moved across generations, sacred and social boundaries, becoming a symbol of Jordanian folk tradition.
Application of functional data analysis to classify communities according to the pattern of malaria incidence, to guide targeted control strategies.

Background Effective targeting of malaria control in low transmission areas requires identification of transmission foci or hotspots. We investigated the use of functional data analysis to identify and describe spatio-temporal pattern of malaria incidence in an area with seasonal transmission in west-central Senegal. Method Malaria surveillance was maintained over 5 years from 2008 to 2012 at health facilities serving a population of 500,000 in 575 villages in two health districts in Senegal. Smooth functions were fitted from the time series of malaria incidence for each village, using cubic B-spline basis functions. The resulting smooth functions for each village were classified using hierarchical clustering (Ward’s method), using several different dissimilarity measures. The optimal number of clusters was then determined based on four cluster validity indices, to determine the main types of distinct temporal pattern of malaria incidence. Epidemiological indicators characterizing the resulting malaria incidence pattern in terms of the timing of seasonal outbreaks, were calculated based on the slope (velocity) and rate of change of the slope (acceleration) of the incidence over time. Results Three distinct patterns of malaria incidence were identified. A pattern characterized by high incidence, in 12/575 (2%) villages, with average incidence of 114 cases/1000 person-years over the 5 year study period; a pattern with intermediate incidence in 97 villages (17%), with average incidence of 13 cases/1000 person-years; and a pattern with low incidence in 466 (81%) villages, with average incidence 2.6 cases/1000 person-years. Epidemiological indicators characterizing the fluctuations in malaria incidence showed that seasonal outbreaks started later, and ended earlier, in the low incidence pattern. Conclusion Functional data analysis can be used to classify communities based on time series of malaria incidence, and to identify high incidence communities. Indicators can be derived from the fitted functions which characterize the timing of outbreaks. These tools may help to better target control measures.
Investigating Digital Reading in L2 to Criticize and to Summarize: Working Memory Capacity and Reading Purpose Influencing Strategy

The construction of meaning and inference generation considering low- and high- working memory span when readers read digital texts in L2 to criticize and to summarize were examined. Data collection included Reading Span Test, verbal protocol and post-reading tasks. The low-span group showed more misunderstandings in both purposes and a significant result of moderate correlation between reading time and reading to summarize. Both groups made more metacognitive comments when reading hypertexts to summarize and found strategies to cope with the demands of the nonlinear hypertext.
Literature Review: Employee Engagement as an Effort to Improve Work Performance

Employee engagement is a physical and psychological condition related to work cognitively, emotionally, and behavior to achieve the goals of the organization. The purpose of writing this review article is to summarize and discuss employee engagement as an effort factor in improving work performance within the organization. The method used is a literature review, which is a literature review search for both international journals and national journals between 2013 – 2020 as many as 15 journal articles from the results of previous research. The results of the literature review show that employee engagement has an influence on individual work performance so that organizational goals can be achieved.
Crystal structure of the 2D coordination polymer poly[aqua(μ2-2,2′-(1,2-phenylene)diacetato-κ3O,O′:O′)-(μ2-4,4′-bis((1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl)-1,1′-biphenyl-κ2N:N′)cobalt(II)], C28H26CoN6O5

Abstract C28H26CoN6O5, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 13.2393(8) Å, b = 8.6608(5) Å, c = 22.4553(12) Å, β = 91.073(2)°, V = 2574.3(3) Å3, Z = 4, Rgt(F) = 0.0327, wRref(F2) = 0.0804, T = 293(2) K.
Vehicle Identification Systems using Virtual Line Sensors and Speed Up Robust Features

This work proposes an improved and robust algorithm to a virtual line approach object movement detection using computer vision technique. The improved performance will be emphasized on how one line could detect multiple object, determines their sizes and could at most classify the object into group similarities. The algorithm later will identify the vehicles based on their license plate using speed up robust features - SURF technique. The method incorporating Bresenham’s points plotter algorithm to determine the points coordinate in a line array, which later calculating movement within the given points and group neighboring points with pixel values indicating movement that are in close proximity as one object. This could then calculate the number of points laid within the group which then could determine the size of the object. As a result of the proposed work, a robust object classification technique that is implemented as a computer application that can be used in a live environment context.
A Risk Score Model Associated with Tumor Microenvironment Predicts Disease-Free Survival After Radical Prostatectomy

Background Tumor microenvironment (TME) and immune checkpoint inhibitors has been shown to promote active immune responses through different mechanisms. We aimed to identify the important prognostic genes and prognostic characteristics related to TME in prostate cancer (PCa). Methods The gene transcriptome profiles and clinical information of PCa patients were obtained from the TCGA database, and the immune, stromal and estimate scores were calculated by the ESTIMATE algorithm. We evaluated the prognostic value of risk score (RS) model based on univariate Cox and LASSO Cox regression models analysis, and established a nomogram to predict disease-free survival (DFS) in PCa patients. The GSE70768 data set was used for external validation. Finally, 22 subsets of tumor-infiltrating immune cells (Tiics) were analyzed using the Cibersort algorithm.Results In this study, the patients with higher immune, stromal, and estimate scores were associated with poorer DFS, higher Gleason score, and higher AJCC T stage. Based on the immune and stromal scores, the Venny diagram screened out 515 cross DEGs. The univariate COX and Lasso Cox regression models were used to select 18 DEGs from 515 DEGs, and constructed a RS model. The DFS of the high-RS group was significantly lower than that of the low-RS group (P<0.001). The AUC of 1-year, 3-year and 5-year DFS rates in RS model were 0.778, 0.754 and 0.750, respectively. In addition, the RS model constructed from 18 genes was found to be more sensitive than Gleason score (1, 3, 5 year AUC= 0.704, 0.677 and 0.682). The nomograms of DFS were established based on RS and Gleason scores. The AUC of the nomograms in the first, third, and fifth years were 0.802, 0.808, and 0.796, respectively. These results have been further validated in GEO. In addition, the proportion of Tregs was higher in high-RS patients (P<0.05), and the expression of five immune checkpoints (CTLA-4, PD-1, LAG-3, TIM-3 and TIGIT) was higher in high-RS patients (P<0.05). Conclusion We identified 18 TME-related genes from the TCGA database, which were significantly related to DFS in PCa patients.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE METHODS FOR RESOURCE REALLOCATION IN CLOUD COMPUTING SYSTEMS

The subject matter of the article is development of the models and methods of load and resource balancing and reallocation in cloud computing systems based on the infrastructure as a service model. The goal of the work is to increase the efficiency of available resources usage in cloud computing systems (such as RAM, disk space, CPU, network) by developing the model for adaptive management of resource reallocation. This will allow new virtual machines to be launched with minimal performance degradation for already running applications. The following tasks were solved in the article: development of an complex approach to manage resource reallocation in cloud systems, including decomposition of the cloud computing system into zones (based on the defining features of the resources provided in each zone), initial resource allocation (based on the hierarchy analysis method) and resources reallocation within cloud computing system (based on the developed method); development of a method for computing resources reallocation in cloud computing systems; evaluation of the effectiveness of the developed method. To solve the set tasks, approaches and methods of dynamic load balancing were used, as well as methods of theoretical research, which are based on the scientific provisions of the theory of artificial intelligence, static, functional and system analysis. The following results were obtained – on the basis of existing load balancing methods in cloud computing systems analysis, the main features of existing resource allocation methods were identified, their advantages and disadvantages were given. On the basis of the conducted analytical study, the necessity of improving the existing methods of resource reallocation has been proved. A method and an algorithm for computing resources reallocation within cloud computing systems have been developed. This make it possible to reduce the values of the coefficient of computing resources uneven usage while minimizing the cost of moving them. The results obtained have been confirmed by experiments carried out using software for creating private infrastructure cloud services and cloud storages. Conclusions : the improvement of the reallocation and load balancing method in cloud computing systems has increased the ability of these systems to launch new virtual machines with a minimum decrease in the performance of already running applications.
Impact of Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention in Children 5 to 10 Years in Kita and Bafoulabe Districts, Mali.

Background : Seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) is the administration of complete therapeutic courses of antimalarial to all children 3–59 months old during the malaria transmission season. This study measured coverage, impact and cost of adding SMC in children aged 5-10 years. Methods : A non-randomized, pre-post design, with an intervention (Kita) and control (Bafoulabe) district implemented SMC for children 5-10 years old through the health system in 2017 and 2018. SMC implementation consisted of the administration of SP + AQ at monthly intervals in children 5-10 years in July, August, September and October annually. Baseline and endline household surveys were conducted in both districts. Separate surveys to measure adherence and tolerance to treatment occurred annually in the intervention district (200 households) following each of the four treatment rounds. Routine data on malaria cases tested and treated and information on SMC campaign and treatment costs were collected. Results : A total of 310 and 323 children 5 to 10 years were included in Kita and Bafoulabe respectively in the baseline survey in July 2017, plasmodium infection prevalence was comparable in the two districts (p=0.07): 27.7% in the intervention district (Kita) against 21.7% in the comparison district (Bafoulabé). Mild anemia was found in 14.2% of children in Kita vs 10.5% in Bafoulabé. Household survey found 89.1% of SMC coverage rate, child’s mothers were interviewed with 93.3% during the SMC campaign in Kita. The most side effect reported by parents was vomiting with 9.3%. One year after SMC implementation in 5 to 10 years in Kita, three doses coverage was 81.2%, there was a reduction by 40% (OR=0.60, CI:0.41-0.89) of malaria parasite carriage; 21% and 62% reduction of simple malaria and severe malaria prevalence respectively in the pilot district vs control. Mild anemia and severe anemia were comparable in the two districts. The level of malaria molecular resistance rate remains below the threshold. Quintuple mutation (dhfr triple +dhps437+dhps540) remained <5% after intervention in both districts.Conclusion: The SMC strategy contributed to malaria prevention in 5-10 year old children and should be integrated to SMC for children 3-59 months. Keywords : Malaria, Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention, Sulfadoxine-Pyriméthamine, Amodiaquine, Anemia.
Potential biomarkers of acute myocardial infarction based on co-expression network analysis

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a common cause of death in numerous countries. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of the disease and analyzing potential biomarkers of AMI is crucial. However, specific diagnostic biomarkers have thus far not been fully established and candidate regulatory targets for AMI remain to be determined. In the present study, the AMI gene chip dataset GSE48060 comprising blood samples from control subjects with normal cardiac function (n=21) and patients with AMI (n=26) was downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the AMI and control groups were identified with the online tool GEO2R. The co-expression network of DEGs was analyzed by calculating the Pearson correlation coefficient of all gene pairs, mutual rank screening and cutoff threshold screening. Subsequently, the Gene Ontology (GO) database was used to analyze the genes' functions and pathway enrichment of genes in the most important modules was performed. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) Disease and BioCyc were used to analyze the hub genes in the module to determine important sub-pathways. In addition, the expression of hub genes was confirmed by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR in AMI and control specimens. In the present study, 52 DEGs, including 26 upregulated and 26 downregulated genes, were identified. As key hub genes, three upregulated genes (AKR1C3, RPS24 and P2RY12) and three downregulated genes (ACSL1, B3GNT5 and MGAM) were identified from the co-expression network. Furthermore, GO enrichment analysis of all AMI co-expression network genes revealed functional enrichment mainly in ‘RAGE receptor binding’ and ‘negative regulation of T cell cytokine production’. In addition, KEGG Disease and BioCyc analysis indicated functional enrichment of the genes RPS24 and P2RY12 in ‘cardiovascular diseases’, of AKR1C3 in ‘cardenolide biosynthesis’, of MGAM in ‘glycogenolysis’, of B3GNT5 in ‘glycosphingolipid biosynthesis’ and of ACSL1 in ‘icosapentaenoate biosynthesis II’. In conclusion, the hub genes AKR1C3, RPS24, P2RY12, ACSL1, B3GNT5 and MGAM are potential markers of AMI, and have potential application value in the diagnosis of AMI.
Customer Satisfaction Perpetuates Loyalty: A Case Study

Courier services have become increasingly popular with the advent of Internet shopping. However, customers may not always experience the best service. Hence, the problems related to a customer's delivery experience do not only jeopardize the courier's brand image but also its business footing or reputation. How these courier services address and handle customer complaints in substandard delivery experience determines customer satisfaction which is an integral aspect in maintaining long-standing consumer loyalty. This study (1) gauges how conflict resolution affects customer satisfaction in the complaint handling process and (2) determines to what extent customer satisfaction perpetuates customer loyalty. A local courier service was chosen for this study and analysis was carried out on data gathered from Twitter as well as semi-structured interview sessions with five participants, who were randomly selected. It was found that the approach taken to resolve a conflict significantly influences customer satisfaction in the complaint handling process. When customer complaint is handled within the constructs of procedural, interactional, and distributive justice there is a positive experience, subsequently increasing customer satisfaction with the responsiveness in the handling process. This study also revealed that there is a significant correlation between customer satisfaction and customer loyalty the higher the level of customer satisfaction, the stronger the customer loyalty.