Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Performance-based managed entry agreements for new medicines in OECD countries and EU member states

This paper presents findings of an OECD review of managed entry agreements in OECD countries and EU member states conducted in 2018 and 2019. Findings are based on discussions with the OECD Expert Group on Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices, responses by experts from 12 OECD countries to a survey and semi-structured interviews, and on the literature as well as information published by national authorities responsible for coverage and pricing of medicines.
Antioxidant activity, total phenolic and total flavonoid contents of stem back and root methanolic extracts of Calotropis procera

Calotropis procera it is known for traditional Kenyan medicinal system and it is used for it has previously been employed for treatment various diseases. This study aimed at examining methanolic extract of C. procera to establish antioxidant potential in vitro, total phenolic and flavonoid contents in order to identify potential sources of new antioxidants in food and pharmaceutical formulations. A comprehensive assessment on the antioxidant activity of stem back and root of C. procera by in vitro chemical analyses. Total phenolic, total flavonoid contents and total yield of the samples were also estimated. Preliminary phytochemical tests were also carried out to establish the components of plant extracts. Results of the study revealed presence of saponins terpenoids, alkaloids, anthraquinones and steroids. The stem back extract had significantly higher amounts of total phenol and flavonoid contents (79.80 ± 3.79 mg GAE/g extract and 71.63±4. mg RTE/g extract, respectively) compared to root samples. We established correlation between total phenolic contents and EC50 values for DPPH free radical scavenging property and reducing power of extract, ABTS radical cation and phosphomolybdate. Taken together, this work demonstrated considerable protective effectiveness in C. procera stem back and root methanolic extracts that function as an antioxidizing agent due to their free radical scavenging activity.
The theory-practice interplay in creating a graphic memoir about the trauma of forced migration

ABSTRACT In my graphic memoir The Wounds of Separation I combined personal memory and historical fact incorporating conceptual insights to tell a story about the way traumas are remembered. The story describes the forced migration of a child and how, in order to survive the devastation of WWII a young girl is separated from her parents and home causing lasting impacts on her life. The narrative content was enriched by a research process that involved understandings gained from trauma theories. In this paper I explore how these theoretical understandings shaped the creation of my graphic memoir and how representational theories helped direct the narrative choices to communicate the experience of trauma. I show how the conceptual underpinnings have been realised in my multimodal narrative identifying the text/image options that make the graphic memoir an appropriate representational choice. In my analysis of pages I describe the intended meanings I aim to communicate and explain the creative expression of those ideas.
Deep Learning Entrusted to Fog Nodes (DLEFN) Based Smart Agriculture

Colossal amounts of unstructured multimedia data are generated in the modern Internet of Things (IoT) environment. Nowadays, deep learning (DL) techniques are utilized to extract useful information from the data that are generated constantly. Nevertheless, integrating DL methods with IoT devices is a challenging issue due to their restricted computational capacity. Although cloud computing solves this issue, it has some problems such as service delay and network congestion. Hence, fog computing has emerged as a breakthrough way to solve the problems of using cloud computing. In this article, we propose a strategy that assigns a portion of the DL layers to fog nodes in a fog-computing-based smart agriculture environment. The proposed deep learning entrusted to fog nodes (DLEFN) algorithm decides the optimal layers of DL model to execute on each fog node, considering their available computing capacity and bandwidth. The DLEFN individually calculates the optimal layers for each fog node with dissimilar computational capacities and bandwidth. In a similar experimental environment, comparison results clearly showed that proposed method accommodated more DL application than other existing assignment methods and utilized resources efficiently while reducing network congestion and processing burden on the cloud.
Performance Analysis of a Stirling Engine Hybrid Power System

The Bolivian government’s concerns that are related to reducing the consumption of diesel fuel, which is imported, subsidized, and provided to isolated electric plants in rural communities, have led to the implementation of hybrid power systems. Therefore, this article presents the performance analysis in terms of energy efficiency, economic feasibility, and environmental sustainability of a photovoltaic (PV)/Stirling battery system. The analysis includes the dynamic start-up and cooling phases of the system, and then compares its performance with a hybrid photovoltaic (PV)/diesel/battery system, whose configuration is usually more common. Both systems were initially optimized in size using the well-known energy optimization software tool, HOMER. An estimated demand for a hypothetical case study of electrification for a rural village of 102 households, called “Tacuaral de Mattos”, was also considered. However, since the characteristics of the proposed systems required a detailed analysis of its dynamics, a dynamic model that complemented the HOMER analysis was developed using MATLAB Simulink TM 8.9. The results showed that the PV/Stirling battery system represented a higher performance option to implement in the electrification project, due to its good environmental sustainability (69% savings in CO2 emissions), economic criterion (11% savings in annualized total cost), and energy efficiency (5% savings in fuel energy conversion).
Bayesian inference of the gene expression states of single cells from scRNA-seq data

In spite of a large investment in the development of methodologies for analysis of single-cell RNA-seq data, there is still little agreement on how to best normalize such data, i.e. how to quantify gene expression states of single cells from such data. Starting from a few basic requirements such as that inferred expression states should correct for both intrinsic biological fluctuations and measurement noise, and that changes in expression state should be measured in terms of fold-changes rather than changes in absolute levels, we here derive a unique Bayesian procedure for normalizing single-cell RNA-seq data from first principles. Our implementation of this normalization procedure, called Sanity (SAmpling Noise corrected Inference of Transcription activitY), estimates log expression values and associated errors bars directly from raw UMI counts without any tunable parameters. Comparison of Sanity with other recent normalization methods on a selection of scRNA-seq datasets shows that Sanity outperforms other methods on basic downstream processing tasks such as clustering cells into subtypes and identification of differentially expressed genes. More importantly, we show that all other normalization methods present severely distorted pictures of the data. By failing to account for biological and technical Poisson noise, many methods systematically predict the lowest expressed genes to be most variable in expression, whereas in reality these genes provide least evidence of true biological variability. In addition, by confounding noise removal with lower-dimensional representation of the data, many methods introduce strong spurious correlations of expression levels with the total UMI count of each cell as well as spurious co-expression of genes.
Is there social capital in cities? The association of urban form and social capital formation in the metropolitan cities of Indonesia

ABSTRACT High-density urban development is claimed as a suitable urban form in enhancing social capital. However, the relationship between those two variables has not been well empirically explored, leading to the emergence of competing results in the literature. This study aimed to investigate the role of urban physical arrangement or urban form in the social capital formation using Indonesian metropolitan cities as a case study. This research was also the first empirical study to investigate the association between urban form and social capital in Indonesia. The multilevel logistic regression was used to investigate the association between the urban form and several indicators of social capital. The findings revealed that individuals in high residential density areas were less likely to know their neighbours, had lower levels of bridging trust, and less involved in the community’s activities. Meanwhile, street connectivity appeared to have a positive association with bridging trust but negatively related to social networks. Moreover, the land use mix did not seem to be significantly associated with any social capital variables. However, the aggregated data of urban form limited our ability of the present study to provide specific policy recommendations. Nonetheless, this study would still suggest that urban planners and policy makers should be mindful to consider that urban form features might influence the development of social capital. Highlights Multilevel logistic regression confirmed that urban form can be claimed to have association with the formation of social capital in metropolitan cities in Indonesia High density seems to have reverse relationship with the level of knowing neighbour, bridging trust and make residents less involve in community activities. High connectivity contributes in fostering the level of bridging trust but lowering social networks. Meanwhile, land use mix did not appear as significant predictor of social capital
On the relationship between total differential phase and pathintegrated attenuation at X-band in an Alpine environment

Abstract. The RadAlp experiment aims at developing advanced methods for rain and snow estimation using weather radar remote sensing techniques in high mountain regions for improved water resource assessment and hydrological risk mitigation. A unique observation system has been deployed since 2016 in the Grenoble region, France. It is composed of a X-band radar operated by Meteo-France on top of the Mt Moucherotte (1970 m asl; MOUC radar hereinafter). In the Grenoble valley (220 m asl), we operate a research X-band radar called XPORT and in situ sensors (weather station, rain gauge, disdrometer). We present in this article a methodology for studying the relationship between the total differential phase (ψdp) and path-integrated attenuation (PIA) at X-Band, a relationship critical for the implementation of attenuation corrections based on polarimetry. We use the Mountain Reference Technique for direct PIA estimations associated with the decrease of returns from mountain targets during precipitation events. The polarimetric PIA estimations are based on the regularization of the ψdp radial profiles and their derivation in terms of specific differential phase (Kdp) profiles, followed by the application of relationships between the specific attenuation and the specific differential phase. Such k – Kdp relationships are estimated for rain by using available DSD measurements, empirical oblateness models for raindrops and a scattering model. Two contrasted precipitation events are considered in this preliminary study: (i) a convective case with strong rainrates allows us to study the ϕdp-PIA relationship in rain; (ii) during a stratiform case with moderate rainrates, for which the melting layer (ML) rose up from about 1000 m asl up to 2500 m asl, we were able to perform a horizontal scanning of the ML with the MOUC radar and a detailed analysis of the ϕdp-PIA relationship in the various parts of the ML. The rain case study indicates that the relationship between MRT-derived PIAs and polarimetry-derived PIAs presents a considerable dispersion (explained variance of 0.72) in rain. Interestingly, the non-linear k – Kdp relationship derived from independent DSD measurements allows obtaining almost unbiased PIA estimates. For the stratiform case, the averaged PIA/ψdp ratio peaks within the melting layer at the level of the co-polar correlation coefficient (ρhv) peak, just below the reflectivity peak, with a value of about 0.4 dB°−1. Its value in rain below the ML is 0.27 dB°−1, in very good agreement with the slope of the linear k – Kdp relationship derived from DSD measurements at ground level. The PIA/ψdp ratio remains quite strong in the upper part of the ML, between 0.32 and 0.38 dB°−1, before tending towards 0 above the ML.
THE TURBULENT BOUNDARY LAYER AND FRICTIONAL DRAG CHARACTERISTICS OF NEW GENERATION MARINE FOULING CONTROL COATINGS

The turbulent boundary layer over rough surfaces has been a widely studied research topic since most of the engineering wall-bounded turbulent flows develop under the influence of surface roughness. Accordingly, the research on rough wall turbulent boundary layer has gone a long way. However, unresolved major problems can still be found in this area such as the unsatisfying correlation of roughness and frictional drag for irregular engineering surfaces and the discrepancies about the validity of wall similarity. This study aims to contribute to further understanding of the rough-wall turbulent boundary layer flows developed over marine fouling control coatings along with the investigation of their friction drag properties. Two-dimensional Laser Doppler Velocimetry (LDV) experiments were conducted consisting of zero-pressuregradient turbulent boundary layer measurements over surfaces coated with marine fouling control coatings together with smooth and rough references in the Emerson Cavitation Tunnel of Newcastle University by using flat plate test models. Six different surfaces were included in the experimental campaign, which consist of one hydraulically smooth reference, a sand grit surface and four surfaces coated with fouling control coatings including Self-Polishing Copolymer (SPC) and Foul(ing) Release (FR) types, applied either by spraying or rollering. The mean velocity, local skin friction drag and roughness functions were calculated and discussed for the tested surfaces. In complementing the boundary layer tests, roughness measurements of the test surfaces were carried out by using a laser profilometry. Two new relations were proposed for the correlation of the roughness properties and roughness functions within the covered Reynolds number range. However; further work is needed in order to ensure the validity of the proposed relations at higher Reynolds number ranges.
Security of Smart-Meters against Side-Channel-Attacks (SCA)

The smart meters become an important node for managing information about electric power system so, smart-meter drags cyber security attention in this regard. In this paper, the protocol for smart meters named as “privacy preserving billing” is used which provides authentication, non-repudiation and integrity by digital signature scheme and zero-knowledge proof. This protocol ensures secrecy and reliability of end to end communication. However, vulnerability lies in integrated circuits of smart meters that can leak sensitive information and side channel attacks (SCA), derive this information from integrated circuits(IC) while it's operating. The most well-known SCA's against smart-meters are electromagnetic radiations, timing and power analysis attacks. Due to side channel attacks integrated circuit’s physical and electrical effects broadcast information related to secret key and have emerged as a major vulnerability to security applications. SCA does not temper IC security as their non-invasiveness observes device under normal conditions. Hence, our ultimate goal is to make circuit of smart-meter immune against side channel attacks, specifically differential power analysis (DPA) attack is main focus, as it is more aggressive than other SCA’s. For this reason, we present basis for SCA resistance and concept of CMOS library. Secondly, the other concept, we introduces is CMOS-based digital isolation that provides immunity to electrical noise and external fields compared to optocouplers for smart-meters.
AVP-induced counter-regulatory glucagon is diminished in type 1 diabetes

Hypoglycaemia is a major barrier to the treatment of diabetes. Accordingly, it is important that we understand the mechanisms regulating the circulating levels of glucagon - the body9s principle blood glucose-elevating hormone which is secreted from alpha-cells of the pancreatic islets. In isolated islets, varying glucose over the range of concentrations that occur physiologically between the fed and fuel-deprived states (from 8 to 4 mM) has no significant effect on glucagon secretion and yet associates with dramatic changes in plasma glucagon in vivo. The identity of the systemic factor that stimulates glucagon secretion in vivo remains unknown. Here, we show that arginine-vasopressin (AVP), secreted from the posterior pituitary, stimulates glucagon secretion. Glucagon-secreting alpha-cells express high levels of the vasopressin 1b receptor (V1bR). Activation of AVP neurons in vivo increased circulating AVP, stimulated glucagon release and evoked hyperglycaemia; effects blocked by pharmacological antagonism of either the glucagon receptor or vasopressin 1b receptor. AVP also mediates the stimulatory effects of dehydration and hypoglycaemia produced by exogenous insulin and 2-deoxy-D-glucose on glucagon secretion. We show that the A1/C1 neurons of the medulla oblongata, which are known to be activated by hypoglycaemia, drive AVP neuron activation in response to insulin-induced hypoglycaemia. Hypoglycaemia also increases circulating levels of copeptin (derived from the same pre-pro hormone as AVP) levels in humans and this hormone stimulates glucagon secretion from isolated human islets. In patients with type 1 diabetes, hypoglycaemia failed to increase both plasma copeptin and glucagon. These findings provide a new mechanism for the central regulation of glucagon secretion in both health and disease.
The value of the rehabilitation treatment in the non-specific low back pain

Nowadays, pains in the lumbosacral region of the spine are one of the most common spinal illnesses in general. Non-specific back pain of this episode occurs in almost 85% of cases. Its etiopathogenesis is elaborate to determine, but the patient’s lifestyle is of great importance the profession and physical effort during sports activities. Referring to current data from international literature, the fundamental therapeutic method in the nonspecific pain of the lumbosacral spine should be rehabilitation treatment. The article refers to and discusses a set of relaxation positions and exercises recommended in this condition.
Exposure to metals (Ca, K, Mn) and road salt (NaCl) differentially affect development and survival in two model amphibians

ABSTRACT Human activity has led to widespread chemical alteration of natural environments. Aquatic ecosystems are especially susceptible to chemical changes, including those caused by runoff and invasive species. Here, we examined the effects of water chemistry, specifically sodium chloride as well as three metals (Ca, K, and Mn) known to differ between native and invasive wetland plant species’ leaf tissues, on the development of two model amphibians: the native Northern leopard frog, Lithobates pipiens, and the non-native African clawed frog, Xenopus laevis. We exposed frog eggs to metal treatment solutions and measured time to hatching (TTH), and following hatching, we exposed tadpoles to a lethal concentration of sodium chloride and recorded time to death (TTD). We found that increasing metal concentrations generally resulted in acceleration of TTH for Xenopus tadpoles, but had no effect on leopard frogs. However, increasing metal concentrations (Ca, Mn) increased leopard frog tadpole susceptibility to NaCl (decreased TTD), while increasing metal concentrations (Ca, K) generally resulted in decreased Xenopus tadpole susceptibility to NaCl. Overall, our data suggest that invasive amphibians may be more tolerant to chemical changes than native amphibians, including those driven by the introduction of invasive plant species.
Rucaparib Improves PFS in BRCA-Mutant Recurrent Ovarian Cancer

MADRID—Maintenance therapy with rucaparib can significantly improve progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with platinum-sensitive, recurrent ovarian cancer, according to a new study. The PARP inhibitor increased PFS by 77 percent in patients with BRCA-mutant recurrent ovarian cancer. Most ovarian cancer presents as advanced disease and 80 percent of those patients will recur after first-line treatment. Patients often respond again to chemotherapy, particularly platinum-based chemotherapy, but they almost inevitably relapse again and eventually die of their disease. Maintenance treatments are needed to reduce recurrence in patients who have already relapsed, said lead investigator Jonathan Ledermann, BSc, MD, FRCP, Professor of Medical Oncology at the UCL Cancer Institute in London. The PARP enzyme helps initiate the repair of DNA damage so that cells can continue to divide. DNA repair processes are inherently impaired in tumor cells with BRCA mutations. PARP inhibitors, such as rucaparib, block DNA repair and cells with BRCA mutations die. “Rucaparib is a potent PARP inhibitor that has shown antitumor activity in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer whose tumor harbors BRCA mutations and wild-type BRCA with a high percentage of genomic loss of heterozygosity (LOH), a phenotypic marker of homologous recombination deficiency (HRD),” noted Ledermann. Rucaparib is approved in the U.S. for the treatment of patients with deleterious BRCA mutations (germline or somatic) associated advanced ovarian cancer who have been treated with two or more chemotherapy regimens. More than 20 percent of patients with ovarian cancer have BRCA mutations and are susceptible to PARP inhibitors. Some others with the disease are also susceptible, such as patients who respond to platinum-based chemotherapy and those with a high degree of genomic LOH.
Fair Value, Historical Cost model, and Audit Fees: Evidence from Investment Properties

This study examines the effect of fair value model versus historical cost model for investment property on audit fees. Using China’s real state firms data from 2007-2014, controlling for other determinants of audit fees, this study finds that audit fees are higher for firms reporting investment property at the fair value model relative to those reporting investment property at the cost model. This study also finds that firm reporting investment properties at the fair value located in the cities with active markets leads to lower audit fees than those located in the remote areas with less active markets. This study does not find that investment property valued under the fair value model audited by industry specialist leads to higher audit fees than investment property audited by non-industry specialist. Finally, this study provides evidence that firms use external appraisers to monitor the fair value estimates of investment properties leads low audit fees. Overall, our result suggests that fair value measurements leads to lower audit fees in the developed regions relative to less developed regions.