Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterization of human gene products homologous to fission yeast multi-drug resistance determinants

Novel mechanisms involved in the resistance to cytotoxic agents have been recently described both in fission yeast and in mammalian cells. The work described in this thesis was focused on novel determinants of multi-drug resistance in mammalian cells and their possible mechanism of action. Human Pohl, a highly conserved subunit of the regulatory particle of the 26 S proteasome complex, has been shown to confer moderate resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs and ultraviolet light in mammalian cells by a P-gp-independent mechanism. The mechanism by which HA-Pohl causes drug resistance was investigated. Using constitutive and inducible expression of HA-tagged Pohl in mammalian cells, it was found that most overexpressed Pohl is not associated with the 26S proteasome complex. The cells expressing HA-Pohl exhibited elevated protein levels of the two AP-1 components, c-Jun and c-Fos, associated with an increased stabilisation of c-Jun possibly caused by an interaction between HA-Pohl and c-Jun. Furthermore, HA-Pohl overexpression led to an increase in AP-1 transcriptional and DNA binding activities. As c-Jun and c-Fos are both degraded by the ubiquitin/proteasome pathway, it is proposed that Pohl is able to negatively modulate the ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis of transcription factors with consequent alteration of cellular drug susceptibility. PWPl is member of the WD-40 repeat protein family and is the closest known human relative of the fission yeast pwpl+ multi-drug resistance gene. It is shown here that overexpression of human Pwpl in mammalian cells leads to multi-drug sensitivity possibly via positive modulation of the AP-1 DNA binding and transcriptional activity. Preliminary data obtained using an RNA anti-sense strategy, together with data obtained elsewhere, suggest that human Pwpl might have a role in the regulation of cell growth.
Multifunctional Modified Chitosan Biopolymers for Dual Applications in Biomedical and Industrial Field: Synthesis and Evaluation of Thermal, Chemical, Morphological, Structural, In Vitro Drug-Release Rate, Swelling and Metal Uptake Studies

The hydrogel materials are getting attention from the research due to their multidimensional usage in various fields. Chitosan is one of the most important hydrogels used in this regard. In this paper multifunctional binary graft copolymeric matrices of chitosan with monomer AA and various comonomers AAm and AN were prepared by performing free radical graft copolymerization in the presence of an initiator KPS. The binary grafting can be done at five different molar concentrations of binary comonomers at already optimized concentration of AA, KPS and other reaction conditions such as time, temperature, solvent amount, etc. Various optimum reaction conditions were investigated and presented in this work; the backbone as well as binary grafts Ch-graft-poly (AA-cop-AAm) and Ch-graft-poly (AA-cop-AN) were characterized via various physio-chemical techniques of analysis such as SEM analysis, Xray diffraction (XRD), TGA/DTA and FTIR. In the batch experiments, the binary grafts were investigated for the percent swelling with respect to pH (pH of 2.2, 7.0, 7.4 and 9.4) and time (contact time 1 to 24 h). Uploading and controllable in vitro release of the drug DS (anti-inflammatory) was examined with reverence to gastrointestinal pH and time. The binary grafts showed significantly better-controlled drug diffusion than the unmodified backbone. The kinetic study revealed that the diffusion of the drug occurred by the non-Fickian way. In the case of separation technologies, experiments (batch tests) were executed for the toxic bivalent metal ions Fe (II) and Pb (II) sorption from the aqueous media with respect to the parameters such as interaction period, concentration of fed metal ions in solution, pH and temperature. The binary grafted matrices showed superior results compared to chitosan. The kinetics study revealed that the matrices show pseudo-second order adsorption. The graft copolymer Ch-graft-poly (AA-cop-AAm) provided superior results in sustainable drug release as well as metal ion uptake. The study explored the potential of chitosan-based materials in the industry as well in the biomedical field. The results proved these to be excellent materials with a lot of potential as adsorbents.
Decomposition of Total Factor Productivity of Cash Crops in Pakistan: A Malmquist Data Envelop Analysis

This paper examined the total factor productivity of cash crops in Pakistan from 1980 to 2018. It uses Malmquist productivity index by applying data envelop analysis to estimate the changes in the production frontier. The Malmquist productivity index is used to decompose total factor productivity into technical change (TECCH) & technical efficiency change (EFFCH). Technical change (TECHCH) means shifts in the frontier or innovation, while efficiency change means catching up to the frontier. The Empirical results show an increase in the productivity of the cash crop in Pakistan. The objective of the study is the decomposition of the total factor productivity of cash crops in Pakistan. Three cash crops (sugarcane, cotton, and rice) and seven inputs (arable land, irrigated land, use of electricity, use of petroleum product, education, credit facility, and machinery) have been used. The study found a 2.2% increase in total factor productivity of cash crops in Pakistan which was mainly due to technological change, and the efficiency score of cash crops in Pakistan has been decreased relative to previous years, which is 8.40% in the period’s t+1, and compared to 10.44% in the period’s t. The government should invest in research and extension in order to provide better seed varieties, better infrastructure, and ensure credit facilities.
Vehicle Positioning With Deep-Learning-Based Direction-of-Arrival Estimation of Incoherently Distributed Sources

In this article, a novel vehicle positioning system architecture based on direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation of incoherently distributed (ID) sources is proposed employing massive multiple-input–multiple-output (MIMO) arrays. Such an architecture with the associated signal model is more consistent with the actual array application and multipath transmission scenarios. First, an end-to-end two-dimensional (2-D) DOA estimation of ID sources utilizing a dual one-dimensional (1-D) convolutional neural network (D1D-CNN) under the deep learning (DL) framework is performed, where the normalized covariance matrix data is used for both offline training and online estimation. Then, the received SNR information is exploited to select a set of DOA estimates provided by multiple collaborative BSs for positioning. Moreover, transfer learning and an attention mechanism are employed to promote its generalization ability and achieve robustness against array perturbations. Simulation results are provided to show that the proposed method outperforms the state-of-the-art methods in terms of computational complexity, positioning accuracy, and robustness against array perturbations.
Nano-Hydroxyapatite (nHAp) in the Remineralization of Early Dental Caries: A Scoping Review

(1) Background: Nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp) has been reported to have a remineralizing effect on early carious lesions. The objective of this scoping review was to analyze the remineralization potential of nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp)-containing dentifrices, by mapping the existing literature. (2) Methods: This review was performed using the PRISMA-ScR Checklist, which is an extension of the PRISMA Checklist for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. In this study, the population, concept, and context (PCC) framework was used to find relevant papers published between 2010 and 2021. Nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp) and dentifrices containing nHAp as one of the ingredients were the two main concepts of the research question. MeSH phrases, keywords, and other free terms relevant to nano-hydroxyapatite and dentifrices were used to search the literature databases. (3) Results: Preliminary searches yielded 59 studies; the title and abstract screening results excluded 11 studies. The remaining studies were thoroughly reviewed by two reviewers on the basis of the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Finally, 28 studies were included, and 20 studies were excluded. Most of the studies that were included reported that when nHAp was used alone, it had many different effects, such as remineralization, caries prevention, less demineralization, brighter teeth, less pain, and remineralization of enamel after orthodontic debonding. (4) Conclusions: Dentifrices that contain nHAp offer a variety of therapeutic and preventative effects. Currently, there is insufficient evidence to support the efficacy of nHAp dentifrices in primary teeth. Additional long-term investigations using standardized protocols are required to reach decisive conclusions about the effects of nHAp dentifrices on primary and permanent dentitions.
Development of Ismail’s Guide Wheel on the Management of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Including Fallopian Tube and Primary Peritoneal Cancer

Development of Ismail’s Guide Wheel on the Management of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Including Fallopian Abstract We designed Ismail’s Guidewheel on the Management of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Including Fallopian Tube and Primary Peritoneal Cancer to help guide physicians through a standardized approach to the primary and adjuvant therapy for patients diagnosed with those conditions along with surveillance and the management of recurrent disease. We amalgamated recommendations from international health organizations on a wheel, which can easily be used during a consultation with a patient to provide a simplified yet comprehensive approach to their management. We included recommendations by the following organizations: the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO), the British Gynecological Cancer Society (BGCS), the National Institute of Care and Excellence (NICE), the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN), the European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO), the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), the Korean Society of Gynecologic Oncology (KSGO), the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM), the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) and the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO). This wheel is meant to be a quick and accessible resource for physicians but is not intended to replace alogorithms set by the aforementioned organizations.
High-performance bio-piezoelectric nanogenerator made with fish scale

Energy harvesting performance of an efficient flexible bio-piezoelectric nanogenerator (BPNG) is demonstrated, where “bio-waste” transparent fish scale (FSC), composed of self-assembled and ordered collagen nano-fibrils, serves as a self-poled piezoelectric active component, exhibiting intrinsic piezoelectric strength of −5.0 pC/N. The dipolar orientation (∼19%) of the self-polarized FSC collagen is confirmed by the angular dependent near edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy. The BPNG is able to scavenge several types of ambient mechanical energies such as body movements, machine and sound vibrations, and wind flow which are abundant in living environment. Furthermore, as a power source, it generates the output voltage of 4 V, the short circuit current of 1.5 μA, and the maximum output power density of 1.14 μW/cm2 under repeated compressive normal stress of 0.17 MPa. In addition, serially integrated four BPNGs are able to produce enhanced output voltage of 14 V that turn on more than 50 blue light emitting diodes instantly, proving its essentiality as a sustainable green power source for next generation self-powered implantable medical devices as well as for personal portable electronics with reduced e-waste elements.
Risk Prediction of IoT Devices Based on Vulnerability Analysis

Internet of Things (IoT) devices are becoming more widespread not only in areas such as smart homes and smart cities but also in research and office environments. The sheer number, heterogeneity, and limited patch availability provide significant challenges for the security of both office networks and the Internet in general. The systematic estimation of device risks, which is essential for mitigation decisions, is currently a skill-intensive task that requires expertise in network vulnerability scanning, as well as manual effort in firmware binary analysis. This article introduces SAFER,1 the Security Assessment Framework for Embedded-device Risks, which enables a semi-automated risk assessment of IoT devices in any network. SAFER combines information from network device identification and automated firmware analysis to estimate the current risk associated with the device. Based on past vulnerability data and vendor patch intervals for device models, SAFER extrapolates those observations into the future using different automatically parameterized prediction models. Based on that, SAFER also estimates an indicator for future security risks. This enables users to be aware of devices exposing high risks in the future. One major strength of SAFER over other approaches is its scalability, achieved through significant automation. To demonstrate this strength, we apply SAFER in the network of a large multinational organization, to systematically assess the security level of hundreds of IoT devices on large-scale networks. Results indicate that SAFER successfully identified 531 out of 572 devices leading to a device identification rate of 92.83 %, analyzed 825 firmware images, and predicted the current and future security risk for 240 devices.
Intolerance, xenophobia and cross-border supermarket groups’ operations in South Africa

ABSTRACT We examine whether there is a relationship between xenophobic attacks and the stock market value of supermarket groups in South Africa. We perform an event study analysis on significant incidents of violent attacks targeted at shops owned by foreigners in South Africa for the period 2006–2017. Using an event study approach with an augmented market model, we uncover evidence that the stock market perceives these events as bad news instead of good news for supermarkets having operations in South Africa and other parts of Africa, as they realise a decline in abnormal returns of about 2.57 percent. We interpret our findings as economic costs of xenophobic attacks emanating from the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Our analysis attempts to shed light on the peace-building challenges and the potentially grim implications of xenophobia on economic activity in South Africa.
Ideological beliefs and gender essentialism: relations to individual and normative opposition to same-sex parent families

ABSTRACT Although more research on attitudes towards same-sex parent families has been conducted in recent years, scant attention has been paid to its predictors in a Chinese context. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the relations of two ideological beliefs (social dominance orientation and right-wing authoritarianism) to gender essentialism and opposition to same-sex parent families among 425 Chinese individuals. We found that male, older generations, and heterosexual people showed higher levels of opposition in general. Our main result from structural equation modelling suggests that social dominance orientation and right-wing authoritarianism make significant and independent contributions to opposition to same-sex parent families via shaping individuals’ essentialist beliefs of gender. The predictions remained significant even after the potential influence of covariates (i.e. age, gender, and sexual orientation) was controlled statistically. This study has contributed to the understanding of the associations between ideological beliefs and attitudes towards same-sex parent families in an understudied cultural context.
Signal processing strategies for better melody recognition and improved speech understanding in noise for cochlear implants

Cochlear implants are prosthetic devices, consisting of implanted electrodes and a signal processor and are designed to restore partial hearing to the profoundly deaf community. Since their inception in early 1970s cochlear implants have gradually gained popularity and consequently considerable research has been done to advance and improve the cochlear implant technology. Most of the research conducted so far in the field of cochlear implants has been primarily focused on improving speech perception in quiet. Music perception and speech perception in noisy listening conditions with cochlear implants are still highly challenging problems. Many research studies have reported low recognition scores in the task of simple melody recognition. Most of the cochlear implant devices use envelope cues to provide electric stimulation. Understanding the effect of various factors on melody recognition in the context of cochlear implants is important to improve the existing coding strategies. In the present work we investigate the effect of various factors such as filter spacing, relative phase, spectral up-shifting, carrier frequency and phase perturbation on melody recognition in acoustic hearing. The filter spacing currently used in the cochlear implants is larger than the musical semitone steps and hence not all musical notes can be resolved. In the current work we investigate the use of new filter spacing techniques called the 'Semitone filter spacing techniques' in which filter bandwidths are varied in correspondence to the musical semitone steps. Noise reduction methods investigated so far for use with cochlear implants are mostly pre-processing methods. In these methods, the speech signal is first enhanced using the noise reduction method and the enhanced signal is then processed using the speech processor. A better and more efficient approach is to integrate the noise reduction mechanism into the cochlear implant signal processing. In this dissertation we investigate the use of two such embedded noise reduction methods namely, the 'SNR weighting method' and the 'S-shaped compression' to improve speech perception in noisy listening conditions. The SNR weighting noise reduction method is an exponential weighting method that uses the instantaneous signal to noise ratio (SNR) estimate to perform noise reduction in each frequency band that corresponds to a particular electrode in the cochlear implant. The S-shaped compression technique divides the compression curve into two regions based on the noise estimate. This method applies a different type of compression for the noise portion and the speech portion and hence better suppresses the noise compared to the regular power-law compression.
Texas Emissions and Energy Calculator (eCALC): Documentation of Analysis Methods, Report to the TCEQ

In the Fall of 2003, the Energy Systems Laboratory (ESL) formed a partnership with the Texas Commission for Environmental Quality (TCEQ), and the USEPA, to enhance the Emissions Reduction Calculator. Since then, the Laboratory has worked closely with the TCEQ, using funding provided by the USEPA, to enhance the calculator. This section of the report provides additional details about the webbased structure of the Laboratory’s web-based calculator, including a complete description of each of the major modules contained in the calculator.
The wheel of design: assessing and refining the usability of geoportals

ABSTRACT Geoportals play a major role in geospatial data distribution to end-users like researchers and engineers. For maximum effectiveness, an intuitive and comprehensive graphical user interface (GUI) is a paramount property of such portals. GeoVITe (GEOdata Visualization and Interactive Training Environment) is a geodata-sharing portal, providing ETH Zurich employees with direct access to geoinformation and geoservices. The guiding functional requirement for the GeoVITe geoportal is that a user should visually (spatially, thematically and temporally) navigate the spatial data, select the desired dataset and area and directly download the required data in a straightforward manner through a user-friendly GUI running in a standard Web browser. After several improvements that have been made to GeoVITe since its wide-spread launch in 2010, the user interface of GeoVITe was recently put under scrutiny with the help of a usability evaluation. Results showed multiple possibilities for improvement, belonging to one of three categories: (i) distribution of GUI elements, (ii) concentration on relevant functionality and (iii) improvements to the geodata download workflow. Based on these findings, three key recommendations for designing a geoportal can be made: (i) full-screen map with simple navigation, (ii) instant user feedback and (iii) multifunctional search. Further work will require an assessment of the presented redesign as a next step in the iterative process of GUI design improvement.
The Preparation, Biodistribution, and Dosimetry of Encapsulated Radio-Scandium in a Dendrimer for Radio-nano-pharmaceutical Application

This study aimed to investigate the synthesis, characterization, and biodistribution of scandium nanoparticles encapsulated within poly (amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers, as well as to estimate the human absorbed dose. It also aimed to examine, in particular, the amine-terminated PAMAM dendrimers in generation 5. Irradiation of the compound in the nuclear reactor resulted in the formation of Sc-radioactive complex nanoparticles. The compound of the dendrimer-Sc3+ was confirmed by the UV-vis spectrometer. The size of the particles was less than 10 nm, and it was assessed using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The synthesized complex was irradiated by the 3 × 1011 n.cm-2s-1 flux of neutron for 2 h. Mice bearing a breast tumor were employed to assess the therapeutic dose that was delivered by the poly scandium-46-nanoparticles. As opposed to the untreated groups, a single injection of poly phosphate-buffered saline to intratumoral in other groups to deliver a dose of 100 µCi resulted in a statistically significant 39.24% reduction in tumor volume 14 days after injection. After applying the biokinetics data in mice, the human’s absorbed dose from scandium-47 encapsulated PAMAM was extrapolated based on animal data. The absorbed doses in critical organs, including the liver, lung, spleen, kidney, and bone, were 0.879, 0.0472, 0.191, 0.107, and 0.155 mGy/MBq, respectively.
Music Genre Classification Using Neural Network

Music Genre classification on Neural Network is presented in this article. The research work uses spectrogram images generated from the songs timeslices and given as input to NN to do classification of songs to their respective musical genre. The research work focuses on analyzing the parameters of the model. Using two different datasets and implementing NN technique we have achieved an optimized result. The Convolutional Neural Network model presented in this article classifies 10 classes of Music Genres with the improved accuracy.