Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Global dissection of the BAHD acyltransferase gene family in soybean: Expression profiling, metabolic functions, and evolution

Background: Members of the BAHD acyltransferase (ACT) family play important roles in plant defence against biotic and abiotic stresses. A better understanding of the functions that specific members of this family play in stress defence can lead to better breeding strategies for stress tolerance. Previous genome-wide studies explored other acyltransferase families, but so far not a single study has been published on genome-wide or positive selection analyses of the BAHD genes in Glycine max . Results: A total of 103 genes of the BAHD family (GmACT genes) were identified from the soybean genome, which could be grouped into four phylogenetic clades (I-IV). Clade III was further divided into two sub-clades (IIIA and IIIB). In each clade, the gene structure and functional motifs were relatively well conserved. These ACT genes were unequally distributed on all 20 chromosomes, and 16 paralogous pairs were found within the family. Positive selection analysis revealed amino acids under strong positive selection, which suggests that the evolution of this gene family modulated soybean domestication. Some GmACT genes showed expression specific under specific conditions, while others showed constitutive expression in all soybean tissues or conditions analysed. Most of the expression of ACT genes in soybean was repressed with Al 3+ and fungal elicitor exposure, except for GmACT84 , which expression increased in these conditions 2- and 3-fold, respectively. The promoter of GmACT84 contains the maximum number of stress-responsive elements among all GmACT genes and it is especially enriched in MYB-related elements. Conclusions: This study provides a genome-wide analysis of the BAHD gene family and assessed their expression profiles in soybean. We found evidence of a strong positive selection of GmACT genes. Our findings will help efforts of functional characterisation of ACT genes in soybean in order to discover their involvement in growth, development, and defence mechanisms.
Remote sensing of physical and biological properties of estuaries

Estuarine remote sensing instruments are described with respect to their state-of-the-art capabilities. Remote sensing studies of estuaries can be considered as being of two different types: estuarine intercomparisons (between estuaries) and intraestuarine (within estuary assessments). Current research has allowed initial efforts of estuarine intercomparisons of light attenuation and suspended sediments. Remote sensing can provide inputs to mathematical models used for research and management of estuaries and near coastal waters. The in situ optical profiling approach is transferable to other estuarine studies. <<ETX>>
The Oxidative Stress Pathway May be an Important Pathway Leading to The Recurrence of Ewing Sarcoma —— Based On Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis

Background The role of gene and pathway in recurrence of Ewing sarcoma (ES) was not clear. Thus, we investigated the biological role and underlying mechanism of gene and pathway in recurrence of ES. Methods Data sets of patients with ES were collected from the GEO database. We used dataset GSE63155 and GSE63156 to construct co-expression networks by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed by Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID). Results We can find that genes with significant interactions in the genes of the recurrence group include SRSF11, TRIM39, SOCS3,NUPL2,COPS5. They work primarily through the oxidative stress pathway. Conclusion Through our research, for the first time found that ES by SRSF11 TRIM39, SOCS3, NUPL2, COPS5 interaction, activation of phosphorylation of bone and oxidative stress is affecting tumor recurrence.
Pack Years and Lower Lung Function is Associated With Ultra-short Telomeres in Copd: Evidence From Lung Tissue

BackgroundChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is driven by a complicated mix of factors such as lifestyle and environmental exposures. Tobacco smoking is the main risk factor for forming chronic inflammation in COPD. Association between cigarette smoking and the role of telomere shortening in COPD has been studied mainly based on the assessment of mean telomere length on leukocytes instead of lung tissue where the primary damage occurs. Here we investigate this association in bronchoalveolar samples by using a new assay that specifically evaluates critically short telomeres, namely, ultra-short telomeres that have sizes less than 1.5kb. MethodsThe study was carried out on materials from the patients eligible for bronchoscopy as well as mild to severe persistent airway obstruction, defined as a post-bronchodilator ratio of less than 70%. Bronchial washing (BW) and leukocyte samples were collected from 32 patients diagnosed with COPD. Telomere length evaluation was done with isolated DNA using Universal STELA to specifically identify the presence of ultra-short telomeres in samples. A t-Student, ANOVA, Chi2, and Paired Sample T-test were used to test differences in means and proportions in statistical analysis. Two-tailed p-values ≤ 0.05 were considered significantResultsThe location of BW did not show a significant difference when compared in terms of the presence of ultra-short telomeres (p>0.05). Higher total pack-years was found amongst patients with ultra-short telomeres (32 packyears versus 16 packyears; p=0.045), lower lung function (FEV1%) (51% versus 82%; p<0.001) when compared with subjects with telomere length more than 1.5kbs in BW. An increasing number of total pack-years, older age and lower FEV1% was observed through the groups comprising subjects with ultra-short telomeres in both BW and leukocytes, subjects with ultra-short telomeres only in BW and subjects with telomeres longer than 1.5kbs(all p<0.01) ConclusionsOur results emphasize the role of ultra-short telomeres in COPD, in vivo, especially when the lung tissue instead of leukocytes is investigated. Additionally, our results demonstrated a dose-response association between pack-years of smoking, low lung function, and ultra-short telomere length in COPD.
Soft computing for tool life prediction a manufacturing application of neural - fuzzy systems

Tooling technology is recognised as an element of vital importance within the manufacturing industry. Critical tooling decisions related to tool selection, tool life management, optimal determination of cutting conditions and on-line machining process monitoring and control are based on the existence of reliable detailed process models. Among the decisive factors of process planning and control activities, tool wear and tool life considerations hold a dominant role. Yet, both off-line tool life prediction, as well as real tune tool wear identification and prediction are still issues open to research. The main reason lies with the large number of factors, influencing tool wear, some of them being of stochastic nature. The inherent variability of workpiece materials, cutting tools and machine characteristics, further increases the uncertainty about the machining optimisation problem. In machining practice, tool life prediction is based on the availability of data provided from tool manufacturers, machining data handbooks or from the shop floor. This thesis recognises the need for a data-driven, flexible and yet simple approach in predicting tool life. Model building from sample data depends on the availability of a sufficiently rich cutting data set. Flexibility requires a tool-life model with high adaptation capacity. Simplicity calls for a solution with low complexity and easily interpretable by the user. A neural-fuzzy systems approach is adopted, which meets these targets and predicts tool life for a wide range of turning operations. A literature review has been carried out, covering areas such as tool wear and tool life, neural networks, frizzy sets theory and neural-fuzzy systems integration. Various sources of tool life data have been examined. It is concluded that a combined use of simulated data from existing tool life models and real life data is the best policy to follow. The neurofuzzy tool life model developed is constructed by employing neural network-like learning algorithms. The trained model stores the learned knowledge in the form of frizzy IF-THEN rules on its structure, thus featuring desired transparency. Low model complexity is ensured by employing an algorithm which constructs a rule base of reduced size from the available data. In addition, the flexibility of the developed model is demonstrated by the ease, speed and efficiency of its adaptation on the basis of new tool life data. The development of the neurofuzzy tool life model is based on the Fuzzy Logic Toolbox (vl.0) of MATLAB (v4.2cl), a dedicated tool which facilitates design and evaluation of fuzzy logic systems. Extensive results are presented, which demonstrate the neurofuzzy model predictive performance. The model can be directly employed within a process planning system, facilitating the optimisation of turning operations. Recommendations aremade for further enhancements towards this direction.
New Image Operator and Its Application in the Inner Surface Detection of Artillery Pipe

Aimed at the image detection on the ablation wearing, scrape wearing and rifling angle of the artillery body pipe, the character of the inner surface image of the pipe is discussed, the model for rifling, ablation wearing and scrape wearing is brought up, and a new image operator is proposed for these detection. This operator can detect the rifling angle in a high precision, and tell the ablation wearing from scrape wearing in the image, therefore the degree of ablation wearing and scrape wearing can be detected efficiently. This is useful for the artillery body pipe's producing process and life evaluation.
Prevalence of Black Stains in School Going Children in age Group 6-12 Years

Introduction: Black stains are extrinsic discoloration in primary dentition that can also occur along with dental caries. It clinically presents as pigmented, dark lines or as an incomplete coalescence of dark dots rarely extending beyond the cervical third of the crown. This has often been a concern of dental aesthetics and its frequent recurrence, makes it necessary to find the causative factor and the treatment needed. Materials and Method: In this cross sectional study, 93 children aged between 6-12years were examined clinically for the presence of black stains using mouth mirror and dental probe by one examiner. The DMFS / deft index were recorded in children with and without black stains. Results: In the limited sample size recorded, it was observed that 11 children had black stains. Black stains were also found along with dental caries in 3 children. The p value was 0.85373, found to be insignificant Conclusion: The prevalence rate of black stains is estimated to be 10% from the sample size, as per data collected, Black stains can occur along with caries but the incidence is less. In conclusion , the results of our study , indicates the prevalence of caries along with the black stains in children within the age group 6-12 years , highlight the need to do further investigations
Sequential consumer choice as multi-cued retrieval

Whether adding songs to a playlist or groceries during an online shop, how do we decide what to choose next? We develop a model that predicts such open-ended, sequential choices using a process of cued retrieval from long-term memory. Using the past choice to cue subsequent retrievals, this model predicts the sequential purchases and response times of nearly 5 million grocery purchases made by more than 100,000 online shoppers. Products can be associated in different ways, such as by their episodic association or semantic overlap, and we find that consumers query multiple forms of associative knowledge when retrieving options. Attending to certain knowledge sources, as estimated by our model, predicts important retrieval errors, such as the propensity to forget or add unwanted products. Our results demonstrate how basic memory retrieval mechanisms shape choices in real-world, goal-directed tasks.
COMPUTATIONAL BIFURCATION ANALYSIS OF MECHANICAL SYSTEMS WITH APPLICATIONS TO RAILWAY VEHICLES

For identifying the long time behaviour of nonlinear dynamical systems with respect to the influence of one or more system parameters, numerical bifurcation analysis is an ideal method. The objective of the paper is to describe a software environment for such an analysis basing on the principles of path-following or continuation under the specific viewpoint of an application on mechanical systems or, more specifically, on railway vehicles being modelled as multibody system. Their stationary as well as their periodic behaviour is considered. Three major topics are of primary interest: The integration of the bifurcation software into a software package for the simulation of arbitrary mechanical systems; the direct calculation of periodic solutions (limit cycles); and the handling of differential algebraic equations (DAE). The algorithms are applied finally on the 'realistic' simulation model of a railway vehicle running on a straight track.
Hivemind: IoT-based democratization of shared devices in a public space: demo

Public spaces1 are a basis of urban lives. The mode and culture of sharing could be an indicator of the quality of life in the cities. For example, the buses and restaurants should comfort and bring satisfaction to individual visitors, including the vulnerable with special needs. However, their operation mostly occurs in rather a closed and exclusive manner [2]. An inherent limitation to such an inclusive sharing lies in the exclusive modes of traditional device interfaces; a variety of devices, called public devices hereafter, are installed in the public space and determine operational details of the space. As such, the space itself is shared, however, the public devices are controlled in exclusive ways. Could the sharing of the public space be operated in a democratic way?
Progressive Development and Challenges Faced by Solar Rotary Desiccant-Based Air-Conditioning Systems: A Review

A rotary desiccant-based air-conditioning system is a heat-driven hybrid system which combines different technologies such as desiccant dehumidification, evaporative cooling, refrigeration, and regeneration. This system has an opportunity to utilize low-grade thermal energy obtained from the sun or other sources. In this paper, the basic principles and recent research developments related to rotary desiccant-based cooling systems are recalled and their applications and importance are summarized. It is shown that with novel system configurations and new desiccant materials, there is great potential for improving the performance and consistency of rotary desiccant systems; at the same time, the use of solar energy for regeneration purposes can minimize the operating cost to a great extent. Some examples are presented to demonstrate how rotary desiccant air conditioning can be a promising solution for replacing traditional vapor-compression air-conditioning systems. Recent advances and ongoing research related to solar-powered hybrid rotary desiccant cooling systems are also summarized. The hybrid systems make use of a vapor-compression system in order to have better operational flexibility. These systems, although they consume electrical energy, use solar energy as the principal source of energy, and hence, significant savings of premium energy can be obtained compared to conventional vapor-compression systems. However, further research and development are required in order to realize the sustainable operation of solar rotary desiccant air-conditioning systems, as solar energy is not steady. Reductions in capital cost and size, along with improvements in efficiency and reliability of the system is still needed for it to become a player in the market of air conditioning.
Understanding the Determinants of E-hailing Service Adoption in Restoring Pre-Pandemic Normalcy

The current Covid-19 pandemic has affected human life in a significant way. Governments worldwide have imposed several intervention strategies to contain the spread of virus infections, including restrictions to e-hailing services. These months of mobility restrictions have affected the overall e-hailing preference and greatly impacted thousands of e-hailing drivers' incomes. Hence, the major challenge in restoring the pre-pandemic normalcy in ehailing service could be overcome by understanding the factors influencing the user's adoption. Therefore, using a purposive sampling technique, this quantitative study is conducted to identify the effects of knowledge about e-hailing operations, attitude towards e-hailing apps, perception on e-hailing operational characteristics, and preference for alternative travel modes, towards intention to adopt e-hailing service amongst 415 urban residents in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The results showed that compatibility, safety, and alternative travel mode of rail and private car were the significant factors that determine the intention to adopt e-hailing services. These findings will help government agencies restore ehailing operations' ability to fulfil their societal roles by paying close attention to what consumers need in adopting their transportation desires.
Chronobiology applied to spawning and gamete withdrawal: importance of daily rhythms

This research was funded by the MEC project Reprosolea, AGL 2004-07984-C02-01, and by SENECA Project 05690/PI/07 both granted to FJSV, as well as by ProSpawn project (FP7/SME/2008/1) conceded to MTD. CO is supported by a Post Doctoral grant from the Portuguese Ministry of Science and Technology (SFRH/BPD/63933/2009) co-founded by POPH - QREN - Tipologia 4.1 (FEDER and MCTES). Trabajo presentado en el 3rd International Workshop on Biology of Fish Gametes, celebrado en Budapest del 7 al 9 de septiembre de 2011.
Tracking Human Walking Using MARG Sensors

Abstract : This thesis addresses modeling and simulation of the human lower extremities in order to track walking motion and estimate walking distance. The lower extremities are modeled as an articulated object, which consists of rigid bars connected to each other by joints. This model is tested by using both synthetic and real data. The synthetic data is created based on the main principles of biomechanics. The real data is obtained from MARG sensors and is processed by the Factored Quaternion algorithm. Next, it is implemented in a simulation program written in Matlab. The program utilizes a mathematical model that represents the human gait-cycle and is based on the theory of forward kinematics as well as on the theory of manipulator kinematics. The simulation program is able to track the motion of the limbs that presents the lower extremities and estimate the traveled distance. Extensive laboratory tests verified the validity of the configuration.
Beyond lucky: measuring and modelling the impact of ‘probability control’ on risky choice

Managers frequently deal with risk by considering uncertainty as an element of the decision problem over which they can exert control — for example, lobbyists trying to exert influence over regulators or managers trying to mitigate Operational Risks related to human processes. This perspective that the probabilities of uncertain events are at times ‘mutable’ — i.e. subject to one’s influence — has an important and previously under-appreciated role in decision-making under risk. The present research, structured as a series of three papers, addresses this gap between theory and practice on the topic of ‘control’ from a descriptive, theoretical and prescriptive perspective. The descriptive paper discusses a novel empirical test of the behavioural effect of ‘control’ on risk taking. The key finding that control does not always enhance risk taking but, instead, has a moderating effect on attitudes to risk, extends insights from related research. Strong preference for exerting control to eliminate uncertainty is also revealed. Affective and cognitive interpretations of the findings are offered and their correspondence with managerial attitudes to risk taking is discussed. The theoretical paper builds on methods in Decision Analysis and Philosophy, and develops a new probability revision rule for modelling control as interventions on uncertainties. This rule is shown to dramatically alleviate the judgmental burden of analysing multiple interventions. Foundational properties for probability revision rules for interventions, similar to the coherence criterion for Bayes rule, are also constructed and a proof that the proposed rule satisfies these properties is offered. In the prescriptive paper, a real world application of the probability revision rule is illustrated in the context of Operational Risk assessment, where several uncertainties are controllable (e.g. staff strikes). It is shown how this rule can be integrated with Operational Risk calculations to explicitly incorporate the effect of managerial mitigations on loss events, thus making a useful contribution to the field. In summary, this research explores the concept of ‘probability control’ as a way to manage risks in the context of Decision Sciences. It furthers our behavioural understanding of risk attitudes to better resonate with managerial perspectives on risk taking and extends the relevance of Decision Analysis methods to corporate risk management.
Investigation on Steam-based System for Creepforming Dyneema Hemisphere Preform

Previous study in Structural Integrity and Composite group showed that creepforming Dyneema fiber into hemispherical helmet preform is indeed possible. However, the set-up in conventional set-up was complex and a long time was required to generate uniform temperature across the material. This thesis will investigate the possibility of using steam system as heating and pressurizing agent to creep-form the material. Steam is considered as potential agent due to its characteristic to be a good heating agent. The first part of this thesis will cover the analysis of manufacturing process from previous works in order to find their strengths and weaknesses. Using this information a production system that ideally combines the advantages of previous processes will be selected. After manufacturing the molds, the investigation of proposed process' boundary condition can be started. The experiments conducted in this thesis revealed that the available pressure from steam was not enough to creepform Dyneema fiber. The second part of the thesis is directly related with the selection of gas-based system as the main equipment. Since the available pressure is a lot less than the manufacturer's recommended cycle, the result of these experiments revealed several interesting findings. This part will cover the experiments conducted to further clarify the findings. Another consequence of the low available pressure is the final thickness of the product is low. It was then proposed to insert several new layers that are not winded around the mold as a potential solution for this thickness problem. However, the interaction between these "draped" layers with the normal creep layers is still unknown. The investigation will cover several experiments to provide better knowledge of the proposed layer combination idea. For further research, it is anticipated that by utilizing compressed water as the working medium, sufficient pressure to successfully creep-form Dyneema\textsuperscript{\textregistered} fiber can be achieved. A possible set-up design of the system is provided in the recommendation section.