Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Egonets as systematically biased windows on society

Abstract A person’s egonet, the set of others with whom that person is connected, is a personal sample of society which especially influences that person’s experience and perceptions of society. We show that egonets systematically misrepresent the general population because each person is included in as many egonets as that person has “friends. ” Previous research has recognized that this unequal weighting in egonets leads many people to find that their friends have more friends than they themselves have. This paper builds upon that research to show that people’s egonets provide them with systematically biased samples of the population more generally. We discuss how this ubiquitous egonet bias may have far reaching implications for people’s experiences and perceptions of frequencies of other people’s ties and traits in ways that may influence their own feelings and behaviors. In particular, these egonet biases may help explain people’s tendencies to disproportionately experience and overestimate the prevalence of certain types of deviance and other social behaviors and consequently be influenced toward them. We illustrate egonet bias with analyses of all friends among 63,731 Facebook users. We call for further empirical investigation of egonet biases and their consequences for individuals and society.
The in vitro plasticity of hair follicle dermal and mesenchymal stem cells

Stem cells from the hair follicle are an easily accessible population of cells that have a broad in vitro developmental capabilities and potential for autologous replacement of damaged adult tissue. The bulge region and follicle dermis play key roles in hair follicle development, stem cells of the bulge region are of epithelial origin, whereas dermal components of the hair follicle are of mesenchymal origin. Here we have compared the characteristics of rat clonal stem cell lines derived from both the hair follicle dermal sheath and dermal papilla with rat bone marrow-derived primary mesenchymal stem cells. The cell types were compared in terms of their morphology, proliferation, expression of intracellular and cell surface antigens and differentiation potential into bone and fat. The evidence presented here suggests that clonally derived stem cells from the follicle dermis posses some homologies with mesenchymal stem cells derived from bone marrow. Hence the hair follicle represents a potential niche for a mesenchymal-like population of stem cells. Both mesenchymal stem cells from bone marrow and stem cells from the follicle under specific in vitro conditions produce neural-like phenotypes. Here the two cell types were grown under conditions used in the culture of neural stem cells and formed aggregates that expressed the neural stem cell marker nestin. The effect of soluble factors produced by these aggregates on the development of neural progenitor cell populations was determined using aggregate conditioned media. The conditioned media induced process elaboration and differentiation towards the astrocytic lineage in a subpopulation of neural progenitors. Differential expression of antigens, loss of fat differentiation potential and extended proliferation capabilities were observed in the dermal clones. This aberrant behaviour could be attributable to transformation after extensive expansion in vitro, which has been demonstrated by their abnormal karyotype.
What are effective treatments for chronic nasal and sinus congestion in pregnancy?

pain severity from 0 to 10 using a MBPS scale with higher scores indicating more pain. A significantly smaller MBPS score increase was observed with EMLA compared with placebo (2.6 vs 3.9, respectively; P,.0001). Limitations include the small study size, a short study duration of one week, variation in time between the intervention and the procedure, and homogenous study population. A 2016 single-center, double-blind RCT (N541) examined the efficacy of EMLA compared with placebo for pain reduction during caudal block in 41 children (13 months to five years old). Patients were excluded if they had an allergy to local anesthetics, uncertain drug hypersensitivities, an allergy to any component of EMLA cream, open wound at the application site, severe systemic disease, CV disease, a history of methemoglobinemia, or analgesics ,12 hours before the procedure. Children were randomized to receive a coin-sized amount of cream (EMLA or placebo) over the sacral hiatus 1 hour before the procedure. The researchers rated pain from 0 (no pain) to 10 both before (T1) and after (T2) needle insertion using a multidimensional assessment pain scale (MAPS). Sevoflurane use during procedure provided an additional estimation of pain. At baseline, both groups had MAPS scores of 2.1. Patients given EMLA had on average smaller increases in MAPS scores from T1 to T2 than those given placebo (mean change in MAPS scores of 1.2 and 2.4, respectively; P,.001), as well as a reduced need for sevoflurane (25% and 81%, respectively, P,.001). Limitations included the single-center design and small sample size.
PENGARUH HARGA, KUALITAS PRODUK DAN KUALITAS LAYANAN TERHADAP KEPUASAN KONSUMEN DI PT. HONDA AUTOBEST BANDUNG

This study aims to determine the effect of price, product quality and service quality on consumer satisfaction at PT Honda Autobest Bandung. This study uses a quantitative approach. Data collection was carried out by using questionnaires to 100 respondents, namely consumers using simple random sampling techniques. The results obtained that, both simultaneously and partially price, product quality and service quality significantly influence consumer satisfaction at PT. Honda Autobest Bandung. Price, product quality and service quality contributed 84.2% to customer satisfaction, while the remaining 15.8% was influenced by other variables not examined.
IT Services and Crowdsourcing in Support of the Hellenic Cadastre: Advanced Citizen Participation and Crowdsourcing in the Official Property Registration Process

Greece is one of the few European countries that has not yet a fully operating Cadastre at national coverage. Cadastral surveying and property registration have been completed only for about 8% of the Greek territory, which includes about 18% of the total property rights. At the remaining areas, cadastral surveying and property registration is still under development and is expected to be completed by the end of 2021. The cadastral survey is a participatory procedure in which property right holders, or their representatives, are expected to declare the land parcels on which they have property rights and submit all documents that prove these rights. The time frame available for the declaration is 3 months, which is specific for each municipality. Right holders are now enabled to provide both spatial and descriptive information, regarding their properties and property rights, without the need of a professional. That includes the parcel’s boundary lines along with the legal documents required to validate the declaration. Each right holder, or a representative, has the option to submit a declaration over the internet through a web application without the need of a professional. Within the frame of a PhD research, several concerns were addressed such as usability, security, and scalability in order for the outcome to support its scope while respecting binding constrains. As a result, two web applications have been created to officially support the Hellenic Cadaster property rights declaration process. The suggested approach was considered a big success in terms of both public acceptance and usability as shown from the statistics collected during the first eight months of its formal operation.
Functional Proteomic Analysis of Lipid Raft Kinase Complexes

Abstract : A series of studies from our laboratories suggested that survival signaling in prostate cancer cells is mediated, in part, through lipid raftresident Akt. I have hypothesized that the lipid raft-resident Akt in prostate tumor cells is a privileged Akt population that mediates cell survival by interacting with discrete subsets of regulatory proteins and by transmitting signals that are unique to the lipid raft environment. Many components in lipid raft-resident Akt complexes and Akt pathways are likely to be palmitoylated, given that a number of key signaling molecules are palmitoylated and that palmitoyl proteins have been proposed to be enriched in lipid rafts. As an approach into the analysis of Akt signaling through lipid rafts, in year 1 of this project I developed a novel, proteomic method of palmitoyl protein analysis, which resulted in many interesting and unanticipated biological findings. In addition, our group has very recently reported that EGF stimulation or accumulation of Akt1 in lipid rafts resulted in the rapid formation of secreted microvesicles, which are capable of activating phosphotyrosine and Akt pathway signaling as well as stimulating proliferation and migration in recipient cells. Functional palmitoylproteomics analysis suggested that certain palmitoyl proteins actively participate in transmitting EGFR-Akt signaling. The protein acyltransferases and acylprotein thioesterases regulating the palmitoylation levels of these key palmitoyl proteins may be novel targets for the inhibition of EGFR-Akt signaling, which can be exploited for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer.
Faster-Than-Nyquist Signaling Via Spatiotemporal Symbol-Level Precoding for Multi-User MISO Redundant Transmissions

This paper tackles the problem of both multi-user and intersymbol interference stemming from co-channel users transmitting at a faster- than-Nyquist (FTN) rate in multi-antenna downlink transmissions. We propose a framework for redundant block-based symbol-level precoders enabling the trade-off between constructive and destructive multi-user and interblock interference (IBI) effects at the singleantenna user terminals. Redundant elements are added as guard interval to handle IBI destructive effects. It is shown that, within this framework, accelerating the transmissions via FTN signaling improves the error-free spectral efficiency, up to a certain acceleration factor beyond which the transmitted information cannot be perfectly recovered by linear filtering followed by sampling. Simulation results corroborate that the proposed spatiotemporal symbol-level precoding can change the amount of added redundancy from zero (full IBI) to half (IBI-free) the equivalent channel order, so as to achieve a target balance between spectral and energy efficiencies.
Modeling the Relationships Between Combat Experiences and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Factors

Abstract Evidence suggests specific types of combat can influence different posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom presentations. This study applied structural equation modeling to extend this line of research in a cross-sectional sample of 2,159 U.S. Navy Sailors deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan between 2007 and 2008. Generally, support was for a model which specified direct relationships between the latent factors of combat experience and PTSD (χ2(881) = 4,015.82, p < . 001, CFI = . 956, TLI = . 953, RMSEA = . 040, 90%CI = . 038, . 041). Specifically, exposure to a combat environment predicted only the reeexperiencing and hyperarousal dimensions of PTSD, close physical engagement predicted all but the hyperarousal dimension, and nearness to serious injury or death predicted only reeexperiencing. While exploratory in nature, these findings support the hypothesis that an individual’s unique combat experience may also produce unique expressions of PTSD symptoms, implying that PTSD prevention, diagnosis, and treatment may need to be tailored to specific types of trauma and combat experiences.
Characterization of a Novel Protease in Staphylococcus aureus

thesis submitted A newly discovered cysteine protease, Prp, has been shown to perform an essential, site-specific cleavage of ribosomal protein L27 in Staphylococcus aureus . In Firmicutes and related bacteria, ribosomal protein L27 is encoded with a conserved N-terminal extension that must be removed to expose residues critical for ribosome function. Uncleavable and pre-cleaved variants were unable to complement an L27 deletion in S. aureus , indicating that this N-terminal processing event is essential and likely plays an important regulatory role. The gene encoding the responsible protease ( prp ) has been
Cultural logics and modes of consumption: Unraveling the multiplicity of symbolic distinctions among concert audiences

In this study, we examined how audiences for different types of concerts structure their musical preferences according to specific cultural logics and how this relates to the motives for going to the concert. We used large-scale audience data collected at 73 concerts in Belgium (n = 1594). Using Correlational Class Analysis, we inductively uncovered four different cultural logics: omnivore vs. disinterested; highbrow vs. lowbrow; acoustic vs. electric; and anything but/with distortion. Accordingly, besides the well-documented oppositions between highbrow and lowbrow, and between omnivorousness and univorousness, we found two other cultural logics among concert audiences. In subsequent analyses, we related these cultural logics to concert genre (e.g., classical and electronic) and mode of consuming concerts (e.g., music-centered and entertainment-centered). We demonstrate that mode of consumption is associated with both concert genre and the cultural logic to which one adheres.
pH-Sensitive Soy Protein Films For The Controlled Release Of An Ant-Inflammatory Drug

pH-responsive delivery systems based on biodegradable polymers represent one of the most rapidly advancing areas of science. Such delivery systems offer numerous advantages compared to conventional dosage fonns including improved efficacy, localized delivery of the drug to a particular part of the body, improved patient compliance, and convenience [I]. However, only a reduced number ofbiodegradable drug delivery systems exhibiting such behavior are known [2, 3, 4]. Proteins present, by nature, interesting characteristics to be used in the
Investigation of the antimicrobial properties of nanoclay and chitosan based nanocomposite on the microbial characteristics of Gouda cheese

Background and Objectives: In recent years, active packaging has been introduced as a new method to better preserve food. Chitosan and nanoclay have been used for preparation of an active nanocomposite with respect to their antimicrobial properties to investigate its effects on the microbial limitation in Gouda cheese. Materials and Methods: Nanoclay film, chitosan film, chitosan-based nanocomposites and nanoclay-based nanocomposites were prepared and their antimicrobial properties were evaluated to the microbial limitations of Gouda cheese consist of coliforms, Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp. , coagulase-positive Staphylococcus, mold and yeast by agar diffusion method. Results: The results indicated, the best antimicrobial effect belonged to nanocomposite film with the composition of chitosan 3 wt% by adding nanoclay 1 wt%, which can prevent microbial characteristics of Gouda cheese. Conclusion: The chitosan and nanoclay nanocomposite had excellent antibacterial activity and performed well against microbial limitations (coliforms, E. coli, Salmonella spp., coagulase-positive Staphylococcus, mold and yeast) of Gouda cheese. Therefore, the nanocomposite may be possibly used as a surface coating in addition to Gouda cheese as well as similar cheeses and other food to enhance microbial characteristics and extend shelf life.
Amendment of Husk Biochar on Accumulation and Chemical Form of Cadmium in Lettuce and Pak-Choi Grown in Contaminated Soil

(1) Background: Cadmium (Cd) accumulated in vegetables not only affects their growth but can also enter the human body via food chains and lead to various illnesses. Plants can decrease the toxicity by changing the chemical forms of Cd, which include inorganic (FE), water-soluble (FW), pectate- and protein-integrated (FNaCl), undissolved phosphate (FHAc), oxalate (FHCl), and residual forms (FR). Among them, FE and FW chemical forms show higher mobility to translocate upward from roots to shoots compared with the others. (2) Methods: Different varieties or cultivars of lettuce and pak-choi were grown in Cd-contaminated soils amended with husk biochar (BC) to replenish nitrogen to the recommended amount and also to raise the soil pH value. (3) Results: More than 73% of the accumulated Cd in the edible organs was compartmentalized in FE chemical form in both leafy vegetables regardless of treatments. In comparison with control, the application of BC decreased the Cd concentrations and bioconcentration factors in the roots and shoots of two leafy vegetables at different growth periods in general. The chemical form and bioaccessible fraction of Cd in the edible blanching tissues were used to calculate the risk of oral intake. The vegetable-induced hazard quotients of lettuce and pak-choi were acceptable, except for pak-choi grown in control without applying BC.
Leadership and Effective Institutional Economics Design in the Context of Education Reforms

Nowadays, the most typical reforms in higher education are conducted through the reorganization of universities either in the form of a merger, acquisition, or new status attainment. As a result, universities which educate local leaders for their respective national economies and have a profound impact on the regional economic development, as well as the composition of the labor market and intellectual potential, often encounter negative economic outcomes. The reforms that are imposed by the policymakers “from above” often hamper the development of universities and prevent them from fulfilling their roles described above. The process of reforming higher education in Russia is in many ways similar to the changes in the higher education systems of other European countries, in particular in post-Communist transition economies. Firstly, this process went through the integration into the global market of educational services. Secondly, it proceeded with the rethinking of the role of the university as a self-sustainable business organization. Thirdly, it was concluded by an increase in the demand and accessibility of education using the advancements offered by the digital technologies. Our paper argues that focused and well-balanced economic institutional design might be required for the sustainable development of reorganized leading universities. The project perspective implies that it is necessary to develop an institutional design in relation to what the organization seeks to achieve (either as its regulator or reformer) and how it intends to achieve these goals. In connection with the foregoing, we propose the following principles of designing effective institutions for the sustainable development of reorganized universities: (i) preservation of education as a “mixed” good (i.e., one that has the features of both public and private goods); (ii) transparency of decision making; (iii) complementarity of institutional change; and last but not least (iv) reduction in transaction costs.
Sparsity-driven adaptive enhancement of underwater acoustic tonals for passive sonars.

Acoustic tonals, radiated by underwater and surface vehicles, are an important feature for passive sonar detection. An adaptive line enhancer (ALE) is usually employed in passive sonar systems as a preprocessing step to enhance the acoustic tonals from these vehicles. Unfortunately, the performance of the conventional ALE is limited by the high steady-state misadjustment, which is caused by the weight noise in the adaptation process. This paper makes use of the frequency-domain sparsity of these tonals to develop better ALEs for passive sonars. The adaptation of the proposed ALE is performed in the frequency domain. Three typical sparse penalties, l1-norm, log-sum, and l0-pseudo-norm, are incorporated into the cost function of the frequency-domain adaptation, which yield three sparsity-driven ALEs: zero-attracting (ZA), reweighted zero-attracting (RZA), and l0. The simulation shows that the signal-to-noise ratio gains of the ZA-ALE, RZA-ALE, and l0-ALE are 5.9, 8.7, and 9.7 dB, higher than that of the conventional ALE, respectively. The results of processing the real data also validate that all the sparsity-driven ALEs outperform the conventional ALE, and the l0-ALE performs the best. The proposed sparsity-driven l0-ALE is thus a promising candidate for passive sonars to enhance the tonals.
Software compensation for the coupling error of a single-mode fiber coil under time-varying temperature and magnetic field

Abstract. Previous studies have shown that there exists a large nonreciprocal phase error in the single-mode fiber coil of a depolarized interference fiber optic gyroscope (De-IFOG) under time-varying temperature and magnetic field, which evidently weakens its environmental adaptability. A real-time software compensation method considering the coupling effect of time-varying temperature and magnetic field is first proposed and verified experimentally. After compensation, the error of De-IFOG decreases from 50 deg / h to 6 deg / h when the magnitude of the magnetic field is 10 G and temperature uniformly increases from 10°C to 60°C with time-varying rate of 36 ° C / h. The compensation method is of great significance in De-IFOG engineering applications.
Network Reconfiguration of Radial Active Distribution Systems in Uncertain Environment Using Super Sense Genetic Algorithm

Abstract Enormous work has been reported in literature to enhance the performance of metaheuristics by modifying their internal mechanisms via intervening their control equations. Usually, these population based techniques are initiated through random creation of individuals (tentative solutions) to preserve adequate diversity in population and then attempts have been made to maintain a better balance between exploration and exploitation of the problem search space. However, it would be much better if some strategy is employed that could divert tentative solutions toward the promising region. This can be possible if the algorithm has some mechanism to develop certain knowledge (super sense) about the quality of decision variables of the problem. This paper presents super sense genetic algorithm (SSGA) that gradually develops super sense during successive genetic evolutions. The accumulated genetic information so obtained is stored and used to divert individuals near the promising region while preserving adequate diversity. SSGA differs to standard genetic algorithm (GA) only on this aspect. SSGA is applied to solve complex combinatorial network reconfiguration problem of radial distribution systems. The application results highlight the effectiveness of proposed GA.