Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Biology of Malignant Mesothelioma and the Relevance of Preclinical Models

Malignant mesothelioma (MM), especially its more frequent form, malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), is a devastating thoracic cancer with limited therapeutic options. Recently, clinical trials that used immunotherapy strategies have yielded promising results, but the benefits are restricted to a limited number of patients. To develop new therapeutic strategies and define predictors of treatment response to existing therapy, better knowledge of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of MM tumors and sound preclinical models are needed. This review aims to provide an overview of our present knowledge and issues on both subjects. MM shows a complex pattern of molecular changes, including genetic, chromosomic, and epigenetic alterations. MM is also a heterogeneous cancer. The recently described molecular classifications for MPM could better consider inter-tumor heterogeneity, while histo-molecular gradients are an interesting way to consider both intra- and inter-tumor heterogeneities. Classical preclinical models are based on use of MM cell lines in culture or implanted in rodents, i.e., xenografts in immunosuppressed mice or isografts in syngeneic rodents to assess the anti-tumor immune response. Recent developments are tumoroids, patient-derived xenografts (PDX), xenografts in humanized mice, and genetically modified mice (GEM) that carry mutations identified in human MM tumor cells. Multicellular tumor spheroids are an interesting in vitro model to reduce animal experimentation; they are more accessible than tumoroids. They could be relevant, especially if they are co-cultured with stromal and immune cells to partially reproduce the human microenvironment. Even if preclinical models have allowed for major advances, they show several limitations: (i) the anatomical and biological tumor microenvironments are incompletely reproduced; (ii) the intra-tumor heterogeneity and immunological contexts are not fully reconstructed; and (iii) the inter-tumor heterogeneity is insufficiently considered. Given that these limitations vary according to the models, preclinical models must be carefully selected depending on the objectives of the experiments. New approaches, such as organ-on-a-chip technologies or in silico biological systems, should be explored in MM research. More pertinent cell models, based on our knowledge on mesothelial carcinogenesis and considering MM heterogeneity, need to be developed. These endeavors are mandatory to implement efficient precision medicine for MM.
The Joinpoint-Jump and Joinpoint-Comparability Ratio Model for Trend Analysis with Applications to Coding Changes in Health Statistics

Abstract Analysis of trends in health data collected over time can be affected by instantaneous changes in coding that cause sudden increases/decreases, or “jumps,” in data. Despite these sudden changes, the underlying continuous trends can present valuable information related to the changing risk profile of the population, the introduction of screening, new diagnostic technologies, or other causes. The joinpoint model is a well-established methodology for modeling trends over time using connected linear segments, usually on a logarithmic scale. Joinpoint models that ignore data jumps due to coding changes may produce biased estimates of trends. In this article, we introduce methods to incorporate a sudden discontinuous jump in an otherwise continuous joinpoint model. The size of the jump is either estimated directly (the Joinpoint-Jump model) or estimated using supplementary data (the Joinpoint-Comparability Ratio model). Examples using ICD-9/ICD-10 cause of death coding changes, and coding changes in the staging of cancer illustrate the use of these models.
Predicting small water courses’ physico-chemical status from watershed characteristics with two multivariate statistical methods

Abstract Watershed area and a bunch of relief, land use, and wastewater characteristics for 32 upland and 33 lowland small river courses are generated. Based on these characteristics, logistic binary regression models are trained to predict if the river achieves the good physico-chemical status, and discriminant analysis models are trained to predict the physico-chemical status class on a five-class scale. Univariate models revealed that elevation (for upland rivers), the share of artificial surfaces (for lowland rivers) along with forests, and wastewater quality variables such as biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, and phosphorus are the most significant predictors. Discriminant analysis models performed better on upland than on lowland rivers. Achievement of good status could be predicted with an accuracy of ~90% (with 2 to 4 variable logit models), whereas the status class with an accuracy of 63/48% (with 2 to 4 variable discriminant analysis models) for upland and lowland rivers, respectively. This contribution uses Hungary as a case study.
Evaluating Critical Factors Impacting Real Estate Development Decisions

Abstract We find that critical factors affecting real estate project decisions can vary while market changes in the city of Ahmedabad have led to the majority of landmark buildings facing obsolesce, redevelopment and spatial redundancy. Case studies can assist in data collection in the cultural context and accommodate indirect observations of the variables analyzed in the early stages of research (Teegavarapu & Summers, 2008; Rowley, 2002). Decisions have led to capital losses for some, while bringing about profitable opportunities for developers who take timely risks. We also find that the land pooling technique used by the State in city development has successfully promoted land banking for public purpose but has also contributed to speculative land price appreciation. AHP rankings show that the surveyed practicing developers prioritized location factors such as neighborhood character and availability of land above land use zones and land auctions. Among project factors, FAR (Floor Area Ratio), abutting road width and road frontage of the land ranked higher compared to building design. In the professional practice category, the availability of finance, the timing of project announcement and past project experience of the developers ranked higher compared to brand value and speculation.
A New Type of Evolutionary Strategy Based on a Multi-player Iterated Prisoner’s Dilemma Game

Abstract According to the philosophy of self-cultivation that “one should refine his personal virtue when in poverty, and help save the world when in success”, a new type of evolutionary strategy, Poor-Competition-Rich-Cooperation (PCRC), is proposed. To discuss its superiority and inferiority, based on a multi-player iterated Prisoner’s Dilemma game, PCRC and other six kinds of strategies are played by using the roulette method in three different populations (a uniformly distributed population, a cooperation-preference population, a defection-preference population). The payoff characteristics for each strategy under different temptation coefficients and noise values are also analyzed. Simulation results indicate that PCRC has a sufficient robustness and its payoff presents a basically monotonic increasing tendency with the increment of noise. The superiority of PCRC becomes more obvious when the temptation coefficient becomes larger. Furthermore, a higher population preference for defection yields a more obvious advantage for PCRC.
The Effect of Online Unpaid Reviews made by Renowned Vloggers: the Case of Smartphones

Abstract The main aim of the study is to establish the effects of online unpaid reviews posted by internet celebrities (renowned vloggers) on audience’s purchase intention, product recommendation and engagement on the platform. The empirical research conducted for this purpose revealed that audience’s attitude towards the vlogger is positively affected by the perceived attributes of the vlogger - trustworthiness, expertise and attractiveness. Further, the attitudes towards the vlogger reflect on the attitudes towards the reviewed product, and both have positive effects on the purchase intention, product recommendations and actions on Youtube. Despite being influenced by the attitudes towards the vlogger and the product, the attitudes towards the video content don’t have a significant impact on audience’s intentions. Additional multi-group analysis showed significant differences based on audience’s gender and their familiarity with the vlogger.
New compound from the aerial parts of Achillea millefolium

ABSTRACT Essential oils extracted by hydrodistillation from the aerial parts of Achillea millefolium was characterized by means of gas chromatography and nuclear magnetic resonance. A new compound, dihydro-a-cyclogeranyl hexanoate, along with 24 known were isolated from the essential oils A.millefolium. The new compound and borneol (known main component) were also subjected to antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. The new compound was particularly active against Escherichia coli, with the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentration value. The new compound exhibited a higher activity in each antioxidant system with a special attention for β-carotene bleaching test, lipid peroxidation inhibition and reducing power. The new compound exhibited a potent nitric oxide scavenging effect and inhibited the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase. These results indicated that dihydro-a-cyclogeranyl hexanoate might be applicable in natural medicine and healthy food.
The role of particle size distribution of suspended solids in defining the flow properties of milk chocolate

Abstract The flow characteristics of molten milk chocolate, like most dense suspensions, are a function of the maximum packing fraction ((m) of the suspended solids. Milk chocolates were prepared from mixtures of two relatively narrow coarse (d4,3 = 17 μm) and fine (d4,3 = 8.5 μm) size distributions of non‐fat solids to contain 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% of the coarse component. Solids bed density (a measure of maximum packing fraction) correlated with the apparent viscosity of milk chocolates (r = ‐0.98). The highest value for solids bed density and lowest value for apparent viscosity were measured for size distributions with 75% of solids from the coarse fraction. Casson yield value correlated with d4,3 (r = ‐0.98) and specific surface area (r = 0.93). The maximum packing fraction of binary mixtures of two distinct sizes of non‐fat chocolate solids attained a maximum value for a specific volume ratio of the components. The maximum in m corresponded with the minimum viscosity in molten chocolate at a given solids volume concentration.
The social housing burden: comparing households at the periphery and the centre of cities in Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico

This article considers how housing location impacts the housing burden of low-income residents. Specifically, it assesses the impact of distance to city centre on: (1) market price of the housing unit, (2) households’ commuting expenses; and (3) households’ access to social networks. It bases its findings on 150 surveys of households living in subsidised housing units in the cities of Goiania, Brazil; Barranquilla, Colombia; and Puebla, Mexico. Distance to centre has a significant impact on all dimensions considered: the average market price for a peripheral housing unit is about 40% less than for a central one. Workers who live in the periphery spend twice the money and three times the time in commuting than those who live in central locations. Three-quarters of centrally located households visit relatives once a month or more, while only a third of peripherally located households do so. In addition, households residing in the periphery expressed their concern about being concentrated in homogeneously low-income areas. These impacts are a concern inasmuch as these housing units are solely built for improving the material conditions of low-income households, who are a captive market with very limited housing options.
Boundary feedback exponential stabilization of a Timoshenko beam with both ends free

In the present paper we consider the boundary feedback stabilization of a Timoshenko beam with both ends free. We propose boundary feedback control law that makes the closed loop system dissipative. Using asymptotic analysis techniques, we give explicit asymptotic formula of eigenvalues of the closed loop system, and prove the Riesz basis property of eigenvectors and generalized eigenvectors. By a detailed analysis of spectrum of the closed loop system, we show that the closed system is exponentially stable.
On the effectiveness of high-gain observer-based residuals for a class of non-linear control systems

The design of a high-gain observer-based residual is considered for a class of non-linear systems. Input–output maps are derived for use in residual design to increase design flexibility. An investigation is performed on two different application systems to compare and test the effectiveness of designed residuals. For each of the two application systems, of chosen dimension (starting with low dimension), residual performances are compared for different fault types, fault magnitudes and fault positions. Performances are compared for different dimensions of application system. Both qualitative and quantitative evidence is collected to show that residual effectiveness can degrade in several ways and in a non-linear manner. The latter is shown to be exhibited by certain logarithmic curves.
Non-linear observer design by reduced generalized observer canonical form

A non-linear canonical form observer design approach for multi-input multi-output systems , y = h ( x , u ), with linearizable error dynamics is proposed in the paper. The method involves a transformation of the original non-linear system in a reduced generalized observer canonical form (RGOCF) by a non-linear state transformation. The name reduced comes from the fact that this non-linear canonical form has a reduced dependency on derivatives of the inputs. Necessary and sufficient conditions for transformability are derived and a transformation algorithm based on those conditions is developed. The non-linear observer is firstly designed in the canonical coordinates of the RGOCF and then it is presented in the original and observability coordinates. A final example including simulation is given for illustration.
An Empirical Analysis of Critical Success Factors for CD-ERP Model

: Collaboratively - Developed ERP (CD - ERP) is an intermediate model between two well - known models, namely: closed - and open - source systems. This model is based on the community - source paradigm and ERP packages. It has been proposed for Libyan higher education (LHE) to be governed by a consortium of LHE institutions. To investigate the applicability of this model in LHE, this paper presents an analysis of critical success factor (CSFs) based on both a review of the relevant literature and lessons learnt from similar projects. Using the literature review, the title of the model was proposed on the basis of its fundamental elements. Cases of other projects which follow a similar approach show that community - source has been adopted by many universities and government bodies worldwide. Also, many of the issues observed in such projects are similar to those that appear in the literature, especially in regards to distributed and collaboratively working environments.
A STUDY OF APPLE TREES EXPOSED TO THE FUNGICIDE AZOXYSTROBIN AND MIXTURE INTERACTIONS WITH SURFACTANTS

A study was conducted to evaluate effects of the chemical Azoxystrobin on apple trees. Previous reports have shown that this commercial chemical is highly toxic to certain varieties of apple trees. Farmers in Northwestern Pennsylvania have reported to regulatory agencies that commercial apple trees are undergoing damage and have indicated that the cause is low exposure doses of Azoxystrobin from various sources. Results show that Azoxystrobin concentrations in the range of 100 parts per trillion and greater adversely affect trees when combined with a surfactant Damage, subacute lowest observable effect concentration, for azoxystrobin alone was shown to be around 10 part per billion. Azoxystrobin was obtained from a commercial spray tank previously used to employ this compound approximately two years ago. Sprayers tested from the local area were shown to have residue concentrations of Azoxystrobin sufficient to inflict damage to apple trees. Concentrations in contaminated sprayers ranged from <5ppm to 670ppm Azoxystrobin. A spray drift experiment demonstrated that with and without surfactant damage resulted on all leaves at distances of 250 feet. Comparison of apple blossoms in the suspect affected area with a control site suggests that plants exposed to low levels of this chemical exhibit greater blossom abnormality. It is hypothesized that damage from drift results to apple trees miles from the contaminant or emission source. Based on the finding of contaminated sprayers and that some products are currently being used which contain Azoxystrobin establishes the existence of a large number of non‐point sources for this chemical in Northwestern Pennsylvania. Apple trees have the ability to uptake this chemical through its roots (soil route) when the trees are early in their seasonal development. When trees are in later growth of the season, application of Azoxystrobin to soil did not appear to cause toxicity. Damage on leaves not treated with Azoxystrobin that emerged after application of this chemical to older leaves on the same branch indicates translocation. Study results demonstrate that use of compounds containing Azoxystrobin in general locations where apple trees or other sensitive plants are grown result in chronic toxicity from low dose exposures.
A note on pseudometrics aggregation

This paper deals with pseudometrics aggregation, that is, it studies how to combine a collection of such operators in order to obtain a single one as output. It shows how this problem may be solved in terms of a closely-related one, known as metric preservation, for which different conditions and a characterization are available. The particular case of bounded pseudometrics is also addressed, and, ﬁnally, the obtained results are applied to some common aggregation operators.
Early results of clubfoot management by ponseti method

Aim: Since long Clubfoot has been an unsolved clinical challenge for the orthopaedic surgeons. It is one of the commonest congenital deformities in children. More than 1,00,000 babies are born worldwide each year with congenital clubfoot. Around 80% of the cases occur in developing nations like India. We wish to study results and effectiveness of ponseti method in treatment of clubfoot because this method has become famous after the author reported successful correction in 85% 90% cases without need for posteromedial release. Materials and methods: 96 feet in 65 children were treated by ponseti method from June 2015 to June 2016 (31 of them have bilateral CTEV). A prospective follow up for mean duration of 18.6 months( range 6-24 months) was undertaken. All the patients were clinically evaluated by pirani scoring system at each visit with proper counselling of parents. Results: The average pirani scoring was 5.3/6. The mean number of casts given before Achilles tenotomy was 6.4. 93.75% patients needed tenotomy for full correction. There were 15(15.6%) cases with residual deformity, while 7(7.29%) feet show relapse after completion of treatment. Almost all of them have non compliance for foot abduction brace. Conclusion: The treatment of idiopathic congenital clubfoot by ponseti method is very effective and shows reproducible results. It is very cost beneficial in developing countries like India. Proper counselling and adherence to brace is highly recommended to prevent relapse.
Judging and Fitting Method for Fractured Freehand Multi-stroke Based on Tolerance Zone

In freehand sketches,a single primitive would often be fractured. To obtain standard sketches and turn frac­ tured strokes into standard primitives, this paper presented a judging and fitting method for fractured freehand multi­ stroke based on tolerance zone. The preprocessing of the sketch is to transform all strokes into approximate polylines and to obtain all strokes categorized by type. And the turning points of approximate polylines are stored for further use. This method uses the trend of freehand strokes to construct imaginary strokes. And tolerance zone is established based on the stored turning points of freehand strokes and imaginary ones. The number of the sampling points of the strokes with smaller minimum bounding rectangle, which fall into the tolerance zone of the other stroke and the imaginary one, is counted, and it^s used to judge whether two strokes are fractured multi-strokes or not. Multi-strokes are clustered to­ gether, and as a result, the sketch is divided into a set of stroke group. According to the stroke classification of each stroke group ? stroke groups are fitted with geometric primitives. The examples shown in this paper validates the feasi­ bility of this method. It lays the foundation for further sketch recognition.
Availability by Design: Practical Denial-of-Service-Resilient Distributed Wireless Networks

Distributed wireless networks (DWNs) where devices communicate directly without relying on Internet infrastructure are on the rise, driving new applications and paradigms such as multimedia, authentication, payment, Internet of things (IoT), vehicular communication, and emergency response. However, the increased societal reliance on technology and the resulting “always-on” expectations of the users increase the risk of denial-of-service (DoS) attacks as they can leverage disruption in new ways beyond extortions (ransomware) that are common in today’s Internet ecosystem. These new risks extend to our physical world, directly impacting our daily lives, e.g., by being locked out of a smart home or by disrupting vehicular collision avoidance systems. As a research community, we need to protect those new applications that—as we find—can be mapped to a total of three distinct networking scopes: neighbor, island, and archipelago. In this thesis, we advance the field in each of these scopes. First, we analyze two proprietary neighbor communication protocols, Apple Wireless Direct Link (AWDL) and Apple AirDrop, that are deployed on more than 1.4 billion devices worldwide. During the process, we uncover several security and privacy vulnerabilities ranging from design flaws to implementation bugs leading to a machine-in-the-middle (MitM) attack on AirDrop, a DoS attack on AWDL preventing communication, and DoS attacks enabling crashing of neighboring devices. In addition, we found privacy leaks that enable user identification and long-term tracking. All attacks can be mounted using low-cost off-the-shelf hardware. In total, we disclose eight distinct vulnerabilities that we mitigate in collaboration with Apple. Second, we design and implement a new island communication protocol tailored to IoT scenarios, which provides provable protections against previously neglected risks such as wormhole- and replay-supported greyhole attacks. We support our analytical findings with testbed experiments. Third, we propose an archipelago-scope communication framework for emergencies that achieves resiliency against flooding and Sybil attacks. We evaluate our design using an original expert knowledge-based simulation that models human mobility during the aftermath of the 2013 Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. Finally, and to nourish future research, we provide a guide for analyzing Apple’s wireless ecosystem and publish several software artifacts, including an AWDL Wireshark dissector, open AWDL and AirDrop implementations, a prototype of our IoT communication protocol, and our natural disaster mobility model.