Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bioinspired Cellular Nonlinear Networks working on the edge of chaos

The most widely-used model of the excitation and propagation of impulse (action potential) in nerve membranes is the Hodgkin-Huxley system. In this paper we consider its simplification - a coupled FitzHugh Nagumo model. We shall study its dynamics from the point of view of local activity theory and we shall define the edge of chaos region in which complex behavior appears. Simulations show that oscillatory patterns, chaotic patterns, or divergent patterns may emerge if the selected cell parameters are located in locally-active domains but near the edge of chaos.
Spectroscopic and Molecular Docking Studies of a Novel Biologically Active Heterocyclic Compound 2-Chloro-6-Methoxypyridine-4-Carboxylic Acid by Quantum Computational Method

Abstract The molecular structure, electronic and spectroscopic (FT-IR, FT-Raman, UV-Vis, 1H, and 13C NMR) behavior of the 2-chloro-6-methoxypyridine-4-carboxylic acid (CMPC) molecule was investigated. Quantum computational calculations for monomers and dimers of CMPC molecules were performed by the DFT method using the B3LYP/6-311++G (d,p) basis set. The title molecule displayed two types of dimers such as head to tail (HT) and head to head (HH). Fukui function and global softness of CMPC monomer and dimers were predicted through Mulliken population analysis. Natural Bonding Orbital analysis revealed the presence of intermolecular interaction between two monomer units. In non-linear optical property calculation, the monomer shows six times more than that of urea while the dimer displays thirty times greater than that of the urea molecule. Hence CMPC dimer shows better NLO activity than monomer. The MEP map identifies the reactive sites of the CMPC molecule. Lipinski’s rule of five and bioavailability score show that the CMPC molecule was a very good candidate for protein-ligand interaction and it may suitable for the new drug designing process. Finally, the molecular docking analysis shows an inhibition activity of CMPC molecule against antimicrobial activity and Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
The Impact of Mortality Salience, Negative Emotions and Cultural Values on Suicidal Ideation in COVID-19: A Conditional Process Model

As suicides incurred by the COVID-19 outbreak keep happening in many countries, researchers have raised concerns that the ongoing pandemic may lead to “a wave of suicides” in society. Suicidal ideation (SI) is a critical factor in conducting suicide intervention and also an important indicator for measuring people’s mental health. Therefore, it is vital to identify the influencing factors of suicidal ideation and its psychological mechanism during the outbreak. Based on the terror management theory, in the present study we conducted a social media big data analysis to explore the joint effects of mortality salience (MS), negative emotions (NE), and cultural values on suicidal ideation in 337 regions on the Chinese mainland. The findings showed that (1) mortality salience was a positive predictor of suicidal ideation, with negative emotions acting as a mediator; (2) individualism was a positive moderator in the first half-path of the mediation model; (3) collectivism was a negative moderator in the first half-path of the mediation model. Our findings not only expand the application of the terror management theory in suicide intervention but provide some insights into post-pandemic mental healthcare. Timely efforts are needed to provide psychological interventions and counseling on outbreak-caused negative emotions in society. Compared with people living in collectivism-prevailing regions, those living in individualism-prevailing regions may be more vulnerable to mortality salience and negative emotions and need more social attention.
Preliminary Discovery of Small Molecule Inhibitors of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) That Bind to the Extracellular Domain

Simple Summary The Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) is a receptor protein involved in many types of cancers. EGFR can be inhibited by monoclonal antibodies (protein drugs acting on the extracellular domain of the protein) or by ATP-mimic compounds (small molecule drugs blocking the intracellular domain). Here we report the identification of a novel potential class of drugs, i.e., small molecules acting on the extracellular domain of EGFR. The identified compounds modified the trafficking of EGFR and induced cytotoxicity in cells overexpressing EGFR and insensitive to monoclonal antibodies being active in cell lines bearing KRAS mutations. Abstract The Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) is a transmembrane glycoprotein belonging to the protein kinase superfamily. It is composed of an extracellular domain, a transmembrane anchoring region and a cytoplasmic region endowed with tyrosine kinase activity. Genetic mutations of EGFR kinase cause higher activity thereby stimulating downstream signaling pathways that, in turn, impact transcription and cell cycle progression. Due to the involvement of mutant EGFR in tumors and inflammatory diseases, in the past decade, several EGFR inhibitory strategies have been extensively studied, either targeting the extracellular domain (through monoclonal antibodies) or the intracellular kinase domain (through ATP-mimic small molecules). Monoclonal antibodies impair the binding to growth factor, the receptor dimerization, and its activation, whereas small molecules block the intracellular catalytic activity. Herein, we describe the development of a novel small molecule, called DSF-102, that interacts with the extracellular domain of EGFR. When tested in vitro in KRAS mutant A549 cells, it impairs EGFR activity by exerting (i) dose-dependent toxicity effects; (ii) a negative regulation of ERK, MAPK p38 and AKT; and (iii) a modulation of the intracellular trafficking and lysosomal degradation of EGFR. Interestingly, DSF-102 exerts its EGFR inhibitory activity without showing interaction with the intracellular kinase domain. Taken together, these findings suggest that DSF-102 is a promising hit compound for the development of a novel class of anti-EGFR compounds, i.e., small molecules able to interact with the extracellular domain of EGFR and useful for overcoming the KRAS-driven resistance to TKI treatment.
Design Space Exploration of Practical VVC Encoding for Emerging Media Applications

Versatile Video Coding (VVC/H.266) is the latest video coding standard designed for a broad range of next-generation media applications. This paper explores the design space of practical VVC encoding by profiling the Fraunhofer Versatile Video Encoder (VVenC). All experiments were conducted over five 2160p video sequences and their downsampled versions under the random access (RA) condition. The exploration was performed by analyzing the rate-distortion-complexity (RDC) of the VVC block structure and coding tools. First, VVenC was profiled to provide a breakdown of coding block distribution and coding tool utilization in it. Then, the usefulness of each VVC coding tool was analyzed for its individual impact on overall RDC performance. Finally, our findings were elevated to practical implementation guidelines: the highest coding gains come with the multi type tree (MTT) structure, adaptive loop filter (ALF), cross component linear model (CCLM), and bi-directional optical flow (BDOF) coding tools, whereas multi transform selection (MTS) and affine motion estimation are the primary candidates for complexity reduction. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work to provide a comprehensive RDC analysis for practical VVC encoding. It can serve as a basis for practical VVC encoder implementation or optimization on various computing platforms.
Radiomic Signatures Associated with CD8+ Tumour-Infiltrating Lymphocytes: A Systematic Review and Quality Assessment Study

Simple Summary Immune checkpoint inhibitors can be effective drugs to treat cancer. However, only a minority of patients derive benefits. An important determinant of treatment success is the abundance of CD8-expressing tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (CD8+ TILs) in target tumours. The measurement of CD8+ TIL density in the clinical setting relies on tissue sampling. Radiomics, the process of extracting a large number of features from radiological images, may offer a non-invasive alternative. The premise of radiomics is that features on medical images are linked to the underlying molecular, physiological, and structural properties of the tumour. In this systematic review, we address available evidence linking imaging features of tumours with levels of CD8+ TILs. Abstract The tumour immune microenvironment influences the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Within this microenvironment are CD8-expressing tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (CD8+ TILs), which are an important mediator and marker of anti-tumour response. In practice, the assessment of CD8+ TILs via tissue sampling involves logistical challenges. Radiomics, the high-throughput extraction of features from medical images, may offer a novel and non-invasive alternative. We performed a systematic review of the available literature reporting radiomic signatures associated with CD8+ TILs. We also aimed to evaluate the methodological quality of the identified studies using the Radiomics Quality Score (RQS) tool, and the risk of bias and applicability with the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) tool. Articles were searched from inception until 31 December 2021, in three electronic databases, and screened against eligibility criteria. Twenty-seven articles were included. A wide variety of cancers have been studied. The reported radiomic signatures were heterogeneous, with very limited reproducibility between studies of the same cancer group. The overall quality of studies was found to be less than desirable (mean RQS = 33.3%), indicating a need for technical maturation. Some potential avenues for further investigation are also discussed.
Pengaruh Kepercayaan dan Kepuasan Pelanggan terhadap Loyalitas Pelanggan pada AP Garage (Bengkel Cat & Custom)

This study aims to analyze and examine the effect of trust and customer satisfaction on customer loyalty at AP Garage (Paint & Custom Workshop). The population of this research is AP Garage (Paint & Custom Workshop) customers who have used the services of AP Garage (Paint & Custom Workshop) at least twice. The sample of this study was determined using non-probability sampling so as to produce 50 respondents. The results in this study indicate that trust contributes positively to AP Garage's customer loyalty, the higher the customer's trust in a service, the higher the level of customer loyalty to the service. For customer satisfaction, it is known to contribute positively to customer loyalty. If the customer is satisfied, the customer will not move to another place and will not be reluctant to take advantage of the services that have satisfied him.
Lorentz Group in Ray and Polarization Optics

While the Lorentz group serves as the basic language for Einstein's special theory of relativity, it is turning out to be the basic mathematical instrument in optical sciences, particularly in ray optics and polarization optics. The beam transfer matrix, commonly called the $ABCD$ matrix, is shown to be a two-by-two representation of the Lorentz group applicable to the three-dimensional space-time consisting of two space and one time dimensions. The Jones matrix applicable to polarization states turns out to be the two-by-two representations of the Lorentz group applicable to the four-dimensional space-time consisting of three space and one time dimensions. The four-by-four Mueller matrix applicable to the Stokes parameters as well as the Poincar\'e sphere are both shown to be the representations of the Lorentz group.
Future Perspective of NGS Data for Evaluation of Population Genetic Structure in Turkish Cattle

Developments in sequencing and SNP chip technologies have enabled scientists to obtain high-density genomic data from different livestock species, including cattle. Moreover, many bioinformatics tools are available to analyse high-density genomic data. Via these tools, several statistical approaches such as Principal Component Analysis and clusterin-based analyses could be conducted to reveal the genetic structure of cattle populations. However, revealing the genetic structure and selection signatures of Turkish cattle breeds is a new area of research, since the previous studies are limited with a few microsatellite data. On the other hand, rearing in different geographical and environmental conditions for a long period could possibly lead to more genetic variation in native Turkish cattle breeds compared to high-yielding culture breeds. These variations obviously cannot be detected by limited number of microsatellite markers, while Next Generation Sequencing is promising for further population structure studies. Hence this review aims to summarise previous studies and give a perspective of Next Generation Sequencing possibilities to reveal the population structure of Turkish cattle for further studies.
Necessary and sufficient conditions for the optimal control of systems with random coefficients

Considers a stochastic control problem with linear dynamics, convex cost criterion, and convex state constraint, in which the control enters both the drift and diffusion coefficients. These coefficients are allowed to be random, and no L/sup P/-bounds are imposed on the control. The authors obtain for this model an explicit solution for the adjoint equation, and a global stochastic maximum principle. This is the first version of the stochastic maximum principle that covers the consumption-investment problem. When the authors assume, as in other versions of the stochastic maximum principle, that the admissible controls are square-integrable, they obtain not only a necessary but also a sufficient condition for optimality. The mathematical tools are those of stochastic calculus and convex analysis. <<ETX>>
Strong Ground Motion Estimation

This progressive sequence of ground motion surprises suggests that the current state of knowledge in strong motion seismology is probably not adequate to make unequivocal strong ground motion predictions. However, with these caveats in mind, strong ground motion estimation provides substantial value by reducing risks associated with earthquakes and engineered structures. We present the current state of earthquake ground motion estimation. We start with seismic source characterization, because this is the most important and challenging part of the problem. To better understand the challenges of developing ground motion prediction equations (GMPE) using strong motion data, we present the physical factors that influence strong ground shaking. New calculations are presented to illustrate potential pitfalls and identify key issues relevant to ground motion estimation and future ground motion research and applications. Particular attention is devoted to probabilistic implications of all aspects of ground motion estimation.
Competence of Internal Auditors in Higher Education

The purpose of this study is to analyze the independence and competence of internal auditors in improving audit quality results. In the quality management cycle, the role of both external and internal auditors cannot be separated. The Auditor Activity Report provides various feedback for improvement. Because auditors must have the required competencies. There are 45 minimum competencies that auditors at Institut Agama Islam Negeri Curup must possess. From the research findings, there are several competencies that have not been mastered optimally, namely the ability to explain concepts or ideas orally or in writing clearly and fluently, have not attended training at least once a semester, managing audit management, innovative, professional, systematic nature, understanding of definition and terms of quality requirements and understanding of measurement, analysis and improvement.
Isomorphisms between consecutive pattern classes

We consider isomorphisms between consecutive pattern classes. This was done for classical patterns classes by Albert et al. in 2013. Smith showed in 2006 that there are no non-trivial automorphisms of the full poset of classical pattern containment. We show that the same holds for the full poset of consecutive pattern containment. Smith also showed that the set of nonrecognizable permutations is finite in the classical case. We will show that this set is infinite in the consecutive case. Then we provide a consecutive pattern classes whose growth rate approaches 1 with a continuum of automorphisms, which is different from the classical case. Einsmotanir milli flokka samliggjandi mynstra Lina Viðarsdottir Januar 2015 Utdrattur I þessari ritgerð er fjallað um einsmotanir milli flokka samliggjandi mynstra. Einsmotanir milli flokka klassiskra mynstra voru rannsakaðar af Albert, Atkinson og Claesson arið 2013. Arið 2006 sýndi Smith að einu sjalfmotanir klassiska mynstra hlaðmengisins vaeru einfoldu samhverfurnar. Við sýnum fram a að það sama gildi fyrir hlaðmengi samliggjandi mynstra. Smith sýndi einnig fram a að mengi oþekkjanlegra umraðana er endanlegt þegar um raeðir klassisk mynstur. Við sýnum hins vegar fram a að i tilfelli samliggjandi mynstra er mengi oþekkjanlegra umraðana oendanlegt. Einnig sýnum við að til er samliggjandi mynstra flokkur með vaxtarhraða sem nalgast 1 sem hefur oteljanlega margar sjalfmotanir, en þetta er frabrugðið þvi sem gerist i tilfelli klassiskra mynstra.
Health Related Behaviors and Life Satisfaction in Patients Undergoing Infertility Treatment

The aim of the study was to evaluate the level of life satisfaction and health behaviors presented by patients with diagnosed infertility. This cross-sectional study included 456 patients (235 women and 221 men) from infertile couples in southeastern Poland from June 2019 to February 2020. Participants completed a questionnaire on sociodemographic characteristics, the Health Behaviors Inventory (HBI), and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). The average score of severity of health behaviors for the study group was 82.96 points. Satisfaction with life at a higher level was declared by 57.6% of respondents, at an average level was declared by 31.4%, and at a lower level was declared by 11%. The SWLS score for the entire study group was 24.11 points (6.82 points on the sten scale). Respondents who achieved a higher rate of life satisfaction also had a higher level of severity of health behaviors (p < 0.0001). There were no significant differences between male and female SWLS scores, although the women had significantly higher rates of severity of health behaviors than men. The level of health behavior is positively related to life satisfaction in infertile patients. Medical personnel should conduct health education on a healthy lifestyle that promotes the improvement of reproductive health.
Tax composition and economic growth in the age of demographic change

ABSTRACT This study analyses the impact of the relative use of distortionary and non-distortionary taxes on economic growth using a panel of Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries and a sample period of 1980–2015. In particular, we examine whether the impact of non-distortionary taxes on economic growth increases with ageing, which has increased in western countries over the past 30 years. We do so by extending the dataset to include the dramatic change in the demographic structure seen in OECD countries since 1990. Using this lengthened data range allows us to find a negative effect of distortionary taxation as expected. However, our results also show that an increase in non-distortionary taxation is negatively associated with growth. This study thus argues that recent distortions from non-distortionary taxation can be accounted for by the rapid ageing of the population. Ideal tax systems are often formulated by economists, but politicians cannot always adopt such an ideal tax design because of the risk of losing popularity with the electorate. Our analysis could be applied to design tax systems that can be implemented in the real world.
Public funding constrains effective postfire emergency restoration in Portugal

In the last decades, fire regimes in Europe have changed toward an increased occurrence of extreme fire events with large burned areas and associated impacts. Portugal is one of the countries most affected by wildfires, with extraordinary negative impacts. Postfire emergency stabilization is an important restoration practice to mitigate fire impacts in the short term. The present study aims to improve understanding of how public funding processes affect the efficiency of postfire emergency stabilization in Portugal. We analyzed the process of public funding for postfire emergency stabilization in 2009–2018 using data from public reports assessing the needs for interventions (147), open calls resulting from those reports (12), and implementation projects subsidized by the calls (517). Our results show that available funding through calls for postfire emergency stabilization responded to the needs assessed by previous reports, but there was no available funding (reports and calls) for many (37%) of the large burned areas (>1,000 ha) in 2009–2018. Furthermore, the effectiveness of public funding for postfire emergency stabilization in Portugal is limited by the financial model, lack of eligibility of relevant treatments, the constant change of calls criteria, and slow decision‐making and execution that exceeds the optimal timeframe. As a consequence, implementation of postfire emergency stabilization within an optimal timeframe is halted by insufficient financial capacity of private beneficiaries. We discuss effective funding mechanisms from other countries and suggest improvements for the funding process in Portugal.
Oils Combination with Microalgal Products as a Strategy for Increasing the N-3 Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Content in Fish Oil-Free Diets for Meagre (Argyrosomus regius)

Diversification of species and ingredients is essential for further developing aquaculture production. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential of a blend of microalgae oils and poultry oil as total replacers of fish oil in aquafeeds, a fast-growing species for aquaculture diversification, that was shown to require high dietary n-3 LC-PUFA levels. For that purpose, meagre juveniles ( 2.74 ± 0.01 g initial body weight) were fed one of the four experimental diets for 30 days. A control diet (FO diet) was based on 5% fish oil and 7% of rapeseed oil, whereas in the other three diets, fish oil was totally replaced by either poultry oil only (PO diet), or blending poultry oil and one of two commercial algal oils (ED and DD diets). Growth performance, tissue composition, and the expression of genes related to fatty acid biosynthesis, antioxidant defense system, and heat shock proteins were determined. Diets with blends of poultry and microalgae oils supported good growth and feed utilization of meagre. Besides, these diets maintained high DHA tissue contents and good fillet lipid quality indices, like in those fish fed the control diet containing fish oil. Furthermore, the meagre fed ED diet showed the highest expression of gpx, in agreement with the highest dietary polyunsaturated fatty acid content. These results demonstrated the good potential of blending these two commercial microalgae oils with poultry oil to completely replace fish oil cost-effectevily in diets for meagre. In contrast, PO as the sole replacer of fish oil was not able to support fish growth performance and tissue contents of n-3 LC-PUFA, leading to an increased thrombogenic index in fish fillets. Additionally, the low dietay n-3 LC-PUFA content of PO diet upregulated the relative expression offads2 while downregulating gpx compared to microalgal diets.