Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterisation of targeted imaging and theranostic agents for cancer and fibrosis

Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging is a non-invasive modality that permits the characterisation of biological processes at the molecular level. Integrin αvβ6 and the chemokine receptor CXCR4 are important receptors in the pathogenesis of various cancers as well other diseases such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) that may be exploited for the diagnosis, prognosis and assessment of therapeutic response. The gold-standard method for diagnosis of various cancers, such as breast, is immunohistochemistry (IHC), which suffers from a lack of a well-defined and reproducible cut-off value for tumour-positive or benign classification. The integrin αvβ6 is involved in various signalling pathways and it’s expression is generally very low in healthy tissues, and is greatly upregulated in various pathologies such as cancer and IPF, being linked to worse prognosis in pancreatic, head and neck, breast and ovarian cancers. Upregulation of αvβ6 during fibrosis or in tumours makes it an attractive target for a non-invasive imaging agent for the early detection of αvβ6 in cancer or IPF, monitoring of disease progression and the assessment of therapeutic response to existing or novel therapies. This thesis has evaluated αvβ6-targeted peptides for use as non-invasive PET imaging agents. [Ga]Ga-DO3A-JD2-RGD1 was selected as the lead peptide and demonstrated high affinity binding and high specificity for αvβ6 in competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, surface plasmon resonance and cellular binding assays in vitro as well as imaging and biodistribution studies in vivo using αvβ6 cancer models, indicating its suitability for the detection of αvβ6 in cancer. Preliminary studies of [Lu]Lu-DO3A-JD2-RGD1 showed that chelation of lutetium-177 did not affect peptide binding to αvβ6, making it a promising potential peptide-receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) agent for αvβ6 cancer. The chemokine receptor CXCR4 and its cognate ligand CXCL12 play a pivotal role in normal physiological processes. CXCR4 overexpression has been associated with over twenty types of human cancer with aggressive, invasive phenotypes, presenting a requirement for a non-invasive imaging agent for the detection of malignant sites including metastatic lesions. This thesis has evaluated the CXCR4-binding characteristics of novel tetraazamacrocycles [Cu]CuCB-bicyclam and [Cu]Cu2CB-bicyclam, synthesised by Archibald and colleagues, by surface plasmon resonance in a comparison study with the clinically used AMD3100. Both novel inhibitors were able to bind to CXCR4 with greater affinity than AMD3100, indicating their suitability for further validation as both PET imaging agents in CXCR4 cancer detection and therapeutic agents in cancer and IPF.
Building relationships on social networking sites from a social work approach

ABSTRACT Our current age of connectedness has facilitated a boom in interactive dynamics within social networking sites. It is, therefore, possible for the field of Social Work to draw on these advantages in order to connect with the unconnected by strengthening online mutual support networks among users. The aim of this article is to examine whether ‘connectedness’ in social networking sites improves online social capital and resilience of social service users. Through our analysis of social networks carried out on an experimental model, we observed the patterns of connectedness on Facebook of 50 social service end-users from Málaga, Spain. The detection of online communities through the modularity algorithm has allowed us to ascertain whether individuals’ offline realities mirror their online realities. At the same time, we examined the influence certain interactions (likes, comments, etc.) have on leadership through online ethnography. Finally, online social capital, understood as the combination of connectedness and online interaction, has been correlated with users’ resilience. The results reveal that both connectedness and interaction feed themselves and have correlations with resilience.
Novel High Negative Chromatic Dispersion Photonic Crystal Fiber with Low Confinement Loss

In this paper, we propose a novel dual core concentric photonic crystal fiber with high negative chromatic dispersion and low confinement loss. Finite element method with perfectly matched layers(PMLS) is used to investigate the guiding properties. In order to achieve a high negative chromatic dispersion, small air holes are added in the inner core as well as the liquid filling the outer core. The numerical results show a negative dispersion coefficient and confinement loss of -78010ps/nm/km, 0.05dB/km respectively at λ=155μm, which make the proposed design an excellent device in high transmission system for dispersion compensation.
Origin and distribution of trace elements in the campus dust of Xi’an, China

Abstract The concentrations of As, Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn in dust samples from kindergartens, primary schools, secondary schools, and universities in Xi'an City have been determined by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. The element concentrations in dust samples collected from the campuses were higher than background levels, in particular for Pb, Zn, Cr, Cu, Co, and Ba. Summary statistics and enrichment factors allowed for the differentiation between contributions from local soil and from anthropogenic sources. The results of a multivariate spatial correlation-principal component analysis demonstrated that metal concentrations could be related to natural and anthropogenic sources separately and in combination. Source apportionment based on multiple linear regression indicated that 67% of the trace elements could be ascribed to natural and traffic sources, 13% to industrial sources, 19% to construction activities, and an additional 1% to traffic and industrial sources.
fMRI detection of Asperger's Disorder using support vector machine classification

Introduction Recently, a resting state functional MRI study [1] reported that subjects with Asperger’s disorder showed decreased functional connectivity between nodes in the default mode network [2]. In the present work, we develop a machine learning algorithm using Support Vector Machines (SVM) to classify subjects with Asperger’s disorder from normal subjects in a more objective and automated manner. Methods Written informed consent as approved by the Emory University IRB was obtained for all subjects prior to enrollment in the study. Resting-state fMRI scan data was collected from 7 subjects with Asperger’s disorder and 17 normal (healthy control) subjects on a 3T Siemens Trio scanner. Acquisition parameters : FOV 22cm, matrix size 64x64, in-plane resolution 3.4x3. 4 mm, 10 contiguous 5-mm thick axial slices, TR 750ms, TE 35ms, flip angle 50 degree, total scan time 3.5 minutes, 280 volumes collected. For each patient, a correlation map was generated by computing the correlation between the time series of each voxel and that of a seed voxel taken from the posterior cingulate cortex (MNI: -2, -51, 17). The correlation values were normalized using Fisher z-transformation, and the resulting z-maps were transformed into MNI space using SPM [4]. Different combinations of preprocessing methods were then applied prior to performing SVM training: 1) taking absolute correlation values, 2) smoothing with a Gaussian kernel with FWHM of 6 voxels, 3) spatial masking of correlation values to include only regions in the default mode network. The processed correlation maps were then used to train an SVM model, using a linear kernel in libSVM [3] and 3dSVM in AFNI [5,6]. Leave-one-out crossvalidation (LOOCV) was then performed to estimate the classification performance for each combination of the preprocessing choices. Weight vector maps were generated in each case. Results The resultant classification accuracy values for each combination of the preprocessing methods are presented in Table 1, with the highest classification accuracy using all three preprocessing methods, with only one misclassification. Figure 1 shows an example of the weight vector map for one preprocessing combination (number 5). The top 10% of the positive weights are superimposed on normalized brain data as shown in the figure. It should be noted that significant classification weights appear to occur in regions associated with the default mode network (i.e. posterior cingulate cortex, medial prefrontal cortex and lateral parietal cortex). Preprocessing Combinations
Development of a method to calculate the probability of a berth failure under vertical stochastic load

We developed the method for determining the probability of achieving the maximum value of loads from the cargo that is stored at the port terminal warehouse on the front wall of the berth under conditions of uncertainty of the moments of vessel approach and their loading. The method is based on the construction and analysis of the stochastic model of operation of a port terminal, consisting of a single berth and a warehouse together with the reloading equipment. The process of the arrival of vessels with cargo is supposed to be described by the model of a complex Poisson process; the whole cargo unloaded from the vessels arrives at a warehouse and is transported from a warehouse by the land transport in a uniform way at constant intensity. The probabilistic model of the operation of the system "a warehouse – a berth" at the port terminal was constructed with the help of the mathematical theory of risk. We formulated the criterion of safe operation of a berth at its structural elements being influenced by the random load of the cargo, stored in a warehouse in the rear of the berth, as the probability of not exceeding the maximum admissible value of the pressure on the front wall of the berth (according to the Coulomb law). To find the probability of a berth failure, the linear integral equation of the convolution type, the solution to which was found for a series of particular cases, was derived. Based on the found probability for a berth failure, two practically important problems were stated and solved. First, the values of intensity of cargo transporting from a warehouse, which ensures the absence of a failure with the small enough assigned probability, were determined. Second, we stated the criterion of the economic viability of insuring the port losses as a result of elimination of consequences of a berth failure due to the maximum admissible value being exceeded by loads over the assigned period of time. The numerical illustration of the specified problems was presented
Competências interculturais de aprendentes chineses no contexto português de imersão: uma investigação qualitativa multidimensional

A partir de uma perspectiva de educação intercultural no ensino-aprendizagem de PLE, o presente estudo pretende abordar o enquadramento das dimensões (atitude, conhecimento, aptidões, consciência) de competências interculturais, na perceção dos aprendentes chineses de PLE no seu estudo de imersão. Com base na análise dos dados da investigação qualitativa, é permitido chegar às seguintes conclusões: 1) a perceção do público-alvo chinês sobre CI tem como base um modelo multidimensional composto pelas dimensões acima enunciadas; 2) na codificação dessas dimensões verifica-se no público-alvo chinês a existência de uma diferenciação equilibrada no que se refere à identificação e resolução de dificuldades/problemas; 3) no contexto de imersão em Portugal, vê-se a valorização de atitudes e da consciência intercultural e constata-se a lacuna do conhecimento e o défice linguístico e não-linguístico nas aptidões do público-alvo chinês.
Coap Management Interface Draft-vanderstok-core-comi-09

This document describes a network management interface for constrained devices, called CoMI. CoMI is an adaptation of the RESTCONF protocol for use in constrained devices and networks. The Constrained Application Protocol (CoAP) is used to access management data resources specified in YANG, or SMIv2 converted to YANG. CoMI use the YANG to CBOR mapping and encodes YANG names to reduce payload size.
PREDICTING LEARNING OUTCOMES WITH MOOCS CLICKSTREAMS

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) have gradually become one of the dominant trends in education. Since 2014, the Ministry of Education in Taiwan has been promoting MOOCs programs with successful results. Due to its self-paced mode, however, the low completion rate of MOOCs has recently become the focus of attention. The mechanism to effectively improve the course completion rate continues to be of great interest to both teachers and researchers. In this study, we generated a sequence of learning behaviors of learners by using their video clickstream records on the MOOCs platform to find patterns in the learners’ cognitive participation. Then, we built practical machine learning models using K-Nearest Neighbor, Support Vector Machine, and Artificial Neural Network algorithms to predict learning performance through student learning behavior. Using these models, we were able to determine the relevance of video viewing behavior to learning outcomes in order to assist teachers in helping learners who need additional support to pass the course.
Review of Geophysical Exploration on Mined-out Areas and Water Abundance

With the increase in mining depth, the presence of goafs has become increasingly severe in mine safety. The accurate and effective detection of underground goafs and their water abundance is the key to ensure the safety of mine production. On the basis of the relevant research, this paper defines different goaf types from the perspective of geophysical exploration and discusses the geophysical prerequisites for goaf detection. DC methods, electromagnetic methods, seismic methods, and other geophysical methods on the ground and in the subsurface are reviewed and summarized using the method's principle, research status, and technical features. Research progress on the geophysical methods in goafs and their water abundance detection are introduced, including the electrical source short-offset transient electromagnetic method (SOTEM), the wave-field transformation and synthetic aperture of the transient electromagnetic method, and comprehensive detection. At the end of the paper, a direction for the development of coal mined-out areas and their water abundance detection is put forward, including information fusion technology, ground-airborne electromagnetic methods, magnetic resonance sounding (MRS), surface-borehole transient electromagnetic method, surface-borehole seismic methods, and seismic while tunneling technology. The application prospects of these methods are discussed, and the results of this study are expected to considerably improve the location precision and resolution of the goaf detection on the basis of the implications of these techniques.
Collaborative Prepositioning Network Design for Regional Disaster Response

We present a collaborative prepositioning strategy to strengthen the disaster preparedness of the Caribbean countries, which are frequently hit by hurricanes. Since different subsets of countries are affected in each hurricane season, significant risk pooling benefits can be achieved through horizontal collaboration, which involves joint ownership of prepositioned stocks. We worked with the intergovernmental Caribbean Disaster and Emergency Management Agency to design a collaborative prepositioning network in order to improve regional response capacity. We propose a novel insurance‐based method to allocate the costs incurred to establish and operate the proposed collaborative prepositioning network among the partner countries. We present a stochastic programming model, which determines the locations and amounts of relief supplies to store, as well as the investment to be made by each country such that their premium is related to the cost associated with the expected value and the standard deviation of their demand. We develop a realistic data set for the network by processing real‐world data. We conduct extensive numerical analyses and present insights that support practical implementation. We show that a significant reduction in total inventory can be achieved by applying collaborative prepositioning as opposed to a decentralized policy. Our results also demonstrate that reducing the replenishment lead time during the hurricane season and improving sea connectivity are essential to increasing the benefits resulting from the network.
Functional Outcome of Elbow Kinematics in Radial Head Excision Versus Radial Head Replacement: A Comparative Study

BACKGROUND: Radial head fractures are quite common with incidence 1.5-4% of all adult fractures. The treatment for these fractures depends upon age, type of injury and whether the physics is closed or not. AIM: Comparison between radial head excision versus radial head replacement based on mayo elbow scoring in comminuted radial head fractures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We did a prospective comparative study comprising 32 patients between age 22-60 years with Mason type II/III radial head fractures at Sir J.J Group of Hospitals, Mumbai. The patients were randomised using the admission day of the week placing 17 patients in the arthroplasty group and 15 patients in the excision group. The patients were followed up for 18-24 months (average 20 months) postoperatively. Results were analysed by the Mayo’s elbow performance score at 6 months and 18 months and were statistically evaluated by unpaired t-test. RESULTS: At 6 months, radial head arthroplasty gave excellent results in 2 patients, good in 5 patients and fair in 8 patients. In excision, there were 5 patients with excellent results at 6 months, 7 with good results and 2 with fair results. At 18 months, of the 17 patients who had undergone head arthroplasty, 2 had excellent results, and the same number had poor results. 7 (46.7%) of the 15 cases who had undergone radial head excision had excellent results. Good results were obtained in 7 cases of each. There was 6 cases (35.3%) of radial head arthroplasty which fell into the fair group. As per Mayo’s score at 6 months follow up, mean and standard deviation (SD) of the scores in arthroplasty was 68.82 and 18.66 respectively & for excision, it was 85.66 and 10.66. At 18 months follow up, it was 75 and 14.89 for arthroplasty & 90.66 and 7.98 for excision. The difference between the results was statistically significant (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Our study shows that long and short-term results of radial head excision are better as compared to arthroplasty in comminuted radial head fractures based on mayo elbow scoring, particularly for dominant upper limbs.
Dependence of Muscle Torque of Ankle Plantar and Dorsal Flexors on Different Ankle Angles

Research background and hypothesis. There is much research information about the relationship between the knee joint angle and the quadriceps muscle torque (Mohamed et al., 2002), but still we lack evidence about the relationship between ankle angle and calf muscle torque. Research aim. The purpose of this research was to establish the dependence of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and electrical stimulation (ES)-evoked torque and calf muscle electrical activity (EMG) on different ankle plantar and dorsal ﬂ exion angles. We hypothesized that the calf muscle MVC and ES-evoked torque as well as muscle EMG amplitude would increase with increasing muscle length (i. . increasing ankle angle). Research methods. The subjects in the research were ten non-trained men. Calf plantar and dorsal ﬂ exors muscle ES and MVC torque were tested at eight different ankle angles (–25 o ; –15 o ; –5 o ; 0 o ; 15 o ; 25 o ; 35 o ; 45 o ) which were chosen in randomized sequence. The tibialis anterior, soleus, gastrocnemius lateralis and medialis muscle EMG were measured during muscle MVC.Research results. The results showed that the highest ES-evoked and MVC developed torque of plantar ﬂ exion muscles was at –25° ankle angle (149.1 ± 31.6 N·m and 207.8 ± 38.1 N·m, respectively), while the highest dorsal ﬂ exion MVC muscle torque was at 25° ankle angle (47.2 ± 8.1 N·m). However, dorsal ﬂ exion muscle MVC torque increased with the muscle length only until 25° ankle angle. Discussion and conclusions. Plantar flexion muscle electrical stimulation evoked and plantar / dorsal ﬂ exion muscle maximal voluntary contraction torques are highest at that ankle angle where muscle length is the longest.Keywords: maximal voluntary contraction, electrical stimulation, EMG.
Adaptive System Identification and Severity Index-Based Fault Diagnosis in Motors

In this paper, a model-based fault detection and isolation (FDI) method is presented using an adaptive system identification approach. The proposed FDI method consists of three essential steps: adaptive modeling and residual generation, fault detection using adaptive hybrid threshold, and fault identification using fault severity indices. The primary task is based on current signal modeling using an input–output identification method. The modeled signal is utilized for residual generation and a dynamic and hybrid thresholding method is used for residual analysis and fault detection. Moreover, the concept of fault severity indices is incorporated for the identification of fault type and severity level. In this study, the proposed method is experimentally investigated using an induction motor testbed. Fault detection and identification is performed for broken rotor bar as well as inner race and outer race bearing faults. Experimental results are included to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed method for fault detection and isolation. The results demonstrate robust fault detection and accurate fault isolation. The proposed fault diagnosis method provides an efficient flexible solution for improving system reliability and safety.
Localization and ,litigation of radio frequency interference for interferometric arrays

Localization and Mitigation of Radio Frequency Interference for Interferometric Arrays J. W. Steeb Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa. Dissertation: PhD (Eng) December 2018 Radio telescopes have increased exponentially in sensitivity ever since the rst single dish radio telescopes were built in the 1930's. This trend continues with the development of next generation telescopes such as the Square Kilometre Array (SKA). Parallel to the development of radio telescopes, has been the rapid expansion of telecommunication technologies. Consequently, radio telescopes are becoming more sensitive in an environment with ever increasing radio frequency interference (RFI). The ideal solution to RFI that is detected by a radio telescope is to locate its source and then have it removed. Removal of the source is usually only possible if it is occurring in a protected band or the radio telescope is in a radio quiet zone. Unfortunately, most of the radio spectrum has been allocated to active communication services and not all radio telescopes are in radio quiet zones. The alternative is to mitigate its e ect using methods such as spatial RFI mitigation. The contributions of this PhD dissertation are twofold: rstly, a source localization algorithm that takes into account the constraints and advantages of the arrays used for radio astronomy has been developed; and secondly, existing spatial RFI mitigation techniques have been adapted to take into account the bandwidth of the RFI signals. The computationally e cient localization algorithm that was developed is best suited for interferometric arrays with low array beam sidelobes. Two variants of the algorithm were developed, one that works for sources in the neareld and the other for fareld sources. In the neareld, the computational complexity of the algorithm is linear with search grid size compared to cubic scaling of the state-of-the-art 3-D MUSIC method. The trade-o is that ii Stellenbosch University https://scholar.sun.ac.za