Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Measurement of network-based and random meetings in social networks

Social networks are created by the underlying behavior of the actors involved in them. Each actor has interactions with other actors in the network and these interactions decide whether a social relationship should develop between them. Such interactions may occur due to meeting processes such as chance-based meetings or network-based (choice) meetings. Depending upon which of these two types of interactions plays a greater role in creation of links, a social network shall evolve accordingly. This evolution shall result in the social network obtaining a suitable structure and certain unique features. The aim of this work is to determine the relative ratio of the meeting processes that exist between different actors in a social network and their importance in understanding the procedure of network formation. This is achieved by selecting a suitable network genesis model. For this purpose, different models for network genesis are discussed in detail and their differences are highlighted through experimental results. Network genesis models are compared and contrasted with other approaches available in the literature, such as simulation-based models and block models. Performance measures to compare the results of the network genesis models with baselines are statistics of networks recreated using the models. The socially generated networks studied here belong to various domains like e- commerce, electoral processes, social networking websites, peer to peer file-sharing websites, and Internet graphs. The insights obtained after analyzing these datasets by network genesis models are used for prescribing measures that could ensure continuous growth of these social networks and improve the benefits for the actors involved in them.
Integrating Artificial Neural Networks into the VIC Model for Rainfall-Runoff Modeling

A hybrid rainfall-runoff model was developed in this study by integrating the variable infiltration capacity (VIC) model with artificial neural networks (ANNs). In the proposed model, the prediction interval of the ANN replaces separate, individual simulation (i.e., single simulation). The spatial heterogeneity of horizontal resolution, subgrid-scale features and their influence on the streamflow can be assessed according to the VIC model. In the routing module, instead of a simple linear superposition of the streamflow generated from each subbasin, ANNs facilitate nonlinear mappings of the streamflow produced from each subbasin into the total streamflow at the basin outlet. A total of three subbasins were delineated and calibrated independently via the VIC model; daily runoff errors were simulated for each subbasin, then corrected by an ANN bias-correction model. The initial streamflow and corrected runoff from the simulation for individual subbasins serve as inputs to the ANN routing model. The feasibility of this proposed method was confirmed according to the performance of its application to a case study on rainfall-runoff prediction in the Jinshajiang River Basin, the headwater area of the Yangtze River.
Glut-3 Gene Knockdown as a Potential Strategy to Overcome Glioblastoma Radioresistance

The hypoxic pattern of glioblastoma (GBM) is known to be a primary cause of radioresistance. Our study explored the possibility of using gene knockdown of key factors involved in the molecular response to hypoxia, to overcome GBM radioresistance. We used the U87 cell line subjected to chemical hypoxia generated by CoCl2 and exposed to 2 Gy of X-rays, as single or combined treatments, and evaluated gene expression changes of biomarkers involved in the Warburg effect, cell cycle control, and survival to identify the best molecular targets to be knocked-down, among those directly activated by the HIF-1α transcription factor. By this approach, glut-3 and pdk-1 genes were chosen, and the effects of their morpholino-induced gene silencing were evaluated by exploring the proliferative rates and the molecular modifications of the above-mentioned biomarkers. We found that, after combined treatments, glut-3 gene knockdown induced a greater decrease in cell proliferation, compared to pdk-1 gene knockdown and strong upregulation of glut-1 and ldha, as a sign of cell response to restore the anaerobic glycolysis pathway. Overall, glut-3 gene knockdown offered a better chance of controlling the anaerobic use of pyruvate and a better proliferation rate reduction, suggesting it is a suitable silencing target to overcome radioresistance.
Portable optical fiber biosensors integrated with smartphone: technologies, applications, and challenges [Invited]

The increasing demand for individualized health monitoring and diagnostics has prompted considerable research into the integration of portable optical fiber biosensors integrated with smartphones. By capitalizing on the benefits offered by optical fibers, these biosensors enable qualitative and quantitative biosensing across a wide range of applications. The integration of these sensors with smartphones, which possess advanced computational power and versatile sensing capabilities, addresses the increasing need for portable and rapid sensing solutions. This extensive evaluation thoroughly examines the domain of optical fiber biosensors in conjunction with smartphones, including hardware complexities, sensing approaches, and integration methods. Additionally, it explores a wide range of applications, including physiological and chemical biosensing. Furthermore, the review provides an analysis of the challenges that have been identified in this rapidly evolving area of research and concludes with relevant suggestions for the progression of the field.
Mortality of Invasive Pneumococcal Disease following Introduction of the 13-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine in Greenland

Before the incorporation of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) into the childhood vaccination regimen in Greenland in 2010, Inuit populations experienced a substantial prevalence of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). The PCV13 introduction has been shown to markedly reduce the incidence of IPD. This current study estimated the impact of PCV13 introduction on IPD mortality in Greenland. This was a nationwide register-based study using all available data on IPD cases 1995–2020 in Greenland. Thirty-one-day IPD case fatality rates (CFR), and all-cause and mortality rates associated with IPD during the period before the introduction of PCV13 (January 1995 to September 2010) were compared with those observed in the post-PCV13 era (September 2010 to October 2020). Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) expressed differences in mortality by sex, age, region, ethnicity, comorbidity, and serotype. IPD CFR decreased with 24.5% from the pre- to the post-PCV13 period. SMR in IPD patients decreased by 57% (95% CI, 36–75%), and a reduction occurred in all age groups. While SMR in IPD persons ≥60 years remained virtually unchanged, there were no IPD-related deaths in persons ≤39 years in the post-PCV13 period. In conclusion, IPD-related mortality has decreased in Greenland following PCV13 introduction in 2010 in the country.
Advances in Small Angle Neutron Scattering on Polysaccharide Materials

Polysaccharide materials and biomaterials gain the focus of intense research owing to their great versatility in chemical structures and modification possibilities, as well as their biocompatibility, degradability, and sustainability features. This review focuses on the recent advances in the application of SANS on polysaccharide systems covering a broad range of materials such as nanoparticulate assemblies, hydrogels, nanocomposites, and plant-originating nanostructured systems. It motivates the use of SANS in its full potential by demonstrating the features of contrast variation and contrast matching methods and by reporting the methodologies for data analysis and interpretation. As these soft matter systems may be organized in multiple length scales depending on the interactions and chemical bonds between their components, SANS offers exceptional and unique opportunities for advanced characterization and optimization of new nanostructured polysaccharide materials.
Evolution of Microservices Identification in Monolith Decomposition: A Systematic Review

Modernizing monolithic systems through microservices architectures (MSAs) promises significant benefits in terms of scalability, agility, and cloud adoption. However, this transition hinges on accurate and efficient microservices identification, a complex area of research still in its evolution. This systematic literature review delves into this challenge by exploring three critical questions: First, we examine how the field of microservices identification has evolved over time, analyzing publication trends, categorizing existing research, and mapping out different research objectives and methodologies employed. Second, we dive into the current state-of-the-art, showcasing cutting-edge methodologies and tools developed to address microservices identification challenges. We highlight promising approaches while identifying potential limitations. Third, we unveil both existing hurdles and future challenges in this domain, painting a comprehensive picture of the obstacles and opportunities that lie ahead. Our findings illuminate key areas demanding further attention, including the need for more automated and accurate identification tools, standardized evaluation benchmarks, and a deeper understanding of the human factors involved in successful transitions. By addressing these critical gaps, we aim to pave the way for smoother and more effective modernization of monolithic systems through microservices adoption.
A three-sample test for introgression

Many methods exist for detecting introgression between non-sister species, but the most commonly used require either a single sequence from four or more taxa or multiple sequences from each of three taxa. Here we present a test for introgression that uses only a single sequence from three taxa. This test, denoted D3, uses similar logic as the standard D-test for introgression, but by using pairwise distances instead of site patterns it is able to detect the same signal of introgression with fewer species. We use simulations to show that D3 has statistical power almost equal to D, demonstrating its use on a dataset of wild bananas (Musa). The new test is easy to apply and easy to interpret, and should find wide use among currently available datasets.
Inorganic Fe-O and Fe-S oxidoreductases: paradigms for prebiotic chemistry and the evolution of enzymatic activity in biology

Oxidoreductases play crucial roles in electron transfer during biological redox reactions. These reactions are not exclusive to protein-based biocatalysts; nano-size (<100 nm), fine-grained inorganic colloids, such as iron oxides and sulfides, also participate. These nanocolloids exhibit intrinsic redox activity and possess direct electron transfer capacities comparable to their biological counterparts. The unique metal ion architecture of these nanocolloids, including electron configurations, coordination environment, electron conductivity, and the ability to promote spontaneous electron hopping, contributes to their transfer capabilities. Nano-size inorganic colloids are believed to be among the earliest ‘oxidoreductases’ to have ‘evolved’ on early Earth, playing critical roles in biological systems. Representing a distinct type of biocatalysts alongside metalloproteins, these nanoparticles offer an early alternative to protein-based oxidoreductase activity. While the roles of inorganic nano-sized catalysts in current Earth ecosystems are intuitively significant, they remain poorly understood and underestimated. Their contribution to chemical reactions and biogeochemical cycles likely helped shape and maintain the balance of our planet’s ecosystems. However, their potential applications in biomedical, agricultural, and environmental protection sectors have not been fully explored or exploited. This review examines the structure, properties, and mechanisms of such catalysts from a material’s evolutionary standpoint, aiming to raise awareness of their potential to provide innovative solutions to some of Earth’s sustainability challenges.
The Complete Mitochondrial Genomes of Aelia sibirica and A. fieberi (Hemiptera, Pentatomidae), and Phylogenetic Implications

Species of genus Aelia are important pests of wheat crops in arid areas. In this study, the mitogenomes of A. sibirica and A. fieberi were sequenced using high-throughput sequencing technology. The mitochondrial genome characteristics of both Aelia species were compared and analyzed, and the phylogenetic relationships of Pentatomidae were constructed based on protein-coding genes. In addition, the taxonomic status of the genus Aelia was confirmed. The results showed that the total length of the mitogenome sequences of A. sibirica and A. fieberi were 15,372 bp and 15,450 bp, respectively, including 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes, and a control region. By comparing the mitochondrial genome structure, base composition, codon usage, RNA secondary structure, and other characteristics, it was found that the mitochondrial genome characteristics of the two species were similar. Phylogenetic analysis showed that Phyllocephalinae and Asopinae both formed monophyletic groups, but the relationship between Podopinae and Pentatominae was not resolved. Within the subfamily Pentatominae, (Nezarini + Antestiini), (Aeliini + Carpocorini), and (Strachiini + Pentatoma) formed stable clades. Aelia sibirica and A. fieberi were found to be a stable sibling pair, and the clade was closely related to Dolycoris baccarum.
Advances in statistical methods for cancer surveillance research: an age-period-cohort perspective

Background Analysis of Lexis diagrams (population-based cancer incidence and mortality rates indexed by age group and calendar period) requires specialized statistical methods. However, existing methods have limitations that can now be overcome using new approaches. Methods We assembled a “toolbox” of novel methods to identify trends and patterns by age group, calendar period, and birth cohort. We evaluated operating characteristics across 152 cancer incidence Lexis diagrams compiled from United States (US) Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program data for 21 leading cancers in men and women in four race and ethnicity groups (the “cancer incidence panel”). Results Nonparametric singular values adaptive kernel filtration (SIFT) decreased the estimated root mean squared error by 90% across the cancer incidence panel. A novel method for semi-parametric age-period-cohort analysis (SAGE) provided optimally smoothed estimates of age-period-cohort (APC) estimable functions and stabilized estimates of lack-of-fit (LOF). SAGE identified statistically significant birth cohort effects across the entire cancer panel; LOF had little impact. As illustrated for colon cancer, newly developed methods for comparative age-period-cohort analysis can elucidate cancer heterogeneity that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to discern using standard methods. Conclusions Cancer surveillance researchers can now identify fine-scale temporal signals with unprecedented accuracy and elucidate cancer heterogeneity with unprecedented specificity. Birth cohort effects are ubiquitous modulators of cancer incidence in the US. The novel methods described here can advance cancer surveillance research.
Effects of Early Initiation of Polymyxin B Hemoperfusion Therapy in Patients with Cancer with Refractory Septic Shock

Background: We aimed to analyze the correlation between in-hospital mortality and hemodynamic changes, using polymyxin B-immobilized fiber column direct hemoperfusion (PMX-DHP) initiation time in patients with cancer with refractory septic shock. Methods: Forty-six patients with cancer who received PMX-DHP for refractory septic shock were retrospectively analyzed and classified into early (≤3 h between refractory septic shock and PMX-DHP; n = 17) and late (>3 h; n = 29) initiation groups. The vasopressor inotropic score (VIS), sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, and lactate clearance before and 24 h post-PMX-DHP were compared. Results: Overall, 52.17% died from multiple organ dysfunction, with a lower mortality rate in the early initiation group. The VIS and SOFA score decreased in both groups, but the magnitude of decrease was not significant. Lactate clearance improved in both groups, with greater improvement in the early initiation group. Univariable analysis identified associations of in-hospital mortality with early initiation, ΔC-reactive protein, lactate clearance, ΔSOFA score, and ΔVIS. Multivariable analysis demonstrated associations of in-hospital mortality risk with ΔSOFA score and early PMX-DHP initiation. Overall survival was higher in the early initiation group. Early initiation of PMX-DHP in patients with cancer with refractory septic shock reduced in-hospital mortality and improved lactate clearance.
“We Want to Talk about Death, Dying and Grief and to Learn about End-of-Life Care”—Lessons Learned from a Multi-Center Mixed-Methods Study on Last Aid Courses for Kids and Teens

Background: Last Aid Courses (LAC) for adults have been established in 21 countries in Europe, Australia and America to improve the public discussion about death and dying and to empower people to participate in end-of-life care provision. In 2018, the first Last Aid Courses for kids and teens (LAC-KT) were introduced. The aim of the study was to explore the views and experiences of the course participants and Last Aid Course instructors on the LAC-KT. Methods: A mixed-methods approach was used. The views of the LAC-KT participants, aged 7 to 17 years, on the LAC-KT were collected using a questionnaire. In addition, the experiences of the Last Aid Course instructors were explored in focus group interviews. Results: The results show that 84% of the participants had experiences with death and dying and 91% found the LAC-KT helpful for everyone. The majority of the participants appreciate the opportunity to talk and learn about death, dying, grief and palliative care. Conclusions: The LAC-KT is feasible, very well accepted and a welcome opportunity for exchanging and obtaining information about dying, grief and palliative care. The findings of the study indicate that the LAC-KT should be offered to all interested children and teenagers and included in the school curriculum.
Anisotropy parameter inversion in vertical axis of symmetry media using diffractions

Diffractions play a vital role in seismic processing as they can be utilized for high‐resolution imaging applications and analysis of subsurface medium properties like velocity. They are particularly valuable for anisotropic media as they inherently possess a wide range of dips necessary to resolve the angular dependence of velocity. However, until recently, the focus of diffraction imaging or inversion algorithms have been only on the isotropic approximation of the subsurface. Using diffracted waves, we develop a framework to invert for the effective η model. This effective model is obtained through scanning over possible effective η values and selecting the one that best fits the observed moveout curve for each diffractor location. The obtained effective η model is then converted to an interval η model using a Dix‐type inversion formula. The inversion methodology holds the potential to reconstruct the true η model with sufficiently high accuracy and resolution properties. However, it relies on an accurate estimation of diffractor locations, which in turn requires good knowledge of the background velocity model. We test the effectiveness and applicability of our method on the vertical transverse isotropic Marmousi model. The inversion results yield a reasonable match even for the complex Marmousi model.
Recent Advances in Graphene Quantum Dots: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications

Here, an interesting, new 0D material is presented: graphene quantum dots. The new properties arising from quantum confinement and edge effects after converting 2D graphene into graphene quantum dots have attracted great interest in various disciplines, such as physics, biology, materials, and chemistry. Here, the recent technological advances in the field of graphene quantum dots reported in the literature on both a theoretical and an experimental basis are highlighted. Various synthesis methodologies and physical properties are discussed, along with their implementation in energy (supercapacitors, fuel cells, photovoltaic devices, light-emitting diodes), biomedical (biosensors, drug delivery, bioimaging), and environmental applications.
Performance optimised reverberation modelling for real-time synthesis of sidescan sonar imagery

iv In this thesis a novel performance optimised approach to sidescan sonar simulation is described. Seminal approaches to sonar simulation reported in the literature are seen to produce visually realistic results that are verified using statistical and spectral methods. The problem is that the computational implementations of the underlying acoustic models are numerically intensive to an extent that prohibits real-time implementation. It is shown in this thesis that for sonar imaging simulations, the principal performance-limiting factor is the method of processing applied to the highly intricate and excessively detailed polygonal mesh required to accurately model seafloor reverberation. By current techniques, discovery of ensonifed facets at each ping requires direct interrogation of each facet constructing the seafloor mesh to determine its contribution to the backscattered imagery. The inherent computational bottleneck significantly arrests the runtime performance delivered by the simulation. From a literature review it emerged that the performance-related challenges to be overcome in sonar simulation have direct parallels with those encountered in the field of 3D graphics rendering when processing object models for interactive visualisation. Several schemes presented in the computer graphics literature to address this issue are identified in this thesis as suitable candidates to accelerate sonar simulation. A novel sidescan sonar simulator is then implemented by incorporating a mesh abstraction pipeline within the simulation process to dynamically adapt the local seafloor geometry according to its spatial proximity to the roving sonar fanbeam footprint. In the resulting transitional multi-resolution mesh, the ensonifed swathe is described at its full original resolution and geometry, while non-ensonifed regions are described by orders of magnitude fewer geometric primitives. The new approach to sonar simulation is experimentally tested and the results show it to offer a performance acceleration translating to an orders of magnitude improvement in simulation response times. Most important, it is also shown that the increased simulation throughput effectively translates current sonar simulation technology from offline to online application while affecting no degradation to the integrity of simulator-generated imagery. ABSTRACT