Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Linear Models with Spatially Distributed Data

This article deals with linear models for which data have been aggregated over well-defined geographic areas. Such data may be generated by spatial processes, and these may be represented in the form of spatial autocorrelation in the disturbance term or directly in the form of a spatial effect. This article details the derivation of Ord's (1975) MLEprocedurefor the spatial disturbances model and contrasts it with this MLE procedure for the spatial effects model. These alternative model specifications and estimation procedures are then illustrated by a variety of examples. These MLEprocedures for the spatial models are also contrasted with conventional regression procedures (which ignored geographical space). If there is spatial autocorrelation present, an MLE procedure is preferable.
Regular 3-D Networks with Clusters for Controlled Energy Transport Studies in Laser Plasma Near Critical Density

Abstract Fabrication methods for low-density fine-structure (cell size < 1 μm) 3-D networks of cellulose triacetate (TAC) are developed. Target densities ranged 4-20 mg/cm3, similar polymer structures were produced both with no load and with high-Z cluster dopant with concentration up to 30%. Foams of varying density down to 0.25 plasma critical density at the third harmonic of iodine laser wavelength are supplied for laser shots. Closed-cell and 3-D network structures are considered and monitored as the means of thermal and radiation control in plasma. In comparative foam-and-foil laser irradiation experiments on PALS (Czech, Prague) laser facility the presently developed TAC targets were used along with earlier reported TMPTA (trimethylol propane triacrilate) and agar foams. Radiation transport and hydrodynamic wave velocities proved to be similar in TAC and TMPTA volume structures both having the form of regular 3-D networks, but differed a lot when TAC was compared to agar foams. Radiation transport during laser pulse in TAC doped with Cu-clusters was faster then in TAC with no dopant, whereas plasma from TAC doped with Cu-clusters cooled down quicker then with no clusters. High-Z cluster dopant is effective tool to control energy transport in underdense plasma.
A Comparative Study Of Representation And Encodings For Building Shape Optimization With Genetic Algorithms

This paper presents a methodology to optimize the building footprint represented by a multisided polygon. Two geometrical representations for a polygon are considered. The first representation uses edge lengths and edge angles to define a polygon while the second representation uses edge lengths and edge bearings. These two representations are discussed with emphasis on their potential problems in binary coding for genetic algorithms: epistasis and encoding isomorphism. Epistasis implies the gene interaction when one gene pair masks or modifies the expression of other gene pairs. Encoding isomorphism means that chromosomes with different binary strings may map to the same solution in the design space. The two alternative representation methods are compared in terms of their impacts on computational effectiveness and efficiency. A problem is formulated to facilitate the comparison, where a pentagon-shaped typical floor of an office building is optimized with respect to life-cycle cost and life-cycle environmental impact. It is found that epistasis has a large impact on the performance of the multi-objective genetic algorithm while encoding isomorphism is not a problem.
The longitudinal association between potential stressful life events and the risk of psychosocial problems in 3-year-old children

Background Experiencing certain potentially stressful life events can impact psychosocial well-being among school-aged children and adolescents. This study aims to evaluate the association between life events occurring before age 2 and risk of psychosocial problems at 3 years of age. Methods All parents invited for the regular well-child visit when their child was 2 years of age by the preventive Youth Health Care in the Rotterdam-Rijnmond area, the Netherlands, were invited to participate in this study. In total 2,305 parents completed the baseline questionnaire at child age 2-years; 1,540 parents completed the questionnaire at child age 3-years. The baseline questionnaire included a life events assessment (12 items), and tension caused by the event (range 0–3). At child age 3-years the questionnaire included the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) to assess risk of psychosocial problems. Logistic regression models were applied. Results In the current study 48.5% of families experienced ≥1 life event before child age 2 years. Divorce and problems in the relationship between the parents received the highest perceived severity score [respectively 2.1 (SD = 0.8) and 2.0 (SD = 0.7)]. Children experiencing ≥1 event before the age of 2 years were at higher risk of psychosocial problems at 3 years of age, compared to children that had experienced no life event (1–2 events OR = 1.50, 95%CI: 1.09; 2.06, and >2 events OR = 2.55, 95%CI 1.64; 4.00, respectively). When life events caused high perceived levels of tension, there was also an association with an increased risk of psychosocial problems at age 3-years (OR = 2.03, 95%CI 1.43; 2.88). Conclusions Approximately half of children in our study experienced a potential stressful life event before the age of 2 years. Results suggest an association between experiencing a life event and risk of psychosocial problems at child age 3-years. These findings emphasize the need for child health care professionals to pay attention to life events taking place in the life of young children in order to provide appropriate support.
A new, rare Marianthus (Pittosporaceae) from the Bremer Range in Western Australia

Wege, J.A. & Gibson, N. A new, rare Marianthus (Pittosporaceae) from the Bremer Range in Western Australia. Nuytsia 19(2): 295–302 (2009). Marianthus aquilonaris N.Gibson & Wege, a new species allied to M. mollis (E.M.Benn.) L.Cayzer & Crisp, is described. Morphometric analysis shows that it is most readily differentiated from M. mollis by its higher leaf L:W ratio, higher petal L:W ratio and longer petioles. Other distinguishing features include a more erect habit, smooth and more or less glabrous leaves with attenuate rather than rounded bases, fewer pilose hairs on the stems, peduncles and fruit, and paler petals. Descriptions of both taxa are provided and include the first record of glandular trichomes for the genus. Marianthus aquilonaris is endemic to the Bremer Range and potentially threatened by mining-related activities. It is gazetted as Declared Rare Flora in Western Australia under the name M. sp. Bremer (N. Gibson & M. Lyons 1776). Introduction Marianthus mollis (E.M.Benn.) L.Cayzer & Crisp (Pittosporaceae) is a rare species distinctive in the genus for its shrubby habit, indumentum of pilose and glandular hairs on the stems, leaves, peduncles, calyces and fruit, and blue to purple flowers on ± nodding peduncles. Originally named under the genus Billardiera Sm. from a population in the Ravensthorpe Range (Bennett 1983), it was transferred to Marianthus Hueg. ex Endl. by Cayzer and Crisp (2004) who reinstated this genus on the basis of both morphological and molecular data. In addition to populations from the Ravensthorpe Range, Cayzer and Crisp (2004) included a specimen from the Bremer Range (N. Gibson & M. Lyons 1776) under their concept of M. mollis. This collection had previously been considered to represent a distinct, new taxon on account of its glabrous leaves (Western Australian Herbarium 1998–, as M. sp. Bremer (N. Gibson & M. Lyons 1776); Gibson & Lyons 1998, as Billardiera sp. nov.). We reinvestigate the taxonomic distinctness of the Bremer Range population in view of the rarity of M. mollis and the ongoing mining and mineral exploration in both the Ravensthorpe and Bremer Ranges. wege 572.indd 295 6/11/2009 3:57:56 PM 296 Nuytsia Vol. 19(2) (2009)
Robust pole assignment for linear time-invariant systems using state-derivative feedback

Abstract In this paper, a technique for computing robust controller for multivariable time-invariant linear systems via state-derivative feedback is introduced such that the sensitivity of the closed-loop system eigenvalues to perturbations in the system and gain matrices is minimized. The proposed technique can be applied for any controllable system with some restrictions when assigning zero poles. This article focuses on the derivation of feedback gain when the open-loop state matrix is singular. The available degrees of freedom offered by state-derivative feedback for multivariable system are utilized to improve robustness of the closed-loop system. Finally, a computational algorithm and a numerical example are introduced to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed technique.
Buchnera breaks the specialization of the cotton-specialized aphid (Aphis gossypii) by providing nutrition through zucchini

The cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover, is a species of polyphagous aphid with many biotypes, and its host transfer has always been the focus of research on the control of cotton aphid. An important factor affecting aphid specialization is the nutritional association with microbial symbionts that provide the host with nutrients lacking in the diet. We analyzed the microbial composition and biodiversity of reared on zucchini for 10 generations (T1–T10) and cotton as a control (CK), by high-throughput Illumina sequencing of 16S ribosomal RNA genes. The findings showed that the change in plant hosts decreased the richness and variety of microbial species. Regardless of whether the plant host is altered or not, Proteobacteria and Firmicutes are the predominate phyla in cotton-specialized aphid. Additionally, cotton-specialized aphids that live in zucchini had considerably lower relative abundances of non-dominant phyla (Bacteroidetes) than cotton hosts. At the genus level the dominant communities were Buchnera, Acinetobacter, and Arsenophonus. The relative abundance of Buchnera was significantly higher in aphids reared on zucchini than those on cotton, whereas the opposite was observed for Acinetobacter, as well as for some non-dominant communities (Stenotrophomonas, Pseudomons, Flavobacterium, Novosphingobium). Collectively, this study clarifies the dynamic changes of symbiotic bacteria in cotton-specialized aphids reared on zucchini for multiple generations. Among them, Buchnera is crucial for the cotton-specialized aphid to get nutrients during the transfer of the host and has a favorable impact on the colonization of cotton-specialized aphid populations on zucchini hosts. It not only enriches our understanding of the relationship between the bacterial microbiota of aphids and their adaptability to new hosts, zucchini, but also expands the current body of research on the mechanisms underlying the host shifting ability of cotton-specialized aphids.
Robust low rank canonical polyadic tensor decomposition

With the rapid development of information technique and equipment, the multi-dimensional data has been widely discussed and used in many domains. The Canonical Polyadic tensor Decomposition (CPD) is frequently employed for multi-dimensional data analysis, which has been extensively utilized in signal processing, image processing, computer vision, to name but a few. The satisfied accuracy and essential uniqueness of result computed by CPD can be guaranteed by using of exact rank value. However, the rank of the multi-dimensional data is usually unknown or is hard to obtain because of the noise disturbance in practice, thus the effectiveness of CPD is particularly weak with an inexact rank. To overcome this problem, this paper proposes a Robust CPD (R-CPD) method, which consists of two steps. The R-CPD firstly exploits the group sparsity of the over-estimated loading matrices to sense the real low rank and the group sparsity of the over-estimated loading matrices is pursued by adopting the mixed-norms, then the estimated rank can be used to compute CPD and thus obtain accurate results. Besides this paper provides the mathematical relationship on the mixednorms, nuclear norm (convex envelop of rank) and rank, and the corresponding mathematical proof to ensure the rationality of the proposed method. A series of experiments is implemented to assess the performance of the efficient RCPD method.
Bowman Layer Transplantation for Treating Keratoconus—Preliminary Findings

(1) Background: Mid-stromal isolated Bowman layer transplantation aims to reduce and stabilize corneal ectasia in patients with advanced, progressive keratoconus. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of this new surgical technique. (2) Methods: Following the PRISMA statement and checklist, we searched Medline, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, and Embase and used a broad systematic search strategy according to the Cochrane Collaboration. (3) Results: Eight studies with a total number of 120 eyes of 106 patients met our inclusion criteria. One month after Bowman layer transplantation, patients with keratoconus showed a significant decrease in the measured simulated keratometry (−4.74 D [95% CI −6.79 to −2.69]) and the maximum keratometry (−7.41 D [95% CI −9.64 to −5.19]), which remained significant one year postoperatively (−2.91 D [95% CI −5.29 to −0.53] and −5.80 D [−8.49 to −3.12]). Intra- and postoperative complications were observed in 3% and 9% of the patients, respectively. An estimated success rate of 75% to 85% was achieved by experienced surgeons at 5 to 8 years postoperatively. (4) Conclusions: Bowman layer transplantation may be an effective and safe treatment option in patients with advanced, progressive keratoconus. Additional multicenter prospective interventional studies are needed to confirm these preliminary findings.
Antrodin C Isolated from Antrodia Cinnamomea Induced Apoptosis through ROS/AKT/ERK/P38 Signaling Pathway and Epigenetic Histone Acetylation of TNFα in Colorectal Cancer Cells

Background: Antrodin C, a maleimide derivative compound isolated from the ethanol extract of the mycelium of Antrodia cinnamomea, is an endemic fungus of Taiwan and a potential chemoprotective agent. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the mode of action of antrodin C on cancer cells, especially in human colorectal cancer (CRC), remain unclear. Methods: The cell death and ROS of the antrodin-C-treated HCT-116 cells were measured by annexin V–FITC/propidium iodide staining, DCFDA, and Fluo-3 fluorescence staining assays. Moreover, signaling molecules regulating TNFα cell death pathways and ROS/AKT/ERK/P38 pathways were also detected in cells treated with antrodin C by Western blotting and chromatin immunoprecipitation. The effects of antrodin C were determined in HCT-116 cell xenograft animal models in terms of tumor volumes and histopathological evaluation. Results: Treatment with antrodin C triggered the activation of extrinsic apoptosis pathways (TNFα, Bax, caspase-3, and -9), and also suppressed the expression of anti-apoptotic molecules Bcl-2 in HCT-116 cells in a time-dependent manner. Antrodin C also decreased cell proliferation and growth through the inactivation of cyclin D1/cyclin for the arrest of the cell cycle at the G1 phase. The activation of the ROS/AKT/ERK/P38 pathways was involved in antrodin-C-induced transcriptional activation, which implicates the role of the histone H3K9K14ac (Acetyl Lys9/Lys14) of the TNFα promoters. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed that antrodin C treatment significantly induced TNFα levels, whereas it decreased the levels of PCNA, cyclin D1, cyclin E, and MMP-9 in an in vivo xenograft mouse model. Thus, antrodin C induces cell apoptosis via the activation of the ROS/AKT/ERK/P38 signaling modules, indicating a new mechanism for antrodin C to treat CRC in vitro and in vivo.
Super-resolution reconstruction, recognition, and evaluation of laser confocal images of hyperaccumulator Solanum nigrum endocytosis vesicles based on deep learning: Comparative study of SRGAN and SRResNet

It is difficult for laser scanning confocal microscopy to obtain high- or ultra-high-resolution laser confocal images directly, which affects the deep mining and use of the embedded information in laser confocal images and forms a technical bottleneck in the in-depth exploration of the microscopic physiological and biochemical processes of plants. The super-resolution reconstruction model (SRGAN), which is based on a generative adversarial network and super-resolution reconstruction model (SRResNet), which is based on a residual network, was used to obtain single and secondary super-resolution reconstruction images of laser confocal images of the root cells of the hyperaccumulator Solanum nigrum. Using the peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), structural similarity (SSIM) and mean opinion score (MOS), the models were evaluated by the image effects after reconstruction and were applied to the recognition of endocytic vesicles in Solanum nigrum root cells. The results showed that the single reconstruction and the secondary reconstruction of SRGAN and SRResNet improved the resolution of laser confocal images. PSNR, SSIM, and MOS were clearly improved, with a maximum PSNR of 47.690. The maximum increment of PSNR and SSIM of the secondary reconstruction images reached 21.7% and 2.8%, respectively, and the objective evaluation of the image quality was good. However, overall MOS was less than that of the single reconstruction, the perceptual quality was weakened, and the time cost was more than 130 times greater. The reconstruction effect of SRResNet was better than that of SRGAN. When SRGAN and SRResNet were used for the recognition of endocytic vesicles in Solanum nigrum root cells, the clarity of the reconstructed images was obviously improved, the boundary of the endocytic vesicles was clearer, and the number of identified endocytic vesicles increased from 6 to 9 and 10, respectively, and the mean fluorescence intensity was enhanced by 14.4% and 7.8%, respectively. Relevant research and achievements are of great significance for promoting the application of deep learning methods and image super-resolution reconstruction technology in laser confocal image studies.
Power Quality Improvement in Fifteen Level PUC Converter for Solar PV Grid-Tied Applications

A fifteen-level packed U cell (FLPUC) converter with eight active switch counts for the grid-connected solar photovoltaic (GCSPV) application is introduced in this work. This converter has eight active switches with a PV source and two floating capacitors. This topology takes an edge over conventional configurations in terms of components required to achieve fifteen levels in converter output voltage. The mode of operation and switching states of the fifteen-level PUC converter are presented in detail. The active and reactive powers (PQ) control is incorporated for a grid-connected PV configuration, which in turn helps in an independent control over power injection into the grid. The maximum power operation is achieved for the first source connected to the PV array with the perturb and observe (P&O) MPPT technique and unity power factor is attained at the AC side. The voltages of floating capacitors are balanced at reference values using proportional-integral (PI) controllers to attain proper achievement of desired output voltage levels. Performance of the FLPUC based single-phase grid-tied system is analyzed under a constant and variable solar environment. This topology is modeled in MATLAB/Simulink, and test results are validated using real-time emulator to meet the IEEE-519 standard for power quality improvement.
Alpha Synuclein: Neurodegeneration and Inflammation

Alpha-Synuclein (α-Syn) is one of the most important molecules involved in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease and related disorders, synucleinopathies, but also in several other neurodegenerative disorders with a more elusive role. This review analyzes the activities of α-Syn, in different conformational states, monomeric, oligomeric and fibrils, in relation to neuronal dysfunction. The neuronal damage induced by α-Syn in various conformers will be analyzed in relation to its capacity to spread the intracellular aggregation seeds with a prion-like mechanism. In view of the prominent role of inflammation in virtually all neurodegenerative disorders, the activity of α-Syn will also be illustrated considering its influence on glial reactivity. We and others have described the interaction between general inflammation and cerebral dysfunctional activity of α-Syn. Differences in microglia and astrocyte activation have also been observed when in vivo the presence of α-Syn oligomers has been combined with a lasting peripheral inflammatory effect. The reactivity of microglia was amplified, while astrocytes were damaged by the double stimulus, opening new perspectives for the control of inflammation in synucleinopathies. Starting from our studies in experimental models, we extended the perspective to find useful pointers to orient future research and potential therapeutic strategies in neurodegenerative disorders.
Consumer Perceptions of Ad Ethicality in Loot Box Promotions

ABSTRACT This study offers gamers’ insights to a worldwide popular loot-box game that is widely associated with gambling: FIFA. Through an ethical lens, this study looks at how gamers perceive loot-box promotions, their enduring attitudes toward the game, as well as the role of gaming addictions. A mixed-method study revealed that while gamers found loot boxes and promotions ethically questionable, gaming addiction is positively correlated with perceived ad ethicality, suggesting coping and possible cognitive dissonance.
Biosensors: recent advances

This review discusses recent advances in biosensor technology which draw on the disciplines of physics, chemistry, biochemistry and electronics. We first show that a biosensor consists of three components, a biological detection system, a transducer and an output system. Biological receptors are briefly reviewed, followed by a detailed discussion of immobilization procedures for the efficacious attachment of receptor molecules to a transducer surface. Two classes of transducers, optical and piezoelectric, which involve interesting physics and show particular promise for commercial biosensors, are discussed thoroughly. We comment briefly on practical factors affecting the commercialization of various biosensors.
A Multi-objectives K-Modes Data Clustering Algorithm based on Self- Adaptive Differential Evolution

This paper proposes a Multi-objective K-Modes Data Clustering (MODEK-Modes) algorithm based on Self-Adaptive Differential Evolution (DE) for categorical data sets. The proposed algorithm purposes to improve the performance of data clustering through introducing three data clustering validity indexes. The proposed algorithm has three objectives: the first is a symmetry-index to maximize similarity within clusters; the second is a compactness index to maximize dissimilarity among clusters; and the last one is a validity Silhouette index to improve the validity of data clustering. The used validity indexes must be adjusted to be more appropriate for categorical data sets. Self- adaptive DE is similar to the traditional DE algorithm except two changes in the mutation and the crossover operations (31), where DE is a global optimization technique (15). The ‎algorithm is implemented and evaluated using seven benchmark data sets obtained from the UCI Machine Learning Repository (5) and compared with different 4 data clustering algorithms that traditional K-mode, weighted K-mode (9), and significant k-mode algorithms (44), and MODEK-Modes by using several criteria (as ARI, Purity, Recall, Precision, Minkowski score, and Silhouette index). The experimental results showed that the proposed algorithm is ‎well compared with the previous algorithms.