Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Estimating optimal control strategies for large scale spatio-temporal decision problems.

MEYER, NICHOLAS JAMES. Estimating optimal control strategies for large scale spatio-temporal decision problems. (Under the direction of Dr. Eric Laber.) Sequential decision problems arise in many disciplines of science. Applications include management of infections diseases, pursuit and evasion games, and power grid optimization. This dissertation addresses large scale complex decision problems that evolve not only over time, but also over space. The chapters to follow are a collection of research papers. Each chapter highlights different challenges, presents a novel solution, and demonstrates the results through extensive simulation experiments. Infectious diseases are complex systems that are inherently difficult to control. Limited information, unknown dynamics, and high dimensional state spaces require a novel approach to estimating optimal treatment allocation strategies. Chapter 2 presents a model based approach to estimate an optimal treatment strategy. The method uses a postulated model for the disease dynamics to maximize the value function using simulation optimization. When the dynamics model is correctly specified, this approach produces an effective treatment allocation strategy. However, the method lacks robustness to misspecification of the dynamics model. Chapter 3 addresses this issue of model misspecification using a semi-parametric estimator of the optimal treatment strategy. Both methods are demonstrated using simulation experiments with a case studies for White-nose syndrome and the Ebola virus. Motivated by applications to national security and nuclear nonproliferation, chapter 4 focuses on a multi-agent stochastic game: “pursuit and evasion”. An efficient and strategic capture of an adversary carrying illicit nuclear material can save lives and prevent damage. This chapter presents a method for estimating an optimal cooperative pursuit strategy to capture an evasive adversary. At each time point, the method updates a Bayesian model for the behavior of the adversary and uses a novel variant of Thompson sampling to estimate the Q-function. Performance of the method is demonstrated through simulation experiments. © Copyright 2017 by Nicholas James Meyer All Rights Reserved Estimating optimal control strategies for large scale spatio-temporal decision problems by Nicholas James Meyer A dissertation submitted to the Graduate Faculty of North Carolina State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Statistics Raleigh, North Carolina 2017 APPROVED BY: Dr. Marie Davidian Dr. Krishna Pacifici Dr. Brian Reich Dr. Butch Tsiatis Dr. Eric Laber Chair of Advisory Committee DEDICATION To my parents and sister.
Torsion Subgroups of Elliptic Curves over Function Fields

Abstract: Let F be a finite field of characteristic p, and C be a smooth, projective, absolutely irreducible curve of genus one over F. Let K = F(C), and E be a non-isotrivial elliptic curve over K. Then, E(K) is a finitely generated abelian group, and there is a finite list of possible torsion subgroups which can appear that depends only on C and p. In this article, we build on previous work to determine a complete list of possible full torsion subgroups which can appear over K.
Single-Number Quantities of Heavyweight Impact Sound Insulation

This study aims to determine which single-number quantities (SNQs) of heavyweight impact sounds are the most appropriate for explaining subjective response. Two hundred and eleven participants participated in the listening experiment in Korea (Experiment I) to assess heavyweight impact sounds generated by a rubber ball and an adult jumping in heavyweight and lightweight buildings. A small-scale listening test (Experiment II) was then performed in the UK to validate Experiment I with 43 European participants. For all the sounds with different sound sources and building types,LiA,Fmax was the best SNQ although other predictors also showed relatively high correlation coefficients with annoyance ratings. Experiment II confirmed the findings of Experiment I, implying that LiA,Fmax is the most effective SNQ across ethnicity. © 2018 The Author(s). Published by S. Hirzel Verlag · EAA. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Child-directed marketing on packaged breakfast cereals in South Africa

Abstract Objective: Childhood obesity is on the rise in South Africa (SA), and child-directed marketing (CDM) is one of the contributing factors to children’s unhealthy food choices. This study assessed CDM on packaged breakfast cereals available in SA supermarkets and their nutritional quality. Design: Photographic images were examined in a descriptive quantitative study. A codebook of definitions of CDM was developed for this purpose. REDCap, an online research database, was used for data capturing, and SPSS was used for data analyses including cross-tabulations and one-way ANOVA. Setting: The current study was set in the Western Cape province of SA. Subjects: Photographic images of all packaged breakfast cereals sold in major retailers in the Western Cape province of SA in 2019 were studied. Results: CDM strategies were classified as direct (to the child) or indirect (through the parent). A total of 222 breakfast cereals were studied, of which 96·9 % had a nutritional or health claim, 95·0 % had illustrations, 75·2 % had product and consumption appeals, 10·8 % had characters, 10·8 % consisted of different appeals, 8·6 % alluded to fantasy and 7·7 % had role models. In breakfast cereals with direct CDM, the protein and fibre content was significantly lower than in breakfast cereals without direct CDM. This study found a significantly higher total carbohydrate and total sugar content in breakfast cereals with direct CDM than those without direct CDM. Conclusion: CDM was highly prevalent in breakfast cereals sold in SA. Regulations to curb the marketing of packaged foods high in nutrients of concern is recommended.
A pr 2 00 9 Least Squares estimation of two ordered monotone regression curves running headline : ordered monotone regression

under the additional constraint that they are ordered; e.g. , g◦ 1 ≥ g◦ 2 . Here, we assume that the true regression curves are antitonic. Given two sets of n data pointsy1, . , yn andz1, . , zn that are observed at (the same) deterministic points x1, . , xn, the estimates are obtained by minimizing the Least Squares criterion L2(f1, f2) = ∑n j=1(yj − f1(xj))2w1(xj) + ∑n j=1(zj − f2(xj))2w2(xj) over the class of pairs of functions (f1, f2) such thatf1 andf2 are antitonic andf1(xj) ≥ f2(xj) for all j ∈ {1, . , n}. The characterization of the estimators is established. To compute these estimators, we use an iterative projected subgradient algo rithm, where the projection is performed with a “generalized” pool-adjacent-violaters algorithm ( PAVA), a byproduct of this work. Then, we apply the estimation method to real data from mechanical e ngin ering.
Least Squares estimation of two ordered monotone regression curves

In this paper, we consider the problem of finding the Least Squ ares estimators of two isotonic regression curves g◦ 1 andg 2 under the additional constraint that they are ordered; e.g. , g◦ 1 ≤ g◦ 2 . Given two sets ofn data pointsy1, . , yn andz1, . , zn observed at (the same) design points, the estimates of the true curves are obtained by minimizing the weigh t d Least Squares criterion L2(a, b) = ∑n j=1(yj − aj)2w1,j + ∑n j=1(zj − bj)2w2,j over the class of pairs of vectors (a, b) ∈ R ×Rn such thata1 ≤ a2 ≤ . ≤ an, b1 ≤ b2 ≤ . ≤ bn, andai ≤ bi, i = 1, . , n. The characterization of the estimators is established. To compute these estimators , we use an iterative projected subgradient algorithm, where the projection is performed with a “genera lized” pool-adjacent-violaters algorithm (PAVA), a byproduct of this work. Then, we apply the estimati on method to real data from mechanical engineering.
Brain and antennal transcriptomes of host ants reveal potential links between behaviour and the functioning of socially parasitic colonies

Insect social parasites are characterized by exploiting the hosts' social behaviour. Why exactly hosts direct their caring behaviour towards these parasites and their offspring remains largely unstudied. One hypothesis is that hosts do not perceive their social environment as altered and accept the parasitic colony as their own. We used the ant Leptothorax acervorum, host of the dulotic, obligate social parasite Harpagoxenus sublaevis, to shed light on molecular mechanisms underlying behavioural exploitation by contrasting tissue‐specific transcriptomes in young host workers. Host pupae were experimentally (re‐)introduced into fragments of their original, another conspecific, heterospecific or parasitic colony. Brain and antennal mRNA was extracted and sequenced from adult ants after they had lived in the experimental colony for at least 50 days after eclosion. The resulting transcriptomes of L. acervorum revealed that ants were indeed affected by their social environment. Host brain transcriptomes were altered by the presence of social parasites, suggesting that the parasitic environment influences brain activity, which may be linked to behavioural changes. Transcriptional activity in the antennae changed most with the presence of unrelated individuals, regardless of whether they were conspecifics or parasites. This suggests early priming of odour perception, which was further supported by sensory perception of odour as an enriched function of differentially expressed genes. Furthermore, gene expression in the antennae, but not in the brain corresponded to ant worker behaviour before sampling. Our study demonstrated that the exploitation of social behaviours by brood parasites correlates with transcriptomic alterations in the central and peripheral nervous systems.
Universal PCR for bacteria, mycobacteria, and fungi: a 10-year retrospective review of clinical indications and patient outcomes

ABSTRACT Universal PCR for bacteria, mycobacteria, and fungi can aid in the diagnosis of occult infections, especially in the case of fastidious organisms or when prior antimicrobial treatment compromises culture growth. However, the limitations of this technology, including lack of specificity, high cost, long turnaround time, and lack of susceptibility data, may limit its effect on clinical outcomes. We performed a retrospective analysis of all specimens sent for universal PCR over a 10-year period from 2013 to 2022, focusing on clinical indications for test utilization and patient outcomes. All specimens required approval by a microbiology laboratory director prior to testing. A total of 708 specimens were sent from 638 patients. Of these specimens, 163 were positive, with an overall positivity rate of 23%. Pre-analytic factors associated with a positive universal PCR result were the presence of organisms on Gram stain or histology, the presence of neutrophils on Gram stain, and growth on culture. Positivity rates varied significantly by specimen type. A total of 20% of all organisms detected were deemed clinically irrelevant by the clinical services. A positive universal PCR led to a change in antibiotic management in 29% of cases. Positive fungal universal PCR results sent from hospitalized patients were associated with worse outcomes, including increased hospital mortality. Our findings suggest that factors such as the presence of organisms or neutrophils on Gram stain, specimen source/clinical context, and anticipated changes in management based on results should be strongly considered when making stewardship decisions regarding the appropriateness of this testing modality. IMPORTANCE Our work provides a retrospective analysis of universal PCR orders for bacteria, mycobacteria, and fungi across our institution across a 10-year period. We assessed the positivity rates for this diagnostic tool by test type and specimen type and, critically, studied whether and how the results influenced the outcomes from treatment change, to readmission, to death. Our work provides a retrospective analysis of universal PCR orders for bacteria, mycobacteria, and fungi across our institution across a 10-year period. We assessed the positivity rates for this diagnostic tool by test type and specimen type and, critically, studied whether and how the results influenced the outcomes from treatment change, to readmission, to death.
CAUSES AND TRENDS OF HARBOR SEAL (PHOCA VITULINA) MORTALITY ALONG THE BRITISH COLUMBIA COAST, CANADA, 2012–2020

Abstract: A retrospective study was conducted to categorize and describe the causes of mortality in harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) along the British Columbia coast that presented to the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Centre (MMR) for rehabilitation from 2012 to 2020. Medical records for 1,279 predominantly perinatal live-stranded harbor seals recovered in this region were reviewed. Approximately 20.0% (256 individuals; 137 males, 118 females, 1 unknown) of these animals died while at MMR. Infectious disease was the most common cause of death, accounting for 60.5% of mortality across all age classes. This was followed by nonanthropogenic trauma (7.1%), metabolic illness (5.4%), nutritional deficiency (5.0%), parasitic illness (5.0%), congenital disorders (2.5%), and human-associated trauma (0.4%). Pups were the most common age class (87.4%) amongst mortalities and predominantly died of an infectious process (62.5%). Phocid herpesvirus-1 infection was identified in 18.9% of the mortalities, with the highest prevalence occurring in 2019 (30.8%). Fungal disease was detected in six seals: three cases of pulmonary mycosis due to Cryptococcus gattii and three cases consistent with mucormycosis. In six cases, mortality was attributed to congenital disorders. Two of these cases involved axial skeletal malformities that are not currently described in the literature. This is the first study to describe the causes of mortality in harbor seals undergoing rehabilitation in British Columbia.
Bace1 Deletion in the Adult Reverses Epileptiform Activity and Sleep–wake Disturbances in AD Mice

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) increases the risk for seizures and sleep disorders. We show here that germline deletion of β-site amyloid precursor protein (APP) cleaving enzyme-1 (BACE1) in neurons, but not in astrocytes, increased epileptiform activity. However, Bace1 deletion at adult ages did not alter the normal EEG waveform, indicating less concern for BACE1 inhibition in patients. Moreover, we showed that deletion of Bace1 in the adult was able to reverse epileptiform activity in 5xFAD mice. Intriguingly, treating 5xFAD and APPNL-G-F/NL-G-F (APP KI) mice of either sex with one BACE1 inhibitor Lanabecestat (AZD3293) dramatically increased epileptiform spiking, likely resulting from an off-target effect. We also monitored sleep–wake pathologies in these mice and showed increased wakefulness, decreased non-rapid eye movement sleep, and rapid eye movement sleep in both 5xFAD and APP KI mice; BACE1 inhibition in the adult 5xFAD mice reversed plaque load and sleep disturbances, but this was not seen in APP KI mice. Further studies with and without BACE1 inhibitor treatment showed different levels of plaque-associated microgliosis and activated microglial proteins in 5xFAD mice compared with APP KI mice. Together, BACE1 inhibition should be developed to avoid off-target effect for achieving benefits in reducing epileptic activity and sleep disturbance in Alzheimer’s patients. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT BACE1 is widely recognized as a therapeutic target for treating Alzheimer’s disease patients. However, BACE1 inhibitors failed in clinical trials because of inability to show cognitive improvement in patients. Here we show that BACE1 inhibition actually reduces sleep disturbances and epileptic seizures; both are seen in AD patients. We further showed that one of clinically tested BACE1 inhibitors does have off-target effects, and development of safer BACE1 inhibitors will be beneficial to AD patients. Results from this study will provide useful guidance for additional drug development.
Repositório ISCTE-IUL

E-learning is a web-based learning ecosystem for the dissemination of information, communication, and knowledge for education and training. Understanding the impact of e-learning on society, as well as its benefits, is important to link e-learning systems to their success drivers. The aim of this study is to find the determinants of user perceived satisfaction, use, and individual impact of e-learning. This study proposes a theoretical model integrating theories of information systems’ satisfaction and success in the e-learning systems. The model was empirically validated in higher education institutions and university centers in Brazil through a quantitative method of structural equation modeling. Collaboration quality, information quality, and user perceived satisfaction explain e-learning use. The drivers of user perceived satisfaction are information quality, system quality, instructor attitude toward e-learning, diversity in assessment, and learner perceived interaction with others. System quality, use, and user perceived satisfaction explain individual impact.
Culicidae assemblages of artificial containers and possible biotic interactions affecting Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) in Argentina

In Argentina, the distribution of Aedes albopictus (Skuse) is limited to two provinces with a subtropical climate and few records. This study aims to describe and compare assemblies of Culicidae that breed in artificial containers in two areas with different degrees of urbanisation where Ae. albopictus is present and to evaluate possible biotic interactions. We sampled container larval habitats of an urban (Eldorado city) and a rural environment (Colonia Aurora village). We performed generalized linear mixed models to evaluate which variables (containers characteristics or environment) are associated with the presence and abundance of Ae. albopictus, Aedes aegypti Linneaus and Culex quinquefasciatus Say, and the presence of mosquito predators (Lutzia bigoti (Bellardi) and Toxorhynchites spp. ). Also, the relationship between the most abundant species was quantified in each environment using Hurlbert's C8 association coefficient. Ae. aegypti was the most abundant species in the urban environment, while Cx. quinquefasciatus and Ae. albopictus were the most abundant in the rural area. Predators were more present in the rural environment and affected the abundance of Aedes mosquitoes. Regarding the C8 index, Ae. aegypti was negatively associated with Ae. albopictus in the urban area, whereas in the rural area these species presented a significantly positive relationship. These results show that in urban environments the high abundance of Ae. aegypti could be affecting the Asian tiger mosquito as evidenced by local studies of food larval competition. Also a greater presence of predators could be affecting Ae. albopictus in rural environments.
Printed λ/4 folded monopole with printed circuit board slot for penta-band

ABSTRACT In this paper, a printed λ/4 folded monopole with a printed circuit board slot is proposed for penta-band mobile terminals. The proposed antenna consists of a folded monopole fed by a coupling feed to reduce the length of the antenna and a printed circuit board slot to obtain an additional resonance in low band. The coupling feed can be represented by a series capacitance which reduces the large input impedance seen at the λ/4 mode for a conventional folded monopole and leads to a successful excitation of the λ/4 mode for the proposed antenna. In addition, the open-ended slot with a length of λ/4 on the printed circuit board is implemented to make an additional resonance. By designing the slot near the feeding point and flowing a surface current on the printed circuit board by itself, the proposed open-ended slot does not require a feed line across the slot. To verify the feasibility, we have simulated and measured the characteristics of the proposed antenna such as reflection coefficient, total efficiency, and far-field radiation pattern. The overall dimension of the antenna is 37.5 mm (length) × 8 mm (width) × 0.8 mm (height), and the total efficiencies are measured more than 60% in the penta-band.
SPAG5, the upstream protein of Wnt and the target of curcumin, inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma

The inhibitory role of curcumin on sperm-associated antigen 5 (SPAG5) and its effects on the cancer-related Wnt classical signaling pathway has been previously demonstrated. Nevertheless, research on the modulatory role of curcumin on the Wnt signaling pathway by acting on SPAG5 has yet to be reported. The activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway is frequently observed in patients suffering from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), suggesting that small molecular drugs that target Wnt could present a promising therapeutic strategy. However, these drugs often result in substantial side effects. In the present study, the presence of SPAG5 in the cancer tissues of patients with HCC and cell lines was validated using immunohistochemistry, cellular immunofluorescence, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and western blot analyses. Subsequently, the effect of SPAG5 and the regulatory role of curcumin on SPAG5 and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway were examined using cell function tests, flow cytometry, and western blotting. Techniques of gene knockout and overexpression were employed. The findings revealed a significant overexpression of SPAG5 in the cancer tissues of patients with HCC. Both the mRNA and protein levels of SPAG5 in Huh7 and HCCLM3 cell lines were markedly elevated. Treatment with curcumin led to a decrease in SPAG5 expression, while also inhibiting cell migration and promoting apoptosis. Additionally, suppression of SPAG5 expression resulted in the decreased expression of β-catenin. Furthermore, curcumin was observed to reduce the expression of cyclin D1 in SPAG5-overexpressing cell lines. However, the degree of inhibition was diminished once SPAG5 expression was silenced. These initial findings indicate that SPAG5 may function as an upstream regulatory protein of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, hence offering a potential alternative target for HCC. Moreover, as curcumin has the capacity to inhibit Wnt via suppressing SPAG5, it could potentially serve as a natural drug component for early intervention and treatment of HCC.