Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Network Analysis of Social Measures, Culture Dimensions, and Covid-19 Related Behavioural Choices

The aim of the study was to explore social measurements and COVID-19-related behavioral choices from a network structure perspective. We tested network models by comparing network structures in 46 countries by cultural dimensions (Hofstede et al., 2010). The pre-registered hypothesis was that the network structure of variables predicting COVID-19-related behavioral choices will be robust across countries, regardless of the mean differences of these variables between countries characterized by high vs low culture dimension indices. Behavioural choices toward COVID-19 situation were: physical hygiene, policy support, and physical contact. In network analysis we used several social/psychological constructs: social belonging, trait optimism, collective narcissism, moral identity, self-esteem, national identification, trait self-control, morality as cooperation, conspiracy beliefs, political ideology, and narcissism. We analysed twelve conditions based on dichotomized culture dimensions (high vs. low Power distance, Individualism, Masculinity, Uncertainty avoidance, Long-term orientation, and Indulgence) across demographics (e.g., age, gender). We conducted network structure analysis using high-dimensional undirected graph estimation with glasso procedure splitting the data by culture dimensions in total with N = 40 795 individuals. The study findings indicated that the network models were fairly consistent across cultures with different scores on each of Hofstede’s six cultural dimensions. This similarity reflects the previous studies in terms of the stability of associations between variables regardless of sex, age, and political beliefs.
Parameter testing and application of the 3PG model for Eucalyptus grandis x Urophylla in subtropical conditions in South Africa

Background: The productivity of the coastal Zululand region, which was known as the South African breadbasket for fibre is declining. Climate-related changes are a significant factor contributing to this decline. The 3PG (Physiological Processes Predicting Growth) model was calibrated for E. grandis x E. urophylla hybrids planted in this region to quantify the effect of climate variation x site on their growth and survival. Monthly weather data for the ungauged plantations were estimated using the Random Forest (RF) supervised learning algorithm. A dataset consisting of 17 permanent sample plots (PSPs) and published parameter values for this hybrid in various regions of Brazil were utilized for parameter estimation. Using a parsimonious optimization approach, we developed a novel method called extended Root Mean Square Error (eRMSE) to select the optimal parameter set. Result: The new parameter set yielded accurate predictions for three key variables; quadratic stem diameter (R 2 = 0.85, E = 0.73), mean height (R 2 = 0.84, E = 0.78), and basal area (R 2 = 0.87, E = 0.78). Model performance at 15 independent sites allowed the comparison with three other Brazilian parameter sets for stand volume prediction at a specific age. The optimized parameter set provided a satisfactory, albeit slightly overestimated stand volume (V (m 3 ha -1 ), R 2 = 0.65, E = -0.32) at the validation sites. Conclusion: The 3PG model can be adapted with parameter set from another region to characterize the growth of E.grandis x E.urophylla stands in South Africa.
Research on Multi-Agent System-Based Tracking Control for Battery Energy Storage Systems

This paper presents a coordinated control model for battery energy storage systems. Firstly, the characteristics of energy storage units, control objectives of algorithms, and the hierarchical architecture of energy storage systems are analyzed. Then, corresponding distributed control strategies are proposed for homogeneous battery energy storage systems and discrete battery energy storage systems based on sampled data. The proposed strategies achieve the objectives of power tracking, power sharing, and consensus of state of charge (SoC) of the battery energy storage systems simultaneously.
A 3-slice cardiac quantitative native and post-contrast T1 and T2 MRI protocol requiring only four BHs using a 72-channel receive array coil

Introduction Current practice to obtain left ventricular (LV) native and post-contrast T1 and T2 comprises single-slice readouts with multiple breath-holds (BHs). We propose a multi-slice parallel-imaging approach with a 72-channel receive-array to reduce BHs and demonstrate this in healthy subjects and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients. Methods A T1/T2 phantom was scanned at 3 T using a 16-channel and a novel 72-channel coil to assess the impact of different coils and acceleration factors on relaxation times. 16–18 healthy participants (8 female, age 28.4 ± 5.1 years) and 3 HCM patients (3 male, age 55.3 ± 4.2 years) underwent cardiac-MRI with the 72-channel coil, using a Modified Look-Locker scan with a shared inversion pulse across 3 slices and a Gradient-Spin-Echo scan. Acceleration was done by sensitivity encoding (SENSE) with accelerations 2, 4, and 6. LV T1 and T2 values were analyzed globally, per slice, and in 16 segments, with SENSE = 2 as the reference. Results The phantom scans revealed no bias between coils and acceleration factors for T1 or T2, except for T2 with SENSE = 2, which resulted in a bias of 8.0 ± 6.7 ms (p < 0.001) between coils. SENSE = 4 and 6 enabled T1 mapping of three slices in a single BH, and T2 mapping of three slices within two BHs. In healthy subjects, T1 and T2 values varied. We found an average overestimation of T1 in 3 slices of 25 ± 87 ms for SENSE = 4 and 30 ± 103 ms using SENSE = 6, as compared to SENSE = 2. Acceleration resulted in decreased signal-to-noise; however, visually insignificant and without increased incidence of SENSE-artifacts. T2 was overestimated by 2.1 ± 5.0 ms for SENSE = 4 and 6.4 ± 9.7 ms using SENSE = 6, as compared to SENSE = 2. Native and post-contrast T1 measurements with SENSE = 4 and ECV quantification in HCM patients was successful. Conclusion The 72-channel receiver-array coil with SENSE = 4 and 6, enabled LV-tissue characterization in three slices. Pre- and post-contrast T1 maps were obtained in a single BH, while T2 required two BHs.
ADAPT - Towards an Integrated Decision Tool for Adaptation Measures - Case study: Floods

This study fits into the current context, where Man is becoming more and more aware of the way his activities impact his environment. Climate change is currently the most mediafriendly form of this all-round awareness. It affects the whole of humanity and is considered today as the most predominant threat to the environment. The amplitude of the damages generated by climate change (flooding, heat waves, dry periods,.) takes their toll on our societies more and each year. Faced with these hazards, the solutions adopted by the policy makers are of two types: the setting up of mitigation measures through a reduction in GHG emissions and the setting up of adaptation measures aimed at decreasing the impacts and protecting both population and ecosystems.
Robust Optimization based Air Combat Game Decision-making of Multi-UAV with Uncertain Information

The objective of this study is to design a game decision-making method for the air combat of multiple unmanned air vehicles (multi-UAV) with uncertain information, which is based on flexible and robust optimization. Aiming at the problem that the Nash equilibrium of the UAVs air combat game under uncertain information is not easy to solve, this paper proposes a new method for solving the Nash equilibrium of the air combat game under uncertain information. First of all, the interval payoff matrices of both sides are obtained according to the air combat superiority evaluation method. Secondly, the theory of obtaining the Nash equilibrium of a game by solving a linear programming problem is reviewed. Based on this idea, a novel method is proposed for solving the air combat game problem of multi-UAV with uncertain information, which is achieved by transforming it into a linear programming problem with uncertain parameters. Finally, the effectiveness of the method is verified by simulation, which shows that our method can provide new tools for solving problems in air combat with Uncertain Information.
Health impact assessment of PM10 and EC in the city of Rotterdam (the Netherlands) in the period 1985-2008

In the framework of the Netherlands Policy Support Program on PM (" BOPII "), the trend of PM 10 and elemental carbon (EC) concentrations and related health impact has been assessed in the city of Rotterdam in the period 1985-2008. EC is regarded an indicator for exhaust emissions of " combustion aerosol ". In 1985-2008, international, national and local measures have been implemented to reduce in particular exhaust emissions of combustion aerosol by road traffic. However, the annual growth of road traffic kilometers in the same period was 1.5% on inner-urban roads and 3% at motorways in the Netherlands. Despite the volume growth of road traffic, it is concluded that after 1995, road traffic emissions of PM 10 and EC on urban roads have decreased, while on non-urban roads these emissions remained constant. Since 2003 monitoring data of EC show no decreasing trend which suggests that exhaust emissions by the growing traffic volume are no longer compensated by cleaner vehicles. Our study shows, that in Rotterdam in the period 1985-2008 the air quality of PM 10 and EC improved significantly both at urban background and near heavy traffic locations. This results in a gain in life years on average of 13±6 months (PM 10) or 12±8 months (EC) for the population in Rotterdam. The health impact for PM 10 and EC is similar though the population weighted PM 10 concentration dropped on average 18 µg. m-3 , while for EC this was 2 µg. m-3. From research in the Netherlands it is concluded that 70% of the decrease in PM 10 concentrations the last decades is related to secondary inorganic aerosol and " only " for 10% to primary PM emissions, including combustion aerosol. The similarity in health impact for PM 10 and EC suggests that the health impact of PM 10 is mainly related to the contribution of combustion aerosol in PM 10 and less to the contribution of secondary inorganic aerosol. This demonstrates that EC is a more sensitive indicator (compared to PM 10) to monitor the health effects of traffic measures. Also, it is concluded that measures directed to reduce combustion aerosol (e.g. exhaust emissions of road traffic and (inland) shipping) are more effective to reduce health effects of air quality than reducing PM 10 in general. It is noted, that EC is likely not causing the health effects but acts as a proxy for the mass of combustion …
An Insilico Study of Quinic Acid Derivatives as Inhibitors of Com A, The Quorum Sensing Protein of Streptococcus Mutans Responsible for The Pathogenesis in Dental Caries

Dental caries is considered to be one of the important infectious diseases throughout the world. It was recognized that the Streptococcus mutans, plays an important role in cariogenesis. The oral streptococci in biofilms may communicate by a quorum-sensing CSP signalling system. The products of at least six genes, comAB, comX, and comCDE, are involved in CSP signalling. It has been proved that loss of Com A attenuates the formation of biofilm. In the present study quinic acid derivatives have been developed insilico as the inhibitors of Com A and a molecular docking study is performed to find its efficiency as inhibitors. The three-dimensional structure of Com A was retrieved from RCSB- PDB database. The possible binding sites of Com A were searched using binding site prediction 3DLIGANDSITE. The structure of quinic acid was obtained from ZINC database. A total of 100 ligands were generated with the help of software ACD chemsketch. Rapid virtual screenings of these compounds were performed in the docking tool iGEMDOCK v2.0. Based on the binding energy a total of five ligands were selected for the further study. The selected five ligands were then analyzed for drug- relevant properties based on “Lipinski’s rule of five” and other drug like properties. The docking of five ligands was performed using AutoDock 4.0 software. From the present study, it has been found that (1R)-1, 3, 4- trihydroxy-5-methylcyclohexane carboxylic acid, which is a novel compound, a derivative of quinic acid, can act has an inhibitor for the Com A.
Microstrip Patch Rectenna for Electromagnetic Wireless Power Transfer at 2.45 GHz

This paper presents a rectenna design intended for use in power harvesting and wireless power transfer applications. The proposed rectenna is based on a rectangular microstrip patch antenna printed on both sides of an FR4 substrate. The rectenna is designed for operation in the WLAN frequency range (2.45 GHz). The received power is into an RF-to-DC converter based on the BAS40 series diode. The antenna and rectifying circuit were assembled and measured. The resulting assembly was tested in laboratory conditions, measured results were in agreement with the simulation.
The Miocene-to-Present Kinematic Evolution of the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East and Its Implications for Dynamics

The present kinematics in the eastern Mediterranean and Middle East is now well constrained by GPS measurements and dominated by a circular counterclockwise motion. While Arabia rotates rigidly, the rotational velocities increase from the Levant to Aegea, causing extension in western Anatolia. We place the present pattern in light of the post–Middle Miocene geological history and propose that in addition to the effects of the Hellenic subduction and Zagros collision-subduction zones on driving the surface motion, an underlying asthenospheric flow is also required. This counterclockwise toroidal flow is expected to exist around the eastern edge of the African slab owing to subduction rollback, and it helps explain the initiation of the North Anatolia Fault, the extrusion and uplift of Anatolia, and the Mid-Miocene to Recent volcanism in eastern Anatolia. The Afar plume had a similar effect on the acceleration of Arabia at 40 Mya.
On Evaluation of Waterflooded Zones with NMR Logging and Its Application

To clear up deficiencies in evaluation of the waterflooded zones with the coventional logging methods, different responses of oil zone, water zone and waterflooded zone on T 2 spectrum, shift spectrum and differential spectrum of NMR logging are analyzed, based on which proposed is a qualitative method to identify waterflooded zone and its flooded levels. Based on the analysis of the behaviors of various waterflooded zones, the quantitative method by using enhanced diffussion shift spectrum was provided to calculate the residual oil staturation for the waterflooded zone which contains viscous oil and the other method was also provided to calculate the movable water saturation for the waterflooded zone which contains heavy oil by using the differential spectrum between long and short echo time. Finally, the optimum NMR logging observation model for the water flooded zone is given and the case study shows the effectiveness and practicality of the methods mentioned above.
COUNTRY REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT, MODERATING COUNTRY BRAND CHOICE FOR FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT IN KENYA

Choice to locate business internationally is determined by comparison of various countries. The decision to invest may be based on market size, natural and human resources, financial, physical and technological infrastructure, country openness to foreign investment, institutional frameworks and policies such as fair trade, transparency. Countries are now competing to be a favourable destination for foreign direct investment. This has led to country making changes in policicies in order to attract investors. The Kenya investment legislation framework is anchored in Investment Promotion Act (IPA) of 2004. Kenya Investment Authority facilitates both local and foreign investors to obtain licences, permits and certificates. Despite Kenya making chnges on regulatory environment in 2014 based on on UNCTAD (2013) policy recommendations by establishing a one stop shop at Kenya Investment Authority to market and facilitate both local and foreign investors, investors chose Ethiopia over Kenya and Ethiopia remained the largest recipient of FDI in East Africa. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows in Kenya declined by 18% in the year 2019, This implied that Kenya was losing its competitiveness in attracting foreign direct investment. This study focused on the Kenya investment policy review recommendations by UNCTAD (2013). It measured the extent to which six policies (tax policy, competition policy, governance policy, environment policy, infrastructure and human capital policy) are moderating the relationship between country marketing mix and country brand choice for FDI. Findings indicated that both country marketing mix and country regulatory environment are statistically significant. The interaction term between country marketing mix and country regulatory environment is significant, with a negative B coefficient. This indicated that unfavourable regulatory environment moderates the effect of marketing negatively. An increase in unfavourable environment will result in the decrease of the likelihood that a country will be chosen of foreign direct investment. The study concluded that an increase in favourable country regulatory environment results in an increase in likelihood that an investor will choose a country for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Therefore, the study concluded that there is a statistically significant relationship between country regulatory environment and country brand choice, and that country regulatory environment has a significant moderating effect on the relationship between country marketing mix and country brand choice for foreign direct investment in Kenya. Unfavourable regulatory environment moderates the effect of marketing efforts negatively. An increase in unfavourable environment will result in the decrease of the likelihood that a country will be chosen of foreign direct investment.
Robust and powerful gene-environment interaction tests using rare genetic variants in case-control studies

Many association analysis methods have been developed to detect disease related rare genetic variants or gene-environment interactions. Most of them are based on prospectively likelihood, so they are robust but might not be powerful enough. On the other hand, retrospective likelihood based methods assuming gene-environment independence can eﬀectively improve the association test power, but they suﬀer from type-I error rate inﬂation if the in-dependence assumption is violated. The aim of this paper is to develop novel test methods to balance power and robustness by appropriately weighting the above retrospective likelihood based tests and the existing prospective likelihood based tests. The desired ﬁnite sample performances of the proposed methods are demonstrated through simulation studies and the application to a real dataset.
Screening of Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolite transporters by 13C isotope substrate labeling

The transportome of Saccharomyces cerevisiae comprises approximately 340 membrane-bound proteins, of which very few are well-characterized. Elucidating transporter proteins’ function is essential not only for understanding central cellular processes in metabolite exchange with the external milieu but also for optimizing the production of value-added compounds in microbial cell factories. Here, we describe the application of 13C-labeled stable isotopes and detection by targeted LC–MS/MS as a screening tool for identifying Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolite transporters. We compare the transport assay’s sensitivity, reproducibility, and accuracy in yeast transporter mutant cell lines and Xenopus oocytes. As proof of principle, we analyzed the transport profiles of five yeast amino acid transporters. We first cultured yeast transporter deletion or overexpression mutants on uniformly labeled 13C-glucose and then screened their ability to facilitate the uptake or export of an unlabeled pool of amino acids. Individual transporters were further studied by heterologous expression in Xenopus oocytes, followed by an uptake assay with 13C labeled yeast extract. Uptake assays in Xenopus oocytes showed higher reproducibility and accuracy. Although having lower accuracy, the results from S. cerevisiae indicated the system’s potential for initial high-throughput screening for native metabolite transporters. We partially confirmed previously reported substrates for all five amino acid transporters. In addition, we propose broader substrate specificity for two of the transporter proteins. The method presented here demonstrates the application of a comprehensive screening platform for the knowledge expansion of the transporter-substrate relationship for native metabolites in S. cerevisiae.
STUDYING THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN NON-ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE AND NON-ALCOHOLIC FATTY PANCREAS DISEASE USING TRANSABDOMINAL ULTRASOUND AND ENDOSCOPIC ULTRASOUND

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by hepatic triglyceride accumulation not due to alcohol consumption (<20 g ethanol per day), resulting in steatosis and hepatic inflammation. NAFLD is currently the most common liver disorder, particularly in Western countries. Worldwide, the prevalence of NAFLD is about 25%. Nonalcoholic fatty pancreas disease (NAFPD) is an excessive lipid accumulation in the pancreas in the absence of significant alcohol intake. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) can provide detailed images of the entire pancreas. The use of high-frequency US waves and the ability to simultaneously image adjacent organs like the liver and spleen in real-time. Objective: To determine the possible association between non-alcoholic fatty pancreatic disease (NAFPD) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Patients and methods: This study was conducted on 100 subjects divided into two equal groups: Group I Included individuals with sonographically proven NAFLD, and Group II (control group): Included healthy individuals with no sonographic evidence of NAFLD. All cases were selected from Internal Medicine Department at Al-Hussein Hospital, Al-Azhar University, during the period from April 2019 to April 2020. Results: Based on the severity of fatty pancrease, moderate and severe fatty pancrease was significantly associated with older age with p value 0.0001. Fasting-blood-sugar (FBS), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and aspartate-aminotransferase (AST) significantly higher in moderate and severe fatty pancreases too with p value 0.0001, 0.001 and 0.0001 respectively. Serum albumin level was the lowest in severe fatty pancreases with p value 0.001. In addition, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), TG and cholesterol was significantly higher in severe fatty pancreases with p value 0.0001, 0.0001 and 0.0001 respectively. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) was the highest in absent fatty pancreases with p value 0.0001. Patient with severe fatty pancrease was only present in fatty liver group with 24%. Conclusion: Degree of pancreatic steatosis was significantly related to old age, high erythrocyte sedimentation rate, low albumin level, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, and low high-density lipoprotein. Pancreatic steatosis was significantly correlated to presence of fatty liver.