Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Scout: An Experienced Guide to Find the Best Cloud Configuration

Finding the right cloud configuration for workloads is an essential step to ensure good performance and contain running costs. A poor choice of cloud configuration decreases application performance and increases running cost significantly. While Bayesian Optimization is effective and applicable to any workloads, it is fragile because performance and workload are hard to model (to predict). In this paper, we propose a novel method, SCOUT. The central insight of SCOUT is that using prior measurements, even those for different workloads, improves search performance and reduces search cost. At its core, SCOUT extracts search hints (inference of resource requirements) from low-level performance metrics. Such hints enable SCOUT to navigate through the search space more efficiently---only spotlight region will be searched. We evaluate SCOUT with 107 workloads on Apache Hadoop and Spark. The experimental results demonstrate that our approach finds better cloud configurations with a lower search cost than state of the art methods. Based on this work, we conclude that (i) low-level performance information is necessary for finding the right cloud configuration in an effective, efficient and reliable way, and (ii) a search method can be guided by historical data, thereby reducing cost and improving performance.
Characteristics and Anthropometric Data for Evaluating the Production Ability by Monocytes in OSAS Patients and Control

Background Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is known to be a risk factor of cardiovascular events. However, the precise mechanism linking the two has not been fully elucidated. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of hypoxic stress on the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) by monocytes. Methods Thirty-three OSAS patients and 13 healthy control subjects were enrolled. The OSAS patients were classified as mild-to-moderate (13) and severe (20). Venous blood samples were collected before and after sleep as well as after long-term nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment for the purpose of isolation of monocytes. Peripheral blood monocytes were isolated using standard methods. Monocytes were cultured under lipopolysaccharide stimulation for 24 hours, and TNF-α, MCP-1, and MMP-9 in the culture supernatants were determined by ELISA. Results In severe patients, the TNF-α production by monocytes was significantly elevated as compared to that before sleep (p<0.01). In all OSAS patients, the TNF-α production after sleep was significantly correlated with AHI (p<0.01), ODI (p<0.01) and % time in SpO2<90% (p<0.05), and inversely correlated with the lowest SpO2 (p<0.01). The production of MCP-1 and MMP-9 by monocytes was significantly elevated compared to that before sleep in severe patients (p<0.05). The production of these mediators by monocytes was significantly decreased after long-term nasal CPAP treatment (p<0.05). Conclusion These results indicate that OSAS-induced hypoxic stress activates the production of inflammatory mediators by monocytes.
Efficient bioremediation of tannery wastewater by monostrains and consortium of marine Chlorella sp. and Phormidium sp.

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the bioremediation potential of two marine microalgae Chlorella sp. and Phormidium sp. , both individually and in consortium, to reduce various pollutants in tannery wastewater (TW). The microalgae were grown in hazardous 100% TW for 20 days, and the reductions in biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorous (TP), chromium (Cr) and total dissolved solids (TDS) of the wastewater monitored periodically. Both marine isolates reduced the BOD and COD by ≥90% in the consortium and by over 80% individually. Concentrations of TN and TP were reduced by 91.16% and 88%, respectively, by the consortium. Removal/biosorption efficiencies for chromium ranged from 90.17–94.45%. Notably, the TDS, the most difficult to deal with, were reduced by >50% within 20 days by the consortium. The novel consortium developed in this study reduced most of the ecologically harmful components in the TW to within the permissible limits of discharge in about 5 to 15 days of treatment. Thus, both the tested marine strains of Chlorella and Phormidium sp. are promising for bioremediating/detoxifying TW and adequately improve the water quality for safe discharge into open water bodies, in particular when used as a consortium.
Proposed control policy for stabilized DFIG energy transducer

This paper aims to extract maximum power from wind turbine at all permissible wind speed range at reduced total copper loss of the Doubly Fed Induction Generator (DFIG) simultaneously. A proposed steady state model is presented whereby unity rotor power factor (URPF) of the DFIG and wind — turbine speed variables are the state variables. The URPF proposed variable is the load angle α by which the generator steady state performance characteristics are controlled over the whole operating speed range. Comparison between URPF, constant flux and constant rotor voltage magnitude operating modes is given to illustrate and evaluate the generator performance characteristics at URPF up two twice synchronous speed. Further, a proposed analytical approach has been implemented to predict the optimal load angle and the speed dependent rotor voltage magnitude that insures MPPT at URPF specified for wind energy conversion. This speed dependent rotor voltage magnitude may be burnt into the EPROM of the digital reference generator provided by a rotor side converter in DSP system.
The Accuracy of the Spot Sign and the Blend Sign for Predicting Hematoma Expansion in Patients with Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Background Hematoma expansion is associated with poor outcome in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) patients. The spot sign and the blend sign are reliable tools for predicting hematoma expansion in ICH patients. The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of the two signs in the prediction of hematoma expansion. Material/Methods Patients with spontaneous ICH were screened for the presence of the computed tomography angiography (CTA) spot sign and the non-contrast CT (NCCT) blend sign within 6 hours after onset of symptoms. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the spot sign and the blend sign in predicting hematoma expansion were calculated. The accuracy of the spot sign and the blend sign in predicting hematoma expansion was analyzed by receiver-operator analysis. Results A total of 115 patients were enrolled in this study. The spot sign was observed in 25 (21.74%) patients, whereas the blend sign was observed in 22 (19.13%) patients. Of the 28 patients with hematoma expansion, the CTA spot sign was found on admission CT scans in 16 (57.14%) and the NCCT blend sign in 12 (42.86%), respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the spot sign for predicting hematoma expansion were 57.14%, 89.66%, 64.00%, and 86.67%, respectively. In contrast, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the blend sign were 42.86%, 88.51%, 54.55%, and 82.80%, respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) of the spot sign was 0.734, which was higher than that of the blend sign (0.657). Conclusions Both the spot sign and the blend sign seemed to be good predictors for hematoma expansion, and the spot sign appeared to have better predictive accuracy.
Transmission probability of energy harvesting-based cognitive radio networks with directional antennas

In cognitive radio networks (CRNs), the transmissions of primary users (PUs) will cause interference to secondary users (SUs), consequently resulting in the less spectrum available at SUs. Instead of regarding the radio signals radiated by PUs as interference, these signals can be opportunistically harvested by SUs as energy. We name such cognitive radio networks with wireless energy harvesting technology as (WEH-CRNs). However, most of previous studies mainly consider using omni-directional antennas in WEH-CRNs (OMN-WEH-CRNs), consequently resulting in high interference. In this paper, we consider using directional antennas in WEH-CRNs (DIR-WEH-CRNs) to improve the performance of WEH-CRNs. We establish an analytical model to analyze the transmission probability of SUs in both DIR-WEH-CRNs and OMN-WEH-CRNs. Our simulation results show that our proposed model can accurately analyze the transmission probability of SUs in both DIR-WEH-CRNs and OMN-WEH-CRNs. Moreover, our results also show that the transmission probability of SUs depends on both the spectrum availability and the probability of SUs being charged. Compared with OMN-WEH-CRNs, DIR-WEH-CRNs can achieve higher transmission probability of SUs due to the reduced interference.
Mining Handover Process in Open Source Development: An Exploratory Study

Background: Handover is a common process in all software development projects. It is one of the most complex and diverse processes in software life cycle which could have a negative impact on software quality and progress. In open source software (OSS) development, handover is a more critical task due to poor planning. Objective: The goal of this work is to investigate whether we can automatically identify the handover process in OSS development. Furthermore, we aim to mine the process of handover and identify the factors and their influences on the duration of handover process. Method: We propose an ADC metric and an HDI algorithm to automatically identify the handover process and conduct a brief survey to evaluate it. We apply the Heuristic mining algorithm to discover the process maps of handover by mining Github repositories. To identify the factors from a large set of variables, we employ the Stepwise regression method. Results: We identified 63 pairs of handover within 44 projects from 314 most popular projects using our proposed method. Our survey received 21 responses. Conclusion: This study confirms that handover can be identified automatically. Although handover processes vary, developers follow a common work-flow during handover. The number of lines of code is positively correlated to the duration of handover process.
Together, the IFT81 and IFT74 N-termini form the main module for intraflagellar transport of tubulin

ABSTRACT The assembly and maintenance of most cilia and flagella rely on intraflagellar transport (IFT). Recent in vitro studies have suggested that, together, the calponin-homology domain within the IFT81 N-terminus and the highly basic N-terminus of IFT74 form a module for IFT of tubulin. By using Chlamydomonas mutants for IFT81 and IFT74, we tested this hypothesis in vivo. Modification of the predicted tubulin-binding residues in IFT81 did not significantly affect basic anterograde IFT and length of steady-state flagella but slowed down flagellar regeneration, a phenotype similar to that seen in a strain that lacks the IFT74 N-terminus. In both mutants, the frequency of tubulin transport by IFT was greatly reduced. A double mutant that combined the modifications to IFT81 and IFT74 was able to form only very short flagella. These results indicate that, together, the IFT81 and IFT74 N-termini are crucial for flagellar assembly, and are likely to function as the main module for IFT of tubulin. Summary: Tubulin transport is specifically impaired by mutations to the proposed tubulin-binding domains of the intraflagellar transport proteins IFT81 and IFT74.
Death from liver disease in a cohort of injecting opioid users in a Swedish city in relation to registration for opioid substitution therapy

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS Injecting opioid users are at elevated risk of death. Although liver disease (especially hepatitis C) is common, its impact on mortality is low in active injectors. Because opioid substitution therapy (OST) reduces the risk of death from directly drug related causes, we hypothesised that the proportion of liver-related deaths would increase in subjects receiving OST. We investigated liver-related mortality in a cohort of injecting opioid users attending a needle exchange program (NEP) in a Swedish city in relation to OST exposure. DESIGN AND METHODS Participants enrolled in the NEP between 1987 and 2011 with available national identity numbers, and registered use of opioids, were included. Linkage based on national identity numbers was performed with national registers for death, emigration and prescription of OST. Participants were categorised as non-OST recipients until the registered date of first OST prescription, and hence as OST recipients. Hazard ratios were calculated by Cox regression for overall and liver-related mortality in relation to OST, with OST as a time-dependent variable. RESULTS Among 4494 NEP participants, 1488 opioid users were identified; 711/1488 had been prescribed OST. During a follow-up period of 15 546 person-years 368 deaths occurred. Sixteen deaths were caused by liver disease; 10 of these occurred in OST recipients. The risk of liver-related death was significantly increased in OST receiving participants (hazard ratio 3.08, 95% confidence interval [1.09, 8.68], P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS Liver related mortality among opioid users was significantly elevated in OST recipients, showing the long-term importance of chronic liver disease in this population. [Jerkeman A, Håkansson A, Rylance R, Wagner P, Alanko Blomé M, Björkman P. Death from liver disease in a cohort of injecting opioid users in a Swedish city in relation to registration for opioid substitution therapy. Drug Alcohol Rev 2017;36:424-431].
Chloride Channel Blockers Suppress Formation of Engulfment Pseudopodia in Microglial Cells

Background/Aims: Phagocytosis depends on the formation of engulfment pseudopodia surrounding the target. We tested in microglia, monocyte-derived cells in the brain, whether a swelling-activated Cl--current (ICl,swell), required for global cell volume (CV) regulation, also contributes to local expansion and retraction of engulfment pseudopodia. Methods: We used scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) to visualize and quantify the uptake of polystyrene microbeads (MBs) by microglial cells. Flow cytometry was used for cell volume measurments and ICl,swell was measured by whole-cell patch clamp. Results: We found that exposure of microglial BV-2 cells to MBs in Cl--free extracellular solution attenuated MB uptake and that the Cl--channel blockers DIOA, flufenamic acid, NPPB and DCPIB suppressed the uptake of MBs in BV-2 cells and in primary microglial cells. Microglial cells exposed to MBs in the presence of Cl- channel blockers failed to extend engulfment pseudopodia. We observed that cells containing at least three MBs revealed an about twofold increase in current density of ICl, swell compared to cells without MB. Osmotic challenges to stimulate global CV regulation before exposure to MBs modulated phagocytosis. Pre-conditioning of cells in hypo- or hypertonic medium for 12-16 hours caused a decrease in MB uptake. Conclusion: These findings indicate that ICl,swell contributes to formation of engulfment pseudopodia and participates in engulfment and particle uptake in microglial cells.
Determinants of mammography adoption among iranian women: What are the differences in the cognitive factors by the stages of test adoption?

ABSTRACT Our aim in this cross-sectional study was to investigate the predictors of the stages of change in mammography adoption (MA) based on Health Belief Model among Iranian women. Through multistage cluster sampling, we recruited and interviewed 1131 women older than 40. After statistical adjustment for other risk factors, perceived barriers (OR D 0.84, 95% CI D .81–.87) and benefits (OR D 1.17, 95% CI D 1.11–1.24) were significant predictors for MA. Majority of the women were in the pre-contemplation and contemplation stages of change for MA. Our findings are informative for the development of targeted interventions to foster MA among women.
NDK Interacts with FtsZ and Converts GDP to GTP to Trigger FtsZ Polymerisation - A Novel Role for NDK

Introduction Nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDK), conserved across bacteria to humans, synthesises NTP from NDP and ATP. The eukaryotic homologue, the NDPK, uses ATP to phosphorylate the tubulin-bound GDP to GTP for tubulin polymerisation. The bacterial cytokinetic protein FtsZ, which is the tubulin homologue, also uses GTP for polymerisation. Therefore, we examined whether NDK can interact with FtsZ to convert FtsZ-bound GDP and/or free GDP to GTP to trigger FtsZ polymerisation. Methods Recombinant and native NDK and FtsZ proteins of Mycobacterium smegmatis and Mycobacterium tuberculosis were used as the experimental samples. FtsZ polymersation was monitored using 90° light scattering and FtsZ polymer pelleting assays. The γ32P-GTP synthesised by NDK from GDP and γ32P-ATP was detected using thin layer chromatography and quantitated using phosphorimager. The FtsZ bound 32P-GTP was quantitated using phosphorimager, after UV-crosslinking, followed by SDS-PAGE. The NDK-FtsZ interaction was determined using Ni2+-NTA-pulldown assay and co-immunoprecipitation of the recombinant and native proteins in vitro and ex vivo, respectively. Results NDK triggered instantaneous polymerisation of GDP-precharged recombinant FtsZ in the presence of ATP, similar to the polymerisation of recombinant FtsZ (not GDP-precharged) upon the direct addition of GTP. Similarly, NDK triggered polymerisation of recombinant FtsZ (not GDP-precharged) in the presence of free GDP and ATP as well. Mutant NDK, partially deficient in GTP synthesis from ATP and GDP, triggered low level of polymerisation of MsFtsZ, but not of MtFtsZ. As characteristic of NDK’s NTP substrate non-specificity, it used CTP, TTP, and UTP also to convert GDP to GTP, to trigger FtsZ polymerisation. The NDK of one mycobacterial species could trigger the polymerisation of the FtsZ of another mycobacterial species. Both the recombinant and the native NDK and FtsZ showed interaction with each other in vitro and ex vivo, alluding to the possibility of direct phosphorylation of FtsZ-bound GDP by NDK. Conclusion Irrespective of the bacterial species, NDK interacts with FtsZ in vitro and ex vivo and, through the synthesis of GTP from FtsZ-bound GDP and/or free GDP, and ATP (CTP/TTP/UTP), triggers FtsZ polymerisation. The possible biological context of this novel activity of NDK is presented.
Diabetes Self-management in a Latino Social Environment

Purpose The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore the sociocultural influences and social context associated with living with type 2 diabetes among migrant Latino adults. Methods A qualitative descriptive study using grounded theory techniques was conducted. In-depth semistructured interviews were completed with 10 participants (6 female and 4 male) ranging in age from 46 to 65 years and with a duration of diabetes diagnosis ranging from 1.5 to 40 years. Results An overarching meta-theme of self-management in a social environment emerged. Every aspect of the process of self-management, as described in the 4 major themes—(1) family cohesion, (2) social stigma of disease, (3) social expectations/perception of “illness,” and (4) disease knowledge and understanding—was influenced by the social context. Conclusions The familist traditions, central to the Mexican culture, had both positive and negative consequences on diabetes management. Tailoring clinical care and developing novel education approaches, to include family and community, is central to improving the health of this population. Recognizing and acknowledging the social stigma associated with diabetes, for this population, will promote understanding and improve clinician-patient communication. The sociocultural influences that affect diabetes management practices (eg, include family, in particular the primary female caregiver, and establish community- and home-based education sessions) must be integrated into clinical practice. Future research focused on population-defined health and disease self-management, novel educational interventions, and family and community interventions focusing on the concept of social stigma of disease is indicated to further affect the health disparities of this population.
Online learner emotional analysis based on big dataset of online learning forum

The spatial and temporal separation characteristics of online learning not only make learners lack the presence of classroom teaching, but also make learners feel lonely during learning. The emotional analysis of learners is helpful for the Learning support services provider to online learning support services. In the online learning forum, the Learner's post information is the direct carrier of learner's emotional sustenance. Therefore, the analysis of learners' emotion is the analysis of the learners' posts in the online learning forum. This paper collects 1.1 million posts of online corpus (Dataset DI and DII). Based on the support of emotional dictionary, this paper uses the data mining method to analyze the learners' emotion. It is found that: (a) the proportion of negative emotions of online academic education and online training learners is 6.35% and 5.12% respectively, but the positive emotion is 27.02% and 90.91% respectively; (b) The proportion of negative emotions in each test course of DI is higher, which reflects the greater learning pressure; (c) The learning support service forum is the most number of concerned on and negative emotion, indicating that learning support services to be further strengthened.
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin: The Pregnancy Hormone and More

To thoroughly review the uses of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) related to the process of reproduction and also assess new, non-traditional theories. Review of the international literature and research studies. hCG and its receptor, LH/CGR, are expressed in numerous sites of the reproductive tract, both in gonadal and extra-goanadal tissues, promoting oocyte maturation, fertilization, implantation and early embryo development. Moreover, hCG seems to have a potential role as an anti-rejection agent in solid organ transplantation. Future research needs to focus extensively on the functions of hCG and its receptor LH/CGR, in an effort to reveal known, as well as unknown clinical potentials.
The Effects of Virtual Agents' Characteristics on User Impressions and Language Use

Virtual agent (VA) interaction is becoming more pervasive in work and home life. We present a study of text-based VA-user interaction in the context of a real-world job interview. Two VAs were designed with distinct personalities and different genders. Virtual interviews were conducted by the VAs with 316 job applicants for an entry-level position at a financial firm. We investigated how different VA characteristics affect impression of, and interaction with, the VA. Results show that when gender of users and VAs were dissimilar, VAs were perceived more extroverted and personable. When genders were similar, users tended to rate VAs as more trustworthy. We also found differences in authenticity by users who interacted with different VAs.