Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
'Cleantech' Venture Capital Around the World

Cleantech venture capital investment differs from the typical venture capital investment in that it tends to be very capital intensive and faces greater technology risks associated with the functioning of the technology, scalability and exit requirements than the typical venture capital investment. Moreover, unlike the typical venture capital investment, the benefits arising from cleantech cannot be totally captured by the venture capitalist as many of its benefits accrue to society via reduced environmental degradation and better health and quality of life outcomes. The public goods literature posits that such externalities reduce investment in cleantech below the socially optimal level. We seek to determine whether there are countervailing factors which may incite greater cleantech investment. We argue that oil prices, increased stakeholder attention, as well as the impact of various formal and informal institutions are such factors. This paper provides a cross-country analysis of the determinants of cleantech venture capital investment with a unique worldwide dataset of 31 countries spanning 1996–2010. The data show consistent evidence of a pronounced role for oil prices in driving cleantech venture capital deals, which is more important than other economic, legal or institutional variables. Cleantech media coverage is likewise a statistically significant determinant of cleantech venture capital investment and as economically significant as other country level legal, governance, and cultural variables. Uncertainty avoidance has a negative impact on cleantech venture capital investment, as well as a moderating effect on other variables.
The therapeutic potential of the mesenchymal stem cell secretome in ischaemic stroke

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) hold great potential as a regenerative therapy for stroke, leading to increased repair and functional recovery in animal models of cerebral ischaemia. While it was initially hypothesised that cell replacement was an important mechanism of action of MSCs, focus has shifted to their paracrine actions or the so called “bystander” effect. MSCs secrete a wide array of growth factors, chemokines, cytokines and extracellular vesicles, commonly referred to as the MSC secretome. There is evidence suggesting the MSC secretome can promote repair through a number of mechanisms including preventing cell apoptosis, modulating the inflammatory response and promoting endogenous repair mechanisms such as angiogenesis and neurogenesis. In this review, we will discuss the in vitro approaches currently being employed to drive the MSC secretome towards a more anti-inflammatory and regenerative phenotype. We will then examine the role of the secretome in promoting repair and improving recovery in preclinical models of cerebral ischaemia.
Assessment of nursing workload in adult psychiatric inpatient units: A scoping review

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT? : There is a shortage of empirical research in the field of psychiatric and mental health nursing regarding how to calculate a safe staffing level in psychiatry inpatient units. Furthermore, the tools to assess nursing workload in this specialty are limited. No systematic reviews on measurement tools in adult psychiatric inpatient settings were found. WHAT DOES THIS PAPER ADD TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE? : This study confirms the scarcity and heterogeneity of instruments with which to evaluate nursing workload in this specific context. Likewise, the instruments identified do not capture the complexity of the psychiatric nursing setting, namely, the relational and psychotherapeutic strategies that must be implemented in the patient care approach. The findings of the study suggest that evidence-based tools for adult psychiatric inpatient settings require further development. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE? : This review shows the need to continue to develop tools that assess workload in psychiatric inpatient units that embrace activities related to patient (direct and indirect) and nonpatient activities. The great challenge is providing a sensitive understanding of the workload resulting from psychotherapeutic interventions, the primary treatment that many patients need. This review reinforces the need to add patient outcomes to workload assessment processes. ABSTRACT Introduction No systematic reviews on measurement tools in adult psychiatric inpatient settings exist in the literature, and thus, further research is required on ways to identify approaches to calculate safe nurse staffing levels based on patients' care needs in adult psychiatric inpatient units. Aim To identify instruments that enable an assessment of nursing workload in psychiatric settings. Method A scoping review was conducted. Results Four studies were identified, with five instruments used to support the calculation of staff needs and workload. All four studies present methodological limitations. Two instruments have already been adapted to this specific context, but validation studies are lacking. Discussion The findings indicate that the tools used to evaluate nursing workload in these settings require further development, with the concomitant need for more research to clarify the definition of nursing workload as well as to identify factors with the greatest impact on nursing workload. Implications for practice This review highlights the need to develop tools to assess workload in psychiatric inpatient units that embrace patient-related and non-patient-related activities. The great challenge is to enable a sensitive perception of workload resulting from nurses' psychotherapeutic interventions, an important component of treatment for many patients.
Multi‐proxy analyses of Late Cretaceous coprolites from Germany

A total of 462 coprolites from three localities exposing Upper Cretaceous deposits in the Munster Basin, northwestern Germany, have been subjected to an array of analytical techniques, with the aim of elucidating ancient trophic structures and predator–prey interactions. The phosphatic composition, frequent bone inclusions, size and morphology collectively suggest that most, if not all, coprolites were produced by carnivorous (predatory or scavenging) vertebrates. The bone inclusions further indicate that the coprolite producers preyed principally upon fish. Putative host animals include bony fish, sharks and marine reptiles – all of which have been previously recorded from the Munster Basin. The presence of borings and other traces on several coprolites implies handling by coprophagous organisms. Remains of epibionts are also common, most of which have been identified as the encrusting bivalve Atreta. Palynological analyses of both the coprolites and host rocks reveal a sparse assemblage dominated by typical Late Cretaceous dinoflagellates, and with sub-ordinate fern spores, conifer pollen grains and angiosperm pollen grains. The dinoflagellate key taxon Exochosphaeridium cenomaniense corroborates a Cenomanian age for the Plenus Marl, from which most studied coprolites derive. The findings of this study highlight the potential of a multi-proxy approach when it comes to unravelling the origin, composition and importance of coprolites in palaeoecosystem analyses. (Less)
Estimation of SOC Content in Anthropogenic Soils from Flysch Deposits Using Vis-NIR Spectroscopy

Th e objectives of this work were to estimate the ability of Vis-NIR diff use refl ectance spectroscopy for the prediction of soil organic carbon (SOC) content in terraced soils from Flysch deposits in Dalmatia, Croatia and to determine the signifi cance of spectral wavelengths and regions. In a total of 159 top-soil samples (0-25 cm) SOC content was determined in the laboratory and refl ectance spectra were collected using a portable Terra Spec 4 Hi-Res Mineral Spectrometer with a wavelength range 350-2500 nm. Th e partial last square regression (PLSR) with leave-one-out cross-validation method was used for calibrating the Vis-NIR spectra and SOC content. Th e SOC content varied from 2.79 to 28.66 g kg-1 with an average value of 13.47 g kg-1. Th e SOC model prediction parameters, the coeffi cient of determination (R2), the ratio of performance to deviation (RPD) and the range error ratio (RER) were 0.73, 1.76 and 8.19, respectively, indicating moderately useful calibration model which is acceptable for a rapid sample screening for SOC content determination. Th e wavelengths located near 1400, 1900, 2000, 2025, 2200, 2225, 2275, 2325 and 2355 nm in NIR, near 560 nm in visible and near 825 nm in the short-wave NIR (700-1100 nm) were identifi ed as important wavelengths for PLSR SOC modelling.
Effectiveness of Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy in Patients Suffering from B . P . P . V

Majority of patients who suffered from Vertigo due to Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (B.P.P.V) have a residual feeling of imbalance and light headedness. This is compounded by phobia and psychological dread of getting an attack of Vertigo. Most of patients of B.P.P.V need some form of Vestibular Rehabilitation. This study was aimed to examine the benefits of our 21 day customized Vestibular rehabilitation program (Radsan Program). Vestibular Rehabilitation is an effective method of functional restoration of the patient who has been affected with Vertigo.
Slicing Virtualized EPC-based 5G Core Network for Content Delivery

Traditional Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) built with traditional Internet technology are less and less able to cope with today’s tremendous growth of content. Information Centric Networks (ICN), a proposed future Internet technology, may aid in remedying the situation. Unlike the current Internet, it decouples information from its sources and provides in- network storage. We expect traditional CDN and ICN-based CDN to co-exist in the foreseeable future, especially as it is now known that it might be possible to evolve traditional CDNs to gain the benefits promised by ICN. 5G providers must therefore aim to offer core network slices on which both ICN-based CDNs and traditional CDNs can be built. These slices could of course also be offered to providers of other applications with requirements similar to those of content delivery. This paper tackles the problem of slicing 5G for content delivery over ICN- based CDNs and traditional CDNs. Only virtualized Evolved Packet Core (EPC)-based 5G is considered. The problem is defined as a resource allocation problem which aims at minimizing the cost of slice assignment, while meeting QoS requirements. An Integer linear programming (ILP) formulation is provided and evaluated in a small-scale scenario.
Immunological changes with kinase inhibitor therapy for chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Abstract Ibrutinib and idelalisib are kinase inhibitors that have revolutionized the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Capable of inducing durable remissions, these agents also modulate the immune system. Both ibrutinib and idelalisib abrogate the tumor-supporting microenvironment by disrupting cell–cell interactions, modulating the T-cell compartment, and altering the cytokine milieu. Ibrutinib also partially restores T-cell and myeloid defects associated with CLL. In contrast, immune-related adverse effects, including pneumonitis, colitis, hepatotoxicity, and infections are of particular concern with idelalisib. While opportunistic infections and viral reactivations occur with both ibrutinib and idelalisib, these complications are less common and less severe with ibrutinib, especially when used as monotherapy without additional immunosuppressive agents. This review discusses the impact of ibrutinib and idelalisib on the immune system, including infectious and auto-immune complications as well as their specific effects on the B-cell, T-cell, and myeloid compartment.
Low birth weight is associated with increased fat intake in school-aged boys

Abstract Evidence suggests that both high and low birth weight children have increased the risk for obesity and the metabolic syndrome in adulthood. Previously we have found altered feeding behaviour and food preferences in pre-school children and adults born with low birth weight. In this study, we investigated if birth weight was associated with different intake of fat, carbohydrate and/or protein at 6–12 years of age. This is a cross-sectional study where 255 guardians answered online and telephone questions including anthropometrics and demographic data, parental family food rules (food control, encouragement and restriction) and a complete web-based FFQ for their children (130 boys and 125 girls). Baseline demographic and parental food rules characteristics did not differ accordingly to sex. Linear regression models were conducted separately for each sex, adjusted for income, age and maternal age. There were no differences in total energy intake, but energy density (ED, energy content/g) was negatively associated with birth weight in boys. Macronutrient analysis showed that ED intake was from a greater intake of fat. Birth weight was not a significant predictor of protein and carbohydrate intake in boys. In girls, we saw a positive correlation between fat intake and cholesterol intake v. birth weight, but no association with ED intake (results did not remain after adjustment). The study shows that low birth weight is associated with altered fat intake in childhood in a sex-specific manner. It is likely that biological factors such as fetal programming of homoeostatic and/or hedonic pathways influencing food preferences are involved in this process.
MODIFICATION OF DELTA FOR CHOOSER OPTIONS

Correctly used financial derivatives can help investors increase their expected returns and minimize their exposure to risk. To ensure the specific needs of investors, a large number of different types of non-standard exotic options is used. Chooser option is one of them. It is an option that gives its holder the right to choose at some predetermined future time whether the option will be a standard call or put with predetermined strike price and maturity time. Although the chooser options are more expensive than standard European-style options, in many cases they are a more suitable instrument for investors in hedging their portfolio value. For an effective use of the chooser option as a hedging instrument, it is necessary to check the values of the Greek parameters delta and gamma for the options. Especially, if the value of the parameter gamma is too large, hedging of the portfolio value using only parameter delta is insufficient and brings high transaction costs because the portfolio has to be reviewed relatively often. Therefore, in this article, a modification of delta-hedging as well as using the value of parameter gamma is suggested. Error of the delta modification is analyzed and compared with the error of widely used parameter delta. Typical patterns for the modified hedging parameter variation with various time to choose time for chooser options are also presented in this article.
Hic-5 expression is a major indicator of cancer cell morphology, migration, and plasticity in three-dimensional matrices

The focal adhesion proteins Hic-5 and paxillin have been previously identified as key regulators of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell migration and morphologic mesenchymal-amoeboid plasticity in three-dimensional (3D) extracellular matrices (ECMs). However, their respective roles in other cancer cell types have not been evaluated. Herein, utilizing 3D cell–derived matrices and fibronectin-coated one-dimensional substrates, we show that across a variety of cancer cell lines, the level of Hic-5 expression serves as the major indicator of the cells primary morphology, plasticity, and in vitro invasiveness. Domain mapping studies reveal sites critical to the functions of both Hic-5 and paxillin in regulating phenotype, while ectopic expression of Hic-5 in cell lines with low endogenous levels of the protein is sufficient to induce a Rac1-dependent mesenchymal phenotype and, in turn, increase amoeboid-mesenchymal plasticity and invasion. We show that the activity of vinculin, when coupled to the expression of Hic-5 is required for the mesenchymal morphology in the 3D ECM. Taken together, our results identify Hic-5 as a critical modulator of tumor cell phenotype that could be utilized in predicting tumor cell migratory and invasive behavior in vivo.
Terahertz frequency bandpass filters.

The design, measurement, and analysis of a range of artificial materials for use at terahertz frequencies are described. The chosen structures consist of arrays of cylindrical gold-plated pillars with period comparable to the wavelength of incident radiation. An ultraviolet (UV) micromachining approach to the fabrication of these high aspect-ratio pillars is described using the negative epoxy-based resin SU8. Lattice fence structures are also realized using the same method. Terahertz (THz) frequency time domain spectroscopy is performed on these structures in the range 200 GHz to 3.0 THz and the relative transmission of the structures is determined. The pass and stop bands are observed with peak transmission of up to 97%. Finite difference time domain simulations and complex photonic band structure calculations are shown to provide good descriptions of the electromagnetic properties of the structures and are used to interpret the observed transmission spectra.
Performance analysis of 2-D DOA estimation using L-shaped array in scattered channel

The L-shaped array structure is considered as an attractive alternative to estimate entire direction of arrival (both azimuth and elevation). Most of the techniques developed around this specific array structure assume a constant channel configuration which is not enough realistic in the context of evolutive wireless systems. In this paper, we propose a performance analysis of several 2-D direction of arrival (DOA) estimation techniques by taking into consideration the scattering effect of channel. Especially, the impact of angular spread on the precision of the considered DOA estimation techniques is studied.
P and Q control strategy for single phase Z/qZ source inverter based on d-q frame

This paper explains a new control strategy for controlling active and reactive powers in a single phase Z or qZ source inverter to increase the active functions of these converters when they are interfacing with distributed energy resources. The proposed strategy is based on a d-q synchronous reference frame and it is validated by simulation in a single phase three-level neutral-point-clamped topology. Both steady and transient states are studied under different conditions.
Small-Molecule Positive Allosteric Modulators of the β2-Adrenoceptor Isolated from DNA-Encoded Libraries

Conventional drug discovery efforts at the β2-adrenoceptor (β2AR) have led to the development of ligands that bind almost exclusively to the receptor’s hormone-binding orthosteric site. However, targeting the largely unexplored and evolutionarily unique allosteric sites has potential for developing more specific drugs with fewer side effects than orthosteric ligands. Using our recently developed approach for screening G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs) with DNA-encoded small-molecule libraries, we have discovered and characterized the first β2AR small-molecule positive allosteric modulators (PAMs)—compound (Cmpd)-6 [(R)-N-(4-amino-1-(4-(tert-butyl)phenyl)-4-oxobutan-2-yl)-5-(N-isopropyl-N-methylsulfamoyl)-2-((4-methoxyphenyl)thio)benzamide] and its analogs. We used purified human β2ARs, occupied by a high-affinity agonist, for the affinity-based screening of over 500 million distinct library compounds, which yielded Cmpd-6. It exhibits a low micro-molar affinity for the agonist-occupied β2AR and displays positive cooperativity with orthosteric agonists, thereby enhancing their binding to the receptor and ability to stabilize its active state. Cmpd-6 is cooperative with G protein and β-arrestin1 (a.k.a. arrestin2) to stabilize high-affinity, agonist-bound active states of the β2AR and potentiates downstream cAMP production and receptor recruitment of β-arrestin2 (a.k.a. arrestin3). Cmpd-6 is specific for the β2AR compared with the closely related β1AR. Structure–activity studies of select Cmpd-6 analogs defined the chemical groups that are critical for its biologic activity. We thus introduce the first small-molecule PAMs for the β2AR, which may serve as a lead molecule for the development of novel therapeutics. The approach described in this work establishes a broadly applicable proof-of-concept strategy for affinity-based discovery of small-molecule allosteric compounds targeting unique conformational states of GPCRs.
ReSC

The Internet of Things (IoT), an emerging global network of uniquely identifiable embedded computing devices within the existing Internet infrastructure, is transforming how we live and work by increasing the connectedness of people and things on a scale that was once unimaginable. In addition to facilitated information and service exchange between connected objects, enhanced computing power and analytic capabilities of individual objects, and increased interaction between objects and their environments, the IoT also raises new security and privacy challenges. Hardware trust across the IoT supply chain is the foundation of IoT security and privacy. Two major supply chain issues—disappearance/theft of authentic IoT devices and appearance of inauthentic ones—have to be addressed to secure the IoT supply chain and lay the foundation for further security and privacy-defensive measures. Comprehensive solutions that enable IoT device authentication and traceability across the entire supply chain (i.e., during distribution and after being provisioned) need to be established. Existing hardware, software, and network protection methods, however, do not address IoT supply chain issues. To mitigate this shortcoming, we propose an RFID-enabled solution called ReSC that aims at defending the IoT supply chain. By incorporating three techniques—one-to-one mapping between RFID tag identity and control chip identity; unique tag trace, which records tag provenance and history information; and neighborhood attestation of IoT devices—ReSC is resistant to split attacks (i.e., separating tag from product, swapping tags), counterfeit injection, product theft throughout the entire supply chain, device recycling, and illegal network service access (e.g., Internet, cable TV, online games, remote firmware updates). Simulations, theoretical analysis, and experimental results based on a printed circuit board (PCB) prototype demonstrate the effectiveness of ReSC. Finally, we evaluate the security of our proposed scheme against various attacks.
Parallel AES algorithm for performance improvement in data analytics security for IoT

In emerging computing environment like internet of things (IoT) or smart device networking, many constraint-based devices are connected with internet. The device automatically interacts with each other through the connected network and gives us new experience. In order to effectively utilise the features of IoT, it is absolutely essential to ensure the security of connected end nodes. If one of the node security is compromised, the entire process will suffer seriously. However, implementing sufficient cryptographic functions on the device is very difficult due to the limitation of resources. This paper proposes a method of injecting the high performance security algorithm in data analytics done with IOT-based devices. Parallel algorithms will improve the efficiency of security mechanism in data analysis with parallel computing devices. AES algorithm is a symmetric encryption algorithm works efficiently for hardware and software. Through parallel processing of AES algorithm, data analytics in IoT-based systems performance can be improved. This method is tested with varieties of Intel-based multi-core processing architecture and considerable performance improvement is achieved.