Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Hybrid Approach for Quantitative Analysis of Fire Hazards in Enclosed Vehicle Spaces on Ro-ro Passenger Ships

This study probes the probabilistic features of major fire hazards in enclosed spaces to establish their importance to the occurrence of fires onboard Ro-ro passenger ships and, in turn, to raise effective operational countermeasures. Distinct from the previous studies, the present research employs Bayesian Network (BN) analysis to determine the probabilities of fire hazards more effectively. The results of the first 10 important basic events obtained by the BN model are divided into five groups (Vehicle electrical fires, Reefer vehicle fires, Vehicle-carried cargo fires, Potential causal factors of fire for LIB vehicles, and Vehicle fires originating from human factors), Which prompts the authors to propose preventive measures for mitigating the possibility of fire occurrence on this type of electric vehicle. It is hoped that these measures can be essential justifications for establishing relevant rules regarding carrying LIB vehicles in enclosed spaces on an international level.
NOTCH and AKT Signalling Interact to Drive Mammary Tumour Heterogeneity

Simple Summary Effective personalised cancer therapy depends on an understanding of the fundamental biological differences between tumours. Such differences may include the activation or suppression of molecular pathways involved in the development and regulation of the normal cells that give rise to the cancer of interest. One such candidate pathway in mammary/breast cancer is NOTCH signalling. In a mouse model of mammary cancer, which normally develops four different histological tumour types upon knockout of the Pten and p53 tumour suppressor genes in the mammary gland, the additional knockout of the Notch1 or Notch2 genes did not alter the kinetics of tumour onset but did significantly change the relative proportions of different tumour types. This was accompanied by changes in PI3K/AKT signalling. We suggest PI3K/AKT and NOTCH signalling interact to determine mouse mammary tumour histotype. Abstract A better understanding of the mechanisms generating tumour heterogeneity will allow better targeting of current therapies, identify potential resistance mechanisms and highlight new approaches for therapy. We have previously shown that in genetically modified mouse models carrying conditional oncogenic alleles, mammary tumour histotype varies depending on the combination of alleles, the cell type to which they are targeted and, in some cases, reproductive history. This suggests that tumour heterogeneity is not a purely stochastic process; rather, differential activation of signalling pathways leads to reproducible differences in tumour histotype. We propose the NOTCH signalling pathway as one such pathway. Here, we have crossed conditional knockout Notch1 or Notch2 alleles into an established mouse mammary tumour model. Notch1/2 deletion had no effect on tumour-specific survival; however, loss of Notch alleles resulted in a dose-dependent increase in metaplastic adenosquamous carcinomas (ASQCs). ASQCs and adenomyoepitheliomas (AMEs) also demonstrated a significant increase in AKT signalling independent of Notch status. Therefore, the NOTCH pathway is a suppressor of the ASQC phenotype, while increased PI3K/AKT signalling is associated with ASQC and AME tumours. We propose a model in which PI3K/AKT and NOTCH signalling act interact to determine mouse mammary tumour histotype.
A Fast Algorithm for Moderating Critical Nodes via Edge Removal

Critical nodes in networks are extremely vulnerable to malicious attacks to trigger negative cascading events such as the spread of misinformation and diseases. Therefore, effective moderation of critical nodes is very vital for mitigating the potential damages caused by such malicious diffusions. The current moderation methods are computationally expensive. Furthermore, they disregard the fundamental metric of information centrality, which measures the dissemination power of nodes. We investigate the problem of removing <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$k$</tex-math><alternatives><mml:math><mml:mi>k</mml:mi></mml:math><inline-graphic xlink:href="zhang-ieq1-3309987.gif"/></alternatives></inline-formula> edges from a network to minimize the information centrality of a target node <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$v$</tex-math><alternatives><mml:math><mml:mi>v</mml:mi></mml:math><inline-graphic xlink:href="zhang-ieq2-3309987.gif"/></alternatives></inline-formula> while preserving the network's connectivity. We prove that this problem is computationally challenging: it is NP-complete and its objective function is not supermodular. However, we propose three approximation greedy algorithms using novel techniques such as random walk-based Schur complement approximation and fast sum estimation. One of our algorithms runs in nearly linear time in the number of edges. To complement our theoretical analysis, we conduct a comprehensive set of experiments on synthetic and real networks with over one million nodes. Across various settings, the experimental results illustrate the effectiveness and efficiency of our proposed algorithms.
That’s Racist!: Political Correctness Predicts Accusations of Racism in Ambiguous Situations

Abstract The present research reports three studies investigating the possibility that Political Correctness (PC) is associated with the tendency to claim racism in ambiguous interactions involving Black and White individuals, despite plausible alternative explanations. In Study 1, PC was significantly related to claiming racism in ambiguous scenarios. In Study 2, these results were replicated with open-ended and prompted scenarios. In Study 3, exposure to PC did not impact claims of racism, indicating the stability of trait PC. In all three studies, White Guilt mediated the relationship between PC and claiming racism, among Whites. Additionally, confidence in the accuracy of open-ended responses (Study 2) was much higher in PC participants, indicating heuristic thinking. Finally, PC predicted claiming racism beyond many related variables.
Recruitment of the Histone Variant MacroH2A1 to the Pericentric Region Occurs upon Chromatin Relaxation and Is Responsible for Major Satellite Transcriptional Regulation

Heterochromatin formation plays a pivotal role in regulating chromatin organization and influences nuclear architecture and genome stability and expression. Amongst the locations where heterochromatin is found, the pericentric regions have the capability to attract the histone variant macroH2A1. However, the factors and mechanisms behind macroH2A1 incorporation into these regions have not been explored. In this study, we probe different conditions that lead to the recruitment of macroH2A1 to pericentromeric regions and elucidate its underlying functions. Through experiments conducted on murine fibroblastic cells, we determine that partial chromatin relaxation resulting from DNA damage, senescence, or histone hyper-acetylation is necessary for the recruitment of macroH2A1 to pericentric regions. Furthermore, macroH2A1 is required for upregulation of noncoding pericentric RNA expression but not for pericentric chromatin organization. Our findings shed light on the functional rather than structural significance of macroH2A1 incorporation into pericentric chromatin.
Numerical Simulations of Jets from Active Galactic Nuclei

Numerical simulations have been playing a crucial role in the understanding of jets from active galactic nuclei (AGN) since the advent of the first theoretical models for the inflation of giant double radio galaxies by continuous injection in the late 1970s. In the almost four decades of numerical jet research, the complexity and physical detail of simulations, based mainly on a hydrodynamical/magneto-hydrodynamical description of the jet plasma, have been increasing with the pace of the advance in theoretical models, computational tools and numerical methods. The present review summarizes the status of the numerical simulations of jets from AGNs, from the formation region in the neighborhood of the supermassive central black hole up to the impact point well beyond the galactic scales. Special attention is paid to discuss the achievements of present simulations in interpreting the phenomenology of jets as well as their current limitations and challenges.
The Relationship between Diet and the Occurrence of Depressive Symptoms in a Community Example with High Rates of Social Deprivation: A Cross-Sectional Study

Research suggests that various biological and psychosocial mechanisms are involved in the heterogeneous and complex relationship between dietary patterns and depressive symptoms. The occurrence of depressive symptoms is thought to be related to socioeconomic status (SES), with those with lower SES being more likely to experience persistent depression. The aim of the undertaken study was to investigate whether socioeconomic and health variables are associated with dietary assessment in a population with high rates of social deprivation and whether a relationship exists between dietary assessment and depressive symptoms (DS). The respondents’ nutrition was evaluated through a qualitative method, using the Perinumeric Periodic Table questionnaire by Starzyńska. At the same time, the prevalence of DS was assessed employing the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). In the DS screening (PHQ-9 ≥ 10), in the entire study population, the risk of DS was 16.1% (n = 605). In our entire study population, up to 61.2% (n = 2297) of the respondents exhibited poor dietary patterns. In the multivariate model, women with almost adequate or poor dietary assessment were 1.62 and 2.18 times more likely to score at least 10 on the PHQ-9 questionnaire, as compared to women whose dietary assessment was good or adequate. In conclusion, it was determined that sociodemographic variables affect nutritional habits. Women who lived in rural areas limited to a vocational education had significantly poorer diets. Moreover, men, younger men, smokers, and those without chronic diseases were characterized by a poorer dietary assessment. Additionally, women who had a better dietary assessment were significantly more likely to have lower scores on the questionnaire assessing the occurrence of DS (PHQ-9 10).
Role of Cu/SiO2 Rough Interface in TSV for High-Power Device Under Electromigration

Through silicon via (TSV) technology is considered as the most promising 3-D packaging method due to its excellent electrical performance. However, the electromigration (EM) effect seriously reduces the reliability and service lifetime of TSV, which is conducive to the growth of holes and the uneven accumulation of Cu atoms in TSV-Cu and leads to short circuits of power devices. In addition, the roughness caused by the through-hole etching process accelerates the crack propagation at the Cu/SiO2 interface, resulting in local failure. In this work, a novel EM modeling approach for TSV with a rough interface using the W–M fractal function was reported. The mechanism of the EM effect of interface with different roughness was investigated. There is a significant concentration of current and stress under the increasing roughness, which intensify the atomic flow at the interface and result in the formation of a large number of voids and hills. Moreover, the increase in working current can also contribute to the obvious EM effect, and a larger current density will reduce the high-temperature reliability of TSV for high-power device.
Discovery of TBX20 as a Novel Gene Underlying Atrial Fibrillation

Simple Summary Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most prevalent sustained dysrhythmia, is accountable for substantial mortality and morbidity. Accumulating convincing evidence highlights the predominant roles of heritable components in the initiation and maintenance of AF. Here, through pan-genomic genotyping with genetic markers followed by a genetic linkage study in an AF family, a novel AF-causing locus was located at human chromosome 7p14.2–p14.3. An exome-wide sequence assay unveiled that, at the defined locus, the mutation in TBX20, NM_001077653. 2: c.695A>G; p.(His232Arg), was solely co-segregated with AF in the family. Additionally, a Sanger sequencing assay of TBX20 in another AF family uncovered a novel mutation, NM_001077653. 2: c.862G>C; p.(Asp288His). Neither of the two mutations were found in 600 control persons. Functional investigations demonstrated that the two mutations both significantly reduced the transactivation of the target gene KCNH2 and the ability to bind the promoter of KCNH2, while they had no effect on the nuclear distribution of TBX20. These findings strongly indicate that TBX20 is a new AF-predisposing gene, shedding light on the mechanism underlying AF and suggesting clinical significance for the individually tailored treatment of AF. Abstract Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most prevalent type of sustained cardiac dysrhythmia globally, confers strikingly enhanced risks for cognitive dysfunction, stroke, chronic cardiac failure, and sudden cardiovascular demise. Aggregating studies underscore the crucial roles of inherited determinants in the occurrence and perpetuation of AF. However, due to conspicuous genetic heterogeneity, the inherited defects accounting for AF remain largely indefinite. Here, via whole-genome genotyping with genetic markers and a linkage assay in a family suffering from AF, a new AF-causative locus was located at human chromosome 7p14.2-p14.3, a ~4.89 cM (~4.43-Mb) interval between the markers D7S526 and D7S2250. An exome-wide sequencing assay unveiled that, at the defined locus, the mutation in the TBX20 gene, NM_001077653. 2: c.695A>G; p.(His232Arg), was solely co-segregated with AF in the family. Additionally, a Sanger sequencing assay of TBX20 in another family suffering from AF uncovered a novel mutation, NM_001077653. 2: c.862G>C; p.(Asp288His). Neither of the two mutations were observed in 600 unrelated control individuals. Functional investigations demonstrated that the two mutations both significantly reduced the transactivation of the target gene KCNH2 (a well-established AF-causing gene) and the ability to bind the promoter of KCNH2, while they had no effect on the nuclear distribution of TBX20. Conclusively, these findings reveal a new AF-causative locus at human chromosome 7p14.2-p14.3 and strongly indicate TBX20 as a novel AF-predisposing gene, shedding light on the mechanism underlying AF and suggesting clinical significance for the allele-specific treatment of AF patients.
Presynaptic depolarization differentially regulates dual neurotransmitter release from starburst amacrine cells in the mouse retina

The retina is comprised of diverse neural networks, signaling from photoreceptors to ganglion cells to encode images. The synaptic connections between these retinal neurons are crucial points for information transfer; however, the input-output relations of many synapses are understudied. Starburst amacrine cells in the retina are known to contribute to retinal motion detection circuits, providing a unique window for understanding neural computations. We examined the dual transmitter release of GABA and acetylcholine from starburst amacrine cells by optogenetic activation of these cells, and conducted patch clamp recordings from postsynaptic ganglion cells to record excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs and IPSCs). As starburst amacrine cells exhibit distinct kinetics in response to objects moving in a preferred or null direction, we mimicked their depolarization kinetics using optogenetic stimuli by varying slopes of the rising phase. The amplitudes of EPSCs and IPSCs in postsynaptic ganglion cells were reduced as the stimulus rising speed was prolonged. However, the sensitivity of postsynaptic currents to the stimulus slope differed. EPSC amplitudes were consistently reduced as the steepness of the rising phase fell. By contrast, IPSCs were less sensitive to the slope of the stimulus rise phase and maintained their amplitudes until the slope became shallow. These results indicate that distinct synaptic release mechanisms contribute to acetylcholine and GABA release from starburst amacrine cells, which could contribute to the ganglion cells’ direction selectivity.
Advances in Value-based, Policy-based, and Deep Learning-based Reinforcement Learning

—Machine learning is a branch of artificial intelligence in which computers use data to teach themselves and improve their problem-solving abilities. In this case, learning is the process by which computers use data and algorithms to build models that improve performance, and it can be divided into supervised learning, unsupervised learning, and reinforcement learning. Among them, reinforcement learning is a learning method in which AI interacts with the environment and finds the optimal strategy through actions, and it means that AI takes certain actions and learns based on the feedback it receives from the environment. In other words, reinforcement learning is a learning algorithm that allows AI to learn by itself and determine the optimal action for the situation by learning to find patterns hidden in a large amount of data collected through trial and error. In this study, we introduce the main reinforcement learning algorithms: value-based algorithms, policy gradient-based reinforcement learning, reinforcement learning with intrinsic rewards, and deep learning-based reinforcement learning. Reinforcement learning is a technology that enables AI to develop its own problem-solving capabilities, and it has recently gained attention among AI learning methods as the usefulness of the algorithms in various industries has become more widely known. In recent years, reinforcement learning has made rapid progress and achieved remarkable results in a variety of fields. Based on these achievements, reinforcement learning has the potential to positively transform human lives. In the future, more advanced forms of reinforcement learning with enhanced interaction with the environment need to be developed.
Inhibition of Enzymes Involved in Neurodegenerative Disorders and Aβ1–40 Aggregation by Citrus limon Peel Polyphenol Extract

Alzheimer’s (AD) and Parkinson’s diseases (PD) are multifactorial neurogenerative disorders of the Central Nervous System causing severe cognitive and motor deficits in elderly people. Because treatment of AD and PD by synthetic drugs alleviates the symptoms often inducing side effects, many studies have aimed to find neuroprotective properties of diet polyphenols, compounds known to act on different cell signaling pathways. In this article, we analyzed the effect of polyphenols obtained from the agro-food industry waste of Citrus limon peel (LPE) on key enzymes of cholinergic and aminergic neurotransmission, such as butyryl cholinesterase (BuChE) and monoamine oxidases (MAO)-A/B, on Aβ1–40 aggregation and on superoxide dismutase (SOD) 1/2 that affect oxidative stress. In our in vitro assays, LPE acts as an enzyme inhibitor on BuChE (IC50 ~ 73 µM), MAO-A/B (IC50 ~ 80 µM), SOD 1/2 (IC50 ~ 10–20 µM) and interferes with Aβ1–40 peptide aggregation (IC50 ~ 170 µM). These results demonstrate that LPE behaves as a multitargeting agent against key factors of AD and PD by inhibiting to various extents BuChE, MAOs, and SODs and reducing Aβ-fibril aggregation. Therefore, LPE is a promising candidate for the prevention and management of AD and PD symptoms in combination with pharmacological therapies.
Association of Indian Ocean ITCZ Variations with the Arctic Oscillation during Boreal Winter

Abstract In this study, the authors analyzed the associations between the Arctic Oscillation (AO) and the tropical Indian Ocean (TIO) intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) in boreal winter for the period 1979-2009. A statistically significant AO-TIO ITCZ linkage was found. The ITCZ vertical air motion is significantly associated with the AO, with upward (downward) air motion corresponding to the positive (negative) AO phase. The Arabian Sea anticyclone plays a crucial role in linking the AO and the TIO ITCZ. The Arabian Sea vorticity is strongly linked to high-latitude disturbances in conjunction with jet stream waveguide effects of disturbance trapping and energy dispersion. During positive (negative) AO years, the Arabian Sea anticyclone tends to be stronger (weaker). The mean vorticity over the Arabian Sea, averaged from 850 hPa to 200 hPa, has a significant negative correlation with AO (r = .0.63). The anomalous anticyclone over the Arabian Sea brings stronger northeastern winds, which enhance the ITCZ after crossing the equator and result in greater-than-normal precipitation and minimum outgoing long-wave radiation.
Effect Estimation of Dry-Toilet Application for Rural Farmer Family in Burkina Faso (THE 1st INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ARID LAND (ICAL 1) "DESERT TECHNOLOGY X (DT X)")

Water, sanitation and agriculture are important issues in Burkina Faso. In arid areas where water is significantly important resources, a dry-toilet-based resource recycling sanitation system seems more suitable than a conventional water-flush-toilet-based sanitation system. For designing that kind of sanitation system, the important factor is not only the treatment technology but also the material flow design of the total system. As a first step for designing the optimal material flow, this study carried out a household survey in the rural area of Burkina Faso, to reveal the current condition of water related material flow in and around a household. According to the results, the effect of the resource recycling sanitation system application was estimated as follows. Urine can replace almost half of chemical fertilizer. Graywater reuse allows this household to expand only 17 to 37 m 2 of vegetable garden however, it can irrigate through a year to the adjacent vegetable garden. This may enable a different schedule of cultivation to what is generally practiced with the farmer cultivating and selling produce strategically.
Greening the environment: do climate-related development finances and renewable energy consumption matter? An African tale

Abstract With the rise in global food insecurity, pollution, and wildlife extinction caused by climate change, development policies are now tailored toward addressing this quagmire. However, the unresolved question is, are climate-related development finances effective in greening the environment in developing countries? In this milieu, this study assessed the effectiveness of climate-related development finances and renewable energy consumption on CO2 emissions in Africa by applying the system Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) estimation technique on data from 2000 to 2020 for 41 selected countries. The findings show that the overall climate-related development finances, adaptation-related development finances, and mitigation-related development finances have short-run carbon-enhancing and long-run carbon-reducing effects in Africa. Similarly, renewable energy consumption and the net inflows of foreign direct investment have short-run worsening and long-run carbon-abatement effects in Africa. In contrast, higher GDP per capita, urbanization, and higher energy intensity are effective in reducing CO2 emissions in Africa only in the short run, however, they exacerbate CO2 emissions in Africa over the long run. In this light, the study underscores the need to invest heavily in climate-related development projects, and green technology innovation and production in Africa. The results also suggest the need to upgrade the current energy structure in Africa to renewable energy sources for a greener, cleaner, and brighter Africa. However, these policy perspectives require enough funds for effective implementation. Hence, the study calls on the developed countries (the polluters) to support Africa with the required funds to pay off climate debt by 2030 and build climate-resilient practices.