Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Computation-Efficient Simulation of Nonlinear Thermal Boundary Conditions for Large-Scale Models

Nonlinear thermal simulations of distributed parameter systems with complex geometry can be performed using finite element analysis (FEA). In order to achieve accurate results, fine spatial and time discretization is required, which often leads to large computation times. However, many methods from system theory, such as parameter identification, real-time model-based control, and model-in-the-loop simulation, heavily rely on either multiple iterations or computation time limits. Hence, a direct model deviation from FEA is unfeasible for these approaches. Model order reduction (MOR) techniques have been proposed to improve computational performance. However, most of them are only applicable to linear systems, but linearization of nonlinear boundary conditions over a wide temperature range does not always fulfill accuracy requirements. Therefore, we propose a simplified nonlinear system description by decoupling nonlinear affected states, performing MOR of the remaining linear term and apply calculated projection to the nonlinear affected part. During simulation, the reduced linear system is frequently corrected by the nonlinear term with a specified execution trigger. As a result, computation performance is increased significantly, maintaining sufficient accuracy, which prospectively enables high-performance approximation of nonlinear system behavior.
Effect of Acetic Acid Concentration on Pore Structure for Mesoporous Bioactive Glass during Spray Pyrolysis

Mesoporous bioactive glass (MBG) is considered as one of the most important materials in the field of bone implants and drug carriers, owing to its superior bioactivity. In previous studies, tri-block surfactants (e.g., F127 and P123) were commonly used as pore-forming agents. However, the use of surfactants may cause serious problems such as micelle aggregation and carbon contamination and thus decrease bioactivity. Therefore, in this study, we demonstrated the synthesis of MBG using acetic acid (HAc) as a pore-forming agent to overcome the disadvantages caused by surfactants. Both untreated and HAc-treated BG powders were synthesized using spray pyrolysis and various characterizations were carried out. The results show that a mesoporous structure was successfully formed and the highest specific surface area of ~230 m2/g with improved bioactivity was reported.
Heuristic Approach to Guarantee Safe Solutions in Probabilistic Planning

In this work, we propose a novel approach to solve probabilistic planning problems taking into account the risk that the decision maker is ready to accept regarding the probabilities of reaching the goals. Our approach guarantees that the probability of reaching a state satisfying the selected goals is above a certain limit threshold. To achieve this, we relax the constraints that all goals must be satisfied, and select the most valuable set of goals whose reachability probability is above the threshold. To this end, we propose a goal selection heuristic based on the reachability probability and the cost between goals that are estimated using an abstracted version of the problem. Finally, a planetary exploration problem will be used for illustrating the effectiveness of the proposed approach. Our results show that the obtained selections cover the most valuable possible goals and respect the reachability probability threshold.
Targeting plant DIHYDROFOLATE REDUCTASE with antifolates and mechanisms for genetic resistance

The folate biosynthetic pathway and its key enzyme dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) is a popular target for drug development due to its essential role in the synthesis of DNA precursors and some amino acids. Despite its importance, little is known about plant DHFRs, which, like the enzymes from the malarial parasite Plasmodium, are bifunctional, possessing DHFR and thymidylate synthase (TS) domains. Here using genetic knockout lines we confirmed that either DHFR-TS1 or DHFR-TS2 (but not DHFR-TS3) was essential for seed development. Screening mutated Arabidopsis thaliana seeds for resistance to antimalarial DHFR-inhibitor drugs pyrimethamine and cycloguanil identified causal lesions in DHFR-TS1 and DHFR-TS2, respectively, near the predicted substrate-binding site. The different drug resistance profiles for the plants, enabled by the G137D mutation in DHFR-TS1 and the A71V mutation in DHFR-TS2, were consistent with biochemical studies using recombinant proteins and could be explained by structural models. These findings provide a great improvement in our understanding of plant DHFR-TS and suggest how plant-specific inhibitors might be developed, as DHFR is not currently targeted by commercial herbicides.
Prioritizing the Recognition Pattern of Affecting Factors in Deviation of Forecasts of the Senior Managers in Organizations

The present study has been carried out aimed to prioritize factors affecting the deviation of forecasts of senior managers in conceptual model provided by Yavarzadeh et al. (2015) in which 38 cases of factors affecting the deviation in forecasting by senior managers in organizations have been introduced. The statistical population of this study includes middle and senior managers of one of the Iranian ministries and state-owned companies. The main questions of the questionnaire are related to all aspects of the conceptual model of the basic paper and fuzzy TOPSIS technique for the rating of each dimension of the model. According to analysis of fuzzy TOPSIS, the most important factors affecting deviation of forecasts in the dimension of deviation of management forecast by the senior manager are protection against the risk of litigation, management experiences, variable operational environment, the degree of management skills, unstructured reforms, wrong information, favorable results or favorable trends and external shocks. In the dimension of optimistic bias in the management forecast, the major factors affecting the forecast deviation respectively, appearing more productive and successful for others, more manager confidence and managers? behavioral biases and In the dimension of pessimistic bias in the management forecast, the most important factor effecting on the deviation of forecast include bad news, mandatory forecast disclosure and reducing market expectations. The result of this study can help to organizations in the field of forecasting and organizational policy, for example, attracting and promoting educated and competent human resource.
A Parametric Freckle Model for Faces

We propose a novel stochastic generative parametric freckle model for the analysis and synthesis of human faces. Morphable Models are the state-of-the-art generative parametric face models. However, they are unable to synthesize freckles which are part of atural face variation. The deficiency lies in requiring point-to-point correspondence on the texture pixels. We propose to assume a correspondence between freckle density and not the freckles themselves. We propose a model that is stochastic, generative, and parametric and generates freckles with a point process according to a density and size distribution. The resulting model can synthesize photo-realistic freckles according to observations as well as add freckles to existing faces. We create more realistic faces than with Morphable Models alone and allow for detailed face pigment analysis.
A Crude 1-DNJ Extract from Home Made Bombyx Batryticatus Inhibits Diabetic Cardiomyopathy-Associated Fibrosis in db/db Mice and Reduces Protein N-Glycosylation Levels

The traditional Chinese drug Bombyx Batryticatus (BB), which is also named the white stiff silkworm, has been widely used in Chinese clinics for thousands of years. It is famous for its antispasmodic and blood circulation-promoting effects. Cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, interstitial cell hyperplasia, and myocardial fibrosis are closely related to the N-glycosylation of key proteins. To examine the alterations of N-glycosylation that occur in diabetic myocardium during the early stage of the disease, and to clarify the therapeutic effect of 1-Deoxynojirimycin (1-DNJ) extracted from BB, we used the db/db (diabetic) mouse model and an approach based on hydrophilic chromatography solid-phase extraction integrated with an liquid Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer (LC-MS) identification strategy to perform a site-specific N-glycosylation analysis of left ventricular cardiomyocyte proteins. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs), hydroxyproline, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), and other serum biochemical indicators were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). In addition, the α-1,6-fucosylation of N-glycans was profiled with lens culinaris agglutinin (LCA) lectin blots and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labelled lectin affinity histochemistry. The results indicated that 1-DNJ administration obviously downregulated myocardium protein N-glycosylation in db/db mice. The expression levels of serum indicators and fibrosis-related cytokines were reduced significantly by 1-DNJ in a dose-dependent manner. The glycan α-1,6-fucosylation level of the db/db mouse myocardium was elevated, and the intervention effect of 1-DNJ administration on N-glycan α-1,6-fucosylation was significant. To verify this result, the well-known transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Smad2/3 pathway was selected, and core α-1,6-fucosylated TGF-β receptor II (TGFR-βII) was analysed semi-quantitatively with western blotting. The result supported the conclusions obtained from LCA lectin affinity histochemistry and lectin blot analysis. The expression level of α-1,6-fucosyltransferase (FUT8) mRNA was also detected, and the results showed that 1-DNJ administration did not cause obvious inhibitory effects on FUT8 expression. Therefore, the mechanism of 1-DNJ for relieving diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM)-associated fibrosis can be concluded as the inhibition of N-acetylglucosamine (N-GlcNAc) formation and the reduction of substrate concentration.
Toxicity and taste: unequal chemical defences in a mimicry ring

Mimicry of warning signals is common, and can be mutualistic when mimetic species harbour equal levels of defence (Müllerian), or parasitic when mimics are undefended but still gain protection from their resemblance to the model (Batesian). However, whether chemically defended mimics should be similar in terms of toxicity (i.e. causing damage to the consumer) and/or unpalatability (i.e. distasteful to consumer) is unclear and in many studies remains undifferentiated. In this study, we investigated the evolution of visual signals and chemical defences in a putative mimicry ring of nudibranch molluscs. First, we demonstrated that the appearance of a group of red spotted nudibranchs molluscs was similar from the perspective of potential fish predators using visual modelling and pattern analysis. Second, using phylogenetic reconstruction, we demonstrated that this colour pattern has evolved multiple times in distantly related individuals. Third, we showed that these nudibranchs contained different chemical profiles used for defensive purposes. Finally, we demonstrated that although levels of distastefulness towards Palaemon shrimp remained relatively constant between species, toxicity levels towards brine shrimp varied significantly. We highlight the need to disentangle toxicity and taste when considering chemical defences in aposematic and mimetic species, and discuss the implications for aposematic and mimicry signal evolution.
Efficacy of Four Solanum spp. Extracts in an Animal Model of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis

Background: Leishmaniasis is a complex protozoa disease caused by Leishmania genus (Trypanosomatidae family). Currently, there have been renewed interests worldwide in plants as pharmaceutical agents. In this study, the in vivo efficacy of Solanum spp. is assessed in an L. amazonensis BALB/c mice model for experimental cutaneous leishmaniasis. Methods: Animals were infected with 5 × 106 metacyclic promastigotes and 30-day post-infection, a treatment with 30 mg/kg of Solanum extracts or Glucantime® (GTM) was applied intralesionally every four days to complete 5 doses. Results: Neither death nor loss of weight higher than 10% was observed. All the tested extracts were able to control the infection, compared with the infected and untreated group. Solanum havanense Jacq. extract showed the highest efficacy and was superior (p < 0.05) to GTM. Solanum myriacanthum Dunal. , S. nudum Dunal. and S. seaforthianum Andr. extracts demonstrated a similar effect (p > 0.05) to GTM. An increase of IFN-γ (p < 0.05) was displayed only by animals treated with S. nudum compared to the group treated with a vehicle, while no differences (p > 0.05) were observed for IL-12. Conclusions: In vivo effects of Solanum extracts were demonstrated, suggesting that this genus could be further explored as a new antileishmanial alternative.
Map7/7D1 and Dvl form a feedback loop that facilitates microtubule remodeling and Wnt5a signaling

The Wnt signaling pathway can be grouped into two classes, the β‐catenin‐dependent and β‐catenin‐independent pathways. Wnt5a signaling through a β‐catenin‐independent pathway promotes microtubule (MT) remodeling during cell‐substrate adhesion, cell migration, and planar cell polarity formation. Although Wnt5a signaling and MT remodeling are known to form an interdependent regulatory loop, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. Here we show that in HeLa cells, the paralogous MT‐associated proteins Map7 and Map7D1 (Map7/7D1) form an interdependent regulatory loop with Disheveled, the critical signal transducer in Wnt signaling. Map7/7D1 bind to Disheveled, direct its cortical localization, and facilitate the cortical targeting of MT plus‐ends in response to Wnt5a signaling. Wnt5a signaling also promotes Map7/7D1 movement toward MT plus‐ends, and depletion of the Kinesin‐1 member Kif5b abolishes the Map7/7D1 dynamics and Disheveled localization. Furthermore, Disheveled stabilizes Map7/7D1. Intriguingly, Map7/7D1 and its Drosophila ortholog, Ensconsin show planar‐polarized distribution in both mouse and fly epithelia, and Ensconsin influences proper localization of Drosophila Disheveled in pupal wing cells. These results suggest that the role of Map7/7D1/Ensconsin in Disheveled localization is evolutionarily conserved.
Accessibility of eGovernment Services in Latin America

The Web has become a primary source for communicating information and providing services worldwide. Governments are not unaware of this trend; thus, in some countries their government institutions have taken the initiative of offering web-based electronic services (eGovernment). These services are available to its citizens, regardless of their location and physical, cognitive or technological capabilities. Unfortunately, some web designers and developers of eGovernment websites do not follow the web accessibility criteria, creating a gap in the accessibility of eGovernment services. This lack of web accessibility causes exclusion of some people and infringement of the human rights. This gap must be eliminated for the purpose of enabling elderly or disabled people to benefit from the use of eGovernment services offered by governments through their websites. This paper presents a study on the accessibility of eGovernment interactive services offered by two official entities of the Latin America countries. The evaluation was carried out based on the criterion of the experts on web accessibility and the use of a web accessibility evaluation tool. In both cases, the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 proposed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) were considered. These guidelines aim to achieve accessible web content for people with disabilities. The results of this research show that none of the evaluated websites which offer eGovernment services meet an acceptable level of accessibility. Additionally, several recommendations are presented to correct all accessibility errors detected in the analyzed web page. These recommendations can be applied to websites worldwide with the aim of achieving universal access to eGovernment websites.
Feeding Practices and Nutrition Intakes Among Non-Critically Ill, Postoperative Adult Patients: An Observational Study.

BACKGROUND Evidence-based guidelines (EBG) recommend recommencing oral feeding (liquids and solids) ≤24 hours after surgery. The aims of this study were to determine time to first diet (any) and solid-diet prescriptions, delivery, and intakes among adult, non-critically ill, postoperative patients. METHODS This prospective cross-sectional study included 100 postsurgical patients. Demographic and perioperative dietary-related data were collected from patients' medical records or via direct observation. Dietary intakes were observed for the duration patients were enrolled in the study (from end of surgery to discharge). The amount of energy (kcal) and protein (g) consumed per patient per day was analyzed and considered adequate if it met ≥75% of a patient's estimated requirements. RESULTS 89 and 52 patients consumed their first intake and first solid intake ≤24 hours after surgery, respectively. For their first intake, 53% of patients had clear or free liquids. Median times to first diet prescription (range: 1.3-5.7 hours), delivery (range: 2.1-12.5 hours), and intake (range: 2.2-13.9 hours) were ≤24 hours after surgery for all patient groups. Time to first solid-diet prescription (range: 1.3-77.8 hours), delivery (range: 2.1-78.0 hours) and intake (range: 2.2-78.2 hours) varied considerably. Urologic and gastrointestinal patients experienced the greatest delays to first solid-diet prescription and first solid intake. Only 26 patients met both their energy and protein requirements for ≥1 day during their stay. CONCLUSION While practice appears consistent with EBG recommendations for commencing nutrition (any type) after surgery, the reintroduction of adequate diet requires improvement.
Using Glide-Symmetric Holes to Reduce Leakage Between Waveguide Flanges

In this letter, a novel cost-effective flange is proposed to prevent the leakage created by undesired air gaps between flanges of two mating waveguides. The cause of an undesired gap can be surface curvature, dirt, human mistakes, or misalignment. Our proposal consists of machining glide-symmetric holes around the waveguide aperture on the flanges. Due to the glide symmetry properties, an identical pattern of the holes is possible at both sides, thus becoming glide-symmetric when they are mated together.
Predictors of Performance in Everyday Technology Tasks in Older Adults With and Without Mild Cognitive Impairment

Background and Objectives The ability to use everyday technology has become a key competence for conducting activities of daily living, maintaining an autonomous life, as well as participating in society. However, studying this issue in older adults needs more attention, particularly among those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Research Design and Methods We assessed the performance of N = 80 older adults (M = 73 years) in a range of tasks representing important life domains, i.e., using a blood pressure monitor, a mobile phone, and an eBook reader. Thirty-nine participants had been diagnosed with MCI by experienced geropsychiatrists and 41 healthy controls were matched for age, sex, and education. Standardized observation based on video-recording and coding was combined with cognitive testing and assessment of social-cognitive variables (self-efficacy, perceived obsolescence, attitudes towards technology). Results Cognitively healthy participants outperformed those with MCI regarding completion time and errors. An interaction effect of device and study group indicated larger differences in completion time for tasks with multilayered interfaces. In hierarchical regression models, aggregated cognitive factors (fluid and memory component) predicted performance and interactions with education level emerged. Obsolescence, addressing a perceived lack of competence to cope with modern society, mediated the effect of cognitive status on performance, both regarding time (partial mediation, adj.R2 = 28%) and errors (full mediation, adj.R2 = 23%). Discussion and Implications Findings show that social-cognitive factors contribute to differences in performance on everyday technology tasks in addition to cognitive abilities. Training programs may profit from considering respective individual resources or limitations in the cognitive, personality-related or emotional-motivational domain.
Social Auto-Scaling

Today, auto-scaling solutions are still largely reactive and are based on the load measured on existing nodes nearing a threshold or traffic forecast information provided in advance of a scheduled event. Despite these advancements, events which cause a flash flood of web traffic do not always benefit from this approach to auto-scaling because the latency of provisioning new nodes is not sufficient to prevent resource saturation. This paper proposes a novel approach to preemptive compute scaling based on the buzz of specific social network hashtags. We argue that improved scaling latency and service availability can be achieved for web services that receive intermittent as well as unexpected traffic load patterns. By combining social network monitoring, with auto-scaling frameworks, this approach can reduce the operational expense impact of over- and under-provisioning as well as the business costs of the latter. We demonstrate our approach using the AWS application suite, and demonstrate how our approach expedites the auto-scaling strategy for our use case: public transportation web sites.
Taxation and budgetary policies in the western Balkans

Today, the governments of the western Balkan countries are confronted with huge financing problems due to very low employment rates, high levels of undeclared work, low financial discipline and a lack of equity and efficiency in tax matters. The consequence is that these governments depend, to a certain degree, on the support of the European and international financial institutions to fix their budgets. Such a situation is unsustainable in the long run. The main aim of this article, which is drawn from a substantial comparative report into the issue, is to examine budgetary and taxation policies in individual European countries, with a special focus on the western Balkans in the context of its road to EU membership, from the viewpoint of equity, efficiency and sustainability. We examine how good governance in tax matters and the fight against tax fraud and tax evasion can help to raise domestic revenue, while we also highlight the responses of trade unions in the region as regards tax reforms particularly with regard to workers and the labour market.
Self-made mobile gaze tracking for group studies

Mobile gaze tracking does not need to be expensive. We have a self-made mobile gaze tracking system, consisting of glasses-like frame and a software which computes the gaze point. As the total cost of the equipment is less than thousand euros, we have prepared five devices which we use in group studies, to simultaneously estimate multiple students' gaze in classroom. The inexpensive mobile gaze tracking technology opens new possibilities for studying the attentional processes on a group level.