Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Robust high-dimensional semiparametric regression using optimized differencing method applied to the vitamin B2 production data

Background and purpose: By evolving science, knowledge, and technology, we deal with high-dimensional data in which the number of predictors may considerably exceed the sample size. The main problems with high-dimensional data are the estimation of the coefficients and interpretation. For high-dimension problems, classical methods are not reliable because of a large number of predictor variables. In addition, classical methods are affected by the presence of outliers and collinearity.Methods: Nowadays, many real-world data sets carry structures of high-dimensional problems. To handle this problem, we used the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO). Also, due to the flexibility and applicability of the semiparametric model in medical data, it can be used for modeling the genomic data. Motivated by these, here an improved robust approach in a high-dimensional data set was developed for the analysis of gene expression and prediction in the presence of outliers.Results: Among the common problems in regression analysis, there was the problem of outliers. In the regression concept, an outlier is a point that fails to follow the main linear pattern of the data. The ordinary least-squares estimator was found potentially sensitive to the outliers; this fact provided necessary motivations to investigate robust estimations. Generally, the robust regression is among the most popular problems in the statistics community. In the present study, the least trimmed squares (LTS) estimation was applied to overcome the outlier problem.Conclusions: We have proposed an optimization approach for semiparametric models to combat outliers in the data set. Especially, based on a penalization LASSO scheme, we have suggested a nonlinear integer programming problem as the semiparametric model which can be effectively solved by any evolutionary algorithm. We have also studied a real-world application related to the riboflavin production. The results showed that the proposed method was reasonably efficient in contrast to the LTS Method.
Platelets: Functional Biomarkers of Epigenetic Drift

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors can be classed as modifiable or non-modifiable. Physical inactivity and obesity represent major behavioural risk factors for the initiation, development and progression of CVD. Platelet dysfunction is pivotal to the aetiology of CVD, a chronic vascular inflammatory condition, which is characterised by a lag time between onset and clinical manifestation. This indicates the role of epigenetic drift, defined by stochastic patterns of gene expression not dependent on dynamic changes in coding DNA. The epigenome, a collection of chemical marks on DNA and histones, is established during embryogenesis and modified by age and lifestyle. Biogenesis and effector function of non-coding RNA, such as microRNA, play a regulatory role in gene expression and thus the epigenetic mechanism. In this chapter, we will focus on the effect of the modifiable risk factors of physical activity/inactivity and overweight/obesity on platelet function, via epigenetic changes in both megakaryocytopoiesis and thrombopoiesis . We will also discuss the role of acute exercise on platelet function and the impact of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) on platelet responses to acute exercise. This chapter will highlight the potential role of platelets as circulating functional biomarkers of epigenetic drift to implement, optimise and monitor CVD preventive management strategies.
Mapping quantitative trait loci associated with yield and its related traits in Sorghum bicolor

YIELD and its related traits; heading date, hundred kernel weight and kernels number as well as harvest index and biological yield are complex traits that require the concerted action of many genes and are affected by environmental cues. To genetically dissect those traits, 140 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) genotyped with 120 DArT and SSR markers were grown under field conditions in the two consecutive growing seasons 2015/2016 and 2016/2017 in Sohag, Egypt. A part from KN and HI, our results did show significant interaction between genotypes and the growing seasons(GxS). The observed GxS was reflected by an interaction between the significant quantitative trait loci (QTL) and the growing seasons (QTLxS). In total, we report 13 significant QTL associated with HD, KW, SN, HI, and YLD, of which four QTL showed conditional neutrality as they were significant only in the second season. We observed significant negative correlation between HD and SN, HKW and YLD suggesting that selecting for early heading RILs with long grain filling period would increase the total yield, an observation that could be genetically dissected by the QTL cluster on LG-6. The associated markers mapped here can be used in breeding programs to select for favorable adaptive mechanisms, which is very crucial to meet the food requirement of an increasing human population.
An Application Study on Road Surface Monitoring Using DTW Based Image Processing and Ultrasonic Sensors

Road surface monitoring is an essential problem in providing smooth road infrastructure to commuters. This paper proposed an efficient road surface monitoring using an ultrasonic sensor and image processing technique. A novel cost-effective system, which includes ultrasonic sensors sensing with GPS for the detection of the road surface conditions, was designed and proposed. Dynamic time warping (DTW) technique was incorporated with ultrasonic sensors to improve the classification and accuracy of road surface detecting conditions. A new algorithm, HANUMAN, was proposed for automatic recognition and calculation of pothole and speed bumps. Manual inspection was performed and comparison was undertaken to validate the results. The proposed system showed better efficiency than the previous systems with a 95.50% detection rate for various road surface irregularities. The novel framework will not only identify the road irregularities, but also help in decreasing the number of accidents by alerting drivers.
Undergraduate learning in the field: Designing experiences, assessing outcomes, and exploring future opportunities

Abstract Field learning experiences reach tens of thousands of undergraduate students annually, constituting their importance as components of undergraduate education and potential pathways for STEM education. Reports and planning efforts by national entities have highlighted the need to ground undergraduate field learning experiences in evidence-based practices, and to better understand the impacts of these experiences on students. In this study we describe the results of a national survey aimed at better understanding how instructors and directors at biological field stations, marine laboratories, and geoscience field camps are thinking about and designing programs, including learning strategies, student support, desired student outcomes, student assessment and program evaluation. This study is based on an online survey distributed in 2018 to a sample of directors and educators representing 163 undergraduate field learning experiences. The study achieved a satisfactory response rate of 31% (n = 563). The results of the study provide guidance on where support for improvement and research efforts should focus, including more intentional program design that considers student-centered and inclusive approaches and basic research on the impact of undergraduate field learning experiences on student learning more broadly (not just investigated in one program or course), both in terms of what the students learn (broadly defined) as well as how they learn, taking into account affective and cognitive gains. Such research can make productive use of the diversity of program types to investigate the link between student outcomes and student experiences.
El género Burkholderia: entre el mutualismo y la patogenicidad

Burkholderia es un genero ambivalente debido a que algunas de sus especies establecen relaciones simbiotico-mutualistas con las plantas, y simbiotico-patogenicas con plantas, animales y humanos. Desde que la bacteria fitopatogena B. cepacia fue reportada como oportunista nosocomial, asociada a la fibrosis quistica, surgio la preocupacion de posibles infecciones en humanos. El objetivo de esta contribucion fue hacer un analisis de la versatilidad funcional de Burkholderia y de su efecto en la salud humana. Burkholderia albergo cerca de 100 especies y al complejo B. cepacia (CBC) constituido por 22 especies. Inicialmente, se determino la existencia de dos linajes dentro del genero: el A que incluia varias especies que se asociaban con plantas, asi como las saprofitas; y el B que contenia las especies del CBC (oportunistas patogenas de humanos), el subgrupo de B. pseudomallei que incluia patogenos de humanos y animales, y un grupo de especies fitopatogenas. Finalmente, se renombraron algunos individuos como Paraburkholderia y Caballeronia . Los analisis recientes de burkholderias provenientes de humanos y del ambiente, indican que no existe una subdivision filogenetica que distinga entre beneficas y patogenicas. De ahi la importancia de considerar los riesgos para la salud humana, cuando algun miembro de este grupo sea empleado en actividades agricolas.
Ultrafast electronic, acoustic and thermal properties of metal nanoparticles and clusters

We used ultrafast time-resolved pump-probe spectroscopy to experimentally investigate the optical response of small metal nano-objects in the few nanometer range (< 2 nm), where a transition from a small solid behaviour to a molecular one is expected. The modification of the intrinsic thermalization processes (electron-electron and electron-phonon interactions) has been studied both on glass-embedded mass-selected silver samples and chemically synthesized ligand-stabilized atomic-defined gold clusters. Electron gas internal thermalization and cooling with the lattice are shown to be affected by size reduction and the concomitant discretization of electronic states. The acoustic response in the same small size range has been investigated. Vibrations of gold clusters were characterized by a quasi-breathing mode scaling with their size, in analogy with larger nanoparticles. The breathing mode of bimetallic core/shell Pt-Au and Ni-Ag nanospheres appeared to be in good quantitative agreement with predictions of continuous elastic models, despite the monoatomic thickness of the layer shell. The same time-resolved approach was used to investigate heat transfer through the nanoparticles interfaces. In this context, heat evacuation of bare or silica-encapsulated gold
On Equilibrium Player Ordering in Dynamic Team Contests

We study equilibrium player ordering in a dynamic all‐pay contest between two teams. The contest lasts two periods, and each team consists of two players who perform in different periods on behalf of their teams. The team with the higher aggregate output wins the prize, which is a public good to its players. Each team has one stronger player and one weaker player, and the two teams can differ in their values of the prize. The teams maximize their winning odds by strategically assigning their players to different periods. We find that when the intrateam heterogeneity in player ability is not excessive, the teams would allocate their stronger players to the late positions as the “anchormen. ” When both the intrateam ability gap and interteam heterogeneity in teams' values become excessively large, the team with high value always places its stronger player in the early position, who will place a large bid to preempt late competition. (JEL C7, D7, D8)
Biodiversity and Community Structure of Mesozooplankton in the Marine and Coastal National Park Areas of Korea

Zooplankton communities are useful bioindicators that can provide information on the changes occurring in marine ecosystems. Therefore, investigation of zooplankton communities in marine and coastal national parks is essential. However, the surveys of zooplankton communities using morphological identification require considerable time and labor. Metabarcoding is a practical alternative that can detect various taxa simultaneously. In this study, metabarcoding was newly applied along with the traditional morphological identification to establish a method for zooplankton community survey in the Marine and Coastal National Park areas of Korea. By comparing the results of these two identification methods, the strengths and limitations of metabarcoding were verified with the zooplankton communities appearing in these areas. The sensitive detection capability of metabarcoding enabled the identification of potential bioindicator taxa associated with external factors (e.g., water temperature, salinity, topography, and chlorophyll a concentration) in these national parks. We propose the use of metabarcoding for efficient surveys of mesozooplankton communities in the Marine and Coastal National Parks to establish monitoring of bioindicator taxa. It is also necessary to continuously search for taxa with high research value in these national parks using metabarcoding. Establishing an ongoing monitoring system that employs this approach can provide an effective tool for managing marine ecosystems in the Marine and Coastal National Parks.
The Development of Acute Kidney Disease Following Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

INTRODUCTION: Acute kidney disease is an important complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The aim of this retrospective study was to identify major risk factors for acute kidney disease in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and its effect on patients survival. METHODS: This study was a retrospective review of 77 patients with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation at our department from January 2007 to October 2015. RESULTS: Acute kidney disease developed in 25 of 77 patients (32.5%). The median time to development of acute kidney disease after transplantation was 30 days. Univariate analysis showed that baseline serum gammaglutamyl transpeptidase level, amphotericin B use and cyclosporine level were associated with the development of acute kidney disease. Logistic regression multivariate analysis showed that amphotericin B use, cytomegalovirus reactivation, conditioning regimen and cyclosporine level were an independent risk factor for
PERAN BRAND AWARENESS DALAM MEMEDIASI PENGARUH CELEBRITY ENDORSER TERHADAP PURCHASE INTENTION

The purpose of this study was to determine the role of brand awareness in mediating the effect of celebrity endorser towards purchase intention on Adidas Yeezy shoe products. This research was conducted in the Province of Bali with a sample of 60 respondents using non-probability sampling method with purposive sampling technique. Data was analysed using path analysis and Sobel test. Study result showed that celebrity endorser have a positive and significant effect on brand awareness and purchase intention; brand awareness have a positive and significant effect on purchase intention; and brand awareness can significantly mediate the influence of celebrity endorser on purchase intention. The result of this study indicates that good brand awareness and celebrity endorser can influence the purchase intention of Adidas Yeezy shoe products. Keywords: celebrity endorser, brand awareness, purchase intention
Wavelength division multiplexing techniques based on multi transceiver in low earth orbit intersatellite systems

Abstract System performance, which depends on the data transmission rates and propagation distances between two satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) based on wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) techniques, is thoroughly studied. This study demonstrates the effect of WDM techniques on multi transceiver inter-satellite wireless optical communications. The system performance parameters with propagation distance at a multiple transceiver system are discussed using two previous models. The system performance parameters are investigated with 250 Gb/s transmission bit rates and 5000 km propagation distances for 16 transceiver systems. The maximum quality factor (Q factor), light peak signal per noise ratio, and signal peak per noise ratio are the primary important performance parameters in this study.
Negative Memory Engrams in the Hippocampus Enhance the Susceptibility to Chronic Social Defeat Stress

The hippocampus has been highly implicated in depression symptoms. Recent findings suggest that the expression and susceptibility of depression symptoms are related to the enhanced functioning of the hippocampus. We reasoned that hippocampal engrams, which represent ensembles of neurons with increased activity after memory formation, could underlie some contributions of the hippocampus to depression symptoms. Using the chronic social defeat stress model, we examined social defeat-related hippocampal engrams in mice that are either susceptible or resilient to the stressor. TetTag mice were used to label social defeat-related hippocampal ensembles by LacZ. Engram cells correspond to ensembles that were reactivated by the same stressor. Compared with resilient and nonstressed control mice, susceptible mice exhibited a higher reactivation of social defeat-related LacZ-labeled cells (i.e., engram cells) in both the dorsal and ventral hippocampal CA1 regions. The density of CA1 engram cells correlated with the level of social avoidance. Using DREADD and optogenetic approaches to activate and inactivate social defeat-related CA1 engram cells enhanced and suppressed social avoidance, respectively. Increased engram cells in susceptible mice could not be found in the dentate gyrus. Susceptible mice exhibited more negative stimuli-related, but not neutral stimuli-related, CA1 engram cells than resilient mice in the dorsal hippocampus. Finally, chronic, but not a short and subthreshold, social defeat protocol was necessary to increase CA1 engram cell density. The susceptibility to chronic social defeat stress is regulated by hippocampal CA1 engrams for negative memory. Hippocampal negative memory engrams may underlie the vulnerability and expression of cognitive symptoms in depression. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT We provided evidence that negative memory hippocampal engrams contribute to the susceptibility to developing depression-related behavior after chronic social defeat stress. The activation of positive memory engrams has been shown to alleviate depression-related behaviors, while our findings reveal the pathological roles of negative memory engrams that could lead to those behaviors. Increased negative memory engrams could be a downstream effect of the reported high hippocampal activity in animal models and patients with depression. Unlike affective symptoms, we know much less about the cellular mechanisms of the cognitive symptoms of depression. Given the crucial roles of hippocampal engrams in memory formation, enhanced reactivation of negative memory engrams could be an important cellular mechanism that underlies the cognitive symptoms of depression.
Comparison of Game Theoretical Strategy and Reinforcement Learning in Traffic Light Control

Many traffic models and control methods have already been utilized in the public transportation system due to the increasing traffic congestion. Thus, an intelligent traffic model is formalized and presented to control multiple traffic light simultaneously and efficiently according to the distribution of vehicles from each incoming link (i.e. sections) in this paper. Compared with constant strategy, two methods are proposed for traffic light control, i.e., game theoretical strategy and reinforcement learning methods. Game theoretical strategy is generated in a game theoretical framework where incoming links are regarded as players and the combination of the status of traffic lights can be regarded as decisions made by these players. The cost function is evaluated and the strategy is produced with Nash equilibrium for passing maximum vehicles in an intersection. The other one is Single-Agent Reinforcement Learning (SARL), specifically with the Q-learning algorithm in this case, which is usually used in such a dynamic environment to control traffic flow so the traffic problem could be improved. Generally, the intersection is regarded as the centralized agent and controlling signal status is considered as the actions of the agent. The performance of these two methods is compared after simulated and implemented in a junction.
Transformation of tomato variety rio grande with drought resistant transcription factor gene ATAF1 and its molecular analysis

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) being an important vegetable is cultivated and used throughout the world. It not only contributes in fulfilling the basic nutritional requirements of the human body but also has many health benefits due to its rich biochemical composition. However, its production at large scale is hampered by many limiting factors such as biotic and abiotic stresses. Among the different abiotic stresses, drought poses drastic impact on tomato yield. Drought stress is genetically regulated by many transcription factors that not only regulate the stress responsive mechanism but also facilitate the growth and development of tomato plants. NAC is an important stress related transcription factor genes family, and the ATAF1 gene, a member of this family, is involved in ABA signaling and stress response. In this study, tomato variety Rio Drande was transformed with drought resistant ATAF1 gene via Agrobacterium mediated gene transformation method. The ATAF1 gene was first cloned in the pK7WFG2 vector having kanamycin selectable marker and then it was introduced in the Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain GV3101 through heat shock method. The tomato cotyledon and hypocotyl ex-plants of variety “Rio Ggrande” were cultured on callus induction medium (MS + 2.5 mg/L IAA + 2 mg/L BAP). The calli were then infected with Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain GV3101 containing ATAF1 gene and selection was carried out on the kanamycin selectable medium (MS + 100 mg/L Kan), and were regenerated on MS medium with 1 mg/L IAA + 1 mg/L BAP. Out of 216 putative transformed calli, 13 calli were able to regenerate on the selection medium. Of the 13 calli, three transgenic tomato plantlets were recovered, and these were confirmed through PCR analysis for the presence of 432 bp fragment of ATAF1 gene. The transformation protocol reported here can be used to generate drought resistant tomato plants in future. Abbreviations: ABA= Abscisic acid, ATAF1= Arabidopsis thaliana activating factor 1, BAP= 6-Benzylaminopurine, CIM= Callus induction medium, IAA= Indole-3-acetic acid, Kan= Kanamycin, Mg= Milligram, RM= Regeneration medium, l= Microliter