Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
WOA-Based Robust Congestion Control Scheme with Two Kinds of Propagation Latencies and External Disturbance in Software-Defined Wireless Networks

This paper proposes a novel WOA-based robust control scheme with two kinds of propagation latencies and external disturbance implemented in Software-Defined Wireless Networks (SDWNs) to maximize overall throughput and enhance the stability of the global network. Firstly, an adjustment model developed using the Additive-Increase Multiplicative-Decrease (AIMD) adjustment scheme with propagation latency in device-to-device paths and a closed-loop congestion control model with propagation latency in device–controller pairs are proposed, and the effect of channel competition from neighboring forwarding devices is analyzed. Subsequently, a robust congestion control model with two kinds of propagation latencies and external disturbance is established. Then, a new WOA-based scheduling strategy that considers each individual whale as a specific scheduling plan to allocate appropriate sending rates at the source side is presented to maximize the global network throughput. Afterward, the sufficient conditions are derived using Lyapunov–Krasovskii functionals and formulated using Linear Matrix Inequalities (LMIs). Finally, a numerical simulation is conducted to verify the effectiveness of this proposed scheme.
Artificial Intelligence and Agility-Based Model for Successful Project Implementation and Company Competitiveness

The purpose of the paper is to present a model of factors affecting the successful project implementation by introducing agility and artificial intelligence to increase the company’s competitiveness. In the model, the multidimensional constructs describing the implementation of an agile work environment and artificial intelligence technologies and tools were developed. These multidimensional constructs are agile work environment, agile leadership, agile team skills and capabilities, improving the work of the leader in the project, adopting AI technologies in the project, and using AI solutions in a project. Their impact on successful project implementation and on the company competitiveness was tested. The fundamental reason for conducting this research and developing the model is to enhance the understanding of factors that contribute to the successful implementation of projects and to increase a company’s competitiveness. Our developed model encompasses multidimensional constructs that describe the agile work environment and the utilization of AI technologies. By examining the impact of these constructs on both successful project implementation and company competitiveness, we aimed to establish a comprehensive framework that captures the relationship between agility, AI, and successful project implementation. This model serves as a valuable tool for companies seeking to improve their project implementation processes and gain a competitive edge in the market. The research was based on a sample of 473 managers/owners in medium-sized and large companies. Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypotheses. In today’s turbulent environment, the results will help develop guidelines for a successful combination of agile business practices and artificial intelligence to achieve successful project implementation, increasing a company’s competitiveness.
Integrated Analysis of the RASH Study with the Use of the “Burden of Therapy” (BOTh®TM) Methodology—A Novel Tool for Assessing Adverse Events in Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer

This analysis of the RASH trial (NCT01729481) aimed at gaining a better understanding of the “Burden of Therapy” (BOTh®TM) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). In the RASH study, 150 patients with newly diagnosed metastatic PDAC were treated with gemcitabine plus erlotinib (gem/erlotinib) for four weeks. Patients who developed a skin rash during this four-week run-in phase continued with the gem/erlotinib treatment, while rash-negative patients were switched to FOLFIRINOX. The study demonstrated a 1-year survival rate of rash-positive patients who received gem/erlotinib as first-line treatment that was comparable to previous reports of patients receiving FOLFIRINOX. To understand whether these comparable survival rates may be accompanied by better tolerability of the gem/erlotinib treatment compared to FOLFIRINOX, the BOTh®TM methodology was used to continuously quantify and depict the burden of therapy generated by treatment emergent events (TEAEs). Sensory neuropathy was significantly more common in the FOLFIRINOX arm, and prevalence as well as severity increased over time. In both arms, the BOTh®TM associated with diarrhea decreased over the course of treatment. The BOTh®TM caused by neutropenia was comparable in both arms but decreased in the FOLFIRINOX arm over time, possibly due to chemotherapy dose reductions. Overall, gem/erlotinib was associated with a slightly higher overall BOTh®TM, but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.6735). In summary, the BOTh®TM analysis facilitates the evaluation of TEAEs. In patients fit for intense chemotherapeutic regimens, FOLFIRINOX is associated with a lower BOTh®TM than gem/erlotinib.
A Study on the Perception of African Elephant (Loxodonta africana) Conservation by School Children in Africa and England (UK)

Environmental education (EE) applications can support wildlife conservation practices by improving school children’s understanding of environmental issues, including endangered species conservation, such as the African savanna elephant (Loxodonta africana). This study aimed to identify and assess school children’s perceptions of elephant conservation in three schools: South Africa, Kenya, and England. Questionnaires were completed by students at one school per location, with the age range of 10–16 (n = 364). The responses were then analysed independently and collectively using descriptive statistics (n = 364). School children feared elephants where elephants were native. The importance of elephants was not acknowledged by students in South Africa and England and included a lack of awareness of how elephants benefit other species. There was an unclear understanding of the threats to elephants. Collectively, a wildlife guide as a career choice was not highly valued. The results of this study have reflected key narratives of elephant conservation from selected countries; Kenya leading in anti-poaching and anti-trade campaigns, anti-poaching campaigns by various NGOs in the U.K., and elephant management around expanding populations in South Africa, which have given significant insights into areas of improvement for environmental education practices to support wildlife conservation globally. Furthermore, this new research has identified and compared school children’s awareness of elephant conservation on a greater spatial scale than what is currently understood, compounding the importance of understanding effective wildlife conservation in education.
Effect of Hesperidin on Barrier Function and Reactive Oxygen Species Production in an Oral Epithelial Cell Model, and on Secretion of Macrophage-Derived Inflammatory Mediators during Porphyromonas gingivalis Infection

Porphyromonas gingivalis is a periodontopathogenic bacterium that can adhere to and colonize periodontal tissues, leading to an inflammatory process, and, consequently, tissue destruction. New therapies using flavonoids, such as hesperidin, are being studied, and their promising properties have been highlighted. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of hesperidin on the epithelial barrier function, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and on the inflammatory response caused by P. gingivalis in in vitro models. The integrity of the epithelial tight junctions challenged by P. gingivalis was determined by monitoring the transepithelial electrical resistance (TER). P. gingivalis adherence to a gingival keratinocyte monolayer and a basement membrane model were evaluated by a fluorescence assay. A fluorometric assay was used to determine the ROS production in gingival keratinocytes. The level of pro-inflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) secretion was evaluated by ELISA; to assess NF-κB activation, the U937-3xjB-LUC monocyte cell line transfected with a luciferase reporter gene was used. Hesperidin protected against gingival epithelial barrier dysfunction caused by P. gingivalis and reduced the adherence of P. gingivalis to the basement membrane model. Hesperidin dose-dependently inhibited P. gingivalis-mediated ROS production by oral epithelial cells as well as the secretion of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-8, MMP-2, and MMP-9 by macrophages challenged with P. gingivalis. Additionally, it was able to attenuate NF-κB activation in macrophages stimulated with P. gingivalis. These findings suggest that hesperidin has a protective effect on the epithelial barrier function, in addition to reducing ROS production and attenuating the inflammatory response associated with periodontal disease.
Imaging of Skull Base Tumors

The skull base provides a platform for supporting the brain while serving as a conduit for major neurovascular structures. In addition to malignant lesions originating in the skull base, there are many benign entities and developmental variants that may simulate disease. Therefore, a basic understanding of the relevant embryology is essential. Lesions centered in the skull base can extend to the adjacent intracranial and extracranial compartments; conversely, the skull base can be secondarily involved by primary extracranial and intracranial disease. CT and MRI are the mainstay imaging methods and are complementary in the evaluation of skull base lesions. Advances in cross-sectional imaging have been crucial in the management of patients with skull base pathology, as this represents a complex anatomical area that is hidden from direct clinical exam. Furthermore, the clinician must rely on imaging studies for therapy planning and to monitor treatment response. It is crucial to have a thorough understanding of skull base anatomy and its various pathologies, as well as to recognize the appearance of treatment-related changes. In this review, we aim to describe skull base tumors and tumor-like lesions in an anatomical compartmental approach and present imaging methods that aid in diagnosis, management, and follow-up.
Dual-Energy CT in Cardiothoracic Imaging: Current Developments

This article describes the technical principles and clinical applications of dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) in the context of cardiothoracic imaging with a focus on current developments and techniques. Since the introduction of DECT, different vendors developed distinct hard and software approaches for generating multi-energy datasets and multiple DECT applications that were developed and clinically investigated for different fields of interest. Benefits for various clinical settings, such as oncology, trauma and emergency radiology, as well as musculoskeletal and cardiovascular imaging, were recently reported in the literature. State-of-the-art applications, such as virtual monoenergetic imaging (VMI), material decomposition, perfused blood volume imaging, virtual non-contrast imaging (VNC), plaque removal, and virtual non-calcium (VNCa) imaging, can significantly improve cardiothoracic CT image workflows and have a high potential for improvement of diagnostic accuracy and patient safety.
In Vitro and In Silico Investigations of Natural Compounds with Predicted Activity against Neuroblastomas "2279

In the present study, the ability of an ethanolic extract from Stokesia laevis to inhibit the development of human glioblastoma cell line U87 has been investigated. Cytotoxic activity has been estimated at 78% in comparison to normal human astrocyte cell line NHA, while IC50 values were 9.12 μg of gallic acid ([GAE]) equivalents per 1 mL of extract for U87 and 24.17 μg of gallic acid ([GAE]) equivalents per 1 mL of extract for NHA. Docking simulations of the active compounds in Stokesia aster and curcumin against the target anti-apoptotic protein BCL-2 has revealed the following order in the magnitude of the docking scores: native ligand > curcumin > luteolin-7-O-glucoside > luteolin-8-O-glucoside > luteolin, with root mean square (RMS) between 0.01 and 0.93. Since neuroblastomas are not restricted by the blood–brain barrier and selective cytotoxicity has been demonstrated to be higher against tumor cells than normal control astrocytes, the use of Stokesia aster ethanolic extracts and luteolin derivates as an alternative approach to neuroblastomas is to be considered.
Evaluation of Essential Oils as Additives during Fermentation of Feed Products: A Meta-Analysis

Essential oils (EOs) are secondary metabolites of plants with antimicrobial functions that can be used as silage additives, but their effectiveness has been inconsistent. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of EOs as silage additives on nutritional quality, fermentative products, microbial population, and in vitro rumen fermentation. A total of 17 articles consisting of 113 studies (comparisons) were selected for meta-analysis. The results showed that EO supplementation increased several parameters of nutrient contents such as dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), and ether extract (EE) (p < 0.05), but decreased crude fiber content and mold population (p < 0.05). EO supplementation also affected rumen fermentability, namely reduced gas production, organic matter digestibility, and some fermentation products such as total VFA, iso-butyrate, iso-valerate, acetic, and succinic acid (p < 0.05) but did not affect methane production. Sub-group analysis based on the source of EOs revealed that only cumin and oregano reduced mold population during ensiling (p < 0.05). These results showed that EO supplementation improved several nutrient qualities such as DM, CP, and EE, inhibiting mold growth and stabilizing rumen pH.
Tuning Monte Carlo Models to Reproduce Cosmic Radiation Interacting with the Earth’s Atmosphere

In this work, we performed a comparative study between HIJING, Sibyll, and QGSJET model-based event generators. Such Monte Carlo (MC) models are used to simulate the interaction and propagation of high-energy cosmic radiation (e.g., coming from the sun) with the Earth’s atmosphere. The global event observables selected for the study were the transverse momentum (pT) spectra and rapidity density distributions of strange particles (KS0, Λ, and Ξ−). This study was performed in the STAR and CMS fiducial phase spaces by simulating the strange particles in pp collisions at s = 200 GeV, 900 GeV, and 7 TeV, and the simulations were then compared to the experimental measurements. It was observed that none of the discussed model-based event generators ultimately predicted the experimental results, except QGSJET, which generally agrees reasonably with the data. However, QGSJET does not produce Ξ particles; therefore, it does not provide any predictions for Ξ. The other two models reproduced the data only in a limited rapidity or transverse momentum region while mainly underpredicting the data in the rest of the areas. These cosmic radiation simulation models are capable of covering the mid-rapidity regions of density distributions. Utilizing model-based observations, some fundamental parameters can be re-tuned and extrapolations to the highest energies can be investigated. Furthermore, these observations can provide valuable insights that could potentially constrain and improve perturbative- and non-perturbative-based QCD event generators, thereby facilitating a better understanding of the underlying physics.
An Averaging Method for Advection-Diffusion Equations

An Averaging Method for Advection Diffusion Equations by Nicholas Spizzirri Adviser: Tobias Schaefer Many models for physical systems have dynamics that happen over various different time scales. For example, contrast the everyday waves in the ocean with the larger, slowly moving global currents. The method of multiple scales is an approach for approximating the solutions of differential equations by separating out the dynamics at slower and faster time scales. In this work, we apply the method of multiple scales to generic advectiondiffusion equations (both linear and non-linear, and in arbitrary spatial dimensions) and develop a method for averaging over the faster time scales, giving us an ’effective’ solution governing the dynamics on the slower time scales. Numerical results are then obtained to confirm the effectiveness of this technique.
Microbiological, Physicochemical and Sensorial Changes during the Ripening of Sucuk, a Traditional Turkish Dry-Fermented Sausage: Effects of Autochthonous Strains, Sheep Tail Fat and Ripening Rate

This study aimed to investigate the effects of autochthonous starter cultures (spontaneous fermentation, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum GM77, Staphylococcus xylosus GM92 or L. plantarum GM77 + S. xylosus GM92) isolated from sucuk (a traditional Turkish dry fermented sausage), the use of sheep tail fat (beef fat-control, sheep tail fat and beef fat + sheep tail fat) and the ripening rate (slow or fast) on the microbiological, physicochemical and sensorial changes during the ripening of sucuk. L. plantarum GM77 as a monoculture or mixed culture with S. xylosus GM92 exhibited good growth during fermentation and following days of ripening. S. xylosus GM92 remained at the inoculation level of 106 CFU/g. L. plantarum GM77 as a monoculture inhibited the growth of spontaneous Micrococcus/Staphylococcus in both the slow and fast ripening conditions. In the presence of L. plantarum GM77, the pH value decreased under 5.0 after the first three days of fermentation. The fast ripening yielded a lower mean aw and TBARS values compared to the slow ripening. Regarding TBARS value, the lowest mean value was determined in the presence of L. plantarum GM77 + S. xylosus GM92. The use of sheep tail fat caused an increase in TBARS; the highest mean value was determined in sucuk prepared with only sheep tail fat. The groups with L. plantarum GM77 yielded a higher mean L* value, while the highest a* value was determined in the group with L. plantarum GM77 + S. xylosus GM92. In addition, fast ripening caused an increase in the a* value. The L*, a* and b* values were not affected by the use of sheep tail fat. L. plantarum GM77 + S. xylosus GM92 groups demonstrated the best results in terms of general acceptability in both slow and fast ripening.
Building the Blocks of Being: The Attributes and Qualities Required for Consciousness

For consciousness to exist, an entity must have prerequisite characteristics and attributes to give rise to it. We explore these “building blocks” of consciousness in detail in this paper, which range from perceptive to computational to meta-representational characteristics of an entity’s cognitive architecture. We show how each cognitive attribute is strictly necessary for the emergence of consciousness, and how the building blocks may be used for any entity to be classified as being conscious. The list of building blocks is not limited to human or organic consciousness and may be used to classify artificial and organisational conscious entities. We further explore a list of attributes that seem intuitively necessary for consciousness, but on further investigation, are neither required nor sufficient. The building blocks do not represent a theory of consciousness but rather a meta-theory on the emergence and classification of consciousness.
Long-Term Non-Users of Transcutaneous Auditory Implants: Thirty Years of Experience at a Single Institution

Background: Although it is a recognized phenomenon, there is little published in the literature on the discontinuation of auditory implant use. Aim: To evaluate the incidence of device non-use of transcutaneous auditory implants. Patients and Methods: This is a retrospective study of all living individuals (children and adults) implanted at the La Paz Hospital (Madrid, Spain) between 1992–2015, with a follow-up examination endpoint of December 2022. 356 device recipients were included: 316 with cochlear implants (CI), 22 with middle-ear implants (Vibrant Soundbridge, VSB), and 18 with bone conduction implants (Bonebridge, BB). Results: Nine CI recipients (2.8%) were identified as non-users (mean follow-up 15.1 ± 5.4 years). The reasons for non-use were implant failure and reimplantation rejection, lack of benefit, non-attendance of rehabilitation sessions, loss of the audio processor, and cognitive and linguistic difficulties. None of them experienced any surgical complications. Six VSB recipients (27.3%) were device non-users (mean follow-up 11.4 ± 2.1 years). All of them experienced device failure or surgical complications. To date, none of the BB recipients is a non-user (mean follow-up 8.6 ± 1.1 years). Conclusion: The rates of non-use of transcutaneous auditory implants vary widely between different types of implants. Given the small proportion of non-users, information on what are the predictive factors could not be determined. The reasons for non-use should be carefully documented and used to guide careful patient selection to reduce the risk of non-use in future candidates.
Combined Effect of Fluid Cavitation and Inertia on the Pressure Buildup of Parallel Textured Surfaces

A mathematical model is developed to investigate the combined effect of fluid cavitation and inertia on the fluid pressure buildup of parallel textured surfaces. The fluid cavitation is analyzed using the Rayleigh–Plesset model, and the fluid inertia is analyzed with an averaged method. The finite element method and Newton-downhill method are employed to solve the governing equations. The numerical model is validated by comparing the experimental and numerical results, and the combined effect of fluid cavitation and inertia on the fluid pressure buildup is analyzed and discussed. The research indicates that the cavitation weakens the fluid inertia effect on the pressure distribution at the inlet area of textures. The fluid inertia greatly enhances the hydrodynamic effect and effectively limits the excessive extension of the low-pressure zone caused by cavitation. The fluid cavitation and inertia, especially their interaction, significantly affect the fluid pressure buildup and generate a net load-carrying capacity (LCC). The numerical model with the fluid inertia and cavitation is more time saving than the commercial CFD tools in solutions, which gives a novel and optional HD foundation for developing a more efficient and accurate THD or TEHD model by numerical programming.
Integration of Managed Aquifer Recharge into the Water Supply System in the Algarve Region, Portugal

The Algarve region of Portugal is experiencing severe water scarcity with existing water supplies insufficient to meet demand, with limited resilience to drought. Managed aquifer recharge (MAR) can provide intermediate storage and bridge the gap between water availability and demand, with success depending on the water available and the aquifer capacity to accept and store the water. We present the results of a regional study quantifying both these aspects to estimate the regional potential for MAR. Our results demonstrate that MAR can comprise 10% of the total water demand of the region (24 Mm3/yr) using water that is not otherwise captured, with quality that meets the requirements of the Groundwater Directive. MAR can replace 15 Mm3/yr of surface water used in the public irrigation perimeters and 9 Mm3/yr can be used to develop and maintain a strategic groundwater resource in the aquifers of the Central Algarve. Although climate change is predicted to result in an 8–13% decrease in MAR recharge, this can be addressed by incrementally increasing MAR design capacity. MAR has similar water resource benefits to the planned major infrastructure projects (desalination and River Guadiana abstraction), with reduced environmental impacts and lower costs than almost all feasible alternatives. We conclude that MAR is an important measure to increase water supply security and drought resilience in the Algarve region.