Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Division Molecular Embryology ( A 0500 )

The division investigates how embryonal cell fate is determined during early vertebrate development. The frog embryo (Xenopus) is used as embryonic system, allowing a combination of classical transplantation and explantation experiments with modern molecular biology. Gene function is studied in the context of a developing organism by microinjection of mRNAs and gene expression in primordial tissues is followed by nucleic acid hybridisation. The aim is a molecular understanding of the mechanisms underlying progressive cell differentiation of embryonal mesoderm, which is studied in the department as a paradigm, by identifying developmental control genes. Such control genes are typically highly conserved in evolution and regulate growth and differentiation in normal and neoplastic cells in all metazoans including man.
A Point-of-Interest Recommender System Based on Factorization Machines

With the rapid development of location-based social networks (LBSNs), Point-of-Interest (POI) recommendation which can benefit both users and service providers has attracted much academic and industrial interest. Although various aspects of users' behavior data have been utilized in POI recommendation, challenges such as data sparsity and how to accurately model users' preferences exist. In this paper, we propose a model named as Geo-STFM which exploits social, temporal and geographical information for POI recommendation based on factorization machines. Specifically, we first give a precise analysis of the self-similar and other-similar characteristics in users' behaviors, and accordingly propose an improved factorization machines (FM) model with social and temporal regularization terms. Then, geographical information is fused into the model to build a POI recommender system. The experimental results on two real-world data sets show that our proposed method achieves remarkable improvements compared to the state-of-the-art POI recommendation techniques.
How does the revelation of previous bid affect new bid

This study investigates the effect of the revelation of posted bids in second-price experimental auctions for apple quality attributes under the experimental design where information is added progressively across rounds. We find that the revelation of posted bids does not bias the following bids and that increased information about the apple increases the accuracy of participants’ following bids. Therefore, the final round bids are used to evaluate consumers’ willingness to pay for the apple attributes of interest in this study. Consumers are found to prefer large, firm, sweet, crisp and less defects coverage apples.
Needles in haystacks: how to use contemporaneous data in the search for low‐frequency modes of oscillation of the Sun

We show how to take advantage of contemporaneous data from two different instruments in the search for low-frequency modes of oscillation of the Sun. Contemporaneous data allow searches to be made for prominent, sharp concentrations of power which are coincident in frequency. Crucial to determining objective measures of the joint probability of the random occurrence of such features, which are potential candidates for modes, is a good understanding of the characteristics of the background noise. In this paper we show how to make proper allowance, in the calculation of the probability, for noise that is common to data from different instruments. This common noise is solar in origin, and comes from the solar granulation. Its presence makes calculation of the probability a non-trivial problem. We demonstrate application of the technique in searches for low-frequency p modes. The data we searched comprised 3071 d of contemporaneous Sun-as-a-star Doppler velocity observations made by the ground-based Birmingham Solar-Oscillations Network (BiSON), and the GOLF instrument onboard the ESA/NASA SOHO spacecraft.
HFTViz: Visualization for the exploration of high frequency trading data

High Frequency Trading (HFT), mainly based on high speed infrastructure, is a significant element of the trading industry. However, trading machines generate enormous quantities of trading messages that are difficult to explore for financial researchers and traders. Visualization tools of financial data usually focus on portfolio management and the analysis of the relationships between risk and return. Beside risk-return relationship, there are other aspects that attract financial researchers like liquidity and moments of flash crashes in the market. HFT researchers can extract these aspects from HFT data since it shows every detail of the market movement. In this paper, we present HFTViz, a visualization tool designed to help financial researchers explore the HFT dataset provided by NASDAQ exchange. HFTViz provides a comprehensive dashboard aimed at facilitate HFT data exploration. HFTViz contains two sections. It first proposes an overview of the market on a specific date. After selecting desired stocks from overview visualization to investigate in detail, HFTViz also provides a detailed view of the trading messages, the trading volumes and the liquidity measures. In a case study gathering five domain experts, we illustrate the usefulness of HFTViz.
Adaptive robust disturbance compensating control for a servo system in the presence of both friction and deadzone

An adaptive robust control that does not need sophisticated plant modeling work is proposed for precise output positioning of a servo system in the presence of both friction and deadzone nonlinearities. It is difficult to achieve effective motion control by traditional linear control methodology for these types of nonlinearities, without the aid of a proper compensation scheme for nonlinearity. In this study, dynamic friction is modeled by a Tustin friction model, and inverse deadzone method is adopted to compensate deadzone effect. The adaptive laws of the unknown system dynamic parameters, friction and deadzone, are derived. Furthermore, a robust control method with funnel control is proposed to compensate for unmodeled and estimation errors. The boundedness and convergence of the closed-loop system are ensured by a Lyapunov stability analysis. The performance of the proposed control scheme is verified through experiments on the XY table servo system and the robotic manipulator.
Investigating Users Changing Needs in Relation to Non-designed or Unplanned Public Spaces in Cairo

In recent studies, public spaces are defined as living organisms that are subjected to continuous change. These changes affect the different uses of the urban space, its composition and design aspects, in order to cope with the users’ changing needs. Rather than that, users intervene in the space formation either formally, by including the community and stakeholders in the design process fully or partially; or informally, by small or big actions done by the space users in order for the space to satisfy their current needs. Several spaces in Cairo are dealt with as leftovers of the buildings design and construction process. These spaces have passed through several changes that affected and was affected by the Cairines (Cairo citizens) and their culture of dealing with public spaces to accommodate their changing needs. The deficiency in public spaces in Cairo urban spaces is reviewed. And the inability of the formal designed/planned spaces to respond to the spaces’ users with their changing needs is investigated throughout the research. In order to focus on a public space in Nasr city district in Cairo, sequential mapping to the area over different ages is carried on, examining the changes -formally and informally- in the space to cope with area users. That is accompanied by surveys and questionnaires that aim to determine the needs of the users in the space and whether they are met or not. The questionnaire also aims to measure the level of intervention and satisfaction of the users in this space, to explain how its users intervene in adapting to the existing formal design, and to find out how these interventions shape and affect directly and indirectly the dynamism of the space as a formal planned public space. The paper aims to review and find out theories and practices that provide solutions for dealing with non-designed open spaces development in terms of users changing needs and contributions. The results from the study show some development considerations that need to be respected in Cairo public spaces with more concern for people’s usage and interaction with the space.
Receiver Operating Characteristic Analysis Under Extended Tree or Umbrella Ordering

Let Y1, Y2, · · · , YK denote the marker values for independent disease classes 1, 2, · · · , K. Extended tree or umbrella ordering is defined as (Y1, · · · , YK1) (YK1+1, · · · , YK) or (Y1, · · · , YK1) (YK1+1, · · · , YK) where K1 ≥ 1, K ≥ 2. In this paper, we consider the problem of measuring diagnostic ability of a biomarker under extended tree or umbrella ordering. Traditionally, researchers often first pool Y1, · · · , YK1 as one major class and YK1+1, · · · , YK as another, and then estimate area under ROC curve (AUC) in binary classification. The purpose of this paper is two-fold: 1) to investigate the inappropriateness of AUC obtained by such polling strategy as a diagnostic measure; 2) to propose a ROC framework for extended tree ordering (ETROC) and area under the curve (ETAUC) as a diagnostic measure. The generalized inference (GI) and nonparametric bootstrap (NB) methods are studied for confidence interval estimation of ETAUC. Simulation studies are carried out to assess the performance of the proposed methods. An ovarian cancer data set is analyzed using the proposed new measure ETAUC.
Automorphism groups of cyclic products of groups

This article initiates a geometric study of the automorphism groups of general graph products of groups, and investigates the algebraic and geometric structure of automorphism groups of cyclic product of groups. For a cyclic product of at least five groups, we show that the action of the cyclic product on its Davis complex extends to an action of the whole automorphism group. This action allows us to completely compute the automorphism group and to derive several of its properties: Tits Alternative, acylindrical hyperbolicity, lack of property (T).
Testing for Extreme Volatility Transmission with Realized Volatility Measures

This paper proposes a simple and parsimonious semi-parametric testing procedure for variance transmission. Our test focuses on conditional extreme values of the unobserved process of integrated variance since they are of utmost concern for policy makers due to their sudden and destabilizing effects. The test statistic is based on realized measures of variance and has a convenient asymptotic chi-square distribution under the null hypothesis of no Granger causality, which is free of estimation risk. Extensive Monte Carlo simulations show that the test has good small sample size and power properties. An extension to the case of spillovers in quadratic variation is also developed. An empirical application on extreme variance transmission from US to EU equity markets is further proposed. We find that the test performs very well in identifying periods of significant causality in extreme variance, that are subsequently found to be correlated with changes in US monetary policy.
Scent , Emotional Memory and Designing for Meaningful Olfactory Experience Two Exploratory Studies

As the initial part of a design research project on the track of designing for meaningful olfactory experience, this paper reports two exploratory studies. Through two in-depth interviews with scent development and branding experts from Scent Library Shanghai and IFF (New York), the first study was intended to clarify the typical scent development processes or methods in the industry and to find out what are the potential challenges and opportunities that designers could exert positive influence and further explore for olfactory design and branding. The second study was conducted as two olfactory association workshops which were aimed to acquire a more comprehensive understanding of how people perceive scents, establish meaningful olfactory associations and express their olfactory experiences; to explore the possibilities of user-centered approaches for designing for meaningful olfactory experience. The results of Study 1 suggest that two aspects in the existing scent development process may need to be improved and further explored by designers: the communication barrier between the users/consumers and scent designers and the harmonious synergy with other designed sensory stimuli. In addition, according to the findings of Study 2, synesthetic visualization is proposed as a promising way to improve current scent development process for designing for meaningful olfactory experience in the future.
Synthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles Using Alginate from the Brown Seaweed Laminaria ochroleuca: Structural Features and Antibacterial Activity

In this study, inexpensive and eco-friendly production of the silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was explored using Laminaria ochroleuca sodium alginate as stabilizing and reducing agent. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by various analytical techniques such as UV–Vis spectroscopy, Energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), TEM selected area electron diffraction (SAED), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The synthesis of AgNPs was elucidated by characteristic absorption peaks in the UV–Vis test. The FTIR analysis revealed the involvement of many functional groups in the bioreduction and the stabilization of AgNPs, while TEM images illustrated the spherical shape with maximum particles found in the size range of 10-20 nm. Prominent peaks and silver diffraction rings shown by the XRD spectrum and SAED pattern, respectively, confirmed the crystalline nature (fcc) of the synthesized AgNPs, which were found to be thermally stable based on TGA analysis. The AgNPs exhibited strong antibacterial activity against Gram+ and Gram– bacteria. The synthesized silver nanoparticles using Laminaria ochroleuca sodium alginate revealed interesting properties that could be potentially used for pharmaceutical applications.
Structure–Function Relationships in the Human P-Glycoprotein (ABCB1): Insights from Molecular Dynamics Simulations

P-Glycoprotein (P-gp) is a transmembrane protein belonging to the ATP binding cassette superfamily of transporters, and it is a xenobiotic efflux pump that limits intracellular drug accumulation by pumping compounds out of cells. P-gp contributes to a reduction in toxicity, and has broad substrate specificity. It is involved in the failure of many cancer and antiviral chemotherapies due to the phenomenon of multidrug resistance (MDR), in which the membrane transporter removes chemotherapeutic drugs from target cells. Understanding the details of the ligand–P-gp interaction is therefore critical for the development of drugs that can overcome the MDR phenomenon, for the early identification of P-gp substrates that will help us to obtain a more effective prediction of toxicity, and for the subsequent outdesign of substrate properties if needed. In this work, a series of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of human P-gp (hP-gp) in an explicit membrane-and-water environment were performed to investigate the effects of binding different compounds on the conformational dynamics of P-gp. The results revealed significant differences in the behaviour of P-gp in the presence of active and non-active compounds within the binding pocket, as different patterns of movement were identified that could be correlated with conformational changes leading to the activation of the translocation mechanism. The predicted ligand–P-gp interactions are in good agreement with the available experimental data, as well as the estimation of the binding-free energies of the studied complexes, demonstrating the validity of the results derived from the MD simulations.
11 Insects and Climate Change : Processes , Patterns and Implications for Conservation

The effects of climate change on biodiversity represent one of the most pressing challenges for conservationists in the 21st century. Although the great diversity of life has evolved and survived alongside continual climatic variation, the ability of biodiversity to respond to contemporary climate change is much more of an unknown, given the potentially unprecedented rate and magnitude of projected increases in the earth’s surface temperature (IPCC, 2001; Root and Schneider, 2002; King, 2005; Lovejoy and Hannah, 2005). In the distant past, at least some of the comparable increases in temperature probably triggered mass extinction events (Hallam and Wignall, 1997; Benton and Twitchett, 2003). Coupled with the fact that many species are now restricted to very small areas of occupancy because of direct habitat loss and fragmentation caused by human activity (Vitousek et al., 1997; Sanderson et al., 2002; Gaston et al., 2003), the stresses imposed by climate change on habitats, life histories and interactions between species may be such that widespread extinctions are inevitable unless climate change can be arrested or effective conservation measures can be adopted (Thomas, C.D. et al., 2004). Recent reviews and meta-analyses show that a wide variety of ecologic al systems and taxa are already changing in ways consistent with climate change (Hughes, 2000; Walther et al., 2002; Parmesan and Yohe, 2003; Root et al., 2003), and many of the examples have been drawn from research conducted on insects. In this chapter we show how insect biodiversity is affected and potentially threatened, and the importance of insects as model systems for biological responses to climate change and associated conservation measures. We first present evidence of recent responses to climate change, concentrating on 11 Insects and Climate Change: Processes, Patterns and Implications for Conservation
UNBS 1450 from as a regulator of signaling pathways involved in proliferation and cell death

HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access archive for the deposit and dissemination of scientific research documents, whether they are published or not. The documents may come from teaching and research institutions in France or abroad, or from public or private research centers. L’archive ouverte pluridisciplinaire HAL, est destinée au dépôt et à la diffusion de documents scientifiques de niveau recherche, publiés ou non, émanant des établissements d’enseignement et de recherche français ou étrangers, des laboratoires publics ou privés. UNBS1450 from as a regulator of signaling pathways involved in proliferation and cell death Tom Juncker, Marc Schumacher, Mario Dicato, Marc Diederich
ENABLING INTELLIGENT PROCESSES IN SIMULATION UTILIZING THE TENSORFLOW DEEP LEARNING RESOURCES

Availability of large data sets and increased computing performance have contributed to many improvements in productivity and decision-making. Simulation can exploit these by incorporating data mining capabilities, such as machine learning, in the modeling and analysis process. This paper demonstrates the integration of discrete event simulation with a deep learning resource, known as TensorFlow, to enable intelligent decision making in the form of smart processes. A bank credit approval process is modeled using these smart processes to evaluate customer credit worthiness based on 20 reported features. Comparison of three models is made where credit worthiness is (1) known, (2) randomly assigned, or (3) evaluated based on customer features. Additionally, the experiment compares results under conditions where the process is perturbed by an unexpected surge in customer arrivals. The presented models and results demonstrate the feasibility of enabling smart processes in discrete event simulation software and the improved decision-making fidelity.
The Entrepreneur ` s Mental Capacity and Firm Performance

Although, studies on entrepreneurial factors are abundant, however, certain factors still deserve further attention. As a result, this study investigates the influence of entrepreneurs' mental capacity on the firm performance. Based on this, a cross-sectional study of questionnaire survey research design was conducted and data was generated from 182 entrepreneurs of small firms in both manufacturing and service industries. The questionnaires were distributed through drop-off and pick procedure of data collection. Overall, the findings indicate that there is a significant relationship between entrepreneurs' mental capacity and firm performance. It further indicates that entrepreneurs' mental capacity dimensions which include business handling, resolve business issues, stable mind, mental alertness, sound decisions, maturity, and self ability, control and management also influence firm performance. Based on the findings, the study highlights the theoretical and practical implications including the limitations and the suggestions for future study. Introduction The economic role of the entrepreneurs particularly in the areas of economic development, employment generation, new venture start creation, wealth creation and reviving old businesses are dated back to the time of Cantillon (1755), Say (1821) and Schumpeter (1934) who believed that entrepreneurs are agents of economic development and transformation. Recently, Rebecca & Benjamin (2009), acknowledged the strategic role of entrepreneurs as agents of economic transformation which is noticeable in wealth and job creation, and promotion of indigenous entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial culture. The activities of the entrepreneurs are also visible in the promotion of small and medium enterprises (SME) which consequently affect the socio-politico-economic life of the people. This sector accounts for about 88% of the small scale industries while 12% is credited to the medium industries in Malaysia. In Singapore alone, SMEs absorbs half of the working population and consequently contributed about a third of the total value-added, forming 92% of their total number of the industrial establishments which include manufacturing, commercial and service sectors (Chea, 2009). Rebecca & Benjamin (2009) reported that the small and medium scale firms have been increasing to the extent that they account for about 70% of the industrial employment while the agricultural sector tends to absorb more 6o% of the county’s workforce. Okpara & Wynn (2007) affirmed that SMEs contributes about 20% to 45% full employment and equally contributes about 30% to 50% to rural income which are mostly house-hold. Akande & Ojokuku (2008) noted that SMEs has greatly contributed in the creation of jobs, innovation and to economic growths which has been given a global acknowledgement and recognition. However, despite the above, authors have observed that certain factors such as entrepreneurs' mental capacity are required to play significant role so as to enable the entrepreneurs effectively and successfully perform their economic roles and achieve better firm