Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Autophagy-related signature as Indicators for the Prognosis of Hepatocellular carcinoma

Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common and deadly type of liver cancer. Autophagy is the process of transporting damaged or aging cellular components into lysosomes for digestion and degradation. There is an accumulative evidence implies that autophagy is a key factor of the progression of cancer. The aim of this study was to determine a panel of a novel autophagy-related prognostic marker for liver cancer. Methods We conducted a comprehensive analysis of ARGs expression profiles and corresponding clinical information based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) database. The univariate Cox proportional regression model was used to screen candidate autophagy-related prognostic genes. In addition, the multivariate Cox proportional regression model were helped to prove five key prognostic autophagy-related genes (ATIC, BAX, BIRC5, CAPNS1 and FKBP1A), which were used to construct prognostic signature. Results Based on the prognostic signature, liver cancer patients were significantly divided into high-risk and low-risk groups in terms of overall survival (OS). Further multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that the prognostic signature remained as an independent prognostic factor for OS. The prognostic signature in possession of a better Area Under Curves (AUC) has a better performance in predicting the survival of patients with HCC, compared with other clinical parameters. Conclusion This study provides a prospective biomarker for monitoring the outcomes in the patients with HCC.
The Unsteady Aerodynamics of Flapping-Foil Propellers

Proceedings of the 9th International Symposium on Unsteady Aerodynamics, Aeroacoustics and Aeroelasticity of Turbomachines, Eds. Ferrand, P. and Aubert, S. , Presses Universitaires de Grenoble, Grenoble, France, 2001, pp. 123-147.
University Students' Views on the Application of Gamification in Distance Education

The COVID-19 affecting the whole world has also affected education. Education has changed from face-to-face education to distance education. In distance education, it is the most basic duty of teachers to increase students’ participation in the lesson, motivate their learning and increase their motivation. Gamification, which is one of the new learning approaches that has come to the fore in the education process, can be used for active learning activities in this model. This study was aimed to determine university students’ views on gamified education. In this context, gamification activities were used in the teaching process. In this study, the qualitative research method was used. The study group of the research consists of 30 second-grade students studying at North Cyprus and some Russian Universities, in the Faculty of Education, Department of Preschool Education. The application was carried out within the scope of the computer I course in the 2020–2021 fall semester. The interview form developed by the researchers was used as a data collection tool within the scope of the research. In preparing the interview questions, the final form of the questions was given by taking the opinions of four experts. Content analysis was used in the study of the data. The findings obtained as a result of the research are given in detail in the findings and results section.
Factors Associated With Family Member’s Spanking of 3.5-year-old Children in Japan

Background Spanking can cause adverse psychological development and biological functional changes in children. However, spanking is widely used by parents in Japan. This study explored the risk factors for family member’s spanking of 3.5-year-old children using nationwide population data in Japan. Methods Surveys were administered to family members in Japan who had a child in 2001 (first cohort) or in 2010 (second cohort), and the data when their child was 0.5, 1.5, and 3.5 years old were used. We used multivariate binary and ordinal logistic regression analyses to examine the associations between risk factors and spanking children at 3.5 years of age, which was subcategorized into frequencies of never, sometimes, and always spanking, presented with odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results Among 70,450 families, 62.8% and 7.9% sometimes and always spanked their children, respectively. Children in the second cohort were spanked less frequently compared with those in the first cohort, and fathers who responded to the questionnaire spanked children less frequently than mothers who responded. Identified associated factors for spanking were male child, presence of siblings of the child, not living in a two-parent household, not living in a three-generation household, younger parents, parents with lower education, no outside work or unstable work, and lower family income. Conclusions We found a high prevalence of spanking and its associated factors. Approaching those with lower socioeconomic factors and promoting fathers’ involvement in parenting may be important public health strategies for reducing and preventing spanking.
High performance ILT for hotspots repair with hierarchical pattern matching

Inverse lithography technology (ILT) has become one of the key technologies in recent years for highly optimized mask synthesis of physical layout of large scale semiconductor designs. Localized printability enhancement (LPE) has also proved useful in applying computational lithography to repair so-called hotspots to efficiently refine the designs for better process windows without re-optimizing the entire design. Although such a localized design refinement on a relatively small number of hotspots is already quite useful, in reality, it is possible that there are a large number of hotspots, thereby necessitating handling of large volume data in the repair flow. In the case of memory designs, in particular, the number of hotspots in highly repetitive patterns can be enormous, if they are counted from the flattened layout point of view. Since hotspots on repetitive patterns tend to involve processing of repeated patterns, applying pattern matching techniques becomes a natural solution such that only one instance of the repeated patterns is fully re-optimized and its result is copied and pasted over the remaining instances of the same pattern. It is also important to take advantage of the design hierarchy, because flattening of layers in repetitive hierarchical designs can result in data volume expansion that is so massive that even trivial operations such as copying and Boolean operations could become prohibitively slow. We present techniques to exploit pattern matching as well as hierarchical processing to achieve a high performance distributed hotspots reoptimization flow.
Application of signal detection theory to the recognition of objects in colour-encoded X-ray images

Aviation security personnel encounter problems when interpreting x-ray images of hand luggage. This research seeks to determine whether the performance of the human operator can be improved, in terms of both reliability and accuracy, through the employment of a novel multiple-view x-ray imaging technique. Thus, a series of experiments were undertaken with the aim of providing evidence for the feasibility of using KDEX displays to aid in the recognition of threatening objects in airport carry-on luggage; and furthermore demonstrate the real-world value of this technique. This thesis describes experiments comparing how introducing depth information affects the performance of aviation security personnel attempting to detect various weapons in x-ray images of hand luggage. Specifically, multiple 2-dimensional (2D) x-ray luggage scans were acquired and processed to create the perception of 3-dimensionality (3D) in kinetic displays. These results were compared with weapon detection in standard static 2D scans of the same luggage. Threatening objects hidden in this luggage were more readily detected in kinetic 3-dimensional images than in the standard images. Initial results were obtained using greyscale images and limited to various types of knives. Subsequent experiments evolved to primarily use pseudo-colour x-ray images.
Polychlorinated Biphenyl Quinone Promotes Macrophage-Derived Foam Cells Formation.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are organic environmental pollutants that are accused of various toxic effects. PCBs exposure are widely believed to be associated with atherosclerosis, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Although PCBs are easily metabolized, there is a rarely information on the effects of their metabolites on atherosclerosis. Currently, we evaluated the effect of 2, 3, 5-trichloro-6-phenyl-[1, 4]-benzoquinone (PCB29-pQ) on the critical phase of atherosclerosis development, that is, the formation of macrophage-derived foam cells. Variety of evidences have demonstrated that PCB29-pQ promotes foam cells formation, develops pro-inflammatory cascade and cell necroptosis. In detail, we observed that PCB29-pQ increased levels of total cholesterol (TC), free cholesterol (FC), triglyceride (TG) and cholesteryl ester (CE) by increasing cholesterol influx and reducing cholesterol efflux. Moreover, we found that PCB29-pQ induces inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and IL-1β, release by activating the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) inflammatory pathway. In addition, we demonstrated that PCB29-pQ induces cell necroptosis via the receptor interacting protein kinase 1 and 3 (RIPK1/3) and mixed lineage kinase domain-like (MLKL) pathway. Finally, the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by PCB29-pQ play significant roles in these processes, which can be reversed with antioxidant. Overall, our results indicated that PCB29-pQ promotes macrophage formation of foam cells, inflammation, and cell necroptosis.
Effect of Diffuser Height on Thermocline in Stratified Chilled Water Storage Tank

Chilled water energy storage using thermal stratification technique currently used in the vast area because it contributes to reducing energy consumption and refrigeration capacity as well as its maintenance, operating and capital costs are low. In this paper, experimental tests were carried out on a small-scale vertical cylindrical storage tank equipped with an elbow-type conventional diffuser at inlet heights of 20, 170, 320 and 470mm for flow charging rates from 1.5-7.5l/min. in order to obtain a good thermal separation. The degree of stratification was estimated by means of temperature distributions and performance metrics, which involve thermocline thickness, the half-cycle figure of merit and equivalent lost tank height. The results show that the decrease in diffuser height above the tank floor tends to the steep thermocline or satisfactory thermal separation, the stratification and thermal performance were obtained at diffuser height of 20 mm within the limiting volume flow rates 1.5-4.5 l/min. better than those at volume flow rates ranging from 5.5-7.5l/min. and much better than at diffuser heights of 170, 320 and 470mm for various flow rates.
Measuring Technical Efficiency in A Sample Public Universities in Ethiopia: A Data Envelopment Analysis

This paper uses data envelopment analysis to examine the technical efficiency (TE) of 20 departments in the period 2014/2015–2015/2016. To shed light on the causes of variations in efficiency, TE is decomposed into pure technical efficiency and scale efficiency. The input variable is total number of staff (academic and nonacademic), whereas the output variable is total number of students (under graduate and post graduate). The study adopts non-parametric Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) input-orientation (i.e. both CCR & BCC models) to measure the relative technical efficiency of departments and Malmquist productivity index (MPI) output-orientation to measure the productivity gains of departments over time. Under CCR model a 5 percent of the sample department was relatively efficient where as a 95 percent were inefficient. In addition, in 2014/15, the number of technical efficient departments was four (4), about 20 percent of the sample when VRS TE is assumed and one (1), about 5 percent when CRS TE is assumed. The Malmquist index measures are also decomposed into two components: technical efficiency change and technological change. Technical efficiency change is further decomposed into pure technical efficiency change and scale efficiency change. On average the sample departments found with increased technical efficiency score. All departments had shown deterioration of technology in the study period
LARGE TANKERS-WIND COEFFICIENTS AND SPEED LOSS DUE TO WIND AND SEA

A research project is presented which concerns the effect of wind and sea on conventional tankers and bulk carriers in a deadweight range of 100,000-500,000 tonnes. The main part of the model test programme was carried out with a model of the 282,000 tonnes deadweight ore/oil carrier M/S SVEALAND. One reason for this choice was that fairly extensive full scale tests were planned for this ship. An essential part of the project was the determination of wind coefficients for modern tanker forms. These coefficients were obtained from wind tunnel tests and included tests with several different deckhouse configurations. The manoeuvring performance was investigated using simulation. Data for the simulations were obtained from the wind tunnel tests, planar motion mechanism tests and from special investigations of the effect of propeller loading on the rudder efficiency. The simulation resulted in predictions of speed loss, rudder deflection and course deviation for M/S SVEALAND under the influence of wind and sea. The results from the wind tunnel tests and the simulations have been generalized to apply to ships in the range 100,000 to 500,000 tonnes deadweight. A method for the prediction of speed loss due to wind and sea is indicated.
Cross-layer protocol design and performance study for wideband wireless networks

This thesis presents a cross-layer design and optimization for emerging wideband wireless networks supporting multimedia applications, considering the interactions of the wireless channel characteristics, the physical and link layer protocols, and the user-perceived Quality-of-Service (QoS). As wireless channels are error-prone and broadcast in nature, both the error control mechanisms and the Media Access Control (MAC) protocols are critical for resource utilization and QoS provisioning. How to analyze, design and optimize the high-rate wireless networks by considering the characteristics of the propagation channels and wideband communication technologies is an open, challenging issue. In this thesis, we consider two important wideband wireless systems, the Ultra-Wideband (UWB) and the Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing (OFDM) systems. First, we propose the packet-level channel models based on Finite State Markov Chains (FSMCs) for the two systems, which present the statistical properties of the propagation channels and the transmission systems. Second, by incorporating the proposed packet-level channel models, we develop analytical frameworks for quantifying the performance of the high-rate wireless networks, combining the channel fading, physical- and link-layer error-control mechanisms and MAC protocols. Third, to mitigate the impact of channel fading and impairments, a cross-layer joint error-control mechanism is proposed. In addition, we also investigate the impact of channel fading on the video streaming applications, and propose a simple admission control algorithm to ensure QoS. As considering the physical-layer characteristics is critical for ensuring QoS and efficiency of resource utilization, the packet-level channel models, cross-layer analytical frameworks, networking protocols and simulation methodologies proposed in this dissertation are essential for future proliferation of high-rate wireless networks.
Positioning value of objective analysis of macular ganglion cell complex (mGCC) in optic pathway-related neuro-ophthalmology

Background: This study aimed to explore the positioning value of objective analysis of macular ganglion cell complex (mGCC) in optic pathway-related neuro-ophthalmology diseases. Methods: This retrospective study included 32 patients with optic pathway-related neuro-ophthalmology diseases. A swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) was used to scan and analyze the morphological characteristics of mGCC thickness and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thickness in these patients, and then they were compared with the visual field changes at the corresponding phase to analyze their relationship. Results: In optic pathway-related neuro-ophthalmologic diseases, the morphological characteristics of mGCC thickness demonstrated similar characteristic changes to that of visual field, and mGCC analysis remained to be objective. Conclusion: The application of SS-OCT to examine the morphological changes of mGCC thickness has position value of objective analysis in the diagnosis and treatment of optic pathway-related neuro-ophthalmologic diseases.
The interdisciplinary conceptual design of buildings

The Interdisciplinary Conceptual Design of Buildings Design activity during the conceptual phase of building projects is dynamic, vibrant and as a result, chaotic in appearance. This problem is compounded by the fact that iterative, or cyclic, design progression is often criticised, with the concept of 'going round in circles' being one that is discouraged. However, designbis a learning activity and, owing to the complexity of contemporary building projects,it is often only by moving ahead to improve knowledge, before taking a step back to re-address a problem with improved understanding, that the design process can progress. Today's design professionals are being urged to undertake early design activity in a more programmable, and thus manageable fashion. As such, it is becoming increasingly apparent that designers have little, if any, shared understanding of what conceptual design actually involves, let alone a deeper knowledge of the structure of iterative progression. This can, and is, causing problems for the industry, as the lack of both common understanding and synchronisation in interdisciplinary thinking is resulting in design team fragmentation and adversarial relationships. By modelling design activity it is possible to simplify, and thus ease understanding of, its complexities. The development and trialling of a generic framework of design phases and activities has allowed a simple graphical means of recording and displaying patterns of design progression to be devised. The models produced have been used to study and analyse the patterns of iterative working, the output of which has enabled a clarification of conceptual design practice to be achieved. A web-based design system has been developed from the paper-based framework. This accords well with the richly iterative and often non-linear process which design typically follows and is intended to encourage creativity without imposing a rigid procedure. The tool offers alternative routes through conceptual design, and contains 'Team Thinking Tools' to help designers widen the solution space, set priorities and evaluate options. In addition, it promotes effective teamwork practices to help teams deal with social interactions. Also, at the user's option, the system can be used to capture, store and retrieve decisions made, and the reasoning behind them. This is of key importance in improving the performance of the industry as a whole, for it is only by understanding how the final product is influenced by early design activity, that the design process can be adapted to take account of these issues on future projects.
THE EFFECT OF LATERAL MOTION CUES DURING SIMULATED DRIVING

This paper describes how the vast majority of driving simulators currently in existence do not include motion systems. When motion systems are present, they are often too small to reasonably represent the forces experienced in an actual car. Nevertheless, simulators with little or no motion are routinely used to characterize driver behavior and safety. The underlying assumption is that measures of driving performance such as lane violations or heading errors are valid indicators of relative driving performance even in the absence of motion cues. Ford's Research & Advanced Engineering group operates a driving simulator called VIRTTEX (VIRtual Test Track Experiment) that has enough motion capability to realize lateral scale factors between 0.50 and 0.70 during non-emergency driving. This simulator has been used to compare both driving and vehicle performance measures during simulated driving at various levels of the lateral scale factor. Results from two experiments are presented. In the first experiment an event detection protocol was used to measure the level of distraction induced by various in-vehicle tasks such as hand-held or hands-free cellular phone operation. Forty-eight adult drivers participated in the study with the VIRTTEX motion system set to a lateral scale factor of 0.6. Six additional test participants experienced the same protocol with only vertical motion feedback. In the second experiment, 24 test participants were asked to follow closely-spaced cones while executing a controlled lane change at constant forward speed. They were instructed to follow the path marked by the cones as closely as possible. Runs were repeated with lateral scale factors of 0.00, 0.25, 0.50 and 0.70. Results from both experiments are analyzed to determine the effect of lateral motion cues on driving performance measures.
Psychological Behavior Change for Smartphone Addiction among University Students in Tangail, Bangladesh: An Experimental Study

Objectives: This study investigated PBC for Smartphone addiction among the students of Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University (MBSTU) and researched whether there are statistically significant distinctions in smartphone addiction among Psychological Behavior Change (PBC) and some other variables with respect to different dimensions. Methods: To enhance a suitable research questionnaire which be composed of with five dimensions questionnaire: excessively use of smartphone (EUS); psychosomatic-social dimension (PSD); well-being dimension (WD); anxiety with smartphones (AS) and high-tech dimension (HTD). A group of 520 university students, with 267 male and 253 female students, at MBSTU students was interviewed. Results: Result showed that 42.87% participants was highly addicted in smartphone and faced PBC problem. In the basis of respective dimensions was found the statistically significant gender distinctions in the addictions of smartphone and most of time prefer in male students. There are significant differences was found by marital status which in prefer in unmarried students and use of the smartphone for greater than or equal to 4 hours in a day, by several hours of casual usage. Highest degree of smartphone addiction were found in Bachelor degree students with compare to Master’s degree students. As like for the monthly earning, statistically significant distinctions in well-being conditions were set up the respondents of the lower monthly earning family. Conclusion: PBC problem among University students in MBSTU are at risk of smartphones addiction; PBC phenomenon is significantly associated with negative or bad effects on daily academic life and performance.