Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Usefulness of BRCA and ctDNA as Prostate Cancer Biomarkers: A Meta-Analysis

Simple Summary Prostate cancer (PCa) represents the most common male urologic neoplasia. In the present study, the authors performed a review of scientific literature to establish the most potentially valuable biomarkers. After this a meta-analysis of two most interesting biomarkers (BRCA 1 and 2 and ctDNA) has been performed to evaluate their utility for the diagnostics, treatment, and prognosis of prostate cancer. The obtained results can help select the best diagnostic tool for early prostate diagnosis. To date, no ideal PCa biomarker has been found. Although BRCA1 and BRCA2 work well for breast and ovarian cancers, they do not seem to be reliable for prostate cancer. In our opinion, ctDNA seems to be a very promising biomarker, but still more research in this field is needed. Abstract Prostate cancer represents the most common male urologic neoplasia. Tissue biopsies are the gold standard in oncology for diagnosing prostate cancer. We conducted a study to find the most reliable and noninvasive diagnostic tool. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of two biomarkers which we believe are the most interesting: BRCA (BRCA1 and 2) and ctDNA. Our systematic research yielded 248 articles. Forty-five duplicates were first excluded and, upon further examination, a further 203 articles were excluded on the basis of the inclusion and exclusion criteria, leaving 25 articles. A statistical analysis of the obtained data has been performed. With a collective calculation, BRCA1 was expressed in 2.74% of all cases from 24,212 patients examined and BRCA2 in 1.96% of cases from 20,480 patients. In a total calculation using ctDNA, it was observed that 89% of cases from 1198 patients exhibited high expression of circulating tumor DNA. To date, no ideal PCa biomarker has been found. Although BRCA1 and BRCA2 work well for breast and ovarian cancers, they do not seem to be reliable for prostate cancer. ctDNA seems to be a much better biomarker; however, there are few studies in this area. Further studies need to be performed.
Speed Matters in Nordic Hamstring Exercise: Higher Peak Knee Flexor Force during Fast Stretch-Shortening Variant Compared to Standard Slow Eccentric Execution in Elite Athletes

Hamstring strain injuries are prevalent in many sports. Research has demonstrated that the Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE), a knee-dominant exercise addressing the posterior chain muscles, can aid in reducing the risk of hamstring injuries in athletes. However, most research on hamstring injury prevention has focused on performing the eccentric version of the NHE (NHEECC). In contrast, in sports, it is quite frequent for athletes to use an eccentric–concentric version of the NHE. Additionally, eccentric NHE is typically performed using a slow, controlled tempo. The effect of a fast stretch-shortening cycle NHE (NHESSC) compared to standard slow NHEECC on peak knee flexor force has not been investigated. The aim of the study was therefore to investigate fast NHESSC vs. standard slow NHEECC. Our hypothesis posited that peak knee flexor force would be greater for fast NHESSC compared with standard slow NHEECC. The study involved 22 elite athletes (actively competing in both national and international events) consisting of female (n = 10) and male (n = 7) track and field athletes and male football players (n = 5), aged 17–31 years. The participants performed maximum trials of slow NHEECC and fast NHESSC repetitions in which measurement of bilateral peak knee flexor force was conducted at the ankle with the use of a load cell. During the NHEs, a linear encoder was used to measure both the position where the peak knee flexor force was recorded and the average eccentric velocity. SSC contributed to an enhanced NHE performance, where bilateral absolute peak knee flexor force was 13% higher for fast NHESSC vs. standard slow NHEECC (822 vs. 726 N, p < 0.01, ES = 0.54). Participants achieved a 32% greater forward distance at the breakpoint stage during NHEECC compared to the coupling phase for NHESSC (54 vs. 41 cm, p < 0.001, ES = 1.37). Eccentric average velocity was more than three times higher for NHESSC compared with NHEECC (0.38 vs. 0.12 m/s, p < 0.001, ES = 3.25). The key findings of this study were that SSC contributed to an enhanced NHE performance, where absolute peak knee flexor force was 13% greater for fast NHESSC compared to standard slow NHEECC. The fast NHESSC could therefore be an interesting alternative to the standard slow NHEECC execution, as it may offer potential advantages for sprint performance, as well as hamstring injury prevention and rehabilitation.
A Generic Approach to Eco-Driving of Connected Automated Vehicles in Mixed Urban Traffic and Heterogeneous Power Conditions

The connected automated vehicles (CAVs) are envisioned to be implemented most likely on electric vehicles, while traditional fuel-powered manually-driven vehicles (MVs) would probably still dominate the automobile market in the next decade. In this context, this paper addresses urban eco-driving of CAVs in mixed traffic and heterogeneous power conditions. The paper aims to develop a practical and deployable eco-driving strategy for CAVs in mixed traffic flow of CAVs and MVs under realistic and complex traffic conditions. Several typical eco-driving scenarios were studied in detail. In a nutshell, the eco-driving strategy for each CAV was determined by solving a typical two-point boundary value problem with minimum electric energy consumption in urban traffic conditions with small market penetration rates (MPRs) of CAVs. A rolling-horizon scheme was applied to implement the eco-driving strategy to handle uncertain/unpredictable disturbances of preceding MVs and the interference of junction queues to the eco-driving maneuvers of CAVs. The paper also studied how eco-driving for electrified CAVs would affect MVs’ fuel consumptions. Simulation studies were carried out on urban arterial roads of multiple signalized intersections in various scenarios of demand and MPR to verify the energy savings effect of the proposed eco-driving strategy. The results showed that via eco-driving electrified CAVs each had a potential of reducing energy consumption by 40%-61%, meanwhile leading to 5%-34% fuel savings on average for each following MV. Further issues concerning the energy saving mechanism of electrified CAVs, impacts of MVs cut-in from adjacent lanes, and passenger comfort were also examined.
Random walk on half-plane half-comb structure

We study limiting properties of a random walk on the plane, when we have a square lattice on the upper half-plane and a comb structure on the lower half-plane, i.e., horizontal lines below the x-axis are removed. We give strong approximations for the components with random time changed Wiener processes. As consequences, limiting distributions and some laws of the iterated logarithm are presented. Finally, a formula is given for the probability that the random walk returns to the origin in 2N steps.
Improving Consumer Loyalty by Providing Service Excellent and Utilizing Business Relationships

The increasingly fierce competition in the hospitality industry requires companies to provide the best quality service and relationships with customers to create loyalty. This study aims to empirically prove the influence of relationships and service quality on guest loyalty in several hotels in Bekasi. The study was conducted on hotels in the Bekasi area, West Java Province, with individual and group repeat guest samples. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling through interviews based on questionnaires, and field observations. The data analysis method used is path analysis. The research's empirical findings prove that the quality of service and the relationship affect guest loyalty. Although the partial relationship has a significant effect on guest loyalty, on the contrary, the quality of service has no impact. Furthermore, the overall contribution of service quality and relationship factors to explain the fluctuations that occur in changes in customer loyalty is only 43 percent. This means that other factors can increase the explanation of changes that occur in hotel guest loyalty.
Inspired by the Black Ghost Knifefish: Bionic Design of Undulatory Fin with 2-DOF Rays and Its Propulsion Performance

The demand for high-performance underwater thrusters in marine engineering is increasing. The concealed, mobile, and efficient underwater ability of fish provides many directions for research. The black ghost knifefish uses only wavy ventral fins to swim and can hover and roll in the water. Based on the physiological and morphological characteristics of the black ghost knifefish, we explored the structure and movement mode of the ventral fin, so as to establish a two-degree of freedom (2-DOF) structural model and kinematic model. We reveal the motion mechanism of the undulating fin propulsion through the constructed model and computational fluid dynamics. It is found that when the fin surface fluctuates, a pair of vortices with opposite directions will be formed on the concave side of the fin surface. These vortices will produce a central jet on the fin surface, provide a reverse impulse for the ventral fin, and make the fin obtain power. In addition, we found that the propulsive force of the ribbon fin along the body direction is positively correlated with the swing amplitude and frequency of the fin movement, and the propulsive torque of the ribbon fin to realize the maneuvering movement increases first and then decreases with the increase of the torsion angle. The research on the structure and motion mechanism of the ribbon fin of the black ghost knifefish provides a basis for the development of a bionic prototype of multi-DOF motion and the control strategy of high-mobility motion.
Modelling Limit Order Books in Discrete-Time

In this dissertation a simple model for limit order books is formulated. Assuming a discrete time model and an arrival process independent of each state, the limit order book is simulated with different distribution for prices, including uniform distribution and binomial distribution, and change value of the largest price N to estimate boundaries for the highest bid prices and the lowest ask price. When the process reaches a steady state, we assume convergent to the fixed distribution of the highest bid prices and of the lowest ask prices. Then we prove there exist deterministic constants kb and ka, when prices below (above)kb(ka), almost surely no bid (ask) limit order can be executed. Finally based on a uniform distribution we propose a model with abandonment means investors can cancel their order with certain probability, which widely applied in real financial markets.
Generative Facade Elements Recommendation for Diyarbakır Traditional U Plan Type Residences

Genetic algorithm (GA) are based on the continuation of fitter ones’ lives considering the natural evolution. Data are coded as genes in the genetic algorithms. Optimal solutions can be achieved through the methods of crossing and mutation performed on these coded genes. Facade elements of the buildings with an architectural design in this study are independent of sustainability-related concerns, suggesting a great issue for the new buildings to be constructed in the traditional pattern. Accordingly, using the genetic algorithm method, proposals were presented for the new door and window typologies with genetic fitness for the architectural designing process of the buildings to be constructed in Suriçi Region, Diyarbakır, Turkey. Shape grammar, fractal and genetic algorithm, three generative designing systems, were used as the methods. Utilizing the genetic algorithm method, a field study was performed for the proposal of new door and window typologies with the fitness value. The field study was assessed through the plans and facade analyses regarding six Diyarbakır traditional houses with U plan type in Suriçi region of Diyarbakır. An identity card was created for the plan and facade data of the buildings and transferred to the table. Then, the door and window typologies of the exterior facade elements of each examined building were crossed within themselves with the GA method. As a result of the crossover, alternative joinery typologies with a total of 31 windows and 53 different door typologies with compatibility values were produced. Thus, the sustainability of the data of traditional joinery typologies for use in contemporary houses has been ensured. In conclusion, optimal alternative typologies were presented in regard to every chopping typology assessed with the genetic algorithm method. It is thought that this study should be a method that can be used in the production of exterior joinery typologies of contemporary houses to be built in many different cities of our country, especially in the historical texture. Thus, by using the GA method for the production of exterior joinery typologies of contemporary houses to be built in the region, different designers will be able to obtain various designs compatible with the traditional architectural texture while preserving their originality.
Tracking optimisation and the measurement of K+->π+μ+μ- at NA62

The NA62 experiment at CERN is designed to perform a precision measurement of the ultra-rare K+ -> π+vv_ branching fraction. The experiment relies on a kinematic background rejection using the missing -10 mass-squared signatures of the contributing background components. As the signal is of the order (10 ) smaller than that of the most common kaon decays, the tracking performance of the detector must be exceptional in order to achieve a large signal to background ratio of S/B « 10. In this thesis, two tools to aid with the tracking procedure have been developed. Firstly, a field map which describes the fringe field of the spectrometer magnet has been created, tested and implemented in the NA62 Monte-Carlo software. Additionally, an analysis procedure to improve the precision and accuracy of track momentum in data was developed. Such tools are essential, not only for the K+ -> π+vv_ decay, but also for all decays containing tracks. In particular, they have been used to aid the measurement of the branching fraction and the form factor for the Standard Model decay K+ -> π+µ+µ- which is described here. The measurement has been performed using the data collected by the NA62 experiment in 2016 and 2017. The event selection, trigger efficiency determination and the analysis techniques used for the measurement are presented. The analyses of the two data sets are provided separately to demonstrate the progressing sensitivity of the detector. The final results are compatible with literature, and the 2017 measurement is currently the world’s most precise for this channel. This demonstrates the future potential of NA62 for when larger data sets become available in the next few years.
Henneberg Growth of Social Networks: Modeling the Facebook

Social networks are complex in their forming and growing processes. Tremendous empirical evidence in undirected social networks, such as Facebook, Quora and Foursquare, demonstrates that, to a large extent, individuals are associated with each other not by preference but through other organizing rules. One such rule found in many real social networks is the Henneberg growth mechanism, with which a triangle will be formed whenever an individual joins a community. Inspired by this mechanism, a novel social network model, named Henneberg growth model, is proposed in this paper. Some topological and dynamical properties of the model in common interest are analyzed. Experimental results show that the function and structure of the model are in remarkable agreement with two huge-scale Facebook network datasets. The finding suggests that the Henneberg growth mechanism is indeed fundamental for modeling some undirected social networks like the Facebook.
Left ventricular hypertrophy in African children infected with HIV/AIDS: a case-control study

Introduction left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) measured by echocardiography seen in human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency disease (HIV/AIDS) affects the morbidity and mortality. The hemodynamic and metabolic changes in (HIV/AIDS) affect the heart adversely causing hypertrophic remodeling with left ventricular hypertrophy. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with LVH in African children with HIV/AIDS. Methods an analytical case-control study was conducted using echocardiography to assess cardiac function. Descriptive statistics was used to determine percentages and univariate analysis to find association between dependent variable and independent variables. Independent variables that had an association in a univariate were included in the multivariate model to determine strength of association. Results the mean age of the study population was 7.8 ± 2.07 years for controls and 8.3 ± 3.04 years for cases respectively. They were made up of 51.2% (n= 86) males and 48.8% (n = 82) females (M: F=1.05: 1). We studied eighty-four (n= 84) cases, and LVH was seen in 67.7% (n= 56) of the patients. Mean left ventricular mass index (g/m2) was significantly higher in the cases (90.37± 35.50) than controls (89.37 ± 14.25, p= 0.04.) Relative wall thickness (mm) was within normal in the control, 0.35 ± 0.06 and high in the cases, 0.67 ± 0.17, p= 0.01. Eccentric hypertrophy was the most common type seen in 36.9% (n= 31) of the patients. Multiple linear regression analysis, revealed that the presence of LVH was associated with 0.212 (95% CI: 0.001 - 0.014; p= 0.001) lower Body mass index (BMI) for age and 0.396 (95% CI; 0.002 - 0.066; p= 0.03) lower CD4+ cell count as predictors of LVH. Conclusion the prevalence of LVH was high. Lower body mass index (BMI) and CD4+cells count predicted LVH. This supports the recommendation by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) working group on research priorities for cardiovascular complications in HIV/AIDS, for baseline and periodic echocardiography in the management of children with HIV/AIDS.
Single-pass high harmonic generation at high repetition rate and photon flux

Sources of short wavelength radiation with femtosecond to attosecond pulse durations, such as synchrotrons or free electron lasers, have already made possible numerous, and will facilitate more, seminal studies aimed at understanding atomic and molecular processes on fundamental length and time scales. Table-top sources of coherent extreme ultraviolet to soft x-ray radiation enabled by high harmonic generation (HHG) of ultrashort pulse lasers have also gained significant attention in the last few years due to their enormous potential for addressing a plethora of applications, therefore constituting a complementary source to large-scale facilities (synchrotrons and free electron lasers). Ti:sapphire based laser systems have been the workhorses for HHG for decades, but are limited in repetition rate and average power. On the other hand, it has been widely recognized that fostering applications in fields such as photoelectron spectroscopy and microscopy, coincidence detection, coherent diffractive imaging and frequency metrology requires a high repetition rate and high photon flux HHG sources. In this article we will review recent developments in realizing the demanding requirement of producing a high photon flux and repetition rate at the same time. Particular emphasis will be put on suitable ultrashort pulse and high average power lasers, which directly drive harmonic generation without the need for external enhancement cavities. To this end we describe two complementary schemes that have been successfully employed for high power fiber lasers, i.e. optical parametric chirped pulse amplifiers and nonlinear pulse compression. Moreover, the issue of phase-matching in tight focusing geometries will be discussed and connected to recent experiments. We will highlight the latest results in fiber laser driven high harmonic generation that currently produce the highest photon flux of all existing sources. In addition, we demonstrate the first promising applications and discuss the future direction and challenges of this new type of HHG source.
Simulated mechanical control of Nitellopsis obtusa under mesocosm conditions

Abstract Management efforts to control starry stonewort [Nitellopsis obtusa (Desvaux in Loiseleur) J. Groves] have been limited to stressing the thalli and have not been able to directly target the reproductive bulbils. Smaller-scale efforts such as the use of hand pulling can be employed, but hand pulling is not realistic for larger infestations. This research was conducted to test the effects of clipping stress on N. obtusa to provide a baseline for the effect of stress on the production of bulbils and the regrowth of thalli. Mesocosms were set up under greenhouse conditions to test the effects on N. obtusa of simulated mechanical harvesting once, twice, and four times per growing season. Different seasonal timing and frequency of clipping treatments will remove different amounts of thalli biomass. The four-clipping treatment always reduced thalli biomass in this study at both 16 and 52 wk after treatment (WAT) compared with the nontreated reference, but there was no difference among clipping treatments at 52 WAT. At 16 WAT, one clipping reduced bulbil density by 44% (Trial 1) to 50% (Trial 2), two clippings reduced bulbil density by 28% (Trial 2) to 52% (Trial 1), and four clippings reduced bulbil density by 22% (Trial 2) to 88% (Trial 1). At 52 WAT, bulbil densities were 69% and 93% lower than those of the nontreated reference Trials 2 and 1, respectively. Results from this study indicate that clipping may be effective for N. obtusa control and could impact bulbil production.
AggFirstJoin: Optimizing Geo-Distributed Joins using Aggregation-Based Transformations

Geo-distributed analytics (GDA) involves processing of data stored across geographically distributed sites. Such analytics involves data transfer over the wide area network (WAN) links. WAN links are highly constrained and heterogeneous in nature, making the data transfer over the WAN slow and costly. To tackle this issue, recent approaches have proposed WAN-aware scheduling and placement of geo-distributed analytics tasks. However, computing joins in a geo-distributed setting remains a challenging problem. In this work, we propose AggFirstJoin, an approach to minimize the cost of geo-distributed joins using a theoretically sound query transformation technique. Our optimization approach takes a combined view of the join and aggregation operations which are often part of the same query and pushes (a transformed) aggregation before join in a manner to produce the same results as the original query. We augment our query transformation technique with a WAN-aware task placement and a Bloom filtering approach to further reduce query execution time and WAN usage respectively. We implement our proposed technique on top of Apache Spark, a popular engine for big data analytics. We extensively evaluate our proposed technique using synthetic, TPC-H and Amplab Big Data benchmark datasets on a real geo-distributed testbed on AWS as well as an emulated testbed. Our evaluations show our proposed technique achieves up to 300x reduction in query execution time and 200x reduction in WAN usage as compared to state-of-the-art GDA techniques.