Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Deterministic and Stochastic Structured Population Models with Application to Green Tree Frogs

In this dissertation, we consider an amphibian population where individuals are divided into two groups: juveniles (tadpoles) and adults (frogs). We assume that juveniles are structured by age and adults are structured by size. Since juveniles (tadpoles) live in water and adults (frogs) live on land we assume that competition occurs within stage only. This leads to a system of nonlinear and nonlocal hyperbolic equations of first order. In Chapter 1, we formulate the above system of nonlinear and nonlocal hyperbolic equations of first order. An explicit finite difference approximation to this partial differential equation system is developed. Existence and uniqueness of the weak solution to the model are established and convergence of the finite difference approximation to this unique solution is proved. In Chapter 2, we derive several stochastic models from the deterministic population model developed in Chapter 1. Numerical simulation results of the stochastic models are compared with the solution of the deterministic model. These models are then used to understand the effect of demographic stochasticity on the dynamics of an urban green tree frog (Hyla cinerea) population. In Chapter 3, we present an infinite-dimensional least-squares approach which compares a mathematical population model developed in Chapter 1 to the statistical population estimates obtained from the field data. To solve the least-squares problem, an explicit finite difference approximation is developed. Convergence results for the computed parameters are presented. Parameter estimates for the vital rates of juveniles and adults are obtained, and standard deviations for these estimates are computed. Numerical results for the model sensitivity with respect to these parameters are given. Finally, the above-mentioned parameter estimates are used to illustrate the long-time behavior of the population under investigation. In Chapter 4, the deterministic model represented in Chapter 1 is extended to a dispersal model where individuals disperse between N ponds. A implicit finite difference approximation to this model is developed. Existence-uniqueness of the weak solution to the model is established and convergence of the finite difference approximation to the unique solution is proved.
Effect of Clostridium butyricum on Gastrointestinal Infections

Clostridium butyricum is a human commensal bacterium with beneficial effects including butyrate production, spore formation, increasing levels of beneficial bacteria, and inhibition of pathogenic bacteria. Owing to its preventive and ameliorative effects on gastrointestinal infections, C. butyricum MIYAIRI 588 (CBM 588) has been used as a probiotic in clinical and veterinary medicine for decades. This review summarizes the effects of C. butyricum, including CBM 588, on bacterial gastrointestinal infections. Further, the characteristics of the causative bacteria, examples of clinical and veterinary use, and mechanisms exploited in basic research are presented. C. butyricum is widely effective against Clostoridioides difficile, the causative pathogen of nosocomial infections; Helicobacter pylori, the causative pathogen of gastric cancer; and antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli. Accordingly, its mechanism is gradually being elucidated. As C. butyricum is effective against gastrointestinal infections caused by antibiotics-induced dysbiosis, it can inhibit the transmission of antibiotic-resistant genes and maintain homeostasis of the gut microbiome. Altogether, C. butyricum is expected to be one of the antimicrobial-resistance (AMR) countermeasures for the One-health approach.
Semantic technology for enabling logistics innovations – towards Intelligent Cargo in the Physical Internet

Supply visibility is a prerequisite for increased capacity utilization, avoiding unnecessary bottlenecks, supply chain resilience, and compliance. Capacity utilization is both on the level of transport means such as trucks, trains, and barges, as well the optimal usage of the underlying infrastructure. Hubs like terminals, railway stations, locks in inland waterways, and warehouses, have to accommodate a potential large number of transport means and cargo thus increasing turnaround times and delays. Utilizing infrastructure, capacity, distribution, and movement data in planning is commonly denominated as synchromodal planning. Supply chain resilience implies predictive actions on handling exceptions like accidents and (major) incidents. Compliance implies timely access to data to assess potential risks and take corrective measures. In such a complex environment, data sharing has to be configured dynamically. Semantics is a prerequisite to address these issues. It requires the support of an infrastructure. To enable, to increase, and to improve the level of cooperation between enterprises, the ability to share data between organizations is crucial. Ontologies can lower the semantic barriers between organizations and enable IT infrastructures to support new business relations faster at lower cost.
Immunomodulation by probiotics and prebiotics in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most prevalent primary malignancy in patients suffering from chronic liver diseases and cirrhosis. Recent attention has been paid to the involvement of the gut-liver axis (GLA) in HCC pathogenesis. This axis results from a bidirectional, anatomical and functional relationship between the gastrointestinal system and the liver. Moreover, the complex network of interactions between the intestinal microbiome and the liver plays a crucial role in modulation of the HCC-tumor microenvironment, contributing to the pathogenesis of HCC by exposing the liver to pathogen-associated molecular patterns, such as bacterial lipopolysaccharides, DNA, peptidoglycans and flagellin. Indeed, the alteration of gut microflora may disturb the intestinal barrier, bringing several toll-like receptor ligands to the liver thus activating the inflammatory response. This review explores the new therapeutic opportunities that may arise from novel insights into the mechanisms by which microbiota immunomodulation, represented by probiotics, and prebiotics, affects HCC through the GLA.
Multiobjective Energy Management of Multiple Pulsed Loads in Shipboard Integrated Power Systems

Shipboard integratedpower systems (SIPSs) usually have multifaceted operational objectives in engineering scenarios, and many key tasks are performed by multiple pulsed power loads (PPLs) with a high power density. Owing to the complexity of the ocean environment, the optimization of SIPS comprehensive performance remains challenging. This article proposes a multiobjective energy management strategy of multiple PPLs in SIPSs. A multiobjective energy coordination model is formulated. By identifying typical operation modes of the SIPS based on discrepant priority, the PPL utility and maneuverability are incorporated into the comprehensive regulation objective in the form of a weighted sum. In the case of limited energy supply, the service duration is further considered in the optimization objective to meet the high survivability requirements. Reasonable methods are adopted to quantitatively evaluate different performances. Moreover, to improve SIPS survivability in the face of emergencies, a system-level energy allocation scheme with maneuverability enhancement is formulated to coordinate the power consumption of different functions. A particle swarm optimization algorithm with directional guidance and selective evaluation of the nonconvex constraint is proposed to solve the optimization problem effectively. Case studies on a typical SIPS under various working scenarios are presented to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Current methods in treatment of aphasia (Métodos actuales en el tratamiento de la afasia)

ABSTRACT Aphasia frequently leads to long-term consequences in language and communication. This paper presents an overview of current methods of aphasia treatment, as well as empirical data on their effectiveness and limitations. We surveyed literature by accessing electronic databases of Serbian libraries and by using specialized search engines on the internet. A review of the papers confirmed the existence of numerous methods in the treatment of aphasia today, which we conveniently grouped. The central place in the treatment is occupied by methods aimed at treating specific language disorders and methods specific to the type of aphasia. Methods that are complementary to language-oriented forms of therapy also need to be examined. There is a growing necessity to better define criteria for the implementation of some therapy methods. We feel that more precise definitions and a more unified methodology are needed to evaluate the efficacy of therapy methods and their verification.
Drift of Glyphosate Sprays Applied with Aerial and Ground Equipment

The potential losses from spray applications of glyphosate [N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine] with and without the inclusion of a polymer thickening agent were evaluated in field tests, applied under identified weather conditions with a boom-nozzle ground sprayer, helicopter, and fixed-wing aircraft. The downwind transport and diffusion of the spray loss was assessed by means of Mylar fallout sheets, high volume air samplers, and 4-leaf wheat (Triticum aestivum L. ‘Anza’) plants. Lowest drift losses occurred, under 0.01 g/ha on fallout sheets at 100 m, with deflector fan nozzles (KGF) operating at a low pressure (7 kPa) on the ground sprayer. Drift losses from a helicopter equipped with micro-jet nozzles were only slightly higher, less than 0.03 g/ha on fallout sheets at 100 m. Drift losses from 8003 nozzles mounted on a ground sprayer and D-6 jet nozzles directed back on fixed wing aircraft produced much higher drift deposits, from 0.2 to 1.0 g/ha on fallout sheets at 100 m. The highest levels of drift losses were obtained with D-4 jet nozzles directed down on a helicopter, 5 g/ha on fallout sheets at 100 m. Some evidence of reduced airborne drift was apparent where the polymer thickening agent was used with aircraft and ground equipment. The test results indicate that significant reduction in drift losses were obtained with proper application equipment; however, the use of a polymer thickening agent reduced drift only slightly for certain applications.
Process improvement in manufacturing industries: A system dynamics perspective

Manufacturing firms worldwide are facing the challenges of increasing their outputs with minimal defect rates and excellent quality. Both the external and internal customer satisfaction is vital for a firm to win more orders. Lean manufacturing techniques are increasingly become popular and firms are paying more attention to total quality management processes. It is very evident that reduced rework can not only save time and money but also improve quality and enhance timely delivery to the customers. This paper explores the relationship between process improvement and process modelling. Simulations have been run using System Dynamics methodology and key parameters influencing process improvement have been identified.
Comparing two different noise magnitude estimation methods in CT using virtual imaging trials

Several methods have been introduced over the years to measure CT image noise magnitudes in vivo applying different image segmentation strategies, HU thresholds, and regions of interests in which the noise is calculated. Therefore, it is impossible to directly compare results obtained with different methods and to objectively evaluate image quality in CT. This study provided an unbiased comparison of two methods to estimate noise utilizing a Virtual Imaging Trials platform simulating 1800 image datasets representing different dose levels, anatomical areas, and reconstruction techniques. Only methods that measure noise magnitude in soft tissue can effectively inform protocol design and optimization.
Development of a Gait Analysis Model and its Clinical Relevance for the Treatment of Patients With Varus Malalignment of the Knee

With the present thesis, a body model for clinical gait analysis was initially designed and evaluated on the basis of 25 subjects. A reduction of measurement errors for gait parameters and a more accurate determination of the knee joint axis compared to the conventional model could be detected. With this custom made model, the gait of 14 patients with varus malalignment of the knee 12-19 years of age was analyzed in a second experimental study. Varus malalignment occur concomitantly with biomechanical changes in gait pattern in the sagittal, frontal and transverse plane. Three-dimensional gait analysis is a diagnostic tool that can be used to gain a better understanding of the relationship between joint loading and the onset or progression of articular cartilage degeneration in patients with varus malalignment of the knee.
The lncRNAs/miR-30e/CHI3L1 Axis Is Dysregulated in Systemic Sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease with completely undefined etiology and treatment difficulties. The expression of both protein coding and non-coding RNAs is dysregulated during disease development. We aimed to examine a possible regulatory axis implemented in the control of chitinase-3 like protein 1 (CHI3L1) or YKL-40, an inflammation-associated glycoprotein, shown to be elevated in SSc. A panel of seven miRNAs and three lncRNAs potentially involved in the control of CHI3L1 were selected on the basis of in silico analysis. TagMan assay was used to evaluate the expression levels of miRNAs and RT-qPCR for lncRNAs in white blood cells (WBCs) and plasma from SSc patients and healthy controls. Among the eight screened miRNAs, miR-30e-5p (p = 0.04) and miR-30a-5p (p = 0.01) were significantly downregulated in WBCs and plasma of SSc patients, respectively. On the contrary, the expression of the metastasis associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) (p = 0.044) and the Nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) (p = 0.008) in WBCs was upregulated compared to the controls. Increased levels of MALAT1 and NEAT1 could be associated with the downregulation of miR-30e-5p and miR-30a-5p expression in WBCs and plasma. We present novel data on the involvement of a possible regulatory axis lncRNAs/miR-30e/CHI3L1 in SSc and hypothesize that MALAT1 and NEAT1 could act as miR-30e-5p and miR-30a-5p decoys. This may be a reason for the increased serum levels of CHI3L1 in SSc patients.
Manyetik alanın organizma üzerindeki biyolojik etkileri

SuleymanDemirel Universitesi TIP FAKULTESI DERGISI: 2006 Mart; 13(1) Manyetik alanin organizma uzerindeki biyolojik etkileri M. Fehmi Ozguner, Hakan Mollaoglu Ozet Son yirmi yildir manyetik dalgalarin insan sagligina zararli etkilerinin olup olmadigi tartisilmaktadir. Radyofrekans dalgasi olusturan kaynaklar arasinda radarlar, mobil telefonlar, radyo ve televizyon yayinlari, tibbi ve endustriyel uygulamalarda kullanilan cesitli aletler sayilabilir. Cesitli biyokimyasal calismalarda bircok enzimin yapi ve fonksiyonlarinin, ayrica bazi hucre organellerinin yapi ve fonksiyonlarinin radyofrekans dalgalarina bagli olarak bozuldugu bildirilmektedir. Yapilan calismalarin bazilarinda kanser riskinin de manyetik alan maruziyeti sonrasinda arttigi bildirilmektedir. Radyofrekans dalgasi yayan aletler arasinda cep telefonlarinin da onemi buyuktur. Cep telefonu kullaniminin hizla yayginlasmasindan dolayi cep telefonlari ve onlarin baz istasyonlarindan yayilan radyofrekans dalgalari giderek artan olcude genis kitleleri ilgilendirmektedir. Cep telefonlarinin yaydigi radyasyonun oksidatif stres araciligiyla zararli etkilere neden olabilecegi dusunulmektedir. Anahtar kelimeler: manyetik alan, zararli etki Abstract Biological effects of magnetic field on organism In the last twenty years, it has been discussing frequently whether there are any harmful effects of magnetic fields on human health. Radiofrequency sources are radars, mobile phones, radio and television broadcasting, devices used in medical and industrial applications. It is reported that, in various biochemical studies structure and function of many enzyme and cell organelles impaired depend on radiofrequency fields and even increase cancer possibility after magnetic field exposure in some studies. Among radiofrequency emitting devices, there is a great importance of cellular phones. Because of rapidly spread of using cellular phones, radiofrequency wave emitted from cellular phones and their base stations arising interest crowd of people. It is considered that radiations emitted from cellular phone cause harmful effects through oxidative stress. Key words: Magnetic field, harmful effects
High Throughput Screening Targeting the Dengue NS3-NS5 Interface Identifies Antivirals against Dengue, Zika and West Nile Viruses

Dengue virus (DENV) threatens almost 70% of the world’s population, with no effective therapeutic currently available and controversy surrounding the one approved vaccine. A key factor in dengue viral replication is the interaction between DENV nonstructural proteins (NS) 5 and 3 (NS3) in the infected cell. Here, we perform a proof-of-principle high-throughput screen to identify compounds targeting the NS5-NS3 binding interface. We use a range of approaches to show for the first time that two small molecules–repurposed drugs I-OMe tyrphostin AG538 (I-OMe-AG238) and suramin hexasodium (SHS)–inhibit NS5-NS3 binding at low μM concentration through direct binding to NS5 that impacts thermostability. Importantly, both have strong antiviral activity at low μM concentrations against not only DENV-2, but also Zika virus (ZIKV) and West Nile virus (WNV). This work highlights the NS5-NS3 binding interface as a viable target for the development of anti-flaviviral therapeutics.
A Study on the Measurement of Unregulated Pollutants in Korean Residential Environments

This study investigated the pollution caused by unregulated chemical substances in Korean residential environments. A TA tube was used for indoor air collection, and Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry was used for the analysis of chemical substances. According to the results of this study, 13 substances out of the 16 analyzed chemicals were detected and, among them, the concentrations of phenol, α-pinene, and limonene within the indoor air were high. The average concentration of phenol was 32.7 µg/m3. α-pinene and limonene were detected, of which the highest concentrations were as 598.2 µg/m3 and 652.5 µg/m3, respectively. The maximum concentrations of these three substances exceeded the levels of the lowest concentration of interest. Notably, α-pinene and limonene were released from the wood itself. Wood has been widely used indoors as a natural building material and as furniture. Therefore, it was considered that this was the reason for the high the concentrations of the two substances in indoor air. However, we do not argue that the usage of wood should be reduced because of the results obtained in this study. Instead, we sµggest that it is important to reduce the emissions of α-pinene and limonene throµgh the processing of the wood, extending its drying period, and determining the most appropriate time of use.
Four is Enough

SR2 (Solar Rover-2) is a 22kg four-wheeled rover designed and built at the University of Oklahoma in collaboration with Malin Space Science Systems. Current Mars rovers use the six wheeled rocker-bogie system that is designed to traverse extreme terrain. The SR2 rover has a more simplified mobility system that alows it to traverse many of the same obstacles while reducing the overall mass. It was designed to better understand what is required to autonomously navigate 1km/day over Mars-like terrain. This paper describes the results of a recent field test conducted in June 2006 in the Anza-Borrego desert of Southern California where SR2 autonomously traversed 5km.
Improved spring temperature reconstruction using earlywood blue intensity in southeastern China

Because instrumental observations are too short to fully represent long‐term natural variability, high‐resolution temperature proxy records are essential to understanding past climate and assessing current climate variability in the context of long‐term patterns. In the subtropics, progress in this field has been hampered by a relative lack of long and truly temperature‐sensitive proxy records. In this study, we provide an assessment of the dendroclimatic potential of blue intensity (BI) and ring‐width (RW) measurements from two hot/humid Pinus massoniana sites in China. Our results show that RW exhibits a significant (p < .05) response to precipitation over a hydrological year (previous November to October) and to temperature over the winter–spring season (January to March). We find the earlywood blue intensity parameter to be the most robust parameter for reconstruction purposes; over the 1916–2015 period, it explains 36% of regional‐scale spring season (March–May) temperature variance. Strong agreements between the current reconstruction and observed temperature over a large area of southeastern China implied that our reconstruction exhibited high reliability and large spatial representation. As expected, our reconstructed temperature data are directly correlated with El Niño–Southern Oscillation. These results suggest that there is great potential to use BI to advance our understanding of temperature variability in regions hot and humid climate regimes. However, more studies are needed to understand (1) which subtropical tree species will be appropriate for use and (2) how to overcome biases from differential staining between sapwood and heartwood.
The Experience With the REU-Sponsored Project on Predicting COVID-19 Pandemics Using Physics-Guided Graph Attention Networks

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted most countries in the world. Analyzing COVID-19 data from these countries together is a prominent challenge. Under the sponsorship of NSF REU, this paper describes our experience with a ten-week project that aims to guide a REU scholar to develop a physics-guided graph attention network to predict the global COVID-19 Pandemics. We mainly presented the preparation, implementation, and dissemination of the addressed project. The COVID-19 situation in a country could be dramatically different from that of others, which suggests that COVID-19 pandemic data are generated based on different mechanisms, making COVID-19 data in different countries follow different probability distributions. Learning more than one hundred underlying probability distributions for countries in the world from large scale COVID-19 data is beyond a single machine learning model. To address this challenge, we proposed two team-learning frameworks for predicting the COVID-19 pandemic trends: peer learning and layered ensemble learning framework. This addressed framework assigns an adaptive physics-guided graph attention network (GAT) to each learning agent. All the learning agents are fabricated in a hierarchical architecture, which enables agents to collaborate with each other in peer-to-peer and cross-layer way. This layered architecture shares the burden of large-scale data processing on machine learning models of all units. Experiments are run to verify the effectiveness of our approaches. The results indicate the proposed ensemble outperforms baseline methods. Besides documented on GitHub, this work has resulted in two journal papers. © 2022 IMCIC 2022 - 13th International Multi-Conference on Complexity, Informatics and Cybernetics, Proceedings. All rights reserved.