Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Production , Manufacturing and Logistics Evaluation of cycle-count policies for supply chains with inventory inaccuracy and implications on RFID investments

Inventory record inaccuracy leads to ineffective replenishment decisions and deteriorates supply chain performance. Conducting cycle counts (i.e., periodic inventory auditing) is a common approach to correcting inventory records. It is not clear, however, how inaccuracy at different locations affects supply chain performance and how an effective cycle-count program for a multi-stage supply chain should be designed. This paper aims to answer these questions by considering a serial supply chain that has inventory record inaccuracy and operates under local base-stock policies. A random error, representing a stock loss, such as shrinkage or spoilage, reduces the physical inventory at each location in each period. The errors are cumulative and are not observed until a location performs a cycle count. We provide a simple recursion to evaluate the system cost and propose a heuristic to obtain effective base-stock levels. For a two-stage system with identical error distributions and counting costs, we prove that it is more effective to conduct more frequent cycle counts at the downstream stage. In a numerical study for more general systems, we find that location (proximity to the customer), error rates, and counting costs are primary factors that determine which stages should get a higher priority when allocating cycle counts. However, it is in general not effective to allocate all cycle counts to the priority stages only. One should balance cycle counts between priority stages and non-priority stages by considering secondary factors such as lead times, holding costs, and the supply chain length. In particular, more cycle counts should be allocated to a stage when the ratio of its lead time to the total system lead time is small and the ratio of its holding cost to the total system holding cost is large. In addition, more cycle counts should be allocated to downstream stages when the number of stages in the supply chain is large. The analysis and insights generated from our study can be used to design guidelines or scorecard systems that help managers design better cycle-count policies. Finally, we discuss implications of our study on RFID investments in a supply chain. 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Chroma-based estimation of musical key from audio-signal analysis

This paper deals with the automatic estimation of key (keynote and mode) of a music track from the analysis of its audio signal. Such a system usually relies on a succession of processes, each one making hypotheses about either the signal content or the music content: spectral representation, mapping to chroma, decision about the global key of the music piece. We review here the underlying hypotheses, compare them and propose improvements over current state of the art. In particular, we propose the use of a Harmonic Peak Subtraction algorithm as a front-end of the system and evaluate the performance of an approach based on hidden Markov models. We then compare our approach with other approaches in an evaluation using a database of 302 baroque, classical and romantic music tracks.
Comparison machining performance of Al2O3, ZTA and ZTA doped Cr2O3 cutting tools on AISI 1045

This paper presents the comparison of machining performance for cutting tools that fabricated by pure alumina (Al2O3), Zirconia Toughened Alumina (ZTA) and Zirconia Toughened Alumina doped with Cr2O3 (ZTA Doped Cr2O3). Solid-state method was employed to prepare ceramic mixtures starting from 12 h ball milling with 40 rpm rotational speed. The green bodies were formed by 5 ton manual hydraulic press and 300 MPa Cold Isostatic Press (CIP) compaction pressure. The compacted powders then were sintered at 1400 °C and 9 h soaking time in the form of RNGN 120600 designated cutting tools. Properties assessment of the fabricated cutting tools were analysed based on hardness and density. The machining evaluation was performed by turning AISI 1045 with cutting speeds of 150–350 m min−1, feed rate of 0.125 mm/rev and depth of cut of 0.5 mm. The results show that maximum hardness recorded for ZTA Doped Cr2O3 with 13.73 GPa Vickers hardness and 3.82 g cm−3 density, followed by ZTA (12.75 GPa, 3.85 g cm−3) and pure Al2O3 (4.9 GPa, 3.76 g cm−3)In terms of machining performance, ZTA Doped Cr2O3 recorded highest tool life of 330-s with 57% improvement of tool life as compared to ZTA (210-s) and 200% improvement of pure Al2O3 (110-s). Dominant wear mechanisms for the fabricated cutting tool appeared to be notch wear, abrasive wear and chipping at the flank wear area.
Supported Rehabilitation for Individuals Who Have Experienced a Stroke: A Pilot Control Trial

The purpose of this study was to pilot an innovative and supported intervention for individuals with a stroke. A pilot control trial with qualitative interviews was undertaken within a university- community setting. Thirteen individuals who had experienced a stroke for periods of least 6 months (6 male, average 71 years) were assigned to the intervention group and 7 individuals (2 male, average age 67.9 years) assigned to the control group. Eight individuals from the intervention group completed a single interview. The procedures that related to recruitment and retention and data collection methods were considered. Outcome measures including; self-efficacy, falls self-efficacy and group membership, for both groups were taken at baseline, 11 weeks, 22 weeks. There was an additional assessment at 52 weeks for the intervention group. The structured interview was designed to focus on experiences of the intervention. Self-efficacy remained stable across time for both groups. An improvement in falls self-efficacy was noted in the intervention group at 11 weeks. Consistent improvement (from baseline) was observed in the identity scale across the 52 weeks. Qualitative data provided additional findings related to identity and confidence. Details considering recruitment and retention are also provided. This pilot study provided data that can be used for a further full-scale trial to be considered.
Vegetation of the Ferdynandovian interglacial (MIS 13–15) based on plant macrofossils from a new profile of the stratotype site

Abstract Early Middle Pleistocene palaeolacustrine sediments of the Ferdynandów site (E Poland), serving as a stratotype for the Ferdynandovian interglacial, were subjected to a new drilling in 2011. The obtained profile, covering the late Sanian 1 glaciation, two interglacial successions (Ferdynandovian 1 and 2), the cold Ferdynandovian 1/2 interval, and the early Sanian 2 glaciation, permitted a high-resolution plant macroremains analysis, correlated with the results of a palynological examination. In detailed studies of plant macroremains from the profile, new taxa were discovered for the Polish Pleistocene flora: specifically, species that are extinct or not found nowadays in Poland. On the basis of the taxonomic diversity and occurrence of bioindicators, the division into warm and cold units of the Ferdynandovian interglacial as well as units associated with the Sanian 1 and 2 glaciations, already applied in pollen studies, were confirmed, and the periods were described in terms of plant macroremains. The Ferdynandovian succession is correlated with the Cromerian Complex (Cromerian III and IV) in the Early Middle Pleistocene of Western Europe, as well as with Marine Isotope Stages (MIS) 13-15. New geological and palaeobotanical data enabled a description of the palaeogeographic context and conditions of functioning, as well as the evolution of the interglacial lake at the stratotype site. The outcome of plant macroremains analysis is presented and interpreted in comparison with corresponding results previously obtained for the Ferdynandów B profile, studied by Janczyk-Kopikowa (1975). Particular consideration is given to similarities between the succession of Ferdynandów 2011 and the profiles of Ferdynandów B and the nearby drilled Łuków 3A. Study of the macrofossil flora of Ferdynandów 2011 revealed the presence of species absent in the archival Ferdynandów B. Taxa not formerly recorded in early Middle Pleistocene floras, such as Brasenia borysthenica, Aldrovanda borysthenica, Pilularia borysthenica, Caulinia goretskyi, and Potamogeton saryanensis, were identified. These species and other taxa of stratigraphic or climatic significance provided the basis for a more detailed description of the Ferdynandovian flora, afterwards compared with other stratigraphically corresponding Polish and European early Middle Pleistocene floras. The composition of characteristic taxa also was used for comparisons between two bimodal interglacial sequences, namely the Ferdynandovian (correlated with MIS 13-15) and Augustovian (correlated with MIS 19-21), and the Domuratovian succession (correlated with MIS 17).
Lung Dendritic Cells Drive Natural Killer Cytotoxicity in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease via IL‐15R&agr;

Rationale: Lung natural killer cells (NKs) kill a greater percentage of autologous lung parenchymal cells in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) than in nonobstructed smokers. To become cytotoxic, NKs require priming, typically by dendritic cells (DCs), but whether priming occurs in the lungs in COPD is unknown. Methods: We used lung tissue and in some cases peripheral blood from patients undergoing clinically indicated resections to determine in vitro killing of CD326+ lung epithelial cells by isolated lung CD56+ NKs. We also measured the cytotoxicity of unprimed blood NKs after preincubation with lung DCs. To investigate mechanisms of DC‐mediated priming, we used murine models of COPD induced by cigarette smoke (CS) exposure or by polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) deficiency, and blocked IL‐15R&agr; (IL‐15 receptor &agr; subunit) trans‐presentation by genetic and antibody approaches. Results: Human lung NKs killed isolated autologous lung epithelial cells; cytotoxicity was increased (P = 0.0001) in COPD, relative to smokers without obstruction. Similarly, increased lung NK cytotoxicity compared with control subjects was observed in CS‐exposed mice and pIgR−/− mice. Blood NKs both from smokers without obstruction and subjects with COPD showed minimal epithelial cell killing, but in COPD, preincubation with lung DCs increased cytotoxicity. NKs were primed by CS‐exposed murine DCs in vitro and in vivo. Inhibiting IL‐15R&agr; trans‐presentation eliminated NK priming both by murine CS‐exposed DCs and by lung DCs from subjects with COPD. Conclusions: Heightened NK cytotoxicity against lung epithelial cells in COPD results primarily from lung DC‐mediated priming via IL‐15 trans‐presentation on IL‐15R&agr;. Future studies are required to test whether increased NK cytotoxicity contributes to COPD pathogenesis.
Importance of the αs-plot Method in the Characterization of Nanoporous Materials

In this work, an exhaustive study of the calculation of micropore and mesopore volumes with αs-plot method as proposed by Professor Sing is carried out. The method is critically compared with other similar methods such as the Dubinin–Radushkevich, t-plot and those based on density functional theory (DFT). For comparison purposes, several nanoporous materials with different chemical properties were selected. The analysis was segregated into three categories: (i) microporous materials, in which the analyzed samples are activated carbons (ACs) with different pore-size distributions, a single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) and a zeolite (MS5A); (ii) mesoporous materials, including ordered mesoporous carbons (CMK-3) and ordered mesoporous siliceous materials (MCM-41 and SBA-15); and (iii) micro-mesoporous materials, in which pillared clays (PILCs) obtained with different metals (Al, Si, Fe and Zr) were studied. To apply the αs-plot method, several standard isotherms previously reported by other authors were considered for the analysis of microporous and mesoporous materials. Furthermore, a series of four reference materials for PILCs were synthesized and their high-resolution nitrogen adsorption isotherms were measured and reported. The results obtained by the αs-plot method are consistent with those obtained by DFT methods. This consistency highlights the importance of the use of this reliable and versatile method, where the correct selection of the standard isotherm is the most critical aspect to be considered.
Plant–soil feedbacks: the past, the present and future challenges

Plant–soil feedbacks is becoming an important concept for explaining vegetation dynamics, the invasiveness of introduced exotic species in new habitats and how terrestrial ecosystems respond to global land use and climate change. Using a new conceptual model, we show how critical alterations in plant–soil feedback interactions can change the assemblage of plant communities. We highlight recent advances, define terms and identify future challenges in this area of research and discuss how variations in strengths and directions of plant–soil feedbacks can explain succession, invasion, response to climate warming and diversity‐productivity relationships. While there has been a rapid increase in understanding the biological, chemical and physical mechanisms and their interdependencies underlying plant–soil feedback interactions, further progress is to be expected from applying new experimental techniques and technologies, linking empirical studies to modelling and field‐based studies that can include plant–soil feedback interactions on longer time scales that also include long‐term processes such as litter decomposition and mineralization. Significant progress has also been made in analysing consequences of plant–soil feedbacks for biodiversity‐functioning relationships, plant fitness and selection. To further integrate plant–soil feedbacks into ecological theory, it will be important to determine where and how observed patterns may be generalized, and how they may influence evolution. Synthesis. Gaining a greater understanding of plant–soil feedbacks and underlying mechanisms is improving our ability to predict consequences of these interactions for plant community composition and productivity under a variety of conditions. Future research will enable better prediction and mitigation of the consequences of human‐induced global changes, improve efforts of restoration and conservation and promote sustainable provision of ecosystem services in a rapidly changing world.
Baseline neutrophilia, derived neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (dNLR), platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and outcome in non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with Nivolumab or Docetaxel

Nivolumab is a novel therapeutic option in NSCLC, associated with a significant survival gain compared with Docetaxel. However, predictive biomarkers are lacking. The presence of systemic inflammation has been correlated with poor outcome in many cancer types. We aimed to evaluate whether there is a correlation between some indicators of inflammation and response to Nivolumab or Docetaxel in pre‐treated NSCLCs. Data of 62 patients receiving Nivolumab or Docetaxel were analyzed. Baseline neutrophilia and thrombocytosis were not associated with response. High dNLR was associated with no response to Nivolumab, but not with Docetaxel, whereas high PLR correlated with low treatment response in both groups. Among refractory patients, a higher incidence of thrombocytosis, neutrophilia, high PLR, and high dNLR levels were observed compared with the overall population. This is one of the first reports in this field and suggests that indicators of inflammation might be included together with other predictive biomarkers in the baseline evaluation of patients candidate for immunotherapy.
Deficiency of selenoprotein S, an endoplasmic reticulum resident oxidoreductase, impairs the contractile function of fast-twitch hindlimb muscles.

Selenoprotein S (Seps1) is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) resident antioxidant implicated in ER stress and inflammation. In human vastus lateralis and mouse hindlimb muscles, Seps1 localization and expression were fiber-type specific. In male Seps1+/- heterozygous mice, spontaneous physical activity was reduced compared with wild-type littermates ( d = 1.10, P = 0.029). A similar trend was also observed in Seps1-/- knockout mice ( d = 1.12, P = 0.051). Whole body metabolism, body composition, extensor digitorum longus (EDL), and soleus mass and myofiber diameter were unaffected by genotype. However, in isolated fast EDL muscles from Seps1-/- knockout mice, the force frequency curve (FFC; 1-120 Hz) was shifted downward versus EDL muscles from wild-type littermates ( d = 0.55, P = 0.002), suggestive of reduced strength. During 4 min of intermittent, submaximal (60 Hz) stimulation, the genetic deletion or reduction of Seps1 decreased EDL force production ( d = 0.52, P < 0.001). Furthermore, at the start of the intermittent stimulation protocol, when compared with the 60-Hz stimulation of the FFC, EDL muscles from Seps1-/- knockout or Seps1+/- heterozygous mice produced 10% less force than those from wild-type littermates ( d = 0.31, P < 0.001 and d = 0.39, P = 0.015). This functional impairment was associated with reduced mRNA transcript abundance of thioredoxin-1 ( Trx1), thioredoxin interacting protein ( Txnip), and the ER stress markers Chop and Grp94, whereas, in slow soleus muscles, Seps1 deletion did not compromise contractile function and Trx1 ( d = 1.38, P = 0.012) and Txnip ( d = 1.27, P = 0.025) gene expression was increased. Seps1 is a novel regulator of contractile function and cellular stress responses in fast-twitch muscles.
IMPACT OF METFORMIN TREATMENT ON SERUM ADIPONECTIN LEVELS IN OBESE WOMEN WITH POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME IN RELATION TO INSULIN RESISTANCE

Twenty-five obese (BMI"e 30) women with PCOS on metformin (3 -6 months) therapy (MT -PCOS) and 25 newly diagnosed PCOS (ND-PCOS) matching for age and body mass index (BMI), were enrolled along with a control group of 25 ( non-obese, BMI< 30) apparently he althy women. We measured serum total adiponectin, hormonal (testosterone, LH, FSH & prolactin) and metabolic parameters (FSG, FI, lipid profile) for each participant. Homeostasis Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA -IR) was used toestimate insuli nresistance. The ND -PCOS group displayed significantly lower levels of serum adiponectin (P < 0.05) and metformin treatment did not affect its level after adjustment for age, and BMI. Waist to hip ratio (WHR), testosterone (T), free testosterone (fT), f asting serum glucose (FSG), fasting insulin (FI), HOMA -IR, triglycerides, and atherogenic index (TC /HDL) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in ND -PCOS compared to controls. However, metformin treatment was able to significantly decrease both of FSG, H OMA -IR values; and improves atherogenic lipid profile, despite the higher WHR values. Furthermore, serum adiponectin levels were significantly correlated with HDL-C in MT-PCOS group. We report a decreased serum adiponectin level in obese PCOS patients in comparison to controls. Although metformin improves some metabolic disturbances associated with PCOS to some
Slow and fast dietary proteins differently modulate postprandial protein accretion.

The speed of absorption of dietary amino acids by the gut varies according to the type of ingested dietary protein. This could affect postprandial protein synthesis, breakdown, and deposition. To test this hypothesis, two intrinsically 13C-leucine-labeled milk proteins, casein (CAS) and whey protein (WP), of different physicochemical properties were ingested as one single meal by healthy adults. Postprandial whole body leucine kinetics were assessed by using a dual tracer methodology. WP induced a dramatic but short increase of plasma amino acids. CAS induced a prolonged plateau of moderate hyperaminoacidemia, probably because of a slow gastric emptying. Whole body protein breakdown was inhibited by 34% after CAS ingestion but not after WP ingestion. Postprandial protein synthesis was stimulated by 68% with the WP meal and to a lesser extent (+31%) with the CAS meal. Postprandial whole body leucine oxidation over 7 h was lower with CAS (272 +/- 91 micromol.kg-1) than with WP (373 +/- 56 micromol.kg-1). Leucine intake was identical in both meals (380 micromol.kg-1). Therefore, net leucine balance over the 7 h after the meal was more positive with CAS than with WP (P < 0.05, WP vs. CAS). In conclusion, the speed of protein digestion and amino acid absorption from the gut has a major effect on whole body protein anabolism after one single meal. By analogy with carbohydrate metabolism, slow and fast proteins modulate the postprandial metabolic response, a concept to be applied to wasting situations.
Antimicrobial Films Based on Chitosan and Methylcellulose Containing Natamycin for Active Packaging Applications

Biodegradable polymers are gaining interest as antimicrobial carriers in active packaging. In the present study, two active films based on chitosan (1.5% w/v) and methylcellulose (3% w/v) enriched with natamycin were prepared by casting. The antimicrobial’s release behavior was evaluated by immersion of the films in 95% ethanol (v/v) at different temperatures. The natamycin content in the food simulant was determined by reversed-high performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD). The apparent diffusion (DP) and partition (KP/S) coefficients were calculated using a mathematical model based on Fick’s Second Law. Results showed that the release of natamycin from chitosan based film (DP = 3.61 × 10−13 cm2/s) was slower, when compared with methylcellulose film (DP = 3.20 × 10−8 cm2/s) at the same temperature (p < 0.05). To evaluate the antimicrobial efficiency of active films, cheese samples were completely covered with the films, stored at 20 °C for 7 days, and then analyzed for moulds and yeasts. Microbiological analyses showed a significant reduction in yeasts and moulds (7.91 log CFU/g) in samples treated with chitosan active films (p < 0.05). The good compatibility of natamycin with chitosan, the low Dp, and antimicrobial properties suggested that the film could be favorably used in antimicrobial packagings.
WORLDWIDE GROWTH CONVERGENCE IN THE NEW MILLENNIUM: AN EMPIRICAL INVESTIGATION †

Economic growth is an important ingredient for reducing poverty and achieving the Millennium Development Goals proposed by United Nations in 2000. Meeting these goals by the proposed 2015 target data depends on the ability of poor nations to grow their economies and improve their standards of living. Neoclassical and new growth theory suggests that there should be a negative relationship between a nations initial income and subsequent growth giving rise to either absolute convergence (income levels of all nations converge over time) or conditional convergence (each nation converges to its unique steady-state income level). Using the most recent (2000-2013) World Bank data and cross-country regression techniques, I evaluated whether convergence has been occurring in the world in the last decade. My results showed a robust negative relationship between starting income level and subsequent growth. Savings and education were also associated with growth whereas trade was not. Overall, these results support the notion of convergence which is an encouraging finding as the world approaches the 2015 post-development agenda.
Capital Taxation Under Political Constraints

This paper studies optimal dynamic tax policy under the threat of political reform. A policy will be reformed ex post if a large enough coalition of citizens supports reform; thus, sustainable policies are those that will continue to attract enough political support in the future. We find that optimal marginal capital taxes are either progressive or U-shaped, so that savings are subsidized for the poor and/or the middle class but are taxed for the rich. U-shaped capital taxes always emerge when individuals' political behavior is purely determined by economic motives.