Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Response surface optimization of alkali extraction and characterization of poplar hemicellulose

Hemicellulose was isolated from poplar powder using alkaline hydrolysis coupled with alcohol precipitation. Response surface methodology was applied to study the effects of sodium hydroxide concentration, reaction time, and temperature on the extraction yield. The optimal conditions for the extraction of the hemicellulose from poplar powder were an alkaline mass fraction of 9.5%, reaction time of 4 h and 12 min, and temperature of 78 °C. The extraction yield reached 52.8% under this optimal condition. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, thermogravimetric analysis, and sugar component analyses showed that the obtained hemicellulose with excellent water absorption and heat resistance consisted mainly of 4-O-methyl-glucurono-xylan, and the molar ratio of xylose to glucuronic acid on the molecule chains was 3.95.
A guideline to solar forecasting research practice: Reproducible, operational, probabilistic or physically-based, ensemble, and skill (ROPES)

Over the past decade, significant progress in solar forecasting has been made. Nevertheless, there are concerns about duplication, long-term value, and reproducibility; this is referred to as the “solar forecasting bubble. ” There is an urgent need to reconcile and improve the current solar forecasting research practice. This discussion paper proposes a so-called “ROPES” guideline that describes the desirable characteristics of future solar forecasting studies. In short, ROPES stands for reproducible, operational, probabilistic and/or physically based, ensemble, and skill. This set of characteristics is intended to facilitate comparison, comprehension, and communication within the solar forecasting field and speed up its development. Compliance with ROPES is evaluated on 79 solar forecasting references published during 2017 January to 2018 July in 6 Elsevier energy journals. Although most current papers fall short of complying with ROPES, evidence suggests that a consensus is forming.Over the past decade, significant progress in solar forecasting has been made. Nevertheless, there are concerns about duplication, long-term value, and reproducibility; this is referred to as the “solar forecasting bubble. ” There is an urgent need to reconcile and improve the current solar forecasting research practice. This discussion paper proposes a so-called “ROPES” guideline that describes the desirable characteristics of future solar forecasting studies. In short, ROPES stands for reproducible, operational, probabilistic and/or physically based, ensemble, and skill. This set of characteristics is intended to facilitate comparison, comprehension, and communication within the solar forecasting field and speed up its development. Compliance with ROPES is evaluated on 79 solar forecasting references published during 2017 January to 2018 July in 6 Elsevier energy journals. Although most current papers fall short of complying with ROPES, evidence suggests that a consensus is forming.
The effect of shadow reading and collaborative strategic reading on EFL learners’ reading comprehension across two proficiency levels

ABSTRACT Reading comprehension is a key skill that can influence the learning outcome and further language development. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of two types of reading interventions, Collaborative Strategic Reading (CSR) and Shadow Reading (SHR), on EFL learners’ reading comprehension across two proficiency levels. To this end, the researcher selected three intact elementary classes and three intact intermediate classes and randomly assigned them as one control and two experimental groups at each proficiency level. A pre-test of reading comprehension taken from the reading section of KET, for elementary learners (n = 72), and a pre-test of reading comprehension taken from the reading section of PET, for intermediate learners (n = 72) was administered to assess their initial performance in reading comprehension. Then, the experimental groups recieved one of the intended treatments, SHR or CSR, for ten sessions, while the control group received only regular classroom reading instruction. Finally, the learners were given a post-test of reading comprehension to measure their reading skill. The findings of two-way ANOVA revealed that there was a significant main effect for reading intervention. Moreover, there was neither a significant main effect for proficiency level nor a significant interaction effect of reading intervention and proficiency. The results of Tukey post-hoc test indicated that CSR group surpassed the other two groups and SHR group outperformed the control group. The implications are discussed in terms of the efficacy of CSR and SHR in enhancing EFL learners’ reading comprehension.
Implications of the cosmic ray spectrum for the mass composition at the highest energies

The significant attenuation of the cosmic ray flux above ∼5 × 1019 eV suggests that the observed high energy spectrum is shaped by the so-called GZK effect (GZK: Greisen–Zatsepin–Kuzmin). This interaction of ultra-high energy cosmic rays (UHECRs) with the ambient radiation fields also affects their composition. We review the effect of photodissociation interactions on different nuclear species and analyze the phenomenology of secondary-proton production as a function of energy. We show that, by itself, the UHECR spectrum does not constrain the composition of cosmic rays at their extragalactic sources. While the propagated composition (i.e., as observed at Earth) cannot contain significant amounts of intermediate mass nuclei (say between He and Si), whatever the source composition, and while it is vastly proton dominated when protons are able to reach energies above 1020 eV at the source, we show that the propagated composition can be dominated by Fe and sub-Fe nuclei at the highest energies, either if the sources are very strongly enriched in Fe nuclei (a rather improbable situation), or if the accelerated protons have a maximum energy of a few 1019 eV at the sources. We also show that in the latter cases, the expected flux above 3 × 1020 eV is very much reduced as compared to the case when protons dominate in this energy range, both at the sources and at Earth.
Cognitive dysfunction under emotional exposure: When participants with depression symptoms show no cognitive control

Abstract Objective Adaptive human behaviour requires cognitive control ‐ the monitoring of actions and performance, to regulate and coordinate ongoing behaviour. Major depression is associated with neuropsychological differences in cognitive control, however behavioural experiments have failed to consistently reflect this. We explore this discrepancy. Method Two experiments were conducted, in which participants completed an Emotional Stroop task, and the Beck Depression Inventory‐II. In Experiment 1, participants were instructed to judge the font colour of a printed word. The word could have emotional or non‐emotional meaning. In Experiment 2, participants judged the font colour of the word, and also identified whether any letter was italicised. This manipulation was designed to induce errors to facilitate analysis. Results Depression symptoms are linked to severe deficits in cognitive control following errors. In Experiment 1, for emotional words, major depression symptoms were associated with a failure to instigate behavioural adjustments following errors, leading to reduced performance (F(1,25) = 4.61, p = . 042). For non‐emotional content, we found major depression symptoms were associated with substantial adjustments following errors, mitigating reduced performance. These findings were replicated in Experiment 2 using a more robust analysis (F(1,30) = 6.45, p = . 017). Conclusions These findings suggest that under emotional priming, major depression is marked by a failure to adapt behaviour in response to relevant environmental feedback. This work has implications for interpreting prior and future scientific findings, and may also inform clinical applications for depression treatment.
Glucose-Modulated Mitochondria Adaptation in Tumor Cells: A Focus on ATP Synthase and Inhibitor Factor 1

Warburg’s hypothesis has been challenged by a number of studies showing that oxidative phosphorylation is repressed in some tumors, rather than being inactive per se. Thus, treatments able to shift energy metabolism by activating mitochondrial pathways have been suggested as an intriguing basis for the optimization of antitumor strategies. In this study, HepG2 hepatocarcinoma cells were cultivated with different metabolic substrates under conditions mimicking “positive” (activation/biogenesis) or “negative” (silencing) mitochondrial adaptation. In addition to the expected up-regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis, glucose deprivation caused an increase in phosphorylating respiration and a rise in the expression levels of the ATP synthase β subunit and Inhibitor Factor 1 (IF1). Hyperglycemia, on the other hand, led to a markedly decreased level of the transcriptional coactivator PGC-α suggesting down-regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis, although no change in mitochondrial mass and no impairment of phosphorylating respiration were observed. Moreover, a reduction in mitochondrial networking and in ATP synthase dimer stability was produced. No effect on β-ATP synthase expression was elicited. Notably, hyperglycemia caused an increase in IF1 expression levels, but it did not alter the amount of IF1 associated with ATP synthase. These results point to a new role of IF1 in relation to high glucose utilization by tumor cells, in addition to its well known effect upon mitochondrial ATP synthase regulation.
Dynamics of adaptation in an anisotropic phenotype-fitness landscape

We study the dynamics of adaptation of a large asexual population in a n-dimensional phenotypic space, under anisotropic mutation and selection effects. When n = 1 or under isotropy assumptions, the ‘replicator-mutator’ equation is a standard model to describe these dynamics. However, the n-dimensional anisotropic case remained largely unexplored. We prove here that the equation admits a unique solution, which is interpreted as the phenotype distribution, and we propose a new and general framework to the study of the quantitative behavior of this solution. Our method builds upon a degenerate nonlocal parabolic equation satisfied by the distribution of the ‘fitness components’, and a nonlocal transport equation satisfied by the cumulant generating function of the joint distribution of these components. This last equation can be solved analytically and we then get a general formula for the trajectory of the mean fitness and all higher cumulants of the fitness distribution, over time. Such mean fitness trajectory is the typical outcome of empirical studies of adaptation by experimental evolution, and can thus be compared to empirical data. In sharp contrast with the known results based on isotropic models, our results show that the trajectory of mean fitness may exhibit (n − 1) plateaus before it converges. It may thus appear ‘non-saturating’ for a transient but possibly long time, even though a phenotypic optimum exists. To illustrate the empirical relevance of these results, we show that the anisotropic model leads to a very good fit of Escherichia coli long-term evolution experiment, one of the most famous experimental dataset in experimental evolution. The two ‘evolutionary epochs’ that have been observed in this experiment have long puzzled the community: we propose that the pattern may simply stem form a climbing hill process, but in an anisotropic fitness landscape.
Bimbingan Kelompok dengan Teknik Sosiodrama Sebagai Upaya Mengatasi Perilaku Bullying di Sekolah

Bullying behavior is a behavior that many found among people in recent times. Many argue that bullying behaviors include behaviors that aim to intimidate others, discredit others, and even injure others. Different forms of bullying behaviors, some of which include bullying, threatening, mocking, calling offensive calls, and isolating or alienating others in a group. There are many impacts of bullying behavior, including individuals who become inferior, depressed, depressed, or even self-rebellious and revengeful. Such impacts will be harmful to others as well as to the individuals concerned. Therefore it is necessary to attempt to overcome the bullying behavior. One way that can be used is through the application of group guidance with sociodrama technique. Sociodrama is one of group guidance techniques. Through sociodrama, individuals will be invited to play a role to train their ability to deal with bullying behavior in accordance with the drama theme being played.
Stability and stabilization of piecewise affine and hybrid systems: an LMI approach

In this paper we present various algorithms both for stability analysis and state-feedback design for discrete-time piecewise affine systems. Our approach hinges on the use of piecewise quadratic Lyapunov functions that can be computed as the solution of a set of linear matrix inequalities. We show that the continuity of the Lyapunov function is not required in the discrete-time case. Moreover, the basic algorithms are made less conservative by exploiting the switching structure of piecewise affine systems and by using relaxation procedures.
Indigenous entrepreneurial orientation: A Māori perspective

Abstract Despite growing interest in Indigenous entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial orientation, few studies bridge these two domains empirically. We address this gap by developing a model for exploring entrepreneurial orientation in Indigenous communities. We assess the possible dimensions of Indigenous entrepreneurship orientation in a qualitative study of Māori business owners in New Zealand. The findings suggest that Indigenous worldview and entrepreneurial ecosystem influences the entrepreneurial orientation of participants, leading to a continuum of Indigenous entrepreneurial orientation. The results have important implications for Indigenous entrepreneurship policy, practice and theory.
Glassy dynamics and dynamical heterogeneity in colloids

Concentrated colloidal suspensions are a well-tested model system which has a glass transition. Colloids are suspensions of small solid particles in a liquid, and exhibit glassy behavior when the particle concentration is high; the particles are roughly analogous to individual molecules in a traditional glass. Because the particle size can be large (100 nm - 1000 nm), these samples can be studied with a variety of optical techniques including microscopy and dynamic light scattering. Here we review the phenomena associated with the colloidal glass transition, and in particular discuss observations of spatial and temporally heterogeneous dynamics within colloidal samples near the glass transition. Although this Chapter focuses primarily on results from hard-sphere-like colloidal particles, we also discuss other colloidal systems with attractive or soft repulsive interactions.
The Value of Information in Cross-Listing

Until 2004, the London Stock Exchange allowed firms to be traded in the specialized SEAQ-I platform without the firm's involvement. Trading only required an application by one LSE trading member firm. Such an institutional arrangement, which made cross-listings possible without a firms' approval, allows for a direct test of different theories of foreign listing. In particular, we can differentiate between market segmentation and liquidity hypotheses, which rely on a firm trading in a foreign exchange and informational hypotheses, which assume that a firm makes the decision to trade in a foreign exchange. We identify a sample of international firms that are admitted to trading on London's SEAQ-I platform without their involvement. We estimate the valuation effects of this multi-market trading event and compare them to those enjoyed by firms that pursue a standard London Stock Exchange cross-listing. A cross-sectional abnormal returns analysis documents significant evidence in support of information-related hypotheses of cross-listing. An analysis of the firms' home market price volatility corroborates the results.
Adapting the Counselor Burnout Inventory to Turkish: validity and reliability studies*

Abstract Counselors may experience burnout while working in community mental health settings due to various professional risk factors. The Counselor Burnout Inventory (CBI) which measures the specific dynamics of counseling professions was developed and adapted to various cultures to help assess counselor burnout. The CBI consists of five subscales: Exhaustion, Incompetence, Negative Work Environment, Devaluing Client, and Deterioration in Personal Life. This manuscript outlines the adaptation of the CBI to Turkish culture and then addresses the evaluation of the Turkish version of CBI’s reliability and validity. Data were collected from 301 Turkish counselors. Results showed that Turkish version of the CBI were a good fit to the original form. The results also indicated that Turkish version of the CBI was a reliable assessment instrument and can be used to determine the level of burnout of Turkish counselors.
The influence of VIX in the S & P 500 index using Support Vector Machines

The aim of this research is to analyse the influence of the Chicago Board Options Exchange Market Volatility Index (VIX) using Support Vector Machines (SVMs) in order to forecast the weekly change in the S&P 500 index. The data covers the period between 03/01/2000 and 30/12/2011. A trading simulation is implemented so that statistical efficiency is complemented by measures of economic performance. The inputs retained are traditional technical trading rules commonly used in the analysis of equity markets such as Relative Strength Index (RSI), Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD), VIX and the daily return of the S&P 500. The SVM determines the best situations to buy or sell the market. The two outputs of the SVM are the movement of the market and the degree of set membership. The influence of VIX in the trading system that it has been developed is really significant when bearish periods appear. VIX allows the reduction of the Maximum DrawDown (MDD) and to increase the profit as it can be seen in the results of the research.
Catecholamine secretion as a function of perceived coping self-efficacy.

The present research tested the hypothesis that perceived coping self-efficacy mediates the effects of environmental events on catecholamine secretion. Differential levels of perceived self-efficacy were induced in phobic subjects through modeling. Their level of catecholamine secretion was then measured as they were presented coping tasks in their high, medium, and low ranges of perceived self-efficacy. High perceived self-efficacy was accompanied by low levels of plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine during interaction with a phobic object, whereas moderate perceived self-inefficacy gave rise to substantial increases in plasma catecholamines. Both catecholamines dropped sharply when phobics declined tasks for which they judged themselves completely inefficacious. In contrast, dopac was released maximally by mere apperception of task demands that phobics regarded as overwhelming their coping capabilities. After perceived self-efficacy was strengthened to the maximal level by participant modeling, all of the tasks were performed without any differential catecholamine responses.
Selective Processing of Multiple Features in the Human Brain: Effects of Feature Type and Salience

Identifying targets in a stream of items at a given constant spatial location relies on selection of aspects such as color, shape, or texture. Such attended (target) features of a stimulus elicit a negative-going event-related brain potential (ERP), termed Selection Negativity (SN), which has been used as an index of selective feature processing. In two experiments, participants viewed a series of Gabor patches in which targets were defined as a specific combination of color, orientation, and shape. Distracters were composed of different combinations of color, orientation, and shape of the target stimulus. This design allows comparisons of items with and without specific target features. Consistent with previous ERP research, SN deflections extended between 160–300 ms. Data from the subsequent P3 component (300–450 ms post-stimulus) were also examined, and were regarded as an index of target processing. In Experiment A, predominant effects of target color on SN and P3 amplitudes were found, along with smaller ERP differences in response to variations of orientation and shape. Manipulating color to be less salient while enhancing the saliency of the orientation of the Gabor patch (Experiment B) led to delayed color selection and enhanced orientation selection. Topographical analyses suggested that the location of SN on the scalp reliably varies with the nature of the to-be-attended feature. No interference of non-target features on the SN was observed. These results suggest that target feature selection operates by means of electrocortical facilitation of feature-specific sensory processes, and that selective electrocortical facilitation is more effective when stimulus saliency is heightened.
Usefulness of bone scintigraphy for the diagnosis of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome 1: A systematic review and Bayesian meta-analysis

Background Since 2007, the Budapest criteria are recommended for the diagnosis of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) 1. The usefulness of bone scintigraphy (BS, index test) for the diagnosis of CRPS 1 remains controversial. Imperfect reference tests (RT) result in underestimation of the diagnostic accuracy of BS. Further, biased results can occur when a dependency between the RT and BS exists. The objective was to assess the impact of different RTs, specifically the Budapest criteria, and the assumed imperfect nature of the RT on the diagnostic accuracy of BS. Further, we analyzed the association between baseline characteristics and positive BS in patients with CRPS 1. Methods Systematic literature review and Bayesian meta-analysis to assess the test accuracy of BS with and without accounting for the imperfect nature of the RT. We examined correlations (Spearman correlation coefficients / Wilcoxon tests) between baseline characteristics and the proportion of positive BS in patients with CRPS 1. Results The pooled sensitivity was 0.804 (95% credible interval (CI) 0.225–1.0, 21 studies) and specificity 0.853 (95%CI 0.278–1.00). Sensitivity and specificity of BS increased when accounting for the imperfect nature of the RT. However, in studies using Budapest criteria as reference, the sensitivity decreased (0.551; 95% CI 0.046–1) and the specificity increased (0.935; 95% CI 0.306–1). Shorter disease duration and a higher proportion of males were associated with a higher proportion of positive BS (27 studies, disease duration <52 weeks Wilcoxon test p = 0.047, female proportion Spearman correlation −0.63, p = 0.009). Conclusion Compared to the accepted Budapest diagnostic criteria BS cannot be used to rule-in the diagnosis of CRPS 1. In patients with negative BS CRPS 1 is less likely the underlying illness. Studies using older or no diagnostic criteria should not be used to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of BS in CRPS 1.
The strength of the subset type in Martin-Lof's type theory

The authors show that the exact formulation of the rules of type theory is important for rules of subset type. It turns out that there are propositions involving subsets that are trivially true in naive set theory, but which cannot be proved in type theory. They examine the probability of a type proposition that is important when modularizing program derivations. <<ETX>>