Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Monocular Depth Estimation Using Laplacian Pyramid-Based Depth Residuals

With a great success of the generative model via deep neural networks, monocular depth estimation has been actively studied by exploiting various encoder-decoder architectures. However, the decoding process in most previous methods, which repeats simple up-sampling operations, probably fails to fully utilize underlying properties of well-encoded features for monocular depth estimation. To resolve this problem, we propose a simple but effective scheme by incorporating the Laplacian pyramid into the decoder architecture. Specifically, encoded features are fed into different streams for decoding depth residuals, which are defined by decomposition of the Laplacian pyramid, and corresponding outputs are progressively combined to reconstruct the final depth map from coarse to fine scales. This is fairly desirable to precisely estimate the depth boundary as well as the global layout. We also propose to apply weight standardization to pre-activation convolution blocks of the decoder architecture, which gives a great help to improve the flow of gradients and thus makes optimization easier. Experimental results on benchmark datasets constructed under various indoor and outdoor environments demonstrate that the proposed method is effective for monocular depth estimation compared to state-of-the-art models. The code and model are publicly available at: |https://github.com/tjqansthd/LapDepth-release|.
Epidermal growth factor (EGF)-enhanced vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) expression promotes macrophage and glioblastoma cell interaction and tumor cell invasion.

Yanhua Zheng, Weiwei Yang, Kenneth Aldape, Jie He, and Zhimin Lu PAGE: 31488 Zhimin Lu is a co-founder and shareholder of Signalway Biotechnology (Pearland, TX), which provided rabbit anti-phospho-EGFR Tyr1172 polyclonal antibody (11220) used in this research. THE JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY VOL. 289, NO. 27, p. 18667, July 4, 2014 © 2014 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc. Published in the U.S.A.
Simultaneous Monitoring of Particle-Bound PAHs Inside a Low-Energy School Building and Outdoors over Two Weeks in France

The emergence of new super-insulated buildings to reduce energy consumption can lead to a degradation of the indoor air quality. While some studies were carried out to assess the air quality in these super-insulated buildings, they were usually focused on the measurement of gas phase pollutants such as carbon dioxide and volatile organic compounds. This work reports the first measurements of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) associated with particles as a function of time and particle size in a low-energy building. The airborne particles were collected indoors and outdoors over three to four days of sampling using two three-stage cascade impactors allowing to sample simultaneously particles with aerodynamic diameter Dae > 10 µm, 2.5 µm < Dae < 10 µm, 1 µm < Dae < 2.5 µm, and Dae < 1 µm. The 16 US-EPA priority PAHs were then extracted and quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to fluorescence detection. The resulting total particle concentrations were low, in the ranges 3.73 to 9.66 and 0.60 to 8.83 µg m-3 for indoors and outdoors, respectively. Thirteen PAHs were always detected in all the samples. The total PAH concentrations varied between 290 and 415 pg m−3 depending on the particle size, the environment (indoors or outdoors) and the sampling period considered. More interestingly, the temporal variations of individual PAHs highlighted that high molecular weight PAHs were mainly associated to the finest particles and some of them exhibited similar temporal behaviors, suggesting a common emission source. The indoor-to-outdoor concentration ratios of individual PAH were usually found close to or less than 1, except during the event combining rainy conditions and limited indoor ventilation rate.
Modelling and elucidation of photoreaction kinetics : applications and actinometry using nifedipine, nisoldipine, montelukast, fluvoxamine and riboflavin

The kinetics of drugs photodegradation have traditionally been treated using thermal kinetic analysis methods consisting most commonly in zero and first order kinetics. These treatment strategies were shown to lack specificity and present a number of limitations when applied to photoreactions kinetics. Nevertheless, these methods have widely been used due to a lack of integrated rate-laws for the majority of photoreactions types, in turn, due to the presence of a variable time-dependent factor in most photoreactions rate-laws that prevents their mathematical integration. To address these limitations, a new methodology for the development and validation of semi-empirical integrated rate-laws that faithfully describe photoreactions kinetics and photoreactions simulated cases generated by numerical integration methods (NIMs), is hereby presented. Using this methodology, a new kinetic order was ascribed to photoreactions namely the Φorder kinetics. Semi-empirical integrated rate-laws were, thus, developed for three photoreaction types namely, unimolecular, AB(1Φ), photoreversible ,AB(2Φ), and consecutive, AB4(4Φ), photoreactions. The proposed models were further tested experimentally on drugs following these photodegradation mechanisms using; nifedipine and nisoldipine for unimolecular photoreactions; montelukast and fluvoxamine for photoreversible reactions; and riboflavin for consecutive photoreactions. The developed
RETRACTED: The role of information cost in student loan market

Student loans are popular among university in support of young people to afford tuition fees, as US change its financial aid policy from grants to loans. Thus, the efficiency in student loan market is very important for the development of higher education, especially, human capital formation in this process. To complement the centerpiece for the relationship between human capital formation, credit market and economic performance in long run, a model which is derived from Boyd and Smith 1 to explore the role of information cost in the market. This work tried to indicate the fact that, higher development in credit market reduces the information cost in student loans, which would lead to higher contribution of human capital formation to economic growth.
Understanding the Gap between University Revenue Management Courses and the Job Market

ABSTRACT Revenue management (RM) is vital for a hotel’s success. Qualified revenue managers are required to maximize the hotels’ profit. Hospitality schools’ RM courses are critical for preparing students for these roles. Even though hospitality schools and associations provide RM classes, lack of qualified candidates is considered a significant challenge. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to revisit this issue and identify the gap between the competencies needed for RM professionals and the RM courses offered by universities. A descriptive analysis was conducted comparing the competencies described in job descriptions with the competencies described in the course catalog descriptions for hospitality RM courses (undergraduate level). Interpersonal communication, communications, marketing, and strategic management are frequently mentioned in the job descriptions but are not mentioned in the course descriptions. Risk management emerged as a new competency from the interviews but was not in the job descriptions or course descriptions.
The Anomalous Seismic Behavior of Aqueous Fluids Released during Dehydration of Chlorite in Subduction Zones

Dehydration and fluid circulation are integral parts of subduction tectonics that govern the dynamics of the wedge mantle. The knowledge of the elastic behavior of aqueous fluid is crucial to understand the fluid–rock interactions in the mantle through velocity profiles. In this study, we investigated the elastic wave velocities of chlorite at high pressure beyond its dehydrating temperature, simulating the progressive dehydration of hydrous minerals in subduction zones. The dehydration resulted in an 8% increase in compressional (Vp) and a 5% decrease in shear wave (Vs) velocities at 950 K. The increase in Vp can be attributed to the stiffening of the sample due to the formation of secondary mineral phases followed by the dehydration of chlorite. The fluid-bearing samples exhibited Vp/Vs of 2.45 at 950 K. These seismic parameters are notably different from the major mantle minerals or hydrous silicate melts and provide unique seismic criteria for detecting mantle fluids through seismic tomography.
Regulation of TRPC6 podocyte surface expression by synaptopodin

of a dissertation at the University of Miami. Dissertation supervised by Professor Jochen Reiser. No. of pages in text. (69) Mutations of classic Transient Receptor Potential Channel 6 (TRPC6) were identified in hereditary FSGS, most of which are gain-of function. Increased expression of wild-type TRPC6 in glomeruli was observed in several human acquired proteinuric diseases. Synaptopodin, an actin binding protein that is important in maintaining podocyte function, is downregulated in various glomerular diseases. Here, we provided evidence that synaptopodin maintains podocyte function by regulating podocyte surface expression and activity of TRPC6. We show indirect interaction and nonrandom association of synaptopodin and TRPC6 in podocytes. Knockdown of synaptopodin in cultured mouse podocytes increased the expression of TRPC6 at the plasma membrane, whereas overexpression of synaptopodin decreased it. Mechanistically, synaptopodin–dependent TRPC6 surface expression required functional actin and microtubule cytoskeletons. Functionally, overexpression of wild–type TRPC6 or the FSGS–inducing mutant TRPC6M131T in synaptopodin-depleted podocytes enhanced TRPC6–mediated calcium influx and induced apoptosis. In vivo, knockdown of synaptopodin by tail vain injection of siRNAs caused increased podocyte surface expression of TRPC6. Administration of cyclosporine A, which stabilizes synaptopodin, reduced LPS-induced proteinuria significantly in wild-type mice but to a lesser extent in TRPC6 knockout mice. Furthermore, administration of cyclosporine A reversed the LPS-induced increase in podocyte surface expression of TRPC6 in wild-type mice. Our findings suggest that alteration in synaptopodin levels under disease conditions may modify intracellular TRPC6 channel localization and activity, which further contribute to podocyte dysfunction. Therefore, reducing TRPC6 surface levels may be considered to be a new approach to restoring podocyte function.
Attempts to share information between public sector organisations over time: A case-based exploration of value conflicts

Despite the importance of inter-organisational information sharing (IOIS) in the public sector, such endeavours often fail. Existing research has shown that the values held by collaborating organisations are one important factor affecting these kinds of initiatives. However, research has sought only to a limited extent to address how value conflicts come into play over time. Therefore, this paper aims to explore how conflicting values shape an inter-organisational information-sharing practice in the public sector over time. Using the local/global network framework, we analyse four years’ worth of information sharing in an inter-organisational advisory group in the context of Swedish nuclear waste management. We conclude that different value conflicts are emphasised to different extents at different points in time. That is, values do not uniformly affect IOIS activities, and such conflicts over time reduce the set of potential IOIS activities. We also conclude that when IOIS activities are driven by an individual organisation’s values, individual value rational activities may co-exist with a dysfunctional long-term IOIS practice.
FATTY ACID PATTERN AND PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF LAYING HENS FED DIETARY FLAXSEED OIL

: The current study aimed to validate the effect of adding flaxseed oil into diets Saudi local strain laying hens, on their performance, cholesterol, and fatty acid profile of egg yolk. The study used 80 layers of Hager one local Saudi strain at 31 weeks of age. The hens were allocated into four treatment groups for 12 weeks experimental period. The four groups of hens were fed isocaloric corn-soy basal diet supplemented with, 3% palm oil (T1,control), 2% palm oil + 1% flaxseed oil (T2), 1% palm oil + 2% flaxseed oil (T3) or 3% flaxseed oil (T4). The main results indicated that, egg production percentage and average egg mass increased significantly due to adding 3% flaxseed oil into laying hen diets. The values of egg yolk (%), yolk color index, egg albumin (%) and eggshell (%) were not affected significantly due to adding flaxseed oil into diets. Flaxseed supplementation significantly reduced plasma and yolk content of cholesterol and plasma triglycerides, while egg triglycerides level was not affected. Inclusion of flaxseed oil into laying hen diets decreased yolk content of saturated fatty acids (SFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA). Egg content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) increased clearly. There is a slight increment in linoleic (18:2) fatty acid ratios due to treatment. The increment in linoleic fatty acid was slight because it may be used for synthesis longer chain fatty acids. The ratio of omega3 α-Linolenic fatty acid (C18:3), was multiplied due to adding 3% flaxseed oil into laying hen diets. The study concluded that, enriched flaxseed oil into laying hen diets improve egg quality. However, feasibility study is still needed for evaluating the production of this type of egg economically.
PRODUCTION OF BIOETHANOL FROM RICE AND MILLET HUSKS

This study was based on the production of bioethanol as an alternative source of fuel using rice and millet husks. Proximate, elemental and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were conducted of the biomass. The proximate analysis revealed that millet husk had the highest moisture content of 26.67±0.58% when compared with rice husk 8.17±0.29%. The TGA of rice husk had a high endset temperature of 355.510C and a weight loss of -48.23%, millet husk had low endset temperature of 349.210C and a weight loss of -44.25%. When thirty grams (30g) of the substrates was used, rice husk revealed the highest reducing sugar content of 2.59±1.24mol/dm3 when compared to millet husk that had 1.63±0.68 mol/dm3. Rice husk indicated low yield after 7 days of fermentation period but showed a significantly high yield in the volume of ethanol produced 68.67±17.69g/l and millet husk had a yield of 79.80±0.93g/l. This indicated that both rice and millet husks were potent for bioethanol production with millet husk having the highest yield.
Psychometric properties of the assessment of COVID‐19 attitudes and behaviors

Abstract Developing psychometrically validated assessment tools to examine social and intergroup processes related to COVID-19 is fundamental for creating interventions that reduce the spread of this virus Thus, this manuscript aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of a new measure, Assessment of COVID-19 Attitudes and Behaviors (ACAB), that assesses COVID-19-related attitudes (e g , about physical distancing, xenophobia), behaviors (e g , helping others versus prioritizing own needs), and beliefs (e g , about others? roles in spreading COVID-19) We used exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA, CFA) to provide factor analytic support and Fisher's r-to-z transformation to provide construct validity evidence EFA revealed and CFA confirmed a four-factor structure of social distancing adjustment, self-prioritization, prosocial behaviors, and belief in conspiracies Fisher's r-to-z transformation provided evidence for the construct validity of the four factors This psychometrically validated instrument will enhance social science researchers? ability to accurately identify and explicate psychological processes related to COVID-19
Neoadjuvant therapy for breast cancer patients and its impact on surgical treatment and radiotherapy (part 2.)

Neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) is increasingly applied in patients with initially inoperable breast cancers and, frequently, in those with tumours that are initially operable, too. In most cases, the response to the applied NAT affects the scope of surgical treatment and radiotherapy, and in some situations also the complementary systemic postoperative treatment. The available studies indicate importance of response to NAT within the breast and regional lymph nodes. Assessment of response to treatment allows personalization of treatment and in some cases a change of therapy, which improves long-term outcomes. This article summarizes the current rules of conduct in patients with early breast cancer qualified for neoadjuvant thera­py, paying attention to the practical aspects and possibilities of national health insurance-covered therapies in Poland. It discusses in detail the applied regimens of systemic therapy, surgical techniques, eligibility rules and complementary radiotherapy. Systems for assessing response to neoadjuvant treatment are also presented.
Evaluation of the knowledge, attitude, and behaviors of physicians and pharmacists regarding the use of medicines in pregnancy

: Pregnancy is a critical aspect of rational use of medicine (RUM) and imposes important responsibilities on the parties. This study aimed to analyze the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of the physicians and pharmacists regarding pharmacotherapy in pregnancy. The data were collected between April 2016-July 2017 by questionnaires and analyses of the prescriptions in Northern Cyprus. Simulated prescriptions (n=50) for pregnant women (PW) were applied at pharmacies, and pharmacists’ (n=95) and obstetricians’ (n=30) attitudes were evaluated through surveys. In addition, PW prescriptions (n=122) were collected from pharmacies and evaluated. All data were re-obtained after one year. The mean number of drugs per PW prescription was 1.48±0.73. In teratogenicity risk evaluation, 6.6% of medicines were in “D/X” and 16.7% were in “C” categories. The ratio of these three categories medicines in scripts was about eight times higher than which was considered as teratogenic based on physicians’ opinions. Serious shortcomings were found in writing the format information in prescriptions. In simulated prescription analysis, mean dispensing time was 3.3±2.3 min. Almost half of the pharmacists were observed to give the drug requested by simulated PW without any confirmation of the prescription. The dispensing performances of the pharmacists were mainly different than their related statements on the survey. Our study highlighted the deficiencies in physicians’ and pharmacists’ RUM knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors in pregnancy, where the gaps seem unchanged after one year. These findings underline necessity of education and counselling service interventions for healthcare providers to disseminate RUM in pregnancy.
Penerimaan Diri pada Remaja Panti Asuhan Puteri Aisyiyah Medan

The purpose of this research is to see a picture of self-acceptance in adolescent orphanages. The source of this research consisted of five research subjects who were young women at Puteri Aisyiyah Medan Orphanage and three informants. The procedure for taking the subject uses purposive sampling technique. The research data were collected using observation and interview methods. The results obtained are that young women at Puteri Aisyiyah Orphanage have a good self-acceptance picture, and can accept themselves with their status as children of an orphanage.
Thermal Properties of Natural Fiber Sisal Based Hybrid Composites – A Brief Review

ABSTRACT Among natural fiber composites, sisal fiber is one of the promising reinforcement which provides enhanced mechanical strength to the composites. The sisal fibers are low cost, available at abundant, having low density, improved specific strength and modulus, and are nontoxic. It has been utilized by mankind from the olden period itself. These fibers were used for making mats, cloths, bags, hats, ropes, and many applications. The increased strength of sisal fiber attracted the design engineers in developing fiber composites. The sisal fiber reinforcement in composites proven to be an effective replacement for synthetic fibers. At present, sisal fiber composites have been found in vast engineering applications like automobile, railways, building materials, electrical industry, geotextiles, defense and in the packaging industry. To increase the sisal fiber composite, strength hybridization was introduced. Although several literatures explore the mechanical performance of the hybrid sisal composites, there is no proper literature that summarizes the thermal properties of the sisal hybrid composites. This review presents a summary of the thermal characteristics of hybrid sisal fiber composites.
Wild-Type TP53 Predicts Poor Prognosis in Patients with Gastric Cancer

TP53 gene is often mutated in gastric cancer (GC), nonetheless its relationship with clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis is still unclear. Here, we sought to ascertain the difference in clinical phenotypes between TP53 wild-type and mutant tumors in confirmed gastric cancer patients. To this end, we analyzed TP53 mutation status of 415 TCGA GC patients in relation to their clinical and pathological features as well as prognosis. Longrank Test showed that the survival rate of gastric cancer patients with TP53 WT was significantly lower than that of TP53 mut. Compared with TP53 mut gastric cancer patients with low mRNA expression, TP53 WT patients with low mRNA expression have lower overall survival rate. The death risk of TP53 WT gastric cancer patients is 1.395 times that of TP53 mut gastric cancer patients. The death risk of TP53 mut gastric cancer patients is not related to age, and advanced age is not a risk factor. However, the death risk of TP53 WT patients with gastric cancer increases with age, and the death risk of patients over 70 years old is 1.899 times that of patients under 60 years old. These results suggest that the prognosis of elderly gastric cancer patients with TP53 WT is worse. Conclusion: our results indicate that the status of TP53 mutation in GC is significantly correlated with clinical or molecular categories and that the prognosis of GC patients with WT TP53 is worse than that of patients with mutant TP53. Therefore, our data emphasize the importance of distinguishing TP53 WT to predict poor overall survival and relapse-free survival in patients with GC.