Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Neuroinflammation and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Parkinson’s Disease: Connecting Neuroimaging with Pathophysiology

There is a pressing need for disease-modifying therapies in patients suffering from neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, these disorders face unique challenges in clinical trial designs to assess the neuroprotective properties of potential drug candidates. One of these challenges relates to the often unknown individual disease mechanisms that would, however, be relevant for targeted treatment strategies. Neuroinflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction are two proposed pathophysiological hallmarks and are considered to be highly interconnected in PD. Innovative neuroimaging methods can potentially help to gain deeper insights into one’s predominant disease mechanisms, can facilitate patient stratification in clinical trials, and could potentially map treatment responses. This review aims to highlight the role of neuroinflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction in patients with PD (PwPD). We will specifically introduce different neuroimaging modalities, their respective technical hurdles and challenges, and their implementation into clinical practice. We will gather preliminary evidence for their potential use in PD research and discuss opportunities for future clinical trials.
Trade Elasticities in Aggregate Models: Estimates for 191 Countries

The Policy Research Working Paper Series disseminates the findings of work in progress to encourage the exchange of ideas about development issues. An objective of the series is to get the findings out quickly, even if the presentations are less than fully polished. The papers carry the names of the authors and should be cited accordingly. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this paper are entirely those of the authors. They do not necessarily represent the views of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development/World Bank and its affiliated organizations, or those of the Executive Directors of the World Bank or the governments they represent.
Laser-induced anisotropic wettability on azopolymeric micro-structures

The light-induced deformation of a micro-textured photo-sensitive polymeric material is exploited for modifying the surface hydrophobicity along deterministic directions. Arrays of azopolymeric micro-pillars are fabricated over large area and irradiated with a green laser. Upon laser irradiation, the micro-pillars deform reversibly along a direction parallel to the laser polarization, resulting in elongated shapes with controllable eccentricity. Such a locally anisotropic topography induces a directional yet reversible change of hydrophobicity, as measured by contact angles varying within a range of 30°.
Leveraging Physical Rules for Weakly Supervised Cloud Detection in Remote Sensing Images

Cloud detection plays a significant role in remote sensing (RS) image applications. Existing deep learning-based cloud detection methods rely on massive precise pixelwise annotations, which are time-consuming and expensive. To alleviate this problem, we propose a weakly supervised cloud detection framework that leverages physical rules to generate weak supervision for cloud detection in RS images. Specifically, a rule-based adaptive pseudo labeling (RAPL) algorithm is devised to adaptively annotate potential cloud pixels based on cloud spectral properties without manual intervention. Unlike existing physical annotations using fixed thresholds, RAPL employs the bidirectional threshold segmentation and adaptive gating mechanism to annotate cloud and boundary masks with more explicit semantic categories and spatial structures separately. Subsequently, these pseudo masks are treated as weak supervision to optimize the heuristic cloud detection network for pixelwise segmentation. Considering that clouds appear as complex geometric structures and nonuniform spectral reflectance, a deformable boundary refining module is designed to enhance the modeling ability of spatial transformation and activate sharp boundaries from translucent cloud regions. Moreover, a harmonic loss is employed to recognize clouds with nonuniform spectral reflectance and suppress the interference of bright backgrounds. Extensive experiments on the GF-1, L8 Biome, and weakly supervised cloud detection (WDCD) datasets demonstrate that the proposed method achieves state-of-the-art results. A public reference implementation of this work in PyTorch is available at https://github.com/NiAn-creator/HeuristicCloudDetection.
Transport of Organic Contaminants in Composite Vertical Cut-Off Wall with Defective HDPE Geomembrane

Soil-bentonite vertical cut-off wall is an emergency technique used for contaminant control in geo-environmental engineering, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) geomembrane (GM) with an extremely low-permeability coefficient is expected to enhance the contaminant barrier effect of the vertical cut-off wall. To evaluate the barrier performance of the composite barrier composed of GM and soil-bentonite mixture towards organic contaminant, while also quantitively revealing the impact of GM defects and placement, a one-dimensional transport model for organic contaminants in composite barrier is solved under semi-infinite boundary conditions. The proposed transport model is validated by numerical simulations using COMSOL Multiphysics 5.4, and the effects of GM defect rate, placement within the composite isolation wall, and contact level with soil-bentonite on contaminant transport behavior are further studied. The results show that as the average frequency of GM defects increases from 2.5 to 50 holes per hectare, the breakthrough time of organic contaminants through composite barrier decreases by almost 70%. Poor contact level between GM and soil-bentonite mixture may reduce the breakthrough time of the composite cut-off wall by 65%. Although the selection of GM placement has limited impact on the transient flux of contaminants, it does affect the total flux of contaminants over a certain period of time. The effects of permeability coefficient, effective diffusion coefficient, distribution coefficient, and hydraulic head of the composite cut-off wall can be considered by the proposed analytical solution, which would provide guidance and reference for the design and service performance evaluation of the composite cut-off wall.
Effects Of Core Strengthening And Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Technique On The Barthel Index And Balance In Patients With Hemiplegic Stroke: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

OBJECTIVE To determine the effectiveness of core strengthening exercises and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation techniques on functional performance and balance among patients with hemiplegic stroke. METHODS The quasi-experimental study was conducted from March to August 2021 at Imran Idrees Hospital, Sialkot, Pakistan, and comprised stroke patients of either gender who were divided into proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation group A and core strengthening group B. In both groups, the treatment was given for 6 weeks with 5 30-minute sessions per week. Functional performance and balance were measured using Barthel Index and Berg Balance Scale. Data were collected at baseline, 3 weeks and 6 weeks. Data was analysed using SPSS 22. RESULTS Of the 48 patients, 24(50%) were in each of the 2 groups. There were 39 (81.25%) male and 9(18.75%) female subjects with an overall mean age of 45±4.919 years. Mean Barthel Index score in group A was 62.50±7.22 at baseline and 74.79±7.14 after 6 weeks. Mean Berg Balance Score was 25.04±2.15 at baseline and 41.66±6.04 after 6 weeks (p<0.05). In group B, Barthel Index score was 61.45±6.33 at baseline and 80.83±7.61 after 6 weeks. Mean Berg Balance score was 25.33±3.38 at baseline and 47.08±5.99 after 6 weeks (p<0.05). There was a significant difference in group B scores compared to group A (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS Core strengthening programme was more effective than the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation programme in terms of activity of daily living and balance in patients with stroke.
Percolation in Carbon Nanotube-Reinforced Polymers for Strain-Sensing Applications: Computational Investigation on Carbon Nanotube Distribution, Curvature, and Aggregation

The present article investigates the possibility of simulating the electrical conductivity of carbon nanotube-reinforced polymer composites by numerical methods. Periodic representative volume elements are generated by randomly distributing perfectly conductive reinforcements in an insulating matrix and are used to assemble an electrical network representative of the nanocomposite, where the nanotube–nanotube contacts are considered equivalent resistors modeled by means of Simmons’ equation. A comparison of the results with experimental data from the literature supports the conclusion that a random distribution of reinforcements is not suitable for simulating this class of materials since percolation thresholds and conductivity trends are different, with experimental percolation taking place before the expectations. Including nanotube curvature does not solve the issue, since it hinders percolation even further. In agreement with experimental observations, the investigation suggests that a suitable approach requires the inclusion of aggregation during the volume element generation to reduce the volume fraction required to reach percolation. Some solutions available in the literature to generate properly representative volume elements are thus listed. Concerning strain sensing, the results suggest that representative volume elements generated with random distributions overestimate the strain sensitivity of the actual composites.
Underground Pipeline Mapping From Multipositional Data: Data Acquisition Platform and Pipeline Mapping Model

Maintaining and upgrading underground pipelines are major undertakings in urban operations, where accurately locating buried pipelines has long been an issue. In this article, we propose a pipeline mapping method based on integrating multipositional pipeline data, which includes the multisensor data acquisition (MDA) platform and the scalable probability-based pipeline mapping (SP-PM) model. To effectively collect pipeline data at multiple positions, several pipeline detecting and positioning sensors are equipped in the MDA platform. Different types of sensor data are synchronously collected and processed to obtain manageable pipeline data at multiple positions within the detected area, such as the radius, depth, and positioned points of underground pipelines. The SP-PM model is then proposed, where the obtained pipeline data are probabilistically described and classified into classes. Each class contains the pipeline data possibly generated by the same pipeline. The classified data are then iteratively integrated to estimate the pipeline map with the maximum probability. The SP-PM model probabilistically estimates the degree of correlation between the multipositional pipeline data and each potential pipeline, and it has no strict requirement on existing statutory records or limits on the number of detections per pipeline. Unrecorded pipelines could be identified and involved into the generated pipeline map, along with continuous adjusting of the pipelines’ number. We conducted experiments on real-world environments. The experimental results verify the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method for buried pipeline mapping.
Teachers’ approaches to handling student errors in mathematics classes

Empirical research has demonstrated that mathematical errors originate from various causes that may have different implications for the learning process. Mathematical errors are an international phenomenon as all teachers from different cultural background must handle them every day during teaching-and-learning processes. When errors arise, teachers must determine whether and how to deal with them and whether the error should be corrected. Although errors and how they are addressed by teachers are of high pedagogical importance, teachers’ approaches to handling student errors remain underexplored. The study reported herein examines the ways in which mathematics teachers handle student errors in various situations, and whether any connection between the error type and the manner in which it is corrected may be reconstructed. The study participants comprised 13 secondary mathematics teachers in a large city in northern Germany. Each teacher was video-recorded over two 90-min-lessons, and the data were subsequently evaluated using qualitative content analysis. The results indicate that teachers’ approaches to correcting mathematical student errors diverged considerably depending on the phase of the lesson during which the error occurred. In particular, during the class discussion phase, a high proportion of the corrections were performed by the students’ classmates, whereas corrections executed during the group work, partner work, or individual work phases were primarily performed by students who had made the errors and the teachers. Given that the teacher's approach to handling errors exerts a significant influence on teaching-and-learning processes, further research is required to identify the most prolific approaches to handling errors in order to foster students’ mathematical understanding.
AGREEMENT BETWEEN INSTRUMENTS FOR ASSESSMENT OF BODY BALANCE IN ACTIVE ELDERLY INDIVIDUALS

O objetivo do estudo foi analisar a correlacao entre instrumentos utilizados a avaliacao do equilibrio corporal e a predicao do risco de quedas de idosos ativos. Estudo transversal, observacional, realizado com 41 mulheres (69,24±5,24 anos) praticantes de exercicios fisicos, em Petrolina-PE. Os instrumentos utilizados foram a Escala de Equilibrio de Berg (EEB), o Indice de Marcha Dinâmica (DGI), o “Timed Up and Go” simples (TUG), o “Timed Up and Go” motor (TUGm), o “Timed Up and Go” cognitivo (TUGc) e o Teste de Equilibrio Corporal (TEC). Foi observada correlacao significativa entre TEC-DGI (r=0,469; p=0,032), EEB-DGI (r= 0,513; p=0,021), correlacao significativa negativa entre DGI-TUG (r= -0,454; p˂0,017), DGI-TUGm (r= -0,516; p˂0,006), DGI-TUGc (r= -0,547; p˂0,003), MEEM-TUG (r= -,470; p=0,055), MEEM-TUGm (r= -,470; p=0,057) e correlacao significativa e moderada entre TUG-TUGm (r=0,701; p=0,000), TUG-TUGc (r=0,713; <0,000) e TUGm-TUGc (r=0,761; <0,000). Conclui-se que os instrumentos sao complementares. Recomenda-se sua aplicacao conjunta a avaliacao do equilibrio corporal e a predicao do risco de quedas em idosos ativos.
Family identification and earnings management in listed firms

Abstract In this paper, we investigate the earnings management behavior of listed family firms holding the name of the family (eponymous FF). Specifically, we use a Swiss sample of 1,544 firm-year observations from 2006 to 2018 to examine the association of eponymous FF with accrual-based earnings management in general, and identify circumstances where this association does not hold. First, we find that, on average, eponymous FF exhibit less earnings management than non-FF. Second, we exploit a Swiss-specific option to voluntarily turn away from IFRS to local GAAP. Using a difference-in-differences approach, we find that eponymous FF exhibit higher levels of earnings management immediately after the switch. Finally, we show that eponymous FF exhibit higher earnings management when the family is directly involved in the board of directors or the managing board. Our findings provide a more nuanced understanding of the effects of family identification on earnings management incentives in listed firms.
Nanocrystalline silicon emitter optimization for Si‐HJ solar cells: Substrate selectivity and CO2 plasma treatment effect

We investigated hydrogenated nanocrystalline silicon (nc‐Si:H) films as doped emitter layers for silicon heterojunction solar cells. Firstly, we focused on the effect of the nc‐Si:H deposition conditions and film growth on the intrinsic hydrogenated amorphous silicon passivation layer ((i)a‐Si:H) underneath. Three different p‐doped emitters were compared: nc‐Si:H, nc‐SiOx:H, and a‐Si:H. We found that the nc‐Si:H and nc‐SiOx:H growth enhances the passivation of the epitaxy‐free (i)a‐Si:H layer, yielding implied open circuit voltages above 730 mV. Secondly, for (p)nc‐Si:H emitters, we observed a trade‐off between fill factor (FF) and open circuit voltage (Voc) by using two types of (i)a‐Si:H films. A slight epitaxy of the (i)layer seems to promote the rapid nucleation of nc‐Si:H, thereby positively affecting the FF (79.5%) and series resistance but reducing Voc (670 mV). Contrarily, on well‐passivating (i)a‐Si:H the nc‐Si:H nucleation is more difficult resulting in S‐shaped I–V curves, presumably due to low built‐in voltage and a poor emitter/TCO contact. To circumvent this dilemma, a CO2 plasma treatment is used to oxidize the a‐Si:H surface before the nc‐Si:H emitter deposition thereby enhancing nucleation. Accordingly, a FF of 74.5% with Voc of 727 mV is reached in the best device, yielding a conversion efficiency of 21%.
The Effect of Food Quality and Perceived Value on Behavioral Intention Using Customer Satisfaction as A Mediation Variable (Study On Gacoan Noodle Restaurant in Surabaya)

The development of the food & beverage industry has recorded quite good growth in recent years due to the presence of the digital world. The purpose of this analysis is to determine the direct and indirect effects of food quality and perceived value on behavioral intentions through customer satisfaction at Mie Gacoan restaurants in Surabaya. The quantitative research model uses a sample of 273 respondents, with the main characteristics being consumers who make purchases at the Mie Gacoan restaurant in Surabaya using Online Food Delivery (OFD). This study uses descriptive analysis techniques, SEM-PLS and mediation tests. The research results show that food quality (X1) has a positive and significant effect on customer satisfaction (Z). Perceived value (X2) has a positive and significant effect on customer satisfaction (Z). Food quality (X1) has a positive and insignificant effect on behavioral intentions (Y). Perceived value (X2) has a positive and significant effect on behavioral intentions (Y). Customer satisfaction (Z) has a positive and significant effect on behavioral intentions (Y). Customer satisfaction (Z) has a positive and significant effect mediating food quality (X1) on behavioral intentions (Y). Customer satisfaction (Z) has a positive and significant effect mediating Perceived value (X2) on behavioral intentions (Y).
Robust Sliding Mode Control With Optimal Path Following for Lateral Motion of Autonomous Bus

A robust and high-performance lateral control system is necessary for autonomous bus driving in complex downtown roads. In this paper, a Sliding Mode (SM) controller with an uncertainty observer is proposed to reduce the chattering phenomenon while ensuring robustness and maintaining the control performance. A stiffness gain is introduced in the cornering stiffness of rear wheels to compensate for the model uncertainty and external disturbance. For lane keeping and changing maneuvers, an optimal path planning algorithm is designed by considering dynamic constraints of the bus. The lane departure of bus is prevented with minimizing the lateral jerk through the sampling-based path regeneration process. The proposed lateral control system is compared to other conventional SM based controllers in the TRUCKSIM simulator. In an experiment with a real bus, lane keeping maneuver is conducted and compared with experienced human driver in the same driving course. Lane change maneuver is also tested with real bus to perform smooth lane transition while satisfying the lateral acceleration and yaw rate limitations.
Konishi form factor at three loops in N=4 supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory

We present the first results on the third order corrections to on-shell form factor (FF) of the Konishi operator in ${\cal N}=4$ supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory using Feynman diagrammatic approach in modified dimensional reduction ($\overline {DR}$) scheme. We show that it satisfies KG equation in $\overline {DR}$ scheme while the result obtained in four dimensional helicity (FDH) scheme needs to be suitably modified not only to satisfy the KG equation but also to get the correct ultraviolet (UV) anomalous dimensions. We find that the cusp, soft and collinear anomalous dimensions obtained to third order are same as those of the FF of the half-BPS operator confirming the universality of the infrared (IR) structures of on-shell form factors. In addition, the highest transcendental terms of the FF of Konishi operator are identical to those of half-BPS operator indicating the probable existence of deeper structure of the on-shell FF. We also confirm the UV anomalous dimensions of Konishi operator up to third order providing a consistency check on the both UV and universal IR structures in ${\cal N}=4$.
Bloody Amniotic Fluid and Neonatal Outcomes

Information on the effect of bloody amniotic fluid during labor at term is scarce. This study assessed risk factors and adverse outcomes in labors with bloody amniotic fluid. During the six years of this study, all nulliparas in our institution, with a trial of labor, were included. Multiple pregnancies and preterm deliveries were excluded. Outcomes were compared between the bloody amniotic fluid group and the clear amniotic fluid group. Overall, 11,252 women were included. Among them, 364 (3.2%) had bloody amniotic fluid and 10,888 (96.7%) had clear amniotic fluid. Women in the bloody amniotic fluid group were characterized by shorter duration of the second stage and higher rate of cesarean section due to non-reassuring fetal heart rate. In addition, there were higher rates of low cord pH (<7.1) and NICU admissions in the bloody amniotic fluid group. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, cesarean delivery, cord blood pH < 7.1, and NICU admission were independently associated with increased odds ratio for bloody amniotic fluid. Bloody amniotic fluid at term is associated with adverse outcomes and must be considered during labor.
Executive functions scale for university students: UEF-1

Introduction Executive functions are a set of mental abilities that allow human beings to consciously regulate their behavior and, in a university setting, will have a significant impact on student success during professional training. Objective To develop a scale to assess executive functions in a university setting. Method Using a sample of 1,373 university students from Chile (663) and Ecuador (710) between 17 and 33 years old (Mage = 20.53, SD = 2.34). A study was carried out to analyze the psychometric properties of the instrument using a reliability and validity analysis for a scale that assesses executive functions: conscious monitoring of responsibilities, supervisory attentional system, conscious regulation of behavior, verification of behavior to learn, decision making, conscious regulation of emotions, and management of elements to solve tasks. Results Adequate internal consistency parameters were found between α = 0.71 and 0.85. The seven executive functions proposed on the scale correlated proportionally between r = 0.42 and 0.62. In the confirmatory factor analysis, good fit indices were obtained in the model of the seven executive functions x2(413) = 1649.14, p = <0.001, CFI = 0.91, SRMR = 0.04 and RMSEA = 0.04. Discussion The research carried out reaches its conclusion stating that the scale that was developed has the psychometric properties to assess executive functions in the Latin American setting. The results regarding previous research and the contribution made in the line of research of executive functions are discussed.