Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Optimal Buffer Capacities in 3-node Tandem Queues with Blocking

In this study, we consider characteristics of waiting times in singleserver 3-node tandem queues with a Poisson arrival process, finite buffers and deterministic or non-overlapping service times at each queue. There are three buffers: one at the first node is infinite and the others are finite. The explicit expressions of waiting times in all areas of the systems, which are driven as functions of finite buffer capacities, show that the sojourn time does not depend on the finite buffer capacities and also allow one to compute and compare characteristics of waiting times at all areas of the system under two blocking policies: communication and manufacturing blocking. As an application of these results, moreover, an optimization problem which determines the smallest buffer capacities satisfying predetermined probabilistic constraints on waiting times is considered. Some numerical examples are also provided.
Nano-modified slag-based cementitious composites reinforced with basalt pellets and polyvinyl alcohol fibers

This study presents the properties of cementitious composites incorporating 6% nano-silica with high content of slag (50% of the main binder weight) and reinforced with two fiber systems (single and hybrid). Polyvinyl alcohol (micro-PVA) and basalt fiber pellets (macro-BFP) were used at dosages of 1%, 2.5% and 4.5% by composite volume, respectively. BFP is a novel type of basalt fibers, where basalt fiber strands are coated by a polymeric resin with textured surface micro-grooves. Fresh, mechanical and durability tests were conducted to investigate the properties of these innovative composites. Besides, mercury intrusion porosimetry, microscopy and thermal studies were conducted to augment the bulk trends. The results showed that nano-silica led to improved performance at early- and later-ages in terms of flowability, hardening, refinement of pore structure, mechanical capacity, bonding with BFP, and resistance to freezing-thawing cycles. Reduction in mechanical capacity and durability was observed for composites with increasing macro-BFP (single system) dosage; however, the post-cracking flexural performance of such composites was enhanced in terms of toughness. Comparatively, adding 1% micro-PVA fibers to macro-BFP (hybrid system) in the nano-modified composites led to balanced high-performance in terms of mechanical capacity, ductility and durability to frost action, which suggests their promising potential for various field applications.
The Strange-Metal Behavior of Cuprates

Recent resonant X-ray scattering experiments on cuprates allowed to identify a new kind of collective excitations, known as charge density fluctuations, which have finite characteristic wave vector, short correlation length and small characteristic energy. It was then shown that these fluctuations provide a microscopic scattering mechanism that accounts for the anomalous transport properties of cuprates in the so-called strange-metal phase and are a source of anomalies in the specific heat. In this work, we retrace the main steps that led us to attributing a central role to charge density fluctuations in the strange-metal phase of cuprates, discuss the state of the art on the issue and provide an in-depth analysis of the contribution of charge density fluctuations to the specific heat.
Daytime Exposure to Blue Light Alters Cardiovascular Circadian Rhythms, Electrolyte Excretion and Melatonin Production

Artificial light is characterized by certain features of its impact on the body in terms of its spectral distribution of power, duration of exposure and intensity. Short waves, perceived as blue light, are the strongest synchronizing agent for the circadian system. In the present work, we investigated the features of the circadian rhythms of blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), the excretion of electrolytes and the secretion of melatonin in normotensive (Wistar–Kyoto) and hypertensive (SHR) rats under the action of monochromatic blue light in the daytime period. It was found that the exposure of Wistar–Kyoto rats to monochromatic blue light was accompanied by a significant decrease in nighttime and 24 h systolic BP. The most remarkable changes are characteristic of the HR in SHR rats under monochromatic light. A significant decrease in HR in each time period was found, but the predominance of nighttime over daytime values remained in SHR animals. There was also a significant increase in the mesor of the HR in SHR rats. Additionally, the amplitude of diastolic BP and HR, as well as the range of oscillations in HR, were significantly increased compared with the standard light pattern. In contrast to SHR rats, the regulation of the circadian rhythms in Wistar–Kyoto rats was more flexible and presented more changes, which may be aimed at the adaptation of the body to environmental conditions. For Wistar–Kyoto rats, an increase in the level of excreted electrolytes was observed under the action of monochromatic light, but no similar changes were found in SHR rats. For Wistar–Kyoto rats, a significant decrease in the urine concentration of aMT6s in the daytime and nighttime periods is characteristic, which results in the loss of the circadian rhythm. In SHR rats, there was a significant decrease in the nighttime content of aMT6s in the urine, while the daytime concentration, on the contrary, increased. The obtained data demonstrate that prolonged exposure to monochromatic blue light in the daytime period affects the circadian structure of the rhythms of the cardiovascular system, the rhythm of electrolyte excretion and the production of epiphyseal melatonin in wild-type and hypertensive animals. In SHR rats, the rhythms of BP and HR exhibit a more rigid pattern.
Married Women’s Attitude toward Intimate Partner Violence Is Influenced by Exposure to Media: A Population-Based Spatial Study in Bangladesh

This study estimated the attitudes of women toward accepting IPV at district level in Bangladesh and examined its relationship with sociodemographic predictors including exposure to media (e.g., newspaper, radio and television) using the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey-2019 with a sample of 63,689 women. Around 25.6% women accepted IPV that geographically varied from 1.78% (Pirojpur) to 57.14% (Kurigram). Women regularly exposed to media were 17% less likely to accept IPV. Attitude toward accepting IPV was found to be higher among the illiterate women in disadvantaged circumstances, patriotically from poorer households living in remote areas, which suggest that planned interventions are needed for this vulnerable group of women to improve their living status by providing access to education and media. Further research is necessary to assess the impact of women’s empowerment on their attitude toward acceptance of IPV.
Clinical correlation and assessment of olfactory dysfunction with n-butanol in COVID-19 patients: our experience

Background: Studies showed olfactory disturbances in COVID patients. This has attracted focus of clinicians as an easy clinical screening tool in suspected population. Material and methods: 70 mild and moderate category COVID-19 RT-PCR positive patients, more than 10 years of age were tested on day of admission for olfaction with serial dilution of n-butanol and asked to grade severity of their olfactory dysfunction according to visual analogue score from 1-10. Results: Fatigue 42 (93.33%), sore throat 37 (82.22%), fever 36 (80%) and dyspnea 23 (51.11%) were the most common symptoms in moderate patients. Diabetes, hypertension and allergy were the three prominent risk factors. At time of admission, n-butanol diagnosed 20 patients having olfactory dysfunction compared to 11 by VAS. Patients tend to grade their dysfunction higher on VAS whereas the n-butanol test classified their olfactory dysfunction lower. Viral load and high CRP were not found to be significantly related with olfactory dysfunction. d-Dimer and LDH levels were found statistically associated with higher grading of olfactory dysfunction detected by n-butanol. Conclusion: The majority of cases developed hyposmia before they were admitted to hospital even before they realized that they were having hyposmia as revealed by n-butanol testing. We should go for objective tests of olfaction.
Can the amount of information and information presentation reduce choice overload? An empirical study of online hotel booking

ABSTRACT During online hotel booking, travelers are exposed to numerous hotel options, possibly making them feel overwhelmed with choices. Based on an online hotel booking scenario, two 2 × 2 factorial design experiments (Study one: 2 choice sizes × 2 amount of information; Study two: 2 choice sizes × 2 presentation of information), each with a sample of 242 participants, have been conducted to test the effect of choice size on perceived overload. The results find the choice overload effects and the associated internal mechanism, as well as the moderating effects of amount of information and presentation of information.
Investigating the Incidence of Value Added Tax on Households Income: New Evidence from Italy

This paper analyses the incidence of the Value Added Tax (VAT) on Italian households income. To address this question, we developed a non- behavioural microsimulation model, the Value Added Tax Simulation Model (VATSIM- DF II). The goals of VATSIM- DF (II) are to estimate actual and expected VAT revenues, assess the VAT incidence on households disposable income, and simulate the distributional effects of changes in fiscal policies in Italy. Compared to existing models, the main achievements of this study are: (i) the creation of a unique original dataset, which includes tax register data; (ii) the implementation of a matching procedure, based on Tax Register data, which outperforms other data fusion strategies used in the existing literature. These innovations allow us to create a reliable and unique dataset to simulate changes in VAT and to produce results consistent with the most updated macroeconomic data. We tested our model, at current VAT legislation, and we show the VAT burden on Italian households confirming the regressivity of VAT. Finally, we analyse the effect of a revenue neutral reform, with two VAT rates, which applies the reduced VAT rate also to female and babies sanitary products. (ii) the adjustment of survey data on income and consumption to National Accounts data at the year of the simulation, which makes our estimations on VAT extremely coherent with the most updated macroeconomic data. To the best of our knowledge, there are not existing models in Italy with these features and this makes VATSIM- DF (II) a promising tool for reliable microsimulations about the distributional effects of VAT. We show that the procedure we used to create the dataset VATIC 2019, outperforms other methods used in the literature about microsimulation models in Italy. Also, we show an application of our model by testing a revenue neutral reform with two VAT rates. The reform consists only of two rates: a reduced VAT rate of 7% and an ordinary VAT rate of 20%. In addition to other basic goods, the reduced VAT rate is also applied to female sanitary towels and babies nappies. We show that this reform does not strongly affect the VAT burden on households. Conversely, it benefits low- income households reducing the VAT burden for basic goods and services (e.g. food and non-alcoholic beverages; clothing and footwear; and housing, water, gas, electricity and other fuels). However, the VAT burden on households visibly increases for restaurants and hotels, in particular for low- income households. A further extension of the VATSIM- DF (II) model, which will be described in a forthcoming paper, focuses on the behavioural effects produced by tax- shifts and changes in fiscal policies.
The Effect of Extra School Funding on Students’ Academic Achievements under a Centralized School Financing System

Abstract This paper analyzes the effect of providing extra school funding on student achievement under the homogenous school funding system in South Korea. This study exploits an administrative cutoff rule that determines the provision of school funding and uses a regression discontinuity design to identify a causal impact of extra school funding. The analysis finds that a 20 percent increase in per pupil funding for underperforming schools reduced the number of below-average students in mathematics, English, social studies, and science by 19.7 percent, 17.0 percent, 16.1 percent, and 18.1 percent compared with the control-side means. The research findings suggest that additional funding for underperforming schools to promote vertical equity would improve students’ academic outcomes if it is distributed directly to underperforming schools and used to provide new academic programs to students.
Microbial Transformation and Biological Activities of the Prenylated Aromatic Compounds from Broussonetia kazinoki

Broussonetia kazinoki has been used as a traditional medicine for the treatment of burns and acne, and its extracts have been found to show tyrosinase inhibitory and anticancer activities. In this study, the tyrosinase inhibitory and cytotoxic activities of B. kazinoki were explored, leading to the isolation of kazinol C (1), kazinol E (2), kazinol F (3), broussonol N (4), and kazinol X (5), of which the compounds 4 and 5 have not been previously reported. Microbial transformation has been recognized as an efficient tool to generate more active metabolites. Microbial transformation of the major compounds 1 and 3 was conducted with Mucor hiemalis, where four glucosylated metabolites (6–9) were produced from 1, while one hydroxylated (10) and one glucosylated (11) metabolites were obtained from 3. Structures of the isolated metabolites were determined by extensive spectroscopic analyses. All compounds were evaluated for their tyrosinase inhibitory and cytotoxic activities. Compound 3 and its metabolites, kazinol Y (10) and kazinol F-4″-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (11), exhibited the most potent tyrosinase inhibitory activities with the IC50 values ranging from 0.71 to 3.36 µM. Meanwhile, none of the metabolites, except for kazinol C-2′,3″-di-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (7), showed moderate cytotoxic activities (IC50 17.80 to 24.22 µM) against A375P, B16F10 and B16F1 cell lines.
Down-to-earth ecological literacy through human and nonhuman encounters in fieldwork

Abstract This study explores how fieldwork can contribute to the development of ecological literacy and draws on actor-network theory and science studies which imply an understanding of agency as being distributed. The aim is to explore the consequences of the human-nonhuman encounters in fieldwork practice for the growth of ecological literacy. The explorations employ Bruno Latour’s concept of “the terrestrial attractor” and its potential contributions to environmental education. The study is based on a field trip to experience black grouse lekking in Östergötland, Sweden. The empirical material consists of video- and audio-recordings. The results show two dimensions of encounters: (1) ways of initiating encounters, and (2) the human-learner actant configurations involved. The dimensions of encounters afford contributions to ecological literacy.
Inhibition of STAT6 Activation by AS1517499 Inhibits Expression and Activity of PPARγ in Macrophages to Resolve Acute Inflammation in Mice

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) promotes an anti-inflammatory process by inducing the development of M2 macrophages. We investigated whether modulating STAT6 activity in macrophages using AS1517499, the specific STAT6 inhibitor, affects the restoration of homeostasis after an inflammatory insult by regulating PPARγ expression and activity. Administration of AS1517499 suppressed the enhanced STAT6 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation observed in peritoneal macrophages after zymosan injection. In addition, AS1517499 delayed resolution of acute inflammation as evidenced by enhanced secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, reduced secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines in PLF and supernatants from peritoneal macrophages, and exaggerated neutrophil numbers and total protein levels in PLF. We demonstrate temporal increases in annexin A1 (AnxA1) protein and mRNA levels in peritoneal lavage fluid (PLF), peritoneal macrophages, and spleen in a murine model of zymosan-induced acute peritonitis. In vitro priming of mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) and peritoneal macrophages with AnxA1 induced STAT6 activation with enhanced PPARγ expression and activity. Using AS1517499, we demonstrate that inhibition of STAT6 activation delayed recovery of PPARγ expression and activity, as well as impaired efferocytosis. Taken together, these results suggest that activation of the STAT6 signaling pathway mediates PPARγ expression and activation in macrophages to resolve acute inflammation.
Adaptive temporal patterns of echolocation and flight behaviors used to fly through varied-sized windows by 2 species of high duty cycle bats

Abstract As actively sensing animals guided by acoustic information, echolocating bats must adapt their vocal–motor behavior to various environments and behavioral tasks. Here, we investigated how the temporal patterns of echolocation and flight behavior were adjusted in 2 species of bats with a high duty cycle (HDC) call structure, Rhinolophus ferrumequinum and Hipposideros armiger, when they flew along a straight corridor and then passed through windows of 3 different sizes. We also tested whether divergence existed in the adaptations of the 2 species. Both H. armiger and R. ferrumequinum increased their call rates by shortening the pulse duration and inter-pulse interval for more rapid spatial sampling of the environment when flying through smaller windows. Bats produced more sonar sound groups (SSGs) while maintaining a stable proportion of calls that made up SSGs during approaches to smaller windows. The 2 species showed divergent adjustment in flight behavior across 3 different window sizes. Hipposideros armiger reduced its flight speed to pass through smaller windows while R. ferrumequinum increased its flight speed. Our results suggest that these 2 species of HDC bats adopt similar acoustic timing patterns for different tasks although they performed different flight behaviors.
German politics at the traffic light: new beginnings in the election of 2021

Abstract With the announced end of Angela Merkel’s tenure as Chancellor, the 2021 German federal election was particularly charged. In stark contrast to the Social Democratic Party, which became more united as the election approached, the Christian Democrats were not able to consolidate the fissures unveiled by Merkel’s departure. The Greens, emboldened by the polls, for the first time joined the traditional major parties in nominating a chancellor candidate. The result was a campaign period that centred heavily on the three-way race between Olaf Scholz (SPD), Armin Laschet (CDU/CSU) and Annalena Baerbock (Greens). The electoral outcome reduced the large number of coalitions discussed against the backdrop of a fragmenting party system and eventually led to a novel partnership on the federal level, a so-called traffic light coalition between the Social Democrats, Greens, and the Liberals. The formation of this coalition was facilitated by the refusal of Social and Christian Democrats to even consider renewing their ‘grand’ coalition, a newfound self-confidence on behalf of Greens and Liberals as well as the symbolic benefit that this novel alliance brought together the election winners. In many ways, the electoral result and the coalition it engendered represent new beginnings in German politics but significant hurdles to the consolidation of these patterns remain.
Caudal Vertebral Fragilities Related to Loss of a Tail Part in Two Species of the Japanese Field Mice

Abstract. In the Japanese field mice, Apodemus argenteus and A. speciosus, loss of a tail part has often been observed under natural conditions. Such loss is considered a way of avoiding damage during physical accidents and attacks. Here, we studied the types of losses, types of caudal breakages, and breakage positions along the tail. The losses mainly consisted of intervertebral breakage (inter-VB) and intravertebral breakage (intra-VB). VB occurred widely along the tail in both Apodemus species and showed no specific tendency for the inter-VB positions. Intra-VB was confirmed at caudal vertebrae of the middle portion of the tail, consisting of vertebrae with lower relative width (minimum width/maximum length in each caudal vertebra) ranges showing a mean of approximately 0.15–0.28 in both Apodemus species. Previous studies in lizards and rodents found autotomic inter-VB and intra-VB to be positioned in a specific small portion of the tail. However, we found that in field mice, inter-VB and intra-VB were widely distributed along the tail without a regular position. Therefore, it is suggested that both inter-VB and intra-VB as self-defense ways in Apodemus appear to be mere torn-off breakages rather than autotomies, due to certain fragilities in intra- and intervertebral structures.
Effects of exercise on thyroid hormones in children and adolescents with thyroid function disorders: A Systematic Review

Background: Exercise leads to changes in hormonal concentration and metabolites which impacts growth and development; during physical activity, energy metabolism is influenced by hormones associated with pubertal development, and characterization of its response to exercise is essential. Therefore, we aimed to identify the effects of exercise on thyroid hormones in children and adolescents with thyroid function disorders. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Embase based on the search strategy, and the articles were screened based on inclusion criteria, for which two independent reviewers conducted data extraction. The eligible studies were methodologically assessed using a modified Downs and Black’s checklist. The extracted data were summarized according to study population, intervention, type and duration, outcome measures, and results. Results: The total number of screened articles was 1,710, out of which six papers were included for review. Studies included children and adolescents with hypothyroidism, intellectual disabilities, and obesity who received exercise or physical activity as an intervention. The outcomes included thyroid hormones T3, T4, and TSH. Studies were generally of low quality. The findings of the studies throw some light on the benefits of exercise or physical activity. Conclusions: Structured physical activity and exercise followed for a more extended period showed some thyroid function changes in this population. The intensity of change was directly proportional to exercise intensity. However, this review does not provide sufficient evidence stating that exercise results in changes of thyroid function returning to normal, which requires further higher-quality studies to strengthen the review’s findings.