Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Special Character Areas on Property Values and Homeowners’ Experiences: Cases from Auckland, New Zealand

The importance of identifying and improving the distinctiveness of historical urban landscapes as a means of reinforcing place identity and supporting economic development has been widely acknowledged. However, research on the economic and social performance of heritage conservation areas is slow to develop, especially in New Zealand. In connection to the examination of Special Character Areas (SCAs) in Auckland, this paper seeks to quantify the value of the historical urban landscape and improve its management. A property value analysis is used to assess the impact of SCA designation on property values and an online questionnaire survey gathers information on homeowners’ experiences of living in an SCA. The results indicate that designated SCA properties have higher average values than non-designated properties and homeowners are appreciative of a sense of community and having certainty about the look and feel of their neighbourhood in the future. However, the majority of people who had gone through the processes of building and planning applications found it to be a negative experience because of the high cost in terms of time and money. A historic urban landscape approach to the development of management plans and design guidelines is recommended to improve the implementation of the Special Character Areas in Auckland and beyond.
NEARLY EFFICIENT LIKELIHOOD RATIO TESTS OF A UNIT ROOT IN AN AUTOREGRESSIVE MODEL OF ARBITRARY ORDER

We study large sample properties of likelihood ratio tests of the unit-root hypothesis in an autoregressive model of arbitrary order. Earlier research on this testing problem has developed likelihood ratio tests in the autoregressive model of order 1, but resorted to a plug-in approach when dealing with higher-order models. In contrast, we consider the full model and derive the relevant large sample properties of likelihood ratio tests under a local-to-unity asymptotic framework. As in the simpler model, we show that the full likelihood ratio tests are nearly efficient, in the sense that their asymptotic local power functions are virtually indistinguishable from the Gaussian power envelopes. Extensions to sieve-type approximations and different classes of alternatives are also considered.
A Comparison of Experimental and Ab Initio Structural Data on Fe under Extreme Conditions

Iron is the major element of the Earth’s core and the cores of Earth-like exoplanets. The crystal structure of iron, the major component of the Earth’s solid inner core (IC), is unknown under the high pressures (P) (3.3–3.6 Mbar) and temperatures (T) (5000–7000 K) and conditions of the IC and exoplanetary cores. Experimental and theoretical data on the phase diagram of iron at these extreme PT conditions are contradictory. Though some of the large-scale ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations point to the stability of the body-centered cubic (bcc) phase, the latest experimental data are often interpreted as evidence for the stability of the hexagonal close-packed (hcp) phase. Applying large-scale AIMD, we computed the properties of iron phases at the experimental pressures and temperatures reported in the experimental papers. The use of large-scale AIMD is critical since the use of small bcc computational cells (less than approximately 1000 atoms) leads to the collapse of the bcc structure. Large-scale AIMD allowed us to compare the measured and computed coordination numbers as well as the measured and computed structural factors. This comparison, in turn, allowed us to suggest that the computed density, coordination number, and structural factors of the bcc phase are in agreement with those observed in experiments, which were previously assigned either to the liquid or hcp phase.
EQUILIBRIUM PRICING TRANSFORMS: NEW RESULTS USING BUHLMANN’S 1980 ECONOMIC MODEL*

In this paper we revisit an economic model of Buhlmann (ASTIN Bulletin, 1980) and derive equilibrium pricing transforms. We obtain the Esscher Transform and the Wang Transform under different sets of assumptions on the aggregate economic environment. We show that the Esscher Transform and the Wang Transform exhibit very different behaviors when used in pricing insurance risks.
Molecular characteristics and prognosis of breast cancer patients with different level of HER2 positivity after adjuvant and neoadjuvant chemotherapy

Purpose HER2-low breast cancer (BC) has renewed interests of researchers worldwide. Here, we aimed to investigate the clinicopathological characteristics of patients with HER2-low, HER2-0 and HER2 ultra-low BC and make conclusion. Methods We collected cases of patients who were diagnosed as BC at Jingling General hospital. Immunohistochemistry was used to redefine HER2 scores. Kaplan–Meier methods and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis were used to compare survival. Results We found that HER2-low BC was more frequent in hormone receptor (HR)–positive BC patients and was associated with fewer T3-T4, lower breast conserving surgery rate and higher adjuvant chemotherapy rate. HER2-low BC patients had better overall survival (OS) compared to HER2-0 BC in premenopausal and stage II BC. Furthermore, HER2-0 BC patients had lower Ki-67 expression levels compared to HER2-ultra low and HER2-low BC in HR–negative BC. HER2-0 BC patients also had worse OS rate compared to those with HER2-ultra low BC in HR–positive BC. Finally, HER2-0 BC patients showed a higher pathological response rate compared to those with HER2-low BC after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Conclusions These findings suggest that HER2-low BC has distinct biology and clinical features compared to HER2-0 BC, and more investigation is needed to understand the biology of HER2-ultra low BC.
Open Research

Study breaks and exam revision weeks are increasingly embedded in learning design under the assumption that students would make use of this time to catch up with their study or prepare for upcoming assessment tasks. However, there remains a paucity of empirical evidence to evaluate to what extent the implementation of study breaks, preparation and exam revision weeks impact students’ engagement and academic performance. By applying learning analytics in a computer-based assessment (CBA) setting, this study investigates how study break weeks and assessment preparation weeks impacted the odds of passing a module using a mixed-effect logistic regression on 123,916 undergraduate students in 205 modules over several semes-ters from 2015–2017 at the Open University. Furthermore, we investigated the inter-temporal characteristics of student engagement during preparation weeks for a final assessment in an Introductory Business course over three semesters. A mixed-effect logistic regression was used to model behavioural engagement of 3385 students on the VLE (i.e. click counts) over three semesters during the assessment preparation weeks. Our findings indicated a positive association between study breaks and the odds of passing a course, while there was no statistically significant effect in relation to the number of assessment preparation and revision weeks. Analysis of behavioural engagement on the VLE suggested that there was a higher proportion of passed students remained active during preparation and exam revision weeks compared to failed students. Compared to the pass group, the fail group also exhibited a stronger pattern of procrastination. This study offers new insights that could help institution management and course designer to evaluate the efficacy of using study breaks and exam preparation weeks to improve student retention.
A 3D continuum-mechanical model for forward-dynamics simulations of the upper limb

Michael Sprenger This work introduces forward-dynamics simulations of a musculoskeletal system, in which all components are represented as volumetric objects. Furthermore, the mechanical behaviour of the muscle-tendon complexes are modelled using the theory of finite elasticity. To demonstrate the feasibility of the framework the Upper Limb Model is introduced. It consists of three bones (humerus, ulna and radius), a onedegree-of-freedom elbow joint, and an antagonistic muscle pair (biceps and triceps brachii), and takes into consideration the contact between the muscles and the humerus. Numerical studies have shown that the proposed Upper Limb Model is capable of predicting realistic arm moments and muscle forces for the entire range of muscle activation and arm motion. Additionally, first realistic insights in muscle-bone contact forces and fibre stretch distributions are possible.
Systematicity of L1 Thai Learners’ L2 English Interlanguage of ‘Wish-Clauses’

The current study aimed to investigate the production of L2 English ‘wish-clauses’ by L1 Thai learners, based on the Interlanguage Hypothesis (Corder, 1981; Selinker, 1972, 1992). It was hypothesized that L1 Thai learners showed systematicity in their interlanguage in the use of ‘wish-clauses’ and that their IL was shaped by language transfer and transfer of training, which are among the psychological processes of IL construction. English ‘wish-clauses’ examined in the study were three types of hypothetical or counterfactual wish: wish about the present, wish about the past, and wish about the future. A Cloze Test and a Situation Task were administered to 30 L1 Thai undergraduate students, divided equally into two groups: the intermediate group and the advanced group. The results conformed to the hypotheses in that Thai learners of both proficiency levels seemed to exhibit similar systematicity in the production of all types of English ‘wish-clauses’ in both tasks. Also, some systematicity was exhibited mainly in the intermediate group. The systematicity was assumed to be influenced by language transfer, in combination with transfer of training. The results of the study are expected to shed light on the characteristics of English IL of ‘wish-clauses’ among L1 Thai learners and the difficulties they face in the acquisition of English ‘wish-clauses’.
Firm Value Of The Agricultural Sector In Indonesia And Several Influencing Factors

During the Coronavirus-19 outbreak, from the six sectors that were able to achieve positive performance on the Indonesia Stock Exchange, the agricultural sector showed the highest increase of 3.770 per cent. The purpose of the study is to find academic proof about the influence of profitability, growth opportunity and business risk variables on the value of agricultural sector companies where capital structure functions as a mediating variable in the 2017 to 2021 period. With the purposive method obtained 24 samples of companies. The results of the study provide the proofs that profitability, business risk and capital structure have a positive effect on firm value. Growth opportunity has a negative effect on firm value, while profitability can have a positive effect on capital structure. Meanwhile, growth opportunity does not have a significant effect on capital structure, while business risk can affect capital structure. Another finding in this study is that capital structure is able to mediate profitability, growth opportunity, and business risk on firm value.
Implementation of Ethnomathematics Strategy in Indonesian Traditional Games as Mathematics Learning Media

The learning strategy by associating cultural elements with mathematics is called ethnomathematics. The application of ethnomathematics in learning is very important in fostering a love for local culture which is currently almost abandoned due to modernization. This study aims to explain the mathematical elements contained in the Indonesian traditional game, namely engklek (hopscotch). The research method used ethnographic research. Data collection techniques used were observation, interviews, field notes, and documentation. The data analysis used was a triangulation analysis which consisted of data reduction, presentation, and drawing conclusions. The results of the study show that there are several mathematical topics in the game, including plane geometry, the concept of the relationship between angles (opposite angles and straight angles), cube net, congruence, the concept of reflection, the concept of mathematical logic, and the concept of probability. Hopscotch can be used as a medium for learning mathematics as a learning innovation in schools. The application of ethnomathematics strategies can improve elements of character education in the form of honesty, togetherness, and high sportsmanship in carrying out traditional games.
Prognostic Impact of Dihydropyrimidine Dehydrogenase Germline Variants in Unresectable Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Treated with Platin-Based Chemotherapy

Platin-based chemotherapy is the standard treatment for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, resistance to this therapy is a major obstacle in successful treatment. In this study, we aimed to investigate the impact of several pharmacogenetic variants in patients with unresectable NSCLC treated with platin-based chemotherapy. Our results showed that DPYD variant carriers had significantly shorter progression-free survival and overall survival compared to DPYD wild-type patients, whereas DPD deficiency was not associated with a higher incidence of high-grade toxicity. For the first time, our study provides evidence that DPYD gene variants are associated with resistance to platin-based chemotherapy in NSCLC patients. Although further studies are needed to confirm these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms of this association, our results suggest that genetic testing of DPYD variants may be useful for identifying patients at a higher risk of platin-based chemotherapy resistance and might be helpful in guiding future personalized treatment strategies in NSCLC patients.
Nonlinear Physics of Ecosystems

Introduction An emerging new scientific discipline Pattern formation-a missing link in ecological research Purpose and scope of the book OVERVIEW Spatial Self-Organization Natural and laboratory realizations of pattern formation Pattern-forming systems as dynamical systems A glimpse into pattern formation theory Spatial Ecology The complexity of ecological systems Outstanding problems The relevance of pattern formation theory to spatial ecology Modeling Ecosystems Why model? The modeling process Model output PATTERN FORMATION THEORY Pattern Formation Analysis: Basic Methods Dimensional analysis Two canonical models Linear stability analysis of uniform states Pattern Formation Analysis: Advanced Methods Amplitude equations Linear stability analysis of periodic states Singular perturbation theory Basic Mechanisms of Pattern Formation Nonuniform instabilities of uniform states Multiplicity of stable states and localized structures Instabilities of localized structures External Modulations of Pattern Forming Systems The interplay between intrinsic and extrinsic periodicities Multistability of phase states and fronts Symmetry-breaking instabilities APPLICATIONS TO ECOLOGY Modeling Water-Limited Vegetation Basic biomass-water feedbacks A mathematical model for water-limited vegetation Vegetation Pattern Formation Uniform and periodic vegetation states along environmental gradients Nonperiodic patterns Regime Shifts and Desertification The common view Spatial aspects of regime shifts Regime shifts in water-limited landscapes Species Coexistence and Diversity in Plant Communities Modeling plant communities Species coexistence induced by ecosystem engineers Savanna-like forms of species coexistence Linking pattern formation and biodiversity Bibliography Index
Lidar Observation of the Atmospheric Boundary Layer in Jerusalem

Abstract The temporal variation of the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) over Jerusalem is accurately measured by means of a lidar system. The findings are explained and discussed based on the specific synoptic situation of typical summer days in the Middle East. The different behavior of the ABL near the seashore and inland is stressed. The measurement technique is also used to detect the entrainment zone and its development over Jerusalem.
A Low-Latency Framework With Algorithm-Hardware Co-Optimization for 3-D Point Cloud

As an important type of 3D representation, the point cloud is widely used in many applications, such as autonomous driving, AR/VR, and intelligent robots, which require real-time interactions with humans. However, the sparsity of 3D point cloud data leads to severe computational inefficiency when being processed by 2D data processors, posing a huge challenge for hardware acceleration. In this brief, we aim at solving the inefficiency problem by algorithm-hardware co-optimization. Firstly, a lightweight network, named LPN, is proposed for point cloud data classification, which is <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$30\times $ </tex-math></inline-formula> smaller than pointnet and still has comparable accuracy. Secondly, a reconfigurable computing core, named RCC, together with an adaptive dataflow, is developed to support different layers of the LPN. Specifically, to accelerate memory-intensive layers, a partially-parallel computing scheme is introduced to minimize the on-chip memory requirements and DRAM accesses. Finally, based on the above innovations, a low-latency accelerator is proposed to realize real-time computation for the point cloud, which is implemented on the Xilinx Kintex UltraScale KCU150 FPGA board. Experimental results show that it achieves <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$1.5\times $ </tex-math></inline-formula> throughput improvement compared with the state-of-the-art works, and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$35\times $ </tex-math></inline-formula> speedup over Intel Xeon Gold 6148 CPU, demonstrating the superiority of the proposed method. The code of LPN is available from <uri>https://github.com/snowsil/LPN-model-for-3D-classifification</uri>.
Tritium Activity Determination in a Wastes Drum by Helium-3 Ingrowth Method

ABSTRACT This paper presents a method to quantify the tritium activity in a drum by measurement of its helium-3 leak. A model of helium exchanges with the atmosphere has been developed. It takes into account the diffusion phenomena and the influence of atmospheric pressure changes. The validation has been achieved with a pilot and the comparison between theoretical and experimental data has highlighted a very good agreement. Drum’s helium-3 leak equilibrates after six months and then equals the helium-3 production in the drum and so to the total tritium activity. The measurement technique is also described. It’s based on quantitative helium trace level determinations with an adapted leak detector. After a drum’s confinement period of 5 hours and a cryogenic treatment of gaseous samples, the method allows to detect a 5 GBq activity of tritium in a drum.
Phyto-Inhibitory and Antimicrobial Activity of Brown Propolis from Romania

The objective of this paper was to study the phyto-inhibitory and antimicrobial activity of brown propolis collected from the counties of four regions in Romania. The main physico-chemical and functional properties of 16 samples of propolis from different landforms of geographical regions were determined. Their antimicrobial activities were established against 5 bacterial strains (Pseudomonas fluorescens, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, and Proteus mirabilis) and 5 fungal strains (Alternaria alternata, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Fusarium oxysporum, Mucor racemosus, and Aspergillus niger). Simultaneously, the phyto-inhibitory effect of propolis samples on different cereals was highlighted: hexaploid bread wheat (Triticum aestivum), maize (Zea mays L.), oats (Avena sativa L.), and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). Correlations between the antioxidant activity and total flavonoid and phenol content of the propolis samples were identified, respectively, and the statistical analysis highlighted that the diameter of the inhibition zone was influenced by the strain type (bacterial and fungal) and the geographical regions of propolis. Principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that out of seven principal components, only two exhibited > 0.5. Pearson’s correlation coefficient showed a low and moderate positive linear relationship between the diameter of the inhibition zone and the flavonoid and phenol concentration of the propolis samples.
Molecular detection of reproductive symbionts and parthenogenesis experiments in Tuta absoluta from Argentina: facing potential for sustainable and specific pest control strategies

Tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), is a key pest of tomato crops. Specific and environmentally friendly control strategies against this pest, such as the sterile insect technique (SIT), are under development and sexual reproduction has emerged as a key focal point to ensure its success. In the present study, we analyzed four representative T. absoluta populations from Argentina, focusing on the molecular detection of endosymbionts potentially associated with reproductive abnormalities and on determining whether parthenogenesis can occur under laboratory conditions. Larvae of T. absoluta were collected in commercial tomato plantations from La Plata and Mar del Plata (both in Buenos Aires province), Bella Vista (Corrientes province), and Yuto (Jujuy province). Tuta absoluta adults were evaluated by standard PCR for the presence of reproductive endosymbionts (Wolbachia sp., Spiroplasma sp., Arsenophonus sp., Cardinium sp., and Rickettsia sp.). For parthenogenesis assays, 20–23 virgin females from each T. absoluta geographic population were life‐long isolated in Petri dishes with a tomato leaf. Fecundity, fertility, and female longevity were estimated and compared with results from mated females from each population. Our results showed the presence of a unique endosymbiont (Wolbachia sp. supergroup B, sequence type 41). Fecundity of the unmated females was significantly lower than fecundity of mated females in all T. absoluta populations. In addition, unmated females only laid infertile eggs. In conclusion, the absence of parthenogenesis in T. absoluta from representative geographic populations supports the implementation of SIT and mating disruption as effective control strategies against this pest in Argentina.
Stereoisomer-Dependent Membrane Association and Capacity for Insulin Delivery Facilitated by Penetratin

Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), such as penetratin, are often investigated as drug delivery vectors and incorporating d-amino acids, rather than the natural l-forms, to enhance proteolytic stability could improve their delivery efficiency. The present study aimed to compare membrane association, cellular uptake, and delivery capacity for all-l and all-d enantiomers of penetratin (PEN) by using different cell models and cargos. The enantiomers displayed widely different distribution patterns in the examined cell models, and in Caco-2 cells, quenchable membrane binding was evident for d-PEN in addition to vesicular intracellular localization for both enantiomers. The uptake of insulin in Caco-2 cells was equally mediated by the two enantiomers, and while l-PEN did not increase the transepithelial permeation of any of the investigated cargo peptides, d-PEN increased the transepithelial delivery of vancomycin five-fold and approximately four-fold for insulin at an extracellular apical pH of 6.5. Overall, while d-PEN was associated with the plasma membrane to a larger extent and was superior in mediating the transepithelial delivery of hydrophilic peptide cargoes compared to l-PEN across Caco-2 epithelium, no enhanced delivery of the hydrophobic cyclosporin was observed, and intracellular insulin uptake was induced to a similar degree by the two enantiomers.