Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
V1 receptive field structure contributes to neuronal response latency

The timing of neuronal responses is considered to be important for information transferring and communication across individual neurons. However, the sources of variabilities in the timing of neuronal responses are not well understood and sometimes over-interpreted. A systematic variability in the response latencies of the primary visual cortex has been reported in presence of drifting grating stimulus. Whereas the response latencies are systematically dependent on stimulus orientation. To understand the underlying mechanism of these systematic latencies, we recorded the neuronal response of the cat visual cortex, area 17, and simulated the response latency of V1 neurons, with two geometric models. We showed that outputs of these two models significantly predict the response latencies of the electrophysiology recording during orientation tasks. The periodic patterns created in the raster plots were dependent on the relative position of the stimulus rotation center and the receptive-field sub-regions. We argue the position of stimulus is contributing to systematic response latencies, dependent on drifting orientation. Therefore, we provide a toolbox based on our geometrical model for determining the exact location of RF sub-regions. Our result indicates that a major source of neuronal variability is the lack of fine-tuning in the task parameters. Considering the simplicity of the orientation selectivity task, we argue fine-tuning of stimulus properties is crucial for deduction of neural variability in higher-order cortical areas and understanding their neural dynamics.
Functional requirements for a Samd14-capping protein complex in stress erythropoiesis

Acute anemia induces rapid expansion of erythroid precursors and accelerated differentiation to replenish erythrocytes. Paracrine signals – involving cooperation between SCF/c-Kit signaling and other signaling inputs – are required for the increased erythroid precursor activity in anemia. Our prior work revealed that the Sterile Alpha Motif (SAM) Domain 14 (Samd14) gene increases the regenerative capacity of the erythroid system and promotes stress-dependent c-Kit signaling. However, the mechanism underlying Samd14’s role in stress erythropoiesis is unknown. We identified a protein- protein interaction between Samd14 and the α- and β heterodimers of the F-actin capping protein (CP) complex. Knockdown of the CP β subunit increased erythroid maturation in ex vivo cultures and decreased colony forming potential of stress erythroid precursors. In a genetic complementation assay for Samd14 activity, our results revealed that the Samd14-CP interaction is a determinant of erythroid precursor cell levels and function. Samd14-CP promotes SCF/c-kit signaling in CD71med spleen erythroid precursors. Given the roles of c-Kit signaling in hematopoiesis and Samd14 in c-Kit pathway activation, this mechanism may have pathological implications in acute/chronic anemia.
Frequency-Tunable Dual-Band Planar Inverted-F Antenna Based on a Switchable Parasitic Antenna Element

This paper presents a dual-band planar inverted-F antenna that is electrically switched to operate in four frequency bands. A parasitic antenna element is placed between a main antenna element and a ground plane. A simultaneous frequency shift of both frequency bands is achieved by either connecting or disconnecting the parasitic element to the ground. This is done by using two RF PIN diode switches. In addition, the parasitic element creates a capacitive loading effect, which lowers all resonant frequencies and thus can be used to reduce antenna size. The antenna has the potential to cover the frequency ranges of the GSM850, GSM900, GSM1800, PCS1900 and UMTS telecommunication standards. The impact of the parasitic element on the antenna’s resonant frequencies, impedance bandwidth, total efficiency, and radiation pattern is studied by comparing it with a reference antenna that does not incorporate the parasitic element. Index Terms – Frequency tuning, mobile communication antennas, planar inverted-F antenna, RF switches
FEATURES OF THE HEMOSTASIS SYSTEM STATE IN PATIENTS WITH PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS DETECTED BY THE METHOD OF LOW-FREQUENCY VIBRATION PIEZOELECTRIC HEMOCOAGULOGRAPHY

W związku z zapotrzebowaniem na szukanie odpowiedzi dotyczącej jakości w sporcie oraz podnoszeniu efektywności wynikow klubow sportowych Wydzial Nauk Ekonomicznych i Zarządzania, Wydzial Nauk Pedagogicznych, Uniwersyteckie Centrum Sportowe Uniwersytetu Mikolaja Kopernika, oraz Wydzial Kultury Fizycznej, Zdrowia i Turystyki Uniwersytetu Kazimierza Wielkiego stworzyly projekt konferencji naukowej pt. Jakośc w sporcie. Bloki tematyczne: zarządzanie jakością w sporcie, sport jako forma autokreacji, oraz psychorehabilitacja i pomoc psychopedagogiczna w sporcie, prawo sportowe.
Critical success factors for new dishes in gastronomic offer of Belgrade restaurants

The subject of the research of this paper is the success of new dishes in the gastronomic offer of Belgrade restaurants, presented through critical success factors (CSFs) that can influence it. The aim was to analyze CSFs of new dishes in mentioned restaurants. The initial assumption was that the success of new dishes depends on various factors, which resulted in developing a general research question: What factors are important for the success of new dishes in the gastronomic offer of a restaurant? To achieve a high level standards in the restaurant industry and boost competitiveness, businesses have to keep up with modern trends and introduce innovative business approaches. The questionnaire consisted of three sections: managers" profile, the restaurant profile and CSFs. The managers of Belgrade restaurants (N=64) were asked to rank ten different CSFs using the Likert scale. According to their opinions, seven CSFs were found to be very important for the success of new dishes.
Single Nanosecond Dielectric Barrier Discharge and Pulsed Sliding Discharge Applied to Separation Control Along a NACA 0015 Airfoil

Flow manipulation based on plasma actuator is one of the alternative techniques to the mechanical ones. Industrial applications of these plasma actuators sometimes require a large surface plasma sheet in view of increasing the interaction region between the discharge and the incoming flow. Instead of using a typical two-electrode nanosecond pulsed dielectric barrier discharge for which the interaction region is limited to about 20 mm, this study proposes a characterization of a nanosecond sliding discharge based on a three-electrode geometry in order to increase the plasma extension length up to the electrode gap distance of 40 mm. This new device is then applied to the control of an airflow over a NACA0015. In the first part of the paper, the sliding discharge is compared to the single nanosecond DBD by means of electrical, optical and mechanical diagnostics. The electrical investigations reveal that a minimum of 6.5 kV/cm is required between both air-exposed electrodes to generate the sliding regime. The iCCD imagery visualizations show the filamentary morphology of the sliding discharge. Finally the Schlieren visualizations and the pressure gradient measurements reveal how the pressure wave is strongly affected by the sliding regime. In the second part of the paper, both sliding discharge and nanosecond DBD are used to control the flow over a NACA0015 airfoil, for Reynolds numbers up to about one million.
Effect of Exchange Rate Misalignment on Bilateral Trade Between Kenya and European Union: 2000-2016

The exchange rate is an important variable in international trade because a country's competitiveness is determined by the expectations on how trade reacts to its movements. To orient the economy outwards, Kenya has pursued various measures from the 1990s to the 2000s. Kenya also signed up for nonreciprocal trade with the European Union under the Cotonou agreement. Despite the export-oriented efforts, Kenya's trade has remained skewed towards imports and a widening trade deficit which seems to follow the weakening of the Kenya shilling. The main policy dilemma therefore, is how imports accelerated in an environment of unhindered European Union market access, hence the motivation of this study. The study adopted a dynamic modeling approach since previous and present values affect exchange rate and trade. The results show that the economic fundamentals drive the real exchange rate. In terms of misalignment, the exchange rate is overvalued to a maximum of 5.9 percent and undervalued up to 5.2 percent. The estimated misalignment hurts imports but has a positive, statistically insignificant effect on exports. The results of this study suggest that the monetary authority should ensure the exchange rate remains stable and within the 6 percent range while monitoring all the underlying determinants. Additionally, hedging instruments should be made available and affordable to traders.
Social Network Evolution: The Case of UK Companies Before and After Brexit

The Brexit referendum has impacted both the UK and the EU economies in several ways. The uncertainty around Brexit highlighted the importance of a relationships network between directors of companies to access information and resources that are necessary for optimal decision making. It is difficult to develop informed business and economy policies without a deep understanding of the magnitude of Brexit on business-to-business relationships with EU-based firms. This study aims to analyze the impact of the passage of the Brexit referendum on the evolution of board interlock networks. The study uses network analysis to measure the evolution of UK-EU directors’ relationships over the Brexit period, predominantly between the 2010 and 2020 period. The study models the structural changes in dynamic networks by converting this evolving network into static graphs on yearly basis. The analysis indicates that links formation in the UK is affected negatively by the Brexit referendum. It also has a negative impact on forming a new link with potential companies’ directors in the EU, but it shows a rising tendency for shared affiliation bias analysis. Interestingly, the contradicted trend in 2007, the number of directors’ connection in consumer service and food & drug sectors was decreasing in the UK while rocketing in the EU. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2022-06-01-01 Full Text: PDF
The Long-Term Inflow and Structural Test Program

The Long-term Inflow and Structural Test (LIST) program is collecting long-term, continuous inflow and structural response data to characterize the extreme loads on wind turbines. A heavily instrumented Micon 65/13M turbine with SERI 8-m blades is being used as the first test turbine for this test program. This turbine and its two sister turbines are located in Bushland, TX a test site that exposes the turbines to a wind regime that is representative of a Great Plains commercial site. The turbines and their inflow are being characterized with 60 measurements: 34 to characterize the inflow, 19 to characterize structural response, and 7 to characterize the time-varying state of the turbine. The primary characterization of the inflow into the LIST turbine relies upon an array of five sonic anemometers. These three-axis anemometers are placed approximately 2-diameters upstream of the turbine in a pattern designed to describe the inflow. Primary characterization of the structural response of the turbine uses several sets of strain gauges to measure bending loads on the blades and the tower and two accelerometers to measure the motion of the nacelle. Data from the various instruments are sampled at a rate of 30 Hz using a newly developed data acquisition system that features a time-synchronized continuous data stream that is telemetered from the turbine rotor. The data, taken continuously, are automatically divided into 10-minute segments and archived for analysis. Preliminary data are presented to illustrate the operation of the turbine and the data acquisition and analysis system.
Risk impact assessments in project budget development: architects’ perspectives

ABSTRACT Knowledge of how risks combine to impact variability between design stage elemental cost plans and final tender sums, in traditionally procured commercial building projects, from the architects’ perspectives in NZ is yet to be investigated. This study therefore evaluates identified risk factors through risk measurement, in order to determine the most significant. Data for the study were collected through an online questionnaire survey of 82 practising architects in NZ. Responses to the survey were analysed using descriptive statistics, risk mean analysis, degree of risk and Spearman's correlation. A ranking of the mean and degree of risk values enabled the most significant risk factors during design development to be determined. The findings revealed the top 10 risk factors impacting the variability observed. Armed with this information, architects may be better able to provide information on the influence of design- and construction-related risks on building project performance and, consequently the client's cash flow position. Moreover, as risk elements are inherent in construction projects globally, these findings have ramifications for commercial projects by expanding existing knowledge on what is needed for reasonable budgetary performance and successful delivery of construction projects.
Long-run Effects of Market Risk Factors on Bank Performance in the SSA Banking System

The study assesses the long-term effects of market risk factors on bank performance in the Sub-Saharan Africa banking system. The article identifies the most influential market risk factor and the most affected bank performance factors in the long term. It covers 40 countries with 350 commercial banks for ten years. The analysis uses dynamic fixed-effects models (ARDL-DFE). The results demonstrated that non-performing loans are the most influencers affecting bank performance factors in the long run. Furthermore, the results show that return on average assets is the most bank performance factor affected mainly by market risks, especially the NPLs in the long run. Finally, the findings surprisingly proved mutual interactions and cointegration movements among bank market risk factors and bank performance measures in the long run. These findings can assist central banks in supervising and regulating SSA commercial banks and inspire regional bank managers in reducing market risks and sharpening long-run performance strategies through resource reallocating.
Living up to your codes? Corporate codes of ethics and the cost of equity capital

PurposePrevious literature provides mixed evidence about the effectiveness of a code of ethics in limiting managerial opportunism. While some studies find that code of ethics is merely window-dressing, others find that they do influence managers' behavior. The present study investigates whether the quality of a code of ethics decreases the cost of equity by limiting managerial opportunism.Design/methodology/approachIn order to test the hypothesis, the authors perform an empirical analysis on a sample of US companies in the 2004–2012 period. The results are robust to a battery of robustness analyses that the authors performed in order to take care of endogeneity.FindingsEmpirical results indicate that a higher quality code of ethics is associated with a lower cost of equity. In other words, firms with a more comprehensive code of ethics and better-designed implementation procedures limit managerial opportunism and pay a lower cost of equity because they are perceived by investors to be less risky.Research limitations/implicationsPractical implicationsSocial implicationsOriginality/valueThe authors contribute to the literature in two ways. First, by looking at the market reaction to the code of ethics, thus capturing all its indirect possible benefits and second, by measuring not only the existence but also the quality of a code of ethics. Based on the results, policymakers may choose to further promote codes of ethics as an effective corporate governance mechanism.
Overlapping Decentralized Controller Design for Web Tension Control System

Web tension control system is regarded as a large-scale system composed of a number of subsystems associated with tension control and speed control. Then the control system should preferably have a decentralized information structure. Since the concept of a subsystem comes from the controller design strategy, the system decomposition is not unique. This paper proposes an overlapping decentralized control methodology for a web tension control system. By employing the overlapping decomposition, the interactions among subsystems are purely disturbance in terms of physical variables. In this case, it doesn't require crossover frequency assignment to each subsystem, and all the interactions are to be minimized. H-infinity controller design procedure is adopted for constructing decentralized controllers. The calculated results confirm the significant advantage of our methodology.
The Revisional Study of Model Touchdown Time in the 110 metres Hurdle Race: for the Hurdlers with the Record in the Range of 13.71s to 14.59s

The purpose of this study was to analyze the 110 metres hurdle races of hurdlers with the record in the range of 13.71s to 14.59s, and to restudy the model touchdown time in the 110 metres hurdle race. Seventy-five male hurdlers were recorded with two or three high speed video cameras at a sampling rate of 299.7 Hz during whole course of the race. Ten touchdown times from 1 st hurdle to 10 th hurdle were calculated using video images. Touchdown time was defined as the time from start to the touchdown after each hurdle. 110 metres hurdle race record was assigned to the independent variable and each touchdown time was assigned to the dependent variables, and then simple linear analyses were conducted ten times. The main results were shown as follows: 1. 110 metres hurdle race record was significantly correlated with each touchdown time (r = .680―.989, p < .05) and linear regression formulas were significantly given, respectively. 2. Average of standard errors of the estimate in ten linear regression formulas was . 043s (ranging from .035s and .051s). This value is lower, and therefore accuracy of prediction in each linear regression formula was partly higher than those of previous study. It is concluded that more effective regression formulas were made in this study than previous studies to calculate the model touchdown time for 110 metres hurdlers with the record in the range of 13.71s to 14.59s.
Relapse and Outcome of Lupus Nephritis After Renal Transplantation in the Modern Immunosuppressive Era

Background Recurrence of lupus nephritis in the graft is a concern in lupus patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing renal transplantation. The recurrence of lupus nephritis has been variable among different studies depending on the patient characteristics, immunosuppressive regimen, and indications of renal biopsy. Therefore, we investigated the recurrence of lupus nephritis among our patients to see if the new post-transplant regimen has impacted the recurrence. Methods We collected data on all recipients with end-stage renal disease secondary to lupus nephritis, who received renal transplants between 2006-2017 in our center. Patient demographics, transplant, and dialysis-related information have been recorded including kidney biopsy, graft loss, and survival were recorded. An association between recurrent lupus nephritis with survival and/or graft loss was examined using survival models. Results The overall mean±SD age at baseline was 42±13 years; 89% were female; 89% were African American; the previous time on dialysis was a median of 4 years (IQR: 2-8 years), 81% received hemodialysis and 31% received living donor transplantation in the cohort. Our patients received the standard immunosuppressive regimen consisting of prednisone, tacrolimus, and mycophenolate mofetil. Four (10.5%) of the 38 patients had biopsy-proven lupus nephritis recurrence. A total of 10 patients (26%) had graft loss or died during the median follow-up time of 1,230 days (IQR: 460-2,227 days). Recurrence of lupus nephritis showed a trend for increased risk of graft loss or patient death (Hazard Ratio: 3.14, 95%Confidence Interval: 0.65-15.24) compared to the recipient without recurrence in our unadjusted proportional Cox regression model. Conclusion The recurrence rate of lupus nephritis in our patient population is much lower compared to past studies from different immunosuppressive eras. Patients with recurrent lupus nephritis showed an increased risk of graft loss or death.
White-matter degradation and dynamical compensation support age-related functional alterations in human brain

Structural connectivity of the brain at different ages is analyzed using diffusion-weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) data. The largest decrease of the number and average length of streamlines is found for the long inter-hemispheric links, with the strongest impact for frontal regions. From the BOLD functional MRI (fMRI) time series we identify age-related changes of dynamic functional connectivity (dFC) and spatial covariation features of the FC links captured by metaconnectivity (MC). They indicate more constant dFC, but wider range and variance of MC. Finally we applied computational whole-brain network model based on oscillators, which mechanistically expresses the impact of the spatio-temporal structure of the brain (weights and the delays) to the dynamics. With this we tested several hypothesis, which revealed that the spatio-temporal reorganization of the brain with ageing, supports the observed functional fingerprints only if the model accounts for: (i) compensation of the individual brains for the overall loss of structural connectivity, and (ii) decrease of propagation velocity due to the loss of myelination. We also show that having these two conditions, it is sufficient to decompose the time-delays as bimodal distribution that only distinguishes between intra- and inter-hemispheric delays, and that the same working point also captures the static FC the best.
The Impact of Mobile Digital Game in Learning Arabic Language at Tertiary Level

In the 21 st century, the advancement of technology has changed how people, especially the younger generation communicate and socialise with each other, as well as how they learn, acquire and process information. Therefore, this study aims to explore the impact on the employment of digital game-based learning in Arabic class at the tertiary level. This study is a qualitative study and data obtained through semi-structured interview sessions with 16 students at tertiary level, who exposed to the mobile digital game in learning the Arabic language. The students were chosen purposively based on several determining characteristics. The major findings indicated that the mobile digital game produces a significant effect on their learning achievement and enhances their Arabic vocabulary acquisition. Besides, the digital game-based learning also promotes a student-centred and interactive learning, while additionally creates an enjoyable environment for learning that could encourage student participation in class activities, sustain their learning engagement, and improve their motivation. This study explored opportunities for Arabic language lecturers to practice digital game-based learning as it promotes student-centred learning, which would enhance student ’ s participation in language activities and provide them with a joyful, fun, and active learning environment.