Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Machine learning-enabled cancer diagnostics with widefield polarimetric second-harmonic generation microscopy

The extracellular matrix (ECM) collagen undergoes major remodeling during tumorigenesis. However, alterations to the ECM are not widely considered in cancer diagnostics, due to mostly uniform appearance of collagen fibers in white light images of hematoxylin and eosin-stained (H&E) tissue sections. Polarimetric second-harmonic generation (P-SHG) microscopy enables label-free visualization and ultrastructural investigation of non-centrosymmetric molecules, which, when combined with texture analysis, provides multiparameter characterization of tissue collagen. This paper demonstrates whole slide imaging of breast tissue microarrays using high-throughput widefield P-SHG microscopy. The resulting P-SHG parameters are used in classification to differentiate tumor from normal tissue, resulting in 94.2% for both accuracy and F1-score, and 6.3% false discovery rate. Subsequently, the trained classifier is employed to predict tumor tissue with 91.3% accuracy, 90.7% F1-score, and 13.8% false omission rate. As such, we show that widefield P-SHG microscopy reveals collagen ultrastructure over large tissue regions and can be utilized as a sensitive biomarker for cancer diagnostics and prognostics studies.
Distinct Neural Representations of Decision Uncertainty in Metacognition and Mentalizing

Metacognition and mentalizing are both associated with meta-level mental state representations. Specifically, metacognition refers to monitoring one’s own cognitive processes, while mentalizing refers to monitoring others’ cognitive processes. However, this self-other dichotomy is insufficient to delineate the two high-level mental processes. We here used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to systematically investigate the neural representations of different levels of decision uncertainty in monitoring different targets (the current self, the past self, and others) performing a perceptual decision-making task. Our results reveal diverse formats of intrinsic mental state representations of decision uncertainty in mentalizing, separate from the associations with external information. External information was commonly represented in the right inferior parietal lobe (IPL) across the mentalizing tasks. However, the meta-level mental states of decision uncertainty attributed to others were uniquely represented in the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC), rather than the temporoparietal junction (TPJ) that also equivalently represented the object-level mental states of decision inaccuracy attributed to others. Further, the object-level and meta-level mental states of decision uncertainty, when attributed to the past self, were represented in the precuneus and the lateral frontopolar cortex (lFPC), respectively. In contrast, the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) consistently represented both decision uncertainty in metacognition and estimate uncertainty during monitoring the different mentalizing processes, but not the inferred decision uncertainty in mentalizing. Hence, our findings identify neural signatures to clearly delineate metacognition and mentalizing and further imply distinct neural computations on the mental states of decision uncertainty during metacognition and mentalizing.
The Effect of Cost Categories and the Origin of their stickiness on Earnings Forecast: A Comparative Study

The main aim of this study is to separate the origins of “selling, general, and administrative costs (SG&A)” and “cost of goods sold (COGS)” stickiness, and investigate their sources effects on earnings forecast accuracy (EFA). In previous research, various micro and macro factors have been shown to affect asymmetric cost behavior. These factors are rooted in the industry and firm-specific characteristics or specific events, which may occur each year at national or international scales. In this study, in the first step, a new methodology is presented to separate the sources of cost stickiness, including a novel method for calculating cost stickiness for each firm-year. In the second step, we investigated the effect of each firm-year stickiness and each source of stickiness on the EFA. The statistical population of the study consisted of all companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange, from which 1080 observations in 2014-2018 period were selected and reviewed. Our results indicated that EFA has a negative and significant relationship with SG&A and COGS stickiness, stickiness of each year and each company, but no significant relationship was found with stickiness of each industry. Our results demonstrated that the stickiness of SG&A to COGS has a greater effect on the EFA. The findings suggest that the events of each year and the intra-organizational events of each company have a greater impact on cost behavior. Hence, it is necessary for managers and financial analysts to take into account each source of cost stickiness, especially year-specific events and firm-specific characteristics, and consider their effects in earnings forecast to improve their EFA.
Plasma S1P links to hypertension and biomarkers of inflammation, metabolism and cardiovascular disease - findings from a translational investigation

Recent studies identified sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) as an important player in immune cell trafficking and vascular dysfunction contributing to the development and progression of overt hypertension. Although targeting S1P signaling revealed therapeutic potential in different experimental hypertension studies, validations of S1P-blood pressure associations in humans are lacking. In a translational approach, we explored the associations between plasma S1P, quantified using LC-MS, and blood pressure in a family-based study cohort (MOS) study, and in a longitudinally conducted murine hypertension cohort. In MOS, linear multivariate regression analyses showed that plasma S1P associates with increased systolic blood pressure. Study subjects with systolic blood pressure [≥] 140 mmHg presented with significantly higher S1P plasma concentrations compared to subjects with blood pressure [≤] 120 mmHg independent of age and sex. The S1P-blood pressure association was validated in a murine model where plasma S1P increased with systolic blood pressure. In a sub-sample of the human study population, proteomic profiling for markers of inflammation, metabolism and cardiovascular disease was carried out using proximity Extension Assays. Testing S1P associations revealed multiple significant interactions, some of them with marked sex-specificity. Amongst them, interleukin 18, which exerts apparent vascular and immune responses during hypertension and associates to adverse cardiovascular events, strongly correlates with plasma S1P concentrations in females but not males in both humans and mice. In vitro and ex vivo validation of S1P effects on endothelial and monocytic cells of murine or human origin and resistance arteries isolated from mice disclosed augmented expression of different vascular dysfunction and inflammation markers in response to exogenously added S1P. Taken together, our translational findings strongly suggest a link between plasma S1P and systolic blood pressure as well as several inflammation and cardiovascular disease biomarkers in humans, encouraging further studies to investigate S1Ps potential as a therapeutic target in hypertensive disease.
On the interaction between gold and silver metal atoms and DNA/RNA nucleobases – a comprehensive computational study of ground state properties

Abstract The interaction between metal atoms and nucleobases has been a topic of high interest due to the wide scientific and technological implications. Combining density functional theory simulations with a literature overview, we achieved an exhaustive study of the ground state electronic properties of DNA/RNA nucleobases interacting with gold and silver atoms at three charge states: neutral, cationic, and anionic. We describe the nature of the stability and electronic properties in each hybrid metallic structure. In addition to the metal interacting with the five isolated nucleobases, we included their respective DNA-WC base pairs and one case with the protonated sugar-phosphate backbone. As a general trend, we discerned that the energetic ordering of isomers follows simple electrostatic rules as expected from previous studies. Also, we found that although the metal localizes almost all of the extra charge in the anionic system, a donation of charge is shared almost equally in the cationic system. Furthermore, the frontier orbitals of the cationic system tend to have more effects from the pairing and inclusion of the backbone than the anionic system. Finally, the electronic gap varies greatly among all of the considered structures and could be further used as a fingerprint when searching DNA-metal hybrid structures.
MECHANICAL AND THERMAL PROPERTIES OF DOLOMITE FILLED POLYCARBONATE/ACRYLONITRILE BUTADIENE STYRENE COMPOSITES

Polycarbonate (PC)/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) composites usefulness is majorly due to its good mechanical properties and low cost to performance ratio. The purpose of adding fillers into polymers is to further lower the cost and improve the mechanical properties of the composites. The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of dolomite content on the mechanical properties of PC/ABS blend and to determine the optimum formulation for the PC/ABS/dolomite composites. Dolomite content in the PC/ABS/dolomite composites was varied ranging from 0 to 15 wt. %. The composite samples were then tested for mechanical, thermal and flame retardancy properties. The study concluded that 5 wt. % dolomite content was the the optimum filler content for PC/ABS/dolomite composites.
UNIVERSITIES AS A PIPELINE OF ENTREPRENEURS IN AN EMERGING ECONOMY A MODEL OF ENTREPRENEURIAL INTENTION

Entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship have been identified as alleviators of unemployment, poverty and slow economic growth. The National Development Plan 2030 (2012) indicated that 11 million jobs are needed by the year 2030 and to realise this country need to produce entrepreneurs. It has been established, in research, that entrepreneurship education has an encouraging effect on entrepreneurship. This study looked at universities, within the Western Cape, South Africa, as a possible a pipeline of entrepreneurs that would enter the economy after completing their entrepreneurship studies. The study used the Theory of Planned Behaviour to determine the predictors of entrepreneurial intention of the students. The factors that influences entrepreneurial intention, used in this study, was attitude towards entrepreneurship, role models, entrepreneurial leaders and resources and opportunities at universities.240 students were interviewed and a questionnaire was developed and tested for the purpose of this study. The model yielded a variance of 57.6%, explaining the entrepreneurial intention of students. Understanding the influencers of entrepreneurial intention will assist in the development of entrepreneurship programs at universities and what is required to increase entrepreneurial intention which ultimately leads to entrepreneurial behaviour.
Nutrient Source and Tillage Impact on Corn Grain Yield and Soil Properties

Large amounts of animal manure, particularly poultry litter and dairy manure, are generated in southeastern United States, where corn (Zea mays L.) is also extensively grown. Characterizations of management practices and long-term manure and soil nutrient dynamics are critical. This study examined corn grain yield and soil nutrient status under three nutrient sources (two rates of each) as follows: inorganic fertilizer, poultry litter, and dairy manure compared with a nontreated control under two tillage practices (no-till and incorporated). Treatments were replicated four times in a split-plot design from 2004 to 2007. Soil samples were taken annually in the spring before treatment application to evaluate the status of the residual nutrients in soil. Significant differences in corn grain yield between the two tillage practices (main effect) were observed in all 4 years. The high rate of poultry litter application produced similar grain yield as inorganic fertilizer. However, results from dairy manure were not as consistent as poultry litter. After 4 years of poultry litter application, Mehlich-3 (M-3) phosphorus (P) increased from an initial 31.4 to 63.0 mg kg−1 for the 4.5 Mg ha−1 year−1 rate and to 178 mg kg−1 for the 13.5 Mg ha−1 year−1 rate. More specifically, 5.2 kg ha−1 year−1 of P applied as poultry litter increased soil M-3 P by 1 mg kg−1 after 4 years of application. Results indicated that poultry litter is a primary fertilizer at the rate of 13.5 Mg ha−1 applied in four consecutive years on a silt loam soil-produced corn grain yields similar to inorganic fertilizer under both no-till and incorporated systems and did not result in residual soil test P, Cu, and zinc levels considered to be harmful to surface water or cropping systems.
TEACHING PRACTICES OF SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS AND WAYS OF DEVELOPING THEM IN LIGHT OF 21

The current study aims to investigate the extent to which secondary school teachers in Saudi Arabia practice 21 st century skills. To this end, the researcher used both quantitative and qualitative approaches based on triangulation. The quantitative approach was represented by a questionnaire, which included four fields with a total of 31 statements. This was distributed to 181 secondary school supervisors in Saudi Arabia. The qualitative approach was represented by interviews with seven secondary school teachers and the analysis of the performance documents (lesson plans) of eight teachers. To determine the validity and reliability of the results, external validity, internal consistency, referential competence and consensual validation were calculated. The results of the questionnaires indicate that, from supervisors’ perspectives, secondary school teachers practice 21 st century skills to a moderate degree in all fields of study. General cognitive pedagogy ranked first, followed by communicative-participatory skills. Technical skills came in third place, and thinking skills ranked last. The results highlighted the importance of practicing 21 st century skills in classrooms, though the practice of these skills among teachers was low. The study recommends integrating 21 st century skills in teacher preparation and certification programs, training them to focus on them within the classroom.
THE EFFECT OF LIQUIDITY RATIO, PROFITABILITY SOLVENCYON STOCK PRICE IN CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING COMPANIES LISTEDON INDONESIA STOCK EXCHANGE PERIOD 2014-2018

The development of infrastructure will certainly have a positive impacton share holders, it is reflected by government support by raising funds for infrastructure development. The seopportunities will certainly affect the price of shares in the property sector including financial performance. Financial performance can be seen from several financial ratios : liquidity ratio, profitability, and solvency. Sample in this study asmanyas 8 companies for 5 years sothatin 40 samples. The result soft his study simultane ouslyal variable sin this study we reaffected by the stock price. Partial liquidity variables (CR) donot affect the stock price, profitability (ROA) and (ROE) donot affect the stock price, solvability (EPS) affects the stock price, while DER does not affect the stock price.
A prospective comparative study of outcome between open lichtenstein versus laparoscopic repair of inguinal hernia

Background: Laparoscopic hernia repair is technically difficult and has long learning curve than open repair. Moreover, with increased cost of procedure do patient really get benefited in terms of intraoperative time duration, post-operative pain and complications, length of hospital stays, and time taken to return to usual activity needs to be studied. Methods: In this prospective observational study of 100 patients including unilateral, bilateral, direct and indirect inguinal hernia and excluding obstructed and strangulated hernia, 61 patients underwent open repair and 39 patients underwent laparoscopic hernia repair. Pain analysis was done with visual analogue scale. Unpaired student T test and Chi square test used (p<0.05). Results: Baseline characteristics age, sex of the two groups were similar. Mean operative time in laparoscopic group was 105.38±35.13 minutes and in open group was 79.95±31.12 minutes (p<0.001). There was statistically significant difference in mean pain score of laproscopic verses open techniques (p<0.001). Urinary retention was the most common post-operative complication in both groups but was statistically not significant. Mean hospital stay in laparoscopic group was 1.56±0.50 days and in open group was 1.9±0.50 days (p-0.002). Mean time taken to return to usual activity in open repair was 41.10±27.15 days and in laparoscopic group was 16.23±6.37 days (p-0.001). Conclusions: This study showed that in laparoscopic repair of inguinal hernia patients have less post-operative pain, shorter hospital stays and early return to work. However, the laparoscopic technique had longer operative time duration.
Clinical dermatoscopical response of glycyrrhizinic acid 0.1% spray in treating external anogenital warts in HIV patients: a case series

Patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease are more likely to develop anogenital warts (AGW) compared to HIV-negative people, and are susceptible to treatment failures and illness recurrences. Glycyrrhizinic acid (GA) is extracted from licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra). Previous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of GA 0.1% spray as a treatment for external AGW, but its role in immunocompromised patients has not been explored. The current study reported two cases of HIV-positive patients with AGW who experienced partial remission using GA 0.1% spray. The treatment was applied by the patients three times a day for eight weeks. Treatment evaluation were made by using visual inspection and dermoscopy image analysis. After twelve weeks, clinical observation revealed poor improvement with only slight reduction in number and size of the lesions; although dermoscopy findings revealed an evolution from finger-like to knob-like pattern. GA facilitate the development of T helper lymphocytes in cell-mediated immune response, whereas in HIV, there are a decreased number of T helper lymphocytes. This may explain poor therapeutic response in our patient. Dermoscope is useful in the evaluation of treatment progress, especially when invisible to unaided eye. HIV AIDS Rev 2021; 20, 1: 65-69 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5114/hivar.2021. 105050
Macroeconomic Fluctuations Without Indeterminacy

We estimate a multi-shock DSGE model with a Bayesian method allowing for determinacy or indeterminacy (Bianchi and Nicoló, 2020). Contrary to conventional wisdom, determinacy is preferred to indeterminacy before and after 1980. The post-1984 contribution of shocks to the marginal efficiency of investment to the cyclical variance of output growth fell dramatically, from 50% to 20%. Greater nominal wage flexibility drove the large decline in output and employment fluctuations after 1984. Inflation variability declined from a hawkish policy stance against inflation and changes in preference parameters. Lower trend inflation and smaller shocks did not play a key role. JEL classification: E31, E32, E37.
Dental caries among 12-year-old children after discontinuation of water fluoridation in Pahang, Malaysia

Background: Water fluoridation (WF) has been a national caries prevention program in Malaysia since 1972. However, between July 2012 and December 2013, WF was discontinued in Pahang. This study aimed to compare caries prevalence and mean caries experience among Malaysian children in WF and WF-ceased areas and determine its associated risk factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 12-year-old schoolchildren in two Malaysian states: Pahang (WF-ceased) and Perak (WF-continued). Dental caries was examined using ICDAS criteria, and a questionnaire was used to collect relevant data. Associations between independent variables and dental caries were analyzed by simple logistic regression and general linear model analyses. Results: Dental caries (D4-6MFT) was significantly higher among children in WF-ceased areas than in communities where WF continued. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that exposure to WF remains a strong predictor of low caries experience among the study population. Moreover, children with irregular toothbrushing frequency before sleep and whose parents have lower educational attainment are associated with higher caries experience. Conclusion: Caries prevalence and mean caries experience were significantly higher among children in WF-ceased areas than in communities where WF continued. Multivariate analysis revealed that several factors were associated with caries experience.
Herding Behavior Model in Investment Decision on Emerging Markets: Experimental in Indonesia

This research aims to examine the model of investor herding behavior in making investment decisions in the Indonesian capital market, which is influenced by social and information impacting on the value of the Book Value Per Share (BVPS). The latest stock market conditions show that most investors make the same error pattern in making investment decisions that result in losses. The experiment involves two independent variables, namely, information about BVPS and social influence. This study used a 2x2 factorial design laboratory experimental method. Data collection was carried out through treatment of a sample of 100 individual investors listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. Univariate Two-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) statistical tool was used to test the independent variable on the dependent variable. Research results showed that the social influence originating from expert investors is more influential than the Book Value Per Share (BVPS) information on the behavior of herding investors in making investment decisions. These findings suggest that investors know their psychological factors, thereby increasing self-control and investment analysis skills. Further research can use psychological bias and other indicators of accounting relevant information such as Earning Per Share (EPS) to test herding behavior in investment decision making in the capital market.
An Exploratory Study on the Effect of Artificial Intelligence-Enabled Technology on Customer Experiences in the Banking Sector

This study investigates how artificial intelligent technology in the banking sector has affected consumers’ overall experience. It focuses on how consumers’ personal digital transformation has affected digital banking development and how this further affects consumer’s expectations and experience. It assesses how banks use Artificial Intelligent Virtual Agents such as Chatbots to transform how consumers use their banking facilities. Lastly, this study investigates the scope of neobanks in the banking sector. The study found that digital transformations have led to an increase in consumers’ expectations from their banks. Whilst banks revolutionise their customer service offerings through virtual agents, customers are not engaging with these at an expected rate. Findings revealed that Neobanks are not operating at their expected traction due to consumer knowledge gaps, occasioned by a lack of advertised information to customers from their banks.