Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
El Niño and Commodity Prices: New Findings From Partial Wavelet Coherence Analysis

This study investigates whether the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) affects primary commodity prices over time. We employ a wavelet approach that allows us to disentangle the time and frequency domains and to uncover time-varying nonlinear relationships at different frequency levels. Moreover, we adopt partial wavelet coherence (PWC) and eliminate macroeconomic effects on commodity prices. We observe that ENSO is associated with agricultural, food, and raw material commodity prices at lower frequencies of 32–64 and 64–128 months. These results are stronger from 2000 onward, which are not observed using a conventional wavelet method. Our results suggest a recent strong relationship between ENSO and commodity prices, which has important implications for policymakers regarding climate change risk.
Fibre Length Fractionation Caused by Pulp Screening, Slotted Screen Plates

Fibre fractionation and selective processing of each fraction produces higher quality, more uniform pulp. Engineering efficient pressure screening systems requires appropriate performance equations. This study extends previous screening performance equations by comparing pilot screening tri- als with a mechanistic model of fibre passage through the screen to predict the effects of reject rate, slot width, contour type, and slot velocity on frac- tionation and consistency changes. Smooth-hole screen plates were found to fractionate more efficiently than contour-slot screen plates. Fibre passage through slotted screen plates was strongly dependent on the fluid velocity passing through the slot, while smooth-hole apertures were approx- imately independent of aperture fluid velocity. The maximum fractionation efficiency for slotted plates occurred at slot velocities between 0.5 and 1.0 m/s. The maximum fractionation efficiency for both slot and hole plates occurs at a reject ratio that results in a reject thickening factor greater than two.
A Non-Isolated DC-DC Converter with Dual Working Modes and Positive Output Voltage

Abstract In this paper, a positive output DC/DC converter with low total switching device power in dual working modes is introduced. One working mode is a step-up mode (boost), and other is a step-up/down mode (buck-boost). The proposed converter in step-up mode has high voltage gain ratio, low stress on switches, and continuous input current. In other working mode, the buck-boost converter with six relevant DC/DC converters is compared. By this comparison, it can be seen that the proposed converter has a lower voltage gain ratio, but instead the converter characteristics such as voltage stress on power switches and charge pump capacitors are in good condition for this mode. The proposed converter is analyzed in terms of the continuous conduction mode (CCM), steady state and efficiency with replacement of parasitic resistance effects. To validate the performance of the proposed converter experiments are conducted in the laboratory to claim the theoretical waveforms obtained from the PLECS simulation.
Error characterization of significant wave heights in multi-decadal satellite altimeter product, model hindcast and in situ measurements, using triple collocation technique

Ocean wave measurements are of major importance for a number of applications including climate studies, ship routing, marine engineering, safety at sea, and coastal risk management. Depending on the scales and regions of interest, a variety of data sources may be considered (e.g. in situ data, Voluntary Observing Ship observations, altimeter records, numerical wave models), each one with its own characteristics in terms of sampling frequency, spatial coverage, accuracy, and cost. In order to combine multiple source of wave information (e.g. for data assimilation scheme in numerical weather prediction models), the error characteristics of each measurement system need to be defined. In this study, we use the triple-collocation technique to estimate the random error variance of significant wave heights from a comprehensive collection of collocated in situ, altimeter and model data. The in situ dataset is a selection of 122 platforms provided by the Copernicus Marine Service in situ Thematic Center. The altimeter dataset is the ESA Sea State CCI version1 L2P product. The model dataset is the WW3-LOPS hindcast forced with bias-corrected ERA5 winds and an adjusted T475 parameterization of wave generation and dissipation. Compared to previous similar analyses, the extensive (∼250,000 entries) triple collocation dataset generated for this study provides some new insights on the error variability associated to differences in in situ platforms, satellite missions, sea state conditions, and seasonal variability.
New re-bordering left them alone and neglected: Czech cross-border commuters in German-Czech borderland

ABSTRACT The article focuses on the impact of the new re-bordering, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, on the functional, ideational and institutional dimension of cross-border integration, as perceived by the Czech cross-border commuters employed on the German side of the Euroregion Elbe Labe. The interviews with forty cross-commuters showed that they were left alone in these times of re-bordering and became victims of non-coordination between Czechia and Germany. Yet, cross-border commuting seems to have survived the first pandemic waves and the German labour market will continue to attract the Czech workforce despite that fact the pandemic has introduced a major uncertainty associated with the border crossing. The pandemic has revealed the need for a functional system of the cross-border management in the period of crisis to protect cross-border commuters and provide them with better security.
Post-industrial capitalism and trade union decline in affluent democracies

This study examines trade union decline in light of concurrent changes in the demographic and sectoral composition of labor markets. Drawing on classical sociology and contemporary scholarship on work and employment, the author theorizes that the emergence of post-industrial work settings coupled with more socially diverse workforces make labor organizing more difficult than prior research recognizes. Operating through various mechanisms, these factors are thought to hinder the development of solidarity among workers and direct employment growth toward previously unorganized parts of the economy. Using panel data on 18 countries from 1960 to 2015, these ideas are tested with regression models that capture labor market changes indicative of post-industrial capitalism—measured by changes in deindustrialization, foreign-born population, and female share of employment. The results support the theoretical argument, with counterfactual estimates suggesting that labor market changes occurring between 1960 and 2015 reduced union density by 9 to 13 points for the whole sample.
A proposed instrument dimensions for measuring e-government service quality

Owing to the rapid global growth in the internet and information technology, many governments around the world have transformed their services from the traditional services to electronic means. This study aims to propose an instrument dimensions for measuring egovernment service quality. The proposed instrument dimensions are identified based on SERVQUAL scale and on revising the literature. The proposed seven dimensions for measuring e-government service quality are website design, reliability, responsiveness, security/privacy, personalization, information, and ease of use. The contribution of this paper is to create awareness among e-service managers to give more attention to e- government service quality, as well as assisting them to improve e-service performance and effectiveness.
Extraocular Muscle Atrophy in Myasthenia Gravis

483 case details A 24‐year‐old gentleman presented with bilateral eye ptosis, fatigable generalized weakness, and dyspnea on exertion 3 years back. Ice‐pack test was positive, repetitive nerve stimulation showed a decremental response, and the anti‐acetylcholine (Ach) receptor antibody titer was 10.32 nmol/L (normal: <0.50 nmol/L). Anti‐MuSK antibody was not tested. He was diagnosed with generalized myasthenia gravis (MG) and started on pyridostigmine and prednisolone, resulting in clinical improvement. Computed tomography of the chest showed no thymic abnormality. Unfortunately, he had used the prescribed medicines only for a year before defaulting and came to us with a recurrence of symptoms. On examination, he had bilateral external ophthalmoparesis, ptosis [Video 1], and fatigable weakness, but no diplopia. Thyroid function tests were normal. His ptosis and weakness improved with pyridostigmine and prednisolone, but the ophthalmoparesis did not. The magnetic resonance imaging of the orbits showed severe thinning of all the extraocular muscles [Figure 1].
Behavioral profiles related with distinct developmental patterns of negative emotionality from preschool to school ages

Research continues to work towards a full understanding of the early risk factors and mechanisms underlying the co-occurrence of externalizing and internalizing problems. There is increasing evidence of negative emotionality predicting the co-occurring forms of these problems over childhood. This feature may show substantial stability along development; however, negative emotionality might also vary depending on child characteristics, environment, and the developmental stage. The present study aimed to examine the patterns of stability and change of negative emotionality from preschool to school years, and to identify which of these patterns lead to different behavioral profiles of externalizing and internalizing problems during school years. A total of 1,293 preschoolers from 4 to 6 years (M = 4.64; SD = .67; 50.2 % girls) were followed-up for two years using parent-reported data, within the frame of the ELISA Project. Latent profile and transition analyses were conducted. The overall results revealed a primarily stability pattern of negative emotionality, and to a lesser extent some change towards a less intense emotional expression after follow-up. Results also showed particular developmental patterns of negative emotionality for the different behavioral profiles identified. Children with co-occurrent externalizing and internalizing problems displayed greater rates of transition towards a high negative emotionality expression. These findings were explained in light of individual differences during the development of temperamental characteristics, which may be the result of an interplay among biological and ecological factors
Association between the quality of plant‐based diets and risk of frailty

The Mediterranean diet and other dietary patterns rich in fruits and vegetables have been linked to lower risk of frailty in older adults. However, not all plant‐based diets are necessarily healthful, and no previous study has evaluated the role of the quality of plant‐based dietary patterns in frailty risk. Our aim was to assess the association between plant‐based diet quality and risk of frailty.
Historical significance and taxonomic status of Ischyrodon meriani (Pliosauridae) from the Middle Jurassic of Switzerland

Ischyrodon meriani is an obscure pliosaurid taxon established upon an exceptionally large tooth crown of a probable Callovian (Middle Jurassic) age that originates from Wölflinswil, Canton of Aargau, Switzerland. Despite being known for almost two centuries, the specimen remains poorly researched. Historically, I. meriani has been associated, or even considered conspecific, with Pliosaurus macromerus and Liopleurodon ferox. However, neither of the two hypotheses have been tested through detailed comparisons or using modern quantitative methods. Here, we redescribe the type of Ischyrodon meriani, illustrate it, and compare to teeth of thalassophonean pliosaurids, with special focus on Jurassic representatives of the clade. Multivariate analyses show close similarities to L. ferox but comparable structures to those of I. meriani, including a distinctive pattern of the apicobasal ridges, are also observable in some mid-Cretaceous brachauchenines from the ‘Polyptychodon’ assemblage of East and South East England. While it is likely that I. meriani represents a Liopleurodon-like taxon, or is indeed conspecific with L. ferox, which would make I. meriani the proper name for the species, any such taxonomic considerations are hindered by the fragmentary nature of the type specimens of both these taxa as well as limited knowledge of the dental variability within and between individual jaws of L. ferox. Currently, I. meriani is best treated as a nomen dubium. Finally, we discuss the potential implications of I. meriani being conspecific with L. ferox, and additionally provide a commentary on the taxonomic status of Liopleurodon.
Synergistic Effect of Dipping in Aloe Vera Gel and Mixing with Chitosan or Calcium Chloride on the Activities of Antioxidant Enzymes and Cold Storage Potential of Peach (Prunus persica L.) Fruits

Peach is a climacteric fruit characterized by a rapid maturation, high respiration level, weight loss, breakdown of texture, and interior browning. Fast tempering of the fruit and subsequent mold expansion caused a negative impact on the marketing. This study was carried out to estimate the synergistic influence of coating with Aloe vera gel (AVG) at 15% or 30% mixed with chitosan (CH) at 1.5% as a kind of natural polymers or calcium chloride (CaCl2) at 3% on physical and chemical features. We investigated the changes in antioxidant enzymes activities of peach fruits Prunus persica (L.) Metghamer Sultany. Fruits were kept at 3 ± 1 °C and relative humidity (RH) 85–90% for 36 days during two consecutive seasons (2020 and 2021). Results revealed that applying AVG at 30% blended with CH at 1.5% significantly impacted the storage period of peach fruits, reduced the ion leakage (IL), malondialdehyde (MDA), and lessened weight loss. The differences were significant compared to the other treatments and untreated fruits (control) that exhibited the higher values for IL, MDA, and weight loss in the 36th day. Moreover, fruit quality features such as firmness, total acidity (TA), total soluble solids (TSS), and skin color chroma (c*), hue angle (h) were also maintained. Furthermore, this combination was raised of phenolic content, antioxidant capacity (DPPH), antioxidant enzyme activity such as catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and quench the generation of H2O2 and O2•−. It could be concluded that dipping peach fruits in AVG at 30% blended with CH at 1.5% retained the biological features of peach fruit at considerable levels during cold storing. Thus, this effective mixture can be utilized to prolong the storage and marketing period of peach fruits. Nevertheless, a more in-depth analysis is required for this edible coating to be successfully commercialized in the peach fruit post-harvest industry.
A Monoclonal Anti-HMGB1 Antibody Attenuates Neurodegeneration in an Experimental Animal Model of Glaucoma

Neuroinflammation is a crucial process for the loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGC), a major characteristic of glaucoma. High expression of high-mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) plays a detrimental role in inflammatory processes and is elevated in the retinas of glaucoma patients. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of the intravitreal injection of an anti-HMGB1 monoclonal antibody (anti-HMGB1 Ab) in an experimental animal model of glaucoma. Two groups of Spraque Dawley rats received episcleral vein occlusion to chronically elevate intraocular pressure (IOP): (1) the IgG group, intravitreal injection of an unspecific IgG as a control, n = 5, and (2) the HMGB1 group, intravitreal injection of an anti-HMGB1 Ab, n = 6. IOP, retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT), and the retinal flash response were monitored longitudinally. Post-mortem examinations included immunohistochemistry, microarray, and mass spectrometric analysis. RNFLT was significantly increased in the HMGB1 group compared with the IgG group (p < 0.001). RGC density showed improved neuronal cell survival in the retina in HMGB1 compared with the IgG group (p < 0.01). Mass spectrometric proteomic analysis of retinal tissue showed an increased abundance of RNA metabolism-associated heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs), such as hnRNP U, D, and H2, in animals injected with the anti-HMGB1 Ab, indicating that the application of the antibody may cause increased gene expression. Microarray analysis showed a significantly decreased expression of C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 8 (CXCL8, p < 0.05) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF, p < 0.01) in the HMGB1 group. Thus, these data suggest that intravitreal injection of anti-HMGB1 Ab reduced HMGB1-dependent inflammatory signaling and mediated RGC neuroprotection.
Structure and Performance of Through-holed Electrodes Prepared with a Pico-second Pulsed Laser for Lithium-Ion Battery

This study analyzed holed structures formed in lithium iron phosphate （ LiFePO 4 ; LFP ） cathodes and graphite anodes with a picosecond pulsed laser, which can remarkably improve the material's high - rate performance. The holes in the structure have tapered shapes. During hole formation in the LFP cathode layer, a minute amount of LFP was transformed to Fe 2 O 3 through LFP oxidation by laser irradiation. Additionally, results demonstrated that percussion drilling by the laser beam increased the LFP cathode layer porosity because the strong eﬀect of the laser on the LFP layer evaporated the Al current collectors. After laser ablation, Al deposits formed on the hole sidewalls because of the cooling Al vapors. The increased LFP layer porosity increases the permeation of Li ＋ - containing electrolyte solutions into LFP layers. The three - dimen sional （ 3 D ） electron pathway formed by the Al deposits on the sidewalls of holes and the Al current collector plane were regarded as improving its high - rate performance.
From fanzines to foodbanks: Football fan activism in the age of anti-politics

This article is concerned with an emerging trend in political participation: the role played by football fans in engendering activism and protest. The role of fan activism in the debate on patterns of civic and political (dis)engagement – in the age of so-called anti-politics – has been ignored by the scholarly literature thus far. As a corrective, this article examines the development of football fan activism over the last thirty years, since the creation of the English Premier League in 1992. It adopts a case study approach centred on supporters’ movements since 1992. It argues that the political activism of football fans has both quantitatively and qualitatively changed over this period. Employing the sociological theory of Manuel Castells it claims that collective identities developed in resistance to the commercialisation and commodification within football have developed into more distinct ‘project identities’ that seek bring about more profound social change through football.
Designing surveys for the next millennium : Web-based questionnaire design issues

The U.S. Census Bureau decided to develop a Web-based reporting option for its Library Media Centre survey. The development process included a small-scale usability test to determine which of two navigational structures and two types of error handling was most intuitive. A large-scale field test was then conducted, which revealed a very low response rate for the Web-based reporting option. Telephone follow-up interviews explored reasons for this low response rate. The paper concludes with lessons learned from this development process and suggestions for future Web-based survey design.
Mass flow and particle size monitoring of pulverised fuel vertical spindle mills

The first step towards condition based maintenance of the milling plant is the implementation of on-line condition monitoring of the mill. The following paper presents and analyses methods of monitoring the key performance factors of a vertical spindle mill that is suited for implementation on older power stations, i.e. the quantity (mass flow rate) and quality (particle fineness) of the pulverised fuel produced by the mill. It is shown herein that the mill throughput can be monitored on-line using a simple mill energy balance that successfully predicts the coal throughput within 2.33% as compared to a calibrated coal feeder. A sensitivity analysis reveals that the coal moisture is a critical measurement for this method to be adopted as an on-line mass flow monitoring tool. A laser based particle size analyser tool was tested for use in the power plant environment as an on-line monitoring solution to measure pulverised fuel fineness. It was revealed that several factors around the set-up and operation of the instrument have an influence on the perceived results. Although the instrument showed good precision and repeatability of results, these factors must be taken into account in order to improve the accuracy of the reported results before the instrument can be commissioned as an on-line monitoring solution. per mill, or upon suspicion a Such results are impossible to use in a performance or condition monitoring role as the measurements are not frequent enough. The results are also influenced by the possibility of human error during the testing process.
TSA Activates Pluripotency Factors in Porcine Recloned Embryos

Animal cloning is of great importance to the production of transgenic and genome-edited livestock. Especially for multiple gene-editing operations, recloning is one of the most feasible methods for livestock. In addition, a multiple-round cloning method is practically necessary for animal molecular breeding. However, cloning efficiency remains extremely low, especially for serial cloning, which seriously impedes the development of livestock breeding based on genome editing technology. The incomplete reprogramming and failure in oocyte activation of some pluripotent factors were deemed to be the main reason for the low efficiency of animal recloning. Here, to overcome this issue, which occurred frequently in the process of animal recloning, we established a reporter system in which fluorescent proteins were driven by pig OCT4 or SOX2 promoter to monitor the reprogramming process in cloned and recloned pig embryos. We studied the effect of different histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors on incomplete reprogramming. Our results showed that Trichostatin A (TSA) could activate pluripotent factors and significantly enhance the development competence of recloned pig embryos, while the other two inhibitors, valproic acid (VPA) and Scriptaid, had little effect on that. Furthermore, we found no difference in OCT4 mRNA abundance between TSA-treated and untreated embryos. These findings suggest that TSA remarkably improves the reprogramming state of pig recloned embryos by restoring the expression of incompletely activated pluripotent genes OCT4 and SOX2.