Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
AN ASYMPTOTICALLY OPTIMAL ALGORITHM FOR THE DYNAMIC TRAVELING REPAIR PROBLEM

The dynamic traveling repair problem involves providing service to customers whose locations are uniformly distributed over a bounded area in the Euclidean plane. The authors assume that customer requests arrive according to a Poisson point process. Earlier research provided a conjecture that the asymptotically optimal algorithm for this problem under very heavy traffic intensity involves partitioning the bounded area into subregions, waiting for sufficient demand to accumulate in the sub-regions and then serving demands in the sub-regions according to the optimal traveling salesman problem (TSP) tour and visiting the sub-regions in first-come first-served order as in a GI/G/M queue. Further, the researchers conjectured that the optimal algorithm for the single server case can be extended to the m-server problem by simply partitioning the service region into m sub-regions of the same size. In this paper they prove that both of these conjectures are true under some reasonable conditions and thus they demonstrate the strong connection between optimal solutions for static and dynamic vehicle routing and scheduling problems.
Microstructure, Mechanical and Electrical Properties of Hybrid Copper Matrix Composites with Fe Microspheres and rGO Nanosheets

Copper matrix composites have a wide application as magnetic conductive materials, electromagnetic materials, electrical discharge machining materials, etc. Such materials are expected to have a good combination of excellent electrical conductivity and good mechanical strength. In this work, micro/nano hybrid reinforcements with Fe microspheres and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanosheets were developed for copper matrix composites. The rGO/Fe/Cu powders were firstly wet-mixed and then densified by the vacuum hot-pressing sintering to obtain the bulk compacts. Microstructure, electrical conductivity and mechanical properties of such compacts were investigated. Microstructural result of as-sintered compacts shows that the Fe microspheres could distribute in the matrix uniformly, and rGO nanosheets exhibit both agglomerated and dispersed states. The grain size of Cu matrix decreased with the increase of the rGO content. Hardness, compression and tensile 0.2% yield strength of the as-sintered compacts were improved evidently by the addition of the hybrid Fe/rGO, comparing with pure Cu and single Fe-added composites. However, a lower electrical conductivity appeared in the more rGO-added composites, but still reached more than 33.0% international annealing copper standard (IACS). These performance change could be sought in the spatially geometrical distribution and characteristics of such micro/nano Fe/rGO hybrid addition, and the relevant mechanisms were discussed.
COVID‐19 and individual performance in global virtual teams: The role of self‐regulation and individual cultural value orientations

Summary Since the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic, global virtual teams (GVTs) have become increasingly important. Drawing on conservation of resources theory and self‐regulation theory, we examined the mechanism and process underlying individuals' performance in GVTs in this specific situation. We posit that the local severity of the pandemic has a negative effect on individuals' performance in GVTs and that self‐regulation functions as a coping mechanism in times of pandemic‐related ambient stress, reducing its negative effect on performance. We suggest that three cultural value orientations, that is, uncertainty avoidance, collectivism, and long‐term orientation, explain different levels of self‐regulation, which in turn moderates the relationship between the local severity of the pandemic and individual performance in GVTs. Based on a sample of 2727 individuals from 31 countries participating in an international business consulting project during the early stage of the unfolding pandemic, we show that (a) the local severity of the pandemic had a negative effect on individuals' performance, (b) the negative effect of the pandemic on performance is weaker for individuals with high self‐regulation, and (c) uncertainty avoidance and long‐term orientation are positively associated with self‐regulation, which mediates the moderating relationship between the cultural value orientations and the relationship between the COVID‐19 pandemic and individual performance in GVTs.
Essential Oil Microemulsions Inactivate Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria on Iceberg Lettuce during 28-Day Storage at 4 °C

The objective of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial activities of essential oil-based microemulsions in the wash water against Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Pseudomonas fluorescens on Iceberg lettuce. Evaluated wash microemulsions included oregano oil, lemongrass oil, and cinnamon oil, along with a plant-based emulsifier for improved solubility. Iceberg lettuce was inoculated for 2 min with E. coli O157:H7 (6.0 log CFU/g) or P. fluorescens (6.0 log CFU/g) and then dip-treated in a phosphate buffered saline (PBS) control, 50 ppm chlorine, 3% hydrogen peroxide treatment or a 0.1%, 0.3%, or 0.5% microemulsion solution. Treated leaves were stored at 4 °C, and analyzed for surviving bacteria on days 0, 3, 7, 10, 14, 21, and 28. Efficacies of the antimicrobials were concentration and storage-time dependent. There was a 1.26–4.86 log CFU/g reduction in E. coli O157:H7 and significant reductions (0.32–2.35 log CFU/g) in P. fluorescens during storage at days 0–28 (p < 0.05). The 0.1% oregano oil microemulsion resulted in the best visual appeal in Iceberg leaves inoculated with E. coli O157:H7 and showed better improvement in the quality of the Iceberg leaves inoculated with spoilage bacteria P. fluorescens. The results suggest that 0.5% cinnamon and 0.3% oregano oil treatments have the potential to provide natural, eco-friendly, and effective alternatives to chemicals for the decontamination of leafy greens, eliminating E. coli O157:H7 and P. fluorescens.
The chemical composition of the Orion star forming region - I. Homogeneity of O and Si abundances in B-type stars

Context. Recent accurate abundance analyses of B-type main sequence stars in the solar vicinity has shown that abundances derived from these stellar objects are more homogeneous and metal-rich than previously thought. Aims. We investigate whether the inhomogeneity of abundances previously found in B-type stars in the Ori OB1 association is real (hence a signature of enrichment of the newly formed stars in an induced star formation scenario) or a consequence of intrinsic errors induced by the use of photometric indices to establish the stellar parameters prior to the abundance analysis. Methods. We obtained a new (improved) spectroscopic data set comprising 13 B-type stars in the various Ori OB1 associations, and performed a detailed, self-consistent spectroscopic abundance analysis by means of the modern stellar atmosphere code FASTWIND. Results. We detect systematic errors in the stellar parameters determined previously which affect the derived abundances. Once these errors are accounted for, we find a high degree of homogeneity in the O and Si abundances for stars in the four Ori OB1 subgroups. The derived abundances are in very good agreement with recent determinations in other B-type stars in the solar vicinity. We also compare our results with those obtained for the Sun during the epoch of the "solar crisis", and the Orion nebula.
Strategizing Drug Therapies in Pulmonary Hypertension for Improved Outcomes

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is characterized by a resting mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) of 20 mmHg or more and is a disease of multiple etiologies. Of the various types of PH, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by elevated resistance in the pulmonary arterial tree. It is a rare but deadly disease characterized by vascular remodeling of the distal pulmonary arteries. This paper focuses on PAH diagnosis and management including current and future treatment options. Over the last 15 years, our understanding of this progressive disease has expanded from the concept of vasoconstrictive/vasodilatory mismatch in the pulmonary arterioles to now a better appreciation of the role of genetic determinants, numerous cell signaling pathways, cell proliferation and apoptosis, fibrosis, thrombosis, and metabolic abnormalities. While knowledge of its pathophysiology has expanded, the majority of the treatments available today still modulate the same three vasodilatory pathways that have been targeted for over 30 years (endothelin, nitric oxide, and prostacyclin). While modifying these pathways may help improve symptoms and quality of life, none of these directly modify the underlying disease pathogenesis. However, there are now studies ongoing with new drugs that can prevent or reverse these underlying causes of PAH. This review discusses the evidence base for the current treatment algorithms for PAH, as well as discusses novel therapies in development.
Contrast enhancement for improved blood vessels retinal segmentation using top-hat transformation and otsu thresholding

Diabetic Retinopathy is a effect of diabetes. It results abnormalities in the retinal blood vessels. The abnormalities can cause blurry vision and blindness. Automatic retinal blood vessels segmentation on retinal image can detect abnormalities in these blood vessels, actually resulting in faster and more accurate segmentation results. The paper proposed an automatic blood vessel segmentation method that combined Otsu Thresholding with image enhancement techniques. In image enhancement, it combined CLAHE with Top-hat transformation to improve image quality. The study used DRIVE dataset that provided retinal image data. The image data in dataset was generated by the fundus camera. The CLAHE and Top-hat transformation methods were applied to rise the contrast and reduce noise on the image. The images that had good quality could help the segmentation process to find blood vessels in retinal images appropriately by a computer. It improved the performance of the segmentation method for detecting blood vessels in retinal image. Otsu Thresholding was used to segment blood vessel pixels and other pixels as background by local threshold. To evaluation performance of the proposed method, the study has been measured accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. The DRIVE dataset's study results showed that the averages of accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity values were 94.7%, 72.28%, and 96.87%, respectively. It indicated that the proposed method was successful and well to work on blood vessels segmentation retinal images especially for thick blood vessels.
Scientific Abstract to Full Paper: Publication Rate over a 3-Year Period in a Malaysian Clinical Research Conference

Background: The publication rates of abstracts after they were presented at the National Conference for Clinical Research (NCCR), a scientific conference held in Malaysia, was determined to gauge the scientific value of the conference, whilst providing comparative information with other scientific conferences. Methods: All the abstracts that were presented at the NCCR from 2014 to 2016 were analysed. Keywords from the abstract title, along with the first, second, and last author’s name, were searched via PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus to determine publication status. Results: A total of 320 abstracts were analysed. Of those, 57 abstracts (17.8%) were published. Almost 70% of published abstracts appeared in open access journals that charge article processing fees. Early publications (≤18 months from the conference date) had higher median journal impact factors compared to later publications. Approximately 42% of the published abstracts had collaborations with the Institute for Clinical Research (ICR) or Clinical Research Centres (CRCs). An increasing number of authors in an abstract and having the first author from a research centre, reduced and increased the odds of publication, respectively. Conclusions: The NCCR publication rate is lower compared to the reported average in other scientific conferences abroad. More encouragement and support to publish should be provided to the presenting authors. Clinicians should also be encouraged to collaborate with research centres such as those from the ICR or CRCs to boost publication likelihoods.
Synergic Effect of Early Administration of Probiotics and Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Alleviating Inflammation-Induced Chronic Neuropathic Pain in Rodents

This study investigated the hypothesis that probiotics enhanced the therapeutic effect of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) on alleviating neuropathic pain (NP) due to chronic constriction injury (CCI) mainly through regulating the microbiota in rats. SD rats (n = 50) were categorized into group 1 (sham-control), group 2 (NP), group 3 (NP + probiotics (i.e., 1.5 billion C.F.U./day/rat, orally 3 h after NP procedure, followed by QOD 30 times)), group 4 (NP + ADMSCs (3.0 × 105 cells) 3 h after CCI procedure, followed by QOD six times (i.e., seven times in total, i.e., mimic a clinical setting of drug use) and group 5 (NP + probiotics + ADMSCs (3.0 × 105 cells)) and euthanized by day 60 after NP induction. By day 28 after NP induction, flow-cytometric analysis showed circulating levels of early (AN-V+/PI−) and late (AN-V+/PI+) apoptotic, and three inflammatory (CD11b-c+, Ly6G+ and MPO+) cells were lowest in group 1 and significantly progressively reduced in groups 2 to 5 (all p < 0.0001). By days 7, 14, 21, 28, and 60 after CCI, the thresholds of thermal paw withdrawal latency (PWL) and mechanical paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) were highest in group 1 and significantly progressively increased in groups 2 to 5 (all p < 0.0001). Numbers of pain-connived cells (Nav1.8+/peripherin+, p-ERK+/peripherin+, p-p38+/peripherin+ and p-p38+/NF200+) and protein expressions of inflammatory (p-NF-κB, IL-1ß, TNF-α and MMP-9), apoptotic (cleaved-caspase-3, cleaved-PARP), oxidative-stress (NOX-1, NOX-2), DNA-damaged (γ-H2AX) and MAPK-family (p-P38, p-JNK, p-ERK1/2) biomarkers as well as the protein levels of Nav.1. 3, Nav.1. 8, and Nav.1. 9 in L4-L5 in dorsal root ganglia displayed an opposite pattern of mechanical PWT among the groups (all p < 0.0001). In conclusion, combined probiotic and ADMSC therapy was superior to merely one for alleviating CCI-induced NP mainly through suppressing inflammation and oxidative stress.
Association between CARD14 gene polymorphisms and psoriasis vulgaris in Hainan Han population based on exon sequencing: A case-control study

Psoriasis is a serious non-communicable, chronic immune-inflammatory mediated disease affecting about 125 million people worldwide. Its effects go beyond skin manifestation. Through genome-wide association studies, the caspase recruitment domain family member 14 (CARD14) gene and other gene variants have been implicated to have an association with Psoriasis, and as we move towards individualized therapy the discovery of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) is of great importance. This study aimed to determine whether the CARD14 gene is a susceptible gene for psoriasis vulgaris. In this study, 101 psoriasis patients and 79 healthy controls were subjected to exome sequencing. The CARD14 gene regions upstream and downstream of 1kb were sequenced. SNP-based association analysis and haplotype-based association analysis were performed in SNPs with minimum allele frequency (MAF) greater than 1%. Bioinformatic methods were used to predict the impact of risk loci on gene function. A total of 32 polymorphisms were identified in this study, of which 3 SNPs (1 in exon and 2 in intron) were susceptible to psoriasis (P < .05, OR = 0.19~0.53, 95%CI = 0.05~0.70). Bioinformatics analysis showed that rs144475004 located on the exon led to an amino acid change from aspartate to histidine. On the other hand, results of haplotype-based association analysis showed that 2 haplotypes (CARD14-1 and CARD14-2) were protective haplotypes of the disease (P < .05, OR = 0.18~0.38, 95%CI = 0.05~0.88), the frequencies in healthy controls and patients was 6.96% and 1.49%, respectively. CARD14 gene is associated with susceptibility to psoriasis vulgaris in the Hainan Han population.
MULTIBAND DIAGNOSTICS OF UNIDENTIFIED 1FGL SOURCES WITH SUZAKU AND SWIFT X-RAY OBSERVATIONS

We have analyzed all the archival X-ray data of 134 unidentified (unID) gamma-ray sources listed in the first Fermi/LAT (1FGL) catalog and subsequently followed up by the Swift/XRT. We constructed the spectral energy distributions (SEDs) from radio to gamma-rays for each X-ray source detected, and tried to pick up unique objects that display anomalous spectral signatures. In these analyses, we target all the 1FGL unID sources, using updated data from the second Fermi/LAT (2FGL) catalog on the Large Area Telescope (LAT) position and spectra. We found several potentially interesting objects, particularly three sources, 1FGL J0022.2−1850, 1FGL J0038.0+1236, and 1FGL J0157.0−5259, which were then more deeply observed with Suzaku as a part of an AO-7 program in 2012. We successfully detected an X-ray counterpart for each source whose X-ray spectra were well fitted by a single power-law function. The positional coincidence with a bright radio counterpart (currently identified as an active galactic nucleus, AGN) in the 2FGL error circles suggests these sources are definitely the X-ray emission from the same AGN, but their SEDs show a wide variety of behavior. In particular, the SED of 1FGL J0038.0+1236 is not easily explained by conventional emission models of blazars. The source 1FGL J0022.2−1850 may be in a transition state between a low-frequency peaked and a high-frequency peaked BL Lac object, and 1FGL J0157.0−5259 could be a rare kind of extreme blazar. We discuss the possible nature of these three sources observed with Suzaku, together with the X-ray identification results and SEDs of all 134 sources observed with the Swift/XRT.
Emergence of Fosfomycin Resistance by Plasmid-Mediated fos Genes in Uropathogenic ESBL-Producing E. coli Isolates in Mexico

Fosfomycin is currently a viable option against urinary tract infections, particularly against extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL)-producing E. coli, due to its unique mechanism of action and its low resistance among bacteria. The objective of this study was to investigate two of the three most common mechanisms of resistance against this antibiotic among 350 ESBL-producing E. coli strains isolated from the urine of Mexican patients. The prevalence of fosfomycin resistance in our study was 10.9% (38/350). Of all resistant isolates analyzed, 23 (60.5%) were identified as fos-producing organisms, with 14 strains carrying fosA3 and 9, fosA1. Additionally, 11 (28.9%) fosfomycin-resistant isolates presented resistance due to impaired antibiotic transport and 8 (21.0%) both mechanisms. No resistance mechanism investigated in the study was found on 12 strains. All 38 confirmed ESBL-producing isolates carried a blaCTX-M subtype, 36 (94.5%) belonged to the O25b-ST131 clone, and all of them were able to transfer the fosfomycin resistance trait to recipient strains horizontally. This is the first study in Mexico demonstrating a plasmid-mediated fosfomycin resistance mechanism among clinical E. coli strains. Since our results suggest a strong association among fos and blaCTX-M genes and ST131 clones in uropathogenic E. coli, plasmid-mediated fosfomycin resistance should be closely monitored.
Estimation and Inference in Models of Cointegration: A Simulation Study

This paper studies the finite sample distributions of estimators of the cointegrating vector of linear regression models with I(1) variables. Attention is concentrated on the least squares (OLS) and instrumental variables (IV) methods analyzed in other recent work (Phillips and Hansen (1988)). The general preference of OLS to IV techniques suggested by asymptotic theory is reinforced by our simulations. An exception arises for cases of low signal to noise, where spurious IV techniques (so named for their use of instruments that are structurally unrelated to the model) outperform uncorrected least squares. We verify the presence of a small sample estimation bias and show that the Park-Phillips bias correction does reduce the magnitude of this problem. We also find that there is substantial distributional divergence of t-statistics from the normal, unless the Phillips-Hansen endogeneity correction is used. Finally, we apply these methods to aggregate consumption and income data. Our empirical results indicate that the endogeneity and serial dependence connections are important and lead to intuitively plausible changes in the estimated coefficients.
MOA-2011-BLG-322Lb: a ‘second generation survey’ microlensing planet

Global "second-generation" microlensing surveys aim to discover and characterize extrasolar planets and their frequency, by means of round-the-clock high-cadence monitoring of a large area of the Galactic bulge, in a controlled experiment. We report the discovery of a giant planet in microlensing event MOA-2011-BLG-322. This moderate-magnification event, which displays a clear anomaly induced by a second lensing mass, was inside the footprint of our second-generation microlensing survey, involving MOA, OGLE and the Wise Observatory. The event was observed by the survey groups, without prompting alerts that could have led to dedicated follow-up observations. Fitting a microlensing model to the data, we find that the timescale of the event was t_E=23.2 +/-0.8 days, and the mass ratio between the lens star and its companion is q=0.028 +/-0.001. Finite-source effects are marginally detected, and upper limits on them help break some of the degeneracy in the system parameters. Using a Bayesian analysis that incorporates a Galactic structure model, we estimate the mass of the lens at 0.39 +0.45/-0.19 M_sun, at a distance of 7.56 +/-0.91 kpc. Thus, the companion is likely a planet of mass 11.6 +13.4/-5.6 M_J, at a projected separation of 4.3 +1.5/-1.2 AU, rather far beyond the snow line. This is the first pure-survey planet reported from a second-generation microlensing survey, and shows that survey data alone can be sufficient to characterize a planetary model. With the detection of additional survey-only planets, we will be able to constrain the frequency of extrasolar planets near their systems' snow lines.