Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Risks of Discrimination through the Use of Algorithms. A study compiled with a grant from the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency

Algorithms, including artificial intelligence, are used in a variety of ways to differentiate people, services, products or positions. This study uses examples to illustrate the technical and organisational causes of discrimination risks and analyses the resulting forms of discrimination. Its particular focus is on the social risks from algorithmic differentiation and automated decision-making, including injustice by generalisation, treatment of people as mere objects, restrictions on the free development of personality and informational self-determination, accumulation effects and growing inequality as well as risks to societal goals of equality or social policy. In these cases, there is a need for reforms of the anti-discrimination and data protection law, but also for societal considerations and definitions of which kinds of algorithmic differentiations are considered acceptable in a society in order to protect fundamental rights and values. Last but not least, the study discusses tasks for anti-discrimination agencies and equality bodies, ranging from the identification and proof of algorithm-based discrimination to preventive and cooperative actions.
The dynamic mutation investigation and whole exome sequencing in a cohort of Chinese autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia patients

Background Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are the autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia (ADCA) with great clinical and genetic heterogeneity. Genetic testing will contribute to the final diagnosis. Methods A total of 204 Chinese ADCA patients were recruited and 190 had genetic testing. Dynamic mutations of SCA1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 17 and dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA) were screened firstly. For the patients with negative results, the dynamic mutations of HTT of Huntington Disease (HD), SCA31, 36 and even the whole exome sequencing (WES) were further performed. We investigated the genetic results and clinical characteristics retrospectively. Results Among these 190 index cases, 177(93.16%) were identified SCA dynamic mutations. SCA3 was the commonest, accounting for 70.06%, followed by SCA1 (9.6%), 2 (9.05%), 12 (3.39%), 6 (2.26%), DRPLA (2.26%), 7(1.13%), 8 (1.13%) and 17(0.56%). One patient carried a compound dynamic mutation of SCA6 and SCA17 (SCA6/17). No SCA10 or SCA36 was found. Among the remaining 13 patients, three were diagnosed with HD (1.58%) and one with Episodic Ataxia 2 (EA2). WES did reveal several variants with uncertain significance (VUS) in the remaining nine patients, but failed to detect causative mutations. Conclusion We illustrated the approach and challenge of genetic testing in Chinese ADCA patients. Dynamic mutations of SCAs should be screened firstly. When the results were negative, dynamic mutation of HTT would better be screened consequently. In early-onset ADCA patients, WES might be effective to identify causative mutations, but in adult-onset cases, WES might be less effective.
Assessment of the applicability of the Balanced Scorecard concept in small and medium-sized enterprises

The modern management concept Balanced Scorecard (BSC), thanks to the efficient solutions it offers, draws increasing attention from the management across the globe. BSC is a performance measurement system which unites a traditional, financial perspective with the consumer, internal business processes, and learning and growth perspectives; and provides intelligibility of the company's vision and strategic goals, strengthening of the internal communication of employees, and more efficient realization of key business activities. The implementation of the BSC concept in large enterprises is a quite simple and efficient process, while the procedure of incorporating its postulates into the structure of small and medium-sized enterprises is extremely complex and uncertain. For that reason, the aim of this scientific research is the assessment of the applicability of the BSC in small and medium-sized enterprises, with a simultaneous overview of examples of successful and less successful implementation practices, and the most frequent reasons for non-implementation of the concept itself. The research is inspired by the observation that the world literature has, to a certain extent, neglected the analysis of the application of the BSC concept in small and medium-sized enterprises. The descriptive and comparative method, the technique of analysis and synthesis, as well as analysis of the content of relevant literature of reference, national and foreign authors were used for research purposes. The result of the research is the confirmed assumption that the implementation of the BSC concept in small and medium-sized enterprises is possible but at the same time quite complex and demanding due to the influence of different variables. Accordingly, the recommendations such as that the BSC model should be simplified and burdened with a smaller number of metrics in order to become more applicable in small and medium-sized enterprises were derived in the research.
Gamma and He Ion Radiolysis of Copper Oxides

Two copper oxides, cuprous and cupric oxide, were characterized using a variety of surface techniques including scanning electron microscopy, temperature-programmed desorption, diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction to analyze changes in the oxide surface following irradiation with γ-rays and 5 MeV 4He ions. The radiation chemical yield for molecular hydrogen was also measured for copper oxide powders with adsorbed water as well as with slurries containing various amounts of water. The yield of hydrogen was found to be slightly greater than the yield expected for bulk water radiolysis, indicating some small radiation chemical effect of the oxide surface on water. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicated that the amount of OH groups present on the cuprous oxide surface decreased as a result of the irradiation while the cupric oxide surface had an increase in OH groups on the surface. This result suggests tha.
The novel cyclic squamosamide derivative FLZ improves memory deficits in aged mice and the mechanisms

Objective:To evaluate whether FLZ,a novel cyclic squamosamide derivative,has an effect on impaired learning and memory in aged mice.Methods: Mice(24-month-old) were administrated with FLZ at 75 and 150mg·kg-1 once a day for consecutive 30 days.Spatial learning and memory was assessed in passage water maze,and related proteins were determined by Western blot.Results: Passage water maze test showed that FLZ 150mg·kg-1 improved spatial learning and memory.Western blot analysis showed that FLZ 150mg·kg-1 significantly reduced hippocampal Aβ deposition,and the expressions of BACE1,phosphorylated APP and PS1-CTF,but did not affect APP and PS1 expressions.FLZ 150mg·kg-1 significantly attenuated the decrease in BDNF and TrkB expression,increased TrkA expression,and decreased p75NTR expression in the hippocampus.However,FLZ 75mg·kg-1 did not show obvious protective effects in aged mice.Conclusion: FLZ exerts an anti-brain aging effect,this may relate to decrease in Aβ production and increase in BDNF expression.
Phylogenetic study of Ipomoeeae (Convolvulaceae) based on chromosome painting

Background: The phylogenetic relationships for Ipomoeeae species are incongruence in previous studies. Comparative chromosome painting (CCP) can provide valuable information for phylogenetic relationships among species. Results: In this study, 31 Ipomoea species were analyzed by oligo-based chromosome painting (CP) technique to better understand their phylogenetic relationships. The results indicated that the distribution patterns of oligo probes in three species with 28 chromosomes were significantly different from the other species with 30 chromosomes. Therefore, we proposed that the difference of chromosome number should be foremost factor in determining the phylogenetic relationships among species and the previous division of two large clades in Ipomoeeae wasn’t supported. The division of smaller clades within the Astripomoeinae in Ipomoeeae was generally supported with a few exceptions, whereas the division of smaller clades within Argyreiinae wasn’t resolved by our CP results. In addition, species relationship for the species belonging to same smaller clade with same CP pattern was further resolved by physical mapping of the 5S and 45S rDNA using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) technique. Conclusions: This study is the first phylogenetic analysis of Ipomoea species based on CP technique. Our results provide intuitive and reliable resolution of phylogenetic relationships for 31 Ipomoea species and demonstrate the validity of oligo-based CCP analysis in phylogenetic study.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GDF-9 AND BMP-15 SERUM AND FOLLICULAR FLUID AND THE QUALITY OF OOCYTES IN WOMEN WHO UNDERGO AN IVF CYCLE

Objective: The quality of the embryo is greatly influenced by the quality of the oocytes; oocyte-secreted factors (OSFs), which include GDF-9 and BMP-15, play an important role in folliculogenesis. This study was to determine the relationship between GDF-9 and BMP-15 serum within the follicular fluid in order to predict the quality of oocytes in women undergoing In vitro Fertilization (IVF). Methods: We collected 30 samples of blood serum and 30 samples of follicular fluid on the day of ovum pickup (OPU), and examined GDF-9 and BMP-15 using ELISA kits. Analysis by Pearson and a partial-correlation was conducted to analyze the correlation between the concentration of GDF-9 and BMP-15 in serum and follicular fluid with general physiological parameters, such as maturation and fertilization rates. Results: The mean age of the subjects was 35,0(26,0-39,0) years. There was no statistical correlation between GDF-9 serum and follicular fluid (p=0.245); but there was a correlation between BMP-15 serum and follicular fluid (p=0.001). Average level of GDF-9 in the follicular fluid was 163,0 pg/ml (48,0-537), and average level in the serum was 260.33 pg/ml±121,82; average levels of BMP-15 in the follicular fluid was 58.30pg/ml±31,54 and average levels of BMP-15 in the serum was 74.20 pg/ml (1,0–610). Conclusion: There were no correlations between levels of GDF-9 serum-FF and BMP-15-FF, and maturation rates and fertilization rates. There was a negative correlation between BMP-15 serum and maturation rates.
Structural Origins of Potential Dependent Hysteresis at the Electrified Graphene/Ionic Liquid Interface

We studied the potential and time-dependent changes in the electric double layer (EDL) structure of an imidazolium-based room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) electrolyte at an epitaxial graphene (EG) surface. We used in situ X-ray reflectivity (XR) to determine the EDL structure at static potentials, during cyclic voltammetry (CV) and potential step measurements. The static potential structures were also investigated with fully atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Combined XR and MD results show that the EDL structure has alternating anion/cation layers within the first nanometer of the interface and that these structures are distinct at the most positive and negative static potentials (1.0 and −0.4 V, respectively) applied in this study. The dynamical response of the EDL to potential steps has a slow component (>10 s) and the RTIL structure shows hysteresis during CV scans (e.g., at 100 mV/s scan rate). Our results reveal that both the slow kinetics and hysteresis are due to the reorganization .
Indonesia Cocoa Bean in International Trade

This study was conducted to determine whether the variable amount of production of cocoa beans, cocoa plantation area, the number of exports of cocoa beans, cocoa stock domestic, world cocoa prices, the exchange rate and overseas income influence the supply and demand of Indonesian cocoa beans. Through various variables descriptions above, such as the amount of production of cocoa beans, the number of exports of cocoa beans, cocoa stocks, world cocoa prices, foreign income, exchange rate or the exchange rate, this research focused on an econometric model of the Indonesian Cocoa Supply and Demand. the results of this study are on the supply function of Indonesian cocoa on the International market, with the independent variables are used (level of productivity of Indonesian cocoa plantations, the exchange rate, the price expectations of the world cocoa and cocoa previous year supply or lag 1) shows that the variation deals cocoa beans can be explained by a variable-variable in the model, amounting to 95.91 percent. Variable price expectations (PE), the productivity of Indonesian cocoa plantations (K), the number of supply cocoa beans (QS) has a positive relationship with the cocoa bean supply at present. While variable-rate (K) was negatively related.
Effects of Supplementation with a Novel Organic Chromium Product on Metabolic and Physiological Indicators of Broilers

| The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementation with a novel organic chromium product on metabolic and physiological indicators of broilers. Using a completely randomized design, 45 male Ross 308 broilers (1-day old) were divided into 3 treatments (15 repetitions each), in which every animal constituted an experimental unit. One group was fed on basal diet and served as control (T1), while other two groups were supplemented Cr at the rate of 200 ppb/kg diet (T2) and 400 ppb/kg diet (T3) respectively. Metabolic indicators such as glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides and cortisol concentrations in blood serum were analyzed. Relative weights of liver and pancreas, as well as lymphoid organs (thymus, bursa of Fabricius and spleen), were also analyzed and compared. In addition, the abdominal fat percentage in broilers was considered. Concentrations of metabolic analytes viz., glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides were decreased (p<0.05) in all Cr treated groups (T2 and T3) as compared to control. Whereas, there was an increase (p<0.05) in the relative weight of all studied organs (viz., liver, spleen, thymus, bursa and spleen), and a decrease (p<0.05) in abdominal fat in Cr supplemented broilers as compared to broilers of control group. Results confirmed that supplementation of this organic Cr product had a positive effect on the health of broilers.
Comparative analysis of the use of lipid modifying agents in the Republic of Serbia and Nordic countries in the period 2015-2017

Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death both in Serbia and in the rest of the world. It has been shown that as many as 80% of them are preventable. Control of serum lipid levels is one of the most important tasks of cardiovascular diseases prevention. Aim: The aim of the study was to analyze the use of serum lipid-modifying drugs in Serbia, Norway and Finland in the period 2015-2017. Methods: Data on drugs use during 2015, 2016 and 2017 were taken from the official websites of national drug regulatory authorities: the Serbian Medicines and Medical Devices Agency, the Norwegian Institute of Public Health and the Finnish Medicines Agency. Use was expressed as DDD/1000 inhabitants/day according to the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classification. Results: The share of drugs used for treatment of cardiovascular diseases in total drugs use was the largest in all three countries during the observed period. The use of lipidmodifying agents was 3-4 times lower in Serbia than in Norway or Finland. Of all lipidmodifying drugs, statins are most commonly prescribed in all three countries. Atorvastatin and rosuvastatin are the most widely used in Serbia, and simvastatin and atorvastatin in Norway and Finland. Conclusions: Use of lipid-modifying drugs in Serbia is lower than in Norway and Finland, but it is constantly increasing. This use in Serbia still represents the smallest share of all drugs for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
Relationship of Acute ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction with hs-CRP and Serum Iron Profile in Southern India: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases are a major cause of mortality. The role of Iron in oxidative myocardial damage remains controversial with multiple studies showing positive and negative correlations. Systemic inflammation is also an important factor in Myocardial Infarction (MI) with high sensitive C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) being an important marker. Aim: To investigate the relationship of serum iron and hs-CRP in patients diagnosed with ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) and its role as prognostic indicators. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted in which 45 patients were enrolled over a period of two months. Primary variables studied were STEMI and site of infarction as confirmed on echocardiography, hospital stay and patient outcome. Secondary variables were serum iron, hs-CRP, Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC), ferritin. Statistical analysis was done using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 20. Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal Wallis test, ANOVA and Spearman’s rank correlation was used. Results: Iron profile was significantly altered in the various types of MI. Serum iron values lower than 61 mg/dL had a sensitivity of 89% and high Negative Predictive Value (NPV) (95%) for the prediction of mortality in patients. It was seen that significantly lower Unbound Iron Binding Capacity (UIBC) values were seen in patients who died than the survivor group. Low Transferrin Saturation (TS), serum iron, TIBC were associated with a longer hospital stay. About 42 patients showed hs-CRP levels above 0.3 mg/L. High hs-CRP and ferritin values were associated with a prolonged hospital stay. Conclusion: In patients with acute STEMI, serum iron and hs-CRP are shown to be important predictors of morbidity and mortality. Regular iron supplementation with a six monthly hs-CRP monitoring is recommended. Further research shows screening capability is needed.
The effect of multilayer ice chemistry on gas-phase deuteration in starless cores

Aims. We aim to investigate whether a multilayer ice model can be as successful as a bulk ice model in reproducing the observed abundances of various deuterated gas-phase species toward starless cores. Methods. We calculate abundances for various deuterated species as functions of time adopting fixed physical conditions. We also estimate abundance gradients by adopting a modified Bonnor-Ebert sphere as a core model. In the multilayer ice scenario, we consider desorption from one or several monolayers on the surface. Results. We find that the multilayer model predicts abundances of $\rm DCO^+$ and $\rm N_2D^+$ that are about an order of magnitude lower than observed, caused by the trapping of CO and $\rm N_2$ into the grain mantle. As a result of the mantle trapping, deuteration efficiency in the gas phase increases and we find stronger deuterium fractionation in ammonia than what has been observed. Another distinguishing feature of the multilayer model is that $\rm D_3^+$ becomes the main deuterated ion at high density. The bulk ice model is generally easily reconciled with observations. Conclusions. Our results underline that more theoretical and experimental work is needed to understand the composition and morphology of interstellar ices, and the desorption processes that can act on them. With the current constraints, the bulk ice model appears to be better in reproducing observations than the multilayer ice model. According to our results, the $\rm H_2D^+$ to $\rm N_2D^+$ abundance ratio is higher than 100 in the multilayer model, while only a few $\times$ 10 in the bulk model, and so observations of this ratio could provide information on the ice morphology in starless cores. Observations of the abundance of $\rm D_3^+$ compared to $\rm H_2D^+$ and $\rm D_2H^+$ would provide additional constraints for the models.
The Influence of Management Commitment towards Business Performance through Supply Chain Management and Customer Relationship Management

The supplier and customer integration are built by a company to improve the business for the company. A company builds strong integration with its customers to enhance its competitiveness through the implementation of supply chain practice done continuously. The top tier management of a company is committed to improving business performance through supply chain management practice and customer relationship management in a big distribution company/distributor on the furniture products. This big furniture distributor has 47 retail stores in Indonesia, taking all the products from the distributor. The questionnaires were distributed to all the retail branch stores in Indonesia and 45 questionnaires were received with a 96% rate respond. The chosen respondents were employees with a level of supervisors and managers because of the authority they have that enables them to make decisions on supply chain management practices and customer relationship management as well as management commitment. The method of collecting the data is through distributing the questionnaires. To analyze the data, the writer used Partial Least Square (PLS). The findings show that customer relationship management has a positive influence on supply chain management, management commitment has a positive effect on customer relationship management, management commitment has a positive effect on supply chain practice, and supply chain management practice has a positive influence on business performance. The implementation of supply chain practice and customer relationship management to a big distributor gives the improvements on the company’s business performance.
Urinary Excretion Profiles of 11-Nor-9-Carboxy-Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol: A Δ9-THCCOOH to Creatinine Ratio Study

Monitoring the major cannabinoid metabolite (delta9-THCCOOH) to creatinine ratio (M/C) has been used to predict new drug use. According to Huestis and Cone, the best accuracy (85.4%) for predicting new marijuana use was a ratio > or = 0.5 from two urine specimens collected at least 24 h apart. Manno et al. recommended an M/C ratio of > or = 1.5. Subjects with a history of chronic marijuana use were screened for cannabinoid use by immunoassay (50-ng/mL cutoff), and presumptive positives were confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for delta9-THCCOOH (15-ng/mL cutoff). Creatinine was analyzed with a cutoff concentration of 25 mg/dL. The study objective was to apply the criteria from both groups of workers to determine if consecutive urine specimens (collected at least 24 h apart) positive for cannabinoids could be used to differentiate new marijuana use from the excretion of residual cannabinoid metabolite (delta9-THCCOOH) in an uncontrolled setting. Serial urine specimens (826) were collected from 26 individuals. Huestis and Cone and Manno et al. ratios indicated new drug use in 83% and 33% of serial urine specimens collected at least 24 h apart, respectively. Clinically, the Huestis and Cone ratio is recommended because of a lower false-negative rate (7.4%) than the Manno et al. false-negative rate (24%). In legal situations, we recommend using the Manno et al. ratio because of its lower false-positive rate (0.1%) as stated by Huestis and Cone.