Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Serum Levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Patients with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in a Japanese Population

A role of lower brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) content in the pathogenesis of several mental illnesses has been suggested, especially in major depression. It is not known whether BDNF is involved in the pathogenesis of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Herein, we assessed the serum BDNF content and its correlation with symptom severity in a Japanese population with OCD. The serum BDNF levels of OCD patients (n = 39) and healthy controls (n = 37) were measured by ELISA. The severity of OCD symptoms was assessed by the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The OCD patients’ BDNF levels were significantly higher than those of the controls (17.5 ± 7.3 vs. 12.7 ± 4.7) (p < 0.01). No correlation was observed between the OCD patients’ BDNF levels and their OCD symptoms as scored by the Y-BOCS. For all 76 subjects, the BDI scores were significantly negatively correlated with the serum BDNF levels. Our findings revealed that contrary to previous reports, the serum BDNF content in OCD patients could be higher than that of healthy subjects.
Calibration of Four Nonlinear Failure Envelopes from Triaxial Test Data and Influence of Nonlinearity on Geotechnical Computations

It is now recognized that many geomaterials have nonlinear failure envelopes. This non-linearity is most marked at lower stress levels, the failure envelope being of quasi-parabolic shape. It is not easy to calibrate these nonlinear failure envelopes from triaxial test data. Currently only the power-type failure envelope has been studied with an established formal procedure for its determination from triaxial test data. In this paper, a simplified procedure is evolved for the development of four different types of nonlinear envelopes. These are of invaluable assistance in the evaluation of true factors of safety in problems of slope stability and correct computation of lateral earth pressure and bearing capacity. The use of the Mohr-Coulomb failure envelopes leads to an overestimation of the factors of safety and other geotechnical quantities.
Comparative evaluation of physical properties and aroma profile of carrot slices subjected to hot air and freeze drying

ABSTRACT In the present study, carrots were subjected to hot air- and freeze-drying processes and their physical parameters and aromatic profile were compared. Water activity, shrinkage, hardness, springiness, cohesiveness, chewiness, rehydration ratio, and color measurements show that the convective drying of carrot slices lead to major changes in physical and aroma characteristics. The volatiles from air-drying of carrots contain terpenes, aldehydes, and alcohols which contribute to their aroma. The terpene, patchoulene imparting a spicy odor is reported for the first time in fresh carrots and it gets completely degraded during air dehydration. The key flavor components of fresh carrots were mostly retained during drying. The analytical results confirm that freeze-dried products had higher aroma retention.
Changes in Vegetation of Flooded Savannas Subject to Cattle Grazing and Fire in Plains of Colombia

Cattle grazing and fire are common types of management on natural ecosystems, generating several threats to the conservation of native vegetation (e.g., changes in species richness, cover, and abundance, mainly of bovine-palatable species). In this work, we analysed the response of the structure and composition of vegetation managed with different cattle stocking rates and fire in the savanna ecosystems of Colombia. The study was located in the eastern area of the Llanos region, where savannas were subjected to grazing and burning. Regarding grazing, we classified the area according to the cattle stocking rate (Bos indicus ~300 kg): NG = non-grazed, LS = low stocking rate (0.5 ind ha−1 yr−1), and HS = high stocking rate (1.0 ind ha−1 yr−1). Controlled artificial burning was applied in all the area at the beginning of the study, and surveys were conducted in the same plots at pre-burn (t0) and four post-burn times (t1, t2, t3, t4), at 15, 45, 75 and 105 days after burning. Vegetation composition (species list, life-form, palatability) and structure (bare soil and vascular plant ground covers, species height and richness) were recorded at each sampling. Data were compared through ANOVAs and multivariate analyses. We found 53 species in total: 26 in the pre-burn treatment and 44 in the post-burn treatments, detecting an increase of 18 species considering all treatments. Seven natives and two exotic species represented the dominant cover (>50%). LS and HS had the highest number of palatable species in t0 (seven species) compared with NG (two species), but this became similar after burning (14 species in NG, 12 in LS, and 11 in HS). ANOVAs and multivariate analyses showed that plant assemblages were significantly different according to the grazing treatment, and more homogeneous in pre-burn than in post-burn periods. Cattle grazing favored higher covers of dominant palatable species (e.g., Axonopus purpusii) compared with NG, but many native species with high palatability only recovered within the system after burning. In the context of the current management proposals, the search for new alternatives other than intensive cattle grazing and burning is needed to reconcile human production activities, international commitments against climate change and biodiversity conservation in the savanna landscapes.
Tourists Behavioral Intention to Visit Halal Tourism Destination: An Empirical Study on Muslim Tourists in Malaysia

Introduction: Today, the demand for halal tourism has increased dramatically and highlighted as one of the new horizons and fastest-growing sector in the world’s tourism industry. Background Problem: Malaysia is indeed one of the countries with the most concerned halal segment in the tourism sector. Research Objective: The key purpose of this study is to examine the influence of affecting attributes on tourist’s behavioral intention to visit Malaysia as a halal tourism destination. Research Methods: The development of the research framework is based on the theory of plan behavior (TPB) model. A total of 394 responses were received from the Klang Valley area of Malaysia. For the purpose of analyzing the data, SPSS and AMOS were hired. Findings: Findings from the study reveal that, affecting attributes like, “Halal Certification for Food and Beverage”, “Destination Image” and “Emotional Incidents” have a significant positive influence on tourist’s satisfaction towards behavioral intention to determine the destination. Research Contribution: The key significance of this study demonstrated that a large number of Muslim travelers are able to experience Islamic cultures while considering halal tourism products and services in visiting accessible Muslim destinations. Conclusion: The conclusions of this research provided insights into the behavioral intentions of Muslim tourists select Malaysia as a destination for tourism.
Presence of Donor Lymph Nodes Within Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation Ameliorates VEGF-C-mediated Lymphangiogenesis and Delays the Onset of Acute Rejection

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Background. The lymphatic system plays an active role in modulating inflammation in autoimmune diseases and organ rejection. In this work, we hypothesized that the transfer of donor lymph node (LN) might be used to promote lymphangiogenesis and influence rejection in vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA). Methods. Hindlimb transplantations were performed in which (1) recipient rats received VCA containing donor LN (D:LN+), (2) recipient rats received VCA depleted of all donor LN (D:LN−), and (3) D:LN+ transplantations were followed by lymphangiogenesis inhibition using a vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3 (VEGFR3) blocker. Results. Our data show that graft rejection started significantly later in D:LN+ transplanted rats as compared to the D:LN− group. Moreover, we observed a higher level of VEGF-C and a quicker and more efficient lymphangiogenesis in the D:LN+ group as compared to the D:LN− group. The presence of donor LN within the graft was associated with reduced immunoactivation in the draining LN and increased frequency of circulating and skin-resident donor T regulatory cells. Blocking of the VEGF-C pathway using a VEGFR3 blocker disrupts the lymphangiogenesis process, accelerates rejection onset, and interferes with donor T-cell migration. Conclusions. This study demonstrates that VCA LNs play a pivotal role in the regulation of graft rejection and underlines the potential of specifically targeting the LN component of a VCA to control graft rejection.
A K-Band Dual-Mode Common Gate Cross-Summing VG-LNA With Low Phase Variation

This brief presents a variable-gain low-noise amplifier (VG-LNA) with a common gate (CG) cross-summing configuration, which is fabricated using a 65-nm RF CMOS process. It has a wide gain control range as well as a high input 1 dB gain compression point (IP1dB) at high-gain by introducing a split common-gate transistor (SCGT) technique. In addition, output phase compensation is achieved by adopting a tuning capacitor at the cascode node. This LNA is designed as 2-stage cascode, and the area excluding the pad is 0.2 mm2. It consumes 25.2 mW with a 1.2-V power supply. It shows a gain of 25 dB and a noise figure of 3.4 dB at 22 GHz. The measured minimum IP1dB is −27.5 dBm, and the root-mean-square phase error is 0.34° over the gain control range of 14 dB at 22 GHz.
Pressure-induced Td to 1T′ structural phase transition in WTe2

WTe2 is provoking immense interest owing to its extraordinary properties, such as large positive magnetoresistance, pressure-driven superconductivity and possible type-II Weyl semimetal state. Here we report results of high-pressure synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman and electrical transport measurements on WTe2. Both the XRD and Raman results reveal a structural transition upon compression, starting at 6.0 GPa and completing above 15.5 GPa. We have determined that the high-pressure lattice symmetry is monoclinic 1T′ with space group of P21/m. This transition is related to a lateral sliding of adjacent Te-W-Te layers and results in a collapse of the unit cell volume by ∼20.5%. The structural transition also casts a pressure range with the broadened superconducting transition, where the zero resistance disappears.
Inter‐Firm Knowledge Transfer between Strategic Alliance Partners: A Way Forward

Strategic alliance (SA) is pursued by a diverse array of firms motivated by a range of factors. Among the SA themes, knowledge transfer (KT) has gained significant popularity over the past fifteen years. The developing literature is ontologically, epistemologically, and methodologically diverse. In spite of helpful reviews, the intellectual structure (up-stream decisions) of SA – KT research remains unclear, arguably resulting in the accidental rather than deliberate diversity potentially slowing the advancement of knowledge, its efficacy, its interpretation, and utility. By systematically analysing the intellectual structure of the empirical SA – KTstudies published in peer-reviewed journals between 1990 and 2017 we address these shortcomings. The aim is to identify the preponderance of particular methods, and/or analytical procedures, developing the essence of the established research conventions. By reviewing the up-stream rather than the more conventional down-stream decisions, we offer an alternative approach to conducting systematic management literature reviews helpful to future researchers.
Distribution of macronutrients (N, P, K, Mg) from single-nutrient and compound fertilizers application in oil palm seedlings (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.)

Nutrients availability and plant's ability to absorb nutrients are essential factors in supporting plant performance. There are two forms of fertilizer as a source of nutrients for oil palm, which are single-nutrient fertilizer (SNF) and briquette compound-nutrient fertilizer (BCNF). This study observed the concentration, uptake, distribution, and efficiency of macronutrients in plant organs of oil palm seedlings with two different fertilizer types. An experiment using oil palm seedlings was arranged in non-factorial complete randomized design (CRD) with three treatments, namely control, NPK in the form of briquettes, and single nutrient fertilizer consisting of urea, TSP, MOP, and kieserite with doses adjusting the composition of the slow-release BCNF (16-10-24-0.75) in three replications with a total of 27 seedlings. The results showed that the concentration, uptake, and distribution of nutrients between treatments and control were not significantly different. The order of nutrient uptake in leaves and stems of plants was N > K > Mg and P, while in roots was K > N > Mg > P. In BCNF and SNF treatments, the biomass accumulation in the stems, roots, and leaves were at percentage of 41 %, 30 %, and 29 %, while in the control, the biomass accumulation in the roots, stems, and leaves were at percentage of 39 %, 33 %, and 28 %, respectively. BCNF treatment had a greater efficiency indicated by a higher nutrient use efficiency (NUE) value compared to SNF or control.
ASTHMA-COPD OVERLAP: DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA AND PREDICTORS OF OUTCOME

Background: Distinguishing asthma from COPD can be problematic, particularly in smokers and old adults. Some patients may have clinical features of both asthma and COPD. Descriptive term asthma-COPD overlap (ACO) may be useful to maintain awareness by clinicians, researchers and regulators of the needs of these patients, since most guidelines and clinical trials are about asthma alone or COPD alone. Objective: To guide better recognition of wide range criteria to identify asthma-COPD overlap and to encourage the development of specific interventions for clinical use. Patients and methods: Our study was carried out on 85 Egyptian individuals, 10 healthy volunteers, 25 patients diagnosed as bronchial asthma, 25 patients diagnosed as COPD, and 25 patient diagnosed as asthma-COPD overlap in clinical and investigation base ground, collected from Aga General Hospital, between June 2019 and February 2020. Results: Our results demonstrated that 300 cells/µL was the best cutoff value for blood esinophil counts in differentiating ACO from COPD. The sensitivity and specificity were 64% and 79%, respectively. At a cutoff value of 8.47 sputum esinophil percentage sensitivity and specificity were 72.3% and 52.4%, respectively. Also FeNO can be used to discriminate between ACO patients and COPD patients at a cutoff level of > 18.5, with 52% sensitivity and 88% specificity. Also, there was a significant difference between the four studied groups regarding HDL and pulmonary function tests. So, blood and sputum esinophil count, FeNO, HDL, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC can be used as significant predictors for ACO. Conclusion: The inflammatory biomarkers FeNO, sputum esinophils and blood esinophils can support the diagnosis of ACO, which may help clinicians to choose individualized treatment plan.
PETROLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF CLASTIC SEDIMENTARY ROCKS FROM THE ST. BARBARA ORE MINE IN RUDE NEAR SAMOBOR

In the scope of this research, the petrographic and geochemical analyses of clastic sedimentary rocks from the St. Barbara, copper and iron ore mine in Rude near Samobor, have been made, aiming to classify and determine the provenance and environment of formation of clastic sedimentary rocks, as well as the influence of hydrothermal fluids on their properties. Eight samples were collected in total from different locations in the mine. Six of those samples have been studied in detail. The results showed structural and geochemical variability and uneven hydrothermal alteration intensity in the samples. Based on petrographic analyses, three rocks are classified as sublithoarenite, quartz arenite and quartz greywacke. Three of the samples are classified as ore breccia, ore sandstone, and ore silt-sandstone due to the pronounced hydrothermal alterations and ore mineralisation. Comprehensively, petrographic and geochemical analyses indicate that the source rocks of the investigated clastic sedimentary rocks were felsic (La/Sc = 0.9-6.2; Th/Sc = 1.3-2.4), most probably sedimentary, possibly resedimented rocks. The extent of source rock weathering was very high (Chemical Index of Alteration CIA = 52.1 - 81.3 %) and the geotectonic position of the sedimentary basin was very likely to be at the passive continental margin.
A New Industrial Cable System Parameter Calculation Methodology Based on 3-D Finite Element Analysis

High-frequency phenomena require appropriate models to be accurately reproduced and analyzed by means of computational simulations. Within industrial facilities, insulated cables are widespread and their modeling in a broad range of frequencies is complex due to the proximity between these and particular issues concerning the installation methods. In this context, in this article, the authors improve a methodology presented previously to make it suitable for the most used installation methods in industry, namely the perforated and the ladder-type cable trays, not addressed so far. The required modifications regarding the methodology reformulation are explained and the obtained results are presented and compared to those derived from the previously available technique, followed by discussions and physical insights.
Vicisitudes de la labor docente en un contexto de violencia por el crimen organizado

The educational institution has a social mandate. It has to transmit the culture of the community, but sometimes it is forgotten because it suffers from violence, marginalization and poverty, among other problems. The methodology of this research is qualitative, descriptive and interpretive. The objective of this research was to describe the external and internal violence suffered by teachers in a Technological Bachelorship College located in the State of Mexico. Some interviews and naturalistic observations were done. The results show external violence perpetrated by criminal gangs, as well as internal violence carried out by the principal and students. Both issues affect teacher´s work and they accept threats of some criminals and the incompetence of the State, the laxity of institutional norms, the lack of support from society, managers and parents. Violence in the institution of analysis is a reflection of the social, economic and political dynamics, similar to the results found in other investigations in the country. The school has alarming episodes of violence, like many others around the world. It has achieved naturalization status as a social phenomenon. In the same way, it is noted that formal education loses importance for students because of economic gains. They obtain easy money participating with criminal gangs.
How to ensure sustainability of economic and social activities post earthquake a case study in Lombok West Nusatenggara Indonesia

One of the serious problems caused by the Lombok earthquake on July 28, 2018 was the cessation of people's productive activities, so that their survival was threatened. The purpose of this research was to build a model of economic recovery post earthquake in Lombok, West Nusatenggara that can be used as a model for post earthquake regional economic recovery in Indonesia. The analytical methods used were SAST (Strategic Assumption Surfacing and Testing) and AHP (Analytical Hierarchy Process). The results of study showed that the mental recovery of the community after the earthquake was the most important problem before economic recovery. To recover the community's economy, the development of coconut sugar and handicraft-based home industries was the most potential productive activity to ensure the sustainability of people's lives. The conclusion of this study was mental recovery and the development of productive activities based on regional superior natural resources were the main keys to economic recovery post earthquake.
Cultural Capital, Gender and Intergenerational Educational Mobility in Post-Communist Space

Post-communist transition in Eastern Europe has affected social stratification and mobility. There is an argument that transition undermined the role of parental cultural capital and increased the importance of parental economic capital in determining the educational mobility of children. In this paper, we examine whether the parental cultural capital has played a role in educational mobility of cohorts born in 1970–1984 and what has been the contribution of the different states of cultural capital. We also consider the gender heterogeneity in the transmission of educational advantage. The study focuses on one country of Eastern Europe—Lithuania, which underwent the transition to a radical neo-liberal form of capitalism. Using data from the Families and Inequalities Survey of 2019, we apply the descriptive and ordinal regression analysis. The results indicate intergenerational educational upward mobility for women. All states of parental cultural capital (objectified, embodied, institutionalized) are relevant for the educational attainment of the transitional cohort. The effects are more pronounced for women, at least in relation to some states of parental cultural capital. On a more general level, the findings imply that the intergenerational reproduction of educational attainment was not substantially altered by the transition, at least during its initial decades.
AN IMPROVEMENT OF MARKOVIAN INTEGRATION BY PARTS FORMULA AND APPLICATION TO SENSITIVITY COMPUTATION

This paper establishes a new version of integration by parts formula of Markov chains for sensitivity computation, under much lower restrictions than the existing researches. Our approach is more fundamental and applicable without using Girsanov theorem or Malliavin calculus as did by past papers. Numerically, we apply this formula to compute sensitivity regarding the transition rate matrix and compare with a recent research by an IPA (infinitesimal perturbation analysis) method and other approaches.
Mathematics anxiety and self-efficacy as predictors of mathematics literacy

ABSTRACT Prior research has suggested that mathematics specific anxiety and self-efficacy are strong predictors of mathematics performance. The purpose of this study was to examine this relationship using two nationally representative samples of Greek students in 2003 and 2012. Findings indicated that both mathematics anxiety and mathematics self-efficacy have showed a significant relationship with mathematics performance, and when these variables were incorporated in prediction models, as much as 34% of the total variation in mathematics performance was explained. However, socioeconomic status was the most potent predictor of mathematics literacy. Findings indicated the presence of a strong interaction effect between mathematics anxiety and mathematics self-efficacy. Educational implications and directions for future research are discussed.
An empirical study of consumer video activism in China: protesting against businesses with short videos

This article explores how Chinese consumers adopt short videos and short-video-based social media platforms (short-video-based [SVB] platforms) to safeguard their rights and interests. Bringing together the literature on SVB platforms and media practices and interviewing 56 interviewees in four groups that are involved in the consumer video activism process, I uncover the working mechanism behind this consumer video activism strategy: by uploading short video evidence to SVB platforms, Chinese consumers can bring increased attention—including that of the media and government departments—to bear on their experiences and demands. Thus, with the aid of media coverage and government intervention, businesses are forced to admit their faults and compensate consumers accordingly.