Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Port competitiveness determinants of selected European ports in the containerized cargo market

The issue of port competitiveness has been an important topic over recent years. With the effects that ports are suffering from the recent economic crisis, it is only gaining importance. This is true also in the context of containerized cargo. Understanding the determinants of port competitiveness is important for port authorities to address the issue of reducing cargo flows. In the containerized cargo market 25% of the world’s top 40 container handling ports have seen a reduction of cargo turnover. Looking at ports in Europe, two out of the top three ports saw a decrease in turnover in 2008. Reacting to these changes with an adequate response is a challenge for the port authorities. This paper will address the issue of competitiveness, the criteria that determine it, and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the ports. In the analysis, the focus will be on selected ports of Western Europe. The case of containers will be analyzed since this sector features the strongest worldwide changes. The paper will present the literature review, the information obtained in the interviews with shipping lines, port selection criteria to a set of ports and evaluate their competitiveness, and will draw conclusions.
Circadian Sensation and Visual Perception

The physiology of living beings presents oscillations that are known as biological rhythms. The most studied rhythm is called circadian (circa = circa, dies = day), because it varies with a period close to 24h. Most functions of the body have circadian variations, one can mention, for example, metabolism, body temperature, the activity of the nervous system, secretion of hormones such as melatonin and cortisol. Circadian rhythms were also found in human behavior, for example: in sensory activity, motor activity, reaction time, visual perception, auditory perception, time perception, attention, memory, arithmetic calculus, and executive functions. The present work reviews the visual path that participates in the synchronization of circadian rhythms, as well as the evidence that exists about the presence of circadian rhythms in the sensation and visual perception of the human being.
Brain injury environment critically influences the connectivity of transplanted neurons

Cell transplantation is a promising approach for the reconstruction of neuronal circuits after brain damage. Transplanted neurons integrate with remarkable specificity into circuitries of the mouse cerebral cortex affected by neuronal ablation. However, it remains unclear how neurons perform in a local environment undergoing reactive gliosis, inflammation, macrophage infiltration and scar formation, as in traumatic brain injury (TBI). To elucidate this, we transplanted cells from the embryonic mouse cerebral cortex into TBI-injured, inflamed-only, or intact cortex of adult mice. Brain-wide quantitative connectomics unraveled graft inputs from correct regions across the brain in all conditions, with pronounced quantitative differences: scarce in intact and inflamed brain, versus exuberant after trauma. In the latter, excessive synapse pruning follows the initial overshoot of connectivity resulting in only a few connections left. Proteomic profiling identifies candidate molecules involved in the synaptic yield, a pivotal parameter to tailor for functional restoration of neuronal circuits. Teaser Neuronal grafts in a brain area affected by trauma receive excessive yet mostly vulnerable inputs from host circuits.
Artificial-Noise-Aided Coordinated Secure Transmission Design in Multi-Cell Multi-Antenna Networks With Limited Feedback

In this paper, we consider secure communications in a multi-cell downlink multi-antenna system, where each multi-antenna base station (BS) sends confidential messages to one intended legitimate user (LU) with a passive multi-antenna eavesdropper trying to intercept the messages in this cell. To enhance the secure communications of the cell-edge users, the multiple BSs employ coordinated beamforming with the aid of artificial-noise (AN) beamforming. We conduct a mathematically rigorous secrecy performance analysis of the considered system and obtain new accurate closed-form expressions of a lower bound on the ergodic rate of each LU and an upper bound of the ergodic rate of each eavesdropper without assuming asymptotes for any system parameter (except for the “worst-case” scenario with zero noise power). Then, a lower bound on the ergodic secrecy rate (ESR) of each LU follows. Based on the derived analytical results, we propose a low-complexity algorithm to optimize the channel sate information (CSI) feedback bits allocation for the channels of target signal link and inter-cell interference links. Furthermore, we develop explicit sufficient conditions on the set of system parameters under which there are at least two BSs to coordinated secure transmission. Through both theoretical analysis and numerical results, we can verify that the obtained analytical lower bound on ESR of each LU as a function of the set of power allocation coefficients is generally neither convex nor concave. Thus, we propose to employ some numerical method to find a sub-optimal power allocation solution. Finally, numerical results are also provided to validate our theoretical results and the proposed feedback bits and power allocation methods.
Term structure estimation with liquidity-adjusted Affine Nelson Siegel model: A nonlinear state space approach applied to the Indian bond market

ABSTRACT Efficient term structure estimation in emerging markets is difficult not only because of overall lack of liquidity, but also because of the concentration of liquidity in a few securities. Using the arbitrage-free Affine Nelson-Siegel model, we explicitly incorporate this phenomenon using a proxy for liquidity based on observable data in the bond pricing function and estimate the term structure for Indian Government bond markets in a nonlinear state space setting using the Unscented Kalman Filter. We find strong empirical evidence in support of the extended model with both i) a better in-sample fit to bond prices, and ii) the likelihood ratio test rejecting the restrictions assumed in the standard AFNS specification. In an alternative specification, we also model liquidity as a latent risk factor within the AFNS framework. The estimated latent liquidity factor is found to be strongly correlated with the standard market benchmarks of overall liquidity and the India VIX index.
Lithospheric Structure Near Jiuyishan, South China: Implications for Asthenospheric Upwelling and Lithospheric Modification

In this study, a high‐resolution 3D lithospheric S wave velocity model of the Jiuyishan region is constructed by joint inversion of receiver function and ambient noise. Our Moho depth model reveals relatively thick crust (∼35 km) beneath the Yangtze block and thin crust (∼27 km) beneath the Cathaysia block. The model depicts a complex boundary between these blocks, roughly following the Chenzhou‐Linwu fault in the northern part but gradually curving westward in the southern part between the two blocks. The 3D S wave velocity model shows low‐velocity anomalies in the middle crust, as well as in the upper mantle, interpreted as evidence of asthenospheric upwellings in the upper mantle. These upwellings modify lithosphere structures by changing their temperatures and compositions, and may provide a heat source through the Chenzhou‐Linwu fault for the low‐velocity anomaly in the shallow part beneath Jiuyishan region.
Analytical Model for Steel-Jacketed RC Circular Bridge Columns

The current approach for seismic retrofit of bridge columns in California involves extensive use of steel jacketing, which has been shown to be very effective in enhancing the flexural and shear performance of deficient bridge columns. In this paper, an analytical model is developed for the first-yield limit state and the ultimate limit state of flexurally dominated steel-jacketed circular bridge columns. Lateral stiffening of column is taken into account by considering the effective bond transfer between the steel jacket and column. Two possible ultimate limit states are identified: (1) A limit state that corresponds to the ultimate compressive strain of concrete; and (2) a limit state that corresponds to low-cycle fatigue fracture of the longitudinal steel. An equation based on the energy balance method is proposed for predicting the ultimate compressive strain of concrete confined by the steel jacket. The ultimate limit state governed by low-cycle fatigue fracture of the longitudinal steel is assessed using an energy-based damage model. The proposed model is shown to correlate well with the lateral response of tested steel-jacketed columns.
Design and implementation of an observer-based state feedback controller for a pseudo direct drive

A pseudo direct drive (PDD) permanent magnet (PM) machine, realised by a mechanical and magnetic integration of a PM machine and a magnetic gear can achieve torque densities in excess of 60 kNm/m 3 . Since the torque in the PDD machine is transmitted to the load through a relatively low-stiff magnetic gear, undesirable speed/position oscillations become significant. This study addresses the pertinent issues associated with PDD operation and control. A full-state feedback (SFBK) control strategy has been employed and the feedback gains are optimally tuned by genetic algorithm against a defined performance index and under torque, current and voltage limits. To realise this control strategy at low cost, a reduced order observer has been designed and implemented to reconstruct the system states required for the SFBK control. It has been shown that the proposed control strategy and tuning method are effective in suppressing torsional oscillation, and for improving PDD servo operation and control performance. Experimental results have demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed control technique.
Comparison and Renormalization of Holocene Paleointensity Records From Central North America (17°N–51°N, 205°E–295°E)

This paper develops a composite absolute paleointensity record for Holocene paleomagnetic secular variation (PSV) from central North America. Twelve full‐vector (inclination, declination, paleointensity) PSV records were assessed in order to build the composite record. Nine of the paleointensity records come from sediment paleomagnetic studies and are considered relative in intensity. Three of the paleointensity records come from absolute paleointensity measurements of archeological materials and lava flows. This paper develops a new method to normalize the sediment relative paleointensity records to the absolute intensity records. The final composite paleointensity record describes intensity variability over a region of Central North America delineated by 35°–48.6°N and 240.4–291.4°E (∼14° × 50°). This composite record shows a distinctive long‐duration (∼104 year) oscillation and a series of millennial‐scale intensity oscillations that are consistent over our study region.
Tourism Demand Modelling and Forecasting: A Review of Literature

This research examines 145 key papers from 1979 to 2020 in order to gain a better sense of how tourism demand forecasting techniques have changed over time. The three types of forecasting models are econometric, time series, and artificial intelligence (AI) models. Econometric and time series models that were already popular in 2005 maintained their popularity, and were increasingly used as benchmark models for forecasting performance assessment and comparison with new models. In the last decade, AI models have advanced at an incredible rate, with hybrid AI models emerging as a new trend. In addition, some new developments in the three categories of models, such as mixed frequency, spatial regression, and combination and hybrid models have been introduced. The main conclusions drawn from historical comparisons forecasting methods are that forecasting models have become more diverse, that these models have been merged, and that forecasting accuracy has improved. Given the complexities of predicting tourism demand, there is no single approach that works well in all circumstances, and forecasting techniques are still evolving.
Effectiveness of Restoration Therapy in an Intensive Model

The present study represents one of the first empirical studies of an intensive model of Restoration Therapy (RT), an integrative couples’ therapy model built on attachment theory, mindfulness, and emotion regulation. We hypothesized that participation in intensive RT would be associated with increased marital satisfaction both at one-month and twenty-four months post-treatment. Using two-year longitudinal self-report data collected from heterosexual, married couples (N = 118), the current study's findings extend previous work by demonstrating the effectiveness of RT performed in an intensive model to improve couples’ reported sense of marital satisfaction following completion of the intensive, a result that was sustained twenty-four months after completion of treatment.
Machine learning identified distinct serum lipidomic signatures in hospitalized COVID-19-positive and COVID-19-negative patients

Background: Lipids are involved in the interaction between viral infection and the host metabolic and immunological response. Several studies comparing the lipidome of COVID-19-positive hospitalized patients vs. healthy subjects have already been reported. It is largely unknown, however, whether these differences are specific to this disease. The present study compared the lipidomic signature of hospitalized COVID-19-positive patients with that of healthy subjects, and with COVID-19-negative patients hospitalized for other infectious/inflammatory diseases. Potential COVID-19 biomarkers were identified. Methods: We analyzed the lipidomic signature of 126 COVID-19-positive patients, 45 COVID-19-negative patients hospitalized with other infectious/inflammatory diseases and 50 healthy volunteers. Results were interpreted by machine learning. Results: We identified acylcarnitines, lysophosphatidylethanolamines, arachidonic acid and oxylipins as the most altered species in COVID-19-positive patients compared to healthy volunteers. However, we found similar alterations in COVID-19-negative patients. By contrast, we identified lysophosphatidylcholine 22:6-sn2, phosphatidylcholine 36:1 and secondary bile acids as the parameters that had the greatest capacity to discriminate between COVID-19-positive and COVID-19-negative patients. Conclusion: This study shows that COVID-19 infection shares many lipid alterations with other infectious/inflammatory diseases, but differentiating them from the healthy population. Also, we identified some lipid species the alterations of which distinguish COVID-19-positive from Covid-19-negative patients. Our results highlight the value of integrating lipidomics with machine learning algorithms to explore the pathophysiology of COVID-19 and, consequently, improve clinical decision making.
Evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 antibody point of care devices in the laboratory and clinical setting

SARS-CoV-2 Antibody tests have been marketed to diagnose previous SARS-CoV-2 infection and as a test of immune status. There is a lack of evidence on the performance and clinical utility of these tests. We aimed to carry out an evaluation of 14 point of care (POC) SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests. Serum from participants with previous RT-PCR (Real-Time Polymerase chain reaction) confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and pre-pandemic controls were used to determine specificity and sensitivity of each POC device. Changes in sensitivity with increasing time from infection were determined on a cohort of participants. Corresponding neutralising antibody status was measured to establish whether the detection of antibodies by the POC device correlated with immune status. Paired capillary and serum samples were collected to ascertain whether POC devices performed comparably on capillary samples. Sensitivity and specificity varied between the POC devices and in general did not meet the manufacturers reported performance characteristics signifying the importance of independent evaluation of these tests. The sensitivity peaked at >20 days following symptoms onset however sensitivity of 3 POC devices evaluated at extended time points showed that sensitivity declined with time and this was particularly marked at >140 days post infection onset. This is relevant if the tests are to be used for sero-prevelence studies. Neutralising antibody data showed positive antibody results on POC devices did not necessarily confer high neutralising antibody titres and these POC devices cannot be used to determine immune status to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Comparison of paired serum and capillary results showed that there was a decline in sensitivity using capillary blood. This has implications in the utility of the test as they are designed to be used on capillary blood by the general population.
Self-Concept in Narcissism: Profile Comparisons of Narcissistic Manifestations on Facets of the Self

Objective Clinical theories suggest that narcissists have a compromised self-concept. However, empirical investigation on attributes of the self that would be impaired in pathological narcissism is limited and inconsistent. The present study aims at detecting distinctive profiles of narcissistic manifestations on facets of the self that have been indicated as relevant in clinical and empirical literature on narcissism. Method We measured adaptive and pathological narcissistic traits in a community sample of adults (N = 539). Participants also completed measures of self-uniqueness, self-authenticity, self-consistency, and self-other comparisons on agentic and communal domains. Results Results indicate distinctive profiles of adaptive and pathological narcissistic manifestations on these facets of the self. Among the set of distinctive facets for each narcissistic manifestation, however, some showed to have a more prominent role. Adaptive and pathological narcissism were captured mostly by a greater sense and need for uniqueness that was primarily expressed by public exposure. Sense of superiority over others in the agentic domain, however, showed to have an essential role only in adaptive narcissism. Moreover, self-concept in adaptive grandiose narcissism was qualified by high levels of self-authenticity and a consistent sense of self. Self-concept in vulnerable pathological narcissism revealed greatest impairment, especially in facets of high concern regarding others’ reactions and feeling of a tenuous existence. Conclusions The study points out that adaptive and pathological manifestations of narcissism can be profiled based on specific facets of self. Theoretical and research implications are discussed.
Evaluation of community readiness for change prior to a participatory physical activity intervention in Germany

Summary A lack of communities’ readiness for change is reported as a major barrier toward an effective implementation of health promoting interventions in community settings. Adding an alternative readiness assessment approach to existing research practice, this study aimed to investigate how a selected community could be evaluated in-depth regarding its readiness for change based on multiple key informant perspectives, with the intention of using this knowledge for the preparation of improved local physical activity (PA) interventions for men above 50 years of age. We conducted semi-structured face-to-face key informant interviews with stakeholders and relevant persons from a local German community (N = 15). The interview guide was based on a comprehensive summary of community readiness dimensions. After verbatim transcription, we conducted thematic analysis to synthesize the complex results regarding community readiness related to PA. The data supported that the community disposed of a variety of resources regarding PA and showed signs of readiness for change. However, a certain degree of saturation regarding PA programs existed. The need for health enhancing PA interventions for men was only partly recognized. The local authority considered PA to be particularly important in the context of mobility and traffic safety. Including multiple stakeholders contributed to a balanced and in-depth assessment of community readiness and was helpful for determining starting points for tailored PA interventions due to the detection of complex relationships and structures. The study delivers preliminary evidence that a qualitative multi-perspective community readiness assessment adds value to quantified single-perspective readiness assessment research practice.
One Cell, Two Gears: Extensive Somatic Genome Plasticity Accompanies High Germline Genome Stability in Paramecium

Abstract Mutation accumulation (MA) experiments are conventionally employed to study spontaneous germline mutations. However, MA experiments can also shed light on somatic genome plasticity in a habitual and genetic drift-maximizing environment. Here, we revisit an MA experiment that uncovered extraordinary germline genome stability in Paramecium tetraurelia, a single-celled eukaryote with nuclear dimorphism. Our re-examination of isogenic P. tetraurelia MA lines propagated in nutrient-rich medium for >40 sexual cycles reveals that their polyploid somatic genome accrued hundreds of intervening DNA segments (IESs), which are normally eliminated during germline-soma differentiation. These IESs frequently occupy a fraction of the somatic DNA copies of a given locus, producing IES excision/retention polymorphisms, and preferentially fall into a class of epigenetically controlled sequences. Relative to control lines, retained IESs are flanked by stronger cis-acting signals and interrupt an excess of highly expressed coding exons. These findings suggest that P. tetraurelia’s elevated germline DNA replication fidelity is associated with pervasive somatic genome plasticity. They show that MA regimes are powerful tools for investigating the role that developmental plasticity, somatic mutations, and epimutations have in ecology and evolution.
A dynamic intermediate state limits the folding rate of a discontinuous two-domain protein

Protein folding is an indispensable process for the majority of proteins after their synthesis from ribosomes in the cell. Most in vitro protein folding studies have focused on single-domain proteins. Hence, it is important to understand the folding process of multi-domain proteins, especially when domains are discontinuous. We choose the Maltose binding protein (MBP) as a model system. In particular, we studied a mutant of MBP that folds slowly. Here, using two- and three-color single-molecule Foerster resonance energy transfer (smFRET) experiments, we study the refolding of both the domains and the interaction between the domains of DM-MBP. Initial two-color smFRET measurements of the N-terminal domain (NTD) reveal the presence of a folding intermediate. The same folding intermediate is observed in measurements monitoring the C- terminal domain (CTD) and the NTD-CTD (N-C) interface. The refolding intermediate is dynamic on the sub-millisecond timescale. Quantitative analysis on underlying dynamic interconversions revealed a delay in NTD folding imposed by the entropic barrier being the primary cause for slow DM-MBP folding. Moreover, CTD folds after NTD completes the folding. Using three-color smFRET, we could show the NTD folds first and CTD later in a same protein. Molecular dynamic simulations for temperature-induced unfolding on WT- and DM-MBP identify a folding nucleus in the NTD, which is rich in hydrophobic residues, and explains why the two mutations slow down the folding kinetics. In the presence of the bacterial Hsp60 chaperonin system GroEL/ES, we observe that DM-MBP is dynamic within the chaperonin cavity but the chaperonin limits the conformational space of substrate. Hence, confinement aids DM-MBP in overcoming the entropic barrier. The study reports on the subtle tuning and co-dependency for protein folding between two-domains with a discontinuous arrangement.