Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
IRIS: Integrated and Replicable solutions for co-creation In Sustainable cities

This study aims to estimate the relationship between incubated start-ups and their performance and estimate the differences between a “smart city start-up” and a “non-smart city start-up” for incubators in Utrecht and Gothenburg. The relationship between business incubation and performance yields contradicting results. Moreover, no previous research has been done looking at a “smart city start-up”. However, with the Smart City Index developed by Hermse et al. (2020), this is possible. This study is explorative and I estimated the relationship between incubated “smart city start-ups” and "non-smart city start-ups” their performance. Thereby, I looked at the differences between a “smart city start-up” and a “non-smart city start-up”. Data was used from the dataset created by Eveleens (2019), from UtrechtInc and Climate-KIC, and I collected data from the incubator Chalmers Ventures, located in Gothenburg, Sweden. Performance was measured with three variables, survival, investment and employment growth. For the former two a logit regression was applied, whereas for the latter variable a negative binomial regression was used. Results showed that being a “smart city start-up” affected the employment growth significantly and positively. Other control variables were found to have significant relationships that were in line with previous research. Incubator managers and cities can make use of these results by for example adjusting their policies to perform at their best. Future research could add a control group of non-incubated start-ups.
An international study on the collection and combination of optimised algorithms for predicting progression in Alzheimer’s Disease

Introduction Early detection of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), i.e. before symptom onset, would provide the opportunity for development and testing of interventions at earlier stages, when the disease process may still be altered or interrupted. Computer algorithms combining machine learning with non-invasive imaging and other biomarkers for AD have been developed in an eﬀort to improve early detection methods. However, so far, none of the individual algorithms perform at a level that qualiﬁes for clinical use. In this study, we investigated whether combining several existing AD prediction algorithms improves performance and generalisability. Methods State-of-the-art AD progression prediction algorithms were collected from the TADPOLE-SHARE project. Algorithms were trained on data from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) study and made forecasts of the clinical diagnosis (CN, MCI, or AD). These algorithms were combined using i) simple, unlearned fuser methods and ii) learned fuser methods. In total, seven experiments were conducted, exploring diﬀerent combination strategies with increasing complexity of fusers. Finally, we implemented and added our own individual algo-rithm, a residual neural network (ResNet). All individual algorithms and ensembles were evaluated with the multiclass area under the curve (mAUC) and the balanced classiﬁcation accuracy (BCA) performance metrics. Statistical signiﬁcance was evaluated with the McNemar test. Results TADPOLE-SHARE resulted in the collection of eight algorithms, from which ﬁve were reused for combination. Overall, combining algorithms slightly improves performance (i.e. increased BCA and mAUC), although improvements were not statistically signiﬁcant (McNemar test). Both BCA and mAUC showed a trend of improved performance with increasing fuser complexity i.e. data learned fusers and re-entering original data features. DoubleResNet was the best performing ensemble (BCA = 0.809 [ ± 0.026], mAUC = 0.902 [ ± 0.020]) and performed slightly better than the best scoring fused algorithm EMCEB (BCA = 0.761 [ ± 0.029]; mAUC = 0.866 [ ± 0.020]). Conclusion These preliminary results suggest that combining pre-existing AD progression prediction algorithms might provide the increase in performance and generalisability needed to enable clinical translation. To do so, future work should be focused on increasing the interoperability of currently existing and newly developed algorithms.
The Circular Economy: A Study on the Use of Airbnb for Sustainable Coastal Development in the Vietnam Mekong Delta

The concept of the circular economy has become well known for its solution-oriented approach to transforming available resources into a closed-loop resource system. However, in the context of coastal areas, coastal resources seem to be ignored in the tourism production and consumption process. In relation to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this article discusses how sharing economy practices may sustain coastal resources through ecotourism, applying a sharing-economy theory that emphasizes changes in the new form—a circular economy—rather than a single traditional Airbnb model or ecotourism model. This study proposes a coastal sustainable development structure model based on the integration between the sharing economy and ecotourism with three modes—positive economic effects, positive economic pressures, and sustainable coastal development—and uses coastal residents’ expectations of their living conditions as moderating factors to investigate the impact of the circular economy on coastal sustainability. We developed a survey-based model that included 303 samples from the indigenous residents of 13 provinces throughout the Vietnam Mekong Delta. The results show that the integration of ecotourism with the Airbnb model has a positive effect on residents’ living conditions, supporting sustainable local development. However, the advancement of technology and residents’ awareness involves barriers to coastal development because the process of modernization is still limited in coastal areas. More specifically, in the case of the Vietnam Mekong Delta, our results suggest that limited technical knowledge and language ability stand as barriers to coastal businesses, showing that the lack of inter-regional connectivity limits the magnitude of local tourism in coastal areas. These findings are useful for assessing residents’ living conditions so that coastal development can work towards poverty reduction. Finally, the establishment and expansion of policies by local authorities can be an indispensable part of coastal economic development by limiting the negative effects of the abuse of natural resources and facilitating family businesses in coastal zones in an effort towards the integration of economic development and social and environmental responsibility.
PROSTAGLANDINS, HISTAMINE AND PLATELET ACTIVATING FACTOR: DIFFERENT MEDIATORS IN DITHRANOL-INDUCED SKIN DAMAGE

Dithranol is a potent agent in treating psoriasis but its adverse effects on intact skin have limited its usage. There are many proposed mediators for its adverse effects including prostaglandins, histamine, platelet activating factor and free radicals. In this study we examined the effect of different agents (diazepam, terfenadine, indomethacin and garlic extract) on dithranol-induced skin damage in mice. Animals were treated with different drugs before local application of dithranol cream on the right buttock. Skin biopsy was performed after 48 or 96 hours. Diazepam (3 mg/Kg), terfenadine (20 mg/Kg), indomethacin (25 mg/Kg) and garlic extract (1% and 2%) were all capable of reducing dithranol-induced skin damage. It seems that the role of prostaglandins, histamine and platelet activating factor in the pathogenesis of dithranol-induced skin damage is inevitable. Garlic extract effect might be mediated by platelet activating factor but it needs further work to be proven.
Interplay of Vanadium States and Oxygen Vacancies in the Structural and Optical Properties of TiO2:V Thin Films

In this work, we present the customized modifications in the morphology and optical properties of vanadium (V) doped TiO2 thin films sputter deposited on glass substrates at a growth rate of ∼0.6 A/s at 500 °C. The sputtering targets of pure and V doped TiO2 with three concentrations of V (1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 atomic percentage (at. %)) were prepared from powders. XRD patterns confirmed the grown TiO2 films were anatase. In the doped TiO2 films, the crystallite size reduced by almost half when the V concentration increased from 0 to 2 at. % systematically. Incorporation of V in the TiO2 host lattice led to the enhanced growth of (211) planes, which significantly modified the grain geometry from the faceted to the elongated as observed in the SEM images and confirmed by structural simulation using VESTA code. The confinement of phonon modes was observed in the Raman spectra, which was attributed to the increased nonstoichiometry and enhanced asymmetry in bonding with increased V concentration. XPS spectra con.
Study on Properties of Different Kinds of Water Retentive Agents and Effects on Growth of Maize

In order to understand the property of different kinds of water retentive agents and the applied effects so that to use it reasonably on drought resistance and water saving.The paper is to test the capabilities of major four kinds of water retentive agents,including Poly(acrylate sodium),Starch-sodium acrylate graft copolymers,Poly(acrylate sodium)/attapulgite,Poly(acrylic acid-potassium acrylate)/humic-acid.It was analyzed the absorbency,swelling rate,anti-ionic property,pH,frequent absorbency and so on.The results showed that the capabilities of four different kinds of water retentive agents is very different and the best one of them is Poly(acrylate sodium) that recapitulate swelling rate is decreased fast in re-absorbent swelling;Starch-sodium acrylate graft copolymers has lose the capacity of water swelling in 7th process of water swelling;multi-component water retentive agents,such as Poly(acrylate sodium)/attapulgite and Poly(acrylic acid-potassium acrylate)/humic-acid have a special characteristic on anti-ion with bivalent(Ca2+,Mg2+) and anti-ion with three combination(Fe3+) markedly,respectively,and they all have a good capacity on recapitulate swelling rate.The pot experiments showed that Poly(acrylate sodium)/attapulgite and Poly(acrylic acid-potassium acrylate)/humic-acid,compared to Poly(acrylate sodium)and starch-sodium Acrylate Graft Copolymers as well as mixed use of water retentive agents and mycorrhiza can increase the growth of maize.
Can Schoolchildren Substitute Mothers' Reports of Cariogenic Foods Consumption?

Objective: To investigate the influence de two instruments for evaluation of cariogenic foods consumption by schoolchildren. Material and Methods: The convenience sample comprised of 30 active-caries children (7-10 years old) attended in a public dental clinic and their mothers, who have not received dietary orientation before study. A trained evaluator administered the Previous Day Food Questionnaire (PDFQ) to children and other examiner applied the 24-hour dietary recall with mothers. Internal consistency between PDFQ and 24-hour dietary recall regarding frequency of sugar intake was calculated using intraclass correlation coefficient. Bivariate analyses (Mann-Whitney test) were performed to investigate the factors associated with frequency of sugar intake when using both instruments (α=0.05). Results: A moderate correlation (ICC = 0.51; 95%CI: -0.04–0.77; p=0.03) was found between instruments. Mean frequency of sugar intake reported by mothers and children was 3.5 (± 1.8) and 3.7 (± 1.5) times a day, respectively. When using the PDFQ, the frequency of cariogenic foods consumption varied depending on frequency of toothbrushing, i.e., children that had higher frequency of sugar intake brushed their teeth at least two times a day (p=0.016). Conclusion: Previous Day Food Questionnaire applied with schoolchildren could substitute the mothers’ reports of cariogenic foods consumption when dietary interventions for controlling dental caries are necessary. If doubts remain regarding the children’s response, mothers should be consulted.
SARS-CoV-2 M pro inhibitors with antiviral activity in a transgenic mouse model

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) continually poses serious threats to global public health. The main protease (M pro ) of SARS-CoV-2 plays a central role in viral replication. We designed and synthesized 32 new bicycloproline-containing M pro inhibitors derived from either boceprevir or telaprevir, both of which are approved antivirals. All compounds inhibited SARS-CoV-2 M pro activity in vitro, with 50% inhibitory concentration values ranging from 7.6 to 748.5 nM. The cocrystal structureofM pro incomplexwithMI-23,oneofthemostpotent compounds,revealed itsinteractionmode.Two compounds (MI-09 and MI-30) showed excellent antiviral activity in cell-based assays. In a transgenic mouse modelofSARS-CoV-2infection,oralorintraperitonealtreatmentwithMI-09orMI-30significantlyreducedlung viral loads and lung lesions. Both also displayed good pharmacokinetic properties and safety in rats. Targeting the SARS-CoV-2 main protease Vaccines are an important tool in the fight against COVID-19, but developing antiviral drugs is also a high priority, especially with the rise of variants that may partially evade vaccines. The viral protein main protease is required for cleaving precursor polyproteins into functional viral proteins. This essential function makes it a key drug target. Qiao et al. designed 32 inhibitors based on either boceprevir or telaprevir, both of which are protease inhibitors approved to treat hepatitis C virus. Six compounds protected cells from viral infection with high potency, and two of these were selected for in vivo studies based on pharmokinetic experiments. Both showed strong antiviral activity in a mouse model.
Metabolic Profiling of Plasma in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome after a 4-Week Starch- and Sucrose-Reduced Diet

A 4-week dietary intervention with a starch- and sucrose-restricted diet (SSRD) was conducted in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) to examine the metabolic profile in relation to nutrient intake and gastrointestinal symptoms. IBS patients were randomized to SSRD intervention (n = 69) or control continuing with their ordinary food habits (n = 22). Food intake was registered and the questionnaires IBS-symptoms severity scale (IBS-SSS) and visual analog scale for IBS (VAS-IBS) were completed. Metabolomics untargeted analysis was performed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) in positive and negative ionization modes. SSRD led to marked changes in circulating metabolite concentrations at the group level, most prominent for reduced starch intake and increased polyunsaturated fat, with small changes in the control group. On an individual level, the correlations were weak. The marked reduction in gastrointestinal symptoms did not correlate with the metabolic changes. SSRD was observed by clear metabolic effects mainly related to linoleic acid metabolism, fatty acid biosynthesis, and beta-oxidation.
The Effect of Board Structure on Sustainable Innovation Capability: A Research on Turkey

The continuous development of information technology under intense competition environment and shortening in the product life cycles based on short-term changes in customer demands lead to complexity and uncertainty in business environments. This situation features the sustainable innovation capabilities of enterprises, highlighting their significance. In this context, the objective of this study is to determine the impact of board structure on the innovation capabilities of businesses. In line with this purpose, the data of the companies included in the Istanbul Stock Exchange 100 Index for the years 2009 – 2017 were examined by panel data analysis method. As a result of regression analysis using the robust estimator developed by Beck-Katz (1995), it was found that gender diversity and role duality in the board of directors had a statistically significant negative impact on sustainable innovation capability. However, it was also observed that the ratio of foreign members in the board of directors and the size of the enterprise had a statistically significant positive impact on sustainable innovation capability.
The Dynamics of Financial Development, Government Quality, and Economic Growth in Different Groups of Economies

This study examines the causal relationship between economic growth, financial development, and national governance. To analyze the three-way link of the stated variables, the Panel Vector Auto-Regressive (PVAR) model was applied to 115 economies between 1996 to 2018. The impact of each variable shock is explored through Impulse Response Function (IRF) and variance decomposition. The results indicate that the financial development and national governance shocks have a more persistent impact on economic growth in low-income economies than emerging and developed economies. In contrast, output shock influences long-term financial development in developed economies and affects national governance in a monotonic fashion in all three sets of economies. Moreover, national governance is explored as a critical factor for economic growth especially in low-income economies.
Developing a Purchasing Strategy Taxonomy Based on Competitive Priorities

This exploratory study aims to develop a taxonomy of purchasing strategies at the purchase category level. We define strategies based on competitive priorities, an approach that is common in operations management literature, but very novel in purchasing. Analysing data collected from 318 manufacturing firms in ten countries through the use of cluster analysis, we identify five purchase category strategies: “Emphasise All, Cost Management, Product Innovation, Delivery Reliability, and Emphasise Nothing”. We subsequently investigate how this purchase category strategy taxonomy is related to the Kraljic matrix, a purchasing portfolio model utilised frequently in practice. We find that some strategies are more likely to be implemented in certain quadrants of the matrix but that within each quadrant, it is possible to implement various purchase category strategies in an effective way. This finding empirically validates our argument that existing portfolio models alone do not provide sufficient guidance for defining appropriate strategies.
Upregulation of Anti-Oxidative Stress Response Improves Metabolic Changes in L-Selectin-Deficient Mice but Does Not Prevent NAFLD Progression or Fecal Microbiota Shifts

(1) Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a growing global health problem. NAFLD progression involves a complex interplay of imbalanced inflammatory cell populations and inflammatory signals such as reactive oxygen species and cytokines. These signals can derive from the liver itself but also from adipose tissue or be mediated via changes in the gut microbiome. We analyzed the effects of a simultaneous migration blockade caused by L-selectin-deficiency and an enhancement of the anti-oxidative stress response triggered by hepatocytic Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) deletion on NAFLD progression. (2) Methods: L-selectin-deficient mice (Lsel−/−Keap1flx/flx) and littermates with selective hepatic Keap1 deletion (Lsel−/−Keap1Δhepa) were compared in a 24-week Western-style diet (WD) model. (3) Results: Lsel−/−Keap1Δhepa mice exhibited increased expression of erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) target genes in the liver, decreased body weight, reduced epidydimal white adipose tissue with decreased immune cell frequencies, and improved glucose response when compared to their Lsel−/−Keap1flx/flx littermates. Although WD feeding caused drastic changes in fecal microbiota profiles with decreased microbial diversity, no genotype-dependent shifts were observed. (4) Conclusions: Upregulation of the anti-oxidative stress response improves metabolic changes in L-selectin-deficient mice but does not prevent NAFLD progression and shifts in the gut microbiota.
Psicologia: Teoria e Pesquisa

Aging entails many cognitive changes, including episodic memory, which may be potentiated depending on the lifestyle of the elderly person and stimulated through cognitive interventions. The objective of this study was to verify whether there are differences in episodic memory and mood in different interventions. A total of 46 elderly people, of both sexes, with an average age of 68.7 years (SD = ± 6.82) participated in the study, being divided in two groups, stimulation (Stimullus = 21) and training (MEMO = 25), and tests of diagnostic and memory measures were applied before and after intervention. A difference in episodic memory was observed between the interventions, as well as an improvement in their mood, regardless of the type of intervention.
Evaluation of Carrying Capacity on Resource and Environment Based on Improved TOPSIS Method

An improved TOPSIS method has been developed for the evaluation of carrying capacity on resource and environment in Tongliao City. In this approach, the entropy method is introduced into a TOPSIS framework. The weights of indexes are determined by the entropy method, then the results of evaluation are determined by the TOPSIS method. The improved TOPSIS method has been applied to a problem of evaluation in Tongliao City. 12 indexes are selected to reflect the carrying capacity on resource and environment in Tongliao City. The results show that the water consumption per GDP and the recycling dosage of wastewater are the highest and the lowest important indexes, respectively. The values of carrying capacity evaluation decrease from 2015 to 2019, indicating the fragile of resource and environment in Tongliao City. It could be used as a reference by decision makers for improving the measures for resource utilizilation, environment protection and sustainable development in Tongliao City.