Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Periodic orbits in planar systems modelling neural activity

In this paper we will prove certain properties of a planar dynamical system modelling the neural activity of a network consisting of two neurons. At first we show that for a certain region in parameter space (such that there exist three equilibria) the dynamical system has no periodic orbits. To this end we need a new criterion for the nonexistence of limit cycles in a system of Lienard type (Lemma 3.1). Next we derive conditions under which our model system has exactly one periodic orbit, which will be a stable limit cycle. Finally, we cover a part of the parameter space where we can prove that the dynamical system has three equilibria such that around two of the equilibria at most one limit cycle can exist.
Hidden Markov model‐based approach on real‐time output reachable set synthesis for discrete‐time nonlinear Markovian jump systems

This note addresses the asynchronous state‐feedback control (ASC) for delay nonlinear Markovian jump systems (DNMJSs) subject to reachable set boundary. Under taking time‐varying delays and external disturbance into consideration, Takagi‐Sugeno fuzzy model is adopted to approximate the nonlinear dynamics systems. Although the assumption about time‐delay is practical, it will cause subsystem modes to be not synchronous with the controller modes. As a consequence, the description method of the nonsynchronous phenomenon is introduced, which is a hidden Markov model. Furthermore, an available ASC is designed and all reachable states of the system is constrained within the compact ellipsoidal boundary to guarantee the safe operation of the DNMJSs. The existence conditions of the desired ASC are obtained via solving a group of feasible linear matrix inequalities. Finally, some numerical simulations are provided to verify the availability of the proposed method in this article.
Enhanced L-β-Aminoisobutyric Acid Is Involved in the Pathophysiology of Effectiveness for Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia and Adverse Reactions of Clozapine

Clozapine is an effective antipsychotic for the treatment of antipsychotic-resistant schizophrenia; however, specific types of A/B adverse effects and clozapine-discontinuation syndromes are also well known. To date, both the critical mechanisms of clinical actions (effective for antipsychotic-resistant schizophrenia) and the adverse effects of clozapine remain to be elucidated. Recently, we demonstrated that clozapine increased the synthesis of L-β-aminoisobutyric acid (L-BAIBA) in the hypothalamus. L-BAIBA is an activator of the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), glycine receptor, GABAA receptor, and GABAB receptor (GABAB-R). These targets of L-BAIBA overlap as potential targets other than the monoamine receptors of clozapine. However, the direct binding of clozapine to these aminoacidic transmitter/modulator receptors remains to be clarified. Therefore, to explore the contribution of increased L-BAIBA on the clinical action of clozapine, this study determined the effects of clozapine and L-BAIBA on tripartite synaptic transmission, including GABAB-R and the group-III metabotropic glutamate receptor (III-mGluR) using cultured astrocytes, as well as on the thalamocortical hyper-glutamatergic transmission induced by impaired glutamate/NMDA receptors using microdialysis. Clozapine increased astroglial L-BAIBA synthesis in time/concentration-dependent manners. Increased L-BAIBA synthesis was observed until 3 days after clozapine discontinuation. Clozapine did not directly bind III-mGluR or GABAB-R, whereas L-BAIBA activated these receptors in the astrocytes. Local administration of MK801 into the reticular thalamic nucleus (RTN) increased L-glutamate release in the medial frontal cortex (mPFC) (MK801-evoked L-glutamate release). Local administration of L-BAIBA into the mPFC suppressed MK801-evoked L-glutamate release. These actions of L-BAIBA were inhibited by antagonists of III-mGluR and GABAB-R, similar to clozapine. These in vitro and in vivo analyses suggest that increased frontal L-BAIBA signaling likely plays an important role in the pharmacological actions of clozapine, such as improving the effectiveness of treating treatment-resistant schizophrenia and several clozapine discontinuation syndromes via the activation of III-mGluR and GABAB-R in the mPFC.
Promotion Effects of Ultrafine Bubbles/Nanobubbles on Seed Germination

The number concentrations of air UFBs were controlled, approximately, by adjusting the generation time. UFB waters, ranging from 1.4 × 108 mL−1 to 1.0 × 109 mL−1, were prepared. Barley seeds were submerged in beakers filled with distilled water and UFB water in a ratio of 10 mL of water per seed. The experimental observations of seed germination clarified the role of UFB number concentrations; that is, a higher number concentration induced earlier seed germination. In addition, excessively high UFB number concentrations caused suppression of seed germination. A possible reason for the positive or negative effects of UFBs on seed germination could be ROS generation (hydroxyl radicals and ∙OH, OH radicals) in UFB water. This was supported by the detection of ESR spectra of the CYPMPO-OH adduct in O2 UFB water. However, the question still remains: how can OH radicals be generated in O2 UFB water?
Legendre polynomials as a recommended basis for numerical differentiation in the presence of stochastic white noise

In this paper, we consider the problem of estimating the derivativey 0 of a func- tiony2C 1 a 1;1c from its noisy versiony contaminated by a stochastic white noise and argue that in certain relevant cases the reconstruction ofy 0 by the derivatives of the partial sums of Fourier-Legendre series ofy has advantage over some standard approaches. One of the interesting observations made in the paper is that in a Hilbert scale generated by the system of Legendre polynomials the stochastic white noise does not increase, as it might be expected, the loss of accuracy compared to the deterministic noise of the same intensity. We discuss the accuracy of the considered method in the spacesL2 andC and provide a guideline for an adaptive choice of the number of terms in differentiated partial sums (note that this number is playing the role of a regularization parameter). Moreover, we dis- cuss the relation of the considered numerical differentiation scheme with the well-known Savitzky-Golay derivative filters, as well as possible applications in diabetes technology.
Modelling intensities of order flows in a limit order book

We propose a parametric model for the simulation of limit order books. We assume that limit orders, market orders and cancellations are submitted according to point processes with state-dependent intensities. We propose new functional forms for these intensities, as well as new models for the placement of limit orders and cancellations. For cancellations, we introduce the concept of ‘priority index’ to describe the selection of orders to be cancelled in the order book. Parameters of the model are estimated using likelihood maximization. We illustrate the performance of the model by providing extensive simulation results, with a comparison to empirical data and a standard Poisson reference.
Exploring microfoundations and multilevel mechanisms of absorptive capacity in an emerging economy: empirical evidence from a leading car manufacturer

Despite the importance of knowledge processes in building absorptive capacity, we are less clear about the micro-processes of absorptive capacity development and particularly about the role of individuals' knowledge processes. This study empirically examined, via an in-depth case study, the microfoundations of absorptive capacity and their influence on building absorptive capacity in an automaker across the course of four product innovation projects. Findings suggested that dynamics in a knowledge environment informed individual-level tacit and explicit knowledge processes. In return, knowledge processes at the individual level informed organizational learning processes and the emergence of knowledge processes at organization level for acquisition, assimilation, transformation, and exploitation of new knowledge. This study contributes to the literature by revealing individuals' knowledge processes from which absorptive capacity emerges. Practically, managers can use the findings of this study to promote certain knowledge processes to develop intended aspects of absorptive capacity at an individual level.
Banach Spaces of Continuous Functions

If X is any topological space, let B(X) be the space of real bounded continuous functions on X, made into a Banach space by the usual norm II b I = supZExIb(x) 1. According to the Banach-Stone Theorem (see [2], [7], [3],),' if X is compact2 B(X) determines the topology of X, in the sense that if B(X1) is equivalent to B(X2) for compact Xi and X2 then Xi is homeomorphic to X2. In this paper we find that a certain type of closed linear subspace of B(X) is sufficient to determine the topology of a compact X; we give conditions under which there exists an X such that a given Banach space B is equivalent to such a subspace of B (X), and also conditions under which there exists a compact X such that B is equivalent to the whole of B(X). More specifically, let us define a subset D of B(X) to be comprpetely regu! ar (over X) if for every closed set K C X and every point XO E X K, there exists a beD such that b(xo) = Il b 11, SUpxEK I b(x) I < 1l b 11 Then we shall find I. A proof that a completely regular closed linear subspace of B(X) for a compact X determines the topology of X, in the sense that if such a subspace of B(X1) is equivalent to such a subspace of B(X2) for compact Xi, X2, then XI is homeomorphic to X2 (see Theorem 4.2). II. Sufficient conditions that there exist an X such that a given Banach space B is equivalent to a closed completely regular linear subspace of B(X) (see Theorem 3.2); also necessary conditions for the existence of such a compact X (see Theorem 4.1). III. Necessary and sufficient conditions that a given Banach space B be equivalent to B(X) for some compact (or completely regular) X (see Theorem 5.1 and 5.2). Result I generalizes the Banach-Stone Theorem. In connection with II, Alaoglu [1] has pointed out that every Banach space B is equivalent to a closed linear subspace of B(X), where X is the unit sphere in the space B* conjugate to B, topologized by the weak topology. Of course in general this subspace is not completely regular over X. Result III is a characterization of the space of continuous functions.3
Systematic Review of the Apomorphine Challenge Test in the Assessment of Dopaminergic Activity in Schizophrenia

So far, neuroendocrine studies conducted in schizophrenic patients have yielded conflicting results. Many of these discrepancies may be explained by the diversity of factors that influence the hormonal levels (at baseline and in response to pharmacological stimuli), the heterogeneity of the populations studied, the absence of standardization of test challenges and the confounding and long-lasting effects of previous treatments. Numerous studies have used apomorphine (APO) in the evaluation of dopaminergic (DA) function in schizophrenic patients. APO, a direct acting DA receptor agonist, decreases prolactin (PRL) and stimulates growth hormone (GH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol secretion. Therefore, the magnitude of hormonal responses to APO is an indirect assessment of the functionality of DA receptors at the hypothalamic–pituitary level. This review provides an update on the applications of the APO test in schizophrenia in clinical, pathophysiological and therapeutic fields.
Intermittent Energy Restriction Combined with a High-Protein/Low-Protein Diet: Effects on Body Weight, Satiety, and Inflammation: A Pilot Study

Intermittent energy restricted (IER) diets have become popular as a body weight management approach. In this pilot study, we investigated if an IER diet would reduce systemic inflammation and if maintaining an elevated protein level while on an IER diet would enhance satiety. Six healthy women, aged 33–55 years with a BMI of 27–33 kg/m2, were randomized to first adhere to either a low- or high-protein IER diet using whole foods for three weeks. They then returned to their regular diets for a week, after which they adhered to the second diet for three weeks. Each test diet consisted of three low-energy intake days followed by four isocaloric energy intake days. The diets differed only in protein content. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), glucose, satiety, body weight, and waist circumference were measured at the beginning and end of each dietary intervention. Most participants showed reductions in hs-CRP levels from baseline on both IER diets but reported greater satiety when adhering to the higher protein IER diet. Overall, the IER diets reduced body weight and appeared to decrease inflammation in these overweight women, and the higher protein version enhanced satiety, which may lead to greater long-term dietary adherence.
Do firms that perform well report differently compared to those that perform badly? Impression management in integrated reporting

Purpose This paper aims to investigate whether managers use impression management through the presentation of non-financial information in an integrated reporting setting. Design/methodology/approach The authors performed an experiment with experienced professional controllers and part-time students enrolled in the executive master’s degree in finance and control at universities in the Netherlands. In this experiment, we manipulated the financial performance to test if managers present non-financial information differently based on the firm’s financial performance. Findings This study found that impression management is not applied by including or excluding non-financial key performance indicators (KPIs) in the integrated report, but by using more prominent presentation forms for positive non-financial performance and non-prominent ones for negative non-financial performance. However, the use of impression management through the presentation form decreased when the firms’ financial performance was positive. In that instance, this study noted that managers statistically significantly more often decided to present poor non-financial performance in a prominent presentation format in comparison to managers who were not aware of the financial performance. Research limitations/implications A limitation of this paper is that the authors focused on only two impression management strategies: opportunistic/under-reporting and the presentation form. This analysis shows that the use of impression management mainly seems to occur through the presentation format. Future research could investigate other impression management strategies in an integrated reporting setting. Practical implications The results of this study are of importance for users of integrated reports, because it will provide more insight into whether firms are truly transparent in their integrated reports. Furthermore, the theoretical implication of this study is relevant to regulatory authorities, because it sheds light on the different forms of impression management used in integrated reporting and the influence of positively or negatively performing KPIs on the decisions of preparers of integrated reports. Originality/value Therefore, in this study, the authors add to prior literature by investigating the concept of impression management in an integrated reporting setting. More specifically, the authors perform an experiment and focus on different forms of impression management (the presentation format and under-reporting) through non-financial KPIs in an integrated reporting setting and link it to firm financial performance.
Day‐To‐Day Quantification of Changes in Global Lightning Activity Based on Schumann Resonances

The importance of lightning has long been recognized from the point of view of climate‐related phenomena. However, the detailed investigation of lightning on global scales is currently hindered by the incomplete and spatially uneven detection efficiency of ground‐based global lightning detection networks and by the restricted spatio‐temporal coverage of satellite observations. We are developing different methods for investigating global lightning activity based on Schumann resonance (SR) measurements. SRs are global electromagnetic resonances of the Earth‐ionosphere cavity maintained by the vertical component of lightning. Since charge separation in thunderstorms is gravity‐driven, charge is typically separated vertically in thunderclouds, so every lightning flash contributes to the measured SR field. This circumstance makes SR measurements very suitable for climate‐related investigations. In this study, 19 days of global lightning activity in January 2019 are analyzed based on SR intensity records from 18 SR stations and the results are compared with independent lightning observations provided by ground‐based (WWLLN, GLD360, and ENTLN) and satellite‐based (GLM, LIS/OTD) global lightning detection. Daily average SR intensity records from different stations exhibit strong similarity in the investigated time interval. The inferred intensity of global lightning activity varies by a factor of 2–3 on the time scale of 3–5 days which we attribute to continental‐scale temperature changes related to cold air outbreaks from polar regions. While our results demonstrate that the SR phenomenon is a powerful tool to investigate global lightning, it is also clear that currently available technology limits the detailed quantitative evaluation of lightning activity on continental scales.
The Mystery of Pandora: A Serious Games Approach With 360-Degree Videos on Domestic Violence Against Women

Domestic violence against women has been a serious social and public health problem faced by contemporary society. This type of violence has grown in recent years, placing the woman not only as a victim of the aggressor but also of a sexist culture established over time. One of the ways to combat this problem is through prevention based on learning and awareness of its causes and damages. The use of 360-degree videos and immersive virtual reality (IVR) combined with serious games (SG) is a promising field of research in the educational field. They have the potential to provide more realistic and engaging environments, enhancing the engagement of their users, thus favoring more learning opportunities. This study presents The Mystery of Pandora, a SG that uses IVR and 360-degree videos to promote knowledge about domestic violence against women (DVAW). The game assessment results suggest a pedagogical potential for promoting knowledge DVAW. In addition, this work brings discussions about the benefits and techniques for the use of IVR and 360-degree videos in serious games.
Distributed cryogenic temperature sensing through Brillouin optical frequency-domain analysis

We present the results of an experimental campaign aimed at demonstrating the use of a distributed optical fiber sensor based on Brillouin scattering in static and dynamic temperature measurements at cryogenic temperatures (≈ 84 K). The experimental results, obtained through Brillouin Optical Frequency-Domain Analysis (BOFDA) at a spatial resolution of 16 mm, are compared with temperature measurements using thermocouples and fiber Bragg gratings. The distributed sensor is able to capture local temperature variations of ≈ 2 °C at an acquisition rate of 1 Hz.
Advancements in Ocular Regenerative Therapies

Simple Summary In recent years, ophthalmology has witnessed groundbreaking advancements in the utilisation of stem cells to revolutionise the treatment of various ocular disorders. Stem cells, with their unique ability to differentiate into specialised cell types, hold immense potential for restoring vision and healing damaged tissues. The ability to stop or even reverse vision loss through stem cell therapies could significantly enhance patients’ quality of life and reduce the burden on healthcare systems. In addition, the ocular accessibility, availability of non-invasive follow-up, and immunological privilege of the eye tissues are driving the development of SC use in ophthalmology. We believe that regular reports on the proven applications of stem cells will certainly sooner or later change the patterns of conduct in today’s ophthalmology. This study serves to provide a comprehensive summary of the latest advancements in the utilisation of stem cells in the field of ophthalmology. Abstract The use of stem cells (SCs) has emerged as a promising avenue in ophthalmology, offering potential therapeutic solutions for various vision impairments and degenerative eye diseases. SCs possess the unique ability to self-renew and differentiate into specialised cell types, making them valuable tools for repairing damaged tissues and restoring visual function. Stem cell-based therapies hold significant potential for addressing conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinitis pigmentosa (RP), corneal disorders, and optic nerve damage. Therefore, researchers have explored different sources of stem cells, including embryonic stem cells (ESC), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and adult stem cells, for ocular tissue regeneration. Preclinical studies and early-phase clinical trials have demonstrated promising outcomes, with some patients experiencing improved vision following stem cell-based interventions. However, several challenges remain, including optimising the differentiation protocols, ensuring transplanted cells’ safety and long-term viability, and developing effective delivery methods. The field of stem cell research in ophthalmology witnesses a constant influx of new reports and discoveries. To effectively navigate these tons of information, it becomes crucial to summarise and systematise these findings periodically. In light of recent discoveries, this paper demonstrates the potential applications of stem cells in ophthalmology, focusing on their use in various eye tissues, including the cornea, retina, conjunctiva, iris, trabecular meshwork, lens, ciliary body, sclera, and orbital fat.
Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterization and Antifungal Susceptibility of Sporothrix schenckii sensu stricto Isolated from a Feline Sporotrichosis Outbreak in Bangkok, Thailand

Sporotrichosis, an invasive fungal infection caused by Sporothrix schenckii, has emerged in Southeast Asia, affecting cats and posing a potential zoonotic risk to humans. We evaluated 38 feline sporotrichosis cases in and around Bangkok, Thailand, from 2017 to 2021. The isolates were phenotypically and genotypically characterized. The cats infected with sporotrichosis were mainly young adults, males, and domestic short hairs with uncontrolled outdoor access, and they lived in Bangkok. All isolates showed low thermotolerance and converted to the yeast phase at 35 °C. Based on the internal transcribed spacer region of rDNA sequences, our strains belonged to S. schenckii sensu stricto and clustered with clinical clade D. Based on the concatenated tree of calmodulin and beta-tubulin genes, five groups of S. schenckii were generated, and the monophyletic clade, Group II, of Thai strains was recognized. In vitro antifungal susceptibility testing demonstrated that the MIC50 of our isolates to amphotericin B, itraconazole, and posaconazole were within the limit of the species-specific epidemiological cutoff values, suggesting that the organisms were the wild type. Addressing the outbreak of feline sporotrichosis in Thailand by providing guidelines for diagnosis and effective treatment may help control the spread of disease and reduce the risk of cat-transmitted sporotrichosis to humans.