Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
No Recognition Without Participation: A Field Experiment in the Workplace

Firms are increasingly pursuing employees’ participation programmes, yet field evidence on their impact on performance is scant. To study their effect on quality provision, we conduct a field experiment that exogenously determines whether workers participate or not in the design of a recognition scheme. With no awareness of being part of a research study, some workers vote on the scheme’s format and ranking system, whereas others have no voice. The results show that the scheme backfires without employees’ participation: mistakes increase by around 50% in comparison with a control group and with employees who participated in the design of the scheme. The experiment also exogenously determines the timing of the onset and of the withdrawal of the recognition scheme, showing that adverse outcomes persist even after the scheme’s end. These adverse effects are driven by mistakes affecting the organization’s management, rather than end-users or colleagues. Employees’ performance responds directly to experimental manipulation and Hawthorne-type effects operate separately from the participation mechanism.
Treatment response and safety of immunotherapy for advanced non-small cell lung cancer with comorbid chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a retrospective cohort study

Background Immunotherapy has provided a novel therapeutic option for lung cancer but studies involving patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) coupled with various degrees of comorbid chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are limited. Thus, we performed a retrospective cohort study to optimize the use of immunotherapy in this special population. Methods We enrolled a total of 99 patients with advanced (stage IIIB/C-IV) NSCLC with comorbid COPD who had received immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. They were divided into four groups according to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guideline criteria as follows: no COPD group (n1=19), mild COPD group (n2=24), moderate COPD group (n3=31), and severe COPD group (n4=25). Routine blood, imaging characteristics, related cytokines including interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-10, etc., Krebs Von den Lungen (KL)-6, and corresponding indicators of immune-related adverse events (irAEs), incidence of irAEs, objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR) and progression-free survival (PFS) were recorded and analyzed. Comparability of baseline factors above and clinical characteristics were evaluated. Results There were statistically significant differences in the incidence of irAEs among the four groups (P=0.003). The incidence of irAEs in patients with no COPD (n1, 21.1%) and mild to moderate COPD (n2/3, 8.3%, 32.3%) was lower than that in patients with severe COPD (n4, 56.0%) (P=0.003). The median PFS of the mild to moderate COPD group was significantly longer than the severe COPD group (19.0 vs. 8.00 months, log-rank P=0.004). A significant increase of both ORR (P=0.004) and DCR (P=0.037), as well as higher IL-6 (P=0.000), IL-8 (P=0.026), and IL-10 (P=0.010) levels, have been observed in the mild to moderate COPD group compared with severe COPD group. IL-6 level was an independent factor influencing PFS [P=0.007, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.000–1.002] and COPD grading was an independent predictor of irAEs (P=0.037, 95% CI: 1.035–3.039). Conclusions Immunotherapy should be selected with caution for advanced NSCLC patients with comorbid severe COPD, considering the limited efficacy and the increased risk of immune-related adverse events related to the immune-checkpoint inhibitors administration in this special population.
Determination of relationships between milk composition and cheese yield using principal component analysis and logit model.

Cheese yield is affected by many factors including milk quality and composition. The application of a factor analysis method, so called Principal Components Analysis (PCA), has the final goal of establishing and analyzing those variables which influence in a meaningful way the cheese yield. The study was focused on a set of dates regarding the cow, buffalo, ewe and goat milk constituents and cheese, available in the related work. The data was then used in a principal component analysis, identifying such a number of 5 variables involved in cheese yield and also variables which determine the different textures.
Analog Beamforming Using ESPAR for Single-RF Precoding Systems

A novel analog beamforming technique that utilizes single radio frequency (single-RF) electronically steerable parasitic array radiator (ESPAR) antennas is proposed. The ESPAR beamforming techniques are aimed at precoding in multiple antenna wireless communication systems using the single or hybrid RF approach. One advantage of ESPAR analog beamforming compared to conventional analog beamforming using phase shifters is that arbitrary patterns can be straightforwardly formed. Therefore, ESPAR analog beamforming can provide performance almost identical to digital beamforming. More importantly, ESPAR analog beamforming does not require phase shifters and power splitters, overcoming implementation challenges of conventional analog beamforming. It also has a more compact size compared to conventional beamforming using uniform antenna arrays. We analyze and optimize ESPAR analog beamforming and propose a channel approach based on beamspace pilot transmission to acquire channel state information (CSI). In addition, we propose limited feedback ESPAR analog beamforming based on a beamforming selection strategy. Simulation results for average gain show that ESPAR analog beamforming has almost identical performance to digital beamforming and better performance than analog beamforming using phase shifters. Energy efficiency simulations show that the technique has the highest efficiency among all the beamforming techniques. Therefore, ESPAR analog beamforming has near optimal performance, high energy efficiency, low circuit complexity, low cost, compact size and can be an effective alternative to conventional analog beamforming.
A note on Costara's paper

We show that the symmetrized bidisc G2 = {(λ1 + λ2, λ1λ2) : |λ1|, |λ2| < 1} ⊂ C2 cannot be exhausted by domains biholomorphic to convex domains. Let D be the unit disc in C. The open symmetrized bidisc G2 is the image of the bidisc D2 under the “symmetrization map” π : (λ1, λ2) 7→ (λ1 + λ2, λ1λ2). A well-known theorem of L. Lempert states that on convex domains Carathéodory and Kobayashi pseudodistances coincide (see [4], and also [3, 2]). It turns out that the same is true on G2. So, it is important to know whether G2 can be presented as an exhaustion of domains biholomorphic to convex domains. In [1] C. Costara proved that G2 is not biholomorphic to a convex domain. Using similar arguments we show the following improvement. Theorem 1. G2 cannot be exhausted by domains biholomorphic to convex domains. Proof. Note that π is a proper holomorphic mapping. Let %(s, p) = max{|λ1|, |λ2|}, where λ1, λ2 are such that π(λ1, λ2) = (s, p). It is easy to see that % is a continuous plurisubharmonic function in C2. Moreover, %(λs, λ2p) = |λ|%(s, p) for any λ ∈ C and any (s, p) ∈ C2. We put φλ(z1, z2) = (λz1, λz2). Then %(φλ(z)) = |λ|%(z). One can check that G2 = {(s, p) ∈ C2 : %(s, p) < 1}. For any ε > 0 we put Gε := {(s, p) ∈ C2 : %(s, p) < 1− ε}. Assume that Uε is a neighborhood of Gε and fε : Uε → Vε is a biholomorphic mapping, where Vε is a convex domain. We may assume that fε(0) = 0 and that f ′ ε(0) = id (see [1]). 2000 Mathematics Subject Classification: Primary 32H35.
On the Nature of Magnetic Shadows in the Solar Chromosphere

Recent multi-instrument spacecraft studies of the solar photosphere and chromosphere have uncovered a feature—a "magnetic shadow"—not previously discussed in the literature. A region of the midchromosphere neighboring, but not within, a network magnetic element exhibits a suppression of both the mean UV line/continuum intensity and the characteristic 3 minute oscillation that is clearly observed elsewhere in apparently similar internetwork regions. The clearest cases appear to occur rarely, and their properties stand in obvious contrast to the well-known "aureoles" of enhanced variability seen surrounding some plage regions. It is imperative to understand more clearly the nature of the shadow region, not least because the suppressed atmospheric heating within it has implications for heating processes elsewhere in the chromosphere that are dependent on, or at least related to, the 3 minute oscillation. Based on the measured photospheric magnetic field, its upward extrapolation, and the appearance of spectral features formed above the midchromosphere, we suggest that a shadow occurs when magnetic structures, in a relatively weak background field, "close" locally within the chromosphere, suppressing the upward propagation of magnetoatmospheric waves into the chromosphere.
Artisanal Household Milk Pasteurization Is Not a Determining Factor in Structuring the Microbial Communities of Labneh Ambaris: A Pilot Study

Labneh Ambaris is a traditional Lebanese dairy product traditionally made using raw goat’s milk in earthenware jars, but recently the use of artisanally pasteurized milk was introduced for safety reasons. In this study, 12 samples of labneh Ambaris were studied, six made using raw goat’s milk and six others using artisanally pasteurized goat’s milk. These samples were collected during fermentation and their microbial compositions were analyzed. The 16S V3–V4 and the ITS2 regions of the rDNA were sequenced by DNA metabarcoding analyses for the identification and comparison of bacterial and fungal communities, respectively. The samples had high microbial diversity but differences in samples microbiota were unrelated to whether or not milk was pasteurized. The samples were consequently clustered on the basis of their dominant bacterial or fungal species, regardless of the milk used. Concerning bacterial communities, samples were clustered into 3 groups, one with a higher abundance of Lactobacillus helveticus, another with Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens as the dominant bacterial species, and the third with Lentilactobacillus sp. as the most abundant species. Species belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae family were detected in higher abundance in all raw milk samples than in artisanally pasteurized milk samples. As for fungal communities, the samples were clustered into two groups, one dominated by Geotrichum candidum and the other by Pichia kudriavzevii.
Job-shop scheduling heuristics with local neighbourhood search

This paper investigates the suitability and performance of local-neighbourhood-search-based heuristics for job-shop scheduling problems. A procedure is developed which provides an objective assessment in terms of average and worst-case performance in relation to the computational complexity of the problem and the speed of the tree search. Solution improvements models and stopping rules are suggested.
Photon Clusters in Thermal Radiation

Within the framework of Bose-Einstein statistics, it is shown that the blackbody radiation, in addition to single photons, contains photon clusters, or coalescent photons. The probability to find a k-photon cluster versus radiation frequency and temperature is found, as well as the statistics of clusters. Spectra of photon-cluster radiation are calculated as functions of blackbody temperature. The Planck's radiation law is derived based on the existence of photon clusters. The possibility of experimental observation of photon clusters in thermal radiation is discussed.
Nanocellulose as a Functional Ingredient in the Management of Metabolic Syndrome: A Review

Alternative treatments in the management of metabolic syndrome are required because multiple drugs for individual components was found to have negative side effects on other components. Functional ingredients, particularly fiber, has shown great benefits in improving metabolic syndrome. Nanocellulose is a novel type of fiber, derived from cellulose through various processes that result in a nanoscale fiber with the dimension below 100 nm. Its smaller size brought improvements to the physicochemical properties of cellulose and consequently its biological activities. Nanocellulose appear to exhibit distinct functional activities that affect various processes in the gastrointestinal tract, including interference in lipid and carbohydrate digestion and reinforcement of gut microflora. These properties may ameliorate abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, and high blood pressure through similar mechanisms of both soluble and insoluble fibers. In this review, we first introduce nanocellulose and its particular characteristics that makes it separate from cellulose. With the limited studies available, we try to go in depth into its activity in the gastrointestinal tract followed by the possible implications of those functional properties on health, especially on the components of metabolic syndrome. Lastly, we discuss the potential applications and advantages of incorporating nanocellulose in functional food for the management of metabolic syndrome.
Semiparametric density estimation under a two-sample density ratio model

A semiparametric density estimation is proposed under a two-sample density ratio model. This model, arising naturally from case-control studies and logistic discriminant analyses, can also be regarded as a biased sampling model. Our proposed density estimate is therefore an extension of the kernel density estimate suggested by Jones for length-biased data. We show that under the model considered the new density estimator not only is consistent but also has the 'smallest' asymptotic variance among general nonparametric density estimators. We also show how to use the new estimate to define a procedure for testing the goodness of fit of the density ratio model. Such a test is consistent under very general alternatives. Finally, we present some results from simulations and from the analysis of two real data sets.
CNN and SVM-Based Models for the Detection of Heart Failure Using Electrocardiogram Signals

Heart failure (HF) is a serious condition in which the heart fails to supply the body with enough oxygen and nutrients to function normally. Early and accurate detection of heart failure is critical for impeding disease progression. An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test that records the rhythm and electrical activity of the heart and is used to detect HF. It is used to look for irregularities in the heart’s rhythm or electrical conduction, as well as a history of heart attacks, ischemia, and other conditions that may initiate HF. However, sometimes, it becomes difficult and time-consuming to interpret the ECG signal, even for a cardiac expert. This paper proposes two models to automatically detect HF from ECG signals: the first one introduces a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), while the second one suggests an extension of it by integrating a Support Vector Machine (SVM) layer for the classification at the end of the network. The proposed models provide a more accurate automatic HF detection using 2-s ECG fragments. Both models are smaller than previously proposed models in the literature when the architecture is taken into account, reducing both training time and memory consumption. The MIT-BIH and the BIDMC databases are used for training and testing the adopted models. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed framework by achieving an accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of over 99% with blindfold cross-validation. The models proposed in this study can provide doctors with reliable references and can be used in portable devices to enable the real-time monitoring of patients.
Physical analysis of the state- and rate-dependent friction law: Static friction

We report the first part of an extensive study of friction at a multicontact interface between nominally flat bodies, rough on the micrometer scale, made of polymer glasses. Temperature is controlled between 20 $\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$C and the glass transitions of poly(methyl metacrylate) and polystyrene. In this article, we focus on static friction force. The static friction threshold to macroscopic slip increases with the contact time. Increasing temperature is found to accelerate markedly the aging process. This effect is correlated with the strong increase of the sensitivity of plastic creep to the strain rate on approaching the glass transition. A constitutive law for creep is established, taking into account the triaxial nature of the deformations at microcontacts between asperities. This is included into a simple model which provides a satisfactory account for the aging process in terms of creep growth of the overall contact area. A strong effect of the shear force sustained by the interface during the aging process is evidenced and discussed. The possible role of healing due to chain diffusion across the interface is considered as a concomitant strengthening process in the glass transition region.
Tokens of (Un)Belonging: Domestic Objects and the Sense of Home among Women Transmigrants in Belgrade

ABSTRACT It is usually emphasized that the relationship between migrants and the domestic objects from their home countries is essential for migrants’ maintenance of their various identities. It is presumed that migrants need familiar objects to feel at home in new surroundings. This study focuses on the domestic material culture of transnational well-educated middle-class European women living in Belgrade. The aim of the paper is to discover what role domestic objects from their home countries play in their homemaking practices and everyday lives in Serbia. Ethnographic research was conducted for the most part in 2018. Levitt and Glick Schiller’s theoretical framework on transnational ‘ways of belonging’ and ‘ways of being’ and Anthias’ concept of ‘translocational positionality’ were applied. Furthermore, Pérez Murcia and Boccagni’s framework on homemaking practices among migrants was discussed. Contrary to some similar studies of affluent migrants, the findings show that domestic objects from native countries evoke neither ethnic nor national sentiments. In some cases, they do not need them to feel ‘at home’ in new surroundings.
Inequalities for the Schatten p -norm V

We prove some inequalities for the Schatten p-norm of operators on a Hubert space. It is shown, among other things, that if A, B, and X are operators such that A + B ^ \X\ and A + B ^ \X* , then || AX + XB \\pp + || AX* + X*B \\pp for l^p<oo, and max(\\AX + XBl \\AX* + X*B\\) ^ Also, for any three operators A,B, and X, \\\A\X-X\B\\\l+HA*\X-X\B*\\\l£\\AX-XB\\l+\\A*X-XB*\
Principals’ transformational and transactional leadership styles and teachers’ job satisfaction: A perspective from high school teachers

The significant impact of school principals’ transformational and transactional leadership styles on teachers’ job satisfaction has been documented in different settings of education. However, until now, limited research in this field has been conducted in the setting of high school education. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the influence of transformational and transactional leadership styles of principals on teachers’ job satisfaction. The present study utilised the multifactor leadership questionnaire and the Minnesota satisfaction questionnaire to collect data from 387 teachers in 24 high schools. The results of correlation coefficient analyses showed significantly positive effects of the transformational leadership and significantly negative effects of the transactional leadership on teachers’ job satisfaction. The results of multiple regression analyses also revealed that both principals’ leadership styles predicted teachers’ intrinsic and extrinsic job satisfaction. The findings of this study support an implementation of the transformational leadership style in the educational context to undertake necessary changes in leadership practices to improve teachers' job satisfaction. The study suggests that future studies should examine the impacts of these leadership styles on other teachers’ outcomes, such as self-efficacy, responsibility, turnover and retention. Keywords: Job satisfaction, leadership styles, transactional leadership, transformational leadership
Fast surveillance response reveals the introduction of a new yellow fever virus sub-lineage in 2021, in Minas Gerais, Brazil

BACKGROUND In Brazil, the yellow fever virus (YFV) is maintained in a sylvatic cycle involving wild mosquitoes and non-human primates (NHPs). The virus is endemic to the Amazon region; however, waves of epidemic expansion reaching other Brazilian states sporadically occur, eventually causing spillovers to humans. OBJECTIVES To report a surveillance effort that led to the first confirmation of YFV in NHPs in the state of Minas Gerais (MG), Southeast region, in 2021. METHODS A surveillance network was created, encompassing the technology of smartphone applications and coordinated actions of several research institutions and health services to monitor and investigate NHP epizootics. FINDINGS When alerts were spread through the network, samples from NHPs were collected and YFV infection confirmed by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and genome sequencing at an interval of only 10 days. Near-complete genomes were generated using the Nanopore MinION sequencer. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that viral genomes were related to the South American genotype I, clustering with a genome detected in the Amazon region (state of Pará) in 2017, named YFVPA/MG sub-lineage. Fast YFV confirmation potentialised vaccination campaigns. MAIN CONCLUSIONS A new YFV introduction was detected in MG 6 years after the beginning of the major outbreak reported in the state (2015-2018). The YFV strain was not related to the sub-lineages previously reported in MG. No human cases have been reported, suggesting the importance of coordinated surveillance of NHPs using available technologies and supporting laboratories to ensure a quick response and implementation of contingency measures to avoid YFV spillover to humans.
Dust Particle Size Distributions Around Oxygen-Rich Mass-Losing Red Giants

We investigate the size distributions of circumstellar grains around seven oxygen-rich mass-losing red giants by using published data for the spatial extents of the circumstellar OH masers to compare with measures of the near-infrared sizes and thus to constrain the circumstellar extinction curves between the ultraviolet and the infrared. We find that the extinction increases toward the ultraviolet with the implication that a large fraction of the grains must be ejected with radii ≪0.3 μm. For an assumed size distribution of circumstellar particles similar to that in the interstellar medium such that n(a)da varies as n0a–3.0 exp (-a/a0), where a is the radius of a spherical grain, two different arguments show that the upper limits or inferred values of a0 are comparable to 0.14 μm, the value of this parameter which describes the size distribution of interstellar grains in diffuse clouds. These results are consistent with the standard hypothesis that interstellar grains grow and evolve from circumstellar dust. Around IRC +10420, there appears to be an additional population of big grains, with radii ≥0.5 km and carrying =20% of the dust mass. These large particles may be formed because they have time to grow in the rotating equatorial disk postulated to exist around this star, and they may be similar to some of the isotopically anomalous inclusions found in meteorites.