Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
THE LINEAR PROGRAMMING APPROACH TO DETERMINISTIC OPTIMAL CONTROL PROBLEMS

Given a deterministic optimal control problem (OCP) with value function, say J ∗ , we introduce a linear program (P) and its dual (P ∗ ) whose values satisfy sup(P ∗ ) ≤ inf(P) ≤ J ∗ (t, x). Then we give con- ditions under which (i) there is no duality gap, i.e. sup(P ∗ ) = inf(P), and (ii) (P) is solvable and it is equivalent to the (OCP) in the sense that min(P) = J ∗ (t, x).
Fighting Fatigue in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Experience of Dehydroepiandrosterone on Clinical Parameters and Patient-Reported Outcomes

Manifestations related to ongoing inflammation in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are often adequately managed, but patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) support that fatigue and low quality of life (QoL) in the absence of raised disease activity remain major burdens. The adrenal hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) has shown potential as a pharmacological agent for managing fatigue in mild SLE. We retrospectively evaluated data on dosage, disease activity, corticosteroid doses, concomitant antirheumatic drugs, and PROMs regarding pain intensity, fatigue, and well-being (visual analogue scales), QoL (EQ-5D-3L) and functional disability. A total of 15 patients with SLE were exposed to DHEA and 15 sex- and age-matched non-exposed SLE patients served as comparators. At baseline, 83% of the DHEA-exposed patients had subnormal DHEA concentration. The 15 subjects prescribed DHEA were exposed during a median time of 12 months (IQR 16.5) [range 3–81] and used a median daily dose of 50 mg of DHEA (IQR 25.0) [range 25–200]. Neither disease activity, nor damage accrual, changed significantly over time among patients using DHEA, and no severe adverse events were observed. Numerical improvements of all evaluated PROMs were seen in the DHEA-treated group, but none reached statistical significance. For DHEA-exposed patients, a non-significant trend was found regarding fatigue comparing baseline and 36 months (p = 0.068). In relation to SLE controls, the DHEA-exposed group initially reported significantly worse fatigue, pain, and well-being, but the differences diminished over time. In conclusion, DHEA was safe, but evidence for efficacy of DHEA supplementation in relation to PROMs were not found. Still, certain individuals with mild SLE, plagued by fatigue and absence of increased disease activity, appear to benefit from DHEA in terms of improved fatigue and QoL. Testing of DHEA concentration in blood should be performed before initiation, and investigation of other conditions, or reasons responsible for fatigue, must always be considered first.
Clinical, Nutritional, and Functional Evaluation of Chia Seed-Fortified Muffins

Health-protective functional foods are gaining popularity in the world of nutrition because they promote excellent health while decreasing pharmaceutical burdens. Chia seeds (CS) (Salvia hispanica L.), the greatest vegetative source of α-linolenic acid, bioactive proteins, and fibers, are among the top unconventional oilseeds shown to have bounteous benefits against various non-communicable diseases. Purposely, this study was designed to integrate roasted CS powder into white-flour-based ordinary bakery goods to improve their nutritional and nutraceutical profiles. CS efficacy in normal and hyperlipidemic Sprague-Dawley rats resulted in mitigating blood glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol while elevating high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, hematocrit, hemoglobin, red blood cell counts, and platelets. The nutritional profiling of chia-fortified muffins indicated significant increases of 47% in fat, 92% in fiber, 15% in protein, and 62% in minerals. The farinographic experiments of CS-blends revealed generally improved dough quality features with a significant rise in the degree of softening as fortification levels increased. A marketable recipe for CSF-muffins with several degrees of fortification demonstrated a significant rise in fat, 92% rise in fiber, 15% rise in protein, and 62% rise in minerals. Sensorial evaluation by trained taste panelists revealed a maximum appraisal of the 15% chia-fortified muffins due to aroma, appearance, and overall acceptability, and were forwarded for being acceptable for commercialization.
CONTACTO: A Social Networking Site for Supported-Employment Interventions for People With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The main objective of this work is to determine whether social networks can be used to improve self-management skills in people with Intellectual or Developmental Disability (IDD) given the high rate of acceptance of such tools among them. The proposed methodology applies an employment-based intervention to evaluate whether social network services help improve self-management skills. A fit-for-purpose social networking service is built, and different evaluation mechanisms are applied to determine the degree to which users with IDD could use the tool without assistance. The working hypothesis is that in order to ensure the usability of the implemented tool, users (with and without IDD) should be involved throughout the whole software development cycle, following a co-design methodological approach. Results demonstrate that this methodological approach leads to high satisfaction and motivation rates. In terms of effectiveness and efficiency, results demonstrate that the tool is useful and usable for people with IDD. It can therefore be concluded that social network services built having users with IDD at its center will help improve their self-management skills. The main implication of this research is that when using social network services as a tool to support interventions, special attention should be paid to previously evaluating the usability and motivation rate as a measure of how autonomously the person with IDD can use the tool. Nevertheless, further research is needed to determine the impact that such tools can have on other types of intervention.
The Rise (and Fall?) of Inflation in Canada: A Detailed Analysis of Its Post-Pandemic Experience

Abstract:Le taux d'inflation au Canada a atteint des sommets générationnels en 2022. La présente étude examine cette hausse rapide. En utilisant de nouvelles méthodes et des données détaillées sur la consommation des ménages, l'article identifie séparément les hausses de prix induites par la demande et l'offre. Nous constatons que cette dernière explique la majeure partie de la hausse de l'inflation, en particulier en ce qui concerne les produits à forte consommation d'énergie et les produits fortement échangés. En outre, nous constatons que les produits dont les prix varient de manière normalement transitoire, ou qui sont particulièrement sensibles aux taux d'intérêt sont à l'origine de la quasi-totalité de l'augmentation. Cette étude jette un éclairage nouveau et important sur les tendances récentes de l'inflation et illustre de nouvelles méthodes empiriques capables d'apporter une valeur ajoutée aux efforts de surveillance de l'inflation au Canada.Abstract:Canada's inflation rate rose to generational highs in 2022. We explore this rapid surge. Using new methods and detailed household consumption data, we separately identify demand- and supply-driven price increases. We find that the latter account for most of the rise in inflation—especially among energy-intensive and highly traded items. In addition, we find that items with normally transitory price changes or those that are highly sensitive to interest rates account for nearly all of the increase. Our work sheds important new light on recent inflation trends and illustrates new empirical methods that can add value to inflation-monitoring efforts in Canada.
On the Sum of α-F and Double α-F VariatesWith Application to MRC and RIS

In this letter, a statistical framework is presented for the sum of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\alpha $ </tex-math></inline-formula>-<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${\mathcal{F}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> and double <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\alpha $ </tex-math></inline-formula>-<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${\mathcal{F}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> random variates. The statistical results are applied in two scenarios: i) communication systems with maximum ratio combiner (MRC)-based receivers, in which new expressions are derived for the bit error probability (BEP), the outage probability (OP), and the area under the receiver operating characteristics (AUC) curve; and ii) reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS)-aided wireless systems, in which novel expressions for the BEP and OP are deduced. In some cases, an asymptotic analysis is provided. Curves are presented and the theoretical results are corroborated by Monte-Carlo simulations.
An Improved Two-Step Floating Catchment Area (2SFCA) Method for Measuring Spatial Accessibility to Elderly Care Facilities in Xi’an, China

With the continuous aging of society, the demand among elderly citizens for care facilities is increasing. The accessibility of elderly care facilities is a significant indicator for evaluating whether the layout of urban elderly care facilities is reasonable, and research on the spatial accessibility of related facilities has become an important academic issue in recent years. In this paper, based on the lack of accurate measurement in calculating the spatial accessibility of existing elderly care facilities, we improve the mathematical model based on the two-step floating catchment area method (2SFCA) and introduce the probability function of the elderly population’s choice, taking into account the influence of institutional capacity and service quality. In terms of the catchment radius, the calculation accuracy is improved by using the shortest distance along the route combined with the real road network instead of choosing the Euclidean distance. In addition, specific travel thresholds are set for the travel characteristics of the elderly. An evaluation model of the accessibility of urban elderly care facilities is constructed with the help of ArcGIS software to evaluate and analyze the accessibility of the current layout of urban elderly care facilities in Xi’an, China. The results show that the improved 2SFCA model is more effective in evaluating the spatial accessibility of elderly care facilities and has higher accuracy than the previous calculation model, which provides a methodological basis and academic reference for the specific planning of urban elderly care facilities.
High frequency dielectric properties of A5B4O15 microwave ceramics

High-frequency dielectric properties of A5B4O15 (A=Ba, Sr, Mg, Zn, Ca; B=Nb, Ta) dielectric ceramics are studied by means of the microwave cavity technique, a combination of far-infrared reflection and transmission spectroscopy and time-resolved terahertz transmission spectroscopy. Microwave permittivity e′ and Q×f factor vary, depending on the chemical composition, between 11 and 51, and 2.4 and 88 THz, respectively. The temperature coefficient τf varies between −73 and 232 ppm/°C, and in two samples |τf| is less than 15 ppm/°C. It is shown that the microwave permittivity e′ of the ceramics studied is determined by the polar phonon contributions and that linear extrapolation of the submillimeter dielectric loss e″ down to the microwave region is in agreement with the microwave data of single phase samples. The relationship among phonon spectra, the crystal structure, and the unit cell volume is discussed.
Nuclear modification of high-p_T hadron spectra in p+A collisions at LHC

Multiple parton scatterings in high-energy p+A collisions involve multi-parton correlation inside the projectile and color coherence of multiple jets which will lead to nuclear modification of final hadron spectra relative to that in p+p collisions. Such modification of final hadron spectra in p+A collisions is studied within HIJING 2.1 model which includes initial parton shadowing, transverse momentum broadening, parton flavor and momentum correlation inside the projectile through flavor and momentum conservation and fragmentation of multiple jets. They are shown to modify the partonic flavor content of final jets and momentum spectra of final hadrons in p+A collisions at the Large Hadron Collider.
Molecular Hydrogen in a Damped Lyα System at zabs = 4.224

We present a direct detection of molecular hydrogen at the highest redshift known today (zabs = 4.224) in a damped Lyα (DLA) system toward the quasar PSS J1443+2724. This absorber is remarkable for having one of the highest metallicities among DLA systems at zabs > 3, with a measured iron abundance relative to solar of -1.12 ± 0.10. We provide for the first time in this system accurate measurements of N I, Mg II, S II, and Ar I column densities. The sulfur and nitrogen abundances relative to solar, -0.63 ± 0.10 and -1.38 ± 0.10, respectively, correspond exactly to the primary nitrogen production plateau. H2 absorption lines are detected in four different rotational levels (J = 0, 1, 2, and 3) of the vibrational ground state in three velocity components with total column densities log N(H2) of 17.67, 17.97, 17.48, and 17.26, respectively. The J = 4 level is tentatively detected in the strongest component, with log N(H2) ~ 14. The mean molecular fraction is log f = -2.38 ± 0.13, with f = 2N(H2)/[2N(H2) + N(H I)]. We also measure log [N(HD)/N(H2)] < -4.2. The excitation temperatures T01 for the two main components of the system are 96 K and 136 K, respectively. We argue that the absorbing galaxy, whose star formation activity must have started at least (2-5) × 108 yr before z = 4.224, is in a quiescent state at the time of observation. The density of the gas is low, nH ≤ 50 cm-3, and the temperature is of the order of T ~ 90-180 K. The high excitation of neutral carbon in one of the components can be explained if the temperature of the cosmic microwave background radiation has the value expected at the absorber redshift, T = 14.2 K. These observations demonstrate the feasibility of studying H2 at the highest redshifts, provided high enough spectral resolution and good signal-to-noise ratio are achieved.
Vaccinating Front-Line Healthcare Workers: Results of a Pre-Pandemic Cross-Sectional Study from North-Eastern Italy on First Responders

First responders are front-line healthcare workers who are potentially exposed to different infectious agents. Characterizing their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) towards immunization, therefore, has the potential to significantly improve occupational health and safety. A cross-sectional study was performed in October 2018 using a sample of 161 first responders from the Parma Province (mean age 45.1 ± 14.1 years; seniority 10.8 ± 8.6 years). The participants were questioned on three recommended vaccinations (i.e., the seasonal influenza, measles, and pertussis vaccines) and on meningococcal vaccines (not officially recommended for first responders). The participant’s knowledge status and risk perception were assessed as percentage values through a specifically designed questionnaire. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) for factors associated with vaccination status were calculated by means of a binary logistic regression analysis. The internal consistency result, calculated using a general knowledge test, was good (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.894), but the corresponding score was unsatisfying (46.5% ± 32.4), evidencing uncertainties surrounding the recommendations for measles and meningococcal vaccines (39.1% and 34.2% incorrect answers, respectively). While the large majority of respondents were favorable towards the meningococcal (89.4%), measles (87.5%), and pertussis vaccines (83.0%), 55.3% exhibited a favorable attitude toward the seasonal influenza vaccine, the uptake of which in 2018, was reported by 28.0% of respondents, compared to the self-reported lifetime status for meningitis (26.1%), measles (42.2%), and pertussis (34.8%). Not coincidentally, all assessed infections were associated with a low-risk perception score, particularly influenza (33.9% ± 18.4). Interestingly enough, neither knowledge status nor risk perception were associated with vaccination rates. More precisely, the main predictor for being vaccinated against seasonal influenza in 2018 was a seniority of ≥10 years (aOR 3.26, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.35–7.91), while both pertussis and measles were positively associated with higher educational achievement (aOR 3.27, 95%CI 1.29–8.30; and aOR 2.69, 95%CI 1.09–6.65, respectively). The reasons for vaccination gaps among the sampled first responders, apparently, did not find their roots in inappropriate knowledge status and risk perception alone. However, the very low rates of sampled immunization lead us to recommend stronger and more appropriate information campaigns.
Examination of Longitudinal Alterations in Alzheimer’s Disease-Related Neurogenesis in an APP/PS1 Transgenic Mouse Model, and the Effects of P33, a Putative Neuroprotective Agent Thereon

Neurogenesis plays a crucial role in cognitive processes. During aging and in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), altered neurogenesis and neuroinflammation are evident both in C57BL/6J, APPSwe/PS1dE9 (Tg) mice and humans. AD pathology may slow down upon drug treatment, for example, in a previous study of our group P33, a putative neuroprotective agent was found to exert advantageous effects on the elevated levels of APP, Aβ, and neuroinflammation. In the present study, we aimed to examine longitudinal alterations in neurogenesis, neuroinflammation and AD pathology in a transgenic (Tg) mouse model, and assessed the putative beneficial effects of long-term P33 treatment on AD-specific neurological alterations. Hippocampal cell proliferation and differentiation were significantly reduced between 8 and 12 months of age. Regarding neuroinflammation, significantly elevated astrogliosis and microglial activation were observed in 6- to 7-month-old Tg animals. The amounts of the molecules involved in the amyloidogenic pathway were altered from 4 months of age in Tg animals. P33-treatment led to significantly increased neurogenesis in 9-month-old animals. Our data support the hypothesis that altered neurogenesis may be a consequence of AD pathology. Based on our findings in the transgenic animal model, early pharmacological treatment before the manifestation of AD symptoms might ameliorate neurological decline.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell Sheet Centrifuge-Assisted Layering Augments Pro-Regenerative Cytokine Production

A focal advantage of cell sheet technology has been as a scaffold-free three-dimensional (3D) cell delivery platform capable of sustained cell engraftment, survival, and reparative function. Recent evidence demonstrates that the intrinsic cell sheet 3D tissue-like microenvironment stimulates mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) paracrine factor production. In this capacity, cell sheets not only function as 3D cell delivery platforms, but also prime MSC therapeutic paracrine capacity. This study introduces a “cell sheet multilayering by centrifugation” strategy to non-invasively augment MSC paracrine factor production. Cell sheets fabricated by temperature-mediated harvest were first centrifuged as single layers using optimized conditions of rotational speed and time. Centrifugation enhanced cell physical and biochemical interactions related to intercellular communication and matrix interactions within the single cell sheet, upregulating MSC gene expression of connexin 43, integrin β1, and laminin α5. Single cell sheet centrifugation triggered MSC functional enhancement, secreting higher concentrations of pro-regenerative cytokines vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and interleukin-10 (IL-10). Subsequent cell sheet stacking, and centrifugation generated cohesive, bilayer MSC sheets within 2 h, which could not be accomplished within 24 h by conventional layering methods. Conventional layering led to H1F-1α upregulation and increased cell death, indicating a hypoxic thickness limitation to this approach. Comparing centrifuged single and bilayer cell sheets revealed that layering increased VEGF production 10-fold, attributed to intercellular interactions at the layered sheet interface. The “MSC sheet multilayering by centrifugation” strategy described herein generates a 3D MSC-delivery platform with boosted therapeutic factor production capacity.
Binary adsorption studies of Cr(VI) and Cu(II) ions from synthetic wastewater using carbon from Feoniculum vulgare (fennel seeds)

Abstract This study aims to remove Copper (Cu(II)) and Chromium (Cr(VI)) from aqueous solution using activated carbon (AC) from fennel seeds and potassium permanganate (KMnO4) treated fennel seeds. The activated carbon adsorbents were prepared from fennel seeds at different temperatures (500, 600 and 700°C). These adsorbents were designated as FS-500, FS-600 and FS-700. Each adsorbent was then chemically treated with KMnO4 solution to develop activated adsorbents, KMFS-500, KMFS-600 and KMFS-700. These six adsorbents were used for the binary adsorption of Cu(II) and (Cr(VI)) from an aqueous solution. The adsorbents were characterized by FTIR, SEM, UV-Vis and XRD. FTIR confirmed the presence of oxygen functional groups such as hydroxyl (-OH), carboxyl (-COOH) and carbonyl (-C = O) on the surface of the adsorbents. XRD confirmed a decrease in crystallinity as the temperature increased. SEM images showed that the morphology of the adsorbents was porous. KMFS-700 and FS-700 adsorbed more Cu(II) and Cr(VI) ions than KMFS-600, KMFS-500, FS-600 and FS-500. The maximum adsorption capacities for Cu(II) and Cr(VI) by FS-700 were 19.886 and 8.510 mg/g; for FS-600, it was 15.423 and 1.202 mg/g, and for FS-500, it was 16.921 and 1.722 mg/g, respectively. The maximum adsorption capacities for Cu(II) and Cr(VI) by KMFS-700 were 19.786 and 10.572 mg/g; for KMFS-600 it was 15.735, 8.109 mg/g, and for KMFS-500, it was 17.648 and 3.479 mg/g, respectively. All the adsorbents showed a stronger affinity for Cu(II) than Cr(VI). Kinetic studies showed that Cu(II) and Cr(VI) adsorption followed a pseudo-second-order reaction confirming that a chemical process controlled adsorption.
Specific Heats of NiCl2.6H2O and CoCl2.6H2O between 1.4 and 20K

The specific heats of Ni${\mathrm{Cl}}_{2}$\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}6${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$O and Co${\mathrm{Cl}}_{2}$\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}6${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$O have been measured from 1.4\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} to 20\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. Lambda-type anomalies were observed at 5.34\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K and 2.29\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K for Ni${\mathrm{Cl}}_{2}$\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}6${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$O and Co${\mathrm{Cl}}_{2}$\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}6${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$O, respectively, associated presumably with antiferromagnetic-paramagnetic transitions. It has been possible in each case to separate out the magnetic contribution to the specific heat and thus to compute the total magnetic entropy gained in the transition from the fully ordered to completely disordered condition. This quantity was found to be given accurately by $R\mathrm{ln}(2S+1)$ with $S=\frac{1}{2}$ for ${\mathrm{Co}}^{++}$ and $S=1$ for ${\mathrm{Ni}}^{++}$. Short range order is particularly pronounced in these substances, the fraction of the total magnetic entropy gained above the N\'eel point being 0.52 for Co${\mathrm{Cl}}_{2}$\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}6${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$O and for 0.40 for Ni${\mathrm{Cl}}_{2}$\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}6${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$O. Other features of the anomalies are discussed.