Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Low-Crosstalk Fabrication-Insensitive Echelle Grating Demultiplexers on Silicon-on-Insulator

In this letter, we report about design, fabrication, and testing of echelle grating (EG) demultiplexers in the O-band (1.31-μm) for silicon-based photonic integrated circuits. In detail, flat band perfectly chirped EGs and two-point stigmatic EGs on the 300-nm thick silicon-on-insulator platform designed for 4 × 800-GHz spaced wavelength-division multiplexing featuring a low average crosstalk (-30 dB), a precise channel spacing, optimized interchannel uniformity (0.7 dB) and insertion losses (3-3.5 dB) are presented. Wafer-level statistical performance analysis shows the EG spectral response to be stable over the wafer in terms of crosstalk, channel spacing, and bandwidth with minimal wavelength dispersion (<;0.8 nm), thus highlighting the intrinsic robustness of high-order gratings and chosen fab pathways as well as the full reliability of 3-D vectorial modeling tools.
Creating E-pedigree Kanban to secure customers’ chain using multi-agent image technique

Egypt is one of the countries mostly faced with the problem of China’s fake spare parts used in replacing original components. The spare parts components trade is close to 2.7 billion LE out of 9.3 billion LE, that is, the volume of imported spare parts in Egypt, as announced by the official speaker of the Ministry of Trade and Industry in Egypt. Hence, it can be seen that China’s components adulteration problem is threatening nationally and internationally; and it is easier due to the great expansion of supply chains. Therefore, this paper aims to deliver the original parts to customers via three-bin-system (Kanban) by using e-kanban in creating e-pedigree kanban. Many aspects are discussed to control the transportation system with minimum costs. These include e-Pedigree, Databases, RFID, 2D barcodes, multi-agent systems, and the integration of these tools to develop a system to secure the importing spare parts via VSM (Value Stream Map). This paper proposed E-PKS (Electronic Pedigree Kanban System) for track and traces any products' logistic via using tracking procedures supported by image code technique. The E-PKS are joints of VSM and consist of two phases: the first control the VSM in different agents and the second phase focuses on the development of the 2D BC of the product to guarantee right channel to customers by using the proposed image code technique.
Sustainability-Oriented Business Model Innovation: Context and Drivers

This study outlines a systemic review of the social and economic transformations that have been inducing the business to reconsider its traditional strategies and innovate to become sustainable. In doing so, the study adopts an original approach, focusing on the evolution in the socio-economic context, imposed by globalisation first and by the Great Recession afterwards. Hence, the review covers a wide range of literature and subjects, including political science, sociology, economics, finance and strategic management. Departing from the contextual picture, the study identifies the main drivers of the innovation of the business models, from the adoption of voluntary standards to the acknowledgement of the need to lengthen strategic time horizons. What emerges from the review is that, if business’ primary concern was initially to safeguard its declining reputation under competitive pressure, it perceives sustainability today as a necessary condition to survive the deep transformation of the economy.
Can Tariffs Be Used to Enforce Paris Climate Commitments?

We evaluate the potential of border carbon adjustments (BCAs) and strategic tariffs to compel noncompliant countries to meet emission reduction targets pledged under the Paris Climate Agreement. Our analysis employs a numerical economy‐wide model with energy sector detail and, given recent actions by the US administration, considers BCAs on US exports. We find that when the US does not restrict emissions and faces BCAs on its exports, US welfare losses are smaller than when the US meets its Paris commitments. Hence, BCAs are preferable for the US and cannot be used to enforce Paris climate commitments. The use of strategic tariffs, on the contrary, would result in a trade war and a larger welfare decrease in US welfare than when it meets its Paris commitments. Strategic tariffs also decrease welfare in countries that meet their Paris pledges. Accordingly, strategic tariffs, which are much higher than BCA rates, can be used to enforce Paris climate commitments if compliant countries are willing to incur welfare losses to punish non‐compliant countries.
Price Signaling and Return Chasing: International Evidence from Maturing REIT Markets

This article examines the liquidity of international real estate securities across 10 markets over the period 1990–2015. We apply and compare results for four different measures of liquidity, and find that while liquidity has increased consistently, wide variations still exist across markets, with the United States and Japan in the lead. Our results also suggest that the introduction of local REIT regimes did not have any pervasive effects on stock liquidity. When we study the relationship between liquidity and returns, we document new and consistent evidence for international return chasing behavior, whose pattern is a function of local market efficiency, listed real estate market maturity and stock ownership dispersion. The introduction of REIT regimes seems to weaken the importance of extra performance over and above general equity returns as investors tend to allocate funds to real estate securities within real estate rather than equity portfolios.
Building social capital through music participation: A case of a female dapha/bhajan ensemble

Nepal, a heterogeneous country with more than 120 ethnic groups, carries the label of being one of the most gender unequal countries in South Asia. Music plays an important role in the native ethnic group of Kathmandu valley, the Newar community, incorporating practices that are also often divided along gender lines. Although It is a broad group consisting of various ethnic, racial, caste and religious communities, older men in the family often hold the responsibility for making important decisions. The majority of Newari women are excluded from household and communal decision making, and as such, lack opportunities for active decision making concerning their own lives. In this research report, I outline the findings of a case study of Newari women participating in a Dapha/Bhajan ensemble, which is usually reserved for men. The focus of this study was on how participation in such an ensemble as affected the social capital of members of a women-only ensemble in Nepal. Through focusing on their participation in two public events outside their community surroundings, this research attends to changes in the womens’ self confidence, musical and social horizons, social support, and political and social participation. The findings suggest that participation in music-making can be seen as a vehicle to female empowerment and should be taken into consideration when thinking about future music education in Nepal. Music making and participation could have a potential for more equal society.
Ammonium alters N-glycan structures of recombinant TNFR-IgG: degradative versus biosynthetic mechanisms.

The effect of ammonium on the glycosylation pattern of the recombinant immunoadhesin tumor necrosis factor-IgG (TNFR-IgG) produced by Chinese hamster ovary cells is elucidated in this study. TNFR-IgG is a chimeric IgG fusion protein bearing one N-linked glycosylation site in the Fc region and three complex-type N-glycans in the TNF-receptor portion of each monomer. The ammonium concentration of batch suspension cultures was adjusted with glutamine and/or NH(4)Cl. The amount of galactose (Gal) and N-acetylneuraminic acid (NANA) residues on TNFR-IgG correlated in a dose-dependent manner with the ammonium concentration under which the N-linked oligosaccharides were synthesized. As ammonium increased from 1 to 15 mM, a concomitant decrease of up to 40% was observed in terminal galactosylation and sialylation of the molecule. Cell culture supernatants contained measurable beta-galactosidase and sialidase activity, which increased throughout the culture. The beta-galactosidase, but not the sialidase, level was proportional to the ammonium concentration. No loss of N-glycans was observed in incubation studies using beta-galactosidase and sialidase containing cell culture supernatants, suggesting that the ammonium effect was biosynthetic and not degradative. Several biosynthetic mechanisms were investigated. Ammonium (a weak base) is known to affect the pH of acidic intracellular compartments (e.g., trans-Golgi) as well as intracellular nucleotide sugar pools (increases UDP-N-acetylglucosamine and UDP-N-acetylgalactosamine). Ammonium might also affect the expression rates of beta1, 4-galactosyltransferase (beta1,4-GT) and alpha2,3-sialyltransferase (alpha2,3-ST). To separate these mechanisms, experiments were designed using chloroquine (changes intracellular pH) and glucosamine (increases UDP-GNAc pool [sum of UDP-GlcNAc and UDP-GalNAc]). The ammonium effect on TNFR-IgG oligosaccharide structures could be mimicked only by chloroquine, another weak base. No differences in N-glycosylation were found in the product synthesized in the presence of glucosamine. No differences in beta1, 4-galactosyltransferase (beta1,4-GT) and alpha2,3-sialyltransferase (alpha2,3-ST) messenger RNA (mRNA) and enzyme levels were observed in cells cultivated in the presence or absence of 13 mM NH(4)Cl. pH titration of endogenous CHO alpha2,3-ST and beta-1,4-GT revealed a sharp optimum at pH 6.5, the reported trans-Golgi pH. Thus, at pH 7.0 to 7.2, a likely trans-Golgi pH range in the presence of 10 to 15 mM ammonium, activities for both enzymes are reduced to 50% to 60%. Consequently, ammonium seems to alter the carbohydrate biosynthesis of TNFR-IgG by a pH-mediated effect on glycosyltransferase activity.
Examining consumers’ luxury hotel stay repurchase intentions-incorporating a luxury hotel brand attachment variable into a luxury consumption value model

Purpose Luxury consumption research has focused more on the consumers of goods than services, despite the trend that consumers are more interested in luxury services, such as luxury hospitality services, than ever before. Additionally, the results regarding the factors that can influence consumers’ luxury service product purchase intentions can be further tested. The purpose of this research is to examine the factors that contribute to consumers’ luxury hotel stay repurchase intentions, to further develop the luxury hospitality service consumption literature and to identify implications for practitioners to consider. Design/methodology/approach To contribute to the luxury consumption literature, this research incorporates a “luxury hotel brand attachment” variable into a luxury consumption value model to examine consumers’ intentions to repurchase luxury hotel stays when traveling for tourism purposes. The authors draw on a survey of over 450 luxury hotel consumers. Findings The findings confirm that luxury hotels’ perceived functional value, hedonic value and symbolic/expressive value affect consumers’ emotions, which in turn affects their luxury hotel attachment and repurchase intentions. In addition, luxury hotel attachment moderates the influence of emotion on repurchase intention. Design/methodology/approach Luxury hotels need to review their customers’ emotions during their stay and their attachment with the hotel. These factors can influence customers’ repurchase intentions. To stimulate customers’ emotions, luxury hotels need to offer functional value (e.g. attentive service staff), hedonic/expressive value (e.g. position as a form of self-indulgence) and symbolic value (e.g. conspicuous lobby). However, managers should know that having superior perceived functional value does not influence customers’ repurchase intentions directly. These characteristics may be commonly shared by most luxury hotels. Furthermore, they do not need to be too worried about providing financial value (e.g. value-for-money). Originality/value This study conceptualizes tourists’ luxury hotel stay intentions by examining the influence of perceived luxury value (i.e. functional value, financial value, hedonic value and symbolic/expressive value), tourists’ emotions and luxury hotel brand attachment. In addition, this research explores how luxury hotel brand attachment can moderate the relationship between consumers’ emotions and their repurchase intentions. Several implications of the study are identified, and avenues for future research are suggested.
Formation of the outer dense fibers during spermiogenesis in the rat

The morphogenesis of the outer dense fibers (ODF) in rat spermatids has been studied by electron microscopy, and the synthesis and incorporation of proteins into the ODF during this process have been followed by radioautography using 3H‐proline and 3H‐cystine as precursors for ODF proteins. In the first phase (steps 8–14), nine very fine fibers termed anlagen of the ODF develop in association with the microtubule doublets. These first appear along the most proximal portion of the axoneme in step 8 of spermiogenesis; during steps 9–14 they gradually increase in length in a proximal‐to‐distal direction, being first observable along the forming midpiece and later along the principal piece as well. In the second phase (steps 15–16), the rudimentary fibers suddenly increase in diameter, with the most dramatic growth occurring in step 16, and assume a close resemblance to the mature ODF. This striking transformation, which appears to result from simultaneous deposition of electron‐dense material along the length of anlagen of the ODF, coincides with a period of rapid incorporation of 3H‐proline and 3H‐cystine‐containing proteins, which become permanent structural components of the ODF. These proteins, which comprise the bulk of the ODF, are synthesized in the cytoplasm of spermatids during the acrosome and early maturation phases. In the final phase (steps 17–19) the fibers continue to enlarge very slowly, assuming their definitive form in step 19 of spermiogenesis. Thus formation of the ODF in the rat is a lengthy multistep procedure, requiring from step 8–19 of spermiogenesis and utilizing proteins synthesized throughout most of this period.
Novel anticonvulsant medications in development

Epilepsy is currently the most prevalent neurological disorder worldwide. Pharmacological therapy remains the cornerstone of epilepsy treatment, however, refractory epilepsy is still a significant clinical problem despite the release of the second generation of anticonvulsants. Anticonvulsant treatment failures may result from lack of efficacy and presence of significant side effects. One rationale for incomplete effectiveness of the currently available anticonvulsants is that they were identified using the same classical models and therefore work largely by the same actions. These mechanisms fail to consider variations in the pathophysiological process that results in epilepsy, nor have they been shown to prevent the process of developing epilepsy (epileptogenesis). The next generation of anticonvulsants has taken into account the shortcomings of existing agents and attempted to improve on the currently available treatments using rationale drug design. This group of investigational anticonvulsants may be broadly classified as possessing one or more of the following: 1) increased tolerability through improvement in drug chemical structure or better delivery to the site of action, 2) new mechanisms (or combinations of mechanisms) of action, 3) improved pharmacokinetic properties. This article will discuss the next generation of anticonvulsants (carabersat, CGX-1007, fluorofelbamate, harkoseride, losigamone, pregabalin, retigabine, safinamide, SPD-421, talampanel, valrocemide) and the possible populations in which they would be clinically useful.
The effects of sleep extension and sleep hygiene advice on sleep and depressive symptoms in adolescents: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE Sleep problems are common and persistent during adolescence and can have negative effects on adolescents' mood. To date, studies that investigate the effects of sleep extension on adolescents' sleep and depressive symptoms are still lacking. This study aims to investigate the effects of gradual sleep extension combined with sleep hygiene advice in adolescents with chronic sleep reduction on objectively measured sleep, self-reported sleep problems and depressive symptoms. METHODS Fifty-five adolescents with chronic sleep reduction (mean age: 15.44 years; 85.5% females) were included in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to either a sleep extension group (gradual sleep extension by advancing bedtimes in the evening and receiving sleep hygiene advice) or to a control group (no instruction). Sleep was measured with actigraphy during three weeks, the first week was the baseline week, and the last two weeks were the experimental weeks during which sleep was extended. Other outcome variables were self-reported sleep problems (daytime sleepiness, symptoms of insomnia and circadian rhythm sleep disorder) and depressive symptoms, which were assessed before and after the experimental manipulation. RESULTS During the third week of the experiment, adolescents in the sleep extension group had earlier bedtimes, earlier sleep onsets, spent more time in bed and slept longer than adolescents in the control group. Their chronic sleep reduction, insomnia symptoms and depressive symptoms diminished significantly. In addition, there was a trend of improved circadian rhythm sleep disorder symptoms and sleep quality. CONCLUSION Gradual sleep extension combined with sleep hygiene advice seems to have beneficial effects on sleep, self-reported sleep problems and depressive symptoms of adolescents with chronic sleep reduction. Although we cannot distinguish between the effects of sleep extension and sleep hygiene advice, the results suggest that advancing bedtimes can extend sleep and improve depressive symptoms.
Ectopic Expression of Dentin Sialoprotein during Amelogenesis Hardens Bulk Enamel*

Dentin sialophosphpoprotein (Dspp) is transiently expressed in the early stage of secretory ameloblasts. The secretion of ameloblast-derived Dspp is short-lived, correlates to the establishment of the dentinoenamel junction (DEJ), and is consistent with Dspp having a role in producing the specialized first-formed harder enamel adjacent to the DEJ. Crack diffusion by branching and dissipation within this specialized first-formed enamel close to the DEJ prevents catastrophic interfacial damage and tooth failure. Once Dspp is secreted, it is subjected to proteolytic cleavage that results in two distinct proteins referred to as dentin sialoprotein (Dsp) and dentin phosphoprotein (Dpp). The purpose of this study was to investigate the biological and mechanical contribution of Dsp and Dpp to enamel formation. Transgenic mice were engineered to overexpress either Dsp or Dpp in their enamel organs. The mechanical properties (hardness and toughness) of the mature enamel of transgenic mice were compared with genetically matched and age-matched nontransgenic animals. Dsp and Dpp contributions to enamel formation greatly differed. The inclusion of Dsp in bulk enamel significantly and uniformly increased enamel hardness (20%), whereas the inclusion of Dpp weakened the bulk enamel. Thus, Dsp appears to make a unique contribution to the physical properties of the DEJ. Dsp transgenic animals have been engineered with superior enamel mechanical properties.
The antitripanocide Benznidazole promotes adaptive response to oxidative injury: Involvement of the nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) and multidrug resistance associated protein 2 (MRP2)

Oxidative stress is a frequent cause underlying drug-induced hepatotoxicity. Benznidazole (BZL) is the only antitripanocide agent available for treatment of Chagas disease in endemic areas. Its use is associated with side effects, including increases in biomarkers of hepatotoxicity. However, BZL potential to cause oxidative stress has been poorly investigated. Here, we evaluated the effect of a pharmacologically relevant BZL concentration (200 μM) at different time points on redox status and the counteracting mechanisms in the human hepatic cell line HepG2. BZL increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) after 1 and 3 h of exposure, returning to participation was confirmed using Nrf2-knockout mice in which MRP2 mRNA expression was not affected by BZL. In summary, we demonstrated a ROS increase by BZL in HepG2 cells and a glutathione peroxidase- and MRP2 driven counteracting mechanism, being Nrf2 a key modulator of this response. Our results could explain hepatic alterations associated with BZL therapy.
Examining the Effect of Linguistic Style in an MD&A on Stock Market Reaction

This article investigates the impact of linguistic style in the Management Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (hereafter MD&A) section of a company’s annual report on stock market response. It provides a new technique for combining qualitative with quantitative information by applying the partial least squares–structural equation modeling. In this article, we model the influence of verbal tone from the MD&A section on stock market reaction. The quantity predicted is the cumulative abnormal return as a proxy of market return, while the capital assets pricing model and volatility are a proxy of market risk. Furthermore, Future of Return on Assets is a proxy of expected future financial performance. Results show that the model for predicting future performance is considered moderate, while it is considered poor for predicting market reaction. As for the path coefficients, we find no evidence that the linguistic style in an MD&A has a significant effect on market reaction in general. The results reveal an insignificant difference between the effects of the long MD&A and the short MD&A on market reaction. However, based on the disclosure year of an MD&A, there is a significant difference between 2010 and 2012 in terms of impact on expected future performance by net optimism. Nevertheless, descriptive statistics designate that the verbal tone in an MD&A was not adequately consistent with financial performance. Therefore, it can be concluded that management writers create an MD&A as part of an annual routine just to satisfy the shareholders. Due to some limitations, these findings must be interpreted with caution.