Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hybrid hierarchical patterns of gold nanoparticles and poly(ethylene glycol) microstructures

Hybrid surface micro-patterns composed of topographic structures of polyethylene glycol (PEG)-hydrogels and hierarchical lines of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) were fabricated on silicon wafers. Micro-sized lines of Au NPs were first obtained on the surface of a silicon wafer via “micro-contact deprinting”, a method recently developed by our group. Topographic micro-patterns of PEG, of both low and high aspect ratio (AR up to 6), were then aligned on the pre-patterned surface via a procedure adapted from the soft lithographic method MIMIC (Micro-Molding in Capillaries), which is denoted as “adhesive embossing”. The result is a complex surface pattern consisting of alternating flat Au NP lines and thick PEG bars. Such patterns provide novel model surfaces for elucidating the interplay between (bio)chemical and physical cues on cell behavior.
THE IMPACT OF A NUMBER OF CHOICES IN A TEST ON THE DIFFICULTY INDICATORS AND DISCRIMINATION

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between a number of choices (alternatives) in a test, and the difficulty indicators and discrimination. A test of multiple choices on statistics students at the University of Jordan was used in this study. The test consisted of 30 items, and three forms (models). Also, a sample of 350 students was studied. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software and Bilog-Mg were used for the analysis of the data based on the Two parameter models. Therefore, the findings of the present study uncovered a negative association between the number of choices and the difficulty indicator and discrimination.
An Analysis of the ProtonMail Cryptographic Architecture

ProtonMail is an online email service that claims to offer end-to-end encryption such that “even [ProtonMail] cannot read and decrypt [user] emails. ” The service, based in Switzerland, offers email access via webmail and smartphone applications to over five million users as of November 2018. In this work, we provide the first independent analysis of ProtonMail’s cryptographic architecture. We find that for the majority of ProtonMail users, no end-to-end encryption guarantees have ever been provided by the ProtonMail service. We also find and document weaknesses in ProtonMail’s “Encrypt-to-Outside” feature. We justify our findings against well-defined security goals and conclude with recommendations.
Concession Bargaining

We test experimentally whether dynamic interaction is crucial for concession bargaining. In our complete information bargaining experiments, two parties with asymmetric conflict payoffs try to agree how to share a commonly known pie by bargaining over a finite number of successive trials (agreement attempts). We compare the fully dynamic interaction to one less dynamic and one static protocol. In the quasi-dynamic protocol, later trials merely reveal that so far no agreement has been reached, and in the static protocol, no feedback information is given about earlier trials. We find that neither conflict rate nor efficiency or inequality of agreements differs across protocols. Comparing different numbers of maximal trials shows that more trials render conflict more likely due to less concessions.
A expansão da securitização imobiliária: uma prospecção a partir da cidade de Ribeirão Preto/SP

Este artigo analisa a disseminação de mecanismos de securitização de ativos de base imobiliária, contextualizando-a no crescente processo de transformação da terra, da habitação e da cidade em ativos financeiros que, a partir da antecipação de rendas futuras (principalmente fundiárias), alimenta circuitos por onde circulam e se valorizam diferentes capitais. O termo disseminação é aqui tratado em três vertentes: a primeira, ao se debruçar sobre o caso da cidade de Ribeirão Preto/SP, amplia o debate para a identificação dos processos analisados em cidades médias e não exclusivamente em realidades metropolitanas como parte da literatura nacional e internacional insiste em focar; a segunda, ao constatar que tais processos, antes restritos a vetores seletivos de valorização imobiliária na cidade, tem se disseminado espacialmente em direção a diferentes áreas e bairros da cidade, capturando para sua lógica aqueles que anteriormente eram considerados como de baixas liquidez e inserção no mercado imobiliário e, a terceira, ao constatar a presença cada mais significativa de imóveis residenciais no conjunto dos bens imobiliários securitizados. Além de reforçar a convicção sobre um paulatino e crescente processo de transformação cada vez mais intenso da terra e da habitação em ativos de valor, distancia-os cada vez mais do significado de direito à cidade que seu acesso pode significar.
High-accuracy CMM metrology for micro systems

The increasing use of micro systems in industry combined with an ever-increasing demand for higher measurement accuracy has led to ongoing developments in the field of dimensional metrology. Recently, several measuring machines suitable for measuring micro mechanical products have been introduced to the market. This article aims to give an overview of the state-of-the-art methods for these measurement tasks. Introduction Conventional measuring methods restrict the possibilities for three-dimensional measurements on micro products. Conventional Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs) lack the required level of uncertainty, Atomic Force Microscopes (AFM) lack the required range and optical methods are often not suitable for true three-dimensional measurements. Examples include the measurements of small holes (e.g. fuel injection nozzles), LIGA products, Micro Electromechanical Systems (MEMS), etc. Some available products that are currently available are given in Fig. 1. Fig. 1 Example products, from left to right: microturbine (MIT), array of needles (IMM Mainz), Pennymotor within bearing (Micromotion) and piezo-motor (Miniswys) The first section of this paper covers some of the available measuring machines suitable for measuring MEMS. Then some important issues with respect to probe design are discussed and some examples of available probe systems are given. Finally the calibration results and recent developments of the probe system, developed at the Eindhoven University of Technology, will be discussed. Coordinate Measuring Machines for Micro Products Generally speaking there are two ways to approach the measuring of micro products: bottom-up and top down. The top-down approach is done by improving conventional CMMs. These have excellent range, but lack the needed uncertainty for measuring micro products. The bottom-up approach aims at increasing the measurement range of nano-metrology devices, like the Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) and Scanning Probe Microscope (SPM). AFM and SPM measuring techniques are typically used for surface characterisation. For True 3D measurements it is often more advantageous to use a CMM. Several CMMs
Detecting the genetic link between Alzheimer's disease and obesity using bioinformatics analysis of GWAS data

Alzheimer's disease (AD) represents the major form of dementia in the elderly. In recent years, accumulating evidence indicate that obesity may act as a risk factor for AD, while the genetic link between the two conditions remains unclear. This bioinformatics analysis aimed to detect the genetic link between AD and obesity on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), gene, and pathway levels based on genome-wide association studies data. A total of 31 SNPs were found to be shared by AD and obesity, which were linked to 7 genes. These genes included PSMC3, CELF1, MYBPC3, SPI1, APOE, MTCH2 and RAPSN. Further functional enrichment analysis of these genes revealed the following biological pathways, including proteasome, osteoclast differentiation, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy, Epstein-Barr virus and TLV-I infection, as well as several cancer associated pathways, to be common among AD and obesity. The findings deepened our understanding on the genetic basis linking obesity and AD and may help shape possible prevention and treatment strategies.
Alternating Picard Iterates for Hybrid Boyd-Wong Contractions

In this paper, we introduce the notion of (f, g)−Boyd-Wong contraction, and prove coincidence point and common fixed-point theorems for such contractions and f, g, which is a generalization of fixed-point theorems of Boyd-Wong (Proc. Amer. Math. Soc., 20(1969), 458-464), Al-Thagafi and Shahzad (Theorem 2.1) (Nonlinear Analysis, 64(2006), 2778 - 2786) and many various known results existing in the literature. In our discussion, we use alternating Picard iterative algorithms.
The Angola Current: Flow and hydrographic characteristics as observed at 11°S

The eastern boundary circulation off the coast of Angola has been described only sparsely to date, although it is a key element in the understanding of the highly productive tropical marine ecosystem off Angola. Here, we report for the first time direct velocity observations of the Angola Current (AC) at ∼11°S collected between July 2013 and October 2015 in the depth range from 45 to 450 m. The measurements reveal an alongshore flow that is dominated by intraseasonal to seasonal variability with periodically alternating southward and northward velocities in the range of ±40 cm/s. During the observation period, a weak southward mean flow of 5–8 cm/s at 50 m depth is observed, with the southward current extending down to about 200 m depth. Corresponding mean southward transport of the AC is estimated to be 0.32 ± 0.046 Sv. An extensive set of hydrographic measurements is used to investigate the thermal structure and seasonality in the hydrography of the eastern boundary circulation. Within the depth range of the AC, the superposition of annual and semiannual harmonics explains a significant part of the total variability, although salinity in the near surface layer appears to be also impacted by year-to-year variability and/or short-term freshening events. In the central water layer, temperature and salinity on isopycnals vary only weakly on seasonal to annual time scales. The available data set is further used to evaluate different reanalysis products particularly emphasizing the ocean's role in coupled climate model SST biases in the Eastern Tropical Atlantic.
Türk Üniversite Öğrencilerinde Öznel İyi Oluşu Yordayan Sosyodemografik Değişkenler ve Mizah Tarzları

This study investigated the relationship among socio-demographic variables and humor styles on university students’ subjective well-being (SWB). Participants were 376 university students attending different faculties at Cukurova University. Positive and Negative Affect, Satisfaction with Life, Humor Styles Questionnaires, and Socio-Demographic Information Questionnaire were used to collect data. To analyze the data, t-test, correlation, and stepwise regression analyses were employed. Aggregate SWB, Aggressive and self-defeating humor of male students were found to be significantly higher than those of female students. However, negative affect female students were significantly higher than those of male students. No significant difference between male and female students with respect to life satisfaction, positive affect, affiliative and self-enhancing humor was detected. Results ofregression analyses indicated that self-enhancing humor, aggressive humor, romantic relationship, gender and economic status predict of aggregate SWB.
Fecal carriage of Escherichia coli harboring extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) genes by sheep and broilers in Urmia region, Iran

Background: There is a growing concern on the impact of the presence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producing Escherichia coli isolated from animals on public health. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of three classes of ESBL genes in E. coli isolates from sheep and broilers at a slaughter in Urmia region, Iran. METHODS: A total of 111 E. coli isolates were obtained from sheep (n=55) and broilers (n=56) fecal samples and the presence of blaCTX-M, blaTEM and blaSHV genes was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: In general, 32 of these isolates carried blaCTX-M, 16 blaTEM, and 17 blaCTX-M plus blaTEM. None of the isolates tested was positive for the blaSHV gene. Among the 55 isolates from sheep, 33 (60%) contained one or more ESBL encoding gene; 15 (27.2%), 10 (18.2%), and 8 (14.5%) isolates were positive for blaCTX-M, blaTEM, and blaCTX-M+blaTEM, respectively. Among the 56 isolates from broilers, 32 (57.1%) isolates carried at least one ESBL encoding gene; 17 (30.4%) and 6 (10.7%) isolates were positive for blaCTX-M and blaTEM genes, respectively, and the blaCTX-M+ blaTEM was identified in nine isolates (16.1%). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that sheep and broiler feces may be a reservoir of E. coli harboring ESBLs genes, with CTX-M being the predominant β-lactamase type. This may pose a public health risk, which requires future evaluation and control.
Genetic prediction models and heritability estimates for functional longevity in dairy cattle

Longevity is a major component of the breeding objective for dairy cattle in many countries because of its high economic value. The trait has been recommended for inclusion in the breeding objective for dairy cattle in South Africa. Linear models, random regression (RR) models, threshold models (TMs) and proportional hazard models (PH) have been used to evaluate longevity. This paper discusses these methodologies and their advantages and disadvantages. Heritability estimates obtained from these models are also reviewed. Linear methodologies can model binary and actual longevity, while RR and TM methodologies model binary survival. PH procedures model the hazard function of a cow at time t derived from survival from first calving to culling, death or censoring. It is difficult to compare methodologies for sire evaluation and ranking across countries because of the variation in the definition of longevity and the choice of model. Sire estimated breeding values (EBVs) are derived differently for the models. Sire EBVs from PH models are expressed as deviations of the culling risk from the mean of the base sires, expected percentage of daughters still alive after a given number of lactations, expected length of productive life in absolute terms or as standard deviation units. In linear, TM and RR modelling, sire EBVs for longevity have been expressed as deviations of survival from the mean estimated with Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUP). Appropriate models should thus be developed to evaluate functional longevity for possible inclusion in the overall breeding objective for South African dairy cattle. Keywords: Dairy Cattle, Proportional Hazards, Random Regression, Survival Analysis
The improving effects of Saengmaeksan on ulcerative colitis

Saengmaeksan (SMS) is a well known Korean traditional herbal prescription, which consists of 3 different herbs, Radix Ophiopogonis, Radix Ginseng, and Fructus Schisandrae. SMS has been commonly used in various disease including respiratory system and cardiovascular System in Korea. The objective of this study is to find out the improving effects of SMS against Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis. SMS reduced clinical signs of DSS-induced colitis, including body weight loss, shorten colon length, and increased disease activity index. The results showed that SMS significantly inhibited the activation of nuclear factor- p65 in the colon tissues of DSS-treated mice. In addition, we observed that result showed that the levels of IL-6 in plasma were increased in DSS treated group compared to those of the normal group, but these increased levels were reduced by administration with SMS. Taken together, these findings suggest that SMS has improving effects on DSS-induced ulcerative colitis, which may explain its beneficial effect in the regulation of chronic intestinal inflammation.
Effect on Acid Reflux Symptoms Occurring during Sleep of an Oral Adhering Disc Containing only Food Ingredients

The aim of this double-blinded, randomized, controlled study was to determine if OraCoat XyliMelts, an over the counter, dissolvable, adhering disc used to reduce excessive day time or night time dry mouth by increasing salivation, would also reduce reflux and heartburn symptoms occurring during sleep among subjects suffering from both GERD and xerostomia. Subjects submitted 14 days of baseline data by answering questions and were then randomized into one of two groups: one receiving a dry mouth gel (control) and a second receiving a disc (product of interest). Neither the identities of the two products nor the manufacturers of the products was revealed to subjects. Answers to the same set of questions were then collected for an additional 14 days as the supplied products were used. The accumulated data were evaluated for pre-post treatment changes within and between groups. Variables included reported heartburn, reflux, reflux taste, hoarseness, dry mouth, and antacid use. The results showed a significant decrease in the severity of the above symptoms of GERD with both disc and gel use, although improvement was greatest for those using the discs. Comparison between the gel and disc groups for most symptoms did not reveal significant differences. For heartburn, subjects using the discs perceived significantly less pain than subjects using the gel. We conclude that the use of certain products intended to reduce dry mouth during sleep, including OraCoat XyliMelts, may be an effective adjunctive remedy for reducing reflux and heartburn symptoms in patients with GERD and xerostomia.
Data Compression Based on Stacked RBM-AE Model for Wireless Sensor Networks

Data compression is very important in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) with the limited energy of sensor nodes. Data communication results in energy consumption most of the time; the lifetime of sensor nodes is usually prolonged by reducing data transmission and reception. In this paper, we propose a new Stacked RBM Auto-Encoder (Stacked RBM-AE) model to compress sensing data, which is composed of a encode layer and a decode layer. In the encode layer, the sensing data is compressed; and in the decode layer, the sensing data is reconstructed. The encode layer and the decode layer are composed of four standard Restricted Boltzmann Machines (RBMs). We also provide an energy optimization method that can further reduce the energy consumption of the model storage and calculation by pruning the parameters of the model. We test the performance of the model by using the environment data collected by Intel Lab. When the compression ratio of the model is 10, the average Percentage RMS Difference value is 10.04%, and the average temperature reconstruction error value is 0.2815 °C. The node communication energy consumption in WSNs can be reduced by 90%. Compared with the traditional method, the proposed model has better compression efficiency and reconstruction accuracy under the same compression ratio. Our experiment results show that the new neural network model can not only apply to data compression for WSNs, but also have high compression efficiency and good transfer learning ability.
Growth, Carcass Quality and Serum Constituents of Slow Growing Chicks as Affected by Betaine Addition to Diets Containing 2. Different Levels of Methionine

The response of slow growing chicks to different dietary levels of choline and\or betaine was investigated during the starter-grower period from 1 to 56 d of age. Therefore, a basal all-mash corn-soybean meal diet was formulated to contain 872 mg of choline based on native one. This diet was supplemented with 0, 300 and 600 mg of choline, from feed grade choline chloride (50%), which is equal to 872, 1172 and 1472 mg total choline/kg feed. Each choline level was supplemented with, 0.0, 0.072 and 0.144% betaine. Thus there were nine experimental diets; each diet was fed to 45 chicks divided equally among 5 replicates of nine unsexed chicks each. Irrespective of betaine addition, choline supplementation at 300 mg/kg diet significantly increased BWG by 3.2% and insignificantly improved FCR by 3.3% compared to unsupplemented basal diet (872 mg choline/kg diet). Choline supplementation at either medium or hig h level significantly increased blood serum albumin, while response to SRBC's was linearly (P<0.05) increased with increasing choline supplementation. Furthermore, choline at only 1172 mg/kg diet significantly decreased relative weight of abdominal fat, while increasing choline level to 1472 mg/kg diet did not affect relative weight of abdominal fat. Irrespective of choline supplementation, betaine addition at either 0.072 or 0.144% significantly improved BWG by 4.4 and 4.8%, and FCR by 4.2 and 6.1% compared to the basal diet, respectively. Betaine addition at 0.072 and 0.144% significantly increased serum total protein, albumen, and secondary response to SRBC's, while primary responses to SRBC's was linearly increased (P<0.05) with increasing betaine addition. Betaine significantly decreased relative weight of abdominal fat linearly. Results indicated that betaine addition at 0.072% to 872, 1172 or 1472 mg choline- containing diet increased BWG by 3.9, 4.1 and 5.1% and improved FCR by 4.1, 4.3 and 4.8% compared to their respective controls, respectively. Also, betaine addition at 0.144% to 872, 1172 and 1472 mg/kg diet increased BWG by 5.0, 4.9 and 4.4% and improved FCR by 4.8, 4.3 and 4.1% compared to their respective controls, respectively. Betaine addition at 0.072 or 0.144% to the basal diet containing 872 mg choline resulted in similar BWG and FCR, serum total protein, albumen and primary response to SRBC's of those fed diet containing 1172 or 1472 mg choline. In conclusion, slow growing chicks gained 13.3 g/d during 1-56 d of age required a choline level of 1172 mg/kg feed. However, choline level of 872 mg choline, which derived from native one, was adequate when dietary 0.072% betaine was added. Key word: Choline, betaine, growth performance, antibody response, meat quality
Experimental studies on drilling in cryogenic conditions the industrial plastic parts

Starting from an identified industrial need, therefore to process plastics in certain accuracy classes with machining time as low as possible, we studies performed in the field of plastic processing in cryogenic conditions. To parameterize the cutting potential of the industrial plastics with low rigidity in cryogenic conditions, the tests where we made was an exploratory character. During the experiments, we followed the variation of feed forces and cutting torque as well as the machining precision. We noticed an improvement in chip remove capacity of the tool and increased machining accuracy, due to low temperatures used during the processing.
Quality distortions in vertical relations

This paper examines how delivery tariffs and private quality standards are determined in vertical relations that are subject to asymmetric information. We consider an infinitely repeated game where an upstream firm sells a product to a downstream firm. In each period, the firms negotiate a delivery contract comprising the quality of the good as well as a non-linear tariff. Assuming asymmetric information about the actual quality of the product and focusing on incentive compatible contracts, we show that from the firms’ perspective delivery contracts lead to more efficient contracts and thus higher overall profits the lower the firms’ outside options, i.e. the higher their mutual dependency. Buyer power driven by a reduced outside option of the upstream firm enhances the efficiency of vertical relations, while buyer power due to an improved outside option of the downstream firm implies less efficient outcomes.