Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Psychoanalysis, thermodynamics, and the matter of scarcity: A genealogy of Freud’s death drive hypothesis

In his 1920 essay, “Beyond the Pleasure Principle,” Freud (1920/1955a) introduced the death drive hypothesis, according to which “the aim of all life is death” (p. 38). I shall not discuss the truth value of this hypothesis here; instead, I trace its genealogy in order to understand it as a moment in the history of modern Western societies. First, I present Freud’s metapsychology, and in particular its economic dimension, the death drive being central to this dimension. Second, I retrace the history of the concept of energy and of the formulation of the laws of thermodynamics in the 19th century. Energetics and thermodynamics are shown to have been important to the Freudian economic dimension. Further, I show that for 19th-century scientists, the concern for energy reflected a socioeconomic preoccupation with the matter of scarcity. Lastly, I argue that Freud’s relationship to energy, as expressed in the death drive hypothesis, also reflected a certain relationship of Western countries to scarcity in the era of the second industrial revolution.
Role of vitamin D and its receptor in regulation of mechanisms of immune inflammation in patients with ischemic heart disease

Coronary heart disease still underlies high morbidity and mortality in people of working age. Thus, today one of the most important tasks facing clinical cardiology is the search for new molecular genetic predictors of coronary artery disease associated with the unfavorable course of this disease and the development of complications. In the present review, we analyzed the available data on the mechanisms of vitamin D interrelation with the development of immune inflammation in patients with coronary heart disease. The role of vitamin D and its receptor in cardiovascular diseases and in the development of coronary heart disease, in particular, is considered.Recent studies showed that vitamin D deficiency is a new risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis and immune inflammation. Immune damage of the vascular wall increases the risk of acute coronary syndrome, especially in patients with a predisposition to atherothrombosis. Vitamin D has a multilevel effect on immune inflammation mechanisms by restoring the balance in the system of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. The protective effects of vitamin D on immune inflammation in the vascular wall are realized through vitamin D receptors. The present work re-viewed the studies describing possible mechanisms of immune inflammation regulation by vitamin D and its receptor and activation of immune inflammation in patients with vitamin D deficiency. Further studies of mechanisms of influence of vitamin D receptor on the suppression of immune inflammation are needed.
Rapid Simultaneous Quantitative Analysis of Hypoglycemic agents by RP HPLC: Development, Validation and Application to Medicine

Background: For the treatment of diabetes mellitus type 2, a new formulation containing vildagliptin and remogliflozin was developed. A simple and rapid RP-HPLC method employing linagliptin as an internal standard was developed for quality control of this medicine. Methodology: Formulation analytes, including IS, were separated on a Zorbax C18 column with isocratic elution of acetonitrile and phosphate buffer (pH 5) 55:45 v/v at a flow rate of 1.2 mL/min. The experiment was carried out at room temperature and monitored at a wavelength of 210 nm. The approach was also validated in accordance with the ICH Q2 requirements. Results: The optimized HPLC approach revealed a satisfactory linearity in the concentration ranges of 10-60 μg/mL and 10-100 μg/mL for VIL and REM respectively, with good regression coefficient (R2≥0.998). The average accuracy for VL and REM was 99.57 percent and 100.59 percent, respectively, with a low percentage relative error. The method’s precision was proven by the low percentage relative standard deviation. Furthermore, a robustness assessment employing a Pareto chart generated using a three-level factor interaction study, a multivariate technique, demonstrated that minor changes in individual experimental conditions had no effect on the test results. Finally, the optimized HPLC method was effectively used to assess VIL and Rem from formulation simultaneously. Conclusion: The findings of an assay comparing a simple and rapid isocratic RP-HPLC method devised for the simultaneous quantification of VIL and REM to a previously published approach revealed no significant differences in the assay results. As a result, it might be utilized in any analytical laboratory for quality control of this formulation.
The effect of background music on the aesthetic experience of a visual artwork in a naturalistic environment

Aesthetic evaluations can be highly influenced by a myriad of individual and situational factors. Interestingly, little is yet known about the possible effects of background music on the aesthetic experience of visual art. Here, we examined whether musical emotions would influence different dimensions of the aesthetic experience of a visual artwork displayed in a naturalistic environment. A total of 142 visitors of a contemporary art museum appreciated an abstract painting by Wassily Kandinsky while listening to background music conveying different emotions (happy, sad, peaceful, scary) or silence. Our findings suggest that music valence significantly influenced participants’ judgment of the pleasantness of the painting. In addition, music likability had a significant effect on participants’ judgments of the artwork’s valence, beauty, and liking. Specifically, participants who liked the background music rated these dimensions of the artwork aesthetic experience significantly more positively than those who disliked the music. Overall, these results suggest that aspects associated with the aesthetic experience of music may influence the aesthetic experience of visual art, opening new avenues for the investigation of cognitive processes underlying the aesthetic experience induced by objects across different media.
A spectral analysis of stem bark for boreal and temperate tree species

Abstract The woody material of forest canopies has a significant effect on the total forest reflectance and on the interpretation of remotely sensed data, yet research on the spectral properties of bark has been limited. We developed a novel measurement setup for acquiring stem bark reflectance spectra in field conditions, using a mobile hyperspectral camera. The setup was used for stem bark reflectance measurements of ten boreal and temperate tree species in the visible (VIS) to near‐infrared (NIR) (400–1000 nm) wavelength region. Twenty trees of each species were measured, constituting a total of 200 hyperspectral reflectance images. The mean bark spectra of species were similar in the VIS region, and the interspecific variation was largest in the NIR region. The intraspecific variation of bark spectra was high for all studied species from the VIS to the NIR region. The spectral similarity of our study species did not correspond to the general phylogenetic lineages. The hyperspectral reflectance images revealed that the distributions of per‐pixel reflectance values within images were species‐specific. The spectral library collected in this study contributes toward building a comprehensive understanding of the spectral diversity of forests needed not only in remote sensing applications but also in, for example, biodiversity or land surface modeling studies.
[Tb4(OH)4]-Cuboid Complex Dianion Stabilized with Six Carboxylate Bridges and Four Diketonate Caps

A cubane-like complex dianion [Tb4(OH)4(tfa)6(hfac)4]2− was synthesized, accompanied by two counter cations of [Ni(hfac)(2pyIN)2]+, where Htfa, Hhfac, and 2pyIN stand for trifluoroacetic acid, 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoropentane-2,4-dione, and 4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-2-pyridylimidazolin-1-oxyl, respectively. In the complex anion, each Tb ion was capped with hfac, and each Tb···Tb diagonal was bridged with tfa, thus forming an approximate Td symmetry, though the whole molecular formula was crystallographically independent in an orthorhombic Pbca space group. The ionic charge was −2 in total. The magnetic study revealed that the complex ions were magnetically isolated from each other. Practically no 4f–4f superexchange interaction was operative, while the 2p–3d ferromagnetic coupling seemed to be appreciable, as anticipated from the proposed magnetostructural relationship.
Visible-light photoelectrochemical photodetector based on In-rich InGaN/Cu2O core-shell nanowire p–n junctions

n-InGaN/p-Cu2O core-shell nanowire (NW) p–n junctions enable efficient self-powered photoelectrochemical photodetectors (PEC PDs) in the visible. The photocurrent density under one-sun illumination is enhanced by 8 times compared to that of bare InGaN NW PEC PDs due to maximized photocarrier separation in the built-in electric field of the p–n junction. The responsivity reaches 173 μA/W under one-sun illumination. The response times of 30–40 ms are among the shortest achieved for PEC PDs. Together with the long-time stability and reusability, a robust, easy to fabricate, and easy to operate self-powered PEC PD is introduced.
Robust ellipsoidal set-membership fault estimation for time-varying systems with uniform quantization effects over sensor networks

This article is concerned with the robust set-membership fault estimation problem for a class of uncertain discrete time-varying systems over sensor networks. The system measurements are subject to the uniform quantization which results in the unknown-but-bounded noises. Attention is focused on the design of a set-membership fault estimator such that, in the simultaneous presence of uncertain parameters, unknown-but-bounded noises and uniform quantization effects, the estimation errors are confifined to a certain ellipsoidal region. By using the mathematical induction, a suffificient condition is derived for the existence of the desired fault estimator at each time step in terms of a set of recursive matrix inequalities. Moreover, an optimization problem is formulated by minimizing the ellipsoid of the estimation error. Finally, two numerical examples are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed fault estimator design scheme.
Diastolic Dysfunction of the Left Ventricle in a Prediabetic Population from Rural Central India

According to a growing body of research, in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of mortality. Many studies have sought to understand the many pathways that may play a role in CVD in diabetics in a significant way. According to research, pat had a much higher overall morbidity and mortality rate. The culprits are hyperglycemia-induced macrovascular diseases, autonomic neuropathy, and generally diabetic cardiomyopathy, which is quite significant. Diabetic people might be diagnosed with cardiomyopathy even if they generally are initially asymptomatic and show no clinical indications of the disease, or so they essentially thought. Echocardiography provides the opportunity to measure systolic and diastolic function, which is explicitly fairly significant. A significant risk factor for developing diabetes appears to be prediabetes with the risk of conversion is approximately 70% in the next ten years, with similar microvascular and cardiovascular consequences to diabetes. Immunological factors, Cytokines, advanced glycosylation end-product accumulation and oxidative stress, a standard processes involved. Diastolic dysfunction alters diastolic filling and increases isovolumetric relaxation time in diabetic patients. One of the independent markers for assessing the propensity of developing Cardiovascular disease in a diabetic population is Insulin Resistance. On the other hand, normotensive patients have been linked to left ventricular dysfunction, even when omitting those with coronary artery disease (CAD), which is quite significant for all intents and purposes. According to experts at the Indian Institute of Cardiology (ICC) in Bangalore, even people with normal blood pressure and prediabetes exhibit asymptomatic diastolic dysregulation.
Inclusion of biochar in a C-dynamics model based on observations from a 8 years field experiment

Abstract. Biochar production and application as soil amendment is a promising carbon (C) negative technology to increase soil C sequestration and mitigate climate change. However, there is a lack of knowledge about biochar degradation rate in soil and its effects on native soil organic carbon (SOC), mainly due to the absence of long term experiments performed in field conditions. The aim of this work was to investigate the long term degradation rate of biochar in a field experiment of 8 years in a poplar short rotation coppice plantation in Piedmont (Italy), and to modify the RothC model to assess and predict how biochar influences soil C dynamics. The RothC model was modified by including two biochar pools, labile (4 % of the total biochar mass) and recalcitrant (96 %), and the priming effect of biochar on SOC. The model was calibrated and validated using data from the field experiment. The results confirm that biochar degradation can be faster in field conditions in comparison to laboratory experiments; nevertheless, it can contribute to substantially increase the soil C stock in the long-term. Moreover, this study shows that the modified RothC model was able to simulate the dynamics of biochar and SOC degradation in soils in field conditions in the long term, at least in the specific conditions examined.
Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease and All-Cause Mortality in Patients with Tricuspid Regurgitation

Aim: The impact of chronic kidney disease (CKD) on patient-related outcomes in patients with tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is well known. However, the impact of the progression of CKD in patients with TR and potentially modifiable risk factors of progressing CKD is unknown. Methods: 444 consecutive adult patients with TR and CKD stage 1–4 admitted in an inpatient setting between January 2010 and December 2017 were included. During a median follow-up of two years, eGFR and survival status were collected. Independent risk factors for CKD progression and all-cause mortality were determined. Patient survival statuses were grouped according to different combinations of the presence or absence of CKD progression and the TR grade. Results: Progression of CKD (OR 2.38 (95% confidence interval 1.30–4.35), p = 0.005), the grade of TR (OR 2.38 (1.41–4.00), p = 0.001) and mitral regurgitation (OR 1.72 (1.20–2.46), p = 0.003) were independent risk factors for all-cause mortality. Haemoglobin at admission (OR 0.80 (0.65–0.99), p = 0.043) and the presence of type 2 diabetes (OR 1.67 (1.02–2.73), p = 0.042) were independent risk factors for CKD progression. The combination of the status of CKD progression and the TR grade showed a stepwise pattern for all-cause mortality (p < 0.001). Patients with CKD progression and TR grade 1 had comparable all-cause mortality with patients without CKD progression but with TR grade 2 or 3. Even in patients with TR grade 1, the risk for all-cause mortality doubled if CKD progression occurred (OR 2.49 (95% CI 1.38–4.47), p = 0.002). Conclusion: CKD progression appears to be a risk factor for all-cause mortality in patients with TR. Anaemia and diabetes are potential modifiers of CKD progression.
Impact of Prepolymerization Monomer on Polymerization and Properties of LLDPE

One of the methods of synthesis of linear low-density polyethylene is the use of pre-polymerization method. In this research, propylene, 1-butene and ethylene were used as prepolymers at 35 °C. Also, various tests were performed to analyze the obtained polymers by pre-polymerization method. The results obtained in the melt flow index test showed that ethylene monomer had the lowest value. It also had the better properties.
Positive Analysis and Construction of Evaluation Index of the Scientific and Technological Innovation Platform of Colleges and Universities

Based on the definition of the scientific and technological innovation platform of colleges and universities,this paper gives a systematic introduction to the scientific and technological innovation platform of colleges and universities. Drawing on the author's practical experience on scientific research and the related research achievements,the paper constructs the evaluation index of the scientific and technological innovation platform of colleges and universities,and determines the index weight by the method AHP. At last,taking 13 colleges and universities in Shaanxi for example,it carries on the experimental analysis and comes to a conclusion.
Technical efficiency in small and medium-sized firms in Mexico: A stochastic frontier analysis

This paper examines the knowledge-technical efficiency (TE) association in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) of manufacturing, trade, and service sectors. We use data from 2014 and 2017 reported by 28,034 SMEs in the National Survey on Productivity and Competitiveness of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (Encuesta Nacional sobre Productividad y Competitividad de las Micro, Pequeñas y Medianas Empresas, ENAPROCE) and the Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA). The main findings suggest that the average technical efficiency (ATE) of SMEs is 54.6%, SMEs show decreasing returns to scale, and SMEs with highly skilled workers -that transfer their technology less frequently and that use the Internet in their production processes- tend to have higher levels of TE. On the other hand, those firms that spend a higher proportion of their revenues on the process of paying taxes tend to be less efficient than others.
Thymoquinone-Enriched Naringenin-Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carrier for Brain Delivery via Nasal Route: In Vitro Prospect and In Vivo Therapeutic Efficacy for the Treatment of Depression

In the current research, a thymoquinone-enriched naringenin (NGN)-loaded nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) was developed and delivered via the nasal route for depression. Thymoquinone (TQ) oil was used as the liquid lipid and provided synergistic effects. A TQ- and NGN-enriched NLC was developed via the ultrasonication technique and optimized using a central composite rotatable design (CCRD). The optimized NLC exhibited the following properties: droplet size, 84.17 to 86.71 nm; PDI, 0.258 to 0.271; zeta potential, −8.15 to −8.21 mV; and % EE, 87.58 to 88.21%. The in vitro drug release profile showed the supremacy of the TQ-NGN-NLC in comparison to the NGN suspension, with a cumulative drug release of 82.42 ± 1.88% from the NLC and 38.20 ± 0.82% from the drug suspension. Ex vivo permeation study displayed a 2.21-fold increase in nasal permeation of NGN from the NLC compared to the NGN suspension. DPPH study showed the better antioxidant potential of the TQ-NGN-NLC in comparison to NGN alone due to the synergistic effect of NGN and TQ oil. CLSM images revealed deeper permeation of the NGN-NLC (39.9 µm) through the nasal mucosa in comparison to the NGN suspension (20 µm). Pharmacodynamic studies, such as the forced swim test and the locomotor activity test, were assessed in the depressed rat model, which revealed the remarkable antidepressant effect of the TQ-NGN-NLC in comparison to the NGN suspension and the marketed formulation. The results signify the potential of the TQ-enriched NGN-NLC in enhancing brain delivery and the therapeutic effect of NGN for depression treatment.
LabVIEW Application to Economic Efficiency Calculation for Thermal Power Plant

Under the guidance of matrix analysis,the LabVIEW-based simulation software for thermal power unit economic efficiency calculation has been developed on the basis of the thermal economic state equation,as well as the steam-water distribution equation,steam turbine output internal power equation,boiler medium heat equation.This software takes various factors into account,including different types of heaters,different sources of desuperheater waters,auxiliary steam flows and auxiliary water flows,and it can calculate economic efficiency indices of different capacities and thermodynamic system structures in power plant.A 300MW unit is calculated according to its heat balance diagram in a typical operating condition and the results indicate that this proposed software can realize the accuracy,interaction,and universalness of the power unit economic efficiency analysis system,and provide a reference for economic operation,economic analysis,fault diagnosis,and energy saving in thermal power plant.
Using single impact metrics to assess research in business and economics: why institutions should use multi-criteria systems for assessing research

PurposeDespite the general recommendation of using a combination of multiple criteria for research assessment and faculty promotion decisions, the raise of quantitative indicators is generating an emerging trend in Business Schools to use single journal impact factors (IFs) as key (unique) drivers for those relevant school decisions. This paper aims to investigate the effects of using single Web of Science (WoS)-based journal impact metrics when assessing research from two related disciplines: Business and Economics, and its potential impact for the strategic sustainability of a Business School.Design/methodology/approachThis study collected impact indicators data for Business and Economics journals from the Clarivate Web of Science database. We concentrated on the IF indicators, the Eigenfactor and the article influence score (AIS). This study examined the correlations between these indicators and then ranked disciplines and journals using these different impact metrics.FindingsConsistent with previous findings, this study finds positive correlations among these metrics. Then this study ranks the disciplines and journals using each impact metric, finding relevant and substantial differences, depending on the metric used. It is found that using AIS instead of the IF raises the relative ranking of Economics, while Business remains basically with the same rank.Research limitations/implications This study contributes to the research assessment literature by adding substantial evidence that given the sensitivity of journal rankings to particular indicators, the selection of a single impact metric for assessing research and hiring/promotion and tenure decisions is risky and too simplistic. This research shows that biases may be larger when assessment involves researchers from related disciplines – like Business and Economics – but with different research foundations and traditions.Practical implicationsConsistent with the literature, given the sensibility of journal rankings to particular indicators, the selection of a single impact metric for assessing research, assigning research funds and hiring/promotion and tenure decisions is risky and simplistic. However, this research shows that risks and biases may be larger when assessment involves researchers from related disciplines – like Business and Economics – but with different research foundations and trajectories. The use of multiple criteria is advised for such purposes.Originality/valueThis is an applied work using real data from WoS that addresses a practical case of comparing the use of different journal IFs to rank-related disciplines like Business and Economics, with important implications for faculty tenure and promotion committees and for research funds granting institutions and decision-makers.