Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The economic impact of regional industrial policies: An empirical research

Empirical literature findings do not provide a clear-cut interpretation of the effects of public aid on performances of firms. We contribute to this literature analysing the effects of public regional financial subsidies on investment using a unique dataset covering all the firms in the Italian province of Trentino with a record of public aid granted to them in the last 15 years. We find a temporary effect on investment level together with a permanent positive effects on size of firms, but no effect is found on factors substitution nor on technical change. Moreover, subsidies do not improve either profitability or productivity. These results help better define the scope of local aid. Corresponding author: Roberto Gabriele, Department of Management and Computer Science, University of Trento, via Inama, 5 (38100) Trento Italy. E-mail: rgabriel@economia.unitn. it. e-mail: marco.zamarian@economia.unitn. it e-mail: enrico.zaninotto@economia.unitn. it This research was conducted for the Provincia Autonoma di Trento (PAT) within the activities of the Nucleo per la Valutazione degli Investimenti Pubblici of the year 2006. PAT provided also financial support to the project. We would like to thank especially the Servizio Programmazione Economica of PAT for the support provided during the different stages of this research.
Miltiades N Georgiou PhD

Mundell (1961) claimed that the viability of a currency union relies on the degree of labour mobility. In the present paper an attempt is made to introduce a test for the viability of a currency union. To this end author will try to measure in European countries the relative real wage rigidity across countries as a result of the relative inflation across countries and the unemployment rate within countries. This model agrees with the conclusions of (Bauer et al., 2003) and according to Mundell (1961), author proposes that it can also be used first as a test for measuring labour mobility within currency unions, and second as a tool to test the viability of a currency union (which is the main contribution of the present paper). It will also be pointed out that under a perfect information regime unemployment declines, for labour mobility in European countries is globally perfect, as well as that workers accept to work at a lower real wage instead of staying unemployed. All econometric models in this paper using panel data are made feasible through the Eviews software package.
Memory leak detection algorithm Based on Defect Mode in smart grid

With the expansion of the software scale and complexity of smart grid systems, the detection of power grid software defects has become a research hotspot and difficult problem.Because of the large scale of the existing power grid software code, the efficiency and accuracy of the existing power grid defect detection algorithms are not high. This paper presents a static memory leak detection method based on a defect mode. From the viewpoint of the analysis of existing memory leak defect modes, this paper summarizes memory operation behaviors (allocation, release and transfer) and presents a state machine model that is based on memory operation behavior as the foundation of static detection in memory leaks. Our proposed method employs a fuzzy matching algorithm that is based on regular expression to determine the memory operation behaviors that exist in the code to be detected and then analyzes the change in the state machine to assess the vulnerability in the source code. To improve the efficiency of detection and solve the problem of repeated detection at the function call point, we propose a function summary method for memory operation behaviors. The experimental results demonstrate that the method we proposed has high detection speed and accuracy. The algorithm we proposed can identify the defects of the smart grid operation software and ensure the safe operation of the grid.
Current favourable 10-year outcome of patients with early rheumatoid arthritis: data from the ESPOIR cohort.

OBJECTIVE To report the 10-year outcome of an inception cohort of patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the ESPOIR cohort, and predictors of outcome. METHODS From 2003 to 2005, 813 patients were included if they had early arthritis (< 6 months) with a high probability of RA and had never been prescribed DMARDs. Multivariate analysis was used to evaluate predictors of outcome. RESULTS In total, 521 (64.1%) RA patients were followed up for 10 years; 35 (4.3%) died which appears similar to the French general population. Overall, 480 (92.1%) patients received a DMARD; 174 (33.4%) received at least one biologic DMARD, 13.6% within 2 years. At year 10, 273 (52.4%) patients were in DAS28 remission, 40.1% in sustained remission, 14.1% in drug-free remission, 39.7% in CDAI remission. Half of the patients achieved a HAQ-DI < 0.5. SF-36 physical component and pain were well controlled. Structural progression was weak, with a mean change from baseline in modified Sharp score of 11.0 ± 17.9. Only 34 (6.5%) patients required major joint surgery. A substantial number of patients showed new comorbidities over 10 years. Positivity for ACPA was confirmed as a robust predictor of long-term outcome. CONCLUSIONS We report a very mild 10-year outcome of a large cohort of patients with early RA diagnosed in the early 2000s, which was much better than results for a previous cohort of patients who were recruited in 1993. This current favourable outcome may be related to more intensive care for real-life patients.
What influences uptake of psychosocial interventions by people living with early dementia? A qualitative study

Background Health policy promotes post-diagnostic support for people affected by dementia. Evidence suggests psychosocial interventions can effectively support people living with dementia after diagnosis. Yet, what influences uptake of psychosocial interventions by people with early dementia is poorly understood. This research aimed to identify influences on uptake of psychosocial interventions by people with early dementia. Methods Sixteen face-to-face semi-structured interviews with people with early dementia, either alone or with a family member(s), were completed. Twelve staff participated in semi-structured interviews or a focus group. Thematic analysis and triangulation enabled identification of overall themes across different participant groups and interview types. Main Findings Four overarching themes influencing uptake were identified: (1) adjusting to a diagnosis, (2) appeal of activities and perception of benefit, (3) service and societal context, and (4) relationships and communication. Individual responses to diagnosis, experiences of dementia and dementia services influenced uptake. Group interventions were discussed the most by all participants. Group interventions offering social contact, peer support, information, enjoyable activities and mental stimulation were valued. However, group interventions specifically aimed at people with dementia did not appeal to all. Ability to travel and convenience of locations were important. Continuing with community activities not focused on dementia was valued. Stigma around dementia appeared to discourage uptake. Emotional and practical support from family was key to facilitating uptake as were the relationships between people with dementia and staff. Conclusion A complex interplay of individual, service and societal influences affect uptake of psychosocial interventions by people with early dementia. How interventions and which services can enable people with early dementia remain engaged in their everyday lives needs consideration. Further research examining uptake of specific interventions commonly offered to people living with early dementia is needed. Involving people with early dementia in designing interventions aiming to support them is paramount.
Evaluation of Hand Tendon Elastic Properties During Rehabilitation Through High-Frequency Ultrasound Shear Elastography

Tendon injuries lead to tendon stiffness, which impairs skeletal muscle movement. Most studies have focused on patellar or Achilles tendons by using ultrasound elastography. Only a few studies have measured the stiffness of hand tendons because their thickness is only 1–2 mm, rendering clinical ultrasound elastography unsuitable for mapping hand tendon stiffness. In this study, a high-frequency ultrasound shear elastography (HFUSE) system was proposed to map the shear wave velocity (SWV) of hand flexor tendons. A handheld vibration system that was coaxially mounted with an external vibrator on a high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) array transducer allowed the operators to scan hand tendons freely. To quantify the performance of HFUSE, six parameters were comprehensively measured from homogeneous, two-sided, and three-sided gelatin phantom experiments: bias, precision, lateral resolution, contrast, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and accuracy. HFUSE demonstrated an excellent resolution of $147~\mu \text{m}$ to distinguish the local stiffness of thin phantom (thickness: 1.2 mm) without compromising bias, precision, contrast, CNR, and accuracy, which has been noted with previous systems. Human experiments involved four patients with hand tendon injuries who underwent ≥2 months of rehabilitation. Using HFUSE, two-dimensional SWV images of flexor tendons could be clearly mapped for healthy and injured tendons, respectively. The findings demonstrate that HFUSE can be a promising tool for evaluating the elastic properties of the injured hand tendon after surgery and during rehabilitation and thus help monitor progress.
Validation of the Finnish version of the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis (BICAMS) and evaluation of the applicability of the Multiple Sclerosis Neuropsychological Questionnaire (MSNQ) and the Fatigue Scale for Motor and Cognitive Functions (FSMC)

Cognitive impairment is frequent in multiple sclerosis (MS) as approximately half of the patients manifest some degree of cognitive impairment. The Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis (BICAMS) has been designed for brief cognitive evaluation. The purpose of the study was to validate the BICAMS along with the Finnish versions of one self‐rating questionnaire each for cognition and fatigue.
Approximal plaque pH lowering after sugar intake in a periodontally infected dentition

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of periodontal inflammation on the approximal plaque pH after a sucrose rinse. Materials and methods Thirty-two periodontitis patients (aged 38–72 years; 9M/23F) were included. All patients were in need of periodontal surgery. Two non-adjacent interdental spaces, one healthy (no bleeding on probing [BoP] and probing pocket depth [PPD] < 4 mm) and one periodontally diseased (BoP and PPD ≥5 mm) were selected. Before and after surgery, the approximal plaque pH was measured before and after 2, 5 and 10 min after a 1-min rinse with sucrose solution. Results In periodontally diseased interdental spaces, a significant pH drop was seen 5 min after rinsing. In healthy spaces and after surgery, a significant pH drop was seen after 2 min. A multilevel regression analysis showed that greater probing pocket depths were significantly associated with pH change measured 5 min after rinsing (p < .05). Further on, the approximal pH drop after a sucrose rinse tended to be delayed in dentitions with ≥10% of PPD ≥5 mm (p = .052). Conclusions The results suggest that an ongoing periodontal inflammation could temporarily neutralize acidic metabolic products after a sugar challenge. This may further suggest that plaque pH measured after a sugar rinse might be used to identify an ongoing periodontal disease.
SARS-CoV-2 replicon for high-throughput antiviral screening

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, which is highly pathogenic and classified as a biosafety level 3 (BSL-3) agent, has greatly threatened global health and efficacious antivirals are urgently needed. The high requirement of facilities to manipulate the live virus has limited the development of antiviral study. Here, we constructed a reporter replicon of SARS-CoV-2, which can be handled in a BSL-2 laboratory. The Renilla luciferase activity effectively reflected the transcription and replication levels of the replicon genome. We identified the suitability of the replicon in antiviral screening using the known inhibitors, and thus established the replicon-based high-throughput screening (HTS) assay for SARS-CoV-2. The application of the HTS assay was further validated using a few hit natural compounds, which were screened out in a SARS-CoV-2 induced cytopathic-effect-based HTS assay in our previous study. This replicon-based HTS assay will be a safe platform for SARS-CoV-2 antiviral screening in a BSL-2 laboratory without the live virus.
Stretchable gold nanowire-based cuff electrodes for low-voltage peripheral nerve stimulation

Objective. Electrical stimulation of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) can treat various diseases and disorders, including the healing process after nerve injury. A major challenge when designing electrodes for PNS stimulation is the mechanical mismatch between the nerve and the device, which can lead to non-conformal contact, tissue damage and inefficient stimulation due to current leakage. Soft and stretchable cuff electrodes promise to tackle these challenges but often have limited performance and rely on unconventional materials. The aim of this study is to develop a high performance soft and stretchable cuff electrode based on inert materials for low-voltage nerve stimulation. Approach. We developed 50 µm thick stretchable cuff electrodes based on silicone rubber, gold nanowire conductors and platinum coated nanowire electrodes. The electrode performance was characterized under strain cycling to assess the durability of the electrodes. The stimulation capability of the cuff electrodes was evaluated in an in vivo sciatic nerve rat model by measuring the electromyography response to various stimulation pulses. Main results. The stretchable cuff electrodes showed excellent stability for 50% strain cycling and one million stimulation pulses. Saturated homogeneous stimulation of the sciatic nerve was achieved at only 200 mV due to the excellent conformability of the electrodes, the low conductor resistance (0.3 Ohm sq−1), and the low electrode impedance. Significance. The developed stretchable cuff electrode combines favourable mechanical properties and good electrode performance with inert and stable materials, making it ideal for low power supply applications within bioelectronic medicine.
The use of digital texture image analysis in determining the masticatory efficiency outcome

The mixture level of gum samples consisting of two colours can be assessed visually, using the electronic colorimetric method, employing digital image processing techniques and specially designed software. The study investigates the possibility of an alternative method called “digital texture image analysis” (DTIA) to assess improvement of masticatory efficiency in denture wearers. The objectives were i) to evaluate whether DTIA discriminates changes in the colour mixing ability within a group over time; ii) to determine whether DTIA can be used to detect improvement in chewing ability; iii) to select the most appropriate DTIA feature that sufficiently describes masticatory efficiency in CDs wearers. The study was designed as an intra-individual evaluation of masticatory efficiency, which was assessed in participants with new dentures in three follow-up times. A set of four texture features was used in the current study. Uniformity, Contrast, Homogeneity and Entropy of the obtained chewing-gum samples were correlated to the degree of gum comminution. A statistically significant difference in masticatory efficiency was observed based on the values of the analysed DTIA variables of gum samples—Uniformity, Contrast, Homogeneity, and Entropy—have changed in the participants during the observation period. The improvement of the masticatory function in relation to the mixing ability of two-coloured chewing gum could be traced by monitoring changes in the values of DTIA variables. The most increasement of masticatory efficiency was observed by monitoring DTIA parameters such as contrast, and homogeneity.
An Experimental Liver Metastasis Mouse Model Suitable for Short and Long‐Term Intravital Imaging

The liver is a frequent site of cancer metastasis, but current treatment options for cancer patients with liver metastasis are limited, resulting in poor prognosis. Colonization of the liver by cancer cells is a multistep and temporally controlled process. Investigating this process in biological relevant settings in a dynamic manner may lead to new therapeutic avenues. Experimental mouse models of liver metastasis combined with high‐resolution microscopy methods can facilitate study of the mechanisms that underlie the outgrowth of cancer cells in the liver. Intravital imaging can provide information on the behavior of tumor cells in their biological setting, in time frames of hours to days. In this unit, we describe the experimental induction of liver metastasis through administration of cancer cells into mice via mesenteric vein injection. The behavior of these injected cells can then be studied using intravital imaging by surgical exposure or through an abdominal imaging window. The approach is described for use with an upright multiphoton microscope, making it widely applicable. © 2021 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
The MLO1 powdery mildew susceptibility gene in Lathyrus species: The power of high‐density linkage maps in comparative mapping and synteny analysis

Powdery mildews are major diseases for a range of crops. The loss of function of specific Mildew Locus O (MLO) genes has long been associated with pre‐haustorial plant resistance to powdery mildew and has proven to be durable in several species. Erysiphe pisi is the major causal agent of powdery mildew in pea (Pisum sativum L.) and in the closely related Lathyrus sativus L. and Lathyrus cicera L. PsMLO1 has been extensively studied in pea. However, no MLO gene family members have been isolated and characterized in Lathyrus species so far. In this study, MLO1 genes were isolated and characterized in L. sativus and L. cicera genotypes with varied levels of partial resistance against powdery mildew. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed that Lathyrus MLO1 belongs to Clade V, like all dicot MLO proteins associated with powdery mildew susceptibility. A L. sativus recombinant inbred line population (RIL) was genotyped by sequencing to develop a high‐density L. sativus genetic linkage map. DNA sequence polymorphisms between the analyzed genotypes allowed the location of MLO1 in the newly developed L. sativus RIL genetic linkage map. Subsequent comparative mapping between L. sativus and L. cicera genetic maps and P. sativum, Lens culinaris Medik. , and Medicago truncatula Gaertn. reference genomes revealed important aspects of the conservation of the MLO1 locus position and of the overall chromosomal rearrangements occurring during legume evolution, with relevance to legume disease resistance breeding programs.
Differences in biochemical, gas exchange and hydraulic response to water stress in desiccation tolerant and sensitive fronds of the fern Anemia caffrorum.

(1) Desiccation tolerant plants can survive extreme water loss in their vegetative tissues. The fern Anemia caffrorum produces desiccation tolerant (DT) fronds in the dry season and desiccation sensitive (DS) fronds in the wet season, providing a unique opportunity to explore the physiological mechanisms associated with desiccation tolerance. (2) A. caffrorum plants with either DT or DS fronds were acclimated in growth chambers. Photosynthesis, frond structure and anatomy, water relations and minimum conductance to water vapour were measured under well-watered conditions. Photosynthesis, hydraulics, frond pigments, antioxidants and abscisic acid contents were monitored under water deficit. (3) When compared DT and DS fronds under well-watered conditions, the former presented higher leaf mass per area, minimum conductance, tissue elasticity and lower CO2 assimilation. Water deficit resulted in a similar induction of abscisic acid in both frond types, but DT fronds maintained higher stomatal conductance and upregulated more prominently lipophilic antioxidants. (4) The seasonal alternation in production of DT and DS fronds in A. caffrorum represents a mechanism to maximize carbon gain during the rainy season and survive the hot dry season through a greater investment in protective mechanisms and exploiting episodic water availability.
Mental Health Impacts of Family Members Isolated from Patients in the ICU during the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Pandemic

With complete saturation of our media, and our very social interactions, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has made most of us more aware of viruses and transmission than we had ever previously been. The integral purpose of hand hygiene in virus control, the role of early detection and containment, and the havoc that can be wreaked economically, emotionally, and physically by a virus are now engrained on our collective understandings. Engrained too has become the role of the intensive care units (ICU) in our hospital systems and the limited space available to administer this level of high-needs support to patients. Many patients with COVID19 are (and were) admitted to ICU for respiratory support and mechanical ventilation with high mortality rates (Burrell et al., 2021; Feng et al., 2020). The strain to respond to the overwhelming demands for critical care has made society more aware and appreciative of the care provided in ICU. Media articles depicting intubated patients lying prone and world leaders infected with the coronavirus admitted to ICU wards have also raised the profile of ICU care. By its very nature, admission to an ICU is a traumatic experience not only for the critically ill patient but also for family members. Families can experience shock and trauma through exposure to multiple machines, monitors, tubes, wires, and patients unable to communicate. During the COVID-19 pandemic, which continues to stretch the resources and capacities of ICU wards globally, this trauma was further exacerbated by the need for patients to remain fully isolated during their admission. This created a unique situation whereby patients who were critically ill were separated from family members due to strict isolation requirements. The impact of this on the patient aside, family members already struggling with the trauma of a critically ill loved one were further impacted by their inability to physically and emotionally be there for that person. What impact did this have for family members? Has the COVID-19 experience in ICUs created a new mental health challenge for family and how do nursing professionals in these areas identify, respond to, and mitigate these impacts? Nurses are central to preparing family members about the patient’s progress and thereby are centrally placed to minimise this trauma where possible. But how well enabled and supported are ICU nursing staff to do this and how well understood is the potential for trauma of family members brought about by COVID-19 isolation?