Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Non-existence of bi-infinite polymers

We show that nontrivial bi-infinite polymer Gibbs measures do not exist in typical environments in the inverse-gamma (or log-gamma) directed polymer model on the planar square lattice. The precise technical result is that, except for measures supported on straight-line paths, such Gibbs measures do not exist in almost every environment when the weights are independent and identically distributed inversegamma random variables. The proof proceeds by showing that when two endpoints of a point-to-point polymer distribution are taken to infinity in opposite directions but not parallel to lattice directions, the midpoint of the polymer path escapes. The proof is based on couplings, planar comparison arguments, and a recently discovered joint distribution of Busemann functions.
Finding Difference in Emotional Communities: New Feminisms of Women's Lives in the Nineteenth Century ce and Sixth Millennium bce

This paper explores notions of relationality and emotional communities to re-tell accounts of women's lives in the nineteenth century ce and second half of the sixth millennium bce, within the framework of posthumanist feminism. We argue that in both of these contexts women's work, spaces and material cultures have been devalued in comparison with those categorized as masculine. To counter androcentric accounts, we consider how different tasks and forms of material culture can create ‘emotional communities’ among groups, forming shared participation in social worlds. Our focus is first the mourning cultures of the Victorian period in the UK, where we argue objects of emotion may have operated to create shared spaces outside of the home, breaking down oppositions of domestic and private. Second, we turn to the ways in which tasks considered female have been downplayed in the Neolithic of central Europe, exploring the assemblages of bodies, grinding stones and hide working to show how emotional currents may have flowed through these materials, creating experiences of aging and different forms of prestige. In conclusion, we argue that the concept of emotional communities provides a useful methodology to answer the challenge set by posthumanist feminism of thinking difference as positive.
Transcriptomic and Physiological Analyses of Pigment Accumulation in Eucommia ulmoides ‘Hongye’

Eucommia ulmoides ‘Hongye’ is a new ornamental variety of E. ulmoides with excellent red or purple foliage. We found that E. ulmoides ‘Hongye’ exhibited a gradual change from green to red colour under light conditions. However, the colouring mechanism in the leaves of E. ulmoides ‘Hongye’ remains unclear. In this study, we compared the pigment content and leaf colour index of E. ulmoides ‘Hongye’ at five stages with those of E. ulmoides ‘Xiaoye’, which was used as the control variety. The transcriptome sequencing data of the first-period (H1, green) and fifth-period (H5, red) leaves were also analysed and compared. The corresponding gene regulation in anthocyanin-related metabolic pathways was then analysed. Physiological results indicated that the contents of flavonoids and anthocyanins in red leaves (H5) were significantly higher than those in green leaves (H1), whereas the chlorophyll content in red leaves (H5) was lower than that in green leaves (H1). Moreover, the carotenoid content did not significantly differ between the two varieties. A transcriptome analysis identified 4240 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and 20 of these genes were found to be involved in flavonoid and anthocyanin biosynthesis pathways. The results provide a reference for further study of the leaf colouration mechanism in E. ulmoides.
Simplifying UAV-Based Photogrammetry in Forestry: How to Generate Accurate Digital Terrain Model and Assess Flight Mission Settings

In forestry, aerial photogrammetry by means of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) could bridge the gap between detailed fieldwork and broad-range satellite imagery-based analysis. However, optical sensors are only poorly capable of penetrating the tree canopy, causing raw image-based point clouds unable to reliably collect and classify ground points in woodlands, which is essential for further data processing. In this work, we propose a novel method to overcome this issue and generate accurate a Digital Terrain Model (DTM) in forested environments by processing the point cloud. We also developed a highly realistic custom simulator that allows controlled experimentation with repeatability guaranteed. With this tool, we performed an exhaustive evaluation of the survey and sensor settings and their impact on the 3D reconstruction. Overall, we found that a high frontal overlap (95%), a nadir camera angle (90°), and low flight altitudes (less than 100 m) results in the best configuration for forest environments. We validated the presented method for DTM generation in a simulated and real-world survey missions with both fixed-wing and multicopter UAS, showing how the problem of structural forest parameters estimation can be better addressed. Finally, we applied our method for automatic detection of selective logging.
SARIMA modelling approach for railway passenger flow forecasting

In this paper, railway passenger flows are analyzed and a suitable modeling method proposed. Based on historical data composed from monthly passenger counts realized on Serbian railway network it is concluded that the time series has a strong autocorrelation of seasonal characteristics. In order to deal with seasonal periodicity, Seasonal AutoRegressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) method is applied for fitting and forecasting the time series that spans over the January 2004 – June 2014 periods. Experimental results show good prediction performances. Therefore, developed SARIMA model can be considered for forecasting of monthly passenger flows on Serbian railways. First Published Online: 7 Mar 2016
Systematic Review of the Longitudinal Sensitivity of Precision Tasks in Visual Working Memory

Precision of working memory (WM) refers to the objective performance of individuals when trying to recall the features of the encoded WM items. Studies of precision in VWM aim to identify whether differences in WM performance within individuals are sensitive to individual states or traits. In this systematic review, we study VWM precision and whether it reflects true differences in ability to accurately store information, and thereby possibly a more sensitive measure than discrete VWM span alone. Sifting through 327 abstracts, we identified 34 relevant articles. After assessing these articles with regard to our inclusion criteria to test participants at two separate time points and have a sample size of at least fifteen participants, we found four longitudinal studies regarding VWM precision. One review author and two reviewers independently assessed all studies in the screening and selection process and extracted outcome measures, study characteristics, and, when possible, test–retest reliability metrics. Given the small and heterogeneous sample, this systematic review could not yet provide conclusive evidence on the sensitivity of VWM precision paradigms. Future research of VWM should include longitudinal studies of precision, and address both test–retest reliability in healthy adults and changes in precision during key developmental trajectory periods and in clinical populations.
Important Requirements for the Selection of Internal Standards during the Development of Desorption/Ionization Assays for Drug Quantification in Biological Matrices—A Practical Example

Desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (DI-MS) approaches allow for the rapid quantification of drugs in biological matrices using assays that can be validated according to regulatory guidelines. However, specific adaptations must be applied to create reliable quantification methods, depending on the approach and instrumentation used. In the present article, we demonstrate the importance of the molecular weight, the fragmentation pattern, and the purity of the internal standard for the development of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI)-ion mobility (IM)-tandem MS and MS/MS methods. We present preliminary results of method development for the quantification of selinexor in microdialysis fluids with a stable isotopically labeled internal standard. In addition, we discuss the selection of internal standards for MALDI-MS assays using different instrumentations.
The effects of social distancing and self-isolation on functional outcomes after radical prostatectomy during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic

Abstract Background: This study is aimed to analyze the effect of social distancing on functional outcomes (potency, continence recovery, and quality of life) on patients undergoing open radical prostatectomy (ORP) and robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods: We retrospectively assessed functional outcomes of 55 consecutive patients who underwent radical prostatectomy during the COVID-19 pandemic (group A: 12 ORP and 15 RARP) and compared these data with patients from the previous year (group B: 13 ORP and 15 RARP). Propensity-score matching was performed to analyze variables associated with potency, continence recovery and compared between the groups at 1 and 3months. Results: Patients from group A were less interested in postsurgical rehabilitation compared to those from group B (95.7% vs. 56.2%, p = 0.042). Continence recovery among group B patients also tended to be higher for RARP (p = 0.06) and ORP (p = 0.08) at 1 month, although statistical significance was not reached. The cumulative continence recovery at 3 months among group B patients was higher and statistically significantly advantageous for RARP (p = 0.00) and ORP (p < 0.01). Potency rates among younger group B patients following bilateral nerve-sparing procedures were statistically significantly advantageous for RARP (p = 0.026) and ORP (p = 0.011). Conclusions: Our results highlight the large impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on functional outcomes following radical prostatectomy. Future design and planning of home-based models for improved post-operative care should consider this evidence.
The Influence of Gut Microbiota on Neurogenesis: Evidence and Hopes

Adult neurogenesis (i.e., the life-long generation of new neurons from undifferentiated neuronal precursors in the adult brain) may contribute to brain repair after damage, and participates in plasticity-related processes including memory, cognition, mood and sensory functions. Among the many intrinsic (oxidative stress, inflammation, and ageing), and extrinsic (environmental pollution, lifestyle, and diet) factors deemed to impact neurogenesis, significant attention has been recently attracted by the myriad of saprophytic microorganismal communities inhabiting the intestinal ecosystem and collectively referred to as the gut microbiota. A growing body of evidence, mainly from animal studies, reveal the influence of microbiota and its disease-associated imbalances on neural stem cell proliferative and differentiative activities in brain neurogenic niches. On the other hand, the long-claimed pro-neurogenic activity of natural dietary compounds endowed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties (such as polyphenols, polyunsaturated fatty acids, or pro/prebiotics) may be mediated, at least in part, by their action on the intestinal microflora. The purpose of this review is to summarise the available information regarding the influence of the gut microbiota on neurogenesis, analyse the possible underlying mechanisms, and discuss the potential implications of this emerging knowledge for the fight against neurodegeneration and brain ageing.
Costs of attributable burden disease to PM2.5 ambient air pollution exposure in Medellín, Colombia, 2010–2016

Introduction: The impact of PM2.5 ambient air pollution exposure on morbimortality has been documented; however, for Latin American cities, there are no calculations of the economic burden. The objective of the study was to estimate the costs of attributable burden disease to PM2.5 ambient air pollution exposure in Medellín, Colombia. Methods: The costs were assessed using the cost-of-illness approach and the human capital approach, which include direct medical costs and indirect costs due to loss of productivity. To estimate the value of the lost years of production the salaries established in the Great Integrated Household Survey carried out in September 2016 by the National Administrative Department of Statistics of Colombia were used. The PYWL were calculated taking as a reference the 57 years to age of death for female and 62 years for male. For both, an alternative scenario was proposed to account for the cost of working years by changing the reference age to 80 years. Results: A total of 5540 potential years of working life lost due to premature deaths attributed to exposure to PM2.5 was calculated. The costs of attributable morbimortality to PM2.5 exposure in Medellín totaled 86,0 million dollars in baseline scenario and 281,2 million dollars in alternative scenario. Which represented 0.091% of the gross domestic product of Colombia and 0.627% of that from the Department of Antioquia. The highest percentage of the costs associated with the loss of productivity originated in the premature death of the population over 50 years of age, both due to chronic and acute events. Discussion: The costs of mortality represented 80% of the total. PM2.5 ambient air pollution exposure generates significant costs associated with the loss of years of working life, due to acute infections and chronic diseases of respiratory tract and ischemic heart diseases
The effects of liraglutide on liver enzymes and metabolic factors in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Introduction Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease, but no drug therapies have been approved to date. While glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogues may help in the management, the existing evidence remains conflicting. Aim This meta-analysis aims to elucidate the efficacy of liraglutide in patients with NASH. Material and methods We searched 4 databases for randomized controlled trials assessing the efficacy of liraglutide in patients with NASH. We analysed continuous outcomes using the mean difference (MD) and relative 95% confidence interval (CI), while dichotomous outcomes were analysed using the risk ratio (RR) and relative 95% CI. Primary endpoints included alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (IU/l), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (IU/l), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (IU/l), and γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) (IU/l). Secondary outcomes were body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2), waist circumference (cm), total cholesterol (TC) (mmol/l), triglyceride (TG) (mmoll), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (mmol/l), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (mmol/l), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (%). Results A total of 5 clinical trials were included. The analysis showed that liraglutide is effective in increasing HDL (MD = +0.10 (–0.18, –0.02), p = 0.02) and reducing LDL levels in blood (MD = –0.29 (–0.56, –0.02), p = 0.04). No significant difference was noted in levels of ALT (MD = 2.66 (–1.56, 6.87), p = 0.22), AST (MD = –1.99 (–5.70, 1.72), p = 0.29), GGT (MD = 5.02 (–0.86, 10.90), p = 0.09), ALP (MD = –5.16 (–11.90, 1.59), p = 0.13), TC (MD = –0.31 (–0.65, 0.03), p = 0.07), or TG (MD = –0.14 (–0.53, 0.25), p = 0.48). The HbA1c (%) level was found to be significantly reduced in the liraglutide arm (MD = –0.62 (–0.88, –0.36), p < 0.01). Conclusions Liraglutide effectively improves the lipid profile in patients with NASH.
Cubic-Quartic Optical Soliton Perturbation with Differential Group Delay for the Lakshmanan-Porsezian-Daniel Model by Lie Symmetry

This paper employs Lie symmetry analysis to recover cubic–quartic optical soliton solutions to the Lakshmanan–Porsezian–Daniel model in birefringent fibers. The results are a sequel to the previously reported work on the same model in unpolarized fibers. Dark, singular, and straddled optical solitons that emerged from the scheme are presented.
Effect of Firms’ Fan Page Strategy on User Engagement

Organisations continue to invest in fan pages on social media platforms to improve user engagement. However, less than 1% of fans actively engage with brands online (Nelson-Field et al., 2012). Though a firm fan page has become an integral part of any firm’s social media strategy, we are yet to understand how firms’ fan page strategies affect user engagement on social media platforms. The diversity of firms’ business, user’s motivation for engagement and functionalities of social media platforms have made it challenging to manage the fan pages. This research proposes a framework and outlines a content and timing strategy for firm fan pages to increase user engagement. Practice theory and uses and gratification theory are adopted to conceptualise the relationships between firm strategy and user engagement. A quantitative content analysis is designed to empirically validate the research model.
Validated Capillary Zone Electrophoresis Method for Impurity Profiling and Determination of NiII(3-OMe-Salophene)

A capillary zone electrophoresis method was developed for the determination of NiII(3-OMe-salophene), a substance with anticancer activity in vitro. A fused silica capillary (56 cm × 100 µm) was used for this purpose. The method was optimized in terms of parameters affecting the electrophoretic conditions in order to optimize separation efficiency and total time of migration. The analysis was best performed using an operating buffer of 50 mM borate, adjusted to pH 9.3, mixed with acetonitrile (50%, v/v) as organic modifier. Injections were performed hydrodynamically by applying a pressure of 50 mbar for 8 s, and a 30 kV separation voltage was selected at 25 °C. Detection was carried out at 250 nm using diode array detector (DAD). The method allowed the separation of NiII(3-OMe-salophene) from four other structurally related impurities in a total migration time (tm) of 8 min. Peak identification was achieved using the standard reference of individual impurities. The purity of the migrated NiII(3-OMe-salophene) was confirmed by Ultra-violet (UV) scan overlay depending on DAD. The linear ranges for the determination of NiII(3-OMe-salophene) was 400–20,000 ng mL−1 with limit of detection (LOD) of 120 ng mL−1. Acceptable intra-day and inter-day precisions were achieved (%relative standard deviation (RSD) results were less than 0.76% and 0.30%, respectively). The proposed method was assessed for greenness and compared to reported methodologies to prove superiority.
Nanoencapsulation of Cordycepin Induces Switching from Necroptosis to Apoptosis in Human Oral Cancer Cells (HSC-4) Through Inhibition of Receptor-Interacting Serine/Threonine-Protein Kinase 3 (RIPK3) and Autophagy Modulation

Human oral squamous carcinoma is considered the most common oral cancer; it imposes multiple oral and dental consequences as a result of oral cancer treatment. We previously found that the nanoencapsulation of cordycepin (CS) could inhibit oral cancer cells. However, the mechanism of action was not understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the signaling pathway by which CS and encapsulated nanoparticles (NPs) activate the inhibition of cancer cell growth. We demonstrated that human oral cancer (HSC-4) cells underwent necroptosis when incubated with high concentrations of CS, but not when incubated with either low concentrations of CS or encapsulated CS NPs. High concentrations of CS-induced necroptosis of HSC-4 cells, demonstrated by a reduction in apoptotic (BAX, Caspase-3, Caspase-8, and Caspase-9) and autophagic genes (LC3, Atg5, and Atg12). However, low concentrations of CS significantly induced the expression of autophagic gene LC3. Interestingly, encapsulated CS NPs induced a significant increase in apoptotic genes (P53, BAX, Caspase-3, Caspase-8, and Caspase-9), but a significant decrease in autophagic (P62, Atg5, and Atg12) and necroptotic genes (receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 3 [RIPK3]). We also found that encapsulated CS NPs enhanced the accumulation of cellular protein and decreased secreted supernatant protein levels. Moreover, encapsulated CS NPs had higher efficacy in terms of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation-mediated inhibition of autophagy compared to nonencapsulated CS, suggesting that nanoencapsulation of CS can switch the program of HSC-4 cell death from necroptosis to apoptosis. In conclusion, HSC-4 cells have a defense strategy against CS-induced cell apoptosis, but this problem can be solved through the use of encapsulation combined with nanotechnology.
Female Leadership, Democratization, and Firm Innovation: Social Inequalities and Gender Issues in Post-Communist Economies

ABSTRACT Do women exhibit a different pattern of entrepreneurial behavior as compared to men in post-Communist societies? This paper addresses this question using survey data from 25 Eastern Europe and Central Asian states. The sample consists of 11,617 private firms. As a result of 11,000 observations and multiple robustness checks, we find that female owners are more likely to introduce new marketing strategies than males. We demonstrate that firm innovation increases among top female managers with the increase in democratization. Democratization eliminates the gender disadvantages in firm innovation for most types of firm innovation. HIGHLIGHTS For most definitions, female leaders perform equally to males in firm innovation. Female owners have a slightly higher tendency to introduce new marketing strategies than males. Female top managers are less likely to invest in Research and Development as compared to male managers. Firm innovation increases among top female managers with the increase in democratization. Democratization eliminates the gender disadvantages in firm innovation for most types of innovation.
Financial Performance Of Lump Auction (Case Study Of Kud Berkat In Muaraenim Regency, South Sumatra Province)

This study aims to analyze financial performance of at KUD Berkat in 2011 to 2016 and to analyze the contribution of profit share auction business unit to total profit share KUD Berkat. The study was conducted from April to May 2017. The respondents were 15 KUD officials. The financial performance KUD Berkat was analyzed with time series datMica for the 6 last years with liquidity, solvability, activity, and profitability ratios based on Regulation of State Minister of Cooperative and Small-Micro Business Republic of Indonesia Number.06/Per/M.KUKM/V/2006. The conclusion of this research is that financial analysis based on liquidity, solvability, and profitability ratios at KUD Berkat during 6 last years in healthy condition. While the activity ratio is very unhealthy. It means the turnover of receivables into cash is slow. The contribution of Auction and marketing of lump rubber to total business profit KUD Berkat at the last six years constant.