Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Estimation and Application of Fully Parametric Multifactor Quantile Regression with Dynamic Coefficients

This paper develops and applies a novel estimation procedure for quantile regressions with time-varying coefficients based on a fully parametric, multifactor specification. The algorithm recursively filters the multifactor dynamic coefficients with a Kalman filter and parameters are estimated by maximum likelihood. The likelihood function is built on the Skewed-Laplace assumption. In order to eliminate the non-differentiability of the likelihood function, it is reformulated into a non-linear optimisation problem with constraints. A relaxed problem is obtained by moving the constraints into the objective, which is then solved numerically with the Augmented Lagrangian Method. In the context of an application to electricity prices, the results show the importance of modelling the time-varying features and the explicit multi-factor representation of the latent coefficients is consistent with an intuitive understanding of the complex price formation processes involving fundamentals, policy instruments and participant conduct.
Reduction of transducer reverberations by transducer movement-determination of the optimal transducer displacement

Reverberations from reflections at the transducer surface are overlaid on first order echoes from deeper targets and sometimes obscure these heavily. A method to reduce this artifact consists of acquiring two scan lines in the same direction with the transducer displaced slightly. The signal of the second scan line is shifted back by twice the displacement and subtracted from the first scan line. The paper shows that the optimal displacement is dependent on the transducer center frequency. In addition other critical parameters i.e. the processing sampling rate and the displacement estimate accuracy are examined in simulations and experiments. The results show that with an appropriate choice of the parameters it is possible to reduce reverberations by 15-20 dB
Effect of Ionic Liquid on Silver-Nanoparticle-Complexed Ganoderma applanatum and Its Topical Film Formulation

Imidazolium-based ionic liquids have been widely utilized as versatile solvents for metal nanoparticle preparation. Silver nanoparticles and Ganoderma applanatum have displayed potent antimicrobial activities. This work aimed to study the effect of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide-based ionic liquid on the silver-nanoparticle-complexed G. applanatum and its topical film. The ratio and conditions for preparation were optimized by the design of the experiments. The optimal ratio was silver nanoparticles: G. applanatum extract: ionic liquid at 97:1:2, and the conditions were 80 °C for 1 h. The prediction was corrected with a low percentage error. The optimized formula was loaded into a topical film made of polyvinyl alcohol and Eudragit®, and its properties were evaluated. The topical film was uniform, smooth, and compact and had other desired characteristics. The topical film was able to control the release of silver-nanoparticle-complexed G. applanatum from the matrix layer. Higuchi’s model was used to fit the kinetic of the release. The skin permeability of the silver-nanoparticle-complexed G. applanatum was improved by about 1.7 times by the ionic liquid, which might increase solubility. The produced film is suitable for topical applications and may be utilized in the development of potential future therapeutic agents for the treatment of diseases.
One-Pot Fabrication of Nanocomposites Composed of Carbon Nanotubes and Alumina Powder Using a Rotatable Chemical Vapor Deposition System

The fabrication of multi-dimensional nanocomposites has been extensively attempted to achieve synergistic performance through the uniform mixing of functional constituents. Herein, we report a one-pot fabrication of nanocomposites composed of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and Al2O3 powder. Our strategy involves a synthesis of CNTs on the entire Al2O3 surface using a rotatable chemical vapor deposition system (RCVD). Ehylene and ferritin-induced nanoparticles were used as the carbon source and wet catalyst, respectively. The RCVD was composed of a quartz reaction tube, 5.08 cm in diameter and 150 cm in length, with a rotation speed controller. Ferritin dissolved in deionized water was uniformly dispersed on the Al2O3 surface and calcinated to obtain iron nanoparticles. The synthesis temperature, time, and rotation speed of the chamber were the main parameters used to investigate the growth behavior of CNTs. We found that the CNTs can be grown at least around 600 °C, and the number of tubes increases with increasing growth time. A faster rotation of the chamber allows for the uniform growth of CNT by the tip-growth mechanism. Our results are preliminary at present but show that the RCVD process is sufficient for the fabrication of powder-based nanocomposites.
Thermal rectification in pristine-hydrogenated carbon nanotube junction: A molecular dynamics study

Using non-equilibrium molecular dynamics method, we investigate thermal rectification (TR) in hybrid pristine carbon nanotube (PCNT) and hydrogenated carbon nanotube (HCNT) structures. The interface thermal resistance of the junction is dependent on the direction of thermal transport, leading to TR. We show that by selecting nanotubes of smaller diameters, and/or increasing the hydrogen coverage of HCNT, the TR can be amplified. The observed TR does not decrease by increasing the system length, which presents PCNT/HCNT system as a promising thermal rectifier at room temperature.
Application of a Research-Based Quality Control Circle for the Construction of a Three-Level Linkage Continuous Nursing Model of “Hospital-Cadre’s Sanatorium-Family” for Veteran Cadres

Objective: By carrying out research-based quality control circle activities, a continuous nursing model for hospitalized veteran cadres was built, which improved quality of life and compliance. Methods: A “Ji Dong Circle” quality control circle group was established to analyze the current situation, survey data, mine key points, and formulate strategies from three levels (hospital-cadre’s sanatorium-family), according to the operation steps of the subject research quality control circle. The quality control circle group was implemented from three aspects: the establishment of a three-level linkage management mode of “hospital-cadre’s sanatorium-family;” the establishment of “three more” nursing training modes; and the operation of a continuous nursing service system. Results: After implementation of the quality control circle, the level of relevant nursing professional knowledge among the nursing staff, the level of first aid skills among medical staff in cadre’s sanatorium, the coverage rate of telephone follow-up, nursing satisfaction, medication compliance of veteran cadres, and the living nursing operation level of caregivers were significantly improved compared to those before implementation (P<0.05). Conclusion: The research-based quality control circle activity constructed a new three-level linkage “hospital-cadre’s sanatorium-family” continuous nursing model for hospitalized veteran cadres that is guided by the needs of patients. At the same time, it has implemented the national medical security policy for the elderly, effectively improved the compliance and nursing satisfaction of the elderly cadres, and established the brand benefit of hospital elderly care services.
Corrections of hot-wire anemometer measurements near walls

Applications of hot-wire anemometers to velocity rneaaurements near walls can result in erroneous velocity data owing to additional heat losses to the wall. It is difficult to account for these errors if calibration data are used that were obtained in calibration test rigs without walls. This has been recognized in many studies in which hot-wires were applied to measurements in wall boundary-layer flows and different suggestions for corrections have been given. The present paper summarizes these suggested corrections and points out existing differences. It is also shown that some hot-wire measurements have been performed without any corrections being applied and reasons for this are given. Whereas most of the existing suggestions for wall corrections of hot-wire data are based on experiments, the present approach uses results of a numerical study. Assuming the problem to be two-dimensional and that the wire can be replaced by a line source of heat, a numerical study is carried out for the temperature distribution downstream of the wire, and computations are performed for the heat loss from the wire in presence of the wall. Computations are performed for two Merent boundary conditions representing ideally conducting and non-conducting materials. These different boundary conditions yield large differences in the computed heat losses from the wire, and these explain the existing differences in the experimentally obtained corrections. The numerical study also shows that the large heat losses for conducting walls are due to the distorted temperature distribution in the temperature wake of the wire. Some of the results of the numerical studies were experimentally verified by the authors and a procedure haa been developed to correct instantaneous hot-wire readings for additional heat losses to a wall. For non-conducting walls, the heat losses are much smaller and are negligible for most practical measurements.
Study of Phytoplankton Biomass and Environmental Drivers in and around the Ross Sea Marine Protected Area

The Southern Ocean plays a vital role in the global climate system and the life cycle of high-latitude marine life. Phytoplankton is an important source of primary productivity in this ecosystem. Its future changes could affect Southern Ocean geochemistry, carbon export, and higher trophic organisms. To better protect Antarctica, three different marine protected areas (MPA) have been established in the Ross Sea region. Because time-continuous and regionally complete data are difficult to obtain in this region, we obtained data from ocean model outputs to understand the spatiotemporal variability of phytoplankton biomass in this region. This study explored the correlation between phytoplankton biomass and key environmental factors. Phytoplankton biomass peaks in February as temperatures rise and sea ice melts. Correlations also vary between different protected areas. The correlation between biomass, nitrate, and salinity in the Krill Research Zone (KRZ) area was significantly different from other protected areas. In addition, in the context of global warming, Antarctica lacks temperature perception. The model results show a downward trend in temperature and an increase in sea ice coverage in the western Ross Sea that other studies have also pointed to. How phytoplankton biomass will change in protected areas in the future is a question worth considering. Finally, the study simply simulates future regional trends by comparing the biomass distribution in hot years to average years. This will increase our knowledge of the polar system.
Perturbation theory and finite Markov chains

A perturbation formalism is presented which shows how the stationary distribution and fundamental matrix of a Markov chain containing a single irreducible set of states change as the transition probabilities vary. Expressions are given for the partial derivatives of the stationary distribution and fundamental matrix with respect to the transition probabilities. Semi-group properties of the generators of transformations from one Markov chain to another are investigated. It is shown that a perturbation formalism exists in the multiple subchain case if and only if the change in the transition probabilities does not alter the number of, or intermix the various subchains. The formalism is presented when this condition is satisfied.
Chondroitin Sulfate from Oreochromis niloticus Waste Reduces Leukocyte Influx in an Acute Peritonitis Model

Oreochromis niloticus (tilapia) is one of the most cultivated fish species worldwide. Tilapia farming generates organic waste from fish removal processes in nurseries. Visceral waste can damage natural ecosystems. Therefore, the use of this material as a source of biomolecules helps reduce environmental impacts and improve pharmacological studies. Tilapia viscera were subjected to proteolysis and complexation with an ion-exchange resin. The obtained glycosaminoglycans were purified using ion exchange chromatography (DEAE-Sephacel). The electrophoretic profile and analysis of 1H/13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra allowed for the characterization of the compound as chondroitin sulfate and its sulfation position. This chondroitin was named CST. We tested the ability of CST to reduce leukocyte influx in acute peritonitis models induced by sodium thioglycolate and found a significant reduction in leukocyte migration to the peritoneal cavity, similar to the polymorphonuclear population of the three tested doses of CST. This study shows, for the first time, the potential of CST obtained from O. niloticus waste as an anti-inflammatory drug, thereby contributing to the expansion of the study of molecules with pharmacological functions.
Don’t Make My Entertainment Political! Social Media Responses to Narratives of Racial Duty on Competitive Reality Television Series

ABSTRACT To what extent should scholars view competitive reality television series as a politically relevant medium for transmitting messages about race, racial identity, and politics in the United States? Cultivation theory argues that the depiction of social issues and groups on television influences how individuals perceive the world around them. Drawing on this theory, I argue that the increasingly diverse casts of American competitive reality series are a heretofore underexplored site for studying the transmission of narratives related to race and racial justice to ostensibly unsuspecting American television audiences. In this article, I analyze viewers’ reactions to Black contestants discussing their feelings of racialized social obligations when playing the game – what I refer to as narratives of racial duty. Employing a sentiment analysis as well as an inductive thematic content analysis of tweets reacting to four episodes from the 41st season of Survivor, I found that audience members overwhelmingly reacted negatively to embedding narratives of racial duty into the series. Specifically, they described the season as too political – the worst in the show’s history – and even vowed to stop watching. These findings suggest that broadcasting exemplars who challenge prevailing narratives of racial progress may stoke feelings of racial backlash that could ultimately prompt individuals to tune out of these entertainment programs at best, and stoke racial discord at worst. Thus, I conclude that bringing race to the center of communication research offers scholars in both traditions a new vantage point for studying trends in American racial attitudes.
A Note on Perfect Square Placement

In this note we describe the solution of perfect square placement problems with CHIP. A set of 207 perfect square placement problems from [BD92] is used. We present the constraint model in CHIP, which uses the global constraints diffn and cumulative together with a specific labeling routine for perfect placement problems. We show that all problems can be solved and present backtracking count and execution times for finding the first solution and for exploring the complete search space.
Characteristics of Hearing Loss Among Older Adults in the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study: A Community-Based Longitudinal Cohort Study With an 8-Year Follow-up

Objectives. This study investigated the 8-year incidence and progression of hearing loss (HL) and its types and examined the risk factors for changes in HL. Methods. This longitudinal cohort study analyzed data from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES), an ongoing, prospective, community-based cohort study that has been conducted since 2001. Altogether, 1,890 residents of urban areas in Korea aged 45–75 years at time 1 (baseline) were included in the study. Pure-tone audiometry (PTA) testing was performed twice, at time 1 (2008–2009) and time 2 (2015–2018, follow-up), 8 years apart. HL grades were defined as seven mutually exclusive categories following the revised World Health Organization classification. Incidence was defined as PTA >20 dB HL in the better ear at time 2 among those without HL at time 1. Progression was defined as the progressive deterioration of HL among those with HL at time 1. The three types of HL constituted sensorineural (SNHL), conductive, and mixed HL. Results. At time 1, 36.40% of patients were diagnosed with HL, which increased to 51.64% at time 2. The 8-year incidence of HL was 27.20%, and progressive deterioration of HL occurred in 23.11% of those with HL. SNHL was the most common type of HL, and its prevalence markedly increased at time 2. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the incidence of HL was significantly associated with increasing age, male sex (odds ratio [OR], 1.73; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07–2.81), and diabetes mellitus (OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.04–1.96). Alcohol consumption was a risk factor for HL deterioration among those with HL at time 1. Conclusion. The prevalence and deterioration of HL were extremely high among older adults, and age was the strongest risk factor for these changes. Therefore, timely screening and intervention are necessary to prevent HL and delay its deterioration among older adults.
An Analysis Regarding the Association Between Proteasome (PSM) and Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)

Background The Proteasome (PSM) is a large multi-catalytic protease complex consisting of a 20S core particle and a 19S regulatory particle whose main function is to accept and degrade ubiquitinated substrates, are now considered as one of the potential regulators of tumor proliferation, and stemness maintenance. However, to date, studies on the relationship between PSM and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are limited. Methods This study used a bioinformatics approach combining validation experiments to investigate the biological mechanisms that may be related with PSM. A series of experiments in vivo and in vitro were performed to explore the function of the 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 13 (PSMD13) in HCC. Results HCC patients can be divided into two clusters. Cluster 1 (C1) patients having a significantly worse prognosis than Cluster (C2). Two subtypes had significant differences in proliferation-related signaling. In particular, the frequency of TP53 mutation was significantly higher in C1 than in C2. In addition, PSM-associated genes were highly consistent with the expression of DNA repair-related signatures, suggesting a potential link between PSM and genomic instability. We also found that downregulation of PSMD13 expression significantly inhibited stemness of tumor cells and impaired the Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. Finally, the correlation between the PSMD13 and Ki67 was found to be strong. Conclusion PSM is a valid predictor of prognosis and therapeutic response in patients with HCC disease. Furthermore, PSMD13 may be a potential therapeutic target.
A spotlight on application of microwave-assisted modifications of plant derived polymers in designing novel drug delivery systems

ABSTRACT Polymers are a fundamental part of numerous industries and can be conjugated with many other materials and components to have a vast array of products. Biomaterials have been extensively studied for their application in pharmaceutical formulation development, tissue engineering, and biomedical areas. However, the native form of many polymers has limitations concerning microbial contamination, susceptibility, solubility, and stability. Chemical or physical modifications can overcome these limitations by tailoring the properties of polymers to meet several requirements. The polymer modifications are interdisciplinary, cutting across conventional materials, physics, biology, chemistry, medicine, and engineering limitations. Microwave irradiation has become a well-established technique for a few decades to drive and promote chemical modification reactions. This technique allows ease of temperature and power control to perform the synthesis protocols efficiently. Additionally, microwave irradiation contributes to green and sustainable chemistry. In this contribution, microwave-assisted polymer modifications were described with a special focus on their application in developing several novel dosage forms.
On the regularity of de Rham curves

De? Rham curves are obtained from a? polygonal arc by passing to the limit in repeatedly cutting off the corners: at each step, the segments of the arc are divided into three pieces in the ratio , where is a? given parameter. We find explicitly the sharp exponent of regularity of such a? curve for any? Regularity is understood in the natural parametrization using the arclength as a? parameter. We also obtain a? formula for the local regularity of a? de? Rham curve at each point and describe the sets of points with given local regularity. In particular, we characterize the sets of points with the largest and the smallest local regularity. The average regularity, which is attained almost everywhere in the Lebesgue measure, is computed in terms of the Lyapunov exponent of certain linear operators. We obtain an integral formula for the average regularity and derive upper and lower bounds.
Research on Transportation Mode Recognition Based on Multi-Head Attention Temporal Convolutional Network

Transportation mode recognition is of great importance in analyzing people’s travel patterns and planning urban roads. To make more accurate judgments on the transportation mode of the user, we propose a deep learning fusion model based on multi-head attentional temporal convolution (TCMH). First, the time-domain features of a more extensive range of sensor data are mined through a temporal convolutional network. Second, multi-head attention mechanisms are introduced to learn the significance of different features and timesteps, which can improve the identification accuracy. Finally, the deep-learned features are fed into a fully connected layer to output the classification results of the transportation mode. The experimental results demonstrate that the TCMH model achieves an accuracy of 90.25% and 89.55% on the SHL and HTC datasets, respectively, which is 4.45% and 4.70% higher than the optimal value in the baseline algorithm. The model has a better recognition effect on transportation modes.
Superconducting VLSI Logic Cell Library Using DC-Powered Clockless Dynamic SFQ Gates and ASIC-Style Layout Template

We report a new approach to building an ASIC-style superconducting SFQ logic cell library for the 8-layer 0.35 μm Niobium SFQ5ee process from MIT LL. The developed library layout template supports XY routing with Passive Transmission Lines (PTLs) and targets conventional Place-and-Route assembly for the design of VLSI Random Logic Macros (RLMs). The designed library gates are based on clockless Dynamic SFQ (DSFQ) logic which allows one to directly implement deep combinational logic clouds. The full library gates communicate only via an XY PTL routing plane, while internally they are assembled from smaller self-contained subgates, connected via inductors and placed in one template row. We report test results for two chips that independently verify library subgate assemblies that are used to build DSFQ logic gates as well as active PTL interconnect; on-chip testbenches provide low-speed and high-speed (GHz) test modes. We have achieved low-speed and high-speed functionality of both the DSFQ logic gates (AND, OR, and AO21) and active interconnect circuitry (transmitters Tx and receivers Rx) used for communicating SFQ signals over 700 μm PTLs and short (∼50 μm) series inductor-resistor (LR) connections. The measured speed of the OR and AND logic circuits exceeded 10 GHz, while the speed for PTLs and LR connections was more than 10 and 30 GHz, respectively.