Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Chaotic Dynamics of a Piecewise Smooth Overlapping Generations Model with a Multitude of Technologies

In this study, we develop a simple overlapping generations model that can exhibit chaotic fluctuation. The key assumption is that a firm’s owner can choose from a continuum of technologies of production. As a result, the model reduces to a piecewise smooth map, which is tractable enough so its dynamics can be analytically investigated in depth. To study chaotic behaviors in the model, we adopt two approaches: border collision bifurcationandMarkov property. The border collision bifurcation theory characterizes the routes from a globally attracting steady state to other non-stationary behaviors. The Markov property reveals the chaotic dynamics of the model for a much larger set of parameter values. JELClassification Numbers: C62; E32; O14; O41
An Empirical Research on the Agglomeration Relationship between Automotive Industry and Talents

Automotive industry is talent-intensive, for which strong mutual influence between industrial agglomeration and talent agglomeration is expected. Structural equation model is established based on the analysis of automotive industrial agglomeration and talent agglomeration endogenous measurable indicators. The correlation between automotive industrial agglomeration and talent agglomeration is analyzed using the data of China’s 28 provincial-level administrative units over the recent 5 years. The study suggests that automotive industry agglomeration and talent agglomeration both pose positive effects on each other, and the influence of the former on the latter is greater than the latter on the former. Based on our analysis, we recommend that talent agglomeration should be promoted through multiple ways to realize industrial agglomeration.
Resistencia antimicrobiana en cepas de Aeromonas spp. aisladas de pacientes con bacteriemia

Introduccion. Los microorganismos incluidos dentro del genero Aeromonas se aislan cada vez mas frecuentemente en infecciones extraintestinales. Objetivos. Identificar a nivel de especie y determinar la susceptibilidad antimicrobiana en cepas de Aeromonas. Material y Metodos. Se estudiaron 44 cepas de Aeromonas aisladas de muestras de sangre, remitidas al Laboratorio Nacional de Referencia de Enfermedades Diarreicas Agudas del Instituto de Medicina Tropical Pedro Kouri, procedentes de 5 Centros Provinciales de Higiene, Epidemiologia y Microbiologia del pais, en el periodo comprendido de enero del 2005 hasta diciembre del 2006. Resultados. Aeromonas jandaei fue la especie aislada con mayor frecuencia. Las especies Aeromonas hydrophila, Aeromonas caviae y Aeromonas jandaei presentaron un patron de resistencia comun a los antibioticos carbenicilina, novobiocina, penicilina, ampicilina y meticilina, predominando en todas las cepas estudiadas la resistencia a la penicilina. Conclusiones. El presente estudio contribuyo al conocimiento de la etiologia bacteriana en los procesos septicos y al comportamiento de cepas de Aeromonas frente a los agentes antimicrobianos de eleccion.
USE OF SATELLITE WIND VECTORS IN THE ITALIAN WEATHER SERVICE NUMERICAL WEATHER PREDICTION SYSTEM: CURRENT STATUS AND PERSPECTIVES

The increase of the spatial and temporal resolution of satellite-based wind observations, together with their improved accuracy, has greatly enhanced their usefulness in NWP applications, also in areas relatively well covered by the conventional synoptic network. Two types of satellite wind data are currently ingested in the Italian Weather Service regional 3D-Var data assimilation system: surface winds retrieved from the QuikScat scatterometer on board the Seawinds polar satellite and High Resolution Atmospheric Motion Vectors from Meteosat 7 and 5. The present paper describes the assimilation methodology, use of the Eumetsat MPEF Quality Indicator and wind observation error statistics. Impact trials have been conducted for both types of observations, showing consistent improvements in forecast quality, especially from the AMVs dataset.
Determinants of Prices for Contemporary Art

We analyse determinants of prices for contemporary art with the help of quantitative data. The focus is on gallery rather than auction prices in the Netherlands. We model the determinants of prices on three different levels: the work of art (size, material), the artist (age, sex, place of residence, institutional recognition), and the gallery (location, institutional affiliation, age). Our main findings are that the size and material of works of art, and the age and place of residence of the artist are strong predictors of price; that differences in size and materials partly “mask” price differences between artists; and that the variance in prices across galleries is largely explained by characteristics of the artists they represent.
Telemedicine, the current COVID-19 pandemic and the future: a narrative review and perspectives moving forward in the USA

A narrative review was conducted to examine the current state of the utilisation of telemedicine amid the current COVID-19 pandemic and to evaluate the benefits of continuing telemedicine usage in the future. A literature review was performed for articles related to telemedicine. Databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library and Ovid MEDLINE were searched. Three reviewers independently performed article selection based on relevance to our topic. We included all articles between 1990 and 2020 related to telemedicine using the following keywords: ‘telemedicine’, ‘telehealth’, ‘policy’, ‘COVID-19’, ‘regulation’, ‘rural’, ‘physical examination’, ‘future’. A total of 60 articles were identified, and through careful selection we narrowed the final number of articles to 42 based on relevance to our topic. Telemedicine has been rapidly evolving over the past several decades. Issues with regulation and reimbursement have prevented its full immersion into the healthcare system. During the current pandemic, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services have expanded access to telemedicine services. The advantages of telemedicine moving forward include its cost-effectiveness, ability to extend access to specialty services and its potential to help mitigate the looming physician shortage. Disadvantages include lack of available technological resources in certain parts of the country, issues with security of patient data, and challenges in performing the traditional patient examination. It is critically important that changes are made to fully immerse telemedicine services into the healthcare landscape in order to be prepared for future pandemics as well as to reap the benefits of this service in the future.
Adenosine-Induced NLRP11 in B Lymphoblasts Suppresses Human CD4+ T Helper Cell Responses

NLRP11 is a member of the PYD domain-containing, nucleotide-binding oligomerization-domain (NOD-) like receptor (NLR) family. The true stimulus of NLRP11 is still unclear to date, so the current study is built upon NLRP11 induction via adenosine stimulation and that activation can shape adaptive immune responses in a caspase-1-independent manner. We examined the regulation and mechanism of adenosine responsiveness via NLRP11 in human Daudi Burkitt's B lymphoma cells and their effects on human peripheral CD4+ T lymphocytes from healthy individuals. NLRP11 was significantly upregulated after induction with adenosine at both the mRNA and protein levels, which led to the interaction of endogenous NLRP11 with the ASC adaptor protein; however, this interaction did not result in the activation of the caspase-1 enzyme. Furthermore, cocultures of NLRP11-expressing Burkitt's lymphoma cells and naïve human peripheral CD4+ T lymphocytes had reduced IFN-γ and IL-17A production, whereas IL-13 and IL-10 cytokines did not change. Interestingly, IFN-γ and IL-17A were recovered after transfection of Burkitt's lymphoma cells with siRNAs targeting NLRP11. Concomitant with NLRP11 upregulation, we also exhibited that adenosine A2B receptor signaling induced two phosphorylated downstream effectors, pErk1/2 and pAkt (Ser473), but not pAkt (Thr308). Taken together, our data indicate that adenosine is a negative regulator of Th1 and Th17 responses via NLRP11 in an inflammasome-independent manner.
Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA in CD34 + peripheral blood mononuclear cells of Ugandan adults with latent infection: a cross-sectional and nested prospective study

Background: Tuberculin skin test and interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) show limitations in diagnosing latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and poorly predict progression to active tuberculosis. This study will explore detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis ( M.tb) DNA in CD34 + peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) as a biomarker for LTBI and monitoring chemoprophylaxis response. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 120 household contacts (60 HIV positive and 60 HIV negative) will be recruited. Also, 10 patients with sputum positive pulmonary tuberculosis and 10 visitors from low incidence countries with no history of TB treatment will be recruited as positive and negative controls, respectively. Participants will donate 100 ml (50 ml for TB patients) of blood to isolate PBMCs using density gradient centrifugation. Isolated PBMCs will be separated into CD34 + and CD34 - enriched cellular fractions. DNA from each fraction will be purified, quantified and subjected to droplet digital PCR targeting IS6110 (a M.tb Complex multi-copy gene) and rpoB, a single copy gene. Also, 4 ml of blood will be drawn for IGRA. In a nested prospective study, 60 HIV positive participants will be given 300 mg of Isoniazid Preventive Therapy (IPT) daily for six months, after which they will donate a second 100 ml blood sample that will be processed as described above. Data from the cross-sectional study will be analysed to determine the proportion of individuals in whom M.tb DNA is detectable in CD34 + and CD34 - fractions and number of M.tb genomes present. Data from the prospective study will be analysed to compare the proportion of individuals with detectable M.tb DNA in CD34 + and CD34 - fractions, and median M.tb genome copy number, post vs pre-IPT. Discussion: This study will determine whether detection of M.tb DNA in CD34 + PBMCs holds promise as a biomarker for LTBI and monitoring chemoprophylaxis response.
Buriti Oil Emulsions as Affected by Soy Protein Isolate/High-Methoxyl Pectin Ratio, Oil Content and Homogenization Pressure

SUMMARY Research background Emulsion technology is a suitable way of encapsulating, protecting and releasing hydrophobic bioactive compounds for application in food industries, but they are thermodynamically unstable systems. Good results have been achieved for emulsions stabilized by protein-polysaccharide complexes subjected to high-pressure homogenization. Improved stabilization of oil-in-water emulsions results from electrostatic complexes formed between proteins and polysaccharides at pH lower than the protein isoelectric point, which adsorb at the oil-water interface. In addition, polysaccharides contribute to emulsion stability by increasing viscosity of the continuous phase. The aim of this work is to investigate the production of carotenoid-rich buriti oil emulsions using soy protein isolate and high-methoxyl pectin as stabilizers. Experimental approach Using a rotatable central composite experimental design, we assessed the effects of oil content, soy protein isolate/high-methoxyl pectin ratio and homogenization pressure on the stability, droplet size, electrical conductivity, electrical charge, microstructure and rheological behaviour of the emulsions. Results and conclusions An optimized emulsion was produced with 28% buriti oil, 55% soy protein isolate, and homogenization pressure of 380·105 Pa. This emulsion was stable for at least seven days, presenting reduced average droplet size, low electrical conductivity and high modulus of negative charges. The mechanical spectra showed that the emulsion behaved as a viscoelastic gel under oscillatory, non-destructive shearing, whereas shear-thinning behaviour took place under steady shear conditions. Novelty and scientific contribution The optimized buriti oil emulsions stabilized by soy protein isolate and high-methoxyl pectin could be suitable for fat substitution, energy reduction and carotenoid enrichment in food products, such as dairy and bakery products, ice cream, salad sauces and vegetable-based cream.
A modified modeling and dynamical behavior analysis method for fractional-order positive Luo converter

Compared to the integer-order modeling, the fractional-order modeling can achieve higher accuracy for designing and analyzing the DC-DC power converters. However, its applications in pulse width modulation (PWM) converters are limited due to the computational complexities. In this paper, a modified fractional-order modeling methodology for DC-DC converters is proposed, and its effectiveness is verified on the fractional-order positive Luo converters. Instead of using fractional-order calculus, the proposed methodology analyzes the harmonic components of the PWM converters by utilizing the non-linear vector differential equations of the periodically time-variant system. The final solution of the state variables is composed of two parts: the steady-state solution and the transient solution. The approximate steady state solution can be obtained by using the equivalent small parameter (ESP) method and the harmonic balance theory, while the main part of the transient solution can be obtained according to the explicit Grünwald-Letnikov (GL) approximation. In addition, the influence of the fractional orders on the performance of the DC-DC converters, and on the dynamic behaviors of the fractional-orders systems are also discussed in this paper. Compared to the conventional fractional-order numerical models, the proposed model is able to present the time-domain information more precisely, which helps to better reveal and analyze the non-linear behaviors of the DC-DC converters. The effectiveness of the work is demonstrated by the simulation and experimental results of the equivalent circuits built with fractional-order components.
Diabetic Cataract in Spontaneously Diabetic Torii Fatty Rats

Spontaneously Diabetic Torii (SDT) fatty rat is a novel animal model of type 2 diabetes with obesity. SDT fatty rats develop hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and other diabetic complications including ocular disorders; however, diabetic cataract formation in SDT fatty rats has not been fully investigated. The aim of the current study was to investigate the characteristics of cataract in the SDT fatty rats. The mean body weight of SDT fatty rats is larger than that of age-matched Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats and control animals until 8 weeks of age, and thereafter the growing speed decreased until the end of observation at 16 weeks of age. Blood glucose levels in SDT fatty rats were significantly higher than those in SD rats throughout the observational period. Slit-lamp examination revealed that no rats showed cataract formation at 5 weeks of age; however, SDT fatty rats gradually developed cortical cataract and posterior subcapsular cataract, both of which are the common types of cataract in patients with type 2 diabetes. The levels of glucose, sorbitol, and fructose were higher in the lens tissues of SDT fatty rats in comparison with that of SD rats. Furthermore, the level of 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) was higher in the lens of SDT fatty rats than in that of SD rats. By contrast, total glutathione (GSH) concentration was lower in the lens of SDT fatty rats than in that of SD rats. The present study demonstrated that the cataractogenesis in SDT fatty rats resembled human diabetic cataract formation, indicating that SDT fatty rats serve as a potential animal model in researches on human cataract associated with type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Pavement crack analysis by referring to historical crack data based on multi-scale localization

Pavement crack analysis, which deals with crack detection and crack growth detection, is a crucial task for modern Pavement Management Systems (PMS). This paper proposed a novel approach that uses historical crack data as reference for automatic pavement crack analysis. At first, a multi-scale localization method, which including GPS based coarse localization, image-level localization, and metric localization has been presented to establish image correspondences between historical and query crack images. Then historical crack pixels can be mapped onto the query crack image, and these mapped crack pixels are seen as high-quality seed points for crack analysis. Finally, crack analysis is accomplished by applying Region Growing Method (RGM) to further detect newly grown cracks. The proposed method has been tested with the actual pavement images collected in different time. The F-measure for crack growth is 88.9%, which demonstrates the proposed method has an ability to greatly simplify and enhances crack analysis result.
Population Suppression of Trogoderma glabrum by Using Pheromone Luring for Protozoan Pathogen Dissemination

Subsequent generations of Trogoderma glabrum (Herbst) were substantially suppressed after a single introduction of protozoan pathogen spores, Mattesia trogodermae Canning, into dense, adult male populations via pheromone-baited, spore-transfer sites. When using simulated warehouse conditions and an experimental design for optimizitig pathogen dispersal, dense (32 F adults/m2), treated populations increased only 4-fold in the 1st posttreament generation (vs. a 24-fold increase in controls) and fell to below pretreatment levels by the 2nd generation (vs. a total 100-fold increase in controls). In low density tests (2 F adults/m2), treated populations and controls increased 12-fold during the 1st generation. A 48-h exposure of pheromone-spore-transfer sites was sufficient to distribute effective spore doses within a radius of 1.25 m around sites in the dense population tests. Spore transfer from sites to subsequent T. glabrum generations was mainly by larval ingestion of either dead, contaminated adults, or larval food which adults had contaminated by contact. Treatment of spore-transfer sites with synthetic sex pheromone, ( E )-14-methyl-8-hexadecenal, attracted males and also induced attempted copulation with the pheromone source, aiding in spore transfer to males.
Understanding Diabetic Neuropathy: Focus on Oxidative Stress

Diabetic neuropathy is one of the clinical syndromes characterized by pain and substantial morbidity primarily due to a lesion of the somatosensory nervous system. The burden of diabetic neuropathy is related not only to the complexity of diabetes but also to the poor outcomes and difficult treatment options. There is no specific treatment for diabetic neuropathy other than glycemic control and diligent foot care. Although various metabolic pathways are impaired in diabetic neuropathy, enhanced cellular oxidative stress is proposed as a common initiator. A mechanism-based treatment of diabetic neuropathy is challenging; a better understanding of the pathophysiology of diabetic neuropathy will help to develop strategies for the new and correct diagnostic procedures and personalized interventions. Thus, we review the current knowledge of the pathophysiology in diabetic neuropathy. We focus on discussing how the defects in metabolic and vascular pathways converge to enhance oxidative stress and how they produce the onset and progression of nerve injury present in diabetic neuropathy. We discuss if the mechanisms underlying neuropathy are similarly operated in type I and type II diabetes and the progression of antioxidants in treating diabetic neuropathy.
Assessing Impact of Household Intervention on Indoor Air Quality and Health of Children with Asthma in the US-Mexico Border: A Pilot Study

Few studies have investigated household interventions to enhance indoor air quality (IAQ) and health outcomes in relatively low-income communities. This study aims to examine the impact of the combined intervention with asthma education and air purifier on IAQ and health outcomes in the US-Mexico border area. An intervention study conducted in McAllen, Texas, between June and November 2019 included 16 households having children with asthma. The particulate matter (PM2.5) levels were monitored in the bedroom, kitchen, and living room to measure the IAQ for 7 days before and after the intervention, respectively. Multiple surveys were applied to evaluate changes in children's health outcomes. The mean PM2.5 levels in each place were significantly improved. Overall, they significantly decreased by 1.91 μg/m3 on average (p < 0.05). All surveys showed better health outcomes; particularly, quality of life for children was significantly improved (p < 0.05). This pilot study suggests that the combined household intervention might improve IAQ in households and health outcomes for children with asthma and reduce health disparities in low-income communities. Future large-scale studies are needed to verify the effectiveness of this household intervention to improve IAQ and asthma management.
Key Performance Indicators in Co-operatives: Directions and Principles

This paper examines the performance benchmarks adopted by co-operatives in the insurance sector. The research is conducted through a case study comprised of a documentary review and semistructured interviews with two large North American insurance co-operatives. The research found that the insurance co-operatives use benchmarks that are developed for investor-owned companies to evaluate their performance. Furthermore, the measures used by insurance co-operatives reflect relatively little consideration of the co-operative principles and values and there is no comparison to other insurance co-operatives. Given the recent challenges in the financial services sector, coupled with increasing stakeholder expectations for performance reporting, it is timely to conduct this study.