Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Discussion on α − ψ Contractions on Generalized Metric Spaces

and Applied Analysis 3 Theorem 11. Let (X, d) be a complete generalized metric space and let T : X → X be an α − ψ contractive mapping. Suppose that (i) T is α-admissible; (ii) there exists x 0 ∈ X such that α(x 0 , Tx 0 ) ≥ 1 and α(x 0 , T 2 x 0 ) ≥ 1; (iii) T is continuous. Then there exists a. u ∈ X such that Tu = u. Proof. Letx 0 ∈ X be an arbitrary point such thatα(x 0 , Tx 0 ) ≥ 1 and α(x 0 , T 2 x 0 ) ≥ 1. Notice that the existence of such a point is guaranteed by assumption (ii) of the theorem. We construct an iterative sequence {x n } in X by x n+1 = Tx n = T n+1 x 0 for all n ≥ 0. If we have x n 0 = x n 0 +1 for some n 0 , then u = x n 0 is a fixed point of T. Hence, for the rest of the proof, we presume that x n = x n+1 ∀n. (7) Since T is α-admissible, we have α (x 0 , x 1 ) = α (x 0 , Tx 0 ) ≥ 1 󳨐⇒ α (Tx 0 , Tx 1 ) = α (x 1 , x 2 ) ≥ 1. (8) Recursively, we obtain that α (x n , x n+1 ) ≥ 1, ∀n = 0, 1, . (9) Analogously, we derive that α (x 0 , x 2 ) = α (x 0 , T 2 x 0 ) ≥ 1 󳨐⇒ α (Tx 0 , Tx 2 ) = α (x 1 , x 3 ) ≥ 1. (10) Iteratively, we get that α (x n , x n+2 ) ≥ 1, ∀n = 0, 1, . (11) Regarding (6) and (9), we deduce that d (x n+1 , x n ) = d (Tx n , Tx n−1 ) ≤ α (x n , x n−1 ) d (Tx n , Tx n−1 ) ≤ ψ (d (x n , x n−1 )) , (12) for all n ≥ 1. Inductively, we derive that d (x n+1 , x n ) ≤ ψ n (d (x 1 , x 0 )) , ∀n ≥ 1. (13) It is evident from Lemma 1 that lim n→∞ d (x n+1 , x n ) = 0. (14) Regarding (6) and (11), we deduce that d (x n+2 , x n ) = d (Tx n+1 , Tx n−1 ) ≤ α (x n+1 , x n−1 ) d (Tx n+1 , Tx n−1 ) ≤ ψ (d (x n+1 , x n−1 )) , (15) for all n ≥ 1. By utilizing inequality (15), we derive that d (x n+2 , x n ) ≤ ψ n (d (x 2 , x 0 )) , ∀n ≥ 1. (16) Owing to Lemma 1, we find that lim n→∞ d (x n+2 , x n ) = 0. (17) Let x n = x m for some m, n ∈ N with m = n. Without loss of generality, assume that m > n. Thus, x m = T m−n (T n x 0 ) = T n x 0 = x n . Consider now d (x n+1 , x n ) = d (Tx n , x n ) = d (Tx m , x m ) = d (Tx m , Tx m−1 ) ≤ α (x m , x m−1 ) d (Tx m , Tx m−1 ) ≤ ψ (d (x m , x m−1 )) ≤ ψ m−n (d (x n+1 , x n )) . (18) Due to (ii) of Lemma 1, inequality (18) turns into d (x n+1 , x n ) ≤ ψ m−n (d (x n+1 , x n )) 2 and k is odd. Let k = 2m+1, k ≥ 1. Then, by using the quadrilateral inequality together with (16), we find d (x n , x n+k ) = d (x n , x n+2m+1 ) ≤ d (x n , x n+1 ) + d (x n+1 , x n+2 ) + ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ + d (x n+2m , x n+2m+1 )
Effect of Drying on Nutritional Composition of Atlantic Sea Cucumber (Cucumaria frondosa) Viscera Derived from Newfoundland Fisheries

Cucumaria frondosa is the main sea cucumber species harvested from Newfoundland waters. During processing, the viscera of sea cucumber are usually discarded as waste. As a matter of fact, sea cucumber viscera are abundant in various nutrients and promising for valorization. In the present study, sea cucumber viscera were pretreated by air drying and freeze drying, and the nutritional compositions of the dried products were investigated, including proximate composition, lipid class, fatty acid profile, and amino acid composition. The dried viscera had similar levels of ash, lipids, and proteins compared to fresh viscera. Both air- and freeze-dried viscera had total fatty acid composition similar to fresh viscera, with high levels of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) (30–31%), especially eicosapentaenoic acid (27–28%), and low levels of omega-6 PUFAs (~1%). The dried samples were abundant in essential amino acids (46–51%). Compared to air-dried viscera, freeze-dried viscera contained a lower content of moisture and free fatty acids, and higher content of glycine and omega-3 PUFAs in phospholipid fraction. The high content of nutritious components in dried viscera of Cucumaria frondosa indicates their great potential for valorization into high-value products.
The Response of Local Corporate Sustainability to Environmental Disasters: Evidence from Wildfires

Environmental disasters are thought to increase the focus on corporate sustainability in the communities where they occur. Extracting data on wildfires (a frequent type of disaster in the U.S.), and using two rating agencies and EPA air enforcement actions to construct measures of local corporate sustainability, we study this conjecture. We show that severe wildfires in a county increase significantly its corporate environmental sustainability in the following year. This effect is not driven by pre-trends, such as the implementation of existing sustainability programs, nor does it exhibit post-trends, such as reversion or further growth of sustainability in later years. The impact is not homogeneous across counties: it is significant only in counties where the percentage of anthropogenic climate change believers is high, or where the majority of voters are Democrats.
lnvestigation of the Critical Role of Polymeric Binders for Silicon Negative Electrodes in Lithium-lon Batteries

OF DISSERTATION INVESTIGATION OF THE CRITICAL ROLE OF POLYMERIC BINDERS FOR SILICON NEGATIVE ELECTRODES IN LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES Silicon is capable of delivering a high theoretical specific capacity of 3579 mAh g−1, which is about 10 times higher than that of the state-of-the-art graphite-based negative electrodes for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, the poor cycle life of silicon electrodes, caused by the large volumetric strain during cycling, limits the commercialization of silicon electrodes. As one of the essential components, the polymeric binder is critical to the performance and durability of lithium-ion batteries as it keeps the integrity of electrodes, maintains conductive path and must be stable in the electrolyte. The guideline for binder selection of silicon electrodes is still not available as the electrochemical performance of silicon is very challenging and lots of research are still being carried out. This dissertation is focused on unveiling the critical role of polymeric binders in silicon negative electrodes. As a first step, silicon electrodes mixed with commercially available Nafion and ion-exchanged Nafion were demonstrated to maintain a high specific capacity over 2000 mAh g−1 cycled between 1.0 V and 0.01 V, compared with the traditional binder polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). Stable cycling at 1C rate for more than 500 cycles was achieved by limiting the lithiation capacity to 1200 mAh g−1. Secondly, a comprehensive study of the binding mechanisms of these binders in silicon/LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 full cells was carried out by using techniques such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and instrumented nanoindentation. Partial charge/discharge testing with controlled silicon lithiation capacity showed that the ion-exchanged Nafion and sodium alginate were both effective binders to maintain 1200 mAh g−1 for a long period of cycling without capacity decrease. Full charge/discharge testing showed that the ion-exchanged Nafion and sodium alginate binders exhibited the highest capacity retention when the volume change of silicon nanoparticles was about 300%. The superior performance of ion-exchanged Nafion was due to its capability to conduct Li to isolated silicon nanoparticles. Binders would not affect the composition of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). Therefore, coupled chemical degradation (SEI growth, lithium consumption) and mechanical degradation (cracking, particles isolation) are the cause of the failure of the full cells.
Deciphering the transcriptional changes in Escherichia coli strains C41(DE3) and C43(DE3) that makes them a superior choice for membrane protein production.

Background: The production of membrane proteins for functional and structural protein analysis remains a bottleneck in the continuing quest for understanding biological systems. For recombinant membrane proteins, the Walker strains C41(DE3) and C43(DE3) are a valuable tool because they are capable of producing levels of functional protein that would otherwise be toxic to the cell. At the genome level, amongst only a handful of genetic changes, mutations in the lac UV5 promoter region upstream from the bacteriophage T7 RNA polymerase gene distinguish these strains from BL21(DE3) but do not inform on how the strains have adapted for superior production of recombinant membrane proteins. Results: Comparative transcriptomic analyses revealed a moderate change in gene expression in C41(DE3) and C43(DE3) compared to their parent strain BL21(DE3) under standard growth conditions. However, under the conditions used for membrane protein production (with plasmid carriage and addition of IPTG), the differential response of C41(DE3) and C43(DE3) compared to their parent strain BL21(DE3) was striking. Over 2000 genes were differentially expressed in C41(DE3) with a two-fold change and false discover rate < 0.01 and 1700 genes differentially expressed in C43(DE3) compared to their parent strain BL21(DE3). Conclusion : These results illuminate the cellular adaptations occurring in the Walker strains in response to minimal genetic changes. These changes in the transcriptome may help alleviate the toxic effects that can occur and improve membrane protein production. The BL21(DE3) derivatives strains C41(DE3) and C43(DE3), are adept to the process of membrane biogenesis in E. coli , making them superior to their parent strain for the production of membrane proteins and potentially other toxic proteins.
The Concept of Well-being in Organisational Reality

The well-being concept refers to other similar concepts related to people’s physical, mental, emotional and intellectual well-being. In broader terms, in addition to internal dimensions, it must include external dimensions as well. In discussing the concept of wellbeing, it is worth using a holistic approach – implementing this approach in practice allows for achieving measurable organisational effects.
Indispensability of Clinical Bioinformatics for Effective Implementation of Genomic Medicine in Pathology Laboratories

Abstract Patient care is rapidly evolving toward the inclusion of precision genomic medicine when genomic tests are used by clinicians to determine disease predisposition, prognosis, diagnosis, and improve therapeutic decision-making. However, unlike other clinical pathology laboratory tests, the development, deployment, and delivery of genomic tests and results are an intricate process. Genomic technologies are diverse, fast changing, and generate massive data. Implementation of these technologies in a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments-certified and College of American Pathologists-accredited pathology laboratory often require custom clinical grade computational data analysis and management workflows. Additionally, accurate classification and reporting of clinically actionable genetic mutation requires well-curated disease/application-specific knowledgebases and expertise. Moreover, lack of “out of the box” technical features in electronic health record systems necessitates custom solutions for communicating genetic information to clinicians and patients. Genomic data generated as part of clinical care easily adds great value for translational research. In this article, we discuss current and future innovative clinical bioinformatics solutions and workflows developed at our institution for effective implementation of precision genomic medicine across molecular pathology, patient care, and translational genomic research.
IFI6 is an effective therapeutic target in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma via the modulation of oxidative stress

Background: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most lethal forms of adult cancer with poor prognosis. Substantial evidence indicates that reactive oxygen species (ROS) are important modulators of aggressive cancer behavior. However, the mechanism by which ESCC cells integrate redox signals to modulate carcinoma progression remains elusive. Methods: The expression of interferon alpha inducible protein 6 (IFI6) in clinical ESCC tissues and cell lines was detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting. The correlation between IFI6 expression levels and aggressive ESCC disease stage was examined by immunohistochemistry. Bioinformatic analysis was conducted to explore the potential function of IFI6 in ESCC. ESCC cell lines stably depleted of IFI6 and ectopically expressing IFI6 were established using lentiviruses expressing shRNAs and an IFI6 expression plasmid, respectively. The effects of IFI6 on ESCC cells were determined by cell-based analyses, including EdU assay, apoptotic assay, cellular and mitochondria-specific ROS detection, seahorse extracellular flux, and mitochondrial calcium flux assays. Blue native-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was used to determine mitochondrial supercomplex assembly. Transcriptional activation of NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) via ATF3 was confirmed by dual luciferase assay. In vivo tumor growth was determined in mouse xenograft models. Results: We find that the expression of IFI6, an IFN-stimulated gene localized in the inner mitochondrial membrane, is markedly elevated in ESCC patients and a panel of ESCC cell lines. High IFI6 expression correlates with aggressive disease phenotype and poor prognosis in ESCC patients. IFI6 depletion suppresses proliferation and induces apoptosis by increasing ROS accumulation. Mechanistically, IFI6 ablation induces mitochondrial calcium overload by activating mitochondrial Ca 2+ uniporter and subsequently ROS production. Following IFI6 ablation, mitochondrial ROS accumulation is also induced by mitochondrial supercomplex assembly suppression and oxidative phosphorylation dysfunction, while IFI6 overexpression produces the opposite effects. Furthermore, energy starvation induced by IFI6 inhibition drives endoplasmic reticulum stress through disrupting endoplasmic reticulum calcium uptake, which upregulates NOX4-derived ROS production in an ATF3-dependent manner. Finally, the results in xenograft models of ESCC further corroborate the in vitro findings. Conclusion: Our study unveils a novel redox homeostasis signaling pathway that regulates ESCC pathobiology and identifies IFI6 as a potential druggable target in ESCC.
Correlation of the polymer hydrophilicity and membrane fabrication process on the properties of asymmetric membranes in a vapor-induced phase-inversion process

In this study, we sought a better understanding of how the hydrophilicity of a polymer affects the morphology and performance of membranes. Three types of polymer with different hydrophilicity solution systems were considered: poly(aryl ether ketone) bearing a hydroxyl group (PEK–OH-100) with N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF); poly(aryl ether ketone) bearing a 50% fraction hydroxyl group with DMF, and cardo poly(aryl ether ketone) with DMF. These systems were used to investigate the evolution of the morphology and variation in performance versus a change in the hydrophilicity of the polymer. In addition, the fundamental thermodynamic influence of the solution systems on the phase-inversion process was investigated by cloud-point measurement and Hansen solubility parameter theory to determine the role of polymer hydrophilicity on the stability of the polymer solution in humid surroundings. The performance of the membranes was tested via testing of the pure water flux, porosity, and rejection of bovine serum albumin (BSA) with respect to variations in the polymer hydrophilicity, evaporation time, relative humidity, and molecular weight of the polymer. The resulting optimal membrane exhibited a flux of 329.3 L m−2 h−1 and a 99.3% rejection of BSA at a relative humidity of 90% and an evaporation time of 3 s. The hydrophilic PEK–OH-100 membranes have promising applications in protein separation and the porous support of reverse-osmosis membranes and so on. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44701.
Social entrepreneurship as a tool for the development of non-government organization’s activities: a case study of the association "Oranzais stars"

In Latvia, de-institutionalization is gradually taking place, which is envisaged in the European Social Development Plan at the level of public policy. In Latvia, the non-governmental sector (NGO) sector is largely dependent on external funding. In addition, competition for external financing is increasing. One of the solutions to reduce the effect of external financing is to engage in economic activity. Social entrepreneurship is becoming increasingly popular in Latvia - a business model that allows economic activities to be carried out without losing the mission, goals and social impact of NGOs. Social entrepreneurship is a way of effectively addressing the concerns of different groups at risk of social exclusion, which can have a positive long-term impact on the development of both the city and society itself. Social entrepreneurship has the potential to solve various social problems, thus facilitating municipal work and reducing municipal budget expenditures. For municipalities, social enterprises are a tool for solving social problems, which allows them to solve social problems in the municipalities by using a trans-regional approach, without taking risks on investments, failure, changes in market demand. The aim of the study is to create scenarios for the development of NGO activities, using the example of Association “Oranzais stars” (Orange Ray). Main research methods used: monographic method, strategic analysis and planning methods - PEST, SWOT, VRIO matrix, scenario method. The main result of the methods applied in the thesis is the development of a suitable and sustainable business model as the society moves towards the implementation of social entrepreneurship.
Three essays in labour economics

This thesis extends the existing literature on the response of labour markets to different types of economic shocks. First, we examine the effects of sector-specific fluctuations in job separation and job finding rates on the overall unemployment, sectoral allocation of labour and wages by solving a two-sector search and matching model with heterogeneous workers. The simulated results show how sector-specific shocks spill over the rest of the economy, causing workers to relocate between sectors in search of jobs. Inter-sectoral reallocation depends on the distribution of worker productivity in the affected sector. When an adverse shock hits a sector that attracts workers with relatively low productivity, the most productive among displaced workers move to compete for jobs in the sector with higher productivity. This offsets some of the increase in unemployment, subject to the ability of unaffected sector to employ additional workers. Next, we conduct meta-analysis to explain discrepancies between estimated effects of immigration shocks on wages in the literature. The results show that wage impact of immigration tends to be small in magnitude and negative significant. Labour market conditions at the period of study play a significant role in explaining the differences in measured impact. The estimates vary across countries and are related to the choice of modelling approach and estimators. Finally, we use EU-LFS dataset to analyse unemployment and labour market flows in Europe between 2006 and 2016. We identify the relative impact of shocks to job finding and separation rates on unemployment and investigate the role of socio-demographics, urbanisation and immigration status in shaping worker flow patterns in Europe. We find that over the studied period job losses accounted for three quarters of the rise in unemployment. The analysis of socio-demographic characteristics of the unemployed shows that young and less educated workers contributed the most to employment losses. Recent and intermediate immigrants in cities contributed to employment losses.
Comparative Analysis of Volatile Oil Components in Liquidambar orientalis and Styrax tonkinensis

OBJECTIVE:To analyze the volatile oil component from Liquidambar orientalis and Styrax tonkinensis.METHODS:The volatile oil was extracted from L.orientalis and S.tonkinensis by SD method and the chemical components of volatile oil were analyzed by GC-MS.The determination was performed on 19091N-133HP-INNO Wax(30 m×0.25 mm×0.25 μm)column,and the temperature of injector was 250 ℃,by temperature programming.Pure helium was used as carrier gas at flow rate of 1.0 ml/min with split ratio of 10:1.EI ionization mode was adopted,ionization energy was 70 eV and ion source temperature was 230 ℃. The temperature of quadrupoles and transmission lines both were 150 ℃ and mass scaning range were 20-450 amu.RESULTS:42 compounds were identified,which represented 91% of the total volatile oil from L.orientalis. 19 compounds were identified,which represented 97% of the total volatile oil from S.tonkinensis. 2 kinds of volatile oil contained same chemical components,such as isoborneol,d-borneol,benzaldehyde and camphor.CONCLUSION:Results of trial can provide reference for further study of pharmacodynamic material basis of aromatic drugs for inducing resuscitation.
Conformation and Physical Properties of the Bacterial Polysaccharides Gellan, Welan, and Rhamsan

Publisher Summary Following the spectacular commercial success of their first bacterial polysaccharide xanthan, Kelco (now a Division of Merck) has developed three new commercial polymers from microbial fermentation—namely, gellan, welan, and rhamsan. This chapter presents a study that explores the relationships between the primary structure, conformation, and physical properties of these materials. Gellan gum is a deacylated form of the extracellular bacterial polysaccharide from Auromonas elodea (ATCC 31461). In the native form, it has an L-glyceryl substituent on O-2 of the 3-linked glucose and an acetyl group on approximately half of the O-6 atoms of the same residue, but both these groups are lost during normal commercial extraction. Welan, from Alcaligenes ATCC 31555 (formerly known as S-130), has the same backbone sequence as gellan, but with a monosaccharide side chain at O-3 of the 4-linked glucose; this can be either α-L-rhamnose or a-L-mannose, in the approximate ratio 2:1. Welan does not gel, but forms viscous solutions that can suspend particles or stabilize emulsions in a manner similar to xanthan “weak gels. ” These properties are stable to high temperatures and the polymer is intended primarily for commercial use in oil recovery. Rhamsan, the exopolysaccharide from Alcaligenes ATCC 31961 (formerly known as S-194), is also a branched variant of gellan.
HPTLC method for quantitative estimation of genistein and daidzein with its glycosides in Glycine max

A simple and rapid HPTLC method has been developed for quantifying isoflavones - genistein and daidzein and their glycosides - (genistin and daidzin) in soybean. This method can be routinely used in estimating the contents of all the four active ingredients simultaneously. The method is reproducible, accurate, and precise and sensitivity of the method is comparable to existing HPLC methods, which are tedious and time consuming.
Colon Screening In the Community–A Community Program and Lesson Learnt

Colon-cancer awareness talk, with free faecal immunochemical (FIT) kit conducted by volunteers for the residents living near a cancer community centre in Petaling Jaya, an urban city with a multi-ethnic population. The aim of this report is to present and discuss the outcome of a community screening talk with free FIT kit. 295 healthy individuals who met inclusion criteria consented to take part in the pilot, only 62 percent (184/295) showed up for the intervention. 11.7 percent (n=19) were tested positives but only 9 went for a follow up colonoscopy, and the remainder were still waiting for a colonoscopy after 6 months. Cancer is still a fearful topic despite better treatment, and screening tests offered beneficial outcomes for early detection and cure, but the uptakes for the screening with awareness talk at a community centre on weekends is slow. Better study with outcome measures and qualitative study to explore barriers and facilitators are needed.