Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
RFID investment strategy for fresh food supply chains

Abstract We study RFID investment decisions for a fresh food supply chain consisting of a retailer, a manufacturer, and a supplier. The supplier supplies a type of raw fresh food that is further processed by the manufacturer. The end product remains fresh and is sold to the retailer, which then sells it to consumers. The retailer can choose to either control the procurement of the raw fresh food or delegate the function to the manufacturer. The demand for the end product is random and there exists a spot market with ample supply for emergency purchase. Applying game theory to analyse the retailer’s decisions as to whether or not to invest in a RFID technology under the control or delegation strategy, we find the equilibrium outcomes. We derive the conditions under which RFID investment is profitable and discuss the investment cost sharing issue. We also determine the optimal joint decisions of procurement strategy selection and RFID investment. Our findings provide important managerial insights to managers in the fresh food business where RFID investment is an intriguing issue: (1) RFID shall be invested so long as the investment cost is not significantly high, either by the retailer under the control strategy or by the manufacturer under the delegation strategy, whichever is more profitable; (2) sometimes it is not optimal for the retailer to invest in RFID by itself, but it is still possible to gain from the RFID investment by the manufacturer under the delegation strategy; (3) the procurement function shall not be delegated to the manufacturer unless it is optimal for the manufacturer to invest in RFID and the retailer is better off by doing so, i.e., the delegation with RFID strategy is better than both of the control with and without RFID strategies.
“Multiplexing” cells of the visual cortex and the timing enigma of the binding problem

In this opinion essay, I address the perennial binding problem, that is to say of how independently processed visual attributes such as form, colour and motion are brought together to give us a unified and holistic picture of the visual world. A solution to this central issue in neurobiology remains as elusive as ever. No one knows today how it is implemented. The issue is not a new one and, though discussed most commonly in the context of the visual brain, it is not unique to it either. Karl Lashley summarized it well years ago when he wrote that a critical problem for brain studies is to understand how “the specialized areas of the cerebral cortex interact to provide the integration evident in thought and behaviour” (Lashley, 1931).
COVID-19 Outbreak Following a Single Patient Exposure at an Entertainment Site: An Epidemiological Study.

We investigated an outbreak of COVID-19 infection, which was traced back to a bathing pool at an entertainment venue, to explore the epidemiology of the outbreak, understand the transmissibility of the virus, and analyze the influencing factors. Contact investigation and management were conducted to identify potential cases. Epidemiological investigation was carried out to determine the epidemiological and demographic characteristics of the outbreak. We estimated the secondary attack rate (SAR), incubation time, and time-dependent reproductive number (Rt ), and explored the predisposing factors for cluster infection. The incubation time was 5.4 days and the serial interval (SI) was 4.4 days, with the rate of negative-valued SIs at 24.5%. The SAR at the bathing pool (3.3%) was relatively low due to its high temperature and humidity. The SAR was higher in the colleagues' cluster (20.5%) than in the family cluster (11.8%). Superspreaders had a longer isolation delay time (P=0.004). The Rt of the cluster decreased from the highest value of 3.88 on January 27, 2020 to 1.22 on February 6. Our findings suggest that the predisposing factors of the outbreak included close contact with an infected person, airtight and crowded spaces, temperature and humidity in the space, and untimely isolation of patients and quarantine of contacts at the early stage of transmission. Measures to reduce the risk of infection at these gatherings and subsequent tracking of close contacts were effective.
Integrative omics analysis identifies differential biological pathways that are associated with regional grey matter volume changes in major depressive disorder

Abstract Background Major depressive disorder (MDD) is accompanied by alterations in grey matter volume. However, the biological processes associated with regional structural perturbations remain elusive. Methods We applied integrative omics analysis to investigate specialized transcriptome signatures and translational determinants associated with regional grey matter variations in 2737 MDD patients relative to 3098 controls by summarizing the results from gene co-expression network analysis of Allen human brain transcriptome profiles in six donors, enrichment analysis of gene-sets and cellular structure from rodents and mediation analysis of BrainSpan proteome profile in six donors. Results We found convergent alterations of grey matter volume in MDD were associated with transcriptome profiles enriched for synaptic transmission, metabolism, immune processes and transmembrane transport. Genes with abnormal expression in post-mortem tissue in MDD were also associated with transcriptome signatures. Further gene co-expression network and enrichment analysis of MDD-related genes in these signatures revealed the modules with higher neuronal expression were enriched in the medial temporal cortex and temporo-parietal junction with genes differentially associated with neuronal development and metabolism. Also, the modules with higher non-neuronal (e.g. astrocyte and oligodendrocyte) expression were concentrated in the rostral and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex and were separately associated with immune response and transmembrane transport. Moreover, proteins as the gene expression products mediated the association between transcriptome signatures and brain volume changes in the visual and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Conclusions Our multidimensional analyses offer a novel approach to detect specific biological pathways that capture regional structural variations in MDD, which suggests structural endophenotypes associated with MDD.
The trials and tribulations of liver allocation

Allocation policies are necessary to ensure a fair distribution of a scarce resource. The goal of any liver transplant allocation policy is to achieve the best possible outcomes for the waiting list population, irrespective of the indication for transplant, whilst maximizing organ utilization. Organ allocation for liver transplantation has evolved from simple centre‐based approaches driven by local issues, to complex, evidence‐based algorithm prioritizing according to need. Despite the rapid evolution of allocation policies, there remain a number of challenges and new approaches are required to ensure transparency and equity on the decision‐making process and the best possible outcomes for patients on the waiting list. New ways of modelling, together with novel outcome criteria, will be required to enable a dynamic adaptability of the allocation policies to the ever changing demographics of the donor population and the changing landscape of indications for transplantation.
Medical Image Fusion Based on Fast Finite Shearlet Transform and Sparse Representation

Clinical diagnosis has high requirements for the visual effect of medical images. To obtain rich detail features and clear edges for fusion medical images, an image fusion algorithm FFST-SR-PCNN based on fast finite shearlet transform (FFST) and sparse representation is proposed, aiming at the problem of poor clarity of edge details that is conducive to maintaining the details of source image in current algorithms. Firstly, the source image is decomposed into low-frequency coefficients and high-frequency coefficients by FFST. Secondly, the K-SVD method is used to train the low-frequency coefficients to obtain the overcomplete dictionary D, and then the OMP algorithm sparsely encodes the low-frequency coefficients to complete the fusion of the low-frequency coefficients. Then, a high-frequency coefficient is applied to excite a pulse-coupled neural network, and the fusion coefficient of the high-frequency coefficient is selected according to the number of ignitions. Finally, the fused low-frequency coefficient and high-frequency coefficient are reconstructed into the fused medical image by FFST inverse transform. The experimental results show that the image fusion result of the proposed algorithm is about 35% higher than the comparison algorithms for the edge information transfer factor QAB/F index and has achieved good results in both subjective visual effects and objective evaluation indicators.
A Review of Contemporary Markers of Insulin Resistance

Backgrounnd: The era of non-communicable diseases has been here with us for a while. Diabetes mellitus, pre-diabetes, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and associated complications; have been the centre of interest for many researchers lately. Insulin resistance (IR) has taken a forefront position in this regard. Aim: Insulin resistance has been implicated in the pathogenesis of many metabolic disorders. It heralds the onset of many of these diseases many years before the clinical signs and symptoms. Method: A thorough literature search was done using internet academic search engines and indexation such Google scholar, hinari, Ebsco, Scorpus, etc. Results: Insulin resistance (IR), an independent risk factor for the development of Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome is assessed by several biomarkers. From the historical perspective till date, the authors assess the implication, connection and relevance from various studies to contemporary scientific breakthroughs in this regard for diagnosis and clinical application of markers of insulin resistance in patient management. Conclusion: It is hoped that with the advancement in medical research, more markers of insulin resistance will be discovered that will help in patient managements.
Abcès du foie en transplantation hépatique

L’abces hepatique (AH) est une complication grave et peu decrite en transplantation hepatique (TH). Cette etude retrospective monocentrique rassemble tous les cas d’AH survenus chez des patients avec TH (AH-TH) de 2009 a 2014. Chaque patient presentant un AH-TH a ete compare a 3 patients avec AH sans TH (AH-C). Quatorze AH-TH et 42 AH-C ont ete analyses. Les caracteristiques cliniques et radiologiques etaient comparables entre les 2 groupes. Les AH-TH n’avaient pas d’hyperleucocytose au diagnostic (taux de leucocytes moyen = 9 G/L ; p=0,016). Les facteurs de risque d’AH retrouves chez les AH-TH etaient la cholangite ischemique sur thrombose de l’artere hepatique (80% ; p 0,05), la fistule biliaire (36% ; p=0,008), et la stenose de l’anastomose bilio-biliaire (29%, p>0,05). Les AH-C presentaient une neoplasie hepato-biliaire obstructive dans 40,5% des cas (p=0,005). Les donnees microbiologiques etaient comparables entre AH-TH et AH-C. Chez les AH-TH, les germes les plus representes etaient les enterobacteries (64%) les enterocoques (29%), et les bacteries anaerobies (21%) ; 28% etaient documentes a des germes complexes : 1 AH a BGN non fermentant ERV et Candida, 1 AH a SARM, et 2 AH a BLSE. Les AH-TH etaient traites plus longuement par antibiotiques (9 semaines en moyenne ; p=0,02), mais les proportions d’AH-TH ayant eu un drainage de l’AH (79%), ou un drainage biliaire (74%), etaient comparables aux AH-C. Les AH-TH avaient deux fois plus souvent un traitement chirurgical associe (50%, p>0,05), et 36% etaient retransplantes. Les taux de mortalite (28%), et de recidive (57%) des AH-TH etaient similaires a ceux des AH-C.
Copper metabolism and dietary needs

It has been about 80 years since Cu was first recognized as being important for maintenance of haemoglobin. Since that time requirement values have been established and signs of deficiency and excess well documented. NRC (1994) provide the most comprehensive list of detailed requirement values for Cu for various classes of poultry, yet these lack extensive detail and are predicated on just five publications, the most recent of which was conducted 30 years ago. Requirement values average 6-8 ppm which traditionally is supplied by inorganic salts and especially copper sulphate. Other inorganic sources vary from 40-115% bioavailability of Cu compared to sulphate. Copper is easily complexed with amino acids or proteins, leading to the development of so-called organic sources of copper which are claimed to have better digestibility and/or less formation of insoluble complexes with other minerals in the digesta. Results on effectiveness of organic vs. inorganic forms of Cu are variable, although this line of research has led to appreciation of the potential to use much lower levels of supplementation. Since at least 80% of dietary copper appears in the excreta, using lower levels of diet supplementation means reduced Cu in the environment. With less supplementation, knowledge about bioavailability of Cu in major feed ingredients becomes important. Copper in cereals is reported to be 80% available to the bird while that in vegetable proteins is closer to 50% available. Availability from animal proteins is very variable, while corn distiller's grains now provides the most concentrated source of Cu within the major ingredients. Copper levels greatly in excess of requirement, at around 125 ppm, have been shown to improve performance of meat birds and egg layers. The mode of action is unknown although likely relates to antibacterial properties of Cu. Likewise high levels of diet Cu have been shown to reduce cholesterol content of eggs and poultry meat, although this is often at the expense of loss in performance and contribution of more Cu to the environment.
Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938: Review of Evidence in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders

Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 has been one of the most extensively studied probiotic in children and adults with functional gastrointestinal disorders. In order to gather evidence on the efficacy of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 for treating and preventing some of these disorders. MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library were searched till February 2018 for relevant randomized controlled trials, retrospective studies, and meta-analyses with no language restrictions. The recent probiotic literature strongly suggests that Lactobacillus reuteri may be effective in the prevention and treatment of certain clinical conditions, such as infantile colic, infantile regurgitation, functional constipation, acute gastroenteritis, acute diarrhea, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and necrotizing enterocolitis. No safety concerns with regard to the use of Lactobacillus reuteri in non-immunocompromised subjects were identified. A recent meta-analysis also supports the safety of using Lactobacillus reuteri even in preterm infants. This review presents the history of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 and the evidence base for its application in the health and disease.
Targeted Therapies in Advanced Biliary Tract Cancer: An Evolving Paradigm

Biliary tract cancers (BTCs) are a heterogeneous group of adenocarcinomas that originate from the epithelial lining of the biliary tree. BTCs are characterized by presentation with advanced disease precluding curative surgery, rising global incidence, and a poor prognosis. Chemotherapy is the mainstay of the current treatment, which results in a median overall survival of less than one year, underscoring the need for novel therapeutic agents and strategies. Next-generation sequencing-based molecular profiling has shed light on the underpinnings of the complex pathophysiology of BTC and has uncovered numerous actionable targets, leading to the discovery of new therapies tailored to the molecular targets. Therapies targeting fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) fusion, isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutations, the human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER) family, DNA damage repair (DDR) pathways, and BRAF mutations have produced early encouraging results in selected patients. Current clinical trials evaluating targeted therapies, as monotherapies and in combination with other agents, are paving the way for novel treatment options. Genomic profiling of cell-free circulating tumor DNA that can assist in the identification of an actionable target is another exciting area of development. In this review, we provide a contemporaneous appraisal of the evolving targeted therapies and the ongoing clinical trials that will likely transform the therapeutic paradigm of BTC.
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects of thiamin supplements in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of thiamin supplementation on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methods This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted among 60 patients with GDM. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups to receive either 100 mg/day thiamin supplements (n = 30) or placebo (n = 30) for 6 weeks. Results Thiamin supplementation significantly decreased serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (β − 0.98 mg/L; 95% CI, −1.54, −0.42; p = .001) and plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (β − 0.86 µmol/L; 95% CI, −1.15, −0.57; p < .001) when compared with the placebo. In addition, thiamin supplementation downregulated gene expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) (p = .002) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with GDM. Thiamin supplementation did not affect other biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress. Conclusion Overall, thiamin supplementation for 6 weeks to patients with GDM significantly reduced hs-CRP and MDA levels, and gene expression of TNF-α, but did not affect other biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress. Clinical trial registration number Clinical Trials.govIdentifier no. http://www.irct. ir: IRCT20170513033941N58.
Growth and Protein Content of Apple in Response to Root and Shoot Temperature following Chilling

Bare-root Malux × domestica Borkh, seedlings were chilled for 0, 600, 1200, or 1800 hours at 5C (CH). Seedlings were then placed with roots and/or shoots in all combinations of 5 and 20C forcing conditions (FC) for up to 21 days. Virtually no growth occurred at 5C FC. When the whole plant was forced at 20C, all measures of root and shoot growth increased in magnitude, occurred earlier and at a faster rate with increasing CH. Thus, roots and shoots responded similarly to chilling. When shoots or roots were subjected to 20C FC, while the other portion of the plant was at 5C, the responses were reduced in magnitude and delayed (.)
Halophytic Hordeum brevisubulatum HbHAK1 Facilitates Potassium Retention and Contributes to Salt Tolerance

Potassium retention under saline conditions has emerged as an important determinant for salt tolerance in plants. Halophytic Hordeum brevisubulatum evolves better strategies to retain K+ to improve high-salt tolerance. Hence, uncovering K+-efficient uptake under salt stress is vital for understanding K+ homeostasis. HAK/KUP/KT transporters play important roles in promoting K+ uptake during multiple stresses. Here, we obtained nine salt-induced HAK/KUP/KT members in H. brevisubulatum with different expression patterns compared with H. vulgare through transcriptomic analysis. One member HbHAK1 showed high-affinity K+ transporter activity in athak5 to cope with low-K+ or salt stresses. The expression of HbHAK1 in yeast Cy162 strains exhibited strong activities in K+ uptake under extremely low external K+ conditions and reducing Na+ toxicity to maintain the survival of yeast cells under high-salt-stress. Comparing with the sequence of barley HvHAK1, we found that C170 and R342 in a conserved domain played pivotal roles in K+ selectivity under extremely low-K+ conditions (10 μM) and that A13 was responsible for the salt tolerance. Our findings revealed the mechanism of HbHAK1 for K+ accumulation and the significant natural adaptive sites for HAK1 activity, highlighting the potential value for crops to promote K+-uptake under stresses.
How do birds search for breeding areas at the landscape level? Interpatch movements of male ortolan buntings

Animal movements at large spatial scales are of great importance in population ecology, yet little is known due to practical problems following individuals across landscapes. We studied the whole Norwegian population of a small songbird (ortolan bunting, Emberiza hortulana) occupying habitat patches dispersed over nearly 500 km 2 . Movements of colour-ringed males were monitored during ten years, and extensive long-distance dispersal was recorded. More than half of all cases of breeding dispersal took place within one breeding season, and males moved up to 43 km between singing territories, using 1 -22 d. Natal dispersal was usually to a habitat patch close to the natal patch, or within the natal patch if it was large. Breeding dispersal movements were often long-distance, beyond neighbouring patches, and up to 11¯19 patches were overflown. Movements of at least 6-9 km across areas of unsuitable habitat occurred regularly. The number of patches visited was low (1-4) even though search costs in terms of time spent moving from one site to another were relatively low (often only a few days even for distances >10 km). Most males seemed to use a threshold tactic when choosing a patch, but returns to previously visited patches were recorded, including some cases of commuting. In conclusion, male ortolan buntings have a surprising ability to move quickly at the landscape level, and this resulted in a high connectivity of patches. We discuss our results in relation to optimal searching strategies, in particular the use of within-breeding season versus post-breeding season search, conspecific attraction and adaptive late arrival of young birds.
Effects of core balance training on Cobb angle, isokinetic torque, and balance in unilateral handed athletes

This study aimed to provide fundamental data of core balance training (CBT) on Cobb angle and isokinetic torque and balance in unilateral exercised athletes. Forty-eight subjects were divided by control group (CON; n=16), non-CBT exercised group in unilateral handed athletes (NEG, n=16), and CBT exercised group in unilateral handed athletes (EG, n=16), respectively. Although the group by time interaction in the Cobb angle and in the isokinetic torque were not significantly changed in the EG, the balance of the EG showed significantly improved. As conclusions, these results informed that the 16-week CBT would provide a positive effect on the balance except for the Cobb angle and the isokinetic torque.