Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Environmental Changes on Coastal Archaeological Sites in the Mediterranean

This paper is part of an ongoing MA research project that focuses on the influences of environmental changes on coastal archaeological sites in the Mediterranean, threatening the in situ protection of coastal, near coastal and underwater cultural heritage (UCH). To effectively address this, I provide a summary of the main environmental factors that have affected different sites in the Mediterranean Sea by examining four specific case studies: Alexandria, Egypt; Pavlopetri, Greece; Baia, Italy; and Apollonia, Libya. The aim of this study is to develop appropriate strategies to mitigate these threats in the future.
Revisiting linear and lognormal stochastic volatility models

In this paper we revisit linear stochastic volatility models with correlated Brownian noises. In such models the asset price satisﬁes a linear SDE with coeﬃcient of linearity being the volatility process, and a volatility equation with time-dependent coeﬃcients. This class contains among others the Black–Scholes model, the Heston model and the log-normal stochastic volatility model. We present a representation theorem for the density of price, conditions ensuring smoothness of density and some other properties. As an application of using of our general framework we can reﬁne the results for the log-normal stochastic volatility model with correlated noises.
When It Comes to the Crunch: Retail Investor Decision-Making During Periods of Market Volatility

Attitude to risk questionnaires are widely used by financial advisors to recommend investments of appropriate risk levels to their clients. Yet the usefulness of this instrument to gauge how investors will react when faced with extreme volatility in the values of their assets remains untested. Using realistic scenarios and based on a large-scale survey in the UK, in this study we examine how the investing public reacts to actual portfolio losses. We find that conventional risk tolerance measures are inadequate for determining whether investors would 'sell out' or hold their portfolios in such circumstances. On the other hand, we find that past experience, emotions and personality characteristics, including measures of financial self-efficacy and extraversion, are significant predictors of investor reactions to market crashes.
Direct Observation of the Interfacial Instability of the Fast Ionic Conductor Li10GeP2S12 at the Lithium Metal Anode

The very high ionic conductivity of Li10GeP2S12 (LGPS) makes it a potential solid electrolyte for lithium all-solid-state batteries. Besides the high ionic conductivity, another key requirement is the stability of the solid electrolyte against degradation reactions with the electrodes; here, we analyze the reaction of LGPS with lithium metal. In situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), in combination with time-resolved electrochemical measurements offers detailed information on the chemical reactions at the Li/LGPS interface. The decomposition of Li10GeP2S12 leads to the formation of an interphase composed of Li3P, Li2S, and Li–Ge alloy, which is in perfect agreement with theoretical predictions, and an increase of the interfacial resistance. These results highlight the necessity to perform long-term, time-resolved electrochemical measurements when evaluating potential new solid electrolytes for solid-state batteries. The kinetics of this interphase growth—comparable to SEI formation on lithium anodes.
The Arab Spring, A Setback for Gender Equality? Evidence from the Gallup World Poll

Combining a unique dataset from the Gallup World Poll for the period 2009 to 2018 with Wolfsfeld et al.’s (2013) protest index, we evaluate the impact of the Arab Spring pro-democracy protests on gender equality in the Middle East and North Africa. Following a double- and triple-difference approach, we find that protests significantly reduced female labor force participation as well as support for women’s rights. In particular, a one-standard-deviation increase in the protest intensity lowered female participation rates by 3.7 percentage points. Likewise, Arab Spring protests significantly lowered support for women’s legal rights, occupational rights, and divorce rights. Our results are robust to different samples, alternative model specifications, and omitted variable bias. They are also confirmed when using an alternative protest measure from Steinert-Threlkeld (2017). Regarding potential mechanisms, we suggest that a shift in the Arab zeitgeist towards a less secular society can help explain our findings.
The Effects of Personality Traits on Memorable Tourism Experiences and Behavioral Intentions

The purpose of this study is to find whether personality traits significantly influence memorable tourism experiences (MTEs), which in turn may impact behavioral intentions (BIs). The study uses a sample of convenience of 239 tourists returning home from the Larnaca international airport in Cyprus. Linear regression analysis, frequencies, and nonparametric tests of independent samples are utilized to analyze the data. The findings reveal that most relationships between the five dimensions of personality traits and the seven dimensions of MTEs are not statistically significant except for the relationships of neuroticism and openness with MTEs. Furthermore, all the dimensions of MTEs such as hedonism, novelty, local culture, refreshment, meaningfulness, involvement, and knowledge are significantly related to behavioral intentions. The overall conclusion from the study is that the validity of personality as a predictor of MTEs and BIs is very low. Theoretical and managerial implications, limitations, and future research are discussed.
Analysis of The Problems Existing in Network Live Broadcast

Internet live broadcast marketing (LBM) is an important form of product exchange in the era of post Covid-2019, and it is the fifth revolution of retail industry characterized by “new retail”. From the process of evolution and development of webcast, this paper systematically analyzes the characteristics of LBM with empirical research methods, as well as imbalance of the input and output of LBM, the “high income but low ability” of the anchors, and suspected false propaganda. This paper is aimed to analyze the specific cases from the perspective of “people, goods and markets” in terms of the unique laws of retail industry, using the traditional “4P” theory of marketing management and the new thinking of marketing 4.0 in the digital era, and to put forward specific suggestions. Meanwhile, this paper will start from the status quo of the most important core element of LBM - anchor talent, and suggests some specific training programs for the improvement of the anchor talent. Based on McKinsey’s China Research Report, this study also analyzes the trend from global supply-chain to regional evolution in the era of post Covid-2019, especially the characteristics of gradually increasing trade interdependence between Southeast Asian countries. It is suggested that colleges and universities should speed up the cultivation of interdisciplinary anchor talents with both “bilingual” skills and marketing knowledge, to promote the development of LBM in Southeast Asian countries. Finally, this study gives specific suggestions on the establishment and improvement of laws and regulations in the live broadcast economy, to call on the attention of the government agencies, and lead the live broadcast economy to the track of sustainable development.
The Inelastic Market: Stockholder Wealth, Consumption Share and Belief

Investigating stockholder consumption growth is critical in asset pricing studies, as preference and risk averse of stockholders differ from that of average households. The disagreement among households about the macroeconomic uncertainty leads to their heterogeneous stock market participation decisions, and allows irrational stockholders and non-stockholders to survive in the long run. When stock market is inelastic, this paper uncovers a recursive relationship between stockholder consumption and market returns and shows theoretically that stockholder consumption growth is critical in asset pricing studies. Empirically, this paper demonstrates that the exposure to stockholder consumption risks explains over a half cross-sectional equity return variations.
Methanol expression regulator 1 (Mxr1p) promotes xylulose 5-phosphate recycle via increaseing transketolase activity in Pichia pastoris

Background Methanol expression regulator 1 (Mxr1p) is a key transcription factor that plays a vital role in the methanol utilization pathway in Pichia pastoris ( P. pastoris ). Most genes referred to the methanol utilization pathway were regulated by Mxr1p. However, some genes did not show a significant difference between methanol and glycerol even though they play an important role in the methanol utilization pathway. So far, the regulation mechanism about these genes and the relationship with Mxr1p are still unknown. Results Methanol metabolic pathway analysis revealed that most of the methanol-induced genes were upregulated in transcriptional level when cultured in methanol. Whereas some genes like tkl1 (transketolase 1) did not show significant up-regulation in methanol even though it plays a very important role in Xu5P recycle, the reason is still not clear. To clarify this point, firstly, pull-down and MS experiments were performed. The result shows that Tkl1p protein combined with Mxr1p in vitro . Subsequently, this result was further confirmed by yeast two-hybrid in vivo , and the binding region mainly located from 150AA to 400AA. Moreover, Ser215 phosphorylation did not affect this interaction. In addition, Mxr1p-400AA integration into Δmxr1 could rescue cell growth in methanol. All the above results proved that Mxr1p played a post-translational role in the methanol utilization pathway and Mxr1p-400AA may achieved most of Mxr1p functions. Secondly, the function of Mxr1p-Tkl1p complex was expounded by detecting formaldehyde consumption and xylulose production in cell-free systems. Results showed that Mxr1p-Tkl1p mixture could promote formaldehyde consumption and xylulose production in vitro . Conclusion Mxr1p promotes methanol utilization via combining with Tkl1p to accelerate Xu5P recycle and this interaction was not affected by Ser215 phosphorylation.
A methodological approach to the development of a technological platform for intelligent integrated energy system modelling

Modeling of intelligent integrated energy systems, which has a complex structure, is performed using specialized software, which is caused by the computational complexity of the models, methods and algorithms used. The paper lists the requirements for software for modeling intelligent integrated energy systems and concludes that it is necessary to develop a technological platform. A methodological approach to the development of a technological platform for modeling integrated energy systems is presented. The methodological approach includes the following components: principles of building a technological platform, architecture of a technological platform, and the structure of an ontology system, a method of automated integration of software components into a software system.
Poor Outcome and Prolonged Hospital Stay after the Diagnosis of Liver Abscesses in Hospitalized Cancer Patients: A Single Center Experience

Background: Liver abscesses are uncommon, but they are associated with a hospital mortality rate of 10% in patients without cancer. However, its relevance in cancer patients in terms of survival and length of hospitalization is unknown. Patients and Methods: We conducted an observational study in order to analyze the impact of liver abscesses in hospitalized cancer patients. Eligible patients were adults with a solid tumor, received antineoplastic treatment and were hospitalized in our department with a diagnosis of liver abscesses. Primary end-points of the study were overall survival (OS) and mean hospital stay (MHS). Secondary end-points were the description of risk factors of liver abscesses, isolated microorganisms and the specific treatment. Results: In our study the incidence of liver abscesses in cancer patients was 1.85%. Median age was 64 years, 60% were men, and the vast majority of patients had an advanced bilio-pancreatic tumor (80%). With a median follow-up of 18 months, median OS was 6 months (95% CI: 1-12); and OS probability at 18-month was 27%. MHS was 30.5 days (95% CI: 20.3-40.7). Risk factors for developing liver abscesses were: a) bilio-pancreatic cancers; b) chemotherapy administration; c) severe malnutrition; and d) biliary drainage/prosthesis. Eight patients (53.3%) had bacteremia, and the most common isolated microorganism was E.coli (33.3%). Percutaneous drainage of abscesses was performed in 53.3% of the patients, and all patients were treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics. Conclusion: Although liver abscesses were uncommon, they were associated with a prolonged hospitalization and poor outcome in cancer patients.
Ultra-Wideband Flat Metamaterial GRIN Lenses Assisted With Additive Manufacturing Technique

This article presents the designs of ultrawideband microwave flat gradient index (GRIN) lenses, which realizes over a 108% fractional bandwidth (12–40 GHz). The frequency-independent ray optics method is employed to determine the radially varying permittivity profile of the lenses. The challenge of realizing such a radially varying profile and the limitations in dielectric material choices are overcome by two additive-manufacturing-aided approaches: 1) partially infilled dielectrics with a varied periodicity, which ensures the lens performance at the higher end of the frequency range and 2) artificially engineered dielectrics (AED) with subwavelength-scale metallic inclusions, which enables-high permittivity dielectrics and leads to benefits of thickness and mass reduction for the GRIN lenses. Measured results demonstrate that the GRIN lenses improve the gain of open-ended waveguide sources by 8.7–15.6 dB over a wide frequency range from 12 to 40 GHz, with the realized gain of up to 23.6 dBi. Both the simulation and measurements of the presented design confirm the potential of implementing the proposed GRIN lens design in high directivity and beamforming antenna applications, across an ultrawideband frequency range.
Statistical Downscaling and Inflows Projections of an Arid Watershed Study Case: Hassan Addakhil Dam the Way Forward

This study aims to assess future inflows of Hassan Addakhil dam in front of hydroclimatic variation under climate change. The Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) precipitation data was downscaled for Foum Tilicht and Foum Zaabel rain gauge stations at a daily time-scale, using SDSM software considering the baseline period 1983-2012. Future precipitation projections over the period 2013-2100, were generated for three Representative Concentration Pathway, namely RCP 2.6, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5. Besides, the future hydrologic projection was conducted through HEC-HMS. The results show that the sum of precipitations would increase for Foum Zaabel compared to the reference period by 14% for RCP2.6, 11% for 4.5%, and 14% for RCP8.5 in the 2050s. For the 2080s these changes would move to 11%, 14%, and 15% for RCP2.6, RCP4.5, and RCP 8.5 respectively. Concerning Foum Tilicht, this increase is estimated at 22%, 19%, and 20% for RCP 2.6 and RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 in the 2050s, whereas in the 2080s it's around 21% for and 22%. The Future projection of the Hassan Addakhil dam inflow, under RCP 2.6, RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5, shows that the maximum and the minimum inflow is likely to occur during October and July respectively.
Angebots-Nutzungs-Modelle der Wirkweise des Unterrichts: ein kritischer Vergleich verschiedener Modellvarianten

Dieser Beitrag widmet sich Angebots-Nutzungs-Modellen der Wirkweise des Unterrichts. Konkreter hat er zum Ziel, verschiedene Angebots-Nutzungs-Modelle zu vergleichen und durch diesen Vergleich konzeptuelle Unscharfe innerhalb des Ansatzes aufzudecken. Kritisch diskutiert werden sollen Unterschiede hinsichtlich a) dem zugrundeliegenden Verstandnis von Unterricht, Angebot und Nutzung, b) Zusammenhangen zwischen Angebot und Nutzung, c) der Bedeutung von Wahrnehmung und Interpretation, d) der Verortung von Angebot und Nutzung im Mehrebenensystem, e) der Bedeutung von Kontexten und f) der aufgefuhrten Kriterien unterrichtlicher Wirksamkeit. Der Beitrag schliest mit einem Fazit, in dessen Rahmen ein integriertes Angebots-Nutzungs-Modell vorgestellt wird.
Association between selected immune markers and low ankle-brachial index in virologically suppressed HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral therapy in Nigeria

Introduction: People living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) on effective antiretroviral treatment (ART) are exposed to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, often linked to inflammation and immune activation. Ankle-brachial index (ABI) has been widely accepted as screening tool for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and future cardiovascular events, and is inexpensive and noninvasive compared to carotid intima-media thickness measurements. This study aimed at determining the association between low ankle-brachial index and selected immune markers among virologically suppressed HIV-infected participants on ART in Kwara State, Nigeria. Material and methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted between July 2018 and December 2018. One hundred and fifty HIV-infected participants and fifty HIV non-infected age matched controls were recruited into the study. Ankle-brachial index was measured, and peripheral arterial disease was defined as ABI of < 0.9. Cryopreserved plasma was used to evaluate interleukin (IL)-6 and sCD14. Student’s t-test and c2 test were used to compare continuous and categorical variables. Associations of CVD and immunologic markers with low ABI were assessed using logistic regression analysis. Results: The study group had significantly lower mean values for ABI and significantly higher mean values of IL-6 and sCD14 compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The prevalence of low ABI (14.6%) was higher in the study group compared to the control group (2%). IL-6 (OR 0.992, p = 0.087) and sCD14 (OR 0.918, p = 0.058) were not associated with low ABI in the study group. Conclusions: HIV-infected individuals on suppressive ART demonstrate increased levels of IL-6 and sCD14 compared to not infected controls. The impact of inflammation and immune activation on PAD in treated HIV-infection requires further investigation. HIV AIDS Rev 2020; 19, 4: 227-236 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5114/hivar.2020. 101502
Low-Cost CZTSSe Solar Cells Fabricated with Low Band Gap CZTSe Nanocrystals, Environmentally Friendly Binder, and Nonvacuum Processes

High quality Cu2ZnSn(SSe)4 (CZTSSe) for solar cells can be fabricated with Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) nanocrystals, followed by a selenization process. However, the use of toxic and environmentally unfriendly solvents such as toluene or hexanethiol to disperse the nanocrystals and the use of the harsh selenization process to promote the grain growth are not environmentally benign. We present here an environmentally friendly, sustainable, and scalable route to fabricate CZTSSe with Cu2ZnSnSe4 (CTZSe) nanocrystals by a sulfurization process. The CZTSSe film has been doped with S to optimize the device performance, exhibiting an enhancement in the open-circuit voltage (Voc) and short circuit current density (Jsc). In addition, by developing a robust precursor film with the addition of ethyl cellulose, the loss of Sn associated with the conversion of CZTSe to CZTSSe during the grain growth process has been mitigated, leading to an increase in the conversion efficiency compared to that of the precursor film without usin.
H-Band Substrate-Integrated Discrete-Lens Antenna for High Data Rate Communication Systems

A substrate-integrated discrete-lens antenna manufactured in standard printed-circuit-board (PCB) technology is demonstrated in <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$H$ </tex-math></inline-formula>-band (225–325 GHz). The arrays composed of phase-shifting unit cells and a waveguide-fed planar focal source are designed on a single PCB stack with five metal layers and multiple low-loss dielectric substrates in a monolithic module of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$20\times 20\times4.52$ </tex-math></inline-formula> mm<sup>3</sup>. The linearly polarized unit cells are based on arc-shaped resonators placed between two perpendicular polarizing grids. They achieve eight transmission phase states with less than 1 dB average insertion loss and 27% 1 dB bandwidth. Two antenna prototypes with radiating apertures of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$6.6\times6.6$ </tex-math></inline-formula> mm<sup>2</sup> and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$10.56\times10.56$ </tex-math></inline-formula> mm<sup>2</sup> are designed, fabricated, and measured. They demonstrate linearly polarized pencil-beam radiation patterns with low sidelobes, low cross-polarization, an experimental gain of 20.6/23.1 dBi at 327/332 GHz, and 3 dB gain bandwidth of 26.3%/17.2%. The impact of manufacturing tolerances is detailed both at unit-cell level and antenna level.
Observations of deep-sea sharks and associated species at a large food fall on the continental margin off South Carolina, USA (NW Atlantic)

Observations of deep-sea dogfishes (family Squalidae) were made opportunistically via a remotely operated vehicle at a large food fall, a recently dead Atlantic Swordfish, Xiphius gladius, on a topographic rise at 453 m depth off South Carolina, USA (NW Atlantic). Genie’s Dogfish, Squalus clarkae (formerly S. mitsukurii), and Roughskin Dogfish, Cirrhigaleus asper, were the principal scavengers. Additional scavengers included crabs (Callinectidae) and a cutthroat eel (Synaphobranchus sp.). At least two Wreckfish, Polyprion americanus, were attracted to the carcass, and one was observed to prey directly upon a small dogfish. The aggregation of highly vagile scavengers to food falls, sources of organic carbon transfer to the deep sea, is generally assumed to be based on odor plumes, but acoustic cues from large and active scavengers can also account for rapid attraction of other scavengers and predators.
Vulnerability to climate change in smallholder farming households: a case study of Eritrea

Climate change is adversely affecting smallholder farming households in Eritrea mainly due to the dependence their livelihood to the climate-regulated activity. This study examines the degree of vulnerability of smallholder farming households in Eritrea using a Vulnerability Livelihood Index (VLI). Major components of vulnerability to climate change were identified as Exposure, Sensitivity and Adaptive Capacity. More than 88% of the farming households were found to be vulnerable or highly vulnerable to climate change as a result of the combined effect of their exposure to external factors, sensitivity to internal factors, and lower adaptive capacity. Female-headed households and those belonging to disadvantaged low-income groups were more vulnerable and in need of being preferentially targeted by policy measures. Improving human resource development by focusing on education and health, and enhancing adaptive capacity by focusing on access to food and water can develop the resilience of the farming households.