Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Linear and nonlinear causal relationship between energy consumption and economic growth in China: New evidence based on wavelet analysis

The energy-growth nexus has important policy implications for economic development. The results from many past studies that investigated the causality direction of this nexus can lead to misleading policy guidance. Using data on China from 1953 to 2013, this study shows that an application of causality test on the time series of energy consumption and national output has masked a lot of information. The Toda-Yamamoto test with bootstrapped critical values and the newly proposed non-linear causality test reveal no causal relationship. However, a further application of these tests using series in different time-frequency domain obtained from wavelet decomposition indicates that while energy consumption Granger causes economic growth in the short run, the reverse is true in the medium term. A bidirectional causal relationship is found for the long run. This approach has proven to be superior in unveiling information on the energy-growth nexus that are useful for policy planning over different time horizons.
Pelvic Floor Muscle Training With Or Without Tibial Nerve Stimulation and Lifestyle Changes Have Comparable Effects on The Overactive Bladder. A Randomized Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE To compare effects of transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation (TPTNS) and pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) in women with overactive bladder syndrome (OAB). MATERIAL AND METHODS We randomized 67 women ? 18 years with OAB to three parallel groups: group I (n = 22) received life-style recommendations (LSR) only; group II (n = 24) had LSR + PFMT and group III (n = 21) had LSR + PFMT + TPTNS. Urgency, evaluated by a 3-day voiding diary before treatment and six weeks later, was the main outcome measure. The King's College Health Questionnaire was also administered. RESULTS Urgency was significantly reduced in all three groups from 5.1 ± 3.7 to 3.8 ± 3.2 episodes/day, P = . 016 in group I, from 5.2 ± 3.6 to 3.2 ± 2.9, P = . 006 in group II and from 6.8 ± 3.1 to 4.4 ± 3.5 in group III, P = . 013. There were no intergroup differences. The questionnaire results improved significantly only in group III as regards general health perception, role limitation, physical and social limitations without intergroup differences. Womenimproved their micturition frequency in two groups from 8.9 ± 3.2 to 7.5 ± 2.3 episodes/per day, P = . 025 in group II, and from 8.8 ± 2.3 to 7.4 ± 2.0, P = . 001 in group III, but only in group II was a significant reduction of urinary incontinence seen from 3.8 ± 4.6 to 2.9 ± 4.8 episodes/day, P = . 045. CONCLUSION All three treatments lead to effective short-term reduction of urgency in women with OAB, but longterm efficacy evaluation is required.
Architectural pattern of the mucosal epithelium of the alimentary canal of Notopterus notopterus [Pallas] and Oreochromis mossambicus [Paters]: a comparative study

The stratified epithelial cells of the buccophaf} n. " and oe­ sophagus are provided with simple and unbranched microridges in Notopterus notopterus. On the contraf)·, highly complex mi­ croridges on the epithelial cells of buccopharynx and oesopha­ gus are characteristic feature of Oreochromis mossambicus. In both the fishes the gastric mucosa is pr°'ided v1ith various mi­ nor folds forming empty concavities. The concmities are com­ paratively deeper in N notopterus. In the intestine of N no­ topterus the mucosa! folds are comparatively thinner and sim­ pler than 0. mossambicus. However, the. presence of highly compact and slender microvilli ofthe . columnar epithelial cells in the intestine of N. notopteriis is'the characteristic feature of a shorbgut The complex,acuangem�not pf�ucosal folds form­ ing igegul� pockets in . the luminal wall of the rectum in N. ndiopterus pennits the' greater elasticity for accomodating the undigested foodd)n; the other hand, in 0. mossambicus t! Je . muc.osal folds are comparatively thinner.
Discrimination and distress among Afghan refugees in northern California: The moderating role of pre- and post-migration factors

This study investigates the effect of perceived discrimination on the mental health of Afghan refugees, and secondly, tests the distress moderating effects of pre-migration traumatic experiences and post-resettlement adjustment factors. In a cross-sectional design, 259 Afghans completed surveys assessing perceived discrimination and a number of other factors using scales developed through inductive techniques. Multivariable analyses consisted of a series of hierarchical regressions testing the effect of perceived discrimination on distress, followed by a sequential analysis of moderator variables. Perceived discrimination was significantly associated with higher distress, and this relationship was stronger among those with a strong intra-ethnic identity and high pre-resettlement traumatic experiences. The expected buffering effects of civic engagement, ethnic orientation (e.g. integration), and social support were not significant. Discrimination is a significant source of stress for Afghan refugees, which may exacerbate stresses associated with other pre- and post-migration stressors. Future research is needed to tailor interventions that can help mitigate the stress associated with discrimination among this highly vulnerable group.
Low-Level Convergence Over the Palmer Divide Induced by Complex Terrain

The relationships between low-level convergence, vertical velocity, relative vorticity, and moderate-to-heavy precipitation indicate the significance of understanding both the meteorology and the topography of a given region. In this study, the three-dimensional winds, convergence, and relative vorticity associated with a terrain-induced low-level cyclonically-turning circulation (LLCC) are analyzed over the southern Colorado Palmer Divide on 9-10 October 2014 to diagnose the importance of complex topography in generating, enhancing, and distributing precipitation. Past studies show that the necessary ingredients for heavy precipitation over the Colorado Front Range (including the Palmer Divide) are: easterly upslope winds, a high water vapor environment, and an unstable or conditionally unstable atmosphere. Furthermore, many orographic precipitation mechanisms have been studied and identified across this region. However, few studies discuss the importance of the complex topography and its influence on both low-level circulations and precipitation over the Palmer Divide except for the Denver Cyclone. The results of this study indicate that the LLCC formed near Colorado Springs, CO, and contained high moisture content traced back to Tropical Storm Simon, in conjunction with an easterly flow over the Palmer Divide. The circulation enhanced convective activity due to latent heat release, which strengthened convergence that led to heavy precipitation over the southern Palmer Divide. As the LLCC dissipated, a larger-scale upper-level induced circulation developed and extended convergence to the east, which produced significant mesoscale lifting and widespread precipitation that mirrored the shape of the Palmer Divide. Reflectivities dissipated as the circulation moved east and southeastward off the higher terrain. This movement led to a developing northeasterly flow initiated by high pressure to the north that weakened convergence over much of the Palmer Divide, which ended the event.
Comparative Analysis of Cascaded Half Bridge Inverter Using Different Modulation Techniques

The multilevel inverters have gained very great interest in the power industry. It is easy to generate high power with medium voltage switches multilevel structure in which the voltage stresses of the devices can be controlled. Increase of the number of voltage levels in inverter without the increase in the rating of the switches increases the power rating and reduces the harmonic distortion. It enables to reach high voltages with low harmonic distortion without the use of transformers. Different modulation techniques such as phase disposition (PD), phase opposition disposition (POD), alternate phase opposition disposition (APOD) techniques are used to generate the pulse pattern for the inverter. In this paper, a five level and twenty one level cascaded half bridge multilevel inverter are simulated in MATLAB/Simulink and the harmonic analysis has been carried out.
Exploring motivation: integrating the ARCS model with instruction

Purpose This paper aims to provide an overview of Keller’s ARCS (attention, relevance, confidence and satisfaction) model of motivational design and explores how three instruction librarians at different institutions have integrated the model into their teaching practices to improve student motivation during information literacy (IL) sessions. Design/methodology/approach Case studies describe how instruction librarians began to incorporate the ARCS model into library instruction. Three librarians used self-reflective practice and a range of assessment techniques to evaluate and improve teaching practice. Findings ARCS is valuable for improving student engagement during IL instruction. The authors suggest best practices for learning about and integrating the model and propose instructional strategies that align with it. Originality/value This paper fills a gap in literature on practical applications of motivational design in library instruction and suggests best practices for teaching and assessment using the ARCS model.
Symptom Experience and Self-rated Physical Functioning in Patients With Ovarian Cancer Receiving Chemotherapy: A Longitudinal Study

Objectives In this longitudinal study, we investigated occurrence of multiple symptoms during chemotherapy in patients with ovarian cancer. We also evaluated whether self-rated physical functioning, selected demographic, and clinical variables were associated with symptom burden over time. Methods and Materials In total, 82 patients provided longitudinal data (4 time points) by completing questionnaires including the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale, the Karnofsky Performance Status Scale, and the Self-Administered Comorbidity Questionnaire. Demographic and clinical data were collected from medical records. Karnofsky Performance Status Scale score of less than 80 was defined as low and Karnofsky Performance Status Scale score 80 or higher as high physical functioning. Possible associations between the most frequent symptoms and selected variables were modeled using binary logistic regression for repeated measures. Results Palliative treatment was the main reason for treatment for 85% of the patients. Sixty percent of the patients reported high prevalence of symptoms, particularly lack of energy, difficulty sleeping, and worrying. The total number of symptoms increased during the treatment and returned to enrollment values at 6 months. This trend was dominated with physical symptoms. When we compared women with low (n = 33) versus high physical functioning (n = 49) at enrollment, low physical functioning was significantly associated with more symptoms and distress for the study period. Patients with low physical functioning were more likely to experience lack of energy (odds ratio [OR] = 8.33), feeling drowsy (OR = 4.17), feeling bloated (OR = 2.44), feeling sad (OR = 3.33), having pain (OR = 4.72), and worrying (OR = 2.50), and this remained stable throughout the observation period of 6 months. Conclusions A high symptom burden was reported in this cohort of patients with ovarian cancer mainly treated with palliative intent. Low self-rated physical functioning was strongly associated with high symptom burden for the 6-month period. When chemotherapy is discussed with patients with ovarian cancer with low physical functioning, possible palliation benefits must be weighed against the added risk of long-term distressful symptoms that chemotherapy implies.
Is BDNF‐Val66Met polymorphism associated with psychotic experiences and psychotic disorder outcome? Evidence from a 6 years prospective population‐based cohort study

There is little research on genetic risk for the extended psychosis phenotype ranging from psychotic experiences (PEs) to psychotic disorders (PDs). In this general population‐based prospective cohort study, the longitudinal associations between BDNF‐Val66Met polymorphism and the different levels of the extended psychosis phenotype were investigated. Addresses were contacted in a multistage clustered probability sampling frame covering 11 districts and 302 neighborhoods at baseline (n = 4011). A nested case‐control study (n = 366) recruited individuals with PEs and PDs as well as individuals with no psychotic symptoms. In this subgroup, blood sampling for genetic analysis and assessment of environmental exposures were carried out, followed by clinical re‐appraisal at follow‐up 6 years later (n = 254). The BDNF‐Val66Met polymorphism was significantly associated with the extended psychosis phenotype. The pattern of the association was that the BDNF‐Val66Met polymorphism impacted in a dose‐response but extra‐linear fashion, with stronger impact at the PD end of the extended psychosis phenotype. Associations were still significant after adjusting for sociodemographic factors and environmental exposures including life events, childhood adversity, socioeconomic status, urbanicity, and cannabis use. The BDNF‐Val66Met polymorphism may index susceptibility to expression of psychosis along a spectrum.
Saying More with Less? Disclosure Conciseness, Completeness and Balance in Integrated Reports

The Integrated Reporting Framework of 2013 represents the latest international attempt to connect a firm’s financial and sustainability (i.e., environmental, social and governance) performance in one company report. An Integrated Report (IR) should communicate “concisely” about how a firm’s strategy, governance, performance and prospects, in the context of its external environment, lead to the creation of sustainable value. At the same time, an IR needs to be “complete and balanced”, i.e., broadly including all material matters, both positive and negative, in a balanced way. Drawing on impression management studies, we examine a selection of performance determinants to gain insights into the factors associated with conciseness, completeness and balance in IR. The results from a sample of IR early adopters show that in the presence of a firm’s weak financial performance, the IR tends to be significantly longer and less readable (i.e., less concise), and more optimistic (i.e., less balanced). We additionally find that firms with worse social performance provide reports that are foggier (i.e., less concise) and with less information on their sustainability performance (i.e., less complete). Our evidence implies that IR early adopters employ quantity and syntactical reading ease manipulation as well as thematic content and verbal tone manipulation as impression management strategies. The results also suggest that such strategies depend not only on the level of firms’ performance but also on the type of performance (financial versus nonfinancial/sustainability). This paper adds to the limited literature on IR in sustainability accounting as well as to the research in mainstream financial accounting that examines disclosure quality using textual analysis.
Linaclotide Attenuates Visceral Organ Crosstalk: Role of Guanylate Cyclase-C Activation in Reversing Bladder-Colon Cross-Sensitization

Bladder pain syndrome (BPS) is poorly understood; however, there is a female predominance and comorbidity with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Here we test the hypothesis that linaclotide, a guanylate cyclase-C (GC-C) agonist approved for the treatment of IBS with constipation (IBS-C), may represent a novel therapeutic for BPS acting through a mechanism involving an inhibition of visceral organ cross-sensitization. We showed previously that infusion of dilute protamine sulfate (PS) into the bladder increased sensitivity and permeability in the bladder and colon. PS was infused into the bladder of female rats; sensitivity was assessed via application of von Frey filaments applied to the suprapubic area and the frequency of withdrawal responses was recorded. Colonic sensitivity was measured via visceromotor behavioral response to graded pressures of colorectal distension (CRD). Permeability was measured in vitro via transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and conductance (G). Linaclotide (3 µg/kg, p.o.) or vehicle was administered daily for 7 days prior to experiments. Rats treated with PS bladder infusion exhibited visceral hyperalgesia, as shown by a significantly higher response frequency to individual von Frey filaments and increased behavioral responses to CRD. Linaclotide attenuated bladder and colonic hyperalgesia to control levels. PS infusion into the bladder increased bladder and colon permeability measured as a decrease in TEER and increased G. Linaclotide significantly inhibited PS-induced colonic hyperpermeability while having no effect on bladder hyperpermeability. Our findings suggest a novel treatment paradigm for GC-C agonism in IBS-C and BPS mediated through a mechanism involving visceral organ crosstalk.
Supplementary Material for LiteFlowNet: A Lightweight Convolutional Neural Network for Optical Flow Estimation

Figures S1 to S3 show some examples of flow fields of different best performing networks on Sintel clean and final passes [2], KITTI12 [4], KITTI15 [7], and Middlebury [1] benchmarks. A video clip (https://www. youtube.com/watch? v=pfQ0zFwv-hM) is available on our project page (http://mmlab.ie.cuhk.edu. hk/projects/LiteFlowNet/) to showcase the performance of LiteFlowNet [5] and the effectiveness of the proposed components in our network. Flow fields of the compared methods, FlowNet1 [3], FlowNet22 [6] and SPyNet3 [8], are generated using the trained models and the code packages provided by the corresponding authors.
What's the Bottom Line?

Practicing tai chi may help to improve balance and stability in older people and in those with Parkinson’s disease, reduce back pain and pain from knee osteoarthritis, and improve quality of life in people with heart disease, cancer, and other chronic illnesses. Tai chi and qi gong may ease fibromyalgia pain and promote general quality of life. Qi gong may reduce chronic neck pain, but study results are mixed. Tai chi also may improve reasoning ability in older people.
Sparsely Grouped Multi-Task Generative Adversarial Networks for Facial Attribute Manipulation

Recently, Image-to-Image Translation (IIT) has achieved great progress in image style transfer and semantic context manipulation for images. However, existing approaches require exhaustively labelling training data, which is labor demanding, difficult to scale up, and hard to adapt to a new domain. To overcome such a key limitation, we propose Sparsely Grouped Generative Adversarial Networks (SG-GAN) as a novel approach that can translate images in sparsely grouped datasets where only a few train samples are labelled. Using a one-input multi-output architecture, SG-GAN is well-suited for tackling multi-task learning and sparsely grouped learning tasks. The new model is able to translate images among multiple groups using only a single trained model. To experimentally validate the advantages of the new model, we apply the proposed method to tackle a series of attribute manipulation tasks for facial images as a case study. Experimental results show that SG-GAN can achieve comparable results with state-of-the-art methods on adequately labelled datasets while attaining a superior image translation quality on sparsely grouped datasets~\footnoteCode is available at https://github.com/zhangqianhui/SGGAN-tensorflow.
Experienced Optimization with Reusable Directional Model for Hyper-Parameter Search

Hyper-parameter selection is a crucial yet difficult issue in machine learning. For this problem, derivative-free optimization has being playing an irreplaceable role. However, derivative-free optimization commonly requires a lot of hyper-parameter samples, while each sample could have a high cost for hyper-parameter selection due to the costly evaluation of a learning model. To tackle this issue, in this paper, we propose an experienced optimization approach, i.e., learning how to optimize better from a set of historical optimization processes. From the historical optimization processes on previous datasets, a directional model is trained to predict the direction of the next good hyper-parameter. The directional model is then reused to guide the optimization in learning new datasets. We implement this mechanism within a state-of-the-art derivative-free optimization method SRacos, and conduct experiments on learning the hyper-parameters of heterogeneous ensembles and neural network architectures. Experimental results verify that the proposed approach can significantly improve the learning accuracy within a limited hyper-parameter sample budget.
Management and outcomes of pregnancy with or without lupus nephritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Although it is well established that systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) negatively affects pregnancy outcomes, there is insufficient evidence on the effect of lupus nephritis (LN) on antenatal management and pregnancy outcomes. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the association of LN with management and pregnancy outcomes in SLE patients. Methods Embase, Medline, Cochrane, and ClinicalTrials.gov were carefully searched for relevant English and Chinese language studies. A total of 2,987 articles were reviewed. Data were extracted that compared management and pregnancy outcomes in SLE pregnant women with LN vs without LN. Risk of bias was assessed by a modified version of the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and the STROBE checklist. Combined odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were obtained and sensitivity analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. Results Sixteen studies, including 1,760 pregnant patients with SLE, were included. Gestational hypertension (OR=5.65, 95% CI=2.94–10.84), preeclampsia (OR=2.84, 95% CI=1.87–4.30), SLE flare (OR=2.66, 95% CI=1.51–4.70), renal flare (OR=15.18, 95% CI=5.89–39.14), proteinuria (OR=8.86, 95% CI=4.75–16.52), and hypocomplementemia (OR=2.86, 95% CI=1.68–4.87) were significantly affected in pregnant women with LN. Anti-Sjögren’s syndrome-related antigen A/Ro autoantibodies were negatively associated with pregnant women with LN (OR=0.57, 95% CI=0.33–0.98). Pregnant women with LN presented a significant decrease in live births (OR=0.62, 95% CI=0.49–0.80) and a significant increase in preterm births (OR=1.92, 95% CI=1.49–2.49) and fetal growth restriction (OR=1.43, 95% CI=1.08–1.91). Regarding antenatal management, steroids (OR=2.48, 95% CI=1.59–3.87) and immunosuppressant treatment (OR=6.77, 95% CI=3.30–13.89) were more frequently used in women with LN. Conclusion This review identified a significant association between the aforementioned outcomes and SLE pregnant patients with LN. In patients with SLE, LN increased the risks for adverse pregnancy outcomes and the use of medication. Therefore, special treatment and close monitoring should be allocated to pregnant women with LN.