Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
When do consumers stand up for the environment? Evidence from a large-scale social experiment to promote environmentally friendly coffee

By conducting a social experiment, we investigate the appropriate marketing strategies to stimulate the purchase of environmentally friendly product (certified coffee). We contribute to the literature in the following three ways. First, our experimental scale is large, targeting more than 10,000 vending machines installed in the throughout Japan. Second, we distinguish the observations by the location of vending machines, such as open- and closed-spaces, and capture the actual purchase of certified coffee. Third, to rigorously identify the factors affecting the purchase of certified coffee, we use the prescreening regression approach to reduce the bias due to endogeneity and check the sensitivity of our results. The results show that the vending machines installed in the closed-space, such as factory, company and university, significantly increase the number of sales of certified coffee by providing the information regarding the certification system. Additionally, the information provision significantly increases the total sales of vending machines. These results suggest that the information provision in closed-space enhances users purchase behavior for the certified coffee and successfully acquires the new customers. In contrast, none of the interventions have significant impact on the vending machines installed in the open-space, such as station and shopping mall. Acknowledgement : This work was supported by JSPS KAKENHI Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B) Number 15K21001 and Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research on Innovative Areas Number 25101003.
Regulation of cell surface transferrin receptor-2 by iron-dependent cleavage and release of a soluble form

Transferrin receptor-2 is a transmembrane protein whose expression is restricted to hepatocytes and erythroid cells. Transferrin receptor-2 has a regulatory function in iron homeostasis, since its inactivation causes systemic iron overload. Hepatic transferrin receptor-2 participates in iron sensing and is involved in hepcidin activation, although the mechanism remains unclear. Erythroid transferrin receptor-2 associates with and stabilizes erythropoietin receptors on the erythroblast surface and is essential to control erythrocyte production in iron deficiency. We identified a soluble form of transferrin receptor-2 in the media of transfected cells and showed that cultured human erythroid cells release an endogenous soluble form. Soluble transferrin receptor-2 originates from a cleavage of the cell surface protein, which is inhibited by diferric transferrin in a dose-dependent manner. Accordingly, the shedding of the transferrin receptor-2 variant G679A, mutated in the Arginine-Glycine-Aspartic acid motif and unable to bind diferric transferrin, is not modulated by the ligand. This observation links the process of transferrin receptor-2 removal from the plasma membrane to iron homeostasis. Soluble transferrin receptor-2 does not affect the binding of erythropoietin to erythropoietin receptor or the consequent signaling and partially inhibits hepcidin promoter activation only in vitro. Whether it is a component of the signals released by erythropoiesis in iron deficiency remains to be investigated. Our results indicate that membrane transferrin receptor-2, a sensor of circulating iron, is released from the cell membrane in iron deficiency.
zacitidine differentially affects CD 4 pos T-cell polarization in vitro and in vivo in igh risk myelodysplastic syndromes

CD4pos T-cell subsets play a role in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) pathogenesis and may be affected upon 5-azacitidine (Aza) treatment. Aza enhanced human TH1 frequencies in vitro but not in vivo. The proportion of functional FoxP3pos regulatory T cells (Treg) was enhanced by Aza in vitro (p < 0.0002), and a modest, temporary increase was observed in vivo (p = 0.08). The overall number of TH17 was reduced both in vitro (p < 0.03) and in vivo (p < 0.006), indicating that Aza directly affects CD4pos polarization during activation in vitro. Upon in vivo treatment in high risk MDS patients, particularly the T 17-Treg axis is eywords:
Understanding the determinants of users’ subjective well-being in social networking sites: an integration of social capital theory and social presence theory

ABSTRACT In order to understand the factors affecting users’ well-being perception derived from social networking sites usage, this study integrates the perspectives of social presence theory and social capital theory to develop a research model. Data were collected from 305 users of Facebook in Taiwan to test the model. The findings reveal that structural capital, relational capital, and cognitive capital exert significant influences on subjective well-being. The results also reveal that structural capital and cognitive capital have positive influence on relational capital, while structural capital influences cognitive capital significantly. The results, on the other hand, show that awareness and affective social presence are the antecedents of structural capital, whereas cognitive social presence and affective social presence influence cognitive capital significantly. Finally, affective social presence is associated with relational capital positively. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Somatic development of children with visual impairment

The effect of sensory organ diseases on physical growth is not an issue that is frequently discussed in auxology. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physical growth of children and youth suffering from sight deficiency or blindness in respect of the degree of disability, its etiology, and therapies applied in the course of treatment. The study involved 288 subjects (126 girls and 162 boys) aged 6 to 19 years, recruited from Centers for Blind and Partially Sighted Children in Wroclaw and Cracow (Poland). The material provided the following anthropological data: height and body weight, BMI, triceps and subscapular skinfold thickness. The subjects with deficient sight were shorter and lighter and had greater trunk adiposity than their normally sighted peers. The degree of disability differentiated adiposity – blind children were markedly more obese (p < 0.001) than partially sighted children. The weakest growth was observed in the subjects with deficient vision who had cranial surgery due to brain cancer or head injuries. These children were the shortest and most obese (p < 0.01). The results obtained in the present study indicate that while evaluating physical growth in children, one ought to consider both the cause of vision impairment and therapies applied during the treatment.
Can SMS-extension increase farmer experimentation? Evidence from Six RCTs in East Africa

Several programs use mobile phone text messaging as a way to a↵ect behavior at scale at a low cost. This project provides new evidence on the e↵ects of SMS-based agricultural extension programs on the likelihood that farmers will react to the advice. We present results from six RCTs conducted with farmers in Kenya and Rwanda. All six programs encouraged farmers to experiment with agricultural lime, an input that can reduce soil acidity and increase yields. Four programs also encouraged farmers to experiment with certain types of fertilizers. Programs varied in their design, informational content and target populations. Using meta-analytic techniques we estimate that the odds ratio for the e↵ects of the programs on purchases of agricultural lime is 1.19-1.58 and it is statistically significant. The odds ratio for the e↵ect of the programs that had a fertilizer information component was 1.02-1.31 but only statistically significant when one particular study is included. We do not find compelling evidence to suggest that providing more detailed content and o↵ering other add-ons, such as access to a call center, significantly increased the impact of simple text messages.
Differences in patterns of drug use between women and men

Gender differences in patterns of drug use are addressed in this technical paper. According to the paper, men in the EU are still more likely than women to use illicit drugs. But there are concerns around possible signs of a ? narrowing of the gap? between male and female drug use, and greater similarities in lifetime drugtaking experience, particularly among school students. The paper analyses data from three sources: ESPAD school surveys (1995, 1999, 2003); general population surveys; and drug treatment centres.
A VBM SYSTEM FOR INTELLIGENT ROBOTIC WELDING

During the past few years, there have been a large number of attempts to automate the welding process in many applications. Due to the rising demand in shipbuilding applications, the automation of the welding process is necessary for improving the productivity and quality of shipyards. Another rising trend in intelligent systems is the development of vision based methods for automation, called Vision-Based Measurement (VBM) systems. The present paper proposes a VBM system for the automation of intelligent robotic welding applications. The proposed system is based on a single visual sensor for the image acquisition, a CMOS camera, and a FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) development board, responsible for the adjustment of the robot parameters in real time. The image processing and welding parameters extraction is performed using a standard computer. The paper presents the full stack development discussing the implementation and results of the proposed solution. Keywords— welding robots, automation, VBM, computer vision, image processing
ASSESSING DYNAMICS IN THE VALUE OF ECOSYSTEM SERVICES IN RESPONSE TO LAND COVER / LAND USE CHANGES IN ETHIOPIA , EAST AFRICAN RIFT SYSTEM

Ecosystem services (ES) are essential to human well-being. Assessing dynamics of ES is crucial to shaping the concept of sustainable development and creating public understanding of the status of ES. This study proposes to quantify the change in ES value in response to Land cover/land use (LCLU) changes over the past 33 years in the Rift Valley Lakes Region of Ethiopia. A combined approach of LCLU classification and modified ES value coefficients was employed for quantifying the ES value. Results revealed that approximately USD196.04 ×106 (12.4%) of ES value was lost during the study period. Although cropland experienced a dramatic expansion, the total gain in ES value of the cropland was too small to balance out the overall loss. A continuous reduction in values of specific ES functions has also occurred except for food production, biological control, and pollination service function over the last three decades, indicating an apparent deterioration of the fragile Rift Valley ecosystem. Hence, to enhance the continuous supply of ES and economic development, an integrated approach to managing land and water resources is recommended. Moreover, payment for ES is also a potential remedy for ES loss at the regional and local scale.
CENTURY WORLDWIDE SEISMICITY ANALYSIS : A NEW VIEW OF EARTHQUAKE PREDICTION BASED ON THE BRITTLE-DUCTILE INTERACTION HYPOTHESIS

World-wide, regional, and local earthquake catalogues are used to analyze seismic time variation at global, regional and local scale. The quality of the catalogues is discussed and the magnitude of completeness is estimated. Taking into account the availability of regional data, their time and magnitude completeness threshold and their rate of seismic activity, three countries/regions are chosen for regional analysis: Spain, Colombia and Taiwan. Finally, a seismic station in Colombia is selected for a detailed local analysis. In fact, the final target of this work is to test the lithosphere brittle-ductile interaction hypothesis as a mid-term predictor. The time evolution of seismic activity represents the brittle zone behavior while the one of the ductile zone is characterized by the time evolution of the coda-Q quality factor. Correlation analysis between seismicity and attenuation would lead to a mid-term prediction. Thus, at local scale, for the selected station, both seismicity and attenuation functions are analyzed. Cross correlation of the time series of the seismic rates with those of the attenuation, is calculated. Significant variations, in both the seismic activity and the Q quality factor, are detected, and seismic patterns, such as cycles are distinguished at all scales. The effects of the complex and deep activity in the Colombian region in the correlation analysis are discussed and compared with results of analogous studies in other dissimilar tectonic areas.
AM Defining and Dimensionalizing Organizational Innovativeness

Few research agendas have successfully addressed tourism firm-level innovativeness, and the few studies that do exist typically provide only descriptive data or often remain at a conceptual level (Siguaw et al., 2006). Subsequently, an extensive knowledge gap concerning what constitutes firm-level innovativeness exists. Academics are confusing innovativeness with innovation and innovation orientation; producing many conflicting and inconsistent research results. Drawing from prior relevant research conducted over the past 38 years in the innovation, organizational, strategy, marketing, consumer, tourism, and psychology literatures; this paper conceptualizes firm-level innovativeness, delineating it as a multidimensional construct. This paper allows future research to operationalize innovativeness.
Domestic Pig Unlikely Reservoir for MERS-CoV

We tested the suitability of the domestic pig as a model for Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection. Inoculation did not cause disease, but a low level of virus replication, shedding, and seroconversion were observed. Pigs do not recapitulate human MERS-CoV and are unlikely to constitute a reservoir in nature.
anxiety in primary and secondary school students : Gender differences , developmental changes and anxiety speci fi city

Article history: Received 9 March 2015 Received in revised form 18 January 2016 Accepted 27 February 2016 Maths anxiety (MA) is a debilitating negative emotional reaction towardsmathematics. However,MA research in primary and early secondary school is surprisingly sparse and inconsistent. Here we tested primary and secondary students' maths and reading performance and their maths and general anxiety (GA). We examined gender differences, developmental changes regarding the MA/maths performance link and investigated whether MA is linked to other academic domains (reading) and/or to other anxiety-types (GA). Results revealed that girls exhibited higher MA than boys at both educational levels. Whilst there was a reliable negative correlation between MA and secondary students' arithmetic performance, no such relationship was revealed in primary students. Finally, MA was moderately correlated with GA and, when GA was partialled out, MA remained significantly correlated with secondary students' arithmetic performance. MA was not related to reading performance when GA was controlled. It was concluded that the negative MA/maths performance link surfaces later in the educational timeline and MA appears to be both exclusively related to maths and independent of GA. © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
BROADBAND SIMULATION FOR A HYPOTHETICAL M W 7 . 1 EARTHQUAKE ON THE ENRIQUILLO FAULT IN HAITI

In this study, we investigate ground shaking in the vicinity of Port-au-Prince if a hypothetical rupture similar to the 2010 Haiti earthquake occurred on the central segment of the Enriquillo Fault. We use a finite element method and assumptions on regional tectonic stress to simulate the low-frequency ground motion components using dynamic rupture propagation for a 52-km-long segment. We consider eight scenarios by varying parameters such as hypocenter location, initial shear stress and fault dip. The high-frequency ground motion components are simulated using the specific barrier model in the context of the stochastic modeling approach. The broadband ground motion synthetics are subsequently obtained by combining the low-frequency components from the dynamic rupture simulation with the high-frequency components from the stochastic simulation using matched filtering at a crossover frequency of 1 Hz. Results show that rupture on a vertical Enriquillo Fault generates larger horizontal permanent displacements in Léogâne and Port-au-Prince than rupture on a south-dipping Enriquillo Fault. The mean horizontal peak ground acceleration, computed at several sites of interest throughout Port-auPrince, has a value of ~0.45g, whereas the maximum horizontal peak ground acceleration in Port-au-Prince is ~0.60g. Even though we only consider a limited number of rupture scenarios, our results suggest more intense ground shaking for the city of Port-au-Prince than during the already very damaging 2010 Haiti earthquake. Postodoctoral Researcher, Dept. of Earth Science, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521 (email: roby.douilly@ucr.edu) Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Science, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556 Professor and Department Head, Dept. of Geosciences, PSL Research University, École Normale Supérieure, 75005 Paris, France Eleventh U.S. National Conference on Earthquake
Key issues in inhalation therapy in children

ABSTRACT In order to achieve asthma control it is essential that children receive the appropriate education and training pertaining to the management of their disease, are prescribed the correct medication according to severity, and most importantly, are prescribed the correct inhaler to ensure medication is deposited in their lungs. There are three major misconceptions which physicians and patients have regarding the use of inhalers in children. Firstly, that the nebulizer is more effective than a pressurised metered dose inhaler (pMDI) plus spacer in treating acute asthma in children. Secondly that using an inhaler correctly is easy, and lastly that correct use of the inhaler, once taught, persists over time. However, recent studies have shown that these conceptions are false. Firstly, comparable efficacy is achieved by treatment with inhaled corticosteroids or bronchodilators delivered through a nebulizer and a pMDI plus spacer, both when used to treat acute asthma and for maintenance therapy. Secondly, contrary to general opinion, using an inhaler correctly is difficult for children. Many children with asthma use their inhaler devices incorrectly, even after instruction for correct use of the inhaler. Thirdly, correct inhalation technique deteriorates over time; and inhalation instructions, therefore, should be given repeatedly to achieve and maintain correct inhalation technique in asthmatic children. The profile of the ideal inhaler comprises good drug deposition in the lower airways, deliverance of a consistent dose, being easy to teach and to use correctly, and being small in size and convenient to handle. It should also be multidose, require a low inspiratory airflow for activation, provide feedback to patients on correct use of the inhaler, be re-usable, have an appealing design and feel, and have a reliable dose counter which may help to monitor the patient's compliance. The Novolizer device, a new multidose dry powder inhaler (DPI), shows many of these characteristics making it potentially very suitable for children with asthma.
SEISMIC RETROFITTING OF OLD-TYPE RC COLUMNS THROUGH JACKETING : TEXTILE-REINFORCED MORTARS ( TRM ) VERSUS FIBER-REINFORCED POLYMERS ( FRP )

The effectiveness of a new structural material, namely textile-reinforced mortar (TRM), was investigated experimentally in this study as a means of confining old-type reinforced concrete columns with limited capacity due to bar buckling or due to bond failure at lap splice regions. Comparisons with equal stiffness and strength fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) jackets allow for the evaluation of the effectiveness of TRM versus FRP. Tests were carried out on full scale nonseismically detailed RC columns subjected to cyclic uniaxial flexure under constant axial load. Thirteen cantilever-type specimens with either continuous longitudinal reinforcement (smooth or deformed) or lap splicing of longitudinal bars at the floor level were constructed and tested. Experimental results indicated that TRM jacketing is quite effective as a means of increasing the cyclic deformation capacity of old-type RC columns with poor detailing, by delaying bar buckling and by preventing splitting bond failures in columns with lap spliced bars. Compared with their FRP counterparts, TRM jackets used in this study were found to be equally effective in terms of increasing both the strength and deformation capacity of the retrofitted columns. From the response of specimens tested in this study, it can be concluded that TRM jacketing is an extremely promising solution for the confinement of reinforced concrete columns, including poorly detailed ones with or without lap splices in seismic regions.
Sampling and Machine Learning Methods for a Rapid Earthquake Loss Assessment System

Rapid earthquake damage and loss assessment is crucial both for insuring the safety of inhabitants in the immediate aftermath of an earthquake and for the recovery of the stricken communities in the long run. This paper investigates the potential of different machine learning methods for building a rapid earthquake loss assessment system intended for residential houses in a municipal area. The system is trained on a pre-earthquake selected representative set of residential houses, after observing their damage and loss states. Two representative sampling strategies and three machine learning algorithms are described and evaluated on the 2010 Kraljevo M5.4 earthquake data set. The proposed models showed satisfactory accuracy in predicting the total expected repair cost (less than 20% error with the representative sample size of 10% of the inventory). The approach is independent of geological and earthquake data and does not require local peak ground acceleration values. Assocaite professor, Faculty. of Civil Engineering, University of Belgrade, Serbia (email: milos@grf.bg.ac.rs ) Associate professor, Faculty. of Civil Engineering, University of Belgrade, Serbia (email: joka@grf.bg.ac.rs ) Assistant professor, Faculty. of Civil Engineering, University of Belgrade, Serbia (email: dejan@grf.bg.ac.rs ) Professor, Institute of Structural Engineering, ETH, Zurich, Switzerland (email: stojadinovic@ibk.baug.ethz.ch ) Kovačević M, Stojadinović Z, Marinković D, Stojadinović B. Sampling and Machine Learning Methods for a Rapid Earthquake Loss Assessment System. Proceedings of the 11 National Conference in Earthquake Engineering, Earthquake Engineering Research Institute, Los Angeles, CA. 2018. Eleventh U.S. National Conference on Earthquake Engineering Integrating Science, Engineering & Policy June 25-29, 2018 Los Angeles, California Sampling and Machine Learning Methods for a Rapid Earthquake Loss Assessment System M. Kovačević , Z. Stojadinović, D. Marinković and B. Stojadinović