Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Parallel SBAS Approach for Sentinel-1 Interferometric Wide Swath Deformation Time-Series Generation: Algorithm Description and Products Quality Assessment

We present an advanced differential synthetic aperture radar (SAR) interferometry (DInSAR) processing chain, based on the Parallel Small BAseline Subset (P-SBAS) technique, for the efficient generation of deformation time series from Sentinel-1 (S-1) interferometric wide (IW) swath SAR data sets. We first discuss an effective solution for the generation of high-quality interferograms, which properly accounts for the peculiarities of the terrain observation with progressive scans (TOPS) acquisition mode used to collect S-1 IW SAR data. These data characteristics are also properly accounted within the developed processing chain, taking full advantage from the burst partitioning. Indeed, such data structure represents a key element in the proposed P-SBAS implementation of the S-1 IW processing chain, whose migration into a cloud computing (CC) environment is also envisaged. An extensive experimental analysis, which allows us to assess the quality of the obtained interferometric products, is presented. To do this, we apply the developed S-1 IW P-SBAS processing chain to the overall archive acquired from descending orbits during the March 2015–April 2017 time span over the whole Italian territory, consisting in 2740 S-1 slices. In particular, the quality of the final results is assessed through a large-scale comparison with the GPS measurements relevant to nearly 500 stations. The mean standard deviation value of the differences between the DInSAR and the GPS time series (projected in the radar line of sight) is less than 0.5 cm, thus confirming the effectiveness of the implemented solution. Finally, a discussion about the performance achieved by migrating the developed processing chain within the Amazon Web Services CC environment is addressed, highlighting that a two-year data set relevant to a standard S-1 IW slice can be reliably processed in about 30 h.The presented results demonstrate the capability of the implemented P-SBAS approach to efficiently and effectively process large S-1 IW data sets relevant to extended portions of the earth surface, paving the way to the systematic generation of advanced DInSAR products to monitor ground displacements at a very wide spatial scale.
Controllability of a one-dimensional fractional heat equation: theoretical and numerical aspects

We analyse the controllability problem for a one-dimensional heat equation involving the fractional Laplacian $(-d_x^{\,2})^{s}$ on the interval $(-1,1)$. Using classical results and techniques, we show that, acting from an open subset $\omega \subset (-1,1)$, the problem is null-controllable for $s>1/2$ and that for $s\leqslant 1/2$ we only have approximate controllability. Moreover, we deal with the numerical computation of the control employing the penalized Hilbert Uniqueness Method and a finite element scheme for the approximation of the solution to the corresponding elliptic equation. We present several experiments confirming the expected controllability properties.
Long-term effects of intensive rice–wheat and agroforestry based cropping systems on build-up of nutrients and budgets in alluvial soils of Punjab, India

ABSTRACT A detailed study was conducted to investigate the long-term effects of rice–wheat and poplar-based agro-forestry systems existing on a large area for last 25 years on the distribution of macro as well as micronutrients in surface soils, as well as their profiles. To achieve these objectives, profile soil samples (0–150 cm) were collected from 10 randomly scattered locations each from rice–wheat and poplar-based agro-forestry systems and analyzed for various physico-chemical properties. The results of our investigation revealed that pH, EC, OC available N, P and K reported significantly higher levels in agro-forestry as compared to rice–wheat system. On the other hand, DTPA-extractable and total Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn were significantly higher in D1 (0–15 cm), D2 (15–30 cm) and D3 (30–45 cm) depths of rice–wheat system which may be attributed to the reduced conditions prevailing during rice crop. Nutrient budgeting also assessed the impact of crop removal and fertilizer inputs along with recycling of crop residue and leaf litter. Also, the build-up of available nutrient status in surface layer (0–15 cm) and soil profiles (0–150 cm) continuously under these two systems helped in maintaining agricultural sustainability and soil fertility over a long period of time.
Beauties of the Emperor: An Investigation of a Chinese Government Bailout

We study the Chinese government's stock market bailout operation in 2015. We focus on the bailout's opaque nature and explore its unintended consequences in both asset prices and investor behavior. We find that: (1) the market overreacts to the bailout news under partial information, which leads to substantial mispricing until full information is revealed; (2) institutional investors possess an informational advantage over retail investors in uncovering the bailout's full scale and target stocks; (3) institutional investors react to the bailout news promptly; and (4) retail investors initially underreact to the bailout news but eventually overreact.
Towards a deeper understanding of the purchase of souvenirs

Although there are many studies addressing the purchase of souvenirs, a few provide practical insights for practitioners in the souvenir industry regarding tourist’s preferred souvenir attributes, what they purchase, and how much they spend. Furthermore, little is known about souvenir collectors’ preferences. To address these gaps, this study analyzes tourists’ souvenir purchasing behavior with both quantitative (277 responses to a questionnaire) and qualitative (85 interviews) methods. The results indicate that the quality of the souvenir, gift appropriateness, and having the name or design of the place visited were the souvenir attributes most valued by the tourists. The results also reveal the importance of souvenir collectors, since they buy more souvenirs and spend higher amounts per souvenir. Further insights are given regarding the purchase of souvenirs, providing practical implications for practitioners in the souvenir industry.
Music Learning Outcomes and Music Teachers’ Expectations: Trialing an Adapted Music Curriculum for Students Aged 15-18 with Intellectual Disabilities in Hong Kong

Addressing a gap in the literature about the music learning outcomes of students with intellectual disabilities (ID), this study is designed as a qualitative multiple-case study. The purpose of this paper is to investigate special schools music teachers’ expectations of students’ music learning outcomes and the observed music learning outcomes of students with ID. Seven cases are reported with focus on special school music teachers’ trialing the adapted music curriculum for Hong Kong students with ID. Data analysis confirms the possibilities for students with intellectual disabilities to achieve music learning outcomes in listening, performing and creating; Deno et al (2001) that using curriculum-based measurements as growth standards can help scaffold students’ learning outcomes; and Sutherland and Wehby (2001) that repeating opportunities for students to respond can produce positive behavioral outcomes. Further, this analysis supports both Colwell’s (2013) view that many music teachers lack an understanding of the music abilities of students with special needs, and VanWeelden’s (2007) findings that students with special needs remain a challenging area for music educators. A recommendation is made to address the conclusion that the potential promise of scaffolding tangible development in students with intellectual disabilities remains as yet unfulfilled. Word Count: 195
Insulin-Like Growth Factor I and II mRNA Levels in Rumen Wall of Calves Fed with Different Physical Forms of Diets

This study was designed to investigate the effects of physical forms and hay contents of diets on gene expression of insulin-like growth factor (IGF) I and II in rumen epithelium of Holstein calves. Twelve male calves were assigned to 4 treatments: ground (GR), texturized (TX), pellet (PL), and ground+10% forage (GF). Calves were weaned on day 50 of age and then slaughtered on day 70 after birth. Rumen epithelial tissue samples were immediately collected for quantification of mRNA abundance. Results indicated that only IGF I expression was influenced by the dietary treatments. A significant (p<0.05) correlation between IGF I expression and each of histological parameters denoted as length of rumen villi and diameter of keratinocyte layer was observed. No significant correlation between IGF II expression and rumen histological parameters was found (p>0.05). Regarding the results, higher IGF I expression in PL and TX treatments despite the low growth rate might be due to the challenging condition of developing rumen in calves. In fact, the rumen tissue attempted to maintain rumen pH at least by induction of a higher IGF I expression.
Holonomy groups of Lorentzian manifolds

This paper contains a survey of recent results on classification of the connected holonomy groups of Lorentzian manifolds. A simplification of the construction of Lorentzian metrics with all possible connected holonomy groups is obtained. The Einstein equation, Lorentzian manifolds with parallel and recurrent spinor fields, conformally flat Walker metrics, and the classification of 2-symmetric Lorentzian manifolds are considered as applications. Bibliography: 123 titles.
Computational Methods and Software for Bioelectric Field Problems

Computer modeling and simulation continue to become more important in the field of bioengineering. The reasons for this growing importance are manyfold. First, mathematical modeling has been shown to be a substantial tool for the investigation of complex biophysical phenomena. Second, since the level of complexity one can model parallels the existing hardware configurations, advances in computer architecture have made it feasible to apply the computational paradigm to complex biophysical systems. Hence, while biological complexity continues to outstrip the capabilities of even the largest computational systems, the computational methodology has taken hold in bioengineering and has been used successfully to suggest physiologically and clinically important scenarios and results. This chapter provides an overview of numerical techniques that can be applied to a class of bioelectric field problems. Bioelectric field problems are found in a wide variety of biomedical applications, which range from single cells [59], to organs [62], up to models that incorporate partial to full human structures [44,45,50]. We describe some general modeling techniques that will be applicable, in part, to all the aforementioned applications. We focus our study on a class of bioelectric volume conductor problems that arise in electrocardiography (ECG) and electroencephalography (EEG). 43
Factors associated with renal dysfunction in hepatitis C-related cirrhosis and its correlation with Child-Pugh score

Objectives To assess factors associated with renal dysfunction (RD) in hepatitis C virus (HCV) cirrhosis, correlate renal parameters with Child-Pugh score (CPS) and find a cut-off value of CPS to determine RD. Materials and methods It was a cross-sectional study that included 70 cases of liver cirrhosis secondary to HCV from a period of 6 months at Combined Military Hospital, Multan. Diagnosis of HCV was confirmed by serological assay and liver cirrhosis by ultrasonography. CPS was determined and lab reports were taken. Patients were divided into two groups as not having RD (serum creatinine≤1.5 mg/dL) and having RD (serum creatinine≥1.5 mg/dL). Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated by chronic kidney disease epidemiology collaboration (CKD-EPI) formula. Data were analyzed using SPSS V.23. 0. χ2, Kruskal-Wallis test and Pearson coefficient of correlation were applied. ROC curve was drawn to evaluate cut-off value of CPS for the presence of RD. Level of significance was set at p<0.05. Results Patients with CP grade B or C develop RD as compared to patients with CP grade A (p=0.000). Mean age, urea, creatinine and eGFR varies significantly among patients who develop RD and patients who do not (p=0.02, p=0.000, p=0.000 and p=0.000, respectively). eGFR negatively correlates with CPS (r=−0.359, p=0.002). Creatinine, urea and ALBI score positively correlates with CPS (r=+0.417, p=0.000; r=+0.757, p=0.000; r=+0.362, p=0.002, respectively). Conclusion Ascites and encephalopathy are associated with RD in HCV cirrhosis.
Photosynthetic Function and the Photoprotective Mechanism of Leaves of Morus alba L. Seedlings under NaCl and NaHCO3 Stress Revealed by Proteomics

Photosynthetic function, photoprotection, and the response of related proteomics of mulberry (Morus alba L.) seedling leaves under NaCl and NaHCO3 stress with the same Na+ concentration (100 mmol•L-1) were studied by using photosynthetic gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence techniques combined with TMT proteomics. The results showed that NaCl stress had no significant effect on photosystem II (PSII) activity in mulberry seedling leaves, and the expressions of the related proteins, OEE3-1 and PPD4, of the PSII oxygen-evolving complex (OEC) and the antenna proteins, CP24 10A, CP26, and CP29, of LHCII in the leaves also increased to varying degrees. The photosystem I (PSI) activity in the leaves of mulberry seedling also increased, and the expressions of some proteins, PsaF, PsaG, PsaH, PsaL, PsaN, and Ycf4, in PSI increased significantly under NaCl stress. Under NaHCO3 stress, the activity of PSII and PSI and the expression of their protein complexes and the electron transfer-related proteins significantly decreased. NaCl stress had little effect on RuBP regeneration during dark reaction in the leaves and the expressions of glucose synthesis related proteins and net photosynthetic rate (Pn) did not decrease significantly. The leaves could adapt to NaCl stress by reducing stomatal conductance (Gs) to increase water use efficiency (WUE). Under NaHCO3 stress, the expression of dark reaction-related proteins was mostly down-regulated, and Gs was significantly reduced, which indicated that non-stomatal factors were important reasons for the significant inhibition of carbon assimilation. In the photoprotective mechanism under NaCl stress, the expression of cyclic electron flow (CEF) related proteins, ndhH, ndhI, ndhK, and ndhM, involved in NAD(P)H dehydrogenase (NDH) and the key enzyme of the xanthophyll cycle, violaxanthin de-epoxidase (VDE) were up-regulated. In addition, the ratio of xanthophyll cycle components (A+Z)/(V+A+Z) was increased. The expressions of proteins FTR and Fd-NiR, which are related to Fd-dependent ROS metabolism and nitrogen metabolism, were also significant up-regulated under NaCl stress, which can effectively reduce the electronic pressure on Fd. Under NaHCO3 stress, the expressions of CEF-related proteins, VDE, ZE, FTR, Fd-NiR, Fd-GOGAT, SGAT, and GGAT, were significant down-regulated, and the photoprotective mechanism, like the xanthophyll cycle, CEF, and photorespiration, might be damaged, resulting in the inhibition of PSII activity and carbon assimilation in leaves of mulberry seedling under NaHCO3 stress.
CEOs’ Experience of the Great Chinese Famine and Accounting Conservatism

This study investigates how a CEO's early‐life experience of the Great Chinese Famine affects corporate accounting conservatism. We find that companies whose CEOs had experienced famines in early life adopted more conservative accounting policies. This famine experience effect is more pronounced in high uncertainty environments proxied by non‐SOEs, politician turnovers and the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Additional tests indicate that CEOs with famine experience tend to support conservative accounting practices for contingencies and accelerate the recognition of asset impairments in negative events. Overall, consistent with imprinting theory, our results highlight the role of early‐life traumatic experiences in shaping CEOs’ risk preferences and financial reporting policies.
Integrating virtual reality devices into the body: effects of technological embodiment on customer engagement and behavioral intentions toward the destination

ABSTRACT Virtual reality devices create a high integration of technologies with human senses. However, few studies analyze how embodied technologies affect customer pre-experiences with a destination. Results from a lab experiment show that compared to desktop PC and mobile phones, VR head-mounted displays generate more immersive experiences, higher sensory stimulation, more engagement, and higher behavioral intentions toward the destination. Immersion and sensory stimulation mediate the effects of technological embodiment on engagement and behavioral intentions. Furthermore, active (versus passive) tourism content strengthens these effects. Our results stress the role of technological embodiment to generate effective pre-experiences with potential tourists’ destinations.
IMPROVING FORMULATION OF ARTHROBOTRYS DACTYLOIDES, A NEMATODE-TRAPPING-FUNGUS, IN KAOLIN-ALGINATE GRANULES

ABSTRACT This research aimed at evaluating performance of Arthrobotrys dactyloides in improved kaolin-alginate granular formulation. A. dactyloides was formulated in kaolin-alginate granules enriched with three types of organic matters (saw dust, rice hay, and corn cob), each with two concentrations (1% and 3% (w/v)). A formulation of granule without organic matter was also provided as a control. For each formulation, one half of granule was air-dried directly and the other half was given additional treatment, re-fermentation. The granules were used in experiments to observe performance of A. dactyloides in the formulations both in agar medium and in soil tests. All experiments were conducted with completely randomized design and data were analyzed with analysis of variance. Results showed that neither types nor concentrations of organic matters had any significant effect on the performance of A. dactyloides. Re-fermentation of granules, however, significantly improved weight of granules, number of propagules in granules, vigor of the fungus, growth of the fungus in soil, spore and ring production in soil. ABSTRAK Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengevaluasi performa Arthrobotrys dactyloides dalam formulasi butiran kaolin-alginat yang diperkaya. A. dactyloides diformulasikan dalam butiran kaolin-alginat yang diperkaya dengan tiga macam bahan organik (serbuk gergaji, jerami padi, dan tongkol jagung), masing-masing dengan dua konsentrasi (1% dan 3% (b/v)). Formulasi tanpa penambahan bahan organik disiapkan sebagai kontrol. Untuk tiap formulasi, setengah dari butiran langsung dikering-anginkan dan sisanya diberikan perlakuan tambahan, re-fermentasi. Butiran digunakan pada percobaan-percobaan untuk mengetahui performa A. dactyloides dalam formulasi, baik pada pengujian di media agar maupun di dalam tanah. Semua percobaan dilaksanakan dengan rancangan acak lengkap dan data dianalisa dengan analisis keragaman. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa tipe bahan organik atau konsentrasinya tidak berpengaruh nyata terhadap performa A. dactyloides. Sebaliknya, re-fermentasi butiran secara nyata meningkatkan berat butiran, jumlah propagul dalam butiran, vigor jamur, pertumbuhan jamur di dalam tanah, produksi spora dan cincin perangkap di dalam tanah.
Monetary and Social Rewards for Crowdsourcing

Crowdsourcing of inventive activities is a particular form of crowdsourcing that helps firms to innovate by involving dispersed individuals to exploit “crowd wisdom”. In this context, the greater the number of contributions, the greater the possibility to gather extremely valuable ideas to produce innovative products and services. While monetary and social rewards can be an effective means to boost contributors’ extrinsic and intrinsic motivations to contribute, a theoretical understanding and empirical evidence of their effects are lacking. This paper focused on the crowdsourcing of inventive activities, initiated by listed companies worldwide, from 2007 to 2014. Our findings shed light on the influence of monetary and social rewards on the number of ideas collected. In particular, we analyzed the impact on the number of contributions brought about by monetary rewards and noted a positive influence related to its presence and also a negative effect related to the amount of the compensation. Moreover, we have demonstrated how the presence of a social cause is beneficial to the number of contributions. Consequently, we contribute to a scholarly understanding of the crowdsourcing phenomenon and we have provided guidance to managers seeking to initiate crowdsourcing campaigns.
Antioxidant Activity, Antibacterial Activity and Chemical Composition of Essential Oil of Artemisia vulgaris L. Leaves from Northeast India

Abstract The present work has been aimed to investigate the chemical composition of the essential oil of Artemisia vulgaris L. leaves by gas chromatography followed by mass spectrometry method (GC/MS), antioxidant activity by DPPH radical scavenging activity, reducing power, total phenolic content, total flavanoid content compared to ascorbic acid for phenols and quercetin for flavonoids. The essential oil was further evaluated for antibacterial activity against five human pathogenic strains: Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli compared to antibiotic ciprofloxacin. The GC/MS analysis of the essential oil of Artemisia vulgaris leaves showed the presence of 38 compounds out of which 1,8-cineole, camphor, isopulegol, borneol, β-caryophyllene, chavicol and myrtenol are the major compounds. The IC50 value of the DPPH radical scavenging activity and reducing power of the essential oil was 2.745 μg mL-1 and 2.845 μg mL-1 respectively as compared to ascorbic acid with IC50 value of 10.83 μg mL-1 and 21.15 μg mL-1. The total phenolic content and total flavanoids content of the plant essential oil were found to be 6.2 mg mL-1 and 220 mg mL-1 respectively. The essential oil showed antibacterial activity against all the selected strains with lowest MIC value of 5 μg mL-1 and 20 μg mL-1 shown by Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus and MBC value of 80 μg mL-1 and 100 μg mL-1 shown by Bacillus cereus and Bacillus subtilis.