Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Do Political Connections Pay? Evidence from India

ABSTRACT This article examines the influence of political proximity and cash-holding behavior of Indian firms on firm value and operating performance. Using a robust data set of political donations and connections for listed Indian firms around three general elections in India from 2009 to 2019, we find that firms with political connections show higher performance than their nonconnected peers. We also observe that politically connected Indian firms with higher cash holdings achieve substantially better valuations over time. Our results are robust and consistent after controlling for various factors. The article coincides with the introduction of electoral bonds through an amendment in Finance Bill 2017, which formalized the corporate financing of political parties and will likely strengthen the corporate-political linkages via more substantial donations. Overall, the article introduces political proximity/connection as a new indirect factor influencing firm performance.
Strombolian explosions 1. A large bubble breaking at the surface of a lava

Strombolian activity consists of a series of explosions caused by the breaking of large overpressurized bubbles at the surface of the magma column. Acoustic pressure has been measured for 36 explosions at Stromboli. We propose that sound is generated by the vibration of the bubble before it bursts. Oscillations are driven by an initial overpressure inside the bubble, assumed to be initially at rest, just below the magma-air interface. Inertia effects cause the bubble to overshoot its equilibrium radius. Then the bubble becomes underpressurized and contracts because of gas compressibility. These oscillations are only slightly damped by viscous effects in the magma layer above the bubble. The bubble cannot complete more than one cycle of vibration because of instabilities developing on the magma layer that lead to its breaking, near the minimum radius. Assuming a simple geometry, we model this vibration and constrain the radius and length of the bubble and the initial overpressure by fitting a synthetic waveform to the measured acoustic pressure. The fit between synthetic and observed waveforms is very good, both for frequency, m 60 rad s -1, and amplitude. The initial bubble radius is m 1 m, and the length varies between several and a few tens of meters. From the initial overpressure, approximately 10  Pa, we calculate the maximum radial velocity of ejecta, m 30 m s -1. The generally good agreement between data and predictions of our model leads us to suggest that acoustic measurements are a powerful tool for the understanding of eruption dynamics.
A Comparative Study of Lipid Profile in Chronic Renal Failure Patients on Dialysis

Chronic renal failure (CRF) is characterized by loss of kidney function due to lasting damage to nephrons resulting in decreased estimated glomerular filtration (eGFR) and suppressed urine formation. Disturbance of lipid profile in CRF has been found associated with increased triglycerides (TG) and low high-density lipids while the normal level of total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipids (LDL). Dislipidemia in CRF patients induces cardiovascular diseases (CVD); in addition, CVD in turn leads to the more rapid destruction of the kidney. Therefore the present study was designed to evaluate the lipid profile in CRF patients with and without dialysis. This was a prospective type of study conducted in the Department of Medicine of a tertiary care centre from July 2019 to December 2019. A total of 100 patients of CRF patients and 40 normal control subjects were recruited for the study. CRF patients were divided into two groups. Group, I consisted of CRF patients with dialysis and group II included CRF patients without dialysis. Normal subjects were kept under a group III control group. The study revealed that there was a significant difference between TG, HDL and VLDL of group I (p>0.01) and group II (p>0.01) in comparison to group III. On the other hand, no significant variation was seen in the TC and LDL levels of the groups mentioned. CRF patients either with dialysis or without dialysis have a great possibility of developing dyslipidemia as well as CVD. Dialysis has been found effective in reducing nitrogenous waste products in the blood; however, it is not able to decrease the lipid profile in CRF patients.
Topological materials: phase transitions and magnetoelectric response

OF THE DISSERTATION Topological materials: phase transitions and magnetoelectric response by Jianpeng Liu Dissertation Director: David Vanderbilt In this thesis, we study the properties of topological materials using theoretical techniques such as first-principles calculations and tight-binding models. In the first part of the thesis, we deal with the phase transitions in 3D topological insulators. We first study the topological phase transitions in Inand Sb-doped Bi2Se3, where distinct behaviors are found. In the In-doped case, we find that the In 5s orbitals destroy the topological phase at low impurity compositions, and the phase transition is better described by a local percolation scenario. On the other hand, the Sb-doped Bi2Se3 is well described by a “linear-gap-closure” picture, where the phase transition is dominated by the gradual decrease of the effective spin-orbital coupling. We also discuss the Weyl semimetals emerging from noncentrosymmetric topological insulators. We first clarify the previous theory, and prove that an intermediate Weyl semimetal must show up through the phase transition from a 3D topological to normal insulator. Then we propose LaBi1−xSbxTe3, LuBi1−xSbxTe3 and pressurized BiTeI as possible candidates of Weyl semimetals. The second part of the thesis is focused on method development. We first propose
Two-dimensional microwave imaging by a numerical inverse scattering solution

A numerical approach that aims to detect, by means of interrogating microwaves, the locations and the dielectric permittivities of unknown inhomogeneous dielectric cylindrical objects of arbitrary cross sections that might be present inside a fixed area of interest is proposed. An illumination is assumed with the electric field vector polarized along the cylindrical axis. The two-dimensional Lippman-Schwinger integral equation of electromagnetic scattering is transformed into matrix form by the moment method. The system obtained is solved by using a pseudoinversion algorithm to overcome ill-conditioning problems. The first-order Born approximation is also applied when the dielectric inhomogeneities are weakly scattering. Computer simulations have been performed by means of a numerical program. Results show the capabilities and limitations of the proposed approach. >
Sensitivity of High-Resolution Simulations of Hurricane Bob (1991) to Planetary Boundary Layer Parameterizations

The fifth-generation Pennsylvania State University‐National Center for Atmospheric Research Mesoscale Model is used to simulate Hurricane Bob (1991) using grids nested to high resolution (4 km). Tests are conducted to determine the sensitivity of the simulation to the available planetary boundary layer parameterizations, including the bulk aerodynamic, Blackadar, Medium-Range Forecast (MRF) model, and Burk‐Thompson boundary layer schemes. Significant sensitivity is seen, with minimum central pressures varying by up to 16 mb and maximum winds by 15 m s21. The Burk‐Thompson and bulk aerodynamic boundary layer schemes produced the strongest storms while the MRF scheme produced the weakest storm. Simulated horizontal precipitation structures varied substantially between the different PBL schemes, suggesting that accurate forecasts of precipitation in hurricanes can be just as sensitive to the formulation of the PBL as they are to the cloud microphysical parameterizations. Each PBL scheme is different in its formulation of the vertical mixing within the PBL and the surface fluxes, with the exception of the MRF and Blackadar schemes, which share essentially the same surface flux parameterization. Detailed analyses of the PBL schemes describe the key differences in the surface fluxes and how they impact storm intensity. In order to isolate the effects of vertical mixing and surfaces fluxes, simulations were conducted in which each of the surface flux schemes was used in conjunction with the same vertical mixing scheme, and vice versa. These experiments indicate that simulated intensity is largely determined by the surface fluxes rather than by the vertical mixing, with the exception of the MRF PBL case, in which excessively deep vertical mixing acts to dry the lower PBL and reduce hurricane intensity. Simulations that vary only the surface fluxes suggest that the intensity of the simulated hurricane increases with increasing values of the ratio of the exchange coefficients for enthalpy and momentum, Ck/CD. However, even for identical values of Ck/CD, the simulated intensity varies depending on the wind speed dependence of the surface roughness parameter z 0.
Signs of Use Present a Barrier to Reusable Packaging Systems for Takeaway Food

Single-use packaging is one of the biggest contributors to plastic waste, and reuse has been identified as a key strategy to reduce such waste. However, reusable containers typically become worn, which may influence how consumers think and feel about reuse. The present research explored whether and how evaluations of a takeaway food service changed depending on the appearance of a reusable container. Two studies were conducted (using opportunity sampling) to (i) investigate the effects that signs of use have on people’s perceptions of reusable packaging systems using quantitative methods (Study 1) and (ii) understand the rationale underpinning these evaluations using qualitative methods (Study 2). Study 1 involved an online questionnaire where participants (n = 292) were shown images of reusable bowls for takeaway food with various levels of staining and asked to evaluate the container and the restaurant serving the food using rating scales. Study 2 involved in-person interviews where participants (n = 22) were given the opportunity to inspect either a clean bowl or a stained bowl and then were asked questions about the bowls. Signs of previous use seemed to undermine people’s willingness to reuse containers in the future and were associated with more negative evaluations of the packaging, product, and restaurant serving the food. These findings provide insights into the factors that affect people’s willingness to engage with reusable packaging systems, and we use these findings to suggest behavioural and design interventions that might mitigate negative evaluations and encourage reuse.
The Relationship between Air Travel Service Quality and Factors of Theory of Planned Behavior: Evidence from Low-Cost Airlines in Thailand

Despite an increased emphasis on improvement in airline service quality concerning consumer behavior, such as passenger repurchasing as a result of their behavioral intention over the last several decades, there is still much less concern with the nature of airline service quality than should exist in the so-called “logistics service quality” and less concern with examining the specific behavioral intention preceding repurchasing behavior together with the theory of planned behavior. As such, this study aims to explore these issues, along with the psychological factors of the theory of planned behavior, that can lead to repurchasing behavior via word-of-mouth intention (WOMI). With an online survey of 383 respondents experienced with flying, the results reveal that the logistics service quality and each determinant in the theory positively influence a passenger’s repurchasing behavior through WOMI. Accordingly, service marketers can implement service design and apply integrated marketing communication by learning from repurchasing behavior that was formed by the given factors to retain their existing customers. Moreover, this study is the first to empirically and explicitly validate dimensions of airline services through the lens of logistics that are deemed fit with the nature of the airlines. It advances the understanding of theory approaching and connects what has hampered its advancement in a body of knowledge, simultaneously in a context of airline context where it should not be relegated to transportation and consumer and service orientation.
A Brazilian cohort of pregnant women with overt diabetes: analyses of risk factors using a machine learning technique

ABSTRACT Objective: Pregnancy complicated by type 2 diabetes is rising, while data on type 2 diabetes first diagnosed in pregnancy (overt diabetes) are scarce. We aimed to describe the frequency and characteristics of pregnant women with overt diabetes, compare them to those with known pregestational diabetes, and evaluate the potential predictors for the diagnosis of overt diabetes. Subjects and methods: A retrospective cohort study including all pregnant women with type 2 diabetes evaluated in two public hospitals in Porto Alegre, Brazil, from May 20, 2005, to June 30, 2021. Classic and obstetric factors associated with type 2 diabetes risk were compared between the two groups, using machine learning techniques and multivariable analysis with Poisson regression. Results: Overt diabetes occurred in 33% (95% confidence interval: 29%-37%) of 646 women. Characteristics of women with known or unknown type 2 diabetes were similar; excessive weight was the most common risk factor, affecting ~90% of women. Age >30 years and positive family history of diabetes were inversely related to a diagnosis of overt diabetes, while previous delivery of a macrosomic baby behaved as a risk factor in younger multiparous women; previous gestational diabetes and chronic hypertension were not relevant risk factors. Conclusion: Characteristics of women with overt diabetes are similar to those of women with pregestational diabetes. Classic risk factors for diabetes not included in current questionnaires can help identify women at risk of type 2 diabetes before they become pregnant.
Infectious Bursal Disease Virus Assembly Causes Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Lipid Droplet Accumulation

Gumboro illness is caused by the highly contagious immunosuppressive infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), which affects the poultry industry globally. We have previously shown that IBDV hijacks the endocytic pathway to construct viral replication complexes on endosomes linked to the Golgi complex (GC). Then, analyzing crucial proteins involved in the secretory pathway, we showed the essential requirement of Rab1b, the Rab1b downstream effector Golgi-specific BFA resistance factor 1 (GBF1), and its substrate, the small GTPase ADP-ribosylation factor 1 (ARF1), for IBDV replication. In the current work, we focused on elucidating the IBDV assembly sites. We show that viral assembly occurs within single-membrane compartments closely associated with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membranes, though we failed to elucidate the exact nature of the virus-wrapping membranes. Additionally, we show that IBDV infection promotes the stress of the ER, characterized by an accumulation of the chaperone binding protein (BiP) and lipid droplets (LDs) in the host cells. Overall, our results represent further original data showing the interplay between IBDV and the secretory pathway, making a substantial contribution to the field of birnaviruses–host cell interactions.
The Prediction of Evolutionary Trend for Coloration of Mammals under the Influence of Climate Change

Like humans getting tanned after sunbath, mammals around the world may also change their coloration according to the dynamic environment. Such changes primarily aim for better camouflage, but it also comes with some linked physiological changes for mammals to potentially have better fitness. The article predicts the overall evolutionary trend of mammal coloration using case studies across different species in distinct geographical locations. The article focuses on the explanation of animal coloration mechanism and the comparison between the potential fitness of the same species of mammals with different colorations. As demonstrated by most case studies, the evolutionary trend of mammal coloration is to become darker. Such an evolutionary trend is promoted in which darker coloration brings better fitness for the mammal for the purpose of better camouflage and more adapted physiology to the environment under the influence of climate change.
LAB-Net: Lidar and aerial image-based building segmentation using U-Nets

We describe our approach in the 2022 NORA MapAI competition. The objective of the competition was to construct methods that were able to detect and segment buildings from aerial imaging and laser data. There were two subtasks: (1) building segmentation from aerial imaging; (2) building segmentation from lidar data, optionally combined with aerial images. We trained multiple dynamic U-Net models with self-attention layers. For Task 1, we used a ResNet34-based encoder pre-trained on the ImageNet challenge dataset and further pre-trained the U-Net on another similar aerial image dataset. For Task 2, we adapted the dynamic U-Net to deal with multispectral data. Our ensembles placed us in second place, with the top score on Task 1. The complete source code for reproducing our results is available at https://github.com/HVL-ML/LAB-Net.
Geomorphology of the Sowie Mountains (Sudetes, SW Poland) – Landform patterns and anthropogenic impact

The Sowie Mountains in the central part of the Sudetes range are an under-researched area in terms of geomorphology, despite their potential representativeness for a large number of terrains within the Bohemian Massif, built of metamorphic bedrock. Apart from providing an overview of past work, the paper summarizes the main topographic features of the massif using visualizations of the digital terrain model, and outlines the wide range of anthropogenic impacts on relief. Characteristic landforms of the Sowie Mountains include faultgenerated lithology-controlled escarpments, ridge-and-valley topography near the escarpments, water-divide flats, gneissic tors, agrarian terraces and various landforms related to former mining and military use.
LEADERSHIP CHARACTER OF SCHOOL HEADS AND MANAGERIAL COMPETENCE OF HEAD TEACHERS

The study determined the domain in school heads' leadership character significantly influences head teachers' managerial competence. Using the quantitative-correlational design, 269 teacher-respondents from the elementary and secondary schools in the Samal district division of the Island Garden City of Samal were selected through stratified random sampling to participate in this investigation. Data collection was made through the administration of survey questionnaires to the respondents. Two adapted survey questionnaires were used and subjected to content validity and reliability test: the data analysis used Mean, Pearson Product Moment, and Regression. The results revealed that the level of leadership character of school heads and the managerial competence of head teachers were very high. The indicators: Lack of Blame, Accountability, Courage, and Focus on the Whole, are the domains of leadership character that significantly influence the managerial competence of head teachers. Indeed, school leaders who acquire leadership character and managerial competence can effectively run schools meaningfully and appropriately. Article visualizations:
Fracture strength and failure mechanism of graphene-containing grain boundaries and pores

Grain boundaries and pores commonly manifest in graphene sheets during experimental preparation. Additionally, pores have been intentionally incorporated into graphene to fulfill specific functions for various applications. However, how does the simultaneous presence of pores and grain boundaries impact the mechanical properties of graphene? This paper establishes uniaxial tension models of single-layer graphene-containing pores and three types of experimentally observed. The effect of interaction between pores and grain boundaries on the fracture strength of graphene was studied respectively for three types of grain boundaries by employing molecular dynamics simulations and considering factors such as pore size, the distance between pores and grain boundaries, and loading angle. A competitive mechanism between the intrinsic strength of pristine graphene with grain boundaries (referred to as pristine GGBs), which varies with the loading angle and the fracture strength of graphene sheets with pores that changes with the size of the pores, governs the fracture strength and failure modes of GGBs with pores. When the former exceeds the latter, the fracture strength of GGBs with pores primarily depends on the size of the pores, and fractures occur at the edges of the pores. Conversely, when the former is lower, the fracture strength of GGBs with pores relies on the loading angle and the distance between pores and grain boundaries, leading to grain boundary rupture. If the two strengths are comparable, the failure modes are influenced by the distance between pores and grain boundaries as well as the loading angle. The findings further elucidate the impact of coexisting grain boundaries and pores on the fracture behavior of graphene, providing valuable guidance for the precise design of graphene-based devices in the future.
Implementing Bayesian Learning in Assessing Performances of Healthcare System and Population Health in Three Transitory European Countries

This paper analyses the effect of key healthcare system indicators on the population health measured with the proxy variable, life expectancy at age 65, within three transitory European countries. The analysis is implemented in terms of the Bayesian TVCVAR model. The data sources are mainly from WHO, World Bank and United Nations. This study is based on the period from 1991 to 2020. The model results for Croatia correspond to the notion that the LE65+ and NM, CHEGDP, PH move in the same direction while the LE 65+and HB move in the opposite direction. The findings for Hungary reflect that NM, HB, CHEGDP and the LE65+ move in the same direction except LE65+ and PH which move in the opposing direction. The results for Romania reveal that CHEGDP, PH and LE65+ move in the same direction and that direction of NM, HB and LE65+ is time-varying. The BTVCVAR output found time-varying effect on LE65+ only for Romania. In Croatia and Hungary there was found a time-invariant effect on LE65+ by the parameters in the model. These results confirm the presence of strong relationship between population health and the key healthcare indicators that are representing the healthcare system performances within these three European countries.