Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fine-Tune Longformer for Jointly Predicting Rumor Stance and Veracity

Increased usage of social media caused the popularity of news and events that are not even verified, resulting in the spread of rumors all over the web. Due to widely available social media platforms and increased usage caused the data to be available in large amounts. The manual methods to process such data is costly and time-taking, so there has been increased attention to process and verify such content automatically for the presence of rumors. Lots of research studies reveal that identifying the stances of posts in the discussion thread of such events and news is an important preceding step before detecting the rumor veracity. In this paper, we propose a multi-task learning framework for jointly predicting rumor stance and veracity on the dataset released at SemEval 2019 RumorEval: Determining rumor veracity and support for rumors (SemEval 2019 Task 7), which includes social media rumors stem from a variety of breaking news stories from Reddit as well as Twitter. Our framework consists of two parts: a) The bottom part of our framework classifies the stance for each post in the conversation thread (discussing a rumor) via modeling the multi-turn conversation so that each post aware of its neighboring posts. b) The upper part predicts the rumor veracity of the conversation thread respecting the stance evolution obtained from the bottom part. Experimental results on SemEval 2019 Task 7 dataset show that our method outperforms previous methods on both rumor stance classification and veracity prediction.
An experimental study of early stage survival of Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on cotton

The pattern and cause of mortality of the early stages of Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) on cotton was investigated in both field and glasshouse situations for two seasons. In 1987, egg losses were high (32-88%) over days 1-3 following oviposition, more so from the lower than upper leaf surface. The mortality of first instar larvae was 93-100% over days 4-5 following oviposition, and losses were higher from seedling stage than squaring cotton. Wind, rain (or watering), aerial predators, dispersal of first instar larvae, and host plant effects (including leaf orientation) were important mortality factors. In 1988 trials, egg losses over days 1 to 3 after oviposition on plants in glasshouse and field situations, respectively, were 0-1% and 5-6% due to changing leaf orientation alone; 4-22% and 16-32% due to rain/watering and changing leaf orientation combined; 14-31% and 12-31% for wind and changing leaf orientation combined; and 4-38% and 23-52% for the combination of wind, rain/watering and changing leaf orientation. Mortality of first instar larvae on day 4 was 32% and 29% on plants in glasshouse and field, respectively, from which the action of such mortality factors had been excluded. Mortality on plants with changing leaf orientation alone was 30% and 68%, with rain/watering and changing leaf orientation combined 48% and 74%; with wind and changing leaf orientation combined 40% and 63%; and with all factors combined 45% and 69%, respectively. The highest losses (of eggs) occurred on day 1 after oviposition, and similarly for first instar larvae on day 4, which coincided with hatching.
Dynamic Networks in Large Financial and Economic Systems

We propose new measures to characterize dynamic network connections in large financial and economic systems. In doing so, our measures allow one to describe and understand causal network structures that evolve throughout time and over horizons using variance decomposition matrices from time-varying parameter VAR (TVP VAR) models. These methods allow researchers and practitioners to examine network connections over any horizon of interest whilst also being applicable to a wide range of economic and financial data. Our empirical application redefines the meaning of big in big data, in the context of TVP VAR models, and track dynamic connections among illiquidity ratios of all S\&P500 constituents. We then study the information content of these measures for the market return and real economy.
Doing more with less: The flagellar end piece enhances the propulsive effectiveness of human spermatozoa

Spermatozoa self-propel by propagating bending waves along a predominantly active elastic flagellum. The organized structure of the "9 + 2" axoneme is lost in the most-distal few microns of the flagellum, and therefore this region is unlikely to have the ability to generate active bending; as such it has been largely neglected in biophysical studies. Through elastohydrodynamic modeling of human-like sperm we show that an inactive distal region confers significant advantages, both in propulsive thrust and swimming efficiency, when compared with a fully active flagellum of the same total length. The beneficial effect of the inactive end piece on these statistics can be as small as a few percent but can be above 430%. The optimal inactive length, between 2-18% of the total length, depends on both wavenumber and viscous-elastic ratio, and therefore is likely to vary in different species. Potential implications in evolutionary biology and clinical assessment are discussed.
Student evaluation of more or better experimental data in classical and quantum mechanics

Prior research has shown that physics students often think about experimental procedures and data analysis very differently from experts. One key framework for analyzing student thinking has found that student thinking is more point-like, putting emphasis on the results of a single experimental trial, whereas set-like thinking relies on the results of many trials. Recent work, however, has found that students rarely fall into one of these two extremes, which may be a limitation of how student thinking is evaluated. Measurements of student thinking have focused on probing students' procedural knowledge by asking them, for example, what steps they might take next in an experiment. Two common refrains are to collect more data, or to improve the experiment and collect better data. In both of these cases, the underlying reasons behind student responses could be based in point-like or set-like thinking. In this study we use individual student interviews to investigate how advanced physics students believe the collection of more and better data will affect the results of a classical and a quantum mechanical experiment. The results inform future frameworks and assessments for characterizing students thinking between the extremes of point and set reasoning in both classical and quantum regimes.
Feeding increasing levels of corn gluten meal induces suboptimal muscle pigmentation of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

A 24-week growth trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of feeding levels of corn gluten meal (CGM) on growth performance and pigment deposition in the muscle of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Three isonitrogenous and isoenergetic (digestible energy basis) experimental diets were formulated to contain increasing levels of CGM (0%, 9% and 18%) and 50 mg kg � 1 of astaxanthin. Each diet was fed in triplicate to groups of 75 fish (initial average body weight = 549 g fish � 1 ) reared at 8.5°C. The inclusion of CGM did not significantly (P > 0.05) affect final body weight, thermal growth efficiency (TGC) or feed efficiency. Carotenoid concentration determined by liquid chromatography showed a significant (P < 0.05) linear reduction in the concentration of one astaxanthin isomer, all-trans astaxanthin and all-trans lutein in the muscle of fish in response to increasing levels of CGM. Tristimulus colour analysis of the muscle showed a significant (P < 0.05) linear reduction in a* (redness) and C*ab (chroma). Salmofan TM score showed a significant (P < 0.05) linear and quadratic reduction in response to increasing levels of CGM. In conclusion, the inclusion of CGM up to 18% does not significantly impact growth performance of rainbow trout. However, the concentration of all-trans astaxanthin as well as the expression of important colour attributes of the muscle can be negatively affected at levels exceeding 9% of CGM in the diet. More research on this topic is needed to discern the mechanism(s) behind the negative effects of dietary CGM and/or its intrinsic yellow pigments on muscle pigmentation of rainbow trout.
Selenium Supplementation May Decrease Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody Titer via Reducing Oxidative Stress in Euthyroid Patients with Autoimmune Thyroiditis

Objective Selenium, as an antioxidant, has been implicated in the development of autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT). Many studies showed selenium supplementation could decrease thyroid autoantibodies in patients with AIT. However, the underlying mechanisms have not been well determined. Therefore, we performed a clinical study to investigate the possible mechanism of beneficial effects of selenium treatment on AIT patients. Methods Forty euthyroid patients with AIT were randomized into two groups. Group I was treated with 200 μg/day selenium supplementation, and group II received a placebo over a 3-month period. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb), antithyroglobulin antibody (TgAb), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured before and 3 months after treatments. Additionally, twenty healthy volunteers also served as a control group for the evaluation of such parameters in basic condition. Results Totally, 32 patients (group I, n = 18; group II, n = 14) completed the clinical study and were incorporated into the statistics. MDA level was higher and SOD activity and TAC were lower in patients compared to healthy individuals. After 3 months, TPOAb titer significantly decreased within group I (P < 0.001) but did not change within group II (P=0.001). There were also no statistically significant changes in TSH and TgAb titers within the two groups (all P > 0.05). Additionally, decreased MDA level (from 6.8 ± 1.3 nmol/ml to 4.9 ± 0.7 nmol/ml; P < 0.001) and increased TAC (from 10.0 ± 1.9 mmol/l to 12.9 ± 3.1 mmol/l; P=0.003) and SOD activity (from 72.3 ± 10.3 U/ml to 84.3 ± 13.2 U/ml; P=0.007) were simultaneously observed after 3 months' selenium treatment. Moreover, there was a negative correlation between TAC and TgAb/TPOAb and a positive correlation between MDA and TgAb/TPOAb in AIT patients. Conclusions Our findings support the hypothesis that selenium treatment could decrease TPOAb titer via enforcing the defense against oxidative stress in euthyroid patients with AIT, which may be a potential underlying mechanism.
Inhibition of Integrin αvβ6, an Activator of Latent Transforming Growth Factor-β, Prevents Radiation-induced Lung Fibrosis

Rationale: In experimental models, lung fibrosis is dependent on transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling. TGF-β is secreted in a latent complex with its propeptide, and TGF-β activators release TGF-β from this complex. Because the integrin αvβ6 is a major TGF-β activator in the lung, inhibition of αvβ6-mediated TGF-β activation is a logical strategy to treat lung fibrosis.Objectives: To determine, by genetic and pharmacologic approaches, whether murine radiation-induced lung fibrosis is dependent on αvβ6. Methods: Wild-type mice, αvβ6-deficient (Itgb6−/−) mice, and mice heterozygous for a Tgfb1 mutation that eliminates integrin-mediated activation (Tgfb1+/RGE) were exposed to 14 Gy thoracic radiation. Some mice were treated with an anti-αvβ6 monoclonal antibody or a soluble TGF-β receptor fusion protein. αvβ6 expression was determined by immunohistochemistry. Fibrosis, inflammation, and gene expression patterns were assessed 20–32 weeks postirradiation.Measurements and Main Results: β6 Integrin expres.
The COVID‐19 Pandemic and Its Impact on the Global Economy: What Does It Take to Turn Crisis into Opportunity?

Abstract The COVID‐19 pandemic broke out at a time when there were heightened uncertainties in the global economy. Understanding these uncertainties provides an important background for analyzing the impact of the pandemic on the global economy, assessing the effectiveness of policy measures in combating the pandemic and reviving the global economy, and predicting the trajectory of the economic recovery in the post‐pandemic era. We analyze how COVID‐19 would likely deepen an existing malaise in the global economy, and what could be done to address these problems while managing the economic recovery. We argue that three fundamental factors that could lead to a solid recovery in the post pandemic era are structural reform, new technology and re‐integration. They could be managed by instituting a new “global social contract. ” Supported by strong public policies at all levels, especially at national level, these three factors could bring about the salvation of the global economy as it recovers or re‐emerges from the pandemic crisis.
Mega Regions and Pandemics

Abstract The ongoing COVID‐19 crisis has put the relationship between spatial structure and disease exposure into relief. Here, we propose that mega regions – clusters of metropolitan regions like the Acela Corridor in the United States are more exposed to diseases earlier in pandemics. We review standard accounts for the benefits and costs of locating in such regions before arguing that pandemic risk is higher there on average. We test this mega region exposure theory with a study of the US urban system. Our results indicate that American mega regions have born the early brunt of the disease, and that three mega regions are hotspots. From this standpoint, the extent more than the intensity of New York's urbanization may be implicated in its COVID‐19 experience. We conclude that early pandemic risk is a hitherto unrecognised diseconomy operating in mega regions.
Seed Morphometry of Native Indonesian Orchids in the Genus Dendrobium

In this study, seeds of 10 species of epiphytic orchids were examined using light and scanning electron microscope. Quantitative and qualitative characters were analyzed. All the presently investigated seeds showed are transparent with visible embryo and remarkable embryo color variations (such as pale yellow, light yellow, shiny yellow to yellow, orange, and white). The species showed two groups in seed shape (fusiform and filiform), prolate and oval-shaped embryo, positioned at the center of the long axis and near apical pole. Embryo in prolate shaped and near apical pole position was only in D. antennatum. Based on our investigation, there are variations in seed and embryo volume as well as percentage air space in different taxa of orchids. The highest air space percentages were found in D. leporinum. According to the ornamentation of testa cells, 3 types of seeds were discovered in this genus. Additionally, the clear variation in the testa ornamentation pattern includes the species of D. leporinum, where the testa cells were in the medial regular rectangles, but in the apical and basal pole they are polygonal and irregularly oriented; the testa cells of D. antennatum are polygonal and irregularly oriented and those of D. purpureum are longitudinally oriented with regular rectangles.
Simulation‐based estimation of the early spread of COVID‐19 in Iran: actual versus confirmed cases

Abstract Understanding the state of the COVID‐19 pandemic relies on infection and mortality data. Yet official data may underestimate the actual cases due to limited symptoms and testing capacity. We offer a simulation‐based approach which combines various sources of data to estimate the magnitude of outbreak. Early in the epidemic we applied the method to Iran's case, an epicenter of the pandemic in winter 2020. Estimates using data up to March 20th, 2020, point to 916,000 (90% UI: 508 K, 1.5 M) cumulative cases and 15,485 (90% UI: 8.4 K, 25.8 K) total deaths, numbers an order of magnitude higher than official statistics. Our projections suggest that absent strong sustaining of contact reductions the epidemic may resurface. We also use data and studies from the succeeding months to reflect on the quality of original estimates. Our proposed approach can be used for similar cases elsewhere to provide a more accurate, early, estimate of outbreak state. © 2020 System Dynamics Society
Angiotensin II–Induced Ca Influx in Renal Afferent and Efferent Arterioles

Angiotensin II (Ang II)–induced Ca 21 signaling was studied in isolated rat renal arterioles using fura-2. Ang II (10 nmol/L) caused a sustained elevation in [Ca ]i, which was dependent on [Ca ]o in both vessel types. This response was blocked by nifedipine in only the afferent arteriole. Using the Mn 21 quench technique, we found that Ang II stimulates Ca 21 influx in both vessels. Nifedipine blocked the Ang II–induced Ca 21 influx in afferent arterioles but not in efferent arterioles. In contrast to Ang II, KCl-induced depolarization stimulated Ca 21 influx in only the afferent arteriole. Cyclopiazonic acid (CPA, 30 mmol/L) was used to examine the presence of store-operated Ca 21 entry in myocytes isolated from each arteriole. In efferent myocytes, CPA induced a sustained Ca 21 increase that was dependent on [Ca]o and insensitive to nifedipine. This mechanism was absent in afferent myocytes. SKF 96365 inhibited Ang II–induced Ca entry in efferent arterioles and CPA-induced Ca 21 entry in efferent myocytes over identical concentrations. Our findings thus indicate that Ang II activates differing Ca 21 influx mechanisms in preand postglomerular arterioles. In the afferent arteriole, Ang II activates dihydropyridine-sensitive L-type Ca 21 channels, presumably by membrane depolarization. In the efferent arteriole, Ang II appears to stimulate Ca 21 entry via store-operated Ca 21 influx. (Circ Res. 2000;87:551-557.)
Light absorption and utilization by colonies of the congeneric hermatypic corals Montastraea faveolata and Montastraea cavernosa

The congeneric species Montastraea faveolata and Montastraea cavernosa are important hermatypic corals on reefs throughout the Bahamas, Caribbean, and the Florida reef tract that have overlapping bathymetric distributions. However, these congeners differ in their respective abundance at similar depths. The underlying mechanism for these patterns may partly be because of their relative dependence on photoautotrophy versus heterotrophy. The dependence of these two corals on photoautotrophy was examined quantifying the optical properties and productivity of these two species of corals at two different depths in the Dry Tortugas. Maximum surface irradiances in the Dry Tortugas during this study varied from 1,900 to 2,100 μmol quanta m‐2 s‐1. Spectral attenuation coefficients calculated from the 1995 and 1996 irradiance data differed by as little as 10% within the visible wavelengths (photosynthetically active radiation [PAR], 400–700 nm), suggesting year‐to‐year similarities in the optical prop‐erties of the overlying water column. Underwater irradiances of PAR were ∼400 μmol quanta m−2 s−1 and 25 μmol quanta m‐2 s‐1 at 10 m and 18 m, respectively. Significantly lower rates of maximum photosynthesis were observed for samples of M. cavernosa compared with M. faveolata at 10 m and 18 m. For samples of M. faveolata from both depths, the mean chlorophyll‐specific absorption (a*) across all PAR wavelengths was greater than that of M. cavernosa. When spectrally corrected for the underwater light field and used to calculate the minimum quantum requirements (1/_m) of these corals at each depth, we observed that M. faveolata always had higher 1/_m than M. cavernosa (50 versus 18 quanta O2−1 and 39 versus 15 quanta O2‐1 at 10 m and 18 m, respectively.) M. cavernosa, with its greater pigment concentrations and lower a*, exhibits a significant package effect that results in a smaller functional optical cross section and lower maximum photosynthetic capacities, whereas M. faveolata at the same depths, despite the greater minimum quantum requirements, has a larger functional optical cross section and enhanced absorption of available visible radiation, resulting in a greater maximum photosynthetic capacity. Based on polyp size, corallite structure, and surface area considerations, M. faveolata appears to depend on pho‐toautotrophy versus heterotrophy to a greater extent than its congener, M. cavernosa. Recent data suggest, however, that polyp size alone may not be a good indicator for differences in trophic strategies and that coordinated studies on feeding and productivity in corals are needed to better understand their ecological distributions.
The Effectiveness of First-Generation iStent Microbypass Implantation Depends on Initial Intraocular Pressure: 24-Month Follow-Up—Prospective Clinical Trial

Background Evaluation of efficacy of the iStent trabecular bypass implant in reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) depending on the value pretreatment IOP and number of medications used before surgery in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (PXG) and coexisting cataract. Methods A prospective, uncontrolled, interventional case series. 72 patients, on a mean age of 72.42 ± 9.17, were divided into two groups depending on baseline IOP: group I < 26 mmHg and group II ≥ 26 mmHg. All subjects underwent ab interno implantation of a single iStent together with cataract surgery. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), IOP, number of antiglaucoma medications, visual field, and number and type of complications were examined before and after surgery. Postoperative patients were followed up at 1, 7, and 30 days and 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. All the patients were washed out preoperatively as well as postoperatively. Results The mean observation time was 20 months. The mean preoperative IOP was 21.03 ± 1.44 mmHg in group I and reduced to mean 15.60 ± 2.12 mmHg after operation. In group II, mean IOP reduced from 26.00 ± 0.00 to 18.56 ± 1.81 (p=0.003). Mean glaucoma medications decreased from 1.35 ± 0.65 to 0.29 ± 0.52 in group I (p < 0.001) and from 2.89 ± 1.18 to 1.33 ± 1.50 in group II (p < 0.001). At 24 months, medication reduction was significantly greater in group I than group II (p=0.026). Conclusions Combined cataract surgery with implantation of iStent seems to be an effective procedure in patients with mild-to-moderate open-angle glaucoma and cataract. In patients with baseline IOP < 26 mmHg, surgery reduced IOP and medication use significantly declined to 2 years, with greater reductions achieved versus patients with baseline IOP ≥ 26 mmHg. This trial is registered with NCT03807869.
Reproduction parameters of the Iberian hare Lepus granatensis at the edge of its range

Abstract In order to provide a basis for the sustainable exploitation of the heavily hunted Iberian hare Lepus granatensis, we compared its reproductive parameters at the northern edge of its range, where it occurs at low densities, with those reported in other studies elsewhere within the species' range. Monthly samples totalling 212 Iberian hares (104 males and 108 females) were collected in the province of Navarra during November 2001 - December 2002. Reproductive parameters varied only slightly from season to season. Sexually competent males, defined by the presence of epididymal spermatozoa, were present in all bimonthly periods. Reproductively active adult females were also present in all the bimonthly periods, although a slight seasonality was detected: the highest incidence of pregnancy and lactation (100%) occurred in March-April, while the lowest incidence of adult females that were neither pregnant nor lactating (15%) occurred in September-December. Mean annual litter size was 2.09 and the theoretical value of annual young production per female was estimated to be 16.1, which is much higher than estimates reported in studies of L. granatensis in Portugal and southern Spain. In Navarra, which is at the northern limit of the species' range, densities are low due to intense hunting. However, the observed reproductive potential was surprisingly high and facilitates recruitment to the population which could, to a certain extent, make up for the high hunting pressure in the area.