Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Remittances and Social Safety Nets During COVID-19: Evidence From Georgia and the Kyrgyz Republic

Remittance flows in emerging market and developing economies were surprisingly resilient during the COVID-19 crisis, providing much-needed income support for remittance-receiving households. However, households were impacted differently across income distributions. Using novel high-frequency household panel data for Georgia and the Kyrgyz Republic and a difference-in-differences approach, we find that as household income fell during the pandemic, remittance-receiving households were more affected than non-remittance-receiving households. Importantly, we find that the incomes of poor, remittance-receiving households in the Kyrgyz Republic were more adversely affected than their non-remittance-receiving counterparts. In contrast, in Georgia, affluent remittance-receiving households experienced more significant income declines than poor remittance-receiving households. This heterogeneous impact can largely be explained by variations in the effectiveness of social safety nets in the two countries. Our results have important policy implications. Although remittances remained resilient during the pandemic, they affected households differently. As such, policymakers should prioritize addressing gaps in social safety nets to support the most vulnerable. RECOMMENDED CITATION: Abidi N. , M. Akhbari, B. Hlayhel, and S. Sakha (2023). “Remittances and Social Safety Nets during COVID-19: Evidence from Georgia and the Kyrgyz Republic”, IMF Working Paper No. 23/94, May 2023. JEL Classification Numbers: D1,F24,O11
Select liquefaction case histories from the 2001 Nisqually, Washington, earthquake: A digital data set and assessment of model performance

While soil liquefaction is common in earthquakes, the case-history data required to train and test state-of-practice prediction models remains comparatively scarce, owing to the breadth and expense of data that comprise a single case history. The 2001 Nisqually, Washington, earthquake, for example, occurred in a metropolitan region and induced damaging liquefaction in the urban cores of Seattle and Olympia, yet case-history data have not previously been published. Accordingly, this article compiles 24 cone-penetration-test (CPT) case histories from free-field locations. The many methods used to obtain and process the data are detailed herein, as is the structure of the digital data set. The case histories are then analyzed by 18 existing liquefaction response models to determine whether any is better, and to compare model performance in Nisqually against global observations. While differences are measured, both between models and against prior global case histories, these differences are often statistically insignificant considering finite-sample uncertainty. This alludes to the general inappropriateness of championing models based on individual earthquakes or otherwise small data sets, and to the ongoing needs for additional case-history data and more rigorous adherence to best practices in model training and testing.
Polarimetric Radar Quantitative Precipitation Estimation Using Deep Convolutional Neural Networks

Accurate estimation of surface precipitation with high spatial and temporal resolution is critical for decision-making regarding severe weather and water resources management. A polarimetric weather radar is the main operational instrument used for quantitative precipitation estimation (QPE). However, conventional parametric radar QPE algorithms such as the radar reflectivity (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$Z$ </tex-math></inline-formula>) and rain rate (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$R$ </tex-math></inline-formula>) relations cannot fully represent clouds and precipitation dynamics due to their dependence on local raindrop size distributions and the inherent parameterization errors. This article develops four deep learning (DL) models for polarimetric radar QPE (i.e., RQPENet<sub>D1</sub>, RQPENet<sub>D2</sub>, RQPENet<sub>V</sub>, and RQPENet<sub>R</sub>) using different core building blocks. In particular, multidimensional polarimetric radar observations are utilized as input, and surface gauge measurements are used as training labels. The feasibility and performance of these DL models are demonstrated and quantified using U.S. Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) observations near Melbourne, FL, USA. The experimental results show that the dense blocks-based models (i.e., RQPENet<sub>D1</sub> and RQPENet<sub>D2</sub>) have better performance than residual blocks, RepVGG blocks-based models (i.e., RQPENet<sub>R</sub> and RQPENet<sub>V</sub>), and five traditional <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$Z$ </tex-math></inline-formula>–<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$R$ </tex-math></inline-formula> relations. RQPENet<sub>D1</sub> has the best quantitative performance scores, with a mean absolute error (MAE) of 1.58 mm, root mean squared error (RMSE) of 2.68 mm, normalized standard error (NSE) of 26%, and correlation of 0.92 for hourly rainfall estimates using independent rain gauge data as references. These results suggest that DL performs well in mapping the connection between polarimetric radar observations aloft and surface rainfall.
Nonlinear analysis of reinforced concrete structures with three-dimension finite elements

A simple three-dimensional constitutive relation for concrete is presented in this paper.A program which can analyze nonlinear properties of reinforced concrete structures under three-dimension stress conditions is written and two models of reinforced bar are considered in the program.Compared with two classical examples of concrete structures,the numerical examples illustrate that the load and process of structure failure can be effectively simulated by the present constitutive relation for concrete.
Surface Roughness Effects on the Vibration Characteristics of AT-Cut Quartz Crystal Plate

With the miniaturization and high-frequency requirements of quartz crystal sensors, microscopic issues affecting operating performance, e.g., the surface roughness, are receiving more and more attention. In this study, the activity dip caused by surface roughness is revealed, with the physical mechanism clearly demonstrated. Firstly, the surface roughness is considered as a Gaussian distribution, and the mode coupling properties of an AT-cut quartz crystal plate are systematically investigated under different temperature environments with the aid of two-dimensional thermal field equations. The resonant frequency, frequency–temperature curves, and mode shapes of the quartz crystal plate are obtained through the partial differential equation (PDE) module of COMSOL Multiphysics software for free vibration analysis. For forced vibration analysis, the admittance response and phase response curves of quartz crystal plate are calculated via the piezoelectric module. The results from both free and forced vibration analyses demonstrate that surface roughness reduces the resonant frequency of quartz crystal plate. Additionally, mode coupling is more likely to occur in a crystal plate with a surface roughness, leading to activity dip when temperature varies, which decreases the stability of quartz crystal sensors and should be avoided in device fabrication.
Application of Pelvic Peritoneum Closure Combined with Extraperitoneal Colostomy in Laparoscopic Surgery for Low Rectal Cancer

Background: In the treatment of colorectal cancer, laparoscopic surgery has seen a significant amount of success. Reducing the risk of postoperative complications and improving patients’ quality of life can be accomplished by appropriately employing pelvic peritoneal repair and sigmoid colostomy when appropriate. Objective: To compare fusion closure of pelvic peritoneum combined with extraperitoneal colostomy with non-closure of pelvic peritoneum combined with intraperitoneal colostomy in patients with low rectal cancer who had permanent colostomy. Methods: Low rectal cancer patients admitted to Hengshui People’s Hospital for permanent colostomy were evaluated. The participants were divided into two groups: an observation and a control group. All 30 cases in the observation group underwent pelvic peritoneum closure and extraperitoneal colostomy, while the other 30 cases in the control group underwent intraperitoneal colostomy. The C-reactive protein (CRP) levels of the participants in both groups were evaluated for 6 months to 2 years (24 h before, 24 h after, 48 h after, 96 h after surgery). Results: Comparing the colostomy operative time, time to first passage of flatus postoperatively, time to first defecation postoperatively, length of hospital stay, laboratory indicators, stoma-related complications, colostomy function, etc., the colostomy operative time significantly differed between the two groups (P < 0.05); the observation group did considerably better than the control group in terms of stoma-related complications and bowel movement control 6 months after surgery (P < 0.05); and although serum CRP levels increased in both groups 48 h after surgery, the difference was significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Extraperitoneal colostomy can improve the quality of life of patients with permanent stoma and reduce the occurrence of stoma-related complications. Thus, this technique is worthy of promotion in clinical practice.
Austerity Measures, Infrastructure and Economic Development in South Africa (1996–2019)

The paper aims to establish whether austerity measures promote economic development, improve infrastructure development, and whether they exacerbate infrastructure backlogs. The methodology used is a quantitative research method, sourcing secondary quarterly data from the South African Reserve Bank. The VAR model is used to analyse data between 1994 and 2019. The results showed that austerity measures have a significantly negative role in economic development. Also, they slow down investments that are crucial for infrastructure development. The results also pointed to the exacerbation of infrastructure backlogs caused by austerity measures.
On the roots of truncated hypergeometric series over prime fields

We consider "natural" truncations of the hypergeometric functions $ {}_{2}F_{1}$, $ {}_{3}F_{2}$, and the Kummer hypergeometrics $ {}_{1}F_{1}$ over the finite field $\mathbb{F}_{p}$, for primes $p \to \infty$. For the associated polynomial $Q$ of degree $d$ (proportional to $p$), we obtain bounds for the number of roots of various congruences involving $Q$ modulo $p$. Via families of elliptic curves, we obtain sharp bounds in some cases. The functions $ {}_{2}F_{1}$ and $ {}_{3}F_{2}$ are associated with surfaces, which we show are K3. For the Kummer hypergeometrics, we obtain a power saving for a large class of the parameters by modifying methods from transcendence theory. Some computations are included to illustrate and supplement our results.
Kids back to school – parents back to work? School and daycare opening and parents’ employment in the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic

Around the globe, the coronavirus pandemic has triggered various reactions of governments designed to contain the pandemic. Among other things, the pandemic led to an unforeseen and unprecedented closure of schools and daycare facilities. In turn, these closures might have forced parents to stay at home to care for their children who could not attend schools or kindergartens. From a social policy perspective, this raises the question of the extent to which parents’ employment has been affected, as time spent on childcare might make parents reduce their working hours. To answer this question, we exploit within-country variations in school and childcare policies across the federal states of Germany to analyse their effect on parents’ working time. In specific, we compare the working time of parents who live in different federal states with different restrictions regarding childcare in a difference-in-differences and difference-in-difference-in-differences framework. Our results reveal a non-negligible positive effect of an earlier and more far-reaching reopening of schools and daycare facilities on parents’ employment. Our results indicate that prolonged closure goes along with negative employment effects for parents. Hence, containment and closure policies to prevent the spread of COVID-19 have substantial economic and social side effects.
Sedentary behaviour as a lifestyle risk factor in public health - Evidence of white-collar and blue-collar workers from Poland.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE Relief from routine physical tasks leads to increasingly sedentary behaviour (SB) - a risk factor for non-communicable chronic diseases. It is necessary to gather interdisciplinary knowledge about the possibilities of its reduction. The aim of the study is to analyse SB and its conditions among Polish white-collar and blue-collar workers. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study is based on data retrieved from a large-scale survey used to collect information on the physical activity of Polish society. The data were gathered on a representative sample of Poles at working age ≤69 years old in 2017 (n=2,131). The Polish long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-LF) was used. Statistical inference was based on non-parametric (U-Mann Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis) tests. RESULTS The total average sitting time of the respondents was 1,958.5 min./week. White-collar workers are more likely (p 7.5 h/day (20.2% vs 9%), and blue-collar - ≤4.5 h/day (56.5% vs 42.1%). On a weekday, white-collar workers are sitting significantly longer. The bigger the place of residence, the longer the time sitting in both groups (p=0.000). The time of sitting on a non-working day does not differ among white-collar (221.4 min./day) and blue-collar workers (230.4 min./day). White-collar workers sit longer in vehicles (p <0.0001): 482.4 vs blue-collar workers 326.8 min./week. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest a change in Polish recommendations regarding the SB. Blue-collar and white-collar workers need support from the State policy in this matter and need guidance from pro-health programmes. It is necessary to intensify coherent, interdisciplinary and intersectoral activities aimed at creating environments that effectively counteract SB in the place of work and residence, especially in the larger agglomerations.
Isolation and Molecular Characterization of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria from Groundnut (Arachis Hypogaea L.) Rhizosphere

Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) have been extensively employed as biofertilizers to enhance the soil nutrition for several crop plants. Rhizobacteria with beneficial effects for plants could therefore be used to reduce the dependence on synthetic chemical fertilizers in conventional agriculture. Within this study, we have explored for isolation of potential PGPR for groundnut crop from agricultural fields of Saurashtra region, Gujarat. A total of forty-two isolates from rhizospheric soil with different colony characteristics were isolated. All the strains were tested for plant growth promoting (PGP) traits to observe their properties and potential for plant growth promoting of all forty-two isolates. Plant growth promoting traits such as indole acetic acid (IAA), hydrogen cyanide (HCN), ammonia production, phosphate solubilisation and gibberellins production were performed. Thirty-four isolates produced IAA in the range of 20.7–133 µg/mL, seventeen isolates were positive for ammonia production in the range of 21.4–55.5 µg/mL, twenty-six isolates produced HCN in the range of 5.65–114.3 µg/mL,4isolates displayed phosphate solubilisation in the range of 65.6–259.5 µg/mL, and 5 isolates were positive for gibberellins production in the range of 10.2–112.1 µg/mL. Moreover, only RGKP3 and RG12 isolates displayed positive results for all PGP traits. The potent isolate RGKP3 was further identified using 16SrRNA sequencing. The strain has close evolutionary similarities with Priestia megaterium. In future study, the potent PGPR will be studied to promote groundnut plant growth, enhanced crop production, and as a potential biofertilizer.
Urdu paraphrase detection: A novel DNN-based implementation using a semi-automatically generated corpus

Automatic paraphrase detection is the task of measuring the semantic overlap between two given texts. A major hurdle in the development and evaluation of paraphrase detection approaches, particularly for South Asian languages like Urdu, is the inadequacy of standard evaluation resources. The very few available paraphrased corpora for these languages are manually created. As a result, they are constrained to smaller sizes and are not very feasible to evaluate mainstream data-driven and deep neural networks (DNNs)-based approaches. Consequently, there is a need to develop semi- or fully automated corpus generation approaches for the resource-scarce languages. There is currently no semi- or fully automatically generated sentence-level Urdu paraphrase corpus. Moreover, no study is available to localize and compare approaches for Urdu paraphrase detection that focus on various mainstream deep neural architectures and pretrained language models. This research study addresses this problem by presenting a semi-automatic pipeline for generating paraphrased corpora for Urdu. It also presents a corpus that is generated using the proposed approach. This corpus contains 3147 semi-automatically extracted Urdu sentence pairs that are manually tagged as paraphrased (854) and non-paraphrased (2293). Finally, this paper proposes two novel approaches based on DNNs for the task of paraphrase detection in Urdu text. These are Word Embeddings n-gram Overlap (henceforth called WENGO), and a modified approach, Deep Text Reuse and Paraphrase Plagiarism Detection (henceforth called D-TRAPPD). Both of these approaches have been evaluated on two related tasks: (i) paraphrase detection, and (ii) text reuse and plagiarism detection. The results from these evaluations revealed that D-TRAPPD ( $F_1 = 96.80$ for paraphrase detection and $F_1 = 88.90$ for text reuse and plagiarism detection) outperformed WENGO ( $F_1 = 81.64$ for paraphrase detection and $F_1 = 61.19$ for text reuse and plagiarism detection) as well as other state-of-the-art approaches for these two tasks. The corpus, models, and our implementations have been made available as free to download for the research community.
Assessment of Patients Knowledge Undergoing Chemotherapy toward Self Care after Gastrectomy at Oncology Unit of Al-Haboby Teaching Hospital in AL-Naseria City

Background: Knowledge of self-care is an important index for evaluating the outcomes of treatment and the long-term survival of patients with cancer. Aims of the study: This study aimed to assess patients’ knowledge of self-care after Gastrectomy; and determine the relationship between patient’s knowledge and their socio-demographic data. Methodology: A descriptive study is conducted for the periods of 26 / December / 2020 to 1 / June / 2021. The study is carried out at the Oncology Unit of AL-Haboby Teaching Hospital. By non-probability purposive sample was selected of patients who were diagnosed with undergoing chemotherapy. The validity of the questionnaire was achieved through a panel of experts, and reliability achieved through a pilot study. Through the use of questionnaires and interviews, data were collected and analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Findings indicate that (32.5%) of the patients within the age group of (56-60) years with a mean of (73.8) years, (65.0%) were males, (60.0%) primary school educated, (87.5%) were married, mostly housewife and insufficient monthly income. Shows that study sample information was presented low level about general information about stomach cancer and gastrectomy, general information of chemotherapy’ and self-care of side effects of chemotherapy. Findings showed there were the no-significant relationship between patient’s knowledge and their demographic data. Conclusion: Patients were poor express knowledge of self-care after gastrectomy and those not influenced by their socio-demographic data. Recommendations: Establishing specialized centers to educate patients about self-care stomach cancer and disease-causing risk factors and the importance of early detection of cancer. As well as, a booklet of the side effects of chemotherapy and how to manage it should be written in simple words and use attractive pictures given to the patients and family.
The C-Terminal Tail of Mitochondrial Transcription Factor A Is Dispensable for Mitochondrial DNA Replication and Transcription In Situ

Mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) is one of the widely studied but still incompletely understood mitochondrial protein, which plays a crucial role in the maintenance and transcription of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). The available experimental evidence is often contradictory in assigning the same function to various TFAM domains, partly owing to the limitations of those experimental systems. Recently, we developed the GeneSwap approach, which enables in situ reverse genetic analysis of mtDNA replication and transcription and is devoid of many of the limitations of the previously used techniques. Here, we utilized this approach to analyze the contributions of the TFAM C-terminal (tail) domain to mtDNA transcription and replication. We determined, at a single amino acid (aa) resolution, the TFAM tail requirements for in situ mtDNA replication in murine cells and established that tail-less TFAM supports both mtDNA replication and transcription. Unexpectedly, in cells expressing either C-terminally truncated murine TFAM or DNA-bending human TFAM mutant L6, HSP1 transcription was impaired to a greater extent than LSP transcription. Our findings are incompatible with the prevailing model of mtDNA transcription and thus suggest the need for further refinement.
Erratum to "Some Fixed Point Theorems of Integral Type Contraction in Cone Metric Space"

We regret making following mistake in the above-mentioned paper 1 . We would like to correct it and explain some notations. 1 In 1 we introduced a new concept of integral type contraction in cone metric spaces and generalized Brancieri and Meir-Keeler theorems in such spaces. 1, Theorem 2.9 is an extension of Brancieri’s theorem, and 1, Theorem 3.2 is an extension of Brancieri and Meir-Keeler’s results. We asserted the following in 1, Theorem 2.9 .