Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Faces in a Decade of US Cable TV News

Cable (TV) news reaches millions of US households each day. News stakeholders such as communications researchers, journalists, and media monitoring organizations are interested in the visual content of cable news, especially who is on-screen. Manual analysis, however, is labor intensive and limits the size of prior studies. We conduct a large-scale, quantitative analysis of the faces in a decade of cable news video from the top three US cable news networks (CNN, FOX, and MSNBC), totaling 244,038 hours between January 2010 and July 2019. Our work uses technologies such as automatic face and gender recognition to measure the "screen time" of faces and to enable visual analysis and exploration at scale. Our analysis method gives insight into a broad set of socially relevant topics. For instance, male-presenting faces receive much more screen time than female-presenting faces (2.4x in 2010, 1.9x in 2019). To make our dataset and annotations accessible, we release a public interface at https://tvnews.stanford. edu that allows the general public to write queries and to perform their own analyses.
Virtual Reality Technology in Physics Learning: Possibility, Trend, and Tools

This study aims to disclose how virtual reality technology has been applied to studies of learning and the possibility of virtual reality by reviewing studies that have employed the virtual reality approach. A total of 15 papers were selected from the Scopus Index database from 2015 to 2020. Content analysis showed that virtual reality and physics learning had received the most attention under the theme of student perception, especially in self-efficacy and experience, followed by satisfaction, motivation, and engagement. Trends of research development show that the use of virtual reality has proliferated recently. Moreover, HTC Vive is the most powerful device to conduct the VR study for the tool device. This study concludes that virtual reality technology provides a promising media for educational researchers.
Bank productivity in CESEE countries

This paper looks at the performance of commercial banks in Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe (CESEE). More specif ically, we investigate the productivity growth components and capacity utilization in 11 CESEE EU member states as well as six non-EU countries in the Western Balkans during the period 2011 to 2019. First, we apply the methodology of Kumbhakar et al. (2014) to explain the components of total factor productivity (TFP) growth. Our results suggest that TFP growth is positive in the Western Balkan countries and negative in the CESEE EU member states, largely owing to differences in economies of scale and technical change. When controlling for heterogeneity between banks in these two regions and disentangling permanent and time-varying inefficiency, banks from CESEE Western Balkans countries still appear to be more efficient; the differences are, however, much smaller. Finally, we apply the dual cost approach by Berndt and Fuss (1986) to estimate the capacity utilization of banks. We find that banks in the CESEE EU member states have a lower capacity utilization than banks in the Western Balkans. However, cost-to-income ratios across the two regions are comparable, as Western Balkan banks generate far lower assets per employee and per fixed assets. We also find significant differences between smaller and larger banks in the two regions, with smaller banks apparently catching up with larger ones. Based on these findings we provide some policy recommendations. Overall, given the expected worsening of asset quality due to the COVID-19 pandemic and increasing competition by f intech companies, banks in both regions need to increase their efforts to move closer to the efficiency frontier.
Ameliorative effect of Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) peel infusion on the histopathological structures of the liver and kidney of rats (Rattus norvegicus Berkenhout, 1769) after H2O2 induction

Background and Aim: Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a free radical, widely use as a food preservative, may cause adverse effects to the body. Mangosteen contains various antioxidants may scavenge free radical produced by H2O2. This study examined the effects of mangosteen peel infusion on the liver and kidney of rats after H2O2 induction. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six female Wistar rats were divided into six groups: Negative control, positive control (1% H2O2), as well as mangosteen peel infusion groups at a concentration of 0.25; 0.5; 1, and 2%. H2O2 induction was administered orally every day for 2 months followed by mangosteen peel infusion treatment (1 month) after H2O2 induction for 1 month. At the end of the experiment, the rats were sacrificed. The liver and kidney of each rat were collected for reactive oxygen species (ROS) and histopathological examinations. Furthermore, blood was collected for creatinine examination. Results: H2O2 induction caused the highest ROS level elevation in the positive control group which was treated with H2O2 only. Meanwhile, 2% of mangosteen peel infusion returned the ROS levels to normal. It was also observed that mangosteen peel infusion restored creatinine levels to normal. Furthermore, 2% of mangosteen peel infusion improved the histopathological structure of the liver and kidneys after H2O2 induction. Conclusion: Mangosteen peel infusion especially at a concentration of 2% has the potential to improve liver and kidney structure and functions after H2O2 induction.
ANTIMICROBIAL SUSCEPTIBILITY AND ESBLs PROFILES OF NON-TYPHOIDAL SALMONELLAE FROM POULTRY DROPPINGS

Expression of extended-spectrum beta lactamases microorganism ability to resist certain antimicrobials. Non commonly associated with poultry droppings are known to possess these enzymes. This study was aimed at determining the antimicrobia non-typhoidal salmonellae isolated from poultry droppings obtained from Katsina and Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria. Nine (9) non Kaufman-White serotyping scheme, and obtaine University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos State, in a transport medium; whereas, 15 chicken dropping samples were collected from Katsina. Each of the poultry droppings samples was enriched in Nutrient Broth for 24 hours. The isol onto Salmonella Shigella Agar, MacConkey Agar and Nutrient Agar for observance of colonial morphology and morphological characterization. Both the isolates from Katsina and Lagos were confirmed using Gram’s stain and bioche Subsequent to Gram’s stain, the Gram negative rods observed were further subjected to biochemical tests such as the IMViC group of tests, triple sugar iron agar test, motility test and urease tests to identify them. A total of 6 non obtained from the Katsina chicken droppings samples. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done on both Lagos and Katsina isolates, using the disk diffusion method using the standard gram negative disk and the results were in chart. Phenotypic characterization of extended spectrum β the the double disk diffusion method, with beta Amoxicillin-Clavulanic Acid, Ceftaxidime, Azetreonam and antibiotics. Five out of the nine strains from Lagos were found to be positive for ESBLs production (55.55%). None of the non ESBLs. The variegated resistance to the multitudes of bet coupled by the sensitivity to clavulanate phenotypically characterizes those ESBLs in the Salmonella isolates. The study highlights the growing menace of antibiotic resistance, particularly among the beta-lactams, and advocates this problem. Strategies to avoid zoonotic transfer of salmonellae are paramount in curtailing the spread of NTS to humans.
Central role of nitric oxide in ozone production in the upper tropical troposphere over the Atlantic Ocean and western Africa

Abstract. Mechanisms of tropospheric ozone (O3) formation are generally well understood. However, studies reporting on net ozone production rates (NOPRs) directly derived from in situ observations are challenging and are sparse in number. To analyze the role of nitric oxide (NO) in net ozone production in the upper tropical troposphere above the Atlantic Ocean and western Africa, we present in situ trace gas observations obtained during the CAFE-Africa (Chemistry of the Atmosphere: Field Experiment in Africa) campaign in August and September 2018. The vertical profile of in situ measured NO along the flight tracks reveals lowest NO mixing ratios of less than 20 pptv between 2 and 8 km altitude and highest mixing ratios of 0.15–0.2 ppbv above 12 km altitude. Spatial distribution of tropospheric NO above 12 km altitude shows that the sporadically enhanced local mixing ratios (>0.4 ppbv) occur over western Africa, which we attribute to episodic lightning events. Measured O3 shows little variability in mixing ratios at 60–70 ppbv, with slightly decreasing and increasing tendencies towards the boundary layer and stratosphere, respectively. Concurrent measurements of CO, CH4, OH, HO2 and H2O enable calculations of NOPRs along the flight tracks and reveal net ozone destruction at −0.6 to −0.2 ppbv h−1 below 6 km altitude and balance of production and destruction around 7–8 km altitude. We report vertical average NOPRs of 0.2–0.4 ppbv h−1 above 12 km altitude with NOPRs occasionally larger than 0.5 ppbv h−1 over western Africa coincident with enhanced NO. We compare the observational results to simulated data retrieved from the general circulation model ECHAM/MESSy Atmospheric Chemistry (EMAC). Although the comparison of mean vertical profiles of NO and O3 indicates good agreement, local deviations between measured and modeled NO are substantial. The vertical tendencies in NOPRs calculated from simulated data largely reproduce those from in situ experimental data. However, the simulation results do not agree well with NOPRs over western Africa. Both measurements and simulations indicate that ozone formation in the upper tropical troposphere is NOx limited.
Generic Additive Allometric Models and Biomass Allocation for Two Natural Oak Species in Northeastern China

Current models for oak species could not accurately estimate biomass in northeastern China, since they are usually restricted to Mongolian oak (Quercus mongolica Fisch. ex Ledeb.) on local sites, and specifically, no biomass models are available for Liaodong oak (Quercuswutaishanica Mayr). The goal of this study was, therefore, to develop generic biomass models for both oak species on a large scale and evaluate the biomass allocation patterns within tree components. A total of 159 sample trees consisting of 120 Mongolian oak and 39 Liaodong oak were harvested and measured for wood (inside bark), bark, branch and foliage biomass. To account for the belowground biomass, 53 root systems were excavated following the aboveground harvest. The share of biomass allocated to different components was assessed by calculating the ratios. An aboveground additive system of biomass models and belowground equations were fitted based on predictors considering diameter (D), tree height (H), crown width (CW) and crown length (CL). Model parameters were estimated by jointly fitting the total and the components’ equations using the weighted nonlinear seemingly unrelated regression method. A leave-one-out cross-validation procedure was used to evaluate the predictive ability. The results revealed that stem biomass accounts for about two-thirds of the aboveground biomass. The ratio of wood biomass holds constant and that of branches increases with increasing D, H, CW and CL, while a reverse trend was found for bark and foliage. The root-to-shoot ratio nonlinearly decreased with D, ranging from 1.06 to 0.11. Tree diameter proved to be a good predictor, especially for root biomass. Tree height is more prominent than crown size for improving stem biomass models, yet it puts negative effects on crown biomass models with non-significant coefficients. Crown width could help improve the fitting results of the branch and foliage biomass models. We conclude that the selected generic biomass models for Mongolian oak and Liaodong oak will vigorously promote the accuracy of biomass estimation.
Revealing a High Water Abundance in the Upper Mesosphere of Mars With ACS Onboard TGO

We present the first water vapor profiles encompassing the upper mesosphere of Mars, 100–120 km, far exceeding the maximum altitudes where remote sensing has been able to observe water to date. Our results are based on solar occultation measurements by Atmospheric Chemistry Suite (ACS) onboard the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO). The observed wavelength range around 2.7 μm possesses strong CO2 and H2O absorption lines allowing sensitive temperature and density retrievals. We report a maximum H2O mixing ratio varying from 10 to 50 ppmv at 100–120 km during the global dust storm (GDS) of Martian Year (MY) 34 and around southern summer solstice of MY 34 and 35. During other seasons water remains persistently below ∼2 ppmv. We claim that contributions of the MY34 GDS and perihelion periods into the projected hydrogen escape from Mars are nearly equivalent.
Soot PCF: pore condensation and freezing framework for soot aggregates

Abstract. Atmospheric ice formation in cirrus clouds is often initiated by aerosol particles that act as ice-nucleating particles. The aerosol–cloud interactions of soot and associated feedbacks remain uncertain, in part because a coherent understanding of the ice nucleation mechanism and activity of soot has not yet emerged. Here, we provide a new framework that predicts ice formation on soot particles via pore condensation and freezing (PCF) that, unlike previous approaches, considers soot particle properties, capturing their vastly different pore properties compared to other aerosol species such as mineral dust. During PCF, water is taken up into pores of the soot aggregates by capillary condensation. At cirrus temperatures, the pore water can freeze homogeneously and subsequently grow into a macroscopic ice crystal. In the soot-PCF framework presented here, the relative humidity conditions required for these steps are derived for different pore types as a function of temperature. The pore types considered here encompass n -membered ring pores that form between n individual spheres within the same layer of primary particles as well as pores in the form of inner cavities that form between two layers of primary particles. We treat soot primary particles as perfect spheres and use the contact angle between soot and water ( θsw ), the primary particle diameter ( Dpp ), and the degree of primary particle overlap (overlap coefficient, Cov ) to characterize pore properties. We find that three-membered and four-membered ring pores are of the right size for PCF, assuming primary particle sizes typical of atmospheric soot particles. For these pore types, we derive equations that describe the conditions for all three steps of soot PCF, namely capillary condensation, ice nucleation, and ice growth. Since at typical cirrus conditions homogeneous ice nucleation can be considered immediate as soon as the water volume within the pore is large enough to host a critical ice embryo, soot PCF becomes limited by either capillary condensation or ice crystal growth. We use the soot-PCF framework to derive a new equation to parameterize ice formation on soot particles via PCF, based on soot properties that are routinely measured, including the primary particle size, overlap, and the fractal dimension. These properties, along with the number of primary particles making up an aggregate and the contact angle between water and soot, constrain the parameterization. Applying the new parameterization to previously reported laboratory data of ice formation on soot particles provides direct evidence that ice nucleation on soot aggregates takes place via PCF. We conclude that this new framework clarifies the ice formation mechanism on soot particles in cirrus conditions and provides a new perspective to represent ice formation on soot in climate models.
States of In Situ Stress in the Duvernay East Shale Basin and Willesden Green of Alberta, Canada: Variable In Situ Stress States Effect Fault Stability

Fault slip is controlled by the normal and shear tractions on a fault plane. A full understanding of the factors influencing induced seismicity requires quantitative knowledge of the in situ stress tensor and fluid pressure. We analyze these variables for a 200 × 200 km region with active hydraulic fracturing near the city of Red Deer, Canada. The levels of induced seismicity in the area were generally low before March 4, 2019, when local residents felt the MW 3.8/ML 4.2 event. We use geophysical logs and pressure tests within the targeted Duvernay Formation to construct maps of ambient pore pressure, vertical and minimum horizontal stresses. The maximum horizontal stress is constrained by the focal mechanism inversion and borehole‐based estimation method. We find that a broad range of orientations are susceptible to slip and small perturbations of fluid pressure would promote displacement. This suggests that the differential variations in pore fluid pressure in the target formation may provide a metric of slip susceptibility; a map for the study area is developed. Areas of high susceptibility correlate with those experiencing higher levels of induced seismicity, except for the Willesden Green oil field that has similarly elevated susceptibility and active hydraulic fracturing operations. The methods and results demonstrate how more quantitatively constrained in situ stresses developed from an ensemble of real field measurements can assist in assessing fault stability and in developing metrics for slip susceptibility.
Significant contrasts in aerosol acidity between China and the United States

Aerosol acidity governs several key processes in aerosol physics and chemistry, thus affecting aerosol mass and composition and ultimately climate and human health. Previous studies have reported aerosol pH values separately in China and the United States (USA), implying different aerosol acidity between these two countries. However, there is debate about whether mass concentration or chemical composition is the more important driver of differences in aerosol acidity. A full picture of the pH difference and the underlying mechanisms responsible is hindered by the scarcity of simultaneous measurements of particle composition and gaseous species, especially in China. Here we conduct a comprehensive assessment of aerosol acidity in China and the USA using extended ground-level measurements and regional chemical transport model simulations. We show that aerosols in China are significantly less acidic than in the USA, with pH values 1–2 units higher. Based on a proposed multivariable Taylor series method and a series of sensitivity tests, we identify major factors leading to the pH difference. Compared to the USA, China has much higher aerosol mass concentrations (gas + particle, by a factor of 8.4 on average) and a higher fraction of total ammonia (gas + particle) in the aerosol composition. Our assessment shows that the differences in mass concentrations and chemical composition play equally important roles in driving the aerosol pH difference between China and the USA – increasing the aerosol mass concentrations (by a factor of 8.4) but keeping the relative component contributions the same in the USA as the level in China increases the aerosol pH by ~1.0 units and further shifting the chemical composition from US conditions to China’s that are richer in ammonia increases the aerosol pH by ~0.9 units. Therefore, China being both more polluted than the USA and richer in ammonia explains the aerosol pH difference. The difference in aerosol acidity highlighted in the present study implies potential differences in formation mechanisms, physicochemical properties, and toxicity of aerosol particles in these two countries.
In vitro Antioxidant and Anticancer Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Defatted Rice Bran on MCF-7 (Breast) and A549 (Lung) Cancer Cell Lines

Rice bran, a by-product of milling industries is a nutrient dense material basically used as animal feed. Phytochemicals present in rice bran have potent bioactive compounds that can be used to prevent various non-communicable diseases such as cancer. The widespread prevalence of cancer impels research to look for substances that are anti-cancerous in nature. This study involved the in-vitro assessment of antioxidant and anticancer activity of ethanolic extract of defatted rice bran (DFRB). Rice bran was stabilized, defatted and an ethanolic extract was prepared. Phytochemical analysis, total polyphenol content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) of DFRB was done. Antioxidant activity was measured using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assay. Cytotoxicity was assessed using MTT assay on breast (MCF-7) and lung (A549) cancer cell lines. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of terpenoids, cardiac glycoside, flavonoids, alkaloids, quinone and phenols. The TPC and TFC was 1.15± 0.34 mg GAE/g and 4.69± 0.40 mg RE/g respectively. DFRB extract showed significant antioxidant activity that was dose dependant, with an IC50 value of 7.82 and 111.68 μg/mL for DPPH and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assays respectively. The viability of MCF-7 and A549 cells decreased with the addition of DFRB extract with IC50 values of 174 and 145 μg/mL respectively. This study reveals the potential of DFRB extract as an antioxidant and anticancer agent, however a thorough investigation of the underlying mechanisms is required for DFRB to be considered as a therapeutic agent by pharmaceutical industries.
GRACEfully Closing the Water Balance: A Data‐Driven Probabilistic Approach Applied to River Basins in Iran

To fully benefit from remotely sensed observations of the terrestrial water cycle, bias and random errors in these data sets need to be quantified. This paper presents a Bayesian hierarchical model that fuses monthly water balance data and estimates the corresponding data errors and error‐corrected water balance components (precipitation, evaporation, river discharge, and water storage). The model combines monthly basin‐scale water balance constraints with probabilistic data error models for each water balance variable. Each data error model includes parameters that are in turn treated as unknown random variables to reflect uncertainty in the errors. Errors in precipitation and evaporation data are parameterized as a function of multiple data sources, while errors in GRACE storage observations are described by a noisy sine wave model with parameters controlling the phase, amplitude, and randomness of the sine wave. Error parameters and water balance variables are estimated using a combination of Markov Chain Monte Carlo sampling and iterative smoothing. Application to semiarid river basins in Iran yields (a) significant reductions in evaporation uncertainty during water‐stressed summers, (b) basin‐specific timing and amplitude corrections of the GRACE water storage dynamics, and (c) posterior water balance estimates with average standard errors of 4–12 mm/month for water storage, 3.5–7 mm/month for precipitation, 2–6 mm/month for evaporation, and 0–2 mm/month for river discharge. The approach is readily extended to other data sets and other (gauged) basins around the world, possibly using customized data error models. The resulting error‐filtered and bias‐corrected water balance estimates can be used to evaluate hydrological models.