Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Subjective Well-being, Status Identity, and Intergenerational Relations among the Elderly

Abstract Research to-date has examined the impact of intergenerational support in terms of isolated types of support, or at one point in time, failing to provide strong evidence of the complex effect of support on older persons’ wellbeing. Using the Harmonised China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (2011, 2013 and 2015), this paper investigates the impact of older people's living arrangements and intergenerational support provision/receipt on their physical and psychological wellbeing, focusing on rural–urban differences. The results show that receiving economic support from one's adult children was a stronger predictor for higher life satisfaction among rural residents compared to urban residents, while grandchild care provision was an important determinant for poor life satisfaction only for urban residents. Having weekly in-person and distant contact with one's adult children reduced the risk of depression in both rural and urban residents. Older women were more likely than men to receive support and to have contact with adult children, but also to report poor functional status and depression. The paper shows that it is important to improve the level of public economic transfers and public social care towards vulnerable older people in rural areas, and more emphasis should be placed on improving the psychological wellbeing of urban older residents, such as with the early diagnosis of depression.
Learning from the Master: Distilling Cross-modal Advanced Knowledge for Lip Reading

Lip reading aims to predict the spoken sentences from silent lip videos. Due to the fact that such a vision task usually performs worse than its counterpart speech recognition, one potential scheme is to distill knowledge from a teacher pretrained by audio signals. However, the latent domain gap between the cross-modal data could lead to a learning ambiguity and thus limits the performance of lip reading. In this paper, we propose a novel collaborative framework for lip reading, and two aspects of issues are considered: 1) the teacher should understand bi-modal knowledge to possibly bridge the inherent cross-modal gap; 2) the teacher should adjust teaching contents adaptively with the evolution of the student. To these ends, we introduce a trainable "master" network which ingests both audio signals and silent lip videos instead of a pretrained teacher. The master produces logits from three modalities of features: audio modality, video modality, and their combination. To further provide an interactive strategy to fuse these knowledge organically, we regularize the master with the task-specific feedback from the student, in which the requirement of the student is implicitly embedded. Meanwhile, we involve a couple of "tutor" networks into our system as guidance for emphasizing the fruitful knowledge flexibly. In addition, we incorporate a curriculum learning design to ensure a better convergence. Extensive experiments demonstrate that the proposed network outperforms the state-of-the-art methods on several benchmarks, including in both word-level and sentence-level scenarios.
Quartz: A Framework for Engineering Secure Smart Contracts

We present Quartz , a language and framework for developing and validating smart contracts. A user writes a Quartz contract as an extended finite-state machine in a domain-specific language. Quartz translates this description into a formal specification in TLA + . The specification captures both the contract’s logic and the execution semantics of the blockchain. Quartz uses bounded model checking to automatically determine if a contract adheres to user-defined properties. Once validated, the contract’s author uses Quartz to generate a Solidity implementation for deployment on a blockchain. We used a survey of 16 contract case studies, drawn from a variety of domains, to motivate the design of Quartz ’s DSL and to evaluate its effectiveness. We show that Quartz contracts are consistently more concise than handwritten Solidity equivalents. We present two in-depth case studies where Quartz identifies multiple significant contract vulnerabilities and provides useful execution traces to assist the developer in addressing them. Finally, we demonstrate that Quartz imposes only modest overhead in terms of generated code size and execution efficiency over handwritten Solidity. Quartz is able to automatically verify functional, contract-specific properties. It is the first tool of this type that detects vulnerabilities arising from interactions with external code, such as reentrancy.
Turning Attacks into Protection: Social Media Privacy Protection Using Adversarial Attacks

Machine learning, especially deep learning, has emerged as one of the most powerful tools for attribute inference attacks over social media, which poses serious threats to users’ privacy and security. In this paper, we explore a novel perspective of protecting data privacy in social media, where we take advantage of the vulnerability of machine learning, and introduce adversarial attacks to forge latent feature representations and mislead attribute inference attacks. Considering that text data in social media shares the most signiﬁcant privacy of users, we investigate how text-space adversarial attacks can be elaborated to obfuscate users’ attributes, and accordingly present a text-space adversarial attack as defense , or AaaD for short. Speciﬁcally, we advance AaaD by constructing semantically and visually similar word candidates to perturb, and leveraging word importance scores as selection probabilities to upgrade a population-based optimization to expedite adversarial text generation. We evaluate the performance of AaaD on two social media data sets, while the experimental results validate its eﬀectiveness against inference attacks. Our work yields great value and unveils a new insight on the applicability of adversarial attacks for attribute obfuscation and privacy protection.
On the Factor Structure of Bond Returns

We demonstrate that characterizing the minimal dimension of the term structure of interest rates is more challenging than currently appreciated. The highly structured polynomial patterns of the factor loadings, which are widely reported and discussed in the literature, reflect local correlations of smooth curves across maturities. We derive analytical expressions for the loadings of cross‐sectionally dependent processes that tend to favor a much lower dimension than the true dimension of the underlying factor space. Numerical examples illustrate the significant economic costs of erroneously committing to a parsimoniously parameterized factor space that is informed by standard metrics of goodness‐of‐fit. Our results apply to other assets with a finite maturity structure.
Consumer Preferences of Solar Systems in Boston and Atlanta: A Choice Experiment

Creating a cleaner energy grid has become a hot topic over the past 20 years, as the effects of fossil fuels on our planet has become clearer. The solar market in the US has exploded over the past 10 years, with an average annual growth rate of about 42% (Solar Industry Research Data, 2020). Choice experiments are often conducted to better understand consumers preferences towards products or characteristics of products. In this study, data of a choice experiment in a survey of residents in Boston and Atlanta regarding preferences for attributes of household solar energy collecting system are analyzed. The results of data analysis give us a better understanding as to what consumers in Boston and Atlanta value in a solar photovoltaic or hot water system, and to estimate what they are willing to pay (WTP) for these systems, and upgrades in attributes/features of these systems. Introduction According to a Pew Research Center (2019) study, about 77% of US adults believe that renewable energies like wind, solar and hydrogen technologies should be prioritized in the United States energy supply versus expanding fossil fuels. Over the past decade the renewable energy market, specifically the solar photovoltaic (PV), has seen tremendous growth, and solar panels are increasingly being installed in homes across the US. 19.2 GWdc of additional Solar pv capacity was installed by the end of 2020, compared to just 245 installed capacity (MWdc) ten years ago (SEIA 2020). On the other hand, Solar Hot Water (SHW) has significantly less buzz around it but could equally help transform the US energy system. According to EIA (2018), in 2015 water heating was responsible for 19% of the energy use in the average US home. The popularity of these systems varies as individual states are adopting solar at different rates. Georgia and Massachusetts rank similar in the national ranking by SEIA in 2020, but the Massachusetts solar installation among residential homes far out numbers Georgia (SEIA 2020). Massachusetts also has more residential incentives for installing solar systems compared to Georgia (DSIRE 2020), which could potentially be the driver behind this difference. A choice experiment conducted in these two cities could give more specific empirical insight into which characteristics, and features of an energy system that are important to Georgia and Massachusetts consumers. The results of this CE can also be used to calculate the WTP for these various features. These results could be used to give more information to policy makers and researchers as to what consumers value in their energy system, more specifically consumers in the greater Boston and Atlanta areas. This could also provide for more targeted incentives and research, to promote installing green energy systems.
Reaction to Escherichia coli endotoxin in adult rats neonatally exposed to different endotoxins: Timing of puberty and levels of gonadotropins

Aim: Neonatal bacterial infections appear to program immune system in a sexually dimorphic way and are associated with perturbed neuronal development. Bacterial cell wall components or endotoxins cause similar effects, and therefore, are used as experimental models. Aim of the current study was to assess the effects of neonatal exposure to different bacterial endotoxins on timing of puberty and to investigate the reaction to Echerichia (E.) coli endotoxin on plasma gonadotropin levels during adulthood. Material and Method: Female (n=28) and male (n=28) rat pups were injected intraperitoneally with sterile saline solution (n=7), 100 ug/kg Escherichia coli (O111:B4) endotoxin (n=7), Salmonella enterica typhimurium endotoxin (n=7) or Klebsiella pneumoniae endotoxin (n=7) on neonatal day 7. Timing of puberty was assessed daily by observing vaginal opening. All animals were injected intraperitoneally with a different E. coli serotype (O26:B6) at 100 ug/kg doses on postnatal day 80 and four hours post-injection, blood samples and gonads were collected. Blood was used for gonadotropin (LH and FSH) analyzes. Females and males were compared by Kruskall Wallis H test. Multiple comparisons were made by Mann Whitney U test with Bonferroni correction. An alpha level of P<0.05 was accepted as significant. Results: No effects of neonatal and adulthood endotoxin exposures were observed on body weight (p>0.05) No effects of neonatal endotoxin exposures were observed on timing of puberty (p>0.05). Neonatal and adulthood endotoxin exposures did not affect FSH and LH levels and gonad weights (p>0.05) Conclusion: It might be concluded that effects of single neonatal exposure to different endotoxins are corrected before the commencement of the puberty, and hence, pubertal development is not affected.
Potential use of metal hyperaccumulators

Experiments involving biological accumulation of metal contaminants are summarized in the article. The focus is on identification of hyperaccumulating plant species for cadmium and zinc. Two of the studies examined Thlaspi caerulescens (alpine pennycress) as a bioadsorbent; the third study compared different species of Thlaspi. The T. caerulescens accumulated both metals, but with low yields. Other plant species were identified which adsorbed cadmium or zinc, but not both metals.
Insight into binding modes of p53 and inhibitors to MDM2 based on molecular dynamic simulations and principal component analysis

ABSTRACT Inhibition of the p53–MDM2 interaction is a new therapeutic strategy to activate the wild-type function of p53 in tumors. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and calculations of binding free energies were performed to investigate the binding mechanisms of p53 and two inhibitors PMI and VZV to MDM2. The results show that van der Waals interaction is the main force to control the bindings of ligands to the hydrophobic cleft of MDM2, which basically agrees with the previous calculated and experimental studies. The results from the RMSF calculation, cross-correlation analysis and principal component (PC) analysis prove that the ligand bindings produce a significant effect on the conformation of the binding cleft of MDM2. In addition, the calculations of residue-based free energy decomposition suggest that the CH–CH, CH–π, and π–π interactions dominate the bindings of p53 and inhibitors to MDM2. This study can provide significant help for the design of potent inhibitors targeting the p53–MDM2 interaction.
Gender gap in Brazilian states and stakeholder analysis of the National Council for Women’s Rights

This paper aims to analyze the gender gap in Brazilian states and the actions of stakeholders of the National Council for Women’s Rights (NCWR). Two research was conducted in two steps. In the first step, a gender gap index in Brazilian states was calculated based on the Global Gender Gap Report (GGGR) methodology, prepared by the World Economic Forum. In the second, the NCWR stakeholders were mapped, and their performance was analyzed, considering the gender gap indexes obtained in the first step and the theoretical framework supported by stakeholder analysis models. The political and economic dimensions presented the worst performance. The Brazilian states with the best general indexes were Amapá, Distrito Federal, and Maranhão, and the worst were Mato Grosso, Minas Gerais, and Paraná. On the other hand, NCWR stakeholders acting in public policies related to the economic and political dimensions do not seem to have great relevance and influence capacity. Evidence indicates a concentration of policy efforts in areas where the country has good GGGR indicators (health and education).
Melatonin as an Antioxidant and Immunomodulator in Atopic Dermatitis—A New Look on an Old Story: A Review

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is common inflammatory dermatosis, typically with chronic and recurrent course, which significantly reduces the quality of life. Sleep disturbances are considered to be remarkably burdensome ailments in patients with AD, and are routinely included during assessment of disease severity. Therefore, endogenous substances engaged in the control of circadian rhythms might be important in pathogenesis of AD and, possibly, be used as biomarkers of disease severity or even in development of novel therapies. Melatonin (MT), the indoleamine produced by pineal gland (but also by multiple other tissues, including skin), plays a pivotal role in maintaining the sleep/wake homeostasis. Additionally, it possesses strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which might directly link chronic skin inflammation and sleep abnormalities characteristic of AD. The objective of this work is to systematically present and summarize the results of studies (both experimental and clinical) that investigated the role of MT in the AD, with a focus on the antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects of MT.
High-Efficiency Polarizer Reflectarray Antennas for Data Transmission Links from a CubeSat

This paper presents two designs of high-efficiency polarizer reflectarray antennas able to generate a collimated beam in dual-circular polarization using a linearly polarized feed, with application to high-gain antennas for data transmission links from a Cubesat. First, an 18 cm × 18 cm polarizer reflectarray operating in the 17.2–22.7 GHz band has been designed, fabricated, and tested. The measurements of the prototype show an aperture efficiency of 52.7% for right-handed circular polarization (RHCP) and 57.3% for left-handed circular polarization (LHCP), both values higher than those previously reported in related works. Then, a dual-band polarizer reflectarray is presented for the first time, which operates in dual-CP in the frequency bands of 20 GHz and 30 GHz. The proposed antenna technology enables a reduction of the complexity and cost of the feed chain to operate in dual-CP, as a linear-to-circular polarizer is no longer required. This property, combined with the lightweight, flat profile and low fabrication cost of printed reflectarrays, makes the proposed antennas good candidates for Cubesat applications.
Interpersonal Wishes and Fears with Regard to Internalized Attachment Figures: Differing Focus of Two Case Formulation Methods that use SASB

This commentary is organized in parallel with Westerman’s (2021b) comparison to include focus on (1) the formulation methods used by IRT and Interpersonal Defense Theory, and then (2) their treatment implications. In each major section, comments center first on comparison of the approaches in general, and then turn to a focus on the details of Sharon’s case. In sum, we wish to underscore the need for continued empirical work in both IRT and Interpersonal Defense Theory traditions as ways to advance our field. We see each method as offering a different scope and focal areas of concern. With a mind toward the advancement of research and application along both lines of thought, our commentary provides an overview of how we see areas of alignment, divergence, and their potential meaning for theory and practice. The two methods share a great deal in terms of assumptive worldviews, prioritization of relational material, and even specific measurement methodology (SASB). Where the methods diverge, we believe it is primarily because they seek answers to different kinds of questions.
In Utero Exposure to Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Leads to Postnatal Catch-Up Growth and Dysmetabolism in the Adult Rat Liver

The rates of gestational cannabis use have increased despite limited evidence for its safety in fetal life. Recent animal studies demonstrate that prenatal exposure to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis) promotes intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), culminating in postnatal metabolic deficits. Given IUGR is associated with impaired hepatic function, we hypothesized that Δ9-THC offspring would exhibit hepatic dyslipidemia. Pregnant Wistar rat dams received daily injections of vehicular control or 3 mg/kg Δ9-THC i.p. from embryonic day (E) 6.5 through E22. Exposure to Δ9-THC decreased the liver to body weight ratio at birth, followed by catch-up growth by three weeks of age. At six months, Δ9-THC-exposed male offspring exhibited increased visceral adiposity and higher hepatic triglycerides. This was instigated by augmented expression of enzymes involved in triglyceride synthesis (ACCα, SCD, FABP1, and DGAT2) at three weeks. Furthermore, the expression of hepatic DGAT1/DGAT2 was sustained at six months, concomitant with mitochondrial dysfunction (i.e., elevated p66shc) and oxidative stress. Interestingly, decreases in miR-203a-3p and miR-29a/b/c, both implicated in dyslipidemia, were also observed in these Δ9-THC-exposed offspring. Collectively, these findings indicate that prenatal Δ9-THC exposure results in long-term dyslipidemia associated with enhanced hepatic lipogenesis. This is attributed by mitochondrial dysfunction and epigenetic mechanisms.
Trend Aware Investment Strategy for Stock Market based on a Classifier System and on Intelligent Optimization Techniques

In this work, it is proposed a hybrid system that combines the use of Support Vector Machines with Genetic Algorithms to create trading strategies based on the current conditions of the market. This system uses a classifier based on the Support Vector Machine to analyze the current trend and select a specific trading strategy, previously optimized by a Genetic Algorithm for the corresponding trend. The system requires an initial training phase of the classifier, which will then be used to split the data into groups of different trends. Each of these groups is optimized separately based on technical analysis rules in order to achieve a tailored trading strategy for each type of trend. For this experience, it is used four important indexes from distinct countries, namely, the SP500, the DAX, the NIK225 and the IBEX35. The data used covers the market data since September 2001 up to September 2018 and the system is tested for each year since September 2007. This system is compared against a similar system without the trend classification component for evaluation purposes. The results for the three markets suggest a possible increase in performance of the strategy optimization method if it is implemented a classifier with the intent of strategy segregation. The data generated during the training and testing phase imply that the proposed system is capable of generating strategies that better adapt to the present trend.
ATTRIBUTES of TOTAL PHENOLIC CONTENT, ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITY and IN-VITRO SIMULATED BIOACCESSIBILITY of ASTRINGENT, NON-ASTRINGENT and WILD (ROOTSTOCK) PERSIMMONS

Persimmon which is widely known as “Trabzon Hurması” and “Cennet Meyvesi” is a very popular fruit with bright orange color. In the presented study, extractable, non-extractable, total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant capacity (AC) and bioaccessibility of Trabzon persimmons (astringent, non-astringent and wild persimmon) were determined. The results of this study indicated that all types of persimmons have great importance both on TPC, AC and bioaccessibility. Compared to astringent and non-astringent types, the wild persimmon type had the highest TPC. Another attractive result from this study, although the wild persimmons do not prefer for consumption, the results demonstrated that the bioaccessible phenolics of this type of persimmons were found to be 6.7 fold higher than the non-astringent types and 4.7 fold higher than the astringent types. Especially the wild type of persimmon is a good source of natural antioxidant and further studies should be carried out for wild type persimmon.