Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of Leaf Occlusions on Yield Assessment by Computer Vision in Commercial Vineyards

Yield assessment has been identified as critical topic for grape and wine industry. Computer vision has been applied for assessing yield, but the accuracy was greatly affected by fruit occlusion affected by leaves and other plant organs. The objective of this work was the consistent, continuous evaluation of the impact of leaf occlusions in different commercial vineyard plots at different defoliation stages. RGB (red, green and blue) images from five Tempranillo (Vitis vinifera L.) vineyards were manually acquired using a digital camera under field conditions at three different levels of defoliation: no defoliation, partial defoliation and full defoliation. Computer vision was used for the automatic detection of different canopy features, and for the calibration of regression equations for the prediction of yield computed per vine segment. Leaf occlusion rate (berry occlusion affected by leaves) was computed by machine vision in no defoliated vineyards. As occlusion rate increased, R2 between bunch pixels and yield was gradually reduced, ranging from 0.77 in low occlusion, to 0.63.
Patterns of Urban Shrinkage: A Systematic Analysis of Romanian Cities (1992–2020)

EU post-socialist countries are nowadays the epicenter of urban shrinkage, despite economic growth trajectories reported during the last decades. However, systematic assessments of urban shrinkage patterns for this part of the continent are surprisingly insufficiently addressed in the literature, and the relationship between urban demographic decline/growth and economic decline/growth is still to be understood. This paper first delivers a state-of-the-art of the peculiarities of urban shrinkage in East-Central EU countries. Secondly, it employs an analysis grid to assess severity, prevalence, persistence, speed and regional incidence of urban decline in Romania—one of the most affected post-socialist countries within the European Union. Thirdly, it explores the statistical association between urban shrinkage severity and economic growth, on one hand, and between urban shrinkage severity and municipality revenues, on the other. Results show that urban shrinkage is currently increasing in prevalence and severity among Romanian cities, thus continuing an alarming trend that started in 1990. Secondly, the results pinpoint a statistically significant association between demographic shrinkage, local economic output and municipalities’ own-source revenues. However, the size effects are rather weak, suggesting a more nuanced relationship between economic and demographic urban growth than that predicted by some theories of urban change.
Potential Application of Genomic Technologies in Breeding for Fungal and Oomycete Disease Resistance in Pea

Growth and yield of pea crops are severely affected by various fungal diseases, including root rot, Ascochyta blight, powdery mildew, and rust, in different parts of the world. Conventional breeding methods have led to enhancement of host plant resistance against these diseases in adapted cultivars, which is the primary option to minimize the yield losses. To support the breeding programs for marker-assisted selection, several successful attempts have been made to detect the genetic loci associated with disease resistance, based on SSR and SNP markers. In recent years, advances in next-generation sequencing platforms, and resulting improvements in high-throughput and economical genotyping methods, have been used to make rapid progress in identification of these loci. The first reference genome sequence of pea was published in 2019 and provides insights on the distribution and architecture of gene families associated with disease resistance. Furthermore, the genome sequence is a resource for anchoring genetic linkage maps, markers identified in multiple studies, identification of candidate genes, and functional genomics studies. The available pea genomic resources and the potential application of genomic technologies for development of disease-resistant cultivars with improved agronomic profile will be discussed, along with the current status of the arising improved pea germplasm.
Socioeconomic adversity: which measures to use for child health research?

The link between socioeconomic deprivation and adverse health outcomes is widely recognised. In the UK, many reports have shown socioeconomic gradients in measures of poor health at birth (such as preterm birth or low birth weight), adverse health outcomes in childhood (such as asthma, obesity or tooth decay), as well as poorer educational and social outcomes. Similar patterns are observed in other high income countries. Despite numerous studies linking the socioeconomic circumstances of families and inequalities in child health, evidence is still needed to determine which policies aimed at improving child health should be prioritised, and how to best monitor the effectiveness of policies already introduced. In the current issue of Acta Paediatrica, Anand and colleagues present a new measure of socioeconomic deprivation in the population, the Socioeconomic Adversity Index (SAI) which can be used to describe inequalities in child health. What other measures are commonly used for research and how does SAI compare?
J ul 2 02 1 R ISK BOUNDS WHEN LEARNING INFINITELY MANY RESPONSE FUNCTIONS BY ORDINARY LINEAR REGRESSION

Consider the problem of learning a large number of response functions simultaneously based on the same input variables. The training data consist of a single independent random sample of the input variables drawn from a common distribution together with the associated responses. The input variables are mapped into a highdimensional linear space, called the feature space, and the response functions are modelled as linear functionals of the mapped features, with coefficients calibrated via ordinary least squares. We provide convergence guarantees on the worst-case excess prediction risk by controlling the convergence rate of the excess risk uniformly in the response function. The dimension of the feature map is allowed to tend to infinity with the sample size. The collection of response functions, although potentially infinite, is supposed to have a finite Vapnik–Chervonenkis dimension. The bound derived can be applied when building multiple surrogate models in a reasonable computing time.
Scoping review and interpretation of myofascial pain/fibromyalgia syndrome: An attempt to assemble a medical puzzle

Introduction: Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) is a common overlooked and underdiagnosed condition, and with significant burden. MPS is often dismissed by clinicians while patients remain in pain for years. MPS can evolve into fibromyalgia, however, effective treatments for both are lacking due to absence of a clear mechanism. Many studies focus on central sensitization. Therefore, the purpose of this scoping review is to systematically search cross-disciplinary empirical studies of MPS, focusing on mechanical aspects, and suggest an organic mechanism explaining how it might evolve into fibromyalgia. Hopefully, it will advance our understanding of this disease. Methods: Systematically searched multiple phrases in MEDLINE, EMBASE, COCHRANE, PEDro and medrXiv, majority with no time limit. Inclusion/exclusion based on title and abstract, then full text inspection. Additional literature added on relevant side topics. Review follows PRISMA-ScR guidelines. PROSPERO yet to adapt registration for scoping reviews. Findings: 734 records included. Fascia can adapt to various states by reversibly changing biomechanical and physical properties. Trigger points, tension, and pain are a hallmark of MPS. Myofibroblasts play a role in sustained myofascial tension. Tension can propagate in fascia, possibly supporting a tensegrity framework. Movement and mechanical interventions treat and prevent MPS, while living sedentarily predisposes to MPS and recurrence. Interpretation: MPS can be seen as a pathological state of imbalance in a natural process; manifesting from the inherent properties of the fascia, triggered by a disrupted biomechanical interplay. MPS might evolve into fibromyalgia through deranged myofibroblasts in connective tissue, or "fascial armoring", which may explain pain, distribution of pain, decreased pressure/pain threshold, and other phenomena eg, occasional complete resolution after surgery. Movement is an underemployed requisite in modern lifestyle. Lifestyle is linked to pain and suffering. The mechanism of needling is suggested to be more mechanical than currently thought. MPS should no longer be overlooked but solidified in the domain of common modern medicine.
Present status of electric-double-layer thin-film transistors and their applications

As thin-film transistors (TFTs) are the workhorse of thin-film electronics, a great deal of focus has been placed upon improving their performance. One major avenue of investigation is the use of electrolyte dielectrics, which can form high capacitance electric-double layers (EDLs). The high capacitance of the EDL enables low-voltage TFT operation by inducing high carrier densities in the channel at low operating voltages. Moreover, due to the diverse range of electrolyte materials under investigation, many EDL TFTs meet the requirements for use in flexible and printable electronics. Here, the basic principles of TFTs and EDLs are introduced along with the advantages and disadvantages of different types of electrolytes. The present status of EDL TFTs is assessed with respect to different channel materials, e.g. oxide semiconductors and organic semiconductors. An overview of the potential uses of EDL is also given, including research into insulator-to-metal and insulator-to-superconductor transitions as well as incorporation into both chemical and thermal sensors. Beyond the basic EDL TFT building blocks, logic circuits for low-power electronic devices, such as memories, sensors, and neuromorphic circuits, which take advantage of the unusual properties of the EDL to mimic neural networks, are also summarized. Finally, the outlook and challenges for EDL TFTs are discussed.
Potentiometric Titration of Acid Soils FromPeninsular Malaysia

The study indicates the dominance of Al in controlling the acidity of acid Peninsular Malaysian soils. The buffering action of the soils is dominated by Al below pH 5.5 and by the clay minerals, mainly kaolinite, at pH above pH 5.5. The rate of extraction of Al from the soils depends on the concentration of the extracting solution. Lime requirement of the soils can be obtained by multiplying the base needed to raise the pH of the soil to 5.5 by a factor 1.3.
Does the Choice of Realized Covariance Measures Empirically Matter? A Bayesian Density Prediction Approach

This paper suggests a new approach to evaluate realized covariance (RCOV) estimators via their predictive power on return density. By jointly modeling returns and RCOV measures under a Bayesian framework, the predictive density of returns and ex-post covariance measures are bridged. The forecast performance of a covariance estimator can be assessed according to its improvement in return density forecasting. Empirical applications to equity data show that several RCOV estimators consistently perform better than others and emphasize the importance of RCOV selection in covariance modeling and forecasting.
Changing the Pyramids: The Impact of Broadband Internet on Firm Employment Structures

We study how the introduction of new digital technology affects the occupational and educational structure of firms. Using Brazilian data, we circumvent endogeneity issues by exploiting quasi-random variation in the roll-out of fast internet and a physical constraint in ADSL connectivity. Establishments respond to broadband availability by expanding the share of management and operational positions at the bottom of the firm hierarchy at the expense of other top and middle layers. Furthermore, we observe employment polarization with respect to education. The patterns are complex and more consistent with predictions of organizational theories than with traditional skill-biased technological change or routinization hypotheses. While our findings reveal that broadband may exert distorting effects on labor markets in emerging economies, they also suggest that these internal rearrangements are driven by efficiency-seeking firm behavior and are an important mechanism helping them to survive in the market.
Monetary Policy Strategy and Inflation in Japan (Estrategia de política monetaria e inflación en Japón)

<b>English Abstract:</b> Faced with a very prolonged period of low inflation, the Bank of Japan has been modifying its monetary policy strategy over the last two decades, pioneering the use of non-standard measures: it reduced policy interest rates to zero and, more recently, to negative levels, and has implemented several asset purchase programmes, forward guidance and, in September 2016, a yield curve control policy. Despite all these efforts, Japan has continued to experience persistently low inflation, with rates well below the central bank’s target in recent decades. This document analyses the changes in the Bank of Japan’s strategy in its struggle against low inflation, focusing in particular on the reasons that led it to adopt the interest rate control policy, describes how this policy works and its main features, and assesses the results obtained. This new strategy has allowed the Bank of Japan to control the yield curve more effectively and sustainably, reducing the volume of asset purchases and mitigating the potential adverse financial stability effects. However, empirical analysis shows that it has still not succeeded in modifying the adaptive and persistent nature of the process of formation of prices and inflation expectations in Japan. <br><br><b>Spanish Abstract:</b> Ante un período muy prolongado de baja inflación, el Banco de Japón ha ido modificando su estrategia de política monetaria en las dos últimas décadas y ha sido pionero en la introducción de medidas no convencionales: desde reducir los tipos de interés oficiales a cero y, más recientemente, situarlos en niveles negativos, pasando por varios programas de compra de activos y forward guidance, hasta la política de control de la curva de tipos de interés (Yield Curve Control) que implantó en septiembre de 2016. Pese a todos estos esfuerzos, Japón ha continuado registrando un período muy persistente de baja inflación, con tasas bastante alejadas del objetivo del banco central en las últimas décadas. En este documento se analizan los cambios en la estrategia del Banco de Japón en su lucha contra la baja inflación, con un foco especial en las razones que lo llevaron a adoptar la política de control de tipos de interés, se describen su funcionamiento y sus principales características, y se evalúan los resultados obtenidos bajo esta. Si bien esta nueva estrategia ha permitido al Banco de Japón controlar la curva de rendimientos de una manera más eficaz y sostenible, reducir el volumen de compras de activos y atenuar los potenciales efectos adversos para la estabilidad financiera, el análisis empírico muestra que aún no ha conseguido modificar la naturaleza adaptativa y persistente del proceso de formación de precios y de las expectativas de inflación en Japón.
Renewable Energy Consumption and Economic Growth in Asia Pacific

The problem of climate change is increasingly global and results in environmental damage due to the use of fossil energy in human activities. An increasing population will make energy consumption increase and can make things worse. Therefore, it is necessary to replace old energy with alternative energy that is more environmentally friendly and makes productivity effective and efficient. Renewable energy is pointed out as an alternative energy source that is environmentally friendly and the process is sustainable because it is always available in nature. Renewable energy is expected to increase the country's national income. This study aims to analyze the impact of renewable energy on economic growth in the Asia Pacific region as a whole. By using data from 2000-2015, panel data analysis in this study shows that Renewable Energy Consumption (REC) has a negative and significant relationship to economic growth, while renewable energy and combustible waste (CRW) has a significant and positive effect on economic growth.
Are Emotion Regulation Strategies Impacted By Executive Functions? An Experimental Study

The ability to exert influence on our emotions play a significant role in the attainment of our goals. To have control over when and how we experience emotions are thought to be impacted by higher cognitive processes such as executive functions. However, there is inadequate research to support this notion. Hence, we examined the relationship between executive functions – updating, shifting and inhibition – and emotion regulation strategies – cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression. We predicted that higher updating would positively relate to cognitive reappraisal, while inhibition would positively relate to expressive suppression. We further hypothesized that shifting would positively relate to both cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression. Participants completed updating, shifting and inhibition tasks. Then they used expressive suppression or cognitive reappraisal strategies in response to unpleasant pictures, accompanied with physiological recording. Faster updating was associated with a larger heart rate deceleration during reappraisal. Inhibition was associated with a more frequent use of suppression. Overall, these data confirm the idea that a higher level of executive functions is partially related to the efficient application of emotion regulation strategy. As to other physiological measures, although typical patterns of emotional responding were observed, they did not correlate with the executive function measures during emotion regulation
Misconduct Risks, Legal Enforcement, and Venture Capital Networks

This study investigates the differing role of enforcement on the formation of venture capital<br>(VC) syndication networks. We conjecture that public enforcement, with strong investigative<br>powers against any syndicate member, discourages the formation of denser syndication<br>networks due to misconduct risk by a member. By contrast, private enforcement, with strong<br>disclosure and liability standards, enables denser syndication networks, through clear liability<br>rules, standardized securities contracts, and cost sharing amongst syndicate members. Our VC data from 31 countries show a negative impact of public enforcement on VC networks, and partially support the positive impact of private enforcement depending on cultural conditions.
Bank vs Dealer Capital as a Priced Risk

Recent papers have found that intermediary capital can explain prices across a number of asset classes (e.g. He, Kelly, Manela, 2017; Adrian, Etula, Muir, 2014). I test intermediaries' explanatory power during the period of Glass-Steagall restrictions, in which commercial banks were ineligible to trade many categories of assets. Surprisingly, I do not find that the capital or assets of dealers eligible to trade asset classes explain those prices better than the ineligible banks. Instead, the ineligible commercial banks appear to explain prices better in the time series and at least as well in the cross-section. These findings provide some support for the idea that the apparent explanatory power of intermediaries arises passively, for example from correlation with time-varying risk preferences, rather than from their interaction with markets.
The Impact of Social Nudges on User-Generated Content for Social Network Platforms

Content-sharing social network platforms rely heavily on user-generated content to attract users and advertisers, but they have limited authority over content provision. We develop an intervention that leverages social interactions between users to stimulate content production. We study social nudges, whereby users connected with a content provider on a platform encourage that provider to supply more content. We conducted a randomized field experiment (N [Formula: see text]) on a video-sharing social network platform where treatment providers could receive messages from other users encouraging them to produce more, but control providers could not. We find that social nudges not only immediately boosted video supply by 13.21% without changing video quality but also, increased the number of nudges providers sent to others by 15.57%. Such production-boosting and diffusion effects, although declining over time, lasted beyond the day of receiving nudges and were amplified when nudge senders and recipients had stronger ties. We replicate these results in a second experiment. To estimate the overall production boost over the entire network and guide platforms to utilize social nudges, we combine the experimental data with a social network model that captures the diffusion and over-time effects of social nudges. We showcase the importance of considering the network effects when estimating the impact of social nudges and optimizing platform operations regarding social nudges. Our research highlights the value of leveraging co-user influence for platforms and provides guidance for future research to incorporate the diffusion of an intervention into the estimation of its impacts within a social network. This paper was accepted by Victor Martínez-de-Albéniz, operations management. Funding: H. Dai thanks the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) [Hellman Fellowship and Faculty Development Award] for funding support. R. Zhang is grateful for financial support from the Hong Kong Research Grants Council [Grant 16505418] and the Shanghai Eastern Scholar Program [Grant QD2018053]. Supplemental Material: The data files and online appendix are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022. 4622 .
Distribution and Afferent Effects of Transplanted mESCs on Cochlea in Acute and Chronic Neural Hearing Loss Models

Hearing loss is a sensory deprivation that can affect the quality of life. Currently, only rehabilitation devices such as hearing aids and cochlear implants are used, without a definitive cure. However, in chronic hearing-deprived patients, in whom secondary auditory neural degeneration is expected, a relatively poor rehabilitation prognosis is projected. Stem cell therapy for cochlear neural structures would be an easier and feasible strategy compared with cochlear sensory cells. Considering the highly developed cochlear implantation technology, improving cochlear neural health has significant medical and social effects. Stem cell delivery to Rosenthal's canal in an acutely damaged mouse model has been performed and showed cell survival and the possibility of differentiation. The results of stem cell transplantation in chronic auditory neural hearing loss should be evaluated because neural stem cell replacement therapy for chronic (long-term) sensorineural hearing loss is a major target in clinics. In the present study, we established a mouse model that mimicked chronic auditory neural hearing loss (secondary degeneration of auditory neurons after loss of sensory input). Then, mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) were transplanted into the scala tympani and survival and distribution of transplanted cells were compared between the acute and chronic auditory neural hearing loss models induced by ouabain or kanamycin (KM), respectively. The mESC survival was similar to the acute model, and perilymphatic distribution of cell aggregates was more predominant in the chronic model. Lastly, the effects of mESC transplantation on neural signal transduction observed in the cochlear nucleus (CN) were compared and a statistical increase was observed in the chronic model compared with other models. These results indicated that after transplantation, mESCs survived in the cochlea and increased the neural signaling toward the central auditory pathway, even in the chronic (secondary) hearing loss mouse model.