Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Socio-emotional struggles of young children during COVID-19 pandemic: Social isolation and increased use of technologies

COVID-19 pandemic has caused young children to be isolated from their neighborhood only interacting with people living under the same roof as them, to avoid spreading the virus. Limited social interaction might have affected young children’s social and emotional development. This study aimed to explore the socio-emotional struggles of young children during the pandemic. Participants in the study were 12 mothers of young children living in West Timor, Indonesia. Data were obtained using the photovoice method. Thematic analysis resulted in four main themes, which are increased use of technologies, lack of social interaction, parents’ concerns, and boredom and increased need for stimuli. Findings in this study encourage mothers and related stakeholders to take extra precautions on maintaining children’s well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reversed Economic Left-Right Party Ideology? Transposition of EU Legislation in Eastern vs. Western Europe

The traditional partisan theory of policy outcomes predicts that leftist parties would promote state control of the economy, while rightist parties would endorse free market economy. In contrast, looking at budget spending, Tavits and Letki (2009) demonstrated that in the post-communist dual transition to democracy and market economy leftist governments in Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries pursued traditionally right economic policies, such as decreased welfare spending. This was explained with the incentives of leftist parties to dissociate themselves from their Communist predecessors and the opportunities (strong electoral support and party organisation) they had to promote unpopular, albeit necessary, austerity measures which rightist parties could not aUord. The present study expands on Tavits and Letki’s paper and examines more broadly the links between party ideology and economic liberalisation in new and established democracies. For the purpose, it compares the timeliness and speed of incorporating in national law the liberal economic policies of the European Union by leftist and rightist governments in both Western and CEE countries. Applying two diUerent statistical methods (cross-classiVed logistic regression and Cox regression), we Vnd that indeed in CEE member states leftist governments demonstrate eagerness to transpose such EU directives on time, which we explain with their incentives to improve their tarnished international reputation. This Vnding remains stable after controlling for other preference-based factors, such as governmental support for the internal market and EU trade-relatedness, as well as capacity-based factors. It has important implications for the classical party theory of policy outcomes and raises awareness to the problems of using party positions to study party behaviour.
Emergencies

urine sample) occurring after the 20th week of gestation. Edema is common in patients with preeclampsia but is not necessary for the diagnosis. Eclampsia is defined by seizures, usually in the setting of preeclampsia. Seizures are rare without underlying preeclampsia. Although preeclampsia develops most commonly after the 20th week of pregnancy, it may occur in the postpartum period, usually within the first 24 to 48 hours, but delayed manifestations of 2 weeks or longer have been reported.
New Adaptive Surrogate-Based Approach Combined Swarm Optimizer Assisted Less Tuning Cost of Dynamic Production-Inventory Control System

Today, most manufacturing control systems are complex and expensive, so they are limited to employ a small number of function evaluations for optimal design. Yet, looking for optimization methods with the less-computational cost is an open issue in engineering control systems. This paper aims to propose an effective adaptive optimization approach by integrating Kriging surrogate and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). In this method, a novel iterative adaptive approach is utilized using two sets of training samples including initial training and adaptive sample points. The initial training points are designed by space-filling design, while the adaptive points are generated using a new jackknife resampling approach. The proposed approach can effectively convergence towards the global optimal point using a small number of function evaluations. The efficiency and applicability of the proposed algorithm are evaluated using the optimal design of the fractional-order PID (FOPID) controller for some benchmark transfer functions. Then, the introduced approach is applied for tuning the parameters and the sensitivity analysis of the FOPID controller for a dynamic production-inventory control system. The results are in good agreement with the results reported in the literature, while the proposed approach is executed with a lower computational burden.
Entropy-Based Behavioural Efficiency of the Financial Market

The most known and used abstract model of the financial market is based on the concept of the informational efficiency (EMH) of that market. The paper proposes an alternative which could be named the behavioural efficiency of the financial market, which is based on the behavioural entropy instead of the informational entropy. More specifically, the paper supports the idea that, in the financial market, the only measure (if any) of the entropy is the available behaviours indicated by the implicit information. Therefore, the behavioural entropy is linked to the concept of behavioural efficiency. The paper argues that, in fact, in the financial markets, there is not a (real) informational efficiency, but there exists a behavioural efficiency instead. The proposal is based both on a new typology of information in the financial market (which provides the concept of implicit information—that is, that information ”translated” by the economic agents from observing the actual behaviours) and on a non-linear (more exactly, a logistic) curve linking the behavioural entropy to the behavioural efficiency of the financial markets. Finally, the paper proposes a synergic overcoming of both EMH and AMH based on the new concept of behavioural entropy in the financial market.
Virtual and Augmented Reality Direct Ophthalmoscopy Tool: A Comparison between Interactions Methods

Direct ophthalmoscopy (DO) is a medical procedure whereby a health professional, using a direct ophthalmoscope, examines the eye fundus. DO skills are in decline due to the use of interactive diagnostic equipment and insufficient practice with the direct ophthalmoscope. To address the loss of DO skills, physical and computer-based simulators have been developed to offer additional training. Among the computer-based simulations, virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR, respectively) allow simulated immersive and interactive scenarios with eye fundus conditions that are difficult to replicate in the classroom. VR and AR require employing 3D user interfaces (3DUIs) to perform the virtual eye examination. Using a combination of a between-subjects and within-subjects paradigm with two groups of five participants, this paper builds upon a previous preliminary usability study that compared the use of the HTC Vive controller, the Valve Index controller, and the Microsoft HoloLens 1 hand gesticulation interaction methods when performing a virtual direct ophthalmoscopy eye examination. The work described in this paper extends our prior work by considering the interactions with the Oculus Quest controller and Oculus Quest hand-tracking system to perform a virtual direct ophthalmoscopy eye examination while allowing us to compare these methods without our prior interaction techniques. Ultimately, this helps us develop a greater understanding of usability effects for virtual DO examinations and virtual reality in general. Although the number of participants was limited, n = 5 for Stage 1 (including the HTC Vive controller, the Valve Index controller, and the Microsoft HoloLens hand gesticulations), and n = 13 for Stage 2 (including the Oculus Quest controller and the Oculus Quest hand tracking), given the COVID-19 restrictions, our initial results comparing VR and AR 3D user interactions for direct ophthalmoscopy are consistent with our previous preliminary study where the physical controllers resulted in higher usability scores, while the Oculus Quest’s more accurate hand motion capture resulted in higher usability when compared to the Microsoft HoloLens hand gesticulation.
Genotyping-by-Sequencing Derived Genetic Linkage Map and Quantitative Trait Loci for Sugar Content in Onion (Allium cepa L.)

Onion (2n = 2x = 16) has been a nutritional, medicinal and economically valuable vegetable crop all over the world since ancient times. To accelerate the molecular breeding in onion, genetic linkage maps are prerequisite. However, construction of genetic linkage maps of onion remains relatively rudimentary due to a large genome (about 16.3 Gbp) as well as biennial life cycle, cross-pollinated nature, and high inbreeding depression. In this study, we constructed single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based genetic linkage map of onion in an F2 segregating population derived from a cross between the doubled haploid line ‘16P118’ and inbred line ‘Sweet Green’ through genotyping by sequencing (GBS). A total of 207.3 Gbp of raw sequences were generated using an Illumina HiSeq X system, and 24,341 SNPs were identified with the criteria based on three minimum depths, lower than 30% missing rate, and more than 5% minor allele frequency. As a result, an onion genetic linkage map consisting of 216 GBS-based SNPs were constructed comprising eight linkage groups spanning a genetic length of 827.0 cM. Furthermore, we identified the quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for the sucrose, glucose, fructose, and total sugar content across the onion genome. We identified a total of four QTLs associated with sucrose (qSC4.1), glucose (qGC5.1), fructose (qFC5.1), and total sugar content (qTSC5.1) explaining the phenotypic variation (R2%) ranging from 6.07–11.47%. This map and QTL information will contribute to develop the molecular markers to breed the cultivars with high sugar content in onion.
Money, financial depth and economic growth in orthodox communist nations: the case of Cuba

ABSTRACT The empirical literature on the nexus between finance and economic growth is vast, but two issues have been almost absent from it. One is the role of financial depth in communist countries with minimal market-oriented reforms. The other is the role of currency in circulation not only in these kinds of nations but also in underdeveloped countries, in general. This article investigates the nexus of banking deposits and currency in circulation with long-run economic growth in Cuba. We find a negative overall causality of deposits for economic growth. However, the currency was boosting growth. Our findings point at the relevance of currency for the private sector, and at multidimensional problems in the state-owned sector of Cuba.
Establishment and verification of a prognostic tumor microenvironment-based and immune-related gene signature in colon cancer.

Background Gastrointestinal malignant cancers affect many sites in the intestinal tract, including the colon. In this study, we purposed to improve prognostic predictions for colon cancer (CC) patients by establishing a novel biosignature of immune-related genes (IRGs) based on the tumor microenvironment (TME). Methods Using the estimation of stromal and immune cells in malignant tumor tissues using expression data (ESTIMATE) algorithm, we calculated the stromal and immune scores of every CC patient extracted from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). We then identified 4 immune-related messenger RNA (mRNA) biosignatures through a Cox and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) univariate analysis, and a Cox multivariate analysis. Relationships between tumor immune infiltration and the risk score were evaluated through the CIBERSORT algorithm and Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) database. Results Our studies showed that individuals who had a high immune score (P=0.017) and low stromal score (P=0.041) had a favorable overall survival (OS) rate. By comparing high/low scores cohort, 220 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were determined. Then an immune-related four-mRNA biosignature, including PDIA2, NAFTC1, VEGFC, and CD1B was identified. Kaplan-Meier, calibration, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves verified the model's performance. By using univariate and multivariate Cox analyses, we found each biosignature was an independent risk factor for assessing a CC patient's survival. Three external GEO cohorts validated its good efficiency in estimating OS among individuals with CC. Moreover, the signature was also related to infiltration of several cells of the immune system in the tumor microenvironment. Conclusions The resultant model in our study included 4 IRGs associated with the TME. These IRGs can be utilized as an auxiliary variable to estimate and help improve the prognosis of individuals with CC.
Correction of Radio Wave Propagation Prediction Model Based on Improved Seagull Algorithm in Tunnel Environment

In the urban rail transit (URT) environment, the radio wave propagation prediction model and communication system planning are very important. However, due to the complexity of the tunnel propagation environment, the current prediction model can not fully cover the radio wave propagation process in the tunnel. In this paper, the propagation mechanism area is divided based on the segmentation approach. Different propagation models are used for different propagation mechanism areas to predict path loss more quickly and accurately. To improve the accuracy of the prediction model, this paper proposes an improved seagull optimization algorithm (ISOA). First, to address the shortcomings of the seagull optimization algorithm (SOA) such as easy premature convergence and slow convergence speeds, two improved methods of random search and periodic disturbance are proposed. Then, in order to verify the effectiveness and feasibility of the improved algorithm, the benchmark function is used to test the optimization performance of the ISOA and gray wolf optimization, the SOA, and particle swarm optimization. The results show that the optimization performance of ISOA is the most significant. Finally, the ISOA is used to fit and correct the continuous wave test data for a rectangular tunnel and an arch tunnel. The results show that the corrected propagation model has a higher degree of fit with the measured data than the single standard propagation model (SPM) model. The modified propagation model thus has guiding significance for the deployment of time-division long-term (TD-LTE) evolution networks in the tunnel environment.
Effects of spatial resolution of terrain models on modelled discharge
and soil loss in Oaxaca, Mexico

Abstract. The effect of spatial resolution of digital terrain models (DTM) on topography and soil erosion modelling is well documented for low resolutions. Nowadays, the availability of high spatial resolution DTM from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) opens new horizons for detailed assessment of soil erosion with hydrological models, but effects of DTM resolution on model outputs at this scale have not been systematically tested. This study combines plot scale soil erosion measurements, UAV-derived DTM, and spatially explicit soil erosion modelling to select an appropriate spatial resolution based on allowable loss of information. During 39 precipitation events, sediment and soil samples were collected on five bounded and unbounded plots and four land covers (forest, fallow, maize, and eroded bare land). Additional soil samples were collected across a 220 ha watershed to generate soil maps. Precipitation was collected by two rain gauges and vegetation was mapped. Two UAV campaigns over the watershed resulted in a 0.60 m spatial resolution DTM used for resampling to 1, 2, 4, 8, and 15 m; and a multispectral orthomosaic to generate a land cover map. The OpenLISEM model was calibrated at plot level at 1 m resolution and then extended to the watershed level at the different DTM resolutions. Resampling the 1 m DTM to lower resolutions resulted in an overall reduction of slope. This reduction was driven by migration of pixels from higher to lower slope values; its magnitude was proportional to resolution. At the watershed outlet, 1 and 2 m resolution models exhibited the largest hydrograph and sedigraph peaks, total runoff and soil loss; they proportionally decreased with resolution. Sedigraphs were more sensitive than hydrographs to spatial resolution, particularly at the highest resolutions. The highest resolution models exhibited a wider range of predicted soil loss due to their larger number of pixels and steeper slopes. The proposed evaluation method showed to be appropriate and transferable for soil erosion modelling studies, indicating that 4 m resolution (
What have we Learned about the Effectiveness of Infrastructure Investment as a Fiscal Stimulus? A Literature Review

The Policy Research Working Paper Series disseminates the findings of work in progress to encourage the exchange of ideas about development issues. An objective of the series is to get the findings out quickly, even if the presentations are less than fully polished. The papers carry the names of the authors and should be cited accordingly. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this paper are entirely those of the authors. They do not necessarily represent the views of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development/World Bank and its affiliated organizations, or those of the Executive Directors of the World Bank or the governments they represent.
Development of smoothies from dehydrated products of strawberry and banana pulps obtained through foam‐mat drying

Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences (Ibilce) Department of Food Engineering and Technology Sao Paulo State University (Unesp) Campus Sao Jose do Rio Preto, Rua Cristovao Colombo, 2265 CEP 15054-000 Sao Jose do Rio Preto Brazil
Theoretical studies on tunable electronic structures and potential applications of two‐dimensional arsenene‐based materials

Research efforts in the area of two‐dimensional (2D) arsenene‐based materials have been fueled up recently due to similarities in honeycomb atomic structures and differences in physical and chemical properties between arsenene and graphene. The pioneering prediction of monolayered arsenene in 2015 and successful synthesis of multilayered arsenene nanoribbons in 2016 have promoted intensive subsequent studies, especially in the theoretical aspect. Density functional theory computations not only revealed desirable fundamental band gap, structural stability, and high carrier mobility of various arsenene‐based materials but also suggested promising applications in future optoelectronic and thermoelectric devices, as well as in the quantum spin Hall devices via surface functionalization and modulation of interlayer interactions. With an aim to present a comprehensive review on the tunable electronic structures of 2D arsenene‐based materials, our focus is placed on the tailoring routes through surface functionalization to modify the electronic and optoelectronic properties of the arsenenes. An emphasis is also given to recent progress in designing topological states in arsenene monolayers. The challenges and outlooks are also laid out in aspects of experimental fabrication, device performance, and arsenene‐based chemical reactions.
Metallic Additives for Solid-Fuel Propulsion Applications

ABSTRACT Hybrid rockets have distinct advantages over their pure solid or liquid propellant counterparts, and their performance can be improved by inclusion of metal additives. Several metallic additives (micro-Al, micro-Ti, micro-Mg, micro-Zr, nano-Al, nano-B, and Mg-coated nano-B) were selected as potential candidates for hybrid rocket applications and characterized by applicable microscopy techniques. The regression rates and combustion efficiencies of plain HTPB and HTPB loaded with each additive at various concentrations (10%, 20%, and 30% by mass) burning in GOX were evaluated at moderate oxidizer mass fluxes (10–150 kg/m2-s) and pressures ( 0.86 MPa, 125 psia). In general, the inclusion of any of the metallic additives led to a reduction in the regression rate and did not significantly change the combustion efficiency. The only exceptions were fuel formulations containing micro-Zr, which yielded a moderate (10–20%) increase in the regression rate at a concentration of 10%. The observed trends were more prevalent at higher oxidizer mass fluxes and higher additive loadings. The reductions in regression rate were attributed to heat transfer blocking effects derived from accumulation of additive particles on the fuel surface layer. These phenomena were especially prevalent in highly loaded fuel formulations containing the nano-additives that exhibited unstable combustion and periodic surface-layer shedding. Zirconium appears to be the best metallic additive available since it can yield the highest theoretical density-specific impulse under the lowest O/F operation ratio without resulting in decrements to overall performance. Notably, combustion efficiency data for all fuel formulations were well correlated to the combustion residence time, and high combustion efficiencies (>95%) were achievable when a satisfactory residence time (~75 ms) was realized.
Taking a free ride: How team learning affects social loafing.

Although collaboration is increasingly required in today’s academic and work contexts, there are many ways in which teamwork can be impaired by dysfunctional inefficiencies and process loss. An important form of process loss is the tendency for individual members of a team to exert less effort than their fellow team members (i.e., social loafing). Since teams need to sustain the effort of team members as a collaborative resource, it is imperative to understand factors that shape social loafing in team tasks. This study examines simultaneously the degree to which goal orientation and changes in team learning (i.e., shifts in collective knowledge) affect social loafing. The authors use a multiwave design to explain changes in social loafing tendencies of 675 students working in teams. They conduct linear mixed effects modeling to show that individual team members who belong to teams that score higher than other teams on team learning throughout nine weeks of teamwork experience a decrease in social loafing. Although learning and performance orientations are significantly related to initial selfor peer-rated social loafing, they cannot explain ensuing changes in social loafing. Results highlight the importance of considering team-level dynamic properties when explaining fluctuations of motivation in teams.
IL-1β in atherosclerotic vascular calcification: From bench to bedside

Atherosclerotic vascular calcification contributes to increased risk of death in patients with cardiovascular diseases. Assessing the type and severity of inflammation is crucial in the treatment of numerous cardiovascular conditions. IL-1β, a potent proinflammatory cytokine, plays diverse roles in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic vascular calcification. Several large-scale, population cohort trials have shown that the incidence of cardiovascular events is clinically reduced by the administration of anti-IL-1β therapy. Anti-IL-1β therapy might reduce the incidence of cardiovascular events by affecting atherosclerotic vascular calcification, but the mechanism underlying this effect remains unclear. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on the role of IL-1β in atherosclerotic vascular calcification, and describe the latest results reported in clinical trials evaluating anti-IL-1β therapies for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. This review will aid in improving current understanding of the pathophysiological roles of IL-1β and mechanisms underlying its activity.