Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
How heavy is the price of smoking? Estimating the effects of prenatal smoking on child weight outcomes

ABSTRACT Existing evidence suggests that maternal smoking during pregnancy leads to a decline in birthweight and a higher risk of obesity during early childhood years. However, the causal nature of the latter relationship is not credibly established. This study advances the literature by estimating the causal impact of motherʻs smoking during pregnancy on child bodyweight outcomes, from birth through age five. We use a nationally representative sample of children and mothers from the United States National Longitudinal Surveys. We model childrenʻs body weight as a function of motherʻs smoking during pregnancy. Our identification technique utilizes the instrumental variable strategy to exploit plausibly exogenous variation in smoking behaviour of mothers prompted by changes in federal and state-level tobacco tax rates at the time of conception. Consistent with prior literature, our instrumental variable estimates suggest children of smokers weigh significantly less at birth than children of nonsmokers (an estimated decline of 0.53 kg). However, there is no credible evidence that these children are more likely to be overweight during early childhood.
A Robust Image Retrieval Method Using Multi-Hierarchical Agglomerative Clustering and Davis-Bouldin Index

: An image retrieval system is required to provide high accuracy in a short time. Combining various features will usually increase accuracy but also increase retrieval time. This study developed a CBIR (Content-Based Image Retrieval) method based on hierarchical clustering on low-level features. Low-level features consisting of color, texture, and shape are extracted and then clustered hierarchically. The resulting clusters are then validated to obtain their optimal number. In the retrieval process, the query image features are extracted and compared with the cluster centroid on each feature. The scores of query results on each feature are normalized, and then the normalized scores are weighted to get the total score. The experiment was carried out using three datasets, namely DIKE20, Corel-1k, and Corel-10k. Based on the experimental result, the proposed method shows better performance compared to the existing state-of-the-art method. On the Corel-1k and Corel-10k datasets, the proposed method obtained precision scores of 0.81 and 0.62, respectively.
Past-future preferences for hedonic goods and the utility of experiential memories

ABSTRACT Recent studies have suggested that while both adults and children hold past-future hedonic preferences – preferring painful experiences to be in the past and pleasurable experiences to lie in the future – these preferences are abandoned when the quantity of pain or pleasure under consideration is greater in the past than in the future. We examined whether such preferences might be affected by the utility people assign to experiential memories, since the recollection of events can itself be pleasurable or aversive, and we examined the developmental trajectory of the value that people assign to experiential memories of past painful experiences. Using a task in which we manipulated hypothetical memory loss in a series of brief vignettes, we found that for some adults, but not for children, the disutility attached to the recollection of painful past events outweighed the disutility of living through future painful events. Between middle childhood and adulthood, experiential memory appears to assume a more important role in determining the value that people assign to past experiences and in mitigating bias toward the future.
The effectiveness of augmented reality for English vocabulary instruction of Greek students with intellectual disability

ABSTRACT For students with intellectual disability the need for effective teaching strategies in Foreign Language Learning is imperative. In recent years, the advent of Augmented Reality (AR) in Special Education has shown promising results. In the present research an AR intervention for English vocabulary instruction of three students with intellectual disability (ID) was implemented. A multiple probe across participants design was used to examine the effectiveness of an AR intervention on the students’ responses regarding identified correct vocabulary items in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) in two thematic categories- food and animals. Results showed a functional relationship between the correct responses made during probe sessions and the implementation of the AR intervention for all three students. In addition, a follow up phase was conducted in order to evaluate the maintained outcomes, suggesting that there was a positive maintenance effect. Social validity was also assessed, indicating that the intervention package was practical and useful. Limitations of the present study and suggestions for future research are also discussed.
Investment incentives and labor share: evidence from accelerated depreciation policy in China

ABSTRACT This paper studies the impact of Chinaʻs accelerated depreciation policy (ADP) that was enacted in 2014 on labor share. We explore a firm-level dataset from Chinaʻs industrial enterprise database and estimate the policy effects using a difference-in-differences framework. We find that the ADP apparently reduces the labor share of the treated firms compared to the control firms, which is a net effect jointly driven by the capital deepening and skill structure upgrading channels. Among these two channels, the former is dominant and has negative effects on labor share, while the latter is positively related to the labor share. We also demonstrate that the firms with less financial constraints experience a more profound capital deepening process and a larger decline in labor share after policy enactment. These results suggest that the widespread use of investment tax incentives may be one of the reasons for the decline in global labor share in recent years.
Motivational factors to participate in conferences and gender differences

Conference tourism is of growing importance for destinations, although has been severely impacted by the travel and venue capacity restrictions caused by COVID-19. The main aim of this study is to analyse the motivation of conference tourism demand from a gender-based perspective. Data were gathered using an online survey instrument developed on the basis of a literature review. A total of 265 responses received were subjected to exploratory factor, ANOVA and logistic regression analyses. The sample was composed of 52.5% men and 47.5% women and the average age of respondents was 44.25 (SD = 9.87). The results indicated five motivating factors for attending conferences: Destination and leisure, academic and professional development, networking, travelability and cost. Significant gender differences were found in the first four factors. Female attendees at conferences considered these factors more important than male attendees did. The implications of these findings for conference organisers are discussed.
Coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian 3D finite-element technique for analysis of dilatometer test in clay

A field investigation was carried out in a clay deposit of eastern Canada by means of self-boring pressuremeter tests (SBPM), Marchetti dilatometer tests (DMT), and vane shear tests (VST). Values of undrained shear strength Su and secant shear modulus Gsec obtained from DMTs and VSTs were much lower than SBMTs-deduced values. As vane blades cause partial destructuration of cemented clays, whereas SBPMTs induce only minimal damage, it was believed that DMTs also induced partial breakdown of the clay structures. To gain better insight of the deformations generated during penetration of the dilatometer, the paper presents finite-element analyses (FEA) conducted for the simulation of the continuous deep penetration process (DPP) during the performance of a DMT. The clay is characterized by a linearly elastic perfectly plastic constitutive relationship with strength parameters corresponding to partially destructured clay. Simulations were performed using the Coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian (CEL) finite-element technique integrated in Abaqus/Explicit software to account for excessive soil deformations exhibited during the DPP. Curves of computed contact pressure (po-num) on the surface of the dilatometer blade as function of penetration depth (d) were determined continuously during the DPP.
Diagnosing Alzheimer’s Disease using Convolution Neural Networks

Corresponding Author: Tanupriya Choudhury Department of Informatics, School of Computer Science, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES), Dehradun-248007, India Email: tanupriya1986@gmail.com; tanupriya@ddn.upes. ac.in Abstract: Alzheimer’s is a disease wherein constant degeneration of neurons and their synapses result in impaired brain functioning which leads to personality changes, memory loss, thinking and speech disorder. So, there is a requirement of an automated and early diagnosis of this disease to decrease the death rate. The proposed work is coupled with deep learning techniques to predict the Alzheimer’s disease to prevent patient inevitable symptoms. The application of a Convolution Neural Network (CNN) has increased tremendously due to its capability to model the non-linear cognitive transformation and record its complexity. In this research work, CNN is used for the classification of the MRI images of normal control from the patients affected with Alzheimer’s. Total 150 images from ADNI dataset is used to classify the neurological disorder. The purposed work attained 87% accuracy for detection of AD using CNN architecture which is comparatively better than existing techniques. The performance of model can be increased by using hybrid model on multiple dataset.
Biofertilizer gel contains Phosphate Solubilizing Microbes (PSMs) plus and its effect on phosphate dynamics in Inceptisols Jatinangor-Indonesia

Dependence on inorganic fertilizers is a major risk in today's food supply efforts, along with the increasing population. One of the efforts to reduce this risk is to apply biological fertilizers that are specially formulated on the suitable carrier material so that they are able to work effectively and efficiently in substituting the need for inorganic fertilizer inputs and increasing plant yield components. Inceptisol series Jatinangor has characteristic soil texture is dominated by clay fraction, neutral pH 7.01. Under neutral conditions, in general, nutrients in the soil tend to be more readily available, but the availability of P is actually very low at only 2.82 mg.kg-1 of soil. In this neutral to alkaline pH, the solubility of metal cations Ca and Mg increased, indicated by a high Ca2+ content of 12.60 cmol.kg-1 and Mg2+ which was also high at 4.91 cmol.kg-1. The nutrient imbalance is also due to the low C-organic content of the soil, namely 1.83%, so that the soil's support capacity is low. Low organic C causes the presence of indigenous microbes which is quite high, especially PSMs, namely 1 x 104 cfu.g-1, which is not able to increase the availability of soil nutrients, especially P due to lack of carbon sources. The experiment aimed to determine the compatibility and characteristics of inoculants in the biofertilizer gel contains PSMs plus (BG) and its effect on the dynamics of phosphate in Inceptisols Jatinangor. BG contains a consortium of phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) and phosphate solubilizing fungi (PSF) which are packaged in hydrogel carriers and additives. The PSB used were Bacillus subtillis, Pseudomonas maleii, and Bulkholderia cepacea, while the PSF used was Trichoderma asperellum. The experiment were carried out in vitro at the Soil Biology Laboratory of Universitas Padjadjaran in collaboration with PT Agritek Tani Indonesia and at the Experimental Land of the Department of Soil Science of Universitas Padjadjaran. The experimental design used in this study was a single randomized block design (RBD) with 9 treatments and 3 replications, consisting of treatments (control: 0 BG + 0 P); (1 P); (1 BG); (1 BG + ½ P); (1 BG + ¾ P); (1 BG + 1 P); (½ BG + ¾ P); (¾ BG + ¾ P); and (1 ½ BG + ¾ P). The dose of fertilizer used was BG 50 kg. ha-1, SP-36 100 kg.ha-1, Urea 350 kg.ha-1, KCl 50 kg.ha-1, and sheep manure as basic fertilizer 2 t.ha-1.The results showed that each isolate had the ability to dissolved phosphate, produced IAA, and one of them was antagonistic against the fungal pathogen Fusarium sp. The combination of fertilizers had an effect on regulate soil pH, and increasing phosphatase activity, soil available P, soil potential P, and PSMs population in the soil. The formulation of 1 BG + ¾ P consistently showed the best effect on soil phosphate dynamics in Inceptisols Jatinangor.
OTT_A_267011 193..199

The management of follicular lymphoma (FL) in the relapsed and refractory setting is challenging and an area of ongoing investigation. Epigenetic dysregulation has recently been shown to be a hallmark of FL. Mutations in histone-modifying genes are likely early, driver events in FL pathogenesis, and so are attractive targets to drug. Gain-of-function mutations in the histone methyltransferase EZH2 are common in FL and maintained through disease evolution. With mounting data supporting a critical role for EZH2 as an oncogenic driver for FL, the small molecule inhibitor, tazemetostat, was developed. Tazemetostat has shown promising activity in preclinical models and early phase trials. Importantly, responses were seen in patients with high-risk features. Based on these data, tazemetostat was approved in the US in 2020 for EZH2 patients with FL who had received at least two prior lines of systemic therapy, or for EZH2 patients without alternative treatment options. Here, we will review the biology of FL as it pertains to tazemetostat, the available clinical trial data, and future directions for this new therapy.
Hepatic PRMT1 ameliorates diet-induced hepatic steatosis via induction of PGC1α

Rationale: Over-nutrition will lead to overexpression of PRMT1 but protein hypomethylation is observed in the liver of obese subjects. The dynamic alteration of the expression and methyltransferase activity of PRMT1 in the progression of fatty liver diseases remains elusive. Methods: We used recombinant adeno-associated virus-mediated gene delivery system to manipulate the hepatic PRMT1 expression level in diet-induced obese mice to investigate the role of PRMT1 in hepatic steatosis. We further utilized a cohort of obese humans with biopsy-proven nonalcoholic fatty liver disease to support our observations in mouse model. Results: We demonstrated that knockdown of PRMT1 promoted steatosis development in liver of high-fat diet (HFD) fed mice. Over-expression of wild-type PRMT1, but not methyltransferase-defective mutant PRMT1G80R, could alleviate diet-induced hepatic steatosis. The observation is conserved in the specimens of obese humans with biopsy-proven nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Mechanistically, methyltransferase activity of PRMT1 was required to induce PGC-1α mRNA expression via recruitment of HNF-4α to the promoter of PGC-1α, and hence attenuated HFD-induced hepatic steatosis by enhancing PGC-1α-mediated fatty acid oxidation. Conclusions: Our results identify that activation of the PRMT1/HNF-4α/PGC-1α signaling is a potential therapeutic strategy for combating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease of obese subjects.
Efficacy of Chilli Pepper Capsicum frutescens (L.) for the Control and Management of Cowpea Weevil Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) Infesting Cowpea Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp in Storage Environment

Chilli pepper, Capsicum frutescens (L.) (whole and powder) was evaluated for their insecticidal activities against the bruchid, Callosobruchus maculatus to prevent loss of cowpea in storage. There were eight treatments (1.0g, 2.0g and 3.0g of chilli pepper powder, 1.0g, 2.0g and 3.0g of whole fruit of chilli pepper, actellic dust 2% and no protectant control) in five replications laid-out in complete randomized design. 200g of cowpea seeds were admixed with each of the treatments for their efficacy against oviposition, damage and weight loss to Callosobruchus maculatus. Percentage germination and proximate composition were also tested after storing seeds for periods ranging between 38 days and 4 months. Results revealed that chilli pepper powder and whole fruits at all levels reduced to its barest minimum the number of eggs laid or hatched by Callosobruchus maculatus preventing adult emergence and survival at 38 days after infestation, weight loss after 4 months and increased percentage germination as compared to control (60.0±0.0 and 40.0±0.0). Chilli pepper had significant influence on proximate composition as treated cowpea retained their nutrient after four months of storage. 3.0g chilli pepper powder was observed to be very effective than other treatments and control.
The Future Is Now: Implementing Mixed-Reality Learning Environments as a Tool for Language Teacher Preparation

This article reports on two case studies designed to investigate the use of Mursion, a mixed-reality simulation platform, in two language teacher preparation programs. The first case study involved eliciting the attitudes of MA in TESOL pre-service teachers (PSTs) toward the mixed-reality simulation environment, and the second explored how themes uncovered in the first study transpired as novice PSTs working towards foreign language teaching credentials taught in the simulation for the first time. The results of the two case studies showed that while PSTs with teaching experience argued that the simulations did not reflect the realities of real classrooms, PSTs with limited teaching experience found the simulations to be extremely valuable since they helped them develop much needed confidence.
Morphological Characteristics and Sexual Maturity in M.masonina, a Freshwater Crab from Jammu Waters

The present study aims to assess the status of fresh water crab resources in the area. The study was made on species diversity including its taxonomic position, morphological characteristics, habits, habitat and distribution. Out of various water bodies scanned so far two species of crabs were recorded viz Maydelliathelphusa masoniana Henderson, (1893) from plain areas and Himalayapotamon emphysetum Alcock (1909) from hilly stretches of the region. A total of 592 crabs were obtained, 282 being males and 310 females. The maximum carapace in female was 6.0 cm with abdominal width of 4.5 cm. Males exhibited carapace width of 6.3 cm and chela length of 5.7 cm and chela depth of 3.5 cm.
Managing intermittency in the electricity market ✩

We analyze the integration of intermittent renewables-based technologies into an electricity mix comprising of conventional energy. Intermittency is modeled by a contingent electricity market and we introduce demand-side ﬂexibility through the retailing structure. Retailers propose diversiﬁed electricity contracts at di ﬀ erent prices allowing consumers to choose their optimal electricity consumption. These contracts are modeled by a set of state-contingent electricity delivery contracts. We show existence and uniqueness of a competitive equilibrium of the contingent wholesale and retail markets. We provide a welfare analysis and only obtain constraint e ﬃ ciency due to a limited number of delivery contracts. Finally, we discuss the conditions under which changing the set of delivery contracts improves penetration of renewables and increases welfare. This provides useful policy insights for managing intermittency and achieving renewable capacity objectives.
Quantification of Neurite Degeneration through use of an Optimized and Automated Method

Neurite degeneration is a cellular dysfunction commonly associated with neurodegenerative pathologies such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease (PD). One common method of scoring neurite degeneration in micrographs involves calculation of a degeneration index (DI) using neurite fragment measurements obtained via the particle analyzer plugin of FIJI software. However, this method can be time consuming and subject to inaccuracies related to inadequate contrast. Here we describe a modified method for performing DI measurements with enhanced efficiency, accessibility, and accuracy compared to existing techniques. We developed a macro to automate the analysis process, enabling rapid and objective measurements of multiple images. We have also increased the accuracy of measurements by modifying selection criteria for neurite fragments, as well as by determining optimal procedures for contrast enhancement and removal of non-neurite materials from images. Moreover, we demonstrate how this method may be applied to measure neurite degeneration in an in vitro model of PD. To model neurite degeneration associated with PD, we treated Lund Human Mesencephalic (LUHMES) cells with 4-hydroxynonenal or 6-hydroxydopamine, compounds that induce oxidative stress. We describe culture methods, cell densities, and
On the Pure Theory of Contract Dispersion

We construct an equilibrium model of the labor market with on-the-job search where jobs are optimal dynamic contracts with endogenous termination. We first show that in the existing models of on-the-job search (e.g., Burdett and Mortensen, 1998; Burdett and Coles, 2003), if the contract is allowed to be contingent on the worker’s public outside offers, then the distribution of the contracts offered in equilibrium is degenerate, in which all workers are paid the same monopsony wage. That is, search, including on-the-job search, alone cannot support equilibrium contract dispersion. We then show that if the worker’s outside offers are private, not observable to the firm that currently employs him, then a non-degenerate distribution of wage-tenure contracts would arise in equilibrium. That is, search and private information combined could support equilibrium contract dispersion. ∗Wang: Department of Economics, Iowa State University and School of Economics, Fudan University; chewang@iastate.edu. Yang: Department of Economics, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics; yang.youzhi@mail.shufe. edu.cn.
Islamic Finance Involvement in Supply Chain of Financed Assets

In accordance with shari’ah principles, Islamic banks have to be involved in supply chains of financed assets. However, Islamic banks are simultaneously part of the western banking system that is reluctant to be involved in the real economy. Due to these dual poorly understood boundaries, scholarly disputes persist on the similarities between Islamic and conventional banking. This study adopts the library research and systematic literature review method. After discussing “Islamic finance involvement in the supply chain of the financed asset” by library research method, the systematic literature review (SLR) approach, to search and review Islamic finance and supply chain integrated studies, was adopted, and the Web of Science and Scopus databases initially searched. An extended SLR was then used to search other databases for the review period from 2010 until 3rd February 2020. The library research method discovered the involvement of Islamic finance in the supply chain of the financed asset. The SLR also found similar involvement in several other studies. This study showed that Islamic finance can support the supply chain and solve real business issues, including support beyond traditional financing. It maintains, within a different perspective, that the integration between Islamic finance and supply chain is able to resolve real business problems. And as such, the differentiation between Islamic and conventional banking will be self-explanatory. This study potentially contributes, in a novel perspective, to a greater understanding of the working of current Islamic banking and finance in the economy.