Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Can COVID-19 solve the equity premium puzzle?

ABSTRACT We propose a new approach for estimating rare disaster event models where we only use U.S. national consumption data as an alternative to the ubiquitous Barro and Ursúa’s (2008, 2012) multi-country data set. We find that the 2020 COVID crisis unambiguously reveals the presence and significance of rare disasters in consumption dynamics. Using our estimated parameters and recursive preferences, our approach is able to solve the risk-free rate and equity premium puzzles without resorting to multi-country data in estimating the model. Our analysis shows that the severity of disasters is vastly underestimated in the U.S. and that more than 400 years of consumption data would be necessary to get an accurate estimate.
The effect of Instagram conspicuous consumptive behaviour on the intention to purchase luxury goods: A developing country’s perspective

Background: Social media has grown to such a large extent that it has become a primary source of information amongst consumers online. Consequently, South Africa has seen an exponential growth in the use of Instagram.Objective: The study investigates the effect of Instagram conspicuous consumptive behaviour on the intention to purchase luxury goods.Methodology: Data collected from 364 South African respondents through a quantitative survey demonstrated the extent to which Instagram affected conspicuous consumptive buying behaviours. The survey was distributed via social media and the results were analysed using structured equation modelling.Results: The study revealed that although Instagram usage intensity effects conspicuous consumptive behaviour, electronic-word-of-mouth (eWOM) credibility does not. This is because respondents considered Instagram as a platform where users deliberately display the positive aspects of their lives as opposed to its objective state. Furthermore, the study revealed users on Instagram display high levels of conspicuous behaviour that they intend to transform into luxury purchases.Conclusion: Results from the study contribute to luxury marketers and other stakeholders in creating social media strategies and policies whilst providing valuable insight in understanding online conspicuous behaviours.
Further inequalities involving the weighted geometric operator mean and the Heinz operator mean

ABSTRACT In this paper, we first investigate some inequalities involving the p-weighted geometric operator mean where p ∈ [0, 1] is a real number and A, B are two positive invertible operators acting on a Hilbert space. As applications, we obtain some inequalities about the so-called Tsallis relative operator entropy. We also give some inequalities involving the Heinz operator mean. Our results refine some inequalities existing in the literature. In a second part, we construct iterative algorithms converging to with a high rate of convergence. Some relationships involving are deduced. Numerical examples illustrating the theoretical results are also discussed.
Robust Controller Design for Maglev Suspension Systems Based on Improved Suspension Force Model

The electromagnetic suspension-type maglev train can reach ultrahigh-speed using long stator linear synchronous motors; however, slot effect makes the motors suffer from suspension force ripple, since it causes the nonsinusoidal airgap magnetic field distribution. It has been expounded that the suspension electromagnet system is highly nonlinear and unstable in open loops. Additionally, maglev trains experience disturbances and uncertainties in service. Therefore, the robust disturbance-rejection control for electromagnet suspension system is highly necessary to maintain a constant airgap position. In this article, it is intended to propose a novel robust controller for suspension systems which ensures superior system performances despite suspension force ripple, disturbances, and uncertainties while sustaining stable suspension despite system nonlinearity. First, field harmonics are investigated along with slot effects, and an improved nonlinear mathematical model of electromagnetic force is derived. Second, the controller based on the improved force model is formulated. Then, the performance of the designed controller is evaluated on a maglev suspension system with disturbances and uncertainties. Simulation and hardware-in-the-loop experimental results demonstrate that the improved suspension force model is more accurate than the conventional models, and the corresponding controller excels in attenuating larger disturbance without sacrificing tracking performances at different speeds.
First-principles investigation of intrinsic defects and (N, O) impurity atom stimulated Al vacancy in Ti2AlC

We use first-principles calculations to study the energetics of intrinsic defects in Ti 2 AlC and the effect of N or O impurity atoms on the generation of Al vacancies. The insertion of impurity atoms lowers the vacancy formation energy of its neighboring Al. The formation of Al vacancies is related to the experimental observations of growth of AlN or Al 2 O 3 nanowires and nanofibers on the surface of Ti 2 AlC. Since the growth of these nanostructures is controlled by the generation and migration of intrinsic defects, we propose that a tunable method for synthesis of such nanostructures is possible by controlling impurities.
Social media split testing and message framing: Emerging capacities to encourage residential water conservation

Abstract Water conservation in residential landscapes remains essential to mitigate projected global water shortages. Social media has seldom been used to drive engagement in conservation and may be an important channel for environmental change agents to communicate to clientele and promote behavior changes. We tested messages framed with real conservation facts and narrative quotes using the split testing technique. Data were collected in real-time on Facebook and Instagram on users’ engagement with water conservation messages/ads and visits to a website to learn more. We found users are more likely to engage with relatable messages containing impressive numbers and perceived measurable benefits.
Sedentary Behavior and Change in Kidney Function: The Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL).

Background There is accumulating evidence linking prolonged sedentary time to adverse health outcomes. The effect of sedentary behavior on kidney function has not been evaluated in US Hispanics/Latinos, a population disproportionately affected by CKD. Methods We evaluated the association between accelerometer-measured (1 week) sedentary time at baseline and kidney function among 7134 adults without CKD at entry in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL), who completed a baseline visit with accelerometry (2008-2011) and a follow-up visit (2014-2017). Outcomes included: (1) change in kidney function (eGFR and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio, ACR), (2) incident low eGFR (eGFR <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 and eGFR decline ≥1 ml/min per year), and (3) incident albuminuria (ACR ≥17 mg/g in men or ≥25 mg/g in women). Linear regression using survey procedures was used to evaluate change in kidney function (eGFR and ACR), and Poisson regression with robust variance was used to evaluate incident low eGFR and albuminuria. Results The median sedentary time was 12 hours/d. Over a median follow-up of 6.1 years, the mean relative change in eGFR was -0.50% per year, and there were 167 incident low eGFR events. On multivariable analysis, each 1 hour increase in sedentary time was associated with a longitudinal decline in eGFR (-0.06% per year, 95% CI, -0.10 to -0.02). There was a significant interaction with sex, and on stratified analyses, higher sedentary time was associated with eGFR decline in women but not men. There was no association between sedentary time and the other outcomes. Conclusions Sedentary time was associated with a small longitudinal decline in eGFR, which could have important implications in a population that experiences a disproportionate burden of CKD but further investigation is needed.
P‐10.1: Low‐voltage flexible thin‐film transistor based on C3N4/polyvinylpyrrolidone composite electrolyte

The aqueous‐solution‐processed graphitic carbon nitride/polyvinylpyrrolidone (C3N4/PVP) composite dielectric membrane exhibits a large specific gate electric double layer capacitance of 2.68 μF/cm2 at 20 Hz. The indium zinc oxide (IZO) thin film transistor (TFT) fabricated on the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate exhibits good electrical properties and high stability by using composite dielectric as gate dielectric. Flexible IZO‐TFT has a low threshold voltage of 0.28 V, a low subthreshold swing of 149 mV/decade. Finally, an inverter with a maximum voltage gain of 14.8 is obtained on basis of the flexible IZO TFT when VDD = 4 V. These flexible oxide‐based TFTs obtained using C3N4/PVP can be potentially applied in portable electronics with low power consumption.
Residual ferroelectricity, piezoelectricity, and flexoelectricity in barium strontium titanate tunable dielectrics

Loss reduction is critical to the development of Ba1-xSrxTiO3 (BST) thin film tunable microwave dielectrics. This work addresses mechanisms of loss and performance of Ba1-xSrxTiO3, such as residual ferroelectricity, enhanced flexocoupling, and dc electric field induced piezoelectricity. The presence of residual ferroelectricity –a persistent ferroelectric response above the global phase transition temperature, adds a contribution to dielectric loss from either motion of domain walls or the boundaries of micropolar regions, degrading the tunable performance over a wide frequency range. Rayleigh behavior as a function of temperature was used to track the ferroelectric behavior of BST materials through the ferroelectric to paraelectric transition temperature. The irreversible Rayleigh parameter serve as a metric for the presence of ferroelectricity because this response is dependent on the presence of domain walls, cluster boundaries or phase boundaries. Chemical solution deposited Ba0.7Sr0. 3TiO3 films, with relative tunabilities of 86% over 250kV/cm at 100kHz, demonstrated residual ferroelectricity at least 65°C above the ostensible paraelectric transition temperature. The Rayleigh behavior was further corroborated with second harmonic generation, polarization-electric field hysteresis loops and the frequency dependence of the Rayleigh response. The temperature extent of residual ferroelectricity in sputtered and chemical solution deposited films and bulk ceramics was investigated as a function of chemical inhomogeneity on the A-site using electron energy loss spectroscopy. All samples showed some residual ferroelectricity, where the temperature extent was a function of the sample processing. The application of AC electric field for residual ferroelectric measurements of these samples lead to a 100% increase in loss for ac fields exceeding 10kV/cm at room temperature.
Dynamic Analysis of the Tilted Furuta Pendulum

This paper deals with the dynamic analysis of a tilted passive Furuta pendulum. The pendulum is tilted to ensure the existence of a stable equilibrium position. An analytical and ADAMS models are developed. These models take into account the full inertia of the pendulum and the viscous and dry friction in the joints. The only external force applied to the model is the weight. An experimental setup is used to validate the obtained models. The simulated time response of the system is compared to the experimental one. A good agreement between the two results is obtained. A frequency analysis of the response is then performed, which showed the existence of different harmonics depending on the initial angular position. Some differences are noticed, however, between the experimental results and those obtained through the simulation. These differences could be attributed to the chosen values of the viscous and dry friction parameters. A future work is underway, which uses this model to identify the friction parameters of the joints.
Effectiveness and Efficiency of Monosodium Glutamate as a Potential Mutagen Inducing Polyploidy in Urginea Indica Kunth

Monosodium Glutamate is a food additive well-known as a flavor enhancer being used extensively in food industries. Also, it has long been used as a cheap source of fertilizer owing to the presence of high nitrogen contents in it. Furthermore, it also shows genotoxic effects on plants. Hence, in the present study the genotoxic properties of Monosodium Glutamate had been explored to assess its potential as a mutagen. The objective was specifically to find out its potential in inducing polyploidy in plants. For this, a medicinal plant, Urginea indica Kunth with immensely high therapeutic value was selected. The effectiveness and efficiency of Monosodium Glutamate on Urginea indica Kunth was assessed based on the records obtained after treatments in two generations, viz. M1 and M2 Generations. Its effectiveness and efficiency on Urginea indica Kunth pave a way for its use as a potential mutagen which can induce genetic variability among the selected wild species of the plants with great ease. Moreover, the higher degree of polyploidy obtained in the M2 generation established the objective of the experiment, that Monosodium Glutamate could be used with controlled, adequate dose and maintained experiment setup in inducing polyploidy in plants.
Gamification of warehousing: exploring perspectives of warehouse managers in the UK

ABSTRACT Contemporary warehouses are key links in the supply chains in competitive global business environments and with rapidly evolving trends in technology they need to adapt to the evolving needs of customers. Gamification recently emerged as a potential means of improving employee engagement leading to increased operational efficiency. This article therefore explores the perspectives of warehouse managers in the UK on gamification of warehousing activities. The findings suggest that gamification is applicable in the warehousing context with potential benefits such as improved worker engagement, increased morale and productivity, enforced competition, increased accuracy, and skills development. However, there are also significant barriers to effective implementation – these include resource constraints, gamification efficacy over time, ethical considerations, and ensuring fairness for all players. The findings from this study provide some valuable insights, thereby providing a rational basis for potentially fruitful future research in this area of growing interest.
Dendrobium Mixture Improved Diabetic Nephropathy in db/db Mice by Regulating TGF-β1/Smads Signal Transduction

BackgroundDendrobium mixture (DMix) is an effective treatment for diabetic nephropathy (DN), but the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we investigated whether DMix regulates the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smads signal transduction pathway. MethodsTwenty-four db/db mice were randomly divided into three groups: the model, DMix, and gliquidone groups, while eight db/m mice were selected as the normal control group. The drug was administered by continuous gavage for 8 weeks. Body weight (BW), kidney weight (KW), kidney index, fasting blood glucose (FBG), blood lipid, 24-hour urinary albumin excretion rate, blood urea nitrogen, and serum creatinine levels were measured. Pathological changes in the renal tissue were observed using a light microscope. Real-time quantitative PCR and immunohistochemical staining were used to detect mRNA expression of TGF-β1 and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) genes and proteins, respectively, in renal tissues. TGF-β1, Smad2, p-Smad2, Smad3, p-Smad3, and α-SMA expression levels were measured using western blotting. ResultsDMix significantly reduced FBG level, BW, KW, and blood lipid level, and improved renal function in db/db mice. Histopathology showed that DMix alleviated glomerular mesangial cell proliferation and renal interstitial fibrosis in db/db mice. Additionally, DMix reduced protein and mRNA expression of TGF-β1 and α-SMA, and inhibited Smad2 and Smad3 phosphorylation. ConclusionsThe findings suggest that DMix may inhibit renal fibrosis and delay the progression of DN by regulating the TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway. Key words: Diabetic nephropathy, Dendrobium mixture, TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway
Removal of Tetracycline Antibiotic from Wastewater by Fenton Oxidation Process

This study aimed to remove the antibiotic tetracycline from a sample of synthetic wastewater using an advanced oxidation process by Fenton's reagent treatment. Central Composite Design (CCD) software was used to reduce the number of tests required to remove tetracycline. The independent variables identified in batch oxidation experiments are the concentrations of tetracycline (40–250 mg / L), hydrogen peroxide (20–600 mg / L), and Fe(II) (0–60 mg / L). The rate of tetracycline degradation was significantly influenced by the concentration of hydrogen peroxide and tetracycline. The reaction time required for tetracycline removal was determined to be 15 minutes. The optimal ratio of independent variants leading to complete degradation 100% of tetracycline was hydrogen peroxide / Fe2 + / tetracycline 310/30/145 mg / l.
Experimental Investigation of Drag Reduction in Turbulent Flow Using Biological and Synthetic Macromolecules: A Comparative Study

It was shown that the concept of drag reducing in the pipe flow with the aid of macromolecules is of great importance in practical engineering applications. In this work, the drag reducing the performance of three biological macromolecules including guar gum (GG), xanthan gum (XG), and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was compared with three synthetic macromolecules including polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyacrylamide (PAM), and polyacrylic acid (PAA). Results showed that all the macromolecules enhanced the DR% except for GG. DR% for almost all of the macromolecules deteriorated with increasing fluid flow rate. On the other hand, DR% enhanced with increasing the pipe diameter for the synthetic polymers but this effect is not obvious for biological polymeric solutions. Maximum DR was 44%, which occur at 1000 ppm concentration of XG at 30 °C and flow rate of 6 l/min and diameter ½ inch. Finally, a new correlation was developed for the prediction of friction coefficient based on the Prandtl-Karman relation with the newly adjusted slope which is a linear function of polymer concentration. This correlation was in excellent agreement with the experimental data.
Data science in organizations: Conceptualizing its breakthroughs and blind spots

The field of data science emerged in recent years, building on advances in computational statistics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and big data. Modern organizations are immersed in data and are turning toward data science to address a variety of business problems. While numerous complex problems in science have become solvable through data science, not all scientific solutions are equally applicable to business. Many data-intensive business problems are situated in complex socio-political and behavioral contexts that still elude commonly used scientific methods. To what extent can such problems be addressed through data science? Does data science have any inherent blind spots in this regard? What types of business problems are likely to be addressed by data science in the near future, which will not, and why? We develop a conceptual framework to inform the application of data science in business. The framework draws on an extensive review of data science literature across four domains: data, method, interfaces, and cognition. We draw on Ashby’s Law of Requisite Variety as theoretical principle. We conclude that data-scientific advances across the four domains, in aggregate, could constitute requisite variety for particular types of business problems. This explains why such problems can be fully or only partially addressed, solved, or automated through data science. We distinguish between situations that can be improved due to cross-domain compensatory effects, and problems where data science, at best, only contributes merely to better understanding of complex phenomena.
Interactions of plutons and detachments, 
comparison of Aegean and Tyrrhenian granitoids

Abstract. Back-arc extension superimposed on mountain belts leads to distributed normal faults and shear zones, interacting with magma emplacement in the crust. The composition of granitic magmas emplaced at this stage often involves a component of crustal melting. The Miocene Aegean granitoids were emplaced in metamorphic core complexes (MCC) below crustal-scale low-angle extensional shear zones and normal faults. Intrusion in such contexts interacts with extension and shear along detachments, from the hot magmatic flow within the pluton root zone to the colder ductile and brittle deformation along the detachment. A comparison of the Aegean plutons with the Elba Island MCC in the back-arc region of the Apennines subduction shows that these processes are characteristic of pluton-detachment interactions in general and we discuss a conceptual emplacement scenario, tested by numerical models. Mafic injections within the partially molten lower crust above the hot asthenosphere trigger the ascent within the core of the MCC of felsic magmas, controlled by the strain localization on persistent crustal scale shear zones at the top that guide the ascent until the brittle ductile transition is reached during exhumation. Once the system definitely enters the brittle regime, the detachment and the upper crust are intruded while new detachments migrate upward and in the direction of shearing. Numerical models reproduce the geometry and the kinematic evolution deduced from field observations.
Aloe vera gel microcapsules and essential oils of thyme and oregano incorporated in spreadable goat cheese: impact on its microbiological, physicochemical, and sensory characteristics during storage

The aim of this study was to develop a new assortment of high-quality cream cheese, with a high amount of biologically active compounds, namely a spreadable cheese from goat milk with addition of Aloe vera microcapsules and essential oils of thyme and oregano. The research was focused on the testing and optimization of an appropriate manufacturing recipe for this new product. Two assortments were made: one with Aloe vera microcapsules and thyme essential oil and the other one with Aloe vera microcapsules and oregano essential oil. For each assortment two different concentrations of Aloe vera and essential oils were tested. The obtained products were analysed for organoleptic, physico-chemical (fat, protein, total dry matter, sodium chloride and acidity) and microbiological parameters. In terms of consumer preferences, the cream cheese with 3% microcapsules of Aloe vera gel and 0.018% thyme essential oil was the most appreciated in terms of commercial aspect, consistency, and taste. We concluded that the addition of Aloe vera microcapsules improves the sensory characteristics and leads to an increase nutritional value of the finished product. Also, the addition of essential oils (thyme and oregano) ensured a stable quality during storage.
Mechanisms of selective ion transport and salt rejection in carbon nanostructures

Carbon nanostructures, especially carbon nanotubes and graphene nanopores, have been suggested for use in a wide range of purification and separation applications, from the desalination of seawater to the separation of liquids and gases. However, achieving the required high degree of selectivity among the molecules passing through the pores while maintaining rapid transport is a difficult challenge. Here, we examine the physical mechanisms by which nanopores distinguish between small ions and reject salts while passing water, as examples of how selectivity and purification can be achieved. The simple principles described can be utilized to design novel nanoporous materials for the separation of a wide range of gases, liquids, and solutes.