Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The impact of labour market institutions on income inequality: evidence from OECD countries

ABSTRACT Using data from 35 OECD countries for the 1993–2017 period, this paper shows that stronger Labour Market Institutions (LMI), such as trade unions and bargaining coverage, contribute to a decrease in income inequality measured by the Gini coefficient. Additionally, there seems to be a positive interaction effect between unions and bargaining coverage. The marginal impact of trade unions (bargaining coverage) is enhanced by the presence of high levels of bargaining coverage (trade unions). Notwithstanding, this impact seems to be higher for bargaining coverage. On average, an increase in unions’ density (bargaining coverage) by 1% leads to an estimated decrease in inequality by 0.30% (0.35%), ceteris paribus.
Selecting Real-World Objects via User-Perspective Phone Occlusion

Perceiving the region of interest (ROI) and target object by smartphones from the user’s first-person perspective can enable diverse spatial interactions. In this paper, we propose a novel ROI input method and a target selecting method for smartphones by utilizing the user-perspective phone occlusion. This concept of turning the phone into real-world physical cursor benefits from the proprioception, gets rid of the constraint of camera preview, and allows users to rapidly and accurately select the target object. Meanwhile, our method can provide a resizable and rotatable rectangular ROI to disambiguate dense targets. We implemented the prototype system by positioning the user’s iris with the front camera and estimating the rectangular area blocked by the phone with the rear camera simultaneously, followed by a target prediction algorithm with the distance-weighted Jaccard index. We analyzed the behavioral models of using our method and evaluated our prototype system’s pointing accuracy and usability. Results showed that our method is well-accepted by the users for its convenience, accuracy, and efficiency.
Provenance Record of Late Mesoproterozoic to Early Neoproterozoic Units, West Hainan, South China, and Implications for Rodinia Reconstruction

Unraveling the character and source of late Mesoproterozoic‐early Neoproterozoic sedimentary sequences is crucial in constraining Rodinia reconstructions. We carried out an integrated geochemical, zircon U‐Pb geochronological and Lu‐Hf isotopic study of the Shilu Group and the overlying Shihuiding Formation in Hainan, South China. These two successions are chemically mature and dominated by siliceous components. The Shilu Group was mainly derived from felsic arc lithologies whereas the Shihuiding Formation was from recycled sedimentary materials and records a transition from convergent to passive margin settings during the late Mesoproterozoic‐early Neoproterozoic in Hainan. Detrital zircons from the Shilu Group and Shihuiding Formation yield similar age populations, with maximum depositional ages of ~1,100–1,000 Ma and ~900 Ma, respectively. The Shilu Group matches well with the Kunyang Group outcropped in the Yangtze Block in depositional age, detrital zircon age populations and Lu‐Hf isotopic compositions, and geochemical characteristics, whereas the Shihuiding Formation exhibits significantly different detrital age populations from the Wanquan Group in the Cathaysia Block. This indicates that Hainan was linked to the Yangtze Block rather than the Cathaysia Block in the late Mesoproterozoic‐early Neoproterozoic. The Shilu and Kunyang groups have similar detrital age patterns to the late Mesoproterozoic to early Neoproterozoic strata in northwest India and are distinct from their equivalents in west Laurentia, suggesting an external location of Hainan‐Yangtze in Rodinia.
Deep Learning Models for Estimation of the SuperDARN Cross Polar Cap Potential

We present deep learning models for cross polar cap potential (CPCP) by applying multilayer perceptron (MLP) and long short‐term memory (LSTM) networks to estimate CPCP based on Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN) measurements. Three statistical parameters are proposed, which are root‐mean‐square error (RMSE), mean absolute error and linear correlation coefficient (LC), to validate and test the models by measuring their performance on an independent data set that was withheld from the training data set. In addition, we compare the models with previous work. The results show that the deep learning models can successfully reproduce the CPCP values with much lower RMSE (8.41 kV for MLP and 7.20 kV for LSTM) and mean absolute error (7.22 kV for MLP and 6.28 kV for LSTM) and higher LC (0.84 for MLP and 0.90 for LSTM) than do the other models, which have RMSE larger than 10 kV and LC lower than 0.75. The deep learning models can also express the CPCP nonlinear properties (saturation effect) accurately. This study demonstrates that deep learning techniques can enhance the ability to predict CPCP.
Low-Temperature Preparation of SiO2/Nb2O5/TiO2–SiO2 Broadband Antireflective Coating for the Visible via Acid-Catalyzed Sol–Gel Method

Multilayer broadband antireflective (AR) coatings consisting of porous layers usually suffers poor functional durability. Based on a quarter-half-quarter multilayer structure, AR coatings with dense SiO2 film as the top layer are designed, and refractive index for each layer is optimized. After heat-treated at only 150 °C, refractive index of Nb2O5 film reaches to 2.072 (at 550 nm), which can meet design requirements of the middle layer. TiO2–SiO2 composites with controllable refractive indices are selected to be used as the bottom layer. The obtained triple-layer AR coating presents excellent performance, and the average transmittance at 400–800 nm attains 98.41%. Dense layers endow the multilayer structure good abrasion-resistance, and hexamethyldisilazane is further used to modify the surface of the AR coating, which can greatly improve the hydrophobicity of the coating. The proposed triple-layer broadband AR coating has potential value in practical applications of sol–gel deposition.
Nano- and Microfiber PVB Patches as Natural Oil Carriers for Atopic Skin Treatment

Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a widespread disorder, with researchers constantly looking for more efficacious treatments. Natural oils are reported to be an effective therapy for dry skin, and medical textiles can be used as an alternative or supporting therapy. In this study, fibrous membranes from poly(vinyl butyral-co-vinyl alcohol-co-vinyl acetate) (PVB) with low and high molecular weights were manufactured to obtain nano- and micrometer fibers via electrospinning for the designed patches used as oil carriers for atopic skin treatment. The biocompatibility of PVB patches was analyzed using proliferation tests and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which combined with a focused ion beam (FIB) allowed for the 3D visualization of patches. The oil spreading tests with evening primrose, black cumin seed, and borage were verified with cryo-SEM, which showed the advantage nanofibers have over microfibers as carriers for low-viscosity oils. The skin tests expressed the usability and the enhanced oil delivery performance for electrospun patches. We demonstrate that through the material nano- and microstructure, commercially available polymers such as PVB have great potential to be deployed as a biomaterial in medical applications, such as topical treatments for chronic skin conditions.
Northward Shifts in the Polar Front Preceded Bølling and Holocene Warming in Southwestern Scandinavia

The last deglaciation in northern Europe provides an opportunity to study the hydrologic component of abrupt climate shifts in a region with complex interactions between ice sheets and oceanic and atmospheric circulation. We use leaf wax hydrogen isotopes (δ2H) to reconstruct summer precipitation δ2H and aridity in southwestern Norway from 15.8 to 11.5 ka. We identify transitions to a more proximal moisture source before the ends of Heinrich Stadial 1 and the Younger Dryas, prior to local warming and increased primary productivity in both instances. We infer these changes in moisture delivery to southwestern Norway to be a response to northward shifts in the polar front caused by warm water intrusion into the North Atlantic, which preceded abrupt warming in the circum‐North Atlantic. These results suggest that moisture transport pathways shift northward as warm surface ocean water reaches higher latitudes in the North Atlantic.
MPC-based path tracking with PID speed control for autonomous vehicles

In this paper, a new coupled lateral and longitudinal controller based on model predictive control (MPC) framework was proposed for an autonomous vehicle to track the desired trajectory and speed. Considering the constraints of control input limit and state output admissible, we used a spatial-based 8 degrees of freedom (DOF) vehicle model as the prediction model and used a high-fidelity model, i.e., a 14-DOF vehicle model as the plant model in the formulation of MPC algorithm. For the lateral control, the MPC controller generates the optimal road-wheel steering angle; for the longitudinal control, the PID controller embedded in the optimization solution generates the total driving or braking wheel torque. All these control inputs were passed to the plant simultaneously. The developed vehicle models were simulated with step steering input and compared with the simulation result of CarSim vehicle model for validation. We implemented the proposed controller for path tracking and speed control with MATLAB considering an 8-shaped curved trajectory as the reference. The simulation results showed that the path tracking and speed tracking performance were good using the combined lateral and longitudinal control strategy.
Goss’s bacterial wilt and leaf blight of corn in Canada – disease update

Abstract Goss’s bacterial wilt and leaf blight, caused by Clavibacter nebraskensis (syn. C. michiganensis subsp. nebraskensis), is a serious disease of corn. It is not new to North America, but in 2006, the number of outbreaks increased and the pathogen was reported in areas of the USA and Canada where it had not previously been found. The disease is increasing in distribution and severity and new areas such as the northern Prairies may be at higher risk as corn production acreage rises. Therefore, Goss’s wilt monitoring and subsequent management should be priorities in areas where the disease has appeared relatively recently, such as the Canadian Prairie provinces. This update summarizes the current status of Goss’s bacterial wilt and leaf blight in Canada including its geographic distribution as determined through recent monitoring activities and new detection methods. It also discusses current knowledge regarding pathogen biology, disease development, epidemiology and management.
How Firms Finance Innovation. Further Empirics from European Smes

This paper aims to evaluate the role played by different sources of financing when analyzing firms' attitudes towards innovating. The empirical investigation is based on a large sample of European small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) observed over the period 2012–2017. Different measures of finance and several robustness checks are used to select a well‐behaved probit model. The results show that the probability to innovate increases when firms use internal financing and grants. The same applies when funds come from family and friends, while no conclusive evidence is found for bank loans. Recommendations for public policy to encourage firm‐tailored policies to promote investment in intangibles allow firms to benefit from innovation activities. European SMEs will also benefit from capital market developments and the advancement of new financial tools devoted to supporting innovation.
Influence of compressive stress on chloride transport in the interfacial zone of precast and cast‐in‐place concrete

The large number of interfacial zones of precast and cast‐in‐place concrete weakens the durability and resistance to chloride penetration of fabricated structures. This study investigated the chloride transport behavior in the interfacial zone of precast and cast‐in‐place concrete through long‐term wet–dry cycle experiments. The two influencing factors of compressive stress and distance to the interface were investigated. A chloride concentration test was conducted to investigate the chloride distribution profile, the chloride diffusion coefficient Dapp, and the surface chloride concentration Cs,∆x. The values of Dapp and Cs,∆x correlated with both the location in the interfacial zone and compressive stress, and both dependencies showed complex interactions. All specimens showed different degrees of this interfacial zone effect, which was weakened by compressive stress. Based on the test results, empirical models were developed (by regression) to quantify the dependences of Dapp and Cs,∆x to both compressive stress level and distance to the interface. Applicability of the models was verified.
A preliminary fish survey of the estuaries on the south-east coast of South Africa, Kei Estuary to Mdumbi: A comparative study

A preliminary ichthyofaunal and physico-chemical survey of estuaries on the south-east coast of South Africa from the Kei Estuary to the Mdumbi Estuary was undertaken between October and November 1997. Twentyseven (27) estuaries were surveyed along this stretch of coastline and these were grouped into three estuary types: small ( 10 ha) predominantly closed estuaries and predominantly open estuaries. Multivariate analyses revealed significant differences between predominantly closed estuaries and predominantly open estuaries in terms of both their physico-chemical characteristics and their fish communities. There was no difference between small and moderate to large predominantly closed estuaries. A significant relationship was also observed between the physico-chemical characteristics of the estuaries and their fish communities. The estuaries in the study area fall within the warmtemperate biogeographic region; temperate species dominated the fish communities of all the estuaries. This survey represents one of the few fish surveys undertaken along this little-studied section of the coastline. Keywords: ichthyofauna estuarine survey fish habitat southern Transkei
Evaluation of the activity of alpha amylase and antioxidant potential formulations of three varieties of oyster mushrooms: Pulmonarius , floridanus and sajor-caju

Le present travail a pour but d’apporter une contribution a l’amelioration du traitement contre le diabete. Pour ce faire, trois varietes de champignons comestibles du genre pleurote ont ete melangees (ou formulees) afin d’etudier le potentiel antioydant des extraits bruts issus de ces champignons formules par les tests DPPH, FRAP et Folin et d’en determiner ensuite l’influence de ces extraits sur l’activite de l’alpha amylase. En termes de resultats, on a obtenu 4 formulations et 16 extraits. Pour ce qui est du test antioxydant, le test par le DPPH a permis d’obtenir un meilleur IC50 de 4,77 mg/ml contre 0,61 mg/ml chez le standard. Aussi, pour ce qui est du test de FRAP on a obtenu des extraits qui presentent une activite superieure au standard avec des valeurs de 2853,33mgEC/g et de 2805,94mgEC/g contre 2781,85 mgEC/g du standard. Et, pour ce qui est du test de Folin, bien que le standard a presente un taux de 57,03±0,55mgEC/g, les extraits renferment neanmoins une bonne teneur en composes phenoliques avec un taux de 37,89±1,48mgEC/g pour l’extrait le plus riche en composes phenoliques. Enfin, pour ce qui est du test de l’alpha amylase, les extraits precisement aqueux, ethanolique et hydroethanolique de chaque formulation ont presentes une meilleure activite inhibitrice que le standard. Ces resultats suggerent que les extraits issus des champignons formules presentent une activite antioxydante considerable et une bonne capacite a inhiber l’activite de l’alpha amylase. Mots cles : Diabete, champignons pleurotes, antioxydants et alpha amylase
An Implementation Of A Repository For Healthcare Insurance Using MongoDB

The explosive growth of unstructured data in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in Nigeria has given rise to the lack of an appropriate data storage mechanism to house data in the Scheme. This paper x-rayed these data storage challenges with a view to implementing a storage mechanism that can handled large volume and different formats of data in the Scheme. The NHIS is currently using the paper-based, file and cabinet data storage system with some of the data stored in the form of PDF, Excel and image files on the computer system. This has led to serious challenges ranging from the loss of data, lack of appropriate data storage facilities to accommodate the data to the delay in the administration of quality care to beneficiaries of the Scheme. Also, the diversity of data with the ever-growing datasets which is also generated at very high rate has also constituted a major challenge for NHIS. This research therefore developed a computer-based data storage system using MongoDB which has full index support, replication, high availability and auto-sharding. The design was done with Enterprise Application Diagrams and implemented using Java Programming Language, MapReduce Framework and MongoDB. The study shows that there are inequities in the delivery of services within the NHIS in Nigeria due to lack of proper storage medium. This is responsible for the ineffectiveness and inefficiency of healthcare services received through the Scheme. In conclusion, this research has provided the stakeholders with access to information more easily, which will enable them to plan, evaluate, and collaborate more effectively. Keywords: Big Data, NHIS, Storage, MongoDB, Data, Analytics.
Two new species of the genus Dacochile (Diptera, Tanyderidae) from Burmese amber

ABSTRACT Two new species of primitive crane flies (Diptera,Tanyderidae), Dacochile browni n. sp. and Dacochile poinari n. sp. from the Cretaceous Burmese are described and figured. Moreover, an additional drawing and description of Dacochile microsoma Poinar & Brownis provided. A new material supports the classification of this genus in Tanyderidae, and not Psychodidae. The evolution of anal lobe in the genus Dacochile is discussed.
Hearts and Minds First: Institutional Logics in Pursuit of Educational Equity

Purpose:Despite an explosion of professional development to help educators discuss issues of race and equity, expectations for addressing racial disparities outstrip current leadership practices, and scant empirical research exists on the organizational changes that emerge from the work of equity teams. This study examined equity teams’ theories of organizational change for equity and how those theories related to their efforts to change school policies and practices. Research Methods/Approach: Drawing on institutional logics from organizational theory, this comparative case study examined transcripts and fieldnotes from 22 meetings and 27 interviews with two school equity teams in diverse contexts in the Pacific Northwest. Findings: Despite differences in the principals, team conversations, and organizational contexts, we found that both teams’ discussions asserted a primary theory of change for shifting schools toward greater equity. According to this “commonsense” notion, efforts to become more equitable as a school first require shifts in individuals’ understandings, beliefs, and attitudes—changes to “hearts and minds”—prior to engaging in other actions to address organizational change. Ultimately, our findings suggest that the dominance of a hearts-and-minds-first theory of change constrained changes to organizational policies, structures and practices. Conclusions: Alternative theories of change to catalyze equity-focused organizational shifts hold promise for fostering educational justice. Future participatory design research with schools may yield knowledge of multiyear organizational change.
Perceived Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors among Adolescents in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the level of knowledge and perceivement of cardiovascular risk factors among male adolescent students and the practiced healthy lifestyle. Methods: A cross-sectional multistage study targeted adolescent male students from public secondary schools in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. They were surveyed by using a self-administered questionnaire. The participants were categorized as knowledgeable and perceiving the cardiovascular risk factors risk or not. Results: A significant association with four factors were likely found to act as CVD predictors among adolescents like limited knowledge on prevention (AOR = 0.519, 95% CI = 0.358-0.752); inadequate information on diseases severity (AOR = 0.444, 95% CI = 0.284-0.696); low ability to promote health (AOR = 0.447, 95% CI = 0.295-0.677); and, non-confidence in practicing a healthy lifestyle (AOR = 0.584, 95% CI = 0.407-0.839). Conclusion: Curriculum school inclusion of positive health practice might help much in improving the perceiveness on cardiovascular disease and better awareness in the coming generation. Original Research Article Ruwili and Bawazir; AJRCD, 2(3): 1-10, 2020; Article no.AJRCD. 59402 2
Effect of Boswellia on Adjuvant Induced Rheumatoid Arthritis in Experimental Animals

Arthritis is the most common systemic connective tissue disease. About 1% of the world's population is affected by RA; women are three times more often than men. Onset is most frequent between the ages of 40 and 50 years, but people of any age can be affected. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic inflammatory disorder that may affect many tissues and organs, but principally attacks flexible joints. Although the cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, autoimmunity plays an important role in both its chronicity and progression.The new trend of medical treatment of rheumatoid arthritis seeks new drugs with more efficacy and fewer side effects. Since tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) as well as other cytokines act as key players in the development of arthritis.Studies in the United States and Europe have shown that their use is less common in clinical settings, but has become increasingly more in recent years as scientific evidence about the effectiveness of herbal medicine has become more widely available. The present work investigates the effect of Boswellia on Adjuvant induced RA in Experimental Animals.
Numerical and theoretical study of weak Galerkin finite element solutions of Turing patterns in reaction–diffusion systems

In this paper, we introduce numerical schemes and their analysis based on weak Galerkin finite element framework for solving 2‐D reaction–diffusion systems. Weak Galerkin finite element method (WGFEM) for partial differential equations relies on the concept of weak functions and weak gradients, in which differential operators are approximated by weak forms through the Green's theorem. This method allows the use of totally discontinuous functions in the approximation space. In the current work, the WGFEM solves reaction–diffusion systems to find unknown concentrations (u, v) in element interiors and boundaries in the weak Galerkin finite element space WG(P0, P0, RT0). The WGFEM is used to approximate the spatial variables and the time discretization is made by the backward Euler method. For reaction–diffusion systems, stability analysis and error bounds for semi‐discrete and fully discrete schemes are proved. Accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method successfully tested on several numerical examples and obtained results satisfy the well‐known result that for small values of diffusion coefficient, the steady state solution converges to equilibrium point. Acquired numerical results asserted the efficiency of the proposed scheme.