Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
(Un)Trendy Japan: Twitter bots and the 2017 Japanese general election

Abstract Social networking services (SNSs) can significantly impact public life during important political events. Thus, it comes as no surprise that different political actors try to exploit these online platforms for their benefit. Bots constitute a popular tool on SNSs that appears to be able to shape public opinion and disrupt political processes. However, the role of bots during political events in a non-Western context remains largely under-studied. This article addresses the question of the involvement of Twitter bots during electoral campaigns in Japan. In our study, we collected Twitter data over a fourteen-day period in October 2017 using a set of hashtags related to the 2017 Japanese general election. Our dataset includes 905,215 tweets, 665,400 of which were unique tweets. Using a supervised machine learning approach, we first built a custom ensemble classification model for bot detection based on user profile features, with an area under curve (AUC) for the test set of 0.998. Second, in applying our model, we estimate that the impact of Twitter bots in Japan was minor overall. In comparison with similar studies conducted during elections in the US and the UK, the deployment of Twitter bots involved in the 2017 Japanese general election seems to be significantly lower. Finally, given our results on the level of bots on Twitter during the 2017 Japanese general election, we provide various possible explanations for their underuse within a broader socio-political context.
Automated evaluation of the surface point quality in dimensional X-ray computed tomography

Abstract X-ray computed tomography (CT) enables dimensional measurements of numerous measurands with a single scan, including the measurement of inner structures. However, measurement artefacts complicate the applicability of the technology in some cases. This paper presents a methodology to assess the surface point quality of computed tomography measurements without the requirement of a CAD model. Measurement artefacts lowering the surface point quality can therefore automatically be detected. The correlation of quality values with the random measurement error is demonstrated. The presented method can in principle be used to weight single fit points to reduce the measurement uncertainty of CT measurements.
Post-Crisis Household Savings Behavior in Romania

Abstract The recent linear growth trend recorded by net savings in Romania is very intriguing. We thus study household savings behavior using Vector Autoregression and Vector Error Correction models on a sample of post-2007 monthly data. Contrary to common economic theory, we find that real interest rates do not influence the loan and savings behavior of Romanian households in our sample, despite their significant volatility and, even, negative recorded values. The results indicate a change in attitude and in risk perception of Romanian households in the aftermath of the financial crisis in 2008, in the way that has significantly decreased their preference for present consumption in favor of savings. Despite the significant increase in net savings, we also find that they have not significantly contributed to economic growth.
Guillain–Barré and Acute Transverse Myelitis Overlap Syndrome Following Obstetric Surgery

Abstract Introduction There are rare reports of the occurrence of acute transverse myelitis and Guillain–Barré syndrome after various surgical procedures and general/epidural anaesthesia. The concomitant occurrence of these pathologies is very rare and is called Guillain–Barré and acute transverse myelitis overlap syndrome. In this article, we present the case of a second trimester pregnant patient who developed Guillain–Barré and acute transverse myelitis overlap syndrome. Case presentation We report the case of a 16-year-old female patient who underwent a therapeutic termination of pregnancy two weeks prior to the onset of the disease with gradual development of a motor deficit with walking and sensitivity disorders, fecal incontinence. The diagnosis was based on clinical exam, electroneurography and spinal magnetic resonance imaging. Endocrinopathies, infectious diseases, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, neoplastic diseases and vitamin deficiencies were ruled out. Our patient attended five sessions of therapeutic plasma exchange, followed by steroid treatment, intravenous immunoglobulin with minimum recovery of the motor deficit in the upper limbs, but without significant evolution of the motor deficit in the lower limbs. The patient was discharged on maintenance corticotherapy and immunosuppressive treatment with azathioprine. Conclusions We report a very rare association between Guillain–Barré syndrome and acute transverse myelitis triggered by a surgical intervention with general anaesthesia. The overlap of Guillain–Barré syndrome and acute transverse myelitis makes the prognosis for recovery worse, and further studies are needed to establish the first-line therapy in these cases.
Statistical applications of optimization methods and mathematical programming

Abstract Optimization techniques perform an important role in different domains of statistic. Examples of parameter estimation of different distributions, correlation analysis (parametric and nonparametric), regression analysis, optimal allocation of resources in partial research, exploration of response surfaces, design of experiments, efficiency tests, reliability theory, survival analysis are the most known methods of statistical analysis in which we find optimization techniques. The paper contains a synthetic presentation of the main statistical methods using classical optimization techniques, numerical optimization methods, linear and nonlinear programming, variational calculus techniques. Also, an example of applying the “simplex” algorithm in making a decision to invest an amount on the stock exchange, using a prediction model.
Equations for predicting interrill erosion on steep slopes in the Three Gorges Reservoir, China

Abstract The Three Gorges Reservoir region suffers from severe soil erosion that leads to serious soil degradation and eutrophication. Interrill erosion models are commonly used in developing soil erosion control measures. Laboratory simulation experiments were conducted to investigate the relationship between interrill erosion rate and three commonly hydraulic parameters (flow velocity V, shear stress τ and stream power W). The slope gradients ranged from 17.6% to 36.4%, and the rainfall intensities varied from 0.6 to 2.54 mm·min−1. The results showed that surface runoff volume and soil loss rates varied greatly with the change of slope and rainfall intensity. Surface runoff accounted for 67.2–85.4% of the precipitation on average. Soil loss rates increased with increases of rainfall intensity and slope gradient, Regression analysis showed that interrill erosion rate could be calculated by a linear function of V and W. Predictions based on V (R2 = 0.843, ME = 0.843) and W (R2 = 0.862, ME = 0.862) were powerful. τ (R2 = 0.721, ME = 0.721) did not seem to be a good predictor for interrill erosion rates. Five ordinarily interrill erosion models were analyzed, the accuracy of the models in predicting soil loss rate was: Model 3 (ME = 0.977) > Model 4 (ME = 0.966) > Model 5 (ME = 0.963) > Model 2 (ME = 0.923) > Model 1 (ME = 0.852). The interrill erodibility used in the model 3 (WEPP) was calculated as 0.332×106 kg·s·m−4. The results can improve the precision of interrill erosion estimation on purple soil slopes in the Three Gorges Reservoir area.
Which of the favorite optimal cut-off determination methods is preferable for the ordinal response data? A simulation study

Abstract The aim of this study is to investigate the performance of the optimal cut-off methods, which are generally used for the diagnostic tests with the continuous response, for the tests with the ordinal response. Diagnostic accuracy studies examine the ability of a diagnostic test to discriminate between the patients with and without the condition. For diagnostic tests with a continuous response, it is important in practice to calculate the optimal cut-off point that can differentiate patients and healthy individuals. There are many methods proposed in the literature to obtain the optimal cut-point value for continuous test results. The Youden index, the point closest-to-(0, 1) corner in the ROC plane approach, the concordance probability, and the minimum P-value approach are commonly used methods to determine optimal-cut-point. But the researches examining the performance of these methods in the setting of the ordinal response tests are lacking in the literature. So, we compared the mentioned optimal cut-off methods for the ordinal response data by the way of simulation design by considering the sample size and the balance of groups as simulation conditions. The sample sizes of the diseased and non-diseased group were set (50, 50), (100, 100), and (200, 200) for balanced design and (50, 100), (50, 150) and (50, 200) for unbalanced design. For each scenario, 1000 repeats were generated. The differences between the estimated and the true cut-off points (biases) were calculated. All these methods overestimated the true cut-off point, but the median biases of the methods were varying. For the unbalanced design, the same result was relevant but for the balanced design, the minimum P-value approach had a median bias as 0 while others have 1.
Normative data for 102 Spanish remote associate problems and age-related differences in performance

Abstract The Remote Associates Test (RAT) is a measure developed by Mednick (1962) which is used to assess the convergent thinking component of creativity. This study presents a normative database in Spanish including 102 problems based on the RAT. Three sets of problems were built according to the type of between-word associations: semantic, compound, and two-word expressions. These problems were administered to a sample of 309 elementary, high-school, and university students. The results show good internal consistency as well as good convergent validity with insight problems, and discriminant validity using Guilford’s Alternative Uses Test. In addition, the results indicate age-related differences in the ability to solve the different types of problems.
The study of time dependence of particle flux with multiplication in a random medium

Abstract Algorithms of Monte Carlo method for estimating probabilistic moments of the parameter of time exponential asymptotics of particle flux with multiplication in a random medium are constructed. It was analytically and numerically shown that the asymptotics of the mean number of particles is close to an exponential one with the factor containing a summand proportional to square of time.
Do free trade agreements promote sneaky protectionism? A classical liberal perspective

Abstract A neglected aspect of regional trade agreements (RTAs) is their protectionist potential. In times of a stagnating World Trade Organization (WTO), growing economic nationalism and skepticism about the merits of free trade and trade agreements, the paper examines to what extent recently signed RTAs really promote genuine free trade or rather foster sneaky protectionism under the guise of free trade. For this, the paper proposes an ideal-type free trade agreement benchmark model based on a classical liberal perspective and applies it in a multiple case study approach to assess three cases of recently concluded mega-RTAs: the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the renegotiated North American trade agreement USCMA, and the Canada–European Union (EU) agreement CETA. The article shows that all of them are far from the classical liberal ideal of totally free trade and have a high content of back door protectionism suitable to raise trade barriers when politically opportune. In particular, the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) includes many clear protectionist provisions that might even outweigh its liberalizing stipulations, whereas CPTPP and CETA can be deemed net liberalizing. It concludes that given political economy constraints, RTAs can nevertheless remain a second-best solution to the classical liberal ideals of completely unhampered trade and unilateral liberalization provided that they remove more impediments to free exchange than they cement or create.
Six Sigma Method Important Element of Sustainability

Abstract Six Sigma is not a training, but it is business strategy which involves the entire staff. The main goal of this works represents the analysis of the implementation of Six Sigma method within a company, like future solution for growing and developing a business. As main method of research was used documentation. The research carried out in this work will try to test/research two important aspects regarding the situation of a company: applying these methods accordingly may produce positive effects on long term on the business environment and create a healthy growth and economic development within a company.
Effect of an Inside Floater on Soccer Players Tactical Behaviour in Small Sided and Conditioned Games

Abstract The aim of this study was to verify the effect of an inside floater on soccer players’ tactical behaviour in small-sided and conditioned games (SSCGs). The sample comprised 54 Brazilian top-level academy players. The instrument used to assess players’ tactical behaviour was the System of Tactical Assessment in Soccer (FUT-SAT). Tactical behaviour was analysed through the number of tactical actions and the percentage of correct actions regarding the core tactical principles of soccer. Repeated measures test was used to compare tactical behaviour between games (SSCGs) with and without an inside floater. Pearson’s r was used to verify the effect size of the inside floater on tactical behaviour. As for tactical actions, SSCGs with an inside floater displayed significantly lower means for the tactical principles of penetration (2.76 ± 1.63; p < .001), delay (6.11 ± 2.68; p < .018), defensive coverage (1.64 ± 1.14; p < .001) and significantly higher means for the tactical principle of defensive unity (14.98 ± 4.57; p < .032). With respect to the percentage of correct actions, SSCGs with an inside floater displayed significantly lower means for all tactical principles, except for offensive coverage (90.5 ± 18.48; p < 1.000). It was concluded that the inside floater allowed players to modify their behaviour in such a way that they adapted to the constraints imposed by the presence of an inside floater. Furthermore, the inside floater provided more difficulty for players, and thus may be considered an important task constraint to be added in SSCGs.
Effective medium concept in temporal metamaterials

Abstract Metamaterials are mostly designed in the time-harmonic scenario where wave propagation can be spatially manipulated. Tailoring the electromagnetic response of media in time has also gained the attention of the scientific community in order to achieve further control on wave-matter interaction both in space and time. In the present work, a temporally effective medium concept in metamaterial is theoretically investigated as a mechanism to create a medium with a desired effective permittivity. Similar to spatially subwavelength multilayered metamaterials, the proposed “temporal multilayered”, or “multistepped” metamaterial, is designed by alternating in time the permittivity of the medium between two values. In so doing, the temporally periodic medium can be modeled as an effective metamaterial in time with an effective permittivity initiated by a step function. The analogy between the temporal multistepped and the spatial multilayered metamaterials is presented demonstrating the duality between both domains. The proposed temporal metamaterial is analytically and numerically evaluated showing an excellent agreement with the designed parameters. Moreover, it is shown how the effective permittivity can be arbitrarily tailored by changing the duty cycle of the periodic temporal metamaterial. This performance is also connected to the spatial multilayer scenario in terms of the filling fraction of the different materials used to create the multilayered structures.
Combined Multi-assay Evaluation of the Antioxidant Properties of Tree Bark

Abstract Wood logging generates considerable amounts of bark by-product, which are a potential antioxidant source well worth extracting and using. The present work compares the antioxidant properties of the bark of the following selected Hungarian forest tree species: white poplar (Populus alba L.), black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.), sessile oak (Quercus petraea Liebl.), black poplar (Populus nigra L.), silver birch (Betula pendula Roth), European larch (Larix decidua Mill.), scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), wild cherry (Prunus avium L.), European hornbeam (Carpinus betulus L.) and sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.). Inner and outer bark were investigated separately. Total polyphenol content (TPC) was determined by the Folin-Ciocâlteu method, whereas antioxidant capacity was assayed using the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), 2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and ABTS (2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) methods. The overall antioxidant power of the samples was evaluated using a scoring system that combined the FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS assay results. The TPC levels did not always follow the FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS assay values. Differing reaction mechanisms and sample compositions are possible reasons for this. The presented scoring evaluation was suitable for the assessment and comparison of complex antioxidant properties of tree bark samples. According to the scores, inner bark showed higher scores compared to outer bark for most species with the exceptions of black poplar, black locust, white poplar, sweet chestnut, and European larch. The highest overall antioxidant capacities were determined in the inner bark of wild cherry and the outer bark of sweet chestnut. The species with the overall lowest scores were black locust and black poplar.
Analysis of performance of selected geospatial analyses implemented on the basis of relational and NoSQL databases

Abstract Databases are a basic component of every GIS system and many geoinformation applications. They also hold a prominent place in the tool kit of any cartographer. Solutions based on the relational model have been the standard for a long time, but there is a new increasingly popular technological trend – solutions based on the NoSQL database which have many advantages in the context of processing of large data sets. This paper compares the performance of selected spatial relational and NoSQL databases executing queries with selected spatial operators. It has been hypothesised that a non-relational solution will prove to be more effective, which was confirmed by the results of the study. The same spatial data set was loaded into PostGIS and MongoDB databases, which ensured standardisation of data for comparison purposes. Then, SQL queries and JavaScript commands were used to perform specific spatial analyses. The parameters necessary to compare the performance were measured at the same time. The study’s results have revealed which approach is faster and utilises less computer resources. However, it is difficult to clearly identify which technology is better because of a number of other factors which have to be considered when choosing the right tool.
Photovoltaic Solar Energy: Is It Applicable in Brazil? – A Review Applied to Brazilian Case

Abstract The photovoltaic technologies have been developed year by year in different countries; however, there are some countries where this kind of energy is being born, such as the Brazilian case. In this paper, some important parameters are analysed and applied to different solar cell materials, identifying that if the fossil fuels were substituted by solar cells, it would reduce the CO2 emissions by 93.2%. In addition, it is shown that the efficiency of solar cells is not as farther as it could be thought from coal thermoelectrical plants in Brazil and the cost of energy using solar cells could be as good as these thermoelectrical plants. Finally, the potentiality of Brazilian territory to implant this technology is presented, identifying that with the use of 0.2% of the territory, the energy demand could be supplied.
Difficulties Regulating Positive Emotions and Substance Misuse: The Influence of Sociodemographic Factors

Abstract Background: Alcohol and drug misuse present significant public health concerns due to their high prevalence and deleterious outcomes. A growing body of research provides support for the role of difficulties regulating positive emotions in alcohol and drug misuse. However, research is needed to better understand for whom difficulties regulating positive emotions are most strongly associated with alcohol and drug misuse to inform assessment and treatment efforts. Objectives: The goal of the present study was to examine potential sociodemographic moderators (i.e. age, gender, ethnicity, race, income, and educational attainment) in the relations between difficulties regulating positive emotions and alcohol and drug misuse. Methods: Participants were 373 trauma-exposed adults (57.1% female, 75.8% White) recruited from the community. Results: Significant differences were identified across sociodemographic groups regarding difficulties regulating positive emotions (i.e. gender, ethnicity, race, and income) and alcohol use (i.e. gender). Moderation analyses revealed a significant interaction between difficulties regulating positive emotions and gender on drug misuse (b = 0.08, p < .001), such that the association was significant for females (b = 0.11, p < .001) but not males (b = .03, p = .05). Conclusions: Results suggest the importance of developing gender-sensitive recommendations for the assessment and treatment of substance misuse, and of incorporating techniques focused on addressing difficulties regulating positive emotions.
A New Composite Structure of PEDOT/PSS: Macro-Separated Layers by a Polyelectrolyte Brush

Polyethylene dioxythiophene and polyethylene sulfonic acid (PEDOT/PSS) composite is gathering attention as an organic transparent conductive film material. However, it requires a core-shell structure in which conductive PEDOT is covered with insulating PSS. Providing film formability and a carrier to PEDOT, the PSS shell hinders carrier conduction as an insulating barrier. In this study, we realized that creating a macro-separated PEDOT/PSS composite by using a polyelectrolyte brush substrate and in-situ PEDOT polymerization without the PSS barrier increases durability and conductivity in comparison with commercially available PEDOT/PSS film, achieving a conductivity of 5000–6000 S/cm.