Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Are Food Prices Really Flexible? Evidence from India

This paper revisits the notion of flexibility of food prices by compiling a novel micro level dataset for India. It shows that food prices in India exhibit varying degrees of price stickiness across product groups. Furthermore, the price setting behaviour broadly matches predictions of sticky price models with menu cost. Model calibration shows that differences in productivity processes, market power and menu costs could account for the differences in price stickiness across product groups. Inflation based on a stickiness re-weighted food price index does not perfectly align with the conventional core measure of inflation (i.e., CPI excluding food and fuel). This highlights why paying attention to the sticky component of food inflation – besides core inflation – is important for the conduct of monetary policy in India. JEL Classification: E31, D40, C23
“The Unheard Voices”: Lived Experiences of Sexual Abuse in Male Survivors

Background: Victims of sexual abuse face unique emotional challenges. Among them, the male survivors of sexual assault have largely been neglected in the literature, being traditionally considered “against the norm” and symbolic of reduced masculinity. Methods: Qualitative approach was used to study the lived experiences of five (three heterosexual and two homosexual) male survivors of sexual abuse. In-depth interviews were conducted with consent, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Results: Commonality in the experiences of abuse (the identity of the abuser, nature of agony), perspectives of sharing the abuse history (lack of acceptance of “male” victimhood, the openness of the opposite gender, family reactions), and the long-term impact of abuse (withdrawal/change of interest as coping, sexual identity issues) emerged as the main superordinate theme (and subthemes). Conclusion: Society, with its patriarchy, often turns apathetic to male victimization in sexual abuse. Beliefs about masculinity and resultant trauma can cause a chronic social and psychosexual impact on the victims. More systematic research is needed to understand their perceptions, unmet needs, and experiences of recovery.
Identification of Tomato Plant Diseases Using Convolutional Neural Network

— Tomato is highly grown vegetable all over the world. Tomato is highly susceptible to diseases and considerable amount of crop is wasted due to diseases caused by virus, bacteria and fungi. Disease identification of Tomato is a major problem faced by farmers. The proposed system helps farmers to identify four tomato diseases namely Anthracnose, Blossoms End Rot, Late Blight and Powdery Mildew. Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) has been applied in the study to predict the disease from the images. The implementation of CNN from scratch demands high computational resources and considerable amount of image data. Therefore, transfer learning approach has been applied with the MobileNet model which is trained on the ImageNet classification dataset. This research work was conducted by changing the number of images, training models and hyperparameters to experiment the accuracy of the system. The system gained 99.16% of training accuracy, 98.89% of validation accuracy and 98.96% of test accuracy with 0.0001 learning rate, 0.9 momentum, batch size as 32 and 3200 training images.
pH-Responsive Gels of Hydrophobically Modified Poly(acrylic acid)

pH-responsive gels of hydrophobically modified (HM) weak polyacid were prepared from acrylic acid and n-alkyl acrylates (n = 8, 12, 18). The HM gels obtained bear up to 20 mol % of n-alkyl acrylate units randomly distributed along the network chains. The pH-driven swelling of these gels upon ionization in an aqueous medium was studied. The effect of the fraction and of the side chain length of n-alkyl acrylate groups on the equilibrium degree of swelling was examined. It was shown that the swelling transition shifts to alkaline pH with increasing hydrophobicity of the gel. This was explained by the stabilization of the collapsed state of the gel by hydrophobic aggregation of n-alkyl side chains. The formation of such aggregates, which break down in the course of gel ionization, was confirmed by the fluorescent probe method with pyrene as a probe and by NMR spectroscopy. Potentiometric titration data of HM poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) gels and of the corresponding linear copolymers evidence that the introducti.
Extended ensemble approach for deriving transferable coarse-grained potentials

Coarse-grained (CG) models provide a computationally efficient means for investigating biological and soft-matter processes that evolve on long time scales and large length scales. The present work introduces an extended ensemble framework for calculating transferable CG potentials that accurately reproduce the structure of atomistic models for multiple systems. This framework identifies a generalized potential of mean force (PMF) as the appropriate CG potential for reproducing the structural correlations of an atomistic extended ensemble. A variational approach is developed for calculating transferable potentials that provide an optimal approximation to this PMF. Calculations for binary mixtures of alkanes and alcohols demonstrate that the extended ensemble potentials provide improved transferability relative to potentials calculated for a single system.
Correct substrate temperature monitoring with infrared optical pyrometer for molecular-beam epitaxy of III-V semiconductors

Correct GaAs and InP substrate temperatures are monitored with an infrared optical pyrometer. The temperature calibration for the pyrometer is carried out with the help of an emissivity change, produced by an eutectic reaction, in the Al deposited Si substrate. It is found that large apparent temperature differences exist between n+‐ (or p+‐) and semi‐insulating GaAs and InP substrates when constant emissivity is assumed. The temperature difference is ∼60 °C at 500 °C for InP, and 10–30 °C for GaAs. The temperature differences are found to increase with increasing substrate temperature. A model calculation is given for substrate temperature monitoring with an infrared optical pyrometer. The apparent temperature difference is attributed to the presence of optical absorption mechanisms in an n+‐ (and p+‐) substrate and its absence in a semi‐insulating substrate. The limiting temperature of congruent evaporation and the native oxide evaporation temperature for GaAs are measured with an accurately calibrated .
Crystals [C20]n Intercalated with Metals

Abstract Computer simulation by DFT‐PBE method of different structures of olygomers (C20)n (n≤8) with two types of covalent bonds (α and β) between monomers, their exo‐complexes with atoms Li, Na, Cu, Ag, Mg, Ca, Zn, Sr, Cd, Al, Sc Y, In, Ti, Zr, V, their endo‐complexes with atoms Li, Be, and also mixed complexes was carried out. Geometrical parameters of unit cells of crystals which can be formed at accumulating of monomers numbers in olygomers with formation of quasi‐one‐ quasi‐two‐and quasi‐three‐dimensional crystals were calculated. Geometrical and electron structures of crystals [MC20]n at M=Ca, Sr, Zr were calculated by DFT‐PBE96/FLAPW approximation. It was shown that these crystals must be conductors with sufficiently high densities of orbital states close to Fermi level. It was predicted that electronic conductivity of crystals under consideration must by very high.
Antimicrobial activity of Streptomyces spp. isolated from Apis dorsata combs against some phytopathogenic bacteria

The aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial potential of actinomycetes isolated from combs of the giant honey bee, Apis dorsata. In total, 25 isolates were obtained from three different media and were screened for antimicrobial activity against four plant pathogenic bacteria (Ralstonia solanacearum, Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris, Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae and Pectobacterium carotovorum). Following screening using a cross-streaking method, three isolates showed the potential to inhibit the growth of plant pathogenic bacteria. Based on a 96-well microtiter assay, the crude extract of DSC3-6 had minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values against X. oryzae pv. oryzae, X. campestris pv. campestris, R. solanacearum and P. carotovorum of 16, 32, 32 and 64 mg L−1, respectively. The crude extract of DGA3-20 had MIC values against X. oryzae pv. oryzae, X. campestris pv. campestris, R. solanacearum and P. carotovorum of 32, 32, 32 and 64 mg L−1, respectively. The crude extract of DGA8-3 at 32 mgL−1 inhibited the growth of X. oryzae pv. oryzae, X. campestris pv. campestris, R. solanacearum and P. carotovorum. Based on their 16S rRNA gene sequences, all isolates were identified as members of the genus Streptomyces. The analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity and of the phylogenetic tree based on the maximum likelihood algorithm showed that isolates DSC3-6, DGA3-20 and DGA8-3 were closely related to Streptomyces ramulosus (99.42%), Streptomyces axinellae (99.70%) and Streptomyces drozdowiczii (99.71%), respectively. This was the first report on antibacterial activity against phytopathogenic bacteria from actinomycetes isolated from the giant honey bee.
Time of night and moonlight structure vertical space use by insectivorous bats in a Neotropical rainforest: an acoustic monitoring study

Background Previous research has shown diverse vertical space use by various taxa, highlighting the importance of forest vertical structure. Yet, we know little about vertical space use of tropical forests, and we often fail to explore how this three-dimensional space use changes over time. Methods Here we use canopy tower systems in French Guiana and passive acoustic monitoring to measure Neotropical bat activity above and below the forest canopy throughout nine nights. We use a Bayesian generalized linear mixed effect model and kernel density estimates to demonstrate patterns in space-use over time. Results We found that different bats use both canopy and understory space differently and that these patterns change throughout the night. Overall, bats were more active above the canopy (including Cormura brevirostris, Molossus molossus, Peropteryx kappleri and Peropteryx macrotis), but multiple species or acoustic complexes (when species identification was impossible) were more active in the understory (such as Centronycteris maximiliani, Myotis riparius, Pteronotus alitonus and Pteronotus rubiginosus). We also found that most bats showed temporally-changing preferences in hourly activity. Some species were less active (e.g., P. kappleri and P. macrotis), whereas others were more active (Pteronotus gymnonotus, C. brevirostris, and M. molossus) on nights with higher moon illuminance. Discussion Here we show that Neotropical bats use habitat above the forest canopy and within the forest understory differently throughout the night. While bats generally were more active above the forest canopy, we show that individual groups of bats use space differently over the course of a night, and some prefer the understory. This work highlights the need to consider diel cycles in studies of space use, as animals use different habitats during different periods of the day.
New Cantharellus species from South Korea

Abstract In this third contribution involving new Cantharellus species from South Korea, two new species are introduced. In addition, we document a first report of the recently described Japanese Cantharellus anzutake outside of Japan based on identical ITS sequence data. Cantharellus citrinussp. nov. is introduced as a new member of subgenus Cinnabarini, to which the closely related Korean C. albovenosus and Chinese C. phloginus also belong. Cantharellus curvatussp. nov. is introduced as a new member of subgenus Parvocantharellus, in which the Korean C. koreanus was recently placed. The respective placements of the new taxa are significantly supported by a phylogenetic analysis of sequences from the transcription elongation factor (tef-1).
Liquid metal motor

Summary Liquid metal has demonstrated an enormous potential for developing soft functional devices and machines. However, current liquid metal enabled machines suffer from several issues, such as the requirement of a liquid environment, generation of weak actuating forces, and insufficient maneuverability. To overcome these restrictions, here, a motor is developed based on the electrical actuation of liquid metal droplets without the need for conventional electromagnets. The approach is distinguished by (1) the encapsulation of electrolyte and multiple liquid metal droplets within an enclosed system, and (2) the creation of stable and continuous torque outside a liquid environment. In addition, a liquid metal electrical brush is introduced to operate the motor with low friction and low wear. The unique driving mechanism endows the motor with several advantages, including low friction, no sparking, low noise, versatile working environment, and being built from soft materials that could offer new opportunities for developing soft robotics.
A general method for asymmetric arylation and vinylation of silyl ketene acetals

A new biarylmonophosphine was developed for highly asymmetric arylation and vinylation of silyl enolates of acyclic esters with good generality. The new stereocenters α to the ester groups were formed in high enantiomeric excess. The method was applied to the asymmetric synthesis of Profen drugs on a gram scale.
Chemical speciation of binary complexes of Pb(II), Cd(II) and Hg(II) with L-glutamic acid in dioxan-water mixtures

Abstract Binary complexes of L-glutamic acid with toxic metal ions such as Pb(II), Cd(II) and Hg(II) in 0.0-60.0% v/v 1,4 dioxan-water media at 303.0 K and an ionic strength of 0.16 mol dm-3 of sodium nitrate has been studied pH-metrically. The active forms of ligand are LH3, LH2 and LH. The best fit chemical models are chosen based on statistical parameters like crystallographic R-factor, χ2, skewness and kurtosis. The predominant species detected are ML2H4 ML2H3 ML2H2 ML2 and ML. Models containing different numbers of species were refined by using the computer program MINIQUAD75. The trend in variation of complex stability constants with changes in the dielectric constant of the medium is explained on the basis of electrostatic and non-electrostatic forces. The species distribution with pH at different compositions of dioxan–water mixture and plausible equilibria for the formation of species are also presented.
Molecular Weight Dependence of Primary Nucleation Rate of Poly(Ethylene Succinate)

The molecular weight (MW) dependence of the primary nucleation rate (I) was studied for poly(ethylene succinate). The primary nucleation rate was measured in a wide range of temperatures. It has a bell shape with a maximum nucleation rate (I max ) that showed a remarkable MW dependence. I max decreased first with MW to about 3000 and then increased. The MW of about 3000 was attributed to the transition from intermolecular nucleation to intramolecular nucleation. The MW dependence of I max was expressed as I max ∝MWα. The value of α was negative unity for intermolecular nucleation and positive unity for intramolecular nucleation.
Obtaining Bioactive Compounds from the Coffee Husk (Coffea arabica L.) Using Different Extraction Methods

Coffee husks (Coffea arabica L.) are characterized by exhibiting secondary metabolites such as phenolic compounds, which can be used as raw material for obtaining bioactive compounds of interest in food. The objective of this study is to evaluate different methods for obtaining the raw material and extracting solutions of bioactive compounds from coffee husks. Water bath and ultrasound-assisted extraction methods were used, using water (100%) or ethanol (100%) or a mixture of both (1:1) as extracting solutions and the form of the raw material was in natura and dehydrated. The extracts were evaluated by their antioxidant potential using DPPH radicals, ABTS, and iron reduction (ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP)), and later total phenolic compounds, total flavonoids, and condensed tannins were quantified the phenolic majority compounds were identified. It was verified that the mixture of water and ethanol (1:1) showed better extraction capacity of the compounds with antioxidant activity and that both conventional (water bath) or unconventional (ultrasound) methods showed satisfactory results. Finally, a satisfactory amount of bioactive compounds was observed in evaluating the chemical composition (total phenolic compounds, total flavonoids, condensed tannins, as well as the analysis of the phenolic profile) of these extracts. Corroborating with the results of the antioxidant activities, the best extracting solution was generally the water and ethanol mixture (1:1) using a dehydrated husk and water bath as the best method, presenting higher levels of the bioactive compounds in question, with an emphasis on chlorogenic acid. Thus, it can be concluded that the use of coffee husk as raw material to obtain extracts of bioactive compounds is promising. Last, the conventional method (water bath) and the water and ethanol mixture (1:1) stood out among the methods and extracting solutions used for the dehydrated coffee husk.
The Acute Effect of Foam Rolling on Eccentrically-Induced Muscle Damage

Previous studies have shown significant improvement in muscle soreness and muscle function loss after 300-s foam rolling intervention two days after intense exercise. However, this duration is assumed to be too long, so investigating the effect of short-term duration foam rolling intervention on an eccentrically-damaged muscle is needed. This study aimed to eccentrically induce muscle damage in the leg extensors, and to detect the acute effect of 90-s foam rolling on muscle soreness and muscle function of the quadriceps muscle. We enrolled 17 healthy and nonathlete male volunteers. They performed a bout of eccentric exercise of the knee extensors with the dominant leg and received 90-s foam rolling intervention of the quadriceps two days after the eccentric exercise. The dependent variables were measured before the eccentric exercise (baseline), and before (preintervention) and after foam rolling intervention (postintervention), two days after the eccentric exercise. The results show that the preintervention muscle soreness and muscle strength values were significantly increased, compared with the baseline values, whereas the postintervention values were significantly decreased, compared with the preintervention values. Furthermore, 90-s of foam rolling intervention could improve muscle soreness and muscle function loss.
Twist-n-Sync: Software Clock Synchronization with Microseconds Accuracy Using MEMS-Gyroscopes

Sensor networks require a high degree of synchronization in order to produce a stream of data useful for further purposes. Examples of time misalignment manifest as undesired artifacts when doing multi-camera bundle-adjustment or global positioning system (GPS) geo-localization for mapping. Network Time Protocol (NTP) variants of clock synchronization can provide accurate results, though present high variance conditioned by the environment and the channel load. We propose a new precise technique for software clock synchronization over a network of rigidly attached devices using gyroscope data. Gyroscope sensors, or IMU, provide a high-rate measurements that can be processed efficiently. We use optimization tools over the correlation signal of IMU data from a network of gyroscope sensors. Our method provides stable microseconds accuracy, regardless of the number of sensors and the conditions of the network. In this paper, we show the performance of the gyroscope software synchronization in a controlled environment, and we evaluate the performance in a sensor network of smartphones by our open-source Android App, Twist-n-Sync, that is publicly available.
The Risk of Gastrointestinal Bleeding between Non-Vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants and Vitamin K Antagonists in the Asian Atrial Fibrillation Patients: A Meta-Analysis

Background: Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are more commonly used to prevent atrial fibrillation (AF) patients from thromboembolic events than vitamin K antagonists (VKAs). However, the gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) risk in the Asian AF patients associated with NOACs in comparison with VKAs remained unaddressed. Materials and Methods: A systematic search of studies on NOACs and VKAs in the Asian AF patients was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov. The primary outcome was the hazard ratio (HR) of any GIB associated with NOACs versus VKAs. The secondary outcome was the GIB risks in different kinds of NOACs compared with VKAs. Results: This meta-analysis included two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and four retrospective studies, comprising at least 200,000 patients in total. A significantly lower HR of GIB risks was found in all kinds of NOACs than VKAs in the Asian AF patients (HR: 0.633; 95% confidence interval: 0.535–0.748; p < 0.001). Additionally, the GIB risks of different NOACs were apixaban (HR: 0.392), edoxaban (HR: 0.603), dabigatran (HR: 0.685), and rivaroxaban (HR: 0.794), respectively. Conclusions: NOACs significantly reduced the risk of GIB in the Asian AF patients compared with VKAs. In the four NOACs compared with VKAs, apixaban probably had a trend of the least GIB risk. We need further head-to-head studies of different NOACs to confirm which NOAC is the most suitable for Asian AF patients and to know the optimal dosage regimen of different NOACs.
Recognition of children’s emotional facial expressions among mothers reporting a history of childhood maltreatment

Several studies have shown that child maltreatment is associated with both positive and negative effects on the recognition of facial emotions. Research has provided little evidence of a relation between maltreatment during childhood and young adults’ ability to recognize facial displays of emotion in children, an essential skill for a sensitive parental response. In this study, we examined the consequences of different forms of maltreatment experienced in childhood on emotion recognition during parenthood. Participants included sixty-three mothers of children aged 2 to 5 years. Retrospective self-reports of childhood maltreatment were assessed using the short form of the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). Emotion recognition was measured using a morphed facial emotion identification task of all six basic emotions (anger, disgust, fear, happiness, sadness, and surprise). A Path Analysis via Structural Equation Model revealed that a history of physical abuse is related to a decreased ability to recognize both fear and sadness in children, whereas emotional abuse and sexual abuse are related to a decreased ability to recognize anger in children. In addition, emotional neglect is associated with an increased ability to recognize anger, whereas physical neglect is associated with less accuracy in recognizing happiness in children’s facial emotional expressions. These findings have important clinical implications and expand current understanding of the consequences of childhood maltreatment on parents’ ability to detect children’s needs.