Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
NGA-East: a Ground Motion Characterization Model for Central and Eastern North America

In this paper, we introduce the Next Generation Attenuation (NGA) project for Central and Eastern North America (CENA) and summarize its key products. The project, referred to as NGA-East, was tasked with developing a new ground motion characterization (GMC) model for CENA. The project involved several dozens of participating researchers from academia, industry and government and was carried-out as a combination of 1) a scientific research project and 2) a model-building component following the Seismic Senior Hazard Analysis Committee (SSHAC) Level 3 process. The science part of the project led to several products and technical reports while the SSHAC component aggregated the various results into the GMC. The GMC model consists of a set of ground motion models (GMMs) for median and a suite of standard deviation models, each with their associated weights, combined into logic-trees for use in probabilistic seismic hazard analyses (PSHA). The final NGA-East GMC model consists of 17 median GMMs for pseudo-spectral acceleration (PSA) at 23 frequencies spanning 0.1 to 100 Hz, plus peak ground acceleration (PGA) and velocity (PGV). The models are provided in table form magnitude M ranging from 4 to 8.2 and closest-distance RRUP ranging from 0 to 1,500 km. The GMMs are applicable to very hard rock site conditions defined as having a shear-wave velocity VS = 3000 m/sec and a kappa (k) of 0.006 sec. Adjustments are provided to account for source depths, hanging wall effects and to represent the lower attenuation of the Gulf Coast Region (GCR) relative to the rest of CENA. Aleatory variability models were developed in a logic tree framework for the between-event standard deviation (τ), single-station within-event standard deviation (φSS), and site-to-site variability (φS2S). In turn, these models were combined to develop single-station sigma (σSS) and ergodic sigma models for CENA.
Assessment of Ocimum basilicum Extracts on Schistosoma mansoni Infected Biomphalaria alexandrina Snails and Mice

Schistosoma mansoni is a neglected parasitic disease caused by the genus Schistosoma, resulting in a global socioeconomic affliction (McManus et al., 2018). The WHO reported 250 million people infected with Schistosoma spp. and around 800 million people at risk of infection worldwide (WHO, 2020; Li et al., 2021). The ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT Article History: Received: July 28, 2021 Accepted: Aug. 29, 2021 Online: Sept. 27, 2021 _______________
Inverse articulated-body dynamics from video via variational sequential Monte Carlo

Convolutional neural networks for pose estimation are continuously improving in identifying joints of moving agents from video. However, state-of-the-art algorithms offer no insight into the underlying mechanics of articulated limbs. "Seeing" the mechanics of movement is of major importance for ﬁelds like neuroscience, studying how the brain controls movement, and engineering, e.g., using vision to correct for errors in the action of a robotic manipulator. In the pipeline proposed here, we use a convolutional network to track joint positions, and embed these as the joints of a linked robotic manipulator. We develop a probabilistic physical model whose states specify second-order rigid-body dynamics and the torques applied to each actuator. Observations are generated by mapping the joint angles through the forward kinematics function to Cartesian coordinates. For nonlinear state estimation and parameter learning, we build on variational Sequential Monte Carlo (SMC), a differentiable variant of the classical SMC method leveraging variational inference. We extend with a distributed nested SMC algorithm, which, at inference time, wraps multiple independent SMC samplers within an outer-level importance sampler. We extract mechanical quantities from simulated data and newly acquired videos of mice and humans, offering a novel tool for studying e.g. biological motor control.
Central Bank of Armenia Working Paper 21/2/08 Structural Reforms in DSGE Model

WP 21/2/08 This paper develops a DSGE model for a small open economy dividing it into tradable and non-tradable sectors in order to evaluate the impact of structural reforms on the economy for developing countries. The model is constructed and solved in a way that the steady state level of each sector’s employment rate is a function of its sector subsidy level. The economic meaning of such a result is that when a government subsidizes one of the sectors can become over employed. We also discuss the effects of exchange rate depreciation as an unconventional monetary policy tool when there is a ZLB problem or as a tool to boost the economy and to improve the current account. The results show that directly subsidizing the tradable sector can be a better policy than the depreciation of nominal exchange rate for making the economy more export oriented. The reason of such outcomes is the price stickiness of the sectors, which was validated by checking the sensitivity of the model with respect to its structural parameters. To conclude, for closing current account deficit or simply, for improving it the government should implement policies aimed at changing the structure of the economy. JEL classification:E12, E37, E52, E65, F31, H25
The Wolbachia CinB Nuclease is Sufficient for Induction of Cytoplasmic Incompatibility

Wolbachia are obligate intracellular bacteria that can alter reproduction of their arthropod hosts, often through a mechanism called cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI). In CI, uninfected females fertilized by infected males yield few offspring, but if both are similarly infected, normal embryo viability results (called ‘rescue’). CI factors (Cifs) responsible for CI are pairs of proteins encoded by linked genes. The downstream gene in each pair encodes either a deubiquitylase (CidB) or a nuclease (CinB). The upstream gene products, CidA and CinA, bind their cognate enzymes with high specificity. Expression of CidB or CinB in yeast inhibits growth, but growth is rescued by expression of the cognate CifA protein. By contrast, transgenic Drosophila male germline expression of both cifA and cifB was reported to be necessary to induce CI-like embryonic arrest; cifA expression alone in females is sufficient for rescue. This pattern, seen with genes from several Wolbachia strains, has been called the ‘2-by-1’ model. Here we show male germline expression of the cinB gene alone, from a distinct clade of cif genes from wNo Wolbachia, is sufficient to induce nearly complete loss of embryo viability. This male sterility is fully rescued by cognate cinAwNo expression in the female germline. The proteins behave similarly in yeast. CinBwNo toxicity depends on its nuclease active site. These results demonstrate that highly divergent CinB nucleases can induce CI, that rescue by cognate CifA factors is a general feature of Wolbachia CI systems, and that CifA is not required in males for CI induction. Importance Wolbachia are bacteria that live within the cells of many insects. Like mitochondria, they are only inherited from females. Wolbachia often increase the number of infected females to promote spread of infection using a type of male sterility called cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI): when uninfected females mate with infected males, most embryos die; if both are similarly infected, embryos develop normally, giving infected females an advantage in producing offspring. CI is being used against disease-carrying mosquitoes and agricultural pests. Wolbachia proteins called CifA and CifB, which bind one other, cause CI, but how they work has been unclear. Here we show that a CifB protein singly produced in fruit fly males causes sterility in crosses to normal females, but this is rescued if the females produce the CifA partner. These findings clarify a broad range of observations on CI and will allow more rational approaches to using it for insect control.
Of ZnO Nanoparticle using Sandoricum Koetjape Peel Extract as Bio-stabilizer under Microwave Irradiation

The use of sentul (Sandoricum koetjape) peel extract as a biostabilizer in the synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles has been carried out as an environmentally friendly production. This research was conducted by reacting a 0.2 M of Zn precursor (zinc nitrate hexahydrate) solution with Sentul peel extract (10g/l). The samples were varied based on the ratio of the volume of the Zn solution to the Sentul peel extract, i.e., 1:4, 2:3, 1:1, 3:2, and 4:1 where each sample was assigned a ZSk initial code. The ZnO synthesis used a microwave technique with a power of 360 Watt. Morphological, structural, optical absorption, and functional groups were analyzed based on the results of the characterization of SEM, XRD, UV-Vis, and FTIR Spectroscopy. SEM images show the morphology of ZnO particles in the form of semi-hollow spheres and macaron-like shapes. The particle size decreases with the addition of the volume of the Zn solution. The XRD diffraction pattern shows the diffraction peaks that correspond to the hkl plane of the wurtzite hexagonal structure of ZnO. The highest optical absorption of the UV-Vis spectrum occurred in the wavelength range of 300-360 nm. The FTIR spectrum represents the involvement of the O-H functional groups derived from the polyphenolic compound of sentul peel extract.
Determinants of Paid Sharing Consumption: Sustainability, Trust or Self-Interest

In this research, we examine the determinants of use intention of paid sharing collaboration platforms like Airbnb and Uber. We study different drivers: concern for sustainability, trust, user reputation effects, network effects, and economic benefits on attitudes and use intention. Additionally, we examine potential differences between frequent and occasional consumers. Hypotheses are tested using structural equation modeling (SEM). The results support most of the hypotheses put forward and highlight the role of trust and self-interest motives. Few differences were found in the drivers of the intention to use paid sharing services for occasional vs frequent buyers in terms of network effects. In particular, we find that network effects prove more relevant for intensive use consumers and less so for occasional buyers. The marketing strategies of sharing platforms might be adapted by considering these different groups.
Title : Decreased expression of LAM 3 is associated with esophageal cancer stem cell formation Running title : Down regulation of LAMB 3 in esophageal cancer stem cell

purpose: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a highly aggressive cancer. The main cause of death in ESCC is related to relapse, metastasis, and resistance to cancer therapy. Recent studies have shown that a minor subset of cancer cells, known as cancer stem cells (CSCs), are responsible for tumor formation initiation and cancer progression. Understanding the genes associated with CSCs and metastasis can help in targeted cancer therapy. The aim of How to cite this article: Ehtesham A, Khosravi A, Saghaeian Jazi M, Asadi J, Jafari SM. Decreased expression of LAM3 is associated with esophageal cancer stem cell formation. Advanced Pharmaceutical Bulletin, doi: 10.34172/apb.2022. 084 Ac ce pte d M an us cri pt Accepted Manuscript (unedited) The manuscript will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and review of the resulting proof before it is published in its final form. 2 | P a g e this study was to assess the expression of LAMB3 and TOP2A metastasis-associated genes in CSCs and adherent cells in the xenograft mouse model. Methods: Esophageal CSCs were enriched by the sphere formation method. The expression level of LAMB3 and TOP2A genes were evaluated in spheres and adherent cells in vitro by qRT-PCR. A xenograft mouse model was established to investigate the tumorigenesis and metastasis potential by subcutaneous and tail vein injection of CSCs and adherent YM-1 cells. Consequently, LAMB3 and TOP2A expression at the mRNA level was assessed in tumors. Immunohistochemistry was also used to evaluate the LAMB3 expression at the protein level in tumors. Results: CSCs-derived tumor was developed more quickly than the adherent cells-derived tumor. LAMB3 at mRNA and protein level was significantly down-regulated in sphere-derived tumor compared with adherent cells-derived tumor (p-value <0.05). TOP2A expression was almost similar in both sphere cells and adherent cells and there was no significant difference. Conclusion: we concluded that YM-1 spheres have CSCs characteristics in vitro with high capability of tumorigenicity in vivo. Our results were also shown that the LAMB3 expression was decreased in YM-1 spheres suggesting LAMB3 association with sphere formation.
Faktor-Faktor yang Memengaruhi Keputusan Pembelian di Instagram: Peran Trust sebagai Variabel Mediator

Makin banyaknya pelaku bisnis online dan tidak sedikit yang melakukan penipuan mengharuskan konsumen lebih selektif dalam memilih online shop sebelum memutuskan melakukan pembelian. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis pengaruh brand image, perceived risk, e-service quality, dan Electronic Word of Mouth (eWOM) terhadap keputusan pembelian di Instagram melalui trust sebagai variabel mediator. Desain penelitian yang digunakan yaitu cross-sectional study dengan pendekatan kuantitatif. Responden adalah masyarakat Indonesia yang pernah berbelanja di Instagram minimal satu kali selama enam bulan terakhir, berusia di atas 17 tahun dan berdomisili di Jabodetabek dengan jumlah 300 orang yang ditentukan secara voluntary sampling. Data dikumpulkan dengan cara mengisi kuesioner secara daring. Riset membuktikan terdapat pengaruh signifikan dan positif brand image dan eWOM terhadap keputusan pembelian melalui trust. Sebaliknya, tidak ada pengaruh yang signifikan antara perceived risk dan e-service quality terhadap keputusan pembelian melalui trust. Konsumen harus selektif dalam memilih merek, mencari, dan mengumpulkan informasi barang yang akan dibeli. Dalam hal ini, peran Pemerintah pun sangat penting untuk meningkatkan keberdayaan konsumen.
Study of negative skin friction on floating piles foundation due to long-term groundwater extraction in Semarang, Indonesia

The northern Semarang area is prone to a land subsidence problem as the underlying soil consists of a thick layer of normally consolidated clay which also exacerbated by groundwater extraction to meet water demand. The downdrag impact on a pile structure due to the water extraction from two major aquifers that have been used for domestic consumption was investigated. A 3D-finite element analysis was performed to a raft foundation with steel pipe piles. The study used Banger polder data and soil characteristics based on previous investigations. The evaluation was done by comparing the results of negative skin friction (NSF) and total settlement within 50 years period under continuous extraction and one without. From the result, the corner pile located farthest from the pump mobilized NSF of 64% of the total negative skin friction which was highest than middle and interior-corner piles of 28% and 20%, respectively. The groundwater extraction was also found to contribute to almost double the settlement in 50 years in the non-piled area, from 0.24 m without extraction to 0.42 m accounted for. Also, the empirical 0.75Lpile for the maximum neutral point of the pile is in agreement in the result of this study.
An overview of the Additive Manufacturing capabilities in the development of rehabilitation products with customized elastic properties

The advantages of AM (Additive Manufacturing) to manufacture complex geometries and custom flexible structures (shape, density, geometry etc.) provides the possibility to use the elastic properties of different materials to design elastic products with “customized” properties in order to obtain damping profiles that could be adapted to a specific energy absorbing application. One of the most widely used materials in the sense of the above is TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane). Several compression studies of porous TPU structures proven its effectiveness for shock absorption and have shown that the amount of energy absorbed is influenced by the density of the structure and the type of geometry used, among other parameters. This highlights the possibility of customizing the elastic behaviour of structures and could be implemented in rehabilitation programs which usually use elastic products with highly specific levels of resistance, harder or softer, to try not to strain injured muscles under dynamic loading conditions. However, a high percentage of the current research results is related to the development of support rehabilitation products under static loading conditions such as prostheses and orthotics. This paper aims to overview the current state of additive manufacturing capabilities in the development of rehabilitation products with customized elastic properties.
Active tectonics of the Yogyakarta area (Central Java, Indonesia): preliminary findings obtained from a tectonic-geomorphic evaluation

Throughout the island of Java, several shallow faults located in the vicinity of densely populated areas accommodate the tectonic strain generated by the subduction of the Indo-Australian Plate beneath the Sunda Plate. These faults are characterized by a poor surface geomorphological expression due to the tropical climate that masks paleoseismological evidence making the identification of active faults in this environment challenging. We present preliminary data of a tectonic-geomorphic study that aims to identify and characterize active faults in the province of Yogyakarta (Central Java) as a basis to improve seismic hazard assessment. Here we focus on the Opak fault by describing its geomorphology and structure, using field data and remote sensing-based observations to contribute to the understanding of its geometry, kinematics, and tectonic activity. We show preliminary data supporting the Opak Fault as an active SW-NE transtensional left-lateral strike-slip reactivated normal fault consisting of several parallel fault strands. Although geomorphological expression of active tectonics is poor and diffuse, we found numerous field evidence of active tectonics ranging from tilted Quaternary fluvial terrace risers, triangular facets, and linear valleys to peculiar drainage patterns that allow us to provide evidence of the Holocene activity of the Opak Fault.
Path towards embedding industry 4.0 paradigm – Digital competence overview in HEI: The Alto Minho Region case study

The increased adoption of IoT and analytical devices, telecommunication systems, smart sensors, and diverse information systems have brought significant impacts to Industry 4.0. To respond to this rapid technological evolvement is essential to ensure a proper articulation of HEI (Higher Education Institutions) with industry, to better prepare graduates with the appropriate competencies and technological capabilities within the digital transition of the industry. This paper aims to present a research project developed in digital transformation amongst HEI students, in the Alto-Minho region disclosing the trigger points to increase the digital adoption and embedding of Industry 4.0 paradigm. The obtained results enabled to conclude an apparent low level of digital literacy, a lack of vision and awareness about the technology potentialities throughout industry activities, besides its use almost restricted to leisure and as study support, as well as lack on cybersecurity domain-specific competencies.
A Developmentally Prometastatic Niche to Hepatoblastoma in Neonatal Liver mediated by the Cxcl1/Cxcr2 Axis

Background and Rationale Hepatoblastoma (HB) is the most common pediatric liver cancer. Its predominant occurrence in very young children led us to investigating whether the neonatal liver provides a protumorigenic niche to HB development. Methods HB development was compared between orthotopic transplantation models established in postnatal day 5 and 60 mice (P5Tx and P60Tx models). Single-cell RNA-sequencing was performed using tumor and liver tissues from both models and the top candidate cell types and genes identified are investigated for their roles in HB cell growth, migration, and survival. Results We found that various HB cell lines including HepG2 cells were consistently and considerably more tumorigenic and metastatic in the P5Tx model than in the P60Tx models. Sc-RNAseq of the P5Tx and P60Tx HepG2 models revealed that the P5Tx tumor was more hypoxic and had a larger number of activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) in the tumor-surrounding liver which express significantly higher levels of Cxcl1 than those from the P60Tx model. We found these differences were developmentally present in normal P5 and P60 liver. We showed that the Cxcl1/Cxcr2 axis mediated HB cell migration and was critical to HB cell survival under hypoxia. Treating HepG2 P60Tx model with recombinant CXCL1 protein induced intrahepatic and pulmonary metastasis and CXCR2 knockout in HepG2 cells abolished their metastatic potential in the P5Tx model. Lastly, we showed that in metastatic HB patient tumors there was a similar larger population of aHSCs in the tumor-surrounding liver than in localized tumors, and tumor hypoxia was uniquely associated with HB patient prognosis among pediatric cancers. Conclusion We demonstrated that the neonatal liver provides a prometastatic niche to HB development via the Cxcl1/Cxcr2 axis.
Scientifically validated applications for monitoring the practice of physical activities and energy expenditure using the smartphone accelerometer: a integrative review

Introduction: Mobile technologies, especially smartphone applications, have contributed a lot in the area of health and physical activity, but there is an increasing concern with the validation criteria of these tools. It is extremely important to know if the physiological parameters used are safe and reliable to promote and monitor the practice of physical activity. With technological innovation, it is possible to process the data of accelerometer to measure energy expenditure. Objective: this study searched for evidence of scientific validation in Apps that uses smartphone’s accelerometer as energy expenditure indicator. Method: The keywords, inclusion and exclusion criteria were defined. The selected articles were categorized using an adapted questionnaire. Result: In a total of 1923 articles, eight articles meted all inclusion criteria that developed and validated apps for physical activity analysis. Conclusion: The results induced the effectiveness of smartphone's accelerometer to recognize physical activity and energy expenditure. It can be used to encourage healthy and safe practices, leading to improvements in quality of life. The limited number of articles with scientifically validated Applications indicates the need for more research.