Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Preschooling in India: Readying Children for a Race?

Drawing on field-based research in selected government-run and private preschool centres in three selected districts of the Indian state of West Bengal, this article makes four basic arguments. First, there is a need to both defend public provisioning of early childhood education for equity goals and demand its major improvement on quality grounds. Second, an early start to education often turns out to be an unfitting start, as it already mimics a full school with its excessive focus on formal instruction and readiness for competition. Third, to assess early-years learning, therefore, we need to focus on children’s cognitive diversity rather than taking a restrictive and test-centric view of cognition. Fourth, we need a democratic framework of thought to collectively address some of these vexed issues and re-examine our current imagination of education, even preschool education, as a race.
Landscape of Monoclonal Antibodies Targeting Zika and Dengue: Therapeutic Solutions and Critical Insights for Vaccine Development

The unprecedented 2015–2016 Zika outbreak in the Americas sparked global concern and drove the rapid deployment of vaccine and therapeutic countermeasures against this re-emerging pathogen. Alongside vaccine development, a number of potent neutralizing antibodies against Zika and related flaviviruses have been identified in recent years. High-throughput antibody isolation approaches have contributed to a better understanding of the B cell responses elicited following infection and/or vaccination. Structure-based approaches have illuminated species-specific and cross-protective epitopes of therapeutic value. This review will highlight previously described monoclonal antibodies with the best therapeutic potential against ZIKV and related flaviviruses, and discuss their implications for the rational design of better vaccine strategies.
Predicting Student Performance Using Machine Learning in fNIRS Data

Increasing student involvement in classes has always been a challenge for teachers and school managers. In online learning, some interactivity mechanisms like quizzes are increasingly used to engage students during classes and tasks. However, there is a high demand for tools that evaluate the efficiency of these mechanisms. In order to distinguish between high and low levels of engagement in tasks, it is possible to monitor brain activity through functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). The main advantages of this technique are portability, low cost, and a comfortable way for students to concentrate and perform their tasks. This setup provides more natural conditions for the experiments if compared to the other acquisition tools. In this study, we investigated levels of task involvement through the identification of correct and wrong answers of typical quizzes used in virtual environments. We collected data from the prefrontal cortex region (PFC) of 18 students while watching a video lecture. This data was modeled with supervised learning algorithms. We used random forests and penalized logistic regression to classify correct answers as a function of oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin concentration. These models identify which regions best predict student performance. The random forest and penalized logistic regression (GLMNET with LASSO) obtained, respectively, 0.67 and 0.65 area of the ROC curve. Both models indicate that channels F4-F6 and AF3-AFz are the most relevant for the prediction. The statistical significance of these models was confirmed through cross-validation (leave-one-subject-out) and a permutation test. This methodology can be useful to better understand the teaching and learning processes in a video lecture and also provide improvements in the methodologies used in order to better adapt the presentation content.
Transcription Factor-Based Biosensor for Dynamic Control in Yeast for Natural Product Synthesis

The synthesis of natural products in yeast has gained remarkable achievements with intensive metabolic engineering efforts. In particular, transcription factor (TF)-based biosensors for dynamic control of gene circuits could facilitate strain evaluation, high-throughput screening (HTS), and adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) for natural product synthesis. In this review, we summarized recent developments of several TF-based biosensors for core intermediates in natural product synthesis through three important pathways, i.e., fatty acid synthesis pathway, shikimate pathway, and methylerythritol-4-phosphate (MEP)/mevalonate (MVA) pathway. Moreover, we have shown how these biosensors are implemented in synthetic circuits for dynamic control of natural product synthesis and also discussed the design/evaluation principles for improved biosensor performance.
Complete Problems for Multi-Pseudodeterministic Computations

We exhibit several computational problems that are complete for multi-pseudodeterministic computations in the following sense: (1) these problems admit 2-pseudodeterministic algorithms (2) if there exists a pseudodeterministic algorithm for any of these problems, then any multi-valued function that admits a k -pseudodeterministic algorithm for a constant k , also admits a pseudodeterministic algorithm. We also show that these computational problems are complete for Search-BPP : a pseudo-deterministic algorithm for any of these problems implies a pseudodeterministic algorithm for all problems in Search-BPP.
Changes of Density, Thermal Conductivity, Thermal Diffusivity, and Specific Heat of Plums During Drying

The thermal properties of plums (Prunus domestica) and prunes were investigated in the moisture content of 14.2-80.4% (wet basis) near room temperature (approximately 28°C). The apparent density of the fruits increased from 1042.9 to 1460.0 kg/m3, and the bulk density increased from 706.6 to 897.5 kg/m3 as the plums were dried, following classical empirical models as a function of moisture content. It was found that specific heat, effective thermal diffusivity, and effective thermal conductivity of the prunes increased with the moisture content of the samples, which can be represented by using different empirical models.
X-RAY POWDER DIFFRACTION CHARACTERIZATION OF POLYMERIC METAL DIAZOLATES

ABSTRACT Polymeric metal diazolates typically appear as insoluble and intractable powders, the structure of which could only be retrieved by the extensive use of ab-initio X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) methods from conventional laboratory data. A number of selected examples from the metal pyrazolate, imidazolate, pyrimidin-2-olate and pyrimidin-4-olate classes are presented, highlighting the specific crystallochemical properties, material functionality and methodological aspects of the structure determination process. Linear and helical one-dimensional polymers, layered systems and three-dimensional networks are described, with particular emphasis on polymorphism and on the thermal, optical, magnetic and sorption properties. A brief outline of the method, as it has been tailored in our laboratories during the last decade, is also offered.
Spectral-Density Mapping of13Cα–1HαVector Dynamics Using Dipolar Relaxation Rates Measured at Several Magnetic Fields

Abstract The spectral-density mapping of a 13 C α – 1 H α vector of Leu 10 in the 22-residue peptide hormone motilin [P. Allard, J. Jarvet, A. Ehrenberg, and A. Graslund, J. Biomol. NMR 5, 133–146 (1995)] is extended in this paper to three polarizing fields 9.4, 11.7, and 14.1 T in order to improve the accuracy of the calculated spectral-density function J (ω) and to extend the sampling range up to 750 MHz. The problem with a usually large relative error in J (ω H ) is eliminated since the generally more precise J (ω H − ω C ) and J (ω H + ω C ) determined at other fields appear at nearly the same frequencies. The fitting of dynamic models to the points of spectral density was made with error weighting, and the influence of J (ω H ) was found to be negligible. Therefore, the high-frequency part of the spectral-density function is determined essentially without influence from the two transverse-type relaxation rates. In the case of a carbon–proton vector, the relaxation is mainly determined by dipolar interaction and is only weakly influenced by other relaxation mechanisms, which makes it particularly suitable for the spectral-density mapping technique. The measured relaxation rates in the time domain are transformed into the frequency domain by spectral-density mapping, and the slopes in different frequency regions are important parameters when comparing experimental data with theoretical models of motion. Using an adjustable internuclear distance r eff , combined with the model-free approach, it is possible to obtain a reasonable fit to measured spectral-density points at J (0) and around J (ω C ). At the same time, however, the high-frequency slope of the spectral-density function defined by J (ω H − ω C ) and J (ω H + ω C ) could not be reproduced.
Solvent Effect on the Isomerization Rate of Calix[4]arene Studied by Molecular Dynamics Simulations

The isomerization rates of a calix[4]arene in benzene and in chloroform have been calculated by using molecular dynamics simulations. The reaction coordinate that is employed is based on the unstable normal mode at the saddle point of the potential energy surface. The free energy as a function of this coordinate has been calculated by means of umbrella sampling. Comparison of the free energies in the solvents with those in vacuum reveals that both solvents destabilize the paco conformation and stabilize the transition state region. In chloroform the calix[4]arene shows a stronger preference for the cone conformation than in benzene or in vacuum. The isomerization rate has been determined by the reactive flux method. In benzene the transmission coefficient is about a third higher than in chloroform. The calculated rates are in perfect agreement with experimental data.
Planar and non-planar nucleus-acoustic solitary waves in warm degenerate multi-nucleus plasmas

A warm degenerate plasma (containing ultra-relativistically or non-relativistically warm degenerate inertia-less electron species, non-relativistically warm degenerate inertial light nucleus species and stationary heavy nucleus species) is considered. The basic features of planar and non-planar solitary structures associated with the degenerate pressure-driven nucleus-acoustic waves propagating in such a warm degenerate plasma system are investigated. The reductive perturbation method, which is valid for small- but finite-amplitude solitary waves, is used. It is found that the effects of non-planar cylindrical and spherical geometries, non- and ultra-relativistically degenerate electron species and the temperature of degenerate electron species significantly modify the basic features (i.e. speed, amplitude and width) of the solitary potential structures associated with degenerate pressure-driven nucleus-acoustic waves. The warm degenerate plasma model under consideration is applicable not only to all cold white dwarfs, but also to many hot white dwarfs, such as DQ white dwarfs, white dwarf H1504+65, white dwarf PG 0948+534, etc.
Competing Responsibly

Abstract: In this paper we examine the effects of different competitive conditions on the determination and evaluation of strategies of corporate social responsibility (CSR). Although the mainstream of current thinking in business ethics recognizes that a firm should invest in social responsibility, the normative theory on how specific competitive conditions affect a firm’s social responsibility remains underdeveloped. Intensity of competition, risks to reputation and the regulatory environment determine the competitive conditions of a firm. Our central thesis is that differential strength of competition produces differential moral legitimacy of firm behavior. When competition is fierce or weak, different acts or strategies become morally acceptable, as well as economically rational. A firm has to develop its own strategy of social responsibility, in light of its competitive position, as well as ethical considerations.
Detection of Ambient Ultrafine Aerosols by Single Particle Techniques During the SOAR 2005 Campaign

The significant and largely unregulated presence of ultrafine particles in the atmosphere is a growing environmental concern. Understanding the formation and sources of ambient ultrafine particles represents a major goal, but analyzing such small particles is a considerable analytical challenge. This study demonstrates how real-time measurements of particle size and chemistry, coupled with gas-phase measurements, can provide unique insight into the daily and seasonal variations of the sources and chemistry of ultrafine particles. Measurements of ambient ultrafine particles are compared from three different single particle techniques which provide high temporal resolution during the 2005 summer (August) and fall (November) seasons in Riverside, CA in conjunction with the Study of Organic Aerosols at Riverside (SOAR) field campaign. During both seasons, vehicle exhaust emissions strongly contributed to the ultrafine particle concentrations during the weekday morning rush hour periods. SMPS measurements during the summer season showed high ultrafine particle concentrations during the afternoons most likely formed by photochemical events. In this study, different sources (and hence chemistry) contributed to the particles during periods of high ultrafine particle concentrations. Therefore, it is important to obtain simultaneous information on ultrafine particle sources as well as concentrations and advance beyond relying just on ultrafine particle concentrations as a proxy in future studies on health effects.
To Evaluate and Study the Swelling and Drug Release Behavior of Poly (N-Vinyl-2-Pyrrolidone) Gel

The drug loading and drug release efficiency of the P (N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) hydrogel was evaluated using the ketotifen as model drugs. The hydrogel was cut into small discs (3 mm thickness and diameter) and immersed in the solutions of the ketotifen for three days to achieve the maximum (equilibrium) swelling. The hydrogel immersed in 0.1 N HCl and phosphate buffers (pH 6.8) showed the 31.828 % and 29.783 % loading of the ketotifen by weight of the dried hydrogel, respectively that was not significantly difference (p was greater than 0.05). However, the slow swelling behavior of the hydrogel in the acidic medium was observed in the absence of the drug. The method of analysis of ketotifen using U.V-visible spectrophotometer and HPLC was developed for the analysis of these components in the dissolution medium. The methods were linear (r = 0.9967) over the range of 0.1 to 10 µg. ml for ketotifen using U.V Visible spectrophotometer and 21 HPLC respectively. The precision, accuracy and reproducibility of the methods were in an agreeable range to analyze the samples obtained from the dissolution medium. The various parameters for the methods of analysis of the ketotifen using spectrophotometer and HPLC methods were validated. The linearity of the method using UV Visible spectrophotometer and HPLC were (r = 0.9967). The release of ketotifen from the P (N-vinyl-2- 2 pyrrolidone) hydrogel under acidic condition was only 10 % of the drug released in about 72 hours and followed Higuchi model and drugs were released through Fickian diffusion. The data was best fitted in the Higuchi model (R = 0.9566) indicating the drug release followed Fickian diffusion. The application of the 2
Conductive silver inks and their applications in printed and flexible electronics

Conductive inks have been widely investigated in recent years due to their popularity in printed electronics (PE) and flexible electronics (FE). They comprise specific and unique applications that belong to a whole new level of future technology. In this context, silver is a keenly researched material for its promising application in conductive inks. In printing technology, silver conductive inks have a major role in electronic applications. The emerging integration of different technologies is in the form of silver nanoinks. In recent years, the printed electronics market has been dominated by expensive materials such as gold, platinum, etc., which result in costly and complex instruments. To overcome these drawbacks, silver conductive inks can serve as alternative to the current technology. Presently, printed circuit boards (PCBs) use complex and expensive techniques to fabricate the circuit boards, which in turn increases the overall cost. Solvent-based silver conductive inks are capable of substituting PCB technology while reducing the cost of manufacturing. Due to their stellar reputation, investors are looking forward to applying this technology in printed electronics industries.
Dewetting of confined polymer films: an X-ray and neutron scattering study

The dewetting behavior of thin, deuterated polystyrene (dPS) layers on silicon surfaces is investigated. The surface topographics thus produced are investigated with scanning force microscopy and with grazing incidence small angle scattering. Neutrons and X-rays interact differently with this system, producing a reverse of the scattering contrast in the investigated system dPS–Si. For samples annealed above their glass transition temperature a difference in the evolved surface structures is detected as compared with samples stored under toluene vapor. Confined thin films, with a thickness below one-third of the radius of gyration of the unperturbed molecule l<Rg/3, dewet irrespective of the applied sample treatment. Thin, but non-confined samples stay stable during annealing, whereas they dewet in a toluene vapor atmosphere.
Temperature Control of P(VDF-TrFE) Copolymer Thin Films

Ferroelectric poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) [P(VDF-TrFE)] (70/30) copolymer thin films were prepared by spin-coating method. The microstructure and morphology of P(VDF-TrFE) thin films annealed at different temperatures (70°C-160°C) were investigated by atom force microscope and X-ray diffraction techniques, which reveal the crystallization of P(VDF-TrFE) films is greatly affected by the annealing temperature. With the increase of annealing temperature, the grains of P(VDF-TrFE) thin film change from small spheroids to long needle-like structures. The most rapid change occurs between 136°C–140°C. The surface roughness and the grain size of P(VDF-TrFE) film show similar change with the annealing temperature.
Differential Dynamic Programming Neural Optimizer

Interpretation of Deep Neural Networks (DNNs) training as an optimal control problem with nonlinear dynamical systems has received considerable attention recently, yet the algorithmic development remains relatively limited. In this work, we make an attempt along this line by reformulating the training procedure from the trajectory optimization perspective. We first show that most widely-used algorithms for training DNNs can be linked to the Differential Dynamic Programming (DDP), a celebrated second-order trajectory optimization algorithm rooted in the Approximate Dynamic Programming. In this vein, we propose a new variant of DDP that can accept batch optimization for training feedforward networks, while integrating naturally with the recent progress in curvature approximation. The resulting algorithm features layer-wise feedback policies which improve convergence rate and reduce sensitivity to hyper-parameter over existing methods. We show that the algorithm is competitive against state-ofthe-art first and second order methods. Our work opens up new avenues for principled algorithmic design built upon the optimal control theory.
The equivalence of two-step first difference and forward orthogonal deviations GMM

Generalized method of moments (GMM) estimation of a dynamic panel data model often relies on transforming the data. This note provides a necessary and sufficient condition on the instruments for two-step GMM based on differencing to be equivalent to two-step GMM based on forward orthogonal deviations. The same condition is necessary and sufficient for system GMM, based on differencing, to be equal to system GMM using forward orthogonal deviations. I am grateful to an anonymous referee for suggestions that improved the paper. Citation: Robert F. Phillips, (2020) ''The equivalence of two-step first difference and forward orthogonal deviations GMM'', Economics Bulletin, Volume 40, Issue 4, pages 2865-2871 Contact: Robert F. Phillips rphil@gwu.edu. Submitted: August 10, 2020. Published: October 23, 2020.
El dilema de la última cama

Introduction: the appearance of global crises generates new ethical crossroads in health care. The scarcity of resources raises questions, such as the allocation of the last bed. This situation involves deep ethical conflicts in its resolution. Objective: to argue the existence of a fallacy, within the concept of the dilemma of the last bed. Development: basic bioethical principles must prevail at all times, even in crisis situations, which require quick and effective solutions. The role of patient selection is crucial, but it is also the moment in which the great ethical dilemmas find their greatest expression. A reservation system based on categorization, in which all patients according to their clinical condition are considered eligible, seems to be the most appropriate option. The dilemma of the last bed is a fallacy, because as it is formulated, it lacks an admissible solution under the prism of ethics, under a person-centered vision, there should be no such dilemma. Conclusions: if a utilitarian system is avoided, which forces the doctor to choose, putting into practice a personalistic model, the dilemma as such must not exist.
An Investigation into Molecule-Graphene Interactions

The current study contained two phases. The first phase concerned the deposition of graphene flakes that, due to the fabrication procedure, were bound to surfactant molecules. The second phase concerned the self-assembly of molecules on a highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG), a bulk form of graphene. In both cases the interaction between the graphene and the alkyl chains associated with the molecules was of influence. The first phase of this research used graphene powder produced by a water and surfactant based sono-chemical exfoliation procedure at Cranfield University. Deposition via drop casting on SiO2 produced large flakes characterized by an optical microscope, scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Raman spectroscopy. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and electron diffraction revealed that the large structures consisted of many small graphene flakes held together by surfactant. It was not possible to separate the graphene flakes, thus characterization of the individual graphene flakes by STM or AFM could not be performed. The second stage investigated the self assembly of molecules on HOPG at the solid /liquid interface using STM. The effect of alkyl chain length on the self assembly of porphyrin and phthalocyanine molecules was studied. Zinc-octaethyl-porphine, zinc-octabutoxyphthalocyanine and zinc-octakis(octyloxy)-phthalocyanine were studied, the unit cells were found to be: a=b=1.3±0.1nm and α=60±5, a=b=1.8±0.2nm and α=90±2°, a=b=2.4±0.2nm and α=90±3° respectively. From this, molecular models of the assemblies were proposed. It was concluded that longer alkyl chains increased the size of the unit cell. Furthermore a dependence on the strength of the intermolecular van der Waals interactions between the alkyl chains and the position of the alkyl chain on the benzene ring was suggested. Finally a mixed phase between the two phthalocyanine molecules was observed and the unit cell found: a=2.3±0.2nm, b=2.1±0.2nm and α=50±5°. However due to the fact that two molecules could not be distinguished the true unit cell was not determined and no molecular model could be suggested. An Investigation into Molecule-Graphene Interactions How molecule-graphene interactions influence the fabrication of graphene flakes and molecular self-assembly. C.Richards UNIVERSITY OF GRONINGEN JULY 2016