Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dynamic analysis of the determinants of long-term microfinance interest rates: Macro and micro factors

Introduction A recent increase in interest rates has raised doubts about the stability of micro-finance institutions (MFI) A recent increase in interest rates has raised doubts about the stability of MFI in many countries. This has compelled governments to consider some MFI practices unethical. Methods This paper studies the MFI interest rates by using a dynamic panel method to identify the determining factors of the viability, financial, and social execution of microfinance firms. The research shows that the long-term interest rate evolution depends on the anticipation of loan loss rates (LLR), profit, or macroeconomic factors like inflation and the short-term current interest rate. The Study used database of 897 microfinance institutions in 106 countries and six geographic regions with a representative sample size of 5,075 observations between 2008 and 2020. The external factors considered are the market structure (Competition), economics (inflation), cultural and technological political conditions, and banking regulations in effect (regulation). Financial costs, operational costs, the write-off rate, and the average size of the loan are the most important determinant factors in MFI interest rate fluctuations. Results The research find that other factors like gender, legal status, and regulations also contribute to the MFI interest rate variation. The research also discovered that there is a threshold effect in the relationship between women borrowers (WB) and the interest rate. Another important finding of this study is that MFIs do not anticipate inflation in the definition of the interest rate. Discussion From an institutional point of view, it is necessary to promote competition, as the study shows that well-regulated competition helps to keep interest rates at a reasonable level.
Promotion strategy for online healthcare platform during the COVID-19 pandemic: Evidence from Spring Rain Doctor in China

Introduction Online healthcare platform (OHP) is a new form of medical treatment that solves the problems of an unbalanced distribution of medical resources in China. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, OHP has greatly reduced the medical pressure of the hospital and the risk of cross-infection. Methods Based on self-determination theory (SDT) (Ryan and Deci, 2000), privacy calculus theory (PCT) (Culnan, 1999) and perceived value theory (PVT) (Choi, 2004), this study uses evolutionary game theory to analyze behavioral strategies and their dynamic evolution in the promotion of OHP. Moreover, we conduct numerical simulations with the help of program compilation. Results The results demonstrate that (1) both the qualification inspection of doctors and the investment in information protection influence doctors’ participation in and patients’ usage of OHP; (2) both the initial probabilities of doctor participation and patient usage influence the multi-game results; (3) the trend of doctors joining OHP is affected by registration cost, time cost, and reputation loss; and (4) the trend of patients using online healthcare is mainly decided by the cost. Conclusion This study takes the Spring Rain Doctor as an example to verify the game results. To further popularize online medical treatment among patients, the platform should attach importance to the inspection of doctors and the protection of privacy information and strengthen its publicity in remote places.
Metabolic effects of alternate-day fasting in males with obesity with or without type 2 diabetes

Alternate-day fasting induces oscillations in energy stores. We hypothesized that repeated oscillations increases insulin secretion and sensitivity, and improve metabolic health in patients with obesity with or without type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Twenty-three male patients fasted every other day for 30 h for 6 weeks. Experiments included resting energy expenditure, continuous glucose monitoring, intravenous glucose tolerance test, euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp, body composition, hepatic triglyceride content, muscle biopsies which were performed at baseline, during 3 weeks without allowed weight loss, and after additional 3 weeks with weight loss. Bodyweight decreased ∼1% and further ∼3% during weeks one to three and four to six, respectively (p < 0.05). Only minor changes in fat mass occurred in weeks 1–3. With weight loss, visceral fat content decreased by 13 ± 3% and 12 ± 2% from baseline in patients with and without T2DM, respectively (p < 0.05). Hepatic triglyceride content decreased by 17 ± 9% and 36 ± 9% (with diabetes) and 27 ± 8% and 40 ± 8% (without diabetes) from baseline to week 3 and week 6, respectively (all p < 0.05). Muscle lipid and glycogen content oscillated with the intervention. Glucose homeostasis, insulin secretion and sensitivity was impaired in patients with T2DM and did not change without weight loss, but improved (p < 0.05) when alternate day fasting was combined with weight loss. In conclusion, alternate-day fasting is feasible in patients with obesity and T2DM, and decreases visceral fat and liver fat deposits. Energy store oscillations by alternate-day fasting do not improve insulin secretion or sensitivity per se. Clinical Trial registration: (ClinicalTrials.gov), (ID NCT02420054).
Knowledge and perceptions of food sustainability in a Spanish university population

In 2015, the United Nations adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at its core. Besides tackling climate change and the fight to reduce inequality, the SDG number 12 is specifically focused to develop strategies toward food sustainability. The aim of this study, aligned with SDG number 12, was to analyze the level of knowledge and perceptions of food sustainability in a university community from Spain. A descriptive cross-sectional study, based on an online questionnaire, was carried out between July and November 2021 with convenience sampling. The survey included 28 items and was distributed among students, teachers, researchers and administrative staff from a Spanish university. A total of 1,220 participants completed the survey. 70.4% of the respondents heard about the environmental impact of food and more than 50% were aware of the existence of the SDGs. The different aspects related to diet that concerned them the most were food waste, plastic usage, and environmental impact. They reported that a sustainable diet should be mainly based on local and seasonal products and with a low environmental impact as well as no or the minimum food waste. When asked if they were following a sustainable diet, 77% answered affirmatively. Moreover, the food groups more involved in a sustainable diet should be vegetables and fruits, olive oil, legumes, and whole grains. Regarding food waste, 60% of the surveyed population claimed to generate it at home, with the use of leftovers and planning shopping and meals being some of the most important domestic actions to avoid it. Further initiatives must be implemented to increase the level of knowledge as well as to raise the awareness on the importance to translate it into individual and collective actions that allow a shift toward more sustainable practices.
“The whole is greater than the sum of its parts” – Exploring teachers’ technology readiness profiles and its relation to their emotional state during COVID-19 emergency remote teaching

With the rapid spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), schools around the world came to a shutdown. This resulted in an abrupt transition from face-to-face instruction to emergency remote teaching (ERT), resulting in numerous challenges that have greatly affected teachers. Even though research has identified key factors for teachers to effectively implement ERT in the context of the COVID-19 school shutdown, there is still little research on the factors (and their interrelations) that account for the differences between teachers’ experiences. Following a theoretical model of technology readiness, this study aimed to investigate teacher profiles based on domains of technology acceptance, technology competence and technology control. In addition, this study seeks to explore whether teachers’ emotional state during ERT varies between the teacher technology readiness profiles. A total of 124 teachers participated voluntarily in an online survey stemming from the research project “Students-Parents-Teachers in Homeschooling” in Germany. Results from a two-step cluster analysis revealed three distinct teacher technology readiness profiles. Moreover, the findings also revealed gender differences between the three technology readiness profiles. Lastly, an analysis of variance indicated that teachers’ positive emotional state during ERT varied significantly across the clusters. Implications of the results for teacher education and teacher professional development, as well as further lines of research are discussed.
Factors influencing the mental health of caregivers of children with cerebral palsy

Objectives Caregivers of children with cerebral palsy have a huge burden which might affect their mental health. This study aimed to determine the different factors affecting the mental health of caregivers of children with cerebral palsy and to raise awareness among healthcare providers. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among caregivers of children with cerebral palsy in National Guard Health Affairs-Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21, which is a validated questionnaire that assesses: depression, anxiety, and stress. This questionnaire was used to assess the mental health of the caregivers. In addition, factors that reflected the child's health condition, such as visual impairment, number of emergency department visits, and number of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit admissions were also reported to investigate the impact on the caregiver's mental health. Results The study sample consisted of 40 caregivers, of which 72.5% were mothers. According to the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 score, 12.5% (n = 5) of the caregivers had moderate depression scores, 10% (n = 4) revealed extremely severe depression, and 10% (n = 4) showed moderate anxiety. Furthermore, 12.5% (n = 5), 15% (n = 6), and 7.5% (n = 3) of the caregivers have scored as moderate, severe, and extremely severe stress levels, respectively. Caregivers’ depression, anxiety, and stress scores were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) associated with the impact of vision of their dependent children, frequent hospital admissions, and frequent emergency department visits. Increased Pediatric Intensive Care Unit admissions in the past year were also significantly associated with higher caregiver anxiety scores. Conclusion To the best of our knowledge, the dimension of caregivers’ stress and anxiety and their association with the children's dependency level is not well documented in our region. Caregivers of children with cerebral palsy reported having mental health challenges associated with the children's visual impairment, frequent need for acute medical care, and hospital admissions. Healthcare workers should provide early and proactive planning of medical and social support for children with cerebral palsy and their families using a family-centered approach.
Cortisol awake response imbalance as an indicator of acute central serous chorioretinopathy: Relationship with choriocapillaris and choroidal features

Purpose The purpose of the present study was to measure in central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) the salivary cortisol awake response (CAR) delta percentage (Δ%) variation, a distinct and robust indicator of cortisol rhythm during wakefulness, commonly proposed as a marker of hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis activity, whose alteration is frequently associated with several adverse health outcomes. Methods In the present cross-sectional observational study, salivary CAR Δ% variation was assessed in 17 adult male subjects affected by acute naïve CSC and compared to 17 matched healthy controls. Choroid vasculature metrics were assessed in the study population by measuring the subfoveal choroidal thickness (FCT) and the choroidal vascularity index (CVI) by the imaging technique of enhanced-depth imaging spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (EDI-SD-OCT). Furthermore, flow signal void area features of the choriocapillaris were evaluated in the study population using OCT angiography (OCTA). Results Both the control and CSC groups showed a physiological cortisol increase that occurred during the first 30 min after awaking. However, CSC adult male patients showed remarkably blunted CAR Δ% variation in comparison with controls, which might reflect a CSC-related imbalance of HPA axis activity. Statistically significant correlations were shown by Pearson’s correlation test between salivary CAR Δ% and the selected choroidal and choriocapillaris imaging biomarkers (FCT, CVI, and flow signal void area) in the study population. Conclusion In conclusion, alterations of the CAR Δ% increase, associated with choroidal-retinal metrics, might provide a window into the physiopathology of acute CSC, suggesting a possible common factor to explain the association between stress and CSC.
Statistical methods for measuring trends in colorectal cancer incidence in registries: A systematic review

Background Monitoring cancer trends in a population is essential for tracking the disease’s burden, allocating resources, and informing public health policies. This review describes variations in commonly employed methods to estimate colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence trends. Methods We performed a systematic literature search in four databases to identify population-based studies reporting CRC incidence trends, published between January 2010 and May 2020. We extracted and described data on methods to estimate trends and assess model validity, and the software used. Results This review included 145 articles based on studies conducted in five continents. The majority (93%) presented visual summaries of trends combined with absolute, relative, or annual change estimates. Fourteen (10%) articles exclusively calculated the relative change in incidence over a given time interval, presented as the percentage of change in rates. Joinpoint regression analysis was the most commonly used method for assessing incidence trends (n= 65, 45%), providing estimates of the annual percentage change (APC) in rates. Nineteen (13%) studies performed Poisson regression and 18 (12%) linear regression analysis. Age-period-cohort modeling- a type of generalized linear models- was conducted in 18 (12%) studies. Thirty-nine (37%) of the studies modeling incidence trends (n=104, 72%) indicated the method used to evaluate model fitness. The joinpoint program (52%) was the statistical software most commonly used. Conclusion This review identified variation in the calculation of CRC incidence trends and inadequate reporting of model fit statistics. Our findings highlight the need for increasing clarity and transparency in reporting methods to facilitate interpretation, reproduction, and comparison with findings from previous studies.
Using Facebook advertising data to describe the socio-economic situation of Syrian refugees in Lebanon

While the fighting in the Syrian civil war has mostly stopped, an estimated 5.6 million Syrians remain living in neighboring countries1. Of these, an estimated 1.5 million are sheltering in Lebanon. Ongoing efforts by organizations such as UNHCR to support the refugee population are often ineffective in reaching those most in need. According to UNHCR's 2019 Vulnerability Assessment of Syrian Refugees Report (VASyR), only 44% of the Syrian refugee families eligible for multipurpose cash assistance were provided with help, as the others were not captured in the data. In this project, we are investigating the use of non-traditional data, derived from Facebook advertising data, for population level vulnerability assessment. In a nutshell, Facebook provides advertisers with an estimate of how many of its users match certain targeting criteria, e.g., how many Facebook users currently living in Beirut are “living abroad,” aged 18–34, speak Arabic, and primarily use an iOS device. We evaluate the use of such audience estimates to describe the spatial variation in the socioeconomic situation of Syrian refugees across Lebanon. Using data from VASyR as ground truth, we find that iOS device usage explains 90% of the out-of-sample variance in poverty across the Lebanese governorates. However, evaluating predictions at a smaller spatial resolution also indicate limits related to sparsity, as Facebook, for privacy reasons, does not provide audience estimates for fewer than 1,000 users. Furthermore, comparing the population distribution by age and gender of Facebook users with that of the Syrian refugees from VASyR suggests an under-representation of Syrian women on the social media platform. This work adds to growing body of literature demonstrating the value of anonymous and aggregate Facebook advertising data for analysing large-scale humanitarian crises and migration events.
Genetic architecture and candidate gene identification for grain size in bread wheat by GWAS

Grain size is a key trait associated with bread wheat yield. It is also the most frequently selected trait during domestication. After the phenotypic characterization of 768 bread wheat accessions in three plots for at least two years, the present study shows that the improved variety showed significantly higher grain size but lower grain protein content than the landrace. Using 55K SNP assay genotyping and large-scale phenotyping population and GWAS data, we identified 5, 6, 6, and 6 QTLs associated with grain length, grain weight, grain area, and thousand grain weight, respectively. Seven of the 23 QTLs showed common association within different locations or years. Most significantly, the key locus associated with grain length, qGL-2D, showed the highest association after years of multi-plot testing. Haplotype and evolution analysis indicated that the superior allele of qGL-2D was mainly hidden in the improved variety rather than in landrace, which may contribute to the significant difference in grain length. A comprehensive analysis of transcriptome and homolog showed that TraesCS2D02G414800 could be the most likely candidate gene for qGL-2D. Overall, this study presents several reliable grain size QTLs and candidate gene for grain length associated with bread wheat yield.
Dynamical Mean Field Theory of Kernel Evolution in Wide Neural Networks

We analyze feature learning in inﬁnite-width neural networks trained with gradient ﬂow through a self-consistent dynamical ﬁeld theory. We construct a collection of deterministic dynamical order parameters which are inner-product kernels for hidden unit activations and gradients in each layer at pairs of time points, providing a reduced description of network activity through training. These kernel order parameters collectively deﬁne the hidden layer activation distribution, the evolution of the neural tangent kernel, and consequently output predictions. We provide a sampling procedure to self-consistently solve for the kernel order parameters
Feature space trajectory (FST) classifier neural network

A new classifier neural network is described for distortion-invariant multi-class pattern recognition. Its input training data in different classes are described by a feature space. As a distortion parameter (such as aspect view) of a training set object is varied, an ordered training set is produced. This ordered training set describes the object as a trajectory in feature space, with different points along the trajectory corresponding to different aspect views. Different object classes are described by different trajectories. Classification involves calculation of the distance from an input feature space point to the nearest trajectory (this denotes the object class) and the position of the nearest point along that trajectory (this denotes the pose of the object). Comparison to other neural networks and other classifiers show that this feature space trajectory neural network yields better classification performance and can reject non-object data. The FST classifier performs well with different numbers of training images and hidden layer neurons and also generalizes better than other classifiers.
Assessing e-Government DNS Resilience

Electronic government (e-gov) enables citizens and residents to digitally interact with their government via the Internet. Underpinning these services is the Internet Domain Name Systems (DNS), which maps e-gov domain names to Internet addresses. Structuring DNS with multiple levels of redundancy that can withstand stress events such as denial-of-service (DoS) attacks is a challenging task. While the operator community has established best practices to this end, adopting them all involves expert knowledge and resources. In this work, we obtain and study a list of e-gov domain names used by four countries (The Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United States) and measure the DNS structuring of these domains. We show the adoption of best practices, inter-country differences such as the use of anycast, and provide recommendations to improve DNS service robustness.
On the formation and propagation of vortex rings and pairs of vortex rings

Axisymmetric high-Reynolds-number laminar flows are simulated numerically. In particular, we consider the formation and propagation of single vortex rings from a circular orifice in a plane boundary, and pairs of vortex rings from a circular annulus in a plane boundary. During formation, single rings grow within an essentially potential flow, as in the similarity theory of Pullin (1979). When released they are shown to propagate in an almost inviscid manner, as described by Saffman (1970). Pairs of vortex rings, formed at a circular annulus, have been studied by Weidman & Riley (1993), both experimentally and computationally. They conclude from their observations that the behaviour of the rings depends primarily upon two parameters, namely the impulse applied to the fluid, during ring formation, and the gap width of the annulus. The results we present in this paper confirm the dependence of the flow on these parameters.
Detection and analysis of photospheric CNO features in the ultraviolet spectrum of the hot DO white dwarf PG 1034+001

An analysis of PG 1034 + 001 extended to include the high-dispersion IUE spectra and the high-resolution optical multiple-mirror telescope echelle spectra is discussed. The observations reveal the presence of absorption lines (C IV at 1548 and 1551 A, N V at 1238 and 1242 A, and O V at 1371 A) from highly ionized species with large redshifts (+ 40-50) km/s) relative to the interstellar lines. The results of a preliminary abundance analysis of the photospheric lines, together with the results of a search of sharp shortward-shifted features are presented. An interpretation of the observed abundances is made in terms of selective radiative forces acting in a high-temperature photosphere. Some speculations on the evolutionary status of DO stars like PG 1034 + 001 are given. 21 references.
Interactive Elicitation of Opinion for a Normal Linear Model

Abstract This article describes the mathematical theory underlying an interactive computer program for eliciting the hyperparameters of a subjective conjugate distribution for the multiple linear regression model with the usual normal error structure. Although the methods are heuristic, they are shown to produce hyperparameter estimates satisfying the constraints satisfied by the hyperparameters themselves. An application is given to the problem of predicting the time to fatigue failure of an asphalt-concrete road as a function of several design variables concerning the road.