Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Will Studying Economics Make You Rich? A Regression Discontinuity Analysis of the Returns to College Major

We investigate the wage return to studying economics by leveraging a policy that prevented students with low introductory grades from declaring a major. Students who barely met the grade point average threshold to major in economics earned $22,000 (46 percent) higher annual early-career wages than they would have with their second-choice majors. Access to the economics major shifts students' preferences toward business/finance careers, and about half of the wage return is explained by economics majors working in higher-paying industries. The causal return to majoring in economics is very similar to observational earnings differences in nationally representative data. (JEL A22, I26, J24, J31)
PowerStaTim 1.0 – un nou program statistic de calcul a mărimii efectului și a puterii statistice

Lucrarea de față prezintă principalele caracteristici ale unui nou program statistic de calcul al indicatorilor mărimii efectului si puterii statistice: PowerStaTim 1.0 (Maricuțoiu & Sava, 2007). Prima parte a articolului prezintă argumentele care explica necesitatea calculării mărimii efectului si a puterii statistice în cercetarea psihologică. A doua parte familiarizează cititorul cu caracteristicile tehnice ale PowerStaTim 1.0 si cu opțiunile de procesare oferite de acest program statistic.
Russian agriculture: regional specialization is increasing (case study: meat poultry sector)

This paper presents the results of studies of regional specialization and territorial concentration in agriculture. The poultry meat branch was chosen as the object of research. This is one of the most dynamically developing sectors of agriculture in Russia. Modified localization coefficients were used as a method for detecting the territorial concentration of the sector. The analysis showed that more than half of the output of poultry meat products was concentrated in the territory of 12 regions of Russia. The largest localization of poultry farming is in the center of the European part of the country, near large cities. The level of territorial concentration of the poultry meat sector increased significantly over the period of 2004–2017. The localization coefficients of the regions that specialize in poultry meat production have more than doubled. There is an increase in “polarity” in the specialization of regions. Some regions continue to increase the production of poultry meat, the level of regional specialization is growing. In other regions, poultry production is declining. Taking the poultry meat sector as a case study, it has been shown that the processes of regional specialization and territorial localization are increasing in Russian agriculture.
13.3% efficient solution deposited Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells processed with different sodium salt sources

In this work, we obtain the highest reported power conversion efficiency (13.3%) for sulfur‐free CIGSe solar cells by solution processing. Intentional sodium incorporation is achieved directly by dissolving sodium salts in the ink. The effect on solar cell properties of three sodium sources is investigated: NaCl, NaHCO2, and NaSCN. A comparison is made with absorbers grown on soda‐lime glass substrates and in the absence of sodium sources. The incorporation via sodium salts yields significantly better results, which is attributed to enhanced‐sodium availability. A comparison with identically annealed sputtered metal precursor layers capable of delivering 15.1% module efficiency suggests that the cell results are limited by the selenization procedure. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
INTERNASIONALISASI KAMPUS SEBAGAI STRATEGI PERGURUAN TINGGI DALAM MENGHADAPI ERA REVOLUSI INDUSTRI 4.0

Internationalization in the field of education is not something new in the era of globalization and then entered the era of the Industrial Revolution 4.0 and even has become a phase faced by universities both nationally and abroad in improving the quality of institutions and graduates. Collaboration and internationalization partnerships are one aspect of various educational accreditations and certifications at universities. Higher education as a scientific institution is expected to contribute significantly in efforts to help the Government to prepare human resources who have high competence, who can compete globally and that produce scientific work that is full of innovation and appropriate technology.
Slow-down of the greening trend in natural vegetation with further
rise in atmospheric CO2

Abstract. Satellite data reveal widespread changes of Earth's vegetation cover. Regions intensively attended to by humans are mostly greening due to land management. Natural vegetation, on the other hand, is exhibiting patterns of both greening and browning in all continents. Factors linked to anthropogenic carbon emissions, such as CO2 fertilization, climate change and consequent disturbances, such as fires and droughts, are hypothesized to be key drivers of changes in natural vegetation. A rigorous regional attribution at biome-level that can be scaled into a global picture of what is behind the observed changes is currently lacking. Here we analyze different datasets of decades-long satellite observations of global leaf area index (LAI, 1981–2017) as well as other proxies of vegetation changes, and identify several clusters of significant long-term changes. Using process-based model simulations (Earth system and land surface models), we disentangle the effects of anthropogenic carbon emissions on LAI in a probabilistic setting applying Causal Counterfactual Theory. The analysis prominently indicates the effects of climate change on many biomes – warming in northern ecosystems (greening) and rainfall anomalies in tropical biomes (browning). Our results do not support previously published accounts of dominant global-scale effects of CO2 fertilization. Altogether, our analysis reveals a slowing down of greening and strengthening of browning trends, particularly in the last two decades. Most models substantially underestimate the emerging vegetation browning, especially in the tropical rainforests. Leaf area loss in these productive ecosystems could be an early indicator of a slow-down in the terrestrial carbon sink. Models need to account for this effect to realize plausible climate projections of the 21st century.
Simultaneous Determination of Rhodamine B,Crystal Violet and Malachite in Aquatic Flavourings by Solid-phase Extraction Coupled with Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry

A method was developed for the simultaneous determination of rhodamine B,crystal violet and malachite in aquatic flavourings based on solid phase extraction-ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.The samples were extracted with acetonitrile-buffer,partitioned against methylene dichloride and then cleaned up by a solid phase extraction cartridge.The target analytes were separated on a BEH C18 column with gradient elution using acetonitrile and water(containing 0.2%(V/V) formic acid) as mobile phases.The linear ranges were from 5×10-4 to 1 mg/L with the limits of detection of 0.18-0.48 μg/kg.The recoveries of the method were 90.7%-96.8%,78.4%-90.3%,78.6%-88.9%,respectively.
Combined Metabolic Activators Reduces Liver Fat in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Patients

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) refers to excess fat accumulation in the liver. In animal experiments and human kinetic study, we found that administration of combined metabolic activators (CMA) promotes the oxidation of fat, attenuates the resulting oxidative stress, activates mitochondria and eventually removes excess fat from the liver. Here, we tested the safety and efficacy of CMA in NAFLD patients in a placebo-controlled 10-week study. We found that CMA significantly decreased hepatic steatosis and levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, uric acid, and creatinine, whereas found no differences on these variables in the placebo group after adjustment for weight loss. By integrating clinical data with plasma metabolomics and inflammatory proteomics as well as oral and gut metagenomics data, we revealed the underlying molecular mechanisms associated with the reduced hepatic fat and inflammation in NAFLD patients and identified the key players involved in the host-microbiome interactions. In conclusion, we observed that CMA can be used develop a pharmacological treatment strategy in NAFLD patients.
A review on acoustic field-driven micromixers

Abstract A review on acoustic field-driven micromixers is given. This is supplemented by the governing equations, governing non-dimensional parameters, numerical simulation approaches, and fabrication techniques. Acoustically induced vibration is a kind of external energy input employed in active micromixers to improve the mixing performance. An air bubble energized by an acoustic field acts as an external energy source and induces friction forces at the interface between an air bubble and liquid, leading to the formation of circulatory flows. The current review (with 200 references) evaluates different characteristics of microfluidic devices working based on acoustic field shaking.
Predicting stock high price using forecast error with recurrent neural network

Abstract Stock price forecasting is an eye-catching research topic. In previous works, many researchers used a single method or combination of methods to make predictions. However, accurately predicting stock prices is very difficult. To improve the predicting precision, in this study, an innovative prediction approach was proposed by recurrent substitution of forecast error into the historical neural network model through three steps. According to the historical data, the initial predicted value of the next day is obtained through the neural network. Then, the prediction error of the next day is obtained through the neural network according to the historical prediction error. Finally, the initial predicted value and the prediction error are added to obtain the final predicted value of the next day. We use recurrent neural network prediction methods, such as Long Short-Term Memory Network Model and Gated Recurrent Unit, which are popular in the recent neural network study. In the simulations, the past stock prices of China from June 2010 to August 2017 are used as training data, and those from September 2017 to April 2018 are used as test data. The experimental findings demonstrate that the proposed method with forecast error gives a more accurate prediction result for the stock’s high price on the next day, which indicates that the performance of the proposed one is superior to that of the traditional models without forecast error.
Identification of Actin Filament Interactors in Giardia lamblia

The deep-branching protozoan parasite Giardia lamblia is the causative agent of the intestinal disease giardiasis. Consistent with its proposed evolutionary position, many pathways are minimalistic or divergent, including its actin cytoskeleton. Giardia is the only eukaryote known to lack all canonical actin-binding proteins. Previously, our lab identified a number of non-canonical Giardia lamblia actin (GlActin) interactors; however, these proteins appeared to interact only with monomeric or globular actin (G-actin), rather than filamentous actin (F-actin). To identify interactors, we used a chemical crosslinker to preserve native interactions, followed by an anti-GlActin antibody, Protein A affinity chromatography, and liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. We found 46 putative actin interactors enriched in the conditions favoring F-actin. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD026067. None of the proteins identified contain known actin-interacting motifs, and many lacked conserved domains. Each potential interactor was then tagged with the fluorescent protein mNeonGreen and visualized in live cells. We categorized the proteins based on their primary localization; localizations included ventral disc, marginal plate, nuclei, flagella, plasma membrane, and internal membranes. One protein from each category was co-localized with GlActin using immunofluorescence microscopy. We also co-immunoprecipitated one protein from each category and confirmed three interactions. Most of the localization patterns are consistent with previously demonstrated GlActin functions, but the ventral disc represents a new category of actin interactor localization. These results suggest a role for GlActin in ventral disc function, which has previously been controversial. Importance The single-celled eukaryote Giardia lamblia is an intestinal parasite that colonizes the small intestine and causes diarrhea and vomiting, which can lead to dehydration and malnutrition. Giardia actin (GlActin) has a conserved role in Giardia cells, despite being a highly divergent protein with none of the conserved regulators found in model organisms. Here we identify and localize 46 interactors of polymerized actin. These putative interactors localize to a number of places in the cell, underlining GlActin’s importance in multiple cellular processes. Surprisingly, eight of these proteins localize to the ventral disc, Giardia’s host attachment organelle. Since host attachment is required for infection, proteins involved in this process are an appealing target for new drugs. While treatments for Giardia exist, drug resistance is becoming more common, resulting in a need for new treatments. Giardia and human systems are highly dissimilar, thus drugs specifically tailored to Giardia proteins would be unlikely to have side effects.
NAP1L1 and NAP1L4 Binding to Hypervariable Domain of Chikungunya Virus nsP3 Protein Is Bivalent and Requires Phosphorylation

Cellular proteins play critical roles in the assembly of alphavirus replication complexes (vRCs). Their recruitment is determined by the viral nonstructural protein 3 (nsP3). ABSTRACT Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is one of the most pathogenic members of the Alphavirus genus in the Togaviridae family. Within the last 2 decades, CHIKV has expanded its presence to both hemispheres and is currently circulating in both Old and New Worlds. Despite the severity and persistence of the arthritis it causes in humans, no approved vaccines or therapeutic means have been developed for CHIKV infection. Replication of alphaviruses, including CHIKV, is determined not only by their nonstructural proteins but also by a wide range of host factors, which are indispensable components of viral replication complexes (vRCs). Alphavirus nsP3s contain hypervariable domains (HVDs), which encode multiple motifs that drive recruitment of cell- and virus-specific host proteins into vRCs. Our previous data suggested that NAP1 family members are a group of host factors that may interact with CHIKV nsP3 HVD. In this study, we performed a detailed investigation of the NAP1 function in CHIKV replication in vertebrate cells. Our data demonstrate that (i) the NAP1-HVD interactions have strong stimulatory effects on CHIKV replication, (ii) both NAP1L1 and NAP1L4 interact with the CHIKV HVD, (iii) NAP1 family members interact with two motifs, which are located upstream and downstream of the G3BP-binding motifs of CHIKV HVD, (iv) NAP1 proteins interact only with a phosphorylated form of CHIKV HVD, and HVD phosphorylation is mediated by CK2 kinase, and (v) NAP1 and other families of host factors redundantly promote CHIKV replication and their bindings have additive stimulatory effects on viral replication. IMPORTANCE Cellular proteins play critical roles in the assembly of alphavirus replication complexes (vRCs). Their recruitment is determined by the viral nonstructural protein 3 (nsP3). This protein contains a long, disordered hypervariable domain (HVD), which encodes virus-specific combinations of short linear motifs interacting with host factors during vRC assembly. Our study defined the binding mechanism of NAP1 family members to CHIKV HVD and demonstrated a stimulatory effect of this interaction on viral replication. We show that interaction with NAP1L1 is mediated by two HVD motifs and requires phosphorylation of HVD by CK2 kinase. Based on the accumulated data, we present a map of the binding motifs of the critical host factors currently known to interact with CHIKV HVD. It can be used to manipulate cell specificity of viral replication and pathogenesis, and to develop a new generation of vaccine candidates.
Weaning Age and Its Effect on the Development of the Swine Gut Microbiome and Resistome

Piglets are abruptly separated from their sow at weaning and are quickly transitioned from sow’s milk to a plant-based diet. This is the most important period in commercial swine production, yet the effect of weaning age on the long-term development of the pig gut microbiome is largely unknown. ABSTRACT Piglets are often weaned between 19 and 22 days of age in North America, although in some swine operations this may occur at 14 days or less. Piglets are abruptly separated from their sow at weaning and are quickly transitioned from sow’s milk to a plant-based diet. The effect of weaning age on the long-term development of the pig gut microbiome is largely unknown. Here, pigs were weaned at either 14, 21, or 28 days of age, and fecal samples were collected 20 times from day 4 (neonatal) through marketing at day 140. The fecal microbiome was characterized using 16S rRNA gene and shotgun metagenomic sequencing. The fecal microbiome of all piglets shifted significantly 3 to 7 days postweaning, with an increase in microbial diversity. Several Prevotella spp. increased in relative abundance immediately after weaning, as did butyrate-producing species such as Butyricicoccus porcorum, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, and Megasphaera elsdenii. Within 7 days of weaning, the gut microbiome of pigs weaned at 21 and 28 days of age resembled that of pigs weaned at 14 days. Resistance genes to most antimicrobial classes decreased in relative abundance postweaning, with the exception of those conferring resistance to tetracyclines and macrolides-lincosamides-streptogramin B. The relative abundance of microbial carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) changed significantly in the postweaning period, with an enrichment of CAZymes involved in degradation of plant-derived polysaccharides. These results demonstrate that the pig gut microbiome tends change in a predictable manner postweaning and that weaning age has only a temporary effect on this microbiome. IMPORTANCE Piglets are abruptly separated from their sow at weaning and are quickly transitioned from sow’s milk to a plant-based diet. This is the most important period in commercial swine production, yet the effect of weaning age on the long-term development of the pig gut microbiome is largely unknown. Metagenomic sequencing allows for a higher-resolution assessment of the pig gut microbiome and enables characterization of the resistome. Here, we used metagenomic sequencing to identify bacterial species that were enriched postweaning and therefore may provide targets for future manipulation studies. In addition, functional profiling of the microbiome indicated that many carbohydrate and metabolic enzymes decrease in relative abundance after weaning. This study also highlights the challenges faced in reducing antimicrobial resistance in pigs, as genes conferring tetracycline and macrolide resistance remained relatively stable from 7 days of age through to market weight at 140 days despite no exposure to antimicrobials.
VIP neurons desynchronize cortical assemblies

Neural synchronization on fast timescales has been linked to critical aspects of sensation, cognition and action, and impairments in synchronization are associated with neurological disease. Although the strength and spatial scale of neural synchronization varies dramatically with sensory and behavioral context, the circuit mechanisms that regulate the magnitude and spatial spread of neural oscillations are largely unknown. As in humans, monkeys, and cats, we found that in the mouse primary visual cortex (V1) the stimulus properties and behavioral state powerfully modulate gamma band synchronization. To reveal the underlying circuit that mediates this dependence, we used multi-site multi-electrode electrophysiology and cell type specific optogenetic suppression of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) interneurons in awake mice. Our results show that VIP neurons potently control the gain and behavioral state-dependence of gamma band network synchronization by desynchronizing local and global networks on fine time scales. Importantly, VIP neurons preferentially decouple spatially separated cortical ensembles when they are processing non-matched stimulus features. Based on these data, we propose that cortical disinhibition by VIP interneurons fine-tunes the strength and spatial architecture of gamma-oscillating neural assemblies, which may facilitate the downstream generation of coherent visual percepts.
Capturing the songs of mice with an improved detection and classification method for ultrasonic vocalizations (BootSnap)

House mice communicate through ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs), which are above the range of human hearing (>20 kHz), and several automated methods have been developed for USV detection and classification. Here we evaluate their advantages and disadvantages in a full, systematic comparison. We compared the performance of four detection methods, DeepSqueak (DSQ), MUPET, USVSEG, and the Automatic Mouse Ultrasound Detector (A-MUD). Moreover, we compared these to human-based manual detection (considered as ground truth), and evaluated the inter-observer reliability. All four methods had comparable rates of detection failure, though A-MUD outperformed the others in terms of true positive rates for recordings with low or high signal-to-noise ratios. We also did a systematic comparison of existing classification algorithms, where we found the need to develop a new method for automating the classification of USVs using supervised classification, bootstrapping on Gammatone Spectrograms, and Convolutional Neural Networks algorithms with Snapshot ensemble learning (BootSnap). It successfully classified calls into 12 types, including a new class of false positives used for detection refinement. BootSnap provides enhanced performance compared to state-of-the-art tools, it has an improved generalizability, and it is freely available for scientific use.
Linguistic laws are not the law in chimpanzee sexual solicitation gestures

Two language laws have been identified as manifestations of universal principles of animal behaviour, both acting on the organisation of numerous vocal and behavioural communicative systems. Zipf’s law of brevity describes a negative relationship between behavioural length and frequency of behaviour. Menzerath’s law defines a negative correlation between the number of behaviours in a sequence and average length of the behaviour composing it. Both laws have been linked with the information-theoretic principle of compression, which tends to minimise code length. We investigate the presence of these two laws in the repertoire of chimpanzee sexual solicitation gestures. We find that chimpanzee solicitation gestures do not follow either Zipf’s law of brevity or Menzerath’s law consistently. For the second time in ape gestural communication, evidence supporting Zipf’s law of brevity was absent, and, here, the presence of Menzerath’s law appears individually driven. Ape gesture does not appear to manifest a principle of compression or pressure for efficiency that has been previously proposed to be universal. Importantly, the same signals were shown to adhere to these laws when used in a different behavioural context; highlighting that signallers consider signalling efficiency broadly, and diverse factors play important roles in shaping investment in signal production.