Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
What is sludge? Comparing Sunstein's definition to others'

Thaler and Sunstein’s book Nudge revolutionised how behavioural science is applied to public policy, with a simple and yet broad recommendation to build decision environments in ways that make people better off, as judged by themselves (Thaler & Sunstein, 2008). This idea has been attractive to many policymakers and academics, as nudges only encourage certain choices, rather than mandate them (Sanders et al., 2018). The Behavioural Insights Team, originally set up by the UK Prime Minister David Cameron, did much of the early work implementing nudging in practice. Their ‘EAST framework’ emphasises how nudges could work by making preferred choices easy, attractive, social, or timely (Behavioural Insights Team, 2014). This early work by the Behavioural Insights Team gives pension auto-enrolment is an example of a nudge that makes things easy, and the provision of information about neighbours’ energy consumption is an example of a social nudge. Both of these nudges can help improve household financial health, and so should help to make many people better off. In recent years, both Thaler and Sunstein have turned to a logical extension of their original idea, by looking at ways that decision environments can be built to make people worse off. This problem of ‘sludge’ was covered by Thaler (2018) first, has been subject to multiple papers by Sunstein (Sunstein, 2018, 2020; Sunstein & Gosset, 2020), and formed a chapter of the latest edition of Nudge (Thaler & Sunstein, 2021). Here, I review Sunstein’s new book, Sludge: What stops us from getting things done and what to do about it, the longest work from either of these two authors on sludge.
Digital Tourism and Wellbeing: Conceptual Framework to Examine Technology Effects of Online Travel Media

The current pandemic is accelerating the wide-spreading popularity of digital tourism. Given that technology innovation has broadened the horizon of tourist experiences to the realm of virtual environments, this study aims to (re)conceptualize travel experience and develop a theoretical framework to examine media technology effects on virtual travel experience, destination image, and tourists’ well-being. As a conceptual work, this study adopts technological perspectives on online travel media to decompose technology attributes and articulate distinctive effects of technology-centric variables. The proposed framework illustrates five propositions that specify and explain the relationships among technology-centric variables (modality, agency, interactivity, and navigability), three groups of moderators (user-centric, content-centric, and situation-centric variables), virtual travel experience, destination image, and psychological wellbeing. By adopting the variable-centered approach to decompose online travel media, this study provides a new theoretical lens to understand the psychological mechanism of media technology effects in digital tourism. The framework will serve as useful methodological guidelines to conduct experiments to investigate the distinctive effect of a particular affordance or a specific technical feature. The potential benefits of digital tourism to enhance tourists’ wellbeing are discussed by highlighting the environmentally friendly and inclusive aspects.
Does DHN-Melanin Always Protect Fungi against Antifungal Drugs? The Fonsecaea/Micafungin Paradigm

Several human pathogenic fungi produce melanin. One of its properties during parasitism is the protection against antifungal drugs. This occurs with the agents of chromoblastomycosis, in which DHN-melanin reduces antifungal susceptibility to terbinafine and itraconazole. Since these agents are resistant to some antifungal drugs, we investigated the role of DHN-melanin on the Fonsecaea susceptibility to amphotericin B, micafungin, fluconazole, and flucytosine, drugs that usually present high minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) to this genus. Seven strains from three Fonsecaea human pathogenic species were treated with tricyclazole, a DHN-melanin inhibitor, and the MIC of the treated and untreated cells were compared. A survival assay was performed to confirm the alterations in the susceptibility of strains with reduced melanization, and the chitin levels of the strains were estimated by fluorescence. Tricyclazole did not affect fluconazole and flucytosine MIC, while melanin inhibition increased susceptibility to amphotericin B. Surprisingly, DHN-melanin inhibition decreased the susceptibility to micafungin. Survival assays confirmed this result on five strains. Cell wall chitin levels of the strains were not associated with the decrease in micafungin susceptibility. The results show that DHN-melanin does not have a role in the intrinsic resistance of Fonseacaea spp. to amphotericin B, fluconazole, and flucytosine, and its inhibition may promote micafungin resistance.
Had, humor og bystander-reaktioner: danske unges reaktioner på politisk hadefulde memes

En udfordring med hadefuldt indhold på sociale medier er, at det ofte er pakket ind i en tilsyneladende uskyldig humor. Det gør det hadefulde materiale sværere at genkende og afkode. De fleste kan genkende hadefuld propaganda, når det følges af et hagekors eller et IS-flag. Men hvordan ser det ud, når det hadefulde budskab er præsenteret som et humoristisk meme? Samtidig rejser eksponering for hadefuldt materiale på sociale medier et vigtigt spørgsmål om, hvordan vi som bystanders reagerer. Hvornår intervenerer bystanders prosocialt og for eksempel anmelder hadefuldt indhold, og hvornår reagerer de antisocialt og deler og liker sådant indhold? Artiklen bidrager med en første kortlægning af danske unges vurdering af hadefulde memes, og hvordan disse vurderinger medformer de unges bystander-reaktioner i forhold til deres villighed til at like, dele og anmelde indholdet. Desuden undersøges det, hvad der kendetegner dem, som er tilbøjelige til at reagere henholdsvis prosocialt og antisocialt på hadefulde budskaber på sociale medier med hensyn til køn, politisk interesse samt aktivistiske og politisk voldelige intentioner. Artiklen trækker på en elektronisk spørgeskemaundersøgelse blandt 814 danske folkeskole- og gymnasieelever i alderen 13 til 18 år.
Time-consistent consumption-portfolio control problems with regime-switching-modulated habit formation: an essentially cooperative approach

This paper is devoted to consumption-portfolio control problems with regime-switching-modulated habit formation. The formation of a habit depends on the current regime, which leads to time inconsistency in optimal control. General utility functions are used to evaluate the preference for the consumption net of the habit. To derive an analytical solution, we consider an enlarged financial market with Markov jump assets. Then, the time-inconsistent problem for pre-commitment controls is reduced to solving a regime-switching Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman (HJB) equation. In seeking a time-consistent control, we investigate an alternate problem by means of multi-person sequential games with an essentially cooperative approach. The analytical expression of the time-consistent control is derived via a straightforward application of the pre-commitment control results. Moreover, the limit case in which the mesh size of time approaches zero is studied.
Generation of Skeletal Muscle Organoids from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells to Model Myogenesis and Muscle Regeneration

In vitro organoids derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) have been developed as essential tools to study the underlying mechanisms of human development and diseases owing to their structural and physiological similarity to corresponding organs. Despite recent advances, there are a few methodologies for three-dimensional (3D) skeletal muscle differentiation, which focus on the terminal differentiation into myofibers and investigate the potential of modeling neuromuscular disorders and muscular dystrophies. However, these methodologies cannot recapitulate the developmental processes and lack regenerative capacity. In this study, we developed a new method to differentiate hPSCs into a 3D human skeletal muscle organoid (hSkMO). This organoid model could recapitulate the myogenesis process and possesses regenerative capacities of sustainable satellite cells (SCs), which are adult muscle stem/progenitor cells capable of self-renewal and myogenic differentiation. Our 3D model demonstrated myogenesis through the sequential occurrence of multiple myogenic cell types from SCs to myocytes. Notably, we detected quiescent, non-dividing SCs throughout the hSkMO differentiation in long-term culture. They were activated and differentiated to reconstitute muscle tissue upon damage. Thus, hSkMOs can recapitulate human skeletal muscle development and regeneration and may provide a new model for studying human skeletal muscles and related diseases.
A simulation approach to measuring the economic effects of foot-and-mouth disease in beef and dairy cattle.

Summary This model is currently being developed by the Inter-American Development Bank in order to facilitate evaluation of the economic feasibility of animal health projects in South America which they are asked to assist. The model is designed initially to evaluate the foot-and-mouth disease control program in a specific region in Brazil. It is hoped that this model will assist the decision maker in performing a more rapid and refined economic evaluation of disease control programs and in this way, assist in a more economic development of the Latin American countries. The model is comprised of five major components: a regional composite herd; the epidemiology routine; the program costs and sales revenue; financial and economic net present value routine; and sensitivity analysis. These components as well as their interactions are discussed in this paper.
The Design and Analysis of a Conformal Spiral Antenna Structure for an Ultra-Wide-Band Radar System

This thesis explores the design, simulation, and analysis of two conformal spiral antenna structures that are used for an ultra-wide-band (UWB) bistatic radar. The radar antenna system operates over a frequency range from 0.9 GHz to 6.5 GHz. The UWB spiral antenna was initially derived for a planar substrate, then conformed to the spherical embodiment. A microstrip tapered balun feed structure was designed to provide a balanced signal from the radar to the antennas. This work focuses on how well the newly designed antenna system compares to the radar kit’s provided planar bow-tie antennas. In particular, the comparisons between simulations and prototype measurements are presented. It is shown that a spiral antenna and structure can be conformed to a 127.0 mm diameter sphere and have little effect on the radar’s performance when compared to a larger planar bow-tie antenna design.
Convolutional Autoencoder for Image Denoising

Image denoising is a process used to remove noise from the image to create a sharp and clear image. It is mainly used in medical imaging, where due to the malfunctioning of machines or due to the precautions taken to protect patients from radiation, medical imaging machines create a lot of noise in the final image. Several techniques can be used in order to avoid such distortions in the image before their final printing. Autoencoders are the most notable software used to denoise images before their final printing. These software are not intelligent so the resultant image is not of good quality. In this paper, we introduced a modified autoencoder having a deep convolutional neural network. It creates better quality images as compared to traditional autoencoders. After training with a test dataset on the tensor board, the modified autoencoder is tested on a different dataset having various shapes. The results were satisfactory but not desirable due to several reasons. Nevertheless, our proposed system still performed better than traditional autoencoders. KEYWORDS: image denoising, deep learning, convolutional neural network, image autoencoder, image convolutional autoencoder
Assist towards success: a project for inclusion (through) digital

Numerous studies attest, in a convergent manner in different countries, the effects on minors of the pandemic period, especially on those in educational poverty. This condition requires articulated projects, centered on emerging needs, based on research and supported by a network on the territory. The Assist towards success program was created to include lower secondary school students, for whom the pandemic has meant a significant loss of learning opportunities. The interventions envisaged a targeted use of technologies and the involvement of trainees in Education, trained in remote cognitive mediation strategies. This choice also promoted in future professionals specific skills in school support; transversal skills and responsibility towards the needs of the territory. The implementation strategies of the Assist program and its effectiveness outcomes can constitute a model for future planning, within an educational world that has been profoundly renewed by the health emergency. Un Assist verso il successo: un progetto per l’inclusione (attraverso il) digitale. Numerosi studi attestano, in maniera convergente in diversi Paesi, gli effetti del prolungarsi della pandemia sui minori, specie se in condizione di povertà educativa. Tale condizione necessita di progetti articolati, centrati sui bisogni emergenti, fondati sulla ricerca e supportati da una rete sul territorio. Il programma Un Assist verso il successo è nato per garantire l’inclusione degli studenti della scuola secondaria di I grado, per i quali la pandemia ha significato la perdita importante di opportunità di apprendimento. Gli interventi sperimentali hanno previsto un uso mirato delle tecnologie e il coinvolgimento di tirocinanti di Scienze dell’educazione, formati sulle strategie di mediazione cognitiva a distanza. Tale scelta ha anche promosso nei futuri professionisti competenze specifiche nel sostegno scolastico; abilità trasversali e responsabilizzazione rispetto ai bisogni del territorio. Le strategie di realizzazione del programma Assist e gli esiti di efficacia dello stesso possono costituire un modello per progettazioni future, in un mondo educativo profondamente rinnovato dall’emergenza sanitaria.
Characterizing Stochastic Errors of MEMS - Based Inertial Sensors

Thank to strong grow of MicroElectroMechanicalSystem (MEMS) technology, high performance and small size sensors are widely used in many areas such as landslide, navigation, mobile phones, etc. However, there are several kinds of errors are still existing in MEMS based sensors that need a carefully analyzing and calibration. By each year, the performances of commercial sensors are also improved. In this paper, we focused on characterizing the stochastic errors of accelerometers and gyroscopes integrated with a latest smart phone of Apple Inc. Iphone6+. The MP67B is a custom version of the InvenSense 6-Axis device (3-Axis gyroscope and 3-Axis accelerometer) made for Apple. This research will play an important step to decide whether we can create an Inertial Navigation System (INS) in the same device (i.e. the smart phone, the users do not need to equip a single device for positioning application). The Allan variance method is exploited to analyze the stochastic errors in these sensors. Experiments proved that the main sources of errors in these sensors are white noises. The Iphone5 can operate as a low- cost solution of positioning and navigation device.
Assessment of Nurses’ Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices on Antibiotic Use and Resistance in Baghdad: A single-hospital study

Background: There are so many evidences that there was antimicrobial resistance, and there were many strains that emerged which were difficult to treat. We are living in a situation that the dissemination of multiple drug resistant bacteria can lead us to the situation, in which no treatment could be offered for bacterial infection in future. Aim of study: Assessment of nurses’ knowledge, attitude, and practices on antibiotic use and resistance in Fatima Al Zahra hospital in Baghdad. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study. The study was carried on from 1st of February to 31st of March 2021. A questionnaire was constructed by the research team based on literature review and was adapted to assess the nurses’ knowledge, attitude, and practices on antibiotic use and resistance in Fatima Al Zahra hospital. The adopted questions were mainly based on previous studies carried out in Lebanon, and Ethiopia. It was piloted among 10 nurses. The questionnaire was further revised by the research team. The final questionnaire contained 26 questions on the following: Demographics characteristics (5 questions), Knowledge of antibiotics (7 questions), Attitude towards antibiotic use (7 questions); and practice with regards to antibiotic use (7 questions). Analysis plan: IBM SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) Statistics version 21 Multilingual and Microsoft Excel 2010 were used to analyze the data. The frequencies were stated first then Chi-Square test and Fisher’s exact test were used to investigate the association. The p-value less than 0.05 were considered significant. Results: One hundred and eight nurses participated in this study, of whom 101 (93.5%) were female, 31(28.7%) of participants at the age group of (18-27) years, 33(30.6%) were at the age group of (28-37) years, with mean age 26± 0.54 SD. Regarding the highest qualification, 41(38%) graduated from the high school of nursing, 35(32.4%) graduated from the midwife school. About 46(42.6%) of the participants were working in pediatric words, and 23(21.3%) were working in gynecology and obstetrics (Gyn & Obs) words. There was gap in the knowledge especially in nurses who had lowest qualification: 44(40%), of them believe that using antibiotic in cold can speed recovery and 41 (38%) believe that antibiotic can cure viral infections, and 42(38.9%), of them consider that newer and more costly antibiotics affect better. Conclusion: There was a gap in nurse’s knowledge, and practice, towards the antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance, the Current work place was the most effective factor in this gap.
VI-116, A Novel Potent Inhibitor of VRAC with Minimal Effect on ANO1

Volume-regulated anion channel (VRAC) is ubiquitously expressed and plays a pivotal role in vertebrate cell volume regulation. A heterologous complex of leucine-rich repeat containing 8A (LRRC8A) and LRRC8B-E constitutes the VRAC, which is involved in various processes such as cell proliferation, migration, differentiation, intercellular communication, and apoptosis. However, the lack of a potent and selective inhibitor of VRAC limits VRAC-related physiological and pathophysiological studies, and most previous VRAC inhibitors strongly blocked the calcium-activated chloride channel, anoctamin 1 (ANO1). In the present study, we performed a cell-based screening for the identification of potent and selective VRAC inhibitors. Screening of 55,000 drug-like small-molecules and subsequent chemical modification revealed 3,3′-((2-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)methylene)bis(4-hydroxy-2H-chromen-2-one) (VI-116), a novel potent inhibitor of VRAC. VI-116 fully inhibited VRAC-mediated I− quenching with an IC50 of 1.27 ± 0.18 μM in LN215 cells and potently blocked endogenous VRAC activity in PC3, HT29 and HeLa cells in a dose-dependent manner. Notably, VI-116 had no effect on intracellular calcium signaling up to 10 μM, which completely inhibited VRAC, and showed high selectivity for VRAC compared to ANO1 and ANO2. However, DCPIB, a VRAC inhibitor, significantly affected ATP-induced increases in intracellular calcium levels and Eact-induced ANO1 activation. In addition, VI-116 showed minimal effect on hERG K+ channel activity up to 10 μM. These results indicate that VI-116 is a potent and selective VRAC inhibitor and a useful research tool for pharmacological dissection of VRAC.
Characterizing the Importance of Denitrification for N2O Production in Soils Using Natural Abundance and Isotopic Labeling Techniques

Nitrous oxide (N2O), a potent greenhouse gas that contributes significantly to climate change, is emitted mostly from soils by a suite of microbial metabolic pathways that are nontrivial to identify, and subsequently, to manage. Using either natural abundance or enriched stable isotope methods has aided in identifying microbial sources of N2O, but each approach has limitations. Here, we conducted a novel pairing of natural abundance and enriched assays on two dissimilar soils, hypothesizing this pairing would better constrain microbial sources of N2O. We incubated paired natural abundance and enriched soils from a corn agroecosystem and a subalpine forest in the laboratory at 10%–95% soil saturation for 28 hr. The natural abundance method measured intramolecular site preference (SP) from emitted N2O, whereas the enriched method measured emitted 15N2O from soils amended with 15N‐labeled substrate. The isotopic composition of emitted N2O was measured using a laser‐based N2O isotopic analyzer, yielding two key findings. First, both methods revealed that denitrification was the primary source of N2O in all soils: isotopic enrichment revealed clear NO3− $\mathrm{N}{{\mathrm{O}}_{3}}^{-}$ reduction to N2O, while SP indicated a likely combination of fungal and bacterial denitrification. Second, we quantified, to our knowledge for the first time, persistent (>55%) β‐position‐specific enrichment in N2O emitted from 15 NO3− $\mathrm{N}{{\mathrm{O}}_{3}}^{-}$ ‐amended soils. This counter‐intuitive enrichment pattern could be indicative of codenitrification, an understudied but potentially important contributor to N2O emissions. Our work revealed the ubiquity of denitrification among the soils tested. Future pairings of natural abundance and enriched methods could better characterize diverse denitrification pathways.
Do automotive window films affect drivers’ safety by decreasing vision sensitivity? A Cross-sectional study

Objective: To measure visual acuity in high contrast and low contrast sensitivities in different grades of visible light transmission films in three different positions (front, lateral and rear windows). Methods: Forty-four healthy volunteers between 30-75 y-o, with BCVA better than 0,5, were tested in the 5 following vehicles with different grades of visible light transmission films. Vehicle 1: 75% in the front and 70% in the lateral and rear windows; Vehicle 2: 70% in the front and lateral windows and 28% in the rear; Vehicle 3: 70% in the front, 28% in the lateral and 15% rear; Vehicle 4: 35% in all 3 windows; Vehicle 5: 50% in the front, 20% in the lateral and 15% in the rear. Descriptive statistics were used and the average of the 3 measurements of VA was considered. Wilcoxon Test was applied to compare the average visual acuity in each vehicle and position. P value<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: According to the Brazilian Traffic Regulations for driving in categories C/D/E, when low contrast was tested in the front window, all visible light transmissions were borderline, in the lateral window they were all outside the limit, while in the rear window for both low and high contrast, all visible light transmissions tested were outside the limit and also borderline for driving in categories A/B, with the exception of the vehicle with visible light transmission of 35%. Conclusion: Visual acuity is affected, especially in the rear window, by the use of automotive films. The study is an alert that window films is a possible cause of accidents and may contribute to the revision of traffic regulations worldwide.