Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The fatty acid binding protein 6 gene (Fabp6) is expressed in murine granulosa cells and is involved in ovulatory response to superstimulation

The fatty acid binding protein 6 (Fabp6) is commonly regarded as a bile acid binding protein found in the distal portion of the small intestine and has been shown to be important in maintaining bile acid homeostasis. Previous studies have also reported the presence of Fabp6 in human, rat and fish ovaries, but the significance of Fabp6 in this organ is largely unknown. Therefore, we surveyed murine ovaries for Fabp6 gene expression and evaluated its role in ovarian function using mice with whole body Fabp6 deficiency. Here we show that the Fabp6 gene is expressed in granulosa and luteal cells of the mouse ovary. Treatment with gonadotropins stimulated Fabp6 gene expression in large antral follicles. The ovulation rate in response to superovulatory treatment in Fabp6-deficient mice was markedly decreased compared to wildtype (C57BL/6) mice. The results of this study suggest that expression of Fabp6 gene in granulosa cells serves an important and previously unrecognized function in fertility.
Artificial-Synthesized Edge-Coupled Transmission Lines for Compact CMOS Directional Coupler Designs

This paper presents artificial-synthesized edge- coupled transmission lines (TLs) based on complementary metal- oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology. The artificial coupled- line (CL), the so-called the complementary-conducting-strip coupled line (CCS CL), consists of the unit cell and is meandered in the 2-D plane. The unit cell, whose dimensions are much smaller than the guiding wavelength at the operating frequency, provides five structural parameters for CL syntheses. The synthesized CLs, which are fully characterized by using theoretical and experimental procedures, reveal the following unique guiding properties. First, the coupling coefficient (K) can be 7.7% higher than that of the meandered conventional edged-coupled TLs. Second, the even- and odd-mode propagation constants can be synthesized as identical at the same time. Two backward-wave directional couplers for achieving the tight coupling and high directivity are designed by incorporating artificial CCS CL. Two prototypes are fabricated by the standard 0.18-¿m CMOS technology, occupying the chip areas of 120.0 ¿m × 240.0 ¿m. The measured results show that the isolation is higher than 25.0 dB from 10.0 to 40.0 GHz with a coupling of 14.4 dB. On the tight coupler design, the through and coupling are 4.65 ± 0.15 dB from 30.0 to 40.0 GHz with an amplitude imbalance of less than 0.3 dB.
Labor Unemployment Concern and Corporate Discretionary Disclosure

We investigate how firms strategically vary their disclosure policies in response to labor unemployment concern. Using changes in state unemployment insurance laws as exogenous variations of labor unemployment concern, we show that firms provide more bad news forecasts when unemployment concern is low. This relation is stronger when firms are financially constrained, when CEOs and CFOs have higher equity incentives, and when workers are likely to be affected more by unemployment. Our findings are not driven by earnings management reversal or underlying performance changes, and are robust to a battery of identification tests. Finally, we find a similar effect of unemployment concerns on disclosure using the tone of 10-K and 10-Q filings as an alternative proxy for corporate disclosure. Overall, our findings suggest that labor unemployment concern is an important consideration for corporate discretionary disclosure.
Effects of Characteristics of Nigerian Students on Perceived Satisfaction of Academic Facilities in Private Universities in Ogun State, Nigeria

Students' retention amongst the competitive private Universities in Nigeria leads to issues of students' satisfaction which is relatively sparse in literature. This study thereby examined the relationship between selected students' characteristics (sex, age, year of study and type of sponsorship) on the students’ satisfaction in three (3) private Universities in Ado - Odo Local Government Council, Ogun State, Nigeria. A total of four hundred and thirty two (432) questionnaires, representing 76% of the sample size, were used for analysis. The result of the analysis using cross-tabulation, Mann-whitney U Test and Krustal Wallis showed that there is no close relationship between sex, age, year of study and type of sponsorship and satisfaction with academic facilities in the Universities. However, this result is not totally conclusive, particularly for Covenant University, as further analysis revealed that mode of sponsorship is significant. Further research is thereby advocated. Key words : Students' Characteristics, Satisfaction, Academic, Facilities, Private Universities, Nigeria
Testing the Effects of the Japanese Vehicle Emission-Control Law on the International Palladium Futures Market

This paper tested the effects of the 2005 vehicle emission-control law issued in Japan on the market linkages between the U.S. and Japanese palladium futures markets, To determine these effects, we applied a cointegration test both with and without break points in the time series and found that the market linkages between the two countries changed after the break in October 2005. Our results show that the 2005 long-term regulation of vehicle emissions enacted in Japan influenced the international palladium futures market.
Back to Basic: Do Children with Autism Spontaneously Look at Screen Displaying a Face or an Object?

Eye-tracking studies on exploration of faces and objects in autism provided important knowledge but only in a constraint condition (chin rest, total time looking at screen not reported), without studying potential differences between subjects with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and controls in spontaneous visual attention toward a screen presenting these stimuli. This study used eye tracking to compare spontaneous visual attention to a screen displaying a face or an object between children with autism and controls in a nonconstraint condition and to investigate the relationship with clinical characteristics in autism group. Time exploring screen was measured during passive viewing of static images of faces or objects. Autistic behaviors were assessed by the CARS and the BSE-R in autism group. In autism group, time exploring face screen and time exploring object screen were lower than in controls and were not correlated with degree of distractibility. There was no interaction between group and type of image on time spent exploring screen. Only time exploring face screen was correlated with autism severity and gaze impairment. Results highlight particularities of spontaneous visual attention toward a screen displaying faces or objects in autism, which should be taken into account in future eye-tracking studies on face exploration.
E-learning motivation, Students' Acceptance/Use of Educational Portal in Developing Countries: A Case Study of Peru

We argue that e-learning motivation can play important rule in technology adoption and use and conversely technology use can foster student’s e-learning motivation. In addition, e-learning motivation has been mainly considered same as conventional learning motivation. But we propose that e-learning motivation is different than conventional learning. For e-learning motivation technology characteristic such effort expectancy must be incorporated. Moreover, there is no empirical proof of the role of students’ e-learning motivation on use and adoption of the e-learning system and vice versa in South American contexts. Thus the purpose of this research is to 1) empirically validate a modified UTAUT model, by adding “e-learning motivation” construct in a South American context, especially in the case of Peru 2). Try to figure out the role that e-learning motivation can play in the use and adoption of e-learning system vice versa. 3) In addition, we are considering “region” and “gender” as moderator in our model. Based on the findings we produced useful recommendations to policy makers and practitioners particularly in Peru and developing countries in general.
Image segmentation for lung region in chest X-ray images using edge detection and morphology

Studies of medical image segmentation have long been done as a mean to distinguish object region from one to another for further image analysis. The segmentation of lung region in chest X-ray (CXR) based on object edge detection is one of the popular method applied. Early edge detection algorithms like Sobel, Prewitt and Laplacian have been used to segment the lung however, none of them can successfully generate a truly satisfied segmentation output. The reason for this fail is because they are high pass filter that is sensitive to image noise. Hence, the requirement for better edge detection algorithm that can cope with reasonable lower and upper threshold value for image noise like canny edge should be highlighted. Moreover, combining this algorithm with morphology method (dilation and erosion) will produce better outcome. Therefore, this paper has proposed method for segmenting lung region in CXR images using canny edge filter and morphology. Although the filter can detect the lung edge, unfortunately, the final edges lines produce are still unsatisfied. To solve the problem, Euler number method is applied to extract the lung region before executing the edge detection using the filter. The implementation produced convincing result as most of the segmented image is almost similar to the ground truth image.
Expenditure Switching and Exchange-Rate Policy

Changes in nominal exchange rates can lead to expenditure switching when they change relative international prices. A traditional argument for flexible nominal exchange rates posits that when prices are sticky in producers' currencies, nominal-exchange-rate movements can change relative prices between home and foreign goods. But if prices are fixed ex ante in consumers' currencies, nominal exchange-rate flexibility cannot achieve any relative price adjustment. In that case nominal-exchange-rate fluctuations have the undesirable feature that they lead to deviations from the law of one price. The case for floating exchange rates is weakened if prices are sticky in this way. The empirical literature appears to support the notion that prices are sticky in consumers' currencies. Here, additional support for this conclusion is provided. We then review some new approaches in the theoretical literature that imply an important expenditure-switching role even when consumer prices are sticky in consumers' currencies. Further empirical research is needed to resolve the quantitative importance of the expenditure-switching role for nominal exchange rates.
Conformational Dynamics and Thermal Cones of C-Terminal Tubulin Tails in Neuronal Microtubules

In this paper we present a model for estimation of the C-terminal tubulin tail (CTT) dynamics in cytoskeletal microtubules of nerve cells. We show that the screened Coulomb interaction between a target CTT and the negatively charged microtubule surface as well as its immediate CTT neighbours results in confinement of the CTT motion within a restricted volume referred to as a thermal cone. Within the thermal cone the CTT motion is driven by the thermal fluctuations, while outside the thermal cone the CTT interaction energy with its environment is above the thermal energy solely due to repulsion from the negatively charged microtubule surface. Computations were performed for different CTT geometries and we have found that the CTT conformation with lowest energy is perpendicular to the microtubule surface. Since the coupling between a target CTT with its neighbour CTTs is 8 orders of magnitude below the thermal energy and considering the extremely short cytosolic Debye length of 0.79 nm, our results rule out generation and propagation of CTT conformational waves along the protofilament as a result of local CTT perturbations. The results as presented support a model in which the cytosolic electric fields and ionic currents generated by the neuronal excitations are “projected” onto the CTTs of underlying microtubules thus affecting their regulatory function of kinesin motion and MAP attachment/detachment.
Modelling on multiyear lag of Ejina Oasis vegetation behind Heihe river's runoff

A linear system model was set up on a regional scale by regarding annual average runoffs of downstream Heihe River as incentives to the eco-system, and MODIS/Terra monthly NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) data as responses from the system. With aquifer hydraulics mechanism analysis, the theoretical basis of the lag model was derived on a solution of one-dimensional river-land groundwater flow definite solution problem, and the lag processing of Ejina Oasis vegetations to the downstream runoffs was simulated according to NDVIs of the oasis from the year 2000 to 2009. It is recognized that the lag process is controlled by the aquifer factors such as hydraulic conductivity, specific yield and distance to the river, and is an embodiment of oasis eco-systematic self-maintenance function.
External Debt to the Private Sector and the Price of Bank Loans

Since the 1990’s, developing countries have privatized their manufacturing and banking sectors. As a result, a substantially larger share of external debt has been contracted by the private sector. We examine the effects on bank loan prices as a result of this major change in the international debt markets. We find that, in general, the private sector’s external debts negatively affect the price of bank loans. Yet this impact is mitigated by the presence of potential market distortions, due to, for example, fixed foreign exchange regimes that the private sector may benefit from, but which also can exacerbate any potential negative aspect. Even so, as a general rule, the private sector’s external debts promote financial stability. Adequate market conditions, however, should be implemented to prevent potential market distortions.
Two-temperature accretion flows in magnetic cataclysmic variables: structures of post-shock emission regions and X-ray spectroscopy

We use a two-temperature hydrodynamical formulation to determine the temperature and density structures of the post-shock accretion flows in magnetic cataclysmic variables (mCVs) and calculate the corresponding X-ray spectra. The effects of two-temperature flows are significant for systems with a massive white dwarf and a strong white-dwarf magnetic field. Our calculations show that two-temperature flows predict harder keV spectra than one-temperature flows for the same white-dwarf mass and magnetic field. This result is insensitive to whether the electrons and ions have equal temperature at the shock, but depends on the electron–ion exchange rate, relative to the rate of radiative loss along the flow. White-dwarf masses obtained by fitting the X-ray spectra of mCVs using hydrodynamic models including the two-temperature effects will be lower than those obtained using single-temperature models. The bias is more severe for systems with a massive white dwarf.
Foreign Aid, Government Policies, and Economic Growth: Further Evidence from Cross-Country Panel Data for 1970-1993

Six four-year panels for 56 aid-receiving countries, covering the period 1970-1993, are used to judge the effect of foreign aid on economic growth, with a particular focus on the role of aid-receiving countries’ government policies in the effect of aid on growth. The main point made is that the parameter indicating the role of policy in the effectiveness of aid seems highly fragile. If a reasonable augmentation of the models is done by including country-specific intercept dummy variables, policy is observed to have no significant influence on the effect of aid on growth. In some cases, the aid-policy interaction parameter does not show a positive sign even without the country-dummies. Much caution is, therefore, urged in drawing strong conclusions from such estimates about the role of aid-receiving countries’ policies in the effectiveness of aid. Three additional points are noted. First, the aid-parameter has a positive sign in every augmented model (that includes country-specific intercept dummies), but its statistical significance is somewhat mixed. Second, contrary to what one might think, the parameter estimates for several variables become more precise when country-dummies are included. Last, contrast between the estimates from models that do and do not include fixed-effects country-dummies appears methodologically instructive.
M M  O-b D S

We propose an alternative characterisation of object-based distributed systems in terms of algebraic structures and topological spaces. Some examples are given in order to attest the adequacy of this approach to the subject. We also illustrate a method of transference of results from these mathematical theories that can further contribute to the advancement of distributed systems theory.
Regular salbutamol use increases CXCL8 responses in asthma: relationship to the eosinophil response

Regular salbutamol use can exacerbate allergen-induced airway eosinophilia in asthmatics, but its effect on airway eosinophil chemokine responses is unknown. Asthmatic subjects (n=14) were treated for 10 days with placebo or salbutamol in a double-blind, cross-over study, then given same-dose allergen challenges. Their sputa were then analysed 1 and 7 h later for a panel of eosinophil-related cytokines. Eosinophils from five test and three control subjects were tested for expression of CXCL8/interleukin (IL)‐8, and its receptors and responsiveness to CCL11/eotaxin and CXCL8/IL‐8. Sputum CXCL8/IL‐8, but not IL‐5, CCL5/regulated on activation, T‐cell expressed and secreted, CCL7/monocyte chemotactic protein‐3, CCL11/eotaxin, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor or tumour necrosis factor levels, were increased (42%) by the salbutamol treatments. The CXCL8/IL‐8 levels correlated with the proportions of sputum eosinophils and these cells, but not other sputum cells, stained strongly for CXCL8/IL‐8. The circulating eosinophils of the tested subjects (n=5) expressed CXCL8/IL‐8 receptors and secreted high levels of this chemokine. Neutralisation of sputum CXCL8/IL‐8 reduced eosinophil chemotactic responses to these samples by 19±5%. These data suggest that regular use of salbutamol can augment airway CXCL8/interleukin‐8 responses to allergen challenge and that this CXCL8/interleukin‐8 could contribute to the airway inflammatory response.
Government Transparency: Impacts and Unintended Consequences

PART I: BACKGROUND AND THEORY Introduction Paradoxes and Unintended Consequences of Transparency PART II: TRANSPARENCY AND CENTRAL STEERING Transparency and Ideational Changes: Nordic Openness as a Policy Discourse Transparency and Institutions of Public Accountability PART III: ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS NPM, Budget Transparency and Census Information New Domains of Openness and Transparency: Performing Foreign Affairs PART IV Conclusions Bibliography
Multi-mode resource constrained project scheduling: scheduling schemes, priority rules and mode selection rules

This work deals with the multi-mode resource-constrained project scheduling problem. In this problem, activities of the project may be executed in more than one operating mode and renewable resource constraints exist. Each activity operation mode has a different duration and requires different amount of renewable resources. The objective function considered is the minimisation of the project completion time. Heuristics based on priority rule are considered as solution procedures for this problem. Both, parallel and serial scheduling generation schemes are described in the multi-mode context. On the basis of a well-known set of project instances, the new heuristics based on priority rules are evaluated against the best ones published. Finally, multi-pass heuristics based on priority rules that outperforms the deterministic multi-pass heuristic previously published are designed.
Collaboration within a CSR Project : A Case Study of “Bra Bostäder för Småhushåll till Rimligt Pris”

Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to explore and analyze how collaboration within a CSR project develops and evolves over time. By analyzing a CSR project that in-volves actors from multiple sectors, the aim is to acquire an increased understand-ing of the collaborative process. Background: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as a concept has been growing in im-portance and is becoming an important part of corporations’ strategy, but there are still issues of how to engage in an efficient and effective way. As consumers are be-coming increasingly aware of CSR it can influences their buying behaviors. It is im-portant for corporations to engage in CSR that can result in both social and finan-cial value. CSR collaboration with external actors can provide and leverage unique combinations of resources and knowledge which could otherwise be hard for the corporation to obtain. The challenge for corporations is to find the right collabora-tive partnerships with the capabilities to meet the needs of society. Different types of actors can have different motivations behind their involvement, raising the issue of how they can collaborate without conflict. Method: To answer the purpose, a case study was conducted. The case study is based on a project called “Bra bostader for smahushall till rimligt pris” which is aimed at alle-viate the shortage of affordable housing in Sweden. The project intends to show that it is possible to build more affordable homes where the price for the end con-sumer is considered from the beginning. Primary data was collected through semi-structured interviewees with important actors involved in the case. Conclusion: The ability to develop a CSR project is critically dependent on the collabora-tion between the involved actors. The collaborative process and inclusion of differ-ent actors are based on the competencies, knowledge, and experience. Social as-pects have been the foundation for a shared purpose, but the focus has been on is-sues regarding sustainable financial viability. The collaborative nature has allowed for a unique combinations that would otherwise not been possible and have in-creased the value of the project.
Small ruminant production constraints among farmers in ika north-east local government area of Delta State, Nigeria

The study assessed small ruminants’ production constraints among farmers in Ika North- East Local Government Area, Delta State. Data were generated from sixty (60) small ruminant farmers randomly sampled through the use of structured interview schedules analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, mean and Anova and for hypothesis testing. Majority (75%) and (87.7%) of the farmers’ rear goats and using the tethering management system respectively majority (75.7%) never had contact with extension agents. However, respondents indicated that high cost of drugs/vaccines (m=2.68) and inadequate information on improved management systems (m=2.55) were major constraints to small ruminants’ production. It was recommended that appropriate extension services be put in place to enhance the knowledge of farmers on improved husbandry practices.
Law, Power and Language : Beware of Metaphors

1 Figurative Expressions in Law and Legal Language 260 2 Personifying Corporations 262 3 Legal Method I: “Finding” the Answer in “Sources of Law” . 264 4 Legal Method II: “Balancing” the Interests 266 5 Legal Method III: Providing a Coherent “System” 267 6 Metaphor, a Device for Persuasion 268