Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Resonance Frequencies and Damping of a Combustor Acoustically Coupled to an Absorber

The coupled acoustic system of a cylindrical combustor and an absorber cavity has been investigated experimentally in hot-fire and cold-flow tests. The addition of an absorber volume to the combustor is shown to result in eigenfrequencies of the coupled system systematically different from that of a pure cylindrical resonance volume. The general behavior of the coupled system is explained based on an analytical one-dimensional analysis of the problem. Numerical simulations in two dimensions result in very good agreement with experimental observations. A three-dimensional simulation of a cylinder equipped with 40 absorbers demonstrates the relevance of the reported phenomena for rocket engines equipped with absorber rings. Experimental data on the damping behavior of an absorber are given and the damping of absorbers is discussed based on the numerically obtained acoustic eigenmodes of the coupled system.
Getting What You Pay For: The Case of Southern Economic Development

For the past fifty years, states of the American South have been competing with one another in order to recruit businesses to locate within their borders. While previous research has focused on assessing the short-term success of a tax-based recruitment plan, this paper addresses an important gap in the literature by looking at the long-term consequences that such a development policy can impose on a state’s industrial structure. By incorporating the role of firm mobility, this paper demonstrates that at the state level, the effect of lowering the corporate income tax on the factor intensity of a state’s manufacturing industries is theoretically ambiguous because it is dependent on the type of firm that finds it easier to move. Using historical data from 1957-1992 and a dynamic, partial adjustment model, this paper establishes an empirical link between low corporate tax rates and labor-intensive manufacturing industries, thereby suggesting that a low-tax policy is encouraging the immigration of footloose, laborintensive firms. Moreover, the paper finds that the labor used tends to be of an unskilled (production) nature, even as the national trend is to substitute away from unskilled labor into skilled labor.
Toxicological Effects and Molecular Changes Due to Mercury Toxicity in Freshwater Snakehead (Channa punctatus Bloch, 1973)

The objectives of this work was to examine the toxicological effect and molecular changes caused by a heavy metal pollutant mercuric chloride (HgCl 2 ), in fresh water snakehead Channa punctatus, locally known as Taki fish in Bangladesh. When fishes were exposed to HgCl 2 , it induced death of the fishes in a concentration-dependent manner. 1 mM, the highest concentration tested in this study, was found to be the deadliest and it induced death of the fishes within 35 to 40 minutes. As the concentration lowered (0.5 mM - 0.1 mM) the survival time increased dose- dependently to near about five hours. HgCl 2 dissolved in different types of water (such as distilled water, tap water and pond water) was found to have no effects in changing the required time of fish death. We later investigated the effect of HgCl 2 on fish liver cells as liver cells are known to be mostly affected by toxic metals . HgCl 2 found to decrease liver cell viability to 32% by the higher concentration (1 mM) tested. Liver cell viability increased up to 82% with decreasing concentration of HgCl 2 from 0.5 mM to 0.1 mM. To characterize the mechanism of cell death induced by HgCl 2, the changes in molecular level was then examined. It was found that the heavy metal induced chromosomal DNA fragmentation and expression of certain proteins.
Tax Rates and Corporate Decision Making

We survey companies and find that many use incorrect tax rate inputs into important corporate decisions. Specifically, many companies use an average tax rate (the GAAP effective tax rate, ETR) to evaluate incremental decisions, rather than using the theoretically correct marginal tax rate. We find evidence consistent with behavioral biases (heuristics, salience) and managers’ educational backgrounds affecting these choices. We estimate the economic consequences of using the theoretically incorrect tax rate and find that using the ETR for capital structure decisions leads to suboptimal leverage choices and using the ETR in investment decisions makes firms less responsive to investment opportunities.
The Labor-Market Returns to Community College Degrees, Diplomas, and Certificates

This article provides one of the first rigorous estimations of the labor-market returns to community college certificates and diplomas, as well as estimations of the returns to the more commonly studied associate’s degrees. Using administrative data from Kentucky, we estimate panel-data models that control for differences among students in precollege earnings and educational aspirations. Associate’s degrees and diplomas have quarterly earnings returns of nearly $2,400 for women and $1,500 for men, compared with much smaller returns for certificates. There is substantial heterogeneity in returns across fields of study. Degrees, diplomas, and—for women—certificates correspond with higher levels of employment.
Two-dimensional simulation images of pulsed corona discharges in a wire-plate reactor

Two-dimensional time-dependent numerical simulations on a pulsed corona discharge are presented in a wire-plate reactor. The discharge modeling includes the three modules for the corona discharge, reactive species generation, and plasma properties. Two-dimensional images of the electron density and electric field intensity illustrate that streamer propagation is strongly influenced by the reactor geometry, particularly, the neighboring wire distance.
The Differentiability of the Drag with Respect to the Variations of a Lipschitz Domain in a Navier--Stokes Flow

This paper is concerned with the computation of the drag $T$ associated with a body traveling at uniform velocity in a fluid governed by the stationary Navier--Stokes equations. It is assumed that the fluid fills a domain of the form $\Omega+u$, where $\Omega\subset\reels^3$ is a reference domain and $u$ is a displacement field. We assume only that $\Omega$ is a Lipschitz domain and that $u$ is Lipschitz-continuous. We prove that, at least when the velocity of the body is sufficiently small, $u\mapsto T(\Omega+u)$ is a $C^{\infty}$ mapping (in a ball centered at $0$). We also compute the derivative at $0$.
To Divest or Not to Divest: A Meta‐Analysis of the Antecedents of Corporate Divestitures

Corporate divestitures have been identified as important strategic actions with a positive impact on firm performance. Yet, what is still missing in the strategic management literature is an integrative framework that quantitatively synthesizes the relative impact of various antecedents to divestitures, and theoretically reconciles the multitude of theories underlying divestiture research. To fill this gap, the author conducts a meta‐analysis (based on a sample of 35 studies) and develops four broad categories of determinants: corporate governance; firm strategy; performance; and industry environment. Evidence is found that divestitures are driven mainly by prior divestment experience, structural factors (firm size and firm diversification) and weak unit performance. In addition, the relative predictive validity of several theoretical perspectives on divestment decisions is assessed.
Electoral Rules for Mayors and Incentives to Pork-Barrel: Quasi-Experimental Evidence from German Municipalities

This paper exploits a natural experiment in Hesse where a reform of the electoral rule from mayor appointment by the local council towards direct mayor elections was introduced during a phase-in period from 1993 to 1998. The end of the term of the last appointed mayor varies across municipalities for exogenous historical reasons and determines the timing of the switch in a particular municipality. Di fference-in-di fference estimations for 421 municipalities over the period from 1981 to 2010 reveal that municipalities with a directly elected mayor attract 5% more investment transfers from the state tier. This e ffect only materializes in the election year which suggests that mayors under the new electoral rule put more e ffort into grant applications for highly visible infrastructure projects in order to increase their re-election probability.
Vertical Copepod Assemblages (0-2300 m) off Southern Brazil

The structure of copepod assemblages in the region of the Campos Basin was studied for a 1 yr period. Zooplankton samples were obtained in the 2002 wet season and 2003 dry season, by stratified vertical hauls in 4 previously identified water masses: tropical water (TW), South Atlantic central water (SACW), intermediate Antarctica water (IAW), and North Atlantic deep water (NADW). Temperature and salinity were determined. The copepod mean density did not significantly differ (p＜0.05) between the northern and southern stations in the 2 seasons, but significantly differed among the water masses, and in each water mass in the 2 seasons, except for the SACW. The highest mean density was found in the TW, and the lowest in the NADW. Eighty-nine taxa of copepods, with 70 generally distributed species and 19 species exclusive to 1 or another water mass were recorded in the 4 water masses. The copepod assemblages of the Campos Basin showed tropical characteristics, and were numerically dominated by epipelagic species: Clausocalanus furcatus, Farranula gracilis, and Oncaea venusta in TW; Pleuromamma abdominalis, Macrosetella gracilis, Oncaea venusta, and Clausocalanus furcatus in the SACW; Clausocalanus furcatus, Oncaea venusta, Triconia conifera, and Calanoides carinatus in the IAW; and Oncaea venusta, Oithona similis, Clausocalanus furcatus, Farranula gracilis, and Mecynocera clausi in the NADW. Differences in the copepod community along the water column were found. Differences in copepod compositions and abundances were possibly a consequence of the influences of oceanic and shelf waters, with contributions of deep-water species to the upper-level water masses. Despite the oligotrophic nature of the Brazil Current, the densities found were higher than those observed along the Brazilian coast and in other tropical regions.
In search of the elusive Chinese urban middle class: an exploratory analysis

This article aims to identify and characterise the Chinese urban middle class. We propose to improve the description of the middle class using an innovative approach combining an economic approach (based on income) and a sociological approach (based on education and occupation). The empirical investigations conducted as part of this research are based on the China Health and Nutrition Survey (2009). First, we define the middle income class as households with an annual per capita income between 10,000 yuan and the 95th percentile. On this basis, approximately 50% of urban households may be said to belong to the middle class. Second, we use information on employment and education to characterise the heterogeneity of the middle income class. Using clustering methods, we identify four groups: (i) the elderly and the inactive middle class, mainly composed of pensioners; (ii) the old middle class, composed of self-employed workers; (iii) the marginal middle class, composed of skilled and unskilled workers; and (iv) the new middle class, composed of highly educated wage earners in the public sector. We show that the different groups have distinctive features based on variables such as housing and household appliances and equipment.
Ageing and changes in medical practices : reassessing the influence of demography

On the basis of French individual data, this paper compares the effect of demographic change, changes in morbidity and changes in practices on the growth in health expenditures that occurred between 1992 and 2000. Microsimulations show that the rise in expenditures due to aging is relatively small and that the impact of changes in practices is 3.8 times larger. Furthermore, changes in morbidity induce savings which more that offset the increase in spending due to the population aging.
Assessment of Molecular Binding of Podophyllotoxin Analogues into ATPase Domain of Topoisomerase II Using Docking-MM-GB/SA Approach

Synthetic analogues of Podophyllotoxin have been used to create efficient safer anticancer drugs. One hundred twenty six analogues using combinatorial design with structural modifications of the scaffold structure of podophyllotoxin are herein described. Molecular interaction and binding affinities with ATPase domain of human DNA Topoisomerase II (TP-II) using docking-MM-GB/SA screening are illustrated. Results showed that these analogues docked in a similar position and orientation on the ATPase domain of TP-II. A linear correlation (r 2 = 0.5707) was observed between the calculated free energy of bi nding (FEB) and experimental IC50 for the inhibitors, suggesting that theses inhibitors bind weakly with TP-II. Three H-bonds between podophyllotoxin analogues (trans lactones) and DNA topoisomerase II were observed. The vdW energy estimated by generalized born/surface area (GB/SA) plays an important role in the binding affinity of podophyllotoxin analogues. Out of 126 derivatives, lactones tetralines were found to be the most potent in general in comparison with the non-lactones tetralines and non-lactones cyclolignans. This work addresses to modify the lactone moiety and prepare synthet ic anal ogues with heteroatoms at different positions of the podophyllotoxin and further screening for a successful candidate drug in a computer-aided rational drug design.
Quality indicators of pharmacists' services in community pharmacies in Paraná State, Brazil

Pharmacists and their pharmacies have been evolving in their roles as health promoters in Brazil. Some examples are the recent legislation reaffirming the role of Brazilian pharmacies as health institutions, rather than having only a commercial profile, giving greater clarity to pharmacists about their roles as health care providers. This evolution came with the recognition that is already seen in other developed countries, confirming the need for the pharmacist as a health promoter, and not simply a dispenser of drugs in society. This study has obtained the profile and activities of community pharmacists, as well as the quality indicators of private community pharmacies throughout the State of Parana through the application of an online survey sent to pharmacists in the state. Out of all pharmacists surveyed, 533 were part of the final analysis, being the pharmacists to complete the survey in full. Participants were mostly female (69.4%) and were, on average, 35.2 ± 9.2 years old. Of these, 60% worked in pharmacy chains and just 37% of all pharmacist respondents were issuing the Declaration of Pharmaceutical Services. The current study showed that many pharmaceutical services are not adopted by pharmacies as these services bring no significant financial reward. Regarding the structure, the Parana State showed that pharmacies present a good overall structure. The kind of pharmacy (chain or independent) influenced the pharmaceutical services provided and the available structure, where the independent pharmacies provide a wider range of services and have better structure. This study was able to identify the profile and behaviors of pharmacists and also the quality indicators of pharmacies in Parana State.
Use of microseaweeds (Chlorella pyrenoidosa) as a probiotic in dairy goats feeding

Ten Majorera dairy goats were divided into two groups in order to observe the effects of the Chlorella pyrenoidosa oral administration on the colostrum and milk quality and on the animals' immune status. Treated animals received 5 g/day of seaweed from 40 days before partum to 40 days after partum, and blood, colostrum, and milk samples were obtained during the experimental period. No effects of the seaweed addition were observed on blood plasma IgG or chitotriosidase (CHT) activity, neither on colostrum/milk IgG, CHT activity nor on fatty acid profile.
Patterns of interaction in young EFL learners’ pair work: the relationship between pair dynamics and vocabulary acquisition

Adopting a social learning perspective towards the interface between the use of pair work and language learning, the present study investigated the dyadic interaction in an EFL course for young learners at pre-elementary school level. A number of 18 EFL learners were put into 9 pairs and received instructions on 24 target vocabulary items during 6 sessions. In each session, the participants completed a recognitions task and a production task. Their dialogues were recorded, transcribed, and coded as exhibiting one of the four patterns: collaborative, expert/novice, dominant/dominant, and dominant/passive based on Storch’s (2002) patterns of interaction coding scheme. The comparison between the patterns and the participants’ performance on a vocabulary test revealed that collaborative and expert/novice were associated with better learning outcomes. The findings are discussed along with Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory and pedagogical implications for trainers and instructors. Keywords: Sociocultural theory; social learning; patterns of interaction; peer response; vocabulary acquisition DOI: http://doi.org/10.17576/3L-2017-2301-08
Type 2 diabetes mellitus and its determinants among adults in an urban area of Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu

Non communicable disease (NCD) are a major public health threat with an increasing burden on the Health Care Delivery System. Non-communicable diseases last for a longer duration and are a result of a combination of modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors such as genetic, physiological, environmental and behavioral factors. The current epidemic of non-communicable diseases in India is attributed to the increase in longevity and lifestyle changes resulting from urbanization. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the main chronic noncommunicable diseases prevalent in India.
The use of chemical tracers to water injection processes applied on Romanian reservoirs

The hydrocarbon reservoirs are extremely complex, each reservoir having its own identity. Reservoirs heterogeneity (mainly regarding the layered ones) frequently results in low recovery efficiencies, both under the primary regime and when different agents are injected from the surface. EOR processes efficiency depends on how detailed the reservoir is known and on the information related to fluids flow through reservoir. There are certain analyzes, investigations and tests providing good knowledge about the reservoir. The tracer tests are among them, being frequently used to water injection processes. Depending on the method used, IWTT (Interwell tracer test), SWTT (Single-Well Tracer Test), TWTT (Two-Well Tracer Test), information are obtained as related to: the setting of the preferential flow path of the injected fluid, the identification of water channels, evidencing the geological barriers, determining the residual oil saturation, around the well bore or along the tracer's path between two wells. This paper is focused on ICPT Cefforts related to the use of the chemical tracers to the water injection processes applied to the oil reservoirs of Romania. It describes the usual tracers and the methods used to detect them in the reaction wells. Up to now, more than 50 tests with IWTT tracers have been performed on-site and this work presents some of their results.
Shareholder structure and compliance with the board best practice: econometric analysis

The article examines compliance with corporate governance best practice in the post-transition economy addressing the heterogeneity of interests of different shareholders. On the basis of agency theory we suggest that in the concentrated ownership environment the principal-principal conflict results in lower compliance with the corporate governance code. More specifically, since compliance with best practice requires introducing independent directors and in that sense shifts control from shareholders to the board, we hypothesize that companies characterized by concentrated ownership and the dominant position of the founder / individual investor are reluctant to comply with board best practice. To evaluate our hypothesis we explore compliance with board best practice with respect to the presence of independent directors, formation of audit committee and other specialized board committees (remuneration, risk, strategy). We test the link between the compliance with the code and the ownership structure. Our analysis supports the principal-principal conflict argument and shows that companies with concentrated ownership and founder control do not comply with the board best practice.
Prevalence and Determinants of Institutional Delivery Service Uptake among Women in Farta District, Northwest Ethiopia

Background: Although institutional delivery is the corner stone to reduce maternal death and improve child health, institutional delivery in Ethiopia is the lower in the world where only 26% of women attained skilled delivery. This study aimed to identify factors determininging the utilization of delivery services among women in Farta District. Method: A community based cross sectional study design was conducted from March 1-30, 2017. Multistage sampling was used to select women. Data were collected from a sample of 779 women using structured questionnaire, entered in to EPI-info version 7.2, and analysed by SPSS Version 23. Frequencies, percentages and summary statistics were computed to describe the study population. Logistic regression was computed to identify the associated predictors with skilled delivery service utilization. Statistical level of significance was declared at p<0.05. Results: The prevalence of institutional delivery was 64.4% (95% CI=61, 67.4). A multivariable logistic regression model indicated that family size, availability of transport, planned pregnancy, information about place of delivery, participation of women monthly health conference (PWMHC), information about exempted service, and having antenatal care (ANC) follow up during their last pregnancy were found to be significantly associated with institutional delivery service utilization. Conclusion: The attendance of women for institutional delivery care is good but below the national plan. Maternal care information, women monthly conference and behavioural change for planning pregnancy should be taken due attention to mobilize mothers towards skilled birth attendance. Allocation of more resource to the program and increasing availability of transportation during labor is also commendable. Improving mother’s ANC follow up attendance in resource limited regions is warmly suggested.
EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SOLUBLE BACITRACIN (BACIVET S®) IN DRINKING WATER COMPARED TO BACITRACIN IN THE FEED (ALBAC), DURING AN EXPERIMENTAL REPRODUCTION OF EPIZOOTIC RABBIT ENTEROPATHY SYNDROME

The effectiveness of soluble bacitracin in drinking water (Bacivet S) compared to bacitracin in the feed (Albac) was tested, during an experimental infection of ERE syndrome. Treatments were used before or after the experimental contamination. Weanlings (168) were divided at 32 days of age into 4 groups: contaminated but not medicated control group, group with bacitracin 100ppm in the feed (Albac), 2 groups medicated with Bacivet S® (0.675g/l of drinking water) before (preventive use) or after (curative use) contamination. Results of this study confirm the efficiency of bacitracin in ERE syndrome conditions with a significant reduction in mortality and morbidity compared to the non treated group. A preventive use of Bacivet S is as effective as bacitracin 100ppm in the feed (Albac) during the acute period of the disease. The curative use of Bacivet S® during 14 days, after the observations of the first symptoms, also reduces rabbits mortality and morbidity compared to the control but is less effective than a preventive use.