Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Behavioral characteristics of applied general equilibrium models with an Armington-Krugman-Melitz encompassing module

This paper explore how simulation results change with different choice of trade specification, and the strength of preference for traded variety by economic agent differs, utilizing two types of three-region, three-sector AGE model that includes the Armington-Krugman-Melitz Encompassing module based on Dixon and Rimmer (2012). Simulation experiments reveal that: (1) the Melitz-type specification does not always enhance effectiveness of a certain policy change more than the one obtained with the Krugman-type, especially when economic agents' preference for traded variety is not so strong; (2) there are likely to be points where the volumes of effects obtained with the Melitz-type exceed the ones with the Krugman-type; and (3) the preference of the producers, those who are in the sectors that exhibit increasing returns to scale, for traded variety might be the engine of explosive effects as suggested by Fujita, et al. (2000).
Debt financing and importance of fixed assets and goodwill assets as collateral: dynamic panel evidence

This article analyses the effect of fixed assets and goodwill assets on South African firms' debt ratios. The difference and system generalized method of moment estimation results reveal that fixed assets and goodwill assets have significant and positive relationship with firms' debt ratios. To secure long-term debt, fixed assets and goodwill assets are required as collateral by creditors. Our results show firms' adjust to long-run optimal debt level, but at a slow adjustment rate. Our results suggest there are costs preventing South African firms from adjusting faster to their long-run optimal debt level. The practical implication of the paper is that policy makers should promote policies that encourage further development of the capital market. Moreover, firms need both fixed assets and goodwill assets as collateral to raise the desired optimal debt that maximizes firm value.
Regional N 2 O fluxes in Amazonia derived from aircraft vertical profiles

Abstract. Nitrous oxide (N 2 O) is the third most important anthropogenic greenhouse gas. Globally, the main sources of N 2 O are nitrification and denitrification in soils. About two thirds of the soil emissions occur in the tropics and approximately 20% originate in wet rainforest ecosystems, like the Amazon forest. The work presented here involves aircraft vertical profiles of N 2 O from the surface to 4 km over two sites in the Eastern and Central Amazon: Tapajos National Forest (SAN) and Cuieiras Biologic Reserve (MAN), and the estimation of N 2 O fluxes for regions upwind of these sites. To our knowledge, these regional scale N 2 O measurements in Amazonia are unique and represent a new approach to looking regional scale emissions. The fluxes upwind of MAN exhibited little seasonality, and the annual mean was 2.1±1.0 mg N 2 O m −2 day −1 , higher than that for fluxes upwind of SAN, which averaged 1.5±1.6 mg N 2 O m −2 day −1 . The higher rainfall around the MAN site could explain the higher N 2 O emissions, as a result of increased soil moisture accelerating microbial nitrification and denitrification processes. For fluxes from the coast to SAN seasonality is present for all years, with high fluxes in the months of March through May, and in November through December. The first peak of N 2 O flux is strongly associated with the wet season. The second peak of high N 2 O flux recorded at SAN occurs during the dry season and can not be easily explained. However, about half of the dry season profiles exhibit significant correlations with CO, indicating a larger than expected source of N 2 O from biomass burning. The average CO:N 2 O ratio for all profiles sampled during the dry season is 94±77 mol CO:mol N 2 O and suggests a larger biomass burning contribution to the global N 2 O budget than previously reported.
Nature and origin of an exceptional Cr-rich kyanite-bearing clinopyroxenite xenolith from Mbuji-Mayi kimberlite (DRC)

A xenolith made of exceptionally Cr-rich minerals (mostly omphacite, kyanite and minor rutile) has been found in the diamondiferous Mbuji-Mayi kimberlite province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Chromium contents (Cr2O3) are hetero- geneously distributed in the bulk sample, as well as in a single crystal: 3.34-5.70 wt% in omphacite, 4.45-11.81 wt% in kyanite and 2.68-4.65 wt% in rutile. Such Cr-rich kyanite is extremely rare; only grospydite xenoliths from the Zagadochnaya kimberlite (Yakutia) have been reported with kyanite containing up to 12.86 wt% Cr2O3. However, unlike typical grospydites, no garnet is observed in the Mbuji-Mayi Cr-rich kyanite-bearing clinopyroxenite. The textural features of this rock and the tentative thermobarometric equilibration conditions (25-35 kbar, 700-800 � C) argue for an origin related to that of eclogites, which are the predominant xenoliths in the Mbuji-Mayi kimberlites. The calculated whole-rock composition suggests an Al-, Ca- and Cr-rich protolith that resembles Cr-rich leucogabbros or anorthosites commonly found in Archean anorthosite massifs. The peak P-T conditions registered by this unusual rock can be reached either by Archean subduction or by mafic magma underplating at the crust-to-mantle boundary with subsequent delamination into the upper mantle.
Discourse Analysis of Interpersonal Meaning to Understand the Discrepancy between Teacher Knowing and Practice.

Background:As is well known to all bridging teacher knowledge or learning with practice is not a straightforward task. This paper aims to explore this discrepancy between a mathematics teacher’s knowing and practices and to offer ways of alignment between the two based on the social/interpersonal meanings and their realization through teacher’s discourse.Material and methods:In this study we utilized discourse analysis of interpersonal meanings within a high school mathematics class mainly by focusing on the mathematics teacher’s discourseResults:We have found that an interpersonal meaning manifested by teacher’s discourse establishes counterproductive social roles and relationships for the knowing/learning to come alive.Conclusions:We conclude that the realization of interpersonal meanings can hinder or support the generation of ideas within the classroom: both for teacher’s knowing and student’s mathematical meaning making
Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Soil from the Iron Mines of Itakpe and Agbaja, Kogi State, Nigeria

The study evaluates associated health risks of heavy metals in the soil to inhabitants of two mining areas of Nigeria. For so doing, it collects and analyses nine homogenous soil samples for their lead, copper, cadmium, zinc, and chromium levels, using AAS. The samples are then used to calculate health risks to adults and children. For adult population in Agbaja community, the calculated hazard quotients fall below one in all considered pathways. Hazard index values for all the pathways are also less than one, taking the following order: Cu>Cr>Pb>Cd>Zn. It is shown that for all considered heavy metals, the adult population in Agbaja mining community was not at any risk of non-carcinogenic effects from these metals. As for the children in Agbaja, the calculated HQ values for Cd and Zn have been less than one in all the pathways, while the HQ values for Pb, Cr, and Cu have significantly surpassed 1, with the ingestion route being the main pathway. The HI values have been in the following order: Cu>Cr>Pb>Cd>Zn, which poses serious non-carcinogenic health risks to the children, living around this community. The carcinogenic risk has been calculated based on Pb, Cd, and Cr, with the former (Pb) proven to be the highest contributor to cancer risk. USEPA considers acceptable cancer risk within the range of 1×10−6 to 1×10−4. Though insignificant in its values, carcinogenic risk for adults in Agbaja (2.95×10-4) and Itakpe (4.71×10-4) and for children in Itakpe (4.47×10-4) have been higher than the acceptable values. Hence, the adults are more at risk, for whom ingestion is the main contributor to excess lifetime cancer risk, followed by dermal pathways. Considering the health hazards, entailed by the accumulation of these heavy metals, on human health, mining sites and areas require to get monitored properly.
HIV gp120‐induced neuroinflammation potentiates NMDA receptors to overcome basal suppression of inhibitory synapses by p38 MAPK

HIV‐associated neurocognitive disorder affects about half of HIV‐infected patients. HIV impairs neuronal function through indirect mechanisms mainly mediated by inflammatory cytokines and neurotoxic viral proteins, such as the envelope protein gp120. HIV gp120 elicits a neuroinflammatory response that potentiates NMDA receptor function and induces the loss of excitatory synapses. How gp120 influences neuronal inhibition remains unknown. In this study, we expressed a green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐tagged recombinant antibody‐like protein that binds to the post‐synaptic scaffolding protein gephyrin to label inhibitory synapses in living neurons. Treatment with 600 pM gp120 for 24 h increased the number of labeled inhibitory synapses. HIV gp120 evoked the release of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) from microglia to activate IL‐1 receptors on neurons. Subsequent activation of the tyrosine kinase Src and GluN2A‐containing NMDA receptors increased the number of inhibitory synapses via a process that required protein synthesis. In naïve cultures, inhibition of neuronal p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) increased the number of inhibitory synapses suggesting that p38 MAPK produces a basal suppression of inhibitory synapses that is overcome in the presence of gp120. Direct activation of a mutant form of p38 MAPK expressed in neurons mimicked basal suppression of inhibitory synapses. This study shows for the first time that gp120‐induced neuroinflammation increases the number of inhibitory synapses and that this increase overcomes a basal suppression of synaptic inhibition. Increased inhibition may be an adaptive mechanism enabling neurons to counteract excess excitatory input in order to maintain network homeostasis.
Tidal modelling in the Gulf of Khambhat based on a numerical and analytical approach

In this study, a two-dimensional numerical model of the Gulf of Khambat has been implemented based on the Delft3D code to study the tidal propagation in the basin. The model has been calibrated and validated versus tidal measurements. Moreover, an analytical model for tidal propagation in converging estuary has been implemented based on the analytical work of Van Rijn (2011a). The two models show a good agreement, also with respect to observations. Moreover, the use of an analytical model with very low computational time, in support to a more sophisticated but computational time consuming numerical model, allows for an easy understanding of the different geometrical parameters (e.g. convergence length, water depth) and physical processes (e.g. damping due to bottom friction, tidal shoaling due to funnelling shape, tidal reflection) affecting the system and for an interpretation of the results of the more complex Delft3D numerical model. The effects of external changes on the physical system (e.g. impact of sea level rise) can also be easily accessed by means of a simple analytical model.
METAL CONCENTRATIONS IN UNIO PICTORUM MANCUS (MOLLUSCA, LAMELLIBRANCHIA) FROM OF 12 NORTHERN ITALIAN LAKES IN RELATION TO THEIR TROPHIC LEVEL

This research aims to test the reliability of environmental monitoring by bioaccumulators of pollutants; that is to establish a positive relationship between the pollutant concentrations in the bioaccumulator and those in the water in which it lives. To this end we analysed the contents of Al, Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn and Ca in the soft tissues and shell of Unio pictorum mancus. The filtered water samples from the mussel habitat were analysed for the same metals. The mussels were collected from 15 stations settled in 12 Northern Italian lakes during the first two weeks of July 2001. These results were obtained: a) metal concentrations varied widely with mussel size and among stations; b) a significant positive correlation between the concentration of calcium in the water and in the mussel tissues, but no relationship emerged for the other metals; c) no relationship between the metal concentrations in the tissues and those in the shell was found; d) there was a certain tendency for Mn, Fe and Zn concentrations in the soft tissues to increase with shell size; e) the sequence of the decreasing metal concentrations arranged for the tissues was similar to that of the shell, but rather different from that in the water; and f) the concentration factor values of the trace metals were high for the shell and soft tissues. In highly productive lakes large size mussels dominated, whereas small mussels were more abundant in low productive lakes. Although the metal concentrations in the water of productive lakes were greater than in low productive ones, the metal concentrations in the tissues of the mussels from the latter were generally higher than those in the mussels from the former. We propose some hypotheses to explain this paradox. Finally, our results show that the metal concentrations in the mussels do not reflect the metal concentrations in the water in which they live. It follows that this commonly used but oversimplified monitoring system cannot be recommended. On the other hand mussels may be very useful for other purposes, such as identifying new pollutants or pollutants present in such low concentrations that they cannot be measured with the commonly used methods. The pollutant content of mussels may enable the variations in time of the pollutant level of an environment to be monitored. In addition, the transplantation of mussels from a clean site to a polluted one may be a useful tool for identify the pollutants of the receiving environment.
STEM Graduates and Secondary School Curriculum

ABSTRACT This work explores the effect of strengthening the science curriculum in secondary school on STEM university education. By exploiting the staggered implementation of a reform that encouraged secondary schools in England to offer more science courses to 14-year-olds, I find that taking five more hours per week of science classes increases considerably the probability of enrolling in and graduating with a STEM degree. These results mask substantial gender heterogeneity—more exposure to science only increases boys’ likelihood of enrolling in a STEM degree. Treated girls, although induced to choose more challenging degrees, still opt for more female-dominated (mostly non-STEM) ones.
Experimental assessment of nutrient limitation along a 2‐million‐year dune chronosequence in the south‐western Australia biodiversity hotspot

1. The classical model of long‐term ecosystem development suggests that primary productivity is limited by nitrogen (N) on young substrates and phosphorus (P) on older substrates. Measurements of foliar and soil nutrients along soil chronosequences support this model, but direct tests through nutrient‐addition experiments are rare.
FOOD CONSUMPTION PATTERN AND LIFESTYLE MODIFICATION TRAITS IN RELATION TO THE LEVEL OF STRESS AMONG INDIVIDUALS OF UTTARAKHAND, INDIA

The increase in the stress generated psychophysiological disorders promotes a probe into the influence of lifestyle modification factors and food consumption on stress . Hence, the present study aims to study, firstly, the impact of lifestyle modification factors on stress in reference to sex and secondly, the frequency of the consumption of major food groups by individuals experiencing various levels of stress in reference to sex. An exploratory study comprising a sample of 117 individuals (62females and 55 males) of age range 22-55years was conducted in Uttarakhand, India. PSSI was administered for assessing the levels of stress. Questionnaires were developed for identifying lifestyle modification factors and food consumption pattern. Mean scores and percentages were employed to describe the data. t-test and χ² were deployed for the assessment of significant difference. Non vegetarian females, male smokers and alcoholics of both the sexes revealed higher stress than their counterparts. Females consuming junk and market food had lower stress than those females who were not consuming the same. Contrary to the females, males consuming junk and market food had higher stress levels than the males who were not consuming junk and market food. Significant differences were found in the stress levels of males who consumed roots and tubers, milk based products and saturated fats. Further studies with larger sample size are required.Int. J. Soc. Sc. Manage. Vol. 3, Issue-4: 239-245
Discharge and suspended sediment dynamics during two jökulhlaups in the Skaftá river, Iceland

This paper investigates the dynamics and significance of discharge and suspended sediment transport (SST) during two jökulhlaups (glacier outburst floods) in the Skaftá River, south Iceland. Jökulhlaups occur frequently in many glacial environments and are highly significant in the geomorphological evolution of river basins and coastal environments. However, direct high‐resolution monitoring of jökulhlaups has rarely been accomplished and hardly ever at more than one station in a downstream sequence. Here we present detailed data on jökulhlaup discharge and water quality from an intensive monitoring and sampling programme at two sites in summer 1997 when two jökulhlaups occurred. Evidence is discussed that supports the origin of both jökulhlaups being subglacial reservoirs, produced over several months by subglacial geothermal activity. At the downstream site, Ása‐Eldvatn, the larger jökulhlaup (1) had a peak discharge of 572 m3 s−1 and a peak suspended sediment flux of 4650 kg s−1 (channel‐edge value) or 4530 kg s−1 (cross‐sectional). These values compare to the non‐jökulhlaup flow of 120 m3 s−1 and suspended sediment flux of 190 kg s−1 (channel‐edge) or 301 kg s−1 (cross‐sectional). Significantly, the jökulhlaups transported 18·8 per cent of the annual runoff and 53 per cent of the annual suspended sediment transport in 6·6 per cent of the year. Furthermore, water chemistry, suspended sediment and seismic data suggest that volcanic activity and geothermal boiling (possibly including steam explosions) may have occurred during Jökulhlaup 1. The research illustrates the value of integrating high‐resolution, multi‐point field monitoring of meteorological, hydrological, hydrochemical, geomorphological and seismological data for understanding the dynamics, significance and downstream translation of jökulhlaups. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Semileptonic B / Bs decays at Belle

The Belle experiment at the KEKB asymmetric energy e+e- collider recorded large data sets of both, B and Bs decays. Semileptonic decays B(s) -> X l nu (l = electron or muon) constitute approximately one fifth of the total decay width of B(s) mesons and play an important role in the determination of the CKM matrix elements V_ub and V_cb. Recent results from Belle are presented, including the study of B- -> Ds(*) K l nu, the first measurements of semi-inclusive modes B -> D(*) X l nu and the measurement of the inclusive branching fraction Bf(Bs -> X l nu).
Gap resonances in focused wave groups

Introduction We are concerned with the free surface behaviour between two closely spaced hulls, such as a floating LNG barge and a shuttle LNG tanker. Linear diffraction theory predicts that when regular waves are incident on such a configuration, very large resonant responses of the free surface may occur at certain frequencies. The phenomenon is similar to the resonances which may be excited in a moonpool (e.g. Molin, 2001). We refer to the present behaviour as “gap resonances”. Model tests have shown that the resonant responses in regular waves can indeed be considerably larger than the incident waves in some cases, though they may also be rather lower than predicted by linear potential theory. The reduced amplitudes measured in the tests are due, at least in part, to viscous effects such as shear on the side walls and separation at the corners, but the influence of these at full scale is not clear. Another consideration is that, in general, real waves at sea are not regular, and the build-up of resonant motions will depend on the nature of the incident wave packet. It is this aspect that we investigate here.
A comparison of root canal preparations using stainless steel, Ni-Ti hand, and Ni-Ti engine-driven endodontic instruments – an in vitro study

The main advantage of nickel titanium instruments is that they permit canal preparation with less transportation and ledging. Hand used Ni-Ti and rotary Ni-Ti instruments have a wider range of elastic deformation and greater flexibility. The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the preparation time, loss of working length, apical transportation, instrument deformation and fracture with stainless steel, Ni-Ti hand and Ni-Ti rotary endodontic instruments. Fifty freshly extracted human mandibular molars with curved roots were collected and stored in 10% formalin. The samples were divided into 3 groups of 15 each. The access opening was made for each tooth and the biomechanical preparation was carried out using crown down pressureless technique in all the groups. Group I was instrumented with stainless steel files, group II with hand Ni-Ti and group III with Ni-Ti rotary files. The preparation time to enlarge each canal was recorded in minutes and seconds, which included only active instrumentation. Following preparation, the final length of each canal was subtracted from the original length to give the loss of working length. SEM photographs of the deformed and fractured instruments were taken. The apical transportation was measured using computer software (Microdraw 4.1). The readings were noted and statistically analyzed. The results of this in vitro study showed that the mean preparation time was less with Ni- Ti rotary (1.85 min) when compared to hand Ni-Ti (6.33) and stainless steel files (6.73), which was statistically significant. The loss of working length was more for stainless steel group which was statistically significant (P<0.05) when compared with the other 2 groups.One instrument in stainless steel and one in Ni-Ti rotary files were fractured. Only one instrument in stainless steel file deformed permanently. Apical transportation was found to be greater in stainless steel group than other groups (P<0.01) which was statistically significant. Considering the parameters in this study, Ni-Ti rotary files proved to perform better than the other two groups. Key words: Canal preparation; crown-down pressure less technique; double exposure radiographic technique. DOI: 10.3329/bjms.v9i4. 6689 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.09 No.4 July 2010 pp.223-230
Food Sector Transformation and Standards in Zambia: Smallholder Farmer Participation and Growth in the Dairy Sector

Market liberalization in Zambia has led to a rapid and fundamental transformation of its dairy sector. Mainly through foreign direct investment and international partnerships, a new formal dairy sector, characterized by institutional, organizational and technological innovation, emerged from the ashes of abandoned government projects. Sensing the development opportunity that arose from an untapped milk supply potential in Zambia's traditional smallholder livestock production and a growing milk demand from the newly emerging formal dairy processing sector, numerous donor-funded smallholder dairy farmer support programs emerged. At the same time, in order to protect its domestic market as well as to be in a better position to enter demanding export markets, stakeholders from the private, public and NGO sector have recently joined forces to develop technical dairy product standards for Zambia based on the CODEX.