Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Expected fiscal policy and interest rates in open economy

This paper reconsiders the long term effect of fiscal policy on interest rates using a real-time dataset of macroeconomic and fiscal variables in a panel of 17 OECD countries over the period 1989-2009. We show that, after controlling for cross sectional dependence using a Factor Augmented Panel, interest rates are mostly related to global factors. Among domestic fiscal variables, the level of expected public debt mantains a positive correlation with interest rates, while among the global factors, the aggregate monetary and fiscal stance play a quantitatively sizeable role. We then analyze how impulses from the aggregate fiscal stance influence each country's interest rates. We find that these effects are modest in large economies and particularly strong in economies characterized by low initial financial integration, leading the way to a novel interpretation of the divergent behaviour of interest rates in the recent financial crisis.
The Effect of Chronic Renal Failure on Thyroid Hormones Specificity Measured fT3 in a Sample of Iraqi Patients

Background: Chronic renal failure (CRF) affects thyroid function in multiple ways, including low circulating thyroid hormone concentration, altered peripheral hormone metabolism, disturbed binding to carrier proteins, possible reduction in tissue thyroid hormone content, and increased iodine store. Objective: To evaluate of thyroid Gland Function in patients with chronic renal failure and an attempt to find a relationship between chronic renal failure and thyroid dysfunctions. Subjects and Methods: A total number of 96 subjects with age range from 15-67 years old (56 males and 40 females) were included in this study. Total number was divided into two groups according to their number Group A. Study group: haemodialysis (HD) consists of 48 patients and Group B. Control group: consists of 48 subjects. T3, T4, TSH, fT3, Urea, Creatinine, Albumin and TSP were measured in each of the two groups. Results: The results revealed statistically significant reduction serum level of tT3 , fT3 more than tT4 in Chronic Renal Failure group in comparison with normal levels in control group while there is no statistically significant difference seen between case and control groups in regard to TSH. Conclusion: There is a decrease serum level of tT3 , tT4 and fT3 but the decreased of tT3 and fT3 more than tT4 in Chronic Renal Failure group in comparison with normal levels in control group.
Role of organic matter, clay, and iron contents in the sorption of oxytetracycline on river sediments

Background: Oxytetracycline (OTC) is a widely-used antibiotic; metabolism studies indicate only partial assimilation of it inside the body. Traditional wastewater treatment plants cannot remove OTC, and this results in the release of considerable amounts of the drug into aquatic environments. There is much concern over the role of residual antibiotics in the development of new generations of bacteria with modified resistance to the antibiotics. The present work investigated the possibility of OTC sorption on river sediments. Methods: Seven sediment samples were collected from various locations and depths of the Passaic River in New Jersey. The texture, clay, extractable iron, and organic matter contents of the sediments were determined. Pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometric (Py GC-MS) analysis indicated the presence of 3 categories of organic materials: petroleum hydrocarbons, anthropogenic, and plant residual materials. The sediment samples were equilibrated with OTC solutions for 24 hours followed by centrifugation and syringe filtration. The residual OTC contents were determined by high performance liquid chromatography. Results: It appeared that 35%-60% fractions of OTC were retained by the sediments. The sorption capacity values of the sediments were correlated with clay content, organic matter content, and available iron. A poor correlation was found between adsorption capacity and clay content in the presence of organic matter and iron. Meanwhile, a relatively strong correlation was found between adsorption capacity with the iron, R2 = 0.7499, and organic matter contents of the sediments, R2 = 0.7899. Thus, the sorption of OTC on sediments is governed by all constituents. Conclusion: It was concluded that the antibiotic-sediment interaction is controlled mainly by the organic matter and iron contents.
Tissue Engineering Applications in Maxillofacial Surgery

Nowadays, oral and maxillofacial surgeons face serious difficulties in reconstruction of large defects caused by trauma, cancer, or congenital deformities. Considering each part of oral and maxillofacial region consisting of several tissues, it is necessary to recon - struct these architectures layer by layer. Through years surgeons use different forms of grafts to reconstruct these defects. As these grafts and techniques are well described and used routinely, it should have been noticed that they are not without complica tions. This is where idea behind tissue engineering steps in. “Tissue engineering” due to its multi-aspect properties can be defined as application of methods and science of engineering toward the understanding of structure-function relationships of mamma lian tissues in both normal and pathological forms to improve and develop biologic substitutes to reach the main goal of restoring, maintaining, and stabilization of tissue function. From standpoint of surgery, tissue engineering is not considered as a potential step anymore, but as an available approach to reach the ultimate goal of reconstruction procedures. The aim of this chapter is to defne concepts and advances in tissue engi - neering (TE). Also, review TE applications in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery with bolding its clinical applications and complications based on novel and high-qual ity published researches. Cultured chondrocytes and porcine cartilage substance (PCS) constructs as an attainable dorsal augmentation material in rhinoplasty: preliminary animal study and, additionally Mendelson et al. in 2014 conferred this concept than designed nasal cartilage by cell homing: a model for augmentative and rehabilitative rhinoplasty. Bioactive scaffolds were developed that not solely recruited cells within the nasal dorsum in vivo, however, additionally induced chondrogenesis of the recruited cells. Bilayered scaffolds were fictional with alginate-contain ing gelatin microspheres encapsulating cytokines atop a porous poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) base. Microspheres were fictional to contain recombinant human remodeling growth factor β3 at doses of 200, 500, or 1000 ng, with phosphate-buffered saline-loaded microspheres used as a bearing. A rat model of augmentation facelift was created by implanting scaffolds atop the native nasal cartilage surface that was scored to induce cell migration. Tissue formation and chondrogenesis within the scaffolds were evaluated by image analysis and microscopic anatomy staining with hematoxylin and eosin, toluidine blue, Verhoeff elastic-van Gieson, and aggrecan immunohistochemistry. Sustained release of increasing doses of remodeling growth factor β3 for up to the tested 10 weeks promoted orthotopic cartilage-like tissue for mation in an exceedingly dose-dependent manner. It appears that these findings represent the primary commitment to engineer cartilage tissue by the cell orientating for facelift and will doubtlessly function as an alternate material for augmentative and rehabilitative rhino plasty [46].
Interactive comment on “Sea-ice dynamics strongly promote Snowball Earth initiation and destabilize tropical sea-ice margins” by A. Voigt and D. S. Abbot

3. Analysis of the sea-ice velocity tendencies predicted by the sea-ice dynamics scheme: Such an analysis has never been done before for Snowball Earth initiation. The analysis allows us to show that the equatorward sea-ice motion in low latitudes is mainly driven by the equatorward surface winds that are associated with the Hadley circulation. The destabilization of tropical sea-ice margins by sea-ice dynamics hence is fundamentally linked to the Hadley circulation.
Fully Nonlinear Potential Flow Model of an Experimental Submerged Moored Structure

Time domain simulation of a two-dimensional (2-D) fully nonlinear potential flow model is employed here to predict the nonlinear responses of an experimental submerged moored structural system subjected to monochromatic waves. Main sources of nonlinearity of the experimental system include free surface boundary, fluid-structure interaction and large geometry in the structural restoring force. Complex nonlinear responses observed in the experiment include coexistence, harmonics, sub-harmonics and super-harmonics. A 2-D numerical model and simulation code using an acceleration-potential and solving implicit boundary conditions, taking into account the interaction between the structure and surrounding fluid is used to model the experimental system. The structural system is approximated as a 2D cylinder. A piston-type wavemaker is employed to generate surface waves and an artificial damping zone deployed at each end of the tank. A mixed Eulerian-Lagrangian method is employed to trace fluid particles for estimating the free surface and a 4 th Runge-Kutta scheme is used for time integration. A preliminary investigation shows good agreements between simulation and experimental results for selected responses near primary and secondary (sub- and super-harmonic) resonances.
What Is Wrong with Competency Research? Two Propositions

The theory and practice of competency approach has remained significant even decades after its conception. However despite its omnipresence, its validity has been repeatedly questioned. For it to be a truly useful tool, these criticisms and their roots must be critically analyzed to identify improvement measures. To find the solutions, a proper analysis of the competency subject must be first conducted. This paper aims to revisit the prevailing competency theories and backgrounds, with the intention to identify gaps and propose corrective measures. This paper starts by reviewing the theoretical foundations underpinning the competency approach, its origins, frameworks and key criticisms. Based on the reviews, it was found that the approach suffers two limitations. Firstly, its frameworks tend to be bias towards achieving utilitarian objective whereby definition of competent managers is limited to their contribution to organizational economic performance. Secondly, its research were mainly conducted from the positivistic lenses which over-simply the complex nature of managerial work. Based on these findings, the author then proposes epistemological and ideological turns that researchers should consider in researching the competency subject.
INNOVATIVENESS OF BANKS AND INSURANCE COMPANIES IN DEVELOPING MARKETS: GUIDELINES FOR SUCCESS

The article examines innovation activities in banks and insurance companies in Slovenia’s developing financial market. The importance of the efficient new financial services development process and the impact of three core factors (i.e., marketing synergy, organizational culture, and market characteristics) on the services success are stressed. Market characteristics are the most important success factor of new banking and insurance services. The liberalization of financial markets in the European Union has led to a search for new opportunities of global financial corporations in less developed financial markets. The consequence of the increased competition is the need for the innovation of domestic and conservative financial organizations.
A 3D e-Commerce Applications Development Model: A Systematic Literature Review

Due to limitations of current e-commerce websites and today’s highly competitive e-commerce environment, businesses using Virtual Reality technologies to improve customers' interactivity, by providing shopping experiences with their products and services similar to the real-life shopping, are better recognized. In this paper, the key aspects of 3D e-commerce research areas are investigated by using a systematic literature review approach. In the review, research areas such as design, trust, marketing, Augmented Reality and product presentation, business practices, interface quality, shopping experience and behavior as well as consumer learning along with other related issues are identified and discussed. A conceptual model is then proposed to highlight and provide insights for future research on how to develop a business model in 3D e-commerce environments.
Structure of weed communities occurring in crop rotation and monoculture of cereals

A strict field experiment with crops sown in crop rotation and monoculture was carried out in the years 1988-2012 at the Experimental Station Uhrusk belonging to the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, south-eastern Poland. The study was aimed at evaluating the structure of weed communities occurring in crop rotation and monoculture of cereals. The highest weed density m -2 was determined in the second (1992-1996) and the third crop rotation (1997-2000), whereas the highest weight of weeds was noted in the third crop rotation. Weed community in cereals sown in crop rotation and monoculture was constituted by species belonging to 6 syntaxonomic classes: Stellarietea mediae, Artemisietea vulgaris, Molinio-Arrhenatheretea, Agropyretea intermedio-repentis, Koelerio glaucaeCorynephoretea canescentis and Bidentetea tripartiti.
Evidence for water ice near the lunar poles

Improved versions of Lunar Prospector thermal and epithermal neutron data were studied to help discriminate between potential delivery and retention mechanisms for hydrogen on the Moon. Improved spatial resolution at both poles shows that the largest concentrations of hydrogen overlay regions in permanent shade. In the north these regions consist of a heavily cratered terrain containing many small (less than ∼10-km diameter), isolated craters. These border circular areas of hydrogen abundance ([H]) that is only modestly enhanced above the average equatorial value but that falls within large, flat-bottomed, and sunlit polar craters. Near the south pole, [H] is enhanced within several 30-km-scale craters that are in permanent shade but is only modestly enhanced within their sunlit neighbors. We show that delivery by the solar wind cannot account for these observations because the diffusivity of hydrogen at the temperatures within both sunlit and permanently shaded craters near both poles is sufficiently low that a solar wind origin cannot explain their differences. We conclude that a significant portion of the enhanced hydrogen near both poles is most likely in the form of water molecules.
Climate change might drive species into reserves: a case study of the American bullfrog in the Atlantic Forest Biodiversity Hotspot

Habitat loss is the most important cause of species extinction worldwide that can act as a catalyst of biological invasions. To prevent species extinction, in-situ conservation strategies still figure as the cornerstone of biodiversity conservation. However, with expected broad-scale environmental changes likely to produce species range shifts and foster alien species invasions, will existing networks of protected areas be able to guarantee the long-term persistence of the species they should protect? Here we evaluate the potential impact of climate change in driving the invasive American bullfrog Lithobates catesbeianus into reserves currently established in the Atlantic Forest Biodiversity Hotspot. We produced potential geographic distribution maps both for current time and for 2050 using eight species distribution modeling methods and three different climate models to evaluate model uncertainty. We then overlaid a consensus prediction of species distribution to the existing network of protected areas. We show that, under climate change, L. catesbeianus is likely to colonize reserves more efficiently than today, putting in jeopardy native amphibian species thought to be protected in such places. We also suggest some policy recommendations to mitigate such potential impact on the Atlantic Forest native amphibian fauna.
Evaluation of Nano- Hydroxyapatite versus Hydroxyapatite Crystals in the Treatment of Periodontal Intrabony Defects

The aim of the present study was to evaluate clinically and radiographically theeffectiveness of nano-crystalline hydroxyapatite (NcHA) versus hydroxyapatite (HA)crystals in the treatment of intrabony periodontal defects. Subjects and Methods:Twelve patients with bilateral defects, with probing depth (PD) ≥5 mm and clinicalattachment loss (CAL) ≥3 mm participated in the present study. Subjects were dividedrandomly into Group 1: 12 sites treated surgically with open flap debridement (OFD)and placement of NcHA (1) as a bone substitute. Group 2: 12 sites treated surgicallywith open flap debridement and placement of HA (2) as a bone substitute. The followingclinical parameters were recorded: PD, CAL, plaque index (PI), gingival index(GI), alveolar bone level percentage and bone density percentage. Results: At 6 monthsfollowing therapy, PD and CAL decreased by time, with a statistically significant differencein both groups . On comparison of the mean difference in PD and CAL between thetwo groups after Mann-Whitney U test was applied at baseline, 3 and 6 months, scoreswere found to be statistically non-significant (p>0.01). A significant reduction in PI andGI were recorded following therapy. As regard to radiographic bone measurements,in both groups, alveolar bone level percent decreased by time, with a non-significantdifference. The change occurring in the first interval was greater in both groups, with anon-significant difference. In both groups, bone density percent increased by time, witha significant difference. The change occurring in the second interval was greater in bothgroups, with a non-significant difference between changes occurring in both intervals.Conclusion: Both NcHA and conventional HA led to the improvement of clinical andradiographic parameters over the course of the study. The NcHA group did not showany significant improvement over the HA group.
Trends in rainfall and temperature extremes in Morocco

Abstract In Morocco, socioeconomic ﬁelds are vulnerable to weather extreme events. This workaims to analyze the frequency and the trends of temperature and rainfall extremeevents in two contrasted Moroccan regions (the Tensift in the semi-arid South, and 5 the Bouregreg in the sub-humid North), during the second half of the 20th century. This study considers long time series of daily extreme temperatures and rainfall, recorded inthe stations of Marrakech and Saﬁ for the Tensift region, and Kasba-Tadla and Rabat-Sale for the Bouregreg region, data from four other stations (Tanger, Fes, Agadir andOuarzazate) from outside the regions were added. Extremes are deﬁned by using as 10 thresholds the 1st, 5th, 90th, 95th, and 99th percentiles. Results show upward trends in maximum and minimum temperatures of both regions and no generalized trends inrainfall amounts. Changes in cold events are larger than those for warm events, and thenumber of very cold events decrease signiﬁcantly in the whole studied area. The south-ern region is the most aected with the changes of the temperature regime. Most of the
Composition of large mammal day-time visitation to salt lick sites inside Kainji Lake National Park, Nigeria

Wildlife habitat utilization is crucial for effective conservation of large mammals. This study was conducted in three phases viz: focus group discussion with the park rangers stationed at Oli range on the location of salt-lick sites; identification, mapping, measurement and calculation of sizes of each salt lick sites, and direct observation of the composition of large animals visiting salt lick sites during the day-time at the Borgu sector of Kainji Lake
Down-Regulation of 14-3-3σ Reduces Proliferation of Human Lung Cancers But Not Colon Cancer Cells

Objective: 14-3-3σ protein is well known for its tumor suppressive function in breast cancer. However, recent evidence has raised the possibility that the 14-3-3σ protein may also have an oncogenic function in certain cancer types. The aim of this study was to investigate the oncogenic function of 14-3-3σ in adenocarcinoma cell lines of the lung (A549, H358) and colon (HT-29). Material and Methods: siRNA against 14-3-3σ was used to suppress 14-3-3σ expression. Cell proliferation, cell-cycle distribution and expression of related molecules were determined by MTT, flow cytometry, and western blotting, respectively. Results: Down-regulation of 14-3-3σ significantly reduced the proliferation of A549 and H358 by 35.0% and 31.0%, respectively, and significantly induced cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 and G2/M phases, respectively. Increased p21 expression by 43.0% was only observed in si-14-3-3σ-H358 cells. The si-14-3-3σ-HT-29 cells showed no alteration of cell proliferation and cell-cycle distribution but harbored reduced p53 expression by 56.0% and p27 expression by 67.0%. Conclusion: 14-3-3σ may have an oncogenic function in lung adenocarcinoma but play a different role in colon cancer.
Association of the Indian summer monsoon with the northern hemisphere mid-latitude circulation

The association between the mid‐latitude circulation and rainfall over the Indian region on an intraseasonal time‐scale is investigated by considering 11 years (1974‐1984) of Northern Hemisphere 500 hPa geopotential heights and rainfall data for the Indian summer monsoon months June through to September. On the basis of extensive correlation analysis between the geopotential heights and rainfall, it is seen that three regions over the mid‐latitudes, the Manchurian region, the Algerian region and the Caspian sea region show positive correlation with rainfall over India, with higher values north of 20N latitude. Lead and lag correlations between the heights at the locations identified above and rainfall over India reveals that some common element of low‐frequency variability is influencing the mid‐latitude circulation and Indian rainfall. On the interannual scale the connections between the winter‐time low‐frequency patterns (the Pacific/North Atlantic, the West Pacific Oscillation, the North Atlantic Oscillation and the Eurasian) and Indian summer monsoon rainfall (ISMR) are investigated. Only the West Pacific Oscillation pattern shows a significant relationship with the ISMR. Further, the interannual and the decadal variability is examined by using the Northern Hemisphere zonal index data for the period 1900‐1993. Results reveal that the decadal‐scale variability of the ISMR and the circulation features of the Northern Hemisphere are connected. # 1997 by the Royal Meteorological Society. Int. J. Climatol. , 17: 1055‐1067 (1997)
The impact of a food and health education programme on the dietary habits of young Scottish adolescents

AbstractA food and health education programme aimed at pupils, staff and parents was launched at a Scottish secondary school in 1993. The effect of this project was evaluated by means of a baseline and follow-up questionnaire survey of pupils' eating habits at age 11–12 years and 13–14 years respectively in the intervention and a control school. During the period of the intervention (1993–95) there was an increase in the percentage of boys consuming non-chipped potatoes and in the percentage of girls taking vegetables and diet drinks, but a decrease in the percentage of boys consuming all soft drinks. Compared to girls proportionally more boys were frequent consumers of breakfast cereals, chips, cakes and biscuits, and meat products and these differences were maintained in the follow-up evaluation.The results demonstrate the limitations of the curriculum approach to nutrition education and suggest a need for additional approaches to be employed in order to promote changes in dietary behaviour.