Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Interventions in Markets with Adverse Selection: Implications for Discount Window Stigma

I study the implications for central bank discount window stigma of the model by Philippon and Skreta (2012). I take an equilibrium perspective for a given discount window program instead of following the program-design approach of the original paper. This allows me to narrow the focus on the model's positive predictions. In the model, firms (banks) need to borrow to finance a productive project. There is limited liability and firms have private information about their ability to repay their debts. This creates an adverse selection problem. The central bank can ameliorate the impact of adverse selection by lending to firms. Discount window borrowing is observable and it may be taken as a signal of firms' credit worthiness. Under some conditions, firms borrowing from the discount window may pay higher interest rates to borrow in the market, a phenomenon often associated with the presence of stigma. I discuss these conditions in detail and what they suggest about the relevance of stigma as an empirical phenomenon.
Workers' Tax Evasion in Italy

We apply a direct method to estimate tax evasion in Italy, assuming that tax evaders might consider declaring a closer-to-true income in an anonymous interview. The methodology is applied to employed and self-employed taxpayers, combining the Survey of Household Income and Wealth (SHIW) by the Bank of Italy and a large random sample of tax forms by SeCIT (Tax auditing office - Ministry of Finance), both referred to incomes received in 2000. Paying particular attention to the post-stratification of the data, we find that tax evasion is consistently higher for self-employment income than for employment income: the difference ranges from about 7% in lower deciles to 27% around the mode. This analysis shows that a relevant level of tax evasion arises also at low levels of employment income, although some under-sampling and misreporting problems need to be considered. An evaluation of the redistribution and incidence effects of tax evasion among workers is provided.
THERAPHOSIDAE OF THE MOJAVE DESER T WEST AND NORTH OF THE COLORADO RIVE R (ARANEAE, MYGALOMORPHAE, THERAPHOSIDAE )

Two new species of Aphonopelma from the Mojave Desert are described, A. joshua and A. mojave. Four nominal species, Aphonopelma iodium (A. iodius), A. melanium (A. melanius), A. angusi, A. nevadanum, described from the Mojave Desert and the Great Basin are treated as a single species ; Aphonopelma iodium (Chamberlin 1939) is proposed as the species name since it is one of two possibl e senior synonyms (the other, A. melanium (A. melanius) in the same publication) and is the specific nam e of the first Theraphosidae to be described from the Mojave Desert ; A. iodium is redescribed. Generic , subgeneric, and specific characters previously used to separate Aphonopelma are reviewed . Aphonopelma is redefined ; Clavopelma is removed from the synonymy of Aphonopelma. The status of the followin g eight species described prior to 1939 with type localities either in the United States or in Baja, Californi a is discussed : Aphonopelma californica, A. leiogaster (Doleschall), A. steindachneri(Ausserer), A. rusticum, A. marxi, A. helluo (Simon), A. rileyi (Marx), and A. pseudoroseum(Strand). Aphonopelma steindachneri, A. rusticum, A. marxi, and A. helluo are considered as valid species ; A. californica, A. leiogaster, A. rileyi, and A. pseudoroseumare considered as nomina dubia. The Aphonopelma of North American ar e poorly known . Although many species hav e been described few specimens can be properl y identified either by using available keys or b y wading through species descriptions . Mos t identifiable specimens belong to species foun d in Mexico or Central America that are easil y recognized by unique color patterns, such a s that of A. seemanni . Correct identification o f specimens collected within the United State s is often suspect since determinations must b e based on the process of elimination using col- lection dates and locality data in combinatio n with coloration, coxal setation, and metatarsa l scopulation . Chamberlin & Ivie (1939), Chamberli n
Approximation and Calibration of Short-Term Implied Volatilities Under Jump-Diffusion Stochastic Volatility

We derive a closed-form asymptotic expansion formula for option implied volatility under a two-factor jump-diffusion stochastic volatility model when time-to-maturity is small. Based on numerical experiments we describe the range of time-to-maturity and moneyness for which the approximation is accurate. We further propose a simple calibration procedure of an arbitrary parametric model to short-term near-the-money implied volatilities. An important advantage of our approximation is that it is free of the unobserved spot volatility. Therefore, the model can be calibrated on option data pooled across different calendar dates in order to extract information from the dynamics of the implied volatility smile. An example of calibration to a sample of S&P500 option prices is provided. We find that jumps are significant. The evidence also supports an affine specification for the jump intensity and Constant-Elasticity-of-Variance for the dynamics of the return volatility.
Influence of the diffusive boundary layer on solute dynamics in the sediments of a seiche‐driven lake: A model study

The diffusive boundary layer (DBL) plays an important role in the transport of electron acceptors for mineralization and oxidation processes in highly reactive sediments. We used transient numerical modeling to characterize the effects of the DBL thickness on solute dynamics in the sediments of Lake Alpnach. Our model study shows that the DBL mainly influences short‐term sedimentary denitrification by resisting transport. The DBL also governs the reoxidation of reduced compounds by controlling the oxygen penetration depth in the sediment. An increase of the DBL thickness from 0.25 to 1.5 mm diminished the oxygen flux into the sediment by more than 30% from 15 to 9.5 mmol m−2 d−1. At the same time, this change in DBL thickness had contrasting effects on the reoxidation of reduced solutes released in the anoxic sediment layers: While the rates of Fe(II) and Mn(II) oxidation decreased by up to 60%, the oxidation of methane changed by only 2%. Still, the contribution to the total oxygen uptake by these redox processes never exceeded 40%. Denitrification rates under steady state conditions were only 8% slower when the DBL was extended from 0.25 to 1.5 mm. The decreased nitrate supply was partially compensated by a stimulated denitrification process due to the lower oxygen penetration. However, fluxes of nitrogen species periodically deviated by more than 60% when an oscillating DBL thickness with periods of less than 6 h was modeled.
Anthelmintic resistance: a perspective on our current understanding and ability to control this problem

Regimens to prevent the development of anthelmintic resistance (AR) have been promoted for many years. All reflect some appreciation of the selection pressure that different anthelmintic treatment policies apply to nematodes but AR is clearly more complicated than this for reasons we still do not yet understand sufficiently well. Whilst managing a refugia population on a farm is important to limit the development of AR there are many aspects that are not understood. Why is AR more common in some species than others, especially for some such as Dictyocaulus where there is clearly a short-lived refugia population and heavy selection pressure yet no recorded AR. The cost of AR to farmers has slowly escalated over the years and using a New Zealand example it can be estimated for a typical sheep farm that the cost of using a single active of an older anthelmintic such as levamisole compared to a newer anthelmintic such as monepantel is about NZ$3.27 per lamb raised. Diagnosis of AR continues to largely rely on the use of faecal egg count reduction tests. These are a very crude tool but generally acceptable for sheep. However, for cattle and farmed deer it is difficult to get egg counts high enough to conduct a meaningful test. Clearly more effort is needed to understand the mechanisms associated with AR and to develop better diagnostic tests so that farmers with their advisors are better able to achieve sustainable helminth control.
nitrogen budgets and riverine export dynamics in catchments with contrasting anthropogenic impacts in eastern China between 1980-2010 Permalink

This study quantified the long-term response of riverine total nitrogen (TN) export to changes in net anthropogenic nitrogen inputs to forest/agricultural (NANIFA) and residential (NANIR) systems across three catchments affected by low (LD), medium (MD), and high (HD) human impacts in eastern China. Annual NANIFA increased by 63–87% in 1980–1999, followed by 0% (LD), 23% (MD) and 40% (HD) changes of NANIFA in 2000–2010, resulting in a net increase of 56–78% in NANIFA in 1980–2010. Annual NANIR increased by 101–152% in the three catchments in 1980–2010. Land-use showed a 58–65% increase in developed land area (D%) and a 96–108% increase in agricultural lands with improved drainage systems (AD%) over the study period. In response to changes in NANIFA, NANIR and land-use, riverine TN flux continuously increased 3.0to 6.1-fold in the three catchments over the past 31 years. For each catchment, an empirical model incorporating annual NANIFA, NANIR, water discharge, D%, and AD% was developed (R = 0.93 0.97) for predicting and quantifying sources of annual riverine TN fluxes. The model estimated that NANIFA, NANIR and other N sources (e.g., natural background, legacy, and industrial N sources) contributed 27–90%, 0–45%, and 10–28% of riverine TN fluxes, respectively. Model results were consistent with spatio-temporal changes of riverine chloride, ammonium, nitrate, dissolve oxygen and pH, as well as changes in available N levels in agricultural soils. In terms of N source management, reduction of NANIFA in catchment LD and NANIR in catchment HD would have the greatest impact on reducing riverine TN fluxes. Furthermore, changes in land use and climate as well as legacy N should be considered in developing N pollution control strategies. ã 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Human Capital and Population Growth in Non-Metropolitan U.S. Counties: The Importance of College Student Migration

Researchers have consistently shown that the stock of human capital in an area, measured as the share of the adult population with a college degree, is a strong predictor of future population growth. This paper examines this relationship for U.S. non-metropolitan counties and posits that student migration for higher education may play an important role. Students often move to an area for college and then stay in the area after their education is complete, causing the area’s educated population to grow. Empirical evidence suggests that student migration explains nearly all of the greater in-migration to highly educated non-metropolitan counties. Implications for non-metropolitan brain drain are discussed.
Tensile Strength of Squeeze Cast Carbon Fibers Reinforced Al-Si Matrix Composites

Squeeze casting is a pressure casting process in which molten metal is solidified under the direct action of a pressure. In squeeze casting, the relationship between the process parameters and the quality of the squeeze cast components is not fully understood; thus the need for more studies in this area of technology for better understanding of the process. The present work encompasses studying the effect of direct squeeze casting process parameters on the production of (3 and 20٪) volume fraction carbon fibers (CF) reinforced Al-Si matrix composites. The evaluated process parameters are squeeze pressure in the range (7.5-53) MPa, die preheating temperature (100,200,300)°C, pouring temperature (700,780)°C, squeeze time (30 sec.), and delay time (5 sec.). The results show a good distribution of the matrix between the carbon fibers when using higher casting pressures of (38 and 53MPa), lower pouring temperature of (700°C) and lower die temperatures of (100 and 200°C). Increasing the carbon fibers volume fraction had led to increasing the tensile strength. The using of higher pressure (53MPa), lower pouring temperature (700°C), and lower die temperature (200°C) have increased the ultimate tensile strength of the CF/Al-Si composites to (183MPa) when compared to that of the nonreinforced alloy which was (168MPa) because of the increased bonding, decreased shrinkage defects and fibers degradation based on the results. Also, UTS is increased at P=38MPa, Tp=700°C, and Td=100°C.
Does Democratization Spur Growth? An Examination over Time and Space

Many studies have considered how democratization affects economic growth. We expand this work by allowing short and long run effects of democracy upon growth to differ since effects during political transitions need not coincide with those under established democracies. We also allow these short and long run effects to differ across world regions since the effects of democracy upon economic growth need not be the same across countries, either. Using annual, cross-county data from 1960 to 2010, we find that democratizations increased growth rates in sub-Saharan Africa both in the short run and in the long run but lowered them in Europe. Effects in other regions appear less strong. Our results suggest that democratizations could be most beneficial for growth in poorer, less stable regions. We also do not find any evidence of a transitional cost. Finally, some support though mixed suggests that democracy‟s ability to mitigate effects of ethnic heterogeneity provides a partial explanation for the cross regional heterogeneity. JEL Classification: O40, O55
Performing Modernity through Birth: Exploring High Rates of C-Sections in São Paulo, Brazil

KLIMPEL, JILL M. , M.A., November 2011, Geography Performing Modernity through Birth: Exploring High Rates of C-Sections in São Paulo, Brazil Director of Thesis: Risa Whitson Since the 1980s, Brazil has had the highest rate of c-sections in the world. While existing research has provided a number of factors for contextualizing the phenomenon, this research argues that the high rates of c-sections could be due to connections between the history, geography, and culture of the Brazilian nation, especially in regards to notions of modernity, development, and what it means to be Brazilian. This research adheres to a critical theory approach to qualitative methodology, using interviews and ethnographic field notes to analyze the data within a context of larger economic, political, cultural, and ideological structures. Findings present implications for birth procedures in Brazil, and globally in the face of climbing c-section rates. Approved: _____________________________________________________________ Risa Whitson Associate Professor of Geography
Fiscal policy in good and bad times

Using a Threshold Vector Autoregression framework identified via sign restrictions, we answer three questions: First, are fiscal policy shocks regime-dependent? Second, which variables are governing the regime? Third, what are the effects of fiscal policies on the main macroeconomic variables in each of these states? The linearity hypothesis is strongly rejected, with the two detected regimes clearly identifiable as recession and boom phases. We find that fiscal policy shocks have a stronger impact in times of economic stress than in times of expansion, and that direct spending policies are more efficient than tax-cut policies in stabilizing the economy in the short-run.
Knowledge-Gap among Doctors in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria about Sexual and Reproductive Health

Objective: Sexual and reproductive health the way it is currently conceptualized is a new discipline in medicine, and many medical doctors whose responsibility is to provide information and service to promote this essential component of health do not fully understand the concept. This study was designed to determine the level of knowledge of Nigerian doctors about sexual and reproductive health. Methods: Partly pre-coded questionnaires were administered to a cross section study of doctors for self-completion to test their knowledge about sexual and reproductive health. Results: One hundred and ninety-eight doctors with a mean age of 33.7 years old and a mean duration of practice of 6.9 years were surveyed. Nearly all (99.5%) of the respondents had heard of the term sexual and reproductive health, but only 15.7% of the respondents were able to define sexual and reproductive health correctly. Doctors who were working in health facilities situated in educational institutions were more significantly able to define sexual and reproductive health correctly than others (p = 0.001). Major sources of information on sexual and reproductive health to respondents were journals, colleagues, lectures and conferences. Most (96.5%) respondents knew that sexual and reproductive health was related to the United Nation’s MDGs but 30.2% did not know that it equally related to MDGs 4 and 6. There was no significant association between occupational profile of respondents and their level of knowledge about sexual and reproductive health (p > 0.05). Conclusion: There was a knowledge-gap among the doctors in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria about sexual and reproductive health as 20.2% of them demonstrated low level of knowledge about sexual and reproductive and only 15.7% of them could define the concept correctly.
Preferential attachment graphs with co-existing types of different fitnesses

Abstract We extend the work of Antunović et al. (2016) on competing types in preferential attachment models to include cases where the types have different fitnesses, which may be either multiplicative or additive. We show that, depending on the values of the parameters of the models, there are different possible limiting behaviours depending on the zeros of a certain function. In particular, we show the existence of choices of the parameters where one type is favoured both by having higher fitness and by the type of attachment mechanism, but the other type has a positive probability of dominating the network in the limit.
Amphiphilic nucleic acid conjugates for transfection of differentiated intestinal cells

II transfect polarized epithelial cell monolayers in the absence of complexation, delivery devices, and membrane-disturbing agents. These findings indicate that lipid-ON conjugates are promising therapeutics for the treatment of intestinal diseases, as well as valuable tools for the discovery of new therapeutic targets. Chapter 5 summarizes the findings of the thesis and presents future perspectives of the work. Schematic representation of the main questions addressed in this thesis.
Influence of the Hysteretic Behaviour on Silt Loam Soil Thermal Properties

The aim of this research is to explore the influence of hysteresis on heat transport in soils under experimental laboratory conditions. The obtained results shown that, thermal properties as are volumetric specific heat capacity (Cv) and thermal conductivity (θ) showed a positive linear correlation with soil volumetric water content (θ). However, thermal diffusivity values (θ) shown divergences between heat transferred and soil moisture. A spatial-temporal hysteresis pattern was observed on the whole of the thermal properties. This fact was related with factors as: degree of saturation, the influence of temperature difference on the heat transport, and the geometry of the water layer around the particle.
The Effect of L. Reuteri (ProGastria) on the Eradication Rate in Elderly Patients Infected with H. Pylori: a Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo Controlled Trial

Background: Current guidelines recommend first line triple treatment with PPI-clarithromycin and amoxicillin or metronidazole with efficacy of these regimes approaching 70%. Adding a probiotic is a possible means to increase the eradication rate. Aim: To determine whether treatment with L. reuteri ProGastria+PPI is effective in eradicating H. pylori alone or facilitating subsequent eradication. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial performed in a tertiary care setting. A total of 55 patients with dyspeptic symptoms were tested for H. pylori infection by 13C-UBT, stool antigen test, histology and rapid urease test and randomly allocated to omeprazole (2 × 20 mg/day)+placebo or probiotic for 28 days. Afterwards a stool antigen test was performed and if positive a sequential regimen was prescribed. At the end UBT and stool antigen test were performed. A gastrointestinal symptom rating score was completed at baseline, Day 14, 28 and 90. Results: At the end of treatment 57.7% of the patients from the probiotic group and 62.1% from the placebo group had positive stool antigen test (p=0.75, Pearson`s correlation test). Twenty patients were prescribed sequential therapy. Unsuccessful eradication was present in 27.2% from the probiotic group versus 55.6% from the placebo (p=0.36, Fisher`s exact test). A trend towards a lower mean symptom score for the patients treated with probiotic was noted (p>0.05). Conclusion: Although the lacking an ability of ProGastria to eradicate H. pylori, the study showed a trend towards a higher rate of successful eradication if sequential regimen was preceded by a 28-day probiotic treatment.
New developments in paediatric regional anaesthesia

Regional anaesthesia for children of all ages continues to develop since its re-introduction into clinical practice over 25 years ago. The need for improved postoperative pain management in children has been the driving force behind its continued growth in popularity worldwide. However, the analgesia so provided must be balanced against the risk of the regional technique. Improved equipment more suitable for children, the publication of large audits, and the introduction of portable ultrasound have all influenced clinical practice.
Transcontextual model application in the prediction of veteran judo athletes' life satisfaction

Background and Study Aim: Despite recognised benefits of regular physical activity for health, the percentage of individuals linking with a physical activity practice sufficient to confer health benefits is low. The aim of current work is knowledge about effects of an extension of the motivation trans-contextual model application, specifically in the prediction of life satisfaction by veteran judo athletes. Material and Methods: It was used a sample of 99 Portuguese veteran judo athletes of both genders, aged between 30 and 76 years (M = 42.61 ±9.75), where through questionnaires were measured: basic psychological needs satisfaction, motivation, planned behaviour variables and life satisfaction. Results: The structural equations model showed that autonomy perception positively and significantly predicts autonomous motivation. In its turn it positively and significantly predicts intentions. Conclusions: Life satisfaction is positively and significantly predicted by intentions. Results authorise to emphasise the importance of fostering autonomy, since this will favour autonomous motivation, promoting a higher behavioural control over the practitioners’ intentions, thus generating a higher life satisfaction.