Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Overview Study on Dornbusch Overshooting Hypothesis

Thirty years have passed since Dornbusch first published his overshooting hypothesis on “Expectations and Exchange Rate Dynamics”. Reviewing and appraising the advantages and disadvantages of this elegant model in international economics is of great importance to the consideration of establishing exchange rate and macro-economic policy in the future. In this paper, the author provides an analysis and empirical evidence for and against this influential model . Some conclusions are drawn from an all-sided discussion.
Characterization of Loss and Bandwidth Performance of Reflectarray Antenna Based on Lumped Components

Lumped components are used to represent the reflectarrays designed using different commercially available materials. The loss performance and the effect of material properties on the reflectarray antennas are discussed in terms of the lumped components which are used in the equivalent circuit analysis. The bandwidth performance of reflectarrays designed with different materials is discussed using reflection loss and reflection phase plots obtained by equivalent circuit analysis. Furthermore the results obtained by equivalent circuit modeling are compared with the results obtained using CST Microwave Studio simulations and a close agreement between all the results has been demonstrated. The dielectric permittivity (er) of materials investigated in this work ranges between 2.08 to 13 and the loss tangent (tanδ) values vary from 0.0003 to 0.025 while the reflection loss values obtained by equivalent circuit analysis varied from 0.179 dB to 6.875 dB and a variation in 10% and 20 % bandwidth is observed from 84 MHz to 360 MHZ and 126 MHZ to 540 MHz respectively based on the respective material properties.
Estimating the potential for methane clathrate instability in the 1%‐CO2 IPCC AR‐4 simulations

The recent work of Reagan and Moridis (2007) has shown that even a limited warming of 1 K over 100 years can lead to clathrate destabilization, leading to a significant flux of methane into the ocean water, at least for shallow deposits. Here we study the potential for methane clathrate destabilization by identifying the 100‐year temperature increase in the available IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) AR‐4 1%‐CO2 increase per year (up to doubling over pre‐industrial conditions, which occurs after 70 years) simulations. Depending on assumptions made on the possible locations (in this case, only depth) of methane clathrates and on temperature dependence, our calculation leads to an estimated model‐mean release of methane at the bottom of the ocean of approximately 560‐2140 Tg(CH4)/year; as no actual geographical distribution of methane clathrates is considered here, these flux estimates must be viewed as upper bound estimates. Using an observed 1% ratio to estimate the amount of methane reaching the atmosphere, our analysis leads to a relatively small methane flux of approximately 5–21 Tg(CH4)/year, with an estimated inter‐model standard deviation of approximately 30%. The role of sea‐level rise by 2100 will be to further stabilize methane clathrates, albeit to a small amount as the sea‐level rise is expected to be less than a few meters.
In vivo assays to study the interference of chemoprotectors on manganese neurotoxicity

Manganese (Mn) is an essential metal in all forms of life; however chronic manganese exposure in workers may cause serious neurological problems, often leading to adverse health effects, namely manganism. Oxidative stress is one of the mechanisms of Mn-induced toxicity and is thought to occur by the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which may eventually lead to cell death. These ROS can have their function inhibited by antioxidants because of their important ability to remove free radicals. The aim of this study was to analyze the interference and possible protective effects of the chemicals paminosalicylic acid (PAS) and ebselen (EBS) on Mn toxicity, using different biological indicators. In a sub-acute in vivo assay there were rats exposed to Mn alone (MnCl2, 10mg/kg) and co-exposed to Mn plus EBS (15 mg/kg) via intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection and co-exposed to Mn plus PAS (120mg/kg) by subcutaneous (s.c) injection. Mn levels in blood and brain were measured, both with significant increase when compared to control (p<0.05). Glutathione (GSH) levels were measured in brain to assess the consequences of Mn on oxidative stress and it was seen a significant decrease in the Mn exposed rats (p<0.05). Malondyaldehyde (MDA), a lipid peroxidation indicator, failed to be a valuable biomarker of Mn toxicity while, on the other hand, serum prolactin levels have shown a significant increase in the Mn exposed animals (p<0.05). Furthermore, it was observed a decrease in body weight gain and locomotor activity in the Mn treated animals (p<0.05). In general, a positive and protective effect against Mn-induced toxicity, brain Mn accumulation and Mn levels in blood was observed in the coexposed rats, pointing out PAS and EBS as chemicals to be used and investigated in further studies. Finally, it was observed a correlation between Mn levels in brain and the prolactin levels in serum (r=0.98) and also with the behavioral effects (r=0.87).
Laboratory diagnosis of malaria: Comparing giemsa stained thick blood films with rapid diagnostic test (RDT) in an endemic setting in North-west Nigeria

Malaria microscopy will continue to remain the gold standard for the diagnosis of malaria, but prolonged turnaround time and lack of malaria microscopist that are associated with this technique continue to impact on the quality of service rendered by the laboratory, especially the turnaround time, which is one of the quality indicators to measure laboratory quality systems. The prolonged turnaround time and lack of malaria microscopists identified with resource constraint setting in the midst of a period with high transmission of malaria prompted us to search for an alternative to the gold standard. Hence, multi-species were evaluated based on the rapid diagnostic test to determine its importance in the laboratory diagnosis of malaria. The rapid diagnostic test kit (SD Bioline – FK80) used in this study is based on the detection of Plasmodium falciparum, histidine rich protein-2 (HRP-2) and Plasmodium vivax-specific lactose dehydrogenase (Pv-pLDH), and was compared against traditional malaria microscopy. The evaluation was designed to provide data on the use of rapid diagnostic test and microscopy for malaria diagnosis in an urban secondary health facility with laboratory component. In total, 939 patients that consulted the out-patient department were clinically evaluated and suspected for malaria. Blood samples of those patients were subsequently tested using both techniques. The sensitivity and specificity for P. falciparum were 75.2 and 80.4%, respectively. The accuracy of the test was 76.8%. It was concluded that the rapid diagnostic test could be used as the first screening test for malaria diagnosis and have to be confirmed by microscopy if the outcome is negative. This will therefore improve on the current situation of treating patients for malaria without laboratory outcome to confirm clinical evaluation. Key words: Rapid diagnostic kit, malaria, Nigeria, microscopy, sensitivity, specificity.
Use of Mother Tongue As A Language Of Instruction In Early Years Of School To Preserve The Kenyan Culture

In many communities in Kenya, mother tongue was the language of instruction used to impart indigenous education in children. It was also used to transmit and preserve culture from generation to generation. Language policy states that mother tongue should be used as language of instruction in early years of school to preserve the Kenyan culture and to ensure smooth transition from home to school. Despite the policy being in place, it is yet to be implemented in many schools due to several factors. This paper presents results from a study that was conducted in three rural districts in Kenya to establish whether mother tongue was being used as the language of instruction in early years of school and the key factors affecting its use. Key Words: Mother tongue, language policy, language of instruction, preserving culture
Effective Stiffness of Squat Structural Walls

Reinforced concrete (RC) structural walls are the primary lateral-load carrying elements in many structures designed to resist earthquakes. A review of the technical literature shows considerable uncertainty with regards to the effective stiffness of these structures when subjected to seismic excitations, which many design practices currently deal with by employing a stiffness reduction factor. In an attempt to obtain additional information regarding the stiffness of these structures, an analytical approach, combining the flexure and shear components of deformation, is proposed to evaluate the effective stiffness of the RC walls tested. Based on this proposed analytical approach, a comprehensive parametric study comprising 180 combinations was carried out and a simple equation for assessing effective stiffness of RC squat structural walls then proposed, on the basis of these parametric case studies.
In vitro and in vivo anthelmintic activity of Terminalia arjuna bark.

The present study was carried out to evaluate the anthelmintic activity of Terminalia arjuna (Roxb.) bark locally used as an anthelmintic. Lethal median concentration (LC50 values) of methanolic extract of T. arjuna bark in egg hatch and larval development tests against Haemonchus contortus ova and larva were found to be 645.65 and 467.74 μg mL, respectively. In adult motility assay, efficacy of the extract was evident by the mortality of H. contortus at different hours post exposure. In vivo results revealed maximum (87.3%) egg count percent reduction (ECR) in sheep treated with crude methanolic extract @ 3 g kg body weight on day 11 post-treatment (PT). The data revealed dose-dependent anthelmintic activity both in the in vitro and in vivo studies, thus justifying its use in the traditional medicine system of Pakistan.
Predicting Creative Thinking of Students Based on Sternberg Thinking Styles

The aim of this study was to investigate how to predict students’ creative thinking based on Sternberg thinking styles among high school students. The research is descriptive and correlational. The target population included all the high school students of Borujerd city in Iran (Male and female). Based on the multi-stage random sampling according to Morgan Table 375 subjects (191 females and 184 males) of the students in this area filled Sternberg - Wagner Thinking Styles (2000) inventory. Statistical data were analyzed by Pearson correlation, independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance and multiple regression analysis. Results of the study showed that there is a significant relationship between thinking styles and creativity (P 0.5). Based on the results it is recommended to consider the thinking styles and their effect on the creativity of the students and teach thinking styles should to students.
Influence of Seed Particle Material, Preparation, and Dynamics on Nanowire Growth

Semiconducting nanowires have attracted scientific attention for more than 20 years due to their potential applications in electronic devices, as sensors, and in solid state lighting. These applications require high quality nanowires to begin with. Achieving such good control over the growth of nanowires is not trivial and requires profound understanding of the underlying processes. In this thesis, nanowires of different materials and combinations thereof have been grown with the help of seed particles by metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE). The focus of the investigations lies on the influence of several seed particle properties on nanowire growth. First, we compared six particle preparation and deposition methods for the most common seed particle material – gold - and their influence on the growth of GaAs nanowires. We observed only small differences, mainly in incubation times, which did not have a significant effect on the nanowire length after some growth time, though. The optical properties, however, varied between nanowires seeded by different particle types. Further, copper as seed particle material for growth of InP nanowires and InP-InAs heterostructures was investigated. The aim was to get a deeper understanding of which properties or combination of properties determine a “good” seed particle material. InP nanowire growth from Cu particles differs a lot from nanowire growth from Au seed particles in terms of temperature range and precursor molar fractions. Furthermore, growth from two types of particles – Cu-rich and In-rich – occurs simultaneously at low V/III ratios. The investigations of InP-InAs heterostructures showed that it is indeed possible to grow straight heterostructures, but we observed unusual layer formation of the InAs segments. Finally, we used the possibility of in situ TEM to investigate nanowire growth at the IBM T.J. Watson Research Center. We combined group IV and group III/V materials and investigated the particle dynamics that may lead to kinking. In addition, we investigated the instantaneous kinetics of GaP growth.
Evaluation of thyroid disorders in abnormal uterine bleeding

Introduction: Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is a common clinical presentation in gynecology. Method: 100 Patient of clinically diagnosed AUB were taken from gynecology OPD. Result: Out of 100 women of AUB, majority were in the age group of 31-40 years (38%), 54% were multiparous and 44% presented with menorrhagia. Conclusion: The study concludes that biochemical evaluation of thyroid function is an easy, reliable method and should be made mandatory in all cases of AUB.
Prevalence and Characterization of ESBL-and AmpC-producing Escherichia coli from Cattle [ 1 ]

In this study, it was aimed to determine the prevalence of extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) and/or AmpC type β-lactamase (AmpC) producing Escherichia coli from cattle in Hatay. For this purpose, 312 rectal swabs samples were collected from apparently healthy cattle. ESBL production was phenotypically investigated by disc combination method and double disc synergism test and β-lactamase genes (blaCTX-M, blaCMY-2, blaSHV, blaOXA, and blaTEM) and plasmid mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes (qnrA, qnrB, qnrS and aac(6’)-Ib) were screened by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and subsequent sequence analysis. Antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates were determined using disc diffusion method and their phylogenetic groups were also searched by PCR. Twenty six (8.3%) isolates were found to be ESBL producer by phenotypic tests. The following ESBL/AmpC genes were detected: blaCTX-M-15 (n= 12), blaCTX-M-1 (n=11), blaCTX-M-3 (n=2), and blaCMY-2 (n=1). PMQR genes were detected in 11 (42.3%) ESBL producing E. coli isolates and these isolates were only positive for aac(6’)-Ib-cr and qnrS1 genes. Twenty two (84.6%) of the isolates exhibited multidrug resistance (MDR) phenotype. ESBL/AmpC producing E. coli isolates were observed to be belonged to B1 (50%), A (34.6%) and D (15.4%) phylogroups. This study was the first to describe the presence of CTX-M-15, CTX-M-3, CTX-M-1 and CMY-2 producing E. coli in cattle in Turkey and the co-existence of aac(6’)-Ib-cr and qnrS1 genes in some isolates.
Moral atmosphere and masculine norms in American college football.

This study examined on-field antisocial sports behaviors among 274 American football players in the United States. Results indicated that moral atmosphere (i.e., teammate, coach influence) and conformity to masculine norms were significantly related to participants’ moral behavior on the field (i.e., intimidate, risk injury, cheat, intentionally injure opponents). In other words, the perception that coaches and teammates condone on-field antisocial behaviors—in addition to conforming to societal expectations of traditional masculinity—is related to higher levels of antisocial behaviors on the football field. In addition, conformity to traditional masculine norms mediated the relationship between moral atmosphere and on-field aggressive sports behaviors, suggesting a relationship between social norms and moral atmosphere. Results of this interdisciplinary endeavor are interpreted and situated within the extant literature of both the fields of sport psychology and the psychological study of men and masculin.
Hydrodynamic interactions between two identical spheres held ® xed side by side against a uniform stream directed perpendicular to the line connecting the spheres ' centres

Hydrodynamic interactions between two identical solid spheres are investigated numerically using a ®nite element method. The spheres are held ®xed relative to each other with the line connecting their centres normal to the ̄ow direction. The method is applied in three-dimensional, at Reynolds numbers 10, 50 and 5 10ÿ7. The drag and interaction coecients of the spheres are calculated as functions of the distance between the two spheres. The results of the calculations show that, for Reynolds number of 50, the two spheres are repelled when the spacing is of the order of the diameter but are weakly attracted at intermediate separation distances. The results agree with experimental and theoretical data reported for dierent Reynolds numbers. 7 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Does store environment influence people with disability’s (PWD) in-store experience and approach behaviour? An empirical analysis

Drawing upon the Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R-) behavioural model, this paper proposes a theoretical framework that explores how this seminal theory holds across with new constructs, namely hedonic shopping value and emotional attachment. Additionally, it attempts to examine the correlation between store environment, in-store experience and the approach behaviour within the shoppers’ context of people with disability (PWD). Using a quota sampling approach, a total of 300 guided self-administered survey questionnaires were distributed to target respondents but only 151 returned questionnaires were usable and subsequently run for data analysis through structural equation modelling technique. The findings revealed that emotional attachment significantly influenced shoppers’ approach behaviour followed by in-store experience. Meanwhile, hedonic shopping value indicated insignificant effect on approach behaviour and significant relationship between store environment and in-store experience of PWD consumers.
Investigation of near source effects in array-based (SPAC) microtremor surveys

Array-based methods for exploiting ambient seismic noise are receiving increasing attention in the literature, particularly for use in providing shear wave velocity profiles to assist with simulation of site-specific earthquake responses. Many of these microtremor methods - such as the spatial autocorrelation technique (SPAC) - operate under the fundamental assumption of plane wave propagation of surface waves. Although the SPAC technique has been successfully applied in urban areas, the effect of near-sources (and thus non-planar Rayleigh wave propagation) has received little attention. This paper explains the use of a simplified geometry-based approach to examine the effect of source distance on SPAC spectra for a hexagonal (7-station) array. The results suggest that near source effects are generally minimal provided that most of the sources are located at least two array radii from the centre of the array. Results of a field trial involving the deliberate use of a near-source in proximity to a hexagonal (7-station) array support the findings of the theoretical model, and demonstrate that near source effects can result in significant distortions to SPAC spectra. In the presence of near-sources, the SPAC curve is generally offset to lower frequencies in the first J0 cycle, resulting in underestimates of shear velocity values in the inverted profile.
Historic records of organic compounds from a high Alpine glacier: influences of biomass burning, anthropogenic emissions, and dust transport

Abstract. Historic records of α-dicarbonyls (glyoxal, methylglyoxal), carboxylic acids (C6–C12 dicarboxylic acids, pinic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, phthalic acid, 4-methylphthalic acid), and ions (oxalate, formate, calcium) were determined with annual resolution in an ice core from Grenzgletscher in the southern Swiss Alps, covering the time period from 1942 to 1993. Chemical analysis of the organic compounds was conducted using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) coupled to electrospray ionization high-resolution mass spectrometry (ESI-HRMS) for dicarbonyls and long-chain carboxylic acids and ion chromatography for short-chain carboxylates. Long-term records of the carboxylic acids and dicarbonyls, as well as their source apportionment, are reported for western Europe. This is the first study comprising long-term trends of dicarbonyls and long-chain dicarboxylic acids (C6–C12) in Alpine precipitation. Source assignment of the organic species present in the ice core was performed using principal component analysis. Our results suggest biomass burning, anthropogenic emissions, and transport of mineral dust to be the main parameters influencing the concentration of organic compounds. Ice core records of several highly correlated compounds (e.g., p-hydroxybenzoic acid, pinic acid, pimelic, and suberic acids) can be related to the forest fire history in southern Switzerland. P-hydroxybenzoic acid was found to be the best organic fire tracer in the study area, revealing the highest correlation with the burned area from fires. Historical records of methylglyoxal, phthalic acid, and dicarboxylic acids adipic acid, sebacic acid, and dodecanedioic acid are comparable with that of anthropogenic emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The small organic acids, oxalic acid and formic acid, are both highly correlated with calcium, suggesting their records to be affected by changing mineral dust transport to the drilling site.
A General Equilibrium Model of Environmental Option Values

In this paper we consider the option value of the environment employing a general equilibrium growth model with a stochastic technology. In our model, as in existing studies, because of irreversibility, the environment has significant real option value. However, unlike the existing literature in which the uncertainty of the value of the environment is given exogenously, the value of the environment is endogenously determined. In our model, the elasticity of substitution eta between the environment and consumption plays a crucial role. We show that the option value, and hence, the optimal decision are both affected by eta not only quantitatively but also qualitatively.
Homologous ELISA procedure for the determination of penaeid shrimp vitellogenin

Resume Vitellogenin (VTG) was isolatcd from the haemolymph of Penaeus vannamei by a three step proccdurc including ultracentrifugation, gcl filtration and ion exchange chromatography. VTG was used to raise polyclonal antibodies that were purificd by ion exchange chromatography. A two step competitive assay was developed in which VTG could be quantitated by its capacity to inhibit the binding of antibody to the VTG previously adsorbed ont0 a solid phase. Sensitivity from equilibrium and from non-cquilibrium assays was 41 and 2.3 ng/ml respectively. Estimates of within-assay and between-assay variabilitics of standard curves were 4.2 and 9.6% respectively. The inhibition curves for dilutions of haemolymph from vitcllogcnic females, egg yolk extracts and purificd vitellin (VTL) were parallel to the standard VTG curve, haemolymph from immature females and males showcd no cross-reactivity. The antibodics dirccted against VTG recognizc but partially VTL as shown by displacemcnt curves. Recovery tests were ncar 100%. Thus the procedure was considered to be suitable for the measuremcnt oi haemolymphatic VTG. The VTG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) developed in this study was validated by detecting physiological VTG changes in female shrimps after being fed squid extracts.