Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Do non-intermediation services tell us more in the finance–growth nexus?: causality evidence from eight OECD countries

ABSTRACT This paper provides new evidence on a traditional finance–growth nexus through dividing financial services into financial intermediation and non-intermediation services and examining their relationships with economic growth. Applying time-series cointegration techniques and Granger causality tests for eight Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries, reveals several results. First, there is a long-run equilibrium relationship among economic growth, intermediation activities, and non-intermediation activities in Austria, France, and Korea. Second, non-intermediation services impede long-run economic growth in Austria and France, whereas non-intermediation business and financial intermediation services accelerate Korea’s long-term growth. Third, weak exogeneity tests support long-run bi-directional causality and the supply-leading hypothesis in terms of the relationship between financial services and economic growth. Finally, the influences of intermediation and non-intermediation activities on economic growth vary across countries, financial services, and time periods, indicating that countries should adopt different financial services to enhance long- or short-term economic growth. This paper emphasizes the importance of non-intermediation activities in the growth process and in the development of intermediation services.
Inter-Individual Variation in Saliva Antioxidant Status in Relation to Periodontal Disease

Free radicals have been implicated in the aetiology of many human disease states, including periodontal disease (PD). Saliva contains an array of antioxidants that neutralise the harmful effects of free radical formation within the oral cavity. Increased salivary antioxidant capacity may limit oxidative tissue damage and improve the health of the gingival tissues. In this thesis, the antioxidant profile of saliva was assessed in relation to PD severity. Salivary protein carbonyl concentration was assessed as a biomarker of oxidative tissue damage. Urate, ascorbate and albumin contributed 85% of the total scavenging antioxidant capacity (TAA) which followed a diurnal rhythm (peak 5.OOpm, nadir 3.OOam). Salivary antioxidant flow rate was significantly lower in individuals with severe PD (TAA 0.2 10 ± 0.02 M/ml/min) than those with healthy gingivae (TAA 0.270 ± 0.02 iiM/ml/min) (p<O.O5). Oxidative injury was greater in the group with severe PD (protein carbonyls = 25.43 ± 11.09 fmoles/g protein) compared to the healthy group (7.77 ± 2.38 flnoles/g protein) (p<O.O5). Individuals with low salivary TAA were 4.5 times more likely to suffer severe PD. TAA in males (654 ± 25 iiM/ml/min) was significantly higher than in females (545 ± 23 iiM/ml/min) (p=O.OO2), but no relationship was noted between ex and periodontal health. TAA and urate flow rates followed the same monthly cyclical pattern as progesterone and 13-estradiol in women. Nutritional antioxidant supplementation was found to have little effect on salivary antioxidant status with only a transient increase in ascorbate evident. These data suggest that severe PD is associated with a decreased salivary antioxidant flow rate and increased oxidative injury. In addition, dietary antioxidant supplementation does not appear to increase salivary antioxidant status as it does in plasma. Toothpastes and mouthrinses containing antioxidants may reduce the extent of oxidative injury in vivo, with more research required in this area
Benefits, Challenges and Trade-Offs: Buyer and Contract Characteristics Valued by Small Farm Suppliers to Wholesale Marketing Channels

There is increasing interest in accessing local food products through “conventional” food marketing systems. This study identifies and quantifies key contract characteristics and buyer attributes valued by small-scale produce farmers who are currently or are considering marketing into wholesale channels. Overall, produce farmers are receptive to entering into contracts with wholesale buyers. Substantial heterogeneity, however, is found among farmer attitudes toward the specific contract terms and in the trade-offs farmers are willing to accept between contract terms and buyer characteristics. Insights offered will enable produce buyers to more efficiently target potential suppliers and will facilitate more effective contract design.
Comparison of Learners’ Problem Solving Approaches and Success in Stoichiometry

The purpose of this study was to examine how learnersâ€™ problem-solving approaches and success changed from high school to graduate school. This case study included 15 participants who were purposefully selected regarding their grade levels. To examine the development, we asked three algorithmic questions and three problems, which were different from each other regarding the data given and the context provided by stoichiometry. The data were collected through a think aloud protocols. The participants were also requested to take notes, write equations, and make calculations. Deductive data analysis was conducted. Results showed that the participants were able to solve the algorithmic questions to some extent. However, all participants had some difficultyin solving the problems. Most of the participants did not use supportive approaches to solve the problems. Implications for chemistry teaching provided in light of the results.
Which first principles for mathematical modelling in biology

Like theoretical physics, theoretical biology is not just mathematical modeling. Instead, theoretical biology should strive to find suitable first principles to ground the understanding of biological phenomena and ultimately frame biological experiments and mathematical models. First principles in physics are expressed in terms of symmetries and the associated conservations, on the one side, and optimization on the other side. In biology, we argue instead that a strong notion of variation is fundamental. This notion encompasses new possibilities and the historicity of biological phenomena. By contrast, the relative regularity of some aspects of biological organisms, which we call constraints, should be regarded as the consequence of a mutual stabilization of the parts of organisms. We exemplify several aspects of this framework with the modeling of allometric relationships. Our change of perspective leads to reconsider the meaning of measurements and the structure of the space of description.
A PAPR Reduction in FBMC-OQAM System via Overlapping-PTS with Artificial Bee Colony Phase Optimization

: In this paper, the overlapping Partial Transmit Sequence (overlapping-PTS) with Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) phase optimization method is proposed to reduce the larger Peak-to-Average Power Ratio (PAPR) which is the major drawback of filter bank multicarrier with offset quadrature amplitude modulation (FBMC-OQAM) system. In this proposed method, we clarify the problem of larger PAPR by reducing the PAPR of each overlapping data symbol with lower combination of the optimal phase factors. Unlike the conventional PTS methods, the proposed method uses the lower combination of phase factors by applying the ABC algorithm with considering the overlap between the current data symbol and the past data symbol to search the optimal phase combination. The proposed overlapping-PTS with ABC phase optimization method can significantly reduce the larger PAPR with low computational complexity for the FBMC-OQAM system which can be verified by the computer simulation results. From the computer simulation results, it can be confirmed that the proposed method shows much better PAPR which can reduce the PAPR by approximately 1.9 dB at CCDF 10 -1 as comparing with the conventional PTS method and can perform much lower computational complexity than the conventional methods which are only 4.38% and 0.76% for S phase factor pattern =300 and 50 respectively.
THE EFFECTS OF RUPIAH CURRENCY, WORLD OIL PRICES, AND WORLD GOLD PRICE ON COMPOSITED STOCK PRICE INDEX (IHSG) IN 2016

This study aims to determine and analyze the effects ofIndonesian Rupiah exchange rate, world oil prices, and world gold priceson IDX Composite in 2016. This research utilizedGeneralized AutoRegressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity (GARCH) method on 234 daily observations throughout the whole year.This study results demonstrated that the Indonesian Rupiah exchange rate has a significant and negative impact, while the world gold and oil prices have a significant and positive impact on the IDX Composite in 2016. In addition to these results, the discovery and usage of GARCH method as the optimum econometric model found the variance of residuals of IDX Composite in 2016, which is also affected by the previous day residuals, but it is not affected by the variance of previous days residuals.
The Impact of Supply Chain and Supplier Evaluation Related Practices on the Performance of Automotive Industry in Thailand

This study explores the practices of supply chain and evaluation practices of supplier concerning the firm performance of automotive industry of Thailand. Data were collected from the managers of the supply chain and the production managers through a questionnaire. PLS-SEM is used to explore the association among the understudy variables. The results revealed that effective practices of the supply chain could increase the performance of the industry in the country. Similarly, effective practices of supplier evaluation also can increase the performance of the firm. This study suggested to the policymakers and the manager of the supply chain that they must apply only an effective SCM and supplier evaluation practices in the firm. These effective practices can only have the ability to enhance the performance of every process of the firm.
Suicide by self-immolation in Australia : characteristics, contributing factors & comparisons with other suicide methods

This study aims to describe the characteristics of those who suicide by self-immolation with a focus on sex differences, compare rates of self-immolation to rates of other suicide methods and to compare the characteristics of Australian males who suicide by other methods. The research is based on 144 coroner’s files of suicide by self-immolation for 1997 to 2008 in the Australian states of Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland.
Diabetes mellitus and Hypoglycemia

The exam is designed to evaluate the knowledge, diagnostic reasoning, and clinical judgment skills expected of the certified endocrinologist in the broad domain of the discipline. The ability to make appropriate diagnostic and management decisions that have important consequences for patients will be assessed. The exam may require recognition of common as well as rare clinical problems for which patients may consult a certified endocrinologist.
On Secular Stagnation in the Industrialized World

ABSTRACT:We argue that the economy of the industrialized world, taken as a whole, is currently—and for the foreseeable future will remain—highly prone to secular stagnation. But for extraordinary fiscal policies, real interest rates would have fallen much more and be far below their current slightly negative level, current and prospective inflation would be further short of the 2 percent target levels, and past and future economic recoveries would be even more sluggish. We start by arguing that, contrary to current practice, neutral real interest rates are best estimated for the bloc of all industrial economies, given capital mobility between them and the relatively limited fluctuations in their aggregated current account. We show, using standard econometric procedures and looking at direct market indicators of prospective real rates, that neutral real interest rates have declined by at least 300 basis points over the last generation. We argue that these secular movements are in larger part a reflection of changes in saving and investment propensities rather than the safety and liquidity properties of Treasury instruments. We highlight the observation that, ceteris paribus, levels of government debt, the extent of pay-as-you-go old-age pensions, and the insurance value of government health care programs have all operated to raise neutral real rates. Using estimates drawn from the literature—as well as two general equilibrium models emphasizing, respectively, life-cycle heterogeneity and individual uncertainty—we suggest that the "private sector neutral real rate" may have declined by as much as 700 basis points since the 1970s. The extent of the substantial shifts in private saving and investment propensities over time has been obscured by the impact of this decline in real rates. Our diagnosis necessitates radical revisions in the conventional wisdom about monetary policy frameworks, the role of fiscal policy in macroeconomic stabilization, and the appropriate level of budget deficits, as well as social insurance and regulatory policies. To that end, much more of creative economic research is required on the causes, consequences, and policy implications of the pervasive private sector excess saving problem.
Extraction Techniques of Phenolic Compounds from Plants

Phenolic derivatives are one of the most important compounds that were found in secondary metabolites in plants. According to their various applications in agriculture, food, chemical and pharmaceutical industries, interests in reviewing different procedures of extraction of these compounds from plants have increased. In this chapter, we would like to have an overview on the extraction procedures that have been used in isolating phenolic compounds from plants until this time, including liquid-liquid extraction (LLE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE). In the following, advantages and disadvantages of these techniques and methods will be discussed and explained. In addition, in the last part of this chapter, various methods for purification and identification of phenolic compounds will be presented.
Characterisation and Mechanism of Bone Marrow Cell-Induced Myocardial Protection

s 1. Vien Khach Lai; Jose Linares-Palomino; Bernardo Nadal-Ginard; Manuel Galinanes. Potency and Mechanism of Bone Marrow Cells-Induced Cardioprotection. Circulation, Oct 2008; 118: S_537. (Oral presentation at the annual meeting of the American Heart Association, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. 8-12 November 2008) 2. Vien Khach Lai, Jose Linares-Palomino, Manuel Galinanes. Is the Cardioprotective Paracrine Action of Bone Marrow Cells Influenced by Clinical Conditions? J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. , March 10, 2009; 53: A306. (Supplement A). (Poster presentation at the 58 Annual Scientific Session of American College of Cardiology, Orlando, Florida, USA. 29-31 March 2009) Articles 1. Vien Khach Lai, Manuel Galinanes. Protection of Human Myocardium by Bone Marrow Cells: Role of Long-term Administration of the Mitochondrial KATP Channel Opener Nicorandil. Journal of Surgical Research. 2010 (accepted). 2. Vien Khach Lai, Jose Linares-Palomino, Bernardo Nadal-Ginard, Manuel Galinanes. Bone Marrow Cell-Induced Protection of the Human Myocardium: Characterization and Mechanism of Action. Journal of Thoracic Cardiovascular Surgery. 2009 Dec;138(6):1400-08. 3. Vien Khach Lai, Keng-Leong Ang, Wendy Rathbone, Nicholas James Harvey, Manuel Galinanes. Randomized controlled trial on the cardioprotective effect of bone marrow cells in patients undergoing coronary bypass graft surgery. European Heart Journal, 2009 Oct;30(19):2354-9.
The Determinants Factors of Mobile Payment Adoption in DKI Jakarta

The escalating growth in the usage of smartphone stimulates business people to innovate with technology, one of the ways is by developing a cashless payment system using cell phones or commonly referred to as mobile payment. Substantial amount of service providers in many countries, particularly Indonesia, has offered mobile payment with various benefits. Hence, this research comprised a study of user behavior towards the implementation of information technology by using a framework model which adopted by using the UTAUT (Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology) model. To collect the data, questionnaires were distributed through online channels with internet users as potential respondents. This research uses explanatory design with convenience sampling method. Firstly, data were obtained from 30 respondents through online channel and the pre-test result stated that the user interface of mobile payment has a significant effect on the use of MP. From the pre-test result mentioned, questionnaires were redistributed and collected. From this, a total of 220 questionnaires from respondents in DKI Jakarta has been obtained and the majority of respondents have acknowledged the presence of mobile payment. Data processing is conducted by using SmartPLS 3.0 software. This research verified that perceived risk and cost factors are the main disruptions that cause the low adoption rate on the usage of mobile payment in Indonesia, and that social influence has proven to be a highly crucial, driving factor for users in using mobile payment. Word of mouth communication, promotion by Brand Ambassadors and celebrities can be used as recommendations by service providers to formulate better strategies .
A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF QUADRILATERALS TOPIC CONTENT IN MATHEMATICS TEXTBOOKS BETWEEN MALAYSIA AND SOUTH KOREA

This study compares Malaysian and Korean geometry content in mathematics textbooks to help explain the differences that have been found consistently between the achievement levels of Malaysian and South Korean students in the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS). Studies have shown that the use of textbooks can affect students’ mathematics achievements, especially in the field of geometry. Furthermore, to date, there has been no comparison of geometry content in Malaysian and Korean textbooks. Two textbooks used in the lower secondary education system in Malaysia and South Korea were referred. The topic of quadrilaterals was chosen for comparison, and the topic’s chapter in the South Korean textbook has been translated into English. The findings show four main aspects that distinguish how quadrilaterals are taught between the two countries. These aspects include the composition of quadrilaterals topics, the depth of concept exploration activities, the integration of deductive reasoning in the learning content and the difficulty level of mathematics problems given at the end of the chapter. In this regard, we recommend the Division of Curriculum Development of the Malaysian Ministry of Education reviews the geometry content of mathematics textbook used today to suit the curriculum proven to produce students who excel in international assessments.
Decoupling after the Crisis: Western and Eastern Business Cycles in the European Union

ABSTRACT The aftermath of the crisis in Europe renewed the interest in the comovement business cycles and the ability of the European Central Bank (ECB) to implement a common monetary policy. Depending on the examined time period, the sample of countries and the utilized methodology, the research shows evidence of both convergence and decoupling of European business cycles. The present paper extends this research agenda by applying Bayesian dynamic latent factor models to the time series of GDP growth and the inflation of the Eurozone and Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) countries from 2000 till 2018. The results show evidence of two distinct business cycles in the Eurozone and the CEE, as well as the progressing decoupling in the European Union and convergence within the Eastern and Western Europe. Comovement of inflation has been slowly declining in the Eurozone, suggesting decreasing effectiveness of the EBC in following the inflation target in the entire euro area.
Leader-member exchange and employee resilience: the mediating role of regulatory focus

Purpose This study aims to investigate whether leader–subordinate exchange (LMX) quality influences subordinate resilience. Drawing upon Higgins’ (1998) regulatory focus theory, it is hypothesized that high LMX leaders induce a positive appraisal of situations which primes promotion regulatory focus in subordinates which in turn increases employee motivation and resilience. Design/methodology/approach The study uses a cross-sectional survey design. Responses were collected from 139 employees of three information technology and enabled services organizations in India. Data were analyzed using PLS-based structure equation modeling package ADANCO. Findings LMX was found to be positively related to employee resilience. Promotion regulatory focus mediated the relationship between LMX and employee resilience. Practical implications The study demonstrates that leader interaction and behaviors can promote resilience in employees. Organizations need to see how supervisors can be trained to “frame” challenges and adversity in a manner that motivates employees and promotes resilience. Originality/value Previous studies have found different types of leadership styles to be associated with subordinate resilience. This suggests that there are certain factors across various leadership styles that influence resilience. The study uses LMX theory to suggest that it is not leadership style but underlying dimensions such as trust, reciprocity and clarity that play a vital role in cultivating employee resilience.
Serum TGF-1 in Atopic Asthma

A connector housing is provided to prevent a locking portion from being excessively deformed when the insufficient insertion of a terminal fitting is detected. Cavities 3 are provided in two stages in the connector housing, and locking portions 11 are arranged back to back to share deformation permitting spaces 16. The upper and lower locking portions 11 are arranged such that the longitudinal axes thereof are transversely offset to each other. Detecting portions 23 to be inserted into the deformation permitting spaces 16 project from a retainer 20. At the left and right ends of an inserting end surface 24 of each detecting portion 23, excessive deformation preventing portions 25 are formed symmetrically with respect to vertical direction. The excessive deformation preventing portions 25 can individually come into contact with leading ends 13 of the upper and lower locking portions 11. If a female terminal fitting 8 is insufficiently inserted as in the upper stage of FIG. 7, the retainer 20 may further deform the locking portion 11 after coming into contact therewith, while being inserted. However, the excessive elastic deformation of the locking portion 11 is restricted by the leading end 13 thereof being brought into contact with the excessive deformation preventing portion 25 at the lower side.
Assessment of the Safety Maturity Level of Construction Companies in Nigeria: EFQM Approach

Safety management culture/practices varies from country to country as well as company to company. Despite several efforts towards effective health and safety system in the construction industry in Nigeria, accident occurrences are still on the increase on construction sites. This study assesses the current maturity level of construction companies in Lagos State, Nigeria by introducing a form of self-assessment model to enable companies assess their performance with a view to offering suggestions on areas needing improvement. With the aid of structured questionnaire, the views of industry players were sought and analysed, chiefly with the use of factor analysis to group the attributes under the five factors of EFQM model. The results revealed that the construction companies in Lagos are currently at improver level according to the EFQM maturity scale. The study also revealed that people enabler factor contributes most to safety while leadership enabler is the least contributor. It was recommended that construction companies in Lagos should generally invest more on leadership and processes and resources enablers. Construction companies should evaluate their growth using self-assessment models and take stock of happenings and current level of activities and achievement for performance review and improvement.