Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Using Polls to Measure Pork

Polls are naturally used by politicians and businesspeople to form expectations over political outcomes, but every poll comes with its margin of error. We suggest that the shock to expectations caused by voting realizations provides us with an ‘innovation’ which can be used to perform an event study. In particular, forward-looking business behavior prior to the election is optimized relative to expectations formed through polls, and immediately after the election it adjusts according to the new information revealed by the election itself. If there is no reaction to the surprise vote, business behavior is not a function of political behavior, and so we infer that no credible promise of pork has been made. Variation in the magnitude of this response across electoral districts therefore gives us a way of identifying the local-level characteristics that make it both desirable and credible for politicians to use pork. Using data from Ugandan microfinance investors, we test the discontinuous response across counties of Uganda to the 2001 presidential election. Controlling for local variation in violence, threatmaking, and explicit promises of pork, we find that both incumbent and opposition politicians are highly credible.
THE EFFECT OF MOTIVATIONAL INTENSITY AND COACHES ON ATHLETES PERFORMANCE

Sport coaching is a fundamental approach in which athletes can enhance their performance working with qualified coaches. Knowledgeable sport coaches not only develop the performance skills in their athletes but also boost their motivation intensity in their players. It has been observed that Pakistani field hockey coaches failed to develop the fitness capabilities as well as technical skills, not to speak of enhancing the performance at national and international arena. The motivation level of the players is not up to the mark as well. The purpose of the study is to find out the association between hockey coaches and motivational intensity with field hockey athletes’ performance. Correlational research design and survey method were employed. Two types of tools were used; questionnaire and field performance tests for the purpose of data collection. Various statistical approaches were padpoted to analyze the survey data such as descriptive statistic, correlation and multiple regressions analyses. A large sample of 296 national field hockey athletes completed the questionnaires and participated in field performance tests practically in the fields of play. The descriptive statistics was employed to calculate the mean and standard deviation of demographic information and to measure the field performance tests. The association of hockey coaches with field hockey athletes’ performance exposed at significant level (p value is 0.000) whereas the correlation between motivational intensity and performance of field hockey athletes exposed at p<0.01. The multiple regression results revealed that hockey coaches and motivational intensity have significant impact on field hockey athletes’ performance and can enhance the performance. It is concluded that Pakistani national field hockey athletes are weaker in their technical dexterities and fitness capabilities. It is also concluded that qualified hockey coaches can overcome the decline in performance and boost the motivation intensity in national field hockey players.
Food Quality and Product Export Performance: An Empirical Investigation of the EU Situation

The relationship between product quality and export performance is investigated. Five EU countries (Italy, France, Spain, Germany, United Kingdom), 3 product categories (cheese, meat preparations, and wine), 3 export destinations (intra-European Union, extra-European Union, and world), and 2 periods (1995–1999 and 2000–2005) are analyzed. The regression results show that the connection between product quality and export performance depends on the product category (but not on the period) and differs (but not in all cases) according to the export destination. An implication arising from this analysis is that considering international marketing of quality food products in teaching and training programs could contribute to the enhancement of EU agribusiness competitiveness in increasingly liberalized and quality-conscious markets.
A retrodirective microstrip antenna array

A Van Atta retrodirective reflector was designed and developed, using an aperture-coupled microstrip antenna array. This reflector possesses the advantage of reflecting high fields to the source point over a wide range of incidence angles and, owing to the low cost and conformability of the structure, is suitable for applications in intelligent vehicle highway systems (IVHS). An approximate theory associated with the reradiation and scattering principles of the reflector is presented for the purpose of understanding and designing the reflector. The utility of the retrodirective reflector was demonstrated by comparison with a plate reflector and a microstrip antenna array without a feed structure. Finally, a reflector with switches in the middle of the microstrip feed lines was investigated for possible applications in communications and remote identification.
Neurofeedback Therapy of Attention Deficits in Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury

ABSTRACT Background. Impairments of attention are a frequent and well documented consequence of head injury. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if Neurofeedback Therapy (NFT) can enhance remediation of attention deficits in patients with closed head injuries (CHI) who are still in the phase of spontaneous recovery. Method. Feedback of beta-activity (13–20 Hz) was used for the treatment of attentional impairments in twelve patients with moderate closed head injuries. A matched control group of nine patients was treated with a standard computerized training. All patients were tested before and after treatment with a set of attention tests. Results. After ten sessions the analyses of beta activity showed that eight patients were able to increase their beta activity while the remaining four patients showed a decrease of beta activity. Mean duration of beta activity was prolonged about 50% after training. Patients who received NFT improved significantly more in the attention tests than control patients.
Total dose effects on negative voltage regulator

Functional failure at low dose level (4 Krad(Si)) on voltage regulators (LM137) from different manufacturers are analysed. Dose rate effects on parts hardness are evaluated, showing that lowering the dose rate degrade more the IC's in the range 55 rad(Si)/s-0.8 rad(Si)/s. A failure mechanism is proposed, mainly based on circuit analysis, voltage contrast measurements, local irradiation and local electrical measurements with probe station. A SPICE simulation was performed, providing quantitative informations on the degradation. In the light of such a failure analysis and dose rate effects, practical implications on radiation assurance are discussed. >
Thermal conductivities under high pressure in core samples from IODP NanTroSEIZE drilling site C0001

We examined the effects of high pressure on thermal conductivity in core samples from the slope–apron facies and the upper part of the accretionary prism at site C0001 of the NanTroSEIZE drilling program and in other samples of five terrestrial rock types. Thermal conductivity clearly increased with increasing pressure for both wet (water saturated) and dry samples. We determined the rate of thermal conductivity change of the NanTroSEIZE sediments to be 0.014 Wm−1K−1/MPa when pressure was increased, and 0.01 Wm−1K−1/MPa when pressure was decreased. Using the rate determined for decreasing pressure, we estimated that thermal conductivities measured at atmospheric pressure rather than at in situ pressure may be underestimated by 7% for a core sample from around 1 km depth and by 20% for a core sample from around 3 km depth. In general, the rate of thermal conductivity change with pressure showed a positive correlation with porosity. However, the relationship of the rate of thermal conductivity change to porosity is also dependent on the fabric, mineral composition, and pore structure of the sediments and rocks. Furthermore, for two sandstones we tested, the effect of pressure on thermal conductivity for dry samples was greater than that for wet samples.
Scale-dependent correlation of seabirds with schooling fish in a coastal ecosystem

The distribution of piscivorous seabirds relative to schooling f ~ s h was investigated by repeated censusing of 2 intersecting transects in the Avalon Channel, w h c h carries the Labrador Current southward along the east coast of Newfoundland. Murres (primarily common murres Uria aalge), Atlantic puffins Fratercula arctica, and schooling fish (primarily capelin .Mallofus villosus) were highly aggregated at spatial scales ranging from 0.25 to 15 km. Patchiness of murres, puffins and schoohng flsh was scale-dependent, as indicated by significantly higher vc~ridnce-to-mean ratios at large measurement distances than at the minimum distance, 0.25 km Patch scale of puffins ranged from 2.5 to 15 km, of murres from 3 to 8.75 km, and of schoohng flsh from 1.25 CO 15 km. Patch scale of birds and schooling fish was sirmlar m 6 out of 9 con~parisons. Correlahon between seabirds and schooling birds was significant at the minimum measurement distance in b D L I ~ of 12 comparisons. Correlation was scale-dependent, as inlcated by sigruficantly higher coef1i:ients at large measurement &stances than at the minimum distance. Traclung scale, as indicated b) Lhe maxlmum significant correlation between birds and schooling fish, ranged from 2 to 6 km. Our analysis showed that extended aggregations of seabirds are associated with extended aggregatlons of schooling fish and that correlation of these marine carnivores with their prey is scale-dependent.
PET Imaging of Mitochondrial Function in the Living Brain

In the last two and half decades, we have conducted research on brain functional imaging in nonhuman primates using animal positron emission tomography (PET) scanners with high spatial resolution. We recently designed and synthesized the novel PET probe [ 18 F]BCPP-EF to quantitatively image mitochondria complex-I (MC-I) activity in the living brain. Brain MC-I activity, measured using [ 18 F] BCPP-EF, was significantly lower in aged monkeys than that in young animals, while no significant reduction was observed in SV2A activity, a synaptic-specific parameter that was measured using [ 11 C]UCB-J. Some aged monkeys exhibited increased amyloid- β deposition in the brain, measured using [ 11 C]PiB, which induced neuroinflammation. A positive correlation was noted with neuroinflammation, measured using [ 11 C]DPA-713 and a negative correlation with MC-I activity. Furthermore, a monkey model of Parkinson’s disease prepared by the chronic administration of MPTP revealed suppressed MC-I activity not only in the nigrostriatal dopamine pathway, measured using [ 11 C]PE2I and [ 11 C]6Me m Tyr, but also in cortical serotonergic neurons, measured using [ 11 C]DASB. This review introduces the translational application of a novel PET probe for noninvasive MC-I imaging from preclinical to clinical PET measurements.
Roach’s mouse-tailed dormouse Myomimus roachi distribution and conservation in Bulgaria

The Roach’s mouse-tailed dormouse ( Myomimus roachi ) is an endangered mammal in Europe with poorly known distribution and biology in Bulgaria. Cranial remains of 15 specimens were determined among 30532 mammals in Barn Owl ( Tyto alba ) pellets in 35 localities from 2000 to 2008 and 32941 mammals in Eagle Owl ( Bubo bubo ) pellets in 59 localities from 1988 to 2011 in SE Bulgaria. This dormouse was present with single specimens in 11 localities and whit 4 specimens in one locality. It is one of the rarest mammals in the region that forms only up to 1% by number of mammalian prey in the more numerous pellet samples. The existing protected areas ecological network covers six out of 15 (40%) localities where the species has been detected in the last two decades. We discuss the necessity of designation of new Natura 2000 zones for the protection of the Roach’s mouse-tailed dormouse in Bulgaria.
Efficacy of Horticultural Activity in Elderly People with Dementia: A Pilot Study on the Influence on Vitality and Cognitive Function

Objective: The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the effects of an intervention of the horticultural activities program in elderly people with mild to moderate dementia. Methods: The study design was a before–after study. The subjects were 11 elderly people with dementia. The horticultural activities program was developed to support mental, behavioral, social, and cognitive aspects of well-being in elderly patients. The program was conducted once a week for a total of six weeks. Vitality Index (VI) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) were used to determine the effects of the horticultural activities program. Results: The results showed that VI and MMSE scores significantly improved immediately after intervention compared with those at baseline. In addition, the scores significantly decreased after 1 month of intervention compared with those immediately after the intervention. Conclusions: In this study, VI and MMSE scores of elderly people with mild to moderate dementia improved after participation in the horticultural activities program. However, as the number of subjects was small in the present study, further studies are required to fully elucidate the effects of a horticultural activities program.
Mediterranean Pelagic Habitat: Oceanographic and Biological Processes, An Overview

The Mediterranean Sea is a highly variable and dynamic environment, with very high biologic diversity. However, human activities have a large impact on this environment and sometimes lead to permanent ecosystem shifts. A broad-based dynamic conservation approach is needed to preserve essential ecological processes and services, and to protect economic and cultural resources for future generations. Hence, this publication aims to apply a process approach to habitat conservation, seeking to ensure that not only the pelagic marine species, but also the dynamic pelagic habitats upon which they depend, are considered when Marine Protected Areas are formed.
Rejection Sensitivity in Adolescent Offspring of Mothers with Borderline Personality Disorder

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a chronic and severe psychological disorder with symptoms including fear of abandonment, negative relationships, and inappropriate expressions of anger. Individuals with BPD score higher on rejection sensitivity than do normative comparisons. The present study assessed rejection sensitivity in a sample at high risk for developing BPD—adolescent offspring of women with BPD. We hypothesized that adolescents whose mothers have BPD would have higher levels of rejection sensitivity than would normative comparisons, adolescents’ rejection sensitivity would be positively correlated with their mother’s borderline features, and adolescents’ rejection sensitivity would be positively correlated with their own borderline features. Levels of rejection sensitivity did not differ between adolescents who had mothers with BPD and normative comparisons, nor did the adolescents’ rejection sensitivity correlate with their mothers’ borderline features. The adolescents’ rejection sensitivity was, however, significantly correlated with their own report of negative relationships. Clinical implications are discussed.
Preference for the light compartment of a light/dark cage does not affect rat exploratory behavior in the elevated plus-maze

The are few reports on the relationship between elevated plus-maze and effects of maintenance conditions in the days prior to the test. Previously, we have demonstrated that being forcibly in total dark or in light for four days does not alter exploratory behavior in the plus-maze. The present study aimed at recording illumination level preferences in rats using a box with light and dark compartments (or another with two light compartments) and the behavioral effect of this choice on the plus-maze. The rats allowed to express their preference to remain in one particular level of illumination tended to stay initially in the dark compartment and gradually preferred to remain in the light compartment. When tested in the elevated plus-maze there were no effects in comparison to controls kept in commercial cages.
The Impact of the Global Financial Crisis on the Least Developed Countries

This paper investigates the short-run effects of the 2007–09 global financial crisis on GDP growth in least-developed countries (LDCs) compared to the effects on other low income countries and lower middle income countries. Thispaper shows that for many individual LDCs, 2009 was not extraordinarily bad. The output shock following the financial and economic crisis was less than expected and hit LDCs less than other developing countries. Moreover, the growth declines are on average well explained by the collapse in export demand. In two years, the volume of world trade fell by a third. Finally, there are few robust relationships between the annual cross-country growth variation between 2007 and 2009, and the variables reflecting policy and structural environment. The main exception is foreign aid that has mitigated the negative impact of external shocks on economic growth in LDCs.
Identification and expression of two types of chicken GnRH-II genes in mature hard-lipped barb, Osteochilus hasselti

Abstract. Prayogo NA, Wijayanti GE, Sulistyo I. Sukardi P. 2016. Identification and expression of two types of chicken GnRH-II genes in mature hard-lipped barb, Osteochilus hasselti. Biodiversitas 17: xxx. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is synthesized in the brain and acts in the anterior pituitary to stimulate the release of gonadotropins in fishes as well as in other vertebrates. Genomic DNAs and cDNAs of two chicken-type GnRH-II genes of hard-lipped barb, namely cGnRH-II type 1 and type 2, were cloned. The length of cloned genomic DNA of cGnRH-II type 1 was 580 bp and cDNA was 206 bp. The length of cloned genomic DNA of cGnRH-II type 2 was 570 bp and cDNA was 196 bp. The cGnRH-II type 1 and type 2 cDNAs encode precursors of 68 and 63 amino acids, respectively. Those precursors consist of a signal peptide, cGnRH-II decapeptide and a GnRH-associated peptide (GAP) linked by a Gly-Lys-Argproteolytic site. Using quantitative Real Time-PCR, expression levels of these two cGnRH-II genes were detected in the brain, liver and gonad of hard-lipped barb. Expression of the GnRH-II type 1 gene was found only in the brain and liver, on the other hand, expression of the cGnRH-II type 2 gene was found in the gonad, in addition to the brain and liver. The expression of the cGnRH-II genes outside the brain suggested that cGnRH-II might act as an autocrine or paracrine regulator.Keywords: cGnRH-II, type 1 and 2, Real Time-PCR, amino acid
Raman spectra of polymethyl methacrylate optical fibres excited by a 532 nm diode pumped solid state laser

Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) optical fibres are fabricated by a preform drawing process. The Raman spectra of PMMA fibres are recorded using a diode pumped solid state laser emitting at 532 nm and a CCD-spectrograph in the 400‐3800 cm −1 range. The variation of the Raman intensity with the length of the optical fibre is studied. Investigations are carried out on the variation of FWHM of the Raman peak at 2957 cm −1 with the length of the optical fibre and pump power. The differential scattering cross section and gain coefficient of the Raman peak at 2957 cm −1 in PMMA are calculated in relation to that of toluene.
Financial Islamic Banking Development and Economic Growth: A Case Study of Jordan

In this paper, an attempt has been conducted to explore the relation between financial Islamic banking development (FIBD) and economic growth (EG) of Jordan over the periods of 1980–2012. Two models have been formulated to indicate this relation within the context of VECM framework. For this purpose, FINC and DEPT are used as a measure of FIBD, while RGDP used as an indicator of EG. The results show that there is bi-directional long-run Granger causality between RGDP and FINC reflecting a positive contribution of Jordanian Islamic banks in financing the process of Jordanian social and economic development. The relation appears to be unidirectional relation between RGDP and DEPT running from RGDP to DEPT reflects the excess liquidity problem that all Jordanian Islamic banks suffer from it. With regarding to short-run causality there isn’t any significant relations between FIBD and EG. Taken together, these empirical findings involve valuable information for Jordanian policy makers.
Estimating depths and dimensions of gravity sources through optimized support vector classifier (SVC)

By researching and applying new methods we will be able to improve significantly estimation of shapes, dimensions and depths of gravity sources. After shapes estimation of gravity sources through support vector classifier (SVC) in our last research [Hekmatian et al. 2015], in this paper SVC is applied for estimating depths and dimensions of gravity sources. These estimations give us logical and complete initial guesses regarding shapes, depths and dimensions of gravity sources which are needed in more precise interpretations and inversions of gravity sources. Also for better application of SVC, we selected more proper features using the technique called feature selection (FS). In this paper, we trained SVC with 320 synthetic gravity profiles for estimation of dimensions and depths of gravity sources. We tested the trained SVC codes by about 200 other synthetic and some real gravity profiles. The depths and dimensions of a well along with two ore bodies (three real gravity sources) are estimated during the testing process.
Genotypes of conilon coffee can be simultaneously clustered for efficiencies of absorption and utilization of N, P and K

The objective of this research was to group C. canephora cv. Conilon coffee genotypes of different ripening cycles for both efficient absorption and utilization of N, P and K in contrasting environments. The experiment was arranged in a factorial scheme 13x4, with fours replicates, the factors being: 13 genotypes of Conilon coffee and four types of fertilization (NPK: 0%-100%-100%, 100%-0%-100%, 100%-100%-0% and 100%-100%-100% of the level recommended). The results indicated that conilon coffee genotypes have efficiencies to absorb and use N, P, K modulated by the availability of these nutrients in the soil, furthermore it was possible to assume that conilon coffee genotypes of early ripening cycle have high joint efficiencies of absorption and utilization in environment with adequate NPK supply. To optimize the nutritional management, the genotypes 67 and 76 would be recommended for plantations with low technological potential to better exploit their efficiencies of absorption and use of N, P and K; and the genotypes 02, 48 and 67 would be recommended for crops with high technological potential where, besides the nutritional efficiency, their responsiveness could be explored. For breeding programs, it is recommended the exploitation of conilon genotypes 02 and 67, for presenting simultaneously high absorption and utilization efficiency of NPK. Key words: Coffea canephora, mineral nutrition, fertilization, crop breeding.