Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
TAX WEDGE ON LABOUR AND ITS EFFECT ON EMPLOYMENT GROWTH IN THE EUROPEAN UNION

The paper assesses the characteristics of tax wedge, employment and unemployment rate in the EU and by using linear regression analysis with panel-corrected standard errors on the sample of twenty-seven EU Member States over 1999-2008 period analyzes whether the tax wedge affects the employment growth. The empirical estimates have shown that, with regard to employment and unemployment rate, the EU Member States can be classified into two groups. The first group is characterized with high tax wedge, low employment and high unemployment rate, whereas the second group has the alternative characteristics. The negative tax wedge-employment relation was confirmed in the panel regression analysis, showing that an increase in tax wedge for one percentage point decreases the employment growth in the EU-27 by around 0.04 percentage points, ceteris paribus. The empirical estimates suggest that the EU-27 should continue with the trend of reducing tax wedge, as this would increase employment growth and employment rate and decrease unemployment, especially in Member States with high tax wedge.
Probing the Extragalactic Cosmic-Ray Origin with Gamma-Ray and Neutrino Backgrounds

GeV–TeV gamma-rays and PeV–EeV neutrino backgrounds provide a unique window on the nature of the ultra-high-energy cosmic rays (UHECRs). We discuss the implications of the recent Fermi-LAT data regarding the extragalactic gamma-ray background and related estimates of the contribution of point sources as well as IceCube neutrino data on the origin of the UHECRs. We calculate the diffuse flux of cosmogenic γ-rays and neutrinos produced by the UHECRs and derive constraints on the possible cosmological evolution of UHECR sources. In particular, we show that the mixed-composition scenario considered in Globus et al., which is in agreement with both (i) Auger measurements of the energy spectrum and composition up to the highest energies and (ii) the ankle-like feature in the light component detected by KASCADE-Grande, is compatible with both the Fermi-LAT measurements and with current IceCube limits. We also discuss the possibility for future experiments to detect associated cosmogenic neutrinos and further constrain the UHECR models, including possible subdominant UHECR proton sources.
The Nutritive Value of the Meat Quality of Locally Breed Chicken, Exotic Chicken and Turkey

Locally breed Chicken, exotic Chicken and Turkey were obtained from Ajegunle market in Oyo town and processed for their proximate composition and dietary minerals. The proximate composition reveals that the moisture content in percentage ranged from 5.00% in Turkey to 0.50% in exotic Chicken, the ash content ranges from 6.50% in Turkey to 2.00% in locally breed chicken. The fat content ranges from 18.0% in Turkey to 3.70% in locally breed Chicken; the protein content ranges from 68.97% in exotic Chicken to 50.95% in locally breed Chicken. Carbohydrate content ranges from 25.83% in locally breed chicken to 0.63% in Turkey. The fibre content of Turkey was 2.22% and 1.96% in local Chicken while fibre content was not detectable in exotic Chicken. The dietary minerals that were in abundance in the meat samples are Potassium whose concentration ranged from 603mg/100g in Turkey to 527mg/100g in exotic chicken. Sodium ranged from 370mg/100g in Turkey to 345mg/100g in exotic chicken. Calcium ranged from 575mg/100g in Turkey to 375mg/100g in exotic chicken while Magnesium ranged from 377mg/100g in local chicken to 256mg/100g in exotic chicken, Iron ranged from 465mg/100g in local chicken to 233mg/100g in Turkey. Zinc ranged from 622mg/100g in exotic chicken to 475mg/100g in Turkey.
Is truffle brûlé a case of perturbational niche construction

Aim of study: In the context of niche construction theory, the investigation was aimed at assessing if truffle brule is a case of niche construction by testing if the disappearance of grasses in the brule induces a non-arbitrary perturbation in the soil physical environment and, in that case, which are the physical processes involved. Area of study: A natural truffle bed located in the Italian Apennines inside an experimental truffle-producing area of the University of Perugia. Material and methods: Three aggregate size classes in the soil of a brule and of the neighbouring grass-covered area were determined with the wet-sieving technique in accordance with international standards. In the first part of the investigation, the area was sampled according to a systematic sampling design and the spatial patterns of aggregate size classes in the brule and in the neighbouring grass-covered area were compared by means of geostatistics. In the second part, the suppression of grasses in the brule was mimicked in the laboratory by removing roots from a sample collected in the grass-covered area and the effect of freeze-thaw cycles was tested by comparing a control treatment to other four treatments consisting in sub-samples equilibrated at a water tension of ‐2.5, ‐5, ‐10 and ‐20 kPa. Samples were submitted to a number of freeze-thaw cycles equal to those recorded in the area, analysed for aggregate size distribution and compared with univariate ANOVA. Main results: The aggregate size classes larger than 0.25mm displayed a spatial pattern comparable to that of the brule, with sharp changes along the boundaries of the brule itself. The laboratory experiment showed that such changes are attributable to freeze-thaw cycles that in one winter season may produce a significant decrease in aggregate size compared to the grass-covered area. Both results indicate that the disappearance of grasses in the brule fulfils the requirement of perturbational niche construction. Research highlights: The observed change of soil aggregation in the brule can be useful in delineating soils suitable for truffle farming and in creating suitable soil physical conditions for truffle production by exploiting freeze-thaw cycles after irrigation in winter.
Can convergence regressions distinguish between exogenous and endogenous growth models ?

In cross-section regressions of future growth rates on initial income levels, a negative coefficient is often interpreted as evidence consistent with exogenous growth. We use a simple growth model to show that higher initial income can imply higher future growth in an exogenous growth case, and lower future growth in an endogenous growth case. We show that the two types of models can be distinguished by the sign of the coefficient on initial capital in a regression of growth rates on both initial income and initial capital.
Developments in Business Simulation & Experiential Exercises , Volume 8 , 1981 133 STUDENT PERCEPTIONS OF EFFECTIVE TEACHING BEHAVIORS

The most common performance appraisal device used in academia today is the student evaluation of teacher effectiveness. Typically, the student, near the completion of a course, fills out a standardized evaluation form for the teachers of the class in which h or she is enrolled. Evidence of the widespread use at teacher evaluation has been documented by a number of researchers (e.g., Lein & Merz, 1978; Peterson, Kerin & Martin, 1978). For example, in a study designed to identify the methods used for evaluation of business faculty, Lein and Merz (1978) received responses from 374 business schools. Although respondents indicated that they used various combinations of methods in evaluating business faculty, over 70 percent of the schools used some form of teacher evaluation by students. Not only are more schools using this method of assessing teacher effectiveness, many also use the results to make administrative decisions (e.g., faculty retention, promotion, salary and tenure).
Cropping systems, tillage and fertilization strategies for durum wheat performance and soil properties

Many sustainable agronomical practices can be adopted to contain environmental risks of crop production and, at the same time, sustain yield and quality. In this framework, the aim of this research was to study the effects of continuous cropping (CC) and crop rotation, tillage and fertilization strategies on durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) production. The responses of soil properties were further investigated. The research was carried out from 1998 to 2006 in two two-year rotations repeated two times and in a continuous cropping. The wheat yield and total nitrogen (N) uptake mean value were significantly higher in rotation (by 9.7 and 21.5%, respectively) than in CC. Moreover, the broad bean-wheat rotation significantly increased wheat performance, in particular yield (+35.2 and 47.9% in conventional and in minimum tillage, respectively) compared to sugar beet-wheat rotation. The minimum tillage increased total organic carbon compared to the conventional one and this enhancement was observed both in CC and rotation (+11.6 and 10.6%, respectively). The reduced tillage also increased total N in both cropping systems and mineral N (+25.4%) in rotation. On the whole, the findings of this research provide an opportunity to identify best cultivation strategies to improve wheat performance in rainfed farming systems.
A Standards-Based Grading and Reporting Tool for Faculty: Design and Implications.

The use of standard-based assessment, grading and reporting tools is essential to ensure that assessment meets acceptable levels of quality and standardization. This study reports the design, development and evaluation of a standards-based assessment tool for the instructors at Sultan Qaboos University, Sultanate of Oman. The Rapid Applications Development Model was implemented to develop early versions of the assessment tool, called RealGrade. The Grading tool Usability Questionnaire and a series of individual interviews were used to measure participants' reactions toward the usability of RealGrade and determine the extent to which the prototype is usable. The results revealed that participants found the RealGrade effective and efficient in facilitating the process of standardsbased assessment and communicating grades with students at the University. In addition, they favored the design, flexibility and ease of use of RealGrade. Further examinations of mean differences among participants according to their computer experience and teaching experience were conducted.
Internationalization of SMEs and Their Income-Price Effects on Export Market: a Case of the Selected Asian Countries

International trade causes that markets to become more competitive and smallmedium sized enterprises (SMEs) learn to compete effectively within this increasingly competitive global market place. SMEs are able to take advantage of increased opportunities in domestic markets that follow from international trade. It is indeed a way for internationalization of SMEs. This paper analyzes income and price elasticities of the export model which has been specified for export market of SMEs’ in the selected Asian countries. The estimated elasticities revealed the responsiveness of exporting goods supplied by the SMEs in these countries with respect to changes in different incomes and relative export price. Accordingly, we estimate an export regression model (including demand and supply equations) based on the cross-sectional observations of the selected Asian countries including China, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, the Philippines, Vietnam and Pakistan over the period 1990-2008. We have found that price and income elasticities are statistically significant and have the expected signs. The implication of our findings is that price and income are appropriate determinants for international trade expanded by Asian SMEs.
Determinants of Audit Fees: Evidence from Jordan

This study sets out to examine the factors influencing the level of external audit fees paid by firms to their auditors in Jordan. Specific attention is focused on the investigation of the potential influence of auditee size, complexity of client, profitability, client risk, auditor size and auditor tenure on audit fees, by using the Sample which contains 117 non-financial Jordanian companies which listed on Amman Stock Exchang, meet the selection standards and have the applicable and appropriate financial data from 2010 until 2012 (351 observation). The current study strongly reinforces that greatest of prior studies results are also appropriate and applicable to the Jordanian audit market. Moreover, the current study provides further evidence connecting variables such as the auditor tenure effects and auditee risk which have been found to have an inconclusive relationship with the amount of external audit fees in prior studies. However, the auditee size seems to have been the key determinant of external audit fees. Furthermore, financial risk is found to be negatively and significantly associated with the level of external audit fees. On other side, empirical results found that the audit tenure has no significant relationship with audit fees. Finally, the current study is unique because it is the first to empirically examine factors impacting the level of audit fees in Jordan for a total of three years; it revisits the audit fee literature and highlights the important determinants that affect audit fees.
Nwidu L : Hepatoprotective Effects of Hydromethanolic Leaf and Stem Extracts of Spondias mombin in Carbon Tetrachloride Induced-Hepatotoxicity and Oxidative Stress

Objectives: Spondias mombin is used in folk medicine in Nigeria for the treatment of hepatitis. This study comparatively evaluates the in vivo hepato‐protective and antioxidant effects of Spondias mombin leaf (SML) and Spondias mombin stem (SMS) methanolic extracts in a rat model of hepatotoxicity. Methods: 42 rats were equally divided into seven groups of six animals each. Group A received water, Group B water, Groups C and D received SML at 500 and 1000 mg/ kg bw, respectively, Groups E and F received SMS 500 and 1000 mg/kg bw, respectively, and Group G received silymarin at 100 mg/kg. All extracts and drugs were administered daily by oral gavage for a total of seven days, and then for Groups B to G acute hepatotoxicity was induced by administering CCl4. After 48 hours rats were sacrificed and assayed for histological and biochemical indices of hepatotoxicity. Results: CCl4 treatment induced liver injury, with significantly increased levels of markers of hepatocellular injury alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) total bilirubin (TBIL) and conjugated bilirubin (CBIL), as well as a significant reduction of total circulatory protein. SML or SMS plant extracts at 500 and 1000 mg/kg prior to CCl4 treatment significantly ameliorated liver injury, and decreased the levels of ALT, AST, TBIL, and CBIL. SML or SMS extracts significantly increased cellular levels of glutathione, the Correspondence: Lucky Nwidu, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Niger Delta University, Yenegoa, Nigeria. E‐mail: menelucky@yahoo.com Access this article online Website: www.jbclinpharm. org Quick Response Code: activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase, and significantly decreased thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. Conclusion: This study provides preliminary evidence supporting the potential benefit of Spondias mombin for treatment of xenobiotic‐induced hepatotoxicity.
Application of Commercial Adsorbent for Rare earth elements - Uranium Mutual Separation and Purification

The treatment of rare earths sulfate liquor contaminated with traces of uranium as radioactive contaminates utilizing lewatit mono plus M500 was studied. Adsorption behavior was studied by batch experiments to determine the optimum conditions for uranium removal. The obtained equilibrium data were found to be satisfactory fitted with Langmuir isotherm and the second order rate equation. Also, elution process was achieved by 2M NaCl/1M HCl solution and the reuse of sorbent remains appreciable. A marketable pure product of rare earth oxide was prepared in addition to pure sodium diuranate containing total uranium content of the starting REEs cake.
Environmental factors affecting zooplankton in Cape Cod Bay: implications for right whale dynamics

Cape Cod Bay is the only known winter-feeding ground of the highly endangered North Atlantic right whale Eubalaena glacialis, and is thus a critical habitat for right whales. As with most coastal ecosystems, Cape Cod Bay is a dynamic system with a high degree of variability in both physical and biological parameters. However, the extent of these fluctuations and their effect on the suitability of the bay as a right-whale feeding ground are not known. This study was conducted to address variability in the biological and physical environment of the bay and the possible impacts of this variability on the right whales' use of the area as a feeding ground. This study synthesized data collected from January to May, in 2000 to 2003. During 2002, the whales made very limited use of the bay compared to the other 3 yr, providing a unique opportunity for comparing conditions in the bay during this change in pattern of usage by the whales. Data on the physical and biological environ- ment of Cape Cod Bay were collected during weekly cruises. These data indicated that there was sig- nificant interannual variation in the wind-forcing affecting Cape Cod Bay. Coincident with this variation were changes in the hydrography of the bay, suggesting that circulation patterns changed during the course of the study. Circulation changes affected the zooplankton prey of the whales either directly through changes in advection, or indirectly by affecting the production of the zoo- plankton.
Insulin Prescription Pattern among Type 2 DM patients visiting Outpatient Department at a Tertiary Hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal

Background: Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus includes nonpharmacological and pharmacological interventions of which insulin remains one of the most effective methods for achieving glycemic control, either alone or in combination with oral anti-diabetic medications. Effective usage of insulin in the management of glycaemia remains a challenge in developing countries like Nepal. To best of our knowledge, there is not any study regarding insulin prescription pattern on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients using insulin from Nepal, so we studied the prescription pattern of insulin on insulin using Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients.Methods: Patients aged 30 years or above who present in Dhulikhel Hospital outpatient clinic during the period from January 2015 to June 2015 with diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus diagnosed at least for 6 months and were taking injection insulin at least since last 3 months were enrolled in this cross sectional, observational study.Results: Forty-five study participants had a mean age of 56.6 ±10.95 year, body mass index of 23.97 4.72 kg/m2, Diabetic duration of 10.33 6.41 years and HbA1c of 8.53 ±1.53%. Fifty-three percent were female and almost all study participants (96%) were taking Oral Antidiabetic Drugs along with Insulin. Sixty-three percent of participants were using Premix insulin whereas 33% were using basal insulin alone. Mean Insulin dose was 28.96 11.75 units per day. Among them, 80% were “self” injecting insulin and 53% were using Glucometer.Conclusion: Our data showed that premixed insulin being most commonly used insulin. All patients used Insulin Pen as delivery device and larger proportions of them were self injecting insulin. All patients felt mild hypoglycemia which can be improved by increased utilization of glucometer.Jour of Diab and Endo Assoc of Nepal 2017; 1(1): 3-7
BioMetals HOMEOSTASIS OF METALS IN THE PROGRESSION OF ALZHEIMER ' S DISEASE

In order to study the involvement of metals in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, serum samples from patients with Alzheimer and mild cognitive impairment were investigated. For this purpose, metal content was analyzed after size-fractionation of species and then, inter-element and inter-fraction ratios were computed. In this way, the analysis allowed discovering changes that could be used as markers of disease, but also provided a new insight into the interactions in the homeostasis of elements in neurodegeneration and its progression. Aluminum and labile forms of iron and copper were increased in demented patients, while manganese, zinc and selenium were reduced. Interestingly, levels of different elements, principally iron, aluminum and manganese, were closely inter-related, which could evidence a complex interdependency between the homeostasis of the different metals in this disorder. On the other hand, imbalances in metabolism of copper, zinc and selenium could be associated to abnormal redox status. Therefore, this study may contribute to our understanding of the pathological mechanisms related to metals in Alzheimer’s disease.
Prevalence and types of mobbing behavior: A research on banking employees

This article presents a case study of the most frequently observed types of mobbing behavior, the level of exposure to mobbing behavior according to the characteristics of participants and the prevalence of bullying among a group of banking employees in Istanbul, Turkey. 384 participants were assessed by a questionnaire including 18 item mobbing behaviors. The results has shown that exposure to mobbing in this study group is widespread. 32% of the participants were determined to be victims of mobbing (during the entire working life). 16% of participants reported that they had been bullied at their workplaces within the last year. Significant difference was found between the tenure of the participants and their exposure to mobbing. Also, the supervisor was reported as a perpetrator by 69.9% of mobbing victims in the sample.
Characterization of Tomato Leaf Curl New Delhi Virus infecting cucurbits: Evidence for sap transmission in a host specific manner

Sponge gourd ( Luffa cylindrica ) is an economically important vegetable crop cultivated throughout India and this crop is severely affected by yellow mosaic disease caused by begomovirus. In this study, an attempt was made to transmit the begomovirus by sap. The causal agent was easily transmitted by sap to ridge gourd, sponge gourd and Nicotiana benthamiana . Several factors affecting the efficient sap transmission of causal virus was identified. Use of two antioxidant (sodium sulphite and β-mercaptoethanol) and two abrasive (celite and corborundum) and application of inoculum on first true leaves and cotyledons by rubbing with cotton swab, dipped in inoculum resulted in significant higher rate of transmission. The sap inoculation protocol resulted in variable percentage of infected plants from different factors like buffer combinations, source of inoculum, age of inoculum, genotypes of test plants, and species of plants, temperature, seasons and organic materials. The most susceptible growth stage of ridge gourd plant to sap inoculation was seven days old seedlings that produced 100% infection. The sap transmission was confirmed by coat protein gene polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification, cloning and sequencing from infected plants. Sap transmission of begomovirus infecting luffa has not been reported previously in India. Keywords: Sap transmission, begomovirus, Tomato leaf cur l New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV), cucurbits African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 12(32), pp. 5000-5009
What do we know about banks securitisation? the spanish experience

The present work analyses the reasons why Spanish financial entities have carried out securitisation programs in the period 2000-2007 on such a scale that Spain has become the European country with the largest issue volumes, second only to the U.K. The results obtained after the application of a logistic regression model to a sample of 408 observations indicate that liquidity and the search for improved performance are the decisive factors in securitisation. The hypotheses of transfer of credit risk and arbitrage in regulatory capital are not confirmed; therefore the normative development of Basel II cannot be expected to affect the volumes issued in future years. The study is complemented with a more detailed analysis, differentiating between programs of asset and liability securitisation