Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Working Papers in Trade and Development Institutions, Diseases and Economic Progress: A Unified Framework

The sharp division between the ‘institutions view’ and the ‘disease view’ has been one of the distinctive features of the ‘root causes of economic progress’ literature. Based on evidence from cross-national data, the ‘institutions school’ claims that institutions are the only root cause of development, whereas the ‘disease school’ claims that diseases are also equally important. In this paper, I contribute to this literature by proposing a unified structure to marry the two conflicting views. I argue that overcoming diseases are of prime importance at an early stage of economic development, whereas institutions are more important at a later stage. I find support for this hypothesis in the development history literature on Africa, India, China and the Americas.
Measurement and Application of 3D Ear Images For Earphone Design

Detail anthropometric dimensions and a 3D shape of the outer-ear are applicable to design ear-related products such as an earphone. However, 3D scanning of the ear part is quite difficult due to a complex shape of the ear, also detailed ear dimensions which are needed to be measured for earphone design were not identified in previous studies. This study collected 3D scan images of the whole outer-ear from 100 Korean participants (50 females and 50 males) aged 20 to 59, then measured their detailed ear dimensions for earphone design. The pinna part was directly 3D scanned; and complex shape of the concha and acoustic canal parts were cast by applying an ear casting tool, then the cast was scanned in 3D. 13 ear dimensions were measured by applying an ear measurement system coded using Matlab. Both 3D ear scans and ear measurements were applied to design some earphone parts (earphone-head, ear-band, ear-tip) in this study.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Pituitary Adenomas

Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) is a technology that utilizes externally generated ionizing radiation to treat (a) defined target(s) in the head or spine without the need to make an incision. The target is defined by high-resolution stereotactic imaging. It uses multiple convergent beams aimed to the target. The beams deliver a maximal dose to the target (with precision of less than 1mm), while minimizing irradiation of the surrounding tissues. The treatment is performed in a single session. The procedure requires a multidisciplinary team consisting of a neurosurgeon, radiation oncologist and medical physicist. Technologies that are used to perform SRS include linear accelerators, particle beam accelerators and multisource Cobalt 60 units. In order to enhance precision, various devices may incorporate robotics and real time digital imaging. (Stereotactic Radiosurgery Task Force AANS/CNS/ASTRO, March 20, 2006).
Farm Size, Technology Adoption and Agricultural Trade Reform: Evidence from Canada

Using detailed census data covering over 40,000 farms in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, Canada, we document the vast and increasing farm size heterogeneity, and analyze the role of farm size in adapting to the removal of an export subsidy in 1995. We find that larger farms were more likely to switch to new labor-saving tillage technologies in response to the large negative shock to grain prices caused by the reform. Small- and medium-sized farms responded to the reform by adopting the more affordable minimum tillage technology. We develop a simple model of heterogeneous farms and technology adoption that can explain our findings. The results suggest that farm size plays a crucial role in determining farm-level adaptation to agricultural trade reform. Consistent with the Alchian-Allen hypothesis, the increase in per-unit trade costs due to the reform was associated with farms shifting their production of crops from low-value wheat to higher value canola.
Optimal Linearized Alternating Direction Method of Multipliers for Convex Programming 1

The alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) is being widely used in a variety of areas; its different variants tailored for different application scenarios have also been deeply researched in the literature. Among them, the linearized ADMM has received particularly wide attention from many areas because of its efficiency and easy implementation. To theoretically guarantee the convergence of the linearized ADMM, the step size for the linearized subproblems, or the reciprocal of the linearization parameter, should be sufficiently small. On the other hand, small step sizes decelerate the convergence numerically. Hence, it is crucial to determine an optimal (largest) value of the step size while the convergence of the linearized ADMM can be still ensured. Such an analysis seems to be lacked in the literature. In this paper, we show how to find this optimal step size for the linearized ADMM and hence propose the optimal linearized ADMM in the convex programming context. Its global convergence and worst-case convergence rate measured by the iteration complexity are proved as well.
Iron, phosphorus, and nitrogen supply ratios define the biogeography of nitrogen fixation

We present a unified conceptual framework describing the competition between diazotrophs and non‐nitrogen‐fixing marine plankton and their interaction with three essential nutrient elements: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and iron (Fe). The theory explains the global biogeography of diazotrophs and the observed large‐scale variations in surface ocean nutrient concentrations. The ratios in which N, P, and Fe are delivered to the surface ocean, relative to the demands of the phytoplankton community, define several biogeochemical provinces in terms of the limiting nutrients and the presence or absence of diazotrophs. Nutrient supply ratios provided by a global ecosystem model support the theoretical view that diazotroph biogeography is dominated by the Fe : N supply ratio, with the P : N supply ratio taking an important secondary role. The theory yields robust predictions for which strong empirical support is found in global observations of surface nutrient concentrations and diazotroph abundance.
Polyphenoloxidase activity and total phenolic content as related to browning of minimally processed ‘Jonagored’ apple

Phenolic content, polyphenoloxidase (PPO) activity and browning have been reported by different authors to vary in different ways, depending on cultivar, picking maturity, storage conditions, etc. Numerous authors have attempted to correlate browning results with the phenolic content andlor enzymatic activity of apples, but data published in the literature are divergent as to which of the two factors, ie the enzyme or the substrate, plays the decisive role in the overall phenomenon of enzymatic browning. The aim of this work was to follow the PPO activity and phenolic content of minimally processed apple (cv 'Jonagored') during cold storage and to establish a potential relationship with enzymatic browning. Increasing storage time of minimally processed apple seemed to result in an increase in PPO activity. No changes (P > 0.05) in total phenolic content were observed during storage. Colour degradation of apple cubes, as indicated by changes in colour parameters, was found to be highly correlated with PPO activity. Browning of 'Jonagored' apple cubes during storage was found to be moderately correlated with PPO activity. No correlation was found between the browning index and the total phenolic content. Le niveau d'activite de la polyphenoloxydase a la recolte et sa variation pendant l'entreposage du fruit sont importants pour predire le brunissement. Le sujet de cette etude est de suivre l'activite PPO et la teneur en composes phenoliques de pomme peu transformee pendant un entreposage refrigere et d'etablir une relation avec le brunissement enzymatique. En augmentant le temps de stockage, l'activite PPO semble augmenter. Aucun changement dans les composes phenoliques n'est observe pendant le stockage. Les resultats montrent que la degradation de la couleur de cubes de pomme est correlee avec l'activite PPO. Aucune correlation n'est trouvee entre le brunissement et la teneur en composes phenoliques totaux.
HISTOLOGICAL AND ULTRASTRUCTURAL STUDIES OF THE EFF ECT OF ALPRAZOLAM-INDUCED TESTICULAR DAMAGE IN MALE MICE

Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine derivative used in the treatment of panic attacks, generalized anxiety, and depression. The present study aimed to assess the reproductive efficiency of male mice after exposure to different doses of alprazolam (ALP), through estimation of serum testosterone hormone, sperm morphology, histopathological and ultrastructural investigations of the testicular tissue. Sixty male mice were divided into four experimental groups (15 mice/group); the control and three experimental mice groups. The control mice were given no treatment. The three experimental mice groups were received daily oral doses of ALP 0.5, 1.5 and 4.5 mg/kg BW, respectively for three months. The obtained results revealed a decrease in the body weight gain, absolute and relative testes and epididymal weights in experimental-treated group. Significant findings were detected in higher dose treatment. Also, there was dose-dependent decrease of serum testosterone hormone of ALP-treated mice, being significant at high dose level. Experimental groups exhibited significant increase in sperm anomalies. The prominent sperm deformities were detached head, amorphous head and highly folded tail. The applied drug treatment possessed testicular damage including atrophy of seminiferous tubules (ST) and reduction of spermatogenic cells. Furthermore, detachment and sloughing of spermatogenic epithelium were seen. A marked increase of inactive ST with degenerated spermatids, spermatozoa and Leydig cells was also noticed. Ultrastructurally, the cytoplasm of spermatocytes showed marked vacuolation and the nuclei appeared with convoluted nuclear envelope and disintegration of their nuclear chromatin. The mitochondria in secondary spermatocytes contained wide intercristae apaces and they formed dense masses of intermitochondrial cement. Accommodation of myelin figures were observed in the cytoplasm of these cells. Spermatids had deformed nuclei and irregularly-shaped acrosomes. In conclusion, it was found that treatment with alprazolam produced pronounced male reproductive toxicities in testes and epididymis associated with increased incidence of sperm shape abnormalities and a decrease of testosterone hormone. Also, ALP caused degeneration in seminiferous tubules, depletion of germinal epithelium, intercellular disassociation of germ cells, along with disruption in germ cell arrangement, and an increase in Leydig cells damage.
B Cells Accumulate in the Cerebrospinal Fluid in Inflammatory Neurological Diseases

The contribution of B lymphocytes and their products to the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system is still not fully understood. Beside their role as precursors of antibody-secreting cells, B cells participate in the regulation of T cell activation through their antigen-presenting capacity, the production of cytokines and chemokines and the formation of ectopic germinal centers in intermeningeal spaces. This article reviews the current knowledge on B cells within the cerebrospinal fluid in inflammatory diseases affecting the central nervous system. Here, we will focus on two prototypical inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system: multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune-mediated inflammatory disease, and infection-triggered inflammation in Lyme neuroborreliosis.
An Investigation of Preservice English Teachers' Perceptions of Mobile Assisted Language Learning.

This study aimed to investigate preservice English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers’ perceptions about mobile assisted language learning (MALL) and find out whether their perceptions differed by gender, grade level and grade point average (GPA). The study also sought to determine whether gender, grade level and GPA variables would predict their perceptions of MALL. A total of 201 participants enrolled in an EFL teacher education department at a major state university participated in the study and completed the “Mobile Learning Perception Scale. ” Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (means and frequencies, and percentage) and inferential statistics (MANOVA and regression analysis). Findings revealed that overall the participants had high levels of perceptions about MALL, and that gender, grade level and GPA differences moderated the effects of the measured constructs on their perceptions of MALL. All the interviewees expressed their positive attitudes towards using mobile devices in language instruction. The results of multivariate tests indicated a significant main effect for their gender and their perceptions, as well as an interaction effect between gender and GPA. Findings also demonstrated that GPA and gender were the strongest predictors of participants’ perceptions about MALL.
Spatial clustering in the ESO-Sculptor survey: two-point correlation functions by galaxy type at redshifts 0.1-0.5

Context: Galaxy clustering shows segregation effects with galaxy type, color and luminosity, which bring clues on the relationship with the underlying density field. Aims: We explore these effects among the populations of giant and dwarf galaxies detected in the ESO-Sculptor survey. Methods: We calculate the spatial two-point auto and cross-correlation functions for the 765 galaxies with R_c≤ 21.5 and 0.1 ≤ z ≤ 0.51 and for subsets by spectral type and luminosity. Results: At separation of 0.3 h-1 Mpc, pairs of early-type galaxies dominate the clustering over all the other types of pairs. At intermediate scales, 0.3-5 h-1 Mpc, mixed pairs of dwarf and giant galaxies contribute equally as pairs of giant galaxies, whereas the latter dominate at ≃10 h-1 Mpc. Moreover, the correlation functions per galaxy type display the expected transition between the 1-halo and 2-halo regimes in the scenario of hierarchical merging of dark matter halos. The 1-halo component of the early-type galaxies largely outdoes that for the late spiral galaxies, and that for the dwarf galaxies is intermediate between both. In contrast, the 2-halo component of the early-type galaxies and late spiral galaxies are comparable, whereas that for the dwarf galaxies is consistent with null clustering. Conclusions: We link the clustering segregation of the early-type and late spiral galaxies to their spatial distribution within the underlying dark matter halos. The early-type galaxies are preferentially located near the centers of the most massive halos, whereas late spiral galaxies tend to occupy their outskirts or the centers of less massive halos. This appears to be independent of luminosity for the early-type galaxies, whereas faint late spiral galaxies might reside in less dense regions than their bright analogs. The present analysis also unveils unprecedented results on the contribution from dwarf galaxies: at the scale at which they significantly cluster inside the halos (≤0.3 h-1 Mpc), they are poorly mixed with the late spiral galaxies, and appear preferentially as satellites of early-type galaxies. Based on observations collected at the European Southern Observatory (ESO), La Silla, Chile. All appendices are only available in electronic form at http://www.aanda. org
Regional impact from fin-fish farming in an intensive production area (Hardangerfjord, Norway)

Abstract The Hardangerfjord is one of the largest salmon-farming areas in Norway, with an annual production of approximately 70,000 metric tonnes. The regional impact of fin-fish farming in a fjord environment was studied during 2008–2010. Ecological conditions in intertidal macroalgal and benthic deep basin communities were studied in addition to measurements of nutrients and chlorophyll-a values. Macroalgal communities in the intertidal zone and the deep water fauna communities showed a high ecological status in the intermediate part of the fjord and a good status in the inner part of the fjord. Faunal communities in the outermost basin indicate that the assimilative capacity for farm waste of this deep basin could be limited. Nutrients and chlorophyll-a values were within national thresholds defined as high water quality. The good ecological conditions of the parameters studied in the fjord show little evidence of a regional impact from the fish farming industry despite the intensive production level.
Entry by research-based spin-offs: the determinants of regional variation

Reflecting the increasing number of research based spin-offs (RBSOs) created since the nineties, previous studies focus their analysis on the factors that influence university entrepreneurship. However, empirical studies that investigate the determinants of variation on RBSO creation across regions are scarce. Using a unique self-collected dataset that comprehends the population of RBSOs created in Portugal from 1979 until to 2007 we investigate the intensity of spin-offs creation across regions, by focusing on the characteristics of the universities and the region in which the spin-off is located. Our results suggest that the quality and prestige of the universities located in a municipality, as well as the presence of university-affiliated incubators and/or university research parks have a positive impact on the intensity of RBSO creation. Regarding the regional characteristics, the availability of qualified human capital and the regional demand size seem to exert an important effect on spin-off activity across regions.
WHY DO FISH STOCKS COLLAPSE? THE EXAMPLE OF COD IN ATLANTIC CANADA

In 1993, six Canadian populations of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) had collapsed to the point where a moratorium was declared on fishing. It has been argued that the collapses were caused by poor recruitment of cod to the fishery. Yet we are unable to detect a difference between the recruitment of year classes that should have contributed most to the spawning stock at the time of the collapse and recruitment levels in earlier years. A power analysis shows that we would have almost certainly detected an overall reduction of recruitment of 20%. There are considerable differences in the abundance trends as determined by research surveys and reconstructed from the commercial catch at age data (called “virtual population analysis” [VPA]) for each stock. VPA-based abundances consistently depict lower recruitment levels than do survey-based estimates in recent years. More important is the observation that from the early 1980s the VPA-based trend shows a decline where none is apparent in the survey-based trend. One.
Sanni Aalto A Stoichiometric Perspective on Host-Parasite Interactions

Aalto, Sanni A stoichiometric perspective on host-parasite interactions Jyväskylä: University of Jyväskylä, 2013, 40 p. (Jyväskylä Studies in Biological and Environmental Science ISSN 1456-9701; 262) ISBN 978-951-39-5317-1(nid.) ISBN 978-951-39-5318-8 (PDF) Yhteenveto: Stoikiometrinen näkökulma lois-isäntäsuhteeseen Diss. Parasites cause significant harm to their host, but are also important members of food webs affecting trophic dynamics. Anthropogenic nutrient enrichment has been proposed to explain the growing worldwide emergence of parasites, suggesting that even the prevailing seasonal nutrient concentrations may alter parasite prevalence patterns in nature. Parasites share the same limited resources as their hosts. Thus changes in host food quality may alter parasite growth and virulence and consequently alter the parasite-driven changes in host population dynamics and stoichiometry reflected in the whole food web. In this thesis, associations between environmental stoichiometry (carbon:nitrogen:phosphorus ratios) and host-parasite interactions were examined under natural conditions in a lake and under nutrient enrichment in a mesocosm experiment. The effect of stoichiometric food quality of the host on parasite growth and virulence was investigated experimentally, as well as the effect of infection on the stoichiometrical content, stable isotope values and physiology of the host under different food quality and quantity regimes. The results revealed that under natural conditions the interactions between nutrient concentrations and parasite epidemics were diverse, as some parasites showed positive and some negative associations with either environmental nutrients or host nutrient contents. In the laboratory, parasite infection changed host stoichiometry, energy allocation and physiology, implying that parasites may induce changes both in host population dynamics and in carbon and nutrient recycling by hosts. Experimental evidence also suggests that the stoichiometric demands of both the host and the parasite may affect the outcome of hostparasite interactions under nutrient deficiency. The data presented in this thesis suggest that nutrient regimes may affect parasite infection patterns, but the interactions between nutrients and disease are dependent on the host-parasite system studied.
Multi-level gradient-based methods and parametrisation in aerodynamic shape design

The present study focuses on multi-level approaches in the context of discrete gradient-based methods for aerodynamic shape design. More precisely, the minimisation is done alternatively on different control subspaces according to multigrid-like cycles, providing at each sub-level a particular gradient preconditioning. Starting from an existing multi-level gradient-based formulation associated to shape grid-points coordinates, a possible generalisation to more compact shape representations is proposed through the construction of adequate sets of embedded shape sub-parametrisations. The behaviour of the new formulation is illustrated on different 2D inverse problems for inviscid flows.
THE EXTRATROPICAL TRANSITION OF TYPHOON WINNIE ( 1997 ) : SELF-AMPLIFICATION AFTER LANDFALL

As tropical cyclones re-curve poleward and move into the midlatitude, they often interact with baroclinic systems and transform into extratropical cyclones. Previous studies have suggested that about 40% of tropical cyclones undergo such a extratropical transition (ET) process (DiMego and Bosart 1982; Hart and Evans 2001). These systems can at times produce extremely heavy precipitation and strong winds, and cause damage of properties and loss of lives. Unfortunately, ET processes are often not well predicted by operational models (Browning et al. 1998; Fogarty 2002).