Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
FINANCIAL DEVELOPMENT , AND ECONOMIC GROWTH : INTERNATIONAL EVIDENCE

Previous studies have recognized that the benefits from foreign direct investment (FDI) to recipient countries can only be realized when those countries have reached a certain level of financial development. However, the dynamic interrelationships among FDI, financial development, and real output, including the long-run equilibrium as well as causality, have not been analyzed. This paper overcomes this major shortcoming by applying recent advances in panel cointegration and panel error correction models for a set of 37 countries using annual data for the period 1970-2002. For the first time, we explore the directions of causality among FDI, financial development, and economic growth and obtain solid, convincing evidence of a fairly strong long-run relationship. Furthermore, the financial development indicators have a larger effect on economic growth than does FDI. From the panel causality tests, while the evidence of a short-run relationship is weak, that of a long-run relationship among the variables is unequivocal. Overall, the findings underscore the potential gains associated with FDI when coupled with financial development in an increasingly global economy.
Corrosion of mild steel in elevated temperature hard freshwater

The bimodal model previously shown to be applicable to long term corrosion loss of mild steel in seawater is examined herein for hard freshwater at elevated temperatures. Laboratory data reported in the literature are reinterpreted using conventional corrosion theory and the bimodal model. The data fit the trends for the parameters of the model extrapolated from water temperature observations. One different set of data earlier can be reconciled if allowance is made for the effect on corrosion of water velocity. Overall the results show the bimodal model is applicable to freshwaters to 70°C.
Effects of secondary metabolites and CaCO3 on feeding by surgeonfishes and parrotfishes: within-plant comparisons

Tropical seaweeds and 'plant-like' animals often contain both secondary metabolites and high concentrations of minerals. Typically, secondary rnetabolites are most concentrated in the tip of the organism and minerals in the base. We used within-individual variation in defenses in the alga Neomeris annulata to test the hypothesis that surgeonfishes are deterred from feeding by calcium carbonate but not by chemical defenses, whereas parrotfishes are deterred from feeding by chemical defenses but not by calcium carbonate. Our results supported this hypothesis. The parrotfish Scarus sordjdus preferred to feed on an artificial food containing CaCO, compared to control food, but preferred control food over food containing a sesquiterpene-rich organic extract of N. annulata. Two species of parrotfishes fed primarily on the metabolite-poor, CaC0,-rich basal regions of N. annulata, whereas 2 species of surgeonfishes fed primarily on the metabolite-rich, CaCO. ,-poor tips. Variation in grazing location had important consequences for N. annulata. Individuals grazed on the tips grew in length more slowly than individuals grazed around the base. Individuals grazed on the tips were temporarily rich in CaC03; individuals grazed around the base were temporarily rich in sesquiterpenes. These patterns were probably not a result of induction of defenses, but rather a consequence of selective removal of CaC0,-poor and sesquiterpene-poor material respectively.
Toxicological and ultrastructural analysis of the impact of pesticides used in temperate fruit crops on two populations of Chrysoperla externa (Neuroptera, Chrysopidae)

Avaliaram-se os efeitos de (g i.a. L-1) abamectina (0,02), carbaril (1,73), enxofre (4,8) fenitrotiona (0,75), metidationa (0,4) e triclorfom (1,5) sobre a sobrevivencia de larvas e pupas, na oviposicao de adultos e viabilidade de ovos de Chrysoperla externa de duas populacoes (Bento Goncalves e Vacaria, Rio Grande do Sul). Alteracoes morfologicas causadas por abamectina em ovos depositados por C. externa da populacao de Vacaria foram avaliadas por meio de analises ultra-estruturais. Os agrotoxicos foram aplicados sobre placas de vidro. Agua destilada foi utilizada como testemunha. Para avaliacao da mortalidade de larvas utilizou-se delineamento experimental inteiramente ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 2 x 7 (duas populacoes x sete tratamentos) e para avaliacao dos efeitos dos compostos sobre a capacidade de oviposicao e viabilidade de ovos utilizou-se esquema fatorial 2 x 4. Carbaril, fenitrotiona e metidationa causaram 100% de mortalidade das larvas. Abamectina reduziu a viabilidade de ovos de C. externa, provenientes de larvas de terceiro instar de ambas as populacoes; entretanto, apresentou toxicidade mais elevada sobre insetos de Vacaria. Analises ultra-estruturais evidenciaram que abamectina causou deformacoes na micropila e na superficie externa do corion de ovos de C. externa. Baseando-se no efeito total (E), carbaril, fenitrotiona e metidationa sao prejudiciais a C. externa; triclorfom e inocuo, enquanto abamectina e enxofre sao inocuos e levemente prejudiciais a larvas de terceiro instar oriundas de Bento Goncalves e Vacaria, respectivamente.
Simulations of Core-collapse Supernovae in Spatial Axisymmetry with Full Boltzmann Neutrino Transport

We present the first results of our spatially axisymmetric core-collapse supernova simulations with full Boltzmann neutrino transport, which amount to a time-dependent five-dimensional (two in space and three in momentum space) problem. Special relativistic effects are fully taken into account with a two-energy-grid technique. We performed two simulations for a progenitor of 11.2 M☉, employing different nuclear equations of state (EOSs): Lattimer and Swesty’s EOS with the incompressibility of K = 220 MeV (LS EOS) and Furusawa’s EOS based on the relativistic mean field theory with the TM1 parameter set (FS EOS). In the LS EOS, the shock wave reaches ∼700 km at 300 ms after bounce and is still expanding, whereas in the FS EOS it stalled at ∼200 km and has started to recede by the same time. This seems to be due to more vigorous turbulent motions in the former during the entire postbounce phase, which leads to higher neutrino-heating efficiency in the neutrino-driven convection. We also look into the neutrino distributions in momentum space, which is the advantage of the Boltzmann transport over other approximate methods. We find nonaxisymmetric angular distributions with respect to the local radial direction, which also generate off-diagonal components of the Eddington tensor. We find that the rθ component reaches ∼10% of the dominant rr component and, more importantly, it dictates the evolution of lateral neutrino fluxes, dominating over the θθ component, in the semitransparent region. These data will be useful to further test and possibly improve the prescriptions used in the approximate methods.
Equilibrium Unemployment, Job Flows and Inflation Dynamics

In order to explain the joint fluctuations of output, inflation and the labor market, this paper develops and estimates a general equilibrium model that integrates a theory of equilibrium unemployment into a monetary model with nominal price rigidities. The estimated model accounts for the responses of employment, hours per worker, job creation, and job destruction to a monetary policy shock. Moreover, search frictions in the labor market generate a lower elasticity of marginal costs with respect to output. This helps to explain the sluggishness of inflation and the persistence of output that are observed in the data. Copyright (c) 2009 The Ohio State University.
Using sagittal otoliths and eye diameter for ecological characterization of deep-sea fish: Aphanopus carbo and A. intermedius from NE Atlantic waters

SUMMARY: The sagittal otolith and eye diameter of two sympatric species of the genus Aphanopus, A. carbo and A. intermedius, from North Atlantic waters were investigated. The study objectives were to find morphometric variables of otoliths to identify the two species and relate ecomorphological characters of otolith and eye diameter to the depth distribution of each species. The otoliths of the two species are very similar, although significant differences in shape, otolith height and weight and the sulcus acusticus area were detected. The ratio between eye diameter and cephalic length (ED:CL ratio) was also significantly different. In both analyses A. carbo obtained higher values, which suggests that A. carbo and A. intermedius live in different spatial niches, and that A. carbo inhabits deeper waters. The ratio between the sulcus and otolith areas (S:O) was low compared to other fish species, which suggests that the hearing capacity of Aphanopus spp. is adapted to low frequency sound. This adaptation may be related to the oceanographic conditions in which these species live, and in particular to the characteristics of sound transmission in the “SOFAR channel”.
Effects of Aged Garlic Extract on Rat’s Blood Cells Parameters After Whole-Body Exposure to Ionizing Radiation

Exposure to high amounts of ionizing radiation results in damage to the hematopoietic system characterized by the destruction of hematopoietic cells in bone marrow, thus reducing the production of blood cells. Infections and bleeding that result can be fatal. Aged garlic extract (AGE) has been demonstrated to possess several physiological activities in experimental animals thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of AGE on the hematopoietic syndrome post whole-body exposure to ionizing radiations. Eight groups, five healthy male rats each were used (20 irradiated and 20 Sham Irradiated), among which some were receiving via gavages distilled water, the others AGE at different doses (25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg) and the rest vitamin E + Alpha Lipoic Acid. Blood samples were collected the 8 th day post irradiation to investigate blood picture. Exposure of rats to gamma radiation caused a significant disturbance in the level of white blood cells count (WBCS), Lymphocytes (LY), mid-size population of monocytes, basophils, eosinophils, blasts, and other immature cells (MID),Granulocytes (GR), red blood cells count (RBCs), hemoglobin content (Hb), Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), hematocrit value (HTC), Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and platelets count (PLT). In rats exposed to radiation then treated with AGE, the results showed an improvement in all previous parameters. The results of the present investigation showed that AGE intake confers radiation protection to rat’s blood cells parameters after whole-body exposure to ionizing radiation.
Pattern of Trypanosoma evansi infection among slaughtered CAMELS (Camelus dromedarius) in Sokoto central abattoir

The aim of this research work was to monitor the pattern of Trypanosoma evansi infection among slaughtered camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Sokoto central abattoir. This study was carried out between June to September, 2012. Two hundred blood samples from different camels were used for the study, and conventional parasitological technique was used to determine the prevalence of infection. Out of 200 camels examined, 63(31.5%) were found to be infected with T. evansi. Female camels were found to be significantly more infected, 37(34.64%) compared to males, 26(28.5%). Based on age group, camels aged 10-12 years old were observed to be more infected 8(40.0%) than the other groups, however, the difference between the groups was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Result showed that, animals with body temperature of 39-41oC found to be significantly more infected (44.0%) when compared to those with 34-38oC having prevalence of 29.7%. Findings showed that female camels were found to be more susceptible to be infected and based on age; statistics confirms that all camels have equal chance to be infected with T. evansi. However, animals with higher body temperature happens to be more infected. Thus, it’s recommended that prevalence study to be routinely in order to monitor the increase or decrease of the infection, and also bring up to date data for government and researchers about the infection for proper containment. Key Words: T. evansi, Camels, Age, Sokoto.
Model projections of the North Atlantic thermohaline circulation for the 21st century assessed by observations

Most climate models predict a weakening of the North Atlantic thermohaline circulation for the 21st century when forced by increasing levels of greenhouse gas concentrations. The model spread, however, is rather large, even when the forcing scenario is identical, indicating a large uncertainty in the response to forcing. In order to reduce the model uncertainties a weighting procedure is applied considering the skill of each model in simulating hydrographic properties and observation‐based circulation estimates. This procedure yields a “best estimate” for the evolution of the North Atlantic THC during the 21st century by taking into account a measure of model quality. Using 28 projections from 9 different coupled global climate models of a scenario of future CO2 increase (SRESA1B) performed for the upcoming fourth assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the analysis predicts a gradual weakening of the North Atlantic THC by 25(±25)% until 2100.
Assessment of seasonal variations in water quality parameters of Kadamba tank in Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu, India

Freshwater lakes are significant not only for human populations but also essential for plant and animal diversity. These aquatic systems are unique and are rich in biodiversity at the same time are under constant threat due to bludgeoning human populations and their demand for land. Water quality plays an important role in productivity of lakes. Physical and chemical parameters of the water body such as temperature, pH, turbidity, conductivity, TDS, along with primary productivity vary seasonally and regular monitoring of these parameters may through light into the productivity of the system. The present investigation was carried out in Kadamba Tank, Thoothukudi District, to assess the seasonal variations in water quality parameters (Temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, ammonia (NH3-N), nitrite (NO2-N), nitrate (NO3-N), phosphate (PO4-P), biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total dissolved solids (TDS) and chlorophyll ‘a’, variations in lake morphology and changes in fish assemblages. On the whole study revealed that there was no significant change in water quality parameters between the stations and seasons in the Kadamba tank, with the exception of phosphate and chlorophyll ‘a’. There existed no positive correlation between phosphate and chlorophyll ‘a’ content of the water in the tank. Higher chlorophyll ‘a’ values of the lake in the range of 48.59 mg/m3 to 105.15 mg/m3 indicated the lake to be in the hyper eutrophic condition.
THE RISE OF ENGLISH AS A LINGUA FRANCA IN ESTONIA

A considerable amount of literature has been published on the spread of English and the use of this language in states where the first language is not English. The following dissertation will provide an overview of the rise and role of English as a lingua franca in the Baltic States, more specifically in Estonia at Tartu University where my research was carried out. It begins with a general description of the use of English in Europe as a lingua franca, then, in the second section, a focus on the use of English in Estonia and its historical background is provided. Subsequently, the thesis analyses the role of English in Estonian Higher Education and finally the last chapter reports the main findings of my case-study which was conducted through an online questionnaire of 20 questions delivered to 40 students attending Tartu University. The results of this research indicated an increasing use of the English language, especially among younger generations, and a simultaneous refusal of Russian, the previous lingua franca of this country. In particular, the current study found that attitudes towards the use of the English language in the fields of communication, especially virtual communication, and in the University are positive, demonstrating the crucial role of English in these contexts.
VARIABILITY IN GROWTH PARAMETERS OF RED FLESHED AND WHITE FLESHED GUAVA GENOTYPES

The present investigation was carried out with object to study morpho-phenological characters of guava genotypes. The three year pooled data indicates that significant variation was found for this trait among the genotypes of guava. The highest height of plant (4.21 m), highest tree volume (55.32 m 3 ) and highest leaf area (81.98 cm 2 ) was recorded in genotype GRS 4, whereas, lowest height of plant (2.60 m), tree volume (24.93 m3) was observed for genotype GWS 8 and lowest leaf area (52.16 cm 2 ) was recorded in genotype GRS 1 . The spreading to erect tree habit with medium to dense canopy was observed for all guava genotypes. Whereas, pale to dark green coloured leaves was recorded in most of genotypes. Leaf apex was obtuse in most of genotypes viz., GRS 4 , GWS 5 , GWS 6 , GWS 7 , GWS8 and L-49 and acute was in GRS1, GRS2 and GRS3.Whereas, Base of leaf was found round in all genotypes. Solitary type with white colour of flower was found in all genotypes viz., GRS 1 , GRS 2 , GRS 3 , GRS 4 , GWS 5 ,
Evaluation the Ability of Different Artificial Intelligence-Based Modeling Techniques in Prediction of Yield Using Energy Inputs Data of Farms

Modelling of farm output yield on the basis of input energies will help to improve the energy efficiently of agricultural practice. In this study the ability of various types of artificial neural networks and Neuro-fuzzy inference models were evaluated and the sensitivity of greenhouse cucumber yield to different energy inputs was evaluated using the best developed models. The results showed that a Multi-Layer Perceptron model with six inputs and four neurons in each of four hidden layers provided the best results with determination coefficient of 0.94 and the mean square error of 0.0040. The results of artificial neural networks were comparatively better than those of Neuro-fuzzy inference model. The sensitivity analysis results showed that the cucumber production is more sensitive to labour energy than other energy inputs.
Does Extending Clostridium Difficile Treatment In Patients Who Are Receiving Concomitant Antibiotics Reduce The Rate Of Relapse

Purpose: Exposure to concomitant antibiotics during treatment for Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a major risk factor for relapse. This study compared the CDI relapse rates among patients who underwent CDI treatment while receiving concomitant antibiotics. Methods: This retrospective chart review evaluated consecutive adult patients with CDI who were receiving concomitant antibiotics at two acute care sites (Hamilton, Ontario) during 2011–2013. We compared the CDI relapse and mortality rates for regular CDI treatment (10–14 days) and extended CDI treatment (>14 days), and adjusted the analyses for several covariates. Results: We identified 457 patients with CDI, and 228 (50%) patients were considered eligible. A total of 101 (44.2%) patients were receiving regular CDI treatment and 127 (55.7%) patients were receiving extended CDI treatment. The relapse rates were similar for the regular and extended treatment groups in the univariate (17% and 23%, respectively; odds ratio [OR]: 1.4, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.7–2.7, p = 0.286) and multivariate analyses (OR: 0.7, 95% CI: 0.3–1.7, p = 0.425). A composite outcome (in-hospital mortality and/or CDI relapse) was higher for extended treatment (35% vs. 23%; OR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.0–3.4, p = 0.039), although this difference was not significant in the multivariate analysis (OR: 1.2, 95% CI: 0.6–2.5, p = 0.648). Conclusions: We found no evidence to support extended CDI treatment among patients who are receiving concomitant antibiotics. However, further studies are needed to identify better methods for reducing the risk of relapse in this population.
The use of scholarly electronic journals at the Indian Institute of Science: a case study in India

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the use of scholarly electronic journals at the Indian Institute of Science.Design/methodology/approach – The paper examines the methodology and results from a questionnaire‐based survey of networked electronic services in India at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) libraries, serving a variety of disciplines. A random sample of the main cohort was selected and, during five months from January 2004 until May 2004, 700 copies of the questionnaire were distributed among 40 departments of IISc; 397 completed and valid questionnaires (56.7 per cent) were received.Findings – The results showed a growing interest in electronic journals among the users at IISc. Electronic journals were mostly used for research needs and PDF was the most preferred format. The fact that users have free access to electronic journals at all hours from their own computers seems to be the most appealing feature.Research limitations/implications – There are many factors that may.
Fear Appeals and Persuasion: Testing for Within-person Effects

Fear appeals have an extensive history in social scientific research. One of the earliest theories, the drive model, predicts that the fear-persuasion relationship is characterized by an inverted Ucurve. Meta-analyses have firmly established that a between-persons curvilinear relationship between fear and persuasion is empirically unsupported. But, these studies cannot assess the within-person curvilinear predictions advanced by the drive model. Instead, the distinction between between-persons and within-person is often conflated in the literature. To assess this relationship, a methodology that can adequately test the within-person curvilinear prediction is outlined, and the results of a study which utilizes this methodology are presented. The current analysis finds empirical support for a within-person curvilinear relationship between dynamic fear arousal and persuasion, and experimental manipulation of fear response across different groups indicates that different fear curves differentially predict persuasion. The implications of these findings and potential future research are discussed.
Comparison of the Composition of Chemical Elements in the Liver of Ringed Seal (Phoca hispida) from three different populations

The ringed seal (Phoca hispida) is a circumpolar Arctic species, with several subspecies and populations. One subspecies, Phoca hispida botnica, is found in the Baltic Sea. Large ecological differences between these regions may cause variations of trophic positioning and chemical composition in tissues among the inhabiting ringed seal populations. The Baltic Sea is one of the worlds most polluted seas, and the metal pollution in this area may be problematic for Baltic ringed seals. Liver samples from juvenile ringed seals (1-3 years) from three distinct populations, in northwest Greenland, East Greenland and the Baltic Sea were collected during 2008-09. Concentrations of 42 chemical elements, including As, Cd, Hg, Pb and Se, were determined using HR-ICP-MS. Stable isotope analysis (IRMS) of δ13C and δ15N were conducted in order to reveal population differences in feeding preferences (pelagic versus benthic species) and trophic positioning, respectively. Significant differences for δ13C and δ15N were found between all three populations, and the Greenland populations showed benthic preferences and higher trophic positioning relative to the Baltic Sea. The chemical element analysis revealed spatial differences between the Baltic Sea population and either one or both of the Greenland populations for several elements. However, none of the elements of concern in the Baltic Sea were present at significantly higher concentrations in the Baltic Sea population compared to the two Greenland populations. The lower trophic positioning and preferred pelagic foraging of Baltic ringed seals contribute to protect them from impacts of their polluted habitat.