Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Parental education and adult health outcomes: a cohort study examining disease-specific effects of education levels using Swedish nationwide registries across two generations

It is well known that children with less educated parents have inferior health status in later life. There are two competing hypotheses explaining the association found: the pathway hypothesis – suggesting that children from low educated households are more likely to obtain less education themselves, which, in turn, is associated with inferior health outcomes – and the life course hypothesis – suggesting that living conditions during childhood, as such affected by parental education level, is important for the formation of adult health status. We obtained data from National Swedish registries comprising health outcomes of individuals born between 1940 and 1949, and the Swedish Multi-generation Register. We assessed the differences in risk of hospital admission for individuals with low and high parental education as well as low and high own education. We found that for higher educated individuals, high parental education is associated with even better health outcomes: having a high versus low educated mother or high versus low educated father was associated with an overall decrease in the risk (hazard rate) of hospital admission by 5% (95% CI 0.91-0.98) and 3% (95% CI 0.95-0.99), respectively. This indicates that children from a relatively disadvantaged background, signaled by lower parental educational attainment, are more likely to continue accumulating risk throughout life. Even if they have higher qualifications they may still have a greater accumulation of risk, compared with other highly qualified children from a less disadvantaged background. We found that this effect is primarily attributed to circulatory diseases, and would appear to support the life course hypothesis. We conclude that parental education and ensuing early childhood or even fetal living conditions have a persistent effect on adult health.
Biodiversity Productive Capacity in Mixed Farms of North-West of France: a Multi-output Primal System

Previous studies on the productive value of biodiversity emphasized that crop diversity increases crop yields. Here, we focus on the productivity of crop diversity and permanent grasslands for crops and milk. Using a GMM approach, we estimate detailed production functions using a sample of 3960 mixed farms from the FADN between 2002 and 2013. We highlight that permanent grasslands enhance crop production. We confirm that crop diversity increases crop and milk yields. Permanent grasslands and crop diversity are however substitute inputs. We also find that both of these biodiversity productive capacities influence variable input productivities. These results suggest the potential adaptations of farmers’ choices to environmental measures.
European University Institute Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies Global Governance Programme Asymmetric Cultural Proximity and Greenfield FDI

This paper investigates the role of cultural proximity (CP) on greenfield foreign direct investment (FDI). We build a conceptual framework that explicitly accounts for the asymmetric dimensions in the cultural relationship between two countries, and single out a symmetric element (similarity) and an asymmetric one (attractiveness) within a broad notion of CP. We use bilateral trade in cultural goods to proxy for asymmetric and time-dependent CP. We revisit the existing supply/origin-side theories of bilateral FDI to derive a gravity equation suited for testing the impact of both directions of asymmetric CP. To this end, we introduce several ‘destination-side’ mechanisms to rationalize the potential role of the origin’s culture attractiveness for the country that hosts the investment project. The econometric analysis confirms a positive role of asymmetric CP as a determinant of Greenfield FDI, and suggests a stronger contribution of the destination-side channels.
Pentoxifylline and Cilostazol Against Rat Heart Injuries Induced by Doxorubicin

We investigated the possible protective effects of pentoxifylline (PTX) and cilostazol on doxorubicin (Dox)-induced cardiotoxicity in rats. Rats are randomly assigned into: saline, Dox (I.P. 2.5 mg/kg every other day six injections over two weeks), Dox (I.P. 2.5 mg/kg every other day six injections over two weeks then PTX (50 mg/kg/day/oral), Dox (I.P. 2.5 mg/kg) every other day six injections over two weeks then cilostazol (50 mg/kg/day/oral). After 21 days these animals were sacrificed and serum CK-MB and troponin I levels were determined. Malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and caspase3 levels also were determined. Heart sections were examinedhistopathologically. Treatment with PTX and cilostazol decreased troponin I and CK-MB while increased SOD activity with decrements in MDA, IL-6, TNF-, and caspase-3 levels with attenuation of the changes in cardiac histopathology. PTX and cilostazol exert protective effects against Dox-induced cardiotoxicity.
Got Info? Examining the Consequences of Inaccurate Information Systems

It is a desirable goal to balance information given to the user with the potential adverse effects on cognitive processing and perception of information systems. In this experiment, the authors investigated the minimum level of information accuracy necessary in an in-car information system to elicit positive behavioral and attitudinal responses from the driver. There were 60 participants, and each drove in a simulator for 25 minutes; driving performance data was automatically collected, and drivers later completed questionnaires for attitudinal data. Participants were divided into three groups of drivers: a group driving with a 100% accurate system, another driving with a 70% accurate system, and one group driving without an in-car system. There was a definite positive effect on driving performance with the in-car system, and results show that decreasing the accuracy of the system decreases both the driving performance and the trust of the in-car system. Data also indicates that female drivers have a higher tolerance of inaccuracies in an in-car system; design implications are discussed.
Bio-efficacy of sulfonylurea herbicides on mixed weed flora in transplanted rice.

A field experiment was conducted during kharif season of 2003 and 2004 to study the bio-efficacy of different rates of sulfonylurea herbicides for the management of mixed weed flora in transplanted rice. In experimental field, Echinochloa colona, E. crusgalli and Paspalum distichum among grasses, Caesulia axillaris among broadleaf weeds and Cyperus spp. among sedges were the dominant weed species which constituted 18.8,12.4,11.7,32.95 and 9.5 per cent, respectively of total weed population under weedy check at 60 days after transplanting. The lowest total weed density (1.40 m−2), dry matter production (1.37 g m−2) and weed control efficiency irrespective of weed species was recorded under two hand weeding followed by metsulfuron methyl at 8.0 g ha−1, metsulfuron methyl + chlorimuron ethyl (ready mixture of metsulfuron methyl and chlorimuron ethyl in 1:1 ratio) at 8.0 g ha−1 and 2,4-D at 500.0 g ha−1 at all the stages of crop growth during both the years. Morpho-physiological crop characteristics viz., number of shoots m−2, crop dry weight (g m−2), leaf area index (LAI) and crop growth rate (g day−1) were found to be lowest in weedy plot and maximum in weed-free plot and there was an increasing trend from 30 days stage upto harvest except number of shoots (m−2) and leaf area index. Among herbicides, metsulfuron methyl at 8.0 g ha−1 and metsulfuron methyl + chlorimuron ethyl at 8.0 g ha−1 recorded highest values for number of shoots m−2, crop dry weight (g m−2), leaf area index (LAI) and crop growth rate (g day−1) in 2003 and 2004, respectively. Weeds caused 30.5 per cent reduction in the grain yield of rice in comparison to weed-free condition. Yield contributing characters like number of panicles, number of grains panicle-1, weight of grains panicle−1, 1000-grain weight, maximum weight of panicle and grain weight plant−1 observed highest under metsulfuron methyl at 8.0 g ha−1 and metsulfuron methyl + chlorimuron ethyl at 8.0 g ha−1 among the herbicides during both the years. Consequently, metsulfuron methyl at 8.0 g ha−1 (53.5 q ha−1) and metsulfuron methyl + chlorimuron ethyl at 8.0 g ha−1 (53.84 q ha-1) not only yielded higher among herbicides but their effectiveness for suppressing mixed flora of weeds was statistically comparable to weed-free condition (55.15 q ha−1) and two hand weeding treatment (53.6 q ha−1) during both the years.
Discontinuities are , of necessity , a surprise . —

In rational continuous-time asset pricing models, compensation for risk is represented by the continuous drift of asset prices, whereas jumps are the effect of large information or liquidity shocks. We use this distinction to evaluate risk based explanations of cross-sectional stock return predictability. Based on the CRSP data from 1927 to 2005, we find that individual stock price jumps tend to be idiosyncratic and predominantly positive, presenting an interesting contrast to mostly negative jumps in market portfolios. More importantly, several well-known patterns of return predictability, including the size effect, the liquidity premium, and to a moderate extent the value premium, are the result of cross-sectional differences in stock price jumps. The evidence presents a challenge to theories that attribute such return predictability to simple differences in risk premium. We further explore several alternative hypotheses within the rational asset pricing paradigm, such as the martingale restriction on jumps, jump risk premium effect, investor preference for skewness, and discontinuity in expected returns. However, none of them can be reconciled with the empirical evidence. Discontinuities are, of necessity, a surprise. — Alan Greenspan
Validation study of the Turkish version of the obsessive?compulsive drinking scale in male alcohol dependent inpatients -

Objective: By modifying an interview-based questionnaire (Yale? Brown Obsessive Compulsive Drinking Scale: YBOCS-hd), Anton, Moak, and Latham (1995) developed a self-administered questionnaire consisting of 14 queries, the Obsessive? Compulsive Drinking Scale (OCDS), which includes items to evaluate both total craving and its obsessive and compulsive components. The aim of this study was to determine the reliability and validity and factorial structure of the Turkish translation of the Obsessive? Compulsive Drinking Scale (OCDS) in male alcohol dependent inpatients. Method: The study was conducted with hospitalized patients between August 2008 and March 2009 in Bakirkoy State Hospital for Mental Health and Neurological Disorders, AMATEM (Alcohol and Drug Research, Treatment and Education Center) in Istanbul. Participants were 155 consecutively admitted male alcohol dependents. Patients were investigated with the OCDS, the Michigan Alcohol Screening Test (MAST), the Penn Alcohol Craving Scale (PACS) and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The internal consistency of the Turkish version of OCDS was evaluated by the Cronbach? s Alpha test, and for validity investigation, the PACS is used. Calculation of both 10 and 14 item solutions according to Dutch (D) and French (F) method and comparison of the results with D, F and Italian studies were done. Results: Turkish version of the both 10 item and 14 item solutions were found to be compatible with original scales. In alcohol dependents, the internal consistency coefficient (Cronbach? s alpha) was 0.83 for ? Obsessive-D? scale, 0.84 for ? Compulsive-D? scale, 0.89 for ? OCDS-D? , 0.81 for ? Obsessive-F? scale, 0.77 for ? Compulsive-F? scale and 0.86 for ? OCDS-F? For each of the items, the corrected item-total correlation values were between 0.49 and 0.75 (p<0.001) for OCDS-D, whereas they were between 0.52 and 0.78 (p<0.001) for OCDS-F. Test? retest correlations were 0.64 for ? Obsessive-D? scale, 0.74 for ? Compulsive-D? scale, 0.75 for ? OCDS-D? , 0.65 for ? Obsessive-F? scale, 0.72 for ? Compulsive-F? scale, 0.74 for ? OCDS-F? Subscale and total scores of OCDS-D and OCDS-F were correlated significantly with MAST, PACS and amount of drinks per day (p<0.001). Discussion: Results which were obtained in this study suggests that the both 10 and 14 item Turkish versions of the OCDS are reliable and valid for alcohol dependent inpatients. Also Turkish version of the scale was found to be compatible with the results of Dutch, French and Italian studies, although 10 item solution did not show superiority to 14 item solution.
Análisis Factorial Exploratorio: Bases Conceptuales y Metodológicas

En el presente trabajo se realiza una revision de los fundamentos y principales procedimientos del analisis factorial exploratorio, un metodo esencial para la construccion, adaptacion y validacion de tests psicologicos. El articulo se presenta considerando las principales decisiones estrategicas que debe tomar el investigador durante la implementacion del metodo. Se discuten ademas las distintas opciones conceptuales y metodologicas que se plantean en cada fase de la aplicacion del Analisis Factorial Exploratorio. Exploratory Fac tor Analysis: Conceptual and Methodological Basis. The present work reviews the foundations and principal procedures of exploratory factor analysis conceived as an essential method for the construction, adjustment and validation of psychological tests. The article, first, considers the principal strategic decisions that researcher’s must make during the implementation of this methodology. Additionally, this work presents discussions regarding different conceptual and methodological considerations that exploratory factor analysis presents in each phase of methodology’s application.
How do different sources of partisanship influence government accountability in Europe?

The possibility of holding representatives to account through regular elections is one of the cornerstones of representative democracy. The precise role of partisanship in doing this has not been extensively examined. Using survey data from Europe (2002–2012), we show that partisanship can weaken or strengthen accountability, depending on its sources. If it is an affective-psychological attitude, as the Michigan school suggests, then it weakens accountability because it acts as a perceptual screen. If, however, it is a calculation of party performance which is constantly updated by citizens, then it strengthens accountability. The findings suggest that partisanship in Europe has been quite responsive to performance over the ten-year period. Instead of acting as a screen that inhibits accountability, partisanship appears rooted in calculations of party performance and so enhances accountability. However, the effects are asymmetric with left-leaning partisans more sensitive to the performance of their governments than right-leaning partisans.
Geomagnetic Kp Index and Earthquakes

In the ionosphere, the solar winds generate electrical currents. On the Earth surface, these currents cause magnetic field fluctuations. These fluctuations, penetrating the Earth interior, induce the electrical currents J, and, in the presence of the Earth magnetic field B, generate electromagnetic force, known as Lorentz force F = J × B. To study the relation of earthquakes and the Lorentz force, acting at the near onset times of strong earthquakes, we examine the Kp index, a logarithmic measure of the magnetic field deviation. The time varying Kp index gives us J, which in turn determines F. The variations of the Kp index were stacked by aligning their central times to the times of main earthquake shocks. This stacking method has been a popular and powerful tool in image processing, because it lifts up only the geomagnetic effect like carving a relief. The Lorentz force tilts the subtle force balance in the earth crust towards triggering the release of stress strain energy, initiating an earthquake in a similar way as a mountain climber’s step can trigger the avalanches. The internal dynamics, however, are highly statistical. Conventional statistical methods are used in combination with a newly devised method, which compares the time sequences of hypothetical random earthquakes to real ones. We find that the distinctive patterns of the Kp surges often strongly correlate to the onset of earthquake. This correlation depends on the seismic regions and the magnitudes of earthquakes. The stronger the earthquake is, more closely the Kp surge is associated. The statistical significance of nearly 100% is obtained for the Kp variations, synchronizing with more earthquakes in the Pacific Rim region. In parallel with the data analysis the historical studies are reviewed. The solar activities have been considered to influence the earthquake occurrences and the relation of the two has been studied extensively in the recent years as well as in the past century. A comprehensive list of publications is created with the brief introductions for each in the last chapter.
Institutional and economic determinants of the perception of opportunities and entrepreneurial intention

This paper aims to identify the institutional and economic factors that influence the perception of business opportunities, and the latter's influence on entrepreneurial intention. We use an institutional approach for the Spanish Autono- mous Regions for the period 2004-2010, based on the data available in the regional GEM reports, supplemented by data from the INE (Instituto Nacional de Estadis- tica - Spanish National Institute of Statistics). By applying a structural equation model, we observed that the perception of abilities (self-efficacy) positively and significantly affects both the perception of opportunities and entrepreneurial inten- tion, and that the perception of opportunities affects entrepreneurial intention.
Transformations of traditional land use and settlement patterns of Kosarysche Ridge (Chornohora, Western Ukraine)

Abstract The traditional character of Hutsul villages and their spatial development has been changing slowly but inevitably over the course of time. Historically, single farmsteads were built separately and were mostly self-sufficient, the distance between them being considerable. Nowadays, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the economic transformation brought along many changes, among these the fact that depopulation is taking place and alterations in spatial development are occurring again. The localisation of secluded farmsteads, situated far away from each other is no longer as important as it used to be. Reasons for the abandonment of farmsteads were examined, and factors such as altitude, distance from the village centre and the administration affiliation were taken into account. Land use changes were analysed in relation to the slope inclination. Some of the most important factors influencing the intensity and direction of these processes are high prices of land, improvement in living conditions, better access to services and the general ‘westernisation’ of lifestyles. The depopulation rate has been seen to increase in correlation with the rising altitude and distance from the village centre. On the other hand, there was no unambiguous link between the abandonment of farmsteads and administration affiliation. Mowed areas were localised on the slopes with the smallest inclination. Animal breeding has become unprofitable due to a lack in demand and low product prices, which has led to an increasing number of meadows and pastures lying fallow.
Impact of cooperative society on fish farming comercialization in Lagos State, Nigeria

This study was carried out to determine the impact of cooperative society among the fish farmers in Lagos State. A multi stage purposive sampling techniques was used to select five Local Government areas notable for fish farming business. 30 fish farmers were selected from each of the Local Government areas for cooperative society and 30 farmers from non cooperative society having a total of 150 respondents each. A well structured questionnaire was used to obtain information and 130 questionnaires were retrieved each from cooperative and non-cooperative members. Analytical techniques used include descriptive statistics and Tobit regression Analyses. The results show that the mean age of the farmers is 56 and 57 for cooperative and non-cooperative fish farmers, respectively. Majority (83%) and (93%) of the cooperative and non-cooperative fish farmers respectively were males. It was discovered that both farmers have an average of 8 household members. It was revealed that larger percentage of the cooperative fish farmers (50%) used amount N100,000 to N500,000 as the initial investment while (56%) of the non cooperative used the same amount as capital investment. The result of the Tobit regression analysis indicates that gender of farmers is significant at 5%, years of formal education; membership of cooperative and the cost of inputs were significant at 1%. Since majority were producing for profit making, it is suggested in the paper that government should increase the supply of credit to cooperative farmers and embark on enlightenment campaign to increase the participation of rural farmers in cooperative activities. Key words: Impact, cooperative society, fish farming, commercialisation, Lagos State.
Position-controlled deposition for electrospinning

Electrospinning comprises an efficient and versatile technique for the fabrication of very thin fibers from a rich variety of materials including polymers, composites and ceramics. The process provides opportunities for the relatively easy fabrication of micron-scaled parts or parts with nano-scaled details. During the recent years it has regained more and more attention due to the surging interest in nanotechnology. Potential applications range from filter media to tissue engineering scaffolds and many others. The still remaining problem with electrospinning is the unstable deposition of the fiber, creating nonwoven fabrics. These fabrics have varying characteristics and many studies have been done to solve this problem by making the fiber deposition controllable. With this ability geometric complex structures could be woven with in advance defined characteristics. A recent finding has presented a method which could fulfill these wishes. This founding (patented by Eindhoven University of Technology) comprises the use of a small, positionable ground point for focussing the fiber deposition. The goal for this research study was to show the ’proof of principle’ of the founding and the development of all the necessary equipment. A study of the electrospinning process has indicated the need for two special experimental devices. A dedicated electrospin cabin has been designed and created to meet the safety regulations. Another experimental setup (a spiral spinner) has been built to investigate the influence of the collecting speed on the focussing of the fiber. Experiments with this setup have shown that the alignment of even one single fiber is feasible. An accompanying remarkable observation is the stabilization of the fiber deposition which occurs at higher collecting speeds. Visualizations of the process, made by a high speed imaging camera, have shown that the instability indeed fades out. Although some papers report similar results, the alignment of one single fiber in a large, one dimensional space together with a stabilized deposition has not been reported yet. The visualizations however, also show the bending of the fiber into a curved shape above the deposition target, resulting in a large positioning error. In the near future, this error might be reduced by the miniaturization of the spinning process. A model description of this bending fase might also attenuate this error because the control system can be adapted by the predicted error