Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lending in the Modern Era: Does Racial Composition of Neighborhoods Matter When Individuals Seek Home Financing? A Pilot Study in New England

This article explores the relationship between racial composition of neighborhoods and approval and origination of mortgages. It measures independent neighborhood effects, above and beyond applicant race effects preceding the recent housing market crisis for rental and owner–occupied homes. Mortgage applications are selected from the dozen most populated metropolitan areas in New England. Applications are linked to corresponding neighborhood data and generalized linear mixed modeling is applied. Data include prehousing market crash Housing Mortgage Disclosure Act data matched to American Community Survey 5–year data for over one million applications. Findings indicate, although controlling for income, gender, and race of the applicant, poverty and tenure, and additional socioeconomic variables, neighborhood racial composition has a statistically significant effect on whether mortgages are approved and originated. Minority presence is correlated with a negative effect on mortgage origination regardless of race of the individual loan applicant. More specifically, whites’ applications are also turned down in minority neighborhoods, especially black neighborhoods.
On Density Wave Instability Phenomena – Modelling and Experimental Investigation

Density Wave Oscillations (DWOs) are dealt with in this work as the most representative instabilities frequently encountered in the boiling systems. This dynamic type instability mode – resulting from multiple feedback effects between the flow rate, the vapour generation rate and the pressure drops in the boiling channel – constitutes an issue of special interest for the design of industrial systems and equipments involving vapour generation (Yadigaroglu, 1981). In the nuclear area, instability phenomena can be triggered both in Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) fuel channels (where they are moreover coupled through neutronic feedbacks with the neutron field), and in steam generators, which experience boiling phenomena inside parallel tubes. The latter is typical configuration of all the once-through steam generators, considered in this work with respect to integral Smallmedium Modular Reactors (SMRs)1 applications. Extensive attention is required because parallel channel instability is very difficult to be immediately detected when occurs in steam power systems, being the total mass flow of the system stable while the instability is locally triggered among some of the parallel channels. Thermally induced oscillations of the flow rate and system pressure are undesirable, as they can cause mechanical vibrations, problems of system control, and in extreme cases induce heat transfer surface burn-out. Large amplitude fluctuations in the heater wall temperature (so named thermal oscillations) usually occur under DWO conditions. Continual cycling of the wall temperature can lead to thermal fatigue problems which may cause tube failure. It is clear from these examples that the flow instabilities must be avoided in the design and operation of the various industrial systems. The safe operating regime of a two-phase heat exchanger can be determined by instability threshold values of system parameters such as flow rate, pressure, inlet temperature and exit quality. To the aim, both basic experiments and numerical analyses are necessary. This work is dedicated to the study (from theoretical, numerical and experimental point of view) of density wave phenomena, aimed at instability threshold prediction, DWO characterization and linear stability analysis as well.
The Configuration of Jupiter ’ s Magnetosphere

A magnetosphere is a “sphere” of influence around a planet in which the forces associated with the magnetic field of the planet prevail over all other forces. The magnetic field of the planet diverts the solar wind away from the planet, carving a cavity which contains a low-density hot plasma derived from the solar wind, or the planet. The plasmas of the solar wind and the magnetosphere are kept apart by a thin boundary layer called magnetopause in which strong surface currents circulate. To form and maintain a magnetosphere, three key ingredients are required. These are, a strong enough planetary magnetic field that halts the solar wind, a source of plasma internal or external to the magnetosphere to populate it and a source of energy to power it. The solar wind driven magnetospheres (of which the Earth and Mercury are prime examples) derive their plasma and energy mainly from the solar wind. In rotationally driven magnetospheres, the bulk of the energy is derived from planet’s rotation whereas the plasma is derived from the planet or a satellite of the planet (jovian and kronian magnetospheres are the prime examples of this category). The interior of Jupiter is the seat of a strong dynamo that produces a surface magnetic field in the equatorial region with an intensity of ∼ 4 Gauss. This strong magnetic field and Jupiter’s fast rotation (rotation period ∼ 9 h 55 min) create a unique magnetosphere in the solar system which is known for its immense size (average subsolar magnetopause distance 45-100 RJ where 1 RJ = 71492 km is the radius of Jupiter) and fast rotation (see Figure 24.1 for a schematic of Jupiter’s magnetosphere). Jupiter’s magnetosphere differs from most other magnetospheres in the fact that it derives much of its plasma internally from Jupiter’s moon Io. The heavy plasma, consisting principally of various charge states of S and O, inflates the magnetosphere from the combined actions of centrifugal force and thermal pressure. It is readily shown that in the absence of an internal heavy plasma, the dipole field would balance the average dynamic pressure of the solar wind (0.08 nPa) at a distance of ∼ 42 RJ in the subsolar region as contrasted to the observed average magnetopause location of ∼75 RJ (see Figure 24.1). The heavy plasma is also responsible for generating an azimuthal current exceeding 160 MA in the equatorial region of Jupiter’s magnetosphere where it is confined to a thin current sheet (half thickness ∼ 2 RJ in the dawn sector).
A Case Report on Combination Therapy Using a Composite Allograft Containing Mesenchymal Cells With an Amnion–Chorion Barrier to Treat a Mandibular Class III Furcation

Introduction: Maintaining molars with Class III furcation invasion remains one of the greatest challenges in periodontics. Surgical treatment of these areas by any means has been disappointing. This case report describes a successful combined regenerative approach using a composite allograft with mesenchymal stem cells along with a barrier derived from human amnion–chorion to close a Class III furcation.Case Presentation: The patient was a 62-year-old white male referred for the treatment of his periodontal and dental implant needs. The mandibular left required functional crown lengthening for the two premolars along with management of the Class III furcation on the first molar. The unopposed second molar with both an advanced osseous lesion and 1+ degree mobility was to be extracted. Surgical exposure allowed the furcation to be thoroughly scaled and planed, treated with tetracycline for root modification, followed by intramarrow penetration and recombinant platelet-derived growth factor applied to the r.
Extremal quantum states and their Majorana constellations

The characterization of quantum polarization of light requires knowledge of all the moments of the Stokes variables, which are appropriately encoded in the multipole expansion of the density matrix. We look into the cumulative distribution of those multipoles and work out the corresponding extremal pure states. We find that SU(2) coherent states are maximal to any order whereas the converse case of minimal states (which can be seen as the most quantum ones) is investigated for a diverse range of the number of photons. Taking advantage of the Majorana representation, we recast the problem as that of distributing a number of points uniformly over the surface of the Poincare sphere.
The European Union as a system of differentiated integration: interdependence, politicization and differentiation

ABSTRACT This contribution conceptualizes the European Union (EU) as a system of differentiated integration characterized by both variation in levels of centralization (vertical differentiation) and variation in territorial extension (horizontal differentiation) across policy areas. Differentiation has been a concomitant of deepening and widening and has increased and consolidated as the EU's powers, policy scope and membership have grown. Turning to explanation, the contribution attributes the pattern of differentiated integration in the EU to the interaction of interdependence and politicization. Differentiation among the member states (internal differentiation) results from supranational integration under conditions of high interdependence and politicization. By contrast, external differentiation (the selective policy integration of non-member states) occurs in highly interdependent but weakly politicized policy areas. These constellations are illustrated in case studies of differentiation in the internal market, monetary union and defence.
The Impact of Organizational Characteristics on Leadership Effectiveness Models

Researchers have been criticized for applying generic organization and management theories to public sector organizations on the basis that such theories ignore significant public-private differences. To examine the extent to which generic theories can help us better understand public-private differences, the authors applied a generic leadership theory to both a private and a public sector organization and found interesting differences between the two organizations. The authors concluded that generic theories serve the useful purpose of allowing researchers to compare and contrast public sector management issues with those of other types of organizations. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
Analysis of Acute Viral Hepatitis (A and E) in Iraq

Hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver, has a number of infectious and non-infectious causes. Two of the viruses that cause hepatitis (hepatitis A and E) can be transmitted through water and food; hygiene is therefore important in their control. First, to assess the importance of HAV and HEV as a possible diagnosis for clinically diagnosed patients with acute viral hepatitis. Second, to assess the prevalence of hepatitis A and E in all provinces of Iraq and study its association with age, gender. This study consisted of two groups: The first group consisted of 2975 patients with a clinical diagnosis of acute viral hepatitis. The second group consisted of a total of 9610 persons, which were recruited by surveying a nationally representative random sample of households. A stratified random sample proportional to size of each of the 18 Iraqi governorates, both urban and rural areas was employed. Blood samples were taken from study subjects. The relative frequency of positive anti-HAV IgM antibodies was 41.0%, while anti- HEV IgM represented 19.4 % of patients with a clinical suspicion of acute viral hepatitis. The prevalence of hepatitis A-IgG antibodies in Iraqi population is 96.4% (95% confidence interval is 96-96.8%), while that of Hepatitis E-IgG antibodies was 20.3 % (95% confidence interval is 19.4-21.2%). The sero-prevalence showed a steady and significant increase with age for hepatitis E, while it showed an obvious increase between the first and second decade of life for HAV. No significant sex variation was observed for HAV, while males had a higher risk (by 15%) for HEV. The after war situation in Iraq is disastrous, due to the damage to water supply infrastructure and its contamination with sewage, Hepatitis A is hyper endemic in Iraq, while hepatitis E is endemic. Among patients with a clinical diagnosis of acute viral hepatitis, two fifths had serologic evidence of type A and another one fifth had type E viral hepatitis.
Delivering Stability—Primogeniture and Autocratic Survival in European Monarchies 1000–1800

Building a strong autocratic state requires stability in ruler-elite relations. From this perspective the absence of a successor is problematic, as the elite have few incentives to remain loyal if the autocrat cannot reward them for their loyalty after his death. However, an appointed successor has both the capacity and the motive to challenge the autocrat. We argue that a succession based on primogeniture solves the dilemma, by providing the regime with a successor who can afford to wait to inherit the throne peacefully. We test our hypothesis on a dataset covering 961 monarchs ruling 42 European states between 1000 and 1800, and show that fewer monarchs were deposed in states practicing primogeniture than in states practicing alternative succession orders. A similar pattern persists in the world's remaining absolute monarchies. Primogeniture also contributed to building strong states: In 1801 all European monarchies had adopted primogeniture or succumbed to foreign enemies.
Parasitic infection: a recurring phenomenon in Malaysia

A total of 255 patients including 179 (70.2%) of non-HIV and 76 (29.8%) HIV-infected patients were recruited in this descriptive study. The subjects was significantly found to be male Chinese (157; 61.6% vs 74; 47.1%) followed by female Malays (98; 38.4% vs 35; 35.7%) (p 0.05). Overall seroprevalence of latent Toxoplasma infection was 82/183 (44.8%) being; 3 (3.7%) positive for IgM, 74 (90.2%) for IgG, and 5 (6.1%) for IgG and IgM antibodies. The prevalence was more relatively found in the Chinese (28; 15.3%) and Malays (27; 14.8%) than others (p<0.05). While, 23/76 (30.3%) of HIV-positive patients were shown Toxoplasma seropositivity. The majority of these subjects (138/181; 76.2%) were significantly asymptomatic (p = 0.000), while the others were clinically evident cases of toxoplasmosis. Of this, 37 patients were included in differential diagnosis relating to ocular diseases and only 4 patients were confirmed as having ocular toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmic encephalitis (TE) was based on presumptive diagnosis, particularly found in 5 patients with AIDS. Seventeen patients were clinically diagnosed as having malaria being; 8 for P. vivax, 4 for P. falciparum, 3 for P. malariae, and 2 for mixed infections. All cases resolved satisfactorily after treatment with antimalarial drugs. Other important emerging parasitic diseases were also detected in these patients including amebiasis (2), blastocystosis (1), cryptosporidiosis (1), filariasis (1), and giardiasis (2) during the time of this study.
Risk and Returns in Shariah Compliant Cross-Section Stocks: Evidence from an Emerging Market

Purpose This study aims to understand and document the impact of market-based – market returns and momentum – as well as firm-specific – size, book-to-market (B/M) ratio, price-to-earnings ratio (PER) and cash flow (CF) – factors on pricing of Shari’ah-compliant securities as explanation of variations in stock returns in an emerging market – Pakistan’s Karachi Stock Exchange. Design/methodology/approach Initially, the authors test Fama and French (FF) three-factor model – market risk premium, size and B/M – followed by modified FF model by including additional risk factors (PER, CF and momentum) over a 10-year period (2001-2010). Findings Our results support superiority of FF three-factor model over single-factor capital asset pricing model. However, addition of further risk factors – including PER, CF and momentum – improves explanatory power of the model, as well as refines the selection of risk factors. In this study, CF, B/M and momentum factors remain insignificant. Traditional B/M factor in FF model is replaced by PER. Practical implications Based on the modified FF model, the authors propose a stock valuation model for Shari’ah-compliant securities consisting of three factors: market returns, size and earnings, which explains 76per cent variations in cross sectional stock returns. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study (which combines market-based as well as fundamental factors) on pricing of Islamic securities and identification of risk factors in an emerging market – Karachi Stock Exchange.
Naringenin attenuates testicular damage, germ cell death and oxidative stress in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats: naringenin prevents diabetic rat testicular damage

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of naringenin on oxidative stress, on pro-inflammatory cytokines like TGF-β1, IL-1β and on programmed cell death in the testicular damage resulting from streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetes in rats. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (50 mg/kg), and the rats were treated with naringenin (5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg) administered once a day orally for 10 weeks, starting 3 days after the STZ injection. At the end of the study, all animals were sacrificed. Testis tissue and blood samples were collected for the assessment of sperm parameters, and for biochemical and histopathological analysis. Naringenin treatment significantly decreased the levels of elevated tissue TBARS (thio-barbituric acid) and increased the superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) enzyme activities in the testis tissues. The naringenin-treated rats in the diabetic group showed an improved histological appearance, sperm parameters, and serum testosterone levels, along with a decrement of terminal dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) detected program cell death and a reduced over expression of TGF-β1, IL-1β in Sertoli cells and Leydig cells. These results suggest that naringenin is a food supplement potentially beneficial in reducing testicular damage in diabetic rats by decreasing the oxidative stress related to programmed cell death.
Solar-like oscillations in red giants observed with Kepler: influence of increased timespan on global oscillation parameters

Context. The length of the asteroseismic timeseries obtained from the Kepler satellite analysed here span 19 months. Kepler provides the longest continuous timeseries currently available, which calls for a study of the influence of the increased timespan on the accuracy and precision of the obtained results. Aims. We aim to investigate how the increased timespan influences the detectability of the oscillation modes, and the absolute values and uncertainties of the global oscillation parameters, i.e., frequency of maximum oscillation power, νmax, and large frequency separation between modes of the same degree and consecutive orders, ⟨ Δν ⟩ . Methods. We use published methods to derive νmax and ⟨ Δν ⟩ for timeseries ranging from 50 to 600 days and compare these results as a function of method, timespan and ⟨ Δν ⟩ . Results. We find that in general a minimum of the order of 400 day long timeseries are necessary to obtain reliable results for the global oscillation parameters in more than 95% of the stars, but this does depend on ⟨ Δν ⟩ . In a statistical sense the quoted uncertainties seem to provide a reasonable indication of the precision of the obtained results in short (50-day) runs, they do however seem to be overestimated for results of longer runs. Furthermore, the different definitions of the global parameters used in the different methods have non-negligible effects on the obtained values. Additionally, we show that there is a correlation between νmax and the flux variance. Conclusions. We conclude that longer timeseries improve the likelihood to detect oscillations with automated codes (from ~60% in 50 day runs to >95% in 400 day runs with a slight method dependence) and the precision of the obtained global oscillation parameters. The trends suggest that the improvement will continue for even longer timeseries than the 600 days considered here, with a reduction in the median absolute deviation of more than a factor of 10 for an increase in timespan from 50 to 2000 days (the currently foreseen length of the mission). This work shows that global parameters determined with high precision - thus from long datasets - using different definitions can be used to identify the evolutionary state of the stars.
A CVD epitaxial deposition in a vertical barrel reactor: process modeling using cluster-based fuzzy logic models

A chemical vapor deposition (CVD) epitaxial deposition process modeling using fuzzy logic models (FLM's) has been proposed. The process modeling algorithm consists of a cluster estimation method and backpropagation algorithm to construct a number of modeling structures from the training data. A decision rule based on the multiple correlation factor is used to obtain the optimum structure of the fuzzy model using the testing data. Upon the optimum structure being reached, the gradient-descent method is used to refer the parameters of the final fuzzy model using both training and testing data. The algorithm has been applied to a nonlinear function and a vertical chemical vapor deposition process. The results demonstrate the efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed fuzzy logic model in comparison with existing fuzzy logic models and artificial neural network models.
Localization and Differentiation Using Ultrasonic Sensors

The most crucial problem for the mobile robot navigation is obstacles detection and their localization. The determination of obstacle position should be as accurate as possible in order to support robot self-localization procedures. In order to increase its efficiency the recognition of some feature of obstacles shapes should be done. The most advanced systems use laser range-finder and vision to solve this task. They allow to obtain a lot of data of a robot environment and the delivered information is quite precise. Unfortunately these devices have some important drawbacks. Laser scanning range-finders are still expensive. Their another drawback is that they scan only in a single plain. It causes that some obstacle cannot be detected. There are also available 3D laser range-finders. But measurements performed by them are time consuming. Therefore it is rather difficult to use them for on-line mobile robot navigation when a robot moves during a measurement execution. Considering vision systems the main disadvantages are computation consuming methods and a price of the system. In this sense ultrasonic range-finders seems still to be very useful equipment for a mobile robot. Their important advantage is low price and simplicity. Considering robotics applications they seem to be very attractive comparing especially with laser range-finders and vision systems. But in current mobile robots the ultrasonic sensors are rather used as an auxiliary equipment allowing to obtain rough information of the environment. The main reason of this situation is that the obtained data from commercial ultrasonic range-finders are very difficult to interprete. In this chapter two methods are presented which makes possible to overcome some difficulties combined with ultrasonic sensing. The first one is dedicated to the problem of object differentiation. The second method addresses the problem of an object localization and simplification of necessary computations.