Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Asymmetries in responses of commercial banks in a transitional economy to countercyclical monetary policy: The case of Romania

The empirical results of this study reveal the following interesting characteristics of the Romanian banking sector over the December 1993 through August 2017 period. First, the spread between the lending-Central Bank’s discount rates was stable and adjusted to its long-run threshold asymmetrically. Second, lending institutions respond faster to contractionary than expansionary countercyclical monetary policy actions. This empirical finding suggests that Romanian commercial banks exhibit predatory rate setting behavior, which is consistent with those of their counterparts in advanced and emerging economies. Third, lending institutions respond to countercyclical monetary policy and the Romanian Central Bank authority effectively utilizes monetary policy to manage the economy as evidenced by the short-run dynamic and long-run Granger-causality from the discount rate to the banks’ lending rate. With respect to the time lags of the Romanian monetary policy found within the banking sector, the empirical results suggest that it takes almost two years for the lending rate to adjust to a monetary policy action completely.
Source altitudes of terrestrial gamma‐ray flashes produced by lightning leaders

Terrestrial gamma‐ray flashes (TGFs) are energetic photon bursts observed from satellites and associated with lightning activity. Comparison between calculations based on the model of relativistic runaway electron avalanches (RREA) in large‐scale weak electric field in thunderstorms and satellite measurements usually shows that the photon spectrum is consistent with source altitudes around 15 km. However, recent observations have located intra‐cloud lightning (IC) discharges responsible for TGFs much deeper in the atmosphere (at altitudes ∼10 km). In the present work, we show that the TGF spectrum as produced by acceleration of electrons in the strong electric field of stepping IC leaders is consistent with the lower altitudes recently discovered. This study reconciles observations and measurements by setting new altitudes for the TGF sources based on mechanism of direct acceleration of electrons in the lightning leader field. Moreover, the photon source beaming geometry is consistently determined from the geometry of electric field lines produced by the lightning leader.
Status of available micronutrients of the basement complex rock - derived alfisols in northern Nigeria savanna.

The con t en t s of available bo r o n , z inc, copper, iron and m anganese w e re d e t er m ined in twenty surface s o ils (0-30 c m depth) and profile pi t s col l ected fro m Northern G u i nea and Sudan savanna zones which are the m a jor t o m a t o and horticultural crops growing areas of no r t h ern Nigeria savanna. The contents of ava i lable B fr o m sur f a c e s oils, ex t rac t ed with hot water, var i ed fr o m 0.04 â€“ 0.28 w i th a m ean o f 0 . 14 m g kg -1 , whi l e Zn, Cu, Fe Â and Mn , e xtrac t ed with 0.1N HC l , va r ied fr o m 1.8 â€“10. 5 , 1 . 0 â€“ Â 9.0, 2.5 â€“75 and 2.8 â€“ 1 8 m g kg -1 , w i th Â m e a ns of 4 . 2, 2 . 9 , 19 . 6 a n d 9 . 2 m g k g -1 respectively. The con t ents of B , Zn, Cu , Fe and Mn i n the prof i le p i t s ranged fr o m 0 . 08 â€“ 0 . 1 8 , 1 . 5 â€“ 3.5, 0.9 â€“ 3. 3 , 14 â€“ 26.2 Â and 11.2 â€“ 20.5 m g kg -1 with m eans of 0.12, 2 . 4 , 1 . 9 , 20.7 and 15.0 m g k g -1 Â re s pect i vely. Boron i s defic i e n t in a l l the soi l s ; Zn i s de f icient in on l y s o m e of t he soils, w h i le t he contents o f the other m i cronu t r ients a r e adequa t e. The m icronu t r ie n t s are signif i cantly re l ated to s o m e of t h e soil p r o p ert i es test e d , Soil clay correl a ted (P=0.01) posit i vely wi t h Cu, Zn , Mn and Fe (r= 0.476**, 0.404**, 0.407** and 0.469** respectively). Si m i l arly, organic C co r r e lated positively w i th Fe , Cu and Mn . Â A l so, t he r e are s i gn i f i c a nt re l a t i ons h ips a m ong t he mi cron u trien t s ; Fe correlated w ith all t he other m icron u trients â€“ Cu , Zn , Mn (P=0. 0 1) and B ( P =0 . 05 ) . Â W h ile Zn cor r e l a t ed w i th Fe , Cu and Mn . F o r so i ls of t h e pedons, s and and s i lt corre l ated wi t h Zn and Cu , pH ( H 2 O) cor r el a t ed w i t h Fe , wh i le pH ( C a C l 2 ) correl a t ed w i t h B and Fe . A m ong the m icron u t r i e nts, B and Cu c o rrelat e d w i th Zn . There would be need for B and Zn application to the soils for successful and profitable crop production.
Clustering of grapevine ( Vitis vinifera L . ) genotypes with Kohonen neural networks

Self-organizing maps generated by Kohonen neural networks provide a method to transform multidimensional problems common in ampelography into lower dimensional problems. In this study the clustering efficiency of Kohonen neural networks was evaluated to characterize and identify 10 Sangiovese-related and 10 coloured (fruit gives intense red colour to the wine) grapevine accessions, on the basis of the elliptic Fourier coefficients of the leaves. The non-supervised learning algorithm used allowed a priori classification of the accessions. The results enabled us to distinguish between 16 accessions and to denote two pairs of synonyms. To obtain quantitative information regarding relationships among these accessions, Kohonen neural networks were trained with different numbers of neurons in the Kohonen output layer permitting the graphical representation of the similarity by construction of a dendrogram. In agreement with previous studies based on molecular markers and neural network technology, a high similarity was found for the ecotypes (1) Prugnolo acerbo, Prugnolo dolce and Prugnolo medio and (2) Brunelletto and Prugnolo gentile. Among the Sangiovese-related accessions the socalled Casentino ecotype diverged from all the others, probably indicating a different origin. Producing easily comprehensible low-dimensional maps, the Kohonen neural networks approach proposed here allows to study complex ampelographic data elucidating relationships that can not be detected by traditional data analysis tools.
Factors affecting litter size and birth weight in rabbits.

Dam breed, sire breed and parity showed no significant effect on total number born per litter (NB), number born alive per litter (NBA), total litter birth weight (TLBWT), live litter birth weight (LLBWT) and average birth weight of kittens (ABWT). Month of birth was significant for ABWT. Between doe differences were significant for all the traits. Mean NB, NBA, TLBWT, LLBWT and ABWT were 8.5, 6.9, 468g, 391g and 57g, respectively. Low repeatability estimates were observed for all traits (0.13 to 0.24). Significant negative correlations were found between litter size traits and birth weight.
Laboratory Title Imaging and quantifying salt-tracer transport in a riparian groundwater system by means of 3 D ERT monitoring Permalink

Determining groundwater flow paths of infiltrated river water is necessary for studying biochemical processes in the riparian zone, but their characterization is complicated by strong temporal and spatial heterogeneity. We investigated to what extent repeat 3D surface electrical resistance tomography (ERT) can be used to monitor transport of a salt-tracer plume under close to natural gradient conditions. The aim is to estimate groundwater flow velocities and pathways at a site located within a riparian groundwater system adjacent to the perialpine Thur River in northeastern Switzerland. Our ERT time-lapse images provide constraints on the plume’s shape, flow direction, and velocity. These images allow the movement of the plume to be followed for 35 m. Although the hydraulic gradient is only 1.43‰, the ERT time-lapse images demonstrate that the plume’s center of mass and its front propagate with velocities of 2 × 10−4 m∕s and 5 × 10−4 m∕s, respectively. These velocities are compatible with groundwater resistivity monitoring data in two observation wells 5 m from the injection well. Five additional sensors in the 5–30 m distance range did not detect the plume. Comparison of the ERT time-lapse images with a groundwater transport model and time-lapse inversions of synthetic ERT data indicate that the movement of the plume can be described for the first 6 h after injection by a uniform transport model. Subsurface heterogeneity causes a change of the plume’s direction and velocity at later times. Our results demonstrate the effectiveness of using timelapse 3D surface ERT to monitor flow pathways in a challenging perialpine environment over larger scales than is practically possible with crosshole 3D ERT.
Occupational therapy graduates’ reflections on their ability to cope with primary healthcare and rural practice during community service

Background: Occupational therapy graduates are expected to deliver service in public health facilities using a primary healthcare approach (PHC) during their community service year. There is limited literature available about their experiences in this context. Objective : This study explored the experiences of novice occupational therapy graduates and the extent to which their curriculum had prepared them for practice in PHC settings. Methods : This qualitative exploratory study used purposive sampling to recruit thirty nine novice occupational therapy graduates. Using audio-recorded semi-structured interviews and a focus group discussion data were collected to explore participants’ experience of work and the extent to which their undergraduate programme had prepared them for primary healthcare practice. The data was analyzed thematically. Findings : Occupational therapy graduates expressed challenges in applying the PHC approaches for practice in resource-restricted rural settings. They required additional skills to communicate in the local indigenous language, to understand the various beliefs of the local communities and to manage change in these settings. They were well prepared for basic clinical skills as a need for urban-based ethical practice. Relevance to clinical practice : Curriculum planners need to review the teaching of communication skills and introduce students to strategies for change management. More inter-professional collaboration and service-learning in rural primary healthcare settings will prepare them better for rural and PHC settings. Key words : Occupational therapy education, Primary health care, rural practice , community service
Revisiting Curcumin Chemistry- Part II: Synthesis of Monomethylcurcumin and Isomeric Demethoxycurcumins and their Characterization

We have earlier reported the synthesis of the three major curcuminoids of turmeric employing a new strategy involving the use of borontrifluoride instead of boric oxide to protect the active methylene group of acetylacetone in reaction with aromatic aldehydes. We have now synthesized monomethyl products of curcumin and demethoxycurcumin by the same route and characterized them through their physical, chemical and spectral properties. As expected, a single monomethylcurcumin was obtained whereas we got two isomeric, monomethyl demethoxycurcumins when appropriate aromatic aldehydes were used in the condensation reaction. All the compounds were characterized through their difluoroboronites. The isomeric monomethyldemethoxycurcumins, reported for the first time, are distinctly different in melting point, thin layer chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography while their difluorobornites differed in ultra violet spectra. Dimethyl-bis-demethoxycurcumin and its difluoroboronite were prepared for the first time to confirm the involvement of 4/4’-hydroxyl in curcuminoids in quinonoid formation and consequent stability of their difluoroboronites. The monomethylcurcuminoids, especially those of demethoxycurcumin would be of interest for biological activity studies in comparison with curcumin.
Quality parameters and total phenolic content in tomato fruits regarding cultivar and microclimatic conditions

The aim of this research was to evaluate the color, firmness, and total phenolic (TP) content in tomatoes according to cultivar and growing conditions. Cultivars with oval, elongated, round, and cherry-shaped fruits of determinate tomato were grown in Mediterranean (Dragonja Valley) and continental regions. Experiments in the continental region were conducted outdoors (Ljubljana-field) and under a low tunnel (Ljubljana-tunnel). Results indicated that the color and firmness were significantly influenced by the typology of the cultivars and by the maturity stage associated with the climatic conditions. Oval, elongated, and cherry fruits had darker and more intensely red fruit skins, with significantly higher a* and lower L* values than round fruits. The firmness of oval and elongated fruits was also higher than the firmness of round fruits. Fruits harvested in Dragonja Valley and the Ljubljana-tunnel location reached a higher level of maturity and were classified in the red maturity class (a*/b* > 0.95), compared to the fruits from the Ljubljana-field location, where tomatoes were classified in the light red maturity class (0.65 > a*/b* > 0.95). Variation in total phenol (TP) content was evaluated in regards to different microclimatic conditions of the Ljubljana locations, outdoors and under the low tunnel. TP content, expressed as chlorogenic acid, ranged from 1.89 mg 100 g to 3.28 mg 100 g fresh weight (fw) in field-grown tomatoes and from 2.31 mg 100 g to 4.90 mg 100 g in tunnel-grown tomatoes. Cherry tomato had a significantly higher content of TP, ranging from 8.60 mg 100 g fw in field-grown fruits to 10.39 mg 100 g fw in tunnel-grown fruits. Although the differences between TP content in tomato fruits, regarding the microclimatic environment, were not statistically significant, the increase in TP content in tunnel-grown tomato fruits could be a plant response mechanism to thermal stress.
The dark matter distribution in the spiral NGC 3198 out to 0.22 Rvir

Aims. We use recent very extended HI kinematics (out to 48 kpc) along with previous H alpha kinematics of the spiral galaxy NGC 3198 in order to derive its distribution of dark matter (DM). Methods. First, we used a chi-square method to model the rotation curve (RC) of this galaxy in terms of different profiles of its DM distribution: the universal RC (URC) mass model (stellar disk + Burkert halo + gaseous disk), the NFW mass model (stellar disk + NFW halo + gaseous disk) and the baryon Lambda CDM mass model (stellar disk + NFW halo modified by baryonic physics + gaseous disk). Second, to derive the DM halo density distribution, we applied a new method that does not require a global and often uncertain mass modelling. Results. While according to the standard method, both URC and NFW mass models can account for the RC, the new method instead leads to a density profile that is sharply disagrees with the dark halo density distribution predicted within the Lambda cold dark matter (Lambda CDM) scenario. We find that the effects of baryonic physics modify the original Lambda CDM halo densities in such a way that the resulting profile is more compatible with the DM density of NGC 3198 derived using our new method. However, at large distances, r similar to 25 kpc, also this modified baryon Lambda CDM halo profile appears to create a tension with the derived DM halo density.
Consumer attitudes toward and intentions to accept mobile advertising

Article history: Received March 25, 2015 Received in revised format June 1 2015 Accepted June 27 2015 Available online July 1 2015 The objective of this study was to examine the drivers of consumers’ attitudes towards mobile advertisement. It also sought the relationship between consumers’ attitudes towards mobile advertisement and their willingness to accept mobile advertising. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to assess the measurement model while structural equation was conducted to assess the goodness-fit of the overall model. The findings indicate that entertainment, credibility and personalization had positive effects on consumers’ attitudes toward mobile advertising. Furthermore, the results show that, consumers’ attitude determines their willingness to accept mobile advertising. Growing Science Ltd. All rights reserved. 5 © 201
Population differentiation of the shore crab Carcinus maenas (Brachyura: Portunidae) on the southwest English coast based on genetic and morphometric analyses

Carcinus maenas has a planktonic larval phase which can potentially disperse over large distances. Consequently, larval transport is expected to play an important role in promoting gene flow and determining population structure. In the present study, population structuring on the southwest coast of England was analysed using molecular and morphometric approaches. Variation at eight microsatellite loci suggested that the individuals sampled within this region comprise a single genetic population and that gene flow among them is not restricted. Nevertheless, the F ST values estimated across loci for all populations suggested that the Tamar population was significantly different from the Exe, Camel and Torridge populations. This differentiation is not explained by isolation by distance, and coastal hydrological events that are apparently influencing larval flux might be the cause of this pattern. Morphometric analysis was also performed. Analysis of carapace and chela shape variation using landmark-based geometric morphometrics revealed extensive morphological variability, as the multivariate analysis of variance showed significant morphometric differences among geographic groups for both sexes. Thus, the morphological differentiation found may be a plastic response to habitat-specific selection pressures.
Effect of bio-degradable coated fertilizer briquettes and their application time on growth, yield and nutrient content of cucumber in lateritic soil of Konkan

An investigation was carried out to study the “Effect of bio-degradable coated fertilizer briquettes and their application time on growth, yield, nutrient content and on soil properties of cucumber in lateritic soil of Konkan” was conducted during Kharif season 2013-2014 at Vegetable Improvement Scheme, Wakawali Pangari Block, Wakawali, Dist Ratnagiri. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design with twelve treatments replicated thrice. The result indicated that the split application of tar coated KAB, 1/3rd at sowing, 1/3rd at 30 DAS and 1/3rd at 60 DAS to cucumber variety Sheetal was found beneficial in enhancing cucumber fruit yield. The treatment combination C3B3 i.e Tar coated fertilizer briquettes with three time application 1/3rd at sowing, 1/3rd at 30 DAS and 1/3rd at 60 DAS to cucumber variety Sheetal was found beneficial in enhancing cucumber fruit yield, girth of fruit, length of fruit and weight of fruit per vine, length of cucumber vine, nutrient content and soil properties.
The Selection of Reference Genes for a Comparison of the Biosynthesis of Flavoids from L. confusa and L. japonica

stability of 8 candidate reference genes in 4 tissues of L. confusa and L. japonica were evaluated by using four algorithms to assess the validity of reference genes for their use in accurate normalization of qRTPCR data. The 8 candidate reference genes are β-TUB, eIF-4a, ACT11, eEF-1α, GAPDH, UBQ10, 18S and 25S, and the 4 tissues were leaves, green buds, white buds and white flowers. Results showed that the most stable genes selected by the four algorithms of these 8 genes are slightly different for these tissues, but the least stable genes were the same in each case. ACT11, eIF-4a and β-TUB are the three most stable genes as selected by geNorm, β-TUB is the most stable as judged by Delta CT and Normfinder, and GAPDH by Bestkeeper. 18S and 25S were the two least stable genes as judged by all the four algorithms. To verify the validity of these selected genes by the four methods, the comparative expression level of FSâ i gene in these 8 tissues were normalized with them. Similar expression profiles of FSâ i were seen with the most stable genes selected by the four methods and the highest was found in the leaves and the lowest in the flowers of L. confusa. But they are apparently different from the profiles when subjected to normalization by the least two stable genes: 18S and 25S. This demonstrated that apporatative reference genes are indispensable for gene profile assays, and these recommended genes by the four algorithms are all reliable. This is the first report on the selection of candidate reference genes in Lonicera species and this will provide a more precise comparsion of gene expression in the biosynthesis pathway of flavoids between L. confuse and L. japonica.
A Study of the Association of Polymorphism rs5860110 and its Protective Role against Ankylosing Spondylitis in a Chinese Population

Purpose: To investigate whether secreted phosphoprotein-1（SPP1 ） promoter variants are associated with susceptibility to ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in the western China. Methods: The rs5860110 variant of SPP1 promoter was genotyped using direct sequencing in 120 unrelated AS patients and 106 ethnically matched healthy controls. All the patients were human leukocyte antigen （HLA ）-B27 positive. Frequencies of different genotypes and alleles were analyzed among the AS patients and the controls. Results: In AS patient group, frequency of +254 SPP1 promoter genotype was 0.483 in base TG/TG homozygotes and 0.517 in TG-(deletion)/TG-(deletion) homozygotes, while the values for the control group were 0.311 and 0.689, respectively. However, TG-(deletion)/TG heterozygote was not detected in this study. The rs5860110 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in SPP1 was significantly different when all AS patients were compared to controls (p < 0.01). Conclusion: The rs5860110 SNP in SPP1 has a protective role against AS in the selected Chinese population.
Testate amoebae in the Neoproterozoic Era: evidence from vase-shaped microfossils in the Chuar Group, Grand Canyon

Abstract Vase-shaped microfossils (VSMs) occur globally in Neoproterozoic rocks, but until now their biological relationships have remained problematic. Exceptionally preserved new populations from the uppermost Chuar Group, Grand Canyon, Arizona, display details of morphology and taphonomy that collectively point to affinities with the testate amoebae. The fossils are tear-shaped tests, ∼20–300 μm long and ∼10–200 μm wide, that are circular in transverse section, expand aborally toward a rounded or slightly pointed pole, and taper orally toward a “neck” that ends in a single aperture. Apertures may be circular, hexagonal, triangular, or crenulate, and may be rimmed by a distinct collar. Approximately 25% of the Chuar VSMs are curved, such that the oral and aboral poles do not lie opposite each other. Tests are preserved as mineralized casts and molds, commonly coated with organic debris or iron minerals, but they were originally composed of nonresistant organic matter. Approximately 1% have a “honeycomb-patterned” wall attributable to the original presence of mineralized scales whose bases were arranged regularly in the test wall. Scale-bearing testate amoebae, such as members of the Euglyphidae, are essentially identical to the honeycomb VSMs, and a close relationship between other Grand Canyon VSMs and additional testate amoebae, both lobose and filose, is likely. The VSM population therefore most likely represents a multispecies assemblage whose spatial association reflects a common habitat and/or taphonomic circumstances that favor test preservation. The assignment of these fossils to the testate amoebae strengthens the case for a major diversification of eukaryotic organisms by mid-Neoproterozoic times and, more significantly, provides the earliest morphological evidence for heterotrophic eukaryotes in marine ecosystems.