Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effect of free trade agreements on international trade

This paper examines how free trade agreements (FTAs) affect bilateral trade flows and if this effect differs between developed and developing countries. To conduct the empirical analysis, a panel dataset is used that contains 31 developed and 31 developing countries over the 1995-2014 period. The regression models are based on the gravity equation and are estimated using the ordinary least squares (OLS) estimation technique with time and bilateral country fixed effects, where the latter addresses the issue of endogeneity of FTAs. The results show a 6 percent increase in trade due to the presence of a FTA between countries. Furthermore, concerning the difference between developed and developing countries, the results shows that the effect of FTAs on trade flows increase, the more developed the two countries involved become. Furthermore, if the exporting country has a higher development status than the importing country, trade will increase. On the other hand, if the exporting country has a lower development status relative to the importing country, this may negatively affect trade if this difference is sufficiently large, while it could be positive when this difference is small. Robustness checks on the difference between the two groups of countries showed relatively similar result, increasing the robustness of the conclusions.
Tapping to Bach: Resonance-Based Modeling of Pulse

We studied the process of pulse finding by using mechanical performances of composed music in which it is fairly challenging to find a pulse. Human participants synchronized to short musical excerpts that varied in the amount of musical information present, the amount of syncopation, and the metrical position of the first note. We quantified the period and phase of tapping, the amount of nonsynchronized tapping, the time to start tapping, the variability of the intertap interval, and the deviation of taps from the intended musical events. The amount of musical information and the amount of syncopation were predictors of pulse-finding ability (metrical appropriateness of tapping, time to start tapping, variability of tapping, and deviations from the beat), and the metrical position of the first note of excerpts biased participants to tap with the corresponding phase. In addition, the degree to which participants tapped in consensus correlated positively with pulse-finding ability. We modeled participants’ behavior by using a resonance equation to calculate the strength of all metrically appropriate periodicities. The summed activation strength across the periodicities correlated with pulse-finding ability. Our results demonstrate that musical pulse finding is a useful behavioral paradigm for modeling the influences of stimulus features on complex sensorimotor synchronization.
Tumescent versus non-tumescent technique in skin graft healing: a cross-sectional study

Adoption of tumescent technique in STSG has been low due to inadequate information on the viability of the graft especially after using adrenaline. Many surgeons still use electrocautery, tourniquet and topical adrenaline gauze. All these still have significant blood loss compared to use of tumescent technique. Information on local and systemic effects of adrenaline vary in literature with some authors saying the effects are minimal and transient while others believe that it adversely affects the harvested graft and healing of donor site.
Intellectual Property Protection Strength in a "Pool of Knowledge" Endogenous Growth Model

I consider an endogenous “pool of knowledge” model of growth through creative destruction with imperfect intellectual property rights. The parameters of the model include the hazard rate of imitation and a patentability requirement. The model allows for growth traps in which there is no growth because of slow growth in the past, although positive growth would be possible for identical parameter values. The growthmaximizing value of the imitation rate is zero, but the growth-maximizing value of the patentability requirement can have any positive value below a theoretical maximum. A low patentability requirement is growth-maximizing in very slowly growing economies. JEL Classification: O34, O41
Initiative for Infrastructure Integration in South America: Way toward Regional Convergence

This paper studies how the public provision of transportation infrastructure impact output convergence and trade integration in a two-country dynamic general equilibrium model in which the transportation cost between countries is endogenously determined by the stock of public infrastructure in both countries. Because of its particular conception, the so-called « Initiative for the Integration of Regional Infrastructure in South America (IIRSA) » serves as the case study. Data from Argentina and Brazil is thus used to solve the model. Two main results emerge. First, increasing public investment in infrastructure provides an impetus to commercial integration but does not necessarily generate output convergence. Second, the model shows that the only way for the two countries to achieve output convergence (in a win-win economic growth scenario) is to coordinate their increments on public infrastructure, as proposed by IIRSA.
Responses of Piezoelectric, Transversely Isotropic, Functionally Graded, and Multilayered Half Spaces to Uniform Circular Surface Loadings

Abstract: In this paper, an analytical solution is presented to study the response of piezoelectric, transversely isotropic, functionally graded, and multilayered half spaces to uniform circular surface loadings (pressure or negative electric charge). The inhomogeneous material is exponentially graded in the vertical direction and can have multiple discrete layers. The propagator matrix method and cylindrical system of vector functions are used to first derive the solution in the transformed domain. In order to find the responses in the physicaldomain, which are expressed in one-dimensional infinite integrals of the Bessel function products, we introduced and adopted an adaptive Gauss quadrature. Two piezoelectric functionally graded half-space models are analyzed numerically: One is a functionally graded PZT4 half space, and the other a multilayered functionally graded half space with two different piezoelectric materials (PZT-4 and PZT-6B). The effect of different exponential factors of the functionally graded material on the field responses is clearly demonstrated. The difference of the responses between the two surface loading cases is also discussed via the numerical examples. The results should be particularly useful in the characterization of material properties using indentation tests, and could indirectly contribute to the design and manufacturing of piezoelectric functionally graded structures.
A Conceptual Analysis on the Approaches to Learning.

Th e concept of approach to learning was first identified by Marton and Saljo in 1976. Numerous researchers have conducted studies on students’ approaches to learning since 1976. Th ere appears considerable confusion in the literature concerning the terms cognitive styles and learning styles. Th erefore, there is a remarkable ambiguity about the position of the approaches to learning within this conceptual base. In this paper, a comprehensive analysis of the concept of approach to learning is tried. First, the conceptual confusion in the literature on learning styles and the position of the approaches to learning within this conceptual base is discussed. A depth analysis on the concept of approach to learning is presented through discussion of research results in the literature about relationship between the approaches to learning, learning/teaching variables, and learning environments. According to this analysis, approach to learning can be considered as a bridge between the learning environment and cognitive/learning styles. An approach to learning adopted by students is determined by lots of variables such the characteristics of students, learning environment, and learning outcomes. When the relation of students’ approaches to learning with these variables is considered it can be argued that the approaches to learning cannot only be seen as mere student-dependent characteristics. Th erefore, if proper strategies are applied it might be possible to move students’ approaches to learning from a surface to a deeper orientation.
Paper : The Effect of Aromatherapy Using Lavender Essential Oil on Anxiety in Candidate Patients of Upper Limb Reconstruction Surgery : A Non-Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

1. Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Burn Surgery, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. 2. Department of Nursing, School of Nursing & Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. 3. Department of Medical Education, School of Medical Education Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. 4. Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Hamedan University of Medical Sciences, Hamedan, Iran. 5. Department of Intensive Care Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. 6. Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. 7. Trauma and Injury Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
DIABETES RELATED EMOTIONAL DISTRESS AND DEPRESSION: A STUDY OF PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS.

Urooj un Nisa and Dr. Humera Shafi. 1. Ph. D. Research scholar, Department of Psychology, University of Kashmir, Srinagar (190006). 2. Sr. Asst. Professor, Department of Psychology, University of Kashmir, Srinagar (190006). Manuscript Info Abstract . Manuscript History
Quality of Interactions in Face-to-Face and Hybrid Career Development Courses: An Exploration of Students' Perceptions

Online counselor education is growing, but there has been little conclusive research about its effectiveness. This paper reports on an exploratory study in which the perceptions of students in a hybrid career development and counseling class were compared to those of students in a face-to-face offering of the same class. Student-to-student and student-to-instructor interactions were examined and several themes were identified: nature of interactions, sufficiency of interactions, different types of communication, impact of interactions on learning, and enhancement of relationships. Both delivery formats were found to have benefits and challenges. The paper concludes with a discussion of the practical implications and areas in need of future research.
On the Pulse Velocity in Absorbing and Nonlinear Media and Parallels with the Quantum Mechanics

A novel definition of pulse propagation velocity is introduced. It is shown that the present definition does not lead to confusing results such as complex velocity or velocity exceeding the light velocity in the vacuum. Also shown are the parallels of this definition to the classical and quantum mechanics conceptions. Using the present definition reveals certain analogies between electromagnetic pulse propagation in the classical physics and de Broglie wave-packets propagation in the quantum mechanics, thus adding support to its validity.
Monitoring of mechanical sugarcane harvesting through control charts

Statistical process control in mechanized farming is a new way to assess operation quality. In this sense, we aimed to compare three statistical process control tools applied to losses in sugarcane mechanical harvesting to determine the best control chart template for this quality indicator. Losses were daily monitored in farms located within Triângulo Mineiro region, in Minas Gerais state, Brazil. They were carried over a period of 70 days in the 2014 harvest. At the end of the evaluation period, 194 samples were collected in total for each type of loss. The control charts used were individual values chart, moving average and exponentially weighted moving average. The quality indicators assessed during sugarcane harvest were the following loss types: full grinding wheel, stumps, fixed piece, whole cane, chips, loose piece and total losses. The control chart of individual values is the best option for monitoring losses in sugarcane mechanical harvesting, as it is of easier result interpretation, in comparison to the others.
Considerations on the Long-term Reliability of On-line Partial Discharge Ceramic Sensor for Thermal Power Generators and its Demonstration in the Field

The present study describes the considerations on the long-term reliability of the on-line partial discharge (PD) ceramic sensor for thermal power generators. Voltage acceleration aging tests were carried out under continuous and impulsive thermal aging at more than 100℃, considering the practical service environment. Experimental results show that the sensors have a life that could last for more than 100 years, excellent dielectric characteristics, and insulation strength. In addition, the ceramic on-line PD sensors were installed in a thermal power generator in Korea for demonstration. The results of the PD calibration and test voltage application prove that the on-line ceramic sensors have satisfactory performances for on-line PD measurement.
Discriminatory effects in the optical binding of chiral nanoparticles

The laser-induced intermolecular force that exists between two or more particles subjected to a moderately intense laser beam is termed ‘optical binding’. Completely distinct from the single-particle forces that give rise to optical trapping, the phenomenon of optical binding is a manifestation of the coupling between optically induced dipole moments in neutral particles. In conjunction with optical trapping, the optomechanical forces in optical binding afford means for the manipulation and fabrication of optically bound matter. The Casimir-Polder potential that is intrinsic to all matter can be overridden by the optical binding force in cases where the laser beam is of sufficient intensity. Chiral discrimination can arise when the laser input has a circular polarization, if the particles are themselves chiral. Then, it emerges that the interaction between particles with a particular handedness is responsive to the left- or right-handedness of the light. The present analysis, which expands upon previous studies of chiral discrimination in optical binding, identifies a novel mechanism that others have previously overlooked, signifying that the discriminatory effect is much more prominent than originally thought. The new theory leads to results for freely-tumbling chiral particles subjected to circularly polarized light. Rigorous conditions are established for the energy shifts to be non-zero and display discriminatory effects with respect to the handedness of the incident beam. Detailed calculations indicate that the energy shift is larger than those previously reported by three orders of magnitude.
Prevalence of Psychiatric Symptoms among Students of Nursing at Azad and State University of Bandar-e-Abbas City (2012)

Background and objectives: The main purpose of the study was to carry out the comparison of prevalence of psychiatric disorders among nursing students of these two universities. Material and method: In this cross- sectional study 159 nursing students of two University of Islamic Azad University Banbdar Abbas Branch and Hormozgan (non state university) University of Medical Sciences (HUMS) were taken up as categorization sampling. The data collection tool was included demographic data form and SCL-90-R questionnaire. Data was analyzed by Spss software version 13. Results: About 64% of nursing students of Azad University and 47.5% of HUMS nursing students of medical sciences college were hesitated to have mental disorders. Based on SCL-90-R score, no significant differences of the mental health status found between male students, although was reported between female students, of two universities. (P=0.45). There was found a significant relationship between the mental health of female students with the level of family income and also their interests in their own educational field. Discussion and conclusion: the most important finding of the study was the existence of significant difference between the mental health levels of female students of these two universities. This process may be due to the collection of Chain- based reasons. Based on the present study results, it seems that the level of mental health of few female students with low-income families and also not interested in nursing field which can be reduced by these two factors in compare to the girl Students of governmental University. (Seyed Reza Mirsoleymani, Fereshte Mazhariazad, Hamid Haghighi, Ali Akbar Hesam, Morteza Salimi. Prevalence of Psychiatric Symptoms among Students of Nursing at Azad and State University of Bandar-e-Abbas City (2012). Life Sci J 2013; 10(1):929- 934). (ISSN: 1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite. com. 145
Asymmetrical legitimate pollination in distylous Palicourea demissa (Rubiaceae): the role of nectar production and pollinator visitation

Abstract: We investigated morph differences in attributes that contribute to rewarding floral visitors of the distylous shrub Palicourea demissa at La Mucuy cloud forest in Venezuela. In both morphs, we measured nectar production from flowers subjected to repeated removals at 2-h intervals (10 plants per morph) and flowers that accumulated nectar for 24 h (10 plants per morph). In both cases, floral visitors were excluded. In addition, we quantified nectar availability (30 plants per morph), floral visitation (10–12 plants per morph) and legitimate pollination (30 plants per morph) throughout the day. We explored morph differences in the variables mentioned above using analyses of variance, and the effects of nectar variation on floral visitation and legitimate pollination using regression models. We observed 1205 floral visits, grouped into six hummingbird (94.7%) and three insect species (5.3%), across observations (264 h). Coeligena torquata was the most frequent floral visitor (34%) in both morphs (1.4–1.7 visits per plant h−1). Nectar production and availability, and visitation rate were similar between morphs. Visitation rate and legitimate pollen deposition increased with the nectar production in both morphs, but levels of legitimate pollination were higher on short-styled flowers than long-styled flowers. These results show that short-styled and long-styled flowers reward floral visitors equally, but frequency and foraging behaviour of long-billed pollinators can promote asymmetrical legitimate pollination.
The use of lactic acid bacteria as starter culture and its effect on the proximate composition and sensory acceptability of millet beverage

Majority of traditional cereal-based foods consumed in Africa are mostly processed by spontaneous fermentation. In Ghana, pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) is used for the production of fermented foods such as tuo zaafi, koko, furo-furo, masa, and fura. This study investigated some dominant lactic acid bacteria (L. brevis (S1), L. plantarum (S2), L. fermentum (S3) and L. paracasei (S4) used as starter cultures in the fermentation of millet beverage. The study further assessed the effects of the individual strains on the proximate composition and sensory characteristics of the millet beverages. The results indicate that the proximate compositions of the fermented beverages (S1, S2, S3 and S4) were significant different (p<0.05) from the unfermented beverage (UF) with the exception of moisture and fat. It was also observed that, there was significant (p<0.05) increase in protein contents in the fermented beverages with S2 having the highest % protein. The high protein content of the fermented beverages (S1, S2, S3 and S4) compared to the UF would be due to an increase in proteolytic actions during the fermentation which might have resulted in the production of essential amino acids and other simple protein compounds. With regards to the organic acids composition, the most dominant acid was the lactic acid with S2 having the highest (4.81g/l). The sensory analysis revealed that the S1 fermented millet beverage was the most preferred followed by S2. The differences in sensorial properties were significantly (p<0.05) associated with the kind of lactic acid bacteria used in the fermentation. Furthermore, the results showed that millet beverage with good color, taste and aroma was preferred. In general, S1, S2. S3 and S4 were all significantly different from UF due to the fact that fermentation is important for improving product sensory attributes and safety by reduction of toxic cyanogenic glucosides.
Microbial Cellulose Production from Bacteria Isolated from Rotten Fruit

Microbial cellulose, an exopolysaccharide produced by bacteria, has unique structural and mechanical properties and is highly pure compared to plant cellulose. Present study represents isolation, identification, and screening of cellulose producing bacteria and further process optimization. Isolation of thirty cellulose producers was carried out from natural sources like rotten fruits and rotten vegetables. The bacterial isolates obtained from rotten pomegranate, rotten sweet potato, and rotten potato were identified as Gluconacetobacter sp. RV28, Enterobacter sp. RV11, and Pseudomonas sp. RV14 through morphological and biochemical analysis. Optimization studies were conducted for process parameters like inoculum density, temperature, pH, agitation, and carbon and nitrogen sources using Gluconacetobacter sp. RV28. The strain produced 4.7 g/L of cellulose at optimum growth conditions of temperature (30°C), pH (6.0), sucrose (2%), peptone (0.5%), and inoculum density (5%). Characterization of microbial cellulose was done by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
Averting-cost measures of the benefits to South Carolina households of red imported fire ant control.

A telephone survey of South Carolina households was con- ducted between November 1998 and January 1999 to gather information on the households' experiences with the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren. Fifty-four percent of the 809 respondents reported cash expenditures and/or household time for control and remediation. The estimated mean of annual cash expenditures for this control and remediation is $80.37 per house- hold. When household time used in control and remediation is valued at the minimum wage of $5.15 per hour, the red imported fire ant is estimated to cost an average of $100.93 per household in cash expenditures and opportunity costs of household time.
Referring in dialogue: alignment or construction?

Human speakers generally find it easy to refer to entities in such a way that their hearers can determine who or what is being talked about. In an attempt to model this behaviour, researchers in computational linguistics have explored the development of algorithms that operate in a deliberate manner, choosing attributes of an intended referent on the basis of their ability to distinguish that entity from its distractors. Psycholinguistic models, on the other hand, suggest that speakers align their referring expressions at several linguistic levels with those used previously in the discourse. This implies more subconscious reuse, and less deliberate choice, than is found in computational models of referring expression generation. Which of these is a more accurate characterisation of what people do? Do both models capture aspects of human referring behaviour? In this paper, we use a machine-learning approach to explore these questions. In our first study, we examine how underlying factors of the psycholinguistic and the computational models impact on the production of reference in dialogue. In our second study, we explore the psychological validity of another crucial aspect of some computational approaches to reference production: their serial dependency characteristic, whereby attributes are included in a referring expression based on which other attributes have already been chosen. The results of both studies suggest that the assumptions underpinning computational algorithms do not play a large role in people's referring behaviour.