Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of aorta extracellular matrix in electrospun polycaprolactone scaffolds

: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Therefore, new research strategies for the treatment of cardiovascular disease are required. Previously, extracellular matrices (ECMs) have been used alongside polymers to generate hybrid bioscaffolds. Herein, we propose combining aortic ECMs with a polycaprolactone electrospun scaffold and biomechanically evaluating the scaffolds. We electrospun three scaffolds with varying ECM concentrations and found that increasing the ECM concentration leads to decreased stiffness at low strains, increased elasticity at high strain, reduction in failure strain, and an increase in yield strength. We also noted a decrease in water droplet contact angle with the increasing ECM concentration. Furthermore, we found that all three scaffolds were capable of maintaining human umbilical vein endothelial cell attachment and survival. These ﬁ ndings show the wide spectrum of mechanical properties that can be achieved through the addition of different concentrations of ECM into the ﬁ bers. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of Applied Polymer Science published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019 , 136 , 48181.
The Sunk Cost 'Fallacy' Is Not a Fallacy

Business and Economics textbooks warn against committing the Sunk Cost Fallacy: you, rationally, shouldn’t let unrecoverable costs influence your current decisions. In this paper, I argue that this isn’t, in general, correct. Sometimes it’s perfectly reasonable to wish to carry on with a project because of the resources you’ve already sunk into it. The reason? Given that we’re social creatures, it’s not at all unreasonable to care about wanting to act in such a way so that a plausible story can be told about you according to which you haven’t suffered, what I will call, diachronic misfortune. Acting so as to hide that you’ve suffered diachronic misfortune involves striving to make yourself easily understood to others (as well as your future self) while disguising any shortcomings that might damage your reputation as a desirable teammate. And making yourself easily understood while hiding your flaws will sometimes put pressure on you to honor sunk costs.
ANALISIS RASIO KEUANGAN UNTUK MEMPREDIKSI PERTUMBUHAN LABA PERUSAHAAN MANUFAKTUR YANG TERDAFTAR DI BURSA EFEK INDONESIA

Abstraksi: Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk menguji pengaruh variabel working capitalto total asset (WCTA), current liabilities to inventory (CLI), operating incometo total assets (OITL), total asset turnover (TAT), net profit margin (NPM)dan gross profit margin (GPM) terhadap pertumbuhan laba perusahaan manufakturyang terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia (BEI). Data diperoleh dengan metodepurposive sampling dengan kriteria perusahaan manufaktur yang (1) konsisten terdaftardi Bursa Efek Indonesia (BEI) selama periode penelitian dan (2) menyediakandata laporan keuangan selama periode penelitian. Hasil penelitian membuktikanbahwa GPM dan OITL berpengaruh signifikan terhadap pertumbuhan labaperusahaan.Kata kunci: rasio keuangan, pertumbuhan laba
The Impact of the Minimum Wage on Working Hours

Abstract The present paper analyzes how the statutory minimum wage introduced on January 1, 2015, has affected working hours in Germany up to 2016. The data used come from the Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP), which provides not only contractual working hours but also actual hours worked. Using a difference-in-differences estimation approach, we find a significant and robust reduction in contractual working hours among employees who are subject to social security contributions and earned less than the minimum wage before the introduction. The effect in 2015 is about −5 % and corresponds to a 1.7 hours reduction in average weekly working hours. The effect on actual hours is smaller and estimated less precisely. Extending the analysis until 2016 does not yield significant effects on contractual or actual working hours, while some specifications reject the common trend assumption.
The use of CNN models in the subcortical visual pathway. (Reseach report of the Dual and Neural Computing Systems Laboratory DNS-16-1992)

The equivalent notions of neuroanatomy and the cellular neural network (CNN) model are discussed with a view toward studying the visual system. Various mainly subcortical phenomena are studied and simple effects like directional sensitivity and length tuning are modeled. A more accurate retina model has been developed, taking into account some effects of amacrine cells. It is shown that the standard errors occurring in simple models of retinal illusions can be eliminated by using the more accurate models including delays. Lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) effects with and without cortical feedback are modeled as well; their CNN models are simple. Simple texture detection effects and motion illusions are explained by neuromorphic CNN models. The goal is to translate known effects into CNN models and to provide a framework for further studies. >
Household Demand for Money in Poland: Theory and Evidence

This paper examines the household demand for narrow money in Poland during the 1980s. At that time, there were shortages, but informal trade in both goods and foreign exchange was common, and holdings of foreign currency were substantial. Household money demand in this environment is first examined at the theoretical level: a representative household’s holding of domestic and foreign money is analyzed in a cash-in-advance model in which domestic currency is needed to purchase goods in the official shops while either domestic or foreign currency can be used in the black market. This model gives rise to a formulation of money demand which is then estimated using household-level data from 1979 to 1988.
Feasibility Study of Driverless Maintenance in Highway Construction Zones

Highway construction zones post a danger to both road workers and road users because of the change of road condition and speed variance. Driverless maintenance is expected to improve traffic safety by removing road workers from work zones. This study investigates the feasibility of implementing driverless maintenance in dynamic highway construction zones, including the stakeholder involvement, traffic impact analysis and cost-benefit analysis.
The Development of Learning Module with Discovery Learning Approach in Material of Limit Algebra Functions

The aims of this research were to: 1) determine the validity of the results of the development of learning modules with discovery learning approach on the material of limit algebra functions; 2) determine the practicality of the development of learning modules; 3) determine the effectiveness of the development of learning modules. The development of the modules was done through the modified Four D, namelydefine, design, development, and disseminate. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis. Validity analysis was based on an expert assessment. Practicality analysis was based on implementation of learning module. Effectiveness analysis was based on student response after using the module.The result concluded that: 1) learning modules with discovery learning approach to the material limit algebra functions declared fit for use by experts with the validity score of 3,44 and be in very good criteria; 2) learning modules expressed practical use in learning with the practicality score gained from the sheet of implementation of learning is 0,946 and be in very good criteria; 3) learning modules iseffective for use in learning with the scores of effectiveness obtained from the sheet of student's response to the module is 3,03 and be in good criteria.
Urban Spatial Structure and Travel in China

This article first provides a critical scoping review of empirical literature on the relationship between urban structure and travel in China. The review finds that residential suburbanization alone increases travel, polycentric development has mixed effects, and jobs–housing balance reduces travel. Second, this article compares the empirical findings of the urban structure–travel relationships in China with those observed in other countries, and it identifies contextual factors that can explain the differing relationships in China. We suggest that future research improve data and methodology and broaden the research scope to investigate the complex mechanisms that affect the urban structure–travel relationship in China.
Effects of Trunk Movement on Pitching Biomechanics and Performance in High School Baseball Pitchers

iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . v LIST OF TABLES . xi LIST OF FIGURES.xv CHAPTER I . 1 1.1 Pitching-related Upper Extremity Injuries.1 1.2 Pitching Biomechanics and Injury.2 1.3 Statement of Purpose . 6 1.4 Operational Definitions . 7 1.5 Specific Aims (original) . 10 1.6 Independent variables . 12 1.7 Dependent variables.12 1.8 Limitations . 14 1.9 Delimitation . 14 1.10 Assumptions . 14 CHAPTER II . 15 2.
Over Certification and the NYCHA's Clamor for a NYSE Clearinghouse

Bank clearinghouse associations provided critical emergency services to their member banks during times of crisis. However, these associations, and the New York City Bank Clearinghouse Association (NYCHA) in particular, also provided critical intra-day liquidity to the security settlement process of exchanges such as the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) through a process termed overcertification. Due to the risks involved, the NYCHA suspended overcertification during the Panic of 1873, forcing the NYSE to close for an unprecedented nine trading days. The NYCHA then began negotiations with NYSE officials concerning provision of liquidity, the NYSE’s clearing practices and who should bear the associated risks. Timberlake (1984) and Kroszner (1999) argue that bank clearinghouses evolved as private-sector solutions to serve as lenders-of-last-resort, and to constrain the risk taking of their members, particularly during crises. Our analysis shows that the NYCHA played a similar role in managing NYSE security settlement risks, and by encouraging the NYSE to adopt more efficient clearing processes.
Utilização da percepção subjectiva do esforço para Monitorização da Intensidade do Treino de Força em Idosos

The rating of perceived exertion (RPE) is a valid and reliable method in monitoring intensities during aerobic training. However its validity and reliability is not clear in the classification of resistance training intensity. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the reliability and validity of RPE scale in monitoring the resistance training session in elderly. Seventeen subjects (66,6 ± 2,7 years) completed an experimental trial at three intensities: 50%, 70% and 90% of a maximal repetition determined by the repetitions coefficients method (1-RMcr). Two sessions, of each intensity, were completed of the following exercises: Seated Chest Press, Leg Press, Lat PullDown, Triceps Extension e Biceps Curl. The Borg Scale was used to evaluate the RPE at the end of each set, and 30 minutes following each exercise session (RPEpt). The Wilcoxon (p≤0.05) test showed significant difference not only between the average RPE of each intensity, but also in the concerning RPEpt intensity. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for RPEpt was 0,70. The results of our study allow us to conclude that RPE is a valid and reliable method in monitoring the resistance training session in elderly.
The Value-Added Tax : Its Causes and Consequences

Has the VAT proved, as its proponents claim, an especially effective form of taxation? To address this, this paper first shows that a tax innovation-such as the introduction of a VAT- reduces the marginal cost of public funds if and only if it also leads an optimizing government to increase the tax ratio. This leads to the estimation, on a large panel, of a system of equations describing the probability of VAT adoption and the revenue impact of the VAT. The sign of the revenue impact is generally ambiguous, but most countries that have adopted a VAT seem to have gained a more effective tax instrument in doing so.
ATR performance improvement using images with corrupted or missing pixels

Surveillance images downlinked from unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) may have corrupted pixels due to channel interferences from the adversary’s jammer. Moreover, the images may be deliberately downsampled in order to conserve the scarce bandwidth in UAVs. As a result, the automatic target recognition (ATR) performance may degrade significantly because of poor image quality due to corrupted and missing pixels. In this paper, we present some preliminary results of a novel approach to automatic target recognition based on corrupted images. First, we present a new matrix completion algorithm to reconstruct missing pixels in electro-optical (EO) images. Second, we extensively evaluated our algorithm using many EO images with different missing rates. It was observed that recovering performance in terms of peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) is very good. Third, we compared with a state-of-the-art algorithm and found that our performance is superior. Finally, experiments using an ATR algorithm showed that the target detection performance (precision and recall) has been improved after applying our algorithm, as compared to those results generated by using interpolated images.
Reinforcing Effects of Natural Micro-Particles on the Dynamic Impact Behaviour of Hybrid Bio-Composites Made of Short Kevlar Fibers Reinforced Thermoplastic Composite Armor

 Abstract — Hybrid bio-composites are developed for use in protective armor through positive hybridization offered by reinforcement of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) with Kevlar short fibers and palm wood micro-fillers. The manufacturing process involved a combination of extrusion and compression molding techniques. The mechanical behavior of Kevlar fiber reinforced HDPE with and without palm wood filler additions are compared. The effect of the weight fraction of the added palm wood micro-fillers is also determined. The Young modulus was found to increase as the weight fraction of organic micro-particles increased. However, the flexural strength decreased with increasing weight fraction of added micro-fillers. The interfacial interactions between the components were investigated using scanning electron microscopy. The influence of the size, random alignment and distribution of the natural micro-particles was evaluated. Ballistic impact and dynamic shock loading tests were performed to determine the optimum proportion of Kevlar short fibers and organic micro-fillers needed to improve impact strength of the HDPE. These results indicate a positive hybridization by deposition of organic micro-fillers on the surface of short Kevlar fibers used in reinforcing the thermoplastic matrix leading to enhancement of the mechanical strength and dynamic impact behavior of these materials. Therefore, these hybrid bio-composites can be promising materials for different applications against high velocity impacts.
Micro-Bubble Flotation for Removing Cadmium Ions from Aqueous Solution: Artificial Neural Network Modeling and Kinetic of Flotation

In this work, microbubble dispersed air flotation technique was applied for cadmium ions removal from wastewater aqueous solution. Experiments parameters such as pH (3, 4, 5, and 6), initial Cd(II) ions concentration (40, 80, and 120 mg/l) contact time( 2, 5, 10 , 15, and 20min), and surfactant (10, 20and 40mg/l) were studied in order to optimize the best conditions . The experimental results indicate that microbubbles were quite effective in removing cadmium ions and the anionic surfactant SDS was found to be more efficient than cationic CTAB in flotation process. 92.3% maximum removal efficiency achieved through 15min at pH 5, SDS surfactant concentration 20mg/l, flow rate250 cm3/min and at 40mg/l Cd(II) ions initial concentration. The removal efficiency of cadmium ion was predicted through 11 neurons hidden layer, with a correlation coefficient of 0.9997 between ANN outputs and the experimental data and through sensitivity analysis, pH was found to be most significant parameter (25.13 %). The kinetic flotation order for cadmium ions almost first order and the removal rate constant (k) increases with decreasing the initial metal concentration.
The Scale Effect in Blockbuster Drug Development

Blockbusters have become internal resource of pharmaceutical companies for competitive advantage. This article divides the pharmaceutical R&D into two processes: The research process and the development process. Based on the RBV theory with VRIO framework, we argue that it is better to analyze the performance of the development process rather than the research outcome in order to determine the relation between innovation and the proprietary firms’ activity. As an outcome index of the drug development process, the number of blockbusters is utilized. As a result of regression analysis, it is determined that scale effect does exist in the pharmaceutical blockbuster development process.
Firms Attributes and Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure: A Literature Review

The paper aims to review the literature on the impact of firms attributes (board attributes, CEO attributes, ownership structure and financial attributes) on CSR disclosure. The paper finds that these firms’ attributes have been empirically found to have influence on firms CSR disclosure both positive and negative influence, while some studies documented no relationship. The paper recommends that a further study may introduce a moderator in order improve and modifies the strength of the relation between some of the firms attributes and CSR disclosure.
Perceived risk and insurance decision taking for small losses

Abstract Little systematic research has investigated differences in expressed attitude as a function of the manner in which probability information is communicated to a decision maker. The purpose of this paper is to investigate differences in expressed attitude when insurance coverage is introduced in a known-risk situation (the probability of loss is known), an uncertain situation (there is no prior information on the probability of loss) or an ambiguous (the information provided is vague). The experiments reported in this paper have been developed and tested in the classroom with undergraduate students. Unlike the vast majority of previous work dealing with lotteries and laboratory gambles, this study examine the behavior of people when facing a purchase decision on a well-known consumer good, i.e. a bottle of wine. The comparative results provide some evidence on the risk-taking behavior of consumers for small losses. Within an insurance context, people prefer the more familiar option of a known-risk situation and contrary to expectations, the results do not provide support to ambiguity aversion but to ambiguity seeking.
Gender differences in value orientations and motivation among university students

The purpose of this study was to examine gender differences in student’s value orientations and the role of parental educational influence, specifically the question whether those affect the level of undergraduates’ academic motivation. The Work Importance Study and questionnaires assessing the professional values and academic motivation were administered to university students (208), males and females from South-West University of Blagoevgrad. The results showed that there were gender differences in social orientation. Women scored higher on social values than men did. Among the value orientations, self-orientation and material orientation were found as great importance, predicting university students’ expressed choice for their selfactualization.
Affective Structures among Students and Their Relationship with Academic Burnout

The presented study aimed to determine the relationship between affective structures and academic burnout among male and female third grade high school students in Zahedan in the 2016/2017 school year. The descriptive-correlational study had a sample including 362 students selected with the use of a multistage cluster sampling method. To collect data, the Academic Burnout Questionnaire (Berso et al., 1997) and Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (Watson et al., 1988) were used. Results of the present study indicated that positive affect was significantly and diversely related to the subscales of academic burnout (academic fatigue, academic apathy, and academic inefficiency). Moreover, negative affect was significantly and directly related to all the subscales of academic burnout. Results of an independent t-test demonstrated that there were no significant differences between the male and female students with regard to positive and negative affects. However, academic burnout was higher among the male students compared to their female counterparts. Furthermore, results of a stepwise regression analysis showed that in the first step, positive affect alone predicted 22% of the variance in academic burnout and in the second step, negative affect increased the power of predicting academic burnout to 28%. Given the predictive power of affect, it can be effectively applied to prevent academic burnout.
Financing Practices and Preferences for Micro and Small Firms

In this paper I investigate the level of access of the opaque micro and small firms to finance. The objective of the paper is threefold: first to analyze how small and micro firms finance themselves, second to investigate what their financing preferences are and third to explore their opinions on how they evaluate the financing sources and the various obstacles to gain access to them. The simultaneous investigation of these issues reveals valuable information in the well known financing gap of small enterprises. I use a sample of Greek small and micro firms, representative of the population of small and micro firms in Greece, which cover 99.6% of the total number of firms operating in Greece. The data are derived from the answers in a structured questionnaire. The main conclusions are a. regarding equity financing: firms rely heavily on their own funds however they would not raise new equity from sources outside the family; thus, there is a reluctance in using new outside equity (venture capital, business angels and so on) b. regarding debt financing, firms have limited access to debt but they would use more debt than they currently do; thus, there is a financing gap in their access to debt finance, c. regarding grant financing, micro and small firms should be better informed and more encouraged to participate in state grants and co-financed projects; thus, there is an informational gap in grant financing.