Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
World Values Survey Response and Behavior : Emancipative and Secular Values Predict Cooperation , Protection of Property and Pro-Social Behavior

Measures from standardized surveys are the main data source for cross-cultural research. Yet, a direct link between survey responses and individual behavior is rarely observed. We study the link between values and various forms of pro-social behavior. We invite the respondents of the sixth wave of the World Values Survey in Germany to participate in an online experiment. The experiment consists of a series of incentivized games and allows us to study the link between survey measured moral values and behavior. The evidence boils down to three findings. While emancipative values motivate higher common pool contributions (1) and higher donations to charitable organizations (2), secular values inspire more productive and less protective investments (3). We argue that incentivized behavioral experiments offer a promising complementary tool to measure cross-societal differences, with the distinct advantage that the underlying decision situation is defined by formal rules and payoff functions, which are independent of language and cultural context.
Political Support and Candidate Choice

This paper proposes a simple model of political supporters in an environment of spatial political competition. We assume that supporters are driven by sympathy for a candidate with similar preferences on their side of the policy space and by fear of a candidate with different preferences on the other side. If parties maximize support in their candidate selection, political platforms can diverge significantly. We show that radical candidates have a positive effect on support for the other party. If candidate choice internalizes this externality, platforms converge and overall support decreases to a minimum.
Effects of an Optimized Automated Disc Preparation on Clinical and Radiological Outcome of Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Interbody Fusion Procedure

Objective: In minimally invasive techniques for transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS TLIF) access to the disc and by consequence, the extension of the discectomy can be reduced. Insufficient disc removal and endplate violation can lead to non-unions, subsidence and pseudoarthroses. In this study, we compare the quality of disc preparation, volume of bone graft and clinical results in a group of patients who underwent MIS TLIF with discectomy and endplate preparation aided by an automated discectomy device, the enSpireTM Flex MIS Surgical Discectomy System (study group) to a control group with classical, manual instrumentation for disc preparation. Materials and methods: Twenty-seven consecutive patients were enrolled in the study group and 33 patients in the control group. All patients received similar mixture of autologous bone and cadaver allograft. Disc volume and the quantity of graft placed in the disc space was measured on the discharge CT scan and compared in a blinded, independent radiology review. Clinical outcomes assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for leg and low back pain and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were compared at 12 months postoperative. Results: The mean volume of bone graft placed and the ratio bone graft/nucleus was higher in the study group (6.21 cm3 vs. 4.39 cm3 ; p<0001 and 76.8% vs. 57.8%; p<0.0001). The mean Patient Satisfaction Index (PSI) of the EnSpire group was statistically higher than the control group (4.6 ± 0.6 vs. 3.9 ± 0.7). Conclusion: In the challenging MIS TLIF approach, we demonstrate that by using the enSpire™ Flex MIS Surgical Discectomy System, we can optimize the extension and quality of the discectomy, increase the volume of bone graft, and achieve better clinical outcomes.
Energy dissipation and the spectral distribution of whitecaps

Energy dissipation by breaking water waves is quantified indirectly using remote observations (digital video recordings) and directly using in situ observations (acoustic Doppler velocity profiles). The analysis is the first validation using field data to test the Duncan‐Phillips formulation relating energy dissipation to the spectral distribution of whitecap speeds and lengths. Energy dissipation estimates are in agreement over two orders of magnitude, and demonstrate a promising method for routine observation of wave breaking dynamics. Breaking statistics are partitioned into contributions from waves at the peak of the wave‐height spectrum and waves at higher frequencies in the spectrum. Peak waves are found to be only 10% of the total breaking rate, however peak waves contribute up to 75% of the total dissipation rate. In addition, breaking statistics are found to depend on the peak wave steepness and the energy input by the wind.
Proximity Eliashberg theory of electrostatic field-effect doping in superconducting films

We calculate the effect of a static electric field on the critical temperature of a s-wave one band superconductor in the framework of proximity effect Eliashberg theory. In the weak electrostatic field limit the theory has no free parameters while, in general, the only free parameter is the thickness of the surface layer where the electric field acts. We conclude that the best situation for increasing the critical temperature is to have a very thin film of a superconducting material with a strong increase of electron-phonon (boson) constant upon charging.
Protein content and pattern during mucus gland maturation and its ecdysteroid control in honey bee drones

We analyzed mucus gland protein content and pattern for drones of Africanized honey bees. The effect of exogenous ecdysteroids on mucus gland maturation was judged against the endogenous ecdysteroid titer. During the first 5 days of adult life, the mucus protein content increases steeply, whereas the protein pattern becomes reduced in complexity. Subsequently, the protein content decreases, reaching a plateau level at day 8. The protein pattern of mature glands is characterized by three dominant polypeptides. Injection of 20-hydroxyecdysone into newly emerged drones abolished the normal increase in protein content and prolonged the persistence of the protein pattern typical for immature glands. Ecdysteroids thus appear to act as negative regulators in the maturation process of drone mucus glands. This hypothesis received support from analyses of the hemolymph ecdysteroid titer, which was found to rapidly decline soon after emergence. male accessory gland / ecdysone / radioimmunoassay / Apis mellifera / mucus protein
Enhancing the efficiency of securities markets in East Asia

We explore the relative efficiency of stock markets across countries using newly available data on transactions costs and the quality of the informational environment of stock markets. These new measures are constructed from firm-level stock returns in a panel of 60 countries for the period 2000–2004. We develop a framework to understand the linkages between efficiency, liquidity, transactions costs, and informational quality and then study their determinants. We find that some institutional arrangements – such as the availability of stock lending and short selling – and the openness of markets are associated with lower transactions costs. We also find that, although disclosure rules for directors and officers of listed firms are essential, the ability of shareholders to seek redress is more conducive to a better informational environment in stock markets. This in turn serves as the basis for policy recommendations for the East Asian region. In particular, the region needs to continue to strengthen the implementation and enforcement of corporate governance, to further enhance the market and institutional infrastructure, and focus on measures to foster a larger and more diversified investor base, in order to continue to see gains in the efficiency of stock markets.
On the generic identity of Odontophrynus moratoi Jim & Caramaschi, 1980 (Anura, Cycloramphidae)

The generic identity of Odontophrynus moratoi is controversial since the original description due to the presence of intermediate morphological features between the genera Odontophrynus and Proceratophrys. Herein we performed molecular analyses of three genes (16S, cyt b and Rag-1) and recovered O. moratoi deeply imbedded inside a clade containing only Proceratophrys species, appearing as the sister group of Proceratophrys concavitympanum. Therefore, this study formally transfers the species O. moratoi to the genus Proceratophrys [Proceratophrys moratoi (Jim & Caramaschi 1980) comb. nov].
Antimicrobial activity of seed, pomace and leaf extracts of sea buckthorn ( Hippophae rhamnoides L.) against foodborne and food spoilage pathogens

The present study was conducted to evaluate the total phenolic content (TPC) and antibacterial properties of crude extracts of sea buckthorn ( Hippophae rhamnoides L.) pomace, seeds and leaves against 17 foodborne pathogens. The methanolic extract of leaves exhibited high total phenolic content (278.80 mg GAE/g extract) and had low minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 125 μg/ml against Listeria monocytogenes . Salmonella typhimurium strain was found to be resistant against all tested extracts. The antilisterial activity of the methanolic extract of leaves was tested on carrots. Bacterial enumeration was significantly reduced by 0.15 to 0.31, 0.26 to 1.72 and 0.59 to 4.10 log cfu/g after 0 to 60 min exposure when treated with 125, 2500 and 5000 μg/ml extract, respectively. Thus, in addition to its use as a functional food ingredient, leaves extract from sea buckthorn (SBT) can possibly be used as a biosanitizer in food industries. Key words: Antimicrobial activity, Hippophae, Listeria monocytogenes , natural sanitizer, seabuckthorn.
Individual Investors' Speculative Returns

A sizeable literature has developed showing that individual investors earn poor returns. This paper focuses on returns earned by individuals on a subset of trades where it appears ex ante that the investors believe they have information. I present a simple method for classifying individual investor trades as unlikely to be motivated by liquidity needs, and show in two large datasets that these trades earn much better returns than trades that are unlikely to be motivated by information. Individual investor performance is much better in precisely those trades where the investors act like they have information.
Seed treatments: phytotoxicity amelioration and tracer uptake

Abstract Seed treatments are used globally on a wide range of field, vegetable and ornamental seeds, for efficient early season control of insects and diseases. However, specific seed-treatment compounds may be phytotoxic and this phytotoxicity is most acute in laboratory germination tests. Several strategies have been developed to alleviate seed-treatment phytotoxicity that include spatial separation of the pesticide from the seed. This can be accomplished by the application of the active compounds at the end of pelleting or by using a two-pellet system, termed ‘smart-pill technology’. Another approach is to detoxify or adsorb the agrochemical in a standard germination test by applying a peat medium over the seeds in a roll towel or blotter test. Many new seed-treatment chemicals have systemic activity, and the efficacy of these systemic seed treatments depends on the ability of these applied chemical compounds to be absorbed, and then transported in the developing plant. The present article describes seed-coat permeability to systemic seed treatments, examined by monitoring the movement of fluorescent tracers into intact seeds during imbibition. Two moderately lipophilic, fluorescent tracers have been used – rhodamine (ionic) and coumarin (non-ionic) – which differ mainly in electrical charge. Seed-coat permeabilities of particular species have been grouped into three categories: (1) permeable to both tracers; (2) selectively permeable to only coumarin; and (3) non-permeable to both tracers. The ability of a particular compound to diffuse through the seed coat is related to the chemical nature of the seed-covering tissues and the physico-chemical properties of the compound applied.
Relationship between somatic cell counts and milk production and composition in Jersey cows

The main components in milk from cows that are affected by mastitis can be in different amounts according to the racial characteristics. Thus, the association between the somatic cell counts (SCC) and these components may also differ in milk from Jersey cows. This study evaluated the effect of the SCC in milk from Jersey cows on milk production and its physicochemical composition. For 71 months, data from 3244 milking and 300 cows were evaluated considering the effect of the SCC on milk production (kg cow day -1 ), percentage of fat, protein, lactose, total solids, and nonfat solids. The probable factors associated with fluctuation in milk production based on somatic cell score, lactation number and rainfall were also evaluated by regression models. Milk composition was changed according to the SCC. In general, the higher the SCC in milk, the lower the contents of lactose, fat, and solids, with exception of the protein content, which increased. Losses in milk production of Jersey cows were observed for milk with counts above 50,000 somatic cells per ml.
Anti-Spasmodic and Anti-Nociceptive Effects of Teucrium polium Aqueous Extract

Background: Teucrium polium has been known as an important traditional medicinal plant and is used for different therapeutic purposes such as gastrointestinal disorders. Therefore, the anti-spasmodic and antinociceptive activities of aqueous extract of Teucrium polium w as examined. Methods: Anti-spasmodic effect of different concentrations (47-470 mg/l) of Teucrium polium extract was assessed on acetylcholine (220 nM) precontracted guinea pig isolated ileum. The anti-cholinergic effect of the plant was also examined by obtaining concentration-response curves in the absence and presence of Teucrium polium extract (470 mg/l) and atropine (10 nM). Anti-nociceptive effect of different doses (30-240 mg/kg ) of Teucrium polium aqueous extract was determined by hot-plate test on mice and compared with the effect of morphine (10 mg/kg) as positive control. Results: Maximum inhibition response induced by Teucrium polium extract on contraction induced by acetylcholine (220 nM) was 93.5%. In the absence and presence of Teucrium polium extract (470 mg/l) and atropine (10 nM) the EC50 (the effective concentration causing 50% of maximum response) of Ach were 28.3 ± 2.1, 55.4 ± 3.7 and 208.1 ± 9.2 nM respectively. There was also a parallel rightward shift in the log concentration-response curve of acetylcholine in the presence of atropine, but a nonparallel shift in the presence of Teucrium polium extract. The Teucrium polium extract increased reaction time dose-dependently (P<0.01 for all doses). However the anti-nociceptive effect of extract was significantly less than that of morphine (P<0.001). Conclusion: These results show that Teucrium polium aqueous extract have anti-nociceptive and anti-spasmodic effects and may have some clinical benefits for gastrointestinal disorders. Iran. Biomed. J. 10 (3): 145-149, 2006
FREQUENCY OF β-LACTAMASE AND METALLO-β-LACTAMASE IN PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA STRAINS ISOLATED FROM BURN WOUNDS IN YAZD BURN HOSPITAL DURING 2011-2012

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a gram-negative, non-fermentative bacillus and one of the most common opportunistic human pathogen causing 10-15% of nosocomial and burn wound infections worldwide. These bacteria are resistant to most of the antibiotics. This study aimed to investigate the frequency of extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) and metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) enzymes in P.aeruginosa strains isolated from burn wounds. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 180 wound specimens were collected from patients hospitalized in burn hospital and then cultured. The suspected colonies were identified using the conventional biochemical methods. Susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby-Bauer method. Moreover, the Combination Disk and E.test methods were used for the determination of ESBLs and MBL, respectively. Results: Fifty-four (30%) out of 180 cultured samples were identified as p.aeruginosa; 12 (22%) and 16 (29.5%) isolates were ESBLs and MBL producer, respectively. Overall, 42 (79%), 40 (74%), 40 (74%), 38 (70%), 35 (66%) and 34 (62%) isolates were resistant to ceftizoxime, imipenem, gentamycin, piperacillin, cefepime, meropenem and ertapenem, respectively. Conclusion: Results reveal that the antimicrobial resistance and prevalence of ESBLs and MBL producing P.aeruginosa strains is increasing in our hospital and it is necessary to perform susceptibility testing, control risk factors and reasonably prescribe the appropriate antibiotics. Considering the diversity of ESBL and MBL classes and their prevalence in different areas, performing molecular research is needed.
Effect of breed on cis-9, trans-11 and trans-10, cis-12 Conjugated Linoleic Acids (CLA) concentrations in milk fat of dairy cattle and the relationship of these CLA with other unsaturated C18 fatty acids

Much attention has been given to unsaturated carbon 18 fatty acids in milk, particularly conjugated linoleicacids (CLAs) which have a beneficial effect on human health. This study was undertaken to investigate theeffect of breed on cis-9, trans-11 and trans-10, cis-12 CLA isomers in the milk fat of dairy cattle and theirrelationship with other unsaturated carbon 18 fatty acids. Mafriwal (n=15) and Jersey (n=15) cows were atmid-lactation period, grazed on pasture and given 5.5kg of concentrate per head daily. The composition ofmilk fatty acid was determined using gas chromatography after the extraction of milk fat using the modifiedFolch's method. The results showed that breed had an effect on cis-9, trans-11 CLA deposition in milk fat.The level of cis-9, trans-11 CLA in milk fat of Mafriwal was significantly higher (P<0.05) than that of theJersey cows, while the levels of trans-10, cis-12 CLA were not significantly different between the two breeds.The levels of cis-9, trans-11 CLA were positively correlated with the concentration of trans 11-octadecenoic(C18:1), cis 9-octadecenoic (C18:1) and octadecatrienoic (C18:3) acids. A positive correlation was also observedbetween the levels of trans-10, cis-12 CLA and octadecatrienoic (C18:3) acid in milk fat. These results indicatedthat breed selection could be used to improve the quality of milk for human consumption.
On the choice based sample bias in probabilistic bankruptcy prediction

Probabilistic bankruptcy prediction models based on accounting numbers and other financial information are commonly estimated from non-random samples of firms, where the proportion of bankrupt firms is much larger than in most real world situations. This “choice based sample bias” leads to estimated bankruptcy probabilities that are biased. Given that unbiased probabilities are required in risk assessments or discounted cash flow valuation modelling, such probabilities can be severely misleading. The purpose of the paper is to analyze this bias in probabilistic bankruptcy prediction models (typically probit/logit analysis), and to investigate whether it can be mitigated without having to resort to cumbersome model re-estimations. The authors show that there is a clear-cut linkage between sample based probabilities and the corresponding unbiased probabilities. Also, the authors show that sample based probabilities can be calibrated for the choice based sample bias, provided that randomly selected firms from the sub-populations of bankrupt and survival firms are used in the estimation of a prediction model. Non-calibrated bankruptcy probabilities are commonplace in previous empirical research, implying that reported misclassification errors and/or misclassification costs can be more or less misleading. Observed regularities in previous studies are in line with the presented analyses, demonstrating a need for a more insightful treatment of this bias in future research.
Emergent Research in Social Vision: An Integrated Approach to the Determinants and Consequences of Social Categorization

Social categorization research has historically focused either on understanding how observers utilize visual cues in the face and body to make judgments of others or on understanding the downstream consequences that occur following social categorizations, but rarely both. Recently, however, research has evidenced a marked shift toward an integrated approach. Here, we provide a snapshot of social vision's contributions to the study of social categorization with a goal of illuminating the new and exciting directions afforded by an integrative approach. From this perspective, social categorizations are characterized not only as being informed by visual cues but also as being malleable, probabilistic, and contextualized. Moreover, the process of categorization itself can affect evaluative outcomes directly, independent of categorization. By exploring empirical evidence for this integrated approach to the determinants and consequences of social categorization, we show how the emerging field of social vision has revealed new insights into the nature of social categorization and by extension its implications for evaluations.
Enzyme immunoassay measurements of ecdysteroids in the last larval stage of Culex pipiens L. (Diptera, Culicidae): Hormonal profile and correlation with cuticle secretion

The molting hormone (ecdysteroids) in whole body extracts of 4th-instar larvae of Culex pipiens L. (Diptera, Culicidae) was measured by an enzyme-immunoassay (EIA) using two specific antibodies, the rat monoclonal EC 19 antibody showing a high affinity for 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) and the rabbit polyclonal B antibody six times more sensitive to ecdysone (E) than to 20E. EIA measurements revealed the presence of the two main hormones seen in C. pipiens : E (ca. 30 %) and 20E (ca. 70 %). Furthermore, change in ecdysteroid amounts during the 4th-larval stage was down using only a rat monoclonal because 20E was the major hormone. The ecdysteroid amounts presented a single peak that occurred at day three during the last larval development. In a second series of experiment, the cuticle cycle was determined by a histological study of the larval integument in order to establish temporal correlations with the hormonal levels. Thus, the ecdysteroid peak recorded during the last larval stage coincides with the apolysis and could be related with the induction of a new cuticle secretion. Key words : Mosquitoes, Culex pipiens, hormone, ecdysteroids, enzyme-immunoassay (EIA), histology, cuticle.