Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reconsidering the economy-wide implications of incorporating the resource costs of waste management in Scottish input-output accounts

In this paper, we build on a previous and incomplete Scottish study by Allan et al. (2007) that made a key methodological contribution in operationalising the Leontief (1970) environmental input-output model to consider the need to determine social and/or resource costs of supplying common resources such as a ‘clean environment’ at a local or regional level. At the same time, Allan et al. (2007) acknowledged that poor data hindered complete testing of Leontief (1970) environmental input-output model. For this reason, this paper revisits and expands on the development made by Allan et al. (2007) using improved data and applies the model to incorporate the resource implications of negative externalities from waste generation into the economic process. This is with the aim to answer some key policy issues including identifying whether the polluter pays for waste management and who ultimately bears the resource costs for waste disposal and management within the economy. We argue that this approach may be useful for policy if, for example, a ‘polluter pays’ scenerio is considered relative to one where government retains some commitment to pay for waste management.
Analogical transfer of experience and the misuse of diversification

When the payoff function is convex, diversification can be the wrong strategy for dealing with risky choices. We constructed two experimental settings in which it is stochastically dominant not to diversify. Nevertheless, subjects inappropriately preferred the diversification strategy. A de-biasing treatment suggests that this diversification fallacy may be interpreted as the outcome of the analogical transfer of decision heuristics learned in more usual domains.
Determinants Influencing Performance of Accountants: The Case of Vietnam

This study is conducted to investigate the impact levels of determinants on performance of accountants in enterprises in Vietnam. Data were collected from getting 205 questionnaires from firms doing businesses in Vietnam. Based on the data collected, we use Cronbach’s Alpha, EFA and run regression model for knowing the impact levels of each independent variable on dependent variable of accountant performance. The results show that four determinants including accounting framework (PL), job satisfaction (HL), supports from firms (HT), confidence of accountants (ST) have positive relationships with accountant performance. Based on the findings, some recommendations are given for improving accountant performances of firms doing business in the context of Vietnam.
Comparison of Procedures to Evaluate the Cyclic Stress-Strain Curve from Incremental Step Test

The design of structural components in low-cycle fatigue field often requires the knowledge of the cyclic properties of the material, which are commonly described by the classical relation of Ramberg-Osgood. In order to obtain the cyclic curve using experimental data from incremental step tests, four methodologies are described and critically discussed. Three methods differ in the procedure of evaluation of the elastic modulus, while in the last one the experimental data are interpolated with a single non-linear regression. The various techniques were applied to data obtained from tests carried out on stainless steel specimens, and the resulting differences were analysed and quantified. An average behaviour was evaluated considering the total set of data obtained from experimental tests. The choice of the most suitable method is related to both the strain range of interest and the goal for which the results are used.
The Local Economic Impacts of Resource Abundance: Theory and Evidence*

What are the socio-economic impacts of resource abundance? Are these effects different at national and local level? How could resource booms benefit (or harm) local communities? This paper reviews a vast literature examining these questions, with emphasis on empirical works. We start by discussing the evidence and theoretical arguments behind the so-called resource curse, and other impacts at country level. Then, we develop a simple analytical framework to understand how resource booms could impact local communities, and examine the available empirical evidence. This emerging literature exploits within country variation and is opening new ways to think about the relation between natural resources and economic development. Finally, we discuss issues related to fiscal decentralization and provide ideas for future research.
A Role For in Vitro Disease Models in the Landscape of Preclinical Cardiotoxicity and Safety Testing

Drug-induced cardiotoxicity is one of the predominant reasons for drug attrition and withdrawals. This is of critical concern when potentially cardiotoxic drugs are administered to individuals with inherited arrhythmogenic cardiac diseases or with metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes, which are key risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Pathophysiological alteration prevalent under such conditions can alter or exacerbate cardiotoxic responses. The growing incidence of obesity, diabetes and metabolic syndrome subject a significant percentage of the population to drug treatments, thereby augmenting their risk for drug-induced cardiovascular toxicity. Hence, screening for drug-induced cardiotoxicity early in the preclinical stages of drug development, by using appropriate human disease models, can be effective in ensuring safety in clinical trials and preventing late stage and post-marketing drug withdrawals owing to cardiotoxicity. The advent of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC) and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cardiomyocytes are revolutionizing safety/toxicity screening in human cells by providing relevant human-specific, renewable model systems to explore human drug toxicity. The ability to generate patient-specific iPSCs that can model cardiac diseases, now offers a valuable option that can further improve drug safety assessments and enable a more accurate prediction of toxicity that occurs in the representative population that are prescribed the drugs. Use of appropriate disease models will not only provide cost savings by decreasing potential drug attrition and withdrawals, seen with many drugs, but will also be a promising option to advance precision medicine DOI : 10.14302/issn.2574-4372.jesr-17-1705 Corresponding author: Vijayalakshmi Varma, Division of Systems Biology, Biomarkers and Alternate Models Branch, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 3900, NCTR Road, Building 54, Rm#126, Jefferson AR-72079. E-Mail: Vijayalakshmi.varma@fda.hhs. gov; Tel. : +1-870-543-7115; Running Title: In vitro disease models in preclinical cardiotoxicity and safety testing
Genetic Polymorphism of beta-Casein Gene and its Associations with Milk Traits in Holstein-Friesian Cows

In animal breeding finding and using effective genetic markers for improving important traits it is a continuous challenge. In this respect, several genetic markers were associated in cattle with increased milk production or a better milk quality. This proved to be a useful tool for improving certain traits by selecting individuals carriers of allelic variants that have an effect on a desirable trait. In particular, positive associations between certain alleles found at the milk protein loci with some milk production traits convincingly demonstrated in several cattle breeds. Although, in some cases the results obtained in various studies were not in agreement and varied between breeds or populations. Therefore the objective of this study was to establish associations (if any) between alleles found at the beta-casein ( CSN2 ) locus and some milk production traits (milk yield and fat, protein, casein and lactose content) in a Holstein-Friesian population reared in Romania. Genetic variants at CSN2 locus were identified by isoelectric focusing (IEF) of milk samples. In order to determine milk composition the samples were analysed with MilkoScan FT 6000. For the statistical analysis of data SPSS v.19 for Windows was used. At the CSN2 locus four alleles and seven genotypes were identified in the analyzed cattle population. The cows carriers of CSN2 A 2 allele produced the highest milk yield and the highest milk protein content, this result being in agreement with other previous studies.
Variations on a theme – the evolution of hydrocarbon solids - II. Optical property modelling – the optEC(s) model

Context. The properties of hydrogenated amorphous carbon (a-C:H) dust are known to evolve in response to the local conditions. Aims. We present an adaptable model for the determination of the optical properties of low-temperature, interstellar a-C:H grains that is based on the fundamental physics of their composition. Methods. The imaginary part of the refractive index, k, for a-C:H materials, from 50 eV to cm wavelengths, is derived and the real part, n, of the refractive index is then calculated using the Kramers-Kronig relations. Results. The formulated optEC(s) model allows a determination of the complex dielectric function, epsilon, and refractive index, m(n, k), for a-C:H materials as a continuous function the band gap, Eg , which is shown to lie in the range = -0.1 to 2.7 eV. We provide expressions that enable a determination of their optical constants and tabulate m(n, k, Eg ) for 14 different values of Eg . We explore the evolution of the likely extinction and emission behaviours of a-C:H grains and estimate the relevant transformation time-scales. Conclusions. With the optEC(s) model we are able to predict how the optical properties of an a-C:H dust component in the interstellar medium will evolve in response to, principally, the local interstellar radiation field. The evolution of a-C:H materials appears to be consistent with many dust extinction, absorption, scattering and emission properties, and also with H2 molecule, daughter PAH and hydrocarbon molecule formation resulting from its photo-driven decomposition.
Death from Cardiovascular Diseases and Air Pollution in Shiraz, Iran (March 2006-March 2012)

Background: There is evidence that shows exposure to air pollution might be related to cardiovascular death. This study aimed to estimate the effect of ambient air pollutants on cardiovascular deaths in Shiraz, Iran. Methods: In this ecological study, we inquired data about the number of cardiovascular deaths by gender and age; and recorded air pollutants data including nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM10), sulfur dioxide (SO2), ozone (O3), methane (CH4), total hydrocarbons (THC) and nonmethane hydrocarbons (NMHC) from 2006-2012. The association between air pollution and cardiovascular deaths was investigated by time series, cross correlations with and without lags with crude and adjusted negative binomial regression analysis through Minitab16 and Stata 11. Results: During this period, 17167 cardiovascular deaths occurred in Shiraz. After adjustment for confounding factors, NO and NOX were significantly related to total cardiovascular deaths; NO, NOX and SO2 were significantly related to deaths in women and SO2 was significantly related to deaths in the age of 18 to 60. NO and NOX pollutants were related to all cardiovascular deaths that happened one month later. Conclusion: The results of this study confirm the results of many other studies which show that air pollution can increase cardiovascular death.
Symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacterial populations trapped from soils under agroforestry systems in the Western Amazon

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is an important grain-producing legume that can forego nitrogen fertilization by establishing an efficient symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Although inoculating strains have already been selected for this species, little is known about the genotypic and symbiotic diversity of native rhizobia. Recently, Bradyrhizobium has been shown to be the genus most frequently trapped by cowpea in agricultural soils of the Amazon region. We investigated the genetic and symbiotic diversity of 148 bacterial strains with different phenotypic and cultural properties isolated from the nodules of the trap species cowpea, which was inoculated with samples from soils under agroforestry systems from the western Amazon. Sixty non-nodulating strains indicated a high frequency of endophytic strains in the nodules. The 88 authenticated strains had varying symbiotic efficiency. The SPAD (Soil Plant Analysis Development) index (indirect measurement of chlorophyll content) was more efficient at evaluating the contribution of symbiotic N2-fixation than shoot dry matter under axenic conditions. Cowpea-nodulating bacteria exhibited a high level of genetic diversity, with 68 genotypes identified by BOX-PCR. Sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene showed a predominance of the genus Bradyrhizobium, which accounted for 70 % of all strains sequenced. Other genera identified were Rhizobium, Ochrobactrum, Paenibacillus, Bosea, Bacillus, Enterobacter, and Stenotrophomonas. These results support the promiscuity of cowpea and demonstrate the high genetic and symbiotic diversity of rhizobia in soils under agroforestry systems, with some strains exhibiting potential for use as inoculants. The predominance of Bradyrhizobium in land uses with different plant communities and soil characteristics reflects the adaptation of this genus to the Amazon region.
Eskişehir de Yetiştirici Koşullarındaki İvesi Koyunlarında Bazı Özelliklerin İncelenmesi

Bu arastirma Eskisehir Sivrihisar’da yetistirici sartlarinda Ivesi irkinda yasama gucu, buyume ve bazi vucut olculerinin incelenmesi amaciyla yapilmistir. Bolgede karasal iklim kosullari hâkimdir. Arastirmada 290 kuzu ve 280 koyun kullanilmistir. Kuzularin dogum, 30. , 45. , 60. , 75. ve 90. gun agirliklarina ait en kucuk kareler ortalamalari sirasiyla 3.97±0.06, 10.69±0.16, 14.04±0.22, 17.05±0.27, 19.47±0.30 ve 21.77±0.32 kg, kuzularin 60. ve 90. gunlerdeki yasama gucleri % 91.72 ve 89.31 olmustur. Ivesi koyunlarinda kirkim sonrasi canli agirlik ile bas uzunlugu, gogus derinligi, gogus genisligi, vucut uzunlugu, cidago yuksekligi ve sagri yuksekligi ortalamalari sirasiyla 47.75±0.29 kg, 19.63±0.12, 30.35±0.11, 18.73±0.10, 65.09±0.20, 61.05±0.15 ve 58.77±0.16 cm’dir. Orta Anadolu sartlarinda Ivesi irkinin yasama gucu, buyume ve bazi vucut olculerinin, Ivesi irki icin bildirilen degerlere genel olarak benzer oldugu gorulmustur. Bu nedenle Ivesi irkinin incelenen ozellikler bakimindan Eskisehir yoresinde basarili bir sekilde yetistirilebilecegi sonucuna varilmistir.
Ectopic eruption of the permanent maxillary first molar: Study in a population of 505 South European children

Aims: Ectopic eruption is a change in the normal path of eruption of a tooth. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of ectopic eruption of the permanent maxillary first molars in a Spanish subpopulation of 505 children, its distribution as regards age and gender, unilateral and bilateral occurrence and loss of space. Methods: Periapical and panoramic X-rays were taken of the patients, with six-monthly check-ups to evaluate development. A statistical analysis of the data was performed using the chi-square test (p lessthan 0.05, 95% C.I). Results: A prevalence of 6.7% was obtained being the most common age of presentation was seven years and bilateral occurrence (67.6% of cases) with no statistically significant differences as regards to the gender. Only 14 of the 505 explored patients required treatment for ectopic eruption. Conclusion: This study provides information regarding treatment needs and prevalence regarding molar ectopic eruption in a Spanish population. It is essential for professionals to be familiar with the diagnostic factors, clinical consequences and therapeutic options for ectopic eruption of permanent molars.
Exploration of cultural competency training in UK healthcare settings: A critical interpretive review of the literature

Cultural competency training (CCT) has been proposed as a strategy for eliminating racial inequalities and ensuring culturally appropriate services. However the literature illustrates inconsistencies in the usage, understanding and implementation of cultural competency training. The study aimed to understand how cultural competency training is conceptualised in UK healthcare settings, through a critical interpretive review of the literature. The search strategy involved the use of five electronic databases, supplemented by citation tracking, consultation with academic experts and library searches. Of 748 papers, 36 satisfied the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Critical interpretive synthesis (CIS) was used to analyse these papers. The study design assimilated methods adopted in conventional systematic reviews within the format of CIS, to combine the entire body of literature and generate theoretical categories. Two synthetic constructs (overarching themes) were produced from the analysis; ‘conflicting concepts’ and ‘incongruence between theory and practice’. Together these constructs generated an outlined theoretical framework (‘synthesising argument’) defined as ‘institutional commitment’ towards CCT, which collectively explained the findings of the review. ‘Institutional commitment’ provided an explanation for the inconsistencies in the practice of CCT. It illustrated the internal tensions towards those actively committed to CCT versus those who are not and the lack of institutional buy-in to the concept and practice of CCT throughout the healthcare system.
Spatial patterns of migrating Great Crested Newts and Smooth Newts: The importance of the terrestrial habitat surrounding the breeding pond

Summary I compared spatial movement patterns of T. cristatus and T. vulgaris entering and leaving two breeding ponds in Lower Saxony, Germany. Drift fences and pitfall traps were employed to monitor migration activities. Individuals of T. cristatus could be identified by their belly pattern. Both newt species preferred forested areas to pasture as the terrestrial habitat, but only T. vulgaris used also the open grassland to a substantial degree. The data suggest that adult T. cristatus and T. vulgaris emigrated to a distance of 5 to 50 meters from the pond, however, a high number of T. vulgaris was also found in the direct pond environment. Individual recapture data of T. cristatus demonstrated a high degree of home site fidelity for the major part of the adults and subadults. The juveniles of both species preferred the same sites as the adults, indicating some hereditary preference for suitable land habitats. The consideration of the terrestrial habitat should be an integrated part of every conservation strategy for newts.
Explaining a Rare Null Relationship Between Group Identification and Social Protest Through a Relational Form of Coping With Low Group Status

Primary and meta-analytic research strongly suggests that group identification motivates disadvantaged group members for social protest to achieve social change. However, most studies on social protest are conducted in contexts that are already conducive to this positive relationship (i.e., conditions of hope and scope for social change). Two studies of Indonesian ethnic minority group members’ coping with low group status add to this literature by testing (a) whether group identification motivated social protest in a cultural context in which group identity is valued while hope and scope for social change are lacking, and (b) alternatively, whether individuals engage in a relational form of coping that revolves around seeking shelter in social relationships to protect well-being. In both studies (N = 80 and N = 132), we predicted and found a rare null correlation between group identification and social protest, and rather strong support that coping with low group status revolved around seeking shelter in social relationships. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of our findings for identity management and relationship regulation processes in contexts that lack hope and scope for social protest to achieve social change.
Satisfaction and Loyalty Improvement Model on the Quality of Higher Education Services

This study analyzes the influences of students perceptions about the quality of higher education services to satisfaction; high quality of education services to the loyalty; and student satisfaction to the loyalty on private universities (PTS) in Makassar. The population used in this study was all students of economics faculty that have been studied over four semesters at big four PTS in Makassar. The sampling method used in this study was simple random sampling. The number of samples is 114 people. Both Descriptive Statistics and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) were used as method of analysis. The data processed by using IBM SPSS and AMOS 20. The result shows that the quality of higher education services significantly influence student satisfaction, the quality of higher education services significantly influence student loyalty, and student satisfaction significantly influences student loyalty. Loyalty is more determined by student satisfaction rather than the quality of higher education services.
Booking Students: An Analysis of School Arrests and Court Outcomes

The fate of school discipline and security in America is at a crucial turning point. While the “school-to-prison pipeline” has recently received an increasing amount of attention from policy makers interested in improving public education, the recent shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut led to renewed calls for the heightened security measures that contributed to the rise of the pipeline. This article provides clear evidence that heightened disciplinary and security measures in schools are faulty policy responses, as they have adverse impacts on the students they intend to protect and siphon resources away from policies that more effectively ensure student safety and success. More specifically, the article analyzes a unique statewide database that contain all school arrests that occurred during a recent school year in Delaware, including individual-level variables such as age, race, gender, offense, adjudication result, and disposition result. The analysis reveals three troubling trends that have important policy implications. First, the use of arrests in response to student misbehavior has resulted in a great number of students being arrested for minor misbehavior. Second, a highly disproportionate rate of Black students faced arrests for their behavior in school and female students seemed to experience differential treatment. Third, the juvenile justice system is forced to devote its scarce resources to processing a high volume of minor school arrests, a plurality of which lead to diversionary services that could have been offered directly through schools in a much more efficient manner.