Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Understanding Interest Rate Volatility

This paper studies the effect of the uncertainty surrounding future monetary policy on interest rates across bond maturities. I measure uncertainty as the cross-sectional dispersion in one-year-ahead fed funds rate forecasts from survey data. Within a flexible dynamic term structure model with observable and latent factors, I provide evidence of a link between uncertainty and interest rate dynamics. I show that monetary policy uncertainty (i) is an important contributor to the variation in conditional yield volatilities; (ii) has a slope effect on the volatility term structure; (iii) is a priced risk that affects expected excess returns; (iv) is almost unspanned by the cross-section of yields; (v) has potential policy implications. JEL Classification: G12, E43, E52
Role of E-Procurement Practices in Fighting Fraud and Corruption in Public Procurement

For a long time, the menace of corruption and fraud in public procurement in Kenya has been a major source for debate. The problem has passed on from one government to the next but no serious effort has been put in place to fighting the vice. This study sought to examine the role of e-procurement practices in fighting fraud and corruption in public procurement. Institutional theory on corruption was used to inform the study. The study used a desk study review methodology where relevant empirical literature was reviewed to identify main themes. A critical review of empirical literature was conducted to establish e-procurement practices in fighting fraud and corruption in public procurement. The study concluded that e-Procurement can be used as a gatekeeper for all bidders in ensuring that they follows the ‘rules’ as stipulated in the system. Transparent eProcurement practices is able to stop any political and economic forces from interfering with procurement processes. E-Procurement helps to safeguard many public officials through its transparent and efficient system. It can be used as a ‘barrier’ to avoid unnecessary demands and interference from people with a vested interest. e-Procurement is also useful in dealing with intertwined relationship between public and private organizations. As public procurement is governed by the Public Procurement and Disposal Act 2015 (PPDA), which make reference mainly to the manual procurement process, the study recommended that there is need to amend the Act accordingly to factor the e-procurement processes. This can be supplemented by an e-procurement manual/guide and other procurement documents in electronic form availed to the process owners for reference. The Government should implement stiff penalties for breaches to procurement requirements and capacity strengthening of procurement practitioners on adherence to procurement regulations. There is need for instituting proper records management tools for public procuring entities and more robust mechanisms should be implemented in e-procurement to enhance its functionalities at all the stages of the public procurement cycle. Keywords: E-Procurement, Fraud, Corruption & Public Procurement.
Breakfast consumption and daily physical activity in 9–10-year-old British children

Abstract Objective To examine the association between breakfast consumption and physical activity in a well-characterised sample of English children. Design Cross-sectional study using food diaries to record breakfast consumption and accelerometry to assess physical activity. Setting Norfolk county, England. Subjects Children (n 1697) aged 9–10 years from the SPEEDY (Sport, Physical Activity and Eating behaviour: Environmental Determinants in Young people) study. Results Boys who consumed a poor-quality breakfast based on dairy product, cereal and fruit intakes spent approximately 7 min more time in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) during weekday afternoons and evenings compared with those who did not consume breakfast (P < 0·05). On weekend days, boys who consumed a poor- or good-quality breakfast spent approximately 6 and 5 min less time respectively being sedentary during the mornings compared with breakfast non-consumers (P < 0·05). Boys who consumed a good-quality breakfast spent almost 3 min more in MVPA during the morning on weekend days compared with non-consumers, and boys who consumed a poor- or good-quality breakfast were 22 % and 16 % more active overall respectively than breakfast non-consumers (P < 0·05). During the rest of the day, boys who consumed a good-quality breakfast spent about 11 min less time being sedentary (P < 0·05) and 7 min more time in MVPA (P < 0·01). Conclusions Although some associations between breakfast consumption and physical activity were detected for boys, the present study does not provide strong evidence that failing to consume breakfast, or having a low energy intake at breakfast time, is detrimental to children's physical activity levels.
Computer-Assisted Instruction: A Survey on the Attitudes of Osteopathic Medical Students

Abstract Objectives: To investigate the views of osteopathic medical students on their preferred learning methods, their current use of computers as an educational tool, and their attitudes regarding the role of computers in medical education, based on their skill level. Methods: A 27-item questionnaire was distributed to first-through fourth-year osteopathic medical students. Items asked students to assess their levels of computer skills and experience, their current use of computers as an educational tool, and their attitudes regarding the role of computers in medical education. Results: Of the 246 students (80% of enrolled students) who responded to the questionnaire, a majority (129 [53%]) rated themselves as having intermediate computer skills, and the remaining students rated their skills as basic (69 [28%]) or advanced (46 [19%]). Most students (176 [72%]) felt that they learned best by both hearing and seeing or reading new material, that they learned more easily from a printed page than a computer screen, and that live lectures provided them with the best opportunity for learning. However, when compared with students who have basic and intermediate computer skills, students with advanced computer skills were more in favor of computer-assisted instruction and testing as well as a school requirement to own a computer and to use a laptop computer in class. Conclusions: Students' opinions of the importance of computer technology in medical education seem to be based mainly on their self-assessed technical competency levels. Understanding this dynamic may aid medical educators in the implementation of computer-assisted instruction.
Soy food supplementation, dietary fat reduction and peripheral blood gene expression in postmenopausal women--a randomized, controlled trial.

SCOPE The effect of soy food supplementation or dietary fat reduction on gene expression is not well studied. METHODS AND RESULTS We evaluated the potential of gene expression profiling in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) collected at baseline and at the completion of an 8-wk controlled dietary intervention. Healthy postmenopausal women were randomized to a very-low-fat diet (VLFD; 11% of energy as fat) (n=21), a Step 1 diet (25% energy as fat) supplemented with soy food (SFD; 50 mg isoflavones per day) (n=20), or a control Step 1 diet (CD; 27% energy as fat) with no SFD (n=18). All diets were prepared at the General Clinical Research Center of the University of Southern California. We did not observe any gene that showed variable response across the three dietary interventions. However, there were notable changes in gene expression associated with the intervention in the VLFD and SFD groups. Our findings suggest that the expression of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) and genes related to Fc γ R-mediated phagocytosis and cytokine interactions may be significantly altered in association with dietary fat reduction and soy supplementation. Gene expression changes in NAMPT were somewhat dampened with adjustment for weight but changes related to Fc γ R-mediated phagocytosis and cytokine interactions remained largely unchanged. CONCLUSION PBMCs can reveal novel gene expression changes in association with controlled dietary intervention.
Analisis Error Correction Model Terhadap Utang Luar Negeri Indonesia Tahun 1992-2016

This study aimed to analyze the effect of foreign exchange reserves, deficit budgets, inflation, exchange rates or exchange rates, and export credit interest rates on foreign debts in Indonesia in 1992-2016. The type of data used in this study is the secondary time series data from 1992-2016. The data used is obtained from the official website of Central Bureau of Statistics, Bank Indonesia and World Bank. The analytical method used is the regression analysis of Error Correction Model (ECM). The results of the analysis show that partially in short-term foreign exchange reserves, the exchange rate has a positive and significant effect on Indonesia's external debt, variable budget deficit, inflation has a positive and insignificant effect on foreign debt, exports have a negative and significant effect on foreign debt. In the long run foreign exchange reserves, budget deficits, inflation, exchange rates, lending rates, and exports have a significant effect on Indonesia's foreign debt.
Effects of Terbutaline on Peripheral Vascular Resistance and Arterial Compliance

In a double blind, randomized placebo-controlled crossover study we characterized how terbutaline affects the mean and short-term fluctuations of peripheral vascular resistance and arterial compliance. The study was carried out in six young and healthy male subjects in the supine and upright positions by recording continuously electrocardiography and finger arterial blood pressure. On average, large intravenous terbutaline doses reduce maximally by 50% the mean systolic-diastolic pressure decay time (windkessel time), by 30% the mean vascular resistance, and by 20% the mean arterial compliance. Terbutaline reduces differently the beat-to-beat variability of peripheral vascular resistance and arterial compliance. The effects can be explained by β-adrenoceptor activation that mediates smooth muscle relaxation in small resistance arteries and large conduit arteries. Differences between vascular resistance and compliance lowering actions could be explained by differences in the β-adrenoceptor-mediated vascular relaxation and sympathetically mediated vascular contraction between small and large arteries.
Total elbow replacement with the GSB III prosthesis.

Fourteen consecutive elbows have been treated for rheumatoid arthritis (9 elbows) and for post-traumatic osteoarthrosis (5 elbows) by total elbow replacement with the GSB III implant. The elbows were reviewed retrospectively after a mean follow-up of 6 years (2 to 9 years). Ten of 14 elbows had a functioning GSB III implant at follow-up; 7 of them were rated satisfactory and 3 unsatisfactory with the Mayo elbow performance score. In 5 of these 10 cases, the patients had significant pain relief with no or only mild pain at follow-up, whereas 5 had moderate to severe pain. With a functioning implant the range of motion averaged 140 degrees of flexion, 19 degrees of lack of extension, 65 degrees of pronation, and 84 degrees of supination. Six (43%) elbows had major complications requiring 1 to 8 additional operations. Aseptic loosening requiring revision occurred in 4 (29%) elbows. Two of them were treated by a resection arthroplasty, and 2 were revised with another hinged semiconstrained device. Three further elbows had radiolucent lines involving more than 50% of the cement-bone interface of either the humeral or the ulnar component. However, in 8 elbows the cementing technique was considered marginal or inadequate. Poor cementing (marginal or inadequate) was associated with loosening (P = .008). The GSB III total elbow prosthesis can restore function and reduce pain. The rate of aseptic loosening in this series was higher than previously reported. Based on this observation, we conclude that the GSB III implant seems to be sensitive to the insertion technique and does not tolerate suboptimal cementing.
Receptor-mediated endocytosis of macromolecules and strategy to enhance their transport in alveolar epithelial cells

Introduction: Pulmonary delivery is an attractive administration route for therapeutic proteins and peptides. In this context, endocytosis/transcytosis at the distal lung epithelial barrier is an important process in the pulmonary absorption of therapeutic macromolecules. The alveolar epithelium is comprised of type I and type II cells. Understanding the transport mechanisms in these cells is essential for the development of efficient pulmonary delivery systems of therapeutic macromolecules. Areas covered: Endocytic pathways for albumin and insulin in alveolar epithelial cells and possible receptors for the endocytosis are discussed. Strategies to enhance the endocytosis and pulmonary absorption of macromolecules are also discussed, by focusing on the effects of cationic poly(amino acid)s. Expert opinion: Although the surface area occupied by type II cells in alveoli is much smaller than that covered by type I cells, type II cells may significantly contribute to the endocytosis/transcytosis of macromolecules such as albumin. Identification of the receptors involved in the cellular uptake of each macromolecule is prerequisite for the understanding and regulation of its transport into and across alveolar epithelial cells. Establishment of novel in-vitro culture cell models of type I and type II cells would be a great help for the future advance of this research field.
Dividend Payouts and Shareholder Structure: Evidence from the Warsaw Stock Exchange

Using 3,297 observations covering 516 nonfinancial companies listed in 2005–2014 on the Warsaw Stock Exchange, we apply a principal–principal agency framework to construct a panel model on the magnitude of ownership concentration and collusion among blockholders to reduce dividend payouts. We show that ownership concentration by the largest and second-largest shareholders, as well as by the state, lowers dividend payouts, while stakes held by industrial concerns and financial institutions constrain the expropriation of minority shareholders. Our results demonstrate important implications for investors and others concerned with increasing transparency and attracting new capital.
Go Slow Whoa meal patterns: cafeteria staff and teacher perceptions of effectiveness in winning with wellness schools.

BACKGROUND School-based interventions hold promise for child obesity prevention. Implemented as a part of the Winning With Wellness obesity prevention project, the "Go Slow Whoa" meal pattern (GSW) was designed to promote healthier foods in school cafeterias. This investigation determined perceived program effectiveness and impact on student's food purchases. METHODS A mixed method design was used, including focus groups with cafeteria staff (CS), quantitative analysis of CS and teacher surveys, and pre-post analysis of cafeteria sales. A total of 37 CS and 131 teachers from 7 schools in northeast Tennessee participated. RESULTS CS recognized the important role of school nutrition services in influencing student choices, yet perceived lack of administrative support for cafeteria-based interventions and minimal interaction with teachers were barriers. CS also believed that students choose less nutritious options due to family influence. Cafeteria sales indicated that changes were made in menu planning and production, yet students' choices improved minimally. Teachers expressed moderate levels of confidence in GSW as influential in children's dietary habits. CONCLUSIONS Successful implementation of school-based nutrition programs requires supportive policies, administrators, and teachers. CS should be included in program implementation efforts and the role of school nutrition services should be maximized.
Effects of Dielectric Barriers in Radio-Frequency Atmospheric Glow Discharges

This paper reports the effects of introducing dielectric barriers to radio-frequency (RF) atmospheric pressure glow discharges (APGD) that have hitherto employed bare electrodes. The resulting atmospheric RF dielectric barrier discharges (DBD) are experimentally shown to retain their large volume without constriction at very large currents, well above the maximum current at which conventional RF APGD with bare electrodes can maintain their plasma stability. Optical emission spectroscopy is used to demonstrate that larger discharge currents lead to more active plasma chemistry. A complementary computational study is then presented on the dynamics and structures of the RF DBD under different operation conditions. While the RF DBD and conventional RF APGD may present very different electrical signatures in the external circuit, it is shown that their discharge properties, particularly the sheath characteristics, are very similar. Finally, it is demonstrated that thinner dielectric barriers or/and larger excitation frequencies are desirable to maximize the largest permissible discharge current without compromising the plasma stability
Intraprocedural Volume Imaging of the Left Atrium and Pulmonary Veins with Rotational X‐Ray Angiography: Implications for Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation

Introduction: The use of preprocedural CT or MR imaging to generate patient‐specific cardiac anatomy greatly facilitates catheter ablation of the left atrium and pulmonary veins (LA‐PVs) to treat atrial fibrillation (AF). This report details the accuracy and utility of an intraprocedural means to generate 3‐D volumetric renderings of the LA‐PV anatomy: contrast‐enhanced rotational X‐ray angiography (3DRA).
Growth of III-Nitride quantum structures for device applications

Using GSMBE with ammonia on (0001) sapphire substrates, AlN/AlGaN nanostructured short period superlattices (SPSLs), with respective well and barrier thickness from 0.5 to 1 nm and from 0.75 to 1.5 nm, have been shown to have energy gaps in the deep UV suitable for light emitting diodes (LEDs) and photodetectors (PDs) operating down to 247 nm. Performance of LEDs and PDs is limited by factors including efficiency of radiative recombination and absorption in the active region and electrical resistivity of p-type wide bandgap SPSLs. Based on MOVPE, we have used selective area epitixy (SAE) to grow InGaN/GaN quantum structures. By patterning SiO2 hard mask materials on planar sapphire substrates, we have grown various shapes including pyramidal stripes with InxGa1−xN multiple quantum wells. The structures at the apex are found to have very high In content with corresponding optical emission in the green wavelength range and excellent uniformity.
Effects of aflatoxin B1 and fumonisin B1 on body weight, antibody titres and histology of broiler chicks

1. Our objective was to evaluate the toxic effects of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and fumonisin B1 (FB1), administered singly or in combination to broilers. 2. Feeds were prepared with concentrations equal to 0, 50 and 200 µg AFB1/kg, and/or 0, 50 and 200 mg FB1/kg, and offered to broiler chicks from 8 to 41 d of age. The experimental design was totally randomised, in a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement with 9 treatments and 12 birds per treatment. Animals were vaccinated against Newcastle disease on d 14 of life and killed at 41 d. 3. Compared with controls, all mycotoxin-treated groups at 41 d had lower body weight and weight gain, and higher relative heart weight. The relative weight of the liver increased only in birds fed diets containing 200 mg FB1, singly or in combination with AFB1. 4. At 35 d, all groups receiving mycotoxin-treated rations had reduced geometrical mean antibody titres, with birds from groups fed combinations of AFB1 and FB1/kg having even lower values, when compared to the other groups. 5. Histological changes were observed only in liver from birds fed mycotoxin-contaminated rations, and in kidneys of birds fed the diet containing 200 µg AFB1 and 200 mg FB1/kg. Main alterations included vacuolar degeneration and cell proliferation of bile ducts in the liver, and hydropic degeneration in renal tubules in the kidneys. 6. We concluded that AFB1 and FB1 in combination have primarily additive effects on body weight, liver structure and immunological response of broilers at the concentrations used.
Kinematics of high-heeled gait.

High-heeled shoes cause postural changes, a loss in foot function, and increased shock loadings during gait, which must be compensated by accommodations in the kinematics of body segments proximal to the feet. The hypothesis tested in this study was that there are differences in the three-dimensional kinematics of the tibia, knee, hip, pelvis, trunk, and upper trunk between low-heeled and high-heeled gait. Gait analysis of 14 subjects showed that during high-heeled gait subjects walked more slowly (p less than .001), had shorter stride lengths (p less than .001), and had higher stance time percentages (p less than .05). Kinematically, high-heeled gait compared to low-heeled gait, was characterized by significantly increased knee flexion at heelstrike (5.4 degrees vs 2.1 degrees, p less than .05) and during stance phase (22.6 degrees vs 19.2 degrees, p less than .05). During swing phase, high-heeled gait, compared to low-heeled gait, resulted in significantly lower knee flexion (66.1 degrees vs 72.1 degrees, p less than .05) and hip flexion (33.5 degrees vs 34.8 degrees, p less than .05). The range of motion of the pelvis in the sagittal plane was slightly lower in high-heeled gait than in low-heeled gait (7.0 degrees vs 7.9 degrees, p less than .05). No significant differences between low-heeled and high-heeled gait were found in the motions of the pelvis and trunk in the frontal and transverse planes. Statistical tests of intrasubject variability of angles of gait showed that five repeated trials were adequate for analysis of the tibia and knee in all planes of motion and for the hip in frontal and transverse planes. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Characterization of multidrug-resistant influenza A/H3N2 viruses shed during 1 year by an immunocompromised child.

BACKGROUND Development of influenza drug resistance is an important problem in immunocompromised children that could result in treatment failure and viral transmission to others. METHODS A total of 17 influenza A/H3N2 isolates were recovered over a period of 1 year from an immunocompromised child who was initially treated with oseltamivir and then with amantadine and zanamivir for viral pneumonitis. Drug susceptibility phenotypes to oseltamivir, zanamivir, and peramivir were evaluated by neuraminidase (NA) inhibition assays, and sequence analysis of key viral genes (i.e., M2, NA, and hemagglutinin [HA]) was performed. The impact of NA mutations identified in oseltamivir-resistant isolates was analyzed using recombinant NA proteins. RESULTS An influenza A variant with NA mutations E59G, E119V, and I222V was first detected after 38 days of oseltamivir treatment. In an NA inhibition assay, this variant was 274 times more resistant to oseltamivir than the original isolate but was susceptible to zanamivir. The I222V substitution enhanced the level of oseltamivir resistance that was primarily conferred by the E119V mutation in recombinant NA proteins. Remarkably, the E119V mutation persisted for 8 months after cessation of oseltamivir. Amantadine therapy led to rapid emergence of the M2 mutation S31N, which is known to confer amantadine resistance. The patient shed the virus intermittently while receiving nebulized zanamivir therapy despite the absence of a resistance phenotype, which could be the result of nonoptimal drug delivery and impaired host immunity. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the potential for emergence and persistence of multidrug-resistant influenza isolates in immunocompromised subjects even after cessation of treatment, reinforcing the need for development of new anti-influenza compounds.