Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sustainability of Fiscal Policy and Government Revenue-Expenditure Nexus: The Experience of Indonesia

This paper empirically examines the issue of fiscal policy sustainability in Indonesia. To do so, we first diagnose the Indonesia’s public finance by analysing the evolution of key fiscal indicators—debt, budget deficit, revenue and expenditure—over time. It is found that the fiscal policy in Indonesia has been responsible and conservative. The budget deficit has been maintained below 3 percent of GDP with a decreasing trend in public debt-to-GDP ratio since 2001 to present. We then test the fiscal sustainability based on the government intertemporal budget constraint (IBC) framework using the data set covering the period of 1982 – 2010. The IBC framework requires the stationarity of public debt and total deficit as well as cointegration of government revenues and expenditures. We find that all the variables of interest are stationary, which favouring a conclusion that fiscal policy in Indonesia has been sustainable during the sample period. We proceed by analysing the nexus of the government revenue and expenditure. The results from the Granger causality test and the generalised impulse response function are consistent with the Friedman’s (1978) tax-and-spend hypothesis, that government revenue Granger causes government expenditure positively. We also find that a shock in expenditure lead to a worsening budget deficit Therefore, in controlling budget deficit and sustaining fiscal sustainability, the fiscal authorities in Indonesia should pursue robust fiscal policy aimed at raising revenue and controlling expenditure.
EUROPEAN INTEGRATION AND THE CASE FOR COMPENSATORY REGIONAL POLICY

The ongoing process of European integration is likely to increase trade and factor mobility thereby increasing interregional competition and affecting the interregional division of labor. From a theoretical standpoint, rising specialization and polarization of European regions may result from this process, and may entail a growing core-periphery-divide of regional income. Such a supposition evokes questions on the need of an accompanying compensatory regional policy and its adequate design. I find that a case for regional policy cannot be denied, but that the EU largely overstates the need for such a policy at EU level, and should abstain from direct structural interventions into regional economies.
Matrix models and stochastic growth in Donaldson-Thomas theory

We show that the partition functions which enumerate Donaldson-Thomas invariants of local toric Calabi-Yau threefolds without compact divisors can be expressed in terms of specializations of the Schur measure. We also discuss the relevance of the Hall-Littlewood and Jack measures in the context of BPS state counting and study the partition functions at arbitrary points of the Kaehler moduli space. This rewriting in terms of symmetric functions leads to a unitary one-matrix model representation for Donaldson-Thomas theory. We describe explicitly how this result is related to the unitary matrix model description of Chern-Simons gauge theory. This representation is used to show that the generating functions for Donaldson-Thomas invariants are related to tau-functions of the integrable Toda and Toeplitz lattice hierarchies. The matrix model also leads to an interpretation of Donaldson-Thomas theory in terms of non-intersecting paths in the lock-step model of vicious walkers. We further show that these generating functions can be interpreted as normalization constants of a corner growth/last-passage stochastic model.
Genetic Diversity Analysis in Tropical Maize Germplasm for Stem Borer and Storage Pest Resistance using Molecular Markers and Phenotypic traits

One hundred maize inbred lines and eighty four hybrids were characterized for resistance to maize stem borer and post-harvest insect pests. This was achieved using genetic distance and population structure based on simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and biophysical traits. The test materials were evaluated for stem borer, maize weevil and larger grain borer (LGB) resistance. Leaf samples were harvested from 10 healthy plants per genotype and bulked. Genomic DNA was extracted using a modified version of mini-prep Cetyl Trimethyl Ammonium Bromide (CTAB) method. The samples were genotyped with 55 SSRs makers. Univariate analysis of variance was done using the general linear model procedure of SAS statistical package. Rodgers genetic distance was calculated for all data sets as a measure of genetic distance using NTSYS-pc for Windows. The distance matrices were used to generate phenograms using the unweighted pair group method based on arithmetic average (UPGMA) method in MEGA5. The genotypes were assigned into different populations using population structure software. The data was further subjected to discriminant and principal component analysis to group the gnotyoes. Analysis of molecular variance within and among the different populations was done using arlequin. There were significant differences (P ≤ 0.001) for all the biophysical traits evaluated. The SSR marker data estimated successfully the close relationship among different hybrids and inbred lines within clusters. Comparisons of the different multivariate analyses revealed high concordance among the different approaches of analyses. The results of this study can be directly used by breeding programs to develop resistant genotypes.
Transporting Isowean Pigs—Part I: Responses to Potential Intransit Nutritional Conditions

The goal of this research effort was to explore the feasibility and protocols to transport isowean pigs long distance. This study was the first part of the effort that examined the nutritional aspects of such a practice. Isowean pigs of PIC genetics (8 to 12 days old, weighing 8 to 9 lb) were subjected to four post-weaning nutrition regimens that lasted for a simulated transportation duration of 72 h at a constant thermoneutral condition. The four nutrition regimens tested ranged from supply of feed and water supplement to absence of both feed and water. Pigs deprived of feed and water had a greater weight loss than the fed pigs or pigs supplied with water only (17 vs. 11% of initial body weight, P
Single-sided-hydrogenated graphene: Density functional theorypredictions

Hydrogenation has proven to be an effective tool to open the bandgap of graphene. In the present density functional study we demonstrate that single-side-hydrogenated graphene is a semiconductor with an indirect bandgap of 1.89 eV, in between the gapless graphene and wide bandgap graphane. We show that its electronic structure and lattice characteristics are substantially different from those of graphene, graphone, or graphane. The lattice parameter and C-C bond length are found to be lengthened by 15% of those of graphene. Our binding energy analysis confirms that such a single sided hydrogenation leads to thermodynamically stable material.
Examining the rights of children with intellectual disability in South Africa: Children's perspectives

Abstract Background Human rights provide fundamental conditions for people to maintain dignity and self-determination and protect a nation's most vulnerable citizens. In South Africa, children with intellectual disability who experience socioeconomic disadvantage may be particularly vulnerable due to their cognitive impairments and inability to garner needed resources. Method The perceptions of children with intellectual disability regarding their access to basic amenities in their home environments were examined to determine whether their positive human rights were met. Risk factors were examined in relation to these perceptions. Results The results suggested that participants generally reported high degrees of access to basic resources. Logistic regressions suggested socioeconomic risk factors (e.g., income, education, household size, relationship status) were negatively related to children's reports of access to food and their own beds and positively related to having someone available to explain confusing concepts to them. Conclusions The positive human rights of children living in high-risk environments should be monitored to ensure all South Africans have their rights met.
Regime-Switching Dynamic Nelson-Siegel Modeling to Corporate Bond Yield Spreads with Time-Varying Transition Probabilities

The purpose of this study is to develop a regime-switching extension of the dynamic Nelson-Siegel term structure model and apply it to Japanese corporate bond spread data on an individual firm basis for the period April 1997 through December 2011. The results indicate that the estimated regime probability is closely linked to business and market sentiment. The regime-switching model is extended by adopting a time-varying transition probability matrix driven by leading macroeconomic indicators. The overall fit is improved by incorporating a time-varying transition probability matrix. Our results imply the importance of incorporating regime shifts into modeling the term structure of credit spreads.
In vitro antioxidant analysis of Achillea tenuifolia

Achillea tenuifolia (AT) is one of the most herbs are being used by people as a traditional medicinal remedy. Antioxidant activity of AT different extracts and total flavonoid and phenol levels in the extracts were investigated in this study. Plant extracts were prepared by maceration method using ethyl acetate, methanol and methanol-water (1:1). Folin Ciocalteu reagent in terms of gallic acid equivalent achieved the total phenol's content. AlCl3 was used as a reagent for flavonoid determination. Flavonoid content of the plant extracts obtained in terms of quercetin equivalent. DPPH radical scavenging effect of the extracts was determined by UV spectroscopy. Also in order to determine lipid peroxidation inhibition of the extracts of A. tenuifolia, ferric thiocyanate method with BHT, a synthetic reference standard, was carried out in this study. Phenol contents were 43.97 ± 0.034, 74.16 ± 0.55 and 106 ± 0.693 mg g-1 in the ethyl acetate, methanol and methanol-water extracts, respectively. Flavonoid amount obtained in the ethyl acetate, methanol and methanol-water extracts were 10.6 ± 1.85, 23.1 ± 0.5 and 190 ± 1.3 mg g-1, respectively. The percentage of DPPH radical scavenged by the most active extract (methanol-water) of A. tenuifolia was 92% at a concentration of 1 mgml-1 greater than 94% of BHT at 2 mgml-1. IC50 of methanol-water extract and BHT were 0.015 and 0.053 mgml-1, respectively. Lipid peroxidation inhibition was observed by the most polar extract of AT about 91.84%. Phenol and flavonoids content confirm the existence of more polar hydroxyl containing chemical structures in the plant. The potency of radical scavenging effect of methanol-water extract was about 3.5 times greater than synthetic antioxidant BHT. The inhibitory activity of the extracts on the lipid peroxidation of linoleic acid in ferric thiocyanate test was also significant (> 90%). In this study we concluded that there is a direct relation between phenol and flavonoid content of plant extracts and the antioxidant activity. So that the greater amount of phenolic compounds leads to more potent radical scavenging and lipid peroxidation inhibition activities as it was observed in A. tenuifolia polar extract in the present study.
Early infant diagnosis of HIV in India—Early results and sero-positivity determinants

Introduction: PMTCT under NACP-III cover ex-posed children born to sero-positive mothers. Baby’s sero-status could be confirmed only at 18 months. Under EID, by DBS and/or WB collection, DNA-PCR can be performed earlier, with subsequent ART-linkage and 18-months-con- firmation. In Ahmedabad, with 55,000 annual pre- gnancy-HIV-testing, sero-prevalence is 0.27%. Methodology: Entry-points in EID are at 6 weeks, 6 months or 12 months. Cohort of 213 exposed children since EID roll-out (June 2010-December 2011) at all tertiary care hospitals under Ahme-dabad Municipal Corporation was assessed for sero-positivity-prevalence, DBS validity and assessment of baby’s sero-status-determinants. De-identified, secondary data were captured under routine public-health-program. Necessary permissions taken. Results: 144 HIV sero-positive deliveries took place. 213 exposed children were enrolled in EID. Cumulatively, 18 (8.45%) were tested positive at all entry-points. Out of sero-positives confirmed at 18 months, 60% children’s mothers were detected either in second or third trimester. In 40%, mothers remained undiagnosed intra-partum. Mothers were not on ART intra-partum in 80% (RR 1.8). Peri-partum ARV prophylaxis-single-dose-Nevirapine (sdNVP) was not given in 60%. [RR 18, CI 3.69 to 87.70 at 95% (p < 0.0003)]. In 60%, mode of delivery was vaginal, deliveries were handled in emergency. History of exclusive breastfeeding was in 60%. Discussion: Rise in yield of sero-positivity with age, highest proportion of sero-positivity and highest number of entrants at 6 weeks call for efforts targeted towards increasing earliest EID uptake clubbed with immunization visits. Feasibility, validity and early-ART-linkage to reduce mortality are features of DBS. Results justify its use in national program. Earliest pregnancy-HIV detection, HIV-testing for emergency deliveries, intra-partum sdNVP to both mother and baby, ART-linkage of eligible mothers and following infant feeding guidelines remain cornerstone of PMTCT success.
MOSFET devices with polysilicon on single-layer HfO/sub 2/ high-K dielectrics

MOSFETs and MOSCAPs of a single-layer thin HfO/sub 2/ gate dielectric with dual polysilicon gate were fabricated with self-aligned process and characterized. Polysilicon and dopant activation processes were optimized such that leakage current and equivalent oxide thickness (EOT) of HfO/sub 2/ remain low (EOT of 12.0 /spl Aring/. HfO/sub 2/ with 1/spl times/10/sup -3/ A/cm/sup 2/ at Vg=1.0 V). Reasonable N- and P-MOSFET characteristics such as subthreshold swing of 74 mV/decade and output currents were also demonstrated.
Effect of Nano-CaCO3 and Talc on Property and Weathering Performance of PP Composites

Wood plastic composites (WPCs) are increasingly being utilized these days due to their excellent mechanical properties and low maintenance cost. Despite these advantages, poor UV resistance and low impact strength are drawbacks. To overcome these shortcomings, coextrusion technology has recently been applied in the production of WPCs and it has been showing good results. However, further research on the combination of different functional enhancements is still needed. This study, therefore, manufactured polypropylene (PP) composites filled with UV stabilizer and inorganic fillers (i.e., nano-CaCO3 and talc) and then investigated the influence of weathering on the mechanical and morphological properties of the filled composites as a function of filler type and content. UV stabilizer effectively protected the filled composites from UV-induced photodegradation. At 2.5 wt% nano-CaCO3 (NCC), the NCC particles were well dispersed in the PP matrix, thereby improving the mechanical properties of the filled composites. The best results were observed in 2.5 wt% NCC and 10 wt% talc hybrid filled composites. The composites prepared by adding UV stabilizer to the PP matrix together with NCC and talc exhibited high mechanical properties and improved weathering resistance, and, thus, the combination of NCC, talc, and UV stabilizer in the PP matrix is applicable for shell layer to be used in coextruded WPCs.
Reproductive Health Training of Turkish Soldiers from Certain Risk Groups

Aims: The 2003 Turkey Demographic and Health Survey (TDHS-2003) pointed out significant differences between East Anatolia and the other regions of Turkey. Some studies carried out among Turkish soldiers have underlined the need for more information on Reproductive Health (RH) issues for soldiers with lower educational level and coming from the eastern region of Turkey. Since marriage in Turkey is very important from a demographic perspective, this study has attempted to determine prevalence of marriage and certain characteristics of married soldiers who were involved in the RH courses. The aim of the study was to determine the results of RH training courses for soldiers born in the east region and married soldiers and to identify the prevalence of certain characteristics in the study group. Materials and Methods: In the frame of the Reproductive Health Program (RHP) of the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF), all soldiers received training in RH by field trainers between April 2004 and January 2006. Soldiers were tested via a questionnaire containing 25 true-false type statements before and after training. The data including 484,949 cases from the TAF RHP database was transferred to a SPSS package program. From the total cases, 135,905 soldiers were born in the Eastern Anatolia region and 36,468 were married; analyses were carried out on these latter cases. Results: Of all soldiers born in the eastern region of Turkey, 47.4% were born in Southeast Anatolia. Primary school graduates constituted the largest group (40.5%). Mean pre-course score was 63.2 ± 15.7, while post-course score was 81.4 ± 13.8 (P < 0.001). Among soldiers born in the eastern region of Turkey, 26% (17,325) resided in other regions before their military service. A comparison of pre- and post-test scores between those still living in the east region and those living outside the east region (pre-test 62.3 and 65.7, respectively; post-test 80.8 and 83.3, respectively) revealed significant differences (P < 0.001). The overall rate of marriage among soldiers was found as 7.7%. Among all married soldiers, 70.9% were determined as in the youngest age group, what might be considered as adolescence. 37.2% of married soldiers were primary school graduates and constituted the largest group with respect to education level. The distribution of married soldiers according to the demographic regions in which they were living before military service was determined as follows: 27.9% west, 23.6% central, 11.0% south, 9.3% north, and 26.5% east. Conclusions: Living in the eastern region of Turkey is a contributing factor to low knowledge levels on issues of RH. Early marriage is one indicator of this fact. Lower general educational level seems to be the major underlying factor.
SOA Formation from 1,3,5-TMB

Gas phase precursors to anthropogenic secondary organic aerosol: detailed observations of 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene photooxidation K. P. Wyche, P. S. Monks, A. M. Ellis, R. L. Cordell, A. E. Parker, C. Whyte, A. Metzger, J. Dommen, J. Duplissy, A. S. H. Prevot, U. Baltensperger, A. R. Rickard, and F. Wulfert Atmospheric Chemistry, Dept. of Chemistry, Univ. of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK Laboratory of Atmospheric Chemistry, Paul Scherrer Institut, 5232, Villigen, Switzerland National Centre for Atmospheric Science, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK Division of Food Sciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, LE12 5RD, UK Received: 15 April 2008 – Accepted: 13 May 2008 – Published: 13 June 2008 Correspondence to: P. S. Monks (p.s.monks@le.ac.uk) Published by Copernicus Publications on behalf of the European Geosciences Union.
Social Capital as a Source of Business Advantages for a Woman Entrepreneur in the Context of Small-size Business

Social capital can be defined as the totality of resources by virtue of possessing social ties. Grounded along the previous research, this research examines the relation between the social capital of woman entrepreneurs and their small companies’ market performance mediated by competitive advantages. A survey of 257 entrepreneurs who is woman in Korea found that structural social capital and cognitive, social capital positively influence both differentiation advantage and cost advantage. The empirical results also indicate that those advantages affect market performance significantly. However, the impacts of relational social capital are not significant. The main theoretical contribution of this study is that it confirms the importance of social capital for woman entrepreneurs. It also supports the relevance of social capital in producing competitive advantages which lead to a better market performance. This study provides woman entrepreneurs in SMBs with managerial implications. The result show that woman entrepreneurs can create business advantage by creating social ties and promoting social capital.
Why do Czech consumers purchase organic food

The objective of this paper is to analyze empirically factors that explain organic food purchase behaviour, using data on a representative sample of inhabitants of Czech Republic. First, socio-demographic characteristics of organic food consumers are examined. Second, the motivational factors and barriers that affect purchase decision-making related to organic food are identified.The results of the study show that organic food is purchased more likely by younger households, households from larger cities and households with the highest income. Health-related beliefs, environmental beliefs, and normative beliefs have positive effect on organic food purchase. On the other hand, low trust in certification system, lack of information and perceived shorter shelf life of organics are the important barriers to organic food consumption.
Perinatal Nutritional Reprogramming of the Epigenome Promotes Subsequent Development of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis

With the epidemic of obesity, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most common pediatric liver disease. The influence of a perinatal obesity‐inducing diet (OID) on the development and progression of NAFLD in offspring is important but incompletely studied. Hence, we fed breeding pairs of C57BL/6J mice during gestation and lactation (perinatally) either chow or an OID rich in fat, fructose, and cholesterol (FFC). The offspring were weaned to either chow or an FFC diet, generating four groups: perinatal (p)Chow‐Chow, pChow‐FFC, pFFC‐Chow, and pFFC‐FFC. Mice were sacrificed at 10 weeks of age. We examined the whole‐liver transcriptome by RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) and whole‐liver genome methylation by reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS). Our results indicated that the pFFC‐FFC mice had a significant increase in hepatic steatosis, injury, inflammation, and fibrosis, as assessed histologically and biochemically. We identified 189 genes that were differentially expressed and methylated in the pFFC‐FFC mice versus the pChow‐FFC mice. Gene set enrichment analysis identified hepatic fibrosis/hepatic stellate cell activation as the top canonical pathway, suggesting that the differential DNA methylation events in the mice exposed to the FFC diet perinatally were associated with a profibrogenic transcriptome. To verify that this finding was consistent with perinatal nutritional reprogramming of the methylome, we exposed pFFC‐Chow mice to an FFC diet in adulthood. These mice developed significant hepatic steatosis, injury, inflammation, and more importantly fibrosis when compared to the appropriate controls. Conclusion: Perinatal exposure to an OID primes the immature liver for an accentuated fibrosing nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) phenotype, likely through nutritional reprogramming of the offspring methylome. These data have potential clinical implications for monitoring children of obese mothers and risk stratification of children with NAFLD.