Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
TAXATION, FISCAL ILLUSION AND THE DEMAND FOR GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURES IN THE UK: A TIME-SERIES ANALYSIS

Public choice analysts have often argued that the level of government spending will reflect voter-taxpayer’s demand for public goods, while the fiscal illusion literature has argued that certain features of the tax structure affect voter’s perceptions of their tax burden causing them to underestimate how much they are paying for public goods. In such cases public expenditure is typically predicted to be greater than that proposed by simple ‘decisive-voter’ demand models. In this paper we test whether standard fiscal illusion arguments, typically examined in a cross-section context, for local public goods, can help to explain the time-series behaviour of national-level public expenditure in the UK over the period 1955-94. The sources of fiscal illusion which we examine are: the visibility of taxes; the extend of deficit finance; revenue complexity; and tax elasticity. If public expenditure is determined by a fully-informed, rational decisive voter then it should be independent of these ‘tax structure’ variables. We find fairly robust evidence, however, that increased use of less visible (indirect) taxes and deficit financing was associated with increased use of less visible (indirect) taxes and deficit financing was associated with increased levels of spending. Closer examination suggests that deficit financing is more a short-term necessity in the fact of shocks than an illusory plan by government. However, it seems that in the UK case, governments relying more on indirect taxes than direct taxes have, other things equal, been able to sustain higher government expenditures. Acknowledgements The authors thank the Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek (NOW) for financial support under grant no. B46-363.
MACHINE LEARNING DATASETS FOR CYBER SECURITY APPLICATIONS

The main objective of this study is not to identify the best machine learning model, but instead to review the main datasets, publicly available, used to train and test security solutions that employ modern classification algorithms for anomaly detection. Hence, DARPA 1998 and KDD were studied as they were the first initiatives taken in this direction, while NSL-KDD, ISCXIDS2012 and CICIDS2017 are taken in consideration for future research because of their advantages. Personalized datasets will always bring a reasonable amount of uncertainty, especially since some feature vectors used for training remain unknown. Nevertheless, training on data specific to the protected infrastructure is more efficient, from the security point of view, than training on old attack signatures.
MODELING VOLATILITY USING UNIVARIATE AND MULTIVARIATE APPROACHES: EVIDENCE FROM MEDITERRANEAN STOCK MARKETS

In this paper we use the univariate and multivariate GARCH models to investigate the volatility behavior of four Mediterranean stock markets (Morocco, Turkey, Spain, and France) over the period 2000-2020. Our results show strong evidence of persisting of volatility in each of these markets. We also find that both the univariate and the multivariate approaches capture well the ARCH and GARCH effects. We analyze the conditional covariances, and co-volatility spillovers between the Moroccan stock market and the three other Mediterranean stock markets. The empirical analysis will be based on the diagonal BEKK model, from which the conditional covariances will be used for studying co-volatility spillovers.
Effect of Incorporation of Zeolite Containing Silver-Zinc Nanoparticles into Mineral Trioxide Aggregate on Odontogenic Activity of Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells

Statement of the Problem: The stimulation of odontogenic activity is considered an essential property for biomaterials used in vital pulp therapy. Purpose: The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of the incorporation of zeolite containing silver-zinc nanoparticles (Ze-Ag-Zn) into Angelous mineral trioxide aggregate (AMTA) on the odontogenic activity of human dental pulp stem cells (HDPSCs). Materials and Method: In this in vitro study, HDPSCs were treated with 2% wt of synthesized Ze-Ag-Zn particles+AMTA, AMTA and Ze-Ag-Zn disks. The negative control cells did not receive any treatment. Then, cell viability was measured using the MTT assay after 7 and 14 days of the treatment course. The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and calcium ion level were also measured in the supernatant culture media using auto-analyzer kits. The obtained data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Student t-test where appropriate. The level of the statistical significance was set at p< 0.05. Results: The results indicated that HDPSCs treated with AMTA and AMTA+Ze-Ag-Zn particles did not show any significant cell death compared with the control cells after 14 days of the treatment course while the ALP activity and calcium ion levels were significantly (p< 0.05) elevated. Also, the addition of AMTA particles to the cell culture media resulted in increased ALP activity and calcium ion level compared with HDPSCs treated with AMTA+ Ze-Ag-Zn particles on day 7 of the treatment course (p< 0.05). Conclusion: It seems that the incorporation of Ze-Ag-Zn particles into AMTA did not have any significant positive effect on the biomineralization properties of AMTA.
Exploring Enterprise Information Systems Procurement in
 Public Service Organisations

Enterprise Information Systems (EIS) are often used by organisations to automate and integrate their business processes to create value and efficiency. However, the majority of EIS research is centred on the implementation phase with relatively little work on the pre‑implementation phase. Another gap in the existing literature is that it usually ignores the wider institutional context when determining the generalisability of research findings. This study focuses on the procurement process and analyses three instances of EIS procurement in a public service organisation. The data collection is conducted using a socio‑technical systems framework embedded within a case study methodology. Narrative analysis with a processual lens is used as an analytical tool in this study. In contrast to the existing conception of the procurement process as a completely rational and linear decision‑making process, our findings explain it as a multi‑level process where factors from the work‑system and the macrosocial level play a crucial role in influencing the decisions at the organisational level. Technological imperative (work‑system level) and business case (organisational level) are found to be critical factors in EIS procurement, in line with previous findings. However, the findings suggest a greater role of the macrosocial factors – EIS market, EIS vendor, and the institutional context. This study also notes the demonstrative nature of certain elements of the EIS procurement process in public service organisations. Thus, this study brings out the complexity and contextual nature of EIS procurement in public service organisations by demonstrating the interplay of factors operating at the work‑system, organisational, and macrosocial levels.
“Teachers Or Learners?”: Swapping Roles in CLIL Classes to Improve Speaking Skills and Motivation. A Vertical Transversal Project

Recent language curriculum reforms in the Italian education policy have focused on CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) methodology with great emphasis on the active collaboration between language and content teachers to foster students’ communication and transversal competencies. However, in many schools, the shortage of qualified subject-area teachers with CLIL prerequisites has frequently impeded the innovation required by the Ministry, thus calling for more training on content and language goals. Convinced of the advantages of CLIL programming and supported by school administrators versed in such methodology, it was agreed that a multi-faceted approach was needed which used all the resources and competencies we had at our disposal. This study aims at presenting a two years’ vertical project involving students from different school grades engaged in interdisciplinary CLIL activities as protagonists of their learning. Senior students of a scientific high school in the provinces of Lodi and Milan became content-instructors of junior mentees who, in turn, taught last-year students from nearby middle schools after some disciplinary topics (Art, History, Science, Technology, Social Studies) had been vertically and mutually agreed with the students who played the role of novice educators. Constant monitoring and supervision were assured in the different phases of the project by both language and content teachers who cooperated as facilitators and, in a certain sense, as learners, too. By swapping roles our objectives were both linguistic and pedagogical since we wanted to investigate how students’ attitudes towards English learning and communication could improve in this new and reversed CLIL environment. To achieve our aims both quantitative analyses and questionnaires were adopted which all valued the vertical implementation as a powerful way of promoting motivation and interaction. Our results also proved that being lectured by peers was beneficial to boost students’ speaking skills at all levels and to learn contents more effectively.
Travel content creation

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to examine factors that affect the likelihood to create travel content online. Research has shown that there are far more people consuming social media than generating it. However, online travel marketers need to pay attention to travelers that share their experiences online, as they have the potential to drive sales. Design/methodology/approach – An online survey was conducted to collect data for this study, by sending e-mail invitations to colleagues, students, personal contacts and other email contacts composed of Portuguese Internet users. A total of 244 complete responses were considered valid to test the hypotheses through partial least squares structural equation modeling. Findings – The results reveal that travelers’ level of involvement with tourism products, innovativeness and use of social media directly influences writing reviews about travel experiences online. Research limitations/implications – First, the data used in this study were based on a convenience sample containing only the Portuguese population. Therefore, generalization of the results should be made with caution. The replication of this study in other countries would be desirable. Second, the study used a quantitative approach to examine the effect of personal characteristics on travel content creation. A research using also a qualitative approach could shed new light on the understanding of the research hypotheses. Practical implications – This study provides useful insights for travel social media websites and travel-related organizations, as they can adapt their marketing strategies to the type of travelers that are more likely to write about the travel services that they offer online. Originality/value – From a theoretical perspective, there are few studies that focus on the personal characteristics of travelers that create content online. The intention of this study is to help close this gap, providing useful insights with respect to this matter.
Diagnosing Analog Circuits Designed-for-Testability by Using CLP

Recently, a design-for-test (DFT) methodology for active analog (cid:12)lters was proposed with the primary goal in increased controllability and observability. We operationalize and extend the DFT methodology by using CLP(<) to model and diagnose analog circuits. CLP(<) is a logic programming language with the capability to solve systems of linear equations and inequalities. It is well suited to model parameter tolerances and to diagnose soft faults, i.e., deviations from nominal values. The diagnostic algorithm uses di(cid:11)erent DFT test modes and voltage measurements at di(cid:11)erent frequencies to compute a set of suspected components. Ranking of suspected components is based on a measure of (normalized) standard deviations from (cid:3) This is an extended version of the paper that appears in the Working notes Fourth Intl. Workshop on Principles of Diagnosis, DX-93, pp. 105-120, University of Wales, Aberystwyth, September 6-8, 1993.
IN-VITRO EFFECT OF SOME SECONDARY METABOLISM PRODUCTS OF CORDIA MYXA ON SOME ASPECTS OF LIFE PERFORMANCE OF APHIS CRACCIVORA KOCH (HOMOPTERA: APHIDIDAE)

This study evaluated different concentrations of the crude phenolic and terpenoid extracts of the leaf Cordia myxa in some biological aspects of Aphis craccivora under laboratory conditions. The results showed that all plant extract concentrations were effective on adult of Aphis craccivora compared with control treatment. The mortality rates were of the adult when used 10 mg/ ml concentration of the crude phenolic and terpenoid extracts after 48 hrs of exposure 52.82 and 53.59% Compared with 6.02 and 7.61 % in control treatment respectively. Also, The crude phenolic and terpenoid extracts have affected reduced the number of birth reached 5.67 and 5.00 nymph/ Female at concentration 10 mg/ ml of the crude phenolic and terpenoid extracts Compared with 12.67 and 12.67 nymph/ Female in the control treatment respectively. Keyword: Cordia myxa, crude phenolic, crude terpenoid, Aphis craccivora, plant protection
Previous oil exposure alters Gulf Killifish Fundulus grandis oil avoidance behavior

Oil spills threaten the structure and function of ecological communities. The Deepwater Horizon spill was predicted to have catastrophic consequences for nearshore fishes, but field studies indicate resilience in populations and communities. Previous research indicates many marsh fishes exhibit avoidance of oil contaminated areas, representing one potential mechanism for this resilience. Here, we test whether prior oil exposure of Gulf killifish Fundulus grandis alters this avoidance response. Using choice tests between unoiled and oiled sediments at one of three randomized concentrations (low: 0.1 L oil m−2, medium: 0.5 L oil m−2, or high: 3.0 L oil m−2), we found that, even at low prior exposure levels, killifish lose recognition of oiled sediments compared to control, unexposed fish. Preference for unoiled sediments was absent across all oil concentrations after oil exposure, and some evidence for preference of oiled sediments at high exposure was demonstrated. These results highlight the lack of response to toxic environments in exposed individuals, indicating altered behavior despite organism survival. Future research should document additional sublethal consequences that affect ecosystem and food web functioning.
Repurposing FDA Approved Drugs as JNK3 Inhibitor for Prevention of Neuroinflammation Induced by MCAO in Rats

Background Stress-associated kinases are considered major pathological mediators in several incurable neurological disorders. Importantly, among these stress kinases, the c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) has been linked to numerous neuropathological conditions, including oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and brain degeneration associated with brain injuries such as ischemia/reperfusion injury. In this study, we adopted a drug repurposing/reprofiling approach to explore novel JNK3 inhibitors from FDA-approved medications to supplement existing therapeutic strategies. Materials and Methods We performed in silico docking analysis and molecular dynamics simulation to screen potential candidates from the FDA approved drug library using the standard JNK inhibitor SP600125 as a reference. After the virtual screening, dabigatran, estazolam, leucovorin, and pitavastatin were further examined in ischemic stroke using an animal rodent model of focal cerebral ischemia using transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (t-MCAO). The selected drugs were probed for neuroprotective effectiveness by measuring the infarct area (%) and neurological deficits using a 28-point composite score. Biochemical assays including ELISA and immunohistochemical experiments were performed. Results We obtained structural insights for dabigatran, estazolam, and pitavastatin binding to JNK3, revealing a significant contribution of the hydrophobic regions and significant residues of active site regions. To validate the docking results, the pharmacological effects of dabigatran, estazolam, leucovorin, and pitavastatin on MCAO were tested in parallel with the JNK inhibitor SP600125. After MCAO surgery, severe neurological deficits were detected in the MCAO group compared with the sham controls, which were significantly reversed by dabigatran, estazolam, and pitavastatin treatment. Aberrant morphological features and brain damage were observed in the ipsilateral cortex and striatum of the MCAO groups. The drugs restored the anti-oxidant enzyme activity and reduced the levels of oxidative stress-induced p-JNK and neuroinflammatory mediators such as NF-kB and TNF-ɑ in rats subjected to MCAO. Conclusion Our results demonstrated that the novel FDA-approved medications attenuate ischemic stroke-induced neuronal degeneration, possibly by inhibiting JNK3. Being FDA-approved safe medications, the use of these drugs can be clinically translated for ischemic stroke-associated brain degeneration and other neurodegenerative diseases associated with oxidative stress and neuroinflammation.
Utilizing sponge spicules in taxonomic, ecological and environmental reconstructions: a review

Most sponges produce skeletons formed by spicules, structural elements that develop in a wide variety of sizes and tridimensional shapes. The morphologies of spicules are often unique to clade- or even species-level taxa which makes them particularly useful in taxonomic assignments. When dead sponge bodies disintegrate, spicules become incorporated into sediments and sometimes accumulate into enormous agglomerations called spicule mats or beds, or fossilize to form special type of rocks called the spiculites. The record of fossil and subfossil sponge spicules is extraordinarily rich and often serves as a basis for far-reaching reconstructions of sponge communities, though spicules are also bearers of significant ecological and environmental information. Specific requirements and preferences of sponges can be used to interpret the environment in which they lived, and reconstruct oscillations in water depths, pH, temperatures, and other parameters, providing snapshots of past climate conditions. In turn, the silicon isotope compositions in spicules (δ30Si) are being increasingly often used to estimate the level of silicic acid in the marine settings throughout the geological history, which enables to reconstruct the past silica cycle and ocean circulation. This contribution provides a review of the use of sponge spicules in reconstructions of sponge communities, their ecology, and environments, and aims to detect the pertinent gaps in their utilization. Even though spicules are well known for their significance as bearers of taxonomic, ecological, and environmental data, their potential remains to be fully exploited.
TiO2/Bi2S3 core–shell nanowire arrays for photoelectrochemical hydrogen generation

A facile and effective procedure for the synthesis of quasi-vertically aligned TiO2/Bi2S3 core–shell nanowire arrays (NWAs) is reported. The nontoxic and earth abundant Bi2S3 was assembled onto the hydrothermal pre-grown TiO2 NWAs via a successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method. The morphologies, microstructures, and optical properties of the pristine TiO2 and composite TiO2/Bi2S3 with different SILAR circles were characterized in detail. For photoelectrochemical (PEC) measurements, the TiO2/Bi2S3 core–shell NWAs exhibited not only an enhanced photocurrent density (2.8 times higher than that of pristine TiO2), but also a negatively shifted onset potential from 0.067 to −0.072 V vs. RHE, as compared to the TiO2. This better PEC performance results from the broadened light absorption and the improved charge carrier separation efficiency. Our results provide a green photoelectrode for PEC hydrogen generation.
Simultaneous Drying and Modification of Properties of Starch Using Vacuum Microwave Treatment

The prospect of modifying starch properties while drying was investigated. Potato starch (18% moisture, dry basis) was vacuum microwave treated for different durations (60 to 600 s) with power ratings of 600, 1,000, and 1,500 W at a reduced pressure of 5,000 Pa (absolute). The drying rate was observed to be partially constant but was accompanied by a curious rise in sample temperature. Under a polarized light microscope, reduction in granule size was noticed, which was confirmed from the bulk density measurements, and this shrinkage may be explained by the loss of constituent water. Water absorption capacity of the treated starch samples was further studied at 55°C. The results showed a sudden increase in the capacity, indicating a reduction in gelatinization temperature of starch. This may be attributed to the change in nature of starch from crystalline to amorphous as shown by X-ray diffractograms and to the cracks developed on the granule surface during treatment seen in the scanning electron microscope images. This modified starch can serve well in the paper and food industry.
Simultaneous Maximization of the Char Yield and Volatility of Oil from Biomass Pyrolysis

This study proposes continuous biomass pyrolysis featuring internal recycling of a heavier portion of bio-oil (HBO) that evaporates, leaving solid residue when reheated. The recycling of HBO enables the selective production of light bio-oil (LBO) that is free from residue after evaporation, and also the maximization of the char yield. The performance of the proposed pyrolysis has been examined experimentally by employing an originally designed simulator of a vapor–solid countercurrent moving bed reactor, which provides the zone for pyrolysis at 120–550 °C (PZ) and the zone for capture of HBO by the parent biomass at 120 °C (CZ) in series. The HBO recycling increases the char yield from the pyrolysis of pine sawdust from 0.25 to 0.36 kg/kg of dry feedstock while producing LBO, in which the organic compounds have carbon numbers no greater than 13. Such a large increase in the char yield is caused by two different events. HBO is captured by the parent biomass in CZ and undergoes self-charring and/or co-carbo.
Assessment of sewage sludge quality in Greece

The quality of sewage sludge produced by two Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants (Sparta and Kavala) was studied during the dry (summer‐autumn) and wet (winter) periods. Sewage sludge had considerable nitrogen and phosphorus content that enable them to be used as additives to improve soil quality. On the other hand, the concentrations of harmful metals were lower than the limits imposed by the European Commission, and therefore these sludges can be safely used by farmers. The differences recorded between seasons were attributed to seasonal fluctuations of the city population caused by tourism. The available data indicate that the sewage sludge produced in Municipal Wastewater Plants at industry‐free agglomerations can be safely used as soil conditioner for agriculture.