Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Macroprudential Policy and the Sovereign-Bank Nexus in the Euro Area

We explore how changes in capital-based macroprudential regulation affect theexposure of national banking sectors to domestic government debt in the euro area,thus strengthening or weakening the sovereign-bank nexus. To do so, we construct ameasure of macroprudential policy based on theMacroprudential Policy EvaluationDatabaseand estimate responses to theunsystematiccomponent of macroprudentialpolicy in panel vector autoregressive models for euro area 'core" and 'periphery"countries. Our main finding suggests that an unsystematic capital-based macro-prudential policy tightening increases banks' exposure to domestic sovereign bondsin the periphery countries and so deepens the sovereign-bank nexus. By contrast,banks in the core countries expand their loan portfolios rather than adjusting theirdomestic sovereign bond holdings in response to the shock. We show that this re-sult can be tied to the theoretical literature and investigate several transmissionchannels. Our results are highly robust to changes in the econometric setup and themacroprudential indicator used.
The Fe–Fe2P phase diagram at 6 GPa

ABSTRACT Here, we report experimental results on melting and subsolidus phase relations in the Fe–Fe2P system at 6 GPa and 900–1600°C. The system has two P-bearing compounds: Fe3P and Fe2P. X-ray diffraction patterns of these compounds correspond to schreibersite and barringerite, respectively. The Fe–Fe3P eutectic appears at 1075°C and 16 mol% P. Schreibersite (Fe3P) melts incongruently at 1250°C to produce barringerite (Fe2P) and liquid containing 23 mol% P. Barringerite (Fe2P) melts congruently at 1575°C. Maximum solid solution of P in metallic iron at 6 GPa is 5 mol%. As temperature increases to 1600°C, the P solubility in the metallic iron decreases to 0.5 mol%, whereas the P content in coexisting liquid decreases to 3 mol%. The composition of quenched phases from Fe–P melt coincides with the compositions of equilibrium phases at corresponding temperature. Consequently, the composition of quenched products of Fe-P melts in meteorites can be used for reconstruction of P–T conditions of their crystallization under ambient or low pressures or during shock melting by impact collisions.
Chemical Composition, Antibacterial and Antifungal Activities of Anthocleista vogelii Planch Root Bark Extracts

This study sought to investigate the chemical composition, antibacterial and antifungal activities of ethanol extract and fractions of the root bark of Anthocleista vogelii Planch. The GCMS analysis of the n-hexane fraction (nHF) of A. vogelii revealed the presence of 12 volatile compounds. While the classes of compounds profiled in terpenoid rich fraction (TRF) using LCMS were majorly terpenoids (tarennoside, 3-Hydroxybenzaldehyde, 12-hydroxyjasmonic acid, 5-megastigmen-7-yne-3,9-diol 9-glucoside, gibberellin A2 O-beta-D-glucoside, 15-Acetoxyscirpene-3,4-diol 4-O-a-D-glucopyranoside), organic/carboxylic acids and fatty acids. The results revealed good antibacterial activity of ethanol extract (EEx) against S. aureus at MIC = 2 mg/mL, but moderate activity by TRF (MIC = 8 mg/mL) although, the TRF had better antibacterial activity than EEX against E. coli (MIC = 8 mg/mL) and S. paratyphi (MIC = 8 mg/mL). The TRF had similar antifungal activity with EEX against T. rubrum (MIC = 4 mg/mL) and T. mentagrophytes (MIC = 8 mg/mL), but displayed better activity against C. albicans (MIC = 4 mg/mL). The nHF showed no antibacterial or antifungal activities. The antimicrobial activities of extract (EEX) and fraction (TRF) of A. vogelii root back validates its use in traditional medicine for treatment of typhoid, urinary tract infection, food poisoning, diarrhea, stomach aches and skin diseases.
Theoretical study of thermoelectric properties in nanostructures

Thermoelectric generators are able to directly convert heat into electrical energy. They could have a great potential in terms of energy harvesting, but unfortunately, the best thermoelectric materials are rare and pollutant.Silicon and Germanium would be attractive materials if their thermoelectric efficiency were improved. For this purpose, nanostructuring is a possible route, for instance via the introduction of rough boundaries or interfaces between materials.Recently, polytype nanowires (composed of a sequence of cubic and hexagonal phases of Si and Ge) have been fabricated, but the experimental characterization of such complex nanostructures with exotic materials is challenging.In this thesis, we study the details of thermal transport in nanostructures with numerical simulations. An original Monte Carlo method is developed, with a full band emph{ab initio} description of materials. It includes models for the rough boundaries and the solid-solid interfaces. Molecular Dynamics simulations are also performed to characterize the properties of interfaces.We confirm that the hexagonal phases of Si and Ge have lower thermal conductivity than their cubic counterparts. The full band model shows a strong anisotropy in the heat flux.Usual semi-analytical models failed to reproduce the thermal conductivity of simulated nanostructures with rough boundaries. Besides, those boundaries tend to focus the heat flux in the main direction of the nanostructure. Finally, some polytype interfaces can have an interfacial conductance almost as low as Si/Ge interfaces, and thus could improve significantly the thermoelectric efficiency of polytype nanowires. The presented Monte Carlo method could easily be used with a wide range of materials,and it can model arbitrarily complex nanostructures. In the future, the results from Molecular Dynamics simulation will be used to parametrize a more realistic model of solid-solid interfaces.
Electrochemical Performance and in Operando Charge Efficiency Measurements of Cu/Sn-Doped Nano Iron Electrodes

Fe-air or Ni-Fe cells can offer low-cost and large-scale sustainable energy storage. At present, they are limited by low coulombic efficiency, low active material use, and poor rate capability. To overcome these challenges, two types of nanostructured doped iron materials were investigated: (1) copper and tin doped iron (CuSn); and (2) tin doped iron (Sn). Single-wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) was added to the electrode and LiOH to the electrolyte. In the 2 wt. % Cu + 2 wt. % Sn sample, the addition of SWCNT increased the discharge capacity from 430 to 475 mAh g−1, and charge efficiency increased from 83% to 93.5%. With the addition of both SWCNT and LiOH, the charge efficiency and discharge capacity improved to 91% and 603 mAh g−1, respectively. Meanwhile, the 4 wt. % Sn substituted sample performance is not on par with the 2 wt. % Cu + 2 wt. % Sn sample. The dopant elements (Cu and Sn) and additives (SWCNT and LiOH) have a major impact on the electrode performance. To understand the relation between hydrogen evolution and charge current density, we have used in operando charging measurements combined with mass spectrometry to quantify the evolved hydrogen. The electrodes that were subjected to prolonged overcharge upon hydrogen evolution failed rapidly. This insight could help in the development of better charging schemes for the iron electrodes.
Synthesis, structure and photocatalytic properties of nanoparticles from a carbon-containing composite based on silicon oxide modified with titanium dioxide

Abstract A pulsed plasmochemical method was used to obtain carbon-containing nanocomposites based on silicon oxide modified with titanium dioxide. The material contained a SixCyOz carrier with an average size of 50–150 nm and a shell of fine particles with an average size of 5–10 nm. The phase composition and morphology of the synthesized composites was studied by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The optical and photocatalytic properties of the nanoparticles from the carbon-based composite based on silicon oxide encapsulated in titanium dioxide were studied. The synthesized composite showed a high photocatalytic activity due to the decomposition of methylene blue under the influence of visible light in the wavelength range of 460–630 nm.
Promotional effect of iron on the activity of TiO2 in the production of adipic acid

Designing a new process for the synthesis of adipic acid using green conditions is important to achieve its sustainable development. In this paper, we present a synthesis of adipic acid in one step under a green and mild reaction conditions. The oxidation of cyclohexene to adipic acid using molecular oxygen as oxidant was carried out over different heterogeneous X%Fe2O3/TiO2 catalysts. The catalysts exhibited good conversion (32.5%) and high product (Adipic Acid) selectivity (91.4%). The catalysts were characterized by ICP AES analysis, N2 adsorption–desorption Isotherm (BET), FT-IR, DR/UV–Vis and DRX techniques. A comparison between the effect of the preparation method; impregnation in this work and sol gel method in previous work of the catalyst is discussed. RÉSUMÉ. Choisir un nouveau processus pour la synthèse de l’acide adipique en employant des conditions qui respectent la chimie verte est important pour un développement convenable. Dans cet article, nous présentons la synthèse de l’acide adipique en une seule étape dans des conditions douces et qui obéit aux critères de la chimie verte. L’oxydation du cyclohexene en acide adipique en utilisant l’oxygène moléculaire comme oxydant a était réalisée sur différents catalyseurs hétérogènes X%Fe2O3/TiO2. Les catalyseurs ont montré une bonne conversion (32.5%) et une sélectivité importante vers la production de l’acide adipique (91.4%). Les catalyseurs ont été caractérisés par analyse ICP, BET, FT-IR, UV-Vis en RD and DRX. Une comparaison entre l’effet de la méthode de préparation; l’imprégnation dans ce travail et la méthode sol gel dans un travail précédent, est également discutée
Adolescent Dissociation: The Development and Initial Validation of the Adolescent Dissociation Scale.

The present study attempted to develop and initially validate a self-report screening measure for adolescent dissociative experiences. The Adolescent Dissociation Scale (ADS) is a 49-item, empirically derived, self-report scale designed as a research, screening measure to examine the degree of dissociative experiences in the general population as compared to clinical subjects. Results obtained suggest the ADS is a reliable, highly internally consistent measure. Initial content, construct and disciminant validity were explored. The ADS was found to discriminate between high and low dissociative adolescents. The ADS also was positively correlated with other measures of dissociation.
Sediment transport modeling in non-deposition with clean bed condition using different tree-based algorithms

To reduce the problem of sedimentation in open channels, calculating flow velocity is critical. Undesirable operating costs arise due to sedimentation problems. To overcome these problems, the development of machine learning based models may provide reliable results. Recently, numerous studies have been conducted to model sediment transport in non-deposition condition however, the main deficiency of the existing studies is utilization of a limited range of data in model development. To tackle this drawback, six data sets with wide ranges of pipe size, volumetric sediment concentration, channel bed slope, sediment size and flow depth are used for the model development in this study. Moreover, two tree-based algorithms, namely M5 rule tree (M5RT) and M5 regression tree (M5RGT) are implemented, and results are compared to the traditional regression equations available in the literature. The results show that machine learning approaches outperform traditional regression models. The tree-based algorithms, M5RT and M5RGT, provided satisfactory results in contrast to their regression-based alternatives with RMSE = 1.184 and RMSE = 1.071, respectively. In order to recommend a practical solution, the tree structure algorithms are supplied to compute sediment transport in an open channel flow.
Effect of External Electric Field on Tetrel Bonding Interactions in (FTF3···FH) Complexes (T = C, Si, Ge, and Sn)

A quantum chemical study was accomplished on the σ-hole interactions of the barely explored group IV elements, for the first time, in the absence and presence of the positively and negatively directed external electric field (EEF). The analyses of molecular electrostatic potential addressed the occurrence of the σ-hole on all the inspected tetrel atoms, confirming their salient versatility to engage in σ-hole interactions. MP2 energetic findings disclosed the occurrence of favorable σ-hole interactions within the tetrel bonding complexes. The tetrel bonding interactions became stronger in the order of C < Si < Ge < Sn for F–T–F3···FH complexes with the largest interaction energy amounting to −19.43 kcal/mol for the optimized F–Sn–F3···FH complex under the influence of +0.020 au EEF. The interaction energy conspicuously evolved by boosting the magnitude of the positively directed EEF value and declining the negatively directed EEF one. The decomposition analysis for the interaction energies was also executed in terms of symmetry-adapted perturbation theory, illuminating the dominant electrostatic contribution to all the studied complexes’ interactions except carbon-based interactions controlled by dispersion forces. The outcomes that emerged from the current work reported significantly how the direction and strength of the EEF affect the tetrel-bonding interactions, leading to further improvements in the forthcoming studies of supramolecular chemistry and materials science.
Novel real-time PCR based assays for differentiating fall armyworm strains using four single nucleotide polymorphisms

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, is a polyphagous global pest with a preference for gramineous crops such as corn, sorghum and pasture grasses. This species is comprised of two morphologically identical but genetically distinct host strains known as the corn and rice strains, which can complicate pest management approaches. Two molecular markers are commonly used to differentiate between strains, however, discordance between these markers can lead to inconclusive strain identification. Here, we used double digest restriction site associated DNA sequencing to identify diagnostic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with alleles unique to each strain. We then used these strain-specific SNPs to develop four real-time PCR based TaqMan assays to rapidly and reliably differentiate between strains and interstrain hybrids. These assays provide a new tool for differentiating between strains in field-collected samples, facilitating future studies on strain population dynamics and interstrain hybridization rates. Understanding the basic ecology of S. frugiperda strains is necessary to inform future management strategies.
circ_0023461 Silencing Protects Cardiomyocytes from Hypoxia-Induced Dysfunction through Targeting miR-370-3p/PDE4D Signaling

Background Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a common cardiovascular disease with high disability and mortality. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are implicated in the pathomechanism of multiple human diseases, including AMI. This study intended to explore the function and working mechanism of a novel circRNA circ_0023461 in hypoxia-induced cardiomyocytes. Methods Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot assay were implemented to detect RNA and protein expression. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) assay and 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (Edu) assay were conducted to analyze cell viability and proliferation ability. Cell migration and apoptosis were assessed by Transwell assay and flow cytometry. Cell oxidative stress was analyzed using the commercial kits. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was conducted to analyze cell inflammation. Cell glycolytic metabolism was evaluated using the commercial kits. Dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA pull-down assay were conducted to verify the intermolecular interactions. Results circ_0023461 expression was upregulated in AMI patients and hypoxia-induced AC16 cells. Hypoxia restrained the viability, proliferation, migration, and glycolysis and induced the apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation of AC16 cells, and these effects were attenuated by the silence of circ_0023461. MicroRNA-370-3p (miR-370-3p) was verified as a target of circ_0023461, and circ_0023461 silencing-mediated protective effects in hypoxia-induced cardiomyocytes were partly alleviated by the knockdown of miR-370-3p. miR-370-3p interacted with the 3′ untranslated region (3′ UTR) of phosphodiesterase 4D (PDE4D), and PDE4D overexpression partly reversed miR-370-3p overexpression-induced protective effects in hypoxia-induced cardiomyocytes. circ_0023461 can upregulate PDE4D expression by acting as a molecular sponge for miR-370-3p in AC16 cells. Conclusion circ_0023461 knockdown attenuated hypoxia-induced dysfunction in AC16 cells partly by targeting the miR-370-3p/PDE4D axis.
Emission Level of PM2.5 and its Association With Chronic Respiratory Symptoms Among Workers in Cement Industry: A Case of Mugher Cement Industry, Central Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, occupation-related respiratory symptoms are extensively increasing with the expansion of cement manufacturing industries. However, little information is available on the extent of emissions and its association with chronic respiratory diseases. This study assessed the emission level of PM2.5 and its association with chronic respiratory symptoms among workers in Mugher Cement Factory, in 2018. A cross sectional study was employed on a total of 309 cement factory workers. Air check sampler, model 224-54, was used to measure the concentration of PM2.5. Variables with P value < 0.2 during bivariate analysis were selected as candidate for multiple logistic regressions. Significance level was set at P value <0.05. A total of 309 workers participated in the study with an overall response rate of 97%. The mean age of the respondents was 32.02 years (±4.7 SD). Emission levels of all PM2.5 samples were above the allowed standard. Among the workers, 50.8% had chronic respiratory symptoms and factors associated were: working in raw material receiving unit (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]= 7.5, 95% CI, 2.9, 19.4), cement milling unit (AOR = 2.4, 95 % CI ,1.2, 4.8), packing unit (AOR= 2.2, 95% CI= 1.1, 4.3), workers’ monthly income level below 3000 ETB (AOR; 5.8, 95% CI,1.9, 17.6), and workers’ regular medical checkup (AOR = 2.4, 95 % CI, 1.0, 5.2). The concentration level of PM2.5 and prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms were high in the study area. Use of personal protective devices and periodic monitoring of installed pollution control devices is highly recommended.
Impacts of mild COVID-19 on elevated use of primary and specialist health care services: A nationwide register study from Norway

Aim To explore the temporal impact of mild COVID-19 on need for primary and specialist health care services. Methods In all adults (≥20 years) tested for SARS-CoV-2 in Norway March 1st 2020 to February 1st 2021 (N = 1 401 922), we contrasted the monthly all-cause health care use before and up to 6 months after the test (% relative difference), for patients with a positive test for SARS-CoV-2 (non-hospitalization, i.e. mild COVID-19) and patients with a negative test (no COVID-19). Results We found a substantial short-term elevation in primary care use in all age groups, with men generally having a higher relative increase (men 20–44 years: 522%, 95%CI = 509–535, 45–69 years: 439%, 95%CI = 426–452, ≥70 years: 199%, 95%CI = 180–218) than women (20–44 years: 342, 95%CI = 334–350, 45–69 years = 375, 95%CI = 365–385, ≥70 years: 156%, 95%CI = 141–171) at 1 month following positive test. At 2 months, this sex difference was less pronounced, with a (20–44 years: 21%, 95%CI = 13–29, 45–69 years = 38%, 95%CI = 30–46, ≥70 years: 15%, 95%CI = 3–28) increase in primary care use for men, and a (20–44 years: 30%, 95%CI = 24–36, 45–69 years = 57%, 95%CI = 50–64, ≥70 years: 14%, 95%CI = 4–24) increase for women. At 3 months after test, only women aged 45–70 years still had an increased primary care use (14%, 95%CI = 7–20). The increase was due to respiratory- and general/unspecified conditions. We observed no long-term (4–6 months) elevation in primary care use, and no elevation in specialist care use. Conclusion Mild COVID-19 gives an elevated need for primary care that vanishes 2–3 months after positive test. Middle-aged women had the most prolonged increased primary care use.
New-onset diabetes in COVID-19 and clinical outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with adverse clinical outcomes and high mortality in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The relationship between diabetes and COVID-19 is known to be bidirectional. AIM To analyze the rate of new-onset diabetes in COVID-19 patients and compare the clinical outcomes of new-onset diabetes, pre-existing diabetes, hyperglycemic, and non-diabetes among COVID-19 patients. METHODS We used the Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology statement for the present meta-analysis. Online databases were searched for all peer-reviewed articles published until November 6, 2020. Articles were screened using Covidence and data extracted. Further analysis was done using comprehensive meta-analysis. Among the 128 studies detected after thorough database searching, seven were included in the quantitative analysis. The proportion was reported with 95% confidence interval (CI) and heterogeneity was assessed using I2. RESULTS Analysis showed that 19.70% (CI: 10.93-32.91) of COVID-19 patients had associated DM, and 25.23% (CI: 19.07-32.58) had associated hyperglycemia. The overall mortality rate was 15.36% (CI: 12.57-18.68) of all COVID-19 cases, irrespective of their DM status. The mortality rate was 9.26% among non-diabetic patients, 10.59% among patients with COVID-19 associated hyperglycemia, 16.03% among known DM patients, and 24.96% among COVID-19 associated DM patients. The overall occurrence of adverse events was 20.52% (CI: 14.21-28.70) among COVID-19 patients in the included studies, 15.29% among non-diabetic patients, 20.41% among patients with COVID-19 associated hyperglycemia, 20.69% among known DM patients, and 45.85% among new-onset DM. Meta-regression showed an increasing rate of mortality among new hyperglycemic patients, known diabetics, and new-onset DM patients in comparison to those without diabetes. CONCLUSION A significantly higher rate of new onset DM and hyperglycemia was observed. Higher mortality rates and adverse events were seen in patients with new-onset DM and hyperglycemia than in the non-diabetic population.
‘Everyone seems to be agreeing at the minute that face-to-face is the way forward’: practitioners’ perspectives on post-pandemic mathematics and statistics support

Abstract Mathematics and statistics support (MSS) is now firmly embedded in the learning and teaching infra-structure of most UK universities and in many universities worldwide. In common with other higher education activities, in response to restrictions put in place to reduce the spread of Covid-19, MSS transitioned rapidly to online delivery in spring 2020. This paper reports on thinking within the practitioner community about good practice in the delivery of online MSS. A two-phase approach was used to collect this shared wisdom: an initial questionnaire in May 2020 (just after provision had moved online) and interviews with practitioners in January/February 2021 after colleagues had some experience in online provision and had had the opportunity to reflect on and modify the measures hastily put in place in spring 2020. The focus of the study is not only on what is currently being provided but also on what MSS will look like once all pandemic related restrictions have been ended. The overall feeling of the participants is that face-to-face MSS will return as the dominant form of delivery but that the benefits of online provision are such that a significant minority of provision will remain in this form.