Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Liquidity Risk in Conventional and Islamic Banks Literature Review

Following the 2008 Global Financial Crisis and 2014 oil price fall liquidity risk in banks is a major issue. The main objective of this journal article is to examine liquidity risk of Conventional and Islamic Banks. The study uses data of banks operating in banking regulatory environments. The implications of the results will be bank management, government and regulatory bodies of banks to manage the significant factors influencing liquidity risk effectively because they have direct impact on the banks’ cost efficiency and profitability. It is therefore recommended that the practitioners and policy makers to examine closely contract that should be backed by long term capital to mitigate liquidity risk. This will ensure greater profitability of commercial banks in the dual banking environment.
Identification and quantitation of major structural proteins from enriched cuticle fractions of wools of different breeds

The cuticle plays an important role in determining characteristic traits of wool fibres, but little is known about the identity and abundance of its proteinaceous constituents and whether there are unique differences in cuticle composition of wools from different breeds of sheep. In this study, protein profiles of enriched endocuticle fractions from fine (Merino), strong (Romney) wool and a sheep that sheds its wool (Wiltshire) were determined by LC-MS/MS and LC-MALDI, quantitative differences being determined by iTRAQ-labelling. Although keratin composition of the cuticle was similar between breeds, with the exception of K82, there were clear differences in the number of identified keratin-associated proteins. Overall, both qualitative and quantitative differences in protein composition of the cuticle from different sheep breeds were found, which may contribute to the unique characteristics of these wools.
Plant species and their importance to housing in the Turkana community, Kenya

There are many native species that are important to local communities globally. There have been studies on the importance of these plant species for many uses by local communities. Though, there is scanty information on these species’ recognition by researchers. Despite the harsh climatic conditions in Turkana (semi-arid to arid), the community has over the years developed strategies for conservation of some sections of important woodland and riparian zones that provide multiple goods and services for the people and livestock. This study seeks to appraise the plant species preferred for construction and related cultural uses by pastoral communities in Northern Kenya where Turkana county in situated. The key results are list of plant species and their uses in regard to housing as well as the relative importance of the plant species to the Turkana pastoral community for housing. This will inform on priority species for conservation and also emphasize on key areas that this knowledge can be used. Key words: Turkana pastoralists community, housing, indigenous knowledge, plant species.
EFFECT OF PARTIAL SUBSTITUTION OF SOYBEAN MEAL WITH LUPINE SEEDS ON METABOLIC INDICES BLOOD, CARCASS VALUE AND MEAT QUALITY OF BROILERS

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of different levels of free alkaloid lupine seeds in feeding broilers, on meat quality and blood metabolic indices (indices slaughter weight in regions with high commercial value housing structure, the structure of the thigh tissue and chest and chemical composition of meat). A total of 120 Ross 308 chicks were divided into four groups. Lot Lc (control) was fed a diet of corn and soy soybean. The experimental diets were used with different levels of substitution of soy protein meals lupine beans (low, medium and high for groups E1, E2 and E3 respectively). The results show that when properly balanced compound feeds in energy, protein and amino acids limits, substituting soy protein meals in broiler chickens with lupine flour by up to 30% in the starter phase (1-21 days) and 60% in the growth phase (22-35 days) and finishing (36-42 days), has no adverse effect on weight gain, carcass quality and meat. Biochemical tests suggest that lupine beans does not significantly influence the metabolism of proteins, in turn have a positive effect on blood lipoprotein (HDL increases and decreases LDL). Slaughter inspection results shows overall differences statistically only for chickens, in which food was introduced lupine highest proportion both to the control group (Lc) and compared to other experimental groups were recorded lower values both carcass weight and carcass weight as chest in case structure (p <0,05). Except for the liver, other internal organs, but especially goiter and gizzard showed significantly higher values in the offspring of the food groups which have used high proportions of lupines than those in the control group (Lc). Substituting soy protein meals in broiler chickens at a rate of 40% in the starter phase and 80% thereafter until slaughter, has a negative influence on the tissue structure of the housing, reducing the proportion of meat in favor of bone (p <0,05), but also on the chemical composition of the meat, increasing crude ash content (p <0,01).
Phylogeny of the Eocene Antarctic Tapetinae Gray, 1851 (Bivalvia, Veneridae) from the La Meseta and Submeseta formations

Abstract. Systematic analysis shows that the Southern Hemisphere bivalve genus Retrotapes includes the Antarctic species R. antarcticus, R. newtoni, and R. robustus and recognizes for the first time the presence of Katelysia represented by K. florentinoi. Two new genera were erected in this study: Marciachlys new genus to include M. inflata new combination, and Adelfia new genus, which includes A. austrolissa new combination and A. omega new species from the Eocene of Antarctica, and the late Eocene Chilean A. arenosa new combination. Eurhomalea carlosi was synonymized with K. florentinoi; Cyclorismina marwicki with R. antarcticus; Gomphina iheringi was considered an indeterminate species; and Cockburnia lunulifera was excluded from the Tapetinae. These systematic assignments are supported by a phylogenetic analysis, which recognizes an Austral clade of Tapetinae, comprising all the genera mentioned above, along with Marcia, Paleomarcia, Atamarcia, and Protapes.
How Did U.S. Consumers Use Their Stimulus Payments?

Using a large-scale survey of U.S. consumers, we study how the large one-time transfers to individuals from the CARES Act affected their consumption, saving and labor-supply decisions. Most respondents report that they primarily saved or paid down debts with their transfers, with only about 15 percent reporting that they mostly spent it. When providing a detailed breakdown of how they used their checks, individuals report having spent or planning to spend only around 40 percent of the total transfer on average. This relatively low rate of spending out of a one-time transfer is higher for those facing liquidity constraints, who are out of the labor force, who live in larger households, who are less educated and those who received smaller amounts. We find no meaningful effect on labor-supply decisions from these transfer payments, except for twenty percent of the unemployed who report that the stimulus payment made them search harder for a job.
Selection into Leadership and Dishonest Behavior of Leaders: A Gender Experiment

Leaders often have to weigh ethical against monetary consequences. Such situations may evoke psychological costs from being dishonest and dismissing higher monetary benefits for others. In a within-subjects experiment, we analyze such a dilemma. We first measure individual dishonest behavior when subjects report the outcome of a die roll, which determines their payoffs. Subsequently, they act as leaders and report payoffs for a group including themselves. In our main treatment, subjects can apply for leadership, whereas in the control treatment, we assign leadership randomly. Results reveal that women behave more dishonestly as leaders while men behave similarly in both the individual and the group decision. For female leaders, we find that sorting into leadership is not related to individual honesty preferences. In the control we find that female leaders do not increase dishonesty. A follow-up study reveals that female leaders become more dishonest after assuming leadership, as they align dishonest behavior with their belief on group members’ honesty preferences.
Oil Prices, Gasoline Prices and Inflation Expectations: A New Model and New Facts

The conventional wisdom that inflation expectations respond to the level of the price of oil (or the price of gasoline) is based on testing the null hypothesis of a zero slope coefficient in a static single-equation regression model fit to aggregate data. Given that the regressor in this model is not stationary, the null distribution of the t-test statistic is nonstandard, invalidating the use of the normal approximation. Once the critical values are adjusted, these regressions provide no support for the conventional wisdom. Using a new structural vector regression model, however, we demonstrate that gasoline price shocks may indeed drive one-year household inflation expectations. The model shows that there have been several such episodes since 1990. In particular, the rise in household inflation expectations between 2009 and 2013 is almost entirely explained by a large increase in gasoline prices. However, on average, gasoline price shocks account for only 39% of the variation in household inflation expectations since 1981.
Wirelessly controlled, bioresorbable drug delivery device with active valves that exploit electrochemically triggered crevice corrosion

Bioresorbable drug release platforms offer advanced treatment for hormone imbalances, malignant cancers, and diabetic conditions. Implantable drug release platforms that offer wirelessly programmable control over pharmacokinetics have potential in advanced treatment protocols for hormone imbalances, malignant cancers, diabetic conditions, and others. We present a system with this type of functionality in which the constituent materials undergo complete bioresorption to eliminate device load from the patient after completing the final stage of the release process. Here, bioresorbable polyanhydride reservoirs store drugs in defined reservoirs without leakage until wirelessly triggered valve structures open to allow release. These valves operate through an electrochemical mechanism of geometrically accelerated corrosion induced by passage of electrical current from a wireless, bioresorbable power-harvesting unit. Evaluations in cell cultures demonstrate the efficacy of this technology for the treatment of cancerous tissues by release of the drug doxorubicin. Complete in vivo studies of platforms with multiple, independently controlled release events in live-animal models illustrate capabilities for control of blood glucose levels by timed delivery of insulin.
Wnt signaling activates MFSD2A to suppress vascular endothelial transcytosis and maintain blood-retinal barrier

Wnt signaling pathway suppresses vascular endothelium transcytosis in the BRB through activating MFSD2A. Breakdown of the blood-retinal barrier (BRB) causes retinal edema and vision loss. We investigated the role of Wnt signaling in maintaining the BRB by limiting transcytosis. Mice lacking either the Wnt co-receptor low-density lipoprotein receptor–related protein 5 (Lrp5−/−) or the Wnt ligand Norrin (Ndpy/−) exhibit increased retinal vascular leakage and enhanced endothelial transcytosis. Wnt signaling directly controls the transcription of an endothelium-specific transcytosis inhibitor, major facilitator superfamily domain–containing protein 2a (MFSD2A), in a β-catenin–dependent manner. MFSD2A overexpression reverses Wnt deficiency–induced transcytosis in endothelial cells and in retinas. Moreover, Wnt signaling mediates MFSD2A-dependent vascular endothelium transcytosis through a caveolin-1 (CAV-1)–positive caveolae pathway. In addition, levels of omega-3 fatty acids are also decreased in Wnt signaling–deficient retinas, reflecting the basic function of MFSD2A as a lipid transporter. Our findings uncovered the Wnt/β-catenin/MFSD2A/CAV-1 axis as a key pathway governing endothelium transcytosis and inner BRB integrity.
Systemic anti-inflammatory therapy aided by double-headed nanoparticles in a canine model of acute intraocular inflammation

Orally delivered double-headed nanoparticle curcumin has potential to treat intraocular inflammation. Novel approaches circumventing blood-ocular barriers in systemic drug delivery are lacking. We hypothesize receptor-mediated delivery of curcumin (CUR) across intestinal and ocular barriers leads to decreased inflammation in a model of lens-induced uveitis. CUR was encapsulated in double-headed polyester nanoparticles using gambogic acid (GA)–coupled polylactide-co-glycolide (PLGA). Orally administered PLGA-GA2-CUR led to notable aqueous humor CUR levels and was dosed (10 mg/kg twice daily) to adult male beagles (n = 8 eyes) with induced ocular inflammation. Eyes were evaluated using a semiquantitative preclinical ocular toxicology scoring (SPOTS) and compared to commercial anti-inflammatory treatment (oral carprofen 2.2 mg/kg twice daily) (n = 8) and untreated controls (n = 8). PLGA-GA2-CUR offered improved protection compared with untreated controls and similar protection compared with carprofen, with reduced aqueous flare, miosis, and chemosis in the acute phase (<4 hours). This study highlights the potential of PLGA-GA2 nanoparticles for systemic drug delivery across ocular barriers.
Circulating Tumor DNA in Biliary Tract Cancer: Current Evidence and Future Perspectives

Peripheral blood of cancer patients “physiologically” presents cells and cellular components deriving from primary or metastatic sites, including circulating tumor cells (CTCs), circulating free DNA (cfDNA) and exosomes containing proteins, lipids and nucleic acids. The term circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) indicates the part of cfDNA which derives from primary tumors and/or metastatic sites, carrying tumor-specific genetic or epigenetic alterations. Analysis of ctDNA has enormous potential applications in all stages of cancer management, including earlier diagnosis of cancer, identification of driver alterations, monitoring of treatment response and detection of resistance mechanisms. Thus, ctDNA has the potential to profoundly change current clinical practice, by moving from tissue to peripheral blood as a source of information. Herein, we review current literature regarding the potential role for ctDNA in biliary tract cancer (BTC) patients, with a particular focus on state-of-the-art techniques and future perspectives of this highly aggressive disease.
The NEMP family supports metazoan fertility and nuclear envelope stiffness

Loss of Nemp leads to softening of the germline nuclear envelope and loss of fertility. Human genome-wide association studies have linked single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in NEMP1 (nuclear envelope membrane protein 1) with early menopause; however, it is unclear whether NEMP1 has any role in fertility. We show that whole-animal loss of NEMP1 homologs in Drosophila, Caenorhabditis elegans, zebrafish, and mice leads to sterility or early loss of fertility. Loss of Nemp leads to nuclear shaping defects, most prominently in the germ line. Biochemical, biophysical, and genetic studies reveal that NEMP proteins support the mechanical stiffness of the germline nuclear envelope via formation of a NEMP-EMERIN complex. These data indicate that the germline nuclear envelope has specialized mechanical properties and that NEMP proteins play essential and conserved roles in fertility.
Clinicopathological and Molecular Differences Between Gastric-type Mucinous Carcinoma and Usual-type Endocervical Adenocarcinoma of the Uterine Cervix

Background/Aim: We investigated differences in the clinicopathological and molecular characteristics between gastric-type mucinous carcinoma (GMC) and usual-type endocervical adenocarcinoma (UEA). Patients and Methods: We collected the clinicopathological information and performed targeted genomic sequencing analysis. Results: GMCs exhibited significantly deeper invasion depth, larger horizontal spread, more advanced stage, more frequent distant metastasis, and more frequent parametrial and vaginal extension. Disease-free survival time of GMC patients was significantly shorter than that of UEA patients. GMCs displayed mutant p53 immunostaining pattern, whereas UEAs exhibited p16 block positivity. GMCs harbored mutations in KRAS, TP53, NF1, CDKN2A, STK11, and ARID1A. One GMC exhibited MDM2 amplification. In contrast, UEAs harbored mutations in HRAS, PIK3CA, and BRCA2. Two UEAs were found to have novel TP53 mutations. Conclusion: GMC is associated with more aggressive behavior than UEA. Distinctive p53 and p16 immunostaining patterns enable differential diagnosis. GMC and UEA exhibit genetic heterogeneity with potentially actionable molecular alterations.
Dysregulated Phosphorylation of p53, Autophagy and Stemness Attributes the Mutant p53 Harboring Colon Cancer Cells Impaired Sensitivity to Oxaliplatin

Colorectal cancer (CRC) forms one of the highest ranked cancer types in the world with its increasing incidence and mortality rates despite the advancement in cancer therapeutics. About 50% of human CRCs are reported to have defective p53 expression resultant of TP53 gene mutation often contributing to drug resistance. The current study was aimed to investigate the response of wild-type TP53 harboring HCT 116 and mutant TP53 harboring HT 29 colon cancer cells to chemotherapeutic drug oxaliplatin (OX) and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of sensitivity/resistance in correlation to their p53 status. OX inhibited growth of wild-type p53-harboring colon cancer cells via p53/p21-Bax mediated apoptosis. Our study revealed that dysregulated phosphorylation of p53, autophagy as well as cancer stemness attributes the mutant p53-harboring colon cancer cells impaired sensitivity to OX.
Teachers’ Emotions and Self-Efficacy: A Test of Reciprocal Relations

Previous research has suggested that higher levels of teachers’ self-efficacy (TSE) tend to be positively related to positive teachers’ emotions (e.g., joy, pride) and negatively to negative teachers” emotions (e.g., anger, anxiety). However, these studies predominately relied on cross-sectional design and therefore were unable to test the reciprocal relations between the two constructs. Based on the propositions of social-cognitive theory (Bandura, 1997), TSE may be viewed as an antecedent or as a consequence of emotions. More specifically, TSE may shape emotions since it directs teachers’ attentional, appraisal, and regulatory processes, while emotions may shape TSE since they act as a source of information about teachers’ performance in a given task (i.e., emotions can serve as a filter that determines which efficacy information is seen as salient and how it is interpreted). To test these assumptions, an initial sample of 3010 Croatian teachers (82% female) participated in a longitudinal study based on a full panel design with three measurement points and time lags of approximately 6 months. Teachers taught at different educational levels (i.e., elementary, middle, and secondary schools) and had on average 15.30 years (SD = 10.50) of teaching experience. They completed self-report measures that assessed their self-efficacy beliefs and six discrete emotions experienced in relation to teaching and students – joy, pride, love, anger, hopelessness, and exhaustion. An autoregressive cross-lagged analysis showed that teachers’ emotions and TSE are indeed related to each other. However, the direction of this association is not bidirectional as was suggested by theoretical assumptions; instead, it is asymmetrical – higher levels of TSE beliefs predicted higher levels of positive emotions of joy and pride, while higher levels of teachers’ negative emotions of anger, exhaustion, and hopelessness predicted lower levels of teachers’ self-efficacy beliefs.
The Relationship Between Sociodemographics and Environmental Values Across Seven European Countries

Given the importance of environmental values (altruistic, biospheric, and egoistic) to pro-environmental behavior, it would be useful to segment the population – an approach known as market segmentation – to tailor pro-environmental messages more effectively. Sociodemographic variables are popular targets for segmentation, as such variables are often knowable in the absence of more nuanced information about individuals. However, evidence for the relationship between sociodemographics and environmental values is sparse, and contradictory. We examined the extent to which popular sociodemographic variables (gender, age, income, education, urbanization level, and political orientation) were predictive of environmental values for 11,820 participants across seven European countries. Overall, sociodemographics were hardly related to environmental values. Only gender and political orientation were weakly but significantly related to environmental values, whereby men and right-wingers showed weaker altruistic and biospheric, and stronger egoistic, values than women and left-wingers. We conclude that sociodemographic variables cannot be considered a suitable proxy for environmental values, and thus that behavior-change campaigns might be more impactful when focused on alternative segmentation strategies in relation to environmental aims.
Structural response of α-quartz under plate-impact shock compression

Gas-gun shock compression and pulsed x-ray diffraction reveal new details of the crystal structure of SiO2 under shock loading. Because of its far-reaching applications in geophysics and materials science, quartz has been one of the most extensively examined materials under dynamic compression. Despite 50 years of active research, questions remain concerning the structure and transformation of SiO2 under shock compression. Continuum gas-gun studies have established that under shock loading quartz transforms through an assumed mixed-phase region to a dense high-pressure phase. While it has often been assumed that this high-pressure phase corresponds to the stishovite structure observed in static experiments, there have been no crystal structure data confirming this. In this study, we use gas-gun shock compression coupled with in situ synchrotron x-ray diffraction to interrogate the crystal structure of shock-compressed α-quartz up to 65 GPa. Our results reveal that α-quartz undergoes a phase transformation to a disordered metastable phase as opposed to crystalline stishovite or an amorphous structure, challenging long-standing assumptions about the dynamic response of this fundamental material.
Size and Caste in Temperature Regulation by Bumblebees

Bumblebees ranging in mass from 65 mg (the smallest workers of the smallest species) to 830 mg (the largest queens of the largest species examined) maintained similar average thoracic temperatures (TTh) while foraging, even though the passive cooling rates of these bees over this size range varied fourfold. Although the bees regulated TTh between apparent lower and upper set points despite wide ranges of body size (and over wide ranges of ambient temperature), they allowed TTh to fluctuate between the set points. The foraging activity of queens was relatively independent of ambient temperature (Ta), but workers (and particularly the smallest workers) were often excluded at low Ta. Although the size-related rates of passive cooling of drones was similar to that of workers, they did not maintain the same TTh as workers on some kinds of flowers.