Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Shocking Aspects of Monetary Policy on Income Inequality in the Euro Area

This paper examines the distributional effects of monetary policy, either standard, nonstandard or both, on income inequality in 10 EA countries over the period 2000-2015. We use three different indicators of income inequality in a Panel VAR setting in order to estimate IRFs of inequality to a monetary policy shock. Results suggest that: (i) the distributional effects of ECB’s monetary policy have been modest and (ii) mainly driven in times of conventional monetary policy measures, especially in peripheral countries, while, overall, (iii) standard and non-standard monetary policies do not significantly differ in terms of impact on income inequality.terms of impact on income inequality.
URTeC: 2460490 Brittleness and Rock Strength of the Bakken Formation, Williston Basin, North Dakota

The geomechanical characterization is essential for the development of hydraulic fractures in unconventional finegrained reservoirs. Rock brittleness is used to determine the best hydraulic fracturing candidate. The formation with higher brittleness is considered to be more likely to develop fracture networks. We investigate the mineralogy-based and log-based brittleness index of the Bakken Formation. The results exhibit excellent correlation between two methods. It also indicates that the black organic-rich Upper and Lower Bakken Shale typically appears to be more ductile compared to the Middle Bakken and Pronghorn Members. However, certain quartz-rich shale successions, indicated by high brittleness index, could be as brittle as Middle Bakken/Pronghorn Members. The core description of these brittle zones also shows the presence of vertical natural fractures. Additionally, Leeb hardness tests were conducted to better understand the rock strength. Previous geomechanical studies on Eagle Ford Shale and Niobrara Formation have suggested a good correlation between rock hardness and unconfined compressive strength. In contrast to the traditional triaxial and acoustic tests, hand-held rebound hammer provides a fine-scale, cost-saving and non-destructive method to estimate rock strength. This study demonstrates a relatively low correlation between unconfined compressive strength and Leeb hardness. However, this is very likely due to measurement errors and the poor core conditions.
Household Income Shocks and Sibling Composition: evidence from rural Tanzania

Exploiting exogenous variation in drought conditions across districts in Tanzania, this paper investigates the e↵ects of climate change on children’s education according to the number of siblings and their gender composition. The study highlights how liquidity-constrained households respond to income shocks when formal insurance schemes are not available. They select the children on which they invest according to their perceived educational returns. Whereas boys are not a↵ected, the impact of drought on girls’ likelihood of school dropout depends on their younger siblings’ gender composition. Younger sisters o↵set the negative shock on girls, as they o↵er less competition for limited educational resources, due to higher uncertainty about their probability of educational success. Conversely, older sisters disfavor later-born daughters and reduce their likelihood of being in school during time of hardship. I find that drought decreases the educational attainment of girls with only older sisters by more than 1.3 years, compared to girls with only older brothers. Finally, I demonstrate that underpriviledged daughters help the family overcome climate shocks by increasing their work in agriculture and, for some of them, by leaving the household with their early-marriage. JEL Classification : D1, 01, I0.
Pediatric Nurses' Perspectives on Family-Centered Care in Sri Lanka: A Mixed-Methods Study

Purpose This study was conducted to investigate nurses’ perceptions and performance of family-centered care (FCC) at a children’s hospital in Sri Lanka and to explore the feasibility of implementing FCC in the context of the Sri Lankan healthcare system. Methods A convergent, parallel, mixed-methods design was applied to understand Sri Lankan nurses’ perspectives on FCC. In total, 157 nurses working at a large teritagy children’s hospital responded to a self-report survey and 18 nurses participated in focus group interviews. Results Of the factors of FCC, family participation in caring for children received the highest score (4.09±0.51) for perceptions, and information-sharing received the highest score (3.54±0.55) for performance. The qualitative data revealed the following five themes: (a) importance of the family in caring for children; (b) helping families during children’s hospitalization; (c) taking steps to implement FCC, even with imperfect knowledge; (d) barriers in the current situation; and (e) suggested strategies to promote FCC. Conclusion Participants endorsed the concept of FCC and demonstrated some aspects of it in their day-to-day practice. The results indicate a clear knowledge deficit and several challenges, which need to be addressed to effectively implement FCC.
Assessing the potential effect of management scenarios for Anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) fishery of the Bay of Biscay using ISIS-Fish simulation tool. ICES CM 2006/R:10

Despite the regulation of the Bay of Biscay anchovy’s (Engraulis encrasicolus, L. 1758) fishery by TACs, the stock recently dropped below the precautionary biomass level (Bpa). The biological characteristics of the Bay of Biscay anchovy, such as high growth and mortality rates, early reproduction and short life span, explain that the population largely depends on annual recruitment and thus on the environmental conditions. Processes that control annual recruitment are not fully understood and no indicator is yet available to predict it. The actual management measures based on annual TACs that preserve spawning, seem to be little efficient to restore the stock and long-term management measures are envisaged. The spatially and seasonally explicit simulation tool ISIS-Fish was used to integrate the knowledge on anchovy fishery dynamics and investigate the impact of uncertainties and lack of knowledge on the efficiency of management measures. The population and exploitation's models underlying ISIS-Fish were parameterized using commercial data (log books and fishers interviews) and scientific data. The preliminary results obtained show that ISIS-Fish can be a useful tool for the analysis of biological and exploitation processes and to understand and assess the impact of stock recovery plans.
Imported social norms, pricing and waste sorting: the role of tourist/resident interaction in a small island economy

This article explores the role of social interactions between tourists and residents, in a territory under heavy tourist pressure, around the sorting behaviours of household waste. While it is well established that these sorting behaviours respond both to monetary incentives and social norms, the way in which these two categories of motivations interact to form observed behaviours remains an open question. In order to explore empirically this question, we focus on a specific field of study: that of a small island economy (Corsica) subject to significant seasonal tourist pressure. We use the Discrete Choice Experiment method, by proposing to the respondents (tourists and residents) to rank various waste management scenarios. Estimation of rank-ordered logit models shows that the interactions between tourists and residents, measured by appropriate questions and scores, indeed influence sorting behaviour, suggesting a crowding-in effect between monetary incentives and sensitivity to social norms, at least for some individuals. JEL codes: Q53, C25, D64
Emigration and political institutions in Africa: A macro Approach**

This paper investigates the determinants of the disparities in the levels of democracy in Africa. Taking the end of the Cold War as a quasi-natural experiment for African countries, we find a robust positive relationship between the share of the emigrant population in the 1970-1980s and the outcome of democratic transitions in the origin countries of emigrants from Africa. Additionally, the marginal effect of emigration on democracy decreases according to the duration of the migrant population in the host countries: the longer the duration of the migrant population, the greater the impact on democracy, ceteris paribus. The supportive evidence demonstrates that a larger population of emigrants enabled citizens to develop an independent civil society. In contrast, a small emigrant population during autocratic rule did not allow such development. In this case, the incumbents retained their bargaining power and determined the agenda of the transitions; consequently, institutional changes were less likely to occur. This result is robust to various sensitivity analyses, including estimation methods as well as endogeneity issues.
Did U.S. banking deregulation strengthen economic growth? The importance of spatial spillovers

This paper analyzes the effect of deregulation of the banking industry on economic growth in the United States. In contrast to earlier studies, we explicitly allow for spillover effects, through which deregulation of the banking sector in one state may affect economic growth in neighboring states. We find robust evidence in favor of a positive effect running form interstate banking deregulation to growth, whereas no evidence is found for an effect of intrastate branching deregulation. In addition, we find that there are indeed strong spatial spillover effects of interstate banking deregulation. Hence, interstate banking deregulation is not only beneficial for the state undergoing the deregulation, but also for neighboring states. JEL codes: G21, G28
Outcome of Microsurgical Clipping of Ruptured Anterior Circulation Aneurysms

Objective: The objective of the study was to analyze the operative outcome of microsurgical clipping in Ruptured Anterior Circulation Aneurysms. Materials and Methods: Twenty patients with Ruptured Anterior Circulation aneurysms were treated with surgical clipping. All the patients were evaluated pre-operatively according to Hunt & Hess and WFNS grading scales. Patients with grade I, II, and III were operated. All the aneurysms were clipped through Pterional approach under General anesthesia and Yasargil Aneurysm clips of appropriate sizes were used in each patient. Outcome was analyzed according to Glasgow Outcome Scale at the end of six months of follow up in each
Firm Export Diversification and Labor Organization ∗

We investigate the relationship between a firm’s organization of labor – defined as its number of hierarchical ‘layers’ – and the scope of its export portfolio in terms of product-destination varieties. The empirical analysis is based on a matched employeremployee dataset covering the population of French manufacturing firms over the period 2009-2013. Our analysis suggests that market expansion, and in particular export diversification, is associated with a change in firm labor organization, namely an increase in the number of hierarchical layers, in the share of managers and in wage dispersion. We show how these results are consistent with a simple model where the complexity of a firm’s operations increases in the number of product-destination couples exported, and where managers’ role is to address some of the problems arising from increased complexity of operations. JEL classification: F16, E24, C14, D22.
Home range, habitat use and roost-site selection by lowland female Siamese fireback Lophura diardi in northeastern Thailand

Understanding the habitat requirements of threatened species is essential for developing effective conservation and habitat management plans. The Siamese fireback (Lophura diardi), a lowland pheasant species found in mainland Southeast Asia, has mostly been studied in its areas of range expansion in submontane forests. However, there is limited information on the species’ ranging behaviour and habitat use in their lowland habitat. We investigated the ranging behaviour, patterns of habitat use, and roost site selection using radio telemetry in a small and well-protected lowland forest in northeastern Thailand. The home range size was slightly larger during the non-breeding season (26.4 ± 3.9 SE ha) than during the breeding season (20.8 ± 2.3 SE ha). The birds selected areas with high tree density at 3–5 m height, sparse tree coverage at 0.5–3 m height and high climber density in proximity to water sources. In addition, the Siamese fireback appeared to prefer roost sites on steeper slopes with less canopy cover, presumably to facilitate escape by flushing during attempted predation. Our results provide the first ranging ecology information on lowland Lophura species in their typical habitat which can be used as the basis for further research of other cryptic Lophura species in Southeast Asia.
RESPONSE OF PRODUCTIVITY AND CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS OF CLUSTER BEAN (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba Taub.) PLANT TO POTASSIUM FERTILIZATION AND HUMIC ACID RATES

Two field experiments were carried out at Experimental Farm, Fac. Agric. , Zagazig University, Egypt to study the influence of potassium fertilization rates (0.0, 25 and 50 kg K2O/faddan), humic acid rates (0.0, 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 ml/l) and their combination treatments on growth parameters, yield components, chemical constituents and glactomanan production of cluster bean plant. These trials were conducted during the 2017 and 2018 summer seasons. Plant height, number of branches and leaves/plant and total dry weight /plant increased significantly by using 50 kg K2O /faddan. Also, the highest values of pods number/plant, seed yield /plant and /faddan as well as glactomanan yield/plant and /faddan were achieved with the same rate of potassium. Total chlorophyll content and nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium percentages increased by the highest rate of potassium under study. Moreover, the highest rate of humic acid (3 ml/l) recorded the maximum values of abovementioned parameters compared to the other rates (1.0 and 2.0 ml/l) and control. The present study recommends that using potassium at 50 kg K2O /fad. combined with 3 ml/l of humic acid for increasing seeds and glactomanan yields per faddan of cluster bean plants grown under similar field conditions.
The effect of human resource information system application on employee satisfaction and turnover intention

This paper aims to elucidate the effects of Human Resource Information System (HRIS) implementation on turnover intention and employee satisfaction. In the current research, a comprehensive case of e-Recruiting system implementation was investigated, to study unintended consequences based on the perception level of employees, during HRIS use. For this purpose, a conceptual model was used; developed and tested, which combines the attitude and belief factor of technology adoption with job-related outcomes. The data was collected from 167 HR employees working in a global firm, which implemented a novel HRIS for its hiring department. The results of the present study revealed that, employee satisfaction mediates the indirect effect of perception towards applying HRIS on turnover intention. The findings of the present study provide additional information on systems use and technology acceptance, by proposing work-related consequences, as significant extra success variables.
The Effect of McConell Tape on Patients with Patellofemoral Pain

PURPOSE: Patellofemoral pain is a common overuse injury in knee joint among runners. McConell taping technique has been recom mended to alleviate symptoms in patients with patellofemoral pain. However, the clinical effects of McConell taping are not well-described. Therefore, we reviewed the effect of McConell taping in reducing patellofemoral pain. METHODS: In this review, we summarized the effect of McConell taping on pain management, muscular function, proprioception, and functional task performance. RESULTS: Application of a standard McConell taping technique to patients with patellofemoral pain showed a positive effect on pain management. However, there are limited investigations about proprioceptive improvement after taping. In addition, there are contro versial results on vastus medialis and vastus lateralis EMG activity and functional task performance. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding effectiveness and mechanism of McConnell taping is important to provide evidence to clinical profes sionals. As we reviewed and summarized many different studies, controversial findings exist in scientific and clinical studies. Therefore, it is recommended that future investigations into McConnell taping should focus on these factors to provide more consistent effects so that many clinicians can use McConnell taping technique with evidence.
Spodoptera littoralis (BOISD) LARVAE AS A NEW HOST TO THE PARASITOID Exeristes roborator (FAB.) IN EGYPTIAN SUGAR BEET FIELDS

In Egypt, the early plantation (September) in the two seasons of sugar beet suffers from major economic losses by Spodoptera littoralis larvae; e.g. Significant defoliation and small roots which causes a shortage of sugar crop. Looking at the associated parasitoids, there is Exeristes roborator. This parasitoid’s parasitism ability to Spodoptera littoralis larvae was not estimated. Thus, the present study was conducted during two successive seasons 2017/2018 and 2018 / 2019 for the first time in Egypt. Also, estimate the reduction in the parasitoid numbers resulting from application of two groups of insecticides represented in ecdysone agonists and conventional ones against Spodoptera littoralis larvae. The parasitoid Individuals associated with the cotton leafworm larvae was identified as Exeristes roborator. It is a larval ectoparasitoid. Concerning its parasitim ability, the results indicated that the maximum parasitism percentage was 50%. The total parasitism percentage was 21.33% in 2017/2018 season. While the maximum of parasitism percentage reached 100% and the total parasitism percentage was 20.59% in 2018/2019 season. Statistical analysis demonstrated that a significant correlation between S. littoralis larvae and this parasitoid during the two seasons. As for the total reductions in parasitoid numbers due to applied ecdysone agonists ranged between 17.72 to 21.67% and 14.57 to 21.52% in 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 seasons, respectively. However, the total reductions due to applied conventional insecticides reached the maximum; 98.39 to 100% in the first season and 98.82 to 100% in the second season. These previously data indicated that the ecdysone agonists (IGRs) are the preferred pesticides to retain the parasitoid.
Genetic relationships between local Brazilian goat breeds based on mtDNA D-loop region similarity

Aim of study: Our objective was to investigate the mitochondrial DNA of local Brazilian goats to gain insights into the genetic composition of this precious genetic resource. Area of study: The study was developed in Brazil Material and methods: We analyzed a hypervariable region of the mitochondrial DNA of 83 goats belonging to four local Brazilian breeds, including Caninde (CAN-RN), Moxoto (MOX-CE), Marota (MAR-PI) and Azul (AZU-PE) as well as of exotic breeds raised in different states of the Federation. Sequences related to local Brazilian goats showed a dispersed distribution throughout the median-joining network, and clustering with sequences of exotic breeds occurred in some haplotypes. The obtained sequences were analyzed and compared with different haplogroups (A, B1, B2, C, D, F, and G) available on GenBank. Main results: The local Brazilian goat breeds showed significant diversity, with 16 (0.8240) haplotypes. Population structure analysis revealed substantial differences among breeds ( p < 0.05). Mitochondrial lineage A was observed in Brazilian goats. Phylogeny showed European goats as the dominant stock for Brazilian goats, but there weare some haplotypes within haplogroup A, clustering with African and Asian haplotypes. Research highlights: These results could be suitable for creating a strategic conservation program, potentially benefitting future breeding programs.
Exploring the Effects of Technological Writing Assistance for Support Providers in Online Mental Health Community

Textual comments from peers with informational and emotional support are beneficial to members of online mental health communities (OMHCs). However, many comments are not of high quality in reality. Writing support technologies that assess (AS) the text or recommend (RE) writing examples on the fly could potentially help support providers to improve the quality of their comments. However, how providers perceive and work with such technologies are under-investigated. In this paper, we present a technological prototype MepsBot which offers providers in-situ writing assistance in either AS or RE mode. Results of a mixed-design study with 30 participants show that both types of MepsBots improve users' confidence in and satisfaction with their comments. The AS-mode MepsBot encourages users to refine expressions and is deemed easier to use, while the RE-mode one stimulates more support-related content re-editions. We report concerns on MepsBot and propose design considerations for writing support technologies in OMHCs.
Chapter 7: Measuring Critical Thinking Skills

Do critical thinking skills exist -and can they be measured? Clearly articulating the construct of critical thinking is central to measurement yet articulating a clear definition of critical thinking remains elusive. In fact, Halpern (1999) acknowledged the difficulty of defining the construct and she offered a wide range of possible interrelated definitions. She also reflected on similarities of the construct across disciplines including: problem solving, decision making, and cognitive processes (also see Halpern, 1996 for a comprehensive review of the construct of critical thinking). Despite the complexity of defining the construct, we believe that it is both possible and important to measure critical thinking, particularly during this era of increased demand for accountability.
BIOCHAR, SILVER NANOPARTICLES AND IBA HORMONE FOR ENHANCING ROOTABILITY OF SOME CULTIVARS OF OLIVE CUTTINGS

In the current study, a novel application of using nano-materials and organic derived-biochar has been applied to promote some olive cuttings rooting compared to traditional materials like IBA. It was expected that a smarter practise of these substances in fruit production could be achievable to solve cuttings rooting problems. However, interactions of both materials with olive cuttings are required to be under stood prior to wideranging recommendation. The present study assists to explore the influence of silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs) and IBA treatments with or without biochar on enhancing rootability of Kalamata and Picual olive cuttings. Different concentrations of AgNPs (0, 1, 5, 10, 20 and 40 ppm), IBA (3000, 4000 and 5000 ppm) and olive pomace derivedbiochar (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 grams per each pot) have been applied to olive cuttings. After the treatments were applied to the basal end hardwood cuttings were immediately planted in polyethylene pots (10 cm × 20 cm) filled with a sand : peatmoss at the ratio of 1:1 and kept in a shade house and 80-90% relative humidity and high basal temperature (24 °C). The results showed superior positive effect of biochar addition at 40 g per pot on percentage of rooted cuttings, number of roots per cutting, root and branch length and root fresh weights as compared with control in case of Kalmata and Picual olive cvs.in both seasons. The AgNPs at 20 ppm enhanced obviously the rooted cuttings percentage and number of roots per cutting, while IBA at 3000 ppm was most effective on root and branch length and root fresh weights as compared with the other treatments for Kalmata and Picual olive cvs. in both seasons. This study open a new door for investigating the effect of the novel applications of AgNPs and biochar in different fruit cuttings propagation taking into account that each fruit species require an individual experimental studies to determine the promising additions of both treatments.