Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Asymmetric Effect of Military Expenditures on Economic Growth in Pakistan: A Nonlinear-ARDL Approach

The nexus between military expenditure and economic growth has been analyzed using different methods and techniques in the economic growth literature, but most previous findings are indecisive, i.e., non-significant, positive, or negative. The primary purpose of this article was to explain the military expenditure-economic growth nexus in Pakistan by capturing the asymmetrical effects of military expenditures on economic growth using the non-linear autoregressive distribution lag-NARDL technique. Data were analyzed from 1972-2018. The results indicated that a decrease in military spending (adverse shocks) enhanced economic growth in the long term. An increase in military spending (positive shocks) had an insignificant effect on economic growth in Pakistan, suggesting that a focus on cost reduction in military expenditure may benefit economic growth. More so, the Wald test validated the asymmetries both in the long- and short term. Capital formation and labor force, as a control variable, positively affected economic growth in the long run. Based on these findings, the paper offers some critical suggestions for policymakers.
A Combination of Membrane Filtration and Raman-Active DNA Ligand Greatly Enhances Sensitivity of SERS-Based Aptasensors for Influenza A Virus

Biosensors combining the ultrahigh sensitivity of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and the specificity of nucleic acid aptamers have recently drawn attention in the detection of respiratory viruses. The most sensitive SERS-based aptasensors allow determining as low as 104 virus particles per mL that is 100-fold lower than any antibody-based lateral flow tests but 10–100-times higher than a routine polymerase chain reaction with reversed transcription (RT-PCR). Sensitivity of RT-PCR has not been achieved in SERS-based aptasensors despite the usage of sophisticated SERS-active substrates. Here, we proposed a novel design of a SERS-based aptasensor with the limit of detection of just 103 particles per ml of the influenza A virus that approaches closely to RT-PCR sensitivity. The sensor utilizes silver nanoparticles with the simplest preparation instead of sophisticated SERS-active surfaces. The analytical signal is provided by a unique Raman-active dye that competes with the virus for the binding to the G-quadruplex core of the aptamer. The aptasensor functions even with aliquots of the biological fluids due to separation of the off-target molecules by pre-filtration through a polymeric membrane. The aptasensor detects influenza viruses in the range of 1·103–5·1010 virus particles per ml.
The influence of green infrastructure on residents’
connectedness with nature in Lagos, Nigeria

The high rate of loss of urban green spaces is reducing connectivity between people and nature, and the ability of the urban population to appreciate and enjoy the natural environment. However, not much is known about the extent to which ongoing efforts at planning green infrastructure are influencing residents’ connectedness to nature, especially in cities in sub-Saharan Africa. This study investigates the influence of green infrastructure (GI) on residents’ self-perceived connectedness with nature in selected residential neighbourhoods in Lagos, Nigeria. Through a multi-stage sampling technique, 1,560 residents were included in a survey and the data were analysed using descriptive and categorical regression analyses. The results showed that, although the residents were generally dissatisfied with the quality and quantity of GI in their neighbourhoods, they felt that the existing GI has a significant positive influence on their connection to nature. The regression analysis also revealed that the current state and availability of green areas for relaxation in the neighbourhoods were the two GI characteristics with the most influence on residents’ sense of connectedness to nature. These findings are instructive in noting that, to improve the urban population’s connectedness to nature using GI, city planners and managers should pay specific attention to providing and maintaining green areas for relaxation in residential neighbourhoods in the study area and beyond.
A declaration for all seasons: The IFLA Statement on Libraries and Intellectual Freedom

A quarter century after the momentous establishment of IFLA’s Committee on Free Access to Information and Freedom of Expression is an appropriate time to reflect on the landmark IFLA Statement on Libraries and Intellectual Freedom. The Statement consciously broadened IFLA’s remit, locating intellectual freedom as a fundamental human right and a core responsibility of the library profession that operates within libraries’ commitments to diversity and plurality. As the examples discussed in this essay illustrate, the Statement continues to be relevant and is truly a declaration for all seasons. The concerns to be addressed encompass an extensive range of social justice concerns – concerns that are global and cover all elements of the library and information sector. Addressing those concerns and promoting intellectual freedom demands the intervention of trusted information agents to assist communities to use the Internet wisely and for the widest possible benefit. It demands the profession’s concerted action, coupled with regular reporting and discussion in the library and information science literature. The profession has a challenging but vital role in preserving one of humanity’s most precious rights: intellectual freedom.
Beyond the Classroom: A Framework for Growing School Capacity in a Digital Age

Abstract Rapid technological advancements promise unprecedented educational opportunities to foster student-centered and personalized learning, yet many schools are underprepared, lacking comprehensive organizational strategies for technology enhanced learning. This study sought to provide a framework to guide K-12 school leaders to build and evaluate digital-age school capacity by identifying essential criteria for digital learning in schools, resulting in the development of the Digital Learning Implementation Framework for Education (D-LIFE). Geographically dispersed digital learning experts contributed to a six-round Delphi study gaining consensus on 148 essential criteria for school administrators and policymakers to appraise strategic evaluation of technology implementation. When compared to prominent frameworks, D-LIFE confirmed high-level alignment with ISTE Essential Conditions, providing a comprehensive evaluation framework for K–12 schooling not addressed in prominent standards or frameworks.
Assessing the efficacy of a participant-vetting procedure to improve data-quality on Amazon’s Mechanical Turk

In recent years, Amazon’s Mechanical Turk (MTurk) has become a pivotal source for participant recruitment in many social-science fields. In the last several years, however, concerns about data quality have arisen. In response, CloudResearch developed an intensive pre-screening procedure to vet the full participant pool available on MTurk and exclude those providing low-quality data. To assess its efficacy, we compared three MTurk samples that completed identical measures: Sample 1 was collected prior to the pre-screening’s implementation. Sample 2 was collected shortly following its implementation, and Sample 3 was collected nearly a full-year after its implementation. Results indicated that the reliability and validity of scales improved with the implementation of this prescreening procedure, and that this was especially apparent with more recent versions. Thus, this prescreening procedure appears to be a valuable tool to help ensure the collection of high-quality data on MTurk.
Whole Exome Sequencing Enhanced Imputation Identifies 85 Metabolite Associations in the Alpine CHRIS Cohort

Metabolites are intermediates or end products of biochemical processes involved in both health and disease. Here, we take advantage of the well-characterized Cooperative Health Research in South Tyrol (CHRIS) study to perform an exome-wide association study (ExWAS) on absolute concentrations of 175 metabolites in 3294 individuals. To increase power, we imputed the identified variants into an additional 2211 genotyped individuals of CHRIS. In the resulting dataset of 5505 individuals, we identified 85 single-variant genetic associations, of which 39 have not been reported previously. Fifteen associations emerged at ten variants with >5-fold enrichment in CHRIS compared to non-Finnish Europeans reported in the gnomAD database. For example, the CHRIS-enriched ETFDH stop gain variant p.Trp286Ter (rs1235904433-hexanoylcarnitine) and the MCCC2 stop lost variant p.Ter564GlnextTer3 (rs751970792-carnitine) have been found in patients with glutaric acidemia type II and 3-methylcrotonylglycinuria, respectively, but the loci have not been associated with the respective metabolites in a genome-wide association study (GWAS) previously. We further identified three gene-trait associations, where multiple rare variants contribute to the signal. These results not only provide further evidence for previously described associations, but also describe novel genes and mechanisms for diseases and disease-related traits.
How Green Marketing Influences Customers’ Green Behavioral Intentions in the Context of Hot-Spring Hotels

This study explores the mediating effects of green innovation, green image, and green perceived value on the relationship between green marketing and green behavioral intention to understand the impact of green marketing on customers’ green behavioral intentions in the context of hot-spring hotels. Additionally, the moderating effect of destination trust on the relationships among green innovation, green image, green perceived value, and the green behavioral intention was also explored. A total of 300 valid responses were collected from hot-spring hotel customers in Jiaoxi, Taiwan. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data. The results revealed the following: (1) green image and green perceived value mediates the relationship between green marketing and behavioral intention, among which green perceived value showed a stronger mediating effect; (2) green innovation does not mediate the relationship between green marketing and behavioral intention, implying that the degree of green innovation services provided by hot-spring hotels does not provide customers with a memorable experience; (3) the effects of green innovation, green image, and green perceived value on green behavioral intention were moderated by destination trust, indicating that hot-spring hotel operators need to pay attention to customers’ perception of destination trust. On the whole, customers’ trust in tourist areas and their recognition of the green marketing activities of hot-spring hotels seem to have green consumption value, which positively impacts customers’ green behavioral intentions, thereby bringing economic benefits to hot-spring hotels.
Fall in intracellular P O 2 at the onset of contractions in Xenopus single skeletal muscle ﬁbers

Hogan, Michael C. Fall in intracellular P O 2 at the onset of contractions in Xenopus single skeletal muscle ﬁbers. J Appl Physiol 90: 1871–1876, 2001. — It remains uncertain whether the delayed onset of mitochondrial respiration on initiation of muscle contractions is related to O 2 availability. The purpose of this researchwastomeasurethekineticsof thefall inintracellular P O 2 at the onset of a contractile work period in rested and previously worked single skeletal muscle ﬁbers. Intact single skeletal muscle ﬁbers ( n 5 11) from Xenopus laevis were dissected from the lumbrical muscle, injected with an O 2 -sensitive probe, mounted in a glass chamber, and perfused with Ringer solution (P O 2 5 32 6 4 Torr and pH 5 7.0) at 20°C. Intracellular P O 2 was measured in each ﬁber during a protocol consisting sequentially of 1-min rest; 3 min of tetanic contractions (1 contraction/2 s); 5-min rest; and, ﬁnally, a second 3-min contractile period identical to the ﬁrst. Maximal force development and the fall in force (to 83 6 2 vs. 86 6 3% of maximal force development) in contractile periods 1 and 2 , respectively, were not signiﬁcantly different. The time delay (time before intracellular P O 2 began to decrease after the onset of contractions) was signiﬁcantly greater ( P , 0.01) in the ﬁrst contrac-tileperiod(13 6 3s)comparedwiththesecond(5 6 2s),aswasthe time to reach 50% of the contractile steady-state intracellular P O 2 (28 6 5 vs. 18 6 4 s, respectively). In Xenopus single skeletal muscle ﬁbers, 1 ) the lengthy response time for the fall in intracellular P O 2 at the onset of contractions suggests that intracellular factors other than O 2 availability determine the on-kinetics of oxidative phosphorylation and 2 ) a prior contractile period results in more rapid on-kinetics.
Portfolio Optimization and Optimal Martingale Measures in Markets with Jumps

We discuss optimal portfolio selection with respect to utility functions of type −e−αx, α > 0 (exponential problem) and −|1 − αx p |p (p-th problem). We consider N risky assets and a risk-free bond. Risky assets are modeled by continuous semimartingales or exponential Lévy processes. These dynamic expected utility maximization problems are solved by transforming the model into a constrained static version and applying convex duality. The connection between the static and the dynamic problems is drawn as follows: firstly we construct explicit portfolios (dynamic solution) attaining the optimal static values for the p-th problem, secondly we establish uniform convergence in probability of these portfolios and the corresponding wealth processes to the dynamic solution of the exponential problem. Moreover, convergence of the optimal wealth processes in a supremum norm and convergence of the terminal values in Lv, v ≥ 1 follows under the assumption of upward bounded jumps. By construction these results yield an explicit portfolio for the exponential problem. To establish our results, we need to prove several properties on the solutions of the dual problems, i.e. the q-optimal martingale measure and the minimal entropy martingale measure. In fact, in the presence of unbounded jumps the q-optimal martingale measure (the dual solution of the static p-th problem) may fail to be equivalent. Depending on the specific formulation of the portfolio selection problem, i.e. whether or not consumption is allowed, we have to consider the signed or the absolutely continuous version of the q-optimal martingale measure. However, techniques usually applied in order to characterize the equivalent case are not suitable. An explicit form of the q-optimal signed martingale measure is therefore established by a new verification procedure via a hedging argument reversing the above duality. Admitting consumption, a superhedging argument yields an explicit form of the absolutely continuous martingale measure. The convergence of both versions of the q-optimal martingale measures to the minimal entropy martingale measure, when q tends to 1 is proved, implying the convergence of the optimal strategies (portfolio and eventually consumption) of the p-th problem to the exponential one. We close the thesis by a comparison of the achieved results in the continuous and discontinuous case.
Hand Assisted Laparoscopic Surgery for Colorectal Cancer: Surgical and Oncological Outcomes from a Single Tertiary Referral Centre

The aim of this study was to report overall experience, perioperative and long-term survival results in a single tertiary referral center in Lithuania with hand assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) for colorectal cancer. A prospectively maintained database included 467 patients who underwent HALS for left-sided colon and rectal cancer, from April 2006 to October 2016. All those operations were performed by three consultant surgeons and nine surgical residents, in all cases assisted by one of the same consultant surgeons. There were 230 (49.25%) females, with an average age of 64 ± 9.7 years (range, 26–91 years). The procedures performed included 170 (36.4%) anterior rectal resections with partial mesorectal excision, 160 (34.26%) sigmoid colectomies, 81 (17.35%) left hemicolectomies, 45 (9.64%) low anterior rectal resections with total mesorectal excision, and 11 (2.25%) other procedures. Stage I colorectal cancer was found in 140 (29.98%) patients, 139 (29.76%) stage II, 152 (32.55%) stage III and 36 (7.71%) stage IV. There were five conversions to open surgery (1.1%). The mean postoperative hospital stay was 6.9 ± 3.4 days (range, 1–30 days). In total, 33 (7.06%) patients developed postoperative complications. The most common complications were small bowel obstruction (n = 6), anastomotic leakage (n = 5), intraabdominal abscess (n = 4) and dysuria (n = 4). There were two postoperative deaths (0.43%). Overall, 5-year survival for all TNM stages was 85.7%, 93.2% for stage I, 88.5% for stage II and 76.3% for stage III. Hand assisted colorectal surgery for left-sided colon and rectal cancer in a single tertiary referral center was feasible and safe, having all the advantages of minimally invasive surgery, with good perioperative parameters, adequate oncological quality and excellent survival.
Protective effect of Spirulina against bone fragility induced by Garcinia cambogia in high-fat diet induced obese rats

The present work evaluated the protective effects of Spirulina against the bone fragility caused by Garcinia cambogia in high-fat diet induced obese rats. High-fat diet and high-fat emulsion (HFD+HFE) were administered via oral gavage to 30 six-week-old female Sprague Dawley rats for six weeks to induce obesity, except for a normal group (n = 6). Following four weeks of treatment, the diet-induced obese groups were orally administered, daily, with (1) G. cambogia (GC); (2) Spirulina (S); and (3) G. cambogia + Spirulina (GC+S). The normal and obese control groups were treated with equal volumes of 0.9% saline water. It was found that GC significantly decreased body mass index (BMI) below the obese range (0.68 g/cm2). Additionally, GC altered bone mineral density (BMD), increased phosphate and calcium levels, and decreased maximum force and mineral apposition rates (MAR) as compared to the obese control group (p < 0.05). Bone fragility caused by GC was confirmed by the decrease in bone formation marker osteocalcin (OCN), as well as an increase in bone resorption receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase type 5b (TRAP5b) as compared to the obese control group. Spirulina also decreased the BMI of the obese rats. Spirulina also increased blood bone markers, BMD, maximum force, and Young’s modulus. Rats supplemented with GC+S demonstrated higher double-labelled surface (dLS/BS) and MAR as compared to those in the GC group (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the S group demonstrated improvement in all dynamic histomorphometric indices. S and GC+S groups demonstrated bone formation upregulation and bone resorption downregulation, thus indicating a bone protective effect of Spirulina. Overall, GC treatment led to bone fragility. GC+S treatment significantly augmented bone formation and mineralisation in obese rats as compared to the GC treatment alone. Rats in the S group demonstrated effective weight reduction while showing no destructive effects on the bone.
Short-term effect of biochar on the improvement of calcareous soil biological properties and marjoram (Origanum majorana L.) growth under greenhouse conditions in a Mediterranean climate

In the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants may be possible to improve the biological properties of the soil and to grow plants with properties close to those in the natural environment by using the valuable organic matter resources obtained by special methods such as biochar in an economical. In this study, oak wood biochar (OBC) was used as fertilizing material for aromatic marjoram cultivation and applied to soil as follows: 0 t ha-1 OBC-control (OBC-0), 20 t ha-1 OBC (OBC-2), 40 t ha-1 OBC (OBC-4), 60 t ha-1 OBC (OBC-6), 0 t ha-1 OBC + chemical fertilizer (OBC-0+CF), 20 t ha-1 biochar + chemical fertilizer (OBC-2+CF), 40 t ha-1 biochar + chemical fertilizer (OBC-4+CF), 60 t ha-1 biochar + chemical fertilizer (OBC-6+CF). Afterwards, the effects of the applications on the biological properties of the soil where marjoram is grown and the physical properties of the plant, volatile oil yield and oil components were investigated. Accordingly, it was determined that the number of bacteria and enzyme activities (dehydrogenase, urease, alkaline phosphatase, β-glycosidase) of the soil reached ​​with the biochar applications alone. It was determined that the application that increased the green herb yield the most with the fresh and dry weight of marjoram was the application of the biochar with chemical fertilizer added. On the other hand, in contrast to the addition of chemical fertilizers, it was determined that the application of biochar alone increased the volatile oil rate and the amount of carvacrol and thymol in the plant.
The Anti-Inflammatory and Antithrombotic Properties of Bioactives from Orange, Sanguine and Clementine Juices and from Their Remaining By-Products

The anti-oxidant properties of vitamin C and of phenolic compounds of citrus fruits are well established. However, the evaluation of the anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic potential of both vitamin C and of the more amphiphilic and lipophilic components of citrus fruits needs further attention. In this study, the anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic properties of vitamin C and of freshly squeezed juices and their lipid bioactives from the Navalina and Sanguine orange varieties and the Clementine variety of mandarins, as well as from their remaining by-products, were evaluated against the inflammatory and thrombotic pathways of the platelet-activating factor (PAF) and thrombin in platelets, as well as against PAF-biosynthesis in leukocytes. The non-oxidized juices of these citrus fruits and a vitamin C supplement showed stronger anti-PAF and antithrombin effects than their oxidized versions through their general anti-oxidant effect in platelets. The total lipids (TLs) and the HPLC-derived fractions of phenolic compounds and of polar lipid bioactives from both juices and their peels’ by-products showed a more specific stronger inhibitory effect against the inflammatory and thrombotic pathways of PAF and thrombin in platelets, while these bioactives strongly inhibited also the specific enzyme activities of the main biosynthetic enzymes of PAF in leukocytes. The stronger bioactivity of the dietary bioactives found in the juices of these citrus fruits against specific biochemical pathways of inflammation and thrombosis seems to act with synergy with the anti-oxidant potential of its vitamin C content, which further supports the notion that these juices are functional foods with anti-inflammatory and protective health benefits. In addition, the presence of these dietary bioactive phenolic compounds and polar lipid bioactives in the remaining peels’ wastes further enhance the valorization of such food industry by-products as potential sources of anti-inflammatory bioactives to be used as ingredients for novel functional products.