Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of Trade on Inequality: New Evidence of What, When, and Where

The relationship between trade and inequality is complex, and the existing literature concludes that the impacts of trade on inequality are ambiguous. This article addresses this ambiguity and presents robust evidence that the effects of trade on inequality depend on economic development, when it occurred in recent decades, and their various measures. It proposes a novel identification strategy to solve for endogeneity problem in the literature by using trade as predicted by a gravity equation as an instrument for actual trade. It estimates the effect of both trade policies and trade volumes on inequality measured both before and after taxes and transfers. This article takes advantage of large and long panel data by conducting cross-examinations by economic development and economic history. The results show that international trade exacerbates inequality in the pre-taxes, but the effects disappear after taxes and transfers are adjusted; thus, it supports the compensation hypothesis. It increases inequality in rich economies while reducing it in poor economies, which confirms the standard Stolper and Samuelson theorem. Post-1991 trade experience was inequality increasing but pre-1991 trade was inequality decreasing; however, trade opening by reducing regulations, taxes, and tariffs was always inequality increasing. (JEL codes: D63, P33, and F63)
Growth of Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) after Ice Storm Damage and Forest Tent Caterpillar (Malacosoma disstria Hubner) Defoliation

The January 1998 ice storm broke off tree crowns across a wide geographic area in northeastern North America, and forest tent caterpillar (Malacosoma disstria Hubner) defoliated some of the same stands in 2004–2007. We assessed the post-event growth responses of upper canopy sugar maples (Acersaccharum Marsh.) in previously thinned and recently rehabilitated even-aged northern hardwood stands in New York State, USA. Cores from ice-storm-damaged trees showed an initial radial growth reduction, a recovery after one year, and an increase to or above pre-storm levels after three years. A later forest tent caterpillar defoliation in the same stand caused a second reduction of growth, and another recovery after one year. We observed greater post-storm radial growth on trees released by a post-ice storm rehabilitation treatment than in the untreated control, with growth exceeding pre-storm rates. Cores from another site thinned 38 years earlier and impacted only by the forest tent caterpillar showed a more moderate growth reduction, and a prompt but smaller post-defoliation growth response than among trees affected by both the ice storm and defoliation. Findings reflect the potential for growth of upper canopy sugar maple trees to recover after a single or two closely occurring crown disturbances, and provide guidance to managers who must decide about removing or continuing to manage stands after similar kinds of ice storm damage or defoliation.
The Surface-Vacancy Model—A General Theory of the Dissolution of Minerals and Salts

The kinetics of the dissolution of salts and minerals remains a field of active research because these reactions are important to many fields, such as geochemistry, extractive metallurgy, corrosion, biomaterials, dentistry, and dietary uptake. A novel model, referred to as the surface-vacancy model, has been proposed by the author as a general mechanism for the primary events in dissolution. This paper expands on the underlying physical model while serving as an update on current progress with the application of the model. This underlying physical model envisages that cations and anions depart separately from the surface leaving a surface vacancy of charge opposite to that of the departing ion on the surface. This results in an excess surface charge, which in turn affects the rate of departing ions. Thus, a feedback mechanism is established in which the departing of ions creates excess surface charge, and this net surface charge, in turn, affects the rate of departure. This model accounts for the orders of reaction, the equilibrium conditions, the acceleration or deceleration of rate in the initial phase and the surface charge. The surface-vacancy model can also account for the effect of impurities in the solution, while it predicts phenomena, such as ‘partial equilibrium’, that are not contemplated by other models. The underlying physical model can be independently verified, for example, by measurements of the surface charge. This underlying physical model has implications for fields beyond dissolution studies.
Time-of-day effects in physical performances and psychological responses in young elite male handball players

ABSTRACT The present study examined the effect of time-of-day in psychological responses and short-term maximal performances in elite male handball players. Eighteen male handball players performed, in a counterbalanced order and at three time-of-day (i.e., in the morning at 10:00 h, in the afternoon at 14:00 h and in the evening at 18:00 h) the Repeated Sprint Ability (RSA) and the Ball-Throwing Velocity (BTV) test. Profile of mood states (POMS), simple (SRT) and choice (CRT) reaction times, and Stroop test to evaluate selective attention (SA) and Hooper questionnaires were assessed before the physical tests. Oral temperature (OT) was measured in the beginning of each testing session. The results revealed, for the POMS questionnaire, that the negative mood-states (anxiety, anger, confusion, depression, and fatigue) were higher in the morning while positive mood-state (vigor) was higher in the evening. Also, SRT, CRT and SA were better in the evening. For physical tests, BTV and performance during the RSA test were also better in the evening. OT was higher in the evening than in the morning and the afternoon. The findings suggest that, in elite handball players, cognitive and short-term maximal physical performances were better increased during the day from the morning to the evening.
Mathematics in Culture: Analysis of Mathematical Elements in Buna Woven Fabric

The purpose of this research is to analyze in depth the mathematical values contained in the buna woven fabric. The method used is a qualitative method with an ethnographic design because it will explain one of the cultural artifacts of the people of NTT, in this case the buna woven fabric. The results obtained are the motifs on the buna woven cloth that analyzed containing geometric and arithmetic concepts. From the analyzed quadrilateral characteristics, the quadrilateral found in the buna woven fabric is a rhombus. In addition, values or mathematical concepts on woven fabrics that can be taught to junior high school students include finding the formula for the area and perimeter of a rhombus using a triangle approach; calculate the area and circumference of a rhombus; arithmetic and geometric sequences and calculating the number of rhombic models on buna woven fabrics. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis secara mendalam nilai-nilai matematika yang terdapat pada kain tenun buna. Metode yang digunakan adalah metode kualitatif dengan desain etnografi, karena akan menjelaskan mengenai salah satu artefak budaya masyarakat NTT, dalam hal ini kain tenun buna. Hasil yang diperoleh adalah motif pada kain tenun buna yang dianalisis memuat konsep-konsep geometri dan aritmatika. Dari sifat-sifat segiempat yang dianalisis maka dapat diketahui bahwa bangun datar segiempat yang terdapat pada kain tenun buna adalah belah ketupat. Selain itu nilai-nilai atau konsep-konsep matematika pada kain tenun buna yang dapat diajarkan pada siswa SMP antara lain: menemukan rumus luas dan keliling belah ketupat menggunakan pendekatan segitiga; menghitung luas dan keliling belah ketupat; barisan aritmatika dan geometri serta menghitung banyaknya model belah ketupat pada kain tenun buna
Encapsulation of hemoglobin within mPEG-b-PCL micelle for development of artificial oxygen carrier

Abstract The aim of this study is to develop hemoglobin (hb) encapsulated self-assembled polymer for use as artificial oxygen carrier. Methoxy-polyethylene glycol (mPEG45) block and poly (ɛ-caprolactone [ɛ-CL]) (mPEG-b-PCL) that formed diblock copolymer was synthesized via ring-opening polymerization (ROP). Extracted and purified hb was then encapsulated in polymer with critical micelle concentration (CMC) at 1.0–2.0 mg/mL. Average encapsulation efficiency of the human hb-micelle was 45 ± 5% as compared to 66.7 ± 15% of bovine hb-micelle. The derived half-life of hb encapsulated micelle was 112,242 ± 40 min upon atmospheric air exposure as compared to 30 ± 10 min of the experiment control (free hb). Results of oxygen reversibility study also demonstrated the capability of hb-micelle to endure minimum average of six oxygenation and deoxygenation cycles as compared to an average less than one average cycle by the control. Control (free bovine and human hb) and treated cell (bovine and human hb-micelle) were incubated for 48 h and analyzed every 4, 8, 12, 16, 24, and 48 h. Cell viability assay on macrophage cell demonstrated both free hb(s) recorded decreasing cell growths as early as 8 h as compared to the increasing cell viability pattern by the encapsulated hb(s) indicating lesser cytotoxicity. Graphical Abstract
Distributional Concavity Regularization for GANs

We propose Distributional Concavity (DC) regularization for Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), a functional gradient-based method that promotes the entropy of the generator distribution and works against mode collapse. Our DC regularization is an easy-to-implement method that can be used in combination with the current state of the art methods like Spectral Normalization and Wasserstein GAN with gradient penalty to further improve the performance. We will not only show that our DC regularization can achieve highly competitive results on ILSVRC2012 and CIFAR datasets in terms of Inception score and Fréchet inception distance, but also provide a mathematical guarantee that our method can always increase the entropy of the generator distribution. We will also show an intimate theoretical connection between our method and the theory of optimal transport.
Validation of a scale of attention to diversity for university teachers

It is the job of universities to face the greatest challenges of highereducation in the twenty-first century. Creating policies and practices to attendto diversity is part of their social responsibility. Validated instruments areessential to find out teachers’ attitudes and practices in education regardingattention to diversity. This paper aims to present the process of constructionand validation of the Scale of Beliefs, Attitudes and Practices of Attentionto Diversity for University Teachers (CAPA-PU) created for this purpose. Asurvey method with a non-experimental design was applied to a sample of 428teachers from various Spanish universities. To validate this scale, analysis ofthe content and construct preceded the selected items in the ad hoc instrumentin order to reach the representativeness of the construct. A review of theliterature on attention to diversity, especially instrument design, informedof the definition of the construct and its dimensions, representativeness,relevance, comprehension, ambiguity and clarity. In addition, reliable internalconsistency and exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis showed a fittedmodel and a five-factor structure: (1) Institutional Diversity; (2) Research,Training and Teaching Focused on Diversity; (3) Teaching and LearningPractices; (4) University Administrators’ Commitment; (5) Conception ofDiversity. In conclusion, it is evident that there is: a) current relevance of theassumed construct of attention to diversity focused on actions that providelearning opportunities to the most disadvantaged groups; and b) the need tooffer a scale such as the one created in order to attend to the processes ofeducational inclusion in Spanish universities.
Exports Margins in Austria’s Export Growth

Recent empirical research in international trade emphasizes the role of the extensive and intensive margin as determinants of countries’ trade patterns. Considering the case of Austria, the present paper uses detailed bilateral export data with 215 partner countries over the period 1998-2011, differentiated by product categories where we distinguish between total goods, final goods and intermediate goods, in order to calculate the contribution of the extensive and intensive margins to Austria’s export performance. Intensive margin are further decomposed into price and quantity margins in order to evaluate the role of to changes in price (quality) and changes in quantity. Unlike previous studies that have mainly used a single approach for the decomposition of exports into its margins, the present paper uses three alternative methods: i) the count method, ii) the decomposition method of export shares proposed by Hummels and Klenow (2005), and iii) the decomposition method of export growth rates by Bingzhan (2011). Results show that the intensive margin is key driver of Austria’s export growth across each product category. Additionally, the results indicate that the growth in the intensive margin of Austria’s exports is mainly explained by quantity growth.
Comparing four standard Sleep Questionnaires to Polysomnography to predict possibility of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and its severity

The commonly used screening tools; Epworth Sleepiness Scale Abstract Background and Aims: Obstructed Sleep Apnea (OSA) is emerging as a significant problem in South East Asia with the rise of Obesity. Polysomnography (PSG) being expensive in Nepal, is usually deferred. The commonly used screening tools are cornerstone to evaluate clinical possibility and effects of OSA without having to rely on the PSG at the onset in Nepal. In this study, we proposed the use of four sleep related questionnaires separate as well as in combination to clinically predict OSA and its severity. And to do that we have compared these scores with Apnea Hypo-apnea Index (AHI) derived from the gold standard level one PSG. MethodThis was a prospective randomized trial comparing level one polysomnography with individual scores from Epworth Sleepiness Score, STOP BANG score, Pittsburg Sleep Quality and Functional Outcome of Sleep Quality-10 and the composite sleep score from all the four.
An open-label study to evaluate the effects of Streptococcus salivarius K12 given as a powder formula to prevent respiratory infections in young children

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Bactoblis® sachets containing Streptococcus salivarius K12 (minimum 1 billion CFU/sachet) in preventing acute respiratory infections in young children who had just started attending a kindergarten. This open-label, single-centre, randomized (1:1), controlled clinical study was conducted between February 2019 and December 2019 at the Poltava Regional Children’s Clinical Hospital of the Poltava Regional Council. The randomization of patients in the study was performed by random sampling in a ratio of 1:1. A total of 58 healthy children aged between two to four years were enrolled; 28 children received a Bactoblis® sachet once daily for 90 days and 30 children who did not receive Bactoblis® served as the control. The effectiveness of prophylactic administration of the Bactoblis® sachet was assessed as a reduction in the incidence of tonsillopharyngitis, tracheitis, rhinitis, laryngitis and otitis media. Other outcomes assessed were the requirement to administer antibacterial agents and antipyretics, and the frequency of absence from preschool institutions during the treatment period, and within six months of follow-up. Children who received Bactoblis® for 90 days had a significant reduction in the incidence of infections during treatment and within six months of follow-up compared to those in the control group (p
PRELIMINARY OUTCOMES AND CHALLENGES TO IMPLEMENTING SCHOOL-WIDE POSITIVE BEHAVIOR INTERVENTIONS AND SUPPORTS IN 30 GREEK PRIMARY SCHOOLS

School-Wide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (SWPBIS) is an evidence-based three-tier school-wide framework for preventing and treating challenging behavior in schools, improving overall school climate, and promoting teachers' teaming and collaboration. SWPBIS outcomes, such as the decrease of students' behavioral problems and improvement of teachers' cooperation, have been well established across various educational systems in many countries. The purpose of this qualitative study is to investigate stakeholders' perceptions about the preliminary outcomes and challenges of the SWPBIS Tier 1 implementation in 30 Greek primary schools. A semi-structured focus group was conducted with stakeholders from Greek primary schools about their experiences from the implementation of SWPBIS Tier 1 during the 2019-2020 school year. Three key categories were identified: (a) perceptions about the initial SWPBIS outcomes, (b) implementation challenges, and (c) suggestions on additional supports. Practical implications and results are discussed in terms of how they can be used in sustaining SWPBIS in the Greek context. Article visualizations:
Feasibility study of multipoint based laser alignment system for CLIC

CLIC (Compact LInear Collider) is a study for a future electron-positron collider that would allow physicists to explore a new energy region beyond the capabilities of today’s particle accelerators. Alignment is one of the major challenges within the CLIC study in order to achieve the high requirement of a multi-TeV center of mass colliding beam energy range (nominal 3 TeV). To reach this energy in a realistic and cost efficient scenario all accelerator components have to be aligned with an accuracy of10 μm over a sliding window of200 m. The demand for a straight line reference is so far based on stretched wires coupled with Wire Positioning Sensors (WPS). These solutions are currently further developed in order to reduce the drawbacks which are mainly given by their costs and difficult implementation. However, it shoul d be validated through inter-comparison with a solution ideally based on a different physical principle. Therefore , a new metrological approach is proposed using a laser beam as straight line reference. Optical shutters paired with CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) based cameras are proposed to visualise the laser beam. This new technology is currently studied and developed in an optical laboratory . The paper presents the alignment principle, the theoretica l background, and introduces related key-parameters. First experiments were performed based on a 2 m long setup in order to validate the principle. Low cost components were implemented for these tests which are however showing encouraging results. The conclusion allows a first approximation of achievable measurement precision and repeatability. In addition these experiments are building up a basis for a first extrapolation of the accuracy over a longer distance.
Physicochemical parameters as indicators of the authenticity of monofloral honey from the territory of the Republic of Serbia

The aim of this research was to verify the authenticity of monofloral honeys from the territory of the Republic of Serbia on the basis of physicochemical parameters routinely measured in honey quality control using multivariate analysis. Seventeen samples of monofloral honey (11 samples of acacia honey and 6 samples of sunflower honey) from the territory of the Republic of Serbia were analyzed. Physicochemical analysis of the samples included the examination of basic quality parameters and qualitative and quantitative analyses of phenolic compounds. In the samples tested, a total of 93 phenolic compounds were tentatively identified, and 19 of them were quantified. The obtained physicochemical analysis of the data served as input for the multivariate analysis. The hеаt map, which is useful for visualizing numerical data, was used for this purpose. The obtained results showed that the applied data can serve to clearly separate acacia and sunflower honeys.
On the relationship between managers’ preferences and debt financing: evidence from Vietnamese firms

ABSTRACT This study attempts to investigate risk and time preferences of top managers to see if there is a link between managers’ traits and debt-financing behaviours of firms. Accordingly, we conduct an experimental study with a sample of 623 top managers from Vietnamese textile and garment firms. We find strong evidence that firms led by loss-averse managers are less likely to access both foreign and domestic debt, while debt level is substantially lower for firms led by impatient managers. It is worth noting that our study sheds further light on the current literature by providing evidence that managers’ preferences have significant impact on debt-financing behaviour of SMEs, but their effects on large firms are very modest.
Particle-size and -density segregation in granular free-surface flows

When a mixture of particles, which differ in both their size and their density, avalanches downslope, the grains can either segregate into layers or remain mixed, dependent on the balance between particle-size and particle-density segregation. In this paper, binary mixture theory is used to generalize models for particle-size segregation to include density differences between the grains. This adds considerable complexity to the theory, since the bulk velocity is compressible and does not uncouple from the evolving concentration fields. For prescribed lateral velocities, a parabolic equation for the segregation is derived which automatically accounts for bulk compressibility. It is similar to theories for particle-size segregation, but has modified segregation and diffusion rates. For zero diffusion, the theory reduces to a quasilinear first-order hyperbolic equation that admits solutions with discontinuous shocks, expansion fans and one-sided semi-shocks. The distance for complete segregation is investigated for different inflow concentrations, particle-size segregation rates and particle-density ratios. There is a significant region of parameter space where the grains do not separate completely, but remain partially mixed at the critical concentration at which size and density segregation are in exact balance. Within this region, a particle may rise or fall dependent on the overall composition. Outside this region of parameter space, either size segregation or density segregation dominates and particles rise or fall dependent on which physical mechanism has the upper hand. Two-dimensional steady-state solutions that include particle diffusion are computed numerically using a standard Galerkin solver. These simulations show that it is possible to define a Péclet number for segregation that accounts for both size and density differences between the grains. When this Péclet number exceeds 10 the simple hyperbolic solutions provide a very useful approximation for the segregation distance and the height of rapid concentration changes in the full diffusive solution. Exact one-dimensional solutions with diffusion are derived for the steady-state far-field concentration.