Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Essays on financial frictions in macroeconomics

This dissertation consists of two chapters. In the first chapter, I study the dynamics of corporate debt maturity over the business cycle, and how the debt maturity structure of a firm matters for its investment decisions. I find that in the data, the corporate debt maturity structure is pro-cyclical, especially for small firms. Moreover, larger firms use more long-term debt in general. I construct a quantitative model to explain these findings. The main results are twofold: First, maturity dynamics can be explained by a trade-off between default incentives, which favor short-term debt, and roll-over costs, which favor long-term debt. Second, long-term debt can lead to substantial under-investment. In the second chapter, I study bank capital regulation in a model with endogenous bank runs. The model economy has both retail and shadow banks. Financial instability arises, because retail banks will occasionally run on shadow banks. The regulator faces a trade-off between reducing financial instability and ensuring that financial intermediation is efficient. I find that a dynamic capital requirement on retail banks is an effective policy instrument to reduce the frequency of bank runs, because it allows retail banks to build up a buffer during normal times that they can use to increase leverage capacity during a bank run. The cost of imposing a capital requirement is however high, if banks cannot issue external equity.
Willingness to pay for organic products on the Serbian market

The purpose of the paper is to analyze general information on consumption and socio-demographic variables in relation to the willingness to pay (WTP) for organic products in the Republic of Serbia. The study is based on the survey responses of 398 individuals and the data obtained from the survey was analyzed using the chi-square test. The factors significantly affecting WTP premium prices for organic products include higher disposable household income, older age group, gender, urban surroundings, larger household size and higher educational level. Male and female consumers, living in towns, in a family of up to 4 persons, with higher education, and within the income range of 500-2,000 euro a month would be willing to pay a premium up to 20% once a week for organic products. This paper provides further insight into WTP for organic products among consumers from a developing country.
Effect of insulin dosage on glycemic response in dogs with diabetes mellitus: 221 cases (1993-1998).

OBJECTIVE To evaluate glycemic response to insulin treatment in dogs with diabetes mellitus. DESIGN Retrospective study. ANIMALS 221 dogs with diabetes mellitus. PROCEDURE Type and dosage of insulin used, minimum and maximum blood glucose concentrations, time of blood glucose concentration nadir, and optimal duration of action of insulin were determined on the basis of data obtained prior to initial examination at the teaching hospital (127 dogs), at the time of initial examination (212 dogs), at the time a second follow-up blood glucose curve was performed (59 dogs), and at the time of clinical control of diabetes mellitus (83 dogs). RESULTS Prior to examination, 69 of 127 dogs (54%) received 1 s.c. insulin injection daily. Thirty-one dogs (24%) received a high dose of insulin (i.e., > 1.5 U/kg [0.7 U/lb] of body weight); 27 of these dogs (87%) received 1 injection/d. Eleven of 16 dogs (69%) that were hypoglycemic (blood glucose concentration < 80 mg/dl) also received 1 injection/d. However, optimal duration of action of insulin was > 12 hours in only 5 of 83 dogs (6%) evaluated at the time diabetes mellitus was clinically controlled. At that time, only 1 dog (1%) received a high dose of insulin, and the dog received 2 injections/d. Moreover, 8 of 10 dogs (80%) with hypoglycemia received 1 injection/d. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Most dogs with diabetes mellitus are clinically regulated with 2 daily insulin injections. Administration of a high dose of insulin or development of hypoglycemia may be more common in diabetic dogs that receive insulin once daily, compared with dogs that receive insulin twice daily.
Three-dimensional Kinematic Lumbar Spine Motion Analyses of Trunk Motion During Axial Rotation Activities

Study Design: An experimental design was conducted to investigate kinematic changes in 3-dimensional trunk motions between subjects with and without chronic low back pain (LBP) while demonstrating axial rotation. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare 3-dimensional kinematic data for the upper and lower thorax and the lumbar spine from the axis of the core spine during axial rotation activities in the standing position while considering anthropometric factors in subjects with and without LBP. Summary of Background Data: Rotation of the trunk is associated with a large number of LBP cases and surrounding spinal tissue injuries. Methods: Fifteen subjects with chronic LBP (5 men, 10 women) and 15 subjects without LBP (9 men, 6 women) participated in this study. The outcome measures included kinematic data of actual trunk rotation angles for the upper and lower thorax and the lumbar regions relative to the core spine (spinal root) in sagittal, coronal, and transverse axes. Results: The spinal range of motion was significantly different for each spinal region (F=240.25, P=0.001) and axis (F=213.91, P=0.001). There was a significant interaction between the spinal region and the group (F=4.34, P=0.04). There was also a 3-way interaction with the spinal region, the axis, and the group (F=11.04, P=0.001). These results indicated that spinal region and axes are important to consider because the upper thorax demonstrated a significantly greater rotational displacement in subjects with chronic LBP. Among the anthropometric factors, age (F=6.24, P=0.02) interacted with the spinal region and the axis. Conclusions: Decreased spinal range of motion in older subjects might result in a stiffened spine in addition to possible poor proprioception from back injuries to passive structures in subjects with chronic LBP.
Locomotor: transparent migration of client-side database code

Server-side execution is a well-known method for improving the performance of database applications. Running code on the database server eliminates round trips to the client application resulting in significantly reduced latency. However, the common approach of explicitly writing server-side code in stored procedures has significant drawbacks. Application developers must develop and maintain code in two separate languages and manually partition code between the client and server. Code shipping is a viable alternative but still requires an explicit specification of which code can be run on the server. We propose a hybrid shipping approach based on static analysis which automatically partitions client code and only ships code to the server which is likely to improve performance. We demonstrate the viability of this approach in a prototype system which we call Locomotor. Locomotor operates on Python applications using the Redis key-value store. Through static analysis, it identifies fragments of code which can benefit from being executed on the server and automatically performs translation to execute the fragments on the server. Unlike some previous systems, Locomotor is not pattern-based and is able to ship a wide variety of code. By shipping code to the server, Locomotor is able to achieve significant performance gains over client-side execution with no modifications to the application code.
Constrained Bayesian optimization of combined interaction force/task space controllers for manipulations

In this paper, we address the problem of how a robot can optimize parameters of combined interaction force/task space controllers under a success constraint in an active way. To enable the robot to explore its environment robustly, safely and without the risk of damaging anything, suitable control concepts have to be developed that enable compliant and force control in situations that are afflicted with high uncertainties. Instances of such concepts are impedance, operational space or hybrid control. However, the parameters of these controllers have to be tuned precisely in order to achieve reasonable performance, which is inherently challenging, as often no sufficient model of the environment is available. To overcome this, we propose to use constrained Bayesian optimization to enable the robot to tune its controller parameters autonomously. Unlike other controller tuning methods, this method allows us to include a success constraint into the optimization. Further, we introduce novel performance measures for compliant, force controlled robots. In real world experiments we show that our approach is able to optimize the parameters for a task that consists of establishing and maintaining contact between the robot and the environment efficiently and successfully.
Functions of NQO1 in Cellular Protection and CoQ10 Metabolism and its Potential Role as a Redox Sensitive Molecular Switch

NQO1 is one of the two major quinone reductases in mammalian systems. It is highly inducible and plays multiple roles in cellular adaptation to stress. A prevalent polymorphic form of NQO1 results in an absence of NQO1 protein and activity so it is important to elucidate the specific cellular functions of NQO1. Established roles of NQO1 include its ability to prevent certain quinones from one electron redox cycling but its role in quinone detoxification is dependent on the redox stability of the hydroquinone generated by two-electron reduction. Other documented roles of NQO1 include its ability to function as a component of the plasma membrane redox system generating antioxidant forms of ubiquinone and vitamin E and at high levels, as a direct superoxide reductase. Emerging roles of NQO1 include its function as an efficient intracellular generator of NAD+ for enzymes including PARP and sirtuins which has gained particular attention with respect to metabolic syndrome. NQO1 interacts with a growing list of proteins, including intrinsically disordered proteins, protecting them from 20S proteasomal degradation. The interactions of NQO1 also extend to mRNA. Recent identification of NQO1 as a mRNA binding protein have been investigated in more detail using SERPIN1A1 (which encodes the serine protease inhibitor α-1-antitrypsin) as a target mRNA and indicate a role of NQO1 in control of translation of α-1-antitrypsin, an important modulator of COPD and obesity related metabolic syndrome. NQO1 undergoes structural changes and alterations in its ability to bind other proteins as a result of the cellular reduced/oxidized pyridine nucleotide ratio. This suggests NQO1 may act as a cellular redox switch potentially altering its interactions with other proteins and mRNA as a result of the prevailing redox environment.
Overexpression of an R1R2R3 MYB Gene, OsMYB3R-2, Increases Tolerance to Freezing, Drought, and Salt Stress in Transgenic Arabidopsis1[C][W][OA]

We used a cDNA microarray approach to monitor the expression profile of rice (Oryza sativa) under cold stress and identified 328 cold-regulated genes. Thirteen such genes encoding MYB, homeodomain, and zinc finger proteins with unknown functions showed a significant change in expression under 72-h cold stress. Among them, OsMYB3R-2 was selected for further study. Unlike most plant R2R3 MYB transcription factors, OsMYB3R-2 has three imperfect repeats in the DNA-binding domain, the same as in animal c-MYB proteins. Expression of OsMYB3R-2 was induced by cold, drought, and salt stress. The Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) transgenic plants overexpressing OsMYB3R-2 showed increased tolerance to cold, drought, and salt stress, and the seed germination of transgenic plants was more tolerant to abscisic acid or NaCl than that of wild type. The expression of some clod-related genes, such as dehydration-responsive element-binding protein 2A, COR15a, and RCI2A, was increased to a higher level in OsMYB3R-2-overexpressing plants than in wild type. These results suggest that OsMYB3R-2 acts as a master switch in stress tolerance.
Beginning Teachers' Experiential Learning in the Era of Common Core: A Case Study.

relatively confident in curriculum knowledge (Kereluik, Fahoe, & Terry, 2013). However, what quickly bubbles up to the surface is the political dynamics embedded in institutions and the need to exercise delicate diplomacy to cautiously navigate them in an era of shifting curricular, technological and instructional paradigms (Demski, 2013; Goodwin, 2012; Curry, Kim, Russell, Callahan, & Bacais, 2008).
Guided-wave characteristics of waveguide based periodic structures loaded with various FSS strip layers

In this paper, frequency-dependent guided-wave characteristics of waveguide based periodic structures loaded with transversal strip layers of frequency selective surfaces (FSS) are extensively studied in terms of per-unit-length transmission parameters, i.e., complex propagation constant and complex wave impedance. Such a periodic structure with various FSS strip layers are in theory characterized using the hybrid method of moments (MoM)-immittance approach so as to derive these two per-unit-length parameters over a wide frequency range. At first, the extracted phase constant of a simple periodic waveguide, loaded with rectangular patch layer, is compared with the available analytical results, thus validating the approach utilized here. Next, the three novel periodic waveguides, loaded with plus, square loop and Jerusalem cross FSS strip layers, are investigated. It is observed that there is slow-wave behavior in the lower passband for the first two whereas the third one exhibits both fast-wave and slow-wave propagation behaviors in the lower passband. Besides, the third one shows the attractive backward wave propagation within the partial passband, thus introducing a novel waveguide-based artificial negative refractive index metamaterial (NRIM).
Electrospray mass spectrometry in the differentiation of some isomeric trimethylfurocoumarins.

Electrospray mass spectrometry (ES-MS) was successfully employed for the structural differentiation of six isomeric trimethylfurocoumarins of possible pharmaceutical interest. Two different approaches were employed. The first was based on MS(n) experiments of MH(+) ions. Although the product ion spectra of MH(+) of the isomers are very similar, the MS(3) spectra of the collisionally generated [MH[bond]CO](+) ions show some characteristic differences. The second approach was based on complexation of the molecules with Li(+), Na(+) and K(+) using ESI-MS of sample solutions containing alkali ions in a 100:1 molar ratio with respect to the analyte. Significant differences were observed in complex production yields, and these were related to the dimension of the alkali ion and to the steric availability of chelating groups in the different isomers.
The Convergence of Beta Credit for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Indonesia’s Provinces

The success of SMEs is determined by the business capital and able to give value added to the business more productively. Various financing pattern schemes for SMEs have been provided in various regions and all economic sectors. However, the development of SMEs credit is still concentrated in several regions in Indonesia this can lead to inequality in the growth of SMEs. This study aims to analyze the convergence of absolute beta and conditional beta in the Provinces in Indonesia and calculate the half-time or time required to achieve steady-state conditions of the SME credit convergence process. Convergence test used is beta conditional convergence and absolute convergence with the monthly time period during 2017.1 until 2017.7. The determinant of SMEs convergence of credit in Indonesia is a number of third-party funds. The model used is dynamic panel data regression and the estimation method used is Arellano-Bond Generalized Method of Moment (AB-GMM). The results of the study show that during the study period, there has been a convergence credit process in Indonesia for both absolute and conditional convergence models. The conditional beta-convergence model provides a smaller beta value than the absolute model. The speed of credit growth convergence between provinces in Indonesia with half-time of 6,94 months for the absolute model and the half-time of 6,96 months for the conditional model.
Very compact transformer-coupled balun-integrated bandpass filter using integrated passive device technology on glass substrate

This paper presents a transformer-coupled resonator structure to integrate a balun into a bandpass filter using integrated passive device technology on glass substrate. The use of the transformer not only greatly reduces the size of the bandpass filter, but also easily provides the coupling to the balanced output ports. In addition, the tapped feed-lines are used to obtain a good impedance match at all ports, and create extra transmission zeros to enhance the desired stopband rejection. The presented balun-integrated bandpass filter has an overall smaller area and lower insertion loss than the separate designs, showing a great potential to be embedded in a glass carrier for wireless 3D packaging and integration.
Characterization of a dam Mutant ofSerratia marcescens and Nucleotide Sequence of thedam Region

ABSTRACT The DNA of Serratia marcescens has N6-adenine methylation in GATC sequences. Among 2-aminopurine-sensitive mutants isolated from S. marcescensSr41, one was identified which lacked GATC methylation. The mutant showed up to 30-fold increased spontaneous mutability and enhanced mutability after treatment with 2-aminopurine, ethyl methanesulfonate, or UV light. The gene (dam) coding for the adenine methyltransferase (Dam enzyme) of S. marcescens was identified on a gene bank plasmid which alleviated the 2-aminopurine sensitivity and the higher mutability of adam-13::Tn9 mutant ofEscherichia coli. Nucleotide sequencing revealed that the deduced amino acid sequence of Dam (270 amino acids; molecular mass, 31.3 kDa) has 72% identity to the Dam enzyme of E. coli. The dam gene is located between flanking genes which are similar to those found to the sides of the E. coli damgene. The results of complementation studies indicated that like Dam ofE. coli and unlike Dam of Vibrio cholerae, the Dam enzyme of S. marcescens plays an important role in mutation avoidance by allowing the mismatch repair enzymes to discriminate between the parental and newly synthesized strands during correction of replication errors.
A mathematical approach to the evaluation of sediment transport capacity in the human urinary tract.

BACKGROUND It is not yet clear whether forced diuresis is useful for flushing out of the urinary tract, especially in cases of renal calculi or infections. A series of experiments conducted initially in vitro and then in vivo in rabbits, using sand and small glass spheres, showed that sediments can be eliminated from the urinary tract by forced diuresis. When distilled water was used, the effect was greater, both as weight of sand and as number of spheres eliminated, than when normal saline was used. The different characteristics of the two liquids gave rise to different intrapelvic pressures for a given flow. MATERIALS AND METHODS Intrapelvic pressures, and liquid and solid discharges in vitro and in rabbits were used in a fluid mechanics analysis of the phenomenon to obtain non-dimensional formulae so that the results in rabbits could be extended to humans. RESULTS The results made it possible to evaluate solid transport capacity induced in a healthy human of given weight by drinking a given quantity of water in an hour. CONCLUSIONS The mathematical model makes it possible to determine the quantity of water a patient must drink to induce a transport force sufficient for urinary tract wash-out.
Rhetorical questions : severing asking from questioning

Rhetorical questions ( R h Q s) are puzzling for theoretical accounts of questions: while they have an interrogative form, they seem to provide the same information as a parallel assertion. We propose that solving this puzzle requires a deeper understanding of the dynamics of interrogative utterances, and in particular we argue for a dynamics parallel to what has recently been proposed for assertions and imperatives: uttering an interrogative is a proposal to update the context, in this case the QUD, and its acceptance leads to the final inquisitive update. We argue that R h Q s are interrogatives triggering the presupposition that the context entails the answer, so if accepted as a QUD, they would be immediately answered. This, in combination with the dynamics we develop, allows us to explain both the similarities with assertions as well as the differences in their discourse function.
Students' time with music in primary and elementary school contexts: a case study in Newfoundland and Labrador

The purpose of this thesis is to use a qualitative case study to examine time allocation for classroom music in primary-elementary schools in the metro area of St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. The first part of the thesis is the introduction to the study and research questions. The research questions focus on current contexts in participating schools, decision-making processes for school-wide scheduling, and potential opportunities for improvement. This study includes a survey as well as interviews with music teachers and administrators to determine responses to the research questions. The results of this study found that participating schools typically offer less time for music class than is recommended by the Department of Education, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Various reasons, issues, challenges and opportunities around this finding are explored in the data analysis. It is evident that music educators and administrators alike value music education and seem to be making an effort to do what is best for their students. However, some changes to current practices could potentially allow students’ time in music to be maximized to the recommended time allocations.
Comparison of Agar Diffusion Methodologies for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates from Cystic Fibrosis Patients

ABSTRACT Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the most common pathogen infecting the lungs of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Improved antimicrobial chemotherapy has significantly increased the life expectancy of these patients. However, accurate susceptibility testing of P. aeruginosa isolates from CF sputum may be difficult because the organisms are often mucoid and slow growing. This study of 597 CF isolates of P. aeruginosa examined the correlation of disk diffusion and Etest (AB BIODISK, Solna, Sweden) results with a reference broth microdilution method. The rates of interpretive errors for 12 commonly used antipseudomonal antimicrobials were determined. The disk diffusion method correlated well (zone diameter versus MIC) for all of the agents tested. However, for mucoid isolates, correlation coefficients (r values) for piperacillin, piperacillin-tazobactam, and meropenem were <0.80. The Etest correlation with reference broth microdilution results (MIC versus MIC) was acceptable for all of the agents tested, for both mucoid and nonmucoid isolates. Category interpretation errors were similar for the disk diffusion and Etest methods with 0.4 and 0.1%, respectively, very major errors (false susceptibility) and 1.1 and 2.2% major errors (false resistance). Overall, both agar diffusion methods appear to be broadly acceptable for routine clinical use in susceptibility testing of CF isolates of P. aeruginosa.