Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of Financing on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Profitability with Moderating Role of Islamic Finance

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the very significant for the development of economy of the country, grasp the attention of government and policy makers in developed as well as in developing countries. SMEs in Pakistan have their vital role in economic growth. Therefore, it is essential that SMEs have right to use sources of finance. The study used the quantitative approach that was accomplished by survey questionnaires. Two hundred SMEs and seventy bank branches were selected in Faisalabad region in Pakistan, to get response on questionnaires about their financing patterns and effects of Islamic financing as moderator in their fixed assets, set up and current assets financing. The study showed that fixed assets, set up and current asset financing have positive relation with the growth of SMEs and Islamic modes of financing was not behaved as moderator in Faisalabad city in Pakistan.
Dynamic control of the perioral system during speech: kinematic analyses of autogenic and nonautogenic sensorimotor processes.

Afferent contributions to the motor control of speech were evaluated by applying unanticipated loads to the lower lip during the combined upper lip-lower lip gesture associated with the oral closing movements for a "b" sound. Loads were introduced randomly in approximately 15% of the trials to minimize subject anticipation or adaptation. A total of 490 load trials (in five naive subjects) were distributed within a restricted interval (100 ms) centered on the initiation of agonist muscle contraction associated with the lip-closing movements. Kinematic adjustments of the upper and lower lips to these perturbations were examined in detail. In all subjects, load-induced changes in upper and lower lip displacement, movement time, and closing velocity were statistically significant and observed the first time a perturbation was introduced. Load timing variations within the target interval resulted in systematic changes in the site of the compensatory adjustments (upper versus lower lip) and in the magnitude of the kinematic responses. These kinematic changes appeared to reflect the dynamic nature of underlying control processes and clearly contrasted the different response characteristics of autogenic (lower lip) and nonautogenic (upper lip) compensatory actions. Although both upper and lower lip adjustments contributed to perturbation compensations, autogenic responses were found to predominate when loads occurred 20-55 ms before muscle activation. For these early loads, autogenic responses provided approximately 75% of the total compensation. For later loads, when the evolving speech motor action was more time constrained, nonautogenic (open-loop) compensations predominated, providing approximately 65% of the total compensation. The variations in upper and lower lip compensatory response magnitude did not parallel the time course of facial muscle activation. Lower lip kinematic adjustments were reduced 10-15 ms prior to the onset of agonist muscle activation, whereas upper lip adjustments increased in magnitude 10-20 ms after agonist onset. Apparently the dynamic modulation of these responses is controlled independently from facial motoneuron excitation, possibly involving sensorimotor processing via supranuclear centers. Overall the compensatory movement displacements were highly related to the magnitude of the perturbation displacement, especially for loads introduced prior to agonist muscle onset, reflecting a well-calibrated readjustment. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Efficiency calculation of inverter for PV applications Using MATLAB and SPICE

The purpose of this paper is to estimate the efficiency of the inverter circuits used for the Photovoltaic (PV) systems. The analysis of a power electronics converter with the SPICE during the steady-state operation takes a long time and the results may not be obtained accurately due to convergence problem in the solver. The MATLAB package program is widely preferred to analyze the power electronics converters if the switching losses are not taken into account and efficiency of the converter is not main purpose of the study. Here, In order to perform a detailed efficiency analysis of converter with SPICE program, the gate signals of IGBTs have been generated as a text file in MATLAB simulation of the same converter and that data has been transferred into the SPICE. The simulation results are verified with experimental results. The algorithm developed here is applicable to all converters that can be simulated in the MATLAB and the SPICE. Hence this approach is very useful to compare the efficiencies of the power electronic converters which are alternative to each other.
Exchange rate forecasting : regional applications to ASEAN, CACM, MERCOSUR and SADC countries

This thesis contributes to knowledge concerning the volatility and forecasting of exchange rates in the emerging world. It investigates the exchange rates of the leading trading blocs in that part of the world. This thesis examines exchange rates of selected emerging countries across continents and fills gaps in the literature pertaining to local and regional analyses of exchange rates, with an investigation of the determinants of their fluctuations in selected common markets in Africa, Asia, Central and Latin America. Exchange rates of countries from the four different regions are investigated separately, followed by an analysis within and across regions to identify common patterns of exchange rates fluctuations. Monthly forecasts are generated for a period of 24 months to test the performance of the times series, cointegration and combination techniques used in this thesis. The results show that exchange rates of countries in the same region behave similarly following a shock to the system. Additionally, exchange rates of countries at the same stage of development albeit in different geographical location (Central America, Southern Africa, Latin America and Southeast Asia) share some similarities. This thesis found that all exchange rates examined have been volatile. Furthermore, asymmetric volatility was particularly relevant in the modelling process mainly for countries that suffered from the aftermath of a financial or debt crisis, especially in Asia and Latin America. Exponential smoothing time series models provided the most accurate forecasts for the sampled exchange rates, while combination models outperformed single time series models in about 70% of the cases. ARDL cointegration models had limited success in the forecasting exercise but were particularly relevant as a composite method and were the best performing models when combined with time series techniques.
Nuclear localization of a putative Phytophthora sojae bZIP1 transcription factor is mediated by multiple targeting motifs

Oomycetes are fungal‐like eukaryotic microbes in the kingdom Stramenopila. We recently found that the oomycete plant pathogen Phytophthora sojae uses nuclear localization signals (NLSs) for translocation of proteins into the nucleus that differ from conventional well‐characterized NLSs from mammals and yeast. Here, we have characterized in depth the NLSs of a P. sojae basic leucine zipper transcription factor, PsbZIP1. Nuclear localization of PsbZIP1 was determined by a central conserved region overlapping the DNA binding domain. Mutational analysis of this region identified four distinct elements that contributed multiplicatively to nuclear localization, but the conserved DNA binding residues were not required. Three of the elements showed autonomous NLS activity and the fourth served as a nuclear localization enhancer. Sequences within two of the nuclear localization elements defined a new form of bipartite NLS consisting of a triplet of basic residues followed by a tail of scattered basic amino acids.
Effects of Dan-shao-hua-xian on expression of PPAR-gamma and NF-kappa B in rat liver fibrosis.

BACKGROUND Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-gamma) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) play important roles in liver fibrosis. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Dan-shao-hua-xian, a preparation of traditional Chinese medicine, on the expression of PPAR-gamma and NF-kappaB in the fibrotic livers of rats. METHODS Seventy Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: treatment (model, 8 weeks+treatment, 8 weeks; group A), natural recovery ( model, 8 weeks+saline, 8 weeks; group B), model (model only, 8 weeks; group C), and control (normal, untreated, 16 weeks; group D). Each group consisted of 20 rats (except for group D, which had 10). Fibrotic liver models were induced in rats by subcutaneous injection of CCl4, oral administration of alcohol and a high-lipid/low-protein diet for 8 weeks. After the models were established, the rats in group A were orally given Dan-shao-hua-xian capsules daily for another 8 weeks. Then, the liver indices serum hyaluronic acid (HA), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were measured. The degree of hepatic fibrosis was evaluated by optical microscopy. Hydroxyproline (Hyp) in the liver tissue was determined. The expression of PPAR-gamma was detected by immunohistochemical techniques. The protein levels of PPAR-gamma and NF-kappaB were determined by Western blotting. RESULTS The concentrations of serum HA, TNF-alpha and Hyp in group C increased compared with group D (P<0.05), and they decreased in group A compared with group C (P<0.05). The expression of PPAR-gamma in group C decreased compared with group D (P<0.05), and it increased in group A compared with groups B and C (P<0.05). Similarly, Western blotting showed that the expression of PPAR-gamma in group C decreased compared with group D, and it increased in group A compared with group C. The expression of NF-kappaB increased in group C compared with group D (P<0.05), and it decreased in group A compared with group C (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Dan-shao-hua-xian capsules enhance the expression of PPAR-gamma but decrease that of TNF-alpha and NF-kappaB in the liver tissues of CCl4-induced hepatic fibrotic rats. These effects may play a role in its activity in treating hepatic fibrosis.
The Lead-Lag Relationships between Construction Investment and GDP: Granger Causality Tests and Impulse Responses Using Japanese Data

This paper analyzes the lead-lag relationships between construction investment and GDP at business-cycle frequency by the tests of Granger causality and the impulse responses in the framework of the vector autoregression, using the annual Japanese data. The analysis find that private construction investment tends to lead GDP, not vice versa, in the Granger sense and is of value in predicting the course of GDP one year ahead. Government construction investment, on the other hand, tends to lag GDP.
Calculation of induction machines inductances under outer raceway defect

The stator or rotor faults don't have important percentage compared to bearings faults. For this reason, it's necessary for us to worry about this kind of faults. The detection of this failure has been given by several methods. To progress this approach, we propose an analytical model for the diagnosis of induction motor. This paper presents a new precise model for the calculation of inductances in three-phase squirrel cage induction machine. This calculation is done under outer raceway defect. This paper determines a particular geometrical model under the bearing fault conditions and evaluates the inductances. We will investigate the effects of slots in rotor and stator. Rotor asymmetries lead to the change of winding function theory which will be transformed into the modified winding function that influences the inductances due to these conditions.
A three-dimensional echocardiographic study on aortic-mitral coupling in transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

AIMS Normal aortic valve (AV) and mitral valve (MV) function in a reciprocal interdependent fashion. We hypothesized that MV function would be affected by severe aortic stenosis (AS) and that it would remain altered after transcatheter AV replacement (TAVR). Using three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography, we studied aortic-mitral coupling in patients with severe AS undergoing TAVR and compared them with controls. METHODS AND RESULTS Three-dimensional transoesophageal echocardiography (Philips iE33) was performed on 43 patients: 27 with severe AS studied pre- and post-TAVR and 16 controls. A custom software tracked the aortic annulus (AoA) and mitral annulus (MA), allowing dynamic automated measurements of AoA and MA morphology, angle, and motion. The AS pre-TAVR patients had significantly reduced MA displacement, MA area, and maximum AoA area compared with the controls. Post-TAVR, MA displacement, MA area, and AoA area remained reduced. End-systolic AoA-MA angle was significantly wider in the AS patients compared with the controls and remained wider post-TAVR. Pre-TAVR, there was no difference in MA or AoA dynamics between patients with mild vs. moderate-to-severe MA calcium; Edwards-Sapien vs. a Medtronic CoreValve valve; normal vs. reduced left ventricular systolic function whereas post-TAVR, MA dynamics were significantly reduced in those with moderate-to-severe MA calcium. CONCLUSION This is the first study to demonstrate that AS can affect a secondary 'unaffected' valve, the MV, due to the calcification in the aortic-mitral fibrous continuity. TAVR does not result in recovery of MV structure. These changes have implications in the future TAVR valve development and the possible need for MV assessment pre- and post-TAVR.
Indicadores de Avaliação das Compras da Agricultura Familiar para Alimentação Escolar no Paraná, Santa Catarina e São Paulo

The aim of this study is to propose a systematization of several variables that contribute to the evaluation of purchases from family farming for school feeding,presenting results for Parana, Santa Catarina and Sao Paulo. This is based on the assessment of the efficiency of the Public Calling (CPs) to achieve the desired and effective public to contribute to higher purchases of family farmers (households) and increase consumption by students of fresh and less processed products, also the relative effectiveness of the effects on income and organization of farmers. Data were collected from CPs, supply contracts and municipalities accounts. It was found that compliance with legislation is growing, although the potential number of family farmers is relatively small in most municipalities. In the contracts, the prices are higher than in conventional markets and in natura or less processed products predominate among purchases, favoring school and family farmers. However, in several cases the CPs have weaknesses, such as lack of information, the frequency and the number of delivery locations and the prices to be paid, which affects the organization of households and process efficiency. It was observed encouragement to the increase of legal formality and the organization of farmers.
Is there a non-linear relationship between trade and growth? A panel threshold analysis for Central and Eastern European countries

It is suggested that international trade has a positive effect on the growth rate of economies. Although a vast literature has illustrated that open or more liberalised economies grow faster, the specific factors that promote this process have only recently begun to be investigated. We belive that there is a non-linear relationship between trade and growth, with the impact depending on a number of macroeconomic factors, i.e. the magnitude and even the direction of the effect of trade on economic performance might depend on other macroeconomic variables. Within this framework, our study aims to investigate the possible non-linearity in the trade-growth relationship, with a special focus on the financial deepening level for the selected Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries. Unlike the existing empirical literature on trade-growth nexus for the CEE economies, we utilise threshold regression techniques, where we allow the size and direction of the impact of trade on growth to differ between regimes, conditioning on the financial deepening level of these countries. Regarding credit growth and investment/credit ratio as thresholds, the countries in the upper regime benefit significantly more from trade.
Cellular immune responses of human cadaver donor bone marrow cells and their susceptibility to commonly used immunosuppressive drugs in transplantation.

BACKGROUND The cascade of immunological effects brought about by donor bone marrow cell (DBMC) infusions in human organ transplantation, especially in the context of continuous pharmacologic immunosuppression, is not fully understood. Yet, in inbred rodents and even primates, administration of specific bone marrow cells has caused a state of acquired immunologic tolerance. METHODS In vitro mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) and cell-mediated lympholysis (CML) culture systems were used to compare the responding and regulatory properties of DBMC and individual bone marrow cell subsets versus spleen cells in the presence or absence of pharmacologic immunosuppression. RESULTS In the absence of immunosuppressive drugs, the DBMC proliferated in MLC and in response to phytohemagglutinin, but to a lower magnitude than donor spleen cells. In CML assays, DBMC failed to function as cytotoxic cells. Removal of both CD3+ and CD34+ cells together (not just singly) had to occur for complete abrogation of the proliferative response of DBMC evoked in the presence of allogeneic stimulating cells. Testing several experimental variables using flow cytometric analysis led to the conclusion that when purified DBMC CD34+ cells were placed in coculture with irradiated allogeneic peripheral blood mononuclear cells, such CD34+ cells give rise both to CD3- TCRalphabeta+ as well as to dimly staining CD3+ TCRalphabeta+ cells. Low pharmacologic concentrations of tacrolimus/cyclosporine (CsA) and mycophenolic acid (MPA) singly or in combination had no effect on the spontaneous proliferation of DBMC and had significantly less inhibitory activity on MLC responses of DBMC and its purified CD3+ or CD34+ subpopulations, compared with the responses of spleen cells. Moreover, the previously described regulatory effects of DBMC on the MLC responses of peripheral blood or splenic responding cells were not inhibited by these immunosuppressive drugs. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these results support the notion that in vitro DBMC subpopulations, which proliferate as responding cells in co-culture with x-irradiated allogeneic cells and which cause regulatory effects when added as a third component to MLC reactions, seem to be culture-generated lymphoid cell lineage(s) progeny of CD34+ cells. This possibly includes unique CD3+ "primitive" (dimly staining) T cells, which are not as inhibited in their function by tacrolimus/CsA and MPA, as are postthymic (splenic) T cells.
Brief alcohol screening in a clinical psychiatric population: special attention needed.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS Abbreviated versions of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and single-item screeners show promising results but have not previously been investigated in a clinical psychiatric setting. The aim of the present study was to investigate the capacity of three brief screening methods to detect hazardous drinking in a psychiatric treatment-seeking population. DESIGN AND METHODS Data were collected from consecutive patients (n = 1811) visiting a general psychiatric clinic. The screening capacity of the heavy episodic drinking (HED) screener, AUDIT item # 3 (AUDIT-3) and the three consumption items of AUDIT (AUDIT-C) was compared to the result of the full 10-item AUDIT with cut-off points 6 for women and 8 for men. RESULTS The HED screener and AUDIT-3 with recommended cut-offs captured low rates of hazardous drinkers when compared to the full AUDIT. Lowering the cut-offs created rates far above those of the full AUDIT. AUDIT-C with recommended cut-off limits categorised nearly the same rates of men as the full AUDIT but much higher rates of women. Raising the cut-off for women approached the detection rate of AUDIT-C closely to that of the full AUDIT. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study suggest that the HED screener is not sensitive enough in the clinical psychiatric setting. When designing alcohol screening measures to be used all over health-care organisations, special attention should be paid to psychiatric patients. If a somewhat more extensive screening tool is used, the full AUDIT is recommended.
Effects of essential fatty acid deficiency on prostaglandin E2 production and cell-mediated immunity in a mouse model of leprosy

Results from animal and in vitro studies suggest that essential fatty acid (EFA) deficiency enhances cell-mediated immunity by reducing production of prostaglandins with immunosuppressive actions. However, direct experimental evidence that EFA deficiency enhances T-lymphocyte function in vivo has not been obtained. In this study, athymic (nu/nu) mice were infected in the footpads with Mycobacterium leprae and fed a linoleic acid-free diet. These mice, and infected nu/nu mice on control diets, were given an adoptive transfer of M. leprae-primed, T-cell-enriched lymphocytes. After 2 weeks, M. leprae bacilli were harvested from the recipient mice and bacterial viability was determined by the BACTEC system. M. leprae recovered from recipient mice fed control diets displayed little reduction in metabolic activity. In contrast, M. leprae from recipient mice fed the EFA-deficient (EFAD) diet exhibited markedly reduced viability. In vitro, donor cells from M. leprae-primed mice secreted elevated levels of gamma interferon upon exposure to the bacilli. These cells also exhibited an enhanced proliferative response, which was reduced by exogenous prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). In addition, M. leprae-infected granuloma macrophages (Mphi) from EFAD recipient nu/nu mice secreted significantly less PGE2 than granuloma Mphi from mice on control diets. These data suggest that enhanced levels of Mphi-generated PGE2, induced by M. leprae or its constituents, could act as an endogenous negative modulator of the immune response occurring in the microenvironment of the lepromatous granuloma.
A 0.3 THz Radiating Active $\times{\hbox{27}}$  Frequency Multiplier Chain With 1 mW Radiated Power in CMOS 65-nm

In this paper, a ×27 radiating active frequency multiplier chain at 288 GHz is presented. The circuit output is connected to a single on-chip ring antenna radiating a record high total radiated power of 1 mW for a DC power consumption of 284 mW at 288 GHz. The circuit has a -3 dB bandwidth of 15 GHz (277-292 GHz), an EIRP of +10.2 dBm and a record radiated DC-to-RF efficiency of 0.34% for a radiating frequency multiplying chain, enabled by direct drain transistor to on-chip antenna connection. The antenna has a measured directivity of +10.2 dBi at 288 GHz. Realized in a 65-nm technology, this is the first CMOS integrated locked radiating source to achieve 1 mW of radiated power above 0.2 THz.
Time-Varying Beta and the Global Financial Crisis: Evidence from Chinese and Indian Firms

This paper empirically investigates the effects of the global financial crisis of 2008 on the time-varying beta of twenty firms from China and India. Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) index daily data and the stock price returns of firms from 2005 to 2013 are selected to make a subsample period. Our analysis is carried out on the equity market integration between local and international MSCI stock indexes and firms for each market of our selected countries. The results show that Indian stock markets do not exhibit the same dynamic correlation relationship as Chinese stock markets in local and world betas. From the perspective of portfolio diversification, this constitutes a reason for investors to diversify their portfolios at the international level in order to minimize risk.